~ New & Revised Articles
New Articles
Ffynnon Cilhaul ~ Cwm, Denbighshire
I suppose the miracles of a well are assigned to this saint or that because, well, they're seen as miraculous. All manner of ailments were healed by the waters of these wonders - from sprains to death. Miracles. But what can be forgotten in this ecstasy of religious devotion, is just how important a source of clean, fresh water was to a community. Fynnon Cilhaul is a bit of a mystery, since its older name - Lecki, would seem to indicate the dedication to a barely remmbered saint. But its more recent name (and by recent, I'm still talking of centuries), Cilhaul, means more to me, since it would seem to reflect its position, hidden away beneath a greedy canopy of trees, rarely meeting the rays of the sun.
The Groes Onnen Windmill ~ Holywell, Flintshire
I think it's a shame that we often assume that the past is always a more primitive place. Those that call for a return to the ways of the past, are seen as 'hippies', and dismissed as cranks. I don't know why everything has to be a zero-sum game. There are aspects of the past which we would be madness to return to, however much the knuckle draggers roaming the streets as I write this would wish us to. But there are other qualities in the past which which can help us, inform us, and perhaps which we should be striving to return to. It's barely mentioned that our use of 'renewable energies' really is simply a return to wind and water power. We call them 'renewable' as if we are a bit embarressed about that, but it's true. At Groes Onnen in Holywell, you can see one of the very few windmills in Wales which remains standing to its original height.
The Hooded Tomb of Piers Mostyn ~ Llanasa, Flintshire
I do like a hooded tomb. The grave of Piers Mostyn, he of the Talacre, Catholic Mostyns, is largely ruined - its hood long gone, leaving only the iron fixings. But his heraldry still remains, worked into the southern wall of the parish church of St Asaph and St Cyndeyrn. There's enough there to make merry with my imagination, wondering as to its original splendour.
I've updated the Collections page to included the Wells of Clwyd, holy or otherwise. There are plenty more to research, visit and write about, but its a handy little way of accessing those wells I've so far visited.
Revised Articles
I continue to be careful to be aware of new information and research on those sites I've already visited and written about. It's fascinating just how much can change - usually with an archaeological dig, a find, or the discovery of a lost manuscript. Sometimes the articles need just a tweek, sometimes a rewrite. Sometimes, its just the use of new photographs to better show the site.
Eliseg's Pillar
I'm currently rewriting my article on the Pillar of Eliseg. Goodness, it needs it. I can't tell you how often I've meant to, but it's a little intimidating. It's importance seems to grow with every article I read. It's going to take a while.
Site Visits
Will the rain ever stop? Well, it did, but as it happens I was in the Lake District. This was fabulous, of course, but I couldn't help thinking of all the places I would have liked to visit in my beloved Clwyd. Ah well, that's the rub - one must play to the wind, after all. I was able to get out to a few sites, however.
Llandelian ~ Denbighshire
I am painfully aware that I have not written any articles on this pretty little village. I often stop here with the We and have a drink in the Leyland Arms. There has never been a time that I have visited when the sun wasn't cracking the flags. I think it might have its own climate. Well, there's work to be done here, and I've a mind to do it over the summer.
Velvet Hill ~ Llangollen/Llantysilio, Denbighshire
The We and I went for a walk on Coed Hyrddyn. I was looking to add to my article on St Collen and the Fairy Court (see above). We strayed from the path and ended up having to beat our way through a forest of ferns to make our way back to base camp (The Britannia Inn). I was ecstatic - the We less so.
Nantclwyd y Dre ~ Ruthin, Denbighshire
Just a wonderful place. A genuine gem. A medieval town house (hence the name), steeped in and oozing its history from every nook and cranny. This place is due a serious rewrite - it's in hand.
Basingwerk Abbey ~ Holywell, Flintshire
When I first arrived in North East Wales, Basingwerk was one of the first places I visited. I had spent my early years clambering over the walls (yes, I know, I shouldn't of - but I was very young) of Roche Abbey in South Yorkshire. Abbeys have always been an important to me - especially those that have yet to be heavily tarted up, like. Hence, Basingwerk was one of the first sites in Flintshire that I wrote about. It is time for some considerable work.
Lake District ~ Cumbria
I know, it's not in Clwyd, but its seems rude not to mention the Lake District. And at times, in wandering the hills, it was very much like being in Denbighshire to be honest - just with more Celtic crosses, it seems.
Other Matters Arising
For those who have subscribed to my newsletter, the next edition is due to be sent on Sunday, August 11th. If you haven't yet, but wish to subscribe, you can do so my popping your email address in the box thingy at the bottom of the Home page. Its basically the ramblings of a middle aged Efrog with one dodgy knee.
I'm also updating the Shop with some more prints and just generally having a sort out. I have an Etsy page, which I'm sure I'll get round to organising very soon. Anyways, feel free to have a look. First class postage is free in the UK. If there are any images on the site you'd like rendered into a print - let me know, I'll make it happen.
Bloeddio clustiau mawr!
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