The Haunting of Fraser Castle & Spirit of the Knight in Audio!

Are you a fan of audio books and adore sweet, ghostly romances? If so, check out the end of this post!

But First, let's get to the Haunting of Fraser Castle...

In the year 1575, the construction of Castle Fraser was begun. A man by the name of Michael Fraser, who was the 6th Laird of Fraser, oversaw the creation of his castle. However, it took sixty-one years before the Fraser clan deemed the castle finished. Perhaps because of the great care that went into this castle, many consider it to be one of the grandest castles in all of Aberdeenshire. And, just as in all castles, this one has quite a history.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Karora

The castle was built as the home of the Frasers of Muchalls and then later became the Frasers of Castle Fraser. This lovely structure was passed down through the ages to all the Lords’ Fraser. Afterward, it was owned by the Frasers of Inverallochy and then finally the Mackenzie family took possession. Possibly, it was in honor of this edifice that they then took the name “Mackenzie Fraser.”

Frederick Mackenzie Fraser, the last male in this direct line, died in 1897. Unfortunately, he didn’t produce an heir during his lifetime. Therefore, his widow, Theodora, unable to shoulder the financial burden alone, sold the castle in 1921. Weetman Pearson, the 1st Viscount Cowdray bought it. His family restored the castle and then turned it into a shooting lodge. In 1976 they gave it to the National Trust for Scotland.

It all sounds so normal. Yet, all castles have ghosts, don’t they?

Most certainly, or so they say.

The most famous ghost of Fraser castle is a princess who, for unknown reasons, was murdered as she slept. Not very hospitable for one who was just a guest, wouldn’t you agree? Nonetheless, one night as she lay sleeping in the upstairs Green room an assailant came in to her room and murdered her most foully.

They say the blackguard dragged her bloody body down the stairs in an attempt to cover up his hideous misdeed. He didn’t get very far as he was discovered and quickly executed. However, his crime would be forever noted by the blood stains on the stairs. You see, despite many, many attempts, the blood just couldn’t be removed. Finally, in desperation, the stains were covered by the wooden paneling which can still be seen to this day. As for the princess? Though she was gently buried, her restless spirit still lingers at Fraser castle. Many have seen her ghostly form floating silently through the hallways.

In addition to our princess, one can at times, hear ghostly piano music coming from the Hall. There is also the unsettling sound of whispers that are nowhere and everywhere. It is also said that the ghost of Lady Drummond, who died in 1874, is frequently seen on the staircase, dressed in a long black gown. Finally, if the staff is to be believed, the kitchen is also haunted. They often hear the laughter of children or their whispered songs in empty kitchen corners. 

Yep... that's what they say. Care to drop by for a visit?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Are you still with me?

If so, I am so pleased to give some audio book lovers the opportunity to get a free copy of Spirit of the Knight, while they last (and they are going fast),  courtesy of and narrated by the phenomenal Dawson McBride! 

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 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:

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.

Hauntingly Beautiful Kilchurn Castle...

How about a wee bit of romance and history concerning Kilchurn Castle as we focus on the "Spirit of the Knight"?

Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe, Scotland Photochrom Print Collection circa 1890

Sir Colin Campbell, first Lord of Glenorchy, is credited with building a five-story tower house and a protective perimeter wall on the peninsula of Loch Awe, way back in the year 1440. Now even though it's officially recorded that Sir Colin--also known as the Black Knight of Rhodes for his prowess during the crusades--built the castle, legend states otherwise. Tradition tell us that his lady, Margaret, oversaw the construction of the magnificent tower during her husband's seven-year absence.

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.

The Legends and Ghosts of Glamis...

I ended 2013 with Glamis castle, so it only seems fitting that I should begin 2014 with...Glamis castle. Besides, we are inching ever closer to the final galley and release date for "Spirit of the Knight", so once again, I find myself in a fourteenth century and medieval castle frame of mind. Go figure...

Enough of that though, let's get back to Glamis, shall we? You know, there is far more going on inside this beautiful old, structure than a cantankerous Earl who annually plays cards with the devil...

Glamis Castle, Scotland by Eric Berlemont

Gifted to the Bowes-Lyons family by Robert the Bruce in the year 1372, Glamis became the seat of the Earls of Strathmore and is still owned by the Royal family to this day. Since portions of the castle have existed since the fourteenth century, it shouldn't surprise anyone that reports of ghosts and legends are plentiful and diverse.

New Year's Eve Legend at Glamis Castle...

For most of us, ringing in the New Year conjures thoughts of parties, revelry, reflection, and spending time with friends and loved ones. But did you know that according to legend, Alexander Lindsay, (the 4th Earl of Crawford) eternally spends each New Year's Eve, playing cards with the devil? He does this in an attempt to win back his soul from a game previously played and lost.

Glamis Castle in Scotland from Morris's Country Seats (1880)

According to various claims, Earl Beardie (as Alexander is affectionately or perhaps not so affectionately called) takes on the devil at both Lordscairnie and Glamis Castles. The story coming from Glamis tells us that Alexander, a man notoriously cruel and indulgent, took to heavy drinking one fateful Sunday evening while visiting the Earl of Glamis. In his drunken state he demanded a partner for a game of cards. Since it was the Sabbath, no one stepped forward to indulge the whim. Enraged over the slight he vowed that he would play with the devil himself. (Not a good idea, really...)

Soon thereafter, they say, a tall man wearing dark clothing knocked at the castle doors, volunteering to play with their inebriated guest. Alexander quickly accepted the offer. The two men retreated into an empty room, closed the door, and sat down to a game of cards. As the evening progressed, servants in the hallways heard frightful noises coming from within the room. Some of them said the walls all but rocked from off their foundations for the shouts and curses that abounded.

One brave soul, curious as to the goings-on dared to peek through the keyhole. At once a bolt of bright light shot through the room and exited the keyhole blinding the servant in one eye. At that point, Alexander leapt from his chair, thrust open the door and all but throttled the servant for spying upon him. When he finished his tirade, Alexander, void of his very soul, returned to an empty room.

Now, each New Year's Eve, the devil and Alexander appear inside the castle for another round and another opportunity for Earl Beardie to win back his soul. However, before you make plans to visit the castle in hopes of watching the game, know this:  Legend tells us that anyone who catches sight of their ghostly game will travel to hell with the devil and Alexander at the end of the match...

Are you up for it?

Estormiz

Happy New Year Everybody!  May the new year treat you kindly!

"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...)

Clan Campbell and Their Ghostly Castles...

As I have already mentioned a time or two in my various blogs, there is plenty of Scottish blood, flowing through this author's veins. Blood that's traced through the Ferguson's, Forbes's, Campbell's, McCullough's, and Robison's, to name just a few. 


This, in all likelihood, is the reason my novel, "Spirit of the Knight," now in Audio (and you should hear Dawson McBride do his incredible Scottish Brogue) takes place in Scotland. Therefore, I find myself in a "ghostly castle" frame of mind once again. However, this time, I wanted to take a look at some castles that once belonged to my ancient Scottish ancestors. So, first up, the Campbell Clan.

Clan Campbell crest. With permission of Scotclans.com

I pick up the Campbell line through my great-great grandmother, MaryAnn Campbell, daughter of Joel S. Campbell and Rachel Fuller—and please note, my Campbell ancestors immigrated to America well before the massacre at Glencoe, in the year 1692 (ahem). My immigrating ancestor, Robert Campbell, imprisoned In Canongate Tolbooth, was first banished and then transported to the New World. He arrived on the ship "Henry and Francis," September 5, 1685, imported as an indentured servant by Lord Neill Campbell.

The history of this ancient clan traces back to the thirteenth century and over those centuries they grew in power and influence. As a result they occupied at least eighteen different castles. As you can probably imagine, some of them are reputed to house a few ghosts.

Dunstaffnage Otter

Of Haunted Castles and Book Covers....

I read it one more time for good measure, took a deep breath...and hit the submit key. That didn't stop the butterflies from swarming though. It happens each time I fill out the information sheet required for my cover art. And why? Because all the while I am writing my books, I envision the perfect couple in the perfect setting to grace the cover. To date, my covers haven't even come close to the one I imagined. 

Not unexpected, but  more often than not, somehow disappointing nonetheless.

Now, in regards to my newly contracted novel, "Spirit of the Knight",  I'm hoping a medieval castle graces the cover, if even off in the distance. After all, there were many such castles that influenced my fictional castle in the novel.  And in light of that fact, l decided to treat you to a couple of them today...

Eilean Donan  geograph.org.uk Anne Burgess

Eilean Donan, built in the 13th century, sits on an island and is surrounded by three lochs.  The castle is both breath-taking and mysterious. It's also haunted. According to a plethora of witnesses, a 17th century Spanish soldier, killed during the Jacobite rebellion is often seen carrying the head he lost in battle... Apparently his favorite place to haunt is the gift shop, so if you're not of a mind to encounter a ghost, perhaps you should do your shopping elsewhere. Oh, and Lady Mary still hangs around the castle as well. She is usually found in one of the bedrooms of the castle.

Roslin Castle Taken by r:Supergolden

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 Residents of Culzean Castle

Culzean Castle with the Fair Coves engraving by William Miller

Overlooking the Firth of Clyde, in Aryshire, Scotland, stands a mighty fortress...”

First known as Coif Castle (House of Cove) in the fifteenth century, and then Cullean Castle in the seventeenth century, castle Culzean took on its present name, during the eighteenth century.

Recorded history first speaks of Culzean castle in 1569. At this time, the 4^th Earl of Cassillis, member of the powerful, ancient Scottish clan Kennedy, gave the estate to his brother, Sir Thomas Kennedy.

As you can imagine, the castle is home to several ghostly residents...

Carew Castle...Where Things Really DO go Bump in the Night...

In keeping with the spirit of Halloween... I dedicate this month's blogs to ghosts that endlessly wander, and things that go bump in the night...

And we'll start with Carew Castle, Pembrokeshire, Wales...

A bit of history....

Carew Castle. engraving by William Miller

This castle, overlooking Carew inlet, had its origins in a stone keep, built around the year 1100 by Gerald de Windsor. The castle passed from Gerald to his son William who took the name “De Carew.” Eventually, the castle landed in the hands of Edmund Carew who fell on hard times and mortgaged the Castle. In 1480, Sir Rhys ap Thomas moved in. Henry Tudor knighted Sir Rhys and made him Governor of Wales. Rhys died in 1525.

Now for those...in the dark of the night...bumpy things.