Loveland Castle and Mideviel Spectres
Posted: 11.23.2024 | Updated: 11.23.2024
If there ever were a place medieval ghosts were expected to haunt, this would be it. The Loveland Castle was designed to mimic that of a 10th-century French castle. It features tapered windows, fashioned to hinder oncoming arrows, as well as narrow and winding stairwells authentically designed to defend oncoming attacks.
Brick by brick and stone by stone, one man built this monument to knighthood and honor, forged out of admiration for the knights of yore and their valiant principles. Also known as Château Laroche, this medieval marvel sits secluded from the neighboring residences skirting it. Encircled by trees near the Little Miami River, one might feel like they’ve slipped into another time — or continent — upon seeing the grand structure.
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Who Haunts Loveland Castle?
When Harry Andrews was alive, he told many visitors that the castle was haunted. Whether he meant this in jest or seriousness is hard to discern, as he told guests all castles ought to have a ghost. His ashes were scattered amongst the property after his death, and many now believe Sir Harry Andrews had taken up the ghostly mantle, haunting his grand castle himself in addition to whatever ghosts had previously walked its stony halls.
Harry completed nearly all construction on the castle himself, working part-time while younger and full-time once he retired. He poured his soul and being into this structure over a half-century. That he still haunts the place today as one of the castle’s resident specters is of no surprise at all.
Honorable Origins: The Knights of the Golden Trail
Harry Andrews held many jobs, including school teacher, editor, and building inspector, yet what he may be most famous for is designing the Loveland Castle. The monumental Loveland Castle was constructed as a tribute to the knightly men of the past—men who were symbolic of valor and honor, upholding virtue in dark times.
The origins of the impressive fortress began with a small band of boys with a love for camping. The roughly dozen boys overseen by Harry met routinely for Sunday School and Boy Scout-like activities.
During this time, the local newspaper held a promotion to widen its subscription base. If anyone bought a 6-month subscription and paid in full, they would, in turn, receive a plot of land along the Little Miami River in Loveland.
The parents of one of Harry’s circle took the newspaper up on the offer and sold the lots to Harry and his little troop. They visited these spots so often they began to leave their equipment at the campsites. Unfortunately, their supplies were frequently damaged, became worn down, or went missing over time.
By 1928, the group had grown to over 100 members. Still, these knights lamented they’d never be real knights until they had a castle. It is said that Harry replied that if they would help him gather the stones from the nearby river, then he would build them one.
On June 5th, 1929, Harry began constructing his lifelong project, building the castle with his own two hands until his death 50 years later. Harry finally passed away in 1981 — not of old age, though. While attempting to extinguish a trash fire he had started on the castle grounds in March, he became extremely burned. A few days later, he died from his injuries.
Château Laroche Ghosts: Vikings, Moonshiners, and More
There are at least three entities linked to the Loveland Castle. One is that of a Viking figure thought to be attached to an object on display. This figure is seen in the northern portion of the castle addition. Clad in a long and dark coat, he’s been sighted wearing a spiked helmet with a stout sword.
Harry collected various artifacts for his castle, which he had brought from Europe. Among them were English, French, and Viking objects, including an authentic suit of armor. Perhaps this ghostly warrior is a former bearer of one such weapon?
There’s also a feminine entity appearing transparent and whitish, garbed in a flowing gown. This woman has been observed walking up the road into the garden area before vanishing.
This mysterious woman is thought to be the wife of a moonshiner who lived not too far from the castle. As the story goes, a man and his wife had constructed a cabin adjoining a cave down the river from Harry’s castle. Harry heard an explosion one day and, descending to the cave, discovered the wife had been killed. A whiskey barrel had landed on her during the moonshine explosion.
The final entity is a man, presumed by many to be Harry himself. This dark shadow has been glimpsed traversing the spiral stairway to Harry’s room. Other sightings have involved a lamp swaying in time to the live music at one of the castle’s parties. The light appeared to stop as soon as the music did as if swaying only in response to the melodic sound.
In another incident, two Knights of the Golden Trail heard a slamming bathroom door in the ballroom. After investigating, they found the septic tank about to overflow. The near-nightmare was averted thanks to Harry’s phantom.
Harry Andrews: WWI Medic, Castle Builder, and Resident Ghost
Harry Andrews held many accolades. He was a WWI veteran, Boy Scout troop leader, public notary, and designer of the Loveland Castle. Supposedly, Harry objected strongly to modern warfare in which those killed at a distance. Instead, he revered medieval hand-to-hand combat like swordplay. As a result, he enlisted as a medic in WWI.
In 1918, he contracted spinal meningitis and was declared dead. His doctors, however, were quite mistaken. As told by Fred Russell of the Knights of the Golden Trail, during his incredibly ill state, Harry was left paralyzed, blind, and speechless. His apparently lifeless body was sent to the morgue, where doctors began to perform an autopsy.
Harry began to bleed, undoubtedly terrifying the doctors performing the autopsy. They administered adrenaline, and his heart began to beat again. Doctors thought he might live a few more days, yet he made a full recovery, going on to live another 6 decades.
Harry had seemingly defied death. Unfortunately, word was not received before his fiance married another man. All because it took six months for him to be declared alive again. Harry, upon discovering this news, decided to linger in Europe, visiting castles and saturating himself in their majesty.
Eventually, Harry did return to the States, bringing his love of castles with him. Harry continued to build his own castle for over fifty years, using stones from the Little Miami River and cement bricks he handcrafted from milk cartons. Harry would go on to build his fortress until his death at 91. Even then, he still had plans to add to the castle, as if never wishing to finish his labor of love.
No wonder his spirit lingers here still.
Haunted Cincinnati
When Harry died, he left his beloved castle to the Knights of the Golden Trail. Today, Château Laroche remains the headquarters of the Knights of the Golden Trail; they still maintain the castle to this day.
The Loveland Castle is massive. It features a dry moat, dungeon, game room, chapel, gift shop, French ballroom, armory, watchtower, and outdoor stable. Given its size, there are many places for ghosts and ghouls to hide. Today, you can rent spaces in the castle for several activities, including Boy Scout sleepovers, small weddings, and paranormal investigations. Locals are also welcome to attend wine tastings or bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds.
Come and visit — as long as you’re respectful of his life’s work, Harry will likely welcome your presence. Wondering what else Cincy has to offer in the realm of the otherworldly? Head over to our blog to familiarize yourself with all the spooky things this city has to offer. Ready to embark on a walking tour of haunted Cincinnati? Book a tour with Cincinnati Ghosts!
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Sources:
https://www.columbusnavigator.com/chateau-laroche-loveland-castle/
https://hauntedhouses.com/ohio/loveland-castle/
https://www.consistentlycurious.com/downtown-loveland-castle/
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