My Great Grandmother Haunts Our Castle in England

My grandmother Esther was known for her tall tales. Whether she was talking about the sprites (or leprechauns) in Ireland or her belief in the spirits that are around us all the time, she always had a story to tell.

But I never thought she believed in ghosts. And I certainly did not believe we had a family castle. Much less a castle that inhabits at least four phantom residents. This story is about my great-grandmother 7x who haunts the castle.

Here is the story, as it was told to me 40 years ago:

Margaret was known as the smart one. Of average height and pretty in a common way with her dark hair, she was her father’s favorite and after her mother died, the bossy one of the castle. Her sister Eleanor was 2 years younger, with a sweet disposition and tender heart. She had long blonde hair and bright blue eyes that sparkled with intelligence.

When anyone compared the two sisters, Margaret was always referred to as the one who was plain-faced. She pretended she did not hear the comments but they dug at her heart. She wanted to be the prettiest, smartest and the one in charge. For her younger sister to steal any of that attention bothered her to no end.