Words and Images by Greg Mansfield

Situated in the village of Llanvihangel Crucorney in the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park stands the oldest pub in Wales – The Skirrid Inn. Widely considered the most haunted pub in the country, this historic stone building, with its centuries-old walls and timber beams, holds dark secrets and spine-tingling tales. Come and meet the spectres of The Skirrid Inn!
A History Written in Stone
While some people claim the inn’s origins date back to the 1100s, historical records show the current building was constructed in the late 1600s. Despite uncertainty about its earliest days, the Skirrid Inn’s documented history is fascinating enough to capture any history buff’s imagination.
The most chilling chapter in the inn’s past is its role as a courthouse and execution site during the 17th century. The upper floor served as a place where justice – often harsh and final – was dispensed to those accused of crimes ranging from sheep stealing to highway robbery and murder.
Most notably, an oak beam spanning the stairwell reportedly served as a makeshift gallows. Apparently, 183 condemned souls met their fate here, and the beam still bears marks allegedly created by the hangman’s rope.

Supernatural Encounters in the Public House
Today’s visitors to the Skirrid Inn might experience more than just a friendly Welsh welcome. Its delightfully old pub seems to be a hotbed of paranormal activity, where objects appear to have minds of their own. Staff and guests regularly report tables moving without human touch and plates mysteriously falling from walls and shelves.
One of the most remarkable incidents involved a 10-pound note with coins stacked on top of the bar that allegedly levitated across the entire length of the counter before dropping to the ground – with the coins still neatly piled!
Adding to the otherworldly atmosphere, witnesses have reported hearing phantom footsteps across the slate floor and the ethereal sounds of lute music drifting through the air.

Ghostly Guests of the Inn
Several spectres haunt The Skirrid Inn. A helmeted soldier from centuries past appears on the staircase that leads to the guest rooms. In addition, two distinct spirits — a desperate man who took his own life to avoid the gallows and the shadowy ghost of a former jailer — haunt the area near an old jail-cell door at the top of the stairs.
Among the most active areas are the inn’s three guest rooms, each with its own supernatural reputation. Room 1 features an unusual split-level bathroom, with the lower section believed to be a former jail cell. Some guests feel sudden cold spots and the unsettling sensation of invisible hands touching them while using these facilities.

The Gentle Ghost of Fanny Price
Not all the inn’s spirits inspire fear. Along the upstairs corridor and in Room 2, visitors often encounter a more peaceful presence – the ghost of Fanny Price, who was married to one of the inn’s past proprietors.
Those who experience Fanny’s presence describe the subtle rustle of period dress and the sweet scent of lavender perfume. Fanny’s story ended tragically when she succumbed to tuberculosis at the inn in the mid-1800s, but her gentle spirit seems to linger in the place she once called home.
The Old Courtroom’s Lingering Drama
Guest Room 3, which originally formed part of the courthouse, seems to be frozen in time. Visitors have reported glimpsing apparitions of court officials going about their centuries-old business, perhaps eternally tied to the solemn duties they once performed within these walls.
Unexplained Phenomena
Throughout the building, visitors report various unexplained phenomena. Strange balls of light drift through the premises, and doors open and close without human intervention.
Perhaps most unsettling are the experiences reported on the old staircase. Here, guests have felt mysterious cold spots and an eerie sensation of being touched on the back of their necks. Some have even described a frightening tightening around their throats, reminiscent of the building’s dark history as a place of execution.

The Skirrid Inn is a magnet for those who love the paranormal. People from all over come to this famous Welsh pub. They want to see the ghosts and have their own paranormal adventures.
Documented Supernatural Activities
Many paranormal teams have explored the inn. They’ve found cold spots, strange whispers, and shadowy figures. The most common activities include:
- Sudden temperature drops in certain areas
- Disembodied footsteps on the empty staircase
- Unexplained electronic equipment malfunctions
- Apparitions of historical figures.
Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer in the paranormal, The Skirrid Inn offers an atmospheric glimpse into Wales’ past. Its centuries-old stones have witnessed countless stories of justice and tragedy, making it a fascinating destination for anyone interested in history, the supernatural, or simply enjoying a pint in one of Britain’s most beguiling pubs.
Are you brave enough to seek the spectres of The Skirrid Inn? If you are, you should stay a night or two or take part in one of its organised ghost hunts. After all, this is one of the best places in the UK to immerse yourself in a truly atmospheric and haunted location!
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