The Green Lady of Caerphilly Castle, Wales

Aug 16

Constructed in the 13th century, Caerphilly Castle in Caerphilly, Wales has endured for centuries and today is largely considered a tourist attraction. One of its main draws is the legend of the Green Lady, the spirit of a heartbroken princess who roams its halls. But, did this legend really happen?

The Legend of Caerphilly Castle

In 1268 Gilbert de Clare, 7th Earl of Gloucester arrived in Glamorgan, Wales with the intention of building a new castle in order to cement his power over the land. Just three years later the 30-acre Caerphilly Castle was built and home to Gilbert and his wife, Princess Alice de Lusignan, niece of King Henry III.

Alice was described as attractive, flirtatious, and passionate as opposed to her husband who was given the nickname “The Red Earl” for his furious temper and lust for war, something Alice was not fond of. As the days passed by and the two grew distant a new guest would catch Alice’s attention.

The guest was Gruffudd the Fair, Prince of Brithdir who stopped by to visit the Earl but left with the princess’s heart. Alice and Gruffudd started a secret affair but the Prince felt shame for his actions and went to a monk to confess his sins. Unfortunately, the monk ran to Gilbert and informed him of his wife’s adultery.

Enraged, Gilbert sent Alice back to France and set off to hunt the prince. A few locals warned Gruffudd of his predator and realized who told his secrets. Gruffudd searched for the monk, Finding him hiding out near a forest. The heartbroken Gruffudd sought only vengeance and hanged the monk from a tree.

Moments later, he heard the sounds of the Earl and his men approaching. Resigned to his fate, Gruffudd did nothing as the Earl hanged him from the very same tree.

To add insult to injury The Red Earl sent a letter to his wife in France revealing to her the death of the Prince. Upon reading the letter, Princess Alice de Lusignan collapsed and died from the heartbreak. From that day forward and for the next almost eight centuries many have claimed to see the spirit of Alice wandering the halls of Caerphilly Castle, attempting to relive the last few happy moments of her life.

They say her spirit appears green reflecting the envy Gilbert felt as he took the life of her lover. Others believe that her spirit has become a part of the castle she reflects the green ivy that has grown in the castle covering its walls. Whatever the reason, today Princess Alice de Lusignan haunts the grounds as the Green Lady of Caerphilly Castle.

But Did it Happen?

Did the legend of the Green Lady of Caerphilly Castle actually happen? Absolutely not. In fact, Alice de Lusignan (also Alice of Angoulême) never even stepped foot in Caerphilly Castle, and as far as I can tell, there has never been a ‘Gruffudd the Fair, Prince of Brithdir’.

The Real Prince Alice de Lusignan

While it’s true that Gilbert de Clare built the castle from 1268 to 1271, before the first stone was ever placed, he and Alice were living apart. By the time the last stone was set, the two were separated with their marriage officially annulled in 1285. The process was delayed due to the various wars and battles Gilbert participated in as well as his prior history of being excommunicated by Pope Clement IV.

Meanwhile, Alice lived with her and Gilbert’s two daughters at Clare Castle in England from their separation until her death in 1290. Also, some versions of the legend say that Alice was King Henry II’s niece but historical records actually show her being King Henry III’s niece.

Gruffudd the Fair and Gilbert de Clare

As far as Gruffudd the Fair, Prince of Brithdir goes, Brithdir is not recorded as ever having a prince. Some versions of the story don’t specify that he is the prince of Brithdir but call him a Welsh Prince who was born in Brithdir. Going through the records of all Welsh Princes, there is no Gruffudd the Fair.

The Prince at the time was Llywelyn ap Gruffudd who did attempt to prevent the building of the Caerphilly Castle but was never in battle with Gilbert de Clare. Llywelyn ap Gruffudd was killed in battle during the Welsh War of 1282 during a time when Gilbert de Clare was no longer part of the war and was returning to England.

In England, King Edward I made a deal with Gilbert to have him marry his daughter Joan of Acre in 1290. At the time Gilbert was considered one of the most powerful and wealthy Lords and the marriage was a way to ensure that the land Gilbert owned stayed with the Crown.

Gilbert returned to Caerphilly Castle to defend it from a Welsh revolt in 1294 and later died in 1295. By all accounts, he was happily married to Joan and there are no records of him having hanged anyone out of jealousy. If there truly is a Green Lady at Caerphilly Castle it’s not Alice de Lusignan and the legend, as it’s told today, is made up.