Ann was the daughter of a local landowner, but she fell in love with a thatcher William Hopkins.
When her parents found out, they were having none of it and locked her up in the farmhouse. She still managed to sneak messages to William through a servant who used to hide them in a tree.
The story goes that her mother found out and promptly banned Ann from using writing paper and ink. Ann was persistent and continued to send messages using her blood to write with.
Time went by and William moved away to Bristol docks. Eventually Ann married a gentleman by the name of Anthony Maddocks.
However she pined desperately for William and eventually fell ill with her grief. On her death bed she asked to see Will.
He was summoned and rode straight over to see her. She saw him, reached up to hold him, and died.
your comments
Derek Donovan, Cardiff
I enjoyed the story of Bugeilio'r Gwenith Gwyn so much I had a trip out to see the church and grave yard.It was sad, the church was closed and there wasn't anything to tell you where William Hopkins or Anthony Maddocks graves were. I would have thought the local Llangynwyd council would have made it more interesting by at least putting up a notice telling you where to go and what to look for. I do a harmonica show and I start my show off with the song Bugeilio'r Gwenith Gwyn and I tell the story of Ann Thomas but its sad to say I have to tell my audience I wasn't very impressed with the church and the lack of notices.
Edward Thomas, Devon
My father told me that my grandfather and great grandfather tried to trace the family lineage back during the 1930's. Apparently they found that we are direct decendents of Ann Thomas. There seem to be quite a few others who also have a direct link though, so is obviously a bit contentious. Would be good to find out for sure though. May even find some long lost relatives in the process! I know that my family had been living in Llangynwyd during the 1700's and 1800's though.
Matthew Billington, Ceredigion
As stone sculptor I was commissioned, last year, to create two stones over six foot high portraying the tale. They show Ann on one and William on the other as well as images symbolic of the tale. They stand at a park entrance in Llangywydd and are visible from the road as you head towards Bridgend.
Rosemary Martin, Maesteg
It's a wonderful story, it's a story I would like to see on film or a play.
Mary Jenkins from Bridgend
My mother-in-law recieved a letter in the 1970s from an old lady who was the landlady of a public house in Llangynwyd. This letter asked my mother-in-law to go to Llangywyd and as there were papers proving the lineage of my mother in law to the Maid, and as this lady was well on in years she wanted the proof to be in the right hands. Apparently my mother in law was the last in line. I saw the letter only once, and I can't remember the name of the public house or the lady. I wish now my mother-in-law had visited Llangynwyd - her father was born there.
Melanie Talbot from York
I was born in Bridgend and attended Llangwynyd comprehensive school, and I have been locally to the graveyard where I have seen Ann's grave and Wil Hopkins as he was by that time known as. It is nice to be able to look up some history like this as I have known about this for years and now I can show my children.
Mary Jenkins from Bridgend
My Mother in law recieved a letter in the 1970s from an old lady who was the landlady of a public house in Llangynwyd, this letter asked my Mother in law to go to Llangywyd and as there were papers proving the lineage of my mother in law to the Maid,and as this lady was well on in years she wanted the proof to be in the right hands.Apparently my mother in law was the last in line, I saw the letter only once,and I cant remember the name of the Public house or the Lady.I wish now my mother in law had visited Llangynwyd, her father was born there.
Eira, Watford
Love the story, I have the book the White Wheat. I remember it from my youth - would not part with it. Reminds me of my days in Wales growing up in Caerau.
Fran Davies (ex- Maesteg) Carshalton Surrey
The original tale was embellished to sell books. I know Ken John - he used to work with my father, Hector Davies, in Port Talbot steel works
John Harden from the Isle of Wight
This is the most beautiful love story to ever come out of Wales. I watch a lot of Welsh television so please will a producer make a programme of this story. By the way I am a member of the Isle of Wight Welsh Society.
Becca, Llangynwyd :) x
I love this story! My mam told it to me when I was seven and I always include it in any projects about the area I live in in school. There should definatly be a film made about it!! :) xxx... ;) x
Lisa Phillips, Northampton - family from Maesteg a
I have known the story all my life. My mother's (Katherine Gayna Dicks James)cousin lived in the farmhouse during the 70's with her Polish husband and it was a wonderful place, even though it had a feeling of sadness.
Diane Lovelock - Spain
I find this story fascinating. I am a descendant of Thomas Maddocks b 1785 who married Elizabeth Williams. And another interesting thing is that Morgan Maddocks (1825-1907) married a Catherine (Loveluck) who was 16 years his junior. I was also 16 years younger than my husband James D Lovelock who sadly died last year. I have traced his Lovelock ancestry back to Berkshire and I believe Catherine came from Wiltshire.
David Jones from Sutton, Surrey
Re. Wil Hopkyn's death. Stacey from Bridgend asked as to how he died. He is said to have fallen off a ladder while thatching a roof in Llangynwyd. He died in 1741 and was buried under a yew tree in the grounds of Llangynwyd Church. Ask one of the church wardens if you can view the Burial Register showing the entry of Wil Hopkyn's death.
Malcolm James Llangynwyd
Llangynwyd Council have now created a new park where we are erecting the statues of Ann and Will to tell the people about this very romantic story which has been very neglected in my opinion by the powers that be.
Bethan (nee) Jones, now Chippenham and Charente, F
Agree - should be made into a film, surprised it hasn't!!!
lorraine maesteg
I read 'White Wheat' first at 16yrs old. I have re-read it many times since then. It is a wonderful local love story
Jan Price from Aberdare
I was Janice Thomas and brought up on this story, my Father tried to trace a family link back. We are the Thomas`s from Ffordygyfraith Farm, cefn cribbwr.I kept the Tylers Arms in Llangynwyd and it is my spiritual home.
John Jones from Cwmfelin
I live in the old mill in Cwmfelin which is reputed to be one of the places that the Maid of Cefn Ydfa visited with her father to have their corn ground. I know our house dates back to that period, but as yet I haven't seen any ghosts.
Ian Cahill, Maesteg
It is a brilliant story and it would be great if it could be a film. I just love going to the village all the time - it's so brilliant.
Chris, Llynffi Valley.
Why celebrate the life and death of an immature, selfish, attention seeking self harming idiot. In this day and age she would be castigated and sectioned. Context people.
Steve Thomas, Llangynwyd
No disrespect to the author, a wonderful story, told in too few words. Being part of the history of Llangynwyd, it's part of our local folklore, and deserves the entire story to be told, especialy for those not from the area, and have a interest in our heritage.
Peter Yorke from Dorset
I am William Haggar's great-grandson, and have recently published his biography: "William Haggar, fairground film-maker" (Accent Press, 2007). The book includes the family accounts of the making of the film, "Thew Maid of Cefn Ydfa". The first version, in seven scenes, from 1902, is said to have made William's fortune. A longer version was made in 1908, but finally William and his son Will Junior made an epic 50-minute version, which was first screened in Aberdare in December 1914. Reviewed in "The South Wales Echo" in 1938, the film disappeared, but was rediscovered in 1984 in a family cupboard and conserved: 38 minutes survives, in the Welsh Film Archive in Aberystwyth. The book tells its story and summarises its content.
Cathie Lloyd from Oxford
My father who is from Maesteg says that Will was kidnapped and sent to Bristol. That would square with the poison theory. Villanry and true love.
Collette Cauldwell (nee Brennan) now living in US
What lovely memories of this tale. Llangynwyd church was my church, where I married and where my sons were christened. I went to Maesteg Grammar School. Great to see these pics of Maesteg. Making me homesick after living in the US for 25 years.
Hilda Lewis from Leicester.
I absolutely love "Watching the White Wheat" and have sung it (in Welsh) in a competition. (I worked hard at the pronunciation with the help of a local Welsh-speaker) I'm aware of the often poignant stories behind many folk-songs. Although I'm not Welsh I love Wales & would love to visit more of it & learn more about its heritage.
Ceri Syner nee Lewis
I have read the book The White Wheat several times, a really fantastic story. Family legend says we are related to Anthony Madddocks. I have researched our family tree, but not yet found any evidence to prove this. My Great grandmother was Gwenllian Maddocks of Blaenllynvi Farm which was in upper Llangynyd now Caerau.
Mark Lawler, Maesteg
As a child we were told this tale from an early age and it is deeply rooted in Maesteg folklore. I like the sound of a modern romance film - it would put Maesteg on the map!
Hayley, Llangynwyd
Great tale but what about the ghostly aspect to the story?
Rebecca Jo Hanbury - London
I love this story...it's so sad and wonderful.I'm an actress and a Maesteg girl... I'd love to play Ann.If someone writes it, I'll play it...x
Amy Morgan, Maesteg
I think it is a truly romantic story. It would make a good sloshy film and it's a bonus that it's a true story.
Stacey from Bridgend
I also think there needs more to this story. I am very interested in true romance and have wanted to know more about the Maid of Cefn Ydfa for years, so today I am off to the memorial to take a look at the graves. If anyone knows more about how Will Hopcyn really died please let me know, thank you.
Gayle Lambert, Australia
Such a short article about such a wonderful story - there is so much more that could be said. I would love to hear Moira's stories of Llangynwyd where I spent time as a child.
Moira Griffiths from Florida.
Having been brought up in Llangynwyd, Anne and Will Hopkin were very much part of my upbringing. The story was staged many times locally by local actors. My Father played Anthony Maddocks, the lawyer fom Bridgend. Mrs Thomas forced Anne to marry him. During Ann's incarceration at Cefn Ydfa she sent a message to Will by writing in her own blood on the ivy leaves growing outside her window. These are small corrections in the story, but important in the history of Llangynwyd. This is just one wonderful tale coming from that lovely old village. I have so many more. This really has been a warm and caring community, I hope that it still remains so.
Angela Batista, ex Maesteg now living in Portugal
Oh how nice to be remembered about this story.
Chris Queeley, Maesteg
It would be fab if it turns into a movie!!
Phillip D White, Glamorgan
The story is very sad. After cognitive analysis of the information in regard to eighteen century Welsh history and the evidence concerning the case I think she was poisoned. The story gives a good insight into local Welsh history for the time period. NB Please inform Seren and Pamela that the Maid of Cefn Ydfa has been made into a film. This was done about 1915 by William Haggar, one of the earliest film producers from Wales.
Pamela, Maesteg
I have read a few books about this story. It would be brilliant if it could be made into a film - it would help keep the story alive. Maybe if the film studios come to Bridgend there might be a chance.
Seren Johnson
I agree with Carly about the Maid of Cefn Ydfa being made into a film. Welsh actors like Ioan Gruffudd and suchlike would probably be hounoured to play a role in a would-be wonderful film.
Allison Davies from Pontycymmer
Inaccurate and cold representation of a wonderful tale.
Carly Vincent
I think the Maid Of Cefn Ydfa is a wonderful story that has been around years. And the story can only be found in very few books. I think it would be grand if someone could make a film about the Maid of Cefn Ydfa.
