Welsh witchcraft revelations and ruins: the example of Mari Berllan Biter

Tallis, Lisa Mari 2022. Welsh witchcraft revelations and ruins: the example of Mari Berllan Biter. Preternature 11 (1) , 43–62. 10.5325/preternature.11.1.0043

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Abstract

The supernatural in Wales, as in many places across the British Isles, is very topographical. Much of its landscape, features, sites, and buildings inspires and attracts the supernatural in equal measure. This article considers this relationship and the issues surrounding the historical and cultural interpretation of the supernatural in Wales through a close examination of a small, ruined cottage in the village of Pennant in Ceredigion, orCardiganshire. It was the home of Mary Davies (ca.1817–1898), or Mari Berllan Biter – a reputed witch. This article will reveal how the intricacies of witchcraft beliefs in Wales are revealed through a close analysis of not only the historical evidence surrounding Mari, but also the physical remnants of her ruined cottage, thus highlighting the potential for collaboration between the spheres of history, heritage, and archaeology in understanding the key role of supernatural beliefs on our landscape.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Academic & Student Support Service
Publisher:	Penn State University Press
ISSN:	2161-2196
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	26 May 2022
Date of Acceptance:	18 November 2021
Last Modified:	07 Nov 2023 06:38
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/149898

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