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Located on the outskirts of Bridgend, Wales, the mysterious Candleston Castle offers a captivating mix of chilling ghost stories and historical grandeur.
The story of Candleston Castle, hidden among the largest sand dunes in northwest Europe, is complex. The castle is a 14th-century fortified manor house turned ruin and sits quietly near Merthyr Mawr, on the outskirts of Bridgend in Wales.
The castle’s name comes from the notable Norman Cantilupe family.
First built on a defensive site on a small hill, this medieval stronghold now adorns the enormous Merthyr Mawr sand dunes.
The story of Candleston Manor begins in the 12th century, when it was owned by the St. Quintin lords of Talyfan and Llanbleddian, with the noble Cantilupe family as its first tenants.
Robert de Canteilupe III is credited with building the castle in the 14th century. The castle’s story continued through his daughter Joan, who married Sir William Horton of Tregwynt, Pembrokeshire.
The castle’s story took a major twist at the end of the 14th century when sand from the nearby dunes began to invade the site.
Yet Candleton Castle’s high elevation prevented it from being completely buried.
Over the following centuries the castle changed hands many times, with the Horton, Cradock and Herbert families all previously looking after it, before it was finally given to the Greville family. It was then sold to the Franklen family in the 18th century.
The 19th century marked a time of change for the castle, when a stable and defense tower were added.
Unfortunately, time was not favorable and the castle was eventually abandoned and its splendor turned into ruins.
Today it stands as an ivy-covered remnant, nestled among woodlands and farmland, surrounded by the enormous Merthyr Mawr dunes. The castle and surrounding area provide a safe haven for a variety of plants and animals, including wild birds, butterflies and orchids.
Ghosts of Candleston Castle
Today, Candleston Castle is a ghostly shell of its former glory, shrouded in an eerie atmosphere that resonates among the locals.
Its reputation as one of South Wales’s most haunted places is not unfounded, as the castle’s surroundings have been the scene of many spooky stories and sightings.
The most famous of these stories is the one about the strange Goblin Stone.
Shrouded in mystery, the Goblin Stone is rumored to be linked to the nearby disappeared city Treganlaw.
Stories tell that those who encounter the Goblin Stone must mysteriously kneel, seemingly under a ghostly command to pray, with only sincere prayers allowing escape from this ghostly command.
The castle’s spooky reputation is enhanced by a number of reported paranormal events.
Mysterious orbs and light oddities have been caught on camera, while many witnesses say they’ve seen creepy ghosts.
Shadow figures, believed to be the troubled spirits of former residents of Treganlaw or former residents of Candleston Castle, are often seen crawling among the crumbling ruins and surrounding woodlands.
Their eerie presence paints an eerie scene across the landscape.
But despite its state of disrepair, Candleston Castle invites the brave and curious to explore its lonely splendor.
Peacefully situated south-west of Merthyr Mawr, with the great sand dunes stretching down to the beach, Candleston Castle continues to enchant visitors with its legends and eerie events.
This eerie monument is a chilling tribute to Wales’ haunted history. Amid the mixed feelings of fear and wonder, it harbors a deep respect for its ghostly inhabitants and historical importance.
You can visit Candleston Castle at Merthyr Mawr Road, Bridgend CF32 0
Have you been to Candleston Castle and seen something strange or perhaps even paranormal? Tell us about your visit in the comments below!
