HAUNTED LOCATIONS
Wales
Wales, a land of rugged beauty and ancient history, holds a wealth of ghostly tales and eerie legends that have been passed down through generations. From the shadowed halls of medieval castles to the misty mountains where spirits are said to roam, Wales is a haven for those drawn to the paranormal.
Llanthony Secunda Manor
Llanthony Secunda Manor, located near Abergavenny, is a medieval manor house with a complex history.
Initially built as a religious foundation, the manor later became a home for wealthy families during the Middle Ages. It played a significant role in Welsh history, particularly during the English conquest of Wales.
Over the centuries, the manor fell into neglect and was eventually abandoned.
The manor has undergone multiple restorations and today stands as a reminder of the changing times in Wales.
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Despite its more recent revival, the manor still holds an air of mystery, as its history is fraught with violence and upheaval.
Llanthony Secunda Manor is reputedly haunted by several spirits, including the ghost of a murdered monk from the time of the English conquest.
Visitors have reported hearing ghostly chanting and footsteps echoing through the empty halls. Some claim to have seen a monk-like figure dressed in black robes, wandering the grounds as though forever tied to the manor’s past.
Caldicot Castle
Caldicot Castle, located in Monmouthshire, Wales, was originally built in the 11th century after the Norman conquest. Over the years, the castle underwent several modifications, with the current structure mainly dating back to the 14th century.
It was primarily a defensive fortress with strategic importance during various local conflicts. The castle had several owners throughout its history and was used for various purposes, including as a residence for the de Clare family, one of the most prominent Welsh noble families.
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In the 18th century, the castle became neglected and was gradually abandoned. In the 19th century, efforts were made to restore it, and today it is open to the public. Its beautiful grounds and picturesque design contrast sharply with the violent history it experienced during its military use.
Caldicot Castle is said to be haunted by a number of spirits, particularly that of a lord who met a tragic end within its walls.
Visitors have reported hearing the sounds of chains dragging across the stone floors and an inexplicable chill in the air. In addition, the ghostly figure of a woman in a long gown is often seen standing by the windows, staring out into the distance, as if waiting for someone who will never return.
Beaumaris Gaol
Beaumaris Gaol, located on the Isle of Anglesey, was built in the 19th century and operated as a prison until 1914. The gaol was designed to house prisoners under harsh and often overcrowded conditions, with many of its inmates suffering from poor health and the inhumane treatment common in prisons of the time.
The gaol was also the site of several executions, adding to its grim reputation.
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After its closure, the gaol became a museum, offering a glimpse into the harsh reality of life behind bars in Victorian Wales. Today, it remains a preserved piece of history, with many of its original features intact.
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The ghostly inhabitants of Beaumaris Gaol seem to have never left. Visitors report hearing the cries and footsteps of prisoners who once roamed its halls.
The most famous ghost is said to be a former inmate who was executed within the gaol’s walls. People claim to see a shadowy figure pacing the prison yard or standing in the cell doors at night.
Others have felt cold spots and experienced sudden drops in temperature in the solitary confinement cells.
Powis Castle
Powis Castle, located in Welshpool, Powys, is a stunning example of a medieval fortress that has been expanded and transformed over the centuries.
Originally built in the 13th century by the Welsh prince Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn, it was later acquired by the Herbert family, who transformed it into a stately home with beautiful gardens. The castle played a prominent role in the conflicts between the Welsh and the English during the medieval period.
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The Herbert family, who held the castle for generations, were instrumental in shaping the surrounding landscape, creating the world-famous gardens that still exist today. Powis Castle remained in the family’s hands until the 20th century, when it became a public attraction.
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Powis Castle is known for its eerie atmosphere. One of the most prominent hauntings is that of a lady in a flowing gown, believed to be the ghost of a former member of the Herbert family who died mysteriously.
Visitors have reported hearing unexplained voices in the castle’s rooms and seeing figures that seem to vanish as quickly as they appear. Many have also experienced a strange feeling of being watched, particularly in the castle’s oldest sections.
Llandaff Cathedral
Llandaff Cathedral, located in the heart of Cardiff, has a history dating back to the 12th century. It was originally built as a place of worship for Christian pilgrims traveling through Wales.
Over the centuries, the cathedral has undergone multiple renovations, including significant repairs after the destruction caused during the English Civil War.
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The cathedral is an architectural marvel, with intricate stonework and stained glass windows. It has served as a symbol of faith and endurance for the people of Cardiff, with its legacy of religious importance continuing today.
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Llandaff Cathedral is renowned for its ghostly activity.
The most commonly reported haunting is that of a monk who was allegedly murdered in the cathedral. His ghost is said to roam the cathedral, particularly around the altar and in the crypt.
Visitors have also reported feeling an eerie chill and hearing disembodied whispers echoing through the empty spaces. Some believe the cathedral is a hotspot for spiritual activity, due to its long history of worship and conflict.
Denbigh Castle
Denbigh Castle is a 13th-century fortress located in Denbighshire.
Built by Henry III as part of his campaign to control North Wales, the castle has a bloody history, with many Welsh rebels imprisoned and executed here.
It was a key strategic stronghold during the medieval period, and its thick walls and imposing towers were designed to withstand siege and attack.
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The castle’s role in the English conquest of Wales made it a symbol of oppression, and its continued use in later centuries saw further bloodshed. Today, Denbigh Castle stands as a ruin, with its great walls offering a glimpse into the past.
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Denbigh Castle is believed to be haunted by several spirits.
The most famous haunting is that of a noblewoman who was executed on the orders of her husband.
Visitors often report hearing the sounds of chains and footsteps echoing through the castle’s empty halls, and many claim to feel an overwhelming presence, particularly in the castle’s towers and lower levels.
Whittington Castle
Whittington Castle is a medieval site located near Oswestry in North Wales.
The original structure was built as a fortification during the 12th century, playing a strategic role in the defense against Welsh uprisings and later in the English Civil War. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous modifications and repairs, serving various roles as a home, military outpost, and later, a tourist attraction.
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The castle fell into ruin over time but has been partially restored in recent years, allowing visitors to explore its ancient walls. Despite its age, the site still carries a sense of ancient history and remains a symbol of Welsh resilience.
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Whittington Castle is known for its haunting presence.
The most famous ghost is that of a former soldier, believed to have died in battle. His spirit is said to haunt the castle’s grounds, and visitors often hear the sounds of clanking armor or see shadowy figures moving within the castle walls.
Some claim to feel an eerie chill and experience a sense of unease when near the castle’s gates.
Sker House, Bridgend
Sker House, located near Bridgend, is a 16th-century mansion with a history steeped in tragedy.
Originally a family home, it became infamous for the supposed haunting of a woman who tragically died within its walls. Over the centuries, the house has passed through various owners and been subject to several renovations.
Sker House has a reputation for being one of the most haunted locations in South Wales.
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The house's dramatic history and unsettling past have given it an air of mystery, and despite being a private residence, it attracts ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts.
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The ghost of the woman who died at Sker House is one of its most notorious hauntings. Her spirit is said to wander the halls, and visitors often report hearing unexplained noises or seeing her shadow in the windows.
Some have also reported feelings of nausea or unease when entering certain rooms.
Margam Castle, Port Talbot
Margam Castle is a 19th-century Gothic mansion located in Port Talbot.
Built as a grand family home for the Talbot family, the castle became a symbol of wealth and power during the Industrial Revolution. Over the years, however, the castle fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned.
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Despite its beautiful exterior, Margam Castle has a history marked by tragedy, with several members of the Talbot family dying under mysterious or untimely circumstances. Today, the castle is a popular tourist attraction, known for its stunning architecture and expansive grounds.
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Margam Castle is known for its eerie atmosphere, particularly in the evenings.
Visitors have reported seeing a woman in Victorian dress, believed to be the ghost of a former resident who died in mysterious circumstances. Cold spots, strange noises, and shadowy figures are often reported, particularly in the castle's old corridors.
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