GHOSTS come out when visitors are out of sight at National Trust’s Croft Castle – including a Welsh hero, according to staff.
At Croft Castle, near Leominster, ghost stories have long lingered among the ancient trees and halls of one of Herefordshire’s most historic homes.
They include Welsh hero Owain Glyndŵr.
But, the National Trust said on social media: “Our ghosts only appear after closing time. Boundaries, you see.”
Surrounded by avenues of chestnut, beech and oak, the castle has an atmosphere of grandeur mixed with secrecy.
History of Croft Castle
The de Croft family, who gave the estate its name, are believed to have arrived from Normandy during the reign of Edward the Confessor and built their first fortress on the site.
Over centuries, they developed the property and cemented their influence.
In the 14th century, Sir John de Croft married a daughter of Owain Glyn Dŵr, the Welsh nationalist hero who led a fierce rebellion against English rule.
By the 16th century, the family’s status had grown further.
Sir Richard Croft became Treasurer to Henry VII’s household and later served as steward to Prince Arthur.
The Crofts supported Charles I during the Civil War, showing such loyalty that they agreed to have parts of their own stronghold dismantled to prevent it falling into Parliamentarian hands.
Yet financial pressures in the 18th century forced them to sell the estate to Richard Knight of Downton. They later bought it back in 1923.
Haunted Britain says several ghosts at Croft Castle
Now under National Trust care, Croft Castle still houses members of the family and according to Haunted Britain, several ghosts.
The most famous is a towering figure dressed in leather, believed by some to be the ghost of Owain Glyndŵr himself.
The Archbishop of Sydney is said to have seen him while visiting in the early 20th century.
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Sceptics argue that Glyndŵr cannot haunt the castle, as both the place and date of his death remain one of history’s most enduring mysteries.
Some Welsh folklore even suggests he never died but sleeps in a secret location, waiting to return when his country needs him.
Whether ghostly apparitions walk Croft Castle or not, its rich history and the stories passed down with it continue to fascinate visitors long after closing time.
