Did an arrow through the heart create Rochester Castle's Ghost?

Quiz Trails uncovers the remarkable history, characters and legends hiding in towns and cities across Britain. At Rochester Castle, one centuries-old tale tells of a young woman, two admirers — and a terrible accident.

Her name was Lady Blanche de Warenne.

This is one of Rochester Castle's saddest ghost stories.

According to the legend, Back in 1264... Lady Blanche de Warenne was inside Rochester Castle preparing to marry the man she loved – the nobleman Ralph de Capo.

Outside Rochester Castle a battle was raging. One of the attackers was Gilbert de Clare, who had previously pursued Lady Blanche and been rejected by her.

Why does Lady Blanche supposedly haunt Rochester Castle?

Can women ever have too many admirers? It seems... they can.

This beautiful lady lost her life in a tragic accident – taken by the man who loved her and was about to marry her.

Gilbert simply wouldn't accept being rejected.

He made his way inside the castle and found Lady Blanche... hoping she'd finally change her mind.

She didn't.

Moments later... her fiancé, Ralph, saw them together from the battlements.

He thought Gilbert was attacking her! He fired an arrow!

It bounced off Gilbert’s armour. It struck Lady Blanche. Straight through the heart."

She passed instantly.

Even today people say her spirit walks Rochester Castle... with the arrow in her chest."

Would YOU spend a night there?

According to Rochester's ghostly folklore, Lady Blanche never entirely left the castle.

Discover this story in our Rochester Quiz Trail & Town Souvenir.

About Quiz Trails

Quiz Trails are self-guided walking adventures that bring the true history, colourful characters and local legends of towns and cities across Britain to life. Follow the clues, explore the streets and discover the stories hiding in plain sight.

Explore with Rochester Quiz Trail and discover more remarkable stories from this historic Kent city. https://www.quiztrail.co.uk/pr...

⭐ A CUSTOMER OF QUIZ TRAILS TOLD THEM

Nigel said … “We had a great time and found history and parts of Rochester that we didn't know beforehand.”

Enjoyed this? There are loads more amazing history stories where this came from … Visit www.QuizTrail.co.uk