Tales and Sketches of Wales

Front matter

TALES AND SKETCHES OF WALES: By CHARLES WILKINS, Member of the Camb. Arch. Association ; Author of " AVales Past and Present," " History of Merthyr," etc., et ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, CARDIFF : DANIEL OWEN AND COMPANY. 1879. DEDICATION. To Thf, Right Hon. Lord Windsor. I pray you my Lord accept the dedication of this book on the auspicious occasion of your Lordship's entry into public life. Your Lordship has indicated in the strongest, and most satisfactory manner, the Avarmest sympathy in all that pertain to Wales, not only in the comfort and happiness of the people, but in the development of the natural and mineral riches of the country ; and I am assured, that nothing Avould be more gratifying to your Lordship than to find that happiness immeasurably increased, and those riches more considerably enhanced.

May it be your Lordship's privilege not only to see these blessings realized, but to aid in that consummation with vigorous intellect and generous action, so that in future years, and far distant may they be, when time writes its verdict over men and deeds, it shall be said that the military renoAvn of the ancestor was paralleled by the moral excellence of the descendant, and that if Clive helped to make his country glorious, Windsor strove to make it happy, great, and good. That this may be accorded, Avith the enjoyment of fullest health, and the long possession of those Avho have ennobled home life, and given it all its peaceful attraction and its singular sweetness and charm, are the earnest wishes of Your Lordship's faithful serA'ant CHARLES WILKINS. Springfield, Merthvr, January, 1879.

Preface

. Those who open this book and expect to find it a dry and learned compilation by a member of an antiquarian society, will I fear, be mistaken. Yet my aim has been an ambitious one. I have endeavoured to mirror Wales, not only its old history, but social life, manners, customs, superstitions ; and just as a faithful mirror gives back every object of prominence, so in mine will, I trust, live again the grey old castle, hoary mountain, winding river and pleasant valley, whitewashed farm, and coast line, which are the specialties of Wales. I have endeavoured to the best of my power to keep strictly to chronological precedence, and thus early history and old customs precede farm life and mining industries ; but should, acci dentally, a grim Ironside come in too close proximity with a collier, or, Avorse still, a belted knight be inharmoniously contrasted with a weather-beaten farmer, believe more or less in the identity of each of the characters.

They have lived, or they live ; the error is mine. With this brief prelude, I send my leaflets down the stream, to be ingulphed and lost, or to sail at length into a quiet inglenook of the river, and there fade away. That I must leave to destiny. The Author. C O N T E X T S . Brychan, King of Brecon, and Tydfil the Martyr ... ... ... 1 The Footstep at the Door; a Tale of the Welsh Coast ... ... 11 Megan Verch Evau ... ... ... ... ... ... 15 The Legend of Ha vod Uchtry.l ... ... ... ... 16 Davydd ab Gwilyra and Ifor Hael ... ... ... ... 19 The Legend of Cader Idris ... ... ... ... ... 23 Evan ab Robert ; or a Glance at Old Times ... ... ... 28 How a .Scotchman became Prince of Wales ... ... ... 33 The Beautiful Fluur and Murchan the Thief ... ... ... 37 The Welsh Smuggler ... ... ... ... ... 39 The Old House in the Bhondda ... ... ... ... 42 A Border Fight ... ... ... ... ... ... 45 Llant wit Major ; a Sketch of Monastic Days ... ... ... 46 The Poisoned Arrow ... .. ... ... ... 50 The Sister's Revenge ; a Breconshire Tale ... ... ... 51 Life Below the Earth ; or what the Collier Dared and Won ... 56 Who was Harvey; a Tale of Social Life in Wales ... ... 61 The Legend of the White Lady of Oystermouth Castle ... ... 64 Owen Glyndwr and the Skeleton ... ... ... ... 69 The Lady of Castell Coch ... ... ... ... ... 72 Saxon Slander and Murfa Rhuddlan ... ... ... ... 82 The Unknown Knight; a Tale of Brecknock ... ... ... 85 A Mysterious Murder ... ... ... ... ... 89 Pixie Led ; a Pembrokeshire Tale ... ... ... ... 95 The Village Boys; a Tale of the Welsh Borders ... ... ... 101 The Fate of Sir Walter Mansel; a Tale of Kidwelly Castle CONTENTS.

PAGE. March of the Men of Harlech . . . 1 I o The Stranger; a Pembrokeshire Tale ... Einson, the Fugitive; the Orignal Enoch Ardeu of Tennyson ... 121 The Crock of Gold ... ... ... ... •■• ••■ 125 The Life aud Times of Llewellyn, last Prince of Wales ... ■•• 130 Lundy Island ... ... ... ... ••• ••• 14' A Legend of the Black Mountains .. ... ... ■■• 149 Carmarthen and Merlin ... ... ... ... ... 152 Ellen Dwn, the true Heroine of Young Lochinvar ... ... 154 Visit of Welsh Barons to London in the Fourteenth Century ... 159 Farm Life in Wales ... ... ... ... ... ... 160 The Devil's Bridge ... ... ... ... ... ... 162 A May Day Tale ... ... ... ... ... ... 165 A Tale of Haverfordwest Castle ... ... ... ... 168 The "Signal Box" in the Welsh Mountains ... ... ... 174 The Girl at the " Fox " ... ... ... ... ... 177 The Strange Mark on the Hand; a Welsh Country Tale ... ... 184 William Jones and the Monmouth Alms-houses ... ... ... 1 89 Buried Alive, the Fate of Matilda Despencer ; a Tale of Coity and Caerphilly ... ... ... ... ... ... 194 Owen Tudor ab Meredydd, Founder of the Royal English line of Tudor 200 Sir Rhys ab Thomas ... ... ... ... ... 202 Ancient Spiritualism in Wales ... ... ... ... 207 A Sketch amongst the Welsh H ills ... ... ... ... 212 How Turberville the Norman Knight Won his Wife ... ... 213 The Vicar's Daughter ... ... ... 214 An Old Welsh Fair ... ... ... ... ... 220 Caerleon and King Arthur ... ... ... ... 224 The Dark Room ... ... ... ... ... 228 The Practical Jokers of Llandovery ... ... ... 233 Dr. Emlyn Jones ... ... ... ... ... 236 Old Superstitions of the Welsh Peasantry ... ... o w * Go The Death Cry ... ... ... ... ... 9 i o CONTENTS.

IX PAGE The Returned Soldier ; or the Welsh Tichborne Case ... ... 245 The Welsh Crusader ... ... ... ... ... 249 A Tale of Langland Bay ... ... ... ... ... 250 A Triad of Welsh Characters ... ... ... ... ... 252 The Life and Times of Owen Glyndwr ... ... ... ... 256 Quiet Nooks in Wales ... ... ... ... ... 274 The Old Collier and the Vision ... ... ... ... 276 The Lord of Dunraven ... ... ... ... ... 280 An Eviction ... ... ... ... ... ... 291 Cheating the Old Gentleman ... ... ... ... ... 296 A Run up the Rhondda ... ... ... ... ... 299 David Lewis the Chartist; a Tale of the Newport Riots ... ... 303 On the Mountains ... ... ... ... ... ... 310 The London Doctor (from the Annals of the Gwynne Family) ... 314 Our Colliers ... ... ... ... ... ... 318 The Bohemian on the Welsh Mountains... ... ... ... 322 Recollections of an Eminent Welshman ... ... ... 327 The Last French Invasion of Wales ... ... ... ... 329 Craig Evan Leyshon... • ... ... ... ... ... 331 The Mystery of the Neath Valley ... ... ... ... 334 Llanstephan Castle .... ... ... ... ... ... 341 Pontypridd and the Druid ... ... ... ... ...

M44 A Haunted House in Wales ... ... ... ... ... 349 Rambles in and around Brecon ... ... ... ... 354 Money in the Ground ... ... ... ... ... 362 A Night at Llandrindod ... ... ... ... ... 364 The Battle of St. Fagans ; a May Day Sketch ... ... ... 367 A Welsh Jacobite ... ... ... ... ... ... 373 The " Signal Box " in the WTelsh Mountains ... ... ... 375 Penry Williams, the Eminent Painter ... ... ... ... LIST OE SUBSCRIBERS. Major Morgan, Bolgoed Captain H. C. Roberts, Croydon Captain D. R. Lewis, Merthyr Tydvil Captain AVhite, Mountain Ash Captain E. Richards, Machynlleth Captain Varney, R.A., Bangor. Captain A. R. Davies, Hitchin. Rev. W. Bruce, Duffryn, Cardiff Rev. J. M. Bowen, Penydarran Rev. E. L. Barnwell, Melksharn Rev. AV. Davies, Vicar of St. John's, Earl of Powis Earl of Jersey Marquess of Bute, Cardiff (six copies) Lord Tredegar (two copies) Lord AA'indsor (two copies) Lady Mary Clive (two copies) Lady Kaye Lady Cunliffc Sir E. H. Hamilton Sir George Elliott (two copies) Judge Falconer (two copies) The Misses Bassett, Boverton House, Cowbridge (two copies} Pen-y-darran Rev. Vice Principal Davey, Lampeter Rev. D.H. Davies, Vicar of Carmarthen Rev. Prebendary Davies, Kington Rev. J. Hathren Davies, Cefu Rev. H. Davies, Dowlais (Victoria House Rev. Owen Davies, St. Luis e's Vicarage, Pontypool Rev. W. David, St. Fagans Rev. 0.

Davies, Vicar of Tregaron Rev. Thomas Evans, Merthyr Tydvil Rev. H. Evans, Vicar of Llanwyddyr Rev. J. J. Evans, Rector, Cantreff, Airs. Crawshay, Cyfarthfa (two copies) Mrs. Ellen Davies, Llandaff Mrs. Goddard, Llandaff Mrs. George Thomas, Ystrad-Mynach Mrs. Trevor Parkyns, Glasfryn Mrs. Davies, Bryntirion Miss Davies, Church Street, Merthyr Miss Pritchard, Crofta Mrs. Johnes, Dolacothy Mrs. AV. Thomas, Crickhowell Mrs. Treharne, C'oedriglan Mrs. Stephens, Merthyr Brecon Miss Prichard, Card its Mrs. Davidson, Ludlow Rev. S. Edwards, Lampeter Grammar School Mrs. Greener, Pontmorlais Miss Jenkins, Llandyssil Lieut.-Col. G. G. Francis, Swansea Rev. J. Griffith, Rector of Merthyr Rev. D. G. Griffiths, Rector of Trefilan Rev. D. Griffiths, Merthyr Tydvil Rev. AV. Green, Pontyrhun Rev. AV. H. Hughes, Dean of Oxford, Jusus' College Rev.J.Howells, Rector of Llanhamlach Rev. G. Howell, R.D., Llangattock Rev. Robert Jones, Vicar of All Saints, Rotherhithe Rev. AV.

Jones, Rector of Newton Nottage Rev. J. Jones, B.D., Vicar of Bassaleg Rev. T. James, M.A., L.L.D., F.S.A., Buddersfield Lieut.-Col. Hill. Llaudaff Col. AV. David, Llandaff Col. CH. Page, DulwichHouse,Llandatf Col. J. L. Chester, L.L.D., London Col. Kemys Tynte, Cefn Mably Col. Stuart, M.P., Newbury Col. John Allen Rolls, Monmouth ( lol. Evans, Highmead Major C. Lloyd, High Sheriff of Breconshire Major Stuart, Peniarth Ucha, Towyn Major Cresswell, Dowlais Major Powell, Aberdare LIST ul i i -< UIBERS. XI l»r„. x». Mi .jvu.es, H. A., St. Ishmael's Rev. E. Jones, Vicar of Tredegar Rev. L. Jones, Vicar of Cadoxton Rev. L. Jones, Taff-fechan Rev. D. Jenkins, Rector of St. Andrew's A. J. Bereton, Esq. (Andreas O'r Fon), Mold (two copies) C. Bath, Esq., Swansea J. Le Boulanger, Esq., Cardiff Mr. E. Beddoe, Georgetown T. Foster Brown, Esq., Cardiff Dr. Brown, Tredegar John Bishop, Esq., Gwaelodygarth Walter Bell, Esq., Merthyr Vale AV.

Beddoe, Esq., Llancaiach H. Battram, Esq., Cyfarthfa Dr. Biddle, Merthyr Tydvil AValter Beith, Esq., Treharris R. Bedlingtou, Esq., Aberdare N. Bennett, Esq., Glan-yr-afon S. K. Bosanquet, Esq., Dingeston, Court Monrnouth Dinas Powis Rev. E. Jacob, Ebley Rev. E. Jones, Tredegar Rectory Rev. C. K. Knight, Tygetheston Court Rev. H. Kirkhouse, Cyfarthfa Rev. P. Llewellyn, Llangynydd Vicarage Rev. M. A. Lee Rev. E. Lewis, Vicar of Dolgelly Rev. H. Lewis, Vicar of St. Brides Minor Rev. S. V. Lewis, Abingdon Rev. D. Morgan, Rector of Llanbadarn, Pen-y-bont Rev. J. C. Morgan, Vicar of Swansea Rev. John Morgan, Rector of Dowlais Rev. L. Price, Vicar of Llandilo Rev. Canon Phillips, Aberystwith Rev. A. Roberts, Vicar of Llangattock Rev. L. T. Rowlands, Llanddewi-Brevi Rev. E. E. B. Salisbury, B.D. J. E. Baines, Esq., 17, Park Road, Hampstead Crawshay Bailey, Esq., Abergavenny (two copies) Dr. Bates, Cowbridge T. Bevan, Esq., (Caradoc) xVbergavenny H. Bowen, Esq., Cardiff Rev. Cyril Stacey, Dulas Court Rev.T. Theophilus, Vicar of Pontlottyn Rev. D. R. Thomas, Meifod Rev. E. Venables, Llysdinan.

Newbridge-on-AVye Rev. B. AA'illiams, Rector of Myddfai Rev. N. R. AVilliams, Merthyr lydvil Rev. R. AVilliams, B.D., AVhitchurch H. Bird, Esq., Cardiff AV. Beresford, Esq., Nantgaredig W. T. B. Bishop, Esq., Brecon C. Botting, Esq., Aberdare Mr. Bassett, Thomas Town A. D. Berrington, Esq., Abergavennj- AY. V. Craig, Esq., Palace Chambers, Westminster Vicarage, Solva Rev. E. T. AVilliams, Caldicot Tudor Crawshay, Esq., Treforest Aaron Cule, Esq., Pontypridd Rev. R. AVilliams, Rector of A7aynor Rev. ,T. AA'illiams, Llangwm Rectory Rev. D. Williams, Rector of Llan- AV. T. Canton, Esq., Swansea T. Carlyle, Esq., Swansea J. L. Cocker, Esq., Gas AYorks J. Colquhonn, Esq., Tredegar AV. C. Carbonell, Esq., Usk Thomas Cadman, Esq., Lydney, Glos. George Calvert, Esq., Cheltenham J. Co well, Esq., Cardiff George T. Clark, Esq., Dowlais (two dynarog Rev. T. Walters, Vicar of Llausamlet Rev. Canon Williams, Llanfyllin Rev. W. Winston, Rector of Penderrin G. W. Armstrong, Esq., Cardiff John Aubrey, Esq., Hirwain Mrs. Alexander, Merthyr Tydvil J. Alexander, Esq., Pontypridd AV.

Alexander, Esq., Park Place (two copies) H. AA'. Adnitt, Esq., Shrewsbury Mr. AV. A. Allen, Duke Sreet, Cardiff J. Almond, Esq., Redlaud, Bristol (two copies) G. F. Adams, Esq., Cardiff R. Alexander, Esq., Bush Hotel copies) Mr. Dunstan, Taff Arale Brewery Mr. L. J. Davies, Bird-iu-Hand Mr. Ed. Davies, Rhymney AV. Davies, Esq., Cardiff Docks (two copies D. Davies, Esq., Maesyffynon J. E. Davies, Esq., Merthyr W. H. Campbell Davys, Llandovery (two copies) LIST OP SUDSCRIRERS. XII T. H. Evans, K*<]., carmn D. Edwards Esq.. Pontypridd E. Evans, Esq., Ruabon Joseph Elliott, Esq., Cardiff Richard Evans, Esq., Llandudno J. P. Evans, Esq., Llanelly Mr. Evans, Postmaster, Mountain Ash J. P. Evans, Esq., Leicester T. Evans, Esq., Merthyr P. E. Evans, Esq., Bristol Master J. AV. Evans, London Ware- S. Lloyd Davies, Esq., Merthyr Ed. Davies, Esq., Bassaleg Dr. Davies, Mountain Ash C. W. David, Esq., Llandaff Dr. Dyke, The Hollies Edward David, Esq., Llandaff Mr. Davidson, Thomas Town Wm. Downing, Esq., Birmingham D. Davies, Esq., M.D., St. Leonardson-Sea John Davies, Esq., London Road, Pontypridd W. T. Davies, Esq., Rail Inspector James Davies, Esq., Hereford D. Davies, Esq., 2,Camion St., Aberdare D. Davies, Esq., Brynyolwg, Aberdare Dr. Devonald, Georgetown P. J. Dunn, Esq., Aberdare Rhys Davies, Esq., Courtland Terrace E. R. L. David, Esq., Llandaff Nathan Dyfed, Merthyr Tydvil Thos. E. Davies, Esq., Hill House, Graig Mr. John Davies, Crown Inu Mr. Thos. Davies, Musical Hall D. D. Davies, Esq., Galon-Uchaf J. B. Davies, Esq., Roath AV.

R. Diamond, Esq., Abergavenny Isaac Davies, Esq., Bulwark, Brecon J. Davies, Esq., Great St. Helen's, London Alexander Dalziel, Esq., Bute Docks Christmas Evans, Esq., Penheolgerrig AVilliam Evans, Esq., Rhymney Hemy Evans, Esq., Bank, Cardiff Thos. Edwards, Esq,, Cefn T. J. Evans, Esq., Aberglasne David Evans, Esq., Rhymney D. Evans, Esq., Merthyr F. G. Evans, Esq., Tynant House, Cardiff W. Edwards, Esq., M.A., 19, Thomas house J.Edwards, Esq., Penarth (two copies) T. Fawcett, Esq., Penydarran House Messrs. Farrant & Frost, Stationers H. C. Fryer, Esq., Aberystwith AV. F. Frost, Esq., Cardiff G. Fisher, Esq., Cardiff (two copies) J. W. Flower, Esq., Briton Ferry J. C. Fowler, Esq., Stipendiary of Swansea T. Gee, Esq., Denbigh J. W. Gunn, Esq., Merthyr H. Gwyn, Esq., Neath J. Grogan, Esq., Cardiff M. Grover, Esq., Cardiff R. Griffiths, Esq., Abervan T. W. Goodfellow, Esq., Thomas St. Mr. Enoch Griffiths, Newport, Mon.

Thomas Griffiths, Esq., Tredegar George Griffiths, Esq., Cardiff J. S. Gibbon, Esq., Cowbridge M. Gibbon, Esq., Cardiff J. LI. Griffiths, Esq., Holyhead W. E. B. Gwyn, Esq., Carmarthen R. 0. Grey, Esq., Aberdare D. Gibbon, Esq., Treherbert Mr. Gibby, Cyfarthfa Mr. Griffiths, Troedyrhiw R. R. Gabb, Esq., Abergavenny H. Hall, Esq., Abergavenny H. R. Hughes, Esq., Lord Lieutenant of Flintshire Street, Merthyr Thos. J. Evans, Esq., Hirwain (two copies) Dr. D. T. Edwards, Taffs AVell J. Hurman, Esq., Cardiff E. D. Ho wells, Esq., Pentyrch Mr. Hughes, Merthyr AV. Harris, Esq., Merthyr Tydvil (two copies) A. Evans, Esq,, Carmarthen D. Evans, Esq., Ystrad, Rhondda David Evans, Esq., Gilfach Coch Mr. Daniel Evans, Dowlais C. Harris, Esq., High Street M. Hirst, Esq., Dowlais T. Hirst, Esq., Dowlais H. AAT.

Hansard, Esq., Swansea D. Howell, Esq., Machynlleth. J. M. Harrison, Esq., Llantrissant M. L. Evans, Esq., Somerset Place Thomas Edwards, Esq., Mountain Ash Richard Edwards, Esq., J.P., Vedwhir J. Evans, Esq., C.E., Treorchy Air. David Evans, Gas AVorks LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. XIII Richard Hughes, Esq., Swansea H. Hansard, Esq., Merthyr Tydvil J. Harrison, Esq., Aberdare (two copies) S. Harpur, Esq., Merthyr Tydvil T. Havard, Esq., Merthyr Tydvil John Hall, Esq., Merthyr Tydvil T. H. Hosgood, Esq., Troedyrhiw F. R. Howell, Esq., Aberdare AV. Hogg, Esq., Plas-y-Coed, Gellygaer Dr. Hopkins, Danygraig, Pontypridd D. Hughes, Esq., High Constable, Aberdare John Jones,Esq.,Fairwater(two copies) R. D. Jenkins, Esq., Cardigan 0. R. Jenkins, Esq., Penarth W. P. James, Esq., Mining Engineer Abersychan Elias James, Esq., AValnut Tree Bridge C. Jordan, Esq., Newport, Mon.

E. Jenkins, Esq., Courtland Terrace D. AV. Jones, Esq., Beaconsfield House Cardiff (two copies) Edward Jones, Esq., Garnddifaith, Pontypridd J. B.James, Esq., AVoodlauds,Aberaman R. AV. Jones, Esq., Trecastle H.L. Hollier, Esq., Oaklands, Aberdare G. Hicks, Esq., Biynmawr J. H. Insole, Esq., Llandaff R. 0. Jones, Esq., Stipendiary of Cardiff Mordecai Jones, Esq., Brecon AVilliam Jeens, Esq., Stroud, Glo'ster C. Jefferies, Esq., jun., Bristol John Jones, Esq., Glan-y-nant House (two copies) John Jones, Esq., Solicitor, Cardiff E- Jones, Esq., Liverpool G. Jones, Esq., (Glan Meuai,) Carnarvon (three copies) Mr. D. Jenkins, Builder, Merthyr C. Jenkins, Esq., T.V.R., Pontypridd J. Jenkins, Esq., Surveyor, Mountain Ash AV. James, Esq., Ash Cottage, Taffs Evan Jones, Esq., Gas Works, Aberdare David James, Esq., Dowlais W. Jones, Esq., Cyfarthfa AV Jenkins, Esq., Consett Arthur Jones, Esq., Aberdare (two copies J. Jenkins, Esq., Mirador, Swansea Well J. G. James, Esq., Blackwood L. P. Jones, Esq., Ironbridge Brewery Robert Jordan, Esq., Ebbw Vale Evan John, Esq., sen., Pentyrch John Jones, Esq., Fair water (two copies) Evan John, Esq., jun., Pentyrch H. Kirkhouse, Esq., Cardiff Dr. Jones, Aberdare G. C. James, Esq., Courtland House Chas. H. James, Esq., Brynteg John Jenkins, Esq., Merthyr Frank James, Esq., Merthyr Tydvil Mr. D. E. Jones, Treharris Mr. Francis Jones, Risca J. Kirk, Esq., Brecon D. King, Esq., Neath S. AV.

Kelly, Esq., Elms, Llandaff Bedlington Kirkhouse, Esq., Llwyncelyn E. H. Kennedy, Esq., Pontypool D. Lawrence, Esq., Llangibby Castle, Newport, Mon. AV. T. Lewis/ jEsq., Mardy Aberdare (two copies) H. AV. Lewis, Esq., Treherbert (two Mr. Jones, Devynock W. Jenkins, Esq., Treorchy T. Jenkins, Esq., Surveyor, Neath Heury Jones, Esq., Neath Abbey House John Jones, Esq., Neath Abbey J. Jones, Esq., Carnarvon Thomas Jones, Esq., Dowlais Thomas Joseph Esq., Tydraw (two copies) Thomas Jones, Esq., Brecon Thomas Jones,Esq., Mayor of Aberavnn Benjamin Jones, Esq., Dowlais T. W. Jones, Esq., Aberdare J. Jones, Esq., Cefn Thomas Jones, Esq., Bridgeud copies) Thomas Lloyd, Esq., Primrose Hill T. Leyshon. Esq., Cardiff J. T. D. Llewellyn, Esq., High Sheriff of Glamorgan AVilliam Llewellyn, Esq., Court Colman D. R. Lewis, Esq., Merthyr T, AV.

Lewis, Esq., Abercanaid M. P. Lloyd, Esq., Aberayron H. W. Jones, Esq., Hulme AV. J. Jones, Assistant Overseer Mr. Thomas Jones. Vochriw LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Dd. Mclntosh, Esq., Wernddu, Hsk J. Maddock, Esq., Newport, Mon. 0. Morgan, Esq., The Friars, Newport, T. M. Llewellyn, Esq., Solicitor, Newport, Mon. AV111. Lewis, Esq., Merthyr Mon. Lewis Lewis, Esq., Pengam Mr. AVilliam Lewis, AVhite Horse, J. Morris, Esq., Blaenywen T. C. Morris, Esq , Brynerddu, Car- Merthyr Lewis Lewis, Esq., Merthyr James Lewis, Esq., Plasdraw, Aberdare L. Llewellyn, Esq., Aberaman T. Lloyd, Esq., Oswestry Mr. Lloyd, Excise Officer E. W. Lewis, Esq., Ystrad Rhondda Evan Lewis, Esq., Llandaff Wm. Lax, Esq., Llwynypia AVilliam Lewis, Esq., Garth, Llanfabon marthen W. Merchant, Esq., Bank, Pontypridd B. Martin, Esq., Liverpool Mr. George Morgan, Sculptor.

Mr. Robert Morgan, Blaina Works Mr. W. Morgan, Ystalyfera J. Middleton, Esq., Cheltenham Dr. D. Morgan, Brighton D. H. Mytton, Esq., Garth Welshpool Mr. J- C. Newcombe, Merthyr Tydvil Mr. Nicholas, Georgetown J. C Nicholl, Esq., Merthyr Mawr (two copies) Newport Free Library G. AV. Nicholl, Esq., The Ham, Cow- Dr. Leigh, Llanfabon H. Lewis, Esq., Greenmeadow (sumcopies) W. D. Lewis, Esq., Gelligear J. Lewis, Esq., Tredegar AArilliam Little, Esq., Aberaman Titus Lewis, Esq., F.S.A., Cowbridge J. L. P. Lewis, Esq., Narberth Dd. Llewellyn, Esq., F.R.G.S., Brynbridge George Overton, Esq., Brecon J. Owen, Esq., AVhitland D. Owen, Esq., Troedyrhiw John Owen, Esq. (Owain Alaw), Chester D. L. Owen, Esq., Ash Hall Love Jones Parry, Esq., Madryn Castle, Pwllheli (two copies) E. C. Phillips, Esq., Solicitor, Brecon John Plews, Esq., Solicitor, Merthyr gerner Lewis T. Lewis, Esq., Cadoxton T. Conway Lloyd, Esq., High Sheriff, Breconshire J. Lloyd, Esq., Huntingdon Court R. Lloyd, Esq., Merthyr T. Leyshon, Esq., Thomas Street J. AV.

Lewis, Esq., Stroud H. P. Linton, Esq., Solicitor, Aberdare D. Lewis, Esq., Mayor of Cardiff H. Meybery, Esq., Brecon Mr. William Morris, Accountant Tydvil T. M. Price, Esq., Surveyor, Neath Mr. A\Tm. Pugh, Llwydcoed J. C, Parkinson, Esq., AVestminster H. D. Pearce, Esq., Cefn Mr. William Morgan, Pant Mr. Morris, Cefn Brewery G. < !. Pearce, Esq., Cyfarthfa Lloyd Phillips, Esq., M.A., Haverford- AV. Morris, Esq., Aberdare E. Aleredith, Esq., Merthyr AAr, Meredith, Esq., Merthyr C. E. Matthews, Esq., Cefn west AV. Price, Esq., Solicitor, Abergavenny Edward Purchase, Esq., Ynysygorred E. Plummer, Esq., Glyncorrwg Thos. D. Phillips, Esq., Glyncollen Wm. Payne, Esq., AYoodleigh, Southsea R. Parnall, Esq., Llanstephan Mr. R. Pardoe, Aberdare P. Payne, Esq., National Provincial Bank, Cowbridge Mr. W. Phillips, Merthyr E. Price, Esq., Llansaintfraidd J. Place, Esq., Cwmbrane J. Price, Esq., Merthyr G. W. Potter, Esq., Cefn Dr. R. Pearse, Canton Morien, Pontypridd 0.

Morgau, Esq., Old Haldresford M. AAT. Morgan, Esq., Solicitor, Pontypridd Johu Morgan, Esq., Talley T. AV. AV. Morgan, Esq., Havod Dafydd Morganwg, Hirwain Dd. Morgan, Esq., Maesydderwen, Mountain Ash J. J. Morgan, Esq., Tredegar Mr. Molyneux, Merthyr E. J, Morris, Esq., Heathfield LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. XV C J. Parkes, Esq,, J.P., Pontypool L. Powell, Esq., Brecon D. Et. If. Powell, Esq., Maesygwyu AVm. Price, Esq., Solicitor, Glan nanty-llan Thos. Phillips, Esq., Solicitor, Aberdare J. H. Puleston, Esq., M.P., Westminster Place Hotel D. Prichard, Esq., Cefn-y-Forest (two copies) G. Phillips, Esq., Cwmgwilly G. Parsons, Esq., Battersea, S.W. John Protheroe, Esq., Brecon John Smith, Esq., Aberdare J. E. Stacey, Esq., Llandough Castle John Seddon, Esq., Brixton, S.W. E. R. G. Salisbury, Esq., Chester Hubert Smith, Esq., Bridgnorth E. Swedenbauk, Esq., Tredegar J. Sloper, Esq., Cardiff J. Percy Severn, Esq., Penybont, Radnor AV.

Sykes, Esq., U.S. Consul, Cardiff E. Stephens, Esq., Thomas Street H. AV. Southey, Esq., Merthyr Tydvil G. P. Simpson, Esq.. Plymouth AAVjrks Mrs. T. Parkins, AVrexham D. Phillips, Esq., Merthyr T. J. Pearce, Esq., Cefn \Y. Prichard, Esq., Khymney B. Ojuaritch, Esq, London Josiah Kichards, Esq., AVaun AVern, Pontypool Hy. Richards, Esq., M.P., London AArilliam Rees, Esq., Llanvabon J. Rhys, Esq., Aberdare (three CO] Mr. R. T. Rhys, High Street Evan Roberts, Esq., Thomas town James Roberts, Esq., Llwydcoed Ho ise Morgan Rowlands, Esq., Dinas Edwd. Roberts, Esq., Aberdare AV. Thomss, Esq., Resolven (two copies) Mr. Thomas, 1, Union Place D. Thomas, Esq., Crown, Builth AV. P. Thomas, Esq , Builth Charles Taylor, Esq., Merthyr Tydvil Dr. Taylor, Ex-Mayor, Cardiff Evan Thomas, Esq., Aberdare M. Truran, Dowlas Supt.

Thomas, Merthyr Tydvil (two copies) T. Thomas, Esq., High Street (j. Thomas, Esq., Ely Farm (two copies) Mr. E. A. Taylor, Grocer, Risca Mr. Taylor, Cardiff' Tiuns D, S. Tuberville, Esq., Pontardawe J. D. Thomas, Esq., Swansea Thomas Roberts, Esq., C.E., Portmadoc 1-]. Richards, Esq., Dowlais Mr. T. S. Thomas, Abercanaid L. D. Rees, Esq., Cefn Hengoed Brinley Richards, Esq., London (two copies) J. C. Richardson, Esq., Swansea David Thomas, Esq., Solicitor, Brecon J. H. Thomas, Esq., Scyborwen M.Tennant,Esq.,(D.P.G.M.,) Aberavon J. Thomas, Esq., Abernant House (I. As. Traharne, Esq., Cowbridge R. Thomas, Esq., Merthyr A. Roberts, Esq., Oswestry ('. If. Compton Roberts, Esq., Mon AV. J. Tripp, Esq., Cardiff mouth T. L. Thomas, Esq., Cwmaman H. Thomas, Esq., Bristol Morgan Reynolds, Esq., Neath Abbey \V. B. Rowlands, Esq., M.A., Haverfordwest C. J. Thomas, Esq., Redland Leyshon Rhys, Esq., Hirwain (two copies G. Arthur Rees, Esq., Llandovery T. I >.

Huberts. Esq., Malpas Air. Thomas Granville House, Aberdare W. W. Thomas, Esq., Canton AV J. Thomas, Esq., Aberdare H. Hussey Vivian, Esq., M.P., Park T. H. Riches, Esq., Taff Vale Railway N. Adamson Rock, Esq., Tenby Dr. Stradling Came, Bridgend (two \Arern W. Grahame Vivian, Esq., Clyro Park, Swansea copies Mr. \V. Sharp, Troedyrhiw Mr. AL Samuel, High Street, Merthyr W. Simons, Esq., Solicitor, Gwaun- John Vaughan, Esq., Alerthyr J. A'aughan, Esq., Builth J. AAr. Vaughan, Esq., Brecon Rowland Geo. Venables, Esq., Oakhurst, Oswestry .1. AVare, Esq., Brier Bank, Penarth .1. Snape, Esq., Aberaman James Shaw, Esq., Cwmavon LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. XVI F. AVilkins, Esq., Thomastown E. Williamson, Esq., Congleton (two Henry Williams, Esq. , Merthyr, (twelve copies) Edward AVilliams, Esq., Middlesbro' (two copies) Dr. AVebster, Merthyr Tydvil Thomas AVilliams, Esq. , J. P. , Gwaelody, copies) AI.

S. AVilliams, Esq., Aberpergwm Air. J. AVilliams, Cefn R H. Ward, Esq., F.S.A., Rugby J. Williams, Esq., Llandovery Dr. Walters, Cardiff Thos. Williams, Esq., F.R.S.L., Sussex House, Cardiff Mr. B. AVilliams, Draper, Tredegar W. Williams, Esq., Oakfield Villa John AArilliams, Esq., London W. B. AVatkins, Esq., Llandaff Place, Garth J. D. AVilliams, Esq., High Street Thomas AVilliams, Esq., Deputy Coroner J. F. Williams, Esq., Church Street \V. AVilliams, Esq., Pontypridd Peter AVilliams, Esq., Merthyr Tydvil Mr. John AVilliams, Castle Street C. Waldron, Esq., Llandaff (two copies) J. J. AVilliams, Esq.. Treniadoc D. Williams, Esq., Glanwern W. J. AVells, Esq., Cwmbach E. G. AVilliams, Esq., Blackwood W. AVilliams, Esq., Cleveland Villa Air. John AVilliams, Brecon Mr. T. P. White, Cwmaman F, AArienholt, Esq., Laugharne B. F. Williams, Esq., Temple W. AVilliam, Esq., Heathlands, Cardiff Air.

W. Williams, Brecon T. AVebb, Esq., Cardiff W. J. AVhite, Esq., Reading AV. W. E. Wynne, Esq., Penarth B. T. Williams, Esq., M.P., London Penry AVilliams, Esq., Rome H. D. Williams, Esq., Trecynon Dr. AYoollett, Newport, Mon. Dr. Williams, AVrexham Thos. AVilliams, Esq., Penarth W. Payne AVoodleigh, Esq., London T. V. Yorath, Esq., Canton H. AVilkins, Esq., London BRYCHAN, "KING" OF BRECON, AND TYDFIL THE MARTYR. Æ LIFT the veil from before old Roman times, and carry back the reader JS%\ a^e °^ *;n-s Emperor Valentinianus. How startling the jt/SJ! change wrought in history since then. The poor Italian sailor at <fi» Cardiff, scraping decks and tarring ropes, may be the descendant of men who represented Rome, the world's conqueror ; and now what is Rome, what is Italy, and the descendants of the barbarians and the strangers, what have they not become 1 To thoroughly understand the epoch upon which I am about to enter, it is necessary that some idea of the times be given.

The painter needs a background, that his characters may stand forth prominently upon the canvas. The Britons had lived in harmony with Rome. Ostorius had died from vexation with the mountaineers of Wales ; but Severus ruled, and from stray relics upon the line of the Usk and the Wye, and upon the broad mountain roads by which the Romans penetrated AVales, it "is evident that Roman luxury and refinement were known in localities of the most isolated character. Thus at Gelligaer, a quarter of a century ago, in the byways of a rural and unsophisticated population, fragments of Roman pottery, of baths, of tesselated pavement, could be found amongst the debris of modern ware, just as relics of the nations of antiquity may be even built up, as it were, in the formation of the language of to-day, and even now at Dolacothy and at other places in the neighbourhood of Lampeter, the same evidences still are found.

The Romans, coming alone, many unmarried, had intermarried amongst the people, and the dark hue and hair of the " Union " linger amongst us at the present — they had to all intents and purposes " settled down," and four hundred years of occupation, allowing eight generations of the blended races to go down the stream of years, prove very forcibly that the Roman life and the British life had become one. Then, as every schoolboy knows, troubles at home called for the return of A the Roman soldiers, and how strongly flash upon the mind the scenes which followed ! Putting aside the entire island, and sketching only a part of the Welsh mountains, we can easily see what an excitement would ensue. In every district mourning, and the sorrow of an impulsive race, such as the Keltic, mingling with that of the lighter-hearted, but still impassioned southern.

Let but a community leave a hill side now, or a band of emigrants wend their way from any town or village, what a commotion follows, even in our days of constant and considerable travel, when the railway run is one of the necessities of life. But then J when the only carriage seen was that relic of old- Roman times, the primitive imitation of the chariot, an imitation with which farmers a few years ago used to cart away their ferns ; and men and women used so little locomotion that they were like their oaks vegetating on the spot where they were born, then the exodus of a crowd, many taking their wives and children, was an event of the most thrilling, most heartrending nature, and left an impress which necessitated the passing away of more than a generation or two before its effects were forgotten.

Few and faint are the records handed down. AVhat we know relates principally to the large and settled communities on the English side of the Severn and the Dee ; of the AVelsh mountains ami the character apd results of the exodus of the Roman, all that can be gleaned is of a fragmentary kind, and the inquirer has as much difficulty in getting any details as the philologist has in hewing out from modern speech stray fossils of the Greek and the Roman.' AVhat little we know is gleaned from the annals of the chiefs or petty kings who ruled, and that little I interweave in my narrative even as the weaver does the bright tinted thread which forms so little a part and yet gives distinction to the fabric. In the period, then, when the Roman rule was -waning, Tewdrig, one of the lesser kings, or, more correctly, princes, ruled in the district called Garth madrin.