Strange goings-on at Bodelwyddan
Paranormal investigator Sarah Hutchinson shares experiences when her group, North Wales Paranormal Research, undertook a series of investigations at the castle.
Members of staff have experienced strange goings-on at Bodelwyddan Castle for many years, writes paranormal investigator Sarah Hutchinson. This perhaps isn't surprising. With its varied and diverse history, the house and estate extends to before 1460. The Castle has been used as a recuperation hospital for the First World War, as a girls' private school and is now home to the National Portrait Gallery.
Paranormal Sightings
Unexplained sightings have included a lady in Victorian dress in the Sculpture Gallery, a soldier in one of the Galleries and shadowy figures in the corridors. I am the founder of North Wales Paranormal Research (NWPR) and we conducted a preliminary overnight investigation. A few strange noises were heard and light anomalies (often referred to as orbs) were photographed.
We returned to carry out a second investigation. Because NWPR investigate the paranormal from a scientific angle wherever possible, we come armed with a host of technical equipment. On this particular investigation, it included the usual night vision video cameras, Negative Ion Detectors, motion sensors, infra-red thermometers, etc, right through to more specialist equipment, like CCTV cameras and infra-red lighting arrays.
After setting up all the equipment in the most active locations around the Castle, we welcomed the mediums. Despite focusing on science wherever possible, NWPR work alongside mediums too, as we feel mediums deserve investigating just as much as any ghosts. They're just as paranormal!
The mediums walked around the Castle and picked up on a number of spirits. Some of the information they came out with seems to be historically correct, and, following some research, they seem to have discovered something that even Castle staff were unaware of until they unearthed an old floor plan.
At around midnight, the mediums left, and we (NWPR) set up locked-off experiments to make sure the experiments weren't tampered with by any (living) human. Lock-off experiments were placed predominantly in the cellars, as one of our members experienced something down there on our very first visit. Two night vision camcorders were placed facing one another from across the cellar in order to validate any strange phenomena that may be recorded. We also placed a Negative Ion Detector, motion sensors and trigger objects in the cellars, to try to record any sort of paranormal phenomena on camera.
At the same time, infra-red lighting experiments were taking place in other parts of the Castle. CCTV cameras and microphones were left filming, and streaming continuously throughout the night back to the 'base camp' in a room on the second floor. Some NWPR members were watching the footage all night and claimed to have seen and heard a few potentially interesting things. Detailed analysis needs to be completed before any conclusion can be reached on this though.
Strange Goings-on
At about six in the morning, we left the Castle to embark on many hours worth of video and audio analysis. Preliminary analysis of the footage from the cellar lock-off experiment seems to indicate that something triggered the motion sensors at 2am. Nothing was visible on the camcorders at the time. The trigger object remained where it was placed and the Negative Ion Detector didn't pick up on anything unusual. So, what was down in the cellars at this time remains a mystery. A light anomaly (often referred to as an orb) was noted on a camcorder in the Victorian toy room. Further investigations will be conducted in order to try and get further, conclusive proof of the paranormal. 
your comments
Michael from Prestayn
I have recently done an investigation at the castle. All I can say is wow! Thank you spirits.
Fri Apr 3 09:58:57 2009
Paul Mundy from Doncaster
I will be visiting Bodelwyddan Castle from the 27th to the 30th December 2008 and I hope I see many spirits....
Thu Dec 11 09:59:40 2008
Ben, Rhyl
I went to school in the castle in the 1980s for a couple of years when my school was flooded in the Towyn floods. I also lived there as a refugee for a short time. When I was in school there something strange happened but I'm still sceptical of what happened as I was young. It was in the grounds outside, on a field one play time me and some friends saw an old looking big top tent like you get at a circus. We climbed the fence and some people dressed in old fashioned clothes beckoned us in. They showed us tricks like spinning plates on sticks and we watched them for what seemed like ages. We left hurriedly when we realized we were late back to lessons and ran into a teacher on the way back who was out looking for us. She was mad with us and demanded to know where we had been. We told her about the tent and she told us to stop talking rubbish and to get to class. She then walked up the field and to investigate what we had said. When we saw her later she told us there was no tent and suggested we had made it all up. I've never heard of anything like this happening since or before and have never found any record of anything like this ever having there so it was probably some stupid game we were playing and our imaginations got out of control. But there is something that troubles me about it to this day.
Thu Nov 13 08:51:18 2008
Sue, Llangollen
When I visited Bodelwyddan Castle a few years ago I had sensed a lot of ghosts in the car park area as well as entering the castle itself in the hallway. Plus, the billards room and upstairs where the computers were and also down in the cafe and in the ladies, toilets and the backstairs, even walking outside in the gardens. The ghosts seem to be from all ages.
Fri Oct 17 09:01:43 2008
Anon
I own a tobacco barn that is WAY over a hundred years old. The loft is all cluttery because of our neighbors. Aaaarrrrggghhh!! but anyway, I was down in the bottom of the barn, and I heard footsteps up in the loft, it sounded like someone with big boots on. I peeked, and no one was there. I then fled as fast as my feet could carry me. Like never before, the place had given me chills, even BEFORE I heard the footsteps. This happened at sunset. I think the 'ghost' is probably very unhappy because the place is a cluttered mess. So am I. Also, there used to be a slave cabin in the middle! of our field, not to far from the barn. We don't know exactly where, but once, I went out there, and on a certain spot, I felt misgivings and dread. I don't know why. It was a perfectly glorious day.
Wed Sep 24 07:56:38 2008
Amanda's mum (From Failsworth Manchester)
My daughter Amanda is at present an entertainer at the castle, and so lives on site. She recently took some pictures of her brother and his friend when they gave her a lift back. Above her friends head you can clearly see an 'orb'. When she first showed me the picture she had no idea what it was. In fact she took another one immediately after seeing the image on her digital camera and the object had gone. It was only through investigation that we realised that this was a recognised phenomena. I find it fascinating. There are things that defy explanation!
Wed Apr 30 09:29:08 2008
Wanda
I have been on two overnight vigils at the castle since first writing in here. Many things happened on both occasions. Glasses on tables were moved in response to questions, footsteps were heard, dowsing rods moved, drastic temperature drops were experienced and orbs were captured on cameras. At one point my left shoulder and arm were absolutely freezing whilst the rest of my body was warm. I also felt a hand move across my head in one of the rooms even though I was standing with my back to a wall and no-one was behind me. After all this happening I'm still sceptical but it has definitely kindled my interest in the paranormal.
Mon Feb 18 09:57:00 2008
Shaun B from Ruthin
Orbs, better known as dust, rain, snow or insects! The same is also true for 'rods' ie insects!
Tue Jan 8 13:32:11 2008
Glyn, Northop
I went there on September 22nd 2007. I got some good things on my digi cam and video cam. I think that even if you don't believe in ghosts you will still have a good time. Bit different from your normal Sat night out.
Wed Jan 2 11:41:17 2008
Neil, Huddersfield
I head a paranormal investigation group but I'm a sceptic. I have visited the castle 3 times now and my fourth visit will be this weekend. Firstly the people who watch Most Haunted and say it's rubbish yes you are correct, it's total nonsense and paranormal investigations of anywhere don't get the sort of action they get because it just doesn't happen. Bodelwyddan Castle is a fantastic place, even if you don't believe it's worth a trip. This will be our fourth trip and things have happened in past investigations but nothing concrete and this is why we do this. A true paranormal investigator will sit all night and if lucky will get one true conclusive bit of evidence and be happy. Like Rach says ghosts or spirits aren't on tap!
Wed Nov 28 09:44:07 2007
Brooke, Sydney, Aus
Yo k-man, I think you should take spelling lessons because Brooke is spelled with an e on the end. OK? P.S. Nathan and I are not pulling anyones legs so K-man and Kumar get your facts straight before you start accusing anyone.
Fri Oct 12 09:37:52 2007
Peter Sarsy
Been here twice now and it's one of my favorite buildings I've been to and I've been to a few! It's so atmospheric and which ever side of the fence you sit on as far as the paranormal is concerned you'll have a good time. The staff are great, especially Rach.
Thu Sep 27 09:18:07 2007
Nathan, Sydney
Yo k-man, I ain't pulling nothing! My comments are true and I stand by them 100%.
Wed Aug 29 08:07:10 2007
Mel
Took part in a paranormal investigation at Bod Castle this weekend. Some interesting camcorder footage to be studied further, but investigation was spoilt by two who were definitely faking noises - all our members agreed that they were untrustworthy, not just the group sceptics! People like that bring disrepute on serious scientifically based paranormal research groups and I will not be recommending visiting Bod Castle to other groups due to this.
Mon Jul 16 10:42:23 2007
Tonie in USA
I went to school in the Castle from 1960-1967. I do believe it is haunted. Some of the places now have different names. A lady in a white long dress was said to walk about in the Great Hall and go up the stairs to the Junior Block. Must return to Castle for a visit.
Wed Jun 20 08:23:53 2007
K-Man, Manchester
Yo these people Nathan, Brook, and Kumar. I think they just pulling our leg.
Fri Mar 9 08:06:19 2007
Strider Telcontar, Gondor, Middle-earth
Let's not fight about this my friends, all people great and small have their own beliefs. Now I personally have been amongst ghosts when I rode the paths of the dead but I to people who don't or won't believe in them then let them be. So Kumar, Nathan and Brooke peace my friends for peace is what we all seek and here in Middle-earth we have fought for our peace against the dark lord Sauron faithless and accursed.
Mon Jan 15 09:12:17 2007
J, Sydney
I have been to Bodelwyddan Castle about 2 years ago and it was disappointing. I never seen anything or heard anything.
Thu Jan 11 07:59:59 2007
Kurmar Jones, Hollywood, LA
What's up my friends. I have read all the stories on this web site. I really took interest in Nathan King and Brooke King, listen up ozzys I have been there can't you read? If you don't believe that I have been there I will fax you the photos of me and my friends in the castle and the plane tickets to Wales what's your email. P.S. Bill Jenkins the English are notorious for executing their own men and allies during wars.
Wed Jan 10 12:14:46 2007
Brooke King, Sydney, Australia
Well I wrote in around mid last year. Kumar Jones I believe that you don't know what you are talking about. To my brother who I went with to the castle know firsthand that it is haunted and that ghosts do precide there. If you have been there like you wrote what is the first room on the right when you enter? I don't believe you have been there. Plus Kumar is from Hollywood so enough said.
Wed Jan 10 12:13:11 2007
Nathan King, Sydney, Australia
Hello again I wrote a comment last year about Bodelwyddan Castle and what I saw on Most Haunted that made me believe it is truly haunted. Well recently I actually visited the castle on a trip around the UK and had a tour around Bodelwyddan and now I can honestly say first hand it is haunted. I felt things I never felt before like cold spots and felt as if I was being watched. I would've liked to have gone in the basement but it was shut off. I plan another visit in the future. And to Kumar Jones go there for yourself and maybe you won't be so critical.
Wed Jan 10 09:21:18 2007
John Conway, medium Manchester
Myself and 15 people went to the castle in Sept 2006. I can assure you the place is haunted. I have in my possession the photographs taken on the night, not only in the castle itself, but in the fields where there is some sort of burial ground. I have got statements from all of the people that were present. Many of these people don't believe in anything. I have pictures of not only orbs, but many different strange things, faces in the windows, reports from nine people that while they were in the billiard room who all heard a dog yelping, trying to get into the room. The toy room for me was the most active, as soon as I went in there I was aware of two children that had drowned. I don't want to hog the page but there's a lot more I could say about the castle. We will be going back this year, we had a very eventful night, stones being throw, many of the people had some sort of proof in their own way, but we have it all down on DVD - the proof is in the seeing. I grew up with spirit people all my life so I know when there's spirit in a building. I've been a spiritualist medium for the last 20 years, in this country and others too.
Wed Jan 10 07:42:55 2007
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