Betchworth Castle

Surrey Home

Location of haunted place: Betchworth, Surrey

Origin of the haunting: Unknown

Background: The castle dates back to at least 1379 and was turned into a ordinary house at the turn of the 18th Century. It has been a ruin since the mid-19th Century and fenced off for over 50 year due to its dangerous condition. The ghost of Lord Hope tells the story.

Ghost Story: If only I had made sure before I attacked the man. I was so full of rage, the prisoner had escaped and I could see him running away, a figure in the shadows. I chased after him and told him to stop, but he carried on running. I caught up with him and ran him through with my sword.

As I turned the body over I realised my awful mistake - I had killed my own son. I suppose he did not stop when I called because he did not think I was calling to him. It never occurred to me that it wasn't the prisoner. I cannot forgive myself and if you visit the castle you will see me wandering about, wringing my hands in despair.