CoralJackz – That History Couple

‘The Blessing/Answering Stone’
Carreg y Fendith/Ateb – St Dogmaels – Pembrokeshire, Wales

The stone was rediscovered in 1960 and lies beside the bank of the River Teifi in St Dogmaels. It’s said to be made of spotted dolerite (bluestone) and some believe this is the capstone from a prehistoric dolmen which would have once stood around here. There is no official evidence for this.. But there are reports online that other large stones seen nearby were perhaps once part of the monument.

St Dogmaels is home to the ruins of a once substantial Abbey which was established there in 1120. The stone is known in recent times as ‘The Blessing Stone’ so called because at this spot the Abbey monks would bless the local fishing boats as they set out on their fishing season. Another old name of the stone was said to have been ‘The Answering Stone’ or ‘Carreg Ateb’.. Some say this is due to the massive echo produced when shouting out from the stone.

Whatever it’s origins, it makes a great lithophone!