Yes, it's based on real events. There were actual incidents related to poisoning in Salisbury that gained significant attention and were reported by the media.
It's not based on a true story. It's more of a fictional narrative crafted to entertain and engage the audience with an interesting plot and characters.
The lady in white story could have originated from a real - life love tragedy that happened in one of the grand houses in Salisbury. Over time, as people told and retold the story, it became more and more supernatural. And for the headless horseman, it might be linked to the area's military past. Battles and skirmishes took place around Salisbury, and the story of the headless horseman could be a way of remembering those violent times in a spooky way.
The Countess in American Horror Story is a character with a rich backstory. She is known for her vampiric nature in some of the storylines. Her actions and relationships with other characters drive many of the plot's twists and turns. For example, her relationships with other supernatural beings and humans add layers of drama and horror to the narrative. She is a central figure in creating the show's unique atmosphere that combines horror, glamour, and the supernatural.
Typically, they often feature a countess as a central character. These novels usually revolve around the romantic relationships of the countess, with elements like courtship, love triangles, and sometimes arranged marriages.