RICK HALE reveals five very haunted Wales pubs, where the spirits aren’t only in the glasses….
Wales is a timeless land known for its mountainous national parks, deep Celtic culture and a distinctive language spoken nowhere else. Among this untold beauty can be found pubs with dark histories soaked in blood and the restless souls to show for it. Here are five of Wales’ most haunted pubs.
The Rummer Tavern, Cardiff
Our first pint and toast to the spirits of haunted Wales pubs brings us to the ancient capital city of Cardiff and the curiously named, Rummer Tavern.
The Rummer Tavern is located in Duke Street and was constructed sometime in the 18th century. What makes this tavern stand out is its oddly narrow shape that leads people to suspect it was built over a much older structure. Possibly from the medieval period.
And the ghost that is said to lurk in the pub comes from its early history.
According to the people who work in the pub, the ghost that haunts this much loved establishment is the heartbroken shade of a sailor.
Upon returning from sea, the sailor discovered his wife was being less than faithful in their marriage vows.
Although it is unclear how the sailor died, some believed his broken heart killed him instantly. Or distraught from the betrayal the sailor took his own life.
Whatever may have brought him to his fate, the sailor has been encountered in both the toilets and the cellar. Forever wandering the building where he breathed his last breath.
Penrhyn Old Hall, Llandudno
The history of Penrhyn Old Hall is one that is somewhat clouded in mystery. What we do know about the history of this popular pub, long before its current use a royal palace built in the 8th century stood on the spot.
Eight centuries later in the 16th century, the building was occupied by the Pugh family. A clan who hid catholic priests from Protestant persecution.
To illustrate its history, a “priest’s hole” was discovered nestled behind the fireplace in the Tudor Bar.
Undoubtedly many priests were spared prison or the sword thanks to the kindness of the mercyful Pugh family.
When the building opened as a family owned pub, the owners soon discovered their new business was very haunted. And haunted by ghosts the owners have embraced wholeheartedly.
Among the ghosts of Penrhyn is a monk that appears and wanders through the Baronial Hall. A young girl who appears on the stairs and is believed to be a member of the Pugh family viciously murdered by her own sisters.
A foul tempered young man who makes his displeasure of being bothered by the living well known.
And lastly, a soldier is encountered on the dance floor in the function room
With all these ghosts said to haunt Penrhyn Old Hall, the owners of the pub have opened it up for public investigations, calling these special nights, Paranormal Nights. And if you want to reserve your investigation, you may have to wait.
Llindir Inn, Denbigh
Denbigh’s Llindir Inn is a Grade II listed pub built in the 13th century, making it one of the oldest pubs in Wales.
The Llindir Inn is famous for two different reasons. One, it has the oldest thatched roof in the UK.
And it’s said to be the home of “Sylvia” a ghost who makes her presence known to male patrons in a most inappropriate way.
The story goes, Sylvia was strangled to death by her husband. When he discovered her and her lover making passionate love, he drew his blade and stabbed the man to death.
He then finished his unfaithful wife off by wrapping his hands around her throat and squeezed the life out of her.
Today, Sylvia walks the Llindir Inn, lewdly touching men and whispering sweet nothings in their ears. Sorry single men, it’s only married men she’s after.
Trevor Arms Marford, Wrexham
Our fourth stop on our haunted tour of Wales pubs brings us to Wrexham’s Trevor Arms Marford.
Two very active ghosts are believed to haunt this Grade II listed former coaching inn.
The first is a cavalier who was struck down during the Civil War in an ambush as he made his way to Wrexham. His ghost is seen hiding in the shadowy corners of the pub menacingly staring down patrons and staff alike.
The second apparition, is the wife of a Trevalyn Hall estate steward who died after her husband shoved her down the stairs.
She climbs up and down the stairs forever reliving her moment of death.
And perhaps the strangest feature of this haunting is a vortex that opens in room 30 where entities appear to come and go at will.
Skirrid Mountain Inn, Abergavenny
Last, but certainly not least is Abergavenny’s Skirrid Mountain Inn. An ancient Wales pub that not only inspired Shakespeare, but inspires terror in the hearts of whomever is unlucky enough to encounter it’s ghosts.
Although the Skirrid is allegedly home to many nightmarish entities and the site of countless episodes of unexplained phenomena. There are two unnerving ghosts who make frequent visits.
Fanny Price was a young woman who died sometime in the 19th century.
Before Fanny makes an appearance, the overwhelming scent of lavender is smelled in the air. And they hear the rustling of her long dress on the wooden floors.
Fanny appears in the upstairs rooms and is said to rearrange guest’s jewelry after they take them off for the day.
A handful of guests have caught a glimpse of Fanny in the act before she vanishes from view.
A second active apparition is of a refined gentleman in a long cloak who appears in the men’s room.
Years ago a little boy received the fright of his life when the ghostly gentleman appeared, and for whatever reason, barred his entrance to the bathroom. An act he has committed many times over the years.
This list of haunted Welsh pubs is by no means exhaustive. The country is home to many pubs where the dead still walk and have a pint with their living counterparts.
Have you seen a ghost in a Wales pub? Tell us about it in the comments section below!
