Oxford Castle, a historical gem in the heart of Britain, is known for its long-standing ties to medieval history, its role as a fortress, and later, its transformation into a prison. Over the centuries, the castle has been the subject of numerous ghostly legends.
The most famous of these is the haunting spectre of Empress Matilda, the medieval princess known for her daring escape during a siege. Recently, an Australian tourist, Lewy Jones, unknowingly became part of this chilling tale when he captured an eerie photograph of what many believe to be Matilda’s ghost lurking in the castle’s halls.
A Chilling Discovery
The photo, which was taken by Lewy during a visit to Oxford Castle, shows a ghostly white figure standing in the doorway of St. George’s Tower. This tower, steeped in historical significance, is linked to one of the most dramatic episodes of the 12th century—the legendary escape of Empress Matilda.
The haunting figure, with its pale, cloaked appearance, has been described as strikingly similar to the historical depictions of Matilda’s escape during a siege at the castle. The figure was caught on camera accidentally by Lewy while he and his cousin were descending the tower.
Lewy had no idea that he had captured the image until he returned home from his gap year travels. “At first, when we ascended the tower, the room seemed empty. But when we were coming down, I accidentally snapped the photo. It wasn’t until later, when I reviewed the pictures, that I noticed the pale figure in the doorway,” Lewy recalled.
Despite not initially noticing anything unusual, the photo quickly garnered attention from both historians and paranormal enthusiasts. The ghostly image of the cloaked figure in the doorway sparked a connection to Empress Matilda’s daring escape, cementing the idea that the spirit haunting Oxford Castle might very well belong to the legendary princess.
The History Behind the Haunting
Empress Matilda, daughter of King Henry I, was a central figure in the 12th century English Civil War, known as The Anarchy. During this conflict, she was besieged at Oxford Castle by forces loyal to King Stephen, who had usurped her throne. The story of her escape has become legendary.
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According to historical accounts, Matilda made a dramatic and daring escape from the besieged castle. Disguised in white, she is said to have scaled down the tower and crossed the frozen River Thames to evade her captors.
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This remarkable escape is not only a testament to her bravery but also the inspiration for the haunting stories that surround Oxford Castle. Over time, numerous sightings of a cloaked figure resembling Matilda have been reported by visitors to the castle.
Many believe that the spirit of Empress Matilda still roams the halls of the historic building, her ghost lingering in the place where she narrowly escaped death and recaptured her quest for the throne.
Oxford Castle: A Hub of Hauntings
Oxford Castle has been a site of historical significance for over 950 years. Originally a fortress built in the 11th century, it became a prison during the 17th century. As one of the UK’s oldest and most well-preserved castles, it has witnessed centuries of turbulent history, making it a prime location for ghostly encounters.
In addition to the well-known legend of Empress Matilda, the castle is also home to a number of other spectral tales. One of the most famous involves the ghost of Mary Blandy, who was convicted and executed in 1752 for poisoning her father.
Visitors have reported seeing her ghostly figure wandering the castle grounds, and some claim to have heard her pleading cries. Additionally, there are stories of a foul-mouthed monk and a little girl’s spirit who are said to haunt the crypt beneath the castle, contributing to the castle’s eerie reputation.
The spooky occurrences at Oxford Castle have long intrigued both historians and paranormal investigators. The photograph taken by Lewy Jones has only added fuel to the fire, with many speculating that it might be proof of the castle’s haunted past.
According to Adam Makinson, the General Manager of Oxford Castle and Prison, the castle is known for its ghostly legends, with numerous reports from both staff and visitors who have experienced unexplained phenomena.
Makinson shared, “We’ve had countless stories of sightings over the years, and it’s always exciting when new evidence emerges. The story of Empress Matilda’s escape is one that continues to captivate people, so it’s no surprise that her spirit would still be present here.”
A Fascinating and Mysterious Encounter
While Lewy Jones admitted to being skeptical about ghosts, his unexpected encounter has left him with a sense of unease. “I don’t really believe in ghosts, but after seeing that photo, I’ve got to admit it gives me the heebie-jeebies. The figure in the picture looks eerily similar to the historical depictions of Matilda’s escape, and it’s unsettling to think that I might have captured her spirit on camera,” Lewy said.
The photograph taken by Lewy has since sparked much debate. Paranormal enthusiasts are quick to claim that this is a rare and undeniable piece of evidence of Matilda’s haunting presence.
Others are more cautious, suggesting that the image could be explained by lighting, shadows, or even a trick of the eye. However, the similarity between the cloaked figure in the photograph and the traditional depictions of Empress Matilda’s escape remains striking, fueling speculation about the truth behind the haunting.
Oxford Castle: A Destination for History and Haunting Enthusiasts
As one of the oldest and most well-preserved castles in the UK, Oxford Castle continues to attract tourists from around the world. The castle offers visitors a glimpse into England’s medieval past, with its historical tours, exhibitions, and interactive experiences.
For those intrigued by the supernatural, the castle also provides a unique opportunity to explore its haunted history, with ghost tours and stories shared by guides and staff who are familiar with the site’s spectral legends.
In addition to its ghostly tales, Oxford Castle holds significant historical value. It has been a site of royal power, political intrigue, and even violent conflict.
Today, visitors can walk through the same halls that once housed kings, queens, and prisoners, while also taking in the beauty of its medieval architecture and sweeping views of the surrounding city of Oxford. The eerie presence of Empress Matilda and the other spirits that reportedly haunt the castle only add to the allure of this fascinating and mysterious landmark.
Lewy Jones’ accidental capture of the ghostly figure at Oxford Castle has reignited interest in the haunting legend of Empress Matilda. While the photograph alone may not provide definitive proof of her ghostly presence, it has certainly sparked new discussions about the supernatural occurrences at one of Britain’s most famous historical sites.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the story of Matilda’s escape and the continued sightings of her spirit serve as a reminder of the castle’s rich and turbulent past. For now, Oxford Castle remains a place where history, legend, and the supernatural intertwine, continuing to captivate the imaginations of those who visit it.
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