Exeter was recently named as the fourth most haunted city in the U.K.
So, with Halloween in a number of days, let’s dive into why we’ve earned that title.
1. Rougemont Castle
Starting off with the big dog. Rougemont Castle was built around 1068 by the Normans after Exeter’s rebellion against William the Conqueror. It’s even mentioned in Shakespeare’s Richard III, but here’s where it gets spooky…
In the 17th century, the castle housed Devon’s county court, which is where the so-called Devon Witches were tried and convicted of witchcraft in August 1682.
The three women – Temperance Lloyd, Susannah Edwards, and Mary Trembles – were variously accused of causing illness to local women.
Against mounting evidence, largely hearsay, all the women were found guilty of witchcraft. They were hanged at Heavitree gallows, then outside the city walls, and their bodies were dumped in unconsecrated ground.
Whether these women were witches or not (let’s face it, they probably weren’t, and this whole story is pretty tragic), their wrongful deaths might provoke restless spirits.
Lack of a proper burial also tends to provoke spirits, and around August at Rougemont Castle there’s meant to be unsettling noises and a strange energy.
Even creepier? These women’s death and burial locations are now within the car park of St. Luke’s Campus…
2. St. Nicholas’ Priory
Another ancient building thanks to William the Conqueror, the monastery was built in 1087. After almost a thousand years of use, from monastery to townhouse, it’s no surprise there’s several rumours of ghosts here.
Staff at the priory report hearing footsteps where no one walks and doors closing in areas already locked for the night.
Less ominously, there’s reports of more pleasant ghosts here as well. The sound of children’s playing footsteps, possibly those looked after by nuns long ago?
There is also a household ghost, who takes it upon itself to reorganise chairs and mischievously move keys.
However, come February Candlemas when the veil is thin and spirits move more freely, do shadows of hooded figures, a solemn procession of brothers, walk the priory halls again?
3. The Turk’s Head
At over 700 years old, this place is a stalwart of the city.
Most famously, it is haunted by Charles Dickens (he even has his own corner), who was a regular patron due to it allegedly being his favourite pub. Perhaps he still lingers on here, there’s certainly worse ways to spend your afterlife.
Less talked about is the fact that the cellar of the pub was used to keep prisoners from the Guildhall, awaiting execution on Waterbeer Street.
So, even if you don’t spy Dickens in a shadowy corner, perhaps you’ll hear a few clanking barrels in the cellar… or are those chains?
4. The Quay
On some clear nights, a strange patch of mist appears on the river.
As it approaches the Quay, moving without a care for which way the wind blows, a Viking longship emerges, with a raging warrior at its prow, brandishing his sword at the city.
In 1001, Viking raiders laid siege to Exeter. Men from Devon and Somerset attempted to hold them off, but eventually they were overwhelmed by the Vikings, who burnt Pinhoe to the ground as a warning to the rest of the city.
Perhaps our Viking warrior relives his victory in the Battle of Pinhoe.
5. Exeter University
How’s this for a plot twist? Even our own campus isn’t safe from spirits.
Apparently, a phantom workman has been spied walking down corridors around the university.
So just keep an eye out this week, in case you notice someone disappear when you could’ve sworn they were there just a moment ago…
If you have a shred of doubt regarding the chilling stories I’ve told you today, I have one last piece of evidence:
If there’s no spooky goings-on in Exeter, then why were the Mystery Gang here today?
