The Paranormal Database

Gwrach-y-rhibyn

Location: St Donats - St Donats Castle
Type: Crisis Manifestation
Date / Time: When death occurs in the family
Further Comments: This ghost heralds a death in the family very much like a banshee - wailing pierces the night air, and scratching is heard at windows. The entity was named as Lady Stradling, murdered by another member of her family. The apparition is also seen, some writing at it resembles an old, haggled woman, while others claim the figure wears high heels and a gown made of fine silk. If this was not enough, the castle is also reported to be home to a large floating eye that glows, a semi-transparent large black cat, and a piano that has a habit of playing itself.

Haunted Woman

Location: St Donats - Unnamed cottage near the castle
Type: Unknown Ghost Type
Date / Time: Unknown
Further Comments: A housekeeper who lived in this cottage after the death of her employer became haunted by his ghost. A prayer meeting was held in the cottage during which the ghost manifested to the housekeeper and revealed a hidden bag of coins, instructing the lady to take them and discard the loot into the nearby River Ogmore.

The devil at work.

New Shoes for the Devil

Location: St Nicholas - Dusty Forge Inn
Type: Legend - Old Nick
Date / Time: Unknown
Further Comments: This inn was once a forge, where the Devil was caught making new shoes for himself.

Dancing Women

Location: St Nicholas - Tinkinswood Cromlech
Type: Legend
Date / Time: Stones still present
Further Comments: The small standing stones around this cromlech were once women who were petrified for dancing on the Sabbath. It is said that if one sleeps between them, there is a chance of becoming a great poet, going mad, or dying.

Waiting Wife

Location: Swanbridge - Captain's Wife public house
Type: Haunting Manifestation
Date / Time: Unknown
Further Comments: This public house is named after a local tale which says a phantom fisherman's wife haunts the area, awaiting the return of her husband lost at sea during a storm. Another legend says when the captain's wife died, her body was kept in a box - the box was stolen, mistaken for treasure.

Grey Lady

Location: Taff's Well - Area around natural spring
Type: Haunting Manifestation
Date / Time: Unknown
Further Comments: The waters of the well were once used to cure rheumatism and are said to have been in use since Roman times. The area is reputedly home to a phantom grey lady.