Haunting Tales from Cardiff: Roberts Family’s Ghostly Encounters

Cardiff, Wales, a land steeped in history, myth, and legends, played host to my recent visit. The rich Welsh lineage of my surname, “Roberts”, sparked not just a sense of belonging, but also introduced me to potential family members. It was over dinner with Wilbert Roberts at the Potted Pig that I was acquainted with chilling narratives from Cardiff’s most haunted landmarks.

Cardiff Castle: Spirits of History

As a child, Wilbert ventured into the Cardiff Castle with his mother. Their guided tour narrated tales of the Lady in the Grey Skirt – a faceless apparition haunting the stockroom. Known to rearrange items, occasionally manifesting as mist, her presence is especially felt around 3 a.m. with inexplicable movements of the hefty dining room doors, flickering lights, and shifted furniture. Young Wilbert’s encounter with a mysterious soft touch solidified his belief in the supernatural, while the echoing trot of phantom horses converted his skeptic mother.

Adding to the castle’s spectral tales are appearances by the Second Marquess of Bute, traversing through walls and fireplaces, and his wife, Lady Sophia Rawdon-Hastings, seen floating around the castle grounds. The specter of phantom horse carriages is also commonly reported.

Castell Coch: Echoes of the Past

Dominating the site of a 13th-century ruin, Castell Coch is no stranger to ghostly sightings. The predominant figure is the White Lady, believed to be a mourning mother who succumbed to grief after her child’s tragic drowning. This apparition, coupled with the mysterious Three Phantom Eagles guarding the castle’s concealed treasure and the elusive Cavalier Specter, makes Castell Coch a thrilling haunt. Wilbert’s eerie encounter with the Cavalier Specter during a date is testament to the castle’s spectral charm.

Ty Mawr Lighthouse: Ghostly Guardians of the Sea

Of all ghostly tales, the Ty Mawr Lighthouse on Llanddwyn Island remains Wilbert’s favorite. Standing tall since 1845, this lighthouse overlooks the perilous waters of the Menai Strait, serving as a beacon of hope and guidance. But beyond its stony façade lie stories of the Llanddwyn Island Fisherman and the Lighthouse Lady in Blue. The Fisherman, always dripping even on the sunniest days, is believed to have perished in a tragic accident near the lighthouse. Meanwhile, the Lady in Blue’s melancholic demeanor is attributed to her tragic end amidst her battle with terminal illness.

Wilbert’s chilling encounter with the Lady in Blue stands as a testimony to the spectral charm of Ty Mawr Lighthouse, further deepening the mysteries of this iconic landmark.

Cardiff’s captivating blend of history, culture, and supernatural allure is undeniable. From Wilbert’s personal encounters to shared local legends, it’s clear that the city holds secrets waiting to be unraveled, revealing that sometimes, the past refuses to remain buried.