Ulster Scot whose wealth came from a deal with the Devil will be focus of programme

Ulster Scots ghost stories continue to be under the spotlight in the second episode of the new series Afeared on BBC 2 Northern Ireland this Sunday (February 7).
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And this time it will be a case of ‘Afeared of the Devil’ as the programme will look at one of the most notorious scary stories of the dark arts, with a visit to Galgorm Castle in Ballymena.

The 17th Century owner of Galgorm, Dr Alexander Colville, was incredibly wealthy for a clergyman, and legend has it that he obtained his riches by selling his soul to the Devil.

Colville was so wily that the story goes he even outwitted the Devil, when it was time to fulfil his part of the bargain by giving up his soul.

Presenters David Hume and Darren Gibson explore the upper floors Galgorm Castle.Presenters David Hume and Darren Gibson explore the upper floors Galgorm Castle.
Presenters David Hume and Darren Gibson explore the upper floors Galgorm Castle.

There are still sightings of what some believe to be Colville’s ghost at the 17th Century house, which dominates the local landscape and is still home to descendants today.

Local historian Dr David Hume and co-presenter Darren Gibson try to unravel the story of Colville and why he became such a hate figure for the Ulster Scots who lived around Ballymena.

Their research will reveal potentially definitive evidence from Scotland on the legend, the witness evidence of a servant girl charged with witchcraft who cites Dr Colville as her teacher.

The final episode in the Afeared series will travel to the east Antrim coast, where the legendary ghostly ladies at Ballygally Castle and Redhall House will take centre stage.

Galgorm Castle, said to be haunted by Dr Alexander Colville.Galgorm Castle, said to be haunted by Dr Alexander Colville.
Galgorm Castle, said to be haunted by Dr Alexander Colville.

Afeared will be broadcast at 10pm on Sunday evening on BBC2 Northern Ireland and is also available on BBC iPlayer.

The Larne Times reported last week that Ballygally Castle, Redhall House at Ballycarry and Galgorm Castle at Ballymena will be featured in the new series, entitled ‘Afeared’, which started on BBC 2 Northern Ireland on January 31 at 10pm.

For more on the series, read here

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