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| St. Telios Church, Merthyr Mawr |
Before the little Merthyr Mawr suspension bridge for
pedestrians was built there was, at that spot, a series of stepping stones
called Stepsau Telio. When the bridge came into use these stones were taken up
and placed near the mouth of the river, where they remain today. Along with
them went their original name: Stepsau Telio.
These stones, a boon to the walker and a delight to the children,
are at the most convenient crossing point of the Ewenny river. They are also on
the direct from Merthyr Mawr Church to the public house on the other side of the
river; and the speed with which the more thirsty of the congregation crossed
the stones after Sunday services was something that became legendary in the
village. Lloyd George’s Sunday Opening Act did something to dispel that state
of affairs, an event that affected Merthyr Mawr considerably, for no inn is
permitted in or near the place. If anything, however, the act increased the
speed with which local farm workers managed to cross the stones.
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| Stepsau Telio |
At one period towards the end of the last century a
competition developed among the braver souls to see how quickly the crossing
could be made without falling into the river. Many tried to take the stones at
full speed and, cheered on by hilarious friends, there were several slips and
duckings. Fortified by good ale at the inn they would try again and it was said
that, if they could cross without mishap whilst drunk, they had the right to
demand more sustenance from the landlord.
This, of course, was a custom rather than a legend, but it
seems a pity not to include it here for it has died out; and we are short of
colourful traditions. Perhaps it could be revived. A competition among the
local men from both sides of the river would be an attraction especially if,
say, the race could be held on New Year’s Day when the water is at its coldest.
The surrounding hills and the ruins of Ogmore Castle would make an attractive background
for such an event; and perhaps the landlord of the “Pelican Inn” could dispense
libation as of yore.
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| Pelican Inn, 1977! |
Illustration by Margaret Wooding
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