one of the Hundreds of this County, so called from its situation,
opposite Mona, or Anglesey, which is the is the signification of the
word; viz. _Ar_, upon; _Mona_, Anglesey.
{74} The writer is aware that a very different account is given the
origin of this motto, viz. that these were the arms of the King of
Bohemia, killed by the Black Prince.
{91} Carnarvon, does not owe its name to Edward I. as is generally
supposed; for _Giraldus Cambrensis_ mentions it in his memorable journey
with the Archbishop, in 1188; and Llewelyn the Great dates from it a
Charter, in the year 1221: probably the Caernarvon of those times was the
ancient Segontium; whose name the Welch had changed to Caer-ar-Fon.
{92} A Well near the old Fort, now called _Hen Waliau_, bears the name
of that Princess, and some very slight remains of Ruins, point out the
probable situation of this old Building, not far from the banks of the
Seiont, to the right of the road leading to Pont Saint.
{95} The above William Griffith, of Carnarvon and Tref-Arthen, was
descended by the Mother’s side, (as Mr. Rowlands informs us) from the
Pilston’s of this Town, and his Grand Daughter, Margaret, conveyed this
property to Griffith Jones, of Castellmarch, in Lleyn; and his Daughter
Margaret marrying Sir William Williams, of Vaenol, Baronet, that
gentleman consequently became possessed of it.
{98a} Specimens of Ancient Welsh Poetry.—London 1784. 4to.
{98b} The Red Dragon, was the device of Cedwalladr, which all his
descendants wore on their banners.
{98c} Supposed to be Tal y Foel, as it is now called.
{103} The word _Bala_, with regard to a lake, seems to convey the same
meaning as _Aber_, when applied to a river, viz. its _embouchure_.
{108} David Thomas, the Welsh Bard, better known by the name of Dafydd
Ddu o Eryri, has taken a house in this Parish, as he intends to quit his
present habitation in the Parish of Llandwrog, (where he has resided some
time) about April next. We cannot omit this opportunity of noticing this
favoured Son of the _Awen_, (Muse) who is generally considered as the
first Welsh Bard now living; and is another instance of what may be
achieved by great talents, and a strong natural genius, though unassisted
by the advantages of education.
{126} A conjecture, partly founded on tradition, attributes the erection
of this fortress to Pardarn Beisrydd, son of Idawl; as we are informed to
Mr. Pennant.
{128a} Rhodri Mawr, the son of Merfyn Vrych, Prince of Wales, A.D. 843.
{128b} Rhun ap Maelgwn, A.D. 585.
{131} It was reported that the Bard had perished on the Cardiganshire
Hills.
{133} Here we have the testimony of Leland, that _Wyddfa_ is _Snowdon_,
and _Creigiau Ryri Rocks_ were the _Forest of Snowdon_, which
comprehended nearly the whole County.
{149} The Devil’s Bridge is near Hafod, in Cardiganshire, twelve miles
from Aberystwith.
{159} Supposed to be derived either from _Gafl_, pl. _Geifl_, Forks; or
from _Yr Ufel_, Fire, from the circumstance of their having been made use
of as signal posts, and been lighted on them for that purpose.
{179} John Wynn ap Hugh, of the family of Bodvel, was Standard Bearer at
the Battle of Norwich, Temp. Edward VI. for which service he had Bardsey,
and Court, in Aberdaron, and was Sheriff of Carnarvonshire 1551; he
married Elisabeth, daughter of Sir John Puleston, by a daughter of Robert
ap Meredith ap Hwikin Llwyd, of Glyn Llifon.
{180} It is probably Pwll Nigel might have taken its name from this
Nigel.
{xxi} _a_ Gloddaeth,—_b_ Rocks above Llyn Idwel,—_c_ Snowdon,—_d_
Llanberis,—_e_ Cwm Idwel,—_f_ on inaccessible rocks near Twll du,
Snowdon, &c.—_g_ near llyn y Cwn,—_h_ Lake near Dolbadarn Castle,—_i_
near Twll du,—_k_ near Gloddaeth,—_i_ on Clogwyn du’r Arddu,—_m_ Penmaen
mawr,—_n_ near Glan y Bala,—_o_ near Bangor,—_p_ between Llanrwst and
Conway,—_q_ in the bottom of Llyn y Cwn, and Ffynon Frech,—_r_ near
Conway,—_s_ near St. Helen’s well,—_t_ Creuddyn,—_u_ by the Waterfall
near Aber,—_v_ rare in Fachwen,—_w_ near Dol Ty Du,—_x_ in Llyn Ogwen,
and Llanberis lakes,—_y_ on a black rock near Clogwyn y Garnedd.