Mysterious Britain & Ireland

Category: Legends

Ancient Sites / Buried Treasure / Standing Stones / Stone Circles

Bryn Gwyn Standing Stones

These are two giant standing stones, probably two of the tallest in Wales, standing thirteen feet and ten feet tall. They are situated in a field, and actually form part of the field boundary. The stones were recorded as being part of a stone circle the 17th Century, but the circle was allegedly demolished in 19th Century, by locals looking for buried treasure.

Devil / Folklore / Folktales / Welsh Folktales

Satan At Work Near Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn

Elias Owen gives the following account of a series of disturbing experiences that befell a Sabbath breaker in his 1887 book ‘ Welsh folk-lore: a collection of the folk-tales and legends of North Wales’. The account relates to the experiences of one William Davies and was given to Owen by the late Rev. J. L.

Folklore / Folktales / Legends / Welsh Folktales

Capel Garmon Church

There have been a series of churches in Capel Garmon, the latest of which is the now closed, this being  St Garmon’s Church that was built in 1862. In his ‘Welsh folk-lore’ (1887) Elias Owen recounts the following legend he heard pertaining to the church in Capel Garmon from his friend Rev. Owen Jones of Pentrevoelas.

King Arthur / Legends

Maen Huail

Situated outside Exmewe House (currently Barclays Bank) in Ruthin, is a large boulder that was reputedly used by King Arthur as a chopping block when he killed a love rival. The story states that King Arthur and Huail (son of Caw) once fought over the favours of a lady.

Devil / Fairies / Folklore / Folktales / Legends / Welsh Fairies / Welsh Folktales

Llangar Church, Corwen

The white washed Llangar Church can be found about a mile from Corwen and can be dated from the late 13th century though it could possibly be as old as the 11th century. Its original name of ‘Llan Garw Gwyn’ (The Church of The White Deer) possibly alludes to a legend dating back its initial erection.

Devil / Legends

Satan Playing Cards

The following story concerning the Devil playing cards appeared in Elias Owen’s ‘Welsh folk-lore’ (1887)’. ‘A good many years ago I travelled from Pentrevoelas to Yspytty in company with Mr.

Ancient Sites / Early Christianity / Legends

St Barruc’s Chapel

St Barruc is said to have been buried on Barry Island, possibly at the chapel which was dedicated to him. The ruins of this chapel are on Friar’s Road overlooking Jackson Bay.