There are many tales of how the heraldic symbol came to be, writes Nick from the Web Team. Locals tell of how one Lord Myddleton issued a challenge to his feuding twin sons as he lay on his death bed. Unsure of which son was born first, the dying Lord challenged the pair to race on horseback around Chirk Castle. The first son to return and touch his father's deathbed would inherit the estate.
Legend has it that the race was a close one. As the feuding sons tore up the staircase, neck and neck, to their father's chamber, one of the sons tripped. Realising he would lose the race and all the wealth that went with it, he instantly drew his sword, sliced off his own hand and threw the bloody appendage onto his father's bed thereby claiming his right to inherit the 13th century Marches Fortress. A lighter tale tells of the red hand signifying the warm hand of friendship extended to visitors to the castle.
There are several Hand hotels in the region all bearing the blood red hand sign, including The Hand at Llanarmon DC which displays a 9ft wood sculpture made by Chirk woodcarver and sculptor, Jim Heath.
your comments
Napalm
This sounds like the Red Hand of Ulster legend!
Mon May 12 15:21:36 2008
H Pimborough, Llangollen
The origin of the red hand is much older, it comes form the original Chirk Castle or Castell Crogen (the one now is built on top of its foundation). Prince Crogen was in battle and had lost his standard, to identify himself to his men at arms, he took a bloodied hand and painted the ogham for 'C' (four vertical lines) on his shield. The red hand reflects this moment, there are a number of Dark Age battles around this area. I believe Prince Crogen is buried in Llanarmon D.C. Church.
Mon Apr 21 09:17:07 2008
June McCarthy from Oswestry
There's more about the Red Hand and its possible origins on the Landmark Wales site, under the entry for Chirk.
Wed Jan 9 10:36:12 2008
Derrick Stevens, Glasgow
Went to The Hand Hotel in Llanarmon. Was great. They even said they had a resident ghost :)
Mon Jun 18 08:17:06 2007
Anjie Wilson, Pontfadog
What a great pub. Always a warm welcome and a log fire. Have done some fantastic walking in this area and then called for lunch and it is great.
Wed Mar 7 08:57:53 2007
Lynn and Kyr Lawford
We are lucky to live in the beautiful Cieriog Valley. Quite regularly we drive down the valley to Llanarmon, go for a walk and call into the Hand hotel for lunch. The food is good and great hospitality. It's a pretty village, well maintained and a spruced up sculpture in the centre.
Mon Mar 5 09:15:48 2007
Merle Hunt, Llwynmawr, Llangollen
Living in this beautiful Ceiriog Valley, my husband and I have frequently taken advantage of this wonderful hostelry of the Hand Hotel, Llanarmon. It certainly lives up to its delightful 'Red Hand' wood carving as there is always the warmest of welcome whenever we pop in!
Mon Mar 5 08:08:50 2007
Steff and John Oates
We needed time out and chose to stay at the Hand at Llanarmon DC. We had a wonderful weekend, took our dog, walked in the surrounding hills, returned weary and hungry to a fantastic range of food, wine and beer.
Mon Mar 5 08:08:16 2007
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