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| As with Legends which abound in Wales, so its the same with ghosts.There are so many to choose from its hard to know which to include, and which to leave out, so I will try and keep to those again familiar to myself. I couldnt start this page without telling one of the most well known haunted tales, one which is known to every ghost lover in North Wales, Plas Mawr. |
| The Haunting of Plas Mawr Plas Mawr stands in the high street in the centre of Conwy, Gwynedd. The house was built by Robert Wynne between 1577 and 1580. An unusual feature, although not related to the story is that it has 365 windows, and 52 steps,- the number of days and weeks in a year. Plas Mawr is famed for many things, but most popular for being haunted. A ghost has been seen in the Lantern room and strange noises are often heard in and around the house, especialy during winter months.So popular is it with locals that have an interest in ghosts that some have remained in the house overnight, usually for charity. Most report seeing nothing. Others are reluctant to talk about it. A few talk about the gloomy atmosphere that permeates the old building. Click picture for video |
| The Mermaids Curse Not really a ghost story, but worth telling anyway. Stand on Telford`s suspension bridge at Conwy, look down into the river, and you will see how treacherous it can be. Conwy after all, is a town under a curse.It is said that during an age long ago, before the building of Conwy Castle, a group of fishermen were casting their nets in the river, when they saw a remarkable sight. There in the net was was a creature with long black hair and a fishlike tail. The fishermen had heard of such creatures and great danger was associated with them. They then saw the look of fear in her eyes, and decided there was no danger. They hauled her into the boat, and took her into the town. Many people came to see her, as she begged and begged to be returned to the sea, but the men decided they were going to keep her. But keeping her out of water was to her, a long lingering death. As she died she cursed the people of Conwy, and vowed that there would be many drownings in the river, diseases and disasters in the town. No one knows what became of the fishermen, but in 1806 the ferry from the east bank of the river capsized drowning everyone. Of course the mermaids curse was blamed. On the spot where the mermaid died the old town hall was built, it burned down in 1966. It was then developed into a library and civic centre but within two months had burned down again, and the mermaids laughter was said to be heard. Rebuilding was undertaken again, and so far the building seems unaffected by the curse. |
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| In the 16th century, the master of the house, Sir Robert Wynne, was due home after being away months fighting in the wars. His pregnant wife and 3 year old son had kept vigil for most of the day from the top of the watchtower.The hour was late and it grew dark, and there was still no sign of Sir Robert. Lady Wynne decided it was far too cold for her three year old boy in the tower and so led him slowly down the steps. It was here that the tragedy struck. Missing her footing the pregnant woman fell headlong down the steps, dragging her son with her. Hearing the noise a maidservant rushed to the bottom of the stairs to find her mistress and the young boy lying injured. With the help of servants she moved them both to the lantern room and sent word to summon the local doctor. A few moments later came a knock on the door, but instead of the physician a young stranger had arrived. He explained that the local doctor was away tending to another patient and wouldnt be back until the next morning. He was taken to the lantern room, where he made his examination. The young doctor grew troubled, and explained that the women and child were in poor condition and beyond his abilities. He suggested another messenger be sent to find the local doctor and urge him to come immediately. The servants obeyed, but refused to let the young doctor leave, insisting he do something for the injured pair, and locked him in the lantern room. Many hours passed and a feeling of dread settled on the household. Suddenly there was a hammering at the main entrance. The maidservant opened the door, but there instead of the physician stood Sir Robert, home at last. On hearing the events of the evening he rushed to the lantern room, to be confronted by the terrible sight of his wife, son and premature baby, all lying dead on the floor. Mad with grief and rage he scoured the shadows for the young doctor. But the man had disappeared. He then locked himself in the lantern room, vowing not to come out until the man had been found. For the rest of the night he was heard issuing curses and oaths and demands that the doctor reveal himself. Finally at daybreak silence had descended. The servants gathered at the door, and using a second key, slowly opened it to see what had become of their master. There on the floor next to his family lay their master, where he had taken his own life by plunging a knife into his throat. The young physician was never seen again. It is said that the terrified young man had tried to escape by climbing up the chimney, became stuck, and there, to this day he remains. As for Plas Mawr, strange occurrences are reported from time to time ever since, and Sir Roberts ghost is said to prowl the house, still seeking revenge. |
| The Ghost of Beddgelert Mosat people have heard of Gelerts grave, and the legend behind it. It is believed that in the 1700`s a group of villagers got together and created the story to bring visitors to the village. The ring leader was a David Pritchard, landlord of the Goat Inn. The village prospered and David Pritchard made his fortune. But for all his wealth, in 1821 he had a heart attack, and died without leaving a will. After his death the landlord became a legend in his own right. Some weeks after the burial, the Goat Inn was the scene of peculiar goings on. Footsteps were heard on the stairs, strange noises in the bedrooms, and in the bar the sounds of the fire being raked. Nothing was seen, and it was decided the best action was to ignore it. But instead of the noises dying away, they grew louder and more often, and servants started seeing the ghost of David Pritchard himself. At one point he was seen walking around the village itself. The villagers were petrified, Doors and windows were bolted, charms were carried to bed. An old farmer called Huw, once a good friend of the landlord decided to see if he could find out why the spirit was wandering the village, so stayed out one night without charms of any kind. Sure enough, as he was standing on the bridge the ghost appeared. Huw shivered but was brave enough to call out to his old friend. With a trembling voice Huw asked his master why his spirit was so disturbed. The ghost answered. "My dear Huw, there can be no rest until a certain task is carried out. You are to go to the Inn and look under the hearthstone in the bar, There you will find a pouch containing one hundred gold guineas which you are to give to my wife". Huw said he understood, and with that the ghost faded away. The coins were found, and the ghost was not seen again. The Inn still stands in the village of Beddgelert, and perhaps as you buy a drink, and part with your money, you might hear the ghostly chuckle of David Pritchard. |
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