A Paranormal Example; Haunting of Hadrian's Wall: A Ghostly Sentinel.
- Dr Iain M Lightfoot
- May 9, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 4
In the vast digital landscape of social media, it's not uncommon to stumble upon stories that catch our eye and pique our curiosity. Recently, I discovered a fascinating post that I believe will intrigue many of you. This post delves into the haunting allure of one of Britain's most ancient and mysterious sites—Milecastle 42, part of the iconic Hadrian's Wall.
Renowned not just for its historical significance but also for its paranormal encounters, this site has captured the imaginations of visitors and ghost enthusiasts alike. The story of Milecastle 42 is steeped in legend and spectral sightings, featuring the ghostly figure of a Roman sentry who seems bound to his old watch post by the tragedy of betrayal and lost love. As someone who has always been captivated by the blend of history and mystery, I found this account particularly compelling. It's a reminder of how the past continues to echo, sometimes quite literally, into the present.
I invite you to join me as we explore the eerie history of Milecastle 42, uncovering the tales of spectral soldiers and ancient secrets that linger in the shadows of Hadrian's Wall. Let's delve into a narrative that bridges the gap between history and myth, right here on my blog.
The Haunting of Hadrian's Wall
Hadrian's Wall, constructed in AD 122, stretches from Segedunum at Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria, traversing the breadth of England. Along this historic barrier, every mile housed a milecastle—a small fortification where soldiers stationed to protect the Roman Empire lived. Over the years, numerous reports of paranormal occurrences have emerged from these sites. Milecastle 42, also known as Cawfields Milecastle, is particularly notorious for its ghostly sightings. Visitors to the ruins often report encountering a spectral figure—a man dressed in Roman armour—appearing during the daylight, hovering about 16 feet off the ground, which aligns with the original height of the wall.
This frequent apparition is believed to be Lucius, a former sentry of Milecastle 42. According to local lore, Lucius fell in love with a local Briton girl who used their relationship to gather intelligence for her brother, a smuggler operating across Hadrian's Wall. When her brother was eventually caught and exposed Lucius as his informant, Lucius, betrayed and despondent, took his own life. His spirit is said to linger, eternally haunting the site of his despair.
Those interested in the haunted history of Milecastle 42 and other military ghosts of Britain can explore further in titles such as "They Still Serve: A Complete Guide to the Military Ghosts of Britain" by Richard McKenzie, "Ghost Trails of Northumbria" by Clive Kristen, and "Haunted Northumberland" by Darren W. Ritson.
The fort itself, built by the Second Augustan Legion, is located on a steep, south-facing slope just south of Cawfield Crags, within a well-preserved section of Hadrian's Wall. NOTE. (4.8.2025) I was contacted by the lovely Fil Reid, my apologies to both you and your husband for getting the approval incorrect, from someone suggesting they had the copyright. Here, reproduced is the description from Fil herself:
"My husband and I went on holiday a couple of years ago to Hadrian's Wall (late September). Our son and his partner came with us (and their dogs and our dog). One day our son and his partner decided to walk from Milecastle 42 to Housesteads along the wall (I don't like heights so I didn't go) so we dropped them off and looked after their two dogs (one too old to walk and one too young).
My husband is one of those fanatics about taking photos who won't take one if there's a stranger in it. He always waits. He took a few photos at Milecastle 42 as we did the first very short bit with them and the dogs before they walked off towards Housesteads (East).
We didn't think anything of it until several weeks later he was going through his hundreds of photos and came upon one taken at Milecastle 42. On the brow of the hill was a figure where there shouldn't have been one (due to his fanaticism). And anyway, it had been a windy squally day with tiny bits of rain and no one else was up there but us.
He got me to come and look and blew it up as much as he could. It looked just like a Roman soldier. So I googled ghosts on Hadrian's Wall. This is what I found if you follow this link -
And below is our photo. You can see he's wearing red and I think it looks like a cloak. Before anyone suggests it was a fellow walker, I can categorically say it wasn't. We were alone up there."
Writing and Photograph reproduced with permission of the correct copyright owners:
Patrick Reid (Photograph) and Fil Reid (Interview) 04.08.2025
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