Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire (1917) - Poltergeist Archive

The “ghost” at Kidwelly has chosen the most unromantic of all places for his demonstrations. This is all the more surprising seeing that there is a fine old historic castle available close by.

Llanelly Star, 27th January 1917.

Kidwelly Mystery.

Uncanny incidents in a house.

For the time being the war as the chief topic of conversation in the castle borough of Kidwelly has had to give place in popular interest to a series of mysterious happenings in a recently-erected house adjacent to the gas works, says a “Western Mail” correspondent. The house was built by the gas company for the convenience of the manager, and is occupied by that official, Mr Rippen, and his wife.

About a fortnight ago Mr Rippen’s attention was aroused by a series of uncanny knocks, or thuds, caused apparently within the house, but whether directed against the wall or the ceiling or the floor he was unable to tell. This knocking continued for some time, and only ceased just before midnight. On the following evening the same performance was repeated, much to the consternation of the occupants.

Next day Mr Rippen mentioned the matter to some of his friends at Kidwelly, and they arranged to come over to the house in the evening to discover, if possible, the cause of this nocturnal demonstration. Soon after nine o’clock, when several persons were assembled in the room, the thuds began to be heard again. A complete search of the house was then made, every room being carefully examined, as well as the ground around, but nothing was discovered to account for the noises.

Mr Rippen, who is a practical, level headed business man, told the “Western Mail” representative that these occurrences are to him a baffling mystery. “I am not a psychical research man in any way,” he said, “and I have never before had any experiences of this kind which could not be explained, but this is quite beyond me, and I cannot fathom it.”

A remarkable story in confirmation of the statement of Mr Rippen was told the newspaper representative by a well-known resident, who fills a responsible position in the borough. “At the invitation of Mr Rippen,” he said, “we arranged to go to his house a few nights ago. Several other friends were also present – in fact, we were a company of seven all told. At about 9.30 p.m. the knockings (about which, I may say, I was sceptical) began. There could be no mistake about them. They were loud and distinct, and everyone in the room heard them. The sound was a sort of muffled thud, and was repeated regularly.”

We then began to ask questions, but there was no voice in response, only a continuation of the thuds. After that one of us asked, “How many people are there in this room at present?” In reply there came seventeen distinct thuds. “How many of the seventeen do you know?” was the next question. Six distinct thuds came in response. “What is your name?” we asked. No reply. We then informed the mysterious “knocker” that we would take one thud to mean a reply in the affirmative, and we proceeded with our questions. “Is your name Jones?” Silence. “Is it Thomas?” Silence. “Is it Morris?” Silence. “Is it —?” One thud.

I do not care to publish the name which elicited this affirmatory thud, as it might be connected with something that happened in Kidwelly not so long ago, but everyone present will confirm this description of what happened. I could say more, but, perhaps, I had better not. I came away feeling as I never did before the truth of Hamlet’s dictum – “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in our philosophy.”

“It would be a good thing,” said one of those present, “if a member of the Psychical Research Society came to Kidwelly to investigate this extraordinary mystery.”

LLais Llafur, 27th January 1917.

Kidwelly Haunted House.

The mysterious noises continue at the Gasworks Manager’s house in Kidwelly, though, it is said, in a modified and quieter form – except, perhaps, at intervals, when they are as loud as ever. Sir Oliver Lodge has been communicated with by more than one interested person, and has replied regretting his inability to assist in elucidating the source of the knocks or thuds. A lady and gentleman from the Carmarthen district, well-known to be deeply interested in “ghostly lore,” visited the place on Thursday evening, but were unable to get into “sympathy,” with the author of the knocking, though they were accompanied by a well-known local gentleman, who was last week very successful in getting into touch with the “spirit.”

The Cambria Daily Leader, 27th January 1917.

The Kidwelly Ghost.

Another “Demonstration” Last Night.

The series of remarkable occurrences at the house of the Kidwelly Gas Manager came to a sudden stop early this week, but last night they were resumed with added distinctness, much to the bewilderment of several gentlemen who had assembled. About nine o’clock the mysterious knockings began to be heard as before, and by means of the arranged code, questions were put and answered by the unknown visitant. Among those present was a pronounced sceptic, who has all along maintained that the whole thing is a hoax engineered by some clever people to fool the public. So impressed was he last night, however, that he confessed that he had been profoundly mistaken, and like Hamlet he now declares that there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in our philosophy.

The suggestion is made in some quarters that the knocks are nothing more nor less than noises caused in the gas pipes connected with the works which are close by. Tests have been made, however which dispose of this suggestion.

An account of what has happened has been sent to Sir Oliver Lodge, who, it was hoped, would be able to come down and investigate the matter for himself. The eminent scientist has replied that it is impossible for him to visit Kidwelly at present, and he suggests that the code should be amplified so that other and more difficult questions may be put to the “ghost.”

Llanelly Star, 3rd February 1917.

The Kidwelly Ghost.

Another large party has visited the gas manager’s house at Kidwelly, with a view to experiencing the sensation of conversing with “the ghost.” The party included the Mayor of Kidwelly, the medical officer of health, and several other prominent personages in the town, as well as P.C. Fred Morris and others.

It was some time before any response could be obtained, but responsive knocking were at last faintly heard. The doctor was one of the few present successful in getting replies; but the most successful was P.C. Morris, who entered into conversation with the “spirit,” and invited him to knock louder. This it refused to do. It, however, by means of the alphabetical code arranged, correctly spelt the constable’s name, and also said that his profession was P-O-L-I-C-E.

Llanelly Star, 10th February 1917.

A local “medium” is going to interview the Kidwelly ghost on Monday night to ascertain when the war is going to end. He hopes to hear a few “dull, sickening thuds” against the wall.

Llanelly Star, 10th February 1917.

Ghost and Medium. Developments at Kidwelly.

(Special to the “Star.”)

There has been a remarkable development in connection with the mysterious happenings at the Kidwelly Gasworks. On Wednesday night a lady medium from the neighbourhood of Pontypridd, paid a special visit to Kidwelly, accompanied by three friends for the purpose of interviewing the “ghost.” Upon arrival at Kidwelly the party got into communication with Sergt. Hodge Lewis, who arranged with the occupant of the house that they should be received there that night. Accordingly about 9 p.m. there was assembled in the sitting-room the medium and her friends and a number of well-known Kidwelly gentlemen. Immediately the party were seated the medium offered up prayer, after which a “circle” was formed with the medium sitting in the centre of it. A few minutes later the now familiar “rappings” were heard in the room apparently coming from above.

This manifestation had an extraordinary effect upon the medium who went off into a trance. By this time the lights had been lowered and the room was in a state of semi-darkness. The medium then began to speak with a peculiar accent which sounded strangely upon the ears of those present who had heard her speaking a few minutes previously in her ordinary tone of voice. It soon became apparent that the medium was proceeding to refer to a distressing fatal accident which occurred on the railway close by a few months ago when a young railway employe was killed. Pointing to the police-sergeant who formed one of the circle, she said, in staccato sentences – “That man – go there – stoop down – say be careful.” This was understood by all present to refer to the fact that the sergeant was summoned after the accident and superintended the arrangements for the removal of the body. Then the medium pointed to another gentleman in the room, saying: “That man – pay him money – and he signed paper.”

Next came from her a representation of a man walking and a description of the injuries sustained by the unfortunate victim which tallied exactly with what happened, her indication of injuries to the head and limbs being what actually were suffered. The lady was then requested to ask the “spirit” if he had any message and why he came there. The medium replied that the question had been left too late and that another medium would have to be engaged to elicit the answer at a cost of £5. The curiosity of those present seemed to be considerably damped by this £ s. d. announcement, and shortly after the “circle” was broken up, without any further enlightenment. The medium announced to the company, however, that she was taking the “spirit” with her to her home at Pontypridd.

In order to make the story of the rappings complete, a “Star” representative yesterday made inquiries at Kidwelly and secured some further interesting particulars. It appears that a couple of weeks ago when the rappings were heard, conversation was opened between a well-known local gentleman and the ‘spirit’ by means of an alphabetical code. We give the result in the form of question and answer: –

Are you there now? – Three knocks (Yes). Have you a message to give us? – Three knocks. Will you give it to us now? – Three knocks. Please let us have it then? – Something I want to say. Money hidden from the office near by the gas works. In the middle of Williams’ field, opposite the back garden £20.

On a subsequent evening the message about hidden money was again given, but this time the spot where the buried treasure lies was described as 8 yards from the gas holder. On a third occasion the place was stated to be 18 yards from the railings dividing the railway from the field. It may be well to state here that no digging operations have yet been undertaken, nor are they likely to be.

On another evening Sergt. Hodge Lewis figured in an interesting series of questions to the unseen knocker. The Sergeant is well-known in Kidwelly and there was a representative gathering of the townspeople in the room with him. This was the dialogue that ensued: – Do you know me? – Three knocks. How long have you known me? – Three knocks (years). Can you give me my name? – Three knocks. What is it? – Lewis. I have another name by which I am better known. Can you give it to me? – One knock (No). Can you give me the name of the town that I came from to Kidwelly? – Three knocks. What is it? – Pembroke. Unfortunately it so happens that Sergt. Lewis came from Llanelly to Kidwelly and he has never been in Pembroke in his life.

Later on in the same evening, the spirit was asked if it (or he?) could furnish the name of the manager of the works and his wife. This the knocker successfully accomplished even to the second Christian name of that official and of his lady.

Dealing further with local names another incident may be mentioned. One evening the company present included a local commercial gentlemen who has taken the greatest interest in these manifestations. “Do you know the gentlemen sitting next to me?” the spirit was asked. – Three knocks. What is his name? – The correct name was given. Do you remember taking messages to his house? – Three knocks. Did he used to give you anything? – Three knocks. What did he give you? – Cigarettes spelt according to the arranged code – C-i-g-e-r-e-t-t-s. How many did he give you on one occasion. Give me a knock for each cigarette. – Fifty knocks came in response.

As throwing light upon this dialogue, it should be explained that earlier in the evening the gentleman had stated in the presence of all, that he had given a box of 50 cigarettes to the messenger referred to. This statement was not true, but it was made with the object of testing the genuineness of the unseen answerer. “As a matter of fact,” said the gentleman subsequently to his friends, “I never gave him a cigarette in my life.”

Llanelly Star, 17th February 1917.

The Kidwelly Ghost.

Turned Furniture Remover.

Kidwelly “ghost” has become aggressive. To its former activities it has added the feat of furniture moving, making things unpleasant at the gas manager’s house. It is stated that one night a chair and a dress basket were thrown across one of the bedrooms, and the premises have now been vacated for a full investigation.

The Cambria Daily Leader, 23rd February 1917.

Kidwelly Ghost Laid?

Penrhiwceiber Spiritualists’ Claim.

Some inhabitants of Penrhiwceiber, who are members of the Miskin Spiritualistic Society, visited Kidwelly on Tuesday, the 13th inst., for the purpose of solving the ghost mystery. Their names are: Mr and Mrs Phillips, 2 Dillwyn Street, and Mr and Mrs Brabon, of 26 Dillwyn Street. They claim that they have effectually laid the ghost. They informed our Penrhiwceiber correspondent that they and seven prominent residents of Kidwelly assembled at the Gasworks’ house, which was ‘haunted’.

It was alleged that further particulars were given which tallied with the facts of the accident in question, and were verified by the man who picked up the mutilated body on the line. – At the close of the meeting Mr Phillips asked all present if they were satisfied that it was the spirit of the man who was killed. They answered that all that the Guide had spoken was perfectly true, and they promised to take the spirit with them, so that it would not worry the house at the Gasworks any more. So far no more knocking has been heard, it is said. Mr and Mrs Brabon are prepared to answer any questions with regard to this report privately or publicly.

Aberdare Leader, 24th February 1917.

The Kidwelly Ghost.

The knockings of the Kidwelly ghost are getting louder, and the “spirit” has added to its achievements that of throwing the furniture about. On Wednesday night of last week a chair and a dress basket were hurled by some unseen force right across one of the bedrooms. On Friday night a small committee of investigators visited the house.

The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser.

Letters to the Editor. The Kidwelly Ghost.

Sir, – Re the invitation to questions by Mr and Mrs Brabon concerning the report on the above subject, which appeared in your last issue, I should like to ask: – How do they explain the report that appeared in the press last Friday which says that the Kidwelly Ghost has become more aggressive than ever, making things unpleasant, and that it is still at the Gasworks House? Do they still maintain that they have removed the Ghost? If so, was there any oversight or neglect on the part of the Ghost’s custodians since they promised to take the Ghost with them?

Now, with all the seriousness at my command, I beg to ask, Do they wilfully endeavour to deceive the public or are they themselves deceived? I am inclined to believe the latter, in which case they are more to be pitied than blamed. Yours, G.H. Evans, 47 Dilwyn St., Penrhiwceiber.

Aberdare Leader, 3rd March 1917.

Kidwelly has become famous through 1. its cockles; 2. “Hen Fenyw Fach Cydweli”; 3. the ghost of the Gasworks House. No. 2 is Dewi Sant’s twin spirit who always accompanies our patron saint when on his rounds visiting the schools in the Aberdare Valley on March 1st. The reports of the St. David’s celebrations invariably give pride of place to the old saint and the old lady. As to the ghost I see from last week’s “Leader” that some Penrhiwceiber soothsayers and ghostlayers claim that they have bottled it up. Time will tell whether the “bottling” will be permanent.

If, however, this particular spirit should prove to be a stubborn customer, of the type of Banquo and Hamlet’s father, and will even defy prayer and fasting, it may return from the vasty deep once more. If it should come in the course of the next few days it would be well to get an interview with “Hen Fenyw Fach Cydweli” this evening (Nos Dewi Sant) before she and her companion go back to the “land of the leal,” and ask her to get the Kidwelly spirit’s wings clipped, so that he will be tethered to the spirit-land henceforth. We don’t want to be unnecessarily bothered with spirits just now. The flesh, with its companions, the world and the devil provide us with enough worry and to spare.

Aberdare Leader, 3rd March 1917.

The Kidwelly Ghost.

Sir, – Kindly allow me a small space in your paper to answer Mr G.H. Evans’s enquiries re the Kidwelly Ghost. Firstly, about the ghost becoming aggressive, I beg leave to contradict the statement appearing in the press. I have in my possession a letter from the tenant of the haunted house to prove differently, and anyone calling at our house may see it. I think the lady is competent to judge. Secondly, whether we maintain that we removed the ghost. We maintain that we proved to them who troubled the house, and that I would endeavour to help that friend to progress.

Now to the third question, are we wilfully endeavouring to deceive the public or are we ourselves deceived? If so, I beg to say we are quite willing to be classed as lunatics in company with such highly scientific men as General Sir Alfred Turner, Sir Oliver Lodge, Sir Wm. Crookes, Stainton Moses, and others who firmly believe in the continuity of life and the power of communication with beings who have passed the border. And, Mr Editor, I don’t think we need the pity G.H. Evans expresses, because ordinary minds usually condemn everything that is beyond their scope of understanding. We remain, T & A Brabon. 26 Dilwyn Street, Penrhiwceiber.

Aberdare Leader, 10th March 1917.

The Kidwelly Ghost.

Sir, – In your last issue there appeared a letter, signed “T. and A. Brabon,” upon the above subject, claiming to answer my query. If they were responsible for the letter that appeared as challenge they must know that the two statements are conflicting. In that letter it says that they promised to take the ghost with them. In the last letter they say “that they proved who troubled the house.” Between these there exists a vast difference. They further claim that the house is not still haunted. There appeared in the press several days after their departure from Kidwelly reports that it was still troubling.

Why not refuse the press statements then, not now? Can they suggest why was a patrol placed around the house after they had claimed to have removed the ghost? In the account of their visit we find that a certain Mr Rippin put a question concerning a packet of 50 cigarettes. The ghost could not remember receiving any cigarettes from Mr Rippin. Another again put the same question, and the answer came yes. Now, Mr Rippin says he never did give the ghost any cigarettes. Now, an ordinary mind knows that what is contrary to the truth must be a lie.

Speaking of “ordinary mind” there are two classes outside the ordinary mind, i.e., above and below, but the ordinary mind is the ballast in the mental world. The extraordinary minds are very liable to go astray. Concerning the pity, I admit they ought to know best whether they deserve it or not. – I am, yours, etc., G.H. Evans. 47 Dilwyn Street, Penrhiwceiber.

Aberdare Leader, 17th March 1917.

Now that the Tredegar ghost has been explained psychic activities have broken out at Kidwelly. At the gasworks there is a new house occupied by the manager, which is popularly said to be haunted, and which is the scene of nocturnal thuds or noises that up to now have puzzled the occupants and everybody else.

Western Mail, 20th January 1917.

Kidwelly Mystery.

Uncanny Incidents In A House.

For the time being the war as the chief topic of conversation in the castled borough of Kidwelly has had to give place in popular interest to a series of mysterious happenings in a recently-erected house adjacent to the gasworks. The house was built by the gas company for the convenience of the manager, and is occupied by that official, Mr. Rippen, and his wife.

About a fortnight ago Mr. Rippen’s attention was aroused by a series of uncanny knocks, or thuds, caused apparently within the house, but whether directed against the wall or the ceiling or the floor he was unable to tell. This knocking continued for some time, and only ceased just before midnight. On the following evening the same performance was repeated, much to the consternation of the occupants.

Next day Mr. Rippen mentioned the matter to some of his friends at Kidwelly, and they arranged to come over to the house in the evening to discover, if possible, the cause of this nocturnal demonstration. Soon after nine o’clock, when several persons were assembled in the room, the thuds began to be heard again. A complete search of the house was then made, every room being carefully examined, as well as the ground around, but nothing was discovered to account for the noises.

Mr. Rippen, who is a practical, level-headed business man, told a Western Mail representative on Tuesday that these occurrences are to him a baffling mystery. “I am not a psychical research man in any way,” he said, “and I have never before had any experiences of this kind which could not be explained, but this is quite beyond me, and I cannot fathom it.”

A remarkable story in confirmation of the statement of Mr. Rippen was told our representative by a well-known resident, who fills a responsible position in the borough. “At the invitation of Mr. Rippen,” he said, “we arranged to go to his house a few nights ago. Several other friends were also present – in fact, we were a company of seventeen all told. At about 9.30 p.m. the knockings (about which, I may say, I was sceptical) began. There could be no mistake about them. They were loud and distinct, and everyone in the room heard them. The sound was a sort of muffled thud, and was repeated regularly.

“We then began to ask questions, but there was no voice in response, only a continuation of the thuds. After that one of us asked, ‘How many people are there in this room at present’. In reply there came seventeen distinct thuds. ‘How many of the seventeen do you know?’ was the next question. Six distinct thuds came in response. ‘What is your name?’ we asked. No reply. We then informed the mysterious ‘knocker’ that we would take one thud to mean a reply in the affirmative, and we proceeded with our questions. ‘Is your name Jones?’ Silence. ‘Is it Thomas?’ Silence. ‘Is it Morris?’ Silence. ‘Is it —?’ One thud. I do not care to publish the name which elicited this affirmatory thud, as it might be connected with something that happened in Kidwelly not so long ago, but everyone present will confirm this description of what happened. I could say more, but, perhaps, I had better not. I came away feeling as I never did before the truth of Hamlet’s dictum – ‘There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in our philosophy.'”

On Monday night another group of prominent townsmen visited the house. The company on this occasion included two police officers, one of whom stationed himself outside the premises, while his colleague was in the room. As on the previous evenings the mysterious noises were repeated, and the “ghost” answered a number of questions by means of the same ‘code’. “It would be a good thing,” said one of those present, “if the Western Mail would arrange to send a member of the Psychical Research Society to Kidwelly to investigate this extraordinary mystery.”

Western Mail, 24th January 1917.

Some uncanny stories are being told and much speculation has been aroused by a continued series of mysterious knockings at a house in Kidwelly, near Carmarthen. The knockings have been heard nightly for the past three weeks between 8 and 11.30, and it is even said that by means of “reply” knocks, on a system arranged in some mysterious way between the occupant of the house and the ghostly visitant, a fragmentary conversation has been kept up. By means of this code, simple questions have been put and answered. In reply to one question the “ghost” is said to have given correctly the number of persons in a room.

Coventry Herald, 27th January 1917.

The Kidwelly Ghost. Another “Demonstration” Last Night.

Llanelly Star, 3rd February 1917.

A local correspondent states that the Kidwelly ghost has suddenly gone out of business.

Western Mail, 5th February 1917.

Kidwelly.

The “ghost” has resumed operations. There is every hope of an early elucidation of the mystery. If the theory propounded by a certain gentleman of position in the town proves correct, the affair will have its ridiculous side.

The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser, 9th February 1917.

The Kidwelly Ghost. Manifestations Again Experienced.

The mysterious knocking or thudding at the Kidwelly gas manager’s house still continues at intervals, though for a week or so past everything has been very quiet. The noises now come almost every other evening, and are of the character already referred to. The house is a new one, and has only been occupied for some four months. It is built of brick-hollow work, is on the ground, and quite adjoining the gasworks. There are railways on two sides of it, a large engine-shed belonging to the Mynydd-ygarreg Railway Company being near. We mention this, as it is reported by some workmen who are on duty late at night and early in the morning that they have heard similar knockings at the shed.

The whole affair, however, is of a most mysterious character, and quite unsolvable by ordinary methods.

Sir Oliver Lodge, the great believer in spirit manifestation, has been communicated with, but he has not replied himself. The letters were handed over to his friend and fellow-student, Mr J Arthur Hill of Bradford, author of “New Evidences in Psychical Research,” and he writes saying that he is unable to give much advice, as so little is yet known of these things, but suggests an alphabetical code for communication with the author of the knockings. This, we understand, is now being tried with some success. It is expected that a noted “spiritualist” or medium, will be down in Kidwelly in a day or two, and his or her experiments in the matter are looked forward to with considerable interest.

Of those persons who have experienced and heard the rappings, or knocking there are quite many, and these thoroughly believe that a ghost or spirit is endeavouring to deliver some message or other; but the natural query is: “Why was this house, with its strange inmates, chosen for the reception?” Mr Ripper and his family are perfect strangers at Kidwelly, having only arrived there from England a few months ago.

The house was built in the position indicated owing to the fact that certain processes of the manufacture of gas and its components have to be watched at frequent intervals.

Parties still continue to visit the house, but now the knocking is not always in evidence at stated hours, as before. For instance, a few evenings ago a party waited until after eleven o’clock, and nothing was heard, but almost immediately afterwards the knockings commenced, and the local police officer who had stayed behind with a friend had the full benefit of the manifestations.

The officer put several questions, speaking in his natural tone, and knockings were instantly given in reply. The Officer: Do you know me? If so, give two knocks. (Two knocks were immediately forthcoming). Is my name Jones? (Silence). Thomas? (Silence). Williams? (Silence). Morris? (Knock, denoting ‘yes’). How many children have I? (Two knocks). What number is my house? (Ten knocks). Both answers were correctly given, and, what is rather strange, very few people know that the constable’s house is No. 10. It is always known as “The Police-station.” The constable next asked: “How many days are there in this month?” Twenty eight knocks were immediately given. It is also stated that by means of the alphabetical code, arranged and spoken of above, a message reading “I wish my mother would come” was received.

Llais Llafur, 10th February 1917.

Kidwelly “Ghost” and the Mayor.

Another large party has visited the gas manager’s house at Kidwelly with a view to experiencing the sensation of conversing with “the ghost.” The party included the Mayor of Kidwelly, the medical officer of health, and several other prominent personages in the town, as well as Police-constable Fred Morris and the Western Mail reporter. It was some time before any response could be obtained, but responsive knockings were at last faintly heard. The doctor was one of the few present successful in getting replies, but the most successful was Police Constable Morris, who entered into conversation with the “spirit” and invited him to come nearer and knock louder. This it refused to do. It, however, by means of the alphabetical code arranged, correctly spelt the constable’s name, and also that his profession was P-O-L-I-C-E. When asked if it knew the mayor, the “ghost” gave knocks in the affirmative. But when asked if it could say what position he held in the town the answer was in the negative.

The mayor himself could not get the ghost to respond, neither could the ex-mayor. In further replies to Police-constable Morris it gave the correct number of persons present in the room and the number of ladies among them. It also gave the correct time – 10.20 o’clock. The knockings all the time were very faint, and shortly after 10.30 or so they ceased altogether.

Mr. and Mrs. Rippen, who received the company in a very kind manner, and placed everything at their disposal, have received several letters from persons offering to come down to help to solve the mystery, a lady from Aberavon writing that she was prepared to come at any time. A Cardiff man wrote that he knew all about the “ghost” and would come down to settle it at once “for a consideration.” “I would not trouble you again after I have finished with it,” said the writer. He concludes by asking Mr. Rippen to send him his train fare “if required.”

Western Mail, 10th February 1917.

Ghost and Medium. Developments at Kidwelly. (Special to the “Star.”)

Immeidately the party were seated the medium offered up prayer, after which a “circle” was formed with the medium sitting in the centre of it. A few minutes later the now familiar “rappings” were heard in the room apparently coming from above.

Pointing to the police-sergeant who formed one of the circle, she said, in staccato sentences – “That man – go there- stoop down – say be careful.” This was understood by all present to refer to the fact that the sergeant was summoned after the accident and superintended the arrangements for the removal of the body.

Then the medium pointed to another gentleman in the room, saying: “That man – pay him money – and he signed paper.”

The lady was then requested to ask the “spirit” if he had any message and why he came there. The medium replied that the question had been left too late and that another medium would have to be engaged to elicit the answer at a cost of £5. The curiosity of those present seemed to be considerably damped by this £ s. d. announcement, and shortly after the “circle” was broken up, without any further enlightenment. The medium announced to the company, however, that she was taking the “spirit” with her to her home at Pontypridd.

In order to make the story of the rappings complete, a “Star” representative yesterday made inquiries at Kidwelly and secured some futher interesting particulars. It appears that a couple of weeks ago when the rappings were heard, conversation was opened between a well-known local gentleman and the ‘spirit’ by means of an alphabetical code. We give the result in the form of question and answer:-

Are you there now? – Three knocks (yes). Have you a message to give us? – Three knocks. Will you give it to us now? – Three knocks. Please let us have it then? – Something I want to say. Money hidden from the office near by the gas works. In the middle of Williams’ field, opposite the back garden £20.

Do you know me? – Three knocks. How long have you known me? – Three knocks (years). Can you give me my name? – Three knocks. What is it? – Lewis. I have another name by which I am better known. Can you give it to me? One knock (No). Can you give me the name of the town that I came from to Kidwelly? – Three knocks. What is it? – Pembroke. Unfortunately it so happens that Sergt. Lewis came from Llanelly to Kidwelly and he has never been in Pembroke in his life.

Dealing further with local names another incident may be mentioned. One evening the company present included a local commercial gentleman who has taken the greatest interest in these manifestations. “Do you know the gentleman sitting next to me?” the spirit was asked. – Three knocks. What is his name? – The correct name was given. Do you remember taking messages to his house? – Three knocks. Did he used to give you anything? – Three knocks. What did he give you? – Cigarettes (spelt according to the arranged code – C-i-g-e-r-e-t-t-s.) How many did he give you on one occasion. Give me a knock for each cigarette? – Fifty knocks came in response.

Llanelly Star, 17th February 1917.

Kidwelly’s “Spook.”

Another large party has visited the “haunted” Kidwelly dwelling-house with a view to an interview with the “ghost.” The party included the Mayor of Kidwelly, the M.O.H., and several other prominent citizens. It was some time before any response could be got from the spirit world, but responsive knockings were a last heard. The doctor was one of the few of those successful in getting replies. The most successful was P.C. Morris, who entered into conversation with the “spirit” and invited him to come nearer and knock louder, but this he refused to do. By means of an alphabetical code the “ghost” correctly spelt the constable’s name and also said his profession was “P-O-L-I-C-E.” In further replies to P.C. Morris, the “ghost” gave the correct number of persons present, also the correct time. The knockings were very faint, and soon after 10.30 they ceased altogether.

South Wales Weekly Post, 17th February 1917.

Kidwelly ‘Ghost’ Becomes Aggressive.

The Kidwelly “ghost” has become aggressive. To its former activities it has added the feat of furniture moving, making things unpleasant at the gas manager’s house. It is stated that one night a chair and a dress basket were thrown across one of the bedrooms, and the premises have now been vacated for a full investigation.

Western Mail, 23rd February 1917.

Kidwelly “Spook.”

The Kidwelly mystery remains unsolved. A lady medium from Pontypridd has recently visited the house where the mysterious manifestations have occurred in the hope of getting into communication with the “spirit”. In the company of a number of people, the lady heard knockings, which apparently came from the ceiling of the room in which they assembled. This had an extraordinary effect on the medium, who went into a trance. A number of communications followed, and when the circle broke up the medium stated that she was taking the “spirit” away with her. Since then no knockings have been heard.

A facetious correspondent adds that he hopes the authorities will note this report, inasmuch as it is now illegal to take away spirits in quantities of less than one reputed quart.

Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder, 24th February 1917.

Kidwelly Ghost Laid? Penrhiwceiber spiritualists’ claim.

Some inhabitants of Penrhiwceiber, who are members of the Miskin Spiritualistic Society, visited Kidwelly on Tuesday, the 13th inst., for the purpose of solving the ghost mystery. Their names are: Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, 2 Dillwyn Street, and Mr. and Mrs. Brabon, of 26 Dillwyn Street. They claim that they have effectually laid the ghost. They informed our Penrhiwceiber correspondent that they and seven prominent residents of Kidwelly assembled at the Gasworks’ house, which was “haunted.”

“We had just taken our seats,” they added, “when our spirit friend started knocking. We may say that it is believed that it was the spirit of a working-man who was killed by an express on the line at Kidwelly some time ago..” Afterwards, the medium, Mrs. Brabon, allowed her spirit-guide to work, and for two hours was under cross-examination. The most important questions asked were:- Can you tell me who is troubling this room? – Guide: Yes, I will show you. – Then the form of a man who was recognised by the assembly as the man who was killed by the express was shown. – If that is he tell me how he died? – Guide: By being killed. – Is there anyone in this room that knows this man? – Yes (pointing to the station-master), that gentleman used to pay him his wages. – It was alleged that further particulars were given which tallied with the facts of the accident in question, and were verified by the man who picked up the mutilated body on the line. – At the close of the meeting Mr. Phillips asked all present if they were satisfied that it was the spirit of the man who was killed. They answered that all that the Guide had spoken was perfectly true, and they promised to take the spirit with them, so that it would not worry the house at the Gasworks any more. So far no more knocking has been heard, it is said. Mr. and Mrs. Brabon are prepared to answer any questions with regard to this report privately or publicly.

The Aberdare Leader, 24th February 1917.

Letters to the Editor. The Kidwelly Ghost.

Sir, – Re the invitation to questions by Mr. and Mrs. Brabon concerning the report on the above subject, which appeared in your last issue, I should like to ask: – How do they explain the report that appeared in the press last Friday which says that the Kidwelly Ghost has become more aggressive than ever, making things unpleasant, and that it is still at the Gasworks House? Do they still maintain that they have removed the Ghost? If so, was there any oversight or neglect on the part of the Ghost’s custodians since they promised to take the Ghost with them? Now, with all the seriousness at my command, I beg to ask, Do they willfully endeavour to deceive the public or are they themselves deceived? I am inclined to believe the latter, in which case they aremore to be pitied than blamed.

Yours, G. H. Evans. 47, Dilwyn St., Penrhiwceiber.

The Aberdare Leader, 3rd March 1917.

The Kidwelly Spook

Some curious stories of messages.

(By Awstin).

There can be no doubt whatever as to the intense interest which has been aroused at Kidwelly by the local gossip and newspaper reports of the mysterious “rapping” which has, since the last few nights of the year 1916, been heard at intervals in the newly-erected house of the manager of the Kidwelly Gasworks. The topic in the universal one in the neighbourhood, and nobody doubts for a moment the truth of the assertion that knocks, such as are frequently attributed to spirit rapping, are heard in the house which stands in the gasworks yard.

As many as seventeen people – some of them, if not all, leading residents of Kidwelly – have been present, heard the knocking, heard test questions put to “it” and heard the replies – not oral but taps, and the answers, in many instances, have clearly indicated that the “intelligence” which replied to the questions could not only hear but see what was going on in the sitting-room which has been the centre of attention, during dark winter nights, of people who were out for entertainment, sensation, inquiry, a diligent quest after a “spook,” or, in the alternative, the discovery of a trick, and, if a trick, who is playing it? and what is the object in view?

After chatting with some of the gentlemen who were reputed to have been present on some of these occasions, and obtaining from them certain information which will be followed up in the course of my observations on the results of my visit to Kidwelly, I thought my best course would be to go direct to the fountain head and verify the statements made, by a personal interview with Mr Rippin.

It was agreed between us that there should be no “interview,” so we had a quiet talk which lasted nearly two hours. Mr Rippin seemed to be absolutely frank, admitting readily certain aspects of the affair which were somewhat contradictory on the part of the “spirit” – if such it be. “Of the number of people who have been here,” he said, “some declare they believe it is a spirit that communicates with us; some attribute it to a ‘supernatural agency’; some call it a ‘supernormal’ manifestation; but 80 per cent. of them, I have no doubt, disbelieve in it. They don’t deny the knocking, but they think it is some trick on my part, or my family’s part. Now, I wish to be quite clear about that. I do not know what it is, unless it is what is called spirit-rapping, and I am as much puzzled as anyone is. We have a medium here, who came of her own accord, and at her own expense, and she told us she got into communication with “it,” and that she thought it would not trouble us again, but that while she believed it would be present at their meetings at Penrhiwceiber – (not Pontypridd, as was told in the newspapers) – she thought we could still get it here if we wanted it to come, and it has been here since.”

Mr Rippin told me that he had written to Sir Oliver Lodge, asking his advice, and telling him something of the story of what was taking place, and the gossip that a man had been killed on the railway near by, some time ago, and that it was suggested that it was his spirit.

He and his family – which, by the by, consists of his wife and their three children, aged 13, 12, and 10 – had considered the question of vacating the house, but before doing so, he wrote to Sir Oliver Lodge, of Birmingham University, for advice. In reply he received the following printed letter:-

I have long found it impossible to deal with all my correspondence on psychical matters. at the same time I recognise that information of value is sometimes conatined in it, besides requests for advice which I should regret to leave unnoticed. Accordingly, I have been assisted for some years by en experienced, judicious and sympathetic friend, Mr. J. Arthur Hill, of Claremont, Thornton, Bradford, who takes charge of this correspondence and replies on my behalf, being well acquainted with my views on the subject. Anything of sufficient importance, however, he brings before me for special attention. This will explain to you the receipt of an answer from Mr Hill, on whose discretion you may fully rely. -Yours, faithfully, Oliver Lodge.

With the printed letter was the following written communication from the gentleman referred to, which was also handed to me: – Sir Oliver Lodge is away from home, so I reply. I fear, however, that I dare not take the responsibility of giving definite advice in such a momentous thing as leaving or not leaving the house. I can only suggest that you ask if a temporary absence would do – how many days – also, of what magnitude the risk if you stay, acting accordingly if you feel it best to do so. We know so little yet about these things that we are often puzzled what to advise. I wonder if “it” says who it is. By calling the alphabet and getting a rap at the right letter you might get a name, and then, if it claims to be the man who was killed, you could ask questions to which you do not know the answers but could ascertain. If he thus proved his identity I should incline to a temporary vacation of the house if quite convenient, though I do not think such messages are always reliable. A killed man seems to remain often in a semi-conscious state, capable of producing effects in the material world, yet not quite knowing What. I should like to hear from you again as to how you go on. – Yours sincerely, J. Arthur Hill.

Asked if he had previously had any connection with spiritualist seances or “rappings,” Mr Rippin said he had not. The house was barely finished when he entered into occupation in November, and he heard nothing until the last Friday night in the old year. Since then he and his wife had heard the “dull thuds,” which could not be located, when they were alone in the house; others had heard them, and some had heard them also when he or his wife, and sometimes both, were out of the room.This was a point which led Mr Rippin to explain that if any professional people came to the place to investigate he and Mrs Rippin were quite willing, if need be, to let them have the use of the room – and the house, for that matter – and he and his wife would go out, if that was preferred.

Mr Rippin was indignant on the suggested fraud or trick – call it what you will – in so far as he or his family might be concerned. “What do we gain by it?” he asked. “Nothing but worry, and plenty of mud to clean up after the people have left when, in this weather, they spend an evening here to try to fathom it.”

Among the curious stories I heard in confirmation and expansion of the explanations given me by Mr Rippin was one which showed that although the warning of the alleged spook on the question of vacating the house was not acted upon “in ten days,” no consequences followed; but then, the warning was only a response to a question put, and the penalty (if any) was not menioned. And the letter from Mr. J. Arthur Hill, on behalf of Sir Oliver Lodge, indicated that he does not think that such messages are always reliable. The period fixed has gone by, and nothing has happened!

On the other hand, communications with regard to distant friends (at the front) were correct, and further developments may yet be anticipated in that direction. The sequel does not depend upon the spook, but upon letters of friends.

Stories of hidden money, and the possibility of search for it, must be taken with a grain of salt, as they do not emanate from the spook or the people in the house.

On the table in the middle of the room in which the taps are generally heard is a large family Bible, and, one night, a visitor placed his hand upon it. “It” was asked if “it” could see the gentleman. Three knocks came for “yes.” “What has he got in his hand” was next asked, and the answer was “A ring,” but when further pressed about a book, the spirit, or whatever “it” is, replied, “The Holy Scriptures.”

On another occasion a new book on psychical subjects was held in the hand, and “the presence” gave the title of the book correctly. The stories are cited in support of the theory that “it” can not only hear what is said in the room, but see who and what is there.

Now, do not let us have any mistake about the character of these responses. They were not spoken in words. The spook’s voice was not heard. The words were spelt out by the code referred to in Mr Hill’s letter. The person who asked the question would say “A,” “B,” “C,” and follow on with the alphabet until he or she came to the right and proper one, when a tap from “it” would stop the querist going any further. And if an enthusiastic investigator proceeded with the alphabet too far, the “spook” would give several raps, or thumps, or dull thuds – you don’t know exactly how to describe them and you don’t know where they come from, whether from floor or ceiling or walls or furniture. When you have fixed one letter you begin on the alphabet again and go on until you get the second, and so on.

The story of the spoken voice is a separate one. When the lady medium from Penrhiwceiber got into “control” of “it,” some of the seekers after truth thought they might get her to elicit replies in good English or sound Welsh – in spoken words, so that they might hear the voice. The lady, however, explained that someone on “a higher plane” in the spirit world might be able to draw out the voice, but she could not.

Now, as this is a story which has led to suggestions, among the gossips, of money transactions, it may be well to give the version of the incident which was related to me by Mr Rippin and absolutely confirmed by a gentleman who holds an important official position in Kidwelly. The lady “medium” said that she knew of a friend who could probably do what was asked, but, as she was a professional, it would cost about £5 to get her to come. She did not advise getting her (as has been suggested), but in the peculiar intonation and “Mahatma”-like phrasing of one in a trance she defined her own limitations and seemingly the only way out of the difficulty, if such a solution was necessary. Nobody proposed spending £5 on the quest in that direction, and the matter dropped.

The quaint story of the cigarettes, take it any way you like, is a decidedly funny one, but it requires telling carefully, as there are at least two versions of it. A well-known local man of business suggested that the “spook” might be asked if it remembered him giving “it,” in its lifetime on earth, a box of 50 cigarettes. Mr Rippin put the question, and the reply was “No.” The “spirit,” or whatever “it” is, remembered the gentleman very well, and could see him there, but repeatedly declared that “it” had not had 50 cigarettes from him – nor any cigarettes at all, in fact.

No amount of pressure would get an admission from “it,” and at last Mr Rippin gave up the attempt. Someone else in the room tried, and, after some fencing as to not remembering, the “spirit” admitted having had a parcel or packet, and it then mis-spelt the word cigarettes, fixing the number the packet contained at 50.

Mr Rippin was very emphatic, in conversation with me, that he had not elicited that reply. It was brought out by another investigator, and as the gentleman who had desired the question to be put afterwards declared it was not true, as he had never given the original of the supposed spirit any cigarettes in his life, the incident has caused some unpleasantness in the little circle of inquirers, and investigators, owing mainly to the story having gone out in a form which seemed to suggest that Mr Rippin got the spirit to tell a fib under pressure. But he did not. And the answer to the success of such transparent traps, no doubt, would be the same as that of Mr J Arthur Hill (on the house vacating question): “I do not think such messages are always reliable.”

These stories, from grave to gay, from lively to serene, might be multiplied galore, but I think sufficient has been given to illustrate the character of the proceedings of spook and people at the Kidwelly “haunted house.”

No solution of the mystery has yet been found, and the readiness and freedom with which those who have been present as watchers discuss “it” and its rapping have helped to make the Kidwelly “ghost” a household word in the town and for many, many miles around. Not only have as many as 17 people been keenly watching together in one room, but small parties have “sounded” walls, floors, and ceilings, visited the children’s bedrooms, and sometimes thought (wrongly, as it turned out) that they had discovered how the mystery was worked, but silent sentries, posted outside the house, in the gasworks yard, kept watch and ward, at the same time, lest confederates might be operating in the open air or from secret hidden places. However, there were no discoveries.

There, for the present, I conclude my plain, unvarnished tale of the quest for “it” at Kidwelly. If there are further developments there may be something more to say – later on.

Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder, 3rd March 1917.

Sir, Kindly allow me a small space in your paper to answer Mr. G.H. Evans’s enquiries re the Kidwelly Ghost. Firstly, about the ghost becoming aggressive, I beg leave to contradict the statement appearing in the press. I have in my possession a letter from the tenant of the haunted house to prove differently, and anyone calling at our house may see it. I think the lady is competent to judge.

Secondly, whether we maintain that we removed the ghost. We maintain that we proved to them who troubled the house, and that I would endeavour to help that friend to progress.

Now to the third question, are we wilfully endeavouring to deceive the public or are we ourselves deceived? If so, I beg to say we are quite willing to be classed as lunatics in company with such highly scientific men as General Sir Alfred Turner, Sir Oliver Lodge, Sir Wm. Crookes, Stainton Moses, and others who firmly believe in the continuity of life and the power of communication with beings who have passed the border. And, Mr. Editor, I don’t think we need the pity G.H. Evans expresses, because ordinary minds usually condemn everything that is beyond their scope of understanding.

We remain, T. and A. Brabon. 26 Dilwyn Street, Penrhiwceiber.

The Aberdare Leader, 10th March 1917.

They further claim that the house is not still haunted. There appeared in the press several days after their departure from Kidwelly reports that it was still troubling. Why not refuse the press statements then, not now? Can they suggest why was a patrol placed around the house after they had claimed to have removed the ghost? In the account of their visit we find that a certain Mr. Rippin put a question concerning a packet of 50 cigarettes. The ghost could not remember receiving any cigarettes from Mr. Rippin. Another again put the same question, and the answer came yes. Now, Mr. Rippin says he never did give the ghost any cigarettes. Now, an ordinary mind knows that what is contrary to the truth must be a lie.

They say they are willing to be classed as lunatics in company with certain men. Anyone knowing the meaning of the word lunatics would not apply it in such a case. There is not much fear of lunatics deceiving anybody. Since these people claim the company of such noted men, will they include also the women-clairvoyants in London and Newport, who have been punished for their practices! Speaking of “ordinary mind” there are two classes outside the ordinary mind, i.e., above and below, but the ordinary mind is the ballast in the mental world. The extraordinary minds are very liable to go astray. Concerning the pity, I admit they ought to know best whether they deserve it or not.

I am, yours, etc., G. H. Evans, 47 Dilwyn Street, Penrhiwceiber.

The Aberdare Leader, 17th March 1917.

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