This haunting tale features in our Rochester history. Explore the city with the Rochester Quiz Trail and discover more stories hiding around its castle, cathedral and ancient streets. www.quiztrail.co.uk/products/rochester-quiz-trail
According to a long-told local legend, Rochester Castle has a ghost with a particularly unforgettable feature: an arrow still lodged in her chest.
The story is set in 1264, when Rochester Castle came under attack during the conflict involving Simon de Montfort. Lady Blanche de Warenne was said to be inside the castle with Ralph de Capo, the man she was to marry.
Among the attacking forces was Gilbert de Clare - a man who, according to the tale, had previously pursued Blanche and been rejected.
During the fighting, Gilbert is said to have approached Blanche again. Ralph saw the pair and fired an arrow towards Gilbert. The arrow supposedly struck Gilbert's armour, ricocheted away... and hit Blanche in the heart.
She died, the legend says, and her ghost has been associated with Rochester Castle ever since.
History or haunting folklore? Either way, it's exactly the sort of story that makes Rochester such a fascinating place to explore.
Discover Rochester for yourself with the Rochester Quiz Trail: Quiz Trail Community Interest Company - Making History An Adventure ... www.quiztrail.co.uk/products/rochester-quiz-trail
