The Ghost of Tiverton Castle

Overlooking the banks of the River Exe, cradled in woodland and surrounded by modern houses, Tiverton’s 12th century castle was originally the seat of the Earls of Devon and has a long, fascinating history. It remained in the Courtenay family for several centuries, passed to the Giffard family in 1556, then passed through a number of hands before being inherited by its current owner.

As you might imagine, the castle has a number of ghost stories attached to it, the most famous being a tragic 17th century love story.

At that time, the castle was in the care of Sir Hugh Spencer, whose daughter Alice was a renowned beauty with many admirers. Wanting to ensure he did his fatherly duty, he selected the wealthiest, Sir Charles Trevor, as Alice’s husband. Sir Charles may have been wealthy, but he was known for his unpleasant demeanour and foul temper.

Sir Charles was not the only man to desire Alice. The castle’s manager, Maurice Fortescue, had fallen in love with her but, knowing that Sir Hugh would never deem him worthy, Fortescue had never revealed his feelings. However, Sir Charles began to suspect the good-looking, popular Fortescue, and jealously determined to marry Alice as soon as possible just to spite him.

One day, as Sir Charles approached the castle, he was so pleased with himself and his spiteful plan that he threw his hat into the air, laughing. As he did, Fortescue’s dog ran out of the castle, caught the hat and destroyed it. Furious, Sir Charles drew his sword and despatched the dog.

Fortescue was nearby, and seeing this terrible event, ran to Sir Charles and hit him. Furious and embarrassed, Sir Charles challenged Fortescue to a duel that evening. Fortescue accepted the challenge, aware that Sir Charles was a skilled swordsman whom he could never hope to beat.

Knowing that he was unlikely to survive, Fortescue went to Alice and declared his love for her, explaining his predicament. Alice dissolved into tears, admitting that she returned Fortescue’s love, and that if he died, she would die with him.

The two men met that evening on the banks of the Exe, Alice watching from a distance. Fortescue drew the first wound, but the duel was over quickly. Sir Charles’s blade pierced Fortescue’s neck and he fell to his death, Sir Charles kicking his body into the Exe. With a cry of despair, Alice rushed to the water’s edge and hurled herself into the river after Fortescue.

Since then, whenever the Exe is in flood, Alice and Fortescue have been seen walking arm in arm through the woods on its banks, accompanied by Fortescue’s faithful dog. We can only hope they found their peace together, that they would have been denied in life.