Back to gallery

Waterfall at Pwll y Wrach

The main upper falls at Pwll Y Wrach nature reserve on the outskirts of Talgarth near Brecon. The reserve is set in 8.5 hectares of ancient woodland and contains this 30 foot waterfall on the river Ennig.

 

Pwll Y Wrach translates as Witches pool and was given this name after local legend inferred that suspected witches were ducked in the pool.

 

The art of Ducking while tied to an oak chair or ducking stool was in its mildest form an act of public humilliation for a 'nagging' wife or adulteress. In its more severe form a suspected witch could be immersed in a river or pool - if she drowned she was considered innocent of witchcraft - if she survived however, this could be a sign of witchcraft and the victim could be burnt at the stake.

 

Hows that for medieval justice! and no right of appeal.

10,735 views
11 faves
63 comments
Uploaded on March 10, 2010
Taken on March 7, 2010