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Visiting the Past: Finding and Understanding Britain's Archaeology

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<< Our Photo Pages >> Nevern Churchyard - Standing Stone (Menhir) in Wales in Pembrokeshire

Submitted by Andy B on Monday, 28 September 2015  Page Views: 12430

Early Medieval (Dark Age)Site Name: Nevern Churchyard Alternative Name: Nevern Great Cross, Nevern 1, Nevern 2, Nevern 4 P73 (Pembrokeshire 73), The Vitalianus Stone
Country: Wales County: Pembrokeshire Type: Standing Stone (Menhir)
 Nearest Village: Nevern
Map Ref: SN0833340028  Landranger Map Number: 145
Latitude: 52.025465N  Longitude: 4.795106W
Condition:
5Perfect
4Almost Perfect
3Reasonable but with some damage
2Ruined but still recognisable as an ancient site
1Pretty much destroyed, possibly visible as crop marks
0No data.
-1Completely destroyed
4 Ambience:
5Superb
4Good
3Ordinary
2Not Good
1Awful
0No data.
4 Access:
5Can be driven to, probably with disabled access
4Short walk on a footpath
3Requiring a bit more of a walk
2A long walk
1In the middle of nowhere, a nightmare to find
0No data.
4 Accuracy:
5co-ordinates taken by GPS or official recorded co-ordinates
4co-ordinates scaled from a detailed map
3co-ordinates scaled from a bad map
2co-ordinates of the nearest village
1co-ordinates of the nearest town
0no data
3

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SandyG visited on 3rd Feb 2016 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 5 Access: 5

Anne T visited on 23rd Aug 2014 - their rating: Cond: 3 Amb: 4 Access: 5 Nevern Churchyard, Pembrokeshire: After having felt ‘thwarted’ by the farmer’s notice to seek permission before accessing the Trafael Rock Art capstone (but with no details of who to contact) we cut our losses and drove back towards Newport to have a cup of tea and a piece of cake. We came across the pretty little village of Nevern. There was a crowd of people gathered around the bench and a large mounting block opposite the village hall river, so stopped to look. What a treat. A stream ran by the western end of the church, with a narrow well laid footpath above the stream, against the bottom of the church yard wall, so you could walk up to the little weir further upstream. According to the church guide book, the mounting block is only one of two left in Pembrokeshire. The notice board by the bench told us that there was the remains of a castle, a church with two notable crosses, an old Pilgrim’s cross and other things to see. For today, we focused on the church where we found two ancient stone crosses, plus a stone with both Ogham and Latin inscriptions and an incised stone on the external wall of the church. The church was atmospheric to start with, with its dark yew avenue. A lady was sitting on a tombstone under a yew tree immediately to the left of the gate, sketching, whilst her friend was recording and deciphering writing on tombstones nearby. At first I couldn’t see the Great Cross, which was right next to the church wall, and partly hidden by the branches of the yew trees next to it. All four sides are heavily decorated with ribbons and interlacing symbols. The guide says the cross is 13 feet high, with the cross being 24.5 inches in diameter. Looking up to the top of the cross, the top seemed ‘too large’ for the shaft, as it protruded by at least an inch on each of the longer sides, and I wondered if these had been a ‘marriage’ but the styles of decoration matched perfectly. Immediately to the east of the porch before entering the church is the Vitalianus Stone, which the guide book tells us may date from the 5th century, and also has Ogham and Latin inscriptions. On the church wall above the Vitalianus stone, there is an interesting weathered corbel of a male face. On the north exterior wall of the church, at the left hand corner of the second window in the chancel, there is a lettered stone with a Latin inscription, which has apparently been recut. Inside the church, as you look towards the east end from the nave, the nave seems to bend towards the south. The guide book says this is only a 1 degree angle, but actually seems a lot more. There are a couple of very interesting and amusing memorials to members of the Warren family – one next to the Maglocunus Stone and the other in the west corner of the quire. The Maglocunus Stone is built into a window sill on the south side of the nave, and contains another example of Ogham and Latin inscriptions next to each other. There was also a ‘weeping yew’ (second tree to the right as you entered the churchyard). The ‘bleeding’ limb was round the back of the tree (to the east), and really did weep a reddish liquid. A couple of hours well spent, satisfying my interest for both church architecture and ancient monuments.

michmax visited on 21st Jun 2009 - their rating: Cond: 5 Amb: 5 Access: 5

SteveC visited - their rating: Cond: 5 Amb: 5 Access: 5 Inside the curch are example of stones with Ogham writing. The churchyard contains the weeping ash tree.

Arjessa have visited here

Average ratings for this site from all visit loggers: Condition: 4.25 Ambience: 4.75 Access: 5

Nevern Churchyard Cross
Nevern Churchyard Cross submitted by vicky : The Nevern Great Cross, often described as ‘one of the most perfect specimens of its kind’. It stands in the churchyard at Nevern in Pembrokeshire, not far from the famous tomb of Pentre Ifan. It is believed to date to the 10th or 11th century. Close by is an avenue of ancient yew trees, one of which is said to bleed. (Vote or comment on this photo)
Ancient Crosses and Standing Stone in Pembrokeshire. The Nevern Great Cross, often described as ‘one of the most perfect specimens of its kind’. It stands in the churchyard at Nevern in Pembrokeshire, not far from the famous tomb of Pentre Ifan. It is believed to date to the 10th or 11th century.

Close by is an avenue of ancient yew trees, one of which is said to bleed.

A standing stone (The Vitalianus Stone) is immediately to the east of the church porch with the faint remains of Ogham and Latin inscriptions spelling out "Vitalianus".

Two other interesting stones, also decorated with ogham have been used as window sills inside the church.

For more information see the following:
Vitaliani Stone (Nevern 2): Coflein 304394;
Ogham Stone (Nevern 1): Coflein NPRN 423439;
Incised Stone in Henllys South Chapel (Nevern 3): Coflein NPRN 423440;
Tall Free Standing Cross (Nevern 4): Coflein NPRN 304393; and
St Brynach's Church: Coflein NPRN 300317.

The Journal of Antiquities also includes an entry for St Brynach’s Church, Nevern, Pembrokeshire, Wales, which includes drawings of the incised stones, background information to St Brynach and the church, and a list of reference sources for more information.

Original page by Vicky Morgan, with additions by Anne T and Sunny 100.

Note: Introducing Nevern 4 - Hauen’s Cross? See the photos and the latest comment on our page for more
You may be viewing yesterday's version of this page. To see the most up to date information please register for a free account.


Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by jess : ok it's not a stone but it's worth commenting on. This is in the churchyard too. This Yew tree 'bleeds' an unidentifiable red liquid that has baffled scientists and arborist for years. The legend states that a man was hung from this tree and it has been bleeding ever since. It also states that the tree will continue to bleed until a Welshman sits on the throne in Nevern Castle (2 comments - Vote or comment on this photo)

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by jess : A wonderful walk and a churchyarn full of history. Here is one of the best celtic crosses I have ever seen (Vote or comment on this photo)

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by jess : Ogham stone. (2 comments - Vote or comment on this photo)

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by SandyG : The Nevern Great Cross. View from the west. (Vote or comment on this photo)

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by AngieLake : Just outside the gate to Nevern churchyard is a mounting block. My friend noticed this view of a grass labyrinth [just to the west of the church], from the top of its steps. It appears to be in a private field, and we weren't there long enough to find out if there is ever public access to it.

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by Sunny100 : The Nevern Cross, dating from the 10th century and standing 12 feet high. Richly decorated with Celtic design-work, symbols and inscriptions. It is similar in design to the crosses at Carew and Whitford (Maen Achwyfan). The inscriptions on the Nevern Cross have a Scandinavian influence but, as yet, they have not been deciphered.

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by PaulM : This standing stone inscribed with ogham can be found in Nevern churchyard close to the famous cross. Two other interesting stones, also descorated with ogham have been used as window sills inside the church.

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by Horatio : The other earlier Christian cross that is in the churchyard and close to the entrance to the church is this stone that is of the 5th or early 6th century. Just visable in this photo can be seen the Latin inscription VITALIANA / EMERETO. (The stone) of Vitalianus Emereto. On the stones left edge is an Ogam inscription of VITALIAN(o).

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by Horatio : The cross similar in style to the Carew Cross is late 10th or early 11th century. On this side can be seen the inscription, halfway down the shaft, of DNS and is thought to be an abbreviated form of Dominus (Lord). The cross is made in the local dolerite stone and is composed of two parts. The upper wheel-head and a neck are joined by a mortise-and-tenon joint to the shaft, this picture clearly sh...

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by Antonine : 2017

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by Antonine : the Ogham inside the church, taken 2017

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by Antonine : 2017

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by Antonine

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by Antonine

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by Antonine

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by SandyG : Maglocunus stone inside the church.

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by SandyG : Vitalianus stone. View from south.

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by SandyG : The Nevern Great Cross. View from east.

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by Anne T : For completeness, I've included this image of the incised stone in the north wall (second chancel window). The letters IM can just be seen on the right hand side of the picture.

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by Anne T : This is the Maglocunus Stone, built into a window sill on the southern wall of the nave.

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by Anne T : The top of the great cross; note how the right hand side protrudes over the shaft of the cross.

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by Anne T : The Great Cross at St. Brynach, Nevern from the eastern end of the church.

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by Anne T : Standing against the church wall looking back towards the church gate and the bleeding yew.

Nevern Churchyard
Nevern Churchyard submitted by Anne T : A close up of some of the faint marks on the Vitalianus Stone.

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Nearby sites listing. In the following links * = Image available
 151m WNW 296° Nevern Castle* Ancient Village or Settlement (SN082401)
 243m W 264° The Pilgrim's Cross, Nevern* Ancient Cross (SN08094001)
 1.9km WNW 299° Wynston Stone Pair* Standing Stones (SN067410)
 2.0km E 80° Trefael* Rock Art (SN10294028)
 2.1km E 97° Cwm Gloyne Hillfort (SN104397)
 2.1km NNW 331° Tredissi Chambered Tomb (SN074419)
 2.2km SSW 199° Brithdir Mawr Barrow* Modern Stone Circle etc (SN0753137967)
 2.3km N 357° Trellyffaint Stone Standing Stone (Menhir) (SN083423)
 2.4km WSW 251° Carreg Coetan Arthur* Burial Chamber or Dolmen (SN06033935)
 2.5km SSW 208° Brithdir Mawr stone circle* Modern Stone Circle etc (SN071379)
 2.5km N 355° Trellyffaint Tomb* Burial Chamber or Dolmen (SN08224252)
 2.7km WSW 248° Golden Lion stone* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SN058391)
 2.8km WSW 244° Inscribed cross stones St. Mary's church* Early Christian Sculptured Stone (SN058389)
 2.8km SW 227° Carn Llwyd Open Settlement Ancient Village or Settlement (SN0623038205)
 3.0km SW 220° Carn Ingli Mountain Neolithic Settlement Ancient Village or Settlement (SN063378)
 3.0km SW 220° Carn Ingli Settlement Hillfort (SN063378)
 3.1km SW 223° Crn Llwyd Stone* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SN0613537828)
 3.2km SW 218° Mynydd Carn Ingli* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SN063376)
 3.2km SW 218° Carn Ingli Barrows Round Barrow(s) (SN063376)
 3.2km NE 45° Tumulus at Pantygroes farm* Round Barrow(s) (SN107422)
 3.3km ENE 57° Caer Bayvil* Hillfort (SN112417)
 3.4km SSE 150° Pentre Ifan* Portal Tomb (SN09943702)
 3.4km SSE 165° Tycanol Hillfort (SN091367)
 3.4km SW 214° Carn Ingli Mountain Fort* Hillfort (SN0627737260)
 3.5km SSE 151° Penfeidr Coedan Stone* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SN099369)
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"Nevern Churchyard" | Login/Create an Account | 4 News and Comments
  
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Re: Nevern Churchyard by sem on Thursday, 01 June 2017
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OS grid ref (Coflein) SN0833340028 [updated, thank you]
[ Reply to This ]

Introducing Nevern 4 - Hauen’s Cross? by Andy B on Monday, 28 September 2015
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Prof. Howard M. R. Williams writes on his wide ranging, strangely titled and excellent blog Archaeodeath: Ever since I first encountered this fabulous free-standing ring-headed cross comprised of two sculpted stones in I have been a fan of its striking form, ornament, patina and position.

Nevern 4 is not in isolation, it is situated as one of nine early medieval monuments known from Nevern (Nanhyfer) and one of four from St Brynach’s Church. Later to acquire a substantial castle, it is likely that Nevern was an early ecclesiastical centre. As such, it is a key piece of evidence for any researcher interested in early medieval stone sculpture and what it reveals about the history of the church and society in these islands.

This discussion follows closely on that found on pages 396-401 of Nancy Edwards’ superb Corpus of Early Medieval Inscribed Stones and Stone Sculpture in Wales Volume 2 (2007, University of Wales Press), in which she numbers it ‘Nevern 4 P73’ (Pembrokeshire 73). Her detailed appraisal is accompanied by fine black-and-white photographs of the monument far superior to my snaps here. I would recommend anyone seriously interested in this monument to acquire or loan Nancy’s book.

Nancy dates the monument to the second half of the tenth or early eleventh centuries AD (i.e. late Viking Age).

The modern location of the cross is important because Nancy regards it as probably in situ. In other words this might be a rare example of an early medieval monument that has never been moved subsequent to its 10th/11th-century erection.

In this regard, it is just like the Pillar of Eliseg. However, in this case it was probably situated right next to a pre-existing early Christian place of worship. This scenario is unproven and the church might have come later. However, the presence of two inscribed stones – Nevern 1 and 2 – both dated to the fifth or sixth centuries, might be taken as evidence that this was a persistent place in the early medieval landscape that accrued a church at the same time, or centuries before, the raising of the cross. If the cross really is in its original location, it might have flanked the southern side of a smaller, earlier structure in a similar fashion postulated for the Llanbadarn Fawr cross and the Bewcastle monument.

More at
https://howardwilliamsblog.wordpress.com/2015/08/29/hauens-cross-introducing-nevern-4-p73/
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Nevern Churchyard by Sunny100 on Thursday, 06 May 2010
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St Brynach's Cross in Nevern Churchyard stands 12 feet tall and dates from the 10th century AD. The cross is intracately carved with Celtic knotwork, fretwork and geometric designs. Local legend says that the first cuckoo of Spring sings from the top of this cross on the saint's day which is 7th April. St Brynach, a Irish nobleman, was converted to Christianity and travelled to W Wales to found a monastery here at Nevern in 540 AD. He also founded numerous churches in the Gwaun Valley.

About 130 yards W of Nevern Church there is a pilgrims' stone, well-worn by kneeling pilgrims, and also a cross carved onto a rock face. These stones imply that Nevern was on the pilgrimage route from St Winefride's Well to St David's shrine, taking in many other churches and holy wells on their way. One of the yew trees leading upto Nevern Church is said to bleed a red resin. This occurence is, according to legend, due to unrequited love. Another local legend says that a monk died by that yew tree long ago - and that the tree continues to bleed because of his tragic death. If you examine this particular yew tree there is indeed red resin issuing from it's trunk.
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Nevern Churchyard by sem on Tuesday, 21 November 2017
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    The yew as a species of tree has its own place in folk-history and yes, this one does 'bleed'- it's a horrible, sticky red sap that's damn-near impossible to get off your fingers if you poke it!
    [ Reply to This ]

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