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The magnificent
Carew Castle has a history spanning 2000 years. Set in a stunning location, overlooking a 23-acre millpond, the castle displays
the development from a Norman fortification to an Elizabethan country house. The site incorporates an impressive 11th century
Celtic Cross; the only restored Tidal Mill in Wales, a medieval bridge and a picnic area all linked by a delightful mile round-walk. It is open daily 10 am - 5 pm, March 22nd - End October 2005.
The
castle is believed to be haunted by the wraith of a White Lady, believed to be Princess Nest, also known as the “Helen
of Wales”. She was the daughter of Rhys ap Tewdwr. It is said that she had a "turbulent life". She
was most notably the mistress to Henry I, by whom she had a son. It is said that her benign presence drifts through the rooms
and passages of the castle.
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| The entrance to the haunted North West Tower |
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| The doorway to the haunted room |
This
great corner tower of the castle is said to be haunted by the ghosts of a seventeenth century lord and his pet ape, who died
in mysterious circumstances.
During
the 17th Century, the castle was tenanted by Sir Roland Rhys who resided in the North West Tower. He was considered
something of a recluse, possibly because nobody wanted to bother with him as he had the reputation of having a raging temper.
However, he did share his home with an ape he brought back from the Barbary Coast.
Sir
Roland's son eloped with the daughter of a local Flemish merchant, which naturally upset the merchant to the extent that
he went straight to the castle to make his complaint. An argument soon erupted between the two men, which resulted in
Sir Roland setting his ape on the unlucky man. He was badly mauled in the attack, but managed to escape with his
life. As he left the castle, the merchant cursed Sir Roland to suffer the same fate.
It
is said that later the same night, terrible screams of pain were heard eminating from the North West Tower...
Servants
tentatively made their way to investigate. As they cautiously entered the room, they made a gruesome discovery.
Their master lay amongst scattered and broken furniture and burning tapestries - his throat torn open. The pet
ape had turned on its master, but also lay dead amongst the carnage.
It
is said that the ghost of the ape can sometimes be seen late at night on the battlements above the tower.
If you make it to the room and find that Sir Roland and his pet ape are
not there to great you, you will still be able to take in the spectacular view from the window that faces out towards the
Tidal Mill.
Carew Castle is a delightful and stunning place to visit, with very helpful staff on hand to answer questions
about the history of this monument.
Refs:
For
a full account, please read “Ghosts of Wales” by Peter Underwood, published by Corgi.
www.carewcastle.com
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