Your History: St Eluned’s Chapel & Well, Slwch Hillfort

St Eluned’s Chapel & Well, Slwch Hillfort

Eluned [aka Aled] was one of the many daughters of the fifth century King, Brychan of Brycheiniog. She was pursued by a local landowner, who wanted to make her his wife. She ran away to avoid being forced into marriage. The local villages of Llanddew, Llanfilo and Llechfaen all rejected her, doubting her motive for not being with her family or a male escort.

She would not find peace until her arrival on Slwch, where the local lord gave her protection. Her security was short lived as her pursuer found her, determined to possess her as his own. When she spurned him, he chased her and beheaded her. Her head hit a stone and a healing spring burst from that spot.

At some time, her body was removed to the Priory Church at Usk, in Monmouthshire, home to a community of Benedictine nuns.

A chapel, yew tree and well, marked the spot of her death. In 1188 Gerald of Wales, then Archdeacon at Brecon and living at Llanddew, witnessed medieval pilgrims performing ecstatic dances and being healed there.

The chapel fell into decay after the Reformation. Nothing is visible at the site.

Her Saint’s or Feast Day is August 1st.

www.blfhs.co.uk