Some of Our Guests
Introduction
Throughout history, man has been fascinated by the concept of ghosts - with sightings reported back in ancient times. Tutbury has a long tradition of ghosts - some of whom are more plausible than others. Here is an introduction to some of our “guests”.
The Keeper
Wearing a full suit of armour, and behaving in a manner that might best be described as authoritative, this ghostly figure has been seen stepping out in John of Gaunt’s Gateway and bellowing “Get thee hence!”.
Although last sighted in daylight about four years ago, by a visitor who complained that an idiot of an enactor had told him to “get over the fence”, recent increases in paranormal activity might suggest that another visit could be imminent. When it was pointed out that no enactors were on site that day, and that similar ghostly apparitions had been reported by other unsuspecting visitors, the response was "I'm sorry but I don't believe in ghosts". What better evidence can you get?
Mary Queen of Scots
Tutbury was Mary’s most hated prison. She suffered much at Tutbury and was at the Castle as a captive of Elizabeth 1st on four occasions.
She was seen all in white by some members of Her Majesty’s services. In 2004, at approximately midnight, she was seen standing at the top of the South Tower by over 40 men - in the form of a figure dressed in a pure white gown. When they saw her they all just laughed - believing the Curator was teasing them by putting on an Elizabethan gown as a joke.
When it was pointed out that curator Lesley Smith does not have a white gown, and neither do any other Elizabethan enactors who work at the Castle, the men were profoundly disturbed by this sighting - a particularly important sighting as there were so many who saw her. She was also seen rapidly crossing the grass, one hot afternoon in 1984, by a serving Marine.
Lately there have been a number of sightings of Mary - especially between 10.15 p.m. and 11.00 p.m. A figure, dressed in black, is seen standing at the window of the Great Hall as cars leave the Castle. In May and June this year she was not only seen by senior members of staff, who are usually quite dismissive of such reports, she was also seen by archaeologists participating in a seasonal dig at the castle - part of an intensive research programme being undertaken over a five year period.
Film and TV
12 different television programmes have been recorded at Tutbury Castle. For ghost lovers the Castle has featured on “Most Haunted” and “The World’s Biggest Ghost Hunt.” In September 2005, and April 2006, Tutbury Castle hosted the national “Most Haunted” Convention.
Record Holders
In October (2004) Tutbury Castle welcomed 2,000 people on a one night ghost hunting event! Some visitors come from as far a field as Paris to spend a night in Tutbury.