RICK HALE takes us to Ruthin Castle Hotel where the ghost of a crazed axe murderer stalks
Ruthin Castle Hotel
Castle Street, Ruthin LL15 2NU
The town of Ruthin, in the picturesque Northern Wales’ countryside, is a town believed to be populated by more of the dead than the living
Several buildings and homes in this ancient town are considered to be some of the most haunted in the country.
Including Ruthin Castle, a hotel that is reputed to be haunted by a ghost that committed a desperate crime of passion.
History Of Ruthin Castle Hotel
Ruthin Castle was built by King Edward I in the 13th century, on a site that was once occupied by an iron age fort.
In 1277 CE, he gave the castle to Llewellyn ap Gryudd. A decision he would soon regret.
Llewellyn’s allegiance changed in 1282, and was considered a traitor to the crown of England.
Llewellyn was ousted and as a reward for building him the world’s greatest Army, King Edward gave the castle and lands to Sir Reginald de Grey.
The ensuing years had not been kind to Ruthin Castle and it fell into disrepair.
In 1826, the Cornwallis-West family bought the castle and replaced it with the structure we know today.
The castle was used as a hospital for people suffering from rare diseases from 1923 to 1960, when it was converted into a luxury hotel.
That was when the reports of hauntings began to come to light.
The Lady Grey
Perhaps the most active spirit in the castle is that of Lady Grey. A woman who committed a murderous crime of passion.
According to historical records, Lady Grey discovered that her husband had been carrying on a secret affair with a local peasant girl.
When she caught the two in the act, she grabbed an axe and hacked her husband’s lover to death.
When Lady Grey was apprehended, she was said to have gone completely mad. She was tried for murder and executed. But death has not ended her madness.
The apparition of a crazed woman has been encountered by both guests and staff in the corridors of the hotel.
Her favourite places to wander is the banquet hall and the battlements where she is seen wielding a sharpened axe.
And on the night when she ruthlessly murdered the peasant girl, Lady Grey has been witnessed carrying out her vengeance.
The One Gloved Ghost
The figure of a spectral soldier curiously wearing one glove has been spotted walking around the castle.
It’s believed this one gloved man was a soldier in service to King Edward and died as a result of defending the castle.
According to eyewitnesses he never interacts with people and appears to be clueless of his surroundings.
The Little Girl
The apparition of a mischievous little girl has been seen running up and down the halls in the middle of the night.
She has been known to knock on room doors awakening people as they sleep.
When they open the door to see who’s bothering them they watch as the little girl turns a corner with a giggle and vanishes from view.
What The Hotel Offers
Ruthin Castle is a hotel that prides itself on its hospitality, as well as it’s luxuriousness.
All rooms are en-suite and tastefully decorated with all the amenities of a modern hotel.
Bertie’s, the hotel’s restaurant, has a menu offering local dishes sure to please the taste buds of even the most discerning diner.
The hotel also offers a medieval banquet. Guests will be given a tour of the castle and can enjoy a feast while being entertained.
Ruthin Castle Hotel is ideally located in the beautiful Welsh countryside where you can explore the landscape.
And if you’re willing to make the drive, you can visit the Italian/Welsh town of Portmeiron.
Discover other hauntings in Wales here.
If you have ever stayed at Ruthin Castle Hotel, and had an experience, we invite you to tell us about it in the comment section.
