According to the tales, there is a White Lady who haunts the dungeons of Berry Pomeroy castle and floats towards the castle ramparts from St Margaret’s tower

Berry Pomeroy castle near Totnes in Devon is the home to several female ghosts and a couple of brothers. According to the tales, there is a White Lady who haunts the dungeons of Berry Pomeroy castle and floats towards the castle ramparts from St Margaret’s tower. The last reported sighting being in 1987. The White Lady is reputedly the sister of Eleanor Pomeroy, Margaret, who was imprisoned by her sister in the dungeons of the castle. Her beauty and love towards a man her sister liked, being the only crime. Eleanor became very jealous of both and Margaret was starved to death, an agonisingly painful and slow way to die.

The other female ghost of the Berry Pomeroy castle is that of the Blue Lady who was raped by her father, a Norman Lord of the castle. He then strangled his grandchildren in one of the upper rooms. Another account of this tragic event, is that it was she who strangled her own children and now roams the castle in despair. Whatever the truth behind this grisly scene, the Blue Lady has become a sign of impending death towards a member of the Seymour family. In the 19th century (Dr)Sir Walter Farquar, whilst attending to a sick wife of one of the stewards, is said to have seen her ghostly figure. Soon after she passed away when seemingly making progress towards a full recovery.

The two brothers, both Pomeroys, were inside the castle when it was being besieged. To save the castle from defeat, are said to have donned their armour, mounted their horses and together rode to their deaths.

Both men and beasts leapt from the castle ramparts to the precipice below. The area then became known as Pomeroy’s leap. This tale of bravery may have happened but no written records can be found to substantiate the event.

Tourist Information

Months Open: Apr-30 Sep, daily, 1000-1800 1-31 Oct, daily, 1000-1700. Closed 1 Nov-31 Mar. Groups/Parties Welcome: Yes - Please pre-book Discount for Groups: Yes Admission Price: Adults: £2.80 Children: £1.40 £2.10 Catering: Café