THE latest community news from Bro Ffestiniog.

Archaeology Society

THE Archaeology Society is very pleased to announce that the 2017 programme of talks will be sponsored by Magnox, Trawsfynydd. The committee put in an application for a grant via the Magnox Socio-Economic Scheme which has a proud reputation of supporting local projects and groups.Society chairman Bill Jones said: “Magnox have been very helpful financially with many local projects in the Blaenau area in the past, including the emergency funding for work on Cwmorthin Terrace in 2013 and we are very thankful that they have seen fit to support our fledgling society now entering its second full year of operation.”The last talk of 2016 was given by David Elis-Williams on Eglwys Sant Gwyddelan and the geography of the Dolwyddelan area in the middle ages.Mr Williams gave a very informative talk on the church itself and the surrounding ground conditions during its early years after construction in 1500. Records indicate that lakes and marshy ground existed south of Dolwyddelan and in the area between the church and the bridge at Pont-y-Pant which still floods during heavy rainfall. The river level has lowered with the aid of both natural erosion and human influence at Pont-y-Pant bridge which has drained the farmland currently existing.The church was moved from its previous site at Bryn y Bedd by Maredydd ap Ieuan who resided in Penamnen. Some controversy arises regarding door-ways into the church and Mr Williams explained the situation to the audience. The current doorway is on the north side with a small porch whilst opposite on the south side visible both on the outside and inside is what appears to be a doorway now seen as an infill wall and window. The porch was added in the 1850s and records show that the south door may have been blocked at this period. However, other sources notably the Royal Commission indicate that there were two doors originally rather than a change from south to north. For those wishing to gain further info on this refer to Archaeology in Wales Vol 54 p109.

The talk continued with the position of roads throughout the mediaeval period to the present with various changes of direction and the positioning of bridges over the Lledr, Beinw and Bwlch y groes. Indicators point to the existence of a Roman-built bridge near the location of the church which the Society will investigate in 2017.

The talk closed with reference to the position of a lookout post between Penamnen and the church which also needed to view Dolwyddelan Castle. In the 1500s this was bandit country and Maredydd needed early warning of any threat to his property whilst he was at church.Vice-chairman Dafydd Roberts thanked Mr Williams for what was a very interesting and thought-provoking talk and also for coming in at short notice in place of Steffan ab Owain who was unwell. In the 2017 schedule Mr Williams was due to speak on 19 October but his place now being taken by Steffan.The first talk of 2017 will be on Thursday, 19 January when the speaker will be Marian Gwyn on “William Alexander Maddocks – Genius or foolish dreamer”. Annual membership fees will be due. For more information, please email Bill Jones via [email protected]

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