As National Storytelling week is celebrated in February, it seems like the perfect time to tap into Bridgend County’s rich tapestry of folklore and legends that have been passed down through generations. From mysterious tales of the past to tragic love stories, the region is rich in captivating folklore that continues to enthrall and intrigue locals and visitors…
The Maid of Cefn Ydfa
Our storytelling trail begins with a love story, set in the historic village of Llangynwyd and dating back to the 18th century. Ann Thomas, the daughter of a rich landowner of the Cefn Ydfa Estate, fell in love with local thatcher and poet Wil Hopcyn, but due to their different backgrounds Ann’s father refused to let Ann marry her true love, and instead kept her locked away to forbid her from seeing him. The young lovers would then write secret letters to each other with the help of Ann’s servant, leaving them in the hollow of an oak tree on the estate.
When the exchange of these love letters was discovered, Ann’s writing materials were taken away, but she continued to keep contact with her true love by plucking leaves off the trees outside her window and writing on them in her own blood.
Ann’s father forced her to marry another - Anthony Maddocks, but it’s said that Ann pined so badly for Wil that she fell gravely ill. On her deathbed, she made a final request to be reunited with her love one last time, and Will loyally went to her side, where she died in his arms.
If you visit Llangynwyd, outside The Old House 1147 pub and restaurant you’ll find a memorial cross dedicated to Wil and Ann, and in the local church, St Cynwyd, is where Ann Maddocks was laid to rest.
The town hidden under the sand
Next on our journey of legendary tales is Kenfig National Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its unique ecosystem of dunes and wetlands, providing habitats for hundreds of species of plants and animals. Although today the land is a secluded spot enjoyed by walkers and nature enthusiasts, the area is said to have once been a thriving medieval town, regularly attacked by Vikings due to its prosperous pickings.
History points to perhaps the most practical reason for the town becoming the vast stretches of sand dunes and wetlands we see today, which is that huge storms brought in more and more sand over many years, with the town people eventually moving inland before the sandy landscape claimed the area. However, a more colourful legendary tale, as mentioned in Graham LoveLuck-Edwards’ book, Legends & Folklore of Bridgend County & The Vale, takes us back to Kenfig around the 14th century, with a local peasant boy visiting an Old Knight, asking him to lend his rich attire to woo the daughter of the great earl.
The Old Knight advised against the deceptive strategy and in temper the boy killed him, before helping himself to the Old Knight’s fortune and passing it off as his own. The boy went on to impress the earl’s daughter with his wealthy wares, and their wedding took place in the Church of St James in Kenfig. During the wedding celebrations, a voice from above called out ‘Vengeance will be mine!’, with the Old Knight’s spirit cursing the town with a terrible event to come with the ninth generation. When a child was born soon after, making it the ninth generation in the town of Kenfig, the voice came again with ‘Vengeance will be mine!’. With this, a huge tidal wave engulfed the town - leaving a wall of sand hemming in the lake with the buildings lying beneath.
If you visit the area today, all that remains of the old town of Kenfig is the Castle Keep, barely popping up through the undergrowth near the expansive nature reserve.
Magical stories Between the Trees
Now we visit Candleston Woods in Merthyr Mawr, a magical setting holding unique events and festivals. One such festival is Between The Trees - an enchanting celebration of nature, music and science. The family-friendly festival which focuses on reconnecting people with natural surroundings, will take place this year from 22nd to 25th August.
Visitors to Between The Trees Festival can lose themselves in captivating tales through dance, spoken word, music and woodland workshops - all keeping the magic of storytelling alive. With a host of authors, poets, speakers and performers - there’s plenty of opportunity to soak up the serenity of the forest, enjoying escapism at its best! Find out more and get ticket information here.
Tales of the past at St Johns House
Just a stone’s throw from Bridgend Town Centre, our trail takes us up Newcastle Hill to historical St John's House, one of Bridgend’s oldest dwellings dating back to the 16th century. The building’s mysterious past holds its fair share of stories, with its walls full of whispers from the last 500 years!
Open days take place monthly where you can enjoy a guided tour that delves into the tales and folklore surrounding the Grade II* listed building, taking in ancient artefacts and architectural features that transport you back in time!
A destination bursting with stories…
The magic of storytelling remains an integral part of Bridgend County’s heritage, with endless amounts of stories and legends to be discovered! Did King Arthur battle on the mountains near Bridgend? Does Cefn Cribwr get its name from Cribwr The Giant? There are so many intriguing legends to spark the imagination! Plan your visit to uncover hidden histories and explore legendary myths intertwined with Bridgend County’s beautiful landscapes…
