ALNWICK VAMPIRE

 "The Vampire of Alnwick Castle, Northumberland UK Northumberland is a place that is renowned for its rich medieval heritage.

It's array of impressive castles have withstood the test of time.

Among these historic gems, is Alnwick Castle, with a legacy spanning over 900 years.

Alnwick was the esteemed seat of the original "Kings in the North" - the legendary Percy family.

It still remains in the same family today, being inhabited by the Duke of Northumberland.

While the castle is known in a more modern context for starring in movies like Harry Potter, this medieval stronghold also harbours a more unexpected and ghostly connection.

It is whispered in local folklore that Alnwick Castle is the very birthplace of its own chilling legend - the Alnwick Vampire.....

The tale of the Alnwick Vampire has been alive since the 12th century, and plays a part in the castle’s history.

Written by medieval chronicler William de Newburgh, the legend begins with a man who served the lord of Alnwick Castle, who suspected his wife was committing adultery.

On the journey to uncover the truth, he conspired to catch her in the act, by climbing the heights of their dwelling.

Tragically, he met his end by falling from the rooftop, his neck snapping upon impact.

However, despite the man being laid to rest after a traditional Christian burial, he could not rest in peace.

His presence lingered around Alnwick, creating a sense of unease and fear among the locals.

Unexplained illness began to spread through the village.

Livestock mysteriously perished - the townsfolk couldn't help but point the finger of suspicion at the dead man.

One fateful Palm Sunday, two young men from the town armed themselves with pitchforks, and embarked on a mission to unveil the hideout of the dead man.

Upon finding the corpse, they discovered that the burial shroud had been torn to shreds, and the body of the man was bloated, engorged, and putrid.

When the corpse was pierced with a spade, fresh blood flowed from the openings.

It was a grisly spectacle that seemed to offer proof that the dead man had indeed been nourishing itself with the blood of the living.

They took the body to the outskirts of the town, where it was burned.

It was only then that the curse that had fallen on the town was lifted, bringing an abrupt end to the devastating plague and the terror of the townsfolk.

To this very day, the haunting figure is referred to as the Alnwick Vampire.

Remarkably, William de Newburgh's account of this eerie tale, is the first recorded use of the word 'bloodsucker' in England."