Charles Rex.

Trustie and well-beloved, we greete you well.  Whereas Rebellion is raysed against us and forces are marching towards us, which hath already wrought a general distraction throughout this our Realme, to the great disturbance and grievance of all our good and well-affected subjects of whose wealth we are as tender as of our owne; we are necessitated for the defence of own person and of this kingdom and the religion and lawe established, to use all expedient means for our assistance at this time.  And whereas we have received good testimony of the good affections and forward zeale of our loving subjects in the Principality of Wales, particularly in our countie of Carnarvon, and of their readiness to serve us for the preservation of the kingdom in this extremity, which we looke upon as an expression of their great fidelity, and shall remember it to their satisfaction, we shall not doubt of your willingness to give obedience to our present directions thus sent to each of you for what is in your power to perform for the furtherance of the publique safety.  We in confidence thereof doe hereby will and require you, and every of you, that such publique moneys as have been raysed or ought to have been payed for the safetie and defence of the kingdome within our sayd countie of Carnarvon, and do remayne in one or any of your hands, that you pay the same unto the hands of John Owen of Cleneney, in our sayd countie, Esq. one of the Colonells who is to bring a regiment of volunteers, That thereby he may be enabled to raise his companies, and to bring them unto our standard.  And this our warrant shall be his discharge unto you and every of you for soe doing.  And we further require that you do immediately upon receit hereof, return severally answers in writing unto us, when you and every of you shall be moved thereto, by the said Colonell Owen or any on his behalf.  Given at Wrexham, the 27th of September, 1642.

Trustie and well-beloved, we greete you well.  Whereas we have lately signified our pleasure unto you that the following contribution money of our countie of Carnarvon should be payed to Collonell John Owen towards the charge of that Regiment, which he was appointed by us to rayse.  And we likewise directed our letters to severall persons who had collected the publique moneys of the same countie, which were collected for the defence of the kingdome, that they should pave them towards the same charge as beinge for the common defence of the whole kingdome.  Notwithstanding we understande noe parte of these moneys is payd as we directed.  And that Regiment which by our special appointment is to march immediately is in danger to disband for want of present supplie which as it is much contrarie to our expectation, who have always hitherto found the forwardness and good affections of the countie toward our service, soe may tend much to our deservice especially at this time, when we have occasion to make tryall of the Loyalty and forwardness of all our subjects, and the payment of those moneyes to the said Colonell beinge more acceptable and of more service unto us, than if they had been payd unto our owne hands, who must otherwise have sent them towards the supplyinge of that Regiment.  We doe desire to have cause still to continue our gracious opinion of our gracious opinion of our subjects of that countie.  And we are confident if we have not satisfaction herein, it is through the coldness or disaffection of some particular persons who prefer private ends before the publique.  And therefore our will is, that you use all possible diligence that we may have satisfaction herein by speedy advance of the contribution moneyes, and calling upon those who keepe the publique moneyes in their hands, that they forthwith pay them to Colonell Owen, or otherwise that you certifie unto us with all speed, by whose meanes our service is so much disturbed, that we may knowe and recompence such persons according to their desert.  And for that it much concerns our service that the forces raysed in that countie should all march in one body, our will is, that those 500 armed men, which are by that countie to be sett forth for our service, be joyned with the sayde Regiment and speedily march with them towards us according to such directions as we have given to the sayd Collonell Owen.  Given at our Court at Woodstock the 29th day of October, in the eighteenth year of our Reigne.

Trusty and well-beloved we greet you well.  Whereas we have constituted and appointed our deerest sonne the Prince to be our Lieutenant Generall in our counties of Worcester, Salop, Chester and North Wales, and have appointed our right trusty and well-beloved Arthur Lord Capell cheefe Commander of the same under him, and whereas we have resolved to rayse in our said counties a Regiment of fifteen hundred foote to be the liefe guard of our said deerest Sonne.  These are to will and require you to make the same known to our good subjects of that countie, and to take speedy and effectual order for the leavying and arming of the said Regiment, according to our Commission in that behalf granted to our trustie and welbeloved Serjeant Major Woodhouse whom we have appointed to levy and command them.  Soe not doubting of your ready assistance herein, we bid you heartily farewell.  Given at our Court att Oxford, the 18th day of March, 1642.

Trusty and welbeloved, we greete you well.—Whereas we have entrusted and authorised our right trusty and welbeloved Arthur Lord Capell to be our Lieutenant General of that and other of our counties, and to provide for the security and preservation thereof by the best ways and means he can devise.  And whereas it hath been thought requisite and necessary for the purpose aforesaid to levy a competent number of foote and Dragoons in our said countie.  Our will and pleasure is that in order to our said service you shall receive and assist any warrants of Commissioners as are or shall be issued from the said Lord Capell, with the same care and respect as if they were our owne, since what he hath done or shall doe herein is done by our command, direction, commission and authority, and for soe doing this shall be your warrant.  Given at our Court att Oxford, the 15th day of June, 1643.

Trusty and well beloved, we greet you well.  We are very sensible of your free and reall expressions of your loyalty and affection to us upon all occasions, for the advance of our service:—And though we might well conceive it needlesse to stir you up to the performance of these duties, whereunto you are already very forward, yet we thought good hereby to put you in mind of the great necessity of providing moneys for the maintenance of our forces, for the defence of those parts against the rebells, and to propose unto you, as that which we think a very fit course, that you follow the good example of our good subjects of our countie of Salop, and join with our trusty and well-beloved Arthur, Lord Capell, in advising upon, and raysing some competent monthly contribution in that our county, proportionable to what they have levyed, and also in advancing such considerable sums of money as you can provide, according as divers of our well-affected subjects of the gentry of Salop have already done.  We also think it very requisite, and have signified so much to the Lord Capell, that the High Sheriff of that our countie, should attend him about this affair, and that some person well affected, may be chosen out of our said countie to be always resident with him, that may receive advertisement of your proceedings in this business, and may signifie from time to time to that our countie, the condition of our affairs there, soe not donating of your ready compliance herein, wee bid you heartily farewell.  Given at our Court at Oxford, the 23rd June, 1643.

A
CATALOGUE
OF
Some of the Rarer Plants
WHICH GROW
IN CAERNARVONSHIRE,
WITH THE HABITATS OF THE MOST RARE.

Veronica Spicata, a [xxi]

Salvia verbenaca

Iris fætidissima

Schænus albus

Lycopus europæus

Poa alpina

Festuca rubra

— vivipara

Rotbollia incurvata

Galium cruciatum, a

— boreale, b

Centunculus minimus

Rubia peregrina

Alchemilla alpina, c

Pulmonaria maritima

Hottonia palustris

Convolvulus soldanella

Campanula hederacea

Lobelia dortmanna

Samolus valerandi

Euonymus europæus

Viola lutea, d

Beta maritima

Salsola kali

Crithmum maritimum

Œnanthe pimpinelloides

Scandix odorata

Sambucus ebulus

Parnassia palustris, e

Drosera longifolia

Viburnum opulus

Scilla verna

Anthericum serotinum, f

Juncus acutus

— triglumis, g

Rumex digynus

Triglochin maritimum

Alisma natans, h

Vaccinium vitis idæa

Saxifraga stellaris

— nivalis, i

— oppositifolia, i

— cœspitosa, i

— palmata, i

— hypnoides, i

— platypetala, i

Silene nutans, k

— acaulis

Arenaria verna

— peploides

Sedum rupestre, c

Cerastium alpinum, c

— latifolium, l

Euphorbia portlandica

Spiræa filipendula

Pyrus aria, m

Rubus saxatalis, n

— chamæmorus

Potentilla verna, a

Geum rivale

Papaver cambricum

The following are recommended as good Guides:

[12]  It is in this manner, (observes Mr. Pennant, speaking of Tommen y Rhodwydd in Yale) that we must account for the total disappearance of many Welsh Castles, whose names are preserved in History, and whose vestiges we have sought for in vain.—They were made of wood, as was very customary with several ancient nations, and with others of later date.  The Persians, on the approach of the Spartans, secured themselves within their wooden walls, and Cæsar found great resistance from a Tower, in the Alpine Castle of Larignum, made of the timber of the Larix, or the Larch, which was found to be incombustible.  In later times, the Castle of Bamborough was built originally by Ida, with wood; the Burg of Murray was fortified by the Danes, with the same material.—The people of the same country, in 1228, had Castles of wood; and a century after these, more recent instances: William de Melton, Archbishop of York, in 1317, fortified the Mount in that City, called the Old Bale, with planks, eighteen inches thick.

[17]  The Court of King’s Bench has very lately determined, that stage Coach passengers cannot legally be required to pay any demand whatever, for being conveyed over the ferry at Conway, and for carriage of their luggage, over and above the amount of their respective fares in such Coach.

[30]  Probably at Braich y Bedd, near Hafod Gelyn.  There is a Tradition that in former times there was a Church near that place, and a spot is still shewn distinguished by the name of Hên Fonwent, (old Church-yard); and it is not unlikely but the Walsh Princes might nave had their Summer residence here, if we may be allowed to judge from the name; for Garth Celyn must have been near this spot.  There is also a Tradition, that the village was set on fire, by Oliver Cromwell’s men, from the Bridge to the Church-yard, and that they lighted a fire under the Bell rope, in the Church, which they made use of as a Stable.

[38]  Some idea of the magnitude of this concern may be formed, from the Proprietor having shipped off, from Port Penrhyn, in the year 1819, Slates to the amount of Fifty-eight Thousand Pounds.

[43]  The Precentor, though at present unendowed, will in a few years have a Salary annexed to his Office, in consequence of a Decree lately made by the Lord Chancellor in his favour.

[53]  This Ferry, probably, took its name from the Hundred or Division of the Island in which it to situated, viz. Tindaethwy.

[55]  Near this Ferry, on the Anglesey shore, is a Rock known by the name of Carreg Iago, or rather Carreg yr Iacon, or Arch-Iacon; (the Archdeacon’s stone) rendered memorable on account of Archbishop Baldwin having stood up to preach the crusade upon it, at the time of his peregrinations for that purpose through Wales, 1188; and Alexander, Archdeacon of Bangor, is said to have interpreted to the people.

[56]  Ceris, appears to be derived either from Cawr-rys (or rhys) the mighty rushing, or Gyr-rhys, which conveys nearly the same meaning;—Ymryson, to contend, is compounded, of ym and rhys; and the English word race, or course, is probably derived from this word.

[60]  The shore near Porthamel, (Perth Amelius, according to Rowlands; Porth ym moel, as others conjecture,) is famed for being the place where Suetonius landed; his infantry were conveyed over in boats, probably near a spot still called Pont yr Ysgraffiau, and his horse crossed, partly by swimming and partly fording.—Ready to receive them, appeared on the shore, a motley army, (as Tacitus informs us) and women, running wildly about, in black attire, with dishevelled hair, and like furies, brandishing their torches; and the Druids surrounding them, and lifting up their hands to Heaven, and pouring forth the most dreadful imprecations.  The Roman soldiers stood astonished with the sight—at length, animated by their leader, and encouraging each other, being ashamed to be intimidated by a womanly, and fanatic band, they advanced with their ensigns, and overthrew all who opposed them, destroying them in their own fires.  After the battle, they placed garrisons in the towns, and cut down the groves consecrated to their horrid superstitions; for these people, considered it lawful to offer in sacrifice, the captives taken in war, and, to consult human entrails.—How thankful ought we to be for the benign influence of the Gospel of peace, by which we were delivered from the yoke of superstition, and the abominations of Heathenism!

[61a]  The meaning of the word is Resting-place, a name given it by Lord Lucan, being descriptive of the purpose for which it was erected; his Lordship usually spending a few days here, on his why to and from Ireland.  The house stands on a bold eminence, and commands a full view of the Bridge and Ferry; and the inmates of this sweet retreat, have the pleasure of beholding the busy bustling scene, without being annoyed or discommoded, either by the noise of the passengers or the dust of the highway, as is frequently the case with houses situated near a public road.

[61b]  Y Faenol, is derived from Maenol, or Maenawr, (from which probably comes the English word Manor, and the vulgar Latin Manerium) meaning as explained in Howel Dda’s laws, either a lowland or upland district, bounded or marked out by large stones, (singular maen, plural meini) the former containing four Vills, and the latter thirteen.  The new house erected by the present proprietor, is at some distance from the old one, the latter is very ancient, and has a very curious Gothic Family Chapel nearly adjoining it, dedicated to St. Mary.

[63]  Near the same spot, as it is conjectured, where Agricola pasted over into the Island.

[66]  This melancholy event took place on the night of the 5th of December, being the Carnarvon Fair day, and the Boatmen probably in liquor: the cries of distress were heard from both shores.  One remarkable circumstance deserves to be recorded, that only one person (out of 69) survived in this instance, as well as the other, and both their names Hugh Williams.

[69]  Caer, the fortified Town; yn Arvon, in the District of Arfon, one of the Hundreds of this County, so called from its situation, opposite Mona, or Anglesey, which is the is the signification of the word; viz. Ar, upon; Mona, Anglesey.

[74]  The writer is aware that a very different account is given the origin of this motto, viz. that these were the arms of the King of Bohemia, killed by the Black Prince.

[91]  Carnarvon, does not owe its name to Edward I. as is generally supposed; for Giraldus Cambrensis mentions it in his memorable journey with the Archbishop, in 1188; and Llewelyn the Great dates from it a Charter, in the year 1221: probably the Caernarvon of those times was the ancient Segontium; whose name the Welch had changed to Caer-ar-Fon.

[92]  A Well near the old Fort, now called Hen Waliau, bears the name of that Princess, and some very slight remains of Ruins, point out the probable situation of this old Building, not far from the banks of the Seiont, to the right of the road leading to Pont Saint.

[95]  The above William Griffith, of Carnarvon and Tref-Arthen, was descended by the Mother’s side, (as Mr. Rowlands informs us) from the Pilston’s of this Town, and his Grand Daughter, Margaret, conveyed this property to Griffith Jones, of Castellmarch, in Lleyn; and his Daughter Margaret marrying Sir William Williams, of Vaenol, Baronet, that gentleman consequently became possessed of it.

[98a]  Specimens of Ancient Welsh Poetry.—London 1784.  4to.

[98b]  The Red Dragon, was the device of Cedwalladr, which all his descendants wore on their banners.

[98c]  Supposed to be Tal y Foel, as it is now called.

[103] The word Bala, with regard to a lake, seems to convey the same meaning as Aber, when applied to a river, viz. its embouchure.

[108]  David Thomas, the Welsh Bard, better known by the name of Dafydd Ddu o Eryri, has taken a house in this Parish, as he intends to quit his present habitation in the Parish of Llandwrog, (where he has resided some time) about April next.  We cannot omit this opportunity of noticing this favoured Son of the Awen, (Muse) who is generally considered as the first Welsh Bard now living; and is another instance of what may be achieved by great talents, and a strong natural genius, though unassisted by the advantages of education.

[126]  A conjecture, partly founded on tradition, attributes the erection of this fortress to Pardarn Beisrydd, son of Idawl; as we are informed to Mr. Pennant.

[128a]  Rhodri Mawr, the son of Merfyn Vrych, Prince of Wales, A.D. 843.

[128b]  Rhun ap Maelgwn, A.D. 585.

[131]  It was reported that the Bard had perished on the Cardiganshire Hills.

[133]  Here we have the testimony of Leland, that Wyddfa is Snowdon, and Creigiau Ryri Rocks were the Forest of Snowdon, which comprehended nearly the whole County.

[149]  The Devil’s Bridge is near Hafod, in Cardiganshire, twelve miles from Aberystwith.

[159]  Supposed to be derived either from Gafl, pl. Geifl, Forks; or from Yr Ufel, Fire, from the circumstance of their having been made use of as signal posts, and been lighted on them for that purpose.

[179]  John Wynn ap Hugh, of the family of Bodvel, was Standard Bearer at the Battle of Norwich, Temp. Edward VI. for which service he had Bardsey, and Court, in Aberdaron, and was Sheriff of Carnarvonshire 1551; he married Elisabeth, daughter of Sir John Puleston, by a daughter of Robert ap Meredith ap Hwikin Llwyd, of Glyn Llifon.

[180]  It is probably Pwll Nigel might have taken its name from this Nigel.

[xxi]  a Gloddaeth,—b Rocks above Llyn Idwel,—c Snowdon,—d Llanberis,—e Cwm Idwel,—f on inaccessible rocks near Twll du, Snowdon, &c.—g near llyn y Cwn,—h Lake near Dolbadarn Castle,—i near Twll du,—k near Gloddaeth,—i on Clogwyn du’r Arddu,—m Penmaen mawr,—n near Glan y Bala,—o near Bangor,—p between Llanrwst and Conway,—q in the bottom of Llyn y Cwn, and Ffynon Frech,—r near Conway,—s near St. Helen’s well,—t Creuddyn,—u by the Waterfall near Aber,—v rare in Fachwen,—w near Dol Ty Du,—x in Llyn Ogwen, and Llanberis lakes,—y on a black rock near Clogwyn y Garnedd.