we observed to our right, on a hill, a large flat cromlech, several tons
weight, resting on about six smaller ones, placed perpendicularly, and
standing about five feet high: this is vulgarly called King Arthur’s
stone. The lifting of this stone in its present place is mentioned in
the Welsh Historical Triades as one of the three arduous undertakings
accomplished in the Island of Britain. On a hill, opposite our inn, we
discovered evident vestiges of a Roman encampment. From this elevation
the eye caught a fine view of Caermarthen Bay, and the bold promontory of
Worm’s Head, to the south-west: this rock is only accessible at low
water.
The country through which we traversed for the four or five last miles,
is inhabited by a colony of Flemings, who settled here in the reign of
King Henry I. In the reign of this King’s father, a great number of
Flemings having been driven out of their habitations by a very
extraordinary inundation of the sea, sought protection in England, where
they were cordially received. But so many of these people being
dispersed in different parts of the kingdom, began, by the increase of
their numbers, to create some uneasiness; which King Henry I. removed, by
settling them as a colony in South Wales, and gave them the country
adjoining to Tenby and Haverfordwest. By this wise policy, the king rid
his own dominions of an incumbrance, and curbed the insolence of the then
rebellious Cambrians. {54} The little territory they inhabit is called
_Gwyr_; and by the English, Little England beyond Wales: because their
manners and language are still distinguishable from the Welsh, and in
point of speech assimilate the English. These Flemings, to this day,
seldom or never intermarry with the Welsh: they speak good English, and
are very much averse to the manners and language of the country they
inhabit; both sexes generally distinguish themselves by wearing a short
cloak, called _gowyr wittle_.
In preference to a long walk, of near thirty miles, we crossed the river
Bury, at Loughor, in the church-yard of which village we found the
following epitaph:
The village maidens to her grave shall bring
Selected garlands, each returning spring:
Selected sweets! in emblem of the maid,
Who, underneath this hallowed turf, is laid:
Like her, they flourish, beauteous to the eye.
Like her, too soon, they languish, fade and die.