A sad romance lingers round the village of Llangynwyd, a story of the Maid of Cefn Ydfa, Ann Thomas. She was born in 1704 and became heiress to her late father’s estate. Her heart was soon won by Will Hopkin, a humble timer and plasterer 4 years older than her. It seems his charming manner and poetic talent attracted her and they drew close despite her mother’s watching and with hopes of her daughter marrying well. Ann was confined when her secret romance became known. He possibly wrote “Watching the Blooming Wheat” from his despair:

“I fondly watch the blooming wheat,

Another reaps the treasure:

O! Wherefore still despise my suit,

Why pining keep thy lover?

For some new charm, though matchless fair,

I day by day discover.”

Ann married her family’s choice and Will Hopkin moved to Bristol. But Ann’s first daughter died, she soon followed. It seems Will returned in time to ease her suffering but she died in his arms.He died 14 years later, and is buried near the westerly yew tree in the churchyard whilst she lies under a stone in the chancel. A stone in the churchyard commemorates Will Hopkin and other local celebrities