Skip to main content

Lady Banks Ghost

Stone Bridge along Knowle Hill, Church Knowle, Dorset Apparition English Civil War

The Stone Bridge along Knowle Hill in Church Knowle is a spot where the past seems to linger. It's said that Lady Banks, a stalwart defender of Corfe Castle during the English Civil War, haunts this very bridge. She's often seen as a lady in a white flowing dress, a spectral presence that has captured the imagination of many. The bridge, with its serene surroundings, seems like the perfect setting for such a ghostly apparition.

During the English Civil War, Lady Banks played a significant role in holding Corfe Castle against the Roundheads. Unfortunately, the defences were breached after a treacherous Royalist officer opened the gates, leading to the castle's downfall. Lady Banks' bravery and loyalty have been remembered for centuries, and her ghostly presence on the bridge is a testament to her enduring legacy. While there's no concrete evidence of the exact date or time of her haunting, the legend of Lady Banks continues to fascinate those interested in the paranormal.

Historical Context

English Civil War era

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Bridge
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Multiple Sightings
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
BH21

Nearby Haunted Places

Fairy 0.8 mi

Furzebrook Water Fairies

Blue Pool, Furzebrook

Blue Pool in Furzebrook is a spot where locals whisper about the presence of water fairies. This picturesque lake was once a clay pit, left to fill with water, and some claim it has become bottomless. They say that fairy folk live within the water, waiting to drown those who are too curious. Others believe it's the Devil who pushes people in. The eerie atmosphere and mysterious depths of the pool have sparked the imagination of many, making it a fascinating spot for those interested in the paranormal.

Lake Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.3 mi

Headless Woman of Corfe Castle

Castle, Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle stands atop a hill in Dorset, its ruins shrouded in an aura of mystery and terror. Locals whisper about the headless woman who walks the hill near the castle gateway, her presence accompanied by the sound of a phantom horse galloping at the bottom of the hill. Some believe she may be connected to the flitting lights that appear across the ruins at night, possibly the restless spirits of Royalists who used the castle in 1643. One witness reported seeing a cloaked figure with a brown floppy hat in a nearby field in 2009, which vanished after he took his eyes off it for a few seconds.

Castle Civil War
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.3 mi

Corfe Castle Haunted Cottage

Curatage Cottage, Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle's Curatage Cottage has a spooky reputation thanks to author Peter Tate, who lived there with his family. Although Peter never encountered a ghost himself, his wife and son were convinced the house was haunted. They reportedly heard strange voices coming from the cellar, which remained unexplained. This eerie experience inspired Peter to write a book about the haunting, adding to the cottage's mystique.

Private Residence Modern
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.3 mi

Phantom Roman Soldiers Corfe

Kingston Down, Corfe Castle

Kingston Down in Dorset is home to a rather unusual ghost story. On two separate occasions in the early twentieth century, young witnesses reported seeing phantom Roman soldiers. These sightings are intriguing, especially given the historical significance of the area. Corfe Castle, a well-known landmark nearby, dates back to the 11th century, but the presence of Roman soldiers suggests an even earlier history. The fact that these sightings were made by young witnesses adds a layer of innocence and naivety to the accounts, making them all the more captivating.

Hill Roman
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.4 mi

The Horse Worrier Haunting

Unknown former inn Inn, Corfe Mullen

Corfe Mullen's rural landscape in Dorset hides a dark secret at the site of an old inn, where a stable once stood. It's said that on certain nights, at precisely two in the morning, horses placed in a stall would cry out in distress. When checked on, they'd be found covered in sweat, as if something had unsettled them. This eerie phenomenon has been linked to a smuggling related murder that took place on the site, leaving behind a legacy of unexplained occurrences.

Former Inn Nineteenth century
Read Full Story
Apparition 2.1 mi

The Old Woman of Kingston

Scott Arms Public House, Kingston

The Scott Arms Public House in Kingston is a place where the past lingers, and one particular presence is said to make itself known to patrons and staff alike. This presence is that of an elderly female character, often referred to simply as the Old Woman. While details of her story are scarce, her reputation as a benign and gentle spirit has endured, making the Scott Arms a fascinating destination for those interested in the paranormal.

Public House Unknown
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Stone Bridge along Knowle Hill