Witchcraft in Wales

Information about witchcraft beliefs in Wales, including various ‘superstitions’, beliefs in ghosts, fairies, the devil, visions, dreams, and apparitions can be found in a variety of sources from the 16^th to the early 20^th century.

Ballads

Anon., ‘Cerdd newydd yn rhoddi hanes am ryfeddol ddamwain a ddigwyddodd i wraig weddw oedd yn cadw Turnpike yn Mitcheldean yn Sir Gaerloyw : sef y modd y gwaredodd yr Arglwydd ei bywyd trwy ei rhybuddio o'i pherygl mewn breuddwyd, Cenir ar Fryniau' Werddon’,(n. d.). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG35.2.264.

Cowlyd, Gwilym, ‘Y Sibsiwn Crwydredig’, (n.d.). Special Collections: Salisbury, Bound ballads WG35.2.2911.

Jones, John, ‘Can o hanes erledigaeth a marwolaeth yr hwch ddu; ar "Rogue's March"; Breuddwyd a'i dehongliad i'w ganu ar y mesur a elwir "Mwynen Mai", Special Collections: Salisbury, Bound ballads WG35.2.2911.

Griffith, Owen, ‘Cerdd newydd, sef breuddwyd hynod, yn nghylch cyfraith newydd y tylodion, neu y Work-house a'i ganlyniadau, [gan] Ywain Meirion’, Special Collections: Salisbury, Folio WG35.2.3050.

Owen, David, ‘Cân ddifrifol, yn rhoi hanes fel yr ymddangosodd y cythrel i eneth ieuangc wrth fyned i'r ysgol, a'r ymddiddan a fu rhyngddynt; a'r modd y daeth angel i'w chysuro. Cenir ar Leave Land : yn ail, golwg ysprydol ar losgi myglys, [gan] Dewi Wyn o Eifion’, (1811), Special Collections: Salisbury   Ballad WG35.2.4051.

Thomas, Rees, ‘Can Newydd, Gweledigaeth y Gwely Mawr’, (18??) Special Collections: Salisbury,   WG35.2.2347.

Hughes, Jonathan, ‘Amgylchiad am lwdn Dafad i William William or Nercws’, (c. early 19th century). Series 8, Number 24.

Jones, J. ‘Can Newydd Mewn Dull o Ymdiddan Rhwng y Claf a Ffynon Feddygol Trefriw’, (n. d.). Series 27, Number 13.

Williams, Peter, ‘Can yn Rhoi Hanes Droedigaeth Merch Ieuangc’,  (1817) Series 9, Number 46.

Printed works

John Aubrey, Miscellanies: viz. I. Day-fatality. II. Local-fatality. III. Ostenta. IV. Omens. V. Dreams. VI. Apparitions. VII. Voices. VIII. Impulses. IX. Knockings. X. Blows invisible. XI. Prophesies. XII. Marvels. XIII. Magick. XIV. Transportation in the air. XV. Visions in a beril, or glass. XVI. Converse with angels and spirits. XVII. Corps-candles in Wales. XVIII. Oracles. XIX. Exstasie. XX. Glances of love. envy. XXI. Second-sighted persons, (London, 1696). Special Collections: Cardiff Rare Books Collection, Early English Octavos, BF1410.A8.

Baxter, Richard, The certainty of the worlds of spirits: Fully evinced by the unquestionable histories of apparitions, operations, witchcrafts, voices, &c. Proving the immortality of souls, the malice and misery of the devils, and the damned, and the blessedness of the justified. Written for the conviction of Sadduces & infidels, (London, 1691). Available online.  Baxter collection also available at Special Collections

Beelzebub, Yr arweinydd diogel i uffern: yn cynwys annerchion i wahanol bersonau, (Abertawy, 1853). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG5.3.G.

Breuddwyd hynod athraw Ysgol Sul yn America, (Caernarfon, 1858). Special Collections: Salisbury   WG37(1858).

Bywyd hynod Dr. John Faustus, ser-ddewin a swynwr : yn dangos y moddion a ddefnyddiwyd ganddo i gyfodi diafol; myr hwn a roddodd iddo alluoedd swynawl rhyfeddol ar yr ammod iddo gael ei enaid a'i gorph yn mhen pedair blynedd ar hugain; ei amrywiol ymddiddanion, cyd-ymweliadau, a dygwyddiadau rhyfeddol gyda ei genadwr, yr yspryd Mephostophiles; y'nghyda ei daith i fynydd Caucasus; hanes ei gonsuriaeth a'i swynyddiaeth; y'nghyda'r seremonïau perthynol i weithrediadau gorcheiniaeth; yr ysgrif-rwymiadau a'r farwolaeth ddychrynllyd a roddwyd arno gan y Diafol yn niwedd yr amser pennodedig, (Llanrwst, 1839-42?). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG37(1840).

Davies, Jonathan Ceredig, Folk-lore of West and mid-Wales, (Aberystwyth, 1911). Salisbury Collection, 2 week Celt GR150.D2.

Davies, J. H., Rhai o hen ddewiniaid Cymru, (Llundain, 1901). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1901).

Deonglydd breuddwydion, a gymmerwyd allan o ysgrifeniadau yr hen Gymry, yn nghyd â thaflen egwyddorawl, er cael allan yn rhwydd unrhyw freuddwyd neillduol, (Merthyr Tydfil, 1848). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG37(1848).

Drych y cribddeliwr: yn dangos castiau twyllodrus y masnachydd anghyfiawn, mewn dull o ymddiddan rhwng y meistr a'i brentis ; hefyd, darlun cywir o'r gybydd a'i wraig tan y ffugenwau Jesebel a Nabal...; hefyd, ofergoelion yr hen Gymry ...; carol plygain, (Llansantffraid, 1859). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG16.7.D.

Edwards, Charles, Y ffydd ddi-ffuant: adroddiad o helynt y grefydd Gristianogol er dechreuad y byd hwn hyd yr oes hon, (Oxford, 1671). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1671).

Edwards, Thomas, A Welsh dialogue: cynadledd ymresymaeg rhwng pleser a gofid : ar dull yr hyn a elwir ... interlude: yr hon o'i gyfieithu yw act gyfnewidiol, neu chwareuyddiaeth,  [1787], (Merthyr Tydfil, 1839). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG16.61.E.

Evans, Arise, Arise Evans the English prophet, or his wounderful prophecies and revelations revived and revealed, who in them foretold his Majesties happy Restauration without blood-shed, (London, 1672). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1672).

Evans, Arise, A voice from heaven to the common-wealth of England: with additions, (London, 1653). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1653).

Evans, Arise, The bloudy vision of John Farly, (London, 1653). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1653).

Evans, Arise, An eccho to the book, called A voyce from heaven : shewing how that in the years 1633, 34, and 35, he forewarned the late king, courtiers and commons of the great ruine of all the three nations, and that the king should be put to death, according to his visions and prophesies : also, his exhortation now to the Parliament and all people for setting up the kings son in his stead, according to that old unparallel'd prophesie of M. Truswell, recorder of Lincoln here opened, which likewise declareth the things past, present and to come, chiefly the revolution, and dissolution of this state, with the exaltation of the king, in the present year of grace, 1653, (London, 1653).  Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1653).

Evans, Christmas, The demoniac: a sermon, (Chester, c. 1850). Special Collections: Salisbury,   WG37.1.D.

Evans, Hugh, Y tylwyth teg, (Liverpool, 1935). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1935).

Evans, John, Llyfr Ffynon Elian: helyntion oes John Evans, (St. Elian), (Llanerchymedd, [n.d.]). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG16.71.E.

Evans, Theophilus, Drych y prif oesoedd: yn ddwy ran. Rhan I. sy'n traethu am gyff-genedl y Cymru, a'r rhyfel a fu rhyngddynt, a'r Rhufeiniaid, gwyddyl Ffichtiaid, ac a'r Saeson. Fu coel-grefydd a'i moesau cyn iddynt dderbyn y grefydd Grist'nogol. Rhan II. Sy'n crybwyll am bregethiad yr Efengyl ym Mhrydain, a pha beth bynnag a ddigwyddodd mywn perthynas i grefydd, disgyblaeth, ac athrawiaeth y Brif Eglwys, ynghyd a moesau'r prif Grist'nogion yn gyffredinol, (Mwythig, 1716). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1716).

Farmer, Hugh, An essay on the demoniacs of the New Testament, (London, 1775). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1775).

Fenton, Richard, Tours in Wales: (1804-1813), ed., John Fisher, (London, Printed for the Cambrian Archæological Association, 1917). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG6.1.F.

Fenton, Richard, A historical tour through Pembrokeshire, (London, 1811). Special Collections: Salisbury, Folio WG4.37.F.

Frimston, Thomas, Ofergoelion yr hen Gymry: mewn pymtheg dosparth : yn y rhai yr olrheinir eu tarddiad o'r cyfnod boreuaf, (Llangollen, c. 1906). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG7.F.

Gurnall, William, Y Cristion mewn cyflawn arfogaeth: neu, draethawd am ryfel y saint yn erbyn y diafol... trans. Thomas Humphrey, [1655-62], (Aberhonddu, 1775). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1775).

Hanes Ffynon Elian, Sir Ddinbych: a swyngyfaredd y Cymry yn y dyddiau gynt, yn nghyda hanes Jack, offeiriad y ffynon, a'i gyffes yn ei ddyddiau olaf, (Caernarfon, c. 1860). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG7.H.

Hicks, T., Drych i ddwfr cleifion, i'w cynnorthwyo i ddeall achos, natur, a chanlyniad eu clefydau : wedi ei dynnu allan o yscrifenadau yr enwog Hippocrates, Galen, Sydenham &c ... at yr hyn y chwanegwyd, Rhai dyfr-arwyddion o waith hên Feddygon Myddfai, etc., (Caerfyrddin, 1765). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1765).

Holland, Robert, ‘Ymddiddan Tudyr ag Ronw’ [c.1595], reprinted in Stephen Hughes (ed.), Canwyll y Cymru : sef, Gwaith Mr. Rees Prichard... =The divine poems of Mr. Rees Prichard, under the title ‘Dau Gymro yn Taring yn Bell o’i Gwlad ac yn ymgyfwrdd ar fynydd, yn chwedleua am a welson ac a glywson ynghylch consurwyr, rheib=wyr, dewiniaid a’r fath’, (London, 1681), pp. 457-468. Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1681).  * Modern re-print available in main collection.

Howells, William, Cambrian superstitions: comprising ghosts, omens, witchcraft, traditions, &c.; to which are added a concise view of the manners and customs of the principality and some fugitive pieces, [1831] (Felinfach, Llanerch facsimile, 1991). Salisbury Collection 2 week, Celt GR150.H6.

Hughes, John, Allwydd neu agoriad paradwys i'r Cymru : hynny yw gweddiau, devotionau, cynghorion, ac athrawiaethau tra duwiol ac angenrheidiol i bob Christion yn mynnu agoryd y porth a myned i mewn i'r nef, (Liege, 1670). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1670).

Jones, Edmund, A relation of apparitions of spirits, in the county of Monmouth, and the principality of Wales: with other notable relations from England, together with observations about them, and instructions from them: designed to confute and to prevent the infidelity of denying the being and apparition of spirits, which tends to irreligion and atheism, [1780] (Newport, 1813). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1813).

Jones, Edmund, A geographical, historical, and religious account of the parish of Aberystruth: in the county of Monmouth: to which are added, memoirs of several persons of note, who lived in the said parish, (Trevecka, 1779). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1779).

Jones, Edward, Ffolineb pob swyngyfaredd ac ofergoel: ar y don "Old Derby, gan y diweddar E. Jones, Maes-y-Plwm, (Llanrwst, 18??). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG35.2.3139.

Jones, John, Llên gwerin Sir Gaernarfon, (Caernarfon, 1908). Special Collections: Salisbury, Jarman WG39.3.0112.

Jones, Owen, Cyngor Beelzebub i'w raglawiaid, er difwyno yr adfywiad crefyddol yn Nghymru, (Liverpool, 1860). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG37(1860).

Jones, Robert, Drych yr amseroedd : yn cynnwys ychydig o hanesiaeth am y pethau mwyaf nodedig a ddigwyddasant yn bennaf y'Ngwynedd yn y ddwy ganrif ddiweddaf mewn perthynas i grefydd ... ; mewn dull o ymddiddan rhwng Ymofyn-gar a Sylwedydd, (Trefriw, 1820). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG16.71.J.

Jones, S., Gweledigaethau dirnadwy : sef dehongliad i freuddwydion, o amryw ystyriaethau ... ynghyd a thablau i gael y dydd o'r mis dros byth ; at y rhai yr ychwanegwyd ychydig o reolau perthynol i gariad a phriodas i bobl ieuaingc, [1785], (Caerfyrddin, 1857). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG37(1857).

Jones, S., Gweledigaethau dirnadwy : neu, ddehongliad i freuddwydion, o amryw ystyriaethau : wedi eu casglu allan, gan mwyaf o ysgrifeniadau gwerthfawr yr hen Gymry; gan eu hysytried a'u trefnu at achosion, cyflyrau, a leshad pob math o ddynion, wrth reol dyddiau'r wythnos, dyddiau y lleuad, a dyddiau gwylion hynod eraill, da a drwg o'r flwyddyn; yn nghyd â thablau i gael y dydd o'r mis dros byth ; at y rhai yr ychwanegwyd ychydig o reolau perthynol i gariad a phriodas i bobl ieuaingc, [1785], (Llanrwst, between 1825 and 1834). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG37.1.G.

Jones, William, The dissenter's plea for his nonconformity: exhibited in a course of lectures on the rise, reign, religion and ruin of Antichrist, or mystical Babylon, (London, 1845). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG5.4.J.

Lacy, John, The strange and wonderful predictions of Mr. Christopher Love: minister of the Gospel at Lawrence Jury, London; who was beheaded on Tower-Hill, in the time of Oliver Cromwell, ... : With a most extraordinary prophecy of the late revolution in France ... : To which is annexed, the singular predictions of John Lacy, : Nixon's Cheshire prophecy at large,: and Baxter's corpse candles in Wales, (London, 1794). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1794).

Lewis, Thomas, Ymddangosiad ysprydion drwg: sef sylwedd araeth a draddodwyd mewn dadl gyhoeddus yn nghyfarfod blynyddol Cymdeithas Cymreigyddol Bangor, nos Wyl Dewi Sant, Mawrth 1af, 1844, (Llanrwst, 1844). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG5.3.L & WG37(1844).

Lewis, W, Crist yn erbyn Anghrist : neu draethawd yn dangos natur ac egwyddorion gwahaniaethol a gwrthwynebol y cyfundraethau uchody frwydr rhyngddynt, a'r gwirionedd yn buddugoliaeth ar bob cyfeiliornad, ac arweiniad i mewn "y mil blynyddau", nodweddau neillduol y tymor hyfryd hwnw, yn nghyda sylwadau ar sefyllfa bresenol pethau yn mysg terynasoedd y byd yn gyffredinol, a gallueodd Ewrop yn neillduol; fel arwyddion nodedig yr amserau hyn, yn dangos fod yn rhaid fod yr adeg ddymunol hono gerllaw, (Caergybi, 1854). Special Collections: Salisbury, Casgliad Amryw Bangor WG59.015, & WG37(1854).

Lhuyd, Edward, Archaeologia Britannica: giving some account additional to what has been hitherto publish'd, of the languages, histories and customs of the original inhabitants of Great Britain: from collections and observations in travels through Wales, Cornwal, Bas-Bretagne, Ireland, and Scotland, (Oxford, 1707). Special Collections: Salisbury, Folio WG30(1707).

Lhuyd, Edward, Parochialia: being a summary of answers to 'Parochial queries in order to a geographical dictionary, etc., of Wales', (London, Cambrian Archaeological Association, 1909-11). Salisbury Collection, 2 week, WG4.2.L.

Lewis, Thomas, An inquiry into the shape, the beauty, and stature of the person of Christ, and of the virgin Mary: offered to the consideration of the late converts to popery, (London, 1735). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1735).

Lewys, Dafydd, Golwg ar y byd: sef llyfr yn cynnwys briwsion oddiar fwrdd y dysgedigion i'r Cymru, (Caerfyrddin, 1725). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1725).

Yr Oracl : neu, Dynged-lyfr Buonaparte, a'r dewin, sef hyfforddiadau i wneyd dichell-droion (conjuring), a phrawfion celfyddydawl, &c. &c., (Llanrwst, 1843). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG37(1843).

Owen, Elias, Welsh folk-lore: a collection of the folk-tales and legends of North Wales, being the prize essay of the National Eisteddfod, 1887, (Oswestry, 1896). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG7.O.

Owen, Henry, Index to The Historical tour through Pembrokeshire, by Richard Fenton, (London, 1894). Special Collections: Salisbury, Folio WG4.37.F.

P., T., Cas gan gythraul neu annogaeth i bawb ochelyd myned i ymghynghori a dewiniaid, brudwyr, a chonsyrwyr, [1711], (Mwythig, 1759). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1759).

Parry, John, Anti-Christ in prophecy, and Anti-Christ in fact, (London, 1845). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG37(1845).

Pennant, Thomas, A tour in Wales, MDCCLXXIII, (London, 1778). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1778).

Pennant, Thomas, A tour in Wales, MDCCLXXIII, (Dublin, 1779). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1779). * Other editions available.

Penry, John, Three treatises concerning Wales: A treatise containing the aequity of an humble supplication [1587].-An exhortation unto the governours, and people of Hir Maiesties countrie of Wales [1588].-A viewe of some part of such publike wants and disorders as are in the service of God, within Her Maiesties countrei of Wales, [1588], ed., David Williams, (Cardiff, 1960). Salisbury Collection 2 week, WG5.2.P.

Prichard, Rhys, Canwyll y Cymru : sef, Gwaith Mr. Rees Prichard... =The divine poems of Mr. Rees Prichard, (ed.), Stephen Hughes, (London, 1681). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1681). *As well as dialogue of Robert Holland, Prichard’s work also contains numerous verses on popular magic and the common recourse to conjurors and charmers. * Other editions available.

Pugh, Edward, Cambria depicta: a tour through north Wales, illustrated with picturesque views, (London, 1816). Special Collections: Salisbury, Folio WG30(1816).

Roberts, Edward, Slight of hand: llaw-ddewiniaeth; neu grynhoad o bob digrifwch cywrain a dirgel : y'nghyd a gwaith tan (fireworks) &c., hefyd crynhoad eglyrhaol, am enedigaeth plant wrth oed y lleuad, a'r canlyniad o'u bywyd [&c.], (Caernarfon, c. 1832 and 1835). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG19.R.

Roberts, Edward, Oweinydd Bonaparte, neu rhagluniaeth dymhorol : ysgrifenedig yn iaith Germany, ac a cead allan o amgudd-gist rhyfeddodau Bonaparte, yn Liepsic, (Caernarfon, c.1814-1830?). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG37.1.O.

Roberts, Peter, Y cwtta cyfarwydd : "The chronicle written by the famous clarke, Peter Roberts," notary public, for the years 1607-1646, (ed.), D. R Thomas, (London, 1883). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG4.32.R.

Roberts, Peter, The Cambrian popular antiquities: or, An account of some traditions, customs, and superstitions, of Wales; with observations as to their origin, &c., (London, 1815). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG7.R & Aneirin Lewis WG39.1.063.

Roberts, Peter, Yr hynafion Cymreig: neu, hanes am draddodiadau, defodau, ac ofergoelion, yr hen Gymry, (Caerfyrddin, 1823). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG7.R.

Roberts, William, Crefydd yr oesoedd tywyll : neu, henafiaethau defodol, chwareuyddol, a choelgrefyddol : yn cynwys y traethawd gwobrwyol yn Eisteddfod y Fenni ar Mari Lwyd, y traethawd gwobrwyol yn Eisteddfod Y Blaenau ar ddylanwad yr ysgol Sabothol er cadwraeth y Gymraeg; ynghyd â sylwadau ar lawer o hen arferion tebyg i Mari Lwyd, (Caerfyrddin, 1852). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG37(1852) & WG7.R.

Saunders, Erasmus, A view of the state of religion in the diocese of St. David's about the beginning of the 18th century : with some account of the causes of its decay, (London, 1721). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1721).

Saunders, Erasmus, A domestick charge, or, the duty of household-governours: being a practical discourse of family-government and religion, (Oxford, 1701). SCOLAR@Newport Road, BV4500.S2. Please ask at desk.

Sikes, Wirt, British goblins: Welsh folklore, fairy mythology, legends and traditions, (London, 1880). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG7.S.

Thomas, John, Cosp y cableddwyr, neu, Lef mab Duw ar yr holl fyd : trwy hanes gwir a siccr am Elizabeth Dover, merch i farchog yn Llundain, 21 mlwydd oed, yr hon ni chredai un amser fod na Duw na Diafol, nef nac uffern, nac unrhyw le na bod wedi terfynu y bywyd hwn, hyd y trydydd dydd o Fawrth diweddaf; fel yr oedd hi'n rhodio ynghyd a rhai o'i chyfeillion annuwiol, gan dyngu, os oes diafol ymddanghosed yr awr hon, fel yr adwaenwyf ef amser arall, (Trefriw, 1811). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG37(1811).

Thomas, William, The diary of William Thomas of Michaelston-super-Ely, near St. Fagans Glamorgan, 1762-1795, (ed.) R. T. W Denning, (Cardiff : South Wales Record Society and South Glamorgan County Council Libraries & Arts Dept, 1995). Salisbury Collection, 2 week, WG4.38.T.

Thomas, William Jenkyn, The Welsh fairy book, (London, 1907). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG7.T.

Vaughan, Thomas, Magia Adamica: or The antiquitie of magic, and the descent thereof from Adam downwards, proved ; whereunto is added, a perfect, and full discoverie of the true coelum terrae, or the magician's heavenly chaos, and first matter of all things, (London, 1650). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1650).

Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church, Rheolau a dybenion y cymdeithasau neillduol yn mhlith y bobl a elwir y Methodistiaid yn Nghymru: a gyttunwyd arnynt mewn Cymdeithasfa Chwarterol yn y Bala, Mehefin 16, a'r 17, 1801, (Caerlleon, 1801). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG37(1801), & WG5.2.M .

Whitfield, George, Dichellion Satan: sef pregeth a bregethwyd yn Eglwys St. Helen Fawr yn Llundain, gan...George Whitefield...; a gyfieuthwyd gan wr eglwysig E.W., (Mwythig, 1742). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG30(1739).

Williams, William, Observations on the Snowdon mountains: with some account of the customs and manners of the inhabitants. To which is added a genealogical account of the Penrhyn families, (Oxford, 1802). Special Collections: Salisbury, WG6.21.W.

Wynne, Ellis, Gweledigaethau y Bardd cwsg: yn cynnwys I. Gweledigaeth cwrs y byd. II. Gweledigaeth angeu. III. Gweledigaeth uffern, [1703], (Caerfyrddin, 1767). Special Collections – Salisbury, WG30(1767).