The Skirred Inn by day. The Skirrid Mountain Inn is a public house in the small village of Llanvihangel Crucorney, approximately 4 miles north of Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales.
The Skirred Inn, holds a rich history and an eerie reputation for its haunting encounters. This centuries-old establishment has intrigued locals and visitors alike with its tales of the supernatural.
Originally a coaching inn, it provided shelter, food, and respite to weary travellers traversing the winding roads of the region. As the years went by, the inn became a hub of activity, hosting lively gatherings, local celebrations, and even serving as a meeting place for secret societies.
Another undocumented claim to fame is that the first floor of the inn was reputedly used as a Court of Law where capital punishment was imposed for certain offences, including sheep stealing. Legend has it that as many as 180 criminals were adjudged guilty of crimes serious enough to warrant the sentence of death by hanging, a sentence that was allegedly carried out at the inn itself, from an oak beam over the well of the staircase. Markings, said to be from rope marks, still exist on the staircase wood.
The Skirred Inn delights its patrons with excellent staff and delectable cuisine. However, hidden behind its picturesque exterior, this establishment conceals a darker side—a realm of ghostly apparitions and enigmatic occurrences. According to local lore, the inn’s history is intertwined with tragic events and the presence of restless spirits. One haunting tale that has captivated many revolves around Fanny Price, the pub’s former landlady, who tragically succumbed to consumption at the tender age of 35.
Uncovering evidence of these supernatural encounters proves challenging, as most of the stories have been communicated from beyond the grave through divination and mediums. Intrigued by the inn’s haunted reputation, I recently visited on June 10th, 2023, accompanied by That’s the Spirit, a paranormal team based in Cardiff.
Prior to my visit, I deliberately refrained from delving into the details of the inn’s hauntings. I wanted my experience to be genuine, untainted by preconceived notions or knowledge of the reported phenomena.
The awe-inspiring building stood before me, its weathered facade exuding a sense of age and charm. It seemed to emanate echoes of past travellers seeking solace during their arduous journeys.
Captivated by its allure, my attention was immediately drawn to the front door—an ancient relic that bore the marks of countless hands banging upon it in search of comfort. Faces seemed to materialise before my eyes, as if telling tales of those who had sought refuge within these walls. Intrigued and filled with a desire to explore further, I couldn’t resist the pull of curiosity.
Stepping into the inn, a wave of joy washed over me—an inexplicable delight that suggested I had travelled great distances to arrive at this very spot. However, the euphoria quickly faded, giving way to an unsettling unease. There was something tugging at my senses, a warm presence beckoning me towards the staircase. A distinct male energy surrounded me before gradually dissipating, as if ascending the stairs itself.
It was on these very steps that rumoured hangings had taken place, and as I gazed upward, my gaze met a chilling sight—a great hangman’s rope suspended from the banister above. A wave of sickness washed over me, and I instinctively glanced downward, only to be assaulted by a pungent stench of bodily fluids and filth. Disgust filled the air, causing me to step back in alarm and reconsider my presence in this haunting space. Did I truly wish to linger here any longer?
Pressing forward, I ascended the stairs, feeling a slight dizziness settle upon me. The energy in the air had shifted, and each room seemed to beckon, each with its own spectral presence waiting for my arrival. Among them, Room Three held a magnetic pull, drawing me closer. However, as I made my way towards it, an unexpected sensation washed over me, leaving me disoriented and stumbling. I stumbled, my balance askew, and foul language escaped my lips involuntarily. As the door to Room Three creaked open, it felt as though I were about to tumble into its depths. Realising I needed clarity, I took a step back and requested the spirits to give me some space. I needed to regain my composure. Apologising to the team for my unsteady state, I revealed that I had connected with the spirit of a young woman—a little tipsy—who had stumbled into Room Three.
Fannys room
Seated within the confines of Room Three, the scent of lavender perfume wafted through the air, a clear indication of a woman’s presence. Room Two and Room One, however, exuded a darker energy that unsettled me. I felt an urgent need to depart from those spaces. The only solace came in the form of a gentle lady spirit, who accompanied me, her flowing dress audibly rustling as she moved.
ROOM 2 & 3
Leaving the inn behind, I encountered the spirit of a man, seemingly in his late twenties, speaking of a head injury he had sustained in the stable. Following closely, a woman in a pinny appeared, sharing that she had borne 11 children. Upon returning home, my research yielded no concrete findings, leaving me eager to delve deeper into the mysteries of the inn.
The entire experience was nothing short of extraordinary.
I am hoping to return with my sisters very soon!!