The Hooded Woman of Belvoir Castle
Belvoir Castle stands tall in the Leicestershire countryside, its grand estate shrouded in mystery and intrigue. It's here, in the castle's sprawling gardens, that two dog walkers stumbled upon a bizarre and unsettling encounter in April 2013. As they strolled through the grounds with their canine companions, the dogs suddenly began to bark furiously, alerting their owners to the presence of another figure. About twenty-five metres away, they caught sight of a woman clad in a dark gown, her head covered by a hood, gazing in their direction. The fleeting apparition lasted only a few seconds before she vanished behind a tree, leaving the witnesses with a sense of bewilderment and unease.
Digging deeper into the history of Belvoir Castle reveals a rich tapestry of stories and events that may be connected to this ghostly sighting. The castle itself dates back to the 12th century, with various incarnations and restorations over the centuries. While there's no concrete evidence linking the hooded woman to a specific historical event or person, the castle's long history and associations with the Dukes of Rutland provide ample scope for speculation. The witnesses, who were walking their dogs in the garden, reported that the woman seemed to be simply standing there, not engaging in any activity, before disappearing from view. Their credible account adds to the mystique of Belvoir Castle, a location already renowned for its paranormal activity.
Belvoir Castle has been the seat of the Dukes of Rutland since the 12th century.
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Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Puritan of Belvoir Castle
Belvoir Castle, Knipton
Belvoir Castle, a grand 16th-century fortress in Leicestershire, is said to be haunted by a number of ghostly apparitions, including the mysterious Puritan. In 1991, two witnesses on a guided tour of the castle reported seeing a man dressed in Puritan-style clothing tending to a fire. The rest of the group remained oblivious to his presence, adding to the enigma of this fleeting sighting. The castle's rich history, spanning over four centuries, provides a fascinating backdrop to this paranormal encounter.
Floating Hitchhiker of Knipton
Road from Belvoir castle towards village, Knipton
On a stretch of road in Knipton, heading towards the village from Belvoir Castle, a strange encounter has been reported. In 1994, a car driver and passengers witnessed a ghostly figure with no legs, clad in a long coat, thumbing a lift at a junction. The driver initially intended to pass by, but the apparition suddenly stepped out in front of the car, forcing the driver to brake hard. As the vehicle screeched to a halt, the mysterious figure vanished into thin air.
Grey Coat Highwayman Ghost
Belvoir Castle rally track, Knipton
Belvoir Castle's rally track in Knipton, Leicestershire, is said to be haunted by a ghostly figure on horseback. This spectral presence, clad in a grey coat, has been known to appear to drivers, standing in the way of oncoming traffic. Interestingly, only the driver can see him, and in one instance, the last known witness only saw the man, not the horse. The apparition's ability to seemingly interact with or at least be perceived by drivers has sparked curiosity among paranormal enthusiasts.
Witchcraft Tomb Haunting
Church, Bottesford
Bottesford Church stands quietly in the Leicestershire countryside, its ancient stones bearing witness to centuries of history. Among the impressive collection of Rutland family monuments that fill the chancel, one tomb holds a chilling distinction - it is the only known grave in England to officially blame deaths on witchcraft. The monument to Francis Manners, 6th Earl of Rutland, bears the haunting inscription about his two young sons Henry and Francis, who died "in their infancy by wicked practises and sorcerye". The boys are depicted on the tomb carrying skulls, a stark reminder of their untimely deaths that so shocked their parents they ensured this accusation would be carved in stone for eternity.
Holy Cross Priory Ghost
Holy Cross Priory, Leicester
Holy Cross Priory in Leicester has been home to a rather unusual ghostly presence. Shortly after his death around 1931, Reverend Norbert Wylie began appearing to the living. His ghostly form was spotted at the altar, outside the confessional box, and strolling through the cloisters. One notable encounter was between Father Fabian Dix and the Reverend's spirit, where Wylie asked Dix to 'pray for me', a message that was then passed on to the congregation. This eerie yet poignant request has been remembered for years.
Widmerpool Highwayman Ghost
The Belvoir Hotel, Widmerpool
The Belvoir (Vale) Hotel in Widmerpool is said to be haunted by the ghost of a highwayman who met his demise on the premises. According to legend, this coach robber was caught and executed at The Belvoir (Vale) Hotel. His spirit is believed to appear as an apparition in the evening hours.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Belvoir Castle garden
