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

Parc-y-Meirw

Stone Row / Alignment

Folklore

If you visit Parc-y-Meirw, it's worth walking half a mile down the road to the derelict church of Llanllawer and its associated holy well. The church, a Victorian restoration without any merit, was originally built on an ancient site: the churchyard which surrounds it being roughly circular and stones on either side of the entrance gate bearing rudely engraved crosses. The well in the adjoining field, accessible via a stile, is a shallow pool with a stone hood. The church (not accessible) has inside it a weeping stone, said always to be damp. The location of the this site is highly significant: above the river, close to the stone row and with a direct siteline to the 'nipple' of Mynydd Dinas, or Llanllawer Mountain.

To quote from The Topographical Dictionary of Wales (1833):
"On the side of Llanllawer mountain, which terminates in a rocky point, and is hence called the Maiden's Breast, numerous Druidical relics and carneddau are profusely scattered, which are supposed to have been places of ancient sepulture; and adjoining is a mineral well, formerly in high repute for its efficacy in the cure of ague and other diseases, but now neglected."
It's no longer so neglected: modern pagans have adorned the gate across the well mouth, hooray!
Posted by daisy
12th February 2005ce
Edited 29th January 2012ce

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