Museum Ghosts of Cardiff
The National Museum of Wales in Cardiff is home to a pair of restless spirits. Dunbar Smith, the museum's designer, and Lord Ninian Edward Crichton-Stuart, a Member of Parliament killed in action during World War I, are said to roam the halls. Smith's ashes were once stored in the museum, but were relocated to make way for a new public toilet in the 1960s. This post-mortem disturbance is believed to have sparked Smith's ghostly activity. His spirit is thought to be a complaining presence, unhappy about the treatment of his remains.
Historically, the museum was designed by Dunbar Smith, and after his death, his ashes were interred within the building. The relocation of his ashes during the 1960s seems to have triggered his haunting. Lord Ninian, on the other hand, was a local politician who died in combat during World War I. His ghostly activity is particularly noted on election nights, suggesting a possible connection to his political life. While the exact nature of these hauntings is unclear, they contribute to the museum's reputation as a site of paranormal activity.
The National Museum of Wales was established in 1905, with a collection of art and natural history.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Theatre Ghost Cardiff
New Theatre, Cardiff
The New Theatre in Cardiff is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. An older woman is said to haunt one of the theatre's boxes, where she allegedly met her untimely demise. According to reports, she either dropped dead in the box or fell from it - the exact circumstances are unclear. What's certain, however, is that her presence is still felt by staff and visitors to this day. People have reported encountering cold spots and the unsettling sensation of being watched while in the theatre.
Bangor Theatre Ghost
New County Theatre, Bangor
The New County Theatre in Bangor is said to be haunted by the ghost of a man who was found dead in the balcony back in the 1950s. His presence is still felt today with reports of a lingering apparition. It's not clear what his story is or how he ended up there but his ghostly form is said to remain in the theatre. Staff and visitors have caught glimpses of him sitting in a chair in the balcony just as he was all those years ago.
Gwrach y Rhibyn Haunting
Cow and Snuffers Inn Inn, Cardiff
The Cow and Snuffers Inn in Llandaff, Cardiff, is said to be haunted by a mysterious figure known as Gwrach y Rhibyn. On 14 November 1877, a guest staying close to the inn watched in horror as a screeching old woman with wings, red hair, and a pale face entered the inn. The guest believed this entity to be a death omen, a supernatural being from Welsh folklore. The following day, the guest discovered that the innkeeper had died during the night, adding credibility to the guest's terrifying encounter.
Dancing Devil of Llangattock
Field north of Llangattock Park, Llangattock
In a field just north of Llangattock Park, a peculiar phenomenon has been observed on Midsummer Eve, June 23rd. Locals have long whispered about the Dancing Devil, a legend that tells of the Devil himself emerging to dance with the local fairies around a clump of trees. This eerie spectacle is said to reoccur annually, captivating those who dare to venture into the field on this special evening. The image of the Devil frolicking with mythical creatures under the moonlight has become an integral part of local folklore, drawing curiosity seekers and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
Cardiff Castle Ghost Coach
Cardiff Castle, Cardiff
Deep within Cardiff Castle's ancient walls, a chilling phenomenon has been reported for centuries. A ghostly coach is said to materialise, its presence heralding a tragic event - the impending death of a member of the Hastings family. The ominous sound of the coach was reportedly heard by John Boyle on the night his cousin, the Marquis Hastings, met his demise. This eerie apparition is just one of many unexplained occurrences that have led to Cardiff Castle being considered one of the most haunted locations in the UK.
The Bully Dean Haunting
Herbert House, Cardiff
Herbert House in Cardiff was once the site of a terrifying haunting by a figure known as the Bully Dean. This malevolent presence was said to roam the house and surrounding area, striking fear into the hearts of locals. Although little is known about the Bully Dean, the legend has endured, captivating those interested in the paranormal. The house itself was demolished in 1958, but its notorious reputation lives on.