Name of monument

The Four Stones 

Also known as

The Four Prince's / The Four Kings 

Type of site

Standing Stones 

Dimensions (approx)

H:

W:

D:

LR Grid Reference

SO 2455 6079 

OS Map Number

LR 148

Nearest Village

Kinnerton 

Nearest Town

New Radnor

Property Type

Access

MRW Access rating

MRW Site Rating

Other information

Legends / stories attached to this monument. Inscriptions. See who has provided other information.

Wallpaper

Dimensions: Clock-wise from front

Stone 1 - Front- Recumbent - W: 1.8m

Stone 2 - Back left - H:1.9m W:1.2m

Stone 3 - Back center - H: 1.5m W:1.2m

Stone 4 - Right - H: 2m  W: 1.5m

This is the first monument we ever visited. That was it, we were smitten, it was the discovery of this site which kick-started a whole new chapter in our lives. To end the perfect day, on the way home we visited Maen Llia for the first time, within one year since that day we have found over 70 sites in Wales, and that’s without even venturing to North Wales.

Quite straight forward to find. Approaching from the A470, into Builth Wells from Brecon. Get to Builth and go right over the river bridge. At the next roundabout go right, passed the showground, and take the A481, heading for New Radnor. The road is very twisty as it takes you through the scenic countryside, its also a fair way so carry on till you come to a junction. You now turn right onto the A44, still heading for New Radnor. Stay on this road, go passed the left turn for New Radnor and Kinnerton. Staying on the A44, you will come to another sign for Kinnerton, directing you to a narrow road on your left. This is the road you need, follow it for a short while. Soon you will see a large barn on your right, beyond which is a small house. As you approach the house the stones can very clearly be seen on your left, they are right next to the road and much larger than you would expect.

To view site plan, provided by another website, Click Here (not © to MRW)

Legends / Stories

[1]

Legend has it that on Midsummer’s Night, the stones are covered in blood.

[2]

It is said that a wicked witch turned the princes into stone, and she herself is entombed in stone in nearby Hindwell Pool ...

[3]

where it is also said the stones go to quench their thirst when the Old Radnor church clock strikes midnight where it is also said the stones go to quench their thirst

[4] 

Legend also has it that the very witch that turned them to stone was, many years later, was turned to stone herself and now stands in the "Witch's Kitchen" cave at Wookey Hole, Somerset and is known, surprisingly enough, as "The Witch's Stone"

(not sure if this is the correct 'alternative' legend for these stones, if anyone knows any different, please contact us)

Inscriptions

Not an Inscribed stone or there are none available at this time

Some information provided by:

www.britania.com | http://homepage.ntlworld.com/mjpowell/index.htm 

The Witch of Wookey

Deep in the dark caverns of Wookey Hole dwelt at one time the Witch of Wookey - and dwells there still, if the gossips are to be trusted, though she, her pots and pans and horrid "familiars," are all turned to stone. A chagrined and disappointed woman, she used her merciless arts to blight girls' lives and keep them from the joys denied to herself. But she reckoned without a certain Holy Clerk of Glastonbury! With his Good Book he exorcised the Witch, and turned her to stone; he then cleansed from all evil the dreadful cavern.

Source: A Collection of British Legends http://www.britannia.com/history/legend/collection/legcol13.html

For a more in-depth story of the Wookey Witch, click here.  Nicola is hoping to visit the Witch's Stone with her son shortly and will hopefully bring you some pictures, even though it's not in Wales (",)