Discover Welsh Legends in Pembrokeshire
St Govans Chapel - Image Pembrokeshire Coast
Wales is full of history, myths and legends, and here in Pembrokeshire there’s no shortage of legends to seek out and discover.
1. The Witch of Picton Castle
Picton Castle, a medieval castle near Haverfordwest, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a witch. According to local legend, a woman accused of witchcraft was sentenced to death and burned at the stake. It is believed that her spirit still lingers around Picton Castle, and some claim to have seen her ghost wandering the grounds.
2. The Sunken Hundred
Off the coast of Pembrokeshire lies the submerged forest of Cantre'r Gwaelod, also known as the Sunken Hundred. Legend has it that this was once a fertile and prosperous land ruled by a prince named Gwyddno Garanhir. One day, the land was lost to the sea due to the negligence of Seithennin, the prince's drunken servant. The bells of the drowned church are said to ring out during stormy weather.
3. The Legend of St. Govan's Chapel
St. Govan's Chapel, nestled in the cliffs near Bosherston, has a unique legend associated with its founding. According to the story, St. Govan, a hermit, was being pursued by pirates. To escape, he prayed for the rocks to open up and provide him with a hiding place. Miraculously, the cliffs opened up, and Govan found refuge inside. The pirates, unable to locate him, eventually left. St. Govan decided to stay in this secluded spot, and he built a small chapel on the site.
Picton Castle - Image Pictoncastle.co.uk
4. The Golden Road to Reynoldston
Near the village of Reynoldston, there is a mysterious pathway known as the Golden Road. According to legend, this path was created by the Devil himself as a shortcut to collect souls. Locals warn against walking the Golden Road at night, as it is believed to be haunted by spectral figures and supernatural beings.
5. The Maid of Skomer Island
Skomer Island, located off the coast of Pembrokeshire, is known for its wildlife and natural beauty. According to local legend, there was once a beautiful maiden who lived on Skomer. One day, she encountered a young man and fell deeply in love. However, their love was forbidden, and tragedy struck. The maiden, heartbroken, threw herself from the cliffs into the sea. It is said that on stormy nights, her ghostly figure can be seen wandering the cliffs of Skomer.
6. The Devil's Bridge (Pontarfynach)
While there are several Devil's Bridges across the UK, including one in Wales not far from Pembrokeshire, the legends associated with these bridges often involve a pact with the Devil. According to one version of the story, the Devil offered to build a bridge in exchange for the soul of the first living being to cross it. However, clever locals tricked the Devil by sending a dog across first. In some variations, it's a cat or other animals. The Devil, frustrated at being outsmarted, disappears in a fit of rage.
7. The Giant's Quoit
In the village of Mathry, there is a Neolithic burial chamber known as Carreg Samson or the Giant's Quoit. Legend has it that this massive stone was thrown into place by a giant named Samson. The giant, who was passing through Pembrokeshire, was challenged to prove his strength. In response, he picked up a huge boulder and tossed it into position, creating the burial chamber that stands to this day.