The Skirrid Inn, Abergavenny
Thursday 19th June 2025
The Skirrid Inn, located in Llanvihangel Crucorney, near Abergavenny in Monmouthshire, Wales, is one of the oldest—and most infamous—public houses in Britain. Its long and storied past blends fact, folklore, and legend, earning it a reputation not only for history but for haunting.
Historical Overview
Origins and Age
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The Skirrid Inn is believed to be over 900 years old, with some parts of the structure possibly dating back to the Norman period.
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It’s often claimed to have been an inn since the 12th century, though documented records are more reliable from the 17th century onward.
Courthouse and Executions
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The upper floor of the inn reportedly served as a courtroom, where local justice was meted out.
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According to local lore, over 180 people were hanged from the staircase beam, including for crimes like sheep stealing and treason.
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The hangings were allegedly performed right inside the inn, using a trapdoor and the central beam on the stairs — marks from the rope are said to still be visible.
Connection to Owain Glyndŵr
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The Skirrid is said to have been a rallying point for followers of Owain Glyndŵr, the Welsh leader who led a rebellion against English rule in the early 1400s.
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Some believe Glyndŵr himself stayed or held meetings there, though this is part of oral tradition rather than confirmed historical fact.
Religious and Mythical Associations
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The nearby Skirrid Mountain (Ysgyryd Fawr), after which the inn is named, has long been considered a sacred and mysterious place.
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Legend says the mountain was split in two by an earthquake at the moment of Christ’s crucifixion, adding a spiritual dimension to the region and, by extension, the inn.
Role as a Coaching Inn
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In later centuries, The Skirrid served as a coaching inn — a place for travelers to rest, eat, and stable their horses.
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Its location along a key route between Hereford and Abergavenny made it a convenient stopover.
Haunted Reputation
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Given its history of death, punishment, and rebellion, it’s no surprise the inn has developed a reputation for being haunted.
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Ghost sightings and eerie phenomena are common themes in both local lore and modern ghost-hunting events.
Haunted Happenings Experiences
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Hanged Spirits: Guests and staff have reported seeing the apparitions of people being hanged or feeling the sensation of a noose tightening around their necks.
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The Judge: The spirit of Judge Jeffreys is said to haunt the inn, possibly reenacting his ruthless verdicts.
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Female Ghosts: Several female spirits are said to inhabit the inn, including one named Fanny Price, a former landlady who died of consumption.
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Cold Spots & Shadow Figures: Many visitors report sudden drops in temperature, strange shadows, and a general feeling of dread.
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Poltergeist Activity: Objects are said to move on their own, glasses fly off shelves, and doors slam without cause.
