Nestled in the misty hills of mid-Wales, where the valleys whisper with ancient secrets and the air hums with the energy of old magic, lies the tiny chapel of Pennant Melangell. I count myself truly lucky—this sacred place is less than a ten-minute drive from my home, and every visit leaves me spellbound. The rolling green, the hush of the yew trees, and the timeless stonework of the chapel never fail to inspire my designs for Pipin Willow.
But who was St. Melangell, and why does her legend linger in these hills?
The Gentle Saint and the Hunted Hare
The story begins in the 7th century, when Melangell, an Irish princess, fled her homeland to seek a life of peace and contemplation. She settled in the secluded valley now bearing her name, devoting herself to prayer and the wild beauty of the land.
One fateful day, Prince Brochwel of Powys was hunting in these woods. His hounds chased a terrified hare, which darted into a dense thicket—right to the feet of Melangell, who was deep in prayer. To the prince’s astonishment, his hounds refused to approach, cowering before the saint’s serene presence. The story goes that even the prince’s horn stuck fast when he tried to sound it, as if the very land itself was protecting Melangell and her gentle charge.
Moved by her holiness and the miracle he witnessed, Prince Brochwel granted Melangell the valley as a sanctuary. She became the protector of hares and all small creatures, and her chapel has been a place of pilgrimage ever since—a haven for those seeking peace, healing, and a touch of the miraculous.
Inspiration in the Hills
It’s hard not to feel the magic of Pennant Melangell. On misty mornings, the hills seem to blur the line between the everyday and the enchanted. I often wander these paths, letting the legends of Melangell and her sacred valley seep into my work. Her story—of kindness, courage, and the wild—runs through many of my designs, especially those in my St Melangell collection.
If you’re drawn to tales of gentle strength and the magic of the Welsh hills, I invite you to explore my St Melangell Collection. Each piece is a little piece of legend, crafted with care and a sprinkle of the valley’s enchantment.