Three iron age forts on the Lleyn Peninsula in Gwynedd are on Garn Madryn,
Garn Boduan and the famous Tre'r Ceiri on one of "The Rivals" (which
incidentally local legend says was in use well into the 18th century). St.
Mary's Well in Nefyn is near Boduan and the well at Llanaelhaearn sort of at
the bottom of the latter, although Pistyll is possibly equidistant. I cannot
think of one equally near Madryn off-hand.
But, surely it is pretty unreasonable to think they were a source of water
for either? Surely it would not be feasible for people to walk over a mile
up and down hill just to a water source? Or does all this Christian and/or
Pagan veneration mean that these water sites were not for everyday use? Sort
of "beyond the pale" for daily water needs but never-the-less a handy place
for rituals and worship?
Wonder what the experts and academics think?
Janet Kaiser
Criccieth LL52 0EA, GB-Wales
EMAIL: [log in to unmask]
----- Original Message -----
> There are hillforts within, say, a mile of St Catherine's Well, Bredon; St
> Peter's, Martley; St Kenelm's, Romsley; St Margaret's, Halesowen. The hill
> fort featured in last Sunday's Time Team is Sutton Walls, at the top of
the
> hill above Marden, i.e. one of the St Ethelbert wells. But none of these
are
> actually inside forts. May just reflect continued occupation of good
sites,
> I suppose?
>
> Christine Buckley
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