The secrets heavy of a rock group
RECENT research has suggested that Stonehenge may have started out as a stone circle in west Wales. Archeologists from University College London believe that the stone circle may have been dismantled and rebuilt 280km away at its current location on Salisbury plain.
This Neolithic house-moving has many ramifications, and with St David’s Day coming up on Monday (March 1) this seems to be a very suitable time to ask some questions about the links between Wales and one of the world’s most famous rock groups.
Q: OK, let’s hear the latest stony scoop...
A. Researchers have uncovered the remains of what appears to be Britain’s third largest stone circle, in the Preseli Hills of west Wales. The theory goes that stones were towed all the way to England to make Stonehenge.
Q. And Preseli — that name rings a bell...
A. Yes, there’s a bit of a coincidence going on here. This part of Wales is very Celtic. Ruggedly rural, yet spiritual — a sainted place in fact. St David and St Patrick (probably) both called this home, as indeed did St Elvis.
Q. Elvis? You’re having a laugh?
A. Nope. St Elvis existed. Possibly his name was derived from Ailbe or perhaps ancient Briton names. Eilfyw or Eilfw.
Q. So, nothing to do with the man from Tupelo?
A. Again, no. For further details you need to head for the village of Solva, overlooking St Bride’s Bay in Pembrokeshire. From here it’s a short walk to St Elvis Farm. You’ll find a stone shrine to the saint — who may have been a 6th century missionary from Ireland, namely Elvis of Munster. Due east of Solva, deep into the Pembroke National Park, are the Preseli Hills which rise to over 1700 feet. The word ‘preseli’ probably comes from the Welsh prys, meaning ‘wood, bush, copse’.
Q. So St Elvis would have walked in the Preseli Hills in his spare time, when he wasn’t forgiving sins and the like?
A. Yes, but I stress: any resonance with the popular entertainer from Mississippi is entirely coincidental. As it happens Elvis (the singer) may have had a Celtic connection, but further north. Studies show a possible link between the names Paisley and Presley. Certainly Elvis may have had Scottish or Ulster Scots links. Although nothing Welsh.
Q. So anyway, back to the rocks...
A: Indeed. Bluestone from the hills may have been used in the building of the inner circle. The University College London people reckon the stone circle they found at Waun Mawn in the hills has a definite echo with Stonehenge. A link with Wales was first suggested back in the 1920s, and according to this latest research, a connection with Ireland should not be ruled out.
Q. So you’d recommend the area for a visit, when we can?
A Certainly would. Aside from the Stonehenge connection, the hills are home to an array of wildlife, ace views, and terrific walks. According to legend, St Patrick had his vision to convert Ireland to Christianity here and set sail the fifth century from Whitesands Bay, at the tip of St David’s peninsula. This is a premier surfing area — but even if paddlepusses and frubes are a mystery to you (they are to me) this beach has much going for it. You can amble along the curl of silvery sand right out to the gulldraped headland, or discover tight, secluded rocky coves.
Q. Sold! Now that we know Stonehenge is probably Welsh, can I get my money back (£19.50) for the last time I visited?
A: No. Probably not.