The Modern Antiquarian. Stone Circles, Ancient Sites, Neolithic Monuments, Ancient Monuments, Prehistoric Sites, Megalithic MysteriesThe Modern Antiquarian

Samson's Stone

Standing Stone / Menhir

Folklore

This doesn't look a very comfortable place for a stone judging by the map. It's hemmed in by the M4, the railway, a small road, and there's an industrial estate across the way. But when it was thrown here by St Sampson (from Margam mountain) for reasons left unsaid by Barber in his 'More mysterious Wales' - well it was probably a nice spot, not far from the sea and the sand dunes, and the mountains to the north.

Worth checking out just for the situation? But don't turn up before cockcrow on Christmas day or you won't see it - the stone will have uprooted itself and be on its way down to the river for a drink. Grinsell (in 'folklore of prehistoric sites in Britain') specifically mentions the sea at Sker as its favoured drinking location. Sker House itself dates back to medieval times and is said to be very haunted. Perhaps that's why the stone is drawn there. Or maybe it's more prehistoric connections - you can see a mace found there at
http://www.walespast.com/article-print.shtml?id=15&image=3

By the way - if you go to see it move, try not to get in its way. Bad luck is supposed to fall on anyone who obstructs its path.* Not to mention the fact that you'll get squashed, of course.

* Mentioned in the leaflet here: http://www.bridgend.gov.uk/Web1/groups/tourism/documents/marketing/002556.pdf

Another stone lies fairly near by , but it's on the Roman 'Water Street' and maybe connected with that?
Rhiannon Posted by Rhiannon
5th December 2002ce
Edited 13th June 2006ce

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