
We have 5 pages of north east ghosts with many from Sunderland
Wearside Online normally concentrates on the local area around the River Wear, of course. However, many people like a good story if it involves ghosts. So, some of the stories here come from around the north of England. But, around 50% are from the area around the City of Sunderland. Of course, if you know of any other ghost stories or mysteries, drop us a line.
This section on mysteries, hauntings and ghosts is quite large, so there are many pages. Therefore, to see all of them, remember to click all the pages below.
North East Ghosts
Archie Armstrong’s Ghost, Haughton Castle

Thomas Swinburne panicked and quickly left the meeting to gallop his horse all the way home back to Northumberland. Unfortunately he was far to late to save Archie Armstrong. There on the cell floor lay the horrifying sight of Archie’s dead body. In desperation for food, Archie had gnawed the flesh from his own arm.
It was not until many years later that the ghost of Archie Armstrong was exorcised from the castle. This was by a local vicar and a black lettered bible. When the bible went to London for binding, the ghost of Archie Armstrong returned to Haughton Castle. But, when the bible came back to Northumberland, the ghost rarely made an appearance.
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Bamburgh Castle Ghost

The explanation people usually give is that a local girl called Jane, who came from a poor family, had to go there to beg for food. There, she was subject to taunts by the guards who refused her wishes. Weak with hunger on her way down the steps, she collapsed and fell to her death, along with the baby she was carrying. The ghost has the name of Green Jane due to the striking colour of her cloak.
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Beamish Ghosts
Indeed, here we have a little information about two ghosts from the Beamish area.
Firstly, people say that the ghost of the ‘Grey Lady’ haunts Beamish Hall. She also appears near Beamish Burn from time to time. This was after she suffocated in a trunk she was hiding to avoid an arranged marriage. The family involved are also related to the world famous Bobby Shafto.
Secondly, people say that the ghost of ‘Wandering Willie’ haunts The Sun Inn at Beamish. He allegedly hung himself after a broken love affair. When the pub was dismantled and taken from Bishop Auckland to be rebuilt at Beamish museum, Willie moved with the pub.
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Bellister Castle’s Grey Man

The minstrel, well aware of the Lord’s hostile attitude, thought it would be better if he left the castle. So instead of going to the prepared room, the minstrel slipped outside where he felt more safe. This was to be a terrible mistake by the minstrel. This was because the Lord of Bellister thought he would act on his suspicions.
The Lord called for his servants to bring the hounds immediately and they went in pursuit of the minstrel. The minstrel, hearing the hounds, realised he was in great danger and fled for his life. However, the dogs and servants were faster. They caught the minstrel by the banks of the river.
When the Lord and servants caught up with the hounds it was too late, the hounds had ripped the minstrel to pieces. People say that Lord of Bellister spent the rest of his life with visions of the minstrel pointing an accusing finger at him. The locals still insist that at night they hear the baying of the hounds and the terrified shrieks of the Old Man of Bellister.
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Berwick Vampire
This story has its very own page now – click here. Although this story is all about a ‘vampire’ we are sure there are many ghosts in the Berwick area. If so, tell us!
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Carlisle Castle Ghost
The title of this section is North East Ghosts, however, Carlisle is in the north west of England. Therefore, this is the exception that proves the rule!
Carlisle Castle, built in the 11th century, was also the jail for Mary, Queen of Scots. It holds a mysterious ghost that once appeared to a soldier in 1842. When he lunged at the figure with his bayonet, the figure disappeared. The soldier died several hours later of shock after telling his comrades what had taken place.
Obviously, Carlisle Castle has a great history. So, if you know of other ghosts from the area, contact us and we may update this article.
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Cauld Lad Of Hylton
Without doubt, of all Sunderland’s ghosts, the Cauld Lad of Hylton is the most famous of all. He is possibly the most famous of all the north east Ghosts which we are highlighting. Indeed, he was a rather mischievous chap who often did things out of boredom.
Since we already have a full story about one of the most famous of all ghosts, we will not duplicate the content here. So, for more information about this cheeky chappie, click here.
The plot of the Bedlington story is quite a widespread one: it seems to be based on a 1680s broadside ballad, usually called ‘The Suffolk Miracle’ as most versions set it there, or ‘The Holland Handkerchief’.
Re: Knarsdale:
Is it known which of Knarsdale’s owners is associated with the story?