In the outskirts of Bath city, overseeing the beauty of Somerset county stands a neo-classical structure, Beckford’s Tower. Built in 1827 by William Beckford, a locally renowned personality, the tower has been the center of a chilling tale passed down from generation to generation.
The tale encompasses ghostly apparitions of Roman soldiers from the ancient Roman era who’ve been witnessed near and in Beckford’s Tower. On many occasions, specters of Roman soldiers reportedly appear from nowhere, marching mysteriously around the vicinity. These ghostly figures are often seen in the lower half as if walking on a road that no longer exists, pointing towards the possibility of an ancient Roman road. Visitors have also reported strange, chill whispers in Latin, the language spoken by the soldiers.
The story has its roots from the time when Romans had their footprint in the city, around 60 AD, known for its ancient Roman Baths. It is speculated that the apparitions are those of soldiers of the Roman Second Augustan Legion who had their station in the city for several centuries. The soldiers, in their armor and characteristic Roman attire, seem to be eternally marching for a battle. The apparitions have been taken as an echo from the past, a slip between the intertwined threads of time, giving us an uncanny glimpse into the Roman era.
The Beckford’s Tower with its collection of antiques and its historic medication burial ground presents an enigmatic atmosphere. It continues to be a point of interest and fascination, not just for its architectural grandeur, but also for the eerie folklore associated with it.
Even today, the tale of the ghostly Roman soldiers of Beckford’s Tower intrigues both locals and visitors, thus ensuring that the story, like the soldiers themselves, continues to live on.