Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees

Powis Castle is one of Wales’s great medieval-castles-turned-fancy-mansion-house – and it also has a rather impressive collection of ghosts. For this Halloween special, I’m heading to Welshpool to explore the stories of the ghosts and strange happenings said to haunt Powis Castle, from a mysterious man in a gold-laced suit who appeared to a poor woman in 1780, to a lady in black, a ghostly piano that plays when the room is empty, and reports of invisible hands and other strange happenings. There’s even a ghostly headless horseman said to patrol the gardens – a rather appropriate visitor for Halloween if you're a fan of Sleepy Hollow. Along the way, we’ll look at the castle’s long and complicated history and the folklore surrounding its gardens. Happy Halloween/ Nos Calan Gaeaf hapus – and keep an eye out for anything headless on horseback... 👻 Until next time, nos da! About the podcast Ghosts and Folklore of Wales is a monthly podcast exploring Welsh ghost stories, folklore, strange history and forgotten…

Did the dead ironworkers return to work after dark? Can an ironworks itself be haunted? And what would you make of the sound of machinery coming to life when the works should have been silent? In this episode of the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast, we travel back to Victorian Merthyr Tydfil and one of the strangest industrial ghost stories. In 1881, a "remarkable account" emerged from Cyfarthfa, once one of the great industrial powerhouses of Wales. A witness claimed that, after the works had fallen silent, the huge wheels began to turn, the machinery sprang into motion and the sounds of production filled the darkness. There were no workers. No obvious source of power. Just the sounds of a working ironworks where the machinery should have been still. And the story doesn't end there. Another local witness claimed to have heard the same mysterious sounds, while an elderly woman offered her own explanation involving the Crawshay family and their deep attachment to the works. Was this a supernatural…

Why were fairies said to steal healthy babies? What happened to the children they left behind? And could the fairy folk return at the end of your life... to steal the dead as well? In this episode of the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast, I explore one of the strangest beliefs in Celtic folklore. Alongside the familiar tales of changelings and stolen children, we'll uncover an extraordinary tradition claiming that fairies also carried away the dying, leaving one of their own behind to be buried instead. Along the way, we'll discover the simple charms once believed to protect children from the fairy folk, compare traditions from Wales, Scotland, England and Ireland, and ask why these stories survived for so many generations. If fairies could steal babies, why would they return at the end of someone's life to do the same again? Coming up: Welsh folklore, fairy lore, changelings, Celtic traditions, supernatural beliefs and some truly remarkable stories from Britain and Ireland. Tune in now... if you dare! 👻…

Did a ghost haunt the grounds of Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant? Why was a man in a top hat seen walking a Monmouthshire hillside? Can a thorn bush really be haunted? And who was the Woman in White said to appear near Penallt? In this episode of the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast, I return to Monmouthshire to revisit accounts collected in the 1960s by archaeologist Stephen Clarke in his book Ghosts of Monmouth. These are not polished ghost stories, but newspaper accounts, local recollections and odd reports gathered from across the county - from pleasure grounds above Monmouth where a top-hatted figure appears as a possible death omen, to Penallt, where a Woman in White is said to retrace the story of her own death in a vanished millpond. We also encounter one of the more unusual entries in the archive: a hillside thorn bush linked to a tragic story, where walkers reportedly heard the sound of a crying baby coming from the branches. Alongside these are further fragments from rural Monmouthshire in the…

What do you do when phantom hounds howl outside your home? What does it mean when a bird appears at the window? And are Wales's - and England's - death omens mere superstition... or something more? In this episode of the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast, we explore the eerie world of Welsh death omens - from ghost dogs and phantom hounds to mysterious birds said to bring warnings from beyond. Drawing on strange accounts recorded in Wales and beyond, we encounter spectral animals, uncanny coincidences, and stories that left witnesses questioning everything they thought they knew about life, death and the great hereafter. Along the way, we'll meet the mysterious Cŵn Teulu (Family Hounds), revisit old Welsh beliefs surrounding death omens, and examine folklore that has been passed down the generations. Are these simply stories told to make sense of tragedy? Or do they preserve older beliefs about warnings and the unseen world? Expect Welsh folklore, ghost dogs, phantom birds, death omens, supernatural…

Who was the mysterious Queen of the Lakes said to rule the waters of north Wales? How did one Pembrokeshire woman armed with only a pitchfork help defeat French invaders? And did Welsh folklore really tell of women strong enough to wrestle grown men, fight invading armies, and become giants? In this episode of the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast, we explore a trio of larger-than-life Welsh women whose stories tow a fine line between fact and fiction, history and folklore. There’s Jemima Fawr, the legendary heroine of Fishguard, who reportedly captured French soldiers during the last invasion of mainland Britain. There’s Megan Ferch Evan - hunter, fisherwoman, musician, boat builder, blacksmith, wrestler, and all-round local legend - whose reputation became so extraordinary she was remembered as the Queen of the Lakes. And then things become stranger still… Victorian writers also tell of a travelling Welsh giantess who vanished to Texas with her much smaller husband. Press play for the full story! Expect…

Who - or what - was moving the stones in the dead of night? What were those uncanny voices? Why would a church be built in one place… only to appear somewhere else the next morning? And why do so many Welsh villages share the same unsettling story? Across Wales, there are legends of churches that refused to stay put. Builders would spend all day raising walls and laying foundations… only to return the next morning and find everything gone - the stones carried off, the work undone and sometimes reassembled miles away. In some places, voices were heard in the darkness, guiding where the church should stand. In others, unseen forces simply dismantled whatever humans tried to build. From Carmarthenshire to Ceredigion, these stories appear again and again - too similar to ignore, too strange to explain. Are they echoes of real disputes, lost buildings and forgotten histories… or something older, buried deep in the landscape? In these tales, it’s not the people who choose where the church stands… it’s something…

Who is the faceless figure drifting silently along the banks of the River Wye? What happens if you anger the spirits said to live within an ancient Welsh oak tree? And what crashes through the night on a long-lost road… even after the road itself has vanished? In this episode, we head to Monmouthshire - an area packed with strange sightings, old stories and accounts passed down through local newspapers and word of mouth. There are tales of phantom stagecoaches racing through the dark near Rockfield, said to appear only on stormy nights… and always ending in disaster. In Newcastle, people speak of spirits tied to a great oak tree, with a habit of punishing anyone who took more than they should. And then there’s the Faceless Lady of Hadnock - seen late at night by the River Wye. Who is this glamorous spectre who walks after midnight? Taken from a little-known mid-20th century collection, these Welsh ghost stories have been gathering dust for decades. Lock the doors, dim the lights, and step into the local…

GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE IS BACK - BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER! 👻 *** PLEASE NOTE: The video version of this episode is available on YouTube only, despite what I said - you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/DRvNwVVFSyw - sorry! *** I’ve been off gallivanting about the world, but normal spooky service resumes VERY soon - in two weeks, in fact. You can check out the new YouTube series Paranormal Unpacked here: https://www.youtube.com/@ParanormalUnpacked My latest books, including Quirky Cardiff, are here: https://markreesonline.com/books/ Thank you for your patience - lots more ghosts, folklore and weird and wonderful goodies coming right up on the podcast. Until next time... nos da! Mark BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi Thank you/ diolch! WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES? The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories,…

Which Christmas decoration began life as a witch-repelling charm? What haunted Welsh mansion has glowing fog drifting through its corridors even in summer? And who is the mysterious Boy in Blue said to appear in an unnerving old painting? This Christmas, we return to Dinefwr and Llandeilo - some of the most haunted locations in Wales - with storyteller and National Trust guide Ronnie Kerswell-O’Hara, who previously joined us for last week’s Mari Lwyd folklore episode. Ronnie reveals the eerie objects found in Newton House (including witch balls, witch marks and mummified cats), unexplained static like something from Poltergeist, and the chilling stories behind haunted paintings and ghostly children seen on the stairs. She also shares tales from her Llandeilo ghost walks: tragic carriage accidents, a mysterious fall from a window… or was it a push? Expect Welsh hauntings, cursed objects, spooky art, local legends and even a Scooby-Doo-style mystery. Settle in for Welsh Christmas ghost stories on the darkest…

How do you build a Mari Lwyd? Where do you find a horse skull? How heavy is it really – and how on earth do you dance with one? This Christmas, we go behind the folklore of Wales’s most iconic winter visitor – the Mari Lwyd – to uncover the practical secrets rarely talked about: construction, decoration, materials, performance, and the surprisingly tricky art of bringing a skeletal horse to life. Mark Rees is joined by Ronnie Kerswell-O’Hara of the National Trust at Dinefwr, Llandeilo – a maker, performer, dancer and seasoned guide to both Halloween ghost hunts and New Year Mari Lwyd events. Ronnie lifts the veil on what it takes to create a Mari from scratch, the realities of handling the skull, and the magic of a full Mari Lwyd troupe. Along the way, we meet a mysterious Green Man, uncover tips and tricks from years of trial and error, and explore how a centuries-old tradition is kept alive today through craft, community and a little seasonal mischief. Explore the lore this Christmas... if you dare! 👻…

What happens when you spend Halloween night in one of Wales’s eeriest ruins? Who – or what – haunts the sand-blown walls of Pennard Castle? And could the terrifying Gwrach y Rhibyn still be keeping watch? It’s Halloween Eve, and Mark Rees heads to the haunted remains of Pennard Castle on the Gower Peninsula – a place steeped in ghostly sightings, fairy-folk legends and one of Wales’s most chilling curses. From the night a witch-like death omen was said to strike a man mad, to a modern eyewitness who saw something moving in the mist, this episode weaves folklore, history and first-hand encounters into one unnerving tale. Explore the lore this Halloween... if you dare! 👻 ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Swansea and Gower" now! You can order it online here. BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch!…

🎃👻 What dangerous games did people play on the night when the veil between worlds was at its thinnest? Who walked the dark lanes of Wales on Nos Calan Gaeaf long before modern Halloween lights flickered? In this special Halloween episode, Mark Rees explores centuries-old Welsh traditions that mixed fun, fear, and fortune-telling. From sowing hemp seeds in graveyards to listening at church doors for whispered names, discover how spooky games revealed secrets about love, death, and the unknown. Uncover the folklore behind Halloween in Wales — where witches, spirits, and uncanny tricks weren’t just stories, but a part of everyday life. Explore the lore... if you dare! 👻 ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Swansea and Gower" now! You can order it online here. BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch!…

Who is the mysterious Ghost Rider haunting a lonely Welsh road plagued by Halloween Jack-o'-Lanterns? What dark link ties this spectral horseman to an old murder, a flickering light in the darkness, and the Devil himself? On this episode, journey into the shadows of rural Wales, where folklore and fear merge on moonlit lanes.Discover the chilling tale of a ghost rider whose hooves are not quite human, and why this terrifying encounter has echoed through generations — a story steeped in mystery, murder, and the spirit of Nos Calan Gaeaf, the Welsh Halloween. Explore the lore... if you dare! ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Swansea and Gower" now! You can order it online here. BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch! https://ko-fi.com/markrees WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES? The Ghosts…

What if death could knock on your door — quite literally — before claiming a life? Would you answer? Would you believe it? And what strange thread connects these events in Wales to a death in America? In this eerie real-life account from 19th-century Wales, a tailor living in a remote farmhouse near Newcastle Emlyn is disturbed by strange and persistent sounds — knocking at doors and windows, ghostly wailing in the night, and an uncanny sense that something is coming. Witnesses hear it too. The knocking grows louder. And then it reaches a crescendo… But the story doesn’t end there. In fact, it’s only when news arrives from across the Atlantic that the full meaning of these uncanny spirit sounds becomes clear. On this episode, Mark explores a chilling tale of death omens, haunted houses, and the old folk belief that death itself gives warning — if you know how to listen. Explore the lore... if you dare! ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal…

Why do people report ghostly knights, phantom horses and spectral visions during the full moon in this Welsh beauty spot? What ancient force still lingers atop Cefn Bryn? On this episode, Mark journeys to the windswept heights of Gower during the summer solstice to investigate one of Wales’s oldest and most mysterious sites — a place steeped in druidic ritual, pagan legend, and haunting lore. Is this neolithic tomb truly connected to King Arthur? Did Merlin himself walk these lands? And what really happens at midnight when the capstone stirs and the spirits rise? From love-seeking rituals involving ghostly cakes, to tales of Dylan Thomas invoking the dead, this is one eerie pilgrimage you won’t forget. Explore the lore... if you dare! ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Swansea and Gower" now! You can order it online here. BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee…

Why has Craig-y-Nos Castle drawn ghost hunters, psychics and TV crews for decades? What secrets still linger in its shadowy halls? Find out in the 5th anniversary episode of Ghosts and Folklore of Wales. This month, Mark returns to one of the UK’s most famously "most haunted" sites — a place so notorious it’s become part of British paranormal legend. Once home to opera star Adelina Patti and now a hotspot for chilling encounters, Craig-y-Nos Castle has a spine-tingling history of ghostly sightings and supernatural tales. Join us at this milestone moment… who knows what you might see — or hear? Explore the lore... if you dare! ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Swansea and Gower" now! You can order it online here. BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch! https://ko-fi.com/markrees WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF…

New to the podcast? In just 60 seconds, here's your guide to Welsh ghosts, haunted castles, and folklore. Join journalist, author and cultural adventurer Mark Rees as he explores the weird and wonderful - spine-chilling tales of paranormal Wales, strange creatures, and seasonal traditions from the heart of Cymru. Whether you believe in things that go bump in the night or just love a good legend, press play and start your eerie journey into the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales… if you dare! Until next time… Nos da!

New to the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast? Start here! In this short and sweet introduction, author and journalist Mark Rees explains what this weird and wonderful podcast is all about — and why it might be better to not start at episode one. Discover the stories behind the show, how it began as a DIY lockdown project, and what kind of spooky Welsh tales await you — from ghosts and goblins to witches, fairy folk, death omens, and the infamous Mari Lwyd. You'll also get tips on the best episodes to start with, and what to expect as the show evolves. Whether you're into haunted castles, creepy pubs, or long-lost folklore from ancient texts, there’s something here for every curious soul. So dive in, choose an episode that catches your eye, and prepare to explore the haunted history and strange mythology of Wales. 🎧 Episodes mentioned in this intro: EP104: The Prince of Wales - Wales "Most Haunted" Pub? EP120: Crazy Lore of the Fairy Folk EP132: Pete the Polt, the Cardiff Poltergeist EP148: Halloween at…

What kind of spectral creature leaps onto a corpse, rides in the hearse, and disappears into the mourners at the graveside? In this folkloric lucky dip of ghostly odds and ends, Mark Rees unearths the eerie tales too strange, too short, or too scattered to fit anywhere else… until now. Why did a grand Welsh mansion blaze with phantom lights long after its owner had died? Who — or what — tormented a hardworking farmer until he uncovered a buried secret? And did a goblin really make a house vanish from sight, or were two young women led astray by something darker? From ghost dogs and death omens to haunted bridges, mischievous poltergeists, and vanishing homes, this episode weaves together a chilling patchwork of Wales' most unsettling folklore. Are these forgotten legends mere superstition — or do they hint at a deeper truth buried beneath the soil of haunted Wales? Explore the lore... if you dare! ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Swansea…

Who knocks at midnight—and what do they want? Are these visitors of the night bringing gifts or a curse? When a knock came at midnight, the family inside had no idea the supernatural visitors weren’t just visiting—they were hunting. A seemingly generous call from the Tylwyth Teg—the fairy folk of Welsh folklore—soon unravels into one of the darkest changeling tales ever recorded in Wales. Why did the visitors bring gifts of gold? What happened to the baby in the cradle? And what terrible fate awaited those left behind? Delve into a true 19th-century account of eerie music, fairy rituals, and an exchange that shattered a family—and maybe changed the future of a Welsh farm forever. Mark Rees uncovers this eerie legend in all its tragic, titivating detail, blending dark fairy tale with haunted history and the strange logic of folklore. Explore the lore... if you dare! ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Swansea and Gower" now! You can order it…

What lurks in the shadows of one of Wales’ most striking castles? What happens when a medieval battlefield becomes a haunted ruin? And can a headless ghost really ask for help? In this spine-chilling episode, we uncover the eerie legends of Kidwelly Castle - an ancient fortress steeped in bloodshed, rebellion and restless spirits. From the tragic tale of Gwenllian, Wales’ first warrior princess, who was brutally executed and now wanders the grounds searching for her missing head, to the mysterious shadow figure caught on camera in 2016, the castle’s ghostly history refuses to be forgotten. Who was the old Carmarthenshire man who dared to speak with the headless spectre? What sinister presence lingers in the former prison cells? And why is a certain bridge nearby known ominously as “The Ghost Bridge”? Prepare to step into the past, where the echoes of battle still haunt the night. Explore the lore... if you dare! ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book…

What would you do if you came face to face with a ghostly hound? Would you reach out to pet it, or run the other way? And what if that spectral dog wasn’t just a harmless apparition, but a chilling omen of death? In this episode, we explore two terrifying real-life encounters with ghost dogs in Wales - one a faithful spirit bound by loyalty, the other a sinister harbinger of doom. What happened when a man walking home through a mysterious valley discovered his own dog frozen in fear at the sight of a spectral collie? And why did a woman’s innocent stroll past a quarry end with an eerie premonition that proved horrifyingly true? These aren’t just mythological creatures like the legendary Cŵn Annwn of Welsh folklore - these are ghostly animals reported in the 20th century, with unnerving consequences for those who saw them. Are these phantom hounds restless spirits of departed pets, or something far more sinister? Join Mark as we uncover the eerie truth behind these spectral canines - and decide for yourself…

What would you do if you stumbled upon a stash of gold in the forest, knowing it might vanish with just one word? Could it be the legendary fairy gold of folklore, a treasure bound by secrecy and mischief? In this episode, we dive into enchanting tales of the mysterious wealth bestowed by the fairy folk—fortunes that could disappear in a puff of smoke if their origin is revealed. What makes fairy gold so coveted yet so dangerous? From Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale to the chilling accounts of Welsh folklore, we uncover stories where magical riches come with strings attached—where silence is golden, but one slip could turn a treasure trove into worthless paper. Why did a farmer’s son vanish for two years, only to return with fairy-made clothes that crumbled to nothing? And what dark fate awaited those who dared to reveal their fairy gifts? Explore the eerie connections between secrecy, luck, and loss in these spellbinding tales of fairy generosity—and betrayal. Could the fairy folk’s rules still hold sway…

The Ghosts and Folklore Podcast is celebrating a monumental milestone – Episode 150 – with a festive, eerie twist. For this special Christmas edition, host Mark Rees blends the magic of the holiday season with haunting tales and mysterious folklore. Get ready for a journey into the strange and supernatural, featuring festive ghosts, ancient traditions, and a mystery that will (OK, might!) keep you on edge. So grab your favourite drink, cosy up by the fire, and let’s dive into a world where the spirits of Christmas past are very much alive! Christmas Ghosts: A Welsh Pub and the Tolaeth Mark kicks off this festive celebration by taking us to a Welsh pub during Christmas in the late Victorian era. American folklorist Wirt Sikes recounts a memorable visit to a Carmarthenshire inn, where the locals enjoyed good food, drink, music, and ghostly tales. But the pub wasn’t just a place for celebration – it was also a hotspot for strange happenings. In this episode, Mark explores a mysterious death omen from Welsh…

Have you ever heard a chilling, disembodied moan carried on the wind, growing louder and softer like waves crashing on the shore? What if that sound wasn’t just the wind but a sinister harbinger of death? This episode, Mark delves into the eerie Welsh death omen known as the Cyhyraeth - a ghostly sound that strikes terror into those who hear it. Could it be warning you of a tragedy in your home? Or perhaps signalling doom for someone far away? From haunting coastal cries accompanied by glowing corpse candles to windows rattling and doors creaking open in quiet city streets, the Cyhyraeth has left its spectral mark on Wales' folklore. But what makes this death omen so unsettling? How does it seem to predict not just who will die but where their final moments might unfold? And why is one part of Wales particularly plagued by this chilling portent? Prepare to uncover the folklore, mystery, and macabre history of the Cyhyraeth - but beware, because once you know its sound, you might just start to hear it.…

This Halloween, are you ready to uncover the chilling secrets of Margam Castle? Who - or what - haunts this iconic Welsh landmark? Could it be the ghostly monks seen gliding through the night, the playful spirits of Victorian children, or the vengeful presence of a tragic gamekeeper? In this spine-tingling Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) episode, we dive deep into the haunted history of Margam Park, exploring the eerie legends that have terrified visitors for generations. From ancient abbey grounds to Gothic staircases, the supernatural activity here has only intensified in recent years - but what could be stirring these restless spirits? Get ready for a journey into one of the most famous haunted places in Wales, just in time for Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) as they celebrate Fright Nights. Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast or a curious sceptic, this episode promises thrills, chills, and ghostly tales you won't soon forget. Explore the lore with Mark Rees on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if…

What happens when a quiet life in rural Wales is shattered by an unseen force? In this spine-chilling episode, join Mark Rees as he delves into the haunting tale of a poltergeist that escalated from harmless mischief to terrifying violence. Through a remarkable diary kept by a local vicar in the early 18th century, we uncover the shocking events that led a family to flee their home in fear. From stones raining down on unsuspecting workers to mysterious objects appearing and disappearing, this account reveals the dark and chaotic nature of poltergeist activity. Could it be just a figment of imagination, or is there something more sinister at play? As the strange occurrences unfold, prepare for a gripping exploration of ghostly folklore and the mysteries that surround it. Tune in to discover what drove this family from their home and why the echoes of their plight still resonate today. Explore the lore with Mark Rees on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare! ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER…

Could this be one of Wales' most terrifying hauntings? How did a dream home turn into a living nightmare? Why did its residents retreat to the kitchen, and who—or what—joined them there? Join Mark Rees as he delves into the spine-tingling haunting of Craflwyn Hall, a National Trust property nestled in the shadow of Eryri's (Snowdonia’s) peaks. Was it the decaying grandeur, the overgrown garden, or the ghostly apparition of a Victorian lady that kept this house steeped in perpetual gloom? Tune in to uncover the secrets that haunted its halls for decades. Whether you're a fan of the supernatural or just love a good mystery, this episode promises to be a captivating journey into the unknown. Explore the lore with Mark Rees on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare. Until next time, nos da! ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Cardiff". You can order it online here. BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND…

What dark secrets lie in this picturesque corner of Wales? Why was it once known as the 'village of the dead'? And what horrifying events drove a family to the brink of despair in the mid-seventeenth century? Journey to the breath-taking Gower Peninsula to uncover the terrifying tale of the Demon House of Gower. Explore the mysterious and malevolent forces that plagued the Bowen household, where a spectral figure, or a demonic doppelgänger, or possibly sinister poltergeists reigned. Discover how faith and resilience clashed with pure evil in a battle from centuries ago in an episode that promises to leave you questioning what lurks in the shadows of even the most serene landscapes. Explore the lore with Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare. Until next time, nos da! ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Cardiff". You can order it online here. BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS…

What connects Gothic ghost stories, Dylan Thomas, Frankenstein, Swansea Castle, and shadow people that don't rest easy? Swansea Castle is a site brimming with contradictions and untold stories. Is it haunted or unhaunted? Easy or challenging for ghost hunters? Discover why this iconic landmark, steeped in history and surrounded by folklore, defies simple explanations. Unearth the secrets behind the Blue Lady—an apparition with a dubious historical record—and learn about the castle's shadowy forms seen in its windows. Explore its Romantic literary connections, including links to the Dylan Thomas, and a mysterious figure tied to the family of Mary Shelley, the creator of Frankenstein. Why was this castle built in such a strategic yet unexpected location? How did it transform from a medieval stronghold to a central figure in Swansea's bustling modern life? And what are the hidden tales of its haunted past? Explore the lore with Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you…

The tragic story of Mallt-y-Nos (Matilda of the Night), the female spirit cursed to hunt and ride for eternity. What drove this Norman lady to such a fate? How did her passion for the hunt lead to everlasting torment? Discover the dark wish that sealed her destiny and how her ghostly cries still echo through the Welsh countryside. Explore the lore with Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare. Until next time, nos da! ORDER PARANORMAL CARDIFF BY MARK REES: Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Cardiff". You can order it online here. BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch! https://ko-fi.com/markrees WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES? The "Ghosts and Folklore of Wales" podcast explores Welsh ghosts and ghost stories, lore, myths and legends. Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of…

Join your host, Mark Rees, as he uncovers age-old secrets designed to protect against the otherworldly forces that lurk in the shadows. Don't let the spirits catch you unawares—listen now! Explore three traditional methods of warding off spirits, fairies, and even werewolves. Can invoking the name of God or Jesus truly banish malevolent entities? Discover how gorse forms an impenetrable barrier against fairy intruders. And what about the drastic measure of moving house to escape haunting? Follow the tales of those who have tried these methods, from a medium’s struggle with a relentless spirit to a farmer’s encounter with a mischievous Bwbach. But beware, not all endings are happy—some spirits prove stubbornly resilient. So, whether you're a believer or a skeptic, don't miss this captivating journey into the supernatural. Who knows? You might just uncover the key to outwitting the paranormal. Explore the lore with Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare. Until…

Delve into the eerie world of corpse birds, winged entities said to foretell impending death. Are these sightings mere coincidences or something more sinister? Uncover the chilling tales behind these supernatural avian visitors as we explore first-hand accounts like the tale of Miss Griffiths and the mysterious "little grey one," or the tragic fate of Mr Powell, who encountered the ominous bird on the high seas. Discover how corpse birds transcend borders, manifesting in far-off lands like Western Australia and Patagonia. And in a surprising twist, learn about the melodious farewell of the renowned poet Tegid, whose passing was marked by a choir of birdsong. What distinguishes corpse birds from regular birds, and how did they become the most common death omens in Wales? Explore the lore with Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare. Until next time, nos da! ORDER PARANORMAL CARDIFF BY MARK REES: Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Cardiff". You can…

Ghostly encounters that defy explanation are reported at two haunted houses. Are you brave enough to explore these mysterious cases where the line between the living and the dead blurs, and every shadow holds a secret? In our first story, we delve into the grisly crimes of a house shrouded in a sinister past. Who—or what—haunts its halls, leaving guests trembling in fear? What secrets lurk within the walls, and why does the specter of violence linger in the darkness? We then venture to Oaklands, where a chance encounter with a spectral figure sets off a chain of unsettling events. Who is the mysterious woman with the swan-shaped candlestick, and what dark omens does she bring? Explore the lore with Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare. Until next time, nos da! ORDER PARANORMAL CARDIFF BY MARK REES: Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Cardiff". You can order it online here. BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE…

Mischievous spectral beings wreak havoc in a Welsh mansion that promises thrills and chills at every turn. Fact with folklore intertwine in this mysterious tale that blurs the lines between reality and the paranormal. Was it truly the work of supernatural forces, or merely the imaginings of a frightened community? As we explore the remnants of a once grand Welsh mansion, now reduced to ruins since the tragic fire of 1807, we encounter a tale unlike any other. Discover the rituals employed to banish the tormentor and the eerie aftermath that still echoes through Devil’s Bridge to this day. Explore the lore with Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare. Until next time, nos da! ORDER PARANORMAL CARDIFF BY MARK REES: Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Cardiff". You can order it online here. BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/…

Spectral hounds roam the land at night. Some possess the bodies of half-humans, with eyes like moons and mouths that emit smoke. What do these unearthly creatures signify? And why do they haunt the valleys and mountains of Wales? In our exploration, we'll encounter tales of evil fishermen chased into the sea, lost travelers saved by the power of prayer, and clergyman harassed for their sermons. But amidst the terror, there's a thread of folklore that reveals a complex interplay of myth and spirituality. Unravel the mysteries of the Cŵn Annwn and their spectral counterparts, the Cŵn Wybyr. What secrets do they hold? And what do their haunting cries portend for those who dare to listen? Explore the lore with Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare! ORDER PARANORMAL CARDIFF BY MARK REES: Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Cardiff". You can order it online here. BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast…

Step into the realm of the uncanny and delve into the mysterious world of death omens and supernatural secrets. From the infamous corpse candles to chilling premonitions, uncover the spine-tingling tales that have haunted communities for generations. What do these strange signs really signify? How do they choose their harbingers of death? And could you be the next witness to an otherworldly phenomenon? Explore the lore with Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare! ORDER PARANORMAL CARDIFF BY MARK REES: Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Cardiff". You can order it online here. BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch! https://ko-fi.com/markrees WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES? The "Ghosts and Folklore of Wales" podcast explores Welsh ghosts and ghost stories, lore, myths and legends. Launched by…

Unravel the mysterious realm of exorcism, a practice as old as time itself, employed to banish ghouls, ghosts, and goblins from our world. Is there a safeguard against the forces of darkness? Could your daily piety be the key to repelling the bogeys and fairies lurking in the shadows? Are you ready to unravel the secrets of exorcism, spirituality, and the age-old battle between light and darkness? Delve into the very fabric of Welsh folklore, where Christianity plays a pivotal role, shaping not just ghost stories but the entire history and culture of Wales and beyond. Uncover the art of the exorcist, from the simplicity of invoking God's name to the unexpected efficacy of a crowing cockerel. Explore the lore with Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare! ORDER PARANORMAL CARDIFF BY MARK REES: Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Cardiff". You can order it online here. BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES…

Can the most terrifying paranormal activity also be the most boring? Are dull ghosts really the scariest of all? In this chilling episode, Mark Rees unravels a paranormal theory that turns the mundane into the terrifying. What if the most ordinary ghost stories held a power that could send shivers down your spine? Delve into a "dull" ghost tale in a Romantic, Gothic house shrouded in eerie charm that may, in fact, be the scariest encounter ever. Imagine encountering a spirit so ordinary, it might make you question turning off the lights tonight. But hold on – there's a twist that will leave you questioning your bedtime routine and challenge your perceptions of ghosts. Are ghosts simply benign entities, lingering in the shadows with no intention to scare? Could the uncanny feeling in the dark be the gentle presence of spirits from the past? Or is it something far more sinister? Explore the lore with Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare! ORDER PARANORMAL…

Picture this: snarling spectral dogs traversing the air in hot pursuit of their prey. Their haunting howls are harbingers of death, and their appearance cannot be easily defined, ranging from small white creatures with rose-coloured ears to "ugly beasts" with fiery eyes. On this chilling episode, we delve into the eerie realm of the Welsh otherworld to unravel the spine-tingling tales of the Cŵn Annwn — the Hounds of the Underworld. As we navigate through the Welsh countryside, we'll answer the lingering questions: What mysterious figure guides these ghostly packs? Where are the prime locations to witness their ominous processions? And why do they particularly favour certain nights, including New Year's Eve? Are you curious to uncover the fate of souls deemed unworthy of heaven but not quite wicked enough for hell? Brace yourself for a journey into the supernatural, where every howl and eerie encounter unveils another layer of the mysterious Cŵn Annwn. Explore the gothic lore with Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales)…

Dive into the Christmas revelry with singing and dancing, but beware: there's a darker side to these Victorian traditions involving a frightening hag and a horse-skulled Christmas visitor. Uncover strange tales of festive celebrations, the Welsh love for singing in the 'land of song', the long-standing links between Morris Dancing and the Mari Lwyd, and introducing the bizarre Aderyn Pig Llwyd, a horse-headed creature adding an eerie touch to Christmas streets. Will you be ready for the unexpected this holiday season? Explore the gothic lore with Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare! Until next time, nos da - and Nadolig llawen/ merry Christmas! ORDER PARANORMAL CARDIFF BY MARK REES: Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Cardiff". You can order it online here. BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch!…

Christmas Gremlins have struck the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast HQ. Sadly, there is no new episode this week due to some potentially paranormal technical difficulties. Instead, here's a quick update from Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) in which he explains what you can expect over the festive season, and calls on the Mari Lwyd to deliver some seasonal good luck. See you soon - merry Christmas/ Nadolig llawen! ORDER PARANORMAL CARDIFF BY MARK REES: This case is taken from Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Cardiff". You can order it online here. BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch! https://ko-fi.com/markrees WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES? The "Ghosts and Folklore of Wales" podcast explores Welsh ghosts and ghost stories, lore, myths and legends. Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales/ Paranormal Wales) in…

A haunting described as "one of the biggest poltergeist cases ever" saw a Welsh business plagued by paranormal activity. The chilling case of Peter the Poltergeist/ Pete the Polt is one of the most significant poltergeist cases documented. A haunting that spanned a decade, mysterious objects were thrown around a workshop in Cardiff that led the bewildered owners to suspect a paranormal presence. What sets this case apart is its investigation by a renowned academic and future president of the Society for Psychical Research who revealed a potential connection with a local tragedy and was unable to disprove the events as a hoax. Was this a mischievous spirit or something else? Explore the gothic lore with Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare! ORDER PARANORMAL CARDIFF BY MARK REES: This case is taken from Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Cardiff". You can order it online here. BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND…

Can an "uncanny piece of furniture" really suck your blood like Dracula? Is this vampire bed possessed by Nosferatu? When a young family in seventeenth-century Cardiff acquire a heavy four-posted bedstead at a bankruptcy sale, little could they have known it was the soon-to-be infamous "vampire bed." It caused a four-month-old baby to scream in terror, and the man of the house was lost for words - could their bedroom be haunted by one of the children of the night? Explore the gothic lore with Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare! ORDER PARANORMAL CARDIFF BY MARK REES: This tale is taken from Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Cardiff", published November 15, 2023. You can order it online here. BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch! https://ko-fi.com/markrees What is the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees…

Dare you join Mark Rees and a team of paranormal investigators for an "as-live" spine-tingling ghost hunt in Wales? Nos Calan Gaeaf - as Halloween is known in the Welsh language - is the perfect time of year for ghost stories and, of course, ghost hunting. The "most haunted" location for this year's eerie exploration is a live music venue in the heart of Swansea city centre just off the Kingsway that has never featured on a recorded investigation before. The Bunkhouse is a bar where members of staff have long spoken of unexpected supernatural encounters, in recent times and under former names stretching back through the decades, where strange reports speak of uncanny sounds, eerie chills, and all manner of phenomenon in the cellar. For this paranormal investigation, which was recorded live by Mark, you can expect updates, interviews, and recordings of mysterious events if and when they unfold. Joining him are the filmmaker Ant Jones, Sarah and Leanne from Cymru Paranormal, Bunkhouse business owner Jordan…

Halloween folklore of Wales and the world: explore the haunted history of Nos Calan Gaeaf with Mark Rees and a special guest on this eerie seasonal special. Nos Calan Gaeaf, as Halloween is known in the Welsh language, has long been a time for tradition and festivities. But how did Victorian celebrations differ from modern-day parties? By teaming up with fellow cultural writer Chris Carra (Planet Health), they aim to investigate the Halloween folklore of Wales and the world, and delve back into their own childhoods to see how the holiday continues to evolve. From dressing up as the Ghostbusters in the 1980s to living in Canada, Mark and Chris offer a unique perspective on Halloween celebrations that contrast and complement North American traditions. with those in Wales. They also look at how the holiday has changed for a new generation, how costumes became part of the Halloween experience, and the history of Halloween games involving apples and candles. They discover the surprising connection between Welsh…

Journey into the haunted heart of Welsh folklore, exploring eerie accounts of encounters with mysterious apparitions known as corpse candles (canwyll corff). In the 19th and early 20th centuries, innocent individuals walking through the Welsh countryside found themselves face to face with ghostly lights that foretold impending deaths. Tales from Maesydderwen and Silian talk of enigmatic lights that lead to bone-chilling revelations of imminent burials. These stories have deep roots in Welsh folklore, dating back centuries to the pioneering ghost hunter Rev. Edmund Jones in the 18th century. There's also an update from Mark about his upcoming projects, including the Halloween episodes which will feature some Nos Calan Gaeaf lore and a paranormal investigation in one of Wales's "most haunted" places. Explore the lore with Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare! BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat…

Corpse candles were once a common sight in Wales. What's truly spine-tingling is that sometimes these lights were carried by ghostly figures, believed to be the very souls soon to depart. This episode delves into historical cases of individuals who regularly witnessed corpse candles, shedding light on the eerie prevalence of this phenomenon. We also explore the belief that St. David himself prayed for corpse candles to demonstrate the existence of an afterlife. Corpse candles manifested as pale, slow-moving lights hovering above the ground, with their colours offering clues about the person destined to die. As we uncover the mysteries, there'll also be a preview of this Halloween's plans, and new Ghosts and Folklore of Wales book PARANORMAL CARDIFF. Explore the lore with Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare! BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank…

Were witches, devils and fairies responsible for destroying cities? And what about the lake monsters and dragons lurking in the depths? Events that some people might describe as an act of god have been blamed on all manner of supernatural creatures. What do you believe? Explore the lore with Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast... if you dare! BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch! https://ko-fi.com/markrees What is the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast? The "Ghosts and Folklore of Wales" podcast explores Welsh ghosts and ghost stories, lore, myths and legends. Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at the country's countless curious subjects by combining decades of research from many books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes. Ranging…