The Skirrid Mountain Inn, nestled in the hills of Monmouthshire, may seem like any other pub at first glance. However, its rich history and reputation for being one of the most haunted buildings in the world set it apart. This 17th-century pub is not only one of the oldest in Wales but also famed for its paranormal activity, as listed by a popular magazine. Geoff Fiddler, the pub’s owner, was drawn to its eerie past and decided to return to Wales with his wife, despite already owning a pub in Hertfordshire. Geoff reminisced about the pub’s mysterious aura, stating, “It’s one of those places where you’re comfortable as soon as you walk through the door. You can feel the atmosphere immediately.”
Surrounded by picturesque green fields and overlooking Skirrid Fawr, the pub has a charming exterior. However, it’s the stories of its past that have captured public intrigue. Time Out magazine recognised the Skirrid Inn as one of the most haunting places globally, joining prestigious landmarks such as the Tower of London and Edinburgh Castle on the list. The inn’s spooky reputation harks back to its role as a gathering place for supporters of Owain Glyndwr’s revolt against Henry IV. Legend has it that the pub’s courtyard was used as a strategic point before raids.
The inn’s chilling legacy extends to its time as a courthouse and jail, overseen by the notorious ‘hanging judge’ George Jeffreys. Local folklore suggests that over 150 individuals, many linked to the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685, met their end at the inn’s stairwell gallows. Despite its dark history, owner Geoff Fiddler has had few personal encounters with the supernatural. He shared an experience of spotting a ghostly figure in broad daylight, resembling a coachman from centuries past. Geoff’s narrative adds a layer of intrigue to the inn’s mystique.
Fanny Price, a prominent ghost at the Skirrid Inn, is said to haunt the premises. Believed to have passed away in the 1800s, Fanny’s presence is often accompanied by the scent of lavender perfume and subtle movements around the establishment. Geoff recounted instances of guests discovering their jewellery rearranged mysteriously, attributing it to Fanny’s playful spirit. Despite his reservations about ghosts, Geoff highlighted how these occurrences left him on edge, underscoring the unnerving atmosphere pervading the inn.
One particularly chilling anecdote involved Geoff’s step-grandson encountering a spectral presence in a long dress, a vision that perturbed even the inn’s seasoned owner. The Skirrid Inn’s historical significance has been recognised with a Grade II listing, acknowledging its architectural and cultural value. An intriguing custom practised at the pub involves placing a container of beer outside each night, following a Celtic tradition to ward off malevolent spirits. Geoff theorises a connection between this ritual and Shakespeare’s character Puck from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
In conclusion, the Skirrid Mountain Inn’s enigmatic allure lies not only in its storied past but also in the palpable sense of the supernatural that pervades its halls. Whether one believes in ghosts or not, the tales surrounding the inn continue to captivate visitors and residents alike, reinforcing its status as a timeless haunt steeped in history and mystery. The Skirrid Inn stands as a testament to Wales’s rich heritage, inviting guests to step into a world where the line between reality and legend blurs, leaving an indelible mark on all who cross its threshold.