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Clifford's Tower is one of York's most
famous landmarks. The distinctive castle has a gruesome history
to match; a Jewish massacre in 1190 secured the site status as the
city's bloodiest location.
So when I had chance to take part in an overnight ghost hunt, I
jumped at it. On the night in question, the rain and wind duly arrived
as the Yorkshire Psychic Investigators and I set up camp in Clifford's
Tower.
» Ghost hunt photo gallery
We split into two groups, each with a psychic whose ability to
communicate with spirits would shape the evening ahead. After some
bizarre health and safety guidelines, we started to explore the
castle.
As night fell the castle developed a delicious eeriness. I'm not
a sceptic, but have never experienced any paranormal activity -
I was ready and willing to see my first ghost.
With digital cameras flashing, thermometers at the ready, camcorders
running and even walkie talkies on stand-by, we were all set. The
Investigators were taking notes for their final report and even
had a 'spookometer' or Electro-Magnetic Frequency reader, on the
go.
The others started to 'feel' things. A red setter was spotted by
the entrance, a spaniel half way up the fortress walls. One investigator
described a painful sensation as she re-lived a woman's death. A
psychic sensed a young boy's spirit, who had gone up a chimney,
been forgotten and perished...
I was ready, I was waiting - bring it on ghosts! Come on Caspar!
We entered the castle's chapel, laid a trigger object and set up
camcorders. It was time to hold a seance. In a seated circle, we
joined hands (with particular attention to the way each palm faced).
Spirits were invited to enter the circle, and after a long uneasy
silence, one investigator said he felt the presence of a man standing
behind him.
By this point I was beginning to feel a bit left out. Other people
had experienced all sorts including assault, being held down, extreme
sadness, death, terror and even some dog spotting. But the only
tingle I'd felt was my leg going dead after being sat cross-legged
for so long. Was I missing something?
More feeling, more emotion, more angst as the investigators and
psychics communicated with various spirits, but still zilch for
me.
The doubts started to creep in. Were they all being serious? Ridiculous,
random thoughts started to creep into my head, the inexplicable
desire to say Boris Yeltsin and talk about dog walking. Surely this
wouldn't go down well during this particular angst-ridden spirit's
interrogation?
With a heavily bitten lip, I was determined not to ruin the atmosphere.
By 0530am, a ghost had been rescued, and its captor ghost placated
- all in a night's ghost hunting I suppose. Yet I'd felt absolutely
nothing except incredulity at the increasingly bizarre actions of
those around me.
Had I been trying too hard? Maybe I just don't have that sixth
sense? Perhaps I was expecting too much? Despite passionately wanting
to believe, maybe I am intrinsically a sceptic?
I'm desperate to believe all of the reasons listed above because
I'd hate to think that the tears, strange postures, emotional distress
and visions were all a play act put on by a group of grown-ups who
really ought to know better.
Nick
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Terri
I would Love to be able to go on one of these ghost hunts i have always wanted to.
rob hill
dont believe a word of it
Frances
Ah! Ripley Castle! I too have seen something there!
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