Ghost Hunter

Sci Fi Channel shows our own Ghost Hunter

.

Bill the founder of Locations Spain has worked on films, T.V. shows and a lot of photographic advertising campaigns, usually on the production side of the camera. Having studied History at College when he was able to put his Historical knowledge to the test for an American T.V show he could not resist.

Here is his account when he was the Historian and host for Ghost Hunters International T.V. Show at The Castle Coracera in the town of San Martin de Valdeiglesias near Madrid.

I received a call from the show’s producer asking if I could help with a castle which had reported paranormal activity. My answer. “Yes, of course”…… Well! Wouldn’t you??

The castle was one I know very well as I have organised many photo shoots for Nissan and Toyota in this area near Guadix. Some readers may know this building, it is the castle at Calahora near Guadix in Southern Spain. A magnificent example of a fortification with 4 turrets and high walls. Not a fairy tale castle at all. But inside is a different story. It has a magnificent staircase, Italian style murals and tiles which decorate the walls and floors. Not a hardened fortress at all.

There is a tale that dates back to the 17th Century about a servant girl being killed there. Now, people say the voice of a woman screaming can be heard as the sound of keys rattle as she is dying while trying to escape. From what, one can only imagine. Well upon further enquiries the owners who lives in Seville absolutely refused entry.

Their reason I never understood. So I called back. No! was the answer. Following a brief search Castle Coracera in San Martin de Valdeinglesias and town near Madrid, came up. The last private owner who kept tigers and was into The Occult was found shot in the castle. Suicide or Murder?? The case was never solved. No problem with permissions, but the woman who had been the owners lover refused to appear for fear of retribution, so I was asked to step in. Despite the interesting story of recent years I love history and wanted to know why a castle had been built in San Martin and when.

There is no exact date available but it must be approximately 1445 when it was ordered by Alvaro de Luna as it was finished by 1450. Alvaro de Luna due to his successes in battle against the Moores for the Catholic church and King, was one of the richest and most powerful nobles. He was a power threat to many and his enemies managed to have him dishonoured and his head was cut off in 1453

Rather than a Castle this was more of a fortified hunting lodge which was often used as a prison and therefore a place of torture. Added to the last owner’s story this Castle had all the right ingredients for Ghost Hunters. You can find the story on the Ghost Hunters International on the Sci Fi site.

Google ghost hunters international and look under Spanish Scares. For Castle lovers it is now open to the public.