The Grapes Hotel

In the village of Maentwrog on the A496, the Grade II listed Grapes Hotel is the local hostel. It was originally a 17th Century coaching inn but its cellar dates from the 13th Century. The Grapes has historically been visited by famous people such as Prime Minister David Lloyd George, 1st Earl Lloyd-George of Dwyfor (Born 17 January 1863 – Died 26 March 1945) and the actress and lover of King Edward VII, Lillie Langtry (Born 13 October 1853 – Died 12 February 1929). If you visit these days you may also encounter the local astrologer Russell Grant.

One of the stones in the public bar doorway is inscribed with the letters ‘MARCUS’ and it is thought that this was originally a stone from the walls of the ancient Roman fort, Tomen-y-Mur. The stone is said to have once been incorporated in the walls of local church of Saint Twrog, but when the church was extended in 1896 the stone went missing, and some years later appeared in the Grapes.

It is alleged that the Grapes is haunted by a piano playing ghost on the residents landing, and also by a small old lady wearing Victorian clothes who appears below stairs.