Okehampton Castle: A Haunting Tale of History and Mystery
- Admin
- Mar 10
- 3 min read
Introduction
Okehampton Castle, nestled in the scenic countryside of Devon, stands as a striking reminder of England’s medieval past. Once a grand stronghold, the castle now exists as an atmospheric ruin, rich in both history and ghostly legends. Visitors today are drawn not just by its historical significance but also by chilling tales of supernatural activity. Could the spirits of its troubled past still linger among the crumbling walls?
The History of Okehampton Castle
Okehampton Castle was originally built soon after the Norman Conquest in the late 11th century by Baldwin de Brionne, a trusted supporter of William the Conqueror (Higham, 1995). Designed as a motte-and-bailey fortress, the castle was a symbol of Norman dominance over the region. Over the following centuries, it evolved into a luxurious residence, with extensive additions made by the Courtenay family in the 14th century (Cherry & Pevsner, 1989).
However, the castle’s fortunes took a dark turn in the late 15th century when Henry Courtenay, the Earl of Devon, was accused of treason and executed under the orders of Henry VIII (Loades, 2009). This event led to the castle’s abandonment, and over time, nature reclaimed its walls, adding to its eerie and desolate atmosphere.
Paranormal Legends and Ghostly Tales
The Lady Howard Legend
The most famous ghost associated with Okehampton Castle is that of Lady Howard. According to local folklore, Lady Howard was a cruel noblewoman responsible for the deaths of several husbands. As punishment, she was cursed to haunt the landscape after death. It is said that every night, her ghostly carriage—made from the bones of her deceased husbands—travels from Okehampton Castle to Dartmoor, accompanied by a demonic black dog (Worth, 1953). This spectral journey is considered one of Devon’s most enduring ghost stories.
Reports of Hauntings
Visitors to the castle have reported various eerie occurrences. Common experiences include:
Disembodied voices and whispers heard among the ruins.
Unexplained cold spots and feelings of unease, especially in the castle keep.
Shadowy figures glimpsed among the crumbling walls.
A spectral black dog, believed to be associated with Lady Howard’s curse, has allegedly been sighted near the grounds (Hoskyns, 1982).
Paranormal investigators have conducted numerous studies at Okehampton Castle, using EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) recordings and thermal imaging. Some claim to have captured voices and unexplained movements, though skeptics argue that the castle’s isolated location and history fuel the imagination rather than confirm supernatural activity (Underwood, 1975).
Find out what we experienced during our visit!!
Conclusion
Okehampton Castle remains one of Devon’s most intriguing historical and paranormal landmarks. Whether you visit to immerse yourself in its rich history or to seek out the spirits of its past, the castle offers an experience like no other. The ruins stand as a silent witness to centuries of drama, betrayal, and eerie tales. Are the stories true? There’s only one way to find out—visit and see for yourself.
References
Cherry, B., & Pevsner, N. (1989). The Buildings of England: Devon. Yale University Press.
Higham, R. (1995). Making Anglo-Norman Devon: The History of Okehampton Castle. Devon Archaeological Society.
Hoskyns, C. (1982). Ghosts of the West Country. David & Charles.
Loades, D. (2009). Henry VIII and His Court. Amberley Publishing.
Underwood, P. (1975). Haunted Devon: A Guide to Ghostly Locations. Arthur Barker Ltd.
Worth, R. N. (1953). Legends of Devon and Cornwall. London: J. M. Dent & Sons.
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