Haunted Isles -in the company of spirits

On the 11th October 1641 Mary Whiddon was shot dead, by a jealous suitor, following her wedding at St Michael's Church, Chagford.   Her memorial reads:   Here lieth Mary the daughter of Oliver Whyddon Esquire who died the 11th day of October Anodm 1641 Reader wouldst know who here is laid Behold a Matron yet a maid A modest look a pious heart A mary for the better part But drie thine eyes why wilt thou weep Such damsels doe not die but sleepe It has since become a modern day custom for brides to place a bouquet of flowers on the memorial to bring their marriage luck and happiness. The shooting is believed to have inspired part of Richard Doddridge Blackmore's 1869 book Lorna Doone.  Mary's ghost is said to haunt both the Three Crowns located opposite St Michael's church in Changford High Street, where she is seen to gaze at newly wed brides, and Whiddon Park House. The Reader's Digest "Folklore, Myths and Legends of Great Britain" sites ...

Catherine of Aragon was buried on 29th January 1536 at Peterborough Cathedral Her body was interred with all pomp and ceremony due, not to the Queen of England, wife of Henry VIII, but, to that of Dowager Princess of Wales, the title she had refused to accept during her lifetime along with Henry's annulment of their marriage. Today Catherine's name and title, "Katharine Queen of England", are displayed in gold lettering on an iron grill beside her tomb in Peterborough Cathedral along with a wooden plaque reading, "A queen cherished by the English people for her loyalty, piety, courage and compassion." Catherine of Aragon does not haunt Peterborough Cathedral but Peterborough is a short distance from both Buckden and Kimbolton both of which she is said to haunt and the grave will be of interest to those in search of Catherine. If you're able to visit around the anniversary of her burial, 29th January, there's a Katherine of Aragon Festiva...