I am a sucker for history—especially the medieval times, where everything was about betrayal and gruesome deaths.
From dungeons and wars to treachery and executions, from haunted rooms to ghouls—some really dark and sinister things went down in this period. Especially in some of the most famous castles in the world.
Let me enlighten you on some of the most nail-biting and thrilling stories from medieval castles in the world. Here are 12 stories that will make you spiral down the Wikipedia rabbit hole:
Content warning: Some of the descriptions below include graphic details of violence, murders, and ghosts.
1.
The discovery of the ‘Princes in the Tower’ under the stairs of the Tower of London.
Many believe that Richard III, their uncle, had ordered them to be executed so that he could take over the throne. Although it is not proven, and the identity of the skeletons may never be known for certain, this narrative has been accepted.
2.
The dark oubliettes in the Warwick Castle that look like doors straight to hell.
3.
The haunting folklore surrounding Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan, India.
The more famous legend revolves around a rejected lover.
4.
The Ghostly Piper lost in the tunnels of Edinburgh Castle.
5.
The most haunted castle in France—Château de Blandy-les-Tours.
6.
Moosham Castle and the tales of witch hunts and werewolves.
After the witch hunt ended in 1690, other weird things started happening.
7.
The strange events unfolding at Zvikov Castle.
8.
Shaniwar Wada in Pune, India—where you can hear the cries of young king Narayan Rao.
9.
The 13 ghosts of the Tower Of London.
10.
Leap Castle, Ireland, and its bloody history.
11.
Castello Di Montebello and the tale of Azzurrina.
12.
Last, but not least: the Bran Castle and its association with Dracula.
These ghost stories and the association with Dracula and Vlad the Impaler have made Bran Castle a testament to its rich and dark history. Those intrigued visit the castle to have a brush with history.
13.
Right…so we may have wandered into some really dark history, but instead of driving me away under my blanket, it’s made me want to buy a ticket to all of these castles and touch the walls, imagining the thousands of years of history within. (Or is that just me?) Of course, there is so much more folklore surrounding the many castles around the world, but I think 12 is enough for a somewhat peaceful sleep.