AS HALLOWEEN arrives, Monmouth’s history comes sharply into focus. With buildings dating back centuries It’s no surprise that the town is home to some spooktacular stories of haunting and unexplained activity have been told over the years.

The Monmouthshire Beacon has taken a dive back into history to some of the town’s most talked about locations. From the ruins of Monmouth Castle to the long-standing Queens Head pub and the historic Robin Hood pub and more eye witness accounts and stories soon came to light with readers keen to share their experiences of haunted Monmouth.

A number of locations were mentioned more than once, “definitely Monmouth Castle,” one person wrote. “I’ve heard people talking when the pub was closed,” said another, referring to The Robin Hood. Others mentioned Tintern Abbey and Shire Hall, all of which are rich in history.

Monmouth Castle

Monmouth Castle was built around 1067, famously known for being the birthplace of Henry V. Despite the castle now being ruins some say they still feel an uncertain feeling when they visit, so who knows could it just be the thought of the unpleasant atmosphere looming or is their more than what meets the eye?

The Queens Head

The well loved, often spoken about former pub and Inn, The Queens Head has been around for centuries. It was often a resting place for Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War and there was once an attempt there to assassinate him when according to the legend he was chased into the pub and shot.

It has also been given the title of the third most haunted Inn in Wales.

Tintern Abbey

This very old, historic landmark was once a Cistercian Monastery built by the order in 1131 long before Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century. Locals have said there have been figures of some sort drifting through the air and gusts of strong wind even in the warmer summer period.

Monmouth Shire Hall

Monmouth Shire Hall was built in 1724, serving as a courthouse and administration centre. The chartist trials were also held there in 1839.

People have apparently reported late night cold spots and strange sounds in the old courtroom, with strange figures looming around the judge's bench.

The building is thought to be haunted by many ghosts; some say there is even a judge still dressed in his full wig and gown.

There are also dungeons in the Hall and as the dark nights set it guests can expect an even spookier experience

The Monmouthshire Beacon spoke to Philip Jones, who has been investing in paranormal activity for over 32 years. He has lived in Monmouth all his life and has even appeared on Sky TV Britain’s Scariest Hauntings, as well as the League of Gentlemen BBC Radio 4 Halloween special.

He tells a story of a caretaker who was going about his daily chores when he suddenly felt freezing cold. He looked up and saw a pair of legs from the waist down walking up the flight of stairs in front of him, turn and ascend the next flight of stairs towards the court room and then vanish.

In the holding cell area, Phil’s paranormal research team were conducting some experiments when there was a very strong smell of urine, and when a few of the team members mentioned this a loud groan was heard and even captured on video and audio tape.

They had also experienced some poltergeist activity in one of the function rooms. In the most strange experience the team heard chairs being dragged and moved behind a closed door. When the door was opened chairs which had previously been lined up in rows neatly had been moved around.

Savoy Theatre

At the Savoy theatre Phil said there had apparently been reports of footsteps when nobody was around and a lady in old clothes has been seen in the corridor which runs behind the boxes on the upper floor.

In the green room under the stage, people have witnessed plates and cups rattling violently in the cupboard.

Phil’s team was first allowed to investigate the theatre after a major refurbishment back in the early 2000s.

The Punch House pub

Room four at the theatre has seen poltergeist activity where bags have been physically lifted, moved a few feet and dropped in broad daylight and witnessed by multiple people. Phil explained. A solo paranormal investigation of room four resulted in an electronic voice phenomenon when a voice uttered the word ‘power’.

Whether you’re a unsure or a believer, these building are part of Monmouth’s history and the stories which are shared are what bring the community together each Halloween, just don’t be surprised if you hear footsteps when no one’s there.