Paranormal Investigation at Portland Castle

Built by Henry VIII between 1539 and 1541, it was part of a chain of defences constructed to protect against French and Spanish invasion. The castle features a low-profile design with a central keep and gun platforms, typical of the artillery forts of its time. Throughout its history, Portland Castle served various military purposes, including as a seaplane base during World War I and as an important naval facility in World War II. The castle has witnessed numerous conflicts and has been home to soldiers, prisoners, and naval personnel over the centuries.

Several ghost stories are associated with Portland Castle. One of the most well-known is the apparition of a headless cavalier, believed to be a Royalist soldier from the English Civil War. Visitors and staff have reported seeing this figure walking along the castle’s ramparts at night. The kitchen area is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl, possibly a servant from centuries past. People have reported seeing her apparition and hearing her laughter in this part of the castle.

Along a stone staircase leading to an upper floor, the scent of lavender is often noted. The “Lavender Lady,” a woman associated with the last governor of Portland, one Charles Manning, is believed to be the source of the scent. This woman reportedly withered away behind the castle’s walls. She hated living among the “dead” and suffered both mentally and physically.

Another frequently reported paranormal occurrence is the sound of phantom footsteps echoing through the castle’s corridors, particularly in the Governor’s Chamber. Some witnesses claim to have heard doors slamming shut on their own and experienced sudden cold spots in various areas of the castle.

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