Haunted Portsmouth

It's that time of year once more - where the shops are full of pumpkins for carving, you're never far from a knock at the door for trick-or-treat, and everyone leans into all things spooky.

Of course, being a city so very rich in history, Portsmouth is sure to have some skeletons in the closet…

Most haunted

Did you know the supposedly most haunted building in Portsmouth is also the city's oldest? Wymering Manor was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, though it could actually date back significantly further still, with parts of the building still containing Roman and medieval materials.

All this heritage means plenty of people have been through the doors of Wymering Manor throughout the centuries - and some say many remain there today. It's been said the manor is haunted by Sir Roderick of Portchester, who was murdered outside it in the Middle Ages. Others have reported seeing - or indeed hearing - a choir of nuns. In total, more than 20 ghosts are said to haunt the building, or at least have done in the past.

  

A drumming noise

Overlooking the city of Portsmouth is the historic Fort Widley - once an important fortification to defend the city against invasion, it's now a popular equestrian centre. However, it seems some of the previous tenants haven't quite got the hint and have out-stayed their welcome.

The story goes that a whistling sergeant-major still stalks the fort, who may also be responsible for the sound of footsteps frequently reported. Though that could also be down to the giant 7-foot sprit thought to also be walking around.

The spookiest story of all, though, involves a real life little drummer boy who was thought to have fallen to his death down a flight of stairs many decades ago, after being chased by an officer. Some say they can still hear the beat of his drum…

  

Beneficial to proceed with caution

The old beneficial school in Portsea is today the location of the Groundlings Theatre - where perhaps the scariest thing you're likely to see is the pantomime dame! However, some say the old school still has pupils stalking the building even today.

It's said there are up to nine active ghosts roaming around the theatre, with most of them children. There's "little George" who has been spotted on the staircase, and Emily in the classroom. Meanwhile, other visitors have reported that oft-unsettling noise of children's laughter coming from the top of the building...

If you love nothing more than all things spooky, why not book yourself onto a themed tour in Portsmouth? There are regular ghost walks taking place all year round, as well as the venue and theatre tours where you can learn not just about the spooky past, but also the fascinating heritage of these historic buildings.