In 1857, Horace Pym, the 20-year-old son of Sir Walter Pym, a wealthy landowner and ruthless businessman, left his family's sprawling mansion on the outskirts of St Asaph.
He was out riding when he spotted a beautiful Welsh girl named Megan who was standing on a hill, throwing corn to the birds. Horace Pym rode up to Megan. He told the girl he was the son of Sir Walter, but the girl could hardly understand English.
Horace thought she was ignoring him, and raised his hand to the girl. Megan flinched, but Horace didn't hit her. He enjoyed the way the girl looked so afraid of him and relished the moment. The girl cried out something in Welsh, and a bird of prey that resembled a falcon swooped down and attacked the young man. Horace fell to the ground and rolled down the hill. The girl shouted out some more words in her native tongue, and Pym's horse bolted. Pym then assaulted the girl.
As Pym turned away, Meg started crying and pointed to the skies and started shouting something Pym could not understand. As Pym ran off, the clouds overhead darkened, and soon it was raining heavily. Thunder rumbled through the hills, and suddenly, a bolt of forked lightning struck Pym.
Pym fell to the ground, unconscious. When he awoke it was night, and he felt seriously ill. When he reached home, he told his father he'd been attacked by Welsh peasants who had tried to rob him. Pym's father was furious, and sent a posse of men armed with shotguns to the area, but all they found was young Megan and her mother, who lived in a run-down cottage.
One of Pym's men knew that Megan and her mother were regarded as witches, and left them well alone. Megan's mother Sian, who was known throughout the valleys as a horse-whisperer, someone who could communicate with the animals, had evidently taught her magical gift to her daughter, who had been seen talking to foxes and birds. The men returned to their master's estate and told Sir Walter there were no peasants in the area where young Horace said he'd been set upon. A few days later, a terrible thunderstorm descended on St Asaph and ravaged Sir Walter's estate.
Several of his men were killed by the lightning, and during the fearful storm, young Horace hid under his bed, terrified of being struck by lightning again. When the storm calmed, Horace went to the window and peeped out at the clouds - and a powerful flash of lightning hit him, temporarily blinding him.
The surge of electrical energy was of such a ferocity, it actually scorched an image of Horace's face on the window pane, and this "lightning picture" as it became known, remained etched on the window until the mansion was demolished in 1900.
Horace was later sent to Preston to supervise his father's printing business, and died a year later after falling from his horse in 1860.
A week after his burial, a thunderstorm raged over Preston, and a bolt of lightning shattered Horace Pym's gravestone. 
Taken from Tom Slemen's The Haunted Liverpool series of books published by The Bluecoat Press of Liverpool
your comments
Mel, Cymru
There's a lot of talk about the age of science and technology and us living in the age of it. Hah, we are living in an age of magic. If you don't believe me then explain precisely how your computer works. Oh, it works by science - it's powered by electricity, but it's the same as watching a magician on stage. Just because you know it's a trick doesn't mean it isn't magical until you know how it's done. Think of all the things you use every day, all the things happening around you and how so many of them you don't understand, yet they happen anyway. Isn't that magical?
Tue Apr 21 11:57:46 2009
David Cole - Australia
I am studying witchcraft at present and have found that though many elements of myth are GROSSLY exagerated a lot of magic can be linked with science especially that linked with the psychic.As for weather alteration, not control, I myself have experienced it and in such experience it is only manifest in extreme emotion, e.g. being beaten and roused to a fury.P.S. those of you bring "god" into this are very foolish indeed, witchcraft and magic has been around as long as there has been basic worship, your particular brand of religion hasn't been around on the time line of human belief for long at all so keep your medieval ideas of persecution and judgement to yourself, YOUR devil has no place in the old ways and is merely a bastardisation of multiple previous belief systems in order to discredit them to expand the "flock".
Mon Mar 2 10:47:50 2009
Hm Ghte Juku
"Proof" is not the same as evidence. Evidence is not the same as believing in something.
Mon Jan 26 08:09:02 2009
Steven Jones, West Sussex
I was born in Pembrokeshire, Wales, and lived amongst the telling of these stories! My village had many Wise Folk and not all of them Old! It was a great opportunity to learn their ways and have lived by their ways ever since! I have met many Wise Peolple here in Sussex and am in a Traditional Cuveen that practices the Old Ways. Sian Jones is right in saying that Wicca and Witchcraft are different. Her example is similar to the ways of my Cuveen and to my own Craft!People of today need to believe what they will. Any that don't believe that witches exist are ignorant! That's like saying I don't exist! The Witches that don't exist are those that fly on broom sticks and those that transform(physically) into animals! As for throwing flames and lightning from the fingers, I sure wish I could do that!
Wed Jan 14 09:41:19 2009
Ian (Llandudno)
Witchcraft was here way before so called religion. I think religion was just a way to keep the masses in place and another way to keep the working classes down. Be sure the craft both works and is alive.
Tue Oct 14 09:38:13 2008
Paula from Bournemouth
I am a practising solitary witch and I am following the wiccan path. I have had several things happen in my life that have directed me to the path. I believe in everything I have seen and as a great psychic medium says to a believer no proof is necessary to a sceptic no proof is possible.
Mon Oct 13 09:12:47 2008
Ian Adair, Birkenhead
I'm neutral and open minded but do any people who practice Wicca or Witchcraft worry about facing God and being judged? It says in the Bible to stay away from these things, what do people think? I'd like to point out I'm not against wicca or any other religion.
Fri Oct 10 09:03:42 2008
Dave1
The occult leave alone as dark sprits roam and feed of us all if we are weak, witches hubble bubble and that is where it ends if someone believed in something that was said it will happen because we make it happen ourselves. God rules us and he is the one we should fear as if we are doing wrong then be aware.
Tue Feb 26 09:54:24 2008
Candace, (Harris) Nevada
Thank you for reminding me of my hertiage. I have been searching for my roots but found my calling lost but finding my way home through history of my race. Blessed be.
Mon Nov 5 08:39:48 2007
Rebecca Higgins from Old Colwyn
I am a practising wiccan witch, as a witch we are told that we can do what we want as long as we harm no one in the process, we also have a rule of three, which basically means that whatever we do, we get back times three. It is enough to put you off doing anything bad to anyone if you believe it will return to you three times worse than you sent it out in the first place! Witches are a real part of today's society and wicca is the fastest growing religion. Blessed Be.
Fri Nov 2 11:39:26 2007
Maria Falkner, Wirral
What an excellent and thought-provoking story. Love Tom Slemen's books.
Thu Aug 30 08:10:59 2007
Jeanne from Baltimore, MD USA
Even if you don't believe in Wiccans or Witchcraft don't intentionally get one mad with you. You could be on the receiving end of a bad spell. Treat Wiccans and Witchcraft with respect. Regardless if you believe or not.
Fri Aug 17 09:27:28 2007
Heather Thornes from Oregon, USA
We all use "magic" to create reality every day, most of us unawares. Though usually things do not instantly manifest. Perhaps he attracted it to himself, if it is true. There are many people who practice Wicca or Witchcraft. They usually can't shoot lightning bolts, though, and I believe they practice a creed of non-harm towards others.
Thu Apr 12 09:11:53 2007
Kate Field, Sussex
Now is the age of science & technology. Pah! It may not be a true story, but witches ARE real. It just depends on what your idea of a witch is. I think of a witch as someone who is good & kind, like any Christian should be.
Tue Apr 10 09:26:50 2007
Shane West, Cwmbran
This is not a bad story but I can't say I think it's true.
As for the grave stone being hit by lightning and the storm after he died it could have been just pure luck. But what a strange story, I'd love to hear more.
Tue Jan 2 14:52:56 2007
barry westall,huyton
you only believe what you choose to.... i choose to.
Thu Nov 16 07:57:10 2006
Sian Jones, Llandudno
Please do not confuse Wicca with Witchcraft - they can be different! Wiccans should never do anything against nature - a traditional Witch may if it is neccessary. A Traditional Witch does not follow the rule of three although he/she may follow a loose set of ethics. There are many things we cannot see yet we choose to believe them. We canot see love, yet we see the effect. We cannot see faith, yet we see the effect - the same goes for magic. Just because we can't see blue light flashing out of our fingers, doesn't mean that there will be no result.
Like most stories, they probably are exaggerated, based on hearsay yet may have a grain of truth. Many times these stories are told to learn a lesson or to simply entertain. Ultimately, does it really matter...?
Mon Oct 2 10:59:15 2006
Denise Hodgkinson, St Asaph
I must admit that there are some strange happenings in our fair city but I have yet to meet a local witch. It amazes me that this fascinating piece of folk lore, interesting as it is, has claimed the attention of so many people from so far afield. We have a public meeting in St Asaph next week about an important local development. What are our chances of getting this kind of interest in matters of today!
Thu Feb 16 17:14:17 2006
Sarah in St Albans
I do not think this story is meant to be taken literally, it is more than likely entirely allegorical. Think about it, two Welsh women against several English men. It is just an extension of the folklore that has the English oppressors being beaten back by the invaded Welsh that has existed since before even the rebellion of Owain Glyndwr.
Wed Jun 29 16:04:50 2005
Kenny Jones from Chester
Interesting story but 1857 was not that long ago and several men getting killed by lightning sounds unique. Again there should be church/police records etc could the author please follow this story up.
Wed Jun 29 01:08:35 2005
Rob Jones, Wrexham
I started to become a witch, it was interesting, and not like the stereotype (as most people are unrecognisable). It's more like being part of nature, as if you're one with the planet (I can't explain, it's more of a feeling). Anyway, witches are real, many forms of pagan, and also wicca. I'm not sure, but I believe these religions started in Wales, and obey the law of threefold.
Thu Feb 24 22:40:15 2005
Karin From Cologne/Germany
Those who believe in witches (male or female) should know, that they can't do anything that is against nature. If you believe otherwise, then we go back in time, when witches were called evil and were burned...and that is not funny. Witches are wise people, who know about nature and herbs, and things like that, nothing else. And if you believe in 'black' or 'white' magic then it is real for you, but if you don't believe, nothing will ever happen to you, it is all in your subconscious. So be careful what you want to believe, it could change your life, but only, because you believe, not because someone has any power over you.
Sun Jan 30 20:45:29 2005
James Mc Gill from Northern Ireland
He deserved it for his ill treatment of a lady.
Tue Jan 18 14:21:34 2005
Layla
I've believed in witches since I was a little girl. There was a strange woman near my house. When I was 13 a few of my friends and I were outside her house, we watched her pick plants and mix it with stuff to make potions. Once my friend and I nicked a potion from her window sill but we never dared to try it out!
Thu Dec 23 04:07:04 2004
Julio Cliton,Tx
It is all fake. I have to see something to believe it. That's all.
Mon Dec 13 19:45:45 2004
Winny, Blackburn
Now is the age of science and technology, but forgotten through the mists of time are the ancient lores, fools are those who shun them! For they are about to re-awaken through the wise ones...
Fri Nov 19 06:53:38 2004
Ella Muir
I agree with Ella Richards. I know several people who are witches and it is not fake.
Sun Nov 7 15:00:53 2004
Ella Richards from Llandudno
Listen Emma Jones - witches, ufos, and ghosts DO exist - you can't argue against all the proof!
Sun Oct 3 14:50:07 2004
Corine - Canada
No matter what some people say, some of these stories are either true or partly ture. There is a reason why there has been these kinds of stories. Some people just fear what they don't know or understand, and I do personally believe in witches but whatever you believe is up to you!
Wed Sep 29 03:24:17 2004
Raven from the Unknown
Magic exists... whether it be used through nature, blood or elements. I myself use magic on a daily basis and any who say that it don't exist are about as blind to the truths of the world as can be.
Tue Sep 28 14:48:00 2004
Sean R.
All of these stories are what you make of them. True or not I certainly believe in a lot of paranormal, I feel that we are a tiny part of what's going on in this universe, and Tom Slemen helps to open up minds to these possibilities.
Wed Sep 1 02:18:52 2004
Catherine Jewkes from tamworth
These stories are enchanting and I can't wait to get to Wales in August. Thank you.
Wed Jun 23 12:42:25 2004
Joaquin
These stories are true my mother is a hippie free spirit green witch and she can use nature too
Wed May 19 17:58:39 2004
Bonnie, New Jersey
I am a witch and I know this story is true. I have called upon nature to do my bidding a few times and revenged myself with it. Magick is real. But it's not like the games where you throw fire and lightning from your hands.
Wed May 5 20:34:59 2004
Emma Jones, Llandudno
There was probably just a storm brewing as part of the weather forecast 'cos witches are not real.
Tue Apr 27 10:24:55 2004
Rachel Rosene, Casper, Wyoming, USA
An age of Science and Technology?!? Wake up! This is an age of realism. More and more people are beginning to understand and believe these sorts of stories. Whether they be true or not they are true to the person(s) telling them. Get a life and tune in or tune out!
Tue Apr 20 03:29:23 2004
Michelle Jeffery from Plymouth
I love these sort of stories. I don't always believe them but they are interesting to listen to.
Tue Mar 23 10:25:57 2004
Cyrus
What a nonsensical account. How could a young girl command nature to her bidding? Please use some common sense...now is the age of Science and Technology.
Sat Oct 11 22:40:00 2003
John Jones, Wrexham
Good enough for him!
Mon Sep 29 13:17:06 2003
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