Ghosts and Folklore of Wales with Mark Rees

EP75 The Haunting of Newton House: Paranormal activity at Dinefwr, the National Trust‘s ”most haunted” Welsh property, a history- and ghost-filled manor house - Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast

Newton House in Dinefwr has long been the scene of inexplicable paranormal activity – in fact, the National Trust call it their "most haunted" location in all of Wales, and their fourth "most haunted place" in all the UK.
The estate in Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, has a long and colourful history steeped in Welsh folklore, from the castle on the estate to the mythical white cattle which roam its lands.
But the manor house itself has a more Gothic past, with tales of ghostly cigar smoking, tragic white ladies, servants who continue to work after shuffling off this mortal coil, and children who play games from the "other side."
On this episode, join author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) as he explores Newton House's eerie supernatural history on the Ghosts and Folklore 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 Mabinogi, to dark and Gothic Halloween/ Nos Calan Gaeaf traditions to 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

EP74 Halloween Ghost Hunt: A ”live” paranormal investigation at one of Wales‘ ”most haunted” museums with Mark Rees and Cymru Paranormal - Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast Nos Calan Gaeaf special

Dare you go on a ghost hunt to one of Wales's "most haunted" places?
Join Mark Rees and Welsh paranormal investigators Cymru Paranormal for a Halloween/ Nos Calan Gaeaf special as they go in search of restless wartime spirits.
In the most ambitious episode yet, the team spend the night at Swansea's 1940s Museum, which is just like stepping back in time - outside there are Second World War air shelters, road blocks and barbed wire, and inside there are recreations of period settings, from trenches to Doctor Who-style police boxes.
But what lurks in the darkness? Does the ghost of an RAF serviceman haunt the operations room? Are the spectres still fighting an endless fight against the Nazis? Do spirits drink spirits (groan - sorry!) in the pub, where spectres have been seen playing cards?
There's only one way to find out!
Join author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) and the gang of "ghostbusters" for this Nos Calan Gaeaf/ Halloween special of the Ghosts and Folklore 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 Mabinogi 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

EP73 Halloween Horrors: A headless white lady (Y Ladi Wen) and a monstrous black pig (Hwch Ddu Gwta) emerge on Nos Calan Gaeaf! Explore their eerie secret history Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast

A monstrous black pig and the ghost of a headless white lady emerge to hunt the living on Halloween - but what do they want?
When the shades of night fall on Nos Calan Gaeaf, as October 31 is known in Wales, there are two terrifying apparitions which appear to chase people home from the bonfires before the witching hour.
More terrifying than the vampires, werewolves, zombies and demons commonly associated with the holiday, they are the Hwch Ddu Gwta (Tailless Black Sow) and Y Ladi Wen (The White Lady).
Sometimes they even team up - like an extra spooky Halloween tag team - and an encounter with the pair could result in the loss of your soul, so it's important that you listen to this episode to protect yourself! 
Join author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) as he explores two of Halloween's creepiest - and often overlooked - apparitions on this Halloween special of the Ghosts and Folklore 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 Mabinogi 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

EP72 Haunted Halloween Lakes: Spectral women, evil spirits and a deadly lake monster lurk at watery Welsh beauty spots on Nos Calan Gaeaf - Spooky history on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast

Dare you visit these watery beauty spots where ghouls and ghosts appear on the spookiest night of the year?
Explore several "haunted" lakes where the ghosts of spectral white ladies have been reported, or where a lake monster is said to dwell.
In one case, a visit on Halloween - Nos Calan Gaeaf - could result in seeing those destined to die that year appearing before your very eyes.
Join author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) as he explores the ghosts and folklore of some of Wales' mysterious lakes on this Halloween special of the Ghosts and Folklore 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 Mabinogi 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

EP71 The First Welsh Jack-o‘-Lantern: A Halloween special exploring the origin of ”Jack y Lantern” in an old folk tale of devils, demons and a lost spirit - Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast

Halloween wouldn't be Halloween with a grinning jack-o'-lantern, but did you know that it was once far more sinister than a finely carved pumpkin?
Nothing encapsulates Nos Calan Gaeaf - as we call Halloween in Wales - like the flickering face of a finely-carved lantern. But unlike the modern-day pumpkin which can be seen carried by trick or treaters, it was considered to be an all-too-real "dreaded ghost" which led people to their doom in the dark forests at harvest time.
Its origins can be traced back to an old Welsh folk tale in which the Devil is outwitted by a particularly crafty Welshman, but who pays a heavy price for his dealings with Satan.
On this Halloween special, author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) explores the true horror behind the Welsh "Jack y Lantern" on the Ghosts and Folklore 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 Mabinogi 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

EP70 Trapped Spirits & Hidden Treasure: A trio of ”real-life” ghost stories in which restless souls haunt the living in some of Wales‘s ”most haunted” - Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast

Explore three creepy "real-life" accounts of restless spirits who seemingly can’t rest in peace until their hidden treasure has been discovered.
There are countless tales of people being asked – or scared, rather – into helping unwanted visitors find their treasure so they can rest in peace and, in return, the living can return to living in peace as well.
Some are these tales sound like folk tales, while others are taken more seriously, and in some cases cause great distress to those involved. 
On this episode, author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) he goes on a ghost hunt and examines three such cases involving "white ladies" and more on the Ghosts and Folklore 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 Mabinogi 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

EP69 The Poltergeist Fairies; or, the Welsh Hobgoblin: Naughty but nice, the Bwbach is a household fairy (tylwyth teg) that causes paranormal mayhem in the home - Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast

What happens when a fairy turns nasty? It becomes something of a poltergeist!
On this episode of the Ghosts and Folklore podcast, explore the dual nature of the Bwbach, the Welsh hobgoblin with ghost-like powers which, on the one hand, was a nice, helpful, happy household fairy but, on the other, could quickly transform into a terrifying phantom.
So terrifying, in fact, that it could scare people away from their homes and, and in some extreme cases, attack them and drive them to an early grave.
Join author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) as he goes on a hunt in search of these mischievous creatures on the Ghosts and Folklore 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 Mabinogi 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

EP68 The White Lady of Oystermouth Castle: Does a white lady ghost haunt one of Wales‘ ”most haunted” castles? Let‘s go on a paranormal investigation on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast

Does the ghost of a lady in white really haunt one of Wales's "most haunted" castles?
When darkness falls on Oystermouth Castle, one of Swansea’s more mysterious inhabitants emerges from the shadows to peer out over the village of Mumbles. And, if you believe the tales, she can even be summoned in a similar way to saying Candyman or Beetlejuice more times that it is safe to do so.
But who is this white lady, and who has see her?
Join author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) as he goes on a ghost hunt in search of the White Lady herself by exploring the history, legends, and first-hand accounts of paranormal activity on the Ghosts and Folklore 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 Mabinogi 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

EP67 A Victorian Séance: There‘s table tipping, corpse candles, and deathlike fingers in this real-life account of a visit to a psychic spirit medium in Swansea - Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast

When corpse candles and deathlike fingers materialise during a séance in Swansea, is it the work of spirits of the dead, or is something else going on?
In this real-life account of a 19th century séance, a group of friends visit a spirit medium for what they believe will be a little light entertainment.
But the paranormal activity spirals out of control, and soon they find themselves trapped in a waking nightmare.
With tables (and heads) being banged, lights in the air, music being played and people screaming and fainting, what was really going on in the darkened room seemingly fizzling with psychic activity?
Join author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) as he recreates this first-hand account of a séance gone wrong on the Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast.
Is there anybody there?
 
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 Mabinogi 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

EP66 The Giant‘s Body: When a fairy-eating giant and wicked witch invade a happy Welsh valley, it quickly become a valley of horror in this traditional folk tale - Ghosts and Folklore of Wales podcast

Did an old folk tale of a wicked witch and an evil giant really lead to the discovery of coal in the Welsh valleys?
In this traditional story, a shadow is cast over a once-happy fairy-filled valley when a giant arrives to eat all of the small inhabitants. Their only chance of survival is to kill their unwelcome visitor, but that just poses an even bigger problem - how do you dispose of the rotting body of a giant?
Join author Mark Rees (Ghosts of Wales) for a fantastical trip to Gilfach Fargoed in search of the giant's body on the Ghosts and Folklore 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:
Mark Rees homepage
Mark Rees on social media
Books by Mark Rees
Ghosts of Wales podcast