Tales to Tell

Many generations of families have lived in these houses. If the walls could talk what stories would they tell? ...Tales of ghosts, knights, Royalty and lucky mementoes.

A Knights Tale

Is Hutton-in-the-Forest the legendary Green Knight's castle in the Arthurian tale of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight"? The tale goes that Sir Gawain 'rode into a deep forest that was "wonderfully wild" and after encountering the Green Knight rode with him to his 'castle of Hutton'.

Ghosts and Ghouls

Go ghost hunting at Muncaster Castle - reputedly one of the most haunted buildings in the UK. Tales are told of sightings of the White Lady, a woman dressed in black and Tom Fool (the father of Tom Foolery), who once lived in the castle. See the enamelled glass vase given by a king which contains the "luck of Muncaster".

Search out the spectral black dog who reportedly inhabits the stairs at Leven's Hall or learn about the Gypsy curse which meant no son would inherit the hall until a white stag was born on the estate. Find out how the secret recipe for Moroccan Ale came to the family.

Inspirational Characters

Contemplate the spot which inspired Wordsworth so. Rydal Mount was Wordsworth's best loved family home and was where he published the final version of his most famous poem 'Daffodils'.

See the portrait of Isaac Gulliver; the 4 x Great Grandfather of the present owner of Mirehouse and "The king of the Smugglers" . Learn about his antics and how he faked his own death.