The memorial cross commemorates the liaison between Ann Maddocks, the maid of Cefn Ydfa (1704-27), and the poet Wil Hopcyn. Ann was the daughter of William Thomas of Cefn Ydfa, a house near Llangynwyd and was married at twenty-one to Anthony Maddocks, her guardian's son and a rich lawyer, apparently against her wishes as she was in love with a young poet named Wil Hopcyn who composed the verses 'Bugeilio'r Gwenith Gwyn' for her. Soon after her marriage she is said to have died of a broken heart. However, there is no real evidence for this story and although a poet named Wiliam Hopcyn (1700-41) lived in the district of Llangynwyd, there is no evidence to suggest that he was in love with Ann or that he wrote the words of the song.

Llangynwyd is quite near Maesteg and Wil Hopcyn and Ann Thomas who are remembered in the famous Welsh legend - the Maid of Cefn Ydfa - are buried at Llangwynyd Church.

For a more in depth look at Wil Hopkin, Hugh Richards from the baritone section has provided an interesting extract