A Description OF WALES BY S R JOHN PRISE KNIGHT. OXFORD, Printed by WILLIAM HALL. Anno Salutis M. DC. LXIII. A Description OF WALES BY S R JOHN PRISE KNIGHT. OXFORD, Printed by WILLIAM HALL. Anno Salutis M. DC. LXIII. A short description of CAMBRIA, now called WALES, drawn by Sir john Prise Knight, and perused by Humphrey Lloyd Gentleman. THe three Sons of Brutus, Locrine, Albanactus, and Camber divided the whole Isle of Britain into three Parts. The part contained within the French Seas, the River's Severne (called in British Hafren) Dee and Humber fell to Locrine the eldest son, from whom it was called Lloyger, which name it hath in the British tongue to this day, in English it is called England, and now extendeth itself Northward to the River Tweed; The 2d son Albananactus had all the Country Northward from Humber to the Sea Orkney (called in the British tongue Môr Werydh, and in Latin Mare Caledonium) for his Share; The 3d son Camber had the remaining part lying within the Spanish and Irish Seas, and separated from England by the River's Severne and Dee; this part was after his name called Cambria, the Inhabitants Cambry, and their Language Camberaec, as at this day; The Inhabitants of this part have kept their Country and Language about 2690 years, without commixtion with any other Nation. This Country Cambria, in British Cymru, was called by the Saxons (a people of Germany that conquered and inhabited that part of Britain called Lloyger) Wales, and the Inhabitants and the Language, Welsh, which are words signifying strange; and the Inhabitants of High and Low Germany do at this day call the Language they do not understand, Walsh, and the people that speak it, Welshmen; so that they are much deceived, who derive the word from a Queen called Gwalaes', or from a Prince named Wala; neither is the fancy of Polydore Virgil, who saith it was called Walia quasi Italia, because the remaining part of the Romans in the Isle were driven thither, to be approved of; Giraldus Cambrensis before him and others were guilty of the same mistake. That the Country was called Wales and the People Welsh by the Saxons (a strange Nation) is evident, in that the Welsh know not what those words mean, their mother tongue teaching them only to call themselves Cymru and their Language Cymraec; And that they were not Romans that were driven into Cambria, the language doth sufficiently evince, which hath words that have no affinity at all with the Latin: it must needs be granted that many words are borrowed from the Latin, as it could not be otherwise, the Roman Legions and Colonies having been so long seated in the Country, but they are so different in termination that it requires some skill to discover the words that are of Roman extraction. The Saxons gaining still ground, the Britain's were driven by them out of the plain, champion country on the other side the rivers Dee & Severne, especially by Offa K. of Mercia, who made a Ditch of great depth and breadth to be a Mere between his 795 Kingdom & Wales; the Ditch gins at the river Dee by Basingwerke between Chester and Ruthlan, & runs along the sides of the hills to the South Sea a little from Bristol; It reacheth above a 100 miles in length, and is in many places to be seen at this day; the Welsh call it Clawdh Offa; the Country between it and England is commonly called (in Welsh) Y Mars, although the greatest part thereof be now inhabited by the Welsh, especially in North-wales, which yet keepeth the ancient limits to the river Dee, and in some places reacheth beyond it. Giraldus and others make the river Why, in Welsh Gwy, to be the meare between England and Wales on the South part, the breadth of Wales from sallow or Willowford, in Welsh Rhyd your helig upon Why too S. David's in Menevia is a 100 miles; also the length from Caerlleon upon Use in Gwentland to Holyhead or Caergybi in Anglesey, in Welsh Mon, is above a 100 miles; the Welsh tongue is at this day commonly spoken beyond these meres, as in Herefordshire, Glocestershire, and Shropshire. About the year of Christ 870 Rodericus Magnus divided 870 Wales into three Territories or Kingdoms, which were these, 1. Gwynedh, in English North-wales, in Latin Venedotia. 2. Deheubarth, in English Southwales, in Latin Demetia. 3. Powisland. In each of these he ordained a Princely Seat or Court for the Prince to live at most commonly, as in Gwynedh, Aberffraw Aberfraw. in the I'll of Môn or Anglesey; in Deheubarth, Caermardhyn, from whence it was removed to Dinevowr, eight miles thence; Dinevowr. Mathraval. in Powys, Pengwern or Ymwythic, in English Shrewsbury, from whence it was removed to Mathraval in Powis land. Of the Kingdom of Gwyneth or Aberffraw. Rodri the Great gave North-wales to his eldest Son, and ordained that the other two should pay him (each of them) yearly by way of Tribute 2001, as appears by the Laws of Howel Dha. North-wales hath upon the North side the Sea, upon the West and Southwest the river Dyvi, which divideth it from Southwales, and in some places from Powis; it extends from the river Dee at Basingwerke to Aberdyvi; on the South and East it is divided from Powis sometimes with rivers, sometimes with mountains, till it comes to the River Dee again. It was of old divided into four parts, the first and chiefest whereof was Môn, now called Anglesey, in which at Aberfraw the 1. Môn. Prince had his chief house; It is an Island separated from the main land by an arm of the Sea called Menai; It hath in it three canters or Hundreds, which are subdivided into six Comots, as 1. Cantref Aberfraw to Comot Llivon and Malliraeth: 2. Cantref Cemais to Talebolion and Twrcelyn: and 3. Cantref Rossîr to Tindaethwy and Menai. It hath in it a neat, commodious town called B●umarish, also Newburgh, and a passage into Ireland at Caergybi, in English Holyhead. It is an egregious mistake in Polydore, to deny this Isle the name of Mona, and allow it only to be called Anglesia or Anglorum Insula; and to give the name Mona to the Isle of Man, whereas the Inhabitants and throughout all Wales they know no other name for it, but Môn and Tîr Môn, that is, the Land of Môn unto this day, and that Man was never called Môn by any; the Inhabitants themselves call it Manaw, as the Welsh also do. And Corn: Tacitus puts the matter out of question, when in the life of Agricola he saith the Roman Soldiers swom over into Mona, which it was impossible for them to do into the Isle of Man being above 20 miles distant from the main Land. 2. Arvon, which is as much to say as, Over against Môn, is 2. Arvon. the 2d part; it hath in it four canters and ten Comots. 1. Cantref Aber hath in it three Comots, Y Llechwedd uchaf, y Llechwedd isaf and Nanconwey. 2. Cantref Arvon hath two Comots, Uwch Gwyrvai, and Isgwyrvai. 3. Cantref Dunodic hath two Comots, Ardudwy and Evionyth. 4. Cantref Llyn containeth three Comots, Cymytmaen, Tinllayn, and Canologion. All these, except Ardudwy, which is now a part of Merionethshire, are in Carnarvonshire. In this shire are the Snowdon Hills, called Eryri, which for their fertility, height, wood, cattles, fish and fowl yield not to the famous Alps; and this Country is without controversy the strongest for situation within Britain. Here are the Towns of Carnarvan, called in old time Caer Segont (Segontium Antonini,) of Conwey, called formerly Caergyffyn▪ the See of Bangor, Pwllheli, Nevyn, the Castles of Crickieth, Dolathelan, Dolbadarn: Dinas Dinlle, Clynnoc vawr, Ynys Enlli or Bardsey, and other ancient places. This was the last part of Wales brought under the dominion of the Kings of England: It hath on the North the Sea and Menai, upon the East and Southeast the river Conwey, which divides it from Denbighshire in most places, except it be toward the sea, where it passeth the river, and reacheth about five miles beyond it; on the South-west and West it is separated from Merionyth by high Mountains, Rivers and Meres. 3. Merionyth the third part of Gwyneth containing three 3. Merionyth. canters, each of which contains three Comots. 1. Cantref Meirion hath three Comots, Talybont, Pennal, and Ystymaner. 2. Cantref Arustly hath, Uwchgoed, Iscoed, Gwarthrenion. 3d. Cantref Penllyn, which hath Uwchmeloch, Ismeloch, and Micnaint. This Country keeps the said name to this day, but not all the same Mere it had in former times; It is full of Hills and Rocks, it hath upon the North the Sea, to which there is great resort to take Herrings. It hath upon the East Arvon, and Denbigh land, upon the South Powis, upon the West Dyvi and Cardiganshire. In this Country are the Towns of Harlech, where there is a strong Castle, Dolgelley and Bala, and here is the great Lake Llyn Tegyd, that is three miles long; of which it is said, that the River Dee running through it mingleth not with its water; moreover it is said that Salmon, commonly taken in the River hard by the Lake, are never seen in the Lake, and that a sort of fish called Gwyniaid are very common in the Lake, but never taken in the River. Not fare from the Pool is a place called Caergai, which was the house of Gai K. Arthur's foster brother. This shire (like Arvon) is full of Cattles, Fowle, and Fish, and hath good store of read Deer and Roes, but Corn is scarce. 4. The Fourth part of Gwyneth was called y Berveddwlâd, 4. Y Berveddwlâd. which may be Englished, the Inland or Middle Country; It contained Five canters, and Thirteen Comots, as 1. Cantref Rhyvonioc, which hath in it these Comots, Vwchalet & Isalet. 2. Cantref Ystrat, which hath Hiraethoc & Cynmeirch. 3 Cantref Rôs, which hath Uwchdulas, Isdulas & Creuthyn, all which are in the Lordship of Denbigh, except Creuthyn, which is a part of Carnarvonshire, and hath in it the Castle of Diganwy, which did belong to the Earls of Chester, and in the Latin and English Chronicles is commonly called Gannoc. 4. Cantref Dyffryn Clwyd, that is, the Valley of Clwyd, it is now called the Lordship of Ruthyn, and hath these Comots, Coleigion, Llanerch and Dogueilyn. 5th. Cantref is Tegengl, now a part of Flintshire, it hath these Comots, Counsyllt, Prestatyn and Ruthlan. In this part of Gwyneth is the fair valley of Dyffryn Clwyd, which reacheth 18 miles in length, and is in breadth 4, 5, 6, and in some places 7 miles: Northward it borders on the Sea, and on the East, West, and South it is enclosed with high hills: It abounds with all manner of necessaries both for Man and Beast, as Cattles, Fish, Fowle, Corn, Hay, Grasse, Wood, etc. The river Clwyd being increased by the accession of Clywedoc, Ystrat, Whilar, Elwey and other rivers from the hills runs along and divides it in the midst. In this Valley two miles from the Sea do stand the Town and Castle of Ruthlan, famous for a Parliament K. Edward I. kept there in the 12 year of his Reign. And two miles above it is the See of S. Asaph called in old time Llanelwey, between the Rivers Clwyd and Elwey: four miles thence and two miles from the river Clwyd lies situate Denbigh, the Shire town for that County, in which there is a very fair, strong Castle built upon a rock, which was very much enlarged and strengthened by Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln, to whom King Edward gave the Lordship of Denbigh: five miles above this lies the town of Ruthin, wherein is a fair Castle, which did sometimes belong to the Gray's Lords of Ruthyn and Earls of Kent. This part of Gwyneth hath upon the North the river Dee and the Sea; upon the West, Arvon and the river Conwey; South and East Merionyth and Powis; these be the Mere and Bounds of Gwyneth. So there was under the Kingdom of Aberfraw 15 canters and 38 Comots. But North-wales, as it is now reckoned six shires, containeth in it besides Gwyneth a great part of Powis. The British Chronicle saith of North-wales, that it came by inheritance to Women three times: 1. To Stradwen daughter to Cadvan ap Conan ap Endaf & Wife to Coel Godeboc, Mother to Genaw, Dyvyr & Gwawl: the second time to the same Gwawl wife to Edern ap Padern & Mother to Cunetha Wledic, which Cunetha being a Prince in the North of England, about the year of Christ 540 sent his sons to recover Cardigan his inheritance 540 from the Irish Scots and Picts, who had possessed themselves of those parts of it which bordered upon the Sea; Tibiaon his eldest son died in Man, which the Irish Scots had conquered; Gildas saith, that of the Progeny of Glam-Hector, that peopled a great part of Ireland, Yscroeth with his people inhabited Dalrienda, a part of Scotland. Builke with his people came to Man. Builke cum filiis suis inhabitavit Euboniam Insulam, vulgò Manaw, quae est in meditullio Maris inter Hyberniam & Britanniam. The Children of Bethoun inhabited Demetia, or Southwales, with Gwyr and Cydweli, until they were chased thence by the Children of Cunetha. thus fare Gildas. The sons of Cunetha being arrived in North wales divided the Country betwixt them: first Meireaon the son of Tibiaon the son of Cunedha had Cantref Meireaon to his part. Arustel ap Cunetha had Cantref Arustly. Caredic ap Cunetha had Caredigion, now Cardiganshire. Dunod had Cantref Dunodic. Edeyrn had Edeyrnion. Mael had Dynmael. Coel had Coleyon. Dogvael had Dogveilyn. Ryvaon had Ryvonioc now Denbigh▪ land. Maelor the son of Gwran the son of Cunetha had Maeloron, that is, the two Maelors, Maelor Gymbraeg, called Bromfield, and Maelor Saesneg. E●●●n Yrch had Caereneon in Powis. Vssa had Maesus●●●●● now Oswestree: What they say commonly of Oswald K. of Northumberland, that he was slain there, and that a Well sprung up where his Arm was carried, is nothing so: for Beda and all other writers testify that Peanda slew Oswald at Maserfelt in the Kingdom of Northumberland, and his body was buried in the Abbey of Bardney in the Province of Lyndesey. These names given by the Progeny of Cunetha continued to this day. After this the Irish Picts which the Britain's called Y Gwyddyl Phictiaid overran the Isle of Môn, from whence they were driven by Caswalhon Law hîr, that is, Caswalhon with the long hand, the son of Eneon yrch ap Cunetha, who with his own hands slew Serigi their King at lan y Gwyddyl, that is, the Irish Church in Holy head. This Caswalhon was Father to Maelgon Gwyneth, whom the Latins call Maglocunus, King of Britain: In his time lived the famous Bard Taliessyn who was called Pen Beirdh, that is, the chiefest of the Bards or Wisemen. Lucan in his first book of the Civil war between Caesar and Pompey makes mention of our Bards thus, Plarima securi fudistis carmina Bardi: This Maelgon had a son called Run, in whose time, the Saxons invited Gurmond (who had come from Afric,) from Ireland to join with them against the Britain's, who by him and them were greatly distressed, drove first over Severne, and slain, as many as were known of them to profess Christ. This Run was Father to Beli, who was Father to jago (or james) who, and not Brochwel or Brecyval (as the English Chronicle saith) was Father to Cadvan, the Father of Cadwalhon, the Father of Cadwallader the last King of the Britain's. Brochwel, surnamed Ysgithroc, by reason of his long teeth, was Captain over those who fought with Adelred alias Ethelbert King of Kent, and his Saxons and Angles, whom Augustin the Monk had incited to make war against the Christian Britain's. Brochwel was twice put to flight by them not fare from Chester, and they cruelly slew a 1000 Priests and Monks of Bangor, with a great number of Lay Brethrens of the same house that lived by the labour of their hands, and were come barefooted to desire mercy and Peace. Than Brochwel retired over Dee, and defending the passages against the Saxons, until Cadvan K. of North-wales, Meredyth K. of Southwales, and Bledrus or Bletius Prince of Cornwall came to his aid, he gave the Saxons battle and slew of them a 1066, and put the rest to flight. After this Battle Cadvan was chosen King of Britain, and was the chief Ruler within the Isle. 3. The 3d time that North-wales came to a Woman was to Esyllt, the daughter of Conan Tindaethwy, the son of Edwal Ywrch, the son of K. Cadwallader, The British Annals say, Conan was the son of Rodric Molwynoc son of the said Edwal. She was wife to Mervyn Bhrych and Mother to Roderic the Great. The last Kings of the Britain's finding North-wales to be a Country exceeding strong, as being full of high Mountains, craggy rocks, great Woods, deep Valleys, streights and dangerous places, and deep and swift Rivers, made it their chiefest Seat. The chief Rivers in Gwyneth are, Dyvi, which springs in the Hills of Merioneth, runs Northwest by Mowthwy and Machynllaeth, and so to the sea at Aberdyvi; it divides North-wales and Southwales. Dee, in Welsh Dourdwy, springs also from the same hills, runs East through Penllyn and the Lake Tegid, down to Corwen & Llangollen, between Chirke land & Bromfield, where it bows Northward towards Bangor iscoed, so to Holt & Chester, thence Northwest to Flint Castle, and so to the Sea. Conwey, which riseth likewise in Merionethshire, runs under Snowdon North-East, by the Town of Aberconwey to the Sea. Avon Wynen, that falls into the sea at Traeth Mawr. Yvelenryd, which the sea receives at Traeths bachan. Mouthau, that falls into the Sea at Bermouth. Desynny. Alwen. Lleder. Llygwy. Machno. Ogwen. Cegid. saint, which runs to the Sea at Carnarvan. Gwrvai. Llivon. Llyfni. Dwyuôr. Dwyvech. Erch. Soch. Clwyd, which riseth in Denbigh-la●d, runs down to Ruthin, and plain North, not fare from Denbigh, to St Asaph, and so by Ruthlan to the Sea. Cefni. Dulas. Aled. Elwey. etc. Among the Mountains in Carnarvan and Merioneth Shires there are very many Llynns or Lakes abounding with large Trout; In the River Conwey there is a sort of Fish called Brwyniaid, which they use to take from the middle of March to the middle of April. And in two Pools, to wit, Llynn Peris and Llynn Torthenni, which are about three miles asunder, there is a Fish called Torgoch, from his read belly, which, when the season is to take it in the one, is not to be found in the other. Of Deheubarth or Dinevowr. This Kingdom although it was the largest, yet was it not Deheubarth or Dinevor. the best (in Giraldus his opinion) when the Division was made, in regard it was much infested with the Saxons, and afterwards with Flemings and Normans, and for that in divers parts thereof the Lords would not obey their Prince, as in Gwent and Morgannwc: It was divided into six Parts. 1. Caredigion 1. Caredigion. was the first, it contained 4 canters and 10 Comots, 1. Cantref Penwedic which had in it these Comots, Geneurglyn, Perveth & Creuthyn. 2. Cantref Canawl had these, Mevenyth, Anhunoc and Pennarth. 3. Cantref Castell had these Comots, Mabwynion and Caerwedros'. 4. Cantref Syrwen had these, Gwenionyth and Iscoed: This part is at this day called in English Cardiganshire, in Welsh Swydh Aberteivi. It is a champion Country without much wood: It hath been divers times overcome by the Flemings and Normans, who built in it several Castles, but could not keep it: It hath on the East North-wales, the River Dyvi and part of Powys; upon the South Carmarthenshire: on the West the River Teivi and Pembrokeshire, and on the North the Irish Sea. In this is the Town of Cardigan, upon Teivi, not fare from the Sea: the Town of Aberystwyth, upon the River Ystwyth, by the Sea: Llanbadarn Vawr once an Episcopal See, wherein was a famous Sanctuary in times past, and a place of Religious and Learned men; the Castles of Stratmeyric, Gualther, of Llanrysted, of Dynerth, of the sons of Wyneaon, of Aberheidol and many more, the Abbey of Strata Florida, the Towns of Tregaron, Llandhewibrevi etc. 2. The 2d part was called Dyvet, at this day Pembrokeshire: 2. Dyvet. It had in it 8 canters and 23 Comots, which were these, 1. Cantref Emlyn, that had these Comots, Vwchcuch, Iscuch and Levethyr: 2. Cantref Arberth had these, Penrhyn are Elays, Esterolef and Talacharn: 3. Cantref. Daugleddeu these, Amgoed, Pennant, and Evelfre. 4. Cantref Ycoed these, Llanhayaden and Castle Gwys. 5. Cantref Penbhro these, Coed your hâ●, Maenor byrr and Penuro. 6. Cantref Ros these, Hulfforth, Castell Gwalchmai and Ygarn. 7. Cantref Pebidioc these, Mynyw, Pencaer and Pebidioc. 8. Cantref Cemais these, Vwchnever, Isnever and Trefdraeth: In this part are divers Towns and Havens, as Pembroke, Tenby (in Welsh Dynbech y Pyseot) Harford West (Hwl●fforth) the fair Haven of M ilford (in Welsh Aberdaugled●eu) Saint Davids or M enevia (in Welsh M ynyw) the chiefest Episcopal See in Wales; Fiscard or Abergwayn, Newport or Trefdraeth; these are along the Sea coast, or not far of. There are divers Castles therein as Cilgerran, Arberth, Gwys, Llanhayaden, Walwyn, etc. This Part was won first by the M ountgomery● Earls of Shrewsbury, was after given to the M arshalls, and so to Valence. The Princes of Wales were from thence most troubled with Normans and Flemings, who remain to this day, and inhabit about Tenby, Pembroke and in Ros, and can speak no Welsh, nor good English as yet. It hath on the West and North the Irish Sea, the Spanish Sea upon the south, upon the East Carmarthenshire, and Cardiganshire on the North East. 3. The 3d part was Carmarthenshire, which had 4 canters 3. Caermarddyn. and 15 Comots, as 1. Cantref Fini●c, which hath these Comots, Har●ryn, Dervedd and Isgeneny. 2. Cantref Eginoc, which hath these Gwyr, now in Glamorganshire, Cydweli and Carnwyllion. 3. Cantref Bachan these, M alhaen, Caeo, and M aenor Deilo. 4. Cantref M awr these, Cethineoc, Comot mab Elvyw, Comot mab Uchdryd and Wydigada: In this shire are several Towns and Castles, as Caermardyn, Dinevowr, the Seat of the Prince of the Country, Newtowne, Llandeilo, Llanymddyfry, Emlyn, Swansey (in Welsh Abertawy) now in Glamorganshire a Town by the Sea: the Castle of the sons of Uchiryd, of llanstephan and others: It hath upon the West Dyvet or Pembrokeshire, on the North Cardiganshire, on the South-West the Sea, on the Southeast Glamorgan, and on the East Brecknockshire. It is reckoned the strongest part of all Southwales, as being full of high Mountains, great Woods, and fair Rivers, especially Towy. 4. The 4th called Morganwc (now Glamorganshire) contained 4. Morgannwc. 4 canters with 15 Comots: As Cantref Croneth with these Comots, Rhwng Neth ag Avon, Tîr your Hwndrwd and Maenor Glynogwr. 2. Cantref Pennythen with these, Meyskyn, Glynrhodni, Maenor Talavan and Maenor Ruthyn. 3. Cantref Brenhinol with these, Cibowr, Senghennyth, Uwchcaeth and Iscaeth. 4. Cantref Gwen●lhwg, which is now in Monmouthshire, with these Comots, Yrhardh Ganol and Eithaf dylygion. In this part are many Towns, Castles and Ancient places, as Landaff a Bishops See, Caerdyff, in Welsh Caerdhydd, Cowbridge (in Welsh Y bont Vaen, that is, a Stone-bridge) Neath, Ab●avon, Bridgend, Lantwyt, Caerffili, St Donats (the Seat of the ancient Family of the straddlings) Margam (now the Seat of the Mansells another noble Family) and other: It hath divers Rivers, which run to the South Sea, as Lay, Tâf, Tawy, Neth, Avon, Ogwr or Ogmor, and L lychwr; It hath on the South the Severne Sea, which divideth it from Devonshire and Cornwall, upon the West and Northwest Carmarthenshire, upon the North East Brecknockeshire, and Monmouthshire upon the East. 5. The Fifth part was called Gwent, & is now in Monmouthshire; 5. Gwent. It had 3 canters and 10 Comots, as 1. Cantref Gwent, which had these Comots, Ymynyth, Iscoed, Llefnydh and Trefygrug. 2. Cantref Iscoed these, Brynbuga, Uwchcoed, Y Teirtref and Erging ac Ewyas, now in Herefordshire. 3. Cantref Coach, which is now in Glocestershire and called the Forest of Deane: In this part is the ancient City of Caerllêon upon Us●, where was in old time the See of the Arch Bishop of Wales; here are also divers Towns and Castles, as Monmouth, Chepstow, Glynstrigul, Ros, Tintern upon the River Why, Newport (in Welsh y Castell Newydd) Usc (in Welsh Brynbuga) Grosmont, Raglan, White Castle, Abergevenny and many other: It is a fair, fertile Country, but had this unhappiness in former times, that the Gentlemen were never obedient to their Prince: It hath on the West Glamorgan and Brecknockeshire, Herefordshire upon the North, the River Why and Glocestershire on the East, and upon the South and South East the Severne: Rivers, Avon, Elwyth, Munnow. etc. 6. The 6th and last part B recheinoc, now B recknockeshire, 6. Brecheinoc. which hath 3 canters and 8 Comots, as 1. Cantres Selef, which hath these Comots, Selef and Trahayern. 2. Cantref Canol these, Talgarth, Ystradyw and B rwynllies or E glwies Yail. 3. Cantref Mawr these, Tîr Raulff, L lywel and Cerrig Howel: In this part are these Towns Brecknock (in Welsh A berhodni) lying situate by the Confluence of the Rivers Usc and Hodni, Hay (in Welsh Y Jelly) Talgarth, B vellt, L langors. It hath West Carmarthenshire and the River Tawy, on the North Radnorshire and the Why, Hereford and M onmouthshire on the East, and Glamorgan on the South: It is for the most part full of Mountains, Woods and Rivers, especially B velht. The B ruses, M ortimers, B ohuns and Staffords (after the dispossessing of the Welsh) have been Lords of this Country. These six Shires forementioned with Radnorshire, formerly a part of Powis, are now commonly called Southwales: It is a large Country having many fair Plains and Valleys for Corn, high Mountains full of Pasture for Cattles, great and thick Woods, Forests and Parks for read Deer and Fallow: clear and deep Rivers full of Fish. The Rivers are, Severne which with Why and Reidol spring out of a high mountain called Plymllymon in Montgomeryshire on the edge of Cardiganshire. Severne runs by Llanidlos' full East, through Cydewen, by the Welsh Pool, and under the Castle of Shrawarden to Shrewsbury, from whence it turns Southward to Bridgenorth, Bewdley, Worcester, Gloucester,, and so to the Sea near Bristol. Gwy, in English Why, runs South East by Rayader-Gwy to Buellt, where Irwon meets her, thence to Glasbury, so to Hereford & Monmouth, & to the Severne Sea at Chepstow, Môr Hafren, so they call the Sea that severeth Wales from Somersetshire, Devonshire & Cornwall. Reidol runs Northward and makes haste to the Sea near Aberystwyth. Usc riseth in a high mountain called y Mynydd du▪ in the South-west part of Brecknockshire, runs to Brecknock, so through Monmouthshire to the Town of Usc, Caerllêon and Newport, and so to the said South sea. Tywy hath its spring not fare from Why, runs South to Llanymddyfri, thence South-west by Llandeilo, and Dinevowr to Abergwili and Caermarddyn, and so by Llanstephan to the sea. Teivi riseth in the edge of Carmarthenshire, runs Northwest by E mlyn, Cilgerran, Cardigan, and so to the North sea. In Giraldus Cambr. his time there were in this River (above other Rivers) a great number of Bevers, a kind of beast the Welsh called Avanc; the name remaineth still in Wales, but what it was very few can describe: It is not much unlike an Otter, only it is bigger, all hairy saving the tail, which is like a fishes tail, broad and thick like a man's hand: It useth as well the water as the land, hath very sharp teeth, and is a very sagacious Creature: He that will learn more of this beast, let him read Girald. Itiner. l. 2. c. 3. There are a number of other rivers, as Tawy in Glamorganshire▪ Tâf in Carmarthenshire, two rivers called Cledhe● in Pembrokeshire, Remney, Gevenni, Arthur, Aeron, Ystwyth etc. There are divers Lordships added to other Shires, that were heretofore taken for parts of Wales, and have at this day the Welsh spoken in most of them, as Oswestree, Knocking, Whitington, Elsmer, Masbrooke, Cherbury, Gaurs, Clunn, which are now in Shropshire; Ewyas Lacie, Ewyas Haroald, Clifford, Winsorton, Yardley, Huntingdon, Whitn●y, Loghardneys in Herefordshire. Southwales, as all the rest of Britain, was first inhabited by Britain's, who remain there to this day, though in divers places, especially near the Sea, mingled with Saxons, Normans, and Flemings. Since the Norman Conquest their Princes could never keep quiet possession of it, but by reason of opposition from Strangers, and the disloyalty of their own people, & vexation and war thereupon, they were for the most part compelled to keep themselves in Carmarthenshire. Of Powis or Mathraval. To this Kingdom belonged the Country of Powis and the Mathraval or Powis. Land between Why and Severne. It was bordered upon the South and West with Southwales, the rivers Why and Tywy etc. upon the North with Gwyneth; and with the Marches of England, from Chester to Why, a little above Hereford, upon the East; By reason of its nearnes to England it was most troubled with wars, from the Saxons first, and afterwards from the Normans, Lords Marchers, who daily conquered some portion thereof, by which means it came to pass, that it was the first part that submitted unto and served the King of England. This part called Powis was divided into Powis Vadoc & Powis Wenwynwyn. Powys Vadoc 1. Powis Vadoc. contained in it 5 canters and 15 Comots. 1. Cantref Y Barwn, which hath 3 Comots, Dinmael, now in Denbighshire; Edeyrnion and Glyndourdwy▪ which are now both in Merionethshire. 2. Cantref Y Rhiw whose Comots were these, Yâl, now in Denbighshire, Stratalyn and Hop, now in Flintshire. 3. Cantref Uwchnant hath these, Merfforth in Flintshire, Maelor Gymraeg, in English Bromfield, now in Denbighshire, and Maelor Saesneg in Flintshire. 4. Cantref Trefred, which hath these Comots, Croesvain, Tref Ywayn, in English Chirke, and in Denbighshire. Croesoswallt, in English Oswestree, and in Shropshire. 5. Cantref Rayder hath these, Moch●ant Israyder, Cynllaeth and Nan●eudwy, all in Chirkeland and in Denbighshire. The Lordship and Castle of Whittington, which came by marriage to Fulke Fitzwarren. The Lordship of Oswestree, of which the Fitzalans have been Lords several hundreds of years, Shrarden, the eleven Towns, etc. Clun, all now in Shropshire, were in this part of Powis; so were also the Castles of Holt, Chirke and Din●s Brân, now in Denbighshire. The Rivers Ceirioc and Alyn run in this Part. The 2d Part called Powis Wenwynwyn had likewise 5 canters 2. Powis Wenwynwyn. and 12 Comots. 1. Cantref Yuyrnwy, which had these Comots, Mochnant uwch rayder, Mechain ●scoed and Llanerch hudol. 2. Cantref Ystlyc had these, Deuthwr, Gorthwr Isaf and Stratmarchell. 3. Cantref Llyswynaf, had these Caereneon and Mechain Uwchcoed. 4. Cantref Cydewen had Comot Conan and Comot Hafren. 5. Cantref Conan had Cyveilioc and Mouthwy. All five, except the Comot of Mouthwy which is now part of Merionethshire, are in Montgomeryshire: the three first canters only bear the name of Powys at this day. This is a Country full of Woods, Hills and Rivers: it hath in it these Towns, the Pool (in Welsh Trallwng) Newtowne, Machynllaeth and Llanvylling. Arustly in old time was in this part, but came afterwards to the Princes of Gwyneth. In the time of Edward the 2d these Cantre●s or Lordships came by just descent to a Woman named Hawys Gadarn, Daughter of Owen ●ap Griffith ap Gwenwynwyn ap Owen Cyveilioc. Arustly and Cyveilioc came to the Baron of Dudley, and was afterwards sold to the King. The Rivers Murnwy and Tanat are in this part. The 3d Part belonging to Mathraval was the Land between 3. Ferlix. Why and Severne, which contained 4 canters and 13 Comots, 1. Cantref Melienyth had these Comots, Ceri, Swythygre, Riwalallt and Glyn jeithon. 2. Cantref Eluel hath these, Uwchmyndd, Ismynydd and Llechddyfnog. 3. Cantref Yclawdh these, Dyffryn Teyveydiot, Swydhynogen, and Pennwellt. 4. Cantref Buellt hath these, Swydh y vam, Dreulys and Isyrwon: the Rivers Teme, Ithon, Lugier, etc. run through this Part. Of this Part there is at this day some in Montgomeryshire, some in Radnor, and some in Brecknock shire; they speak to this day Welsh in this part and the Lordship's adjoining, and it is reckoned a Part of Wales. Towns and Castles in this part, Montgomery (in Welsh Trevaldwyn) a pretty Town, and a fair Castle; the Castle of Clun (Colunwy) which belongs to the Earl of Arundel, Knighton (in Welsh Trefyclawdd;) the Castle of Cymaron; Presteyn (in Welsh) Llanandras'; the Town of Kineton, and the Castle of Huntingdon (called in Welsh y Castell Maen) which were first the Bohuns, Earls of Hereford, afterwards did belong to the Dukes of Buckingham. Castle pain, Hay, Llanvair in Buelht. These Lordships with Brecknock and Abergavenny did belong to the Bruse's Lords of Brecknock, but came after by sundry ways to the Bohuns, Nevills, and Mortimers; So there are in this Territory or Kingdom of Mathraval 14 canters and 40 Comots. Camden, after whom there is no gleaning, will supply what is defective in this Description. FINIS. An Advertisement to the Reader. R EADER, If there comes into thine hands a Book entitled, British Antiquities Revived, thou art desired to correct these mistakes in it, pag. 6. lin. 13. for tenet read tenetur; p. 24. lin. last for Britain r. the Britons; p. 38. l. 18. for St Davids r. Sherborne. p. 42. l. 16. for 21th r. 20th. l. 18. for 17th r. 16th. p. 43. at the end of the Pedigree blot, not the Coat of, and the line following; p. 44. l. 5. deal his Grandfather. lin. 13. for Mothers r. Fathers. lin. 14. blot it out quite, and put in stead thereof G. a Lion rampant, regardant Or. George Owen Harry therein quoted is said to be Parson of Whitchurch in the Lordship of Kemeys. The Printer to the Reader. BE Pleased, Gentle Reader, to take this short account of the British Annals following, as also of this and the former Edition thereof. Caradoc of Lancarvan collected the Acts and Successions of the British Princes from Cadwallader to the year of Christ 1156. Of his Collections there were afterwards several Copies kept in the Abbeys of Conwey in Carnarvonshire, and of Strata Florida or Stra●flur in Cardiganshire, which received addition as things fell out, being ordinarily compared together every third year, to wit, when the Bards or Beirdh belonging to those Abbeys went their ordinary Visitation (which they called Clera) from the one to the other; They contained in them (besides) such other occurrences happening within the Isle of Britain, as were thought worthy the Recording. This Course continued in those Abbeys until the year of Christ 1270, which was a little before the death of the last Prince lewelyn, who was slain at Buellt. Of these Collections there were a 100 Copies at lest in Wales very anciently written. Humphrey Lloyd Gentleman (a painful and worthy searcher of British Antiquities) lighting upon one of the Copies, translated it into English, and augmented it somewhat, out of Matt. Paris and Nicolas Trivet chiefly, but left it imperfect, God being pleased to take him away before he had finished it, as he had designed. The Right Honourable Sir Henry Sidney Lord Precedent of Wales, having had a Copy of his Translation a great while lying by him, employed David Powel Doctor of Divinity to Peruse, Correct, Augment, and Continued it in order to the setting of it out in Print. The Doctor at his request compared the translation with the British Book, whereof he had two ancient Copies, and corrected it where he saw cause. Moreover he consulted all Authors he could come by, that treat of the affairs of Wales, as Gildas, Asser Menevens., Galfrid, William of Newborough, Matt. Paris, Matt. Westminster, Thomas Walsingham, Ponticus Virunnius, Polydore Virgil, Jo. Leland, Jo. Bale, J. Prise, Matt. Parker, Jo. Caius, William Lambard, and all the English Chronicles Printed; and in MS. Gildas Sapiens alias Nennius, Hen. Huntingdon, William Malmesbury, Marianus Scotus, Ralph Cogshall, Jo. Eversden, Nic. Trivet, Florentius Vigorniensis, Simon of Durham, Roger Hoveden, and other which John Stow Citizen of London had got together, the British books of Pedigrees, Jo. Castoreus, Sylvester Girald. Cambr. with divers other Pieces of Antiquity he had received from the Right Honourable the Lord Burleigh High Treasurer of England, who had also by his Letters directed him to all the Offices where the Records of the Realm were kept: Out of which he gathered Notes (though not so many as he would, if time and his occasions had permitted him) which with the Book he Printed A. D. 1584., and Dedicated to the Famous Sir Philip Sidney Knight. Some of the Notes he added where he sound they were wanting, and some other, where the matter was delivered briefly and obscurely, for the better clearing of the Text he inserted in their due places in the Book. Also he gave in the Margin exact quotations of the Authors, as well where they agreed with the Book as when they are brought to Add to it, or for further Explanation. In his Notes touching Families he was greatly furthered by the Pains of Sir Edw. straddling Knight, Thomas Powel of Whitington Park, and Richard Broughton Esquires. And the Book would have come out much more exactly done, had it not been Printed almost quite of, when he received another Larger, and better corrected Copy of the Translation from Robert Glover Somerset Herald: So much touching the former Edition out of Dr Powells Epist. Dedicat. As concerning this latter, Robert Vaughan of Merionethshire Esq. out of his zeal to preserve the Antiquities of his Country was pleased to impart some choice notes, which he had been above 40 years in gathering, and were (most of them) never before in Print. These thou hast of New, which, thou wilt found, do correct in many places as well as augment the History. For the better understanding of the ensuing History thou hast in the beginning a Chorography of Wales; and at the end an Appendix with an Index are thought necessary. Caradoc's Annals are Printed in an English letter, Dr Powell's Additions in an Italian and thus marked ⚜, and Mr Vaughan's Collections in a Roman with this mark ¶ prefixed▪ Farewell. W: H. Cadwallader Bhendiged, That is, The SAINT or BLESSED, in whom ended the British Kingdom, whereupon the Government of Wales by PRINCES began. CADWALLADER the last King of the A. D. 680. Galfr. Mon. Britain's of the Noble Trojan Race, being by reason of a great famine and mortality driven to forsake his Realm and native Country, went over with a great number of his Nobility and Subjects to Lhydaw (now called Little Britain in France) there to so journey with his Cousin Alan King of the Country. And he had not been there long but intelligence arrived to him of the landing of strangers, as Saxons, Angles, and Juthes in Galfr. Io. Castor. his Kingdom of Great Britain, which they finding desolate and without Inhabitants (sabe a few Saxons who had invited them in, and a small remnant of poor Britons, who in Rocks and Woods by feeding upon roots prolonged a miserable life) did soon overrun and possess themselves of a great part thereof. And dividing it into several Territories and Kingdoms, inhabited that part which was than and now (at this day) is called Lhoyger in the British or Welsh tongue, and in English England, with all the Cities, Towns, Castles, and Uillages, which the Britain's had builded, ruled and inhabited by the space of 1827 years, under divers Kings and Princes of great renown: whereupon he purposed to return, and by strength of British Knights to recover his own land again. But having made ready his Navy for the transporting of his forces, which were partly his own men, and partly such succours as he had received from his Cousin Alan, an Angel appeared to him, who declared it to be the will of God that he should not take his voyage towards Britain, but to Rome to Pope Sergius, where he should make an end of his life, and be afterwards numbered among the blessed: for GOD had appointed that the Britain's should have not more the Rule and Governance of the whole I'll, until the Prophecy of Merlin Ambrose should be fulfilled. Having acquainted his friend Alan with his Vision, and the message of the Angel, Alan immediately consulted all his Girald. I●iner. Cambr. books of Prophecies, as the works of both Merlin's; of Merlin Ambrose (who lived in the time of King Vortiger) and of Merlin Sylvester, or Merdhin Wylht, (who flourished (after) in King Arthur's time) and also the words which the Eagle spoke Galfr. Cast at the building of Caer Septon, now called Shaf●sbury; and after long study found the time to be now come, whereof they had Prophesied. ⚜ Little Britain is a Country in France, called in Caesar's D. P. time, Armorica, and after inhabited by Britain's, who about the Little Britain, or Britain Armorike. year of Christ 384. under the conduct of Conan Lord of Meriadoc, now Denbighland, went out of this I'll with Maximus the Tyrant, to his aid against the Emperor Gratianus, and winning the said Country of Armorica (which Maximus gave Conan Galfr. Mon. I Cast Math. West. Fabian. C●xton. and his People) slew and drove out all the old Inhabitants thereof, planting themselves in the same, where they to this day speak the British tongue, being the third remnant of the ancient Britain's. The names of the Kings of Little Britain. 1 Conan Meriadoc. 2 Gradlonus. 3 Solomon 1. 4 Auldranus. 5 Budicus 1. 6 Howelus Magnus. This Howel followed King Arthur in his Wars. 7 Howelus 2. 8 Alanus 1. 9 Howelus 3. 10 Gilquellus. 11 Solomon 2. 12 Alanus 2. Of whom Caradoc makes mention, descended of a Daughter of Run (the son of Maelgon Gwyneth, King of Great Britain,) which was married to the forenamed Howel the 2d, King of Little R. Caen▪ lib. 2. Pe●. 2. Britain. 13 Conobertus. 14 Budicus 2. 15 Theodoricus. 16 Rualhonus. 17 Daniel Dremrost, i e. Rubicunda fancy. 18 Aregstanus. 19 Maconus. 20 Neomenius. 21 Haruspogius. 22 Solomon 3. Slain by his own men, and than was that Kingdom turned to an Earldom, whereof one Alan was the first Earl, who valiantly resisted the Normans, vanquishing them in several Battles. Concerning the words of the Eagle at the building of Caer Galfrid▪ Cast Septon in Mount Paladour in the time of Rudhudibras, in the year after the Creation of the World, 3048. some think that an Eagle did than speak and Prophecy: Other are of opinion, that it was a Britain named Aquila that Prophesied of these things, and of the recovery of the whole I'll again by the Britain's, bringing with them the bones of Cadwallader from Rome, as in the said Prophecies is to be seen. Alan hereupon counselled Cadwallader to fulfil the will of God in going to Rome, which he did; and after he had lived there eight years in the service of God he died in the year of Christ 688, So that the Britain's ruled this I'll, with the out-Iles, of Wight: Môn, in English called Anglesey: Manaw, in English, Man: Orkney and Ewyst, 1137. years before Christ, until the year of his incarnation 688. And thus ended the Rule of the Britain's over the whole I'll. ⚜ The Britain's being sore troubled with the Scots and Picts, 450 and denied aid of the Romans, sent for the Saxons to come to defend them against their Enemies: who coming at the first as friends to the Britain's, liked the country so well, that they became their mortal enemies, and drove them out of the same. About the year of Christ. 590. Gurmundus an arch-pirate Galfrid. ●ast. and Captain of the Norwegians, after that he had conquered Ireland, being called by the Saxons to their aid against Careticus King of the Britain's, overcame the same Careticus in battle, and compelled him and his Britain's to flee beyond the rivers of Seaverne and Dee to Cambria (now called Wales) and to Cornwall, and some to Britain Armorike, where they remain to this day, and gave Loegria (now England) to the Saxons. And albeit that Cadvan, Cadwalhon, and Cadwallader were since entitled Kings of all Britain, yet they could never afterwards recover the quiet possession of the whole Island. After the departure of Cadwallader out of the Land, the Britain's were governed within the Country of Wales or Cambria by those men, whereof this history following doth entreat, which were commonly called Kings of such Provinces and Countries as they possessed, until the time of Owen Gwyneth, who being in the days of King Stephen, H. Lh●yd. and Henry the second, was the first that named himself Prince of Wales, and so the rest after him kept that title and stile: and yet nevertheless, they are sometimes called Princes before his time, and Kings after him, as I have observed by divers Charters and old Records, which I have seen in the Tower of London and elsewhere. Howbeit, this Author calleth the chiefest of them Kings till the time of the said Owen, and since, Princes. ¶ Some say that Cadwallader was the son of Cadwallan by R. V the sister of Penda King of Mercia, and that he is the same that Beda calleth young Cadvalla. He beareth B. a Cross pateé fitcheé Or. Which coat of arms was also borne by his son Ivor, who was slain by the Saxons, and succeeded by his Nephew Ive, who was Crowned and Anointed King, not upon the account of his being a Britain, but because he had Saxon blood running in his veins, his Father being one Renten of the British race, and his Mother of the Saxon. This Ive Reigned 37 years, he was a wise and a provident Prince, he bore the fore▪ mentioned Arms of K. Cadwallader as long as he lived, & so did the rest of the Kings until the time of King Edward the First, so Nic. Upon de officmilitar. Humphred: Duc. Glocest. After three years of his Reign he went to Rome, in the time of Pope Sergius about the year of our Lord 690. so Polychron. Cadwallader the Blessed being much weakened by a continual war with the Saxons, which was attended with a great famine, & a raging pestilence, is said to retire with his Nobility to Little Britain, where being kindly received by Alan King of the Country he lived, until news was brought to him, that the plague began to cool and cease; than having obtained aid of his Cousin Alan for the recovering of his Kingdom he prepareth for his return. But one night, as he lay a bed, an Angel appearing to him, and telling him, that it was Gods will he should go to Rome, and there spend the rest of his days in the service of God, and that it was declared that neither he nor his posterity should have the chief rule of Britain, until the time that his bones were brought back from Rome to Britain, made him altar his resolution, and go to Rome A. D. 680, where after he had lived eight years he died 688 or 689 in Pope Sergius his time, as Galfr. Mon:; Cadwallader being much dismayed and perplexed at the Vision, Quaesivit causam tanti maligni in Regnosuo, as is recorded in an old Book, Cui Angelus respondens dixit, Negligentia Praelatorum, rapina potentum, cupiditas judicum, detestanda luxuria, rabbiss perjurorum, & inordinatus Cultus vestimentorum. There are some Authors say, that the time of the great pestilence and mortality, and consequently of Cadwaladers going to Rome was before the year 680. Beda saith, the pestilence happened A. D. 664. Nennius or whoever is the Author of the Tract beginning thus, Woden genuit Beldoc &c. (who by Leland, Bale & S. Simon Dewes is said to live in the declining age of the British Empire, that is, in the time of Cadwallan and Cadwallader Kings of Britain, and Penda King of Mercia) averreth that the mortality aforesaid hapenned in the Reign of Oswi King of Northumberland, and of Cadwalaeder King of the Britain's. Oswi began his Reign A. D. 643. and died 670, so that the year wherein, as Beda saith, the plague began, was about the 22 or 23 year of Oswis Reign, at what time also Cadwallader ruled the Britain's. For farther confirmation, there is an old British Chronology written on parchment 400 years ago, which saith that from the battle of Caerlegion or Westchester fought A. D. 603 (between Ethelfred King of Northumberland General of the English and Brochwel Ysgythroc Leader of the Britain's) to Cadwaladers going to Rome is 62 years, which 62 years added to 603 will make 665, the time about which the Pestilence, as Beda and the rest say, reged in Britain. jeffrey of Monmouth who saith that Cadwallader died in Pope Sergius his time on the 12 of the calends of May, seems to mistake Cadwallader for Cadwalla King of the Westsaxons, who went to Rome 688, being the 3d year of the Reign of Alfred King of Northumberland as Beda in the 7 and 8 Chapters of the 5 book of his Ecclesiastical History, and also S. Hen. Savil do affirm; upon Easter day following this Cadwallae was Baptised and died the 12 of the Calendss of May 689, but in our old British Calendars we found the 12 day of November to be consecrated to the memory of K. Cadwallader, which is to be reckoned the day of his death, or second Birth; Caradoc (our Author) as well as jeffrey is mistaken in the time of Cadwaladers going to Rome, and probably upon the same grounds. In the old MS. text we read that after Cadwallader, Ivor son of Alan King of Little Britain ruled 48 years & than died. And after him Rodri Molwynoc, but no year put down; the Translators (it seems) found in some Copies that Rodri began his Reign A. D. 720: take 48 out of 720 there will remain 672 which must be the year of our Lord, that Ivor came into Britain, by that account, that is 8 years before Cadwallader went out of Britain, which is not probable, so that we may conclude the account of time jeffrey and Caradoc give us as to this particular very uncertain. Add the three years Caedwalader resided in Little Britain to 665 which out of Ninnius, Beda etc. is proved to be the year of Cadwaladers going for Rome, his going thither may be said to fall A. D. 668, unto which add the 48 years of Ivors Reign, the whole will be 716, wherein Ivor may be supposed to dye, being but four years short of the year 720, which the Translators assign for the beginning of Rodri Molwynocs Reign; the reason inducing the Translators to assign that year (peradventure) might be this, viz. that Ivas King of the Westsaxons, whom they confounded with Ivor, went to Rome in the same year. King Cadwallader was a Benefactor to the Abbey of Clynnoc Vawr in Arvon, as may be seen in the Extent of North-wales, which is in the keeping of the Auditor, and in the 2d volume os Monasticon Anglicanum published by M. Dugdale, to whom I sent the following account of the endowing of the said Abbey as it was taken out of the said Extent, Ed: Rex Ex parte Galfridi Trefnant nunc praepositi sive Rectoris Ecclesiae Collegiatae de Clynoc Vawr. Quidam Gwithaint dedit propriam Villam suam Clynnoc Vawr Deo & Beunon tunc Abbati Abbathiae de Clynnoc Vawr pro anima sua & anima consobrini sui Catwalani sine censu Regali & sine Consul ....... alicui, quamdiu fuerit lapis in terra: Ac personae subscriptae dederunt Deo & Sancto Beuno terras subscriptas sicut Gwitheint dedit Clynnoc Vawr. viz. Cadwalladrus Rex dedit Grayanoc. Tegwaret Rex dedit Porthamal. Mervyn Princeps dedit Carnguch. Cadwgan ap Cynvelin dedit Bodveilion in Llyn & Bodvael. Rodri filius Mervin dedit Denîo. Griffith ap Tangwn dedit tertiam partem Maestref. Idwal dedit Penrhos. Rodri dedit tertiam partem Newgwlf. Grean dedit Dorwyn [vel Corwyn.] Rodri filius Idwal dedit Botelog. Gwithenet filius Tridoc dedit Llanllyuni & Coret Aberseint. Cadell Rex dedit Kilcourt, Idwal dedit Clynnoc Vechan. Tridoc dedit Coret * Gwrvai. Gwrvin à silva usque mare. Idwal dedit Aber Braint. Cadell ap Rodri dedit Bryn hidugen. Anarawd filius Rodri dedit Yscallen in Creuddyn. Cadell dedit Botwynoc & Llwyn Dynwal. Rodri ap Mervyn dedit Priscoll & Nant Soch in Llyn. Cadell dedit Ethinoc. Rodri dedit Ilanor in Llyn. Cynan filius Hival dedit Botelias in Llyn. Anarawd dedit Bodagwyn. Anarawd filius Mervyn dedit Dolbebin. Grevax filius I won dedit Dolcoedog. Griffith ap Llywelyn dedit Aberllyfin. Elived filius Madoc dedit Maysang in suis terminis Jago filius Idwal dedit Llechedern in Llyn. Griffith ap Cynan dedit Boterid. Trahayarn ap Caradawg dedit Treswyn. Jago filius Idwal dedit Brynerit. Griffith ap Llywelyn dedit Y Vainol. Cadwgan dedit Llanvawr in Llyn. Griffith ap Llywelyn dedit Trefrew. Lunlion alias Coulion filius Llawfron dedit Hirdref in Llyn. Ionas dedit Bodegros. Rodri filius Mervyn dedit Mowedd. Cadell filius Rodri dedit Penhidgen. Griffith ap Llywelyn dedit Tr●flagh. Rodri dedit Penros in Twrkelyn. Howel filius Cadell dedit duas parts Llecheiddior. Griffith ap Llywelyn dedit Roswenesaf. St Beuno, to whom the Abbey of Clynoc was dedicated, was the Son of Hywgi ap Gwynlliw ap Glywis ap Tegid ap Cadell a Prince or Lord of Gl●wisig, Brother's son to S. Cadoc ap Gwynlliw sometime Bishop of Beneventum in Italy; He was by the Mother's side Cousin German to Laudatus the first Abbot of Enlli (in English Bardsey) and to Kentigern Bishop of Glasco in Scotland, and of Llanelwey in Wales. The said Centigerns father was Owen Regent of Scotland and son of Urien King of Cumbria. Beuno having raised to life, as the tradition goes, S. Wenifryd (who was beheaded by one Caradoc a Lord in North-wales because she would not yield to his unchaste desires) was greatly respected by King Cadvan, who gave him Lands, whereon to build a Monastery. Cadwallon Cadvans son also gave him lands called Gwareddoc, where beginning to build a Church, a woman came to him with a Child in her arms, who told him the said Lands were the Inheritance of the said Child: this did trouble Beuno exceedingly, insomuch that he and the said woman along with him went in all haste to Caer Seiont (called by the Romans Segontium, now Carnarvan) to K. Cadwallon, who than kept his Court there. When he came before the King, he told him with a great deal of zeal, he had not done well to devote to God's service another man's inheritance, and demanded of him back again the golden Sceptre he had given him as a consideration for the said Lands, which the King refusing to restore was without more ado excommunicated by him; Beuno after he had pronounced his sentence against him went his ways, but Gwyddeint a cousin german of the King's having heard of it followed after him, and overtaking him gave him (for the good of his own soul and the King's) the Towneship of Clynnoc vawr, which was his undoubted inheritance: there Beuno built a Church about the year of our Lord 616 about what time Cadvan died A. D. 616. leaving his son Cadwallon to succeed him. Some say Beuno recovered S. Wenifryd to life in the year 644, but that agreeth not with the truth of History. Not long before this time Eneon Bhrenin, or Anianus Rex Scotorum, a Prince in the North of Britain leaving his Royalty came to Llyn in Gwyneth, where he built a Church, which is at this day called (from him) lan Eingan Bhrenin; It is said that there, in the service of his God, he spent the remainder of his days; K. Eneon was the son of Owen Danwyn, the son of Eneon Yrth, the son of Cunedha Wledig King of Cambria, and a great Prince in the North. He was cousin german to Maelgwn Gwyneth King of Britain, whose Father was Caswallon Law-hîr, brother to Owen Danwyn. The said Maelgon died about the year of our Lord 586. Medif daughter to Voylda ap Talu traws of N●nconwey was Maelgons' mother. Edwal Ywrch and juor. AFter that Cadwallader had taken his journey towards 688 Rome, as before is declared, leaving his Son named Edwal▪ Ywrch, that is to say, Edwal the Roe and his people with his Cousin Alan, Alan taking courage to him, and not despairing of the conquest of Britain, manned his ships as Galfrid. Io. Cast well with a great number of his own people, as with those which Cadwallader had brought with him, and appointed Ivor his son, and Ynyr his nephew to be the leaders and Chiefetains of the same, who sailing over the narrow seas, landed in the West parts of Britain; of whose arrival when the Saxons were certified, they gathered a great army, and gave Ivor battle, wherein they were put to flight, and lost a great number of their People: and Ivor won the Countries of Cornwall, Devon-shire, and Somerset-shire, which he peopled with Britain's. Whereupon Kentwinus King of Westsex gathered a great number of Saxons and Angles together, and came against the Britain's, which were ready to abide the battle: and when both Armies came in sight one of another, they were not very desirous to fight, but fell to a composition and agreement, that Ivor should take Ethelburga to wife, which was cousin to Kentwyn, and quietly enjoy all that he had, during the reign of Ivor. This Ivor is he whom the English Chronicles do call Ive H. Lhoyd. or lieu King of the West Saxons, that reigned after Cedwall, and they say that he was a Saxon, for Kentwyn reigned but five years after Ivors coming to England, and after him, his nephew Cedwall, who after he had reigned over the West Saxons two years went to Rome, leaving his Kingdom to Ive his cousin: This Ive or Ivor (whom the Britain's call the son of Alan, and the Saxons the son of Kenred) being King of the Saxons and Britain's which inhabited the West parts of England, after many victories achieved against the Kings of Kent, Southsex, and Mercia, left his Kingdom to Adelred, or (as some call him) Adelerdus, his cousin, and took his journey to Rome, where he made a Godly end, about the year of our Lord 720. ⚜ Of Cadwallader, Cedwall, and Ivor, there be divers opininions. Some hold, that Cadwallader and Cedwall are the selfsame man; and that the Saxon writers call him Cedwall whom the Britain's do name Cadwallader: who (as the British Chronicles do affirm) after his foresaid vision, did resign all his right, title and interest in Great Britain, to the said Alan King of Britain Armorike, despairing that either he or his should ever have any thing to do there, so leaving his son Edwal Ywrch and his people to the ordering of his cousin Alan he went to Rome. But this opinion seemeth to vary from the assertion of Bernardus Guidonius. But certainly in my opinion it is more probable that that this Cedwall was Edwal the son of Cadwallader, for the name Edoal, which in the ancient British copy is written Etoal, may well agreed with that which Guidonius writeth: and an easy matter it were especially in proper names for the C. capital to creep in, which is almost all one with that character which the Lawyers do call a paragraph, and is used commonly in all old ¶ Text hands at the beginning of periods or sections. Of this matter thus writeth Guidonius, In suo pontificali Catalogo, sub Sergio primo. Per idem tempus Ethoal Rex Brytonum, cùm per decem Rob. Caenal. annos multis regulis obviasset, & plura mala illis irrogasset, tandem ipsis in pacem devenientibus, super occidentales Saxones regnavit annis duobus. Videns autem Brytanniam multis miseriis contritam, regnum sprevit terrenum propter aeternum, & Romam veniens, paucis diebus transactis migravit ad Christum. Et paulo post. Hic ex toto illud regnum antiquissimum Brytonum corruit, quod omnibus ferè regnis diuturnius fuit. A tempore Heli Sacerdotis usque ad hoc tempus, per annos 1825. Rob. Caenalis lib. 2. per. 2. That is. At the same time Ethoal King of the Britain's, when he had by the space of ten years warred with divers Kings, and often put them to the worse, at length coming to an agreement with them, he reigned over the West Saxons two years: than perceiving Britain to be overworn with miseries, and preferring the heavenly Kingdom before the earthly, he came to Rome, and within few days died: and in him ended wholly that ancient Kingdom of the Britain's, which continued in a manner longer than any other, from Heli the priest to this time, by the space of 1825▪ years. Further, it is not like that juor coming to the aid of Edwal his cousin would ever seek the kingdom to himself and defeat the right heir: but very well it may be, if this juor be that man whom the Saxon writers call Inas or Iue, that after these Britons had arrived in the south part of this realm, and fought divers times with the Saxon kings, and continued in Cornwall, Devonshire, and Somersetshire by the space of two years▪ they should meet Centwyn in the field and so fall to an agreement, that juor taking Ethelburga the cousin of Centwyn to wife should enjoy the kingdom of the West Saxons after Centwyn, and that thereupon Edwal resigning his title and interest to juor departed to Rome, and so died: as Guidonius saith. All this notwithstanding, it seemeth by the report of other writers of very good account, that Inas or Iue king of the West Saxons Beda. H. Hunt. Cast W. Lamb. (whose laws are extant in print, set out by master William Lambard Esquire, a worthy searcher and preserver of the antiquities of this land) was not a Britain, but a Saxon, who had war against the Britons divers times, and vanquished them. Matth West. reporteth that Inas or Iue fought with Gerent King of the Britons. I have an ancient book written (as john Leland thinketh) by John Castoreus or Bever, sometimes Monk of Westminster, who lived in the time of Edward the third, which reporteth the History of Inas in this sort. About the year of Grace 689. Ivor and Henyr sons of the Daughter of Cadwallader sometime King of Britain, came over I. Cast from Ireland, and taking to their did the two Kings of Wales de stroyed the Province of Chester, and sent messengers to the Saxon Kings, commanding them to restore again to the Britain's the Country of Lhoyger, out of which they had wrongfully expelled The request of the Britons. their Parents and Ancestors: adding that if they would not do so within fifteen days, they should be sure not to enjoy it longer. This message Inas the Noble King of Westsex signified to all the other Saxon Kings, who soon met together in Mount Campden, to whom Sibertus King of Essex spoke thus: Dear friends and companions, let us weigh and consider not only The oration of Sibertus to the other Saxon Kings. what we are ourselves, but also what our enemies are which come against us: they are the very Britain's, whose Fathers and Ancestors our Fathers have bereft of their inheritance, and expelled out of their own land, and now they justly come against us to claim that which our Ancestors by violence have taken from theirs. Let us therefore like other Nations choose unto us a Head; to lead, direct, and govern us, whom, as chief Lord in time of Peace and War, we as Members may obey and stick to, sigh without a Head there is no victory to be looked for. Have not the Britain's after two years of their dispersion set upon the ancient Saxons (a more valiant people than we are) fifteen times within seven years? Did they not spoil their Kingdoms, kill their people, and leave such as remained alive sore wounded and maimed at their departure? The rest of the Saxon Kings agreed to his mind, and with one assent chose that worthy Knight Ina King of Westsex to be their Sovereign, who having taken their Homage, advanced his Standard, and marching forward against Ivor and Henyr set upon them, so that they were feign to forsake their Tents, and fly into Wales. Thus Inas having obtained the victory with the other Saxon Kings (saving Sibertus who by reason of his age and impotency had gone home before) returned to Southampton, where his Cousin Adelard informed him that Ivor and Henyr had gathered and levied a puissant Army afresh to set upon the Saxons: whereupon Inas foreslowed not the matter, but went against them, and laid siege to the Castle of Snowdon, compelling the Britain's to fly to their ships, and while he was at Bangor with the other Saxon Kings, and the Nobles of Wales he kept the feast of S. David, and than dismissed the other King's home to their Country, until he should have occasion for them again: and departed himself with Adelard his cousin to Queen Ethelburga being than at Manchester and continued there almost three months. In the mean while Adelard minding to travel about all Wales met three spies, of whom (being by him taken and examined) he learned that Ivor and Henyr were returning again with a huge strong Army, such as all the Saxon Kings would not be able to resist. Than went he and shown Inas what he had heard: wherefore Inas forthwith certified the other Saxon Kings of the same, commanding them without delay to be ready at Chester with Horse and Armour to go against their enemies, and to defend their Country from violence. They accordingly met at Chester, and following the King's Standard gave the Britain's battle, and put them to flight. Howbeit, the Britain's eftsoons invaded England, into which they made seven inroads in two years, destroying Towns and Villages wheresoever they came, and never returning without rich booties; Inas after this victory returned home, and reigned over the West Saxons 36 years, and than bequeathed his Kingdom to his cousin Adelard. Thus much out of Castoreus. This Ivor made the fratrie of Glastenbury, called in the British tongue Ynys Avalon. ⚜ Joseph of Arimathea being sent by Philip the Apostle, as Gildas. Polydor. Gildas reporteth, came into this Island in the days of Arviragus King of Britain about the year of Christ 53. and instructed the Britain's in the doctrine of Salvation, in the I'll of Aualon, where he built a Church for the Christians: which Church this Ivor (if it be he that governed the West Saxons) converted to an Abbey, which he endowed with large possessions, and was the more famous, because the Bodies of the said Joseph of Arimathea Bale. and King Arthur's were there buried. He gave also great lands to the Church of Winchester. In the second year of Ivors Reign, Bryth a Subject to Egfrid King of Northumberland, did overrun & destroy a great part of the Country of Ireland. In the fourth year of his reign there was a great Earthquake in the I'll of Man: and the year following it reigned blood in Britain and Ireland. The Milk like wise and the Butter turned to the colour of blood. The second year after that the Moon appeared all bloody. After the departure of Ivor to Rome, Adelard or Adelred took the rule of the Saxons. And Rodericus, or Rodri Molwynoc the son of Edwal Ywrch, did take the rule of the Britain's in the West part of England. ¶ One Welsh History saith, that Iva was the son of one Assar King of Little Britain, and that he reigned 48 years, but another affirmeth Ivor, Alan, and Idwal to have been the sons of Cadwallader, and to have governed Wales. Idwall Prince of the Britain's not being able to withstand the continual assaults of the Saxons brought over with him into Cambria a remnant of Britain's who were miserably afflicted both with War and Famine, and governed them (under the name of Welsh men) 30 years. Dr Morgan saith Edwal lieth buried at Caergybi, towit, Holyhead. Bp Nicol. Robinson's MS. I. Dee thinketh that Ivor was son in Law to Alan by marriage of his daughter Agatha, but I found by good Records that she was married to Edwal Ywrch. Sir john Pryse Kt thinketh that Ynyr the cousin of Ivor is the same that the Saxon writers call Yne or Ynas, who was King of the West Saxons, and went after to Rome, as is here set down, but john Harding doth writ plainly and distinctly of them both, Ynyr a Briton, and Yna a Saxon. About this time was solemnised a Marriage in North Wales between the son and heir of the King of Man and Nest the daughter of Cadell the son of Brochwel Yscythroc ap Elise ap Cynllaw ap Eli of the race of K. Gorthyrn. Prince Mervyn Bhrych was the son of the said Prince of Man by the foresaid Nest. In some copies of the old Text we read thus, viz. Two years after 688 there was a great slaughter in Ireland, and the next year there was an Earthquake; four years after that it reigned blood in Great Britain and Ireland, and the Milk and the Butter turned to Blood. Two years after that the Moon looked like blood. A. D. 704 Elfric K. of England died, and was buried at Damnam. The year after the night was as light as the day. The year after died Osbric K. of the Saxons. And the year after that S. Michael's Church was consecrated. A. D. 720▪ it was a very hot Summer. Roderike Molwynoc. Roderike or Rodri, the Son of Edwal Ywrch. ROderike began his Reign over the Britain's An. 720. 720. against whom Adelred, King of Westsax raised a great Army, and destroying the Country of Devonshire entered Cornwall, where Roderike with the Britain's gave him Battle, wherein the Britain's were Conquerors. This battle is called Gwaeth Heilyn. The year after the Britain's obtained too other victories against the Saxons, one in North-wales at a place called Garth Maelaw●, and another in Southwales at Pencoet. At this time Belin the son of Elphin a Noble man amongst the Britain's died. The year following died Celredus King of Mercia and Ethelbaldus was made King after him, who being Ethelbald King of Mercia. desirous to annex the fertile soil of the Country lying between Severne and Wye to his Kingdom of Mercia, gathered an Army, and entered into Wales, and destroying all before him, he came to the Mountain Carno, not fare from Abergevenny, where a sore battle was fought between him 723. and the Britain's in the year 728. The year 733 died Beda a Priest, brought up in the Abbey 733. Or Jarew. of Wyrnetham, a great Clerk that wrote many works, a 'mong which, there is one entitled, The Ecclesiastical History of the English Nation, Dedicated unto Cleolwolf King of Northumberland. This year Adelard King of Westsex, and Ethelbald King of Mercia joined their powers against the 734 Wastald was Bishop of Hereford. Britain's, and gave them battle, and after a long fight and great slaughter on both sides, obtained a bloody victory. The year 735. Adelard King of Westsex died, and Cudred 735. reigned in his stead. And the year following died * Ywen. . Edwin King of the Picts. And in the year 746. there was a great Hol. pa: 193 battle fought at Hereford betwixt Cudred and Ethelbaldus, where after a long ●ight Cudred had the victory. Also the next year ensuing he gave the Britain's an overthrow and died shortly after. ⚜ The Britain's seeing they could prevail but little against H. Hunt. Hol. pag. 189. & 193. the Saxons joined in league with Cuthred King of the West Saxons, who than was out with Ethelbald King of Mercia, whereupon the said Ethelbald entered into Wales with a strong army, and the Britain's met him, and were there discomfited. After that Cuthred and Ethelbald met in the field, where Ethelbald was put to flight: but anon after they two were made friends, & joined together their powers against the Britain's and overcame them. After Cudred in the year 749. was Sigebert created King, Math. West. who for his evil behaviour was expelled by his Nobles out 749 of his Kingdom, and was miserably slain by a swinebeard, Sigebert King of Westsex. Kenulph. after whom Kenulph was made King of the West Saxons the year 750. About the same time died Theodor the son of 750 Belin, a man of great estimation among the Britain's. Not long after there was a great battle fought betwixt the Britain's and the Picts at a place called * Mictant Magedawc, where Dalargan King of the Picts was slain. Within a little after, Roderi or Roderike Molwynoc was driven by the Saxons to forsake the West country, and to come to seek his own inheritance in North-wales, where did rule at that time the Children of Bletius or Bledericus Prince of Cornewal and Devonshire (who was one of them that gave Adelred and Ethelbert the overthrow at Bangor upon the river Dee who had enjoyed the government of North-wales ever since Cadvan was chosen King of Britain until this time. ⚜ By this History it should seem that the Britain's continued their Government in the West part of Loegria until this time. But certainly the consent (in a manner) of all writers is, that the British Kingdom ended in Cadwallader, after whom the Britain's had nothing to do beyond Severne, being constrained to keep themselves within the Countries of Cambria and Cornubia. It is also written by divers, that Ivor and Ynyr at their first arriving in Britain, were repelled by the Saxons, and driven to Wales, where Ivor ruled as Prince many years, whom this Roderi or Roderike the son of Edwal the son of Cadwallader succeeded. When Roderike King of the Britain's had reigned about 30 years he died the year 750. leaving two sons after him, Conan Tindaethwy, and Howel. ¶ Tho. Maelor saith Rodri Molwynoc founded and endowed the Monastery of Ynys Enlli (in English Bardsey) adjoining to Llyn in Carnarvonshire. Reedify and augment it he might, but it seems to be of an ancienter foundation, for we found in our Records mention of a Monastery and an Abbot there before his time. S. Dubricius Archbishop of Caerleon resigning his bishopric to S. David went to Bardsey from the Synod of Brevi, which was held against the Pelagians about the year of Grace 522, with most of the Clergy of that Synod along with him, there to spend the remainder of their days in a Monastery, where being remote from the World they might the more entirely and unanimously devote themselves to the service of God. One La●datus was than Abbot of Bardsey, who is taken notice of, that being summoned to that Synod he did not appear. Aneyrin gwawdydd mychdeyr● Beirdh, that is, Aneirin the Satirist King of Bards (brother to Gildas Albanius the British Historian who died about the year 512,) writes thus of the retirement of St Dubric and his followers to Bardsey, Pan oedd Saint Senedd Bhrevi Drwy arch y Prophwydi Are ol gwiw bregeth Dewi Yn myned ●●nys Enlli etc. This further relation following we have in a MS. remaining with the Auditor of North-Wales, which was written by one that had the keeping of the Records at Carnarvan. BARDESEYA. Notet hic lector quoddam & mirabile & sanctum & inter mirabilia Walliae in Chronicis annotatum. Ad primam autem Monasterii hujus Insulae fundationem Dominus ipse Deus qui petitiones cordis justorum implet, ad deprecatum Sancti Laudati primi Abbatis ejusdem Monasterii inivit pactum cum ipso Sancto, statuitque ei & miraculose confirmavit sibi & successoribus sui● claustralibus ibidem sanctè & miraculose victuris in perpetuum certum, & praestitutum ordinem & successum (mirabile dictu) seriatim moriendi: videlicet, quòd eorum major natu, vel aetate grandaevior prius, ut ex tepore solis ardoribus maturata priùs ab arboribus vindemiantur. hoc mortis instinctu praemonitus ipse maturior aetate hujus loci quisque Canonicus vigilaret utique quâ horâ fur hujus vitae venturus esset, ut omni horâ praeparatus à corporis ergastulo fratribus valedicens eye in coelum praevolaret. Istudque pactum ipse fidelis Deus ut quondam Israelitis irruptum servavit, donec claustrales praedicti religiose vivere desierunt, & sanctuarium Dei ibidem stupro & sceleribus nefandè profanarunt, ob id quidem rupto Dei faedere, nunc minor, nunc major, nunc eorum medius aetate, incertâ morte, incerto mortis tempore, communi mortis jure hac vita defungitur, cessavitque religio & vita monachalis, cessavitque & miraculum. Tu autem Domine miserere nostri. Laudatus the first Abbot of Bardsey was the son of Nudd hael ap Senyllt of the Tribe of Maxen Wledig or Maximus the tyrant: His mother was Thevoi daughter to Lotho King of the Picts, called in our British antiquities, Llewddyn lwyddawc ô ddinas Euddyn yn y Gogledd, that is, Lotho the popular, or ruler of hosts from Edinburgh in the North. S. Beuno and Kentigern Bishop of Glasco in Scotland and of Llanelwey (now S. Asaph) in Wales were his Cousin-germen, their Mother's being sisters. Rich: Powel of Ednop Esq. saith that Marchweithian Lord of Isaled in Rhyvonioc in Denbigh land and one of the fifteen Tribes of Gwyneth lived in Prince Rodri Molwynoc's time 720. A. D. 720. The Arms of Marchweithian. He beareth G. a Lion rampant A. armed B. Isaledi Baro Marchution, primaevus ab illo Saltantem rubro niveum gerit orbe leonem, Tempore Roderici Molwynoc floruit Ille, Hinc genus Isaledi generosa prosapia manat. His inheritance was Carnedd synydd, Dincadvael, and other lands within the hundred of Isaled, as appears by the extent of the Lordship of Denbigh, which was made 8. Edu. 3. at what time Cynwric Vaughan being the ninth in descent from Marchweithian lived: from thence it may be conjectured when Marchweithian lived. St Tho. ap William's book. Families descended from Marchweithian. The family of Berain in Denbighshire now incorporated into the family of the Salesburys of Lleweni by the marriage of Katherine of Berain the daughter and Heir of Robert Vaughan of Berain Esq. with john Salisbury the son and Heir of Sir john Salisbury Knight, by whom she had Sir john Salisbury of Lleweni Knight who lived in the reign of K. james and was much noted for his great strength of body. Katherine's second husband was Rich. Clough of Denbigh Esq. and a Merchant of Hamborough. Her third husband was Maurice Wynne of Gwedir Esq. and after his decease she married Edward Thelwall of Plâs y ward Esq. Robert ap Rees (Chaplain to Cardinal Wolsey) and his son Ellis Price of Plâs jolyn Dr of Law descended from this Tribe, and were in their time men of great Power in their Country. Dr Ellis Price is supposed to be one of those Cambridge Scholars that disputed at Cambridge with Throgmorton and other Oxford Scholars A. D. 1532. which Caius in his first book of the antiquity of Cambridge speaketh of. William Price of Rhiwlâs in Merionethshire Esq. now living a Colonel for his late Majesty King Charles the first, and one of the Members of the long Parliament that sat at Oxford descended from the forementioned Rob. ap Rees. So also Rob. Price D. D. now Bishop of Fernes and Laghlin in Ireland. Wynne of Voelas Esq. Price of Plas jollyn in Denbighshire Esq. Henry Vaughan of Pantglas in Carnarvonshire Esq. who was slain in his late Majesty's service at the taking of Hopton Castle in Shropshire 1643 descended from him. Thomas Vaughan Esq. his son doth now inherit both his Father's estate and Loyalty. In the old Text we read A. D. 754 Rodri died, three years after that died Edpald King of the Saxons. Conan Tindaethwy. Conan Tindaethwy The Son of Rodri Molwynoc. COnan Tindaethwy began his Reign over the Britain's 755 the year of our Lord 755. About two years after, there was a great Battle fought at Hereford 760 betwixt the Britain's and the Saxons, where Dyfnwal the son of Theodor was slain. And this year died Athelbert King of Northumberland, and Oswald reigned in his stead. About this time, there was an order taken for the right keeping of the feast of Easter in Wales by Elbodius 768 a man both Godly and Learned: for the Britain's eber before I. Bale, Cen. 1. pag. 67. that time differed from the Church of Rome, in celebrating the Feast of Easter, and the difference was this. The Church of Rome by order of a General Council holden at Nice had appointed, that ever the next Sunday after the 14 day of the moon should be Easter day, so that Easter should be ever either the 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or 21 day of the moon, and neber the 14 day itself, nor never pass the 21. And the Britain's did use to keep their Easter upon the 14 day, and so to the 20 as it fell, so that sometimes when it was Easter day with the Britain's, it was but Palme-sunday with the Saxons: from this diversity grew a great contention about the year 660. betwixt Colman and Hylda upon the one part 66● defending the Rite of the Britain's; and Gilbert and Wilfrid on the other part, who could scarce afford to call the Britain's and Scots Christians, because they kept not Easter within the days appointed. ⚜ I read that this Hylda (which was the niece of Edwin King Leland. I. Bale, Cen. 1. p. 81. of Northumberland, & brought up by Paulin and Aedan) did in a public Synod withstand Wilfrid and other Monks about the keeping of Easter alleging for herself (out of Polycrates) the fact of Irenaeus, who withstood Victor Bishop of Rome in that behalf, and the custom of the Church of Asia observed by S. John the Evangelist, Philip the Apostle, Polycarpus and Melito, and taught in this Island of Britain by Joseph of Arimathea, who first Preached the Gospel in the same. In the year 763. was Offa made King of Mercia, and 763 Brichtrich King of the West Saxons. In which year died * 773 Fermael the son of Edwal: and the year following, * 774 Cemoyd the King of the Picts. The year 776. the men of Southwales destroyed a great part of Mercia with fire and sword. And the summer following all the Welshmen gathered themselves together, and entering the Kingdom of Mercia did there much hurt. ⚜ The Saxons bordering upon the Country of Cambria or Io. Cast Wales, did daily encroach so upon the lands of the Welshmen beyond Seaverne, that they had gotten much of the same into their hands, especially toward the south part of the Country. Wherhfore the Welshmen put themselves in armour, and set upon the Saxons, and chased them over Seaverne again, and than returned home with a great prey, and thus they did oftentimes, killing and destroying all before them, and always bringing home with them much Cattles, which thing caused Offa to conclude a peace with the other Saxon Kings, and to bend his whole force against the Welshmen. Whereupon Offa King of Mercia caused a great ditch to be Io. Castor. Math. West. made, large and deep from sea to sea, betwixt his Kingdom and Wales, whereby he might the better defend his Country from the incursions of the Welsh. And this Ditch is to be seen in many places as yet, and is called Clawdh Offa, that Clawdh Offa. is, Offas' ditch, at this day. ⚜ King Offa calling to his aid the other Saxon Kings gathered a huge army, and came over Seaverne into Wales: upon whose coming the Welshmen (being not able to encounter with such a multitude of armed soldiers) left the plain and even Country by Seaverne side, and the land between it and the river Why, and withdrew themselves to the Mountains and Rocks, where they might be most in safety▪ until the enemies were gone out of the country; nevertheless they made continually divers invasions by stealth into the land of Mercia, and always returned with advantage; the Saxons keeping themselves encamped could do no goed against them, for they durst not pursue them to the Mountains and Woods, for fear of being entrapped by such as kept the passages and streights. Offa perceiving this expelled them all quite out of the Country between Seaverne and Why, and planted Saxons in their places. And annexing it to his own Kingdom of Mercia caused this famous ditch to be made for the security of his people from the invasions of the Welsh. Hereupon the seat of the Kings of Powys was translated from Pengwern (now called Salop) to Mathraval, where it continued long after. In the year 795. the Danes came first into England; six 795 years after they came again, and destroyed a great part of Matt. West. pag. 189. Lindsey and Northumberland; they over▪ ran also the greatest part of Ireland, and destroyed Rechreyn. Also about the same time there was a battle fought at Ruthlan, between the Saxons and the Welshmen, where Caradoc King of North-wales was slain. This Caradoc was the son of Gwyn, the son of Colhoyn, the son of Ednowen, the son of Blethyn, the son of Blecius or Bledricus Prince of Cornwall and Devonshire. Also this year died Offa King of Mercia, and Egfert his son reigned in his stead. In the year of our Lord 800. Egbertus was made King of Westsex: and Kenulphus the year following created King of Mercia. Arthen also the son of Sitsylht the son of Clydawc King of Caerdigan died the same year. Likewise Run King of Dyvet, and Cadelh King of Powys died in the 808 year 808. ⚜ This was a troublesome time, and no settled Government as yet established in Wales, and therefore such as were chief Lords in any Country are here called Kings. The next year after died Elbodius Archbishop of North-wales, Io. Bale. before whose death the Sun was sore eclipsed. In the year 810 was the Moon eclipsed upon Christmas day. 810 The same year S. Davids was burnt by the West Saxons. There was also a general murrain and death of cattles throughout all Wales. The next year ensuing Owen the son of Meredyth, the son of Terudos died▪ and the Castle of Deganwy was destroyed with Thunder. Conan Prince of Wales, and his brother Howel could not agreed, insomuch that they tried the matter by Battle, wherein Howel had the victory. ⚜ This Howel the brother of Conan, King or Prince of North-wales, did claim the I'll of Môn or Anglesey for part of his Father's inheritance, which Conan refusing to give him, they fell at variance, and made War the one against the other. This Mischief grew from a Custom in Wales, viz. the division of the Father's inheritance amongst all the Sons commonly called Gavel-kind. In which division the elder son had the better share, but the younger had always the ancient seat and mansion house. And this custom did not only in time weaken their Families, but was also a cause of continual strife and feud amongst them. And the next year there was much hurt done by Thunder, and in divers places many houses burnt to the Earth. The same year died▪ Gruffyth the son of Run, and Griff●i the son of Kyng●● was slain by the treason of Elice his Brother. Howel fought with his brother Conan another Battle, & slew a great number of his people, whereupon Conan levied an Army in the year 817 and chased his brother Howell out of the I'll of Môn or Anglesey, compelling him to fly into Man. And a little after died Conan, chief King of the Britain's or Welshmen, leaving behind him a daughter called Esylht, which was married to a Noble man, called Mervyn Vrych, the son of Gwyriad, or Uriet, the son of Elidur, and so forth in the right line to Belinus the brother of Brennus' King of the Britain's, and his Mother was Nest the daughter of Cadelh King of Powys, the son of Brochwel Yscythroc, (that fought with the Saxons at Bangor who was Prince of Powis. ⚜ This Brochwel is called by the Latin writers, Brecivallus Galfrid. I. Cast Matth. West. and Brochmaelus, of whom I found this written in Historia Divae Monacellae. Fuit olim in Powysia quidam Princeps illustrissimus nomine Brochwel Yscithroc, Consul Legecestriae, qui in urbe tunc temporis, Pengwern Powys (nunc vero▪ Salopia dicta est) habitabat: cujus domicilium seu habitaculum ibi steterat, ubi Collegium divi Ceddae nunc situm est. That is. There was sometimes in Powys a noble Prince, named Brochwel Yscithroc, Consul or Earl of Chester, who dwelled in a town than called Pengwern Powys, and now Salop, whose dwelling house was in the very same place where the College of Saint Chad now standeth. This man with Cadvan King of Brytain, Morgan King of Demetia, and Bledericus Galfrid. Cast King of Cornewal, gave an overthrow to Ethelfred King of Northumberland, near the river of Dee, Anno gratiae 617. The Ancestors of divers in Wales at this day, are known (by ancient books and records) to have descended Paternally from him. ¶ The Arms of Brochwel Yscythroc. S. three nags heads erased A. or (as others say) S. a cheveron between three Naggs heads erased A. The Blaneys of Trefgynon, and the Pursells of Nantcriban in Montgomery-shire are descended from Brochwel Yschythroc. The pedigree of john Blaney of Trefgynon Esq. john the son of Lewis the son of David Lloyd Blaney of Tresgynon the son of Thomas ap jevan Lloyd of Maesmawr, which jevan Lloyd was the son of Griffith ap jevan Blaney, which jevan (that took first the Surname of Blaney) was the son of Griffith ap lewelyn Vaughan ap lewelin ap Me●lir gryg ap Griff●i ap jorwerth ap Owen ap Rodri ap Gwaeddan ap Brochwel ap Aeddan ap Congen ap Elise ap Gwyliawg ap Beli ap Maelmynan ap Selyf ap Conan ap Brochwel Yscythroc K. of Powys. Edward Lord Blaney of Ireland was younger Brother to Lewis Blaney aforesaid, and Father to Sir Arthur Blaney Knight and Colonel for his late Majesty CHARLES the First, who conferred on him the honour of Knighthood, as a reward for his service. This Sir Arthur married the Daughter and Heir of the foresaid john Blaney of Trefgynon. Brochwel ap Aeddans Coat. Party per pale Or & G. two Lions Rampant endorsed, counterchanged. The Pedigree of john Pursell of Nantcriban Esq. john the son of Edward Pursell of Nantcriban the son of Thomas the son of Rich. Pursell of Dintle, the eldest son of Nicolas Pursell, the son of Richard the son of Thomas Pursell the son of jevan ap lewelyn by Margaret the Daughter and Heir of Thomas Pursell, jevan ap lewelyn was the son of lewelyn ap Griffith ap jevan ap P●hirid ap Howel ap Trahayrn ap Cynwric ap Pasgen ap Gwyn ap Griffith ap Beli Lord of Gilsfield ap Brochwel ap Aeddan, and so to Brochwel, as in the foregoing Pedigree. The Arms of the Pursells. Nebule A. & G. on a bend S. three Boars heads erazed of the first tusked Or and languid of the second. Brochwel Yscythroc was a great friend and favourer of the Monks of Bangor, whose part he took▪ against the Saxons that were set on by Augustin the Monk to persecute them with fire and sword, because they would not forsake the customs of their own Church, and conform to those of Rome; some say he fought against Ethelred A. D. 607, in which year there were slain about 1200 of the said Monks by the instigation of that blondy Apostle Austin; Tantum Religio potuit suadere malorum? Thus the Roman Religion (not the Christian) was first planted with blood in this Island. Augustin did set out from Rome about 588, arrived in Brytain 596, A. D. 603 he held a Synod in the borders of Wales at Augustine's Oak or Worcester, to which there came the seven Bishops that were under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Menevia. Septem illi Episcopi high fuerunt, viz. 1 Henfordens. 2 Tavens. 3 Paternens. 4 Banchorens. 5 Elwyens. 7 Morganens. A. D. 610 Elbodus was by Augustin and his Clergy made A. D. 610. Bishop of North-wales, he having first obliged them by his writing in defence of the Church of Rome against the Britain's and Scots, who would not receive Law from her to the prejudice of their own Church, which they reckoned not less ancient and absolute than the Roman. Of Bangor Monachorum or Bangor Iscoed. Bangor Monachorum (so called from the famous Monastery that was in it) lies situate in Maelor or Bromfield not fare from Caerlleon or Westchester. Both Town and Monastery have so felt the injuries of time, that at this day there are hardly any r●ins of them remaining; there is now only to be seen a small Village of the name, but no footsteps of the old City, save the rubbish of the two principal gates, Porth Cleis and Porth Wogan, the former looking towards England, the later towards Wales; they are about a mile distant the one from the other, so that it is easy to conjecture how large the City might be; It lay between those two Gates, the river Dee running through the middle of it; The old British Triades tell us that in the time of the British Kings there were in the Monastery of Bangor 2400 Monks, who in their turns (that is, a hundred every hour of the 24) continually (Night and Day) read prayers and sung Psalms, so that the service of God went on there still without intermission. Of a King of Mercia, and Meredith King of Dyvet died in the battle fought at Ruthlan 794. 796 the Saxons killed Caradawc 794. King of North-wales. This Caradawc could not be the son of Gwyn ap Collwyn, for Gwyn ap Collwyn lived 200 years and above after this time, nor yet Caradawg ap Alawg King of Pennarddal●wg (now Hawarden) who in the time of King Cadvan (200 years before) was slain by Owen Penyverw the son of Tyvid in revenge of the wrong he had done to his sister St Wenifryd; But he may very well be Caradoc Earl of Hereford the only one of that name that I read of living in those times; this Caradoc descended from Coeliog Myngrudd of the North of Brytain was feign to leave his Country, Ethelbald King of Mercia having despoiled him of his estate in the year of our Lord 760. Probably Roderic or his son Conan gave him Lands in North-wales for his support, which might be an occasion why he should be called King of Gwyneth. He might well be that Caradoc, that 28 years after the battle of Hereford was slain by the Mercians, being much enraged for the death of their King Offa. This Caradawc's son Lluddocca ap Caradawc had one daughter called Rhieingar mother to Tuder Trevor of Bromfield, who was in her right Earl of Hereford, and is reckoned to be the Tribe of the Marches. In one copy of the old Text we read thus▪ A. D. 760 there was a battle fought between the Britain's and Saxons called Gweith Henfordd. Dyfnwal the son of Tewdwr died the same year. 768 the Britain's were feign to change the time of their ancient observation of Easter, and Elbodius a servant of God was the Author of the change. 775 Cubert Abbot died. 776 Offa destroyed South-wales. A. D. 779 (in the summer) y distrywyd y Brytanyeid gidac Offa. 790 Pagans' came into Ireland and Rechren was destroyed. Merwydd King of Buelt and Gwerthrynion (called Marmodius Rex Wallensium in a Latin book at the end of Matthew Paris his History of the last edition) being in regard of his so near neighbourhood much wronged and oppressed by King Offa became General of the Britain's, against him and his Saxons. The said Merwydd descended from King Vortigern. Ranulph: Cest. lib. 1. cap. 49. Polychron: relateth that in K. Edward the Confessors time not Welshman durst with any weapon come over Offa's ditch, and that in his time both Welsh and English inhabited promiscuously without distinction on either side of it, in the Counties of Cheshire, Salop, and Hereford. Mervyn Bhrych and Esyllt the Daughter of Conan Tindaethwy. THE first year of the Reign of Mervyn Bhrych and Matth. West. Sim. Dunel. H. Hunt. Esylht his Wife, Egbert King of Westsex entered Wales with a great Army, and destroying the whole Country unto Snowdon hills, seized into his hands the Country of Rhyvonioc in Denbighland. About this time, there was a sore battle fought in Anglesey, called the Battle of Lhanvaes'. In the year of Christ 819 Kenulph King of Mercia destroyed 819 West Wales, and the summer following, he oberran Powys land, doing much hurt, and soon after died, and Kenelm Reigned in his stead. About the same time also Howel King of Man died. The year 825 Ceolwulph was made King of Mercia, and Reigned two years. After whom Bernulph was created King, who was overthrown at Elledowne by Egbert King of the West Saxons, who also brought to his subjection the Countries of Kent and West Angles. Not long after, about the year 828 Bernulph was slain by the East 828 Angles. After that there was a great Battle fought ●at a place called Gavelford, betwixt the Britain's and the West Saxons of Devonshire, and many thousands slain on either side, and the victory ● uncertain. The year 829 Egbert overthrew 829. Wyhtla●e King of Mercia, and made him subject to his Kingdom. He also passed Humber, and conquered the Land The Kingdom of England began. beyond, so that he was the first Monarch of the Saxons, having brought the Seven Kingdoms into one, and changed the name of Brytain linto England, calling the people Englishmen, and the language English: for the people that came into this I'll from Germany, were Saxons, Angles, and Juthes. And of the Saxons came the people of Eastsex, Southsex, Middlesex, and West Saxons. Of the Angles came the East Angles, middle Angles or Mercians, and all on the North side of Humber. And of the Juthes came the inhabitants of Kent, and the I'll of Wight▪ And the seven Kingdoms were these: 1 The first Kent. The seven Saxon Kingdoms. 2 The second Southsex, containing Sussex and Surrey. 3 The third East Angles, containing Norfolk, Southfolke, and Cambridgeshire. 4 The fourth Westsex, containing Berkshire, Devonshire, and Somersetshire. 5 The fift Mercia, containing Glocestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Warwikeshire, Darbyshire, Notinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and half Hartfordshire. 6 The sixth was East Saxon, containing Essex, Middlesex, and the other half of Hartfordshire. 7 The seaventh Kingdom was all the Lands upon the North side of Humber, and it was divided into two Kingdoms, Deyra and Bernicia. Deyra was the land betwixt Humber and Tine, Bernicia from Tine to the Scottish sea. All these were brought under subjection by Egbert King of the West Saxons: and this Realm was called England the year after the coming of Brutus to this Isle 1968 after the coming of Hengist 383, and after the departure of Cadwallader 149 years. Which name although it hath continued to this day, for the space of 755 years, yet was it not very lucky to the Saxons: For even upon this change of name, and union of the Kingdoms, followed the cruel invasion of the Danes; and after that, the conquest of the Normans, of whom the Kings of this time are descended. But to return again to my matter. The year 833 the Danes in great companies 833 landed in divers places of this Realm, and fought divers Battles with Egbert, wherein sometime they and sometimes he had the better. Afterward in the year 836 they landed in West Wales, and passing through Wales to England (with the accession of many Welshmen which joined with them against Egbert fought him, but he overthrew them all at Hengestdowne, and died the year following. ⚜ This Egbert King of England won the City of Caerlhêon are Ran. Cest. Dhowrdwy or Chester (the chief City of Venedotia,) out of the hands of the Britain's, in whose possession it had remained until that time. He caused also (as some writers do affirm) the brazen image of Cadwalhon King of Britain, to be thrown down Matth. West. Chron. Wig. and defaced, commanding that no man upon pain of Death, should set up any such again, and that this Land should be called not more, Brytain but England, and the people Englishmen. He also made proclamation (by the instigation of Redburga his wife, who bore an implacable malice towards the Britain's) that no Brytain Io. Cast should remain within the confines of England, commanding that all and singular which were of the British blood should within six months with their Wives and Children remove out of his Kingdom, upon pain of losing their Heads. After the death of Egbert, his son Ethelwulph reigned, who gave his daughter in marriage to Berthred King of Mercia and tributary to him. He had great wars, and much ado with the Danes, who with fire & sword destroyed the coasts of England. The year 841 died Idwalhon a Noble man of 841 Wales. And two years after was the battle of Kettell betwixt Burchred King of Mercia and the Britain's, wherein (as some writ) Mervyn Bhrych King of the Britain's was slain, leaving behind him a son called Rodri Mawr, that is to say Roderike the Great. ¶ Mervyn Bhrych King of Man was the son of Gwyryat and Nest the daughter of Cadell ap Brochwel ap Elise King of Powis. The said Gwyryad was the son of Elidir, whose mother was Celeinion daughter of Anarawd Gallgrwm ap Mervyn Mawr ap Cynvyn, etc. in a direct line to Maximus the Emperor. Elidirs Father was Sandef ap Al●wn ap Tegit ap Gwayr ap Dwig ap Llowarch hên a Noble man of King Arthur's Court lineally descended from Coel Godebog. Howel the Brother of Conan Tindaethwy in his distress fled to Mervyn Bhrych, by whom he was kindly entertained. To gratify his Noble Landlord, Howell used such means afterwards that Mervyn married Esyllt the daughter and heir of his brother Conan. Howel, after he had about five years enjoyed the Isle of Man with other Islands and Lands in the North given him by Mervyn to hold under him, died A. D. 825. After his death the premises reverted to Mervyn, who with his Ancestors had always held the same under the Kings of the Britain's. A. D. 831 died Saturbin Bishop of Menevia. Burchred was not King of Mercia before the year 852, ten years after Mervyn● death, therefore it may be said with more probability that Mervyn was slain in a battle fought between Ethelwolph and the Britain's. He lost his life valiantly, after he had governed Wales 25 years. Of Cilmin Troedtu one of the fifteen Tribes of Gwyneth. He lived in the time of P. Mervyn Bhrych, and Prince Rodri the Great A. D. 843. He was Mervyns' brother's son, and he came A. D. 843. along with his Uncle when he came from the North of Brytain to marry Esyllt the daughter & heir of Prince Conan Tindaethwy, as we read in an old MS. history. The Arms of Cilmin Troedtu. Quarterly 1. A. an Eagle displayed with two heads S. 2. A, 3. fiery ragged sticks G. the 3d as the 2d, and the 4th as the first, over all upon Escutcheon A. a man's leg cooped alaquise S. Rich. powel of Ednop Esq. calls him the Tribe of Uwch-Gwrvai in Arvon, and in a Tract of the fifteen Tribes added to his Pentarchia he writes these verses of him. Nobilis Arvoniae Cilminus Satrapa Droedtu Rich. powel. Bicipites nigras aquilas extollit in albo Quadrato, binas pandentes fortiter alas Fronte sub adversâ baculos tres cortice nigro, Quarta tamen primae, par tertia parma secundae, Fert tibiam medio descissam parmula nigra, Unde tulit nomen Droedtu quasi nigripes esset, Roderici Magni patruelis floruit aevo. Many of his posterity were wise men and Learned in the ancient British Laws, and Judges in the Courts of the Princes of Wales, as Morgenen Ygnad ap Gwrydr, and Cyfnerth his son, both whose Law books we have fairly written on Parchment. Morgenen Ygnad ap Madoc. Morgenen Ygnad ap Meyric, and Madoc goch Ynad, famous Lawyers and Judges. Robert ap Meredith ap Hwlkin Lloyd of Glyn Llivon Esq. a worthy Gentleman living in the time of King Henry 7. descended from this Tribe. And this Robert is Ancestor to the Glynnes of Carnarvonshire, viz. to john Glynne of Glynllivon Esq. to Thomas Glynne of Nanlley Esq., also to the Glynnes of Lleûar and others. Sr. john Glynne of Biscester in the County of Oxford, an eminent Lawyer, & His Majesty K. CHARLES the 2d's Sergeant a● Law, is descended from the said Robert, being a younger son of Sir William Glynne of Glynllivon Knight. Cilmins' seat is thought to have been at Glynllivon. British Rhythms containing the names of the fifteen Tribes of Gwyneth. a A. D. 843 Cilmin. b 1150. Hwfa. c 1170. Brân. a d Gweyrydd call e 877. Collwyn. f 1175. Maeloc. g 1150. Nevyd. h 1041. Edwin. i 650 or 876. Braint. k 1079 or 1170. Hêdd, ai peddyd, l 720. Marchweithian. m 846 or 913. Marchudd, bid bid, Dâu n Bendew 1015 or 1079. o Bradwen 1194. Ednowain gain, gida p 1061. Gwerngwy Gwyr ungorph gadernid, I rhain y but oi rhan bid, Gwindai pymthec Llwyth Gwyndyd. Braint ●ir of Isdulâs yn Rhôs in Denbighland is reckoned one of the fifteen Tribes of Gwyneth. Rich. Powel of Ednop saith he lived long before Cilmin and Marchweithian forementioned, in King Cadvallons time 650. but a M S. of Mr. Richard Matthews of Vale Crucis (of Guttyn Owen's hand writing) gave me occasion to suppose he lived a great while after, about the time of Rodri the Great, or of his sons. His progeny it seems hath not much increased, there are not many (at this day) known to be descended from him, though some there are. The Arms of Braint hîr. Vert. a Cross flowry Or. others say, Or a Cheverson S. between three roses A. Isdulae Dominus magnatum maximus Heros Arma Brianus habet cognomine Longus in Auro, Nempe rosas flexum tres albas insuper atrum, Saxonis incursus retudit, Regisque Britanni Cadvallon fuit ille sororius atque satelles, Galsrid. Exoniâ Pendam captivum abduxit, & urbem Restituit captam, pulsis Saxonibus inde, Northumbriq, magum Pellitum Regis in aulâ Sustulit obstantem Britonum conscendere classem, Misit in auxilium quam Rex Aremoricus hospes. Roderike the Great, Son of Mervyn Bhrych and Esylht. ROderike the Great began his Reign over Wales, the year after Christ his incarnation 843. This Prince divided all Wales into three territories, viz. of Aberffraw, Dinevowr, and Mathraval. He had War with Burchred King of Mercia, who with the aid of Ethelwulph entering North-Wales with a great power destroyed Anglesey, fought divers times with the Welshmen, and slew * Mervyn. Meyric a great Prince among them. About the year 846 Meyric Bishop of Menevia was slain by the Saxons▪ The year 846 the Danes overranne a great part of England, 846 and having fought with Athelstan King of Kent, brother to Ethelwulph, had their Winter quarters in England. Matth. West. Io. Cast This year also was Ithel King of Gwent or Wentland slain in fight by the men of Brecknock. This year 854 Kongen King of Powys died at Rome, being slain by Pagans', as some 854 say, or (as others) choked by his own men. And two years after died Cemoyth King of the Picts, and Jonathan Lord of Abergeley. About 854 the black Nation, to wit, the Danes and Normans wasted Anglesey. About the year 856 Ethelwulph 856 took his journey to Rome, he made his Kingdom tributary to the Pope, and paid the Peter-pences to the Church of Rome. The old Saxons do bring the Genealogy of this Ethelwulph Matt. West. to Adam, after this manner, viz. Ethelwulph the son of Egbert, the son of Alcmund, the son of Eaffa, the son of Eoppa, the son of Ingils the brother of Inas, the son of Kenred, the son of Coelwald, the son of Cudwin, the son of Ceawlin, the son of Kenrick, the son of Cerdick, who was the first King of the West Saxons, the son of Esly, the son of Gewise, of whom the people were called Gwysses, the daughter of Gewyn, the son of Wingy, the son of Freawyn, the son of Fridagare, the son of Brendy, the son of Beldegy, the son of Woden, from whose issue came Kings of many Nations, the son of Frethewold, the son of Freolaff, the son of Frethewolf, the son of Finny, the son of Godulph, the son of * De quo Sedulius in Paschali carmine. Geta, the son of Teathwy, the son of Beane, the son of S●●ldy, the son of Safe, who Reigned in a Country called Anglia, lying betwixt the Goths and the Saxons, from whence the Angles came first to Brytain, he was the son of Heremod, the son of Itermod, the son of Hadey, the son of Wale, the son of Bedwy, the son of Sem, the son of No, and so forth to Adam. ⚜ There is another Pedigree laid down by the same Author, of Matt. West. pag. 275. Offa King of Mercia, ascending up even to Adam, not in all points agreeing with this; the Author writing the latter, seemeth oftentimes to forget what he had written in the former. The like also I found in john Castoreus, at the end of the history of Edward the I. Castor. Matt. Paris pag. 126. Confessor. And another in Matth. Paris: in the History of King Henry 2. A. D. 1155. And these four Genealogies seem to ascend by the same men, although the names do sometimes vary. This Genealogy have I set down here, that the Reader may understand thereby, how that not only the Britain's, but all other Nations have been ever desirous to set forth their antiquity and progeny, which was no hard thing to do for such as had not been inter-mingled with other Nations, and that had ever among them such as from time to time did profess that Art, and commit to writing the Progeny, the names of the Wives and Children of all that were of any estimation in the Country. In these two things, Wales ever surpassed all other Countries, having not mingled with any other Nations, until of late years with the English, and also having those that professed the art of Genealogy; who although they have sometimes erred, or rather willingly to humour the vainglorious Beirdh. coined false Genealogies, yet surely are able by their books to bring any Gentleman's Genealogy to Ancestors that lived nine hundred years ago, and but few farther, except those descended from the kings of Britain. The Italians, before they mingled with the Vandals, Goths, and Lombard's, could bring their Genealogies to Aeneas. The Spaniards to Hesperus, before the Goths and Moors overran their land. The Saxons to Woden, before they mingled with the Danes and Normans. Yea the Frenchmen and Turks rejoice at this day, to bring themselves to the Thracians, and so the Germane to the children of Gwyston: and it is possible they may do it, because they have not been mingled nor overrun with any other Nation. There are few Nations in the least civilised, but are taken with this innocent study as well as the Britain's. The Grecians honoured the memory of Berosus with a Copper Statue, which they set up for him H. Lloyd. in Athens, for his pains in transmitting to posterity the Beginnings and Pedigrees of Nations. Men are not to be blamed for delighting in this kind of History, but rather for not making a right use of it, by imitating the virtues, and shunning the Uices of their Ancestors. This year the Danes chased Burchred out of his kingdom, who went to Rome, and there died. The year 857. died Ethelwulph, Io. Castor. 857. and left behind him his sons Athelbald king of Westsex, and Athelbright king of Kent, and of the East Saxons. ⚜ Of this Ethelwulph it is written, that he was so well learned and so devout, that the Clerks of the Church of Winchester john. Cast Sim. Dunel. Matth. Park. A King's son and heir Bishop. Io. Cast did choose him in his youth to be their Bishop, which function he took upon him, and was Bishop of Winchester for seven years before he was King. It is reported also that he conquered the kingdom of Demetia or Southwales, and gave the same with the kingdom of Southsex to Alfred his son; and that the said Alfred should bring a thousand soldiers out of Wales, to his brother Ethelberts aid to Winchester, and put the Danes there to flight, having destroyed a great number of them. Athelbald the son of Ethelwulph after the death of his father kept his Mother-in-law for his Concubine, and afterwards married her in the City of Chester. After Athelbald had Reigned eight years he died, and Athelbright his Brother took the rule of his Kingdom. And that year the Danes spoiled Winchester, and after a great fight were driven out of the Land: but returning to Thanet Fabian. and remaining there that winter, spoiled by incursions all the sea shore. This year also was the battle of Gweythen betwixt the Britain's and the English, wherein was a great number slain on either side. The year 895. died Conan Nant Niver, a worthy Captain and noble Warrior. And the year 865. following came Hunger and Hubba with a great army of Danes H. Hunt. into England. In the year 867. died Athelbright, and Ethelred his brother reigned in his stead. The Danes the year next 867. ensuing spoiled York, and slew the two kings of Northumberland, H. Hunt. Fabian. Ran. Cest. Osbright and Elba, and afterwards overran all the Country to Nottingham, spoiling and destroying all before them, and than returned to York, from thence to East Angle, where they slew Edmond the King. The sixth year of Ethelred came another Host of Danes through Westsex, and to Reding, with Basreck and Alding, and fought five battles with Ethelred and Alfred his brother, in two whereof the Danes were overcome at Henglefield and Estondowne, and in the three other the English were overcome, at Reding, Basin and Mereton. The year 871. King Ethelred died, and Alfred his brother reigned in his stead. 871. ⚜ Alfred having taken upon him the kingdom and considering with himsef, what a heavy burden it was, sought out the wisest men and the best learned he could hear of, to be directed by them; These he worthily entertained, using their advice as well in the public Government of the Commonwealth, as in his private Studies and Affairs. He sent for two famous men for learning out of Wales, the one named John De Erigena, surnamed also Scotus, born at Menevia or S. David's, and brought up in the College there, who Bale. Cent: 2. Cap. 24. having for knowledge sake traveled to Athens, bestowed there many years in the study of the Greek, Hebrew, and Chaldee tongues and the secret Mysteries of Philosophy, and coming from thence to France, where being esteemed well by Carolus Caluus, and Ludovicus Balbus, he translated the works of Dionysius Ar●opagita, I. Castor. De caelesti hierarchia, out of Greek into the Latin tongue; and at the last being returned home to Wales, was sent for by this King Alfred, who began than the founding of the University of Oxford, Polidor. lib. 5. and was the first that professed learning, and read publicly in the said University. The other was Asserius or Asser, of whom I shall Hol. pa. 218. have occasion to speak hereafter. He would not suffer any to ●ear Office in his Court, but such as were Learned, exhorting all men generally to embrace and honour Learning and Learned men. Alfred in the first year of his Reign fought two Battles with the Danes upon the south side of Thames, and slew of them one King, and nine Earls. About this year died Gwgan King of Caerdigan. ⚜ This was that Noble Gwgan ap Meuric ap Dunwal ap Arthen ap Sitsylht, King or Prince of Caerdigan, who, as some British Books have it, was by misfortune drowned at this time. At this time the Danes destroyed the Town of * Dunbri●. ●on. Alclyd, won also London and Reding, and all the inland Country and Kingdom of Mercia. And one King or Leader of them took the Country of Northumberland, who with his people did much annoy the Picts. Likewise the year following three Kings of the Danes went from Cambridge to Warham in Dorsetshire, and Alfred would have given them battle, but the Danes desiring peace forswear England, which they had never done before, and the same night their horsemen took their journey toward Excester, and their footmen which went to Sea were all drowned at Sandwich. When the Danes had thus abjured England, they bent their force against Wales entered the I'll of Môn with a great army in the year of Christ 873. where Roderike gave them twice battle, once at a place 873 called Bangole, and the other time at a place called Menegid. Matth: West. ⚜ I found also that about this time Halden and Hungar two Captains of the Danes arrived in Southwales, and overran the whole Si. Dunelm. Matth. West. country, destroying all before them with fire and sword, neither sparing Churches nor religious houses; but within a while after they received their deserved reward at the hands of the West Saxons, who meeting with them on the coast of Devonshire, slew both Halden and Hunger, with 1200 of their men. Eneon Bhoneddig. At this time Eneon Bishop of Menevia or S. David's died, and Hubert was installed in his place. And within two years after Dungarth King of Cornwall was drowned by a mischance. In the year 876 the Englishmen entered Anglesey, 876 fought with the Welsh a sore bloody battle, and in the year following slew Roderike King or Prince of Wales, and Gwyriad his Brother, or (as some say) his son. This Roderike had by his Wife Enghârad the daughter of Meyric the son of Dyfnwal or Dunwal the son of Arthen ap Sitsylht several sons, as Anarawd his eldest, to whom he gave Aberfraw with North-wales; Cadelh the second, who had given him Dinevowr with Southwales, and took also by force Mathraval and Powys land after the death of Mervyn the third son, to whom their Father Rodri had given the same. ⚜ Roderick the Great is esteemed by all writers to be the undoubted owner and possessor of all Wales. Venedotia or North-wales descended unto him from his mother Esylht, the daughter and sole heir of Conan Tindaethwy. Demetia or Southwales (as some do affirm) descended to him by his wife the daughter and heir of Meyric ap Dyfnwal ap Arthen ap Sitsylht king of Caerdigan: her brethrens (who are thought to be illegitimate) holding of her husband. Powys he had by Nest, the Sister and Heir of Congen ap Cadelh king of Powis, his father's mother. These three Dominions he appointed under their meres and bounds, with a Princely house in each of them; these he named Y tair Talaeth, and left them unto three of his sons, Anarawd, Cadelh, and Mervyn, who were called Y tri Twysoc Talaethioc, that is, The three Crowned Princes, because each of them did wear upon his Bonnet or Helmet a Coronet of Gold, being a broad lace or headband indented upwards, set and wrought with precious stones, which in the British or Welsh speech is called Talaeth, and Nurses do to this day name that broad headband wherewith a child's head is bound uppermost, other linen being under it, Talaeth. Aberffraw was the Chief House of the Prince of Gwyneth, whose Dominion was therefore called Talaeth Aberffraw: Dinevowr the principal house of Deheubarth, whereof that part is named Talaeth Dinevowr: and in like manner Talaeth Mathraval, was so called Girald: Camb▪ from the principal seat of Powys called Mathraval. Giraldus Cambrensis, in his Book Entitled, Descriptio Cambria, is of opinion that Mervyn was the eldest son of Roderike, to whom Venedotia was given, and was the father of Anandhrec, who was the father of Meyric, that was the father of Edwal, that was the father of ●ago, &c: and that Anarawd had Powys and died without issue. But the common opinion of all other Writers is otherwise, agreeable to what this Author affirmeth. Roderic had also other sons, Rodrick, Meyric, Edwal or Tudwal, Gwyriad a●d Gathelic, of whom more in the following History. ¶ The Arms of Rodri the Great. G. a Cheveron between three Roses A. Or else thus▪ Quarterly G. and Or. four Lions passant gardant counterchanged. Roderic the Great is said to have corrected some of the old British Laws, and to have appointed new. He ordained that his eldest son should have the Crown or Coronet of Aberffraw, with the fifteen canters thereunto belonging; that his Second should have the Crown or Coronet of Dinevowr or Cardigan, with its fifteen canters, extending from the mouth of the river Dovi, to the mouth of Severne; and that his Third should have the Crown or Coronet of Mathraval with the fifteen canters of Powis, from the mouth of the river Dee to the Bridge over Severne at Gloucester. He ordained also that his eldest Son and his Successors, should continued the payment of the ancient Tribute to the Crown of London, and that the other two, their Heirs and Successors, should acknowledge his Sovereignety, and pay the like tribute to him and his Successors, and that upon the invasion of Strangers, they should sand him aid, and that he should also be ready to protect them, when there should be need. Moreover he ordained that when any difference should arise between the Princes of Aberffraw and Cardigan, the three Princes should meet at Bwlch y Pawl, and after hearing of counsel on both sides, the Prince of Powis should be Umpire between them. And if the difference were between the Kings of Aberffraw and Powis, that they should likewise all three meet at Dôl rhianedd (perchance Morva rhianed on the bank of the river Dee) where the King of Cardigan was to end the controversy. And if there should be difference between the Kings of Powis and Cardigan, the Meeting should be at Llys wen upon the river Why, and the King of Aberffraw to decide it. Also he ordained that all Strong-holds, Castles, and Citadels, should be fortified and kept in repair; that the Churches and Chapels should be re-edified and adorned, and that in all Ages the History of Brytain (being faithfully Registered) should be kept therein. This I gathered out of a MS. of Roger Lloyds of Pentro Aron, a Shropshire Gentleman, which he copied out of an old Book of his Neighbours Thomas Powel of Park Esq. Some of these Ordinances are to be seen also in an old Chard of the Princes of Powis beginning, Cadwaladrus ultimus Rex Britonum etc. now in the keeping of Sir Percy Herbert Lord Powis; Doctor Powel citys the said MS. in his Latin History; It is supposed to be written by Thomas Maelor. In the beginning of the forementioned King Alfreds Reign, there were Britain's that inhabited some parts of Scotland, as Alclud Castle (now called Dunbritton) and the Country between the Town of S terling and the S ea. Constantius and his Brother Hebertus were their Kings. Caeralclud the Royal Seat of the Northern Britain's was destroyed by the Danes A. D. 870, at what time (according to Hump. Lloyd) those Britain's being by reason of the oppression of the Danes forced to seek out new habitations came into North-wales. Florent. Wigorn. Ethelward. Asser and other Historians aver the same. In King Alfreds time it was thus recorded touching the West Saxon Kingdom, In toto Regno Occidentali non erat qui potuit docere Grammaticam, ex consilio Neoti Scholae publicae aperiuntur Oxonii, at Doctrina viguit apud Caerleon. Bp. Robinson's MS. Our skilful Bards say that Mervyn the Third son of Rodri mawr had a son called lewelyn, who had a daughter named Angharad that was married to Owen ap Howel dda Prince of Dyvet. This William. Llyn discovered in very ancient MS●. Sir William jones of Castell March in the Country of Carnarvan Knight and late one of the Judges of the King's Bench, descended paternally from Mervyn son of Rodric the Great, He was the son of William jones, the son of Griffith jones, the son of john ap Robert ap lewelyn ap Ithel vachan ap lewelyn ap Griffith ap Davydd ap lewelyn ap Tuder ap jorwerth ap Cynwric ap Gevillin Varchog ap Meirion Goch ap Tryffin ap Mervyn ap Rodri mawr. His Arms A. a Cheveron B. between three Naggs heads erazed S. His eldest son Griffith jones Esq. is now living and greatly respected in his Country. Gr: jones his eldest daughter and heir married Sir William Williams of Uaenol Baronet, by whom she had Sir Griffith William's Baronet now living. His second Daughter is wife to Thomas Bulkeley Esq. (second son to Thomas Lord Viscount Bulkeley lately deceased) a worthy Gentleman. Sir William jones his second son Charles jones was a Councillor at Law and died without Issue. Robert jones Esq. his third son was a valiant Gentleman, a Colonel for his late Majesty King Charles the First: He died in the time of the late Usurping Powers, leaving only one son and one daughter: The son did not long survive him. From the forementioned Triffin cometh Gwehelyth Rhiw in Llyn. Thomas Howell borne in Carmarthenshire D. D. and late Bishop of Bristol descended from Tudwal the son of Rodri Mawr, He was both an elegant and a powerful Preacher. james Howell Esq. Historian to His Majesty K. Charles the Second (a Person well known for his Dodonas Grove and other his works) being his Brother comes from the same stock. Tudwall was also Ancestor to Llowarch ap Brân one of the fifteen Tribes of Gwyneth. Gwriad the son of Rodri had a son called Gwgan. o Wogan ap Gwriad ydd heinyw gwyr y Nantmawr. o Gwddelic mab Rodri gwyr Penmonlys ydd heinyw. Anarawd The Eldest Son of RODERIKE the Great. ANarawd the son of Roderick began his Reign over Wales in the year of Christ 877. In his time Rollo 877 with his Normans came to France, and conquered the Country of Neustria, which (from the Normans is called Normandy to this day. At that time the Danes that had fled to Excester, having broken the Truce, unto which they were sworn, were so pursued by Alfred, that they were glad Matth. West. to give him Pledges for the performance of the Articles agreed upon between him ●nd them; but the year following they ●an all the land on the North side of Thames, which they held, and after they passed the River to Chipenham in Westsex, and the Englishmen fled before them, yet Alfred fought with a number of them, slew their Prince, and won their Standard, which they called Raven. After that he overthrew them at Edendowne, where, after they had given him Pledges, Matth. West. Io. Cast their Captain Godrun, alias Gurmond received the Christian Faith, and than reigned in East Angle. The year 878. died 878 Aedan the son of Melht, a Noble man of Wales: and the second Polychroni. William. Malm. year following there was a great battle fought by the Danes, and the Englishmen of Mercia, against the Welshmen near the River Conwy, where the Welshmen had the victory; and this battle was called, The Revenge of Rodericks death. Dial Rodri. After that about the year 882. the Danes that lay at Fullenham 882. by London, passed the Sea to France, and marching along the River Seyn, spoiled the Country about Paris, and overthrew Si. Dunelm. H Hunt. Matth. West. the Frenchmen in battle; but they were afterwards all slain and drowned by the Britain's of Armorica. Than Alfred got London, and chased away the Danes that besieged Rochester, but at the same time he lost a great number of ships, which the Danes took and sunk at Sturmutham. In the year 889. Submon Cubin the greatest Clerk in Scotland died. 889. And the year following the Black Nation (for so the British Book calleth the Danes and Normans came to North-wales, and did much hurt. Here I think it convenient to let the Reader understand from whence such a wondered number of Danes and Normans came. The Kingdom of Denmark had under it, not only Denmark, which is but a small country divided by the sea into Isles and half-Isles, as that which adjoineth to Saxon and * Holstein Holsake, and runneth like an arm of the Sea, called Cymbrica Chersonesus, and the Isle of Sealand and Funen, with a piece of the main land adjoining to Swethland; but also Norway and the great country of Suetia or Swethland, which reacheth to Moscovia, and almost to the North Pole. This Country being scarce known to the world at that time, poured out of it (like the Trojan horse) divers people, that at sundry times overran and spoiled all Europe with a great part of Africa, like a sudden hideous storm, filling every Country whereunto they came. From thence came the Goths, who overran Germany, France, Spain, Africa and Italy. From thence came the Vandals of no lesle worthiness. From thence came the Lombard's, the Alans, the Swissers, the Burgundians, the Danes, and the Normans, who came from Norway and the sea shore of Eastland by Prussia, from whence the Vandals came. He that is desirous to understand the marvellous history of Swethenland, let him read the works of Olaus Gothus, and Joannes Magnus. And from these Countries (as I declared before) came the people called the Danes, and not from Denmark only. The year 890 there 890 came from these Countries 250 sails, which landed at Lymene in Kent, hard by the great wood called Andreslege, and Matth. West. lively 1. pa. 345. built a Castle at Auldre or Apledor, as some books have it. The same time also came Hasting with 80 sails to Thames mouth, and built a Castle at Middleton, and swore to Alfred, that he would never annoyed him or his Subjects more: but shortly after he built a Castle at Beamfleete, and invaded the Country about him. Wherhfore Alfred came & overthrew his Castle, and took his Wife and two Sons, which having first by his means been Christened, he sent to their Father again. ⚜ Other Kingdoms and Countries of Europe were disquieted Matt. West. lib. 1. p. 342. with this persecution of the Danes as well as England. For of this Hasting it is written, that laying siege to the City of Limogis in France, and despairing of the speedy gaining of the same, he devised this trick to get it. He feigned himself dangerously sick, and sending to the Bishop and the Consul of the city, desired them most instantly, he might be admitted to the Christian Faith, and be Baptised before his death. The Bishop and the Consul (suspecting no guile) were very glad not only to be delivered from the present distress, but also to gain so great a person to the Christian Religion Whereupon a firm Peace being made between both Nations, Hasting is Baptised, the Bishop and the Consul being his Godfathers; this being performed, he was carried by his Soldiers to his ships, in very weak case, as was outwardly pretended. About midnight he caused himself, being completely armed, to be laid upon a Beer, commanding also his soldiers to arm themselves, and to carry their weapons under their upper garments, so that they might be ready when he should give them a sign. The day following all things being in a readiness, he was carried solemnly by his people with great clamour and sergeant mourning, to be interred in the chief Church of the City, where the Bishop and the Consul accompanied with all the chief men of the city came to honour the Burial; but as soon as the Bishop had made himself ready to bury the corpse, (most of the Townsmen being in the Church) Hasting stepped up all armed with his sword drawn, and first killed the Bishop and the Consul, and than fell with his armed Soldiers upon the naked people, and destroyed them in a manner every one, putting all to the sword, sparing neither sex, age, or infirmity. And when he had sacked the Town, he sent messengers to Charles the French King for peace, which he obtained, and (to keep him quiet) the city of Chartres also towards his charges. About this time Euneth the son of Bledryd a Baron of Wales died. And the year 893. Anarawd King or Prince of 893 North-wales came with a great number of Englishmen, and making war against his brother Cadelh spoiled the Countries of Caerdigan and Ystradgwy. In those days the Danes besieged Excester, against whom, when Alfred went, they which were at Auldre passed over to Essex, and built a Castle at Scobrith, from whence they took their journey to Budington upon Seaverne. And when Alfred came to Excester the Danes fled to sea, and spoilt the seacoasts of Wales. And they which were in Budington hearing of the Kings coming fled back to their Castle in Essex. Another company of them came to Leycester, where Alfred did besiege them, till they were driven to eat the flesh of their Horses. Afterwards the year 895 the Danes that were in Leycester, with the rest 895 of them which were in Northumberland, passed by the North H. Hunt. seas to Meresige, an Isle in Essex, and the year following they entered the River Lyne with the Thames, and there built a Castle twenty miles from London; and as they came out to spoil the country, they were overthrown, and having lost four of their Princes, fled to the Castle. Than Alfred dividing the river into three parts, the water was so low, that their ships could not return to the sea, which when the Danes perceived, they left their wives and children in Essex, and went spoiling Matt. West: the Country to Quadbrydge upon Seaverne, and passing the river spoiled the Countries of Brecknock, Gwentland, and Gwentlhwg. Also this year a great number of them went to France by the river Seyn, and another company of them spoilt the coasts of Devonshire, where after a long conflict, they lost six ships. The summer following Ireland was destroyed by strange worms having two teeth, which consumed every thing that was green in the Land. These seem to be Locusts, a plague unusual in these Countries, but often seen in Africa, Italy, and other hot Regions. About the year 900 Igmond came from Ireland with a 900 great number of Soldiers to Anglesey, where the Welshmen gave him Battle at Molerain. ⚜ There be some Copies of this History, which affirm, that this battle, between Igmond Captain of the Black Nations and the Britain's, wherein Mervyn was slain, was fought at a place called Meilon, from whence it was called Maes Rhôs Meilon. The same year died Alfred, which some call Alured, making (v a vowel, which should be a consonant. This Prince translated the ancient Laws of Dysnwal Moelmut King of Brytain and the Laws of Marsia Queen of Brytain and wife to Cyhelin, out of British into English, and called it Marsian Laws, which was afterwards called Westsaxon Lex, and kept in a part of Mercia, and in all the Countries on the South of Thames, for the other part of the Land had another Law called Dane lex, and these remained till Edward the Confessors time, who of these two Laws made one. Also this Alfred Io. Cast did divide the day into three Parts, by a Taper which burned continually in his Chapel, and endured just Twenty four hours. The first part of that time he bestowed at his Book and in Prayer; the second in the Affairs of the Commonwealth: & the third part to take his Rest and refresh himself: after his death, a certain Clerk made his Epitaph, as followeth. Asser Meneven. Nobilitas innata tibi probitatis honorem Armipotens alfred dedit, probitasque laborem, Perpetuúmque labor nomen, cui mixta dolori Gaudia semper erant, spes semper mixta timori. Si modò victor eras, ad crastina bella pavebas, Si modò victus eras, ad crastina bella parabas, Cui vestes sudore jugi, cui sica cruore Tincta jugi, quantum sit onus regnare probârunt. Non fuit immensi quisquam per climata mundi, Cui tot in adversis vel respirare liceret: Nec tamen aut ferro contritus ponere ferrum, Aut gladio potuit vitae finisse labores. I am post transactos regni vitaeque labores, Christus ei fit vera quies, sceptrumque perenne. After Alfred reigned Edward his son, against whom Adelwulph Llowarch ap Heinyth died. Rytherch ap Heinyth was beheaded. his brother made war, for flying to Northumberland he stirred the Danes against him. He was chosen King as well by the Danes as the Angles, which at that time were both become one people: and after he subdued the East Saxons, and with a great army spoilt Mercia, he passed over Thames at Crickland, and destroyed Brythend, and returned home with great spoil. At that time Euneth was slain in Arwystli. King Edward also pursued his brother, and overran all the land betwixt H. Hunt. Ouse, and the Dike of S. Edmond, and returned back with all his army, saving the Kentishmen, who tarried behind Matth. West. I. Castor. to spoil, against whom the Danes came, and fight a sore battle, slew a great number of them, and put the rest to flight. The Danes about the year 905. entered into Ireland, and fight 905 with the Irishmen slew Carmot King and Bishop of all Ireland, and the son of Cukeman, a man both Godly and Religious, and Kyrnalt son of Murgan King of Lagines. About a year after died Asser Archbishop of Wales. ⚜ There were two of this name at the same time both Countrymen Bale, Cent. 2. pag. 125. Giral. Camb. and kinsmen; the one being the Uncle, was Archbishop of S. David's, of whom mention is made in this place. The other Asser the Nephew was a man of excellent Learning and Wisdom, and for that cause being Chancellor to his Uncle, was sent for by King Alfred to teach his children; this wrote the Acts of the same Alfred, and was afterwards Bishop of Sherburn, of him mention is made in the English Chronicles. About this time Edward sent a great Army to Northumberland, which spoilt the Country, and than returned home: nevertheless, the Danes followed them, and destroyed a great part of Mercia. But within a while after, Edward gathered an Army, and giving them Battle, overthrew them, and slew their Kings Alden and Edelwulph, and a great number of their Nobles. This year died Edelred Duke of Mercia, who Matt. West: pag. 354. had been long sick; after him, Elfleda his Wife enjoyed the Country of Mercia, saving the Cities of London and Oxford, which King Edward seized into his own hands. The year 907 died Cadelh King or Prince of Southwales, second son 907 of Roderike the Great, leaving behind him three sons, Howel Dha (that is to say Howel the Good who succeeded his Father in the Kingdom of Southwales, Meyric and Clydaw●. About two years after King Edward built the Castle Matth. West. of Hartford betwixt the River's Benefic, Minier, and Lige; and also the Borough of Wytham in Essex, and lay at Wealdyne, where he subdued those Countries. The year following, the Danes of Leycester and Hampton slew a great number of Englishmen at Hochnorton, and in their return homeward spoilt all Oxfordshire. The next year after that there came a great Navy from Tydwike with Uther and Rahald, which passing by the Western Sea into Wale● destroyed S. David's and there was the Battle of Dinerth fought●, where Meyloc (the son of Peredur Gam was slain. And afterwards they entered Herefordshire, where they were fought withal, and Rahald slain, and the rest compelled to forswear the King's Country. Than the King caused the south side of Seavern to be defended with a great Army; yet did the Danes twice enter his land, once by the East at Werd, another time at Portogan, but were both times overthrown by the English. And than they departed to the I'll of Stepen, from whence they were driven by hunger to South-wales, where they were beaten and constrained to departed into Ireland. The year ensuing there was a great battle fought betwixt the Kentishmen and the Danes at Holme, but who had the victory there is no certainty. 913 In the year 913 Anarawd chief King of Wales died, leaving behind him two Sons, Edwal Voel, or the Bald, who Reigned after him, and Elise; some say a 3d named Meyric. ¶ After the death of Roderic the Great, the Northern Britain's of Stratclwyd and Cumberland, were (as Hector Boetius and Buchanan relate) much infested and weakened with the daily incursions of Danes, Saxons and Scots; which made many of them (all that would not submit their necks to the yoke) to quit their Country, and seek out more quiet habitations. Under the Conduct of one Hobert they came to Gwyneth in the beginning of Anarawd's Reign, who commiserating their distressed condition gave them the Country from Chester to the River Conwey to inhabit, if they could beaten out the Saxons, who had lately possessed themselves thereof. These Britain's having returned thanks to their Cousin Anarawd as was meet, fell upon the Saxons, and, necessity giving edge to their valour, soon drove them out thence, being yet scarce warm in their seats. About three years after this A. D. 880 Edryd Wallthîr King of the Saxons (called by the English Historians Eadred Duke of Mercia) made great preparations for the regaining of the said Country; But the Northern Britain's, who had settled themselves there, having intelligence thereof, for the better securing of their cattle and goods, removed them over the river Conwey. In the mean time P. Anarawd was not idle, but gathered together all the strength he could make; His Army encamped near the Town of Conwey, at a place called Cymryt, where He and his Men making gallant resistance against the assaults of the Saxon power, at length after a bloody fight obtained a complete Victory. This Battle was called Gwaeth Cymryt Conwey because it was fought in the Towneship of Cymryt hard by Conwey, but Anarawd called it Dial Rodri, because he had th●re revenged▪ the death of his Father Rodri. In this battle Tudwal the son of Rodri Mawr received a hurt in the knee, which made him be called▪ Tudwal glôff or the Lame ever after; his Brethrens to reward his valour and service gave him Uchellogoed Gwynedd; The Britain's pursuing their victory, chased the Saxons quite out of Wales into Mercia, where having burn and destroyed the Borders they returned home laden with rich spoils. And Anarawd to express his thankfulness to God for this great Victory, gave Lands and Possessions to the Church of Bangor, as the Records of that Sea do testify, and likewise to the Collegiate Church of Clynnoc in Arvon, as we read in the Extent of North Wales. After this the Northern Britain's came back from beyond the river Conwey, and possessed again the Lands assigned the ● between Conwey and Chester, which for a long time after they peaceably enjoyed. Some English writers as Ma●. Wes●●● etc. not considering (belike) that the Britain's had lands in Loegria and Albania, after King Cadwaladers time, take those of the North, Cumberland, and Stratclwyd for the Britain's of Wales. Asser Meneu. who lived A. D. 875. saith that Halden the D●n● marched into Northumberland, which he subdued, having before conquered the Picts and Britain's of Stratclwyd in Northumberland, Perrexit eamque subjugavit, nec non & Pictos & Stratcludenses. Of Collwyn ap Tagno one of the fifteen Tribes of Gwynedd▪ Collwyn ap Tagno lived in the time of Prince Anarawd about the year of our Lord 877. He was Lord of Ardudwy (now a part of Merionethshire) and of Evi●nyth (now one of the Hundreds of Carnarvonshire) and also of part of Llyn. His posterity do at this day possess most of the lands of those Countries. His Granchildrens, Ass●r, Meirion and Gwgan the sons of Merwydd ap Collwyn were grown up to men's estate in the beginning of the Reign of Prince Griffith ●p Conan, and lived in Llyn, when he first laid claim to the Principality of Wales▪ as is recorded in the life of the said Prince. From whence i● may be easily guessed what time he lived. His dwelling is said to have been at Bronwens' tower, afterwards called (from him) Caer Collwyn, now Harlech. The Arms of Collwyn. S. a Cheveron A. between three Flower de luces. Ordovica tribus Collwyn Tagnonis in atro Fert (inter flexum) tria candida li●ia florum, Rege sub Anarado Vir magni nominis egit. Families and Worthies descended from this Tribe. john Vaughan of Trowsgoed in the County of Cardigan Esq. is descended in a paternal line from Collwyn; I am bound to remember this Gentleman not only for his worth, as being an eminent Lawyer, and every way a most accomplished Gentleman, but also for his singular civility to m●e, in encouraging my studies, and lending me the ancient MS. book of Landaffe to transcribe. He was one of the members of the long Parliament that did adhere to King CHARLES the First, in the late troubles, which he hath happily survived, and is now a member and a worthy Patriot in this present Parliament holden at Westminster A. D. 1662. under His Gracious Majesty K. CHARLES the Second. His Pedigree. john the son of Edward Vaughan, the son of Moris Vaughan, the son of Rich▪ Vaughan, the son of Moris Vaughan, the son of jevan Vaughan, the son of lewelyn Vaughan, the son of Adam Vaughan, the son of Meredith, the son of Adam Vaughan of Trowsgoed, the son of lewelyn Vaughan, the son of Griffith, the son of Eneon by his Wife Angharad the daughter of Iestyn ●p Gurgant Lord of Glamorgan, which Eneon was the son of Collwyn. john Bodvel of Bodvel in the County of Carnarvan Esq. (lately deceased) derived himself from Madoc the second son of jevan ap Eneon ap Griffith ap Howel ap Meredyth ap Eneon ap Gwgan ap Merwydd ap Collwyn. He was the only son of Sir john Bodvel Knight; In the late War he was a Colonel and Governor of Carnarvan for King Charles the First, and was one of those Members of the long Parliament that ●a●e at Oxford A. D. 1644. His only Daughter and Heir is married to the son and Heir of john Lord Roberts of Truro Lord Privy S●a●e▪ john Bodurda of Bodurda Esq. Thomas Wynne of Bodvean Esq. (servant (both) to his late Majesty▪ Ch. 1. and also to Ch. 2. his Majesty that now Reigns) and others are descended from the house of Bodvel. Tho. Madryn of Madrin Esq. the Family of the Owens of Plâs dû, from whence john Owen the Epigrammatist was descended: Wynne of Penyberth, Wynne of Pennardd etc. are also descended from Collwyn. Our Bards tell us of former Worthies of this Tribe, as Sir Howel ap Griffith, and his brother Eneon ap Griffith, of jevan ap Eneon his son, of Howel ap Madoc, of Gryffith ap john ap Gronwy a valiant Captain in the French Wars, & others. jollo Goch a famous Bard in the time of K. Edw. 3. Rich. 2. and Hen. 4. writ Cowydds or Panegyrics to the said Sir Howel, & to jevan ap Eneon ap Griff:, his Nephew. Gr. Grûg (who lived A. D. 1400) writ a Panegyric to Eneon ap Griff. Evan Waed●a gives an account (in a Cowydd of his) of jevan ap Eneon and his four sons; Inco Brydydd (who lived A. D. 1480) writ a Panegyricke to Howel ap Madoc. These Panegyrics are worthy to be preserved for their elegancy, if not for the History they contain. Gweledigaeth jollo Goch, or his Cowydd moliant to Sir Howell ap Griffith. A welai neb, a wela Yn y nôs a jawn a wna, Pan fûm (mwya poen a fû) Yn buno anian benû, Cynta dim a wela yn wîr Caer fawrdêg accw are fordîr, A chastel gwych gorchestawl, A gwyr are fyrddaû, a gwawl, A glasfôr wrth fûr glwysfaen Garw am growth twr grwn graen, A cherdd chwibanogl, a chôd, Gwawr hoynus, a gwr hynod; Rhianedd, nid rhai anwiw, Yn gwaû sidan glân gloiw liw, A gwyr beilch yn chware gar barth Towlbwrdd a Seccyr uwch talbarth, A gwr gwnllwyth Twrch trwyth trîn Nowswyllt yn rhoi barn Jessin Mewn gorflwch aûr goreurynn, Ai Law yn fie law yn llynn, Are y Stondardd hardd hirddû, Ynhâl Twr (damn filwr fû) A thri blodeûn gwyn gwiw Or un llûn dail arianlliw, Eres and o's henuriad, Are lawr Gwynedd (wleddfawr wlâd) O's neb your un syberwyd, Breddwydio'n brydd your ydwyd, Y wall deg a weli di (Da dyddûn) dowed iddi Are Gaer eglûr, are greiglost, Are garreg rûdd are gwr grofft, Hon iw Criciaith (gwaith gwiw) Hên adâil, honno ydiw, Are gwr llwyd cadr paladrddellt Yw Sir Howel mangddel mellt, Ai wraig sy'r wregis eûraid, Howel lân, ryfel in rhaid, Ai law forwynion ton têg Oeddent bob yn ddeûddeg Yn gwaû sidan glan gloywliw Wrth haul belydr drwyr gwydr gwiw Tau olwc ti a welyd Ystondardd is hardd oh hid, Pen sêl Sir Howel yw hwn Mine Beuno mae'n i benwn, Tri fflowr dy lis oris erw, Yn y sabl; nid an syberw Eingan mab Gruffydd rudd rôn Ymlaen am i elynion, Ymygniaw gwna yn y gwaed Aniweirdref tôn eyrdraed Ysgythrwr câd atcas gaythrûdd, Esgid i droed esgid rûdd, Ysgythredd blaydd ysgythreing, Ascwrn hên yn angen ing, Pan rodded rowsced rwysgainc Y Ffrwyn ymhen brenin Ffrainc, Barbwr fû fall Geraint ap Erbin one of K. Arthur's Knights. mab Erbin, A gwayw a chledd, tromwedd trîn A gollwng gynta gallai Y gwaed droes draed, trîst i rai, aml Anwyl fydd 'gan will Einiort, A mael i Bheirdd, ● mawl i fort, Cadw'r bobl mewn Cadair bybyr, Cadw'r Castell, gwell na gwyr, Cadw dwy lins, Ceidwad loywlamp Cadw'r ddwy wlâd, cadw'r gâd, cadw'r gamp, Cadw'r mordarw, cadw'r mordîr Cadw'r mordyray, cadw'r tai, cadwr tîr Cadw'r gwrser yn cadw'r Garsiwn Cadw'r tîr yn hîr a wna hwn Cadw'r gwledydd oll cadw'r glewdwr, A chadw'r gaer, iechid i'r gwr. Jolo Goch ai Cant. This Sir Howel ap Griffith (whom his Countrymen remember by the name of S. Howel y Bhwyall, from his Pole-axe) lived in the time of King Edward the 3d. and served under the black Prince at the battle of Poitiers, wherein john King of France was taken prisoner: It is a tradition that goeth currant among Sir Howells Countrymen, that it was He, that first took him, which might be occasioned by some lines in the foregoing Cowydd of jollo Goches to him. And History leaving it doubtful who took him, he might be the man as well as any other; Paulus Aemilius, De Serres, and other French Historians say, there were several challenged the honour of it; and that Denis Morbec a French man, but than a Captain in the English Army, seeing the French King so distressed that it was impossible for him to escape the hands of the English did only speak to him, at some distance, and advice him to surrender himself; So that it is very probable some other person took him, or (which is as much) forced him to yield himself a Prisoner, and that being known to be the King, he was in civility suffered to deliver himself into the hands of his own Countryman Denis; But however it were, it is most certain Sir Howell behaved himself valiantly in that Battle, and performed some signal service with his axe there, as may be gathered from his reward, which was Great and Noble, for he had conferred on him the honour of Knighthood, the Constableship of the ancient Castle of Crickieth in Carnarvonshire, a new Coat of Arms, the farm of the Mills at Chester for life, and other things of great value; Besides, he had allowed in perpetual memory of his service a Mess of meat to be carried before his Axe or Partisan for ever; Which mess after his death was carried down to be given to the Poor for the good of his soul; the said Mess had eight Yeomen attendants, found at the King's charge, which were afterwards called Yeomen of the Crown, and had eight pence per diem of standing wages, and continued to the beginning of Q. Elizabeth's Reign; Sergeant Roberts of Havod y ●wch near Wrexham, who had been at first Yeoman of the Crown heard it as a tradition in the King's house, that the beginning of that Order of Yeomen of the Crown was from thence; This he told his Brother in Law Robert Turbridge of Caeruallen near Ruthin Esq. who upon the other man's credit related it to Sir john Wynne of Gwedir Knight and Baronet, from whose MS. History (remaining in the house of Gwedir) this relation was taken. The Arms of Sir Howell ap Griffith. S. Pole-axe A. between three flower de luces. A Cowydd moliant to jevan ap Encon ap Griffyth. Pwy sydd oh rym passio r jaith Pwyn dilid top hên dalaith Penayth mawr i bap anwyl, Parch gwlâd cynheiliad cann hwyl, Pwys dwy Ynys pôst henaûr, Pen gwlâd ai pinagl aûr, Jevan yn dy ran it aeth Fab Einion fyw yn bennaeth, Hynod iw die henws da, Had Gruffudd, hid Gayr Offa, Ysgwier gwych, o's gwr gwell, A cheidwad mwy na Chadell, Sirri mawr dros wyr a medd, Troes i enw● tros Wynedd, Gwraidd dâf ●●● ag ir-a●dd dyfiad Gallu yn hîl Gollwyn ai hâd, Din îrddewr mewn dawn urddas, Dragwn ai sel drwy gan sais, Cym●r faner Yfionydd, Cae mamr oh few● Cymru fydd, Os yn y tir y syn trû Ardydwy aeth are dy dû Coed Pascen drwy ne● yn jaith Crû dilesg yn caù'r dalaith, Rhwydd a gwy●h y rhoi ged Rhywogaeth LIrien reged Brîg bonedd bro Gwynedd gain, Blodeûog o blaed Owain, A cheidwad eyrwych ydwyd, Ai segr oll ai swcwr wyd, Ai daioni ym●ob din●●, Ai grim urddedig, ai grass, Ai tryssor Nei' r wttressen, Ai pont urddeddig, ai pen; Dewr a chadarn, drych ydwyd, Dwyfol a chall, difa●ch wyd, Cynheiliad are dyfiad tun Calonog air ddoniog ddy●ion, Caer fawr rhag gwyn o foroedd, Côst llai yn i Cestill oedd, Llys Fwg yn llawes y ffordd, Lletty yn braff lled hên briffordd, Cwrr hynod is llyn fro-dîr, Cell y gwin Celliwi● it, Mae dayoni mwy dynion, At hîl y fam a●lwyd hon, Llownwych frenhinlle hynod Lletty'r gler llei tarrie'r glôd, Llewyrch y drych a drychwn Lliw die frig, fell cerrig hwn Cynheliad ych Tâd ich Tû Cann hannedd y cawn hynny Trewaist aûr tr●s dy werin Tynnu hell waed tunnel win Trysor mawr i ragor wyd Tros wledydd trosol ydwyd Torr di gwyn mewn tro●dog aûr, Tâd arwyddion tid ryddaûr, Cadarnedd Gwynedd i gîd Trow r fei trwy wyr oh fowyd Tân ym wyd oh enaû môn Are gwyr ●chod iwr gwreichion Barwn o wr in bro ni By● ai olyd fall Beli, Drwy faynol tir Y fionydd Tra fych a fynych a fydd, Gwell rydraws gallu Rhodri Na thr●an does o●h run di Sylfayn jaith sy o ●●aen neb Sem daioni sin d'wyneb Swyddog mewn grass Jwl Caesar Sai i'th' garn sy fyw ath gâr Jolo goch. It un Gwr. Jevan ddewr of●wn i ddawn Fwya bonedd fab Eneawn Fab Ryffyth wayw rûdd wiwrâs Fab Howel glêdd bual glâs' Gwyr yw a wnai gair ewybr Garw i aith dawn beniaith dan wybr Garw it drail a giriaid rôn Goreu îr feistr are Gaer are uôn Sydd Gynheliad nis gwada Sic y Gaer dîr ywr gwyr da A fflowrdeli● gl●●w ddewis glad A fflaid ag Enaid Gwynedd A ffwies y gaer loew gaer lain A ffais dew a ffôst Owain Costiog conglog diwg day Castle Crickiaith in costiai, Mae'n Y fionydd ddedwydd dâl Castle ysydd ddaû Cystal Jevan awch darian who Dwr Yw'n eastell ni an Costiwr Evan Eneon ywr mowrdôn mau Ai feibion dewrion Dyrau, Howel Vaughan gwiwran gwr D● hydwyll ywr Deheudwr Twry saner torf uniawn Yw Madog ddi oriawg ddawn Twr enwog mewn tair ynys Parth your haûl y Porth yw Rhys, Twr Dwnsiwn pan draethwn pwy Goreu oh Wynedd yw Gronwy Llaw●nydd bôb did i daw Llyna Gastell lawn gostiaw Llés it beirdd llies a bâr I'll da i gyrchu llydd i garchar I'll aberthog llu a bortha Llawn yw oh ddawn llynn o dda Cof na châd * rwystad rwystyr. wastad ystyr Castell a fae well oh wyr Cyffûr ffawd caiff are y ffydd * Cerdd iniawn. Corff Einiawn Caer yfionydd Cariad mawr Cyriad y medd Ceir ynghanol cyrn Gwynedd Dau well i bencerdd diwyd I birth na chestyll y bid Mwyn jawn ffrwyth nid * meini main ffriw Maen yw adel Mûr ydiw Ag oer y gwyr a faith gwell jawn gostiau Evan Gastell Ab Einiawn ddawn ddi ylch Ai Dyrau yw gau'n i gylch Yn gaer dal yn geyrw dilyth Yn gydernyd ywn bid byth'. Evan Waed da ai Cant. jevan ap Eneon had four sons, Howel the eldest, to whom he gave the House of Bronyvoel with the lands thereunto belonging; from this Howell, Owen Ellis of Bronyvoel and Stymllyn, Lloyd of Gwen Eingan and others are descended. Madoc the second, to whom he gave Berkin, from him are descended, Vaughan of Berkin, the Family of Bodvel before mentioned, Vaughan of Talhenbont or Plâs' hên. Richard Vaughan late Bishop of Bangor, after of Chester, and (last of all) of London descended from Thomas the fift son of Robert Vaughan of Talhenbont, ap Griffith ap Howel ap Madoc ap jevan ap Eneon, and so to Collwyn, as above. The Whites of Anglesey are descended from john Wynne third son to the said Robert Vaughan, who living in England was the first that changed his name from Wynne to White, he was the Father of Richard White, the father of Rowland White, Sir Rich: White Knight, and Robert White, as Lewis Dwn saith A. D. 1608. Rees the third had given him by his father Wheelog, from him the Lloyds of Wheelog etc. Gronwy the fourth had Gwnbhryn, from him comes Wynne of Gwnfryn, etc. A Cowydd or Panegyricke to Eneon ap Griffith, Brother to Sir Howell ap Griffith, and Father to jevan ap Eneon forementioned. Y post hardd hapus dewrddoeth Wy●o frig gwaed difreg coeth, A gardd binagl gwraidd bonedd Gyrr dy vawl oh grûd i fed Einion dwg jawn un digoll Vab Gryffydd ywch gwledydd oll O's gwr well ysgwier wyd Yn geidwad well nag ydwyd Yn dy râdd hynod roddiad Ith' roes ●●●●wy waith ystad Gwyddost walch oréugost wisg Gael arian yn golerwisg Wyr Howel gorff rheol gwych Hîl Ferd ydd hael srau ydych Clau wyd eurwalch clôd Vrien Call oh jawn hâd Collwyn hên O hwnn dwg hu enws digoll Heb prinhau i arfau oll Aeth dyro gwpl i'th' darian A thri Flowerdelis i'th' ran Yn gydwnion i gadu Y sydd jawn mewn maes o ddu Aeth y rhain dal i'th' ran di O dâd i dâd yw dodi Yngwynedd nid rhyfeddod Oll ywch ben● eraill ych bod Rhwng bonedd a rhinweddau Rhoed ytt hap your hediad dau Wrth goffhau dy gampau di Ath enwog waith ddaioni Dewr a doth benadur dawn A di einig waed Einiawn A glain nod hael galon nudd Brau oh faner bro Efion●dd Ath annedd perffaith hynod Yw Chwilog lies ychel glôd Nevadd wen newydd anwyl I bonn down bob hynod will Cwrt her isllaw bro dîr llyn Yw yn cynnal naw canyn Llyna'r gaer llei llenwir gwin Llys egored lles gwerin Llei roed tad llaried tau Waed dethol llei rwyd dithau Yn rhannu fie ne'er bynod Ymas i gler aur am glôd A diwarth rhoi da wrth raid A rhyw gynnal rhai gweiniaid Agnostus yno rhowch gann a rhost I bawb irber byburbost Rhwydd fawr gun wyd rhoddvawrged Rhowiawg walch Vrien rheged Dinam yw mewn da enws mawr Diflin walch wyd oh flaenawr A di ball enaid y bid I tyvodd grass ytt hefyd O bob ssyniant ai wrantur Vwch pawb mewn gwych enws pur Hwyr weled dewr it wlâd honn Hael tyner all ytt Einion Yn wrol anian eryr Are die gas goeth velwas gwyr Ag yno yn oen gwynn in waith Anwylwch i wann eilwaith Cyfiowna cun cefnog coeth Cryfddewr wit haw● arosddoeth Brenhinol bour iawn hynod Brau at enws clau Bryttwn clôd Hawdd i cevaist hûld cyfiawn Arwydd stad urddas dawn Ath roddion bennaeth rwyddwych Are bawb a ffoed, hîr i bych. Gr. Grûg ai Cant. A Cowydd Moliant to Howell ap Madoc ap jevan ap Eneon. Y gwr it a gwar arian, Are osgle aur are wâs' glân, Mae rediad fall tyfiad hîr, Ath arswyd mwy na theirsir, Mae bonedd a byw ynod, Mewn y faith mae'n iawn ifôd Howel eryr hael eirian Hîl Madoc oludog lân Llîn Jevan lew un asael Llawn top llîn Llywelyn hael Llîn Ferwydd mewn cynnydd cû Llin Gollwyn yn lawn gallu Aer drûd o Rys ap Tewdur, Ergyd pell are y gwaed pûr, Ednyved fawr ged fûr gwaith Uychan tarrian y teiriaith, Nid adwen wr dî-dwn iâch, Pa du orau i bedeiriach, Gwinwydd Yfionydd faenol Gwres gwlâd ai cheidwad jchol, Trysor in wit tros wyr Môn Drwy Lûn gwaed reiol inion Tra gwrol at wyr goraû▪ Tyn it allt trwy'r tan are iau, Drwy fawr gariad y tad hael, Treiaist hailioni'r trihael, Nûdd Rydderch nowddwr roddiad Mor-da coel am eirda i cad; Mawr ydoedd i ymwaredion, Am wr sy well mwy iwr sôn, Brawd Ivor llei bae'r dafarn Brawd Cadwn gofynwn farn Brawd dyrus yn bwrw dewrion Brawd ffwng I'll bae raid a ffon Cynheliad are dyfiad wit Cadar heb gnycciaû ydwyt, Cyff rowiog waredog wraidd Cwmpas teyrnas tyhyrnaidd, Cait randdwys Coed hirion ddewr Cwnpassddadl walch campûs ddewr Cymro îr, ple caen wr well, Cystal a nerth y Castell, Aeth ofn dros eithafon draw O hid Yfionydd î Fanaw, O did ddyn it at deinioes Brych win dêwr breyach yn dy o's A●on wydyr oh Fôn ydwyd Arf ai n●rth i Ryfain wyd Eryr balch are wyr y bid Y Cawn nerth Cy●ion wrthid, Sardia fêilch yn sorod fân Odd o's gwg nid ysgogan, Tynn didawl at wroliaeths, Tân a dwr tanad aeth, Gwr wyd a roddwyd i râs Anwc aur am i guras, Trysor mawr tros wyr a maeths, Tes a gwr Twysogaeth Llew Gwynedd anrhydeddir, Llwyn oh waed da ynllenwi'r tîr Llowydd gwledydd goludawc Or dull y ceid jarll y Cawc Mae die glôd yn gorfod gwyr, Mewn moliant mwy na milwyr, Mab ydwyt yn byw attiel Man llei bych mine oll y bêl, Trawst euraid teiroes derwen, Drwy eigion bid trig yn been. Inco Brydydd ai cant. Edwal Voel or the Bald, Son of ANARAWD. AFter that Edwal Voel began his Dominion ober North-wales, Howel Dha being King or Prince of Southwales and Powys land, a terrible Comet appeared in the firmament. At which time, or the year following, Leicester was new built. ⚜ I think that▪ the name of Leycester is here mistaken for Legecestria, Matth. West pag. 3541 that is Chester, called by the Romans, Legionum Cestria, which being destroyed by the Danes was (about this time) by the procurement of Adelred Duke of Mercia, and Elfled his wife, repaired and re-edified, as Matth. Westm. writeth, and as the ancient Records of the City of Chester do testify. Besides that, I found no mention of the re-edifying of Leycester at this time, neither in the British Chronicle, nor yet in any ancient English writer. The next summer after the men of Develyn destroyed the I'll of Môn or Anglesey. And the year 917 Clydawc the 917. son of Cadelh was slain by the hands of his brother Meyric, and about the same time the Englishmen overthrew the Io. Cast Danes after a great fight at Tottenhall. The year 919 Edelfled or Elfled Duchess of Mercia the Edelfled. Matth. West. pag. 357. wife of Edelred Duke of Mercia and sister to King Edward died: She built the boroughs of Strengat and Bruge, by the Forest of Morph, Anno Domini 913. The next year after the building of that she built Tamworth and Stafford; and the year after that, Edelburgh; and the Winter following, Cherenburgh and Wadeburgh; than the next summer, Runcofe or Runcorne, as some think. After that, she sent her whole Army t● Wales, and fight with the Welshmen won Ran. Cest. Matth. West. Hol. pa. 222. Gweythy Dinas No. wydh. Brecknock, took the Queen and 33 men. This was it, which is called in Welsh Gweythy Dinas Newydh, that is to say, The battle of the new City. Also she won the town of Derby, with all that Country from the Danes: nevertheless she lost there four of her chiefest Captains. Io. Cast ⚜ Jo: Castoreus reporteth this story in this manner. Huganus' Lord of Westwales, perceiving King Edward to be occupied in the Danish war, fare enough from him, gathered an Army of Britain's, and entered the King's land. Whereupon Elfled Lady of Mercia and sister to King Edward came to Wales with a strong Army, fought with the Welshmen at Brecknock, and putting Huganus to flight, took his * Allies. Wife and 34 men Captives, which she brought with her to Mercia. Huganus thus discomfited, fled to Derby, and there being peaceably received by the Countrymen with fifteen men of war, and two hundred Soldiers well appointed, joined himself with the King's adversaries the Danes, Elfled being hereof certified by the men of Derby, pursued him with a great Army, and entered the gates of the Town, where Huganus resisted her and slew four of her chief Officers. But Gwyane Lord of the I'll of Elie her Steward set the gates on fire, and furiously running upon the Britain's entered the Town. Than Huganus being overmatched, and choosing rather to dye by the sword, than to yield himself unto a Woman, was there slain. Thus out of Castorous. The year ensuing Elfled wan Leycester, and subdued all the Danes that lay there. The Yorkshire men also did her homage and service: she died at Tamworth, after that she had worthily ruled Mercia eight years, and lieth buried at Gloucester by S. Peter's porch; upon her tomb this Epitaph H. Hunt. was written. O Elfleda potens, o terror virgo virorum, O Elfleda potens, nomine digna viri. Te quoque splendidior fecit natura puellam, Te probitas fecit nomen habere viri. Te mutare decet sed solùm nomina sexus, Tu Regina potens Réxque trophaea parans. jam nec Caesareos tantùm mirere triumphos, Caesare splendidior virgo, virago vale. After the death of Elfled, Edward disinherited her daughter Matth. West. Alfwyen, and seized the land of Mercia to his own hands. ⚜ The cause why Edward disinherited this young Lady his own Niece, whose mother Elfled his sister had done so much for him, was (as Castoreus writeth) for that Alfwyen not making the King her Uncle (whom her Mother had appointed guardian and overseer of her) privy to her do, had promised and contracted marriage with Raynald King of the Danes: whereupon King Edward, to prevent his enemy, entered the land of Mercia, and seized the same to his own hands, and carried also the said Lady with him into Westsex. The same Author also reporteth, that about this time Leofred a Dane, and Gruffyth ap Madoc, brother in law to the Prince of Westwales, came from Ireland with a great Army to Snowdon, and minding to bring all Wales and the Marches thereof to their subjection, overran and subdued all the Country to Chester, before King Edward had notice of their arrival. Whereat being sore offended, and loathe to trouble his Subjects in that behalf, made a vow that he and his sons, with their own people, would be revenged upon Leofred and Gruffyth, and thereupon came to Chester,, and won the City from them. Than he divided his Army into two Battles, whereof He and his son Athelstan led the first, and Edmund and Edred the second, and so following them with as much celerity as he could, he overtook them at the forest of Walewod, now Sherwod, where Leofred and Gruffyth set upon him fiercely, so that the King in the beginning was in some distress, until Athelstan stepped in between his Father and Leofred, and wounded the Dane in the arm, in such sort, that he being not able to hold his spear, was soon taken, and committed to the custody of Athelstan. In the mean time Edmund and Edred encountering with Gruffyth, slew him, and brought his head to their Father. Than Athelstane caused Leofred to be beheaded, and so both their heads being set up together on the top of the tower of Chester, Edward and his sons returned home with Great triumph. Than Edward after he had built Glademutham died at Ferandyne, whose son named Alfred died also the same time at Oxford, and were buried both at Winchester, Anno 924. After his death Adelstan his base son reigned King of England, the worthiest Prince of Saxon blood that ever reigned. He overcame Cudfryd the father of Reynald King of the Danes, at York. He gathered also the second year of his Reign a great Army against Hawlaf King of Ireland, who Io. Castor. came with the whole power of the Scots and Danes against him, & gave him battle at Brimestbury, where Adelstan got the victory, who siue the said King Hawlaf and the King of Scots, and five Kings of the Danes and Norman▪, and twelve Earls, Ryfel y Brynn. so that he brought all the land of England and Scotland in subjection to him, which none of his predecessors had ever attempted. The year 933. Owen the son of Gruffyth was 933 slain by the men of Caerdigan. Than Adelstan entering Wales with a great Army brought the Kings of the Country to subjection, William. Malms. Hol. pa. 225. Io. Cast Matth. West. Ran. Cest. and received yearly of tribute 20 pound in gold, and 300 pound in silver, and 200 head of cattle: Yet the Laws of Howel Dha appointed the King of Aberfraw to pay yearly to the King of London not more than 66 pound for a tribute: and that the Prince of Dinevowr and the Prince of Powys should pay a like sum, 66 pound yearly to the King of Aberfraw. To this Adelstan the Kings of Norway and France sent great and rich gifts to purchase his friendship and good william. In the year 936 died Euneth the son of Clydaw●, 936 and Meyric the son of Cadelh. At this time also Adelstan did remove the Britain's that dwelled in Excester and thereabouts to Cornwall, and appointed the river Cambia to be the Matt. West. Hol. pag. 226 uttermost Mere towards England, as he had before appointed the river Why to be the mere of England and Wales. In the year of Christ 939 the Noble Prince Adelstan died, and was 939. buried at Malmsbury, his brother Edmund borne in wedlock Reigned in his stead, and in the first year of his Reign, took Io. Castor. five Cities from the Danes, Leycester, Derby, Stafford, Lincoln, and Nottingham. Than Aulaf King of the Danes sent to Edmund to desire Peace and Baptism, both which Edmund granted him, so the Danes, which than were called Normans, received first the Christian Faith, Edmund being their Godfather, who making peace with them returned to Westsex with much Honour. This year died Abloic chief King of Ireland. The year following Cadelh the son of Arthvael a Noble Brytain was imprisoned, and died by poison & Edwal Voel the son of Anarawd and Elise his brother were s●aine in a battle they fought against the Danes & Englishmen. This Edwal had six sons, Meyric, Jevaf or Jevan, Jago, which is, James; Conan, Edwal Vachan, and Roderike. After his death, Howel Dha his Cousin german ruled all Wales during his life. Elise also had issue, Conan and a daughter named Trawst, which was mother to Conan ap Sitsylht, Gruffyth ap Sitsylht, and Blethyn ap Convyn, the two last whereof were afterwards Princes of Wales. Of Marchudd one of the Fifteen Tribes of Gwyneth. ¶ Marchudd ap Conan ap Elvyw of Uwch dulas in Denbighland was Lord of Abergeley, and had his Seat at Brynffanigl. Sir Tho: ap William's book saith he lived A. D. 84●, but others are of opinion he lived before that time, for as much as we have it recorded in an old Welsh MS. that Inethan his Granchild and Lord also of Abergeley died in the year 849. But powel of Ednop in his verses of him will have him to have lived after, in the time of Prince Edwal Voel A. D. 913. Stren●us Uchdulae Marchudd bellator in orbe Sanguineo tumidi spolium praelustre Gigantis Aequali pugnâ & justo certamine caesi Fert caput avulsum, tantique insigne triumphi Tortilis argenti nitidique Corona revincit, Hoc genere Henricus Rex nomine septimus ortus, Claruit Idwallo sub Calvo Rege Britanno. His Arms. G. a Saracens head erazed, proper, wreathed Or & A, wreathed A & S, as Gwylim saith. Others give him other Coats, A. a Cheveron S. between three Saracens heads. or a Blackamore's head etc. Families and Worthies descended from this Tribe. Ednyved Uychan of Anglesey, was the son of Cynfric ap jorwerth ap Gwgan ap Idnerth ap Edryd ap Nathan ap Carwed ap Marchudd. He was Privy Councillor to Prince lewelyn ap jorwerth, and to his son Prince David ap lewelyn. He was General of Prince Llewelyn's Army, when the Earl of Chester with an Army of English invaded the Principality. Ednyved gave them battle, and after a bloody fight, wherein on the English side were slain three Lords, many Commanders of good note with a great number of common soldiers, obtained an absolute Victory: For this service (among other rewards) his Lord & Master (the Prince) gave him a new coat of Arms, viz. G. a Cheveron Ermine between three Englishmen heads cooped, proper. Some say Ednyved's coat is, G. a cheveron S. between three helmets A. Sir Griffith Lloyd Knight, the son of Rees ap Griffith ap Ednyvet Vychan was a valiant Gentleman but unfortunate, Magnae quidem sed calamitosae virtutis, as L. Florus saith of Sertorius. He was Knighted by K. Edward the First, when he brought him the first news of his Queen's safe delivery of a Son, at Carnarvan Castle: the King was than at Ruthlan, at his Parliament held there; This Sir Griffith afterwards taking notice of the extreme Oppression and Tyranny exercised by the English Officers, especially by Sir Roger Mortimer Lord of Chirke & Justice of North-wales, towards his Countrymen the Welsh, became so far discontented, that he broke out into open Rebellion, verifying that saying of Solomon, Oppression maketh a wise man mad. He treated with Sir Edward Bruce (Brother to Robert than King of Scotland) who had conquered Ireland, to bring or sand over men to assist him in his design against the English, but Bruse's terms being conceived too unreasonable, the treaty came to naught; however being desperate he gathered all the forces he could, and in an instant, like a candle that gives a sudden blaze before it is out, overran all North-wales and the Marches, taking in all the Castles and Holds, but to little purpose, for soon after he was met with, his party discomfited and himself taken prisoner: this was in the year of our Lord 1322. Sir Griffith Lloyd's letter to Edward Bruse. Cares Ceo mele dit Sir Gruffith ensi feust mempres il vut en Northwall e manda sa breve a Sir Edward de Bruys en Ireland qui ad judges se fist Roi de mesme la terre, e testes paroles. NObili in Christo Conquestori Domino Edwardo Illustriss Regi Hiberniae, suus, si placet, Griffinus Lloyd in North-wall: reverentiam debitam in Honore. Auditâ nobis vestri in terrarum conquisitione▪ famâ egregiâ in partibus nostris, praecipuè debelland: aemulos nostros & vestros, qui tam vos quam nos ab haereditatibus vi injustè expellendo destruxerunt & nomen nostrum memoriamque in terris delere conati fuerunt, ab initio suprà modum applaudimus, ut merito debemus, omnes unanimitèr in partibus nostris, unde Vobis ex parte Wallensium Nobilium significo per praesentes, quòd si ad Walliam cum hominibus vestris dignemini venire, vel si vos in propria personâ accedere illuc non poteritis, aliquem Nobilem Albanen: Comitem, Baronem vel Militem cum paucis, si plurimi nequeant adesse ad dictas partes nostras volueritis mandare. Parati erimus omnes unanimiter dicom eo quod nomen vestrum celebre ubique publicetur expugnat: si quid Saxonibus in Albania, per illustrem Regem fratrem vestrum ultim: per Vos in Hibernia, per vos & nos in Wallia statum vestrum pristinum per Brutum conquisitum recuperabimus ipsisque suppeditatis, confusis & dispersis, Britannia juxta discretam vestre dominationis ordinationem inter Britoneses & Albaneos imposterum divisa cohaereditabitur. Valeat Dominatio vestra Regia per cuncta saecula. Here followeth Sir Edward Bruse his Answer to the said Letter from Sir Griffith Lloyd and the Welsh. La transcript de Cesto breve feust mande hors Derland a Monsieur Rogier de Mortimer de Chirck Justice de Gales apres Sieur john de Grey e trovo est antre lez remembrances le dit Sir Rogier de son temps. Et Sir Edward de Bruis manda son responce de la breve auant ditr hors Dirland a Bardsey per un Thonno Dun felon le Roi un marium de Scote in Cestes paroles. OMNIBUS desiderantibus a servitute liberari salutem in eo. Qui desiderant in se relevat: & liberat: ab angustiis, temporibus opportunis, quia quilibet Christianus obligatur suo proximo in omni angustiâ subvenire, & praecipuè illis qui ex unâ radice originis sive parentelae & patriae primitus processerunt, ideo compatientes vestrae servituti & angustiae jam ..... Anglicana molestia indigenti decrevimus (auxiliante Altissimo) vestro gravamini occurrere, & innaturalem & barbaricam totis viribus Anglicanam de vestris finibus expellere servitutem, ut sic sicut à principio Albanicus & Britannicus populus expulsis hostibus in perpetuum fiet unus. Et quia nullus inimicus facilitèr relevatur libentèr praecipimus, si jugum Anglicanum in tantum vos deprimit, quantum nuper depresserat populum Scotianum ut sic ex vestro concordi conamine et nostro superveniente (juvamine disponente semper divino) possitis jura vestra et justitiam recuperare et proprietatem ..... hereditatem pacificè possidere. Veruntamen Dei cum omnia serviunt in isto proposito filium invocamus quod non ex praesumptione et ambitione injusti dominii talia attemptamus, sed ex merâ compassione effusionis innocentis vestri sanguinis et subjectionis intolerabilis et signant: ad hoc quod vellemus inimicorum vestrorum et nostrorum vires reprimere, qui nec pacem nec concordiam desiderant. Imo vestram et nostram finalem destructionem sicut à principio ingressionis earum in Britanniam incessanter diebus ac noctibus molientur, et quia nullo modo est nostre conscientie quemquam decipere nec etiam decipi a quocunque, nostram intentionem et proposit: sine tergiversatione aliqua declaramus quod libenter sciremus vestram voluntatem, si rationem nostri laboris et conaminis intuitu relevationis vestre acceptare decrement: nobis committere prosecutionem querele vestre et justitie nec non capitale dominium vestri prout alius hactenus Princeps vester liberiùs habere consuevit: Ita quod vos omnes et singuli cujuscunque extiteritis conditionis pristinis haereditatibus, terris, libertatibus, possessionibus consuetis et omnibus conditionibus ad vos expectantibus integrè et finaliter gandeatis. Vestram igitur voluntatem super hiis, et quibuscunque aliis in quibus vos consolari poterimus, si videatur expediens cautè et celeriter nobis remandetis. Valete Domini in Domino. Out of the English book of Records written at the request of john Salter Justice of North-wales. Sir Tuder Vaughan ap Grono descended from this Ednyvet, being the son of Grono ap Tuder ap Grono ap Ednyvet Vaughan. He was, for Estate, Power, and Interest, one of the chiefest men in North-wales in his time, as Lewis Morgannwc hath it in a MS. of his. It is set down in the aforecited book of the Records of North-wales, how that he assumed to himself the Honour of Knighthood, requiring all people to call and style him Sir Tuder ap Grono, as if even than his mind had given him, that out of his loins hereafter should spring those that should have power to confer that Honour; The King, viz Edward the third upon notice hereof having sent for him & asked him, how he durst presume to invade his Prerogative, by assuming the title of Knight without his authority, received from him this answer, viz. that by a Law or Ordinance of King Arthur he might assume that title, in regard he had those three qualifications, which whoever had was by the said Law to be deemed a Knight; 1. He was a Gentleman. 2. He had a sufficient estate. 3. He was valiant and adventurous, saying this withal, If my valour and hardiness be doubted of, Lo, here I throw down my Glove, and am ready to fight with any man (whoever he be) for due proof thereof. The King liking well his courage and resolution, was easily persuaded to confirm to him the said Honour. From this Sir Tuder descended Worthies indeed, as Henry the 7th King of England, with the Kings, Queens and Princes come from him. Henry the 7th was the son of Edmund Earl of Richmond, who was the son of Sir Owen Tuder, the son of Meredith, the son of this Sir Tuder. jasper second son to Sir Owen Tuder was created Earl of Pembroke by his half-brother King Henry the 6th, and was a Noble Hero of the Lancastrian party. When King Henry the 6th was deprived both of his Kingdom and Life, and Edward the 4th of the House of York settled in the Throne, he found means to convey his Nephew Henry Earl of Richmond into France, out of King Edward's reach, who had a jealous eye upon him, as being (in the right of his Mother) next Heir to the Crown of the House of Lancaster. He returned into England with his said Nephew, who (being King) created him Duke of Bedford, which Honour he enjoyed about two years and than died. Richard Owen Theodor of Penmonyth in Anglesey Esq. is a Branch of the same Family. A Marwnad or Elegy on the death of Sir Tuder Vaughan. Clowais ddoe 'em clust ddeau Canu corn cyveiliorn cau O vair pann ywr gweddiorn Pa beth yw y eyfryw gorn Marw chwedl pen cenedl coeth Tydur arf awchddur which ddoeth Ni fyrnia ddim oi farnad Fychan varchog mudlan mad C●werw jawn yw chware orn Gydcerdd rhwng clôch ag utgorn Galargyrn melldeyrn Môn Gogleissio beirdd gwag leission Pa dwrw yw bwnn gwnn ganoch Pa ymffust in clust mal clôch Pa weiddi pwy a wyddiad Yw hwnn a glown in gwlad Ubain a llefain a llîd Am y gwr mwya a gerid Cael y pwyll nis cela pwy Calon doethion Tindaethwy Llygrwyd Môn mynn law egryn Llygrwyd oll I'll gorau din Llygrwyd Gymru gwedi gwart Llithricced hoedl llwyth Ricart Dwyn llew brynn byrdda● dan law Dadwreiddio i du drwyddaw Dyrnod pen hid ymenydd Are dlodion gwlad Fôn fydd Dygn 'em chwedl dwyn hoedl hardd Ysgwaeth dwyn browdfaeth bridfardd Wyr Ririd lwyr euraid lwyth Flaidd difileindraidd flaendrwyth Lliwiodd Wynedd law ddinag Llâs' pen Môn wen i mae (n) wâg Beth oh daw heibtaw hebom It traeth coach lynge droch drum Pwy a ludd pwl i ddym Llychlyn ai bwyill awchlym Pwy a gawn pie Gwynedd Pwy a ddyrchaif glaif ne gledd 'Gan farw fyngharw rhygl Fyniant hîl naf Brynn ffanygl Agnostus aisawr oedd vawr i fraych Yswain wayw lathfain lithfraych Aesor gwlad fawr golud fie Yswain brwy dur sy (n) i brydy Ffelaig ysgythûrddraig uthûrddrûd A Fenn Môn rhag ffo na mud Dillin Môn freheyron from Dalldai bwyll delli ebilldo Gwyreing car pwyllig pell Cartre r cost carw Tr●r castle Gwae'r Deau ere maddau medd Gweddw jawn gwae ddwy Wynedd Gwae'r jeirch mewn llenyrch maen llai Gwaer ceirw ddwyn gwn ai curai Gwae finae heb gy●anedd Gweled bod mewn gwaelod bed Anhudded o'er jawn heddyw O ro ffrwd are i ffryw Nid oedd of dra chynefin O riw welu gwedi gwin Cnodach iddo wisgo yn waisg Yn ymwan frwydur ion ynwaisg Helm gribog Ryddfaog fyth A habrsiwn wr ewybrsyth A llirig dromdew lieu lad Dromlaes' i fedry ymladd Ni chollai gwr winllan gur Dref i dâd dra fie Dydur Ni ffolid car amharawd Odid odd wtleid tlawd: Nag ynganer yngwynedd Na ddalier ych dan who wêdd Na summer am a dderyw Na lafurier ofer yw Na chwardder am who heirddion Nam haver mwy ynhîr Môn. Jolo Gôch ai Cant. William Griffith Vaughan of Penrhyn in the County of Carnarvan Esq. descended from Ednyvet Vaughan. In the 18 year of the Reign of Henry the 6th, being made an English Denizen he had conferred on him the Chamberlainship of North-Wales the best office for profit and honour than in Wales: so Pet. Ellis his MS. Sir William Griffith Knight (surnamed the Liberal) his son was Chamberlain after him, who was also succeeded in that Office by his eldest son another Sir William Griffith Knight. Richard Griffith of Llanvair (Mayor for his late Majesty and now living) descended from this Family. The Right Reverend Father in God George Griffith D. D. now Lord Bishop of St Asaph, The Right worshipful john Griffith of Bloxham Esq & one of the Justices of North-Wales, john Griffith of Llanvaethley Esq. the Griffiths of Porthyraur and Cichley & other Gentlemen of the name are descended from Edmond Griffith Esq. second son to Sir William Griffith the elder. William Griffith of Carnarvan Esq. was son to Sir William Griffith the younger William Llyn one of the most ingenious of our Modern Bards hath an elegant Poem or Cowydd to the said William Griffith to beg pardon and readmission into Favour: Which those that delight in this fruitless but innocent study will not take amiss to see published. Carnarfon hên govion gwyn Coron your hell Gwncwerwyr Gorau man ywch gwarr Menai Gwyr a thîr ag aur a thai Beth yw mewn byth' i mi Na baidd fie wyneb iddi Oni chaf er jawn na cham Meistrolaeth y meistir william Collir tîr yn wîr a wnaf A chwi a ellwch na chollaf Ai gwîr gwayw chwyrn gwr gwych hardd Die uôd yn ddig wrth die Fardd Os gwir lew ysgall llyoedd Ymas (r) will are y mai i r oedd Why Fardd hû are furddas Yn gefn grwm yn gofyn grâs Mab Sir William ddinam ddoeth Gryffudd bûr awchddur w●hddoeth Pob anoeth a doth a i'th' du Pobl attad pawb ai lettu Pob car ddyn pob cerdd yna Attad oll perchen tû da Draw yn dal dy wr nid wife Ni obeithiaf na bythwyf Digus drwm yw die gâs draw gwaer din sy (n) gwyro danaw Baych mawr val dwyn ebwych mam Waith a gwyl o'th' ddîg william Ba riw faych mwy bar fôd Onid baych a wnaid oh bechod Clâf ydyw clwyf a wadodd Clwyfais eissie cael dy uôdd Ymrŷw adwyth mawr ydwyd Eli o mynni 'em wyd Gwyddoch. fie nwyf am clwyfau A chwi a wyr fie jachau O llidiaist fie llew llwydwynn Ysgâr gâs ysgwiair gwynn Haeddwn fôd draw heddiw n drwch Odd wy yn haeddu dan heddwch Dîg oh gwyn yw digio gwr Di gwyn yw digio anwr Salmon wyd gyvion digam Sy are ôl dau Sir William Byw yn gymmwys heb hên gamaw A bair i hîl gwr byrhau Anllywodraeth a lledrad A lygra hîl gwr ai hâd Ni threissi neb gwnndeb gwîr Bwy oath dras byth' a dreissir Gwr mawr gorau am arian Agnostus a rûdd mwy na gwyr mân Os i Siesswn all Siosswy Os are varr nid o's wr fwy Os rhanny gwîn os rhann gwr Ni by dwyneb di anwr Pa un a wnai (n) pennaeth O'er Penrhyn mawr poe rhann maeth Y llew doth ai lleihau dy wg Ai nad elwyf yn dolwg Pam oedd raid o blaid yn benn Dûr gwnn i daro (r) gownen Llew gwynn oll oh egin wyd Agnostus oen wife ag anafwyd Gwalch chwyrn wit gloch aur an tawdd Yderyn wife dyro nawdd Llîd sy flîn medd Doethineb Llîd ni all wellhau i neb Tra blwng yw nature y blaidd A llew orig anlariaidd Llew yw dystod llwyd distaw Torr dy lîd taro dy law Meistres Marged luned lân Ache dwg oll och dig alan Priod William prydolwenn jarlles her oh Wedir hên Merch yw honn Zion gyfion gum Honn a ddichon heddychu Barna honn waed brenhinawl Are dy swrdd euro dy fawl Dof ath gerdd wr difeth gall Nid am aur na dim arall And cymod da i uôd hid uêdd Am law gerych jarll Gwynedd. William Llûn ai Cant. The Williamses of Cochwillan and the Coetmors in the County of Carnarvan etc. are descended from Ednyvet Vaughan. Sir Griffith Williams of Vaenol (the fourth Baronet of the Name and Line) is descended from the Williamses of Cochwillan. The most Reverend Father in God john Williams D. D. and Archbishop of York was of this Family. He was a Person of great abilities, which were a means to raise him to great Honours and Dignities: King james made him Dean of Westminster, Bishop of Lincoln, and Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, and he was advanced to the Archbishopric of York by King Charles the First. His places and preferments brought him wealth, which enabled him to purchase Cochwillan, which had been the house of his Ancestors, and also Penrhyn the seat of the ancient and once flourishing family of the Griffiths, with other lands, which came all (he dying Intestate) to Sir Griffith Williams of Penrhyn Baronet (now living) his elder Brother's son and Heir. Lumley Williams, Williams of Wig, john Williams of Meillionyth Esq. are branches of the house of Cochwillan. That famous Soldier (in his time) Sir Rees jevanc, that is, the Young son to Sir Rees Hên or the Elder of South-Wales Knight was of this Tribe. So saith Evan ap Madoc ap Rees. john Wynne of Melai in Denbighshire Esq. is descended from this Tribe. William Wynne Esq. his Father was a Colonel of a Regiment of foot for his late Majesty K. Charles the first under the Right Honourable Arthur Lord Capel; he was slain at the siege of Wem in Shropshire A. D. 1643. He was a valiant and a wise Gentleman, exceeding zealous, faithful and active for his Sovereign: All his family engaged in the same good cause, his Uncle Ellis Wynne, his Brothers Robert, Owen, and Hugh, served under him as Commissioned Officers. This Colonel Wynne was the son of john Wynne, the son of William Wynne of Llanvair ap William Wynne ap john Wynne ap William ap Meredith ap David ap Eneon Vachan ap jevan ap Rees Wynne ap David Lloyd ap Y Penwyn ap jorwerth ap Tegwared ap Iddon ap Ithel ap Edryd ap Inethan ap japheth ap Carwedd ap Marchudd. Sir Thomas Wynne Knight and Captain of a Company of foot in Holland was of this family of the wins. jesus College in Oxford doth acknowledge this Sir Thomas a Benefactor, his Brother and Executor Doctor Morgan Wynne having purchased Land with the money he had left by Will to pious uses and settled the same upon the said College for the maintenance of one Fellow and one Scholar. Howel Dha Son to Cadell ap Rodri and Cousin German to EDWAL Voel. THis Howel Dha King or Prince of Southwales & of Powys long before, after the death of Edwal Voel his Cousin, took upon him the Government of all Wales about the year of Christ 940. Notwithstanding 940 the sons of Edwal did somewhat murmur against him he was for his Godly behaviour, discreet and just Rule beloved of all men. This Howel constituted and made Laws to be observed throughout his Dominions, which were in use in Wales, till the Inhabitants received the laws of England which was in the time of Edward the first, and in some places thereof long after. These Laws are at this day to be seen in Latin and in Welsh. ⚜ Howel Dha King of all Wales perceiving the Laws and customs of his Country to have grown into great abuse, and disregard, summoned the Archbishop of Menevia, with all the other Bishops and Chief of the Clergy to the number of 140 Prelates, and all the Barons and Nobles of Wales, with six men of the Wisest and best reputed in every Commot to meet all together at his house called Y Tuy gwyn are Taf, that is, The White house upon the River Taf (in Carmarthenshire:) Thither he came himself, and continued there with those his Nobles, Prelates vnd Subjects all the Lent in Prayer and Fasting, craving the direction and blessing of God's holy spirit upon his endeavour to reform the Laws and Customs of his Country, to the honour of God, and the good of his people. About the end of Lent he chose out of that company twelve of the wisest, gravest, and of greatest experience among them: to whom he added one Clerk or Doctor of the Laws, named Blegored, a learned and perfect wise man. These had in charge to examine the old Laws and Customs of Wales, and to gather out of them such as were meet for the government of the Country: which they did, retaining those that were wholesome and profitable, expounding those that were doubtful and ambiguous, and abrogating those that were superfluous and hurtful, and so ordained three sorts of Laws. The first, of the Ordering of the 1. Kings or Prince's household, and his Court. The second, of the Affairs 2. of the Country and Commonwealth. The third, of the special 3. Customs belonging to particular places and persons. All these being read, Proclaimed, and Allowed, he caused three several Books of them to be written, one for his daily use to follow his Court, another to lie in his Palace at Aberffraw, and the third at Dinevowr, that all the three Provinces of Wales might have the use of the same when need required. And for the better observation of these Laws, he caused the Archbishop of St Davids to denounce sentence of Excommunication against all such of his Subjects, as should refuse to obey them. Within a while after Howel (because he would omit nothing that might procure strength and Authority to his said Laws) went to Rome taking along with him, the Archbishop of * Mordef. S. David's, the Bishops of * Lambert Bangor and S. * Chebur. Asaph, and thirteen other of the most Learned and Wisest Meneu. men in Wales, where the said Laws being recited before the Pope were by his Authority confirmed: than having finished his devout Pilgrimage and emptied his purse, he came home again with his Company. 1. By these Laws they might not mortgage their lands but to such as were of the same Family or kindred, De eadem parentelâ. 2. Every Tenant holding of any other than of the Prince of Lord of the Fee, paid a fine pro defensione Regia, which was called Arian ardhel, in Latin Advocarii. 3. No Legacy of Goods by Will was good, otherwise than those which were given to the Church, to the Lord of the Fee, or for payment of Debts 4. Every man might distrain as well for debts, as for Rent of lands, any goods, or cattles, saving Horses, which were counted to serve for a man's necessary defence, and were not distrainable without the Prince his licence. 5. Causes of Inheritance were not heard or determined but from the ninth of November, till the ninth of February; or from the ninth of May until the ninth of August. The rest of the year was counted a time of Vacation, and so ordered as for sowing in the Spring, so for roaping in the Harvest. 6. This also is to be observed, that all matters of Inheritance of land were determined and adjudged by the King or Prince in person, or his special Deputy (if he were sick or impotent) and that upon view of the same land, calling unto him the Freeholders of that place, two Elders of his Council, the Chief Justice attending always in the Court, the Ordinary Judge of the Country where the land lay, and the Priest. The manner of their proceeding was thus. The King or Prince sat in his Judicial seat higher than the rest, with an Elder on his right hand, and another on his left, and the Freeholders on both sides next unto them, which for this cause (as I think) were called Uchelwyr. Before him directly a certain distance of and a little lower sat his Chief Justice, having the Priest on his right hand, and the ordinary Judge of that country on the left. The Court being set the Plaintiff came in with his Advocate, Champion, and Rhingylh or Sergeant, and stood on the right side: and last of all, the Witnesses of both Parties came, which stood directly before the Chief Justice at the lower end of the Hall until they were called up to testify their knowledge touching the matter in controversy. The figure of this I thought good to set down here before you. The KING. An Elder of the Council. An Elder of the Council. Uchelwyr or Freeholders. Uchelwyr or Freeholders. The Priest. The chief Justice. The Judge of the place. Rhingylh or Sergeant The Defendant The Plaintiff Rhingylli or Sergeant Advocate Advocate Champion. Champion. The Witnesses. After hearing the Books read, the depositions of the witnesses also, and full pleading of the Cause in open Court, upon warning given by the Rhingylh, the Chief Justice, the Priest, and the ordinary Judge, withdrew themselves for a while to consult of the matter, and than Secundum allegata & probata, brought their verdict, the Court sitting. Whereupon the King or Prince after consultation had with the Elders or Seniors which sat by him, gave definitive sentence; except the matter were so obscure and intricate, that right and truth did not appear: in that case it was tried by the two Champions, who put an end to it. At this time the foresaid King Aulaf and Regnald entered the Land of Edmond, who gathering his strength together followed them into Northumberland, where he overcame them in plain Battle, and chased them out of the Land, he remained a whole year in those Parts, to set things in order, and quiet the Country. And because he could not by any means bring the Inhabitants of Cumberland to live in any good order, he spoiled that Country, and committed it afterwards to the Government of Malcolme King of Scotland, upon condition, that he should sand him succours in all his wars both by Sea and Land. ⚜ Some other writ, that King Edmond being accompanied Matt. West. Hol. pag. 228. with Lhewelyn ap Sitsylht (who was after Prince of Wales) entered Cumberland, and taking the two sons of Dummail King of Buchan. lib. 6. fol. 53. that Province put out their eyes, and than gave that Country to Malcolme to be holden of him, upon this condition that he would keep the North part of the Realm from incursion of enemies, which afterwards was but slenderly performed. This Malcolme was the son of Donald King of Scotland, and was the next King after Constantine the third, being in number the 76. In the year 942 died Hubert Bishop of S. Davids▪ the 942 year following Marclois Bishop of Bangor, and Ussa the son of Lhavye died. The year 944 the Englishmen entered Wales 944. with a strong Army, and after they had spoiled Strad Clwyd, returned borne. At which time Conan the son of Elise was Matt. West. Hol. pag. 222. in danger of death by poison, and Everus Bishop of S. David's died. The year after Edmund King of England was slain by Matt. West. Treason, as some writers say, upon S. Augustine's day, as he was at dinner. Other say, that he espied an Outlaw fitting in the Hall, and as he drew him from the Table the Outlaw slew the King with a knife. ⚜ And some are of opinion, that as the King would have rescued Io. Cast a man of his from an Officer who had arrested him, the same Officer slew him, not knowing that he was the King: he lieth buried at Glastenbury. After his death, Edred or Edfred his Brother was Crowned in his stead, who making an expedition into Scotland and Northumberland subdued both the Northumber's and Scots promising fealty and homage by Oath, which was not long kept. In the year 948 died Howel Dha the Noble and 948. worthy King of Wales, whose death was much bewailed by all men, for he was a Prince that loved Peace and good Order, and that truly feared God. He left behind him four sons, Owen, Run, Roderike, and Edwin, betwixt whom and the sons of Edwal, there ensued great Wars, for the chief Rule of Wales, as shall appear in the History following. ¶ The sons of Howel Dha, as some Writers do record it, were these, viz. Owen, who did not live long after his Father, Eneon, Meredyth, Dyfnwal, Rodri, the two last whereof, as is conceived, were slain in the Battle fought near Llanrwst A. D. 952 by the sons of Edwal Voel. Run Lord of Cardigan and slain before the death of his Father. Conan y Cwn who possessed Anglesey. Edwin, who was also slain, as is supposed, in the forementioned battle. Owen ap Howel Dha died about the same time. There was a battle fought between Howel and Conan ap Edwal Voel for the I'll of Anglesey, wherein Conan fell; Griffith his son renewing the War was overcome. And Cyngar a potent man being driven out of the I'll Howel enjoyed quiet possession thereof, and of the rest of Gwyneth. I suppose Howel Dha was chosen to rule Wales during the minority of the sons of his Uncle Anarawd, who at the death of their Father were very young and not fit for Government: we have it in some copies of his Laws that in the year of our Lord 914 (soon after the death of Anarawd) he summoned the Arch-Bishops, Bishops, the rest of the Clergy with the 914 Lords of Wales, and six of the most discreet Freeholders out of each Commot to appear at his Court called y Tû gwyn are Dâf, to advice with him touching the reformation of the British Laws; Being there met they compiled a new Body of Law; in the Preface of the said Laws he is styled Brenhin Cymru oll, King of all Wales. North-wales he held as Regent until his Cousin Edwal Voel the eldest son of Anarawd came of Age to govern; In the year of our Lord 920 Howel Dha went to Rome to have his Laws confirmed by the Pope; Lambert Archbishop of Menevia, Mordaf Bishop of Bangor, Blegowryd Archdeacon of Landaffe, and 13 of the best learned of his Clergy with a like number of the Nobility accompanied him thither; the Pope confirmed his Laws, after they had been read before him, and nothing found dissonant to God's word therein. After his return from Rome, as a faithful Steward he resigned the Kingdom of Gwyneth to his Cousin Edwal Voel being than of age, together with the Sovereignty of all Wales. About the year 924 we have mention of Ludwall Rex omnium Wallensium, who in his submission to Athelstan is corruptly called Ludwal for judwal, which makes me to conclude that in the year 924 Idwal had began his Reign. Idwal Voel and Elisseu his brother being both slain by the English A. D. 940 Howel took upon him again the rule of Wales. Blegabridus Languaridus Britan: collegit Leges Howeli Doctor utriusque Juris, Archidiaconus Landavensis. so Io. Baleus. The Laws of Howel Dha translated into Latin and digested by Blangoridus begin with the following Prologue. D EI Providentiâ Howel Da filius Cadell Rex totius Cambriae videns suos Wallenses insolenter legibus abuti, accivit de quolibet Cemut totius Regni sui sex Laicos viros authoritate & scientiâ pollentes & omnes Ecclesiasticos dignitate baculosos, ut Archiepiscopus vel Episcopus vel Abbas vel Prior de Regno suo ad locum qui dicitur Ty gwyn super Taff yn De●ed, quam Domum voluit aedificari virgis albis in hospitium sibi ad venandum, quando ad partes Demetiae veniret, & ideo vocabatur Ty gwyn. Rex autem & congregati morati sunt ibidem per totam Quadragesimam orantes Altissimum per jejunium perfectum, petendo gratiam ad bona facienda secundum Regis propositum. Et de congregatis elegit Rex XII Laicos doctissimos & unum Clericum doctissimum qui vocabatur Blangoridus ad instruendum sibi Leges & Usus, ut propinquius possent ad veritatem & justitiam intendi. Et in Tres partes scribi praecepit, quarum prima Lex Curiae suae cotidianae. 2da Lex Patriae. 3ia Usus utriusque. Tres autem Libros legis praecepit fieri consimiles, unum ad Curiam suam cotidianam sequend: semper, & alium ad Curiam de Dinevwr, & tertium ad Curiam de Aberfraw, ut quaelibet de tribus partibus Cambri● sc. Gwynet & Powis & Deheubarth haberet in se auctoritatem legum ad opus paratam. Quorum Consilio & diligenti examinatione leges antiquas partim appropriavit, partim emendavit, partim ex toto delevit, alias de novo condidit. Provulgatis itaque legibus quas observari decreverat auctoritatem suam eis impertivit firmiterque & illibatè eas teneri imperavit. Ipse vero & omnes qui cum eo erant maledictionem Domini & suam & totius Walliae imprecati sunt ei qui eas in Walliâ deinceps non observando temeraret. Of Caradoc Bhraichfrâs. There were two famous men of this name, the first lived long before the other; the British Triades say, he was King of Cornwall in King Arthur's time, He was the son of Llyr Marini of the Tribe of Cunedda Wledig; Our books agreed that he was Lord of Ferlix, to wit, the Country between Why and Seaverne: Tegayruron Daughter and Heir to King Pelinor was his Wife. His Arms are S. a Cheveron between three spear's heads A. Gored pointed upwards G. The other Caradoc Bhraichfrâs was Earl of Hereford and son of Coeliog Myngrudd of the North of Britain. He had issue a son called Lluddocca whose daughter Rhieingar was mother to Tuder Trevor, the Tribe of the Marches: the said Tuder married Gladys daughter to Howel Dha King of Wales who Reigned A. D. 940, which computation of time inclines me to believe he was the same Caradoc that was styled King of North-wales and slain A. D. 788. by the Saxons in revenge of K. Offa's death, who had been slain at Ruthlan two years before; this was he to whom Rodri Molwynoc or rather Conan his son gave the Lands between Chester and Conwey to inhabit. His Arms, Vert a Lion rampant parted per fez Or & A. within a bordure of the 3d. Who say this Caradoc was the son of Gwyn ap Collwyn ap Ednowen, and father to Trahayrn King of Wales are much deceived. Families descended from Caradoc Uraich●râs Pr. of Ferlix. The Gamese of Brecknock shire, the Vaughan's of Tre'r twr in the same County, Sir Roger Vaughan of Tre'r twr Kt was slain at the Battle of Again Court, He was the son of Roger Hên of Bradwarden ap Walter Sais (husband to Florence Daughter and Heir to Sir Edward Bradwarden Kt) ap Roger Vaughan ap Roger Vawr of Llechryd ap * Eneon. jevan ap Howel ap Seyssyllt Lord of Cantre Selyf ap lewelyn ap Moreiddig Warwyn Ld of Cantre Selyf (whose Coat is S. a Cheveron between three Childrens heads couped at the shoulders A. their Peruques Or, enwrapped about the neck with as many snakes proper) ap Dryw a younger son of Maenyrch Ld of Brecknock lineally descended from the forementioned Caradoc. This Sir Roger had by his Wife Gladys daughter of Sir David Gam Kt three sons, viz. 1. Watkin of Bradwardin the eldest, father of Sir Thomas, father of Sir Richard of Bradwardin, father of Walter, father of Thomas Vaughan of Penbre, from which Family that worthy Gentleman Sir George Vaughan (lately deceased) Kt, and Colonel for K. Charles the 1. was descended. The Second was Thomas Vaughan of Hergest, who had two sons Watkin Vaughan of Hergest the eldest, father of james, father of Charles Vaughan of Hergest. Sir William Vaughan Kt, a valiant & an expert Commander under K. Charles the 1. was a branch of this family. He was Knighted for his eminent service, and entrusted with the government of several of His Majesty's Garrisons in the County of Salop. He was very active and successful. In the year 1645 with about 600 Horse and Foot he raised the siege of High Arcoll, beating of an Army of 3000 men. At the fatal battle of Naseby he had the honour to be highly instrumental in preserving his Majesty's person, His Majesty in his retreat marching in the head of his Regiment. He died in his attempt to restore his Majesty K. Ch. 2. 1649 at the siege of Dublin, where he was unfortunatly slain to the great hindrance of the King's Cause. The 2d Roger Vaughan of Cleirwy, father of Roger Ddû, who had two sons 1. Roger Vaughan father of another Roger Vaughan of Cleirwy. 2. Thomas Vaughan ap Roger Ddù father of Will. Vaughan of Court Newydd. The 3d son of the foresaid Sir Roger was Sir Roger Vaughan of Tre'r twr Knight, who had two sons Sir Thom. Vaughan of Tre'r twr Kt, and Roger Vaughan of Porthaml. Sir Thomas had a son called Henry Vaughan of Tre'r twr the Father of Christopher Vaughan, Watkin, William, james, Thomas Vaughan etc. Roger Vaughan of Porthaml had a son called Watkin Vaughan, the father of Sir William. Vaughan of Talgarth & Roger Vaughan, which Roger had sons Watkin & john Vaughan. Sir William. Vaughan of Talgarth had a son called Sir Roger Vaughan Kt. Also Sir William Lewis of Langors in Brecknock shire Baronet. Trevor Williams of Langibi in Monmouthshire Baronet. Lewis Wogan of Bol●ton in the County of Pembroke Esq. the only son of Abraham Wogan Esq. (by his Wife jane Daughter of Sir Lewis Mansell of Margan● Baronet) the son of Maurice Wogan Esq. the son of Sir john Wogan Knight. john Wogan of Wiston Esq. the son of Sir William Wogan Knight by Sibil daughter of Sir Hugh Owen of Orielton Knight, the son of john, the son of Richard Wogan Esq. the son of Sir john Wogan Knight, the son of Sir john Wogan Knight, the son of john Wogan Hîr Esq. the son of Sir Henry Wogan Knight by Margaret Daughter of Sir William Thomas of Raglan Knight (the Father of Sir William Herbert the first Earl of Pembroke of the name) the son of Sir john Wogan Knight, the son of Sir Matthew, the son of Sir Walter Knight, the son of Sir Matthew Knight, the son of Sir Matthew Wogan Knight, the son of Gwgan, (from whom they took their Surname) by his wife Cecily the daughter and coheir of Sir Philip Gwys of Wiston in the County of Pembroke Kt; which Gwgan was the eldest son of Blethyn, the eldest son of Maenyrch Lord of Brecknock by his wife Elen daughter to Tewdwr Mawr, & sister to Rees ap Tewdwr Prince of Deheubarth or South Wales. Bernard Newmarch having discomfited and slain in the field Blethyn ap Maenyrch seized on the Lordship of Brecon, and forced his son and Heir Gwgan to be content with what share of it he was pleased by way of composition to appoint him. He gave him the Lordships and Manors of Llanvihangel Talyllyn, part of Llanllyeni, and part of Cantref Selyf with lodgings in the Castle of Brecknock, where in regard he was the rightful Lord of the Country there was such a strict eye kept over him, that he was not permitted at any time to go abroad without two or more Norman Knights in his company. W. Llyn saith, the Arms of the Wogans are a field Paliwise of 6. Or and B. on a Fez G. 3 Cinque foils A. john jeffreys of Tre'r Castle in the County of Brecon Esq. and Merchant of London, the son of jeffrey, the son of Edward, the son of jeffrey, the son of Edward of Llywel, the son of jeffrey ap Gwilim ap jenkin of Slough ap Madoc ap Rees ap Richard vaw● ap David ap Rees of Aberllyf●i Esq. ap Howel ap Trahayrn Lord of Llangors ap Gwgan ap Blethyn ap Maenyrch etc. There are many other worthy Families, in Southwales especially, descended from this Caradoc, whose names all my enquiry and industry could not procure. Of Sir David Gam Knight. Sir David Gam was the son of lewelyn ap Howel Vaughan of Brecknock by Maud the daughter of jevan ap Rees ap Ivor of Eluel, the said Howel Vaughan was the son of Howel ap Eneon Sais ap Rees ap Howel etc. he was surnamed Gam, because he had but one eye; The Gamese derive their name & lineage from him; He was a worthy Knight descended from the said Caradoc, whose Coat he gives: for his Policy and Valour we may style him our British Hannibal. He was a great stickler for the Duke of Lancaster, who was afterwards King Henry the 4th, upon which account it was, that Owen ap Griffith Vaughan (commonly called Owen Glendor) was his mortal enemy: The said Owen having had his education at the Inns of Court, got to be preferred to the service of King Richard the 2d, whose Scutifer, as Walsingham saith, he was; Owen being assured, that his King and Master Richard was deposed & murdered, & withal provoked by several affronts and wrongs done him by the Lord Grace of Ruthin his neighbour, whom King Henry greatly countenanced against him, he took Arms; And looking upon Henry as an Charters of O. Glend. Usurper he caused himself to be proclaimed Prince of Wales; And though himself were descended Paternally but from a younger Brother of the House of Powis, yet (as ambition is ingenious) he finds out a way to lay claim to the Principality, as descended (by a daughter) from lewelyn ap Griffith the last Prince of the British Race, He invaded the Lands, burnt and destroyed Hen: Salesbury. the Houses and Estates of all those that favoured and adhered to King Henry. Owen called a Parliament to meet at Machynlleth in Montgomery shire, whither the Nobility and Gentry of Wales came, in obedience to his Summons, & among them the said David Gam, but with an intention to murder Owen; the plot being discovered, and he taken before he could put it in execution, was like to have suffered had not intercession in his behalf been made by Owen's best friends, and the greatest Upholders of his Cause, whom he could not either handsomely or safely deny; Owen being thus prevailed upon pardoned him and let him go free, only requiring of him, that he would for the future be more loyal and loving to him, which he promised, but did not perform, for as soon as he came home to his own Country, where he was a man of great interest, he did exceedingly annoyed and molest Owen's friends. When he lay in durance at Machynlleth for his attempt against Owen's life, there was this Englyn made of him, viz. Davydd Gam dryglam dreigl, ddi ymwan frwydr, Fradwr Rissiart Bhrenin Llwyr yrhoes Diawl (hawl hwyl fliû Y faith ystâd) î fys i'th' dîn. Not long after Owen entered the Marches of Wales destroying all before him, he burned than the house of Davyd Gam, and, as the report goeth, called to him one of David's Tenants, to whom he spoke thus merrily in verse, O gweli di wr côch Cam Yn ymofyn y Girnigwen Dywed ei bôd high tan y lan A nôd y glow are ei phenn. But David himself kept out of Owen's reach, living most commonly at Court, till Owen's time was expired. When King Henry the 5th went with an Army into France against the French, David Gam brought in to his service a goodly company of stout soldiers and Gentlemen, which upon all occasions shown their resolution and courage. News being brought to the King that the French Army was advancing towards him and very numerous, he sent Captain Gam to observe their motions and to bring him an account of their number; He upon a diligent view perceiving them twice to exceed the number of the English was not a whit daunted, but when the King asked him how it was, what their number might be, made him this answer, An't please you, my Liege, They are enough to be killed, enough to run away, and enough to be taken Prisoners: The King was well pleased and much encouraged with this resolute saying of his; Nor did his tongue discover more courage than his hands, for in the heat of the Battle the King's person being in danger he charged the enemy with such eagerness that he forced them▪ to give ground, so securing the King, though with the loss of much blood, and also of his own life, for in that service Himself, Roger Vaughan his son in Law, and Walter Lloyd of Brecknock his Kinsman received their mortal wounds; when the King was told they were passed all hopes of recovery, he came unto them, and in recompense of their good service Knighted them all Three in the field, where they soon after died; Thus ended the Life but not the Fame of valiant Sir David Gam. His Coat is S. a Cheveron between three javelins heads A. Tho. jones of Cardigansh. Antiquar. pointed upwards G. An Elegy upon the death of Gladys the Noble Daughter of Sir David Gam, Elegantly writ by Lewis Glyn-cothi. Y serens oh Evenni At Dûw are Saint i troes high Gwladûs lwyddianus ddinam Oedd oh gorff sir Davydd Gam Bwriodd Dûw dan bridd do îr Braych i Wend a Brychandir Nid llai mynn ●ûw yngwlâd went Na theirmil yn i therment Galw are Jesus troth fie fyw Agnostus are y grôg a oryw Arglwyddes oh santes oedd Or hên arglwyddi it hanoedd I mae meibion hirion high I roi gwleddau yn arglwyddi Marfia gynt gymraes gall Are ddwywaith a roe ddyall Hey hîl i by ynhal y bed Naw ai henwau yn frenhinedd Gwladus a high yn gweled saint Oedd all honn i ddal henaint O honn i cawn frenhinwaed Agnostus jeirll Gwent aurlliwio gwaed Gwladus du are Gymru gynt jarlles oedd er llês' iddynt Are ol i rhoi are elawr It aeth leng or iaith i lawr A heddyw mae (n) rhoddi mêdd O from honno frenhinedd All Gwladus haûl goleydent Cymru accw ymro Gwent Die huno a chyffroi A wuaeth in o's yn iaith ni Ysgrin are gyssegr oh Went Sy du arglwyddes dwy went Pan teg peintiad y gadair Pinaglys fell pen eglwys Vair Maen beril naw mil yn win Mormor a mwy oh ermine Bed it hell fonedd yw fo ol a growndwal Loeger into Ma● (n) gorwedd mewn y gweryd Draw yn y bed drayan y bid Yn seren i benn y bed I rhoed i gadw anrhydedd Maes glass fell cledd pen drasus Are llew lir are lliw oh lus O gylch y twr yn glych têg Dûw oedd of are deyddeg Engylion gwnion yw gylch A Drig bob dri yw ogylch Organau ol hid frig nef Agnostus arianllais gwyr unllef Mil oh dyrs amliw oh dan Mil ereill aml oh arian Mwy na mil oh feydwyaid Dan gwyr bob daunaw a gaid Yn nessa ma● deunawssaint Yn bwrw naw sens garbron saint Main beril cylch sir William Oedd fed gwynn merch Davyd Gam Dau a wnaeth it Deau nawdd Dûw Jesus ai dewisawdd Agnostus oi rhyw yn benaig y rhawg I dewisswn dywyssawg ANOTHER On the Death of Morgan son of the said Sir David. Y pen aeth ymhôb bonedd Sy (n) ●lan Faes Winllan ai fed Morgan garw difan Davydd Gam ywr saint i Gymru sydd Llann vaes oll ywr nef i wr I'll mae eilwaith llew milwr I'll rhoed tarian a maneg lan Ddûw dan y llen ddu dég Gwlad Frychan am Forgan fydd All i gawod will gewydd Deigain niau dafnau dwr Are ryddiau ywr aweddwr Deugain mlynedd i heddyw It will beirdd arol i byw Dwyfil achos mab Davydd A dwy fwy yn y Deau fydd Edn Aberhodni obaith Silin oedd i selio yn iaith Yn y Peutun un patent Deutu wysg hid at dwy Went Braych a fie wrth groesdu (r) grog Barr a chyngor Brycheiniog Tu hugadarn teg ydoedd Pwys i du ar un post oedd Pwys gwlâd Frychan yn rhannu Are riw boast oh wr i but Y tîr weithian fa trethydd Are swrn oh bilere sydd Mae irgoed o frîg Morgan Mewn Yrhos yn mynny i rhann Aeth llawer oh gydgeraint O Einion Sais hên yn saint Bro wysg aeth yn brysgoed And gwyr a aned oh goed O un cyff jawn yw caffael Deri a hwynt yn dra hael Of oedd wr of oedd eryr Forgan aeth i frig yn wyr Cynhaval drwyr ardalaoedd I Lowarch hen falarch oedd I Lowarch i by lewod A gwae wyr byw Lloeger oi bod I Forgant hid nant y Nordd Are Loeger maer all gwelygordd Plant Brychan a gydrannodd Plant sydd i Forgant un fodd Plant efrog oediog adail O dref jorc hefyd ywr all Morgan oedd darian i dîr A braych hendad Brychandir Morgan oedd bumrhann it bid A llyfr i bob I'll hefyd Llewod Morgant blant un blaid Garbron gwyr ywr Barwniaid A llew henddoeth gwyr llannddûw Ywr Barwn doth garbron Dûw. Lewis Glynn Cothi ai cant. Of Tuder Trevor, the Tribe of the Marches. His Arms, Per bend sinister Ermine and Ermines a Lion rampant Or. Candida parte unâ sursum sed nigra deorsum Ric. powel. Erminiis folgens Theodori parma Trevori, Fert rapidum fulvumque sinistro vecte Leonem, Mostonis haec arma, simul sunt nota Trevoris, Innumerisque aliis, quos part●rit utraque Maelor, Ille sub Howelo vixit cognomine justo, Cujus nata illi Gladusia nobilis Uxor. Tuder Trevor son in Law to Prince Howel Dda descended from Maxen Wledic or Maximus (the son of lewelyn Senator of Rome, and Brother to Coel Godebog King of Britain) who descended lineally from King Belinus Magnus and was in the right of his Wife King of Britain, and Emperor of Rome. Vortiger King of Britain descended lineally from Maximus, was also Ancestor to Tuder Trevor, which Tuder in the right of his Mother was Earl or Consul of Hereford and by his Father Lord of both Maelors, Oswestree, y Drewen or Whitington, etc. His posterity enjoys a great part of the said Lordships to this day, though they have sold away much of them. He had three sons 1. Lluddocca, who had given him the Lordships of Oswestree and Whitington and a great part of the Maelors, 2 Dinghad (whose Coat is Ermine a Lion rampant S.) He had for his portion the remaining part of the Maelors, which his posterity possess to this day by the several names of Broughton, Ellis, Sonlley, Lewis, Trafford, jones, Eyton, Roberts, jeffreys, etc. 3. Grono, who had the Earledom of Hereford, which by his Daughter & Heir came to her son Adlystan Glodrydd. Rees Sais (so called because he had had his education in England) great Granchild to Luddocca, being son to Ednyvet ap Llowarch Gam ap Luddocca, divided his Estate between his three sons, To Tuder the eldest he gave part of the Lordship of Oswestree, the entire Lordship of Whittington and part of the Maelors, to the 2d Elidur (whose Coat is Ermine a Lion rampant B▪ armed & languid G.) he gave Eyton, which his posterity now enjoy by the name of Eyton; Sutton, which his posterity the Suttons hold to this day; & Rwyton, which his posterity the fDeccas held until of late years, that it was sold to Justice jefreys. To the 3d Iddon (whose Arms are A. a Cheveron between 3 boars heads couped G. languid B. and tusked Or) he gave Dudleston and other parts of the Lordship of Oswestree, which are yet possessed partly by his Heirs Male and partly by his Heirs general. Tuder ap Rees Sais and all his posterity give Tuder Trevors Coat; his eldest son Blethyn had the largest portion of his estate; his 2ds, Grono (whose Coat is V two Boars passant in pale Bar Or) had the Lordship of Whittington and Estwicke. The Lordship of Whittington came with his son's daughter, who married Sir Warren Theneys to the Lords Fitzwarren, from them by marriage to the Hangfords, and in like manner from them to Bourchier Lord Fitzwarren, after and not long since it was purchased by one Mr Albany whose daughter and heir is the now wife of Thomas Lloyd Esq. Lord of Whittington. Estwicke came by heirs general to Hanmer of the Fens and Eyton of Pentremadoc. His 3d Cyhelyn, from whom is descended Trevor of Trevor etc. Blethyn ap Tuder ap Rees Sais left his estate to his son Owen, who by his wife Eve daughter of Madoc ap Gwenwynwyn Lord of Powis Wenwynwyn had 1. jerwerth Hên. 2. Thomas the Ancestor of the Lloyds of Bryn and Horsmas in Maelor. Ierw●rth Hên enjoyed the greatest part of his Father's possessions, and left it to his son jerwerth Vaughan, who was married to Catharine daughter to Griffith ap lewelyn ap jorwerth Drwyndwn Prince of North-wales, and he left his estate to his son jorwerth Voel, who had many children, as 1. Ednyvet Gam, who had the greatest part of his possessions; 2. Madoc Lloyd, who had fair possessions in Chirkland and Brueden heath, descended by Heirs general to Sir john Owen of Cleneney Kt and others. 3d Griffith, who had his part in Maelor Saesneg, which by Heirs general is divided among several Families of good note. 4. Morgan Ancestor to the families of the Youngs of Brynyorkin and the Croxtons in the Maelors, Ednyvet Gam had several sons, as David, lewelyn, jorwerth Ddu, Meredyth, and other sons, who had their portions of his Inheritance with the forenamed Brothers, and are Ancestors to several families yet in being. David had his part in Chirkeland and in the Lordship of Oswestree. lewelyn had his part in the Maelors, which is at this day in the possession of the Heir male of his line. Thomas Lloyd of Halghton Esq.; jerwerth Ddu had a share of his Father's estate, and is the Ancestor of Sir Roger Moston of Moston Kt and Baronet, Colonel and Governor of Flint Castle for K. Charles the I. Of john Moston Esq. and Colonel Roger Moston his Uncles, who were both faithful to the same good Cause, and also of Edward's of Chirke Esq. etc. Meredyth is the Ancestor of Pugh of Lloynt●dmon. David ap Ednyvet Gam had his part in Chirke land and in the Lordship of Oswestree, which he left to his son Edward, who dying 1440 left his estate among his sons, john Trevor Hên. Richard Trevor, the Ancestor of the Trevors of Oswestrce. Ottowell, who had only a daughter and heir. john Trevor Hên married Anne Daughter and Heir of Sir Pierce Camber, by whom he had Robert Trevor of Plâs têg whose Heirs male have failed long since. Edward Trevor of Brynkynallt. Roger Trevor, who had a fair estate at Pentre Cynwric. Richard Trevor of Trevalyn the Ancestor of Sir Richard Trevor of Trevalyn. Sir john Trevor of Plâs' têg. Sir Thomas Trevor of Enfield, late one of the Barons of the Exchequer, & Sir Sackvil Trevor, all Four Brothers and Knights. Edward Trevor had sons, john Trevor, who had only Daughters, john Trevor Goch of Wiggington, who had been a Captain at the siege of Boulogne & married Elizabeth daughter of john Eyton of Ruabon Esq. and only child of Elizabeth daughter of Sir Roger Kynaston of Hordley; He had Bryncynallt and all his Father's inheritance, which he left to his son Edward Trevor, a man of great esteem and power in his Country, who had two sons, john Trevor Esq. and Richard Trevor Dr of Law and Judge of the Admiralty, whose posterity remains to this day. john Trevor had one only son Sir Edward Trevor Knight one of his late Majesty's Privy Council in Ireland; which Sir Edward had by his first Wife, john Trevor of Brynkynallt Esq., Arthur Trevor, who hath been a Colonel for his late Majesty, and is now one of the Judges of Southwales; by his second Wife he had Marcus Trevor, who hath also been Colonel upon the same good account, and is lately made Baron of Ros-Trevor, Viscount of Dungannon in Ireland, and one of his Majesty K. Charles the 2d's Privy Council in that Kingdom. Sir Edward Trevor's Riddle. Here lies by name the * Eve. World's Mother, by nature my Aunt, sister to my Mother. My Grandmother, mother to my mother. My Great-Grand-mother, mother to my Grandmother. My Grandfather's daughter and his mother; Which all may be, without the breach of Consanguinity. Out of the Collections of Mr Francis Kynaston a Gentleman well skilled in the Antiquities of Wales. The Pedigree of Sir Arthur Moston Kt and Baronet. Sir Roger Moston the son of Sir Thomas Moston Kt, the son of Sir Roger Kt, the son of Sir Thomas Kt, the son of William Moston, the son of Thomas Moston Esq., who in the year 1539 took first the surname of Moston (the name of his house) at the appointment of Rowland Lee Bishop of Goventry and Lichfield and Lord Precedent of the Marches of Wales, being than at Flint keeping Assizes: Before he was commonly called Thomas ap Richard ap Howel ap jevan Vaughan, which jevan Vaughan was the son of jevan ap Adda ap jorwerth Ddu ap Ednyvet Gam and so to Tuder Trevor, as in the foregoing Pedigree. The Pedigree of Cynwric Eyton of Eyton Esq. Cynwric the eldest son of Sir Gerard Eyton Kt, (the Father and Son both of them adhered firmly to his late Majesty King Charles the I. in his troubles) the son of Cynwric, the son of james, the son of Hugh, son of Owen Eyton, son of William, son of john, Steward of Bromfield An. 18. Hen. 6., son of james, son of Madoc, son of jevan, son of Madoc ap lewelyn ap Griffith ap Cadwgan ap Milir Eyton of Eyton, son of Elidir ap Rees Sais forementioned. Sir Robert Eyton of Dudleston Knight, was the son of james Eyton, son of William, the son of james, the son of john Eyton younger Brother to Owen Eyton forementioned. There is another Family of the Eytons descended from Tingad the second son of Tuder Trevor thus, lewelyn ap Ednyvet ap Griffith ap jorwerth ap Eneon Goch ap jevaf ap Llowarch ap jevaf ap Niniau ap Cynwric ap Rhiwallon ap Tingad. The said lewelyn had two sons, of which more special notice is taken, 1. David the eldest, to whom he gave his lands in Eyton, who was therefore called David of Eyton, and 2. Morgan, to whom he gave his Lands in Sonlley, and was therefore called Morgan of Sonlley, by which two names their posterity were called ever after. Cynwric ap Rhiwallons Coat is, Ermine a Lion rampant S. armed G. The Families of the Lloyds of Berthlwyd in Montgomeryshire, of Isclawdd, of Talwrn etc. are come also from this Tribe. jevaf & jago the Sons of Edwal Voel. AFter the death of Howel Dha, his Sons divided South-Wales and Powys betwixt them: And Jevaf and Jago the second and third son of Edwal Voel ruled North-Wales, their elder brother Meyric being not a man fit to rule, They coming from the elder house would feign have had the chief Rule of all Wales, but were denied it by the sons of Howel Dha: Thereupon Jago (or James and Jevaf entered South-wales with a great power, Owen the son of Howel and his brethrens came against them and fought with them at the hills of Carno, where Jago and Jevaf had the victory: And the year following Jago and Jevaf entered twice into South-wales, spoilt Dyvet, and siue Dwnwalhon the Lord thereof. And within a while after died Roderike one of the sons of Howel Dha. 952. In the year 952. the sons of Howel gathered their strength together against Jevaf and Jago, and entering their land as fare as the river Conwy, they fought a cruel battle at a place called Gwrgustu, or Lhanrwst, as some think, where a great number were slain on either side, as Anarawd the son of Gwyriad (or Uriet the son of Roderike the Great, and Edwin the son of Howel Dha: in this battle the sons of Howel were overthrown by Jevaf & Jago, who pursued them to Caerdigan, & destroyed their Country with fire and sword. About this time Yarthyr the son of Mervyn was drowned: and the year following Congelach King of Ireland was slain. But to return to Edred King of England. As soon as he was returned to his own Land, Aulaf with a great Army landed in Northumberland, and was received of the people with much gladness; but anon after like fickle and unconstant men, they banished him the land, and took to their King one Hircius the son of Haroald, whom likewise after three years they expelled, and willingly submitted themselves to Edred, who after he had ruled▪ the whole Land eight years died, and was buried at Winchester. After him reigned Edwin son of Edmund, in whose time nothing chanced worthy the remark, but that he married another man's Wife, her Husband being yet alive. This man after he had Governed the Realm four years died, leaving his Kingdom to his Brother Edgar, who was Crowned King of England in his stead. In the year 958. was a wonderful hot summer, 958. when Gwgan the son of Gwyriad the son of Roderike died After that Heat, there followed a great plague Idwal ap Rodri ap Howel Dda was slain, and also the sons of Gwyn. in March following. In those days Jago and Jevaf by force and strength ruled all Wales as they thought good: and yet for all their power, Abloic King of Ireland landed in Môn, and having burnt Holyhead spoilt the Country of Lhyn. In the year 961. the sons of Edwin the son of Colhoyn 961. were slain, after they had destroyed all the country to Towyn Unwonus Presbyter Britannus accersitur ab Abbate S: Albani ad vertendos Codices ê Britannico sermone in Latinum. Bal. Io. Cast Hol. pag. 232. About this time Meyric the son of Cadvan, Rytherch Bishop of S. David's, and Cadwalhon ap Owen departed out of this transitory World. Not long after, the country of North-wales was sore distressed and spoilt by the Army of Edgar King of England. ⚜ The cause of this War was the non payment of the Tribute that the King of Aberffraw, by the Laws of Howel Dha was to pay to the King of London. In the end there was a peace concluded: for King Edgar understanding what hurt the Countries of England and Wales received daily, by reason of the great multitude of Wolves that than abounded (especially in Wales) which destroyed much sheep and otherwise did great harm, released the Tribute in money appointed by the said Laws of Howel Dha, and 300, so Polychron. wolves destroyed by the Prince of Wales. bound the Prince of North-wales to pay him yearly certain Wolves for his Tribute, and so to be released of that other Tribute in money, which the said Prince performed, until he had left never a Wolf either in Wales or England. In the year 966 Roderike the son of Edwal Voel was 966. slain by the Irishmen, by whom Aberfraw was destroyed. The next year there ●ell a great debate betwixt the two sons of Edwal, Jago and Jevaf, which had ruled jointly from the death of Howel Dha to that time; and shortly after Jago having taken his brother Jevas by force, very cruelly kept him in Prison a long time. About this time, Eneon the son of Owen Prince of Southwales wan and seized to himself the land of Gwyr. And in the year 969 Mactus 969 the son of Haroald with an Army of Danes entered the I'll of Anglesey, and spoiled Penmon. These Danes, were suffered by Edgar to inhabit quietly throughout all England, till they were grown as strong as the English, than they fell to such riotousness and drinking, that much mischief ensued thereof: whereupon Edgar made a law, that every man should drink by measure, and caused a certain mark to be set in every Pot A Law against immoderate drinking. how deep they should drink, and so by these means he somewhat stayed that immoderate ingurgitation. Not long after that, Godfryd the son of Haroald did subdue to himself the whole I'll of Anglesey, which he enjoyed not long. King Edgar likewise in the year 972 did sand a great Navy 972. to Caerlheon upon Use, which shortly turned back, without doing any notable act. The next year following, Howel Run: Cest. Fabian. the son of Jevaf raised a great power against his Uncle Jago for the deliverance of his Father out of Prison, and overcoming his Uncle in Fight he chased him out of the Land, and he took his eldest Uncle Meyric the son of Edwal, and put out both his eyes, and kept him in Prison; where he died shortly after, leaving behind him two sons, Edwal and Jonaval, from which Edwal came afterwards the most worthy Princes of Wales. Howel notwithstanding he had set his Father at Liberty, yet took upon himself the sole rule of the Land for his life time, his Father preferring a private Life before a Kingdom suffered him to Reign. He had three Brethrens, all men of great estimation, Meyric, Jeva●, and Cadwalhon, whose Lives do follow. ¶ The Sons of jevaf, Howel, Cyswalhon, and Owen, who slew Cystennin ap jago. The Sons of jago, Gabriel, Cystennin. jago ap Idwal having fled to K. Edgar prevailed so fare with him, that He brought an Army into North-wales to restore him to his right: He came as fare as Bangor, where he was honourably received by Howell, who at his request was contented his Uncle jago should have a share in the Government, as he had in his father jevafs time. Edgar than founded a new Church at Bangor on the South side of the Cathedral, which he dedicated to the blessed Virgin Mary: He confirmed the ancient liberties of that Sea, and bestowed Lands and gifts upon it; Than with Howel and jago in his company, he marched towards Chester, where met him by appointment six Kings more, viz. Keneth King of the Scots, Malcolme King of Cumberland, Macon King of Man, and Dyfnwal, Si●rethus, and Ithel three British Kings; These eight Kings having done him homage entered with him into his Barge, and rowed him, four of each side, from his Palace to the Church or the Monastery of S. john the Baptist, and after Divine Service rowed him back again to his Palace in great State. Out of an old book of Records Bishop Baily shown me. Nola Eltuti in veneratione apud Wallos, Cloch Elltut. Hanc Edgarus circa collum equi suspendi fecit in expeditione contra terram Glamorg: ac per visionem nocturnam reprehenditur, & restitui Ecclesiae statim curavit. post dies novem Edgarus moritur. Polychron. Morgan Hên called in his younger years Morgan Mawr died about this time being a hundred years old, having lived fifty years after the death of his Wife Elen Daughter of Roderic the Great, by whom he had one son called Owen. Morgan was a Valiant and a victorious Prince well beloved of his Subjects. Owen the son of Prince Howel Dda some years before the death of Morgan laid claim to Ystradwy and Ewyas (called the two sleeves of Gwent Vwchcoed) being the right of Morgan, and seized upon them to his own use, but the matter through the mediation of the Clergy and Nobility being by both parties referred to the decision of Edgar King of England, it was adjudged by the said King, that the said Lands did of right belong to the said Morgan, and to the Diocese of Landaffe, and that Owen ap Howel Dda had wrongfully possessed himself of the said Lands. The Charter of the said Award was made before the Arch bishops, Bishops, Abbots, Earls and Barons of England and Wales, and is kept at Landaffe, as I have been informed by an old MS. called Y Cwtt● cyvarwydd oh Vorgannwg. In the old book of Landaffe there is also somewhat to the same purpose, but the mistake in both is that they make Howell Dda to be the intruder into the said lands, who had been dead twenty years before King Edgar began his Reign. The sons of Owen ap Howel Dha. 1. Meredith Prince of Powis. 2. Eneon Prince of Dyvet. 3. Idwal. 4. Llowarch, who had his eyes put out A. D. 982. 5. Cadwallon, Also 6 Grono, (who, as is conceived, begot Edwin Lord of Yâl upon Elfleda Duchess of Mercia) is said to be his son. Howel the Son of jevaf ap Edwal Voel. AFter that Howel the son of Jevaf had expelled his Uncle out of the Land, he took the sole Rule of it. And at that time Dwnwalhon Prince of Stradclwyd took his journey to Rome. Than died Edwalhon the son of Owen. Likewise Edgar King of England 974. passed out of this transitory life after that he had built many Monasteries. After him Edward his son was King, who when he had Reigned four years was traitorously slain through the malice of his stepmother, that her son Edred or Edelred might enjoy the Kingdom; who after his brother's death was Crowned King of the land. The year 976 976. Eneon the son of Owen King of Southwales destroyed the land of Gwyr the second time. The year ensuing Howel the son of Jevaf with a great Army both of Welsh and English made war against such as assisted and maintained the cause of his Uncle Jago, and spoilt the Countries of Lhyn and Kelynno● Vawr: shortly after Jago was taken by Howels men, and suffered to enjoy his Part of the land peaceably. About the year 979 Edwal Vachan the son of Edwal Voel was 979. slain by his nephew Howel. At this time Custenyn Dhu, that is, Constantine the Black, son to Jago (who than was prisoner) hired Godfryd the son of Haroald with his Danes, against his Cousin; They both destroyed Anglesey and Lhyn▪ Howel hereupon gathering his Army together, and setting upon them at a place called Gwayth Hirbarth overthrew them, there Constantine was slain. About this time, the Danes landed with VII ships at South-hampton, and spoilt the Town. ⚜ They overcame also and spoilt the whole Country of Devon and Cornwall, burned the Town of Bodman, and the Cathedral Sim. Dunel. Hol. pag. 238. Io. Vowel in Catal. episc. Exon. Church of S. Petrokes, with the Bishop's house. Whereupon the Bishop's Sea was removed from thence to S. Germane, where the same continued, until the removing and uniting thereof unto Crediton. About this time died S. Dunstan, who prophesied of much mischief and great destruction of the Land to ensue by the Danes. The year 981 Godfryd the son of Haroald gathered 981. a great Army, and landed in Westwales, where spoiling all the land of Dyvet, with the Church of S. David's, he fought the battle of Lhanwanoc. Likewise in the year next ensuing, Duke Alfred with a great power of Englishmen spoilt and destroyed Brecknock, and a great part of the lands of Owen Prince of Southwales, against whom Eneon son of the said Owen, and Howel King of North-wales came with all their power, and overthrew them in Battle, where the greatest part of Alfreds Army was slain, and the rest put to flight. The year following, the Gentlemen of Gwentsland rebelled against their Prince, and cruelly slew Eneon the son of Owen who had come thither to appease them. This Eneon was a worthy and Noble Gentleman, who did many notable acts in his Father's time, and left behind him two sons, Edwin & Theodor or Tewdor Mawr, from which last came the Kings or Princes of Southwales. In the year 984 984. Howel the son of Jevaf King of Wales entered England with an Army, where he was fought withal, and slain valiantly fight. This Howel had no son, but his Brethrens reigned in his stead. ¶ Some say Howel left a son four years old named Conan, who afterwards being of age was King of Gwyneth A. D. 999. The Sons of Eneon ap Owen Prince of Dinevowr 1. Cadelh, 2. Edwin Lord of Yâl (whose Mother is supposed to be Elfleda) 3. Owen, 4. Tuder, who was slain at Llangwm Dinmael. Cadwalhon the Son of JEVAF ap Edwal Voel. AFTER the death of Howel, his brother Cadwalhon second son of jevaf took upon him the government of North-wales: his first business was to make war with his Cousin jonaval son of Meyric ap Edwal Voel, and the right Heir, whom he slew: but Edwal, Jonaval's youngest brother, escaped out of his hands. The year following, Meredyth the son of Owen King or Prince of Southwales, with all his power entered North-wales, and in fight slew Cadwalhon the son of jevaf, and Meyric his brother, and so subdued the land to himself. Herein a man may see how God punished the wrong jago and jevaf, the sons of Edwal Voel, had done to their eldest brother Meyric, who was first disinherited, and afterwards had his eyes put out by them, and one of his sons slain. First jevaf was imprisoned by jago, then Iago with his son Constantine, by Howel the son of jevaf: and afterwards the said Howel, with his brethrens Cadwalhon and Meyric, were slain and spoiled of all their lands. ¶ Meredyth ap Owen slew Meyric first; And Cadwalhon advancing forwards he slew after in another battle; Anglesey and the rest of Gwyneth were the purchase of his Victories, which he plagued with insupportable Tribute. Meredyth the Son of Owen ap Howel Dha. THis Meredyth ap Owen, having slain Cadwalhon, obtained the rule and government of North-wales. In the year 986 Godfryd the son of Haroald, entered 986 the I'll of Anglesey the third time, took Lhywarch the son of Owen, and put out his eyes, He took 2000 prisoners besides. Hereupon Meredyth the Prince, with the rest, escaped and fled to Caerdigan. And there was a great murrain also among the cattles throughout all Wales. Than the Danes again entered England with divers Armies, and at Westport and Witest overthrew the Lords of England, Godan and Britchwould: so that the King was compelled to hire the Danes with the payment of 10000 pounds to live quietly in the Land: and yet within a while after, the king himself Dane gelt. Hol. pag. 239 broke the Peace, For he prepared a great navy to meet the Danes by sea, where he was overcome, & lost all his ships, which were taken, with Alfricke Earl of Mercia Captain of the same. After this the Danes spoiled York, with Lyndsey, & went to Northumberland, where they were put to flight by Godwyn & Fridgist. About the same time Aulaffe & Swain, sailing up the Thames, with 94. sails, besieged London, which was valiantly defended. Wherhfore the Danes left their ships, entered the land, and cruelly with fire and sword H. Hunt. destroyed all Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and Hampshire. Hereupon king Edelred sent to them for peace, which he purchased with great sums of money and Uictuall; so that they lay peaceably at Hampton that winter. Than Aulaffe upon composition came to Edelred, who received him worthily, and did so entertain him, that he promised to departed the land, and never to return, which Promise' he faithfully kept. The year 987. died jevaf the son of Edwal, who had 987 lived many years a private life. The same year also died Owen the son of Howel Dha, Prince of Southwales. This Owen had three sons, Eneon, which died in his Father's time; Lhywarch, who lost both his eyes; and Meredyth who (as is before declared) had won North-wales, and after his Father's death took also to his possession all Southwales, having no respect to his brother Eneon's sons, viz. Edwin & Theodor or Tewdor. About the same time the Danes sailed from Hampton along the coast, spoiling Devonsbire & Cornwall; and so at the last landed in Southwales, and destroyed S. David's, Lhanbadarn, Lhanrystyd, and Lhandydoch, (which were all places of Religion;) and did so much hurt in the country besides, that to be rid of them, Meredyth was feign to agreed with them, & to give them a Penny for every man within his Land, which was called The tribute of the black army. At this time Elwmaen the son of Abloic King of Ireland was slain, & a great number of people died for hunger. The year 989 Owen the son of Dyfnwal was slain. Within a 989 year after Meredyth King of Wales destroyed the town of Radnor, at what time his nephew Edwin the son of Eneon, having to his aid Duke Adelf, and a great army of English and Danes spoiled all the land of Meredyth in Southwales, as Caerdigan, Dyvet, Gwyr, Kydweli, and S. David's: where Edwin took Pledges of the chief men of those countries'. In the mean time this Meredyth with his people did spoil Glamorgan, so that no place was free from sword and fire: but at the last Meredyth and Edwin fell to an agreement, & became friends. Soon after Cadwalhon the only son of Meredyth died. Meredyth being thus occupied, had so much to do in Southwales, that North-wales lay open to the enemy: which when the Danes perceived, they arrived in Anglesey, upon Ascension day, & destroyed the whole I'll. Whereupon the Matth. West. pag, 383. Io. Castor. Inhabitants of that Country received Edwal the son of Meyric the right heir of North-wales, for their Prince, in the year 992, the Nobility delivering both Him & his Brothers 992 out of Prison, where Meredyth had secured them as Pledges. These great troubles being past, there followed within a year after such famine and scarcity in Southwales, that many perished for want of food. Edwal ap Meyric ap Edwal Voel and Meredyth ap Owen. THis Edwal being in possession of North-wales studied to keep and defend his people from wrongs. But Meredyth (the difference between him and his Nephew Edwin being composed) gathered together all his Power, intending to recover North-wales again, And Edwal meeting him at Lhangwm, overthrew him there in Battle; Where Theodor or Tewdor Mawr, Meredyth's Nephew, was slain, who left behind him two sons, Rees and Rytherch, and a Daughter called Elen wife to Blethyn ap Maenyrch Lord of Brecon. A little after this Swain the son of Haroald destroyed the I'll of Man: and entering Matth. West. North-wales slew Edwal the Prince thereof, who left behind him a son called Jago. In the year of Christ 998, the Danes came again to S. David's, 998 destroying all before them, and there they slew Morgeney or rather Urgeney Bishop of that Sea. The same year also died Meredyth the son of Owen King or Prince of Wales, leaving behind him one only Daughter called Angharad, which was married to Lhewelyn ap Sitsylht, and, after his death, to Conuyn Hirdref, or (as others think) to Conuyn ap Gwerystan; she had Children by both of them, which was the cause of much War and Mischief in Wales, as shall hereafter appear. ¶ A. D. 1000 the Danes spoilt North-wales, and the year after died Môr ap Gwyn, and Ivor Porthalarchi. I am prove to believe, it was not Tewdwr Mawr but his brother Edwin that was slain in the Battle forementioned, which also seems rather to have been fought at Hengwm in Ardudwy in Merionethshire than at Llangwm; for there are to this day certain Monuments of Victory to be seen, as heaps of stones, Tombstones, & Columns, which they call ●arnoddi Hengwm. Edwin the son of Eneon, Meredyth's elder Brother, was the lawful Heir of Southwales though dispossessed by Meredyth. Aedan the son of BLEGORED. THe death of both these Princes (for so much as Meredyth had no issue Male, and Edwal had left behind him a Child under age, not able to take the charge of a Commonwealth) did 'cause much trouble to ensue: for in North-wales several did aspire to the Government, and sought the Rule of the Land, as Conan the son of Howel, and Aedan the son of Blegored, who tried the matter in open field, where Conan was slain in the year 1003 1003. ⚜ I do not know, neither could I ever found, what Colour or pretence of Title, this Aedan ap Blegored had to the Principality of North-wales, nor yet of whom he descended, or who came of him: whereas all the other Princes are notoriously known, of what Families they descended, and who came of them. Neither yet do I read of any Blegored, whose son he might be, except it be that Doctor of Law, of whom mention is made in the Laws of Howel Dha, his Estate may be thought too mean to challenge the Principality. He is reported to have Governed about XII years. Of the Acts by him achieved, there is very little written, saving of those two Battles, the one wherein he overcame Conan ap Howel, and the other wherein he was overcome himself, and slain with his four sons, by Lhewelyn ap Sitsylht. In the year 1004, Gulfath and Ubiad Irish Lords, 1004 were taken by the Scots, and their eyes put out, which Scots did also destroy the Country and Town of Dublyn. Likewise the Danes, who had destroyed again Westwales went to England, spoiling and burning the Land all before them, especially Somersetshire, Dorsetshire, and so through Hampshire and Sussex, they came towards the River of Matt. West. Thames without any Let or Stay, and so sailed along the River to the place, where the River Mydwey entereth the Thames, along which they came to Rochester, where they overthrew the Kentishmen that gave them battle. Edelred King of England was at this time in Cumberland the chief Den of the Danes, which land he brought to his subjection: but in the mean while another army of Danes fought again with the men of Somersetshire, and got the victory, and ruled the country at their pleasure. Than Edelred hearing of the great worthiness of Richard Duke of Normandy sent to him for his Daughter Emma in marriage, thinking to have succour thereby: But God intending to punish the great sins and enormities of the Saxons moved the King thereto, that as they being instruments of God's wrath, under colour of friends and hired soldiers, had traitorously slain the Britons, and driven them out of their own land, so should the Normans by colour of this affinity first enter the land as friends, and bring succour against the Danes, and afterwards come as foes, and be the utter destruction of the Saxons and Angles: which was than foreseen and told the King by an Anachoret, who inspired with the spirit of God, saw the plagues which he had certainly appointed to fall upon the Saxons: but the King puffed up with pride, and hope of this affinity, did privily writ to all the English Rulers through the realm, to kill the The Danes murdered. Matt. West. pag, 39●. Danes in one night, who than lived peaceably; this murder was cruelly executed upon S. Brices' day at night. But yet the Danes would not give over so with loss. Therefore the year following, there came an army of them to Devonshire, and overran the land with fire & sword, sparing nothing that had life, that they might revenge the murder of their Cousins. They razed the city of Excester, and slew Hugh the Norman, Matt. West. pag. 393. H. Hunt. Sim. Dunel. whom the Queen had appointed Governor there. Than Almarus Earl of Devon gathered a great army out of Hampshire, Wiltshire, and all the Country about, and met the Danes: but he and his were put to flight, and the Danes pursued them to Wilton, and destroyed it and Salisbury, and returned to their ships with rich spoils and great triumph. ⚜ Some are of another opinion, who affirm, that the said Hugh Io. Cast Si. Dunelm. Haul pag. 243. Io. Vowel. the Norman enticed and procured the Danes to come and besiege the City of Excester, which they burned, and used the people with great cruelty, until in the end the said Almarus' Earl of Devon, and the Gentlemen of the country submitted themselves, and so obtained peace. And the year following, being 1004, Swayne a mighty 1004. Prince of Denmark, to whom God predestinated the Crown of England, came with a great number of ships, laid slege to Norwich, and spoilt it, with whom Wol●kettel Duke of the Hol. pag 243. Country made peace: yet the Danes, after they had rested a while, went to Thetford, which they also spoiled, and returned to their ships with their prey, and overthrew Duke Wolfkettel (who had gathered and prepared an army to fight with them) and so sailed to their Country: And two years after returned again with their companions, fire, sword and spoil, and landed at Sandwich, which they burned, and made England Hol. pag, 244. quake as a reed in the wind, and thence sailed to Wight, where they wintered till Christmas, and than entered Hampshire, and passed in divers Bands through the land to Reding, Wallingford and Colsey, devouring such victuals as they found in the houses, and paying with sword and fire at their departing. And at their return they met near Essington the army of the Io. Cast Westsaxons, which did nothing but trouble them with killing, and laded them with spoil, and so passed by the Gates of Winchester, with much triumph to Wight; and all this while was King Edelred at his Manor in Shropshire full of cares and troubles. And than the Nobility of England bought peace of the Danes for 30000 pound. In which time of Peace Edelred made an Order, that of every 300 Hides of land H. Hunt. through the Realm, there should be a ship made and furnished, and of every 8 Hides, a Corselet and a Helmet. An Hide containeth as much ground as a plough may ear by the year. Besides these the King had a Naby from Normandy, which being all together at Sandwich, was one of the greatest that ever was seen in Brytain. But it happened so, that where Io, Cast Matt. West. the King had banished one Wilnot a Noble man of Sussex, he fell a roving upon the Sea, and troubled all passages and Uictuallers. Than Brightrych brother to the Traitor Edric 1008 Earl of Mercia, promised the King to bring before him Wilnot either alive or dead, but it happened otherwise, for there fell such a tempest, that he was driven of force to the shore, where many of his ships were lost, and the rest Wilnot and his Company set on fire and burned. Than Brightrych, being abashed at this infortunate beginning, returned again along the Thames to London. Shortly after there landed a Navy of Danes at Sandwich, Io, Cast and so passed by land to Canterbury, with a mind to destroy the City: but the Citizens bought their peace for 30000 pound. And the Danes passed first through Kent, Suffex, Hampshire, and Berkshire, where King Edelred with all the power of England met them: notwithstanding being persuaded by the Traitor Edric, he would not fight with them, so that they returning back by London (which City defended itself manfully) went to their ships. But the year following they landed again at Ipswich upon Ascension day, and there overcame and put to flight Duke Wolfkettel, who fought with them. Than passing from thence to Cambridge, they met the King's sister's son with his Army, whom they slew, and with him Duke Oswyn, with Edwin and Wolfrike Earls, and after took their way by Essex towards Thames, leaving 1010. no part of cruelty unpractised by the way. And along the River Gwlfach and Vbiad had their eyes put out. Hol. pag. 245. Io. Cast jarddur Monk of Enlli died. side they went to Oxford, which they had burned the year before, and so to the three castles upon Ouze, Buckingham, Bedford and Huntingdon, and destroyed Godmanchester, which was than a fair Town, and burned Northampton, and at Christmas returned to their ships. The next year following when they had spoiled all the land from Trent Southward, they laid siege to the City of Canterbury, and won it by the treason of one Almarike (whom Alfege the Archbishop had delibered 1011 from death) and left nothing behind them, but blood Io. Cast Hol. pag, 246. Matt. Park. pag. 68 and ashes, carrying the Archbishop with others to their ships, whom they cruelly slew afterwards. Within a while after, Swain King of Denmark came along the Humber to Gainsbourgh, to whom Vitred Duke of Northumberland with all his people, and all Linsey with the Country's North of Watling-streete became subjects, and gave him hostages. Whereupon Swain finding his enterprises successful, committed his Navy to Cnute his son, and went himself to Oxford and Winchester, which Cities with all the Countries about acknowledged him for their King. Than he came to London, where King Edelred was, but the Citizens defended the City so manfully and valiantly, that Swain returned to Wallingford, and so to Bathe, and received homage of all Westsaxon, and afterwards coming to London, received the City to mercy, and was called King throughout the Land. Than Edelred perceiving all things to go against him, fled Hol. pag. 249. Io. Castor. to Normandy, to his Wife and his two sons, Edward and Alfred, whom he had sent thither before. And Swayne, Sim. Dunel, after he had brought the whole land to his obedience, died suddenly, after whose death, the Danes chose Cnute his son for their King; but the Englishmen sent for Edelred home again. who coming with a great Army destroyed Lynsey, Hol. pag. 248. because that Province was become subject to Cnute; Which thing when Cnute understood being at Ipswich, he cut of the hands and noses of all the Pledges that he had, and returned to Denmark. About this time, Brian King of Ireland, and Murcath his son, and other Kings of that land subject to him, did gather a great Power against Sutric the son of Abloic King of Dyvelyn, and Mailmorda King of Lagines; which Sutric hired a number of strangers, all armed men, and rovers upon the seas to his succour, and gave Brian battle, where the said Brian and his son were slain, and on the other side Mailmorda, and Broderike Captain of the strangers. In the year 1013, Cnute came again from Denmark, and 1013. landed in Westsex, and spoilt all the Country. Than Edric Io. Cast with Edmund King Edelreds' bastard son, gathered an Army, but yet they durst not give him Battle. Than went Edmund to Vitred Duke of Northumberland, and together they spoiled Staffordshire, Leycestershire, and Shropshire. Cnute likewise, upon the other side, came down through Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Huntingdonshire, and so by Stafford passed toward York, to whom Vitred came and yielded himself, yet he lost his life, whose possessions Cnute gave to one Egricke, and made him Duke in his stead, whereupon Edmund went to his Father, which lay sick at London. Than Cnute returned to his ships, and sailed to the Thames mouth, and up the River towards London: but before he came thither, Edelred was departed, after he had reigned with much trouble and misery 37 years. After whose death, the Englishmen chose his base son Edmund, surnamed Ironside for his strength and hardiness in War, to be their King. This Edmund went to Westsex, and brought all that Country to his subjection. Than the Danes laid siege to London, and made a great trench about it, that no man could escape out, and gave 1 Edmund battle (who came to raise the siege) at Proman by Gillingham, where Edmund had the upper hand. The second 2 battle fought at Caerstan, wherein Edric, Almar and Io. Castor. Matth. West. pag. 498. Algar behaved themselves traitorously against Edmund, where after a long fight the night parted both the Armies. The third battle was at London, where Edmund pursued the 3 Danes to their ships, and entered the City triumphantly, and two days after they fought the fourth Battle at Brenford, 4 from whence Edmund bore the honour away: and went to gather a new Army, whiles Cnute did besiege London by Water and Land, but it was manfully defended. Than Edmund with his Army passed the Thames at Brenford, and entered into Kent, and fought the fift Battle, where the Danes fled as sheep before him, but he stayed the pursuit by the wicked 5 counsel of the Lraitor Edric, whom he had received to mercy & made Steward of the Land; this Battle was fought at Essedowne in Essex, with the whole power of the Danes and Englishmen, there Edmund shown his prowess, and forsaking his place, which was betwixt the Dragon and the Matth. West. pag, 399 Standard, he entered the Army of his enemies, breaking their thickest ranks, and compelling the proudest of them to turn their backs. Which when Edric saw, fearing the overthrow of the Danes, he cried aloud, Fled Engle, Fled Engle, Edmund is Dead: and thereupon fled with his people, all the Army following him, to the great slaughter of the English; there were slain there Edmund, Alfric, Godwyn, and Ul●kettel, all Hol. pag. 255. Matth. West. page, 399, Dukes, and all the Chivalry of England. After which victory, Cnute entered London, and was Crowned King of the Land. And Edmund having gathered his Army together they met in Glocestershire, but both Armies fearing one the other were loath to fight, so that they moved the Kings to make an end of this cruel bloodshed by Combat, whereunto both Princes Hol. pag. 256. Matt. West. page. 400. Io. Castor. agreed, and the place being apppointed, fought together manfully, and they were both of them found so Ualiant and Worthy men, as few the like. But Cnute fearing the incomparable strength of Edmund moved him to accord, whereunto be agreed: Thereupon Peace was concluded with much joy, that Edmund should Keigne in Westsex, and Cnute in Mercia: and so they departed, Cnute to London, and Edmund to Oxford, where he was traitorously murdered by a son Sim. Dunel. Fabian. Matt. West. pag. 401. of Edric with a sharp knife, as he was at the Privy. Edric being quickly certified of the deed came to Cnute (with much joy) and gréeted him as only King of England, declaring how Edmund was slain at Oxford. To whom Cnute replied, that for his good service be would reward him, as his deserts required, Matt. West. pag. 402. and set him above all the Nobles of England: Thereupon he caused his Head to be cut of forthwith, and to be set upon a Pole, on the highest Lower in London, and than he caused execution to be done upon all the other, that were consenting to the murder. In the year 1015 Lhewelyn 1015 the son of Sitsylht raised a great power against Aedan, who had by usurpation possessed himself of the rule of North-wales, and having slain him with his four sons in battle (without any respect to Jago (or James) the son of Edwal the right heir) he took upon himself, the name and authority of King of Wales. This Lhewelyn was descended from the Kings of Wales by his Mother's side, whose name was * Prawst. Trawst, Daughter to Elise, second son to Anarawd, the eldest son of Roderike the Great: He had to wife Angharat, the only daughter of Meredyth Prince of Southwales, and so by these means he claimed and enjoyed the right of both Countries, as hereafter shall be declared. ¶ Elystan Glodrydd Prince of Ferlix, or the Country between Why and Severne, who is reckoned the 4th Royal Tribe of Cambria, reigned about this time. Our Writers style him also Earl of Hereford. Athelstan King of England was his Godfather, and gave him his own name at his Baptism. Edelstanus eum sacro de fonte levavit, R. Powel. Infantique dedit proprium de nomine nomen. He was the son of Cyhelyn ap Ivor ap Severus ap Cadwr Wenwyn, and so to Casnar Wledig ap Gloyw Wl●d lydan (that is, with the large Dominions) the son of Tenantius and Brother of Cynobelinus Kings of Britain, as jevan Brechva, who lived in the days of Henry the 6th hath left upon record, which also an old MS. in Parchment written about 200 years before his time witnesseth concerning the said Gloyw: But Rich. Powel of Ednop in Shropshire Esq. a Gentleman well seen in the Antiquities of Wales, and lineally descended from the said Elystan saith, Gloyw was the son of Arviragus, the son of Cynobelinus, and not the son of the Emperor Claudius, as jeffrey of Monmouth would have it. Our Antiquities say, that the posterity of Casnar Wledig the son of Gloyw had their habitations on both sides os Severne, as in Powis, Arustli, Ceri, Cydewen, Radnorshire, being the Lands and Possessions of Blethyn ap Convyn, Trahayrn ap Caradoc, Elystan Glodrydd, and of their Ancestors descended from the said Casnar: So were also Gloucester, Worcester, Ewyas, Erging, and the rest of Herefordshire with Gwerthrynion and Buellt, the Lands of Vortigern King of Britain, whose Pedigree Gildas Albanius deriveth to the said Gloyw thus, Guorthigern map Guorthineu map Guitaul map Guitolin map Glovi. Bonus, Paulus & Mauron fuerunt tres filii Glovi, qui aedificavit Urbem magnam super ripam fluminis Sabrinae, quae vocatur Britannico sermone Caer Glovi, Saxonicè Gloucester. But this Glovi cannot be the same with the former Gloyw, unless ●t might so hap that some names have been left out in the Pedigree between Vortigern and Glovi. Also we read in the same Author, that Embrisius (commonly called Ambrose Aurelianus) King and Monarch of Britain gave unto Pascen the son of Vortigern upon his submission some part of his Father's inheritance, to wit, Buellt and Gwerthrynion, which (according to Nennius) he left to his son Brincat father of Mempric father of Paul father of Eldoc father of Eldat father of Merwydd father of Guevan father of Theudibir King of Buellt father of Fermael King of Gwerthrynion, both which last named lived together as may be gathered out of Ninnius and Samuel Beulan, about the year of our Lord 820. But how the forementioned lands came to Elystan and his Ancestors a 100 years after, I have not yet learned. His Mother was Rhieingar the daughter and heir of Grono ap Tuder Trevor, of whom mention is made before p. 27, 28. He quarter's these Coats, A. 3 boars heads Cobazed S languid G. tusked Or. And G. a lion rampant, regardant Or. Some say Elystan married Gwenllian the daughter of Eneon ap Owen ap Howel Dda, by whom he had Cadwgan, the Ancestor of many worthy Families. Families descended from Elystan Glodrydd. The Pryces of Newtowne, Owens of Rhiwsaeson, the Lloyds, Williamses and others in Mountgomeryshire, some Gentlemen in Shropshire, most of the Gentry of Radnorshire, and very many in other parts of Southwales, whose names I have not. Sir William Thomas of Aber in Carnarvonshire Kt, Granchild to Sir William Thomas of Llangathan in Carmarthenshire Kt, descended from Elystan. Lewis Owen of Penyarth in Merionethshire Esq. a Learned, accomplished Gentleman comes also from him, so Hugh ap john ap Hugh of Llanvendiged. The Pedigree of the Prices of Newtowne. Sir Matthew Price Baronet, son of Sir john Price Baronet, who was the son of Edward the eldest son of john Price the eldest son of Matthew Gôch the eldest son of Thomas Price of Newtown, which Thomas was 2d son to Rees ap David Lloyd (Esquire of the body to K. Edw. 4. and slain at Banbury) ap David ap Eneon ap Howel ap Tuder ap Eneon Vychan ap Eneon or graig ap jevaf ap Grono ap Ivor ap Idnerth ap Cadwgan ap Elystan Glodrydd. john Price of Park Esq. is descended from Matthew 2d son to the foresaid john Price. Arthur Price of Vaenor was 2d son to Matthew Gôch; He married a Daughter of the Earl of Bath, & had by her Edward Price & john Price of Llinwént. The said Edward married a daughter of Dr Nic: Robinson Bp. of Bangor, by whom he had Arthur Price Esq. whose daughter & Heir by Mary daughter to Owen Vaughan of Llwydiarth Esq. married George Devereux Esq. eldest son to Sir George Devereux of Sheldon in Warwickshire Kt, by whom she had Price D'evereux Esq. and other Children. Oliver the 2d son of the forenamed Thomas Price had Nevadd wen, from whom are descended the Bolvirs of Llanyrvil. From Meredyth the eldest son of Rees ap David Lloyd comes Price of Keri. The Paternal Coat of the Prices of Newtowne and Vaenor. Quarterly 1. A. 3 boars heads cooped S. languid G. tusked Or, 2. G. a lion rampant regardant Or. the 3d as the 2d, the 4th as the 1st. Lhewelyn ap Sitsyllt: and Angharad his wife the only Daughter of Meredyth. AFter that Lhewelyn the son of Sitsylht had taken into his hands the government of Wales, all things prospered: the earth brought forth double to the time before passed, the people prospered in all their affairs, and multiplied wonderfully, the cattles increased in great number, so that there was neither beggar nor poor man from the South to the North sea, but every man had plenty, every house a dweller, and every town inhabitants. Now in this time Cnute married Emme sometimes wife to Edelred, and mother to Alfred and Edward, and sent Edmund and Edward the sons of Edmund Ironside to Hungary to be slain, but the King of Hungary cherished them as his own Ran. Cest. lib. 6. cap. 18, children. King Cnute also levied upon the land a great subsidy of 72000 pounds, besides 11000 pounds, which the Citizens of London paid. In the year 1019 Meyric the son 1019 of Arthpoel raised a great Army against Lhewelyn King or Prince of Wales, who met him in the Field, manfully slew him, and discomfited his people. Also this year Cnute with a great Navy sailed to Denmark, and made war against Ran. Cest. ib. the Vandals, who had a great Army in the field, which Cnute overthrew by the prowess of Earl Godwyn, and the Englishmen, which made him love them the better ever after. In the year 1020, a certain Scot of low birth came to 1020 Southwales, who naming himself Run the son of Meredyth their late King, was by the Nobility, which loved not Lhewelyn, exalted to the Regal Throne, and taken for their King; which when Lhewelyn heard, he gathered his power in North-wales, and advanced towards Run, who had gotten all the strength of Southwales together at Abergwili, where with great pride he abode the coming of Lhewelyn. But when both Armies were ready to join, Run full of brags and cracks encouraged his people to fight, promising them the victory: yet he himself (following the Proverb, which biddeth a man to set on his dog, and not to run after him) set on his people to fight it to the uttermost, and withdrew himself privily out of the way: whereas upon the contrary part, Lhewelyn, like a bold and courageous Prince, came before his people, calling for the vile Scot Run, that durst so belly a Prince's blood; so both the Armies joined Battle with much malice and hatred, the one party was not so courageous to defend the quarrel of so worthy a Prince of their own blood, as the other was obstinate in the cause of a stranger: in the end, after great slaughter upon either part, the North-wales men remembering their old victories, and encouraged by the prowess of their Prince, put their enemies to flight, and pursued Run so narrowly, that all his Scottish shifts could not save his life, and so returned home with great spoil and prey. Than Lhewelyn ruled all the land quietly, but the year following be was slain by Howel and Meredyth the sons of Edwin, leaving behind him a son named Gruffyth ap Lhewelyn. ¶ It is not recorded in History, of what Stock or Lineage Lhewelyn ap Sitsyllt Paternally descended, nor have we in any of our Books his Coat of Arms, or the Coat of his son Prince Griffith ap lewelyn. The house and land of the said lewelyn and his son Griffith being at Ruthlan (which was a part of that Country Anarawd gave to the Northern Britons of Cumbria in England, and Stratclwyd in Scotland to inhabit) it is probable they might be descended from one of those Noble strangers that seated themselves there; Possibly the interest and Relations Sitsylt (Llewelyns Father) had in Cumberland might induce Edmund King of England to make use of his assistance, when he marched with an Army against Dunmail King of Cumbria. Of Ednowen Bendew. Ednowain Bendew Lord of Tegaingl, one of the 15 Tribes of Gwyneth, lived A. D. 1015 in the time of Prince lewelyn ap Sitsyllt according to Mr Powel of Ednop's verses, but in a book cited by Peter Ellis, wherein it is said he was the Chiefest of the 15 Tribe●, we may found that he lived after, in the year 1079. His Arms, A. a Cheveron S. between three Boars heads Cooped. Ednowen Bendew Capitonem voce Britannâ Ric. Powel. Innuit, Hic pat●ios vastantem funditus agros Horrendum setis & acutis dentibus Aprum Fortitèr occidit, quare huic argenteo in agro A●ra trium capita aprorum curvamine nigro: Tota Bithelorum domus hâc de stripe resurgit, Ille Leolino vixit regnante Sisillo. Rotpert ap jorwerth ap Ririd of Coedymynydd, who was a man of great power, and lived in the days of Edw. I. as appears by the Records of the Exchequer of Chester, descended from him. Rotpert had a Brother called Madoc, that was Bishop of Bangor, and is not mentioned in Bishop Godwins History of Bishops. There is to be seen an Ode in praise of this Rotpert composed Io. jones of Flint. by a Bard of those times. Ithel the son of Rotpert was a Learned man, and Archdeacon of Tegaingl in the days of Edw. the 3d. The Bithels of Flintshire, and other worthy Families (which may be known by their Arms) come from this Tribe. A. D. 1021 after the death of lewelyn ap Seisyllt, Rytherch ap jestyn King of Glamorgan obtained of King Cnute the rule of Southwales, as Caradoc hath it, but the Book of Landaffe saith, of all Wales, Totius Gwaliae exceptâ tantum Insulâ Evoniae quam Jacob filius Idgwal per se tenebat: Riderch dico virum pacificum & mansuetum omnibus totius Regni tam Clericis quam Laicis, Viduis & Orphanis jura sua & haereditates divinâ lege & humanâ concedentem, & maximè Ecclesiae Dei & gubernatoribus ejus, Episcopis videlicet, & omnibus de inferioribus gradibus. In cujus tempore nulla desolatio in montibus nec in plano, nisi tantum tribus villis per totam Gualiam in solitario etc. Tho: Maelor (if he be the Author of the Card of the Pedigree of the Princes of Powis) writes thus, Blethyn ap Convyn ap lewelyn ap Griffith ap Seissyllt ap Trahayrn ap Anarawd Prince of Powis, where he makes Trahayrn to be the Father of Seissyllt, which is a gross mistake, there being herein never a true descent save that Blethyu was the son of Convyn. Iago the Son of Edwal ap Meyric ap Edwal Voel. After the death of Lhewelyn, Jago or James the son of Edwal took upon him the rule of North-wales as right Heir thereof. And Rytherch the son of Jestyn governed Southwales by strong hand. Cnute King of England about this time made a voyage to Ran. Cest. lib. 6. Denmark and Swethen, against Ulf and Alaf, who had stirred up the Finlanders against him, he had a cruel fight with them, lost a great number of his Army, as well Englishmen as Danes; and after his return to England, he made his journey to Rome in great pomp and glory, not because he Io. Cast thought by that journey to be cleansed from his sins, but that his ambitious mind might have the praise and fame of the World, for his rich gifts and Princely behaviour, and what holiness be learned there, it appeared at his return. For forthwith be entered Scotland with a great Army, against Malcolme the Prince thereof, who desired Peace, and became his Subject, wi●h two other Kings of the Orkneys, and Ewyst, Molbeath and Je●mare. About the year 1031 the Irish-Scots entered Southwales, 1031 by the means of Howel and Meredyth, the sons of Two more, Vchtrid & Owen. Edwin ap Eneon ap Owen ap Howel Dha, who hired them against Rytherch ap Jestyn, whom they discomfited and slew, and by that means attained unto the government of Southwales, which they two ruled jointly, but yet with small quietness, for the * Rees. Griffith. sons of Rytherch gathered a number of such as were their Father's friends to revenge his death, with whom Howel and Meredyth met at Hyarthwy, and after a long dispute put them to f●ight. But the year following, Meredyth was slain by the sons of Conan the son of Sitsylht, Brother to the worthy Prince Lhewelyn, to revenge their Father's death, whom Meredyth and his brother had slain. The year next ensuing, certain Englishmen entered the land of Gwent, with whom Caradoc the son of Rytherch ap Jestyn fought, and was by them slain. Not long after died Cnute the most Powerful and famous H. Hunt. Io. Castor. Matth. West. Ran. Cest. lively 6 Alb. Crantz. Prince in the West Parts of the World, as he that had under his Dominion, the great Country of Swethen, from Germany to the North pole, with Norway and Denmark, and all the Noble I'll of Britain. After him Haroald Harfote his son begotten upon Alwyn the Daughter of Duke Alselyn, was Created King. For Hardi Cnute his other son by Emma was than in Denmark. This Haroald in the first year of his Reign banished Emma his stepmother out of the Realm. In the year 1037 Gruffyth (the son of Lhewelyn ap Sitsyllt 1037 sometimes King of Wales,) raised a great number of people against Jago than enjoying the Principality or Kingdom of North-wales, whom Jago likewise provided for, as well as he could: but the greater part and the better Soldiers were of Gruffyths side, for the love they bore to his Father, which afterwards well appeared: for after the Armies once met, Jago was soon overthrown and slain. This Jago left behind him a son called Conan, by his Wife Avandred Daughter ●o Gweir the son of Pylh. ¶ A. D. 1022. One joseph was made Bishop of Landaff, whose 1022 election was ratified by the aforesaid Prince Rytherch, who, as we have it in the said book of Landaff, confirmed also the Lands and Churches belonging to that Sea. In the old British Text thus we read, Un mlynedd are ddêg are ugain a mil oedd oed Crist pan laddawddyr Yscotiaid Rydderch ap jestyn, a jago vab Idwal a gynhelis teyrnas Wynedd, a meibion Edwin, Howel a Meredydd agynhalasant deyrnas y Deheu. Hence it may seem, jago had but the Isle of Môn only in his possession, until the death of Rytherch. About the year of Christ 1034 Morgynnith a Bishop died. Gruffyth the Son of Lhewelyn ap Sitsylht and Angharat. GRuffyth ap Lhewelyn, after he had slain Jago governed North-wales, and worthily in all things, following his Father's steps, who overcame both the Danes and the English divers times, and defended his Country and People manfully all his Reign. In the first year of his Government he fought with the English and Danes at Crosford upon Seaverne, and put them to flight, and from thence he led his Army to Lhanpadarn vawr in Caerdigan shire, and destroyed it utterly, and from thence passed all Southwales throughout, and received the people to his subjection. For Howel ap Edwin their King fled before his face, and forsook the Land. ⚜ This Howel procured Edwin the Brother of Leofrike Earl Hol. pag. 272. of Chester or Mercia, to come with an Army of Englishmen and Danes to his aid against Prince Gruffyth, who met his enemies in the field, and overcame them, and slew the said Edwin, but Howel escaped by flight. After which victory Gruffyth made sundry Matt. West. invasions into the Marches towards Hereford, and always returned with great spoils. When Gruffyth had brought all Wales under his Dominion, he returned to North-wales again. The year ensuing, 1038 Herman Archbishop of Menevia or S. David's died, a 1038. man both learned and Godly. The year next following, Howel King of Southwales gathered a great power of his friends and strangers, and entered the Land, intending to recover it again. Wherhfore Gruffyth like a worthy Prince, came with all speed to secure his people, and meeting with Howel at Pencadair, after he had encouraged his Soldiers, gave him Battle, and overthrew him, and pursued him so narrowly, that he took Howels wife, whom he had brought to the field to see the overthrow of Gruffyth, but it fell out otherwise, and Gruffyth liked her so well that he kept her for his Concubine. About this time, Haroald King of England died, and his brother Hardy cnute Reigned in his stead, a Noble and a liberal Prince, who (as it is reported) caused his Lables to be H. Hunt. covered and furnished four times every day, for strangers and all comers, and after he had Reigned two years, he died at Lambeth in the flower of his age. After his death, the English Matt: West. Sim. Dunel. sent for Alfred the eldest son of Edelred from Normandy, but that message pleased not Earl Godwyn, who was the most potent man in the Land, because he knew the young Prince to be Courageous and stout, and therefore one that would not suffer him to rule the Land as he intended to do. Therefore he persuaded the People that Alfred, who had come well accompanied with Normans, had promised them the whole rule of the Land, thereupon they took all the Normans and bound them, and afterwards tithed them, putting every tenth man to death. And yet they thought there were two many, wherefore they tithed them the second time, and led Alfred from Gilford (where this cruelty was committed) to Gillingham, and there put out his eyes, and removed him from thence to Ely where he was pitifully murdered. Afterward they sent for Edward the younger son, whom they received as King the year following, after that he had married Godwyns daughter, He in the first year of his Reign banished Earl Swayne, son to the said Earl Godwyn, who was received of the Earl of Flanders. In the year 1041 Howel came again to South wales, and remained 1041 there a while: and shortly after a number of strangers landed in West wales and spoilt the Country, against whom Howel The Battle of Pwll Devach. gathered a number of People, and fought with them, and drove them to their ships with much losle. At this time Conan the son of Jago (who had fled to Ireland to save his life) with the power of Alfred or Auloedd King of Develyn, whose daughter Ranulph or Ranull● he had married, entered North wales, and by Treason had taken Gruffyth the King, and carried him towards the ships: but when it was known, the Country upon the sudden followed the Irishmen, and overtaking them rescued their Prince, and pursued their enemies (with much slaughter) to their ships, who returned straight with Conan to Ireland. The year following, Howel the son of Owen Lord of Glamorgan died, being a man full of years. Than Howel ap Edwin called to his succour Danes and Englishmen, with all the power he could make in South wales. Whereof Gruffyth being certified, gathered his power together in North wales, and came on courageously to meet his enemies, (whom he had twice before discomfited) and overcame them, and chased them, as fare as the spring of the river Towy, where after a long and dangerous battle Howel was slain, and his Army discomfited, and so narrowly pursued, that few escaped alive. After his death Rytherch and Rees the sons of Rytherch ap Jestyn aspiring Hol. pag. 2●0. Matt. West. again to the rule and government of South wales, which their father had once got, gathered a great Army, as well of strangers, as out of Gwentland and Glamorgan, and met with Gruffyth King of Wales●, who after his accustomed manner losing no time, but courageously animating his men with the remembrance of their former fortune and Uictories under his Standard, joined Battle with his enemies, whom he found disposed to abide, and to regain the honour which before they had lost: when they met, the fight was cruel and bloody, and continued till night, which easily parted both Armies being weary with fight, And either fearing other returned to their Countries, to gather more strength. This year Joseph Bishop of Teilo or Landaf died at Rome. The Land being thus quieted, Gruffyth ruled all Wales without any trouble: till about two years after, the Gentlemen of Ystrad Towy did by treason kill 140 of the Prince's best Soldiers, to revenge whose death King Gruffyth destroyed all Dyvet & Ystrad Towy. It is also to be noted here, that such snow fell this year, that it lay upon the earth from the Kalends of January, to the 14 of March. About this time, Lothen and Hyrling landed at Sandwich with a great number of Danes, and after they had spoilt the Town, they returned to their ships, and sailed to Flanders, and sold their booties, and so sailed to their Conntry. At this time also Earl Swayne returned to England, and came to his Father's house at Pevenese, and humbly besought his Father, and his Brethrens Haroald and Tosty, to procure him the King's Favour. So Earl Beorned promised to entreat the King for him, and went with Swain to his ships, where he was traitorously murdered, and his body left upon the shore, until his friends, being certified of the same, fetched him away, and buried him at Winchester, where his Uncle King Cnute had been buried before. Swayne having committed this wicked fact, sailed again to Flanders, and continued there, till his father made peace with the King, and brought him in favour again about a year after. In the year 1050 Conan the son of Jago did gather 1050 an Army of his friends in Ireland, minding to recover his inheritance again, and as he sailed towards Wales, there arose such a tempest, that it scattered his Navy abroad, and drowned most of his ships, so that he was disappointed of his purpose, and quite lost his labour. Shortly after, Robert Archbishop of Canterbury accused Earl Godwyn and his sons, Swayne and Haroald of Treason, and the Queen of Adultery, who because they refused to appear, being called before the King, were banished the Land, and the Queen put away from the King, whereupon Godwyn with Swayne fled to Flanders, and Haroald to Ireland. ⚜ Eustace Earl of Bologne, the Father of Godfrey, having Wil Malms. Hol. pag. 270. and 271. married Goda King Edward's sister, the widow of Walter de Maunt, came to England to his brother in Law, and as he was returning home again one of his servants killed a man at Canterbury (or at Dover, as Matth. Westm. hath it) whereof grew great Matt, West. pag. 419. inconveniency and slaughter on both sides: whereupon Eustace returning again, made a grievous complaint to King Edward against the Kentishmen, whose part Earl Godwyn took, because they were of his County. But Eustace by the suggestion of Robert Archbishop of Canterbury (who hated Godwyn and his sons) Matt. Park. so incensed King Edward against him and the Kentishmen, that Godwyn and his sons were sent for, to answer the matter before the King at Gloucester, Whereupon Godwyn fearing the King's displeasure (who could never brook him since the death of his brother Alfred) gathered an Army out of Kent and the Countries where his sons ruled, and so came towards Gloucester, reporting abroad, that all this preparation was made to resist Gruffyth Prince of Wales, who (as they affirmed) was ready with an army to invade the Marches. King Edward being certified by the Welshmen, that there was no such thing in hand, commanded Godwyn to sand bacl his army, and to come in person to answer, according to the order of law. Which when he refused to do, the King by the advice of Earl Leofrike appointed a Parliament and meeting at London, to take order in these matters, Where the King came with a great army out of Mercia and other western countries Than Godwyn remaining with his army in Southwerke, and perceiving how that divers of his friends disappointed him, and other daily forsook him and went to the King's part, despairing to be able too withst and the Kings proceed against him, conveyed himself away privily with his sons, and fled out of the land. Whereupon King Edward proclaimed him and his son's Outlaw's, confiscated their goods, and gave their lands to other of his nobility. Than the King gave to Adonan the Earldom of Devonshire and Dorsetshire, and to Algar son of Earl Leofrick the earldom of Haroald. Nevertheless Godwyn and Swayne got men and ships in Flanders, and sailed to the I'll of Wight, which they spoilt, as they also did Portland. At the same time Haroald coming from Ireland, and wafting alongst the shore, spoiling the country as he went, at length met with his father & brother, who being together burned Pevensey, Romney Heath, Folkston, Dover, and Sandwich, & entering the Thames destroyed Sheppey, & burned the King's houses at Middltowne, and afterwards sailed up towards London, where by the way they met with the King, and so sailed with him, & when they were even ready to fight, an accord was made by means of Bishop Stigand, in such sort that the King restored them their lands and goods, took home the Queen, and banished the Archbishop with all the Frenchmen, which had put that suspicion in the King's head. ⚜ Mat. Westm. writeth, that about this time, to wit, An. 1053. 1053 Rees the brother of Gruffyth King of Wales was slain in a place called Bulendune, whose head was presented to King Edward, the Matt▪ West. page. 420. day before the Epiphany, the King being than at Gloucester. A little after that, Oswald Earl of Northumberland, when he heard that his son was slain in Scotland, whither he had sent him with Forces to Conquer it, asked whether his death's wound was in his breast or in his back; and they saying, in his breast, he answered, I am right glad thereof, for I would not wish me nor my son to dye otherwise▪ Than King Edward entered Scotland, and overcame the King in Battle, and subdued the whole Land to himself. The year following, Earl Godwyn died at the King's table, choked with a piece of Bread, whose Earldom Haroald his son had, and Algar Earl of Chester had the Earldom of Haroald. ⚜ About this time Makbeth King of Scotland caused a Noble Hector Boet. lib. 12. cap. 5. man of his (named Bancho) to be cruelly murdered, whereupon Fleance the son of the said Bancho escaping the hands of Makbeth, fled to Gruffyth ap Lhewelyn Prince of Wales, where being Buchan. lively 7. page. 62. joyfully received & entertained courteously, he grew into such favour with the said Prince, that nothing was thought too good for him. But in process of time Fleance forgetting the courtesy to him shown, Hol. pag. 247. fell in love with the Prince's daughter, and got her with child. Which thing the Prince took in so ill part, that he in a rage caused Fleance to be killed, holding his daughter in most▪ vile estate of servitude, for so suffering herself to be deflowered by a stranger. At length she was delivered of a son, which was named Walter, who in few years proved a man of great courage and valiancy, in whom from his childhood appeared a certain nobleness of mind, ready to attempt any great enterprise. This Walter on a time fell out with one of his companions, who in that heat of contention objected unto him, that he was but a bastard, Which reproach so grieved Walter, that he fell upon the other, and slew him; whereupon fearing the punishment of the law, he fled into Scotland, where he fell into the company of those Englishmen which were come thither with Queen Margaret the sister of Edgar Edeling, amongst whom he shown himself so discreet and sober in all his demeanour, that he was highly esteemed of all men: and so attaining to higher reputation and credit, was afterwards employed in the affairs of the Common wealth, and at length made Lord Steward of Scotland, receiving the King's revenues of the whole Realm. From which office he and his posterity retained that surname of Steward ever after. The most Noble Kings of Scotland of the Family of Stewards, besides many other Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, and Barons of Great Fame and Renown, descended from him. Also at this time, Siward that worthy Earl of Northumberland, being brought to the point of death with the bloody flux, be wailed his mischance, that he had escaped in many a dangerous Battle, and now should dye such a filthy and cowardly death, and calling his friends and his men about him, commanded them to set him in his chair, to Arm him at all points, & to put his shield in the left hand, & so he made an end of his worthy life. His Earldom, because his Son was within years, was given to Tosty Godwyns son. In the year 1054 Gruffyth the son of Rytherch ap Jestyn, 1054. did gather a great number, as well strangers as others, against Gruffyth ap Lhewelyn King or Prince of Wales, but commonly called King of North-wales: who protracting no time, met him, fought with him, and slew him. Shortly after, Algar Earl of Chester, being convicted of Treason against Mat. We●. pag. 421. the King, fled to Gruffyth King or Prince of Wales, who gathered his power to revenge the often wrongs, which he had received at the Englishmen hands, who succoured ever his enemies against him. Therefore he together with Hol. p. 272 & ● 22. Octob. Algar entered Herefordshire, and spoilt with fire and sword all the way to the City, whither all the People had fled, and Matt. West. pag. 422. Io. Castor. This Randulph was K. Edward's nephew, by his sister God a the Wife of Walter de Maunt. Eo tempore religiosus vir Tr●merin Walonicus Antistes decessit. Sim. Dunelm. they boldly issued forth (Earl Randulph being their leader) and gave him Battle, which Gruffyth wished for above any other thing, as He that had won five set fields; and courageously receiving his enemies, fought with them. Which fight was long and doubtful, till such time as Gruffyth encouraged his people with the remembrance of the Prowess and worthy acts of the ancient Britain's their Forefathers, saying that they were the same Enemies, whose backs they had so oftentimes seen before: which doubled their strength and force, and so they pressed forwards, that their foes were compelled to forsake the field and trust to their feet, where their hands prevailed not, and thought to have taken the Town for their defence: But Gruffyth and his men pursued them so hard, that they entered in with them, & after a great slaughter returned home with many worthy Prisoners, great triumph, and rich spoils, leaving nothing in the Town, but blood and ashes, and the walls razed to the ground. ⚜ There be some which affirm, that King Edward by evil Hol. pag. 276. Io. Castor. counsel (as it is thought) banished Algar the son of Earl Leofrike, whereupon he got him into Ireland, and there providing XVIII ships of rovers, returned and joined himself with Gruffyth King or Prince of Wales, who both together invaded the Ceuntry of Mercia, about Hereford, where Ranulph Earl of that Country (who Matt. West. page. 423. St. Dunelm. was son to King Edward's sister named Goda, by her first husband Walter de Maunt) came against them with a great Army, and met them about two miles from Hereford, where after a sore fight by the space of three hours, Ranulph and his Army were discomfited, and about 500 of them slain, and the rest put to flight, whom Gruffyth and Algar pursued to Hereford, and entering the Town, set the Cathedral Church on fire, and slew the Bishop named Leogar,, with seven of the Canons, spoiled and burned the Town miserably. Whereupon, King Edward being advertised hereof, gathered an Army, & sent Haroald the son of Earl Godwyn against them, who pursuing the enemies to North-wales, passed through Stradclwyd to Snowdon: but Gruffyth and Algar being afraid to meet Haroald, got them again to Southwales, whereof Haroald being advertised, left one part of his Army in North-wales, to resist the enemies there, and returning with the residue to Hereford, caused a great Trench to be cast round about the Town, with a high Rampire strongly fortifying the Gates of the same. After this, by means of a parley had with Gruffyth and Algar, at a place called Biligelhag, a peace was concluded, whereupon Algar being pardoned by the King, and restored again to his Earldom, returned home to Chester. About two years after, Algar was accused again of treason, so that he was the second time exiled the Land, and repaired to his old friend Gruffyth Io. Cast Hol. pag. 277. Prince of North-wales, by whom he was received joyfully, and restored again to his Earldom by the aid of certain strangers, which came by chance from Norway. Whereupon King Edward being sore offended with Gruffyth, sent Haroald again with power to North-wales, to be revenged upon him, who coming to Ruthlan, burned the Palace of Gruffyth, and his ships, and than returned back to the King at Gloucester. About this time, Edward the son of Edmund Ironfide, came to England with his Wife and Children, Edgar Edeling (which signifieth in the British tongue, a young Lord or Prince) and Margaret, which was afterwards Queen of Scots, and mother to Maud, wife to Henry the first King of England. About two years after came Roderike, son to Haroald King of Denmark, with a great Army to Wales, Mat. West. where being friendly received by King Gruffyth, and joining his power to Gruffyths, entered England, and cruelly spoilt and burned a great part of the land. But shortly after, Roderike was compelled to return to his ships, and to sail to Denmark, and Gruffyth returned home with spoils. This year, as Haroald Godwyns son would have sailed Mat. Park. Mat. West. to Flanders, he was driven by force of a tempest to land in Poytiers, where he was taken, and conveyed to William Bastard, Duke of Normandy, to whom Haroald declared his journey thither, to be only to offer him service in the affairs of England, and took a solemn oath, first to marry the Duke's daughter, and after the death of Edward to reserve the Crown to the Duke's use. Than shortly after receiving rich gifts, with much honour he returned to England. This year died Owen the son of Gruffyth ap Rytherch, and Joseph Bishop of Menevia. Also Haroald and his brother Tosty, by the procurement of Caradoc ap Gruffyth ap Rytherch, Mat. West. pag. 427. and others, gathered a great power, and entered Southwales, and subdued a great part thereof, and wrought so with those that were about Gruffyth the King, that as soon as he had gathered his people in North-wales, and took his journey to meet with Haroald, he was cruelly and traitorously slain by his own men, and his head brought to Haroald: who appointed and placed Meredyth the son of Owen ap Edwin, Prince and Ruler in Southwales, and than he and his Brother Tosty returned home. ⚜ Some do report, that Haroald, about the Rogation week by the King's commandment, went against the Welshmen, and taking the sea, sailed by Bristol, round about the coast, compassing in a manner all Wales. His brother Tosty, that was Earl of Northumberland, met him by appointment with an Host of Horsemen, and so joining together, they destroyed the Country of Southwales, in such sort, that the Welshmen were compelled to submit themselves to deliver hostages, and engage to pay the ancient Tribute which before they had paid. The people of that Country, because Groffyth their Prince fled at the coming of Haroald, leaving them to be a prey to the enemy, hated him sore, and slew him when he returned to them again, and sent his head to Haroald, which he sent to the King. After whose death, King Edward granted the Principality of North-wales to Simon of Durham calleth them Blechgentus & Ritowala●us. Blethyn & Rywalhon the sons of Convyn, brethrens to Gruffyth by the Mother's side, who did homage unto him for the same. This Gruffyth ap Lhewelyn governed Wales * 26. 34 years valiantly and Worthily, be never fought but he bore away the victory, he was gentle to his Subjects, and cruel to his foes, loved of the one, and feared of the other: liberal to strangers, costly in apparel, and Princely in all his do, and unworthy of that cruel death, that the ambitious desire of Rule did provoke his unkind Subjects and unnatural Cousins, to prepare for so Noble a Prince, and so gentle a Master as he was. ¶ In the year of our Lord 1061 Prince Griffith ap lewelyn was murdered, and joseph Bishop of Menevia died; but the English writers say, he was not slain till A. D. 1064. I have an ancient Chronology, which saith that there were from Griffiths death to William the Conqueror's coming to England (which was A. D. 1066) five years, from the Conquest to the death of Blethyn ap Convyn 7 years, and from Blethyns death to the battle in Mynydd Carno (where Trahayrn was slain) six years. He left two sons Meredith and Ithel. A. D. 1053 Griffini Regis Australium Walensium, Res nomine, propter frequentes pra das quas egit, in loco qui Bulendun dicitur jussu Regis Edwardi occiditur. Simeon Dunelmensis saith that Leofegarius Harold's Chaplain succeeded Ethelstan in the See of Hereford, and that in the very same year the XVI of the Calendss of july he was slain by Griffith King of Wales at a place called Glastbyrig, with his Clergy, cum Clericis suis & Vicecomite Agelnotho & multis aliis. Our Author Caradoc Lancarvan: saith that joseph Bishop of Landaff died A. D. 1043, but Bishop Godwyn saith it was three years after, 1046: he died in his way to Rome in the 24 year of his Bishopric, as it is in the Book of Landaffe. About the year 1051 Marbodus evanc a Priest of Wales was made Bishop of Redon in little Britain. Bal. Herewald who succeeded joseph next in the See of Landaffe, was, as Bishop Godwyn saith, consecrated A. D. 1056 by Stigand Archbishop of Canterbury, but the Book of Landaffe gives another name to the Arch Bishop that Consecrated him, for it is thus recorded therein, Confirmata illius consecratio à summo Archiepiscopo Cynisi & aliis Angliae plurimis Episcopis Canonicè consummata est. By (Cynisi) must be understood either Eadsin than Arch Bishop of Canterbury, or else Kinsius Archbishop of York, of whom Ingulfus Abbot of Croyland writes that he died A. D. 1060. As touching the Synod Bishop Godwyn saith was held at London A. D. 1056, Chronicon Landav. saith it was held A. D. 1059. The election of Herewald was confirmed by Prince Griffith ap lewelyn, ab invicto Rege Grifido Monarchâ Britonum praepollente, as saith the Book of Landaffe, wherein we have also set down this following Charter. Pater & filius & spiritus Sanctus tres in personis, unus in Deitare & essentiâ, Creator & Gubernator totius Creaturae, visibilis & invisibilis, & super omnia formavit hominem ad imaginem & ad similitudinem suam, dividens singula prout vult, & cui omnia serviunt impraesentiarum quibusd●●● tribuens Regna & Potestates, quibusdam modicas paupertates cum septiformi dono sapientiae & intellectus, consilii & fortitudinis, scientiae & pietatis & timoris inspiravit cor lapideum ingruente quadam infirmitate corporis Grifudi Regis Britanniae, & (ut sic dicam) totius Gualiae de fine ad finem & calefactum sancti spiritus fervore. Videns igitur Rex quod potestas ejus sicut flos foeni & caro ut cinis conatus est pro transitoriâ substantiâ conquirere Regnum floridum sine casurâ & coeleste gaudium sine maerore & tristitiâ, semotâ omni penuriâ, semetipsum tribuens sub jugo Paenitentiae, & penitens ●ecisse quae fecerat contra Divina praecepta promisit se emendaturum jejunio & oratione & eleemosynâ cum diversis metallis preciosis largitis ab illo, Deo, egenis, Viduis & Orphanis, & non degenerans à praedecessorum nobilitate, pietate & largitate, imò imitans & praecellens rigore & fortitudine tum contrà barbaros Anglos ex unâ parte semper fugitivos visâ facie sua in acie belli, tum contra Hibernienses occidentales & semper fugaces, tum contra indigenas solito more bellicosas, tunc contra Danaos marinos tum contra insularum Orcadum habitatores, & semper versis dorsis in fugam, & firmato faedere ad libitum suum pacificatos: clamavit omnia territoria Landaviae Ecclesiae Petri Apostoli & sanctorum confessorum Dubricii, Teliavi, & Oudocei de omni Parochia ejusdem ab hostio Taratir super ripam Gui usque ad ripam * Tywi Tiugui, & insuper terras ejusdem Lan Teliau maur, videlicet & Pennalun cum multis aliis Ecclesiis & telluribus suis omnibus, & cum illis in Breheniauc pluribus, ut in cirografo demonstratur, quae habentur extra diocesim in Episcopatu sc: Dewi, & cum toto privilegio ut melius fuit tempore praedecessorum suorum quieta & tranquilla ab omni regali servitio nisi tantum oratione cotidiana pro animabus Regum & Principum Britanniae, & firmata missis manibus super quatuor Evangelia, & in manu Heruvaldi Episcopi consolidata & coram omni populo suo in die Nativitatis Domini apud Ystumgwy▪ & oblata vill● Penrhos in manu Episcopi & omnibus praesulibus Landaviae in perpetuo. De clericis testes sunt Herwaldus Episcopus, Mormarch, Merchbui, Tutnerth, Canonici Landaviae. Benedictus lector. Jovanaul, Novis, Elinvi, Einon, Judhail presbiteri, Tathui, Abraham Archidiaconus Guenti. De Laicis rex Grifud, Margetud filius ejus. Caratauc filius Riguallaun, Byrguith, Judhail filius Teudus, Eidnivet fuedlid. Berdicgwent, Caratauc filius Gulbrit, & cum data communione omnibus incolis terrarum Ecclesiae per totum regnum suum in campo & in silvis, in aqua & pascuis. Of Edwin ap Grono. Edwin ap Grono commonly called King of Tegaingl (which is now part of Flintshire) was one of the 15 Tribes of Gwyneth. His Arms, A. a Cross ingrailed flowery S. between 4 Cornish Crows proper. Argento gerit Edwinus Tegenius atram Florentemq, Crucem nodosam quatuor inter Cornices, rostris pariter pedibusque cruentis, Regis Griffini Leolini tempore vixit. He lived in the time of Griffith ap lewelyn A. D. 1041. He had a son called Owen, whose daughter Angharad was wife to Griffith ap Conan King of Gwyneth. Many good Families in the Counties of Flint, Denbigh, and elsewhere are descended from him. The Right Reverend Father in God D. William Robert's Lord Bishop of Bangor (who was Consecrated A. D. 1637. and now living) derives himself lineally from him. Also he was Ancestor to that Famous Scholar and Lawyer Thomas Owen one of the Judges of England, and Father to Sr. Roger Owen of Condover near Salop Kt. Howel Gwyneth a valiant Gentleman, who sided with Owen Glendor against King Henry the 4th, was of this Tribe: He was one that did for a long time very much hurt and annoyed the English that dwelled in his neighbourhood; (as before him one Owen ap Aldud had done, who kept by force of arms under his subjection all Tegaingl about three years, until such time as he had obtained his pardon) but at length he was taken by his enemies of the Town of Flint and beheaded by them at a place called Moelygaer, and his Lands were given to one Saxton. Blethyn ap CONVYN & RYWALHON his Brother, the son also of Convyn. AFter the decease of King or Prince Gruffyth, Meredyth the son of Owen ap Edwin (which Edwin, as some writers say, was the son of Howel Dha) did take upon him the government of Southwales, and Blethyn and Rywalhon the sons of Convyn, and halfe-brethrens to King Gruffyth ap Lhewelyn (as being also borne of Angharat daughter to Meredyth King of Wales) did govern North-wales, Conan the son of lago being all this time with his Father in Law in Ireland. About this time it fortuned, that as Haroald served the King with drink at Windsor his brother Tosty moved with envy, that his younger brother should be preferred before him, pulled him by the Mat. West. hair of the head, and overthrew him. Than departing thence, full of rancour and malice, to Hereford, where Haroald had prepared great cheer for the King, he s●ue all Haroalds servants, and cut of their Heads, Arms, Legs, Noses, Feet, and Hands, and filled all the vessels of Wine, Meath, Beer, and Ale therewith: and sent the King word, that he should want no powdered and soused meats when he came thither; as for other things, he might make provision himself. For which heinous offence the King banished him the land for ever. ⚜ Caradoc ap Gruffyth ap Rytherch was the first that procured Haroald to come to Wales against Gruffyth ap Lhewelyn, h●ping by him to attain unto the government of Southwales. But it fell out otherwise, for when Haroald understood that he should not get that at the hands of Caradoc which he looked for, which was a certain Lordship within Wales nigh unto Hereford, and knowing also Caradoc to be a subtle and deceitful man, he compounded with Meredyth ap Owen for that Lordship, and made