What an evening to be remembered! Beneath the shrouded mists of time in the historic town of Launceston, a night of Folklore and paranormal is celebrated through poetic verse, music, expert speakers, and ghostly walks. Around the Southwest of England and especially Cornwall, the land is steeped in Cornish mythology, with stories of the fay and ghostly legends. The poet Charles Causley, who was raised and lived most of his life in Launceston, grew up surrounded by these wonderful tales and folklore traditions that have been passed amongst each generation.

The celebration of Cornish heritage is brought to life by these long-ago rituals and mystical stories. Through the prism of poetry, it is clear to see why Causley’s work was so inspired by these experiences and ancestral storytelling. In celebration of Causley’s love of the magical from his native Cornwall, the Trust hosted an evening dedicated to these passions. The Causley Halloween event brought together creative and informative insights on the paranormal and the fascinating world of folklore traditions that inspired many of Causley’s passionate works. Captivated by the hauntingly beautiful voice of Jim Causley, along with interesting Folklore expert Mark Norman and the fascinating owner of The Museum of Witchcraft and magic and Dockacre house, Simon Costin. All of which, delighted the audience with their individual creativity, history, and  insight of owning an incredible collection of occult art and living in one of Britain’s most haunted buildings.  

As the light of day begins to fade, the aroma of yesteryear surrounds the historic sites and buildings of the once medieval Launceston. The guides of the Jamaican Inns paranormal investigations team lead the way.  Pausing in the marketplace, as tales of old resurface. Karin Beasant transports us back to November 1577 when a gruesome ending for one Cuthbert Mayne occurred. The first Douai-trained priest to be martyred under the reign of Elizabeth I. It was in this now picturesque square that Mayne was hung drawn and quartered, across from where the White Hart Hotel (pictured left) still stands today.

This prominent 12 century grade II listed building that is still vibrant, has also housed many of its own chilling tales, from ghostly women and children to strange creatures heard in the night. The entrance is thought to be from the old chapel of the castle from 1767, and bullet marks are still noticeable from the time of black segregation. Guests have included Thomas Hardy and his wife Emma, and more notoriously the Queen of Portugal, who stayed there after refusing to stay at the castle, due to its state of disrepair. 

As the cool night air surrounds the sound of footsteps, we head towards Southgate Arch. Along the way, fascination appears as questions echo within Ching’s alley of connections to the Jamaican Inn. Known locally as the dark house, the 13th century Southgate Arch was once a dismal prison, and now is the only gate in the town walls out of three to remain. Silently walking down Angel’s hill, the familiar words of Charles Causley seem to whisper on the soft breeze. 

The Elizabethan Dockacre House awaits at the foot of the hill. It is here that strange events occurred after the mysterious death of Elizabeth Hearle, who is buried across the road in St Magdalene’s church. Her husband and once mayor of Launceston, Nicholas Hearle, was rumoured to have accidentally shot poor Elizabeth and both haunt the building today. Stories of walking sticks and apparitions of Nicholas playing a flute is common. Eerily, the tune is recognised as an Elizabethan madrigal with its words strangely fitting. 

Winding up through the church yard, the light beyond the teeth of night, brings a moment of pause by ancient tombs. As tales of bodysnatching leaves tingles to the spine. Passing the magnificent architecture of Eagle House, a little gem is nestled further down, within the Georgian buildings on Castle street. The modest Lawrence House, dating back to 1753 is home to the town’s museum and many mysteries. The street once described by John Betjeman as ‘having the most perfect collection of 18th century townhouses in Cornwall’ is most apparent. 

The night is full of intrigue and excitement as the walk lingers on thoughts of historic tale. Life can sometimes allow us to forget how much heritage surrounds us, and Launceston is a prime example of this, as the feeling of the old world celebrates beneath the stars, whilst the Town hall seems to appear from the shadows in an essence of grandeur. The Grade II listed gothic style building, dating back to 1881 draws the crowd inside as the words to Millers End are recited, beneath stained-glass windows and wooden beams, surrounded by portraits of the halls past.

So many of Charles Causley’s poems were inspired by Cornish folklore and as the music begins, the West country voice of Jim Causley makes them even more poignant as he sings, On All Souls Day. 

Words and photography by Caroline Hancock