Arthurian Llangollen

In Llangollen in North Wales we find some of the earliest references to the origins of King Arthur - not the knight and shining armour, but the dark age warrior who fought against the Saxons to protect his homeland. The Welsh traditions of King Arthur are the oldest in the world and in this area, we have place names and traditions attached to him and his companions.

Croes Gwenhwyfar. This is situated just off the Llangollen canal towpath where the remains of a base for a stone cross is situated. Croes Gwenhwyfar is Welsh for Guinevere’s Cross. She was the wife of Arthur, and she is also linked to the area through folklore. This is the only site with her name in Britain.

Ffynnon Arthur. On the south side of the Dee river on the old road over the hills to Chirk is the spring known locally as Ffynnon Arthur. The origin of this name is obscure but it overlooks the site of Croes Gwenhwyfar. 

Craig Arthur. The patron saint of Llangollen is Saint Colin. In local folklore it is said that he had a fight with a giant ogress who guarded the horseshoe pass known as Bwlch Rhiwvelen.  This ogress had been killing people who had tried to cross the pass. The saint grabbed his sword and defeated her by cutting off both her arms. Though she cried out for help for Arthur, no help came. This area is known as Craig Arthur. The summit of the cliff has a rare rock formation known as Arthur’s Chair - Cadair. 

Ffynnon Collen is situated near the top of the horseshoe pass. It is a natural spring, and in legend, it is believed to be where Saint Collen washed his hands and following his fight that killed the female giant. 

Castell Dinas Bran has an important place in the history of the holy Grail. The Grail was reputed to have been brought to Britain by Joseph of Arimathea and was eventually passed onto his nephew. It is said the Grail cup cured a king of leprosy and a castle was built to house it. Once finished, the word Corbenic, meaning crow or raven, miraculously appeared above the main gates thus giving the castle its name. It has been known as Crow castle for centuries. It’s believed that the Grail resided in the castle for many years until the time of Arthur and that there is a cave deep below the ruins full to the brim with treasure. 

Valley Crucis Abbey. There are many stories linking Arthur to Glastonbury in Somerset, but many of these tales are of a later date. The importance of Crucis Abbey is that many believe it to be the real Glastonbury, of which Saint Collen was the first Abbot. Many pre-Roman Roman and Saxon artefacts have been found in excavations here. 

Eliseg’s Pillar is one of the most important memorials in our understanding of dark age Britain. Edward Llwyd passed this way in 1690 and made a copy of the inscription found upon the pillar which tells us it was erected in the ninth century. The inscription includes Vortigern. Famous in early British history in connection with meeting the child Merlin at Dina’s Emrys hill fort in Snowdonia. He had an alliance with the Saxons, which led to the war in which Arthur played an important role. Vortigern was killed for his treachery by Arthur’s father, Uthyr Pendragon, giving Wales its dragon connection. 

St Collen’s Church stands in the centre of Llangollen town. Dedicated to the seventh century saint Collen, who is well known in Welsh myths, legends and poetry. Said to have been the first Abbott of Glastonbury Abbey, 250 miles south of Llangollen. It’s more likely that Collen was first Abbot of this monastic settlement, llan meaning enclosure and gollen referring to his name. The interior of the church is famous for its wonderfully carved 15th century oak roof as well as stained glass windows. 

From Arthurian Llangollen leaflet of places to see in the town of Llangollen.