TODAY marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of one of Montgomeryshire's most enduring supernatural tales.
The sad tale of the so called Robber's Grave of Montgomery has been passed on to passing generations ever since 1821.
John Davies, a plasterer from Wrexham, was found guilty of assault and robbery and sentenced to death by hanging despite protesting his innocence throughout his trial.
The tale of John Davies is a tragic one.
He had served as a steward at a local farm and had revived its fortunes while also earning the affection of the daughter of his employer who had been widowed several years before.
This had earned the resentment of rival farm owner Thomas Pearce and jilted fiance Robert Parker who had orchestrated a violent robbery and left evidence behind to incriminate their mutual enemy.
The crime took place on the road from Welshpool to Berriew when a man was assaulted and a silver watch and a small amount of money taken.
Hundreds gathered in the town to witness Davies' hanging on September 6, 1821.
St Nicholas Church in Montgomery. Picture by Phil Halling/Geograph.
It is recorded that a storm had begun no sooner than when the noose had been placed around the condemned man's neck and thunder and lightning had soon engulfed the town.
The lightning is said to have illuminated the face of Davies who had addressed the crowd by saying "If I am innocent, the grass, for one generation at least, will not cover my grave."
Rumours had soon spread of the dead man's final words and some had come to believe him innocent.
Such rumours of a curse being placed Pearce and Parker had also taken flight in following years following the death of Pearce in a blasting accident while Parker is said to have led a wasted life.
The Old Gaol in Montgomery. Picture by Fabian Musto/Geograph.
As Davies had prophesised, no grass had grown on his grave for the next century while even today the site in the town's St Nicholas Church has bare patches and can still be seen today 30 feet from the gate.
The courthouse and county jail where Davies was condemned and spent his last nights have long been converted into cottages though reports of the ghost of the 'Robber's Grave' have continued for nearly 200 years.
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