Farleigh Hungerford Castle

Farleigh Hungerford Castle was first built as a fortified mansion in 1370 by Sir Thomas Hungerford. The Hungerford's were a prestigious family with both political and royal connections. However, they were also blighted with drama and strife which has given the Castle a feeling of darkness and despair. Following further enhancements to the castle, Sir Thomas's son, Walter, inherited what had become a mighty stronghold from his father. Walter worked hard to grow his families name and reputation within Royal circles and fought gallantly alongside Henry V at The Battle of Agincourt. The next owner of Farleigh Hungerford Castle was Walter's grandson, Robert. This is where events started to become more unfortunate for the Hungerford family. Robert was captured on the battlefield during the Hundred Years War and imprisoned in France for seven years. His terrible luck did not end there. After returning to England, Robert joined the Lancastrian cause during the War Of The Roses and after defeat, he was captured and executed. The castle was no longer held by the Hungerford family and fell into the hands of Richard III, who held it until his defeat at The Battle of Bosworth in 1485. However, Farleigh Hungerford Castle was returned to the Hungerford family by Henry VII. One of the infamous hauntings of the castle is said to be that of Lady Agnes Hungerford. She was accused of killing her first husband, John Cotell whom she strangled and burnt his body in the kitchen furnace. Remnants of the grisly oven can still be seen on the castle grounds today. Agnes was found guilty of her crime and subsequently hanged in London. It is said that the restless ghost of a grey lady, thought to be Agnes, roams the castle at twilight. Another dark story is that of Agnes's stepson, Walter. His third wife wrote to Thomas Cromwell for help after her husband locked her in one of the castle towers for nearly three years. It's said Walter did this because he had a disagreement with his wife's father. The letter written by Walter's wife was extremely damming for the time, and accused her husband of homosexuality and other lewd acts. The letter was ignored by Cromwell as he and Walter were good friends, until, that is, Cromwell and his friends fell out of royal favour. Walter was arrested for treason and 'unatural acts' and later executed. Farleigh Hungerford Castle certainly has a dark history and if that wasn't enough, in the crypt underneath the family chapel, you can find the final resting place of many of the Hungerfords. Eight gruesome, human shaped lead coffins, complete with death masks are still on display which include four men, two women and two infants. They are a macabre sight which adds to the heavy, oppressive feeling Farleigh Hungerford Castle holds.