Knights of Belcourt Castle in Newport, Rhode Island

In 1891, Oliver Belmont hired three hundred craftsmen to build what would later become known as Belcourt Castle.  For the time being, it was Oliver's summer home. It took three years to build and when finished, the castle had over sixty rooms.  Oliver was a collector of Medieval artifacts including suits of armor.  However, over the years on some occasions those suits of armor seem to take on a life of their own.  They appear to be haunted!

Belmont Castle in Newport, Rhode Island is said to have a high rate paranormal activity

Three years after Belmont Castle was built, Oliver married Alva Vanderbilt. After Oliver died in 1908, she played a huge part in the Women's Suffrage Movement and is well remembered for her generosity.  She retired to France and died there in 1933.  Belmont Castle remained in the hands of their son's until it was sold to the Tinney family in 1940.

Over the years there have been many reports of the suits of armor moving about on their own.  Sometimes drastically.  While the armor would be on display in one place, the next day it would be found in another.  Some claim to have heard moaning sounds coming from the suits of armor.  In another part of the castle, there is a statue of a monk that supposedly moves on it's own as well.

Many say that these suits of armor take on a life of their own at Belmont Castle in Newport, Rhode Island

Another mysterious happening in the castle seems to be centered around what are called the Salt Chairs. Named such because in medieval times salt as stored within the seats and given to visiting nobles as it was a valuable token to be given at the time. It seems that these "salt" chairs do not want to be sat upon.  Individuals attempting to do so seem to meet some sort of resistance.  People have actually been thrown from the chairs attempting to sit in them.

The exquisite interior of Belmont Castle in Newport, Rhode Island is a playground for spirits who haunt the castle

Within Belmont Castle there is also a mirror that is said to be haunted as well.  You cannot see your reflection in it!  When visitors look into it, only vague shapes can be seen moving back and forth as if they were ghosts.



Perhaps these strange events that take place in Belmont Castle are really the spirits of Oliver and Alva Belmont.  It could be that they do not want to leave their summer home and this is how they remain a part of it forever.

Belmont Castle is still owned by members of the Tinney family.  It was converted into a museum and is open for regular tours as well as ghost tours.  The castle is located at 657 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island. The phone number is 401-846-0669.  More information as well as tour schedules and hours of operation can be found on the Belcourt Castle web site http://www.belcourtcastle.com.

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