This particular ghost story dates back to the early 20th century and was first shared by staff who worked at the castle during that time.

One bitter winter’s night, a long-serving servant was making his usual rounds when he heard an unexpected crash from one of the upper floors. Concerned, he climbed the stairs to investigate. As he reached the landing, he was startled to see a tall figure clothed in flowing white garments rushing out of a bedroom at great speed. The figure appeared to be fleeing—terrified, as if it were being pursued by some unseen force.

Frozen with shock, the servant could only watch as the apparition passed. He later described it as moving unnaturally fast, yet somehow gliding. Overcome with fear, he bolted to his own quarters, locked the door, and refused to emerge until morning.

This was not an isolated incident. Over the years that followed, the same servant claimed to have seen the figure several more times—each time emerging from a different room, always at night, and always in a state of agitation. He became convinced that the ghost was a former member of the Annesley family, perhaps someone with unfinished business or a tragic history tied to the estate.

When he finally worked up the courage to mention the sightings to Lord Annesley himself, the response was less than sympathetic. The nobleman reportedly laughed and told the servant he ought to get to bed earlier, rather than wandering the corridors and frightening himself with shadows.

Still, the servant held firm to his account—and to this day, some believe the castle’s spectral resident has never truly left.