Six of the spookiest Colchester locations across the city

Colchester has a rich history and there are many locations which have a spooky past.

A study by Park Holidays gave Essex a 7.2 out of 10 rating on the spooky scale.

So here are some of the options which will fascinate fans of paranormal activity.

Colchester Castle

Colchester Castle (Image: Credited) Colchester Castle has a deep history, being built back in 1069 by William the Conqueror.

The building is said to now be haunted by Quaker James Parnell, who was arrested in 1656 and imprisoned in the castle, following an incident near Coggeshall Church.

After being imprisoned in the castle, he was badly treated and made to climb a rope to receive food.

On one occasion he fell and badly injured himself and then his health began to deteriorate.

He eventually died and now visitors to the castle say that his ghost walks the castle moaning in pain.

Fox and Fiddler

The Fox and Fiddler (Image: Credited) The Fox and Fiddler is thought to be a haunted pub and one of the most haunted places across the city.

The Fox & Fiddler is said to be haunted by a young chambermaid who goes by the name of Sarah.

Local legend says witchfinder general Matthew Hopkins, was the one who was responsible for Sarah’s death sometime in the 1600s.

Those who have actually seen Sarah’s ghost say that she is a short woman with blonde hair who wears a lace cap and a maid’s uniform.

Hollytrees Museum

Hollytrees Museum (Image: Credited) The Hollytrees Museum and close by East Lodge, are both thought to be haunted by the same female ghost.

The woman, who is believed to be the spirit of Miss Ann Lisle has her portrait hanging up in the museum.

Visitors have said that when they look at the portrait, they can feel a presence lingering behind them.

Old Siege House

The Old Siege House (Image: Credited) The Old Siege House is thought to have one room which is seen an incredibly haunted.

The room is said to be so scary that no member of staff will enter the room on their own.

The hauntings are supposedly linked to soldiers from the English Civil War.

In the 1990s there was a report of a ghostly cavalier walking down East Street and vanishing into thin air outside of The Old Siege House. 

St Botolph's Priory

St Botolph's Priory (Image: Credited) The ghost which haunts the ruins of the Grade I listed building, St Botolph's Priory is thought to be one of the most notorious.

There have been a handful of encounters which have left people startled, including an incident in 1993.

A young girl was playing with her friends and suddenly spotted a dark figure watching on.

The figure is said to have smiled and then vanished into thin air and this one is not the only report of a similar instance.

The Red Lion Hotel

Red Lion Hotel (Image: Credited) The Red Lion Hotel seems to be the top dog when it comes to haunted locations in Colchester.

The paranormal activity of the hotel is said to date back to 1465.

The building is one of the oldest in Colchester and is said to have three ghosts living there.

One of the ghosts is said to have been a monk who is believed to have perished in a fire at the hotel several hundred years ago.

He tends to show in the early hours and operates in reception and the corridors.

It is thought that on the night of the fire, he was trying to save some children that were in his care.

All information came from Haunted Rooms, for more information visit, https://tinyurl.com/Haunted-rooms

For more information about Park Holidays, visit https://tinyurl.com/Parkholidaysspooky