MUST READ: The 5 most haunted spots in Newcastle

With spectral dogs, a serial killer’s ghostly victims searching for justice, and a deceased army troop marching for all eternity, why turn to horror movies when the town of Newcastle can offer a chillingly  terrifying Halloween this Saturday?

1. Fort Amiel

Built in 1876 by English troops, Fort Amiel has survived both Anglo-Boer Wars and the Anglo-Zulu War, so it is only logical the fort would be a haven for the deceased.

According to legend, an English troop can be seen and heard marching towards Fort Amiel from the Battle of Majuba. With the war having ended more than a century ago, the platoon is destined to march for all eternity.

Allegedly, there is also an English magistrate haunting the fort. It is believed he was forced to hand the key of the town to the Boers after the second Anglo-Boer War. It has been said he is still looking for his key.

Fort Amiel is also home to an Irish Cook who was murdered by his fellow troops. It is believed he is still chasing people away from his beloved kitchen.

People have also claimed to have seen a black dog haunting Fort Amiel. The dog apparently belonged to an English captain during the first Anglo-Boer War. Legend has it the dog perished before his owner returned and still haunts the grounds, waiting in anticipation for his owner.

2. Carnegie Art Gallery

Erected in 1915 as one of Newcastle’s first libraries, not many people know that where Carnegie Art Gallery now stands was once a dark place of pain.

Louis Eksteen, Curator of Fort Amiel Musuem, said it was once a police station and jail. It was also a gallows and according to Mr Eksteen, there is one record of a man being hung. His spirit is said to linger on the premises. It is uncertain whether he seeks revenge or remains out of guilt because of his crime.

3. Newcastle Library

Newcastle Library is home to what has been named the Friendly Book Ghost.

According to legend, the spectre lingers in the magazine section only, and has apparently greeted both librarians and patrons with a friendly hello.

Mr Eksteen said when Newcastle was originally formed, the spot where the library stands was the town’s market place. The ghost is believed to have been from that era, possibly looking for clientele to sell his ghostly wares to.

4. N11 – ‘Panty Valley’

During the 1960s, a serial killer allegedly haunted the streets of Newcastle. Mr Eksteen claimed the fiend had killed several young women, leaving their undergarments on nearby trees as a ‘trophy’, signifying his dastardly deeds. It is believed the victims haunt an establishment on the N11 and are responsible for eerie occurrences.

 

5. N11 – The ghostly motorist

The N11 is known for the several collisions which have occurred on it’s tarmac. However, few people are aware of the two ghosts who haunt the roads on certain nights.

Allegedly, during the 1970’s a man was test driving a car he wanted to purchase from a car dealership.

It is believed the man attempted to do a U-turn, when a truck collided with the vehicle, killing the motorist and the car dealership agent. Story has it the two men can be seen standing alongside the road on certain nights, possibly looking for the help that never came…