THE dead of winter and dim lights cast peculiar, long shadows on stone castle walls steeped in 800 years of mystery and intrigue.

Later this night, a baby's cry could be heard echoing through draughty corridors. There are no infants living at Muncaster only, it is said, the restless spirits of long-dead souls.

A door handle might inexplicably turn, footsteps heard where no human treads, apparitions seen floating through solid walls, flashes of light where darkness reigns.

Muncaster Castle is the only place in the country to have been continuously and scientifically investigated for paranormal activity over ten years.

Present castle incumbent Peter Frost-Pennington is a stoic, sensible Scot, who likes to keep an open mind on spectral matters, but readily admits a recent flurry in phantom phenomena has been pretty good for business.

Since a significant archaeological dig unearthed Roman foundations in the cellar, and decreed Muncaster a Roman site of major importance, spook Tom Fool and his friends have taken it as an invitation to come out and play.

Peter says he has not experienced anything more than tingling hairs on the back of his neck, but many others have reported strange happenings, particularly around the historic tapestry room.

Outside hangs the portrait of Thomas Fool' Skelton, a Muncaster jester who died at the beginning of the 17th century and is behind the phrase tomfoolery.

Claimed to be an acquaintance of Shakespeare, he was anything but funny. Sending hapless travellers on to quicksands, he is said to have chopped off the head of a local carpenter and is thought to be the source of many of the castle's weird happenings.

"He told stories and was the sort of satellite television of the day," explains Peter.

During the summer an archaeologist staying in the castle tower heard wood being chopped in the yard below.

"The only other person around was my mother-in-law, and she would certainly not have been cutting wood at 8pm on a July evening," explained Peter.

"When the archaeologist called out, please stop', axe sounds ceased as they started. He then turned on the light, and the bulb blew. It happened in the living room and in the corridor. He went away and wouldn't come back here for three weeks."

Apparently long dead previous castle owner Sir William Pennington has been seen stalking the corridors, and footsteps are a favourite phantom ploy.

Originally from Millom, Jason Braithwaite, of Birmingham, has been carrying out a study in conjunction with the Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena.

He was unavailable to comment on his research, but his work is continuing.

Peter says the family seem to be immune from hauntings but, as a Scottish off-comer, he is surprised he has not been the victim.

"After all," he joked, "the castle was originally built to keep the likes of me out."

Muncaster Castle is next open to the public during February half term. For details of next season's opening times ring 01229-717614.

January 16, 2003 11:00