True tales of witchcraft, murder, madness and 'justice' await you within the wall of the UK's oldest working prison.
The castle became a prison in 1196, and still houses male prisoners to this day, although of course, the guided tour does not take you in to the parts of the building which are still a working prison, which is a shame as some of the most interesting rooms in the stories you will hear, including the dungeons, are within the walls.
Nevertheless, a guided tour of the castle is a great experience, for everyone. The tour guides are some of the most knowledgeable I have ever come across, painting vivid pictures of the horror and suffereing endured by so many within the walls.
The most fascinating story for me is of the Pendle Witch Trials, but throughout the tour the guide recounts tales from the inception of the prison, right up to recent famous trials which were heard in the Crown Court.
The 'Drop Room' and 'Old Cells' are also fascinating, and being locked in the pitch black cells the first time scared me so much I accidentally grabbed on to a strange man's hand for comfort instead of my boyfriend! Interesting experience!
The castle welcomes touring music and theatre events throughout the year, but if you like ghost stories, book onto the Hallowe'en ghost tours. They are terrifying and book up really fast! read more