Tales of spirits and ghosts returning from the dead to haunt places and people they have left behind have long featured in Halloween folklore and cultures across the globe.

Here in Salisbury it is said that the most haunted building is ‘The Wardrobe’ which is in Salisbury Cathedral Close and dates back to 1254 – it is now the home of the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regimental Museum.

Indeed, museum staff and visitors have reported a number of strange events which is not surprising when you look at the history of the building. Charles II stayed in Salisbury in 1665 to escape the plague and the ghost of one of his servants has been seen sitting and moving around the establishment.

The building was renovated in 1830, following which its first occupier was Dr John Grove. The Doctor’s daughter Henrietta married a local Justice of the Peace named James Hussey. The house then remained in the family until James and Henrietta’s daughter Margaret - who was born in the house – died there aged 90 in 1941. Margaret’s ghost has been seen in the museum.

Following Margaret’s death, the building was used for the remainder of World War Two as a hostel for the Auxiliary Territorial Service. It was then rented as accommodation by the Diocesan Training College for Schoolmistresses (which was based at The King’s House). In 1951 some of the trainee teachers saw the ghost of a lady in green standing at the foot of their beds and then disappearing through a wall. The next night the women placed their beds together – but still saw the ghost – although she never appeared again…..

To hear many other strange occurrences that have happened in Salisbury, join the Timezone Walking Tour – ‘Halloween Ghost Encounters’ on Thursday, October 31, Friday, November 1 and Saturday 2. Details on Facebook - Timezone Tours@salisburyhistorytours