Nestled near Penarth in the Vale of Glamorgan, lies the Lavernock Point, a place resplendent with tales of ghostly apparitions and notorious smugglers. The cliffs surrounding the area are said to be haunted by the ghost of a witch burned at the stake during the Middle Ages. The witch, known as Morwenna, had been a revered healer in the region. However, a tragedy took place that gave rise to her haunting tale. A young boy was brought to her, gravely ill with an unknown ailment. Despite her efforts, the boy passed away, giving room to hysteria and accusations of witchcraft against Morwenna. Convicted and burned at the stake, it was said that Morwenna cursed the villagers and promised to take revenge. Since then, fishermen and locals have reported seeing a fiery figure drifting along the sea edge especially during stormy nights, whispering an unintelligible chant.In addition to being a haunted spot, Lavernock Point was also a hub for smugglers in the 18th century. Commonly known as the ‘Moonrakers’, these smugglers took advantage of the high cliffs and secluded coves for their illicit trades. Their tales became part of local folklore – of secret tunnels, hidden compartments in fishing boats, and silent supernatural creatures guarding their treasures. The most famous of these characters in local lore was John the Black, a notorious smuggler who allegedly disappeared under mysterious circumstances, fueling stories of curses and ghosts linked to illegal activities.Indeed, the stories and legends surrounding Lavernock Point are fascinating parts of the folklore tapestry of the Vale of Glamorgan. Such tales continue to capture the imagination of locals and tourists alike and remain a significant part of the cultural heritage of South Wales.