Back in the 12th century, historian William of Newburgh recorded a chilling tale that became one of England’s most infamous vampire legends. He wrote about a former master of Alnwick Castle who, even in death, refused to rest. Instead, he was said to rise from his tomb at night, roaming the streets and spreading fear and disease among the townspeople.
As panic took hold, the locals decided to act. Suspecting something supernatural, they dug up his grave and were horrified by what they found—his body was unnaturally bloated, and when they struck it with a spade, fresh blood poured out. To medieval minds, this was undeniable proof of vampirism. Determined to put an end to the terror, they removed his body from Alnwick, carried it beyond the town’s borders, and burned it to ashes.
This eerie story is one of England’s earliest recorded vampire legends, blending history and folklore in a way that still fascinates and unsettles people today.
