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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD.
(WITH ILLUSTRATIONS).
BY T. C. EVANS (CADRAWD).
'Carad pob un ei gynheitref" — Let every one love his native place
- Welsh Proverb.
LLANELLY
PRINTED AT THE “LLANELLY AND COUNTY GUARDIAN" OFFICE. M,DCCC,LXXXVII
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THE PARISH CHURCH
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PREFACE.
In presenting this volume - a History of my native Parish of Llangynwyd - to
the public, I beg to acknowledge the great assistance of several esteemed
friends. First and foremost, I have to express my thanks to our Vicar, for
his kind permission to make use of his contributions in the old Bridgend
Chronicle, on the Rev. Samuel Jones, of Brynllywarch; as well as letters
written by the late Mrs. Pendril Llewelyn, in the Merthyr Guardian (1845),
and her translations of Will Hopkin's Songs. I am also indebted to the Vicar
for his permission to search the Parish Registers, and his willing help in
deciphering many a partially obliterated passage in the older records.
I am, likewise, under great obligation to David Jones, Esq., Norton Lodge,
Wallington, for his kind, and, indeed, invaluable aid, in obtaining for me,
from the Record Office, the British Museum, &c., transcripts of the
ancient documents, and other material contained in the present History, and
for many useful suggestions and much kind help.
My best thanks are also due to Mr. Rhys D. Morgan {Ab Lleurwg), Maesteg, for
translating, expressly for this work, several songs and fragments of poetry,
and for other valuable assistance. While the labour of procuring facts and
searching for material has devolved upon myself, I am indebted to Mr. Morgan
for much in the way of amplification and criticism upon subjects with which
he is well known to be conversant. Notably has this been the case in the
passages referring to the Ledgers of the Rev. John Parry, and the various
local poets.
Last, but not least, must be mentioned the late Mr. John Howells, of St.
Athan, to whom I am indebted for many favours. It is to be regretted that Mr.
Howells's contributions to the English Press are not better known by his own
countrymen. He was a man
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. iv.
richly endowed with those high mental qualifications which constitute the
true genius.
I trust that the friends among whom I have lived will not deem it
presumptuous in me that I appear before them in the capacity of a local
historian. The work has entailed a considerable amount of labour, and has not
been devoid of anxiety. I have no other ambition than to be the means of
rescuing and preserving, for the generations that will follow, the history,
traditions, and the conversation of the native inhabitants of this typical
old Welsh Parish; and should my efforts prove interesting to the many sons
and daughters of "Yn Hen Blwyf” who may be found scattered over the four
quarters of the globe and remind them, wherever they may be, of the happy
days spent among these hills, I shall feel content.
Care has been taken not to make use of any quotation without reference to the
original, from which it will be observed how great are my obligations to
others in this respect.
With these explanations, I desire to submit the toil of years to the Judgment
of my readers.
THE AUTHOR.
Llangynwyd Village, April, 1887.
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I. PAGE.
Name of the Parish. — Patron Saint — Situation — Extent — Division. —
Population. — The River Llyfnwy. — Geology. — Soil, &c. ...1-3
CHAPTER II.
The varied spelling of Llangynwyd in ancient documents. - Why called “Yr Hen Blwyf,” —The Lordship of
Llangynwyd or “Tir Iarll.”— The area of this Lordship reduced by Robert, Earl
of Gloucester. - The earliest
inquisition extant respecting this Lordship. - Also one in the reign of Edward the First,
and Edward the Third. - The first
survey of the Parish. ...4—8
CHAPTER III.
Ecclesiastical History. - The Greater
or Rectorial Tithes. - Farming of the
Rectory of Llangynwyd. - Letters
Patent dated 1544. - Valuation of
Vicarage and Living. - List of Vicars.
- Churches of Maesteg and Spelter.
- An old Terrier ...9—15
CHAPTER IV.
Full description of the Church. -
Baiden Chapel. - The Bells. -
The Church Plate. - Extracts from the
Parish Registers. — The Rev. John Pany's Ledgers.
- Monumental Inscriptions. - The ruins of the Old Castle. - The Roman Camp. - 7mm/«M Z)ii«/i/A. - The Lettered Stone on Maiigam Mountain. - And the Chancel Stone ...16-39
CHAPTER V.
The Roman Catholic Chapel. - The
Independents. — Welsh Calvinistic Methodists. - Baptists. - Wesleyans. - The Maesteg Town Hall. - Elementary Schools ...40—49
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD.
CHAPTER VI. rAOi.
IjOCAI. JirOUflTKIBS, THMIR HISTORY AND OBVBLOPMBNT. -
latrodttctioa. - The sf artiog of the Old Works. - The Spelter WorkiL— The Cambrtao Iron Co.
- Ty-chwyth. - Gerth and Cwnda. - The Oakwood Colliery. - The Llwydarth Tiopltte Works. - The Llyofi end Ogmore Railway. - * Talledw
Mill ... 30—97
CHAPTER VII. The Chair of Tlr Iarll— By whom established. - Rules and customs of the Chair. — Held
under the sanction of the Lordship of Glamorgan. - How degrees were conferred. - A Chair of Assembly. - Places of Assembly. - Further notice of the Chair. - Length of time it flourished. - List of Bardic uccesswo, from a.d. 1300 to
17G0. - Date of last memorable
meetings. - - Fisdigree of Madoc Vychan, Steward of Tir Iarll. — Spedment of
Poetry ... ... ... 68—78^
CHAPTER VIII.
Brynllywarch. - Short description of
the farm house. - Extracts from
letters on the Rev. Samuel Jones, M.A.. by the Rev. R. P. Llewelyn, M.A., in
the old Bridgend CkroHitU.'^^x, Jones, after he was ejected from the Parish
Church, established Wonconfo r mist Churches, and the first Nonconformist
School in Wales ... ... .«. 80— 8a
CHAPTER IX
Chpn Ydpa: its situation. - Mr.
Thomas, father of the “Maid of CeliB Ydla.”— The Courtship of Ann Thomas with
Will Hopldn, the bard. - Her marriage
to. Anthony Maddocks. of Cwm-yr-isga, and its sad consequences. - The marrisge settlement—The death of the
Maid; also of Will Hopkin. - Mr.
Maddocks building a mansion, and marrying a second wife. - His practice as a lawyer. - Extracts from his ledgers, Ac. 89— lofr
CHAPTER X.
Local Pobts: Will Hopkin. - Phillip
Rowlands. - John Bradlord. - David Nicholan— The Williams' family, of
Brynyfro. - Will o'r VoeL— Siama
Twrbil, Ac, Llewelyn David, of Llwyni, and Jack J Gof ... ...
... 209—131
CHAPTER XI.
The Makbof Gelly Leaor. - The Ghost of
Fttitre. - The legend
of the diviiiosol the Parishes of Llangynwyd and Margam ... 133- 241
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. tU.
CHAPTER XII. rAOB.
Colloquial Words and ExpretsioDi, collected within the Pariah of LiMngynwyd,
— Weather PrognoeticationiL — SuperatitioBH— WelliL— Remarkable eTenta.~01d
weighu and measnrea ... I4a-*i54
CHAPTER XIII. Nursery rhymes. -
Ancieot customs and obsenrances. -
Gwyl Mabsant—The Parish Wake, or Vigil of the Patron Saint - Carol
Singing. - Wassailing. - Y Gaseg Fedi«— The Cooltria Feast- All
Hallows* Eve. - New Year, Ac. ... ...
I55— '64
CHAPTER XIV.
Supernatural beliefi. - Love Spells.
- Phantom Funerals. - Signs of the approach of Death. - Experiences premonitory of Accidental
Death— A young Samuel in the Pit— A familiar Spirit ... ... ... ... 165—175
CHAPTER XV.
feuan Fawr Ap y Diwlith (1x70). - Twm
Ifan Pry8,-The Maids of Tytalwyn. -
Anthony Powell/ of Llwydarth. -
Powells, of IIaesteg.~David Nicholas, Aberpergwm. - The Gelly Family. —Mrs. Pendril Llewelyn,
Llan Vicarage. - Instances of unusual
longevity ... ... 176— X9S
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD.
CHAPTER L
Name of the Parish. - Patron Saint.
- Situation— Extent. - Division.^ Population— The river Llyfbwy.
- Geology. - Soil, Ac.
HE prefix Llan was at first applied to churches and chapels indiscriminately,
and in determining the antiquity of chapels, it may be considered that such
as have their names compounded with this word are of the older kind. But a6
the word is understood at i)resent it means not only the Church, but the
sacred spot which surrounds it, and in this sense the idea of “ Enclosure” is
also observable in its compounds: GwinHan^ perilaUf ccrlan, ydlan, &c,^
The most common names of Parishes in Glamorganshire are compounded of Lla£t,
a village church, or place of meeting, prefixed to the name of the adopted
patron saint of the place: the patron saint of this church being St; Cynwyd,
— hence Llangynwyd. In the Genealogy of the Cambro British Saints, St. Cynwyd
is represented to have been the son of Cynfelyn, the son of Garth wys, the
son of M6r, the son of Ceneu, the son of Coel Codebog, St. Cynwyd and his
five sons, Clydno, Eiddyn, Cynan, Cynfelyn Drwsgwl, and Cadrod, are said to
have been chieftains of North Britain, who had embraced a religious life, and
become saints of the congregation of St. Catwg at Llan* carfan, and St.
Cynwyd is presumed to have been the founder of Llangynwyd.f He is mentioned
in some old writings as ^* Cynwyd Cynwydion"^ and “Cynwyd Fawf^^
evidently to distinguish him from other persons of the same name, but of less
celebrity. It may be further mentioned that the names of his sons, Cynan and
Cadrod, are still retained to this day in the names of the two largest farms
in the Middle Hamlet, namely, Bryncynan and Maescadrod.
Vide Reea'i Welah Sainta.
A
t Owen's Cambrian Biography.
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD.
The manner in which the Parish is set forth in ecde* siastical documents is
generally “Llangynwyd with Baiden.” Baiden is the old name for the Hamlet
which is now styled Llangynwyd Lower. The change in the name was made at the
time of the introduction of the new Poor Law Act, about 1836. The old name
(Baiden) is still retained in County Lists of Voters, Land Tax papers,
&c.
The Parish of Llangynwyd is situated in the Hundred of Newcastle, in the
Parliamentary division of Mid Glamorgan; and forms the largest portion of the
ancient Manor of Tir Iarll, i^M EarVs Land, It consists of four Hamlets (the
Parish Church being in the Middle Hamlet), which are called by the natives
“Parcels," seemingly the same as the Norman French ParcelU^ and,
doubtless, have been in use by the inhabitants since the Norman knights took
possession to themselves of the best part of Glamorganshire after the
Conquest. The higher Hamlet, and the most northern, is in the Neath Poor Law
Union, the other three are in the Bridgend and Cowbridge Union.
The Parish is about eif^ht miles long, and the average breadth is about three
miles, consisting of 15,461 acres, I rood, and 17 perches; the acreage of the
different Hamlets being as follows: —
A. R. F.
Llanrawjpd Higher ... ... 6623 i 13
Cwmdo «. ... 4179 3 20
LlaDfcynwyd Middle ... ... 2586 s 37
Llangynwyd Lower, or Baiden ... 2070 i 27
The population of Llangynwyd Parish in the year 1801 was only 80^; in 1831,
it had increased to 1726, but the last census snowed a more remarkable
increase still, on account of the extensive Coal and Iron industries which
have been developed in the Cwmdu and Higher Hamlets. The returns for 1881
were as follows: —
y»MM«f avaPArMMi.
M«lM.
FtaBftlM.
PvnoDi
Cwndn ... ...
... 3181
3051
6232
Llangynwyd Middle
... 3«4
331
655
Lower^
248
203
451
Higher
... 1296
1148
M44
Total ... 5049 4733 978*
The Valley is named after the Llynfi river, which runs in a southemly
direction, rising at a place called Coed* cat'ffvrch, and flowing for some
miles through the centre of the Parish, receiving in its course several
tributary brooks, until it takes in the Cwmdu brook below Pontrhydycyff, when
it comes in contact with the Parish of Bettws,
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 3.
and forms the eastern boundary of the Middle and Lower Hamlets; until about a
mile below the «»outhern boundary of the Parish it empties itself into the
master drain of the district, the Ogmore, near St. Brides Minor. The greater
portion of the Parish is wild and mountainous, abounding in. mineral wealth,
the development of which will be noticed in a succeeding chapter; the chief
mountains being Pwll^y**Iwrch, the Gam^Wen, and Mynydd-y-Caerau,
Geologically, the formation is that known as the Carboniferous, or
coal-bearing rocks, and most of the Parish is on that section called the
Pennant Sandstone. The soil consists mainly of the broken-up fragments of the
sandstone, and the small beds of clay that occur in it, in some places
reduced to a state of gravel, &c., by denudation; where the clay occurs,
the water fails to penetrate the sandstone, with the result that beds of Peat
abound in different places. That portion of the land, which is of a gravelly
nature, is most amenable to tillage. The chief landowners in the parish are
Lord Dunraven; C. R. M. Talbot, Esq., M.P.; J. P. Treherne, Esq., Coytrehen;
Colonel Turberville, Ewenni; and Wm. Llewelyn, Esq., of Court Colman.
Llangynwyd Parish seems to remain, one of the very few which are left, of the
typical old Welsh Parishes. Ancient customs and traditions, which in other
parts of the country were long ago lost sight of and forgotten, are here only
within comparatively the last few years passing away; indeed, many of them
are even yet spoken of, and remembered. Hidden among the barren hills, far
away from the highroad of business, Llangynwyd has been left behind by the
progressing world, and were it not for the discovery of the immense wealth of
Coal and Iron, which the hitherto despised hills contained, it might even now
be what it was described by the Esquire of Margam to have been some 70 years
ago, “A gloomy valley, in which the only living inhabitants seemed to be, an
old oak tree, and a venerable raven.'“
Now, however, times have changed. Llangynwyd has to a great extent taken up a
place in the march of progress, and though its development has only been as
yet very par- . tial, we find that the old landmarks are fast bemg removed,
and that the tramp of commerce has in a few snort years done more to
obliterate its many relics of antiquity, (ha^n had the gentle foot of time in
as many centuries.
*Mr. C. R. M. Talbot, in a speech at the laying of the memorial stone c£ the
Maesteg Town Hali
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 4.
CHAPTER II.
The varied spelling of Llangynwyd in ancient documents. - Why called “Yr Hen Blwyf,"- The
Lordship of Llangynwyd or Tir Iarll. -
The ana of this Lordship reduced by Robert. Earl of Gloucester. - The earliest ioquisition extast respecting
this Lordship. - Also in the reign of
Edward the First and Edward the Third. -
The first Survey of the PUish.
The Parish Register, dated 1662, is inscribed as that of “Liangonwyd."
In the reigns of the Georges the name of the Parish appears under the several
forms of Llangonnoyd, Llangonoyd, Llangonwyd, Llangynod, Llan* gynwyd Vawr,
Llangynwyd, &c., at which latter change seems to have stopped,
etymologists apparently being satisfied that the acme of purity has been
attained. Examples of. this varied spelling will be presented to the reader
in the ancient documents to be cited in the course of this history, and he
will then be able to follow in detail the several mutations which have been
here summarised.
In the familiar speech of the natives and older inhabitants of the Parish,
amongst themselves and their neighbours, the Village of Llangynwyd is known
by the affectionate diminutive of "Llan"; — while the Parish itself
passes under the name of “Yr Hen Blwyf,” Names of this kind have sometimes
been given by the inhabitants themselves in praise of the place they live at,
or in glorification of some peculiar and valued characteristic; but quite as
often it has been bestowed by spiteful neighbours to perpetuate the recollection
of some unfortunate circumstance of olden time, which the new dwellers in the
place would willingly wish forgotten. Respecting the name of “Yr Hen
Blwyf" there is a tradition which ascribes its origin to a source such
as that just hinted at. A carpenter in the Parish, it is said, had to make a
coffin for a young man, aged eight and twenty, and, having to put the age
upon the lid, was sorely puzzled how to express the age in figures.
Recollecting at last that four sevens made eight and twenty, he solved the
difficulty by inscribing upon the coffin lid: — 7777* He was quite satisfied
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 5.
with this new style of numeration until it came to be subjected to public
criticism, when he found he had made a ridiculous mistake. This, says the
tradition, was the occasion which gave the name oi “Yr Hen Blwvf" to
Llangynwyd. It is probably what the Italians call hen irovato: tnat is, “
Well found,” or invented, and is no doubt the invention of a local wag.
Another and far better origin for the name is found in the fact that the
Parish was once co-extensive with the large Lordship of “Llangynwyd"
(for the name mentioned by Leland, Tir y arlth, or Tir Iarll, was its popular
and not its official title), and included the Parishes of Margam, Pyle,
Kenfig, Bettws, as well as what is now known as Llangynwyd proper. Let it be
here remembered that in ancient times the division of the country into
Parishes (as we understand the term) did not exist in Wales in any strict
sense until long after the Norman adventurers had established themselves, and
had divided and sub-divided their conquests. Indeed, it may be doubted
whether the boundaries of Parishes were fixed with exactness throughout Wales
— particularly in the hilly parts of the country — much before the reign of
Henry VIII. This, it may be inferred, was the reason why the diminished area
finally left as the Parish of the mother Church of Llangynwyd came to be
called “Yr Hen Blwyf:*
The Lordship of Llangynwyd^ or Tir Iarll. — The history of this Lordship
begins really with the assumption of ownership by Fitzhamon as part of the
spoil which he retained for himself out of the conquest of Glamorgan. There
is, indeed, what purports to be an earlier notice of it to be found in the
Iolo M,S.S., but that portion of the old Bard’s gleanings is of very doubtful
authenticity, and must be received with caution. It will there be found
stated that the dispossessed "Lord of Llangynwyd and Tir Iarll" was
“David, the son of Owen Goch, the son of Ithel, and that his arms were '
sable ' a chevron argent, between three wolves' heads or snouts goutte's de
Sang." This careful addition of the “arms" borne by the unhappy
chieftain quite spoils the illusion, which might otherwise perhaps be
conjured up, respecting the existence of this David ab Owen Goch, for the
science of heraldry did not exist in those early days, nor, indeed, in the
fully developed form of the legend quoted until two hundred years later.
The Lordship as it existed in Fitzhamon‘s time was one of noble proportions,
and such as the conqueror of Glamorgan might well apportion to himself, as
his share of the plunder in the western part of the County. According to
present
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 6.
measurement the modern Parishes of Llangynwyd, Margam, Pyle (with Kenfig),
and Bettws make up between them the respectable total of 411854 acres.
Fitzhamon is not often thought of in connection with this Lordship. It is
recollected that he resided sometimes at the Castle of Kenfig (within the
Lordship), and with that recollection most people seem to be content,
prefering to think of him as more closely associated with the imposing Castle
of Cardiff, or perchance with his Grange at Boverton. But we may be quite
sure that if the history of the Lordship of “Llangynwyd” for this period
could be recovered, it would be found that Fitzhamon's having so large a
tract of country in this part of his Seignory, had much influence in consolidating
his conquest. His successor, Robert le Fitz le Hoy, Earl of Gloucester,
curtailed this Lordship considerably by the extensive grant of lands made by
him to the Abbey of Margam which he had founded; constituting the land so
granted a Lordship of itself. Other portions were severed by sub-feudation—
as Hafod-y-portk^ &c.; eventually the Lordship of <' Tir Iarll” (as it
came to be called from the Earl of Gloucester,* its owner) was reduced to the
area of the Parishes of Llangynwyd and Bettws. The Lordship is self-contained
and compact, neither extending into nor including parts of any other
Lordships. The earliest inquisition extant respecting the Lordship is one
held in the 46th year of the reign of Henry IH. a.d. 1262, when the value was
found to be £2y 9S. 7^. It will be noticed that at this time the Mill at
Kenfig forms part of the manorial property. The fact that eighty houses had
been destroyed in the war, tells us that the outer Welsh had no regard for
their fellow countrymen who had bowed to Norman rule, but harassed them
without mercy. The following is a copy of the original document:— <*
Extent de Langunite per preceptum Domini Regis facti per sacramentum Griffini
ab Rees, William ab Yorath, Roger ab Griffio, Owen ab Yorath, Llewelyn ab
Yvor, Tudor ab Rees, Rees ab Owen, Owen ab Rees, Caradoc ab Gwallter, Madouc
Vychan, Yorath ab Gronow, Howel ab Phillip—
* Robert, Barl of Gloucester and bis sucoesson appear to have made great
efibrts to conciliate the people to their rule by numerous concessions of a
popular character. The men of the hills were allowed to retain unmolested
their **iloss A Dbfod"— and other local customs to which they were
attached; and in the Lordship of “Tir Iarll" the national taste for
poetry and bardic contests were encourased by the De Clare, who endowed the
Bardic Chair of Tir Iarll with sundry privilefes and profits, of which
mention will be made when the chair itseu becomes the subject of a ehapter.
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 7.
U. £. 4,
§ai dicunt quod de reddit atsiio . . iiij iij iij ob.
t de redd molendini quod est ad laodi... — L —
Et de coDsuetudine ad LArdarium ... — jud *
Et sunt xij acrea terra que valeot — y
..
Et de plaucett et periguesittia cur ... vii — —
£t moleiidmiun de Kenefoic valet xij
xiij Hij
Samina M'xzvi ix vij oU.
'< Et dominus Rogerus de Clifford de domo domioi com^ tenet totum residunm
ejusium villa de Kenefoic et est ibt advocatio Ecclesia de Langonit quae
pertinet ad com qua valet vj Marcas."
“Et las ibi iiij" Mansiones destruct per guerram." Then follow the
names of the jury in order as above. In an inquisition post mortem in the
24th year of Edward I. it appears as “Tirarthle Extent/' in the 23rd of
Edward III. as Traharhch (?) Castrum et roanerium et extenta.
The earliest known survey was that held September 8th, 1650, under Philip,
Earl of Pembroke, by Sir James Palmer, Knt.; William Herbert, of Swansea;
William Herbert, of Cogan, Esquires, and other commissioners. The boundaries
are the Parish of Llangeinor in the Manor of Ogmore, to the East; to the
south the Manor of Newcastle, Court Colman, and Tythegstone; to the west the
Lordship of Havod-y-Porth and Margam; and to the north the Parishes (?) of
Michaelstone- super- Afon and Glyncorrwg in the Lordship of Avan Wallia.
The lands are freehold, leasehold, and by patent; meaning presumably by
grant. There are two Courts Leet annually on the davs of Saints Phillip and
Jacob (1st May), and Samt Michael (September 29th). At one of these the Grand
Jury choose three sufficient tenants from whom the lord selects one bedell or
bailiff, who is also steward. A Court Baron may be held monthly if required.
The heir of a tenant dving in the Manor is subject to a heriot of the second
best beast. The lord has 5s. m every alienation, and 5S. 8d. from every
stranger purchasing. The tenants and resiants have common of pasturage in the
lord's Forest on Forest Vawr of about 500 acres. There is no suit of Mill.
Sir Thomas Mansell has the advowfon of LlanTOnydd. There is coal under
Forest, or Brombil. the lord's land. The tenants usually mustered with their
a^ms before Sir Thomas Mansell as a lieutenant of the Hurdred. Tenants are
told off to watch two beacons at Mynydd y Coir (in the Parish of Llangynwyd),
and Y Vod Vawr^ in the Parish of Margam.
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 8.
* Mizes” are due from the tenants and inhabitants, being /36 payable in equal
instainaents in 5 years, beginning at the first 8t. Barnabas Day after entry.
In 1650, a mined wall was reputed to have been a Castle, and Forest Vawr was
also called “Ffonsi y Castellf Mynydd y Gaer which name however is more
likely to be derived from a camp than a castle. At times the tenants of the
manor seem to have been turbulent, for in the account of B. de Badlesmeie 2nd
Edward IL, he gave credit for two hundred marcs received from the men of
Neath, and fifty £rom those of Tir Iarll on account ol fines imposed upon
them of 400, and of 200 marcs respectively, for having risen against the
Kine.
The Lordship of Tir Iarll followed the descent of the County fee until
Thomas, Viscount Windsor, sold it with other Western Lordship«i to Mr.
Herbert Mackworth, of the Gnoll, who sold it to Mr. H. Grant. It is now
vested in the devisee of the late H. Grant, his son, who died in i86t.
Theu parikidan of ths Manor an from a sories of ArticUi m iks Matters of
GUmor^an^ which appeand m Vol. 9, ^h sorios cf Uu Arch. Camhrofuts from ths
pen of Col, Clarh.
-4^
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 9.
CHAPTER III.
Ecclesiastical History. - The greater
or Rectorial tithes,— Farming of the Rectory of Llaogyswyd— Letters Patent
dated 1544. - Valuation of Vicarage,
and Living. - List of Vicars. - Churches of Maesteg and Spelter. - An old Terrier.
fHE greater or Rectorial Tithes of the Parish of Llangynwyd, were, previous
to the Reformatioiii annexed to the Abbey of the “Blessed Virgin” at Margam.
In the valuation of the temporalities of the * Abbey, taken at the Dissolution,
Llangynwyr (which I take to be Llangynwyd) appears valued in <' Redit
Assize" at iij”vi, viij*. There is also a Tythvng Barn “valued at xl,. The “farming”
of the Rectory of Llangynwyd was on the nth December, 1537 (28th Henry VI
II.), devised to Lewis Blethen for twenty one years. In the xoth of James I.,
^613, . these tithes are in the hands of Henry Doddington as Crown Farmer of
the same. He brings an action in that year against one Owen Parkins for tithe
of lambs In the Exchequer Court, of which the following summary taken from
the official records may be given: —
“Llangonwood — Rectory of Henricus Doddington Crown Farmer of the Rectory of
Llangonwood, and of the Chapelries of Hafodeporth, Llanfigeleth, Trisent, and
Crickfeme, Glamorganshire; brings an action of Trover against Owinus Parkins
with respect to certain lambs parcel of the tythes of the said Rectory and
Chapelries.
“The Jury say with respect to parcel of the trespass, to wit, one lamb of the
one hundred mentioned in the declaration; that the Crown being seized in
demesne and as of fee of, and in the said Rectory with the aforesaid
Chapelries on the nth December, 28th Hen. VIII., under the Seal of the Court
of Augmentations demised them to me, Lodivicus Blethen, for 21 years by the
name of the Rectory of the Parish Church of Llangonwood, in the Diocese of
Llandaff, appertaining to the late Monastery of Margam, with Chapelries of
Hafodeporth, Trisant, Llanfigelleth, and Crickferne: with all houses, barns,
tythes, &c., &c., to the same belonging in Llangonwood, Hafodeporth,
Trisant, LlanfigelletEt
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 10.
Crickferne, Crykastell, South-feller, and Indifferne Froddellr and ex parte
boreali aquae de Kenfig.
“And the Jury further say that by Letters Patent dated 5th August, 35th Henry
VIII. (1544}, the Crown being seized in demesne as of fee of, and in the
following lands, &c. (late parcel of the possessions of the said
Monastery) granted for ever to Risius Mansell, Mil, the Manors of Horgro
alia£ Horgrove, and Pille alias Pyle, in the Co. of Glamorgan, in South
Wales, with all their appurtenances whatsoever in the towns, fields, Parish
or Hamlet of Horgo alias Horgro, and Pille alias Pyle, aforesaid, and a Water
Mill with the appurtenances called Shippes Mills in the Town of Margam, with
its appurtenances; also the Messuage called the Towen in Margam together with
eight acres of arable, and six acres of pasture land to the same belonging:
also the site of a late Water Mill called Cricke Mil, in Cricke, in the said
Parish, together with all other the Crown possession, late appertaining to
the said Monastery in Brodemede, Brombil, Eglose Nunney, Cryke, and Pentre,
in the said Parish of Margam, and in the Parishes of Marcrose and Pille alias
Pyle, to be by him held in as full and ample a manner as the same were
enjoyed by the late Monastery. By virtue of which grant the said Risius
Mansell became seized in demesne as of fee of and in the premises and upon
his death they descended to Edwardus Mansell, Mil: as his son and heir who
also dying, they descended to Thomas Mansell, Mil: as son and heir of the
said Edwardus.
“And the Jury further say that subsequently by
Letters Patent made 17th July, 37th Henry VIII., the Crown granted for ever
to me. Jacobus Gunter, and Williamus Lewis, the Rectory of Llangonwood and
the Chapelries of Havodeporth, Trisant, Llanngelleth, and Crickfeme (Glam.),
with the right of patronage of the Vicarage of Llangonwood, *with their
spiritual and temporal appurtenances in the towns, fields. Parishes and
Hamlets of Llangon* wood, Hafodeporth, Trisant, Llanfigelleth, Crickfeme,
Crike Castell, Southseller, Indiferne, and Froddell (Glam.), to hold the same
in as full and ample a manner as they were enjoyed by the late Monastery, And
the said Jacobus Gunter and Williamus Lewis bein^ so seized of the latter
premises on the loth August, 37tn Henry VIII., made a feoffment thereof for
ever to me, Willielmus Morgan, whor on the 4th day of August xst & and of
Phillip and Mary, sold them for ever to one Tuna Clarke, who dyine, they
descended to the plaintiff Henricius Doddington as his son and heir*
/
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 11.
“And the Jury further say that the lamb in question was the tythe of lamb
arising from Hafodeporth aforesaid, and came to the defendant's hands by
finding, and that as servant of the said Thomas Mansell he (the defendant)
had appropriated it to his master's use; but whether he is or is not guilty,
the Jury are ignorant, and pray the advice of the Court. But they pronounce
him not guilty of the residue of the trespass."
These tithes are now held by the Earl of Dunraven.
The Vicarage, in the valuation of Pope Nicholas, is rated at £6 13s. 4d. At
the Dissolution it was valued in the King's Book as follows: —
EocUa Pall* de Llangynwyd—
»* — li.
t. d. Valor vie' ad firma .
, »x ^
viij Deduccooes; Epo et arch' , , — .»
v« Archi .. . .
, , , — .
V Epo .« Et rem
clar. — —
zx xix V
.^ X"» inde .
. — xxxviij vj
The advowson of the Church was in
1262 in the hands of the Lord of the Manor. Subsequently it passed into the
patronage of the Abbey of Margam. Henry VIII. granted It in 1546 to Gunter
and Lewis, the persons named in the preceding pages; from whom, in the same
report, it is traced to Henry Doddington, who must have held it in 16x3. How
it passed from him or his representatives to the Mansell family does not
appear, but probably by purchase; for in Brown Willis's return 1719, Lord
Mansell is put down as patron.
The net value of the living of Llangynwyd with Baiden ip 1875 ^^^ returned
as;^3oo, with house annexed. There is also one and a half acre of Glebe. The
tithes are stated to be;^i7o OS. zd. There are besides impropriate tithes,
amounting to £i\6 19s. alienated, and in the hands of One Lay Owner. The £1^0
to make up the;f3oo a year is derived from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners
of England since z866, when J. D. Llewelyn, Esq., gave up the patronage to
the Bishop.
No list appears of the early Vicars, nor, indeed, is there a complete one of
those who have held the benefice since the Reformation. The official Records
are singularly incomplete in this respect, and the imperfect list which now
follows is a collection from many sources:—
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 12.
John ab Morgan was Vicar of Langunwode in X56a
Sir Hugh MtndUk, Vicar of Llangyooud in x6o8.
John Howard was inducted x^th Juiy» 162a, on the presentation of <* Anna
David, vidu.”
Michael Roberts. — Inducted 30th January, 1638, on the presentation of the
King, during the minority of Sir Henry Mansell, Bart.
Davids or Griffith Davies, was ejected by the Puritans. He had no
"fifths” allowed him. Walker thinks that he lived to the Restoration,
and was repossessed of the Vicarage, but died a few years after.
Samuel Jones. No record of his induction.
John Hutton, — No record, he succeeded to the benefice on Mr. Jones's
ejection in 1662; and held it until his death in 1705.
Tliomas Edmund wsis WicaLt in 1706; he begins the second book of Registration
in that year, and styles himself “Vicar of Llangynwyd.”
Morgan Thomas. - ^'So record. He appears to have held the living from 1707 to
1763. He is buried in the chancel under the altar table.
William Thomas.'^'Ris signature appears in the books in 1775. His name is on
the I^Us cast in 1786. He was of the family of Eglwys Nynud.
John Parr^. - Inducted 6th July, 1790,
on the presentation ord Vernon,
William Thomas, — Inducted nth July, 1829, on the presentation of Lewis
Thomas.
Richard Pendfil Llewelyn. — Presented in 1841, by J. D. Llewelyn, Esq.,
PenUeWgaer*
There are two places of worship which
might be considered as branches of the “Old Parish Church.” The Maesteg
Church is a very fine modern edifice, and was built in the year 1851, by
public subscriptions.
The other is at Spelter,* in a licensed room. A Curate for each is supported
by the Llandaff Church Extension Society the. Pastoral Aid Society,
Ecclesiastical Commissioners, and and by private subscriptions.
English and Welsh Services are held in all the churches «very Sabbath, the
Vicar officiating at the Parish Church.
The Endowments of the Maesteg Church are;^ioo, by the late Mrs. Oakley, of
Tanybwlch, Meirionethshire; and £1 from W. Gibson, Esq., of Ongar, Essex.
These two sums, together with several years* interest thereon, were paid
over,
* A new church it now being erected on Penlan Farm in the Higher Hamlet, at a
cost of about j( 1000, to he completed by next Spring.
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 13.
in the year 1870, to the Governors of Queen Ann's Bountyr who invested them
in the *< thru pit cents.,” yielding about £^ X3S. per annum.
The Curates in Charge at present are:— Maesteg^Rev. D. J. Llewelyn.
Samuel Rees (Lay Reader). Spelter — Rev. Samuel Jones*
An Old Thrribr of thb Glbbb Land,
Dathp itth Junb, 1771.
Extracted from the Registry of the Consistory Court of Llandaff:"*
“A Terrier of the Glebe Land, Messuages, Tenements, Tithes, and other Rights
belonging to the Vicarage of Llangonoyd, in the County of Glamorgan, and
Diocese of Landaff; and now in the use and possession of William Thomas,
Clerk, Vicar, there taken, made, and renewed, according to the old evidences
and knowledge of the ancient inhabitants this 17th day of June, in the year
of our Lord Christ, One thousand seven hundred and seventy one, and exhibited
in the primary Visitation of the Right Reverend Father in God, Shute, Lord of
Landaff, at Cowbridge.
“Imprimis t TJie Vicarage, House. — It is built and covered with stones,
contains two rooms below, and two rooms above: not wainscotted, ceiled, or
floored. Within a few yards of the Vicarage to the east, is a small house
containing one room below, and one above, built and covered with stone. There
are also three other houses* contiguous to* each other lying to the east side
of the roaid leading by the Churchyard towards Bettws, each of the houses
contains one room below, and one above, neither of which is floored,
wainscotted, or ceiled.
“Item. — One enclosed piece of Pasture, containing about an acre of land
lying to the south of the Vicarage House, on the east side abutting to part
of Gadlys Estate, on the west and south sides of the road leading from
Langonoyd to Bridgend, and on the north abutting to the garden belonging to
the Vicarage.
* These houses were taken down when the new Churchyard was made, and the
greater portion of the gardens is enclosed within the said grounds.
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 14.
“TfifM. - Adjoining to the small
building already mentioned near the Vicarage House is a garden containing a
small piece of ground, and contiguous to the Glebe; fenced with a turf bank
and hedge, not walled. There are also five small gardens belonging to the
respective dwellings above men* tioned, not walled.
“//^ffi. - In the Churchyard are three
Yew trees, and fourteen Ash trees, young and old, of very little value.
*<//^iff. - -The Tithes of wool and lambs are paid to the Vicar or his
tenant in their proper kind. Also a Tithe goose on every three, Tithe pig
after the first litter. Honey in kind. The Tithe of cows for six months
payable the last Monday of May, the last Monday in every month during the
continuance of the six months. The whole milk of three da3rs from the cows
every month is apprehended to be due, but it was always paid in cheese.
*< Also a modus of half-penny is claimed for every calf in the Parish,
half-penny for every she foal, and a penny for every he foal, and one penny
in lieu of Tithe hay for every separate hay-loft. Upon what grounds these
modus and customs are claimed we do not know.
**//^m. - The Church and Churchyard
walls are repairable by the Parishioners, and the Chancel by the Vicar.
“We have no regular Sexton. The Clerk is appointed by the Vicar; paid partly
by the Vicar, and partly by the Parishioners.
“In testimony of the truth of the above mentioned particulars, we the
Minister, Churchwardens, and chief inhabitants have set our hands the day and
year above written.
The chief inhabitants^^ William Thomas, Vicar. Daniel John, Maesteg.
David Williams. The' math X of Daniel Richards, \CAir«*. Thomas James.
David John, \ wardens. „ J'W mark Y. of .
William Mathews.
The mark X of Evan Edwards, The mark X of Witnesses'^ Abraham Edwards.
Thomas Griffiths, CUrh. ^ '^^ mark\ of
Lewis Thomas. Griffith Rowlands.
Edward Williams* David Lewis.
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 15.
<* A true and perfect copy of all and singular the goods, books,
ornaments, and utensils belonging to the Parish Church of Langonoyd.
“Impnmis^ four Mils in repair, and two decayed.
**//«;ii. - One pewter Flagffon*and
one pewter dish, the former marked I. L. and M. T. The latter A. M.
"Jtan.^One silver chalice with cover dated 1576.
“Itetpt. — One linen cloth for the Communion table. Com m union table, and
Font.
* Itettt.^ One blue pulpit cloth, and cushion for the same, one large chest,
two biers, two ladders.
**IUm, — One surplice.
**Item. — Two Common Prayer books, one Welsh, and the other English.
'< /^w. - One large Welsh Bible.
“William Thomas, Vicar.
"Daniel Richards,)^. . « David
John, ]Ci^rchwafdini.
**yun£ 1st, 1771.
« At the primary visitation of Shute, Lord Bishop of Landaff, held in the
Parish Church of Cowbridge.
"This Terrier was then exhibited with the Registry of the Consistory
Court of LandafT by Daniel Richards and David John, Churchwardens, &c.,
two of the persons subscribing the same, and at their request lodged there in
order to preserve a perpetual memorial of the Rights, &c., belonging to
the Vicarage of Langonoyd above mentioned.
'< James Davies, Registrar, “Examined'^
“Edward Stephens, Diputy RigisirMf.”
* Cannot now be traced.
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 16.
CHAPTER IV.
Ftall descriptioa of the Church. -
Bakten Chap6l. - The B«Us. -
The Church Plate. - ExtficU from the Ptfiih lUgittem— The Rev. J.
Fury'i Ledgerti— Monnuieotel iotcriptioiii. -
The mint of the Old Castle. -
The Robmo Camp. - 7«mi/«/A
iiwUth.'^rbib Lettered Stone on Margam Mountain. - Ami the Chancel StoMi
The plan of Llangynwyd Church consists of a western tower, a nave, with south
porch, and a chancel. The tower is square and embattled, rising in diminishing
stages to the height of 60 feet, and is devoid of omamentation or buttress.
West of the tower, and attached thereto, is a low building erected in the
last century, and used as a school house. It is now handed over to the Sexton
for the storage of tools and biers.
An examination of the architectural details shows that the original building
was a simple structure of the thirteenth century, which in the fifteenth
century underwent complete renovation, and received the impress of the style
of architecture — the perpendicular— then prevailing. To this period belong
the east window, the tower, the font, and singular to say, the moveable
massive benches which still form the seating of the nave. Sometime in the
seventeenth century, another but less complete renovation took place, which
also left its mark on the building in
the three debased Gothic windows east of the porch in the south side of the
nave. A new roof was probably put on at the same time, for upon an oaken wall
plate in a line with the gallery, the date “1688” may be seen deeply cut in
the wood. Whether the rpof was entirely removed at that date is open to
doubt, for some of the couples visible in the open roof are apparently older
work.
The chancel arch is the chief and indeed the only ivoticeable architectural
feature remaining of the thirteenth century church. The workmanship is rough
and rude, the stones are undressed, but the design is remarkably, free and
vigorous. There is an attempt at ornamentation, inasmuch as the head is
roughly recessed, and about one foot below the
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 17.
spring of the arch an impost, chamfered on its lower edge, forms a kind of
capital to the plain side of the pier. A hagioscope or squint on each side of
this arch enabled the worshippers in the side of the nave to witness the
ceremonial at the altar.
The chancel has a modern ceiling. The east window is a pointed one of three
lights, the head being filled with perpendicular tracery. The south wall is
pierced with two two-lighted trefoil-headed windows of undetermined date, but
apparently earlier than the east window. West of these is a priest's door,
spanned by an obtuse pointed arch.
The oak benches in the nave (already spoken of) owe their preservation
through the four or five centuries they have stood in Llan^ynwyd Church,
chiefly to their massive chaiacler, and m part to the gentle usage they must
have received. Nevertheless they look their age. There are twenty-five of
them, but withm living memory there were as many as thirty. The greatest care
should be taken to insure their preservation. The ends are formed of
square-topped slabs of oak, over three inches thick; the backs and seats are
a trifle thinner. Each will seat five persons. The ornamentation at the ends
is but slight; but what there is, is in spirit, perpendicular.
Pulpit, reading desk, and clerk's pew, are an example of that curious piece
of church furniture called somewhat profanely a “three-decker **—
sounding-board, and all complete. This was put up by a local tradesman in the
year 1826, copied from a design which was prevalent in the reign of the
Georges. As a piece of joinery it is excellent, and reflects infinite credit
upon the man who made it. What is more, it does not appear to be much out of
place where it now stands. This, too, is worthy of preservation. It is a link
in the chain of historical continuity* The font is formed of a massive
octagonal block of free-stone, a rudimentary stem being shaped by the removal
chamferwise of the material between bowl and foot. It is destitute of
ornament; but the principles of the design are those of the perpendicular
period.
Thrown across this part of the nave, and some distance advanced from the west
end of the Church, is a spacious gallery lighted by a two-light Dormer
window, on the south side, over which was placed a vertical stone dial by one
of the Powells, of Tondu, on which is inscribed (in Latin)'-' «« Given by E.
P., of Tondu, in the year 1686."
An arch, late pointed in style, of fine proportions and excellent
workmanship, rising almost to the roof, opens out
B
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 18.
from nave to tower, and is led to by a flight of four steps. This beautiful
arch is now filled to half its height with a lath and plaster partition,
apparently for no other purpose than to screen from view the lumber stored in
the base of the tower. The tower has a western door» the outer ornamentation
of which is a good example of perpendicular. Towards the south is a debased
two-light window lighting the lower part of the tower. Access to the ringing
chamber is obtained from the nave by means of a newel staircase, formed in a
square projection carried up to the beight of the chamber, on the south-east
corner of the tower. The staircase door is under an obtuse pointed arch.
Thus it will be seen that though the most ancient features in this Church
date from the thirteenth century, the impress which it bears most strongly is
that of the fifteenth, and the mark has also been left of the declension of
style which supervened in the seventeenth century. Whenever the time may come
that Llangynwyd Church shall once again, as in several past periods of its
history, undergo renovation, let us hope that “restoration “will be most
religiously avoided, and that the interesting features and accessories now
found as part of the structure within its walls will all be preserved ana
handed down intact to a distant posterity.
Baidbn Chapel.
This Chapel was situated on Mynydd Baiden^ on a field called Coi dan y Capd
-pdiri of the farm named in olden times, * Tir y Capel," — the property
of Lord Wimborne, and now held by Mr. D. Thomas, of Ty-talwvn. The old Chapel
was in a ruinous state long before the close of the last century, and there
remains at present nothing but a portion of the old walls to denote the spot
where once the Chapel stood. The Chapelry of Baiden is mentioned in several
ancient documents as being connected with the Vicarage of Llangynwyd, and it
is said that the late Rev. Bruce Knight endeavoured to obtain proofs of its
being really part of this living, but his efforts were unsuccessful. Upon his
authority, however, we are able to state that it was erected about the end of
the 17th century, but how long services were held in it is now hard to sav.
It seems most probable that it was built by, and for the accommodation of,
the families of Cwm^yr^isga and Cefn-Ydfa, and it may be, also, that of the
Powells', of Tondu; and when these families became extinct, the Chapel was
left untenanted. If it ever were connected with the Llangynwyd Vicarage by
legal rights, it has long
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 19.
rsince been severed fron it; and remains at present a real specimen of a
Church disestablished and disendowed.
The Bells.
The bells are six in number, and for quality of tone they are considered
excellent. The largest oi them is called the «* tenor bell/* and the smallest
is styled «* treble/* They are .always kept in good working order, and are
generally played during the Christmas season.
They are also called by number; the smallest 19 called the First, and so up
to the largest which is the Sixth. The .following inscriptions are to be seen
on each respective .bell:”On the firsts John Llewelyn and Thomas John,
Churchwardens; William Bilbie, Bell Founder,
Chcwstoke, 1786.”
„ second — <*The Rev. William Thomas, Vicar;
William Bilbie, Bell Founder, of Chewstoke, Somersetshire. Fecill 1786.”
„ third—”Abr. Rodhall, of Gloucester, cast us all.
1730. „ fourth— <* Grifftth Jenkins, Churchwarden. 1730.” „ fifth-”Rev.
Morgan Thomas, Vicar. 2730.”„ sixth — “/ to the Church the living call, And
to the grave do summon all. 2730.”
The first and second bells cracked; and they were recast, which accounts for
the different dates on them, and the different makers.
Church Plate.
The Church plate consists only of a Silver Cup, with cover, and two alms
dishes of old pewter.
This Communion Cup* is the only article which deserves : special attention.
The cover bears tne date of 1576.
In the reign of Edward the VI., it was decreed that the Lord’s Supper should
be administered to the people, and
* The following communication with reference to the Communion Plate was sent
to the Vicar, by T. M. Fallows. Esq., Chapel Allerton. Leeds:—
"The marks on the old 'Communion cup* and patten cover are London marks
The lion passant and Leopard's head are London. The mark |+t is the maker's
mark, and the letter (t) is the date letter. To indicate the year of assay-
X576-7, which agrees m every respect with the inscribed date on the patten
cover. It is an interesting old Cup. and is Avithout doubt the original
'Communion Cup' of the ancient Chalice. -The word Chalice, it may be noted,
was expunged from the Prayer Book
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 20.
that the Cup in particular should no longer be withheld from them. This
interesting relic must have been one of the very first that the Laity at
Communion Services were allowed to* drink from, and it remains a venerable
witness of a victory won over priestly intolerance and assumption, and should
be to us a reminder of the many conflicts fought, and the blood spilt before
that victory was gained.
Extracts from thb Parish Registers.
“Evan, son of David ab Evan and Jonetta Richard, was baptized 37th July,
1663.
” Griffith Frees and Cecilia Nicoll of Llangonwyd, were joined in Marriage on
the i6th day of October, 1662.
« David Thomas ab Thomas was buried 6th of October,. i66a* // /? ^ fi'%*
“Henry John (who lived at Br}'n-y-Rhyg), coal falling upon* /;/' /.V/ll ^*™ ^
Llwy ni. on the 22nd day of January, 1682, was killed! f^y^fi II about the
(htrd hour of the afternoon— but was found and I ' ^ extracted thence on the
3rd day of February; and on that
day about the 8th hour in the evening was buried 1682. I “ The aforesaid H.J.
was extracted on the 4th hour of the
afternoon of Feb. 3rd, '82.
* Henry, son of Henry John and Catherine Peter, was baptized on the 2nd day
of March, 1682, posthumous. This is the son of Henry John, who was killed by
coal falling on> him at Llwyni as is shown in the page.
“Charles Aylward, son of Lewis Aylward, and Jonetta^ Loughor of Kenfig, was
baptized on the 6th day of June, 1683,**in the year of his age.
“Benjamin Aylward, the son of Lewis and Jonetta, aforesaid, was baptized the
l0th day of November, 1683, in the year of his age. “Anna Jenkins, relic of
Edward Jenkins of Gadlas, was buried on the 15th day of the month of
November, 1692, in the year of her age.
“Be it remembered that Richard Edmond was denounced, excommunicated, on the
l0th day of June, 1694.
“Be it remembered that Lewis Thomas Edwards o
from 1352- 1662, and the Bishop's visitalioD questions constantly refer to
whether *the Chalice has been destroyed, and the * Communion Cup * provided?
" I hardly think any symbolism is intended by the thrice interlacing
leaf patterut not very infrequently it does not interlace at all. and some
times it does so lour times; and 1 suspect that any symbolism in those days
would be discarded as superstitions or something of the sort. Pewter marks
are not understood much at present."
^ The above arc the very first Entries 00 the old Registers of this Parish,
and are written in Latin.
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 21.
JLlangonwyd, was denounced, excommunicated, on the 20th of January, in the
Parish of Margam, per Gwil. Lewis, clerk. -
And was denounced and excommunicated in the Parish of Llangonwyd, on
the last day of March, 1695, ^y.llpe, John Hutton, clerk.
* Dionvsia Liddon, relic of Evan Thomas, pauper, was buried 3rd February,
1696.
“Dorothea Worthington, a pauper, widow, was buried on ^he second day of June,
1702. , .
« David Jenkins (nihil habeus) was buried on the Z4th day ^^/ of April^ Z703,
in the year oi his age 88.
“Bachel Powell (alias Middleton), relic of Thomas Powell, of Llwydarth, was
buried on the 8th day of April, 1704, in the year of her age 67.
“Lena Wynne, a pauper, was buried 30th of January. 1704.
“Watkin Jenkins, Gentleman, was buried the 22nd day of December, 1708.
'- The old man of Pontrhydycyff. collier, was buried April 19th. 1797
“Mrs. Edmunds, mother of the late Colonel Edmunds, of Cowbridge and daughter
of the late Rev. Morgan Thomas, of Maescadlawr, and late Vicar of this
Parish, was buried here on Sunday, the i8th day of February, 1798. She lived
with Dr. Saunders, at Bridgend.
“Evan Evans, son of Morgan Evans, of Penlan, was buried February 18th, 1798.
The said Evan Evans was married at Lalestown to Ann Lewis, February l0th,
1798, was taken ill February 13th, and died February 16th, 1798.
“John Williams, commonly called John of the Forest, bachelor, was buried on
Monday, the 9th day of September, 1799. The stoutest man in the
neighbourhood.
“Morgan James, widower, of this parish, was buried on Tuesday, the 30th day
of January, 1800, aged 84 or thereabout. He lived at Llwydarth with Rees
Hopkin, who was married to one of his daughters, and there died a regular
Churchman, and Communicant as long as he was able.
“Mrs. Smith, widow of the late Mr. Smith, surgeon, of Bridgend, was buried on
Monday, the 27th day of December, 1802.
“George, son of Thomas Bevan of Brynllywarch Fach, in the Middle Hamlet,
labourer, — by Lucy, his wife— was buried on Thursday, the 19th day of
February, 1801, of a consumption, aged twenty-one years. His father was a
labourer, as above, but himself was by trade a tailor.
“Elizabeth Nicholas, a poor English woman in the
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(delwedd J8190) (tudalen 022)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 22.
Middle Hamlet, was buried on Sunday, the 26th day of December, 1802.
“Ann, daughter of Mr. L— y, gent., of St. Fagans, by Catherine Thomas, of
this parish, was christened on Friday, the 7th day of February, 1800; born
the Tuesday before in that part of Gadlys House wherein Lewis David and his
wife live.
“Phillip Williams, Esq., of the Parish of Cadoxton, Juxta Neath, and
Catherine Maddocks, spinster, of this parish, were married at this Church on
the 23rd day of November 1758, by Morgan Thomas, vicar.
“In the presence of Thomas Richards. Edward Williams.
“George Howells, of the parish of Wenvoe, bachelor, and Mary Moses, of this
parish, spinster, were married the 25th day of May, 1765.
“The Rev Mathew Deere, clerk, of the parish of Ystrad-Owen, and Margaret
Maddocks, of this parish, spinster, were married this 27th day of June, 1766,
by Mr. William Thomas.
“Rees Hopkin, of this parish, and Margaret James, spinster, were married by
license this 29th day of May, I773.
"In the presence of Morgan James. Edward Williams.
"Robert Jenkins, of the parish of St. Bride Major, widower, and
Catherine James, spinster, of this parish, were married by license, this 8th
day of December, 1781, by me, Wm. Rees, curate of St. Brides Minor.
"In the presence of Edward Williams. Morgan James.
“Hopkin Hopkin, of the Parish of Lisworney, and
Margaret David, of this parish, were
married by license this 6th day of July, 1784.
“Joseph Gwynn, of the parish of Llandewi, bachelor, and Elizabeth Williams,
of this parish, spinster, were married by license this 20th day of April,
1794, by me, Edward Williams.
"In the presence of John Clarke. Edward Williams.
“Sir James Laroche, of this Parish, Baronet, and
Elizabeth Thursley, of this Parish (widow), were married by license, this
13th day of July, 1795, by me, John Parry, Vicar..
“In the presence of John Morgan, of Neath. William Parry.
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(delwedd J8191) (tudalen 023)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 23.
“William Thomas, Bettridge, of the Parish of Tidixton» bachelor, and
Gwenllian Maddocks, of this parish, spinster, were married by license, this
8th day of November, i8ox.
“Lewis Thomas, of the Parish of Baglan, to Miss Elizabeth Jenkins, spinster,
of this Parish, were married by licence, this 2nd day of February, 1787.
..In the presence of jSliSfPZ-jJi^.”*
The Rev. John Parry’s Diary, with Extracts therefrom, 1790 to 1812.
There is always something pathetic and sad in the perusal of the written
thoughts of one who has long since passed away. The feeling that, while the
hand that wrote is dust— and the active mind that controlled the willing hand
is, to us, long stilled and inactive, — the written characters bear as strongly
as ever they did the peculiar characteristics of the dead hand— the living
impress of the vanished mind— brings with it a strange solemnity. In spite of
ourselves, we handle the time-stained pages reverentially, and read with
respect the words that clothe the writer's thoughts. And, let us not forget
either, that herein we have a proof, if one were needed, that though men pass
away^ though the scenes that know them must, some day, know them no more,—
though even their names must pass away as surely as though they were “writ in
water "—their thoughts live, and, in one form or another, must be
immortal.
But there is an interest of another kind that clings round such relics of
dead men as we have now before us. Here is the quaintness of expression ot
nearly a hundred years ago. We see, as in a mirror, the country vicar of that
date, living his obscure, but useful life — with a keen eye to the main
chance, doubtless; but, we are compelled to think, as regular, as systematic,
as sternly conscientious in the.discharge of his sacred functions as he was
in the business observances of his daily life. We have a minute picture of
the religious customs of the parish in Mr. Parry's day, and more than a
glimpse of the change that has taken place in the cost of living during the
period that has since elapsed; while now and then comes a touch of nature
that perhaps does more than all the rest, to paint for us life at the quiet
parsonage of Llan^ynwyd; and to shew us that men (and boys) were then in
their nature much as they are to-day. Such a touch is the entry in one of the
books, written evidently by the good clergyman's nephew, “David Parry,
Soldier in the King's regulars I hope I will be/*— “God save the King.”— For
during these
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(delwedd J8192) (tudalen 024)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 24.
eventful years, the sound of the war trumpet rang through Europe and England;
and re-echoed from America» reaching even the quiet village of Llangynwyd.
Like most boys of his age at that time, young David Parry could imagine no
higher destiny than to fight for his King against "the usurper”
Bonaparte, the evil genius, as he was considered to be, of England, and the
English.
Not that this feeling of combativeness and military ardour were, even here,
confined to the youth. Underdate March 16th» 1798, we find the following
entry, in the handwriting of the Rev. J. Parry himself: "Paid a Guinea
contribution at a vestry, towards defending our King and country; and indeed,
there is this further evidence of the reality and exuberance of the rev.
gentleman’s loyalty, under date the 13th of the same month*: “Paid for Toddy,
ye day ye volunteers rec^ ye colours. 2/-.” By to-day, the Rev. J. Parry is
dust and ashes,— his nephew David, whether his darling wish was gratified or
not, probably sleeps too soundly to hear the war trumpet, however loudly it
may be blown; pity that even now, the air is as full of wars, and rumours of
wars, as it was during the lifetime of the much hated Napoleon, in the year
of our Lord, 1798.
But apart from these occasions of special excitement, the life of our
diarist, as pictured by his own hand in the pages befoce us, was evidently
quiet and regular enough. He was evidently ready enough to be confidant and
account-keeper, perhaps also money-lender, to all the parish; but his
occupations left him so much leisure that his Diary seems to have been
resorted to more by way of passing the time than for any other purpose — the
entries are so lengthy and diffuse, and here and there is a task that has
evidently only been entered upon as a kind of mental relaxation. Such is
this, an elaborate calculation of what one acre of land should produce by way
of tithe:—
*" t acft of Uad will keep 10 ihMps What will 10 thetp produce of
tttlies ia 4 jr«an? 10x4^40. 40 sheep will prodnca ao Umbt—
/ I. d. s tithes at 4t. per head ... ... ... o 8 o
And 40 Ihe. of wool— 4 Ibt. tithe . . ...040
That the good man’s tithes were not levied upon this entirely fancy plan we
have abundant evidence. Here is a specimen of how the matter was arranged: —
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(delwedd J8193) (tudalen 025)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 25.
“An account of David Griffiths, tithe from himaelf to ne^ John Parry— -the
laat day of December, 1801, for the said year—
/ a. d.
7 calved cows ... ... ... ... o is 3
5 calves (the two others were dead) ...050 Z4 lbs. 01 wool ... ... o 14 o
9 lambs at 4s. per lamb ... ... i 16 o
z goose ... .. ... ... o z o
z nay loft ... ... ... ... o o z
z family offering ... ... ...006
8 lbs. of Mich, wool at 8d. per lb. ...054
The said David Griffiths promised to pay before next Llantrissant fair, December 4th, i8ot— a
promise, which, by the way, “the said David Griffiths" failed to fulfil
to the letter, as we find further on. David Griffiths paid the above the I
cth day of January, 1802.
It would be thought that between his spiritual duties and this laborious
system of obtaining payments for them, of which we have given a specimen, Mr.
Parry found his time fairly occupied. But we are inclined to think that he
managed to find time for a little sport, or what is the meaning of this
entry? — ”January, 1798, paid to huntsmen, as.”And moreover he had evidently
the control and management of the village school, then attached to the
Church. We are glad, moreover, to see that he had room in his mind and his
h^Jirt for melting charity — and note with pleasure such entries as this —
“January 8th, 1798. Paid Mr. Saunders for a visit to .a poor man, and drugs,
12s. 6d.” The eccentric goodness of the kind-hearted clergyman is also
strikingly shewn by the following entry, which we transcribe in full. “
Be it remembered that David Williams paid 3s. 6d. of tithes on Monday, the
loth day of March, 1800, due Michaelmas last — but not for the turnips nor
the heifer he sold before she came to the pail, but I think he should, and
that is again to be settled. We both likewise agreed that tho* his daughter
enter'd school on July 4th, 1799, that her half*year will not be up until ist
of May, i8oo. She has been in school mos^ of the interim, but as being a poor
man I consider not to charge him the whole, but a part of ye time, and then
he is to have the 2 quarters for 5s.”
And even in the midst of these multifarious calls upon his time, leisure was
found to make sermons. Whether they were good or bad, history saith not, but
they were evidently appreciated by Mr. Parry's brethren, both Churchmen and
Dissenters. Under the heading of B^ks Unt are these entries:
Mr. Jones the Preacher: —
Vol. zat of Beveredge.Tbesaiims, VoL z of Oiaooorsea.
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(delwedd J8194) (tudalen 026)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 26.
Mr. , of Tytanglwst:—
I Vol. of Bishop LaDdafTt Tracts.
Mr. Powell, of Glyncorrwg:—
t Vol. of WilioB't SermoBi.
Mr. Hancorn: —
I Vol. of Sermooi.
Mr. Pritchard, of Corlanna:—
6 Diseonries, December 3rd. 1804.
Iaouary 26th, 1805. 5 more Discoursef of Mannuscript. lay 13th. 12 with 2
behind will make 14. September 14th. 1804. returned 7. touk 5. December 29th,
1797. tent 2d Manuscripts to Evan Madoc.
So that it would appear that Mr. Pritchard, of Corlanna». distributed to his
flock spiritual food that had been compounded at Llangynwyd Vicarage.
Clergyman, farmer, magistrate, and the rest; will it t^ believed that this
most industrious man was also a coal owner? buch, indeed, he was the
forerunner of those, who, in these later days, have taken from this
neighbourhood untold wealth in “black diamonds,” and have made the valley
that was once peaceful, pastoral, and well wooded, to be smoky, grimy, and
noisy. Here is the not very cheerful statement of Mr. Parry’s doings in this
direction: —
£ d. The collier's wages for a week ... ... ... o 12 o
The carter ... ... ... ... ... 050
The nan at the winch... , ... 090
Timber for the pit ... ... ... ... 070
The weekly Otttgoinss ... £1 13 o ^ The weakly receipts from the coal ... ...
o 16 o
The ontgoinss eiceed the receipts by ... ... £0 17 o
That this was the untoward result of mining operation in that day majf be
accounted for by other entries, which shew; that coal mining could not, at
the then ruling prices, be made profitable:—
£ . d. Janvary tith. 1797. coal, s loads ... ... ... 005
Ikpriieih, 1798, pakl Thomas Bowen for 9 loads of ooal.«. o 4 io|
In startling contrast to which are iM>me of the following: —
ft
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(delwedd J8195) (tudalen 027)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 27.
£ . d.
i lb. yellow soap ... ...005
Quarter of mutton ... o 3 9
Almanack ... ... ...009
Lump sugar ... ... ...014 per Ib.^
Broun da ... ... ... o o 10 „
Tea .. ... ..« o 9 9
lb. of starch .. .. ...006
;orse stable and dinner ... ...008
i of coffee ... ... ...012
U
1796**
It would appear, further, that whatever Mr. Parry was able to bestow in the
way of pecuniary charity upon his poorer neighbours, was not the superfluity
of his own plenty; but that it was the outcome of a really charitable heart,
giving from his own by no means large resources. If we have wondered, in
reading over the “Diary,” at the keen eye which the good parson evidently had
for the main chance, and the minute attention which he gave to the matter of
tithes due to him; there are passages here and there which shew these
apparent characteristics of his to have had their origin really in the stern
necessities of his position. His income, meagre as it was, had to be hardly
earned. Evidently unable, from insufficient means, to keep a curate, he had
himself to officiate in the Churches of Bettws and Llangeinor Parishes, of
which he held charge, in addition to that of Llangynwyd; and every Sunday he
preached in each of the three places. Truly, these were the days when parsons
had to be men of sinew and muscle, as well as tender pastors and careful
shepherds! Small wonder that Mr. Parry's handwriting and orthography shew
here and there faults that we should, in these days of Higher Grade Schools,
and free Universities, be shocked at. Just and careful in his dealings with
his fellow men, the Vicar of Llangynwyd kept the accounts of his own private
income so strictly as to make them appear like a profit and loss account with
himself,*— taking note of every item, for and against himself, with the most
rigid accuracy.
This is the statement of his Income and Disbursements* for the year 1798:*
/ s. d. From Baiden ... ... ... 15 19 4^
Middle Hamlet ... 34 17 6
„ Cwmdtt „ ... ... 30 I 3
M Higher „ ... ... 35 la 5I
£to6 10 7 Disbursements extracted ... aa 3 9
There remain clear value - 84 6 10
I
t.
d.
. 84
6
10
. 10
>. 10
«3
4
. 9
la
litt
2
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(delwedd J8196) (tudalen 028)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 28.
Brought forwarD
! Salary from Margam Rent of Cwm mawr ^ Newton M Bettwi, salary
Not a very extravagant income, considering the work done for it 1 In these
days, in which the pulpit even in 'Wales, appears to be taking its due
standing, I doubt -whether any of the itinerant preachers, coninionly called
yacks, much less a beneficed clergyman, would undertake to preach 52 sermons
for the paltry remuneration of /la, or an average of some 4s. 7^d. per sermon
I I think that "7ohn Nicholas, my common workman” (who appears in one of
the following memoranda), with his is. 6d. an acre for hay-mowing, and is. a
day for "different work, at different timet,” made rather a better
bargain of it than did his reverend employer. So it is, that thews and sinews
are to this day esteemed more highly than brains!
And, indeed, Mr. Parry's income, small as it was, did not always reach the
amount shewn for the year we have noted. In the year 1801 we find that
disbursements being deducted, “the income accruing from Llangynwyd Parish
fell to £82 1 7s 3d. with however the following
remark: — The rent of my own
dwelling-house and field, and my own tithes, I leave out, and I am sure goes
in repairs yearly, and my clerk’s salary”. In fairness to Mr. Parry, it
should be stated that the clerk's salary was thirty shillings annually. But
why the note as to rthe dwelling-house, the field, and the parson's tithes?
Can it be that at that day, as now, there were folk who grumbled at tithes,
and at parsons, and at their pastors and masters generally? Were there in
those days those who grumbled tthat the parson was paid too highly; and that
the farmer was down-trodden and oppressed? Were there Radicals in those days?
If not, wherefore the half-explanatory, half-apologetic note of the parson?
Let us now give a few more extracts from the Diary, ^o exemplify still
further Mr. Parry's careful and methodical habits; and to throw some light on
the price of labour, and «of commodities in daily use at the beginning of the
century: —
John Nicola aooonnted with J. Parry ai followa, December 3rd, 1797. I owe him
nothing, nor he me.
December 14th, 1797.'— I owe Morgan 13 ahilUnga, after he works with . iflM
two days more.
December aoCh. - Paid the aforesaid
Morgan, 13 shillings. J. PAaav.
i9oy Sb«
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(delwedd J8197) (tudalen 029)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 29.
ISt,
Mary Tenkini”tcoount mad« the i8th of TnW. 1805 1— £ ^ ^
I ow'd her nothiag, but paid her eveiy Althing to May '
hat had from that time to thia day. the 18th of July o 9 o
She had at Mabsaint ... ... 016
A ihilliog to have a pair of Stockings ...
o i o”She had three shillings to bny a handkerchief o 3 o
Two shillings after ... ... o 2
o”Shoes to Jenkin Nicholas ... 076
I owed her for half a-year service .«
... i xa 6”Balance ... ... ... /o 7 6 *
She had the 7/6 the jtst day of December. i8oj. «,^....
Paid October 26th. 1803. to Rich. John, for threshing my
barley; nnmber of Stacks^* it\, @ z/* per Stack ... ... £0 iS 6”The following
was the rate of wages paid to a farm labourer in 1799:-^
Richard John's account made November 9th, 1799, with J. Parry.
£ s. d. a days scattering lime 6 days with Cae Will Hopkin - X day with
Richard Bowen 4 days mattocking wheat z day drawing potatoes
35 perches of ditch in Cae Gwenith @ s^d. per perch ... 073.
14 days @ Sd.'per day ... o 9 4
£0 16
/« 3
7
£0 »3
£0 ZO
7
£0 3
T
Richard John owed me for cheese
House rent Paid November 30th, 1799
Made an account with John Nicholas, my common workman, on Saturday, the sixth
day of September, 1800, as follows:« / s. d.
To him for beating, and burning Z56 perches of beating in
Bfynau ... ... ... ... ... ... z Z9
For mowing it\ acres @ zs. 6d. per acre ... ... z 4 9
For 8 days, working at different work and at different times,
this day included ... ... ... ... o 8
»
£l 9
Be it remembered that I sent a cheese'down to Sir James Laroche. the
37th day of November. Z797. £ s. d.
December 24th, for a mug of ale at Bettws
... o o x
To singers at Llaogeioor ... ... ... o z o
November 25th, 1796, from a marriage at Llan ... ... o 3 6*
Jenkin Harrv^the schoolmaster's— salary in Z805:—
Be it remembered that he, Jenkin Harry, received of me the sum o>
3f cuOrg Iks Weldi % efd FifSMr, a
bbmask of captiUr, sqial to M bMhsli.
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(delwedd J8198) (tudalen 030)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 30.
£f 108. od (or OM quarter's salary, the and day of September. i8o5.^dae the
aoth of August. 1805. As witnesseth my haiid, J. Pammy
From these extracts, the reader will readily gather all needful knowledge of
Llang^ynwyd, and its inhabitants, at the period the Diary was written. Living
simply, labouring hard for small wage, there does not seem to have been much
to choose between parson and people, between the pastor and the humblest of
his flock. And there appears too much to shew, that the lot of our
forefathers was not, after all, so much harder than that of their
descendants. True, a daily wage of 8d. to i/- a day would appear to the
field-labourer of to-day to be beneath contempt; but when we look at the
prices of the necessaries, and, indeed, of some of the luxuries of life at
this time, fhe wages do not appear so inadequate. In those happy days, sto<tkings (not the
flimsy machine made .abominations of to-day, but strong, warm hand-knit
woollen leg comforters) were to be had for a shilling a pair I Shoes were
procurable, it is evident, at seven shillings and sixpence; and these again
were of leather, and not, as now, of brown paper, and made by honest Jenkin
Nicholas, a neighbour, sitting on his well-used shoemaker's bench, and not
turned out by the gross from the factory of the shoddy-man. Nay, in the good
days of 1796, one might be married for the ridiculously small sum of three
shillings and sixpence, and, should the newly-married repent of his rash
action, and betake himself to the flowing bowl for comfort,— were not
temporary oblivion of trouble and jollity and happiness easily attainable,
with ale at one penn)^ per mug? Happy days 1— happy -to the peaceful dwellers
in Llangynwyd, living their quiet lives under the kindly care of the good
parson,— and content 80 long as the days labour procured the day’s
subsistence, and the Mabsaint afforded a periodical return of merry
intercourse and innocent pleasure I
. And, remembering how, during the years chronicled by the Diary, the world
outside our borders was agitated with wars, torn with anarchy, and deluged
with blood:— how Bankruptcy stalked through England, — how Rebellion raised
fire and sword in Ireland, and the guillotine drank the best blood of France;
and later, how the. French Eagles hovered over the bloody fields that marked
the advance of Buonaparte,— we say again, happy days 1 We claim, in the&e
later days, to have more knowledge, greater refinement, - nay, possibly a
truer and higher religious sense. We may well ask ourselves, however, whether
our lives are more peaceful, happier, or more productive of good to our
neighbours and of service to Heaven, than were those of our predecessors in
this parish, though
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(delwedd J8199) (tudalen 031)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 31
^heir advantages were fewer, and their claims to the regard of the world
urged with less persistency.
MONUMBNTAL INSCRIPTIONS.
The Powell family of Llwydarth and Tondu:—
“Here lyeth the body of Anthony Powell, Esq., deceased* . the seventeenth day
of January, i6z8.
* Here lyeth the body of Thomas Powell, Gent., deceased the 13th day of
December, 1630.
* Likewise here lyeth the body of Anthony Powell, who died the 6th of July,
Anno Domini^ 1631.
“Here also lyeth the body of Edward Powell, Esq.* deceased February, Anm
Domini , 1634.
“Here also lyeth the body of Thomas Powell, Gent, who ^ied the i6th day of
January. Antio Domini^ 1683.
“Here lyeth the body of Edward Powell, son to Thomas Powell, of Tondu,
deceased December the 8th, Anno Domini^ 1686.
* Here lyeth the body of Thomas Powell, of Tondu, who ^ied the xoth day of
October, Anno Domini^ 1728, aged 53.
“Here lyeth interred the body of Thomas Powell, Esq.* oi Tondu, died January
the 4th, 1736.
Here lyetn the body of Edward Powell, Esq , late of Tondu, in this Parish,
who died the 20th day of December, 1771. aged 57 years.
The following Epitaph is inscribed on one of the stones* jind refers to the
above Ed. Powell, buried in z686:—
"Twice twelve years told a weaned breath, Have exchanged for an happy
death; My course was shcit, the longer is my rest God taketh them soonest,
whom h« loveth best.”
It is recorded that in these graves lie the remains of Ieuan Fawr ap y
Diwlith. These tombs (three in number), are on the western side of the Church
Porch, and the * Coat of Arms of the family is still visible on each tomb*
The Cwmyrisga and Chpn Ydpa Families.
Viita cladiiwyd Lewis Maddock, 17
Hydref^ 1618, ^* Ag Anthony Maddock^ 17 Io£tawr, 1684.
Here lyeth Jennet Maddock, widow, 25th
March, Z7X3. And Catheiine Maddock, spinster, 26th May, 1727, * And Elizabeih
Maddock and her sister, who were twinst 19th April, 1738.
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(delwedd J8200) (tudalen 032)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 32.
**Here lyeth the daughter of Anthony Maddock andt Elizabeth his wife, who
died the 23rd January, 1741.
“Here lyeth the lx>dy of Elizabeth, the wife of Anthonv* Maddock, who died
the 2i8t day of April, 1767, in the 57th year of her age.
' Here Iveth the body of Alice, daughter of Anthony Maddock, who died the 7th
of April, Anno Domini^ 1700, aged between 6 and 7 years.
< Here also lyeth the body of Ann Maddock, the daughter of Anthony Maddock
and Ann his wife, who died the 9th of November, 1721, aged 32.
* Here also lyeth the body of Anthony Maddock, who dieD
the 25th of May. 1730, in the 65th vear of his age. “Here also lyeth the body
of Anthony Mad died the i6th day of December 1764, in the 69th year of
“If arts or |Mirti ooald nv« from death. If grotat aod teara could give new
breath; My hopeful grief had lived itill, Moam not for me, it was God's
will.”
There are three tombs, with strong iron railings, fastened to the south wall
of the Church, and inscribed on one is the following:—
“This tomb« erected by Anthony Maddock in the year
I/OO*
The Ty-Newydd Family.
“Here lyeth the body of Jacob Price, died 23rd of Juner x688.
“Here lyeth the body of Morgan Price, died 7th July^ 1716, aged 78.
“Here Ivcth the body of Recs Morgan, son of the said , Price, who died Feb.
i6th; 1731, aged 54. “Here lyeth the body of Catherine Price, spinster, dieD
14th Feb., 1734, &£fed 21.
“Here lyeth the body of Jennet, wife of the said Reca Morgan, who died March
i8th, 1756, aged 72.
“Morgan Price, Esq., of Ty-Newydd, died .June 2istr 1778, aged 68.
“There fled at great a sonl as ever warmed a Welshman'i breait.”
“Mary Price, daughter of Morgan and Gwenllian PricCr died 1743, aged 2 years.
“Rees Price, son of the above M. and G. Price, died Sep. 15th, 1761, aged i6.
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(delwedd J8201) (tudalen 033)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 33.
“The above Gwenllian Price died the 6th day of Feb., 1772, a^ed 62.
* Richard Pricei Surgeon, son of the above M. and G. Price, died Dec. 7th,
1793, aged 56.
*< In Memory of Thomas Smith, Surgeon, nephew of the above R. Price, aged
21, buried at Ath, in Flanders, June,
1794*
“Jennet Smith, died April, 1770, aged 3 years.
“Also Richard Price Smith, died January, 2780, aged . I month.
“Ann Smith Pritchard, died August, 1790, aged 5 months.
*<In Memory of Morgan Price Smith, who tor nearly fifty years lived at New
House, in this Parish, where he died Sep. 9th, 1854.
“Also Mary, his widow, who died April Z4th, 1855."
Near the Tower on the south side, “lieth the remains o the Rev. Evan
Phillips, Curate of this Parish, he died Sept. xith, 1783, aged 34.” On the
front panel of this tomb is an Epitaph in Welsh, composed by the eminent
Clergyman, the Rev. D. Jones, of Llangan, which is as follows: —
“Mel us odiaeth oedd cael huno, Aowyl lesu, yo dy hedd; Melus etaiydd cael
codi
*N ogoneddus ar dy wedd:— Dere'D fuan ar y cwmwl.
Gyda bloedd yr udRorn mawr,
Casgla'Q gO'oo d' etifeddion,
O lochesau Uwch y Llawr.
“Sweet. O Jesus, 'twas to slumber.
In thine arms in peaceful rest,
Sweeter still, when thou shalt call us^
In thy form to join the blest;
Quickly come on clouds descending,
Bid thy mighty trumpet sound,
Till thine heirs their grave bonds rending
To eternal life shall bound.
“R. D. M."
This rev. gentleman was a native of Llangrallo, and was a distinguished
preacher.
' Sacred to the memory of the Rev. Thomas John Williams ( \f yddfai), for six
months a faithful minister of Christ at Maesteg Episcopal Chapel, who died
asth March, 1854, aged 36 years.
This tomb is erected as a slight
tribute to his worth, and as a token of their affection by a sorrowing
congregation." c
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(delwedd J8202) (tudalen 034)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 34.
«* Yb briddyn daw dyn er doaiau— odiel,
Er Awchos gyoeddfau;
Ymddalted y meddyliau,
Ar well byd. ar anil ban/'
“Erected by some of the Old Parishioners in friendly remembrance of Thomas
Evan, for 45 years Parish Clerk of Llangynwyd, who died Dec. 30, 1877, aged
76 years*
* Uuniodd fedd glwvswedd a slAn— i InoedD
Lawer o bob oedran; ^
Heddyw hwn sydd ei bunan.
Yn ^r naikd dan y gro naAn.”
The Old Castle.
From what remains of the Old Castle, it appears that it must have been at
some period a building of some strength, and its position is a sufficient
proof that it was built and occupied for military purposes, long before the
introduction of Artillery. The date of its erection, and indeed its history,
are quite unknown. The distinguished antiquarian, Mr. Clarke, of Dowlais, is
somewhat sceptical as to any Castle having existed here; but what may be seen
at present of the ruins will satisfy any one who has seen it, that it was one
time a place of considerable importance. Rice Merrick, in his history of
Glamorganshire's Antiquities (1578), mentions seven castles as having been
situated upon the mountains, of which Llangynwyd was one, that of which was
called Castell Coch.
The Castle was built in one of the most secluded spots that could be found
within the Parish, and though it is only a little over a quarter of a mile
distant from the Parish Church, it is only known to those who are intimately
acquainted with the locality, for it can hardly be seen from any of the roads
leading to the village.
It stands in a deep glen, and on each side a stream runs close by, the
streams uniting at the bottom of the Castle ground. These streams, at the
time the Castle was occupied, were feeders of the deep moat, which is still
to be seen, surrounding the whole building. The ground upon which the Castle
stood, with that which is supposed to have belonged to it, is about two acres;
but if we take the field adjoining the Castle, which bears traces of having
been formidably entrenched, and undoubtedly was connected with the Castle, it
would be considerably more.
Some are of opinion that it was built upon a still older encampment, and that
it was erected by the Welsh inhabiting these hills, who gave such good
account of themselves.
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(delwedd J8203) (tudalen 035)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 35.
and proved such formidable enemies to those who invaded our country.
From what is seen of the outer walls, it is evident that there was no great
art displayed in the erection of the structure. The materials found on the
spot only were used, nor can we find that even lime to any extent was
employed. Its plan resembles, and might be copied from, that of the early
Romans, who invariably preferred to build in an oblong square, unless there
were important reasons to the contrary. It appears to have only consisted of
a single court, or ward; the sides of which were flanked by towers. The great
hall, and domestic apartments, built upon the outer walls, looked into the
court. A wet and a dry moat surrounded the whole, and entrance to the Castle
was obtained by the drawbridge that crossed the moat, and the barbican on the
adjoining field towards the west, in the direction of the old encampments on
the side of Margam mountain.
Like other old Welsh Castles, this has its traditions. One of these is to the
effect that there is a subterraneous passage, leading from the Castle to
Pontrkydyeyff, a distance of about two miles, and that inside the Castle, in
some of its concealed rooms, is still an iron chest full of treasure, guarded
by superhuman agency; and that an old man who lived a long while ago in the
neighbourhood, at one time attempted to abstract the treasure, but failed to
get near the chest on account of the light being blown out by the guardian
Spirit. The present condition of the Old Castle and its surroundings is,
perhaps, of greater interest to the Botanist than the Antiquarian; as the
whole is clothed with rich verdure, containing some rare specimens of
indigenous plants. The following interesting species may be seen growing over
the ruiiis and its vicinity: —
In the moat grows Cnicus palustris, thi marsh ihistU; Aspidium Filix Mas,
male fern; Scolopendrum Vulgare, Harfs tongue fern; Geranium robertianum,
stinking craneshUl; Rubus Idens, wild raspberry; Pyrus Ancuparia, The Mountain
Ash; Circea lutetiana, E»jM»/^r*5 night sfiade; Stachys Sylvatica, Wood
woundwort; Epilobium Montana, Mountain Willowfterb.
Amid a profusion of hazel bushes, &c., around the entrance to the Castle,
are seen: — Lastroea Filix Foemina, T/u lady fern; Lactuca Virosa, Wild
lettuce; Asplenium trichomanes. Common maiden-hair Spleenwort; Oxalis
Acetosella, Wood Sorrel; while the stones around are covered by the
Marchantia polymorphia, or Common liverwort.
In the main building, some fine Oak and Ash trees look down upon a forest of
Angelica Sylvestris, Common Angelica,
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(delwedd J8204) (tudalen 036)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 36.
once much used as a sweetmeat when candied. Pteris Aquilina, Ccmtfum brake;
Digitalis purpurea, Ccmmon Fox-glove, which grows in abundance everywhere.
The sloping south bank of the moat is nearly covered by a thick growth of
Pinpinella Saxifrage, Buniet Saxifrage; by the bank of the brook is found
Eupatorium Cannabinum, Henip Agrimony. In the fields, and beside some roads
in the neighbourhood, may be found the Lastrea Oreopteris, the sweet scented
Buckler /^n»; Betonica officinalis, ^^ Wood Betony*
Perhaps the rarest plants found in the district are the Dro* sera longifolia.
Narrow-leaved Sundew; and the Drosera rotundi* folia, Round'leaved Sundew;
the insectivorous plants referred to by the late Charles Darwin. In the same
bog grows the Narthecium Ossifrageum, Lattcashtre AspJiodet; Carex pulicaris,
Tlieflea Carex; Rosa rubiginosa. Sweet brier; Polygola Vulgaris,*
Aff/i^tewr^; Erica tetralix, Cross-leaved heath. In the summer months on the
tips at Maesteg are seen growing the Oenothera biennis. The sweet uented
Evening Primrose.
On the hills scarcely anything is met with but Sheep's fescue grasst Festuca
Ovina, Moor CorUf Juncus Squarosus, and Juncus lamprocarpus.
The Roman Camp.
This old encampment is in a very good state of preservation. It is situated
on the Llangynwyd side of Margam Hill, on Ty'n-Cwm Farm, and the spot was
known to the older inhabitants of the Parish as the “Bwlwarcau,*”and this
name was adopted by the late Ordnance Survey. There is no doubt that it was constructed
by the Romans during one of their journeys through this part of the country.
The discipline of the Romans was chiefly conspicuous in their marches and
encampments. They never passed a night, even in the longest marches, without
pitching a camp, and fortifying it with a rampart and ditch. Persons were
always sent before to choose and mark out a place for the purpose. This
encampment corresponds in every respect with the form of the Roman Castra, in
which an army remained but one, two, or, at most, three nights. Its form is
square, and it is surrounded by a ditch about nine feet deep, and twelve or
fifteen feet broad; and a rampart composed of the earth dug from the ditch,
and divided into^two parts, called the upper and lower. There are other encampments
higher up on the mountain, but whether they are relics of the Romans, or the
work of a later period, we are not prepared to say.
Sm sols oo origin of thia term in
“Daviet' History of West Gower."
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(delwedd J8205) (tudalen 037)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 37.
On the summit of the same hill are still visible some traces of what is said
to have been a Roman road, which is known by the inhabitants as “Heol y
Moch”; — which is supposed to lead from the Baiden Hills to this encampment,
and thence in a northerly direction, descending Blaeucynaivoa Mountain, and
crossing the intervening valley, to ascend the brow of the Garnwen, and to
traverse the ridge as far as Cymmer; thence in the direction of Hirwain, and
from there to Brecon. Portions of this old thoroughfare still retain
suggestive names, such as Rhiw-thr-y^Cytttfy and Cawsi (causeway), Talsam,
&c.
Y TWMPATH, OR CrUO Y DlWLlTH.
This is a huge mound or hillock on Margam Mountain, about two and a half
miles west of Llangynwyd Church, and about the same distance eastward from
Margam Church, and is considered one of the seven wonders of Glamorgan. It
may have been the exact spot in former days where the Hamlets of Cwmdu and
Llangynwyd Middle conjoined, and where both met on the eastern edge of the
boundary of Margam Parish.
It is supposed that after a great battle fought on this hill, the slain were
laid to rest under this iwmpath* It seems to be alluded to in the Myfyrian
Archaeology, vol. iii., p. 275, under a series of “triads,”which were said to
have been recited” Ger bron Twmpath Ptydydiion Tir larlL”We read that the
bards of Tir Iarll were in the habit of assembling alternately on the 24th of
June of every year on the Twntpatk^ in the Church of Llangynwyd^ and the
Church of BtHws^ to hold their Goneddau or Bardic Congresses. But what is
most interesting concerning this mound is the general tradition, that no dew
was ever seen upon it, hence the name by which it is still known. Of course,
were this the case, it would have been truly one of the seven wonders of the
world; but the hillock was never dewless, and it would have been the last
place for the Welsh bards to respect, much less to hold their Gorsedd upon.
Was it not one of the choice delights of a certain eminent bard to see
clusters of dew on clover — “Tew wlith ar feillion **?
Tne name, diwliilh is only a corruption of the word Duwlith. It was customary
in ancient days to perambulate the bounds and limits of parishes, and an
exhortation was given at certain stations on the journey; an example of such
exhortation may be seen in the book of Homilies* and given by the clergyman
of either parishes, when the bounds were beaten, it would be, indeed,
Duw-iitht a lesson rom God. It may be further said that the words Duw and
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(delwedd J8206) (tudalen 038)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 38.
llUkt as commonly spoken, give a most accurate idea of the way in which the
word diwliik is pronounced by the inhabit tants of the immediate district.
The Lbtterbd Stonb.
This ancient stone or monument was placed about two hundred yards from the
Twmpaih, It is about 5 feet in length, i\ feet broad, and about a foot thick,
while the face of the stone bears an inscription entirely in Roman Capitals;
the whole being in excellent preservation. There was in olden times an
affirmation among the ignorant people of the neighbourhood, that whosoever
should read the inscription would soon die. 'jThe following is the
inscription:—
BODVOC— hIC. TACIT >. ,
FILIVS CATOTWiRNI «/
l/C lyTVQMAI f '
*
PRONEPVS ETERNALI VEDOMAVI*
The above inscription has perplexed the profoundest scholars, and the true
meaning has not been ascertained yet. Taliesin Williams thought it to be of
as early date as a.d. 300r while Prof. Westwood, of Oxford, thinks it is more
probably of the fifth, or even the sixth century. Dr. Jones again, in his
“History of Wales,” p. iii, regards Bodvoc, as identical with Madoc, a
kinsman of the last Llewelyn, whom, he says, led an arm)r to Glamorgan, and
was buried on this Vnoun tain, and maintains that the inscription on the
stone alludes to him. See also the Book ofMargantj p. 199, and £nderbie’s
Cambria Triumphans, p. 331. Dr. Jones's conjecture is supported by a
quotation from an Ode in the Myf. Arch., vol. z, p. 125, which was composed
by the Bard Casnodyn, who flourished between 1290 and 1330, on “Madoc,"
which reads thus:— “Lkw gUw ghewhn Lan'Gynnyi,”
In the same poem, several local names are also mentioned, such as Gostn and
Margam^ which proves beyond any doubt that Madoc had identified himself with
this part of Glamorgan* shire. To our mind, Dr. Jones is nearer the mark than
some other historians who say that Madoc 's army, after many struggles, was
defeated by King Edward I., and himself taken prisoner in 1295, and confined
for life in the Tower of London.
The Chancel Stone.
This curious old stone was found about 30 years ago in the
* Dr. JOMi traniUtes this inacriptioii ai follows:»“H£f£ Utt Mnioc ah CtiyM
ab Sim of North WoUs,"
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(delwedd J8207) (tudalen 039)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 39.
middle of the chancel wall, when the said wall was taken down to be rebuilti
and it is presumed to have been placed there when the Church was restored in
the year x688. The stone is extremely hard, and does not appear to be of a
kind that occurs in the neighbourhood.
It is a8 inches long, by 13 inches wide, and 8 inches thick^ and is pierced
through with an oblong hole, which is supposed to have been formed for the
socket in which the base of a cross was fixed, of which there are no remains.
There is a slight trace around the edge of what may be regarded as “Ogham
Characters," but unlortunately the greater portion of them have been
chipped off by an ignorant handy when it was placed in the wall*
There are lines cut very sharply on th^ surface, but they can scarcely be
regarded as the letters of an inscription oif any kind.
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(delwedd J8208) (tudalen 040)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 40.
CHAPTER V,
The Roman Catholic Chap«l. - The
Indepeadenta. - Welih Calviniatic
Methoditta. - *Bapti8ts. - Weileyant.
- The Maesteg Town Hall. - Elementary Schools.
The Roman Catholic Chapbl.
^^P to about the year 1870 the Romanists at Maesteg
^tcix) depended on missions from Bridgend and Aberaian.
^^ The Earl of Dunraven had left in his will £2,000 for
the establishment of a mission at Maesteg, which legacy was
reduced to;^i,8oo by payment of duty, and this sum was
expended on the Chapel, School, and Priest's house.
These buildings are situated on a portion of Maesteg farm, the property of
Colonel Turberville, of Ewenny, not far firom the spot known as the Gam Lwyd,
The Chapel, &c., is a Gothic structure, designed by Mr. R. Buckland, of
Swansea, in the good taste which generally characterizes Roman Catholic
edifices. The Chapel was opened in the Autumn of the year 1872, and dedicated
to “Our Lady and Saint Patrick." The six brass candlesticks on the altar
were purchased at Paris; and the side altar, which is richly carved, was made
at Munich, and presented to this Chapel by the late Countess of Dunraven. The
opening ceremony was conducted by Canon Price, of Bridgend; Canon Vaughan,
O.S.B.; and the Rev. Peter Lewis, M.R. and Dean, Swansea. The present
resident Priest is Father Davies.
The Independents.
The Rev. Samuel Jones, of Brynllywarch, established the first Independent
Church in this Parish, at a place called Ty*maen. When the chiurch which he
also planted at Bettws, an adjoining Parish, removed for some reason to
Bryn-menyn, some of the members from this locality, who found the distance to
Bryn-menyn too great, united with the few who had been accustomed to assemble
at Ty-maen. The community thus constituted, after a length of time, found a
meeting place at the Graig Fach, which was originally built to accommodate
the Calvinistic Methodists; but Rees Howells, of Sychbant, who had control
over this
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(delwedd J8209) (tudalen 041)
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HISTORY OF LLANGTNWYD. 41.
little meeting house, and on whose land it was erected, was expelled for some
reason by the CM. fraternity, and he in return gave over the Graig Fach to
the Independents, and joined that society. Rees Howells before his death,
again willed the Graig Fach to the CM., and the Independents were obhged to
seek another meeting place, which- they did this time at the long-room of the
“Old House Tavern," Llangynwyd Village, where services were held during
many years. The cause at this time was under the charge of the Rev. Abraham
Tibbot, who lived and farmed at Brynllywarch; a portion of this place recalls
the good man's name to this day, being known as Craig Abraham. About the year
z8oo the little fraternity ventured to acquire an unfinished house which had
been commenced, but not completed, by a well known tradesman in the village.
This they converted into a place of worship under the name of Bethesda, and a
small plot of burial ground was attached to it. Mr. Tibbot was succeeded by
the Rev. Edward Walters. During Mr. Walters' ministry, the Independent Chapel
at Cymmer, Glyncorrwg, was erected — the first offshoot of this prolific and
honourable tree. Mr. Walters did not remain long at Llangynwyd, but emigrated
to America, where he died.
His successor was the Rev. Methusalem Jones, who, after a period of service
of six years, left, to take the oversight of a small church at Merthyr. After
him came the Rev. Wm. Beynon, who laboured here for twelve years. Mr. Beynon
died in 1846, and was interred in the Parish Churchyard. It was during his
ministry that Maesteg began to be known as a centre of mining industry, and
the Maesteg Works were commenced. Consequently, upon this, Carmel Chapel had
been built, another branch of the cause inaugurated by the small and feeble
remnant at Llangynwyd Village.
Carmel, in its turn, has prosperea, and has yet further extended its
boundaries,— and proved a worthy scion of the good and enterprising stock
from which it sprang.
Now, though we have hardly brought the history of the Independent
denomination down to these days, we arrive at the time of the advent of one
who was, though the grave has but lately covered him, a fit contemporary of
the greatest orators and preachers wild Wales has ever produced. A man of
commanding presence, an orator, and a sincere Christian— the Rev. William
Morgan was known and beloved wherever the Welsh Language was spoken, and the
benign influence of the Welsh Pulpit has extended. Though he had reached the
ripe age of 84 years, and had ministered in this Parish for the long period
of 53 years, he died in the plenitude of
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(delwedd J8210) (tudalen 042)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 42.
his powers. He hath entered into his rest, but his name will long be
remembered, and fragrant to our hearts. He was ordained to the work of the
ministry in March, 1829, at Llangynwyd, when he took the charge of Bethesda,
and the sister churches at Carmel, Maesteg, and Siloam, Cefncribwr. Becoming,
after some years, pastor of Carmel alone, he amtinued to minister there till
his death, which took place January 4th, 1883.
By this time, the Independents have increased to such' a degree, that they
possess in the Parish seven Welsh chapels, and one English. The following is
a list of them, and their pastors: —
Carmel. Maesteg . ... The Rev. W. R. Bowen.
Zoar. ., ... ... „ M John Jones.
Siloh, ,. ... D. Prosser.
Sanm« .. „ — —
Bethesda. Llan Village D.Morris.
Ebenezcr. Garth ... R. Waltem
Dyflryn. Higher Hamlet .. .. .. — . Morris.
Congregatiooal {EmgUk) ., J.James.
The Calvinistic Methodists.
It is recorded that Howell Harris, one of the founders of the CM. denomination,
once preached at Llangynwyd Village. Perhaps this fact would not have been
known to us^ at present, had it not been for the following incident in
connection with his visit.
It appears that he addressed his hearers from a mound, which was attached to
the wall of the Church-yard, and that as soon as this was made known to Mrs.
Thomas, the wife of the then Vicar of the Parish, who lived at Maescadrod,
she gave orders for the mound, which had been in her opinion thus defiled, to
be immediately taken down and removed. It does not appear that his preaching
had much effect on the people of the "Old Parish,” tor it was some
thirty years after the time it is supposed that Mi. Harris was at Llangynwyd,
that we find a few of his followers commencing to hold prayer meetings at a
small house, called Nawt y Crynwydd, which, in process of time, came to be
designated as a small Church. This event dates as for back as the year 1774.
Among others who had joined was Mr. Rees Howells, of Sychbant, a respectable farmer;
who invited his fellow- worshippers to meet at his house, an offer they
readily accepted, as the Sychbant in every respect was most convenient to the
majority of them. After they had assembled for some time at this place, and
had increased in number, Mr. Howells proposed that a Chapel should be built
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(delwedd J8211) (tudalen 043)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 43.
on one of his fields. This proposal was again received with much favour, and
with the aid they received from the neighbourhood at large, the little Chapel
was completed, and was called the Graig Fach. As already mentioned, R.
Howells, havmg transgressed the rules of this Society, and been expelled, he
made over the Graig Fach to the Independents, which compelled the little
Methodist brotherhood to remove their meeting place for a time to Brynmawr
farm-house, which was only a short distance from the Graig Fach, and was
occupied by one of the name of Sion Maddock. It is stated that while meetings
were held at this place, a man by the name of John David attended their
meetings regularly from a place called the Splot, a farm near St. Donats, at
a distance of over 18 miles. About this time also, the first monthly meeting
of this connexion was held in the Parish, and for convenience’ sake, it was
arranged to have it holden at Llan Village. The Rev. David Jones, of Llangan,
and the Rev. Evan Phillips, of Llangrallo, preached in the Parish Church in
the morning, and Hopkin Bevan, of Cilfwnwr, near Llangyfelach, preached in
the afternoon behind the old tithe barn, which stood where the Corner House
stands at present. This exhorter became afterwards the only ordained minister
of this connexion in Glamorganshire for some years.
Mr. R. Howells, of Sychbant, before his death desired that the Graig
Fach should be restored to the CM., and from his death, which took place in
the year 1800, till the year 1828, meetings and Sabbath Schools were
regularly held at the Graig Fach; the Sabbath journey for those who were
engaged to preach at this place was Pontrhydyfen in the morning, Graig Fach
in the afternoon, and Glynogwr in the evening.
The inauguration of the Maesteg Works brought large numbers of strangers to
settle in the place, and the Graig Fach was not found spacious enough to
accommodate their number, and the venerable old place was abandoned; one
portion removing to the long-room of the “Old House Tavern," while the
other found a temporary dwelling at a place called Ysgubor Wen, near the
works.
In the year 1840 Tabor Chapel was erected, and soon after, the little
fraternity at Llan Village converted a dwelling-house into a little chapel,
which has been subsequently enlarged, and is called “Y Babell.”
The population of Maesteg being still on the increase, the want of another
Chapel was felt in the Upper District, and about the year 1850 Hermon was
built, which may be considered as a branch of Tabor. About 14 years ago,
another handsome chapel was erected at Garth in the lower portion of
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(delwedd J8212) (tudalen 044)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 44.
the district of Maesteg, and finally, another at Pontrhydycyff; making a
total of five places of worship belonging to the Calvinistic Methodists
within the Parish.
The Rev. John Williams, of Garth is the only ordained minister residing in
the neighourhood; the various pulpits are supplied by ministers from other
districts on the Sabbath.
The Baptist Denomination.
There appears to be no doubt that persons holding the Baptist creed existed
in this Parish even during the Revolution, which ended in the execution of
King Charles I., and the subsequent overturning of the Hierarchy of the
Established Church in England. The Rev. Joshua Thomas, in his “History of the
Baptists," says, “I hear that one of the military-officers under
Cromwell lived at Nantmwth, near Coetrehen, where Mr. Jonathan Francis now
lives, and that he was one of the Baptists. I did not hear his name. Others
of them (the Baptists) lived in these parts in the time of the persecution (I
presume after the restoration of King Charles II.). In the Parish of
Llangynwyd, near there, lived Mr. Samuel Jones, of Brynllywarch; there were
some Baptists in that Parish at the time of the persecution. I was lately
told by an old man that he remembered three of them, named Howell Rees,
Morgan Evan, and Evan John, and that these people and his own parents were
persecuted, and compelled to pay the fine for not attending Church. He said
that religious fellowship existed between his parents and these men, and that
they were men of good reputation. The old man himself could not remember the
persecution, but stated that these men lived until after the coming of more
peaceful times. There is no reason to doubt that our fathers in the faith
suffered in those times here, as in other parts of Wales."
Further evidence of the existence of Baptists in the neighbourhood is
afforded by the same author, who states that "Mr. Thomas Joseph, who was
in 1662 expelled from the living of Llangeinor, and Mr. Howell Thomas, who
was expelled from that of Glyncorrwg, were Baptists."
But, with the decline of religious feeling that followed and existed so long
after the re-accession of the Stuarts, we lose sight of the denomination in
this Parish until early in this present century, when we find that a W.
Griffiths, a member and preacher at Zion Chapel, Merthyr, removed to “Llwyni”
in the year 1827, and that he was an acceptable preacher at Maesteg, Cwmgarw,
and Bettws. He, however, is, in a few
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(delwedd J8213) (tudalen 045)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 45.
years, lost sight of, and, if living, does not appear to have been a
recognised preacher in 1839.
After this, the Baptist cause in Maesteg becomes identified with the history
of the Rev. Thomas Hopkin, an energetic, brave, and earnest man, who,
single-handed, appears to have been the means of again reviving the
denomination in this place, to whose honour it should be said, that the
present flourishing state of the denomination, with its six fine chapels,
many hundreds of communicants, and many more hundreds of adherents, is the
outcome of this worthy pioneer's energy and devotion. Born in the year 1792
at Ystradyfodwg, he appears to have preached his first sermon at the chapel
near his birthplace when he was about seventeen years of age. So promising
did the young preacher appear, that he was recommended to enter the Baptist
College then existing at Abergavenny, and the preliminary arrangements for
that purpose were entered into. Unfortunately, however, circumstances at the last
moment prevented this, and Thomas Hopkin never received the advantage of a
collegiate training.
Having taken unto himself a wife in the year 1816, Mr. Hopkin removed from Ystrad to Hirwain,
where, upon the re-opening of the Hirwain Works by Mr. Wm. Crawshay, he was
most active in religious work; and in obtaining the money to liquidate the
debt on a chapel erected through his instrumentality in 1826. Two years after
this, he again removed, this time to Maesteg, and on Christmas Day, 1828,
became the ordained minister of the Baptist Church in that place. And let it
here be noted that this was a time when the Baptist cause (as were all
religious causes in Maesteg) was at its weakest, where religious people were
few, and their circumstances poor. Still, some there were who were faithful,
and whose names are still reverenced by those who are able to look back at
the past, as having been faithful and earnest, even in these times of
religious depression. Such were Richard and Ann Evans, commonly known as Richard
and Ann o’r Shop. In Mr. Evans’ house it was that the little brotherhood met,
to hear the sermons of Mr. Hopkin. The little church appears, according to
its means, to have been truly liberal in its treatment of its minister, and
truly united in its desire to serve its Master. An instance of this is
afforded by the fact that Mrs. Evans, afterwards wife of Mr. Dd. Evans,
Grocer, was accustomed to walk from Nant-tew-laeth every Sunday, and
frequently on week nights
* Rev. I. Thomas' history of the Welsh Baptists.
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(delwedd J8214) (tudalen 046)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 46.
also* in order to attend di\nne service— a self-sacrifice which DOW-a*days
finds few imitators.
The business at the shop of Mr. Evans, and the attendance at the services
held by the little fraternity there, appear to have increased, and the
congregation were compelled to seek larger premises. After having had, for a
short time, the use of the house of one Samuel Rees, they determined to apply
to Mr. Richards, of the Coetrehen Arms, for the use of the “Long Room"
attached to that house, which was immediately granted, and the little flock
remained there for some time. It was during this period that one of the
lamentable schisms, usually denomiated splits, resulted in the removal of a
portion of the flock to the holding of services in the loft of the Crown Inn,
where they remained some time. It is, however, pleasing to note, that,
by-and-bye, the wandering few returned to the fold, and Thomas Hopkm was once
more pastor of a united people. The accommodation at the Coetrehen Arms, in its
turn, became too narrow, and now the Church, impelled thereto, no doubt, by
the courage and hopefulness of Mr. Hopkin, resolved to build a house of their
own. This they did, upon ground leased to them by the liberal and
large-hearted Gervase P. Turberville, Esq., for a term of 999 years.
Doubtless, the undertaking was to the little brotherhood a large one. The
chapel cost them the sum of sixty pounds, and was called Bethania — the
progenitor of three later Bethanias, each larger and more spacious than its
predecessors. Since then, the history of the Baptists at Maesteg has been
reduplication of that of Maesteg itself. With the increase of the staple
industries, and the consequent increase of population and prosperity, the
Baptist Churches have continued to grow stronger and more influential, and,
let us hope, more earnest and devoted also.
As with the other denominational bodies, the Baptist churches at Maesteg have
brought up in their midst men who have made the name of Maesteg better known
than otherwise it would have been. Thomas Hopkin stands in the front, as
pioneer; strong, undaunted, brave, ilu man to initiate a great cause, and to
help it over its early difficulties. But there are others. One of his
successors, the Rev. Hugh Hughes, now of Dinas, is no unknown man in Wales;
Howell Davies, of Salem, a man of simple piety and humble eloquence, did a
great and honourable work 1 And he who has so lately passed away — Richard
Hughes *
* Tha Rev. Richard Hoghet was bom
November itt, 1S20, died December ^th, Z8S5.
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(delwedd J8215) (tudalen 047)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 47.
— has left behind him a name that will smell sweet while Wales loves poetry,
and eloquence, and Godliness. To have known this good man, so simple in his
pathos, so meek in his demeanour, so beloved and so respected by all that
knew him, —was to know one of the brightest examples of that noblest of God's
works,— a true Christian man. His form, his features, his utterances, and his
poems, will not be forgotten, while those live who were acquainted with him;
and these are many, for the inoffensiveness of his life, and the integrity of
his character, endeared him, not only to his fellow-townsmen, but to all
Welshmen.
The Baptist denomination now stands very high in the Parish, for the number
of its adherents, and the beauty of the edifices devoted to its ritual.
Following is a list of the Baptist Chapels and their present Pastors:—
Bethania ... ... — ^-^_
Salem. . ... ... Rev. J. Cenulanydd WUUams.
Tabemacto ... ... , fedward fooet.
Calvary ... ... ,. D. P. Gnfiitht.
rr:::h««'"|:ll^
The Wbslbvans.
The first start in connection with this denomination of Christians in the
Parish was in a cottage in McGregor Row, in the year 1839. Services were held
in this cottage for about two years, and conducted by local preachers, and
occasionally by an ordained minister from Cardiff, in which circuit Maesteg
was at that period. When the number of members reached ten, an effort was
made to acquire a place for worship; and at a circuit meeting held at
Llantwit, the matter was considered, but disallowed, as being contrary to the
rules of the Wesleyan Conference. Subsequently, Bridgend and Cowbridge, with
the surrounding villages, were constituted into a separate circuit, apart
from that of Cardiff, and the little church at Maesteg was attended to by the
ministers residing at Bridgend and Cowbridge, and the services held at the
old Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, now the residence of the Rev. John
Jones.
For some reason the services were again discontinued in the Welsh Chapel, and
the small band uf worshippers held their meetings for some time at the old
English Baptist Chapel, Galltcwm Row; in Shoemaker Row; in the Swan
Club-room; and in the Old Works Infant Schoolroom. After these years of
wandering, in the year 1857, the friends resolved upon building a small
chapel. The plans and
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(delwedd J8216) (tudalen 048)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 48.
scheme were approved of at a quarterly meeting of the circuit at Bridgend,
the Rev. Thomas Osborne (afterwards I^. Osborne) presiding.
The chapel is in the Gothic stvle of architecture, capable of seating 2oo»
and is situated in Alfred-street. The pioneers of Wesleyan Methodism in the
Parish were Mr. George Bedford and Mr. William Rowe. The chapel is free from
debt, but the cause is still small.
Thb Mabsthg Town Hall.
This beautiful and massive block of buildings is situated near the Railway
Station, and erected on an enclosure of about two acres of ground adjacent to
Commercial-street, the principal thoroughfare of the town. The memorial stone
was placed the jist October, 1881, by the Lord Lieutenant of Glamorgan— C. R.
M. Talbot, Esq., M.P.. who ffave practical proof of his sympathy with the
movement by contributing a donation of ^^500 to the building fund. The
Market, Hall and Grounds were opened for use aand October, 1882.
The building is of Queen Anne style of architecture, a style now greatly in
vogue. The Hall is 86 feet long, by 45 feet broad, and 40 feet high, with a
gallery capable of seating 350 persons; the ground floor is covered by a
commodious Market-place, Board-rooms, &c. The great liall is reached from
the street by a double flight of stairs; the stage is admirably constructed
with most convenient retiring rooms, cloak-room, and a flrst-class entrance.
The grounds on the east side are enclosed by a high stone wall, and on the
west with ornamental railings with entrances from both sides.
The plans were prepared by Mr. H. C. Harris, of Cardiff; the Contractors
being Messrs. G. Thomas & Sons, of Pembroke and Newport, Government
Contractors. The duties of Honorary Secretary of the Building Committee were
entrusted to Mr. J. H. Thomas, Ashby Villa, who was also a member of the
Maesteg Board of Health. Mr. Thomas has carried out his duties in a very
satisfactory manner, and has been instrumental in collecting nearly all the
donations subscribed to the building fund. The cost of the whole structure
was considerably over j^3,ooo, which is by this time nearly all removed.
Schools.
There are no schools within the Parish, higher than Elementary. There is a
National School at LlangynwyD
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(delwedd J8217) (tudalen 049)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 49.
Village under the supervision of the Vicar, and a Catholic School at Maesteg;
the other schools are connected with the different works ofthe district, and
are styled British Schools.
A portion of the Upper Hamlet has lately been amalgamated with the Parish of
Gl3rncorrwg, for the purpose of forming a School Board district for that
part, and a commodious and expensive building has been erected at Cymmer*
The accommodation for the whole Parish may be roughly estimated to be for
3,500 children; and the average attendance about a,ooo. The grants earned
from the Education Department by all the schools (excepting the Cymmer B.
School) for the year (1885), amounted to 1^1,453 sas. ad.
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(delwedd J8218) (tudalen 050)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 50.
CHAPTER VL
Local indattriet, their history and devdopmeDt. - Introduction. The starting of the Old Works. - The Spelter Works. - The Cambrian Iron Co. - Ty-Chwyth. - Garth and Cwmdu. - The Oakwood Colliery. - The Llwydarth Tinplate.Works. - The JJynA and Ogmore Railway. -
Talfedw Mill.
The valley of the Llyfnwy has long been renowned for the greatness of its
mineral resources and the extent of its hidden mineral wealth: coal and
ironstone of the richest quality are here found in such abundance that the
winning and working of them have taken their place as the staple trades of
the neighbourhood. Doubtless, the presence of these minerals has been known
from a very early date — possibly since the time of the Roman invaders.
Numerous finds of Roman coins have been made in the neighbourhood, which are,
presumably, the relics of a traffic, the parties to which have, centuries
ago, passed away. There are also other proofs, which establish beyond doubt
the great antiquity of the staple industries in these parts. Mr. James
Barrow, in his able and exhaustive paper on the mineral resources of the
Llynvi Valley, notes the discovery of the remains of an ancient furnace,
which was made in the course of excavations for the old tramway. We have,
however, further proofs in the names which certain districts still retain.
Not far away are Rhyd-y-Gefeiliau (“The Ford of Smithies”), and Cil-y-Gofiaid
(“The Smiths' Retreat”) names which are undoubtedly of great antiquity. Also,
Cwm^Nant-yGlo (“Coal-brook Dale “}, &c. So many of the coal measures
crop^ or rise to the surface, in this neighbourhood, and the work of
coal-getting was thus rendered so easy, that we are not surprised to find
that for centuries house coal has been raised in the parish, and that hence
the fuel supply of a very wide district was obtained. Not that mining had
then become the science which it maynow justly claim to be. The modes of
coal-getting were undoubtedly primitive and rude in the extreme; and in the
diary of Mr. Parry, elsewhere referred to, we find evidence that the number
of hands employed, and the amount of capital expended in the mining
enterprises of former days, would now be considered ridiculously small.
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(delwedd J8219) (tudalen 051)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 51.
It would seem that our forefathers preferred, as being safer and less
troublesome, to sink shafts to their coal measures, rather than to work
through those horizontal or slightly inclining tunnels which are technically
called levels. Possibly, having in view the ample wealth of coal at their
command, and their utter ignorance of the proper mode of ventilating
underground workings, they were right. 80 it was, that when they reached the
depth of from 20 to 40 feet, and when they found any difficulty in working
with naked lights, the pit was abandoned, and a fresh one opened. They had
primitive views, too, of the proper mode of working their coal. Ajb a rule,
their pits were large enough only to allow one collier to work therein, and
he, having heaved the coal from its bed, brought it up from the pit in a
basket, using for the purpose a ladder of sufficient length. It was thought,
too, that these shallow pits would be rendered unsafe were too large a
quantity of coal taken away; so coal was always left to form the roof of the
working; or, in other words, the lower part of the stratum only was worked,
and the upper part left untouched. There were also large pillars of solid
coal left, in order that this roof should be supported; so that, on the
whole, we may conclude the fathers of the Llangynwyd coal mining community
left behind rather more coal than they took away, even from the very little,
comparatively, that they worked of the “black diamonds.”
Still, what was, for those days, a large quantity of coal was raised in this
neighbourhood, and the farm houses and cottages of the Vale of Glamorgan were
indebted, for their cheerful coal fires, to this district. Viewed in the
light of our present large trade, how strange does it appear that coal was
then sold, not by weight, but by the sack, the usual price of a sack of coal,
whatever its size, being three pence!
In keeping with the rest was the mode by which the coal was transported from
the pit’s mouth to its destination. In the days we are describing — the days
of cheap labour and dignified leisure— few labourers or tradesmen in rural
districts were too poor to keep a donkey, which donkey generally earned a
comfortable subsistence by the wayside, or on some common. When coal was to
be fetched, a troop of these donkeys would wend their way up the valley,
bearing the empty sacks, under the care of a lad or two, or, perhaps, the
more careful superintendence of some superannuated labourer, or even of a
woman. Time was no great object on the journey, although it was necessary
that the cavalcade should start very early in the morning— a custom which is
referred to in the third line of the following triplet:-—
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(delwedd J8220) (tudalen 052)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 52.
MMtr ceiliog coch yn cana,
Mae’n bryd i'r merched gwni,
Mae’r bachgen bach yn myn'd t*a’r flo^
A'r futwch a’r llo yn brefu.
The' eastern akief are glowing, The cock ia shrilly crowing; The lads are
starting for the coaly The cow and calf are lowing. R. D. M.
Arrived at the coal-pit, the sacks would be filled, the donkeys laden, and
the homeward journey commenced, each animal, with its burden, being left at
its owner's door, and a small gratuity handed to the conductor of the
procession. But, by-and-bye, this cumbrous and toilsome means of transit grew
out of date, while, at the same time, the fame of the Llangynwyd and “Llwyni”
coals became more widely known; and thus it was that, almost within living
memory, waggons came from the far distant banks of the Severn to the
coal-pits at the Farm, near Llangynwyd village, or to those at Brynysig,
Bryn* ^^g* or Coegnant, the principal sources, it would appear, at that
period, of house coal.
It is to the works at Brynysig, it would appear, that the unenviable
distinction belongs of having been the scene of what was, seemingly, the
first colliery accident that occurred in the valley. One of the old parish
registers mentions a man having been killed “at Brynrhffg^ underground,” in the
year 1682 (see Extracts from Parish Registers). We must not omit to mention,
however, that there were, no doubt, other coal-pits than those mentioned
worked in the neighbourhood from a very early date; and the quantity of coal
raised from some of them must have been considerable. We have on record an
occurrence that happened in the year 1792, which, in the eyes of our
forefathers, attained the dimensions of a catastrophe. At a place called
Gwaen-y-Dyffryn, in the upper hamlet, a large quantity of coal had been
raised during the slack summer months, in readiness for the anticipated
winter demand. By some means or other, the coal took fire, and blazed for
some time, defying the appliances then at command to extinguish it. So high
did the flames mount, and so fiercely did they rage, that the conflagration
was visible in some parts of the Vale of Glamorgan, and great consternation
was caused in the valley and the surrounding districts.
The industries thus humbly inaugurated, and which have how attained such
important dimensions, have suffered many vicissitudes; and, while the
progress which has attended their development has been wonderful, there is a
mournful record of energy wasted, wealth spent, and fortunes wrecked in
connection with them.
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(delwedd J8221) (tudalen 053)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 53.
Leaving the somewhat misty past, we come to the early part of the present
century, from whence, it would appear, we may date the commencement of coal
and iron raising in this valley on a larger scale, and by modern methods.
The honourable title of pioneer in this direction belongs to Mr. Thomas
Jones, a currier, who, at the period mentioned, carried on business at
Abergavenny. It would appear that Mr. Jones was convinced that there were
hidden treasures in some of the remote valleys of Glamorganshire,— riches
that only waited to be unearthed by the pickaxe of the adventurous
capitalist; to reward him with the wealth and honours that had accrued to the
Guests, the Hills, and the Crawshays. He visited the county on a prospecting
tour, and, coming accidentally to this valley, found indications that
convinced him that his dreams were, to some extent, to be realized, and the
coveted riches almost within his grasp. Mr. Llewelyn David, the then owner of
Llwyni farm, had thereon a small level which he worked. It was situated at
Cwm-nant-y-gwiail, near the spot whereon now stands the Crown Inn. Mr. Jones
at once opened negotiations with Mr. David, and in 1798 leased the Llwyni
farm, with the underlying minerals. The rent was certainly not excessive,
viewed in the light of our present knowledge; but in those days the
speculation was considered a sufficiently risky one, and Mr. David was
considered to have done well in securing for his land a rent of j^ioo per
annum, with three loads of coal weekly in winter and two in summer, which
covenant was to continue during the term of the lease. In 1802, Mr. Jones
leased Bryurkyg farm, and proceeded to commence operations on a larger scale.
His first essays in coal mining prove him to have been a man of somewhat
daring and original views. He, on the hill side at Brynrhyg, constructed a
large pond, to contain the water of the adjacent mountain streams, and his
project was, that the water should, when sufficient had accumulated, be
allowed to rush down over the mountain side, so as to wash away the overlying
earth, and lay bare to the light of day the coal measures beneath. As might
have been anticipated, the plan failed, and Mr. Jones was fain to cast about
for some other mode of attaining his object. While matters were at this
stage, Mr. Jones failed in business, was declared bankrupt, and his property
at Abergavenny sold. He had taken precautions to have the leases of Llwyni,
&c., made out in the name of his brother, Mr. Charles Jones, and so saved
these properties from the wreck of his affairs. Arrived at the end of his own
capital, Mr. Jones spent years in his
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(delwedd J8222) (tudalen 054)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 54.
endeavours to induce other gentlemen to beconae partners in his undertaking;
and, in the year z824» concluded arrangements with six gentlemen to join him.
These were Messrs. Buckland, Rusher (?), Stancombe, Motley, Fussell, and
Williams.
The labours and anxiety of 26 years were apparently about to be rewarded, and
Mr. Jones was in London obtaining the necessary signatures to the deeds of
partnership, and, while there, was struck down by death. His brother, Mr.
Charles Jones, took the matter up where it had been left, and proceeded to
London, on the same errand that had proved so fatal to Mr. Thomas Jones.
Marvellous to relate, his journey and his life were ended in the same
peculiar manner. The apparently fatal task devolved thus upon another
brother, Mr. William Jones, and he proceeded to London, and carried the
matter to a successful issue.
Besides the properties we have mentioned, the newly-formed Company took over
Mr. Jones's interest in the farm called Cwrt-y-mwnws, or more properly
perhaps Cwrt-y* mwnwjrs. This had been leased from the owner, Mr. John
Hopkin, who lived at the farm-house, for 99 years, at an annual rent of
i^io5. Mr. Hopkin had opened several pits on the land, and had done a
considerable trade in coal. So great had the demand become, and the supply
obtained by the primitive modes of coal-winning then in use was so limited,
that it was seldom that Mr. Hopkins permitted the waggons and carts of his
customers from a distance to be filled to their utmost capacity. In many
instances, he refused to supply strangers at all; but, as a rule, rather than
that they should be entirely disappointed, he compelled them to be content
with only half-loads. Mr. Griffiths, of Coegnant, another coal proprietor,
adopted the same course.
Indeed, it would seem that these worthies lived in constant dread that their
supply of the precious mineral would be exhausted in their time. This was the
common impression, and we find that public opinion was somewhat disposed to
be satirical upon Mr. Jones, as having made bad bargains in his different
ventures. The bulk of the coal had been worked; they said, and Mr. Tones
could hardly be sane, to be so anxious to obtain the poor residue of which
earlier speculators had had the cream. The millions of tons of coal and ironstone
that have since been obtained, and the apparently inexhaustible wealth that
is known to lemaiot will serve as a commentary upon, and a witness against,
the correctness of public opinion in this case.
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(delwedd J8223) (tudalen 055)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 55.
The new Company commenced operations, under the style of the Maesteg Iron
Works, in 1826. Mr. William Jones came to reside at the historic mansion of
Cefn Ydfa, m order to superintend the erection of the projected works. He
engaged, as manager, Mr. William David, of Bryncoch; and as surveyor, a Mr.
Llewelyn, of Pontypool. The buildings were actually commenced in the month of
May, 1826, and a large number of men at once found employment — some in
digging the foundations, others in digging clay, which was made into bricks
on the spot, and in quarrying stones. The old tramroad, the father, as it may
be called, of the present railway, was also commenced. It was intended that
this should be carried through Bridgend, and to the sea at Ogmore; but the
late Right Hon. Sir John Nichol opposed this route as being too near his
residence, and the tramway was consequently laid to Porthcawl. This was
possibly the origin of Porthcawl as a shipping port, and it is instructive to
observe that the prescience of the Maesteg Iron Company has by this time been
vindicated by the promotion of the Ogmore Dock and Railway Bill, and the
works now being carried forward in connection therewith.
In August, 1836, a “patch" was opened at Cwm-nant-y-gwiail, the first
ever opened in the Parish; and at the end of the same year, another was
opened at Cwm-au-yr-wyllt on Cwrt-y-mwitwys farm. Several others were opened
in different localities during the following year.
In August, 1827, were opened the two levels known as No. I and No. 2; and
about the same time the foundations of two blast furnaces were dug, and their
erection commenced, under the care of Mr. Wayne. At the end of the same year.
No. 3 level was opened, followed in January^ 1828, by No. 4.
The coke ovens being now in operation, and a large number of workmen
employed, the demand for dwelling-houses became pressing, and the Company
proceeded to build rows of houses .at Garnlwyd, and South Parade. Private
persons also speculated in this direction, and the aspect of the place
improved very rapidly.
The end of 1828 saw the completion of the tramway and No. 1 blast furnace,
and the manufacture of iron in large quantities proceeded briskly. In 1829,
several more ccm levels were opened, and No. 2 furnace completed.
The year 1830 was marked by still greater progress. The Company added
considerably to its house property, and commenced to erect those houses which
still remain the best and most substantial in the place, and quite worthy of
the
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(delwedd J8224) (tudalen 056)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 56.
title of mansions. These were intended as residences for the various managers
and agents. The following year also was one of great prosperity, and several
new levels, patches, &C., were opened, and the tale of progress was
uninterrupted through the years 1832 and 1833. In the later year, Mr. Wayne
left, and was succeeded as manager by Mr. Bevan, who remained but a short
time— being replaced in his turn by Mr. David Smith. Under this gentleman
occurred the first “strike “— or the first of those disastrous disputes
between masters and men, that have since then been too frequent. A
misunderstanding arose in consequence of which the two blast furnaces were
blown out, and the works placed at a stand-still. This unfortunate state of things
continued for two months, and the men suffered great hardships. The dispute
being settled, the works were restarted, amid general rejoicing.
The year 1836 was a notable year, as being that in which the Maesteg Works
received the order for the iron pillars to be used in the erection of the
Bridgend Market-place, — an event which was considered to reflect great
honour upon Maesteg. Matters continued to go on well; and in 1840 Mr. Charles
Hampton took the management from Mr. Smith, and under his superintendence a
third blast furnace was built, and started in 1844. A Mr. Breunton at the
same time undertook the erection of this furnace as well as of the engine
house. In 1846 a foundry was added, for the making of railway chairs, of
which 700 to x,ooo were made daily.
The Maesteg Works now took a prominent and honourable place in the iron
market, and the sphere of its operations was extended in various directions.
The proprietors seem to have had an interest in the Margam Tinplate Works at
Aberavon, and large quantities of the pig iron produced at Maesteg were
transported to that place. A memorial of this connection still remains in the
fact that the best brand of teme plates, which is manufactured at the Margam
Tinplate Works, bears the mark Af .F., a distinguishing mark which had its
origin at this time. The letters stand for Motley, Fussell, & Co.
The Company was not so fortunate in another of its business connections,
namely, that with the South Wales Brewery at Neath. The bond between these
two concerns appears to have been a very close one— most if not all the
partners in the Maesteg Works having also a large stake in the brewery. A
series of misfortunes placed the Brewer}' Company in such difficulties, that
its business came to a standstill in the year 1847* and in its fall the
Maesteg Works'
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 57.
suffered so severely, that it, too, was stopped, and remained idle for 4
years. This period is still remembered as one of unexampled poverty and
privation to the workmen and their families.
In 1851, however, Mr. Buckland, one of the proprietors, again came to take
the management of affairs, and matters improved rapidly, and, in the year
1856, had in full operation three blast furnaces, 15 levels, and 8x coke
ovens. From five to six hundred men were employed, and Mr. Buckland was
assisted in the management by Messrs. Cadman, Grey (mineral agent, now of the
Llwydarth Tinplate Works), and Morell (furnace manager).
This was a period of great activity. Mr. Buckland, by his kindness of heart
and earnest desire for the welfare of those employed by him, made himself
greatly beloved. His name is even now remembered with affectionate respect.
It was, therefore, a matter of universal regret that the prosperity of the
Maesteg Iron Works again gradually waned.
After a while, however, the aspect of affairs again changed for the better.
The works were acquired by Messrs. R. P. Lemon & Co., and were once more
put into working order, continuing in operation for some time, with varying
success, under the management of Mr. Sheppard, son-min-law of the principal
partner. Too soon, however, the ill-fortune which has ever seemed to follow
this concern overtook the enterprising proprietors, and the Maesteg Works
were again at a stand-still. After remaining idle for some time, they were
sold by Mr. Freston, of Stroud, acting for the mortgagees, to the Llynfi,
Tondu, & Ogmore Coal and Iron Co. This Company, during the bustle which
characterised our staple industries in 1872-73, blew in one of the furnaces;
but the hopes that were aroused were soon disappointed, for after a very
brief period of activity, the furnace was blown out, and has not again been
lit.
The Spelter Works and Cambrian Iron Co. These enterprises owe their origin to
Mr. James H. Allen, a gentleman, who, after a long search, found at Coegnant,
in the upper part of the valley, a spot suitable for the manufacture of
spelter. A piece of land, on which works were to be erected, was leased from
Mr. Wm. Griffiths, the then owner of Coegnant, and, pending the building of
the works, levels for coal were at once opened. The Spelter Works, when
completed, consisted of four furnaces and a calciner, and by the middle of
1831, Mr. John Harman, being manager, the manufacture of spelter was being
actively pursued.
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(delwedd J8226) (tudalen 058)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 58.
Mr. Allen found in his neighbourhood such abundance of material suitable to
his branch of manufacture that he became desirous of increasing his interest
in the locality and extending his operations. He, therefore, leased Dyffryn
from Mr. H. Lewis, and thereon opened the level since called Dyffryn level,
from which he raised large quantities of steam coal. In the year 1833 he
erected three new furnaces and one calciner. In his selection of managers for
his works, Mr. Allen seems to have been somewhat unfortunate, since from X830
to 1835 he employed and dismissed no fewer than seven, the last beincg Mr.
Lewis Lewis.
The year 1837 found Mr. Allen desirous of still further extensions to his
plant. During his tenure of the Spelter Works, he had found the cost of
carriage of material to and fro over the old tramway a serious item in his
expenses, and, as he was now desirous to erect works that would consume and
produce much larger quantities, he resolved to erect the new works some distance
lower in the valley. His first difficulty was the formation of a Company, to
furnish the necessary capital and share the risk. He placed himself in
communication with some London capitalists, and they, perhaps feeling that
his enthusiastic account of the mineral wealth of the valley was somewhat
over-coloured, sent down an expert to inspect and report. This gentleman's
report was favourable, and the Company was formed without delay.
The new company, under the style of the Cambrian Iron Co., bought the lease
of Brynmawr farm, from Mr. John Evans, and took the following propertits:—
Nant-y-ffyllon, they bought from Edward Thomas; the Garu Wen, from Lord
Adare; and Tygwyn-hackt from Mr. Popkin Traharne. The new works were
commenced in 1837, under the supervision of Mr. Cooper. August, 1838, saw the
ground excavated for the blast furnaces. Mr. Breunton undertook the charge of
their erection, and the first of them was completed and blown in amid great
rejoicings October X2th, 1839. In 1841, Mr. Cooper left, and was succeeded as
manager by Mr. Petherick. May of the same year saw the second furnace at
work, and several other buildings completed. In this year, also, Mr. William
David, whose name is well-known and highly honoured even now, came to take
the management of all the collieries. In 1843, Mr. Charles Bowring succeeded
Mr. Petherick as manager of the works.
The forge was next added^the foundation being laid June X7th, i845,-»and the
work so rapidly proceeded with.
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 59.
that the forge was at work by February the loth of the following year. Mr.
Jones was the forge manager. About this time too the Company erected 80
workmen's houses at Nant-y-fiyllon,— and started Mill No. i,— which was
followed in April, 2847, by Mill No. 2.
Mr. Charles Bowring became salesman for the Company in 1848, and removed to
Liverpool, resigning the management to Mr. Charles Hampton. In 1849 was
started the guide mill, and 1850 a third blast furnace was lit. The next addition
was the slit mill, in 1851, a year also marked by the resignation of Mr.
Jones as forffe manager, and the accession of Mr. Richard Evans to take his
place.
In the year 1852 were laid the foundations of a rail mill. In this year there
occurred a strike, which lasted 13 weeks, and compelled the Company to blow
out two of the three blast furnaces. In 1855, the new rail mill was ready for
work, and was considered to be one of the most effective and powerful in
England.
These were the halcyon days of the concern. Four blast furnaces were in full
work, together with about 30 puddling furnaces, 2 squeezers, 2 pairs of muck
rolls, and 4 mills«-the whole being supplied with motive power by xo engines.
About 1x0 coke ovens supplied fuel, over xoo horses were employed at the
works, and about X500 workmen earned ia the iron works and collieries a
comfortable subsistence. The company at this time was undoubtedly a strong
one, numbering among its members Col. Cavan, Messrs. McGregor^ Metcalfe, and
others, whose names have become household words at Maesteg. The Company at
this time was known as the Llynfi Vale Iron Co. Messrs. Metcalfe and Hampton
divided between them the duties of General Managers ^ Mr. J. P. Roe, C.E, and
Mr. D. Grey, those of Mming Engineers.
After some time the composition of the proprietary company was changed, as
was also its name. It now became the Llynfi Vale Coal and Iron Co. Mr.
Hubbuck was appointed General Manager, and Mr. T. Thomas, Mechanical
Engineer, while Mr. urey retained his position as Mining Engineer. It was
under the management thus constituted that the Llynfi Company reached its
most prosperous condition. The brands of iron made here were in high esteem
in the market, and could command ready sales and good prices. Modern and
improved appliances were erected, and no effort or expense was spared to keep
the works in the highest state of efficiency. Soon, however, disagreements
arose between the Chairman, Mr. Moffat, and Mr. Hubbuck, which
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(delwedd J8228) (tudalen 060)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 60.
led to the latter's resignation of the management. Thereupon, Mr. Moffat
himself undertook the superintendence of the works, which event was soon
followed by the departure from the Company's service of Mr. Grey, in 1869.
Here it would be well to digress, and allude to the fact that the truck
system, which had prevailed here for many years, in its most oppressive form,
was abolished in 1868. Previous to that time, the Company's shop was no
unimportant or unprofitable branch of the concern; a large staff was kept,
and employes and their families were compelled to rest satisfied with such
goods, in the way of grocery, drapery, and almost all other necessaries, as
the Company choose to supply them with. Ready money, as recompense for
labour, was rarely paid except tn small sums, — and, as was natural, high
prices were the order of the day. The abolition of this unjust and now
illegal system was a subject of general rejoicing, and the beneficial results
of the change were soon apparent in the number of new shops, with the
consequence of healthy competition that were soon opened in Maesteg.
In the present state of things, it is not surprising that old inhabitants,
workmen and others, look back upon the years gone by, and contrast their
present freedom with the oppression that then prevailed.
Subsequently, Mr. Colquhoun became General Manager under Mr. Moitat, and the
concern seemed for a time in a most prosperous condition. However, in 1872, a
limited Company with large capital was formed to carry on these works, as
well as those at Tondu and the Ogmore Valley. The title of the Company was,
“The Liynfi, Tondu, and Ogmore Coal and Iron Co., Limited," Mr. Alex.
Brogden, M.P., being Chairman, and Mr. Henry Brogden, Managing Director,
while Mr. George Morley was employed as General Manager at Maesteg, and Mr.
James Barrow as Mining Engineer. For a year or two, during the “flush time”
which just then had began to dawn, the success of the Company seemed certain.
A great strike of colliers, which agitatad the whole of South Wales in 1873,
^^^ ^^^^ ended, by the generous action of Mr. Alex. Brogden, who severed his
connection with the Colliery Owners' Association (paying a heavy penalty for
so doing), — and granted the demands of the men.
Too soon, however, the coal and iron markets experienced a reverse. Things at
Maesteg looked more and more gloomy, until at last the Company went into
liquidation. Tne concern was lor a time earned on by J. J. Smith, Esq*, the
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 61.
liquidator appointed by the Court of Chancery; Mr. W» Blakemore being General
Manager* Ultimately a new Company was formed, which, under the style of the
Llynfi and Tondu Coal and Iron Co., carried on the works for some time. For a
while things seemed somewhat promising-»a new Colliery at Coegnant being
opened and looked upon aa certain of success, and likely to ensure a
practically unlimited supply of excellent coau for many years.
Meanwhile, however, the depression in the iron trade continued and increased
to so great an extent, that the manufacture of iron seems to have become a
thing of the past. This, a calamity to the whole country, became a heavier
calamity in a neighbourhood like this, where so large a proportion of the
inhabitants lived by the wages earned in the Iron Works. Early in 1886, the
Company's Iron Works at Maesteg came to a total stop, and up to the time of
writing (August, 1886), there are no signs of their restarting.
Ty-chwyth and Cab-cwarbl.
These places were taken about the year 1846, by Sir Robert Price, of Tondu;
chiefly to supply iron ore for his furnaces at Tondu. Ore was also obtained
by Sir Robert, at Bryudefaid, — which was conveyed by mules to the old
weigh-house at Llwyndyrus — hence to Tondu by the old tramroad.
In the year 1853, ^^^ Tondu works passed into the hands of Messrs. J. Brogden
and Sons, who, in 1863, secured a new lease of Cae-cwarel and Ty-chwyth, and
at once proceeded to raise large quantities of coal. In 1864, Mr. James
Barrow became manager for them, succeeding a Mr. Cooper. Mr. Barrow acted in
this capacity till the Messrs. Brogdens left the valley in 1878— the
Ty-chwyth property having, in the meantime, become amalgamated under the
Llynfi, Tondu, and Ogmore Coal and Iron Co., which was formed under the
auspices of the Messrs. Brogdens. It is, perhaps, worthy of remark that when
Mr. Barrow became manager of Tychwyth there were always from ten to a dozen
women employed underground, chiefly at the pumps and filling of coal.
Garth, Cwmdu, &c.
These lands, from which in after years so large a harvest of mineral wealth
has been taken, were first leased with a view to underground working, by Mr.
Samuel Cox. This gentleman spent a large sum in mining operations at
Coedy**garth and Llwydarth, but met with little success, coming
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 62.
ultimately to the conclusion that the sought-for minerals were not existent
in any quantity in those neighbourhoods. This did not prevent his selling his
interest to a Mr. Tones* of Taibach, who, in his turn, sold them to Messrs.
Malins and Rawlinson, proprietors of Cefn Cribwr Works. These gentlemen
intended raising here coal and ironstone for the supply of Iheir works at
Cefn. In the year 1846, they concluded to erect three blast furnaces on the
spot, which work was rapidly pushed forward. Two of the furnaces, and about
30 coke ovens, were in active operation, when very suddenly the firm
collapsed, and their works were stopped, apparently for ever. About the year
1856, the adjacent lands of Cwmdu and Ffos were leased by Messrs. Sheppard
and Matthews, who opened a level at Blaen Cwmdu, and built a blast furnace at
Ffos. The furnace worked for only a few months, when the Company fell into
difficulties. Mr. Sheppard disposed of his interest to a gentleman named
Edwards, who subsequently transferred the concern to Messrs. R. P. Lemon
& Co. This firm, in its turn, fell upon evil times, and was ultimately
ejected by the landlords, who took possession of the works, and disposed of
them by auction. The engines were, it appears, purchased by the owners of
some works at Pontardawe.
In the year 1863, Messrs. J. Brogden & Sons took up a lease of Blaen
Cwmdu and Ffos. Coal and iron in large quantities were raised, and a railway
constructed from Cwmdu to Garth. About the year 1864, Messrs. Brogden added
to their taking the lands of Garth, Garth Fach, and Cwmdu Canol, and
proceeded to sink Garth Pit, and to erect a large number of- coke ovens. Mr.
James Barrow exercised able and careful supervision over the sinking
operations. The year 1867 was notable for a violent explosion which took
place at Garth Pit, causing great consternation in the neighbourhood.
Fortunately, the explosion took place when the workmen were' all absent from
their work, and no lives were lost; but the coal took fire, and burned with
such violence that the works had to be flooded, and the pit to stand idle for
nearly a year. When it was again cleared, work was recommenced, and continued
briskly until the year 1877, the daily output amounting to nearly 350 tons.
By that time, however, the staple trades of the district were in so bad a
condition that, on a dispute arising between the then owners of the pit— the
Llynfi, Tondu and Ogmore Co.,— and their workmen, it was judged expedient to
close the works. The stoppage was keenly felt in the neighbourhood, and much
distress resulted, so that the news that a new Company has recently
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 63.
been formed to re-open Garth Pit has been hailed by all with much
satisfaction.
Oakwood.
About the year 1864, W. Davies, Esq., of Bryn Haulog, Bridgend, purchased a
small pit which had long previously been sunk by Mr. Charles Sheppard. He
also acquired the lease of the minerals under Llwydarth Farm, and the lease
of surface and minerals underlying Maesteg Isaf Farm — the property of
Colonel Turberville, 0? Ewenny Abbey. Sinking operations were commenced, and
in 1868 a large colliery was opened, under the name of the Maesteg Merthyr
Colliery, or, as it is locally called, Oakwood. On January nth, xSpra, this
colliery was the scene of the most disastrous explosion which has occurred
here of late years, when eleven poor fellows lost their lives.
The colliery is fitted with costly and powerful machinery for ventilation and
raising of coal, most noticeable being the large ventilating fan (Waddle's
patent), which has a diameter of 40 feet.
At present, the colliery is owned by Messrs. T. Roberts & Jones, and is
managed by Mr. Jenkin Evans, M.E. The average output is 300 tons daily, and
employment is given to about 250 men. The proprietors have latterly been very
fortunate in arriving at a large tract of coal of excellent quality, and
there is every prospect that the colliery will a£Ford employment to the
workmen and profit to the owners for many years to come.
Llwydarth Tinplate Works.
These works, which are now as well appointed and prosperous as any in the
valley, are the property of a Company, the principal members of which are old
and respectable inhabitants of Maesteg, where they are universally respected
for their uprightness and integrity, as well as for the energy and enterprise
which have placed a comfortable livelihood within the reach of hundreds of
respectable artizans.
The erection of the works was commenced in 1869, and pushed forward very
rapidly, under the supervision of two of the proprietors, Messrs. D. Grey and
Thomas Thomas. At first there were built one black plate rolling mill with
cold rolls, and three tinning sets; and in 1871 another black plate mill with
cold rolls and tinning sets were added, to be supplemented still further in
1872 by the addition of a third rolling mill. In 1874 a ?????????? large forge
for the manufacture of bar iron, the machinery of which
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 64.
embodied the most recent improvements for the utilising of heat and the
economising otf materials. In 1876, another rolling mill, with tinning sets,
was added; and in 1878, a fifth rolling mill, with necessary appurtenances.
The works, which now rank with the largest in the Principality, consist of a
forge, with twelve p'.iddling and four balling furnaces, two ponderous steam
hammers, six rolling mills of the most improved construction and modern
design, tinning department, containing thirteen of the patent tinning pots,
capable of containing many tons of tin in a liquid « state. The annealing and
cold rolls departments are also models of compactness and efficiency. In a
word, the whole concern bears the impress of the shrewdness and energy of a
Firm quick enongh to perceive and adopt every improvement, and ever
studiously observant of the requirements of their trade.
The Llwydarth Tinplate Co.’s Works in this Parish, apart from their other
works at Caerleon, now afford employment to about 500 hands, who receive in
wages over jf 2 1,000 annually; turning out, in the same time, more than
100,000 boxes of tinplates. In addition to the manufacture of tin and
temeplates, a novel industry has been commenced at these works, consisting of
the manufacture of polished sheet iron or steel, hitherto exclusively
manufactured in Russia, where the process is kept remarkably secret. By a
process, patented by this Company, sheet iron or steel is produced with a
peculiarly beautiful and polished surface, which is unattacked by rust. Many
efforts nave been made, by persons desirous of obtaining the knowledge, to
^et at the Russian process of manufacture, but unsuccessfully. Whether the
process at the Llwydarth Works is the same as in Russia, it is not possible
to say; but the product at the Llwydarth Works is found, under chemical and
atmospheric tests, to stand and hold its own alongside the Russian. The
American States and Canada are large consumers of the article for making
stores, and it is contemplated by this Company to lay out plant for extending
this new and exclusive industry.
Llynfi and Ogmore Railway.
This railway has been in operation since August, 1861. Previous to this, the
only mode of communication with the outer world was by means of the old
tramway which ran to Porthcawl, a branch of which ran to Bridgend.
Speculative folks were in the habit of running over this tramway with their
own trams and teams, and conveying goods and passengers. As might be
expected, the
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 65.
journey to and from Bridgend at that time took many hours and the rates of
carriage for goods, &c., were very high. The L. & O. Railway Company,
when formed, had to buy up the old tramway from the Llynfi Company, and even
now annually asserts its right to what is at this time the principal
thoroughfare of the town of Maesteg, but which was formerly the site of the tram road.
With the growth and increasing prosperity and population of the
neighbourhood, the traffic on the railway has been largely augmented, especially in the
mineral and goods department. At the time when trains began to run, the only
railway stations in the Parish were those at Llangynwyd (near Llwyndyrus),
and that at Maesteg. Some years ago, however, consequent upon the increase of
the district lying round the Llwydarth Tin plate Works, and the Garth Pit,
the Company opened a station at Troedrhiw Garths near the bridge known as
“Pont-Tinker” (or, more properly, Tincerdd). Later, the Company extended its
lines in the upper part of the Parish, and effected a junction with the South
Wales Mineral Railway at Cymer — where a handsome viaduct was built. The
terminus of the line was thus removed to Cym^.r, where a neat station was
built, together with one at Ty-chwyth, near the colliery so called.
The wisdom of this enterprise on the part of the Company is now apparent, as
a new railway is in course of construction between the Rhondda Valley and
Swansea, joins the Llynfi Valley Railway at Cymer, and thus throws open the
important seaports of Port Talbot, Neath, Swansea, Llanelly, and Milford, to
the produce of this rich mineral district, without the necessity otf
following the tedious and circuitous route via Bridgend.
An agreement between the L. & O. Railway Company and the Great Western
came into effect on the 1st July, 1873, and was amended subsequently by an
agreement dated 29th June, 1876, and the traffic is now carried on under the
terms of those agreements. The terms may be shortly stated as follows:— The
Great Western shall, in perpetuity, work and manage the undertaking of the
Llynh and Ogmore, and pay to the Llynfi and Ogmore, out of the gross receipts
for each year for the joint traffic of the two Companies, such an amount as
will be sufficient to pay,— ist. Interest for the year on the existing
preference capital of the Company, and on their loan capital authorised by
Acts of former Sessions, and a dividend at the rate of 6 per cent, per annum
on the Llynfi and the Ogmore ordinary stocks, and. All interests^ on future
loan capital, and such dividend on future share capital
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 66.
as will command it at par, and certain rent charges. 3rd. A sum equal to the
amcunt by which the excess in the gross receipts of the Llynfi undertaking
for the year over those of 1872, surpasses the aggregate of the secondly
mentioned payments, and the Government duty on passengers, and a defined
amount of the working expenses of earning such excess gross receipts; the
thirdly mentioned payments to be distributed pro raid as further dividend
between the holders of the Llynii and the Ogmore ordinary stocks and the
holders of the future share capital. All these payments are made half-yearly,
except the third, which will be made yearly.
Since the above was written, a further development of railway enterprise has
taken place in the neighbourhood, and a branch railway has been opened to
Aber^ynfi. This place, formerly a bare and bleak mountain- side, is now the
site of a flourishing mining village, which has sprung up around two
collieries, one the property of the Avon Hill Colliery Co.f and the other a
fine pit, opened by the G. W. Railway Co.
Talfedw Mill.
The above mill was situated about three quarters of a mile south of
Llangynwyd Village, and in good form till about forty years ago, when the
proprietor, Mr. John Joseph (in consequence of the loss he sustained by the
stoppage of the Maesteg Works and the failure of the Neath Brewery Co.),
destroyed it, to the detriment of the neighbouring farmers. The only mill at
present within the parish is that of Pontrhydycyff; the old mill at Gtlly,
and the other at Maesteg Isaf, have, for roaify years, been idle.
Soon after the departure of Mr. Joseph, from Talfedw, the premises were taken
by a gentleman by the name of Mr. Marriot, who transformed them into a
brewery, and subsequently they were made into a Chemical Works, by Mr. Wm.
Lewis, of Neath. This enterprise again proved a failure owing to the
inconvenience of the place, and its distance from the Railway, after
expending a good sum of money in fitting up the works, and putting them in
working order. After this, the place stood idle for several years, and when
the Llwydarth Tin Plate Co. commenced the erection of their works, they were
obliged to come to terms, for their supply of water, with Mr. John Jones, who
held the Cwmfelin
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 67.
Woollen Factory, Mr. Jones therefore gave up the last named establishment,
and removed his plants to Ttdf£dw^
where he has successfully carried on business, employing a ffood number of
hands* The place since Mr. Jones leased it from the present owner, Miss
Joseph, of Pencoed, is known as the Gadlys Woollen Factory.
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 68.
CHAPTER VII.
The Chair of Tir Iarll — By whom established. - Rulei uid euttomt of th« Chair. - Held under the sanction of the Lordihip of
Glamorgan. - How degrees were
conferred. - A Chair of Assembly.
- Places of Assembly. - Farther notice of the Chair. - Length of time it flonrished. —List of
Bardic Succession. - From a.d. 1300 to
1760. - Date of last memorable
meetings. - Pedigree of Madoc Vychan,
Steward of Tir Iarll. - Specimens of
their poetry.
fHE bardic Chair of the Lordship of “Tir Iarll" was one of the peculiar
institutions of the Lordship. There is an account of the founding of this
Chair, as well as of the rules and customs which surrounded it, given in the
Iolo MSS., which shall be here transcribed:—
“The Chair of * Tir Iarll ' was established by Morgan, Lord of Aberavan,
instead of Arthur's in Caerlleon upon Usk. After that, the last Earl of Clare
but one granted to it an endowment of plough land in Bettws. Llang^^nwyd, and
Llangeinor; and also the right of grazing for the six summer months from the
first of May, to the first of November, and thus the Chair was removed from
its station in Llanfihangel A van to 'Tir Iarll,' where it was held
alternately at the Church of Bettws, and that of Llangynwyd, and therefore
was called the ' Chair of Tir Iarll.' And many poets and talented composers
belonged to the Chair, wha had been either born or reared within its
privileged precincts, and there matriculated. The Chair of 'Tir Iarll* was
most frequently held on the greensward of Bettws, the mound of Crug y Diwlith, and the Green of Baiden. The
Chair of 'Tir Iarll' was established under the protection of Gilbert Clare,
Prince of Glamorgan, and he renewed the privileges to the Bards and Poets of
Wales as they had existed in former ages for the acquiring of learning and
profitable knowledge and sciences, and these are the rights and customs: —
“The Chair of Tir Iarll is held under the sanction of the Lordship of
Glamorgan on each of the principal festivals without litigation and
unmolested, by proclamation and notice of a year and a day, for the purpose
of transacting such business as may be brought before it, and no opposition
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(delwedd J8237) (tudalen 069)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 69.
to its authority is allowed. And the protection of the Lord of the district
is afforded to every Bard and Minstrel, who shall according to rule and order
appear before it, provided he shall be found proficient in the nine rules of
versification and its appurtenances, according to the regulations of the
Bards and Minstrels of Wales. And it must be held in the sight and hearing of
the country and the chieftains, and in the face of the sun and the eye ot
light, and under the protection of God and his peace.
“A Bard certified as a proficient in the knowledge and sciences of
versification and its appurtenances ought to take to him pupils for
instruction in learning and books, and the conventional knowledge of the
Ancient Bards of the Cymry; namely, no less than three pupils at the same
time on account of the three degrees conferred upon the students of
versification; namely, one at the same time of each of the three degrees; and
the degrees are conferred in the following manner:—
“X. — The unaccomplished disciple is one who is not acquainted with the art
of versification, inasmuch as he will continue to be under instruction until
he is acquainted with the Welsh language as regards its construction, its
derivation, the force of its words, and expressions; to understand it in its
reading, and orthography with respect to lettering and syllables correctly
and truly. Also he ought to understand the chief points of the metres,
namely, the measures, the rhymes, the initial repetitions, the feet, the
alliterations, in accordance with the conventional **rules of Chair and
Gorsedd; and their due application and arrangement according to name, class,
and signification, and exhibit them in his own certified work. After he has
thus exhibited them to his teacher, and obtained his word for him before the
Chair, he may be graduated as a proficient in versification, and that upon
his conscience; or in default of the teacher being present, by a written
ceitificate under his hands he may without regard to opposition upon word and
upon conscience, be instituted a proficient in versification, together with
the requisite knowledge and appurtenances under the sanction of instruction
and preception.
“2. - A progressing pupil is one who
is acquainted with all that is required 01 the preceding, and before he is
advanced to a higher degree, he must learn and acquire every characteristic
and quality of verse and stanza perfectly, belonging to the Welsh language,
and exhibit them of his own composition, certified upon the word and con«
science of his own teacher, and he shall be entitled to be
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(delwedd J8238) (tudalen 070)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 70.
graduated as a proficient in versification and its appurtenances. Also, he
ought to understand every particular respecting the Welsh language, and the
art of versification and the privileges and established customs of the Bards
and Minstrels, and of the Chairs and ceremonies of institution. Likewise he
must understand the order and arrangement of the genealogical table and
descent of the race of the Cymry, together with their rights and usages,
certified by record, and annal, and archive, and Chair. And his privilege
shall be confirmed by the order of his preceptor. And when he cannot be
present, then there shall be a written certificate* under his hand, and that
certificate is call^ the gift of matriculation.
“3. — A pupil of right is he called who knows all the departments and rules
of versification and its appurtenances, correctly and decidedly, according to
the regulations of the Chair, and he shall no longer stand by the word and
certificate of a preceptor, but in t'x^ht of his own knowledge and genius;
and he shall found his claim and right upon the judgment of the Chair and
Gorsedd; and in this, the consent of the country by proclamation and notice
of a year and a day shall not be requisite. He shall also be privileged to
engage in poetical disputation; and after he shall have gained three Chairs,
he shall be presented with the privileges and rights of a Chief of Song,
which is to be a Chaired Bard; and he shall be called Preceptor, and shall
take to him pupils, namelyr one at the same time in each of the three
degrees.
*< A Chair of Assembly is the name given to that of a Gorsedd, held by
certificate of original institution, under the judgment of country and race.
The place of assembly may be in any open ground whilst the sun is upon the
sky, and it is called the Gransward of Song; and it shall be upon the grassy
face of the earth, and chairs shall be placed there, namely, stones; and when
stones cannot be obtained, then, in the stead, turfs; and the Chair of
Assembly shall be in the middle of the Gorsedd.
“Also, every place of worship, and every precinct of a Church, shall be a
place for a Bardic Assembly, and, likewise, every Civil and Manorial Court,
namely, the Courts of Justice and Law; also, every spot, whether of open or
enclosed pasture, which is green sward; or domestic hall, and such hall shall
possess confirmed privileges. After it has been placed before the country for
attendance for a year and a day until the end of three 3rears, free of
access, for attendance and audience of the people assembling at Court and in
every lawful Church, and assembly as it is in fair and market*
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(delwedd J8239) (tudalen 071)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 71.
“At every Gorsedd of the Chair of Assembly, there should be published the
Instructions of the Bards of the Island of Britain; that is to say, the
records of knowledge and sciences, and of the arrangements, and rules, and
privileges* and customs of the bards. Also, the publication should be made of
the ancient records of Mabon, the son of Medron; that is to say, the names
and memorials of the bards, poets, learned men, and sages of the Island ol
Britain, of the race of the Gymrv, and of whatever they were eminent for, of
noble and worthy acts; and of the kings of the Island of Britain, and their
honourable actions, together with the times in which they lived, and their
pedigrees and descent.
With regard to bards and poets at the Gorsedd meetings* they should not be
molested by litigation or obstruction; but be left in quietness, and be
supported under the protection of God and of his peace, with every power and
counsel, and every means of people and chieftains,
*< After rehearsing the Instructions and Records, the exhibitioners shall
be called for. Then any bard who has anything which he wishes to exhibit
shall exhibit it to the Chair, whether it be poetry, or genealogical roll, or
record of honourable achievements, or improvement in knowledge or science.
After the exhibitions, hearing shall be given to such claims and appeals as
shall be brought forward. And, after that, dialogues and Chair disputations
concerning poetry and its appurtenances, and afterwards they shall proceed to
hold a council of judgment upon the merits of what has been brought before
the Chair and Gorsedd; and then shall publication be made of the decision and
judgment, and the presents shall be made. Then the public worship and, after
that, the banquet and conferring ot honours; then shall all depart to their
houses, and every one to his own residence.”—* Iolo MSS.
Subjoined is some further historical account of the Chair, transcribed from
the Rev. J. Williams' (Ab Ithel) preface to “Barddas," Vol. I., a collection
of ancient documents pub« lished by the Welsh MSS. Society, and made from the
MSS« of Iolo Morganwg at Llanover.
<*Upon the death of Arthur, the Chair of the Round Table was removed to
the Court of Urien Rheged. at Aber« llychwr, where it went sometimes by the
name of Taliesin's Chair, and sometimes by that of the Chair of
Baptism.”Under the privilege of the institute of the Round Table, . Gildas,
the prophet, and Cattwg the Wise, from Llancarfan, were bards, and also
Llywarch the Aged, son of Elidyr
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(delwedd J8240) (tudalen 072)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 72.
Lydanwyn, Ystudfach, the bard, and Ystyfian, the bard of TcUo.*
It remained at Aberllychwr about two hundred years; after that it was
transferred to Caerwynt,t where it continued for more than a hundred years.
It was then removed to Maes Mawr by Einon, the son of Collwyn, and,
afterwards, by Iestvn, the son of Gwrgant, to the Court of Caerleon-upon-Usk,
which was held at Cardiff Castle. Here it was shortly disturbed, owing to the
war that broke out between Iestyn and Rhys, the son of Tewdwr; nor was it again
restored until the time of Roberli. Earl of Gloucester, grandson of the
latter, who endowed this Chair with privilege and maintenance in Maes Mawr in
Morganwg, and gave the name of Tir Iarll or the Earl's land to the portion
which he conferred upon the bards for their maintenance, whilst he gave the
other portion for the maintenance of the Monks. The Chair of Tir Iarll was
enjoined to investigate the ancient sciences of bardism, and after the
search, recovery, and confirmation, the primitive Chair, Gorsedd, sciences,
privileges, and usages of the bards of the Isle of Britain, were restored
thoroughly and altogether. §
Geraint, the Blue Bard, had, in the beginning of the tenth century,
established a Chair at Llandaff, different to the one of the Round Table. It
afterwards went by the name of Cadair Morganwg, and embraced that of Tir
Iarll, being itself included in the Gorsedd oi the bards of the Isle of
Britain.
This Chair, whether we call it the Chair of Tir Iarll or the Chair of
Morganwg, was well protected as long as the lords of Glamorgan retained
sovereign authority over that territory, and the rights and immunities of the
bards were renewed from time to time, but always on condition that they
should investigate and preserve the sciences of bardism.
Llewelyn, the son of Gruffydd, was slain Dec. ixth, 1282, and with him fell
the independence of Cymru, which thenceforth became subject to the Kings of
England. In consequence of the opposition which the bards offered to the
claim of Edward, they were rigorously persecuted by that monarch, and, of
course, were prevented from meeting publicly in « Gorsedd." Neither did
they any longer enjoy the tfwyddedt or maintenance, which had been conferred
upon them by their own native princes. Nevertheless, they kept
* Dotharth y Ford Gron. f The VtnU Silurum of the Romans. } The name by which
this neighbourhood was known previousi to its being called Llangynwyd.
f S6epreiaceto Cyfrinach y Beirdd.”
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(delwedd J8241) (tudalen 073)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 73.
up the old system, and from a.d. 2300, at least, down to Iolo Morganwg's
time, they managed to hold a “Gorsedd” occasionally for Morganwg, as the
following "Bardic Succession,” or list of the Bards of the Chair of
Glamorgan, will show, and the order in which they were the awmyddioHt or
disciples, taken from a manuscript of the late John Bradford, of Bettws. The
dates denote the time when they presided:<—
Trahaem Brydydd Mawr 1300
HywelBwaoach ... 1330
Dafydd Ab Gwilym m* 1360
Iraaa Had ... . .. — liT^
His Awnydddhn:
Gwilym ab Ieuan Km, leoan Tew Hen. Hywel Swrdwal.
lottaa Tew Heo ^ 1410
Awenyddhn:
Hywel Swrdwal.
Ieuan ab Hywel Swrdwal.
Ieuan Gethin ab I. ab Lleiaaon.
leaan Gethin ab I. ab Lleision ...
1430
Awenyiii Gwilym Tew, or G. Hendon.
Gwilym Tew 1460
Awenyddion:
Httw Cae Llwyd. Hywel ab Dav. ab I. ab Rbyt* Harri o'r Garreg Lwyd. Iorwerth
Vyoglwyd.
Meredith ab Rhotser 1470
Awenyddion:
Iorwerth Vynglwyd. Ieuan Deulwyn. Syr Einion ab Owain.
Ieuan Deulwyn 1480
Awenyddion:
Iorwerth Vynglwyd. Lewyt Morganwg. Harri Hir.
Iorwerth Vynglwyd 1500
Awenyddion:
Lewyt Morganwg. Ieuan Du'r Bilwg.
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(delwedd J8242) (tudalen 074)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 74.
\jfmy% jfof^SBwi^ 15^0
Meio'g Dafydd. Dafydd Benwyn* Llewelyn Sion o Laofewydd. TlioiDM Llewelyn o'r
Regoet.
Veifyf Dafydd (died in 1600) 1560
AwtMjfddl
Watkin PywD
Dnfydd Denwyn . 1500
Annyddi^:
Llewelyn Sion. Sion Mawddwy. Dafydd Llwyd If athew.
Edward Da^rdd (died in 1690) ... y66o
, Awtnyddicn:
Hywel Lewyt.
Charles Brittwn.
Thomas Roberts (Offeiriad).
S. Jooes. o Vryo Llwarch (Ofleiriad). .
Evan Sion ^feredyth.
Dafydd o'r Nant.
Dafydd o’r Nant t68o
Awenyddion:
Hopkin y Gwehydd. Thomas Roberts (Offeiriad). Dafydd Hopkin o'r Coetty.
*Samuel Joones (Offeiriad) 1700
Awtnfddimx
Rhys Prys, Ty'n y Ton.
William Hain.
Sion Bradford, yn blentyn*
Dafydd Hopkin o'r Coetty 1730
Awenydd Umx '"."^
Dafydd Thomas.
Rhys Morgan. Pencraig Nedd.
Dafydd Nicholas.
Sion Bradford.
fiiott Bradford (died 1 78o) 17^
Awtnyddionx
Lewys Hopkin. William Hopkin. Edward Evan. Edward Williams^
*The date given as that in which the Rev. S» Jones presided ia iaoonict, for
according to the Parish Register he died in the year 1697.
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(delwedd J8243) (tudalen 075)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 75.
However, as their meetings were not always regular, and as the number of
members was continually dwindling, there was danger that the traditions of
the institution would suffer in consequence. Hence such of the Bards as were
anxious for their preservation, began, more than before, to make collections
of them in books. We say more than before, because some few, like Geraint the
Blue Bard, had previously committed to writing many things concerning the
Bards and their system. With a view to consolidate those collections, several
Gorsedds were held from the beginning of the fifteenth century, under the
sanction of Sir Richard Neville, and others. One was held for that purpose in
1570, under the auspices of William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke* the great
patron of Welsh literature, and the founder of the celebrated library of
Welsh MSS. at Raglan Castle, which was afterwards destroyed by Oliver
Cromwell. What was done at those meetings received considerable improvement
at one held by Sir Edward Lewis of the Van, about 1580^ from the arrangement
of the venerable Llewelyn Sion of Llangewydd; and lastly, a complete revisal
of the former collections was made by Edward Davvdd, of Margam, which
received the sanction of a Gorsedd, neld at Bewpre^ in the year i68z, under
the authority of Sir Richard Bassett; when that collection was pronounced to
be in every respect the fullest illustration of Bardism.* Part of the said
collection was published in 1829, by Ap Iolo, from the original, by Iolo
Morganwg, and was called “Cyfrinach y Beirdd.”
Pedicrbb ap Madoc Vychan, Steward of Tir Iarll “L— Madoc Vychan, of Nant
Dulaisf in Llangynwyd, steward of Tir Iarll, father of (i) Jenkin, (a)
Griffith.
IL— Jenkin ab Madoc, father of i, William, 2, Howell (base), 3, Rees (base),
father of David, father of Griffith, who married Cathenne, daughter of John
David ab William, of Cefn Saeson, and had iHewelyn, who married a daughter of
William Caxton, of Neath, and had William, Wenllian, and Cecil.
HL— William ab Jenkin, married a daughter of— — Stradling, and haD
IV. - David ab William, married a
daughter of Evan ab Lvson, ab Rees,ab Morgan Vychan. They had (z) Thomas* (2)
Howell, whence a cadet branch.
See W. Owen's Barditm, prefixed to hit
Elegies of Llpvurch Hen. t Cannot be traced.
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(delwedd J8244) (tudalen 076)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 76.
v. - Thoirtas— married——
VI. - David ab Thomas, father of (i)
Howell, (a) Reea, father of David, who married Gwladys, daughter of Llewelp
ab David Lliaf, of Nant-y-claes, and had Llewelyn, wno married Tangiws,
daughter of David ab Ieuan Vwya^ of Glyn-corrwg.
VIL^Howell ab David, married a daughter of Evan Blaena, of Llangynwyd, by
Wenllian Jenkins, of Glyn*nedd, they had (i) David, (a) Howell.
VIIL— David ab Howell, father of (i) Thomas, (a) David* (3) David ab Howell,
father of Thomas, father of (xi) Margaret, daughter and heiress, who married
Morgan ab Ieuan ab Howell ab Evan Blaena, of Llang3mwyd.
IX. Thomas ab David, married ist, Isabel, daughter of
ienkin ab Richard, of Brigam, by — , daughter of Phillip Fleming; and, a
daughter of Thomas John ab Watkin. By Isabel he had (i) John, (a) William
Lloyd, alias Powell^ of Bristol, who had (a) Bichard, of Bristol, (h) a
daughter married — ^Taylor, of Bristol, (e ) a daughter, who was the first
wife of Lyson ab Evan David, of Neath (by Lucy, daughter and coheiress of
Morgan Gwyn ab John ab Griffith Gwyn ab Howell Melyn, of Upper Gower), and
had Dr. Thomas Lyson, a celebrated Bath physician who was living in 1603. (3)
Richard, married Maud, daughter of Richard Llewelyn, of Sker, hy a daughter
of Thomas ab Evan David, of Pencoed. She died s.p. By second wife he
(Richard) had William Powell, of Cardiff (Glover) , who married a daughter of
Robert ab William. (4) William Vychan, of Nant-y-crynwydd, in Llangynwyd,
married Wenllian, daughter of John Powell David, and had Thomas and Howell.
Howell married and had issue.
X. - -John Gwyn ab Thomas, married
Wenllian, daughter ofRees ab John, of Glyn-nedd. They had (i) Jane,
co-heiress, who married ist, William Jenkm Havard, of Llantrythid; and, John
Came, of Sully; 3rd, William Came, of Llandough. (a) Margaret, coheiress,
married Howell ab Morgan William, of Bettws. (3) Thomas, a base son, who
married and had issue.
NoTB. - There are several cadets of
the Stewards of Tir Iarll.
The Havards of Llantrythid eventually became Howards. John Came, of Sully,
was murdered by two servants of Herbert, Constable of Cardiff Castle, who
were sent by their master for that
purpoee to Sullr. where meeting him alone in a field they quickly killed nim.
This was in the reign of Henry VIII. The murder was inquired into in the Star
Chamber, but no punishment would appear to have fallen upon the murderers,
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(delwedd J8245) (tudalen 077)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 77.
Rbfubnch to the Poets of Tir Iarll— FtoM Anciimt
POETRY:—
A oet gobaith i'a iaith ni. Faith gofawdl,fythcyfodi? Oet, OM, cwynwn anioet
caith, B'o iawn cwbl, byw yw'a gobaith. Pa bryd. feibion digonawl.
Pencerddiiid bydr ar bob mydr mawl, Y cawn ni'r Alelia. O farn deg Daw Frenin
da 7 Pan ddel caledwaith chwaith chwag, Cnawd pwy o'r roordwy mawrdeg, .
Gloywfab Cof-hydr ddrych g%vych gwyda, Golan o'r Marchog Elydn, Ac yaa awen
geoan, Yn y “Tir," gwir. ac nid gau, Y'n bernir. hwn yw'r gwir gwyllt,
"Wyrion Gweonw>tion Eisyllt
Rhys Goch Eryri. 1420.
Yma o Brif-Feirdd ymbrofwo, O dair gradd i dori grwo. GauFFYDD Dafvdd,
Ycktin, tm Ftirdd Tir UrU, 1460.
Ba dd'ymod bn ddoe amom! Beirdd Tir Iarll bu orddod droni t Duodd gwawd ac
oedd gadam, Diweddu beirdd fel dydd bam. Lbwys MoRGANWO,>a MMfwnttd
Icrwtrth Fjmglwjtd, 1590.
Byr ddennydd mewn barddoniaeth| Barddaa wir heb urddas aeth 1
Edmond Pkys, 1633. .
Specimem of the Poetry of some of the Bards of Tir Iarll.
Stomas to the Well called “Ffynm Gollwy,” at Pyh.
Dnw gwyn im' Benwyn beunydd— a fo*n nerth, Ef yw Naf tragywydd \ Duw
ddtdwyll, da i ddedwydd, Dnw'n rho'i fy enaid i'n rhydd.
Gan Dduw nef ond ef iawn yw dwyn^iddo Ef weddi fo addfwyn; Gwelais gael,
gwedi gloes g^'yn, Gwelliant wrth flynon Gollwyn.
Yno y rhodd Duw g^yn heb gwyno— flynon Kr ffyniant i'n puro; lechyd i'n bryd
o fewn bro Amlygwyd wrth deml lago.*. _
* Pyle Church.
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(delwedd J8246) (tudalen 078)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 78.
Duw gniol, by wiol, cyn byd,— o’i fedd
A drefoodd yn byfryd;
Ffynoo fy w. ffyoiaot i fyd,
Uchawdwr rydd rad iechyd.
Dafyod Bbnwvn (after being cured at the well in the year 1580).
To the Nightingale.
Pwy yn nail y panelant
A gan mor ber ei genau
Pynciau Pencerdd?
Ni cheir llef dan y nef nn ainge,
Na chAn g^ffielyb i'w chaingc,
Pnrgaingc Pfencerdd.
MauRio Dafyud, F«fft«i| 1360. ^
To Lady Mamd^ of Margam.
Mwyn ei nwydan, meinwea ydwyd .
A wir garwyd am ragoran;
Ag awenau y da ganwyd.
Wir a nyddwyd i'th rinweddau;
E'th enseiliwyd. a than lelan
Haulwen olau, *th ail ni wetwyd |
Do, r addolwyd dy feddylian,
A'th fdl enau'n faith folianwyd.
Edward Dafydd, e/lferfiai, 1660.
To the Margam HoundSt by ike same.
Llais y c^n, a*tt i^n yn aeinio,
A wna i ddyffryn union ddeffro,
Aeth eu llef drwy’r hoH bentrefydd,
Bryeian gwylltion. bronau gelltvdd;
Rhed eu miwtig 'rnyd y meusydd.
Sain eu pcesgerdd ay'n y prysgwydd;
I'w Uwyi agwedd a'u llais hygar;
Clywch eu llef, fal clywch eu llafar t
To CfomwelVs Partisans^ by the same.
Ifae'n rhaid ufuddhau mewn rhUh*-daa dewi,*
A chwerwi'n dra chyrith;
I faldordd. plant y felldith
Qydd yma*n dftg, plAg i'n plith.
True Faith.
Gwir ffydd y sydd yn cynn aerch,
Ie, gwinerch mewn glew gwartvth,
I'w droi'n ei gals o'i drais rhy drwch,
I’r fflwch dawelwch dilyth;
Bydd wAr, bydd hawddgar, a llawn hedd,
Yr unwedd a’r mwyn oenyn;
Gelynaidd 4rg, er drwg, oer draii^
O ddiawl 1 na chaia ei ddilya.
AMTBom Pywsu fGlena.
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(delwedd J8247) (tudalen 079)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 79.
Cydwrbod dda'i nod
Ran Ddaw Ncr-o dbai,
A chyfiawn foddlooder;
Nid rhaid Kolttd dihaid. gweler: lawn y w’r ymtwyn uorhy w amier;
Daw iddoeth yw'r cyfoeth, oofiar
I Ynddo rhodio'n ddawr et hydar. ^ /^ .
SaMuaL JONBt. OfUriady a’i Cant.
i4iM/W» ^ thi £am Autk^.
Y Dttw mawr. tfo di 'mwriad I'r iawn yttyr yn waatad; Wyf wan. bydd o'm rhan
yn rhad, " ' ifiatad;
\ gwaaJdcr na'i
NaL eto tyn h atad;
Fy Ner. i'm gwaaJdcr na'm fad.
I'm terthedd lla maa'm tyrthiad;
Rhol llef b yd eurnaf arnad— yw'm foiehwyl,
Dnw anwyi, am danad,
Calad wyf.dyw fi. O Dad I
7^ Dr. John David Rhys.
y gwr doeth a'r gair dathawl 6y'n arwedd laith aynwyrawl, Cyrdd ugeiomyrdd
i'th ganmawi, cfodywof1rdd,clyway(awL ^^^^^ g,^^^
Emcljmwu in praiu to thi Author of “Drych y Pfif Onoodd^
Gwalwch, dcallwch da 'wyllva— Cymro, Mewn camrau gwir ddUya, Anwyl o'r
'ablenydd Ynya. Geirwir llawn, agorwr llys*
Bendithied Duw byw. diball— «i fywyd| O fawen, a'm deall, I foU gwir uwch
aralL Haddaircttabaaddat'rcalL ^ ^_
IiuAN BaADVoao^ aV BiitM%
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(delwedd J8248) (tudalen 080)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 80.
CHAPTER VIIL
BfyBllywaich. - Short description of
the ftmi hoate. - * Extracts from Letters on the Rev. Samuel Jones, M.A., by
the Rev. R. P. Llewelyn, M.A., in the old Bridgend Cikrra/^. - Mr. Jones, after he was ejected from the
Parish Church, established
Nonconformist Churches, and the first Nonconformist School in Wales, Ac;
BRYNLLYWARCH is the name of a large farm situated on the banks of the
Llyfnwy, about two miles to the south of the Parish Church. It is best known
from its having been the home of the Rev. Samuel Jones, who was ejected from
the Vicarage of Llangynwyd for Nonconformity in the year 1662. Here most of
his numerous family were born, and here many of them died during the father's
life — and here he himself died in the year 1697.
The house to this day, is much the same as when occupied by Mr. Jones; the
only difference being that the stone roof has been replaced by one of slate.
The walls are remarkably thick, and the massive woodwork is of the very best
Welsh Oak. The house contains six extensive rooms, viz., work-room, kitchen,
and hall; and three bedrooms. The porch or chief entrance faces the south,
and on the green lawn in front of the house a very charming landscape meets
the eye. On this lawn up to a recent date, stood the trunk of a huge tree,
which must have been in its full vigour at the time Mr. Jones lived; under
its shade, it is said, the reverend gentleman used dutins the summer months
to spend a considerable portion of his time in meditation and prayer.
In the Bridgend Chronicle of September 4th, 1858, a letter appeared, signed
“T.M.," making enquiry respecting the inscription then illegible upon
the tomb of the Rev. S. Jones, of Brynllywarch, which the writer wished to
obtain.
He understood that it had been copied by the Rev. W. Jones, Minister of the
Independent Chapel at Bridgend, who died in 1850, and hoped it might be
recovered from his papers. In the following week's issue, the Rev. R. P.
Llewelyn addressed the Editor on the subject. He hoped someone would be able
to give Mr. M. the information he required. The Parish school (he said) was
formerly kept in the
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(delwedd J8249) (tudalen 081)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 81.
western porch of the Church, and the churchyard for many years was the common
playground. He has seen 80 children playing at the same time over tombs and
graves. These urchins in their gambols knocked down many curious monuments,
which once adorned the churchyard, and committed sad havoc in the place. This
has caused the obliteration of the Rev. S. Jones's epitaph. Happily, through
the kind exertions of the late Mr. Jenkins, of Gelly, and at a great expense
to himself, the school has been removed to the outside of the Churchyard, and
the graves are no longer desecrated by the pranks of mischief-loving boys.
Taliesin ab Iolo, when he had visited the place many years ago, had promised
Mr. Llewelyn that he would search his father's [S. for the epitaph; but he
never heard from him. Mr. Llewelyn then goes on:—
“I have looked in an old Register of the Parish, commencing (or, to use the
words of the vicar, nstauratum), in 1662, and up to the date of Mr. Jones's
death, I find the following entries there: —
“' Samuel, et Gulielmus, filii Samuelis Jones et Marias Powell, baptizati
fuerunt 6^ 9*""* 1662.
“* Samuel Jones Sepultus fuit I2« Novembris, 1662.
“* Sarah filia Samuelis Jones et Mariae Powell, baptizata fuit decimo die
Decembris, 1665.
“* Timotheus filius Samuelis Jones et Marias Powell baptizatus fuit decimo
die Decembris, 1665.
' * Martha filia Samuelis Jones et Mariae Powell baptizata fuit 8* die
Januarii, i66f.
“* Martha Jones Sepulta fuit apud Bettws 13* Februariit i66f.
*”Jacobus filius Samuelis Jones et Marias Powell baptizatus fuit 18* die
Februarii, 166^.
“' Gulielmus Jones, puer, sepultus fuit 27* Maii, 1669.
' * Rutha Jones, puella, sepulta fuit 28* Feb., 16'^.
“* Racheil, filia Samuelis Jones et Mariae Powell baptizata fuit vicesimo die
Januarii, 167-7-.
* * Josephus et Benjaminus Jones, filii Samuelis Jones et Mariae Powell,
baptizati fuerunt ai" Januarii, 167^.
« Benjamin Jones, puer, sepultus fuit 28" Januarii, 167!.
“* Josephus jfones, puer, sepultus fuit 6» Martit, 167^.
* * Samuele nlius Samuelis Jones et Mariae Powell baptizatus fuit 25 die
Aprilis, 1675.
* < Priscilla filia Samuelis Jones et Mariae Powell bapt. fuit 29* die
Julii, 1676.'
*« On another leaf, the above baptism is entered thus:^
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(delwedd J8250) (tudalen 082)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 82.
«<*Priscilla Jones nata fuit a5*diejulii et baptizata fuit 39 die Z676.'
” It seems his wife died in givinc^ birth to the above child, for the next
entry I meet with is as follows: —
"'Maris Powell, uxor Samuelis Jones, sepulta fuit 26* die Julii, 1676.
“This entry of Maria Powell's death is also in duplicate, the only difference
between the two entries being that the word Samuelis is abbreviated into '
Sam.' And the letters A* for Anno are inserted in the other entry. The death
of Priscilla Tones is also given in duplicate, as follows, on two separate
leaves:—
“*Priscilla Jones, puella (sic) sepulta fuit 8* die 7 bris. - 76.
“' Priscilla Jones, puella, sepult fuit 8* Septembris, 1676.'
“Poor Mr. tones seems to have suffered from the parson's propensity of naving
many children. Some persons might interpret this as one means of spreading
the gospel. However we take it, Mr. Jones seems to have been in favour of
matrimony, for, at the age of 50, he took a second wife. The entry of this I
will give you next week.
Dated from Llan Vicarage, 8th September, 1858."
The following week Mr. Llewelyn resumes the subject. He is disappointed no
one has supplied the epitaph, but hopes this correspondence will be the means
ofdragging it from some obscure corner. Then he proceeds: —
“The Clerk and myself, after much rubbing and scrubbing with brushes, cloths,
and water (no stone, sand, or other hard material, was used), have succeeded
in deciphering the inscription on Mrs. Jones's tomb.
*In vitA mors, In morte vita. Mary, wife of Samuel Tones, of BrynUywarch, was
buried on the S5tii July.
AftfM J Domini 1676.
-^™* 1 ^tatis sua 38. A loving wife, a mother dear, Asleep in Christ, is
lodged here; Reader, repent, thy minutes fly, Redeem thy time, and learn to
dve; Now make thy peace in Christ alone, Slig not the counsel of this
stone."
*The same process of cleaning has been tried by Mr. T. Morgan on the tomb of
the Rev. S. Jones, but without result. It seems quite untraceable. Tetupus,
edax rerum, and the hobnails of the school children, have done their worst.
Who Mary Powell, the first wife, was, I know not. Sev**
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(delwedd J8251) (tudalen 083)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 83.
eral respectable penons of the name of Powell resided In the parish at that
time, I suspect, and it is the merest suspicion, that she was the daughter of
Rees Powell, of Maesteg, by Joanna Jones, of whom I have a few words to say
by-and-bye.
“In less than thirteen months after burying this ' loving wife and mother
deare,' Mr. Jones made a second venture. This marriage is registered in
duplicate on two separate leaves, and is word for word the same in each
place, with the single exception that, in one entry, Mr. Jones is said to be
* de Brynllywarch/ and in the other ' de Llangonwyd.'
“L. Samuel Jones de Brynllywarch et Maria David (or Davids) de St. Lydons in
matrimonio conjuncti fuerant 14* die Augusti, 1677.
**St. Lydons is doubtless St. Lythians, or Llanfleiddian Vach, near Cardiff*
“Mr. Jones is said to have been a native of Denbighshire (* Peter's Hams
Ctefydd! &c., p. 564). Some say that he was from the Parish of Chirk, not
far from Llangollen. I find in an old Register thr. following entry: ^
“* L. David Jones, de Parochia, Llangollen, comitate Denbigh, et Maria Jones
de Llangonwyd, in matrimonio conjuncti fuerent apud Swansey, 15* die August,
1687.' I suspect that these persons were related; first cousins, perhaps, and
that Maria Jones was the eldest child of the Rev. S. Tones, by his first
wife. I cannot, however, prove this, (or the old Registers of the Parish are
missing. They were either taken away by the Rev. S. Jones, or more likely
still destroyed in those troublous times, for Mr. Jones seems to have been
very wishful that all births, deaths, and marriages connected with his family
should be recorded in the Parish Registers. Even this entry of a marriage
solemnised at Swansey seems to prove that he was careful on that head. The
Rev. John Hutton, Vicar of the Parish from i66a to Deer., 1705, and the Rev.
Mr. Jones seem to have lived on terms of great courtesy, if not friendship.
This seems proved by entries in reference to Mr. Jones's family, even where
the ceremonies recorded were solemnised in other Parishes. Mr. Hutton
recorded Mr. Jones's death in full. I shall give you the entry by-and-bye,
and he also wrote the long Latin Epitaph for his tomb, which is obliterated.
In one respect only do I observe aught which wears the appearance of
discourtesy. He studiously withholds from Mr. Jones the title of Cltf^ or
Clericus. Mr. Hutton appears to have been punctilious in this matter, for he
uses the title some eight or ten times in
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(delwedd J8252) (tudalen 084)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 84.
various entries, even when recording the death of a clergyman's widow. I give
an example:—' Margaretta David, relict Watkini ab Evan, Cler, Sepult fuit 21*
die 7 bris, 168^.'
“Was this Margaretta David, a sister of Mary David, Mrs. Tones’s second wife?
“6ut how are we to account for this withholding of the title Clericus from
every entry in the Register where Mr.
1ones’s name occurs? I can see no other solution than that Ir. Jones was not
episcopally ordained.^ If so, Mr. Jones's non-acceptance of the Act of
Uniformity was not the sole cause of his removal from this Vicarage. He was
legally disqualified from holding it.
* Dated, * Llan Vicarage,' September 14th, 1858.”
This interesting subject is continued by Mr. Llewelyn in the paper of October
x6th, 1858.
“I intimated my suspicion,”he says, “that David and Mary Jones were related.
It may be as well to offer a few reasons for the suspicion: —
“The Rev. Samuel Tones came himself, it appears, from Llangollen, or the
neighbourhood. On referring to * Willis's St. Asaph,* by Edwards, Vol. I.,
page 335, I find that Humphrey Jones, vicar of Llangollen, was ejected in
i653r Was this Humphrey Jones any relative of the Rev. S. Jpnes, or of the
said David Jones who married Mary Jones? The surname 'Jones' was very
uncommon in this parish at the period to which these letters relate. Looking
on the Registers from 1662 up to the date of the Rev. S. Jones's death in
1697, 1 find the name of Jones only five or six times, and these, I believe,
not in connection with natives of this parish. I find the names of Evanus
Jones de Aberavon Cler twice. The name of Evanus Tones Curat de Mich. Sup.
Avon occurs once or twice. Probably the Cler de Aberavon and the Curat de
Michaelstone Sup. Avon were the same person. The next time I find the name of
Jones is in the following entry: —
“1685, Elizabeth Jones, pauper, relicta Johnis Hf^pkin^ Sepulta fuit 26"
die Martii Ao, /Btatis suae 83*.
“This person, probably, was not a native of the parish; most likely she was
imported by her husband. Tlie last
Llanoonwyo in Com. Glamorgan— Samuel
Jones, Clerk, Master of Arts, admitted 4th May, itsy, to the Vicarage of
Llaogonwyd, County of Glamorgan, upon a presentation exhibited the same day
from his highness Ye Lord Protector, under ye great Seal of England, and
('ertificAt^s from Edmund Ellis, of Ffagans, Hen.; Nicholls. of
i>>ychurch; Ben. h'fituler,. of Cardiff; Jo. French, of ^Vem*oe;
Griffith Davies, of Kelligire: Kdm. Carnage, B. Buell, Rob Thomas. - FW. 992, ImUfulims,”/. 23. - * Lambeth
Library.
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(delwedd J8253) (tudalen 085)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 85.
instance in which I find the name of Tones in the period over which my search
extends is in the following entry: —
'“Joanna Jones, relicta Rici Powell de Maesteg, Sepulta fuit 29* die Januarii
169} Anno iGtatis 86*.'
“As I have before intimated, I suspect this lady was the mother of Mary
Powell, first wife of the Rev. S. Jones. I shall, therefore, at the close of
the letter, say a little more concerning her, and give a short pedigree oi
the Powells, of Maesteg. The surname Jones appears to have pertained in those
times more to North than to South Wales, at least, so far as regards this
parish, for that patronymic seems confined to the Rev. S. Jones and his
family. The surname — the equivalent of the modern Jones,which formerly
obtained in this parish was John, and certainly it occurs often enough. I
transcribe an entry which may serve as a specimen of the old surname and as
an instance of extraordinary longevity.
“' 167^ Thomas John Sepultus fuit 19* die Januarii Anno ^tatis suae centesimo
et undecimo.*
“After this long digression, I return to the entries in the Register, which
have reference to the Rev. S. Jones.
* ' Samuel Jones, puer sepultus fuit 23* die Febniarii, x6H.'
*”Johannes Jones puer sepultus fuit 24* die Julii, i68x, Anno iEtatis suae ax
'.'
“It will be observed that this young man was born before the commencement of
the Old Register. He was, perhaps, the second child, Maria being the first. *
1681, Jacobus Jones puer (frater ejus) sepultus fuit 25* die Julii Anno
iCtatis suae 13'.' These two young men were buried in two separate graves in
the middle of the churchyard, about twenty yards south of the mother's grave.
The tombs erected over them by a father's care were standing within the last
twenty years; and inscribed on them were seen ten or a dozen English lines,
in which the sorrowing father poured out, in most touching accents, the grief
of a wounded spirit. But, alas! those graves were sacrilegiously broken
open,* the tombstones are destroyed, and the inscriptions are lost. This
infamous act was committed before I came to this place.
« In 1689, I find the following tatty:—
“* Samuel Jones, infans Sepultus fuit Vicesimo octavo die, Aug. 1689, atque
baptizatus fuit tertio die Junii Anno ultimo praeterito.'
“And now follows the entry that I have placed as the limit of my search, that
of Mr. Jones's death:— ““'i697,SamuelJones, A.M., quondam Socius e CoU. Tesu,
Oxon, Sepultus fuit decimo die mensis Septembris, Anno
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(delwedd J8254) (tudalen 086)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 86.
iEtatis suae septuagesimo.* The usual adjunct of * Cler/ is withheld from him
even in the last entry»
“Of Mr. Jones's numerous children, whose baptisms are recorded in the
Register, with two exceptions, — Timothy and Rachel— all are likewise
recorded as having died before the father. What became of Timothy and Rachel
I know not» nor do I mean at present to inquire. As promised in my first
letter, I have given all entries pertaining to his family up to his death,
and there I close.
“Mr. Jones presided at the Eisteddfod held at Beaupre^ at Whitsuntide, 1681
(see Cy/rinach y Beirdd, p. i). In that volume there are several scraps of
really good Welsh poetry written by Mr. Jones in accordance with the rules of
the Glamorganshire Bards. At page 164, of C. >. B., are some lines with
Mr. Jones's name attached to them; and at p. 93, the same lines are
attributed to Mr. Anthony Powell, of Llwydarth, in this parish, a gentleman
and celebrated Antiquary, from whom are descended several highly respectable
families now in Glamorganshire.
“Although a North Walian by birth, Mr. Jones, being a well educated man,
adopted the Glamorganshire prosody, and spurned those vile metrical fetters
with which the North Walian bards hampered themselves at the instigation of
the Monkish Rhymester, Dafydd ap Edmwnt-> fetters which have caused
greater ruin to Welsh poetry than all the statutes ever promulgated against
the bards by all the Kings of England.
“Mr. Jones seems to have been acclimatised, and ended the few and evil days
of his pilgrimage at Brynllywarch, which may have been a part of the landed
possessions of the Powells— perhaps even the marriage portion of Mary Powell.
I may at least observe this much, that Brynllywarch at the present moment is
the property of a representative of the branch of the Powell family, Mr. J.
P. Traherne, of Goed-tre-hen. .
“There remains to me now but to fulfil my promise in respect to Joanna Jones,
and the pedigree of the Powells. Joanna Jones, the wife of Rees Powell, and
probably mother of Mary Powell (Mr. Jones's first wife), was the daughter of
the Rev. Morgan Jones, D.D.. Treasurer of Landaff, and Rector of Newton
Nottage, and Llanmaes, in this county. (See “Willis's Landaff," p. 85-1
80.) Joanna
Jones's sister, Priscilla, was married to the Rev. Rowland iarry, M.A.,
Rector of Coity. Priscilla was a family name
* This will bo given at the end of the volumii
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(delwedd J8255) (tudalen 087)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 87.
pertaining to the family of Dr. Jones and the Powells, and at the birth of
Priscilla Jones, the Rev. S. Jone8’s first wife died.
Soon after the separation of the Rrv. Samuel Jones from the Established
Church (to which reference has been already made), he was invited to preach
at a house called Tymaen^ near Pontrhydycyff, and not far diiitant from his
residence at Brynllywarch. He preached also in a cowshed at a place called
Cildeudy, in the Hamlet of Baiden. Soon also, he commenced to hold frequent
services in the adjoining Parish of Bettws, as well as at Bridgend. He
organized churches at both the last named places, which churches remained in
a prosperous condition for many years. At the end of the last century, upon
the death of the Kev. Samuel Price, it appears that some of the adherents,
and part of the Endowments of both, fell into the hands of the Unitarians.*
But the greatest service which Mr. Jones rendered to the cause of
Nonconformity was the starting of a school at Brynllywarch, at which he
undertook the training of young men tor the Ministry. This was the first
institution for this purpose that was established in Wales; and in this
connection, as well as for the efficient general education which was imparted
there, it became widely known and highly esteemed.
We have it on record that one of the Mansels, of Margam, sent his son to be
instructed by Mr. Jones; also, the two brothers, the Revs. Rees Pricef and
Samuel Price, of Tynton, and other distinguished Nonconformist ministers,
were educated at this school. From the testimony of contemporaries, we gather
that Mr. Jones was of an exceedingly gentle demeanour, and renowned for his
humility. Possessed of profound learning, great refinement, and Christian
character, it is not to be wondered at that persons of the highest degree
placed the greatest confidence in him as the preceptor of their sons.
* The churches at Bridgend and Bettwt were endowed by the family of Tynton,
LlangetMr, who gave the farm called Cae-garw for the said . purpose. The late
Wyndham Lewis. Esq., M.P. for Maidstone, was a descendant of the Tynton
family: the widow of whom became the devoted wife of the late Lord
Beaconsfield. Also Sir Humphrey Edwin, an ancestor of the present Earl of
Dunraven, deposited in the funds for the same purpose a sum of money, and the
income of both Endowments at present are reputed to be about /70 oer annum,
t Rees Price took charge of the churches at Bettws and Bridgend, after the
death of Mr. Jones. He died in March. 1739. His son. Dr. Richard Price,
became a great political writer in the time of the American War and the
French Revolution. He was born at Tyoton. Llaageinor, and died in London in
the year 1791.
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(delwedd J8256) (tudalen 088)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 88.
Almost all writers who have undertaken to give the particulars of Mr. Jones's
history have fallen into the error of stating that he preached, after he was
ejected from Llangynwyd, at Baiden— a Chapel-of-Ease to the Parish Church.
This error has probably arisen from the fact that Mr. Jones preached so
frequently at Baiden, which he himself refers to in an Engfyn which is still
extant. He undoubtedly referred to Cildeud^y which place is mentioned in the
list of licensed houses in Glamorganshire, granted to the Nonconformists by
Charles II., in a decree dated March 34th, 1672, to hold divine worship. It
is also recorded that the Rev. Rees Price mlnistered at Cildeudy, in 1715*
.4' fl #«N
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(delwedd J8257) (tudalen 088a)
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(delwedd J8258) (tudalen 089)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 89.
CHAPTER IX.
Celfn Ydfa: its situation. — Mr. Thoous. father of the "Maid of Cefn
Ydfa."*— The Courtkhip of Ann Thomas with Will Hopkin. the bard --Her
marriage to Anthony Maddocke,* of Cwmyriaga, aod its sad conaequencea. - The marriage aettlement-^The death of the
Maid: alao of Will Hopkin. - Mr.
Maddocks building a mansion, and marrying a second wife. - His practice as a lawyer. - Extracts from his ledgers. Ac.
tHIS celebrated place is situated on an elevated spot on the slope of a hill
projecting out in a north-easterly direction from Baiden Mountain, on the
western side of the Llynfi Valley.
In some old documents we have seen, the name is written Cefh-y-Gnydfa,
signifying "the ridge of plenty”; but as written in the present day, the
meaning would imply that the situation was convenient for corn growing. Both
appear to us to be a corruption of the original name given by our forefathers
to this historical spot.
To those who are acquainted with the neighbourhood, especially Baiden
Mountain, it will be seen that the locality has not always been blessed with
the serenity it now enjoys, and it must have appeared to them that the huge
entrenchments which are there seen, were at one time, the scene of desperate
military adventures, and hard fought battles. There is in the vicinity a
ford, once known as “Rhyd-y-cyrn” The ford of the bugle horns”; and about
half a mile further north is r«V GadUf,
The place of the war cry," and Gailyt^ « The camp, or
entrenchment." A little further on, in a recess,
Probably, Mr. Maddocks, of Cefn Ydfa. was the first of the family to add the
s to his surname. The old people had a great dislike to such addition, which
they considered to arise from pride on the part of those who used it.
The Rev. Thos. William, of Bethesda, reproved his printer once for serving
him thus, with the following lines:—
“Fi dd'wedais wrtho'n ddioam Mai fenw oedd Thomas William;
Ond er y cyfan oll a wnes, Fe ddododd e'r « fongam.”
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(delwedd J8259) (tudalen 090)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 90.
hidden among the hills, are the remains of an old castle, which, at one time,
must have had important connection with the turbulent periods experienced by
the inhabitants of ancient days. In the light of the above facts, the real
name of this place suggest itself to us as Cefn-Udfa, **The ridge of
wailing,” a most expressive name, could events of bygone days be now made
known. The present farmhouse, known as Cefn Ydfa, is a good specimen of the
old farm-houses which are to be met with throughout the parish, about which
we have nothing in particular to say; ' but adjoining are the remains of a
much older dwelling-house, to which, about the year 1728, was attached a
considerable mansion, which, by reason of its comparatively modern
appearance, gives a sense of desolation to a spot otherwise beautiful. Within
living memory, this mansion was inhabited by a family of some distinction —
the Mackworths, for they were at one time the owners of the Lordship of “Tir
Iarll." This mansion was also called Cefn Ydfa, a name familiar to all
who have a slight acquaintance with the poetry and poetical traditions of
Glamorganshire.
It is not on account of the Mackworths, nor any of the modern Lords of “Tir
laril “that this place became celebrated, but for its connection with an
earlier occupant of the old ruined house between the present farm-house and
the remains of the above Mansion; and her name, Ann Thomas, the "Maid of
Cefn Ydfa," of 1725-27; by reason of her hapless love for the peasant
Bard, Will Hopkin, of Llangynwyd, has given pre-eminence to the locality, and
the interest manifested in her sufferings has aroused many a pilgrim from a
distant land to visit this romantic spot.
Those who 8 re familiar with the outlines of the pathetic story of the fair
maid, and have never seen Cefn Ydfa, will hear, perhaps with some regret, but
certainly not with surprise, that the scene once of tender and hopeful joy,
but afterwards of much cruel wrong and mortal suffering, is now desolate, and
has become the haunt of the owl and the bat,* and, indeed, it is fitting that
it should be, that this “ower true tale” of a gentle maiden's woe, which
needs no embelishment from art, to place it above the imagined woes of
romance, should have ended in accordance with what is
* It it tlM general belief in the neighbourhood, that the Mansion was
haunted; and we have the word of several parties who tried to live there
before it was altogether abandoned, that it was impossible to do so. That at
night they could not sleep owing to the disturbance caused by some unseen
spirit. The dogs would not stay in the house at night if they could possibly
avoid it
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(delwedd J8260) (tudalen 091)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 91.
known as "Poetical Justice.” The laws of nature and the laws of art do
sometimes meet and run together, and they have done so here.
The story opens in, or about the year 2,700, and Cefn Ydfa is owned by, and
in the occupation of a gentleman of the name of William Thomas, who is said
to have been a descendant of Sir Edward Thomas^ of Cwrt y Bettws. Mr. Thomas,
chose for himself a wife, one Catherine Price, from the adjoining Parish of
Bettws, and sister of the Rev. Rice Price, of Tynton, Llangeinor. This
relationship, perhaps, in some decree, will explain the causes which led up
to the climax of this sad story. It is well known that the Prices had a very
high notion of parental authority, and scrupled not to enforce that authority
by extreme penalties; natural affections seeming to be crushed out of them,
if but a whim were thwarted. Out of this family, came the celebrated Richard
Price, of Stoke Newington; and those who have read his life will remember
that his father, the above-mentioned Rev, R. Price, disinherited him for a
change in religious belief; and the same stern personage seems to figure in
every important event at Cefn Yd/a, while his sister was connected with the
place.
In the Parish Registers may be seen the following entry:
* Gulielmut Thomas, de Langonwyd. et Cttherina Price, de Bettws, in
Matrimonio coDJuncti fuersnt nit die Martii, 1703."
This is the record of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, of Cefn Yd/a.
Their married life covered but the brief period of three years and nine
months. Two children were the issue of the marriage, a daughter, Ann, who is
the subject of this story, and a son, William, who died in infancy, surviving
his father only a few days, and they were buried in the same grave, in the
chancel of the Church at Llangynwyd, on which may now be seen the following
inscription:—
“Here lieth ye body of William rhomas, ye father, who died ye 23 December,
and William Thomas, his son, who died ye 36 of the same month, of ye year,
1707.1
* It is recorded of Sir Edward, that he went on an Expedition to Briton
Ferry, to attack the Parliamentary Garrison there, and was taken prisoner.
t The inscriptkm on the stone is misleading; the Registers record their death
thas:—
“Gulielmns Thomas sepultus fuit 140. xo bris 1706. Gnlielmus Thomas intans
wpnltns fuit aS*. to bris 1706.
How this mistake occurred it is impossible to explain.,
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(delwedd J8261) (tudalen 092)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 92.
Then follows an epitaph:—
* My worke and preaching now hath ceaaed, Deftth of my labour hath me eased;
' Still through this stone to all I cry, Oh I tarn and live, repent, or
diei'“
The baptism of the daughter Ann is recorded in the registers as having taken
place on the eighth day of May, 1704. The rites were administered by her
uncle, the Rev. R. Price, who, according to Dr. Rees,t was a distinguished
Nonconformist minister. It appears that the ceremony was performed at the house
at Cefn Ydfa, shortly after the birth of the child, amid great pomp and
family rejoicing, and the father, on his part, taking particular care to see
that the baptism was duly recorded by the Vicar of the parish in the
Registers.
Referrmg to Mr. Thomas's will, a copy of which is preserved at the Consistory
Court, Llandaff, we find that he had appointed the Rev. R. Price, his
brother-in-law, an^ Mr. Richard Price, referred to by the testator, as his
particular friend, to be the testamentary guardians of his children. As we
have already said, the son William being dead, the only surviving issue was
his daughter Ann, to whom, with her mother, the property was left in trust.
Tradition has proved misleading in assuming that Mr. Anthony Maddocks, of
Cwm-yr-isga^ had been chosen by the father of the “Maid” to be one of her
guardians during her minority. Whatever part Mr. Maddocks took in bringing
about a marriage between his son and heir and Ann Thomas, it cannot be said
that any such authority had been accorded him by the father. There is little
doubt that the two families were on very intimate terms while Mr. Thomas
lived, and perhaps that intimacy increased, after his death. We find that Mr.
Maddocks was their legal adviser, as well as of the Prices, of Tynton; and
his books, which we have examined, bear record of such transactions. Mr.
William Thomas seems to have been a man of considerable substance, not to say
wealth, and of a highly respectable family. Mrs. Thomas, also, must have been
considered superior to the generality of ladies residing in the neighbourhocd
at that time, though it cannot be said of her that she was an accomplished
lady in the sense of the present age, for she was unable to write even
* It is thought by some, from the epitaph, that Mr. Thomas was a
Nonconformist minister, and, in all probability, had been educated at
Bryn**Jlywareh School; bat thers is no evidence m support of such conjecture.
f “History of Welsh Nooconfermity.”
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(delwedd J8262) (tudalen 093)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 93.
her own name on an important document which shall be referred to hereafter.
Ann Thomas, under the care of her mother and her guardians, grew up into
girlhood, to find herself ripening into beauty, and to enjoy the reputation
of being an heiress. Of those who must have taken part prominently in the
events which took place at Cefn Ydfa from 1707 to 1725, we can see the
distinct figures of but two— the Maid, and her bard lover* Mr. Anthony
Maddocks, of Cwm-yr-isga, a lawyer by profession, and one who was carrying on
an extensive practice, was possessed of considerable means, and, in every
respect the equal of his neighbours at Cefn Ydfa. He served as Under Sheriff
of Glamorgan in 2719, Mr. Michael Williams, of Bridgend, being the Sheriff.
He had a son and heir named Anthony, whom he had brought up to the law, and
who proved himself an energetic man of business. He, also, served as Under
Sheriff of Glamorgan, in 2743, when Mr» Mathew Deere, of Ash Hall, was the
Sheriff.
In the pride of a father's heart, he, doubtless, appeared to the older
Maddocks fit to wed any girl, however fair, of the rank of the Maid of Cefn
Ydfa. Mrs. Thomas and her brother must have thought so too. There was money
on both sides, and the match was all that prudence could desire; so that
guardians, on the one side, and lawyers on the other, arranged that the young
people were to be married.
At this stage we hear nothing of the tender wooing between the young people,
nothing of the passion felt by the young lover; in fact, he seems most
lawyerlike in coolness and circumspection. A fair and gentle girl, with money
and property, had been decreed by high contracting parties to be his wife; he
had money too, and position, and would be a good husband to her. and what
more was there to be said I It seems that neither Mrs. Thomas, the guardians,
nor the Maddocks either dreaded, or even suspected, that anything could arise
to frustrate their plans. Suitors in brave apparel had perhaps been frowned
down, and could be kept at arm's length; but the lover, who won the maiden's
heart, came in more humble guise; came with the humble and touching suit of
true and devoted love; came, well knowing the disparity of rank between
himself and his mistress, to pay the adoration of passionate, but hopeless,
love; came, and won the maiden's heart.
This humble suitor was Will Hopkin, of Llangynwyd, a tiler and plasterer. The
Parish Registers bear testimony that he was baptised on the 24th day of
November, 2700, and was the son of Hopkin Thomas and Diana Harry; and
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(delwedd J8263) (tudalen 094)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 94.
was thus about three years the senior of the lovely Ann Thomas. Whether he
was dark or fair, whether he had the advantage of unusual comeliness to
recommend him to the regard of womankind, tradition fails to tell us; but it
is said of him that he was a young man of ruddy health, of joyous heart, of
ready speech, a bard too; and one, moreover, endowed in a high degree with
the gift of “Awen barod” (ready muse), a qualification all Welsh bards
coveted. It seems natural that his bardic endowments should have been
perfected by the ancient traditions and influence of his native parish. The
mental atmosphere of Llangynwyd must have been in his days balmy with the
breath of Welsh poetry; for, was it not the seat of a “Bardic Chair?" At
that time bardic contests were part of the daily pastimes of the inhabitants,
and Will Hopkin inherited the native gift above most of his contemporaries.
Those who came after him to hold up the traditions and honour of the Chair of
“Tir Iarll,” and to whom his memory was dear, used to tell of his parentage,
and trace his descent from Hopkin Thomas Phillip, of Gelli-fid, a poet who
flourished between 1590 and 1630; and further still from Hopkin Thomas ap
Einion, Priest of Llangyfelach, and VttyS'tawe, who flourished about the year
1400. Lewys Hopkin, of Hendre-Ifan-Goch, and the Hopkins, of Coychurch, were
of the same branch, viz., from Einion, Offeiriad. His more immediate
ancestors had been respectable farmers, having occupied Ty-talwyn farm, and,
through collateral branches, relationship has been traced between him and the
greatest of the late Glamorganshire Bards, Iolo Morganw^.
While every care seems to have been taken at Cefn Ydfa to ward off avowed
suitors, a lover appeared in a manner., little expected, and in a person
quite undreaded by all concerned. Will Hopkin (as he was known) in the
exercise of his craft, was engaged on the premises, and he and the fair Maid
were brought together. It shows how little brave attire is required to enable
a winsome youth to gain favour in the eyes of a maiden, provided to be the
destmed lord of her love, when Will Hopkin, in his home-spun garments, won
the heart of Ann Thomas. How their mutual liking first began, and their first
acquaintance was brought about, was probably known but to themselves. We have
been told many a tale, and even to this day some of the older inhabitants
have several traditions relative to the way in which they first met, and
broke to each other the secret o ' their own hearts, but they are hardly
worth recording. Be that as it may, there is but little doubt that the **Awm
barod”
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(delwedd J8264) (tudalen 095)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 95.
had something to do with it. It has been said that in the opening davs of
their first and tender love, when its existence was hardly confessed even by
the lovers themselves, and undreamed of by Ann's mother, they had their
meetings in the kitchen of Cefn Ydfa during the dinner hour. Will, as it was
customary with tradesmen employed about farmhouses in the neighbourhood,
would take his meals with the servants in the kitchen, and it has been said
that Miss Thomas was in the habit of coming to the kitchen, just after the
dinner was over, and order the servants to do some work outside, so as to
give her the opportunity of conversing with Will alone. This practice was
carried on for some length of time, but such interviews could not long be
kept a secret; and when the old lady, her mother, was made aware of such
meetings, Will was at once dismissed, and forbidden the . house. But, by this
time, matters had got rather too far to be ended by a summary dismissal of
the intruder, and the young couple had to find some other means of seeing
each other, as best they could. It is to this period of their love that
Will's Song of “BugcUio'f Gwcnith Gwyn” (Watching the Blooming VVheat) must
be assigned.
With a poet's true prescience, Will had here accurately estimated, and stated
his own condition, and (as a consesequence of his helplessness) the
hopelessness of his love, compared with the sharp men of the world, and the
young Lawyer of Cwmyrisga. He was, indeed, the young and K>olish “boy”; he
styled himself “loving after his fancy,”and then follows as touching a
poetical image as ever a bard invented: —
”I fondly watched the blooming wheat. Another reaps the treasure."
This song has been published many years ago, and the Welsh words translated
into a most captivating English dress, by the late talented Mrs. Pendril
Llewelyn; the original and the translation will appear with other fragments
of Will Hopkin’s works in a subsequent chapter.
Will and the fair Maid managed to meet one another in a wood near the house;
but these stolen interviews were again discovered, and a stop was at once put
to them, and Ann Thomas imprisoned in her room; the Price spirit manifesting
itself in this act, in which we can see the unshaken determination of her hard-hearted
mother, assisted no doubt by her brother, that the parental will should be
obeyed. A rigorous confinement was decided upon, while the match with Anthony
Maddocks was being pushed forward with a high hand. The miserable young Maid,
alone in her
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(delwedd J8265) (tudalen 096)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 96.
guarded chamber, had a small quantity of writing materials by her, unknown to
her mother, and for some time one of the maid-servants of the house acted as
a go-between in conveying her letters to Will, and bringing Wiirs back in
return. It was arranged that these letters were to be placed in the hollow of
an old tree, near a place called Corn-hwch, a few fields below the house.
This strategem was again detected, and Will had his suspicions that he was
betrayed by the messenger employed, one Ann Llewelyn, upon whom, in
consequence, he vented his wrath. On this discovery taking place, writing
materials were quickly removed from Miss Thomas's reach, and every means of
communicating with her beloved Will taken away. Tradition tells us that these
being denied her, she wrote a word or two to her lover upon a sycamore leaf,
with a pin dipped in her own blood, and trusted the precious missive to the
merciful charge of the wind, on the chance that it might waft it to her
lover. Meanwhile, the greatest pressure was brought to bear upon her to
reject Will Hopkin, and accept young Anthony Maddocks. Prayers, threats, and
entreaties must have been used, under which the constancy of the sorely tried
and now bewildered girl gave way, and a consent to marry the young lawyer was
extorted from her, and the preparations lor the event were pushed forward
with great speed. There were sufficient reasons for this, in the fact that
the poor girl had all but attained her majority, and had the ceremony been delayed
but a few days longer, she would have been a free agent. The registration of
her baptism is dated 8th May» 1704, and the marriage took place on the 5th
May, 1725.
In taking this fatal step, Ann Thomas appears to have acted as a free agent,
free from open and avowed coercion, but a promise must have been wrenched
from her during the rigour of her imprisonment, which the poor girl's tender
conscience would not permit her to break when she had regained her liberty.
Through the kindness of the Under Sheriff of this County, Martin Scale, Esq.,
we have had the pleasure of perusing the original Copy of the Marriage
Settlement, which was made, and duly signed a few days previous to the date
of the Marriage, the substance of which is as follows: —
“Mrs. Ann Thomas, of Kbfngnydfa, Settlement of Marriage to Anthony Maddocks,
3RD May, 1725.
o” «
**This Indenture made the third day of May, in the year uf our Lord Christ,
1725, and in the nth year of the reign^of
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(delwedd J8266) (tudalen 097)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 97.
our Sovjereign Lord George, by "^the Gravel, of God, King of Gf^t
Britain, France, and- Ireland, defender of the Faith, between Anthony
MaddOcks, junr.v^FBaiden, in the Parish of Llangonoyd, in the County of
GlanfibYgan, gentleman* eldest son and heir apparent of Anthony Middocks,
senior, and gentleman, of the first part, and Catharine Thomas, of
Kefg-gnvdfa, &€., widows, and Ann Thomas', of Kefngnydfa, spinster* omy
daughter and heiress of William Thomas, late of Kefngnydfa, deceased, and
the said Catharine Thomas, his late wife of the second part, and Rice Price;
of Tyiiton, Llangeinor* gentleman, and William' Edmunds; of 'W^k't-street, in
the Parish of Newcastle;' Glaniorgan, of the'thiYd^ and last part,
Witfi^sseth, in consideration of a mkrriage fhtisnded between Anthony
Maddocks, jUMr.,' and the *8did Ann Thomas, the settierp'ent on him of
Ibnd^/tenement^, ^..'iiLhd also the payment of ^^00 by the siiid Catharine
and -AHn'Thomas.
““'Also the settHng 6f a jointure^ on Atiii “Thomas during^ her life Yor her
maintenance. ' To ^onfimd and render binding* the pirbvisions and-
obligations contained' iri^the deed as reqaiYed by form of laW; Anthony
Nfaddo6Rs, junr., doth grant unto Rice Price and William' £dttiunds^'(by
indenture bearing date the^day next before the date of thik date, for the
term of 6ne whole year, aiid by force of the statute transferring uses into
possession) the following propei'ty^ including lands, tenements, and
appurtena'Ates whatsoever:-^" , '
” ' , PROPBRTr. ' .: IN ^lllt^ OCCUPATION OP
Tir Hopkio Maddock/ seoio'r, alias .: * ” ' , ,j „ ^1
TiryCwm... ... ... Anthony Middock. fear.
Tir Hopkio Maddock. jui.ior, allaa (< ': ^* -:
Tir y Ffordd Gyfraith...! . .;. Lewi« Morgan. / -”Coed CaeLeyson .... ,1 Evan
Hopl^iqi'iii \< ^'
Gelii Lis fach ^vah Criffith.^ 1 „.:
DWelling-houses. &c. ... ' ... Lately 6(£dupled by David Morgan.
CoUage and croft ... ... Sarah Jeukilit. ' ^ *
New-built messuage. or cottage and '"' t.\ \ ^”* .
crqft ' ^.. . ,.\. EJIzabeth.Williaint (widow).
Cottage. , .i. . ' .V. ,.x Barbara Lewis... ,.,„.^
Part ofmeadovi; called Cwaia y <i.
^
'DdrcH" .;. ^ > ... ... *GweolKan'Po%^fell'(wfdbw).
AU in thi HamUt of Baidtn,
I ^ii.'i
Dwelling-house, premises, and land ,
(40 acres) ...» ' ... .,. Edward Powell., .. , j.
Tir Gwirill Fach. about 9' acres ' ... Hichsrd John. ^<]
Both in the Pariih of Bonvtlitotu. ' '^ "' * ]”^\ ./ /^>
vTy-Cwm'Risca.and land known by the name of Cie GlAs, y Ddwy' ErW, Erw'r
bont, CaeV CoedJsha,i Cae'r Coed'Ucha,
. As-:^. - 0 -.:.' . - .. ''
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(delwedd J8267) (tudalen 098)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 98.
Gwain Ysgubor Harri, Cae Ysgubor Harri, Cae ty*n y Gelly, Cae’r Gaseg and
Wain isha, Ty*n y Gelli, (Uia£ Vradus^ and the barn called Ysgubor Harri,
Gelly Us.
“Mountain furze and heath land called Mynydd y Madociad, being part of a
mountain furze and heath lands called Mynydd Baiden.
«* All of which are granted and released unto Rice Price and William Edmunds,
their heirs, &c., to the use, &c., of the said Anthony Maddocks,
until the solemnization of the said marriage; and, after such solemnization,
to the use of ^ the said Rice Price and William Edmunds, their heirs,
&c., for and during the full end and term of 99 years. After the
expiration or surrender of that term, then to the use of Anthony Maddocks,
junr., for the term of his natural life.
“After the death of Anthony Maddocks, to the use of Ann Thomas, his intended
wife, during her natural life; and after her death, to the use of Rice Price
and William Edmunds, their executors, &c, for the full term of 200 years.
After the expiration, surrender, or other determination of the term of 200
years, then to the use of the first son of Anthony Maddocks, by his wife Ann
Thomas, and the heir male of such son; in default of such issue, to the use
of the second son of Anthony Maddocks, and the heirs male of his body; and in
default of such issue, to the use of the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th,
loth, and every other son and sons of Anthony Maddocks, by his said wife, and
for default of such issue, tnen in case Ann Thomas shall happen to be
enceinte with child or children at the time of her husband, Anthony
Maddocks’s death, to the use of Rice Price and William Edmunds, and their
heirs, until she shall be delivered of such issue, or die, which shall first
happen, in trust for such after-born child or children, as they shall happen
in priority of birth ' and their heirs male..
“In default of such issue, to the use of Rice Price and William Edmunds, for
the term of 500 years; and immediately after the expiration or surrender of
the said term of 500 years, to the use of the said Anthony Maddocks, his
heirs and assigns for ever.
“The meaning of the said term and estate as applied to Rice Price and William
Edmunds, or their survivor, is, that they shall, out of the rents of the
premises, &c., raise the yearly sum of £20, for the said Catharine
Thomas, during her life, by four quarterly i>ayments, the first payment to
be made on the first of August in every year, for her support. After the
death of Catharine Thomas, the term of 99 years shall become void. Should she
live with Anthony Maddocks, then the
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(delwedd J8268) (tudalen 099)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 99.
sum of £10 shall only be yearly levied. Anthony Maddocks's covenants to pay
the annuities as above. The meaning and intent of the term of aoo years, as
limited to Rice Price and William Edmunds, is that they, or their survivors,
shall, after the decease of Anthony Maddocks and Ann Thomas, and the
survivors of them, levy and raise a sum not exceeding in the whole £400, to
be distributed among the younger child or children of Anthony Maddocks by the
said Ann Thomas, in such a manner as Anthony Maddocks may determine by will.
And for want of such declaration by Anthony Maddocks in writing, then the sum
not exceeding /400 is not to be raised at all; and the said term of 200 years
shall cease, and become void; but in case of such declaration, then, after
the raising of such money* the said term of 200 years shall become void.
“The meaning and intent oi the term of 500 years to Rice Price and Wm.
Edmunds is upon trust, that in case that there shall be no male issue of the
said Anthony Maddocks and his wife Ann, or, there beinff male issue, and
shall happen to die, without heirs male, before attaining the age of 21, and
there shall happen to be one or more daughters of Anthony Maddocks, and his
wife Ann Thomas.
“Then the said Rice Price and William Edmunds, or the survivor of them,
&c., raise after the decease of Anthony Maddocks and Ann Thomas, such
portions following for the daughters: —
“In case of one daughter, then the sum of £500 for such one daughter to be
paid to her at the age of 21; in case of two daughters then the sum of £800
to be divided enually among them. (In case Anthony Maddocks and his wife be
dead). In case of either of them be living, then within six calendar months
after the death of the survivor of them, and if any of the daughters die,
before their portions become payable to them, then the portions of her or
them shall be equally divided among their survivor or survivors, to be paid
at such times as the original portion becomes payable. Nevertheless, no one daughter
shall by survivorship receive more than the above sum of £500 intended for
the portion of one daughter.
“After the above sums of;^500 and;^8oo shall be raised, together with costs
and chargesconnected with the same, or in case Anthony Maddocks should pay
the sums of;^500 and /800 as above during his life, they, the said Rice Price
and William Edmunds, shall, upon the request ot Anthony Maddocks, surrender
the said estate and term of 500 years.
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(delwedd J8269) (tudalen 100)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 100.
to the said Anthony Maddocks, his heirs, &c., or to such person as he or
they may direct.
“It is also agreed that by the intent and meaning of the?e presents, the said
Anthony Maddocks and Ann Thomas, his intended wife, shall have full power and
authority by any deed or deeds* to demise, lease or grant the said messuages,
lands, &c., or any other part thereof to any person or persons for the
term of one and twenty years, or under, or for the life or lives of one or
two or three persons therein to be named, or for any term or number of years
determined by the death of one, two, or three persons, therein to be named r
so that such leases granted do not prejudice or impeach the sa.id estate or
term of ninety and nine years, to the trustees* interest to raise the said
annuity for Catharine Thomas during her life. . .
“It is also further declared anii agreed, that Anthony M^addoicks and Ann/
Thbm:as shall, during.' their joint lives. Lave fjuU power, liberty, and
authority, and. that it shall be lawful for them at any ^^ime during their
joint lives by any/ deed, or deeds executed by them, tp revoke after, change
or mak6 void^ all or any* the uses^. limitations and est'ates before
mentioned (expept the term or/eslate of ninety and nine years, lihijted to
the trustees to raise the said annuity for the sCi'f>portpf the said
Caitharihe Thomas), and appoint such otheir use, limitation; 'or estate] as
they may think At, so that the isame does not 'prejudice the said term of
ninety and nine years.
“Anthony Maddocks, junr., covenants for himself, his heirs, &c., with'
Rice Price and William Edmunds, that the said severa]\ messuages, la'nds,
&c., shall continue unto them iA' trust for .the uses before mentioned.
Subject to the "pifovisions also mentioned, free from ' all 'manner of
en-' ^umbfrance . whatsoever, saving an estate ' for the lives of the said
Anthony Maddocks; senior, and Ann, his wife, and the Burrivors ot them, which
they have' in rights of the said premises. . .x. . .\ i ....
'" And, further, Anthony Maddocks, junr.^ 'his heirs, &c., shall;
upon' the request of Rice Price and Williatn Edmunds, iheir-beirs, &c.,
execute and convey unto theml their heirs, &Cm in trust, all such acts
and things aforesaid;' subject to the several provisipns mentioned.'
“Further. * In consideration of the, said . intended marriage, and an
cqqsideratioa ,of the sum of Ave shillings a piece o(,UwAil money, ^c., to
them, the said .Catharine Thomas and Ann, Thomas, in bpnd,;by the said
RiceJPrice and William Ef)mMDds» the' receipt .theiteof is* he.reby
i^qkQOwledged; they.
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(delwedd J8270) (tudalen 101)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 101.
Catharine Thomas and Ann Thomas, bargain, sell, and confirm unto Rice Price
and William Edmunds, by indenture bearing date the day next before these
presents, for the term of one whole year, the dwelling-house wherein the
:said Catharine Thomas now dwelleth, one bakehouse, one barn, cow-house, two
orchards, one garden, and tenements of land, by estimation fifty acres,
commonly called and known by the name of Kefn y Gnydfa, lying and being in
the Hamlet of Baiden, and in the occupation of the said Catharine Thomas for
the term of 99 years, for such uses and purposes hereinafter declared; and
after the expiration or .surrender of the said term, then to the use of
Anthony Maddocks, junr., for and during the term of his natural hfe; and
after his decease, for the use of Ann Thomas, his intended wife, for and
during her natural life; and after her decease, to the use of the said
Anthony Maddocks, junr., his heirs and assigns, for ever*
“It is hereby declared that the intent and meaning of these presents is, that
the term and estate limited to Rice Price and William Edmunds, for
ninety-nine years, by Catharine Thomas and Ann Thomas, is upon the same
special trust as the term and estate limited to the trustees concerning, and
by Anthony Maddocks, junr., for the further securing of the annuity of;f20,
or £10 to Catharine Thomas, during her hfe. The annuity having been paid,
then the said term of 99 years shall become void.
“Further. In consideration of the said intended mar* riage, Catharine Thomas
and Ann Thomas covenant with the said Rice Price and William Edmunds, their
heirs, &c., that they, Rice Price and Williaui Edmunds, shall surrender,
within one month next ensuing the date of these presents, into the hands of
the Lady of the respective manor of Tythegstone and Newton Nottage, according
to the custom of the said manor respectively, all their lands, tenements,
&c., holden of the said manors by Copy of Court Roll, to the use of
Anthony Maddocks, junr.; and the said Anthony Maddocks, junr., covenants with
the said Rice Price and William Edmunds, that in case Ann Thomas should die
within one year next after the said marriag:e without issue, he shall repay
and refund to Catharine Thomas, if she be alive, the sum of;^ioo, part of the
portion of the said Ann Thomas, within one year after the death of the said
Ann Thomas without issue, as aforesaid. But if Catharine Thomas be not then
alive, then the > /loo are not to be paid to any person whatsoever.
"Provided, always, that if the said intended marriage
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(delwedd J8271) (tudalen 102)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 102.
shall not take effect, that these presents shall cease» and be void to all
intents and purposes. Whereof the said parties have to these present
severally and interchangably put their hands and seals the day, month, and
year first above written.
ANTH. HADDOCKS. ANN THOMAS. - The mark
of
Catharine X ThomaSt Rica pRica. William Edmunds.
Scaled and delivered in the I acknowledge to have received,
presence of the day of the date within wrilteo
Thomas Powbll. deed, the sum of five hundred pounds,
AVm. Maddocks* being the consideration money within
Evan Maddocks. mentioned.
Thomas Lewis. As witness my hand,
ANTH. MADDOCKS. Signed and acknowledged in the presence of
Thomas Powbll. \Vm. Maddocks. Thomas Lbwis.
Some time previous to the marriage, Will Hcpkin, it is^ recorded, met his
beloved Ann, accompanied by her motherr at Bridgend, on a market day, while
they were pur* chasing the wedding garments, and other necessaries for the
coming event; when he had the consolation, if such it was, to learn that she
was far from being in the happy state of mind one could have expected from a
bride elect, when the course of love runs smooth. Ann failed even to conceal
from Will the depth of her sorrow, for she is described by her bard lover, as
having the tears in her eyes; but whether it was her sympathy for Will, or
pity for herself, or the thought of mairying one she could not love which
made her weep, we are not. informed. At all events, we find recorded in the
Parish Registers the following entry: —
“Antonius Maddocks, Gen., et Ann Thomas, Ambo, de Llangonwyd, in matrimonia
conjuncti fuerunt quint die Maii, 1725."
There is no doubt but that great preparations had been made by Mrs. Thomas at
Cefn Ydfa, in order that the marriage of her only daughter with the young
Maddocks, of Cwmyrisga, should receive the attention it deserved, and the
little village of Llangynwyd must have been on such an occasion the scene of
great rejoicing, for when such respectable weddings took place in those days,
and when some of the richest inhabitants were married, they were known to*
give as much as six pounds in beer, a pound for each bellr which were always
rung, the ringing commencing when the wedding party were leaving the Church,
and continuing at intervals throughout the day.
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(delwedd J8272) (tudalen 103)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 103.
We may venture to sayi though great the rejoicing which might have taken
place in the old village, Will Hopkin was not among the company; and at Cefn
Ydfa, we may £airly surmise that the young wife appreciated but little the
congratulations of her relations and friends upon an event which proved fatal
to all her hopes and expectations, and indeed, if tradition may be depended
upon, an event that weighed so heavily upon her as to bring her to an
untimely grave. As to the married life oi Mr. and Mrs. Maddocks, we have no
knowledge, excepting a few oral traditions, which are sufficient to convince
us that very little real happiness was enjoyed at Cefn Ydfa, for she made no
effort to conceal her love for Will, even after her marriage, which, in
course of a little over two years, brought her to a state of insanity, in
which state her cries were continually for Will Hopkin.
It is said that Will, after her marriage, did not stay in the neighbourhood,
but went to Bristol to work; whether he corresponded with anyone at
Llangynwyd while he was away is not known, but there was a tradition among
the old people who lived in the neighbourhood about fifty years ago, that one night while at Bristol, he had a
most extraordinary dream, which caused him the next morning to leave the
place at once for Llangynwyd. He had dreamt that the detested Anthony
Maddocks was dead, but he returned to be again sadly disappointed. When he
reached home, he found Anthony Maddocks still living, but his beloved Ann was
in the pangs of insanity and death.
When it was communicated to Mr. Maddocks and Mrs.' Thomas, that Will was in
the neighbourhood, he was sent for immediately, to see whether his presence
would alleviate her sufferings and stop her cries, which had become by this
time heartrending to those who had watched her duting her last illness. It
was said by some that while he was going up the stairs leading to her
bedroom, that she heard his voice, and died before he had reached the side of
her bed. Another tradition states that when she saw him after he was
introduced into her room, that she sprang into his arms, and died in hi.n
embrace. If the following lines attributed to Will Hopkin bear reference to
his introduction to her on her death-bed, the later tradition must be the
correct one:—
“Teb>'gswn i'm afaelyd yo fy anwylyd weo. A'i gwasgu dair. gwaith drosodd
beb ddywed^d gair o*m mhen; Hi roddai gusan melus, mwyn melus ar fy mio, Yn
gymwys beb ei gymbell, oedd gaawaith well na’r gwin.”
This closing scene undoubtedly afforded great consolation to Wiirs mmd,
.after thd torture he must have suffered, and
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(delwedd J8273) (tudalen 104)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 104.
to have her in his arms while breathing her last was to him more than all the
worki> beside*: But to young Maddocks^ and especially her mother, it was
the overflowing of their cup of remorse. Mrs. Thomas's feelings at this time
might be better imagined than described, for she had lost her all, excepting
her paltry allowance of ten or twenty pounds a year, a position Will Hopkins
did not scruple to remind her of, a little after her daughter's death.
Meeting her at> Bridgend, he twitted her^ <*that he still had his
hammer and trowel, while she could not boast of a daughter or an heiress
": he no doubt at this time considered himself her equal. One daughter
was the otily issue of this marriage, who was buried a little before her
ill-fated, mother. The remains of the once fair Maid were .interred in the
same grave as that of her father and brother, in the Chancel of Llangynwyd
Church, where may be seen the following inscription:—
"Here lieth the body of Ann, the wife of Anthony Maddocks, died June 1
6th, 1727."
The Parish Registers also record her burial as follows:—^
“Anna uxor Antonii Maddoch^ gen,^ .uftdta fuii decimo sexto die Tuniit
1727."
.People from many lands, at different times, have visited this grave, which
is distinguished from all others by fresh garlands of flowers being placed
every week upon it from the Vicarage.
Will, as may be expected, never married, and survived only fourteen years
after Mrs. Maddocks. Neither did he quit the neighbourhood, but remained with
his mother at Llangynwyd Village, and followed his occupation as tiler and
plasterer. It is said that while engaged upon a house at Llangewydd, he fell
off a ladder, and never recovered from * the effect of his fall. The
following anecdotd which has come down to us through the lips of Iolo
Morganwg, gives us an idea as to the state of his ' mind in his later days: —
“Standing on the door of his house, which was . situated near where the *
Comer House * stands at present, an old acquaintance of his came by, and
invited him to go with, him to the ^ Old Houu Tavem,* which was only a few
score yards from where they stood, and join him in a pint of ale.* Will
replied, quoting a phrase from Scripture, ' I had rather be a doorkeeper in
the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.* "' ' ';
* it is still the custom in this part for two or three, or even moiie.*to no
I a public house and drink from the same pint, piying for the be^ m
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(delwedd J8274) (tudalen 105)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 105.
His death took place on the 19th of August, 1741, and his remains were put to
rest close to the western yew tree in Llangvnwyd Churchyard, over which a
decent headstone was placed, bearing the following inscription:«- .
*Hm lieth the body of WUliam Hopkin. deceaied the 19th day of Augott. 1741,
aged 40 yearn"
And the following epitaph, the first stanzas composed by his bereaved mother,
and the two last lines said , to have been Added by the Vicar of the Parish,
the Rev. Morgan Thomas:-^ “Dyma'r lie gole gwelwch«'rwy*a gonvedd, Dan gaerau
pob tristwch; Os tirion chwi ystyriwch. Lleyg a lien, llawen a*n llwch*
Nid yw’r hollfyd byf^d bedd, A'i fwriad ond oferedd.”
Unfortunately, the above headstone was cut up and made use of by some Goth as
a foundation for a tomb over the same grave which was subsequently used by
one who owned relationship with Will Hopkin, previous to the advent of the
present Vicar. A few years ago, when this tomb was taken down, the fragments
were recognised by the inscription upon them, which had not been altogether
obliterated; and Dr. Joseph Parry, happening to visit Llangynwyd at the time,
his attention was drawn to these fragments, and he asked permission from the
Vicar to carry them into the chancel, which was granted, and he placed them
near the sepulchre of the Maid. All of Will Hopkin s’s compositions, which we
have ;been able to collect, are given in another chapter, consisting
a few songs, and some fragments.
Immediately after the death of the young and unfortunate Maid, Mr. Anthony
Maddocks set about building himself a suitable Mansion, beside the house in
which the Thomases lived. It was completed some time in the year 1728, and he
very soon took to himself another wife, by whom, according to the Parish
Registers, he had three daughters, one of which died in infancy. His daughter
Catherine married Phillip Williams, Esq., Cadoxton, Tuxta-Neath, and Margaret
became the wife of the Rev. Mathew Deere, of Ash Hall. It appears that the
latter inherited her father's landed estate, and her daughter again became
heiress of the Ash Hall estate, and married Sir Dighy Mackworth, which
accounts for the Cefn Ydfa property being vested in that family.
Anthony Maddocks, of Cwmyrisga, died in 1730, and his practice as a lawyer
was carried on by his son and heir of Cefn Ydfa. In the year 1731, we find
that he was actively engaged as a solicitor, transacting business for some of
the
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(delwedd J8275) (tudalen 106)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 106.
leading families in Glamorganshire, as his accounts show. We append at the
end of this chapter a few of the most interesting entries from his ledger,
dating from 1731 — 1746. Mr. Maddocks died i6th December. 1764, in the
sixty-ninth year of his age, and his second wife, Elizabeth, survived him
only a few years, her death taking place on 2ist April, 1767, being 57 years
of age.
Extracts from Anthony Maddocks’s Lbdghr.
**Pnsteif;» Session, March, 1731: —
Edward Morgan, of Ystradyfodwg, debtor to Anthony Maddocks.
“Edward Morgan against Lady Gwyn. Bfuon Session, April, 1731: —
“The Right Hon. Thomas, Lord Mansell, debtor to Anth. Maddocks.
“Lord Mansell against Morgan Gibbon.
£ s* ^”“John Watkins, of Bristol, debtor to A. Maddocks.
“For drawing and ingrossing deed from David Yorath and his wife to him,
parchment and duty ... ... ox ox o
“Mr. Jenkin Thomas, Newton Nottage, debtor to A. Maddocks.
“ For trouble and expense in receiving /400, and pacing same to sundry
creditors, &c. 05 05 o
“For my journey and attendance at Hensol, to offer lands to Mr. Talbot, on
the 27th Sept., X731 ... ... ... ... ... 01 ox o
“Mrs. Anne Lougher Knight, debtor to A. Maddocks.
“For making .an abstract of Thomas Leyson’s will ' ... ... ... ... 00 10 o
For my journey to Tythegstone with my
clerk, and attendance thereon, to make the inventory of Mrs. Kate Lougher,
deceased, and for making the inventory ...
02 02 o^
“Jonatnan Nicoll, of St. Donatts, debtor to A. Maddocks.
“Jonathan Nicol, at the suit of Howell Hopkin, in the Exchequer.
“David Watkins, of Nolton, account how the purchase money for the 14 acres of
land at Bridgend, were paid him, Purchase money 280 00 oo
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(delwedd J8276) (tudalen 107)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 107.
“The Right Hon. Thomas, Lord Mansell, by the order of Mr, Watkin Jenkins,
debtor to A. Maddocks.
“Lord Mansell against Morgan Waters and his wife, in covenant to levy a piece
of land in Kenfig.
“Received from Richard Gwyn, Esq., by my clerk, Thomas Edmunds, towards my
fees and disbursements, &c. ... ...
xo 00 oo'
' Mr. Edward Wilkins, of Wick, debtor to A. Maddocks*
“Wilkins against Flew and others, in Chancery.
“Mr. Wm. Mathews, of Swansea, and Mr. Thos. Brown, the same, debtor to A.
Maddocks.
“Mathews & Brown, at the suit of Vaughan and his wife, in Chancery of the
Great Sessions, for the County of Glamorgan, Brecon and Radnor. Variations
Mow April Sessions, 1735.
"Sir John Aubrey, against Edmund Lloyd and William Lloyd, in Chancery.
“Mr. Richard Jenkins, of Corrwg Fechan, and Mr. Grifiith> Jenkins, his
son, debtor to A. Maddocks.
“For drawing and ingrossing Mortgage from Richard Jenkins, of Merth yTj to
them, of lease and release ... ... .,. ... oz zz 6
“For drawing and ingrossing Bond to perform Covenant, &c. ... .. ... 04 2
z 15 8
“The Portreeves and Burgesses of Avan, debtor to A. Maddocks.
“The Portreeves and Burgesses, at the suit of Jane Thomas, and Robert Thomas,
infant, in the Chancery of the Great Sessions.
“George Williams, of Aberpergwm, Esq., and Griffith David, debtor to Anthony
Maddocks, 8th July, I735.
“To journey to Maindy, to take instructions for the settlement of their son
and daughters two days ... ... ... ...
oz ox 00
“Ann Jenkins, of Bettws, debtor to A. Maddocks.
**Ann Jenkins, against Watkin Gamage and John Griffiths, in debt on Bond.
“Illtyd Evans, Esq., debtor to A. Maddocks, against Mathew Grant.
“Notice, Copy, and Service ... ... 4 a
“Cost levied for entering judgment ... ... 02 8 o
Received by a Bond of Edward Baker « £2 za o*
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(delwedd J8277) (tudalen 108)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 108.
"Catherine Jenkins, of New Castle, debtor to A. Haddocks* »j . .:.
“29th July, 1736. My journey to Newcastle, t>eing called out of bed by her
servant, Griffith, - "^^^
about twelve at night ... oz 01 00
"Tourney to Newcastle the day-time ... .05 00
"Mr. Lewis Sanders, debtor to A. Maddocks. n ^ >*”“
“For drawing Deed of Purchase by way of release from Jenkin Thomas and others
to Mr. Lewis Sanders, with special Covenant, &c. ... oz oz 00
“Drawing Deed and Mortgage from Mr. Sanders to Mr. John Bradford, &c. .
.... oz 05 06'
“Miles Bassett, Esq., debtor to A. Maddocks.
«« For drawing Deed and Mortgage from M. Bassett to Sir John Aubrey, Baronet,
for £^10,
“Samuel Price, of Tynton, debtor to A. Maddocks, Vacation afUf Sessions,
Angust, iy±i.
"John Lewis, by the order ot Mr. Samuel Price against AValter Coffin, in
debt.
“Samuel Price, executor of Rees Price, against Waltei^ Coffin. I
“Mr. Thomas Collins, debtor to A. Maddocks.
“For drawing Contract and assign the Mortgage to Mr. Samuel Price.
“For drawing an assignment of the Mortgage by way of lease and release.
“Drawing a Schedule of Deeds, Writings, and two fair . copies, &c.
“The Right Hon. Thomas (Lord Mansell), debtor tp. A. Maddocks.
"Journey to survey the Manor of North Cornelly, and to inquire into the
custom of the manor as to heriots.
." Journey and attendance to show my lord the particulars thereof, and
to endeavour to settle with Mr. David Edmunds.”" Drawing deed of
assignment of a mortgage from the executors of Robert Llewelyn, and
Dr.Turberville,and his son intrust, for my Lord Manseil, oi the Manor of
North Cornelly.
“Drawing a grant of annuity from my Lord Mansell to Mr. Thomas Cardon, his
servant.
"Journey to Margam, and attendance to settle matters about Mr. David
Edmunds, and going to Kenfig to survey Mr. Humphreys's lands. Ditto drawing a
surrender of Old Park lease to my Lord Mansell.
“Drawing deed of purchase from Dr. Turberville, his wife, and son, of the
Manor of North Cornelly, and cottages there, ^c, &c/*
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(delwedd J8278) (tudalen 109)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 109.
CHAPTER X,
Local Pom>^Will Hopkin.«Pbillip Rowland. -
John Brtdford. - Davids
Nicholai. - The WUliams* Umily of
Brynyfra— Will o'r VoeL— Siams Twrbll, ftc— Llewelyn David, ^ Llwyni. and
Jack y got
fT is to be regretted that the many attempts which have been made to. collect
into one volume the compositions of Will . Hopkih, have hitherto been without
real success. Amon^. ...the literati who have made this attempt was Taliesm
ah Iolo, who visited |[^langynwyd for this purpose, buf who died bisfore this
task was accomplished. All our efforts in this direction mus^ result only in
the unearthing of fragments, and a few sopgs. The muse of the humble bard was
so readvi and her shafts so incisive, that he wrote t)ut little. His ideas,
too, were clothed in the local idiom, and. lose much of their beauty, even if
altered into grammatical Welsh,.and befcome things of> nought if turned
into English. We have, ihowever, collected of ' these fragments many that,*
when appreciatively read in view of the circumstances that called them forth,
will show in bright colours the wit and genius of one who, under happier
circumstances, would have made a great name (or. himself, and for the humble
scenes where he was born and lived. ,
Foremost, in interest of course, will be those verses bearing reference to
his tll*starred love for Ann Thomas, the unhappy Maid of Cefn Ydfa.
* 'The following is an impromptu uttered while he walked with” The Maid “ up
the hill leading from the main road to Cefn Ydfa:- « ^
“Mae’r , tyla hwo yn ddyfal,
A'Aoa'tt fyr. fy ana*I; Os caf fi nerth, mi ddof i’r Un, '^'^ ' .A .Dghartad dan .fy ngheia'l.”
The followidg 'stane'as,-^written on meeting his beloved Ann at 'Bridgend
with her mother, and observing them buying th(^^ garments in which she was to
be married to* the detested' Anthony Maddocks, — ^picture clearly his griei
at the sight, and his regret fof his own penniless state, and lowly lineage:—
. - l ' '; '
**Vn Mhao-y-Bodt ar ddydd y farchnad. Cwrdd*4 oghariad wpawn yo broda; 'Roedd
yn pryau siwt briodas . ▲’r dyfoiyn ar ei grudd;^
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(delwedd J8279) (tudalen 110)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 110.
Eisia ewndra, eisiapwrsia,
Eisia pethau oeda aroa i| Pe buasai rhai*n ond geny*.
Byth ni ella’r gwr a hi.”
And this is full of revengeful passion against Ann Llewelyn, the servant who
betrayed his sweet and stolen interviews with his mistress: —
“Mae Ann. Llewelyn felen Yn fy marnu drach fy nghefn, Ood ni all wella'm
gwedd a'm gwaith, Y neidr fraith annibeo.”
Next in interest to these, are his apostrophes to scenes .and objects with
which he was familiar in his native village. These are remembered and quoted
now very frequently.
A sarcastic prophecy referring to the inhabitants of Llan:'—
""Pan fyddo'r Llan yn llawen,
Heb falais na chenfigeo; Bydd mh\ yn tarddu ma's o’r cwir A ffigys a'r y
ddraeoen."
* We have obtained a free translation of the iollowin^, referring to the
bells of Llangynwyd Church, by which it will at once be evident how much of
the original is lost in the process:--*
"Caru wyf ar hirnos gaua,' Sain peroriaeth swn y clycha*: — Rbai sydd
addas rhwng oiynyddau, Wych chwiorydd, chwech yn chwaraa.”
"When the winter night is stealing, Sweet to hear glad music pealing:-~
From yon bells in concert ringing, 'Mid the bills, like minstrels
singing."
R.D.&1 To LaUstcu Bells*
"Ar ben y twyn mi safas, Ad yno
mi feddylia's; Nad oedd crwth, na miwsig gwych, A gurai glych Trelalas.”
But ^Vill Hopkin is at his best in ready and acute retort, — the practice
which has existed among prydyddhn for immemorial ages, to excel herein, it
was necessary to be possessed of keen wit, ready resource, and an unlimited
command of rhyme. That Will possessed these qualifications is evident from
the following. It appears that he had completed the flooring of a pigstye at
Llangynwyd— and was surprised exultantly dancing upon the new-laid flags by
his old friend Phillip Rowland— who thus addressed him:— ““Mi welas WUliam
Hopkin, Yn dawnsio'n dal beb delyn;
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(delwedd J8280) (tudalen 111)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 111.
Heb no crwth aa lie idd d gad Ar dwkyn gwad y mochya."
To which Will immediately responded:—
”Fy ffrynd a*m cyCaill cryao^ Y twlc oedd Mwydd lorio; O lechi clir ar wyneb
dii. Pwy all'iai lai aa dawasio."
It it said that on one occasion Will Hopkin attended an
Eisteddffid-at^erthyij--and was desirous that his presence there should
not~~M known. He was, howeveri soon discoveredi and addressed as follows by
one of the bards, present:— ““Will ffodi o wlad y gyrchea
Cais dAa i doddi'th awea, Mae wedi rhewi— tyn bi*o rhydd, Mewa Hot ar
f>Bydd Baidea"
Will Hopkin was equal to the emergency, and without a imoment's hesitation,
replied as follows: —
"Fa rhewa'r de a’r dwyrea,
O amgylch gwlad y nTchea; Pe rhewa'r 'derya ar ei nyth, Ni rhewa byth mo'f
awea."
It should be noted, in passing, that it was a recognised rule among these
primitive poetasters, that the reply or retort, to be perfect, must be in the
same rhythm and metre as the question or rebus. It will be seen that in this
respect, also. Will proved himself proficient*
Working at Marcross on one occasion — he was in the habit of spending Sunday
at home, and proceeding to his work on Monday morning, laden with his week's
provender, — he was met thus burdened by his employer one Monday morning and
was thus greeted: —
“Mi welas rhvw gardotya,
Ac ar ei geia gwtyn; Ac ya ei law ef bastwa drum, (Mmnui)
Ya Bghaool Spring y flwyddya.”
It will be seen that the intention was to disconcert Will by comparing him to
a beggar, with bludgeon in hand, and a bag of broken victuals on back. Will
nothing discon* certed, turned the tables, by a bold allusion to his
employer's ruddy nose, and well-beloved quid of tobacco:—
“Paa ddaeth y gwalch ya agos, Fe stopia'a Mheatre Marcross, *Roedd jo
tobacco'a gil ei foch« A'i drwya nior goch a'r ceiros.”
The following is an instance in which Will was the agressor or
questioner«.his interlocutor being the well-known
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(delwedd J8281) (tudalen 112)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 112.
John Bradford, of Bettws. The bards had met on the top of a steep hillock
near “Pandy'r Bettws” It would appear that Bradford was interested in- the
Fdin Bdn (fulling mill) at this place* which Will thus ridicules:—
*Y tyll hwn y*in torwi, ^^
Mae'n ddyled imi orphwysri 'Rwyf wedi myned lawn mor mka^ '. .1 ):". K
Ifelin Ban y BettwiL"
Bradford's ttply ran thus:-— <
; “Ma6 Melin-B^n y Bettws,
Yn ce^dded yn ddbrphwyt i* ' A'r felin ihX, ni ^n i p'am, Ni chdr an cam yn
gymwys." ,
It will be well perhaps that our English readers should not he entirely
forgotten. The following rebus, sent by David Nicholas, of Aberpergwm, to
Will, is rendered into English for their benefit, as an illustrsttlon of the
custom of “rhyming riddles," to which we have made allusion. The
translation is by Mr. R. D. Morgan c “My love gave me a cherry that in it had
no stone. And fed me on a wondrous fowl, whose flesh coucealed no bone; And
wrapped me in a blanket warm, where ne'er had been a thread. And shewed me a
'strange myalic book, that ne'er a man had read.”
Will Hopkin^s reply to which was as follows:—
“My cherries bear no stones when they blossom on the tree, When fowl lies in
the new Uid egg, no bone we look to see; When blankets are but new shorn
fleece, we look not there for thread,
..;rui %ronls aro'written on, a book, words ma^ not thefei be read."
It' is characteristic of the time in
which oUr (peasant-poet lived, that 'even he, with hisfine
6ensibilities,:rich gifts, and high- a^irations,^ lajd weight upon his
creature comforts> even when these were of a sort which poets are usually
deemed too ethereal and refined to care for. LikerShakespeare,”His virtues
were hi& own, his faults those of his time." Witness his lament when
ononeoctas^idn he was compelled to exist . in the (to him) inhospitable
"parish of Margam— without tobacco:—
it\**6#ae fi,na bawn i beno RhWng .Margfeim a X^langrallo; ,1. f Yn Drelal^s^
luniaidd lawn .;., ,\ ** ' Lie gwn'y cawn wir roeso. . .* .,;
“Mi gercldais '^argam drwyddo^
Am bibed o dobacco; Mi gofia'n dda tra pern foes, . Ce's.dori'm lees yn
Orgro.”
And thus he commemorates what .must
have been a right jovial carouse, jifhich* he^jenjpyed in the company of
DaviD
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(delwedd J8282) (tudalen 113)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 113.
Nicholas, elsewhere referred to, who was the family bard of Aberpergwm. The
scene was, it appears, Wenvoe Castle:—
«Mi welM fyd tr friRyo, Ar Deio a Will Hopkio; Yfed gwin yn M*Us Gwaen-fa^
Mcwn coepyn o gyrnocyD.*”
Next we have a stanza which embodies Will's resolution never to work, or do a
hand's turn for Anthony Maddocks,the husband of i\kt beloved Maid, or any of
his family;—
“Trm phigatt sr y ddrienog. A gwenith a 'sgyfartiog; A phia brith yn bildo'i
nyth. Wna'i bwythyn byth i'r Maddock."
And after the death of the broken-hearted maid, when Mr. Maddocks married for
the second time, Will addressed Mrs* Thomas thus:—
"Dygatoch fywyd dau ar uowaith. Heblaw colli eich mab yn nghytraith.”
CAN Y "GWENITH GWYN."
Mvpi sydd fachften ifaoc fibl,
Yn caru'n ol fy fiansi; Mi yn bugeilio'r m^enith gwya,
Ac »!! yn ei fedi: O p'am na ddeui ar fy ol,
Rbyw ddydd ar ol ei gilydd, Gwaeth 'rwy'n dy wel'd, y feinir fach,
O glanach, lanach, beunydd.
O glanach. lanach. vryt bob dydd,
Neu fi sy'm ffydd yn flblach; Er mwyn y Gwr a vrnaeth dy wedd,
Gwna i'm drugaredd bellach t O cwyd dy ben, gwel oco draw,
Rbo I mi'th law, Wen dirion, Gwaeth vn dy fynwes berth ei thro,
Mae allwedd clo f> nghalon.
Mi godais heddyw gydaV wawr,
Gan frysio'n fawr iy'm Uudded, Fel cawn gusaoa llun dy droed,
Ftt'r hyd y coed yn cerdded: O cwyd fy mhcn o'r galar maith,
A aerchus iaith gwarineb. Gwaeth rnwy na'r byd i'r neb a'th gar,
Yw golwg ar dy wyneb.
A Drinking Horn.
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(delwedd J8283) (tudalen 114)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 114.
Tra b'o dw’r y in6r yn ballt,
A thra bo *ngwalU yn tyfu. A thra b*o caloa dan ty mron,
Mi fydda'n ffyddlon i ti: O dywed i mi'r gwir dan gll,
A rho dan sil atebion. P'nn ai myfi, nea arall, Wea,
Sydd orvtt gan dy galon 7
WATCHING THE BLOOMING WHEAT. TrMmlaiii by Mrs, Pindrtt LUwtfyn,
A SIMPLE youthful swain am I.
Who loves at fancy's pleasnra; I fondly watch the blooming wheat,
Aad other reaps the treasure: Oh I wherefore still despise my suit,
Why pining keep thy lover? For some new charm, thou matchless fair,
I day by day discover.
Each day reveals some new-born grace,
Or does fond faith deceive me? In love to Him who formed thy face,
With pity now receive me. Oh! raise thine eyes — one look bestow.
Yield, yield thine hand, my fairest; For in thy bosom, witching maid,
My heart's sole key thou bearest.
In deepest woe this day I rose,
And sped at morning's gloaming To kiss each spot where thy fair foot
Had in yon grove been roaming. Oh t raise my head bowed down with grief.
With kindest accents speaking. Than worlds more dear is thy one glance
To him whose heart is breaking.
While hair adorns my aching brow,
This heart will beat sincerely, Whilst ocean rolls its bnny flow,
So long I'll love thee dearly: Oh t tell the truth, in secret tell,
And under seal disco\'er, Jf it be I— or who is blest,
As thy pare heart's bait lover.
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(delwedd J8284) (tudalen 115)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 115.
CkH TARW MABSCADLAWR. Gam WIL HOPKIM.
Ton i-^^'Gweii y FwjfMr
Dbwch yn nil. fy boll gyfoSUion.
Ohwi gewch g\y^td chwedl freoloa,
Fa *nawr yn bwyr yn mblwyf Uaogyawyd 1
Fa dim yi oejoedd sain o'r ansttCi
Wrth dy'r Vicar lAn. %,tstA\%—
Meistr Morgan Thomos ddiddig*
Nos G'UDKaual— dyna’r aoiter^
Y ba'r frwydr gaWn Lloegr.
Yr oedd can y gwr parchedig, Yn yr ailadd, darw fTyrnig. Gwedi ei dewbaa'n
afrifed; Idd ei ladd y gwysiwyd bagad; Hwy grynboitant, medd baneiioa, Yn na
barfau megvs glewion. I gael lladd yr eidion llydan Mor ddidraflerth a
llygoden.
Crynboi i gyd yn nghyd a wnaethoo*
Vt cae lle'r oedd y tarw crealon,
I>echrett rhagod o bob ochor
Nes ei g%^ i mewQ i'r 'sgubor;
Yno'r aeth bi'n bid o'r mwyal— ^
Pwy o gaot anturiai gvntaf
i ddodi'r rliaflf yn graflf, yn gan'-plyg.
An ei fferau— 'r eidion Ayr nig.
Y cyntaf gwr anturiodd atn Oedd y cigydd c'ruaidd cryno— Hywcl Thomas dan ei
enw — Fii mewn taro wrth g'iymu'r tarw; 'Nol ei gael ef dan ei rwyma'. Hi
aeth vn ble pwy d'rawai gynU'; Tyngai Dafydd Niclas chwipyn— “Mi a'i t'rawaf
lawr yn sopyn.”
Yna gwaeddai'r cigydd ffet-gall*^ < Dal dy law, y dyn diddeall, Nid oes
uodyn ar y ddae'ran, Own, a'i tery'n well na'm bunan;” Odd ei law fe rodd y
coler Oedd am gyrnau'r eidion 'sgeler; Chwi gewch ((lywed, gyda hyny, Ffysto
clau, fel dau fa'i'n dyrna.
Nol hir ddyrnu. ya y diwedd ]fe ro'w'd vr eidion yn ei orwedd, A’r holl w^r a
gwympant arno, Dan ei bwtian d'u traed a'u dwylo; he dynga«‘r cigydd Iwon
garw — K'le'r aeth y fciden bona—
Virtw? Paham na ddaw A'r llestr, chwipyn, 1 ^dderbyn g^\-aed yr eidion
'fg>manf”
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(delwedd J8285) (tudalen 116)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 116.
Cwni'r llewys, hogi’r gyllell. I fyn'd ! geg yr. eidion diffaeth; Ond cyn
gweled gwaed y tarw, Ar ei dreed fe tieidia'n boew; Chwi gaech weled, gyda
hyoy, Gan y cigydd. gilio giaisgi: Ni throw* yn oi ei wyneb, druan. Nes oedd
yn ochor Coed y Cefan.
*Ddiar ei ytkt fe daflai'r tarw Gati Niclas, gyda Virtw, I ben y feisgawD, yn
dre flyroig: Hwy fuon' yDo'n hir mewn iiewyg; Fe dawlws Nani HuttoD, druan,
*Ddiar ei gyrn i ben y ddreenan i Hi fu ynoji btr yn hongied Cyn t undyn byw
ei gweled.
Meiatres Mari Thomoa weddaidd, With wel'd yr eidion can, angh'ruaidf^ Yn
tawltt'r rhei'ny mor ddiarbed. Griai'n chwipyn — “ Cilia, Margedl" A
chyda'r gair, rredd cerdded boew I'r Ian i ben y Pedair Erw, I Goed y Pare,
fel ewig wisgi, Rbag i'r urw ddyfod ati.
Hywel Bach a Thwm ab ICan Aeth i'r Ian i Fynydd Batdan, 'Ddiyno lawr i Gwm
Cildeudyz Hwy fuon' yno'n hir yn llechu, Nea i hen-wraig ddyfod htibio. A
gwel'd V bechgyn bron yn trigo; Hi dd'wedai fod yr eidion hynod GwediH ladd
cr's tri div^rnod.
Ni aafws un o'r gw^r heb giliaw, > Ond Dafydd Miclas a Thwm Mathaw;
William Lewys--dyna'r trydydd Fynwi weled ei ddienydd; Ni ddaeth .undyn i
Paeacadlawr, Yn hyd wvthnoa, gwn, neu regor, N«a dywed fod yr eidion llydan
Gan Feiatrea Thomoa yn yr halen.
Y mae'r cigydd, dyn a'i helpo, Vn fawr ei gryd yn pare eto;
Mae 'fe*n gwedyd, medd y dyn xn Nad i'r ofn fyth o'i galon; Fe fu'n hwy na
chwe' diwrnod i Yn ei ben ni throws ei dafod;
Y cyntaf gair ddywedai'n groew, Oedd—” Cadwed Duw fi rhag y tarw/
Ac oa gofyn neb trwy'r j>arthaa . Pwy a gi^nodd hyn o etrian « Nid oes
achos dyweyd ei enw.
Rhag et drin yn waeth na'r urw;**
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(delwedd J8286) (tudalen 117)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 117.
Ei 'wyllyt yw t'r Vicar mwvoaf netat
^
Geiiio gw^r i’r liaddfa
F'ai gwroiach beth oa'r rh«i^y, Rhtf i ddynioii %mA drygiool
TrsmskUd bjf Afn. Ptniril JUErw/jM.
Draw dcat mjr friends— list while I tell A tristful tale of what befel In
Cynwyd's parish aught to dear Has seldom chanced in any year. By the vicar's
house of holy fame Oood Morgan Thomas is his name) '»n All Soul's eve there
was a sight Which beau all English battles quite.
This reverend man had in his mead A buU as fierce as battle steed, Which
being fat as beast e'er stalled. A host to slay him soon were called. They
gathered there, so runs the tale. Like heroes clad in battle mail, To kill
this beast of monstrous fat As quickly as they would a rat
All mustered there in bold array, This well fed savage bull to slay. Forth
from the field he's quickly dodged. And in the barn at last is lodged; And
then arose a wordy row. Who would be bold enough -and how? To cast the rope
in trim complete About the furious monster's feet.
The first who ventured on that feat W*as he most fit— the butcher neat. Well
known as Howeil Thomas here. Who did perform this deed of fear. ' This being
done, the beast is tied. And each to strike him first then vied. Said David
Nicholas with an oath, “I'll knock the rascal down i' troth."
Then roared the knowing butcher out,
“Hold! hold thy band thou lazy lout. There breathes no man beneath the sky.
Will knock him down so well as I." Soon from his hand the rope is let.
Which round his hideous horns was set, And then were heard such rapid knocks
As thrashers deal on wheaten shocks I
Repeated blows brought down at last This bloated bull of measure vast: On
this the heroes, one and all, With tooth and nail upon him fall: Then swore
the butcher in a pet, "Where is that Virtue I vile coquette? Why bricgs
she not the pail with apeed. That I this cursed beast may bleed?”
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(delwedd J8287) (tudalen 118)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 118.
With sharpened knife-^with »nrs all btred. To itick his neck he was prepared,
But e'er he scratched the bleeding veiui Up on his feet jumps bull again I
Then might be seen with rapid stnde, The butcher hasting oflf to hide, Nor
did be turn his face I ween Till Coed y Cefen did him screen I
From off his neck bull madly threw Kate Nicholas, and poor Virtue too; Upon a
rick they fell in chance. Where long they lay in fainting trance I Pbor Nanny
Hutton, from his horns. Was thrown upon a brake of thorns, Where long she
dangled by her dress Before a soul saw her distress!
Fair Mary Thomas, when she found The frenzied beast thus raging round, And
tossing all that were anigh, Screamed loudly out, **Fly, Peggy, dfV* Soon as
the words escaped her lips. To Ptdair Erw Peggy slips. As hies the deer from
huntsman dread To Coed y Park she swiftly sped.
Helter-skelter went Tom Evan And Howell Bach to Mynydd Baidan, Thence to
Cildeudy's glen they go, Where they were hiding long, I trow; Till chance
brought by an aged wight. Who saw these lads in piteous plight, And told them
that the noted beast Had butchered been three days at least.
Dai Nicholas and Tom Mathew were Two of the heroes who stood there. And
William Lewis made the third Who this grim bull's loud groanings heard; No
soul* Maescadlawr House came nigh Till niore than six whole days passed by,
When Mistress Thomas, 'twas well known, Had this huge beast in salt put down.
The butcher, whom the fates preserve. Has trembled since in every nerve. And
rumour runs that from his heart That dread, he says, will ne'er depart! Fcr
six long days, from this sad cause, His tongue he turned not in his jaws.
Then his first words, in accents full. ' Were— “God preserve me from the
bull”
If it be asked, « Whose idle lay Has jiisi been sung?”Be silent, pray, Else
lor the bard there will await. Than was the bull's, a far worse fate I
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(delwedd J8288) (tudalen 119)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 119.
Tet, be would hope the worthy priest, When next he slays e fatted beast, Lest
human blood be spillid then. May seek a braver set of meu t
The original song of “Tarw Matscadlawr” is worthy to rank with “John Gilpin/*
as a piece of harmless and amusing exag*
feration. For more than one hundred years after poor Will iopkin's death, it
rested entirely for preservation upon the tongue of tradition, and had,
perhaps, in that time, hardly once been committed to paper. Consequently,
although the song had, in the middle parts of the country, that kind of '
fame which comes from being spoken of, many people had never heard the song
sung or recited, and were simply familiar with scraps of it. Not until 1845
did it appear in print, and» even at that late day, it appears as if the
world was indebted to chance circumstance for the pleasure of seeing it
brought to light. Happily, the same circumstance gave the impetus which
produced the bpirited translation of Mrs. Pendril Llewelyn; so the gift to
the public was a double one.
To the original communication from Mr. and Mrs* Llewelyn, there were appended
copious notes upon the principal characters mentioned in the song. Before
these are brought under the reader's notice, it will be well to relate the
circumstance which recalled the song to the public mind in 1845.
In the Cambrian newspaper, of August 9th, in that year, there appeared in the
obituary notices, the record of a death; thus: —
“Lately, at Bryn-y-6ettws, in the parish of Bettws, aged 54, Mr. Edward
Mathew, son of Mr. Thomas Mathew, of Pentre, Llangynwyd, in this County, one
of the characters of that song so well known in the locality, the Can Tarw^
Maescadlawr, composed by that excellent lyric poet, William Hopkin."
This announcement led to the appearance of the following^ communication to
the editor, in the paper of August 23rd:~*
“In your issue of August 9th, there appeared a notice of the death of Edward
Mathew, of Bryn-v* Bettws. It is there stated that he was the son of the
character in Can Tarw Maescadlawr, by William Hopkin. It should have been the
grandson of Tom Mathew, whose name occurs in that song. As the worthy Chief
Bard of Glamorgan (Ab Iolo) is now collecting all that can be had of William
Hopkin's poems, and the remains of other bards, for publication, the song to
which allusion is made is herewith forwarded to you. Ft should be stated that
the words are taken down chiefly fironci
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(delwedd J8289) (tudalen 120)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 120.
the singing and reciting of an old man named Jenkin Treherne» who, according
to the parish registers, was baptized 7^ y* i6, 1764. William Hopkin was
buried a.d. 1741, twenty-three years prior to the birth of Jenkin.
“Maescadlawr is a farm in the parish of Llang^nwyd, and, at the time the song
was composed, was the residence of the Vicar, the Rev. Morgan Thomas. The air
to which the song is sung by the hill folks is called “Gwegil y Fwyell” which
has lately been published by Miss Jane Williams, of Aberpergwm, in her
beautiful Collection of * Melodies of Gwent and * Morganwg.*— See page 58,
and note 83, of the Collection."
Then follows the song in Welsh, with the following note: ”There will be sent
you probably next week a translation of this song of our native peasantry,
also a few notes respecting the characters mentioned." The promised
English version of the song appeared in the Cumbrian of August, 1845; and in
an early succeeding issue of the same paper, the following “notes" upon
the song were given: —
“The * Bull of Maescadlawr ' turned out to have been a poor calf. Thus
tradition obtains. The intention of the bard was probably to hint to the
Vicar that his numerous retainers were but an idle set of bores. Or, it may
be that the poet humourously employed his satire against those parties whose
names are only known to us by his song. This was a favourite custom of the
bards, and many pieces of sparring between Will Hopkin and David Nicholas
(household bard of Aberpergwm) are traditionally recited and sung by the
peasantry even to this day. Jenkin Treherne, from whose reciting this song
(in the original Welsh) was taken, affirms that * this bull was but a calf.'
The old man says: —
”Mi glywais nad oedd y tarw hwn dim ond llo bach, a Wil Hopkin a ganws y gân,
o wawd. Ac mi glywais fod y bwtsiwr yn ffyrnig iawn yn dywedyd fod rheitach
gwaith o lawer gan Wil Hopkin i’w wneuthur na llunio celwydd yn y modd ag y
gwnaeth. Yr oedd yn tori character y bwtsiwr. Hyn mi a glywais lawer gwaith
gan Nanny Hutton. Yr oedd hi yn byw yn Nant-mwth, a mamgu i Edward Thomas
sydd yn byw yn Maescadlawr yn awr ydedd hi. Yr oeddwn yn fy ie’nctyd yn
'nabod rhai o'r dynion a enwir yn y canu. Nani Hutton mi a welais lawer o
weithiau, a Twm ab Evan; un o'r 'mawriaid’ ydoedd Twm. Mae eu had hwy yma
heddyw, sef Y ‘Mawriaid,' fel eu gelwir yn y plwyf. Y Marged a enwir yn y
canu oedd Margaret Lewis, a mamgu i Dwm sydd GUre yn y Llan heddyw ydoedd hi.
Morwyn yr offeiriad oedd “Virtue.'"
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(delwedd J8290) (tudalen 121)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. l21.
Jenkin, being asked whether David Nicholas mentioned in the song was the bard
of Aberpergwm, replied —
”Nage. Dio Llwyngwladus (a farm in the same Parish) oedd hwnw. Yr un tylwyth
oedd y ddau. Fe fu'r bardd, Dafydd Nicholas, yn cadw ysgol yn y Llan. A gwr
o'r parthau hyn ydoedd «fe. Fe fu hen dadau y gwr sydd yn awr yn y Gelli yn
yr ysgol gydag ef, a llawer ereill o hen bobl y plwyf. Y Man Thomas a enwir
yn y canu oedd ferch i'r *£feir*ad; hi briodws yr Edmunds o Bontfaen/'
The Parish Registers confirm throughout the saying of this old man. The Rev.
Morgan Thomas was Vicar , from A.D. 1707 to 1763. The baptism of the fair
Mary Thomas is thus recorded:— “Maria fiha Morgan! Thomas et Tabithae Jones,
bap. fuit 24" die Martii, 1712-13.” Her marriage thus:-*” Thomas
Edmunds, parochtae de Llantryddid, et Maria Thomas de Llangonwyd, in
matrimonia conjunct!, fuerunt vicesimo primo die 7^*^ 38*
In a different hand and paler ink is inserted an “L.,” probably to intimate
that the marriage was by license. Also between the words “Edmunds" and
“parochiae“ in the rsame hand and ink are inserted the three letters **gen”
above, with a caret underneath. The fact is elicited from this date that the
sox\% was composed anterior to 1738, the marriage of the fair Mary Thomas.
The death of this lady is thus inserted: — “Mrs. Edmunds, mother of the late
Col. Edmunds, of Cowbridge, and daughter of the Rev. Mr. , Thomas, of
Maescadlawr, and late Vicar of this Parish, was * buried here on Sunday, the
iSth Feb., 1798." She then lived with Dr. Sanders, of Bridgend.
The marriage of Margaret, or Peggy, who took refuge in Pedair Erw, is also
thus recorded:— “William Bivan, carpenter, of Croft yr Efail, in the Middle
Hamlet of the Parish of Llangynwyd, and Margaret Lewis, spinster, living in a
certain house called Maescadlawr, were married in this Church, the 26th day
of November, 1754, by Mr. Morgan Thomas, Vicar of Llangynwyd.”
Respecting Nanny Hutton, the subjoined extracts are made from the Registers:
— “ Anne filia Baftholomii Hutton et Jana William, bap. fuit decimo tertio
die 8^" 1717, fT,^^" Again, '2**"» Bartholomeiis filius Jonis
Hutton— vie ibid — et Cecilia Griffiths, bap. fuit 14” Augusti, 1670."
From these two transcripts, it would appear that Nanny Hutton was the
grand-daughter of the Rev. John Hutton, Vicar of the Parish of Llangynwyd
from a.d. 1662 to Deer., a.d. 1705.”
Coed y Parc, Coed y Cefen, Pedair Erw, are names oi
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(delwedd J8291) (tudalen 122)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 122.
places which occur in the song; and are well known by those names to this
day.
The song of Maescadlawr is not composed in the fetters of eyngkamdd^ although
every Welsh bard revels in cynghaneddau as far as possible. The rhyme in one
or two places appears rugged; for instance, in the seventh verse, gyllell
rhymes witn diffaiih; but the common Demetian pronunciation of the word now
spelt cylMl is cylleth. And in the first verse, unsut rhymes with Llangynwyd.
Now the word suty i.e. form, manner, condition, &c., is pronounced as if
written £kwd. This sut is the common salutation. “Sutyt y*ch chwi? (How are
you?^ is pronounced as though written ikwd^ and the rhyme would be thus to
the ear: —
“Llang7iiw3rd,
- anshwd.*
Yours, Llan Vtearagit 15 5^/., 1845. R. & M.
The letters close with some remarks upon the varied spelling of the name
Llangynwyd, to which reference has beeo made at length in the earlier part of
this work.
CAN SERCH.
'Clywch gwyn y bachgen gwirion
MewD geiriau mvrynion maith,
O garu roeioir dirion,
Nid yw ond ofer waith;
Mae rhai bron colli bywvD
Am faDwylyd fawr ei bri,
Ow! marw fydd fy menyd,
Os na feddianaf hi.
Pe cawn Ann Iftn yn briod,
Yr hynod fy wiog ferch,
Mi wn nas dengys wybren,
Un sereo ftvy o serch;
Mae'i gr&n fel gloyw berlyn,
A'r rhosyn vn yr haf; . '
Ood trow*d bi i gam arali,
£r mw yn fy nghadw'n giaf.
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(delwedd J8292) (tudalen 123)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 123.
Hi raid i'r dynion diflyn
Un gronyo fod mor groeflg Er gwaethaf geirian geirwoo.
Mi'i caraf hvd fy oes; Yr wyf yn gUi with glyweD
Fod bwriad rhai mor bell. Yd erbyn bachgen oCer,
Heb fod 'ran gronyn gwclU
Mae'n dios fel lili gwynion,
Llun biodau'r gwaDwyn gwya, GwcD araul gwel fu'n arot,
Fcl llinos yn y glyn; Ac oni ddaw'r un ddawnui
A'i phlaoed yn y bla'n, ' 'Difaru 'nol fy marw,
Wna'r lieiDir Inniaidd lin.
Tfntiatid hy A/r. Rkyt D, Aiorgsu.
List, while heart grieMadeo.
A love-born lad cdmplains; How love for a fair maiden
brings nought but bitter pains I ' For many swains address her—
Young, gallant, proud, and high; If I may not possess her.
I'll lay me down and die t
If Ann to me were given,
My life with joy and light Would glow — as gloweth heaven
With myriad stars bedight,— But ah I the charms and virtue
Her features fair display, Are promised to another.
And I am cast awa> I
Her cruel friends command her
Her hand elsewhere to give. Assail my name with slander,
Yet, while J breathe and live, My love shall be unfading,
For well she loveth me, And spite of all persuading—
Mine, still, her heart shall be.
Pure is she as the lilies.
Fair, as the flowers of spring, Her voice is like the trilling
Of woodland birds that sing: For my sweet bride Til win her
Her heart through life I'll keep— Or die, content in knowing
That she o'er me doth weep 1
I
K'
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(delwedd J8293) (tudalen 124)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 124.
The Williams's Family, of Bryn-y-fro.
In the latter part of the last, and the beginning of the present century, the
tenant of Bryn-y-fro Farm, in this Parish, was one Edward William, who
combined in his single person the avocations of rural carpenter and farmer.
He had a rather numerous family of sons and daughters, of whom the best known
are Edward, who became a clergyman, and curate of Ewenni Parish, and Thomas,
who, for some time, occupied Bryncynan Farm, subsequently, however, “removing
to Llangynwyd Village, where he became schoolmaster, and Parish Clerk to the
Rev. John Parry.
It will be gathered from the facts we have given, that father and sons must
have been of more than common intelligence. They were each well known to
possess the gift of **Yfawenbarod" — the ready muse, and to have
excelled in the practice of the rhyming and metrical contests of wit, which,
we have before referred to. Especially adept were they in the characteristic
Glamorganshire metre, the “triban,” now, alas! fast going the way of the yoke
and the ploughing ox, for whose especial behoof the “tribanau “were
originally composed. It will be imagined that bechgyii Bryn-y-fro^ as they
were called, were looked upon as the laureates of Llangynwyd, and formidable
persons to meet in a war of wits.
We subjoin a few specimens of their proficiency in this respect — by way, not
so much of claiming a high standard of thought and intellect for these humble
literati, as of shewing how, probably, the taste for poetry and love of
letters have been kept alive in « poor little Wales "—during centuries,
in which the education and culture of the people were neglected.
At the time we mention, the rural carpenter's was an avocation in much
request. The days of flimsy veneer and French polish .wdre not, as yet, and
in addition to the usual carpentry of the farm appliances and the hke, all
the household furniture was made at home, and, let it be said, made of
material, and shewing workmanship, that remains after many years a standing
protest against the tawdry and showy cabinet-making of the present dav. When
a son or a ' daughter was married, he or she took from the paternal home
artides of furniture, the manufacture of which had occupied the carpenter
for, perhaps, six months. This dower or marriage gift was known
as”Ystafbll."
Being therefore in a good way of business, Edward William was fain to employ
as his assistant one William Evaot known popularly as “Will o'r Voel.” Will,
also, was
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(delwedd J8294) (tudalen 125)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 125.
A rhymester, and in this respect, as in others, fit to be the partner of
Edward William, of Bryn-y-fro.
The Rev. Edward William on one occasion desired his father and Will o'r Voel
to come and make him a pair of wheels. Repeated promises to fulfil the order
were made and broken; and the reverend eentleroan at last, out of patience,
thus enunciated his grief: —
Daw’r haul o’r IVtU y bora*, A'r m6r i ben Moel-caara',
Cyn dclo nbad a WU y laer, I dryclo par o drycla*.
Whether spurred by this sarcasm or not, we cannot tell; but shortly the long
ordered wheels were made, and indelivering them to Mr. William, Will o’r Voel
thus ddiveredi himself:—
Mewn pedwar byr ddiwmod.
Gwnaeth Wil ag Etward hynod, Drwy gated waith. coed, h'ara, a dnr,
Y trycla' pur yn barod.
This elicited from the clergyman the following repartee: —
Garw wy'n rhyfoddu, I chwi allu oiedru Woeuthur par o drycla' gwych. Wrth
wel'd eich trych yn trychu.
This same Will, working on another occasion at Bryn-y fro, was curious enough
to enquire of his employer, “How much butter was produced weekly on the farm?
“Mr. William replied jocularly, “That they daily filled the largest firkin in
the Parish” — alluding to himself, he being an exceptional large and portly
man. Presently he was attacked by Will in the following words: —
Fy ffrynd a'm cyfaill anwog, *Rwyt wedi myo'd yo hafog; Ni ddaw un d'ioni i
dy rhaa, Y fercyn felan folog.
Williams returned the attack upon his enemy by replying:— ^^
Pe ba'it ti ond vn fercyn, Ti ga'it dy lon*d o 'fenyn; Ood nid wyt fiit y
gerwya Iwyd I gadw bwyd y mochyn.
On another occasion, when the Rev. Edward William had been away from home,
Will o’r Voel, using the rough freedom of those days, would have it that the
parson had been to visit his lady love, and that he had been rejected by her.
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 126.
Meeting the wanderer on his return, he ^buft welcomed Mm:— V
Fy ffrynd a'm cyfaill mwyDa*,
'Rwy'n gwel'd yn awr yo ola\ *N6l bod yn tramwy tref a gwlad,
Taw mam a thad sydd ora*.
^nd was thus replied to: —
Mae tre' yn dra rhagorol, Hi haeddai gael ei chaomol; Ond gorau peth I dynu
serch, Yw mynwea merch synwyrol.
The following was the caustic criticism applied by the Rev. Ed. Williams to
his father and the aforesaid Will, while they were preparing wood to roof the
barn:-~
Yn wir, mae'n ffitach crogi
Wil o'r Voel a Neti,
Am eu bod yn bradu co'd.
Wrth geisio bod yn aeirl
But what will be thought in these most precise days of the way in which Mr.
William proposed to visit a discovered thief with the thunder of the
sanctuary! It appeared that a man, W. R., a prominent member of a
Nonconformist body in the village, was found to have stolen a hatchet from
the workshop at Bryn-y-fio, belonging to the clergyman’s father. The reverend
bard hereupon suggested that the following parody on a well-known Welsh hymn
should be given out and sung on the ensuing Sabbath. When we say that the
said W. R. was leader of the singing, that is, precentor, the sting of the
jest will be apparent: —
O am 'nestrwydd yn y gwreiddyn, O am iechyd yn y gwa'd,
O am nerth i i^rthod. lladrad,
A' bwyelli siop fy nhad;
GlAn yw 'nestrwydd, &c., O na feddwn ar fath beth..
Which may be thus broadly translated:—
O for bonesty to guide me,
For my soul this virtue lacks, O for power to stand beside me,
Lest I steal my neighbour's axe; Honest conscience, &c..
Would thy fair content were mine 1 R. D. M.
The following distich was written by Mr. William to place on a new boundary
gate on the mountain between Ty-talwyn and Bryn-y-fro. Previous gates which
had stood ou the same spot hiaid been destroyed, presumably by some.
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 127.
neighbour who conceived it to be his interest that his sheep and cattle
should have free right of pasture of his neighbour’s fields«
We are not told whether the muses were sufficiently powerful to protect the
bard's fields from further trespass: —
Mi ge's fjr liongian yma.
Gaa hen wr cyfiawn, cofia,
I gadw heddwch rhwog dwy blaid,
Am hyny paid a mriwa.
And the next was his impromptu reflection, on returning home to Bryn*v-fro
after a Ions absence, and finding that his” over-cleanly” sister had white-washed
the farmhouse and its outbuildings: —
Mae Bryo-y-ffO eleni,
A'i gylchoedd wedi galchu;
Gan Sbini'm chwaer. y goegan falch,
Yd wyn o galch y Coeity.
Especially severe, apparently, were the rhyming contests between the rev.
gentleman and his brother, Thomas William. Tom’s muse, though apt and
incisive, was, perhaps, less cultivated and more “racy of the soil“ than that
of his learned brother. Moreover, the said Tom was sadly addicted to drinking
deep of a stream other than that of* «< Castaly,” and, as a consequence,
staggering homeward in a state far from being pleasing to his reverend
brother, who would proceed to beat the Drum Ecclesiastic into his unwilling
ears, and administered reproofs that were anything but gentle.
On one occasion, Tom returned from a lengthened carouse very hungry, and
demanded broth. The Rev.« Edward, hearing him, thus rebuked him:— >
The active arm ii winner
Of broth and meat for dinner;
Diwydrwydd dyn ei hunan,
Sydd gawl, sydd gig, sydd botan;
Oi yn gwrw melyn Twm,*
Ti fyddi'n llwm dy gefan.
Tom. leave thy guzzling, or thou shalt Go bare-back aeon, thou sinner.
And Twm, thinking, probably, of some boon companion of his late carouse,
replied: ~
Gan Mr. Jones, y I*orthman, ,
With Mr. Jones, the drover,
Pe gallwn dreiglo i'w drigfan,
Could I his home discover.
Cawn gwrw da, beb uo gair dig,
I should have broth and pudding too.
A chawl, a chig. a photan. >
Despite my scolding brother.
Which retort nettled his fraternal censor, and elicited the following: —
Ni chei di'r meddwyn aflan,
Na chawl. na chig. na photan;
Na chwrw da, heb wneyd ei werth.
Ond tin y berth gan borthman.
Sot! thou canst not deceive me. Thy want of sense doth grieve me; Thy drover
will not welcome thee. Or give thee food— believe me. R.D. M.
* Old Thomas Evan, the Tavern Keeper.
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 128.
The Skine Thomas, observing a mason mending a gap in a wall, and omitting to
keep his work in line with the portion which still stood, reproved the
careless craftsman thus:
Ti dd'laset chwilto allan,
Cyn roddi lawr y lylfa'n:
Pa 1ID a oedd y gwaith yn lliOf
A chytun ar hen grofan.
Formerly, ploughs were made of wood, and on the day when the nrst iron plough
was made at the village smithy, Thomas William observed two carpenters, who,
with rueful visages, were contemplating the new implement that was to
displace their handiwork, and rob them of a lucrative branch of Uieir
business. The following was the poet’s reflection:-*
Mac'r seiri coed yn segur, Bigalon iawn fe'i gwelir; Wrth syllu ar yr aradr
h'am. Fob un a'i farn yn brysur.
Khagfam yw ei rhegi, Y gof roes luniad iddi; Fe baeddai hwn mewn gwir
di£fae], Wrth gordan gael ei grogi.
Thomas William, alias Thomas y Clerk, also figured in a certain whimsical
anecdote, the memory of which, indeed, has been preserved mainly in the
satirical lines that he wrote on the event. A cow, belonging to a certain
farmer, was suddenly attacked by illness, the symptoms and appearance of
which were, in the eyes of her alarmed owner, so uncom- . mon and so
threatening, that he forthwith sent for a neighbouring farrier - one who, as
was and is frequently the case, knew nothing of the works on veterinary
science, and, perhaps, still less from the causes and treatment of disease.
The man of science came, and, with much solemnity, pronounced his patient to
be suffering from “Darced”*, and prescribed accordingly. But very shortly, to
his astonishment, and the danger of his reputation as a “vet.", the
untoward symptoms were explained by the appearance in the world of a fine
calf. Our rustic satirist took the matter up, and wrote some scathing verses
upon the event. In the first, he happily pictures the farrier pompously
surveying his patient, and oracularly naming her complaint: —
Ac ami taena'i olwg, * . She hath the Daned^sun quoth he,
Y Darced y w, raae'n amlwg; I And badly too, I'm fearing; [see
A chyda hyn rhyw chwithig dfo. But soon to shame him they coulD
Fe ddaeth y llo i'r golwg. I A fine bull-calf appearing.
CrajVM, i7arf0i,— A tumour or abscess formed in the breast from the milk
fever.
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 129.
And the great man's feelings broke forth thus:—
A«th Til fy erbya haddyw, To-day my ammo and Cuaa are
Vy mbroffei a fy onw; Why was it you neglected [gone^
Fam am dd'wedtech ddynion clywch To lay the cow had been to bull, Pan aath y
fawch i darw. And this calf was expected P
R. D. M. Thomas William also figures in the records of the parish as having
for some time held the office of Parish Clerk. Doubtless, his tippling habits
were often found to be far from appropriate to the digntt)^ and importance of
this post; and we find that after some sin of more than usual enormity, he
was dismissed by the Vicar, the Rev. John Parry. His pardon and restoration
were procured by the following verses which he composed:—
Ot collait mae ng'wyllys i'r eglur IHn Eglwys. Gael clochydd fo'n gymwyi a
gweddus ei wedd Heb ddilyn dicta. thAi swydd na phlesera*
Heb fwynder yn medda amynedd.
A chael vr offeiriad o nefol anadliad, A gwyneb agored iawn lynied ei swydd;
Yn ^wylio y defaid rhag brathiad y bleiddiaid, \’i ergyd am eurglod ei
Arglwydd.
One more anecdote of Thomas William, and we will dismiss him. On one
occasion, it was his duty to go to Margam Parish, in search of Mr. Parry,
whose services were required at a funeral. His search for the rev. gentleman
was unsuccessful, and he plaintively bewails the loss of his spiritual
shepherd: —
*Rwyf beno yn amddifad, 1 Sad is my song of sorrow.
anghynes yw fy nghaniad; Dark am I, and forsaken;
Mi gollais bob nefolaidd wawl, My guide is gone, that led to heaven,
Fe aeth y d«-— 1 4’r 'ffeir'ad. The devil hath him uken.
SlAMS TWRBIL.
Siams Twrbil, or James Turberville, though not a native of this Parish— long
resided here, and figures largely in the annals of the locality; as being
like those already mentioned,— a lowly, but not inapt or unworthy, follower
of the muse. Twrbil was born at Ely, and was apprenticed to one Evan Hopkin,
at Cunufclin, a weaver. At the expiration of the apprenticeship, he took up
the trade of itinerant weaver,— being, perhaps, possessed with the roving
spirit and desire for change that in some cases is found joined with a love
of the poetic and beautiful.
Not that we find much of these characteristics in what specimens we possess
of Twrbil's genius. As far as we may judge by these, he was remarkable like
his fellows, only for ready wit, keen sarcasm, and easy mastery of rhyme.
These
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 130.
appear in the following, his reply to his employer, who reproved him for want
of speed in bringing home a heavy piece of timber for which he had been
sent:—
Fy nghyfaill Evan Hopktn,
Nid Samson ydyw Siemsyn; DaD benyd vtyi o'r ardd i'rlan,
Yn plygu dan y plocyn.
Arrived at years of maturity, he courted the daughter ot the "Old House
Tavern “in the village, cooling, it may be, the fire of love, in the foaming
tankard. He became indebted to the parent of his Dulcinea to the amount of
five shillings. The stern landlord, called from his occupation of woodcutter
— y cordwr {the corder) no doubt frequently dunned him for the amount, but
obtained only the following in liquidation of the debt:—
Vr Cordwr 'rwyf yn credu, Aeth coron gron wrth gam; Fe nghownta i'n ffel ac
nid yn ffol. Pan ddelo'i *nol i dalu.
And he thus apostrophises Llangynwyd Village, after having been somewhat
roughly treated by some of the lads of that place:—
Y Llan yw llety Sata
Os ydyw ar y ddae'ran;
Mae'n rhaid cael dyn yn gryf mewn gras,
I fyn'd i ma's o'i safan.
It will, doubtless, be thought by some, that to call these humble rhymesters
by the dignified title of "poet,” is to reduce poetry and its professors
to a level far below their desert. Rhyme, we shall be told, is not poetry,
nor scurrilous epigram wit. It should, however, be fully understood that it
is not intended; even by the greatest admirers of these lowly iiUrati, And
their like, that they should rank with Shakespeare and Milton, or even with
those of their own nationality who have won for themselves the noble title of
“poet.” But it is in what remains to us of such men that we have the clearest
and most truthful picture of life as it was in these remote districts nearly
a century ago. Education there was none; communication with the outer world
was a thing not often obtained, and when it did happen that a visit was paid
to some more progressive and enlightened neighbourhood, the traveller was
thereafter looked upon as one who had indeed seen the world, and been
privileged above his generation. But the thought will naturally arise, “What,
under happier circumstances, would such men have become?” It is not just to
them, or to their genius, to judge them solely by these fugi*
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 131.
live rhymes, hmitdXy uttered on the impulse of the moment, inspired by some
passing event or whimsical fancy. We cannot but believe that with them, as
with the lowly poor of to-day, their unceasing struggle with poverty, and the
gloomy and sordid surroundings, moulded at last even the aspiring spirit of
these poets to its own likeness, until the muse in them wore ' out her
pinions against the bars of her cage, in the vain attempt to soar. Such as
these men were, they were worthy of admiration for their genius; and, in some
instances, such as that of Will Hopkin, of honour, for the dignity of their
sentiments, and the purity of their aspirations.
One of the last survivors of these rude forefathers of the Hamlet was one old
Llewelyn David, of Llwyni, who, after a life of labour, retired decrepid and
helpless to his native Village of Llangynwyd. The old man was delighted when
the neighbours and their children would drop min, bringing with them some
item of news. One day, one of the old man's visitors came to him with the
astounding intelligence that thn ironworks was in process of erection at
Maesteg, and that his old neighbour, “Jack y Gof” - John the Blacksmith — was
employed in making the boiler . I The first portion of the news was difficult
enough to swallow, but the story of the boiler was so utterly incredible,
that it stamped the whole tale as an invention. The old man, in a passion,
drove the young newsvendor out of his house.” A liar I “quoth he, < to
expect me to believe that * Jack y Gof* ever undertook to make a thing larger
than his shop I "
John Yorath, who has been mentioned as Jack y Gof, was the first blacksmith
employed at the Maesteg Iron Works. The following is the register of his
death:—
**John Yorath (Jack y Gof) died Octr. 29th, 1843, ^^ Maesteg, in the 69th
year of his age."
The following stanzas to his memory appeared in the II Haul” after his death;
—
Sion Iorwerth mewn dtnerthedd,— a guglwyd I gysgle yr oerfcdd; Sylwn,— yn yr
un salwedd, Y'n rho'ir bawb yn oer i'r bedd.
Gof ydoedd boed gofiadwy. - heddyw Duw iddo'n gynorthwy!— Ni cheir fyth,
achur afwy, Chwyth o'i fin» na'i fegia fwy.
Y morthwyl rhwyddhwyl orddaii»— yr eiogion, Ar anghof mae'r cyfan; Yn ei feJd
ddifaswedd fan Gwaelaidd yw rhwng dwy gealan.
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(delwedd J8301) (tudalen 132)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 132.
CHAPTER XL
TIm maids of Gelly Lenor. - The Ghost
of Ptoatre. - The legend of the
diYiskm of the Psrishes of Llangynwyd and Margsm,
Gelly Lenor.
This farmhouse is very ancient, and the name literally rendered into English
would be, “The learned man's grove" It is said that Edward IL, after his
escape from Caerffili Castle, remained here in disguise for several weeks,
when he was pursued, and in danger of his life, at the hands of his Queen and
her favourite. Earl Mortimer, in the year 1327. The King is said to have hid
by day in the branches of an oak-tree on a spot below the house, and to have
retired to the farmhouse at night. The trunk of the oak-tree thus honoured
stood until within the last twenty years, when it was removed, and was known
as Cadair Edward (“Edward's Chair”).
Mn Malkin, in his “Scenery, Antiquity, and Biography of South Wales,"
says, — «« The carriage-road to Bridgend is near the coast, but there is a
grand ride over the mountains by Llangonwyd, which will be remembered as the
village, or rather the parish, famous for having afforded a retreat to Edward
II for a short time in his adversity. We are informed by tradition that he
concealed himself at Gelly Lenor. — ^a large farmhouse, now standing alone,
about a mile (to the north) from the village.”
What is said in English history is, “That the King hid himself in a
mountainous place near Neath." It has, however, been questioned by some
later writers whether the King really made such a stay as tradition states.
But we have other matters to relate in connection with this place that makes
it interesting.
About the middle of the last century, there lived at Gelly Lenor a
respectable farmer, named Morgan James. He had three daughters, and two of
them became celebrated as heroines of rather romantic stories. The first was
named Sarah, who had bewitched— with ejre, and cheek, and lip. and the other
usualcharms— one David Griffith, ofDyffryn Coegnant, son of a ftirmer and
landowner, whose descendants, by the way,
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 133.
still own the Mine property. What there was to disturb the current of their
true love, history sayeth not; but, probably, Sarah James, with the
wilfulness which pretty women are prone to exhibit, sorely tried the patience
of David Griffith, whose despair found utterance in the following verses.
They are taken down from the memory of a venerable dame in this parish, who
well remembers the time when the song was in the mouth of almost everybody in
the neighbourhood.
CAN^rR FKRCH O GELLY LBNOR.
Holl ie*octyd <U mwyo, Rbo'wch gwyn i ddyn gwaa, Sy'n flia ia%ini daa
loes:* Cwaith mentro mor bellad,
I s^iad mor uroet. C«wch slywed yn gyioo, Er swMled fy nghalon. Pod loetioD a
churion o'm dwyfroa i*ai pen t— Tiueni tra aered fy mod dan saethtwed, Gwaeth
gwaelu cy waeled o gariad at i Na ddsliai'r un lana, lliw blodau'r rhoa I
Mi rhoddais fy mryd I gyd, a fy'm serch.
Ar ferch Ian ddi.fai; Maa ngobaith yn ddyfal. Am gael ei mwyobau; *Doe9
iachyd na meddyg, Na dolur gwasgedig, All gael yr uo ddiddig buredig dda'i
rhyw:^ Dan gwlwm yn briod i'm gwella o'm nychdod, A'm cadw o'r beddrod sydd
bared mor wiw | Mi a'i caraf tra bo' anadl i'm cynal yn fyw.
Na ddelsai'r an Ion Gryno gron deg ei gnidd,
I g'lymu trwy glod , A'm gweill o'm clefyd,
Dan benyd 'rwy'n bod. Tebyg'swn an amser, Y cawBwn 'run bawdd|(ar, Y seren
wych syber yn gvdmar 1 mi; Ond 'nawr trwm ^w mhronad ni fynyff fy 1 Er cystal
y canad i'r ddifrad y sy'— At feinir fwyn lawen, synwyrlawa yw hL
Os hola rhy w rhai, Ar (ai'n byn o fyd,
Pwy luniodd y glUi; Ei serch oedd mor sryfed,
Nts gwelwyd o'r blaen,— Mynegwch chwi iddynt Taw Bachgen o'r Dyffrvn» Sv'n
wael iawn ei eulun a gwreiddyn at Cnrch^ . Yn byw yn alarus mewn cyatudd
truenus, O achos digofus drwg 'wyllys tra erch,— Na ddeliai' ar rhywdro i'm
safio drwy lerch.
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 134.
Translation by Mr, Rhyt D» U9rg»fh
All ye kindly youth, Give ear to my sighs,
For long have I pined,— And wept that my dear one
Hath proved so unkind.
With tears and with sobbing,
With heart wildly throbbing.
With bitter grief rending my bosom and brain;—
1*11 tell all around me how sadness hath bound tat,
Because I loved Gwen. and she loved not agaia^-^
My days are all sorrow, my nights are all pain.
I gave her my heart, My heart and its love;
So fair was the maid I hoped I might
win her.
Fond hope I doomed to fade –
Now till I can borrow
Some balm for my sorrow,
Or by some bold deed win the fair for mine own;—
Till bnde bells sweet pealing, shall bring my bean healing,
And cruel Gwen's scorn by my love is overthrown;
The grave's scentless blossoms o'er my path are strewn.
O! would that my fair, Bright and rare, would but deign
To smile upon me: — Would deign my poor bosom'a
Physician to be,
And once her fair smiling.
My fond heart beguiling.
Had made me believe that she smiled but on me;
But now, all forsaken, I sadly awaken,
And know that this dream, like all others, must flee
Though sweetly she smileth, her heart is still free.
If any would know The true lover's name.
That sang this sad song: — To pourtray a passion
So lasting and strong, —
Say— he that hath written,
By death had been smitten,
And fadeth and wasteth for love of a maid;
Say— that sad and weeping, he longs to be sleeping.
'The sweet restful sleep 'neath the yewtree^s dark shade.
But living or dying— his love shall not fade.
It is pleasant to know that Sarah was all this time merely trying her David
and his love. May her sleep be sweet, for she was the muse that inspired
these beautiful verses, the outcome of a true poet. It is also pleasant to
find in the Parish Register the following entry:—
^Davkl Griffith, of this parish. Bachelor, and Sarah James, Spinster. wtn
Buurried by license in this Church the 27th day of September, 1775, In the
presence of Morgan James.
P { EowAaoVViLLiAiiiiy Clerk."
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 135.
The other daughter, Catherine James, was beloved hy one John, or Sion
Bivan-^^L poor man; and the love appears to iave been mutual. As has often
been the case, the maid’s parents had other views for her; and finding out
that their daughter really loved Ston Bivan^ they used every effort to break
off the connection. The man chosen by her parents as the husband of Catherine
was one Robert Jenkins, of Ewenni »a widower; but he received no favour from
her, who hesitated not, even in the presence of her parents, to declare her
preference for Bivan, At this time, George III. was at war with America, and
t^ie call for soldiers was constant and urgent. Bivan was drafted for
service,* and went with a heavy heart. From a song which it is said he
afterwards wrote, it appears that he did not look forward to a long absence;
and before leaving, the voung couple met, and« amid mingling tears,
interchanged their vows of eternal constancy. Bivan went, and remained long;
whether he wrot^ to his sweetheart or not, we cannot say. Probably, if he
did, her father suppressed the letters. Meantime, while Catherine was living
between hope and fear, the widower Jenkins was constant and assiduous in his
attention, encouraged by the parents; while the lass, on the other hand,
constantly said that "whoever she might be compelled to marry, * Sion
Bivan ' posessed her heart." This state of things continued for some
time, until the crafty Morgan James, to hurry matters, plotted with a
soldier, also from this parish, who was in Bivan's regiment; and a letter was
sent to Gelly Lenor* stating that Sion Bivan had been killed in a certain
engagement. The grief of Catherine James was intense; and, broken down with
sorrow, pressed by Robert Jenkins, and urged by her father, she was compelled
to accept Jenkins, still, however, saying that her heart was Bivan’s, and
rested in his grave. Preparations for the wedding were hurriedly made, and
the day fixed. When it came, the wedding party rode on horseback (as was then
the custom) to Llangynwyd Church. The wedding took place, and is thus
recorded in the Registers:—
“Robert Jenkins^ of the Parish of St. Brides Major, widower, and Catherine
James, of this parish, spinster, were married this 8th day of December, 1781,
by license, by me, Wm. Rees, curate of St. Brides Minor.
I..h.pr..«.c.of}Mo.o*.^M«.^^^,.
As the newly-married couple left the church porch, amid the congratulations
of their friends, there came a man, travel-stained and weary, who stood near
the “Old House;” he was dressed in uniform. It was Sion Bivan, When the
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 136.
bride saw him, she fainted, and could not for some time be revived. Before
leaving the spot, she confessed to Bivan her faithlessness (if, indeed it
could be so called), and besought his forgiveness. She went to Ewenni with
her husband, to whom she bore 2Z children; yet, while she lived, she
cherished her affection for Bivan; and he, on his part, delighted in showing
kindness to her and her children, when they came to visit their parents at
Gelly Lenor.
Bivan married, and long laboured in the neighbourhood, being reputed the best
workman in the district. He it was who built the old house which stood on the
site of the present Tf/m* Arms^ Pontrhydycyff.
The Ghost of I'bntrb.*
At the beginning of the present century there was quartered at Pentre Farm
House, then occupied by one David Treherne, an old pauper named Phillip
Thomas. He was there in accordance with the custom of those days: there were
no workhouses, and paupers were boarded out with the ratepayers of the
different hamlets for periods, according to the amount at which they were
assessed to the poor rate — three, six, or twelve months. Phillip Thomas
resided at Pentre, and was, as far as is known, fairly comfortable, except
for the fact that the maid, Catherine, part of whose duty it was to attend to
the old man’s wants, was unkind, and even cruel to him. The maid had a soul
worthy of a Poor Law Board as painted by Dickens; for we find that the old
man, even on his death bed, was the subject of her jeers and neglect. We are
told that when he was dying, she refused him a drop of cold water, with the
remark
that she had no time to attend to the old d 1. The
old man died, and was buried opposite the door of the old Village School,
adjoining the Church known as “Ty Cynwyd“ Presently, we find that the old
pauper's ghost made its appearance again in this world I Misguided spirit I
he might have known that for paupers ot his class, there was no room in
Llangynwyd; however, here he was, and distinguished himself as follows. The
little girl of the house was observed to throw the clothes which were drying
into the fire, and, on being checked, excused herself by saying that Uncle
Phillip gave them to her, and told her to do it; and, indeed, we are told
that the clothes were hung out of
Pentre Farm is but a short distance to
the north-west of the Flwisb Chttfch. .
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(delwedd J8306) (tudalen 137)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 137.
the child's reach, and that it was impossible that she could herself have got
at them. While the family were mystified at this event, in came the maid
Catherine, pale and dripping, screaming that she had seen old Phillip by the
stable, and that he had nearly drowned her by emptying a pail of water over
her. Here was more matter lot thought, and, doubtless, the family of Pentre
found it difficult to account for what they had seen and heard. While they
were thinking over matters, they were again startled by hearing stones hurled
with great force against the house from every direction. They, of course,
huddled together in mortal dread, and when the time came to attend to the
cattle and horses for the night, it was only in parties of two or three, with
lanterns, that they ventured to do so. The night was spent in confusion, amid
the screams of the maid Catherine, to whom the ghost was constantly in sight.
This went on for some time, till the girl was wasted to a skeleton, and confined
to her bed. The neighbours took it in turns to watch her, for, even at night,
the disembodied pauper persecuted her, and made some attempts to strangle
ner.
In the general dismay, no better means for dispatching old Phillip from
Pentre could be thought of than prayer meetings, and those were nightly held.
It was an article of faith in those days that all clergymen had more than a
smattering of the black art^ and that part of their education was directed to
attaining power over the devil and his imps. So Mr. Parry, the vicar, was
invited to conduct one of the prayer meetings. So frightened was the good old
man, that' even while leading in prayer, he was constrained to pause and ask
Catherine if she could sec the ghost, for at no time was it visible to anyone
else. “Yes, sir," quoth Catherine, “he stands just behind you,”— upon
which Mr. Parry made himself scarce. So matters went on: work was neglected
in Pentre; at Llangynwyd, no one ventured out after dark; and the general
dread was such that the bells did hot ring during that winter. At last the
Bev. Mr. Jones, vicar of Glynogwr, was invited to try his hand on this
obstinate ghost, and, fortunately, succeeded in persuading the disembodied
pauper to return whence he came. The Trehernes were at peace, and Catherine,
the maid, got well. She lived, it is said, to a great age, and died in the
odour of sanctity at Aberdare. So far the tragedy ([oes; but the poet
William, of Aber, not being a believer in the ghostly powers of paupers, or
others, turned the whole thing to jidicule, by introducing into this tragic
story a strong element of comedy. His version is as follows:—
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(delwedd J8307) (tudalen 138)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 138.
CAN TSBRVD Y PENTRE.
Caeth ysbryd a barodd arawyd, I gaool plwyf LlangyDwvd; Er dychryn Ilu, os bu
e'n bod, O'r chwerwa Vioed a welwyd.
'Roedd ganddo arfer flyrnig, I guro gwyr ft cherig, Aeth pawb yn bnidd o
herwydd hwn, A'i adwyth ddychryoedig.
'Roedd ganddo ddefod ddigri',— Sef cydio'n nghoryn Cati; Cyrchu'r dwr a
gwlychu boo, Nes bod hi'n mbron a boddi.
Rho'es iddi saig rhyfeddol O eithaf gwlad estronol, I blesio'r eneth ddifeth
ddawn, Mae'n g>-mwy8 iawn ei ganmol.
Fe yrwyd cenad union, Am ddau o weinidogion;
gymorth gwir a nerth t'r gwan i Ail bredych gan ysbrydion.
Gofynai Mr. Parri, Ar ganol d'weyd ei weddi, Gan godri law mewn braw 'run
pryd, “A weld dir y sbr>-d Cati?”
Atebai'r feinir fwynlan, “Och 1 syr,— mae drach eich oelian; Yr hen wr sur
a'i olwg swrth Yn sefyll wrth ei huoan."
Bryd hyn dechreuai grio. “Myn dyn, wyf heb ymdrwsio; Hewn arfau ffydd 'roedd
arnaf fai,
O cadwed rhai fi rhagdda"
Atebai'r ysbryd 'sgeler, < Diyy'n prisio am eich pader } Mag am lais eich
gweddi Ion—
/'// kold my station ktrt.”
Daeth yno arfog iilwr, Weinidog mawr Glynogwr,
1 yru'r bwbach brwnt i bant. Heb ddangos dant i un-gwr.
Mr. Jonet ddyweda', ^'Clyw'r ysbryd dos oddiyma; Hi wna' i ti fyn'd y bredych
brwnt,
I'r rhandir hwnt i'r Mia,”
“Mae^ch llais chwi, syr, cy' lewed, A'ch crefydd sy' can' gryCed;
Mi allaf chwimlo liaw na throed. Gwae i mi *rioed eich gweled."
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(delwedd J8308) (tudalen 139)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 139.
^ Rbaid i mi fya*4 chwi wyddoch|
*Rwy'n rhwym o gilio rhagoch; If i af ar draws, mi aJ ar b)*d.
I'r maa o'r byd to myooch.”
“'Rwy'n crada byn yo 'bcJaeth,
Yn gryno maa 'oghrediniaath; Nad o«t neb yn d'od yn ol,
O'r raeirw ar ol marwotoath."
TrantistioM by Mr, Rkyt D, Mt9ipuk
Thbkb came a spirit evil, A sportive, frisky, devil*— Aad shocked the good
Llangynwyd ibUc% With Irolics quite uncivil.
It bad a Cearful fashion Of striking, kicking, lashing. And throwing stones
at timid folks* Without grace or compassion.
No devil e'er was bolder, For by her buxom shoulder He seiied poor Catit,
spite her shrieks, And in the river rolled her.
Though maidens still are teasing. And smile at lovers' squeeiing; To be half
drowned by batan's imp Must surely be displeasing.
So for two Godly preachers
They sent—and thought these
Of holy things could vanquish fiends, And such unholy creatures.
And first, good Mr. Parry Essayed to fight old Harry: "^Catti,"
saith he. “show me the fiend. For here be shall not tarry.”
Quoth CatU, “What doth blind yott| Good sir, — ne's just behind you, A
Crowning devil, grim and sour. And faith I he doesn't mind you."
But Parry had not decked him With armour to protect him, Of faith and grace,
so trembled lest The fiend should thence eject him.
For quoth the fiend, “Good Father, For all that you can eather Ofprayer and
pater, ril not stir, 'To stay hero I would rather."
So since this fiend ungracious Had thus proved contumacious, *Twas thought
the holy Mr. Jones Had means moro emcacious.
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(delwedd J8309) (tudalen 140)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 140.
And the poor folk affrighted, The rev'rend man invited. To come and lay this
spirit bold, That Parry's power nad slighted. ^
Quoth Jones, “Hence, thing of evil, Get out! unruly devil, Get thee to India
or to h— — 1, Cease this unholy revel."
The fiend all pale and shaking. His language bold forsaking, Said, “Mr.
Jones, pray, don't be hard, My leave I'll now be taking.
“All we dark fiends below, sir, Your name and virtues know, air— We tremble
all when Tones is near, So, if you please, I'll go, sir."
So that is all about it, The fiend, and how to rout it,— The tale of course
may be quite true, But I'm inclined to doubt it I
The Legend of the DivisioN of the Parishes of Llan GYNWYD AND MaRGAM.
In olden time, the boundary of the Parish of Llangynwyd was more extensive
than at present, and it included the present Parish of Margam within its
limits. When a separation was decided upon, a very ingenious and unusual
method was adopted to fix the boundary line between the two. It happened that
there was in the neighbourhood a lunatic, who was familiarly spoken of as
"The Wild Man" (“Y Dyn Gwyllt"), in safe custody, and it was
determined to free this person, and to let the division follow the direction
he might take when given his liberty. The spot to start from was agreed upon
to be at a well, known as “Ffynon y Wern,” in a dale below- Havod-decaf. The
men of Llangynwyd and the tenants of Margam mustered in strong force, with a
view to offering as much resistance as they could on each side respectively:
the interest of Llangynwyd being to retain, and of Margam to obtain as large
a share as possible. The lunatic, whose name seems to have been “Robin,"
when released, started off in the direction of Margam Mountain, where he took
to the old Roman road, now known as "Heol y Moch," along which he
continued until he reached a high point on Blaencwmcerwn Mountain. Here the
Margam men blocked his way, which forced him to take the direction of the
“Cwm." When he reached this, the men of Llangynwyd made him retrace his
steps, until he reached the Afan
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(delwedd J8310) (tudalen 141)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYWYD. 141.
River, thereby obtaining considerable advantage. There a person, who was
following him closely, threw a hook with so much force, that it hamstrung,
and caused him to fall into the river, where he was drowned; the pool into
which he fell being known as “Pwll Robin” to this day. The River Aian divides
Llangynwyd from Glyncorrwg and Michaelstone Super Afan on the north; the
brook which runs through Cwm yr Aber being its southern boundary. The western
boundary line, as given on the map, justifies a good deal of the old Robin
legend, for in some parts it is difficult to suppose that the line could have
been willingly drawn. Whether there be any truth in the story or not, it is
now impossible to ascertain; certain it is that the legend has been handed
down from father to son for many generations, and was, and even now is,
extensively believed in, though traditions are not so readily accepted now as
they were in the past. Nor is there much interest taken in the matter of
boundary, for there are now but few persons living who have ever traced and
followed the division supposed to have been made by the “Wild Man's”
wanderings, and those few are now octogenarians. The boundary was originally
marked by upright stones, some of which were taken cognizance of by the
Ordnance surveyors a few years since. About 70 years ago, the boundary was
walked over for the last time, the Rev. Bruce Knight, of Margam, having read
an exhortation ' from the Book of Homilies on “Twmpath Diwlith “on the
occasion, and on a place known as “Blaen Ffyllon.”
About the latter period, a dispute arose between the parishioners of Michael
Super-Afan and those of Margam with reference to the ownership of the bed of
the River Afan. Mr. Griffith Llewelyn, who was agent for Mr. Talbot, of
Margam, ordered all the Margam tenants to meet him on a specified day at
“Pwll Robin," charging each one to bring with him the best horse he
possessed. Upwards of sixty of them met together at the appointed time, and
were instructed by Mr. Llewelyn to ride along the river from “Pwll Robin” to
the sea, Mr. Llewelyn himself and the Rev. Bruce Knight accompanying them.
The Michaelstone men met them in strong force, and disputed with them every
step of the way, the conflict at times becoming hot and furious. On Aberavon
moors, quite a serious collision took place, several of the Margam men being
frightfully beaten.
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(delwedd J8311) (tudalen 142)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 142.
CHAPTER XII.
Colloquial Words and Expressions, collected within the Parish of Llangyawyd.
iDAR Morganwg. Adnabod saethu wrth y swrn. Adnabod un yn mhrig y fr&n.
Agor un bwlch i gauad y llall. To open one gap to fill another; spoken of
those who sell one thing to pay for another.
Agor am lawer a chauad am ddim.
A glywo'r gwcw fydd by w flwyddyn eto.
Anach. This word, according to Dr. Pughe, means an impediment— one that is
dull or slow; but it has a different meaning when used by the inhabitants in
this parish. “Mae anach gwlaw ganddi,"— it threatens rain; “Maeyn anach
peidio talu,”— there is doubt as to whether he will pay or not, &c.
Anhawdd twyllo hen adar.
Anhawdd bwyta blawd ceirch a chwiban.
Anhawdd tynu m^l o host.
Arllwys ei gwd. To divulge a secret.
Armerth, — bord armerth. A peculiar kind of a table to knead dough upon.
Crochan armerth: a special crock, in which the uwd (porridge) was prepared.
Ar y gybildra. In full speed. . ^.
Ar y coesau diwedda*.
Bacsa. Footless stockings. Bacso. To trample.
Balish. Doatingly, or foolishly fond.
Bessie Fingam. A wry-mouthed, or peevish woman.
Betin. The turf, or surface sward of a field when pared by a particular sort
of hand plough, and afterwards dried in the sun, and burnt. Betingwr, is the
name given to /the man who cuts the sward.
Bid rhyngoch. w^r Pentyrch.
Biwbo. Jew's harp.
BlingoV Dwch. Vomiting.
Briwlach. - Briwlach gwlaw; briw-wlaw.
Drizzling rain.
Brachgai. To ride on horseback.
Bwyta pen y pr^f.
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(delwedd J8312) (tudalen 143)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 143.
Buarth o gylch y lleuad, is a name given to the ring, or Maht which is seen
about the moon on a misty night.
Bwa’r wrJich. Bwa’r Drindod. The rainbow.
Bwdal, Bwdalacs, neu Mwdal, for lleid-bwU — puddle.
Cafflo bola i drwsio pen. Robbing the belly to decorate the head.
Calan fara. The cakes given to the poor in olden days at the Church porch on
the ist of January.
Canu maswedd. Said of every kind of singing except psalms and hymns.
Careg-maen-n&dd. The Bridgend freestone.
Canddo, for Cadno. Canddo o ddi warnod. A fox of a day.
Canad, for Caniat&d. Of a contraction, and corruption, very good; much
preferable to the other mongrel which is so generally used. Cenad — a
messenger.
Cadw own, a chyfarth ei hunan*
Caws o fola'r ci.
Cefiyl uncarn. A walking stick.
Clem, cewc, gwep. These are words often used when someone makes ugly faces
about something.
Clwc; wy clwc— an addled egg. It is also used to denote a p>erson who is
poorly: Mae hi yn glwc iawn. She is very unwell.
Clatsien. A smack. Mi roes iddo glatsien. I gave him a flip.
Chwerthin cilbochau,
Cysgu ci bwtsiwr.
Conach:— Pwy gonach wyt ti? Why dost thou whine?
C61 gwas diog.
Cuwch gwd a ffetan.
Dala newyn wrth fedydd: spoken when a poor man christens his loth child.
Holding hunger at the font.
Dala llygoden a'i bwyta. Catching a mouse and eating it,— for improvidence or
poverty. ^ A;-.i^ */iV i. . ^^u:^^ £; k^^.^
Deiliaid Margam. The tenants of Margam.
Dan y dw'r. Under water, said of one in debt, or dis* tressed for money.
Diwedd y gan yw’r geiniog.* For " after the song pay the piper."
Diawl y *myto i: a very common but foolish oath. May the devil devour me.
Duw deisyfon ni: a peculiar kind of adjuration; but, if it . . were properly
uttered, would be a most appropriate prayer. Lord, we beseech Thee*
Expressive of astonishment or admiration.
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(delwedd J8313) (tudalen 144)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 144.
Duw dalo i ti, and Duw cato ni. “The Lord reward thee, and protect thee,”are
mild oaths very often heard expressed*
Dwylaw blewog. Hairy hands. Applied to a person who is given to pilfering.
*Does dim dau heb dri.
*Does dim dau Gymro o’r un meddwL There are no two Welshmen of the same
opinion.
Dyn llethig. An excessive eater.
Dyn dimofol. A witty person. Dyn diofal. Careless.
Dyn cry^rus. A naughty mischievous person.
Dyn Ivsti. An active pernon.
Dyn Iloriog. A sly, cunning, fawning, circumventing sort of a fellow.
Dyn gwirion. In Glamorgan, an inoffensive man. In North Wales, a fool.
Dyn gwisgi. A quick, nimble person. The word is used also in another sense:
cnau gwisgi, slip-shelled nuts, &c.
Dodi'r car o flaen y ccffyl. To put the cart before the horse.
Dwywaith yn blentyn, ac unwaith yn ddyn. Once a man, twice a child.
Dysg dy famgu i bedoli hwyaid. Teach thy grandmother to shoe ducks. {Emlish:
To suck eggs.)
Eli penelin. Elbow grease. Eli’r galon. Good ale, tea, and tobacco.
Enllyn trwyn. Snuff.
Eos bren. A poor singer. A wooden nightingale.
Ei bwyo'n banas. To beat him hollow.
Ewa. Uncle, in fond speech.
Etifeddiaeth y byd mawr, bod heb ddim.
Enw mawr a byd bach.
Fel Hong ar dir.sych. Like a ship on dry land.
Pel clap y felin. Like the clap of the mill.
Fel lleuen mewn crachen. Like a louse in a scab.
Fel crochan yn berwi. Like the crock boiling.
Fel cleren mewn pot.
Fel bwch i odyn.
Fel ystarn ar gefn ci.
Ffusto pen ceffyl marw. Working to pay an old debt.
Firwmwndws, walu ffrwmwndws. To talk nonsense.
Ffrechan,— ffrechan o wlaw, neu o eira. A sprinkling of rain, or snow.
Ffliwen. A clout. Rho ffliwen iddo. Give him a clout.
Ffedog y ddafad. Mackerel sky.
Gauaf cynar, hir y trif;.
Goleufur. Northern lights.
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(delwedd J8314) (tudalen 145)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 145.
Gair dros ysgwydd. Not seriously meant.
Gadewch chwi Sion Llwyd yn llonydd. He is well able to hold his own.
Grabin y wil. A case of labour, or confinement.
Gormod o ganfas am rot. Too good a promise.
Gwanid, or more properly, gwan*yd. Tail com.
Gwell baw o bell, na m61 o agos.
Gwneuthur melin ac eglwys. To project or undertake too large labours.
Gwell cynghor hen na'i faeddu.
Gwyr yr Hen Blwyf, tlawd a batch. The men of the Old Parish, poor and proud.
Gwyr y Brenin Sion, saith ugain y cant. King John's men, seven score to the
hundred; short people.
Gw^r Abertawe*n tynu wrth y rha£fau. Said when the sun is near setting.
Gwylhersa, chwareu gwylhersi. Children playing and shouting.
Gwinio’r gofid yn ei chylch. Said when a woman is seen sewing a rent in her
dress without taking it off.
Harlach, mae'n harlach gwyllt yno. There is quite a kick up there.
Hawdd tynu gwaed o hen Iwgr.
Hen weddal. A corruption of chwidl, an old stor}^.
Hen grochan o ddyn. One who takes in everything.
Hen ridill. One who tells all he knows.
Hela diffrwyth i gdl, said of one who idles his time away doing nothing.
Heddwch gw^r mawr. Great folks' peace*--a cold reserve.
Hdl ac hebrwng.
Hwldi-drebwldwr. Helter-skelter.
Hur yr tn, a bwyta fyno. . lorden: Tori iorden, a'i wado, ncu ei lachio. ' To
cut a rod, and beat him.
Inisient. A man not in his right mind. From the English, Innocent.
Iro dwylaw. To bribe. . Llap y dwndwr. Tea,— Chatter-water.
Llap y deri. A lubberly fellow.
Llawer ffordd i ladd ci heb ei dagu o 'fenyn.
Lie mae'r ystarn yn gwasgu.
Lleidr yw llety.
Lie mae wyau, daw rhagor.
Llwnc y trothwy. A greedy stomach*
Llwygan. Loafing.
Llusgo gwrysgen g^fydd ei brig.
tt/'
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(delwedd J8315) (tudalen 146)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 146.
Mab Mair i*th ran. The son of Mary be thy portion.
Mae baw yn y caws. There is something wrong.
Mae croen ei dtn ar ei dalcen, said of one in a bad temper*
Magu esgym bach.
Mae aroswch yn air hir i’r gwancus.
Mae drwg yn ei lawes.
Mae tro yn ei ^nffon.
Mae awch ar ei gryman.
Mae'r dydd yn tynu ei gwt ato.
Maethgen: Mi roes iddo faethgen. I gave him a good scolding.
Mae tri chynyg i Gymro. There are three chances for a Welshman.
Mae dwy wyneb i ystlys o gig moch.
Merch y crydd. A shoe.
Mesur brethyn pawb wrth ei lathen ei hun.
Modfedd o fachgen, a mynydd o ferch.
Mor dy wyll a bola buwch.
Mor deneu a rhaca. As thin as a rake.
Mor feddw a whilber. As drunk as a wheelbarrow.
Mor dylawd a llygoden Eglwys. As poor as a Church mouse.
Mor onest a'r gyrchen.
Mor civil a hwch mewn soil.
Morwyn gwr mawr a hwch melinydd.
Mor iach a'r ceiros.
Myned drwy wrysg y cae.
Myn Jaics, Myn Jawcs, Jacits, Jaws, Jais erioed. A parenthetic apology k)r
Myn Diawl, like the English “By Gosh." &c., for By God."
f Myn Brain. yThis curious oath may have reference to “the ravens
of^ien." See the Welsh Mabinogum.
N6s penelin nag arddwrn.
Ni waeth dywedyd wrtho, careg a thwU.
Ni ellir lladd mochyn bob dydd. One cannot have a feast every day.
Ni Cheir chwareu &’r afal. a’i iwyta hefyd.
Nyfath. A veiy common word for a multitude. A rabble.
O Arswydl O Terror 1 an ejaculation expressive of astonishment, or fear.
O dan ei grwys. Lying in state. Oen partha. A hearth-stone lamb. Partha^buwch
bartha. A tame cow. Penllawr,— a passage in very old farmhouses, between the
place the cattle were kept and the dwelling-house:— the Cigin^ and miuuUf and
if there happen to be another and a better
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(delwedd J8316) (tudalen 147)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 147.
room, it was called y vo9m gonit, or foom bach; parlours only belonged to the
dwellings of the gentry in olden times, such as were to be seen in the
mansion of “Ifor Hael," and referred to by the Demetian Nightingale in
his poems.
Petu. This word is ffenerally used when a person is continually complaining
when there appear to be no cause. Piidiwch a pkitu is often said to a man who
finds £siult with |
Providence, because he does not get all his covetous!
nature wishes for, though possessed of sufficient, if he could \
but enjoy it with contentment. j
Pigcwdyn. A rip.
Pina. A weakling.
Pica. Sharp, pert, impudent.
Pinp^wn. A gable end.
Pintwn: yn mhob pen mse piniwn. In every head there is an opinion.
Pobl y Bettws.
Priodi drwy'r berth.
Pilio wyau.
Pob peth newydd, dedwydd da.
Rathu, for Brathu. To sting, or stab.
Rhaid cael dau fTol i £fraeo.
Rhanu blewyn yn bedwar*ar-ddeg.
RhefTyn pen bys. An extempore sermon.
Rhwng seiri a phorthmyn.
Rhys o'r mynydd. A peculiar name given to the wind.
Rhwng cynffon y diawl a thwU ei d— n.
Rhwyllo: Mae’r gwlaw yn rhwyllo. The rain ceases.
Saem collen. A good drubbing.
Sang di fang.
Sion 'run siwd.
Siani naill ochr.
Sion pob ochr.
Scleis. A most curious name given to a fire shovel.
Shini fiewog. The palmer worm.
Shaw. A very common word, meaning a large number: Shaw o ddyniou. A lot of
people, &c.
Slebis. Mess. Paid a gwneyd dy slebis. Don't make thy mess.
Siencyn esmwyth. A kind of light food, consisting of bread soaked in water,
with a little butter, sugar, and nutmeg.
Sug. A short chain used before the plough.
Trtnsiwrn. The old wooden plate, evidently from the £nglish trencher.
'Ta'r byd yn myned yn badelli*
Taflu p^l 1 d6.
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(delwedd J8317) (tudalen 148)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 148.
! Taflu lluwch (llwch) i lygad.
! Taflu'r droed oU'n mlaena*.
; Teisien toes a chwnad*-teisien heb wybod iV slop.
j Teisien fras felus — teisien lap.
Taplas groes, taplas g&s. These are expressions used when a contention
between two separate sects is spoken of, and opposition meetings are held. j
Talmu: *does dim yn talmu arno. Naught makes an
impression on him. ; Tomen flodeuog. A slut in finery, a fiowerinfi^
dunghill.
Tori cleddyf Arthur. To break, or cut Arthur's sword. This is an exploit
performed by the children at their plays* I Tawlu yn ei ddanedd. To upbraid
one with anything.
Twm pob tamaid. An adept at anything. t Trwst, twrf, tyrfa, trysa. Thunder,
f Trysa a llychid. Thunder and lightning.
I Twna. An obstinate, mulish disposition.
j Walbi. A sagacious person.
Walu, wleua, for chwedleua. To talk. Watch aur, neu glun bren. “A gold watch,
or a wooden j leg." (Neck or nothing.)
Wedi carno’i filwg. Wedi ei chnapio hi. A little drunk, Wedi bod ar y gridill.
_ Wedi myned dros y cenglau: said of one who has taken
too much drink.
Wedi estyn ei goes.
Wedi myned i glwb y racs. One newly married.
Y gwr daclws gerws.
Y llygaid yn fwy na’r bola.
Yn bris o gant punt. —
Yn ffolach na .dail bysedd y c^n.
Yr hen wlanen. A simpleton.
Yr hwch fud sv*n difa'r s6g.
Ystlys gerdded.
Yn poeri fel gwcw.
Yn mhob o dipyn mae gw&n bys i d— n gwybedyn,
Ymgreinad. To roll about with pain.
Yn ddyled o glust i glust. In debt from ear to ear.
Weather Progftcsticatiotts. The cat washing her ears is a sign of wet
weather; but if done when sitting with her back towards the fire, it is
considered to be a prediction of a snow storm.
When the swallows are seen flying high, it is the sign of fair weather; but
when flying low or near the earth, rain will follow*
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(delwedd J8318) (tudalen 149)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 149.
To see sea-gulls coming in great number inland is a most unmistakeable
prediction of stormy weather (iywydi crsulon).
The sheep bleating and walking about restlessl:yr, and the crows croaking,
are looked upon as sure signs of rain.
Swine carrying straws in their mouths, and walking with their heads against
the wind, are put down as predicting a heavy gale of wind.
The following fragments were quoted by the old people as weather
prognostications: —
“Bwa Driodod y borau, ami gawodau t— BwaDrindod prydnawD, tegwch a gawa.”
A rtinbow in tki mommg h tki skiplUri'i wiumin§, A raitthom 4£ night is th£
ikepk£rd:£ delight,
Paa gollir y gwlaw, o'r gogledd y daw,— Pao gollir yr hioon, o'r dwyrain daw
atoiD.
Y wylan fach adnebydd. Pan fo'n gyfoewid tywydd; Hi bed yn deg ar aden wen,
O'r mor i beo y mynydd.
Fe neidia'r gath yn boew, RbwDg Rwynt a thywydd garw | Hi dro'i phen-ol tuag
at y gwret, Po nesaf byddo'i fwrw.
Pan welir moel y Caera' Yn gwisgo tap y bora'; Ond odid fawr cyn baoer dydd,
Bydd ar ei grudd bi ddagra.'
Pan gly wer y mor yn crochlefain yn flin. A'r cwmwl yn dew dros ben Castell
Penllin; Os gwir y ddiareb. mae cawod o wlaw Yn magu'n yr wybren, a'i
syrthiad gerllaw.
TtansUted by Iolo Aforgnnwg,
Wben the boarse waves of Severn are screaming aloud, And Pennine's lofty
Castle's involved in a cloud; If true the old proverb, a shower of rain Is
brooding above, and will soon drench the plain.
Pan fyddo Mynydd Caera* A'i gap yn cuddo'i gopa: O niwlyn tew. am byny taw
Mae ynddi wlaw mi brwfa.
Superstitions.
A\Cur£forike Whooping Cough.^Som^ old people believed that pthe following was
a certain cure for the Whooping Cough: — To cut some of the hair o£f the back
of the head of the child who was su£fering with the complaint, and place it
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(delwedd J8319) (tudalen 150)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 150.
between two pieces of bread and butter, and give it to a dog, directing the
animal to go out of the house. It was believed the Whooping Cough would leave
the child at the same time.
Water «ud in Christening, — Years ago, christening was usually i)erformed at
the home of the infant's parents. The vicar, or incumbent of the parish, was
asked to the house where his services were required, and a good deal of
preparation was made to receive him. After the christening was over, the water
was carefully taken to the garden, and thrown over the leek-bed; or, if it
happened that there were no leeks, then over anything green, the general idea
being that something unlucky would happen to the child if this was not done.
When a magpie crossed the path of a person in the morning, it was supposed to
foretell an evil day. This superstition is cited in the following triplet:—
“Pan fyddo i Bia brithwyn,
Groesi'th ffordd i'r blewyn; Fe ellir dodi hyny lawr,
Fod aflwydd mawr yn canlyn.”
Formerly, when a person had his hair cut, the hair was most carefully
collected, and placed on the fire. If it did not kindle into a flame, this
was considered an infallible indication that the newly-shorn one would die
within that year.
When an owl was heard hooting early in the night from one of the yews in the
churchyard, it was looked upon as a sign that some unmarried girl of the
Village of Llangynwyd had forsaken the path of chastity. There are, even now^
persons who maintain the trustworthiness of this sign.
It was supposed that on All Hallows' eve a disembodied spirit was seated ch
every stile and every cross road.
Cure for Rheumatism.^The cure of this paihful complaint was supposed to be
assured if a little powdered brimstone were worn in the stocking.
Cerdin, or Mountain Ash. — There are localities in the Parish named after
this tree, presumably on account of* its having been plentiful in these
spots. The Mountain Ash (Rowan tree) was supposed to be possessed of great
virtue, and the use to which it was put were numerous.
I. A garter of the green bark, being worn, was considered a protection
against the powers of witches, conjurors, and sorcerers of every degree.
IL In the days of cock fighting, a small ring of the slender twigs was placed
in the cock pit. It was thought
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(delwedd J8320) (tudalen 151)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 151.
that when fighting over these, no evil power should throw any spell over the
combatant birds, or impair their courage.
III. The old bards were also in the habit of carving their letterl on this
tree. They regard it as charmed wood, b^ause worms would not devour it, and
their belief was, that no fiend, tricksy spirit, or malicious imp, had power
in any house where it was kept, nor could witchery, enchantment, or poison,
harm those who bore it about their persons.
On New Year's night, tradition says, it was a custom with the wise and
courageous old men of the Parish to sit up all ni((ht in the Church porch. On
that night, it was said, a voice, emanating from beneath the altar table,
pronounced the names of those who should die within the coming year.
To see a single crow in the morning, when startmg on a journey, was most
unlucky, and portended an unfortunate journey; but to see two crows together
was, on the contrary* a most happy omen:—
Dwy fran ddn, I Two crowt I t«f, Lwc dda i mi. | Good huh to m.
Those who were born after dark, and before midnight, were supposed to be
gifted with suond sights or the faculty of seeing and hearing signs of death,
&c.
Washing hands in water after another person is unlucky. Perhaps this idea has
some connection with the story of Pilate washing his hands at the trial of
our blessed Saviour.
Butter made by a woman with red hair is reputed not to keep wholesome for
many days.
Wells.
Ffynon Gynwyd. — This well is in the Village, which affords the inhabitants
the only supply of pure water. It was, as the name proves, dedicated to the
Patron Saint of the Church, {t is said that a well in Llangynwyd was
anciently possessed healing qualities, and was consequently resorted to by
large numbers of pilgrims; but whether this, or Ffynon Fair (the Virgin's
Weil), a little way from the Parish Church, was the one in question, it is
now impossible to discover.
Ffynon Fair. - There are two wells in
the Parish bearing this name, probably from having been dedicated to the
Virgin. One is situated about 300 yards from the Church,— the other on
Dyffryn Llynfi. The distance between them is said to be exactly three miles.
Ffynon Wrgan, or Gwr^aii. - Situated
on Llwyni Farm, named most probably after Gwrgant, Prince of Glamorgan..
Ffynon Rhydhalog. - ^”The well of the defiled, or desecrateD
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(delwedd J8321) (tudalen 152)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 152.
Ford." On the road to Bridgend, near Caemabifor. The legend connected
with this well is as follows:— Some fifty years ago, a quarrel arose between
two women who lived at Tre’r Cadlef, near the well» originating from an
accusation made by one of them against the children of the other, that they
polluted the water by taking dirty vessels to fetch water therefrom, and
otherwise disturbing the limpidity of the spring. Consequent upon this
ill-feeling, it is said that the water became of a reddish colour, and so
remained while the women remained living in the vicinity.
A well at Ffos is said to have become turbid and unfit for use from a similar
cause^the belligerents in this case being sisters, Maud and Callin
(Caroline?) Samuel, living at Ffos, and Fibs Fach, respectively. The water is
said to hare become of a reddish colour, so foetid that horses would not
drink of it, and to have so remained while the quarrelsome sisters remained
in the place.
FfyttM lagc-^^esLt Cwmcerwyn Fach, on a small farm formerly called Ffynon
lago.
FfynoH Vysgar (or more properly called Wysgar), from Wysg, the Gaelic for
water, whence Usk, £sk, &c., situated on a spot called the Warren, on
Gadlys Farm. The water of this well is remarkably cool, and was formerly
credited with medicinal virtues. In past years many visited it for the
purpose of bathing their limbs, as well as drinking the water, and removing
various ailments.
Ffynon y Gilfach mineral spring on Gilfach Mountain. Some thirty years ago,
this well was in high repute, and scores of people resorted to it to drink
the water, some lodging during their course of treatment at Llangynwyd
Village. The water is foetid in smell, and unpleasant to the taste; but there
is no account of a chemical analysis of it having been made.
Ffynon Gilfach haf.^k strong stream of water, which ^rings from the living
rock, at a height of several yards. The spring is not affected by the driest
seasons, and is in high repute in the treatment of broken and sprained limbs.
It is not, perhaps, so frequently resorted to for those purposes as it might
be were it moie conveniently situated.
Ffywm Rkysfa.^Rhysfa: a feeding place, a sheepwalk, a course. — This well is
on the road side, on the hill leading from Maesteg to Llangynwyd Village. The
water is of excellent quality, pipes are now laid from it, and its water
utilized by the lonabitants of a large district.
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(delwedd J8322) (tudalen 153)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 153.
Remarkable Events, &c.
About the year z68o» a sister and brother, twins, under three years of age,
left their bed at night, and wandered from ryle through darkness, and over a
rough mountain road to Llangynwyd, a distance of five miles, where they were
found on their mother's grave, who had lately been buried there.
T tywydd brwnt oedd o*tt bran, Gwynt a gwUw byd gerlla^’r Llaa, Dan nawdd a'«
gwdawdd Dow gwya
DMJyU BiwaH Fgrgtm £'i OM.
On July 14th, 1825, the lower half of a child was seen conveyed by a dog, by
a certain woman living at Llangynwyd. It was supposed that the child had been
murdered, mutilated, and concealed in some place, where it had been
discovered by the animal. No clue was ever obtained to the parentage of the
child, or the perpetrator of the crime.
November 4th, 1847, Dr. Bowrin^ (afterwards Sir John Bowring, the
distinguished diplomatist and scholar,) and his brother, Mr. Charles Bowring,
were robbed while driving from Bridgend to Maesteg. The gentlemen had been at
Bridgend obtaining the money for the ensuing pay day at the Llynfi Iron
Works. Near the roadside house called Greenmeadow, they were stopped, their
horse shot, and themselves so intimidated with pistols that they gave up the
money. The robbers, who turned out to be two Irishmen formerly employed at
the works, having secured their booty* which amounted to several thousand
pounds, made o£f across the fields to the mountains, and buried the money in
a copse, and the Messrs. Bowring separated, one hurr3ring forward to Maesteg,
while the other returned to Bridgend. On the matter becoming known at
Maesteg, nearly the whole of the men engaged at the works, turn^ out in
pursuit of the thieves; and, after some search, captured them in the
neighbourhood of Margam. Nearly the whole of the money was recovered, and the
thieves received the full punishment of the law. An iron column was erected
to commemorate the event« on the exact scene of the robbery, but was some
years ago pulled down.
The Asiatic Cholera has ravaged the parish on three several occasions— in
1832, 1849, and x866. The Local Board of Health for Cwmdu district was
established in 1858, and on the district beings in 1877, extended so as to
include part of the Upper Hamlet, when the title of the Board was changed to
that of the « Maesteg Board of Health.” It is understooD
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(delwedd J8323) (tudalen 154)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 154.
that the Local Government Board contemplates a still further extension of the
area under the control of the Board of Health*
The new church-yard at Llangynwyd was completed in 1859.
December 26th, 1864, a serious explosion took place at the Gin Pit, at the
Llynn Works, when 14 lives were lost.
An explosion also took place at Oakwood Collieryr January nth, 1872, and 11
lives were lost.
The Llangynwyd Burial Board was established in 1870^ and the Cemetery on
Brithdir was completed in 1882.
Some of the old measures in use in this Parish, previous* to the passing of
the "Uniformity Act” of weights and measures in the year 1826:
1 Provincial Iniahel ...
2 LlestriaD
% (teals) tdaiD
si quarts
4 quarters
4 bushels
3 pecks
5 quarts x pedwran or quarter.
X pedwraa x pecaid of com, and x bobe of lime.
4 pecaid ... x fleiitraid of corn of
20 galloas.
4 Itestraid x cnroog, or craowg of lime, and
10 Winchester bushels.
Measures varied much in different localities, even in the same county, in
olden time; there were measures called “Llath Eglwysilan,” “£rw Llangiwc,” a
* rhyfar M frthyr ."
The word “Cyfar,” in Glamorganshire, means as much as a day's ploughing of
one yoke, or team.
quarts. 40 ... i\
Bo ... 2J
x6o ... 5
\ Winchester bushel.
X quarter.
X peck.
X barrel of lime.
X bushel of xo gallons of Con.
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(delwedd J8324) (tudalen 155)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 155.
CHAPTER XIII.
NviMry Rbymet. - AncieAt ciutomt aad
obtervui€et.«-Gw7l Mabsaat— The Parlth Wake, or th* Vigil of the Patron
Saint. - Carol Singing. - WaMaiUng. -
Y Gaicg Fedi. - Tlie Cooluin Fcaac— AU Hallows'^ Eva. - Kew Yaar. Ac, Ac.
Nursery Rhymes.
tHE history of Nursery Rhymes is lost in the mist of antiquity. They are a
species of literature which cannot now be produced. All juvenile literature
worth the name comes down to us from the dark ages; and children are the most
conservative creatures in their tastes, for, spite of the floods of new books
that are annually written for them, and that litter the nurseries at
Christmas, none of them take the place of the old ones. The stories of “Jack
and Jill," of “Cock Robin,” of “Jack Horner," are immortal. No
child is ever heard singing “Alice in Wondeiland," "Through the
Looking-glass," or “Water Babies," admirable as these are; but
<< Sing a Song for Sixpence," or “Old Mother Hubbard," are
lisped by countless thousands, and they promise to stand on the summit of
eternity, and see time itself into its grave.
Nursery Rhymes are very mysterious things, the secret of their vitality
defying analysis. In them, nonsense is epitomized, etherealized, and
immortalized. They are perfect perorations, insomuch as nothing can be adaed
to them, nothing subtracted from them. “The house that Jack built” has been
built to last for ever, requiring no repairs, no furnishing, nor cleaning,
nor polishing. It is as bright to-day as on the day it first burst on the
vision of the nrst child. There is no scamping work in it; no contractor made
a profit out of it; no landlord claims any rent for it. It is the common
property of the juvenile race of mankind, and, strange to say, there are no
quarrels for its possession, for it is vast enough to contain the affection
of every child bom. It standi as firm as the Pyramids, is, probably, much
older, and will certainly outlast them.
Welsh Nursery Rhymes, so far as can be discovered, are sui gituris. They are
not derived from any other language, or
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(delwedd J8325) (tudalen 156)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 156.
people; but are a home product. They have not been imported from another
tongue, or speech, nor are they exported into any other language* The few
specimens that follow have been collected in the neighbourhood of Llangynwyd.
They are not» perhaps, so rich, or so suggestive of childhood, as the mass of
English rhymes; but they are of the soil and race, whilst nearly all Nursery
Rhymes in English, German, French, and Italian, are derived from one common
source — that of Scandinavia. Were Wales searched over, no doubt a goodly
volume might be collected. Their fault is (if they have one) in being too
ethical. Most of them contain a lesson, or a moral.
Your true abstract Nursery Rhymes are above and beyond all that sort of
thing. They are a law unto themselves, subject to no court, no pulpit, and no
school. In the juvenile republic of letters, no child wants the “Sparrow”
punished for murdering "Cock Robin," of the “Dish“ lectured for
running away with the ”Spoon." They may go on committing those
enormities till Doomsday, and will be all the more beloved lor their
continuance in wrong doing. Even Blue Beard's deeds are not wished undone.
The juvenile world would lose a thrilling sensation were “Sister Anne”
silenced, and the six headless ladies abolished. There is a time for
everything, and there is loom for, and an age set aside for, the enjoyment of
nonsense. Many things thai are habitually said by grown up people are only
saved from that realm and age by mere assumption. The line of separation is
frequently too thin for human vision. A mind that contains no corner in it
for the enjoyment of trifles is an imperfect mind. What a grand corrective
nonsense is to the over assumption of wisdom; to the ponderous pretentions of
science. Who does not sympathise with Sidney Smith, when after listening to a
long and dull lecture on the “fly's eye,” took upon him mockingly to dispute
the fact of its being abnormally large as insisted upon by the lecturer on
the ground of ancient testimony against that fact: —
“Who saw him die? I said the fly With my little eye, I saw him die/*
One can picture the amazed “Professor,” and Sidney's face must have been a
fine subject for study. Was it not Southey who said, that “amidst very
learned talk he always felt disposed to burst out in a long farrago of
nonsense just to correct the atmosphere," and he had formed in his mind
the sentences to use, which were wildly absurd?
s
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(delwedd J8326) (tudalen 157)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 157.
LUnbedr ar lyBydd, Llanbedr ar Fra, Pan y Catoewydd, ac eCail y Go*; Llanbadr
ar FrO| Llanbedr ar fynydd, Efiftil X Oo\ a phen y Casoawydd.
. Rbo*wch imi fenthyg cafiyl. i fysed troa y Ian,
I fani'r ferch beafelyii ay'n byw gyda'i thad a’i mam; I
AC ODi ddaw ya foddog, a1 gwaddol gyda hi, i
Gadawaf hi yn llonydd, gwaeth bachgea pert wyl ft.
llaa gea* i ebol melyn o gwmpai tair blwydd oad, |
A phadair pedol ariaa o daa «i bedair troed; ,;
Ml naidUis ar at gala i fya'd tua Pben-y-laa, ^
I gam'r ferch fach ilaoc ty'n byw gyda'i thad a'i mam. \
Siglo’r cawall caou Hiw— dyna waith oa wnai'n fy mvw;
Sigio'r oyd a chaau Lwli— dyaa waith na waaf alaai. j
Pin o'wn i*n myn'd tua'r ytgol*
A'r llyfrynfy'mllaw. Heibio'r Bglwya newydd ^
A't cloc yn taro naw, Mali, Mali, cwyn. mae beddyw'n forau mwya 1 Maa'r adar
bach yn ti wno. a'r gwcw yn y llwya.
r
Mae'n dda gan ben-wr iwd a llaeth, Mae'n dda gan gath lygoden; Maa'n dda gan
'radwr flaen ar swch, Maa'n dda gan bwch gaal m9sen.'
Marc, a Meirig, b'le buoch chwi*n pori? Ar y waun lai tubwnt i 'Berbonddu;
Beth gawsoch chwi yoo yn well nag yma? “Porla frat. a dwr ffynona*. “
Dere, Pegi, cwyd yn wiigi, Nid oet adeg i ti oedi;
Dere i gynu t&n i'r teulu.;
Bwyd yn barod wy'n ei bem,<— . ]
Hi ddaw yn glan yn bump o'r gloch, \
Maa'r ceiliog ooch yn canu.
Ding, dong, medd y gloch. Pmssing-bill y bachgeu coch; . Os y bachgen coch fo
farw, Ffarwel i'r gwin a'r cwrw.
Ding, dong, Bela. | Canu cloch 'Bertawe:
Tynu'r rhaff o dan y dr^va, |
A chanu cloch y Bettws. ,
Bachgen ofer wyf, medd rhai.
N i allaf f hunan dd' wedyd llai;; I
Eisiau mod yn gwella'm bai:
A gadael tat tafamau t <
Yfed cwrw llanw'm bdl, I J
Brig a Ao/< yn cario'r g61; ]
"i
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(delwedd J8327) (tudalen 158)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 158.
Swn y rhai'n yn tiffo'm liol— Cwympo'n fad ar \y hyd. Colli ngolwg ar y byd.
A chysgo ar hyd y doddiau.
Ti^n bach yn gwra yr haf,
Peth ffein a braf y w bedwea; Ond pan ddelo'r gauaf dig,
Mae'n welt dan frig celynaa.
Mi ddodwaa wy heddyw, mi ddodwaa wy ddoe.
Mi wn i'r lie aeth,~ Morwyn y ty holws, gwraig y ty triniwSi
Gwr y ty bytws— a dyna lle'r aeth.
Baroid y wiw, a fynu di gyw? Myna ddatt»-08 ca'i 'nbw'n fyw.
Y *deryn du pigfelyn, a ai di droato'i'n dal, Oddiyma i Ynys Forgan a disgyn
ar y wil; A d'weyd yn fwyn wrth Gweni am dd'od i ma's yn boat, Fod ar d
charwr llawen eistan*! gwel*d yn dott.
Mi cana'i chwi Ebrill a Mai
A phart o Fehefin. flfarweliwch bob rhai. (Saya the Cackoo).
I'll aing in April, and in May, When cometh June— I'll fly away.
Mabsant.
The origin of Gwyl Mabsant was the celebration of the day upon which the
Church had been dedicated to the patron saint. The day dedicated to the
patron saint of this Parish was the 29th of September. In former ages, these
feasts partook much of a religious character— the early part of the day was
spent in religious exercises and processions, and the evening in dancing and
harmless mirth. But they survived Catholic times, and gradually deteriorated,
till they became mere saturnalia, scenes of debauchery and drunkenness.
Still, great weight was laid by the young people upon attending them. We find
in the Rev. J. Parry's Diary, 1790-1829, several entries of sums of money
paid to his servants, that they might attend MabsAut, as well as purchases of
new stockings, shirts, &c., no doubt bought in order to present a holiday
appearance. A^ may be expected, when the mead and beer got uppermost, mirth
often turned to combat, and battles were apt to take place between rival
candidates for the hand of some buxom Mori or Shwned, On the whole, it is as
well that these celebrations are now numbered with the things of the past,
and that they have thus earned a place among our antiquities.
The same may be said of the “Cwrw Buh.”These were
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(delwedd J8328) (tudalen 159)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 159.
occasions when some poor man or woman, desiring to make 4ip a certain sum ior
a purpose, brewed a goodly quantity of mead (latterly it has been beer), and
announced his or her intention to hold a Cwrm Buh on a certain night. Excise
or Inland Revenue restrictions were in all probability not enforced at that
time, for, at the appointed hour, the house would be filled with youne men
and young women; and with the inspiring presence of the £air sex, and the
warm desire to do good to a neighbour, even at the expense of harm to
themselves, the drink flowed abundantly, the fun waxed fast and furious, and
doubtless the warlike consequences already alluded to were not always absent.
Canu Cwniidau^ or Carol 5»j^>n^. -
This was a Christmas celebration, held on the old Christmas Day,
twelve days later than at present. In the morning, between four and five
o'clock, the Church would be lit up, when a short religious service was
conducted, and carol singing practised. This was called in Welsh Plygain {PtiUi Canius).
When this practice was discontinued in the Church, strange to say, it was
taken up by the Nonconformists; and as late as the year 1865, a real
Candle-mass was held at each of the dissenting places of worship at
Llangynwyd Village. No less than 70 candles were lit (which had been given,
and decorated by the ladies of the congregation), when a prayer meeting was
held, and carols sung.
W assailing, -^This again was a new year's custom, and was the occasion of
most elaborate preparations of the “Mari Lwyd” (Holy Mary), the actors in
which were the followine:— First and foremost was the head of a horse
fantastically decked with ribbons, and draped with white. Beneath the drapery
was concealed the bearer of this “Mart,” whose duty it was to make the
necessary genuflexions and bows outside the doors of those who were visited,
while “Punch and Judy” — also dressed in character— accompanied him, as well
as a party of men, chiefly selected for being ready rhymesters, witty
companions, and for having a most exemplary thirst. The partv, thus
comp>osed, halted at the doors where they believed they would be welcomed,
and where good cheer was usually bestowed. At their coming the doors would
always be found closed and barred.
The whole party then began (to a tune that seems to be somewhat doleail,
although it must be owned melodious,) to chant some introductory
verses,-^craving, first of all, for permission to sing; then recounting the
perils and trials of the journey thither; and most feelingly concluding with
an appeal to those within, to be liberal with the cake, and
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 160.
' especially to tap the barrel, and distribute its contents freely. To this,
those inside the house would reply— pleading that they had no cake» no beer,
no anything; upon which those outside would again most pathetically entreat
the mercies of the season.
Upon this would commence a conflict of wits,^those inside proposing in rhyme,
sun^ to the tune aforesaid, riddles, or questions to those outside, and being
answered by them in rhyme also. Most important it was that each party should
be ready in their wit, adepts at rhyming, and able to mix a little sarcasm
with the dialo^e which they conducted. This conflict of wits was earned on
till one party was defeated. If those outside were the conquerors, they were
admitted to the house, the wassailing bowl was produced, and the feast was
commenced. One of the ancient wassailing bowls is still preserved at the
Vicarage. It has a capacity of about a gallon and a half; it has eighteen
handles, but some are now knocked off. Each of the compan)r took hold of a
handle, and in turns drank — probably enunciating some verse, or toast,
previously.
The following are a few specimens of the introductory rhymes* sung in the
Parish:—
Wei, dyma ni'n dwad,
Gyfeiilion diniwad,
I ofyn cawD genad— i gana.
Os na chawn ni genad,
Rhowch glywed ar ganiad,
Pa fodd mae'r 'madawiad— nos heno.
K? dorson ein crimpa', With groesi'r 8ticeila*» Yn dyfod tnag yma— Doa heno.
Os aethoch rhy gynar,
I'r gwely'n ddiaigar.
O oodwch i*D bawddgar— roetawu.
Y deisen fras, felut, A phob sort o spias, O torwch hi'n radtit— y gwyliatt.
A thapwch y faril,
GollyDgwch yn rhlsl,
A rhenwch e*n gynil— y gwylian.
The challenge from without:-—
Os oes yna ddynion,
All biethtt englynion,
O rfaowch i'n atebion— >DOt baaa
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 161.
The following was sung, when the “Mari Lwyd” was introduced to the company
inside:
Wei dyma'r boeottt lisioweD,
Sy'n cod\ gyda'r lereo:
A bOD yw'r Wassail uych «i chlod,
Sy'o cam bod yn llawen. «- .
Before leaving, if the Wassailing Company had been hospitably entertained,
they sang the following verses:
Daw rhoddo i'ch llweoydd,
I gyoal blwyddyn oewydd:
Tra b'o crwth a thiocian cioch.
Well, well, y b'orh chwi beunydd.
Ffarweliwch. foneddigioD,
Ni gawaom roetaw ddigon:
BeDdith Duw to ar eich tai,
A phob rhyw rhai o'ch dynioo.
Y Gaseg Fedi.
This singular Harvest Custom, which was once prevalent in this Parish in some
form or other, was also prevalent in many parts of Wales; but it is
remarkable that here, as is often the case with sports of great antiquity,
the.//ay was often fOugh-^iYie jest sometimes became earnest and what was
sport to some came very near death to others. There are but very few now
living who can remember having witnessed or taken part in this sport, which
was performed thus:— '
A handful of corn was left uncut by the reapers, and carefully plaited. All
the rest of the field having been reaped * clear, and the corn placed in
shocks, the reapers retired a certain distance, where a mark was placed, at
which they stood, and behind them the spectators. Beginning with the foreman,
all the reapers, in rotation, would now aim and throw their sickles, and
endeavour to cut down the “Gaseg Fedi," or the still standing corn. The
sport was, of course, not a little dangerous to the onlookers, for, often,
the sharp sickle would, from the hand of an inexpert thrower, fly backward
into the crowd; and when this took place, it was only to be expected that
awkward, or even dangerous wounds, would be the result.
But imagine the coveted shock of corn cut down by a well-aimed shot; then
came the struggles for its possession, which were severe, and often ended in
a fight. The fortunate captor of it had by no means an easy task before him:
it was his duty to carry it safely, and place it on the centre of the table
whereon was, ready spread, the harvest dinner. To do this, he must be swift
of foot, and quick at dodging, for his I.
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 162.
> way to the farmhouse door was beset with wicked damsels, each with a
pail of water, whose aim it was to souse both the com and its bearer before
he could reach the house; and especially was this the desire of the Mary or
Jane who had cast eyes of love upon the doughty clod-hopper who carried the
trophy. If, by swiftness of foot and good fortune, he escaped all these
dangers, and planted his precious charge upon the table, he was, indeed, a
lucky man, and hero of the feast. , But, presently, doubtless, after the
consumption of much harvest beer, and a corresponding increase of valour, the
festive crew would bethink themselves of some neighbouring farmer, who had
been lazy and dilatory at seed-time, and whose corn was, consequently, still
uncut. Forth would they sally with the “Gaseg Fedi, with the intent to plant
it in a conspicuous place in the slothful farmer's cornfield. If he took the
matter in good part, and pocketed the affront, all was well; but, oftentimes,
it was not so, and the jokers would find that on arriving at the field, they
were met by an opposing army, armed with sticks, and often with reaping
hooks; and the upshot would be a fight, the results of which would afford
topics of conversation, probably, till harvest came round again.
GWYL V CWLTRIN, OR ThB CoOLTRIN FeaST.
This was another of the local customs, which has not, it appears, been
observed in this Parish for over seventy years. “It generally was held on the
same day as “Gwyl Mabsant;" and its object was the holding up to pubhc
reprobation, men and wives who had during the year been fighting. Probably it
recognized as perfectly lawful and right that the man, being the head of the
family, should occasionally discipline the weaker vessel, for the “Coltrin”
was not customary or lawful, unless the wife had punished the husband, and
not then, unless she had drawn blood. However legal the whole thing may have
been, there was, certainly, a belief that, while certain formalities were
carefully observed, the actors in the game were safe from the gra^ of the
law, but, without this observance were certainly punishable. These
formalities were as foUdw:— Judge and jury were to be selected in one Parish,
say at Bettws; the judge appointed counsel to represent the belligerent
powers. This being done, the court and its officers formed themselves into
solemn procession, a great feature in which was a car drawn by horses;
perched in this car was a hu^e wooden horse, on which were placed two men,
disguisedy sitting (ace to face and fighting. This procession
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 163.
was made to pass, and most likely to pause, by the house where the
quarrelsome couple lived; and then had to pro* ceed to try the case in
another Parish. Margam Mountain would be the most convenient; but in some
cases, it is stated that the Llangynwyd people had taken their court to Saint
Brides Minor. The counsel argued sometimes very ably, the witnesses swore to
the circumstances, and, doubtless, to much that was mirthful, if not strictly
true; the judge summed up, and the jury consulted. Sentence was passed in
solemn burlesque form, and then the court would adjourn again to the house of
the criminals of the day. These, by this time doubtless thoroughly ashamed of
themselves, would welcome them, and would have ready a goodly quantity of
beer they had prepared. It was the bounden duty of those who conducted and
attended the Cooltrin trial, to drink and pay for it, probably, by way of
drowning, if possible, all ill-feeling at the day's doings. In any case, this
part of the proceedings had one good effect: it replenished the pockets of
the quarrelsome couple, and thus, perhaps, conduced largely to their peace
and comfort for some time to come.
We are told that "when poverty comes in through the door, love flies out
at the window **; if this be so, then, certainly, the filling of pantries and
pockets would help to still the tongue of a scolding wife of 70 years ago,
and, possibly, to keep her Uu commandnwUs off the dial pUU of her husband.
All Hallows' Eve.^On this night, in every house where there were children, it
was customary to prepare a goodly quantity of apples, and nuts, for the
observance of this feast. A large tub was brought to the hearth, and filled
with water, and the children amused themselves in catching the apples from
the water by their teeth. It was also necessary for the evening's enjoyment,
that a trunk of an^ old tree should be provided and placed on the fire. The
old people enjoyed themselves by repeating pld fairy tales and ghost stones
until very late, while the younger folks devoured the apples and nuts.
In olden times the Churchwardens gave, out of the Church-rate funds, one
shilling per bell to the bell-ringers for beer. This was called
Churchwarden's been It was generally given on New Year's eve.
One pound was given in beer by the Overseers of the Hamlet in which a fox was
killed, to the huntsmen.
Five shillings were paid also by the Overseers, for killing a polecat; one
penny each for all rooks killed, and two pence for killing a carrion crow.
i.
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 164.
The bells were played during Christmas time and New ^ Yean They always played
the old year out, and the new one in.
It has always been customary with the children to go round the neighbourhood
early on the morning of New Year's day, wishing the neighbours a « Happy New
Year," and soliciting a gift, repeating at every house the following:—'
* Blwyddyn newydd dda i chwi^ a chalenig i finau,” An apple or. orange is
dressed up for the occasion, and they generally succeed in collecting a
goodly number of pence, and get plenty to eat. It is considered not lucky to
see a girl first on this day.
The Parish Clerk was entitled, in olden days, to twopence per hearth
throughout the Parish, as his dues for his services. Thomas William, about 60
years ago, was the last to collect these dues in this Parish.
A Court Leet was held twice a year, up to about ten years ago, at Llangynwyd
Village, by the representatives of the Lords of the Manor; where it was
customary to appoint a constable each for Llangynwyd and Bettws; and a reeve,
whose duty it was to collect the chief rent, &c. It was necessary . that
a person should own some land in either of the above Parishes to be qualified
for this ofHce. The chief rent amounted to about /50, and was collected every
six years.
The Court Leet was a Court of Record, ordained for punishing offences against
the Crown; also, it was customary ~ to settle any disputes that took place
between the inhabitants, with respect to boundaries, fences, trespasses,
&c. A jury of 24 grown-up persons were sworn for the purpose of
transacting the business of the court, the expenses being defrayed by the
Lords of the Manor. It is said to be the most ancient court of the land.
The hiring of male and female servants takes place every six months, on the
first Wednesday after old May*day, and the first Wednesday after All Hallows*
tide; these days are called “Merclur Amodau" — Covenant Wednesdays— when
the terms are agreed upon between master and servant; the master pays the servant
a shilling, which is called tarns, and this agreement cannot be broken until
the time of service agreed upon is expired.
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 165.
CHAPTER XIV.
Supernatural belief.»Lov0 SpdliL— Phantom CoMraL^SigM of thm approach of
death,— Experinoes premonitoiy of accidental doa t ha.^' A 3fOiiag Samuel ia
Uie pit^A familiar spirit, Ac^ Ac
Introduction.
BELIEF in the existence of supernatural beings, in a sense altogether
independent of religious views, is co-extensive with the entire human race.
From the comparatively highly educated Greek or Roman, from whom we inherit
our modem civilization, to the Red Indian of the American continent and the
Aboriginal Australasian, who represents the lowest form of humanity known,
the mind of man has ever been awed and influenced by impalpable illusions.
Their variety and attributes are endless, whether taken as operating upon
terrestrial affairs, or merely indicative of another and an unknown world. So
deeply rooted is the disposition to believe in them, that no amount of
reasoning can shake the hold they possess, and even entire inexperience or
absence of personal proof is held of no account when weighed against the
innate inclination to belief. The greatest minds the world has any knowledge
of, from the earliest dawn of history downwards, if not themselves persuaded,
have used the popular tendency to terrify, to elevate, and to sooth, the
minds of men. Kings have been brought to bow down low under its influence;
Roman augurs turned it into a source of mighty material profit, and
charlatans, gipsies, and spiritualists, still furtively follow their example,
and will continue to do so whilst man's metaphysical nature remains as it is,
prone to obey his impulses rather than his reason.
Poets in all ages have found food for their art, and exercise for their
genius in its alluring and sensational attributes. Dante made a glorious use
of it in his “Divina Commediaf”and Shakespeare still terrifies, elevates,
melts, and amuses us all by means of it, arousing into action the profoundest
depths of our intellectual being, and teaching the most exquisite sentiments
by means of the airiest creations. Whether it be the stately ghost of
Hamlet's father or of
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 166.
' Banquo, the weird unholy doings of the witches in “Mac* ' heth," the
graceful spiriting of “Arid “in the
Tempest/' or the crowds of tricksy and amusing fairies and elves
peopling thickly earth and air on a “Midsummer's night "-—there is in
all his supernatural creations a kind of consistency and fitness for his
purpose, which awakes the heartiest admiration, and satisfies the most
fastidious understanding.
The rapid progress of education is supposed to be uprooting the old faith and
belief in apparitions and omens, and, no doubt, it makes men more reticent in
revealing their secret feelings. But spite of this, had the question to be
settled by popular vote and by secret ballot — even in these days callea
“enlightened” — the majority would be found to be greatly in favour of
retaining the “Ghosts.”A good ghost story may be backed to beat in general
interest the best of love tales; and where is the person to be found, however
much given to decry ghosts in the abstract, who, aftet the perusal of a
ghost-story at midnight, does not feel a creeping sensation in the system on
retiring for the night? What is this but involuntary homage paid to popular
belief? Unfortunately, superstitious beheis have not always been as harmless
as they have now become. Civilization, though it has not killed, has robbed
them of their stings, and the most pernicious of them, that of witchcraft, is
the form that has suffered most from enlightenment. Belief in witchcraft has
given some terrible chapters of cruelty and suffering to the history of the
human race. Occasionally, the journals report examples of a lingering belief
in the existence of living witches in Somerset and Dorset even at this
period, where old women are subjected to the pains of blood letting, by means
of the point of a pin or pen-knife, with a view to destroy their supposed
occult influences; but in Glamorgan,(that belief has happily entirely died
out. There are few aspects of the question more curious or more fatal to
consistent belief than the nationality and topography of different forms of
superstition. It adds greatly to the difHculties of classification to find
that every country and nation has its own distinct set of phantoms and
goblins, and that a range of mountains, a narrow sea, or even an ordinary
river, act as invincible boundaries to the spread of old, or the reception of
new forms. True, there are a few that enjoy almost universal acceptance, but
by far the greater number are national, and even local. Thus the Welsh “Phantom
Funeral” and “Corpse Candle” are utterly unknown across the Severn, whilst
many that find favour amongst the English are treated with scorn by the
Welsh. It 18 iMeless to plead philosophy in such a case or a proper
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 167.
respect for the foreign ghostly element should be displayed if our own is to
be respected. That supernatural belief is widespread amongst us still is
abundantly proved by the fact that the following instances have been recently
collected within the comparatively confined space of the Parish of Llangynwyd
ana its immediate vicinity,
LovB Spblls.
There were sundry methods adopted in past days by love-sick damsels and
swains to peer into the future, and discover permanently for themselves their
future lots and lovers. One of those, called a “Trick," was performed as
follows: —
A Welsh Bible — that contained, bound up with it, a copy of the Book of
Common Prayer — was brought into requisition. Upon the page of the marriage
service were placed a key and a gold ring; the key being supposed, or
intended, to open the chamber of dreams, and the ring suggesting the state
into which lovers desire to enter* The utmost privacy was to be observed, if
the “Trick” was to work properly; and the closed Bible was to be placed under
the pillow, before proceeding to rest* If the formalities were properly
performed, the operator would dream of his, or her, future wife or husband.
This Trick," which, probably, is
the cause of its being so-called, could be plaved upon any person, without
consent or connivance, with the same result, if the Bible» with the key and
ring, be placed under the pillow without the knowledge of the sleeper. It
will be necessary to get the dreamer's account of the dream.
Another” Love Spell “was worked as follows: — An under-garment (shirt or
shift) was to be taken without the knowledge of any inmate, to the nearest
spout, or well of water, to be thoroughly soaked, and carried home, without
wringing, by the teeth, and untouched by hand, and placed over the back of a
chair before the fire. The operator was then to retire to a remote part of
the apartment, and await results. If properly performed, the shade or wraith
of the future partner in life would appear, turn the garment around, and then
depart. A story is told by some elderly folk, even at this day, that a young
woman, having duly performed this spell, was horror-struck to find, that
instead of the swain she had expected to see, after waiting patiently for
hours, a. coffin appeared on the hearth* Her terror and alarm were so intense
that scarcely strength
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 168.
enough remained in her to crawl to her bed, from which she never again rose.
“The Knife and the Sheath Spell "^This was performed as follows:~ If the
operator was a girl, she was to place a knife, stuck on end, in the corner of
the leek*bed in the garden, retaining the sheath in her hand, on a dark
night, and after ten o'clock, in absolute secrecy. She was then to walk
backwards around the bed, carrying the sheath in her . right hand. She was on
no account to look behind her, and was to be very careful not to stumble. If
her destiny was to be matrimony, her lover's shade would appear, take out the
knife from the earth, and place it in the sheath. It is said that a young
girl, on one occasion, in performing this trick, was beset by two shades at
once. The consequence was that she became a victim of the wicked wiles of one
of them, and eventually wife of the other.
The Phantom Funeral.
In the past, the farmers of Llangynwyd had to haul the limestone they
required to manure their land with, from Porthcawl. This was done over the
old tramroad which led to that port. It was done chiefly in the winter
months, and the journey being long, it was necessary to start very early in
the morning, some hours before daylight, to make it possible to return the
same day.
The following story was told me by a person who affirmed that he had
witnessed the circumstances: —
“One morning, at two o'clock, I started from my home, with the horses, for
Porthcawl. Having been so fortunate as to send my empty trams down, the day
before, in the care of a friend who was doing hauling work on the tramway, I
was enabled to take a shorter route by way of Llangynwyd Village, and over
the mountain to Pyle. When I arrived near to PontrhydycyfT, on a cross-road
that led to the main highway, my horses suddenly halted, and, looking before
me through the darkness to discover the cause, I thought I could see a great
crowd of people coming out of the cross-road into the main, on which I was
proceeding. It was too dark to see anything very distinctly, or to recognise
features; but I could plainly distinguish the footsteps and bustle of a
moving crowd. After a time, something resembling a coffin borne on men’s
shoulders passed by, followed by a number of horses and horsemen, amongst
them being prominent a white horse. After they had passed on, I followed them
slowly, and could distinguish the sounds of movement in front of me. When I
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 169.
arrived at the Village of Llangynwyd, I paused for a short period to permit
of sufficient time for them to get into the Church, and then proceeded on my
journey without delay.
' A few weeks later, an old neighbour of mine died, and his remains were
brought along the same road from which I had seen the phantom funeral
emerging. Following the coffin, there was, amongst many others, a man on a
white horse. He was quite a prominent figure in the crowd. I attended the
funeral myself, and feel quite convinced that it was the real procession of
which I had seen the phantom on the morning I went to PorthcawL"
Such is a specimen of the stories frequently told by persons, whose
credibility, in ordinary matters, no one even doubts.
The following were believed to be sure signs of the approach of death in the
Parish of Llangynwyd:—
The howling of dogs at midnight.
The crowing of cocks before midnight.
The crowincg of hen birds.
The birth of twins to a cow or mare.
The ticking sounds of the death watch.
The blossoming of fruit trees at an unseasonable time of the year.
The dreaming of being present at a friend's wedding.
The beating of screech owls against the windows of a sick room.
The sound of a bell humming in the ear.
The above are all natural signs; but there were also supernatural omens, such
as,
The Howling Wraith {Y Gyhiraeth), or the DracMaeth^OL frightful sound of
lamentation that proceeded from the house of death to the Parish Church.
The sounds of barking dogs (Cwn Anumf) in the air, which were supposed to be
driving lost souls to the infernal regions.
The Corpse Candle (Canwyll Gorff), the most generally accepted of all. This
was a light, which passed along in the night, quite noiselessly, from the
house of death to the grave, along the path the funeral was sure to follow.
Experiences premonitory of Accidental Deatkhs. Two men were working together
at a mine level on the side of a hill, the path leading to the spot being
steep and narrow, having a
* When owls were much more namerottt than no«r, this was not an uncommon
circumstance, as they were attracted by the light kept burning in a tick
room.
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 170.
thick growth of furze and thorns on either hand. Returning to their homes
rather late on a dark night along the path, they suddenly were beset by
difficulties of an unusual nature. They found themselves struggling with what
seemed to be an invisible crowd of people; and they found it impossible to
keep their footing on the steep path, and were pushed on either hand against
the furze and underwood. They did not recover a proper footing until they got
to the bottom of the steep. They could distinctly realize the bustle of men
that they seemed to be among. They could see nothing whatever, and yet they
were crushed, and even trampled upon. Alarmed beyond measure, they were glad
to get away from the spot where they had been subjected to such remarkable
experiences. The next day, a man was killed at the level, and all the workmen
came out and assisted in carrying the body to its home along the identical
path down to the road. The two friends found in this circumstance ample
explanation of the difficulties they had suffered from the previous night.
Mr. James Motley, whose Dame we have mentioned in connection with the Maesteg
Works, published a small volume entitled ' Tales of tht QiNrjr"^the
subjects being— TA^ Cwn Anwn.^Tht Torrent Speetre. - Th£ ' Canwyll Gorpk»-Tk£
Ceffyl Dwr, ^e. The scenes are all laid in Glamorganshire. The volume
contains some pleasing descriptive writings of the wild scenery of the
district of which Maesteg forms the centre* Natural phenomena are also
touched upon, as for example: —
"The bog fire. - The writer has
repeatedly seen this singular light upon the bogs, and even upon the mountain
roads of Glamorganshire, dancing along before him, and apparently adapting
its pace to that of his horse, and so closely does it resemble the light of a
lantern carried by a person walking that it requires a little resolution on a
dark night to avoid following it, when it leaves the road for some boggy
place, as it almost always wantonly does. In such cases the luminous
appearance arises from phosphorated hydrogen gas produced by the
decomposition of some organic matter, like the light of decaying wood; but in many instances the
nocturnal wanderers seem to be of electrical origin, when the ears of the
traveller's horse, the extremity of his whip, his spurs, or any other
projecting point, appear tipped with pencils of light. The writer was once
witness to this in a very extraordinary degree during the cold weather of
January, 1843, on the mountain road from Maesteg to Aberavon. Upon this
occasion the toes of the rider's boots and even the tufts of hair at the
fetlocks of his horse appeared to bumrn with a steady blue light, and on the
hand being extended every finger immediately became tipped with fire. All
these appearances are known to the Welsh by the name of * Eilytt Ddn* or
'goblin {f£' and *Jaek 0* Umthem* A small valley, a tributary of the Rbondda
fawr, on the Monmouthshire frontier of Glamorganshire is said to be
remarkable for the brilliancy and frequency of these appearances, which have
gained for it the reputation of being haunted by spirits of darker character.
The superstition of the 'Ceffyl Dwr' is thus spoken ofi—
“The Ceffyl Dwr” ' or ' water horse ' is a superstition common in one form or
other to all the Celtic race. Believed to be an evil spirit, who in the shape
of a hone would induce the unwary ttraoger to mount him^
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(delwedd J8340) (tudalen 171)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 171.
Aod tMriaff ov«r riirtr ami aMMBtain wonld toddcDly melt lato air or mitt and
prccipiute bit ridar 10 dattnictioo. Ha it acknowledged by the Britona Had
Biscayant. aad it identical with the Kelpie of the Scotch, aad the Poocah of
the Irish. The mde figures of horses formed oa British ooios, of which soch
vast aambers have been foaad ia the Dniidical hiils of Cambre. ia Corawall,
are supposed by some to be
representations of the horse of M^Un, or Cyd, or Ceriivtn, or ttfu, or the
Godess herself in that form which she was supposed to assume.”
Upwards of twenty years ago, a man was employed doing repairs at the bottom
of the shaft of the * Old Gin Pit.^ Everything was perfectly still, excepting
such noises as emanated from his own work. Suddenly he heard the sound of
something falling down the shaft, and he stepped aside out of its way. He
distinctly heard it strike the bottom with a dull thud, and it sounded to him
like the fall of a sack of sawdust, but he could see nothing whatever. He
felt greatly surprised, and even frightened, and had not courage left to
continue his work. He went up the pit, and meeting some of his fellow«workmen
on the landing, told them of the strange circumstance he had heard. They
stood wondering around him, and all concluded that he must have heard seme
sound ominous of a death.
They had not long to wait for a verification of their fears for the very next
night, about the same hour, two men were down in the pit doing repairs near
to the spot where the first man had been at work. They had availed themselves
of the swing door to protect themselves from anything falling down the shaft.
All at once they heard a sound as of something coming down, and the next
instant it fell upon the door. They at first took it to be a bag of chaff for
the horses, but on lifting up their lights, they discovered, to their horror,
a man’s hand forced through the doorway. It proved to be one of their
fellow-workmen, who, having to cross the shaft in the upper workings, had not
observed in the dark that the bridge over which he would have to pass had
been withdrawn, so the poor fellow had perished.
The following story was told by a collier, a highly respectable man. He was
one of several lodgers at a house in Maesteg. Sitting up rather late one
night, reading, which was his habit, the clock had just struck twelve, when
he heard sounds as though a crowd of people were approaching the house.
Suddenly the door was opened, and the room became filled with confused sounds
as of the bustle and tread of men. With some difficulty he made for the
stairs, having observed that the house door remained closed and locked as he
had before left it. There seemed to be confused sounds as of speech amongst
the phantom crowd, but
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(delwedd J8341) (tudalen 172)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 172.
he understood nothing they said, and saw nothing whatever. He felt very much
alarmed, and lay awake the greater part of the night. Next day he went to his
work as usual, but low-spirited from the effect of the previous night's
experience, and full of thoughts concerning it.
A few minutes after his return from work on the evening of the following day,
the body of one of his fellow-lodgers was brought to the house by a large
gathering of his comrades. He had been
killed by a fall of rubbish in the mine, and had been extricated with much
difficulty. The trampling sounds, the bustle of the men, and the opening of
the door, exactly corresponded with those which he had heard the previous
night.
When Coed-y- Garth level was being worked, a man and boy had occasion to go
there earlier than usual. It was quite dark when they approached the
entrance, and the man proceeded to the lodge to light his candle. The boy,
left alone, called out that there was a light coming out of the level, and,
the next moment, a tram passed by him, in which an elderly man was seen to
support a young one, while two other men pushed behind. This phenomenon was
seen by both man and boy, and was revealed by them to their fellow-workmen.
Some of them made light of the matter, whilst others blamed them very much
for having mentioned it, as they felt sure it must have been a death omen.
For more than a year, it was a constant topic of conversation among the
workmen, especially when they collected together to enjoy what they called
their "Spel Whiff" which was a short rest they took whilst enjoying
a pipe of tobacco, the workings being free from any danger of fire-damp.
After a full year had passed, it occurred to a workman, one day, that a young
man working at a distance alone, was longer than usual in sending down his
tram of coal. Proceeding to the spot, he found that his comrade had been
prostrated by a fall of rubbish from the roof, which had stunned but not
killed him. Extricating him from under the debris with the assistance of
other workmen, he had him lifted into a tram, into which an old man climbed
to support him, whilst the others pushed it out.
In all respects the circumstances corresponded with those that had been seen
twelve months before.
About 30 years ago, two men were loading hay into a car in a meadow through
which a tramway ran from a colliery near. It was dusk, and they were
hastening their labour, when they heard a tram coming along from the works.
There was a considerable incline from the mouth of the
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(delwedd J8342) (tudalen 173)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 173.
level, and it was customary with the workmen, when later than usual, to get
into an empty tram to travel home, as by so doing they saved both time and
the fatigue of walking; although it was contrary to the rule to do so. One of
the haymakers remarked to the other on hearing the tram, “Well, there are
others at work as late as we are.” Suddenly the sound of the tram ceased, and
the man who was pitching the hay observed, “What light can that be that is
passing under the car?" At no great distance there was a farmhouse, and
the light travelled slowly in that direction, and seemingly entered it. They
left the hayfield soon after, and communicated to the household what they had
heard and seen.
In about a week afterwards, a man who had remained at work in the level later
than his fellows, seized an empty tram to travel home in. At the very spot
where the haymakers had observed the sound to cease, the tram ran off the
tracks was upset, and the collier was badly crushed under it. He was carried
to the nearest house, which was the farmhouse mentioned, across the meadow in
the very line along which the light had travelled. He was treated medically,
and carried home, but died in a few days.
An Engineer's Story, — A man attending to a pumping engine at night all
alone, as the pit was only worked by day, heard about midnight the stir and
tumult of an excited crowd of people moving to and fro between the mouth of
the shaft and the lodge at the entrance of the pit premises. He went himself
in the direction of the lodge, expecting to find it occupied, but to his
great surprise could neither see or hear anything there. He felt so alarmed
that he had to muster a considerable amount of courage and resolution to
remain at his duties for the rest of the night. When the men came to their
work in the morning, he told them of the strange sounds he had heard. They
treated the matter lightly, told him he must have been asleep and dreaming,
or had unduly given way to his imagination; but nothing could induce him to
go to work there again alone and unaccompanied. A few weeks later, the man
who had the charge of the crab, at the pit’s mouth, neglected to put in the
catch at the right time, when lifting a weight up the shaft. This neglect
causing the handle to run wild, it struck him down, and killed him on the
spot. The excitement over the accident was extreme, and there was a rush of
men to the spot. His body was carried to the lodge, where a medical man
pronounced him to be dead. The engineer's story was now called to mind, and
the truth of his statement acknowledged.
“A young Samuel in ih£ Pi/«“- About forty years ago
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(delwedd J8343) (tudalen 174)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 174.
there were a number of men employed at the level called the “Scwd."
Amongst them were two who held extreme views 4>i the supernatural. One
denied its existence wholly, whilst the other believed thoroughly in signs
and omens, and the war of words on the subject between them oftentimes grew
warm and fervent. One of their fellow-workmen brought his little boy with him
on one occasion to the pit for company^s sake, and the lad, getting sleepy,
was placed by ^ his father to lie on his coat, where he slept soundly for
some time. On waking, he asked his father what the noise was which be heard.
His father replied that there had been no noise excepting, perhaps, from the
rats. The lad addressed himself to sleep again, but after a time awoke, and
asked his father the same question. He got the same reply with the assurance
that nothing should hurt him. He again went to sleep and continued
undisturbed until the morning. The new relay of men now arrived and the
father remained with him during the “spell whiff" before he left. Being
struck with his son having been disturbed, and what he had himself heard, he
warned the workmen to be careful of what they did that day; for that probably
something serious would happen, which would cause them to fly for their
lives, perhaps an explosion. Should such take place, they would collect in a
certain spot to consult with each other, and then another explosion would
occur. They all laughed at him, and taxed him with trying to frighten them by
means of a hoax^^ the sceptical man making himself quite prominent in
scouting the warning. The man and boy then left for home. In the course of
the day, through a door having been carelessly left open, an explosion took
place. The men all rushed to one spot to consult about it, when another and
louder explosion made them all ily to the open air. They all came out safely,
and the sceptic was compelled to confess that some knowledge of “coming
events" must have been obtained by the father of the boy by some means or
other which could not naturally be accounted for.
**A familiar spirit.” — Quite early in the present century, a man named David
Vinten, took a farm named Gelly Sirud, which had been vacated by one Richard
Hugh. The common room in the farmhouse had an upper story, but was very high,
with windows to correspond. On the window sill high up, out of ordinary
reach, was an old straw basket **(cawmn) left there by the former tenant. A
visit was paid to the farm one day by a tall man named Sion Bivan Kattrr— and
it occurred to some one to nnake use of him to get down the basket from its
high perch. This he succeeded in doing, and
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(delwedd J8344) (tudalen 175)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 175.
it was found that the basket contained a quantity of hazel nuts of an
excellent quality. No one could tell how long they had been there, and as a
superstition prevailed that it was possible to bewitch or charm such
prooucts, the family declined to touch them. It had been a matter of common
report and belief for a considerable period, that a familiar spirit resided
at Gilly Siriol, and that it was impossible for any stranger to approach the
house at night without finding himself accompanied by this shadow, which took
the form of a man. After the removal of the basket, this apparition
disappeared from the place altogether. It is somewhat difficult to connect
the apparition with the nuts, but it is certain that the belief in such
occult connection existed.
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(delwedd J8345) (tudalen 176)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 176.
CHAPTER XV.
Ieuan Fawr, the Son of the Dewless. -
(1170), Twm Ifan Prys. - The
Maids of Ty-talwyn. - Anthony Powell, of LIwydarth. - Pedigree of the Powells, of Maesteg. - David Nicholas, the Family Bard of
Aberpergwm. - The Gelly Family. - Mrs. Pendril Llewelyn* Llangynwyd
Vicarage,— Instances of unusual Longevity.
Ieuan Fawr ab y Diwlith.
tHE bards of Tir Iarll having gone to the Dewless Hillock on one of the St.
John’s Midsummer Festivals, to hold there a chair of vocal song, found a
new-born child, half alive, on it. Rhys, the son of Rhiccart, the son of
Einion, the son of Collwyn, took it home with him, and placed it under the
care of a foster mother. The child lived, was put to school, and brought up
to a learned profession. He imbibed knowledge with all the avidity that a
child would suck its mother's milk, and early in life he took the the lead of
all preceptors in Wales.
He wrote several books, one of which was called “The preservation of the
Welsh Language, the art of song, and all that appertained to them; according
to the rights and usages of the Welsh nation, and the judicial decisions of
wise men." Others were called the * Greal," * The Mabinogion."
“The nine tropeS, and twenty-four embellishments of diction,”“ The book of
Fables,” and many more. He also composed a work for the preservation of the
moral maxims and lands of the Welsh nation. He received the name of John, the
son of the Dewless, because he was found, as already mentioned on the Dewless
Hillock, on St. John's midsummer festival; and because he was a large man, he
was called Big John, the son of the Dewless. He lived and died at Llangynwyd,
where he was buried with the family of Llwydarth. It was currently reported
that in all probability, he was the son of Rhys, the son of Riccart, the son
of Einion, by a lady of high rank, and when it was asserted in his presence,
he merely held his tongue, allowing that belief to continue* (From “Cofion
Ieuan Bradford, from, the book of Anthony Pywd ofLlwvdarth, at Covtrehn:”^Ich
MSS.
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(delwedd J8346) (tudalen 177)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 177.
TWM I PAN PrYS.
We are entirely indebted to the late Ed. Williams (Ich Morganwg) for our
information relative to “Twm Ifan Prys," or, as he was better known in
this Parish, "Twm Celwydd Teg."
The following is based upon some "Notes” upon “Twm Ifan Prys"
contained in a paper given by Mr. Williams to a Glamorganshire gentleman,
which were afterwards communicated to the “Cambrian Quarterly Magaiim"
vol. 5, p. 94. The fact of Twm having lived in the Parish is deemed a
sufficient reason for giving his name a place in the present work.
The original MSS. is said to have been once in possession of Mr, E , of P ,
by whom it was given to Mr. Ed. Williams. It was not in the writing of
"Twm lfan Prys" himself, but of another person who lived in his
time, whose name is subscribed thereto (this name is not given).
Iolo himself states that Twm died about 161 7, and was one hundred and
fotty-three years old. Twm was born at Bryn Cynllan, in the Parish of
Llanharan, but appears to have been brought up at Pen-hydd, in the Parish of
Margam (whither his father removed shortly after this son was born). He
entered the Monastery of Margam, but, it is thought, did not stay beyond the
year of his novitiate there, and having adopted what was known as Lollardism,
was imprisoned at Keniig Castle. He addressed a poem to Sir Mathew Cradock,
prayinf? for liberation from the latter place. This poem is extant with
several others, chiefly religious, and they show him to have been a man of
great piety and rigid morals. After his liberation he went to his father at
Mcrthyr Cynon. How long he remained there is unknown, and, in fact, nothing
appears to be known of him between this period of his early manhood and his
old af;e, when he turned up at a small farm called Tyn Const, in Llangynwyd,
and had a young wife. The couple are poor, and his wife urges him to go round
the country and solicit a cymorth — of wheat to sow in his helds. He did so,
and has left a poetical account of his journey through the Vale of Glamorgan.
He described the inhabitants,— “The people of Wick spoke English.” About the
year 1610 he was at Tythegstone, and is there said to have earned his living
by threshing. At Tythegstone, it is believed, he died and was buried, though
the lch MSS. state that he died at Margam. He pretended to be a prophet, and
wrote and uttered many things in mystical language. Most of these are
obviously applicable to the events of the age in which he lived, and
especially the Reformation from If
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(delwedd J8347) (tudalen 178)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 178.
Popery. There are a few, however, of a different and more unaccountable cast,
the tone of which is directed towards the support of Protestant principles,
and the confirmation of the Christian religion.
The following are some prophesies attributed to "Twm Celwydd Teg” (Twm
of the fair lies), taken from the Iolo Manuscripts:'^
After the birth of the son and heir of Sir George Herbert, of Swansea, a
feast was held, and great rejoicing, at the christening of the child, and
they shod the horses with silver, and many other costly things they did
likewise. Twm. seeing this, said:” Ha I here is parade, and great pride about
the baptism of a child born to be hung by the string; of his
forehead-band." He was seized, and put in prison, in Kenfig Castle; and
the child was placed in the care of a nurse, who was ordered to watch him
narrowly and carefully, night and day: this went on some time, when it was
reported in the house that the nurse had the itch. Sir George and his lady sent
for her to the hall to them, that they might see whether it was true or not,
and when they saw that there was no itch upon her, they went with her back to
the chamber where the child was, and the first thing they saw was the child
in his cradle, having twisted his hands under the strings of his
forehead-band, and entangled them in it in such a manner that he got choked,
and . died from that cause, or, as it might be said with truth, he hung
himself in the strings of his forehead-band. Then they sent in haste to liberate
Twm, and gave him some money.
Another time he was threshing in a barn, and a young lad went by and
addressed him as follows:— "Wei, Twm Celwydd Teg, what news have you
to-day?" "There is news for thee," said he: “thou shalt die
three deaths before this night.” "Hal Ha 1” said the youth, “nobody can
die more than one death,”and he went his way laughing. In the course of the
day, the lad went to the top of a great tree, on the brink of a river, to
take a kite's nest; and in thrusting: his hand into the nest, he was wounded
by an adder, broughi by the kite to her young ones, an she was accustomed to
do. This causing him to lose his hold, he fell down on a great branch and
broke his neck, and from there into the river, and thus he met with three deaths,
— To be wounded by an adder, to break his neck, and to drown.
That he lived to a great age is proved by the following rhyme he composed: —
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(delwedd J8348) (tudalen 179)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 179.
“Oo« ihousftAd six handred xactly, Aod four years conpl«t«. TIm bvffinoinjr
of laousry (fair oomptttation), 1 am OM baadrad and thirty.”
Out 0ftk£ h09k 0f Uf. llwyi, 0/ Piniiym. Thb Maids of Tytalwvn. TransUtid
{from tki “Cymmrodor” for January^ 1881).
The following curious and inlerestinf^ account is taken from one of the
unpublished Iolo Morganwg MSS. now in the possession of the Right Hon. Lady
Llanover, by whose kind permission it is copied. It is written in the spoken dialect
of Glamorgan, which was often used by Iolo. Perhaps some of the readers of
the Cymmrod^ may be able to add to the information here given about these
poetesser.* and to supply other verses ascribed to them.^lV. \Vatkin£.
“I heard an old man at Llangynwyd sing a curious kind of a song. It consisted
of the names of all the rivers in Glamorgan, and their fountain heads, said
to have been written by one of the Tytalwyn poetesses. One stanza of it is as
follows:—
Blaen Gwrych. Blaen Gwrach, Blaen Gwraagon, Blaen Pfrvdw)lU. Blaen Cynaeroa.
Blaen Afan sy*, Blaen Liyfoi syw, Blaen Garw yw'r Blaen creulon.
“It is said of the Poetess that her lover had committed some offence against
her, and had angered her; and that she would not be reconciled to him upon
any account, until that he should visit all the rivers of Glamorgan and their
fountain heads, and connect their names together in a song of his own
composition which he should shew her. This he took upon him, and spent many a
month wandering along the riversides to their fountain-heads, until he had
become so wasted in his flesh that scarcely anything of him remained but the
skin and the bones.
Yet, for all that had been, there remained some tenderness in the heart of
the Poetess, and she bad compassion upon her lover; and what did she, but
herself visited all the rivers, unknown to her lover, and placed their names
in a song in the metre of the Glamorganshire Triplet (Triban Morganwg). At
this time she was in the dress of a boy. She knew right well of the house of
a friend of her lover's where he often lodged. She went there and asked for a
iiight's lodging.
“You liiay have half a bed, if that please you/' said the
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(delwedd J8349) (tudalen 180)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 180.
housewife; “I bave but that, because a fair youth cometh here to-night to
occupy the other half/'
“That will please me well," said the strange lad, and went into the
house.
In a little while he requested that he might go to his bed, for he was sore
tired, having walked far that day. “You may go,” said the housewife, and he
went. Shortly there came the poor lover to his lodging; he was shewn to his
bed, and was told that a very handsome youth was to sleep with him, and that
he had gone right early to bed because he was very weary, having walked far
that day.
“God bless him," said the lover, “and sweet rest to him. Would that the
hour of rest had come to me."
And he went to bed, but could sleep but little. With the light, the strange
youth arose, and, leaving the blessing of God upon that house and the family
within it, went his way. But upon his pillow he left a paper, with the song
written upon it, containing the names of all the rivers of Glamorgan and
their fountain heads, and above the song, these words — all being written in
a hand strange to the lover ^”Tah the help of a song from one wlto loveth
flue.”
The lover took the paper, and read it, and read it, and read it ap;ain. At
one moment, leaping with joy, at another, casting himself upon the bed with
tears and sobbing; but at the last, girding himself, and going with flying
feet to the house of the maid, to win whom he had suffered so much. He was
admitted to her; but was not granted a kiss of reconciliation until he had
shewn the song. Upon hearing this, he drew the song from his bosom, and laid
it before her.
“Now, upon thy truth," said she, “tell me whether thou hast made this
song."
Said he, answering, “I wandered along every river in Glamorgan, from its
mouth to its fountain head; but sickness came upon me from being in the
weather so greatly as I was, wet and dry, frost and snow, heat and cold. But
though I did to the utmost power of body and soul to put the names of all of
them in a song, yet could I not satisfy myself with one little word. And
there for thee is the truth, as I shall answer before God. Look upon my face
and my pale cheeks. Having given up everything, hearthroken, almost
distracted,' there came one day a fair youth to a house where I lodged, and
he left upon the pillows, where he lay for one night in the same bed with me,
the paper I have laid before thee. I will believe no less than that he was an
angel from heaven. For his sakot do what thou would'st not do for my sake.
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(delwedd J8350) (tudalen 181)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 181.
Have compaMion upon me. Do this for the sake of the angel, and for the sake
of God who sent him."
“Since thou hast besought me in the name of God and his angel," said
she, “I will be reconciled to thee."
And so it was; they were married speedily afterwards, and lived long in love
and happiness, the father and . mother of many children, and the Adam and the
Eve of all the poets of the land, save of those who are descended from the
other sisters; for it is said that there is no poet in the county that is not
descended from the maids of Tytalwyn, and this saying is a common proverb in
Glamorgan to this day.
It is not clear at what time or period of the world the Maids of Tytalwyn
lived, but there appear to be some grounds for believing that it was some two
hundred years a^'o, or thereabout. From the language of the Poem of the
Flowering Bush, said to be the work of these Maids, it might be gathered that
they lived some five or six hundred years ago. But it is well-known that the
peculiar metre of these verses— and the peculiar rhyming of sounds in them
{cvngkanedd uttcdl kib gvHgkauM o gydsaiH)^ have remained in use in Glamorgan
up to very recent date.
The following are the verses:—
Tk£ Fini lt€iim ^-” Docco Iwyn yn fwyo ei drwsiid,. Glasliw glwysion dirion
dyfiad. Yd ochr y maes A’i laes ganghenstt, Tew gofleidiog teg ei flodAtt.”
Th£ Sitoni Mtgidtn:— “Docco Iwvn yn fwyo wedi'i drwsio, Gwyn ei tvd a gai
fyoed dano, Dail mor loyw llwyn hoyw a hyfryd, Gwn fod wrtho law fanwylyd*
Th£ Third ht^iitn s— “Llwyo meillionog deiliog dalai^
Hardd i gampau gwj^rdd o'i gwmpts, Plethiad gwead gwiail irioo, Tew gwyn
gliad torriad tirion.
This is what I have procured of the seven stanzas of the song which was
composed and sung between the six bisters and their brother in honour of the
Flowering Bush. I knew another a year ago, but I have forgotten it. I think
it is to be found in local tradition even yet, and that it is known to a few
here and there. But one thing is somewhat strange to me, and that is, that,
notwithstanding the amount of tradition that is found in Glamorgan relating
to the Maids of Tytalwyn, I have not hitherto seen one word concerning them
in writing. And it is, moreover, a remarkable thing.
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(delwedd J8351) (tudalen 182)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 182.
coosidering how many of the writings of Poets and Orators are preserved in
Glamorgan, above all the shires of South Wales, and indeed, I must say, above
any county in all Wales, North and South, for all these things, I have not
met so much as one word concerning the Maids of Tytalwyn, save a little
written by Sion Bradford from his own memory. The brother of the maids died
younc^ and unmarried. All the maidens were married, and, accordmg to country
tradition, more or less of the Poetic Awen has inspir^ every generation of
their progen>^ unto this day. I have often heard a proverbial saying
alluding to this. “It is not strange that he is a Poet,— he comes ^om the
Maids of Tytalwyn." Tytalwyn is to the South of the Parish of Llangynwyd
in the Commot of Tir Iarll, and near the border of the Parish of Margam. It
is a good farmer's house, that is, good among the farmhouses of Glamorgan,
the best houses in Wales, beyond all comparison.”
Anthony Powbll, of Llwvdarth.
The name of Anthony Powell, of Llwydarth and Tir Iarll, is often mentioned by
Iolo Morgan wg, and other Glamorganshire writers; but, apparently, he was not
of sufficient note to obtain a niche in the “Cambrian Biography," or
the Eminent Welshmen." That he
was a man i<f celebrity is, however, apparent from the fact of his having
written the history of the whole of Britain. He is spoken of by Lewis Dwn,^
as one of the few scribes who had laboured to preserve the history of the
Welsh nation:—**. 4 i//A<);<y Powell, Dir Iarll, gwr boneddig a
*sgrifeuodd am holl Ynys Prydaiti" .. (*< Anthony Powell, of Tir
Iarll, gentleman, wrote about the whole of the Isle of Britain.")t His
manuscript book is frequently quoted in the Iolo AlSS., and other collections
as well. What became of this book, we are not in a position to say; it
appears to have been in good hands in Iolo's time, at Coetrehen House. It is
to be regretted that so little is known of this distinguished man; even. the
date of his birth we cannot trace, neither have we been able to find his name
appearing in any old documents, excepting an old assess* roent now lying in
the Record Office, London, taken in the 3^th yesiT of Queen Elizabeth, in
which he is assessed at £i}: xii: o. It is believed that he was a near
relative of
* Lewis Dihi, an eminent historiM and genealogist, who flourished between
a.o. 1330 and 15S0.
t Anthony Powell married Ann. daughter of Edmund Matthews of Lan* dafr, and
some of his MSS. Works is said to be in the library of Thomas towa Castle.
See Rsd Dimgoit for March, ZS87.
t .
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(delwedd J8352) (tudalen 182a)
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(delwedd J8353) (tudalen 183)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 183.
Rees Powell, of Maesteg, of that date. It is evident that he was a man of
letters, and was much interested in everything pertaining to Welsh
literature, and particularly that of the Bardic Chair of Tir Iarll. He has
left a few fragments of poetry, which may be seen in the book called
“Cyfrinach Beirdd Ynys Prydain*” Also his love letters, which are preserved
in **Taliesin"-'^a quarterly magazine, edited by the late Rev. J.
Williams {Ab lihil), and they are reputed by that learned critic to be among
the very best compositions m the Welsh language. His name is the first
inscribed on the family tombstones, the date of his death being 161 8; and
the shield, with arms, inscribed upon his sepulchre, is in itself sufficient
to prove that he was locally, at all events, a man of note and consideration.
Llwydarth, - the house which he inhabited, also, although it is now only a
substantial farmer's house, contains evidence that it was built to be the
dwelling of a man who held a position of importance and regard among his
nei(^hbours. It is substantially built, in a commanding situation, and in a
spot chosen by one who had evidently a taste for the beautiful. It is curious
to contrast the present outlook from the eminence occupied by Llwydarth, with
the scene which met the eye of Anthony Powell* when he looked out in search
of inspiration, or wrapped in contemplation of the beauty of nature. Then,
doubtless, there lay spread betore him a peaceful valley — covered with
verdure, and dotted here and there with white farmhouses, above which
Llwydarth stood, like a chieftain surveying his vassals. Beyond, the silvery
Llyfnwy wound through the valley, with its placid current disturbed only by
the leaping of the trout, and the skimming of the swallow as it brushed the
water with its wing. And the back ground to the whole picture was the Mael y
Gartk^ Gelly Ehlig^ and the distant hills, then probably wooded to the
summit, the home of the raven, and perchance of the eagle.
To-day, Llwydarth commands a view of collieries, with their adjacent black
tips; coke ovens, with their fiery mouths gaping; tinworks, with their
volumes of smoke. The ear is assailed with the bang of the steam hammer, the
clatter of machinery, and the roar and the scream of the locomotive on the
railway below. One might possibly lament the old days, did not one remember
that these sights and sounds— so offfensive to the aesthetic and artistic,
are evidence of industry and science, of power and wealth, of comfort and
prosperity, that even the great knew not in the days of Anthony Powell.
Maesteg Farmhouse, as it is now called, must have been beautifully situated,
— standing, as it did, deep in the valley
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(delwedd J8354) (tudalen 184)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 184.
near the river bank, and in the midst of green fields. If Llwydarth may be
said to have resembled a proud chieftain on the heights, Maesteg may be
likened to a hermit, contented, though lowly, and happy in the peace of the
valley. This house also bears evident traces of past importance and venerable
age. The apartments are spacious, though low and dark, the walls are thick
and massive. Very curious is the old malting-floor, which was discovered some
years ago between the false floor of one of the upper rooms and the ceiling
of the one below; a relic, presumably, of the days of smuggling. There is
also an old reading desk in the kitchen, where formerly some itinerant
preacher was wont, perhaps in defiance of the then existing law, to meet and
exhort a body of worshippers who periodically assembled there. Altogether the
place has an ancient look; although now encroached upon by the coke ovens and
pit refuse of Oakwood Colliery, which threaten, at no distant date, to cover
the old house, and to obliterate one of the links that connect Llangynwyd
with a glorious, though peaceful past.
Pedigree of the Powells of Masteg.
The Powells claim to be descendants of Eynon ap Collwyn, according to the
received pedigrees, which, in the great majority of cases, must be
fictitious. John Gwyn Powell, of Maesteg (with whom the really authentic part
of the pedigree begins), was the thirteenth in descent from that odious man
Eynon. It is impossible to understand why so many of the Glamorganshire families,
when they invented their pedigrees as we now see them, in the beginning of
the Tudor period, had not better taste than to choose, while they were about
it, so despicable a person as their common progenitor. It is a consolation to
think that certainly not more than a tithe of the persons who claim descent
from Eynon ap Collwyn, and Jestyn ap Gwrgan, can be entitled to that very
doubtful honour.
I. - John Gwyn Powell (thirteenth in
descent, as it is said, from Eynon ap Collwyn) was the third son of Howel ap
John Goch, mard. Felice, dau. of Richd. Rees Lloyd, of Havod y Porth, ap
Ieuan David Fychan. They had i, Rees; 2, William; 3, Edward; 4, a daughter,
mard to William Llewelyn, of Bettws; 5, Margaret, mard. to Evan Madoc, or
Efiain ap Llywelyn ap Hopkin, of Bayden; 6, Catherine; 7, Wenllian. John Gwyn
Powell had also two base children John and Maiy.
IL— Rees Powell, of Maesteg, mard. Catherine, dau. of
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(delwedd J8355) (tudalen 185)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 185.
Thomas ap William ap Hywel, genU, and issued i, John; a, ^Thomas; 3,
Catherine, and 4, Felice.
Ill.^john Powell, of Maesteg, mard. Susan, dau. of Evan Phillips, gent^ and
issueD
IV. - Rees Powell, of Maesteg, «ii^.
who mari Joanna, dau. of the Rev. Morgan Jones, B.D., Rector of Llanmaes, by
Mary, dau. of Arthur Yeoman, Alderman of Cardiff, and issued John (living in
1677); 2, fGervace; 3, Anthony <whence Powell, of Goston); and two
daughters, one of whom . (Mary) being the first wife of the Rev. Samuel
Jones, of BrynUywarch.
v. - Gervace Powell, of Maesteg, mard.
1 Catherine, dau. of Oliver , and heiress of St. John the Baptist Chapel, at
Llantrissent, called Capel Ieuan Fedyddiwr. His second wife's name is
unknown. By Catherine, he had Alice Powe}^* to whom he bequeathed Maesteg.
She maid. Phillip Lougher, of Hendre-Owain, and had, xst, a dau., who di»D
young; 2, , heiress of Maesteg and Hendre-Owain, mard.
to Richd. Turberville, of Ewenny. Gervace Powell's second dau., Florence,
mard. John Williams, of Park, and had several children. One of the daughters-
Catherine -mard. Samuel Price, of Tynton, Llangeinor, and had issue, whence
descends the Lewis, of Green Meadow. By his second wife, Gervace Powell had a
son Rees, who became
VI. - Rees Powell, of Llanharan, mard. Elizabeth, dau. of Rev. Goodwin Lewis,
Rector of Neath, whose brother, William Lewis, settled on her Crigatt, near
Neath. Her first husband was Anthony George, of Llanfair (?» She died 5th
January, 1743? »ge<i ^3- ^X ^^®^ Powell, she had, x, John; 2, Rees; 3,
William (who became a barrister, and died intestate, and single, 5th Feb.,
1770; aged 52); 4, Gervace; 5. Florence, mard. Edward Lloyd, of Cardiff, and
had Joan, married Robert Jones, of Fonmon; 6, Mary (died 1773)» mard. ist,
Thomas Roberts, of Llandaff, died 1740; 2nd, Thomas Edwards, of Llandaff; 7,
Alice, maid. William Gibbon, of Trecastle.
VIL— Rees Powell, of Llanharan, “one of the mos worthy gentlemen that ever
was bred in Glamorganshire, for
\Va» Under Sheriff of Glamorgan in 1349, Chriftophcr Turberville. of Pennine,
being Sheriff. He filled the office in Z554* when Sir Rioe Mansell was
Sheriff.
t The name Gervace still wrvivee in the present owner of Maettq;— Gervace
POwell Turberville, Esq., of Ewenny Abbey .^(1858).
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(delwedd J8356) (tudalen 186)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 186.
learning, piety, and pity for the poor,” died unmarried i6th Nov., 1738; aged
35. Gervace Powell, of Llanharan, LL.B’r t/^ Rector of Llanfigern
and^^Ifiithyx— Tydfil, and Preb, of Llandaff, died 8th July, 1795; aged 72;
the last male of the Powells of Llwydarth. He was mard- to Margaret, dau. of
Charles Vaughan, of Vsgethrog, Co. of Brecon. They had, ir Gervace, died an
infant; 2, Elizabeth, co-heir, mar<l- Richard Turberville Picton; 3,
Catherine, co-heir, mar<l* Sir George (Wyn; 4, Joan, mani Major Ollney, of
Gloucestershire; 5, Margaret, died youn^.
These three co-heirs executed a deed of partition of the estate, and
Llanharan House was sold to Richard Hoare Jenkins, of Pant-yn-awel.
Powells of Bayden and Tondu.
This branch of the Powell family are of the same descent as the Powells of
Maesteg, taking its rise from Howell ap John Goch, of Llwydarth, reputed to
be twelfth in descent from Eynon ap Coll wyn.
I.^ John, sixth son of Howell ap John Goch, of Llwydarth, mar<l' Crisby,
dau. of Rees ap Jenkin, of Llangeinor, and bad Howell and Rees.
n.^Howell ap John, of Bayden, mar<l. Anabel, base dau. ' of Jenkin Bevan
Madoc; they had Thomas, and four other children.
HL— Thomas Powell, of Bayden, mard. Barbara, dau. of Edward Lewis, of
Llanishen.
IV. - Thomas Powell, of Tondu, mard. a
dau. of Spencer, and had Thomas.
v. - Thomas Powell, of Tondu, mard.
Rachel, dau. of* William Turberville,' of Heol-Us, ap David, second son of
Edward Turberville, of Sutton; they had four children.
VL— Thomas Powell, of Tondu, mard. Ann, dau. and co* heir of John Thomas, of
Llanbedr-ar-Fynydd, by Ann, dau.. of George Gibbon, of Trecastle; they had
three children.
Vn. - ^Thomas Powell, of Tondu, Sheriff 1747, died single Had a natural dau.,
who mard. William David, of Coychurch, and had issue.
VHL^a. Edward Powell, of Penywain, in Llanharry and Tondu, Sherifi 1767, died
single. Settled Tondu and Llanbedr on John, second son of John Nicholl, of
Llanmaes, and Peoywain on David Griffiths— his right heirs.
David Nicholas.
This eminent bard and literate was the son of one Robert
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(delwedd J8357) (tudalen 187)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 187.
Nicholas, and Ann Rees, whose marriage is recorded in the Parish Registers as
follows:
“Robert Nicholas, of Llangynwyd, and Ann Rees,of the same place, were married
on the 12th day of Febry., 1699."'
In the same Register, we find the baptism of their son^ David, which took
place on the ist day of July, 1705. It appears that he spent a good
|>ortion of his early life in the neighbourhood of his birth, for in a law
case in which he was the plaintiff {Nicholas r* Powell, of Llanharan), filed
November 17th, 1737, he is mentioned as of Llangynwyd. We are also informed
by tradition that he conducted a day school for some time at Llangynwyd
Village.
The author of the “Cambrian Biography" tells us that he was a native of
Ystradyfodwg, which is not correct; he lived but a short time at that place,
where he followed his profession of a schoolmaster, and he afterwards resided
at Glyncorrwg; for we find in a letter which is still extant, addressed to
his friend, the Rev. Edward I fan, of Aberdare^ that he lived at the latter
place in the year 1754, and, possibly, still following the same profession,
Iolo Morganwg speaks of David Nicholas as his “intimate friend,” and the
“learned Bard of Aberpergwm." He was a distinguished bard of the
"Glamorgan Gorsedd,” a disciple of David Hopkin, of Coety, and a
contemporary of Rhys Morgan, of Pencraig Nedd; John Bradford, of Bettws; and
Lewis Hopkin, of Llantrissant, &c.
However, as regards his native place, he may be better known in Wales as the
family bard of the ancient house of Aberpergwm, at which place he ended his
days, and was buried, and on his grave there is placed a tombstone, which
bears the following concise inscription, which may be regarded as an epitome
of his useful life:—
MAEN GORWEDDFA
Dafydd Nicholas, Bardd Teulu Aberpergwm drm 50 mlynedd,
a'r diweddaf, fe allai, o'r cyfryw yn Nghymru.
Bu yo athrany i'r anwybodus,
Yn feddyg I'r ctaf,
Ac yn brydydd anianawl tryddawo.
Ganwyd ef yo 1693; btt farw yo 1769.
The inscription on the tomb is misleading, the date given as of his birth
making him appear much older than he really was. His letter on Welsh Poetry
is considered masterly, and he was looked upon by those of his contemporaries
as a great authority on the Glamorgan Rules of Poetry. His Ballads are among
the choicest in the Welsh language, and several
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(delwedd J8358) (tudalen 188)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 188.
of them have been translated into English. Perhaps the best known of them are
the “Aderyn Pur" and “Fanny
Bhdau'f Ffaif” These, with others* are set to music in that ^excellent
collection of Welsh Airs, published by the late talented Miss Jane Williams,
of Aberpergwm.
The Gelly Family.
Although some of the most distinguished families in Glamorganshire are
descended from more than one illustrious
stock, who at one time resided, and possessed a considerable portion
of Llangynwyd parish, we regret to say that, within the whole of the “Old
Parish“ at the present moment, with the exception of Mr. G. T. Jenkins, of
Gelly, there are none who may be regarded as resident landowners.
The Gelly House is situated in the extreme north of the parish, and presents
a good specimen of the old Cymric style of building, comprising the
characteristic thick walls, low entrances, massive oak beams, and stone
tiles, &c.
The land is mountainous, having an aspect wild and picturesque, and is extremely
rich in minerals.
The Gelly Farm, according to the parish map, consists of 872 acres and 3
perches of land. We have no account shewing at what period the ancestors of
the present owners first settled in the Parish, nor the circumstances
connected with their becoming the owners of that exceedingly mountainous part
of it.
Doubtless the transaction took place at a very remote time. We are, however,
able to trace the family at the end of the X7th century, in a release from
Thomas Jenkins to his daughter, bearing date 1693. The: j is also a recotd at
the--.^ same period of another .Thomas Jenkins, who was the son and heir of
the estate, and eldest branch of the family, who died in the year 1700.
From the last named, the lineal descendants and heirs of 4he property were as
follows:—
Jenkio Thomas, died 1727. Thomas Jenkins, died 1853.
Thomasjenkins, „ 1753. Jenkin Thomas Jenkins 1876.
Jenkin lliomas, „ xSax.
J. T. Jenkins was the last of the eldest branch of the
* In this place it may be observed that Mrs. Pendril Llewelyn, wife of the
present Vicar, has translated some of them, but they have not been published
in a collected form. Many of that lady's verses appeared in the Cambrism and
Merthyr GunrdisH newspapers, and some in the Arch^iologia Cam^tmsis {Vols. I.
and II.). Mrs. Llewelyn translated also a small collection of Williami oC
Pantycelyn's hvmns, and published them in the year 1857. She was bom at
Cowbndge, lath March, i8ix. Died at the Ticanfe, I9th November, 1874.
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(delwedd J8359) (tudalen 189)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 189.
family, which upon his death became extinct, and the property has now
devolved upon the younger branch, after descending from father to eldest son
for nearly 200 years, in an unbroken line. The last named gentleman was
greatly esteemed in the Parish; he had a kind and sympathetic nature, and was
animated with hi^h principles; a practical man of business, and honourable m
his conduct. He was educated at Cowbridge School, and studied for the legal
profession. He did not, however, exercise his legal acquirements beyond
advising gratuitously his friends and neighbours. The parishioners in their
adversity had no better friend or counsellor than the respected Squire of
Gelly. In this capacity he was often waited upon, and he cheerfully gave such
advice and directions as would meet the case before him. The immense cortege
which followed his remains to Llangynwyd Church testified to the great
respect with which he was regarded. He served the Parish in various
capacities, and was churchwarden for many years. The present National
Schoolroom was built under his supervision.
The gentleman living in Gelly at present, Mr. G. T. enkins, is the only
surviving son ot Gwilym Treharne ' enkins, who died March 9th, 185Q, and
nephew of the above J. T. Jenkins.
The Jenkins of Hendre-Owain were originally the Corrwg-Fechan family, the
first of whom to own Hendre-Owain being Griffith Jenkins, the son of Richard
Jenkins, who died in 1741. His brother, Richard Jenkins, of Corrwg- Fechan,.
was High Sheriff of Glamorgan in the year 1750. Elias Jenkins, an eminent
lawyer, who possessed a consider-^ able portion of the Parish, was the son of
the same Griffith Jenkins, of Hendre-Owain; he was buried at Llan* gynwyd in
the year 18 14.
Mr. Hopkin Llewelyn, of Margam, married Elizabeth, daughter of the above
Griffith Jenkins, and sister of Elias
Jenkins, and is also buried with his family at Llangynwyd. The Jenkins, of
Gelly, Corrwg-Fechan, and Blaen-Corrwg,. were, originally, three distinct
families. The Blaen-Corrwg family emigrated from the Vale, but they are now
connected. The Gelly famil;^* have been ever distinguished for their
unexampled hospitality, and generous and kindly conduct towards the poor and
afflicted. Outside the Parish, the family was, perhaps, better known as being
the proprietors of a celebrated pack of black hounds, which, during the last
50 years had gained a remarkable notoriety in the County of Glamorgan by
their performances ^and power ot endurance in the chase. The hounds were originally
owned by Sir Thomas
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(delwedd J8360) (tudalen 190)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 190.
Mansell, of Margam, who gave them up, to be afterwards followed, for a time,
by his agent, Mr. Hopkin Llewellyn. who also gave them up. They were then
taken by Thomas Jenkins, of Gelly, in connection with John Hopkin, of Cwrt y
Mwnws, and John Crook, of Maesteg Isaf. The last two gentlemen soon withdrew
their patronage, and left the pack in the entire possession of Mr. Jenkins,
who was master of them until his death in 1832.
But it appears that at no time was the chase supported with such popularity,
and followed with such ardour, as when the late lamented Mr. G. T. Jenkins
was master of thestt hounds. He was a thorough type of the country gentleman
of the “old school,” hunting being one of his fivpuritc; pastimes; and many are
the exciting runs of the famous Cw'^ JDuoHf and feats of horsemanship related
of the hunts of those days. Songs and ballads were composed and sung,
recording; some of the most noted of them, such as *< Helfa’r Carw “(Tht^
Stag hunt), “Craig y Ttwgocd,” "7 GaYtg Lwyd^' ami * Cfaig y BwUfar
&c., &c.
Space will not permit us to place more than one of those songs before our
readers, the author being no less distinguished a bard than the late Rev.
John Blackwell, M.A. (i4/»i»), Vicar of Mahorafon, in Pembrokeshire.
CERDD IlELA CRAIG Y BWLLFA.
Mab aweloD dydd yn deffro, Gwelwch. ni wna nant Da chlogwyli
Gwelwch niddiau'r boreu'n gwrido \ Beri i Nimrod'vifyTo mymryn;
A glywch chwi sain com hela'r Gelli Leader, Guider, Topper, Germamt
Yn rhoi Ufod i’r Clogwyni? Fel yn hedeg drwy Gwm*Aman:
Twif belyddion— own yn udo, Ringood, Famous, Countess, CoHUr^
Pob peth megyt yn cydfloeddio, Bluchet^ Staiely,~^Bm gyflymder
* Heddyw ydyw'r dydd i ddala Haeddant sylw yn ngherdd bela
Cadno cyfrwya Craig y BwUCa.” Cadno cyirwya Craig y Rwllia.
Dacw’r fvwiog dyrfa*n cych wyn, Gan mor gyflym y mae'r cwmni
Ac yn mfaenat vn y fyddin 'N gado ar ol y coed a’r llethri,
Owelir ar et beffarch gwiigi Y mae'r llethri fel yn neidio
Toneddigaidd wr y Gelli: A'r coedwigoedd fel yn dawnsio.
A'i g&r ymffrost Blaen-y-Corrwg, Gwelwch fel mae'r boll belyddion
yik\ ac enaid bil Morganwg: Yn neidio'r cae — yn rhydio'r aiSon;
U gwm i fynydd, dacw'r dyrfa Hwy na bir y cofir hela
*Nawr yn ymyl Craig y BwlUa. Cadno cyfrwya Craig y BwUCa.
Oergri'r cil^n tydd acw*n dan^^ Troet yn awr, am nawdd a chyigod.
Fed llochesau'r cadno'n agoa, I'r Garreg.lwyd. hen ffau llwjmogod; Cly wch y
iloedd ay 'n crygo'r creigiau, Ond gwylwyr effroa ch^n yr YatraD
Dacw'r cadno'n llamn'r rhiwiau, Yma dorent ar ei fwriad.
1 G%rm>Am<in. i Gwmgwyngnl, At Graig-yllyn cyfciria'n brysttr,
A chwn y Gelli yn ei ymyl s Ond prysurach ei erlidwyr;
Xby ddiweddar edifara Rhy ddiweddar edifara
<iadael dUach Craig y BwUCa. Gadael cilfach Craig y BwllfiL
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(delwedd J8361) (tudalen 191)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 191.
Clywcfa y floedd ty'tt rfawygo'r »
trych, Mae'n carUmn'n NkH wm-grefolych; At B<mt-walbi bwylia'rcidwm. A
thrwy'r coed wrth Abeipergwoi; Mm'o Nchwm-Nedd ^dofer iddo I>dyiffwyi
hamddeo i orpbwyao; Khy ddiwtfddar edifarm Oadael eitfach Craig y BwllCa.
Helwyr, meirch. a chwo yn ymUd, A’i troM yn ol. er cadw’i fywyd. At
Graig->-llyn &'r Gorngoch eto. Tr Garrcf Iwjd am le'i yngaddio;
Methai Kyrbaedd ffaii ddyogel; Dypa’r fontlef ar yr awel. ' Daliwyd, daliwyd.
daliwyd yma, Gadno cyfrwyt Craig y Bwllfia.”
Nid byn yw’r cyfao— dacw'r cwmai Wrth groesawgar fwrdd y Gelli, A gwydraid
llawo, a chaloo tawen Yu yfed 'hedd a llwydd y aoi
YIed ' teulu Blaen-v-cormrg, A helwriaeth gwlad Porganwg/ A phob gwroo a fu'o
bela Cadoo cyfrwyt Craig y BwlUa.
Instanchs of Unusual Longhvity.
It was not until the year 1813 that the ages were given in the Registers of
the parish, when the present form was issued according to an Act of
Parliament. Those appearing in this list, who were buried previous to the
above date, are copied from the tombstones in the old Churchyard:—
1774 Jane Tenkint aged
1775 Elizabeth David aged 1777 Evan Lewis aged 1800 Gwenllian Lewis aged 1807
Add Treham aged
1813 Madoc Efan aged
1814 Maud Samuel aged 1817 Jennet David aged
1832 Jenkin Thomas (Gelly) X837 Mary Thomas aged X831 Charles Fisher aged
1833 Llewelyn David (Llwyni) 183a William Thomas (Nantyffyllon) aged
1839 Lyson Lewis aged
1845 loan Evans aged
1845 Mary Hopkin aged
1847 David John aged
X847 Catherine Treham DaviD
(Ty*nywain) aged
1849 Sarah Bowen aged
185 1 Prudence Morgan aged X853 Mary Dunn aged
1855 Mary Smith aged X856 Ann Thomas aged
1856 Mary Watkins ) buruMl 1856 William Bevan ) same day
X856 Elisabeth Griffiths aged 95
1857 Mary Griffiths aged 94
X85H Wm. Evans (Penlan) aged 89
i860 Mary David aged 93 x86s Morgan Daniel (Gil&ch.
isha) aged 88 z86a John Hopkin (Cwrty”mwnwsf aged 92 1863 Morgan Sion
(Troadyrhiw) 94
1863 Joan Thomas aged 93
Z875 John Evans (Brynmawr) 95
1878 Elizabeth Llewelyn aged 89
1878 Thomas Rees (Traveller's Rest) aged 94
1879 Jane Rees ' aged 88 1881 George Edwards aged 94 1883 Mary David
(Tonybaili) 89 1883 Mary Reek aged 9a X883 Mary McMara aged 9a X883 Jenkin
Jones (Caergymrig) 92 Z814 Ann Jenkins (Sychbant) 91 1885 Thomas Da vies aged
88 1883 David Maddock (Vartef() 91 z886 David Davies (Glan yr Afon) aged 93
aged 100. 87.
no 91 89 94 91 93 95 91 91 89 9« 88
^ In the above list, only those who had reached the a^e of 88 and upwards are
mentioned; and , had we thought it of sufficient interest, as many more could
be added by a complete
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(delwedd J8362) (tudalen 192)
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HISTORY OF LLANGYNWYD. 192.
scrutiny of the whole of the Registers. We are. informed by an old lady of 87
summers now living in Llan Village, that she remembers being in the funeral
of an old dame, known as Biss o'r Capel, who was buried at Llangynwyd, at the
ripe age of 109. Presumably she was born at the end of the 17th, lived
through the whole of the 18th, and died in the 6th year of the present
century, but this we cannot certify from the Registers of the Parish.
THE END.
PRINTED AT THE "OVAKDIAN” OFFICE. LLANELLY.
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LIST OP SUBSCRIBERS.
AFriMd. ItmlM Ak«hartt, Mr. wm., Anbcnt Mr. a, Maiittg
Itoker, Mr. &, Man«iB
BaIImiI, Mr. O , Llwydarlh-totD
llAllard, Mr. B.. LlwylArih-roMl
Balliniiar. Mr. J.. Th« Frv* Ubnury, <
B«rrow, Mr. J.. OharchwwdvB. f <
BelM. Mr. L.. Bndff^
K«>nn«r. Mr. H.. Hock H wm«, Mmi»U«. S ( ^
B«v«a, Mr. Kv*ii, ])r{(lf;«ntl-iWMl. M a — t ig.
IWran, Mr. E., MoMUia Ath. feoplw.
livran, Mr. Jobo, LlAD^dvra, B.H.O.
B«van, Mr. Wm., Ab«ricwj>Dtt.
Ik^yaoa, Mr. I**?i«l. Commcrdal'idvMlk Murtjg
BluMe. a F. Lynch, F^q., Cardiff
Bottchvr. Mr. (icorff«, l*«iieo«D
Bowvn, Kbw«B«r, K»q . cnnclDiuUi, O.
Kowan, .Mr. Qtorge. UwTilBrtli.iM4
Bowm. Mr. D.. Garth. MmH«c
Bo^ta. ]!?. W. K.. MM«Uf
Carr, Mr. Frand*, Panrhlvcdbr
Collier. Mr. 8Uph«ii. Jan., Bridgend
CoUiu. Mra. CL. Ma«at<f
Cummiafi^ Mr. J., Tjriur'a Towb, FsolrptUD
Davlaa, Rar. J. T., M.A.. Llanmadock.
Oow« David. E. T.. fiaq.. Solicitor, Bridgend
DaYi«B, Prof. David. Cincinnati. O.
Dariaa. .Mr. Darld, Ur«r|iool Mo«a«» MiMtijl.
ISeoplM Darid, >ir. D R., Margam
naviai, Mli«, Ballty'a Arma. Mtokte
DaTia*, Mr. John. Panrhlweaihr
Davlaa, Mlaa Vary, Whita Uon. Maca4af
Dariaa, Mr. D.. Danran La*. Monntaia Aah
DaTica, Mr Griffith. Khondda Valley.
Darlaa, Mr. J. P . B<K.k««ller, Porth.
Dariaa, Mr. Edwin. MHa«(cg
Dariaa. Mr. Phillip. Mill-street. <
IHTiea. Dr. John, Maesteg. iT oo.
DaTiaa. Mra. Catiiarina, Maesteg
Davtaa. Mr«. Mary. WhlU Uoa laa
Darfci Mr. H. M.. Ma«ateg
Davlaa, Mr. H. B.. Naaiymoal
DHviaa, Mr. Llewelyn. Bridgend-road, Maesteg.
Davlea. Mr. Jainaa, Oroear, Llangynwyd. M
eopiaa I>«Tfaa, Mr. Thom»B, Maaaeadlawr, Llangynwyd
Darlaa, Mr. Hugh, A.C . {Pmeerdd Jttuior),
Raaboa Datlaa, Mr. 0. U.. Commercial-street, Maesteg
DaTlaa. Mr. T.. WhiU Lion Inn, Maaattg
Daviaa, Mr. T., Amwrteaa Sapply, Maaattg, 1
Davlat, Mr. Monaa. Llwydarth-toad, MaaaAif
Daviaa, Mr. Darla, ChnrchwanUa. f oopiaa
llavld, Mr. Wia.M>(d Hooaa. LUagynwyd^
David, Mr. Ji»h^ Tyatoa. Llaagyawyd
Daararaa, Tha RIchI Lloaoriihla ttaa
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Karl, R«v. Saaia^l, 81. NIeholaa
F^niaiida, Mr. Kra^, Panrhiwodbr
Kdmanda. Mr. John. Nantyffyllna
Xdwurd*. Owao, Kaq., B.A.. Ballol OoUft,
Oxford Rdwarda, Mr. Wm., Moaatala Aah
Kdwaril^ Mr. Jack, Cincinnati. O. Kdwania, Bar. Wm.,
OKmoro Vallaf Kllia, Mr. H., Mountoin Aah
Erana, Kar. J. (iwonogfryn, Oxford
Kvnna, Mr. Baf<Jamin, <}«lly l^anor. 4 eoplM
Kraat, .Mr Tador, Bank Chambora, CardUf
Evans, Mr. Rvan. Vool. S eopiaa
Evans. Mr. Kh«iies»r, Maaat^c. S eopiaa
Rvana. Mr. Wm.. Parl«h (nMrlt. S eopiaa
KvMia, Miaa CecilU. LUn VillnML 2 eoplM
Erana, Mr. Haary, 4. BrowB<atnot, Miailig
Evans, Mr. Baaa. NantyffylloB
Evan*. Mr. Uariah U., Mixkln-atraot, Cardiff
Evans. Mr. w. o , Miakin-atrpot, Cardiff
Evans, Mr. D. Emlyn, Haraford
Evans, Mr. John,”Chronicle Office, Bridgend
4copi«a
Evans. Mr. William. Mynydd Byehaa. 4 p^a
Evans, Kav. Thoma. Hwaaaaa
Evans. Mr. Mi>rRan. Llangynwyd SUtioa
Evans, Mr. Edward. Mar|ia«n
Evans, Ctpt. T. R., Cola City, Georgia, U.S.
Evans Capt. J. R.. Colo City, Georgia, U.S.
EvMa, Mr. Wm. K.. Yndi^noptilia Ind., U.S.
Evans, Mr. Morgan. Indianopolis, Ind., VA
Evans, Mr. h^ildlaT.. Cincinnati. O.
Evans, Mr. W. D., (Peneerddy, Ciaefcarali, a
Evans, R«v. R.. Olyncotrwg Evans, Mr. Joha.. Aborf wynfl
Evans. MIm M.. China Inland Miaaloa, Shaagal
Evans. Mr. O.. Jalfraya Hott>l. Moaalala Aah.
Kyaon, Mr. John. Panrhlwcoibr E}BOB, Mr. U., Oxford-atract, r
Gooria, M'. David, Panrhlwcalbr
Uaorga. Mr. laaae, Paarhlwerlbr
Gray, David. Kik|.. Uudar Hill Villa. S eopiaa
Gray. Mr. William, Llwydarth-road
Gray. Mr. J. D.. Hara Hou-a. near Bridgend
Griffltha, Tha Vanerabla Arehda»eoa, Neath
GritHtha, David. Eaq , PaoUn. Paaeoad. teoi
Griffitha^ Mr. John. Cwmcerwyn. t eoplea
Griffitha, Miot C . Commercial .atrae4, Maesteg
Orlflltha, Mr. John, Oakwood Colliery
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.
Griffith*, Mr. P. F.. Cinetnniiti.
O. 18 ©r»rl«i
Oriffith^ Mr. J«me« V.. Col« City, Georgia. U.S.
Wriffitha. Mlw Kmlly, MnwteK
Griffiths, IUt. D. P., Oiinh .Maestcff
Oriffith*. Mr. T., FeDThlwwlbr , ^ _
OriflithM. Mr. Richard (CametftfosfX Naotnor,
Beddeelert
Ormow, Mr. D. Gl6Ter, .Mr. Wib.» Uyafl Schools, Macrtag. S
copies
Onilford, Vr. T., Ty-cwm. Lbnpynwyrt
Oailford, Mr. L.. rfafod^lecaf, Manram
ilwj% Bowel, Esq., DyfTryn, Neath. S oopfaa
Harris, Janeii, Esq., Cardiff
HarriN .Mr. K. J. K^ynoldntown, Oowar
HemmiDfcs. Dr.. Aborewynti
HenuningM. J.. Ktq.. Bridgend
Hsyoock. Mr IVilliMin, P ntre. Ystrad
Hicks, Mr. W.. Penrhiwceibr
Howell*, .Miss A , St. At» an*. 2 copiw
Howells, Mr. M , Oipmrrd-l-street, Maesteg
Howells, Mr. J., Commercial-street,
Maesteg.
t ropier Howells, Mr. Joseph. Caerileon
Howells, MeT. Thomas, Lonsland, Pyle
HopkiD^ Mr. William, Island Farm, Bridgend.
2 copies
Hughes, Mr. Morpin, Garw > njley Moil
heisMr. J, Lllwysfrya. WoodvUla-tcrrace,
Hughes, Miss Jennet. Llan ViUaco
Hashes, >lr. Ditvid Mnestrg. 2 copies
Hnches. Mr. John, Ri»ca, Mon. 6 copies
Hnghes. Ker. William. St. David's, Ograor*
Unlchinson, Mr. Hubert, >lae*>teg
^IMAC Mrs., Bookseller, Maesteg. 6 copies
James, Dr., Porthcawl ^
James, Mrs. RIkhIs, Rhondda Valley
James. Mr. John, Bridgend
James, Mr. Henry, Pei.i hiwceihr
Jenkins, O. T., K^q. Oelly. Vi copies
Jenkins, Mrs., Gr««nfleld. itsgian. H copies
Jenkins, Keea, Ksq., Bronyderl. Glyncorrwg,
3 copies
Jenkins,.Mr Ed., Bridgend. S copies
Jenkins, Mr. John, Maei.t(>g Mill. 2 ooplea
Jenkins, Mr. Lewis. Penrhiwielbr ' . ^
Jenkins, Mr. Kvan. Bonkse ler, Moaatain Ash
Jenkins, Mr. C, Mruntain AHh
Jenkins, >lr. Morris, Tenneswet^ U.S. Jones. Darid, Esq., Walllngton,
Surrey.
Jon^ifj. W., E»q., Llanfair Villa, Cafshalton
Jones, Miss Lizzir. Llwydnrth-roaD
Jones, Mr. H , Llw«daHh*roaD
Jones, Mr. William, Llwydnrth-roaD
Jones, Mr. Evan, Llwydnrth-roiiD
Jones. Mr. Dsrid, Pontrhydyfen
Jones. Mr. John, Osdlys Factory. S copies
Jones, Mr. L. O., Tondtt _ ^,
Jones, Mr. William, Cwro Cerdtn
Jones, Mr. Thomas, Balden
Jones, Mr. Thumas. Sychbant
Jones, Mr. O. H., Braichycymer. S copies
JoBca, Rev. 8..Tyderwen, Spelter
Jones, Mr. Lewie. Pentre, Ystrad.
JeMs, Mra. OwealliaD. Gelly-lenor Fach. 4
JosmT PrinHpal Virfami. Cardiff University
Jonee. Mr. PhUlip, Oam Inn, Maesteg.
teopita JeM%Mr.D»vi<l,lli
Jone«. R'-T. J. R., M.A.. Ben Py Cwrdd,
Aberdare ^ _.
Jones, .Mis« .Margsret. Blaengwynl
Jones, Mr. Kvsn, P-nrhlwcelbr
Jones. .Mr. Phillip, Penrhiwceibr
Jones, Mrs. Ann, Tymsen, Llsngynwyd
Jones, Mr. N. .M., (Cymro GfienWX Uterpool
Jones, Mr. John, Penrhiwceibr
Ksltenharh, Mr. Bertln. Maesteg
Knight, Rer. C. R, Tythegstone Govft
Llandaff, The Right Rer. Lord Biahep of. %
copiM Lewis, .Miss M. A.
Lewis Mr. David, Alma Road ]«w|s, Mr. Hush. Abergwyntt
I^wiH, Mr. Wni., Ty'npnnt
I^win. Mr Wat kin, Gsrth Lowi'^H ^>T*- ^' ^1- Garth Schools
i^*i^, Mr. ,1. B,. Maesteg ^, „,
Ll«wo1j«, IUt. tt. Pendril, M.A.,Llaa Vicarage.
Llew t*h n , Will , Kaqr., Court Colmnn. 8 copies
Ll^wfljD, J. r D., K-qr., Penlle'rgaer. 2cHp<ei
Llt^we yn. Krv. D. J.. Glsnllyfni. 2 copies IJuwel^n^ Mr. Uees, L*angynwyd. 2
oopies
I,lf>wfkyii, Mr. F^l ., Llang> nwya
JJpvrh r, Mr \Vm., Oanh , ^^ . . . .
JJewf Ivn.:]^[r. T., Mii>kin Hotel, Mountain A»h
hme^titk, Mr. John, Jan., Llangynwyd
LfTTL-lm k, MiM Amelia, Llangynwyd ^ . , .
Llojil. fi. O. V , Esq., Berth iUgatt, Denbigh”1,
IovIh M"-. AtiTrtham. 8o<1dy, Tennessee, U.S.
LoVell, it«v. K. K., Maesteg
Mfldoc, Mi. Wm. Ap, Utica, New York, U.S. 1
CiiTi'Ib^ itflsliKi k<, Mr. Moignn, Ci'fn Vdfa. 8 copies
M ji ,\i \i ick s M r. Wm , P»»ntre, Llangynwyd Mill
nil ii^kK, Mr. .MoMcs. Kings Heait. Maesteg
jrpitflH'k!", ^Ir. Wm.. PryHlog, near Maesteg MkiI.
OL'kfl. Mr. Evan. Vi»rtig, near . Maesteg
Mmkli-ck*. Mr. DHvId, Varteg. near Maesteg
MrtdrlHcliflH Mr. Wm. Blaonllyfnl, near Matwtcg
MjhJ,|B'( Vn, .Mr. D 11., Muwumstreet, Caerlo'>n
MflUdnrkit Mr. John, Pontrhydyoyff, Llan^iyn >
rrti:.i f*cU, Mr. T., AbeTBW)-nft
Mn'M-ck'i, MiM Ania, Hi.fo.1. near Swansea
Mull! »iiiTfcii}.s .Mr. Wm., Penrhiwceibr
MDJnT, Mrs. Sarah, Gadlys. Llangynwyd.
KtiiwfMT. David, LlwyngwUdys, Llangynwyd.
S copies Margrave. R., B!«qr., Llanelly
Mathews. Mr. Evan. Penrhiwceibr Millar, Dr. W., Maesteg. 2 copies
Miluian, Mr. Jsmes, Waeateg. 2 eoplee
Monlrcai, Mr. David, M»ost»;g
Morgan, Mr. Rhys D..Mj» Lteurvfg)K% ftfg
>f organ. Rev. Dr., (lAtunrg), Llanelly
Morgan. Mr. T , drajier. M.esteg. 2 copies
Morgan, Mr. T. R.. St. Vincent, Qipe Verdes
Morgan, Mr. J. Rhys, M-chynlleth „ ^ ,
Morgan. Mr. Philllp, Alma Cottage, Maettrg. S
Morgan, Mr. John, Qneen^street. Maesteg
Morgan, Owen, Esq. (i/rnen). Trefforest
Morris, Rev. H., Coity, near Bridgend.
Morris, Mr. D.. 72. Garth, near Maeeteg
Morrto^ J. a, Ksq.» PUeH«wydd, MMsleg
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LIST OP SUBSCRIBERS.
M«niMi. Mr. JaIim, Coomtrdftl-HrMl, IfiwHj
Morinui. Mr. Rbw.. PMirhiwevibr
Montft", Mr B., MoMUte Ash
OwM, Mr. W. J.. DrMfiHl itwMi, R«r. Ci»l«H, (iiirw V*11«T
OAt«. Mr. Alfrad, Afmdw^ Ho
l»«rrr, Mr. Orifflih R, XMiaior, lUdilmtorilf.ir.
P»rnr. Mr. Davl<l. R. Low bUt D. uVtrpool
Pblilliw. R«v. Havfcl. Ht. Oror||«*i Villa» '
Pov«(l7.Mr. WilllMn. MumIm ~ 1. Mr. D. R. MtMltf
Powtll. Miw M.. KMflf
P«w«U. Mr O. H., M<trH«w, J«fr. Co. Oelondo
IVw«IU rrotfwor f , Llairtnltf ColUf«.CM4UL
t codIm P«w«ll. W. 8., Baq.» Eglwyt ffymid, Brar BmI
Tiilbot Powell. Mr. Jm , PfthfaitM, N«w lMaM4
Prw^ Dr. O. W.. Clnrtnii»tl. O. U.M.
Pugh, Uor. O., Tho Vicang^ R«ttwt
Rooo, Mr. T«\#r, >tiiMt#K
Hoofi. .Mr. Thanui^ m. - iitU, ^fji.<t*t«f
ROM, Mr. Kvit . CciJtr. t ri>pl«a
K«M, .\lr. H.. oU^hyfttU .Mhv-li'i;. 4 «Ql»l«
KoM, Mr. .M J.« T^triirfi, UkUK^aviD
Rooa. Dr. AUfi^K T ir.hll
Roar, Dr. Hi.<Ft]]., iTwrnavusfta
Rom, I>r. JoMn, iVi.ftnh
Rcoii, Mr. T««Tn, Mnr^tv^
Kooa, .Mr. Wm^ Hojie mul Crown, rtun^titWYD
Rom. .Mr DnTitt ^ .. Xoo|H«t
2loo«, .Mr. Kran. Mao«t«f Snnply. f coploa
Roea. Mr. Thoroa-. Hwan UoUl, AborMDUMB
I^oo^ .Mr. David, Tondn
Rooa. .Mr. John, Ch«mlKt, Maesteg
Rao*. Mr. Ihomaa. Staitionmaster, LlaiifyiiwyD
Boo^ .Mr. KUwMd, CaallU FMrn, LUosyawyd.
SCOplM
JtM-i, Mr Wilt, Lain 11 A iJagi Lluigjuvjid.
. Hofii» ATr, t^jiim^initvl, Maesteg
H«c», Mt«<. Jtjriirji Kiino.
t {ji^ptaa ItMf)^ MJH >r , litiiiirt'liin VjifWy
Rues Mr. JVjitlil, kh UP' til A VnlJef
lithi^rt, Mr, Wiah, MrttyhniTiKtiH Tkttwa
ttlfhar*!^, Mr. V.^w, lt<*^|tMl!«r, Mtte«WA
Ulii A»h He; iiiJihiBi ^ir. JODathmn {Saihaf^ ^yf*<f*} ^ln»
nick (III i, Robert, Kaq., CaAtt» Fi«td« Malady,
Oiniijf Roborta. Mr. T. L..Ty Chwyih 8choola. MMrttf
RoborU, Mr. O. Bryan, BriiUnl«, Portll
Roach, .Mr. John, Ponrbiwcoibr
Roderick. R»T. D., Tho Vicarago, Coektil Kjrdar, Air. Wm., ForthoMdoe
Bbowon, J. T. P., Fan , Wow Branawlck
Bbawoo. Mr*., Bod Hyfryd, OkmoaatorahiM
HoBlth, Mr. John, Tonda
Smith, t. O. I>q , MalkMal ProviMlal BMik,
BrHffontI Rmlth. Ml*a M. J.. Oarw Valloy
Spooceri Mr. DavUl, Flemlnfaton. 8 copies
Bwootman, Mr. R, Darran Laa, Monateia Ash
BwlanortoB, Bot. J., St Jobn'a Towlv.
Talboi, O. R. M., Raq., Marfam Park. Sc^plea
Thomaa^ Mr. Kdward, Ponhyddwaolod, aoor
Cwibarnn
Thomat, Mr. Ooorfo. Rly Fkrm. Cardiff
Thomaa, Mr. K. H., Ca«tlo-«troot, Maesteg
Thomani Mr. Wm.. Caallo-vtro^t, Maesteg
Thoniaa, »lr. Wm., Jan.. Caatlenikroot, Maesteg
Thomiia. Mr.
Thnmaa, OddfoUowa* Roft» Mnoatcff. S oopiea
ThomiMk Mr. John, Macffr^or>row, Maesteg
Thomat, Mr. M., C:irdlfr Unlvemlty
Thomaa. Mr. Ooonro, IJan Villago
Thnmaa, .Mr.
Thoinaa. Tonyballi, Llaogynwjd
Thomn*. Dr. W. H, Bionyfani, Maesteg. 11
Kcalo. Robor«» Baq.. Solieltor. Maesteg
Bboitk & U.. Eaq., U. AI, XsipMloff of
Thoroaa. Mr. Jwnkin, Cwroffanr
Thomaa, MU^ Owen, Brynrynan, Llangynwyd
Thomaii, ^r.
Thorna*. Rntcher. Oarth
Thomaa, Mr. Phillip, .Mill-atreot,
aorlloon
Thomaa, >lr Charltm, X3. Alm»-road. Maesteg
Thomaa, Mi»a Ann Hafod. naar Swanno
Thomaa, ^tr. Dirid. Lomlon
Thomaa, Mr. Kran, Llanmrnwyd
ThomMM, Mr. J. K., Owni»»wrla
Thnroaa, .Mr. W. Fr^ar'ck. Ponrhtwe^br
Thom«a, Mr. D. I^aonnrd, Poarhiweoibr
Thomaa, Mr. William, Mountain Aah
Thoma% Mr. K4lwarJ(CocA/ar/X Ooidoa Coffot
Tavern. Caniiff Trehemo, J. P.. Krq.,
Toetrahen Trehemo, Mr. KliA^, Maesteg. 4 ooplaa
Trehcrno, Mr. Richa^l. Br)'nllywarch
Treherne, Mr. David, Penlro. Yatmd
Torborvilo, CoL T. P., Kwanny Abbay. S
copira Tndor. Mr. John, ]ifaoateg
Tjlor, Dr. K. B., Muaeum Honso, OiforD
Waiklna. Mr. William. Caerlooa
Watkin*, .\lr. Paul. Maesteg
Williainii, .Mr. Kvan. Maesteg
Williamn, Mr. Wm. Bridgend. . 6eopf«a
William*. Kev. J. O., Nantyffylloa
WUIiam^ Mr. Richard. Oollyatron, Ltoagynwyd.
S coploa Williama, Mr. Frank. Maesteg
Wllliama, Mr. Jna.. Maesteg
Williama. Rot. John, Garth, Maesteg
Will..ima, Mr. W. a. Bangor Univoraity
WUiiftm., Mr. Richard, Cwmfelln, naar Maesteg
Williama, .M. B., ICtq., KUlay Llonath SwnnaM:
4 ooplea
Williama, Mr., Timber Llarchuit. PMlhcftwl.
Williama. Mr. D. AboimBfl
Williama, JMr. J. T. Chattanooga, Tmbmno.U 8. roehCtooh.
SdMOlt WilliMM, Ur, Ed., OUfMh <
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