Lore

Trick or Treat: Lavish

October 3, 2025

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  • The special Halloween bonus episode of Lore, "Trick or Treat: Lavish," features a collection of stories about haunted castles sourced from the members-only 'Lore Bites' library. 
  • The episode details the opulent history and subsequent haunting of Cawood Castle in England, focusing on the murder of Mary Barwick. 
  • Two other haunted castles discussed are Castle Leslie in Ireland, known for the playful ghost of Lady Constance and the presence of Norman Leslie, and Chillingham Castle in Britain, famous for the discovery of multiple skeletons, including the 'Radiant Boy'. 

Segments

Introduction to Trick-or-Treat Episodes
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(00:01:19)
  • Key Takeaway: Lore is releasing special themed episodes for October called ‘Trick-or-Treat,’ featuring stories from members-only ’lore Bites.’
  • Summary: The host announces the special weekly bonus episodes for October, called ‘Trick-or-Treat,’ which compile themed stories from the ’lore Bites’ library, kicking off with haunted castles.
The Lavish History of Cawood
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(00:03:04)
  • Key Takeaway: Cawood Castle was an opulent residence for archbishops, famous for extravagant feasts and political intrigue involving Cardinal Woolsey.
  • Summary: The story of Cawood Castle begins, detailing its lavishness, including a massive feast hosted by George Neville. It also mentions the arrest of Cardinal Thomas Woolsey there in 1530.
Murder at Cawood Castle
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(00:04:45)
  • Key Takeaway: A local legend details how William Barwick murdered his pregnant wife, Mary, and how her ghost appeared to reveal the crime.
  • Summary: Following the castle’s abandonment after the Civil War, the tale of William Barwick drowning his wife Mary is told. Her ghost appears to Thomas Lofthouse, leading to the discovery of the body and William’s execution.
Castle Leslie’s Beautiful Hauntings
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(00:08:05)
  • Key Takeaway: Castle Leslie, a luxurious manor owned by the Leslie family, is haunted by Lady Constance and her son Norman, both seen after their deaths.
  • Summary: The host contrasts the typical haunted castle image with Castle Leslie. Stories focus on Constance Leslie appearing the day she died and Norman Leslie appearing before his death in WWI.
Isabella de’ Medici’s Tragic End
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(00:12:43)
  • Key Takeaway: Isabella de’ Medici, a powerful Florentine noblewoman, was likely murdered by her husband and brother, and her ghost haunts the villa where she died.
  • Summary: The story of Isabella de’ Medici details her privileged but politically precarious life. She was found dead in her bathtub in 1576, likely strangled, and her ghost is seen in the ‘Room of the Noose.’
Chillingham Castle’s Violent Past
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(00:20:48)
  • Key Takeaway: Chillingham Castle, built on a strategic border location, has a history steeped in violence, including the discovery of multiple skeletons within its walls.
  • Summary: Chillingham Castle’s history as a monastery and fortress on the Scottish border is detailed, noting the burning of women and children in 1297.
The Radiant Boy of Chillingham
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(00:23:25)
  • Key Takeaway: The castle’s most famous ghost is the Radiant Boy, whose spirit manifested as blue light after his skeleton was found walled up in the pink room.
  • Summary: Lady Leonora Tankerville’s accounts are discussed, focusing on the Radiant Boy. His skeleton was found behind the wall, and blue flashes of light are still reported in the room.
Lady Mary Berkeley’s Search
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(00:25:20)
  • Key Takeaway: Lady Mary Berkeley haunts the Great Hall, searching for her husband who scandalously left her for her own sister.
  • Summary: The story of Lady Mary Berkeley is shared, confirming the historical scandal where her husband left her for her sister, and noting her ghost is seen floating in the Great Hall.