Llanyrafon Manor

 

The manor is a grade 2 listed building dating back to the early 1600’s, although there was an earlier building on the site prior, dating back to the 1500’s, a small part of which can still be seen incorporated within the manor walls.

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Once standing in 1,000 acres of land, inside there are fire places believed to have been gifted by Mary Morgan of Tredegar house. The manor, owned by the Griffiths family, was passed down over the centuries, before its final owner Florence Griffiths, died a spinster and it passed to the Laybourne family.

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Richard Laybourne bought the manor as a wedding gift to his daughter Edith on her marriage to Alfred Pilliner, although they did not live there, as the manor had become run down. Alfred eventually divided up the land, and the property became a farm. The manor stayed in the Pilliner family throughout both world war 1 and 2.

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3 prisoners of war worked the land during World War 1 and the land army girls worked it during World War 2, and it was after the war that the manors historical importance was recognised. It was sold in the 1950’s to Cwmbran development, and later to the Torfaen trust.

There is a lot of paranormal activity going on at the manor today. On our initial team visit, we sensed someone was following us around the property. We heard a whistle, whilst standing on the landing and saw the shadow figure of what looked like a tall man, pass in front of the window of the tea room, which is no surprise considering what goes on in there. Staff have reported poltergeist activity many times. Upon opening up in the morning they would see puddles of water on the floor, also reporting that things move or get thrown in there, is it connected to who we saw?

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Heavy footsteps have been heard on the staircase, and the front doors have been known to open of their own accord, usually accompanied by the sound of doors banging upstairs. A Cistercian monk and a shadow figure have been seen in the grounds, with the shadow figure liking to follow anyone brave enough to wander alone outside in the dark.

The spirits of 2 children have been seen and heard playing in the attic, but the more heartbreaking sighting is that of a little boy that sits in an upstairs window. Thought to be crying, he has been heard calling for his mother.

We have exclusive use of the building for the night, this will include the Tudor kitchen, buttery and panel room. The great hall, great chamber and bedrooms, as well as the attic rooms and tearoom.

The team are ready to investigate Llanyrafon Manor….are you?