The Brigands Inn

The 15th century Brigands Inn is reputedly haunted by an unidentified female apparition who has apparently been witnessed several times. This family run renovated coaching inn dating from 1488, acquired its name from the buildings association with the Mawddy Bandits or Red Bandits or the ‘red haired thieves of Mawddwy’ who were active in this region during the 16th century.

The Red bandits who attacked and robbed travellers in the border area of the Welsh Marches are best known for the murder of the Sheriff of Meirionnydd, Baron Lewis Owen on 12 October 1555. The Sheriff who was based in Dolgellau was ambushed and attacked by the bandits in near Dinas Mawddwy. This murder brought the law down heavily on the bandits and many were brought to trial, where it was discovered that the killing blow was made by John Goch ap Gruffudd ap Huw.

It is said Lowri daughter of Gruffudd Llwyd was also accused during the trial at Bala as she had threatened the life of Baron Lewis Owen when he had sentenced and hung over eighty bandits, including her two sons.  Lowri avoided being hung herself as she claimed she was pregnant, which was confirmed after examination by several married women.

The Brigands Inn was said to have some of the weapons used by the bandits on display, though I am unsure if this is still the case.