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British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire

Glamorganshire is in South East Wales.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Barry

In 1335 Thomas Barre was born at Barry.

In 1387 Thomas Barre was born to Thomas Barre (age 38) and Elizabeth Croyser at Barry.

In 1420 Thomas Barre (age 33) died at Barry.

Elizabeth Barre was born to Thomas Barre and Alice Talbot at Barry.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Barry Island [Map]

The Itinerary of Archbishop Baldwin through Wales: Book 1 Chapter 6. Not far from Caerdyf is a small island situated near the shore of the Severn, called Barri [Map], from St. Baroc77 who formerly lived there, and whose remains are deposited in a chapel overgrown with ivy, having been transferred to a coffin. From hence a noble family, of the maritime parts of South Wales, who owned this island and the adjoining estates, received the name of de Barri. It is remarkable that, in a rock near the entrance of the island, there is a small cavity, to which, if the ear is applied, a noise is heard like that of smiths at work, the blowing of bellows, strokes of hammers, grinding of tools, and roaring of furnaces; and it might easily be imagined that such noises, which are continued at the ebb and flow of the tides, were occasioned by the influx of the sea under the cavities of the rocks.

Note 77. Barri Island [Map] is situated on the coast of Glamorganshire; and, according to Cressy, took its name from St. Baruc, the hermit, who resided, and was buried there. The Barrys in Ireland, as well as the family of Giraldus, who were lords of it, are said to have derived their names from this island. Leland, in speaking of this island, says, "The passage into Barrey isle at ful se is a flite shot over, as much as the Tamise is above the bridge. At low water, there is a broken causey to go over, or els over the shalow streamelet of Barrey-brook on the sands. The isle is about a mile in cumpace, and hath very good corne, grasse, and sum wood; the ferme of it worth a 10 pounds a yere. There ys no dwelling in the isle, but there is in the middle of it a fair little chapel of St. Barrok, where much pilgrimage was usid." [The "fair little chapel" has disappeared, and "Barry Island" is now, since the construction of the great dock, connected with the mainland, it is covered with houses, and its estimated capital value is now 250,000 pounds].

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Fonmon Castle Barry

In 1305 William St John (age 67) died at Fonmon Castle Barry.

On 11 Apr 1319 John St John was born to John St John (age 26) and Elizabeth Umfraville (age 23) at Fonmon Castle Barry.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Briton Ferry [Map]

The Itinerary of Archbishop Baldwin through Wales: Book 1 Chapter 8. Continuing our journey,82 not far from Margan, where the alternate vicissitudes of a sandy shore and the tide commence, we forded over the river Avon, having been considerably delayed by the ebbing of the sea; and under the guidance of Morgan, eldest son of Caradoc, proceeded along the sea-shore towards the river Neth, which, on account of its quicksands, is the most dangerous and inaccessible river in South Wales. A pack-horse belonging to the author, which had proceeded by the lower way near the sea, although in the midst of many others, was the only one which sunk down into the abyss, but he was at last, with great difficulty, extricated, and not without some damage done to the baggage and books. Yet, although we had Morgan, the prince of that country, as our conductor, we did not reach the river without great peril, and some severe falls; for the alarm occasioned by this unusual kind of road, made us hasten our steps over the quicksands, in opposition to the advice of our guide, and fear quickened our pace; whereas, through these difficult passages, as we there learned, the mode of proceeding should be with moderate speed. But as the fords of that river experience a change by every monthly tide, and cannot be found after violent rains and floods, we did not attempt the ford, but passed the river in a boat, leaving the monastery of Neth [Map]83 on our right hand, approaching again to the district of St. David's, and leaving the diocese of Landaf (which we had entered at Abergevenny) behind us.

Note 82. In continuing their journey from Neath to Swansea, our travellers directed their course by the sea-coast to the river Avon, which they forded, and, continuing their road along the sands, were probably ferried over the river Neath, at a place now known by the name of Breton Ferry [Map], leaving the monastery of Neath at some distance to the right: from thence traversing another tract of sands, and crossing the river Tawe, they arrived at the castle of Swansea [Map], where they passed the night.

Note 83. The monastery of Neath [Map] was situated on the banks of a river bearing the same name, about a mile to the westward of the town and castle. It was founded in 1112, by Richard de Grainville, or Greenefeld, and Constance, his wife, for the safety of the souls of Robert, earl of Gloucester, Maude, his wife, and William, his son. Richard de Grainville was one of the twelve Norman knights who accompanied Robert Fitz-Hamon, and assisted him in the conquest of Glamorganshire. In the time of Leland this abbey was in a high state of preservation, for he says, "Neth abbay of white monkes, a mile above Neth town, standing in the ripe of Neth, semid to me the fairest abbay of al Wales." - Leland, Itin. tom. v. p. 14. The remains of the abbey and of the adjoining priory-house are considerable; but this ancient retirement of the grey and white monks is now occupied by the inhabitants of the neighbouring copper-works.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Caerphilly Castle [Map]

On 03 Oct 1292 Eleanor Clare Baroness Zouche Mortimer was born to Gilbert "Red Earl" Clare 7th Earl Gloucester 6th Earl Hertford (age 49) and Joan of Acre Countess Gloucester and Hertford (age 20) at Caerphilly Castle [Map]. She a granddaughter of King Edward I of England.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Cardiff

In 1151 Robert Fitzrobert was born to William Fitzrobert 2nd Earl Gloucester and Hawise Beaumont Countess Gloucester at Cardiff. He a great grandson of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.

In 1166 Robert Fitzrobert (age 15) died at Cardiff.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Cardiff, Canton

On 21 Feb 1860 William Goscombe John was born to Thomas John and Elizabeth Smith in Canton, Cardiff.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Cardiff Castle

Florence of Worcester. 1134. Robert (age 83), brother of king Henry, and formerly earl of Normandy, who was taken prisoner of war by the king when in Normandy, at the castle of Tinchebrai, and had been long confined in England, died at Cardiff, and, being carried to Gloucester [Map], was buried with great honours in the pavement of the church before the altar.

The Ecclesiastical History of England and Normandy by Orderic Vitalis. In the year of our Lord, 1134, the twelfth indiction, Robert II duke of Normandy (age 83) died at Cardiff in Britain, in the month of February, twenty-eight years after he had been taken prisoner at Tinchebrai and immured in his brother’s dungeon. He lies buried in the abbey of the monks of St. Peter at Gloucester [Map].

The Itinerary of Archbishop Baldwin through Wales: Book 1 Chapter 6. In this same town of Caerdyf, king Henry II., on his return from Ireland, the first Sunday after Easter, passed the night. In the morning, having heard mass, he remained at his devotions till every one had quitted the chapel of St. Piranus.75 As he mounted his horse at the door, a man of a fair complexion, with a round tonsure and meagre countenance, tall, and about forty years of age, habited in a white robe falling down to his naked feet, thus addressed him in the Teutonic tongue: "God hold the, cuing," which signifies, "May God protect you, king;" and proceeded, in the same language, "Christ and his Holy Mother, John the Baptist, and the Apostle Peter salute thee, and command thee strictly to prohibit throughout thy whole dominions every kind of buying or selling on Sundays, and not to suffer any work to be done on those days, except such as relates to the preparation of daily food; that due attention may be paid to the performance of the divine offices. If thou dost this, all thy undertakings shall be successful, and thou shalt lead a happy life." The king, in French, desired Philip de Mercros,76 who held the reins of his horse, to ask the rustic if he had dreamt this? and when the soldier explained to him the king's question in English, he replied in the same language he had before used, "Whether I have dreamt it or not, observe what day this is (addressing himself to the king, not to the interpreter), and unless thou shalt do so, and quickly amend thy life, before the expiration of one year, thou shalt hear such things concerning what thou lovest best in this world, and shalt thereby be so much troubled, that thy disquietude shall continue to thy life's end." The king, spurring his horse, proceeded a little way towards the gate, when, stopping suddenly, he ordered his attendants to call the good man back. The soldier, and a young man named William, the only persons who remained with the king, accordingly called him, and sought him in vain in the chapel, and in all the inns of the city. The king, vexed that he had not spoken more to him, waited alone a long time, while other persons went in search of him; and when he could not be found, pursued his journey over the bridge of Remni to Newport. The fatal prediction came to pass within the year, as the man had threatened; for the king's three sons, Henry, the eldest, and his brothers, Richard of Poitou, and Geoffrey, count of Britany, in the following Lent, deserted to Louis king of France, which caused the king greater uneasiness than he had ever before experienced; and which, by the conduct of some one of his sons, was continued till the time of his decease. This monarch, through divine mercy (for God is more desirous of the conversion than the destruction of a sinner), received many other admonitions and reproofs about this time, and shortly before his death; all of which, being utterly incorrigible, he obstinately and obdurately despised, as will be more fully set forth (by the favour of God) in my book, "de Principis Instructione."

Note 75. St. Piranus, otherwise called St. Kiaran, or Piran, was an Irish saint, said to have been born in the county of Ossory, or of Cork, about the middle of the fourth century; and after that by his labours the Gospel had made good progress, he forsook all worldly things, and spent the remainder of his life in religious solitude. The place of his retirement was on the sea-coast of Cornwall, and not far from Padstow, where, as Camden informs us, there was a chapel on the sands erected to his memory. Leland has informed us, that the chapel of St. Perine, at Caerdiff, stood in Shoemaker Street.

Note 76. So called from a parish of that name in Glamorganshire, situated between Monk Nash and St. Donat's, upon the Bristol Channel.

The Itinerary of Archbishop Baldwin through Wales: Book 1 Chapter 6. At Newport [Map], where the river Usk, descending from its original source in Cantref Bachan, falls into the sea, many persons were induced to take the cross. Having passed the river Remni, we approached the noble castle of Caerdyf, situated on the banks of the river Taf. In the neighbourhood of Newport, which is in the district of Gwentluc,71 there is a small stream called Nant Pencarn,72 passable only at certain fords, not so much owing to the depth of its waters, as from the hollowness of its channel and muddy bottom. The public road led formerly to a ford, called Ryd Pencarn, that is, the ford under the head of a rock, from Rhyd, which in the British language signifies a ford, Pen, the head, and Cam, a rock; of which place Merlin Sylvester had thus prophesied: "Whenever you shall see a mighty prince with a freckled face make an hostile irruption into the southern part of Britain, should he cross the ford of Pencarn, then know ye, that the force of Cambria shall be brought low." Now it came to pass in our times, that king Henry II. took up arms against Rhys, the son of Gruffydd, and directed his march through the southern part of Wales towards Caermardyn. On the day he intended to pass over Nant Pentcarn, the old Britons of the neighbourhood watched his approach towards the ford with the utmost solicitude; knowing, since he was both mighty and freckled, that if the passage of the destined ford was accomplished, the prophecy concerning him would undoubtedly be fulfilled. When the king had followed the road leading to a more modern ford of the river (the old one spoken of in the prophecy having been for a long time in disuse), and was preparing to pass over, the pipers and trumpeters, called Cornhiriet, from HIR, long, and CORNU, a horn, began to sound their instruments on the opposite bank, in honour of the king. The king's horse, startling at the wild, unusual noise, refused to obey the spur, and enter the water; upon which, the king, gathering up the reins, hastened, in violent wrath, to the ancient ford, which he rapidly passed; and the Britons returned to their homes, alarmed and dismayed at the destruction which seemed to await them. An extraordinary circumstance occurred likewise at the castle of Caerdyf. William earl of Gloucester, son of earl Robert,73 who, besides that castle, possessed by hereditary right all the province of Gwladvorgan,74 that is, the land of Morgan, had a dispute with one of his dependants, whose name was Ivor the Little, being a man of short stature, but of great courage. This man was, after the manner of the Welsh, owner of a tract of mountainous and woody country, of the whole, or a part of which, the earl endeavoured to deprive him. At that time the castle of Caerdyf was surrounded with high walls, guarded by one hundred and twenty men-at-arms, a numerous body of archers, and a strong watch. The city also contained many stipendiary soldiers; yet, in defiance of all these precautions of security, Ivor, in the dead of night, secretly scaled the walls, and, seizing the count and countess, with their only son, carried them off into the woods, and did not release them until he had recovered everything that had been unjustly taken from him, and received a compensation of additional property; for, as the poet observes,

"Spectandum est semper ne magna injuria fiat

Fortibus et miseris; tollas licet omne quod usquam est

Argenti atque auri, spoliatis arma supersunt."

Note 71. Gwentluc - so called from Gwent, the name of the province, and llug, open, to distinguish it from the upper parts of Wentland, is an extensive tract of flat, marshy ground, reaching from Newport to the shores of the river Severn.

Note 72. Nant Pencarn, or the brook of Pencarn. - After a very attentive examination of the country round Newport, by natives of that place, and from the information I have received on the subject, I am inclined to think that the river here alluded to was the Ebwy, which flows about a mile and a half south of Newport. Before the new turnpike road and bridge were made across Tredegar Park, the old road led to a ford lower down the river, and may still be travelled as far as Cardiff; and was probably the ford mentioned in the text, as three old farm-houses in its neighbourhood still retain the names of Great Pencarn, Little Pencarn, and Middle Pencarn.

Note 73. Robert Fitz-Hamon, earl of Astremeville, in Normandy, came into England with William the Conqueror; and, by the gift of William Rufus, obtained the honour of Gloucester. He was wounded with a spear at the siege of Falaise, in Normandy, died soon afterwards, and was buried, A.D. 1102, in the abbey of Tewkesbury, which he had founded. Leaving no male issue, king Henry gave his eldest daughter, Mabel, or Maude, who, in her own right, had the whole honour of Gloucester, to his illegitimate son Robert, who was advanced to the earldom of Gloucester by the king, his father. He died A.D. 1147, and left four sons: William, the personage here mentioned by Giraldus, who succeeded him in his titles and honours; Roger, bishop of Worcester, who died at Tours in France, A.D. 1179; Hamon, who died at the siege of Toulouse, A.D. 1159; and Philip.

Note 74. The Coychurch Manuscript quoted by Mr. Williams, in his History of Monmouthshire, asserts that Morgan, surnamed Mwyn-fawr, or the Gentle, the son of Athrwy, not having been elected to the chief command of the British armies, upon his father's death retired from Caerleon, and took up his residence in Glamorganshire, sometimes at Radyr, near Cardiff, and at other times at Margam; and from this event the district derived its name, quasi Gwlad-Morgan, the country of Morgan.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Coety

Around 1457 Elinor Vaughan was born to Roger Vaughan (age 47) and Denise or Cecily Vaughan (age 43) at Coety.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Cowbridge

Around 1500 Edward Carne was born to Hovell Carne and Cecily Kemys at Cowbridge.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Dinas Powys

On 24 Jun 1255 Roger Somery 3rd Baron Dudley was born to Roger Somery 2nd Baron Dudley (age 65) and Amabilia Chaucombe Baroness Dudley at Dinas Powys.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Ewenny

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Ewenny Priory [Map]

The Itinerary of Archbishop Baldwin through Wales: Book 1 Chapter 7. On the following morning, the business of the cross being publicly proclaimed at Landaf, the English standing on one side, and the Welsh on the other, many persons of each nation took the cross, and we remained there that night with William bishop of that place,78 a discreet and good man. The word Landaf79 signifies the church situated upon the river Taf, and is now called the church of St. Teileau, formerly bishop of that see. The archbishop having celebrated mass early in the morning, before the high altar of the cathedral, we immediately pursued our journey by the little cell of Ewenith [Map]80 to the noble Cistercian monastery of Margan [Map].81 This monastery, under the direction of Conan, a learned and prudent abbot, was at this time more celebrated for its charitable deeds than any other of that order in Wales. On this account, it is an undoubted fact, that, as a reward for that abundant charity which the monastery had always, in times of need, exercised towards strangers and poor persons, in a season of approaching famine, their corn and provisions were perceptibly, by divine assistance, increased, like the widow's cruise of oil by the means of the prophet Elijah. About the time of its foundation, a young man of those parts, by birth a Welshman, having claimed and endeavoured to apply to his own use certain lands which had been given to the monastery, by the instigation of the devil set on fire the best barn belonging to the monks, which was filled with corn; but, immediately becoming mad, he ran about the country in a distracted state, nor ceased raving until he was seized by his parents and bound. Having burst his bonds, and tired out his keepers, he came the next morning to the gate of the monastery, incessantly howling out that he was inwardly burnt by the influence of the monks, and thus in a few days expired, uttering the most miserable complaints. It happened also, that a young man was struck by another in the guests' hall; but on the following day, by divine vengeance, the aggressor was, in the presence of the fraternity, killed by an enemy, and his lifeless body was laid out in the same spot in the hall where the sacred house had been violated. In our time too, in a period of scarcity, while great multitudes of poor were daily crowding before the gates for relief, by the unanimous consent of the brethren, a ship was sent to Bristol to purchase corn for charitable purposes. The vessel, delayed by contrary winds, and not returning (but rather affording an opportunity for the miracle), on the very day when there would have been a total deficiency of corn, both for the poor and the convent, a field near the monastery was found suddenly to ripen, more than a month before the usual time of harvest: thus, divine Providence supplied the brotherhood and the numerous poor with sufficient nourishment until autumn. By these and other signs of virtues, the place accepted by God began to be generally esteemed and venerated.

Note 78. William de Salso Marisco.

Note 79. The see of Llandaff is said to have been founded by the British king Lucius as early as the year 180.

Note 80. From Llandaff, our crusaders proceeded towards the Cistercian monastery of Margam [Map], passing on their journey near the little cell of Benedictines at Ewenith, or Ewenny [Map]. This religious house was founded by Maurice de Londres towards the middle of the twelfth century. It is situated in a marshy plain near the banks of the little river Ewenny.

Note 81. The Cistercian monastery of Margam [Map], justly celebrated for the extensive charities which its members exercised, was founded A.D. 1147, by Robert earl of Gloucester, who died in the same year. Of this once-famed sanctuary nothing now remains but the shell of its chapter-house, which, by neglect, has lost its most ornamental parts. When Mr. Wyndham made the tour of Wales in the year 1777, this elegant building was entire, and was accurately drawn and engraved by his orders.

In 1545 Edward Carne (age 45) purchased at Ewenny Priory [Map].

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Faumont

On 14 May 1329 John St John (age 36) died at Faumont.

Around 1346 Oliver St John was born to John St John (age 26) and Isabel Paveley at Faumont.

In Aug 1374 John St John (age 55) died at Faumont.

On 14 Aug 1383 John St John was born to Oliver St John (age 37) and Elizabeth Barre at Faumont.

In 1421 John St John (age 37) died at Faumont.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Faumont Castle

On 11 Jun 1292 John St John was born to John St John (age 24) and Beatrix Broye at Faumont Castle.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Flat Holm

Flat Holm is an island in the Bristol Channel around six kilometres south of Lavernock Point.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1067. This summer the child Edgar (age 16) departed, with his mother Agatha, and his two sisters, Margaret (age 22) and Christina (age 10), and Merle-Sweyne, and many good men with them; and came to Scotland under the protection of King Malcolm (age 35), who entertained them all. Then began King Malcolm to yearn after the child's sister, Margaret, to wife; but he and all his men long refused; and she also herself was averse, and said that she would neither have him nor any one else, if the Supreme Power would grant, that she in her maidenhood might please the mighty Lord with a carnal heart, in this short life, in pure continence. The king, however, earnestly urged her brother, until he answered Yea. And indeed he durst not otherwise; for they were come into his kingdom. So that then it was fulfilled, as God had long ere foreshowed; and else it could not be; as he himself saith in his gospel: that "not even a sparrow on the ground may fall, without his foreshowing." The prescient Creator wist long before what he of her would have done; for that she should increase the glory of God in this land, lead the king aright from the path of error, bend him and his people together to a better way, and suppress the bad customs which the nation formerly followed: all which she afterwards did. The king therefore received her, though it was against her will, and was pleased with her manners, and thanked God, who in his might had given him such a match. He wisely bethought himself, as he was a prudent man, and turned himself to God, and renounced all impurity; accordingly, as the apostle Paul, the teacher of all the gentries, saith: "Salvabitur vir infidelis per mulierem fidelem; sic et mulier infidelis per virum fidelem," etc.: that is in our language, "Full oft the unbelieving husband is sanctified and healed through the believing wife, and so belike the wife through the believing husband." This queen aforesaid performed afterwards many useful deeds in this land to the glory of God, and also in her royal estate she well conducted herself, as her nature was. Of a faithful and noble kin was she sprung. Her father was Edward Etheling, son of King Edmund. Edmund was the son of Ethelred; Ethelred the son of Edgar; Edgar the son of Edred; and so forth in that royal line: and her maternal kindred goeth to the Emperor Henry, who had the sovereignty over Rome. This year went out Githa, Harold's mother, and the wives of many good men with her, to the Flat-Holm, and there abode some time; and so departed thence over sea to St. Omer's.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Langstone

On 30 Mar 1525 John St John (age 75) died at Langstone.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Lantwit Major

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Lantwit Major, Llanmaes Llantwit Major [Map]

Letters. 08 Jul 1279. Letter XVIII. Eleanora Princess of Wales (age 27) to her cousin Edward I (age 40).

To her excellent lord and well-beloved cousin, the Lord Edward, by the grace of God king of England, lord of Ireland, and dake of Aquitaine, his devoted cousin Eleonora, princess of Wales, lady of Snowdon, with such sincere affection as becometh, sends health to so great and so near a kinsman.

Be it known to your excellency, that we desire to hear good and prosperous news concerning your state and condition: therefore we entreat your excellency, humbly and earnestly, for our love's sake, that you deign to make known to us, as your humble cousin, and one ready to do your good pleasures, your state; and whether you wish any thing within our power which may redound to your honour^ or may please your majesty.

Although, as we have heard, the contrary hereto hath been reported of us to your excellency by some; and we believe, notwithstanding, that you in no wise give credit to any who report unfavourably concerning our lord and ourself, until you learn from ourselves if such speeches contain truth: because you shewed, of your grace, so much honour and so much friendliness to our lord and ourself, when you were at the last time at Worcester.

Wherefore, whatever you shall demand from us in this, or other matters that you wish, we shall ever be ready, according to our ability, to execute and accomplish.

Given at Llanmaes [Map], the 8th day of July.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Llanblethian

On 11 Nov 1375 Edward Despencer 1st Baron Despencer, Baron Burghesh (age 40) died at Llanblethian. He was buried at Tewkesbury Abbey [Map]. His son Thomas Despencer 1st Earl Gloucester (age 2) succeeded 2nd Baron Despencer.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Llandaff

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Llanishen

In 1495 Richard Cromwell aka Williams was born to Morgan Williams and Katherine Cromwell at Llanishen.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Llanmihangel

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Llanmihangel Church Llanmihangel

On 14 Dec 1707 William Edwin died at Llanmihangel Plas Llanmihangel. He was buried at Llanmihangel Church Llanmihangel.

On 22 Nov 1714 Elizabeth Sambrooke died. She was buried at Llanmihangel Church Llanmihangel.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Llanmihangel Plas Llanmihangel

On 14 Dec 1707 William Edwin died at Llanmihangel Plas Llanmihangel. He was buried at Llanmihangel Church Llanmihangel.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Margam

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Margam Abbey [Map]

Annals of Margam Abbey published by Twenty Trees.

Available on Amazon in paperback and eBook.

The Annals of Margam is a remarkable source for Medieval History. The Annals include descriptions of the finding of King Arthur’s remains at Glastonbury, the murder of Prince Arthur by King John, as well as detailed accounts of the Welsh wars. This book is an English translation of Henry Luard's Latin book of 1865.

In 1147 Margam Abbey, Glamorganshire [Map] was founded as a Cistercian monastery.

The Itinerary of Archbishop Baldwin through Wales: Book 1 Chapter 7. On the following morning, the business of the cross being publicly proclaimed at Landaf, the English standing on one side, and the Welsh on the other, many persons of each nation took the cross, and we remained there that night with William bishop of that place,78 a discreet and good man. The word Landaf79 signifies the church situated upon the river Taf, and is now called the church of St. Teileau, formerly bishop of that see. The archbishop having celebrated mass early in the morning, before the high altar of the cathedral, we immediately pursued our journey by the little cell of Ewenith [Map]80 to the noble Cistercian monastery of Margan [Map].81 This monastery, under the direction of Conan, a learned and prudent abbot, was at this time more celebrated for its charitable deeds than any other of that order in Wales. On this account, it is an undoubted fact, that, as a reward for that abundant charity which the monastery had always, in times of need, exercised towards strangers and poor persons, in a season of approaching famine, their corn and provisions were perceptibly, by divine assistance, increased, like the widow's cruise of oil by the means of the prophet Elijah. About the time of its foundation, a young man of those parts, by birth a Welshman, having claimed and endeavoured to apply to his own use certain lands which had been given to the monastery, by the instigation of the devil set on fire the best barn belonging to the monks, which was filled with corn; but, immediately becoming mad, he ran about the country in a distracted state, nor ceased raving until he was seized by his parents and bound. Having burst his bonds, and tired out his keepers, he came the next morning to the gate of the monastery, incessantly howling out that he was inwardly burnt by the influence of the monks, and thus in a few days expired, uttering the most miserable complaints. It happened also, that a young man was struck by another in the guests' hall; but on the following day, by divine vengeance, the aggressor was, in the presence of the fraternity, killed by an enemy, and his lifeless body was laid out in the same spot in the hall where the sacred house had been violated. In our time too, in a period of scarcity, while great multitudes of poor were daily crowding before the gates for relief, by the unanimous consent of the brethren, a ship was sent to Bristol to purchase corn for charitable purposes. The vessel, delayed by contrary winds, and not returning (but rather affording an opportunity for the miracle), on the very day when there would have been a total deficiency of corn, both for the poor and the convent, a field near the monastery was found suddenly to ripen, more than a month before the usual time of harvest: thus, divine Providence supplied the brotherhood and the numerous poor with sufficient nourishment until autumn. By these and other signs of virtues, the place accepted by God began to be generally esteemed and venerated.

Note 78. William de Salso Marisco.

Note 79. The see of Llandaff is said to have been founded by the British king Lucius as early as the year 180.

Note 80. From Llandaff, our crusaders proceeded towards the Cistercian monastery of Margam [Map], passing on their journey near the little cell of Benedictines at Ewenith, or Ewenny [Map]. This religious house was founded by Maurice de Londres towards the middle of the twelfth century. It is situated in a marshy plain near the banks of the little river Ewenny.

Note 81. The Cistercian monastery of Margam [Map], justly celebrated for the extensive charities which its members exercised, was founded A.D. 1147, by Robert earl of Gloucester, who died in the same year. Of this once-famed sanctuary nothing now remains but the shell of its chapter-house, which, by neglect, has lost its most ornamental parts. When Mr. Wyndham made the tour of Wales in the year 1777, this elegant building was entire, and was accurately drawn and engraved by his orders.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Neath

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Neath Abbey [Map]

The Itinerary of Archbishop Baldwin through Wales: Book 1 Chapter 8. Continuing our journey,82 not far from Margan, where the alternate vicissitudes of a sandy shore and the tide commence, we forded over the river Avon, having been considerably delayed by the ebbing of the sea; and under the guidance of Morgan, eldest son of Caradoc, proceeded along the sea-shore towards the river Neth, which, on account of its quicksands, is the most dangerous and inaccessible river in South Wales. A pack-horse belonging to the author, which had proceeded by the lower way near the sea, although in the midst of many others, was the only one which sunk down into the abyss, but he was at last, with great difficulty, extricated, and not without some damage done to the baggage and books. Yet, although we had Morgan, the prince of that country, as our conductor, we did not reach the river without great peril, and some severe falls; for the alarm occasioned by this unusual kind of road, made us hasten our steps over the quicksands, in opposition to the advice of our guide, and fear quickened our pace; whereas, through these difficult passages, as we there learned, the mode of proceeding should be with moderate speed. But as the fords of that river experience a change by every monthly tide, and cannot be found after violent rains and floods, we did not attempt the ford, but passed the river in a boat, leaving the monastery of Neth [Map]83 on our right hand, approaching again to the district of St. David's, and leaving the diocese of Landaf (which we had entered at Abergevenny) behind us.

Note 82. In continuing their journey from Neath to Swansea, our travellers directed their course by the sea-coast to the river Avon, which they forded, and, continuing their road along the sands, were probably ferried over the river Neath, at a place now known by the name of Breton Ferry [Map], leaving the monastery of Neath at some distance to the right: from thence traversing another tract of sands, and crossing the river Tawe, they arrived at the castle of Swansea [Map], where they passed the night.

Note 83. The monastery of Neath [Map] was situated on the banks of a river bearing the same name, about a mile to the westward of the town and castle. It was founded in 1112, by Richard de Grainville, or Greenefeld, and Constance, his wife, for the safety of the souls of Robert, earl of Gloucester, Maude, his wife, and William, his son. Richard de Grainville was one of the twelve Norman knights who accompanied Robert Fitz-Hamon, and assisted him in the conquest of Glamorganshire. In the time of Leland this abbey was in a high state of preservation, for he says, "Neth abbay of white monkes, a mile above Neth town, standing in the ripe of Neth, semid to me the fairest abbay of al Wales." - Leland, Itin. tom. v. p. 14. The remains of the abbey and of the adjoining priory-house are considerable; but this ancient retirement of the grey and white monks is now occupied by the inhabitants of the neighbouring copper-works.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Penarth

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Cogan Pill Penarth

Around 1523 William Herbert was born to George Herbert (age 28) and Elizabeth Berkeley (age 13) at Cogan Pill Penarth.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, Ruperra Castle

On 28 Apr 1831 Godfrey Morgan 1st Viscount Tredegar was born to Charles Morgan 1st Baron Tredegar (age 39) and Rosamund Mundy (age 21) at Ruperra Castle. He was educated at Eton College [Map].

On 24 May 1834 Frederick Courtenay Morgan was born to Charles Morgan 1st Baron Tredegar (age 42) and Rosamund Mundy (age 24) at Ruperra Castle. He was educated at Eton College [Map].

Between 1893 and 1894. John Charlton (age 44). Frederick Courtenay Morgan (age 58) and his daughter Violet Wilhelmina Morgan (age 32) in front of Ruperra Castle.

Frederick Courtenay Morgan: On 24 May 1834 he was born to Charles Morgan 1st Baron Tredegar and Rosamund Mundy at Ruperra Castle. He was educated at Eton College. On 09 Jan 1909 Frederick Courtenay Morgan died.

Violet Wilhelmina Morgan: On 23 Sep 1860 she was born to Frederick Courtenay Morgan. On 28 Aug 1894 Major Basil St John Mundy and she were married. They were first cousin once removed. On 22 Dec 1943 Violet Wilhelmina Morgan died.

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, St Nicholas

British Isles, South East Wales, Glamorganshire, St Nicholas, Tinkinswood Burial Chamber [Map]

Tinkinswood Burial Chamber is also in Prehistoric Wales Neolithic Burials.

Archaeologia Cambrensis 1849 Page 327. Cromlech, St. Nicholas, Cardiff [Map].—Last February one of the Secretaries of the Cambrian Archaeological Association when examining the great cromlech [Tinkinswood Burial Chamber [Map]] in the wood near St. Nicholas (figured in Cliffe's excellent "Book of South Wales,") found under it three recesses branching off from the main chamber, one of which was still lined at the sides with slabs of stone. They had evidently been made to contain bodies, and the earth within them was of a dark colour, such as would be made by the decomposition of animal remains. In one to the north-east he found part of a human lower jaw, with one of the teeth in it in good preservation, and presented it the same day to Mr. Bruce Pryce, the owner of the monument. It is probably still in possession of that gentleman.

Archaeologia Cambrensis 1862 Page 92. Tinkins-Wood Farm cromlech [Map], though less perfect, is a much larger structure than the last. It stands just within a modern plantation, and near the junction of several hedges, which much obscure the adjacent ground. This cromlech is half buried, and is surrounded for some yards by a quantity of earth and masses of rock, evidently the remains of a large mound, and possibly of other cromlechs. The chamber is an irregular trapezoid. There have been at least seven uprights, of which four remain; those on the south, a long side, being absent. The figure was, no doubt, governed by the roof-stone, which, though now cracked and chipped, has been in one piece, measuring twenty-two feet by fifteen feet, and about two feet six inches thick. The chamber (the floor of which is below the surrounding surface) measures eighteen feet by fifteen feet, greatest dimensions; and is at present about five feet six inches high. A human skull is said to have been recently found by the Rev. H. L. Jones under this cromlech.

Archaeologia Cambrensis 1927 Pages 1-43. The presence of these fragments in the passage of Capel Garmon shows that this tomb was in use early in the second millennium B.C., and that groups or families of the Beaker folk were living in the district. It is probable that these invaders controlled the countryside, and found it desirable, for political reasons, to utilise the burial places of the chiefs whom they displaced ; usually, as is well known, they raised round barrows over their dead. Beaker pottery has been found elsewhere in Britain in two megalithic chambered tombs, the Tinkins Wood long cairn [Map], St. Nicholas, Glamorgan (Arch. Camb., 1916, p. 250), and the West Kennet long barrow [Map], Wiltshire (Devizes Museum), and similar conclusions may be drawn from the presence of this pottery in these burial-places.

Archaeologia Cambrensis 1875 Page 171. Not being satisfied with merely planning and sketching them, we were anxious to ascertain whether what had been thrown out from the interior resembled in any way the contents of similar localities examined elsewhere by myself and brothers; we therefore grubbed about amongst the debris of stones, etc., outside the St. Nicholas cromlech [Map], and soon discovered fragments of human teeth and unburnt bones, with portions of rude pottery, thus proving that its original use was the same everywhere, i. e., for the express purpose of burying the dead within, then covering them afterwards with a mound of earth or small stones, for the double purpose of concealing them, and marking the last resting place of departed chiefs or friends. There is no doubt whatever, that, whether we see cromlechs covered with a mound or denuded of their coverings, they were all sepulchral chambers and all originally covered by a mound or tumulus. Those we now find uncovered have been exposed to view by subsequent searchers after treasure, or the ground has in later times been removed for agricultural purposes.

Archaeologia Cambrensis Series 6 Volume 15 1905 St Nicholas Chambered Cairn. THE ST. NICHOLAS CHAMBERED TUMULUS, GLAMORGAN By JOHN WARD, F.S.A., Curator of the Cardiff Collections, National Museum of Wales

[The St. Nicholas Chambered Tumulus is now referred to as Tinkinswood Burial Chamber [Map]]

St. Nicholas is a small and ancient village, six miles west-south-west of Cardiff, on the highway from that city to Cowbridge, Neath and Carmarthen-a well-known road of Roman ancestry, and popularly known as the Via Julia. A mile-and-a-quarter to the south of the village is Dyffryn House1, the residence of Miss Cory and midway between the two, in a small plantation near Tinkinswood farmhouse, are the remains which are the subject of this paper. Plantation and farmhouse are on the apex of a wedge-shaped spur from the high ground at St. Nicholas. Along the south-west foot of this spur flows the Weycock, locally known as The Brook, a considerable stream which below Dyffryn House veers to the west and eventually flows into the estuary of the Dawe at Aberthaw while along the eastern foot is a small tributary which joins the parent stream a quarter-of-a-mile below the farmhouse. The summit of the apex is flat and about 280 ft. above the sea-level, with the plantation on its south-western brow and the farmhouse near its eastern. On its northern side, this small plateau is defined by a fall of several feet, beyond which the ground gradually ascends to 380 ft. at St. Nicholas. The surroundings are pleasantly diversified with hill and dale, woodland and pasture.

Note 1. Now usually spelled 'Duffryn.'