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Ghosts of times gone by haunt the haunted halls of Cyfarthfa Castle in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales
An emblem of 19th century grandeur, Cyfarthfa Castle has more to offer than just its beautiful architecture and storied history. As you delve deeper, eerie tales of the paranormal emerge from the impressive stone walls.
Built in 1824 through the vision of William Crawshay II, the castle stands proudly overlooking the Cyfarthfa Ironworks.
The castle, the epitome of luxury of its time, was more than just a residence for the ironmaster and his family.
With its 15 towers and 72 rooms, this grand mansion has witnessed important historical events and influential personalities, including Rose Mary Crawshay and a collection of more than 22,500 bottles of spirits of the alcoholic variety.
Cyfarthfa Castle was purchased by the council in 1908 and later served as a school and now houses a museum.
The castle has also seen famous artists such as Donny Osmond and Status Quo grace the grounds with performances.
But beyond these events, there is another sinister story hidden within its walls.
Spooky castle of Cyfarthfa
The ghostly figure of William Crawshay, infamously known as The Iron King, is said to roam the halls.
Stories paint a chilling picture of him being buried upside down, a final attempt to contain his evil spirit.
Its terrifying presence around the castle is just one element of the supernatural activity here.
A seemingly innocuous Chinese vase that had a dark past was found in the bowels of the castle.
Believed to have once collected the severed heads of rebels from the Boxer Rebellion, it evokes feelings of unease and a sense of plunging fear in anyone nearby.
Unexplained footsteps, objects moving mysteriously, the unsettling feeling of being observed and cold spots have all been reported. Visitors and staff have often spoken of an aura of the supernatural.
The story of John Lloyd, one of the estate’s gamekeepers, further enhances the castle’s haunted reputation.
After his wife’s mysterious disappearance, many believed he was to blame, and rumors swirled that he cooked her remains.
Although the evidence remained inconclusive, the discovery of a skeleton years later, believed to be Mrs. Lloyd’s, shrouded the castle in further mystery.
To add to the chilling accounts, a personal testimony remembers a creepy experience his father had in the castle.
The writer said that his grandfather had been the administrator of Cyfarthfa Castle School during the Second World War, and that his young father lived there. One day his father ran in scared and said he saw the ‘Bogeyman’ through a window. Later, the young lad pointed to a portrait of William Crawshay in the museum and called him the “Bogeyman.”
Beyond the spooky stories, Cyfarthfa Castle is a testament to the grandeur of its time. It features beautiful Regency rooms, temporary exhibitions and an intricate design reminiscent of the Tudor era.
And as it prepares for a £50 million renovation announced in 2021, it continues to beckon tourists, both for its history and its haunted reputation.
Have you been to Cyfarthfa Castle? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below!
