Welsh Journals

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NOTES AND QUERIES. The subject of Holy Wells is one which may well claim our attention associated as it is, in most cases with the names of eminent saints. One such well, that of Ffynon Wen-near Llangybi, was mentioned in the first issue of this Journal. It is an instance of a well formerly supposed to possess healing powers. How came these wells to be singled out from the many springs among the mountains to bear their honoured names, and to le credited with this efficacy of healing? A well-known modern writer-the author of Body and Soul," speaking of the place which celebrated shrines, and centres of pilgrim- ages held in the devotion and veneration of medieval Christendom ,says: They did not gain that place without reason." Surely, we may say the same about our Holy Wells. It would be interesting to learn how many such wells are to be found in Cardiganshire. There is one at Elerch-quite near the Village. It bears the name of Pistyll, or Ffynon Padarn." The spring is unfailing, even in the dryest season; and within the living memory of some of the inhahbitants, its waters have been used as a means to restore health. A lady living in the neighbourhood of Elerch told me the following story, respecting the well, which she had from the lips of an old woman, resident in the place. One day, St. Padarn, accompanied by his followers, crossing the mountains in quest of water, came upon this bubbling spring. He drank of its waters, and refreshed and glad at heart," he put his name on it (i.e. blessed it). Hence its healing powers." Is there any notice of the Well of St. Paâarn," in any book de- scriptive of Cardiganshire? If it is tradition only, it is a proof of the marvellous way in which the memory of the old saints still lingers in the land handed down from one generation to another. NAMES OF PLACES IN CARDIGANSHIRE ASSOCIATED WITH KING ARTHUR AND HIS KNIGHTS. Between Crosswood and Devil's Bridge, in North Cardiganshire, is a farm called Maen Arthur (Arthur's Stone), a place which be- longs to the Earl of Lisburne. On this farm are also to be seen remains of an ancient mansion, and somewhere in the same locality is a brook known as Nant Arthur." Near Dyffryn Castell Inn, west of Eisteddfa Gurig, is Llys Arthur (Arthur's Court), and attached to Tanycastell, Devil's Bridge, is a story that Arthur and his knights are sleeping there. This is, of course, only a version of a legend which is known in other parts of Wales.