Haunted Wales

A Guide to Welsh Ghostlore

"More ghosts and goblins I think were prevalent in Wales than in England or any other country." So wrote researcher William Howells way back in 1831—and the author of this compelling collection believes he was right. Wales is a fearfully haunted place. It abounds in castles and mansions, ancient churches, lonely lanes and crossroads, even bare mountainsides which can lay claim to a resident spook or two. For the first time, this haunted heritage has been explored in depth. Richard Holland has carried out a careful study of original sources, delving into old books, journals, Eisteddfod transactions, and unpublished essays. His research has revealed insights into Welsh folklore and resurrected ghost stories which have long been forgotten. The ghosts of Wales are of great age, their manners and appearance hinting at beliefs older than the oldest books. They are bold and memorable, striking in appearance, forceful in character, often terrifying, and sometimes even dangerous. Prepare for a fascinating county-by-county tour of hundreds of ghostly encounters from one of the most haunted countries in the world.