James Parnell the Quaker Martyr died in Colchester Castle on 10 April 1656.  The conditions of his cell, the cruelty of his jailer Nicholas Roberts and injuries from a fall from a rope all contributed to his death.  His ghost is said to haunt his old cell.  There is a tale that concerns a man who stayed in the cell over night for a wager but encountered James Parnell and fled t

James Parnell the Quaker Martyr died in Colchester Castle on 10 April 1656.  The conditions of his cell, the cruelty of his jailer Nicholas Roberts and injuries from a fall from a rope all contributed to his death.  His ghost is said to haunt his old cell.  There is a tale that concerns a man who stayed in the cell over night for a wager but encountered James Parnell and fled the dungeon terrified.