A SUMMER storm has revealed petrified trees on Llanrhystud beach, 15 miles south of the famous forest under the sands of Ynyslas and Borth.

Charles Green was walking along the beach in Llanrhystud following Storm Francis when he noticed the stumps of petrified trees that had been exposed after the stones and shingle had been removed by the elements.

The prehistoric forest along Borth’s shoreline, which dates back 4,500 years, has become associated with a 17th century myth of a sunken civilization known as Cantre’r Gwaelod, or the Sunken Hundred.

Charles said: “The remains of the forest’s tree stumps are well preserved, having been exposed by the storm moving vast quantities of stones, revealing the subsoil, peat and tree stumps.

“Could the land and myth extend as far south as Llanrhystud?”

According to legend, Cantre’r Gwaelod was the rich and fertile ‘lowland hundred’ and 16 cities governed by Gwyddno Garanhir, whose palace, Caer Wyddno, was reputedly near Aberystwyth. The land stretched across what is today the open sea of Cardigan Bay, and lay below sea level, protected by sea walls.

The guardian of the sea defences was Seithennyn, a friend of the king charged with the all important role of shutting the sea gates every night.

One night Seithennyn, who liked his drink, was at a feast in the king’s palace, and forgot to shut the sea gates. It was a stormy night and the high spring tides broke through, quickly flooding Cantre’r Gwaelod, and forcing its people to flee to the hills.

Charles is heavily involved with the Ceredigion Historical Society, which aims to preserve, record and promote the study of the archaeology, antiquities and history of Ceredigion.

That objective has remained the same since the foundation of the society in 1909. It does this through publication of a regular journal, a three-volume county history, and by holding a regular annual programme of lectures and excursions to historical sites.

For more information, visit hanesceredigion.cymru or ceredigionhistory.wales