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The Elvis Rock

For over 20 years, the Elvis Rock on the A44 reminded many a traveller returning to Ceredigion that they were nearing their home. Click through a series of photos of the rock taken by Gwenllian Ashley and others, and find out more about the legend behind this local landmark.

Elvis Rock c. 1989
The Elvis Rock pictured c. 1989 next page
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14 

This photograph was taken by Gwenllian Ashley, Assistant Curator at the Ceredigion Museum in Aberystwyth. Over the years, she's taken several pictures of the Elvis Rock.

your comments

Raquel, Aberystwyth
When I first came to Aber as a student, I loved the eccentricity of seeing 'Elvis' on a rock in the middle of nowhere, but of course, did not then know its history. One year, some devout soul replaced 'Elvis' with 'Jesus', but I am afraid 'Elvis' was quickly reinstated! When returning to Aber, I have always loved seeing the Elvis Rock as it is a signal that it is not much farther to get home.
Wed Jan 21 10:58:28 2009

Nick from Cambridge
The sight of this graffiti really used to annoy me as it is in probably one of the most beautiful areas of Wales. About 9 years ago on my way to the coast I stopped and painted over it with a cream paint on a roller. I can say this was quite dangerous as it is on a blind corner. On my way back I then sprayed two hearts, one blue and one red, which I thought were much more appropriate. Elvis swiftly returned but then the side of the rock disintigrated and could not be painted on. Elvis then moved to a large rock opposite its original site in a huge rock in the valley on the left as you approach Aberystwyth. As of 17/7/08 it is back!I did not realise the history behind it till someone told me so I shall respect it from now on.
Mon Jul 21 18:24:34 2008

David Thomas, Newtown
Is it my imagination, but was Benny Hill's name painted on the rock for a short time?
Wed Apr 30 09:27:02 2008

Paul Tomlins, Halling, Kent.
I was working at a chip board mill 13 years ago when me and friend used to drive past this place with out knowing it was famous and got out of the car and watched it roll up hill. So we got out our theodalite and it showed the hill is actually going down hill. What an illusion.
Wed Feb 27 10:07:32 2008

Don Griffiths Newtown
This so called elvis Rock was originally Ellis who was the local Plaid Candidate at the time. Early 1960s. Some time after some Wag changed it !!!
Thu Jun 14 09:41:07 2007

Elin Hefin, Borth
Gwenllian Ashley is John Hefin's first cousin - she had been taking pictures of Elvis rock for decades (unbeknown to John) and only recently found out the family connection!
Mon May 21 14:20:04 2007

Jimbo, Llandinam
I'm a former Aberite, too. In the mists of time it was 'Elis' that was painted on the rock during an election campaign. Only later was a 'v' added. Was it Dafydd's or Islwyn Ffowc's whose name was there?
Tue Feb 13 14:16:48 2007

loki
about time graffiti got its dues, this proves that its not all about wanton destruction, but thought provocation
Thu Nov 9 12:49:49 2006

Gaz Newton
If you stop ur car in the middle of the road and put it in neutral at the elvis rock point ur car will roll up hill slowly.
Thu Sep 21 11:19:06 2006

Tom former Aberite
I knew the rock as a child in the 70's and as everyone says it was a sign of homecoming as this was basically the only road in and out of Aber. I've loved its ever changing style over the years and the devotion given to it by it's fans. When it was destroyed I was shocked. Glad to see it back. Elvis lives!! Farewell Aber.
Fri Jan 27 11:34:54 2006

Jenny Hyde, Aberystwyth
Right from my student years, the Elvis rock was always the best ever 'nearly home' marker after a long journey. However, I well remember returning to Aberystwyth one early morning in 1992 when ELVIS had been transformed into .... BENNY HILL! Benny had just died, and some grieving but fearless fan committed this act of wild and opportune vandalism. I believe the mystery Guardians of the Rock were pretty prompt in restoring the right and proper graffiti.
Thu Jan 12 15:49:19 2006

Danielle, Didcot
I always look for the Elvis Rock on my way back to Uni in Aber... it's when I know I'm nearly home. That and straining to catch the first glimpse of Pen Dinas way off at the end of the valley. A unique and brilliant landmark on the way to a unique and brilliant town that I love with all my heart.
Tue Jan 3 19:21:38 2006

Duncan Bladen - Tyne and Weir
Saw it today - 3rd dec 05 - wondered what it was - it's in a silly place - very dangerous
Sun Dec 4 00:21:43 2005

Mark Jones from Worcester
Cant believe they have destroyed it.Used to see it nearly every day driving a lorry from worcester to Aber in the late 80s. Only saw it again last summer riding to ceridigion-knew I was in real Wales when I saw the Elvis.
Sun Oct 23 10:58:14 2005

Dylan, formerly of West Wales
At last, sanity prevails; the world can sleep peacefully in its bed(s). Local politicians must be miffed though - any prospective MP campaigning on a 'Restore the Elvis rock' ticket would have won Ceredigion by a landslide.
Tue Apr 19 14:22:19 2005

Gibson, Aberystwyth
Be careful reading this when coming from Aber. It's on a sharp turn. A road sign for this turn would have been more practical.
Mon Feb 7 11:25:15 2005

You can add your comments about the Elvis Rock below or perhaps you'd like to submit your own photos of this iconic rock by emailing them to wales.mid@bbc.co.uk

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