Welsh UFO sightings from 1835. For sightings from other years please click HERE.

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PRESS
c. 1835
Aberystwyth

Correspondence published in the September 3rd 1880 edition of the Cambrian:

GHOST STORY. —About forty-five years ago a young Frenchman, a sailor, was engaged as one of the crew of an Aberystwith vessel and continued so engaged for some time, till he became well known in the town. At the same time a good looking young woman from the neighbourhood was in service in the house of a respectable family on the Marine Terrace. The Frenchman kept company with this servant girl.

One night when he was away on a voyage, his sweetheart retired to her room, which was above the back kitchen, leaving the other servant girl down stairs. Presently they both heard the young Frenchman repeatedly calling his sweetheart by name. She accordingly asked her fellow servant to open the door to let him in, but she refused to do so, saying that he was her young man. They both knew his voice, and were surprised to hear it, as his arrival was not expected for some time.

At last his intended went down stairs and opened the door, and there he was seen extending his hand. He took her hand but turned his face from her, and afterwards went away without saying a word, through the garden out to what is now Newfoundland-street. It was a fine moonlight night and she knew him perfectly well by his walk and general appearance, and she could not imagine the cause of his strange behaviour. She went into the house and related all that had occurred to her fellow servant. Soon after the news reached Aberystwyth that the vessel had been lost far away at sea and that some of the crew and among them the young Frenchman had been drowned. Those who were saved stated that this happened the very hour the young woman supposed she had seen him. She is still living in the neigbourhood of Aberystwith. She is now about 67 years of age, and can testify to the truth of the above narrative. SENEX.

Welsh UFO sightings from 1840. For sightings from other years please click HERE.

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PRESS
c. 1840
Devon

Didn't take place in Wales, but to a pair of welsh clergymen. As early weird accounts are so few and far between I've included it anyway. This story comes from correspondence published in July 30th 1880 edition in the Cambrian News:

GHOST STORY. —The Calvinistic Methodist's Association, which will take place the second week in August, reminds me of an incident that occurred in connection with the Association about 40 years ago. Then and many years previously Mr R- D-, merchant. Great Dark-Gate Street, was in the habit, like many others in the town, of giving free lodgings to all the preachers, deacons, and others who attended the great gathering. Two men — a minister and a deacon from Carnarvonshire - were staying with Mr. D- and as there was so many there, they were obliged to engage beds for some of them about the town.

These two individuals were sent down to the Coburg House, Marine Terrace, a lodging house kept then by Mrs. Lewis. Soon after they went to bed, the two men heard a great bustle and noise in the room adjoining, followed by music and dancing. All of a sudden they heard something heavy falling on the floor, after that there was a running backward and forward up and down stairs, in short, there was great confusion every- where. In a short time the door of their own room opened, and in came several persons, removing furni- ture; others followed, carrying something and laying it down on the table. The two men were so much frightened that they could not sleep a wink all night. In the morning they told Mr. D all that had place.

In a few weeks after, Mr. D wrote to them, relating an event which had just happened in Coburg House, some three weeks after the noises were heard. It appears that a family took lodgings there, and held a ball one night. A young lady who took part in the dancing fell down dead on the floor. This awful occurrence of course caused great alarm to all present, and put an end to the dancing. When they found life was extinct, they carried the corpse to the next room, the one in which the two men had previously slept, and laid it on the table. This is a true story, and your readers may explain it as best they can. SENEX.

Welsh UFO sightings from 1800. For sightings from other years please click HERE.

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Date uncertain, but an account of a ghost sighting by Rev. John Jones was reported after his death in Traethodydd. This was reprinted in the Rev. Bourchier Wrey Savile's 1874 book - Apparitions: a Narrative of Facts.

THE MYSTERIOUS HORSEMAN.

Thee Traethodydd, or " Essayist," a Welsh quarterly periodical for 1853, contains a biographical memoir of the late Rev. John Jones, of Holiwell, Flintshire; and in that memoir there is an account of as remarkable an interposition of Providence by means of an apparition, which resulted in the preservation of life, as any on record. I think it will be best to allow Mr. Jones to relate the incident in his own words, as he was often wont to do, merely premising that he was a minister of high principle and unblemished character, and renowned throughout the Principality for his zeal and fervour as a preacher of the Gospel; and one who showed by his life his just appreciation of what Plutarch has so finely said respecting -

"Truth, Than which no greater blessing can man receive or God bestow."

One summer day, at the commencement of the present century, I was travelling from Bala, in Merionethshire, to Machynlleth, in the neighbour- ing county of Montgomery, in order to attend a religious meeting. I left Bala about 2 p.m., and travelled on horseback and alone. My journey lay through a wild, desolate part of the country, and one which at that time was almost uninhabited. When I had performed about half my journey, as I was emerging from a wood situated at the commencement of a long, steep decline, I observed coming towards me a man on foot. By his appearance, judging from the sickle which he carried sheathed in straw over his shoulder, he was doubtless a reaper in search of employment.

As he drew near, I recognised a man whom I had seen at the door of the village inn of Llanwhellyn, where I had stopped to bait my horse. On our meeting he touched his hat and asked if I could tell him the time of day. I pulled out my watch for the purpose, noticing at the same time the peculiar look which the man cast at its heavy silver case. Nothing else, however, occurred to excite any suspicion on my part, so, wishing him a "good afternoon," I continued my journey.

When I had ridden about half-way down the hill, I noticed something moving, and in the same direction as myself, on the other side of a large hedge, which ran nearly parallel with the road, and ultimately terminated at a gate through which I had to pass. At first I thought it an animal of some kind or other, but soon discovered by certain depressions in the hedge that it was a man running in a stooping position. I continued for a short time to watch his progress with some curiosity, but my curiosity soon changed to fear when I recognized the reaper with whom I had conversed a few minutes before, engaged in tearing off the strawband which sheathed his sickle.

He hurried on until he reached the gate, and then concealed himself behind the hedge within a few yards of the road. I did not then doubt for a moment but that he had resolved to attack - perhaps murder - me for the sake of my watch and whatever money I might have about me. I looked around in all directions, but not a single human being was to be seen, so reining in my horse, I asked myself in much alarm what I could do. Should I turn back? No; my business was of the utmost importance to the cause for which I was journeying, and as long as there existed the faintest possibility of getting there, I could not think of returning.

Should I trust to the speed of my horse, and endeavour to dash by the man at full speed? No; for the gate through which I had to pass was not open. Could I leave the road and make my way through the fields? I could not; for I was hemmed in by rocky banks or high hedges on both sides. The idea of risking a personal encounter could not be entertained for a moment, for what chance could I - weak and unarmed - have against a powerful man with a dangerous weapon in his hand? What course then should I pursue? I could not tell; and at length, in despair rather than in a spirit of humble trust and confidence, I bowed my head and offered up a silent prayer. This had a soothing effect upon my mind, so that, refreshed and invigorated, I proceeded anew to consider the difficulties of my position.

At this juncture my horse, growing impatient at the delay, started off: I clutched the reins, which I had let fall on his neck, for the purpose of checking him, when happening to turn my eyes, I saw to my utter astonishment that I was no longer alone. There, by my side, I beheld a horseman in a dark dress, mounted on a white steed. In intense amazement I gazed upon him; where could he have come from? He appeared as suddenly as if he had sprung from the earth. He must have been riding behind and have overtaken me. And yet I had not heard the slightest sound: it was mysterious, inexplicable. But the joy of being released from my perilous position soon overcame my feelings of wonder, and I began at once to address my companion. I asked him if he had seen any one, and then described to him what had taken place, and how relieved I felt by his sudden appearance, which now removed all cause of fear. He made no reply, and on looking at his face, he seemed paying but slight attention to my words, but continued intently gazing in the direction of the gate, now about a quarter of a mile ahead. I followed his gaze, and saw the reaper emerge from his concealment and cut across a field to our left, resheathing his sickle as he hurried along. He had evidently seen that I was no longer alone, and had relinquished his intended attempt.

All cause for alarm being gone, I once more sought to enter into conversation with my deliverer, but again without the slightest success. Not a word did he deign to give me in reply. I continued talking, however, as we rode on our way towards the gate, though I confess feeling both surprised and hurt at my companion's mysterious silence. Once, however, and only once did I hear his voice. Having watched the figure of the reaper disappear over the brow of a neighbouring hill, I turned to my companion and said, "Can it for a moment be doubted that my prayer was heard, and that you were sent for my deliverance by the Lord?" Then it was that I thought I heard the horseman speak, and that he uttered the single word, "Amen." Not another word did he give utterance to, though I tried to elicit from him replies to my questions, both in English and Welsh.

We were now approaching the gate, which I hastened to open, and having done so with my stick, I waited at the side of the road for him to pass through; but he came not; I turned my head to look - the mysterious horseman was gone! I was dumbfounded; I looked back in the direction from which we had just been riding, but though I could command a view of the road for a considerable distance, he was not to be seen. He had disappeared as mysteriously as he had come. What could have become of him? He could not have gone through the gate, nor have made his, horse leap the high hedges which on both sides shut in the road. Where was he? Had I been dreaming? Was it an apparition, a spectre which had been riding by my side for the last ten minutes? Could it be possible that I had seen no man or horse at all, and that the vision was but a creature of my imagination? I tried hard to convince myself that this was the case, but in vain; for, unless some one had been with me, why had the reaper resheathed his murderous-looking sickle and fled? Surely no; this mysterious horseman was no creation of my brain. I had seen him; who could he have been?

I asked myself this question again and again; and then a feeling of profound awe began to creep over my soul. I remembered the singular way of his first appearance - his long silence - and then again the single word to which he had given utterance; I called to mind that this reply had been elicited from him by my mentioning the name of the Lord, and that this was the single occasion on which I had done so. What could I then believe - but one thing, and that was, that my prayer had indeed been heard, and that help had been given from on high at a time of great danger. Full of this thought, I dismounted, and throwing myself on my knees, I offered up a prayer of thankfulness to Him who had heard my cry, and found help for me in time of need.

I then mounted my horse and continued my journey. But through the long years that have elapsed since that memorable summer's day, I have never for a moment wavered in my belief that in the mysterious horseman I had a special interference of Providence, by which means I was delivered from a position of extreme danger.

Part of this was also printed in the 17th December 1875 edition of the Cambrian News.

Welsh UFO sightings from 1877. For sightings from other years please click HERE.

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PRESS
January 1877
Ebbw Vale

Rumours of ghosts were making the rounds, as reported in the 27th January edition of the Monmouthshire Central Advertiser:

A GHOST STORY. -It is no unusual thing to hear of ghosts visiting this locality. The present story is the most ridiculous and absurd ever circulated here. It is stated that the two ghosts generally accompany each other, one dressed in the garb of an old woman, the other dressed as a little girl. The timid are afraid to go outside the door after dark, and the superstitious firmly believe that both are visitors from the world of phantoms. A strict watch has been made, but the ghosts manage to elude apprehension. Several articles have been missing from Saddler's-row, and it is feared that the public will soon find out, to their sorrow, that the two assumed ghosts are thieves who are in quest of plunder.

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The Cambrian News of February 9th 1877 printed a letter about a ghostly encounter:

CORRESPONDENCE. THE BARMOUTH BRIDGE GHOST. SIR, The sad event that happened lately, near by, and the inquest held in consequence, will be in the recollection of your readers; also the recommendation of the jury, which does not appear as yet to be carried into effect. From a circumstance which occurred one evening last week, it would appear that travellers over our bridge at a late hour should be prepared, in case anything "uncanny" might obtrude a startling appearance. Two friends, gentlemen of recognized position in our town, were returning from the Junction over the bridge about nine p.m., when on nearing the Barmouth end a gigantic, ghostly, white object suddenly rose up before them blocking up the path. One of the friends, who was a juror at the inquest at once concluded, with the rapidity his quick intellect decides a point, that he beheld a spiritual manifestion from the unknown world - monstrum, horrendum informe, ingens - and therefore quickly decided in executing a strategical movement, and "skedaddled."

His companion is a man of more solid and sterner mould and one of experience in dealing with spirits, illicit or otherwise, in performance of his duties in protection of her Majesty's revenue. He retreated but a few paces, to give his arm fair play, and flourishing his trusty "shillelagh," a weapon that never misses fire, he shouted, "Come on you --, come on!"

But it did not come on; in fact it went off, vanishing as speedily as it had appeared. The vigilance of our one policeman having been directed to the matter, it is to be hoped that the author of this silly joke, having been disappointed also in his anticipation, will not venture to try a similar experiment on belated wayfarers; if he does he will find himself - The Hut, Barmouth, 7th Feb., 1877. SURPRISED.

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PRESS
September 1877
Towyn

Charles Fort included this snippet about strange lights in his Book of the Damned: London Times, Oct. 5, 1877: "From time to time the west coast of Wales seems to have been the scene of mysterious lights.... And now we have a statement from Towyn that within the last few weeks lights of various colors have been seen moving over the estuary of the Dysynni River, and out to sea. They are generally in a northerly direction, but sometimes they hug the shore, and move at high velocity for miles toward Aberdovey, and suddenly disappear."

Welsh UFO sightings from 1876. For sightings from other years please click HERE.

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PRESS
August 1876
Cwmdare

A boy was found guilty of stone throwing which colleagues' had feared was a ghost. He denied the charge. The Merthyr Telegraph of August 25th reported:

LAYING A GHOST — COCK LANE REDIVIVUS -David Howells, a stoker, was charged with having wilfully damaged several panes of glass, the property of the Wayne's Merthyr Steam Coal Company (Limited.) -Mr Linton, who appeared for the prosecution, stated that the defendant (a mere youth) was employed by the Company as stoker at the boilers of a ventilating engine at Cwmdare, and was working night turn along with a man named Samuel Kimber, who had charge of the engine. Defendant came about ten o'clock on the night of Wednesday, the 10th inst., to Kimber, and told him that some one had been whistling near the boilers, and that the doors of the firegrates bad all been thrown open.

Later in the night he complained that stones had been thrown at him and the engineman, who had searched the premises when first spoken to, himself heard a stone thrown at the boilers. Another search was made, but Kimber failed to discover any person. On the following night defendant came screaming to the enginemau and said, "Sam, they are breaking the windows." It then turned out that a window had been broken, and defendant showed Kimber a piece of shale with which he said the damage had been committed. Kimber, who now began to feel uneasy, despatched the lad to the watchman, Jenkin Giles, and to the Taff Vale policeman for assistance.

He was away about an hour and a half, and about ten minutes before he again showed himself, Kimber, who had been joined by a fitter named Phillip Thomas, heard, as they were discussing the mysterious occurrences, a couple of stones fall upon the boilers close by them. Defendant, on making his appearance, was told to go upon the railway close by, and report if he saw anyone. Both men shortly afterwards heard him cry, "Here he is; here he is," and they rushed by different routes towards him. Defendant described to them very minutely a man whom he professed to have seen, and who disappeared just before they came up. The lad was then sent away in search of the foreman engineer, Mr. Joliffe, and shortly after his return another window was broken in the same way.

P.C. Cole then came there, and while, the occurrences were being detailed to him a piece of shale struck just upon the spot where they stood. The next night, notwithstanding the presence of the police and several other persens, all of whom were there for the express purpose of watching for the author of the mischief, five other panes of glass were broken. On the third night a smith named Thomas hid himself under some railway trucks within view of the fires to which the defendant attended, and saw him place a stone upon the steps leading to the top of the boilers. After a while Thomas saw the boy take up the stone and slip it into his pocket. Just before this Thomas had seen him rush among the steam pipes upon the boiler top, and directly afterwards a stone went through the window of the engine-bouse, which was in a line with the place where defendant must have been standing.

Thomas, after seeing the boy slip the stone which he had placed upon the boiler into his pocket, collared him and asked him to give it up. Defendant at first denied that he had a stone at all, but afterwards said he had kept one in order to show the engineman that he (defendant) had been pelted with a stone of the same sort as that which had broken the windows. In Thomas's attempts to take the stone from the lad it fell back into the stoke- hole and was lost. No stone had been thrown after that.

About eight witnesses were called in all, and their evidence fully bore out this statement. Mr. Phillips, who appeared for the defendant, after commenting upon the absence of all motive for the perpetration of such wanton mischief, contended that it was impossible for a mere lad like the defendant to have escaped detection when it was considered that there were so many eyes upon him. Defendant's mother, who happened to be present when the last stone was thrown, was then called, and swore that her son was inside the engine-house at the time, and that the stone had come from without. The Bench considered that the evidence clearly made out the case. In the absence of direct proof it was impossible to have anything stronger. Defendant would be fined £1, and would have to pay 5s. as compensation for the damage, and the costs in addition.

The Aberdare Times of August 26th 1876 reported:

A WOULD-BE GHOST. - David Howells, 14, who looked small for his age, was charged with wilfully damaging the property of the Wayne's Merthyr Steam Coal Company, by breaking the windows in one of their engine sheds, at Cwmdare. Mr Linton prosecuted, and Mr T. Philips defended. It appeared that the lad was employed as stoker with an engineman named Samuel Kimber. On Thursday night the lad seems to have commenced a series of mischievous tricks and misrepresentations to the engineman.

On the followirg might several windows were broken in the shed, and the lad continued for two or three nights following to run to Kimber, apparently much frightened, saying that stones were being thrown at him and the windows by some unknown persons. At last a watch was set, and eventually a man, named Price Richards, saw the boy acting in a suspicious manner, and at last put a large stone in his pocket. He ran to him, but in the struggle which ensued, the stone was lost. On examination, the windows were found to have been broken from the inside, and altogether the circumstantial evidence pointed to the boy as the culprit. The Bench, after spending about two hours over the case, were of opinion that the boy was guilty of this mischievous conduct to the injury of the company's premises, and fined him 20s aud costs.

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Morien's column 'Spirit of the Welsh Press' in the Western Mail focused on the spiritualist movement for August 16th 1876:

There are some people in Ystradgynlais who are greatly shocked at the conduct of some of their friends who believe in spiritualism. "Brychan Tawe" no more believes in spiritual manifestatations than Mr. Jenkins does in the existence of the arch enemy, in plain lanuage, the devil; and he is loud in his complaint in the Gwladgarwr against some "religious people," inhabitants of the above locality, who declare that they can communicate with individuals who have shuffled off their mortal coil. What appears to annoy "Brychan Tawe" very much is that these "religious people" pretend to be able to communicate with Gwyn-fa, and also with the painful place."

He tells the Welsh world that he has heard that "they have spoken with the ghost of a young man who died in the locality about twelve months ago, and that he told them he is in the second class in Gwynfa." We are also told by "Brychan" that his neighbours are about to question the ghost for another who died a short time ago, with the view of ascertaining in what class he found himself when he reached his destination. "Brychan" does not appear to be of the same opinion as Shakespeare, that "there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamed of in the world's philosophy." He knows all about it, and is shocked.

Morien knows very well that when he was a boy ghosts appeared but too frequently, to his peace of mind, to some old women in the neighbourhood, and "Edward y Meiswn" declares that when he was a lad "corpse candles" frequently flitted about Tonyrefail after dark. "Shan Ynysyerug," too, states that a noted place for "corpse candles" was a certain bridge in the neighbourhood of Abergorky Farm, in the Rhondda Valley. In the immediate neighbourhood was a stable and on a certain night, at a late hour, there were so many ghostly visitors with "candles" in the neighbourhood of the bridge that he was able to dispense with his lantern while attending to the horses. It is much to be regretted that the ostler did not pluck up sufficient courage to attend the ghostly meeting to ascertain the subject under discussion by "corpse candle" light.

I feel certain that "Mari Hywel y Crydd," and "Peggi Tomos Hywel," could yet describe ghostly visits to Ystradyfodwg in such a way that wonld make "Brychon's" hair stand on end, and convince him that "there is something in it." If I were "Brychan" I would hesitate before publishing my scepticism as to ghostly visits to this other "Ystrad," for the ghosts may take the matter into their own hands and reveal their presence in the old-fashioned way to his considerable discomfort.

August 31st column also reported on spiritualist activity:

"I never," writes an enthusiastic spiritualist from Ystradgunlais, "I never thought until now that it is possible to move a table from the floor without physical agency. For the purpose of seeing for myself if things were as they said, viz., that it was possible to speak with people who had departed this life — some old and others young, some who had newly departed, others who had died scores and hundreds of years ago, I attended a seance. I found the table went up, and spelt people's names by giving a rap for each letter until the name as concluded; to indicated that thing were satisfactory the table gave three raps, but if things were the reverse, it gave only one - this is the rule of the round table."

The writer then states that, although a sceptic at first, the table now obeys him. But he admits that occasionally the "vord" gives incorrect answers. He - the writer, not the ghosts — then devotes the remainder of his article to attack Brychan Tawe for some remarks publihed by him in the Gwladgarwr upon tho Ystradgynlais spiritualists. "I would prefer," continues the writer, "bread and water in Grantham prison than be this Brychan. We have done nothing but comply with the Scriptural injunction to prove everything and held that which is good. Has this Brychan attained a degree of sanctity unattained by his brethren of the same church?" The writer then, as if afraid of the deacons, says:— "I am far from believing that the table is moved by a ghost, but all I have spoken to believe it in done by electricity; the marvellous influence of animal magnetism, and that, therefore, spirit rapping is not wrong."

There is a degree of doubting to be seen in the above remarks, and the writer is apparently of opinion that if the thing is done by a ghost it must be the "bad ghost," and that, therefore, it is "wrong" to meddle with it. How prone people are to attribute everything to the devil. The writer piously remarks, at the close of his article, "I hope everyone will have quiet until the resurrection, when the fate of each will be made known." Brychan Tawe's among the rest.

Another writer appears to have been not a little frightened. He says in reference to what his friends had said they had witnessed, "it is enongh to strike terror into the stoutest heart. Sometimes, after sitting down, we are told, two or three hours, the ghost would come to us in a terrible rage. Probably this induced the first to attribute the affair to devilish agency, and the table would be shaken violently; at other times he would come in an amiable mood." He is evidently an impulsive ghost, probably that of an Irishman. "But," continues the writer, "what astonishes me is, that the ghost counsels us to live a sober, honest, and religious life."

This is intended for the deacons, who will naturally conclude, after the above testimony, that the ghost is "not so bad after all." We are informed, however, that the ghost is reticent as to what he is. "Now," adds the writer, "to he fair to one side as well as the other, and admitting that the distance between us and the other world — the world of spirits — is but the thickness of the eye (trwych y llygad), and that we are existing in the midst of ghosts; we are not, nevertheless, to understand that the ghosts are loose (penrhydd), unruly (dircol), and confused (annrhefness), but that they have their laws, and that they act in accordance with those laws.

He then gives a list of three lands of ghosts. "Firstly, the spirit of God, whose ways are peace, and whose works are in accordance with law and order, continuing to this hour. Let us ascend the mountain top, amd watch there the dawn; we do not hear there the sound of chariot nor the hum of wheels. Look at the sun, the king of day: we hear no murmuring (si, literally whizzing) accompanying its coming, but it is as silent as silence itself. It entered the chamber to the disciples without their knowing it. Therefore this spirit which entrsn violently and disorderly, shaking tables, &c., cannot be the Spirit of God. Again, the evil spirit, or the devil.

We do not know what form this cunning creature would take to appear to men; whether peaceably or noisy he would come; but this is certain, that he would not so violate the nature of his kingdom as to advise people to be contrary to what he is himself. Christ said, 'If Satan will throw out Satan, he is divided against himself, and how will his kingdom stand? Therefore if we are to search (chwilio) and harmonise (cynsoni) the subject in accordance with the laws of nature and logic, we arrive at the conclusion that an evil spirit cannot preach peace and justice, or he has divided against himself." The writer concludes by expressing an opinion that the world must rest satisfied with the teaching of "Moses and the Prophets," and that no good spirit has come from the dead.

The topic was continued in the September 22nd edition:

The question of ghosts is still discussed by the people of Ystradgyulais, judging from the Gwladgarwr and the following incident is related as proving that spiritualism is all a sham. On Saturday a young couple went from Ystradgyulais to Pontardawe, intending to get married at the last named place. But through some misfortune the clergyman failed to make his appearance, and they had to put it off until another day. That night, after returning home, a company of spiritualists met and sat at a table "to have a chat" with the ghosts.

One of the ghosts that came to the leg of the table that night was the father of the intended bride. It was asked several questions relating to his children, and it answered each question satisfactorily through the leg of the table. It was then asked questions about his daughter. It was asked was she married, and answered in the affirmative. It was then asked if she had been married a twelve month. The answer was in the negative. Had she been married a month, then? The leg answered "No." Had she been married a day? The answer was still in the negative. The intelligent ghost was then asked how many hours had elapsed since she was married? The ghost then knocked with the leg the number of hours, giving the time she had intended to be married. "This," says the writer, "was enough to prove that deception had been practised." Another writer calls attention to the exposure of Dr. Slade's imposture.

Welsh UFO sightings from 1874. For sightings from other years please click HERE.

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PRESS
January 1874
Aberdare

Rumours of a ghost was attracting a nightly crowd of hundreds - four drunken men were arrested after they caused a riotous disturbance, claiming they could 'lay' the ghost. The Western Mail of January 7th 1874 reported:

EXPELLING A GHOST - Four men, named williams, Morgan, Davies, and Walker, were charged with being drunk and riotous, under the following circumstances: - Mr. Phillips, solicitor, who prosecuted, said he appeared on behalf of Mr. Hill, contractor, who some time since purchased an old building, known as the old hospital, which he razed to the ground, and erected dwellings on the site.

A fortnight ago some foolish rumour was circulated to the effect that the house was haunted by a ghost, consequently some 500 superstitious people collected around the locality to the annoyance of the neighbourhood, especially Mr. Hill and his tenants, for an aged lady occupying the house in question had suffered much from the unwarrantable conduct of her would-be benefactors, who had sworn vengence on the ghost.

On Monday evening the four defendanta had primed themselves up for the ghastly tank by an excessive quantity of liquor, and again a supersitious crowd watched the process of ejectment. They kicked the walls and doors of the house, subsequently entering the building and going upstairs, challenging the hidden spirit to come forth. The defendants evidently viewed their mission as a proper one, for one of them serlouly assured his Worship that he had successfully expelled ghosts hitherto. Mr. de Butzen appropriately lectured the offenders upon the stupidity of their conduct, and dismissed them upon payment of a fine of 5s. each and the costs.

The Merthyr Telegraph of January 9th 1874 reported on men who were arrested at a gathering formed around a ghost rumour:

LAYING THE GHOST (NOT HAMLET'S FATHER'S).— John Williams, haulier, Edward Morgan, collier, John Walters, tailor, and John Evans, collier, were brought up charged with being drunk and disorderly in Gadlys- road, the previous night. Mr Phillips, who watched the case on behalf of Mr Hill, contractor, informed the Bench that his client had built a number of new and substantial houses on the site of what was once an old hospital, at Dover-place. Ever since the dwellings had become tenanted, a rumour had gone abroad that they were haunted, and this had created such a feeling that every night a large number of persons congregated and committed all sorts of ridiculous things under the pretence of "laying the ghost." These proceedings had been the source of great annoyance, especially to the tenants' female relations. Officers Gambling and Purchae were called in corroboration of this statement, and detailed the share taken by the defendants in the proceedings. One of them gravely informed the last named official that he had lived in a similar house before, and he was possessed of the formula for giving his ghostship a quietus. The Bench, after strongly advising them not to play such for the future, imposed a fine of 5s and the costs upon each.

The Aberdare Leader of January 10th 1874 also reported on the case:

CATCHING "THE GHOST" - John Williams, Edward Morgan, and John Evans, were charged with being drunk and riotous and making a disturbance in Gadlys-road. Mr Phillips prosecuted on behalf of Mr James Hill. He stated that of late people have had an idea that one of the houses recently erected by Mr Hill, in Gadlys road, was haunted, and this occasioned much excitement in the neighbourhood. On Saturday-night last between 400 and 500 people assembled near the spot for the purpose of "catching the ghost." The defendants were amongst the number and were very drunk. John Williams said he had the power to send away the evil spirit, and that he he had done so before. P.C. Gamblyn arrested Williams whilst kicking at the front door. The others were arrested by P.C. Pnrchase, who had secreted himself in the house. The men were roaring about the house and said they were "looking for the ghost." They were all taken to the station. They were fined 5s. and costs each.

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An amusing letter equivalent to angry people in local newspapers today about the state of the road from the Cambrian News of August 28th 1874:

A GHOST ALLEGED TO BE AT DINAS MAWDDWY. SIR,—Ghosts do not the credit of visiting us in these days as often as formerly. They prefer to pay their visits like angels - beg pardon, road surveyors - "few and far between." A ghost, however, is said to have visited here lately, and to have assumed a form different from the generality of these ethereal beings. He, she, or it, was actually seen with a scavenger, in broad daylight, measuring the road from Dinas towards the Railway station.

Some will have it to be that this Being was no other than a road surveyor hailing from the neighbourhood of a village hard by, endeavouring to form an estimate for putting the road in a decent state. But judging from the awe-struck air with which the Being was gazed upon by the astounded natives, and the benighted travellers of the road, this was evidently a mistake, for it is almost beyond the memory of man when the road was last repaired, or a surveyor condescended to visit the place, the official believing, no doubt, like Campbell:

"'Tis distance lends enchantment to the view, And robes the mountain in its azure hue."

Hence others argue that it must have been a ghost, and that the idea of repairing the road was all "moonshine," or that "the wish was the father to the thought." Ey! Mr Editor, if I were a spirit-rapper wouldn't I make a road surveyor dance on our filthy dirty, slushy, villanous roads, a few days after our intermittent wet season has set in. School children as well as "children of bigger growth" would regard it as a supernatural "visit of surprise," though a most agreeable one, for "a trip on the light fantastic toe" by our surveyor amidst such difficulties and obstacles must have the desired effect, viz. putting our roads into repair. Believe me, sir, that a road surveyor is looked upon as rare as an ichthyosaurus, or anv other reptilia fossils.- I am, &c, THUNDERSTRUCK

Welsh UFO sightings from 1873. For sightings from other years please click HERE.

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PRESS
April 1873
Overmonnow

The Monmouth Central Advertiser of April 12th 1873 reported on a ghost rumour doing the rounds:

A LOCAL GHOST. For some six weeks past the superstitious part of the inhabitants of Over-Monnow have kept rolling a wonderful, and, according to them, supernatural appearance, seen about the field known as "Claudee." As usual this rumour has called forth a number of "ghost hunters," but nothing more remarkable has been seen by them than a large black dog, the property of a gentleman living in the neighbourhood which enjoys his "walks abroad" —or rather runs—, "when the shade of night is cast over the earth."

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PRESS
Neath

A man was found impersonating a ghost at Gnoll Collieries. The Western Mail of May 5th 1873 reported:

A boiler cleaner who has been impersonating "a ghost from the old working" at the Gnoll Collieries, near Neath, with the object of carrying out a deed of vengaance, has fallen into the hands of the police, and has undergone a preliminary examination before the magistrates of the district. The Monmouth Central Advertiser of May 10th 1873:

CLEVER CAPTURE OF A GHOST AT NEATH. —A few days since some excitement was created in the neighbourhood of Neath, in consequence of a rumour that a "live ghost had been captured at the Gnoll Collieries, having recently escaped from the old workings." On inquiry, however, the facts of the case proved to be as follow:

It appears that two young fellows connected with the works were told off for the purpose of cleaning the boiler flues, when one of the lads finding the place too hot, left the work and complained to the engine-driver that his butty had closed the damper on him, instead of opening it to get more air. The engineman believing the report, naturally felt annoyed, and in no measured words expressed his annoyance to the supposed culprit, who simply returned the compliment with a threat, meaning mischief. A night or two after shots were heard in the vicinity of the pit, and a ghostly apparition, with white beard and other peculiarities, was seen near the engine-house, disappearing almost as soon as observed.

The following night the same visitation occurred, the shots being still most terrifying. Information was then given to Superintendent Phillips, who, the following evening, placed Sergeant Phelps and another officer in ambush. Shortly after the usual hour, viz., midnight, a crash was heard on the engine-house roof, and the officers at once were on the alert. Their appearance was the signal for a chase, one of the men outside calling the officers' attention to the route supposed to be taken by the ghost.

To this Sergeant Phelps demurred, believing the spirit was no other than the fellow who offered to assist in the capture. He was accordingly "laid," and on the 2nd instant the matter was inquired into before Mr. Gregory by Superintendent Phillips, resulting in a complete removal of the ghost and his satellite from the scene of their exploits. Superstitious as miners generally are, the stupid freak might have prejudiced the men engaged in the pits, especially as the old workings of the colliery are reputed to contain unpleasant remains of earlier doings underground.

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PRESS
July 1873

The Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser of July 26th 1873 reported:

MIDNIGHT ALARMS IN HOPE-STREET. Two weeks ago, we inserted a paragraph mentioning the fact that certain residents in Hope-street had been disturbed at night by some midnight visitors, whether spiritual or of the world could not be ascertained, and much disquietude and alarm was felt therewith. However, this week the ghost has been laid, to the relief of all interested, and she, for it was a she "ghost", has been found out, and confessed to having been the sole cause of the disturbances and alarms.

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PRESS
July 1873
Wrexham

The Cambrian News of August 1st 1873 reported:

On Monday, July 29th, two servants of the Nelson Arms public-house, Wrexham, were summoned for damages done to windows whilst acting the part of a ghost. The police were called in, but could not find the supposed visitant from the other world, but they strongly suspected the two servants who afterwards confessed. It is little to the credit of the people of Wrexham, that there his been a good deal of excitement in the town, owing to the supposed shadowy stone throwers.

The Llangollen Advertiser of August 1st gave more detail:

A WREXHAM GHOST STORY. On Monday, the Wrexham borough magistrates were engaged in solving a ghost story which has for several days been a source of mystery to all and a terror to some of the inhabitants of Wrexham. Three weeks last Saturday night was the time that the mysterious visitor first appeared, and the scene the Nelson Vaults, Hope-street, kept by Mrs. Parsonage. On the Saturday night, about eleven o'clock, after the house had been cleared, Mrs. Parsonage was roused by the noise of a smash in the lower regions, and her two servants came upstairs screaming and shouting that there were two men on the premises.

Of course, she was somewhat alarmed, and sent for a policeman, who came and searched the premises, but found no trace of anyone. A neighbour volunteered to stay up all night, but her watch was fruitless. However, on Monday night there was another crash, but, although diligent search was made, nothing could be found, and everyone began to believe the disturbances were caused by spirits other than those contained in the barrels below in the cellar. Night after night did the noises continue — windows were smashed, brick-bats and stones sent about the rooms, all to the terror of the people of the house, who dreaded the approach of night.

Of course, the police did not incline to the spiritualistic theory, and having also made clear that it was no one outside who was the offender, they carefully watched the inmates of the house, and from what they saw charged the two servants, Ann Lewis, aged 21, and Ann Williams, aged 19, with being the cause. Finding themselves found out, they confessed all, and that it was done for a "lark." Accordingly, they were summoned for malicious damage, and the cases being clearly proved against them, they were each ordered to pay a penalty amounting with costs in the case of Ann Lewis, who WAS the ringleader, to 29s., and in the other case to 16s. The court was crowded during the hearing.

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PRESS
October 1873
Holyhead

Rumours of a ghost at Holyhead were reported in the North Wales Chronicle of November 8th 1873:

HOLYHEAD. A MODERN GHOST. —Notwithstanding the fact that ghostly visits are nowadays as few and far between as angelic ones, it is stated that a certain neighbourhood in Holyhead is at the present time stirred up by a ghost story, which, to say the least, cannot be very conducive to a good night's rest.

The rumour current is that a workman proeeding homewards "by the darkness befriended", was well nigh startled out of his wits by the appearance of a "spirit," veiled in white, which, of course, is the modern ghostly fashion. He had not sufficient courage to hold converse with the "spiritual," so, in a state of great terror, he hurried home to meditate upon what he had seen and felt. To express an opinion upou such matters would, perhaps, be treading too freely upon the bounds of "Spiritualism," but the most rational belief is that the "ghost" in question would vanish or surrender before a row of "white buttons," and if our police feel inclined to capture a "spirit" they may be recommended to keep a sly night's watch.

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PRESS
Machynlleth

A girl was arrested for stone throwing after crowds of people gathered to see the alleged poltergeist. The Cambrian News of November 7th 1873 reported:

A REAL GHOST STORY. (By a Correspondent.)

There is, as I have before observed, a quiet market town in Montgomeryshire, celebrated for nothing in particular, if you leave out the mud, the rain, and the dilapidated cottages. It is very seldom that anything excites even a passing interest, but the other night news reached the town that a house about a mile and a half distant, called Plas-y frge, celebrated as the birthplace of the wife of the late Mr Richard Cobden, the famous free trader, was haunted.

The house is now occupied by Mr Edward Jones, who sent in great haste to the town for assistance to apprehend something or other which was disturbing his peace by breaking his windows. The officer was soon on the spot, and commenced a strict search, but, could see nobody; and if it had not been for the crashing of the panes of glass, he would doubtless have treated the whole affair as a mistake. Having procured a lantern, he proceeded to make a more minute search, and in his anxiety not to miss anything, lost his footing and fell into the river, but escaped without having his ardour damped, though his clothes were very wet, and an application of "spirits" was necessary to keep the cold out.

He then ensconced himself under the window, but failed to discover the cause of the rapidly-breaking glass, for stone after stone came "wizzing" through the darkness, apparently without any human agency. Having kept watch until four o'clock on Sunday morning, he suspended operations, and the large crowd which had congregated slowly dispersed. This crowd the policeman had tried to utilize by placing them around the house, but, poor creatures, they were afraid of the ghost, and followed the officer wherever he went.

During the Sunday everything was very quiet, but as soon as the evening came, the ghost came with it, bringing a large supply of stones and a few potatoes. Again a demand was made for a policeman, but no one man would venture to fetch him, but at last three of them went in company, and very soon there were about 400 people on the ground, and the excitement and the mystery grew apace. So awful was the visitation considered that some pious people thought a prayer meeting would perhaps be more efficacious than any number of policemen, and a prayer meeting was accordingly held, and while the praying was going on the stone throwing stopped, but soon after the prayers were over, and just as they thought they had settled the unearthly visitant, a stone came crashing through the glass, and one good old superstitious man fervently exclaimed, "The Lord have imercy upon us," and crept as far into the chimney corner as was possible.

The feeling of horror was now very oppressive, as it was rendered plain that the ghost cared no more for prayers than it did for policemen. The stones seemed to be coming from the clouds and the holders of ithe prayer meeting were not quite so sure that they "had done it," as they at first had boasted to the policemen. All through Sunday and part of Monday the mystery refused to be solved, and one woman was so overcome that she fainted. and was carried away. It was observed on the Sunday evening that a little girl had left the prayer meeting very quietly, and the officers watched her closely, and eventually she was seen to pick up a stone, and throw it, and in a short time she was apprehended.

Truly the nineteenth century is a most unfortunate period in the world's history for ghosts, and my readers will, I think, agree with me that fools — awful fools — are far more numerous than ghosts, especially in the neighbourhood of Machynlleth. If it had not been for one or two matter-of-fact policemen the girl would not have been caught, and the magistrates would not have had the opportunity of stultifying themselves by a stupid penalty of ONE SHILLING and costs. The believers in ghosts may at any rate congratulate themselves on the fact, that they are quite as wise as the magistrates, and that is not saying much for the believers in ghosts.

The November 14th edition of the Cambrian followed up on the story:

THE GHOST AT MACHYNLLETH. As soon as I had read the account of the ghost story at Machynlleth I at once went to that town, or rather to be more correct, I went there as soon as there was a train to take me. When I got there, however, I found that the people had thrown the ghost overboard, and were discussing the effect of planting trees in the business part of the town. Of course the inhabitants grumbled in whispers, but they are awfully savage, and if the trees are planted before places of business there will be a good deal of quiet murmuring. The pegs are down, and the trees are to follow.

What I say is, if the people of Machynlleth do not like trees let them speak out like men, and say so, that is what my family have always done, and they have never been any the worse for it. Cry out and don't be afraid of your pockets: it doesn't do to make martyrs of people nowadays. I only wish somebody would make a martyr of me. I would turn the persecution to good account, depend upon it. Will somebody please persecute me, for nothing pays better, and I should really like to be a martyr.

Welsh UFO sightings from 1872. For sightings from other years please click HERE.

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The Cambrian News of January 12th printed a ghost tale asking for any further information:

AN OSWESTRY GHOST.

Mrs Crowe, in her Night Side of Nature, says: "The following very singular circumstance was related to me by the daughters of the celebrated Mrs S - Mrs S. and her husband were travelling into Wales, and had occasion to stop on their way, some days, at Oswestry. There they established themselves in a lodging, to reach the door of which they had to go down a sort of close, or passage.

The only inhabitants of the house were the mistress, a very handsome woman, and two maids. Mr and Mrs S, however, very soon had occasion, to complain of the neglected state of the rooms, which were apparently never cleaned or dusted; though, strange to say, to judge by their own ears, the servants were doing nothing else all night, their sleep being constantly disturbed by the noise of rubbing, sweeping, and the moving of furniture.

When they complained to these servants of the noise in the night, and dirt of the rooms, they answered that the noise was not made by them, and that it was impossible for them to do their work, exhausted as they were with sitting up all night with their mistress, who could not bear to be alone when she was in bed. Mr and Mrs S afterwards discovered that she had her room lighted up-every night; and one day, as they were returning from a walk, and she happened to be going down the close before them, they heard her saying, as she turned her head from side to side, 'Are you there, again? What, the devil! Go away, I tell you. &c.'

On applying to the neighbours for an explanation of these mysteries, the good people only shook their heads, and gave mysterious answers. Mr and Mrs S afterwards learnt that she was belieyed to have murdered a girl who formerly lived in her service. "Who was 'the celebrated Mrs S ?" and what house was it 'up a shut' (as an Oswestrian would say) where all this was supposed to occur? Mrs Crowe's book not a very old one, and if there is any truth in story there must be people living who remember it.

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A false rumour of man's death convinced a group they had seen a ghost, as the North Wales Chronicle of March 9th 1872 reported:

THE APPEARANCE OF A GHOST IN THE RIVER GLASLYN.

When the fact of a man being drowned in Traethbach, near Castell Deudraeth, was ascertained, a rumour spread through this part of the country that the drowned man was Mr Legge, the watcher on the river Glaslyn, and some other rivers. The poachers flocked to the bank of the river in great numbers, thinking of making hay there while the sun shone. Whilst they were busy fishing, and thought themselves perfectly safe, they were thrown into a greater consternation than if they had been seized by the powerful band of the law, by an apparation, which the reader will at once perceive was considered by them to be Legge's ghost.

They are by this time convinced that it was Legge in the flesh, and not Legge in spirit that paid them that unexpected and ghostly visit; for they shall have to appear before the magistrate on account of poaching.

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PRESS

Spring 1872
Cefn

The Cambrian News of July 5th 1872 reported:

A correspondent of a contemporary writes:— "In one of the principal streets of the Cen, there is a newly built house, lately occupied by man and wife and some three or four children (the owner of which lives only a few yards distant from it). This is the resort of 'an unearthly visitor' who causes such a stir, and has already been the means of making two occupants quit rather abruptly, as well as a lodger after only one night's stay.

The first occupiers were an old man and his family, whose peace was so destroyed and rest disturbed by 'something or other,' that in the course of a few weeks they were obliged to quit. After this the house was vacant for some time, no one being in any haste to associate with the unknown spirit or spints, until some few weeks back, when a man braver than others resolved to take wife and family, and try his fortune with the unwelcome guest. Happy enough were the days spent, but when night came on and all was dark, there was something ghostly that made its appearance, first up and then downstairs, that rendered sleep impossible.

This state of things could not be tolerated, for the husband, being a working man, could not dispense with his necessary rest, and probably thinking that an additional strong man would frighten away this bold intruder, he agreed to take in a lodger; but, alas! one night proved quite long enough for his stay, and he disappeared the next morning. Well, what was to be done? Everything proved useless to drive away the apparition, so accordingly notice was given by the tenants of their intention to quit, which notice expired last Saturday week. All went on just as usual up to the previous night, when the wife summoning up all her courage, resolved to find out the business of this strange comer; so, on its arrival she, with an audible but fluttering voice, summoned it to speak, which proved so successful that it elicited the following reply, that 'the owner must leave the house she now lives in, and come to reside in the new one, for until then I shall continue my visits to the annoyance of every tenant.'

This has been communicated to the owner, who has partly agreed to carry it out, and it is to be hoped the perturbed spirit will now rest in peace and quietness. The affair has created quite a sensation, and it is astonishing to find that so many persons still believe in the superstitions of by-gone ages.

A GHOST AT THE CEFN.

Elsewhere in the paper, an opinion piece was rather scathing of the ghost:

A correspondent tells an extraordinary ghost story believed in, we are assured, by a large number of the, inhabitants of Cefn, though most of them, of course, would laugh at it. The details are more matter-of-fact than usual, and it is hard to conceive of the mental attitude in which a ghost is perceived answering questions like that which was put to the visitant at Cefn.

Summoned to speak, by a woman who deserves credit for her bravery, the Cefn ghost replied, we suppose in the orthodox sepulchral tones, but in most unghostlike language: "The owner must leave the house she lives in and come to reside in the new one, for until then I shall continue my visits, to the annoyance of every tenant." To people who fail to be convinced by that reply, argument would be addressed in vain. Indeed we are not sure that the loss of their ghosts would be desirable for them, since it is plain that they are not designed for intelligent human companionsLip, and if we may judge by spiritualistic records, visitors from the other world are peculiarly adapted for holding intercourse wilh silly people in this.

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PRESS
October 1872

Abergavenny
A police constable arrested a man he suspected of pretending to be a ghost, as reported in the Monmouth Central Advertiser of November 2nd 1872:

CATCHING A GHOST.

Late on Saturday night, Police-constable George Jones was going his rounds when he perceived some white figure lurking in a doorway at Park-terrace. He knew not what to make of it. Was it a sleep-walker or a ghost? Summoning his courage, he approached. It was no illusion. There, wrapped in a sheet (which, by the way, was in a filthy condition), one corner of which was used as a hood and partly concealed the face, stood a man of real flesh and blood, and undoubtedly drunk.

"Who are you?" asked the officer, clapping his hand on the ghost's shoulder. "Edward Toomey of Abersychan," replied the figure. And where did he get the sheet? Whose was it? Didn't know; supposed it was his own; thought he had brought it from home to take back a bit of flour in.

The answers not being very satisfactory, Jones insisted on the ghost marching to the station-house with him, and then locked him up till Monday, when he took him before the magistrates, and had him fined 10s. for his drunken performance.

Welsh UFO sightings from 1871. For sightings from other years please click HERE.

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PRESS
Spring 1871
Cwmnantddu

Miners were so afraid of an alleged ghost at Cwmnantddu pit they sought alternative employment. After posting watchmen the Company later brought a case against John Carvey, who admitted once slamming a door. The Monmouth Central Advertiser of March 11th 1871 reported:

A STRANGE NOTION. —The men employed at the Sinking Pits, Cwmnantddu, are afraid of a ghost, which they say haunts the place, and makes hideous noises of various kinds. Some have declared that they will never enter the place again. Mr. Joseph Green, mineral agent, is doing all that he can to convince the men of their folly, and has stationed men to watch every night, and these, of course, have failed to hear or see anything unusual. There probably have been heard some sounds produced by natural causes, such as the settling down of strata, or some of the hauliers may have been playing practical jokes with their too credulous comrades. The Western Mail of the same day (March 11th 1871) went into more detail:

SUPERSTITION AMONG MINERS. "WARNINGS" AND COLLIERY EXPLUSIONS.

For two or three months past we have been told that we might expect to hear of some colliery explosions in the neighbourhood, because "warnings" had been manifested in the pits at Cwmnantidu, near Pontypool. The awful calamities in the Rhondda Valley and Ebbw Vale have too sadly verified these predictions. The "warnings," which are said to be still continued in the Sinking Pits at Cwmnantddu, are attributed by the men to supernatural causes, and have caused such fright that some of the miners declare that they will never enter the workings again on account of "the ghost."

At Tredegar, too, a panic prevails in consequence of an old gipsy woman having said that an explosion was likely to take place there! Now, it is quite time that belief in ghosts and fortune-telling had died out. They are inconsistent with common sense and the exercise of reason. But we are not inclined to treat this talk about subterraneous warnings with contempt. Far from it. We rather think that it merits serious consideration and painstaking inquiry. Let us examine it.

One man is said to have seen something covered with a white sheet, and to have hit a hole right through it with his fist! The tom-foolery of this is too obvious, one would think, to need comment, and yet such ridiculous staff is actually believed! We shall continue to endeavour to put an extinguisher on ghosts. What may have been heard is another matter, a has nothing to do with "spirits." The sounds are said to resemble those caused by the rattling of chains, the running of trams, and "boring."

A man named Coleman appears to have been grently led away by his imagination, and has caused a great deal of silly fear by asserting his fanciful experiences. We hope, for his own credit, that the tales have been manufactured for him, and are not his own utterances. Mr. Joseph Green, mineral agent under the Ebow Vale Company, has made a stand (all honour to him for doing so), against the prevalent superstitious "rot," and has placed sensible men as watchers or rather listeners in the Sinking Pits for some nights past. These men bave failed to hear anything extraordinary. But it is not at all unlikely that some have heard sounds that require attention, though they need not excite foolish alarm.

Nature has its throes now and then. When there is an eruption of Vesuvius (which appears to be agitated just now) the effects are felt far away. When Lisbon was almost entirely destroyed by an earthgunke in 1755, the waters of the Hot Wells at Clifton, of Loch Lomond in Scotland, and at other places were disturbed. When large quantities of coal are removed, the strata will naturally settle down, and very likely bad gasses will be forced out from one place and driven into another. The whole of the earth's crust has been convulsed, and tossed, and tumbled, in a manner that makes one shudder to think of, but all has been in obedience to natural laws.

Change is still going on, and the little local displacements and settlings down of strata are only what may be expected. In these, it seems to us, are to be traced the true cause of the the noises that are heard in mines; we believe that in one sense they are "warnings;" warnings of the possible proximity of noxious gases or accumulation of water, forced near by the down settling or ruptures of the strata, and calling for extra care and precautions in working the mines where such noises are heard. But there is certainly nothing supernatural in them. The Western Mail followed up on April 17th:

CATCHING A GHOST. For some time past the miners working in the pits at Abersychan and Cwmnantddu, near Pontypool, have been so terrified by subterranean noises and the stories of extraordinary "sights" told by some, these phenomena being attributed to supernatural agencies, that the matter had assumed a very serious aspect, and the Ebbw Vale Company have lost hundreds of pounds, in consequence of the men positively refusing to work in these pits, and seeking employment elsewhere.

Reasoning with the miners on these matters was altogether useless. It was considered that seme of the noises were of perfectly natural origin, and arose from the settling down of strata and so forth and as to others, a suspicion arose that they were wilfully caused by some waggish or malicious persons employed in the pits. Mr. Joseph Green, the mineral agent, and Mr. Evan Jones, the contractor, set a close watch, and the result is that they have caught the ghost, and brought him alive to the Pontypool police-court on Saturday.

The "ghost" turns out to be a tall, intelligent-looking young man, named John Carvey, a haulier in the employ of Mr. Evan Jones. The singular nature of the matter caused the court to be crowded. The defendant was charged before the Rev. J. C. Lewellin and Mr. C. J. Parkes, with wilfully misconducting himself in his employ on the 17th of February. Mr. Greenway appeared for the prosecutor, and Mr. Gibbs, of Newport, for the defence. On the case being called on, Mr. Gibbs rose, and on behalf of his client, submitted that on one occasion he did slam a door, and tendered a humble apology to the Ebbw Vale Company, and to Mr. Evan Jones, hoping that the case would not be pressed any further.

Mr. Greenway, on behalf of the Company and Mr. Jones, accepted the apology, and asked the permission of the Bench to withdraw the Case, but, at the same time he stated that if one of the doors had been left open, gas might have accumulated, and the lives of all in the pit sacrificed. The Bench allowed the case to be withdrawn, and lectured the defendant on his conduct, and ordered him to pay costs.

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PRESS
Febrary 15th 1871
Merthyr Tydfil

The Merthyr Telegraph of February 24th 1871 reported:

A GHOST IN BOOTS STORY.

An Irishman, named James Shea, was brought up, charged with burglariously breaking into the dwelling-house of Richard Matthews, and stealing therefrom a waistcoat, jacket, and coat. Prosecutor, who is known as the Attorney-General of the Unfortunates, said: I am a fish-man, and live at China. On Wednesday night last, about ten o'clock, I locked the door of my house, and went to bed shortly afterwards. Whilst in bed, and between one and two o'clock, I felt something like a hand on me.

Mr Fowler: A ghost, I suppose? (laughter.) Witness: I don't know, sir, but I felt the hand two or three times on me, and I then awoke my little boy, who was sleeping with me. The room was very dark, and I could not see if there was any one there. In a few minutes afterwards I heard a footstep, and I then rose and sat on the bed, and put my hand out once or twice to try if I could feel any one. The second or third time that I put my hand out I was horrified to feel a man's breast (laughter). I then asked him, or it (the ghost) what in the name of God had brought him there? (Continued laughter.) The vision replied, in a very solemn but sepulchral voice, "I have come here to give you warning to be kind to your boy." (Immense laughter—the whole court, as well as their worships, being convulsed for several minutes).

Mr Fowler: What did you say to that? Witness: I replied, "I am kind, sir." (Laughter.) Mr Fowler: Did you say "Sir" to the ghost? (Continued laughter.) Witness: Yes, your Worship; but I now address you as "Sir." I also told him that everything I had the boy received a share of. The vision remained there another few minutes, and then said, I am going, but I shall come back again; my name is 'The Unknown'. (Immense laughter.) It then went down stairs and I began to consider.

Mr Fowler: When he was going down stairs could you say whether it was a man or a woman? Witness: It resembled a man's voice, your Worship, and I thought it might be the ghost of an Irishman, for the words were strongly marked by Irish accent. Down stairs it went, and I said to myself, "If you are a vision, I never before heard or read of one with boots on." (Loud laughter.)

Mr Fowler: Then, with a little reflection you got out of bed? Witness: I got out, sir, and heard him (I say him because I then felt sure that there was flesh and blood there) leaving the house. Mr Fowler: Did you see him again? Witness: I followed him in my night-dress, sir. When I got out of my house, and turned round the corner, I then saw a man going up through the big arch that leads out of China into Pontstorehouse. Mr Fowler: Did you go in your night dress all the way after him? Witness: Yes, sir. Mr Fowler: You must have looked very much like a vision yourself. (Laughter.) Witness: There is no doubt of it, your Worship. He was turning out of the arch when I first saw him.

Mr Fowler: Did you lose sight of him? Witness: Yes, sir, I lost sight of him during the time I was coming from my house up to the big arch but when I turned round the corner I saw the man on Jackson's Bridge. Mr Fowler: What did you say to him? Witness: I got up close to him, for being barefooted he could not hear me running after him, and seeing something under his arm, I asked him what it was. He turned round and looked me full in the face, and without saying a word struck me a terrific blow on the mouth, and then began calling out "police." (Laughter.) The blow he struck me loosened one of my teeth. Prisoner is the man.

Mr Fowler: What had he under his arm? Witness: I cannot inform you, sir. Mr Fowler: Did the police come? Witness: Of course not, sir, they never do but after the prisoner called out "police" he ran away, down the old road, between the canal and the river. I then returned to my house and dressed myself. The clothes (produced) are mine. The old jacket is mine, and I left it that night on the bed, and the little jacket and waistcoat (produced) are my boy's, and they were left down stairs. I missed my old coat when I went back and I afterwards went down to the police station. I examined the door and found that it had been forced open.

Prisoner: I wish to ask you a few questions. Were you drunk going to bed that night? -A. Indeed I was not. Q. Did you drink anything that night? —A. Only one half pint of ale. Q. And you had such a horrid dream? —A. It was not a dream but a reality. Q. You say you saw me on the bridge, will you swear it was me? —A. Yes, I saw your face, for there was a light there.

P.C. Cook was called, and said: On Thursday morning-last the prosecutor came to the station and gave a description of a man who had broken into his house. I went down to China through the arch by the Patriot, and went round the Square, and there I met the prisoner coming from the side of the river. He was wet to his middle and was dressed as he is now. I took him to the prosecutor's house, and asked him if he knew him, and prosecutor immediately replied "That's the man who has been in my house before to-night." It was then about half-past three o'clock. I removed prisoner to the station, and charged him with burglariously breaking into and entering the house of R. Matthews.

He (prisoner) replied: "Well, if I did I must stand to it. I did not do anything of the kind. I came to Merthyr to see the Christy Minstrels, and some two men, one a tall one and the other a short one, threw me into the canal, and that was how I got wet." I then locked him up, and returned to the river side, and after searching in the direction of where the prisoner came from, I found the coat, jacket, and vest (produced). They were concealed under a slate in an old building, belonging to the Dowlais Company, between the river and the canal. I returned to the police station, and, after bringing him from the cell, charged him with stealing those articles of wearing apparel. The prisoner made a statement similar to the first one — about going to the Christy Minstrels, &c. Prisoner appeared to have been drinking.

Prisoner: When you met me, from what direction was I coming? A. From the river. —Q. What did I say to you? A. You asked me to show you the way out of China. -Q. For what reason did I want to get out of there? A. I cannot tell. —Q. Did I not assign a reason? A. No. —Q. Did I not say that two men had thrown me into the canal? A. You said sowething of the kind on the way to the station. —Q. Who was in your company when you met me ? A. Two other constables and a girl. —Q. And a dog? A. Yes. —Q. Where did you go after bringing me to the station? A. I went and searched where you had been. —Q. You did not put the clothes where you found them? A. No, I did not.

Prosecutor was recalled, and in reply to the Bench, said: It is about a hundred yards from my house to the place where I caught the prisoner. He was not running, but walking, when I caught him. I am certain prisoner is the man, for I saw his face when he turned round and struck me. Prisoner did not say anything when he struck me, excepting calling out "police." The prisoner again cross-examined the prosecutor, but without shaking his testimony in the slightest degree. This concluded the evidence, and the prisoner was committed for trial to the assizes.

The Aberdare Times of March 18th 1871 reported on another case of somebody pretending to be a ghost:

A GHOST IN BOOTS! At the Glamorgan Assizes, at Swansea, last week, before Mr. Justice Mellor, James Shae, 36, plumber, who conducted his case with considerable intelligence, was charged with burglariously breaking and entering the dwelling-house of Richard Matthias, at Merthyr, on the 15th of February, and stealing therefrom two jackets and a vest, his property.

Richard Matthias, the prosecutor, said he was a fishmonger, residing at Merthyr Tydvil. About ten o'clock on the night of the 15th of February he went to bed, accompanied by a boy who is in his employ. He fell asleep, and was awoke by a hand or something being laid on his breast. He said, What's that?" A voice answered, "I have been sent on a mission to you." He asked the voice what that mission was, when the voice replied, "My mission is to tell you to be kind to the boy." He assured the voice that he was kind to the boy, and informed it that when he had a bit of victuals the boy had share of it, and if he hadn't it they both went without.

The voice then said, "I am going now, but I shall come again." He asked the voice who he was, when the voice replied, "My name is unknown." (Laughter.) His Lordship: 'Did he say his name was unknown, or the Unknown?' —Witness: 'He said his name was unknown, my lord.' His Lordship (looking over the depositions) 'Was anything said about a vision?' —Witness: 'No, my lord, there was not. But when the party, whoever he was, walked away, he made a noise with his boots on the stairs. So I says to myself, says I, you may be a vision, or you may be unknown, but I never heard tell of a vision or an unknown wearing boots (laughter).

His Lordship: 'Oh, that's it. Well?' Witness: 'Well, my lord, I jumped out of my bed in my night-dress, and followed the unknown; didn't even stop to put on my boots. I followed him out into the street up to the bridge. It was a tallish man, and he had something under his arm. I asked him what he had got under his arm, when he turned round and gave me a smack over my mouth and loosened two of my teeth. My mouth filled with blood. The vision then began to call out "Police" as loud as he could, and ran away as fast as he could. It was not far from the gas light, and I could distinguish the man's face very well. It was the prisoner. I then went back home. When I first went to bed I locked the door. When I came down after the vision the door was open. It must have been opened with a second key.

Prisoner (in cross-examination). 'What part of Merthyr do you live in?' —Witness (deliberately) 'I live in a place called China, and I've lived there for 35 years.'

Prisoner: 'Are you known by any other name than Richard Matthias?' —Witness: 'They call me just what they please, and you may do the same.' Prisoner: 'Are you called by any other name than Richard Matthias?' —Witness (looking significantly at the prisoner: 'Many men have more than one name, I can tell you' (laughter). Prisoner: 'Do they call you by any other name than Richard Matthias?' -Witness: 'They may call me what they like.'

His Lordship: 'They may call you what they like, but the prisoner wants to know whether they do call you by any other name.' —Witness: 'Well, my lord, it's just in this way. I have a nickname, but my own mother gave it to me (laughter).' His Lordship: 'How was that?' —Witness: 'Well, my lord, you know, I've been fatherless now for a matter of forty years, and when I was aboy, my mother, being a widow, and being desirous of getting an honest living, made tarts - yes, tarts, my lord. Well, my lord, I longed for one of those tarts, and, boy-like, I took one. Out my mother comes after me, calling out, "Dick, yer thief, bring that tart back," which I didn't, and ever since then, my lord, they've called me Dick the Thief (loud laughter, in which his lordship heartily I joined). I never did a dishonest act in my life, my lord, and get an honest living by selling fish (renewed laughter). His lordship: So much to your credit, and much to your credit that you get an honest living by selling fish.

Prisoner: 'Were you drunk when you went to bed?' —Witness: 'I was never drunk in my life. I drank a glass of ale, it is true, and that is all - me and the boy.' His Lordship: 'Are you quite sure all this was not a dream - a fancy?' —Witness: 'Fancy, my lord? No, not a bit of it. Considering that I remember him saying to me that he came to me on a mission about the boy; considering that he said he would come again; considering that he said he was unknown and considering that I heard him going down staira with his boots on; considering all these things, I don't thiuk there was much fancy about it. No, my lord, it was no vision, or fancy either.

Prisoner: 'Didn't you consider it was a spirit?' —Witness (contemptuously): 'Consider it was a spirit? Why, I didn't see you man. How could I consider it a spirit when I never saw anything ? (laughter).' Prisoner: 'Didn't you think you were conversing with a spirit?' —Witness: 'Well, if you are a spirit, I was conversing with one (renewed laughter).' Prisoner: 'Didn't you think it was a ghost?' —Witness: 'I didn't know whether it was a ghost or not, and didn't care.' Prisoner: 'Weren't you frightened?' —Witness: 'Frightened? I should think not.' Prisoner: 'And you didn't think it was a ghost?' — Witness: 'How could I think it was a ghost, when I put my hand against you and felt you were flesh and blood. Ghost, indeed!'

Prisoner: 'And you say that you didn't think it was a spirit or a ghost, because you heard it walk down stairs?' —Witness: 'Of course; I never heard of either a spirit or a ghost that wore boots. Did you?' Prisoner: 'Did you ever see a ghost barefooted?' — Witness: 'I never saw a ghost at all, but I don't think any of them wear boots.' The prisoner then addressed the jury at considerable length, and with much intelligence, arguing that the prosecutor must have had a dream and dreamt it all. The jury acquitted the prisoner, and he was discharged from custody. The case created considerable amusement, the Court being at times convulsed with laughter, in which his lordship appeared irresistibly compelled to join.

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PRESS
April 1871

Llwydcoed

The Cardiff Times of June 3rd 1871 reported on the alleged ghost sighting by the witness in a potential murder trial:

THE ALLEGED MURDER AT LLWYDCOED FOUR YEARS AGO.

The two men, John Price and James Davis, brothers-in-law, were brought up at the police-court on Saturday, on remand, charged with the murder of Thomas Davies, at Llwydeoed, four years ago. The principal witness against them was the old fortune-telling woman, who said they had made the confession of the murder, which they denied.

She said since the last examination before the Bench she had been "troubled with a ghost." She had met a ghost in boots, a ghost in trousers, a ghost in a shirt only, and it was a laughing grinning ghost that gave her no peace night or day, and she believed it was the ghost of the murdered man. Other witnesses were examined, but the evidence as a whole was of such an inconclusive character that the Bench declined to commit upon it, and discharged both the prisoners.

The Monmouthshire Merlin of June 2nd clarifies it wasn't the fortune teller who saw the ghost:

THE LLWYDCOED MURDER. At the Merthyr police-court, on Saturday, (before Messrs. J. C. Fowler and E. J. Davis), the charge against the two men John Price and James Davies, for the murder of Thomas Davies, at Llwydcoed, in April, 1369, was again proceeded with. The hearing occupied the attention of the Court for several hours. Mr Lewis again prosecuted, and Mr Plews defended. Morris Phillips was recalled, and his former evidence read over. His examination now was simply a repetition of former evidence.

John Willians, now a constable in the Pembrokeshire police force, said he was at the time now in question an officer in the Glamorganshire police force, and stationed at Llwydcoed. Remembered the fair in that year, from which he came home with Policesergeant Thorney about two o'clock in the morning. Was sent for next day to go to the pit, where there was a number of persons assembled. The pit was boarded around, and one board was knocked off on the south-east side. Witness got through the open part and found a worsted stocking. The witness here corroborated other testimony as to the state of the deceased when found.

Martha Jones and Emma Davies were called. The former gave evidence as to receiving certain of the the deceased's clothing, and the latter corroborated evidence already given. Thomas Davies was going home to Llwydcoed on the night in question, between eleven and twelve o'clock, in the company of his young woman, and whilst engaged talking to her saw prisoner Price pass. Whilst going home saw a man lying down near the company's shop. Witness became frightened, and ran into his house-close at hand. Upon getting upstairs called his father's attention to the man.

Evan Richards, a collier, deposed to seeing deceased on the night in question about 10 o'clock, at the top of the Gadlys tip. Saw him subsequently on the road near the railway bridge, about 26 yards from the pit. Persons named Davies and Price (prisoners), as also Phillips, and Rogers, and a young woman, were in company together. Deceased was being taken home by Davies and Benjamin Evans, and, being very drunk, he obstinately refused to go, striking Davies twice. Upon being about to strike a third time, Davies knocked deceased down. The whole party then walked away.

Jeanette Beales was recalled, and her former testimony read over to her. This was the witness who deposed to hearing cries of murder, and upon going out saw prisoner Price run and kick deceased in the head. She now said that there were houses close by the spot where the affray took place; Betsy and James Treharne lived in one, and must have heard the noise, unless they stopped their ears. The witness was here cross-examined at length as to having been troubled by ghosts. She at first prevaricated, but upon being pressed by the Bench, said she had seen a ghost dressed in black, that always grinned at her. One evening, upon going to Mr. Greenslade's house, she met the ghost and fell down in a fit. (Laughter.)

Mrs. Greenslade, re-called, admitted being a fortune-teller. She was examined at length by Mr. Plews. She persisted in her former statement as to having been at James Davies's not only twice, but scores of time, and that in Davies's "confession" it was said that the boards were not put up again. (Witness in former evidence distinctly and repeatedly stated that the boards were put up again.)

Mrs. Rees (mother to Jeanette Beales) corroborated her daughter's evidence as to leaving the house upon hearing cries of "Murder." Police-sergeant Thorney was re-called. Daniel James proved assisting prisoner Price upstairs when partly intoxicated, at eleven o'clock on the evening in question. These were all the witnesses examined. The Bench, in disposing of the case, said the only evidence against the prisoners was that tendered by Beales and Greenslade. Being certain that no jury would ever convict upon such evidence, the prisoners must be dismissed from the charge.

There is a more detailed report from the Merthyr Telegraph of the same day. The relevant ghost related passages read:

Mr Plews: You have been sadly troubled of late? No trouble at all, though I— Q. Have you not been troubled with hobgoblins and ghosts? No, sir. - Q. Have you never said that the ghosts have troubled you lately, and that you could not keep it any longer? If I have said that I can prove it. Q. But have you? That is my business.

Mr Fowler: It is very desirable that the Court should know as well.

Witness: I have said that I have seen ghosts.

By Mr Plews: I have said that ghosts have troubled me so much lately that I could not keep it any longer. Have you not said also that an ugly grinning? It goes about following you wherever you go, and that it is the ghost of the man that was thrown in the pit two years ago and that you could not keep it secret any, longer? I have not mentioned two years at all. I have seen a ghost within the last mouth, and it was an ugly grinning thing. The first time that I saw it was a month to last night. The ugly grinning thing showed its teeth to me also. I saw it first on the street at night-time. It never said anything, but simply grinned.

The Bench: What was it like - a man, woman, or animal? It was like a man, and dressed in black clothes, and grinning. The witness was cross-examined at some length in reference to "the ugly grinning thing," which she said was sometimes dressed in black clothes, and at other times in the same manner as the man who was brought out of the pit. All the answers were given with apparent sincerity, and the witness did not seem to like the way in which Mr Plews referred to her visitor. As would be expected the questions and answers caused much laughter in Court, though neither the witness nor her fortune-telling friend, Mrs Greenslade, seemed to think it was a matter to be joked with.

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PRESS
June 5th 1871

Merthyr

The Merthyr Telegraph of June 16th 1871 reported on a case of criminal damage committed in the hope of scaring a mother-in-law...

A "GHOST" AMONG THE CABBAGES. John Collins was summoned for wilfully damaging and destroying vegetables, the property of Morris Connelly. Mr Plews appeared for the complainant, who said he resided near the defendant's house. On Monday evening, the 5th inst., witness and his wife were in a neighbour's, their two children being in the house alone. About half-past eleven one of the children came to him, and, in consequence of what was told him, he went into his own house, and from there into the garden, where he found the defendant standing among the cabbages.

He asked him what he wanted there, but he made no reply. Witness repeated the question twice and then defendant said he was only larking with his mother-in-law, but he did not believe him, and was of opinion that he came into the house "ghost like" to frighten the children, who were there by themselves. He examined the garden the following morning, and found that five cabbages had been pulled up, whilst several others were broken. Several of the garden beds were also trampled over, and a good deal of damage done; he had seen the garden a few hours previous to finding the defendant there, and it was all right then.

Cross-examined by the defendant: I ran over the garden myself, and I did as much damage as you (defendant) did I was not drunk; you did say when I caught you there, Hush! it is only a bit of fun to frighten my mother-in-law, who is cutting grass in the next garden." Defendant stated that he had no intention of frightening the children as had been alleged, for when he passed through complainant's house he had the white sheet under his arm, and he did not put it over him until he got to the top of the garden; his object in doing so was to have a lark, and frighten his mother-in- aw, and another person who were in the adjoing garden cutting grass for the donkey.

He had offered to settle the affair with the prosecutor several times, and pay him the damage he claimed, 7s. The prosecutor was recalled, and on being interrogated by Mr Plews, said he could not estimate the damage that the defendant had done. He admitted, in reply to questions from the Bench, that the persons named by the defendant were in the next garden, and also that Collins had offered to pay the amount of damage claimed. The Bench and Mr Plews strongly ad- vised the parties to settle the case amongst themselves, and after a good deal of persuasion the complainant left the court for that purpose, but soon returned, having failed to agree. The case was then adjourned to Saturday, in order that they might have another opportunity of settling.

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PRESS
August 1871
Holywell

Excitement swept through the town at rumours of a ghost but cold water - quite literally - was soon poured upon it. The Flintshire Observer of September 1st 1871 reported:

Holywell. A Ghost Story. There was no little commotion towards the witching hour on Sunday night last, before the establishment of one of our principal tradesmen in our chief thoroughfare, after the news had spread that a spectral form of unearthly hue and shape had made its appearance at one of the windows that front the street. Scores of persons had assembled to witness the apparition, but none were found who could muster heart and courage enough to beard the visitor from the unknown world, or who would undertake to drive it back to the fastness from which it had escaped. It was well known that the proprietor of the establishment was fcom home at the time, and rumour was very rife in a superstitious way, but it was soon dispelled by the "ghost" revealing its humanity in driving away the crowd by giving them a good sousing in cold water. The act was neatly enough done, but we fancy the actor in the water exploit would have had occasion to repent it had he tallen into the clutches of those upon whom it fell.

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PRESS
November 1871
Crumlin

An old labourer, known for his enjoyment of a drink, claimed he had been visited by the ghost of a former workmate. The ghost carried him through the air, asking him to dispose of a gun that had laid concealed since the Monmouth rebellion of 1839. The Western Mail of November 25th 1871 reported:

EXTRAORDINARY WELSH GHOST STORY.
br /> A correspondent writes as follows: "The peaceful town of Crumiin was, a few days ago, thrown into a state of general excitement: the ghost of an old inhabitant having thought it advisable to pay a visit to his native land, and thus cast a shadow of fear and surprise over the whole neighbourhood. It appears that an aged haulier, or labourer, who lives near Croespenmain, who, it is said, much rather prefers two glasses of beer than one glass of water, and who oftener sleeps in a barn than in a bed, was, a few nighte ago, while wrapt in a pacific slumber on his pallet of straw, summoned to awake, and lo! a ghost stood before him!

It was about two o'clock; and the following conversation, in Welsh, is said to have ensued: 'John,' said the ghost, 'You must come with me.' 'Go thy way, and let me alone to sleep,' was John's reply. 'You must come,' said the ghost. 'I will not — I cannot,' replied John. 'You must come, and come willingly; otherwise I will tear thee to pieces,' said the ghost. 'You may depend I will not; I cannot; I don't know thee,' said John in a rage, when suddenly the apparition disappeared; but returning in a few seconds stood again before John, who, to his great astonishment, recognised in his mysterious visitant a fellow labour, who used, years ago, to work with him on the Risca Tramroad.

John now consented to accompany, him, the ghost giving him the preference of being conveyed by 'Uch wynt,' or 'is wynt,' that is to say, either through the air or along the road. John said he had never been through the air, and that he would not mind trying it. They went together, and proceeded, according to John's statement, as far as Risca-bridge, a distance of seven miles, or, rather, six miles in a direct line through the air. Here John was put down, and had to throw into the Sirhowy River an old gun, which had been concealed there since the time of the rebellion in Monmouthshire at the close of 1839.

Having done this, he was taken back, en route 'uch wynt,' and as gently placed on his bed of straw. It is stated that John manifested a great deal of serenity throughout, and was rather reluctant to part with his 'uch wynt' companion. The above statement is generally believed here, and I have heard respectable tradesman asserting it to be a fact. Those, of course, who are disposed to give credence to this story are at liberty to endorse the opinion of Lewis Morris (not Lewis Morris, Môn) and others, that Gymraeg is the language of Paradise."

Welsh UFO sightings from 1870. For sightings from other years please click HERE.

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PRESS
November 1870
Cadoxton

The Brecon County Times of November 26th 1870 reported on the weird experience of a Mr. James:

AN EXTRAORDINARY GHOST STORY. It has been reserved for Cadoxton to discover that the ghosts of other days, and the spirits of the "Home" family, have still an existence in this year of grace 1870. Without further preface we enter at once to a proof of our assertion. A few evenings since, a very respectable workman, engaged at the Aberdulais works, but residing with his wife and family at Cadoxton, met with an adventure, which has become the theme of general conversation for some miles round the neighbourhood. It appears that his wife had left the house, and gone on business to town, while the children were attending the usual singing practice of the choir.

During their absente, he went with the manager of the works to the Green Dragon Inn, to enjoy a glass of ale; upon his return to the house, in the course of a short time, and after taking off his hat and coat, he was startled by hearing a terrible rattling noise, filling the house, and appearing to shake the very earth around him. He at once lost consciousness, and fell to the ground, where in his struggles with the unknown cause of his position, he wrenched off the bottom portion of the clock case, and, after some minutes of contest, he recovered his senses, to find himself in the road near the church.

He placed his hand upon his head to recover his thoughts, remembering that he had left part of his clothes at home, when the same extraordinary influence came over him again, and he felt himself "spirited" away to the vestry door of the church. Here he again was thrown down, and in his struggles with the powers that seemed to influence him, he clutched the long grass growing by the side, and held it most tenaciously. Then he again became unconscious, and in an instant found himself surrounded by a brilliant light in the interior of Jeffries' Dyffryn vault, a spot protected by walls and railings.

As soon as he recovered from his bewilderment, he was horrified to behold, standing before him, the seeming bodily presence of Mrs. Williams, one of the long departed tenants of the tomb. With trembling voice the apparition told him to count the coffins as they laid; the untortunate prisoner obeyed, and numbered off "One, two, three, four, five, six, seven," when the fancied spirit told him to "See that corner." He obeyed, and found some tassels torn from the coffin decorations; at her request he replaced them, and in an instant found himself in darkness.

His position now alarmed him, and he called loudly for help to his brother, who resided in the locality, but as he met with no response, he then invoked his wife's assisstance, when suddenly he found himself "spirited" again into the open air, and lying senseless in the churchyard. To escape over the railings into the road was the work of but a few moments. A friend here discovered him, and took him home, more dead than alive from fears, still clutching the fatal grass, and bearing terrible indications of the astounding events which had befallen him.

His wife also had been alarmed at his absence, and finding part of his clothes at home, and noticing the proofs of a struggle in the house, she gave way to her feelings, and soon aroused the neighbourhood. The following day, the hero of this extraordinary adventure attended to his usual duties, but the " sensation" caused by the narration of the circumstances we have recorded is certainly a "caution" for the 19th century.

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PRESS
Sunday December 3rd 1870, night
Just a few weeks later the Brecon County Times of December 10th 1970 reported on another ghost story in the area:

ANOTHER EXTRAORDINARY GHOST STORY. Following closely upon the strange adventures of Mr. James in the vaults of Cadoxton churchyard, comes another narrative of the "marvellous" which but for the well-known respectability of the hero of the adventure, we should hesitate to give publicity to. We give the facts as related by our informant, without comment, further than to say that the lengthy shadows of a November sun perhaps afford ample excuse for the romance. It is a characteristic feature of a Glamorganshire landscape that there is always public-house in close proximity to a church, and the Skewen is no exception to the rule. On Sunday week last, late in the afternoon, a-well-to-do, hard-working man — we suppress his name - betook himself, we are bound to confess, not to the spiritual sustenance offered at the "better place," but to the "liguid gems," at fourpence a quart, retailed at one of the landscape indispensables, near an old quarry on the road side.

After the usual enjoyment, night drew on space, and our hero, "screwing his courage to the sticking place," and buttoning up his coat closely around him, boldly started on his way homewards. He had gone but a short distance towards Neath, singing snatches of songs, when a hand was laid heavily on his shoulder, and he was ordered to "stop that horrid noise." He obeyed, and turning round, beheld a tall Mephistophlitic figure, with an apparently immensely high Tyrolean hat, long black bair, veiled face, and claw-like hands, standing before him; the figure beckoned; our hero shook his head, as if declining the honour of following the strange apparition, when suddenly a flash of light deprived him of sight, and he found himself whirling through the air at a fearful rate; gradually the speed lessened, and the unwilling traveller recovered his sight, and with it a consciousness of being in the midst of a terrible number of fires, where little and big demons were heedlessly sitting, enjoying a feast, which he at once discovered consisted of human remains, the scraps of coffine being piled carelessly about the unearthly spot he had been conveyed to!

To seize one of the demons' pitchforks and attack the whole body of imps before him, was the work of an instant; the fight was furious, and ended in the victim falling senseless among a pile of coffins, which stood in one corner. How long he remained in this position he is unable to remember, but, he affirms that he was conveyed by a beautiful fairy to a silver stream, where, amidst the sweetest music, his wounds were charmed and healed, and that he was then gently transported to his home, before daybreak, by the same mysterious agency which had befriended him, after his terrible conflict with the cannibal demons.

It is rumoured in the neighbourhood where the above extraordinary adventure took place that enquiries have been made for a man named William Thomas, a summons being about to be issued against him for breaking a lot of tin boxes, after running away from a police officer whom he met on the road and attacking the workmen during their supper time at the works, while he was in a state of drunkenness; one of the girls kindly washing his face, and led him part of the way home, after the stupid trespass.