Conwy Castle: The Fortress of Welsh Shadows

Rising from a rocky outcrop at the mouth of the River Conwy, this mighty fortress was built in just four years (1283-1287) at the then-staggering cost of £15,000. Along with Caernarfon, Harlech, and Beaumaris, it formed Edward I’s Iron Ring to subdue Wales. Like its sister fortresses, Conwy is haunted by those who lived, fought, and died within its walls.

The History

Rapid Construction

Edward I’s chief architect, James of St George, oversaw the construction using thousands of laborers. The castle was built simultaneously with a fortified town, the walls of which still largely survive.

Medieval Significance

Key events at Conwy include:

• Richard II took shelter here during his downfall (1399)
• The castle held out against Owain Glyndŵr during his uprising
• It was slighted (partially demolished) after the English Civil War

The Hauntings

The Monk of Conwy

Before Edward’s castle, a Cistercian abbey stood on this site. The monks were forcibly relocated to make way for the fortress. One monk is said to have refused to leave and was killed:

• He appears in brown robes
• Walking through walls where doors no longer exist
• His presence brings a sense of profound sorrow
• He has been seen in the chapel area

The Spectral Knight

A knight in full armor has been reported on the battlements:

• Carrying a sword and shield
• Marching as if on patrol
• His armor makes no sound
• Witnesses feel a sense of duty and vigilance

The Starving Welsh

During various sieges, common Welsh people sought shelter in the castle only to be turned away to die:

• Emaciated figures have been seen at the gates
• Sounds of pleading in Welsh
• A sense of desperate hunger permeates certain areas

The Women of the Tower

In one of the eight towers, multiple witnesses have reported seeing women in medieval dress:

• They appear to be sewing or engaged in domestic tasks
• Their clothing suggests nobility
• They ignore modern observers entirely
• The sound of feminine laughter has been heard

Paranormal Investigation

Research teams have documented:

• Cold spots that move through the towers
• EVP recordings in Welsh and Norman French
• Electromagnetic anomalies concentrated in the chapel area
• Photographic evidence of translucent figures

Visiting

Conwy Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site managed by Cadw. The town walls can be walked in their entirety, and the castle offers spectacular views over the Conwy estuary—views that have been watched by living and dead alike for over 700 years.

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Built on the bones of a Welsh monastery, garrisoned by English soldiers, besieged by Welsh rebels—Conwy Castle contains layers of history and layers of ghosts.