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Haunting

Catherine Howard's Ghost

Henry VIII's fifth wife was dragged screaming to her execution. She tried to reach the King to plead for her life but was caught in what is now the Haunted Gallery. Her screams still echo there.

1542 - Present
Hampton Court Palace, England
500+ witnesses

Catherine Howard’s screams still haunt Hampton Court.

The History

According to historical records:

Catherine Howard:

  • Fifth wife of Henry VIII
  • Married 1540
  • Accused of adultery
  • Tried to reach King
  • Executed 1542

The Night

On the night before arrest:

  • Catherine escaped guards
  • Ran toward the chapel
  • Where Henry was praying
  • Guards caught her
  • In what’s now Haunted Gallery

The Dragging

She was:

  • Pulled back screaming
  • Begging for mercy
  • Desperate to reach Henry
  • He never acknowledged her
  • She was taken away

The Haunting

In the Haunted Gallery:

  • Her screams are heard
  • Running footsteps
  • Desperate pleading
  • Figure in white
  • Terror persists

Famous Incidents

Notable events:

  • Guards fainting
  • Visitors overwhelmed
  • Screaming heard clearly
  • Figure seen running
  • Consistent reports

Investigation

The gallery has been:

  • Investigated extensively
  • Temperature drops recorded
  • EVP attempts made
  • Atmosphere palpable
  • Considered very active

Visitor Experiences

People report:

  • Overwhelming sadness
  • Feeling of terror
  • Hearing screams
  • Seeing movement
  • Physical reactions

Sources