Caerphilly Castle: The Leaning Tower’s Ghosts

Caerphilly Castle is a colossus—the largest castle in Wales and the second largest in Britain after Windsor. Built by the powerful Gilbert de Clare to hold South Wales against the Welsh prince Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, it pioneered the concentric castle design later used by Edward I. Its famous leaning tower (more tilted than Pisa’s) and massive water defenses create an atmosphere unlike any other British castle.

The History

A Revolutionary Design

Begun in 1268, Caerphilly was revolutionary for its time:

• First truly concentric castle in Britain
• Massive artificial lakes as defensive barriers
• Inner and outer walls with multiple towers
• Gatehouse defenses of unprecedented sophistication

Civil War Destruction

During the English Civil War, Parliamentary forces deliberately undermined the southeast tower, causing its famous lean. The castle was partially dismantled and left to ruin until 20th-century restoration.

The Hauntings

The Green Lady (Princess Alice)

The most famous ghost is the Green Lady, believed to be Princess Alice of Angoulême:

• Wife of Gilbert de Clare III
• She reportedly had an affair and was discovered
• Her lover was hanged by Gilbert
• She died mysteriously soon after
• Seen in a green dress, wandering the castle
• Her presence brings intense cold

The Leaning Tower Spirits

The damaged tower is particularly active:

• Figures seen at windows that don’t exist
• Sounds of stonework collapsing
• Screaming from within the ruins
• Some believe Civil War soldiers are trapped in a loop of the tower’s destruction

The Phantom Army

A medieval army has been witnessed near the water defenses:

• Hundreds of men in 13th-century armor
• Siege engines and war horses
• They appear to be attacking the castle
• The sound of battle drums and war cries
• Likely connected to the Welsh attacks on the castle

The Drowned Prisoners

The artificial lakes concealed a dark purpose—prisoners were drowned in them:

• Figures have been seen beneath the water
• Hands reaching up from the surface
• Splashing sounds with no visible cause
• Muffled screaming from the lakes
• Most common on foggy mornings

The Grey Monk

A hooded figure in grey robes walks the inner ward:

• Appears to be praying or performing rituals
• Vanishes through walls
• Associated with the castle’s chapel area
• His identity is unknown

Modern Activity

Investigations have revealed:

• Significant paranormal activity throughout the castle
• The Green Lady has been photographed multiple times
• EVP recordings in medieval French and Welsh
• Cold spots that follow visitors
• Equipment failures near the leaning tower

Visiting

Caerphilly Castle is managed by Cadw and is one of Wales’s most visited attractions. The castle hosts various events and has been used in numerous films and television programs, including Doctor Who.

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Caerphilly Castle’s sheer scale is intimidating enough. But the spirits within—the Green Lady, the drowned prisoners, the phantom army—add another dimension of dread to this already formidable fortress.