ONE of Wales' oldest pubs, where 180 people are believed to have been hanged in the 17th century, is up for sale.

The Skirrid Mountain Inn in Llanfihangel Crucorney, five miles from Abergavenny, is believed to be haunted by the ghosts of men executed by Hanging Judge Jeffreys following the Monmouth Rebellion against King James II in 1685.

Steeped in history, the inn dates back to Norman times and is thought to have first served customers in 1110.

According to legend, the hangings took place from a beam which still bears the scorch marks from the ropes.

The asking price for the inn is £65,000 for a 20-year-lease. Landlady Heather Grant, 44, has lived at the tavern for the last 11 years. She said: "Things definitely go bump in the night here.

"We have a friendly ghost of a former innkeeper's wife, Fanny Price, who died of consumption in the early 19th century and there's a lovely atmosphere in the room where she died.

"However, we have a more sinister ghost which could be one of the hangmen because he always makes his way to the hangman's chamber.

"My partner has seen his shadow and it is quite frightening. "The ghosts aren't the reason I'm leaving though because you actually get quite used to them."

Ms Grant said there had been a lot of interest in the property. Welsh prince Owain Glyndwr is said to have rallied his troops there and the mounting stone he used still stands outside the pub.

Its windows originate from mediaeval times and the oak beams were previously ship timbers including one from an Elizabethan man-of-war.

The new licensee will own a bar that can seat 40, a dining room for 30 and a snug bar to seat 20.

It also has three double en-suite bedrooms and separate accommodation for the owner which includes two bedrooms and a lounge.