Little is known of the life of St Geler, a hermit and martyr who, in the second half of the seventh century, lived in the woods and caves surrounding the healing well in Llandysul in Ceredigion. A chapel dedicated to the Mother of God stood over the well. Only a few stones now remain of this chapel, and several very old yew trees.
People from all over Wales came on pilgrimage to receive counsel from the holy hermit, to pray and seek healing from the waters of the well. This pilgrimage continued after the death of St Celer.
In the Middle Ages, and well into the eighteenth century, a ‘Saint Celer Fair’ was held there from 21 June (date of the repose of the saint) to 29 June (Sts Peter and Paul) and was renowned throughout Wales. Crutches and mementos were left by the well, testifying to graces received.
Since 2003 a small Orthodox community has been in existence here and has an icon of St Geler.
