HAUNTED LOCATIONS
Swansea
Swansea, a vibrant city in South Wales, is home to several haunted locations, steeped in rich history and eerie legends.
Among the most famous is the Swansea Castle, where ghostly apparitions and strange noises are said to haunt the ruins.
Another notable site is the Dylan Thomas Centre, believed to be haunted by the poet himself, with reports of flickering lights and unexplained sounds. The old Swansea Market, dating back to the 19th century, is also rumored to be haunted by the spirits of past workers and visitors, with tales of cold spots and ghostly figures. These haunted locations contribute to Swansea's reputation as a city where the past and the supernatural are forever intertwined.
Margam Castle
This impressive gothic style mansion is situated near Port Talbot in South Wales.
It was originally designed and built for Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot in the 1830’s-1840’s. Interestingly, there has also been evidence found within the 850-acre country estate of inhabitants dating back to around 4,000 years, including the Bronze Age, Iron Age, Celts and the Romans.
When the castle was built, the Talbot family remained in the castle until 1942. After this, the castle was taken over by Sir David Evans-Bevans. Unfortunately, the Grade I listed building began to decline into a state of disrepair and was eventually taken over by the Port Talbot County Council in 1974. In 1977, the grand mansion suffered a devastating fire that damaged the structural integrity and interior of the building. Since the fire, the council are still carrying out work to restore Margam to its former glory.
There have been numerous accounts of visitors to the castle hearing and seeing children, and former staff, but one former resident is often talked about - Robert Scott.
Scott was the head game keeper of the estate, whom was brutally murdered by a poacher with multiple blows of a shotgun in 1898. For those who have experienced Scott, he is often described as angry. Some visitors have reported slamming of doors and items being thrown in rage.
It is worth noting that the grand staircase is reported as a hotspot for activity.
This location is magnificent, the history alone should make you want to visit… alongside the remaining residents!
Craig-y-Nos Castle
The former owner, opera diva Adelina Patti, was embalmed in the castle’s cellar.
Built in approx. 1841 on what is now the A4067 between Pen-y-Cae and Glyntawe, Craig-y-Nos Castle has a rich history including being used as a T.B hospital in the early 1900s.
The children's ward was situated at the end of a long dark corridor is complete with original light fittings, and the treatment room which was once home to tuberculosis patients.
It was during this time that it experienced a lot of tragedy and deaths due to the disease.
Craig-y-Nos was also owned and used as a home and private theatre, by world famous opera singer Adelina Patti who was actually embalmed in the castle’s basement. John Mellon, a former employee of Adelina Patti is rumoured to have suffered an untimely death in a room on the building's top floor.
Footsteps are often heard on the staircase on the second floor, with reports of doors being swung open by the resident poltergeist, mops have moved, and spirits sighted passing through bedroom walls.
Craig-y-Nos Castle currently operates as a hotel offering 36 stunning rooms and a bar to settle your nerves before bed.
Oystermouth Castle
Built by William de Longres around 1106, Oystermouth Castle is a Norman stone castle overlooking Swansea Bay.
Oyster castle has changed hands many times by force, put to the torch in 1116, rebuilt and left in ruins again in 1137 until it was retaken by the princess of Deheubarth.
In 1220 the Welsh were expelled from the peninsula and the government of Henry III of England returned the barony of Gower to John de Braose who rebuilt both Swansea and Oystermouth castles.
In 2009 the National Assembly for Wales announced it was investing £19 million in the country's heritage sites. Oystermouth Castle closed in 2010 while it underwent a £1 m refurbishment as part of this investment into heritage sites reopening in July 2011.
Oystermouth Castle, harbours a dark and bloody past seeing its fair share of battles, executions and slaughters over its many years.
There is no wonder why there has been so many ghostly sightings over the years including the apparition of a lady in white, however her identity continues to remain a mystery whilst there has been much speculation. There is also the legend of the ‘Wishing post’ where it is said that an imprisoned monk stated that should anyone pray for him by this pillar their wish will be granted. This poor monk was imprisoned in the dungeons by the Norman Overlord Earl Neville and subjected to various cruelties. It is said that the Earls unhappy wife pleaded for release from her evil husband and the following day Earl Neville passed away.
The Old Rectory
The Old Rectory, located in Rhossili on the Gower Peninsula, was built in 1850 at the foot of dramatic cliffs overlooking the sea.
Over the years, it has served as a home for several rectors of the local church. During World War II, it was repurposed as a base for radar workers. Today, it is a charming property, known for its picturesque setting and proximity to the stunning Rhossili Bay.
Despite its serene location, the Old Rectory has a history of paranormal occurrences that have drawn the attention of ghost hunters and supernatural enthusiasts. It was also featured in the hit TV series Torchwood, adding to its allure.
The Old Rectory is infamous for its haunted reputation.
Many visitors report cold spots and hear disembodied voices, particularly at night. One of the most well-known apparitions is that of an Edwardian couple seen walking up the staircase.
This couple, believed to be former residents, often appears as shadowy figures, and their presence is unsettling. Additionally, the ghost of Reverend John Ponsonby Lucas, a former rector, has been sighted riding his horse along the beach, as though continuing his earthly duties long after death.
Swansea Museum
Museums offer us an insight into the past, displaying exhibits locally and across the globe. Whilst Swansea’s oldest museum is no different, it also offers visitors at night a different experience. Visitors to the museum have experienced being pushed, as well as ominous dark shadows reported.
Could this be to do with spiritual attachments to the items on display or the rich history surrounding this stunning building. Exhibits currently include an Egyptian Mummy (Hor) who has been resident here since 1888 or could it be the previous crew of the lightship Helwick. Whilst this could be confused with the film a night at the museum its is said that this museum really does come alive at night making it a curious place to investigate for paranormal enthusiasts.