Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees

Did the world's richest man go ghost hunting in Cardiff? Who is the mysterious figure said to wander between Cardiff Castle's chapel and library after dark? And what does a phantom horse and carriage have to do with death in the Bute family? For this Halloween special, we're heading to Cardiff Castle - Castell Caerdydd - to explore some of the ghosts said to haunt one of Wales's most famous - and most haunted? - historic buildings. We'll meet the 3rd Marquess of Bute, an extraordinarily wealthy aristocrat with a fascination for the supernatural, discover his connection to the Society for Psychical Research, and delve into the ghost stories surrounding his family and their Gothic Revival castle in the heart of Cardiff. Tune in for: Victorian ghost hunting, Welsh folklore, strange apparitions, and a good old death omen in the form of a phantom carriage, that is lot more than an uninvited guest crashing in after the shades of night have fallen... Happy Halloween / Nos Calan Gaeaf hapus! 👻🎃 Until next time, nos da... About the podcast Ghosts and Folklore of Wales is a monthly podcast exploring Welsh ghost stories, folklore, strange history and forgotten accounts drawn from books, newspapers, archives and personal experiences. Hosted by Mark Rees, a Welsh journalist and author of books including Ghosts of Wales and Paranormal Wales, each episode looks at the uncanny stories people recorded across Wales and beyond - from rural legends and Victorian sightings to odd reports that never quite settled into explanation. New episodes four weeks. Support the podcast If you’d like to support the show, you can buy me a coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/markrees Or buy a book, full list here: https://markreesonline.com/books/ Watch & follow YouTube Cultural Adventures: https://www.youtube.com/@markrees Website: https://markreesonline.com Get in touch: https://markreesonline.com/contact/ Social media: Facebook Twitter X Instagram Bluesky Threads YouTube Pinterest Mastodon Stay updated Enjoyed the episode? Follow the podcast so you don’t miss the next Welsh ghost story and sign up to the newsletter .

Powis Castle is one of Wales’s great medieval-castles-turned-fancy-mansion-house – and it also has a rather impressive collection of ghosts. For this Halloween special, I’m heading to Welshpool to explore the stories of the ghosts and strange happenings said to haunt Powis Castle, from a mysterious man in a gold-laced suit who appeared to a poor woman in 1780, to a lady in black, a ghostly piano that plays when the room is empty, and reports of invisible hands and other strange happenings. There’s even a ghostly headless horseman said to patrol the gardens – a rather appropriate visitor for Halloween if you're a fan of Sleepy Hollow. Along the way, we’ll look at the castle’s long and complicated history and the folklore surrounding its gardens. Happy Halloween/ Nos Calan Gaeaf hapus – and keep an eye out for anything headless on horseback... 👻 Until next time, nos da! About the podcast Ghosts and Folklore of Wales is a monthly podcast exploring Welsh ghost stories, folklore, strange history and forgotten accounts drawn from books, newspapers, archives and personal experiences. Hosted by Mark Rees, a Welsh journalist and author of books including Ghosts of Wales and Paranormal Wales, each episode looks at the uncanny stories people recorded across Wales and beyond - from rural legends and Victorian sightings to odd reports that never quite settled into explanation. New episodes four weeks. Support the podcast If you’d like to support the show, you can buy me a coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/markrees Or buy a book, full list here: https://markreesonline.com/books/ Watch & follow YouTube Cultural Adventures: https://www.youtube.com/@markrees Website: https://markreesonline.com Get in touch: https://markreesonline.com/contact/ Social media: Facebook Twitter X Instagram Bluesky Threads YouTube Pinterest Mastodon Stay updated Enjoyed the episode? Follow the podcast so you don’t miss the next Welsh ghost story and sign up to the newsletter .

Did the dead ironworkers return to work after dark? Can an ironworks itself be haunted? And what would you make of the sound of machinery coming to life when the works should have been silent? In this episode of the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast, we travel back to Victorian Merthyr Tydfil and one of the strangest industrial ghost stories. In 1881, a "remarkable account" emerged from Cyfarthfa, once one of the great industrial powerhouses of Wales. A witness claimed that, after the works had fallen silent, the huge wheels began to turn, the machinery sprang into motion and the sounds of production filled the darkness. There were no workers. No obvious source of power. Just the sounds of a working ironworks where the machinery should have been still. And the story doesn't end there. Another local witness claimed to have heard the same mysterious sounds, while an elderly woman offered her own explanation involving the Crawshay family and their deep attachment to the works. Was this a supernatural haunting, an echo of Cyfarthfa's industrial past, or something more easily explained? And what does it mean for a place to become haunted not by a ghostly figure, but by the work itself? Expect Victorian ghost stories, industrial folklore, Cyfarthfa Ironworks, Merthyr Tydfil, supernatural encounters, the Crawshay dynasty and one very strange tale of machinery that seemingly refused to stay silent. Tune in now... if you dare. 👻 Until next time, nos da! About the podcast Ghosts and Folklore of Wales is a monthly podcast exploring Welsh ghost stories, folklore, strange history and forgotten accounts drawn from books, newspapers, archives and personal experiences. Hosted by Mark Rees, a Welsh journalist and author of books including Ghosts of Wales and Paranormal Wales, each episode looks at the uncanny stories people recorded across Wales and beyond - from rural legends and Victorian sightings to odd reports that never quite settled into explanation. New episodes four weeks. Support the podcast If you’d like to support the show, you can buy me a coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/markrees Or buy a book, full list here: https://markreesonline.com/books/ Watch & follow YouTube Cultural Adventures: https://www.youtube.com/@markrees Website: https://markreesonline.com Get in touch: https://markreesonline.com/contact/ Social media: Facebook Twitter X Instagram Bluesky Threads YouTube Pinterest Mastodon Stay updated Enjoyed the episode? Follow the podcast so you don’t miss the next Welsh ghost story and sign up to the newsletter .

Why were fairies said to steal healthy babies? What happened to the children they left behind? And could the fairy folk return at the end of your life... to steal the dead as well? In this episode of the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast, I explore one of the strangest beliefs in Celtic folklore. Alongside the familiar tales of changelings and stolen children, we'll uncover an extraordinary tradition claiming that fairies also carried away the dying, leaving one of their own behind to be buried instead. Along the way, we'll discover the simple charms once believed to protect children from the fairy folk, compare traditions from Wales, Scotland, England and Ireland, and ask why these stories survived for so many generations. If fairies could steal babies, why would they return at the end of someone's life to do the same again? Coming up: Welsh folklore, fairy lore, changelings, Celtic traditions, supernatural beliefs and some truly remarkable stories from Britain and Ireland. Tune in now... if you dare! 👻 Until next time, nos da x About the podcast Ghosts and Folklore of Wales is a monthly podcast exploring Welsh ghost stories, folklore, strange history and forgotten accounts drawn from books, newspapers, archives and personal experiences. Hosted by Mark Rees, a Welsh journalist and author of books including Ghosts of Wales and Paranormal Wales, each episode looks at the uncanny stories people recorded across Wales and beyond - from rural legends and Victorian sightings to odd reports that never quite settled into explanation. New episodes four weeks. Support the podcast If you’d like to support the show, you can buy me a coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/markrees Or buy a book, full list here: https://markreesonline.com/books/ Watch & follow YouTube adventures: https://www.youtube.com/@markrees Website: https://markreesonline.com Get in touch: https://markreesonline.com/contact/ Social media: Facebook Twitter X Instagram Bluesky Threads YouTube Pinterest Mastodon Stay updated Enjoyed the episode? Follow the podcast so you don’t miss the next Welsh ghost story and sign up to the newsletter .

Did a ghost haunt the grounds of Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant? Why was a man in a top hat seen walking a Monmouthshire hillside? Can a thorn bush really be haunted? And who was the Woman in White said to appear near Penallt? In this episode of the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast, I return to Monmouthshire to revisit accounts collected in the 1960s by archaeologist Stephen Clarke in his book Ghosts of Monmouth. These are not polished ghost stories, but newspaper accounts, local recollections and odd reports gathered from across the county - from pleasure grounds above Monmouth where a top-hatted figure appears as a possible death omen, to Penallt, where a Woman in White is said to retrace the story of her own death in a vanished millpond. We also encounter one of the more unusual entries in the archive: a hillside thorn bush linked to a tragic story, where walkers reportedly heard the sound of a crying baby coming from the branches. Alongside these are further fragments from rural Monmouthshire in the early 20th century - apparitions, death omens, strange sightings in daylight, and personal accounts passed down through one family and recorded decades later. There’s no neat explanation tying them together. Just a series of unsettling reports from a county where people kept noticing things they couldn’t quite account for. Tune in now... if you dare. 👻 About the podcast Ghosts and Folklore of Wales is a monthly podcast exploring Welsh ghost stories, folklore, strange history and forgotten accounts drawn from books, newspapers, archives and personal experiences. Hosted by Mark Rees, a Welsh journalist and author of books including Ghosts of Wales and Paranormal Wales, each episode looks at the uncanny stories people recorded across Wales and beyond - from rural legends and Victorian sightings to odd reports that never quite settled into explanation. New episodes four weeks. Support the podcast If you’d like to support the show, you can buy me a coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/markrees Or buy a book, full list here: https://markreesonline.com/books/ Watch & follow YouTube adventures: https://www.youtube.com/@markrees Website: https://markreesonline.com Get in touch: https://markreesonline.com/contact/ Social media: Facebook Twitter X Instagram Bluesky Threads YouTube Pinterest Mastodon Stay updated Enjoyed the episode? Follow the podcast so you don’t miss the next Welsh ghost story and sign up to the newsletter .

What do you do when phantom hounds howl outside your home? What does it mean when a bird appears at the window? And are Wales's - and England's - death omens mere superstition... or something more? In this episode of the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast, we explore the eerie world of Welsh death omens - from ghost dogs and phantom hounds to mysterious birds said to bring warnings from beyond. Drawing on strange accounts recorded in Wales and beyond, we encounter spectral animals, uncanny coincidences, and stories that left witnesses questioning everything they thought they knew about life, death and the great hereafter. Along the way, we'll meet the mysterious Cŵn Teulu (Family Hounds), revisit old Welsh beliefs surrounding death omens, and examine folklore that has been passed down the generations. Are these simply stories told to make sense of tragedy? Or do they preserve older beliefs about warnings and the unseen world? Expect Welsh folklore, ghost dogs, phantom birds, death omens, supernatural encounters, and some truly strange tales from the darker side of Welsh lore. Tune in now... if you dare. 👻 ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Swansea and Gower" now! You can order it online here . BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch! https://ko-fi.com/markrees WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES? The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends. Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes. From "real-life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical adventures from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded monthly and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons, with the odd wicked — and not-so-wicked — witch along the way. Alongside the regular stories, you can expect the occasional special guest, live ghost hunts, and all sorts of quirky surprises from a Welsh storyteller with original ideas. Seasonal specials include dark folklore and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions, plus everyone's favourite skull-headed Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd. Dare you explore haunted Wales? From the sublime mountains and cascading waterfalls to bustling cities and remote farms, journey through the paranormal and unexplained in all corners of Cymru. Think of it as unlocking the Welsh X-Files with some tenuous Ghostbusters references and terrible sound effects along the way! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode. For more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees , please visit https://markreesonline.com/ : Mark Rees homepage Mark Rees on social media Books by Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales etc.) Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast Until next time, nos da!

Who was the mysterious Queen of the Lakes said to rule the waters of north Wales? How did one Pembrokeshire woman armed with only a pitchfork help defeat French invaders? And did Welsh folklore really tell of women strong enough to wrestle grown men, fight invading armies, and become giants? In this episode of the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast, we explore a trio of larger-than-life Welsh women whose stories tow a fine line between fact and fiction, history and folklore. There’s Jemima Fawr, the legendary heroine of Fishguard, who reportedly captured French soldiers during the last invasion of mainland Britain. There’s Megan Ferch Evan - hunter, fisherwoman, musician, boat builder, blacksmith, wrestler, and all-round local legend - whose reputation became so extraordinary she was remembered as the Queen of the Lakes. And then things become stranger still… Victorian writers also tell of a travelling Welsh giantess who vanished to Texas with her much smaller husband. Press play for the full story! Expect Welsh folklore, giants, warrior women, myths, invasions, and some truly *ahem* giant characters. Tune in now… if you dare! 👻 ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Swansea and Gower" now! You can order it online here . BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch! https://ko-fi.com/markrees WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES? The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends. Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes. From "real-life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical adventures from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded monthly and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons, with the odd wicked — and not-so-wicked — witch along the way. Alongside the regular stories, you can expect the occasional special guest, live ghost hunts, and all sorts of quirky surprises from a Welsh storyteller with original ideas. Seasonal specials include dark folklore and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions, plus everyone's favourite skull-headed Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd. Dare you explore haunted Wales? From the sublime mountains and cascading waterfalls to bustling cities and remote farms, journey through the paranormal and unexplained in all corners of Cymru. Think of it as unlocking the Welsh X-Files with some tenuous Ghostbusters references and terrible sound effects along the way! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode. For more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees , please visit https://markreesonline.com/ : Mark Rees homepage Mark Rees on social media Books by Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales etc.) Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast Until next time, nos da!

Who - or what - was moving the stones in the dead of night? What were those uncanny voices? Why would a church be built in one place… only to appear somewhere else the next morning? And why do so many Welsh villages share the same unsettling story? Across Wales, there are legends of churches that refused to stay put. Builders would spend all day raising walls and laying foundations… only to return the next morning and find everything gone - the stones carried off, the work undone and sometimes reassembled miles away. In some places, voices were heard in the darkness, guiding where the church should stand. In others, unseen forces simply dismantled whatever humans tried to build. From Carmarthenshire to Ceredigion, these stories appear again and again - too similar to ignore, too strange to explain. Are they echoes of real disputes, lost buildings and forgotten histories… or something older, buried deep in the landscape? In these tales, it’s not the people who choose where the church stands… it’s something else. 👻 (Plus a quick Paranormal Unpacked update) ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Swansea and Gower" now! You can order it online here . BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch! https://ko-fi.com/markrees WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES? The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends. Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes. From "real-life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical adventures from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded monthly and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons, with the odd wicked — and not-so-wicked — witch along the way. Alongside the regular stories, you can expect the occasional special guest, live ghost hunts, and all sorts of quirky surprises from a Welsh storyteller with original ideas. Seasonal specials include dark folklore and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions, plus everyone's favourite skull-headed Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd. Dare you explore haunted Wales? From the sublime mountains and cascading waterfalls to bustling cities and remote farms, journey through the paranormal and unexplained in all corners of Cymru. Think of it as unlocking the Welsh X-Files with some tenuous Ghostbusters references and terrible sound effects along the way! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode. For more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees , please visit https://markreesonline.com/ : Mark Rees homepage Mark Rees on social media Books by Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales etc.) Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast Until next time, nos da!

Who is the faceless figure drifting silently along the banks of the River Wye? What happens if you anger the spirits said to live within an ancient Welsh oak tree? And what crashes through the night on a long-lost road… even after the road itself has vanished? In this episode, we head to Monmouthshire - an area packed with strange sightings, old stories and accounts passed down through local newspapers and word of mouth. There are tales of phantom stagecoaches racing through the dark near Rockfield, said to appear only on stormy nights… and always ending in disaster. In Newcastle, people speak of spirits tied to a great oak tree, with a habit of punishing anyone who took more than they should. And then there’s the Faceless Lady of Hadnock - seen late at night by the River Wye. Who is this glamorous spectre who walks after midnight? Taken from a little-known mid-20th century collection, these Welsh ghost stories have been gathering dust for decades. Lock the doors, dim the lights, and step into the local folklore and haunted landscapes Monmouthshire… if you dare! 👻 ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Swansea and Gower" now! You can order it online here . BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch! https://ko-fi.com/markrees WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES? The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends. Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes. From "real-life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical adventures from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded monthly and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons, with the odd wicked — and not-so-wicked — witch along the way. Alongside the regular stories, you can expect the occasional special guest, live ghost hunts, and all sorts of quirky surprises from a Welsh storyteller with original ideas. Seasonal specials include dark folklore and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions, plus everyone's favourite skull-headed Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd. Dare you explore haunted Wales? From the sublime mountains and cascading waterfalls to bustling cities and remote farms, journey through the paranormal and unexplained in all corners of Cymru. Think of it as unlocking the Welsh X-Files with some tenuous Ghostbusters references and terrible sound effects along the way! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode. For more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees , please visit https://markreesonline.com/ : Mark Rees homepage Mark Rees on social media Books by Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales etc.) Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast Until next time, nos da!

GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE IS BACK - BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER! 👻 *** PLEASE NOTE: The video version of this episode is available on YouTube only, despite what I said - you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/DRvNwVVFSyw - sorry! *** I’ve been off gallivanting about the world, but normal spooky service resumes VERY soon - in two weeks, in fact. You can check out the new YouTube series Paranormal Unpacked here: https://www.youtube.com/@ParanormalUnpacked My latest books, including Quirky Cardiff, are here: https://markreesonline.com/books/ Thank you for your patience - lots more ghosts, folklore and weird and wonderful goodies coming right up on the podcast. Until next time... nos da! Mark BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi Thank you/ diolch! WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES? The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends. Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes.

Which Christmas decoration began life as a witch-repelling charm? What haunted Welsh mansion has glowing fog drifting through its corridors even in summer? And who is the mysterious Boy in Blue said to appear in an unnerving old painting? This Christmas, we return to Dinefwr and Llandeilo - some of the most haunted locations in Wales - with storyteller and National Trust guide Ronnie Kerswell-O’Hara, who previously joined us for last week’s Mari Lwyd folklore episode. Ronnie reveals the eerie objects found in Newton House (including witch balls, witch marks and mummified cats), unexplained static like something from Poltergeist, and the chilling stories behind haunted paintings and ghostly children seen on the stairs. She also shares tales from her Llandeilo ghost walks: tragic carriage accidents, a mysterious fall from a window… or was it a push? Expect Welsh hauntings, cursed objects, spooky art, local legends and even a Scooby-Doo-style mystery. Settle in for Welsh Christmas ghost stories on the darkest nights of the year… if you dare. 👻🎄 ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Swansea and Gower" now! You can order it online here . BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch! https://ko-fi.com/markrees WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES? The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends. Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes. From "real-life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical adventures from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded monthly and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons, with the odd wicked — and not-so-wicked — witch along the way. Alongside the regular stories, you can expect the occasional special guest, live ghost hunts, and all sorts of quirky surprises from a Welsh storyteller with original ideas. Seasonal specials include dark folklore and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions, plus everyone's favourite skull-headed Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd. Dare you explore haunted Wales? From the sublime mountains and cascading waterfalls to bustling cities and remote farms, journey through the paranormal and unexplained in all corners of Cymru. Think of it as unlocking the Welsh X-Files with some tenuous Ghostbusters references and terrible sound effects along the way! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode. For more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees , please visit https://markreesonline.com/ : Mark Rees homepage Mark Rees on social media Books by Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales etc.) Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast Until next time, nos da!

How do you build a Mari Lwyd? Where do you find a horse skull? How heavy is it really – and how on earth do you dance with one? This Christmas, we go behind the folklore of Wales’s most iconic winter visitor – the Mari Lwyd – to uncover the practical secrets rarely talked about: construction, decoration, materials, performance, and the surprisingly tricky art of bringing a skeletal horse to life. Mark Rees is joined by Ronnie Kerswell-O’Hara of the National Trust at Dinefwr, Llandeilo – a maker, performer, dancer and seasoned guide to both Halloween ghost hunts and New Year Mari Lwyd events. Ronnie lifts the veil on what it takes to create a Mari from scratch, the realities of handling the skull, and the magic of a full Mari Lwyd troupe. Along the way, we meet a mysterious Green Man, uncover tips and tricks from years of trial and error, and explore how a centuries-old tradition is kept alive today through craft, community and a little seasonal mischief. Explore the lore this Christmas... if you dare! 👻 ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Swansea and Gower" now! You can order it online here . BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch! https://ko-fi.com/markrees WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES? The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends. Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes. From "real-life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical adventures from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded monthly and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons, with the odd wicked — and not-so-wicked — witch along the way. Alongside the regular stories, you can expect the occasional special guest, live ghost hunts, and all sorts of quirky surprises from a Welsh storyteller with original ideas. Seasonal specials include dark folklore and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions, plus everyone's favourite skull-headed Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd. Dare you explore haunted Wales? From the sublime mountains and cascading waterfalls to bustling cities and remote farms, journey through the paranormal and unexplained in all corners of Cymru. Think of it as unlocking the Welsh X-Files with some tenuous Ghostbusters references and terrible sound effects along the way! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode. For more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees , please visit https://markreesonline.com/ : Mark Rees homepage Mark Rees on social media Books by Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales etc.) Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast Until next time, nos da!

What happens when you spend Halloween night in one of Wales’s eeriest ruins? Who – or what – haunts the sand-blown walls of Pennard Castle? And could the terrifying Gwrach y Rhibyn still be keeping watch? It’s Halloween Eve, and Mark Rees heads to the haunted remains of Pennard Castle on the Gower Peninsula – a place steeped in ghostly sightings, fairy-folk legends and one of Wales’s most chilling curses. From the night a witch-like death omen was said to strike a man mad, to a modern eyewitness who saw something moving in the mist, this episode weaves folklore, history and first-hand encounters into one unnerving tale. Explore the lore this Halloween... if you dare! 👻 ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Swansea and Gower" now! You can order it online here . BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch! https://ko-fi.com/markrees WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES? The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends. Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes. From "real-life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical adventures from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded monthly and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons, with the odd wicked — and not-so-wicked — witch along the way. Alongside the regular stories, you can expect the occasional special guest, live ghost hunts, and all sorts of quirky surprises from a Welsh storyteller with original ideas. Seasonal specials include dark folklore and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions, plus everyone's favourite skull-headed Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd. Dare you explore haunted Wales? From the sublime mountains and cascading waterfalls to bustling cities and remote farms, journey through the paranormal and unexplained in all corners of Cymru. Think of it as unlocking the Welsh X-Files with some tenuous Ghostbusters references and terrible sound effects along the way! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode. For more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees , please visit https://markreesonline.com/ : Mark Rees homepage Mark Rees on social media Books by Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales etc.) Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast Until next time, nos da!

🎃👻 What dangerous games did people play on the night when the veil between worlds was at its thinnest? Who walked the dark lanes of Wales on Nos Calan Gaeaf long before modern Halloween lights flickered? In this special Halloween episode, Mark Rees explores centuries-old Welsh traditions that mixed fun, fear, and fortune-telling. From sowing hemp seeds in graveyards to listening at church doors for whispered names, discover how spooky games revealed secrets about love, death, and the unknown. Uncover the folklore behind Halloween in Wales — where witches, spirits, and uncanny tricks weren’t just stories, but a part of everyday life. Explore the lore... if you dare! 👻 ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Swansea and Gower" now! You can order it online here . BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch! https://ko-fi.com/markrees WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES? The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends. Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes. From "real-life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical adventures from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded monthly and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons, with the odd wicked — and not-so-wicked — witch along the way. Alongside the regular stories, you can expect the occasional special guest, live ghost hunts, and all sorts of quirky surprises from a Welsh storyteller with original ideas. Seasonal specials include dark folklore and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions, plus everyone's favourite skull-headed Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd. Dare you explore haunted Wales? From the sublime mountains and cascading waterfalls to bustling cities and remote farms, journey through the paranormal and unexplained in all corners of Cymru. Think of it as unlocking the Welsh X-Files with some tenuous Ghostbusters references and terrible sound effects along the way! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode. For more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees , please visit https://markreesonline.com/ : Mark Rees homepage Mark Rees on social media Books by Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales etc.) Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast Until next time, nos da!

Who is the mysterious Ghost Rider haunting a lonely Welsh road plagued by Halloween Jack-o'-Lanterns? What dark link ties this spectral horseman to an old murder, a flickering light in the darkness, and the Devil himself? On this episode, journey into the shadows of rural Wales, where folklore and fear merge on moonlit lanes. Discover the chilling tale of a ghost rider whose hooves are not quite human, and why this terrifying encounter has echoed through generations — a story steeped in mystery, murder, and the spirit of Nos Calan Gaeaf, the Welsh Halloween. Explore the lore... if you dare! ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Swansea and Gower" now! You can order it online here . BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch! https://ko-fi.com/markrees WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES? The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends. Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes. From "real-life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical adventures from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded monthly and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons, with the odd wicked — and not-so-wicked — witch along the way. Alongside the regular stories, you can expect the occasional special guest, live ghost hunts, and all sorts of quirky surprises from a Welsh storyteller with original ideas. Seasonal specials include dark folklore and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions, plus everyone's favourite skull-headed Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd. Dare you explore haunted Wales? From the sublime mountains and cascading waterfalls to bustling cities and remote farms, journey through the paranormal and unexplained in all corners of Cymru. Think of it as unlocking the Welsh X-Files with some tenuous Ghostbusters references and terrible sound effects along the way! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode. For more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees , please visit https://markreesonline.com/ : Mark Rees homepage Mark Rees on social media Books by Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales etc.) Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast Until next time, nos da!

What if death could knock on your door — quite literally — before claiming a life? Would you answer? Would you believe it? And what strange thread connects these events in Wales to a death in America? In this eerie real-life account from 19th-century Wales, a tailor living in a remote farmhouse near Newcastle Emlyn is disturbed by strange and persistent sounds — knocking at doors and windows, ghostly wailing in the night, and an uncanny sense that something is coming. Witnesses hear it too. The knocking grows louder. And then it reaches a crescendo… But the story doesn’t end there. In fact, it’s only when news arrives from across the Atlantic that the full meaning of these uncanny spirit sounds becomes clear. On this episode, Mark explores a chilling tale of death omens, haunted houses, and the old folk belief that death itself gives warning — if you know how to listen. Explore the lore... if you dare! ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Swansea and Gower" now! You can order it online here . BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch! https://ko-fi.com/markrees WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES? The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends. Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes. From "real-life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical adventures from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded monthly and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons, with the odd wicked — and not-so-wicked — witch along the way. Alongside the regular stories, you can expect the occasional special guest, live ghost hunts, and all sorts of quirky surprises from a Welsh storyteller with original ideas. Seasonal specials include dark folklore and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions, plus everyone's favourite skull-headed Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd. Dare you explore haunted Wales? From the sublime mountains and cascading waterfalls to bustling cities and remote farms, journey through the paranormal and unexplained in all corners of Cymru. Think of it as unlocking the Welsh X-Files with some tenuous Ghostbusters references and terrible sound effects along the way! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode. For more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees , please visit https://markreesonline.com/ : Mark Rees homepage Mark Rees on social media Books by Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales etc.) Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast Until next time, nos da!

Why do people report ghostly knights, phantom horses and spectral visions during the full moon in this Welsh beauty spot? What ancient force still lingers atop Cefn Bryn? On this episode, Mark journeys to the windswept heights of Gower during the summer solstice to investigate one of Wales’s oldest and most mysterious sites — a place steeped in druidic ritual, pagan legend, and haunting lore. Is this neolithic tomb truly connected to King Arthur? Did Merlin himself walk these lands? And what really happens at midnight when the capstone stirs and the spirits rise? From love-seeking rituals involving ghostly cakes, to tales of Dylan Thomas invoking the dead, this is one eerie pilgrimage you won’t forget. Explore the lore... if you dare! ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Swansea and Gower" now! You can order it online here . BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch! https://ko-fi.com/markrees WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES? The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends. Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes. From "real-life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical adventures from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded monthly and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons, with the odd wicked — and not-so-wicked — witch along the way. Alongside the regular stories, you can expect the occasional special guest, live ghost hunts, and all sorts of quirky surprises from a Welsh storyteller with original ideas. Seasonal specials include dark folklore and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions, plus everyone's favourite skull-headed Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd. Dare you explore haunted Wales? From the sublime mountains and cascading waterfalls to bustling cities and remote farms, journey through the paranormal and unexplained in all corners of Cymru. Think of it as unlocking the Welsh X-Files with some tenuous Ghostbusters references and terrible sound effects along the way! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode. For more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees , please visit https://markreesonline.com/ : Mark Rees homepage Mark Rees on social media Books by Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales etc.) Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast Until next time, nos da!

Why has Craig-y-Nos Castle drawn ghost hunters, psychics and TV crews for decades? What secrets still linger in its shadowy halls? Find out in the 5th anniversary episode of Ghosts and Folklore of Wales. This month, Mark returns to one of the UK’s most famously "most haunted" sites — a place so notorious it’s become part of British paranormal legend. Once home to opera star Adelina Patti and now a hotspot for chilling encounters, Craig-y-Nos Castle has a spine-tingling history of ghostly sightings and supernatural tales. Join us at this milestone moment… who knows what you might see — or hear? Explore the lore... if you dare! ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Swansea and Gower" now! You can order it online here . BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch! https://ko-fi.com/markrees WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES? The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends. Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes. From "real-life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical adventures from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded monthly and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons, with the odd wicked — and not-so-wicked — witch along the way. Alongside the regular stories, you can expect the occasional special guest, live ghost hunts, and all sorts of quirky surprises from a Welsh storyteller with original ideas. Seasonal specials include dark folklore and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions, plus everyone's favourite skull-headed Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd. Dare you explore haunted Wales? From the sublime mountains and cascading waterfalls to bustling cities and remote farms, journey through the paranormal and unexplained in all corners of Cymru. Think of it as unlocking the Welsh X-Files with some tenuous Ghostbusters references and terrible sound effects along the way! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode. For more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees , please visit https://markreesonline.com/ : Mark Rees homepage Mark Rees on social media Books by Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales etc.) Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast Until next time, nos da!

What kind of spectral creature leaps onto a corpse, rides in the hearse, and disappears into the mourners at the graveside? In this folkloric lucky dip of ghostly odds and ends, Mark Rees unearths the eerie tales too strange, too short, or too scattered to fit anywhere else… until now. Why did a grand Welsh mansion blaze with phantom lights long after its owner had died? Who — or what — tormented a hardworking farmer until he uncovered a buried secret? And did a goblin really make a house vanish from sight, or were two young women led astray by something darker? From ghost dogs and death omens to haunted bridges, mischievous poltergeists, and vanishing homes, this episode weaves together a chilling patchwork of Wales' most unsettling folklore. Are these forgotten legends mere superstition — or do they hint at a deeper truth buried beneath the soil of haunted Wales? Explore the lore... if you dare! ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Swansea and Gower" now! You can order it online here . BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch! https://ko-fi.com/markrees WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES? The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends. Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes. From "real-life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical adventures from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded monthly and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons, with the odd wicked — and not-so-wicked — witch along the way. Alongside the regular stories, you can expect the occasional special guest, live ghost hunts, and all sorts of quirky surprises from a Welsh storyteller with original ideas. Seasonal specials include dark folklore and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions, plus everyone's favourite skull-headed Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd. Dare you explore haunted Wales? From the sublime mountains and cascading waterfalls to bustling cities and remote farms, journey through the paranormal and unexplained in all corners of Cymru. Think of it as unlocking the Welsh X-Files with some tenuous Ghostbusters references and terrible sound effects along the way! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode. For more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees , please visit https://markreesonline.com/ : Mark Rees homepage Mark Rees on social media Books by Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales etc.) Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast Until next time, nos da!

Who knocks at midnight—and what do they want? Are these visitors of the night bringing gifts or a curse? When a knock came at midnight, the family inside had no idea the supernatural visitors weren’t just visiting—they were hunting. A seemingly generous call from the Tylwyth Teg—the fairy folk of Welsh folklore—soon unravels into one of the darkest changeling tales ever recorded in Wales. Why did the visitors bring gifts of gold? What happened to the baby in the cradle? And what terrible fate awaited those left behind? Delve into a true 19th-century account of eerie music, fairy rituals, and an exchange that shattered a family—and maybe changed the future of a Welsh farm forever. Mark Rees uncovers this eerie legend in all its tragic, titivating detail, blending dark fairy tale with haunted history and the strange logic of folklore. Explore the lore... if you dare! ORDER PARANORMAL SWANSEA AND GOWER BY MARK REES: Get Mark's latest "Ghosts of Wales" book "Paranormal Swansea and Gower" now! You can order it online here . BUY MARK REES A COFFEE: If you'd like to support the GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES podcast you can treat Mark to a coffee here: Mark Rees on Ko-Fi - thank you/ diolch! https://ko-fi.com/markrees WHAT IS THE GHOSTS AND FOLKLORE OF WALES PODCAST WITH MARK REES? The Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast explores the eerie world of Welsh ghosts, ghost stories, lore, myths, and legends. Launched by author and journalist Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) in early 2020, this weird and wonderful podcast delves into the country's countless curious subjects, blending decades of research from books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes. From "real-life" encounters with the uncanny to fantastical adventures from the Mabinogion, new episodes are uploaded monthly and feature everything from pesky poltergeists to fire-breathing dragons, with the odd wicked — and not-so-wicked — witch along the way. Alongside the regular stories, you can expect the occasional special guest, live ghost hunts, and all sorts of quirky surprises from a Welsh storyteller with original ideas. Seasonal specials include dark folklore and Gothic Halloween (Nos Calan Gaeaf) traditions, plus everyone's favourite skull-headed Christmas visitor, the Mari Lwyd. Dare you explore haunted Wales? From the sublime mountains and cascading waterfalls to bustling cities and remote farms, journey through the paranormal and unexplained in all corners of Cymru. Think of it as unlocking the Welsh X-Files with some tenuous Ghostbusters references and terrible sound effects along the way! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a spooky episode. For more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees , please visit https://markreesonline.com/ : Mark Rees homepage Mark Rees on social media Books by Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales etc.) Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast Until next time, nos da!