INSOLE COURT

Built in 1856 by the ambitious James Harvey Insole, Insole Court began as a modest family home. As his wealth grew, so did his home—expanding into the grand gothic revival style we see today. He had a clear vision for his family’s future, drawing inspiration from Cardiff Castle’s William Burges. It was a house of dreams, but dreams come at a price.

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James passed the mantle to his son George Frederick, who doubled the size of the mansion in the early 20th century. The Insoles were at their peak, but the rise of the family mirrored the rise and fall of Cardiff’s coal industry. As the family’s fortunes waned after World War I, so did the grandeur of Insole Court. By 1932, Cardiff Corporation had acquired the estate, and the surrounding land was sold off for housing. Despite this, Insole Court was not forgotten—it lived on as a local landmark and a hub for the community. But as with any long-standing place, its history leaves more than just brick and mortar behind.

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During WWII, Insole Court became an ARP HQ and a base for the Royal Observer Corps. After the war, it housed everything from traffic police to public libraries. Yet, with every new chapter, the spirits of the past seem to have never left. And when the sun sets, the mansion becomes more than just a building—it transforms into a stage for the restless souls of the Insole family and their servants, still playing out their stories in the rooms they once inhabited.

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They say a house has memories, but Insole Court’s memories have a more... tangible presence. If the walls could talk, they’d probably scream—because Insole Court is no stranger to paranormal activity. Over the years, both visitors and staff have encountered strange phenomena that cannot be explained away by mere logic or the occasional creaky floorboard.