How to Find Your Way Around Wales

Having grown up and lived in and around the Welsh countryside, I am sure many of us can relate to this.

Jokes apart, if you’re looking into exploring historic castles, here’s some that I’ve covered with significant history.

• Harlech Castle
• Laugharne Castle
• Caerphilly Castle
• Raglan Castle
• Cardiff, the Butes & the Castle
• Penrhyn Castle
• Caernarfon Castle
• Beaumaris Castle
• Powis Castle
• Castell Carreg Cennen
  

Welsh Maps

This is a cool map which pinpoints all of the villages/towns/cities which contain the word “Llan” (meaning “church”) and its variants.

The map also shows where the word is used in Kernow (Cornwall), Breizh (Brittany), Alba (Scotland) and parts of England. As many will know, Kernow and Breizh each have their own Brythonic language which relates to Cymraeg and this explains the use of “Lan” and “Lam” there.

As for other parts of England, namely Cumbria, Shropshire and Herefordshire, these are areas which at one time either spoke Welsh (particularly Shropshire and Herefordshire) or a related language (such as Cumbria and the Cumbric language). Southernly parts of Alba will also have Cumbric influences, with these areas having once belonged to Yr Hen Ogledd (the Old North) with Cumbria.

To aid your knowledge about maps, here’s some Welsh Maps That Will Make You Feel Smart About Welsh History And if that’s not sufficient, here’s part II. Enjoy!

Bodedern, on Ynys Môn

I personally used to live in the village of Bodedern, on Ynys Môn. One of the many things I miss about island life is the view of Eryri when driving to visit family in Rhyl. This photo is not my own, but it perfectly captures my favourite view.

Pentre Ifan

Pentre Ifan (English: ‘Ifan’s village’) – a neolithic era burial chamber/dolmen which just so happens to be the largest and best preserved in Cymru. It is located in Brynberian, Sir Benfro (Pembrokeshire).

As can just about be seen in the image, there are seven principle stones at the dolmen – the largest being the capstone (the stone placed on top) which weighs an estimated 16,000 kg (16 tonnes).

Pentre Ifan dates to around 3500 BC. For context, the first stage of Stonehenge itself dates to around 3100 BC, making Pentre Ifan a little bit older. Gower’s Maen Ceti, known in English as “Arthur’s Stone”, is also younger.

Maenorbŷr (Manorbier)

Tucked away in the picturesque village of Maenorbŷr (Manorbier) on the stunning coast of Sir Benfro (Pembrokeshire), you’ll discover St James’ Church, a place of worship and a testament to the timeless beauty of Welsh history.

St James’ Church is graced with a tranquil location near the cliffs overlooking the Pembrokeshire Coast. Its idyllic backdrop provides an atmosphere of peace and spirituality. The church’s history dates back to the 12th century, with the present building being an example of Norman architecture.

The church is dedicated to St. James the Great, a patron saint of pilgrims, and it has been a place of worship and pilgrimage for centuries. As you step inside the church, you’ll be greeted by profound pillars and a simple yet elegant interior. The stained glass windows allow the soft Welsh sunlight to filter through, creating an ethereal ambiance.

St James’ Church has a serene interior which provides a space for reflection and contemplation, allowing visitors to connect with the spirituality of the area. The church is part of a network of coastal walks that offer breathtaking views of the rugged Sir Benfro coastline. It’s a perfect starting point for those who wish to explore the natural beauty of the area.

Maenorbŷr is not just a place of worship; it’s a quaint village steeped in history. The Manorbier Castle, a Norman fortress, is nearby and adds to the area’s historical charm. The enchanting surroundings of Manorbier Church are said to have inspired the renowned author Gerald “of Wales” (whose family are believed to have been its creators), who chronicled his travels through Cymru in the 12th century.

Manorbier Church’s enduring presence, its simple elegance, and its connection to the stunning Sir Benfro landscape make it a spiritual haven and a must-visit destination for those seeking solace amidst coastal beauty.

Manorbier Church stands as a reminder of Cymru’s rich historical and spiritual heritage, and its timeless appeal continues to draw visitors from near and far.

Tal-y-sarn

In Dyffryn Nantlle, in beautiful Gwynedd, you can find Tal-y-sarn – a small, Welsh village of over a thousand people where more than 70% of the population speaks Cymraeg fluently.

Yet, nearby, and not too far away from the more well-known town of Caernarfon, you can find an old abandoned village of the same name, which was home to many of the ancestors of the current Tal-y-sarn. They left the old and moved to the new in 1927 as a result of the growth of the nearby slate quarries.

Owain Glyndŵr’s Mount

Near the village of Glyndyfrdwy in Denbighshire, there stands Owain Glyndŵr’s Mount – an originally 12th century moat which became synonymous with Glyndŵr in the 15th century.

It was on this very site where, on September 16th, 1400, Glyndŵr would be proclaimed “Prince of Wales” and begin his 15-year Uprising against the English throne. The area was destroyed around the year 1403 by the forces of the future Henry V, then Henry of Monmouth.

You must already know about Owain Glyndŵr: A Welsh Rebel Who Challenged English Rule. But if not, feel free to check it out!

Thankful Villages

Did you know that Cymru has four “Thankful Villages?”

Llanfihangel y Creuddyn (Ceredigion), Colwinston/Tregolwyn (Glamorgan), Herbrandston (Pembrokeshire) and Tavernspite (also Pembrokeshire) are the four holding this unique distinction.

A “Thankful Village” is termed as such because it did not lose a single person during the First World War. Whether the village had men fighting in the war or not, it means that no one from the village perished in the war between 1914-1918.

Tavernspite is the only village to have the even more unique distinction of being a “Doubly Thankful” village – which means no one from the village died during the Second World War, as well!

If that surprised you, here are 15+ Surprising Facts About Wales I Bet You Didn’t Know.

Menai Bridge: A Spectacular Link Between Ynys Môn and Mainland Wales

Standing majestically across the swirling waters of the Menai Strait, the Menai Bridge is not just a functional structure but a piece of engineering marvel and an integral part of Welsh history.

The Menai Bridge, completed in 1826, connects the island of Anglesey to the Welsh mainland. This suspension bridge is unique in that it comprises two separate spans. The larger central span, designed by Thomas Telford, measures an impressive 176 meters (580 feet) and was the first of its kind. The smaller side span was designed by the renowned engineer Robert Stephenson.

The Menai Bridge played a significant role in improving communication and trade between Anglesey and the mainland. It eliminated the need for ferry crossings and became a vital link for the transportation of goods and people.

More from Welsh Histories

Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. You can also support us as a member of our Patreon community. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.

---