Did a Somerset man really kill a deposed King by shoving a red-hot poker up his bottom?

It’s a rumour that has prevailed for centuries – that one of Somerset’s finest was responsible for the death of a hugely unpopular king back in the 1300s.

Whether it’s true or not, it’s an incredible tale of sex, betrayal and violence.

The Gournays had a huge power base in Somerset – and their name lives on, given to Gurney Slade, Farrington Gurney and Gournay Court in West Harptr… (View original article)

In the northwest corner of Zealand, Denmark’s largest island, there stands a castle by the name of Dragsholm. In parapsychology circles the site is well-known as one of Europe’s most haunted buildings. No fewer than 100 different apparitions have been witnessed on the grounds, but three of those have garnered international reputation. With Halloween taking place tomorrow, let’s take a closer look inside Dragsholm Castle.

For over eight centuries, there has stood a castle in Dragsholm… (View original article)

It’s Halloween – and here in the North East we’re not short of famous ghostly tales and legends.

We asked local author and expert on the supernatural, Rob Kirkup, if there were any less well-known ghostly stories to chill our bones as we celebrate All Hallows Eve.

For those who dare, read on…

The beach at Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland The beach at Bamburgh, Northumberland
In recent years archaeologists have discovered a burial site in the sand dunes below Bamburg… (View original article)

Hundreds of people have signed a petition condemning radical changes to Clifford’s Tower, as plans for a mass protest take shape.

The backlash is building against the decision to build a visitor’s centre and add a timber decking roof to the ancient landmark.

Last week York councillors voted by 11 to three in favour of the plans, drawn up by the castle’s owners English Heritage. You can see the debate of the City of York Council planning committee in the video below (it will … (View original article)

If you want foreboding old buildings that dark lords and werewolves are bound to frequent, look no further than Britain’s enviable Gothic architecture. From Strawberry Hill in London with its twisting corridors and glaring pinnacles, to ruined abbeys and cathedrals such as St Andrews and Jedburgh, darkness seems to thrive in these places – the perfect location for a Halloween party if you’re lucky enough to be invited.

What is often not appreciated is that this style had two distin… (View original article)

The North East’s most haunted house has been revealed.

Chillingham Castle in Northumberland has been declared the region’s spookiest residence in a report by property specialists Chesterton’s.

Their research also includes a quiz to determine how spooky your own house is.

Chillingham Castle has several ghosts to its name and many were recorded by the late Lady Tankerville when she married into the family which owns the castle in the 1920s.

Lady Tankerville seem… (View original article)

Riviera Travel has been providing luxury escorted European and worldwide escapes for more than 30 years. This market-leading company also specialises in exclusive river cruises on the Rhine and superb city breaks to Eastern Europe. Telegraph readers are most impressed with the diversity of their tours, the professionalism and knowledge of the local guides, and the value for money Riviera Travel delivers. Ninety-seven per cent of travellers return to the company to book their next escape, an… (View original article)

“Welcome to my house. Come freely. Go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring.”

It could be the kind of thing that any Airbnb host might say to welcome their guests, but these words, which Count Dracula says to his guests in Bram Stoker’s novel, take on a whole different meaning when uttered by a shadowy count in a Gothic castle first constructed in the 14th century; that castle, Bran, is perched on a rocky outcrop, reinforced by battlements and surrounded by lush Tran… (View original article)

Published:
09:09 EST, 28 October 2016
|
Updated:
10:33 EST, 28 October 2016

Having been built in the 13th century, Caverswall Castle has always had a distinctly medieval feel about it.

But perhaps rarely more so than today after its current owner lovingly restored the listed building in Stoke-on-Trent to showcase its many historic features.

It is now one of the last remaining castles in England that’s surrounded by a moat and it comes complete with an old dun… (View original article)

Don’t miss Stobo Castle Ladies Day 2017 at Musselburgh Racecourse – Scotland’s sell out event and a ‘must’ in the Scottish social calendar. Enjoy top class horseracing, featuring the £100,000 William Hill Scottish Sprint Cup in a stylish and fantastic party atmosphere with prestigious competition prizes, fashion parades, musical entertainment and hosted within award-winning venue facilities.

(View original article)