Maen Achwylfan, Whitford, Flintshire

According to the CADW information board by this stone cross, the monks of Basingwerk Abbey erected a chapel nearby to the south in the 12th century, and that this chapel still exists as a pair of cottages. If this is true, then this must be one of the oldest inhabited buidlings in the country. When I was there recently I tried to find these buildings, but it was not at all clear where exactly they were, though there were a couple of contenders at map reference SJ126787. If this is the site of the chapel, then I would presume that the occupiers must be aware and are perhaps not keen on all and sundry strolling through their property looking for ancient ruins. Can anyone shed more light on this site?

Hello Mark, welcome. No don't know any more than you about the chapel. Its probably there where you say, but the people living there either don't know about it, or just don't want people rummaging around for ruined buildings. Have you seen my main site page on the TNA front pages. I have mentioned there being a chapel to the south of the cross. Its a nice area round Whitford, Pantasaph and Holywell - plenty to look at. St Winifred's Well is a lovely place to visit on a hot day too.

Hello Mark, the whole area looks interesting I've stuck 17 red flags on the map

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Cheers Danny

There's an interesting inscribed stone in Whitford church too. Will get it on here shortly.

I think Paul and the team will have to arrange a trip out to this area of north Wales, there's loads of ancient sites to look at.

Any idea what order the monks may have been mark?
A local historian, informs me that the early Franciscans, were of the small is beautiful persuasion, when it came to buildings.

The Order of Savigny (Savignac) monks from France established Basingwerk Abbey in 1138, later affiliated to the Cistercians of Buildwas Abbey.

Thanks Sunbright. I'll find out more about them.