Skipton Castle: The Shepherd’s Ghost

Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and well-preserved medieval castles in England, its roofed buildings and intact towers offering a rare glimpse of how a castle actually looked. Held for the King during the Civil War, it endured a brutal three-year siege, and the ghosts of that conflict—and earlier centuries—still walk its ancient halls.

The History

Norman Foundation

The castle was built by Robert de Romille in 1090, shortly after the Norman Conquest. It passed through several noble families before coming to the Clifford family in 1310, who held it for centuries.

The Shepherd Lord

Henry Clifford, known as the “Shepherd Lord,” was hidden among shepherds as a child during the Wars of the Roses to protect him from Yorkist enemies. He grew up illiterate but became one of the most respected lords of his time. He was later immortalized in poetry by Wordsworth.

The Civil War Siege

From 1642 to 1645, the castle was besieged by Parliamentary forces. The garrison held out for three years before disease and starvation forced surrender. The castle was ordered slighted but was later restored by Lady Anne Clifford.

The Hauntings

The Shepherd Lord

Henry Clifford, the Shepherd Lord, has been seen:

• Dressed simply, as a shepherd
• Walking the castle grounds
• He appears humble and thoughtful
• A protective, benevolent presence
• Some report seeing him with his sheep

Lady Anne Clifford

Lady Anne Clifford, the formidable noblewoman who restored the castle, appears:

• In 17th-century dress
• Overseeing “her” castle
• Checking on the restoration work
• She seems satisfied with the castle’s preservation

The Civil War Dead

The three-year siege left many spirits:

• Gaunt soldiers in 17th-century dress
• The sound of musket fire
• Voices calling for water and food
• Bodies being carried across the courtyard
• The desperation of starvation is palpable

The Kitchen Ghost

A figure in medieval servant’s clothing haunts the kitchen area:

• Going about daily tasks
• Oblivious to modern visitors
• May be a cook or scullion from centuries past
• The smell of medieval cooking sometimes accompanies appearances

The Watchtower Spirit

A sentry has been reported at the main tower:

• A soldier on duty
• Looking out as if expecting attack
• He ignores all attempts at communication
• Still guarding the castle after centuries

The Yew Tree

The courtyard yew tree was planted by Lady Anne Clifford in the 1650s:

• Strange lights have been seen near it
• Some visitors report feeling its age
• A sense of Lady Anne’s presence
• The tree is said to be spiritually protective

Modern Activity

As a visitor attraction, Skipton Castle receives numerous reports:

• Cold spots in the guard rooms
• Footsteps in empty areas
• Photographs showing period-dressed figures
• Visitors feeling watched or followed
• The castle’s completeness seems to encourage activity

Visiting

Skipton Castle is open daily and offers an unusually complete medieval experience. The Conduit Court, with Lady Anne’s yew tree, is particularly atmospheric.

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Skipton Castle has survived nearly a thousand years, its roofs and walls intact when so many others fell to ruin. The Shepherd Lord, the indomitable Lady Anne, and the garrison who held out for three years all remain, guardians of this Yorkshire treasure.