Ghost Monk of Pickering Castle

Pickering Castle stands on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors in Northern England. The castle illustrates an outstanding example of a Norman motte and bailey castle though only ruins remain today.

 

Originally an earth and timber castle, Pickering Castle was built during the aftermath of the Norman invasion between 1069 and 1070 by the Normans per the direction of William the Conqueror. Wooden architecture was replaced by stone in the early 12th century. Most of what remains today date back to this time. Some of the towers still reside close to their original heights. Like Clifford's Tower in York and Helmsley Castle, Pickering makes good use of its earthworks to complement its stone fortifications.

While Pickering Castle was used to maintain control of Northern England as initially intended by William the Conqueror, it never really played a critical role in any of the British wars. Kings occasionally stayed at the castle for hunting trips, which took place in the surrounding forest. Despite its relatively peaceful existence, Pickering Castle is home to a ghostly inhabitant.

As Richard tells the story ...

The remains of Pickering Castle possess a unique atmosphere. The knowledge that there have been sightings of a robed monk, whose faceless form drifts across the grounds towards the ruined keep, his hands outstretched as though carrying some invisible item, does little to dispel the chilling aura that permeates the very walls of the building.

- Richard Jones