Berry Pomeroy Castle - Legends and Ghosts

Legends and Ghosts

There are a number of legends associated with the castle, and according to the English Heritage guidebook, it "is reputed to be one of the most haunted castles in Britain." A tragic love story involving Margaret, Eleanor and a handsome knight is based around the castle. According to local urban legend, when Margaret died the knight used her ring (inherited from her Grandmother) to marry Eleanor. When Margaret died however, legend says that she protects her beloved ring from anyone who so much as look at it. The knight (name unknown) died only weeks later and Eleanor fled with her sister's jewellery to somewhere near Bridestowe. What happened to her is unknown.

Two female ghosts are said to haunt the castle: the White Lady, and the Blue Lady. The Blue Lady is said to beckon for help from passers-by, luring them to her tower. If they go to her, it is said they fall to their death. She is thought to have been the daughter of a Norman lord and is said to wander the dungeons mourning the loss of her baby, which she murdered as it was sired by her own father. The White Lady, said to be the spirit of Margaret Pomeroy, is claimed to haunt the dungeons, having been imprisoned there by her sister, Eleanor, who was jealous of her beauty. Their stories often blur together.