Hobgoblin Castle Haunting
Yester Castle stands as a testament to the rich history of Gifford, its ancient stones bearing witness to tales of warlocks and devilish pacts. Sir Hugo de Giffard, a notorious warlock, is said to have made a deal with the devil himself, trading his soul for an army of Hobgoblins to construct this very castle. The ruins that remain today are a haunting reminder of the dark legend that shrouds this site. A staircase in the subterranean 'Goblin Hall' was deliberately filled with earth, as it was believed to lead straight to hell, fuelling speculation about the true nature of the castle's construction and the intentions of its creator.
The story of Sir Hugo de Giffard and his Hobgoblin builders has been etched into local folklore for centuries. While the exact date of the castle's construction is unclear, it is known that the Giffard family played a significant role in the history of East Lothian during the medieval period. The presence of Hobgoblins, mischievous creatures from English folklore, adds a layer of intrigue to the haunting. Though the castle now lies in ruins, with only the subterranean 'Goblin Hall' remaining, the legend of the Hobgoblin builders continues to captivate those interested in the paranormal history of Scotland.
Medieval period, Giffard family's influence in East Lothian
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Coalstoun Pear Legend
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Coalstoun House in the Lowlands is home to a rather unusual legend. The Coalstoun Pear, a fruit with a storied past, has been stored in a silver box for safety. Legend has it that this pear was picked in the thirteenth century by a wizard who married a Coalstoun daughter. For centuries, it remained in the hands of the family, considered a lucky charm. However, when a family member tried to take a bite from the pear sometime around the sixteenth century, a brief period of ill fortune followed. Interestingly, the pear became as hard as rock soon after, perhaps preventing its destruction.
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The Duke of Lauderdale Ghost
St Mary's Church, Haddington
St Mary's Church in Haddington stands tall, its stone walls bearing witness to centuries of history. And it's here, within these ancient walls, that the ghost of the Duke of Lauderdale is said to roam. This former duke has been blamed for disturbing his own coffin in the crypt, a strange occurrence that has left many a visitor with a chill down their spine. They say he's seen wandering the church, a spectral figure from a bygone era.
Lady Kitty of Nungate Bridge
Area around Nungate bridge, Haddington
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Amisfield House Ghost
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Pale Lady of Hailes Castle
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