Walking Through the Shadows of Caerphilly Castle
Unlike Castell Coch, with its fairytale turrets and Gothic charm (which I explored in my previous blog here), Caerphilly Castle is an entirely different experience. This is not a romanticized vision of the past—it is a true stronghold, built for war and survival. As I walked through its vast grounds, surrounded by towering stone walls and an expansive moat, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of history pressing down on me. And with that history comes something else—the ghostly legends of Caerphilly Castle. The castle, dating back to the 13th century, is the largest in Wales and one of the most impressive defensive structures in Britain. But beyond its sheer size and imposing towers, many believe Caerphilly Castle ghost stories reveal a more chilling side to this medieval fortress.
I had heard plenty of tales about the hauntings of Caerphilly Castle, but I wanted to see if there was any truth to them.
The Green Lady: The Castle’s Most Famous Ghost
Perhaps the most well-known of Caerphilly Castle ghost stories is that of the Green Lady. Who is said to haunt the castle to this day. Legend tells of Alice de la Marche, a noblewoman whose tragic love affair led to heartbreak, betrayal, and, ultimately, a ghostly fate.
The story goes that Alice, the wife of Gilbert de Clare (the castle’s builder), fell in love with a Welsh prince. When her betrayal was discovered, she was said to have been banished, heartbroken and lost forever. Now, her restless spirit is said to wander the castle ruins, appearing as a glowing green figure drifting through the halls.
Many visitors claim to have seen her spectral form, while others report an unsettling feeling in certain rooms, as if someone unseen is watching them. But is this truly a ghost, or just the power of legend influencing those who walk these ancient halls?
The Leaning Tower and the Mystery of its Movement
One of the most intriguing mysteries of Caerphilly Castle is its famous leaning tower. Which tilts even more dramatically than the Tower of Pisa. While this is often attributed to structural shifts over time, some believe paranormal forces may be at work.
Local folklore suggests that the Green Lady’s sorrow is so powerful that it has caused the tower to lean. Others claim that strange noises—whispers, footsteps, and unexplained sounds—are heard near the tower at night.
Of course, the rational explanation is simple earth movement and centuries of wear. But standing beside it, gazing at its eerie tilt, I had to wonder—could the legend hold any truth?
The Phantom Soldiers of the Gatehouse
Caerphilly Castle, being a strategic fortress, saw its fair share of battles. Some say the spirits of long-dead soldiers still patrol the castle’s gatehouse. Forever guarding a fortress that no longer needs protection.
There have been reports of shadowy figures, often spotted near the entrance or along the castle’s battlements, vanishing when approached. Others claim to hear the sounds of metal clashing, almost like an echo from a battle long past.
Could these sightings be a glimpse into history, or just tricks of the light and sound bouncing off ancient stone walls?
Where to Next?
Leaving Caerphilly Castle, I couldn’t help but feel that its ghosts are deeply intertwined with its history. Whether or not you believe in the supernatural, the weight of the past lingers in every stone, every shadowed corridor, and every whispered legend.
But the journey doesn’t end here. Next, I travel to Caldicot Castle, a site with strong Norman roots and its own collection of ghostly encounters. Unlike Caerphilly’s battle-worn fortifications, Caldicot Castle’s history is steeped in medieval court intrigue and family ties—but does that make its hauntings any less chilling?
I’m about to find out.
Disclaimer
While Caerphilly Castle has a rich history of ghost stories, all paranormal claims should be viewed with a critical mind. Many sightings can be explained by psychology, environmental factors, and historical context. This blog explores these stories from both a historical and skeptical perspective.
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