An avenue of ancient Yew Trees (Taxus Baccata), believed to be some 700 years old, flank the path leading to Nevern’s church of St Brynach. One of these is known as the bleeding yew, because it secretes a blood-red sap, and has done so for – apparently – as long as anyone can remember. Sap often seeps from trees, but no one can explain the unusual phenomenon of the Bleeding Yew of Nevern.
Some say the tree bleeds in reflection of Jesus’ suffering on the cross. One story is that a monk was hanged on the tree for a crime he did not commit and the bleeding is a symbol of his innocence. Others suggest the tree will keep bleeding until Wales has a native-born prince, or until there is peace in the world.
There are several other reasons to visit the historic hamlet of Nevern, and St Brynach’s church, which was founded in the 6th century – although the current building dates from about 1380. Also in the churchyard is a decorated 11th century 13-foot high Celtic cross and the Vitalianus Stone, which dates from the late 5th or early 6th century. It is inscribed ‘Vitaliani Emereto’ (the monument of Vitaliani Emereto) both in both Latin and Ogham, an early Irish script. Inside the church are two other old inscribed stones – the Maglocunus Stone is inscribed Maglocunus, son of Clutar in Latin and Ogham and the 11th century Cross Stone. A Pilgrim’s Cross is cut into the rock on the roadside between the village and the site of Nevern Castle, which is on the north side of the village.
The postcode is for the Trewern Arms, where parking may be available.