Research project «Mystical england: haunted castles»

Administration of Podolsk
The Committee of Education
Secondary school No17
T.r. Podolsk, Moscow region,
Vysotnaya Street, 17

 

Research project:

“MYSTICAL ENGLAND: HAUNTED CASTLES” 
 

The work done
by Gorbanyova Ksenya,
10 "A" form, secondary school No. 17
Teacher Pechckurova Elena Anatolyevna
 
 

T.r. Podolsk, 2019

 

Contents

Pages

Brief summary of the project……………………………………………………3

INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………….…3

MAIN PART…………………………………………………………….…5

2. 1. THE ORIGIN OF THE CASTLES……………………….…………..5

2.2. BELIEF IN THE EXISTENCE OF GHOSTS…….………………….6

2.3. MYSTICISM AND MYSTERY OF THE ENGLISH CASTLES...…........7

2.3.1. Castle Blickling Hall Norfolk………………………………………….7

2.3.2. Leeds Castle, Kent.…………………………………………….………8

2.3.3 Windsor Castle, Berkshire………………………………………………9

III. PRACTICAL PART…………………………………………………..……..11

3.1. Sociological research " MYSTICAL ENGLAND: HAUNTED CASTLES?"

IV. Conclusion… …………………………….………………………….12

V. Literature……….…………………………………………………………..13

VII. Application.……………………………………………………..……….14

 

 

Brief summary of the project

This project explores HAUNTED CASTLES of England, which for centuries have attracted the attention of thousands of people. But we know little about their history. The problem of mystical mysteries of castles in England has not received proper coverage in school textbooks.

INTRODUCTION

Castles are a special part of the history of this beautiful country. They are not only true masterpieces of architecture of different eras, but also keep a lot of secrets. Most of the historical events are somehow connected with various castles. Castles of England are known all over the world for their age and architectural power, many of them are closely connected with the fate of outstanding personalities of different eras. Close acquaintance with these various monuments of culture allows us to trace the history of the country, the way of development of medieval construction technologies and changes in the basic functions of castles over the centuries. Castles have always played a large role in culture, acting, depending on the status of the owner, as a military base, government meeting place or stronghold to protect the region from the enemy.

The English castle is a fortress, palace, house, and a symbol of power, grandeur and intimidation. For thousands of years, castles have shaped the landscape of England. These impressive buildings were the residence of great heroes and inveterate villains. Many castles stand to this day. They can tell a lot of stories about enmity, treachery, intrigue, deceit, betrayal and treason.

Castles and ghosts in them are one of the main treasures of the state in the British Isles. They reflect the soul of the people, who created them, tell about life and death, love and hatred, happiness and grief. They represent the centuries, old history of Great Britain, and the largest European power.

Only in kind old England you can see the road signs "Caution, a Ghost!" And only here ghosts are considered a national treasure. The geographical reference of English ghosts says: "There are more ghosts in the British Isles than anywhere else."

Relevance of the topic. People learning English must know the history of England, the country where this language originated. Castles of England, their history for many centuries attract the attention of thousands of people. In our time, when most of the castles were destroyed, and those that remained, gradually destroyed, there was a need to preserve the castles as a cultural heritage. We must understand the role of castles in history and their purpose for the present.

The purposes of research is to learn and discover the unknown and mystical England.

To achieve the purposes of the research project, the following tasks are set:

1. To explore the diversity of castles in England

2. To identify the castles in which, as they say, the ghosts meet. Give a brief description of these castles.

3. Make a booklet and a message "MYSTICAL ENGLAND: HAUNTED CASTLES."

4. To conduct a sociological survey among students of our school on the theme "What do you know about MYSTICAL ENGLAND: HAUNTED CASTLES?" and interpret the results.

The object of study is a group of the most mysterious castles of England.

Subject of research – the variety of castles in England, the depth of knowledge them by students of our school.

The hypothesis of the study is the information about the existence of ghosts in castles of England promotes the expansion of horizons and knowledge of those interested in the history and culture of England and also attracts people who never were interested in that. Stories about ghosts are widely spread all over England, and we consider it to be connected with the event that happened in castles.

Methods of research:- Analysis of literature, - Problem-search method, - Research, systematization and generalization.

Practical significance. Such work forms interest to the history of the country which language we study, develops cognitive and creative activity. Skills of working with literature develop critical thinking, the ability to analyze phenomena on scientific basis, and this is a component of any research work. These studies can be used in English lessons.

Structure of the work. The work consists of introduction, theoretical and practical chapters, conclusion and application.

Thus, our research is both theoretical and practical.

II. MAIN PART

2.1. THE ORIGIN OF THE CASTLES

Many castles were built to protect their owners from other lords, to barrier them from their enemies. England is strewn with ruins of castles, rubble from the centuries of its existence. Castles are tangible relics of a remarkable past, a lengthy heritage etched in stone, as well as with the blood and sweat of those who built, labored, fought, and died in their shadow. Ruins stir up in us a profound awareness of those past lives. Castles have a timelessness that is awe-inspiring. That they have endured centuries of warfare and the effects of weather is a testimony to the creativity and power of their medieval owners.

Castles of England cannot be listed – it's like trying to retell the whole history of this unique state. It is difficult to find more mysterious country than England. The state with a long history is known all over the world for its famous detectives, tea ceremonies and, of course, ghosts living in ancient castles.

England is home of hundreds of castles, some still lived in, some reduced to little more than lumps and bumps in the landscapes. Each County has dozens of castles, each with its own interesting history.

English castles hold a special place in the life of the Kingdom. Since the time of the Vikings, they have witnessed heroic events, kept many secrets and remembered many famous historical figures. Castles were the product of the period of medieval history, which we call the era of Feudalism.

Until the XI century castles were mainly built of wood, so they are often destroyed during the assault and burned. And only at the end of XI - beginning of XII centuries, the castles have started to build of stone. Interestingly, the most ancient castles were not suitable for life. The owners of the castles lived only in a small, the most durable construction of the donjon, which was not comfortable but was able to withstand any assault. Only a few centuries later, the nobles and monarchs allowed themselves to expand their living space and equip other premises castles. It was at this time, by the end of the XIV century, there are special castles designed for life, not for war.

The castles that we use as our standard are those built between the 11th and 16th centuries in Great Britain and Northern Europe. The English castle which design was imported from Normandy following the Norman invasion of 1066 was essentially defensive. The Normans had to hold down a belligerent conquered people and their way was to build a network of castles. William the Conqueror has a ring established around London, including Rochester, Windsor and Berkampstead.

Life in the castle was quiet and peaceful, very akin to the current life in a country house. Castles served primarily as residences of the nobility, and by the end of the middle ages, when the life of society has become more relaxed, attention at the next reconstruction, primarily paid to improving the comfort of living, and to a much lesser extent defensive needs. Contrary to popular perceptions, often depicted by the cinema, the castles were not under constant siege and were not full of armed men. In peacetime they lived the owner family and their servants. The owner could often be absent and in this case the castle were only the guards and servants. During the wars, the castle was inhabited by a garrison provided by the Lord's vassals, who thus performed feudal duty to protect their sovereign. When the war ended, the garrison dissolved.

2.2. BELIEF IN THE EXISTENCE OF GHOSTS

The most original attraction in England is the ghosts. Only in the UK you can see the road signs "Beware of ghosts!" In this country, they believe in them, they are proud of them; they are looking for and classified. We can say that it is a national treasure of the country.

In the UK, the courts seriously consider the statements of homeowners about tax cuts, because some houses and castles are very difficult to find tenants. Not everyone wants to live with their Ghost neighbours. But sometimes Vice versa, some real estate offices are engaged exclusively in the sale of real estate, which is inhabited by ghosts. Even in the Newspapers you can see ads for the sale of haunted houses, which guarantee that the Ghost will not leave the house after repair or restructuring.

In the UK, there are more than 200 castles and estates, in which ghosts live. They are met on the streets, in parks, subway and even the National Bank. Ghosts live not only in castles and mansions, but also do not necessarily belong to nobles. For example, in the village of Plaksi lives a Ghost of a robber, forced every night to relive her own murder. There you can also find the Ghost of a Gypsy woman who was once burned for being accused of witchcraft.

However, such a number of paranormal phenomena per square meter does not interfere with the quiet life of local residents. On the contrary, because ghosts attract the attention of a considerable number of tourists.

Ghost hunting in the UK is honorable and highly paid work. In most cases, ghosts are villains, as well as their victims. Ghosts love the spacious and dark room. In this sense, the castles they fit perfectly: they have a place to wander and plenty of chains, terribly howl or freeze high under the ceiling of the main hall.

The first official Ghost hunter's club was organized in this country in 1665. This society was founded not by madmen or psychopaths, but quite solid scientists of that time, among whom was the famous physicist Robert Boyle, known to every schoolboy under the Boyle-MARRIOTT law. And the only objective of the club was the study of the phenomenon of ghosts.

Residents of the United Kingdom are willing to believe in the existence of ghosts, which is quite justified: here in almost any castle in special books for centuries recorded stories about encounters with ghosts. Enthusiasts believe that the reason for this spread of ghosts on the Foggy Albion lies in the marine climate and special geographical position. And perhaps, in the abundance of bloody historical events in this relatively small country.

According to the number of officially registered cases of observation of ghosts residents of the British Isles deservedly in the first place: they met with 147 ghosts, which confirm the testimony of witnesses worthy of trust, and police reports. On second place — Spain (99), then-France (48) and Belgium (32).

2.3. MYSTICISM AND MYSTERY OF ENGLISH CASTLES

Castles have been the setting for the bloodiest history, whether it is battles for ownership, the executions of traitors, or the torture of prisoners deep in its dungeons. This might explain why every fortress in England comes attached with its own ghost, or multiple spirits, haunting the grounds. Such a history of violence creates the strongest psychic echoes, and those cold, stone walls are ideal for containing the spirits of the past for centuries.

2.3.1. Castle Blickling Hall Norfolk

England. Norfolk County. Here in the village of Blickling there is a majestic castle erected by King Jacob I in 1616 - Blickling House. The old mansion is surrounded by a magnificent well-kept garden, which occupies almost 2,000 hectares, with yew hedges, lawns, figured shrubs and flower beds with flowering plants. The library is also famous for Blickling House, which houses one of the most comprehensive and significant collections of manuscripts and books in England.

The castle takes the first place in the "Ghost" rating. The most "eminent" ghost of Blickling Hall is the spirit of Anne Boleyn, wife of King Henry VIII, executed on charges of treason against the King and England. She was beheaded on 19 May 1536 on suspicion of adultery. Not finding happiness and peace in life, the ghost of Anne Boleyn from year to year on the day of his execution, returns to where she was happy — to the house where she was born — Blickling Hall. But the return is terrible - in a carriage drawn by decapitated four horses, ruled by a headless coachman. Holding her head in her hands, the executed queen sadly wanders through the corridors of the castle until dawn. The Ghost of the inconsolable Queen is often seen sitting in one of the bedrooms, with the severed head resting peacefully in her lap.

In addition to Anne Boleyn, two more ghosts live in the castle. One of them is the associate of Henry IV knight John Fastolf, who was perpetuated in his plays by the great Shakespeare in the form of Falstaff. The other is the specter of the arrogant Sir Henry Hobart, who died in a duel in 1698.

As they say, sometimes before the full moon, in the dead of midnight all the ghosts gather in the large living room in front of the old fireplace and decorously drink traditional English tea with buns...

2.3.2. Leeds Castle, Kent

This medieval fortress is one of the most beautiful castles in the world. Its name comes from the name of the Saxon nobleman Lydian, who built the first wooden fortress on this site in 857.

Leeds Castle is nestled in Southeast England between London and Dover. It is located on two Islands of the River Lyn, four miles south east of Maidstone, Kent, England. Leeds Castle is close to Maidstone, the county town of Kent. The castle and grounds lie to the east of the village of Leeds, Kent, which should not be confused with the city of Leeds in West Yorkshire. Leeds Castle is surrounded by 500 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens.

There is a rich Royal history associated with the castle and it has been a favourite of many of England’s Queens – starting in 1278, where the castle was owned by King Edward I and was one of his favourite residences. In 1321 it was owned briefly by the 1st Baron Badlesmere, and then captured by King Edward II, and after he died, his widow lived on in the castle. King Richard II’s first wife (Anne of Bohemia) stayed at the castle in 1381. King Henry VIII renovated the castle in 1519 for Catherine of Aragon, his first wife.

 The castle inhabited by the Ghost of a large black curly-haired retriever dog - the ‘Black Dog of Leeds’. It is often seen appearing and disappearing within moments, often into a wall or through a closed door. This dog appears as an omen of death. A gruesome discovery was also made a hundred years ago of a man’s skeleton, who had been imprisoned within the castle walls. There is a story of how this Ghost once saved a woman's life. She was sitting in the Bay window when she saw the Ghost; frightened, she bounced away from the window, and within seconds the wall with the window collapsed and its debris fell into the moat!

“The dogs origins are said to lie in the demonic dabbling of Henry VI's aunt, Eleanor of Gloucester, who in 1431 was found, guilty of practicing 'necromancy, witchcraft, heresy and treason', and were imprisoned at Leeds castle for life. Perhaps the hound results from some ancient spell which was cast by this formidable lady, and has lingered around the property ever since."

2.3.3 Windsor Castle, Berkshire

Windsor Castle is one of the three official residences of the Queen along with Buckingham Palace and Holyrood house and has been a residence to the Royal Family for over 900 years. The Castle is located in Windsor in the county of Berkshire close to London and is one of the largest and oldest occupied castles in the world. The Castle covers an area of 26 acres and includes a royal palace and a chapel, the surrounding Great Windsor Park provides a scenic setting for the castle. In Windsor, the Queen often receives state visits from foreign monarchs and heads of government.

The Castle was constructed under William the Conqueror, originally for the purpose of guarding the western approaches to London, its strategic positioning above the River Thames made the site useful. Over the years there have been a number of monarchs that have stayed at the castle and Royal Palace and have been continuously inhabited.

In 1992 a fire at the castle caused a great deal of damage; however the castle and the rooms have been restored due to painstaking work by a number of craftsmen in Europe.

Windsor Castle has many ghosts. The ghost of the second Tudor King Henry VIII is said to be Windsor Castle’s most famous haunting. The creaking of his wooden leg at night reveals corridors and enfilades. And the Royal family, and servants, and protection severely suffer from annoying those ghosts.

The ghost of Elizabeth I haunts the Royal Library and is said to have been seen by several members of the Royal family. The sound of her high heels is heard on bare floorboards, before her imposing figure appears and passes through the library and into an inner room.

The sad face of mad King George III is seen peering from the window in the room where he was often detained.

The ghost of Charles I haunts a Canon’s House in the castle precincts.

In the halls of Windsor castle wanders the restless Ghost of the Duke of Buckingham, whom the court astrologer called at the request of his son, and forgot to return back.

The Deanery is haunted by a young boy who shouts, “I don’t want to go riding today”. It is probably his footsteps which are heard in the same building.

The ‘Prison Room’ in the Norman Tower is haunted, possibly by the ghost of a former Royalist prisoner from Civil War times. Children playing there have seen him and adults have felt him brush past.

The kitchen of one of the buildings which make up the horseshoe cloisters is haunted by the ghost of a man leading a horse. They walk straight through the wall, for the cloisters were once the cavalry stables. The ghost of a young girl has also been seen here, standing by a Christmas tree.

Ghostly footsteps are heard on the staircase in the Curfew Tower and, on one occasion, the bells began to swing on their own while the temperature became distinctly chilly.

In 1873, a night-time visitor to the castle noticed an interesting new statuary group had been erected near St. George’s Chapel: three standing figures, all in black, and a fourth crouching down. The central standing character was in the act of striking with a large sword. The sentry knew nothing of this artwork and when the visitor returned to re-examine it, it had gone!

There is also the ghost of the Duke of Buckingham’s father, William of Wykeham (the building’s architect) and, of course, the famous Herne the Hunter who is more often seen in the Great Park.

Herne the Hunter became the favourite huntsman of King Richard II when he saved the monarch from being mauled to death by a cornered stag. Being wounded in the process, he was later healed through witchcraft and the wearing of the stag’s antlers. Unfortunately though, his subsequent friendship with the King and skill in the field, bred jealousy in his colleagues and he was framed for theft. Shame led him to hang himself on ‘Herne’s Oak in the Home Park and, with a Wild Hunt, his spirit has since been seen many times careering across the Great Park searching for lost souls.

The Long Walk is haunted by the ghost of a young Grenadier Guard who shot himself while on duty there in the 1920s. He was seen by at least two of his colleagues, immediately after his death.

III. PRACTICAL PART

3.1. Sociological research " MYSTICAL ENGLAND: HAUNTED CASTLES?"

I was interested to know what students of our school know about MYSTICAL ENGLAND: HAUNTED CASTLES. Therefore the questionnaire consisting of 3 questions was made.

The survey involved students in grade 10. 14 STUDENTS were interviewed (Application 1).

The following survey was proposed to students:

Responses’ group: Students of 10th form (14 schoolchildren).

Questions:

1 / Have you heard about Haunted Castles in England?

2 / What Haunted Castles do you know?

3 / Can you tell me any ghosts of any Haunted Castle?

Here are the results I’ve got

On the first question about Haunted Castles in England: « Have you heard about Haunted Castles in England?” the result was the follow:

1 / 12 students (86%) out of 14 gave a positive result.

Further, the survey involved 12 students.

On the second question: "What Haunted Castles?" students called the following castles:

Windsor Castle, Berkshire – 11 students (4%)

Leeds Castle, Kent – 7 students (28%)

Castle Blickling Hall Norfolk – 3 students (12%)

The others – 4 (Dunster Castle - 2 students, Tower of London – 2 students) – 16%

On the third question: "Can you tell me any ghosts of any Haunted Castle?"

7 students out of 12 were able to name them.

This was 58% of 12 respondents.

They called ‘Black Dog of Leeds’ – 5 students of 14 students (71%),

The ghost of the second Tudor King Henry VIII in Windsor Castle - 2 students of 14 students (29%)

After analyzing the results of the survey, I came to the conclusion that few respondents from my class were able to answer questions about Haunted Castles in England.

Of course, the results were unexpected for me. It seemed to me that more students know about Haunted Castles in England.

CONCLUSION

We learned that castles even appeared in BC. But the most of them were built in a MD during and after the Norman invasion. England has always been associated with castles. The role of castles changed during centuries. And now some of them left as castles, others became residence or museum.

This work only briefly outlines the most popular legends about the ghosts of England, living in the country's castles. English castles are haunted by people, who lived there. Most of ghosts are women who were killed by their husbands or executed, or suicide of their unhappy love.

In our study, on the one hand, the proof of the existence of ghosts was presented, and on the other – for those who do not believe in the presence of otherworldly forces – these facts were presented as phenomena peculiar to the human psyche. And when reading the historical explanation of the presence of certain visions and ghosts in the castles of England, everyone can choose for themselves – he believes in ghosts or not. Thus, information about the castles of England helps to broaden the horizons and knowledge of people interested in the history and culture of England, and also attracts people who have never been interested in this. Which confirms the hypothesis of my research. We can say that the goal of the work has been achieved.

But why England castles are haunted by ghosts?

We found an answer in article of English mycologist. It was said that British people are very superstitious. They believe in ghosts and see them.

To sum up, the history of castles, their building and further development can tell a lot.

CONCLUSIONS

1/The most of castles were built in medieval ages during and after the Norman invasion.
2/England has always been associated with castles.

3/ The role of castles changed during centuries.

4/ English castles are haunted by people, who lived there.

5/Most of ghosts are women who were killed by their husbands or executed, or suicide of their unhappy love.

6/ Information about English castles help to broaden the horizons and knowledge of people interested in the history and culture of England.

LITERATURE

1 Adrian R.W. Room “Dictionary of great Britain”- Russky yazyk publishers, 2011

2 V.N. Bogoroditskaya; L.V. Khrustalyova “The world of Britain” – Москва, издательство «ВЕРСИЯ», 2014

3 OXFORD, “Guide to British and American Culture”; Editor Jonathan Crowther; Assistant Editor Kathryn Kavsnagh- OXFORD University Press

4 “Windsor castle official Guide”- published by The Royal Collection St James’s Palace

5 http://www.britishcastle.co.uk/

6 http://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki

7.http://dic.academic.ru/dic.nsf/enwiki/2301208


 

Application 1

Sociological research "MYSTICAL ENGLAND: HAUNTED CASTLES?"

1 / Have you heard about Haunted Castles in England?

2 / What Haunted Castles do you know?

Windsor Castle, Berkshire – 11 students (4%)

Leeds Castle, Kent – 7 students (28%)

Castle Blickling Hall Norfolk – 3 students (12%)

The others – 4 (Dunster Castle - 2 students, Tower of London – 2 students) – 16%

 

 

3 / Can you tell me any ghosts of any Haunted Castle?

 

Black Dog of Leeds’ – 5 students of 7 students (71%),

The ghost of the second Tudor King Henry VIII in Windsor Castle - 2 students of 7 students (29%)