I forgot to add this experience to the thread Ghostdancer started on the emotions and reactions people have to a paranormal experience. In fact, I had all but forgotten about it.

Nearly 5 years ago, James and I traveled to the UK and Ireland on our honeymoon. The first day there, we landed in London and our hotel room wasn't ready so we decided to do some sight seeing.

Keep in mind, I was extremely jet lagged, but James was pumped up about seeing the Tower of London. We followed the tour, seeing the crown jewels and all the touristy things. Later in the tour, we were taken to a specific tower where I had a really odd experience.

It wasn't the White Tower, or some of the places you typically hear of being haunted. In fact, it was a little non descript, other than I remember some sixteenth century grafitti, and leaned over to get a closer look. As I did, I had a really odd sensation, almost "prickles" on my skin. I backed away from the cell with the carved inscriptions by some centuries old prisoner and turned toward the spiral staircase. It was a very uncomfortable feeling being near that particular area. I've always had pretty good balance, but making my way down the stairs, I felt several times that I was being "pushed" in a not so playful manner.

I get downstairs and James is just outside, waiting for me. I tell him that I've got to get out of there, that something really weird had just happened to me. We go out into an area near the street and I'm telling him about what happened. Our tour guide approached me and commented that I "looked like I'd seen a ghost." I laughed it off, but didn't tell him what had happened, a little embarrassed that so many people were around. I have a feeling he had guessed a little of what went on by the look he gave me.

James has teased me occasionally that my ghostly friend and I prevented him from seeing the world's greatest collection of armor, just steps away from where we were. I don't know exactly what happened that day, but I felt that something was definitely trying to make contact with me.

Now, fast forward to this Christmas. I'm talking to some elderly relatives whom I haven't seen in several years and the subject turns to ghosts. James mentions that a ghost scared him away from that armor collection and my relative prods me to tell the story, which I do. She, an avid genealogist, sits up with interest and tells me that I am related to Sir Thomas Wyatt, who was executed in the tower and encourages me to look up some information about him.

I just did. The place where I had my odd experience was where he and his followers were held. The 16 century graffitti was inscribed by a man who followed my ancestor to his death.
Creepy, huh!?

Wow Carrie that is creepy. What an incredible experience you had. How amazing that an ancestor of yours was held in the exact spot you felt what you did. I wonder if that pushing feeling was coming from him or the person that followed him to his death? With his being executed I wonder if he opted to stick around for some revenge or to get the record set straight? Do you know why he was executed? It would be very interesting if you had a past life regression done and discovered that you were there at the time Sir Thomas Wyatt was. I wonder if that tour guide had experienced something there in the past also, or if his look was simply because he knew that seeing ghosts was common in these old towers? With noone else feeling what you did it sure does seem that whoever it was, was in fact trying to reach you alone. Spooky stuff Carrie but also very cool. Do you have any pics of the tower and staircase by chance, it's sounds really neat?

I'm finding out a little more, bit by bit. The name Thomas Wyatt rang a bell with me when it was mentioned by my relative, but I couldn't quite place it. There were two Thomas Wyatts, a father and son. Thomas Wyatt the elder was a poet with some royal connections and a thing for Anne Boleyn, who of course, also lost her life at the Tower.
http://www.luminarium.org/renlit/wyattbio.htm[/URL]

Thomas Wyatt the younger, was imprisoned in the tower along with his followers for a rebellion against Queen Mary and her upcoming marriage, fearing that England would once again be controlled by the Catholic church. It was in the area he was kept that I had my experience.

Cat, oddly enough, none of our photos of the Tower turned out!! That was kind of a disappointment for us on the trip.

I'm trying to find a good link that shows that area.

[ February 17, 2005, 05:20 PM: Message edited by: Carrie ]

Carrie, that is amazing!!! What are the chances that you would be in the same exact spot that one of your ancestors had been held. Not only that, but then feeling what you did!

It's really ashame that none of the pictures turned out. Makes you wonder though. Do keep us updated!

Trin =)