Seventeenth Century Shadow Figure
Compton Castle stands tall in the Devon countryside, its ancient stones bearing witness to centuries of history. And it's here, near the tower, that a shadowy figure has been spotted. Dressed in seventeenth century attire, this apparition has left many a visitor wondering if they're seeing things. The figure's presence is a mystery, with no clear explanation for its origins or purpose.
Built in the fourteenth century, Compton Castle has a rich history that's steeped in intrigue. Over the years, it's changed hands many times, with various owners adding their own chapter to its story. One thing's for sure - the castle's seen its fair share of drama. As for the shadowy figure, it's said to appear in clothing from the seventeenth century. That's about all we know for certain. The rest is speculation, but one thing's clear: this ghostly presence adds to the castle's mystique.
Fourteenth century castle with various owners and uses
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Phantom Coach of Combe Park
Combe Park Lane, Hillsford Bridge
Combe Park Lane is a rural road in Devon where a phantom coach is said to make its presence known. This ghostly carriage is reportedly heard being driven along the lane, and its appearance is often seen as an omen of a forthcoming death. The identity of the person whose demise is being foretold remains unclear, adding to the mystery and intrigue surrounding this paranormal phenomenon. Locals and travellers alike have experienced this unsettling occurrence, which has become a part of the region's folklore.
Blue Lady of Berry Pomeroy
Berry Pomeroy Castle, Berry Pomeroy
Berry Pomeroy Castle stands as a haunting testament to the tragic events that unfolded within its walls. This former stronghold of the de Pomeroy family is said to be haunted by the Blue Lady, a tormented soul who met a grisly end. Legend has it that she was brutally raped by her own father, and in a fit of rage and despair, she took the life of her own child. The castle's crumbling stones are said to reverberate with the cries and screams of the child, a heartbreaking reminder of the tragic events that transpired. The Blue Lady's presence is often accompanied by a phantom cavalier and a ghostly black dog, adding to the eerie atmosphere that pervades this ancient fortress.
Fading Monk of Abbotskerswell
Area around St Augustine's Priory, Abbotskerswell
In the rolling countryside of Abbotskerswell, Devon, there's a spot where the past seems to linger. The area around St Augustine's Priory, now sadly no longer standing, has been associated with a rather intriguing ghostly sighting. Back in the 1890s, locals reported seeing the apparition of a monk wandering the roads nearby. This spectral figure, sometimes referred to as the Fading Monk, has not been seen in recent years, but its legend lives on. Interestingly, in 2015, a phantom nun was spotted in the same area, sparking curiosity about a possible connection between these two ghostly entities.
Nun and Monk Apparitions
Priory, Kingskerswell
The Priory in Kingskerswell is home to a most intriguing haunting. This historic site is said to be visited by the ghostly apparitions of a nun and an Augustine monk. What's remarkable about these sightings is that they don't confine themselves to the dark of night; instead they have been spotted during the day, giving those who catch a glimpse a rather unexpected surprise. The fact that these shades can be seen in broad daylight adds a layer of fascination to this already captivating paranormal phenomenon.
The Eyeless Face of Barton Hall
Barton Hall, Torquay
Barton Hall in Torquay is home to a rather unsettling ghostly presence. The entity has been described as having a white face with no features, just smooth skin, or alternatively, two gaping holes where its eyes should have been. This eerie apparition was reportedly seen back in 1868, leaving onlookers with a lasting impression. The fact that the ghost could have been mistaken for a real person, had it not been for its eyeless face, adds to the mystique of this paranormal encounter.
Reverend Hitchcock Organ Ghost
St John's church, Torquay
St John's Church in Torquay, Devon, is home to a rather unusual ghost story. The Reverend Hitchcock, a former organist at the church, died while working on a musical composition. His unfinished piece seemed to have been completed by his ghost, as people reported hearing him play it on the church organ during the 1950s. What's fascinating about this haunting is that it apparently stopped after a blessing was said on Reverend Hitchcock's grave in 1959. This suggests that the spirit may have found some sort of peace or resolution.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Compton Castle

The Old Church House Inn
Newton Abbot (Torbryan), Devon
The Royal Castle Hotel
Dartmouth, Devon

Best Western Exeter Lord Haldon Country Hotel
Dunchideock, Devon

The Three Crowns
Chagford, Devon