Beast of Bont Mystery
In the rolling hills of the Welsh countryside around Aberystwyth, a bizarre and terrifying series of events unfolded in the 1990s. Over the course of a year, a mysterious predator killed more than fifty sheep, leaving local farmers and authorities baffled. The incident was so alarming that police marksmen were called in to comb the area, hoping to catch a glimpse of the killer. But despite their efforts, the culprit remained at large, earning the nickname 'Beast of Bont'.
This strange episode occurred in an area known for its natural beauty and rural tranquility. The Beast of Bont incident was widely reported in local media, with many speculating about the identity of the predator. Some thought it might be a wild animal, such as a fox or a dog, while others considered the possibility of a more unusual creature. Although the case remains unsolved, it has become a fascinating footnote in the history of Aberystwyth and a reminder that sometimes the most inexplicable events can occur in the most unexpected places.
Rural Wales in the late 20th century
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Fairy Funeral Procession
Church Lane, Aberystruth
Church Lane in Aberystruth is home to a rather unusual and intriguing haunting. A small procession of fairies has been reported travelling along this lane towards the local church, on their way to bury one of their own. The fairy's funeral, as it has come to be known, is said to be a surreal sight. In one account, the procession was seen making its way to the church, while in another, a living man attempted to lend a hand and carry the coffin, only to find that everything vanished, leaving him holding a horse's skull.
The Witch of Llanhyddel
Llanhyddel Mountain, Aberystruth
Llanhyddel Mountain has a reputation for being a place of eerie encounters, and at the heart of it all is the ghost of Juan White, a woman believed to have been a witch during her lifetime. They say she appears as an older woman wearing a four-cornered hat and carrying a wooden pot, seemingly wandering the mountain with a purpose. Those who have been unfortunate enough to become lost on the mountain have reported seeing her, and in a bid to get their bearings, they've tried to catch up with her, only to find themselves unable to move quickly enough to reach her.
Cheated Devil Bridge Haunting
Devil's Bridge, Aberystwyth
Devil's Bridge in Aberystwyth is a spot where the paranormal and myth collide. This ancient bridge is said to be the site of a cunning old lady's deal with the Devil himself. According to local legend, the Devil built the bridge to help the elderly woman, but she cleverly tricked him by offering the soul of her dog instead of her own. The Devil, not one to be cheated, is said to hold a grudge and might just push you off the bridge if you dare to cross at night.
Cloaked Gentleman of Nanteos
Nanteos House, Aberystwyth
Nanteos House in Aberystwyth is renowned for its paranormal activity, and one of the most intriguing ghosts is the Cloaked Gentleman. This spectral figure was known to disrupt a video unit that was sent to shoot several TV scenes at the house in 1984. The crew was so unsettled by the gentleman's presence that they refused to work after dark. The house is said to be haunted by several other ghosts, including a phantom horseman and two spectral women, one of whom is believed to appear before a death.
King Arthur's Lanbadarn Fawr Haunting
Lanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth
Lanbadarn Fawr, a tiny village near Aberystwyth, is home to a sixth-century legend that will leave you questioning the stories of King Arthur's past. Founded by Saint Padarn, this ancient site has a rather interesting tale attached to it. Apparently, King Arthur once tried to pilfer Padarn's tunic but was caught in the act. The saint wasn't having it, and with a flick of his wrist, the ground opened up and swallowed the king whole. Arthur remained trapped until he apologised and made amends.
Aberystwyth Green Light Sighting
Sky above St James Square, Aberystwyth
St James Square in Aberystwyth has been a hub of activity for centuries, but one event that still captures the imagination is the sighting of a mysterious green light. In 1958 or 1959, a witness spotted a green glowing bell-shaped object hovering above the square. The object was seen moving towards the pier, and the witness followed it until it vanished out to sea. What's fascinating about this incident is that the witness later discovered a policeman had reported a similar sighting but was ridiculed at work for it.