In the 7th century, Saint Melangell, daughter of an Irish King, fled from an unwanted arranged marriage to live in secret in Cwm Pennant (‘Pennant Valley’). Living as a hermit for fifteen years, she sheltered a hare from the hunting dogs of Brochwell Ysgithrog, Prince of Powys. The dogs retreated and Brochwell, transfixed by Melangell's beauty and piety, granted her the valley as a permanent refuge. She established a community of holy women and the church, built in 1160, still holds her relics and flourishes as a centre for healing and counsel. Explore the church and centre, and follow the footpaths in the woods where you’ll find the same streams familiar to Saint Melangell.
In the 7th century, Saint Melangell, daughter of an Irish King, fled from an unwanted arranged marriage to live in secret in Cwm Pennant (‘Pennant Valley’). Living as a hermit for fifteen years, she sheltered a hare from the hunting dogs of Brochwell Ysgithrog, Prince of Powys. The dogs retreated and Brochwell, transfixed by Melangell's beauty and piety, granted her the valley as a permanent refuge. She established a community of holy women and the church, built in 1160, still holds her relics and flourishes as a centre for healing and counsel. Explore the church and centre, and follow the footpaths in the woods where you’ll find the same streams familiar to Saint Melangell.