The Welsh folk-tales about Moll Walbee were based on a real 12th century Anglo-Norman noblewoman living in the Welsh Marches, whose name was Maud de Braose (please see Reconstruction Drawings page for images of Maud). Maud was demonised in Welsh folklore after playing a part in the slaughter of hundreds of Welsh soldiers during the siege and Battle of Painscastle, and has been immortalised in these legends as a giantess and a witch.