Gloucester
Hammond Castle
Hammond Castle is
majestic Medieval-type structure built on the rocky shores of
Gloucester, completed in 1929. It was the home and workplace of a
wealthy, eccentric genius named John Hammond, who was one of the great
inventors of our time. During his lifetime, Hammond traveled
widely, outfitting his castle with incredible centuries-old furnishings
and relics. Being a consummate inventor, he also integrated
somewhat bizarre features into the structure, such as indoor fog and
rain devices and secret passageways, not to mention a magnificent pipe
organ of his own design. He called the house his "Abbey by the Sea" and
often entertained many of the notables of his day there. At night,
he would sit in a monk's robe reading philosophy by candlelight,
behaving as if he were in a monastery. Hammond died in 1965
and is buried with his pet cat near the castle.. Unfortunately, at his behest, the entire burial
area is covered with poison ivy, so "no one can bother me."
No wonder then, that this
strange place has a history of odd sights, sounds, and energies.
Stories of spirit entities here mainly revolve around sightings of
Hammond, his wife, and his black cat, though the staff there have
confided to a select few that there are more entities here than just
those three, including one groundskeeper who died there tragically, and
still others who are unidentifiable.
Today, Hammond Castle is a
museum, and walking tours are available. The castle and grounds can be
rented for special occasions, and group tours can also be arranged.
If anyone has been to this remarkable place and taken any pictures, we
would love to see them. Please post to the message board below if
you have further information, pictures, EVP's or stories to share about
this marvelous and mysterious place.
Hammond Castle is located
at 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930. Call ahead for hours
and availability for tours. 978-283-7673.
Below is some additional information
about Hammond Castle sent by email by Justin - thanks!
Pretty interesting stuff
considering I am a lifelong resident of Gloucester
and very well steeped in local history. I have heard some of the "ghost
cat" stories from former tour guides - apparently Mr. Hammond had
several
cats over the years (you can still see the scratches they made to his
red-leather dining room chairs - and it's not certain if there are more
than
one "ghost cat". I have never heard of any other apparitions.
As far as his tomb, yes it is covered in poison ivy, but it is still
accessible through an overgrown path. However it does not look like an
Aztec pyramid, more like a typical mausoleum with a large age-green
copper
door (that has been replaced over the years due to vandalism - there
were
rumors about just what he was buried with) I have been to the tomb
numerous
times growing up and the best view is from the water at high tide.
I keep my ears open for any other information on the place, but I have
not
heard of any ghost sightings since I was a kid.
Message
Board
