Portchester Castle Ghostly Apparitions
Portchester Castle, a historic fortress situated in the charming town of Portchester, Hampshire, is said to be haunted by a variety of ghostly apparitions. The most commonly seen spectre is that of a tall, pale figure believed to be Charlotte, although her story is more commonly associated with the local church. In addition to Charlotte's ghostly presence, there are reports of a monk walking about outside the front of the castle, a Roman soldier, and a lady on the back of a white horse. These apparitions contribute to the castle's reputation as a hub of paranormal activity.
Dating back to the Roman era, Portchester Castle has a rich history that spans over two millennia. The castle's strategic location and long history have likely contributed to the numerous reports of ghostly sightings. While the identity of the tall, white figure is thought to be Charlotte, her connection to the castle is not well documented. The presence of a monk, Roman soldier, and lady on a white horse suggests that the castle's paranormal activity may be linked to its past as a place of worship, military stronghold, and residence. Further research is needed to fully understand the nature of these apparitions and their connection to the castle's history.
Portchester Castle has a history dating back to the Roman era, with various periods of use as a military stronghold, place of worship, and residence.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Charlotte's Church Grave Haunting
Church by the castle, Portchester
Portchester Church stands sentinel beside the ancient castle, its stone walls bearing witness to centuries of history. It's here that a young woman with black hair is said to appear, tending to a grave - some believe it's her own. The exact date and time of these sightings are unknown, adding to the enigma. Locals and visitors alike have reported catching glimpses of Charlotte, as she's come to be known, her presence a poignant reminder of the church's long and storied past.
Theatre Royal Ghost Actor
Theatre Royal, Portsmouth
Theatre Royal in Portsmouth is said to be haunted by the ghost of an actor who met a tragic end. In the 1980s, a brown coloured figure was spotted sitting in the empty theatre, leaving many to wonder if it was the restless spirit of a performer from a bygone era. The atmosphere was further heightened when a piano was recorded playing a single note in the building after closing time, when all the doors had been closed and locked. This eerie incident has contributed to the theatre's reputation as one of Portsmouth's most haunted locations.
Buster Crabb's Ghostly Vigil
Sally Port Hotel, Portsmouth
The Sally Port Hotel in Portsmouth is said to be haunted by the ghost of Buster Crabb, a renowned Navy frogman who met his mysterious end while attempting to spy on a Soviet warship docked at Portsmouth during the Cold War. Crabb's final night on earth may have been spent within these hotel walls, and it's here that his spirit is believed to linger. Guests and staff have reported strange occurrences that could be attributed to Crabb's restless presence. The hotel's proximity to the naval base and the secrecy surrounding Crabb's mission only add to the enigma of his haunting.
The Evaporating Man of Portsmouth
Railway bridge, Portsmouth
On St Mary's Road in Portsmouth, there's a railway bridge that's home to a rather bizarre ghost story. In 2002, a driver was slowing down to take a better look at a man standing on the side of the bridge, which doesn't have a footpath. The driver thought something wasn't quite right about the guy, and their instincts were proved spot on as they watched the figure simply evaporate in their rear view mirror. It's a strange and unexplained phenomenon that's left many questions unanswered.
Phantom Soldiers of Hayling
Hayling Avenue, Portsmouth
Hayling Avenue in Portsmouth is home to a rather unusual ghost sighting. A woman walking down the road one day encountered a detachment of soldiers travelling in the opposite direction. What caught her attention was the old style of uniform they were wearing. It was only when she looked back and realised the soldiers had vanished that she knew she had witnessed something strange. This brief encounter has left many questions unanswered, and the identity of these phantom soldiers remains a mystery.
Portsmouth Navy Base Lights
HMNB Portsmouth, Portsmouth
Deep within the corridors of HMNB Portsmouth, a strange phenomenon has been observed by journalists working on the Navy News newspaper. Flashes of light have been seen emerging from the corridor outside their office, accompanied by an uncomfortable feeling that is hard to shake. It's as if the very fabric of the naval base is trying to convey a message, but what does it mean? The flashes of light are a mystery that has been puzzling those who have witnessed them.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Portchester Castle

The Union Inn
Cowes, Isle of Wight

Chichester Inn
Chichester, West Sussex
The Royal Hotel
Purfleet, Essex

The Royal Hotel
Ventnor, Isle of Wight