Unexplained Activities at Prudhoe Castle

The original Prudhoe Castle was constructed of wood following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Approximately a century later, stone replaced wood. During the 19th century, a Georgian manor house replaced some medieval structures within the castle.

 

Prudhoe Castle was originally home to the Umfraville family but later passed to the Percy family through marriage. It survived two sieges by Scottish forces during the 1170s and was the only Northumberland castle to withstand the Scots. Interestingly, Prudhoe meaning "Proud Hill," was appropriately given to the castle given its position high atop a steep embankment overlooking the River Tyne.

Various unexplained activities occurred during the occupation of Prudhoe Castle over more than nine centuries. People have reported instances of a white horse seen soundlessly pacing the outer ward, as well as sounds of chanting from the castle chapel. In the East Tower, residents heard a ball bouncing up and down the stairs, yet no person nor ball was ever present during these occurrences. A more mysterious event occurred in the hall of the Georgian manor house, where a cumbersome oak table top suddenly fell to the floor during the night, causing the whole house to shake. Occupants at the time thought a large explosion had happened. The tabletop was so heavy that three men needed to lift it back into position.

During another time, a couple who lived in the castle were in the living room where the English Heritage shop resides today. The husband previously suffered partial paralysis of the face, which eventually disappeared over time. One night thereafter, he was startled by sounds outside the window. Believing it was a prowler, the husband flung open the curtains and saw a vast white shape rushing towards him. Was it the white horse of Prudhoe Castle, a more sinister spirit, or simply a trick of light? It was never determined. However, his facial paralysis returned after the incident.