The dungeons of Edinburgh Castle are frequently haunted by the specters of the prisoners once confined within. A series of articles on Sinister Travel Destinations will unveil the mysterious, intriguing, and spine-chilling narratives behind these renowned estates and locations.
Daringly Venturing into Scotland’s Most Terrifying Haunted Castle – Part 1
Edinburgh Castle
The capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh, holds the title of Europe’s “most haunted” city, and Edinburgh Castle stands as one of its most formidable sites.
Perched atop Castle Rock, a dormant volcanic hill for over 2000 years, the castle is surrounded by cliffs on the north, south, and west, rising 120 meters above sea level. The sole entrance is an ascending pathway on the eastern side.
From this strategic vantage point, the castle overlooks the entire city of Edinburgh.
A rich fusion of architectural styles reflects the complex history of the castle – a bastion of defense and a royal residence. St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving part of the castle, was built in the 12th century. The Crown Square, the main courtyard of the castle, was established in the 15th century. The Great Hall, with its remarkably impressive roof, was constructed by King James IV in 1511.
The Vaults area imprisoned foreign war captives, especially those captured during conflicts with France in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Scottish War Memorial was added after World War I.
Daringly Venturing into Scotland’s Most Terrifying Haunted Castle – Part 2
Subterranean Network beneath the Castle
Edinburgh boasts an underground network connecting the castle to various locations, such as secret passages leading to the Royal Mile and another leading to Holyrood House. Holyrood House, once home to Queen Mary, later became the residence of subsequent monarchs and remains the preeminent palace in Scotland.
When the tunnels were first discovered centuries ago, a trumpeter was sent down to investigate. He blew his trumpet as he went to signal those above, but halfway to the Royal Mile, the sound abruptly ceased.
When the rescue team arrived, no trace of the trumpeter was found. He had vanished without a trace. Despite extensive search parties, no remnants of the unfortunate man were ever found.
Daringly Venturing into Scotland’s Most Terrifying Haunted Castle – Part 3
The Ghost of the Trumpeter Lingers
The ghost of the trumpeter still haunts Edinburgh Castle to this day, endlessly traversing the underground tunnels from the castle to the Royal Mile. His trumpet’s sound resonates through the castle or on the path above the underground passageway.
Many also hear drumming sounds within the castle, though no drummer is ever seen. These eerie drumbeats often sound when the castle is about to be attacked, reminiscent of war command drums.
The supernatural drumming was first heard in 1650, just before Cromwell’s army attacked the castle. People reported seeing a headless boy. The identity of the boy and why he haunts the castle to this day remain a mystery.
Daringly Venturing into Scotland’s Most Terrifying Haunted Castle – Part 4
Close Encounters with Edinburgh Castle
Like many prisons, Edinburgh Castle witnessed gruesome tortures leading to death. Caves and underground chambers, haunted by the victims, are often captured in multi-colored orbs by visitors’ cameras. Among them, a desperate prisoner once sought refuge in a dung cart, hoping to escape. Unfortunately, the cart’s harness broke, causing him to die instantly upon impact. Witnesses recount that his malevolent spirit emits a repulsive odor and continually attempts to push them off the castle walls.
In the 16th century, Janet Douglas was imprisoned in Edinburgh Castle, accused of witchcraft and plotting to murder King James V. She was burned alive on July 17, 1537, and her son Gillespie was forced to watch this gruesome act from the castle walls. Her spirit continues to roam the castle, with the knocking of wooden sticks echoing every night in this eerie fortress.
Daringly Venturing into Scotland’s Most Terrifying Haunted Castle – Part 5
Scientifically Verified Apparitions within Edinburgh Castle
What sets Edinburgh Castle apart is the scientifically verified presence of ghosts here. In 2001, psychologist Richard Wiseman conducted a study on people’s reactions when visiting various locations within the castle. Those unaware of the castle’s haunted reputation reported more encounters or sensations of “spirits” than those who were informed beforehand.