Oxford Castle and Prison have witnessed countless tragic events, from executions to imprisonments, leaving behind a legacy of ghost stories and paranormal activity. Its haunting stories, in fact, make it one of the most chilling and fascinating places to visit in Oxford, especially for those interested in the paranormal or the darker side of history.
Today, Oxford Castle & Prison offers guided ghost tours where visitors can explore these haunted spots and hear the full stories of the ghosts said to reside there. The tours often include a visit to the crypt, the tower, and the former prison cells, allowing participants to experience the spooky atmosphere first-hand.
The Ghost of Mary Blandy
One of the most famous ghost stories associated with Oxford Castle is that of Mary Blandy. In 1752, Mary Blandy was convicted of poisoning her father with arsenic, a crime she allegedly committed under the influence of her lover, who convinced her that the substance was a love potion. She was tried and sentenced to death by hanging. Mary spent her final days in Oxford Castle Prison, and it is said that her ghost still haunts the site.
Visitors and staff at the castle have reported seeing a ghostly figure of a woman dressed in 18th-century clothing wandering the grounds, particularly near the area where she was held and eventually executed. Some claim to hear her sobbing or even pleading her innocence, as she famously did during her trial.
The Executioner’s Block
The castle was also the site of many public executions. The most notorious of these occurred during the Civil War and the subsequent years when Royalist prisoners were executed for their loyalty to King Charles I.
The ghost of an executioner, known to some as “The Black Monk,” is said to haunt the area near the execution site. This spectral figure is often described as a dark, hooded figure who appears around the castle’s ancient walls, particularly in the dead of night.
Other Ghostly Encounters
Apart from Mary Blandy and the executioner, there are numerous reports of other ghostly presences within Oxford Castle and Prison. The crypt, which dates back to Saxon times, is particularly notorious for its eerie atmosphere. Visitors have reported cold spots, unexplained sounds, and even the sensation of being watched or touched by unseen hands.
The castle’s prison cells, where many were held in appalling conditions, are also believed to be haunted. Some visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures or hearing disembodied voices coming from the empty cells.
Visiting The Castle
The haunting stories of Oxford Castle and Prison make it one of the most chilling and fascinating places to visit in Oxford, especially for those interested in the paranormal or the darker side of history.
When you visit Oxford Castle & Prison, you can expect a guided tour that takes you through key areas of the site, including the Saxon Tower, the Norman crypt, the 17th-century prison cells, and the motte and bailey castle. The guided tours are led by costumed actors who bring the history of the castle to life, sharing stories of the people who lived, worked, and were imprisoned there.
