Welsh UFO sightings from 1875. For sightings from other years please click HERE.
PRESS
January 1875
Rhosddu Colliery
The Llangollen Advertiser of January 8th 1875 reported on an alleged ghost that was haunting Rhosddu Colliery:
WREXHAM. A GHOST AT RHOSDDU COLLIERY. —Rumour says that much alarm has been caused among the timid workmen at Wrexham Colliery by the appearance of a ghost on the bank. One of the men, scared by the apparition, took to his "scrapers," as the Irish say, and did not pull up until out of breath. The ghost, whilst composed of some vapoury element unknown to scientists, has the power of speech, and it is said to have talked a long time with one of the denizens of the neighbourhood. What the conversation was about — whether he a tale unfolded that harrowed up the soul of the listener, reduced his blood to frigidity, and made his two eyes start like stars from their spheres - we have not heard; but we have been told that the wraith suddenly vanished into an invisible form without the slightest notice. The poor ghost has been hunted several times, out it has always got to cover before its pursuers were able to overtake it. Unhappy ghost! doomed for a certain period only to walk the purlieus of Rhosddu, his mission may soon be accomplished. Vex not his spirit! in all probability he will not be able long to resist the salubrity of this populous suburb.
PRESS
January 1875
Carmarthen
The Welshman of January 15th 1875 reported on a ghost that turned out be a police officer clad in his nightdress:
A GHOSTLY STORY.—On Monday evening, some hundreds of persons were amused for several hours by what they were pleased to call a ghost, as exhibited in a house in Nott-square. This was a sham ghost, and little did those who watched its movements think that a few short hours a real ghost would positively make its appearance in the streets of Carmarthen. Precisely as the St. Peter's Church clock struck the hour of twelve (so exact are ghosts in the matter of time), a figure clad in white was seen to run through Queen-street, in the direction of King-street, at a rapid pace, holding in its hand a huge carving knife. P.C. Harries was standing at the eastern corner of Queen-street, when the figure instantly walked toward him. Unlike the policeman who was lately sent to capture a burglar, Harries stood his ground like a man. Taking Harries by the arm, the figure implored him to come with all possible speed to a house in Spilman-street, where a horrid murder was being perpetrated that moment. Harries in turn took hold of the figure by the arm, and to his surprise he grasped nothing but the ordinary flesh and blood.
Scanning the object before him a little more closely, Harries discovered that his ghostly acquaintance was a member of the Carmarthenshire constabulary, whose only apparel was the solitary garment in which he nightly sleeps. They at once proceeded to the house in Spilman-stieet, and after some discussion as to who should be the first to go upstairs, a happy thought occurred to Harries, who suggested that inasmuch as his companion had the carving-knife in his hand he had better take the lead. On going to the room from whence the cries of "murder" came, it was discovered that a nightmare had been very properly punishing an inmate who had taken an undue quantity of supper before retiring to rest.
Short piece on an undated ghost laying attempt from the February 5th edition of the Cambrian:
GHOSTS IN CHURCHES. —Llandisilio, Mont.— "This church was terribly troubled by a Spirit in times gone by." So I was once informed by a person who took me over the church, and being curious to hear the story my guide related the following: To such extremes had things come that it was resolved to send for a well-known and expert person to lay the Spirit. But the Spirit nearly overcame the expert, and the fight continued hard and fast for a long time. The Ghost-layer came out often for fresh air and beer. And then was plainly seen from his bared arms and the perspiration running down his face that there was a terrible conflict going on within the church. At last success crowned the effort, and the Spirit, not unlike a large fly, was put in a bottle and thrown into a deep pool in the river Verniew, where it remains to this day and the church was troubled no more." As a proof of the truth of the story my informant showed me the beams which were cracked at the time the Spirit troubled the church.
PRESS
Wednesday 17th February 1875
Pwllheli
Griffith Thomas Picton-Jones, a solicitor and five time Mayor of Pwllheli, wrote in Field magazine of strange lights he had recently observed:
"Some few days ago we witnessed here what we have never seen before - certain lights, eight in number, extending over, I should say, a distance of eight miles; all seemed to keep their own ground, although moving in horizontal, perpendicular, and zig-zag directions. Sometimes they were of a light blue colour, then like the bright light of a carriage lamp, then almost like an electric light, and going out altogether, in a few minutes (they) would appear again dimly, and come up as before. One of my keepers, who is nearly 70 years of age, has not, nor has any one else in this vicinity, seen the same before. Can any one of your numerous readers inform me whether they are will-o'-the-wisps, or hat? We have seen three at a time afterwards on four of five occasions."
Llangollen Advertiser, March 5th 1875.
Picton-Jones wrote a letter to the Cambrian News detailing his second sighting on Sunday 27th February 1875.
Yoke House, Pwllheli, 2nd March, 1875. —
The curious lights appeared again on Sunday night. We saw twelve at the same time; two were very bright, the one of a red, the other of a blue colour. They were inland, the same as before, but from what we could observe they did not confine themselves to marshy ground, although at first they seemed to rise from the ground where we knew there were swamps.
It was a very dark and foggy night, and my brother, my son Percy, my keeper and I went out about a mile to see if we could get near them. When we had gone about half a mile we observed four or five behind us. We went to the farm adjoining, and called their attention to them. Mrs. Picton-Jones and two servants watched them for an hour and a half, and had, from their description, a better view than we had, as we were occasionally in hollows.
On our way home from Bryntani farm we saw a bright light at Yoke House, which we all thought was a lamp put out to direct us home, the night being so dark and our course across country. The other servants by this time, having come home from church and chapel, were watching the curious antics of the lights.
I should mention that we had a lamp with us, but it was darkened, except when we came to banks or ditches. Those at Yoke House saw the same light, and thought it was our lamp, but were all mistaken, as, when we got within about 200 yards of our pond, the light turned into a deep blue colour and disappeared. In front of the other pool there are some sheds, and one light that had appeared before we started seemed to go in and out, round the corner, on to the cart horse stable, round its gable end, then on to the barn, exactly the same as if it were a human being, with the exception of rising to such a height that even 'Tall Agrippa' could not come up to it.
Their movements and the distance which they spread were the same as described before. Our house is about three-quarters of a mile from the Cardigan Bay, and the promontory is about seven miles as the crow flies. Last night they did not appear, but we saw several flashes of lightning.
— I am, sir, your obedient servant, G. T. Picton-Jones.
The Cambrian News of 12th March published a short follow up:
THE STRANGE LIGHTS. - The strange phenomena described by Mr Picton Jones, Yoke House, Pwllheli, in our last, are still seen. One night this week, Mr Picton Jones saw them as he was returning from an Eisteddfod committee, when they assumed the appearance of a sheaf of corn.
All the coverage encouraged a flurry of letters from readers who had also seen strange lights, though usually years previously.
This account also featured in Notes and Queries 5/3/306 and Charles Fort's Book of the Damned.
PRESS
February 1875
Nerquis
Stones were thrown at a woman and police officers in Nerquis by a supposed ghost. The Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser of of February 27th 1975 reported:
THE NERQUIS GHOST — The good people of Nerquis are much exercised just now by the presence amongst them of one of the inhabitants of the spiritual world. It is currently reported that he is a very considerate creature, for he only troubles one person, and that a member of the fair sex. How and when she, poor thing, offended the inhabitants of the other world, it is not said; although those who have been washing their dirty clothes in public, darkly hint that it is all on account of some opposition she made to their saintly views with regard to the building or non-building of a place of worship.
However, there is no doubt of his ghostly presence though he interferes with her only, and although he has been very harmless in his operations hitherto, there is no knowing what he might do if he is provoked. The way he amuses himself, we are told, is by throwing stones about, when his enemy - the woman in question - passes a certain spot, but he has not struck her, nor anyone else, though she is accompanied on all occasions past the dreaded spot. In fact, he throws the stones so gently that they come naturally into the hands of her companions.
Nevertheless, he is held in great fear, and the good people stand in much awe of him so much so, as on Wednesday evening, the 17th inst., the services of a member of the "blue" force were called into requisition to apprehend him, and, if possible, to take him before the nearest magistrate, that is, if so ethereal a creation could be persuaded to be gently caught and kept in durance vile. The gallant officer set about this duty with a stout heart, and accompanied by several stalwart men - for fear of accidents - boldly approached the awful spot. His hair did not stand on ends - for reasons, those who know him can appreciate - but whether the same praise can be afforded to his companions is more than we can say.
But as they neared the spot, the stones could be seen gently approaching, but from which direction nobody seemed to know, and what is more wonderful they did not seem to strike anyone that the inquiry should be made. Approach they did however, and wonderful to relate, acknowledging the august presence of the representative of bumbledom, they lodged themselves one and all in his hands. He was not in the least hurt, nor was anybody else, and though it was a nice moonlight night nobody could be seen. This dire event was the cause of much consternation. The boy in blue felt a tremor creeping over his whole body, and a decided inclination to tremble, especially about his heels.
It was full time to beat a hasty retreat, which was accordingly done, and so masterly was it conducted that not a single casualty occurred. The brave army and the braver general arrived at Nerquis in perfect safety, much to the joy of their families. But the troubles of the night were not over. We ought to have stated, that notwithstanding the hasty retreat, the combatants were able to bring from the field trophies of the battle, if not of victory. These were the stones which lodged themselves so considerately in the policeman's' hands. Whether they put themselves there voluntarily in fear of the ghost, or whether his ghostship placed them there because he could not trust himself to retain them in his own hands we are not informed.
But no sooner did the faithful officer lay them carefuily on the floor of his own house, then there was an imniense commotion throughout the household. His better-half was up in arms— I- What! did he intend to beep the implements of Satan in her house? Not if she knew it, and, out they had to go, every one of them, and on the next morning the bewildered husband had to report the real presence of a visitor from another world to his official superiors, some of whom are as credulous on the subject as himself. We have treated the subject just with that amount of seriousness that it deserves. Notwithstanding our Sunday and day schools, the superstition, of darker days still linger among us. Had the woman, finding that the stones did not hurt her, said nothing about them, some mischievous person would have missed a great deal of fun, for he would soon have got tired of unnoticed exertions. Now he is in high glee, no doubt, and some years hence will have renewed pleasure in relating the frolics of his younger days.
PRESS
May 1875
Bagillt
Various newspapers reported on a series of alleged ghost sightings in Bagillt - it had been seen by day and night, and had allegedly broken a heavy wooden door. Interestingly, the daytime sightings were supposedly in the form of a gorilla.
The Flintshire Observer of May 21st 1875 reported:
A GHOST. - The frequenters of of the Bagillt road have been scared during the past week or so by a "ghost" who has appeared in a very nude state to some of the passers by. The apparition has terrified females who have gone that way, and we hear that the madcap who indulges in these senseless freaks will receive good pay when he gets into the hands of some men who are anxious to meet him. Perhaps a good pummeling and a dip in Velin-y-Nant pool is what he wants; if so, he had better carry on his "ghostly" fun for a night or two more, and he need not fear of receiving the reward he deserves.
On June 4th the Flintshire Observer reported:
THE "GHOST." - The "scare" as the Yankees term it, continues with respect to the "ghost" on the Bagillt road, and the report appears to create no little alarm in the minds of timorous ones. The apparition is by common report said to have appeared in as many forms as Mephistopheles himself, but strange to say it has a liking for revealing itself in state of nudity. Bands of courageous youths have sallied forth to hunt up the visitor, armed with very formidable weapons, but they returned without meeting with the object of their search, and we fancy every other search would prove useless as the report is obviously without foundation, and the colourings it has received are evidently the fruit of fancy. The report originated in the frolics of some children, and the affair having got wind innocent fun has been ludicrously magnified into the appearance of a "ghost".
The North Wales Register of June 5th 1785 reported:
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THE GHOST. - Considerable excitement prevails throughout this neighbourhood for about a fortnight owing to the appearance of a supposed ghost on the road leading to Bagillt. Some years ago a report was spread that the nightingale was to be heard in the same locality, and hundreds paraded the road at every hour of the night to admire the thrills of the musical visitor, which proved to be none other than imitations made by some frolicsome youths who, at the expense of fooling their neighbours, enjoyed themselves. However, another midnight attraction is reported now, who appears in every form and shape.
The nocturnal visitor possesses a destructive nature, for he is supposed to have destroyed a strong wooden door on the road, and reduced it to firewood. He is also of an industrious disposition, for he has, according to report, without the aid of steam or water-power, driven the machinery of a manufactory close by with the greatest ease for a whole night. To him is attributed many unparalleled actions, such a conveying a quack traveller with lightning speed through fields and hedges without any personal injury. The haunts of this wonderful creation of some fertile imagination have been visited nightly by scores of persons who were on the alert, prepared with dangerous weapons for an effectual attack upon this uncalled for visitor.
To him time is no consideration, for he is visible during the day as well as at night, but his appearance to children and the female sex are more numerous than to the stronger sex. During the day he appears as a gorilla, and haunts the woods in every direction, where visible traces are to be found of his whereabouts, and it is circulated in localities not two miles from the scene of his freaks that a strong body of her Majesty's defenders has been stationed there with weapons of war to destroy the ghastly intruder.
Such amongst others are the reports we are sorry to state that are credited by a large class of people, who are ever ready to believe unfounded suppositions of this nature, and ever ready to add upon their own responsibility any deficiency that may exist in the groundless rumours.
The Cambrian News (11th June) reported: A ghost is reported from Holywell. His freaks are various - he smashes doors, conveys people with miraculous speed from one point to another, drives machinery at night time, and assumes the form of a gorilla. It should be noted, too, that he prefers the company of women and children to that of men.
PRESS
October 1875
Rhosddu Colliery, Wrexham
The North Wales Journal (08/10/1875) reported on alleged ghostly happenings at Rhosddu.
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A GHOST AT RHOSDDU COLLIERY. - Rumour says that much alarm has been caused by the appearance of a ghost on the bank. One of the men, scared by the apparition, took to his "scrapers," as the Irish say, and did not pull up until out of breath. The ghost, whilst composed of some vapoury element unknown to scientists, has the power of speech, and it is said to have talked a long time with one of the denizens of the neighbourhood. What the conversation was about - whether he a tale unfolded that harrowed up the soul of the listener, reduced his blood to frigidity, and made his two eyes start like stars from their spheres - we have not heard; but we have been told that the wraith suddenly vanished into an invisible form without the slightest notice. The poor ghost has been hunted several times, but it has always got to cover before its pursuers were able to overtake it. Unhappy ghost! Doomed for a certain period only to walk the purlieus of Rhosddu, his mission may soon be accomplished. Vex not his spirit! in all probability he will not be able long to resist the salubrity of this populous suburb.
PRESS
November 1875
Tregaron
The Cambrian News (12/11/1875) reported - none too seriously - on an alleged ghost that wore a three cornered hat, barked like a dog, and jumped on peoples' backs.
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A GHOST NEAR TREGARON. This is an enlightened age. Of course, Superstition was carried away with the last remnant of oppression many years ago. This is a free country in which there flourishes a Free Press, notwithstanding the attempt made a few weeks ago to gag it at Aberystwyth. No servant girls now-a-days believe in fortune tellers. Oh, no, everybody is educated and intelligent and tolerant. Even parsons and ministers are beginning to be a little more liberal-minded than they were in old times. Things are decidedly mending, and rather less than half the people will now pay a 3d School Board rate in preference to a 3s 6d poor rate. There can be no doubt about our progress; why you may ask five or six of the first people you meet in the street to sign their names and not more than three of them will do it in this way - X.
We are making tremendous strides, take my word for it, and in a short time gentlemen will give over saying Hoffice, Hact, Happearance and Hestimate, and other gentlemen will not say "It is a very fine day, whatever." Everybody, thank fortune, has long ceased to carry their food to their mouths with sharp knives, and I actually met a man last week who did not think it would be a good joke to cheat a man who relied on his honesty.
But to come to this ghost. About half a mile from Tregaron there is a ghost. It wears a three cornered hat, barks like a dog, can jump on the backs of four people at once and is becoming so great a nuisance that strong measures will have be taken with it. Some nights it does not make its appearance, but at other times it comes with a vengeance, and, so to speak, plays the bear with the occupants of the house, because, as was before said, it can and does jump on four people's backs at once. Nobody believes in the ghost, but there is a lot of curiosity as to what the disturbance is about, and perhaps just a few do believe a lee-tle tiny but in ghosts generally.
There is now a rare opportunity of catching this ghost, and perhaps a few doctors could be got to come down from London, and we might see how long it could live without anything to eat. It isn't everybody that can see a ghost, but most people can see a house, and I'll be bound there will be lots of visitors, in the day time, to look at the house where the ghost is said to play its pranks. The last ghost I heard of was at Machynlleth, and a policeman caught it, and the Magistrates fined it 1s, and costs! If the Tregaron Magistrates are wise, they will give this ghost three months at Cardigan when they catch it.
A letter was published in the November 19th edition of the Cambrian News:
THE MACHYNLLETH GHOST. SIR, I see a reference in your columns to the Machynlleth ghost and an insinuation that the fine of 1s. was too little in the case. When you consider the matter I think you will agree with me that it was ample. The facts are as follows: - A young servant girl happened to make a noise which was immediately put down to a ghost by the foolish and superstitious people of the house. Encouraged by their folly she continued the noises and diversified them by throwing stones through the windows; all of which was set down to the ghost.
Hundreds of persons from Machynlleth and its neighbourhood flocked to the house to see the ghost. Incredible to relate, after chapel one Sunday evening the elders and leading persons of the connexion assembled at the house and had a prayer meeting "to lay the ghost;" in the middle of the prayers the impenitent ghost threw a volley of stones, some of which struck the man who was leading in the prayers, and altogether behaved as only a very improper ghost would have done, and more wonderful still, the stones all came from the inside of the building, so that the wicked ghost was evidently in the midst of them. As prayers were of no use they as a last resource appealed to the police, who soon laid the spirit. Now I contend that the parties who ought to have been punished were, not the foolish young girl, but those men who, setting themselves up as teachers and preachers, were so utterly foolish and benighted that they encouraged the perpetration of what was, after all, but the joke of a young person irresistibly drawn on by the astounding folly of persons who ought to have known much better. — I am,&c., ANTI HUMBUG.
The Cambrian News of November 26th followed up:
THE GHOST. Faenog is said to be the scene of operations for the ghost, whose doings were described last week. It is thought the popular outcry about ghosts is intended to have some purpose. Only the ignorant are imposed upon, but unfortunately in country places the ignorant are somewhat numerous.
Another follow up from the Cambrian News of December 10th:
THE TREGARON GHOST. I am sorry to hear that this ghost has disappeared altogether, and the magistrates will, therefore, not have an opportunity of sending it to Cardigan. What a joke it would be to give the ghost's name and age. Perhaps my friends did not know ghosts had names. We need not, however, say anything about names at present.
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