Machen is a small village 4� miles east of Caerphilly, south Wales, situated in the Caerphilly borough and traditional county of Monmouthshire. It neighbours Bedwas and Trethomas, and forms a council ward in conjunction with those communities.

Mynydd Machen (Machen Mountain) provides a spectacular backdrop to the village. Now afforested, it was once possible to walk up to and along the top of the mountain, where a number of large boulders were present. These were explained in local folklore as follows.

Saint Peter was visiting Wales in order to watch over the Faithful. Taking offence at the sudden appearance of the Devil, he picked up a large number of boulders and placed them in his apron so as to carry them more easily. He then gave chase to the Devil, both chaser and chased (having the stature of giants) leaping from mountain-top to mountain-top. As the Devil alighted on Mynydd Machen he paused to catch his breath, whereupon Saint Peter began hurling the rocks at him, leaving a considerable amount of debris around his adversary in the process. The area of rocks is known to this day as "The Devil's Apron Strings"

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