Legends & Folklore of Bridgend & the Vale

by Graham Loveluck-Edwards

Legends and Folklore of Bridgend and The Vale is a compendium of twenty-six amazing stories based on myths, legends, superstitions, customs, ghost stories and tales of the supernatural originating from the counties of Bridgend and The Vale of Glamorgan on the South Wales coast (UK). It includes all the favourite and well known stories based on historical fact; such as the ship wreckers of Dunraven, the story of the eighteenth century, mass murdering highwayman - Cap Coch, the pirates and smugglers of Barry Island, Sully, Aberthaw and Porthcawl, the lost city of Kenfig and many more. It also tells a wealth of lesser known ones like the dragons of Penllyn and Penmark, when the Devil terrified travellers on the road to Cowbridge and in a pub in Maesteg, when the streets of Llantwit Major were plundered by rioters, the sacred well of Newton, the miracles performed by St Cadoc and St Illtyd and all the local ghost stories such as the haunting of the white lady of Ewenny and the spectres of Second World War RAF Airmen in Stormy Down and Llandow. To give the reader further insight into these great stories, many are balanced against a backdrop of historical context and where possible, information about the origins of the stories and their authors. Authors like Sir Edward Stradling and Iolo Morganwg. They were characters as colourful and fascinating as the stories them selves. The book also looks at folklore, customs and superstitions native to our counties. Such as ancient cures and remedies, ways to get the object of your desires to fall hopelessly in love with you and how people safe guarded their homes in Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan in days gone by, to protect them from evil spirits and bad luck. The final chapter is dedicated to the origins of some of the more interesting place names in the region. Such as Rhoose, Dinas Powys, Cowbridge and Llancarfan. They are not what they might seem to be.

176 pages, Paperback

Published September 28, 2020

Reviews

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I should record that I live in the area covered by this book so know most of the places discussed. This makes the book an interesting read, especially if one has a fascination for local history and folklore. The book is clearly based on research but it is written in a very accessible way and hence makes for comfortable reading. The sections of the book cover the history of the area, including the major families, various myths and customs along with derivation of place names. For many years I have passed through Port Talbot and wondered about the name of the Twelve Knights pub, well now I know.

[Chico · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating reading about the town I've lived in all my life (40 years), there were plenty of tales I'd never even heard of and the ones I had were expanded on so i now know more about them, such a shame there wasn't more but that's just me being greedy!!!

[Deborah Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely interesting book. Tremendous research must have been done and I particularly like the stories about my home town of Llantwit Major.

[Alexander John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for those local or familiar with the area. Lit a fire of love for this local area inside of me. Didn't quite enjoy the last two parts, but thats more from personal preference.

[Sarah Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant! Very interesting!