Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees
Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast: Step into the weird and wonderful world of haunted Wales with this monthly podcast that explores ghost stories, Gothic tales, uncanny encounters, ancient lore, and the rich folklore of Wales. Join Welsh storyteller, writer, and historian Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) – “arguably Wales’ leading authority on the curious and paranormal aspects of the country’s history” – as he guides listeners through chilling legends, real-life hauntings, and otherworldly mysteries from Cymru and beyond. Each episode is a spine-tingling (and often tongue-in-cheek) journey through the eerie landscapes and haunted heritage of dark Wales. You’ll hear tales from the “most haunted” castles, real ghost stories from Wales, and spectral horse parades like the Mari Lwyd. Poltergeists, uncanny spirits, corpse candles, and phantom funerals are just the beginning. You’ll also discover mystical creatures like the Ceffyl Dŵr, the Gwyllgi, and other ghostly beasts said to roam the valleys and mountains. Whether you’re fascinated by uncanny spirits, Halloween traditions (Nos Calan Gaeaf), ancient Druid rituals, or modern-day paranormal investigations, this podcast offers a captivating blend of supernatural storytelling, folklore deep-dives, and historical curiosity – all delivered with a Gothic flair and a dry sense of humour. Listeners who love uncovering mysterious Welsh history, exploring haunted locations, or unraveling legends of mythical creatures will feel right at home. These gripping episodes transport you to the haunted corners of the country, where myths, ghosts, and magic continue to cast their spell. Expect interviews with ghost hunters, eerie seasonal specials like Halloween ghost stories, and plenty of spine-chilling tales that blend history, horror, and humour in every episode. Don’t miss an episode—subscribe now to unlock the paranormal secrets of haunted Wales, where nothing is ever quite what it seems… and the past is never truly dead.
Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast: Step into the weird and wonderful world of haunted Wales with this monthly podcast that explores ghost stories, Gothic tales, uncanny encounters, ancient lore, and the rich folklore of Wales. Join Welsh storyteller, writer, and historian Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales, Paranormal Wales) – “arguably Wales’ leading authority on the curious and paranormal aspects of the country’s history” – as he guides listeners through chilling legends, real-life hauntings, and otherworldly mysteries from Cymru and beyond. Each episode is a spine-tingling (and often tongue-in-cheek) journey through the eerie landscapes and haunted heritage of dark Wales. You’ll hear tales from the “most haunted” castles, real ghost stories from Wales, and spectral horse parades like the Mari Lwyd. Poltergeists, uncanny spirits, corpse candles, and phantom funerals are just the beginning. You’ll also discover mystical creatures like the Ceffyl Dŵr, the Gwyllgi, and other ghostly beasts said to roam the valleys and mountains. Whether you’re fascinated by uncanny spirits, Halloween traditions (Nos Calan Gaeaf), ancient Druid rituals, or modern-day paranormal investigations, this podcast offers a captivating blend of supernatural storytelling, folklore deep-dives, and historical curiosity – all delivered with a Gothic flair and a dry sense of humour. Listeners who love uncovering mysterious Welsh history, exploring haunted locations, or unraveling legends of mythical creatures will feel right at home. These gripping episodes transport you to the haunted corners of the country, where myths, ghosts, and magic continue to cast their spell. Expect interviews with ghost hunters, eerie seasonal specials like Halloween ghost stories, and plenty of spine-chilling tales that blend history, horror, and humour in every episode. Don’t miss an episode—subscribe now to unlock the paranormal secrets of haunted Wales, where nothing is ever quite what it seems… and the past is never truly dead.
Episodes

May 20, 2021
May 20, 2021
22 min
Is there really a haunted artefact in London's British Museum? And what connection does it have with an ancient Welsh burial site?
The so-called "Golden Ghost" has been sighted in Mold, Flintshire for centuries. But where did it come from, and what does it want?
Believed to be a soldier wearing golden armour, some say it haunts the area after road-building works disturbed its remains. Others say it has been luring people off the beaten track for centuries. Maybe they are all right?
On this episode of the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast, join author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) as he goes in search of the secret history of the golden ghost and the Mold cape.
What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
In early 2020, Mark Rees launched the world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends.
By combining his unique research and insights from many books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at the country's countless curious subjects.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion and the skulled-headed Christmas favourite herself, the Mari Lwyd.
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees
Ghosts of Wales podcast

May 13, 2021
May 13, 2021
28 min
Warning: don't disturb the fairy folk as they party by night!
The fairy folk of Wales (y tylwyth teg) don't take kindly to being interrupted by nosy humans.
In these cautionary tales, find out exactly how they react when curious people get a little too close to their merrymaking for comfort.
Join author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) as he celebrates 50 episodes of the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast with a party with the fairy folk, and explores some of the pranks they play on unsuspecting victims.
Get the wine and cake, and iechyd da!
What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
In early 2020, Mark Rees launched the world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends.
By combining his unique research and insights from many books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at the country's countless curious subjects.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion and the skulled-headed Christmas favourite herself, the Mari Lwyd.
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees
Ghosts of Wales podcast

May 6, 2021
May 6, 2021
23 min
Can church bells really protect your soul from evil spirits, fairies, trolls, plague, and the Devil himself?
Bells have long been a familiar sight and sound at funerals.
From the passing bell at the head of the procession to the church bells reverberating throughout the graveyard, we've come to expect their incessant ringing on such sombre occasions.
But far from just being a means of breaking the silence at such sad times, there are also countless superstitions attached to these age-old traditions which could prove to be highly beneficial.
Did you know, for example, that they could keep away such supernatural creatures as fairies, trolls, evil spirits and the Devil himself?
For some answers - and a few more questions - join author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) as he explores the folklore surrounding church bells on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast.
He even sneaks in some folklore about stones, and how the "devil stone" was made by a bell-stealing demon!
What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
In early 2020, Mark Rees launched the world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends.
By combining his unique research and insights from many books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at the country's countless curious subjects.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion and the skulled-headed Christmas favourite herself, the Mari Lwyd.
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees
Ghosts of Wales podcast

Apr 29, 2021
Apr 29, 2021
26 min
Not all strange glowing balls are corpse candles or death omens - some are the wandering souls of those with scores to settle.
Can a soul really leave the body to complete a task, and then return to the body afterwards when finished?
In these four eerie accounts from Wales and the border with England, strange lights are said to enter homes, attract the attention of ghostly characters, and even fight other lights under the shadow of darkness.
What does it all mean?
Join author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) as he goes in search of the strange "soul lights" on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast.
What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
In early 2020, Mark Rees launched the world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends.
By combining his unique research and insights from many books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at the country's countless curious subjects.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion and the skulled-headed Christmas favourite herself, the Mari Lwyd.
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees
Ghosts of Wales podcast

Apr 22, 2021
Apr 22, 2021
24 min
Warning: don't mess with fairy women, and don't mess with fairy cows!
In this cautionary Welsh folk tale, a greedy farmer finds out the hard way that you shouldn't look a gift horse - or, in this case, a gift cow - in the mouth.
When the dark waters of Llyn Barfog provide him with a cash cow he can't believe his luck. But when madness takes over, and darkness descends...
To discover all the secrets, join author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) as he explores this fascinating old folk-horror fairy tale on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast.
And remember - don't mess with fairy women or fairy cows!
What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
In early 2020, Mark Rees launched the world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends.
By combining his unique research and insights from many books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at the country's countless curious subjects.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion and the skulled-headed Christmas favourite herself, the Mari Lwyd.
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees
Ghosts of Wales podcast

Apr 15, 2021
Apr 15, 2021
25 min
Why does the apparition of a woman return to haunt a love-sick traveller?
In this "real-life" ghost story from 18th century Wales, a man's ill-fated visit to his sweetheart' ends with a "terrifying" encounter with the so-called Hanged Lady.
But this was not an isolated incident - why did she return again and again to haunt him? And how can he end his ordeal?
One person who attempted to solve the riddle was a man of the cloth, but far from solving the case the mystery only deepened when the church man went exploring....
In this extra eerie episode the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast, join author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) as he delves into the case of the Hanged Lady, which was recorded by first-hand accounts centuries ago and has an unexpected twist at the end.
What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
In early 2020, Mark Rees launched the world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends.
By combining his unique research and insights from many books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at the country's countless curious subjects.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion and the skulled-headed Christmas favourite herself, the Mari Lwyd.
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees
Ghosts of Wales podcast

Apr 8, 2021
Apr 8, 2021
31 min
From nautical corpse candles to swashbuckling Devils, explore the folklore of the high seas on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast.
In times gone by, the brave seafaring men who set sail from Wales needed all the help they could get for a trouble-free voyage. What would the weather be like? Would it be calm sailing? And were there any evil entities in the waves looking to cause them mischief?
In the folklore-packed episode of the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast, author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) explores many an old tradition and superstition, include: feline folklore in which cats could be used to predict the future, the origin of the expression Davy Jones' Locker, defending yourself from evil spirits, how the Devil would sail the seas in search of souls to take back to the underworld, the ghosts who ride the white-waves during stormy weather, and even some handy uses for what Richard Burton described as Welshman's caviar - laverbread.
What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
In early 2020, Mark Rees launched the world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends.
By combining his unique research and insights from many books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at the country's countless curious subjects.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion and the skulled-headed Christmas favourite herself, the Mari Lwyd.
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees
Ghosts of Wales podcast

Apr 1, 2021
Apr 1, 2021
31 min
Who is the mysterious Lady in Grey haunting Victorian Cardiff?
In October 1893, strange events were reported in the village of Tongwynlais. The country house owned of Mr and Mrs Lewis was said to be haunted by many a ghost, including the so-called Lady in Grey who was heard, felt, and even seen - a full body apparition.
Its activity included wrapping her arm around an unsuspecting victim, stomping around in her high-heeled shoes, and there were even accounts of clairvoyance in the home. Luckily, one witness turned ghost hunter and recorded the details for the press.
What does it all mean? It's time to join author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) and go on a paranormal investigation on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast.
What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
In early 2020, Mark Rees launched the world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends.
By combining his unique research and insights from many books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at countless curious subjects.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday, and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion and the skulled-headed Christmas favourite herself, the Mari Lwyd.
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees
Ghosts of Wales podcast

Mar 25, 2021
Mar 25, 2021
24 min
The Secret Origins of the Ellyllon, Wales' mischievous fairy folk
If you think all elves are tall and noble like in a J.R.R. Tolkien Middle Earth book or a Games Workshop Warhammer game, think again!
The ellyllon - Welsh fairy folk - are small and goblin-like, dwelling in misty and sleepy hollows where they can help you make your fortune, or take it away again at the drop of a hat.
But how can you tell them apart from the other fairies, y twylwyth teg?
For all the secrets join journalist and author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) who goes in search of the secret origins of the elves on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast, which includes an old tale discovered in Victorian Cardiff about the elf who helped a down-on-his-lick farmer.
What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
In early 2020, Mark Rees launched the world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends.
By combining his unique research and insights from many books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at countless curious subjects.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday, and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion and the skulled-headed Christmas favourite herself, the Mari Lwyd.
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees
Ghosts of Wales podcast

Mar 18, 2021
Mar 18, 2021
21 min
Mystery of the Ghost Ship and Phantom Funeral
The town of Milford Haven is well-known for its harbour.
What might be less well-known are the eerie ghost ships which are said to dock there at night. Oh, and there's also been sightings of a phantom funeral nearby.
Is there a connection between these two real-life ghost stories?
To find out more, journalist and author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) explores the spooky history of the town, which is also known as a favoured spot of the tylwyth teg, the Welsh fairy folk.
Can you solve the mystery? Press play to tune in to episode 42 of the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast now... if you dare!
What is the Ghosts & Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
In early 2020, Mark Rees launched the world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends.
By combining his unique research and insights from many books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at countless curious subjects.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday, and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion and the skulled-headed Christmas favourite herself, the Mari Lwyd.
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees
Ghosts of Wales podcast

What is the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees podcast?
In early 2020, Mark Rees launched the world’s first podcast dedicated to Welsh ghost stories, folklore, myths and legends.
By combining his unique research and insights from many books and articles with long-lost tales from dusty old tomes, this weird and wonderful podcast takes a fascinating look at the country's countless curious subjects.
New episodes are uploaded every Thursday and feature everything from real-life encounters with pesky poltergeists to fantastical beasts from the Mabinogion and the skulled-headed Christmas favourite herself, the Mari Lwyd.
Be sure to subscribe, and for more details and to get in touch with Mark Rees, please visit:






