Saint Melangell was an Irish princess who left her native land over 1,400 years ago and came to Britain and to the Tanat valley, seeking and finding a place to live her life in quiet prayer and devotion to God.
Her legend tells the story of Prince Brychwel Ysgithrog of Powys who in AD 604 was hunting a hare and with his hounds gave chase. They came to a thicket of brambles and thorns wherein he found a beautiful maiden with the hare lying under the hem of her garments while Melangell boldly faced the dogs who retired to a distance howling.
Moved by her piety and her serenity the prince gave land to Melangell as a place of sanctuary for the service of God
Mil engyl a Melangell
Trechant lu fyddin y fall.
Melangell with a thousand angels
Triumphs over all the powers of evil.
AnneMarie Foley, Artist living in Fairyland U. K 