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YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

Gift of

LOUIS M RABINOWITZ

HISTORICAL NOTES

COXJISTTIES

(SlamarpOT, Cur marten, $ (fotrtptr,

AITD A LIST OF THE

MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT FOR SOUTH WALES,
PROM HENRY Till, TO CHARLES II.

BY JOHlSr ROAVT^ATTOS,
(giraldus,)
Late Librarian dt Thirlestaine Souse, Cheltenham.

CARDIFF :
PRINTED BY HUGH BIRD, DUKE STREET.

1866.

CONTENTS

Glahoegansjiiee,
Ancient Cardiff  ;  1
Ewenny Abbey ...  8
Caerau  ...  9
Bewper Castle - ... ... ... ... ...  10
Earry Island ...  ... lg
Dinas Powis   ,  14
Neath Abbey  16
Aberavon  20
The Pedigree of Wilkins, of Lantvvit Major  21
St. Fagans  25
Monumental Inscription in Cadoxton Churcn  30
Marquises of Worcester ...   31
Marquises of Pembroke ... ,  32
The Earls of Pembroke  33

CAEBMABTHElTSniRE.

Pont-yr-Yspryd Gwyn ... .,  ... 34
legend of Myddfai ..;  40
The Vale of Towy  ... ...  42
Llanegwad    ... 45
Llanarthney     46

Obituary of Distinguished Persons in Carmarthenshire
The Earls of Carbery 
Conwyl Elved 
Llanwrda  ... 
Llandebie 
Sir Richard Steele 
The First Day Schools in Wales 

48
... 50
51
... 52
54
... 5g02

Caediganshibe.
Glanfraed — Edward Llwyd  72
Lledrod  74
Cellan  78
Peterwell  77
Nanteos ...  ... ... 79
Llanio   ... ... ... ... 81
Llanddewi Brefu  ... ... ... ... ... ... 82
Strata Florida, &c  83
Devil's Bridge, &c  90
Llanbadarn Fawr  98
Moellfor  103
Llanrhystyd  ,  „. 103
Llansantfraed ...  ...  ...  104
TyglynAeron  ... ... ... ,„  105
AlltrodyB  106
Crosswood Park  107
David ab Gwilym  ... ... ... ... ... ...109
Hugh Morris  112
Miscellaneous ...  112
Sir David Gam  116
Giraldus Cambrensis  118
Kev. Theophilus Evans  119
Members of Parliament for South Wales, from Henry VIII. to the P>estoration..l22

Historical Notes, &c.
GLAMORGANSHIRE.

%\xcunt (Csrbil
'HE town derives its name from "Caer-Taff," or "CaerDaf,"
^the fortress on the Taf ; but the etymology of the present name
• Caerdydd" is not so easily determined. Some are of opinion
'that "Caerdydd" msans "Caer Didi," probably so called
after Aulus Didius, the Roman general, who erected a fort
here previous to the arrival of Julius Frontums. This general
constructed the great Roman road "Julia Martima. " The
Roman station anciently occupying this site, is supposed to be
Ratostabias, or Ratostibius of Ptolemy, from which the parish
of Roath takes its name, and by others Tibia Amnis of Antonine,
which Richard of Cirencester, between Isca Silurum and Bovicum,
now called "Caerau," a short distance from Cardiff. The town of
Cardiff was originally built by Morgan ab Hywel ab Rhys. Erom
the departure of the Romans till the conquest of Glamorgan, very
little is known of its history. It appears that the seat of the
government at the death of the renowned King Arthur, was
removed from Caerleon to Cardiff by Morgan his son, in order to
avoid the incursions of the Saxons. Cardiff became the capital of
the kingdom of Gwent ; and it continued so until its destruction
by Oadwaladr, after which it was rebuilt by Morgan ab Hywel,
about the year 900 ; but, it met with a similar fate in a short time
afterwards. Caradoc of Llancarfan says it was rebuilt by Jestyn
ab Gwrgant, who also erected a castle at Cardiff, and another in
honour of his wife at Dinas Powis. Jestyn and Rhys ab Tewdwr

2 Historical Notes.
were at variance, and in order to have revenge on the Lord of
Dynevor, he made an agreement with one Einon ab Collwyn, who
was also at enmity with Rhys ab Tewdwr. This Einon had been
in the service of William the Conqueror. Jestyn promised him.
the lordship of Miskin and his daughter in marriage, if he (Einon)
could secure the assistance of the Norman Knights to assist him
in conquering Rhys ab Tewdwr. According to this stipulation,
Einon hastened to London and engaged one Robert Fitz Hamon,
a relation of the king, aided by other Norman Knights, they came
to Glamorgan and joined Jestyn's forces, and commenced active
hostilities. The contending armies met at Hirwain Wrgan, where
Rhys was defeated, and lost nearly all his troops. Some historians
say that he was beheaded in a secluded valley where he had
escaped ; but, Mr. Theophilus Jones, the learned author of the
History of Brecknockshire, is of opinion that he fled after the
battle to the territory of his brother-in-law, Bleddyn ab Maenarch,
and that he was present at the battle of Caerbannau, where he
was slain. Jestyn having subdued his enemy, refused to fulfil
his promise with Einon, who becoming enraged at Jestyn's conduct
hastened after the Normans, who had commenced their j ourney home,
and he represented to them Jestyn's faithlesness, and induced
their commander to retrace his steps. Many of the native chieftains
who had become alienated from Jestyn on account of his tyranny
and unprincipled conduct, joined the Normans, and suddenly
came upon Jestyn at Mynydd Bychan, where he was defeated and
was obliged to seek safety in flight ; he bacame an outcast and
wandered from place to place in a state of great destitution. At
last he found an asylum at the monastry of Llangennys, where
he ended his days at the advanced age of 129 !
Eitz Hamon became the sole master of Glamorgan, parted it
between his followers, taking the "lion's share" to himself. He
enlarged and almost built the town ; he took down the castle,
erecting in its place a durable and magnificent structure, the
remains of which, are still to be seen standing majestically defy
ing the elements and the rude hands of man. In this castle the
Lords of Glamorgan held their county courts, their court of
chancery and exchecquer; and here the twelve Knights who
owned the different baronies, subject to the paramount lordship,

Historical Notes. 3
wore obliged by their tenures to attend on a certain day in every
month, each having separate apartments in the outer ward of the
castle, till the day after holding the county court, at which the
sheriff presided to determine the causes of equity, arising within
his jurisdiction. The Norman Lords ruled the natives with a
heavy hand ; and whilst the Normans were continuing their con
quest in Gower, the Welsh rose in a body to shake off this yoke in
the year 1094 ; they were joined by Payne Tuberville, one of Fitz
Hamon's Knights, whose family still reside in this county. This
army took several castles, and put the garrisons to the sword, and
advanced upon Cardiff Castle, and Fitz Hamon was obliged to
restore to the Welsh their ancient laws and customs. The
Unfortunate Robert Duke of Normandy, who was unsuccessful
in maintaining his right to the English Crown was taken prisoner
by his unnatural brother, Henry the First, who committed him to
Cardiff Castle, into the custody of Fitz Hamon. On one occasion
he made an attempt to escape, in consequence of which, his eyes
were cruelly put out.
He spent 28 years of his life in the castle, where he died, and
was buried at Gloucester. During his imprisonment, he acquired
a knowledge of the Welsh language. His place of imprisonment
was one of the towers near the entrance. Through the inter
cession of Ifor Bach, " If or the Little, " he was allowed to go
twelve miles round the Castle. Robert Earl of Gloucester, natural
son of King Henry the First, married Mabel, daughter of Fitz
Hamon, and succeeded his father-in-law to the Lordship of
Glamorgan. He also attempted to enforce the feudal system, but
this piece of tyranny aroused the Welsh once more, who were led
by Ifor ab Cadifor, lord of Caerphilly. They marched to Cardiff
Castle, and took it by storm, and Robert and his wife, and the
"Blind Duke," fell into their hands ; but, they were ransomed by
the King, and they entered into an agreement not to molest the
Welsh any more, who were allowed to enjoy their ancient rights.
There is a beautiful picture of this siege to be seen in the Town
Hall, at Cardiff.
Robert lost no time in strengthening the Castle and town of
Cardiff against a similar attack ; he built a wall round the town,

4 Historical Notes.
and encompassed the whole with a ditch, communicating it above
and below with the river Taff.
Henry the Second.
In the year 1172, Henry the Second, on his way to Ireland,
passed through Cardiff, and on his return he slept one night here.
On the first Sunday after Easter, he attended mass at St. Prian's
Chapel, in Shoemaker street, now called by a more respectable
name, "Duke street." That Chapel stood on or near the spot
where the Guardian office now stands. There was a hall here
called the "Shoemakers' Hall." The Shoemakers were a Corpo
rate body, — they were united with another Company. A great
many of their records are still in existence.
As King Henry mounted his horse at the door, a man of fair
complexion, with a round tonsure and meagre countenance, tall,
and about forty years of age, habited in a white robe, falling to
his naked feet, thus addressed him — "God hold the Caing," which
signifies, " May God protect you King," and proceeded — " Christ
and his Holy Mother, John the Baptist and the Apostle Peter salute
thee, and command thee strictly to prohibit throughout thy whole
dominions, every kind of buying or selling on Sundays, and not
to suffer any work to be done on those days, (except such as
relates to the preparation of daily food,) and that due attention be
paid to the performance of Divine Service. J£ thou doest all this,
all thy undertaking shall be successful, and thou shalt lead a
happy life." The King, in French, desired Phillip de Mercross,
who held his horse, to ask the rustic if he dreamt all this ; and,
when the soldier explained to him the King's question in English,
he replied: " Whether I dreamed it or not, observe what I say!
addressing himself to the Bang — "And unless thou shalt do so,
and quickly amend thy life before the expiration of one year,
thou shalt hear such things concerning what thou lovest best in
this world, and shalt thereby be so much troubled that thy dis
quietude will continue into thy life's end." The King spurring
his horse, and proceeded a little way, when he suddenly stopped,
and ordered one of his attendants to go and look for the good man.
They sought him in vain in all the inns of the town. After

Historical Notes. 5
waiting a long time, the King proceeded on his journey, and
grievously vexed that he did not speak more to him. Giraldus
says — "That this fatal prediction came to pass in one year. His
unfaithful sons deserted him, and joined the King of France."
Archbishop Baldwin and Giraldus Cambrensis visited Cardiff,
whilst preaching to the Crusades through Wales. They preached
at Llandaff the next morning, where many joined the Crusades.

Owain Glyndwr in Glamorgan.
" Up rose the hero, — on his piercing eye
Sat observation ; on each glance of thought
Decision lollowed, as a thunderbolt
Pursues the flash.
Ev'n to the dullest peasant standing by,
Who fastening still on him a wondrous eye,
He seem'd the master spirit of the land."/
In the reign of Henry the Fourth, owing to the oppression of
Lord Grey of Ruthin, a war broke out under the leadership of
Owain Glyndwr, son of Gruffudd Fychan, of Glyndyfrdwy.
Owain Glyndwr was educated for the Bar, at the Inner Temple,
and was a great favourite with the unfortunate monarch, Richard
the Second. In a short time a large number of his countrymen
assembled round his standard. He marched to South Wales and
destroyed a great number of castles, &c. In the year 1404 he
came to Cardiff and besieged the town and castle which he took.
Having obtained possesion of the town, he destroyed the whole
with the exception of one street, in which was a Priory of
Friars Minor, who were favourable to his cause. He then became
master of the castle, which he destroyed in a great measure. At
that time there was a considerable quantity of treasure deposited
there for security, which was carried away by Owain. The priory
stood at the eastern extremity of the town, and was dedicated to
St. Francis. Some sixty years ago there were to be seen a great
quantity of the remains of this edifice. It continued till the
dissolution of religious houses by Henry the Eighth. The value of
this house is not mentioned by Speed. After the dissolution the

6 Historical Notes.
property came into the possession of the Herberts, who were great
lords and owners in Wales, and to whom Cardiff Castle gave a
title, while it owned their jurisdiction. They had large posses
sions in Gwent as well as Glamorgan, as the Games had in
Brecknockshire. The titles attached to this house are the most
numerous an honourable of the peerage. They were the Earls of
Pembroke and Montgomery, Barons Herberts of Cardiff, Ross,
Kendal, Parr, Fitzhugh, Marmion, Saint Quintin, and Herbert of
Shutland, and they were generally Knights of the Garter. The
eldest son took the title of Lord Herbert. Their property at Cardiff,
however, with their castles and lordships in this county, have
gone to another family, by intermarriages. It appears that the
Herberts have no possessions in Wales at present. Their property
at Cardiff has become the property of the Bute family as stated,
and we heartily wish long life and happiness to the noble owner
^of Cardiff Castle ; no members of this house have done so much
for the ancient borough of Cardiff as the present family. The
connection of the Herberts with the literary as well as the political
history of this country, will hand their names down to posterity.
In the year 1570 a congress, or an eisteddfod, of the bards of
Glamorgan, was held at Cardiff Castle, under the patronage of
William Herbert, the Earl of Pembroke, for the purpose of collect
ing and digesting the laws of their order. A branch of this
family resided at Cogan Pill, now the residence of J. S.
Corbett, Esq.
There was another monastery at Cardiff : it was situated on the
western side of the town, and was dedicated to St. Francis. After
Owain Gljmdwr won the town and the castle of Cardiff, he de
molished a great number of others — Penlline, Landough,
Flemingstone, Dunraven of the Butlers, Talyvan, Llanblethian,
Llanguan, Malefant, and Penmark, — and burnt several villages
and churches ; amongst others, Llanfyrnach, Aberthin, and many
houses at Llantwit Major, where the men would not join him. ; but
many people joined him, and they with one accord demolished
houses and castles innumerable. They took great quantities of
property, and distributed it amongst the poor. The King's men
met Owain's army on a hill in the neighbourhood, called Bryn
Owain. After eighteen hours' hard fighting the King's men were

Historical Notes. 7
put to flight. During the battle the blood was up to the horses'
fetlocks at Pantwennol, that separates both ends of the mountain
which is now called Stalling Down. — M.S. of the Rev. Thomas
Bassett, of Llan-y-lai.
Sir Lawrence Berkrolles at this time resided at East Orchard,
St. Athans. He was a descendant of one of Fitz Hamon's knights,
who received the castle at the general spoliation of the county of
Glamorgan. One day a gentleman and his servant, both being
unarmed, for no persons were safe going about armed, went to
the Ctsstle. They were heartily welcomed, and the best things in
the Castle were laid before them. The conversation was carried
on in French. Sir Lawrence was highly pleased and he earnestly
entreated them to remain, observing that he expected Owain
Glyndwr there in a few days ; he had dispatched all his tenants
and servants to seize him wherever they could find him, dead or
alive. Owain answered, "It would be very well, indeed, to
secure that man, were any person able to do so." After spending
four days at the Castle, Owain thought it wise to depart. On
leaving he gave his hand to Sir Lawrenco, and addressed him,
"Owain Glyndwr, as a sincere friend, having neither hatred,
treachery, nor deception in his heart, gives his hand to Sir
Lawrence Berkrolles, and thanks him for his kindness and
gentlemanly reception, which he and his friend, in the guise of a
servant, experienced from him at his Castle, and desires to assure
him, on oath, hand in hand and hand on heart, that it will never
enter his mind to avenge the intentions of Sir Lawrence towards
him, and that he will not, as far as he may, allow such desires to
exist in his own knowledge and memory, nor in the minds of any
of his relations or adherents." He then departed. Sir Lawrence
was struck dumb with astonishment, and never afterwards re
covered his speech, no word having henceforth ever escaped
his lips. — Iolo, MSS.
Sir Lawrence could say with Dryden, in answer to Owain
Glyndwr : — " Can you forgive the follies of my passion,
For I have been to blame, oh, much to blame,
Have said such words, nay, done such actions too.
Base as I am, that my awed conscious soul
Sinks in my breast, nor dare 1 lift an eye
On him I have offended."

8 . Historical Notes.
The foundation of this priory is ascribed both by Leland
and by Tanner to John De Londres, but there is no such name in
the pedigree of this family by Sir Edward Stradling, which
appeared in "Powell's Cambria." From an old monument in the
church it appears that it was the pious work of Morris, or
Maurice De Londres, the fourth in descent from William De
Londres, into whose lot the lordship fell at the conquest of Gla
morgan by Fitz Hamon. This establishment belonged to the
Benedictine order, it comprised only three monks. There is a
difference of opinion among antiquarians respecting its revenues,
no correct estimate can be formed of the amount. It was a cell
of St. Peter's at Gloucester, as a part of the possessions of that
house were granted in the twenty-seventh year of Henry the
Eighth's reign, to Sir Edward Came, " an eminent civilian." It
remained in his family many years, when it was transferred to the
Tubervilles of Coity. The church is dedicated to St. Michael,
like many other churches in Glamorgan. The chancel has been
used since the Reformation as a burial-place of the Carnes and
Tubervilles. In the South transept there is one in the altar-
form which is usually ascribed to Paganus De Tuberville ; but
this is not correct, it was erected to commemorate some knight a
friend of the family. It bears the following inscription: — "Sire
Roger De Remi Gist Isci De Den Son Almi Eit Merci, A.M."
Some years ago, the seal of Isabel, daughter of William Earl of
Gloucester, together with her own titles, was found here. She
had for her dower the Lordship of Glamorgan, and was married
first to Prince John, youngest son of King Henry the Second,
from who she was divorced ; when he fell into trouble with the
barons he wandered into Wales to seek her out, and seeing his
forlorn condition she had compassion on him, and he was sheltered
at her palace at Boverton for several months, under the assumed
name of Alain Fitz Gerald. Her second husband was Herbert De
Burgh, the Earl of Essex. Ewenny was noted for its earthen
ware, which was manufactured for upwards of three centuries ;
the shape of the vessels were similar to the Roman vessel, and

Historical Notes. 9
some suppose that the works were carried on from their time.
Many of the Welsh Bards, three hundred years ago, in their
writings, frequently allude to them.

teeraw.
There are many places in the Principality bearing the same
name. There is a place called Caerau in Breconshire, and
another in the county of Pembroke. This place derives its name
from an old Roman encampment, called "Tibia Amne." This
encampment occupies the summit of a hill ten or twelve acres
oblong, and nearly rectangular in figure. The parish church of
Caerau, a plain, old building, is situated within tile camp. The
Roman road from Bath to Menevia, or St. David's, passed near
this camp, and it is probable that it was constructed to defend the
passage. The road was made by Julius Frontinus. It was called
after him, "Via Julia Martima." The course of the road was
along the sea coast, from Cardiff to Carmarthen. It entered that
county at Loughor — "Leucarum" of the Itineraries. Between
this place and Penllergaer, the residence of Mr. Dillwyn
Llewellyn, there is another encampment. The " Porta Decumana"
is to be seen to the west of the camp at Caerau, and at the east
end, the general's tent. Caerau must have borne that designa
tion long before the church was built. The church was built
by Gyweirydd, son of Brochfael, King of Glamorgan, who was a
wise but unfortunate Prince. It appears that in his time the
country suffered from diseases, and rough and uncongenial
seasons, "beingthecalamiti.es of the wickedness and depravity
of the age." Gyweirydd had a mansion at Caerau; but held his
court at Cardiff. His father, Brochfael, was the first to restore
Cardiff from its Roman ruins to the rank of a place of populous
residence. On the further side of the ravine, to the east of Caerau
church, there were some remains of a cottage, garden, and
-orchard, where an old man, of the name of William Edwards,
resided. It was called, "Ty yr Hen Ddyn" (the Old Man's
House). He lived to the extraordinary age of 168 years ! He
lived during the sixteenth century, and nearly 70 years of the

10 Historical Notes.
seventeenth century. In the time of the talented Iolo Morganwg,
there was to be seen in the churchyard a tombstone, under the
south window. Mr. Williams took a fac-simile of it. Soon after
a Goth of a parish clerk, who had no regard for its antiquity,
removed it, and converted it into a hearthstone, with the inscrip
tion downards, and it was destroyed by the heat. Dr. Malkin
says, in his " Scenery of South Wales," that " This is one of the
many glaring instances of neglected duty on the part of parochial
authorities, by which our churches have been successively de
spoiled of the venerable remains of antiquity; and justice
demands that the officiating ministers should doubly partake of
the censure so undeniably incurred ; for they could neither plead
non-attendance nor want of education to palliate, not only their
total want of taste, but also their disregard of kindred associations
and of the sanctuary of the dead." I am sorry to add that this
Vandalic spirit is still prevalent in Wales. A short time ago an
old druidical circle, in the parish of Yspytty-C'ynfyn, was de
molished, and the stones carried away to build a barn at an
adjoining farm house. The inscription on the tombstone, as it
was, copied 'by Iolo Morganwg was as follows : —
" Oh, happy change, and ever blest,
When grief and pain is changed to rest.
"Heare Lieth the body of Vaughan Edwards Gwent, Deceased 4 Day of
December, Anno Domini, 1669."
" Heare lieth the body of William Edwards Cairey, who departed this life the
24th of February, Anno Domini, 1668. Annoque Sui 168."
In the journal of an old schoolmaster, of the name of William
Thomas, commonly called "William yr Tsgolhaig," who lived
; about eighty years ago, there are some curious entries respecting
.this parish and its inhabitants.

The Sitsyllt Family.

Bewper Castle, or Beaupre, was one of the finest and most
•elegant mansions in Wales ; but it is now in ruins. This was the
favourite residence of the Sitsyllt family. Llewellyn ab Sitsyllt,

Historical Notes. 1 1
who by right of his wife inherited the Principality, frequently
held his court here. The property continued in the family till it
was sold to Sir Phillip Basset, Lord of St. Hilary, Chief Justice
of England, in the reign of King John. In the year 1681, a
regular congress of Welsh bards was held at this castle under the
patronage of Sir Richard Basset. In the year 1020, a Scot of low
birth assumed the name of Rhun, son of Meredith, the late "Ring,
and succeeded in raising an army to oppose Llewellyn. Great
numbers of Welsh Chieftains joined his standard, owing to some
old feud that existed between them and Llewellyn. Llewellyn
gathered a large army and marched them to Carmarthenshire,
and the contending armies met on a plain near the village of
Abergwili. The Scot urged his men to fight, at the same time
promising them Victory, but he withdrew himself from the field
of battle. The assumed Rhun's army was discomfited, and he
was closely pursued by Llewellyn, and with all his (Rhun) shifts he
could not save his life. Llewellyn carried home great sppil after
the battle. The noble families of Cecil, Earls of Exeter and
Salisbury, are descended from this house.
List of the Earls of Exeter and Salisbury.
1. Robert Sitsyllt.
2. James Sitsyllt, Esq.
3. John Sitsyllt, Esq. ; marrried Maud de Frenes.
4. Eustace Sitsyllt, Esq. ; married Eleanor, daughter of Sir
William Pemhridge, Knight.
5. Sir Baldwin Sitsyllt, Knight, temp. Hen. secundi ; married
a daughter of Maurice de Brampton, Esq.
6. Gerald Sitsyllt, Esq. ; married Mavil, daughter to Sir Moygne,
Knight. 7. Robert Sitsyllt, Esq. ; married Alice, daughter of Sir Robert
Trogois, Knight.
8. James Sitsyllt, Esq. ; married Isabel, daughter of Sir John
Knell, Knight.
9. Gerald Sitsyllt ; married Margaret, daughter to Stephen de
Ber. 10. John Sitsyllt, Esq. ; married Sibil, daughter to Robert of
Ewyjas; Esquire.

12

Historical Notes.

11. Sir John Sitsyllt, Knight; married Alice, sister to Sir
Richard Baskerville, Knight.
12. John Sitsyllt, Esq. ; married Joan, daughter to Sir Richard
Monington, Knight.
13. Thomas Sitsyllt, Esq.; married Margaret, daughter and
heiress to Gilbert de Winston, Esq.
14. Phillip Sitsyllt, Esq. ; married Margaret, daughter to John
Phillips, Esq.
15. Richard Sitsyllt, or Cecil, Knight; married Margaret,
daughter of Phillip Vaughan, Esq.
16. David Cecil, Esq.
17. Sir William Cecil, Baron Burley, Knight of the Garter;
married Mary, sister to Sir John Cheek, Knight.

$krrg planb. #c.
This island is situated on the northern shore of the Bristol
Channel, a short distance from Cadoxton. It belonged to the
family of Giraldus de Barry ; and it is supposed that it was so
called from the Ba*ri or Barry family, who were lords of the
island ; others are of opinion, that it derives its name from Baruch,
o hermit, who, according to Cressy, died about 700, who
" Unknown to public view,
From youth to a?e a reverend hermit grew;
The moss his bed, the cave his humble cell ;
His food the fruits, his drink the crystal well ;
Remote from man, with God he passed his lays ;
Prayer, all his business, all his pleasure, praise."
Those small islands which skirt our coasts were the favourite
resort of people in those days. It is said that no less than 40,000
men retired to the small island of Bardsey, on the Carnarvonshire
coast, to die. The ground was considered, until lately, conse
crated. Mr. Pennant visited the island, and he says that the
boatmen who rowed the boat took off their hats as they approached
the island. Giraldus says that " an hermit lived on the Flat
Holmes, where he was buried." Leland, the antiquarian, paid a
visit to the island. In his time, there was a small church,

Historical Notes. 13
called St. Baruch's chapel ; but it has disappeared, and and its
very foundations rooted up. Sir Richard Hoare, in his translation
of Giraldus Itin says — "That near the entrance of the island,
there was a small cave, to which if the ear was applied, a noise
is heard like that of smiths at work, and blowing their bellows,
strokes of hammers, grinding of tools, and roaring of furnaces ;
and it might easily be imagined that such noises, which are con
tinued at the ebb and flow of the tides, were occasioned by the
influx of the sea under the cavities of the rock." In the southern
part of the island, at a point called "Nell's Point," there is a well,
to which great numbers of the gentler sex were in the habit of
visiting on Holy Thursday, for the purpose of washing their eyes
at the spring, and dropping a pin into it. The landlord of a house
close by, told Sir Richard Hoare that on cleaning the well, he
took a pint of votive offerings. On the northern side of the island
stands the small church of Barry, and the village of New Leland.
" It standeth on a hill, and the most of it is ruine. Master St.
John of Bedfordshir is lord of it. Maurice St. John, uncle to Sir
John St. John, was owner of it." — Lelan's Itin.
Between the village of Barry and Cadoxton there are some
extensive ruins of a castellated mansion. From its present
appearance, we presume it was a place of some note. A family of
the name of Andrews resided here, who came to this country with
Fitz Hamon. The pigeon house is still in a good state of preser
vation. The owner must have had a great delight in the feathered
tribe. Mr. John Bland, of Sully, bought the property attached
to it some time ago, and we have no doubt that Mr. Bland will
preserve this relic of antiquity, and there is no danger that it will
meet the same fate as many old castles and mansions within this
country. " The hour has been when this mould'ving pile
Was dressfd in symmetry sublime ;
Seen in stupendous strength to smile,
And seemed to dare the power of time ;
But now time's native warning breath
Has blown its awful grace away ;
Time, charged with ruin, loss, and death,
Spvead o'er this mansion, pale decay,
Then, since man's noblest structure falls,
How short a space can mortals stand —
Compound of clay ! — if granite walls
Of castles crumble into sand ?

14 Historical Notes.
§iiras fjafofe, &t.
Dinas Powis Castle stands on an elevated ground, encircled by
hills whose sides are covered by trees, near the village of Dinas
Powis stands the castle, in the parish of St. Andrews. The present
state of the- castle reminds us of the beautiful lines written by the
late Rev. Evan Evans (Ieuan Brydydd Hir), an eminent antiqua
rian, bard, and classical scholar, to the ruins of Maesaleg
(Bassaleg), the stately mansion of Ifor Hael : —
" Attend, ye great, and hear the solemn sound,
How short your greatness this proclaims around ;
Strange that such pride should till the human breast ;
Your ruinous walls, the vanity attest !
The ruins enclose an oblong square seventy yards by thirty-
five yards. The walls are kept in an excellent state. The castle
belongs to the Rev. Henry T. Lee, Rector of Roundham, Norfolk,
who is the lord of the manor. His father, who has travelled to
' ' that bourne from whence no traveller returns, " took great interest
in the preservation of the castle. The late Mr. Lee was a
gentleman of excellent taste. ' ' We shall not look upon his like
again," in that respect.
The area inside of the castle has been converted into a garden,
and tradition says that a subterranean passage was to be seen here
some years ago, but there are no traces of it at jiresent. This
castle was built by Jestyn ap Gwrgan, the last of the Glamorgan
princes, about a.d. 1043, for his wife Denis, daughter of Bleddyn
ab Cynfyn, Prince of Powis. Some historians seem to doubt this
etymology. It is probable, however, that it means the ' ' City
Dinas of Powis." Dinas, in the vernacular tongue, signifies a
fortified place ; and there are several in South Wales. On the
south side of Aberystwith there is an old camp called "Dinas ; "
and there is a farm house in the parish of Llanddewibrefi, which
has been erected near an old camp called by the same name.
Lewis says that it was used as an asylum for the inhabitants to
bring their cattle to at the time of the feudal wars.
After the overthrow of Jestyn, the country fell into the hands
of Fitz-Hamon, who divided it between his followers, taking care
to keep the best castles himself.

Historical Notes. 15
Fitz-Hamon died from the effects of a wound received in the
seige of Falaize, in Normandy, and' was buried at Tewkesbury.
His daughter Mabel, or Mabli, married Robert, Earl of Gloucester,
who became Lord of Glamorgan. He ruled the Welsh with an
iron arm ; but at last the spirit of the Cymry was aroused, and
under their leadeader, Ifor Bach, they stormed Cardiff Castle, and
Robert and his lady were taken prisoners.
From an old manuscript, a copy of which has been kindly
furnished to Mrs. Rickards, the estimable lady of the Rev. H. H.
Rickards, I have been permitted to make the following extract : —
"The Mount, Dinas Powis, July, 1768. — I recollect William
Hurst, Esq., and had a discourse with him, among other things,
on Dinas Powis. He said that Fitz-Hamon had it in his pos
session, and his heirs after him. But in Edward the Second's
time it was in the possession of William de Somery, and continued
in his male line a while, after which it fell between two female
heirs ; one married Lord Dudley, the other, Lord Berkeley, and
the mansion of Dinas Powis was divided between them. Part of
Lord Berkeley's share came to the crown, and the other part
continued in his line to a daughter, who married Sir Matthew
Caradoc of Swansea. This Matthew Caradoc imprisoned Twm
Ifan Pryse *, at Cenfyg Castle, and the Dudley's share of the
lordship of Dinas Powis went to the lordship of Swansea. Sir'
Matthew Caradoc left only one daughter, who married William
Herbert, the Earl of Pembroke, Lord of Cardiff. He bought the
other share of the lordship of Dinas Powis, of Queen Elizabeth,
and the entire of Dinas Powis, Swansea, and Pembroke came to ¦
the same. William Herbert died heirless, and the whole, with
title of Earl, came to Sir John Herbert, his brother. The said
John Herbert also died heirless. He divided the whole between
the Herberts of Cogan Pill, his nearest relatives by a younger ¦
branch of the family, consisting of a brother and two sisters, in
three shares — namely, Dinas Powis, Swansea, and Cardiff. One ¦
of the sisters continued with her brother until her death, when
she left her share to him. He then had two shares out of the
* Twm Ifan Pryse was a monk at Margam ; he was turned out because he was
Lollard. Ue is spoken of as prophet in the county until this day.

1 6 Historical Notes.
three. The other sister married Lord Brooke, of Warwick Castle,
and for that reason, the third share of the lordship of Dinas
Powis remained in the possession of the Brookes till a few years
past. Sir Edmund Thomas, of Wenvoe Castle, deceased, and the
above William Hurst bought the Brookes's share between them."
The present proprietors are the Rev. H. T. Lee, and R. F. L.
Jenner, Esq.

f eatfc %\\ti.

" I do love these ancient ruins ;
We never tread upon them, but we set
On some rev'red history ;
And questionless here in this open court,
Which now lies naked to the injuries
Of stormy weather, some lie interr'd who
Loved the Church so well and gave so largely to it,
They thought it should have canopied their hones
Till doomsdgy ; but all things have their end
Churches and cities, which have diseases like men,
Must have like like that we have."
Neath. Abbey, like many of those ancient buildings which
adorned this country, has fallen into ruins, and the bat and the
owl have made its courts their habitation. We could not help ask
ing ourselves, whilst visiting these beautiful ruins, in the words of
the bard — " How many hearts have here grown cold,
How many beads have here been told,
How many matins have here been sung
On these rude stones, by time long broke !
I think I see some pilgrims kneel,
I think I see the censer smoke,
I think I hear the solemn pnal ;
Hut here no more soft music floats,
No holy anthem chaunted now !
All hushed except the owl's shrill notes,
Low murmring from yon broken bough."

Historical Notes. 1 7
The monks, with all their errors and failings, were an example
to us in these days of "great privileges," as they are termed.
They kept the Divine command — "Freely ye have received, freely
give." We are 'too fond of condemning them for their errors,
and at the same time neglecting the Divine command which
exhorteth us to love each other, and to stretch forth the hand of
charity to the poor and afflicted. Those abbeys were the hospitals
for the sick and poor ; the weary traveller was entertained on his
journey. In the upper part of Cardiganshire there were several
"hospitals" erected for this purpose. They prepared for the soul
as well as for the body, a small church being attached to every
"hospital." Amongst others still remaining are Vspytty Cynfyn,
Yspytty Vstwyth, Vspytty Vstradmeurig, &c. &c. — [See Strata
Florida. 1
Neath Abbey was situated a short distance from the town of
Neath, the ancient Nidium of the "Itineraries," and it was an
important station on the great Roman road " Julia Martima."
When Fitz Hamon conquered Glamorgan, he gave the lordship of
Neath to his younger brother Richard de Grenville, who built the
Castle of Neath, which is now in ruins.
In the year 1111 De Grenville went on a pilgrimage to the Holy
Land, and he brought back with him an eminent architect, of the
name of Lalys, whom he employed to build an abbey at Neath.
He afterwards erected several other houses and castles in Wales.
He resided at Laleston, which is called after his name ; but he left
Glamorgan, and went to London, where he became an architect to
Henry Beauclerk, Henry I.
De Grenville endowed this house with a large portion of his es
tate, which had unjustly been taken from the rightful owners. It
appears that he also returned the remainder to the native pro
prietors. " Conscience ! what art thou, tremendous power,
Who dost inhabit us without our leave,
And art, within ourselves, another self,
A master self that lov'st to domineer,
And treat'st the monarch frankly as the slave ?
How dost thou light a torch of distant deeds,
Make the past present, and the future frown ?"

1 8 Historical Notes.
From the original Charter it appears that De Grenville and Con
stance his wife, for the safety of the souls of Gloucester, and Maud
his wife, and William his son, gave their chapel in the Castle of
Neath and its endowments, together with a tract of territory to the
convent of Savigny, near Lyons, under a stipulation that they
should establish a monastery of Grey Friars at Neath. It is not
known at what time the monks changed to the Cisterican order.
The endowments were very considerable, and they were afterwards
increased by Roger Earl of Warwick, in the reign of Stephen. He
gave the abbey land and fisheries in Gower, besides that which it
held in Somersetshire.
The first abbot of Neath was Richard, who died 1145, vide the
"Annales de Margam." Brown Willis says, that the last abbot
was John Lleision. I believe that there are some of the Lleision
family still residing at Neath.
The abbey of Neath was destroyed by Morgan ab Owen, who
burnt it, destroying also four hundred sheep, killing four of the
servants and a monk, and severely wounding another. The un
fortunate monarch, Edward the Second, and his favourite,
D'Espenser, escaped from Bristol, and took refuge in this abbey.
He was subsequently taken prisoner in the parish of Llantrissant,
in this county, and at last imprisoned at Berkeley Castle and
murdered. *' Mark the year, mark the night,
When Severn shall re-echo with affright,
The shrieks of death through Berkeley's roof shall ring,
The shrieks of the agonising King." Geat.
At the dissolution, there were eight monks in this abbey ; and
the revenues were valued according to Speed, £150 4s. 9d. The
estate was granted to Sir Richard Williams, alias Cromwell, by
Henry VIIL
It appears that the church was paved with glazed earthen tiles,
which have been dug up from time to time. The present ruins
give a very inadequate idea of its magnificence. The dusky smoke
of the neighbouring works has destroyed its picturesque appear
ance and its beauty.
A prize was given at one of the National Eisteddfodau, for the
best history of this abbey ; but whether it will ever be published
is doubtfub

Historical Notes. 19
Richard Grenville was lord of the castle and manor of Bydyford
(now called Bideford.) After building Neath Abbey, he returned
to Bideford, whereas the issue male of his body doth yet remain,
and enjoyeth the same. — Caradoc of Lancarfan's Chronicle.
Piatowal €&*itts.
Isr the year 1145, Pope Nicholas Brekspere, confirmed the rights
of the Normans in Glamorgan. Nicholas was at one time a
wanderer, and found refuge at St. Donatt's, with Sir Gilbert
Stxadling. In 1216, Lewis, the son of Phillip, was made King
of England, and King John, of England, wandered in Wales, to
his wife and sister-in-law. He had been divorced from his wife,
Isabella, daughter of the Earl of Gloucester and Lord of Glamor
gan ; but, when she saw him in distress, they kept in disguise for
six months at Boverton Palace, under the assumed name of
Gerald Fitzalan.
In 1346, Hie Welsh acquired great fame in the battle of Cressy,
in supporting the Black Prince. They were fighting in a field of
leeks. Captain Cadwgan Voel, desired the Welsh to put leeks in
their helmets; and, when they looked about, they were all Welsh
men except 130 ; from that circumstance, the Welsh commenced
wearing leeks.
In 1348, the sweating plague seized the Normans and Saxons
in Wales, many of whom died, but scarcely one Welshman.
In 1349, the cattle in Devon and Somerset were seized with
severe diseases, and great number of them died.
In 1378, Owen, the son of Elider, came to Wales from France,
where he espoused the cause of the French King. He built a
fine house at Lantwit ; his conscience pained him so much for
betraying his country, that he determined to abstain from food,
and died from want ; and, as they bore his body to the grave, two
hounds passing by seized it and tore it to pieces. He wrote an
account of his deeds in the vernacular tongue. He was very rich
in gold and silver. On his death, the lord paramount took posses
sion of it.
In 1392, a young man and woman went to the Chapter house,
at Llandaff, and conducted themselves disgracefully during vespers;

20 Historical Notes.
but they both died there, and their bodies were thrown to the
dogs. In 1399, a Welshman, of the name of Llewellyn ab Cadwgan,
came from the Turkish war to reside at Cardiff, and he would
never mention his connexions. He was very rich ; he gave freely
to all who were in want. He built a house near the White Tower,
for the support of sick and infirm persons. He spent all his
wealth, and was obliged to sell his fine mansion to the Mathew
family, and gave away the proceeds, after which he died of want,
no one could succour him. A poor return certainly for his charity.
In 1401, insects destroyed the leaves and grass in Glamorgan to
such an extent, that the fodder for cattle was spoiled. The Inhabi
tants of Glamorganshire, were obliged to lime the ground to kin
them. After this, liming of land was continued, and houses
white-washed; hence derives the old saying of "Morganwg ai
munau gwynion," " Glamorgan and its white walls."
In 1407, an immense Ash was cast ashore between St. Donatts
and Lantwit. The fish was twenty yards long, and between three
and four yards thick. The stench arising from its putrid carcase
caused severe diseases. It was burnt by the inhabitants. The
fire spread the putrid air so much more that maladies causing
great mortality among man and beast, but cattle suffered mostly.
Sir Edward Stradling gave a number of cows to the poor.
In 1411, a large ship came ashore at Trisilian Wood, but no one
could understand the language of the crew. The lord of the
manor took the ship, and one of the sailors taught the Welsh to
knit stockings.
In 1419, three days of great heat, from the effect of which,
numbers of men, beasts, and birds died. All the green vermin
throughout the island were destroyed, which was a blessing, and
they never made their appearance since. A plantation of wood
withered at Margam park, and many trees and hedges in different
places in Glamorgan.

Aberapon is situated on the banks of the river Afon, from
which the town derives its name. When the county was subju-

Historical Notes. 21
gated by the Norman, Fitz Hamon, he conferred Aberafon upon
Caradoc, the son of Iestyn ab Gwrgan, the last Prince of Glamor
gan. Caradoc made this town his place of residence. It is
supposed that he built the castle which is now in ruins, the very
foundation of which has disappeared.
This castle proved very advantageous in the times of the feudal
wars, it commanded the pass of the river. On Caradoc's death
the lordship came into the possession of his son Morgan, who it is
supposed built and founded the ancient Abbey of Margam. In
the year 1150 the Prince of Powys came with a powerful army
and invaded Morgan's territory, who was obliged to seek an
asylum in the sanctuary of the neighbouring churches, being an
unable to withstand his enemy. The castle was demolished. In
the year 1349, Thomas, son of Sir John De Afan, was the Lord of
Aberafon ; he granted a charter to the Abbey of Margam, con
firming all former grants to the inhabitants of the borough.
When Cromwell's army was approaching the town, the Portreeve
took the charters and hid them in an old oak in which a cavity
was formed. When the Protector's officers came there they found
him chopping sticks on it. By this artifice the papers were pre
served. July 25th, 1768, an alarming flood occurred in the river
Afon, the church and all the houses in the town were filled with
water to a considerable height ; the bridge was swept off, and the
corn carried away ; the town was covered with slime and mud.
The inhabitants must have perished from want and hunger, only
for the humanity of Thomas Mansel, Esq. There is a large and
commodious market house here, but no market, which is a great
disadvantage to the inhabitants. It is to be hoped that a new
charter will be speedily granted, and that the town will again
regain its prosperity.* There is an elegant National Schoolroom
here for boys and girls newly erected. A few years ago a new
church also was opened here, the building is one of the finest in
the county, and I am glad to state that it is well attended.

The Pedigbee of the Welkins, of Bkecon and Lantwit
Major.
1. Robert de Wintona, or Wincestria, who came into Glamorgan
* Since the above was written a New Charter has been granted.

22 Historical Notes.
with Robert Fitzhamon : He was Lord of the Manor of Llanguan,
near Cowbridge, and built a castle there, the ruins of which are
still extant : the Valley underneath is called Pant Wilkin to this
day. From whom lineally descended —
2. Nicholas de Wintona.
3. Michael de Wintona.
4. Wilklyne de Wintona.
5. William de Wincestra, flourishing in the reign of Edward
I. and Eward H. , contemporary with Hamon Turberville.
6. William de Wincestra, cotemporary with the son of Gilbert
Turberville. Temp. Edw. II.
7. John de Wincestria, or de Wincestre, Lord of Landough.
8. Robert Winchester, Lord of Landough, who lived in the
time of Edward III.
9. John Witcoline, or Wilkyn, living in 1335, who married
Gwenllian, daugher of Griffith Gethin. Temp. Edward ILL
10. John Wilcolyne, or Wilkin, vixit tempore, Edward ILL and
IV. and Richard II., married Isabel, daughter of John Raleigh,
dying in the reign of Richard II.
11. John Wilkin, who married Agnes or Anne, daughter of
Howell Carne, of Nash.
12. Richard Wilkin, married Jennett, daughter of Thomas
Madoc, of Llanfair, living 18th year Henry VII., 1505.
13. Thomas Wilkin, married Gwenllian, daughter of Jenkin ap
Richard ap Howell, of Llansannor, alias Gwyn of Llansannor, by
his wife, daughter of Robert Matthew, of Castle Menach, and had
a son, his successor, 1558.
14. Rev. Thomas Wilkyn, Rector of Porthkerry and St. Mary
Church, Glamorganshire. He married first, Elizabeth, daughter
of Lewis Harry, of Lancadle ; and second, Margaret, daughter of
Morgan ap James Matthew, of Roose, and was succeeded at his
death, in 1623, by his son Roger.
15. Rev. Roger Wilkins, A.M., Parson of St. Mary Church,
who married Blanch, daughter and Heiress of Christopher
Gaynon, Esq., of St. Brides, in the county of Monmouth, and was
succeeded 26th December, 1864, by his son Thomas Wilkins.

Historical Notes. 23
16. The Rev. Thomas Wilkins, LL.B., Rector of Llanmaes and
St. Mary Church, and Prebendary of Llandaff. He married Jane,
daughter of Thomas Carne, Esq., of Nash, by Jane his wife,
daughter of Sir Edward Stradling, of St. Donatts Castle, Bart.,
and had issue, Thomas Wilkins, his heir, Prothonotary of the
Brecon Circuit, from whom the Wilkins of Maeslough, and Ann
Wilkins, of Clifton, &c. are descended. — {See Burke's Commoners of
Great Britain]. He died 1698. The Rev. Thomas Wilkins had a
second son, Roger, who married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas
Lewis, Esq., of Lanishen, and had a daughter Jane ; and his
third son, John Wilkins, married Jennet, daughter of Walter
Morgan, and had two sons, John and Edward, and a daughter
Mary ; and Mr. Theophilus Jones, in his History of Breconshire,
asserts that from the John Wilkins and Janet Morgan, the
Wilkins of Llantwit Major, are descended.
17. John Wilkins, third son of the Rev. Thomas Wilkins, above
mentioned, who married Janet Morgan, when he died is not
mentioned in the pedigree. John Wilkins was related to the
Nash family, his mother being Jane, daughter of Thomas Carne,
Esquire. 18. William Wilkins, of Monknash, whose son he was, when he
died is unknown. Catherine Pierce, wife of Wilkins, of Monknash,
died September 6th, 1685. Stone in the old Church.
19. Edward Wilkins, of Frampton, gentleman, father of
Christopher Wilkins, of ditto. He had four sons —
1. William Wilkins, eldest son of Edward Wilkins, of
Frampton, born in 1689, died May 8th, 1720, aged 40, without
issue. See stone in the old Church.
2. Philip, second son of Edward Wilkins, of Frampton, born
in 1691, died 12th May, 1729, and left no issue.
3. Edward Wilkins, gentleman, third son of Edward Wilkins,
of Frampton, born in 1692. Twice married. He had by his
second wife three sons and a daughter. He was owner .of the
Lower House and other estates, and died September 23rd, 1763,
aged 70. He had — •
Edward Wilkins, gentleman, born 1755. He married three
wives, and had two brothers, John, who died in America, and

24 Historical Notes.
William, his youngest brother, died at Cowbridge, on the 10th
of January, 1837, aged 78. The above Edward Wilkins died
16th of June, 1799, aged 44 years.
Elizabeth, daughter of the above Edward Wilkins, by
Elizabeth Rosser, his first wife, married to Edward Bradley,
Cowbridge, gentleman, and had issue.
Edward Bradley, jun., gentleman, and his four sisters,
Mary and Elizabeth (twins), Cecilia, Ellen.
4. Christopher Wilkins, of Frampton, gentleman, fourth son
of the above Edward Wilkins, of ditto, bom 1702, died March
1739, aged 37 years. He had two sons —
William Wilkins, of Frampton, gentleman. He married
Jane Thomas, and is said to have died about 1759, when fiis
youngest son was about two years old. He left two ' sons,
William and Christopher, who never married. Mr. Christopher
Wilkins, of Frampton, the younger brother, died December 6th,
1837, aged 78 years.
Edward Wilkins, of the West-street, gentleman, born in 1727,
and died 19th of March, 1781, aged 54 years. He married
Anne, daughter of Mr. William Wathen, agent, and she died
13th of January, 1788, aged 70. See the monument. Edward
Wilkins had —
Christopher Wilkins, of the West-street, Lantwit Major,
gentleman, married Miss Jennet Simmons, and died November
10th, 1809, aged 55. She died 28th September, 1807, aged 40.
Christopher Wilkins had two sons, Christopher Wilkins, and
his brother, Evan Wilkins, Esq., and a daughter, married to
Mr. William Wrentmore. The youngest son, Mr. Evan Wilkins,
married Miss Emma Anne Nicholl, of Dimlands, by whom he
had issue as below —
Emma Janetta Wilkins, eldest daughter, married Capt.
Hubert Churchill Gould, Ash Hall.
Ellen Wilkins, second daughter, married Frederick Charles
Vachell, Esq., High Mead, near Cardiff.

Historical Notes. 25
St.

St. Fagans stands on a gently elevated slope above the River
Ely, about four miles from Cardiff, W.N.W., in the Hundred of
Dinas Powis. The parish Church, which is an elegant structure,
and which was rebuilt a few years ago, is dedicated to St. Fagan,
who came to Britain with Dyfan, the founder of Merthyr Dyfan,
in this County, and Llandyfan in Llandeilo-fawr ; and Medwy
and Elfan, so early as the year a.d. 180. They came to this
country at the solicitations of Lleurwg, to preach the gospel to
the inhabitants. It was an old saying : —
" Dids't thou hear the saying ot Fagan,
When he had produced his argument :
When God is silent, it is not wise to speak."
The old Church of St. Fagans may be regarded as one of the
earliest Christian establishments in Britain. In the time of
CromweU, the vicar of St. Fagans, the Rev. Lewis Williams, a
very charitable man, and of great age, was turned out of his house
and dispossessed of all his subsistence by one Galler, who is
described by the author of the "Siluriana" as one of the most
savage ravagers of the ' clergy in Glamorgan. Mr. Williams
retired to a small farm at Lisvane. One Ellis took possession of
the living, who preached down tithes as anti- Christ, receiving at
the same time, £100 per annum from the tithe treasury. At this
time an order come from the Government that small livings,
worth not more than a hundred pounds, should pay their
ministers in tithes to meet these new arrangements ; Ellis em
ployed one Symonds to preach for him from the following text :
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse." The parishioners
became disgusted with them, and they were put down as a pair of
knaves. Mr. Williams lived to be restored to his living, and
" the parishioners went out to meet him in a body."
St. Fagans is celebrated in history of this County on account of
a sanguinary battle which took place between the recreant leaders
of the Parliamentary forces in Wales and Cromwell's army.
After the termination of the first civil war, an order had been
issued to disband the Parliamentary army in Wales, but some of
the commanders, among others Colonel Poyer, Colonel Powell,

26 Historical Notes.
Major-General Stradling, of St. Donatts, and Laugharne, con
tinued to retain a large force under arms, who were joined by the
Royalists. Colonel Horton was despatched by the Protector to
disband them, and to intimidate the leader. Cromwell was on his
way to Glamorgan at the time. The Welsh commanders feeling
confident of success, marched to meet Horton near St. Fagans, on
a beautiful morning, the 8th of May, 1648. At the first charge
Cromwell's army were compelled to retreat, but they soon rallied
and returned to the contest, and drove their assailants from the
ground they occupied. The battle raged furiously for two hours ;
both armies bravely maintained their positions ; but the Welsh
army could not compete with Cromwell's army, who were veterans,
and the majority of the others were raw levies. Horton became
master of the field, and completely routed the Parliamentary
army. It is said that the slaughter was so great that this battle
gave to the parish of St. Fagans alone sixty-five widows, and
upwards of seven hundred to the county of Glamorgan. The lata
Iolo Morganwg, an excellent authority, says that he conversed
with some old people, who remembered the battle, and that the
River Ely was reddened with human blood from St. Fagans to the
sea. Men were so scarce the following harvest that the corn was
reaped and the hay mowed by women.
The following gentlemen were taken prisoners by Colonel
Horton : —
Major-General Stradling, Quarter-Master General Laughorn,
twelve gentlemen who were to have had commissions, attended at
the head-quarters, Colonel Harries, Colonel Phillip Gamage, of
Newcastle, Colonel Richard Grime, Colonel Howell Gamis,
several other colonels who had not received their commission,
Lieutenant-Colonel Wogan, of Pembroke, Lieutenant-Colonel
Lewis, Rhydlavar, Lieutenant- Colonel Hodskin, Forest, Major
PhUlipps, Major Dawkins, Major Stedman, Major Christopher
Matthews, of St. Anall, Capt. Mathew, Capt. Will. Batton, Oapt.
Richard Caradock, eighty colonels, lieutenant-colonels, majors,
captains, lieutenants, and seventy inferior officers, Doctor Lloyd,
and several other malignant men; Mr. Marmaduke Lloyd, Sir
Marmaduke Lloyd's son, of Maesyfelin, Lampster, Mr. Hugh

Historical Notes. 27
Lloyd, Mr. J. Walcott, Sir W. Lloyd, Mr. George Anderson, Mr.
Roger Gamis, Mr. Walter Powell, Mr. Gamis, Mr. Roger Williams,
Mr. Devereux Grafton, two hundred and fifty gentlemen and
reformado officers, two thousand six hundred common soldiers,
four thousand club-men dispersed to their several habitations,
three hundred and fifty arms, broken and whole, fifty colours and
standards, three hundred and sixty horses, all their ammunition
and baggage.
Among the slain — Lieutenant Col. Thomas Laughorn, Colonel
Howell, Major Bussey, Major Evan Thomas, Major Smith,
Capt. Turberville, "a Papist," Capt. Powel, of Lantrade, forty
more officers, one hundred and fifty common soldiers.
General Laughorn wounded and fled, Colonel Powell fled with
one hundred horses, Colonel Poyer kept Pembroke Castle, with
one hundred men.
The Parliament appointed a day of thanksgiving for this
victory. The following official report of the battle of St. Fagans, sent
from the field of battle by Generals Thomas Horton and John
Oakey, has a local as well as a historic interest; — -
" To the Right Hon. the Earl of Manchester, speeker of the
House of Peers pro tempore.
"My Lord, — God hath this day rewarded our wearisome
marches with a full and glorious victory over an enemie who hath
used, much ability, subtilty and diligence to engage the kingdome
in a new war; they had increased by a great number by the
addition of divers disbanded men from England, and a generall
conjunction of most able bodied inhabitants of the counties of
Pembroke, Caermarthen, Cardigan, and many of Glamorgan.
This day about nine of the clock, it pleased God that wee engaged
with them at a place called St. Fagans, three miles distant from
Cardiffe, and for near two hours had a very hot dispute, at length
by God's mercy, they were put to a total route, many slaine upon
the place, and about three thousand prisoners, great store of arms
and ammunitions, and many colours. The enemy accounted
themselves eight thousand horse and foot, which makes the mercy
more remarkable. My Lord, the Almighty was pleased greatly

28 Historical Notes.
to strengthen both our officers and soldiers, in discharge of their
duties, with much resolution and cheerfulness, but with one heart
they desire that the honour of this work may be wholly given to
God. This account I held myself bound to present your Lordship
with, to be communicated to the Right Honourable the House of
Peers." " My Lord,
" Your most humble and faithful servant,
"Thomas Horton,
"In the Field, near St. Fagans,
8 May, 1648.
" Sir, — Hitherto, until this day, I could not give you a good
account of our Welsh expeditions, ¦ we have had so many
obstructions, through unseasonable weather, rugged ways, want
of necessaries and other inconveniences, that we may say these
things — ' Except the Lord was with us, they had swallowed us up
quick.' But besides this, we had attending on us a numerous
armie before us, and behind us a great partie; wee divers ways
sought an opportunity to fight with them, which until this instant
we could never do, they before taking always the advantage of
their Welsh ways and hills and rivers. This posture they con
tinued until divers of our soulders were wearied out, and both foote
and horse so far spent, as the enemie himself knew his great
advantage over us ; and out of that consideration, having
mightily increased ours his armie and wee, though all these
inconveniences somewhat decreased ours, hee on the eighth of
this instant, about 8 of the clocks in the forenoone, proffered us
the battle. Wee seeing his number, and hee being upon us before
wee were well aware of him, quitted our present station, which
was at St. Fagans, the enemy drew into the place of our guards ;
but wee being very loth to retreat upon a little hill near St. Fagans,
made good our ground, drew up our armie, faced the enemie, a
fore lorne hope of horse and draggoons was drawn up under the
command of Lieut. Godfrey ; and another forlorne hope of foote
under the command of a Lieut, of foote. Next they marched 160
firelocks under the command of Captaine Garland. In right
wing marched Colonel Okey, with three troops of horse, and three

Historical Notes. 29
troops of draggoons. In the maine body marched Colonel Horton,
Commander-in Chiefe. In the left flank marched the horse under
the command of Major Barton with some draggoones. The body
being thus drawn up, the forlorne hope of horse advanced, and
fell immediately into a ground where 500 of the enemies of foote
and some horses lined the hedges. Lieut. Godfrey, with a for
lorne hope of horse, immediately charged them, routed them, and
killed some of them. Colonel Okey upon this, taking the advan
tage of the enemies running, commanded presently Captains
Garland with firelocks, Captaine Mercer with a commanded party
of draggoones, and some horse to second the forlorn hope. These
falling into another ground where the enemie was lining the
hedges, drove them from hedge to hedge, and pursued them."
" The enemie in this retreat having so many reserve of foot at
every hedge, hee makes a stay and a new party. Still Colonel
Okey commanded the party both of firelocks and draggoones and
horse to advance the enemie, having a numerous armie of foote,
still ever and anon sends fresh reserves ; but at the end hee was
beate by this partie of foote and horse to a water, and from thence
over a river, where again he made good his ground. There the dis
pute lasted a long while, till our body of foote and horse advanced ;
where the horse, with the foote making way, and charging with the
foote on the musketeers. Through the goodness of God, after an
hour's dispute, they were put to the rout. Wee pursued, took
divers prisoners — the number as yet unknown, and the quality ;
wee heare some of the men of quality both killed and taken ;
this for the present in brief. We can give you an account that
there were farre more prisoners taken than the number of our
armie was ; so that we can all say ' ' God hath done great things
for us." Captaine Nicholetts and Cornet Okey were both shot
through their hats, but free from any other part. No more for
present. I take my leave, and remain your servant to command,"
"John Okey."
"From the field at St. Fagans, this
8th of May, 1648."
These commanders, although they pretended to be very
religious in their despatches, were very highly elated with the

30 Historical Notes.
carnage and slaughter that took place in the field of battle, which
was at variance with their profession.- Such language, asthatmade
use of by Colonel Okey under such circumstances, was bordering
on blasphemy. We had lately another specimen of the canting
language made use of by people who call themselves Christians.
Of all cants the cant of hypocrisy is the worst. It is enough to
make us shudder, when we think of so many human beings sent
to appear before their maker during those unhappy times, and all
under the cloak of religion ! War is honourable when people
defend their native rights, their swords are barriers between the
lawless spoiler and the weak ; but it is highly dishonourable,
when men draw the offensive blade to obtain power and gain.
*' He ! who once has mingled in
The carnage, who has lain
The live long night in aching thirst !
Alive among the slain —
Will shudder at the name of war ;
And curse the hand which draws
His sword for empty glory, or
To serve a selfish cause."

Monumental Inscription on an ancient Tablet over the Pew of the
Duffryn Family in Oadoxton Church, near Neath.
" Hie in Caucellis Saueti Cadoci, et prope ipsum imaginem
Sane : Cadoci, prout ille testamento ultimo decreverat, et anno
Xti 1507, jacet corpus Leolini filii Johannis, fil : Leolini fil;
Gwillim, als. William, fil : Jevani, fi : Morgani, fi : Morgani fi :
Audoeni, fi : Rheci, fi : Istini, ultimi, principis et domini
Glamorgani, Gwent et Morganwg, originis Trogani ceu sanguinis
Britannici; qui fraude et dolo Normanorium, quos mercede et
Slipendio retenuit ad bellum gerendum, contra Vicinous, occisus
fuit posterique egus fortunis omnibus, scilicet castro de Cardiff
principale egus palato cum omnibus de pendentibus et aliis
paternis dominionibus terris et ditionibus ejiciebantur, regnante
Gulielmio Rufo tunc tempori Angliae Rege." After Fitzhamon
conquered the whole 6f Glamorgan he gave the Lordship of Solven
between Neath River, and Tawe, to Rhys ab Jestyn, who is men
tioned in this epitaph.
Arms. — Gules, three Chevrons Argent. Those of Jestyn ab

Historical Notes. 31
Gwrgant borne by Williams of Duffryn. Motto— " Vincet qui
patitur." To the memory of Mrs. Rose Williams, widow of PhiUip Williams
of Duffryn, Esq., great grandson of Llewellyn, and daughter of
Morgan Caradoc of Cheriton —
R oses the most, gay, that Flora's wreath beset,
O ft while they bud, are nipp'd by frost, but yet
S he proved a lasting rose full blown, yet she
E xceecled most longevity.
W ither for want of sap she did, when past
J oys of an earthly bliss, the fatal blast,
L evell'd the rest, the rose yet stood
L ong unbla3ted for her neighbour's good.
I nstead of winter she enjoys by fate,
A lasting spring of eternal date ;
M ost strange, yet she at her Redeemer's day,
S hould sap recover and appear more gay. Vide " Camhro Briton."
Arms as before.
This monument contains the history of the Williams' family ;
they are traced through the several generations ; it is engraved on
several sheets of copper, and concludes with Phillip Williams, Esq.,
who died 6th of November, 1717. Mr. Evans, in his tour through
Wales, has given it in full, but he has committed many errors in
the orthography of Welsh names.

The Marquises of Worcester.
1. Bernard Newmarsh, Lord of Brecon ; married Nest, daughter
of Llewellyn ab Gruffudd, Prince of South Wales.
2. Milo, Earl of Hereford; married Sibill, daughter and heiress
of Bernard Newmarsh.
3. Henry Fitz Herbert, Lord of the Forest of Dean ; married
Lucy, daughter and co-heiress of Milo Fitz Walter, Earl of
Hereford. 4. Peter Fitz'Herbert ; married Alice, daughter and heiress of
Bleddyn Broad Spear, Llanthleoll, in the County of Monmouth, a
Welsh Prince.

32 Historical Notes.
5. Reinold Fitz Peter, Lord of Llanthlleol, Jure Matris;
married Margaret, daughter of Sir John Welsh.
6. Adam ab Reinold, Lord Llanthlleol; married Christian,
daughter of Gwarendy. The arms belonging to this family are
the same as Vnyr, King of Gwent.
7. Jenkin ab Adam ; married Gwenllian, daughter of Sir Aaron
ab Bledri, Lord of Kilsant, in the County of Carmarthen.
8. Gwillym Jenkin, Esquire ; married Gwenllian, daughter of
Hywel Vychan ab Hywel ab Iorwerth.
9. Thomas ab Gwilym Jenkin; married Maud, daughter of
Sir John Morley, Knight.
10. Sir William Thomas, Knight ; married Gwladus, daughter
of Sir David Gam, a valiant Welsh Knight.
11. William Herbert, the Earl of Pembroke; married Ann,
daughter of Sir Walter Devereux.
12. William Herbert, the Earl of Huntingdon ; married Mary,
daughter of Sir Richard Woodville, Earl Rivers.
13. Charles Somerset ; married Elizabeth, daughter of William
Herbert, Earl of Huntingdon, and his sole heiress.
14. Henry Somerset, Earl of Worcester; married Eliza,
daughter of Sir Anthony Brown.
15. William Somerset ; married Christian, daughter to Edward,
Lord North.
16. Edward, Earl of Worcester; married Eliza, daughter of
Francis Hastings, Earl of Huntingdon.
17. Henry, Earl of Worcester; married Anne, sole daughter
and heiress of John, Lord Russell.
18. Edward, Marquis of Worcester and Earl of Glamorgan;
married Eliza, daughter to William Lord Dormer.
19. Henry, Lord Herbert; married Capel, widow of Lord
Beauchamp, and Mother to the Duke of Somerset.

Marquises of Pembroke.
Gilbert de Clare.
Richard de Clare, surnamed Strongbow.
William Marshall ; married Isabel, daughter and heiress of
Richard Strongbow.

Historical Notes. 33
William Marshall, Lord Chief Justice.
Richard Marshall.
Gilbert Marshall.
Walter Marshall.
Anslem Marshall.
William de Valence, half brother to Henry the Third, whose
wife was Anslem Marshall's niece, Aymer de Valence.
John Hastings, 1st ; John Hastings, 2nd.
Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester.
William de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk.
Jasper of Hatfield, Duke of Bedford.
William Herbert, 1st ; William Herbert, 2nd.
Edward, Prince of Wales, son of Edward the Fourth.
Ann Boleyn, wife of Henry the Eighth, Marchioness.
William Herbert, was Lord High Steward in the reign of
Edward the Sixth.

The Earls of Pembroke down to the Reign of Charles
the First.
Bernard Newmarsh, or Newmarch, Lord of Brecon; married
Nest, daughter of Gruffudd ap LleweUin, Prince of South Wales.
Milo, Earl of Hereford ; married Sibil, daughter and heiress of
Bernard Newmarsh.
Herbert, Lord of the Forest of Dean ; married Lucy, one of the
daughters and co-heiress of Milo, Earl of Hereford.
Peter ap Herbert, Esq. ; married Alice, daughter and heiress of
Bleddyn Broad Spear, Llanthlleol and Beachley.
Reginald ap Peter ; married Margaret, daughter of Sir John
Welsh, or Walsh, Knight.
Adam ap Reginald, Esq. ; married Grisley, daughter and heiress
of Gwarendy, Lord of Gwarendy.
Jenkin ap Adam, Esq., of Gwarendy; married Gwenllian,
daughter of Aaron ap Bledri, Knight.
Gwinllin Jenkin, Esq., of Gwarendy; married Gwenllian,
daughter of Howel ap Ioroth, or Yorath, Esquire, of Tylegeles.
Thomas Gwinllin Jenkin, Esq., of Gwarendy; married Maud,
daughter and heiress of Sir John Borely, Knight.

34 Historical Notes,
Sir William Thomas, Knight; married Gwladys, daughter of
Sir David Gam.
William Herbert, created Earl of Pembroke, temp.
Henry the Fourth; married Ann, daughter of Sir Walter
Devereux, Knight.
William Herbert, of Ewyas ; married a daughter of Sir Mathew
Caradock, of Swansea, Knight.
William Herbert; married Ann, daughter of Thomas Parr,
Baron Kendal, and sister and co-heiress of William Parr, Marquiss
of Northampton and Earl of Essex.
Henry Herbert, Earl of Pembroke ; married Mary, daughter of
Sir Henry Sydney, Knight, Lord Deputy of Ireland.
William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, sans issue ; married Mary,
eldest daughter and co-heiress of Gibert Talbot, Earl of
Shrewsbury. Phillip Herbert, Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery ; married
Susan, co-heiress of Edward Vere, Earl of Oxford. By this union
this honourable family descends from the British line.
William Herbert, half brother to Phillip Herbert.
Thomas Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, A.D., 1698.

|oitt=F=pbrgfj #fop;
(or the bridge of the white spirit.)
" Oh, Cambrian River ; with slow music gliding,
By pastoral hills, old woods, and ruined towers ;
Now 'midst thy reeds and golden willows hiding,
Now gleaming forth by some rich bank of flowers ;
Long flowed the current of my life's clear hours,
Onward with thine, whose voice yet haunts my dream,
Though time and change, and other mightier powers,
Far from thy side have borne me. Thou smooth stream ;
Art winding still thy sunny meads along,
Murmuring to cottage and grey hall thy song,
Low, sweet, unchanged. My being's tide patli passed
Through rocks and storms ; yet will I not complain,
If thus wrought free and pure from earthly stain,
Brightly its waves may reach their parent-deep at last;"

Historical Notes. 35
' ' I was, when a child, a firm believer in ghosts. Mr. Pepper had
not then made "spiritual apparitions" of common occurrence;
and although I might have read my countryman, Glendower's
boasting assertion that he could " call spirits from the vasty deep,"
I had yet to learn that they came when called by ordinary
mortals at the Polytechnic. I dearly loved ghost stories. I used
to bribe my old Welsh nurse to allow me, after I had been dis
missed with a strict injunction to go to bed like a good child, to
steal down from my nursery into the kitchen, where the servants
were at that time of the evening generally to be found in the
winter sitting round an enormous coal fire, trying to outshine
each other in the narration of supernatural horrors. I need
scarcely say that as I never told tales out of school — that is,
repeated anything in the drawing-room, that I heard in any part
of the house — I was not an unwelcome kitchen visitor. " Pont-
yr-Ysbryd Gwyn" was my favourite story, and as I understood
the Welsh language perfectly I could, at the age of eight, repeat
it very correctly. I will now do my best to reproduce it.
In days gone by Sir Elidir Ddu, Knight of the Sepulchre in the
reign of the first Richard, lived at Kidwelly Castle. He was the
lineal descendant of Urien Reged, Lord of Kidwelly, and when
my tale commences, was a widower, with two sons, Gryffith and
Rhys, and a daughter named Nest.
Nest was very lovely, but her beauty was of the Saxon
character. She resembled her mother, who had been termed,
from the fairness of her complexion, Bronwen, or the white-
necked. She partook also of her mother's nature. She was a fair
and gentle girl, presenting a marked contrast to her haughty
cousin, the dark-haired Gwladys.
Gwladys was an orphan, the daughter of Sir Elidir's brother,
Philip ap Ddu, by the only child of David Vras, Lord of Blancych,
and she plumed herself greatly upon her descent from Cadivor
Vawr, for Welsh maidens in those times were quite as proud of
the blue blood in their veins as their representatives of the present
day are. H Nest's large soft blue orbs and golden ringlets pro
claimed her partly Saxon origin, Gwladys, with her clear rich
dark complexion, flashing eyes, glossy black hair, and well cut
features, was a true type of Cambrian beauty. Her cousin,

36 Historical Notes.
Gryffith, the Knight's eldest son, fully appreciated her charms.
He had long been devoted to her ; but she either was, or wished
to appear to be, insensible to his love.
Gwladys went, at her father's death, to reside at Kidwelly
Castle, in order to be under her uncle's protection, and finding
that Nest had a favoured suitor in the person of Sir Walter Mansel,
she determined to try and win his affections from her cousin.
This she failed to effect, and as it so happened that Gryffith, who
had taken a mortal hatred to Sir Walter, did all in his power to
prejudice his father, Sir Elidir, against him, she aided in the
schemes set afoot to detach him from his lady-love. Now, Sir
Elidir's inclinations were favourable to the marriage. He was
alive to the young Knight's worth ; knew him to be brave and
noble ; and his descent from Philip Mansel, who came over with
the Conqueror, was no great blemish in the eyes of one who had
chosen for his own wife a maiden of the mixed race ; not so with
his son Gryffith, in whose breast there burned a Saxon detestation
of the Norman invader.
Nest continued firm to her plighted troth. Her father had not
absolutely commanded her to break faith with the young Knight,
and her brother's and cousin's remonstrances she totally disre
garded. The Crusades once more excited the armies of Europe — the
Holy Sepulchre was in danger ; and, as William of Malmesbury
has it, ' ' The Welshman left his hunting, the Dane his drinking
party, and the Norwegian his raw fish," in order to fight for the
Cross. Sir Elidir departed for Palestine, accompanied by his youngest
son Rhys, and Griffith was Lord of the castle in his absence.
Sir Walter Mansel was master of Margam. Margam was
situated in the adjoining county. Some of the family became in
after years "Lords Mansel of Margam." But he was at this
time staying at Trimsaran, a place in the vicinity of Kidwelly, and
Nest and himself corresponded, and occasionally met by an old
bridge, then called "Pont y Gwendraeth," situated midway
between Trimsaran and the Castle.
Gwladys having discovered these stolen interviews, revealed the
fact to Gryffith, who, burning with rage, vowed to be revenged

Historical Notes. 37
upon his sister's lover. A careful watch was accordingly kept,
and one of poor Nest's letters intercepted by her heartless,
treacherous cousin. Amongst Sir Elidir's retainers was a man
named Merig Maney. Crafty, cruel, and devoid of good feeling,
he had but few friends in the castle, where the circumstances of
his being the Lady Gwladys' s foster brother, gave him a sort of
superior position to his fellow servitors of the same rank. If this
man Merig had one kindly impulse in his nature, it was for his
beautiful foster sister. Few persons can understand the intense
degree of attachment often subsisting between foster children of
very different social standing in Wales even at the present time,
and the period I write of, the children of the Welsh woman who
had nursed the Lord's son or daughter were brought up to con-
consider it a part of their duty to die, if need be, for the foster
child. Merig did Gwladys' s bidding in all things, and when she
sent for him and desired him to regard her cousin Gryffith as his
master, and obey his commands unquestioning, he took a sacred
oath to observe her orders. What Gryffith' s commands were
remains to be told. " Out of the water he cries for help,
Where help can ne'er be given ;
But the goodly deeds of his earthly life,
Shall find him grace in heaven."
It was a glorious evening in the month of September when
Nest hurried from the castle to the accustomed place of tryst. As
she neared the bridge from the Kidwelly side of the river she saw
Sir Walter advancing to meet her, but just as he gained the
middle of the bridge he fell, and a man, who had evidently been
lurking in one of the recesses, sprang out upon him. Nest rushed
forward, and reached the spot in time to see the assassin take her
lover's dead body in his arms and fling it in the stream. She
gave one wild shriek, and jumped in after it. The tide (the river
was a tidal one) was on the point of tirrning, and the current
carried her down the stream towards the sea. After a lapse of
several days both bodies were found, on the " Cefen Shydan"
sands within a few yards of each other. Nest was buried in
Kidwelly Church, and Sir Walter's remains were allowed in death
to rest by her side. Gryffith ap Ddu and the Lady Gwladys

38 Historical Notes.
asserted that the lovers having determined to elope, took their
way across the sands, and the night being dark, they were
surrounded by the sea, and had perished.in their flight ; but the
fisherman who found Sir Walter's body whispered that there was
an ugly mark near the heart, such as the wound made by an
arrow would have caused.
Years went by; the old Knight died broken hearted in the
Holy Land on hearing of his daughter's death, and Sir Gryffith
having been refused by his cousin Gwladys,- departed to join the
Crusaders, accompanied by Merig Maney. He despatched his
brother home to guard the castle, and at his death, which happened
in a couple of years, Rhys succeeded to the title and estates. He
married Gwladys, and had by her two sons, Nicholas and Thomas ;
but their wedded life was not a happy one. The lady of the
castle was subject to fits of deep despondency, and on one occasion
it was rumoured that her reason entirely left her on hearing that
a white figure resembling the Lady Nest had been seen to wander
in the vicinity of " Pont y Gwendraeth." A heavy gloom over
hung the castle. Sir Rhys's face wore a stem, unnatural aspect
whenever his sister's name was mentioned, and the history of Sir
Walter Mansel and the beautiful Lady Nest had become a story
of the past, when Merig returned to Kidwelly to die. He re
quested to see his foster sister, the mistress of the castle, and in
her ear and the attendant priest's he faintly breathed out the
following tale : —
"He had," he said, "been haunted by Nest's spirit from the
moment he murdered Sir Walter up to the day of his confession ;
sleeping or waking her wild shriek rang in his ears. He had
followed Sir Gryffith to the wars in hope of getting rid of life, but
he seemed to bear some charm which rendered him invulnerable.
He always went into the thickest of the fight, but ever came out
unharmed. The first time Nest appeared to him was when her
father the old Sir Elidir, died, and then told him that her spirit
was doomed to walk the earth as a punishment for her having
dared to put an end to her own life, until a marriage should take
place between one of her father's descendents and a member of
the Mansel family. When this came to pass, she stated that her
probation would be over, but that until it did occur she would

Historical Notes. 39
appear to give waring of the approaching death of every member
of the family on ' Pont y Gwendraeth.' She further added that
a descendant of Merig's should meet with an ignominous death
through the instrumentality of one of hers about the time when
her earthly visitations were to cease."
The death of Merig — the future life of Gwladys and her husband
are veiled in mystery, I never heard any further account of them,
but in the year 1775 the ghost story of " Pont-yr-Ysbryd Gwyn"
was still in existence ; and in order to make my readers rightly
understand this narrative it is requisite that I should give a slight
sketch of the respective families of Ddu and Mansel as they
then stood.
Rhys, the son of Elidir ap Ddu, the husband of Gwladys and
brother of Nest, left two sons, as we have already read, eallecL
Nicholas and Thomas. They founded the families of Rice of
Newton, (ancestors of the present Lord Dynevor,) and Rhys of
K  . The Rhys branch was the elder of the twain, and of
this stock two sons, John and Arthur, were in 1775 the repre
sentatives. The fortunes of the family had retrograded — they
were no longer Lords of Kidwelly. The castle was a ruin ; it
had passed into other hands, and Mr. John R  , the eldest
son, was a simple country gentleman.
A lineal descendant of the Mansels of Margam still lived near
Kidwelly, Sir William Mansel, of Iscoed, and his daughter Amy
became the wife of Mr.  •.
Mr. R  had often heard the old tale of " Pont-yr-
Yspryd Gwyn," but was far too enlightened to credit any ghost
story of ancient or modem date, when one evening returning
from the C  Quarter Sessions (he was a county magistrate)
over " Pont-yr-Yspryd Gwyn " to his home on the other side of
the Gwendraeth, he was startled by a wild unearthly shriek, and
looking up beheld a white figure flit rapidly across the bridge and
disappear over the wall into the water beneath. Country ¦
gentlemen rode in those days, (the carriage was rarely ordered out
unless the ladies of the household accompanied their lords), and
Mr. R.  felt his horse tremble under him. The animal stood
still, and sometime elapsed before he could urge him to cross.

40 Historical Notes.
The ghost story flashed upon his mind, and putting spurs to his
steed he rode off in the direction of K  with right good
will. Some two miles from home he observed a dense crowd, and
on approaching learnt that an old woman named "Poll of
Barclay" had been found murdered in her cottage. He instantly
dismounted and proceeded to the hovel where he saw the body.
The poor old creature had evidently been dead several days, and
he observed what no one else seemed to have noticed, a small
portion of the cuff of a man's coat sleeve lying on the bed by the
side of the corpse. He took possession of it, and having sworn
in two special constables proceeded to make inquiries as to
whether any one present knew any one who had a coat of that
particular colour (the shade was a peculiar one.) Some
half-dozen voices at once shouted "Will Maney," and on
going to his cottage Mr. R  discovered that a piece of cuff
found on the murdered woman's bed corresponded exactly with
Maney's coat, and that a part of one cuff was torn off. Mr. R. 
committed him to prison, and in order to give my tale as brief as
possible, I will only say that the murderer Will Maney, a
descendant of Merig Maney's, was hung in chains on Pembrey
Mountain, the scene of his guilt, and that Mr. R  found on
his arrival at home two letters; the one informing him of the
death of his brother Arthur of the Royal Navy, who was drowned
at sea, and the other announcing the demise of his wife's mother,
Lady Mansel, of Iscoed, who was burned to death at Kidwelly,
her lace sleeve having caught fire when she was in the act of
sealing a letter. Nest's prediction was thus accomplished in a
remarkable manner, and the history of " Pont-yr-Yspryd Gwyn "
was often related to me in childhood as an instance of a well
authenticated ghost story."
P.S. — The above tale was written by a lady.

fejpb ti Itgr/Mai. •

A man who lived in a farm-house called Esgairllaethdy, in the
parish of Myddfai, having bought some lambs in a neighbouring
fair, led them to graze near "Llyn-y-Van-Fach," on the Black

Historical Notes. 41
Mountain. Whenever he visited the lambs, three most beautiful
female figures presented themselves to him from the lake, and
often made excursions on the boundaries of it. For some time
he pursued and endeavoured to catch them, but always failed, for
the enchanting nymphs ran before him, and when they had
reached the lake they triumphantly exclaimed, —
" Cras dy fara
Anbawdd ein dala."
which, with little circumlocution, means, "For thee who eatest
baked bread, it is difficult to catch us." One day some moist
bread from the lake came to shore. The farmer devoured it with
great avidity. On the following day he was successful in his pur
suit, and caught the fair damsels. After a little conversation
with them he commanded courage sufficient to make proposals of
marriage to one of them. She consented to accept them on con
dition that he would distinguish her from her sisters on the
following day. This was a new and great difficulty to the young
fanner, for the fair nymphs were so similar in form and features
that he could scarcely perceive any difference between them. He
observed, however, a trifling singularity in the strapping of her
sandals, by which he recognized her the following day. Some,
indeed, who believed this legend, say that this lady of the lake
hinted in private conversation with her swain that upon the day
of trial she would place herself between her two sisters, and that
she would turn her right foot a little to the right. By this means
he distinguished her from her sisters. Whatever were the means,
the end was secured ; he selected her, and she immediately left
the lake and accompanied him home. Before she quitted, she
summoned to attend her from the lake, seven cows, two oxen, and
a bull. This lady engaged to live with him until such time as he
\ would strike her three times without a cause. For some years
they lived together in comfort, and she bore him three sons, who
were the celebrated " Meddygon Myddfai." One day, when he
was preparing for a fair in the neighbourhood, he desired her to
go to the field to fetch his horse. She said she would, but being
rather dilatory, he said to her humourously, " Dos, dos, dos," i.e.,
" Go, go, go," and he slightly touched her arm three times with
his glove. As she now deemed the term of her marriage broken,

42 Historical Notes.
she immediately departed, and summoned with her the seven cows,
two oxen, and the bull. The oxen were at the time ploughing in
the field, but they immediately obeyed her call and took the
plough with them, and the furrow from the field to the margin of
the lake was to be seen in several parts of that country. After
her departure, she once met her sons in a ravine, called " Cwm y
Meddygon," and delivered to each of them a bag containing some
articles, which are unknown, but are supposed to have been some
discoveries in medicine. The "Meddygon Myddtai," where
Rhiwallon, Cadwgan, Gruffudd, and Einon. They were the most
skilful physicians of their time ; they flourished about a.d. 1220.
They were Rhys Grug, Lord of Dinefawr's physicians. — Vide
Camb,ro Briton.

%\t I ale rjf ®gfog.
The following lines appeared in a book called " The Wanderer,"
which was published about forty years ago. They subsequently
appeared in Mr. Parry's collection of "Welsh Melodies"

o" -_

Air — "Over the Water."
Sweet Vale of Tywy, how pleasant 'tis now
To gaze on thy beauties from Grongar's* high brow !
When thy soft lucid waters so peacefully run.
And the wild rose hath bared her white breast to the sun.
When thy groves are as calm as when Myrddinf here rov'd,
And their shades are as still as the shade that he lov'd ;
When my own native lark, in the morning's young ray
Trills a matin salute to the bright God of day,
And thy glens are exulting to echo the lay.
Oh ! how much unlike that fell day to the brave,
When the blood of thy TudorJ so crimson'd the wave !
And tne snakes§ of ingratitude hissing accurs'd,
Wreath'd round the red hand of the viper he nurs'd :
But the day is gone by and 'tis now like a dream
To suppose such a day ever honour'd thy stream :
Where thy own native lark in the morning's young ray
Trills a matin salute to the God of the day,
And thy glens are exulting to echo the lay.

Historical Notes. 43
There is not a spot so delicious on earth,
To the bosom of rest as the spot of its birth,
Where we've sung a gay couplet or breath'd a love tale
To the fair little nymphs of our dear native vale.
And now here doth nature so bountifully shine
On a vale of this world, my sweet Ty wy, than thine,
When my own native lark in the morning's young ray
Trills a matin salute to the God of the Day,
And thy glens are exulting to echo the lay.
* Grongar Hill is situated in the parish of Llangathen, a short distance from
Aberglasney, the seat of J. W. Phillips, Esq. It has been immortalized by the
muse of Dyer. On the summit of this hill the poet wrote the " Grongar Hill."
This poem have been translated into Welsh, by Mr. William Davies, Teilo,
Medical Hall, Llandilo.
+ Myrddin, or Ambvosius, a celebrated poet who flourished about the middle
of the fifth century. There was another person of the same name, called Myrddin
Wyllt. X Sir Rhys Ab Tewdwr, Lord of Dynevor, who, according to some authorities,
was beheaded on Hirwaiu Wrgan, in Glamorgon. About the- year 1087 one
Einon Ab Collwyn, who was defeated by Sir Rhys at Llandydoch, escaped to
Glamorgan, to Jestyn Ab Gwrgant, Lord of Glamorgan, who was also at enmity
with Sir Rhys. Jestyn entered into a negotiation with Einon to engsige some of
the Norman Knights in his service, to assist him in his war against Rhys. As
a reward he promised him the Lordship of Miskin and his daughter for a wife.
Under this stipulation he went to London, and prevailed on Fitz Hamon to come
to Wales. The Normans and Jestyn's army marched to Hirwain, where they
defeated Sir Rhys. When the treacherous Jestyn accomplished his object he
refused to fulfil his promise to Einon, who became indignant, and hastened after
the Normans, who bad commenced their journey home. He brought them back
and fell upon Jestyn, and defeated his army, and he was obliged to escape ; and
Glamorgan fell into the hands of his hirelings, who parted it between them.
§ The snake Einon Ab Collwyn mentioned above. — Vide Ancient Cardiff,

flatttfitorx
The parish of Llanegwad is beautifully situated in Ystradty wy,
a district noted in Welsh annals on account of the many sanguinary
engagements which were fought here in the troublesome days of
our forefathers, whose blood has been mixed with its fertile soiL
The parish Church is dedicated to St. Egwad, son of Cynddilic,

44 Historical Notes.
son of Cennydd, son of Aur y Coed Aur. St. Egwad lived here in
seclusion near a spot called after his name " Eisteddfa Egwad."
Remote from man, with God he passed his days,
Prayer all his business and all his pleasure praise.
Near Eisteddfa Egwad there are some old ruins, supposed to be
an extensive mansion; peradventure the time has been that it was
dressed in sublime symmetry, and its strength seemed to dare the
power of time ; but time has blown its beauty and graces away,
and it has crumbled into sand.
In the parish Church there are several monuments in memory
of the different families. The living is a vicarage, in the Archdea
conry of Caermarthen and the Deanery of Llandilo. It is rated in
the King's Book, according to the Liber Valorum, published A.D.,
1796, by the Rev. John Lloyd, A.B., Jesus College, Oxon., at
£8 13s. 4d., and the yearly tenths, 17s. 4d.
Monumental Inscriptions.
In the Yestry.
Near this place lieth the body of William Jones, of Llwyn, in "
this parish, who was buried July 2nd, 1795, aged 75 years.
In the Chancel.
Underneath this Altar is interred the body of Thomas Evans,
late of Glantywy in this parish, Esquire, who died August 24th,
1743, aged 43 years. Also, of Hester Evans, relict of the said
Thomas Evans, who died November 11th, 1749, aged 74 years.
In memory of James Evans, Clk., A.M., Vicar of Caermarthen,
eldest son of the said Thomas and Hester Evans, who died March
10th, 1752, aged 37 years. And the body of John Evans, Esq.,
youngest son of the said Thomas and Hester Evans, who died
September, 21st, 1757, aged 39 years. Herbert Evans, Esq., and
heir of the said John Evans, caused this monument to be erected
in grateful memory of his worthy ancestors, Anno, 1766.
Inside the Church.
Near this place, in the family vault, lie the bodies of Lewis Jones,
Clk., M.A., of Miros Hill, in this parish. Obit. 22nd June, 1803 ;
Mt. 56.

Historical Notes. 45
Mary Ann, daughter of Leoline Jones. Esq., son of the above
Lewis Jones and Ann his wife, also of Miros Hill. Obit. 11th of
September, 1819; Mt. 2 years 4 months. Lewis Jones, son of the
above. Obit. 10th of July, 1820 ; Mt. 26 years. Also the said
Leoline Jones. Obit. 3rd of June, 1822 ; Mt. 32 years. This
tablet was placed here by Mr. Leoline Jones's widow, as a
memorial of her affection.
Near this place lieth the body of Margaret, the wife of the
Rev. David Davies, curate of this parish, daughter of the late
Rev. Thomas Price, vicar of Mydrim, who departed this life on the
10th day of June, 1729, aged 46 years.
Sacred to the memory of the Rev. David Richards, minister of
this parish, who died May 1st, 1782, in the 58th year of his age.
Also, of Elizabeth, his wife, who died February 2nd, 1801, in the
71st year of her age. She was the daughter of Thomas Harries,
vicar of Llanedarn (Monmouthshire,) and niece to Dr. John Harries,
Bishop of Llandaff. Their remains are interred under the yew
tree, on the North side of the churchyard. " The eye of him,
&c," Job, vii., 8.
Near this place are interred the remains of Mary Jones, wife of
Thomas Jones, Nantymabe, of this parish, Esquire, who died the
25th day of August, 1783, aged 64 years. Also the remains of the
above Thomas Jones, who died the 12th of July, 1785, aged 49
years. This monument was erected by Mrs. Elizabeth Jones,
Nantymabe, to perpetuate the memory of her deceased friends.
In the churchyard there are some curious Welsh epitaphs. The
present Vicar is the Rev. E. Evans, a most exemplary clergymen.
There were several chapels under the mother Church at one time
in this parish. The late Rev. John Francis, of Bath, left a sum
of money to the poor of this parish ; and several others, which are
distributed annually, according to the will of the testators.
In the year 1740, one of the Rev. Griffith Jones's the " good
Vicar" of Llandowror, Circulating Schools was opened at
Felingwm, in this parish, where men, women, and children, were
taught to read God's word in the Welsh language, and catechised
and instructed in the principles and duties of religion. There
were 74 pupils at this school. From 1741 to 1742 it was held in
the village of Llanegwad ; number of scholars, 69. From 1744 to

46 Historical Notes.
45, at Tynyffordd, in the same parish; scholars, 30. From 1746
to 1747, it was carried on atPenyrheol ; scholars, 73. From 1749
to 1750, it was carried on at the same place ; scholars, 46. From
1757 to 1758, at Cothi Bridge; scholars, 50.
A Copy of a Letter sent by the Curate of Llanegwad,
to the Founder,.
"Llanegwad, in Carmarthenshire,
July 17, 1747.
"Rev. Sir, — These are to certify that E  R  ,
the bearer hereof, has taught a Circulating Welsh School, in the
parish of Llanegwad, in the county of Carmarthen, from the 22nd
day of April last to the 17th day of this instant July ; and that he
taught in the said school about three score and ten scholars, more
or less, to read Welsh, and that he brought them to the Parish
Church of Llanegwad to say the catechism, which he only taught
them ; and I certify also, that the said E  R  , to
the best of my knowledge, hath been diligent in teaching his
scholars, careful in his attendance, and unblameable in his conver
sation. As witness my hand the day and year above written.
Griffith Thomas, Curate of Llanegwad.
These schools were the means of doing vast good in the
different parishes in South Wales. See Siluriana, by the Rev.
D. LI. Isaac. A few years ago a neat and commodious school
room was erected at this place, through the exertion of the worthy
Vicar, and the gentry of the locality. The old schoolroom was a
mere hovel. I was informed when- I visited Llanegwad, some
time ago, that the school is a very efficient one; this is a boon to
the people of this locality.

^toitartfeiwg.
Llanarthney is situated on the main road which leads from
Llandilo to Carmarthen, on the South side of the river Tywy. It
is eight miles from the latter place, and six and three quarters
from the former place. The population was, in 1851, 2,076. The
parish is, 10,994 acres in extent. The date of the building of the

Historical Notes. 47
Church cannot now be ascertained ; but, from the inscription on
a stone inserted in the North wall of the Church, we infer that it
must have been partially rebuilt in the year 1632. The Church
is dedicated to St. David, according to Professor Rees's essay.
"Another says, that it was dedicated to St. Anthony, of whom
little is known." Most probably, Arthney is a corruption of
Arthen, who was the fourth son of Brychan Brycheiniog. There
were formerly several Chapels of Ease to the Mother Church,
viz. : — Chapel Dewi, Chapel Erbach, and Chapel Llanlluan, or,
Llanlleian ; but, they are all now in ruins. Lleian was a
daughter of Brychan, there is, therefore, a probability that the
Chapel was dedicated to her.
Llanlluan was a place of great celebrity in former days, being
one of the five Churches which the Rev. Daniel Rowlands visited
once in the month. It was during the time of the old Reformers
in Carmarthenshire, what Llangeitho was to Cardiganshire, the
resort,, of hundreds on Sacramental Sundays. The number of
communicants, on those occasions, was immense. Tradition says,
that it was here that the Rev. Peter Wilhams was married, and
not at the Parish Church. It is an ascertained fact, that he
married a Miss Jenkins, of Gorse, which is within a quarter of a
mile of the Church. The entry in the Register of Marriages, is
very brief, "August 30th, 1748, the Rev. Mr. Peter Williams and
Mary, daughter of John Jenkins, were marryed."
There is no architectural beauty to be traced in Llanarthney
Church, but the Church-yard is certainly an object of attraction,
being studded with large old Yew trees, and kept beautifully
clean. Reclining on the South side of the tower or steeple, may
be seen an ancient Saxon Cross, very thick and massive. The
shaft is partially carved, and spreads into a circle on the top.
There was, evidently, an inscription on it, but, it has been com>
pletely obliterated by the corroding hand of time,, « » „ # » The
communion chalice at the above Church, ought not to be passed
over in silence, on account of its antiquity. It has the following
inscription engraved on it, " Pocvlvn Ecclesic de Llanarthne, 1574."
Another conspicuous object within a short distance of the village
is Taxton's Tower, which was erected by the late Sir William
Taxton, to commemorate the death and services of Lord Nelson.

48 Historical Notes.
The landscape from this hill baffles description, commanding as it
does a view of the fertile vale of the Tywy, Dryslwyn Castle,
Grongar Hill, Dynevor Castle, and Golden Grove.

Obituary of Distinguished Persons in Carmarthenshire.
1820. April 23rd, at Greenhill, near Llandilo, David Heron
Pugh, Esq., one of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace, and also
High Sheriff of the County of Carmarthen. He was an
intelligent, upright, and honourable man, and his loss was deeply
regretted. The above gentleman was the father of David Pugh,
Esq., M.P. for the county of Carmarthen, a gentleman who is
highly esteemed and respected by all classes in the county, and
father of the late benevolent and exemplary Vicar of Llandilo.
The following day, at Llandovery, Edward Jones, Esq., an em
inent attorney, and one of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace for
the county of Carmarthen. He was a liberal and kind hearted
man, and was warmly attached to our excellent constitution in
Church and State. On the 29th of the same month, at the
Vicarage, Carmarthen, the Rev. David Rowlands, Vicar of
Tregaron, and Secretary to Cambrian Society in Dyfed. He was
a man of the strictest probity, conscientious and diligent in attend
ing to his sacred profession, and was extremely anxious to perform
all the duties connected with his station of life. Mr. Rowlands was
born at a place called Ffosyffin, in the parish of Llanddewi-Brefi,
in the year 1783. His father was a glover, but was not in
affluent circumstances ; however, he was highly esteemed by his
neighbours on account of his virtues and superior information.
Mr. Rowlands at an early age was sent to the parish school at
Llanddewi-Brefi ; in three months he went as far as the Latin
Grammar. He made rapid progress in learning. At the early
age of 14 he was obliged to leave school, owing to the want of
means. He opened a school at Tregaron, and after that at
Llangeitho ; from whence he removed to Pencader and Llan-
llawddog. In a few years he entered Ystradmeurig Grammar
Schoool, which was carried on under the superintendence of the
Rev. D. Williams ; he spent five years at this school. During the
holidays, he undertook the education of young persons in order to
defray his expenses at school. In the year 1806, he received

Historical Notes. 49
Holy Orders, and was appointed to the curacy of Llanfihangel-y-
Creiddin. In the year 1808, Mr. Rowlands removed from
Llanfihangel and became curate of Oaro and Llanwnog, in the
county of Montgomery. Whilst he was officiating in this parish,
the Rev. Mr. Harries, a missionary at St. John's, Newfoundland,
died. The Rev. John Jenkins, vicar of Kerry, recommended Mr.
R. to the Bishop of St. David's, who recommended him to the
Society, and the appointment to the mission was the consequence.
He left England on the 24th of June, 1810, in the ship ' ' Antelope."
He continued at St. John's from 1810 to 1816, when he was obliged
to resign on account of ill-health. On his return he was appointed
to the curacy of St. Peter's, Carmarthen. He displayed the same
zeal for the spiritual concerns of his parisioners as he did at
Newfoundland. With the consent of the Bishop, he established
Sunday evening lectures for the benefit of those who could not
attend the morning service. In the month of June, 1818, whilst
on a visit at Llanwnog, he had a violent fit of coughing, and
burst a blood vessel. Through the skill of his medical attendants,
he got better, and returned to Carmarthen, but he never recovered
from the effects of this illness. His excellent Diocesan presented
him to the living of Tregaron, which adjoined his native parish.
The Bishop was in hopes that a change of air, &c, would operate
to his recovery, but all was in vain, before he took possession of
his new charge, he was cut down by the icy hand of death. He
left an amiable widow and an infant son, eleven months old, and
was buried in the chancel of St. Peter's Church, on Monday,
March 6th. A correspondent of the ' ' Cambro Briton " says, ' ' that
there was scarcely a dry eye to be seen among the numbers of
rich and poor who were assembled on the occasion." In the
same year, the Principality sustained a great loss by the death of
the Rev. Eliezer Williams, M.A., Prebendary of St. David's,
Vicar of Lampeter, and Master of the Grammar School. The
" Cambro Briton " of the following month has a notice of his
death. The writer speaks of him as " possessing rare endow
ments and eminent virtues ; he lived respected as a historian, a
scholar, a poet, and a divine. Unassuming and modest in his
demeanour, he was dignified without pride, and charitable without
ostentation. His time and thoughts were devoted to the general

50 Historical Notes.
benefit of mankind, and the advantages which his pupils derived
from him in the capacity of a teacher, excite in them the
most grateful and lasting remembrance." Mr. Williams was the
eon of the late Rev. Peter Williams, of Carmarthen ; he was born
in the parish of Llandeveilog. He was a warm friend to the late
unfortunate "Prydydd Hir."
The winter of 1820 was a very severe one, unequalled for many
years. The gentry of the county as usual liberally came forward
to give aid to the poor ; and the following instances of their bene
volence is recorded :—" Decbr. 23, the Rev. Thomas Picton, of
Iscoed, gave a donation of mutton to the poor of the parish of St.
Bride's and Wick, in the county of Glamorgan. In the same
month, D. H. Pugh, Esq., High Sheriff of Carmarthenshire, dis
tributed five guineas amongst the poor prisoners in the gaol of the
county on Christmas Day. A waggon load of coals were supplied
by Lord Cowdor to the prisoners in the borough gaol of Carmar
then ; and Mr. Timmins made a similar donaation. The Bishop
of St. David's supplied twenty-eight poor families with coals in
the parish of Abergwilly. On the 18th of December, a public
meeting was held at Carmarthen, for the purpose of adopting
means to assist the industrious poor of the town, and a large sum
was raised. Lord Robert Seymour gave a liberal donation to the
poor of Llandilo. Lord Dynevor gave a plentiful supply of soup
to the poor of the neighbourhood of Llandilo; his Lordship also
gave £5 to the debtors of the county gaol. Lord Cawdor, Sir
William Paxton, George Mears, and Thomas Taylor, Esquires,
gave liberal donations to the poor.

The Earls of Carbery.
1st. Gwaith Voed Lord of Powis ; Gweristan Prince of Powis,
second son of Gwaith Voed ; Kynvin, Blethyn, Meredith, Madoo
Lord of Powis Yadoc; Griffuth Mailor, Einon Edvel or Evill;
Rhyn ab Einon, Cyhylan, ab Rhyn, Ievun, Esq. ; Madoc Kyffin,
Esq. ; David ab Madoc Kyffin ; David Vaughan, Esq. ; Griffith
Vaughan, Esq. ; Hugh Vychan, or Vaughan, Esq. ; JohnVychan,
Esq. ; Walter Vychan, Esq., Sir John Vaughan, of Golden Grove,
Knight, was Baron Mullinger and Earl of Carbery., Richard

Historical Notes. 5 1
Vaughan, Earl of Carbery, Lord Vaughan, Baron of Emlyn,
1661, Married Alice, daughter of John Earl of Bridgewater ;
John Lord Vaughan, Baron of Emlyn and Mullinger, and the
Earl of Carbery, married a daughter of George, Marquis of Sal
isbury. Her name is obliterated on the manuscript.

Cottfenil fflfeb.
In this parish there is a free school, endowed by Mrs. Anna
Warner (a lady from London), for the education of the children of
poor parishioners. The account which I had from the present
most worthy and intelligent Vicar, the Rev. D. Lewis, very ob
ligingly adds, "It is now improving very rapidly, owing to the
excellent turnpike road lately made through it ; and the ground in
the village sold in 1807, in small portions, being built upon by the
new purchasers. Land adjoining the village is let at about £5 per
statute acre, which ten years ago was reckoned high at 15s. The
vestiges of an old Chapel are still discernible on the farm of Troed-
yrhiw, in the northern part of the parish ; the wall of the church
yard is easily traced ; the adjacent field is called Cae yr Hen
Eglwys. It is supposed to have been ruined in the reign of
Henry VTII., or perhaps sooner. The country here is full of deep
dingles and dorsal hills, all of which converge in a point at Con-
wil. The chaleybeate spring of Ffosana is reported to have done
wonders. Its virtues are very efficacious at this time, but the
natives prefer resorting to more fashionable, though less sanative,
waters ; its constituent parts have been analyzed, and will soon
be published. An unnoticed, but very remarkable remain of
antiquity is to be seen in the north-west extremity of this parish,.
viz. : a druidical temple or observatory, I suppose. On the side
land summit of a high mountain, facing the south, is a centre
stone of a huge magnitude, from 10 to 15 tons, horizontal, oblong,
two feet thick, supported by four uprights, one of which has
declined from its original position, and sunk deeper into the
ground. Four other similar, but smaller stones of about four or
five tons surround it; but these have all slipped from their res
pective fulcra, and lie now in a shelving position. Scattered about

52 Historical Azotes.
at various and irregular distances around, are several smaller
stones disturbed and broken up by the masons building the house
of Nantyclawdd-ucha. The surface of the sea, at high water, can
just be seen from it. The range of stone which I take to be its
original meridian, is declined about two degrees to the east, A
drug, or tumulus of large circumference adjoins the temple. The
centre stone does not shake. A wide flat, now a turbary, sur
rounds it. The large stones are not the stones of the country ;
they are hard, rough, flaky, brown, large grained, and seemingly
weather-worn. In the same part of the parish is The Line, a mile
and a-quarter long, and about 17 feet high, which is said to have
been thrown up by Henry Earl of Richmond on his way from
Milford Haven to meet King Richard the Third.

jClatttadiB.
Llanwrda is a parish in the Owmwd of Caeo , in Camtref By chan ,
in the county of Carmarthen. The village stands in a pleasant
spot on the road leading from Lampeter to Llandovery, a road
much used before the days of railways, by persons travelling be
tween Cardiganshire and the iron metropolis. The rattling of the
wheels of the favourite old coach, " The Collegian," and the sound
of the bugle have ceased long ago ; instead of whieh, the shrill
whistle of the iron-horse echoes through the vale. The Church is
a plain building, and is dedicated to "St. Gwrda." Inside the
Church there are several monuments erected in memory of an old
respected family, the Lewises, of Gilfach. The Church-yard, in
which the rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep, is sheltered by
magnificient yew trees, which " cast their ample shades" over the
mouldering heaps beneath them. The living is in the gift of the
Foley family, the owners of Abermarles, in the same county. The
present vicar is the Rev. John Jones, an eminent Welsh orator,
and a very exemplary clergyman.
Miss Letitia CornwaUis presented the Churches of Llanwrda,
Llansadwrn, and Newchurch, near Carmarthen, with Communion
Service. There is an inscription on the south wall of Llanwrda
Church recording this gift. Miss Cornwallis was one of the

Historical Notes. 5,3
daughters and co -heiress of the ancient family of Abermarles, in
the adjoining parish of Llansadwm. She left by her will, dated
17th December, 1731, the sum of £400 for endowing a free school,
for the benefit of the parishes of Llansadwm and Llanwrda, to
teach all the poor of both parishes to read and write, and the girls
to work at their needles, and to knit. She also left £1,000, the
interest thereof to be paid to four maiden gentlewomen, born in
the county of Carmarthen, of good families, who have fallen into
decay ; £800 for building a house for the gentlewomen, and for
the school master's house ; £200 for buying necessary furniture
for the gentlewomen's house, and for the repairs of both houses.
The money was deposited in the Funds until land could be pur
chased near the Church of Llanwrda, as directed by her will, for
building both houses. The land was not purchased until the year
1793, and the houses were finished and inhabited in the year
1795. By this delay, the capital accumulated so much that the
salary of the school master and school mistress increased to £100
a-year, and the gentlewomen receive upwards of £40 each.
The school-room and the gentlewomen's house stand a short dis
tance from the village. They are plain, useful buildings. We
were informed, by a respectable lady, residing in this parish, that
the children are not taught in all the branches of education, as
directed by the will. The appointment of the master is in the
hands of the rate-payers of Llansadwn, the majority of whom are
quite ignorant of the necessary qualifications of a school master.
When such an appointment is vested in a body of rate-payers,
this is too often the case.
The first member of the Abermarles family who settled here,
was Thomas G. ab Nicholas, who married Elizabeth, daughter of
James Burgoyne, second son of the Duke of Burgundy.
John Thomas, of Abermarles, married Elizabeth, daughter of
Thomas Vaughan, of Broadwarden.
Sir Thomas Jones, Knight, married Mary, daughter to Sir James
Berkley, Knight.
Sir Henry Jones, Knight, married Elizabeth, daughter to
Mathew Herbert, of Swansea, Esq.
Sir Thomas Jones. Knight, married Jane, daughter and soW

54 Historical Notes.
heiress of Rowland Pulestone, of Carnarvon, Esq.
Sir Henry Jones, Bart., married Elizabeth, daughter to Richard
Herbert, of Montgomery, Esq.
Sir Henry Jones, Bart., married a daughter to Sir Henry
Williams, Gwerneved.
Elinor Coh, unmarried.
Elizabeth Coh, married Sir Francis CornwaHis, Knight, in her
right to Abermarles.
Thomas Oornwallia, Esq., married Emma, daughter of Sir Job
Charleton, Knight. Chief Justice of Chester, Francis Corn-
wallis, Esq.

flanMie.
Some time ago we had the pleasure of visiting Llandebie, a spot
dear to us on account of many old associations.
Bat a change I found there, and many a change,
Faces and footsteps and all things strange ;
Gone were the heads with silvery hair,
And the young that were, have a b«'ow of care.
Many an old familiar friend has disappeared since our last visit;
some have gone to that bourne from whence no traveller returns."
Mae rhai mewn hedd yn huno,
A'r lleill ar led y byd,
Nid oes un gloch a ddichon
Eu galw heddyw 'nghyd.
Llandebie is highly favoured by nature ; it is one of the most
pleasant villages in the county. It answers the description of
Goldsmith's Sweet Auburn, loveliest village of the plain,
Where health and plenty cheers the lab'ring swain.
The chief buildings in this village are the parish Church and the
parish school-room. The Church is dedicated to St. Tybieu,
daughter of Brychan ; she suffered martyrdom near Llangenny.
Near the village of Llandebie, in a field on a farm called
Llangwyddfaen, there is well called after her, Ffynnon Tybieu —
" Tybieu' s Well." The Church has been thoroughly restored some

Historical Notes. 55
years ago, through the liberality of Mrs. Du Buisson, Glynhir,
and others. It is now quite a model country Church. The un
sightly windows were removed, and elegant stained glass was
substituted instead. The window above the chancel is a mag
nificent one; the figures represent "The Birth of our Saviour, "
"The presentation in the Temple," " The Cmcifixion," " The
Ascension," and " The Apostles." The present Vicar of the
parish is the Rev. Rees Evans, a most exemplary clergyman.
This parish is very fortunate in getting good and active clergymen.
The late Rector, the Rev. Lewis Morgan, who was Mr. Evan's
predecessor, was highly esteemed by his parishioners. There are
some beautiful monuments to be seen in this Church raised to the
memory of the Vaughans, of Derwydd, and others. In the
western porch there is a tablet to the memory of John Edward
Prothero, Esq., of the Royal Navy, surgeon, who died November,
1836, Mrs. Prothero, and several members of the family. The
Protheros' of Blyne, are one of the mostkind hearted families in
South Wales ; they are always ready to give a helping hand to the
poor and needy. Near the west entrance there are several mural
tablets, in memory of the Du Buissons of Glynhir, another liberal
family. Close to the communion table there are two elegant
monuments in memory of Sir Harry Vaughan, of Derwydd, and
the Earl of Carberry. Amongst other epitaphs we copied the
following: — "Sacred to the memory of Elizabeth, daughter of
John Vaughan, of Court Derllys, in the County of Caermarthen,
Esq., co-heiress of Richard Vaughan, of Derwydd, Esq., Barrister-
at-Law, Chief Justice of the Counties of Caermarthen, Pembroke,
and Cardigan, who represented them in Parliament. He was the
son of John Vaughan, son of the Hon. Richard Vaughan, of Court
Derllys, Esq., one of the sons of John Lord Vaughan, Baron
Mullinger and Emlyn, and Earl of Carberry. The above Elizabeth
married Thomas, son of Hugh Lloyd, of Danyrallt, by whom she
had one daughter, who married Sir Thomas Stepney, Bart., of
Llanelly; after his death she married John Vaughan, Esq., Golden
Grove, by whom she had no issue. This monument was erected
by Lady Stepney ; in memory of Sir Harry Vane Vaughan, of
Derwydd, Knt., Colonel to his late sacred Majesty Charles the
First, who died a Member of Parliament, ye 26th day of December,

56 Historical Notes,
1676. This was erected at the charge of his dear relict, the- Lady-
Elizabeth Vaughan, eldest daughter of William Herbert, Esq., of
Colebrook, in the County of Monmouth, as a lasting memorial
both of him and her great affection towards him. To the memory
of Elizabeth, Lady Stepney, wife of the late Sir John Stepney,
Bart., many years His Britannic Majesty's Minister in the Court
of Dresden and Berlin, and Member of Parliament for the town of
Monmouth 21 years. She had by this marriage Thomas
Stepney, Esq. She was born March 28th, 1725 ; died June 9thr
1795." The- sweet companion and friend sincere
Need not the sculptor force the tear ;
In heartfelt numbers never meant to shine,
'Twill flow eternal over hearse like thine,
'Twill flow while sense and goodness has one friend,
Or kindred temples have a tear to lend.
The Vaughans were warm royalists. Sir John Vaughan, had a
narrow escape from falling into the hands of Cromwell.
The Churchyard.
It is impossible to walk through the Churchyard and not to
think of those who have been hurried there for many generations —
the pious, the careless, — who were once in the habit of attending
the house of prayer, living and dying without ever straying from
their native village. The minister, the congregation, the rich and
poor, are all mouldering in their cold graves. It has been truly
said, "That a Churchyard is a sermon in itself."
" How sweet and solemn, all alone,
With reverend steps from stone to stone,
In a small Churchyard lying,
O'er intervening flowers to move !
And as we read the names unknown
Of young and old to judgement gone."
In the Churchyard of Llandebie there are some curious epitaphs
to be seen, but of late years great improvement have taken place
in the style of the tombstones and the epitaphs, &c. Unfortunately
the literature of the Churchyard is left entirely in some parishes
in the hands of the village sculptor, who changes the epitaphs to

Historical Azotes: 57
suit his own taste and purposes. Books, skulls, spades, urns, &c,
are the emblems which are to be seen in our country Churchyards,
particularly in the vicinity of the ironworks. Such emblems are
more appropriate on the tombs of pagans than Christians. There
are not many Churches in the county so well attended as
Llandebie. We are glad to find that it is intended to erect a Chapel
of Ease in this parish, as the distance is far from the parish
Church. Some years ago a New National School-room was
opened here. We remember that morning well, when a crowd of
young ones, with shining morning faces, were skipping cheerfully
to school for the first time. Where is that light hearted group
now ? Some are grown up to manhood, and others lying in their
graves. This school has been carried on with great success since
its foundation. There were several mansions in this parish, but
they have been converted into farm houses, and their glory has
departed. Dyffryn lies between Llandebie and Cross Inn, on the
banks of the Loughor; it was formerly the residence of the
Leweses, the representative of which is W. P. Lewes, Esquire, of
Llysnewydd, who is descended from Ceredig, Prince of Ceredigion.
Aberlash, the residence of the Evanses, who are now extinct, is at
present a farm house. Glynhir, the residence of William Du
Buisson, Esq., stands on a hill which commands an extensive
view of the surrounding country. Close to Glynhir there is a
beautiful fall formed by the Loughor.
" Smooth to the shelving brink a copious flood
Rolls fair and placid, where, collected all,
In one impetuous torrent down the steep
It thund'ring shoots and shakes the country round.
Blyne, or Blaenau, the residence of an old and highly respect
able family of the name of Davies, is at present the property of
David Prothero, Esq., M.D., the representative of the family. A
short distance from Blyne there is another neat little mansion,
Cwmcoch, the property of the same family. Plas, stands in the
village of Llandebie ; this building was very large and extensive,
but it has met with the same fate as others, having been converted
into a farm house. We have heard that this place belonged to a
family of the name of Phillips; one of them was a " mighty
hunter" in his day. Derwydd, the residence of the Vaughans,

58 Historical Notes.
whose names are frequently and honourably mentioned in the
annals of the county. We have been informed that there are some
beautiful carvings to be seen still in this house. The Derwydd
estate belongs to Mr. Gulstone at present, who descends from that
family. Piode appears to have been once a house of some note. Many
years ago an excellent grammar school was carried on here by the
late Mr. Evans, where a great many gentlemen belonging to this
and the adjoining counties were educated. It is supposed that
there were two chapelries in this parish, but there are no remains
of them standing at present. A short distance from the village
stands a steep hill called " Dinas," the summit of which is quite
level ; it is very propable that it is the site of an old military en
campment. The view from the top of this hill is delightful ; on
the opposite side stands Carreg Cennen Castle, standing
majestically, in spite of the storms and the destructive hands of
man as of yore ; and on the other side the pleasant town of Llandilo,
and Dynevor Castle. There is a large cave in this hill ; and tra
dition says that Owain Lawgoch, and a host of armed soldiers, are
resting in this cave. Several other places in South Wales claim
the same honour. Some years ago several petrified bodies were
found in this cave. These bodies are to seen in the British
Museum. It is supposed that they took refuge in this cave, the
mouth of which was closed. Llandebie was the birth place of
John Jones, Esq., barrister- at-law, an eminent lawyer, &c. This
proves the old Welsh saying, — " Yn mhob gwlad y megir glew."

flimpimor.
Sir Richard Steele, &c.

Pope said, that though Steel led a careless and vicious life, yet,
he had nevertheless, a love and reverence for virtue. The life of
Steel was not that of a retired scholar, hence his moral character
becomes more instructive. He was one of those whose hearts are
the dupes of their imaginations, and are hurried through life by
the most despotic violation. He always preferred his caprices to
bis interest, or, according to his own notion, — very ingenious, but

Historical Notes. 59
not a little absurd, — "he was always of the humour of preferring
the state of his mind to that of his fortune." The result of this
principle of moral conduct was, that the man of the most admi
rable abilities was perpetually acting like a fool, and, with a warm
attachment to virtue, was the frailest of human beings.
He enlisted as a private soldier in the Horse Guards, which
gave great offence to his uncle, and by this foolish act he forfeited
a good estate. His frank temper and wit extorted admiration,
and he became the leader of all dissipations of London. Amidst
his revelries he was often pensive, for it was in the height of these
irregularities he composed his " Christian Hero." When his com
panions found out who the author was, they slighted him. In
order to make himself successful, as he says, in town, he sat down
and composed a laughable comedy, " The Funeral."
He detected the fallacy of the South Sea Scheme, while he him
self invented projects neither in magnificene nor in misery. He
wanted to coin gold merely to distribute it. The most striking
incident of his life, was his sudden marriage with a young lady
whom he saw in his wife's funeral. Although he wrote an essay
on tire choice of a wife, he united himself to a lady whose charac
ter was most uncongenial to his own. She loved money — the
companion of vice — dearly ; her temper every day grew worse by
the perpetual imprudence of her husband.
His second wife was Mary, daughter of Jonathan Shurlock, of
Tygwyn, Llangunnor. Tygwyn has been converted into a farm
house many years ; it is now the property of Mr. D. Buisson,
Glynhir, Llandebie. Soon after Steele's marriage with Miss
Shurlock, he requested her to accompany him on a visit. The
carriage was ordered, and without informing her where he was
going, they drove to the outskirsts of London, where they
alighted at a boarding school, and a young lady made her ap
pearance, to whom he shewed the greatest affection, inasmuch that
his wife asked him who she was. On his acknowleging that it
was his own daugher by a relation of Tonson, a bookseller, Mrs.
Steele answered, "She shall be mine also."
The young lady was taken home and treated as their own, and
was called by the name of Miss Ouslep. She married a Mr.

60 Historical Notes.
Aynstone, of Hereford ; the match was a most unsuitable one. —
Chahner's Memoir of Steele.
Although Steele and his wife did not lead a happy life, his
attachment to her was ardent and uniform. It appears that they
never parted without bickerings ; but he could not bear her ab
sence ; he was in the habit of writing impassioned notes three
times a day from his office, or from his bookseller's. He would
rise up in the midst of his dinner, and despatch a note to " Prue,"
as he called her, to assure her of his affection since noon. Steele
seemed to think that warm affection was all she required. She
was left for days in solitude, without any money, when her hus
band could not rise any. The following note is a feeling remon
strance to her : —
" Dear Wife, — I have been in great pain of body and mind
since I came out. You are extremely cruel to generous nature,
which has a tenderness for you that renders your least dishumour
insupportably afflicting. After short starts of passion, not to be
inclined to reconcilation, is what is against all rules of Christianity
and justice. When I come, I beg to be kindly received, or this
will have as ill an effect upon my fortune as upon my mind and
body." In some of his letters, he sneers at Lady Steele's love of
money: — " Your man Sam owes me threepence, which must be
deducted in the account between you and me; therefore, pray
take care of it, or stop Tit." Such letters as the following were
sent to her three times a day : —
"I beg of you not to be impatient, though an hour before
you see Your obliged husband, R. Steele."
" Dear Prue, — Don't be displeased, that I do not come home
till eleven o'clock. Yours ever."
"Dear Prue, — Forgive me dining abroad, and let niece carry
the papers to Buckley's. Your devoted, R. S."
" Dear Prue,— I am very sleepy and tired, but I could not

Historical Notes. 61
think of closing my eyes till I told you.
I am, dearest creature,
Your most affectionate faithful husband, R. Steele."
It appears that he was obliged to give an hourly account of
himself to his fair despot, which must have been very disagree
able. "Dear Prue, — It is a strange thing because you are hand
some, that you will not behave yourself with the obedience that
people of worst features do ; but that I must be always giving
you an account of every trifle and minute of my time. I send
this to teR you, that I am waiting to be sent for again when my
Lord Wharton is stirring."
Such a line was insupportable, and there is no wonder that he
grumbled occasionally. Steele passed the latter years of his life
in the ancient and pleasant town of Carmarthen. He removed
to Carmarthen from Hereford in the summer of 1724, and died at
his house in King-street, September 1st, 1729, and was buried in
St. Peter's Church. It is said, that his play, " The Conscious
Lovers" was written at Carmarthen. He commenced "The
School of Action," but he could not finish it. Mr. Nicholls pub
lished it in Steele's correspondence. In the year 1727, he was
attacked by a paralytic disorder, which impaired his mental facul
ties. In this unhappy state he would often be carried out on a
summer's evening, where the country lads and lasses were
assembled at their rural sports, and with his pencil, he gave an
order on his agent for a new gown for the best dancer.
There is a rural tablet at Llangunnor Church erected in memory
of Sir Richard Steel. There is another relic of the past to be seen
in the study of the Rev. James Griffith, the respected vicar of
Llangunnor, — the bardic chair of " Dyfed," in which several of
the Welsh bards sat. The late Mr. Edward Williams, "Iolo
Morganwg," was a welcome guest at the Rev. gentleman's house ;
being unable to sleep in a bed for many years, he made this chair
his resting place. The Rev. J. Griffiths was one of the most patri
otic clergymen in Wales. He had a good collection of old and
rare books His hand and heart were always ready to promote
the interest of Wales and Welshmen.

62 Historical Notes.
first fag $r|ools in Hates.

The first parochial day sschools in Wales were founded by the
Rev. Griffith Jones, Llanddowror, in Carmarthenshire. Men,
women, and children were taught to read God's Holy Word ; and
were catechised and instructed daily in the principles and duties
of religion, at such times of the year as the poor could spare from
their labours to attend to them. These schools were entirely sup
ported by the charitable benefactions of Churchmen. It has been
publicly asserted that the Church did nothing until lately towards
enlightening the Welsh people. This assertion is contrary to his
torical facts, — there are documentary records and statistics to
prove that the Church had put on its strength before the Concom-
fonnists " aroused her."
Those schools were commenced as far back as the year 1730,
and they proved an invaluable blessing in the Principality. In
twenty-four years 3,185 schools were established, and so many as
150,213 Welsh children received education in them. Glamorgan
shire clergy availed themselves of these schools a short time after
they were established. In the year 1740, we find from an old
record a list of shools in Glamorgan, and a great many interest
ing letters sent from the different clergymen to the founder : —
Llansamlet (number of scholars), 90 ; Llanguick, 96 ; St. John's,
118; Gelligron in Llanguick, 135; Wenallt in Lantwit, 67; Ty-
llwyd in Cadoxton, 73 ; Ynysfach in Lantwit, 56 ; St. Michael,
Cwmafon, 104; Llangynwyd, 69; Eglwysilian, 49; Llandeilo,
Talybont, 53 ; Ton y Planwydd in Cadoxton, 41 ; Loughor, 41 ;
Ystradgynlais, 94 ; Llantrissant, 41 ; Dinas in Llantrissant, 29.
(Copies of Reports for 1741.)
" St. Nicholas in Glamorganshire, June 6, 1741.
Reverend Sir, — According to the proposals received, there has
been a Welsh school kept at Peterstown parish, consisting of
many scholars, which we hope has been the very best school in
our parts. The master's method in the school was very regular,
according to the rules prescribed. The people of that place were

Historical Notes. 63
very ignorant concerning religion, but we hope that the Lord has
done much good among them, and that the power of it, begins to
revive. I am, &c.,
John Deer."
"Newcastle, Glamorganshire, July 5th, 1741,
Reverend Sir, — Having been acquainted with the bearer
hereof, J  T  , since he came to our neighbourhood ; and
that I do hereby certify that he has a good character, and has
behaved well and gave good attendance to the school during the
time he taught it; and the parishioners are desirous that he should
continue one quarter longer,?which if you will be pleased to grant,
will highly oblige both them and
Yours, &c, William Cooke,
Minister of Newcastle."
" From the Parishioners of Llantwit.
This is to certify that the bearer hereof, the master of the
charity school in our parish, has been very careful in teaching
bis scholars to read, and grounding them in the church catechism.
Witness our hands this 5th day of May, 1741.
Edward Morgan.
Richard Charles.
John Jenkin."
" St. John, by Swansea, in Glamorganshire, July 2nd, 1741.
Reverend Sir, — The bearer signified his inclination of continu
ing his school, at St. John's, another quarter, if you would think
fit, chiefly because his scholars that frequented his sohool, there
were mostly pretty young, and for that reason likely to forget
rather than to improve, what they have so imperfectly as yet
attained. He prevailed upon me to give you this trouble, the
purport of which is to acquaint you that his behaviour there Was

64 Historical Notes.
very satisfactory to the neighbours, and he has confined himself
very well to the charge allotted to him. As to the proficiency the
children have made, I find by public examination, that they begin
to lay good foundation for knowledge, and they aiso shew a great
deal of desire to proceed. I am, &c, Thomas Evans,
Curate of St. John."
" Eglwysilian, Glamorganshire, July 20th, 1741.
Reverend Sir, — I wish you abundant success in promoting so
great a blessing for poor Wales. Some hundreds of men, women,
and children of my acquaintance, have been taught the word of
God ; His Divine and public worship has since been much more
numerously attended; and it is with much more pleasure and
profit, they can now be taught to read and attend to the preaching
of their minister. Doubtless, Satan, who is jealous of his interest,
could not behold this hopeful beginning without attempting to
blast it. It is surely the best charity the weU-disposed can
bestow upon poor Wales; and no doubt our kind benefactors
herein will find their reward from Him who never fails to recom
pense pious and charitable actions. And that you may have life
and health to prosecute this great work and find encouraging
success, shall be the sincere wish of Yours, &c,
D. Williams."
Schools in Glamorgan, from September, 1741, to September,
1742 : — Gellifalgaws in Cadoxton, number of scholars, 42 ; Aber-
tridwr in Eglwysilian, 40 ; Llisfan, 21 ; Kil-bebyU, 30 ; Cilfach
yr Haidd, Llanguick, 47 ; Tonau in Llantwit, 77 ; Hendre in
Baglan, 93 ; Llanyneuir chapel, Llanrhidian, 120 ; Penylan in
Swansea, 53 ; Neath, 50 ; Cadoxton village, 55 ; Llangynnwyd,
43 ; Allt-y-grug in Llanguick, 52 ; Michaelstone, 74 ; Ty yn y
Ffram, Margam, 70 ; Oygyrwen in Llanguick, 41 ; Flimstone, 47 ;
St. Mary's Church, 52 ; Siggai in Llantwit, 47 ; Berthyn in St.
Lythans, 21.

Historical Notes. 65
Welsh Charity Schools ln Carmarthenshire.
"Llansadwm, Feb. 9th, 1740-1.
Reverend Sir, — I received your kind proposal about five
months ago, about a Welsh charity school, to be set up at Llan
sadwm, and accordingly, it was set up. All the scholars made
good use of their time and great improvement, not only in reading
but in the principles of the Christian religion ; for I have often
examined them myself in publick and private, and I faithfully
promise to do all I can to promote and encourage this charitable
attempt of instructing the youths of the parishes I am concerned
for, and shall take it upon me to catechise them on Sundays, and
at other times when conveniently I can. And I hope that the
charitable contribution of the worthy benefactors was not misap
plied with us ; but, that daily improvement will be made, by God's
blessing, in that incomparable labour that tends to eternal welfare.
I am, &c, Walter Thomas,
Curate of Llansadwm."
" From the Parishioners of Pencarreg, their Minister having died
some time before April 8th, 1741.
We, whose names are underwritten, being the Inhabitants
of Pencarreg, certify that the Master of the Welsh. School
here, behaved well and regularly among us, and has been
diligent to teach his scholars to spell and read, and instruct
ing them in the church catechism, earnestly advising them to
pray to God and believe in Jesus Christ, to make true religion
their business, and to claim to the same with a full purpose of
heart aU their days. We earnestly beseech our Most Sovereign
Lord of life and giver of all good things, to bless our bountiful
benefactors and instruments of such mercies, to this poor ignorant
country; and, to grant that, we being fruitful in every good work,
and increasing in the knowledge of God, may together with them,
through Jesus Christ, obtain mercy unto everlasting life. Amen.
John Williams. John Davies.
Evan Rees. John Rees.
Thomas Evan. Evan William.
Morgan Thomas."

66 Historical Notes.
From 1740 to 1741.
Pentre, number of Scholars, 57 ; Rhydyffwlbert, near Castell
Oarreg Cennen, 60 ; Felindre Sawddein Llangadog, 54 ; Llanelly,
44; Pantyllyn, near Llandybie, 54; St. Ishmael, 20; Llanfihangel-
Cilfargen, 71 ; Garth in Tal-llychau, 73; Llangeler, 67 ; Penboyr,
76 ; Ystradffin, 44 ; Llancrwys, 68 ; Trelech-ar-Bettws, 52 ;
Llannewydd, 42 ; Mydrym, 47 ; Cwmdowe in Pencarreg, 73 ;
Pentre- ty-Gwyn in Llanfairarybryn, 45 ; Kilrhedin, 46 ; Cilcwm,
50 ; Penrheol, near Cothi Bridge, 62 ; Llanfynydd, 47 ; Llanwinio,
48; Llangynderyn, 24 ; Llanddarog, 57 ; Llanfihangel-Orath, 78;
Llanfihangel-Aberbythych, 52 ; Llanddowror, 20 ; Caio, 73 ;
Llanbyddar, 50 ; Felingwm in Lanegwad, 74 ; Cwrtycadno in the
upper part of Caio, 57 ; Pencarreg, 46 ; Llangathen, 46 ; Llan
gunnor, 83 ; Llansadwm, 66 ; Nantybai in Llanfairarybryn, 60 ;
Troedyroyr in Talyllychau, 75 ; Troedyrhiw in Llanfihangel
Rhosycorn, 58 ; Felin Mars in Llanfihangel, 54 ; New Well,
Llangunnog, 23 ; Ysgair Goch in Llanfairarybryn, 52 ; Llandin-
gad, 36 ; Abergorlech, 45 ; Llansawel, 48.
"Llangeler, Carmarthenshire, Feb. 7th, 1740-1.
This is to certify that the master employed to teach a Welsh
school, in the parish of Penboyr, has discharged his office well,
both in teaching his scholars to read, to say the church catechism,
and to answer many other questions in the Christian religion. I
do assure you, that he is a pious, humble, laborious, sober man,
and a prudent member of the church of England, and every way
qualified for his business. He has attended his school constantly
through the whole quarter, as I have been credibly informed by
his neighbours ; and found the truth thuivof when I examined his
scholars, by the good progress they made in so short a time in
their books "and catechism. Witness my hand, P. Evans, Vicar of Llangeler."
"Talley, Carmarthenshire, Feb. 7th, 1740-1.
I, Evan Jpnes, minister of the parish of Talley, have inspected
the Welsh Charity School in our parish, and find that the scholars

Historical Notes. 67
therein have (by the blessing of God) made a considerable pro
gress in Christian knowledge, for which we desire our hearty
thanks to the benefactors." From the same Clergyman. " May 8th, 1741.
Rev. Sir, — I have inspected the Welsh School in our neigh
bourhood, set up last winter, have procured houses gratis for
them, and likewise examined the scholars publicly and privately,
and find, through the blessing of God, much good has been done
towards answering the end proposed. I have no more to add,
but we pray God to give you and the worthy benefactors fur
ther success in your pious endeavours for the good of our poor
fellow creatures, that we and they may gain the favour and appro
bation of God, and it is no matter how we are treated or thought
of by perverse and sensual men. I am, &c,
E. Jones, Minister of Talley."
"Forest, Llandovery, May 24th, 1741.
We, whose names are hereunder written, do certify that a Welsh
Charity School was kept at Tynycoed, in the Hamlet of Forest, in
the parish of Llandingad, and that the master thereof taught his
scholars to the utmost of our knowledge in all things, according
to the Rules of the Charity Schools ; and do affirm that he behaved
himself orderly, according to the laws of the Established Church.
In witness, we have hereunto set our hands,
John Jones, Curate of Llandingad,
Davtd Morgan, Churchwarden,
John Williams,
Davtd Evans."
"Llancrwys, Carmarthenshire, Feb. 3rd, 1740-1.
These are to certify, that the master of the Welsh Circulating
Charity Schools at Erw Wen, in the parish of Llanycrwys, hath
diligently and carefully taught his scholars to spell and read the
British language, daily taught and instructed them in the Church

68 Historical Notes.
Catechism, brought them to Church to be examined by the
minister thereof, observed all the rules and 'instructions given him
in the best manner he could, and all agreeable to the usuage of
the Church of England. Nicholas Griffiths,
Curate of Llancrwys,
Owen Davies,
David Morgan."
"Nantybai, Llanfairarybryn, May 21st, 1741.
"We, whose names are here underwritten, do certify that a
Welsh school, kept at Nantybai, in Llanfairarybryn, by D. J. — ,
and that the said master behaved himself civil, and to the utmost
of our knowledge, in all things according to the rules of the Cha
rity Schools. We further testify that this account is true.
Witness our hands,
Hugh Thomas, Warden.
Rees Williams,
William Lloyd,
John Williams,
William Davtd."
"Mydrim, Jan. 29th, 1740-1.
"That the schoolmaster of a Welsh school in the parish of
Mydrim, behaved himself honestly, agreeable to the prescribed
rules, and that particularly the scholars taught by him made a
good progress at school ; evidently appearing by their answers in
a public examination at Church. I certify,
John James, Vicar of Mydrim."
It is likewise certified by the parishioners —
"John Evans,
John Lewis,
John Thomas,
Richard Phillips."
"N.B. Having examined the said scholars of the above school,,
I certify the same, David Lewis, Vicar of Abernant."

Historical Notes. 69
P.S. I shall feel thankful if the clergymen of the different
parishes will furnish me with aU particulars relating to the
present state of Schools, Churches, &c, which have been erected
within the last twenty or thirty years in the county.
From 1740 to 1742.
Llanfairarybryn, number of scholars, 41 ; Godre'n Bryn, in
Abernant, 40 ; Llanpumsaint, 49 ; Llanddarog, 34 ; Llanybydder,
39 ; Llansawel, 64 ; Kilcarw, in Llangyndeyrn, 83 ; Gwndwn-
bach, in Llangyndeyrn, 23 ; Tydanygraig, in Cilcarw, 58 ; My-
ydd Uchaf, in Llandefeilog, 40 ; Llansadwm, 32 ; Llanardd, 38 ;
Bryn Mayog, in Cayio, 49 ; Cwmcennen, in Llandeilo Fawr, 51 ;
New Well, Llangunnock, 20; Llandybie, 70; Owmnant, in Llanon,
63 ; Llanddowror, 18 ; New House, in Llangathen, 66 ; Cappel
Bettws, Trelech, 59 ; Fforddlas in Trelech, 53 ; Pantycelyn, in
Llanfairarybryn, 26 ; Newcastle-Emlyn, 75 ; Myddfai, 38 ; Cwm-
amman in Llandeilo, 49 ; Llanegwad, 59 ; Pantyberllan, in Llan-
fynydd, 81. "Llanddarog, Carmarthenshire, " 12th Feb., 1741.
Rev. Sir, — The bearer hereof, teacher of the Welsh school, in
the parish of Llanddarog, has diligently attended his business
hitherto. I have examined his scholars several times, and found
him endeavouring to explain some plain passages in the Church
Catechism to the children. Some that came to read were obliged
to learn to repeat verses from the Psalms and New Testament.
There are about thirty that repeated the Church Catechism in
time of Divine Service ; some are taught to sing Psalms : and,
to give the man his due, he did, as far as I could find, conscien
tiously perform his duty. K you think fit that I should continue
longer in these parts, I shall be as earnest as I can to persuade
and admonish all persons whatsoever, to read the Word of God,
and to meditate therein day and night, as it is my indispensable
duty to do. I am, &c,
T. Davies, Curate of Llanarthney."

JX> Historical Notes.
"Llanfihangel Orarth, Carmarthenshire, March 3rd, 1741.
I hereby certify, that the schoolmaster who taught the Welsh
Charity School in this parish, brought his scholars to be catechised
by me. Joseph Jones,
Vicar of Llanfihangel Orarth."
" Garth in Cayo, Carmarthenshire, June 10th, 1741.
Rev. Sir, — This certifies, that the account you received of the
Welsh Charity School in my parish is true, and that the teacher
of it discharged his duty of a schoolmaster very diligently. I
inspected the said school, and saw the due attendance of scholars,
and have examined them publicly in time of Divine Service on
several Sundays, in the parish churches of Cayo and Llansawel ;
and I hope, by the blessing of God, much good has been done
thereby. We wish our hearty thanks to the worthy benefactors
for their ^so good and pious intentions. In witness whereof, I
have hereunto set my hand. E. Jones, Curate of Cayo."
Certificate of Two Clergymen for a Welsh School, at Llanfairary
bryn, May 29th, 1741.
" Rev. Sir, — This is to certify you, that the Master of the
Welsh Charity School, near Pontregwyn, in the parish of Llan
fairarybryn, behaved himself civil and according to the prescribed
rules, or anything unbecoming his calling ; and the account
brought you was examined and found true by us whose names are
underwritten. Witness our hands,
John Jones, Curate, Llanfairarybryn.
William Williams, Curate of Llanwrtyd."
"Kilrhedin, Carmerthenshire, Feb. 9th, 1741.
I have catechised the scholars of the Welsh Schools in the

Historical Notes. Ji
parish of Kilrhedin, and certify that most part of them can both
say their catechism and read very perfect. John Jones, Vicar, Olyday."
" Newchurch, Carmarthenshire, Feb. 2nd, 1741.
To whom it may concern, &c, that the master of the Welsh
School in our parish of Newchurch, behaved well, and to the
utmost of his knowledge and capacity, exerted himself in the duty
of his calling, and that his industry appeared from the profi
ciency of his scholars, who, to the great satisfaction of the con
gregation, were often publicly examined. Witness my hand,
David Lewis, Curate,
Newchurch."
Certified also, by the parishioners —
Owen Thomas, James Lewis,
Evan David, Griffith Jones,
John Thomas, David Thomas."
From the Vicar of Llangunnor.
" I do hereby certify, to whom it may concern, that the teacher
of the Welsh School has, as I am credibly informed, and to my
own knowledge, been diligent in the affair of so great an import
ance by him undertaken ; and also most part of the youths of both
sexes are very tractable, and require about three months more
schooling at least ; which time, if granted, I doubt not but that
some of them will answer the intent of that charity as well as any
I have known or heard of in these parts of our ignorant country.
Anthony Morgan,
Minister of Llangwnnwr.
William Morris,
Churchwarden.
William Thomas."

CARDIGANSHIRE.

Glanfraed, Cardiganshire. — Edward Llwyd.
The old mansion of Glanfraed stood on the banks of the river
Leri, a short distance from Llanfihangel-geneu'r-Glyn. It is
reported that Edward Llwyd, the celebrated antiquarian, was born
at this place. His father was Edward Llwyd, Esq., of Llanvorda,
near Oswestry, who was a man of extravagant and dissolute
morals. A marriage contract was entered between him and the
second daughter of a Mr. Price, of Glanfraed, but owing to his
extravagance, he became embarrasssed in his finances. The
match was broken off, but unfortunately for the reputation of the
lady, she proved with child. This circumstance has thrown some
obscurity on the place of the birth and early days of Mr. Edward
Llwyd. It is supposed that he was born in the year 1660, having
entered Jesus College, Oxford, October 31st, 1672.
In the year 1684, he was appointed an under-keeper of the
Ashmolean Museum, which had just been presented to the Uni
versity, He filled the office of under-keeper until the death of his
friend, Dr. Piatt, which took place in the year A.D. 1690, when
he was appointed to succeed him. On account of his know
ledge of natural history, he was well qualified for the office. Mr.
Lewis Morris says, " That Mr. Edward Llwyd was inferior to no
man in Great Britain in natural history, and had prodigious knack
in languages. His knowledge in Welsh poetry was none at all,
for I have by me some attempts of his that way, which shew that
he was not born a poet, no more than Cicero. This hindered him
from making any additions out of the poets, for he had but a poor
taste of their excellencies, nor of the force of the proofs from
them peculiarly ; but his Archseologia Britannica is a valuable

Historical Notes. 73
treasure of the Celtic language, and would have been more so if
he had not had so many irons in the fire." — Owen's British
Remains In July, 1702, he was created M. A., by the Convocation at
Oxford, in consequence of a letter from the Duke of Ormond,
being unable to proceed regularly for his degree on account of his
travels. Mr. Llwyd was not satisfied with the knowledge he at
tained by reading; he determined upon travelling in order to
improve his store of knowledge by personal examination and
research. The first journey he made for that purpose was through
his native country. This journey took place in the year 1693.
During this journey he collected valuable materials, which he
communicated to Bishop Gibson, who wa»,preparing his edition of
Camden. About this time he purposed to visit America, but he
gave up the idea; his travelling expenses were more than he
could afford from his own private means, and, in order to assist
him., several of his friends subscribed in order to enable him to
follow his favourite plans.
He made another tour through Wales ; this time he collected a
vast number of fossils and other curiosities, which he dsposited
in the Museum, but it appears that he failed to arrange them. In
the year 1698 he made another tour in South Wales. In this year
he completed his Lythophylacim Brittannicum.V Contrary to his
expectations, the University refused to publish the work; but
through the kindness of Sir Hans Sloan, Sir Isaac Newton, and
Lord Chancellor Somerset, it was published. This edition was an
inaccurate one; the printing was not superintended by Mr.
Edward Llwyd ; the gentleman who had the charge of publishing
it, had no access to the original specimens, &c.
His next work was Archseologia Britannica. In order to collect
materials for this work, he travelled through Wales, Scotland, Bas
Bretagne, Cornwall, and Ireland. Whilst making his researches
in Lower Brittany, for Armorican Antiquities, he was seized as a
spy, and imprisoned at Brest ; his papers were taken from him.
After a short confinement, he was released, and returned to
Oxford. For the five following years he devoted his time to
arranging his collections. In the year 1707, he completed his first

74 Historical Notes.
volume, which contained, — 1st. A Comparative Etymology, or
remarks on the Alterations of Languages ; 2nd. A Latin Celtic
Dictionary ; 3rd. An Armorican Grammar ; 4th. An Armorican
English Vocabulary; 5th. Some Welsh words^ omitted in Dr.
Davies's Dictionary ; 6th. A Cornish Grammar; 7th. A Catalogue
of British M.SS. ; 8th. An Essay towards a British Etymologican;
9th. A brief Introduction to the Irish or Ancient Scottish lan
guage ; 10th. An Irish English Dictionary.
The Myfyrian Archaology says, "that he met with many diffi-
•culties, but in spite of all, he collected 180 vols, of old writings.
He had been promised admittance to the first libraries in Wales,
but when it became known what service he intended to Welsh
literature, he was forsaken by his friends ; "books in, or of use
to, the Welsh language, were not to be encouraged." He died in
the month of June, 1709, and was interred in the Welsh aisle, at
St. Michael's Church, at Oxford. He left a valuable collection to
Sir John Seabright, in whose library they remain for many years.
Some of the books were lost, the others subsequently came into
the possession of Colonel Johnes, of Havod. Iolo Morganwg spent
some time at Havod in transcribing some parts of them. The
•collection, as well as Col. Johnes's magnificent library, were con
sumed in the conflagration which levelled Havod to the ground a
short time after.

Lledrod is situated in a mountainous part of Cardiganshire.
This parish has not made much progress in agriculture, im
provements, building, &c. The system of drainage was in a
backward state in this locality some years ago. The roads
before passing the South Wales Highway Act were knee deep in
mud. The parish Church is a plain building, of an unimposing
appearance. There is nothing ecclesiastical about the building. We
are sorry to state that many of our old Churches in country places
have been spoiled ; the old ones were demolished, and ugly, un
sightly ones erected instead, as in the case of Llanddewi-Brefu
which was one of the finest Churches in Wales. This spirit

Historical Notes. 75
seemed to be in the ascendancy some thirty or forty years ago.
The churchyards are kept in an improper state in some localities
in this county. " Yn mhob gwlad y megir glew." This is truly
verified in the history of the parish of Lledrod. The Rev. Evan
Evans, "Ieuan Brydydd Hir," an eminent classical scholar,
bard, and antiquarian, was born at Cynhawdref, in this parish,
about the year 1730. He received the first part of his education
at Ystradmeurig, under the celebrated Edward Richards, the
founder of that school ; from there he removed to Jesus College,
Oxford, in the year 1751. After he was ordained, he served several
Churches as a curate, but he never had a living of his own.
It appears that disappointments preyed deeply on his mind, and
led him to seek oblivion to his vexation in excesses. He de
voted his early life to the study of his native language, in which
he composed several poetical pieces, which were highly spoken of
by Mr. Lewis Morris. In the year 1764, he published his chief
production, "The specimen of the poetry of ancient Welsh bards."
He subjoined to this volume a Latin essay of considerable merit.
For the copyright of this volume he received from Dodsley the
sum of £30 ! ! He wrote also an English poem, entitled, " The
love of our country." Several of his poems were published in the
" Diddanwch Teuluaidd." He translated into Welsh several ser
mons. He explored every corner of Wales in quest old MSS.,
but they were never pubhshed from want of encouragement which
was promised him, but withheld. He spent the latter part of his
life in poverty.
A short time before his death, Paul Panton, Esq., of Anglesea,
settled on him a small annuity, just enough to keep him from
want, and in return Mr. Evans gave him all his valuable manu
scripts, being upwards of 80 volumes. He died in the 58th year
of his age, A.D. 1789, and was buried in Lledrod churchyard.
There 'is nothing to mark his grave, not even a common grave
stone ! The spot where he was buried is almost forgotten. The
late Rev. Peter Felix, the respected vicar of Llanilar, who has
passed away to another world, told us some time ago, that he
remembered one of the family of Cwmllechwedd being buried in
the same grave as Mr. Evans. At the request of a gentleman,
residing in Cardiganshire, we called the attention of several gen-

76 Histoical Notes.
tlemen at the Aberdare Eisteddfod to this subject. They promised
to form a committee for the purpose of raising funds to erect
some kind of monument to the memory of Mr. Evans, at Lledrod,
but there the matter ended.

€dhvt.
A short distance from Lampeter, on the banks of the Tivy, lies
the parish of Cellan. The church — a plain, unadorned building
— stands on a slope above the river Tivy, about a mile from Llan-
fair-Clydogau. The incumbent is the Rev. Charles Lloyd,
of Bettws-Bledrws. The church is dedicated to All Saints. In
this parish the celebrated Welsh antiquary, the Rev. Moses
Wilhams was born on the 2nd of March, 1685. He was the son
of the Rev. Samuel Wilhams, vicar of Llandyfriog, and received
his elemetary education, like many other eminent Welshmen, at
the Carmarthen Grammar School. He took his first degree in
arts in 1708, and his M.A. in Cambridge, in the year 1718. He
was ordained deacon by Dr. Trammell, bishop of Norwich, and
priest by Dr. Ottley, bishop of St. David's, who also presented him
to the living of Llanwenog, in the year 1715. Two years after he
was inducted to the living of Defynock, Breconshire. In 1718,
he married Margaret Davies, of that parish, and exchanged the
living of Defynock for Chelton Trinity and St. Mary's, Bridgwater.
In the year 1732 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society.
He was a Welsh scholar and an antiquary. He rendered great
assistance to Dr. Wotton in preparing his edition of " Hywel
Dda's Laws." Dr. Wotton was cut off by death before his
work was brought out. Dr. Clark published it, and wrote a
preface, in which he acknowledges the valuable service of Mr.
Williams. He wrote several theological works, and left a manu
script of his own life, and a catalogue of the works in the Bodleian
Library, at Oxford. The whole were presented to Lord Maccles
field. The present generation who inhabit this parish never heard
of his name.

Historical Notes. J 7
feterfaeU.
A short distance from the town of Lampeter, on the road
leading from that town to Llanwnnen, in a delightful situation
stand the ruins of the above mansion.
The late Rev. David Davies, of Castell Hywel, graphically
describes the ruinous state of Peterwell, in some Welsh stanzas: —
Mynycb yr a yr ych o'r iau,
A'r asyn a bawr ar lawr dy barlyrau.
The first house was built here by one David Evans, Esq., one
of CromweU's agents. It is said that he enriched himself by
spoiling Churches and the Royalists. A house built with such
means could not prosper long. The last house was built by his
grandson, Daniel Evans, who married Mary, daughter of Morgan
Herbert, Esq., of Havod; but he died before the house was
finished, 1696. Walter Lloyd, of Foelallt, Llanddewi-brefu,
married his daughter, and the Peterwell estate came into the
possession of that family. This Walter Lloyd was the father of
Sir Herbert Lloyd, of Peterwell.
We have heard some curious anecdotes related by the old people
at Llanddewi-brefu, of Sir Herbert Lloyd and his dependents. A
man of the name of Thomas William Jerry, a mason, killed a
favourite donkey of Sir Herbert's in a mistake. His fellow
workman told him that a hare was in some furze close by. He
fired upon the supposed hare, but when he went to the spot, he
found that he killed his master's donkey. Owing to this mishap
he was obliged to leave the country, and for many years he dared
not return. On one occasion, during Sir Herbert's absence, two
of his workmen dressed themselves in their master's clothes, and
went to the Star, at Lampeter, where a large quantity of wine
was consumed, on Sir Herbert's account, leaving their master to
pay. The landlady fancied that they were Sir Herbert's friends,
and she did not find out her mistake until he returned from London.
The above Walter Lloyd, of Foelallt and Peterwell, was the attorney
general for the counties of Carmarthen, Cardigan, and Pembroke.
He represented the county from 1727 to 1734. He canvassed the
county in 1741, but was not duly elected. John Lloyd, son of the
above attorney general for the above counties, represented the

78 Historical Notes.
county in Parliament ; he died 1755. He was succeded by the Hon.
Wilmot Vaughan. Herbert Lloyd, Esq., brother of John Lloyd,
Esjq., entered Parliament 1761 ; John Pugh Pryse, Esq., Goger-
ddan, being member for the county. Mr. H. Lloyd, whilst can
vassing for a seat in Parliament, about 1760 or 1761, was sent by the
corporation to present an address of congratulation to George III.
on his accession to the throne, and had the honour of kissing the
King's hand. The Rev. Mr. Lloyd, of Galltyrodyn, who was m
the opposite interest, wrote the following stanzas on the occasion : —
A would-be member brought of late,
From borough little known,
In an address of early date,
His incense to the throne.
Soon tidings came where Tivy flows,
Through tyrant harassed land,
That Lloyd to envied honours rose,
And kissed the royal hand.
0 had our gracious sovereign's touch
But cured him of his evil,
I'd own St. George ne'er boasted such
A triumph o'er the devil.
It appears that a few years afterwards the baronet, to reward the
poet for his wit, recommended him to Dr. Squire to fill the living
of Llanarth, which produced the following lines from another
pen : — Hail thrifty hard ! well hast thou sung
And well thy end attained ;
The vulture knight by satire stung
The muse hath wisely chained.
Chained is the muse, suppress the thought,
The knight misunderstood ;
The streams that once preferment brought
Must be again pursued.
Proceed vile wasp, and scribble on,
To greater things aspire ;
Scoundrels ere now have mitres won,
For instance,- Dr. S — re. Meyrick's Cardigan.
Thomas Evans, the son of the Protector's agent, is characterised
in an old MS. — "Thomas Evans, passionately violent in anything,
first a covenanter, then an eager advocate for the negative oath,

Historical Notes. 79
afterwards most impetuous against a single person, especially the
family of his now majestie, an active captain of the horse, and his
son David of foote, under the late Committee of Safety, passing
oath upon others for their fidelity to the said committee, endea
voured to incite men, about the beginning of April last, to take
arms against General Monk, impatient without office and tyran
nical in it." The Peterwell estate, after the death of Sir Herbert,
came to the possession of John Adams, Esq., of Whitland, who
soon spent it and sold it to Albany Wallis, &c. It is now in the
possession of J. Battersby Harford, Esq.

Ifanteoa.
Nanteos, the seat of Col. Powell, stands in a beautiful
secluded valley, a short distance from the roadside leading from
Aberystwith to the far-famed Devil's Bridge, surrounded by
woods and forests. The scenery is very beautiful here ; through
the park flows a small river, called "Paith," which means, "view."
We have spent many a happy hour on this spot, long ere we dreamt
of, much less tasted, the troubles, sorrows, and afflictions of this
world. We happened to be there when the present owner attained
his majority, and the grand rejoicings which took place on that
occasion will long be remembered by the inhabitants of this
locality, who seemed to vie with each other in showing their-
respect to the representative of the House of Nanteos. Alas I
many a change has taken place since then. Many old familiar
friends have been numbered with the dead, and " Their inhabi
tants know them no more."
" Hoff ddyddiau fy mebyd hedasant,
Ni chaf ea cwuipeini byth mwy,
Mae adgof o honynt yn rhoddi
I'm calon ryw archoll a chlwy.
" O'r oriau difyrus a dreuliais,
Yn estron i ofid a chur,
Ni'm blinai'r pryd yma un gofal,
Fy nghalon oedd ddidwyll a phur.
" Pa le mae'm cyfoedion ? p'le dy wedwch P
Fy ngadael a wnaethant i gyd ;
'Rwf innau yn awr wrth fy hunan,
Fel meudwy yr wyf yn y byd."

80 Historical Notes.
Tradition says that this place derives its name from the nightin
gale (Eos), which nsed to sing in a small ravine close by. That
bird is never heard in Cardiganshire at the present day. As
many as a dozen can be heard at one time in the Vale of
Glamorgan. The first owners of Nanteos were a family of the
name of Jones, one of whom, an heiress, married, in the year
1735, to William Powell, Esq., son of Sir Thomas Powell, Knt.,
who was one of the judges of the Court of King's Bench, a lineal
ancetors of the present owner, Col. W. T. R. Powell, Col.
Jones, of Nanteos, took an active part during the civil war in the
reign of Charles I. An old MSS. says that "John Jones, one that
appeared in the first publique differences for monarchy, and much
by reason thereof, yet, in the year 1647, he assisted in reducing
the Castle of Aberystwith, a garrison then holding for the King,
it was thought on a personal! injury offered to him ; his principles
being without question steadfastly fixed for monarchy, and the
true heir thereof; for he was constantly imprisoned, on all
securing, pay'd a deep fine in Goldsmith's Hall, decimated and
greviously sequestered, declined, though sometimes tendered,
publique offices whatsoever." There are some elegant Flemish
pictures to be seen at Nanteos. The Powells of Nanteos have
always been noted for their hospitality. Edward Richards, the
founder of Ystradmeurig School, was a frequent visitor at
Nanteos, and the family continued friendly with him until his
death. He speaks highly of Nanteos in one of his pastorals : —
" Nanteos heb orphwys, o'i mebyd, a Mabwys*
A'r Trawsgoed,f le gwiwlwys, sy'n cynnwys gwyr call ;
Gwell ambell awr ddigri, gael rhan gyda rheini,
Na phoeni trysori tros avail.
" Er niwl ac anialwch, a thrawster a thristwch,
Daw dyddiau dedwyddwch, hyfrydvvch i'r fro :
Daw AnnaJ i dywynu, cyn nemawr, can i mi,
Di weli blwy' Dewi'n blodeuo."
Mr. Edward Richards appointed Dr. William Powell and his
heirs trustees of his will, as well as the Bishop of St. David's, the
* Mabwys, the ancient seat of the Lloyds.
t Crosswood, the seat of the Earl of Lisbuvne,
j Anna, daughter of William Powell, Esq., and sister of Thomas Powell,
Esq., and the Rev. William Powell, L. L. D,

Historical Notes. 81
Earl of Lisburne, Jas. Lloyd, Esq., Mabws, and Thomas Hughes,
Esq., Hendrefelen.
Anna, daughter of William Powell, Esq., married Richard
Stedman, Esq., of Strata Florida. After his death she married
Mr. Lloyd, of Peterwell, and at the time when the bard wrote
one of his pastorals, she was residing at the Foelallt, Llanddewi-
brefu. The late Col. Powell was Lord Lieutenant for the county, and
member of Parliament. He succeeded Col. Johnes of Havod.
He was a most kind-hearted gentleman, and an excellent
landlord.

Praia.
Llanio is a Hamlet in the parish of Llanddewi Brefu, and which
is distinguished into the divisions of Llanioissav and Llanio-uchav,
was formerly the ancient Loventium of the Romans, and a
considerable station on the great western road, called Sarn Helen,
between Maridunum or Caermarthen, and Penallt, near
Machynlleth. Several coins and culinary utensils have been dug
up here, and three Roman inscribed stones are built up in the
walls of two cottages on the spot ; one of them in the wall by the
side of the door is to be read " Cau artis manibus primus;"
another, on a chimney of another cottage, to be read " Overioni ;"
in the porch of the house is a very large one, now serving for a
seat and much obliterated, has on it, " Cohors secundse Augusta
fecit quinque passus . . . ," which shews that a cohort of
the second legion of Augustus was stationed here, and built a
part of the walls of the city. Almost the whole of this place is
covered with the fragments of the finest brick, which the Romans
must have brought with them. There are also some small
remains of pieces of brickwork and lime mixed with common
stone still to be seen, and an entire piece, having its surfaee
smooth and polished, was taken up not long ago, and placed at
the bottom of an oven then making in a neighbouring mill, where
it still remains. In one of the grounds of this farm, a large piece
of unshapen lead was dug up, which, when melted, weighed

82 Historical Notes.
sixteen pounds. There is a piece of ground to the south east
of the farm house, called " Cae 'r Castell" or the "field of the
Castle," in which are still the remains of the foundations of
building. At present there are no remains to be seen here.
The Roman road, called Sam Helen, from Llanio ito Machyn
lleth, crosses the parish of Llanfihangel y Creiddyn in a farm
called Brenan.
The Roman road, called Sam Helen, from Loventium, now
Llanio, to Penallt near Machynlleth, passes through a farm in the
parish of Llanbadarnfawr called Llwynrhingyll.

Llanddewi-Brefu is embosomed in the Cardiganshire hills.
Although the village cannot boast of any fine buildings, it has
been highly favoured by nature. The village and the Parish
Church stand at the entrance of a deep ravine, through which the
river Brenig runs; this river empties itself into the Tivy, a
short distance from the Church. The village is noted in Welsh
annals, as the place where the celebrated Council was held in the
year 519, under St. David, the patron Saint of Wales, and other
eminent men, to suppress the Pelagian heresy.
Tradition says, that whilst St. David was preaching, a snow
white dove descended upon him from heaven, and sat on his
shoulder, and that the ground on which he stood was raised into
a hill, at the summit of which the present Church has been erected.
It is true that the Church stands on a curious hill, rising in the
middle of a plain, but evidently a natural elevation. Another
tradition says, that a nightingale perched on a tree close to St.
David as he was preaching, and began to sing ; the people left
the preacher and went to hear the bird, and the indignant saint
prayed that the bird should never visit the place henceforth. The
nightingale has not been heard in this country since. Leland, the
celebrated historian, visited Llanddewi-brefu, and he says it de
rived its name from the "river Brefi," now called Brenig, on
which it standeth.*
* Giraldus Cambrensis and Archbishop Baldwin whilst preaching in the Cru
sades in Wales, visited this place. The first church was a small building which
was built in honour of St. David.

Historical Notes. 83
The old legend assigns a different origin :¦ — During the erection
of the Church, two oxen were employed to haul stones towards the
building ; on one occasion they were overladen, and one of them
died from the effort to drag the load up the hill. The other at the
loss of his companion, beUowed nine times, when all of a sudden,
the hill opened, and a way was made for him. to draw his load
without any difficulty. The miracle is commemorated in the fol
lowing lines : — Llanddewi-Brefi fraith,
Lie brefodd yr ych naw gwaith,
Nes holltodd Craig y Foelallt.
The Foelallt is an old mansion, at one time a place of note, but
its glory has faded away, and it is almost in ruins. It is at present
the property of J. Inglis Jones, Esq. The parish Church was at one
time a magnificent building ; it is dedicated to St. David, it is a
gothic structure, and the north transept has been demolished
many years ago. This Church also was demolished by the parishion
ers who attempted to restore it. There is nothing of its former
grandeur to be seen. The bells were taken from its massive tower,
under the pretence of being recast, but they never found their
way back again. Near the west door there is a large stone stand
ing erect, it was called " St. David's staff," on which he leaned
whilst he was preaching ; there is a rude inscription on it, much
of which is obliterated. The last person who deciphered it, was
the Rev. Evan Evans, (Ieuan Brydydd Hir). There were several
other stones in the churchyard, and an attempt was made to break
one of them up by some reckless individuals who had no respect
for antiquity some time ago.
Under the south door there is a monumental stone, supposed to
be that of Idnerth, Bishop of Llanbadam Fawr. About thirty
years ago, a part of an ox's horn was to be seen in this Church,
called "Matkorn Ych Dewi." We failed to find any part of it,
although we made frequent inquiries respecting it. Dr. Beck,
Bishop of St. David, in the year 1187, founded a college for a
precentor and twelve prebendaries, in honour of St. David, in this
place. ABBEY OF STRATA FLORIDA. RHOS FAIR, &C, YSTRADMEURIG.
This abbey stood about six miles from the ancient town of

84 Historical Notes.
Tregaron. The situation of this abbey was most romantic and
secluded from the busy hum of the world and all its cares. On
three sides it was environed by high and desolate hills, and on the
other side by the vale through which the river Tivy glides silently
to the sea. It appears that this abbey was a most beautiful and
costly building ; no expense was spared in ornamenting it, all the
walls being covered with the finest glazed tiles. From time to
time large pieces of painted glass and paving stones of intersected
circles have been dug up here. Some of them are still preserved
in the locality. About thirty-five years ago the seal- of the abbey
was discovered in an adjoining field, by a lad, who, ignorant of
its value, sold it to a travelling Jew. The seal was about the size
of a crown piece ; on one side were the arms of the abbey, and on
the other a representation of the Madonna and Child. At present
there is a small Church standing on the spot. This Church is
dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and we are sorry to add that the
present edifice is not worthy of the place. When we visited the
ruins everything around seemed as quiet as those who moulder
beneath the rich verdure of the burial ground.
" Silence and darkness solemn sisters here,
Twine the sad cbaplet of distressing fear;
The mouldering heaps of man dissolved rise,
Present a lesson to Reflection's eyes.
The Tyrant Death his trophies here hath spread,
His triumph are in each memorial read ;
The fuu'ral yew her nodding tresses waves
With shadowy pomp o'erhang the blended graves.
Traveller, wbo'er thou art, a minute spare,
See, father, brother, husband, sister share,
In one rude mass, from clay to clay consign'd.
And catch the workings of thy immortal mind.
These cemeteries of departed life
Are kind asylums from its noise and strife."
The stately yew trees which adorned and sheltered the graves
of the departed in the time of Leland are gone. This monastery,
according to Leland, was founded by Rhys ab Tewdwr, but it is
supposed that he mistook him for Rhys ab Gruffydd, who granted
a charter for the purpose, in the year 1164. The endowments be
stowed upon it by this deed, was afterwards confirmed by Rhys's

Historical Notes. '85-
sons, in the Church of St. Bridget, at Rhayader, in presence of all
their army ; it was also confirmed by Henry the Second.
This abbey belonged to the Cistercian Order, and the last abbot
was Richard Talley. The property attached to it was very large ; it
reached two-thirds of the way to Llandovery, one-third of the
way to Builth, and the same distance to Llangurig, in Mont
gomeryshire. The abbey of Strata Florida was the burial place of a great
number of Welsh Princes ; amongst others, the following : —
Cadell, son of Gruffydd ab Rhys, and brother to Prince Rhys ; Ab
Gruffydd was buried here in the year 1176; Hywel ab Ieuan,
Lord of Arwystli, buried in the year 1184; Owain ab Rhys,
buried 1190; Prince Rhys ab Gruffydd, in 1196; Gruffydd, son
of Rhys, a noted and famous prince, was buried with great splen
dour in 1202 ; Hywel, another of Prince Rhys's son, . was buried
here, in the year 1104 : this unfortunate prince was first deprived
of his sight and afterwards treacherously murdered; Mallt or
Maud de Breos, widow of Gruffydd ab Rhys, was buried by the
side of her husband, in a monk's cowl, 1209 ; Isabel, daughter of
Richard Clare, the Earl of Hereford, and wife of William, Lord
of Gower, in the year 1210 ; Rhys, son of Gruffydd ab Rhys,
1221; Maelgwyn, son of Prince Rhys, in the year 1230; and
Owain, son of Gruffydd ab Rhys, in the year 1235. What
a pity that this sacred spot is so shamefully neglected. Not a
stone is to be seen to mark the last resting place of these distin
guished princes.
In the dark and turbulent ages, Strata Florida was an asylum
to a great many eminent men. Gutun Owain, an eminent bard
and antiquary, made this abbey his home ; and during his sojourn
here he compiled his "Genealogical Collections." Some of the
most valuable records of the nation were kept here. The
"Chronicle" of Caradawc of Lancarfaii, was kept her^, and
another copy in the abbey of Conway, North Wales. Caradock's
work is a most valuable production. Very little is known of his
history ; he was a monk, and he flourished about the middle of
of the 12th century, and his works were translated into English
in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, by Humphrey Lloyd, and were
published by Dr. David Powell, in the year 1585. Archdeacon

86 Historical Notes.
Giraldus and Archbishop Baldwin paid a visit to this abbey, whilst
on a tour through Wales, preaching the Crusades. John, the
Abbot of Whitland, and Sissulus, of Strata Florida, met them at
Lampeter, whore there was a priory attached to the abbey.
Giraldus gives an amusing account of a young Welsh Prince who
came to escort them from Lampeter to Strata Florida. Gruffydd
Grug, of Penmynydd, Anglesea, a learned poet, who carried on a
poetical contest with David ab Gwilym — the Welsh Ovid — as it is
too often the case with rival lovers, for a young woman in Angle-
sea, to whom Gruffydd was attached. On this account, a strong-
animosity sprung up between the two bards. In order to reconcile
them, the monks of Gwynlliw priory, near Newport, sent a letter
to Gruffydd stating that his rival, David, was dead ; whereupon
Gruffydd wrote a pathetic elegy on the death of David. But
whilst on his way to Anglesea, the messenger sent another person
back to David that Gruffydd was dead, and was to be interred at
Strata Florida, on a certain day, where Gruffydd' s information
stated that David was to be buried also. The same day was
named for both funerals. David also hastened to pay the last
tribute of respect to Gruffydd, with an affectionate poem to his
memory. On arriving at Strata Florida, he was greatly astonished
on seeing Gruffydd alive and weU. Of course, Gruffydd was
equally astonished on finding that David was stiU alive, and
from that day to their deaths a most friendly feeling existed
between them. This ruse of the monks had the desired effect.
Some historians assert that David ab Gwilym was buried under
a yew tree, at Strata Florida. The abbey of TaRey, claims the
same honour. According to the best authority, in the last place
he was interred.
A short distance from the ruins of the abbey stands the village
Pontrhydfendigaid,— " The bridge of the blessed ford." Altho'
the monks were the greatest bridge makers of those ages, it
appears that they did not erect one at this place. It was erected
in the days of Edward Richards, the founder of Ystradmeurig
School. This bridge was a bone of contention between the
parishes of Gwnws and Ctu-on ; and he composed two humurous
poems on this bridge, which are kept in memory by the old people
of the upper part of Cardiganshire.

Historical Notes. 87
On the north side of Pontrhydfendigaid there is a small village
called Ffair Rhos — Rhos Ffair. At one time there were five fairs
held here annually, but they were removed after a warm contest
to Pontrhydfendigaid, in order to save the toll. These fairs in
days gone by, were the favourite resort of country lovers, and
many a sanguinary engagement was fought between persons
residing in different parishes: here they generally settled their
disputes by an appeal to arms — sticks, &c. were freely used.
Happily those days are gone by, and such brutal feuds have
terminated. The inhabitants of these localities are chiefly, miners,
the surrounding hills being rich in lead ore. Large mine works
are carried on near Yspytty-Ystwith. Escair Mwyn lode was
discovered by three poor workmen in the time of Lewis Morris of
Anglsea, a.d. 1750, the celebrated bard and antiquarian. These
men cleared by this discovery, £1,300 each. Lord Lisburne
claimed it, but Government sent down a company of Scots Greys,
under the command of Col. Johnes, M.P., of Havod, Lord Lieu
tenant of the county of Cardigan, to take possession of it for the
Crown. It was leased soon after by the Earl of Powis. On the
road side leading from Rhos Ffair to Rayader there are a group of
lakes — six in number : one of them is the source of the Tivy. They
abound in trout. Their banks were chosen by Mr. Edward
Richards as the scenes for his pastorals. All the way from
Rhos Ffair to Rhyader, the country is very desolate, covered
with coarse grass —" Nid oes ond blew garw,
O'r Ffair Rhos i'r ddenv yn blaguro."
The inhabitants of these hills are remarkably kind-hearted to
strangers : it is a pleasure to them to do acts of kindness. About
two miles from Pontrhydfendigaid, on the brow of a hill com
manding an extensive view of the Vale of Tivy, the village of
Ystradmeirig is situated, it was at one time a place of note. A
castle was built here by Gilbert, Earl of Clare, as an outpost to
the castle of Aberystwith. This castle commanded the pass. In
the year 1207 the oastle was in the possession of Maelgwyn, who
was threatened by Prince Llewellyn, and, fearing that his forces
could not withstand the attack of his enemy, he demolished it.
It is supposed by fire. In this village, there is a celebrated

88 Historical Notes.
Grammar School, founded by Mr. Edward Richards, an eminent
scholar and bard. He was the son of a tailor, who kept the
village public house. He was born in the year 1714. He had
an elder brother, Abraham, who was educated at Carmarthen and
Hereford Grammar Schools, from whence he entered one of the
Universities. During the long vacation he used to keep a school
in his native village, to which young Edward was sent, but it
appears that he made very little progress in his studies ; he was
too fond of the various games that were carried on in those days.
At the end of the two years, Mr. Richards re-opened his school
at Ystradmeurig, and his fame soon spread over the Principality,
and pupils came to him from all parts. In a short time after, he
was appointed master of the Lledrod or " Llanfihangel Llether-
'troed" Endowed School, which had just been established. This
school was endowed for forty boys from the upper part of the
parish. It is said that Mr. Richards' place of study was a
high hill near the village, a beautiful spot for a bard, or a lover
of nature, we may add, by way of parenthesis, that this is a field
for the geologist, who will see much here to interest him.
This hill commands a view of sea and mountain, hill and dale.
Some of the hills are wild and rugged, whilst the valleys below
are fertile. Mr. Richards was never in holy orders. Dr. Ellis
offered to ordain him, but he declined the honour, owing to the
responsibility of the office. From his childhood he was a favourite
of the Muse. His only composition extant is a smaU book caUed
the "Eos." To this work, a short but excellent criticism on his
genius and style was written by an eminent classical scholar, the
Rev. David Davies, of Castell-Hywel, author of '\Telyn Dewt."
Mr. Davies says of him : — Mr. Richards's intimate acquaintance
with the Greek and Roman poets, imparted to his style an un
common degree of purity and clearness of strength and freedom.
His pastorals are written after the model of Theocritus and Virgil,
and are the most polished compositions in the Welsh tongue.
The language is always chaste and appropriate, the words are
well chosen and judiciously placed; like a wall constructed
throughout of hewn stones, each is made to occupy its proper
station, and could not be removed or changed, without injury to
the whole building. The component parts of the metre aro always

Historical Notes. 89
strictly preserved without in any case injuring the sense ; the
poems are altogether so smooth and flowing, that they cannot fail
to delight every reader who has knowledge to understand and
taste to relish the beauties of Welsh poetry. There is not a bard
in Wales who may not derive instruction and improvement from
the study and invitation of the writings of Edward Richards." It
would be a great thing if some the present race of Welsh bards
were to study and foUow his example.
Mr. Abraham Richards met with an accidental death by falling
over a precipice called Craig-y-Colommenod on a dark night.
The calamity was the means of arousing young Edward from his
apathy. He determined to study in earnest, and make up for
lost time. He was first sent to Carmarthen school, then under the
Rev. Mr. Maddox ; after spending some time he removed to
Lanarth, into the house of the Rev. Mr. Pugh, as a private
scholar. He made rapid progress in the Greek language. In a
ehort time he re-opened a school at Ystradmeurig, which rose to
reputation and was filled with scholars from the neighbouring
parishes. While going on prosperously, he one day called his
pupils together and dismissed them, with an open declaration that
he could not do them justice. He devoted the two following years.
to studying the Greek and Latin languages. His place of study
was the parish church, his only companion was the Rev. Evan
Evans ; they used to meet summer and winter at 4 o'clock in the
morning, and commenced their labours with prayer.
He was particularly fond of his aged mother, Gwenllian, and
alludes to her frequently in one of his pastorals. His poems
were always repeated, by the old people by rote, whilst sitting
around a blazing fire, during a long winter's night in the upper
part of the country. Some time ago a cheap edition of the " Eos"
was published. Previously the work was out of print. Mr.
Richards was a martyr to that painful disease, the gravel. He
died on the 4th of March, 1777, and was buried at Ystrad
meurig, where there is a Latin inscribed tablet raised to his
memory. Although he has travelled to that bourne ' ' from whence
no traveller returns," his name will be remembered as long as
the river Tivy will flow through the valley beneath to the
sea. Some time before his death he made a provision for eh-

90 Historical Notes.
do wing the school at Ystradmeurig. Mr. D. Richards, (Davydd
Ionawr) author of a sublime poem "The Trinity" (Cywydd
y Drindod,) was one of his pupils. Some of the most eminent
Welsh clergymen were educated here. The Rev. John Williams
succeeded Mr. Richards. He conducted the school Forty years.
He was followed by the Rev David Williams, an eminent divine
and scholar, and he was succeeded by the Rev. J. Williams
Morris. The present master is the Rev. Lewis Evans.
There was an hospitium here under Strata Florida. The church
is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. There is an exhibition to St.
John's College, Cambridge, belonging to this school, for the best
Greek scholar. Not far from the village there is an old mansion
called Ffosybleiddiaid, belonging to that ancient family, the
Lloyds, of Mabws ; it is now a farm house. On the road-side
leading from Ystradmeurig to Aberystwith, there is a deep pool
called " Caradoc's Pool." Tradition says that a prince of that
name, in order to save himself from falling into the hands of his.
enemies, destroyed his life by jumping over the precipice to the
pool below. Close by there is a farm called Bryncaradog. In
the churchyard of Gwnws there is a large stone with an inscrip
tion very much obliterated, in commemoration of Caradoc.
Devil's Bridge, &c.
This place is visited annually by hundreds of persons from all
parts of the kingdom. On the spot there is a large and com
modious hotel, first erected by the late Col. Jones, M.P., for the
accommodation of travellers. This inn was for many years in the
occupation of the late Thomas Taylor, an eccentric character.
The old house was pulled down a few years ago, and a new one
erected on its site. There are two bridges here over the
river " Monach," one over the other. The erection of the
lower one is ascribed to the handy works of his Satanic
Majesty, who is reported to have erected it on condition that he
was to have the first thing that passed over it. We are not told
by this old legend who entered into covenant with his Satanic
Majesty. We are, however, informed that his Majesty was out
witted, a dog having been decoyed over the bridge as soon as it
was finished, and so fell to his lot. In former years, it is said, the
Devil used to appear frequently to parties near this bridge ; but

Historical Notes. 91
the present age is too enlightened for him. Bridges built over
difficult places, are often ascribed to the Devil. The first or
undermost bridge was erected by the good monks of Strata
Florida. The monks were the greatest bridge makers of that
age, and rank undoubtedly amongst the greatest benefectors of the
human race.* Before the erection of this bridge, the inhabitants
residing on the opposite sides of the Mynach could not carry on any
intercourse with each other. This wonderful piece of work will
stand for ages yet, as a lasting monument to the skill and benevo
lence of the monks. Mr. Warner called it "Pont a'r Ddiawl,"
which means, "bridge over the Devil." The approaches to the
bridge being narrow and dangerous, it was resolved in the year
1753 to erect a new one over the old one. This bridge has been
widened since, and an iron railing placed instead of the
stone battlements, which were continually thrown over by mis
chievous persons.
A short distance from this bridge the Mynach and the Rheidol
unite, after rushing headlong over the deep rocky basins which
they have formed. The falls of the Rheidol and the Mynach are
truly grand and majestic, particularly when they are flooded.
The noise of these mighty waters when they meet is enough to
make the stoutest heart tremble, the whole valley beimg covered
with clouds of spray. After contending with each other for some
time, they mingle and glide in peace to the sea. On one occasion
an angler went to amuse himself near these falls, and when in a
secluded spot, he hooked an extraordinary large fish, which it is
supposed was a salmon. No sooner did this monster fish make
his appearance above water, than the poor man ran for his life,
declaring he had hooked one of the inhabitants of the lower
regions. Rod, line and fish were left to fight it out.
In a rock adjacent to the grand fall of the Mynach there is a
cave, called the "Robbers' Cave." In the early part of last century
there resided in the town of Tregaron, a publican of the name of
Matthew Evans, who had three sons and a daughter. These
children were at an early age inculcated in the very dishonourable
* John Hughes, Esq , Lluestgwilym, Aberystwith, says, " That these hospitia
were founded by Knights of St. John of Jerusalem ; and that they built the
Devil's Bridge,"

92 Historical Notes.
practice of thieving by Matthew and his worthy spouse, and
were known by the name of " Plant Matt." After a while they
extended the sphere of their operations, and became noted high
way robbers, and this cave became their place of abode. One of
them is said to have be buried near the bridge. They carried on
their nefarious practices for many years, but were at last
apprehended and executed.
A short distance from the " Devil's Bridge," on the Llanidloes
road, there is a smaU Church caUed Yspytty Cefnfaen. This
church is of modern erection, and plainly constructed. There
was an hospitium here under Strata Florida ; the church was also
built by the monks of that abbey. According to some authorities,
the Church is built on the spot where a druidical temple once
stood ; in the Churchyard there were four large stones forming a
periphery of a quadrant of a circle — one of them was eleven feet in
height. They are now in the churchyard wall. On the opposite
side of the river there is a small cottage called the " temple; " it
is supposed that a druidical temple stood here also. The Church
was a Chapel of Ease under Llanbadarn-fawr, and the living is a
perpetual curacy, the patronage being in the hands of the land
holders. According to an old survey, they are to pay sixpence in
the pound towards the minister's salary. The interior of the
Church has undergone great improvement of late years. Some
antiquarians supposed that it was called Yspytty Cefnfaen from
this old temple ; but others say that it was so called from the
high rocky bank between the church and the Rheidiol. Prior to
the erection of the "Devil's Bridge Hotel," the village ale-house
was a great resort of travellers. Yspytty was the burial ground
of this part of the county for miles around, and the old custom of
" offerings" at funerals was kept up here within thirty years ago.
On the west side of the church there is a small but very curious
wooden bridge, called "PontbrenyrOffiraid" — the Parson's Bridge;
it is supposed that it was first erected by the clergyman for the
accommodation of the inhabitants of the western side of the river,
who could not attend the service of the church without walking-
many miles. We have been informed that a rude figure of a man
was to be seen cut out of the rock close to this bridge ; if such was
the case, it has been worn out by the water many years ago. The

Historical Notes. 93
Rheidol is confined here between two projecting rocks of great
depth. The paths leading to this bridge are very dangerons to
strangers, but the inhabitants are in the habit of crossing ir_
safety, even on the darkest nights. Mr. Malkin says that
gentleman of the name of Mr. Charles Long, late of the Treasury,
undertook to jump over this stupendous pass, and actually cleared
it in perfect safety. William Jones, Esq., of Llwyn-y-Groes, and
several other gentlemen accomplished the same feat. The scenery
here is most romantic, the bed of the river all the way from
Ponterwyd is confined by stupendous rocks. Great numbers of
sheep are lost at this spot — they find their way down the rocks
in search of herbage, but seldom return, being invariably swept
away by the flood. Legend on the Devil's Bridge.
Old Megan Llandonach, of Pont-y-Monach
Had lost her only cow ;
Across the ravine the cow was seen ;
But to reach it she could'nt tell how.
The devil that cbanc'd to wander that way,
Said he " Megan what is the matter ?"
" I'm ruin'd," said she, " for the cow's lost to me,''
And she set up a dolorous clatter.
Said the devil, "a bridge I'll raise from the ridge,
And the two rocks together I'll join.
To recover your losses, hut the first thing that crosses,
Must ever and ever be mine."
Old Megan contented, and quickly consented ;
(Satan hop'd to have made her his prey),
So under her nose the high arch arose ;
Said the devil, " now trudge it away."
In her pocked she fumbled, a crust out she tumbled,
Then call'd to her little black cur ;
The crust over she threw, the cur after it flew,
Said she, " the dog's yours crafty sir."
Old Satan look'd queer, and scratch'd his right year,
And sprang from the side of the ravine ;
Said he, "a fair hit, the biter is hit,
For the mangey cur is'nt worth having."

94 Historical Notes.
There are a great number of lead mines in this locality, and the
surrounding hills seem to be full of minerals. At Ystumtuen
there are large works. These mines yield one part lead ore and
three of quartz. Llewernog produces lead, black jack, zinc, and
quartz. This mine was for many years left unworked. There
are lead mines at Gwaith, Coch, GeRy-yr-Eirin, Cefn Brwyno,
Bog, Cwmerfin, Goginan, and several new works opened by
adventurers. Cwmsymlog and several other mines in this locality, were
worked by Sir Hugh Middleton, who at one time rented all the
mines in Cardiganshire, for the sum of £400 a year. Sir Hugh was
the sixth son of Mr. Richard Middleton, of Denbigh, in North
Wales. At first he attempted to discover coal in the vicinity of
Denbigh, but his efforts were unsuccessful. He subsequently re
moved to London, were he established h im self as a goldsmith. In
a short time he succeeded in amassing a considerable sum of
money, with which he commenced his mining operations in
Cardiganshire. He realized a clear profit of £2,000 a month by
his works ; but he subsequently spent the whole of his riches in
his patriotic undertaking of supplying London with water. When
his laudable efforts had been crowned with success, he received
the honour of knighthood from King James the First. But
his fortune being quite exhausted, he was obliged at last to
procure a livelihood by following the profession of surveyor
and engineer, and died in the year 1631. He was succeeded
in the mines by Mr. Bushell and Sir Francis Godolphin. Sir
Francis, however, died shortly after the works came into his
hands. Mr. Bushell then carried on the works. This latter
gentleman did great service to that unfortunate monarch, Charles
the First, who in return granted him permission to coin the silver
on the spot, and a mint was established at Aberystwith. Mr.
Bushel, like his predecessor, realized a large fortune. He was a
warm Royalist, and clothed the King's army. He also granted a
loan of £40,000 to his Royal benefactor, and raised a regiment of
miners, which he maintained to the end of the contest at his own
expense. At the conclusion of the great rebellion, Mr. Bushell
gave up the mines in this county, and commenced working the
Mendip mines. The coins made at Aberystwith bore the Plume
¦of the Prince of Wales.

Historical Notes. 95
Some of these mines, — particularly Cwmsymlog and Goginan, —
were deserted for many years. In the year 1690, a valuable mine
was discovered on the Gogerddan estate, — the ore, it is said ' 'reached
nearly to the surface." It was worked by Sir Carbery Price, of
Gogerddan, and after his death it was purchased by Sir Humphrey
Mackworth. In the year 1709 some disputes arose between the
partners, and the works soon began to decline.
Mr. Warner's visit to The Devil's Bridge.
Some eighty summers ago, Mr. Warner, a clergyman from Bath,
made a tour through Wales. He gives the following interesting
account of the Devil's Bridge : — "We descended the hill, and pro
ceeded to the Havod Arms, a neat and comfortable house, built
by Mr. Johnes — one amongst other instances of his imblic spirit,
as it was erected for the accommodation of those who visit the
wonders of this singular country. We were for some time in
painful suspense whether or not we could procure beds for the
night, as the house was full, and the apartments were all occupied;
at length, however, we were made easy by the information that a
neighbouring gentleman would accommodate us at his Villa, which
stands about half-a-mile from the inn." Having ordered refresh
ments to his friendly conductor, and surprised him by a small
gratuity, for he exhibited another instance of Welsh disinterested
ness, Mr. Warner speaks in the highest terms of the cheerful
manner he and his companion were treated by the Welsh, — " C 
and I proceeded to explore the horrors of the Devil's Bridge by
ourselves, the guide, who is master of the house, being absent.
Our first observations were made from the Bridge. This consists
of a single arch, nine-and-twenty feet in span, thrown over the
original one, which still remains, in the year 1753. The old arch
was built by the Monks of Strata Florida ; it is called in Welsh,
Pont ar Mynach. The yawning chasm beneath these arches is so
overhung by wood that the eye with difficulty catches even a
partial view of the gloomy abyss below. This circumstance,
however, heightens the impressions of terror which such a scene is
calculated to inspire. Fancy, free and fond of painting for herself,
pourtrays with her magic pencil to the mind wonders that exceed
reality; horrors which have no "local habitation," and exist only

96 Historical Notes.
in vivid and ever shifting pictures of the imagination. In order
to obtain a nearer and less interrupted view of this tremendous
fissure, and the torrent that rushes through it, we proceeded over
the bridge, and turning quickly round to the right hand descended
an abrupt and perilous path that conducted us to the base of the
rocks, on the eastern side of the arch. Language is but ill calcu
lated to convey1 an accurate idea of the scene which is here
presented to the eye. The awful height of the fissure, which the
bridge bestrides one hundred and twenty feet above the observer,
rendered doubly gloomy by its narrowness and the wood which
¦overhangs it, the stunning noise of the torrents thundering at our
feet, and struggling through black opposing rocks, which its cease
less impetuosity has worn into shapes strange and grotesque, fill
the mind with a mingled but sublime emotion of astonishment,
terror, and delight. Having gratified our eurosity here, we
clambered up the perpendicular path, and going in a left hand
direction from the bridge, about two hundred yards, pursuing a
winding descent that leads to a rocky projection, which commands
a view of the noble cataract to the westward of the arch. Here
the Mynach, bursting at once on the eye in all its terrific majesty,
is seen throwing itself down rugged rocks, at least two hundred
feet, in four separate tremendous falls, the first leap of nearly
twenty feet; after which it is received into a fathomless basin,
where, for a moment, it seems to rest its turbid waters, in order to
recruit its strength and pour with greater violence down a second
fall of sixty feet. Its third attempt decreases again twenty feet,
¦and here it falls amongst broken rocks, which in vain present
themselves as a barrier to its passage. Mr. Warner's contempla
tions amidst this "awful scenery" as he calls it, was prevented
owing to a fearful thunderstorm which took place, which raged all
night. He says in his second letter on the Devil's Bridge, — " I
could almost say with the unfortunate Clarence : —
"01 have pass'd a miserable night,
So full of fearful sounds, of ugly sights,
That as I am a Christian faithful man,
I would not spend another such a night
Though 'twere to buy a world of happy days,
So full of dismal terror was the time."

Historical Notes. 97
Mr. Warner found the bedrooms of the Inn all engaged before
they arrived at the Devil's Bridge; he and his friend were obliged
to sleep at a house some distance from the Inn, the only private
one in this wild and solitary neighbourhood. Mr. W. and his
friend spent some time at the Inn, 'till the clock told ten; finding,
however, that the storm increased instead of abating, they deter
mined to brave the fury of the storm ; a chambermaid and a
postilion from the Inn accompanied them. The scene from the
bridge was most sublime. The winds seemed to blow with all their
rage from aU quarters ; the thunders rattled through the sky in
peals, loud, successive, and almost uninterrupted ; the cataract
which tumbled beneath us, strengthened by accumulation of waters,
produced by the torrent of rain, added to the din by their cease
less and aggravated roar, whilst the lightning flashed around them.
It was with difficulty and danger Mr. Warner and his friend
reached the house where they intended to pass the night. They
were received at the farm house by a stout female, who conducted
them in silence to their different apartments ; she could not speak
one Word of English, nor could they speak Welsh. As they had
no shutters nor curtains on the windows to exclude the vivid
lightning which darted every minute through the windows, he
says; "I threw myself, notwithstanding, into the bed, and imme
diately fell asleep. In short, my friend awoke in the horrors,
just time enough to observe, by the light of a flash of hghtning, an
object black and huge glide out of my room. Almost the same
moment several deep groans, which seemed to proceed from an
adjoining passage, reached my ear. I honestly confess I am no
hero, and therefore felt a considerable degree of alarm, though I
did not exactly know the cause. I started out of bed, however,
and grasped my faithful oaken staff, sallied into the passage, with
a view of communicating with C  what I had seen and heard.
Before I proceeded a few steps outside my door, my nose en
countered some hard projecting substance so violently as nearly to
level me with the floor. Corporal anguish quickly banished my
mental alarm. I returned to my room, and barricading the door
with a table and chair, for there was no latch, I crept again to bed,
where, after a time, sleep once more wrapt me in forgetfulness.
Morning developed the mysteiy of the apparition and noise; a large

98 Historical Notes.
black sheep-dog, which I saw upon the stairs, accounting suffici
ently for the one; and a patient suffering from toothache,
explaining the cause of the other. On our return to the Inn, the
next morning, we visited the scene of the Devil's Bridge, which
had received additional grandeur from the deluge of the night.
The view of the falls was less distinct, and consequently more
sublime than on the preceding day ; a mist floated over the abyss,
arising from the foaming of the troubled waters below, which pre
vented us from seeing tine cataracts in detail, and gave to the eye
an unbroken whole of a dreadful majesty." The attentive host
provided them with an excellent breakfast, after which they started
over the mountains to Machynlleth.

f Iaubakro Jkfirr.
The village of Llanbadarn Fawr stands on the slope of a hill,
which is covered with fruitful gardens and orchards, overlooking
the Vale of Rheidol, and within a short distance from the im
proving and salubrious town of Aberystwith. The chief ornament
is the venerable parish church, with its massive tower. The exact
date of its erection is unknown, but it is supposed* to have been
built soon after the Norman conquest ; it is a cruciform, and
in the early Gothic style. The churches of Llanbadarn Fawr and
Llanddewi brefu are the mother churches of Cardiganshire.
In this church the parishioners for many generations were in
the habit of worshipping ; here they were presented to God in
their infancy, here they were married ; and in the adjoining
churchyard their remains are mouldering. A short time ago
a new school-room was opened at a village called Penrhyn-
coch, whero the "sound of the church-going beU" was not
heard before, this school-room has been licensed for Divine
service. The present vicar of Llanbadarn Fawr is the Rev. John
Pugh, a most exemplary clergyman, and an eloquent Welsh
preacher. The churchyard of Llanbadarn is neatly kept, not like
many in the county, where no more respect is paid to the last
resting place of the dead than a common playground. Some
years ago it was the custom in this parish to clean all the graves

Historical Notes. 99
at Easter. There is something beautiful and touching in this
custom ; it shows that even the icy hand of death cannot wholly
extinguish the warm affection that binds man to man in this
world. It is customary in some parishes to decorate the graves
weekly with flowers. Some time ago we visited the churchyard of
Llanover, and we saw several withered flowers on the graves.
This was a sermon in itself; they had been once like those who
were lying beneath the green sod, cheering the eye of man and in full
bloom, and their beauty has faded away.
The church of Llanbadarn Fawr is dedicated to Padarn, or
Paternus, the son of Pedredin, son of Emyr Llydaw, who was a
cousin of Cadvan, with whom he came to this country from
Llydaw in 516. He was for some time a member of the College
of Ultyd, now called Lantwit-major, Glamorganshire. He left
Lantwit and settled at this place, where he planted a monastery,
from which he sent to the provinces religious men to preach the
Gospel unto the people. Llanbadarn was made an Episcopal See;
Padarn had the title of Archbishop, and on account of his piety he
was ranked with St. David and Teilo. After labouring twenty
years in the See erected by himself, he was recalled by Caradoc to
his native country, Lesser Brittany, and was made Bishop of
Vannes. The Bishop of Llanbadarn Fawr was present at a
Synod held in Worcestershire in the year 603. This place lost its
episcopal privilege owing to the turbulent character of its
inhabitants, who murdered their Bishop. The name of this
Bishop is not mentioned, but it is supposed to be Idnerth.
There are several churches in Wales dedicated to St. Padarn. —
Llanbadarn Fawr, Llanbadarn Trefeglwys, Cardiganshire, and
Llanbadarn Fynydd, Radnorshire. The endowments of the
monastery of Llanbadarn were given in the year 1111, by Gilbert
Strongbow to St. Peter's church, at Gloucester. "John, the
arch-priest of Llanbadarn," who on account of his godly life was
"sainted" about the year 1136.
Giraldus Cambrensis and Archbishop Baldwin, whilst on a
tour through Wales, visited this place. They went from
Lampeter to Llanddewi Brefu, and from thence to Stratflur.
Leaving Stratflur, the Archbishop and his train returned to
Llanddewi brefu, and from thence proceeded to Llanbadarn Fawr.

ioo Historical Notes.
We are not informed what was the cause ef this unusual deviation
from the direct road to the latter place, by returning through
Llanddewi Brefu, which they passed on the preceding day, on
their way from Lampeter. Giraldus says that the tract of
mountains which almost enclose the Vale of Teify bore the name of
Ellennith, and were called by the English, Moruge. Sir Richard
Colt Hoare, Bart., made a minute inquiry among the natives of
those parts ; he could not find any ancient or modorn name
attached to these hills which corresponds with the word in
question ; he was inclined to think that the word Moruge is only
a corruption from Moors or Moorish. The Archbishop and
Girladus rested one night at Llanbadarn Fawr, and a great many
people were attracted to the service of Christ on the following
morning. He says: — "It is remarkable that this church, like
many others in Wales and Ireland, has a lay abbot ; for a bad
custom has prevailed amongst the clergy of appointing the most
powerful people of a parish steward, or rather patrons of their
churches, who, in process of time, from a desire of gain, have
usurped the whole right, appropriating to their own use the pos
session of all the lands, leaving only to the clergy the altars with
their tenths and oblations, and assigning even to their sons and
relations in the church. Such defenders, or rather destroyers, of
the church, have caused themselves to be called abbots, and pre
sume to attribute to themselves a title, as well as estates, to which
they have no just claims. In this state we found the Church of
Llanbadarn without a head; a certain old man, waxen old in
iniquity, whose name was Eden Oen, being abbot, and his sons
officiating at the altar. But in the reign of Henry I, when the
authority of the English prevailed in Wales, the monastery of St.
Peter at Gloucester held a quiet possession of this church ; but
after his death, the English being driven out, the monks were
expelled from their cloisters and their places supplied by the same
violent intrusion of clergy and laity which had formerly been
practised. It happened that in the reign of King Stephen, who
succeeded Henry I, a knight, born in Armorican Britain, having
travelled through many parts of the world, from a desire to see
different cities and the manner of the inhabitants, came by chance
to Llanbadarn. On a certain feast-day, whilst both the clergy

Historical Notes. 101
and people were waiting for the arrival of the abbot to celebrate
mass, he perceived a body of young men, armed according to the
custom of their country, approaching towards the church ; and on
inquiring of them which was the abbot, they pointed to him a man
walking foremost, with a long spear in his hand. Gazing with
amazement, he asked if the abbot had not another habit, or a
different staff, from that which he carried now before him. On
their answering "No! " he replied, "I have seen, indeed, and
heard this day a wonderful novelty;" and from that hour he
returned home and finished his labours and researches. The
Archdeacon was very indignant at the conduct of the people, who
boasted that a certain Bishop of their Church (for it formerly
was a Cathedral) was murdered by their predecessors ; and on this
account chiefly they claim their ground of right and possession." —
Vide Giraldus's Itinerary through Wales.
Near Penbryn, the residence of Lewis Morris, on a farm called
Troedyrhiw Castell, there is an old tumuli, supposed to be a
burial place. These barrows are very numerous in Wutshire,
Cornwall, Scotland, and the Orkney Islands ; and in America.
When the body was burnt, the ashes were placed in an earthen
vessel, and covered with a flat stone or tile. Some years ago one
of these urns was turned up by the plough in the parish of
Llanfihangel-y-Creiddin. There was to be seen in the church
yard of Llanbadarn a grave stone with this urn inscribed on it,
and an inscription, "giving an account of the event! ! " The
sculptor, like many of the same craft, thought that this would be
an ornament. In the churchyard there are two ancient stone
crosses, ornamented with some rude carvings. In the middle of
the village there was a large upright stone ; on the occasion of
some rejoicing a bonfire was made upon it, which destroyed a
part of it. We find from the number of bequests made to the
poor of this parish that the parishioners of Llanbadarn were far
more benevolent than the people of the present day. Benevolence
is not only the fundamental element of Christian character, but
is the breathing of the air, the light, the glory of the heavenly
world.

102 Historical Notes.
" Such thoughts as these shed holy light
On Mammon's gloomiest cells,
As on some city's cheerless night
The tide of sunrise swells,
Till tower and dome, and hridgeway proud
Are mantled with the golden cloud ;
And to wise hearts this certain hope is given,
No mist that man can raise shall hide the eye of heaven."
In the year 1752, Mr. Roderick Richards, of Penybont, bequeathed
the sum of £104 ; in 1760, Mr. Jacob Evans, of Penlanole, £40 ; and
in the year 1783, Mr. John Jones, £50, for the instruction of poor
children of this parish. Lewis Jones, Esq., of Caeau Bach, uncle
to William Jones, Esq., Llwynygroes, a magistrate for the county of
Cardigan, left £200 for the education of poor children in the four
hamlets. The late Mr. Jones, of Havodau a gentleman on whose like
the people of this locality will not look upon again — in whom the poor
and needy found a friend — had a school at Caeau Bach, a beautiful
and secluded spot. The schoolroom has been converted into a
dwelling house many years ago.
" HofTrodfa fy maholaeth,
Chwareule bore' myd
A wnaed i mi yn anwyl
Drwy lawer cwlwm clyd ;
Pa le mae'r si a'r dwndwr.
Gaed rhwng dy furiau gynt,
A'r plant o'tb gylch yn chwareu
A'u hadsain yn y gwynt.
"Pa le pa fodd mae heddyw,
Y lluaws yma fu
Yn cyd ehwareu a chyd ddysgu
A chyd ymgomio'n gu p
Mae rhai mewn bedd yn huno,
A'r lleill ar led y byd,
Nad oes un gloch a ddichon
Eu galw heddyw'nghyd."
Mr. Lewis, of Ahercwmdole, gave the sum of £150 towards in
structing poor children in Parcel Canol. During the insurrection of
Rhys ab Meredyddd, in 1287, Llanbadarn-Fawr was the chief
station of the English in South Wales. Rhys became unfaithful t3
his country, and joined King Edward, who knighted him for his

Historical Notes. 103
treachery, but he revolted soon after, and was defeated by Robert
Tiptost, Lord Deputy of Wales, who came against him with a power
ful army, and 4000 Welshmen were slain, and Rhys was taken
prisoner and was executed at York.
Moel-Ifor
Is at present a respectable farm house ; this ancient building was at
one time, the residence of the Gwyn family, who possessed large
estates in Montgomeryshire as well as Cardiganshire. The Gwyns
are a very ancient family, being direct descendents of Tydwal Gloff,
the son of Roderick the Great. Tydwal was wounded in a battle at
Conway, in North Wales, called " Dial Rhodri," a.d. 878. Tydwal
was wounded in the knee, subsequently he was called " Tydwal the
Lame." Evan Gwyn, one of this family, filled the office of high-
sheriff for the county, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Richard
Phillips, of Dolhaidd, married an heiress qf this house, and the last
named mansion became their chief residence. The old mansion was
neglected and at last it dwindled into a farm house. The estate
became the property of Dr. Davies, of Carmarthen, who married the
grand- daughter of the last of the Gwyns. She was the heiress of
Erasmus Saunders, Esq., of Pentre, by Jane, daughter of the above
Richard Phillips, Esq., of Dolhaidd, and Bridget Gwyn of Moel-Ifor.
The Llanina estate belonged at one time to the Moel-Ifor family.
The family were deprived of it by means of a false will, the legality
of which was disputed in the reign of Charles II., but their attorney
deserted them, and they lost. It is stated that he was bribed by
the other side. In the time of Cromwell the same attorney acted as
an agent to the Protector in this county. He was evidently an
unprincipled man. LLANRHYSTrD.
Descending the hill from Moel-Ifor, the traveller will find himself
in the beautiful and pleasant village of Llanrhystyd ; this village
stands on the banks of the river Wyre, which flows through the
village. The chief attraction is the Parish Church, which is one of
the neatest in the county. It has just been re-built at a eonsider-
able expense. Close to the Church, is the parish sohool-room,
an old building which ought to give place to a neater structure.
At the time of our visit, the children were enjoying their holidays.

1 04 Historical Notes.
The church is dedicated to Saint Rhystyd, son of Hywel Fychan ab
Emyr Llydaw, who came to this county with Cadvan. The Church
of Llangadvan, in Merionethshire, is dedicated to that Saint. Leland
says that " Ther hath bene great building at Llanrhystyd, a mile
lower on the banke than Llansaintfride, in Cardiganshire, and
sum suppose that ther hath bene a nunnery." It appears that there
are no traces of such a building at present. There is a farm house
in the parish called " Monachty," which is supposed to be the site
of a religious house.
The Danes, in their incursions into Cardiganshire in the year 988,
visited this place. They committed sad havoc along the sea-coast.
The Welsh chieftain, Meredydd, who was not able to drive them
away, gave them a large sum to depart. Llanrhystyd Castle is
supposed to be the same as Dinerth Castle. It was destroyed in the
year 1135, by Owain Gwynedd, assisted by several of the Welsh
chieftains. It was taken again by Cadell, Meredydd, and Rhys ab
Gruffydd, who put the garrison to the sword, in revenge for the loss
they sustained in the siege. In the year 1158, it was in the
possession of Roger, Earl of Clare, who strengthened it. In the
year 1199, Maelgwyn ab Rhys took it, and in the year 1204 he
destroyed it in order to prevent it from falling into the hands of
Llewellyn ab Iorwerth. It is supposed that it was never restored
afterwards. In this parish Mabws, now the seat of the Right Hon.
William Vaughan, is situated. This was formerly the seat of John
Lloyd, Esq., who is also the owner of Dale Castle. It is now in the
possession of the Phillippses. Ystrad-Teilo was an ancient mansion
and it is now a farm house. Llansaintffeaed.
A short distance from Llanrhystyd, on a small plain bordering the
sea, stands the parish church of Llansaintffraed. It is a large
building, dedicated to Saint Fraid. There is another church in
North Wales dedicated to the same Saint. Leland the antiquarian,
paid a visit to this place ; he says, that it hath been a great building.
Mr. Herbert, the Rector of the parish, informed us, that there are
no antiquarian objects to be seen in the parish at present. A short
distance from the Church, stands the village of Llanon, and from its
name it is supposed that there was a Church or Chapel here at one
time.

Historical No tcs. 105
The next village is Llanddewi Aherarth ; the parish Church
stands on a hill by itself, and the village, on the bank of the river
Arth. The parish Church is dedicated to the patron Saint of Wales,
St. David's. On a hill called Trichrug, about seven miles from this
plaoe, there are three tumuli or barrows, from which it derives its
name. In the parish of Llanbadarn- Tref-Eglwys, where Monaehty,
the residence of the Gwynnes stands, a small monastery once stood,
which is supposed to be a cell to Ystradfflur. Meyrick is of opinion
that the site of Dinerth Castle is on these grounds, on a spot called
" Yr Hen Gastell ; " others placed it at Llanrhystyd. The neat and
thriving town of Aberayron is of modern origin. The Rev. Alhan
Thomas Jones Gwynne, of Tyglyn, improved the harbour, and
erected the pier at his own expense. He obtained an Act of Par
liament for the purpose. Tyglyn Aeron.
An interesting narrative is recorded of Alban Thomas, Esq., an
ancestor of the Gwynnes, of Monaehty. Mr. Thomas was the son of
the Kev. Alban 1 homas, of Rhos, in the parish of Aberporth. In
early life Mr. Thomas practised as a physician, in London. He was
a great friend of Sir Hans Sloane, also of Mr. Moses Williams, an
eminent literary character, who was afterwards, rector of Llan-
wenog.* Mr. Williams, whilst in London, fell in love with a
beautiful young lady. It appears, however, that he could wield the
pen better than he could win a lady. He had no courage, and
determined to do it by proxy. He knew that the young physician
was in the habit of visiting the family, and begged on Mr. Thomas
to break the ice for him. After much persuasion, the Doctor con
sented. After conversing with the lady for some time, she plainly
told him that she would have nothing to do with Mr. Moses
Williams. In vain did this ambassador of love plead on behalf of
his friend. She told him at last that if he applied on his own
behalf, the result might be different. Mr. Thomas however, retired
without making an application on his own behalf. On relating this
Williams, with a true chivalric spirit, insisted upon Thomas speaking
to the lady on his own account, The Doctor pleaded his youth,
insufficiency of means to think of marriage, and several other

* Sec Cellan.

106 Historical Notes.
excuses, but Mr. Williams would not listen to him. At last he
consented, made proposals on his own account, and had a favourable
reception, she made only one objection, which was, that she should
marry a gentleman entitled to bear arms. Mr. Thomas here found
himself in a fix ; as he left the country young, he did not attend to
pedigrees. He immediately wrote to his father an account of the
adventure. Mr. Alban Thomas, who is said to have been a grave
divine and a talented poet, had a pedigree of his family, by which
he could trace the Thomases in a direct line from the Lords of
Towyn, in Merionethshire. Mr. Alban Thomas returned his answer
with arms in due form, and with a genealogical tree. The lady was
quite satisfied, and in a short time, Mr. Thomas led her to the
hymenial altar. The union proved a most happy one. After her
death, Mr. Thomas married Miss Jones, of Tyglyn. He took the
name of Jones, and when the Monaehty estate came into their
possession, the name was changed to Gwynne. In the vale of
Aueron, stood Ystrad House, the residence of the Davieses of Llwyd
Jack. At Llwyd Jack resided the Lloyd family, who were
numerous in this county. Many years ago, the old house was
pulled down and a farm house erected in its stead.
Allt-yr-Odyn.
This mansion stands in the Vale of Clettwr, on the road side
leading from Carmarthen to Aberaeion. The late D. Lloyd, Esq.,
who is said to have been a gentleman of fine taste, beautifully
ornamented it, and planted several plantations around it. It was the
property of the late J. LI. Davies, Esq. There was an excellent
library of ancient Welsh MSS. In the days of David Lloyd, Esq.,
it was thrown open to the inspection of those who liked to peruse
them. The Lloyds of Allt yr Odyn were descended from the
family of Castell Howell. David Lloyd of this house was a
warm Royalist, like many of the Welsh gentry. Cromwell's
faction being in the ascendant, Mr. Lloyd was obliged to compound
for his estate. The following is an official document, issued by the
Commissioners appointed by Parliament : —
"December 20, 1648. By virtue of an ordinance of parliament
unto us directed, bearing date the nineteenth of June, One Thousand,
Six Hundred and Forty Eight. The Commissioners have vested and
declared David Lloyd, of Allt yr Odyn, in the County of Cardigan-

Historical Notes. 107
shire, a delinquent, for his acting in the last insurrection in South
Wales against Parliament, and therefore his real and personal estate
is sequestered, and his personal estate is incentined and apprized
according to the said ordinance, and a record thereof before us.
Which said personal estate Evan Lloyd, son of the said David Lloyd,
appeared before us, desyred to compound for, whereupon it is ordered
that for and in consideration the sum of Seventeen pounds to be paid
to the treasurer for the time being, to the use of Parliament, in
manner and form following, that is five pounds present, six pounds
on or before the five and twentieth day of March next following, and
six pounds more on or before Midsummer next ensuing. The said
Evan Lloyd, &c, shall  personall estate mentioned in the
said inventory mentioned and hereby compounded for. And no other
goods or chattels not therein set down, expressed and apprised.
And it is further ordered, that the said Evan Lloyd observing his
compositien, shall not be disturbed in the possession of the said goods
by any of our officers for sequestration, or servants, according to the
ordinance of Parliament in that case provided.
Intorat per R. Rowlandson John Matthews.
cler. Commissn. Thos. Frowxe.
Humphrey Eower.
Received of the above written David Lloyd, of Allt-yr-Odyn, in the
county of Cardigan, for the first payment of his first- composition for
his actynge in the last insurrection, the sum of five poimds. I say
received the day aforesaid £5 by me Jacob Hoctinge, treasurer."
On the back it was written how long it is necessary to keep David
Lloyd in acquaintance. " Shew this of the deed sealed by &c, with
out possession. Sequestered Anno 1638 for disloyaltye," Vide
Merrick's Cardigan. Crosswood Park.
Crosswood Park, the residence of the Earl of Lisburne, is
situated on the roadside leading from Aberystwith to Strata Florida.
The mansion is surrounded by hills, which are now covered by
beautiful trees, and the scenery around is extremely picturesque. —
Close to the residence of the noble Earl flows the river Ystwith, on
the banks of which stands Birch Grove ( Yr Allt Fediv, the beautiful
mansion of Lord Vaughan.

108 Historical Notes.
The Vaughans of Crosswood are descended from Collwyn, a
chieftain, who flourished about the latter end of the eighth century,
and whose possessions lay in Denbighshire, North Wales, The
present family are descended in a direct line from Sir John Vaughan,
who was Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, in the reign of
Charles theSecond. John Vaughan, Esq., a grandson of the Chief Jus
tice, was created a baron and viscount by King William the Third,
in the year 1695, with the titles of Viscount Lisburne, Lord Vaughan,
and Baron of Fethers, in Ireland.
In the year 1770, Wilmot, the fourth Viscount, was raised to the
dignity of an Earl. The county and the boroughs of Cardigan have
frequently been represented in Parliament by members of this family,
a list of whom can be found in a valuable " History of the Parlia
mentary Representation of Cardiganshire" by John Hughes, Esq.,
(Lluest Gwilym), to whom we are greatly indebted for valuable
information. John Vaughan, Esq., of Trawscoed, was the eldest son of Edward
Vaughan, Esq., and was born on the 14th of September, 1603, at
Trawscoed, the ancient seat of the family. He was elected to represent the
boroughs of Cardigan in the Parliament which met on the 13th of
April, 1640, and was dissolved on the 3rd of the ensuing month —
lasting twenty-two days only. In a biographical sketch of this
gentleman, it is said, " that he retired in the year 1641, though not
finally, as will hereafter appear." John Vaughan, Esq., afterwards
Sir John Vaughan, Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, was
disabled on the 1st of September, 1645. When Charles the Second
was restored, it is recorded that the county of Cardigan was repre
sented in Parliament by a John Vaughan, but whether he was a
member of the family of Derwydd, or one of the Vaughans of
Trawscoed, does not transpire.
In the Parliament which met on the 8th of May, 1661, commonly
called, " The Long Parliament," John Vaughan, at that time M.P. of
the Cardigan boroughs, was made Chief Justice of the Common Pleas,
was knighted, and afterwards represented the county of Cardigan in
the House of Commons for sixteen years, eight months, and sixteen
days. He was succeeded by Edward Vaughan, his son, of whom
Bishop Burnet says, " he was a man of great integrity, had much
pride, but did great service."

Historical Notes. 109
In 1688, Edward Vaughan was succeeded in the House of Com
mons by John Lewis, Esq., of Abernant Bychan, who was opposed
by John Vaughan, Esq., of Trawscoed, who was subsequently
returned for the Cardigan boroughs. The same John Vaughan also
contested the county with Sir Carbery Pryse, who was returned ;
he, however, succeeded Sir Carbery in Parliament, and in the reign
of the Second George was returned for the county as John, Viscount
Lisburne. On the 3rd of December, 1 755, the Honourable Wilmot Vaughan
was returned to Parliament by indenture. Wilmot, Viscount
Lisburne, afterwards created Earl of Lisburne, represented the
county six times. The Hon. John Vaughan, brother of the Earl of
Lisburne, was returned several times for the Cardigan boroughs.
The present Earl of Lisburne, represented the county for some time.
Davtd ab Gwilym:.
In a farm house called Broginin, in the parish of Llanbadarn
Fawr, Gwilym Gam, father of the celebrated bard, David ah
Gwilym, resided. David ab Gwilym was the son of Gwilym ab
David ; this family descended from Bran, one of the fifteen tribes
of North Wales. Gwilym Gam married Ardudfyl, daughter of
Gwilym Vychan, of Cryngae, near Newcastle-Emlyn. Owing to
some old dispute between the two families, both sides would not
consent to the marriage of Gwilym Gam and Ardudfyl. They were
very much attached to each other, and at last Ardudfyl proved
enceinte. On discovering her condition, her father turned her from
the house at midnight, in the depth of winter, at the same time
sending an injunction to all his relations not to admit her into their
houses. After this, she became an outcast, and wandered from
place to place.
On hearing of her destitution, her lover found her out, and took her
with him to Glamorgan, for the purpose of proceeding to Maesaleg,
the residence of Ivor Hael, his uncle, or, as some assert, his brother-
in-law. Whilst travelling at midnight, during a severe storm of
wind, hail, and snow, David ab Gwilym was prematurely born
under a hedge. Anxious to get to their journey's end, they reached
Llandaff the next morning, where they were married. But this
union was of short duration ; Ardudfyl died the same day, and was

no Historical Notes.
buried here. The child was baptized on its mother's coffin. The
following stanzas were composed by Gwilym Gam over her grave ;
the translation is from the pen of the late Iolo Morganwg : —
" In memory of Ardudfyl; whom I yet
Shall join, fair, genie form ! on Olivet,
God's Holy Hill !— an angel to my eyes,
In choir of saints above the starry skies.
Deprived of her, Oh ! what a waste of tears
To iry horn soul this dreamy world appears.
Placed on its brink, to her long home I shed
My gush of anguish for Ardudfyl dead !"
After paying her a last farewell, he took his infant son to Gwern-y-
Gleppa, in Maesaleg, where he lived until the death of his father,
when he returned to Broginin, where he and his son Davydd resided.
Gwilym Gam married the second time. It appears that this match
was not very pleasing to David ; he hated his stepmother, and at last
determined to quit his father's house, aud returned to Gwern-y-
Gleppa, where he resided for a long time. On finding that David
was imbued with poetic genius, his uncle Llewellyn, son of Gwilym
Vychan, of Cryngae and Dolgoch, took him under his care, and
taught his young nephew the metres of vocal song, by which means
David became a famous bard. Llewellyn was killed by some Saxon
incursionists who came to Dolgoch from Pembrokeshire, and David
was once more obliged to return to his uncle at Gwern-y-Gleppa.
David resided at Maesaleg until the death of Ivor Hael and his
wife Nest, who died of a glandular plague, at the palace of the Bishop
of Llandaff ; they died at the same time.
It is said that John Pascall, Bishop of Llandaff, died of the same
plague in the year 1360, in the thirty-fourth year of King Edward
the Third. After that event, David ab Gwilym travelled
through the principality, returning now and then to " Morganwg a'i
muriau gwynion." On his father's death, he went to reside on his
patrimony at Broginin. In his old age, he retired to the Abbey of
Tallychau, Llandilo-fawr, where he breathed his last about the
fortieth year of Edward the Third's reign. The following lines were
written by Hopkin ab Thomas, of Ynys Dawy, in the year 1380.
The translation is by Iolo Marganwg : —

Historical Notes. 1 1 1
" Davydd, whose talents refulgent pour'd numbers in harmony's torrent
Frindless now lies in his grave : — and what grief rends our bosoms fraternal.
Weep we in dolour, thy architect's song has for ever departed,
Genius ! thy fountain regenerate gushes melodious no longer.
Prophet Taliesin, foretelling no longer of Davydd, illustrious author,
Said, — In Broginin a bard shall be born of mellifluous numbers.
Age of our Saviour, one thousand, three hundred and sixty and eight years,
When died Cambria's bard, the bright offspring of Gwilym the Worthy.
Under the tombstone there lies he unconscious, at Tal-y-Llychau :
Verdant yon vale that enbosoms the fame ana1 the grave of the tuneful.''
Very little is known of David ab Gwilym's history in his youth
ful days ; it appears that his parents were highly displeased at some
of his early productions, which is supposed was the cause of his
quitting his father's house. During his sojourn at Maesaleg he was
appointed steward to his uncle, and also tutor to Ivor's daughter.
The tutor and his pupil became much attached to each other ; when
Ivor discovered it, he sent her to a nunnery in the island of Anglesea.
David followed her there in hopes of gaining admittance to her,
and hired himself as a servant in an adjoining monastery. All his
efforts to see her proved futile, and at last he returned to the house
of his patron. During his stay there, he was elected to fill the bardic
chair as chief bard of Glamorgan. He had several contests with the
bards of his time, and he always came off victorious. Rhys Meigan,
one of his rivals, was so deeply affected by one of his satires against
him, that he dropped down dead ; that event took place at Baglan,
near Aberavon. Rhys, in one of his satires against David, made
some allusions respecting his birth under a hedge.
David was a fine looking man, and a great favourite with the
fair sex ; his amours were not a little licentious, if all the tales
related of his adventures are true. On one occasion he made an
agreement with all his mistresses to meet him at a particular hour
under a certain tree, where each was accustomed to meet him in her
turn. In order to see what would occur, he hid himself in the
branches of the tree, where he could see and hear what was going on.
They all came, and were sorely vexed when they found out the trick,
and determined to have revenge; they agreed to kill him the first
opportunity that offered ; but he succeeded from his hiding place to

1 1 2 Historical Notes.
pronounce an extempore verse to fire them with jealousy, and at last
they began to vent their rage on each other, and in the melee, he
eseaped.

MISCELLANEOUS.

WELSH royalists.
Hugh Morris, or Maurice, was the third son of a respectable
freeholder, residing at Pontymeibion, in the picturesque valley of
Ceirog, North Wales. He was born in the year 1622. It is
not known whether he had any education or not in his
youthful days, besides what he gained by self-instruction. When
he became of proper age he was apprenticed to a tanner at a
place called Gwaliau, in the neighbourhood of Overton, Flintshire.
The "Cambrian Register" says that he quitted that situation
before his time expired. But this seems doubtful, from some of
his poems. It is evident that he was much fonder of wielding his
pen than tanning hides. In one of his poems he complains
bitterly of the restrictions he lay under by his indentures — he
was not allowed to speak to the object of his affections without
being fined in the enormous sum of £40, and that when the term
of seven years had expired he was delighted with the prospect of
gaining his liberty and paying his addresses to his admired fair
one. But in this he was disappointed, the " Cromwellian
faction" was in the ascendancy, and a new law was passed, which
restricted marriages to a secular magistrate. The young couple,
instead of having their banns published, were proclaimed as
candidates for the state of wedlock, in the market-place for three
successive market-days. During this period the unhappy
pair were to be kept in a kind of durance vile, and were
not allowed to see each other. When this farce was over, the
crier's fees paid, and the consent of the parents, &c, the young
couple were taken before the magistrate, who concluded the
ceremony. This was so repugnant to the bard's feelings, that he
made a vow he would not marry as long as this law should be in
force. We have no doubt that most of the candidates for the
matrimonial state in our days would agree with the bard. He

Historical Notes. 113
made a powerful appeal to the passions of the fair sex to petition
the ruling power to abrogate such an odious statute :—
" Rboi cvyn pris, i ffwl o flis,
Am grio'n ffraeth, da y gwyr ei phris ;
Cyhoeddi Gwen ar groes o bren,
O flaen y byd oni flino ei ben ;
Oes neb a wyr achosion."
" Oni chaf fy min o honi ei hun,
Heibio yr af heb yr un."
After his release from his apprenticeship he returned to his
father's house at Pontmeibion, and never troubled his head about
tanning. After his father's death, he remained with his brother,
assisting him on the farm. From the voluminousness of his
poetical effusions, he held the pen oftener than he held the plough
or the spade in his hand. His fame as a composer, and his
promptness at extempore verses soon attracted the attention of
the neighbouring persons of quality. He was a frequent visitor
at Glascoed, Porkington, Chirk Castle, and Plasnewydd. At
Porkington he had an interview with the learned Dr. William
Lloyd, Bishop of St. Asaph. He composed some verses on that
occasion which are stiU extant. Hugh Morris was a staunch
royalist, and he played an active part in the cause of
Charles the First, during the civil war. He did not stand an
idle spectator of the scenes passing before him. He exerted all
the powers of his pen, and few pens were more powerful in biassing
public opinion on the side of royalty.
Hugh Morris, during the ascendancy of democracy, had the
prudence to declare his sentiments in aRegorical visions, the moral
of which might be clearly understood by his countrymen. This
mode of proceeding kept him from falling into many scrapes.
William Phillip, of Ardudwy, and Rowland Vaughan, Esq., of
Oaergai, were not so fortunate. Rowland Vaughan had his
mansion burnt to the ground, and his estate confiscated, the
recovery of which cost him many years of vexatious and expensive
law suits. William Phillip fell under the resentment of the
ruling power for writing a pathetic elegy on the death of Charles
the First. He was obliged to quit his home in the 73rd year of
his age, and seek a refuge among the furze and bushes, and clefts

1 1 4 Historical Notes.
of rocks of the mountains of Ardudwy. He commemorates his
deplorable situation in the following lines : —
Ni feiddiaf, llechaf ar fyd llychwyn— 'r hawg,
Gwae ni rhai cyfiredin, ^
Am gellwair un gair mewn gwin,
0 fawr anhap am JTrenin.
Oerim' gilio ffro rhag ffin — neu gerydd
Am garu iy mrenin ;
Gorfod o blith garw-fyd blin,
Gael weithiau wely eithin !
It is said that the two loyal veterans met on one occasion in the
mountains during their exile, and had just time to compose each
his stanza. Rowland Vaughan said : —
Pe cawn i'r Pengrynion* rhwng ceulan ac afon,
Ac yn fy Haw goed-ffon o lin hon ar li,
Mi a gurwn yn gethin yn nghweryl fy mrenin,
Mi a'u gyrwn yn un byddin i'u boddi.
William Phillip answered : — •
Pe cawn y Pengryniaid ar hen goriwared,
Er gwaned a hyned wyf heno,
A phastwn ddu-ddraenen, 'rwy'n ddeuddeg a thri'gain,
Chwi a'm gwelech i'n llawen yn llowio.
William Phillip at last grew tired of an outlaw's life ; he com
promised matters with his persecutors. LTpon this occasion he
composed the following verse : —
Na ffo, gan wylltio, o'r neilldu, — i'r grug,
Nac i'r graig i lechu ;
Wyr tonog, os rhaid hyny,
Hwy a'm cant wrth y tan yn y ty.
William Phillip was appointed a coRector of taxes under the
Protector, a situation most galling to him. In going his rounds
as a collector he took care to let the people know that he still
adhered to the good old cause. His motto was like his royal
master, ' ' Semper eadem." In presenting the assessment he read : —
Am frad i'r holl wlad, wyr hyllion, — a'u trwst.
Codi treth anghyfion,
Hwy gant dal a gofalon,
A chas hir o achos hon.

* Roundheads.

Historical Notes. 115
On producing his warrant, he added —
Dyma warant Sant* dan ei sel,— attolwg
Tewlch yn ddiochel,
Rhag i'r Sant, a'i chwant ni chel,
Ymgethru a myn'd yn gythrel.
Hugh Morris was not less loyal than Vaughan and Phillip ; he
was more prudent. He expounded his language in allegories
until the storm passed. After the Restoration he spoke no more
in parables. Lambert, Vavasor Powell, and others, were brought
on the stage under their real names and characters. He
caricatured the times like iEsop ; he selected his dramatis personce
from the brute creation.
CromweR's cunning and duplicity in working his way to the
Protectorate is weR delineated in ths following lines : —
Tra'r oedd yr ymdrech rhyngddyn',
v Mi welwn lwynog melyn,
O glun i glun heh, ronyn hraw,
Yn rhodio draw yn y rhedyn.
Yn nghysgod perth fe lechau,
A'i lygaid fel canwyllau,
Yn hyf gwn fod y cadnaw cam
Yn chwerthin am eu penau.

On a Bachelor's Dissolution. — The following fines are a
translation from Mr. Edward Richards's, of Ystradmeurig,
"Pastorals:"— " My day of life to heaven decreed
Is winding up with ceaseless speed,
The night approaches when my head
Shall lie full low among the dead ;
Decease will find its prey alone,
No one to listen to my moan ;
I must on the cold couch of death
Unheeded yield my parting breath."
Another, in a different metre : —
" My day is declining with diligent speed,
The night fast approaches when low I shall lie,
And ah ! I have no one my sick bed to heed,
To weep for my suffering or catch my last sigh."
* Cromwell.

1 1 6 Historical Notes.
It is said that Mr. Richards died when there was no person in
the house.

Dafydd ab Edmund was the proprietor of Hanmor, in Flint
shire ; he lived at PwU y Gwepre, in the same county, but he sold
his estate. At an Eisteddfod held at Caermarthen, where
Gruffydd ab Nicholas, grandfather to the valiant Sir Rhys ab
Thomas, presided and filled the office of umpire Davydd ab
Edmund won the chief poetical prize. This Eisteddfod lasted
fifteen days. To this eminent bard the Welsh are indebted for
several Welsh metres now in use. He flourished A.D. 1450, and
was a cotemporary of Lewis Glyncothi, an eminent bard, and an
officer under Jasper the Earl of Pembroke, in whose praise he
wrote several poems.
Ieuan Deulwyn. — This person was a native of Pendeulwyn,
near Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire ; he also flourished the same
time as David ab Edmund and Louis Glyncothi. He was an
excellent Welsh bard.

Tudor Aled was another eminent bard of this period ; he lived
on the banks of the river Aled, Denbighshire. He was a friar of
the order of St. Francis. He wrote a poetical account of the
miracles of St. Winifred's well, the town of Holywell, as well as
the fabulous history of the Holy Virgin. He was one of the
followers of Sir Rhys ab 1'nomas, of Dinefwr, and was greatly
attached to him. He was a pupil and a nephew of David ab
Edmund. Sir Davtd Gam was born at Pettyn Gwyn, in the county of
Brecon. He was the son of Llywellyn ab Hywel Vaughan, and
was nicknamed David Gam from his squinting eyes. This name
has been transmitted down to his descendants, but the family's
name has been changed to Games. During the war of the "Roses"
Sir David Gam became a zealous partisan of the House of Lan
caster, in whose favour he continued until the end of his life.
Owain Glyndwr, on the other hand, was a warm and attached
friend of Richard, the deposed King. He convened all the estates
of Wales to Machynlleth to obtain the acknowledgment of his right
which he claimed to the Principality. David Gam also attended,

Historical Notes 1 1 7
but with a different object. It was discovered that he came there
for the purpose of assasinating Glyndwr. He was immediately
secured, and would have suffered death had not some of Glyndwr' s
friends interceded on his behalf. He was kept in close confine
ment for a long time, until he was ransomed by the King. As
soon as he gained his liberty, he commenced to annoy Glyndwr's
friends. That chieftain became enraged at his conduct, led an army to
Breconshire, and devastated his territories, and burnt his house.
David Gam quarrelled with Richard Fawr, Lord Slwch, and killed
him in High-street, Brecon. A short time before the battle of
Agincourt, he raised an army of his tenantry, and accompanied
Henry V. to France.
Li that memorable battle he distinguished himself by his prowess
and valour. He gallantly feR when rescuing the King from im
minent danger. His son-in-law, Sir Roger Vaughan, of Bred-
wardine, Herefordshire, and Sir Watkin Llwyd, of Marchogtir,
near Trecastle, met with the same fate. The three were knighted
on the field of battle, whilst in the agonies of death, by the King,
— the only reward he could give.
The following lines on Sir David Gam, were written by Jeffrey
LleweRyn : — " My countrymen of olden days,
Bold David Gam demands my lays ;
He who on the Gallic plain
Rests among the valiant slain ;
He who fills a hero's grave,
Oh ! he the bravest of the brave.
When Monmouth Harry, oe'r the main,
To battle Prance let forth his train
Of beaming bright and gallant mien,
The Squire hold David Gam was seen ;
Proud chivalry's undoubted son,
As e'er a heart of beauty won !
'Twas near the tWrs of Agincourt,
Where mad Bellona rul'd the sport,
The Monarch sent his herald out
The foe to number, weak and stout ;
And he a tale of terror told,
His breathing chill'd both faint and bold.

1 1 8 Historical Notes.
' The foes are like the stars of light,
Their number such — their arms are bright;
The foes are like the northern wind,
Of strength too vast to be defin'd;
Gur doom is, if their rage we face,
Despair, discomfiture, and disgrace.'
Bold Gam he told another tale ;
" I've mark'd the foe on hill and dale ;
There is enough, and that is all,
Enough to fight, enough to fall,
Enough to grace our triumph gay
And full enough to run away."
The Cambrian warrior's story .brave,
To cooling bosoms ardour gave, —
On they rush'd and charg'd. how well
The fame of Agincourt can tell;
The dying Gam was dubb'd a knight."

Giraldus Cambrensis.
Giraldus Cambrensis was bom in the Castle of Manorbier,
in the county of Pembroke. In his childhood he displayed a love
of literature, and for the ecclesiastical profession, which led his
father to caR him " The Rttle bishop." He was educated under
the care of his uncle, David Fitzgerald, Bishop of St. David's,
with whom he remained until he was twenty years of age, and
then he went to Paris, where he gained great distinction.
In the year 1172 he returned to England, and gained an eccles
iastical preferment, but in a short time he gained many enemies,
on account of his activity in correcting abuses which had crept
into the Church. In the year 1176, the chapter of David's chose
him to the vacant see, but the King refused to consent to his
election, and he was obliged to yield his claim. In the year 1180
he was appointed Archdeacon of Brecon. King Henry H. visited
the Welsh borders in the year 1184, became acquainted with
Giraldus, and, admiring his learning, took him to his court, and
appointed him a preceptor to his favourite son, John, who did no
credit to his teacher. He accompanied that prince in the year
1185, as his secretary to Ireland. During his sojourn in that
country, he collected materials for the " Topography of L-eland."

Historical Notes. 119
Giraldus was a zealous observer and collector of facts, but he was
very credulous.
In the latter part of the year 1187, the news arrived in this
country of the capture of Jerusalem by Saladin, and aR western
Europe was thrown into a state of great excitement. Men of aR
ranks flew to arms with the utmost alacrity to rescue the Holy
Land from the infidels. In the universal ardour that diffused
itself over Europe, men were not forgetful of their temporal
interests ; for some, hoping for more magnificent settlements in
the soft regions of Asia, sold their possessions for whatever they
could obtain. " The Red Cross flies in the Holy Land,
The Saracen his Crescent waves ;
The English soldiers, gallant band,
Seek proud renown or glorious graves."
Henry the Second was led away by the enthusiasm, and pro
claimed a crusade. Bulwer says, "There is nothing so contagious
as enthusiasm ; it is the real aRegory of the tale of Orpheus; it
moves stones and charms brutes." Baldwin, Archbishop of
Canterbury, who was styled by Pope Urban, " The most fervent
monk, the warm abbot, the lukewarm bishop, and the remiss
archbishop," was sent to preach in Wales. Giraldus was appointed
to accompany him. There was a policy in this ; Giraldus was the
champion of the Welsh church, and his presence would raise
Baldwin in the eyes of the Welsh. During this expedition, he
wrote one of the most interesting of his books, the " Itinerary of
Wales."

The Rev. Theophilus Evans,
Author of " Drych y Prif Oesoedd."
"Many changes have happened in this world since the Rev.
Theophilus Evans, author of "Drych y Prif Oesoedd" died.
One generation after another have appeared and passed away since
he flourished. The storms of ninety winters have blown from the sur
rounding mountains over his grave in the secluded churchyard of
Llangamarch. ' '
A gentleman who wrote a preface to the last edition of the
"Drych," says, "It would give us great pleasure to spend
half a day in the company of such a man. We should give a

1 20 Historical Notes.
great deal to see him on a Sunday morning, and hear his voice
reading the hymn of St. Ambrose, "Holy, holy, Lord God of
Sabbaoth.' " We are sorry to say that we have no bust or likeness
of the good vicar of Llangamarch. The country has been inun
dated with busts and memorials of persons whose history is
unknown beyond their immediate neighbourhood."
The Rev. Theophilus Evans was a native of Cardiganshire : he
descended from a respectable family who resided at Penywenallt,
near Newcastle Emlyn. His grandfather was Evan Griffith
Evans, who was called in his, time " Captain Tory," who for his
king fought and bled. It is supposed that he was so called from
some battles in which he was engaged. It appears that the
martial spirit was a kind of heir-loom in the family. Capt. John
Evans, of Penywenallt held a commission in the army. Theophilus
Evans was the fifth son of Charles Evans, son of Evan Griffith
Evans. Theophilus was born in the year 1694, in the first year
of the reign of William the Third. He was born nine years after
the Rev. Griffith Jones, the Vicar of Llanddowror. About this time
several bishops and clergy of the Church of England refused to take
the oath of allegiance to William ; on that account they lost their
livings. In the year 1698 the Society for Promoting Christian Know-
ledgewas established. This society didvastgoodinthe Principality,
and amongst its first members were several eminent Welshmen.
After spending some time in college he was ordained deacon by
the Bishop of St. David in the year 1718, and received his priest's
orders in the year 1719. His first curacy was Llanddulas, a
smaR secluded country parish in Breconshire. He removed from
there to Llanlleoivfoel, in the same county. In the year 1739 he
was appointed to the living of St. David's, Brecon, which he held
until his death.
The Rev. Theophilus Evans married Alice, daughter of Morgan
Evans, or Bevan, Gellygaled, Glamorgan ; he had five children,
three sons and two daughters. One of his daughters married the
Rev. Hugh Jones, father of Mr. Theophilus Jones, author of the
"History of Breconshire." Mr. Theophilus Jones spent a great
deal of his time in his younger days with his grandfather, the
Rev. Theophilus Evans. Mr. Evans died in the year 1767, and
was buried at Llangamarch.

Historical Notes. 1 2 1
Mr. Theophilus Jones took a great deal of interest in the Rev.
Thomas Price, Vicar of St. Michael, Cwmdu, (Carnhuanawc),
author of the " History of Wales." It is said that Thucydides
was induced to write his history on hearing Herodotus reciting his
in public. Perhaps the same spirit, whilst reading "Drych y
Prif Oesoedd," aroused Carnhuanawc to make his antiquarian
researches, and write his excellent history of Wales. The ' ' Drych
y Prif Oesoedd" was first published in the year 1716; a second
edition appeared in the year 1740. At the same time he wrote a
commentary on the Lord's Prayer and other works.
The author of the " Drych y Prif Oesoedd " was an excellent
classical scholar, and a great reader ; he could write Latin with '
the greatest ease. He was quite at home in the old authors in
different languages. He was not in the habit of writing at random,
he gives his authority. Mr. Theophilus Jones was also buried at
Llangamarch, close to his grandfather.
It appears that the Rev. Theophilus Evans was the first who
discovered the medical qualities of Llanwrtyd Wells. Before his
time people considered them poisonous.

^PI^ENDIX.

A List of Welsh Members of Parliament for South Wales from the
33rd year of the reign of Henry VIII, A.D., 1542, to the 12th year
of Charles II, 1660, extracted from the Records of the House of
Commons. There are some discrepancies between the foRowing
list and another which we have seen in a MSS.
The twelve Welsh counties, and boroughs, and the borough of
Callice, were summoned to send Members to Parliament Anno
27th reign Henry VIII, but the return is lost.
SOUTH WALES.
Brecknockshire  Edward Ganmes (?) Games.
Ditto Villa  
Cardiganshire   ¦
Cardigan Villa  
Caermarthenshire   •
Caermarthen Villa  Griffith Williams.
Glamorganshire  George Herbert, Esq.
Cardiff Villa  John Bassett.
Pembrokeshire  Thomas Jones De Haroldstone.
Pembroke Villa  John Adams De Petrestone (?) St. Petrox.
Haverfordwest Villa .... 
Radnorshire  John Baker, Knight.
Prestyne Villa, Sive Radnor 
Anno 1st, Edward VI, 1547.
Brecknockshire  Roger Vaughan.
Ditto Villa  Edward Games (?) Games.
Cardiganshire  William Devereux, Esq.
Ditto Villa  John Mottas, Esq.

Historical Notes. 123
Caermarthenshire  Richard Trevor, Knight.
Ditto Villa  William Parry.
Glamorganshire  George Mathews.
Cardiff Villa.  John Cokk, Esq.
Pembrokeshire  
Pembroke Villa ........ Henry Adams.
Haverfordwest ViRa  Richard Howell.
Radnorshire  Rhees Lewis.
Ditto Villa  
Anno 7th, Edward VT, 1552-3. — Began March 1st, and held to
March 31st, the foRowing year, when it was dissolved.
Brecknockshire  Roger Vaughan, Knight.
Ditto Villa  Edward Gannes (?) Games.
Cardiganshire   —
Ditto ViRa  
Caermarthenshire  Henry Jones.
Ditto Villa  William Parry.
Glamorganshire  George Mathews, Esq.
Cardiff Villa  David Edwards.
Pembrokeshire  John Wogan.
Pembroke Villa  Henry Adams.
Haverfordwest Villa  Richard Howell.
Radnorshire  Charles Vaughan. .
Ditto Villa  
The Third ParHament was appointed by the King, but he died
July before September, when it was to meet.
Anno I. Mary.
Brecknockshire  Roger Vaughan, Knight.
Ditto Villa  Edward Gannes, Esq., (?) Games.
Caermarthenshire  Henry Jones, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Griffith Higgins.
Cardiganshire  John ap Richard ap Ryce (?) Pryce.
Ditto Villa  Jenkin Gwynne, Gent.
Glamorganshire  Anthony Mansell, Esq.
Cardiff ViRa   David Evans.
Pembrokeshire  John Wogan, Knight.
Pembroke Villa  Henry Adams, Gent.

124 Appendix to
Haverfordwest Villa .... Richard Tailour, Gent.
Radnorshire  Charles Vaughan, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Rhesius, Lewis, Gent.
Second Parliament.
Brecknockshire  Roger Vaughan, Knight.
Ditto Villa  Edward Gannes, Esq.
Caermarthenshire  Henry Jones.
Ditto Villa  Wil. Aubrey.
Cardiganshire  John ap Rice, Esq.
Ditto Villa  John Powell, Esq.
Glamorganshire  Edward ManseR, Esq.
Cardiff ViRa  Edward Herbert, Esq.
Pembrokeshire  Arnold Butler, Esq.
Pembroke Villa  John Herle, Esq.
Haverfordwest Villa .... Richard HoweR, Esq.
Radnorshire  John Bradshaw, Jun., Esq.
Ditto Villa  Robert Vaughan, Gent..
The Third Parliament I. and H. Phillip and Mary. — Began at
Westminster, November 12th, 1554, and held to January 16th,
when it was dissolved.
Brecknockshire  Roger Vaughan, Knight.
Ditto Villa  Edward Gannes, Esq., (?) Games,
Cardiganshire  John ap Rhees. •
Ditto Villa  John PoweU.
Caermarthenshire  Henry Jones, Knight.
Ditto Villa  John ap Harry, Esq.
Glamorganshire  Edward Carne, (?) Knight.
Cardiff Villa  William Colchester, Esq.
Pembrokeshire  Arnold Butler, Esq.
Pembroke Villa  John Garnons of the Middle Temple, Esq,
Haverfordwest Villa .... Richard HordeU, Gent.
Radnorshire  Charles Vaughan, Esq.
Ditto Villa  John KniR, Esq.
The Fourth ParHament II. and HI. Phillip and Mary.— Began
October 21st, 1555, and held to December 9th, when it was
dissolved. Brecknockshire  Roger Vaughan, Knight.
Ditto Villa  

Historical Notes. 125
Cardiganshire  Hemy Jones, Esq.
Ditto ViRa  Thomas ap Harry.
Caermarthenshire  Richard Jones, Esq.
Ditto ViRa  William Whitman, Esq.
Glamorganshire  Edward Carne, Esq. (?) Knight.
Cardiff ViRa  
Pembrokeshire  Arnold Butler, Esq.
Pembroke Villa  
Haverfordwest  John Button, Esq.
Radnorshire  
Ditto Villa  Stephen Price, Esq.
The Fifth Parliament began January 20th, 1557, and lasted to
March following, when it was prorogued to November the 5th
following, and held to the Queen's death, November 17th.
Brecknockshire  Walter Herbert, Esq.
Ditto Villa  William Aubrey, Esq.
Caermarthenshire  Thomas Johnes, Knight.
Ditto Villa  John Vaughan, Esq.
Cardiganshire  Henry Johnes, Knight.
Ditto Villa  Thomas Player, Gentleman.
Glamorganshire  William Herbert De Oogan Pill, Esq.
Cardiff wiila  Lysanna ap Rhyse, Esq. (?) Leyshon.
Haverfordwest  Thomas ap Owen, Gent.
Pembrokeshire  Thomas Catherne, Esq.
Pembroke Villa  William Watkin, Gent.
Radnorshire  Jenner Lewis, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Resius Lewis, Gent.
ELIZABETH,
Anno 1, 1558 — 9 Met January 23rd, 1558, and held to May,
1559.
Brecknockshire  Roger Vaughan, Knight.
Ditto Villa ........ RoHand Vaughan, Esq.
Cardiganshire  Harry Johnes.
Ditto Villa  John Wynne, Esq.
Caermarthenshire  Henry Johnes, Knight.
Ditto Villa  William Parry, Esq.

126 Appendix to

Glamorganshire  William Morgan, Esq.
Cardiff Villa  
Pembrokeshire  William Phillips, Esq.
Pembroke Villa  • 
Haverfordwest  Hugh Harries,- Esq.
Radnorshire  Thomas Lewis, Esq.
Prestyne Villa  Robert Vaughan, Esq.
The Second Parliament, Anno 5, Elizabeth, 1563. Began Jan.
11th, 1562-3, held to April 10th following. The second Session
began September 30th, 1566, held to January 2nd following.
Brecknockshire  Rowland Vaughan, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Roger Vaughan, Esq.
Cardiganshire  John Price, Esq.
Ditto Villa  John Gwynne, Esq.
Caermarthenshire  Henry Jones, Knight.
Ditto Villa  John Morgan, Gent.
Glamorganshire  William Bassett, Esq.
Cardiff Villa  Henry Lewis, Esq.
Pembrokeshire  John Parxet, Knight.
Pembroke Villa  William Revell, Esq.
Haverfordwest Villa  Rice Morgan, Esq.
Radnorshire '  Thomas Lewis, Esq.
Ditto ViUa  Morgan Price, Esq.
The Third Parliament, 13 Elizabeth, 1571. Began April 2nd,
1571, and lasted to May 29th following.
Brecknockshire  Roger Vaughan, Knight.
Caermarthenshire  John Vaughan, Esq.
Ditto Villa  John Morgan, Gent.
Cardiganshire  John Price, Esq.
Ditto Villa  John Hanmer, Esq.
Glamorganshire  WiRiam Bassett, Esq.
Cardiff ViRa  Henry Morgan, Esq.
Pembrokeshire  John Wogan De Wiston, Esq.
Haverfordwest Villa . . John Garvans, Esq.
Pembroke ViRa  Robert Davyes, Esq.
Radnorshire  Walter Price, Gent.
Ditto Villa  Rice Lewis, Gent.

Historical Notes. 127
The Fourth Parliament, Anno 14 Elizabeth, 1572. Began May
8th, 1572. Second Session of this Parliament began February
8th, 1575, in the 18th year of her reign, and held to March 14th.
The Third Session of this ParHament began January 16th. An:
Reg : 23rd, 1580, and held to March 8.
Brecknockshire  Thomas Games, Esq.
Ditto ViRa  Walter Games, Esq.
Cardiganshire  John Price, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Edward Davies, Esq.
Caermarthenshire  John Vaughan (in whose place deceased
Walter Vaughan. )
Ditto ViRa  Thomas Wigmore, Gent.
Glamorganshire  William Herbert, Knight.
Cardiff ViRa  David Roberts, Gent.
Pembrokeshire  WiHiam Phillips De Picton, Esq., (whose
place deceased John Wogan De Wiston,-
Esq.)
Pembroke Villa  Robert Rougher, L.L., D.
Haverfordwest Villa  Rice Morgan, Esq.
Radnorshire  Roger Vaughan, Esq.
Ditto ViRa  Watkin Vaughan, Esq.
The Fifth ParHament, Anno 27, Elizabeth, 1585. Began Nov.
23rd, and held to March 29th following. Dissolved September
14th, 1586.
Brecknockshire  Thomas Games, Esq.
Ditto ViRa  David WiRiams, Esq.
Cardiganshire  Rice Price De Gogerthan, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Francis Cheyney, Esq.
Caermarthenshire  Walter Rice De Newton, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Edward Dounley, Esq.
Glamorganshire  Robert Sydney, Esq.
Cardiff ViRa  Nicholas Herbert, Esq.
Pembrokeshire  Thomas Revill De Kilgarron, Esq.
Pembroke Villa  John Vaughan, Esq.
Haverfordwest ViRa  Alban Stepneth, Esq. (Stepney.)
Radnorshire  Thomas Lewis,. Esq.
Ditto Villa  Hugh Davies, Gent.

128 Appendix to
The Sixth ParHament Anno 28, EHazabeth, 1586, met October
29th, continued to March 23rd, when it was dissolved.
Brecknockshire  Thomas Games, Esq.
Ditto Villa  David WiRiams, Esq.
Cardiganshire  Griffith Lloyd, L.L. D.
Ditto ViRa  Francis Cheyney, Esq.
Caermarthenshire  Thomas Johnes De Abermarles, Knight.
Ditto Villa  Edward Dounle, Esq.
Glamorganshire  Thomas Carne, Esq.
Cardiff Villa  George Lewis.
Pembrokeshire  Thomas ReveU, Esq.
Pembroke Villa  John Vaughan, Esq.
Haverfordwest  Alban Stepneth, Esq. (Stepney).
Radnorshire  Thomas Lewis, Esq.
Ditto ViUa  Hugh Davies, Esq.
The Seventh ParHament, Anno 31st Elizabeth, 1588, met
February 4th, and held to March 29th, following, when it was
dissolved.
Brecknockshire  Robert Knowles de Porthample, Esq.
Ditto ViRa  •  ¦
Cardiganshire  Richard Price de Gogerthan, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Alban Stepneth de Prendergast Co.
Pembroke, Esq.
Caermarthenshire  Hugh Gwyn de Bradwell, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Chollins Meyrick, Esq.
Glamorganshire  Thomas Carne, Esq.'
Cardiff Villa  Gabriel Lewis, Gent.
Pembrokeshire  George Devereux, Esq.
Pembroke Villa  Nicholas Adams, Gent.
Haverfordwest  John Perrot, Knight.
Radnorshire  Jevan Lewys, Esq.
Ditto Villa  John Walter, Esq.
The Eigth Parliament, Anno 35 EHzabeth, 1592, met November
19th, and held until April 10th, 1593, when it was disolved.
Breclmockshire  Robert Knowles, Esq.
Ditto Villa  '  Mathew Morgan, Knight.
Cardiganshire  Richard Pryce, Esq,

Historical Notes. 129
Ditto Villa  Ferinando Georges, Knight.
Caermarthenshire  Walter Vaughan, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Thomas Baskerville, Knight.
Glamorganshire  Robert Sidney, Knight.
Cardiff Villa  David Roberts, Gent.
Pembrokeshire  Thomas Parret de Haroldstone, Knight.
Pembroke Villa  Coniers Clifford, Knight.
Haverforwest Villa .... Nicholas Clifford, Knight.
Radnorshire  James Price, Esq.
Ditto ViRa  Thomas Crompton, Esq.
The Ninth ParHament, 39 Elizabeth, 1597, met October 24th,
and held to February 9th, following, when it was dissolved.
Brecknockshire  Robert Knollys, Esq.
Ditto Villa  David WiRiams, Esq.
Cardiganshire  Thomas Jones.
Ditto Villa  Thomas Rawlins, Esq.
Caermarthenshire  Walter Vaughan, Esq.
Ditto ViRa  Thomas Baskerville, Knight.
Glamorganshire  Thomas ManseR, Esq.
Cardiff ViRa  Nicholas Hawkins, Esq.
Pembrokeshire  John PhilHpps, Esq.
Ditto ViRa  
Haverfordwest  James Perrot, Esq.
Radnorshire  James Price, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Stephen Price.
The Tenth ParHament, 43 Elizabeth, 1601, met October 7th,
and lasted tiR December 29th, when it was dissolved.
Brecknockshire  Robert Knollys, Esq.
Ditto ViRa  Henry Lewis, Esq.
Cardiganshire  Richard Price, Esq.
Ditto ViRa  Walter Price, Esq.
Glamorganshire  John Herbert, Knight.
Cardiff ViRa  Robert Lewis, Gent.
Pembrokeshire  John PhilHpps, Esq.
Pembroke Villa  John Loughor, Esq.
Haverfordwest Villa  John Cannon, Gent.

130 Appendix to
Radnorshire  James Price, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Stephen Price, Esq.
Anno I. James, 1603.
The First ParHament, began March 19th, continued to July 7th,
1604 ; second Session of the same ParHament, began November
5th, 1605; third Session began November 18th, 1606, and
continued to May 27th, 1607, and was then prorogued to
October 16th, and continued to December 21st, and was then
prorogued to February, 9th, following ; fourth Session began
February 9th, 1609, and continued to July 25th, 1610.
Brecknockshire  Robert Knollys, Gent.
Ditto Villa  Henry WiRiams, Gent.
Cardiganshire  John Lewis de Abernant, Esq.
Ditto Villa  WilHam Bradshaw, Esq.
Caermarthenshire  Robert Mansell, Knight.
Ditto ViUa  Walter Rice, Knight.
Glamorganshire  Phillip Herbert, in whose place when he
became Earl of Pembroke, Thomas
Mansell, Knight.
Ditto Villa  Mathew Dayes, Gent.
Pembrokeshire  Alban Stepney, Esq.
Pembroke Villa  Richard Curry, Gent.
Haverfordwest Villa .... James Perrot, Knight.
Radnorshire  James Price, Esq.
Ditto Villa  ,  Robert Harley, Esq.
The Second ParHament, Anno 12 James I., 1614, began April
5th, continued until June 7th, and was then dissolved in about
nine weeks.
Brecknockshire  Henry WiRiams, Esq.
Ditto ViUa  
Caermarthenshire  Robert Mansell, Knight.
Ditto Villa  R. Mansfield, (?) Knight.
Glamorganshire  Thomas ManseR, Knight.
Cardiff Villa  WilHam Thomas, Gent.
Pembrokeshire  James Parry, Knight.
Pembroke Villa  

Historical Notes. 131
Haverfordwest Villa  James Perrot, Knight.
Radnorshire  James Price, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Robert Harley, Knight.
The Third ParHament, Anno 18 James, met January 30th, and
held to March 27th, and was adjoured to November 14th, and
dissolved February, 1621.
Brecknockshire  Henry WilHams, Knight.
Ditto ViUa  Walter Pye, Esq.
Cardiganshire  Richard Pryce, Esq.
Ditto ViRa  Walter Overbury, Esq.
Caermarthenshire  John Vaughan, Knight.
Ditto Villa  Henry Vaughan, Esq.
Glamorganshire  William Price, Esq.
Cardiff ViRa  WilHam Herbert, Esq.
Pembrokeshire  John Wogan, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Lewis Powell, Gent.
Haverfordwest Villa .... James Perrot, Knight.
Radnorshire  James Price, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Charles Price, Gent.
The Fourth ParHament, Anno 21 James I., 1623, began
February 9th, lasted to the 24th of May, foUowing, prorogued to
November 2nd, and thence to February 16th, and the King died
March 24th, when it was dissolved.
Brecknockshire  Henry WilHams, Knight.
Ditto Villa  Walter Pye, Knight.
Cardiganshire  James Lewes, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Rowland Pugh, Esq.
Caermarthenshire  Richard Vaughan, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Henry Vaughan, Fsq.
Glamorganshire  Robert Mansell, Knight, (Vice Admiral)
Cardiff ViRa  WilHam Price, Esq.
Pembrokeshire  James Perrot, Knight.
Ditto Villa  Walter Deveraux, Esq.
Haverfordwest Villa .... Lewes Powell, Gent.
Radnorshire  James Price, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Charles Price, Gent.

132 Appendix to
Anno 1, Charles I., 1625, began July 11th, when it was ad
journed to Oxford, August 11th, and sat to the 12th, when it was
dissolved.Brecknockshire  Charles Vaughan, Esq.
Ditto ViRa  Walter Pye, Knight.
Cardiganshire  James Lewis, Lsq.
Ditto Villa  Rowland Pugh, Esq.
Glamorganshire  Robert ManseR, Esq.
Cardiff ViUa  Wffliam Price, Esq.
Pembrokeshire  John Wogan, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Lewis PoweU, Esq.
Haverfordwest ViUa .... Thomas Cannon, Knight.
Radnorshire  James Price, of PeUeth, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Charles Price, Gent.
The Second ParHament, Anno 2 Charles I., began February 6th,
1626, continued to June 15th foUowing, when it was dissolved.
Brecknockshire  John Price, Esq.
Ditto ViRa  Walter Pye, Knight.
Cardiganshire  James Lewis, Esq.
Ditto ViUa  Walter Overbury.
Caermarthenshire  Richard Vaughan, Esq.
Ditto ViUa  Henry Vaughan, Esq.
Glamorganshire  John Stradling, Knight and Baronet.
Ditto ViUa  WUHam Price, Esq.
Pembrokeshire  Robert Wogan, Esq.
Ditto ViRa  Hugh Owen, Esq.
Haverfordwest ViUa .... Robert Gawen, Knight.
Radnorshire  James Price, Esq.
Ditto ViUa  Charles Price, Esq.
The Third ParHament, Charles I., 1628, began March 16th,
1628, held to June 26th foUowing. Second Sessions of this Par
liament began January 20th, and held to March 2nd, when it was
adjourned to March 10th, and then dissolved.
Brecknockshire  Henry WilHams, Knight.
Ditto ViUa  Walter Pye, Knight.
Caermarthenshire  Richard Vaughan, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Henry Vaughan, Esq.

Historical Notes. 133
Glamorganshire  Robert ManseU, Knight and Baronet.
Cardiff ViUa  Lewis Morgan, Esq.
Pembrokeshire  John Wogan, Esq.
Ditto VUla  Hugh Owen, Esq.
Haverfordwest Villa .... James Parrot, Esq.
Radnorshire  Richard Jones, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Charles Price, Esq.
The Fourth Parliament, Anno 15, Charles 1., began April 13th,
1640, held May following, sitting twenty-eight days, and was then
dissolved.Brecknockshire  WilHam Morgan, Esq.
Ditto VUla  Herbert Price, Esq.
Cardiganshire  James Lewis, Esq.
Ditto ViUa  John Vaughan, Esq.
Caermarthenshire  Henry Vaughan, Esq.
Ditto ViUa  Francis Lloyd, Esq.
Glamorganshire  Edward Stradling, Knigh """and Baronet.
Cardiff VUla  WilHam Herbert, Esq.
Pembrokshire  John Wogan, sen., Esq.
Ditto ViUa  John Stepney, Esq.
Haverfordwest ViUa  Hugh Owen, Esq.
Radnorshire  Charles Price, Esq.
Ditto ViUa  Richard Jones, Esq.
The Fifth ParHament, and last Anno 16, Charles I., 1640,
began November 3rd, 1640, continued its sitting to April 20th,
1653, when it was dissolved.
Brecknockshire  WiRiam Morgan. Esq.
Ditto ViUa  Herbert Price, and Ludovices Lewis,
Esqrs.
Cardiganshire  Richard Price, Knight and Baronet.
Ditto VUla  Walter Lloyd, Esq.
Caermarthenshire  Henry Vaughan, and J. Lloyd, rEsqrs.
Ditto ViUa  Francis Lloyd, and Wm. Davies, Esqrs.
Glamorganshire  Phillip Lord Herbert.
Ditto Villa  Wm. Herbert, and Algernon Sydney,
Esqrs.

134 Appendix to
Pembrokeshire  John Wogan, sen., and Arthur Owen,
Esqrs.
Ditto Villa  Hugh Owen, Esq.
Haverfordwest ViUa. . . . John Stepney, Bart., and R. Needham,
Knight.
Radnorshire  Charles Price, and Arthur Annesley,
Esqrs.
Ditto Villa  PhiUip Warlock, and Robert Harley,
Esqrs.
In the year 1653, a ParHament was convened by OHver Crom-
weU, July 5th, called "The Little ParHament," but no burgesses
or representatives for any cities were summoned except London,
and only few returned for the counties in general. This ParHa
ment sat to December, 1653.

WALES.

Bushy ManseU, Esq.
James PhiUips, Esq.
John WilHams, Esq.

Hugh Courtney, Esq.
Richard Price, Esq.
John Brown, Esq.

The Second ParHament, Anno 1654, began September 3rd, and
held to January 22nd foUowing.
Brecknockshire  Henry Lord Herbert, and Edmund
Jones, Esq.
Cardiganshire  James Phillips, Esq.
Ditto ViUa  Jenkin Lloyd, Esq.
Caermarthenshire  John Cleypole, Esq.
Ditto ViUa  Rowland Dawkins, Esq.
Glamorganshire  Phillip Jones, one of His Highness's
CouncU, and Edmund Thomas, Esq.,
of Wenvoe Castle.
Cardiff ViUa  John Price, Esq.
Pembrokeshire  Sir Erasmus PMlHps, of Picton Castle,
Arthur Owen, Esq., New Moat,
Haverfordwest ViUa. . . . John Upton, Esq.
Radnorshire  George Gwyn and Henry WilHams, Esq.

Historical Notes. 135
The Third ParHament assembled June 26th, 1657, adjourned to
January 20th, and after fifteen days, it was dissolved.
Brecknockshire  PhiUip Jones, Esq., one of His High-
ness's Council, (?) and Evan Lewis,
Esq.
Cardiganshire  James PhiUips, and John Clark, Esqrs.
Caermarthenshire  John Cleypole, and Rowland Dawkins,
Esqrs.
Cardiff ViUa  John Price, Esq.
Pembrokeshire  James Phillips, of Teergibby, county of
Cardigan, and Col. John Clark, of
Kensington, county of Middlesex.
Haverfordwest  John Upton, Esq.
Radnorshire  George Gwyn and Henry WilHams,
Esqrs.
Anno 1658-9, met January 27th, continued until October 13th,
at which time it interrupted its sitting, assembled again December
26th, and sat until March 15th, when it was dissolved.
Anno 1640. New ParHament caUed April 26th. This Session
caUed back the King, and restored the Church and State.
The Second ParHament, Charles II.
Brecknockshire  Edmund Jones, Esq., His Highness's
Attorney General for South Wales.
Ditto ViUa  Samuel Whitwick, Esq.
Cardiganshire  
Ditto ViUa  
Caermarthenshire  Thomas Hughes, Esq.
Ditto Villa  Rowland Dawkins, Esq.
Glamorganshire  Evan Seys, Sergeant at Law.
Cardiff ViRa  John Price, Esq.
Swanzey  WilHam Foxwit, Esq.
Pembrokeshire  Sir Erasmus PhilHps, Bart.
Ditto ViRa  Sampson Lort, and Arthur Owen, Esqrs.
Haverfordwest Villa .... John Upton, Esq.
Radnorshire  Hugh WiUiams, Esq.
Ditto VUla  Robert Weaver, Esq.

HUGH BIRD, PRINTER, DUKE-STREET, CARDIEF.

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