St. Nun is stated to have been the mother of St. David. About a mile
from the cathedral of St. David’s are the remains of a chapel, near a
consecrated pool or well, dedicated to St. Nun, where trifling
oblations are said to be still made. This coincidence of the two pools
is curious, although I do not find that the water at Menevia has the
virtue of curing insanity. The account given by Mr. Carew of the
practice at Altar Nun is as follows:
“The water running from St. Nun’s well fell into a square
and inclosed walled plot, which might be filled at what
depth they listed. Upon this wall was the frantic person set
to stand, his back towards the pool; and from thence, with a
sudden blow in the breast, tumbled headlong into the pond;
where a strong fellow, provided for the nonce, took him, and
tossed him up and down, alongst and athwart the water, till
the patient, by foregoing his strength, had somewhat forgot
his fury. Then was he conveyed to the church and certain
masses sung over him; upon which handling, if his right wits
returned, St. Nun had the thanks; but if there appeared
small amendment, he was bowssened again and again, while
there remained in him any hope of life or recovery.”
The second of March is dedicated to St. Nun, and said formerly to be
observed throughout Wales, as was the third to St. Lily, surnamed
Gwas-Dewy, David’s men.
This parish is the largest in Cornwall. It measures 12,770 statute
acres. The principal villages are Tredawl, Trethym, Treween, and
Trewint. At Five-Lanes, in this parish, are fairs for all sorts of
cattle, on the Monday week after June 24th, and the first Tuesday in
November. The tower of Alternon church, which is said to be the
highest in the county except Probus, was much damaged by storms in
1791 and 1810.
Annual value of the Real Property, as £. _s._ _d._
returned to Parliament in 1815 6147 0 0
Poor Rate in 1831 497 18 0
Population, { in 1801, | in 1811, | in 1821, | in 1831,
{ 679 | 784 | 885 | 1069.
Increase of population on each hundred in thirty years, 57.44, or
57½ per cent.