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KENFIG
Here is another of the jewels of the area. The Medieval Borough of Kenfig is rich in Roman and medieval history, its secrets now sadly buried by the ever changing and drifting dunes of Kenfig Burrows but well worth a visit. It was a thriving Walled Town but by the 1600's, sand had swamped it to such a degree that only a handful of people lived there. If only the sands could speak as they conceal many of its darker secrets! The Welsh lord Iestyn ap Cwrgan had been the owner of the land but he was defeated by the Norman conqueror Robert Fitzhamon. Earl of Gloucester who built a motte and bailey which was later converted into a stone shell keep around which the medieval town of Kenfig grew. Kenfig was indeed a town of some importance as by charter it could levy its own taxes and make its own by-laws. The town had a High Street and a Guildhall which they were so proud of that they would not allow long term prisoners to enter its cells except through a side entrance! It even had a hospital.
The once important Norman Kenfig Castle, was established by Robert, in the first half of the 12th century. It had a square, free standing keep with an entrance at the SW angle and a further building remains to the SW. To the south is the bailey, with remains of a bank and ditch around it. Although poor and patched it was an important administrative centre, and a borough was established to the south by 1183. Throughout the 12th and 13th centuries Kenfig Castle and the town suffered badly from raids of the disinherited Welsh Lords of Afon. It was burned down so often that the inhabitants built a stockade around the perimeter of the town only to have it struck by lightning and burned down again. Even the great Llywellyn had a go at it and later Owain Glyndwr attacked and destroyed it. The town was rebuilt, but once again attacked, this time the enemy was not man but the every changing sands. From the 13th century onwards it was gradually engulfed and only the very ruinous stump of the castle keep is still visible. See if you can spot the scant remains of the castle mound amongst the dunes north of Kenfig Pool. The Prince of Wales Inn which dates from 1605, was built as a Town Hall to replace the one lost beneath the sands and the ancient Church of St Mary Magdalen (or Mawdlam) is at least 750 years old for it first appeared in historic records in 1255.
The Legend of Kenfig
Misty moors and crumbling ruins always attract legends and stories. Sker House set in a secluded spot overlooking the sea is one such place. Crows and seagulls sit on the rooftop and it's gaunt and eerie situation near a vast lonely beach and at the tip of a wilderness of heath and sand fulfils all expectations.
Despite modern renovations, the old house creaks and groans in the swirling winds. There are several stories connected to the house.
The most fascinating story is one a young woman called Elizabeth Williams who was held for many years in a room within the house by her father Isaac. He had discovered that she was involved in a relationship with a local harpist named Thomas Evans. Eventually her father forced her into a loveless but lucrative marriage which resulted in her death of a broken heart.
People believe that she haunts the house if you see her it is an omen of bad luck. However her ghost has been seen several times, standing by a window upstairs. She is seen peering across the moors awaiting her lover Thomas.
She is not alone, however, as there is also a story that says the ghost of a small monk haunts a secret passage within the house, which is known as Abbots Walk. He must be tired of hearing the unfortunate maiden’s chains clanking when she makes an appearance!
Any area like this draw stories and legends and the most widely reported legend being that the original town is buried beneath the vast deep lake after being struck by a sudden sandstorm. The vast windswept moors will always appear mystical or romantic to people!
Tours by foot - Kenfig
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