Oxford Castle's ghost stories draw Halloween visitors

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 06:22 · Archive

Oxford Castle hosts tales of hauntings linked to Mary Blandy and Empress Matilda.

Oxford Castle has stood over the city for almost 1,000 years, originally built by the Normans shortly after 1066. It evolved from a medieval fortress into a prison holding petty criminals and murderers before being transformed into a visitor attraction. Stories of its former occupants are said to linger within its ancient walls, particularly around Halloween.

Mary Blandy, from Henley, is most commonly linked to reports of haunting at the castle. Convicted in 1752 of poisoning her father with arsenic after he opposed her plans to marry, she was held at Oxford Castle following her trial at the Oxford Assizes before being led to her execution. Legend says her spirit still wanders the castle and former prison buildings, with visitors claiming to have seen a woman dressed in 18th-century clothing and guides sharing stories of unexplained noises, sudden cold spots and mysterious sightings.

Empress Matilda, one of England's most remarkable medieval women, is also said to haunt the castle. She was besieged inside Oxford Castle in 1142 during a civil war known as The Anarchy by the forces of King Stephen. According to historical accounts, she escaped under the cover of winter by crossing snow-covered ground while dressed in white.

How it is being reported

• Oxford Castle ghost stories: Mary Blandy and Empress Matilda among alleged hauntingsFor almost 1,000 years, Oxford Castle and Prison has stood over the city, witnessing wars, executions, escapes and imprisonment.Oxford Mail · 31 Oct, 05:00
• Oxford Castle ghost stories: Mary Blandy and Empress Matilda among alleged hauntingsFor almost 1,000 years, Oxford Castle and Prison has stood over the city, witnessing wars, executions, escapes and imprisonment.Oxfordshire Guardian · 31 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Mary Blandy · Empress Matilda · Oxford Castle · King Stephen · Oxfordshire

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