The Ghost of the Hapless Lover

Location: Bryncaerau Mansion

MANY PEOPLE who have either visited or stayed at Parc Howard Mansion (formerly Bryncaerau) say they have heard a knocking sound coming from the walls at the back of the Mansion House. Even though workmen have thoroughly examined the former home of members of the Buckley family, the knocking sounds have never been explained.

From 1853 Bryncaerau House, which formed part of the Stepney Estate, was held under lease for a term of 99 years and was home to local businessmen including members of the Buckley family. Eventually, Bryncaerau became the home of James Buckley (1838-95) and his family. James Buckley’s cousin James Buckley Wilson was an architect and he designed the new Bryncaerau Mansion House. Buckley Wilson also designed large-scale additions to the building between 1882 and 1884 when the Mansion House was transformed to its present-day Italianate Mansion with its Belvedere Tower, fine staircase and Doulton-tiled fireplaces.

Local tradition suggests that one of the kitchen maids working at the Mansion House had a lover and during one of his visits to the house he hid in one of the chimney spaces to avoid being caught by the governess. The hapless lover is said to have become lost in the network of chimney flues, and it is his ghost that can be heard tapping the walls at the back of the Mansion House.

It is thought that Bryncaerau was built on the site of an ancient burial ground, which has given rise to the rumours that Parc Howard has ghostly spirits.

This story is courtesy of Llanelli, Birth of a Town, By William & Benita Rees.  http://llanelli-history.co.uk/index.htm