Caerphilly Castle is located in South Wales and is the second largest castle in the UK, the first being Windsor Castle. It was built during the 13th century, ordered by Gilbert de Clare, the 7th Earl of Gloucester, for him and his wife, Princess Alice de Lusignan, who was the niece of King Henry III. It comprises of huge walls, towers, and gatehouses with extravagant water defences and ramparts that cover approximately 30 acres of land. Impressive, huh? Now, the castle’s most loved feature is the iconic leaning tower, which, after seeing it in person, is a mystery to me how it still stands so solidly!
There are many ghosts reported to reside here, including spectral men-at-arms witnessed on battlements, and a particular figure dressed in red.
According to some, the most feared apparition is the Welsh translation for ‘Hag Of The Mist’. Similar to the Irish banshee, she usually appeared as an older woman, and was apparently a forewarning to impending doom or death in the family, specifically of the de Clare family who resided at the castle for many years. However, this bloodline has long passed, and there have been no recent sightings of the ol’ hag.
One of the most famous ghosts is the spirit of Princess Alice, also known as the Green Lady. Local legend explains that she apparently died from heartbreak after having an affair with a Prince, although there doesn’t seem to be any record of this affair. The story explains that the Prince was soon hanged, ordered by Gilbert de Clare himself after he found out about the adultery.
The nickname the ‘Green Lady’ is still deliberated. Some believe that the reason for this name is that her spirit appears green to reflect the envy of her husband after he took the life of her lover. Others believe that because her spirit is so ingrained within the castle, just like the ivy that now grows upon its remains, she reflects this colour symbolically. Alice has been apparently sighted skirting the great hall, which unfortunately was closed during my visit, and the outer ramparts. Ghostly soldiers have also been spotted upon these castle ramparts, keeping watch from oncoming enemy, just as they would’ve during their time.
Want to pay the Green Lady a visit? You can visit Caerphilly Castle year-round, it’s about a tenner to get in and is located only eight miles from Cardiff.
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