RESTING PLACE OF A FREE ELF...
IT COMES as no surprise that Wales has been used as a backdrop for many films. The stunning scenery has been used in a wide range of motion pictures, from the Bat Cave in The Dark Knight Rises (Brecon Beacons) to the Sky original Drama A Discovery of Witches.
One of the more well known Welsh filming locations is the beach at Freshwater West – where the opening scene of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part II was shot, as well as other films including Russell Crowe’s Robin Hood.
Fans of the film will know it is on this beach that the brave house elf Dobby was buried, and people flock to the National Trust beach every year to visit the fictional elf ’s resting place.
Dobby was a key character in the Harry Potter films in the struggle against he-who-must-not-be-named and died at the hands of Bellatrix Lestrange after rescuing Harry and friends from Malfoy Manor in the Deathly Hallows film.
In the decade since the film was released, the site of Dobby’s resting place has become adorned with colourfully painted stones, hundreds of socks and even flowers.
Among the stones are paintings of the elf and carved wooden socks, as well as messages from fans from across the country, and around the world.
Three years ago we reported that stones from the grave were being stolen, taken home by tourists.
No-one seemed to know why the stone markers were mysteriously removed, but local resident Laura Ridgway, from the Stackpole Under the Stars campsite, said the main grave stone had been taken before.
Ms Ridgway said: “When we went looking for it the other week, I am sure it wasn’t in the same place as I remember it being a few years back.
“I expect someone will make a replacement if that one doesn’t come back.”
All that remained at the spot p is a small pile of pebbles. bles.
Thankfully, the e grave has been restored to its former glory and d is as bright and nd vibrant as before.
In the film, Harry Potter digs Dobby’s grave in the gardens of Shell Cottage in a scene shot at the e Welsh beach in 2009. 009.
Shell Cottage was built at the Pembrokesheshire beach, but was dismantled right ight after filming finished.