Haunted Castles

Ruthin Castle

Location: Ruthin, Denbighshire, North Wales

Origin: 13th/14th Century

Background: The original castle was destroyed by order of Parliament following the surrender of the Royalist garrison there (approx 1646). The ruins were incorporated in a large mansion which took the name of the castle. Since 1963, the mansion has been a luxury hotel and the old castle ruins are in the grounds. This is the Grey Lady's story.

Story: I lived here when the armies of Edward I inhabited the castle. My husband was a commanding officer and he betrayed me. I found out he was having an affair with a local woman. I could not let some local peasant make me a laughing stock; so I killed her. I don't regret it, even though it led to my own death. They executed me for this crime.

You can still see my grave which is just outside the castle walls; they couldn't bury me in consecrated ground. I like to visit my old home even though it has changed. You might see me wandering the battlements or in the banqueting hall which was once the castle chapel.