THE history of Dolybont and the people who have lived there has come under the spotlight in a new book recounting the village’s history over the years.

Under Lon Goed, is written by John and Valerie Norrington-Davies, both retired lecturers from Aberystwyth University who have carried out detailed research into the village and some of the prominent residents who lived there to tell the story of Dolybont.

John and Valerie, with support from several Dolybont residents, decided they wanted to “follow the fortunes of a number of families” to help outline the changes that the village had gone through over the years.

David H Williams, a former Borth and Aberystwyth resident, said the book was another important volume in chronicling the history of Ceredigion.

Mr Williams said: “This fascinating volume is a very detailed and meticulously researched account of the village of Dolybont, in the parish of Llanfihangel Genau’r Glyn.

“Mostly set in the 19th and 20th centuries, it is a very valuable addition to the social history of Ceredigion.

“It’s opening pages set the tone for what follows, for they describe the seven-yearly custom of ‘beating the bounds’ of the manor of Genau’r Glyn, roughly co-terminus with the former Gogerddan estate, the fortunes of which in managed decline are fully alluded to.

“Although located in a small portion of former Cardiganshire, the book has a wider geographical compass as some inhabitants, for whatever reason moved elsewhere.”

As well as outlining the history of several prominent Dolybont residents, including Sir Pryse Pryse and Dr James Rowland James, the book also describes the growth of Brynllys Farm and the organic farming that took place there, as well as the importance of the Tannery in the village.

Mr Williams said: “Dolybont was a hive of activity, and a place of employment for many, directly or indirectly related to the agricultural background of the region.

“Foremost for almost sixty years in the 19th Century was the Tannery, producing leather from the hides of both cattle and sheep; the authors, with an expert eye, give a detailed description of the process.

“Alas, in 1903, a severe fire destroyed the premises. Fire was a hazard of the times, destroying also Dolybont Cafe in 1945.

“The great success story, fully recounted in this book, was organic farming at Brynllys, from which Rachel’s Dairy evolved.”

According to John and Valerie, the book took about five years to complete “off and on, not working every day!”

See this week’s feature in the south editions for the full story, in shops and online now