The Things of Nightmares...Real or imagined?

Speaking of things that are not quite right... (See Carnival attractions via Red Rock Theater)

Did you ever pick up an item at an antique shop, flea market, or even in grandma's attic or basement and feel like you've suddenly trespassed where you are not welcome?  Somehow the otherwise innocent object feels all wrong. Perhaps it emanates a weird vibe or makes your skin crawl. I think we all know about Chucky (a movie I have never watched and never will--thank you ever so much) but what about things other than the plentiful stories of sinister dolls? Do you think these things only live in the minds of those who write horror fiction?

Did you know that on eBay there are numerous sites dedicated to possessed objects?  Pictures, jewelry, of course a doll or two can also be found.  Hmm... There is a story of a Dibbuk Box sold on eBay and based upon Jewish folklore.  A bibbuk box is a wine cabinet that is haunted by a restless evil spirit. They say it is responsible for haunting or even possession of the living. "Hog wash," you say? Maybe.

We also have the story of the Myrtle Plantation. Most everyone knows about the servant girl named Chloe who had a liaison with the master of the manor. She feared she would be removed from the house after he grew tired of her, so she began to poison Sara (his wife) and their kids. She intended, she said, to nurse them back to health and thus in gratitude, would forever be a prized member of the household. Unfortunately it didn't work out that way. She accidently killed them instead. Chloe, they say, has never left the mansion.

Haunted Mammoth Caves...

I feel like it's been forever since I've written a blog and I have truly missed it. There are a million and one reasons for that, mostly life and the people who are most important in it... like my family. If I waxed poetic over the events of the past several months that kept me away from writing, I'd need a book, not a blog. Anyway, enough of that. Suffice it to say I'm back (hopefully)!

So without further ado...

Have you ever been inside a dank, dark, dusty, cave or mine?  If you haven't, let me be the first one to tell you that it's really, really dark in there. In fact, the darkness is total. If that doesn't put a shiver down your spine, know that caves are also full of sounds as well. There are echoes along with spooky and unexplained noises. Whispers are not uncommon. You feel the walls closing in around you, and not everything is “comfortably” right.

Cave south Australia: by Andrew McMillan

Whittington Inn and the Ghosts That Dwell Therein...

In the South Staffordshire District of Staffordshire, England, is a very lovely village known as Kinver. Within this village one can find The Whittington Inn. According to some, this old manor house was built in 1310 by Sir William De Whittington, knight at arms. Believe it or not, according to the genealogy charts, Sir William is a many times great grandfather of my husband. More than likely, okay very likely, this is why I chose to share the ghostly goings on at Whittington Inn... Well, that and the fact that my novel, Bound by Oath and Honour, now in Audio, begins in Staffordshire.

Whittington Inn, Photograph by Peter Broster

Anyway, as you might expect, the inn boasts a rich history. I'll give you just a few examples.

Dragsholm Castle and the Ghosts Who Chose to Stay...

Near Copenhagen, on the islet by the draugh (or small stretch of land), proudly stands the Castle known as Dragsholm. Peder Sunesen, the Bishop of Roskilde erected the original fortress during the 12th century, but the imposing structure has changed many times since its first medieval design. 

Dragsholm Castle in Winter, by Niels Elgaard Larsen

As one might imagine, over the centuries, the castle served as a home to a variety of noblemen and kings. Then from the 14^th to the 15^th century, Dragsholm became a prison to men of no small reputation, such as the last Catholic Bishop in Roskilde. Joachim Rønnow, a former owner, was imprisoned within her walls. So was the 4th Earl of Bothwell, the third husband of Mary, Queen of Scots. We also have Ejler Brockenhuus, deemed a raving lunatic…but was he really?

The castle now serves as a hotel, and if you’re thinking of booking a reservation any time soon, you might prepare yourself for encountering a few things from the past during your stay. No, I’m not talking about the antiques. I’m talking about those who call Dragsholm Castle home and have called it home for centuries.

The Haunting Ruins of Pennard Castle...

Half buried in windblown sand along the Gower Peninsula in South Wales, is what's left of the once majestic, Pennard Castle.

By Eiona R

Commissioned by Henry de Beaumont, the first Earl of Warwick in the twelth century, the castle has slowly been consumed by time and sand after its abandonment right around the turn of the fifteenth century. Now all that's left is the gatehouse, the curtain wall, and the remains of the Norman Hall - oh - and the ghosts, of course.

They say that the Gwrach y Rhibyn (The scary banshee creature of Wales) haunts the area. Stories handed down through the centuries tell us that anyone daft enough to spend the night inside the castle, won't live to see the dawn! We also have tales of a ghostly woman, consumed by sorrow, who walks the grounds on moonless nights. Some say that despair caused her to walk into a nearby lake from which she never emerged--at least not in mortality. No one is quite sure who she is, or what caused her sorrow.

Personal Photo of Three Cliffs Bay near Pennard Castle

The Phantoms of Powis Castle...

Since many of the scenes in "Court of the Hawk" take place in an ancient castle, I thought I'd share some of the ghostly goings on inside the castle known as Powis.

Now, on a rocky promontory in Welshpool, Wales, Powis Castle has proudly stood for centuries. This magnificent fortress served a dynasty of Welsh princes and as one might expect, a host of residents died within its boundaries. Some have remained.

When it comes to the spirits of Powis, we have a little something for everyone!  There are shy spirits who lurk about the Dukes room and the ballroom wing. We also have accounts of a lady dressed in black. For whatever the reason, she sits in a chair facing the fireplace in the Duke’s Room. No one knows quite who she is though. Is she sad? Or just bored?

Would you like to actually feel a ghost if not see one? Over the years, some have reported physical contact by an otherworldly presence. They say they can feel a hand brushing their arm and when they turn to look, no one is there. At least, no one living.

Many hear the piano in the ballroom wing played by unseen hands, and some have even seen the stool moving when the room is empty of mortals. Loud knocking on doors and windows after the castle is locked up tight is a common occurrence as well.

The Ghosts and Lost Treasure of Castle Coch...

I haven't written about a haunted castle lately and I've missed it! Since we're solidly into our Court of the Hawk book tour & Giveaway, I thought I'd tell you about a beautiful, fairytale Castle in Tongwynlais, Cardiff, Wales, known as Castle Coch.

Engraving titled "CASTELL COCH, ON THE TAFF." circa 1874

Now Castle Coch (or the Red Castle so named for the red sandstone used in its creation) had its origins way back in the year 1081 when the Normans built it to protect Cardiff after they conquered and took possession of the town. As fortunes come and go, they deserted the castle shortly thereafter and a century or two later, Gilbert de Clare used the earth motte left behind, and erected a stone fortress somewhere around 1275, give or take a couple of years in either direction. Then, early during the fourteenth century, the castle was destroyed during the Welsh rebellion. The Marquesses of Bute were then given the castle as part of a marriage contract in 1760. 

Suffice it to say, the castle changed hands many more times during its history and is now in the custody of the Welsh heritage agency.

Now for the fun stuff:

Some Guests Have Never Left The Goldfield Hotel in Goldfield, Nevada...

I've been wanting to do another post on Ghost Towns for a while now, and decided I'd go ahead and do it today. However, this one will focus more on "the" hotel, rather than "the" town... So here we go.

About halfway between Las Vegas and Reno, lies the teeny, tiny little town of Goldfield, Nevada or what's left of it anyway. As one might deduce from its name, gold was discovered in the area in 1902. By 1904, a bevy of miners produced 800 tons of ore worth over two million dollars. News traveled fast and in no time at all, Goldfield became the largest town in the state.

Miner's pack animals in front of mining supply stores, Goldfield, Nevada, ca.1900

Prominent men arrived with bag and baggage. Among the notable, we find Wyatt and Virgil Earp. By January of 1905, Virgil wore the badge of a deputy sheriff. Sadly, however, he came down with pneumonia a few months later and after a six month illness, he died. A heartbroken Wyatt left town shortly thereafter. However, neither of these men having anything to do with the hotel... just history.

Tillamook Lighthouse and the Ghosts that Haunt it...

Now, because of my recent release, Heart of the Storm my thoughts have once again, turned to haunted lighthouses!

Department of the Treasury. U.S. Coast Guard. Thirteenth Coast Guard District. (ca. 1944 - 04/01/1967)

More specifically, The Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, off the coast of Oregon. They built this lighthouse on the top of a jagged rock that, according to the native indians in the area... is inhabited by spirits. Despite the legend, on January 21, 1881, the lighthouse entered service. The terrible weather conditions plaguing the waters gave rise to her nickname, "Terrible Tilly."

A Personal Ghost Story...

The last day of October has arrived, and so has Halloween! And, I just couldn't let the day pass without leaving you all something spooky. After all, it is the time for pumpkins carved with eerie faces, witches, vampires, goblins and ghosts...

Photograph By Anthony

During my "Spirit of the Knight" book tour, I shared a personal ghost story at the request of my lovely hostess (You can read it here: Brooke Blog's) and since that time, some of you have asked me for another. Now do be aware, I really don't have that many. I mean, it's not like I run into ghosts on a regular basis. 

However...

On a dark and stormy night...no, no, that's not right...

The Ghosts of Gwydir....

Well, it's October and almost Halloween, so I just can't let the month go without a single mention of ghosts. Because "Court of the Hawk" takes place almost exclusively in Wales, I decided to, well, talk about Wales!

Gwydir Castle by Jo Turner

Nestled in the lovely valley of Llanrwst, Conwy, Wales, sits the enchanting Tudor courtyard house known as Gwydir Castle.

Just a bit of History:

In the 14th century, a man by the name of Hywel Coetmore is said to have possessed the original Gwydir structure, which was subsequently destroyed during the Wars of the Roses. Then, one of Hywel's decendents later sold the place to Meredith ap Ieuan, a decendent of Owain Gwynedd. According to history, somewhere around the year 1500, Meredith rebuilt Gwydir.

In turn, Meredith's son, John Wynn ap Meredith is responsible for increasing the size of the castle beyond its rectangular keep-like Solar Tower and the adjoining hall block. During the 17th century, a knight by the name of Sir John Wynn, doubled the size of the courtyard mansion. In 1816, most all of his contributions were destroyed, but fortunately, we still have the lovely porch that Sir John added to the front of the Solar Tower.

All right then - The Ghosts:

Lost Spirits of the Battlefield...

On this final day of our "Spirit of the Knight" Book Tour and Giveaway, I want everyone to know how much fun I've had while visiting the various blogs. My hostesses have been so sweet, they have asked me some interesting questions, and they made me feel welcome. So many friends--those I've had for quite a while as well as some new ones--dropped by and said hello. Thank you all for your support and all of your sweet comments! I am really excited to see just who it is that wins our prizes, including the beautiful print, "Prayer For The Fallen," by the very, very talented artist, Shandra Kay!



My very last stop takes me to Brooke Blogs where I share one of my very own, personal ghost encounters! I hope that one more time, you'll take a few minutes, stop by and say hello... (not to mention doing so will give you one more chance to win!)


Now, for those who read "Angels of Mons," penned by my beloved husband, I thought I'd present the following...

The Battle of Braddock Down...

Here, on the 19^th day of January, in the year 1643, the Royalist forces under Sir Ralph Hopton engaged the Parliamentarian army in battle. Hopton's forces prevailed. Even though 350 plus years have passed since that infamous day, they say the sound of galloping hooves made by phantom horses can still be heard racing across the battlefield.

The Battle of Hastings...

The Angels of Mons...

I have a very special guest blogger today. Among other things, he is an avid reader and history enthusiast! If I have a historical question, especially concerning battles and warfare throughout the ages, he is the first person I seek. Much of what you read in my various novels concerning the same comes from his vast knowledge, guidance and influence. In case you haven't guessed, my guest today is none other than my beloved husband, David Peterson! (And just to let you know, he's far more skeptical about otherworldly phenomenon than what I am...must come from the three decades he spent as a police officer. Just the facts, ma'am, just the facts.)

An Unusual Compliment To One of Our Airmen- 1915  Art.IWM ART 180

August, 1914, before the trenches, Mons  France.  The  heavily outnumbered British Expeditionary Force experienced its first defeat at the hands of the German Army.  Outnumbered and out flanked the British retreated. That they held out as long as they did could be counted a miracle.

The Wispy, Women in White at Tretower Castle...

In giving a nod to the ghostly lasses residing alongside Sir Cailen Braithnock, (though the poor man doesn't have a clue...) I thought we'd take another look at a haunted castle in Wales that many say is home to several ethereal ladies.

At the turn of the 11th century, there arose in the kingdom of Powys, in Crickhowel, a motte-and-bailey castle known as Tretower. At this time, a Norman knight by the name of John Picard built the structure using earth and timber. By the middle of the 12th century, a member of the family built a stone keep on the motte, replacing the timber defenses.  History records that six generations of Picard's descendants lived and died here. 

Tretower Castle Photographer: Andrew Lewis

Then, in or around the year 1540, Sir William Herbert, connected to the Picards by marriage, gave the castle to his half-brother Sir Roger Vaughn. Roger subsequently built Tretower Court, and on its grounds, one of our wispy white ladies is said to wander. Many believe she is the spirit of Sir Roger Vaughan’s wife.

The Haunted Moor of Culloden...

I suppose we can't speak of spectral knights and castles inhabited by ghosts without mentioning a haunted battlefield or two, if even briefly...

Culloden Moor by Mike Pennington

And what is more appropriate to begin our July "Spirit of the Knight" book tour guest blogs than the highly revered, greatly respected, Culloden Moor, near Inverness. Here, amidst the heavy rain on this boggy day of April 16th, in the year 1746, government troops decimated every man comprising Bonnie Prince Charlie's rebel forces. These forces were made up of brave Scotsmen from clans such as the Frasers, the Stuarts and the MacDonalds, who wanted nothing more than to see a Stuart return to the throne. Fate would not will it so. Even after the bloody battle concluded, the work of death did not. The slaughter continued until every man loyal to Prince Charlie died. It took but 40 minutes.

Now they say, on each anniversary of this brutal battle, the army fights yet again. The clanking of swords, battle cries, and the moans of the wounded are heard echoing throughout the moor. Witnesses often report seeing a tall man dressed in a tartan. He is obviously distraught and just before he disappears he is heard to whisper, "defeated..."

Another story often retold is that of a woman who, over six decades ago, spied a tartan lying atop one of the graves. She said that when she peeked beneath it, she saw the ghostly form of a seriously wounded soldier. I couldn't help but wonder if he asked for or even wanted her help?

One of the more sorrowful legends of Culloden Moor is the silence that prevails over the battle site. Birds will not sing here, nor will the heather, which grows abundantly nearby, cover the graves of the Jacobites.

Given its history, I'm not so sure I'd have the heart to visit Culloden... Would you?

The Ghosts of Brodick Castle...

With "Spirit of the Knight" now in Audio, and narrated by the phenomenal Dawson McBride, let's take a look at the ghostly shenanigans at Brodick Castle.

On the Isle of Arran in the Firth of Clyde lies this magnificent--dating from the 13th century--red sandstone castle. 

  Carbon Print of Brodick Castle by Alexander Hastie Millar, circa 1880

There is a long and bloody history involving this castle and its surrounding lands. In the fifth century, Gaelic invaders from Antrim arrived on the shores of Arran and built a fortress, thereby expanding their kingdom of Dalriada. By the thirteenth century, the Isle came under the rule of both Magnus of Mann and Dougal of the Isles. Throughout the centuries in between, wars and conflicts were common. In 1266, and by the Treaty of Perth, Scotland took possession of the land.

Updates for "Spirit of the Knight"!

I signed the contract with The Wild Rose Press in August of 2013. My wonderful editor, Sarah Hansen and I worked on the edits as well as the galley through January of 2014. During the interim, the very talented Debbie Taylor created the beautiful cover, while the Blurb committee fine-tuned the blurb. We approved the final galley February 3, 2014. At that point, the manuscript went into its production phase and we had naught left to do but anxiously await the release dates.

Now, for all those who waited with me, via email, facebook, blog or twitter, that announcement has finally arrived! I am very pleased to tell you that The Wild Rose Press has released "Spirit of the Knight," exclusively to Kindle Select, with an expected world-wide release date of July 9, 2014, in all ebook formats as well as print.

"Spirit of the Knight" Gets a Cover!

My August post "Of Haunted Castles and BookCovers," found me anxiously (hand-wringing, sweating, pacing...well, you get the idea) awaiting my book cover for my soon-to-be released novel, "Spirit of the Knight." As you might recall, I fervently hoped a castle would grace the cover in some small fashion. Debbie Taylor, of Dca Graphics, did not disappoint...

Cover by Debbie Taylor

Not only did she not disappoint; she used one of the very castles that inspired my fictional castle... the mysterious, Eilean Donan.  According to a host of witnesses, this castle, which is situated in Loch Druich, is truly haunted.  This beautiful edifice was all but destroyed in the year 1719. History records that three frigates from the Royal Navy bombarded the castle for three full days while fighting Spanish mercenaries who supported the Scots during the Jacobite rebellion.  It is believed that the ghostly soldier often seen carrying his head inside the gift shop, lost his life--and his head--during this battle.

He's not the only man to lose his head in an altercation in this location either. In the year 1331, after defeating his enemies, Robert the Bruce became king of Scotland. He subsequently made his nephew, Randolph, the Earl of Moray, the warden of Scotland. For their lack of respect for the law, Randolph promptly executed fifty men and hung their heads on pikes from the battlements of the castle. He did this as a warning to all those who would follow their lead. (Ick...)

Medieval Ghosts and the Haunting of Hermitage Castle...

For those who read "Spirit of the Revolution," fell in love with my Scottish knight,  Sir Cailen, (thank you) and wanted him to have a story of his own...

WISH GRANTED and Update!

"Spirit of the Knight" is now available in Ebook format, paperback and Audio! The audio book is narrated by the phenomenal Dawson McBride. His awesome Scottish Brogue quite literally gave me chills! for those who love audio, you won't want to miss it! 

Therefore, in celebration of this fact, and being in a medieval  frame of mind as you might guess, I thought we'd visit some haunted castles in Scotland  in the weeks ahead. (Blame the Scottish blood that flows through these veins, if you must. I have plenty of it...)

Hermitage Castle, by Martina L. Abel

One of the more frightening stories I've encountered concerns the Hermitage castle. This castle is said to have been built by Nicolas de Soulis somewhere around the year 1240.  His family retained ownership for almost a century. But then, according to legend, Sir William de Soulis, who possessed the castle during the reign of King Robert the Bruce, plotted to assassinate the famous king. This did not go over well as you can imagine. Shortly thereafter, they tossed him inside a wretched dungeon and eventually, he met his demise at the hand of the executioner.

Or did he?

Ghostly Shenanigans Aboard the USS Constellation....

Distinguished as the first U.S. navy vessel put to sea, and the first to engage and defeat an enemy ship, the USS Constellation set out on her maiden voyage, September 1, 1797.

 Navy History and Heritage Command PD-USGOV-MILITARY-NAVY.

After years of faithful service, she was decommissioned in the year 1853, and broken up for scrap material. But this was hardly the end of her life. In 1854, the navy constructed a new ship, possibly using bits and pieces of the old, and again christened her the USS Constellation. If nothing else, the name lived on. Under the command of Charles H. Bell, the navy launched this powerfully armed sloop-of-war on the 26th of August, 1854. The Constellation served in various capacities for a full century, until her final decommission on the 15th of August, 1955, when at long last, the navy removed her from the rolls.

Again, not the end of her life, though. You see, once removed from the naval rolls, the ship found a permanent berth in what is known as Constellation Dock, Inner Harbor at Pier 1 in Baltimore, Maryland. She was designated a National Historic Landmark and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. She also has the distinction of being the last existing naval vessel from the American Civil War that remains intact.

Fully restored in 1999, the Constellation made her first trip out of Baltimore's Inner Harbor since 1955. In October of 2004, she set sail for the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis and this six day voyage marked her first trip to the city in 111 years.

PD-USGOV-MILITARY-NAVY.

All fine and good, but is it haunted?