Copyright dailypost
In the Hollywood film Half Light, Demi Moore was haunted by the ghost of her dead son. The movie was filmed on Ynys Llanddwyn, off Anglesey’s southwestern coast, which is reputed to have a few spectres and wraiths of its own. The 74-acre tidal island is celebrated for its association with St Dwynwen, the heartbroken patron saint of lovers who chose a life of solitude on Llanddwyn. Some believe her spirit remains connected to the liverwort and golden hair lichen that clings to the island’s rocks. Yet there are claims of other hauntings in a place known more for beauty than the macabre. Strange lights and misty figures have been reported, and even a benevolent spectral presence that “greets” visitors at sunset. Paranormal investigators have combed the island looking for evidence. Ynys Llanddwyn and its scenic forest-backed beach nearby was made famous when used as a location for HBO's House of the Dragon series. It even has its own red dragon slumbering among the rocks beneath its lighthouses. Twilight visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices or seeing shadowy figures, and a “guardian” figure was reportedly photographed near the ruins of St Dwynwen’s Chapel. One person has shared a rational explanation for these imaginings, more of which later. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here’s how to sign up An apparition that’s embedded in local folklore relates to a local lighthouse keeper who died on the island and was reputedly buried there. Some accounts suggest he fell during a harsh winter. Few lighthouses are without a ghost – further up the Anglesey coast, South Stack (Ynys Lawd) has its own stories – tapping on windows and a door rattling furiously. This activity has become entwined with the real-life tragedy of assistant keeper Jack Jones , who tried to find shelter at night after being struck on the head by a falling rock during the great Royal Charter storm of 1859 . The following morning he was found still alive on the lighthouse gateway, having dragged himself across the bridge. He died three weeks later. On Ynys Llanddwyn, the island's old lighthouse keeper operated a lone vigil of the coastline from Tŵr Bach. This was the area’s original beacon, whose basic oil lamp guided ships through the notoriously treacherous Menai Strait. In 1845 it was replaced by its better known neighbour, Tŵr Mawr, which has since starred in countless paintings and photographs. Tŵr Bach’s ghost is a product of local legend rather known historic events. No grave has ever been found and speculation has filled gaps in the record. The ghost has been linked to shadowy figures standing near Tŵr Bach, vanishing when approached. People claim to have heard mysterious footsteps on the stone path leading to the tower. Others have a sense of being watched. More common are reports of murmurs or whistles carried on the wind. Among those who heard the “murmurs” was a young girl who would become a marine biologist, seal expert and a marine life rescue co-ordinator for North Wales. Gem Simmons recalled a leave-no-trace camping trip to the island as a youngster. Online, she wrote: “I woke up in the middle of the night and could hear the ‘murmurs’ on the wind. I was absolutely terrified. “No one else woke up but I eventually crawled out of the tent and went towards the noise. It was obviously a bloody seal. I went back to bed after watching it for a long time.” In a place stuffed with mystique and folklore, it seems inevitable that local wildlife activity and the wind’s eerie moans are attributed to a character who faithfully carried out his work on Anglesey’s coast. Online blogger Paranormal Files UK said: “The ghost is not believed to be malevolent. Rather, it appears to be a watchful guardian, continuing its eternal duty to keep seafarers safe.” Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday Find the weather forecast where you live
