This stone is of some thousand tons weight, and many times larger than
the celebrated mass of rock in Barrowdale, called Bowdar Stone. It lies
in a place called Ynys Hettws (Hetty’s Island); and two of its sides
meeting at an angle with the ground, it was once used as the habitation
of an old woman, who in summer resided in the vale to feed and milk her
cows. The enclosures are yet nearly entire, and are sometimes used as a
sheepfold.
Gorphwysfa,
(The Resting Place), the top of the ascent between Llanberis and Capel
Curig, four miles from the former, overlooks the glorious prospects
before noticed. It also commands a view into the mountain pass which
joins Nant Hwynan and the vale of Capel Curig. The vale of Llanberis is
narrow and almost straight, nearly filled with two lakes, connected by a
canal called Bala ’r Ddeulyn (the Junction of the two Lakes), celebrated
(previous to the opening of the copper mines) for the abundance of the
red and golden char. These fish are still caught in the lakes, though
not so plentifully as formerly; the char is taken about the middle of
September.
Angling Stations.
The upper and lower lakes (Bad sport).
Llyn Cwm Dwythog 2 miles from Dolbadarn inn.
Llyn Llydan 5 — on Snowdon.
Glaslyn on the west of ditto.
LLANDEGAI,
(_Caernarvonshire_.)
Aber 3½
Bangor 2
Conway 10
Port Penrhyn 2
Near to the grand entrance to Penrhyn Park, are the much admired church
and little village of Llandegai, hidden from the immediate view by a high
wall, extending some yards in the front. The parish is more than fifteen
miles in length, from the shore of the Menai straits far into the
mountainous regions of Snowdon, including a wide district, abounding with
almost every species of mineral treasure. The scenery of the
neighbourhood is beautifully picturesque and impressively grand,
comprehending on one hand a vast amphitheatre of mountains, and on the
other a fine view of the Menai Straits.
The church is one of the neatest in the Principality, in the form of a
cross, having a tower in the centre. Its style is Gothic, and it is
supposed to have been erected about the reign of Edward the Third.
Within the church is a mural monument to the memory of John Williams,
lord keeper of the great seal in the reign of James the First, who died
at Gloddaeth, and was interred in this church in 1650. He is represented
in his episcopal dress, kneeling at the altar. There is also an elegant
marble monument erected to the memory of the late Lord and Lady Penrhyn,
executed by Westmacott. On one side it is supported by a female peasant,
deploring the loss of the deceased, and on the other by a quarry-man,
holding an iron bar and a slate knife, earnestly reading the inscription
which commemorates his benefactor. Beneath are smaller figures, the
first representing a boy feeding his goats on the mountains, emblematical
of the state of the country when his lordship commenced his improvements;
the second, two boys working in a slate quarry, emblematical of industry;
the third is, one boy teaching another to read the Bible, emblematical of
religious education; and the fourth, three boys with sickles in a wheat
field, denoting plenty. Lord Penrhyn died in 1806.
The following is a translation of the somewhat curious Latin inscription
on the monumental record of the renowned Archbishop and Lord Chancellor
Williams:—“Sojourner, read, and in these few words, particularly observe
that which you would not expect to find in this obscure chapel. Here
lies buried John Williams, the most renowned of prelates, descended by
his father’s lineage from the Williams’s of Cochwillan, and by his
mother’s from the Griffiths of Penrhyn, whose great parts and eminence in
all kinds of learning raised him first to the deanery of Sarum, and
afterwards advanced him to that of Westminster by the favour of King
James. At one and the same time he was the most intimate favourite of
and privy councillor to that great king, lord keeper of the great seal of
England, and bishop of the see of Lincoln, whom Charles the First
honoured with the archiepiscopal mitre of York. He was thoroughly versed
in all sciences—a treasury of nine languages—the very soul of pure and
undefiled theology—an oracle of political tact—the very acmé and ornament
of wisdom, whether sacred, canonical, civil, or municipal. His
conversation was engagingly sweet—his memory more tenacious than human—a
repository of all species of history—expended in magnificent edifices the
sum of £20,000,—an exemplary pattern of liberality, munificence,
generosity, hospitality, and compassion for the poor. In those
lamentable times which followed, being worn out with the things which he
saw and heard, when, by reason of the fury of the rebels, he could no
longer serve his king nor his country, having lived 68 years, on the 25th
of March, which was his birthday, with strong faith in Christ, and
steadfast allegiance to his king, he most devotedly resigned his soul to
God, dying of a quinsy. It matters little that so small a monument,
placed in this obscure spot, preserves the memory of so great a man,
since years and ages shall never cease to celebrate his virtues. He died
25th March, A.D. 1650.
“Pass on, traveller, it is enough, your curiosity is gratified.”
The ancient family residence, Cochwillan, is within a short distance of
the church, and remains in much the same condition as when, “broken by
the storms of state,” the good prelate here sought his final
resting-place on earth.
LLANDUDNO,
(_Caernarvonshire_.)
Abergele 16
Conway 5
Llandudno old church is situated near the promontory of Ormeshead, which
forms the eastern boundary of the entrance into Beaumaris Bar. It has
the appearance from the sea of a dilapidated cow-house. A new church has
been erected on the side of the promontory, where the inhabitants
principally reside. There are here several very valuable and extensive
copper mines. The cliffs towards the sea are lofty and abrupt; and the
whole scene wild and romantic in the extreme.
On the centre of the mountain is a rocking stone, called Crŷd Tudno (or
the Cradle of St. Tudno); and on an eminence are the ruins of a large
square building, of which the walls, apparently constructed without
mortar, lie scattered in various directions. On the highest part of the
promontory, and near the Great Ormeshead, a signal staff has been
erected, communicating with Llysfaen on the east, and Puffin Island on
the west, forming thereby a post of communication between Liverpool and
Holyhead. These hills and the neighbouring woods of Gloddaeth abound in
rare and curious plants. The rock just above the village of Llandudno is
the only habitation in Britain of the _cotoneaster vulgaris_, which grows
here abundantly.
The parish of Llandudno contains six hundred and sixty-two inhabitants.
LLANEDWEN,
(_Anglesea_.)
Llanidan 2
Moel-y-Don 3
Llanedwen is a small village where Henry Rowlands, the learned author of
Mona Antiqua Restaurata, was interred. He was instituted to the vicarage
of this place in October, 1696, and died 1723. He lies under a black
slab of Anglesea marble, in the south part of the church.
LLANELIAN,
(_Anglesea_.)
Amlwch 8
Beaumaris 20
This is a small village on the eastern coast of Anglesea. The church,
dedicated to St. Elian, is supposed to have been founded by the patron
saint about 540; and adjoining to it is a small chapel, of very ancient
foundation, measuring in its interior twelve feet by fifteen, called
Myfyr, _the confessional_. A curious closet of wood, of an hexagonal
form, called St. Elian’s closet, is yet left in the east wall, and is
supposed to have served both the office of a communion table, and as a
chest to contain the vestments and other utensils belonging to the
chapel. Near to the door is placed Cyff Elian (Elian’s Chest), or
poor-box. Superstitions devotees out of health send their offerings to
the saint, which are put through a hole into the box.
At Point Lynas, near this place, a light-house of considerable dimensions
has been erected.
LLANERCH-Y-MEDD,
(_Anglesea_.)
Amlwch 6
Beaumaris 17
Holyhead 16
London 263
Llanerch-y-medd is a considerable town, with a market on Wednesday,
deriving its importance chiefly from its proximity to the Parys mountain,
on the northern side of Anglesea. Here are the leading fairs for
Anglesea oxen, and the south country dealers attend to make their
purchases for the Kent and Sussex pastures. An establishment has been
opened in this town for the manufacture of snuff, in imitation of the
celebrated Lundy Foot, of Dublin. There is a small but comfortable inn
here.
Within one mile of the town is Llwydiaeth, the hospitable mansion of W.
P. Lloyd, Esq. At a small distance is a rocking stone, held in great
sanctity by the bards as a druidical remain.
LLANERVUL,
(_Montgomeryshire_.)
Dolgelley 24
Llanfair 5
Machynlleth 25
Mallwydd 13
Newtown 14
Welshpool 12
This interesting little village is pleasantly situated on the banks of
the river Banwy, and at the lower extremity of a narrow vale of about
seven miles in length. The Cross Foxes Inn affords good accommodation.
The situation of the village, being on the turnpike-road from Shrewsbury
to Machynlleth and Dolgelley, causes it to be much enlivened in the
summer season, by coaches passing through, conveying travellers to the
bathing places at Aberystwyth and Barmouth.
The parish, extending nearly eight miles in length, and about three in
breadth, is divided into six townships, comprising a population of about
1000, chiefly employed in agriculture. The lands are but partially
enclosed and cultivated, the hilly parts affording only pasturage for
sheep, young cattle, and Welsh ponies, during the summer; but the soil of
the lower grounds is tolerably fertile, and when properly cultivated, is
capable of producing grain of every kind. Within this parish, on the
mountains, are several lakes of considerable extent and depth, and some
of them containing great abundance of fish, chiefly trout and eels.
The most ancient manor-house in these parts is Neuadd-wen (the
White-hall). This was formerly the seat of Meredydd ab Cynan, brother of
Gruffydd ab Cynan, Prince of North Wales, who served the Princes of
Powys, and was termed Lord of Rhiw-hiriaeth, Coedtalog, and Neuadd-wen.
Some genealogists say that he was Meredydd ab Cynvyn, and brother to
Bleddyn ab Cynvyn, Prince of Powys. The estate of Neuadd-wen was divided
and subdivided according to the custom of gavel kind, until the time of
Evan ab Owen, the last of the line of Meredydd ab Cynan, whose two
daughters were married, the one to the Llwydiarth family, the other to
that of Newtown Hall. In a heap of rubbish, at the back of the present
farm-house of Nauadd-wen, were found pieces of free stone, with
mouldings, which appeared to be the ruins of an arched window. The
building seemed to have been Gothic, according to the taste of the
eleventh and twelfth century. It is probable that the name of Neuadd-wen
was given to the new structure, for there is a tradition that its former
appellation was Llŷs Wgan, which is corrobarated by the fact, that a
rivulet near the house is still called Nant Wgan.
Adjoining Neuadd-wen lies the capital farm of Llysyn, formerly the estate
of Ieuan ab Bedo Gwyn, descendant of a cadet branch of the family of
Neuadd-wen. This estate was afterwards purchased by the Herberts, and
made the residence of some branch of that family, ancestors to the
present Earl of Powys. The name of Llysyn seems to be a contraction of
Llŷs-dyddyn (the Court-farm). Probably, the Princes of Powys had here a
court of judicature.
This parish contains the vestiges of several tumuli, forts, and ramparts,
such as those at Moel-y-ddolwen, Gardden, Rhôs-y-gallt, &c.; but the most
singular vestige of antiquity here is that of the Roman causeway, called
Sarn-Sws, or Sarn-Swsen, which leads from the old Roman station of
Caer-Sws, near Llanidloes, to Chester; or as some will have it, from
Caerllëon-ar-Wysg, in Monmouthshire, to Caerllëon-ar-Ddyfr-dwy, or
Chester on the Dee. This road enters the parish of Llanervul on the
hills of the Drum, and thence descends through the farms of Cae’r-Bacha,
Cynniwyll, &c., and crosses the river Banwy below Neuadd-wen, and then up
Craig-y-gô, whence it proceeds through the parish of Llanvihangel; and
Dr. Worthington says it might be traced through the parish of
Llanrhaiadr-yn-Mochnant, at Street-Vawr, near Coed-y-Clawdd, over
Rhôs-y-brithdir, to Pen-y-Street, and thence to Llamiwrch, &c. In some
places the pavement may be found a little below the surface.
The church of Llanervul is dedicated to Urval Santes, a female saint,
whose pedigree is not known: some suppose that the ancient tomb-stone in
the church-yard was erected to her memory, but the inscription by no
means corroborates that supposition.
Mrs. Priscilla Forster, a descendant of the family of the Herberts of
Llysyn, bequeathed £300 for the instruction of the poor children of the
parish: this sum was invested in the purchase of a farm near the village,
now considered worth £35 per annum, which is appropriated agreeably to
the intentions of the benevolent testatrix.
LLANFAIR, {146}
(_Anglesea_.)
Llangefni 5
Pentraeth 2½
This village is celebrated as the birth-place of Goronwy Owen, of whom a
Welsh author has said that “he was the greatest genius either of this
age, or that ever appeared in our country; and perhaps few other
countries can boast his equal for universal knowledge.” He was born in
1722, had the rudiments of his education at the grammar-school of Bangor,
whence, in 1741, he went to Oxford. Four years afterwards he received
holy orders at Bangor, and became curate to the Bishop at Llanfair. He
successively held the curacy of Donnington, near Shrewsbury, and Walton,
near Liverpool: but having only a slender income, and being disappointed
in his hopes of preferment, he emigrated to America. The taste, manners,
and morals of the Virginians were offensive and disgusting to this son of
sorrow. He lost by death his wife and children, all but one boy; and he
himself, while but comparatively a young man, sank to the grave under the
pressure of accumulated misfortunes. To a perfect acquaintance with the
Latin and Greek languages, he added a knowledge of the Hebrew, Chaldee,
Arabic, and Syriac. His Latin odes have been universally admired for the
purity of their language, and for the elegance of their expression. As a
Welsh poet he ranks superior to all since the days of Dafydd ap Gwilym.
Those parts of his works which have been printed are considered as
perfect models of Welsh poetry. It has been lately stated that a
grandson of the bard is now living in the United States, and is a member
of the congress.
LLANFAIR,
(_Montgomeryshire_.)
Can-Office 7
Dinas-Mowddwy 18
Mallwyd 16
Newtown 10
Oswestry 20
Welshpool 8
Llanfair, or Llanfair-Caer-Einion, a small market town pleasantly
situated on the declivity of an eminence, rising from the south bank of
the small river Banwy, which falls into the Vyrnwy, and on the turnpike
road leading from Welshpool to Machynlleth and Dolgelley, containing 2687
inhabitants. It has a church dedicated to St. Mary, an ancient
structure; and five places of worship for dissenters. The Vyrnwy abounds
with such a quantity and variety of fish, as justly to entitle it to the
name of _amnis piscosus_. The inhabitants of this place are said to
excel in the practice of spearing fish.
Angling Stations.
Myfod (Meivod) 5 miles on the Vyrnwy.
Llangynyw 2½ „
Llanervul 5 „
LLANFYLLYN,
(_Montgomeryshire_.)
London 178
Mallwyd 20
Oswestry 14
Shrewsbury 25
Welshpool 12
A market town of some note, situate in a fertile valley on the banks of
the river Cain, surrounded by lofty hills. The market is held on
Thursday. Population, 1955.
In the centre of the town stands the church, which was erected when the
excellent Dr. Beveridge was bishop of the diocese; it is a neat brick
building, dedicated to St. Myllyn. The peal of bells surpasses any in
the county. Here are three endowed schools; and a good town hall was
built in 1775.
Bôd Fach, near this town, the seat of Lord Mostyn, was once the residence
of his paternal ancestors, the Kyffins. The markets and fairs of
Llanfyllyn are well attended, particularly for the purchase of Welsh
merlins, which are brought here for sale in great numbers.
LLANGEFNI,
(_Anglesea_.)
Beaumaris 12
Llanerch-y-Medd 7
Menai Bridge 7
Mona Inn 3
This is a small but neat market town centrally situated in the island.
The markets and fairs are of considerable importance. It is one of the
contributory boroughs; the present M.P. being Col. Paget. There is a
neat church under the hill, and the town is romantically situated. The
principal inn is Pen-y-bont.
Tregarnedd, now only a farm-house, but once the residence of Ednyfed
Vychan, an able chieftain to Llywelyn the Great, is in this parish.
About three miles distant on the Llanerch-y-medd road is Tregaian, the
residence of Vice-Admiral Lloyd. Not far off is Maen Rhos Rhyfel, where
Owen Gwynedd obtained a signal victory over an invading army of Erse,
Manksmen, and Normans. The population of Llangefni is 1753.
[Picture: Llangollen bridge]
LLANGOLLEN,
(_Denbighshire_.)
Chester 23
Chirk 7
Corwen 10
London 183
Oswestry 12
Ruabon 6
Ruthin 15
Wrexham 12
The name of this place is derived from the dedication of its church to an
ancient British saint named Collen, whose lineage runs thus, in names
almost unpronounceable by Saxon tongues—St. Collen ap Gwynnawg ap Clydawg
ap Cowrda ap Caredog Freichfras ap Llyr Merim ap Einion Yrth ap Cunededd
ap Wledig. The town, which is beautifully situated in a deep narrow
valley, enclosed by lofty mountains, and watered by the noble stream of
the Dee, appears anciently to have been protected by the neighbouring
fortress of Castell Dinas Bran, situated on the summit of a vast conical
hill in its neighbourhood. The houses are in general old or rather mean
in appearance, though occasionally interspersed with some modern handsome
dwellings; and there is excellent accommodation for the numerous visitors
who frequent the neighbourhood during the summer season. The pure air
and mild temperature cause a number of families to adopt this locality as
a permanent retreat. The Hand, the King’s Head and Royal Hotel, are the
two principal inns. Population, 1500.
Here is a stone bridge over the Dee, consisting of four pointed arches,
erected in the year 1345, by John Trevor, Bishop of St. Asaph, and which
was anciently regarded as one of the wonders of North Wales. The scenery
of the neighbourhood is pre-eminent for its grandeur and sublimity, and
for its picturesque and romantic beauty.
The church is an ancient structure, with small pretensions to
architectural beauty, except some fine carvings on the roof and other
parts of the interior. The view from the churchyard is remarkably
pretty, embracing the bridge, the weir, and Crow Castle. The talented
and self taught clerk, Mr. Jones, may be consulted by writers with
profit, as a person of considerable attainments and general information.
The church services are alternately in the Welsh and English language.
The market is held on Saturday, and is well supplied with butcher’s meat,
but very little corn is sold. By the late act for amending the
representation, Llangollen has been made a polling-place in the election
of knights for the shire.
Llangollen Vale,
a district long celebrated in prose and verse for its varied beauties, is
bounded on each side by lofty mountains of imposing grandeur. It is
certainly a charming and romantic spot; and though not so grandly
impressive, or so surpassingly beautiful as some of the other Welsh
valleys, its lovely features become more attractive on a familiar
acquaintance. A remarkable range of lime-stone hills, called the
Eglwyseg Rocks, adds a singular variety to the landscape. It is almost
needless to observe that “Llangollen, that sweetest of vales,” is the
scene of the home of “Jenny Jones,” whose charms are sung in Charles
Matthews’ popular ballad.—In this vale, and within a quarter of a mile
from the town, stands
Plas Newydd,
the famed retreat of Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Ponsonby, better known,
probably, as _the two recluses_ of Llangollen Vale. These two females,
delighted with the scenery around Llangollen, when it was little known to
the rest of the world, sought here, about the year 1778, a philosophical
retirement from the frivolities of fashionable life, and selected and
improved a dwelling that commands a fine mountain prospect, which
obtained the name of Plâs Newydd. This elegant little cottage is
situated on a small knoll, and surrounded by very tasteful grounds.
The peculiar style in which these ladies decorated their retreat has been
much discussed. A palisade, ornamented with antique and grotesque
figures carved in oak, enclosed the front; and the doors and windows were
decorated with carving of the same material. The rooms were tastefully
adorned with drawings. A carriage drive, open to strangers, crosses the
lawn immediately in front of the cottage. Lady Eleanor Butler died June
2, 1829, at the advanced age of 90, and Miss Ponsonby, Dec. 9, 1831, aged
76: both were interred in the churchyard of Llangollen. To their memory
is erected a monument of unique and elegant structure. It has three
sides, on each of which there is an appropriate epitaph; one for Lady
Eleanor Butler, another for Miss Ponsonby, and the other for their
youthful servant, Mary Carrol, who had accompanied them from Ireland, the
country of their birth, to this delightful retirement.
The whole property was consigned to the hammer in 1832, and was purchased
by two other maiden ladies, viz. Miss Lolly and Miss Andrew, who seemed
inclined to emulate the retirement of its former possessors.
There are many other genteel villas and country residences, within a
convenient distance of the town, deserving of notice.