Finding Shropshire's spooky side

Acton Burnell Castle is reputed to be haunted

In our science-rich, logic-dominated era ghosts still seem to fascinate people, and many claim to have seen them and even taken photographs.

The stories behind the various hauntings are often as interesting as the buildings they inhabit.

Many tales involve death, unrequited love, murdered children and people seeking revenge who cannot rest in their graves - assuming they have one.

Shropshire has more than its fair share of legends and ghost stories.

Wem ghost

Tony O'Rahilly's mysterious ghostly girl

One of the most famous manifestations is the ghost of Wem Town Hall. Legend has it that in 1677 a young girl called Jane Churm started a fire when she accidentally dropped a candle. The town hall was destroyed in the blaze.

More about the Wem Town Hall 'ghost'

Haunted Ludlow

Marion de Bruyere died at Ludlow Castle

Ludlow Castle is said to be haunted by the ghost of Marion de la Bruyere who has been re-enacting her death dive from the Pendover Tower since the latter part of the 12th Century.

More about the castle's sad ghost

The mystery of Garmston Road

Garmston Road in Shrewsbury

Erika Seetzen-Woods lived in Garmston Road in the Sutton Farm area of Shrewsbury in the late 1960s and recalled seeing a hooded figure moving past her kitchen window.

More about Garmston Road's ghost

The Moreton Corbet Ghost

The Puritan ghost stalks the castle

Moreton Corbet Castle is one of the most fascinating buildings in Shropshire. The ghost of puritan Paul Holmyard, who cursed the Corbet family, is said to haunt its grounds.

More on Moreton Corbet's spectre

The Haunted Bomber

Who is the phantom airman of Cosford?

Not all ghosts have their origins in the dim and distant past and not all have a name. The RAF Museum at Cosford is reputed to have a ghostly young airman who haunts the Avro Lincoln bomber in the hangar there.

The haunted bomber at RAF Cosford

The appartitions of Actom Burnell

Ghostly orbs at Acton Burnell

The ruins of 13th century Acton Burnell Castle have been the scene of strange paranormal activity in the form of floating orbs and a ghostly maid who has made just one appearance.

Ghost hunters go to Acton Burnell

Shrewsbury spooks

Rowley's House is said to be haunted

As expected the county town of Shrewsbury is rich in ghostly folklore and spooky sightings ranging from the spectre of the murderous Mrs Foxall and the odd couple who haunt Rowley's House.

Shrewsbury's ghostly inhabitants

The phantom children of Whittington

Children haunt Whittington Castle

Historic Whittington Castle hides many secrets, but no one can put a name to the two children who regularly appear at the windows of the tower or the lone horseman who makes his appearance at night.

Ghostly children at Whittington