Sick of Wales?

Like the proverbial vacation slide show I just keep going and going. I mentioned this may be my last Wales post, but since these are some of the best pictures I have (outside of the N. Z. stuff)I may eat my words and post Wales again. Who knows?!!
So these pictures are of one of my absolute favorite places we went. It is St Govans Head and is this amazing chapel in the cleft of cliffs. Here are two differing descriptions of St Govan's history.


This tiny chapel hidden in a deep ravine in the rocks dates from the thirteenth century. There may have been a chapel or religious structure here in the fifth century making it one of the earliest places of Christian worship. It has been suggested that the chapel was part of a larger Hermitage but its history is unclear.

The chapel can be accessed from a series of steps cut into the cliff face. Traditionally these steps were thought to be uncountable. According to legend the cleft in the rock face was said to open and close to allow St Govan to hide from his enemies or in times of danger.
History does not record a St Govan, and there are a number of theories about who he may have been. According to Arthurian tradition St Govan is really a corruption of Sir Gawain, the bravest of Arthur's company, who spent his life here after the death of Arthur and is buried under the altar. Other researchers suggest that St Govan may have been associated with St David.

There is a small holy well not far away from the chapel but it has now been filled in, in the past the well was used for curing lameness, rheumatism and bad sight. The local red clay was mixed with the water of the well and applied to the affected spot. It was also customary to apply water with a limpet shell.

It is approached by a steep flight of steps leading down the cliff to the water. The chapel is tiny and is one of the most picturesque little 6th-century hermits' chapels in Britain. The story goes that St. Govan was being chased by pirates who hoped to hold him to ransom to the monestery. Apparently a cleft in the rock opened miraculously for him to hide in; opening for a second time when the pirates left. St. Goven stayed in his cell here until his death in 586. Tradition has it that the saint lies buried under the altar in the chapel which bears his name.



So who knows, 6th century, 13th century... all I know is the light was amazing and it was a very moving place for me. I had a similar experience in a tiny little church in N. Z. and I just think it is the accumulated history and dedication that affect me. ..... or hormones.