This hill fort was inhabited from about 200BC to after the Romans arrived, though it seems that it’s known locally to be a ‘Roman Camp’.
On the NE side of the hill is a spring with certain magical powers, dedicated to St Ann. As usual it’s especially good for the eyes – but you had to collect the first bucket of water at the stroke of midnight on twelfth night, to ensure the best efficacy.
(Folklore of the Welsh Border, J Simpson 1976)
***
Caer Rhain is another name for Aconbury.
Baring-Gould suggests the Rhain of the name was Rhain Dremrudd, King of Brycheiniog. He translates ‘Dremrudd’ as red-eyed, but could it be more subtle than this? Trem is (I believe) Welsh for sight or gaze; could it not imply he got the red mist sometimes, rather than conjunctivitus. I dunno. Perhaps he should have visited the well (see above). All this etymology. It’s a minefield.
(Baring-Gould, ‘Lives of the British Saints’ v4, p 108. 1913)
I had an odd experience at St Ann's Well this afternoon. My previously charged-up phone beeped and said the battery was flat. I switched it off, annoyed because I use the phone to tell the time (no watch). I switched it back on up at the hillfort, fully charged again.
That'll be the Ley Line Energy or somesuch. But seriously. That's classic fortean stuff is it not, battery weirdness. Bravo!
I thought you'd like it. Didn't even remember that there was any folklore or ghostiness, just saw it on the map and it was on my way. I might've been freaked if I'd remembered, although it makes the whole thing a bit odder as I wasn't under any suggestion (nor was my phone).