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Title: Ten Days' Tour through the Isle of Anglesea
       December, 1802


Author: John Skinner



Release Date: December 28, 2020  [eBook #64154]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)


***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TEN DAYS' TOUR THROUGH THE ISLE OF
ANGLESEA***

Transcribed from the July 1908 Charles J. Clark edition by David Price.

Archaeologia Cambrensis

TEN DAYS’ TOUR
THROUGH
THE ISLE OF ANGLESEA

DECEMBER, 1802

BY
REV. JOHN SKINNER
RECTOR OF CAMERTON, SOMERSETSHIRE

SUPPLEMENT, JULY, 1908.

LONDON:
Published for the Cambrian Archaeological Association by
CHARLES J. CLARK, 65, CHANCERY LANE, W.C.

p. 3INTRODUCTION

The Rev. John Skinner’s Ten Days’ Tour Through Anglesey, which is given in the following pages, has been carefully transcribed from the manuscript in the British Museum, the punctuation, spelling, and use of capitals followed strictly throughout.  Some notes have been kindly furnished by Mr. E. Neil Baynes, F.S.A., and he has also copied (in black and white) most of the water-colour illustrations which are included in the manuscript.  The illustrations are reduced from the original size, but with this exception and the absence of colour they have been copied as closely as possible, with all errors of perspective, etc.  Some of the drawings would appear to have been done by Mr. Skinner in the evening from memory, and not on the spot.  The complete list is printed herewith, and the pages where the plates appear in the original.  A copy of an extract from Mr. Skinner’s will is subjoined, in which he expresses his particular wish that the chests containing his numerous notebooks should not be opened until the expiration of fifty years from the day of his death.

Extracted from the Principal Registry of the Probate Divorce
and Admiralty Division of the High Court of Justice
In the Prerogative Court of Canterbury.

In the will of the Reverend John Skinner late Rector of Camerton in the county of Somerset deceased dated 1st February 1839 is as follows:—

No. 2.  I give and bequeath to the trustees of the British Museum all my Journals and other Manuscripts transcribed by my late brother Russell from No. 1 to No. 110 both p. 4inclusive and interleaved with original drawings together with the Journals I have made in my own hand-writing since my brother’s death from the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty three to the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight in volume 1 to volume 36 of an Octavo size with blue Morocco backs containing altogether in number one hundred and forty six which I desire may be safely conveyed to the trustees of the British Museum with the five Iron Chests in which they are now contained and I request my said executor the Reverend John Hammond to see to the performance of this bequest in the manner aforesaid and it is my particular wish and request that neither of the Iron Chests with the contents aforesaid shall be opened till after the expiration of fifty years from the day of my death but provided the trustees of the British Museum should raise any objection thereto it is my will that my before mentioned request should not be insisted upon.

Proved (with two Codicils)
14th November 1839
Fos 4
J J C
716 Vaughan

N.B.—It is not to be inferred that the foregoing extract contains the only portion of the said Will referring to the matters therein mentioned.

p. 5LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

No. 99.  The stepped gable over the gateway should, I think, be over the porch, and the pointed gable shown over the porch should be over the gateway, but I am not certain.

No. 115.  The font described as in Penrhoslligwy Church is really the old font of Llanallgo.  It was covered with plaster and set on a rough mass of masonry.  When the Church was restored, about fifteen years ago, the plaster was cut away and the font was redressed.

N.B.—The beginning of a page in the original is marked by the introduction in the text of folio and number between brackets, thus (fol. 22).

p. 7Additional MSS. 33,636

This book was transcribed from my Journal by my
brother Russell Skinner (who was the companion
of my Tour) Anno Dom: 1804

SKETCHES IN ANGLESEA
TAKEN IN DECEMBER 1802

BY
REV^D. JOHN SKINNER

1802
62

1740

I give this Vol. of my Anglesea Tour with my other Journals, to the British Museum to be retained by them according to the directions I have left in my will respecting the disposal of my MSS.

p. 9(fol. 22)

TEN DAYS’ TOUR THE
ISLE OF ANGLESEA
Anno 1802

Thursday, December 2

We left Capel Cerig early this morning on horseback with the design of examining the Celtic remains in the Isle of Anglesea the Harper of the inn accompanying us in the capacity of interpreter.  After a ride of fifteen miles along the vale of Nantffrancon by Lord Penrhyn’s quarries we came to Moel-don ferry about eleven o’clock when returning our horses by a boy (fol. 22a) (previously sent forward for the purpose from Capel Cerig) we proceeded as pedestrians.  Our passage across the Menai savoured somewhat of quixottism for the ferry boat being on the other side waiting for passengers we were unable to brook the delay so taking possession of a fisherman’s skiff lying on the beach we rowed to the Island pursuing nearly the same track as the Romans seventeen hundred years ago under the command of Paulinus Suetonius which event is so particularly described by Tacitus.

On our landing we immediately made the necessary enquiries at a public house for the route we were to pursue and found the places we had noted down lay so wide asunder it would be impossible to comprehend them in the course of the day.  We accordingly determined on making that our sleeping place and after a slight meal (fol. 24) took the road across the fields to Llanidan.  In our way passed an ancient mansion called p. 10Plâs Goch apparently built in the time of Elizabeth.  A little way beyond the house is a natural barrier of rock rising abruptly above the level ground and extending almost the whole way to Porthamel the distance of half a mile.  Near this place in a meadow the Romans are supposed to have formed their ranks immediately on landing and the field to this day retains the name of Pant y scraffie, or the place of the passage boats.  At low tides the channel is not above three or four feet deep so that it might easily have been crossed by the cavalry in the manner described by the Historian and the natural barrier before mentioned being so contiguous, it is not at all improbable that it was the first post occupied by the Romans under Paulinus Suetonius on their invasion of the island 1740 years ago.  “Igitur Monam insulam, incolis validam et receptaculum perfugarum adgredi parat, navesque fabricatur plano alveo adversus breve litus (flat bottomed boats to pass over the shallows) et incertum—sic pedes—(the infantry thus p. 11passed over) equites vado secuti aut altiores inter undas adnantes equis tramisere.”  The cavalry followed the infantry, and by fording and swimming over the deeper channels arrived at the opposite side.  Tac. Ann. lib. 14, c. 29.  A few minutes’ walk brought us to Llanidan church, which seems superior to (fol. 24a) the generality of Welsh buildings of the kind having a double roof and two bells in the clochti or belfry.  A large irregular built mansion [11a] belonging to Mr. Williams who has acquired such immense property in the Pary’s Mines stands close to it.  From Llanidan we took the road to Bryn Shenkin half a mile beyond.  It is where Mr. Roland supposes the Britons formerly had a town but now every trace is lost.  Having procured a lad well acquainted with the neighbourhood to conduct us by the nearest route we quickly proceeded to Blochti half a mile further to the north-west. [11b]  At this place on a steep bank or rather ridge p. 12of rock (a quarry being now worked beneath) we traced the foundations of four or five circular buildings in a line close to each other each measuring nearly seven yards in diameter.  The same gentleman Mr. Rowland describes these as the remains (fol. 26) of British habitations and his opinion seems to be confirmed by some others of a similar form lying in a meadow called Tan-ben-y-cefn not two hundred yards from the spot.  These latter are surrounded by two quadrangular earthworks the larger fifty yards by forty containing four of these circular foundations the smaller (forty yards by thirty) only two.  It is not improbable that some of the Roman soldiers might have occupied this spot after driving the inhabitants from their possessions and that the earth works were thrown up by them by way of security.

Crossing a barren marshy heath we saw the banks of a circular work probably formed for the same purpose as that we before noticed at Caerleon and I presume was a gymnasium or place of exercise (the p. 13country people indeed have an idea it was a fortification as our guide informed us it still goes by the name of the Castle. [13a]  Whatever it was it does not appear to have been at all connected with the Druidical worship (fol. 26a) as Mr. Rowland supposes).  The mound encompassing the area may be from ten to fifteen feet in height the diameter of the circle sixty yards.  This measurement I believe is nearly accurate but part of the circle having been destroyed in order to form a cart road makes it more difficult to determine with certainty.  On enquiring for some ancient stones noticed by Mr. Roland at a place called Bryn Gwyn we were directed to one standing near a cottage a quarter of a mile to the north-west [13b] of the circus.  It was of a lozenge form measuring above three yards in height and two in width.  We observed none of equal dimensions near at hand but in a field at the back of the cottage there were six each about a yard high placed three and three at equal distances so as to form p. 14two exact triangles.  From hence we proceeded along higher ground to a farm house called (fol. 29) Tref Drw (Druids town) where some of that venerable order are said to have resided.  Now the name alone records the circumstance to posterity as there is nothing remaining which can be attributed to so remote a period.  But not far distant we were directed to a quadrangular earth work thrown up on marshy ground near the brook (or as it is termed by the inhabitants the river Briant). [14a]  The outer mound [14b] measures fifty yards by forty and is about five feet in height the trench 12 feet wide.  Near the centre of the enclosure we noticed the foundation of another of the circular huts above mentioned and in an angle to the south east appearances of walls and buildings.  The course of the river must have altered considerably in aftertimes otherwise the Romans would hardly have chosen so damp a spot even for a temporary encampment.  Still continuing in a northerly p. 15direction and leaping over the river Briant we regained the higher ground near (fol. 29a) Bodower [15a] house which is at present occupied by a farmer who rents the property of Lord Boston.  Here we were gratified by the sight of a very perfect chromlech standing in a field to the N.W. [15b] of the house.  The upper stone terminates in a ridge like the roof of a building and measures seven feet four inches long three feet deep and four wide: this is sustained by three supporters each three feet in height & nearly the same in thickness.  That cromlechs were not always used (if they were at all) as altars for sacrifice I think may be demonstrated by the one before us (as its Pyramidical form is by no means adapted to the purpose.  Indeed there is a tradition amongst the Welsh that this rude memorial was erected over the grave of a British princess named Bronwen who flourished in the year of the world 3105!!!!).  My sketches being finished we p. 16hastened on hoping to reach Mafyrian [16a] a mile and a half further before the evening closed in but owing to a mistake of the guide’s we lost our way and wandered about until it grew quite dark.  Our disappointment however was in some respect alleviated (fol. 32) by the intelligence we received of some Roman coins in possession of a person at Tre Evan [16b] a cottage we were to pass on our return.  The moon having by this time risen above the horizon we had a pleasant walk to Tre Evan and entering the door made known the purport of our visit to the good lady of the house who readily acknowledged she once had a great many bits of brass money but thinking them of no value had given them her children to play with.  On our anxious request through our interpreter for a more exact scruitiny in this important concern she began rumaging a little cupboard and at length produced a counterfeit shilling of William the third which she said was all that she retained of any money.  This was a mortifying termination to our suspence as we were in hope a few (fol. 32a) might have escaped the general dispertion.  On enquiring how the brass coins came into her possession she informed us that about six years ago whilst a labourer was building a wall round a field near her house he took materials for the purpose from the foundations of some circular buildings (similar to those at Blochti) in one of which he discovered a millstone containing in the cavity at the centre about two quarts of brass coins.  He also dug up a smaller millstone which she still retained in her cottage.  On producing it I found it of a close texture and tho’ only ten inches in diameter weighing twenty-six pounds.  This probably belonged to a hand mill as it seems to resemble those I noticed in my excursion along the Roman wall.  By the way the circumstance of finding these coins hid in the foundation of a circular building sufficiently proves that the Romans occupied the p. 17premises after the Britons had quitted them.  We returned at seven o’clock to Moel-don and supped in company with a young clergyman just appointed to the curacy of the parish.  He proved an agreeable companion and gave us some interesting (fol. 33) information regarding the new regulations at Oxford.  On retiring to our sleeping apartments we found them altogether the most homely I ever occupied.  However as we had made up our minds not to quarrel with trivial difficulties we resigned ourselves to our lot without murmuring and sleep soon veiled all in oblivion.

Friday, Decr. 3

We were up early this morning but it rained so fast we could not leave the house till ten.  I employed the interval in copying a map of the Island on a large scale which is to be filled up as we proceed.  Accompanied by our new acquaintance we first visited Llanedwyn [17] church where he officiates for the first time next Sunday.  The church yard and a great part of the parish has lately been enclosed by Lord Uxbridge’s park walls and we were not a little surprized to find a (fol. 33a) porter’s lodge and a locked gate on the church road.

In the church yard is a flat stone with a Latin inscription to Rowlands the antiquarian who held this living with Llanidan for many years.  We found by the date that he died in one thousand seven hundred and twenty-seven.

What is very extraordinary for the author of such a book as Mona Antiqua we were told he was never above once out of the Island in his life.

Llanedwyn church is said by this gentleman to have been originally founded by Edwen neice or daughter to king Edwin anno domini six hundred and four though none of the present building we presume can boast of p. 18that antiquity it being formed after the present model of Welsh churches.  Yet it retains its bason for holy water, its modern crosses, and a curious inscription cut on the back of one of the pews, the letters running in a circle with I. H. S. in the centre.  I believe the inscription is Welsh: the character (fol. 38) apparently that made use of in the time of Henry the seventh.  From hence we pursued our walk across the park towards Lord Uxbridge’s house stopping in the way to examine a very large Carnedd [18] or artificial hillock formed of loose stones but now overgrown with turf and trees.  This remain is one of the most considerable in the island measuring one hundred and thirty-four paces in circumference.  On walking round it we observed a square opening on the south side which I entered on my hands and knees and found it about ten feet long, four wide and three high, the sides formed of three large flat stones placed edgeways in the ground supporting the roof which consists of only two.  I have endeavoured to be as exact as I could in my drawings of this cistfaen (which without p. 19doubt it was) and employed as the grave of some considerable personage (folio 38a) in ancient p. 20times though Mr. Rowlands appropriates the carnedd to a very different use and connects it with the religion of the Druids.  In his time three skeletons were discovered in digging near the surface of the carnedd which gave him an idea of its being a place of sacrifice but he had never an opportunity of viewing the interior (the opening having been discovered within these few years) he was unable to speak with certainty on the subject.  This was certainly the mode of sepulture among the Britons, and northern invaders before the introduction of Christianity, and many of the open parts of England especially Wiltshire & Dorsetshire abound in them, there they are denomenated barrows, in Derbyshire & the northern counties they are called lows.  The term carnedd implies a heap of stones.

From hence we proceeded to look at a very large cromlech [20] or Druidical altar preserved in the Park near his lordship’s stables.  In our way there we passed in front of the house a vast pile of building p. 21designed by Wyatt and recently fitted up with every elegance of modern refinement but as the family (fol. 41) were at home we could not visit the interiour.  However I made a drawing of the cromlech which is nearly four yards long and above a yard thick, the supporters at the north end nearly five feet high a smaller stone lying close to the other extremity measuring three feet long and two and a half thick has also its small supporters and is to all appearance intended as a separate cromlech.  A large tree spreading its branches over the moss grown stone and the venerable wood sheltering the park are still very impressive and give some idea of the enthusiasm these objects were capable of inspiring when connected with superstition.  The stables, not far distant from the spot are built in a style of gothic architecture resembling an extensive monastery, the pampered and lazy steeds within their stalls may be considered as no inapt emblem of the former (fol. 41a) inhabitants of such kind of edifices.  From hence we walked to a modern villa situated in another part of the grounds p. 22called Fort Cæsar built by Colonel Peacock about 20 years since, but on Lord Uxbridge’s purchasing the Colonel’s estate it was enclosed within that park, as is also a more ancient mansion called Plâs Llanedwyn besides many farm houses and cottages.  The park wall has not long since been erected, it is built of stone ten feet high and extends nearly four miles in length.

Returning to Llanedwyn church we proceeded in company with Mr. Hughes of Plâs Goch towards Bryn Gwiderin.  In our way thither he engaged a young man well acquainted with the country to conduct us to those places we had marked out in our list for the day.  Bryn Gwiderin [22a] is a natural ledge of rock resembling what we before noticed at Plâs Goch running for upwards of two miles towards Bryn Shenkin [22b] the (fol. 43) Beaumaris road being formed on the summit.  p. 23The Romans are supposed to have fixed upon this spot as their principal station in the Island though the shape of the fortress [23] differs from their usual form being a semicircle ninety yards across defended by a triple trench to the southward and to the north by the natural barrier above mentioned.  I was anxious to see whether the walls had been constructed with cement as in the more finished works of the Romans but could gain no information on the subject having nothing with us to clear away the rubbish from the surface.  On asking the guide whether they had ever discovered any copper coins, he said oh yes he had some in his possession and off he ran like a dart to his cottage nearly half a mile distant.  We waited his return hoping at length our wishes would be gratified in this respect when lo! instead of coins bearing the effigies of the Cæsars he produced a handful of (fol. 43a) rough copper ore, on explaining to him what we wanted saying they resembled a piece of money he said he had one of that kind also of silver which he picked up a short time since in a field near home whither he returned with equal alacrity to procure it and shortly made his appearance with a shilling of Elizabeth’s!!!  So much for coins.  There seems to be a fatality against my collecting any.  In my excursion along the Roman Wall I heard of many but could obtain none.  Those I procured at Caerwent are unfortunately lost many have certainly been dug up in these parts but either lost or disposed of.  We continued our progress from Bryn Gwyderin in a northerly direction towards Mafyrian the distance of two miles over heaths & bogs.  At this place we expected to meet with some Druidical remains noticed by Mr. Rowlands but they have all been cleared (fol. 45) away since his time.  At Bodlew we experienced a similar disappointment.  We therefore proceeded towards Llanddeiniol church in expectation of p. 25seeing some painted glass said to have been presented by the notorious Judge Jeffries whose family formerly resided here but nothing of the kind was to be seen or indeed anything else for never was I in so dark or dismal a place.  But in this parish we were fully recompensed for all our former disappointments by the sight of the Carnedd at Bryn Celli.

Accompanied by a young farmer who procured a lanthorn for the purpose we walked nearly a mile to the south east of the church to the spot where in Mr. Rowlands’ time there were two carnedds remaining having two rude stone pillars placed between them but these stones have been employed for the purpose of building a wall near this place as well as a great part (fol. 45a) of the western carnedd which is nearly destroyed for the same purpose about twenty years ago when the labourers when digging towards the center discovered a flat pan about ten inches overturned bottom upwards and under it a wedge of gold as they pretend the size of the heater of an iron with a piece of wire passing through the smaller end of it.  The father of the young man who was with us happened to be one of the workmen employed at the time, but as what they found was immediately taken by Colonel Peacock the proprietor of the ground the man could give no further account of the circumstance.  I should imagine that what they called the wedge of gold was no other than one of the brazen celts or sacrificial instruments used in former times which have been discovered in great numbers in Cornwall and (fol. 46) other parts of the kingdom.  Whilst a farmer was removing some of the stones from the north east side of the larger carnedd to employ them in his repairs he came to the mouth of a passage covered with a square stone similar to that at Plâs Newydd, anxious to reap the fruits of his discovery he procured a light and crept forward on his hands and knees along the dreary vault, when lo! in a chamber at the further end a figure in white seemed to forbid his approach.  p. 26The poor man had scarcely power sufficient to crawl backwards out of this den of spirits as he imagined however in the course of a few days instigated by the hopes of riches and the presence of many assistants he made his second entré into the cavern and finding the white gentleman did not offer to stir he boldly went (fol. 46a) forward and discovered the object of his apprehensions was no other than a stone pillar about six feet in height standing in the centre of the chamber.  His former consternation could now only be exceeded by his eagerness to see what was contained beneath the stone which he shortly overturned but treasure there was none, some large human bones lying near the pillar sufficiently testifying the purpose for which the structure was intended.  This is the substance of the account we received from the young man whose father was one of Colonel Peacock’s labourers and on the premises at the time of the discovery.  The superstition of the common people still suppose this to be the habitation of spirits.

Our two conductors seeming rather to compliment each other about precedence I took the lanthorn and crawling for about twelve feet along (fol. 47) a narrow passage got into a more capacious chamber, my companions followed close at my heels and we assembled to the number of six in this singular sepulchre.  The passage by which we entered is about three feet high and a little more in breadth and was formed like that we noticed at Plâs Newydd with flat stones stuck endways and covered with others of still greater magnitude laid across.  I have still my doubts that if the former was further explored it might terminate in a similar vault to what we are now speaking of.  The height of the chamber is nine feet, its form nearly triangular some of the sides being about three yards long and four or five feet high.  The intermediate space up to the roof is filled with stones placed one above the other in the manner they build walls but without any kind of cement.  Two prodigious flat p. 27stones covered the whole one about three yards in length and two in breadth (fol. 47a) the other not quite so large.  These are of a gritty substance not like any stone found in the vicinity.  The pillar still lying in the cavern is a kind of freestone and seems to have been rounded by the tool.  On examining more minutely this singular structure we were not a little annoyed by a tribe of immense spiders who have reigned here unmolested for ages the cones containing their young ones suspended from different parts of the roof nearly as large as those of silk worms.

I suppose we were in this mansion of the dead half an hour and on regaining the open air found the evening shut in, and the gloom still heightened by a heavy rain which accompanied us the whole way to Moel-don where we arrived very wet to a late dinner and went early to bed.

(Fol. 48) Saturday, Decr. 4

We were up as soon as it was light this morning and having taken leave of our new acquaintance who seems destined to vegetate on sixty pounds per annum with the charge of three churches and a wife into the bargain, we proceeded along the shore of the Menai to Llanidan.  In our way observed more particularly Pant y scraffie the meadow where the Romans are supposed to have effected their landing.  Mr. Rowland with some probability derives y scraffie from the Latin word scaphae a kind of flat boats or skiffs best adapted for a shallow coast.  We stopped a few minutes at Llanidan to look at the inside of the church.  Mr. Williams senior, who died last week at Bath is expected to be interred here.  Like Sir Benjamin Hamet and Mr. Allen though sprung from a mean origin he (fol. 48a) acquired a princely fortune having been first agent and then afterwards partner in that lucrative p. 28concern the Parys mine.  I took a drawing of Llanidan church and afterwards copied an inscription in the church yard bearing date 1640 the character differs from most others of the same period.  The interior of the building has little to attract notice but Russell copied the following inscription to a Mr. Fitz Gerald who appears to have been resident at the old mansion at Bodowyr in the beginning of the last century.  Some arms of a prior date let into the wall near the communion table are I believe the same as those placed over the entrance door of the house.  “Here lyeth Price Fitz Gerald of Bodowir Gen^t. son of Edmund Fitz Gerald Gen^t. and Mary Price who died April xii MDCCIX being lineally descended from Gerard Oge of Rathrown who was (fol. 51) descended from Mac Thomas a younger son of the Earl of Kildare in Ireland aet xxxiv.  iv. M 8  R I P.”  The lad who had been our conductor yesterday still accompanied us and I confess I was not a little pleased with his disinterested attention.  We took nearly the same route we had done before from Bryn Shenkin to Blochti in order to see a cromlech [28] called Maen Llhwyd, not having been able to procure any intelligence respecting it when here the other day.

p. 29The cap stone and its three supporters remain still on the spot but have long since been thrown prostrate on the ground.  If I remember right Mr. Rowlands speaks of it as a demolished cromlech in his time.  The cap stone is nearly circular measuring about two yards and a half in diameter and a yard in thickness.  The two supporters lying near it are about two yards each in length, the third we could not take the dimensions of (fol. 51a) because the cap stone had fallen over it.

From Maen Llhwyd we took the direction to Bodowyr which gave us an opportunity of seeing Tre Fwry the field in which the Roman coins were dug up.  p. 30Four or five circular buildings may here be traced close to the brook Briant.

I believe that most of the stones that form the wall round the field were taken from this spot.  Having taken a rough sketch of the place we proceeded on to Bodowyr.  In a stubble field rather to the westward of the house we noticed some foundations of buildings covering about an acre of ground.  The country people have a tradition that a large town once stood here but so many of the stones have been removed to clear the ground it is impossible to form any idea respecting it.

Proceeding across the fields for three [30a] miles to the north west we came to a farm house called Fron Dûg [30b] where we had been directed to enquire for a stone (fol. 54) with an inscription now employed as a gatepost on the premises.  We soon found the spot and we endeavoured to trace the rude characters with as much p. 31care as possible.  I imagine the stone was intended for a boundary and that the VI and the letters underneath refer to some measurement of property.  The other part I think is more intelligible and thus read Mad. Filius Lluricini erexit hunc lapidem.

The farmer living on the spot gave a curious account of the stone having once been taken away to be employed in building a limekiln by a person in the neighbourhood but he added with great earnestness that nothing succeeded with him till he had again restored it to its place.  It now forms a gate post though the gate is hung on the opposite side of the p. 32way.  We here separated from the good natured lad who had attended us so many miles and finding him superior to any pecuniary recompence I gave (fol. 54a) him a silk handkerchief from my neck which he says he shall keep as long as he lives.  Before he left us he made interest at a farm house for horses to carry us over Malltreath [32a] a swampy flat covered by the sea at high tides.  However we passed without difficulty pushing straight forwards towards a village church called Treasdreath [32b] and passed a large stone called Maen hîr.  From hence leaving Mr. Meyrick’s house a large mansion to the left we made the best of our way to Llancadwaladr church about two miles distant.  We had noted down this place from Mr. Rowlands on account of an ancient inscription placed there by Cadwalader last king of the Britons to commemorate Catamanus or Catwallon his grandfather.  The characters are very deeply cut on a stone above four feet long forming the lintern to the doorway of the church p. 33and is read Catamanus Rex sapientissimus opinatissimus omnium (fol. 58) regum.  This Cadfan or Catamanus according to Mr. Rowlands was chosen King of the Britons anno six hundred and thirteen and is said to have been buried in the Isle of Bardsey but in Sir John Wynne’s pedigree we find an account of a Cadwallader of a much later date he being brother of Owen Gwynnedd stiled king of Wales.  Whether this was the person who founded the church or whether it was built as Mr. Rowlands says prior to that period the Welsh historians must determine.  I only hint this because I found nothing in the structure of the building to corroborate so remote an antiquity as the chief window to the east appears to be about the time of Henry the seventh or eighth and on it is some painted glass in the characters of that age (fol. 58a).  A chapel attached to the north side of the church was built anno sixteen hundred sixty six by dame Owen as we learnt by the following inscription over the doorway.  This chapel was built by Anne Owen widdowe, daughter p. 34and inheretrix of Richard Williams of Llasdûlas [34] Esq^re according to the direction of her deare husband Hugh Owen Esq^re sixteen hundred sixty one.  Under some arms painted on the glass of the chapel was, appointed by her deare husband Hugh Owen sonne and heir of Will Owen of Bodowen Esq^re and erected by his dear wife Anne.

Under a monument erected against the east wall of the church where a knight in armour and a lady p. 35are kneeling before an altar are the following curious lines containing more of loyalty than poesy (fol. 59)—

To the memory of Hugh Owen Esq^re of Bodowen who died the twenty first of October sixteen hundred fifty nine.

Religion, learning, friends, poor have lost
A noble patron who maintained them at his cost
His country’s patriot most firme to loyalty
And for being loyal suffer’d infinitely
With foes would not cologue nor his prince betray
But livde his faithful subject every day.

This monument was made by Anne his beloved wife the daughter and inheritrix of Richard Williams of Llasdûlas Esq^re in memory of her deare husband sixteen hundred sixty.

Mr. Meyricke the owner of Bodowen is first repairing his family chapel on the opposite side.  The original edifice as appears by a stone lying in the church was built by Richard Meyricke Esq^re anno sixteen hundred forty (fol. 59a) and the vault underneath by his great grandson Owen Meyricke Esq^re seventeen hundred thirty.  The evening was closing in fast before we had finished our observations at Llancadwaladr.

A dreary walk of two miles over the sands to Aberffraw was rendered still more disagreeable by an incessant and heavy rain and we had no small degree of anxiety the whole of our walk lest we should be still more unfortunate in not gaining admittance at the public house as we understood that a number of Westleans with Mr. Charles at their head were to have a meeting the following day in the village.  However on our arrival at the house we found a good welcome and much better quarters than we had reason to expect.  After a comfortable supper of boiled rabbit we retired to rest.

p. 36(fol. 61) Sunday, Decr. 5

This morning after breakfast the weather being tolerably fair we walked to Henblâs in the parish of Llangristiolus in expectation of seeing a cromlech mentioned in our list.  In our way thither we skirted a lake [36a] about two miles in circumference and noticed large flocks of wild ducks and other acquatic birds near the shore but on our approach they swam immediately to the middle of the water.  About a mile and a half beyond we passed a large house called Trefyla [36b] belonging to Mr. Evans and at Henblâs another the property of his sister but at present only tenanted by a gardener who accompanied us over the fields to the object we came in search of.  We here found three immense stones two of them above fifteen feet high and nearly the same in width standing upright in the ground, another of a (fol. 61a) flatter form leant against them.  I cannot imagine there is anything artificial in the arrangements of these ponderous bodies but that their p. 37position is the one they were placed in by the hand of nature.  Whether they ever were or were not employed by the Druids I do not pretend to determine.  And here we may observe the word cromlech is applied by the Welsh indiscriminately to stones either natural or artificial if they are only found inclining in such a direction that there is a hollow underneath.  The largest stone in the pass of Llanberis which not many years ago rolled from the heights above obtains the name of cromlech vawr and the same may be observed in many other instances.  On returning from this spot the gardener who seemed to be an intelligent man pointed to a rising ground to the southward about two miles off which he said was called (fol. 62) Ester [37] mon eglwr where are still to be traced the foundations of an ancient fortress and tradition says a lofty watch tower once stood on this eminence commanding the p. 38circumference of the Island.  From hence a causeway ran across the low ground towards a large carnedd wherein were discovered many human bones.  Not far from hence he himself picked up a piece of silver coin which he had given to a lady in the neighbourhood.  As we had received intelligence of some old characters cut in the wall of Cerigainwyn [38] Church we walked thither and were glad to find something better worthy of notice than the cromlech we had quitted for here are still visible some large Saxon characters cut very deep in the stone of the clochti or belfry.  In order to p. 39transcribe them more perfectly I procured a ladder and mounted aloft but this (fol. 62a) enterprize was attended with no small difficulty for being obliged to employ both hands while sketching and the ladder lying very slanting I could only depend upon the toes of my boots for support against the wall.  Whilst thus situated there came on a violent storm of sleet and hail which so benumbed my hands I hurried the business more than I otherwise should have done but still I think I have the drawing pretty exact.  These rude Saxon characters appear to be coeval with the building p. 40and probably were designed to perpetuate the name of its founder and the date of the foundation but when p. 41the original edifice grew to decay they were taken out of their original order and placed just as they happened to come into use in the building the clochti so that many of the letters are lost or inverted.  I think I am authorized to make this conjecture by the (fol. 69) present appearance of the U and the S which are evidently reversed.  Other letters are also wanting to make good the inscription.  The font within the church is without doubt equally ancient as it retains the Runic lines and ornaments which were used among the northern nations of the sixth and seventh century.  Of this I made three drawings.  The clerk a surly Jewish looking fellow seemed at first inclined to be very impudent, but I did not neglect to fee him for the same reason the Angel did the Miser in Parnell’s beautiful poem of the Hermit namely to make him more civil and attentive to other travellers should curiosity ever lead them to this spot.  The clouds now gathering round us and everything seeming to portend bad weather we made the best of our way to Aberffraw having altogether walked twelve miles.

p. 42(fol. 69a) Monday, Decr. 6

We found there was so much to be seen in the neighbourhood of Aberffraw that we determined on prolonging our stay for another day at our present station.  About nine attended by the same person who went with us yesterday we walked to the parish church which outwardly resembles other Welsh buildings of the kind but on entering we observed a neat turned Saxon arch to the west end underneath the clochti an evident token that this part of the building was of a more ancient date and most likely erected during the times the Saxons held the Island which was for above a century.  Aberffraw afterwards became the residence of the North Welsh princes and we may suppose it was a place of the greatest consequence in the Island though now it scarcely deserves the title of a village.

p. 43

(fol. 73)  Not far from the church they point out a field where the palace of Llewelyn stood but no traces remain the ground having been cleared quite to the foundation.  Proceeding in a northwesterly direction for a mile and a half we came to the little church of Llangwyfan.  This is erected on a rocky peninsula jutting out into the sea and is an Island at high water so that not unfrequently the congregation are interrupted in their devotion by the rapid approach of the waves.  From its exposed situation to the weather and from the spray of the sea beating against its walls the stones in parts are fretted like a honeycomb which gives it a most venerable appearance though from the shape of the windows at the east end I should not suppose it was above four centuries standing.  Whilst I was sketching the font and part of the interior Russell copied a curious (fol. 73a) epitaph to the memory of Mr. Woode written about the year sixteen hundred two an age remarkable for its false wit and p. 44punning indeed must have been very prevalent to have found its way to so remote a quarter as this.  Inscribed on a brass plate let into a stone slab is the following epitaph:

Felix ter felix marmor quia nobile lignu^m
Quo caret infelix insula marmor habes
Owen et patriae vivens fuit utile lignu^m
Et lignu^m vitae post sua fata Deo
Filius ista meo posui monumenta parenti
Sic precor et tecum nomen [et] Owen idem
In obitum Oweni Woode armigeri qui
Obiit 6 die April A° Dni 1602 Ætat 70.

(fol. 76)  In our way back we collected some beautiful specimens of sea weed and a few shells and passing by a large mansion [44a] house the former habitation of this Mr. Woode but now rented of Mr. Meyricke by a farmer we walked a mile farther to Mynnedd [44b] Cnwc having understood there was a cromlech to be seen there.

Mŷnnedd Cnwc is a promontory running two or p. 45three hundred yards into the sea and forming the northern boundary of a small bay called Port Tre Castel to the south of which on a semicircular rock about fifty yards over jutting into the bay we observed a deep trench and mound cut towards the land side and a square earth work of smaller dimensions a little beyond this doubtless was the work of invaders on their first landing.  Instead of a cromlech at Mŷnnedd Cnwc we found the vestiges of a large carnedd many of the flat stones of the cist faen or chamber are still remaining but the small ones have been almost all removed to build a wall close at hand. (fol. 77a)  On another fork of the peninsula about an hundred yards distant we observed the traces of another carnedd of much smaller dimensions.  From the nature of their situation, the bay, the earth work &c. it is not improbable to suppose that an engagement here took place with the natives wherein some principal officers p. 46were slain and interred on the spot.  A natural cavern in the rock penetrates for some distance in the peninsula but it being high tide we could not satisfy our curiosity in examining it.  The country people have a strange idea of spirits haunting these carnedds and frequently see lights (Ignis fatuus) hovering round the point.  They moreover report that an iron boot was dug up not long ago full of money but on further enquiry the money vanished and so did the boot too.  By the description of a man who had seen it I believe it was no other than a gambado belonging to Mr. Woode or some of his descendants.

(fol. 80) Hence continuing our walk to the northward we passed through the parish of Llanfaelog and about half a mile beyond the church came to a very perfect cromlech. [46]  The cap stone is rather of an oblong shape and measured sixteen feet long, six wide, and three thick.  It only rested upon three supporters each about three feet high although there were four p. 47placed in the ground.  Near the cromlech were lying two large stones, the one seventeen feet long and three thick.  Having made two drawings on the spot we were invited by a country woman to take some refreshment at her house, and whilst she went forward to prepare for our reception we walked about half a mile further towards the river Crighill [47a] to see another cromlech. [47b] This stood on low ground quite in a swamp the cap stone like that at Maen Llhwyd has been thrown down and its supporters lie near it.  Also many other stones from three to five feet long to the number of thirty lie (fol. 80a) scattered in all directions around it.  Having hastily sketched this remain we followed the direction of a person who persuaded us there were some very ancient letters on a stone placed in a wall about an hundred yards distant.  Above a quarter of an hour was employed to no purpose in the search.  At length assisted by some men who came p. 48from a neighbouring field whose zeal in the business was augmented by the promise of a shilling we discovered the valuable antique which had been employed as a land mark and traced the letters o. w. one thousand six hundred and sixty four very legibly on the surface.

How many hundreds would have laughed at the distress of the young antiquarians on this occasion but as the more learned of that venerable society are continually exposed to similar or greater mistakes we must find shelter from the shafts of ridicule under the shade of (fol. 82) their protecting wings.  At the farm house we found some white bread and cheese and butter milk placed on a clean cloth waiting our arrival and returning many thanks to our kind entertainer who was as pretty as she was obliging we took our leave and proceeded towards a barn in the neighbourhood where with the assistance of a lanthorn I traced the characters NALIS deeply cut in a stone now serving as the lintern to a small window but said to have been taken from a field near the spot.  I think these characters are Roman as the style of the L cut obliquely much resembles what I have noticed on some inscriptions in the north of England made a short time before the Romans quitted the island.  Returned to Aberffraw across a large warren apparently well stocked with rabbits.  They are sold in these parts for fourpence apiece, fowls are also equally cheap, so that with the assistance of fish the inhabitants can fare very luxuriantly without butcher’s meat.  A farmer overtook (fol. 82a) and accompanied us to Aberffraw.  In the course of conversation he said it was this day seventeen years being the Carnarvon fair on which the passage boat was lost and eighty people perished in the Menai most of whom were inhabitants of the island by which sad catastrophy nearly every family had to lament the loss of some relative.

In the evening we received a visit from Mr. Rowlands curate of Aberffraw, on enquiring of him what p. 49was become of the various coins which had been dug up in these parts of the island he said that most of them had been taken to Mr. Meyricke who he was sure would be very happy in shewing them to us, but we were so apprehensive of being detained by the weather at this time of the year that we could not venture to spend the following day at Aberffraw though the civility and attention we experienced from our hostess would have been a strong inducement at a more favourable season.

(fol. 83) Tuesday, Decr. 7

Having paid a very reasonable bill at Aberffraw we quitted it this morning about ten and pursued the same track we had done yesterday for about three miles when crossing the Crighyll and traversing a bleak heath rendered still more unpleasant by heavy storms of wind and rain we arrived at Llanfihangle yn nhewlyn [49] expecting to find some ancient remains in this parish.  We only saw some large loose stones upon the summit of the rocks which seem to have little claim to the interference of the Druids to place them in their present position.  On enquiring at a cottage near this spot whether there were any carnedds or chromlechs to be seen we exposed ourselves to the ridicule of two old women who enjoyed a hearty laugh at our walking in the rain to hunt after stones.

Skirting two large pools of water we pursued our way to Bodedern situated on the turnpike road about eight miles from Holyhead.  This place did not prepossess us much in its favour as it seemed to promise but sorry accommodations (fol. 83a).  However we were obliged to put up with them unless we made up our minds to reach Holyhead which would have thrown us nearly a day backward in our march.  Having ordered the best the house could afford for dinner we walked nearly a p. 50mile along the turnpike road in the direction of Gwindy [50a] when turning off into a field to the left we approached one of the finest and most finished cromlechs [50b] we have yet seen in the island the cap stone measuring four yards and a half long four yards wide and two yards thick [50c] its three supporters each about a yard and a half high.  Indeed there is a fourth nearly of the same height but it does not touch the stone above.  Under this cromlech we were informed a whole family who had been ejected from their habitation sought shelter during the last winter.  There was another cromlech close at hand but the cap stone had been forced down and rests in a slanting direction against the supporters the top stone of this measured three yards long and two yards and (fol. 87) a half wide and its supporters nearly two yards high.  An old mansion near the spot was we understand the residence of Miss Buckley the lady who married King p. 51master of the ceremonies at Bath.  The premises seem to be very much out of repair having been untenanted for some time.  Returned about four to our homely dinner of bacon and greens.  In the evening after retracing my sketches I took a copy of a plan that was in the room of the intended bridge over the Menai.  This if it ever is put into execution will be a stupendous work as it will be nearly half a mile long and built pretty strong to resist the tides.  On the twenty-ninth of April 1785 a meeting was first held for the purpose of consulting about it at St. Alban’s tavern when the following resolutions passed: first, that the erecting a carriage bridge over the streights of the Menai will be of great public utility—second—that it appears from the reports and concurrent opinions of several able engineers that the erecting a timber bridge upon piles with three swivel bridges will not be detrimental (fol. 87a) to the navigation of the said streights and therefore we approve of a bridge being erected on p. 52that plan, third, that we will support the application made to parliament for an act for building a bridge across the said streights agreeable to the above plan.  N. Bailey, chairman.  Afterwards follow the signature of the noblemen and gentlemen.  Here we see the first intention was to have constructed one of wood with three swivel bridges for the convenience of vessels passing to and fro.  Now according to the present plan it is to be of stone with three center arches sufficiently wide and high to permit a ship to pass with all her sails set.  God knows whether this plan will ever be brought to perfection but in this mechanical age we can scarcely wonder at the projection of any enterprize however vast or difficult.  If we were not pleased with our fare much less were we with our sleeping apartments at this place the upper story was (fol. 89) without ceilings running clear up to the roof being divided into stalls rather than chambers by deal boards wherein are placed the different beds for the family and strangers.  We slept in separate beds it is true, but every word that was said, nor ought that was done could pass unheard for all was as manifest to the ear at least as though we had been in the same dormontory.  I was unfortunately situated, in having some snorers close to my bed head, and the deal not being above half an inch thick I may literally say they were close at my ear.  Different kinds of music resounded from different parts of the room.  I bore all this harmonious combination of sounds with the philosophy of a stoic till the clock struck three, when my next neighbour played so violently on the double bass I lost all patience and began knocking with equal violence on the partition between us.  This not only awoke him but every part of the house was soon in motion and the host got up grumbling and swearing and called the people about him to go and (fol. 89a) see who it was who knocked at the door for they imagined it was some traveller who wished to gain admittance.  In the course of an hour when the tumult p. 53was subsided I dropped asleep and was roused by our guide whom I had ordered to call me at half past six.

Wednesday, Decr. 8

We were not sorry to leave this place as soon as it was light paying much higher for our miserable entertainment than we had done at any place in the island.  First directed our steps along the turnpike to Llandrûgan, [53] situated near Gwindy the halfway house between Beaumaris and Holyhead our host having given us to understand there was a very ancient stone near the church which many travellers went to look at but few could read the inscription.  He himself among the rest although he said he was a good schollar having been clerk of Bodedern many years could (fol. 90) make nothing of it.  On arriving at the spot we found a flat tomb stone to the right of the entrance door bearing the following lines legibly cut on its surface:

Reader in me doe thou thyself behold
Wilome full hie but now full low in mould
Bodychens heyr I was my name was John
The second who that sirname fixt upon
Credit nor wealth nor friends I did not lacke
Heare dead and dust loe all doe me forsake
The day draws on when God me hence shall raise
Amongst his chosen his great name to praise.

On the side nearest the church door:

Obiit apud Bodechen decimo die Junii incarnationis milessimo sexto centessimo tricessimo nono aetatis suae septuagesimo.

On the opposite side:

Moestissima uxor Margaretta monumentum hoc delectessimo conjugi piae memoriae amoris ergo posuit vicessimo die Martii anno milessimo sexgentessimo quadragessimo.

Though we copied the inscription being on the spot p. 54we did not think it deserving a digression of three miles to read especially as we had so much to perform before night.

Hence we hastened forward to Llantrisant not without some apprehension in being equally deceived in an ancient inscription we learnt was to be seen there cut on the stone [54] of a gateway.  On enquiring at a farm house we found it had been taken up from the gate and placed in a kind of shed as a block to chop sticks on.  This intelligence conveyed through our interpreter did not quiet our fears for the fate of the inscription, however towards the place we went and fortunately found the stone lying with the inscription downwards (fol. 92).  On the edge was engraved Aroe lapidibus in the manner I have shewn in my sketch.  Having with the assistance of four stout fellows turned the stone I traced as nearly as I could the characters as they appear in my drawing.  The stone was of a lozenge form about six feet high and three wide, and I conjecture was first of all employed by the Romans as a direction across the country, as the words Aroe lapidibus to the stones of Aroe seem to imply.  The second inscription was probably cut some centuries after in monkish times as appears by the words moribus disciplinae et sapientiae coming together in the conclusion of the sentence.  Indeed many of the upright pillars we have met with in the island I imagine were intended as directions or boundaries and not at all connected with druidical worship as Mr. Rowlands seems to suppose.  The day by this time being far advanced we exerted ourselves as much as the country would (fol. 92a) allow to gain Llanbabo church four miles distant in sufficient time to copy an ancient stone dug up here in the reign of Charles the second bearing the effigies of Pabo post Prid or Prince Pabo the support of Britain who flourished about the year four hundred sixty and who is said to have p. 56built and to have been buried in this church.  His effigies are designed on a flat stone resembling free stone, the figure crowned with a sceptre in its right hand and a close garment down to its feet.  On the edge of the stone these characters are cut hic jacet Pabo post Prid the remainder is very much defaced but I should read it qui edificavit hanc ecclesiam.

For my own part I cannot but think that the whole of this is some ages later than Pabo’s time as both the sculpture and the formation of the letters are those of the thirteenth or fourteenth century.  We know that in Roman catholic countries it is very common for the priests to preserve (fol. 95) the effigies of their founders and benefactors in their churches and monasteries and might not this have been presented to the church by some rich family in the neighbourhood by way of acquiring the favour of the sainted patron.  The letters here noticed very much resemble those I have copied from the monument in Bettws y Coed church in Carnarvonshire.  I took as perfect a drawing as my time would allow and afterwards just sketched the entrance door and three uncooth and at present whitewashed visages let into the stone above and on each side of it.  These are of such rude workmanship that I should rather attribute them to the time of Pabo than the subject we have just considered.  A kind of waving line over the arch of the door as described in my sketch is I conjecture no less antique.  The church itself differs in no other respect from the generality of Welsh buildings, and the parish is so scattered that not above two houses are to be seen in any direction.

From hence to Llanfechell we experienced a dirty swampy and fatiguing walk (fol. 95a) of four miles and the termination of it was rendered still more unfortunate as we found the public house so indifferent we could not think of spending the night there accordingly we hastened by the light of the moon to examine some stones and a cromlech about half a mile beyond leaving our interpreter who seemed to be p. 57pretty well tired of antique hunting to eat his dinner, in the interim the host of the public house officiating in his stead.  Under his guidance we first visited three upright stones standing on a rising ground placed three paces asunder forming an exact triangle.  They were about seven feet high and two feet and a half wide.  These I make no doubt were intended as a direction to travellers as they might be seen from every rising hillock in the neighbourhood and also from the coast, we could not learn that they were called by any particular name if it had sounded anything like aroe it would have thrown some light upon the inscription in Llantrisant parish.

From hence passing by an old (fol. 98) mansion named cromlech now tenanted by a farmer we came to the spot where many large stones were lying scattered promiscuously on the ground and one nearly square measuring nine feet across leaning against some uprights about six feet high.  From the appearance of this place I should rather imagine that it had been p. 58the interior or cistfaen of a carnedd and this opinion seems somewhat confirmed by the accounts of the common people who remember great quantities of stone having been removed to form a wall.  Returning to the public house we made a meal on bread and cheese and afterwards procuring the key of the church we examined its interior.  The font is square having a double Saxon arch rudely carved on each face.  Over the communion table is a Latin inscription to Mr. Humphreys Rector of the parish which we transcribed:

Cineribus sacrum
H. S. E.
(fol. 98a) Robertus Humphreys M.A.
vir eruditus perquam et modestus
Rei medicae
praesertim botanicae apprime gnarus
Praxique claruit
hujus ecclesiae per tria et amplius lustra
p. 59Extitit Rector
obiit XIII id Junii anno MDCCIX
Ætatis suae LVIII

Dnus dnus Ricardus Nicom.  Bulkeley pro digno qui haberet defuncto hoc positum voluit

A long five miles walk brought us to Amlwch where with some little difficulty (the hostess not admiring our pedestrian appearance) we gained admittance, a good supper and comfortable sleeping appartments which indeed were not a little refreshing after (fol. 101) the labours of the day and the adventures of the preceeding night.

Thursday, Decr. 9

Amlwch is a long straggling place and may contain from four to five thousand inhabitants though before the working of the Parys mines there were not an hundred tenements in the parish.  Besides two or three good houses a church has been lately erected by the copper company on a neat substantial plan and a quay formed near the smelting houses where ships of two or three hundred tons burthen may take in their lading.  These we passed in our way to Llanelian church this morning which we had been directed to examine as one of the most curious structures in the island.  This church differs from most others in North Wales in having a kind of spire rising from a square tower.  I cannot say that this edition is very elegant it being coated all the way up with small slate.  The body of the church is ornamented with battlements, pinnacles, and (fol. 101a) buttresses in the style of our parish churches built about the time of Henry the seventh.  Having procured the key we found the interior still retaining its catholic collection of saints and apostles, and the seats, chancel, and communion-table, were decorated with a profusion of carving in oak.  On the latter on a kind of scroll we read non nobis Domine non nobis sed nomine tuo.  Beneath the arches p. 60which supported the roof of the building were six grotesque little figures, playing on the bagpipe, pibcorn, and other instruments, their appearance is rendered still more ridiculous by their being painted in black coats, yellow waistcoats, and white wigs.  In a small chapel attached to the south east end of the church (which is said to have been the original edifice founded by Saint Elian) there is a kind of semicircular chest or cabinet made of oak into which whoever can enter and turn himself round is sure in the opinion of the vulgar to live out the year but if he fails it will (fol. 102) prove fatal to him.  People from all parts come at stated periods to try their destiny in this absurd way.  There is also an old chest well secured by bolts bars and nails in another part of the church having a small slit in the lid through which the country people are said to drop a piece of money uttering their maledictions against their enemies the black gentleman is thus feed to work evil against the offender, this p. 61uncharitable and unchristian custom if true seems almost too bad even for monkish times much worse to be continued now.  Having viewed these relics of superstition we ascended by a circular tower to the roof [of] the church which is very nicely leaded.  On enquiring afterwards of a Welsh clergyman why Llanelian was so much better taken care of than other parish churches I found that some lands had been appropriated by one of the Welsh princes centuries ago by way of expiation for his sins to keep it in constant repair, this accounts for its having a steeple, being leaded, &c. &c.

After sketching the building we returned (fol. 102a) to Amlwch, on our way thither obtained a very clear view of the Isle of Man lying only sixteen leagues to the north of this coast.  Could we have insured a week’s fine weather we should not have hesitated an instant including that island in our circuit as I have long wished to satisfy myself respecting some ancient inscriptions at Pielstown.  I understand there is almost daily communication through the herring boats which come here to dispose of their cargoes.  Having taken a slight repast at Amlwch we proceeded to the Parys mountain which of late years has enriched not only many individuals but the nation at large.  It lies about a mile south of the town and though denominated a mountain, in Carnarvonshire at least would be deemed a very inconsiderable hillock.  The approach to it is dreary in the extreme for the sulphurious steams issuing from the copper kilns have destroyed every germ of vegetation in the neighbourhood.  When we had gained (fol. 103) the higher ground the uninteresting and gloomy prospect we had hitherto observed was at once converted into the most lively and active scene.  Hundreds of men, women, and children, appeared busily occupied in the different branches of this vast concern and the bustle of the metropolis prevailed amidst the dreary recesses of the Druids.  The produce of the mountain belongs to two different companies p. 62one called the Parys Mine shared between Lord Uxbridge, Mr. Hughes, and Mr. Williams.  The other, the Mona mine I believe is Lord Uxbridge’s alone.

Our servant having delivered a message from the people of the inn to one of the overseers of the Parys mine, he accompanied us over the works.  A stranger not acquainted with mining concerns cannot do better than take his first lesson at this place.  There being no necessity of descending into subterrianean abodes to grope out for information by candle light, incommoded by damp, dirt, and foul vapours, for all is here worked open to the day and by taking his station in one (fol. 103a) point he can command a view of the whole proceedings from the beginning to the end and receive every satisfactory explanation almost without moving from the spot.  We first were conducted to some wooden stages erected on the edge of the bason if I may so employ that term to an immense excavation of an oval form about two hundred yards long, half so much in width and eighty in depth which has been hollowed out in the course of twenty years, these wooden stages are each supplied with a windlass for the purpose of drawing up the ore from the bottom.  On looking down from hence to the chasm beneath, we saw the rock rich with ore of a light gold colour which the miners were busily employed in boring, blasting, breaking with sledge hammers, wheeling the fragments to appointed places beneath the stages filling the baskets which were hauled up as before mentioned by the windlass.  There might be from twelve to fourteen stages erected for this purpose in different (fol. 104) parts of the mine.

As soon as the commodity is landed it is delivered to a number of women and children to be broken into smaller pieces.  The good ore is then separated from that of an inferior sort and carried to kilns to be baked.  The sulphur forms in what is called flour brimstone by the chymists on the top of the oven.  p. 63This is afterwards collected, melted in large cauldrons and formed into round moulds for sale.

We understood that the better kind of ore was sent to Neath and other places, and the inferior to the smelting houses at Amlwch.  In walking round the premises we crossed a small stream running into some square reservoirs, this water was so impregnated with copper that merely the dipping a key in for two or three seconds rendered it entirely the colour of that metal.  The square reservoirs above mentioned was stored with all the old iron that could be collected which are turned monthly the coperas on them sinking in a kind (fol. 104a) of red slime to the bottom.

At stated times the pits are emptied and the produce when hardened becomes equally valuable to the richest ore in the mines.  We may be sure that every drop of this precious stream is turned to the best account possible indeed so productive is it that they compute it to be worth above three halfpence a quart.  On entering the compting house one of the clerks sitting there obligingly gratified us with the sight of a number of drawers full of the most beautiful specimens of minerals I ever saw and moreover requested us to take our choice of what we most admired.  We were constrained to be very moderate on account of the weight of the article but if we could have procured a ready carriage I fancy we should have been rather more greedy in our selection.  At it was we took nearly five pounds’ weight of the following minerals and mixtures (fol. 105):

First.  Mundig containing sulphur and iron.

2.  Iron incrusted with lead chrystals.

3.  Copper ore.

4.  Copper ore after roasting.

5.  Copper taken from the reservoir of old iron.

6.  Quartz containing copper ore.

7.  Zink commonly called black Jack incorporated with copper rock holding a small quantity of lead.

8.  Quartz with a little of the Zink and chrystals.

p. 649.  Pure copper.

10.  Blue stone issuing from the copper rocks.

11.  Sulphur.

12.  Copper coming from the old iron after it is dried.

Hence we just looked into the assay house but could not see the process the man having concluded work we also viewed the kilns and the coppers where the sulphur is melted.  Having taken a very competent survey and complimented our obliging and intelligent conductor for his trouble in the best manner we were able, we took a long walk for nearly five miles to the west of Parys mountain towards Llanfechell where we heard there was (fol. 105a) a prodigious large stone with writing under it to be seen.  Our conductor who was a young man of Amlwch speaking pretty good English entertained us the whole way by a variety of ghost stories and preternatural events the common talk of the neighbourhood.  The stone we were going to see was so big that it would sink the largest ship that came to Amlwch.  That it stood in a valley by itself resting on a flat stone whereon a good many characters were engraved but nobody was able to make them out but should some learned person have that good fortune the stone would immediately move off of itself and there would be a pot of gold to reward him for his schollarship.  That a countryman living hard by had seen the treasure three following nights in his dreams and had spent some time in digging for it but all to no purpose for it was not intended for him.  On telling our guide he should equally (fol. 107) share whatever we discovered it quickened our march astonishingly and I really believe we were not above an hour in reaching the stone notwithstanding the many impediments which crossed our way.  On which we passed an upright stone about seven feet high in the middle of a field resembling some of those we before noticed as boundaries.  Here exclaimed Sancho a man also found a considerable treasure, although amused by his simplicity it in some measure weakened p. 65the interest we had taken in the object of our walk and we felt the less disappointed at finding we had taken our ramble in vain when we arrived at the spot.  For a candle being procured at the treasure dreamer’s cottage we discovered that what they took for letters were nothing but a few natural crevices in the rock and that the stone itself though of some magnitude possessed no more claim to notice than any other detached fragment lying by the road side. (fol. 107a)  However disappointed we concealed our chagrin and even suffered our conductor to take us half a mile out of the way to see an immense stone which he said was called Praes Maen on account of a brass pot being placed near it and that when the sun shone whoever could trace the shadow at a particular time of the day would discover a great treasure in a brass vessel.  It was moonlight when we arrived at this stone which certainly is more worthy of notice than the one we had quitted.  It is standing upright in the midst of a field and measures thirteen feet high and fourteen and p. 66fifteen in circumference allowing four or five feet under ground, it must have been a very heavy body and cost some trouble to have erected it in its present position.  Approaching nearer to Amlwch we observed our quondam loquacious compation become very silent, and just as we had passed an old wall about half a mile (fol. 108) from the town he told us with evident marks of trepidation that there was a ghost sitting there every night, on asking him if he had ever seen it he said no but that many of his friends had, it was in the shape of a woman and once had attempted to pull a farmer’s wife off her horse but was prevented by the arrival of a second person when it vanished.  That on Christmas Eve the inhabitants of Amlwch used to come to the spot in order to see how many lights would pass by and as many did so many persons as travelled that road would die within the twelvemonth.

I just mention these ridiculous stories to show that superstition still reigns here and this superstition has perhaps been the guardian to many of the druidical remains we noticed in the island.  It was past six when we returned to the inn where we were welcomed by a most excellent repast.

Friday, Decr. 10

We could not leave the inn so soon as we intended on account (fol. 108a) of our boots not being ready so bad is the workmanship of the shoemakers in Wales that the repairs of one day were destroyed by the exertions of the next, and it was a business almost as regular as eating our dinner when we arrived at the inn to send our boots to get mended.  Here I hope we have had them secured effectually as we ordered them to be studded with nails according to the fashion of the country.  Although on our arrival we scarcely gained admittance at the inn as pedestrians yet on our p. 67departure we had to pay the bill calculated for equestrians of the first order so much had our consequence been raised by the loquacity of our attendant in the kitchen.

This heavy blow on our finances with the loss we had sustained at Llanfechell caused a calculation to be made which promised only three days’ supply supposing our concerns should fall into the hands of so experienced a scribe as the landlady at Amlwch (fol. 109).  About eleven we were clear of the inn and took the road across the fields to the small church of Bodewryd where we understood were some remains of the Wynne family a branch of which family was settled at a large mansion now a farm near the spot.  The church door being open we found the interior occupied by a grey headed pedagogue and his schollars.  On the pulpit were carved the arms of the Wynne’s and the seats and communion table exhibited the same kind of ornaments cut in oak before noticed at Llanelian.  This living was augmented by Queen Anne’s bounty and further donations as appears engraven on a brass tablet affixed to the north side of the altar:

M. S.
Annae Reginae serenissimae
cujus munificentia sine exemplo maximae
inter innumeras alias per magnam
(fol. 109a) Britanniam late sparsas
Tenuissima haec de Bodewryd ecclesia
cujus stipendium annuum xx solidos ante non exedebat
libris ducentis donata est
promovente interim pietatem hanc
et totidem libras de proprio conferente
per ultimum testamentum suum
Dat. 6^to Septembris A.D. 1720
Roberto Wynne A.M. rectori de Llantrisant
Filio Johannis Wynne de Bodewryd Arm.

Sexto et natu maximo
quibus pecuniis aliquantulum auctis
Tenementa sequentia coempta
et in usum ecclesiae prædictae
In perpetuum stabilita sunt
p. 68(fol. 110) IIIº Nonas Decembris 1723
viz. Tre Evan, Clidog, Hen Aclwyd &c. &c.
Reditusque annuus 40 solidorum
De Tre Anghared in Bodedern
Com. Anglesea.

In tantae munificentiae memoriam
Tabula haec votiva suspensa est. anno 1727.

On the opposite side of the communion table on a similar tablet is engraved the pedigree of this branch of the Wynne’s which is as follows:

In hac Ecclesia jacent

1.  Rees (ap Llewellwyn, ap Griffith, ap Howell, ap Evan, ap Ednyfed ap Howell, ap Griffith, ap Meyricke, ap Trahairn, ap Gwerydd ap Rees Goch) uxorem habuit Agnes vch Nicholas ap Ellis Archidiaconi Monensis filiam obiit anno Dni 1500.

(fol. 110a)

2.  David ap Rees de Bodewryd Armiger obiit 27º Julii anno Dni 1551 uxorem habuit Anghared filiam et heredem de Plâs y Brian in parochia de Llanbeder.

3.  Hugo Gwyn ap D.D. obiit 1562 uxorem habuit Elenam Conway de Bryn Eyrinin Com. Carnaru.

4.  Edwardus ap H Gwyn sepultus fuit primo die Martii 1596 uxorem duxit Elizabetham Sion ap Rees Bodychen.

5.  Johannes Wyn Edd obiit 1614 uxorem habuit Grace vch Sion Griffith de Llanddyfran.

6.  Edwardus Wyn obiit 1637 uxorem habuit Margaretam Puleston de Llwyn y Knottie in com. Flint.

7.  Johannes Wyn obiit Jan. 30, 1669 uxorem duxit, Elenam filiam et cohaeredem J. Lewis de Chwaen Wen arm sepultus est cum uxore filioque natu maximo Johanne L L B in ecclesiae parochiali de Llantrissant de quo siquis (fol. 111) ultra desideret monumentum patri suo B—M positum impensis Roberto Wyn A.M. ejusdem ecclesiae Rectoris dignissimi consulat.

Having finished our observations and preparing to leave the church we were not a little surprized by a request made by the schoolmaster for something to drink our healths, though I complied with his request I at the same time conveyed a kind of hint that an instructor should not be mercinary.  However he pocketed the reproof with the money and I cannot say I discerned anything of that hectic flush come across p. 69his cheek described by Sterne in his story of the poor Monk.

Continuing from hence and passing by the magic stone which had drawn us so much out of our way the preceeding night we called at the treasure dreamer’s cottage as he had promised to shew us an inscription which (fol. 111a) he knew to be worthy of notice as a clergyman of Llanerchymedd had been to copy it.  He was from home but his wife catching up her half grown child in her arms walked before us at such a rate we could scarcely keep up with her to the field where it stood.  We here found some characters and just as I was preparing to take the impression of them with putty so violent and cold a storm of sleet and rain came on that we were forced to take shelter at a neighbouring farm.  The farm house though of considerable extent was open all the way up to the roof the beds, kitchen, dairy, &c. being all contiguous to each other.  This we found on enquiry was the common custom of the country.  The weather holding up a little we returned to the spot, in the interval having learnt that the stone had some time since been broken in two in order to make a gate post of the lower part, we procured an (fol. 113) iron crow and with the assistance of two stout lads from the farm turned it over, it measures about four feet in length but retains no appearance of characters on its surface though by measuring its width we clearly discovered that it must formerly have been united to the upper part which is now fixed in the ground about an hundred yards distant.  On returning thither I took a very exact copy.  The name of the stone is Maen Hîr Llanol with is interpreted the large stone with letters and when entire it must have been a conspicuous object from most parts of the island as it stands on very high ground.

The weather continuing cold and disagreeable we hastened our march to Llanerchymedd our intended station for the night.  Although the distance to this p. 70place in a direct line is not above four miles and its situation clearly discerned from Maen Hîr Llanol yet on account of the bogs and (fol. 113a) overflowing of the river we were obliged to make a circuit of nearly twice that space round by Llanbabo.  In our way passed a farm called Boddeiniol where we stopped to enquire for some druidical remains mentioned in Mr. Bingley’s list as still visible, but the farmer who is apparently near eighty years old said he had never had heard of anything of the kind since he had lived there.  But some time back in cleaning a piece of rough p. 71ground in one of his fields he discovered four burying places as he took them to be the sides formed of flat stones set upright in the ground and covered by others of the same irregular shape.  Some of the stones he shewed us lying against a fence but none of them appeared to be above two feet and a half high.  Crossed the river Trepont [71] a little below Llanbabo.  This river is styled the largest in Anglesea although I am sure one might easily leap over the widest part the channel (fol. 114) when not flooded being not above twelve or fourteen feet across.  Arrived at Llanerchymedd a little before four, enquiring of the innkeeper for an ancient stone with an inscription near the town he accompanied us to the house of a clergyman who he said was very curious in these particulars and would furnish us with every information on the subject.  Our reception was very pleasing but we had been misinformed in regard to the object of our enquiries there being no other antiques in the neighbourhood besides Maen Hîr Llanol and the stone at Llantrisant about four miles distant.  In the evening Mr. Richards the above mentioned gentlemen called upon us at the inn and during our conversation gave some interesting particulars of druidical remains in Bodafon mountain which we purpose visiting in his company tomorrow.  This gentleman had a very perfect coin of Diocletian of which I took an impression in sealing wax (fol. 114a) in order to make a fac simile of the coin in isinglass on my return—if we cannot procure originals we must be content with copies.  Having noted down the occurrences of the day we retired to bed desiring to be called very early in order to get breakfast over by seven the time we had agreed to set out.

p. 72Saturday, Decr. 11

A little before seven called at Mr. Richards’s house whom we found waiting at the door ready to accompany us.  He mounted his horse and we pursued the Beaumaris turnpike for half [72a] a mile when we turned to the left to look at a stone called Lleidr [72b] y Frydog or the thief stone.  This is a rough stone about six feet high having a kind of hump or projection near the top.  The country people report that a thief who had stolen some books from a neighbouring church was in this place turned into stone with the sack containing his theft laying over his shoulder.  About a quarter of a mile further Mr. Richards pointed to the spot where formerly stood the nunnery of Clorach or St. Claire and not far from it by the road side we saw two wells whose waters were enclosed in a square reservoir of stone work.  Tradition says that the two saints Seriol p. 73and Cybi (the former having a cell at Priestholme the latter at Holyhead where he founded a collegiate church) used to hold their weekly meetings at these springs to consult on religious matters, and from the circumstance of Seriol’s travelling westward in the morning and eastward in the evening, and Cybi on the contrary always facing the sun they were denominated

Seriol wyn a Chyby felyn.
Seriol the fair and Cybi the tawney.

When arrived at Bodafon hills a ridge of rocky ground (fol. 117a) extending nearly two miles east and west Mr. Richards gave his horse to our attendant and accompanied us to a cromlech lying at the side of the hill denominated cromlech Lldercoch [73] nearly square the upper stone being about eleven feet across supported by four or five small uprights not above a foot and a half from the surface.  This is by no means so perfect as some we have before noticed.  Had not Mr. Richards been positive of the fact I should have doubted whether it had been designed for one.  Arrived nearly at the summit of the hill we entered a cottage inhabited by a countryman whose grandfather p. 74and great grandfather resided there before him.  Under the direction of this person we climbed to the top of the hill to look at a Carnedd.  Most of the loose stones have been removed but some of the flat ones which composed the cistfaen are still on the spot, another more perfect lies about an hundred (fol. 118) yards to the eastward of this, a third further beyond which we did not visit.  In the course of our walk the countryman pointed to a spot where he said his grand-mother whilst tending the cattle found a large triangular [74] piece of gold as he called it, standing on three supporters weighing nearly forty pounds.  The antique overgrown with heath but one of the beasts happening p. 75to tread upon it occasioned the discovery.  This she sold for three shillings at Llanerchymedd.

I should rather conceive that the metal was brass but whatever it was it would have been of more considerable value in the eyes of the antiquarian.  Not far from this place he pointed to a number of loose stones called by a Welsh word answering to gold tongues [75a] as many pieces of gold of that shape he said were formerly picked up here.  From the formation here specified I think one may not hesitate a moment in pronouncing they were brass celts or British weapons and as a farther (fol. 118a) confirmation of this opinion not a great way distant facing the south we traced the remains of a large British [75b] town.  p. 76Here about forty or fifty foundations such as we have before noticed at Tre Evan may be clearly discerned some lying in a cluster together others standing separate, others again having a square form the name given to these remains scattered over the island we were informed by our intelligent companion by Cyteau [76a] Gwydellhod not Irishmens huts as some have translated it but the houses of the wild inhabitants.  A spring rising near the spot still has a term of the same signification being stiled the well of the wild inhabitants.  Some vestiges of similar [76b] buildings are to be traced to the north side of the hill, as also on the rising ground facing that part of Bodafon we have just noticed.  It is natural to suppose that when the island was covered with wood, the inhabitants would fix their residence on elevated stations as a security (fol. 120) against their enemies and beasts of prey we may suppose the lower parts of these huts were alone built of stone and that branches of trees and earth formed the covering like those at present used amongst the lowest orders of Irish peasantry and why may not this people have retained the mode observed by the ancient Britons from whence they derive their origin.  The highest point of Bodafon hills lies to the east commanding almost the whole circuit of the island.  Here a beacon used to be lighted in case of invasion or to convey signals to the opposite coast of Carnarvonshire although probably it is many years since anything of the kind was used, yet the stones and the earth bear evident marks of the fire.  It blew so hard to-day that it was with difficulty we kept on our legs on the high ground but on descending we were sheltered from the wind and had a pleasant walk to Penhros Llûgwy church an ancient building about half a mile to the south east of Bodafon hills.  On a (fol. 120a) rough flat stone in the church yard I traced p. 77the following inscription, hic jacet Macuceceti. [77a]  Mr. Rowlands, upon what authority I know not, supposes this to have been an inscription on Mechell or Macutius bishop of St. Maloes in Little Britain, who he says was buried here.  We also observed two or three flat grave [77b] stones of a rough gritty substance about six feet long whereon was cut the figure of a cross in the same manner as those I noticed last year at Furness abbey.  But what seemed most curious at p. 78first sight was an inscription marked on a flat stone [78] lying on the ground whose characters I recognised to be similar to what I had observed on the font at Bridekirk in Cumberland mixed with Saxon letters of a much later date.  On observing Mr. Richards smile after I had finished my copy I requested he would candidly tell me what the inscription meant and in what character (fol. 122) it was written for I could make nothing out of it when he was kind enough to relieve me from my perplexity by explaining that it had been executed within these sixty years by a shepherds boy at the desire of a gentleman who employed various alphabets to compose it.  The words are Welsh to this effect Yma hefyd mae Gorwedd Katherine Jones Ebrill 11 1744. ag. 70.  Here also lies without Catherine Jones April 11 1744 aged 70.  This I suppose was intended as a stumbling block for p. 79antiquarians the idea being probably suggested by Mr. Rowland’s Macutius in the neighbourhood.  Like Doctor Johnson at the Hebrides I here had to regret the loss of my walking stick for although I dispatched our attendant and clerk in quest of it before we had proceeded an hundred yards from the place where I had copied the inscription, it was vanished.  I shrewdly suspect that the clerk had taken a fancy to it as there was no other person in the church yard excepting our own party.  However as he supplied me with something as a substitute it (fol. 122a) did not longer delay our march which brought us in the course of half an hour to Llûgwy house an ancient mansion now rented by a farmer under Lord Boston who goodnaturedly invited us within doors and refreshed us with a good luncheon of bread and cheese and some excellent ale.  We then walked a short distance from the house to a rising ground overgrown with timber trees and coppice wood but still there was sufficient opening to enable us to trace a number of the Cytiau Gwyddellhod of a more perfect form and larger dimensions than any we had yet seen.  They appear to be surrounded by a breast work of massive stones stuck edgeways in the ground evidently intended as a fortification which was probably strengthened by a mound and sharp stakes.  The habitations here are very contiguous the entrances easily traced as also a communication [79] from one to the other.  This is a strong confirmation of the historical account of the Aborigines who are said in the different tribes to have had every (fol. 126) thing in common.

We purpose before we leave Wales visiting a very extensive fortress on the top of Penmaenmawr which Mr. Richards says resembles very much the one before us.  Not far distant facing the ocean is a cromlech the upper stone six yards long, five yards and a half wide p. 80and three yards [80a] thick.  One end rests upon a bank [80b] of earth and the other is supported by four or five small upright stones, leaving a hollow beneath about two feet high.

Near this we noticed the remains of Llûgwy chapel now entirely dilapidated.  Walked hence to Llanalgo church said to have been built in the year six hundred and five.  On the north wall near the altar is a mutilated monument [80c] of a knight in armour kneeling before an altar said to be that of Sir John Bodville a gentleman whose residence was in this parish.  On digging a few years ago the foundation of the new parsonage the workmen discovered a square vault formed of a solid composition resembling thick (fol. 126a) tile supposed to be an ancient burying place.  Mr. Richards who was curate of this place for some years says he has in his possession English coins of p. 81Edward [81] and Mary found in digging in the church yard.  Leaving the church we adjourned to a farm house close by where the party was again supplied with bread cheese and ale.  Although I did not much admire this delay we were obliged to comply with Mr. Richards’s request.  Continued here nearly an hour during which time a poor blind boy attempted to amuse us by playing on the harp but having received but few instructions was but an indifferent performer, our attendant then took the instrument and played some of the Welsh airs with tolerable execution.  The poor boy in the meantime exhibited such strong marks of surprize mixed with mortification as would have supplied an admirable subject for the pen of Hogarth.

After having given something to him we were not a little glad to take our leave it being (fol. 127) past two, and there was a doubt whether we could procure accommodation for the night nearer than Beaumaris at p. 82least twelve miles distant.  Passed a stone about seven feet high nine long and three thick this is placed edgeways on a flat rock, another about the same shape and dimensions lies on the ground near at hand.  A third formerly placed across has been destroyed within the memory of some of the inhabitants.  These stones are called Cromlech but I should rather imagine like those we noticed at Llanfechell that it had constituted the chamber of a large Carnedd.  Proceeding hence we walked over a natural layer of lime stones extending for some acres along the surface of the ground this is called Marian Glâs a term expressive of flat grey stones.  We here met with a countryman who joined our party and in our progress pointed out some more of the Cytiau Gwyddellhod on (fol. 127a) a rising ground called Bryn [82] ddiol, and from hence we saw a hill about two miles to the westward named Rhos Fawr where he said were some other remains and cromlechs but this lay so much out of our direction we could not visit them.  At Marian Mawr Mr. Richards quitted us.  We were indeed much indebted to him for his polite attention in accompanying us thus far for I am convinced that without his assistance we should have passed many of these curious remains the common people in general being ignorant of everything of the kind.  This gentleman seems to have paid a good deal of attention to antiquities and has promised to favour me with a letter on the subject on my return home.  But I could not help remarking in the course of conversation that superstition does not seem confined to the ignorant and illiterate for he told me very gravely (fol. 129) that there were companies of fairies still existing in Wales and particularly in Anglesea and that he had frequently driven them from their haunts.  He also spoke of the knockers supposed to be little invisible beings favourable to the miners who by making a variety of sounds underground lead p. 83them to those places where there is the greatest quantity of ore.  I could only be silent when I heard these opinions advanced but he has directed me to a book lately published by Mr. Edmund Jones of Pontypool on the subject.  At Marian Mawr are six large stones of the same kind as the substrata rising above seven feet.  They have obtained the name of cromlech but I rather imagine them to be natural productions.

Under the guidance of the countryman we proceeded to Red Wharf.  Passed more of the Cytiau Gwyddelhod at a place called Trescifion.  Near here is an ancient mansion house called Glynn now belonging to Mr. Meyricke (fol. 129a) the name of Glynn a title common in many parts of Wales I find implies a situation lying in a narrow valley overgrown with trees.  Not far beyond was a house in which Mr. Hughes resided before his vast acquisition in the Parys mountain.  Arrived at Red Wharf a little before dark and the house promised but very bad accommodations we were obliged to put up with them.  Our eating was of the least importance but on retiring to my sleeping apartment although the woman had provided clean linen the toute ensemble was so dirty I passed the night without taking off my cloaths.

Sunday, Decr. 12

We were not sorry to leave this wretched alehouse as soon as there was sufficient light to see our direction three miles across the sands of Traeth Gôch to the village of Llanddona whose church stands on an eminence above the (fol. 130) bay and was first founded by Ddona grandson of Brychfael ys Cythrog (who fought the Saxons when the monks of Bangor Iscoed were slaughtered) anno six hundred and ten.  About half a mile to the left are the traces of a large entrenchment supposed to have been thrown up by the Britons as a defence against the northern invaders.  This is on a p. 84rising knoll called Dyn Sylwyn [84a] or Round Table Hill.  This we had not leisure to see being obliged to hasten to Llainestan [84b] about a mile in the contrary direction in order to have sufficient time to notice an ancient monument, mentioned by Mr. Rowlands, before service began.  Fortunately the church door was open and we met with no interruption during the half hour we stayed there.  The object in question covering a cenotaph rose about two feet above the pavement near the communion table.  A person in a sacerdotal habit p. 85holding a pastoral crook in his right hand and in his left a scroll is here represented, whereon is inscribed (fol. 131a) hic jacet sanctus Jestinus cui &c., round the border of the slab towards the head the characters in parts are much defaced but I read Gryffydd ap Gwyllym in oblationem istam imaginem pro salute animarum suarum.  The style of workmanship appears very similar to that of Pabo post Prid and by the way tends to confirm the opinion we there formed that the sculpture is many centuries posterior to the time of the persons they are designed to represent and offered as an oblation to the church for the purpose of securing the favour and mediation of the patron saint.  That the family of this Gryffyd ap Gwyllym resided in this neighbourhood appears from a document still extant dated at Rhayder Gadog June the twentieth in the twenty seventh year of Henry the sixth by which seven villaines or vassals were made over and granted by Ednyfed Fychan ap Ednyfed Dafydd ap Gryffydd and Howell ap Dafydd according to the feudal system still obtaining to (fol. 133) William Gryffyd ap Gwylym free tenant of Porthamel probably the very same person who presented the effigies of St. Jesten to the church.  This Jesten founder of the church is supposed to have been the son of Gerennius or Geraint grandson of Constantine duke of Cornwall successor to king Arthur.  The font is certainly very ancient probably coeval with the original building.  The present structure differs nothing from other Welsh Churches.  From hence proceeded across a swampy heath for a mile and a half to an old mansion called Fotti [85] Rhydderch or Roderick’s summer house having been directed thither to see an inscription cut over an arched chimney piece in the kitchen.  The characters appear to be about the time of Henry the eighth or his successor and are read Si deus nobiscum quis contra nos.  This place formerly the residence of a gentleman’s family like p. 86most others we have had occasion to notice in the island is now tenanted by a farmer (fol. 133a) who has a fine family of nine children.  The eldest a lad of only eleven years old engaged to conduct us to the cromlechs at Cremlyn and Trefor.  At the former place there is little worthy of notice but at the latter I took two sketches of a very perfect cromlech the upper stone measuring about three yards across supported by two uprights the larger six feet high the other not above four and a half which cause the cap stone to recline in a slanting direction.  Another long stone now lying on the ground appears to have been formerly used as a supporter.  Near at hand also are three or four flat stones lying promiscuously.

Whether these were ever employed in the formation of a second cromlech like at Praes Addfed [86a] I cannot pretend to determine.  About two fields from hence in our way to Penymynnedd [86b] we traced one of very p. 88small dimensions, the cap stone not being above a yard across and its two supporters a foot and a half high.

(fol. 136)  After a toilsome walk we arrived at Penymynnedd a place formerly in possession of the Tudor family whose descendant Owen became of such consequence in the British history by marrying Catherine widow of Henry the fifth.  In the church we perceived a handsome marble monument said to belong to that family whereon are the effigies of a knight in armour with his lady by his side.  There being no inscription we could not determine its exact date but from the workmanship I should imagine it was posterior to the time of Owen who if I mistake not was buried in the cathedral of St. Davids but of this I shall inform myself hereafter.

The church of Penymynnedd formerly went by the name of its founder whose tomb they pointed out under a kind of gothic nitch in the north wall without any kind of inscription.  I did not copy the monument on account of there being a good many people in church (fol. 136a) and I wished not to put a stumbling block in my brother’s way but I afterwards made a sketch from memory just to notice the place.  After a homely meal we walked half a mile across the fields to the turnpike, and in the course of an hour arrived at Bangor ferry completely soaked a heavy rain having accompanied us all the way.  Crossed the water about two with the design of reaching Capel Cerig to sleep but in this we were disappointed through the inattention of our guide who having stopped behind on some pretence we mistook our way and deviated nearly four miles before we got to Llandegai.

It was now quite dark and stormy and we endeavoured to procure horses to take us to the conclusion of our stage but without success, on therefore we marched to a small public house near Lord Penrhyn’s quarries where we met a civil reception p. 89though the accommodations were scarcely (fol. 138) a whit better than those of the preceeding night.  In the course of two hours after our arrival our guide made his appearance with a number of excuses I did not think it worth while to listen to.  At about ten we retired to our sleeping room.

Monday, Decr. 13

It rained violently all night but clearing up after breakfast we pursued our road to Capel Cerig.  In our way purchased a hone at the quarry near Ogwen lake of a man living in a cottage close at hand who is employed on the spot to procure this article and two or three shiploads have already been sent to different parts.  Arrived at the inn about one gratified by our ten days tour in the island notwithstanding the bad weather we experienced having in that period walked above an hundred and sixty eight miles.

Corrigendum.
On page 68, line 30, for “auxore” read “uxore.”

FOOTNOTES.

[11a]  Llanidan House belonged to Lord Boston, from whom Mr. Williams rented it.

[11b]  South-west.

[13a]  Castell near Bryn Gwyn.

[13b]  West.

[14a]  Braint.

[14b]  Caer Lab.

[15a]  Bodowyr.

[15b]  Half a mile south-west.

[16a]  Myfyrian.

[16b]  Tre Ifan.

[17]  Llanedwen.

[18]  Carnedd at Plâs Newydd.

[20]  Cromlech at Plâs Newydd.

[22a]  Gwydryn.

[22b]  Brynsiencyn.

[23]  Castell Idris.

[28]  Perthi Duon?

[30a]  A mile and a quarter south-west.

[30b]  Frondeg.

[32a]  Malltraeth.

[32b]  Trefdraeth.

[34]  Llysdulas.

[36a]  Llyn Coron.

[36b]  Trefeilir.

[37]  Tregarnedd? three miles to the north.  “Ester mon eglwr”—should this read . . . maes elidr?  “?  Esgair maes elidr.”

[38]  Cerrigceinwen.

[44a]  Llangwyfan House.

[44b]  Mynydd Cnwc.

[46]  At Ty Newydd.

[47a]  Crigyll.

[47b]  At Pentraeth.

[49]  Nhewyn.

[50a]  Gwyndy.

[50b]  At Presaddfedd.

[50c]  Feet?

[53]  Llandrygarn.

[54]  Now at Trescawen.

[71]  Alaw?

[72a]  Two miles.

[72b]  Careg Lleidr.

[73]  Can this be meant for Lleidrgoch or Llechgoch?  Possibly it should be Llidach as a chapel of this name used to stand close to the spot.—Cambrian Register, ii, 288.

[74]  The exact spot where the “triangular piece of gold” was found is not clearly indicated.  Apparently it was on the North-West side of the mountain.  Mr. Skinner, however, in his sketch, shows it on the South-East side.

Probably the sketches were worked up in the evening from memory, which may account for the errors which appear in some of them.

[75a]  The position where these “gold tongues” stood was probably on the North-West side of the mountain though shown by Mr. Skinner on the South-East.

[75b]  This town was Tre Beirdd on the North-West side of the mountain, incorrectly indicated on the South-East side on Mr. Skinner’s ground plan.

[76a]  Cyttiau Gwyddelod.

[76b]  These are marked on the 25 in. Ordnance Map.

[77a]  Maccudecceti.

[77b]  No such stones are now to be found here.

[78]  Catherine Jones’ burial is entered in the Register, but the stone cannot be found.

[79]  This is incorrect.

[80a]  The thickness is about 3 ft. 6 ins.

[80b]  At this end it rests on a flat rock.

[80c]  Demolished about fifteen years ago.

[81]  William and Mary.

[82]  At Traeth Bychan?  Bryn ddiol is the hill on which the Romano-British village, close to Parciau House, is situated.

[84a]  Din Sylwy or Bwrdd Arthur.

[84b]  Llaniestyn.

[85]  Hafodty

[86a]  Presaddfedd.

[86b]  Penmynydd.

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