Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015 https://archive.org/details/historyofmargamaOObirc A HISTORY MARGAM ABBEY. DERIVED FROM THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM, H.M. RECORD OFFICE, THE MARGAM MUNIMENTS, ETC. WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS. WALTER DE GRAY BIRCH, LED., F.S.A., LONDON. 1897. PREFACE. HERE has been for a long time a widely-felt regret that no general history existed of Margam Abbey, one of the most representative houses of the great Order of Cistercians, whose influence for good over the minds of mediaeval men of this realm has been so frequently attested. On the occasion of the Congress of the British Archaeo- logical Association at Cardiff, in 1892, during which a visit was paid to the Abbey ruins, the desire for a history of the Abbey was stimulated, and it was a general wish that such a work should be undertaken. The publication of the Catalogue of MSS. belonging to Miss Talbot of Margam, and of Mr. G. T. Clark's Charters of Glamorgan, which comprised all the extant deeds relating to the Abbey, was progressing at the time, and it appeared that a favourable opportunity thus presented itself of founding upon the collections then for the first time brought to light a connected history of the greatest monastery of the county. The arranging of all these Margam evidences in an intelligible, and for the most part chronological, order, proved to be an exceedingly difficult problem, but it was worthy of the large amount of time and labour it has demanded. In the description of these deeds care has been taken to retain the original spelling of names and places ; the varia- iv Preface. tions from modern forms will, it is hoped, not give any trouble to the reader. I desire to express a deep sense of gratitude for liberal help rendered by Mr. B. Winstone, M.D., who was the first to persuade me to the work and to assist its execution ; by Miss Talbot of Margam ; His Grace the Duke of Sutherland, K.G. ; Mr. G. T. Clark, F.S.A. ; Mr. T. Gray, M. Inst. C.E. (whose knowledge of local names and pre- paration of the map have assisted me very much) ; Mr. T. Mansel Franklen ; Mr. Roland W. Paul, F.R.I. B.A. ; "Morien"; Mr. T. H. Thomas of Cardiff; the Cardiff Naturalists' Society (for the kind loan of illustrations) ; Mr. and Mrs. Lynam, of Stoke-upon-Trent ; Mr. Thomas Blashill; Mr. J. Romilly Allen, F.S.A. ; Mr. A. G. Langdon (who made new drawings of the sculptured stones) ; Dr. A. C. Fryer, and many others who have advanced my endeavours to gather up the most material vestiges of this great Abbey. W. de Gray Birch. Easter, 1897. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Some of the Earliest Monasteries of Glamorgan . . i CHAPTER II. The Infancy of the Abbey at Pendar . . . .8 CHAPTER III. The Foundation and Early Years of Margam Abbey . . • '3 CHAPTER IV. Time of King Henry II . . . . . -35 CHAPTER V. William, Earl of Gloucester — Robert of Gloucester — The Countess Hawisia — Helias de Turri — Richard de Cardiff, etc. . . 38 CHAPTER VI. The Bull of Pope Urban III — Hugh de Hereford — Hugh of Lancarvan — The Family of Monmouth — Adam, the Porter of Cardiff . . 57 CHAPTER VII. Time of William, Bishop of Llandaff . . . -67 CHAPTER VIII. The Sturmi Family . . . . . -77 CHAPTER IX. The Architectural Remains of the Abbey . . . .82 CHAPTER X. The Ancient Sculptured Stones ..... 102 CHAPTER XI. The Close of the Twelfth and Beginning of the Thirteenth Century — Henry, Bishop of Llandaff . . . . .122 CHAPTER XII. The Early Thirteenth-Century Charters of the Abbey . . . 133 CHAPTER XIII. The Early Members of the Family of Jestyn ap Gwrgan . . 154 VI C 07i tents. CHAPTER XIV. Pope Innocent III— Caerleon Abbey— King John . . .170 CHAPTER XV. The Grammus, or Gramus, Family . . • 183 CHAPTER XVI. The Early Years of the Thirteenth Century continued — Morgan, Son of Oen — Umframville ..... 197 CHAPTER XVII. Possessions of the Abbey in the Towns of Bristol and Cardiff . . 202 CHAPTER XVIII. Isabel, Countess of Gloucester ..... 208 CHAPTER XIX. The Thirteenth Century continued — Wrono Bil— The Irish Cistercians —The Annals . . . . . .216 CHAPTER XX. The Children of Morgan ap Caracloc — Leisan — Owen — Morgan Cam — Cadwalan — Wenllian — Morgan ab Caduathlan, nephew of Morgan ap Caradoc ....... 223 CHAPTER XXI. Other Descendants of William, Earl of Gloucester — Amicia — Gilbert de Clare . . . . . . . 235 CHAPTER XXII. Middle of the Thirteenth Century — Lewelin — Reimundde Sully — Joruard ab Espus — Elias, Bishop of Llandaff— Res Coh — Henry III — The Abbot of Tewkesbury ..... 240 CHAPTER XXIII. Richard, Earl of Gloucester — Bishop William — The Sons of Alaythur — Leysan ap Morgam Cham — Neath and Margam — Citeaux — Gilbert de Turberville — Alexander IV, etc. .... 255 CHAPTER XXIV. The Library and the Manuscripts .... 277 CHAPTER XXV. Newcastle — Cardiff — Kenefeg — Bonevileston — Coganesmor, etc. . 282 CHAPTER XXVI. Right of Wreck— Margam and Ireland— William laZouche and Alianora de Clare — John de Avene— Extent of the Abbey Property . 296 CHAPTER XXVII. The Lords of Glamorgan— The Family of Davene — John de Moumbray The Cardiff Chancery — The Fisheries in the River Avene — Aberavon Church— The Inroad of the Sands . . . 307 Contents. Vll CHAPTER XXVIII. Neath Abbey ....... 325 CHAPTER XXIX. Ewenny Priory ...... 335 CHAPTER XXX. Margam Abbey in the Fifteenth Century .... 339 CHAPTER XXXI. The Sixteenth Century — The Close of the History of Margam Abbey . 352 INDEX. Names of the Principal Parties in the Charters, etc. . . 367 Names of the Principal Places in the Charters, etc. . . . 384 ILLUSTRATIONS. Chapter House, Margam Abbey, Copied by Mrs. Lynam from a water- colour drawing by T. Horner, 1S19, in possession of the Duke oj Sutherland. ..... Frontispiece Cross of St. Illtyd at Llantwit Major . . . -4 Photographic Facsimile of the Harley Charter 75 B. 22 . .11 Photographs of Seals of (1) Margam Abbey, p. 355 ; (2) Another, p. 353 ; (3) The Abbot of Margam, p. 29 ; (4) The P rior of St. Michael's Uggomor or Ewenny, p. 30; (5) Another, p. 31 . . .30 Architectural Remains of the Abbey — Plan of Margam Abbey, from John Carter's Sketch-Book . . . . .82 Walcott's (inaccurate) Plan of Margam Abbey . . .84 Margam Abbey — Ground Plan of the Chapter House . . 85 North Side of Nave, Margam. From Hoare . . -87 Dineley's View of West Front of Margam, a.d. 1684 . . .88 Carter's View of the West Front of Margam Abbey, a.d. 1803 . 89 Entrance to the Chapter- House. A drawing by C. Lynam, Esq. . 93 The Inside of the Chapter-House at Margam, a.d. 1780. Grimm 93 Chapter-House, Margam Abbey. South View. From a Drawing by C. Lynam, Esq. . . . . . .96 Chapter-House, Margam Abbey — Exterior of East End. From Hoare . 97 Chapter-House, Margam Abbey- Interior 01 East End. Front Hoare . 98 Roman Miliary Stone ...... 102 Back of the Roman Miliary Stone. .... 104 Stone of Pumpeius Carantorius ..... 105 Vlll Contents. The Bodvoc Stone on Margam Mountain . . . .106 The Wheel Cross of Conbelin at Margam. From a Photograph by T. M ansel Franklen, Esq. . . . . .108 Back of the Wheel Cross of Conbelin at Margam — Mr. H. R. Thomas. From a Cast in the Cardiff Museum . . . .109 Cross of Enniaun at Margam . . . . .110 Cross of liquid at Margam . . . . .110 Cross of I lei at Margam . . . . .111 The " Nunnery Farm" Cross . . . . .112 The Cross of Grutne . . . . • • XI 3 Narrow Wheel Cross . . . . • • 1 1 5 Sepulchral Stone at Margam . . . . .116 Broken Cross . . . . . . .117 Cross of St. Thomas ; and details . . . .118 Incised Slab . . . . . .118 Tomb-slab of Robert, Abbot of Rievaulx . . . 119 Carved Slab with Croziers . . . . .119 Tomb-slab of Abbot Henry ..... 120 Sepulchral Effigy of a Knight . . . . .120 Photographic Facsimile of the Hurley Charter 75 c. 6 . . 185 Photographs of Seals (1) Morgan, son of Caradoc, p. 156; (2) Margan, son of Caradoc, p. 9 ; (3) Gilebert Burdin, p. 33 ; (4) Isabella, Countess of Gloucester, p. 210; (5) Milisant, daughter of William Mitdehorguill, p. 68: (6) Leisan, son of Morgan, p. 226; (7) Geoffrey de Mandeville, p. 211 ; (8) Common Seal of Kenefeg Town, p. 297 . 210 Photographic Facsimile of the page in the Annates de Margan recording Date of the Foundation of Margam in a.d. i 147, and Ewenny in A.D. 1 141 ....... 277 Map of Glamorganshire Sites mentioned in the Documents . . 280 Photographs of the Seals of William La Zouche, Lord of Glamorgan, and Alianora de Clara, his wife, a.d. 1329 . . . 301 Photograph of the Seal of Hugh Le Despenser. Lord of Glamorgan and Morgan ....... 308 Carved Fragment found among the Ruins of Neath Abbey . 331 Common Seal of Neath Abbey ..... 332 Plan of Ewenny Priory Church ..... 337 MARGAM ABBEY. CHAPTER I. SOME OF THE EARLIEST MONASTERIES OF GLAMORGAN. O write the history of the renowned Cistercian Abbey of 1 Margam, which exercised a powerful influence over the progress of civilization in the county of Glamorgan, could never have been attempted, had it not been that probably the whole of the documents relating to it are now available to research. This is due to the labour of Mr. G. T. Clark, who has spared neither trouble nor expense in the publication of his Carta et alia Munimenta qnce ad dominium de Glamorgan pertinent, and the Catalogue of Miss Talbot's charters and muniments of Margam and Penrice. These two works contain practically the texts and descriptive precis of many hundred deeds, from which the follow- ing pages have been prepared. Before proceeding to the task it will, however, be profitable to pause for a moment to consider the salient points in the somewhat meagre historical remains of some of the monastic forerunners of Margam in the county. There is abundant evidence of the ancient monastic system having flourished in Glamorgan at a very remote time. Among monastic institutions, some of which were called abbeys and presided over by one, who though styled abbot, probably had little to compare with the abbot of the richer and more precise Benedictine abbeys of later days, are the following : — (i) The Abbatia Carbaui vallis, or Carvani vallis, which occurs several times in the Liber Landavensis. The title is occasionally given as Nant Carban, and at a somewhat later period occurs 1 as "Ecclesia Sancti Catoci Lann Carvauice." Another form in which it occurs is Ecclesia Sancti Catoci, in the Bulls 2 of Pope Honorius II, A.D. 1 128, and Pope Calixtus II. It is the modern Llancarvan. Liber Landavensis (New Edition), 243. 2 Ibid., 90. B 2 Mar gam Abbey. From a passage in the life of St. Oudoceus, Archbishop of Llandaff, where " Concenn abbas Catmaili " occurs, we may reasonably conclude that this abbey was sometimes called the Abbey of St. Catmail, probably from the fact of its being the last resting-place not only of St. Cadoc but also of St. Catmail, pioneers of Christianity in Western Britain. The recorded abbots and dignitaries of this house are : — CONCEN, in the time of Oudoceus, Bishop of Llandaff. JACOB, 1 in the time of Oudoceus, Bishop of Llandaff and of Bishop Berthguinus. SULGEN, 2 in the time of Oudoceus, Bishop of Llandaff and of Bishop Berthguinus. Dagan, in the time of Bishop Berthguinus. DANOC, 3 Gnouan, 4 „ „ „ ELISAEL, in the time of Bishop Cerenhir. Sed, presbiter, in the time of Bishop Joseph. AlDAN, "presbiter Catoci," in the time of Bishop Heruual- dus. LlFRlCUS, "filius episcopi, archidiaconus gulat morcant, et magister Sancti Catoci de Lanncaruan," in the time of Bishop Heruualdus. (2) The Abbatia Docunni, or Docguinni, that is the Abbey of [St.] Docguinni, has not been identified by editors of the Liber Landavensis. It contained an abbot with his clerks, 5 or familia, 0 and is in one place called a " congregatio docunni", 7 forming, together with the other two of Catoci and Ilduti, a kind of council or church assembly for Llandaff. The variant form of Dochou 8 in the charter of Lann Merguall, where Saturn (who occurs in other places as abbas Docunni) is called abbas Dochou, is highly valuable because it gives the clue to the site of this ancient establishment. This, I venture to suggest, is to be placed at Llandough, called also Llan-DOch, or Llan-Doche-Penarth, now a village about four miles south-west from Cardiff. This conjecture has been made by some writers already, who consider it to have been here that an ancient monastery stood, which had been founded in the fifth cen- 1 "Cum suis senioribus" ; also called in one place "abbas altaris Sancti Catoci." 2 "Abb. Catoci." 3 Perhaps only a form of the preceding name. 4 Perhaps for Guouan. 6 L. L., 144. « Ibid., 151. 1 Ibid., 153. 8 Ibid., 145. Earliest Monasteries of G/amorga/i . 3 tury for twelve monks or canons, and dedicated by St. Cyngarus to the Blessed Trinity. Paulentus, King of Gwent, amply endowed the institution. The date of the coming of Cyngarus, who is also called Docuinus, is set down by some authorities as A.D. 474. By some he is identified with the British Saint Dochdwy, who is stated to have been the companion of Cadvan in the early years of the sixth century ; and the Parochial Church of Llandough, which is, as some say, dedicated to Dochdwy, has consequently been regarded as the actual site of the abbey, but this lacks the con- firmation which any remains or vestiges of monastic buildings would furnish. That there can be little doubt of the identity of the site of the Abbey of St. Docguini with Llandough, reference may be made to a charter in the British Museum (Add. Ch. 24,288), printed in Mr. Clark's Carta, No. CXCIX, whereby Walter Thorgot grants to William de Regni " unum messuagium in Landogh cum pertinentiis scilicet illud messuagium quod jacet ex parte meridionali ecclesia; Sancti Doguini juxta cimeterium." This deed, although bearing no date expressed, may be referred to the middle of the thirteenth century. The Monasticon Anglicanum 1 suggests that Abbas Docguinni "perhaps might be Abbot of Llancarvan", but this is manifestly unsupported by any evidence. There is the village of Llandogo, the church of which is dedi- cated to St. Dochoe, six miles south-east of Monmouth ; Llandow or Llandw, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, four miles west by south from Cowbridge, and Llandough or Llandoch, dedicated to St. Dochdwy, twelve miles east of Cardiff, but these places do not appear to have so much probability of being connected with the ancient Abbey of St. Docguinni, or Dochou,as that to which I have referred it. Llan-Dogo in Monmouthshire is identified by Mr. Evans and Prof. Rhys as the Lann Oudocui, Lann Enniaun, Ecclesia et Villa Sancti Oudocei, and Lann Docuith juxta Tintarn of the Liber Landavensis. The recorded abbots and dignitaries of this abbey are : — CETNIG, abbas Docguinni, time of St. Oudoceus. EUTIGIRN, abbas Docguinni and Docunni, time of St. Oudoceus. SULGEN, abbas Docguinni, time of St. Oudoceus. JUDHURB, abbas Docunni, time of St. Oudoceus. 1 Vol. vi, p. 1625. P 2 4 Mar gam Abbey. JUDHUBR, abbas Docunni and Docguinni, time of St. Oudo- ceus and of Bishop Vbelviu. (Probably same as preceding.) SATURN, abbas Docunni and Dochou, 1 time of St. Oudoceus, Bishop Berthguinus, Bishop Trican, and Bishop Catguaret. Tecguaret, sacerdos Docunni, occurs in the time of K. Mouric and Bishop Joseph. Catguaret and Johannes, presbiters Sancti Docunni, occur in the time of Bishop Heruualdus. (3) The Abbatia Ilduti, which occurs frequently in the Liber Landavensis, has been always identified with Llantwit Major. It is the " /oats 3 et Domus Beati Ilduti" in one passage ; in another the " Podiim* vocation Lannilduf. Illtyd, 5 a Breton, the great-nephew of Germanus, here founded the Chorea Sanctorum represented by the church and monastery, that is, the school or college of Llantwit. Abbot Catgen had a familia® there. Abbot Congen 7 had six clerks there, whose names are recorded. A useful book has been recently published entitled Llantwit Major, a Fifth Century University* by A. C. Fryer, Ph.D., which gives a summary of the history of this ancient site, its founders, and students ; but very little can be gleaned from any sources for the history of the abbey. The present church is not earlier than the thirteenth century, but it is built on the site of St. Iltud's fifth century church. It has been described by Mr. Freeman in Arch Ibid., 249. 3 Ibid., 81. 4 Ibid., 71. 5 G. T. Clark, The Archaology of the Land of Morgan, p. 6. 6 L. L., 140, 144. 7 Ibid., 152, 154. 8 Stock. 1893. 9 L. L., n, 71. Cross of St. Illtyd, at Llantwit Major. Earliest Monasteries of Glamorgatt. 5 CATGEN, abbas Ilduti, in the time of Bishop Oudoceus. Catgen. BIUAN, who maybe simply Catgen ab Ivan, but Mr. Evans and Prof. Rhys make Biuan 1 a separate abbot. Gurhaual, abbas Lannildut, \ In the time of Bishops Oudo- Guorhaual, GURTHAVAR, r ceus, Berthguinus, and GUORHAUARN, ' Trican. COLBRIT, abbas Ilduti, in the time of Oudoceus. CONGEN, abbas Ilduti, cum suis clericis ; also occurs in the time of Oudoceus. Gurthauar, abbas Ilduti, in the time of Bishop Oudoceus. ELUOID, abbas Olduti, called also Eluoed, Eluod, or Eluoid, Elgoid, in the time of Bishops Oudoceus and Berthguinus. FOMRE, abbas Ilduti, in the time of Bishop Berthguinus. GUORHAUARN, abbas Ilduti (probably the same as Guorhaual and Gurthauer, above mentioned), in the time of Bishop Berthguinus. Elised, abbas Ilduti, in the time of Bishops Cerenhir and Nud. JOSEPH, sacerdos Ilduti, in the time of Bishop Joseph. GURCINNIF, presbiter Sancti Ilduti, in the time of Bishop Heruualdus. SATURN, abb. Ilduti, is given by Mr. Evans and Prof. Rhys in their Index to Lib. Landav., but it is an error for abb. Docunni. (4) The Monaster ium Cinguali occurs in the time of Bishop Libiav, in a deed charging Grifud the King, son of Yugein, with a prevaricatio against God and the Saints, " tenendo Idmab filium Idcant in monasterio Sancti Cinguali ecclesias Sanctorum Dubricii Teliani et Oudocei et violando refugium." 2 This monastery was adjacent to Rosulgen, which is probably Rhos-Sili in Gower. It is probably also identical with Lann Cingualan, or Lann Cyngualan, also in Gower, on the sea coast. There was an ager Cinguali, which no doubt marks the extent of the landed possessions of the monastery. (5) The second ecclesiastical charge against King Grifud was "vastando 3 Ciuarheru filium Crashaiou in monasterio Sancti Cinuuri" a passage which brings another almost forgotten monastery of ancient Glamorganshire to our notice. This has been identified with Llan-Deilo Verwallt, or Bishopston in Gower. Its names 1 L. L., 144 (index, p. 388). "Abb. Ilduti Biuon", is an expression omitting the Christian name, higher up in the same deed. 2 L. L., 239. 3 Ibid. 6 Mar gam Abbey. appear to be " Sancti 1 Teliaui de lann geruall", in 1128; " Sancti Teliauui de languergualt", in 1 129; " Lanmerwalt"; " St. Teliau de lann-mergualt", in 1 1 19. It also seems to be the same as "Ecclesia 2 Cyngur trosgardi que fuerat antea Sancti Teliaui." (6) Of the Abbey of St. Michael I have only been able to find a notice of : — MARCHI 3 filius Catgen, abbas ecclesiae Sancti Micaelis, in the time of Bishop Gulbrit. (7) That the city of Llandaff itself possessed a monastic aspect, as well as episcopal and diocesan, is abundantly clear. In the life of St. Samson, or Sanson, the Archbishop and Confessor, the word monasterium 4 is applied to it ; the same is found in other passages of later date. 5 The expression, Archimonasterium Landavioe? is used in the times of Bishop Dubricius and Archbishop Teilo. 7 There are a few other obscure allusions to Glamorgan monas- teries in the early parts of the Liber Landavensis, but it is beyond the scope of the present work to dilate upon them. What character these so-called abbeys and monasteries maintained ; whether they were really abbeys in arrangement, dignity, and importance, or merely hermitages, does not appear to have been solved, neverthe- less it is difficult to believe that they w ere of any but the slenderest dimensions, both as to number of inmates and extent of building. When we come to consider the extent to which the heremitical system found favour with the pious inhabitants of Glamorganshire, the same difficulty of accurately ascertaining true historical facts follows the student, in consequence of the remote antiquity of the period and the paucity of details. But there is sufficient and trust- worthy evidence afforded by the Liber Landavensis, and the oldest charters of Margam, to show that hermits were fairly numerous in the district which it afterwards fell to the lot of the Cistercians of Margam to evangelize more in accordance with Christian rule. The names, and in some instances a few of the principal acts, of these holy pioneers, who not only nurtured the earliest growth of practical Christianity in Glamorgan, but set on foot by their example in some degree the gradual conversion of the wild tracts of un- cultivated land into the fertile condition which it enjoyed in later days, happily have been preserved. For example, it is on record {Liber L^andavensis, p. 194), that Cinuur of Pennichenn, 8 with his 1 L. L., 31. •-' Ibid., 145. 3 Ibid., 222. * Ibid., 17. 6 Ibid., 144, 214. 6 Ibid., 74, 75. 7 Ibid., 129. 8 Penychen, an ancient district in Monmouthshire. Earliest Monasteries of Glamorgan. J kinsmen Lybiau and Guruann, or Guruan, left their fatherland and settled down to a heremitical and solitary life at the very spot where the body of St. Clitauc the martyr reposed on the banks of the river Myngui in Euias, or Clodock, on the river Monnow or Mynwy, in Hereford. Lybiau and Guruann, two brothers, led a life of celibacy and devotion, but Cinuur, who is described as their " sororius", sister's husband or sister's son, is said to have had five sons, among whom he parted the territory on both sides of the river, which had been given to him by the King of Morcannuc for the support of their church. The same valuable record of Llandaff contains a circumstantial notice of Elgar, the " novitius" of the island of Enli, or Bardsey in North Wales. His teeth were translated, after the common practice of dealing with the less perishable parts of departed saints, on Friday, the Nones of May (7th May), A.D. 1 120, by Urban, Bishop of Llandaff, with the assent of Ralph, Archbishop of Canterbury, David, Bishop of Bangor, and Grifud, King of Guenedotia, to the church of Llandaff, where they were received with due and appro- priate ceremonies on Sunday, X. Kal. Jun. (23rd May), in the same year. Although Elgar had led, for the most part, a " solitary life in the desert", he is not expressly called a hermit in the account given of him in the Liber Landavensis, p. 5. What the life of the typical hermit in the days of Elgar was, is succinctly described in Liber Landavensis, p. 2, as " vitam sanctam, vitam gloriosam, vitam castam, et cum raro pane, tenui veste, macerata facie." The earliest charters of Margam testify to the existence of a hermit named Theodoric, whose grange, or narrow habitation, par- taking at the same time of the threefold nature of church, home- stead, and barn, is frequently mentioned as a landmark in the definition of the boundaries of Margam. Occasion arises further on in this work to speak of Theodoric, and to endeavour to point approximately to the site of the grange, which was certainly used at lea'st as late as the year 1227, for the Annales de Margan, and another chronicle {Arch. Camb., I, iii, p. 265), relate an incursion made by the Welshmen in that year, when the raiders took away the animals from the grange a second time, killing many on the road. Of Coh, the hermit, mention occurs in a charter of A.D. 1205 {Talb. Ch., Roll 288, art. 10), which will be described in its proper chronological position hereafter. It is to a hermit, also, that Margam Abbey owes its origin, as we shall read in the next chapter. CHAPTER II. THE INFANCY OF THE ABBEY AT PENDAR. AN examination of some of the earliest documents relating to Margam leaves it perfectly clear that at some time pre- viously to the building of the abbey on its present site, there had been an establishment in another place. This was the abode of the hermit Meiler, who appears to have inhabited a primitive cell, or religious house of the slenderest dimensions, at Pendar — a generic place-name, occurring in other places in Glamorgan- shire, descriptive of a hill or head {pen), clothed with a forest of oaks (deri or deriv, ddr, an oak) ; or " the head of dar", which is generic, like dour or dur, for river. Whether Meiler was from the very beginning of his career a member of the Cistercian Order or not is not quite clear; but at the time when he appears first of all in these ancient records he was certainly connected with it in some degree. The history of the rise of the Cistercian Order in England is sufficiently well known to most readers, and it is not necessary to make a digression upon it in this place. To some extent it came, with its simpler manners, as a relief to the greater elaboration of Benedictine modes. A gleam of light is, indeed, thrown upon the popularity in which this new Order of Citeaux was held by simple- minded and reverent men, to whom the excessive church-decoration in vogue at the beginning of the twelfth century in many places was distasteful. To some, forsooth, this appeared an innovation, hardly warranted by the customary rules of the ecclesiastical pro- fession. One of the most illustrious authors of this period, William of Malmesbury, although a Benedictine monk of a rich and powerful abbey in Wiltshire, and naturally unlikely to write disparagingly of his own cloth, yet, speaking of the newly-constituted Order with unreserved praise, launches strong invectives against the over-rich decoration so common in many monasteries, but put aside by the Cistercians ; and his antithetic use of nos in the following passage evidently implies the Benedictine Order : — I?ifa?icy of the Abbey at Pendar. 9 " Nihil 1 ibi, sicutin ceteris cenobiis, videas fulgurare auro, renidere gemmis, micare argento ; nam ut gentilis ait — 'in sancto quid facit aurum.' {Pers. ii, 69.) "Nos in sacratis vasis parum putamus actum nisi crassi crustam metalli ob- umbret honor lapidum, vel topaziorum flamma, vel ametistorum viola, vel smaragdorum lux herbida, nisi tunicae sacerdotales auro ludant ; nisi multico- loribus parietes picturis renideant, et solem ad lacunar sollicitent. At vero Mi, ea qiue prima mortales falso asstimant in secundis habentes, omne studium in ornandis moribus ponunt, magisque amant splendidas mentes quam auratas vestes." It would not be unreasonable to suppose that the proximity of the flourishing Cistercian abbey of Neath, the foundation of which had taken place about the year 1 1 29, may account either for the hermit Meiler having been an inmate of that house before his mission or retirement to Pendar, or for his leaning to Cistercianism, which he had a better opportunity of observing, rather than to any other phase of regular religion. Be this as it may, there is still extant the original Latin grant in perpetual almoign, by Caradoc Ucrbeis, to God, and St. Mary, and the Cistercian Order, and to brother Meiler and the brethren of Pendar, of all his land lying between the three waters, viz., Frutsanant, Cleudac, and Nant- clokenig, in wood and in plain, which wood is called " hlowenroper- deit", with the assent of Margan, Caduwalan, and Meriedoc, the sons of Caradoc, in whose fee the said land stood, and of the grantor's brothers, Joaf, Grunu, and Meuric, and of his son, and of his wife Gladis. For this gift Meiler and the brethren of Pendar paid twenty shillings. The title to the said land was abjured by all who had any right or interest therein. The grant is confirmed under the seal of his Lord Margan, son of Caradoc, because Caradoc Uerbeis had no seal. The witnesses are: — Master Peter de Landaf ; Joaf Edighet; Roger, son of Eniau ; Kelin Wendot ; Jeruert, son of Madoc ; Johan Landaf ; Meredud, son of Owen ; Eniauun, the priest of Pentirech ; 2 Phillip the Clerk, his brother ; Ris, son of Joan ; Adam, son of Meiler. 3 There is a round seal in red wax, I-Jth in. diameter, bearing a knight in armour, with sword, conical helmet, and nasale, shield 1 Gesta Rcguin, lib. iv, p. 516. 2 Pentyrch, co. Glamorgan, six miles N.W. from Cardiff. 3 If this be the same Meiler as he to whom the charter is given, it would seem to point to the hermit having followed the teaching of Cinuur, spoken of above at p. 7. io Margam Abbey. with a central spike, and hauberk, riding on a war-horse galloping to the right hand. Legend : SIGILLVM (MAR)GANI FILII CRATOCI. The text of this original document in the Talbot Collection at Margam, No. 54, is printed in Mr. Clark's Cartce, No. DCLXXXIV. The date is certainly anterior to A.D. 1 147. For convenience of reference it is well to say here that, hence- forward throughout this work, references to charters in Miss Talbot's collection will be indicated by their Arabic numbers only, and references to texts printed in Mr. G. T. Clark's Caries de Gla- morgan, by their Roman numbers only. They are all in Latin unless otherwise specified. A little careful examination of the Ordnance Survey Maps enables us to identify this land without difficulty. The gift con- sisted of a wood, boscus, called Hlozven-ro-perdeit (which now appears on the map in the form of Llwyn pyrddin or Llwynperddraui), as well as a plain ; and the whole was situated between the three streams called respectively: — (i) The Frutsanant, now the Ffrwd, running eastward to join (ii) The Cleddac or ClcudacJi, or Nant Clydacli, at Ynys-y-bwll ; (iii) The Nant-clokenig, now the Nant or lA'is-Nant, which skirts the Glog, a hill on the south, and joins the Cleudach at Felin Gelli. This stream is to the south of the Ffrwd, and to some degree parallel to it. 1 A little to the north of the bank of the Ffrwd stands Mynaciidy, or the Monastery, " on supposed site of a monastery", as marked in Sheet xix, left-hand corner, lat. 50 0 38' 47" N., and long. 3 0 22' 30" W., which no doubt is the site of the ancient hermitage occupied by Meiler at the time when Caradoc Ucrbeis granted the land in the immediate vicinity. It is unlikely that the humble settlement of Pendar would be far from the land — the only land of which we have record — thus clearly located. The whole site is in the parish of Llanwonno, part of Miskin, Eastern Division of Glamorganshire. On the south side of the Ffrwd, and nearly opposite Mynachdy is Cappel Fynachlog, or the " Chapel of the Monks' house", and to the S.W. of it is a site marked Fynachlog, or Monks' house. This is evidently the site of a building set upon the first landed pos- sessions of the House of Pendar, standing as it does within the area 1 See the six-inch to a mile Ordnance Survey of Glamorganshire, sheet 3, xix and xxviii. k J '3 e 3~ 8 4 •8 s p. S J ^ fTB ii »g i s J ^3 _2 «> ^ 3 I ' 1 i i 1 htfancy of the Abbey at Pendar. i i of the land given to Meiler and his brethren by Caradoc Uerbeis. The foundations are marked on the map, but, apart from their small dimensions, nothing can be accurately made out of the distribution of the apartments. Within the same area is Glyn-Mynachesau, significant name of a small glen with a rivulet running into the Clydach between the Ffrwd and the Llis-nant. The opinion of some of those who have knowledge of that part of Glamorganshire with which our investigations are connected, do not, however, tend to agree that the site of the religious establish- ment at Pendar was situated here, notwithstanding the existence of Mynachdy, above pointed out. We know, nevertheless, that the land already specifically located was conferred on the house. Pendar itself has rather to be sought for a little further in the vicinity of Aberdar (Aberdare), where CEVEN PENAR, or CEVN PENDAR, is still the local name of a district, signifying the " Head of the Promontory", near Mountain Ash. This rivulet is called Nant Pennar on the Ordnance Survey Map (xix), and runs into the River Cynon at Mountain Ash. Another rivulet is the Nant Dar.running at Cwm Pare into the Nant-Cwm-Parc, which further on in its course runs into the River Rhondda at Tre-orkey {Ord. Sur. Glam., xviii). Then there is the River Dare, west of Aberdare town, the head of which is at Tan-y-Daren, a little beyond the Bwllfa Colliery, towards Berw Ddu. But we cannot accept any of these localities for Pendar, on account of the distance of the little colony from its land. There is a confirmation of this charter preserved among the Harley Charters in the British Museum (75 B. 29 ; C. DCLXXXVIl), whereby the already mentioned Margan, and his brothers Kada- walan and Meriedoc, sons of Caradoc, by common consent grant and confirm the gift which Caradoc Uerbeis had made in perpetual almoign to God, St. Mary, and the Order of Cistercians, and to brother Meiler and the brethren of Pendar, of the land between the three waters of Frutsanant, Cleudach, and Nantclokenig, and undertake to warrant it to the grantees with all their might : " contra omnes et ubique, si emerserit necessitas, posse nostrum prestabimus." The witnesses are : Kadaraut, son of Eniau ; Grunu, son of Rewalan ; BleSin, son of Breauel ; Seisil, son of Weueric ; William, son of Gurgwenu ; Hlewarh, son of Jewaf ; Mariedud, son of Gurgan ; Dunewal, son of Jewan ; Justin, son of RcSerth. There are two imperfect seals in red wax appended to the deed, the one of Cadawalan, the other of Margan, two of the three brethren who confirm the pious gift of Caradoc Uerbeis. The type Mar gam Abbey. on the first is not very unlike that of Margan in the previous deed. The second is that of Margan himself as before. *%* SIGILL' CADAW . . . NI FILII . . . RATOCI. S AN I FILII .... OCI. The house at Pendar adjacent to the three streams already iden- tified, was, however, short-lived, and with exception of one other deed relating to it, there is no other notice to record. That deed, the contents of which relate to the subject treated in the next chapter, will be examined in its proper place. It is a grant by Philip, son of Griffin (ab Ivor ?) : — ( I ) to brother Meiler and the house of Margam of a specified piece of land, and (2) to brother Meiler and the house of Pendar of all the pasturage in his lands except cultivated lands and meadows. This document is not dated, but may be attributed to about the year 1151. One interesting point is brought out by it, viz., that brother Meiler was presiding over the house of Margam, and receiving a grant in that capacity, at the same time that he was head of the house of Pendar, and receiving a grant of pasturage from the same grantor by the same charter. CHAPTER III. THE FOUNDATION AND EARLY YEARS OF MARGAM A 1.5 BEY. OW it is clear that not only was Meiler well established in his 1 > titular possession of a well-defined territory between these three streams, but that he was at the time of the grant a frater, or brother,of the Cistercians, and had other fratresot the same religious order under his rule. We will proceed to examine the earliest charters which illustrate the new site. The first which demands attention is one which indicates for the first time the present site of the abbey lands, although not perhaps of the abbey buildings. This deed ( T. 2 1 2 ( I ) ; C. MCL) is the foundation charter of Margam Abbey. The original is no longer extant, but its text has been preserved in a charter of Hugh le Despenser, son and heir of Hugh le Despcnser and Lady Alianora his consort, Lords of Glamorgan and Margam, wherein this and other deeds (which will be treated of in their proper chronological positions) are inspected, with the ratification of the Bishop of Llandaff, and of a large array of ecclesiastical and lay dignitaries at Cardiff Castle, 9th October, 12 Edw. Ill, A.D. 1338. The deed is, in fact, a charter by Robert of Caen, the natural son of Henry I, King of England, Consul or Earl of Gloucester, addressed to Robert Norreis the sheriff, and to all his men, French, English, and Welsh, whereby he grants to the Monks of Clairvaux, i.e., the Cistercians, all the land between the Kenefeg and Aven streams : " a cilio montano sicut predicte aque de montibus descen- dunt usque ad mare, in bosco et piano . Et meas piscarias de Avena ad quandam abbatiam fundandam de omni consuetudine liberam etquietam. Concedente Mabilia comitissa de cujus hereditate ipsa terra est." That is, "from the brow of the mountain, as the aforesaid waters descend from the mountains to the sea, in wood and in plain ; and my fisheries of Aven, for founding an Abbey, free and quit of all customs, by consent of Mabilia (daughter of Robert Fitz-Hamon, Lord of Glamorgan, his) Countess, of whose inheri- tance the land forms part." 14 Mar gam Abbey. The witnesses are : Hamo and Roger, the Earl's sons ; Dom Niuard, brother of the Abbot of Clairvaux, into whose hand this almsgiving is delivered ; Brother Walter of Abbedeston, his col- league ; Hubert the Dapifer; Hugh de Guminiuilla, the constable of Ralph de Hasty ngis ; Stephen de Beauchamp ; Richard of St. Remy ; Fulke Fitz-Warine ; Gregory, Thomas the Earl's " nepos" ; Robert Fitz-Harding ; Robert de Almeri ; Adam of Ely the Clerk; Picot the Physician ; Henry Tusard ; and Elias the Clerk. Dated at Bristol. This Robert the Consul, progenitor of the Lords of Glamorgan by his marriage with Mabel, the heiress of Robert Fitz-Hamon, died A.D. 1 147, and the deed must belong to an anterior date. The name of Margam is not mentioned, the locality of the land being only indicated as between the two rivers of Kenfig and Aven. It was given to the Cistercian Nivard, brother of the Abbot of Citeaux, who had in all probability come to Bristol for the purpose of adding importance to a ceremony of receiving seisin from the King's son in person, bringing in his train several foreigners, whose names figure among the witnesses. The land was given for the erection or foundation of an abbey upon the site. Brother Meiler and his Cistercian confraternity were at present located at Pendar, and while there is nothing to show byway of connection of Pendar with this gift before us at present, some documents will now be adduced which prove that Meiler was preferred to the headship of the newly designed abbey near the Avan. The site chosen was, we read in a recent work dealing with the topography of Glamorgan- shire, one of the most pleasant retreats in the world — set among solemn woods, an asylum fitting for a brotherhood weary of the world. It has been said that both the Consul and his lady lie buried at Mar- gam, and it may well be so, but nothing is known for a certainty. Of the true date of this important deed, erecting and providing for a Cistercian Abbey on a new site, there is ample corroboration to fix it to the year 1 147. The Cottonian Manuscript Vespasian A. VI, in the British Museum, which contains an extensive list or catalogue of all the Abbeys of the Cistercian Order, 1 gives under the year above-mentioned notices of two foundations : (1) " Monas- tcrio Margona", and " de Margan". One or both of these refers to Margam Abbey, and strengthens the accuracy of the date which has been assigned to it by other records. Another Cottonian Manuscript, of similar character, Faustina B. VII,' 2 contains the 1 See Journ. Brit. Arch. Assoc., vol. xxvi, p. 360. 2 Ibid., p. 287. Early Years of Mar gam Abbey. i 5 reference, " Abbatia Margan". The position of this entry, which has no date of month assigned to it, is between two other founda- tions, respectively attributed to XI Kal. Aug., or 22nd July, and V Kal. Nov., or 28th Oct. The antiquity of these manuscripts, which belong to the thirteenth century, and their general agree- ment with each other, are strongly favourable to the accuracy of the lists, which must have been derived from archives in the present Abbey of Citeaux. Among other notices of the foundation which point to the same date are : — ■ "a.D. 1 147. Fundata est abbatia nostra quae dicitur Margan. Et eodem anno comes Gloucestria? Robertus, qui earn fundavit, apud Bristollum obiit pridie kalend. Novembris." \Annales de Margan, p. 14.] " M°.CXL°.VII. Fundata est abbathia de Margan a Roberto comite Glouces- triae, qui construxit castrum et turrim et prioratum beati Jacobi Bristolliae ; qui comes eodem anno obiit et sepultus est in dicto prioratu." [Exchequer Chronicle, printed in the Archceologia Cambrensis, 1862, p. 274 ; and Welsh Annals, in MS. HarL 838, fol. 1 1 4^, col. 3.] In this year of the foundation, a great mortality was taking place throughout Wales from a pestilence recorded in the Chronicle of the Princes, or Brut y Tyivysogion. Bernard, Bishop of St. David's, one of the greatest prelates who had occupied that see, died in this year. Quarrels, too, sprung up between the repre- sentatives of Jestin ap Gurgan and William, son of Robert the Consul, but the pacific endeavours of Nicholas, Bishop of Llandaff, had procured a peace between the parties. The privileges of a fair and market were established in every lordship, and no free Welsh- man was permitted to be carried away to slavery until a plaint of murder had been proved against him. This brought about the pacification of the Welshmen, and many immigrants, on learning the better condition of the country, came to reside in Morganwg, trusting in that regulation, on account of the security obtained there against the lawlessness of the Normans in Dyved, Ceredigion (Cardigan), and other places. The district known at that time as Margan, or Margam — whether the name be derived from a settler or an owner, or be a topo- graphical and descriptive word, matters not — seems to have been more extensive than the present boundaries of the parish indicate. The name would almost appear to have been used for a large part of the County of Glamorgan, and may be, perhaps, a synonym of i6 Mar gam Abbey. Glamorgan and Morganwg. This idea that Margam is an ex- tensive district of Glamorgan and Glammargam, receives support from a title or heading among the charters contained in the Liber Landavensis, where " Tref ret juxta Merthir miuor in mar- can" occurs (New Edit, p. 224). The actual position of Trefret has not been ascertained ; but Merthir miuor, which also occurs as Merthyr mimor, is Merthyr-mawr, situate on the western side of the river Ogmore, near Bridgend, about a mile and a half to the W.S.W., and a considerable distance from Margam Abbey. Marcan, in the above title, is identified as Margam by the editors of the Liber Landavensis in their index. If they be right in this assump- tion, then ancient Margam must have been sufficiently extensive to include a place far away from the area now known as Margam. It may, perhaps, be that Glamorgan connects its name with Margam, much in the same way as Berkshire — the " Berroc"-shire, or " Park"- shire, does with the great Park or Forest of Windsor; Worcestershire, or Wigornia, with the Wiches or salt-producing district, or with the Wyre, as some will have it ; and so forth. A deed concerning land in " Lantrissen in Meskyn in Morgan", bearing date 9th June 1347, is described in the Fifth Report of the Historical Manuscripts Commission (p. 301, col. 1), and this manner of indicating the locality of the land corroborates the suggestion that the word Morgan had in mediaeval times a wider signification than that now appertaining to Margam. We shall find other corroborative examples as we proceed. One of the earliest deeds relating to the Abbey of Margam is that whereby William, Earl of Gloucester, son of the above Robert of Caen, notifies to his steward, barons, and all his men, French, English, and Welsh, that he has confirmed the gift which Griffin ab Ivor has made to the Abbey of Margam by hand of Brother Meiler Awenet, for making a hermitage or abbey if possible, viz., upon the water of Taf, all the land called Stratvaga, and all Brenkeiru, and from Berkehu-taf to Bargau Remni, and all Karpdawardmenet, and all Maislette, and from Mauhanis head to Taf, and fisheries in Taf, and all the land of St. Gladus, with its pastures, as far as Brohru-carn, and on the other side of St. Gladus as far as hcn-glau, i.e., the old-foss, as far as the water called Kidliha, and all the land of Masmawan. The witnesses are — Hawisa, Countess of Gloucester ; Hamo de Valoniis ; Alexander de Tiches' ; Wido de Rupe ; William de la Mare ; Master Ernisius ; Osbert the clerk. An imperfect seal and counterseal of the Earl is appended. Early Years of Margam Abbey. i 7 The language of two copies of this leaves it doubtful whether Awenet is a second name of Meiler, or the name of the land which is thereby granted to Margam Abbey, whereon if possible a hermitage or abbey was to be erected. We have no record, beyond this, of the pious gift, nor do we know if the desire of the grantor was ever put into effect. The original deed is No. 23 among the Talbot Charters, and there is a transcript in Roll 544 (18) of the same collection. Mr. Clark has printed the text in Carta;, No. DCXIV, where he states that Griffith ab Ivor was the Welsh Lord of Senghenydd. He married Mabel, a daughter of Earl Robert, and was ancestor of Lewis of Van and Pritchard of Llancaiach. The witnesses set the date as follows : — Hawisa, the Countess, died in 1 197 {Annals of Tezvkesbury). Hamo or Hamund de Valoniis, Bailiff of Glamorgan, occurs in 1202 (Ta/b. C/i.), and in twelfth-century deeds, without specific dates, between 1166 and 1 1 83. Of Alexander de Tiches, no date has been preserved. Wido de Rupe occurs in a charter of William, Earl of Gloucester {Harl Ck, 75 a. (9) ). William de la Mare is an early member of the house of De la Mare, of which more will be read in the later period of this history. Of Master Ernisius and Osbert the clerk no precise dates are on record. The locality of the land granted may be ascertained from the data, that it is (1) situated on the bank of the Taff River. (2) That the land is called Stratvaga, i.e., near Ystrad junction in the Gelligaer district and parish, part of Caerphilly, Eastern division of Glamorganshire. 1 Heol Adam, a supposed Roman road, traverses the site. Stratvaga is probably an abutment on the high-road, running through Merthyr-Tydfil. Compare Ystrad- machen. (3) Brenkeiru is Bryn-cyriavvg in Cefn Gelligaer, S.E. of Merthyr-Tydfil, at the junction of the Cwm-Goleu with the River Bargoed Taff, near Cwm-Bargoed. (4) Berkehu Taf is Bargoed Taff, and (5) Bargau Remni is Bargoed Rumney, the branches or subordinate bends of the respective rivers, Taff and Rumney. These are marked on the maps to the south and south-west of Merthyr Tydfil ; Bargoed 1 O. Map, sh. XIX, N.-W. corner. C i8 Mar gam Abbey. Taf, running into the Taf, and Gilvach Bargoed marking the junction of the Bargoed with the Rumney. (6) Karpdaward-menet. This has been thought a corruption of Ka'r-pedwar-mynydd, the Field of the Four Mountains, or Cae'r- bedw-a'r-mynydd, the Field of Birch-trees on the Mountain. (7) Maislette, seems to be Maes-llech, but we should rather look for Maes-y-letty, the homestead meadow, or Maes-llaith, the wet meadow. (8) Mauhanis head, not identified, probably Maes-ynys, a small island or holding adjacent to a river. (9) St. Gladus is Capel Gwladus. (10) Maswawan is Maes-mafon or Maes-mawn, near Llancaiach Station. (11) Bohrukarn may be looked for in the neighbourhood of Cefn Gelligaer Hen-glawdd. The name should be Boch-rhiw-garn, now called Vochrhiw. It is also called Brohrucarn. (12) Killiha water is Nant Cylla, N. of Gelligaer. Brother Meiler must have been an important factor in the monastic progress of the county, for he appears here, far from Pendar and Margam, as the grantee of land for founding a hermitage or abbey between the upper waters of the Taf and the Rumney, of which we know next to nothing beyond the light shed on it by this charter. It certainly agrees neither with Pendar nor Margam. Another late twelfth-century charter (T. 10; C. DCIV) which was given in the lifetime of Brother Meiler, and points prominently to his connection with the house of Margam, while the latter part of the deed seems to indicate that the house of Pendar was standing- contemporaneously, and also presided over by Meiler, is the grant by Philip son of Grifin, and Margan his son, and his wife (i) to the Cistercian order and to the house of MARGAM, by the hands of Brother Meiler, of all the land called Eniseleueu, viz., from Pistil- coleu to Chammaru, and as the road lies from Chammaru to Killecheireh, over the nearest hill next Luhmeneh, stretching as far as the road leading to Frutrculin, and from Frutreulin to Pistilcoleu, and on to the river Taf ; — and (ii) to Brother Meiler and the house of PENDAR, all the pasturage in his land, except cultivated lands and meadows. For a testimonial payment of 2sk. and reception of the grantor into the fraternity of the house of Margam. Under seal of Llandaff Cathedral, because the grantor had no seal. Witnesses: — John, son of Kennor; Abraham Gobio; Richeret, son Early Years of Mar gam Abbey. ig of Seisil ; Maredut, son of Caradoc ; Joaf Eidiketh ; John Landaf ; Morithic, son of John ; Ruwatlan, son of Briauel. There is a fine impression in red wax, pointed oval, of the first seal of Llandaff Cathedral, 3^ x 2\ in. The Cathedral, from the north. With legend : — SIGILLVM . LANDAVENSIS . ECCLESIE. Here the situation of the land given to Margam appears to be indicated by the following considerations : — - (1) Eniseleueu is, perhaps, Ynys y bvvll ; according to some it is Ynys-Oleu, in Llanwonno. (2) Pistil-coleu is Pistyll-Goleu, on the Nant Clydach, near Llanwonno. (3) Chammaru, Cymmer on the River Rhondda. (4) Killecheireh is Kil-y-ceirw or Ql-y-ceirw. (5) Luhmench may be connected with Gelli-lwch, between the rivers Clydach, Taff, and Rhondda ; we should expect Lli-y- mynydd, the Stream of the Mountain. (6) Frut-reulin may lie to the north-east of Pontypridd bridge, but is more likely Ffrwd-rhiw-velen. (7) The River Taff. To Pendar is also hereby granted the valuable privileges of pasture over all the lands except cultures and meadows, but the boundaries and names of sites are not given, either because the extent was universally known and acknowledged, or because the grantor thought it judicious to leave the further specification of his property out of the record. Of the witnesses : — John, son of Kennor, appears in a charter of Keneithur, son of Herbert, mentioned further on. Abraham Gobio occurs in that charter and also in 75 A. (17) C. DCXLI, A.D. I I90. Joaf Eidiketh is the Joaf Edighet of page 9, and his name here connects this deed with that given above. Ruwatlan is the son of Briauel, probably, therefore, a brother of BleSin, son of Briauel, mentioned in the charter described above at p. 11. Mr. Clark dates this deed circa 1 1 5 1. There is also a subsequent charter whereby Res, son of Grifin ab Ivor, notifies that he takes under his protection his House of Margam and all its possessions ; and undertakes to decide all causes against the same by just judgment. This seems to depend C 2 20 Mar gam Abbey. on and refer to the foregoing, but is, of course, later in date (T. 290 (2) ; C. MXXIII). The pedigree of these two deeds works out thus : — Ivor.= I Grifin.== Philip.— Res. I I Margan. That the Cistercians had been planted in the newly founded abbey at Margam is clear from the original charter of William, Earl of Gloucester, to Nicholas, Bishop of Llandaff, and others, in favour of the monks of Clairvaux, which is not now extant, but two copies of its text are preserved in an inspeximus by Edward le Despenser, Lord of Glamorgan and Morgan, dated 13th July 1358, (C. MCLXXXIIl), of an inspeximus by Hugh le Despenser, dated 9th October 1338 (T. 212B., C. MCLl). In this the Earl notifies to Bishop Nicholas, 1 his sheriff of Glamorgan, and all his barons, men and friends, French, English, and Welsh, that he has confirmed the gift which Robert his father, and Mabilia his mother, gave to the monks of Clairvaux, viz., all the land which lies between the waters of Kenefeg and further Aven, which is at the west of the hermitage of Theodoric, as the waters aforesaid descend from the mountains. " All this land I grant to the monks, as it goes through the mountains, namely, from the source of Kenefeg water between the source of Rudelf 2 and Gethli-fret 3 on into Red-kewelthi, 4 that is, the ford (rhyd) of Kewelthi, into Aven, in wood and in plain, in fields and in pastures, and waters, in moors and marshes ; also all the fisheries of Aven, that no one may interfere with them on the other side, nor put their hand to fishing in the whole of Aven except by their consent. Also I grant them the fishery in Kenefeg water provided that my mill of Kenefeg be not affected by it. Also I grant to the same monks all wreck coming upon their land, and I enjoin that no one put hand upon that wreck except through the monks, and that no one meddle therein. I give also a certain burgage in Kenefeg and another burgage in Cardiff, i.e., Siward Palmer, with his house and curtilage : a hundred acres of land in 1 a.d. 1 1 49- 1 183. 2 Perhaps, for Frudelf = Ffrwd-wyllt, " wild brook". 3 Gelli-vrith. 4 Rhyd-Gyfylchi. Early Years of Mar gam Abbey. 2 I Margam, in exchange for the land which they had by my grant from Baldevvyne Cithareda, or the harper, near New-burgh [close to Cardiff], which the said Baldewyne gave them in almoign, to- gether with a certain burgage in New-burgh which the monks have and hold by my grant, etc. Moreover, I grant them freedom from toll throughout all my boroughs upon all things which they or their men buy or sell for their support, for their own uses." The witnesses are : — Hawisia, 1 the Countess of Gloucester ; Brother Hoseas de St. Omer ; Brother Baldewyne ; Hamo de Valoniis ; 2 Reginald, son of Symon ; Robert Bibois ; Robert de Humfraville ; William de la Mare ; Wydo de Rupe ; Odo de Thichesia ; Alexander his brother ; Gilbert Croke ; Master Sampson the clerk ; Master Ernisius ; Osbert the clerk ; Vincentius, the monk of Margam ; Roger, the chaplain of the Earl of Gloucester ; Symon Cocus ; Adam Accipitrarius, or the hawker ; Jordan the conversus. 3 From the occurrence of Vincentius, monk of Margam, among these witnesses, it is clear that the abbey was already constituted at Margam (at least as far as provision for monks was necessary) at the time the charter was given. The date is probably about 1 170. It is not unlikely, however, that the name had not yet become universally accepted, for the moving clauses of the gift arc made to the " monks of Clairvaux", and " Margam" is, apparently, only incidentally mentioned to mark even more precisely the gift of a hundred acres of land which were really included in the earlier clause, giving all the land between the waters of Kencfeg and Aven. The confirmation by Bishop Nicholas to the abbey, and that by Henry II, of these and other gifts, have also been fortunately preserved. They are very explicit, and will be noticed further on. There are also two charters of the time of Mciler the hermit, who occurs among the witnesses. The first appears to be a grant by Gunnilda, wife of Roger Sturmi, with assent of her husband, to Margam Abbey, of the land which he gave the monks for half-a- mark yearly rent ; the land includes her dower-land, viz., four score acres between the stream of the ford Taus {i.e., the ford of Tav, Pontypridd 4 ) and the stream of Chenewinus, and between the way which leads from the stream of the ford Taus to the fons petre r ' and the old castle on the hill. 0 The Abbot paying four marks of 1 Died in 1197. 2 Occurs in 1202, as Bailiff of Glamorgan. 3 Brother Jordan occurs in 1 197. 4 A bridge afterwards built. 6 Perhaps for Fons-Pentre, well of Pentre, Ystraddyfodwg or Ffynon-Pedr, Peter's Well. 0 The old Caer above Ystraddyfodwg - Church, exactly opposite Fons-Pentre. 22 Margam Abbey. silver, and some lamb-skins for making a pellice, and twenty sheep. Sworn by the grantor before God and His Saints, " per nullam coactionem vel mariti vel alterius cujusdam set spontanea voluntate". (T. II; C. MCCCCVII.) The witnesses are : William, Archdeacon of Llandaff, whose seal is appended ; Abraham Gubiun and William Travers, canons of Llandaff ; Isaac, dean of Pennechen ; Brother Metier the hermit ; Rodbert Testarcl ; Matildis, wife of Balduine ; Matildis, daughter of Richard, son of Gunmund ; Cecilia, wife of Rodbert Testard ; Cristi- ana, wife of Walter "Blanchigernonis"; Beatrice, wife of Osbert the miller ; Elwinus Wetta ; Vincent, monk of Margam. With appension of the Chapter seal of Llandaff, showing the view of the Cathedral Church in its first state. tfr SIGILLVM . LANDAVENSIS . ECCLESIE. And of William the Archdeacon, an eagle displayed, with its head to the right. <%t SI ILL'l : LAND': ARCHIDIA : This is interesting on account of being attested by no less than five ladies, who were appropriate witnesses to the lady's gift of her dower-land. The lamb-skin pellice with which she was partly rewarded, seems to modern minds to have been purchased at rather a high price. It formed no part of the Welsh national costume, but was probably a foreign fashion, for Higden sings that : — "Hie vestium insignia Sunt clamis et camisia Et crispa femoralia." Among the other witnesses, Abraham Gubiun or Gobio, and Vincent the monk, have already occurred. The other charter (Harley Ch. 75 B. 32, C. DCXVl) dates also in the time of this hermit. It is a grant by Chenethur and his brethren, Blethin, W[illiam], Chenwrec, and Riderec, in perpetual almoign, to the Abbey of Margam, of part of their lands, with the following boundaries : — on the east, the way which goes from the ford of Ulf's Well towards the mountains ; on the west, the nearest rivulet descending from the little wood ; on the south, the large rivulet, with some land belonging to Margam interposed ; on the north, certain stones set as boundary-marks. It is given under seal of Urban the Archdeacon of Llandaff. The witnesses are : Brother Meiler the hermit, Brother Jordan, 1 1 Occurs 1 197. Early Years of Margam Abbey. 23 Brother Hugh, and Brother Richard, conversi. W... the sub-prior, and W... the infirmary-master, received their oaths. The seal of the Abbot of Neath, and that of Urban, the Archdeacon of Llandaff, are appended. An endorsement calls the grantors the " sons of Herbert". From a charter in the Margam Rolls (T. 291 (10); C. DCCCLXX), we learn that Herbert Scurlarg or Scurlage, a member of a family of which several other scions will appear in succeeding pages of this work, is, with little doubt, the person pointed out. It is a grant by Herbert Scurlarg' to Margam Abbey, of land lying between the road which leads to the mountains along the Well of Ulf, as the water descends from the same road, by the south part, to the way which leads to the mountains ; and likewise all the land adjoining that road up to the water on the east part, and then as the stream comes through Sliddridge-putte, and descends transversely across that way, on the north, and then by a straight line along the mountain between Russelue-putte and Castelstude, and then to Coytsays, to the road below Cadoc's Well on the west. The date of this charter is not very apparent, but cannot be far from that of the preceding deed relating to the same land, which is probably the confirmation by the sons of this their father's gift to the Abbey. Other charters of Earl William and of the sons of Herbert are extant, and will be found noticed in a subsequent place. We have incidental notice of a very early Abbot, William of Clairvaux, whose designation is very significant ; but whether this Abbot died or resigned in A.D. 1153 is uncertain. The Annalcs de Margam (p. 14) simply bear record that in this year "discessit de Margan abbas Willelmus primus". No mention of him is found in any charter, except the following, from which it may be gathered that he was called " de Claravalle" or "of Clairvaux"; that is, coming from Clairvaux, and not improbably the successor of Meiler, bringing with him from the head Abbey of the Cistercians at Clairvaux improved and progressive methods for the advance- ment of the house over which he had been sent to preside. The charter referred to is a confirmation by John, son of Odo Sorus, or Le-Sor, to Margam Abbey, of the house and land called " Canterel", in Bristol Castle, in accordance with the gift of his father, by the hand of William de Claravalle, then Abbot thereof (7". 290 (27) ; 544 (12) ; C. DCIII). The same gift was confirmed by William, Earl of Gloucester, as will be seen in the chapter treating of this Earl's benefactions. 2 4 Mar gam Abbey. The name of Sor or Sorus is not infrequent in early Glamor- ganshire charters, and the family were, without doubt, persons of distinction in the lordship. Mr. Clark finds that it was settled early in Cornwall, but gave name to Blackwell-le-Sore, co. Somers., and held lands also in co. Glouc. It also came early into the county, and Odo Sorus appears as witness in a charter of A.D. 1 126. The death of Andrew, the second Abbot, is attributed by the author of the Annals of Margan (p. 15) to II Kal. January, i.e., 31 December, A.D. 1 1 5 5. The same Annates de Margati, in A.D. 1163, notice the advent of Henry II into Glamorganshire, and its pacific reduction, in these terms : — " Intravit 1 rex Henricus in Suthwalliam, pacificans earn sine aliqua contradictione et sine sanguine." A different result, however, attended the King's northern progress, for two years later, according to the same authority, Henry II entered North Wales, " parumque 2 profecit". The charters of this period are not to be easily arranged in precise order of date ; it has, therefore, been found more conveni- ent to group them together, either in accordance with the occur- rence of the same grantor, witness, or series of witnesses, or proximity of the lands therein granted. In obedience to this classification, we may, however, sometimes be obliged to separate charters which would come close together if they stood alone in a smaller collection. Nicholas, Bishop of Llandaff, a.d. i 149-1 183. Of the period of this Bishop, the fourth in succession from Urban or Gwrgan, the following deeds must be grouped together, in addition to that already discussed at p. 20. Some of them relate to the sons of Herbert, of whom notice has already been taken. (1) A Confirmation by Bishop Nicholas to Margam Abbey, of all things which Rodbert, Earl of Gloucester, gave for construction of an Abbey into the hands of the monks of Clairvaux, viz., all the land between Auan and Chenefeg, from the brow of the hills to the sea, as the waters descend from the hills, and the fisheries of Auen ; and of the gift of William, Earl of Gloucester, son of the above, all the wreck on that land, and the fishery of Chenefeg ; and of the gift of Roger de Haubertunia, with assent of William Scurlag, the Grange of Langewi, or Llangewydd. 1 Ann. de Marg., p. 15. 2 Ibid. Early Years of Mar gam Abbey. 25 The witnesses are : Bertramnus, Prior of Eweni ; Peter, Hugh, Adam, Edwine, monks of Gloucester ; Herewald and William, canons of Llandaff ; William, chaplain of Rumi(Rhymney) ; Adam, son of Walter ; Roger de Bona-uilla ; Richard de Rufni ; Thomas de Landiltuit ; Alvvard de Penmarc {T. I : C. dcvii). The, Bishop's seal is appended by a cord. The prelate is depicted with mitre and vestments, holding a staff or crozier in the left hand, lifting up the right hand in benediction. >J< SIGI NICHOLAI . D[EI . GRAC] I A . LANDAVENSIS . EPISCOPI. This Earl, Rodbert, died in A.D. 1 147. Ewenny Priory had been founded a few years before in A.D. 1 141. It will be observed that the expression of the " monks of Clairvaux" was still current at the time the deed was drawn up, not far from the middle of the twelfth century, and very shortly after the date of foundation of Margam Abbey. (2) Another is a Confirmation (T. 2 ; £7. DCVl) by Bishop Nicholas to the Abbey, of all things that Rodbert, Earl of Gloucester, and Earl William his son, and Rodbert, son of William, gave to the Monastery, to wit, all the land between Chenefeg and further Auen, to the west of the Hermitage of Theodoric, from the upper brow of the hills at the source of Chenefeg as far as the sea, and from the source of Chenefeg between the source of Frudul and Gethlifreth, to Redkeuelethhi, " id est in vadum Keuelthhi in Avenam, sicut predictae aquae descendunt de montibus et vadunt in mare" ; and the whole fisheries of Auen and the fishery in Chenefeg; and all the wreck on their lands; and of the gift of Roger de Haubertunia, with assent of William Scurlag, and of the gift of William, son of William Scurlag, the Grange of Langewi ; and the land which Geoffrey Sturmi sold to the Abbey with assent of his wife and Roger his son, to be held in accordance with the terms of the charters of the several grantors. The witnesses are : Roger, Prior of Eweni ; Edwine, Adam, Benedict, monks of (St. Peter's Abbey) Gloucester ; Hugh, the Bishop's monk ; Rodbert the chaplain ; Germanus the clerk. There is an imperfect seal of the bishop attached to it. This embraces the charter described on p. 20, and other gifts, the charters of some of which are noticed further on. 26 Mar gam Abbey. The Sons of Herbert. (3) The next place may be assigned to a quit-claim (T. 9 and 288 (8) ; C. DCV) by Kendithur, son of Herbert, son of Godwinet, and his brethren Bledin, William, Rigered, Kenwrec, and John, of the land of Raneth, which their father had of the Abbey of Margam, at 2d. per acre yearly rent to the said Abbey. Sworn at Llandaff, before Nicholas, Bishop of Llandaff. With abjuration of the same, in full consiilatus of Cardiff. The witnesses are : Bishop Nicholas, with attestation of his seal ; Eiglin de Purbica, sheriff, with confirmation of his seal ; Rodbert de Westbiria, Prior of Cardiff ; Roger, Prior of Eweni ; John, son of Kennori ; Urban the canon ; Abraham Gubio ; William Trauersus ; Rodbert, chaplain of the Bishop ; Isaac the dean ; Rodbert, son of Richard ; William de Reigni ; Richard, son of Herueus ; Walter Muidorguil j 1 Gilebert Croc ; Gilebert de Con- stantino ; Robert de Purb[ica] ; Vmfrei Fretocse ; William de Cogan. The pedigree is : — Godwinet. == Herbert (Scurlag).== ! I I . J. J I . ! I Keneithur. Bledin. William. Rigered. Kenwreic. John. Joaf. The date is very early indeed, and but a short time subsequent to the foundation of the Abbey. The sons of Herbert attest another very early deed, a quit- claim [T. 7, and 288 (7) ; C. dxcviii) by Leuuar, son of Meruit, to Margam Abbey, of all the land which lies on the west side of the Frudel, the stream of which some notice has already been given, at a rent of 2d. per acre ; also, of the land between the streams Ranel 2 and Frudel, which he and his brethren, Cadugan, Iuor, and Canaan, held ; ratified by oath before Rodbert, sheriff of Cardiff, and all the Welsh hundred of the county of Margan ; and by the seals of Bishop Nicholas, and Rodbert, son of Gregory, sheriff of Glam- margan. For twenty shillings for the first-mentioned land, and four pounds for the other land. The Sureties or Pledges are : The said Rodbert the sheriff, 1 Of this family, other members will be met with further on. 2 Probably same as Ranel, the brook now called Ranallt, next to the Ffrwd- wyllt or Frudel. It is called Arnallt on the Ordnance Map. Early Years of Mar gam Abbey. 27 Pagan de Turberuile, William Scurlage, Walter Luuel, William de Cogan, Thomas de Corneli ; Keneithur, son of Herebert, and Joaf his brother ; Cradoc, son of Johan, and his brethren Keneithur and Chederec ; Richeret, son of Briauel, and Gruni his son ; William, son of Gillemichel, and Kaderot his brother ; Wassefrei and Gestelard and Wurgan, sons of Ruclen. There are two seals, that of the bishop, standing on a footboard, with mitre and crozier, lifting up the right hand in blessing : — Sl]GILLVM . NICOLAI . DEI . GRACIA . [LAND]AVENSIS EPISCO[PI .] And that of the sheriff : — ■ A fleur-de-lis. *%i SIGILLVM . ROBERTI . FIL1I . GREGORII. The expression of the Welsh hundred of the County of Margan, " omni Walensi hundredo comitatus de Margan", is a further evidence of the comprehensive nature of the term Margam in the early charters, and illustrates the remarks made above at p. 15. Richeret, son of Briavel, who occurs among these witnesses, is the grantor of the next charter (T. 18 and 289 (12) ; C. DCCXVll), which is a grant by Ririth, son of Breauel, to the Abbey, of land in Clammorgan de Supra Corneli, 1 for the souls of himself, his ancestors, and his wife who is buried in the cemetery outside the gate of Margam. The land is subject to royal dues of \2d. yearly. Under seal of Grifin, son of Cnaithur, one of the sons of Herbert (T. 16). The witnesses are : William de Lichesfeld, Jordan de Haver- ford, William de Valle, monks of Margam ; Ernald the constable of Kenefec ; Espus, son of Cradoc ; Kenewreic, son of Herbert ; Madoc, son of Cnaithur ; Ithell, son of Riul ; Rired, son of Cnitlin and his brother Cradoc ; Walaueth, son of William Kille- michel. There is a round seal, in brownish red wax, bearing a rosette of sixteen leaves. *fc SIGILL' : GRIFINI. Enniaun, or Eynon, his son, was a joint heir with Res Coh of the land of Ketherec, brother of Caradoc Du in Newcastle (C. Ill, p. 202) ; cf. also T. 289 (7), (8), (9), for Richered, son of Reivel, Caradoc Du, Res Coh, and others. Other charters connected with Bishop Nicholas and the sons of Herbert are : A grant {T. 294 (12) ; C. DCLIV) by Kneythur and 1 Probably North Cornelau in Kenffig. 28 Mar gam Abbey. his brethren Blethin, William, and Kenewrec, sons of Herebert, to the Abbey, of all the land which they hold of the Earl of Gloucester 1 at Killecullum ; rent, \o sh. Given under seal of Bishop Nicholas ; Walter, Abbot of Neath, and John [Abbot of Margajn (who occurs in A.D. 1 170), for 5 marks beforehand. Pope Urban confirms this grant in A.D. 1 1 86 (C. DCXXX), as will be seen in the notice of that occurrence further on. A grant (T. 289 (14) ; C. DCLIII) by Kenewreic, son of Herbert, to Margam Abbey, of all his part of the land at Killeculum, i.e., the fourth part. Sworn upon the sanctuaria at Margam. With abjuration of his interest in the land between Auene and Kenefeg. This is a corollary of the previous deed. The witnesses are : Ernald, the constable of Kenefeg ; Stephen the clerk ; Richard de Duncster ; Osmer Cuuian : Alaithu, son of Ithenard ; Res Coh ; Ithel and Retherech, sons of Riul. An imperfect charter {T. 289 (2) ; C. nccxvi) by Kenewreic, son of Herbert, to the Abbey, of land in Hauodhaloc. Sworn upon the sanctuaria at Margam. The witnesses are : Helias, dean of Newcastle ; Philip de Lanb — , , son of Cnaithur ; Blethin, son of Wilfred ; Philip the forester. Dean Helias occurs at the end of the twelfth century. The same Dean, with Philip de Labernach and Philip the forester, occur in another very imperfect charter (7". 281 (1) ; C. UXCIX). The part played by Bishop Nicholas in the acquisition of Blackeskerre by the abbey is dealt with among the deeds of Earl William. JOHN, Abbot of Margam. Abbot John I, who occurs about 1170, and has already been found as a conjectural witness to a charter of the sons of Herbert, appears in other deeds of about this period, viz. : — A grant [T. 26 ; C. DCCCLlll) by John, Abbot of Margam, to William Cogh of Kenefeg, of about five acres of arable land in the district of Kenefeg at Preostcbereg' ; paying yearly rent of one pound of pepper and one of cumin on All Saints' Day. With power to the grantee to appoint one son his heir ; but the land is not to be given or sold except to Margam. The witnesses are : D. Robert, Prior ; Philip, sub-prior ; Ralph, porter ; and Geoffrey, monk of Margam ; Brother Riered', 1 T. 25 ; C. DXCV. See further on, Charters of Earl William. Early Years of Mar gam Abbey. 29 Hugh, Espus, William Grossus, conversi of the Abbey ; Daniel, chaplain of Coithif ; Daniel his son ; Richard, clerk of Kenefeg ; William Cole, Hugh, junior, Walter his brother, and Philip Cole. There is a pointed oval seal, having an effigy of the Abbot, three-quarters length, with staff and book. ^ SIGILLVM : ABBATIS : DE : MARGAN. William, son of William Cohg (for Cogh), subsequently leased to the Abbey the above five acres of land " at Prestesburge on the high-road leading to Corneli" (T. 1 84 and 289 (57) ; C. DCCCLIl). It belongs to the early part of the thirteenth century. Another grant by Fr. John, Abbot of Margam, is (T. 27 ; C. DCCCIIl), to Robert Curteys, of three acres and a half of land which they had of Richard de Dunesterre ; rent, four pence, and a pound of cumin ; without power to alienate. The witnesses are : Richard the clerk of Kenefeg ; William Cole ; William Frankeleyn ; Henry de Neth. The seal of the Abbot is appended as before. Richard de Dunster occurs frequently in the earliest charters, as we shall find further on. A third deed is an " undertaking (T. 28 ; C. DCCCXLVIII) by David, son of Wasmer 1 of Kenefec, to pay fourteenpence yearly to the Abbey, rent for five acres of land which Dom J , the Abbot, and the Convent gave him, partly lying at Le Horeston, on the west of the road which leads to the town of Corneli, and partly under the Old Castle. The witnesses are : Walter Louel ; William de Corneli ; Roger Grammus ; Richard the clerk ; William Franchclain (in the previous charter) ; Henry de Neht. There is a pointed oval seal, bearing a fleur-de-lis. >%4 SIGILLVM : DAVIT). 1 A name derived from Was or Givas, an old British word for servant, and signifying the servant of (the Virgin) Mary. In the same way (among other somewhat cognate examples) these charters give : — Was-Meuric, servant of (St.) Maurice. Was-Mihangel, servant of the Archangel Michael. Was-sanfret and Wassefrei, the servant of Saint Bride or Bridget. Wasmeir, Wasmeyr, Wasmer, and Osmer appear to be different forms of one word. 30 Marga7?i Abbey, CON AN, Abbot of Margam, not to be confused with Conan, Abbot of Whiteland, co. Car- marthen, succeeded to the dignity on the vacancy caused by the demise or resignation of John. His name is a complimentary reflection of the eponymic Conan Le Petit, Duke or Comte of Bretagne and Earl of Richmond, A.D. 1 1 56-1 171. He occurs in 1 182 and 1 1 87. Three deeds, ratified under the seal of the Priory of St. Michael of Uggomore, belong to his period. 1 The first is a grant by Ketherech, son of John Du, to the Abbey (T. 16; C. DCCLXXIII), of five acres of land of his free tenement in the land of Peitheufn, near the highway which leads from Kenefec towards Cardiff, along the vill of Walter Lupellus or Luuel. Under the seal of the Prior of Oweni, because the grantor had no seal. The witnesses are : William Killemichel ; Eniaw, son of Richered Breuel ; Ketherech, son of Cradoc Du ; Grifin, son of Keneithur ab-Herbert ; Ithell, son of Riwell ; 2 Jordan, conversus of Margam ; William porter [of Margam] ; Godefrey the monk ; Eniaw the clerk. There is a fine pointed oval seal in red wax, appended to the deed. The design is a prior, standing, turned to the left, tonsured, holding a scroll and book. SIGILLVM \ PRIORIS \ S'c'l \ MICH[AEL' \ DE \ ] VGGOMOR'. Next follows a demise and bequest (T. 17; C. DCXXXIIl) by Ketherech, son of John Dv, to the Abbey, of fifteen acres of land of his free tenement in the land of Peiteui'n, adjacent to the five acres mentioned in the previous document, lying on the south of the highway from Kenefec to Cardiff, along the vill of Walter Lupellus, or Luuel. This is also ratified for the same reason under seal of the Prior of Oweni. The witnesses are : William Killemichel ; Eniaw, son of Richered Breuel; Ketherech, son of Carodoc Dv; Grifin, son of Keneithur ab Herebert, the grantor's kinsmen and " nepotes", who have sworn, on the holy reliques at Margam Church, to observe the 1 The Priory of Oweni, or Ewenny (Ewyn-wy, foamy water), was also known at this time as the Priory of St. Michael the Archangel of Uggomore or Ogmore, being situate upon the bank of the river of that name. 2 He occurs in the time of Morgan ap Cradoc, as will be found in several deeds further on. i. Margam Abbey, p. 353 ; 2. Another, p. 357 ; 3. The Abbot of Margam, p. 29 ; 4. The Prior of St. Michael's Uggomor, or Ewenny, p. 30 ; 5. Another, p. 31. Early Years of Mar gam Abbey. 3 1 conditions of the deed, together with Tanguistell his wife ; — Abbot Conan ; James, prior ; Roger, cellarer ; William, porter ; Godefrey, monk ; Jordan, conversus ; Roger, hospital conversus ; Gregory ; John, master of the grange ; Aithan the clerk ; Robinus, famulus of the hospice ; Ithell, son of Ruwel. There is also a fine pointed oval seal of the Priory, as before. ►J* SIGILLVM ■ PRIORIS \ SCl[ \ MICjHAEL' \ DE • VGGOMOR'. A scheme of the pedigrees of the families of Herbert and Du (if this latter be not a nickname), is given in C. Ill, p. 127. The incidental mention of the grange with its master, the famulus or servant of the hospice, the prior, cellarer, porter, monk, and conversi, show clearly that the Abbey was augmenting the number of its inmates and members, and extending the sphere of its influence. The third deed directly connected with Conan is an agree- ment (T. 19; C. DCCXXIV) between Dom Conan, Abbot of the Monastery of Margam, and Dom Maurice, Prior of the Church of St. Michael of Oweni ; whereby Prior Maurice grants to the Abbey the tenement which William Scurlagge gave to Oweni at Lantgewi, of his free tenement, subject to an annual rent of two shillings. The witnesses are : — Hugh and Osbern, monks of Oweni ; William de Bedint' and Godfrey, monks of Margam ; Adam, chaplain ; Jordan, conversus of Margam ; Walter, the clerk of St. Bride's ; Helias the clerk ; Rodbert de Gloecestria ; Hereveius, dapifer of the Prior. Another but imperfect impression of seal, green wax, imperfect, is appended. >%* SIGILLV AEL' j DE \ VCCOMOR'. Maurice, the Prior of Eweny, may have derived his church name by a kind of ecclesiastical courtesy from Maurice de Londres, who founded " the little cell of Ewenith, the fine church of which", says the Rev. E. J. Newell, in his History of the Welsh Church, 1895, p. 292, " still holds his tomb in a perfect state of preservation" (C. 1, p. 14). John Carter's Sketch Books in the British Museum show the condition of the church and tomb in 1803. Some particulars of the Priory will be given in a subsequent chapter. Of the ancient Glamorganshire family of Gillemichel, a small series of early charters are extant among the Margam documents. There is an imperfect grant (T. 289(3); C. DCXCII) by William 32 Margam Abbey. Gillemichel to the Abbey, of eight acres of land in Kenefeg, adjacent to the land of Mehi on the east, in the vicinity of the high road towards Kenfig, from Sturmi or Stormy. The witnesses are : William the cellarer, William, the porter of Margam, Godefrey the monk, Walawet, son of William ; Jouor his brother ; Rethered his brother ; Cnitlun, Retherech, and Rigered, their sons ; Seisill, son of Cnitlin ; Angarat, wife of William ; Weiruill', daughter of the same ; Robert Pulmor, con- versus ; Philip Weste, Ralph his brother. Walawet or Walaveth, one of the sons of this William, occurs in a grant (71 57 and 289, (4) ; C. DCXCIV) to the Abbey, of eight acres of land of his free tenement, on the road from Sturmi town to Kenefec, whereof six and a half lie next to the eight acres given by his father by the preceding deed ; the rest lies to the south of them. For this the monks gave the grantor forty shillings in his great need, somewhat significantly expressed, "ad me adquietan- dum versus dominum Regem et justicias ejus." The witnesses are : William the cellarer and William de Bedintune, monks of Margam ; Brother Godwine the master and Richard, conversi ; Ernald, the constable of Kenefec ; Anarautt, son of Keneithur ab-Herebert, Gestalard ; Retherech. son of Cnitlin ; Chedic, son of Mehi' ; Angarat, mother of the grantor ; Godefrey, monk of Margam ; Walter de Sande ; Thomas, son of Gervase. There is a fine large round seal of red wax, bearing a bow and arrow, with a chain-like object below them ; above them two fir-cones or trees. tfr SIGILL' . WALAVET . GILLEMICHEL. The latter part of the last word in the field of the seal. This is followed by a quit-claim (T. 58; C. DCXCV)by Ketherech and Yuor, (younger?), sons of William Gillemichel, to Margam Abbey, of their right in the land of the said William. The witnesses are : Yoruard ab Espus ; Resus Choc ; Resus.the clerk of Langunit (Llangynwyd) ; Richard, the clerk of Kenefeg ; William Franckelein ; William Cole. There are two round seals of green wax, chipped : 1. An ornamental flower of four trefoils and two ivy leaves. S' KA FILII . GILLEMIHEL. 2. An ornamental flower of thirteen small cinquefoils. ^ S' YVOR . FILII . GILLEMIHEL. Early Years of Margam Abbey. The pedigree deducible from these charters is: William Gillemichel.=Angarat. 33 Walaveth. Ketherech. Yuor. Weirvill'. Walaveth figures again in a grant {T. 289.5 \ C. DCXCIIl) by Walaueth, son of William Gillemichel, to Margam Abbey, of all his father's land in the territory of Kenefeg, the charges thereof due to the Earl's kitchen (a remarkable kind of tenure, perhaps in imitation of some royal pattern), to be paid by the grantor out of his land of Ketlia'lanwar (Gelli Lenor). Sworn upon the Margam sanctuaria. The sureties are : Alaithu, son of Ythenard ; Griffin, son of Cnaith ; Geoffrey, son of Cnaithu ; and the witnesses : Ithel and Riereth, sons of Riwil ; Res Coh, Enion and Tuder, sons of Rierid ; and Ruathlan, son of Robert ab Enniaun. The Burdins. The family of Burdin is represented by two early charters preserved in the British Museum. The first is Harley Ch., 75 B. 26 (C. DCXXXV). It is a grant by Gillebert Burdin and Agnes his wife, and Geoffrey and William their sons, to Margam Abbey, of the land which lies near Sturmi wood {boscuni) to the north, which Geoffrey Sturmi gave to the grantor in perpetual almoign by way of excambium for other land which he had formerly had from Geoffrey when he married his daughter. For this grant the Abbot gave 20sh. to the grantor, to his wife a bezant and two measures of beans, and to each of his sons red shoes. The witnesses are : Brother Vincent ; William, chaplain of Kenefeg ; Walter Luuel ; Robert Corveiser ; Geoffrey his son ; Einulf the mercator ; Adam, son of Robert Pistor ; Hugh, son of Geoffrey Pollard ; Edric Fullo or the fuller ; Spileman de Karmer- din ; John, son of Osbert de Kardif. To this deed is appended a fine bright red and massive pointed oval seal, about 2\ by \\ inches, of a Welshman holding a flower. It may be compared with a drawing representing a Penteylu, or prefectus familiae, in the folio edition of the Leges Wallice, vol. i, PP- 774. 778 ; ii, 755- D 34 Mar gam Abbey . Gillebert Burdin appears again in a deed of the Grammus family. The pedigree appears to be : Geoffrey Sturmi. Gilbert Burdin.— Agnes. Roger (75 D. 3). Geoffrey. William. Renerius. The other, 75 B. 27 (C. Lll), is a confirmation by Renerius, son of Gillebert Burdinus, and Geoffrey and William, sons of the said Burdinus, to Margam Abbey, of the grant often acres of land in La-hole-medwe which their father had made, but died before the sealing thereof, therefore they complete the gift. Witnesses : Roger the cellarer ; Brother Jordan ; Glou, priest of Nova-villa ; John, son of Chenetwin ; Michael de Cheinissam ; Roger Sturmi ; all these heard the divisa, or grant, of Gilbert declared. Walter Luvellus ; Tomas de Corneli ; William Bona- natura ; " these heard us ratify this our father's donation." Two other witnesses, W. Luvellus and W. Bona Natura, occur lower down in a charter addressed to Bishop William. The seal greatly resembles that already described in the previous deed. These two deeds were confirmed by Henry II. The Harley collection of charters contains a grant (75 A. 30 ; C. DCXI) by Peter, Prior, and the whole convent of Bath, to the Abbot and monks of Margam, of all the lands in Keneverdesham, or Keynsham, co. Somerset, viz., three ferlings, which the said Prior held of the heirs of Robert de Vauceles, for five shillings yearly rent, whereof three shillings are to be given to the church of Dunster, and two shillings to the heirs aforesaid. The said land is given subject to no tax but the king's " utibanns". The seals of Robert, Bishop of Bath, who died in A.D. 1 165, and of the Abbey of St. Peter at Bath, are appended to this deed, which may be dated about 1159-1165. The Abbey had a confirmation by Henry II of other land in this parish, as will be seen presently. William, Earl of Gloucester, there founded a noble abbey and was buried therein. 1 1 G. T. Clark, Land of Morgan, p. 60. CHAPTER IV. TIME OF KING HENRY I [. THREE charters of this King are still extant among Mi. c s Talbot's muniments. T. 12 ; C. DCXII, is a notification by the King to the Archbishops and other dignitaries and the degrees of the Kingdom, " to all his lieges, French and English, of the whole of England, Normandy, and Wales", that he has confirmed to the Church of St. Mary of Margam, and the monks therein, for the soul of Henry I, his grandfather, and the soul of the Count of Anjou, his father, whatever Robert, Earl of Gloucester, 1 and others, have given, or are about to give to the monks, viz., of the gift of Earl Robert, the land between Chenefec and Aven, the fisheries of Aven, and the Grange of Langewi ; of the gift of William de Ponchardun, the land Kinewerdesham ; of the gift of Hugh de Raelega, the Grange of Grenedona 2 : — granting, moreover, quittance from toll, passage, pontage, and all custom, for all things bought, sold, or deported for their own use, " because they and all their things are in my hands, and custody, and protection." The witnesses are : Master Geoffrey Ridell' ; Count Reginald ; William Fitz-Hamo ; Peter de Bello-Campo ; Geoffrey de Valoniis. 3 It is dated at Leon, or Lions-la-Foret, in Normandy. There is an imperfect great seal of Henry II, on dark red wax, appended to the deed, which has escaped the notice of Eyton. In 1 167, very shortly after the probable date of this charter, the Welshmen burnt the town of Kenfig on the night of St. Hilary the Bishop, 13th Jan. 4 In 1 171, Henry II passed through South Wales on the way to Ireland, and performed a pilgrimage to St. David's, offering there vestments and money, as related by Mr. Newell in his History of the 1 He died in 1166 (Ann. de Marg., p. 16). 2 This has been supposed to mean Gwern-y-Domen. 3 Occurs between 11 57 and 1 166. 4 Ann. de Marg., p. 16. D 2 36 Mar gam Abbey. Welsh Church, p. 187. The next year, according to the same writer, he again visited St. David's on 17th April, and returned to Cardiff" six days later. On this occasion, attending a religious service at St. Piran's chapel, the curious visionary and prophetic adventure befell him and Philip de Marcros, his companion, related by Mr. Newell from the old annalists. For precise dates and more detailed information of the King's movements, the reader may consult advantageously the late Rev. R. W. Eyton's Court Household and Itinerary of King Henry II, 1878, pp. 160 et seq. Of Philip de Marcros we shall discuss some charters further on. The second deed which issued from the Royal Court {T. 14; C. dcxxi) notifies that the King has confirmed to the monks of Clairvaux the gift which Robert, Earl of Gloucester, and the Countess Mabilia his wife, and Earl William their son, made to them of all the land between Kenefeg and Auen-ulterior, to the west of the Hermitage of Theodoric, etc., as before ; all the fisheries of Aven ; the fishery in the water of Kenefeg ; all wreck on their lands ; a burgage in Kenefeg ; a burgage in Cardiff, viz., Sivvard Palmer, with his house and curtilage ; and 100 acres of land in MARGAM, in exchange of that which they had from Baldwine the Harper, near Novus-burgus, together with a burgage therein ; and the liberty of buying and selling free victuals which Earl William granted to them ; in accordance with the charters of Robert, Earl of Gloucester, and Earl William his son. The witnesses are : R[ichard Toclive], Bishop of Winchester j 1 G[eoffrey Riddell], Bishop of Ely; 2 R[oger Fitz-Count], Bishop of Worcester ; 3 Richard the treasurer ; Richard de Luci ; Earl William de Mandeville ; William, son of Audeli, steward ; Reginald de Curtenai ; Seiher de Quinci ; Thomas Basset ; Randulf de Glanuilla; Robert de Stute[villa] ; Reginald de Paueilli ; William de Lanual ; Hugh de Gund[evilla] ; William de Albineio ; Gerard de Canuilla. This deed is dated at Westminster. An impression of the great seal of Henry II, red wax, imperfect, is appended to this charter. The date appears to range between 1175 and 1 177. Eyton, who has gathered up nearly all the documents of this period in his Itinerary of Henry II, is silent also respecting this charter, a silence 1 6th October ii74-22nd December 11 88. 2 6th October U74-2ist August 1189. 3 23rd August Ii64-9th August 1179. Time of Henry II. 37 much to be regretted. The deed may be read in connection with that described at p. 20. Another Royal Charter of Henry II (T. 13 ; C. DCXXIII) confirms to Margam Abbey the grant which Roger de Albertona made to the same, by gift of William Scurlage, of land at Langewi ; that of William Scurlage, junior, at Langewi, saving service due to Earl William ; that of Geoffrey Sturmi and Roger his son ; the compact made between the monks and Roger Sturmi concerning the residue of the land held by the said Roger in fee from the Earl in Margan, saving service as aforesaid ; the gift of Odo Sorus, of Canterel's houses in the bailey of Bristol ; that of Gillebert Burdin, Agnes his wife, and Geoffrey and William his sons, in Sturmi wood ; that of Geoffrey, Reiner, and William, sons of Gillebert Burdin, of the land called " the mountain of Laholemede" ; and that of Helias de Turre, clerk of Queen A[lienor], of the land which William, Earl of Gloucester, gave to Gregory, and afterwards to him at Kenefech, with the usual clauses of free tenure found in royal charters of the King. The witnesses are : Rfjchard 1 Toclive], Bishop of Winchester ; G[eoffrey 2 Riddell], Bishop of Ely ; R[oger 3 ], Bishop of Worcester ; Richard de Luci ; Earl William de Mandeville ; Reginald de Curtenai ; William de Lanual' ; Thomas Basset ; Randulf de Glanville ; Seiher de Quinci ; Reginald de Paueilli ; Robert de Stut[evilla] ; William de Stut[evilla] ; Gerard de Canuilli. 4 The deed is dated at Westminster, without year, but apparently between A.D. 1175-11 79, and a fine, but imperfect, great seal of Henry II is appended to it. It seems to have escaped the scrutiny of Eyton. Some of the grants herein confirmed have already been mentioned ; some notice of the others will be found in the next few pages. The series of deeds relating to Helias de Turre, or Turri, is described further on at pp. 42-45. 1 A.D. 1 174- 1 188. 2 A.D. II74-U89. 3 A.D. U64-II79. 4 Eyton dates Gerard de Camville between A.D. 1175 and 1179. — Itin. of Henry II, p. 315. CHAPTER V. WILLIAM, EARL OF GLOUCESTER.— ROBERT OF GLOUCESTER. — THE COUNTESS HAWISIA. — HELIAS DE TURRI. — RICHARD UE CARDIFF, Etc. HE history of Margam Abbey in the latter half of the twelfth 1 century is closely bound up with the life of William the Consul, 1 the second Earl of Gloucester, who succeeded his father Robert the Consul in A.D. 1147, and his mother Mabel, sometimes called Sybil, sole heiress of Robert FitzHamon. the conqueror of Glamorgan in 1 157. Her two sisters, Cicely and Hawise, or Hawisia, entered monastic life and became the abbesses of Shaftesbury and Wilton, so that she was regarded as the sole heiress and inheri- tress of the Honour of Gloucester, the Lordship of Glamorgan, and the lands of her uncle Hamo Dapifer in England and Normandy. Earl William held the lordship for thirty-six years, A.D. 1 147 — 1 183, according to the annals of Margam, which place his death ix kal. December, i.e., 23 November in the latter year. Mr. Clark has, however, recorded the death of the Earl as having taken place in A.D. 1173. 2 The Earl married the Lady Hawisia, daughter of Robert Le Bossu, Earl of Leicester, who outlived him ; and there was one son of the marriage, Robert, who died 3 without issue, during the life of his parents, in A.D. 1166. The deaths of William de Claravalle, first Abbot, in 1 153, and of Andrew, the second Abbot, in A.D. 1 1 5 5, which occurred during the life of this Earl, have been already mentioned. Other Abbots occupied the abbatial chair in the Earl's time, viz., C -, a witness to the Earl's foundation charter of Keynsham, between A.D. 1167-1170 4 ; John, who occurs in A.D. 1170, according to 1 C. 111, p. 85. 2 Arch. Camb., 3rd Ser., No. LIII, January 1868, p. 24 (three times). It is 'difficult to account for this curious mistake. 3 Mr. Clark writes : " In 11 66 Robert (?), Earl William's brother, died."— The Land of Morgan, Camb. Arch. Assoc., 1883, p. 58. 4 Dugd., Mon. Angl., v, 452. Very doubtful. William, Karl of Gloucester . Traherne, 1 but not corroborated, or rather disproved, by docu- ments in this present series ; and Conan, who occurs before A.D. 1 1 66, and in A.D. 1 182 and 1 187. Of the historical and political events of Earl William's life, want of space prevents any notice here. His capture by Ivor ap Meyric or Ivor Bach, Lord of Senghenydd, his religious foundations, and his pedigree, have formed the subject of many essays. His munificence towards Margam, whether in the form of actual gifts, or of confirmations of the gifts of his dependants, was undoubtedly very great. Some have been already discussed. First among the remaining documents of the time of this Earl, which illustrate the rising fortunes of the Abbey, is T. 544. 2 ; C. MCCCXCIII, a grant by Earl William, addressed to his dapifer and thegns of Bristol, and Sheriff of Glamorgan and all his Bailiffs of England and Wales, and all his men, French, English and Welsh, of freedom of Margam Abbey from toll for buying and selling, etc. Witnessed by Hawisa the Countess. Also among the general gifts of the Earl to the Abbey, and one which is of peculiar value to-day, when fishery rights are so keenly appreciated and maintained, is a notification (T. 544. 13 ; C. MCCCC) by the Earl to his sheriff and barons "de Gualis " [i.e., of Wales], that he has granted permission to the monks of Margam to make a fishery in Kenefec water, if it can be made without prejudice to the mill which he intends to make therein. Witnessed by Hapsa the Countess, and others whose names are left out by the writer of the Roll. The Earl's return, or Rotulus militum, printed in the Liber Niger, p. 161, contains names of many Glamorganshire tenants who occur in this series of Charters. On the back of one of the Margam Rolls (T. 289. 66 ; C. DXClll) is entered the text of a notification by Earl William, addressed to his dapifer and sheriff of Glamorgan, and all his barons and men, French, English and Welsh, that he has given to Richard de Kardif, for his services, the New-Town in Margan, with all its appurtenances, beginning at the old dyke, which begins on the sea-shore and runs along Dewiscumbe 2 as far as the dyke from St. Tudoc's, then to Alweiscnappe and Bulluchesbruhc, then as far as the vale of Cornell', then to the Danes' vale, then to Cattesholc, 3 1 Quoted by Mr. Clark, /. c, p. 313, but probably incorrect. 2 The little valley in which is St. David's Well, Ffynon Dewi, near Nottage Court. 3 Pwll-y-Gath, Cat's-pit or hole farm, near Kenfig Hill. 40 Marga?n Abbey. then direct to the sea along the bottom of the valley to Baeian, 1 which is in sabluno. The boundaries of the meadows which apper- tain to this New-Town, as well as the above, are from the ford of Baithan to the high road which leads from Langewy to Treikic. The tenure is the fourth part of a knight's service. The witnesses are : Hawisia the Countess, his wife ; Robert de Meisi, Symon de St. Lo. Although, strictly speaking, this is not an Abbey charter, it is of interest as showing the origin of Newton, a township between Kenfig and Merthyr Mawr, yet here described as in Margan, another instance of the breadth of meaning attached to that word. Mr. Clark points out the early dates of the grantee and the witnesses, and their appearances elsewhere. Bulluchesbruhe recalls a somewhat similar name, Burlakesbroke, in Swansea Borough (C. in, p. 96). It would not be unreasonable to expect that the Earl did not forget the advantages which would accrue to his Cistercians of Margam, if they had an abiding - place in Bristol, the great emporium of Western England at that time ; and this, we find, was the case. Notice has already been drawn 2 to the gift by Odo Sorus, of a house or houses and land called "Canterel", or ;< Canterel's", in the Castle of Bristol, to William de Claravalle, Abbot of Margam, confirmed by John, Odo's son, in accordance with his father's deed of gift (T. 290.27; 544.12). This was ratified by Earl William (7". 544. 5 ; C. MCCCXCVl) and by Henry II about A.D. 1 179 (C. DCXXIIIJ. The Earl's charter of confirmation is addressed to his steward, barons, and others of Bristol, and is attested by Adam of Eley. The tenure of this property, which was situate within the castle, and probably carried with its position there a seat at the Earl's council table, gave to Margam a stand- point where the monks were in direct touch with the stream of home and foreign trade perpetually passing through the western midlands and converging on the flourishing port, second only to London at that time in the magnitude of its business. We come next to an important charter of which the date must be anterior to A.D. 1166 — a grant (T. 21 ; C. DCXIII) by Earl William, addressed to his sheriff of Glamorgan and all his barons and men, French, English and Welsh, notifying that he has given to Robert his son that land in Margam which was in dispute between the said Earl and Margam Abbey, to wit, from Baiden or Baithan. 2 P. 23. Robert, Son of William, E. of Gloucester. 41 the lower brow of the hill to the upper brow of the hills at the source of Kenefech, between Gethlifrith and Frudul, on into the ford of Kewelethhi in Aven ; and the said Robert granted it, in the presence and with the assent of his father, to Conan the Abbot and the Church of Margam. There is a powerful array of witnesses : Hawisa, Countess of Gloucester ; Conan, Abbot of White-land ; Richard, Abbot of St. Augustine's, Bristol ; Ralph, Abbot of Neath ; W. de Bosco, sheriff ; William de Cliford ; Richard de Cardi ; Simon de Cardi ; John de St. Lo ; Robert, son of Richard ; Geoffrey Sturmi ; Regi- nald son of Simon ; William de Actona ; Gillebert Croc ; Wido de Rocca ; Robert the chaplain ; Engelram Walensis ; John and Richard de Cliford ; Hamo de Valoniis ; Herveus the clerk. This deed carries Conan's abbacy back to the days of Robert of Gloucester, and makes him contemporary with his namesake of the adjacent Whiteland Abbey, and identical with the C , of the Keynsham Foundation deed. A companion document (T. 212.2) was issued by the Earl, addressed to Nicholas, Bishop of Landaff, etc., confirming the land above mentioned. The witnesses are not so numerous, but all appear in the initial deed : Hawisia the Countess; Abbot Conan; Abbot Richard ; Abbot Ralph ; William de Bosco, sheriff ; Symon de Kardiff ; John de St. Laudo ; Robert, son of Richard ; Geoffrey Sturmy ; Reginald, son of Symon ; William de Acton ; Gilbert Croc ; Gwydo de Rocca ; Robert, chaplain ; Herveus, clerk. Many of these witnesses reappear in the charters of this period, and some have been dealt with already. Gwydo de Rocca is the Wido de Rupe of the Earl's grant to Brother Meiler. William de Cliford appears again as Vicecomes. Gilbert Croc appears in the charters of the sons of Herbert. The Harley Charter (75 A. 8), of which there is an old transcript in the Margam Roll (T. 544.6), is a notification by Earl William to his sheriff, and all his barons and lieges, of his grant to Margam Abbey of Siward Palmifer, with his house and curtilage "ad hospitium", for a hospice [in Cardiff], by the hand of Robert, his son. The witnesses are : Hawisia the Countess ; Hamo, son of Geoffrey, constable ; Hubert, dapifer ; Robert de Almeri, dapifer ; Adam de Eli ; Alan de Warnesteda ; Elias, the clerk. The deed is dated at Bristou (Bristol). 42 Margam Abbey. The noble Robert died in A.D. 1166 during the lifetime of his father, so that the limit of time that may be assigned to this deed is between A.D. 1 147 and 1166. Sivvard Palmifer's tenement in Cardiff, hereby given to Margam Abbey for a hospice, forms the subject of other documents. The text of this is printed in C. XIV, and Contrib. in Arch. Cambr., Ill Series. Following up this gift, and in augmentation of it, we find T. 22 and 544.7 ; C. DXCII, which is a notice by the Earl to his sheriff, barons, and men, that he has given to Margam Abbey a hundred acres in Margam, in exchange for the land which belonged to Baldewine the harper of New-Borough, also the houses of the said Baldewine, within the borough, with a curtilage with- out the castle ; and an increment to the land of Siward Palmar of Cardif, for erection of a house there ; and a burgage in the borough of Kenefe[g]. The witnesses are : Robert Norr[eis], sheriff ; Gregory, son of Robert ; and William, son of Stephen ; William, son of Nicholas ; H. Tusard' ; Ralph Prent'. Dated at New-Borough. There is appended an imperfect seal and counterseal of the Earl. William, son of Stephen, occurs in another deed {C. LIY), and as Constable of the Earl of Gloucester in the time of Mabel, his mother, the widowed Countess {C. XV). This deed Mr. Clark dates circa 1148, but this is perhaps somewhat too early. Mr. Clark states that the Novus Burgus, here mentioned, is "sometimes Nova Villa, and evidently Newton, now Newton Nottage". Why may it not be that which Earl William, in another deed (Add. Ch. 7715, C- XVIII) speaks of as "in Novo Burgo meo quod feci ubi gardinum meum fuit extra villam de Cardif"? It appears to be distinct from Nova Villa, which is Newton or Newton Nottage, on the sand-hills, and to have been made "where my garden stood without the town of Cardiff." Besides, there was no castle at Newton Nottage. In the times of Earl William, his son Robert, and Abbot Conan, there appears to have been a foreign family of de Turri, or de Turre, settled in the county, of which one member, Helias de Turre, 1 was clerk or chaplain to the Lady Alienora, Queen Consort of King Henry II. There are several charters relating to property with which this family was connected, and which 1 1 11 1 de Turre was rated at one knight under the Bishop of Worcester in Liber Niger, p. 175. Helias de Turri. 43 eventually passed into the possession of Margam Abbey. They may be arranged in the following order ; some, however, of the series appear to be missing which would have made the trans- actions to which they refer more intelligible. Earl William notifies (T. 544.9 ; C. MCCCXCVlll) to his sheriff of Glamorgan, and all his barons, that he has given to Helias the clerk five acres of land at Kenefeg, lying between the land which belonged to Robert Passelewe and that which the Earl gave to Gregory de Turri and to the said Helias. And Helias will pay to Robert, the Earl's son, yearly three decii [i.e., dice] of ivory. The witness is : Hawisia the Countess. The date is deter- mined by the death, in A.D. 1 166, of Robert of Gloucester. By another document (T. 544. 8 ; C. MCCCXCVll), Earl William notifies to his steward, sheriff, barons, etc., of Wales, that he has granted to Gregory, son of Robert, three shillings'-worth of land in Margam, viz., twenty acres of land and a burgage at Kenfig. And the said Gregory, by the Earl's consent, has given the said land to Helias his clerk. The witness is : Hawisia the Countess ; others, after the manner of compiling the rolls, being omitted for the sake of brevity. Here, again, the shilling's-worth of land in Margam appears to correspond with the same amount of land in Kenefeh ; and, if so, it would seem that the latter place was included in the appella- tion of Margam, a district, at the time of these deeds, of greater extent than it now is. And in a subsequent charter (T. 544. 10; C. MCCCXCIX), the Earl notifies to all his men, English and Welsh, that he has granted to the Lady Alienor, Queen of England, the three decii of ivory which Helias her clerk paid yearly for the five acres at Kenfeg. The witness is : Hawisia the Countess, as before. This may be before or after A.D. 1 166. Next comes a grant (T. 3 ; C. DCXXXIIl) by Gregory, son of Robert, notifying to all his men and his friends that he has given Elias, his clerk, in fee and inheritance, three shillings'-worth of land which Earl William gave him at Kenefeh. Rent, one pound of cumin yearly. The witnesses are : Haewis the Countess ; Robert Dalmero ; Robert Norreis, sheriff ; Roger, dapifer ; Pipard the clerk ; Peter the clerk ; Henry Tusard ; Robert, son of Geoffrey ; Robert, son of the grantor. This is followed by a grant (T. 4; C. ucxxxvi) by W[illiam], son of Gregory, to Margam Abbey, of the one pound of cumin 44 Mar gam Abbey. (see above) which Helyas de Turn", clerk to the Lady Alienor, Queen of England, used to pay yearly to his father and himselt for his land in the town of Chenefech, i.e., Kenfig. The witnesses are : Richard de Card[iff], steward ; Hamo de Valoniis ; Symon de Card[iff], Reginald, son of Symon ; Robert the dapifer, and Drugo, brothers of the grantor ; William Trihan ; Gilebert the chaplain ; Master Hereueus ; Jordan the clerk ; Safreus the cook. There is an imperfect seal appended, of dark green wax, bearing a knight in armour, with conical helmet and nasale, hauberk, coat of mail, with long sword and shield, riding on a horse galloping to the right. +fc SIGILLVM . WIL I . FILII . GREGORII. The pedigree appears to be : — De Turri. Robert. Helias. Gregory. == John. William. Robert, dapifer, Sheriff of Glamorgan. Drugo. (T. 7 ; C. dxcviii). Then follows a grant (T. 5 ; C. DCXXXVll) by Helyas de Turre, clerk of the Lady [Alienor], Queen of England, to Margam Abbey, for the soul of his lord Gregory, of the land which Earl William gave to Lord Gregory and the grantor at Kenefeh, within and without the vill. The witnesses are : Eglin the sheriff ; Walter Luuel, Gillebert Gramus ; Ely de Kenefeh ; Alexander ; Einulf ; Ralph the writer ; Hugh de Hereford ; Robert Corueiser ; Richard, son of Aubert ; Elyas Faber, or the wright. There is an imperfect pointed oval seal of brown wax, bearing a triple-towered castle, embattled. The legend is broken away. .... URR . . The device of a tower is, of course, by way of rebus or allusion to the name of its owner. A notification (T. 24 and 544. 1 1 ; C. DCXVIl) by Earl William to all his men and his friends, French, English and Welsh, that, at the request of William, son of Gregory de Turre, he has con- firmed the gift which the said William made to Margam Abbey, of one pound of cumin rent due from Helyas, clerk of the Lady Helias de Turri. 45 Alienora, Queen of England, to Gregory de Turri and William, his son, for service of the land held by the said Helyas at Chenefech, in accordance with the Earl's charter, saving the service due to the Earl. The witnesses are : Hawisia the Countess ; Richard de Cardif, steward ; Symon, his brother ; Robert, son of Gregory, dapifer ; William and Drugo, his brothers ; Hamo de Valoniis ; Reginald, son of Symon ; Masters Hereveus the clerk ; Jordan the clerk. Abbot Conan notifies (T. 6; C. DCXXXVlll) to all the faithful ones of Holy Church, both present and to come, that he has regranted to Gregory and John, nephews of Helyas the clerk, all the land which William, Earl of Gloucester, gave to Gregory de Turri 1 and Helias, his clerk, at Kenefeg, both within and without the vill — and which the said Helias, with assent of the Earl and of William, the son of Gregory, gave to the Abbey in perpetual tenure, at a yearly rent — on condition of a yearly rent to the Abbey of one pound of pepper at Michaelmas, saving to the mother of Helias her part, which she holds for life ; and to the father and mother of John, their tenement for life ; and on the death of Helias's mother, the land to be divided between Gregory and John, so that Gregory shall have the messuage {masagium) in which Helias's mother dwelt, included in his share ; and John, after the decease of his parents, to inherit their portion. The witnesses are : Dom. James, Prior of Margam ; John, Prior of Eweni ; Roger, cellarer of Margam ; Brother Jordan and Brother Roger, conversi ; Daniel, the priest of Kenefeg ; Maurice the clerk, son of William, the dean ; Stephen the writer ; Walter Luvell ; Gillebert Gramus ; Thomas de Corneli ; Richard, son of Albert. The first official seal of the Abbot of Margam is appended ; a pointed oval seal of green wax, bearing an Abbot, three-quarters length, with staff and book. [»£ si]gillvm . abb[at]is . DE . marg[an.] The Abbot's charter, no doubt ratified in the Chapter of the Abbey, is attested by a powerful array of witnesses, most of whom are of monastic order. It is to be observed that the cumin of former deeds has become pepper in this. 1 Gregory de Turri occurs rated at half a knight, under Earl William, in the Liber Niger, p. 164. 46 Mar gam Abbey. To the period of Earl William and the younger Robert belongs the Harley Charter 75 c. 39 (C. DCCLl), a notification by Elias 1 (or Helias on the endorsement), clerk of New-Castle, and Mary, his mother, that they have, for the good of their souls and the souls of their ancestors, granted in frank almoign to the monks of Margam, ten acres of their land in Penvei, nearest to the way leading from Newcastle to the wood {boscuvi). Witnesses : Helias the chaplain ; Jacob the clerk ; Alexander de Punjardun ; Henry and Helias, the monks ; Walter the conversus. There is a fragmentary seal appended, of which only part of the legend, [SIGILLVM . SEC]RETI, now remains. About A.D. 1 170 occurs (Harl. Ch. 75 B. 3 ; C. DCXix) the testi- monial letters of William, Rural Dean of Wrenid, that is, Groneath in West Glamorgan, to Hameline, 2 Abbot of Gloucester, and Roger de Norwich, 3 Prior of Llanthony, co. Gloucester, concerning the Church of Sturmi (Stormy Down, in Pyle Parish), whereof there was a controversy between Roger Sturmi and Gilbert, the priest of New-Castle : showing that Geoffrey Sturmi, father of the above Roger, built the church in his vill in the wilderness, on his land whereon no one had ever hitherto ploughed, and one Tomas, a priest, was presented thereunto by the said Geoffrey, and held it all his lifetime ; adding that, as a matter of fact, the said church has not received chrism from New-Castle church, but from the said Dean, and, in the days of the said Geoffrey and Roger, children were baptised and the dead interred therein. It would appear by the foregoing that the priest of New- Castle had complained to his patrons, the Abbot of St. Peter's, Gloucester, and the Prior of Llanthony, of an alleged invasion of his spiritualities by the erection of the church at Sturmy, within the limits of his parochial boundary. About A.D. 1 1 70- 1 1 80, a grant (T. 77 ; 292. 15 ; C. DCCXCVll) was made by Jorverth, son of Tudyr Cham, to Margam Abbey, in pure almoign, of the whole land which belonged to Ketherech Du in the arable (territorid) of New-Castle, which the said Tudyr had of the gift of Morgan, son of Karadoc, his lord, for a gift of twenty 1 Elias, the clerk, occurs early, temp. Rob., Consul of Gloucester ; but there are three persons mentioned here who bear the favourite Biblical name, and it is difficult to identify each one. An "Elias aureis testiculis" occurs as rated at ten knights under Earl William in the Liber Niger, p. 161, who may possibly be identical with the grantor of this deed. 2 Occurs A.D. 1 1 48- 1 1 79. 3 Occurs, circ. A.D. 1178. It el ab Riul. 47 shillings made by the monks to the said Jorverth in his great need ; sworn by the grantor and his brothers upon the sanctuaria of Margam. The sureties are : Griffin and Ririd, brethren of the grantor ; Alaythur, uncle of the grantor ; Res Choch ; Eneaun, son of Ririd ; Itel ab Riul, and his brethren. The witnesses are : Alaythur ; Resus Coch ; Griffin, son of Kanaythur ; Geoffrey, son of Kanaythur ; and the brethren of Blethen. Theie is a round seal of green wax, bearing a star of six points. ►£< SIGILL'. [iOJRVERTH . FILII . TVDYR. The pedigree appears to be : — Tudyr Cham.-= Alaythur. Jorverth. Griffin. Ririd. == Ithel ab Riul occurs in several deeds temp. Res Coed, or Res Coh, al. Coch. The date of this deed, which has been placed here partly on account of the occurrence of the witness, is not far from the time of Morgan ab Caradoc and Conan, Abbot of Margam. Another deed (T. 289. 13 ; C. dccxx), which is connected with the foregoing by the occurrence of two of the witnesses, is a con- firmation by Enauhin, son of Rihered Breauel, to Margam Abbey, of eighteen acres of land near Redesice, below Corneli, which his father gave to the monks ; rent, 2 sk. to the king yearly at Michaelmas. The witnesses are : Ernald, constable of Kenefec ; Stephen the clerk; Res Coh 1 ; Ithel, son of Riwl ; Gille Seis 2 ; Rihered, his brother. The re-occurrence of some of the personages brings in here a grant (T. 293 . 4 ; C. DCCXIl) by Res Coh and his brethren, Roger, Kradoc, Ythenard, Ketherech, and Wrunu, in frank almoign, to Margam Abbey, of all their land of Keuenmahhaj, whatever they have between the waters of Garwe and Ugkemor ; with warranty sworn upon the rcliques or sacrosancta. The witnesses are : Griffin, son of Knaithur ; Anaraud, his brother ; Ythel, son of 1 Occurs temp. Morgan ab Cradoc. 2 See a charter of Gille Seis in T. 78 ; 289. 35. 4§ Mar gam Abbey. Rul ; Eneaun, son of Rired ; Knaithur son of Maderod ; Geoffrey, son of Knaithur ; Meuric, son of Loarch ; Iwrain, son of Wair ; Goithel, his brother ; Madoc, son of Knaithur. The name of Goithel, which is found among the witnesses, is of much interest. It occurs nowhere else in the series of Margam deeds, and is probably derived from an old ancestral name. Two pedigrees seem to depend on this charter : that of Res Coh, with five brethren, and that of Knaithur, son of Maderod, and father (if it be the same Knaithur) of Griffin, Anaraud, Geoffrey, and Madoc. To the closing years of Henry II must be attributed a docu- ment ( T. 30; C. DCXX) setting forth the terms of the settlement of a controversy between the Abbot of Neath and the Abbot of Margam, concerning a hundred acres of land at the Grange of Skerra. The monks of Margam had sold this land to the monks of Neath, but were unable to guarantee it ; therefore the Abbot was to return the purchase money, twelve silver marks. But if the Abbot could get possession and deliver it up to Neath, that Abbey was to pay twenty instead of twelve marks. If the Abbot of Margam failed to get this land, and had to accept an exchange from the Earl of Gloucester, he is to pay the monks of Neath twelve marks and add five thereto. The witnesses are : Dom Joillfenus], 1 Abbot of Savigny, and Dom Walter, Abbot of Combcrmcre, with assent of the two con- vents of Neath and Margam. This place, now called Sker, and, in a charter of Bishop Nicholas, " Blackeskerre," is a farm in the parish of Kcnfig, on the southern limit, only a few yards from the shore. It is so called from an adjacent sker, sheer, or reef of rocks. Here was the grange belonging to Neath Abbey from the time the above deed was carried into effect by the Abbot of Margam getting possession (T. 5441.7) and conveying it to the purchasers, until the dissolution. The grant was admitted by Robert, Earl of Gloucester, and his son William, confirmed by King John in 1208, and the grange endowed by Thomas de Sanford with a quittance of two shillings per annum on fifty acres of land and one and a-half upon the sea at Blakesker. 2 1 Or Joslenus, Gallia Christiana, vol. xi, p. 546. He occurs A.D. 1173 and 1 178. The date of Walter, Abbot of Combermere, has not been closely ascertained. 2 Clark, Co/i/rib., p. 27. The Sons of Herbert. 49 This deed has been inserted among the charters of Earl William, as a suitable place, because it preceded a notification (T. 544. 17 ; C. MCCCCIII) by the Earl to his sheriff of Kardiff as to the land of Blakescerra, which is in dispute between Margam Abbey and Richard de Kardiff. The Earl, probably after recourse had to his muniments by both parties, records that hereby he had given the land in question to Margam Abbey in exchange for their land of Novus-Burgus [near Cardiff], long before the said Richard had any land in Wales from the said Earl, therefore he warrants it to the Abbey. The witnesses are : Hawisia, the Countess of Gloucester ; Master Samson ; David the chaplain. Of Richard de Cardiff, and the New-Borough, we have already taken cognisance. Mr. Clark says that Novus Burgus of this charter is Newton, within which parish is Blackscerre, but I prefer to place it near Cardiff. The end of the controversy is recorded in the Harley Charter 75 A. 15; (C. XXXIII), whereby Bishop Nicholas notifies the canonical termination of the suit between the Abbot of Margam and Richard de Kardif concerning certain land of Blakescerre. This was passed in the chapter, and judgment, in accordance with letters and charters of King and Earl and papal privileges, was given that the Abbey should hold the land in pure almoign and as an ecclesiastical possession, for the Abbot proved that he held it upwards of ten years before the said Richard acquired land in that district. The proof, no doubt, rested on the Earl's notification above-mentioned. It is probable that, on the execution of this title deed, the Abbot of Margam proceeded to convey the property to the Abbot of Neath in accordance with the terms of the settlement above recited. Some account of the charters connected with the sons of Herbert, son of Godwinet, has already been taken (p. 26). Among the charters relating to them, which proceed from Earl William's chancery, is a grant (T. 25 ; C. DXCV) to Kenaithur, son of Herbert, son of Godwinet, and to Blethein, William, Keinwrec, and Rigered, his brethren, the sons of Herbert, of the land of Kelleculum, which the said Herbert held, and the arable land of Treikik, 1 between the land of Luarch, 2 son of Merewith, and the water of Baidan. 1 Tre-y-gedd, near Baiden, cj. C, vol. iii, p. 255. 2 Bryn Llywarch, near Baiden. E 50 Mar gam Abbey. The witnesses are : Richard de Cardi, dapifer ; Hamo de Valoniis ; W. de Bosco ; W. de Actona ; Luarch, son of Merewith ; Caradoc, son of John Du ; Herveus the clerk, who wrote the deed. This deed passed into the muniment room of the Abbey when the grantees hereinmentioned gave the property to the monks, according to the endorsement : " Memorandum quod Willelmus comes dedit filiis Herberti terram de Killeculum 1 per istam cartam, quam quidem terram predicti filii Herberti dederunt monachis de Margan." Baidan, also called Baythan, is a stream frequently mentioned as a boundary in these deeds. Luarch, son of Mere- with, is identical with Leuuar filius Meruit, of T. 7 ; C. DXCVlli, already discussed. Richard de Cardi occurs in the Liber Niger, rated at half a knight under Earl William, p. 165. He is the Richard de Kardiff of the previous charter. Among the Harley Charters is 75 A. 9 {C. XXXVI and MCCCCII, and Contrib. in Arch. Camb.) ; a notification by Earl William to his Sheriff of Glamorgan and all his barons and men, French, English and Welsh, that he has confirmed the charters of Geoffrey Sturm i and Roger, his son and heir, granting land to Margam Abbey. Also he confirms the agreement between the monks and Roger Sturmi concerning all the rest of Roger's land held of the Earl's fee in Margam, viz., that the monks hold the land of Roger in perpetual farm for half a silver mark yearly service to the said Roger, and after his death to his heirs, provided that Roger does service due, as he and his father before him did, to the Earl for the land. This agreement was confirmed at the request of Geoffrey, Roger's brother, to whom the Abbot of Margam gave a silver mark and a pullus, or colt, for his consent ; the Earl undertakes to limit his power of distraint to the said half-mark yearly. The witnesses are : Hawisia, the Countess ; Hamo de Valoniis, the Constable [of Cardiff Castle] ; Odo de Tiches' ; Symon de Cardif ; Robert, son of Gregory ; Gilbert Almari ; Robert Bibois ; Wido de Rupe ; Gilebert, the Chaplain ; William de Ludwic ; Eglin de Purbica. Many of them have already occurred in the foregoing chapters of this period, and some will still be noticed in succeeding documents. Hamo de Valoniis occurs in Earl William's deeds several times, and as Sheriff in A.D. 11 18. The family of Sturmi is not confined to Glamorganshire, but is met with in the 1 Gallt-y-cwm. Rew Herbert is in the vicinity. The Herberts are spoken of to this day in Cwm-Dyffryn. Sturmi and Scurlage. 51 West of England. Mr. Clark shows "that the transaction herein recorded seems to point to the retirement of the family from the county, where they are again but once heard of"; but the church of Sturmi-land is met with later on. There is an early copy of this deed in the Margam Abbey Roll (T. 544. 15 ; C. MCCCCl), and by the next deed on the roll, T. 544. 16 ; C. MCCCCII, Earl William notifies to his sheriff of Glamorgan, etc., that by the petition of Roger and Richard, heirs of the abovesaid Geoffrey Sturmi, he has confirmed the grant made by Geoffrey Sturmi when he was made a frater conversus in the church to Margam Abbey of a certain part of his land in Margam, saving due service to the Earl. The sole witness is the Countess Haw[i]sia, but the roll generally omits witnesses or curtails the number of them. To Earl William's time must be attributed a grant {Harley Ch. 75 D. 22 ; C. DCLXXVI ; T. 294 . 8 ; C. DCCCLXXXVIl) by Philip, son of Wrgeni, in frank almoign to the Abbey, of ten acres of the land which the Earl [of Gloucester] gave him, and a little more added thereto, viz., between the road lying between the land of the grantor and that of Pagan de Turberville, and the dyke leading from that road between the land of the grantor and that of W. Scurlage up to the metes or boundary stones set up as marks on the plain of the same field towards the east, and thence to the little wood (boscnluni) by a straight line which passes down opposite another way between the grantor's land and that of W. Scurlage. The witnesses are : Brother Roger, cellarer ; Jordan and Richard de Bada (Bath), brethren of Margam ; Gilebert, priest of New-Castle ; Walter Laheles ; Norman the provost, Eilmer the palmer, Codwinus de New-Castle, and Rodbert, nepos of the grantor With a seal bearing a hand and flag. In later years the son of this Philip ratified his father's charter, for among the Harley Charters is a deed (75 C. 46 ; T. 294. 9 ; C. MXX), whereby Grunu, son of Philip, notifies to all the sons of Holy Church that, with the assent of Kenewrec and William, his brethren, he has confirmed to the monks of Margam those ten acres of land and a little more, which their father gave them in pure almoign (setting out the boundaries as in the preceding deed) ; and, further, he grants them in frank almoign two acres, whereof one and a half lie to the north of the said ten acres, stretching in a straight line to the foss by the boundary of the grantor's land and that of William Scurlagge, and the remaining half acre to the east of the ten acres. The witnesses are : Helias, the clerk ; Kenewrec and William, E 2 52 Mar gam Abbey. brothers of Grunu ; William, cellarer of Margam ; Godefrey, the monk ; Walter, master of Lantgewi ; Brother Richard and Brother Peter, conversi of Margam. To this deed is appended an interesting seal of native art, pointed oval, a dexter hand issuing from the right, grasping a lance flag, between two stars above and two slipped trefoils below ; with legend ►J* SIGILL' . GRVNV . FILII . PHILIPPI . The pedigree disclosed by these charters is : Wrgeni. Philip. == Grunu. Kenewrec. William. Two companion charters on the Abbey rolls (T. 544. 3 and 4 ; C. MCCCXCV and MCCCXCIV) record (1) a notification by Earl William addressed to the Bishop of Llandaff, the Sheriff of Glamorgan, and all his barons, men, and friends, French, English and Welsh, of his confirmation of the grant made by William Scurlag, and confirmed by Roger de Albertune, of land at Langewi, to Margam Abbey ; the land given to the same by William Scurlag the younger, at the same place, saving service : the grant of land by Geoffrey Sturmy and Roger, his son ; his agreement to the convention between the monks and Roger Sturmy concerning the residue of his lands, held in the Earl's fee, in Margam, with limitation in case of defection of the said Roger, to half a mark yearly ; and of his confirmation of Odo Sorus's gift of houses which were " Canterel", in Bristol bailey, with curtilage adjacent. Hawisia, the Countess, is the only witness whose name appears on the abbreviated transcript : — And (2) a notification by Earl William addressed to his steward and Sheriff of Glamorgan, etc., confirming various grants by William Scurlag of land which Roger de Albertune had given by conces- sion of his fatherWilliam at Lageleston ; all the land which the said William had on the western side of the high road {strata publico) from Lageleston to the hills through Ulfs Well, and all the land which the Clerk of Langewi had on the western side of the same road which the said William took from the clerk in exchange, to Margam Abbey. Hawisia, the Countess, witnesses this, and other names have been omitted by the scribe. Roger de Albertune is a twelfth-century personage, but does not Hugh de Hereford. 53 help to fix a precise date to these deeds. The Scurlages and Scurlage Castle have disappeared from Govver. The family, benefactors to Margam, have fled to Ireland, and appear there as Scurlocks. 1 The Earl also executed a notification (T. 20 and 544.20; C. DXCVll) to his sheriff and all his barons and men and friends, " Guali", French and English, and Welsh (a phrase which seems to distinguish the Guali from the Walenses), that he has granted to Walter Lageles the land which his father held ; rent, eight shillings yearly to the Earl, who hereby constitutes the grantee one of his lib eri homines. The witnesses are: William de Cliford, sheriff; William, son of Nicholas, marshal ; William de Bosco ; William, son of Henry ; Gilbert de Turberville ; Rodbert, son of Richard ; Hugh de Herford ; Walter Luuel, Wakelin. Dated at Car- diff. To this is appended a fine large seal of self-coloured wax, the edge chipped, 3 in. in diameter, bearing a lion statant guardant, turned to the right, the tail uplifted. Behind is a conventional tree or lily. SIGILLVM . WIL[LEL]MI . GLOENCESTRIE . CONSVLIS. on the reverse ; a small oval counterseal bearing the impression of an antique oval gem ; a helmeted bust to the right, between two figures of Nike or Victory, in the air, each holding a wreath towards the bust ; below it, upon an estrade, an eagle rising reguardant, between two standards. ^ AQVILA . SV[M] . ET . C[VS]TOS . COMITIS. In this charter we see in all probability the origin of the town- ship of Lageleston or Laleston. Some of the witnesses have already made their entry into these pages. Hugh de Herford, or Hereford, will be treated of in subsequent places. 2 The seal with its ancient gem reverse is a good example of the nobleman's seal in the twelfth century. It has been conjectured that the prevalence of antique signets at this time may be due to the fact that the Crusades introduced to the notice of the richer sort who took part in them many of the treasures of classic and Eastern lands. By these the precious relics of a bygone art were carried to England, and there distributed and utilised after the manner which we see is adopted by the Earl in this case. 1 Clark, Archceology of the Land of Morgan, pp. 50, 51. 2 See pp. 54, 60. 54 Mar gam Abbey. Towards the close of the century Margam Abbey must have suffered severely from the unsettled condition of the locality. In A.D. 1 1 85, the Welshmen began to lay waste the district of Glamorgan with fire and rapine. Among other acts of war they burnt Cardiff, and Kenefig town for a second time fell a prey to the flames. The castle of Neath was again besieged, and stoutly defended, until the relief by the exercitus Francigenarum, coming from England, put the Welshmen to flight and burned their engines of assault. 1 Hugh de Hereford contributes several deeds' 2 to the extant series. Anterior to A.D. 1 186 must be placed his notification ( T. 32 and 289 . 28 ; C. DCXLVll) to "his lords and friends and all the sons of Holy Mother Church" that he has confirmed in frank almoign to Margam Abbey, the whole of his land in the arable district {territorio) of Kenefec, as he held it of William, Earl of Gloucester, who gave it to him for his service — saving only the service of his seignories which the monks will have to render, in accordance with the charter which the Earl gave to the said Hugh and he now gives to the monks. This he gives for the souls of his lord, the said Earl, and others. The witnesses are : James, Prior of Margam ; Roger, cellarer ; William de Bedint' and Godfrey, monks ; Jordan and Roger, conversi of Margam ; Philip de Marecros, Roger Sturmi, Richard de Dunestore, yEinulf de Kenefeg. There is a round seal, red wax, bearing a sword erect. >J« SIGILL' \ HVGONIS \ DE \ HEREFORD. The reverse is a small oval counterseal bearing the impression of an antique oval intaglio gem, on which is a bust couped at the neck, profiled to the right. ^ SIGILLVM : HVGONIS : HEREF°D. The original deed of agreement is still extant (^.31 ; C. DCXLIV) which was entered into between the Abbot of Margam and Hugh de Hereford, whereby he grants all his land in Kenefeg in pure and perpetual almoign in accordance with his charter already in the hands of the monks. The Abbot, bearing in mind not only the necessity but the devotion of the grantor, charitably lends him ten marks, to be repaid in full when Hugh has prevailed on his heirs to assent to the agreement. Hugh, on his part, agrees that if he deceases before the monks get peaceable possession he will bequeath five marks, the moiety of the loan, by way of alms to the Abbey. 1 Ann. de Marg., p. 18. 2 See pp. 59-61. William T^oggevel. 55 The other five he shall have who restores the sealed letter which the Abbot delivered to Hugh " ad intersignia", i.e., as a basis of the transaction. The abbot will give no more, whether Hugh be alive or dead, until he has obtained a valid title. The witnesses are : James, Prior of Margam ; Roger, cellarer ; William de Bedint', monk ; Jordan and Roger, conversi ; William Doggavel. To this is appended an impression of the gem seal of Hugh de Hereford as described already. The occurrence of the witness William Doggavel, or Doggevel, at this period enables us to ascertain approximately the date of a deed which has been transcribed into the Abbey roll {T. 290.9; C. DCXXIX). It is a notification by William Doggeuel to William, Bishop of Llandaff, that he had granted to Margam Abbey of his free tenement, all his meadow under Rahat, lying in the marsh towards the south, both his own demesne and that which his mother holds in dower ; and also, on her death, in the town of Cardiff without the Eastern Gate, towards the north and close to the gate, a messuage {inasagiuvi), with a curtilage, and a croft close thereto ; and also in his land of Lisbonit, one acre wherever the monks like to choose it. And if any service for this be demanded by the king or otherwise, the said William or his heirs will perform it, that the monks may hold it for ever free of all services. W A hen he made the grant of the meadow, the Abbot and monks, considering the greatness of his needs, forgave him a debt of ten silver shillings. 1 William, Bishop of Llandaff, occupied the see from A.D. 1185 to 1 191, between which dates the deed was executed. Rahat is the modern Roath, a suburb of Cardiff somewhat to the north-east, and not far from the county boundary. Lisbonit is Lystalibont, also adjacent to Cardiff. We have other deeds connected with Roath, and the occurrence of William Doggevel's name entitles them to be placed in this part of the history. One is the Harley Charter 75 B. 25 (C. DCl) ; purporting to be a grant by Richard Bulchart to Margam Abbey, in perpetual almoign, for his soul, his wife's soul, etc., of five acres and a half of meadow which he bought with his own chattels {propria catello meo), lying between the meadow of William Docgeuel and 1 Giraldus admired " the noble Cistercian Monastery of Margam, both for its beauty and for the renown of its charitable deeds 1 '. — Newell, History of the Welsh Church, p. 304. The charitable character of Abbot Conan he especially praises : " immoderata largifluas charitatis abundantia, quam in peregrinos et pauperes infatiganter exercuerat, deficiente aliquoties farre penuque." — Girald. Itin. Cambr., ed. Powell, p. 63. Mar gam Abbey. that of the men of Roath {hominum de Rad). 1 For this the Abbot gave him a silver mark, and because he had no seal he confirms it with that of the mother-church of Landaff. The witnesses are: Roger Gulegut, Geoffrey, and Baldewine, and Rodbert, sons of William Palmarius ; Walter Siwart and Rodbert, his son. The seal of the Chapter of Llandaff, showing the first state of the cathedral, is still appended to this ancient charter. A grant by Richard Bulchard is confirmed by the Papal Bull of A.D. 1 1 86, but it is not certain that this is the same land, although it was so in all probability. There is another deed, closely connected with the preceding, entered on the Abbey roll (T. 290 . 13 ; C. DCII), in which the same person, Richard Bulchard, grants to the Abbey in free almoign five acres lying below or between the meadows of the said William Doggevel and the men of Rath. In this case, however, he supplies the want of a seal by procuring an impression of that belonging to Robert, son of Gregory, then sheriff. This dignitary has already appeared in some of the foregoing documents of the time of his lord, Earl William. 1 Rath, T. 290. 12 CHAPTER VI. THE BULL OF POPE URBAN III.— HUGH DE HEREFORD.- HUGH OF LANCARVAN.— THE FAMILY OF MONMOUTH. —ADAM, THE PORTER OF CARDIFF. NE of the most important charters relating to the Abbey at V_y the close of the twelfth century is that preserved in the British Museum {Harl. Ch. 75 A. i ; C. DCXXX). It is a Bull of Pope Urban III directed to the Abbot and Brethren, in response to their request, taking them under the protection of St. Peter and the Pope; and ordaining (1) that the Monastic Order, in accordance with the rule of St. Benedict and the constitutions of the Cistercians, be kept for ever inviolably ; and (2) confirming to them the following grants, viz. : At Kilialum (for Killiculum), given by the sons of Herbert. At Languevi, by William Scurlage, Herbert Scurlage, and Roger de Abbetun. At Kenefig arable given by Hugh de Hereford. At Kenefig arable given by the burgesses thereof. At Newcastle (by Bridgend), arable given by Walter Lageles. In Chairdis (for Cardiff), a burgage given by Robert, son of Another with a meadow given by Richard Bulchard. At New-Burgh (Newton) a burgage given by Balduine the Harper. In Bristol a burgage, given by Hugh Le Fors. Another there, given by Symon Cocus, or the Cook. The Abbey Grange (near Morfa) with its appurtenances. The Grange of. . irdin (*'.«., Gardino 1 ), with its appurtenances. The Grange of St. Michael's (Llanfihangel, near Pyle), with its appurtenances. The Grange of Mieles (in Avan Marsh), with all its appurtenances. The Grange of Theodoric's hermitage, with its appurtenances. Turchill. 1 C. in, 474- 58 Mar gam Abbey. In Kenefig town a burgage. In Kairdiff two burgages, given by the Earl of Gloucester. Another burgage there with adjacent land without the town, given by Elias de Turre, the clerk. The original charters of grant of the above property are extant, and most of them have already been described. Then follows a series of privileges, viz. : (3) Freedom from tithes and first-fruits for their cultivated and uncultivated lands, either vines, or fodder. (4) Free reception and detention of clerks and laymen " fleeing from the world". (5) No professed brother to depart without the Abbot's licence. (6) No one to harbour such a one, whether monk or conversus, who is liable to be sentenced if detained. (7) Prohibition of theft, rapine, arson, arrest, manslaughter, and violence within the precincts of the Abbey and the granges. (8) Lands and benefices to be dealt with only by assent of the chapter or of the greater and wiser part thereof. If not, the pro- ceedings to be void. (9) No professed monk or convert to become a surety, or borrow a loan beyond the amount fixed by the chapter, except when the house is manifestly in want of it. Otherwise the convent shall not be responsible. (10) Brethren to be capable of giving evidence in civil and criminal causes. (11) Holy oil to be supplied to them without charge for consecration of altars or churches, ordination of monks, etc. (12) Freedom from synods, foreign meetings, lay courts, etc. (13) No one to molest them in their election, institution, deposition, or removal of an Abbot. (14) If the bishop of the diocese refuse to bless the new Abbot, yet this Abbot, if a priest, may bless his novices and perform other duties appertaining to his office, until the bishop abates his refusal and blesses him. (15) The bishop to be contented with the customary profession by the Abbot. (16) No one to interdict or anathematize their neighbours or servants for assisting them at work on holy-days ; nor their benefactors for charitable help. (17) Power to absolve and communicate any one of the " family" if at point of death, although he be excommunicate or under interdict for detention of tithes, etc. Pope Urban III. 59 (18) Any sentence promulgated by a bishop against their person or monastery contrary to their privileges to be void. (19) Perpetual confirmation of all liberties, Papal immunities, and Royal and other exemptions from secular taxes. (20) No one to molest the Abbey, carry away the property, retain it, or diminish it ; but to preserve the same, saving the authority of the Holy See. (21) A denunciation of those who oppose, and blessing on those who keep the bull. The deed is ratified by the Pope himself and twelve Cardinals. It is dated at Verona, xiiii Kal. Dec. ( 1 8th November) A.D. 1 1 86, iv Indiction, first year of Urban III. Steady progress was going on with the erection of the monastic buildings, for in 1 187 the altar of the Holy Trinity in Margan Abbey was consecrated by William de Saltmarsh, Bishop of Llandaff, iv Kal. Nov. (29th October), according to the Annates de Margan (p. 20). This seems to indicate that the Abbey was now sufficiently advanced to take its place among the active religious centres of the county. One of the few dated charters of the twelfth century is an agreement (T. 36 ; C. DCXXXll) between the Abbot and monks of Margam, and William the clerk of Langewi, whereby the said William demises to the Abbot all his land and rents, ecclesiastical and lay, for his lifetime, for a yearly payment of twenty shillings, on condition that if the Abbot can prevail upon Theobald Waited to grant to the said William rents in Ireland (apud Irlandiam) equiva- lent to the said twenty shillings, the Abbot and Convent shall be quit of this payment ; any deficiency to be made up by the Abbot and surplus to be given to the monks, according as the rents in Ireland rank. To close the bargain, he receives a " runcinus", or draught-horse, and four marks and a half (being the rent of three years), and half-a-mark over towards the rent of the fourth year in advance ; with provision for repayment of this if the said William obtain rents from the said Theobald. One part of this deed sealed with the ring of Hugh de Hereford, as the said William had no seal ; the other with that of the Abbot. The witnesses are : James, Prior of Margam ; Roger the cellarer ; William de Bedintune, monk ; Jordan conversus ; Hugh de Hereford, William Guril ; William de St. Fagan. Dated at Margam on the Octave of SS. Peter and Paul (7th July) in the year of the " Incarnate Word", 1 188. 60 Mar gam Abbey. The word C.I.R.O.G.R.A.P.H.V.M cut across at the top. An endorsement says " Vacat, quia innovata est ista conventio." Of the witnesses some have already appeared. James, Prior of Margam, and Roger the cellarer, occur in another charter of the time of Earl William. Hugh de Hereford, also in the same deed, will be found in the Bull of A.D. 1 1 86. William de Bedintune is frequently found among this charters of this period. Another deed of the above Hugh de Hereford is {T. 33 ; C. DCXLVl) a grant in frank almoign to Margam Abbey, of thirty acres of land upon the west part of Corneli, from the old cemetery to the boundary of the land of Walter Lupellus, or Luuel, then to the land of Joaf, son of Herebert, then as far as the highway coming from the chapel of Corneli, belonging to Walter Lupellus, towards the water ; also he grants the moorland adjacent to the other land, on the water. This charter was offered on the altar for the soul of his lord, William, Earl of Gloucester, who gave him the land for his services, and others. The witnesses are : Roger, cellarer of Margam ; William de Bedint', monk ; Jordan, conversus ; Reginald, son of Symon ; Richard, his clerk ; Thomas de Corneli ; Roger Sturmi ; Herebert, son of Turkill ; Richard de Dunestore. There is an imperfect seal, red wax, as described above. This introduces a third document (T. 34; C. DCXXXl), an acquittance by Hugh de Hereford' to the Abbot and Convent of Margam, for nine marks silver, which they had lent him to obtain his redemption from his lord William, Earl of Gloucester, who had imprisoned him ; for which sum he had pledged all his land upon Corneli, except that which the said Hugh gave to the Abbey (see above). Of these nine marks, three were delivered at the Michaelmas after King Henry II took the cross for going to Jerusalem, 1 the remaining six to be paid in twelve years, at half-a-mark yearly, because the land is very sterile. The witnesses are : James, Prior of Margam ; Roger, cellarer ; Jordan and Gregory, conversi of Margam ; Roger Sturmi ; Thomas de Corneli ; ^Einulf de Kenefeg ; Richard de Dunestore. The date is about A.D. 1 187-8. There is another example of the gem seal already described. The last of the Hereford deeds is (T. 35 ; C. DCXVIII) a grant 1 " Postquam Dominus noster Henricus Secundus Rex Anglias crucem accepit eundi Jerosolymam." This took place in January 1 187 ; see Eyton's Itinerary of Henry II, p. 283. Hugh de Hereford. 61 to Margam Abbey of all the land which he holds of the Earl of Gloucester, in Margam, namely, thirteen acres and a half, measur- ing 27 perches along the Welsh lands on the west, and 80 perches along the land of Walter Luvellus towards the moor ; and his meadow to be theirs, and any place where they can find marl to belong to them, with a way-leave for carrying the marl to their land. He also grants common of pasture throughout all his land, meadows and crops excepted. The witnesses are : Roger, cellarer of Margam ; Jordan, con- versus : and Godwine ; John, son of Herebert ; Gugan Bodewen; Caradoc, son of Hugh ; Walter, son of Fordrett ; ^Eilward de Corneli ; William de Corneli. Mr. Clark introduces into his series {C. xxxix) a deed derived, as he indicates, from the documents in possession of Miss Talbot, but at present it has not yet been identified. It contains letters of John, Earl of Moreton, afterwards king, to his men and friends, French, English and Welsh, notifying his confirmation to Margam Abbey of the land which they have of this gift of the Burgesses of Kenfig in the land of Kenfig, in frank almoign : and also his grant to the abbey of the service of Hugh de Hereford for this land as far as belongs to the Earl, provided Hugh is willing to grant it {i.e., exchange lords). The witnesses are : William de Braose j 1 Hamo de Valoines ; Engelram de Pratellis ; Alan Bassett ; Peter Cauillon ; Werreis de Valoines ; Richard Walensis. It is dated at Cardiff, Tuesday before the feast of St. Hilary, 4 Rich. I [a.d. 1 193], and the date appears to govern the previous deeds of grant by Hugh de Hereford to Margam. Two charters, closely allied together, and here following, belong to this period of the waning twelfth century. They originate with Hugh, son of Rodbert of Llancarvan, and relate to the parish of Lantmeuthin, now Llanveithen, an extra-parochial place topo- graphically in Llancarvan. The first 2 is a notification (T. 37; C. DCLXVIII) by Hugh, son of Rodbert de Lantcarvan, to William, Bishop of Llandaff, of his grant to Margam Abbey, of thirty acres of land of his free tenement nearest to their land of Lantmeuthin, with a croft adjacent to the old cemetery on the western side, and 1 Occurs in Liber Niger, pp. 127, 377. 2 A blundered and abridged form by Traherne is given in Clark's Contri- butions in Arch. Camb., where a misreading spells the place Landoyeuthin. 62 Mar gam Abbey. four other crofts, whereof one lies under the old cemetery, the others on the high road towards the stream running down from Lantmeuthin ; with assent of his lord, Henry de Humfraville, and of Margery, wife of the said Hugh, and others his friends ; for four marks of silver and a young ox, given to him in his great need by the Abbot. The charter was solemnly deposited by the grantor on the high altar of Margam, in presence of many bystanders, and in full county of Cardiff recited and attested, viva voce, by the said Hugh. The witnesses are : James, Prior of Margam ; Roger the cellarer ; Vincent and Godfrey, monks of Margam ; Jordan, con- versus ; Roger and Richard, " conversi hospitales " of Margam. Witnesses inscribed in the Cardiff County Court : William, 1 Prior of Golclive ; Henry de Humfraville ; John le Sorus ; Pagan de Turbervilla, Philip de Marecros, William Flanmengus ; Rodbert Morinus ; Odo de Novo-Burgo. There is a large seal of red wax, appended, bearing an ornamental fleur-de-lis. ►J* SIGILL' : HVGONIS : FILII : RODBERTI. The ordinary witnesses have, for the most part, already appeared in preceding charters. The testes inscripti are mostly new names, among them the celebrated Philip de Marecros, 2 whom Mr. Clark describes as taking part in 1172 in a supernatural story. The pedigrees 3 of Humfraville, le Sorus, Turberville, and Fleming, have also been treated by that author. The second is a notification (T. 38 ; C. LIX, DCLXIX 4 ) by the same to William, the Bishop, of his grant to Margam Abbey, with assent of his lord, Henry de Humfraville, of one acre of land for helping to erect a chapel in honour of Saint Meuthin, at the Abbey grange of Lantmeuthin, adjacent to the thirty acres which he has already granted in the previous deed. The witnesses are : Roger the cellarer ; Godefrey, monk of Margam ; Auel, priest of St. Hilary ; Walter, chaplain of Lant- caruan ; Brother Witfare, and Richard Terri ; Walter Rufus, con- versi of Margam ; Margery, wife of the said Hugh ; Roger Cole. Another example of the large seal is appended to this original 1 Afterwards Bishop of Llandaff, a.d. 12 19- 1230. 2 Land of Morgan, p. 58. 3 Arch. Camb., 3rd Series. 4 Mr. Clark also gives a version of this in his Contributions in Arch. Camb., from Collect. Topogr. et Geneal., vol. xix, where the grantor's name has been strangely omitted. The Family de Monemuta. deed. This document discloses that the Abbey had erected a grange at Lantmeuthin between the period of the first deed and the second. The Monmouth family appear in their original charters in Miss Talbot's possession. The first is a grant (T. 53 ; C. DCCXXV) by Gilbert de Monemuta or Monmouth, for the sake of his soul and of his wife Berta, his children, relatives and friends, to Margam Abbey, of liberty to buy and sell, throughout his lands, whatever it requires for its own use, free of toll, challenge, and custom. The witnesses are : Robert, Prior of Monmouth ; Brother Ralph Pichard ; Robert de Albemara ; Walter de Cormeilles ; James de Monemuta or Monmouth ; William de Marisco ; the Lady Berta ; Robert de Alb[em]ara, juvenis ; Ralph de Wisham ; Robert Cornou, Godard, Herbert, son of Reginald ; Luueric ; Robert, son of Mialda ; and Robert de Marisco, who wrote the charter. There is an imperfect seal, brown wax, bearing a knight, in armour, riding on a horse to the right. Legend wanting. This family, whose nobility is indicated by the use of the equestrian type on the seal, were Norman followers of the Conqueror, and derived, as usual, the surname from the principal seat or fief, at Monmouth, where they built a castle, under which their surrounding manors were subheld. Gilbert, in the fourth line, married the Lady Berta, designated above as witness and spiritual participator in the agreement, and was succeeded by his son John, whose charter next follows. A grant (T. 55 A; C. DCCXXVl) by John de Monemutha, or Monmouth, to Margam Abbey, for the souls of himself, Cecilia his wife, Gillebert his father, Bertha his mother, and for the health of his sons John, Walter, and Richard, of the liberty which his father gave (by the previous deed) to the Abbey, to buy and sell freely, whatever it requires for its own use, without toll, challenge, or custom. Witnesses : Dom John, first-born and heir of the grantor ; William de Luci, Ralph Bluet, Richard Taleboth, 1 Robert Tregeit, William de Coleuile, Robert Poinz. The grantor uses here a fine oval seal of green wax, bearing the impression of an antique oval intaglio gem, on which is engraved a tree between a lion on the left hand and a bull on the right hand side. 1 This is the earliest notice of any member of the Talbot family in the Margam deeds relating to the County of Glamorgan. 64 »J< SIGILLVM . IOHANNIS . MONEMVTE. The pedigree exhibited by these charters is : Gillebert de Monmouth.=Lady Bertha. John.— Cecilia. John. Walter. Richard. T. 55 B. is another copy of the same charter, with a small verbal alteration, and omission of the name of one witness, Robert Poinz. A fragmentary seal, as described above, is still attached to this original manuscript. Roath occurs in another Cardiff charter of the later part of the twelfth century among the Harleian portion of the Abbey deeds, 75 C. 44 (C. DCCXXVIII). Therein Adam, son of Roger the Porter of Cardiff, notifies to all the sons of Holy Church, present and future, that, with assent of his wife and heirs and other his friends, he has confirmed to the monks of Margam, in free almoign, fifteen acres of arable land and five acres of meadow, near to the "vivarium de Raath", the fishpond of Roath, at a yearly rent of twelve pence, at Michaelmas. The grantor stipulates that if his title be defective — " si forte earn warantizare non poterimus" — his estate shall provide a similar acreage elsewhere. The witnesses are : Herbert, son of Turkill ; Henry, son of Urban the Archdeacon ; Richard de Raad (Roath) ; Steiner ; Nicholas, son of Herbert ; Roger Cuinterel. There is an interesting seal of office attached to this original deed, bearing a dexter hand and arm, grasping a key, symbolical of the Porter's duties. The legend seems to show that Adam had succeeded to his father's office, unless, in this far-away age of nascent surnames, the office had given a surname to the son of the man who held it. The son of an archdeacon seems at first sight strange, but the marriage of the clergy is not absolutely involved in the expression. The disposal of the yearly rent of twelve pence forms the subject of the next document, which is also preserved in the same series (75 C. 45 ; C. DCCXXIX). This is a charter whereby the same grantor notifies to the same universal body of the faithful that, with assent of ►{< SIGILLVM . ADE . PORTARI. The Porter of Cardiff. 65 Thomas, his son and heir, and of other his friends, he has confirmed to the monks of Margam, for the soul's health of himself, his pre- decessors and successors, in pure almoign, the rent of twelve pence, which the monks were bound to pay him yearly. The witnesses are : Henry de Kerdif, William de Herefordia, monks of Margam ; Cradoc, the medicus or physician ; Robin Walter. These are wholly different from those of the foregoing charters. The following pedigree is exhibited by these two foregoing deeds and one subsequent deed : Roger Portarius de Kaerdif.= Adam Portarius.= ...—Robert Cusin. Thomas. ... Roger Cusin. Robert Cusin became Porter of Cardiff at a later time, and his son Roger deals with the land specified in a charter (T. 290. 24 ; C. DCCXXX) addressed by" Roger Cusin filius Roberti Cusin portarii de Kardif" to all the sons of Holy Church, notifying that with assent of his relatives and friends he has confirmed to Margam Abbey the grant made by A[dam] the Porter, his uncle, in accord- ance with the terms of his charter, viz., fifteen acres of arable land and five of meadow near the " vivarium de Raath" in frank almoign, with release or quit-claim of right to the same. The transcription of this deed into the Abbey roll has omitted, as in many similar cases, for the sake of brevity, the names of the witnesses. Mr. Clark considers Robert Cusin connected with the Porter family by a sister of Thomas (C. iii, 212). Richard of Dunster^a not-infrequent witness, as we have found already, in Margam Charters of the late twelfth and early thirteenth century, was also a benefactor to the Abbey, as is shown by his grant (T. 79 and 289.21 ; C. DCCCIl) to Margam Abbey, with counsel and consent of his wife and heirs, of his burgage in Kenefeg, with land adjoining the castle of the same town, and one acre outside the town, near the Malederia, or Hospital, probably a Leper- house, of which no remains are known. The witnesses are : Thomas, chaplain of Kenefeg ; Osmer Cuuian, Walter Luuel ; David, son of Hely ; Wasmer ; Thomas, Richard de Dunster occurs in T. 289 . 15 (see p. 71) ; 295 . 15 appears to belong to the same transaction. F 66 Mar gam Abbey. son of Richard ; Robert, son of Ralph ; Roger, his brother ; Walter de Sabulo. There is appended an impression of a lozenge-shaped seal in green wax, bearing a seeded fleur-de-lis without legend. Near to this must be placed the grant (T. 289.23; C. DCCCXLVll) by Osmer Cuuian, in frank almoign, to Margam Abbey, of land which he purchased from Meuric, son of Luuarch ; rent to the King, 30^. yearly at Michaelmas. Of this ten acres are to remain to the grantor, of which one is marled, and after his death nine of these to the Abbey free, and the marled acre to his heir. The witnesses are : Tomas, the chaplain of Kenefeg ; Walter Luuel, David, son of Hely ; Wasmer ; Tomas, son of Richard ; Robert, son of Ralph ; Roger, his brother ; Walter de Sabulo. The witnesses and the grantor bring this charter very close to the preceding deed. Osmer Cuuian, 1 who has figured in some foregoing charters, appears again in a grant {T. 289. 16 ; C. DCCXXXV) by Wrunu, son of Cadugan, to Margam Abbey, of all his land between Waldere- stone and Horegraue, with easements. Sworn upon the sanctuaria by the grantor, Meuric his brother, Cadugan his father, Canan his uncle, and the sons of the same ; and the sons of Luarch his uncle. The witnesses are : Dom. William de Braus ; Walter de Sul', sheriff of Glammorgan ; Helias the dean of New-Castle, John Brun the constable of Kenefeg, Stephen the clerk, Osmer Cuuian. The next entry on the roll {T. 289. 17 ; C. DCCXXXVl) is the corresponding deed by Meuric, son of Cadugan, to the Abbey, mutatis mutandis. The same parties attest this document, which no doubt was executed at the same time. 1 Osmer Cuuian, who also occurs further on, is a contemporary of Res Coch. A simple Osmer, perhaps the same " servant of the Virgin Mary", occurs in 1202. See also T. 66, 289. 15 and 19. CHAPTER VII. TIME OF WILLIAM, BISHOP OF LLANDAFF. WILLIAM of Saltmarsh was consecrated by Archbishop Bald- wine of Canterbury, as successor to Bishop Nicholas, and occupied the See of Llandaff, from ioth August A.D. 1 1 86, to about A.D. 1 191, when, according to the records, the See again became vacant. During the occupation of Bishop William, several im- portant charters had been conferred upon the Abbey, which materially added to the extent of the conventual domains, and the prosperity of the community, now probably numerous, that had congregated within the walls. Among these deeds the following claim especial notice. A charter or letter in the British Museum (75 A. 16 ; C. CVl), addressed by Bishop William to the archdeacons, deans, parsons, and vicars of his diocese, notifies that he takes the house of Margam into especial favour, and calls upon them to execute, saving episcopal right, ecclesiastical justice against all who presume to injure or damage the monks, until satisfactory amends be made. The date of this is probably not far from the beginning of Bishop William's prelacy. The charter of Hugh of Lancarvan, notifying to Bishop William his grants to Margam, have already been laid before the reader. 1 Three deeds relating to the little-known family of Mitdehor- guill, called Muidorguil in an already-mentioned document, 2 may be conveniently placed here. One is a notification (T. 39 ; C. DCLXXIX), to Bishop William, and all the sons of Holy Mother Church, by Milisant, daughter and heir of William Mitdehorguill, of her grant to Margam Abbey, of two acres of meadow of her free tenement at St. Nicholas, lying opposite the meadow of the priest of Bonvilstone on the other side of the stream at Fennebridge ; and confirming the gift by her mother Milisant, of one acre of her 1 P. 61. 2 P. 26. F 2 68 Mar gam Abbey. dower land at the well of Donisus lying on the east of the rivulet below the arable land, towards the two acres of meadow which are on the same rivulet on the other bank ; also, common of pasture in the whole of her fee of St. Nicholas. The witnesses are : — Ysaac, priest of St. Cadoc ; Richard, priest of Kaerwigan ; Godefrey, monk of Margam ; Brother Wittfare and Brother Jordan, conversi of Margam ; Augustine, chaplain of St. John's [Cardiff] ; Herebert, son of Turkill ; Dobin, son of Walter Siward ; Walter, son of Richard the priest of Cardiff ; Richard, son of Herbert Turkill ; Osbern, cellarer of Neath ; Matildis de Soor, grandmother (avid) of the grantor ; Roger Scrogein. The lady uses a pointed oval seal in red wax, bearing a representation of herself, full length, wearing a loose robe, girdled at the waist, and holding a flower in the right hand. ^ SIGILLVM . MILIS[E]NT. From the endorsement " Carta domine Milisent Junioris," we may presume that her mother, who is mentioned in the text of the deed, also bore the same name. The next (T. 40; C. DCLXXVlll) is a notification to William, Bishop of Llandaff, etc., by the same Milisant, of her grant in pure almoign to Margam Abbey of ten acres of land, for her soul, her father's, her ancestors', and successors' on Turbernes- dune at the west thereof on the highway from Fennebrigge to Wigetune, viz. : — all the reedy acre (hmcosam acram), and the rest of the arable as it descends along the boundary of Rodbert Aldid's land and its meadow, to the east of the highway, and so turns off to Trampeslatd, below the land of Walter Buldus, and goes through the stream of Turbernesdune, and descends into the stream which is the boundary between Bonevilestune and Mitdehorguill's land, reaching as far as the aforesaid highway from Fennebridge. The grantor also undertakes to pay the king's or other services due on these lands. One mark was paid by the monks for relief of the land of Barri, in the grantor's great need, when she made this grant. Witnesses : — Godfrey, monk of Margam ; William de Bedin- tune ; Osbern, cellarer of Neath ; Brother Jordan and Brother Wittfare, conversi of Margam ; Richard, priest of Kaerwigan ; Augustine, chaplain of St. John's ; Herebert, son of Turkill ; Dobin Siward of Cardiff, Walter, son of Richard the priest, Richard, son of Herebert [son of] Turkill ; Osbern, cellarer of Neath. 1 1 Twice enumerated among these witnesses by oversight of the writer. William, bishop of Llandaff. There is an imperfect seal, of the grantor, as described before, still appended to the deed. We are already familiar with several of these witnesses. The property is described in the endorsement as being " de pheudo Domine Milisant apud Sanctum Nicholaum." The third deed among the British Museum series of Margam Charters, 75 D. 25 ; (C. DCXLII), which seems to illustrate the history of this family of Mitdehorguill — (a strange surname savouring of Norman extraction) — that manifestly stood high among the county tenants of the Earl of Gloucester. It is a Charter whereby Matildis de (la Sore, on the endorsement) Soor notifies to William, Bishop of Llandaff, and all the faithful of Mother Church, that by concession of her Lady and granddaughter {neptis) Milisant, she has confirmed to the monks of Margam for her own soul, her husband's, and her son William's, four acres of her dower land in the " pendulo montis", or mountain side of Karuesdune (called Caruenesdune in the endorsement) about the middle of the declivity : thereof three begin at the brow of the hill and go down to the stream, running between Pultimor and Le Sor's lands ; the fourth touches the other three on the west. This land belonged to Godwine Francis, and Rodbert his son. Sealed with the seal of the said Milisant, because the grantor had no seal, as well as to show the assent of that lady to the transaction. The witnesses are : — Godefrey, monk of Margam ; William de Bedintunc, Brother Jordan, and Brother Wittfare, conversi of Margam ; Richard, priest of Bonevill ; Augustine, chaplain of St. John's, Cardiff; Herebert, son of Turkill ; Dobin, son of Walter Siward ; Osbern, cellarer of Neath ; Walter, son of Richard the priest [of Cardiff]. From the relationship of Matildis de Soor, or la Sore, who is called avia, to Milisant who is her neptis, it is evident that the two families of Soor and Mitdehorguill were in close relationship. The pedigree would appear to stand thus : — [William ?] Le Sor.==Matildis de Soor, or La Sore, avia of Milisant, junior. William. William Mitdehorguill. =pMilisant. = Milisant, junior, heiress of W. Mitdehorguill, and neptis the above Matildis. Bishop William issued letters, the original of which exist in 7o Mar gam Abbey. the British Museum (75 A. 17; C. DCXLI) notifying an agreement made before him in the Church of Llandaff, between the Abbot and monks of Margam, and Richered, son of Chenaf, Ruwatlan Brehenelegan, Wasmihaggel son of Cradoc ab-Ithegwin, and Itell and Retherech his brothers ; Ragevarh, son of Grifin ; and Cradoc, son of Bletheri ; whereby they swear upon the altar and relics of St. Theliaw in Llandaff Church, a remission to the Abbot and monks of Margam for six years of all claim to the land of Bradetune, warranting the same against themselves, their families, and all Welshmen for the said term, beginning at Michaelmas in the second year of King Richard I's coronation, an event which was celebrated on 3rd December, 11 89. The Abbot paid three silver marks to be divided among the parties, and they on their part pledged their Christianity with the bishop and the arch- deacon to observe the covenant without guile. The pledges or sureties are Grunu Wirth, Keneithur Canterel, Gurgan de Penduuelin and Tuthenert ; and Retherech, son of Cradoc. The witnesses are : — Urban the archdeacon ; Richard, the Bishop's chaplain ; William de Deitune, William de Portesc' (Portskewit), Roger de Novo-Burgo, Habraham Gobio, Nicholas Gobio, Ralph the parson, Habraham Bleinwit, and all the chapter of Llandaff. The Bishop's seal, with impression of a fine antique gem counterseal, is still appended to this interesting document. The eminent Norman family of Turberville, settled at Coyty in Glamorganshire, and represented at this time by a Pagan de Turber- ville, of noble rank, appears among the benefactors of the Abbey in two deeds. The first is a notification (T. 41 and 294 7 ; C. DCLXXl) by Pagan de Turberville to Bishop William, and all the sons of holy church, of his grant by counsel and consent of his wife, his heirs, and his friends, to Mai gam Abbey, of the land which his lord, William, Earl of Gloucester, gave him in Coitkard' in Newcastle for his services, and the grantor will be responsible for the king's and the earl's dues. Twenty marks were given to him by the monks in consideration for this gift, and out of compassion for his great need, to help his endeavours for the recovery of his land and inheritance at Mersfeld in England. The witnesses are: William, Bishop of Llandaff; Urban, Archdeacon ; Walter, Abbot of Neath ; Hamo de Valoniis, sheriff of Cardiff ; Herebert de St. Quintin, 1 Henry de Humfranville, 1 Occurs a.d. 1205 ; C. lxix. William, TSishop of Llandaff. yi Richard Norrensis, Walter de Sulie, Roger de Bercherelfes], 1 Phillip de Marecros, Urban de Penduuelin, Philip, priest of Marecros ; William le Soor, William de St. Hilary, William de Portechiwet, Thomas, chaplain of the Bishop ; Richard de Kaerwigan ; William de Bedintuna and Godefrey, monks of Margam. The grantor has appended, by a variegated bobbin, to the original character, a round seal in brown wax, bearing a knight riding on a horse, blowing a horn held in the left hand, and holding a lily flower with the right. i%* SIGILLVM . PAGANI . DE . TVRBERVILLA. Most of the witnesses have already been before the reader. They are all important persons of the latter end of the twelfth century, passing before us from time to time like " multitudinous puppets of a dream." Of many, their existence is only known from these charters. The other (7". 42 ; C. DCLXXll), resembles its companion charter in most respects : the grant is couched in slightly varying language, and there is a clause to the effect that if the grantor's title should be found defective so that the warranty fails, he will repay the loan of twenty marks which the monks had advanced him in aid of his endeavour to recover his land and inheritance in England, which is called Mersfelda. The land referred to is probably Marshfield, in Thornbury Hundred, co. Gloucester. The whole array of witnesses is changed. In this they are : William de Lond[oniis], senior ; William de Lond[oniis], junior ; William, monk of Oweni ; Reginald, monk of Neth ; Herebert, son of Turkilld, Richard de Dunesterre, Robin, brother of Pagan ; William de Canteld, Maurice de Cantelo, Daniel, clerk of Coittif ; Hereweius de Larmere, Richard, son of Herebert, Rannulf de La Kaer. An imperfect impression of the seal, as before described, still remains appended to the deed. Part of the property held by one Blethin at Killeculum, passed to the possession of the monks of Margam late in the twelfth century. This is evidenced by two charters in the Harley collection at the British Museum. The first is 75 B. 10; (T. 289. 15 ; C. LVlll), and may be described as a grant by Wrunu, 2 son of Blethin, in frank almoign, to the monks of Margam of the 1 Circ. a.d. 1 169. He was rated at one knight in Earl William's return Liber Niger, p. 163. " Rogerus de Berketol." 2 Occurs in 1202. 72 Mar gam Abbey. fourth part of the land of Killecul[u]m. The grant is sworn upon the relics. Witn esses : Walter de Sully, 1 sheriff of Glamorgan ; Ernald the constable of Kenefeg, Stephen 2 the clerk [of Kenfig], Richard de Dunester, 3 Osmer Cuuian, David, son of Hely, Alaithu, son of Ythenard, Res Coh. It is followed by the companion charter 75 B. 11 (7". 294. 15 ; C. DCCXLIV), a confirmation by Wrunu, Meurik, and Res, sons of Blethin, in frank almoign, to the monks of Margam, of all their land in Killecullum, formerly belonging to their father, Blethin ; charged, however, with payment of rent service of sevenpence yearly on demand, to the Earl's kitchen. With abjuration by the same of all lands held by the Abbey as well within as without the waters of Avene and Kenefeg. Witnesses : Walter Luuel, Stephen the clerk, 4 Alaithur, 5 Res Coch, 6 Griffin, 7 son of Kenaith, Ithel 8 ab Riwel. Two seals of green wax still remain appended to this deed (1) a star of six leaves ; and (2) two triangles interlaced, enclosing a wavy sun between six pellets. •J< ZIGILL' . MEURIC . FILII . BLETHIN. *fc SIGILL' . WRNV . FILII . BLETHIN.' The seal of Res ap Blethin is wanting. Walter Lupellus or Luvell, a knight, twice appears among the late twelfth-century charters, as a benefactor to Margam. He occurs among the witnesses in many other charters, but as he had a son also named Walter, it is difficult to discriminate between father and son. His name is found ranging from 1 1 85, when he was in charge of Newcastle and other castles, to 1249, when as a member of the Comitatus he took part in the decision as to diverting the course of the river Nedd. In one deed he notifies (T. 43 ; C. DCCCXLVl) to William, Bishop of Llandaff, and all the faithful of holy church, that he has granted to Margam Abbey, seven acres of land of his free tene- ment, one being in exchange for the same quantity which the monks had near to his land, the rest in frank almoign. Five of these are adjacent to the Grange of St. Michael-super-Montem, 1 Occurs late in the 12th century. 2 Occurs about A.D. 1 197-1205. 3 Late 12th century. 4 Occurs about a.d. 1 197-1205. 6 Occurs in 1205. 0 Occurs about A.D. 1205. 7 Occurs about 1200. 8 Temp. Conan, a.d. 11 60-1 188. William, bishop of Llandajf. 73 near the water to the west of the Grange, having the lands of Rodbert Corvesarius on the south, and that of Alexander on the north ; the remaining two acres near the said Alexander's land on the north between the land of Walter Ulf and Richard the priest. For this grant the Abbot gives hirn in charity twelve silver shillings. The witnesses are : Walter Lupellus his son, David and William his sons, Athelewa his wife, Einulf de Kenefec, Richard de Dunester, Roger son of Ralph and Rodbert his brother ; Stephen the writer ; Richard son of Albert ; Gervase son of Giliana ; William son of Geoffrey ; William Bona-Natura, Mansel, Richard son of Grammus ; Jordan and Godwine, conversi of Margam ; and the whole hundred of Kenefec. To this is appended a pointed oval seal of dark green wax, bearing an ornamental fleur-de-lis. *i* SIGILLVM . WALTERI . LUVELLI. The pedigree is : — Walter Lupellus, al. Luvell.=Athelewa. Walter Lupellus. David. William. Several of the witnesses have already appeared before, and with the grantor himself will be met again in the deeds of the early part of the next century. There is one of especial interest: Mansel, a progenitor, if not the progenitor, of the Mansell family which was destined to possess the Abbey lands at the dissolution, upwards of three hundred years later on. A William Mansel occurs in the Liber Niger, p. 169, as rated at two parts (in three, that is, two-thirds) of a knight, under Henry de Novo-Mercato in Gloucestershire. The family of Grammus, also benefactors to the Abbey, and frequent witnesses to the benefactions of others here, too, finds its eponymic ancestor Grammus, without other appella- tion, a fact which seems to point to the first head of this ancient family. The grant itself (T. 44; C. MCCCCXX) is attested by nearly but not all the witnesses to the notification ; his son Walter, and the conversi, Jordan and Godwine, not appearing in this deed, which was probably executed simultaneously with the previous one. There is appended an impression of the seal of the grantor, similar to that already described. Connected with the preceding deeds is a charter (T. 52 ; C. DCXL) addressed to all the sons of holy church, wherein Walter, son 74 Mar gam Abbey. of Ulf, signifies that he has granted to Margam Abbey in frank almoign, twelve acres of land near the Grange of St. Michael, on the west part, before the full hundred of Kenefeg ; his sons William and Alexander being present, and concurring in the grant. The witnesses are : Eynolf de Kenefeg, Heli Arthan, Philip Barfot, Alexander, Walter Luuel. To this is appended a pointed oval seal of red wax, bearing a seeded fleur-de-lis. ►J* SIGILL' . WALT . VLHF. Walter Ulf and Alexander, who are found in the foregoing deed, become Walter son of Ulf and Alexander his son in this. Ulf.= I I William. Alexander. The family of Sumeri also contributed by their benefactions at the close of the twelfth century towards the advancement of the Abbey's fortune. The Harley Charter (75 D. 10 ; C. DCXXVlll) is a notification to all the sons of holy mother church by Adam, 1 son of Roger de Sumeri, that he has confirmed, by counsel and consent of his friends, an agreement of lease, concerning his meadow at St. Nicholas ; and he ratifies the grant which Milisant his wife and spouse {conjunx mca et sponsa) made to the monks of Margam, for their common advantage, in meadows, lands, and all things, and moreover adds two years to the term formerly agreed between the monks and the said lady, which two years he had not hitherto agreed to allow. The witnesses are : Bishop William, Hamo de Valuniis, sheriff of Cardiff ; Rodbert Morin ; Richard the canon ; William de Bedintune and Godefrey, monks of Margam ; Herebert the clerk ; Roger Sturmi, Jordan the conversus ; Wittfare and Roger Cole, conversi of Margam ; Geoffrey, son of William ; Herebert, son of Turchill ; Roger Cuinterell 2 ; Richard, son of Matillis ; Wilkinn of Canterbury ; Richard, son of Herbert. There is appended a large seal in red wax, bearing a knight in 1 Adam de Sumeri occurs in the Liber Niger, p. 161, rated by William, Earl of Gloucester, at seven knights. 2 A Somersetshire family, of whom Ralph occurs in the Liber Niger, p. 98. William^ TZishop of Llandaff. 75 mail armour, conical helmet, with projecting nasale or nose-piece, a sword, and spiked shield, on a galloping horse. [ijl] SIGILL . AD[E . D]E . SVMER[l]. Mr. Clark gives some particulars of the Glamorganshire Sumeri or Somery family, the seat of which was the ancient Welsh manor of Dinas-Powis, in the parish of St. Andrew's, near Cardiff, where they held a castle reputed to have been founded by the Welsh Princes of Glamorgan. The ruins of this still remain ; it stood on a small limestone knoll, rising in the mouth of a gorge descending from the west, and is of Norman style. Another Harley Charter (75 D. 7 ; C DCXXVl), is a grant by Adam de Sumeri, in perpetual almoign, for the souls of himself, his wife, his children, his parents and ancestors, to the monks of Margam, of an annuity of twenty shillings out of his mill of the marsh (mora), until he or his heir gives them seisin of a perpetual grant of the same sum out of another rent. The witnesses are : Ysaac the chaplain, Richard de Hunespulle, Gerbert de Penmarc, Rodbert de W[e]nuo, William de Clivedune, Rodbert de Sumeri, William de Cardif, William de Regni, Rodbert de Cari, Rodbert de Chogeam. There is an equestrian seal also appended to this deed. ►I* SIGILLVM ADAM DE SUMMERI. Another grant (Harley Charter 75 D. 8 ; C. DCXXVII) by the same to the same, of the said rent, is further ratified with assent of his sons John and Roger. Witnesses : John de Sumeri, Roger de Sumeri, Rodbert de Sumeri, Isaac the clerk ; Walter, son of Siward ; Baldewine, son of William Palmer ; Rodbert, son of Geoffrey ; Rodbert de Cogeam ; Adam, son of Rodbert. Another example of the seal is here also preserved. The two deeds are fine specimens of the ornamental caligraphy so much in vogue at the end of the twelfth and beginning of the thirteenth century. A little latter in date, Ralph de Sumeri, another member of this family, addressed a letter (now Harley Charter 75 D. 9 ; C. DCLl) to Henry, 1 Bishop of Llandaff, and all the sons of Holy church, notifying that he has confirmed to the monks of Margam in perpetual almoign, for the health of the souls of himself, his ancestors and successors, the annuity of twenty shillings, arising out of the mill in the marsh (viarisco) which A[dam] de Sumery, his 1 a.d. 1 196- 1 2 18. Mar gam Abbey. grandfather, and his (grandfather's) sons, of whom the grantor is heir, held ; to be paid by his bailiffs at his Castle of Dinaspowis at Michaelmas ; and he also adds thereto an annuity of four shillings to be paid there on Midsummer day. All this to be in force until he provides an annuity of twenty-four shillings in land. Witness : Roger, 1 abbot of Margam ; prior ; William de Bedintune, 2 Henry, monk of Margam ; Jordan , Roger, hospitatus, and Gregory conversus ; William Painel, Maurice de Cantelo , de Renni, Master Alan, Helias the dean, Richard, priest of Bonevilestun, Daniel de Coitif. The pedigree works out as follows : — Some of the witnesses names are already familiar, the others appear on the scene very soon. There is an important deed (T. 47 ; C. DCXXXIX), whereby William Marshall, first Earl of Pembroke, notifies to all his bailiffs and all his men of Wales, Ireland, and England that he has taken the Abbey of Margam, the monks, conversi, the men, and all the property of the same, under his protection, to be maintained by his bailiffs, as are his lordships, under penalty of instant punishment to offenders; and that he has granted the Abbey to be free of toll throughout all his boroughs in Wales and Ireland, in respect of things bought or sold for its own uses, and of pontage and passage. To this document there is appended a fragment of a small round seal, in green wax, bearing a figure of the Earl in armour, riding on a horse to the right. The date can only be approximately fixed by the period of the Earl's peerage, from A.D. 1 189, to 12 19. It probably belongs to the earliest years of his tenure ; if so, it may be contemporary with Bishop William. Roger de Sumeri.= Adam de Sumeri.-^Millisant. John. Roger. Ralph. 1 Occurs 1 196-1203. - Occurs in 1208. CHAPTER VIII. THE STURMI FAMILY. THIS family, of which the connection with the Burdin family is shown above, gives name to or receives it from the district now known as Stormy Down, in the parish of Pyle ; several charters of the end of the twelfth century show the dealings of this Sturmi family with Margam Abbey. Perhaps the first is one printed in C. Lin from " Penrice MSS.", the reference to which I am unable to verify. It is a grant by G[eoffrey] Esturmi, with assent of M. his wife, R., R., and G[eof- frey] his sons, and A[gnes] his daughter, to the abbey, of all the land between that of Herbert, son of Godwineth, and the river Kinithwini, as that river runs down the mountain to the moors as far as the lower water, and from that lower water to the road leading through the mountain land, and dividing the land of the Earl from his own : both pasture, arable, and moorland. The monks give twelve silver marks to the grantor to help him to pay his debts ; to each of his sons a cappa, or cloak, and four nummi, or gold pieces, and undertake to receive him into their fraternity when he becomes infirm. The witnesses are Eglin [de Purbica], 1 sheriff of Glamorgan ; R. Corolef; Walter Luvel, and David his brother; Roger, son of Nest ; Walter Lageles ; Gislebert Burdin ; Eadwine, monk of Gloucester ; Gislebert, priest of Newcastle ; Thomas the priest ; William de Londiniis ; Maurice his son ; William, another son ; William Pincerna; 2 Alexander de Wrendune ; Gislebert de Turbervilla ; A. his wife ; his sons, Pagan, Simon, Gislebert, and Robert. This charter is confirmed by King John in 1207, see T, 98. It was ratified also by Roger Sturmi, his son, in the following charter in C. LIV, derived from Penrice, but like the preceding 1 Cf. Add. Ch. 7715, C. XVIII, circ. 1 147-8, 75 A. 9; C. XXXVI, circ. 1170. 2 Occurs in the Foundation Charter of Neath, circ. 1129, C. VI. 78 Margam Abbey. it is not as yet entered in the Catalogue. It is a Confirma- tion by Roger Sturmi to the Abbey of all the land held of his father, by charters of the father and himself ; also a grant to the Abbey of the rest of the lands in bosk and plain, pastures, feedings, waters and marshes (morosis), which his father held of the Earl of Gloucester in Margam. Rent, half a silver mark yearly. The witnesses are : Egeline de Purbei, sheriff of Glamorgan ; R. de Purbei, his brother; John de St. Michael ; Walter Luuel ; x Gilbert G[ramus] ; William, priest and chaplain of Chenefec ; Helias, son of Auchan ; Robert Armiger ; Widan CI ; Stephen, son of William, son of Stephen ; Walter Siward ; Odo de . Next occurs a deed among the Harlcy Charters, 75 D. 1 (£7. DCXV), whereby Geoffrey Sturmi, and Roger, his son and heir, notify that they have placed in the hands of the abbot and monks of Margam, all the lands which lies between the " Ford of Tav", as far as Fons Petre, the public road goes from the ford upwards, and as the streams descend from the ford and from the well downwards, until the streams run together, viz., the whole land, arable, meadows, and pastures. They gave seisin of all this land for three and a half marks to the abbot and convent, who are to have the option of purchasing it at an agreed price, or renting it. The witnesses are : Walter Luvellus ; Einulf ; Rodbert the clerk ; Rodbert Sutor, or the tailor ; Heli, son of Arthan ; Richard, son of Albert ; Richard Suein ; John Niger, faber, or the wright ; Gregory, son of Hugh. An imperfect impression of the seal of Geoffrey Sturmi, bearing a representation of the owner blowing a horn, is appended. By Harley Charter 75 D. 2, this same Roger (son of Geoffrey) Sturmi grants to Margam Abbey the land pointed out in 75 D. 1. For this he receives three marks. The witnesses are: William Scurrache (for Scurlage ?) ; Hugh de Hereford ; Thomas, chaplain of the town of Sturmi ; Walter Luvellus ; Rodbert the clerk ; Richard, son of Albert ; Pagan, son of Ulf ; Randulf the Stabularius or constable. There is a fine large seal, after the same style of twelfth-century Welsh art as that of the preceding seal, in bright red wax, bearing a lion guardant, turned to the right, the tail between the legs. ^ SIGILLVM : ROGERI : STVRMI . 1 Occurs in 1202, 1213, etc. The Sturmi Family. 79 An endorsement, nearly contemporary, defines the extent of land as " four-score acres". The same Roger Sturmi, in Harley Charter, 75 D. 3, at the request of his sister Agnes, wife of Gillebert Burdin, and their sons, Geoffrey and William, confirms in perpetual almoign to Margam Abbey, the land which Gillebert Burdin gave them of the grantor's fee, and which Geoffrey his father had given the said Gillebert in exchange for other land. This with its meadow, lies near "my wood on the north, between the boscus and the stream, and stretches from the ditch dividing my land from the Earl's to near the well." For this he received half a silver mark. The witnesses are : Brother Vincent the monk ; William, chaplain of Kenefeg ; Walter Luvel ; Robert Corveiser ; Geoffrey his son ; Einulf mercator ; Adam, son of Robert pistor ; Hugh, son of Geoffrey Pollardus ; Edric fullo ; Spileman de Kairmerdin ; John, son of Osbert de Kairdiff. A fine seal of Roger Sturmi, as already described, is appended to this document. This is a companion to 75 B. 26 (C. DCXXXV). Harley Charter 75 D. 4, is a grant by Roger Aesturmi, by assent, consent, and petition of Roger his father (probably the Roger, son of Geoffrey, of the preceding deed) and Geoffrey Esturmi his uncle, to Griffin Vachan and Aliz, sister of the grantor, in free marriage, of a full half of the land of Margam, in return for the customary services thereto belonging. The witnesses are : Geoffrey Esturmi ; Roger the chaplain ; Robert Cusin ; Thomas Pollardus ; Walter Durel ; Robert, son of William de Kaerdif. The date of the deed appears to be late twelfth century. It supplies several early members of the Sturmi, Esturmi, or Aesturmi pedigree. There is a consecutive, but somewhat later charter (in the time of Bishop Henry) relating to this property, in T. 289. 32, which is a confirmation by Roger Sturmi, son of Roger Sturmi, to Margam Abbey, of the gift of Geoffrey Sturmi, his grandfather, of the land which the Earl of Gloucester gave him in Margam ; and of all the gifts of his father Roger to the same, with assent of his brothers Geoffrey and William. Rent, half a mark of silver. The witnesses are : D. Henry, Bishop of Llandaff ; Walter, Abbot of Kairleon ; Cnaithur, prior of the same ; Eustace, prior of Cardiff ; Wrgan the Archdeacon ; Richard, Sheriff of Glammorgan ; Herbert de St. Quintin ; Philip de Marcros ; Walter de Sulie ; 80 Mar gam Abbey. William de Cantelo ; Hameline de Thorington ; 1 John, son of Herbert de St. Quintin ; William Flammang ; Richard Flammang ; William Sor ; Adam de Sumeri ; Ingeram de Penmarch ; Luke de Barri ; Master Maurice ; Robert Tregoce ; John de Boneville ; William de Reini ; John, brother of the Bishop of Llandaff ; Griffin ab-Ivor. Many of these important witnesses have occurred already, but several are new to us. The Abbot and Prior of Kairleon, and the Prior of Cardiff, help to make up deficiencies in the fasti of their respective houses. Roger de Reini (a later member of Reini family) lies buried at Ewenny, under an effigy of which Carter has preserved the illustration (Add. MS. 29,940, f. 58). The occur- rence of Griffin ab-Ivor is interesting, showing as it does that he lived down to nearly the end of the twelfth century. Other deeds of the time of Bishop Henry — 1 193- 12 18 — are treated separately further on. This is followed by T. 289. 33, a confirmation by William Sturmi, son of Roger Sturmi, to the Abbe)', of the gift of his grandfather Geoffrey, of the land which the Earl of Gloucester gave him in Margam ; and of all the gifts of his father Roger, 2 and of his brother Roger. The witnesses are: Philip de Marcros; 3 Walter de Sulie; 4 Hameline de Thorington ; Richard Flammang ; 5 Master Maurice ; 6 Nicholas Gobion. 7 From the foregoing deeds it would seem that the land of the Sturmi family was also included in the district of Margam. In Harley Charter 75 A. 34 (C. LVIl) there is an agreement between the Abbot of Margam and Helias, clerk of Newcastle, in reference to the tithes of Sturmi-land. Helias, having inspected writings of W., Dean of Wrenit or Groneath, and J., Prior of Oweni or Ewenny, as well as the charter of the late Bishop Nicholas concerning the church of Sturmi-land, and the former dispute which Gillebert (predecessor of Helias), had formerly had with the monks in Abbot Conan's time, agrees to a settlement whereby he is to receive three shillings yearly from the monks, provided no loss of rights is incurred by his church. 1 Occurs in A.D. 1202 (C. dccii), and was dead before i2o8(C, vol. i, p. 62) 2 Occurs in 1234. 3 Occurs in 1202. 4 Occurs 1202, 1246, 1247, 1249. 6 Richard Flandrensis, occurs 1202. 6 Master Maurice, of Christ-Church, occurs 1234. 7 Circ. 1200, temp. Henry, Bp. Lland., and Morgan ap Caradoc. The Sturmi Family, 81 The witnesses are : Rfoger], 1 Abbot of Margam ; J. prior ; Godefrey, monk ; Henry the hospitalis (perhaps master of the Guest-house) ; Robert the sacrist j Philip de Marecros, senior ; Philip, junior ; Hamo the clerk ; Walter, son of Marchera. Having now, with few exceptions, recorded the principal fortunes of Margam Abbey down to the last decade of the twelfth century, before continuing the history during the life of Bishop Henry, who occupied the see of Landaff in succession to Bishop William, and sat for a considerable length of time into the beginning of the thirteenth century, a convenient opportunity presents itself of passing on to the examination of the architectural remains and sculptured stones. Many of the structural parts and several of the sculptures may be properly attributed to the close of the twelfth century and the times already noticed. 1 About a.d. 1 196-1203. CHAPTER IX. THE ARCHITECTURAL REMAINS OF THE ABBEY. MR. CLARK, who has made so many valuable contributions towards the history of South Wales in bygone days, has left on record in the Archczologia Cambrensis a lengthy account of the architecture of the Abbey, which forms the substance of the following remarks, examined by the aid of a very careful plan which was drawn out by John Carter, the well-known antiquary and draughtsman, in 1803. Carter's method appears to have been in the main a kind of archaeological pilgrimage. He marked out certain tours or round journeys, and made sketches and drawings of everything he could find available for his purpose. Fortunately his sketch-books have been preserved, and are now deposited in the department of manuscripts in the British Museum. Of Margam he has left little undrawn. These sketches, though perhaps a little rough and unfinished at times, are invaluable, because they show the actual condition of the antiquities at the time of his visit. The plan here reproduced is from the Additional MS. 29,940, fol. 68, and illustrates and corroborates Mr. Clark's detailed notices in a remarkable manner. The Abbey, we are told, stood on a platform, sloping gently towards the sea, which was about two miles distant to the S.W. To the north is a range of hills, richly clad with oak trees from base to summit. Immediately behind the church is a deep ravine, or natural cleft, which intersects the range of hills, and carries a mountain stream which supplied the fish-ponds of the monks, and enabled them to obtain a necessary, though probably very scanty, portion of their subsistence. Sir R. Hoare speaks of Margam as " a village most delightfully situated under a magnificent and perpendicular wood of oak, and abounding in monastic antiquities"; and laments over the fall of the roof of the Chapter-house, at the same time praising the fine Norman architecture of the present parish church. W. Byrne engraved, in A Collection of Views in Wales, in 1806, a drawing of the Chapter-house by Hoare in 1804. Architectural Remains of the Abbey. Architectural Remains. 83 The remains of the Abbey church and circumjacent buildings, few and disconnected as they are in places, and confined in a great measure to foundations or very little more than foundations, or indicated by later buildings, are sufficient to enable them to be made out by the help of Carter's plan, to which that antiquary has happily attached the principal dimensions, and thus added to the value of his observations. The church was, as usual, cruciform, and consisted of nave, choir, aisles, and short transepts. There are no remains of towers at the west end, or at the crossing, and the east end of the choir is shown to be square on the plan of the foundations. To the south of the church is the cloister, the outside face of the wall of the nave forming its north wall. The Chapter-house, of which, by the kindness of his Grace the Duke of Sutherland, I am enabled to reproduce a charming view, painted in water-colour by T. Horner in 18 19, 1 and therefore not far removed in point of date from Carter's drawings, is on the east side of the cloisters. This was approached by an entrance vestibule from the cloister. The vestibule was part of a long arcade of two aisles, extending southwards, but its southern termination is not very apparent. The late Prebendary Walcott, who has also left on record a plan of Margam, laid out from his own measure- ments and with parts named after his own ideas (which it cannot be denied were the outcome of much personal visitation and experience), calls this part the hall. The accompanying illustration is derived from Walcott's plan, preserved in his extensive collections of topographical plans and drawings (British Museum Additional MS. 31,380, fol. 72). The plan differs in some degrees of detail from that of Carter, but it is later by some seventy or eighty years, and the foundations have become more obscure in this interval of time, so as to account in a measure for some of the variations. It is reproduced here to indicate the views of one who, while theorising sometimes too much, is worthy of consideration on account of his deep and comprehensive acquaintance with monastic architecture. It will be observed that the proportions which this writer has assigned to several parts at the east end of the church, and the relative positions of the walls of the Chapter-house, and its entrance, the apartment which he terms the " sacristy", and the south transept, differ from those respectively assigned to them by 1 It is contained in an oblong portfolio, comprising a series of Glamorgan- shire views executed with considerable merit. Mrs. Lynam, of Stoke-on-Trent, very kindly visited Trentham, and made a monochrome replica, from which this plate (see Frontispiece) is derived by photographic process. G 2 8 4 Margam Abbey. Carter and Mr. Clark. 1 Walcott's measurements do not in all cases agree with those recorded in other places: a fact which must be taken into consideration in properly gauging the value of his researches. Mr. Clark considers that the arcade which has already been pointed out communicated with the refectory on the west, and a conventual building on the east, and that the refectory appears to have formed the south side of the cloister, and to have been parallel to the nave. On the other hand, Carter, who marks remains of cloister south of the arcaded entrance to the Chapter- Wai.cott's Plan of Margam Abbey. house, finds a crypt under the " refectory as supposed", at some considerable distance to the south of the Chapter-house, set down as seventy-two feet six inches in his measured plan. From these general ideas it will be seen that the plan of Margam was that followed in other Cistercian monasteries, " and also in Westminster 1 There is another incorrect plan, somewhat resembling Walcott's, in the British Museum (King's xi. vn, 44 . 3 a), dated 1736; where the chapter-house is "now a coal-house", and the entrance "a brew-house". Mr. J. Prichard, Diocesan Architect, published an excellent plan, with deficiencies supplied, in the Report of the Cardiff Naturalists Society for 1881. r 1 SOUTH TRANSEPT I ft ■ ■ ■ -r- f \ ■ 0 I I 1 1 I I D n Architectural Remains. 85 Abbey, which Margam very much resembles in its arrangements." But in one respect at least Margam Abbey differed from West- minster Abbey, and all other abbeys of its own order, viz. : that of the multiangular Chapter-house. It has, however, been shown by Mr. Blashill, that the same idea with regard to the design of the Chapter-house occurs at Abbey Dore, an important Cistercian abbey in Herefordshire, not very far away from Margam, and, curiously enough, founded in the some year. Same remarks on this will be found further on. Here at Dore the Chapter-house is twelve-sided, and stands to the N.E. of the church. According to Mr. Clark, the clear interior length of the church was two hundred and seventy-two feet, and its breadth sixty feet, divided between a central aisle of thirty feet (twenty-six feet three inches, Carter) and two side-aisles of fifteen feet each (ten feet four inches, Carter). The clear length of the cross-members is one hundred and six feet, and each transept is in length from the angle wall twenty-three feet (twenty-five feet, Carter), and from the cross, thirty-eight feet. In breadth they are forty-six feet (a measurement in which Carter and Walcott also agree), divided between the transept proper, twenty-seven feet, and the aisle nineteen feet. The choir from the transept angle wall measured sixty-six feet ; here, too, Walcott corresponds with Mr. Clark. The same from the west side of the cross or transept, the usual termination of the nave, was one hundred and fourteen feet, but this would be a little out of harmony with the component measurements. Mr. Clark sets down the nave as one hundred and fifty-eight feet, a measurement with which that of Walcott coincides. The walls were five feet thick everywhere, a truly massive dimension compared with many other churches of the twelfth century. Special security against hostile attack would seem to have been aimed at in this detail. An old writer has said : — " The circular arches of the nave are finely proportioned, and the capitals of the small pillars at the west door are more pleasing in their variations than any I have seen." 1 Outside the south wall of the south transept a second wall encloses a room or chamber, called by Mr. Clark "a mortuary chapel or slype", about ten feet wide by twenty-seven feet long, its length being the breadth of the transept proper. Walcott marks this as a sacristy, and his plan indicates that it was, in his opinion, only about two-thirds the breadth of the transept, 1 A Gentleman's Tour through Monmouthshire and Wales, London, 8vo 1794, p. 41. 86 Mar gam Abbey. provided with a doorway giving access to and from the transept, but not quite in the centre of the side of the apartment. Carter's plan appears to divide the space into three chambers : one of irregular shape at the east, the wall of the Chapter-house converging towards the wall of the transept and thus forming an almost triangular room, approached by a doorway of which only the pointed rubble overarch remains ; a middle room with access to and from the transept as well as to and from the triangular room, and that which lay to the west of it ; and the third room appears to have been furnished with a splayed window looking into the transept, and with access to the cloister. These details are clearly marked in Carter's plan. The late Mr. E. Sharpe inclined to think this a mortuary room, and a room similarly placed occurs in nearly all monasteries, but was not always used for the same purpose. One hundred and fifteen feet according to Mr. Clark, or one hundred and twelve feet eight inches according to Carter, have been cut off from the rest of the church by a plain cross wall, and comprises Margam parish church. This embraces a central space, or nave, with lateral aisles, divided by five piers into six bays, of which the four to the west are of twelve feet opening ; the two eastern open thirteen feet. These piers are rectangular, four feet six inches north and south ; six feet six inches east and west. These are quite plain, with a pilaster strip upon each side, the breadth of the pier. They are about twenty feet high, and carry a plain Norman abacus, with lower edge chamfered and beaded. The arches carried by these piers are semi-circular, and quite plain. The southern arches are lower than those on the northern side. Mr. Clark records that a drawing in Sir R. Hoare's edition of the work of Giraldus Cambrensis, early in the century, shows that the church at that time possessed a plain Norman triforium, pierced with small round-headed openings. The wall is now plain, and the roof bears a modern plastered ceiling. The piers already described were plastered (until 1872), and look modern, but Mr. Clark finds their proportion and design Norman, and that they are spurred outwards as if by a vault now removed. They are said to be original, and no doubt are so. Hoare, in his Introduction to the History of Cambria, mentioned above, devotes a considerable chapter to the " Progress of Architecture from a Period nearly coeval with the Conqueror, illustrated by a series of designs taken from existing remains in South Wales," etc. The theories advanced in the treatise are of high interest to students of Architectural Remains. the construction and details of ancient church buildings in Wales, and are worthy of critical examination. His first example is taken from the parish church of Margam, whose construction he North Side of Nave, Margam. (From Ffoare.) attributes to one of those Norman knights who conquered the province under their chieftain Robert Fitz-Hamon. Hoare figures a part of the north side of the nave. The principal parts, he 88 Mar gam Abbey. shows to be " composed of piers with breaks, plinths, and an abacus, supporting arches. This work, as well as that of the windows, is very simple ; the whole well proportioned, and each part appropriate to the other. A block cornice terminates the design, which, from its entire character assimilates with the Roman style. The baptismal font is likewise accordant. On viewing this specimen of ancient architecture, we are naturally struck with its very great simplicity and astonishing resemblance to the correct proportions of Italian design." The aisles are vaulted, but Carter has not marked the character of the groining, which is in square bays without ribs. Even this, though of Norman proportion, is said to be modern lath and plaster. Mr. Clark draws attention to the fact that the outer walls are thin above the plinth, and that the large round- headed windows with detached exterior shafts in their jambs, are evi- dently a poor modern imitation of the old west front. This west front, of which a view is here introduced from the quaint sketches in the Beaufort Progress, by Thomas Dingley, or Dineley (recently published in facsimile), and another view from Carter's sketches taken in 1803, is plain, but the original part of it is good. The central west doorway has an opening of six feet, deeply recessed with a series of receding orders. In each jamb are three detached shafts, each consisting of three stages or lengths separated by a plain round band. The caps of these columns are of Norman style, and of various pattern. The head of the doorway is worked in four bands of moulding, one being a bold cabled pattern of delicate detail. Above all is a plain Norman drip. The interior doorway has a segmental arch and a similar drip. In the ashlar work above the doorway the sketch reveals the grooved channel, which indicates that there was at one time the gabled roof of a porch now wanting, and as Mr. Clark thinks, not original. Architectural Remains. 8 9 An etching of the west front, by S. Hooper, was published in 1786. (B. M., King's xlvii, 44. 3 B.) Above the doorway are set three ancient round-headed windows of equal dimensions, resting on a string-course. Their jambs contain two shafts on each side, composed of detached cylindrical columns, divided into two sections, after the same manner as the shafts of the central doorway already described. The heads of these windows are enriched with mouldings. The bell-turret of Carter's time has been replaced by a modern gable, with a circle of interlaced tracery. The height to the cross on the gable is forty-five feet. Carter's View of the West Front ok Maruam Abbey, a.D. 1803. On each side the front is flanked with a plain flat pilaster, giving a breadth of thirty-eight feet. These are old, and their formation is well shown in Carter's sketch, but they have at a later time been produced upwards as turrets, capped by a kind " of overhanging altar, with three arched recesses on each side." This peculiarity of design is aptly illustrated by the elevation of the east end of the Church of St. Cross, Hampshire, given in Britton's Antiquities, and recently reproduced by Messrs. Macgibbon and Ross in their Ecclesiastical Architecture of Scotland, vol. i, 1896, p. 36. The northern turret contains a well stair with entrance from within, as is shown in Carter's plan. The aisles terminate at the Mar gam Abbey. western wall with the plain wall, pierced by a wooden but not ill-proportioned round-headed window. In Carter's day there appears to have been a small apartment, with stairs leading to an upper room, at the west end of the northern aisle. To this Mr. Clark appears not to have had his attention directed. We may next proceed with the perambulation of the interior. A chancel has been formed by enclosing a portion of the nave with walls, and the corresponding portion of the south aisle was railed off to receive the tombs of the Mansells. The east end has a large window, shown on the plan, and the turrets at the corners of the gabled roof are seen in the accompanying plate of the Chapter-house, drawn by Mr. Lynam. 1 Mr. Clark has passed over the description of this east end. The font is a plain octagonal bowl without stem or base. Between this church and the crossing of the original church, the remains are seen of the base of the pier of the north aisle and the lower stage of the south wall as far as the transept. In this wall is a well-designed doorway of Decorated style, opening into the cloister at the end of its north side, and within is a portion of the vaulting shaft of the south aisle. All this is well indicated on Carter's plan. The bases of the piers of the south transept remain, and the vaulting shafts of its aisle, resting on corbels, are capped, and radiate into ribs at a height of fifteen feet from the floor according to Mr. Clark's elaborate investigations. The foundations of its west and south walls still stand, and the whole of the south and east walls of its aisle. In the east wall are two splayed windows, each of two lights, or "rather, containing two independent openings under a common recess, with a quatrefoil in heavy bar tracery in its head." Inside the lights are separated by " a mullion, in front of which is a detached shaft corresponding to two others in the jambs of the recess." These are considered by Mr. Clark to be good examples of very early Decorated architecture. Mr. Prichard notices the fragment of a stone altar beneath these windows. In the south wall of this transept aisle, the plan indicates a square recess ; it has a beaded edge, and on its cill an octagonal fluted bowl of which half projects. This, of course, is a piscina. Close to the west of it is a somewhat similar recess, intended for an aumbry or cupboard for service books and vessels, and probably used for these objects down to a late period, as it has been repaired. Mr. Clark considers that there were probably two altars in this 1 See p. 95. Architectural Remains. 91 aisle, the whole pavement of which is raised. The plan, however, seems to show but one below the most southerly window of the eastern wall. A part of the south wall of the choir still remains contiguous to this wall of the transept, and containing, as the plan indicates, a window resembling those already described ; and further to the east is a small early English door, of much beauty, with detached shafts in the exterior jambs, probably the Abbot's private entrance, or perhaps leading to the cemetery. Passing round the uncertain foundations northwards, we meet the remains of the north-east angle of the choir, strengthened by two buttresses set one on each side of the angle by production of the walls beyond the point of intersection. In the choir space Carter remarks two tomb slabs on the ground, and a pavement between the door and window already mentioned. The north transept could not be defined by Carter, who has left this part of the plan a blank ; Mr. Clark finds it is " hopelessly buried beneath the graves and vaults of the modern churchyard, raised many feet by the accumulated rubbish." Of the crossing, there remains part of the base of the south east pier, the plan of which is " a square, set diagonally with a shaft capping each angle ; and between these, five shafts on each face, twenty-four in all. Their bases only remain, and show the Early English water-bearing moulding." Carter's plan, however, differs somewhat from these details. The cloister may next be visited. Here we meet with nothing but the north wall, which has been already shown to be practically the south face of the church wall, and the more northerly part of the east wall. The south and west walls and the south and east angles are lost. " As the exterior length of the nave is one hundred and fifty-five feet, and the distance from its wall to the refectory " (shown in a fragmentary condition on Carter's plan) was one hundred and fifty feet, this latter was probably the length of the sides of the square." The door communicating between the cloister and the church, which has already been alluded to in the description of the church, " occupies a square panel included in a strong moulding formed of clustered reeds with a trefoil, outlined by a single reed in each spandril. Next, west of this, within a similar panel, is an arched recess of two lights, with a quatrefoil in the head, and between the two panels is a quatrefoiled recess, the lower foil being cut down so as to make the whole cruciform." Part of a third panel remains, and Mr. Clark gathers from this that probably the whole of the north wall of the cloister was thus adorned in Decorated work, although only 92 Mar gam Abbey. twenty-four feet can be actually ascertained. The east side of the cloister consists of the plain wall of the south transept ; the west wall of the slype or sacristy, with its entrance ; the wall and entrance to the Chapter-house vestibule and the front of an arcade very obscurely indicated by Carter, but Mr. Clark is enabled to make up in all ninety-eight feet of the full one hundred and fifty feet length of side. He finds, too, a flat segmental doorway in the transept wall, with two heavy bead-mouldings leading into the vestiary (called elsewhere by this author a monastery chapel or slype), and of uncertain date. This has been just spoken of as the entrance to slype or sacristy. The vestibule of the Chapter-house next claims attention, and is of a remarkable character. It is shown by Mr. Clark to be composed of a central pointed arch and two lateral lancets. The central arch is of pure early English work, carrying detached shafts in each jamb, with plain bases and capitals, and a head enriched with reduplicated mouldings, of which the most remark- able is a slender but bold band of dogtooth ornament. The side arches are of plainer design. These three arches, shown only as two in Carter's plan by omission of the left-hand one, open into three aisles or passages in two depths, the whole vestibule there- fore being of six bays or compartments, looked at in this light. The intermediate vaulting points are three octagonal piers (drawn somewhat differently by Carter), with bases of late Early English or of Decorated style, and not furnished with capitals. The two central compartments are fifteen feet square ; from floor to crown of vaulting, fifteen feet ; to the springing six feet six inches. The four laterals or side compartments, while naturally of the same length as those in the centre, are but seven feet wide. The ribs spring laterally from corbels, the cross ribs transversely, and the others diagonally, all meeting in mitred joints at the crown ; with- out bosses, ridge-ribs, or half-ribs in the gables. These ribs are plain chamfered. The vaulting is of rough rubble, plastered. These three passages terminate eastward with three openings into the Chapter-house, as is shown on the plan. The central door has an equilateral arch, plain, the angles of the jamb beaded, and an Early English cap or string at the springing of the arch. The side arches are plain lancets, originally windows lighting the passages from the Chapter-house. Each one opened upon a different facet or chord of the building from the door ; it is there- fore skew to the wall, opening obliquely into the building. On the plan these side openings are drawn as doorways. Architectural Remains. 93 The Chapter-house is the most interesting of the architectural remains of the ancient Abbey, on account of the elegance of its proportions, as well as because of the almost unique character of its adoption by Cistercian builders : one other example only, that of Dore, being now known. Margam stood absolutely alone in regard to its polygonal Chapter-house until, as has been already pointed out, the true nature of the Chapter-house of Dore Abbey was ascer- tained ; and, indeed, in some respects this twelve-sided Chapter-house of Margam may be compared with that of the Cistercian Abbey Entrance to the Chapter-house. Church of Dore, in Herefordshire. This was founded in the same year as the foundation of Margam. Mr. T. Blashill, who wrote on the Architectural History of Dore in the Journal of the British Archccolo- gical Association, vol. xli, p. 363 (1885), described his discovery that the Dore Chapter-house was polygonal, which he considers "surpris- ing, as all English Cistercian Chapter-houses then known were quad- rangular, except that of Margam, which was of about the same date, and fifty feet diameter." Mr. Blashill found the base of the centre clustered column, prepared for six large shafts and six smaller intermediate shafts, in an adjacent rockery. But in the plate which accompanies Mr. Blashill's remarks, that writer discards his theory of a twelve-sided Chapter-house, and calls it probably 94 Mar gam Abbey. six-sided, and says " that the portions of the central column (base only), and the other indications, make this shape more probable than the twelve-sided figure suggested in the text". If the latter view be correct, Margam Abbey Chapter-house stands alone in its peculiar design. From more recent excavations, Mr. Blashill is now of opinion that his first idea of a twelve-sided Chapter-house is the correct one. This makes it approach more closely to the Margam design, and in fact the two Chapter-houses may be the product of one and the same mind. Here the building is externally in plan a dodecahedral figure, with equilateral sides and equal angles. The plan interiorly is circular, divided by twelve vaulting shafts, supported by a central column into as many compartments or cells. Of these, that which stands due west, and the two with which it is flanked, being above and at either side of the entrance from the vestibule, are blank. In each of the other nine faces is a window, six of which are marked in Carter's plan as windows ; of the rest, one is omitted, one opens into the easternmost or trape- zoidal room of the slype, and one, that on the south, appears as a plain doorway, having lost its cill. Referring now to the south view in the accompanying plate, from a drawing by Mr. C. Lynam of Stoke-on-Trent (who has kindly allowed the use of the illustra- tion for this work), and looking at it in connection with Mr. Clark's elaborate description, it will be seen that a bold scroll-beading runs as a string-course around the building inside, eight feet six inches from the floors. Upon this rest the windows and the intermediate vaulting shafts, each springing from a corbel which breaks and supports. These corbels vary in design. Below the string the walling is of rubble, except in the three western chords; above, all is of ashlar work. The inside wall was furnished with panelled stalls, now destroyed. The windows are drawn with considerable detail in the view. They are of one light, tall lancets, with simple chamfer, set in a broad boldly-splayed recess, in each angle of which is a detached shaft in two lengths separated by a band, and furnished with a square-topped capital. Above each, outside, is a drop terminating at each end in a flower. The window facing to the east is enriched in the head of its recess with elaborate mouldings. Below it, about four feet above the floor, is a square opening in the wall, with its edges ornamented by a beadwork of keel section set in a hollow. In this recess is a quatrefoil light. Outside, this remarkable Eastern aperture is circular, and richly moulded with seven or eight bands, and above this a drip-stone. The use of this singular aperture is conjectural, whether for light or Architectural Remains. 95 communication, probably connected in some way with a dedication or consecration, as it may be compared in some respects with the work found beneath the Eastern windows of many churches built both before and after the date of Margam. The vaulting shafts of the walls within the house are composed of three coupled columns, bell-capped ; above which, at a height of seventeen feet from the floor line, they gradually spread out into ribs. In the centre stands a single column or pier (see the View and Plan) of extreme delicacy. This consists of a central shaft of cruciform section, each arm being chamfered. In each angle is set a detached shaft. These are cylindrical, separated into two equal lengths by the customary band found in these details of the Early English period. The whole structure rests upon an octagonal plinth, above which are rich base-mouldings, one of which, Mr. Clark points out, is waterbearing, but of rather a Decorated character. Its position therefore here, supporting Early English work, is somewhat anomalous. This beautiful central column, which fortunately still exists, is not inaptly finished off with a carved cap of elegantly-arrayed foliage. Above this, at a height of fifteen feet six inches from the floor level, is a delicately-moulded abacus which supports the ribs, twenty-four in number, but shown on the plan as twelve only. Mr. Clark sees a similarity between this vaulting and that of the later Chapter-house at Westminster. " Of the three mural ribs", he writes, " the centre one is simply transverse, meeting its opposite rib from the central pier. The two side ribs pass off along the groin of the vault, and each forms the side of a triangle, enclosing the vaulting cell, the apex of which is met by a single rib spring from the central piers. Thus, thirty-six mural ribs are met by twenty-four pier ribs and support the vault. The vaulting cells were lancets, one over each window, the ridge being thirty feet from the floors. There were no ridge-ribs, gable half-ribs, or bosses. The up-filling was rubble plastered." The view shows that this rib-groined roof has now disappeared. The accompanying plate, showing the state of the Chapter- house before the fall of the roof and central column, is from a painting by S. H. Grimm, engraved by Francis Chesham in 1780, and published in Henry Penruddocke Wyndham's Tour through Monmouthshire and Wales, 2nd edit. 178 1 , p. 34. This view of the interior shows much detail now lost. The author says : " From the church we were directed across a court (wherein the traces of the ancient cloysters are still to be seen), to the Chapter-house. This is an elegant Gothic 9 6 Margam Abbey. building of a date subsequent to that of the church ; its vaulted stone roof is perfect, and supported by a clustered column rising from the centre of the room. The plan is an exact circle, fifty feet in diameter ; the just proportion of the windows and the delicate ribs of the arches, which all rise from the center column and the walls, gradually diverging to their respective points above, must please the eye of every spectator ; and, what is uncommon in light Gothic edifices, the external elevation is as simple and uniform as the internal perspective, there being no projecting buttresses to disturb or obstruct its beauty. The preservation of this building led me to conclude that much attention must have been given to the lead which originally covered it ; but to my astonishment I heard that the lead had long since been removed, and that the only security of the roof against the weather was a thick oiled paper, which by no means prevented the rains from penetrating and phyltering through the stone work ; but such is the solidity of the arch that as yet it has suffered no detriment" (p. 34). The next event we read of is recorded by Sir R. Hoare, who says that " the shell of the Chapter-house by neglect has lost its most ornamental parts. When Mr. Wyndham made a tour in Wales in 1777 this elegant building was entire, and was accurately drawn and engraved by his order. In the year 1793 it had suffered much from the plants which grew upon its stone roof, two of the windows had fallen, and the entire column had given way. Its form is fortunately handed down to posterity by Mr. Grimm's drawing, which is published in Mr. Wyndham's Tour." The Rev. Richard Warner, of Bath, in his Second Walk througli Wales in iypS, published in 1799, says: "It concerned us to see the beautiful circular Chapter-house in a state of dilapidation that must speedily reduce it to a heap of ruins ; great part of the roof has fallen in, the ribs which support the remaining portion are giving way, and no care seems to be taken to repair what is already dilapidated, or to prevent future injuries" (p. 83). But Henry Skrine, in his Tours Throughout . . . Wales, pub- lished in 1 8 1 2, speaks of the remains of the "Chapter-house . . . supported by one central pillar, which, spreading in several light branches at the top, forms perfect arches all around with the points of the Gothic windows which rise to meet it " (p. 64). The vaulting of this fine building fell in the year 1799, and therefore before Horner's view was painted in 1819. It has been c onsidered that the walls were weakened by a substitution of rubble Architectural Remains. 97 for ashlar, thereby destroying the very delicate equilibrium of the edifice, which was not provided with sufficient buttress resistance to the outward thrust. Fart of the upper wall fell after heavy rain, 29th March 1847, accord - if 0 ing to Cliffe, author of the Book of South Wales, 1847, p. 123. Carter, in Add. MS. 29,940, fol. 72, gives sketches of the clustered columns, plans of the groins, and other details, from a drawing of the interior of the Chapter-house before their destruction took place, in possession of Sir H. Engle- field. The Chapter-house exterior was of a plain but elegant design, in obedience to the Cistercian idea of avoiding the overweening luxuriance affected by the Bene- dictines, in favour of chaste sim- plicity and utilitarian objects : not far removed, in point of fact, from the still simpler methods in vogue a hundred and twenty years further back, among the Anglo-Saxons, of which several examples fortunately still exist for comparison and admiration. Here, too, the view opposite p. 95 enables us to trace the salient points of the design. Each angle is masked or capped with a flat pilaster buttress, obtusely angled, and finished off at the cap with a plainly-mitred set-off. The de- tails of the windows resemble that within already described, but the heads of the three eastern window-jambs are c. inched by having their angles replaced by hollow and bead. The plinth is ashlar, so are the pilasters and 10 15 Chapter-house, Margam Abbey- Exterior of East End. (From Hoare.) window dressings. The rest of the wall below the window-course 11 9 8 Marram Abbey. is rough rubble ; above it seems to have been ashlar, stripped off now and replaced by rubble. In his fourth class Hoarc places the cast end of the cxtc- Chapter-house, Margam Abbey— Interior of East End. [From Hoare.) rior of the Chapter-house. " The outward walls alone remain of this chaste and graceful building. The exquisite groins fell but of late : not from the injuries of time and decay of nature but from total neglect and inattention. In this design we see Architectural Remains. 99 a new ornament introduced. The shafts of the columns are divided by bands, and this method obtained such general approbation, that two courses of bands were added to the length of a shaft, dividing it into three stories, and additional bands were added if the columns increased in height. Of the beautiful effect produced by this variety of design we have fine examples in the cathedral churches of Durham and Salisbury and in West- minster Abbey." In the east end of the interior of the Chapter- house the "same charming style is still continued, but with this novelty, that the pillars supporting the groins of the roof rest upon brackets." It has been shown — and the plan makes it clear— that at one angle, viz., that to the north-west, the Chapter-house impinges on the south-east angle of the south transept. Mr. Clark stated that " the Chapter-house touches, at one angle, the south wall of the choir." There is some error in this, as the plan shows a clear space of twenty-five feet six inches from Chapter-house to south wall of choir, a little more, in fact, than the twenty-five feet length of eastern wall of south transept. Southward the vestibule was pro- longed in the shape of an arcade of two aisles, divided by a series of piers, octagonal in plan, with plain bases and without caps. This arcade, indicated on the plan in a fragmentary way, is therein designated as " remains of cloister". It is twenty-eight feet wide (perhaps thirty feet, to correspond with width of vestibule) ; the bays are fourteen feet square and fifteen feet high, covered with plain hip-vaulting diagonally ribbed, and with transverse ribs as well. The ribs, broad and plainly chamfered, without bosses or ridge-ribs, spring from corbels at a height of four feet six inches above the level of the floor. Of this arcade, two bays only remain vaulted, and Mr. Clark traces the bases of five out of a line of ten piers, extending one hundred and sixty-five feet southwards from the vestibule ; but Carter either did not observe or failed to record these remains. Proceeding along this passage, cloister, arcade, or ambulatory in a southward direction seventy feet (seventy-two feet six inches in Carter's plan), the visitor arrives at a rectangular structure called by Carter a " refectory as supposed". Mr. Clark gives the dimensions as twenty-eight feet N. and S. (twenty, Carter) by fifty feet E. and W., and calls it the basement of some domestic building, possibly a part of the Abbot's house. Walcott places the hall in this direction, but ignores the arcade altogether : in this he has probably erred. Whatever the uses of the building were — and H 2 IOO Mar gam Abbey. when skilled writers disagree, it is difficult to decide in favour of one rather than another — it consisted of six rectangular piers, four feet square, connected by acutely-pointed arches. The piers themselves are plain, and carry a simple Norman abacus, chamfered on the inferior edge. The voussoirs of the arches are alternately of red and white stone. The span within is vaulted in three bays, of which the two western bays are fifteen feet by twenty feet, and the three eastern, fourteen feet by twenty feet. Carter, how- ever, gives ten feet space between pier and pier, east and west. The vaulting is quadripartite, with transverse ribs, which are plainly chamfered and mitred at their unions, and spring from corbels set against the piers four feet six inches from the level of the floor. Here, again, there are neither ridge-ribs nor half-ribs. Mr. Clark sees in the fact that the piers were strengthened outwardly by plain fiat pilaster strips (shown in one pier only on the plan) evidence that this arcade, or crypt as Carter terms it, was not part of a more extended series of vaults. The modern orangery, one of the salient features of the estate, is considered to represent the ancient refectory, and the old plinth which it embodies appears to support the view. The facings of the Abbey buildings were executed in ashlar of Sutton stone, of which a large quantity has disappeared, finding its way into adjacent buildings of later construction. There remains, however, a considerable number of fragments, to which the ruins of the Chapter-house vaulting, the piers and vaulting of the aisles, the dilapidated east end of the church and other decayed parts, have contributed. Some fine bosses may perhaps be apportioned to the choir. They are almost all of Early English style, inter- spersed with rude and elaborate fragments of still older work. It is difficult to speak of the relative age of the various parts of the architectural remains with absolute certainty. There is the original church, commenced not long after the recorded date of the foundation, that is, soon after A.D. 1 147, under the auspices of Robert Fitzhamon, Earl of Gloucester, Lord of Glamorgan, Lord of the extensive Honour of Gloucester, at the very end of his life. This has been thought to be represented by the west front, now of course much transformed, and by the piers in the nave of the parish church, if they be original. Mr. Clark considers them to be unusually plain for so late a date. The ruins of the choir and south transept, of the Chapter-house and its circumjacent dependencies, and of the south-eastern pier of the crossing, are placed by the same authority as belonging to the Architectural Remains. 101 Early English period. The Chapter-house itself seems to be an early example of the circular design. Its central pier, general plan, the mouldings and water-bearing base, belong to this period, but the windows with square capitals seem to be somewhat earlier. In fixing the period between A.D. 1 1 90-1 210 for the erection of the Chapter-house, Mr. Clark is in all probability quite right. He compares other Chapter-houses : among them that of Worcester, circular, with central pier, of the end of the twelfth century ; Lincoln, near the middle of the thirteenth century. Dore Abbey, in Herefordshire, has escaped his notice ; but, though not strictly comparable with Margam in all details, it throws a valuable light on the employment of the circular or polygonal Chapter-house of the Cistercians in the later half of the twelfth century. Next in order of time must be placed the doorway and treat- ment of the north wall of the cloister, attributed to Decorated date. There are no traces of any later work, but some of the ruder fragments may be relegated to a period even anterior to the monastic foundation, when either a parish church, hermitage, or oratory, occupied the chosen site. In Dineley's account of the Official Progress oj the Duke of Beaufort through Wales in 1684 (London, 1888), to which notice has already been directed, the author says : " the ancient gatehouse before the Court of the House remains unaltered because of an old prophecie among their bards concerning it, viz., that as soon as the porch or gatehouse shall be pulled down, the family of the Mansells shall decline," etc. He describes the Mansell tombs with elaborate care, and gives some genealogical account of the early members of the family, founders of the Priories of Rumney and Bilsington; but of the tombs of the Mansells, and other monuments of later date than the Dissolution, it is not within the scope of this work to take notice. CHAPTER X. THE ANCIENT SCULPTURED STONES. CATTERED formerly among the ruins of the Abbey were O several more or less imperfect, weather-beaten, sepulchral crosses, slabs, and memorials of those who passed their lives in the Abbey or its precincts, and of others who found a resting-place there for their remains. Some of these were in situ perhaps before the foundation, when a parish church, or other centre of religion, was in being. In connection with this, Mr. Newell, in his recently published History of the Welsh Church? says that "the Benedictines lived in the towns where the English garrisons dwelt, and beneath the protection of the Norman castles, and mixed but little with the native people ; whereas the Cistercians lived remote from garrisons and castles, and in the wildest parts of the country, beside the rivers, raised the lofty fanes, which even in desolation and decay excite the wonder and admiration of later ages by their loveliness, and in their fresh beauty stirred the feelings of a race that has ever loved the beautiful. Whitland, the home of Paulinus and David ; Tintern, where Tewdrig the martyr had lived as a hermit and died a patriot ; the vale of Neath, the sacred retreat of Cadoc ; Margam, an ancient home of Celtic piety, were already hallowed to the Celtic race by old associations, and the Order that inhabited anew these ancient sanctuaries, that put not its trust in princes or foreign conquerors, but ministered to the poor Welsh rustics among whom it dwelt, enlisted in its favour the sympathies of the native population and the patronage of the native princes." Some of these remains were perhaps brought thither from time to time from adjacent places, for it is in the nature of most things to be removed from their points of origin and to gravitate towards collective groups of their own kind. The remarkable stone sepulchral crosses of Margam are a feature peculiar and unique to this ancient spot. General Pitt- Rivers, who surveyed the site for the Commissioners for the Preser- P. 302. K ta i Roman Miliary Stone. The Ancient Sculptured Stones. 103 vation of Ancient Monuments, found similar objects in Wigtonshire in the south-west of Scotland. Mr. Clark passes very shortly over the sculptured wheel-crosses, which he states are supposed to be boundary stones of an earlier date than the Abbey. Recent re- searches, however, into the date and raison d'etre of these relics, has rather shown them to be sepulchral in character, and of date scarcely beyond the period of the foundation. General Pitt-Rivers made a complete series of models to scale, and exhibited them to the Society of Antiquaries, on June 12, 1890 (Proc. S. A., 2nd Ser., xiii, 174). The late Professor J. O. Westvvood, in his Lapidarium Wallice : the Early Inscribed and Sculptured Stones of Wales, 1 876- 1 879, describes and figures these stones. Professor Ae. Hubner, of Berlin, in his Inscriptiones Britanniae Christianae, 1876, has tabulated all the inscribed Christian stones of Glamorganshire extant at the date of his work, with a digest of the older descriptions, sketches of the remains, and critical notes on some of the readings. It is to be regretted that this author has not cleared up many of the difficulties which surround those relics, as well with regard to their date as to the correct explanation of their inscriptions. I shall here give a short account of each sculptured stone. They have been photographed by Mr. T. M. Franklen, of St. Hilary, Cowbridge, who has kindly placed a series in my hands for description, and I have had the advantage of the services of Mr. Arthur G. Langdon, whose valuable work on old Cornish crosses has given him much reputation as a delineator of ancient sculptures. Mr. Langdon visited Margam last summer, and made photographs and took rubbings of the stones, and from these pre- pared the accompanying drawings especially for this work. The Roman Miliary Stone. — This stone, formerly at Port Talbot, deserves special notice, as it is a Roman miliary stone of the Emperor Maximinus, which formerly stood by the side of the military road from Bovium (Bovierton, or, as some think, Ewenny) to Nidum (Neath), on the line of the Via Julia Maritima. West- wood, who describes and figures it (Lapt'd., p. 38, pi. xxvi), states that he found it thirty years 1 before the publication of his work, lying in the harbour-master's office at Port Talbot, broken into five or six pieces. His drawing shows that it was not then so much broken as it is now shown to be in the accompanying sketch by Mr. Langdon. The dimensions are about 5 ft. long, 1 ft. 3 in. wide, tapering at the lower end for insertion in the ground. On the Mn 1839. 104 Mar gam Abbey. front is the inscription in seven lines, with some ligatures of con- venient letters : — IMPC FLAVA DMAXI or L MAXI MI NO INVIC TOAV GVS. The letters are of very interesting form, palaeographically speaking : the A without crossbar, the tailed G. This inscription has been thought to consist really of two, and Col. Francis, who gives a woodcut in his work on Neath Abbey, considers the older inscrip- tion to relate to Maximinus, who bears on his coins the epithet invictus, as he does on this stone ; but this epithet was not used by Maximian. The inscription he would read thus : IMP . C . FLA . VAL . MAXIMINO INVICTO AVGVS[to]. But, he continues (as quoted by Westwood), " on looking closer we arc led to believe that the first part belongs to a still older inscription, as c[anes] FLA[vius], VAL[m'«4 were names which never belonged to Maximin, whose name was Galerius Valerius. The names of the two Maximians were Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maximianus, and Galerius Valerius Maximianus. The appellation Caius Flavius Valerius belongs to the second Severus, and it is probable that to him this stone was originally inscribed, but that subsequently his name had been erased to give place to that of Maximin, by a person who carelessly or ignorantly overlooked the praenomens." Be this as it may, the principal interest in the stone lies in its after use by cutting the British sepulchral inscription up the back of it in debased Roman capitals of various dimensions, with minuscule h at the beginning. hlC IACIT CANTVSVS PATER PAVLINVS. The signification is either " Here lies Cantusus whose father was Paulinus", or " Here lies Cantusus who was the father of Paulinus". Old Welsh Latin appears to confuse the genitive in -i with the nominative in -us in numerous instances ; perhaps also it considered some nouns in -us as indeclinable, in which case the latter of the two interpretations is the most acceptable. These inscriptions have formed the theme of many writers, who record that while Paulinus is a name repeatedly found in Welsh inscriptions, that of Cantusus has not yet been met with elsewhere. Back of the Roman Miliary Stone. The Ancient Sculptured Stones. 105 The Stone of Pumpeius Carantorius. — There is only a single instance, says Mr. Allen, of a monument in Glamorgan- shire without ornament, inscribed both in Ogams and in debased Latin capitals. This is by the side of the road between Kenfig and Margam. It is an approximately rectangular pillar of sand- stone, 4 ft. 6 in. high, by I ft. 3 in. wide, by 1 ft. 9 in. thick. The Latin inscription is on the narrower face, in two vertical lines, and reads : PVMPEIVS CARANTORIVS The Ogams are on the right angle, and their meaning is somewhat ob- scure. They appear to read from the bottom upwards. Westwood, speaking of this stone at Kenfig, which he figures in the Lapidarium Wallice, PI. xiii, Fig. 1, says that it stands on the grass at the side of the road supposed to be iden- tical with the Via Julia Maritima, between Kenfig and Margam, near Pyle Station. It bears the local name of " Bedd Morgan Morganwg", the " Sepulchre of Prince Morgan". Its dimensions are given by Westwood as 4 ft. 4 in. high at the back, 4 ft. in front, 20 in. broad, 15 in. thick. On the face is PVMPEIVS CARAN- TORIVS. Many different readings and various interpretations are recorded both of this inscription and of the Ogams on the front angles, but nothing very satisfactory has been made of them. The Bodvoc Stone.— Westwood gives an illustration of this (Lapidarium, Y\. xiii, Fig. 2), and recapitulates the notices of the older antiquaries concerning it. It is commonly called " Maen Llythyrog", and stands on the top of the mountain, about two miles north of Margam Abbey. In looking for it he traversed the mountain in different directions for several hours, and " met with many interest- ing British earthworks which require careful investigation". A Stone of Pumpeius Carantorius. 106 Mar gam Abbey. spur of the mountains rises behind Margam, the summit of which The 13odvoc Stone on Margam Mountain. exhibits interesting traces of a Roman fortress. The adjacent hills contain other Roman, ante-Roman and post-Roman The Wheel Cross ok Conbelin at Margam. (/■'row a Photograph by T. Mansel Frankhn, Esq.) The Ancient Sculptured Stones. 107 antiquities. It stood — for it was thrown down when Westwood found it — near a small tumulus or hillock called " Crug Diwlith", the dewless, where the bards of Tir-Iarll were accustomed to meet on the morning of June 24th. Close by is the head of the River Kenfig. It is nearly 5 ft. high, 1 ft. 6 in. broad, nearly 1 ft. thick. The inscription, in debased Latin capitals, has been the subject of various explanations. Westwood considers it may probably be ol the fifth or early part of the sixth century. He reads BODVOC— HIC IACIT tfr — FILIVS CATOTISIRNI PRONEPVS ETERNALI VE DOM AVI The end word in the second line is really CATOTIGIRNI. The As arc inverted, and two of the I's are horizontal. The cross, on the top, is of the form known as Maltese. Of this stone Mr. Allen writes, in the Journal of the British Archceological Association, 1893, vol. xlix, p. 16, " It is an unhewn pillar sandstone. The inscription is in four vertical lines, and reads : — BODVOC m hlC IVCIT FILIVS CVTOTIGIRNI PRONEPVS ETERNVLI VEDOMVV w On the nearly horizontal face of the top of the pillar is an incised cross, having equal arms with expanded ends. The stone is obviously a sepulchral one put up to commemorate Bodvoc, the son of Catotigirn and pronepos of Eternalis Vedomavus. The cross, which there is no reason to believe was added subsequently, clearly shows the stone to be Christian." Some, however, incline to think the cross a later addition due to a monastic hand. The Great Wheel-Cross, or Cross of Conbelin.— The sepulchral stone known as the " Great Wheel-Cross", or Cross of Conbelin, is one of the most beautiful specimens of ancient native art remaining in this country. Westwood, who examined it within the ruins of the Chapter-house at Margam, states that it stands upon a large quadrangular block of stone 42 in. in width, about 2 ft. high and 2 ft. thick ; having the front divided into compartments filled with ornamental interlaced ribbon patterns, and curious Chinese-like diagonal patterns surrounded by a narrow raised cable. This is called the key pattern, or 1 P. 27. io8 Mar gam Abbey. mseander, by some writers. On the right hand of the rectangle, bounded by the cable pattern, is an interlaced knot line of intri- cate pattern. The top of this block or pedestal has a long slot in the middle to receive the foot or base of the upstanding cross. This slot has an interlaced pattern or border along the front and the two sides. The base of the cross measures 23 in. wide and 18 in. in height: the wheel which it carries is 39 in. in diameter and about 5 in. thick. Absolute symmetry has not been altogether observed, hence the ornamentation of the wheel is not regular at all points, and the boss is not exactly in the centre. The cross consists of five squares, four united by four narrow bands or smaller squares, with the fifth in the centre; the wheel being com- pleted by segmentary bands of similar width uniting the squares at the ends of the cross. The square at the foot has its orna- mentation extended downwards to the foot or base of the stone. All these squares and bands are filled in with raised interlacing of ribbon work of various patterns. The spaces on each side of the pattern on the foot of the cross-stone are filled up with a rudely-sculptured human figure, that on the right apparently dressed in a cowl on the shoulders, that on the left appears to have the cowl on the head. Above the head of each figure is the interlaced triquetra or three-fold loopknot. The shaft is evidently wanting in its full length. The spaces between the arms of the cross bear inscriptions, scarcely decipherable : part has been read as CONBELIN fuit, and from this the cross has been by some called that of Conbelin. The back of the stone was unknown to Westwood ; in recent times, how- ever, the back was found, by Mr.T. H.Thomas, who really discovered the carved character of the back, to be sculptured, and a cast was obtained and deposited in the Cardiff Museum. Unfortunately, a large portion of the upper part is wanting, having been apparently sawn off to enable the cross to fit some confined space. But enough remains to show the characteristic details of the interlaced work. The lower arm of the cross, which still remains, has two knots on the narrow part, a key-pattern on the square end, and the ring connecting the arms has, on the left a key-pattern, on the right two bands twisted together. At the top of the shaft are two serpentine creatures with tails in the mouths, 1 and having bodies of interlaced work. The key-pattern work on the imperfect shaft of this reverse side has been compared with that on the 1 Illustrated Arc/urn/p^/st, vol. ii, p. 45. Rack of the Wheel Cross of Conbelin at Margam. (From i Cast in th e Cardiff Museum, ) » Cross of Enniaun at Margam. f From a Photograph by T. Mansel Franklen, F.sq.J The Ancient Sculptured Stones. 109 crosses at Golden Grove in Carmarthenshire, Nevern in Pembroke- shire, and other South Wales sites. The plinth or base, the carving of which is unique for South Wales, bears two mounted figures, riding to the left, and apparently driving before them three animals of the chase, or, perhaps, a stag chased by two or three dogs. Knot-work fills up some of the background ; a tri- quetra over the head of the front rider, two interlaced oval links set saltire-wise over the second rider. Mr. Thomas sees in the triquetra symbols on the cross an indication of Trinitarian belief, "having 1 no sympathy with Morienic or Pelagian heresy". This cross is referred to 2 in 1794 as having an inscription near the two figures. " In the Street of Margam is an ancient cross, which with its pedestal is covered with a profusion of sculpture, representing knots and fret-work. A few characters are seen near the two figures on it, but I was not able to decypher them." A later writer says : " One of the gems of Margam, in the estimation of tourists, was its picturesque village street, and ancient cross, leading to the church. We rubbed our eyes on our last visit. The village no longer exists. 3 It has been wholly swept away, the surface altered, and the ground added to and enclosed within the gardens." The CROSS OF ENNIAUN at Margam is described by Mr. Allen as a little over six feet high ; the diameter of the injured circular head is two feet four inches ; the width of the shaft two feet at the top, and three feet two inches at the bottom. The whole of the front face is ornamented with interlaced work and key-patterns, some of them not unlike the patterns found in Hiberno-Saxon and Anglo-Saxon MSS., and on a few other Welsh stones. At the bottom, towards the left side, is a panel containing the following inscription in minuscules, in five horizontal lines : crux xpi ►J* enniaun p anima guorgoret fecit 1 See a paper by T. Mansel Franklen, on the " Margam Cross" in the Reliquary and Illustrated Arcliceologist. 2 A Gentleman's Tour throtigh Monmouthshire and Wales, 8vo, 1794, p- 40- s Cliffe, Book ofS. Wales, 1847, p. 125. I IO Mar gam ylbbey. " (This) cross of Christ tf* Enniaun made for the soul of Guor- goret." The monument is therefore either sepulchral or commemo- rative, and was erected by Enniaun for the benefit of the soul of Guorgoret. Enniaun is the ancient form of the not uncommon Welsh name Eynon. Possibly the person here mentioned may be Eynon, son of Oweyn, and grandson of Howel Dda, who devastated Gower in A.D. 969 and 977, and was killed in A.D. 982. 1 The name Guorgoret, or Guagorit, occurs in The Life of St. Cadoc, together with that of Samson, 2 Abbot of the altar of Illtyd, as witness to a grant of the village of Conguoret to the Abbot of St. Cadoc. Westwood, who figures and describes this relic, refers to Einion, a king in Anglesea, but the locality militates against the supposi- tion that he was the maker of this cross. Guorgoret is found as Guaguorit, according to that author, a contemporary of Samson the Abbot, and as Gwrwaret in Welsh histories. The details of the sculpture are exceedingly well shown on the accompanying plate, and need no description. The CROSS OF Ilquici. — The fine cross to which this name is attributed by Westwood, who describes and figures it, 3 appears to have been formerly used as a footbridge in front of Cwrt-y- Defed, or Davydd. It is said to have been dedicated to the Holy Trinity by the Lord Rhys ab-Gryffydd. It stands 6 ft. high, and is 3 ft. broad and 1 ft. thick. The ornamental wheel-crosses are described by Westwood as consisting of eight spokes, but these spokes are rather the outline edges of an ordinary cross of four limbs, of the form known to heraldry as a cross pattee. They have a raised boss on the centre. The spaces around, and the lower panels of the narrow sides, are replenished with irregular incised lines, not generally found on the sepulchral crosses of the British Isles. Each of these sides has two indentations or mouldings, which it will be noticed are well marked in the accompanying plate. Owing to the improper use of this relic as a footbridge, the face of the stone is almost worn smooth. On the front is an inscription in four lines : — . . petri ilquici acer ef chant t . 1 Annates Cambrics, Rolls edition. 2 Possibly the Samson of the Llantwit crosses. 3 Lapid., p. S3, pi. XVII. Cross of Ilci at Margam. The Ancient, Sculptured Stones. i I I somewhat differently deciphered by VVestwood, who did not ascertain the first word. The plain incised cross on the lower part of the back is out of keeping with the rest of the work, and may have been cut at a later period, the stone perhaps having been turned round when it was utilised to make a second sepulture. It is much to be regretted that the incomplete nature of the inscrip- tion leaves us in doubt as to the proper ascription of person whose death is thus commemorated. In point of date, the work appears to approach that of the crosses of Grutne and Enniaun, which are described in this chapter. The Cross of Ilci. — This cross resembles in much of its work, and in the moulding or depression on the narrow sides, the preceding cross of Ilquici. It is 5 \ ft. high, 2 ft. wide in the middle of the inscription, and varies from n in. to 5 in. in thick- ness. The so-called cross of eight spokes is, as before, really a cross pattde, and the spaces between the four proper limbs of the cross are, according to Westwood, wider and deeper than the limbs themselves. The plain circular line round the wheel, and the small circles or annulets, which are carefully marked on the accompanying plate, are unusual, and therefore notable and interesting. Below the cross, in a panel of irregular quadrature, is the inscription in four lines : — ilci . Fecit hanc cruce m . in nomin e . di fummi . Ilci fecit hanc crucem in nomine dei summi. This inscription explains itself, that "Ilci made the cross in the name of the Supreme God", and removes it from the category of sepulchral monuments. Possibly it may be a preaching stone or a boundary mark. Some of the letters are indistinct, but sufficiently clear to determine the reading given above. Westwood considers them as of a more ancient form than those of the crosses of Grutne, and of Brancuf, at Baglan near Neath, which latter he places " not earlier than the ninth, or later than the tenth century". 1 The narrow sides are ornamented with wavy or zigzag lines and circlets. On the lower half of the back, Westwood found a plain square panel. Ilquici and Ilci are names unknown to the Liber Landavensis, but there are several names which seem to bear some affinity to them. 1 Lapia., p. 25. I i 2 Mar gam Abbey. The Nunnery Farm Cross. — There is now also in the church of Margam a stone, called by Westwood " the Cross at the Nunnery Farm, Kenfig". This farm, called Eglvvys Nunnyd and Nunney, lies between Kenfig and Margam, and within two hundred yards north of the Pompeius stone. It was formerly a Gothic building, with narrow lancet windows, but has been entirely rebuilt. The only old parts still remaining are a small wall at the entrance of the yard, part of a tiled pavement, a small part of a carved stone about 18 in. square, with an interlaced border and central panel, The Nunnery Farm Cross. with interlaced ribbon pattern, much defaced ; and a flight of steps leading to a deep, damp vault, now bricked up. An unverified tradition connects the place with the Abbey by a subterranean passage. The cross here figured was seen by Westwood 1 in the yard of the farm. It is 4 ft. high and 2 ft. broad. The front bears on the top a cross pattee, with four plain and broad deeply-incised limbs, a boss in the centre within a circle, and a small circlet or annulet in each of the spaces between the arms, which are not con- nected together, as in the case of the true wheel-crosses. Beneath is 1 Lapid., p. 32, pi. xxii, fig. 3. The Ancient Sculptured Stones. 113 a rectangular panel, bearing an inscription too much defaced to be read, and having in the lowest part two small annulets. The edges or narrow sides are ornamented panels, containing zigzag or serpen- tine lines and circles, as shown on the accompanying illustration. The patterns on these edges, and the use of annulets or small circles, recall the treatment seen on the cross of I lei, and the two relics must be attributed to the same date, perhaps to the same sculptor. The Cross of Grutne. — This small sepulchral monument Prof. Westwood found standing in the churchyard at Margam, where it was under notice of Edward Lhwyd at the end of the seven- teenth century. Since the exami- nation of it by Westwood, it has been removed to the Chapter- house of Margam Abbey. West- wood published a description and figure in the Arckceologia Cam- brensis for 185 1, p. 147, and in the Lapidarium, pi. XIV, fig. 2. He considers it of interest for the rudeness of the inscription, the simplicity of its design, and the illustration it affords of the religious doctrine of the period to which it belongs. This single stone measures 38 in. high, and 18 in. across the middle of the so-called wheel-cross at the top, which is of an ancient shape, and manifestly suggested by the desire of the designer to utilise, and so preserve, the circular outline. It may be said to be of the Greek Cross of Guutne. or Maltese form, having the four limbs of equal dimensions, and being furnished with the nut unusual ornamental addition of a circular boss at the centre. The stem of the cross is of a truncated pyramidal form. On the front face of this stem is the following inscription in ten irregularly horizontal lines, the letters crowded together, and now much weather-worn. I 14 Mar gam Abbey. inomi nedif umi crux critdi prop arabit grutne pro an ma ei ' est : This, according to Prof. Westwood, is to be read as " In nomine dei summi crux Christi preparavit Grutne pro anima ahest " (ejus ?). He reads the first letter of line seven as a, but it is probably an e. The last line he reads ahest, but the probability is that the above ei' for ejus is correct. The laxity of grammatical observances used the nominative crux for the accusative crucem, whether we accept Westwood's reading or the one now proposed, which is : ►J< " In nomine Dei summi. Crucem Christi preparavit Grutne. Pro anima ejus est." There have been various suggestions as to the interpretation of the concluding word. Westwood renders it an equivalent for ejus. Rhys 1 says, "As to Ahest, which it has been tried to distort into ejus, it is probably the name which occurs as Achess in the Liber Landavensis, where we have ' tref Bledgwr mab aches' (new edit., pp. 32, 44), and 'audi filium achess' (p. 277)." But careful inspection of the drawing shows how probable it is that the first two letters of the last line are, or were, EI 2 , a common contraction in very ancient days for EIVS. This reading may be compared with two other inscriptions of Glamorganshire : — 1. The Samson stone at Llantwit : " »J< Samson posuit hanc crucem >J< pro anima eius (Hubner, No. 61). 2. The cross at Merthyr Mawr: " Conbellim posuit hanc crucem pro anima eius" {ibid., No. 67). In another sculptured stone at Llantwit the equivalent, " pro anima sua", occurs (ibid., No. 62) ; a formula found also on a stone tablet at Camborne in Cornwall (ibid., No. 8). Against these four examples, we must, however, in fairness set an equal number of cases recorded by Hubner where a name follows the phrase " pro anima". Westwood considers the stone of Grutne, both from its general 1 Quoted by Westwood, Lapid., p. 26. The Ancient Sculptured Stones. i I 5 style and the form of the cross, to point to the eighth or ninth century ; and with reference to the personage who is thereon commemorated he relies on a triad in the Myvyrian Archaiology vol. ii, p. 15, where mention is made of three brothers, Grudneu Henbrien, and yEdenawg, chieftains of the Isle of Britain, who are said to have flourished in the sixth century, but doubts whether the form and design of the cross do not point to a later date. Mr. Allen 1 reads " pro anima Ahest", "for the soul of Ahest". With regard to the origin of these inscribed stones, Mr. Allen has put on record his opinion that " it is hardly possible to escape from the deduction that the monuments of the earlier period originated in the west {i.e., in Pembroke- shire or Ireland), and spread eastwards to Glamorgan ; whereas those of the later period had their beginning in Glamorgan, and the art was subsequently carried west- wards. By far the most remarkable feature in the Glamorganshire crosses is that the large proportion of them are inscribed — a thing that may well excite the national pride of Welshmen, as, except at Clonmac- nois in Ireland, no such group of lettered monuments of this early date exists in Great Britain." The Narrow Wheel-Cross was re- moved to Margam Chapter-house about twenty years before Westwood 2 described it in 1876-9. It stands about 5 ft. high, and 17 in. wide. Unfortunately the upper part of the stone, which had been rounded to form the wheel of the cross, has been purposely cut away at the sides so as to make it about the same width throughout. In this respect with the cross of Enniaun, which has been subjected to very similar treatment, when it was perfect the cross was of the pattee or Maltese form, with limbs of equal dimensions dilated at the ends, filled up with irregular incised patterns. The face of the 1 Monumental History of the Early British Church, 1SS9, p. 127. 2 Lapid., p. 30, pi. xix, fig. 2. I 2 i r6 Mar gam Abbey. stone is, however, too much rubbed and worn to ascertain much of the detail of the ornament. Here the segments of the circular band uniting the limbs of the cross are plain and raised ; the spaces within the arms of the cross and the band being only lightly sunk, and not pierced through the stone. Below the wheel-cross is a large panel filled in with an interlaced pattern of an irregular character, which Westwood was unable to make out satisfactorily, but Mr. Langdon's drawing reproduces the whole pattern very clearly. There is no inscription on this stone. The section is worthy of notice. The Cross from Port Talbot— Westwood deserves the credit of having first published this stone in the ArcJiceologia Cam- brensis in 1857. It was not then easily accessible, from the water of the Avon River having been dammed up to make the float of the new harbour of Port Talbot. He dug it out to the depth of more than 2 ft. In its present place of preservation the full dimensions are easily obtainable : 4 ft. 6 in. long by 1 ft. 9 in. wide, according to Mr. Langdon's scale drawing of 1 in. to the foot. The cross (if cross it may be called) partakes rather of the nature of a wheel, having six spokes or radii, a central boss, and concentric circum- ference of three circles. On the back, which is roughly bevelled, is a smaller circle enclosing a plain cross resting on a straight stem with two curved branches near the base, as shown in the accompanying plate. There is no inscription on either side ; but on the front, below the wheel, is a curved design of remarkable but inexplicable character, best described by a reference to the drawing itself. Westwood, who describes and figures it again in Lapid., p. 32, pi. XXI, suggests that this stone might have been a Carreg-y- nod, or direction to the ford leading to the opposite bank of the river, where stood the small chapel of St. Thomas. He found it standing on the S.E. side of the road leading from the railway station to the docks, and not more than 100 yards from the station ; from the road having been raised it was almost buried, three or four inches only of the top being visible above the surface. The use of the wheel on these stones has never been satisfactorily explained. May it bear some reference to the British chariot, which is so distinctive an emblem of the ancient inhabitants of these Islands ? Chariots were sometimes buried with their deceased owners in several parts of Europe. The design on the back resembles the outline of a Saxon penny, and may refer, taken in connection with the arrow-like line pointing downwards, to a hidden hoard. There is nothing exclusively sepulchral or religious about it. Sepulchral Stone at Margam. The Ancient Sculptured Stones. i i 7 The broken Cross. — Westwood 1 calls this "the small, broken wheel-cross", and states (1876-9) that it was "removed to Margam Abbey about twenty years ago". It measures about 4^ ft. in height. The upper part is ornamented with an incised and elegantly ornamented cross of the Latin form, having the base of the stem dilated and carved with double interlaced ribbons forming the triple knot known as a triquetra. Each ribbon has an incised central line, as have also all the single interlaced ribbons of which the carving consists. In the centre of the cross, at the crossing of the arms, is an ornament like a figure of 8 lying down. The arms are united by four bands, being segments of a circle, also interlaced, but not in uniform patterns. The spaces between the arms are pierced through. The upper part is unfortu- nately lost, and no inscription is con- tained on the part remaining. It ap- pears to partake of a somewhat transi- tional character, and not to be of such an early date as those already described. Of this cross Mr. Thomas 2 says : — " It is the only Latin cross we have, and is as exquisite in idea as in execution. The idea seems to be the development of the cross (Salvation) from theTrinity ; the base is a triquetra, the Trinity sym- bol, formed of a double-furrowed band, the ascending limb from which grows into a plaited stem, which spreads elegantly and without break into the three upper members of the cross. As probably the head, now lost, carried on the plait similarly to the arms, the eye could follow the bands right around all the parts of the cross, and return without break to the triquetra at the base." CROSS OF St. THOMAS. — This stone stood, when described by Westwood, 3 against the south side of the south wall of the yard of a farmhouse about two hundred yards from Port Talbot station. 1 Lapid., p. 30, pi. xix, fig. i. 2 " Inscribed Stones," Trans. Cardiff' Naturalists' Society, vol. XXV. :) Lapid. , p. 31, pi. XX. Brokkn Cross. 1 1 8 Mar gain Abbey. It is cylindrical, the upper part broken off. What remains of it is about 5 ft. high. On it are marked three crosses as drawn above, the largest two having outlines of incised lines ; the third is entirely incised. The smaller outlined cross is accom- panied by the inscription TOME in Anglo- Saxon minuscule characters, evidently intended to commemorate that St. Thomas to whom a neighbouring chapel, now destroyed, was dedi- cated. A charter of Bishop Nicholas mentions the " Capella Sancti Thomae in terra quam Wil- lelmus Comes Gloucestriae dedit Willelmo filio Henrici inter aquas de Avene et Neth". WXr Jl w f/#Jb, MM mm N°3 ff?2 Incised Slab. Cross ok St. Thomas The Incised Slab. — The accompanying illustration shows The Ancient Sculptured Stones. \ 19 an imperfect tomb-slab, probably set to commemorate an abbot of the thirteenth century. The ornamental cross is composed of four fleurs-de-lis, joined in the centre by a rosette or flower. There is a knop or boss in the stem, and probably there was another lower down when the stone was perfect. There is no inscription on the part remaining. Carved Slab with Croziers. — The fine slab shown in the accompany- ing illustration is unfortunately wanting in the lower part. It evidently com- memorates an abbot, perhaps one who had held an abbacy previously else- where. The circle ornamented with six carved cusps, seems to point to the early part of the fourteenth century, but the inscription along the sides is so obscure that it is impossible to derive any in- formation from it as to the name or date which it originally recorded. The section shows a back bevelled to fit the sarcophagus of which it is the cover. Tomb of Robert, Abbot of Rie- VAULX. — Preserved in the church also is a fine slab of dark-coloured stone, with bevelled edges, bearing on the upper side a floriated crozier, cut in outline deeply incised. The design is chaste and elegant. Around the edge is the following inscription of two hex- ameter verses, in bold Lombardic capi- , Carved Slab with'Croziers. tals :— ►{« CONSTANS I ET \ CERTUS \ JACET j hlC \ RYEUALLIS \ OPERTUS \ ABBAS ■ ROBERTUS • CUIUS \ DEUS \ ESTO \ MISERTUS j AMEN. Robert, Abbot of Rievaulx, a celebrated Cistercian Abbey in Yorkshire, is said by the editors of the Monasticon to have made his obedience, 4 Non. Feb., A.D. 1301, and appears to have been succeeded by Peter in A.D. 1307, to which later year the death of this Abbot may with great likelihood be attributed; unless the I 20 Mar gam Abbey. curious condition of his sepulture at a site so far distant from his duties — notwithstanding the manifest propriety of his body finding its final rest in a House of his own Order — may be taken as pointing to a brief period of retirement from the abbatial dignity at Rievaulx before his demise. Tomb-slab of Abbot Henry. — The lower part of a sepulchral slab, of which the following figure is a reduced copy, is also preserved in the church. When perfect the shaft repre- sented a crozier, as in the slab of the Abbot of Rievaulx, p. 119. Down the right-hand side is the inscription : .... hENRICVS IX'. which seems to point to a Henry, Ninth [Abbot of Margam]. The form of the s is remarkable, and the lettering may be referred to the fourteenth century. There was a Henry, about A.D. 1338 to 1360, but he appears to have been twelfth rather than ninth abbot, if the lists are trustworthy. In the pavement are some rudely incised sepulchral slabs of the thirteenth century. They are ornamented with the cross. One bears also a key, emblem of Tomb-slab of Abbot Henry, the office of Abbey porter, a position not to be despised at the period, for it carried dignity and importance with it. The porter of abbey or castle often is included among the witnesses in the earliest charters. Another bears a cross on steps with a long sword on the left side of it ; another, in place of the usually recurrent cross, bears a crozier delicately foliated and a short broadsword furnished with a cross-guard. Another, a cross with anchor-like finials to the top and arms, upon steps, between two smaller crosses of the same design. Some of these are drawn in Carter's Sketch-Book, Add. MS., 29,940, fol. 67. There is also a mutilated limestone effigy with the legs, the head, neck and feet wanting ; the body clad in chain-mail of an early kind, which is partially confined by a baldric. The shield, grasped by the interior guige held in the left hand, is of the convex kite shape, and of considerable length, very similar to those Sepulchral Effigy of a Knight. The Ancient Sculptured Stones. i 2 1 occurring on the equestrian seals of the twelfth century. This extends from the shoulder to the knee ; a dragon or wyvern, delicately carved, is biting the lower point. Below is seen the lower end of the sword. On the .shoulder Mr. Clark observed a large fossil bivalve. This effigy embodies the memory of one of the knightly benefactors of the Abbey. It may very well be that of the founder himself, or of one of the first Earls of Gloucester, but it would be useless to attempt to attribute it to anyone in the absence of all corroborative evidence. The description of these sculptures may be aptly concluded with an extract from Mr. Allen's paper, that " the necessary mate- rials for writing the history of the early Christian monuments of Glamorganshire have already been collected. The work was begun in the seventeenth century by Edward Lhwyd, the Keeper of the Ashmolean Museum, and the results were published in E. Gibson's edition of Camden's Britannia (1695), but to Professor J. O. Westwood must be given the credit of having completed it in his Lapidarium Wallicc. Nor must the labours of the late Mr. E. Williams (perhaps better known as Iolo Morganwg) be passed over in silence. His readings of many of the inscriptions are preserved at Fonmon Castle, and are valuable in cases where the stones have been subsequently injured by weathering. Professor Westwood and his predecessors have made their explorations so complete that it is improbable there will be many new discoveries in the future. All, therefore, that now remains to be done is to utilise the information, so laboriously brought together, for the purpose of classifying the monuments, and showing the relation they bear to those of other geographical areas. It is hoped that by doing so intelligent interest will be aroused in the early Christian monuments of Glamorganshire, to ensure their preserva- tion from injury, weathering, or destruction." To these sentiments all will cordially agree; and it may be said that if as much care could be given to ancient stones elsewhere as has been bestowed on those at Margam, Mr. Allen's appeal will not have been made in vain. CHAPTER XI. THE CLOSE OF THE TWELFTH AND BEGINNING OF THE* THIRTEENTH CENTURY.— HENRY, BISHOP OF LLANDAFF. BISHOP WILLIAM was succeeded by Henry, the Prior of Abergavenny, who was consecrated by Hubert, Archbishop of Canterbury, on the 12th December, A.D. 1 1 93. His death took place on 12th November, A.D. 121 8. During his occupation of the see, Margam Abbey was increasing the importance and extent of its landed possessions, and making progress in many ways with the establishment of its spiritual influence. The bishop favoured the monks, and assisted their acquisition of some valuable advow- sons, a course which enabled the Abbey to provide promotion for its inmates, and to consolidate its hold upon the church of the country. In addition to those which have been referred to already, 1 a large number of grants of land and documents relating to the acquisition of territory by the Abbey belong to the period of this bishop, the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries. To fix the actual date of many of them is impossible, but some attempt may be made to group together those which appear to be connected in one way or another with each other. Not long after the accession of Bishop Henry, the Countess Hawisia, who had attested so many of the charters of Earl William, Margam's powerful benefactor, died, viii Kal. Mai (24th April), A.D. 1 197, according to the Annals of Tewkesbury. The date of the year is confirmed by a corroborative entry in the Exchequer Chronicler About this time may be placed Harley Charter, 75 c. 48 (C LXVIl), a companion, in some respects, of those referred to at pp. 61, 62: a deed whereby Gerebert, son of Robert, notifies to Bishop Henry, that with the assent of his lord Henry :5 de Humfram- 1 P. 80. 2 "mcxcvii . obiit p. 276. Hawysia, comitissa Gloucestria?." — Arch.Camb., 1862, 3 Occurs in A.D. 1 2 1 3. Henry , Bishop of Llandaff. 123 ville, and his brothers Adam and Jordan, he has confirmed to the monks of Margam all the gifts of lands, thirty acres and upwards, near Lanmeuthin, a croft near the old cemetery, another near Lantcarvan (Llancarvan), and other crofts, to aid in building the chapel to the honour of Saint Meuthin, made to them by Hugh, brother of Gerebert aforesaid, in perpetual almoign for the soul's health of himself, his ancestors, and successors. The deed is attested by Henry, Bishop of Llandaff ; Urban, the archdeacon ; Roger, 1 abbot of Margam ; Henry de Humframville and Sibilla his wife ; William de Bedintun, monk of Margam ; Godfrey the monk, and others. The Margam Abbey Roll (T. 290. 1 ; C. DCXXIV) represents a grant by Griffin, son of Ivor, to the Abbey, of 100 acres of arable, twelve of meadow, and common of pasture land at Lecwithe (Leckwith near Cardiff), the fisheries of Helei (Fley River), and common of pasture of Seinhei ; or, if he cannot warrant the above land, then the same amounts of land at Seinhenit and the fisheries of Taf. His body and that of his mother Nesta, to be buried at Margam, whether they die in England or Wales. The witnesses are : Bishop Henry ; the Chapter of Llandaff ; Ivor the priest, son of Wrgan ; William de Lichefeld and Thomas de Bristol, monks of Margam ; Jordan and Justin, conversi ; Gnaithur Cantcrel, Ivor Peredeu, nepos of the grantor, and Brugeir Seis. For some account of this Griffin ab Ivor, Lord of Scnghenydd, see p. 17. The Quit-claim {T, 117 ; C. DCLXXXIX) by Filip, the priest of Havodhaloc (Havodheulog), and John his nephew, to Margam Abbey, of the chapel of Havodhaloc, which was ratified in the presence of Nicholas, treasurer of Llandaff Cathedral ; Ivor, canon ; Adam, priest ; Robert Samsonis, 2 whose seals are declared to be here appended, but now are wanting, was confirmed by Bishop Henry to Margam by deed addressed to the clergy and laity of the diocese, and enrolled ( 7". 543 . 10 ; C. MCCCCXXVIl), assuring the land of Haudhaloc and Rossaulin, and their respective chapels, with anathema against those who resist. The witnesses are: Nicholas, treasurer of Llandaff; Richard the dean of Bonevileston ; Helias, dean of Newcastle ; Master Roger de Culne ; Master Walter de Bergeveni ; Robert de Berge- 1 Occurs in A.n. 1 196-1203. He succeeded Conan. '-' Cf. Hurl. Ch. 75A. 14, A.n. 1217. I2 4 Mar gam Abbey. veni ; John, the bishop's brother ; Philip de Marcros. Bishop William had already given permission to the monks to celebrate services in the new chapel of Rossaulin (Resolven in the Vale of Neath). Apparently connected with Rossaulin about this period is the Harley CJiarter 75 c. 47 (C. MXXl), whereby Tuder, Kenewrec, and Wrunu, sons of Robert, son of Enniaun, confirm to the monks of Margam, in frank almoign perpetual, all the land of R . . . aul. [Rossaulin ?] with the appurtenances. The witnesses are : Helias, 1 dean of Newcastle ; Ruatlan, son of Robert; Wrunu, 2 son of Yth' ; Walter de St. Hilary; Eliaun Penbul. To the year 11 99 belongs the Harley Charter 75 A. 18 (C. DCLXXXVl), whereby Henry, Bishop of Llandaff, and the chapter notify an agreement made between the monks of Margam and Wastmihangel, concerning a fourth part of the land of Brad- inctune, between the monks and Ruhatlan, Brinheleug, and Rigewarg, concerning another fourth part thereof ; and between them and Cradoc, son of Blether, concerning another fourth part. All these parties when they quit-claimed the remaining fourth part to Riered, son of Kenaf, granted eleven years' cropping of their respective shares in the above three-fourths, to begin in A.D. 1 199. Sureties were named, viz., Knadoc and Ivor, sons of Worgan ; Morgan and Moraduth, sons of Karadoc ; Grifin and Cadewatlan sons of Ivor ; Cnaithur Janterel and Woru his son ; Adam, son of Meiler ; Cradoc the physician ; Ris, son of John ; and Luelin, son of Riered. The witnesses are : Master Maurice ; John, priest of Kenefec ; Henry de Hulle ; Nicholas de Penclau, dean ; Helias, dean ; Nicholas Gobion. Under seal of the bishop, whose secretum is an angel holding a sword, perhaps Michael the archangel ; and the first type of the Llandaff chapter seal. The above-mentioned Riered, son of Kenaf, about the same time granted by Harley Charter 75 C. 24 (£?. DCCXLTIl) with assent of Hiwerth his spouse, his heirs, friends and relatives, and con- firmed by oath to the monks of Margam, the reserved fourth part of the lands of Bradinctune in frank almoign. He found the following sureties : Bishop Henry ; the Llandaff chapter ; the Sheriff of Kaerdif ; Urban the archdeacon ; Cradoc and Jaior, sons of Worgan ; Morgan and Moraduth, sons of Karadoc ; Krifen and Kadewatlan, sons of Ivor ; Knaithur Ianterel, and Wronu With, his son ; Adam, son of Meiler ; Kethereh, son of Richard ; Occurs in 1 199, 1208. 2 Wrunu ab Ythenard, T. 543 (8). Henry , Bis/wp of Llandaff. t 2 s and Kradoc the physician. The bishop and chapter bless the preservers, and curse the violators of this grant. The witnesses are : William de Lichesfeld ; William de Bedinctune ; Henry and Helias, monks of Margam ; Richard the Grangiar of Lantmeuthin and Justin, conversi ; Nicholas de Penclau, dean ; Nicholas Gobion ; Robert de Bercoroles ; Lucas the bishop's brother ; Master Maurice ; John, priest of Kenefec ; Henry de Hulle. The seal, a star or rosette, reads : *%t sigill' riered filii kenoh. Later in point of time, but connected with the preceding affair, is the Hurley Charter 75 D. 16 {C. DCCCCXIV), whereby Jorward, Gnaythur and Johan, sons of Wasmihangel, and Meuric and Joruard, sons of Ruathlan, and Reu, son of Riggeuarhc, quit-claim to the monks of Margam in almoign all their claim in the land of Bradingtun, and swear it on the tomb of St. Theliaw and the sacrosancta of Llandaff, in presence of the bishop and chapter, staking their Christianity on faithful observance of this deed. They also agree to warrant the monks against Riered, son of Kanaf, if he should attempt to molest them. The monks give an undertaking that any of the said quit-claimers shall be buried in the Abbey, unless excommunicated or under interdict. Witnesses : Wfilliam], 1 Bishop of Llandaff ; Maurice, 2 arch- deacon ; Ralph Mailoc ; 3 Nicholas Gobion, Yvor de Pendivelin (Pendoylon), canons; Master John, parson of Landriered ; Reimund de Sullia, Walter Pain, Walter Costentin, Hoel ab Ivor, William de Lichesfeld, William de Duvelin, monks of Margam. The seals attached to this deed are curious. 1. That of William of Christchurch, bishop. 2. A double headed eagle, displayed with a legend, which seems to show that it was made pro liac vice, probably by the monks themselves. »{« SIGI[LLVM . FjlLIORVM . WASMIHANGEL. 3. A fleur-de-lis. 4« SIGIL' . REV . FILII . RIHCEVAR. 4. A dexter hand, with glove of mail, grasping a javelin and trident. The legend is illustrated by the remarks on No. 2. SIGILLVM . FILIORVM . RVATHLAN. 1 Occurs A.D. 1240-1244. 2 Occurs A.D. 1231-1242. - — " 3 Occurs A.D. 1217, 1230. 126 Mar gam Abbey. The land of Bradingtune (a site not clearly identified, but possibly Broughton near Bridgend), thus held by the monks, re- ceived further addition in later times, for there is a quit-claim ( T. 1 19 ; C. MXIl) by Henry de Sutthunc to Margam Abbey, of the land at Bradingtune, which they held of Henry de Vmframuille, senior. The witnesses are : William de Reigni j 1 William de Sumery; 2 Richard de La Warre ; James his brother ; Helias Aki ; Roger the clerk ; Baldevvine de St. Donat's ; Richard, 3 the clerk of Kenefeg ; Walter Page. The green wax seal bears a stag at speed, to the right. ►J* S' HENRICI . DE . SVTTONE. T. 50 (C. DCXCVlll) is a quit-claim by Nicholas Puinz, for the soul of his lord William, the Earl [of Gloucester], to Margam Abbey, of all his right claimed against David Scurlag, in the fee of Langewi ; the resignation was publicly made in full County Court of Cardiff, saving service of the Lord Earl. This is attested by Henry, Bishop of Llandaff ; Hamund de Val[oniis], bailiff of Glamorgan ; Ralph de Sumeri ; Henry de Vmfraunuile ; Philip de Marcros ; Pagan de Turbervile ; Walter de Sul' ; William Martel ; Roger de Wintonia, or Winchester ; John de la mare ; Richard Flandrensis ; William Flandrensis, or Fleming ; William Sor ; Gillebert de Turburville ; Ralph Mailoc. There is a round seal of dark green wax, bearing a dexter hand and arm, vested, issuing from the sinister, grasping an orna- mental bunch of three lilies and two buds. Speckled. *%* SIGILLVM . NICHOLAI . PONTII. This charter must be before the Royal confirmation thereof in A.D. 1205. See Mr. G. T. Clark's CarUc, vol. i, p. 46, No. lxiv. Other deeds relating to this matter will be discussed further on. To this period also may be assigned a suit between Rivanus, the parish priest of Llangewydd, and Margam Abbey. This was settled by a deed (T. 46, and 294.4; C. DCXLV) of arbitration by R[oger], 4 Abbot of Heuesham, and P[eter], 5 Archdeacon of Worcester, respecting the church of Lantgewi, entrusted by the Pope to W[illiam], u late Bishop of Worcester, and the above arbi- 1 Occurs in A.D. 1217, 1234, 1247, 1249, 1257, etc. 2 Occurs in a.d. 1230, etc. 3 Occurs in A.D. 1245, 1246, 1247, 1266, etc. 4 Roger Norreis, Abbot of Evesham, co. Wore, a.d. 1191-1213. 5 Peter del Arche, a.d. i 1 89-1 196. 6 William de Northall, a.d. 11S6-1190. Henry , Bishop of Llandaff. 127 trators. In this the said Riuan, priest, solemnly abjures the said church of Lantgewi, whereof he asserted himself to be the parson, and Thomas his son likewise abjures the same, and the monks give two marks of silver to the said Rivanus for his expenses. The witnesses are: W., prior of Lithun l ; John, precentor of Hevesham (Evesham) ; W. de Bedint' and Godefrey, monks of Margam ; Master Ralph, dean of Hevesham ; Gregory de Quenton', dean ; Osmund de Campeden' ; Nicholas, precentor of Llandaff ; Roger de Llanthilt' ; Helias his brother ; Master Maurice ; Gille- bert de Novo Castello. The date may lie between A.D. 1 191-1 196 ; and from this period the patronage of Llangewydd church may be said to have remained unchallenged in possession of the Abbey. This is closely connected with another charter (T. 48 ; C. DCXLVIIl), a confirmation (addressed to the clergy and laity of the diocese) by Bishop Henry to the Abbey, of all the land of Langewi, according to the charters of the grantors ; and the Church of Langewi, saving episcopal rights. With anathema against molestors. This is attested by: Nicholas, treasurer of Llandaff; Helias, dean of Newcastle ; Richard, dean of Bonevileston ; Master Roger de Culne ; Robert de Bergeveni. To it is appended a fine impression of the pointed oval seal, in dark green wax, bearing a figure of the Bishop, standing on a short column or pedestal, with mitre and staff, lifting up the right hand in the act of pronouncing a blessing. *i* SIGILL' : HENRICI : DEI : GRACIA : LANDAVENSIS : EPISCOPI. The secretum on the reverse bears an angel or seraph. The Harley Charter 75 A. 19 {C. LXVIII) is a notification to the faithful of the diocese of Llandaff, that Bishop Henry has confirmed to Margam Abbey the whole land of Lanmeuthi (Llanmeuthinj given to the monks by Henry de Hunframvilla, and thirty acres adjacent thereto by Gerebert, son of Robert ; with a croft close to the old cemetery on the west ; four other crofts, viz., one under the cemetery and three on the high road opposite the spring from Lanmeuthi ; three acres more, viz., two lying on the west of the stream which runs from the spring, through the court of the Grange, and one on the mountain on the west of the high road from Lant- carvan to Lanmeuthi Grange ; and one acre to help in building the 1 Lythom Priory, co. Lane. 128 Mar gam Abbey. chapel to the honour of St. Meuthin on the south of the said thirty acres. With a clause against molestation (see p. 122). The witnesses are : Walter, abbot of Neth ; Urban the arch- deacon ; Urban, dean of Pendivelin (Pendoylon) ; William, dean of Langtvvit ; Gerebcrt, son of Robert ; Nicholas Gobion ; Henry, monk of Margam. Two charters relating to John Kairus were ratified by notifica- tion of Bishop Henry. In the one {Harley Charter 75 A. 23 ; C DCXLIX) it is stated that, whereas contention had arisen between Margam Abbey and John Kairus and his heirs, respecting a certain pasture, finally John and his son Milo surrendered the pasture in free gift for ever, and Milo swore to observe the compact, tactis sacrosmictis. In the other {Harley Charter 75 A. 21 ; C. XCIIl), a distinction is made that the crops and meadows had long before been granted to the monks, "pro quodam magno excessu suo ", on account of some great excess on the part of the grantor. The witnesses are the same in each deed, viz. : Urban, dean of Llandaf ; Nicholas the chaplain ; Master Maurice ; Ralph de Winchester, clerk ; W. de St. Donat's ; Robert de Berchele. To the former deed the bishop's seal is still appended. Another undated deed of Bishop Henry (7". 49 ; C. dcl) grants to Margam Abbey all its proper tithes in the parish of Kenefeg, the tithes of the sheaves of the church of Kenfig and its chapels, and all the lands of the church and its chapels, paying ten marks yearly to Tewkesbury Abbey, which latter Abbey retains the cure of souls, the altarage, and the right of presenting a vicar to the said church, and is answerable to the bishop for the episcopal dues ; the lands and tithes alone going to Margam. The witnesses are : Wrgan, archdeacon of Llandaff ; Master Maurice his son ; Master Walter, chaplain of the bishop ; Master Ralph Mailok. This deed was inspected and ratified by Bishop Elias (7". 137 ; C. DCCCXCV). Nicholas, Treasurer of Llandaff, is added to the list of witnesses of the original deed, and the inspeximus is attested by Maurice 1 the archdeacon and Henry his brother ; Maurice the treasurer ; William de Lanmeis (Llanmaes), dean. There is an imperfect pointed oval seal, green wax, of Bishop Elias, still appended to the deed. In accordance with the foregoing, Bishop Henry, by another deed (7". 102 ; C. DCCXXII, and abridgment in Cotton MS. Cleopatra 1 Occurs A.D. J 229- 1 23 1 ; ob. 1242. Henry , Bishop of Llandajf. 129 A. VII ; (T. cm) notifies, between A.U. 1203-1213, that at the petition of D. Walter, 1 Abbot, and the Convent of Tewkesbury, he has granted to the Abbey the Church of Kenefeg, at an annual farm rent of ten marks to the said Convent, saving the episcopal rights. The witnesses are : Vrban, Archdeacon of Llandaff ; Nicholas, treasurer ; Philip, dean of Gur', or Groneath. There is attached a fine pointed oval seal of the bishop, in red wax. SIGILL' . HENRICI . DEI . GRACIA . LANDAVENSIS . EPISCOTI. Bishop Henry, in Harley Charter 75 A. 20 (C. DCCXXXVII), with assent of the Chapter of Llandaff, granted to the Abbey in per- petual farm, all land from the Great Pill to the Taf, which lay near the bishop's bercary, or sheep fold, from wall to wall (a wala usque in walavi) with ingress and egress for themselves and their cattle, at a yearly rent of four shillings, and under covenant to maintain the wala along their frontage. The Bishop and the Chapter append their seals. On the reverse of the former the sccretum or counter- seal is also impressed : a seraph with six wings, and the secretum of the Chapter, an Agnus Dei. The witnesses are : Urban, archdeacon ; Nicholas the treasurer ; Master Walter ; Walter the chaplain ; William the chaplain ; Walter the precentor; Audoenus, or Owen, the dean; 2 Philip, nephew of chaplain Walter ; Thomas, the bishop's serjeant. There is another version of the same {Harley Charter 75 A. 22 ; T. 290. 29 ; C. Cll ; dccxxxviii), where no mention is made of the assent of the Chapter, and with some different witnesses : Arch- deacon Urban ; Treasurer Nicholas ; Master Roger ; Master Walter, clerk ; Hubert, vicar ; Walter, chaplain ; Abraham, vicar ; Thomas, serjeant. About this time, Ivor and Tudir and Kenwrec, sons of Ruathlan 3 ab Wrgi, granted to Margam the land called Aberclaudac and Gogonev at Rosaulin. With abjuration before G. the Archdeacon and the Chapter of Brecknock (T. 543 . 23 ; C MCCCCXXIV). This archdeacon is the illustrious Giraldus de Barri, or Cam- brensis, who occurs in A.D. 1 175. He was nominated to the sec of Llandaff in A.D. 1199, but never consecrated. His death has been placed about A.D. 1203, or 1244. A few scattered notices of Margam have been recorded by Giraldus. One occurs in his Symbolum Electorum, or Collection of Narratives, edited by the late Mr. J. S. 1 A.D. 1203-1213. 2 Occurs in A.D. 1217. 3 Rualthan map Wrgi occurs in A.D. 1 199. K 130 Marga?n Abbey. Brewer, M.A., for the Master of the Rolls (vol. i, p. 206, 1861), in which he says that Walter, abbot of Neath, and Cunan, abbot of Margam, a man of good reputation, during the performance of a visitation of the Cistercian Monasteries throughout England, on arriving at the Abbey of Bethlesdene, or Bittlesden, co. Bucking- ham, found that so many serious charges were laid against the cellarar of that house, that they were obliged to dismiss him from his office : " cum ad monasterium de Bethlesdene pervenissent, et ipsum in domo forte tunc cellerarium invenissent, tanta et tarn enormia ibidem de ipso audierunt quod eundem ab officio in discessu removerunt." The same ancient writer, in his Itinerarium Cambria, an account his travels in company with Baldwin, Archbishop of Canterbury, to preach the crusade, and incidentally " to strike a blow in favour of his own metropolitical authority", as is pointed out by Mr. J. F. Dimock, in his edition of Giraldi Cambrensis Opera for the Master of the Rolls (vol. vi, p. xlv, 1868) in the spring of the year 11 88, describes his setting out for Llandaff, after mass celebrated by the archbishop at the principal altar of the Cathedral Church, to that noble monastery of the Cistercian Order, Margam, passing the cell of Ewennith (Ewenny) on the way. The abbey was 1 at that time the most prominent of all of that order in Wales, and presided over by Abbot Cunan, a literary and discreet man. Its charitable largess had rendered it most famous ; for its boundless succour to the poor and needy in the times of want was never known to fail, and its stores, like the contents of the widow's cruse of oil, must have been (the writer thinks) divinely augmented to enable the monastery to dispense with so free and liberal a hand the necessities of life to all applicants. Giraldus, at this passage, takes the opportunity of relating an account of a Welsh youth who, at the time of the first foundation of the Abbey, angrily laid claim to certain lands which had been given to the monks ; and in revenge for his loss set fire to the best grange belonging to the Abbey, just at the moment when it was filled with corn, and then ran mad through the town without restraint, until his relations were able to capture him and bind him down. The next morning, however, he broke his bonds and got away to the Abbey gate, incessantly crying and howling out that by the agency of the monks he had been set on fire inwardly and wholly consumed. In a few days he died in the same state. 1 lb., p. 67. Henry, Bishop of Llandaff. i 3 1 Giraldus tells another tale of a youth who had beaten another in the Guesten hall, and met with a worthy fate. On one occasion, when famine was rife throughout the country, and a very large crowd of beggars daily lying at the Abbey door, a ship was sent off to Bristol for corn ; but the winds were contrary, and the return of the vessel impossible, when lo ! a field near the monastery suddenly ripened its crop a month and more before the expected time, to the astonishment of every one : whereby divine mercy administered not only to the needs of the brethren, but also to the hunger of the mendicant crowds, a sufficiency lasting till autumn harvest had been ingathered. The two friends leave Margam, crossing the Aveninae fluvium, or river Avan, and so make their way to Neath, with perilous adventures on the quicksands in this part of the coast. In the Harley Charter 75 A. 51 {C. CCXCIV and dclxxv) the Abbot and Convent of Tewkesbury agree with the Abbot and Convent of Margam, that after the death of Jurdan de Hamele- dena, Margam Abbey shall be quit of the annual payment of twenty-two shillings made on his behalf to Tewkesbury, and have back the charter which binds the Abbey to the payment. With fragmentary seals of the Abbey and the Abbot of Tewkesbury. The Abbey seal is described in the account of the following deed : Connected also with Tewkesbury Abbey is the agreement (T. 103; C. DCCXXl) between that Abbey and Margam Abbey, concerning the Church of Kenefeg, whereby Walter 1 the Abbot and the Convent of Tewkesbury grant the Church to Margam Abbey, for a perpetual payment of ten marks yearly ; and the Abbot of Tewkesbury to be honourably provided for at Kenefeg or at Margam when he visits those parts ; the Abbey of Margam to maintain a chaplain and perform the services. There are two imperfect seals appended : — (1) An Abbot with flat mitre, standing on a footboard, holding up the right hand in blessing, in his left hand an open book. ^ WALTER [MA]RIE . TIIEOK... (2) An early representation of Tewkesbury Abbey, as a church with row of Saxon arches in nave, small chancel, circular apse, central tower with three stages and weathercock. The roof-line of chancel and the stages finished with curved projections. ^ SIG [ABB]ATIE SIS. In another charter, Bishop Henry notifies to the faithful (T. 290. 1 a.d. 1203-1213. K 2 132 Mar gam Abbey. 47 ; C. DCCXLl) that William Citharedus, of Boneuillc[stone], has granted to the Abbey twelve acres of arable and half an acre of meadow land, and a messuage in the town of Cairwigau, for the annual payment of half a pound of wax at Michaelmas to the church of Cairwigau. Cae'r wigau is in the parish of Pendoylon, but probably, says Mr. Clark, within the manor, and has always been a part of Bonevilestone estate. The house, now a cottage, is very old, and has a curious staircase in the thickness of the wall. No evidence of the church, other than this notice, is extant. This is connected with Harley Charter 75 B. 35 (T. 290.5 ; C. DCCXL), a grant by William Cithareda, or Citharedus, de Bonevill, to Margam, of twelve acres of arable and half an acre of meadow in Bonevill, for the annual payment of half a pound of wax at Michaelmas to the church of Bonevill. Witnesses : David the writer, Richard, son of Stephen, the clerk of Kenefeg ; William, son of Roger Sturmi ; and Alan de Kirkested. In some respects these two deeds appear to be identical. To the foregoing also appertains the Harley Charter 75 B. 12 (C. DCCXXXIX) a grant by John de Bona-villa, to William Chitaredus, i.e., Citharedus, or the Harper, in fee, of four acres of land in the culture of Broniges-pit, and in the adjacent culture on the south side ; half an acre between the King's land and the land of the Hospital, and half an acre near the meadow of Seisil 1 and the land that was Mary's, at a yearly rent of half a pound of wax, and King's service. This is witnessed by R , priest ; William de Bonavilla ; John, son of Habraham ; Geoffrey de Canci ; Ivor, son of Idhail ; Raulot, son of Mary ; Adam, son of Mary ; John de Pentirec ; William de Pentirec ; Thomas, son of the priest Richard. There is an interesting seal of early Welsh art attached to this deed, an ornamental cross fleury in a jewelled border. >J< SIGILLVM . IOHANNIS . DE . BONAVILLA. This is not strictly a Margam Abbey charter, but deserves a place here for many manifest reasons. 1 Perhaps Seysil ab Luarch, who occurs in a.d. 1205. CHAPTER XII. THE EARLY THIRTEENTH-CENTURY CHARTERS OF THE ABBEY. HE family of Londres, or de Londoniis, is represented by 1 several Abbey charters of this early period. Mr. Clark points out, Cartes, vol. iii, p. 114, the principal details of the life of one William, and states that there is no received pedigree of the family, the members of which were Lords of Carnwathlan and Kidwelly, in Caermarthenshire, and of Ogmore in Glamorganshire, where they founded a priory and castle. Among these deeds are the following: a notification {Harley Charter 75 c. 30 ; C. DCXXV) by William de Londoniis to his homines, English, French and Welsh, that he has granted to Clement, deacon, the chapel of Saint Kehinweher 1 and twenty-six acres of land, with all tithes of the fee, in frank almoign. Before Nicholas, 2 Bishop of Llandaff. The witnesses are : William, dean of Grunuhd, i.e., Groneth ; Richard, priest of Marcros ; William Pincerna ; Roger de Winton, 3 Philip de Marcros ; Ralph de Cantelo ; Walter de Rehenni ; Alexander de Curdun ; Osbert the scribe ; and Anfred de Liswis. There is a confirmation in Harley Charter 75 C. 31 (T. 293 .11; C. DCLXI) by William de Londoniis, to the monks of Margam, in almoign, of the chapel of Egles-keinwir, 1 with all its appurtenances between the Uggemore and Garwe rivers, for the benefit of the souls of his father and mother. The witnesses are : William de Cantelo ; 4 William de Reinni ; 5 Master Maurice ; 6 Robert the clerk ; Robert Chamberlein ; 1 Llangeinor. 2 The occurrence of Bishop Nicholas among the witnesses places this deed before a.d. 1183, but its close relation with the following deeds gives it great value here. 3 The family, according to Mr. Clark, vol. iii, p. 114, still remains in the male line as Wilkins about Llancovian, where are the remains of their castle. 4 Will, de Cantilupo occurs in A.D. 1207. 6 Occurs in a.d. 1234, 1247, 1249. 6 Occurs between a.d. 121 3 and 12 16. I 34 Mar gam Abbey. Nicholas, son of Richard. The seal of the grantor is an impression of an antique engraved stone, a horseman with a flag. »J< SIGILLVM . WILL'I . DE LONDONIIS. The Harley Charter 75 C. 33 (C. DCLVIII ; T. 293 . 3) is a grant by Master Maurice, 1 with assent of D. William Londoniensis, to the monks of Margam, of all the land of Egluskei[n]\vir, at a yearly rent of twelve pence every Michaelmas. The witnesses are : Ralph, clerk of Lando, or Llandough ; Kandalan, the priest ; John, the parson of Marcross ; Richard Pincerna, 2 of Marcros ; Henry, son of the grantor ; Master Maurice, and William his brother. The seal attached to this charter shows the Master seated in his official chair before a lectern. t%* SIGILL' . MAG'RI . MAVRIC. This grant is among many confirmed by Isabella, Countess of Gloucester and Essex, between A.D. 1213 and 12 16, in an important charter, on which some remarks will be given hereafter. There is also a grant in fee farm (T. 156 ; C. DCLXV) by William de Londoniis, with consent of his mother, and of his brother Thomas de Londoniis, to Margam Abbey, of whatever land is contained between the waters of Ukgemore and Garwe, from their confluence, as far as the grantor's land extends, towards Rotheni (Rhondda). Rent, three marks yearly, and the grantor's forester is to have charge of the wood, with the counsel of the Abbot, the grantor and the Abbey having what wood they respectively need. Endorsed " Keven mahhai", that is, Cefn Machen near the confluence of Garw and Ogmore Rivers. The witnesses are : Thomas de Londoniis ; Peter Pincerna : Ralph de Cantelo ; Walter Gundi ; Owen le Norreis ; Paganus de Turberuille ; 3 Gilbert de Turberuille ; 4 William de Cantel[o] ; 5 Osbern the clerk ; Robert the clerk. The seal is another impression of the ancient gem already mentioned. There is a duplicate copy of this document in T. 522 (C. MLXVl) with the first five witnesses' names only, and with a similar im- pression of the seal ; another copy is contained among the Abbey Rolls (T. 293. 1). Mr. Clark prints (C. CXXXl) another copy from the Duchy of Lancaster Registers, but dates it circa A.D. 1250, which appears to me to be too late. 1 Occurs between 1213 and 12 16. 2 This family afterwards became Butler. — Clark, vol. iii, p. 114. 3 Occurs in a.d. 1202, 1205. 4 Occurs in a.d. 1202, and later. 6 Occurs in a.d. 1207. The Family of Londoniis . 135 William de Londoniis granted also (7". 158 ; 290. 23 ; 293 . 25 ; C. DCLXll) to Margam Abbey, a burgage in his town of Catvveli, or Kidwelly, which John, son of Ragenild, holds, and an acre of meadow called Olemeda in frank almoign, with same liberties as the other burgesses had. The witnesses are : Thomas de Londoniis ; John de Londoniis ; Richard Albus ; Richard Scarpin ; Andrew, monk of Margam ; Ralph de Cantelo ; John, son of Ragineld, or Reginald ; Richard, son of Tovi. There is an impression of the antique gem seal already described. This was confirmed by Thomas de Londoniis, his brother, (T. 1 57 ; 293 . 26 ; C. DCLXVl) under attestation of Pincerna Peter : Ralph de Cantel[o] ; Walter Gundi ; Owen le Norreis ; Godefrey, son of Aimer ; Hervey Cras ; Gervase the clerk. There is an oval seal, bearing the impression of an antique oval intaglio gem ; a hel meted bust turned to the left. ►{« SIGILL' THOME . DE . LOND*. Place may be suitably found here for the quit-claim (T. 8 ; 288. 6; C. DCCLXXXIII) by Walter, son of Cunnor, and Iuor his stepson (privignus), to the Abbey, of all the land between the two Rivers of Auana, and that of Embroch, and whatever they hold between the Abbey boundaries ; sworn upon the altar and reliqucs of Margam ; and given with the assent of Tanguistel, wife of the said Walter, and mother of Iuor, and that of her mother Keneris, under seals of Llandaff Cathedral, Walter de Londoniis, and Pagan de Turberville. For twenty shillings and forty pence. The sureties are : William de Londoniis ; Pagan de Turuille ; Hugh his uncle ; Symon de Turberuille ; Walter Luuel ; Walter his son ; Thomas de Corneli ; John de Croeli ; Michael de Noua-uilla ; Robert, son of Eilmer ; Keneithur, son of Herebert ; William his brother ; Wassenfrei. One seal remains, two are lost. It bears a knight blowing a horn, riding to the right on a springing horse. ►J* SIGILLVM . PAGANI DE T'BERVIL . . . Possibly the names of some of the witnesses carry this charter back to the end of the twelfth century. In the early deed, dated A.D. 1202, T. 80 (C. DCCII), is recorded a grant by Walter Luuel to the Abbey, of all his land in the fee of Langewi, viz., a hundred acres which he had with his wife in marriage, of David Scurlage, whereby he became a " homo" or 136 Mar gam Abbey. dependant of the said David. Free of rent except five shillings paid by the monks for the land of Penvei, or Pen-y-fai, near Llan- genydd. Seven years' rent, viz., thirty-five shillings paid before- hand. The witnesses are : Philip de Marcros ; Hameline of Torintein'; John de la Mare ; David Scurlage ; Thomas Scurlage ; Roger Burnel. To this is appended a seal bearing a wolf, for Lupellus, i.e., Luuel, passant. SIGILLVM . WALTERI . LVWEL. The next deed (T. 81 ; C. DCCCCLV) is a charter of Walter Luuel, junior, nephew of David Scurlag, notifying that whereas the monks of Margam granted to him ten acres of arable land, which they held of the gift of his father near the land of William de Comely, for two shillings rent ; it is now agreed, in place of this rent, to deduct two shillings from the rent of five shillings, which the monks owe to the said Walter for the land of Penuey, at Langewi. The witnesses are : Walter de Comely, Roger Gramus, Thomas his son, Wasmeir, William Cole, burgesses of Kenefeg ; Walter de Haferford, William de St. Peter, monks of Margam. There is here a pointed oval seal, bearing an ornamental fleur- de-lis. SIGILL' . WALTERI : LOVEL. T. 71 (C. DCCCIV) is a grant by Robert Curteis, son of Robert Curteis, to William, son of Alexander de Kenefeg, clerk, of three acres and a half of land which his grandfather held of Margam Abbey by charter ; and two acres and a half of land which extend along from the head of the aforesaid three acres towards the west as far as the land of Maurice Gramus, which the said Maurice holds of the grantor ; on the north thereof lies the land of Thomas the priest ; on the south that which belonged to Adam Osmare. The half acre lies on the east of David Wasmeir's land, on the west Walter Herbert's land, on the north that of the above William the clerk, and on the south that of John Faber. The witnesses are : Walter Luuel ; Maurice de Corneli ; Maurice Gramus ; Philip the clerk ; William de Cruce ; David Wasmeir ; Thomas de Corneli. The seal bears a star of many points. »{< S' : ROBERTI : CVRTEIS. In Harley Charter 75 c. 22 (T. 290.36; C. DCLXIV), Roger The Family of Boneville. 137 Kam, 1 with consent of Robert Wronu, Adam and Philip his sons, quit-claims and abjures to Margam Abbey all his claim to his father's lands held of the Templars in the fee of Bonevilestone. Sworn on the sacrosancta belonging to Margam Church. The witnesses are : Eneas ab Roser, Madoc his brother, Yoruard ab Espus, 2 Yoruard Coh, Richard de Bonevile, Osbern and Thomas de Kantelo, 3 monks of Margam ; Rired and Espus and John Faber, conversi of Margam. To this must be added a quit-claim (T. 290. 37 ; C. DCLix), by the above Robert ab Roser {i.e., Roger Kam) and his brethren, Wronu, Adam, and Philip, with assent of his father, Roger Kam, to the Abbey, of the land in Bonevilestun. Sworn upon the Margam sacrosancta. Harley Charter 75 B. 36 (T. 290. 46 ; C DCCXLll) is a quit-claim by Sibilla de Boneville, in her free widowhood, to the monks of Margam, of twelve acres of land and a half of meadow, with toft and croft, in the territory of Bonevilleston, as formerly granted to them in the charter by William Citharedus her husband. The witnesses are : Martin, Sheriff of Glamorgan ; William de Reigny ; 4 Reimund de Sulye ; 4 . . . . Mailoc ; Richard the priest of Bonevilestone ; Robert Samson ; 5 Reimund his son ; Roger de Landyltuit' ; William de Comely. There is an interesting seal, bearing a Welsh harp of six strings. +fc SIGILLVM . SIBILLE . DE . BONVIL. It shows how Sibilla, the grantor, was related to William the harper, whose grant she hereby confirms. The great family of Boneville contributed, as has been already said, many grants to Margam Abbey. In addition to those mentioned, Harley Charter 75 B. 19 (T. 290.48 ; C. cxxx) is a grant by Robert de Boneville, 6 with assent of Aliz his wife, to Margam Abbey, of the whole of his fee of Bonevilestone in perpetual almoign, at a yearly rent of three marks sterling ; the Abbey to render half a knight's service to the lords of Wunfal or Wenvoe, and a relief when it arises. This grant carried fishing rights with it. The witnesses are : Peter Pincerna, 7 Sheriff of Glamorgan ; 1 Occurs in A.D. 1205. 3 Occurs in A.D. 1247. 5 Occurs in a.d. 1202, 1205, 1213. 7 Occurs in A.D. 1258. 2 Occurs in a.d. 1246, 1247. 4 Occurs in A.D. 1217. 0 Occurs in A.D. 1237. 138 Mar gam Abbey. Reimund cle Sullia j 1 Maurice, 2 Archdeacon of Llandaff ; Res and Griffin his brothers ; Master Ralph Mailoc ; William de Reigni ; Geoffrey de Bonavilla ; John Croft; Walter Flandrensis ; Dunstan and Walter de Haverford, monks of Margam ; Robert de Land- meuthin and Espus, conversi of Margam. A companion to this is found in the Harley Charter 75 B. 20 (T. 290.49; C. DCCCCVl), which is a Grant by the same to the Abbey of the whole of his fee of Bonevilestone to fee farm, at a yearly rent of three marks, providing that the dower third of Cristina de Bonevilla, included in the grant, shall fall in to the abbey free of any church claims. The witnesses to this are the same as appear in the foregoing deed. Robert de Bonevilla, in another charter (T. 290.50; C DCCCCVlll) grants to the Abbey thirty-four acres in the fee of Boneuillestun, near the Abbey sheepfold of that place, leading from Port Street to Hellegogy, and to the boundaries of Penduuelin, or Pendoylon. Harley Charter 75 B. 14 {C. CXll) is a quit-claim by Mabilia, widow of William de Bonavilla, to the Abbey, of all her dower in the land of Bonevillestune, for eight pounds sterling. The witnesses are : Reimund 3 de Sulia, Robert 4 Samson, Geoffrey de Bonevilla, 5 Henry de Bonevilla, Simon de Bonevilla, Ralph Porter, William de Kerd' (Cardiff), monk of Margam. To these must be added a grant (T. 65 ; C. DCCCCV) by John de Bonevill' to the Abbey, of thirty-three acres of arable land in his fee of Bonevill' ; and the land of William Citharedus, or the harper, viz., twelve and a half acres ; and five acres, the gift of Susanna to the Abbey. The witnesses are: Philip de Marcros ; Walter de Sulia ; William Sor ; Richard Flamang ; Richard, chaplain of Boneuill' ; Walter, clerk of Cumkebir' ; Robert Samson. There is an oval seal, which bears the impression of an oval intaglio gem, inscribed with an Arabic sentence, engraved in an ancient character. Perhaps it is a relic of the Crusades. ►J« SIGILL' : IOHANN' : DE : BONEVILE. Mabilia de Bonavilla, in Harley Charter 75 B. 14, used a similar Arabic seal. Other Bonevill deeds occur under date A.D. 1262. 1 Occurs in A.D. 1217, 1230, 1234. 2 Occurs in A.D. 1231-1242. 4 Occurs in A.D. 1202, 1205, 1213. 3 Occurs in a.d. 121 7, 1230, 1234. 6 Occurs in a.d. 1237. The Family of Marcros. 139 Harley Charter 75 B. 15, is a confirmation by John de Bone- villeston to Margam Abbey, of thirty acres of arable land in his fee of Bonevilleston, in frank almoign, according to the metes and bounds made around the land. The witnesses are : Henry, Bishop of Llandaff ; Nicholas the Dean ; Nicholas, Canon of Llandaf ; Philip de Marcros ; Richard the priest of Bonevilleston ; William de Cnoilliston ; Gilbert Ripe ; Geoffrey Marescal. There is a seal bearing a lion passant. Jfc SIGILL' iohannis de bonevile. It is not clear if this deed finds a place in Mr. Clark's Carta. It appears (T. 113) to have been confirmed by Isabella, Countess of Gloucester and Essex, between A.D. 121 3 and 1216, as will be seen when we come to discuss her charters. We may place here the letters {Harley Charter 75 A. 24 ; C. LVI) whereby Bishop Henry signifies that Philip de Marcros has freely given to St. Mary's Abbey, Neath, thirty-six acres of arable land in his fee of Marcross, charged with a yearly payment of six silver shillings to Margam Abbey at Michaelmas, to be applied to the service of lighting the church at Margam at the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary ; and confirms the gift and pronounces an anathema against those who violate it. Witnesses: Oen the Dean; 1 Nicholas the Treasurer; Walter the Cantor or Precentor ; Philip, priest of Marcros ; Philip, clerk of Llandaff ; Robert de Treget ; William de Lichesfeld, monk of Margam ; Gervase, monk of Neath. Marcross, suggested by some to be Mark Cross, or Mary Cross, is a small village about six miles from Cowbridge, south-west by south. The name is said to be a corruption of Mer-croes, " the cross on the sea shore", the parish being situated on the coast of the Bristol Channel. Formerly Marcross was a place of some importance, having a castle, now no longer standing, and a monas- tery thought to have been subordinate to that of Llantwit Major, and probably destroyed with that better-known religious house in the ravages of the Danes and Saxons. Near the village are the remains of an ancient cromlech, which may, if tradition be correct, have been an old church, as it is not improbable that it was used by the Druids for some religious purposes. Among the charters of this personage may be mentioned a grant (T. 290. 21 ; C. DCCCIX) by Philip de Marcros to the Abbey, of a rent of ten shillings, for lights at the Purification of the Virgin ; 1 Occurs in A.D. 1217. 140 Mar gam Abbey. six shillings payable by the monks of Neath for thirty-six acres they hold of him, and four shillings by Baldewine de Landa, for twenty-four acres of land of his free tenement at Marcross. In the same Abbey Roll (T. 290. 22 ; C. DCCCVlll) is recorded a notification by Clement, Abbot of Neath, 1 that Philip de Marcros has granted to the Abbey of Neath thirty-six acres of land in the fee of Marcros, at a rent of six shillings. There is also a Confirmation (Z! 290. 20) by Philip de Marcros to the Abbey, of land of his free tenement of Marcros which belonged to Martin his nepos, lying near the boundary of the land of St. Donat's Church, on the western side of the highway leading from St. Donat's to Marcros, etc. ; and another confirmation ( T. 290 .31; C. DCCCX) by Richard Pincerna to Margam Abbey, of the gift of lands which Philip de Marcros his grandfather gave in his fee of Marcros, near the boundaries of the land of St. Donat's Church, etc. This is illegible in parts. Another group of deeds of the early part of the thirteenth century is ushered in by Harley Charter 75 B. 34 (T. 289. 11 j C. DCCLXXV), a confirmation of Grifin, 2 son of Canethur, to the monks of Margam, of six acres of land in the territory of Kenefec, adjacent to that called " terra Peteviu", at a yearly rent of nine- pence to the Crown. The grant was sworn by Kenewrec, the uncle, and Madoc, the brother of the said Grifin. Witnesses : Henry, William, and Andrew, monks of Margam ; Richard, Canethur, Roger, conversi of Margam ; Kenewrec the uncle and Madoc the brother of the said Grifin. This is to be followed by Harley Charter 75 B. 33 (T. 294. 13 ; C. DCCLXXVI), a confirmation by Griffin, son of Knaitur, and his brethren, Madoc, Kadaith, Anaroth, and Ener, of the entire land of Killeculm, which their father and uncles gave to Margam Abbey; and the services which their ancestors used to render to the Earl's kitchen, they will still perform as far as relates to their land of Traikic. Sworn on the sanctuaria of Margam. The witnesses are : Walter de Sulia, 3 Sheriff of Glamorgan ; Ernald, 4 constable of Kenfig ; Stephen 5 the clerk ; Richard of Dunestore ; Osmer Cuuian ; David, son of Hely ; Alaithu, son of Ythenard ; Res Coh ; Eniau and Tuder Cam, sons of Riered ; Retherec and Ythel, sons of Riul. Many of these witnesses have been already shown to occupy 1 Died in A.D. 12 18, Ann. de Marg. 3 Occurs in A.D. 1202, 1246-47-49. 6 Circ. A.D. 1202, 1 2 19. 2 Occurs circ. a.d. 1200. 4 Temp. Morgan ap Cradoc. The Family of Gistelard. 141 an early place in the history of the Abbey. There is a seal bearing a rosette. *i* SIGILL' GRIFINI. An endorsement of later date refers the position of this land to the vicinity of " Frodelle". This relates to Gallt-y-cwm in the Dyffryn Valley, on the Ffrwdwyllt River, and Tre-y-gedd. Closely connected with the foregoing is a confirmation (T. 294. 14) by Griffin, Maddoc, Anaraud, and Ener, sons of Cnaithur, to the Abbey, of the land of Killeculum, viz., that part which belonged to their father, and that which they purchased of their uncle William, the monks rendering the kitchen service already mentioned, viz., fourteen pence on demand. With abjura- tion of the boundaries of the monks between Auene and Kenefeg. About the year 1200 may be placed the grant (T. 56 ; 289. 20 ; C. DCCLXXVll) for two marks, by Gistelard, son of John, son of Belius, to Margam Abbey of his land (forty acres) near the water of Kenefec, rent four shillings yearly to the lord of the land. Sworn upon the reliques at Margam by the grantor, his wife and sons and relations, namely, Espus, 1 son of Karadoc, Tarahairn, son of Conan, and Ketherec his brother. This is witnessed by: William 2 the cellarer; Helias, monk; Richard, master of St. Michael's; 3 Krifin, son of Knaithur; 4 Conan, son of Meruith. The seal bears an ornamental rose or flower. ij< SIGILLVM . GISTELARDI. Joruard', son of Gistellard, granted and abjured by a deed (T. 68; C. DCCLXXVIII) to the Abbey his right to the land of Jeovaf his grandfather, at Catteput (near Pyle), twelve acres ; and near the land of Hugh de Hereford, twelve acres, and one acre of meadow ; and sixteen acres at Corneli, near Walter Luuel's land. This is witnessed by : Walter Luuel ; Stephen the clerk ; Richard his son ; Wasmer ; Alaythur ; Resus Coch. The seal bears an ornamental star of six points. t%> SIGILLVM . IEREVORDI . FILII . GISTELARDI. Not very distant from the above in point of date is the quit- claim (T. 150; C. DCCCLXXXIV) by Griffin, son of Caradoc, of Tyriarth, to the Abbey, of lands called Tanguestellond, 5 Giste- 1 Occurs temp. Res Choh. 2 Occurs in a.d. 1197. 3 Perhaps St. Michael's Grange, or possibly Ewenny ; that is, Oggomor Priory. 4 Griffin ab Kneithur occurs A.D. 12 13. 5 Ty-tanglwys, near Pyle. 142 Mar gam Abbey. lardeslond, and Kederekeslond, for seven and a half crannocs of wheat "per annum solummodo." The witnesses are : William ab Yoruerth ; Traharn ab Rees ; David ab Grifith ; Yoruerth ab Grifith ; Rees Voyl ; Wronou Seys ; Grifith vachan, Yoruerth Couth ; Oweyn vachan ; Rees ab Cradoc ; Kederech ab Cradoc ; Rees Vachan ; David ab Rees. The seal shows a rosette of eight points. ^ S' GRIFINI F' CRAD'. Another early deed connected with the family of Gistelard is a quit-claim (T. 69 ; C. DCLV) by Thatherech, daughter of Katherech, with consent of Yoruard ab Gistelard her husband, to the Abbey, of her claim and right to the land of Peyteuin. Sworn on the sacrosancta of the Church of Margam. It is witnessed by: Maurice, parson of Langenuth ; Yoruard ab Espus ; Ener ab Knaytu ; Wronou Du ; Philip ab Kadugan ; Cradoc ab Ricard ; Mederod ab Kanan, and Robert Poinz ; William [and] Walter, monks of Margam ; Rered, Hugh, and Espus, conversi. The seal bears a fish hauriant. *fr SIGILLVM . TADERECH. To the foregoing appertains the grant (T. 289.6 ; C. DCLll) by Thaderech, daughter of Ketheric Du, to the Abbey, of all her land in the fee of Peiteuin, at an annual rent of half-a-mark during her life, afterwards four shillings, the remainder, two shillings and eightpence, being remitted for her soul. Six years' rent, three marks, paid in advance on the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin next after the capture of Griffin, son of Res. This is witnessed by : Dom. Henry, Bishop of Llandaff ; Dom. William de Brausa ; Henry de Penebr' ; Vrban the archdeacon ; James, Prior of Margam ; William de Lichesfeld, William de Bedintun, monks of Margam. The period given by Mr. Clark, A.D. 1 197, is not in unison with what is recorded concerning the capture of Griffin ab Res, a political event considered important enough for calculating dates of deeds. For the Glamorganshire Annals preserved in a MS. known as " Miscellaneous Books, No. 1", in the Queen's Remem- brancer's Office (Record Office), states that in A.D. 1242, Griffin ap Reys " pacem habuit", and in A.D. 1266, "post festum Epiphanie die Sabati, captns est Griffinus ap Reys in castro Kerdivie, postea missus ad Kilkenni ad incarcerandum" (Clark, vol. iii, pp. 557, 558). At the same time it may be said that the events related in the The Family of Gistelard. H3 charter appear to belong to an earlier period than 1266, and it may be that a previous capture of the personage referred to preceded the peace mentioned in the Annals for the year 1242. Here place must be given to a quit-claim (T.70; C. DCCLXXIX) by Tudur, Cradoc, Knaithur, Alaithu, and Gronu, sons of Yoruard ab Gistelard, to the Abbey, of their right in the land of Peyteuin ; and abjuration, upon the reliques of the Church of Margam, of the land of their mother Tatherech. The witnesses are the same as those of the preceding deed. The seal bears a seeded fleur-de-lis ; in the field on the left five pellets arranged saltire-wise. Connected with the two above-mentioned deeds is the quit- claim (T. 72 ; C. DCCCLVl) by Iuor Vaghan and his sons Madoc, Leulin, WaleueS', and Gneithur, to the Abbey of a claim to twelve acres of land in the fee of Kenefeg, between Sturmy Moor, Corneli- dune, and the valley of Mey. The witnesses are : Maurice the clerk of Languneft ; Resus his brother ; Joruard ab Espus ; Joruard' ab Gistelard' ; Griffin, Philip, Hoel, sons of Cadugan ; William de Duuelin, Walter Bagelan, monks ; Riered, Espus, conversi of Margam. The seal bears an ornamental seeded fleur-de-lis. ►{< SIGILL' . YVOR . VACHAN . ET . FILIOR' El\ These witnesses appear to have affinity with those given in a quit-claim {T. 291 . 5 ; C. DCCCLXVl) by Maddoch vahhan, son of Madoc ab Knaytho, to Margam Abbey, of his right and claim in the moor of Treikik. Sworn on the sacrosancta of Mareram. The witnesses are : Wronhu, chaplain of Languneth ; Maurice and Res, clerks ; Yorward' ab Espus ; Yorward' ab Gistelard', Cradoc ab Aleythur. At the beginning of the thirteenth century, during the rule of Abbot Roger (about A.D. 1 196 to 1203) must be placed an acknowledgment {T. 75 ; C. MLXXVIl) by John Mygnoth, or Minot, that he has received of Roger, Abbot, and the Convent of Margam, in perpetual farm, a house and manse in the town of Newcastle, co. Glamorgan (saving a grange and court thereof to the Abbey), and the land lately held by Ralph, 1 rector of Newcastle, with a grava of thirteen acres and a half, and an acre of land in Ham, 2 and eleven acres and a half lying under the grava, and five acres over the same, and three acres arable and five meadow in Adam's garden ; rent, three marks and a half. Reservation to the convent Occurs in A.D. 1247. On the coast near St. Donat's. 144 Margam Abbey. of a site for a mill, and the fishery on the water of Vgemor. The deed contains a clause giving power to the Rural Dean of Groneath and the bailiff of Cardiff to compel performance. The witnesses are : Richard de Turberevile ; Philip de Nere- berd ; 1 Maurice, son of Griffin ; Robert de Anne ; John le Noreys j 1 William de Turberevile ; Hamund de Turberevile. There is an interesting seal, bearing a device emblematical of the Passion of our Lord, consisting of a cinque-foil flower, of which the centre is a lion's face, the five leaves (for wounds) bear each a cup or chalice, and the five barbs each a passion nail. ^ S' IOH'IS : MINOT. That there was a close connection between the families of Londoniis and Bonavilla appears from several deeds of this period. T. 64.(0. DCCCCX)is an agreement between the Abbey and Susanna de Boneuill', and William her son ; the Abbey to have all her land as long as she lives, except five acres which the said William holds. On her decease, the Abbey to have all the land, to the full receipt of the crop of that year ; the Abbey to find her in bread and pottage, pulmentum, as for one of their Serjeants. The terms were sworn by the said Susanna and William on the altar of Bonevill' Church, before witnesses, viz. : Richard, priest of Bonevill ; Robert Samson ; Ralph, provost of Bonevill' ; Grifin the clerk ; Walter de Marecros ; William his brother. There is a seal bearing a rosette. >fa SIGILL' . WILL' : FILII : SVSANNE. Mr. Clark has appended to his text of this charter 2 some valuable notes on the origin and fortunes of the Bonvile family, which came from the counties of Devon and Dorset. The various members of the family appear in several Margam Charters of this and subsequent times, but it is a matter of regret that the exact dates when the early charters were executed cannot be ascertained. We are constrained to be con- tent, in many instances, with using the somewhat loose expressions of early thirteenth, or thirteenth century, as the case may be. The witnesses do, indeed, in some deeds assist us in arriving at approximate dates, but the life of many of these very witnesses extended for a considerable period. Hence the arrangement of 1 Occurs in A.D. 1257. Were it not for the mention of Abbot Roger, this deed would seem to belong to the middle or end, rather than the beginning, of the thirteenth century. Perhaps there was a Roger II. 2 Vol. iii, p. 395. The Family of Bonavilla. 145 the numerous documents of this early period must always to a great extent be arbitrary and subject to correction. The family of Londoniis appear also in the Harley Charter 75 B. 16 (C. DCCLXVI), whereby William de Bonavilla, son of John de Bonavilla, grants to the Abbey thirty-three acres of arable land in the fee of Bonavilla, whereof the monks hitherto held thirty acres by another charter, " for they had two charters of the said John, of which one speaks of thirty acres, the other of thirty-three acres." The deed also grants the entire land of William Citharedus, viz., twelve acres of arable and half an acre of meadow with a toft, and five acres of the gift of Susanna. The witnesses are : Herebert de St. Quintin ; William de Londoniis; Walter de Sulia ; 1 Richard Flamang; 2 William de Cantelo ; 3 Richard, the priest of Boneville ; Master Ralph Mailoc ; 4 John Torsi. The foregoing appears to possess a close connection with Harley Charter 75 B. 17 (C. CXXXV), which is a grant by William, son of John de Bonavilla, to the Abbey, of forty acres of land which they held of the Templars in the time of his father at a rent yearly of forty pence ; the Abbey to pay the same rent of forty pence to the grantor if he can establish his claim against the Templars. The witnesses are the same as in the preceding deed, 75 B. 16. Mr. Clark dates the deed circa A.D. 1260, but I think he has put it rather later than it should be placed. About this period may be placed T. 294. II (C. DCCCXCIII), a Grant by Griffin, Philip, and Hoel, sons of Cadugan, to Margam Abbey, of their father's land between Waldereston, or Walterston, and Horegraue. 5 Sworn on the sanctuaria, with abjuration of all the lands between Avene and Kenefeg. A marginal note on the original roll connects this charter with those relating to St. Michael's, without specifying which of the places dedicated to that saint is intended. T. 126 (C. DCCCCIV) is a grant by Philip, Madoc, and Ythenerd, sons of Kedic, and Madoc, son of Meuric, to the Abbey, of a meadow with marsh between the English " Walda" on the west in the fee of Auene, and the meadow of Wronu Gogh on the east, having a pill on the north which runs through the monks' land, and on the south it is shut in by the arable land of Meles ; also a meadow 1 Occurs A.D. 1202, 1246-7-9. 2 Richard Flandrensis, A.D. 1202. 3 William de Cantelupo, a.d. 1207. 4 Occurs a.d. 12 13, 1217, 1230. 5 See p. 66. L 146 Mar gam Abbey. which belonged to Cleuyn in the same fee, between the meadow of the sons of Alaytho on the west, and the monks' " Walda" on the east, and between the arable land of Meles on the south, and a wet ditch belonging to the monks on the north ; which meadows were given by the said Kedic and Meuric his brother, to the Abbey. Rent forty pence. The witnesses are : Madoc ab Griffud ; Lowarc ab David Owen, 1 Res, and Cradoc, sons of Alaytho ; Meuric Gogh ; Wronu ab Ythel. There are four seals appended, bearing (1) An ornamental fleur-de-lis. S' . PHILIPPI : AB : KHEDIHK. (2) A bow and arrow ; chipped. t%* SIGILL' MADOC : AB : KEDIC. (3) An ornamental flower ; chipped. T. 288 is a fragment of a charter relating to [Auene], sworn upon the reliques at Margam Abbey. The witnesses being : ... Pulmor, 2 conversus of Margam ; Maurice the priest. 3 To the early years of the thirteenth century must be attributed the grants of the sons of Ithenard, viz., that (T. 543 . 1) by Joruerth, son of Ithenardh, to the Abbey, of the land of Pennudh ; attested by Master Maurice, and Hehas the Dean 5 of Newcastle, And that (J 1 . 543.2) by Alaithu, 6 son of Ithenard, to the Abbey, of the land of Pennudh, and that part which belonged to Joruerth his brother ; the land lying between the waters of Auene and Kenefeg. This is Penhydd, N.E. of Port Talbot. It is attested by : Helias, 7 the Dean of New-castle ; Morgan, 8 son of Cadwathlan ; and Res Coh. 9 1 Owen ab Alaythur, occurs in a.d. 1246. 2 Robert de Pultimor, the same person, occurs in Charters of the time of Morgan, son of Cradoc ; circ. a.d. 1200. 3 Maurice, the priest, occurs circ. A.D. 1200. 4 Occurs A.D. 1213-1216. 5 Occurs circ. A.D. 1200, 1208. 6 a.d. 12 1 3. 7 Occurs circ. a.d. 1200, 1208. 8 His sons occur in A.D. 1249. ' Occurs in A.D. 1205. tfr S'l D : AB : KEDIC. (4) An ornamental fleur-de-lis. S' . MADOC . AB . MEVR.'. Blainant Liveuthleverich. 147 The same Alaithur occurs in another deed, or grant ( T. 543 . 1 3 ; C. MCCCCXXIX) to the monks, of land between " Blainant liueuth- lcuerich proximum Torkemerev" and Nantisculua, etc. This same designation of land is found in the grant ( T. 543 .15; C. MCCCCXXX) by Jowain, son of Justin, to the Abbey, of land between the river " Bleinant liueuthleuerich proximum Torke- merev" and Nantiscoilua, etc. These members of the family of Ythenard and Justin were settled in close proximity to the Abbey, on the banks of the Frudul and Bleinant, or Blainant, rivers. About this time may be placed a deed relating to this district adjacent to the Frudel River, a quit-claim (71 146; 393.23; C. DCCCXLIX) by Grifin Voil, 1 Resus ab Yewan, and Yeruard Du, sons of Yewan ab Yustin, to the Abbey, of their right in land between the river Bleynant liuen letheric, adjacent to Torkemereu and Nantisecolua, as far as the way leading to Pennuth, as far as Blankunen, and from that way as far as Frudel, and of land in Egleskeinur. The witnesses are : Gregory, chaplain of Auene ; Resus, 2 clerk of Langon' ; Yorward ab Espus ; 3 Resus Choh ; 4 Richard, 5 clerk of Kenefeg ; Roger Gramus. There are two small pointed seals, bearing (1) An ornamental seeded fleur-de-lis, inverted. SIGILL' : GRIFINI : VOl[L.] (2) An arrow pale wise, point to the base. ►J< SIGILL' R AB IE. ..AN. The title on the copy which was entered on the Abbey Roll is " concerning the whole of the land between the streams Bleinant and Frudul." Five sons of Robert, son of Enniaun, grant their lands in Resolven to the Abbey, by two contemporary deeds that are enrolled in the Abbey records {T. 543.8 and 9). Of these the first is a grant of Ruathlan 6 and Enniaun, sons of Robert, son of Enniaun, of the land of Rossaulin ; attested by Wrunu, son of Ithenard, and Cnaithur, son of Cradoc. The other is a grant by Tuder, Keneuureic and Wrunu, sons 1 Many members of this family occur in the deeds. 2 Occurs in a.d. 1246. 3 Occurs in a.d. 1246, 1247. 4 Occurs in a.d. 1234, 1247. 6 Occurs in a.d. 1246, 1247, 1266. 6 A contemporary of Walaveth, son of William Gillemichel ; see p. 33. L 2 148 Mar gam Abbey. of Robert, sons of Enniaun, of the land of Rossaulin ; attested by Helias, the Dean of Newcastle ; Ruathlan, son of Robert ; Wrunu, son of Ithenard, and others, mentioned at p. 124. This copy is more perfect than the original in the Harley Collection. Of the prominent family of Scurlage, some mention has already been made. 1 Among the charters of the early thirteenth century which record their benefactions to Margam Abbey are the following : — A deed of confirmation (T. 60 ; C. DCCl) by David Scurlage to the Abbey, of the land of Penuain, which they hold of Walter Luuel, for five shillings yearly rent. This land, it states, Walter Luuel had received in marriage with his wife, the sister of the grantor, an interesting piece of genealogical information, which shows the connection between two great landed families of the county. The witnesses are : William de Acra, sheriff of Glamorgan ; Master Ralph Mayloc ; Walter Luuel ; Robert Sampson ; Stephen the clerk of Kenefeg ; Richard his son ; Wasmer ; Thomas Albus ; William Luuel. The date is about A.D. 1202. The seal bears the impression of an antique oval intaglio gem, cut en cabochon ; Eros, winged, holding a garland. Many witnesses in this series of deeds have already made their appearance before us. The same David, about the same time, executed another deed (T. 61 ; C. DCXCVII) whereby he confirmed to the Abbey the whole of Langewi, viz., that part thereof which his father gave, free, and the remainder at a rent of thirty-five shillings for himself, and five shillings for (his sister's husband) Walter Luuel. 2 The witnesses are : D. Henry, bishop of Llandaff ; Hamund de Valoniis, bailiff of Glamorgan ; Ralph de Sumery ; Henry de Vmfraunuile ; Philip de Marcros ; Roger de Turburuile ; Walter de Sulia ; 3 William Martel ; Roger de Wintonia ; John de la Mare ; Richard Flandrensis ; William Flandrensis ; 4 William Sor ; Gile- bert de Turburuile ; Ralph Mailoc. The seal bears an ornamental rosette. Then comes (T. 62, 63 ; 296. 1 ; C. DCXCVl) a dated agreement ^ SIGILL' . D'D . SCVRLAG. >J< SIGILL' . DAVID . SCVRLAG. 1 Pp. 23, 57- 3 Occurs in A.D. 1246-1249. 2 Occurs circ. A.n. 1202. 4 Occurs in A.D. 1247, 1249, 1257. Langewi . »49 between the Abbot and monks, and David, son of Herbert Scurlage, concerning the fee of Langewi, whereby the said David confirms to Margam Abbey the whole of the said fee, as well that part thereof which the Abbey held of his father as the remainder thereof, at a yearly rent of three marks silver for that part which he now gives, saving the dues of the Earl [of Gloucester], which the monks are now to pay. And of this rent the said David has granted to Walter Luuel five shillings yearly, the balance, thirty- five shillings, being payable to himself and his heirs. The Abbey gives a horse worth one hundred shillings, and twenty-one marks, rent for seven years from A.D. 1202, beforehand ; forty marks to Nicholas Puinz 1 to settle his claim against the said David, in the King's Court, respecting the said fee, and a horse worth three marks ; and to Walter Luuel a horse worth two marks. The witnesses are : D. Henry, Bishop of Llandaff ; Hamund de Valoniis, bailiff of Glamorgan ; Ralph de Sumeri ; Henry de Vmfranuile ; Philip de Marcros ; Pagan de Tuburuile ; Walter de Sul' ; William Martel ; Roger de Wintonia ; John de la Mare ; Richard Flandrensis ; William Sor ; Gillebert de Turburuile ; Ralph Mailoc. The seal is wanting. The word C.I.R.O.G.R.A.P.H.V.M. cut through at the top of this deed. A grant ( T. 294 . 5 ; C. DCCCLXXl), by Herebert Scurlag' 2 to the Abbey, of his right of donation in Langewi Church, for the souls of his father and his mother, and his ancestors, W. Scurlag' 2 and the "other" W. Scurlag', to whom the grantor has succeeded, 3 may perhaps belong to the preceding century, if it is the deed confirmed by Pope Urban III in A.D. 1186; noticed at p. 87. The next deed entered on the roll is the confirmation of this gift (T. 294. 6) by David, the son of the above Herbert. The Margam Abbey Roll, 294, contains several early deeds which refer to David Scurlag and his transactions with the monastery; of these the first (T. 294. 1) is a small fragment of an agreement between the Priory of Ewenny and the Abbey. The second (T. 129; 294. 2 ; C. DCLX, DCCCCXVII), a confirmation by Henry 4 the Abbot and the Convent of St. Peter, at Gloucester, to the Abbey of Margam of the land in the fee of Langewi, which 1 See p. 126 for Puinz's quit-claim. 2 In the time of Abbot Gilbert, i.e., between a.d. 1203 and 1213. 3 W. Scurlag occurs arc. a.d. 1246, but may be a later personage, and also Wm. Scurlage, Constable of Langewith, in a.d. 1258. 4 Henry Blond, a.d. 1212-1224. Mar gain Abbey. William Scurlagge gave to the Priory of Ewenny, on condition of paying two shillings yearly to the Priory. The witnesses are : Adam the prior and Thomas the sub-prior ; David, the prior of Eweni ; Gilbert de Ledebiria ; John, chaplain of Eweni. The seal of the Abbey, with counterseal of the abbot, is appended. A very similar deed (T. 132 ; C. DCCCLXXIV) records the con- firmation by Henry, Abbot, and the Convent of Margam, of land in the fee of Langewi, which William Scurlage gave to the Church of St. Michael of Eweni, paying two shillings yearly to the said Church. The witnesses are : Adam, prior ; Thomas, sub-prior ; David, prior of Eweni ; Gilbert de Ledebiria, Gillebert de Tuberuille. Walter Luuel, Stephen the clerk, Adam Wallensis. There is an imperfect seal, which bears on the obverse the Abbot of Gloucester, seated on a cushioned throne, holding a staff and book ; on the reverse a smaller seal, on which is an abbot, standing on a platform with staff and book. [»J< SECjRETVM . ABBATIS . GLO Then follows a confirmation by the same David Scurlag to the Abbey of twenty-four acres of land which it holds of the monks of Eweny in the fee of Langewi, and other six acres of land which it holds of the Hospitallers in the same {T. 294.3 ; C. DCCCLXXll). Other early deeds, showing the generosity of the various members of the Scurlage family to the Abbey, will be met with in the pages of this work from time to time. To the year 1202 must be attributed (T. 289 . 22 ; C. DCCCXXXVl) a charter of Walter Witred, whereby he assigns to the Abbey thirteen acres of land which he purchased from Meuric, son of Luarch, at an annual rent to the Earl of three half-pence as gavel. For this charter the monks gave him twenty shillings. The witnesses are : Thomas, 1 the chaplain of Kenefeg ; Osmer Cuuian ; Walter Luuel ; David, son of Hely ; Wasmer ; Tomas, son of Richard ; Robert, son of Ralph ; Roger his brother ; Walter de Sabulo. The grantor and all the witnesses are found in the Harley Charter of Roger Gramus, 75 c. 3, which is dated in A.D. 1202. Early in this century must be placed a grant {T. 6j ; 290. 1 1 ; C. DCCCXXIII) by Jordan, son of Ascer, and Genouefa his wife, to the Abbey, of all their land upon Raulesdune, and upon Velle- 1 Occurs in a.d. 1205. Raulesdune and V elleworthi. i 5 1 worthi. The witnesses are • John, presbiter, i.e., priest, of Castello ; Master Ralph Mailoc ; 1 Herbert Turkil ; Goceline ; Robert, son of William ; Geoffrey de Winton' ; William Sturmi. There is a fine oval seal, with mark of the handle, bearing an impression of an antique oval intaglio gem. A helmeted bust to the right. >i< SIGILL' . IVRDAN . FIL' . ACERE. Raulesdune and Fellewrthi are connected together in another charter grant by William, son of Algar, and Margery his wife, to the Abbey (T. 290. 30 ; C. DCCCXC), whereby they confirmed all their lands there in perpetual almoign.on the occasion of their son, Geoffrey, devoting himself to the religion of the House of Margam, 2 or, in other words, becoming a monk in the Abbey. The above must not be separated from a confirmation (T. 290. 10 ; C. DCCCLXXXV) by Robert de Pennard to the Abbey, of the land which he claimed against William, son of Alger, and his wife [Margery], in the " mount of Ralph", and in WeworSi. Of the localities Raulesdune, or, in Latin, Mons-Radulphi, and Velleworthi, WeworSi or Fellewrthi, 3 I am unable to give any account. Though not strictly a Margam Abbey charter, Harley Charter 75 c. 28 (C. DCCCCXXXII) belonged to the Margam series which ultimately passed into the possession of the British Museum. It is a sale by John Laheles, son of , to Robert de Penri[ce] for forty marks, of all his land in the fee of Landgenuth (Llange- nydd in Gower), held of Robert de la Mare, saving a rent of four shillings and sixteen pence to the said Robert, and a pair of gloves to the said John yearly at Michaelmas. The witnesses are : William Gabriel, 4 Prior of Landgenuth ; D. Henry de Vilers ; 5 John de Buckcham, steward of Gower ; Hugh Purbig ; Henry Mansel and Richard Barri. Of these the name of Henry Mansel is of much interest, pointing to an early member of 1 Occurs a.d. 1202. 1 213, 1217, 1230. 2 " Et hoc fecimus quando Galfridus filius noster reddidit se religioni domus de Margan." 3 Perhaps Gelli-worthi. 4 Thirteenth century. Dugd., Mot. Angl.^ vol. vi, p. 1047. This Priory w as founded by Roger de Bellomonte, Earl of Warwick, in the time of King Stephen, and annexed to the Abbey of St. Taurinus at Evreux in Normandy. It was dedicated to St. Kenned. In the time of Henry VI it shared the fate of other alien Priories, and was granted to All Souls College, Oxford, in the muniment room of which several documents remain which illustrate its history. 5 Occurs before the close of the twelfth century [Clark, vol. iii, p. 1 10), in a charter relating to Neath Abbey ; and in a Gower charter, temp. John, Abb, Margam, ibid., p. 354. 152 Mar gam Abbey. the pedigree of the Mansells, who afterwards held the site of the dissolved Abbey. Mr. Clark gives what is known of the family of Lageles. 1 The connection of it with Glamorganshire, and possibly the family itself, ended with the grant of the paternal manor of Laleston, near Bridgend, to this Abbey in the thirteenth century. Another member of the Laheles or Lageles family gave bene- factions to the Abbey. There is a grant ( T. 292 . 6 ; C. DCCCCXXXIV) by Thomas Lageles to the Abbey, of all his land of Lagelestun (Laleston), on payment to the Earl [of Gloucester] of eight shillings, and to the grantor half-a-mark, yearly rent. The witnesses are: D. Gregory, Abbot of Mellifont; 2 D. Ysaiah, Abbot of Joripont ; 3 William de Lichesfeld, Robert de Biri, John de Valle, monks of Margam ; Ernald, Cnaithur, conversi of Margam ; William Sturmi ; Walter de Marecros ; William Le Franceis ; Richard de Latheuei ; Robert Le Petit ; Gillebert de St. Fagan. The same valuable roll of the Abbey records a grant ( T. 292 .13; C. DCCCCXXXIII) by the same Thomas to the Abbey (in remem- brance of benefits conferred on him, his father, and his mother, by the monks), of all the land of his demesne from the south part of St. David's Chapel, on the east of the old messuage which stood in the garden near the high-road from Cardiff to Kenefeg ; with the messuage and croft which belonged to Godchild. The whole to be taken as fifteen acres. This charter the grantor " placed on the altar, which he kissed in the presence of the Con- vent, who received him as brother and partaker of all its goods until the end". 4 By a grant (T. 289.60; C. MXXlll) of Margery, daughter of Roger, and at one time the wife 5 of Richard, 6 clerk of Kenefeg, the 1 Vol. iii, p. 423. 2 A Cistercian Abbey in co. Louth. 3 Jerpoint, a Cistercian Abbey in co. Kilkenny. King John was a bene- factor to these two Irish Abbeys, and the Abbots mentioned in this deed may have been at Margam on their way to or from the Court. Their names are not recorded by Archdall in his Monasticon Hibernicum. 4 " Cartam igitur donationis hujus manu mea posui super altare ipsum osculans astante Conventu, et me in fratrem et comparticipem recipiente omnium bonorum que in eadem hunt ecclesia usque in finem." 6 Occurs A.D. 1245-46-47, 1266. 6 Designated legally as concubina in the text of the charter, because, as Roger was in holy orders, he could not lawfully contract marriage ; but the union of the two parties in all probability had some recognised validity in lay courts. Kenefeg. 153 Abbey acquired three acres of land in the fee of Kenefegh, with the appurtenances, of her free patrimony, whereof one acre and a quarter is adjacent to the road from the old castle to Corneli on the west, between the land which William, son of Alexander, holds of the monks, formerly the land of Thomas Hosmar, and that of Hugh Walensis. They begin at the said road, and lie along to the west as far as an acre held by the said William, formerly by John Witard. One acre and a quarter lie between William's land, formerly that of William Coh, and that of William Fronkeleyn. These begin at the said road and lie along to the west as far as the high road leading from St. Mary Magdalen's Chapel to Corneli. Half an acre lies on the east of the road leading from the old castle to Corneli, between lands of William, son of Alexander, formerly William Coh's and Thomas Cole's. This begins at the said road, and lies east towards the land of Thomas Gramus. 1 There is a grant (T. 290. 25 ; C. DCCCLIV) by Walter Coh, with assent of his wife Margery, and Robert his heir, to the Abbey, of one acre of meadow in Pulmor, in the parish of St. Brigida, near Newburgh, St. Bride's by Newton, of the tenement of Roger Albus in Richard's-croft. Connected with Margam by many of the witnesses, and interest- ing for the occurrence of John Mansel, is the agreement {T. 380 ; C. DCXCl) in A.D. 1201, whereby William de Barri grants to John de la Mara (for fifteen marks due for a release in the fee of " Villa Waited", or Walterston, in Gower) eight years' rent of thirty shillings per annum, of the said fee, payable by the monks of Neth ; with power to close the agreement after four years by a pay- ment to the said John of seven marks and a half. The witnesses are: William Lond'; Philip de Marcros ; William de Cantelo ; William Pincerna ; John de Penris ; Maurice de Henleis ; Tomas Blancagnel ; William Chonu[ersus ?] ; John Mansel; John Trus ; Thomas, son of Albinus ; Samson and his brother Walter; Ursus ; Robert Unred ; D. A. Abbot of Neath ; Osbert the Archdeacon ; Clement, prior of Neth ; Tomas the secretarius ; William, priest of St. Donat's. " In the same year that the Bishop of Langres died, who was a brother of the Carthusian Order." Occurs in the middle of the thirteenth century. CHAPTER XIII. THE EARLY MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY OF JESTYN AP GWRGAN. NOTHER series of deeds which have happily been preserved l\ among the collections at Margam and in the British Museum relates to the family of Gwrgan, the last Welsh Prince but one who ruled over the county of Glamorgan. Gwrgan is commonly called by the Welsh historians Lord of Morganwg, which district, how- ever (as Mr. Clark shows), he certainly never held in its extended sense : his rule being comprised between the Usk and Crumlyn,the borders of Brecknock and the sea. He lives in the memory of the inhabitants in the vicinity of Margam as having laid open the extensive common of Hirwaun, thereafter known as " Hirwaun- Wrgan", or " Gwrgan's Long Meadow", not far from Aberdare. Jestyn ap Gwrgan, his son and successor, being at war with Rhys ap Twdwr, Lord of the Western Counties of Carmarthen, Cardigan and Pembroke, by the aid of Einion ap Collwyn, invited Robert Fitz-Hamon, Lord of the Honour of Gloucester, the friend and adherent of William II, to his aid. Robert brought up his forces from the other side of the Severn, and having crossed at Porth- kerry, about A.D. 1093, united with Jestyn, overcame Rhys near Hirwaun, and slew him at Penrhys. Rhys's two sons, Goronwy and Cynan, fell about the same time. The Normans retired, but returned because Einion was denied his reward, the hand of Jestyn's daughter ; and in the strife which followed Jestyn lost his life, and his possessions were divided among the Normans and a few friendly Welshmen. How far all this is legendary, and how far the story of a settled plan of English conquest of Welsh territory, it is now impossible to determine. Of the four sons of Jestyn, the eldest, Caradoc, was allowed to hold a member-lordship in the low country, on the settlement of the country subsequent to the conquest by Fitz-Hamon. The descendants of Caradoc, who married Gwladis, sister of Prince Rhys, built a castle on the River of Avan, established The Family of Jestyu ap Gwrgan. 155 under its protection a chartered borough, were large benefactors to Neath and Margam Abbeys, and at their decease were buried in the latter. The eldest son, Morgan ap Caradoc, has left to the Abbey whose fortunes we are following many evidences of his benevolence, dating from the middle of the twelfth century to the date of his death, about A.D. 1208. He it was who, in A.D. 1 188, as related by Giraldus, conveyed Archbishop Baldwin across the treacherous sands of Avan and Neath on his way to Swansea, and Mr. Clark has gathered many records of his life. Morgan ap Caradoc has already made his entrance into our pages, and the duration of his iife, A.D. 1 128 to 1208, covers the date (see p. 9) of the founda- tion of this Abbey and the period of its infancy and youthful growth. During this time the territorial possessions of the Abbey had increased a hundredfold, and it may be said that to him and his contemporaries, whose deeds we are now about to consider, Margam owed its establishment on that same footing of wealth of landed property which enabled it to hold up its head among the best endowed monastic establishments of the land, from the thirteenth century to the Dissolution. Taking Morgan's own grants and confirmations in order of chronology as far as possible, the first left to be noticed is a grant (T. 51 ; 288 . 2 ; C. DCLVl) by Morgan, son of Karadoc, to the Abbey, of the meadow which belonged to Alewi, between the house of Ralph and Orgares walle ; and all the meadows between Orgares walle and the chapel ; and the meadow which belonged to David Puinel, and the meadow of Yewan Braut Waith ; at an annual rent of one silver mark with five years' rent beforehand, from A.D. 1 199. The witnesses are : Helias the dean ; Worgan, the chaplain of Auene ; Meuric Map ; Griphin his brother ; Howel, son of Griphin ; Ruatlan Map Wrgi ; Morgenu Cole ; David Puinel ; William, son of Alewi ; Herbert, son of Palmar. The seal still remains. To this appears to appertain (T. 288. 5 ; C. DCCLXXl), a con- firmation by Morgan, son of Cradoc, with consent of his heirs, to the Abbey, of two acres of meadow and one of arable land in Auene marsh, which belonged to Jowan Braut Wait, or Braut-vait, as the monks held it of him during his life, for the soul of the said Jowan. The witnesses are : Wrgan the priest ; David Puignel ; Herbert ; Ivor, son of Jowan ; Geoffrey, son of Herbert. To A.D. 1200 belongs the dated grant (T. 59 ; 288 . 1 1 ; C. DCXC) by Morgan, son of Cradoc, to the Abbey, with consent of his sons, Iveisan, Oeni, and the rest, of land which begins at Pultscathan Mar gam Abbey. and goes along the wet foss to Foss-sanan, then to Foss-Cradoc, then to the land of Yeuan, son of Tatherec, to the way of Marcuth, to the alder-grove under the hill, and so to the foss made by the monks along the alder-grove, to Pultschetan, at an annual rent of five shillings ; ten pounds and sixteen pence rent, received before- hand. Sworn upon the sancttiaria. The witnesses are : Kenewrec, priest of Langauelac ; Cuelin Archer ; Yoruerd, son of Hoel ; Griffin Du ; Ithenard, son of Griffin ; Morgan, son of Griffin ; Wrunn, son of Maurice ; Wiu, son of Gesurei ; Herbert, son of Palmar ; Ythel, son of Helias. There is a fine seal appended to the charter. About this year may be placed the grant (T. 89 ; C. DCLXXXV) by Morgan, son of Caradoc, to the Abbey, of the whole land of Pultimor, at the yearly rent of half-a-mark. Sworn by the grantor and Leysan his son, upon the sacrosancta at Margam, before these witnesses : Henry, Bishop of Llandaff ; Helyas, dean of Newcastle ; David Puignel ; Herebert Palmer ; Wasmer, son of Jago ; Nicholas Gobiun ; and Master Walter de Bergeueni. There is an imperfect seal still appended to this deed. To the year 1203 there appears to belong a grant {T. 88 ; C. DCCLll) by Morgan, son of Cradoc, to his " famulus" Roger Cole, 1 of twenty acres of land of his demesne in the fee of Newcastle, above a well called Comeriswil, at the annual rent of a pound of cumin. With assent of his sons, Leison and Oeneus. It is witnessed by : D. Roger, 2 Abbot of Margam ; D. Urban, archdeacon ; G , priest ; Helias the clerk ; Walter, provost ; 3 David Puinel; 4 William Alewi; 5 Herbert Loc ; Joruerth ; Ris, son of Oenei ; Roger Aiphan. 6 An imperfect impression of the seal of the grantor is appended. There are three other deeds which relate to the holdings at Newcastle of Roger Cole, the "famulus" of Morgan ap Caradoc, in the Margam Roll 292. The first (No. 18) is a grant (C. DCCLV), by Roger Cole 7 to the Abbey, of land of his free tenement at New- castle, having on the west the stream called Ellenepullelake, and reaching eastward to Wi^erel, on the north the boundaries of the land of Coithcart, and on the south a culture which leads down to the high road of Newcastle, to be taken as four acres. Given 1 Occurs in A.D. 1 197. 2 a.d. 1196-1203. 3 Occurs in a.d. 1205. 4 Occurs a.d. 1 199-1205. 5 William, son of Alewi, occurs in A.D. 1199. 6 Roger Aithan occurs in A.D. 1205. 7 Occurs in A.D. 1 197. The Family of Jestyn ap Gwrgan. 157 under seal of his lord Morgan, because the grantor had no seal. The Abbot gives a bezant in recognition of the grant T. 292 . 20 ; C. DCCLVI, is the confirmation [by Morgan, son of Caradoc] to the Abbey, of the land mentioned in No. 18 on the Roll. The next is a grant (T. 292 . 19 ; C. DCCLIV) by Roger Cole to the Abbey, with assent of his lord Morgan, of seven acres of his free tenement at Newcastle. Not later than A.D. 1203, because it is confirmed by the Bull of Innocent III in that year, must be placed the grant {T. 105 ; 289. 24 ; C. MCCCCIX) by Gillebert Grammus, with consent of Aliz his wife, to Margam Abbey, of ten acres of land beginning from the water of Kenefeg, and then along the ancient cemetery to the south until the whole area is made complete. The witnesses are : Gilbert, 1 Abbot of Margam ; William de Lichesfeld, 2 William de Bedintune, 3 Jordan de Hauerford, 4 Philip de Kenefeg, monks of Margam ; Simon the cook ; Ernaldus/' Constable of Kenefeg ; Osmer Cuuian. 0 The seal bears an orna- mental flower. >%i SIGIL GRAM... The charters of the descendants of this landowner form the subject of a subsequent chapter. In A.D. 1205 we meet with the Harley Charter 75 B. 30 (T. 288.10; C. DCLXX), wherein is recorded the confirmation by Morgan, son of Cradoc, to Margam Abbey, of a meadow which had belonged to the hermit Coh in the marsh of Avene, near Berges, or the Burrys, at a yearly rental of fifteen pence, three years' rent being paid beforehand from A.D. 1205. The deed contains a clause showing that Philip Moel quit-claimed the said meadow before Morgan his lord, and made oath and gave pledges that he would never claim the land. The witnesses are : David Puignel ; Herebert, son of Palmarius; Ithenard, son of Ithel ; and Richard Waleis. The seal of Morgan the grantor is appended, wherein he is seen riding on a war-horse, after the custom of the age, as a knight in armour. t%t SIGILLVM MARGANI FILII CA[RADO]CI. 1 Gilbert, A.D. 1203-12 13. 2 Temp. Morgan, son of Caradoc. 3 Occurs a.d. 1208. 4 Brother Jordan occurs A.D. 1 197. 6 Ernald, at. Ernulf, Constable of Kenefeg, occurs temp. Morgan f. Caradoc. 6 Circ. a.d. 1205. Mar gam Abbey. The hermit Coh, who formerly held this land, has been already alluded to 1 as an example of the pioneers of the Church in a period of turbulence and insecurity. Coh had most probably settled in the fertile marsh of Avene before the partition of the possessions of Jestyn, and had left his name inseparably connected with his meadow, to which by this deed the monks succeeded. Possibly the hermit allied himself (after a custom noticeable in several deeds of this work) with the Abbey on fair terms of brotherhood at the same time, but there is no record of the fact. About this time may be placed the grant ( T. 90 ; 293 . 7 ; C. DCLXXIV) by Res, son of Hoel, and his brethren, Hoel, Griffin, Loelin, and Ythel, to the Abbey, by assent of Morgan, son of Karadoc, of all that their third part of all lands comprised from the Ford of Kevelhi to the Well of St. Ylthut, thence to Torbethel, thence to Blain Cragan, as Blain Cragan descends to Auene. The witnesses are : Morgan, son of Karadoc ; Roger Wian ; David Puignel ; Ythenard, son of Ythel ; and Meuric Was. There are two chipped seals, one of Morgan, son of Caradoc. The other bears a lance erect. Not very distant from the foregoing in period or in locality is the notification (T. 288. 5 ; C. DCLXVll) by Morgan, son of Cradoc, that Cradoc, son of John, has quit-claimed and abjured before him all the land between the two Auens, which he challenged from the monks of Margam ; giving as sureties the said Morgan and Meuric Broch. The Margam Rolls contain a memorandum that Canaythen first gave land of Rosowlin, or Resolven, in the vale of Neath, to Margam Abbey, with assent of his lord, and afterwards became a conversus. This happened in consequence of the following circum- stances. Morgan ab Cradoc delivered Canaythen, son of Robert ab Eynon, 2 as a hostage for himself to William, Earl of Gloucester, and after a short time he rebelled against his lord. Thereupon the Earl, following a cruel custom in this respect with regard to hostages, ordered Canaythen's eyes to be pulled out. In recom- pence for the loss of his eyes, Morgan ab Cradoc gave the unhappy man the land of Rossowlin, and he, with consent of his lord, gave it to Margam. The original of this memorandum, which is given in C. DCCXXXIV, is endorsed in red ink on the Roll, and is supposed by Mr. Traherne to be derived from the Register of Neath, which ►J« SIGIL HOWELL 1 P. 7. 2 See p. 147. The Family of yestyn ap Gwrgan. 159 is now missing, being last heard of at St. Donat's in 1574. Mr. Clark finds a memorial of the ill-fated Canaythen in Bryn Kyn- haythwydd, marked in an old Survey of Resolven. There is also at that place a rude cross, which has been attributed to him, on which the words "... proparavit hanc ..." are now alone legible. Between A.D. 1200 and 1205 must be placed the grant {T. 212.3; 543-4! C. MCCCCV) by Morgan, son of Caradoc, to the Abbey, of the land of Rossoulyn, between the waters of Wrak' or Wrach, and Cleudachcumkake, the water of the Neath, and the highway through the mountains to Torbethel, as far as Glinwrak'. The witnesses are: Henry, Bishop of Llandaff; Nicholas Gubion j 1 Helias, dean of Newcastle ; Richard, dean of Boneuile- ston' ; Henry, priest of Briggetune ; Rualthan' and Maurice, his brothers ; William, son of Alewine ; 2 David Pugnel. In A.D. 1205 occurs the dated grant ( T. 86 ; 292 . 2 ; C. dcclviii) by Morgan, son of Caradoc, to the Abbey, of fifty acres of arable land at Clakeston, nearest to the land of Langewi ; confirmation of the grant to the same by Robert, son of Wian ; and grant of four- score acres between Clakeston and Lagelestun, at an annual rent of forty pence, and five years' rent beforehand. The witnesses are : Wilfrid the priest ; Lucas the clerk ; Robert Segin ; Robert Sampson ; Alaithur ; Res Coh ; Roger Wian ; 3 Roger Aithan ; David Puinel ; Wrunu, son of Cadugan ; Meuric, son of Luarh ; Youaf his brother ; Roger Cam ; Anaraud, son of Cnaithur ; Ysaac Rohhan ; Seisil, son of Luarch ; Traharn, son of Seisil. There is a seal of the grantor, as described already. To this belongs the grant (T. 292. 11 ; C. DCCLIX) by Morgan, son of Karadoc, to the Abbey, of land between Witherel and Ellenepulle lake, and fifty acres of Rofleslond, near to Clacckeston, which the grantor had of Herbert Scurlag. This he granted for the soul of his father and mother, and of all his ancestors, and for his own soul's sake, when he yielded himself to the house of Margam into the hands of Abbot G[ilbert], 4 with the stipulation that if he died in seculo, i.e., as a layman, his body was to be buried at Margam. The same Morgan, son of Caradoc, granted in A.D. 1205, by a deed (T. 85 ; 292. 1 ; C. DCLXXIV) to the Abbey, in fee farm, land and meadow comprised between the land which the monks 1 Occurs in a.d. 1190. 2 Occurs in a.d. 1199. 3 Of several deeds of the Wian family notice will be found further on. 4 Gilbert appears as Abbot, A.D. 1203-12 13. i6o Mar gam Abbey. hold of Pagan dc Turberewile, along the stream called Witherel to the Grenewei highroad, then to Scurlage's land called Crokerehille ; also the part of the Moor from the stream which descends from Treikic to the boundaries of Scurlage's land, and then to the stream which goes down from Treikic towards the east ; then to the great stone on the east of the stream, then to the briars of Altherelin ; and from the stream on the east part of Redeforde to Torres, and from the north of the moor to the arable below Treikic. With assent of his sons Leisan and Owein. Rent ten shillings, with five years' rent paid in advance. Also he grants easements of his land at Newcastle ; and the land of Walter Lageles, rent eight shillings and four pence, as was formerly paid to William, Earl of Gloucester. The grantor and his sons swore to observe this charter without guile for ever. The witnesses are : Wilfrid, priest ; Lucas, clerk ; Robert Segin ; Robert Samson ; Alaithur ; Resus Coh ; Roger Wian ; Roger Aithan ; Dauid Puignel ; Wrunu,son of Cadugan ; Meuric, son of Luarch : Youuaf his brother ; Roger Cam ; Anaraud, son of Cnaithur ; Ysaac, son of Rohhan ; Seisil, son of Loharc ; Traharn, son of Seisil ; Walter, provost ; Richard Faber ; Walter de Marcros ; Cradoc, son of Res Coh ; Madoc, son of Wrunu ; Meuric, son of Cadugan. The seal of the grantor still remains appended to the deed. In the same year, the Harley Charter 75 B. 31 (T. 543 . 16 ; C. LXX) was executed, whereby the same Morgan notifies the grant of common of pasture which he made in the time of Abbot Conan, about thirty years ago, to the monks ; afterwards, in the time of Abbot Gilbert he confirmed the grant to Margam, and, " cupiditate victus", declares that he chartered a certain parcel thereof to the monks of Neath in A.D. 1205. The said Morgan caused this to be written, " ut nota sit omnibus Veritas, et controversia inter duas domos (i.e., Neath and Margam) de eadem pastura facilius vel justius terminetur". In A.D. 1208 was executed a grant (7". 100 ; 292 .12; C. dccxcix) by Margan, son of Karadoc, to the Abbey, of four-score acres of arable land on the west part of Laghelestune (Laleston) ; on the north part of the way leading from Laghelestune towards Kenefeg ; and on the east part of those fifty acres which the grantor had formerly given to the monks, at an annual rent of forty pence, eight years' rent paid beforehand from A.D. 1208. The witnesses are : Helias the dean ; Henry the monk ; William de Bedinctun' ; John Sor ; David Puinel ; Madoc, son of Meiler ; The Family of yestyn ap Gwrgan. 1 6 1 Hernald, conversus ; Jordan, conversus. To this deed an imperfect seal of the grantor is appended. The grant without date (T. 87; 292.3 ; C. DCCLVll) relates also to this site ; by it Morgan, son of Cradoc, gives to the Abbey the land which was held by Walter Laheles, at the annual rent of two shillings ; for the rest of the rent which the Earl used to receive, and the grantor after him, viz., six shillings and four- pence, he had already given to the monks , for a Maundy for the poor {ad mandatum paiiperuiti) on Cena Domini, i.e., Holy Thursday. The witnesses are : Walter Luuel ; Ernulf, constable of Kene- feg ; Stephen the clerk ; Griffin, son of Kneithur ; Res Coh ; David Puignel ; Kenewrec, son of Loarh ; Thomas, son of Richard. There is a large seal, bearing a knight in armour, riding on a horse turned to the right. >%4 SIGILLVM . MARGAN . FILII . CARADOCI. Connected with the above is T. 91 (292 . 14 ; C. DCCC), a grant whereby Morgan, son of Cradoc, with consent of Leisan and Owein, his sons, gives to the Abbey all the land which belonged to Walter Laheles [i.e., Lahelestun, or Laleston] ; and quit-claims to the same the rent of eight shillings and fourpencc, which the Earl of Glouces- ter used to receive and the grantor after him. It is witnessed by : William de Lichcvclt ; Robert de Pult[i]- mor, conversus of Margam ; Wurgan, priest ; Madoc, son of Grifin ; Hoel, son of Roger; David Pugneil. There is an imperfect seal of the grantor attached. Of Meredith, brother of Morgan ap Caradoc, one original document is still extant, Harley Charter 75 B . 28 (C. xcv). The text shows that it is a protective letter, or charter " de Husbote et Hcybote", by Moraduth, son of Karadoc, Lord of Margam, setting forth that when he was received by Margam Abbey into full fraternity, he took the house and all its possessions, and especially the grange of Lantmeuthin and its chattels and appurtenances, under his protection ; with grant of easements in his wood for fire, timber and pasture, for the use of the grange in perpetual almoign. This was done with the assent of Nest, his wife, for the soul's health of his father Karadoc, his own, and that of his wife and his ances- tors. For this deed the monks paid Meredith a hundred shillings. The witnesses are : Heneas the priest ; William, the priest of St. Julita's ; the Lady Nest, wife of the said Moraduth ; Kenewrec, son of Madoc ; Madoc, son of Kadugan ; Isac Sedan ; Roger, son M 1 62 Mar gam Abbey. of Wiavvan ; Cuelin the porter. There is an interesting seal of early Welsh art appended, bearing a spiral flower. >{< SIGILLVM . MOREDVC . FILII . CARADOCI. This, like many of the foregoing charters, was confirmed by Isabella, Countess of Gloucester, in A.D. 1213-1216, as will be observed in the discussion of her charters further on. To this period belong the charters of Espus ap Caradoc Du, of which three are still preserved among the Margam Charters. They relate to the land called Poictevin, or Peiteven, in Kenfig. The first is a grant (T. 15 ; 289 . 9 ; C. dclvii) by Espus, son of Cradoc Dv, to the Abbey, of all his land in the Fee of Peittevin, in the territory of Kenefek, at the rent of half-a-mark yearly, with three marks, the rent of six years, paid beforehand. And if he dies before he has an heir by his wife, the daughter of Res, son of Euhan, 1 the Abbey to hold all the land in frank almoign ; if he has an heir, then twelve acres and his body (for burial in the Abbey), and two shillings to be quit-claimed and abated from the rent. The sureties are: Res Coed and his brethren; Ithell, son of Riwel, and his brethren ; Geoffrey, son of Canethur 2 Du, and his brethren. To this is appended a pointed oval seal, bearing a dexter hand and arm issuing from the right, holding a lance-flag. ►J« SIGILL' ES CRADOCI. The others are only found entered on the Abbey Roll. T. 289 . 7 (C. DCCVI), is a confirmation by Espus, son of Caradoc, to the Abbey, of the land " Peituuin" which Ketheric, 3 his uncle (patruus) gave to the monks ; and grant of seven acres of land adjacent to the above on the south, in addition to the twenty which he recovered by fine from Thaterech, 4 daughter of the said Ketheric. It is witnessed by : William de Lichesflet ; William de Bed- [intun], 5 and Helias, monks ; Godwine, Richard, Goceline, conversi of Margam ; Griffin, son of Cnaithur ; Richered, son of Riwel ; Ri'hered his brother. King John, in A.D. 1 207, confirmed the Peytevin land to Margam. This deed is immediately followed by T. 289. 8 (C. DCCVII), a 1 Jowan, in the Roll copy, 289 . 9. 2 Circ. a.d. 1200 ; temp. Morgan ap Caradoc. 3 For the charter of Ketherech, son of John Du, see p. 30, time of Abbot Conan. 4 See p. 142 for a deed relating to this lady. 5 William de Bedintun occurs in A.D. 1208. The Family of Wian. 163 confirmation by the same to the Abbey, of his part of the land " Peiteuin" which belonged to Ketheric his uncle, and his land of Corneli, which belonged to Caradoc Du his father, at an annual rent of two spurs, or sixpence. This was executed when he arranged with the monks that his body was to be buried in the church at Margam. Sworn upon the sancluaria. The witnesses are : Vria, son of Weir 1 ; Espus and Gervase, sons of Gistelard ; Madarod (?), son of Chanan ; William de Lichesfeld, Henry de Cardif, monks of Margam ; and Cnaithur the conversus. Of the time of this ancient lord of the fee of Avene many charters are extant, either attested, sealed, or assured by Morgan ap Caradoc in his capacity as overlord to the smaller holders who were parting with their land for various reasons to the Abbey. Among them are the following : — A grant (T. 92 ; C. DXCIV) by Griffin, son of Kaderoth, and his unnamed brethren, to the Abbey, of the land which their father Kaderoth held of the Earl of Gloucester in Glamorgan, sworn upon the Margam sanctuaria. Under seal of Morgan, son of Karadoc, because the grantors had no seal. The sureties are : the said Morgan ; Leisan, son of Morgan ; Griffin and Madoc, sons of Gnaitur. The imperfect seal of Morgan, son of Caradoc, is still appended to the document, which may perhaps belong to the close of the twelfth century. The family of Wian appear as early as A.D. 1 197 to have been undertenants of this Morgan. Their charters begin in that year with a grant (T. 93; 292.26; C. DCLXXX) by Rodbert, son of Wian, to the Abbey, with consent of his lord Margan [son of Caradoc], of all his land in the fee of Newcastle, viz., forty acres, whereof he gave ten to the monks ; thirty he leased to the same for six years from Michaelmas, A.D. 1 197, which is third Michaelmas after the taking of the Castle of St. Clare by William de Breus' ; the whole term's rent, 27s. id., being paid beforehand — " ita scilicet ut per VI. annos habeant xx acras terre frumentalis et ultra per tres annos, id est, simul ix, habeant reliquas x acras que jacent juxta illas quas illis dedi in perpetuum." Consent of his brothers, Roger and Griffin, is given to the gift. If the grantor dies within the term, the monks are to bury him in the church, and to keep all the land. The sureties are: The lord Morgan; Roger and Grifin, 1 Occurs temp. Oen, son of Morgan. M 2 Mar gam Abbey. brothers of the grantor ; I tell, son of Sans[on] ; Gugan, uncle of the grantor ; Resus, son of Mcuric ; William Kille. The witnesses are : William, cellarer of Margan ; Godfrey the monk, Roger Cole, Brother Jordan, Walter de Lantge'. There is an imperfect seal of Morgan, son of Caradoc, still appended to the deed. To this appertains a grant (C. DCLXXXI ; T. 292 . 1 5) by Robert, son of Wian, with assent of his lord Morgan, son of Cradoc, and of his brother Roger, to Margam Abbey, of ten acres of land in the fee of Newcastle, given to him for his services by the said Morgan, having on the east the garden of Swein, on the west, towards the mountain, on the north the boundaries of Scurlages land, on the south, other ten acres of the grantor. Under seal of the said Morgan, because the grantor had no seal. The witnesses, in the copy printed by Mr. Clark, are : William, the cellarer of Margam ; Godfrey the monk ; Res, son of Meuric ; and William Kille. The sureties are: Roger Cole; Brother Jordan ; Walter de Lantge. There is an imperfect seal of Morgan, the overlord, appended to the deed. Roger, son of Wian, and brother of the above-mentioned Robert, confirms by a deed (T. 94) to the Abbey, with assent of Morgan [son of Caradoc] his lord, and of Kenewrech his brother, ten acres of land given to the Abbey by Robert Wian his brother. The witnesses are : Resus Coed ; Kenewrech, son of Wian ; Enian ; Rired ; Espus, son of Kistelard ; Richard Waleis. There is a pointed oval seal, bearing an ornamental fleur-de-lis. »J< SIGILL' . ROGERI . WIAN. This closely belongs to T. 292. 10 (C. DCLXXXII) ; a grant by the same to the Abbey, with assent of his overlord Morgan, and Kenewreich his brother, of ten acres of land near to the land given to the monks by his brother Robert, which he the said Roger con- firmed. The witnesses are the same as those of the preceding grant. Another deed on the same Roll (292.16) appears to be nearly if not wholly identical. The next deed (T. 299. 17) is the confirmation by Morgan, son of Caradoc, to the Abbey, of the above gifts of Robert and Roger Wian in the territory or arable of Newcastle, near Blakeston. The deed T. 95 (292.27 ; C. DCLXXXIIl) is a grant by Roger, son of Wian, and Kenewrec his brother, with consent of Morgan, son of Caradoc, to the Abbey, of land which belonged to Saiet, and which the said Morgan gave to Robert, brother of the grantors, The Family of Wian. and after his death to the grantors themselves. Rent, two shillings yearly during the joint lives of the grantors. With pasture and easements. The witnesses are : Morgan, son of Caradoc ; Leisan 1 and Owein, his sons ; Alaithu, son of Ithenard' ; Res Coch ; 2 Grifin, son of Cneither ; Ithel, son of Samson ; Meurich Boxach. Three seals are appended : (i) Morgan, son of Caradoc, the superior lord, in armour, with helmet, shield and sword, riding on a horse. (2) An ornamental fleur-de-lis. ►Ji sigill' . rogeri . wian. (See No. 94.) (3) A dexter hand and vested arm, issuing from the right, grasping a lance-flag. *%< S L' : KENE . . ERC . . IAN. Morgan ap Cradoc and Roger Wian attest, among other witnesses, a confirmation (T. 90; C. DCLXXIII ; T. 293.7; C. DCLXXIV) by Res, son of Hoel (son of Cadugan), and his brethren, of the entire third part of all land between the boundaries from Keuelhi ford to St. Ylthut's well, then on to Thor[bcthel], then to Blaincragan, and so on as Blaincragan descends to Auene, as already mentioned at p. 158. The endorsement on the copy in the Abbey Roll shows that it is a confirmation of the land " quam nobis dimisit pater eorum". Roger, son of Wiaun, occurs among the witnesses of some charters executed by Res Coh, another of the numerous under- tenants of Morgan, son of Caradoc. T. 292.7 (C. DCCXIIl) is a confirmation by Res Coh to the Abbey, with assent of Morgan, son of Caradoc, of half the land which belonged to Ketherech, in the district of Newcastle, which the said Res had of the gift of the said Morgan his lord. The said Res undertakes to perform the service due to Morgan his lord, of " Custodia hominum de Novo Castello in bosco". The witnesses are: Roger, son of Wiaun; Kenewreic his brother ; Enniaun, son of Ririd ; Espus, son of Gistelard ; Richard Le Waleis. This is followed by T. 292 .S(C. DCCXVIII), the confirmation by * N CARADOCI. 1 Occurs in A.D. 1246-7. 2 Occurs in A.D. 1234, 1247. 1 66 Mar gam Abbey. Enniaun, son of Ririd, to the Abbey, by assent of Morgan, son of Caradoc, of the other half the land described in the preceding deed. The witnesses are : Res Coh ; Roger, son of Wiaun ; Kene- wreic his brother ; Espus, son of Gistelard ; Richard le Waleis. This grant, according to Mr. Clark, is anterior to A.D. 1207, having been referred to at that date in a deed by the Abbot ; Enniaun and Res were joint heirs of Ketherec's land in Newcastle. 1 It is again followed by T. 292.9 {C. DCCXXXl) the confirmation by Morgan, son of Cradoc, to the Abbey, of the previous grants made by Res Coh, and by Enniaun, son of Ririd. This is attested by Roger, son of Wian ; Kenewreic his brother ; Espus, son of Gistelard ; David Puinnel ; Herbert Palmer ; Richard Waleis. This deed is the overlord's confirma- tion of the two preceding grants of the moieties of the land of Ketherec, brother of Caradoc Du. Another Abbey Roll (T. 289. 10 ; C. DCClx) preserves the text of the confirmation by Res Coh to the Abbey, of all the gifts which his uncle Espus, son of Caradoc Du, made by charter to the monks, viz., his whole part of the land Peiteuin, which belonged to Ketheric his uncle, and his whole land of Corneli, which belonged to Caradoc Du his father. Sworn on the sanctuaria at Margam by Res Coh and his brethren. The witnesses are : Ernald, constable of Kene- feg ; Stephen the clerk ; Richard de Dunester ; Osmer Cuuian ; Madoc, son of Cnaithur ; Griffin his brother ; Kenewreic, son of Herbert ; Espus and Joreuuort, sons of Gistelard ; and Retherech, sons of Riwel. There is an early charter of Res Coh mentioned at p. 47. Contemporary with the foregoing charters of the time of Morgan ap Caradoc is the grant (T. 66; 289. 19 ; C. DCCLXXXVll) by Deurec (or Diverec), son of John, son of Joaf, to the Abbey, of twelve acres of arable land and two of meadow, which his father held of Earl William, at a rent service of eighteen pence. Sworn upon the sanctuaria of the Church. The witnesses are : Henry de Penebruge, sheriff ; Helias 2 the clerk; Ralph Mailoc; 3 Hernard (or Ernald) the constable; 4 1 Vol. iii, p. 202. 2 Elias the clerk occurs in the time of Robert the Consul, but Helias the priest, temp. Morgan ap Caradoc, circ. a.d. 1200. s Occurs in A.D. 1230. 4 Ernald, Constable of Kenfig, temp. Morgan ap Cradoc, circ. a.d. 1200. The Family of Wian. 167 Osmer Cuuian ; 1 William de Lichesfel and Thomas de Bristou, monks of Margam ; Espus, son of Cradoc ; Griffin, son of Gnaitur ; John the priest ; Stephen the clerk 2 of Kenefeg. The seal bears an ornamental flower. t%i DIVERIC. The land appears to have been situated by Corneli, for by a charter on the Abbey Roll (289 . 18 ; C. DCCLXXXVIIl) Diurec [son of John, son of Joaf], assigns to the Abbey his twelve acres of arable and two of meadow land between Corneli and St. Michael's grange, at a yearly rent of eighteen pence payable at Kenefeg as gavel ; for two shillings charitably bestowed by the Abbey on him. The witnesses are : William de Lichesfeld, William de Pun- chardun, William the porter, and Richard, the monks ; Roger and William, conversi of Margam ; Griffin, son of Cnaithu ; Espus, son of Gistelard. 3 Deurec, or Diveric, son of John, son of Joaf, enables a connec- tion to be made, both as to date and locality, with a grant (T. 78 ; 289. 35 ; C. DCCLXXXVI) by Gille Seis to the Abbey, of twenty-four acres of land between the land of Diueric and the land of Yuor ab Wian, whereof one acre and a half lies between the land of William Gille and the " terra Met", and one acre opposite, on the south side of the road. Of these twenty-four acres, twelve were his father's, and twelve he himself purchased of Wetheleu, son of Yuor. The land tax amounts to three shillings king's dues. The grantor, Rethereh his brother, and his kinsmen, swore on the sanctuaria of the church to observe the gift. The grantor was received into full fraternity in the Abbey, with power to take the habit of a conversus, unless he is debarred by marriage, debts, or otherwise. 4 The sureties are : Rethereh, brother of the grantor ; Resus Coh ; Cradoc his brother; Alaithur ; Wrunu ab Wian; Worucrd ab Gistelard. The seal bears a seeded fleur-de-lis, inverted. SIGILL' : GILLE . SEVS. About this period is the date of the Harley Charter 75 D. 20 ; 1 Osmer Cuuian, temp. Res Coh. Same date as above, early 13th century. 2 Occurs a.d. 1202, 1 2 19. 3 Circ. A.D. 1200. 4 " Et sciendum quod quando feci eis banc donationem, domus ipsa me recepit in plenam fraternitatem, et concessit mihi ut quandocunque voluerim ibidem habitum conversi suscipiam, si eorum ordo me recipere poterit, id est, si non habuerim uxorem, vel nimietate debitorum fuerim astrictus, vel aliquicl tale contigerit pro quo non possim recipi." Mar gain Abbey. (C. DCCXIX ; T. 293.2 ; C. DCCCLXXV) whereby Eneawn, 1 son of Wrunuch Cham, confirms to the monks of Margam in free almoign all the land which belonged to his father, between the rivers Garwe and Uggemor ; and swears on the sanctuaria that he will observe the gift herein contained, before the following witnesses : Meuric, son of Ythel ; Roatlath, son of Ythel ; Cnaithur, son of Wilim ; Cnaithur, son of Ythel ; John, son of Justin ; Roathlan, son of Ythel, son of Winanwel. The seal appended to the deed bears a lance flag, and the legend ^ SIGILL' ENIAVN FIL' WRVN... The ancient endorsement of this original document locates the land at Kevenmahaj, 1 and thus connects it with a grant {T. 293 . 5 ; C. DCCXl) by Kenewrech, son of Ralph, to the Abbey, of his right in Keuenmahhaj between the waters of Ugkemor and Garwe, as far as the spot where the confluence took place. Sworn ; and attested by the following witnesses : William de Lichefeld, Henry de Kairdif, William de Bristol, monks of Margam ; Brother "Richard the porter, Brother Justin, Brother Knaithur, conversi of Margam ; Morgan, son of Kradoc ; David Puignel. The concurrent grant (7". 293 . 6 ; C. DCCX) by Cadivor, son of Ralph, to the Abbey, of his right in Keuenmahhai, is couched in similar terms, and attested by the same witnesses. Morgan ap Caradoc, it will be noticed, is among the witnesses to these two deeds, most of whom we have already knowledge of as occurring at the turn of the century. Among the Abbey Rolls is a grant {T. 543 . 3 ; C. MCCCCVlll) by Luelin, son of Riered, 2 to the Abbey, of all his land of Pennudh, 3 with moor and underwood ; and abjuration of all the land of Hembroc, which his father gave to the monks, and all that between the waters of Auene and Kenefeg. Before the following witnesses : Henry, monk of Margam ; Cnaitur, 4 conversus ; Robert de Pulmor ; 5 Caradoc the clerk ; Jowan and Cnaithu, sons of Wgaun ; Wrunu, son of Candelan. John, son of Justin, who appears in the charter of Eneawn, son of Wrunuch, connects that document with the quit-claim (T. 116; 1 See p. 134. 2 Occurs in A.D. 1 1 99, among the deeds of Bishop Henry, see p. 124. 3 Pennud, Pennudh, or Pennuth, is Pen-hydd, on the Ffrwdwyllt, half a mile N. of Gallt-cwm. Hembroc or Mynydd Emroch is the mountain lying S.W. of Pen-hydd. See Clark, vol. iv, p. 586. 4 Occurs temp. Morgan ap Caradoc. 5 Occurs in a.d. 1208. The Family of Wrunuch Cham. 169 543 . 14 ; C. DCCLXIl) by Ener Bachan, brother of Alaithur, to the Abbey, of all his right in the land of Frudul, according to the charters held by the monks ; and in lands within the waters of Auene and Kenefeg and without. Sworn on the sanctuaria of Margam, with remission of all claims against the Abbey, before the following witnesses : Stephen, 1 clerk of Kenefeg ; Alaithur, Resus Coh, 2 John and Wrunoch, sons of Justin ; Robert Pulmor. 3 The seal bears a circular shield, with central boss and five concentric circles. ►i< ZIGILL' . ENER . VACHAN. Occurs in a.d. 1202, 1219. 2 Occurs circ. A.D. 1205. 3 Temp. Morgan ap Cradoc. CHAPTER XIV. POPE INNOCENT III.— CAERLEON ABBEY.— KING JOHN. CONCURRENTLY with the period of Morgan ap Caradoc, the overlord of the Margam district, whose charters, with some of his contemporary neighbours and dependents, have been examined in the foregoing chapter, several deeds of a more general character have to be considered. First among them, in point of time, may be taken the Bull (T. 82 ; C. DCCXLv) of Pope Innocent III, directed to the Archbishop of Canterbury, his suffragans, and the regular and secular prelates of the Province, pointing out the frequency of injuries done, and the daily failure of justice due, to the Abbot and brethren of Margam, of the Cistercian Order, and prohibiting the irreverent invasion of the property or houses of the brethren or their dependents, the deten- tion of the bequests made to them, the promulgation of sentences of excommunication or interdict against apostolic orders, and the levying of tithes upon their labours or means of support, against apostolic privileges, under penalty of excommunication in public, " candelis accensis" if the offenders be laymen, suspension from office if they be clerks, canons regulars, or monks; with regulations for the punishment of offenders by way of assault, viz. : laymen or clerks, liable to anathema for violence, are to go for absolution to the Apostolic See with letters of the Bishop of the diocese ; monks and canons regular found guilty of fighting are to get absolution from their respective abbots, even if the crime was committed before they took habit of regulars, whereby sentence of excommu- nication was incurred, unless the assault be so serious as to cause loss of a member or shedding of blood, or if the assault be made on a bishop or abbot ; if they attack secular clerks they are to be sent to the Holy See for absolution. Places where the goods of the brethren and their men are detained are to be put under sentence of interdict, as long as they are there. Dated at Anagni, iiii Id. Novembr. [10th Nov.], 6th year [a.D. Pope Innocent 111 , 171 1203]. The leaden Bulla of the Pope, of the usual type, is attached to the deed. Separated only by a few days from the above Bull is another Bull (T. 84 ; C. DCCXLVl) of Pope Innocent III, directed, as in the former case, to the Archbishop of Canterbury, his suffragans, and the regular and secular prelates of the Province, confirming the apostolic privileges of Margam Abbey granted by his predecessors in respect to exemption from payment of tithes, of the labours performed by the hands or acquired by the money of the Abbey, or the food of their beasts, and forbidding any infringement thereof by some who interpret as relating to crops what is written of labours 1 under penalty of excommunication ; and, further, he who lays violent hands on any of the brethren is to be publicly excommunicated "accensis candelis", with lighted candles, until he makes proper satisfaction, and presents himself before the Pope with letters of the Bishop of the diocese in explanation of the truth of the matter. Dated at Anagni, xii Kal. Dec. [20th Nov.], 6th year [a.d. 1203]. The leaden Bulla of the Pope is appended to the deed by silken strands. We now come to a very important Bull (T. 83 ; C. DCCXLVll) of the same Pope, addressed to Gilibert, Abbot of Margam, taking the Abbey of St. Mary under the protection of St. Peter, and his own ; first of all commanding the perpetual observance of the Benedictine rule and the institution of the Cistercian brethren ; then enjoining their perpetual possession of the goods and property of the Abbey, viz. : — (1) The site on which the Abbey stands, with all its appur- tenances (see p. 13). (2) The Kenfig and Aven rivers, and what they hold between them of the gift of the Earls Robert and William (sec pp. 13, 16, 25, 36). (3) Wreck of the sea and its appurtenances (sec p. 20). (4) A hundred acres of arable in Kenefeg, given by Kederec and his heirs (cf. pp. 30, 32, 46). (5) A similar quantity given by Hugh de Hereford (see pp. 54, 57, 60). (6) Forty acres given by William Gille and his heirs (cf. PP- 31-33)- 1 " Quidam . . . asserunt de novalibus debere intelligi ubi noscitur de laboribus esse scriptum." 172 Mar gam Abbey. (7) Fifty acres given by Gilibert Gramnus and his heirs (see chapter further on). (8) Twenty acres given by Gruni, son of Cadian, i.e., Grunu son of Cadugan (p. 66). (9) The gifts of the Burgesses of Kenefeg (see p. 57). (10) The gifts of the free Welshmen. (11) The land of Sturmi, with the appurtenances, given by Geoffrey Sturmi and his heirs (see pp. 77-80). (12) The arable land of Havedhaloc, with all its appurtenances (see pp. 28, 123, etc.). (13) The possession between Kenefeg river and Baiban (i.e., Baidan) Hill. (14) The fee of Landgewi, with its appurtenances, given by William Scurlag (see pp. 25, 37, 52, 57, 126, 127, 135, 136, etc.). (15) A hundred acres in Coicchart (in Newcastle) given by Pagan de Turbervilla (see pp. 70, 71). (16) A hundred acres given by Thomas Lageles. (17) The arable land of Killeculin (i.e., Gallt-y-cwm), with its appurtenances (see pp. 28, 49, 50, 71, 140, 141). (18) A hundred and seventy acres of arable given by Henry de Umframville (see pp. 123, 127). (19) Thirty-five acres given by Hugh de Landcarvan (see p. 61). (20) Twelve acres given by Wlgan de Pendewelin. (21) Thirty acres given by John de Bonevilla (cf. p. 138). (22) Twelve acres given by William Citharedus (see pp. 131, 132, 137. 138). (23) Forty acres given by the Templars. (24) The arable of Pultimor with its appurtenances (see p. 69). (25) Rossaulim (i.e., Resolven) Grange with its appurtenances (cf. p. 124). (26) Possessions in Avene Marsh. (27) Common of pasture between the rivers Neth and Tafe, "in bosc and plain" (see p. 174). (28) A messuage in Kenefeg (cf. p. 43). (29) Two messuages in Bristol (see pp. 37, 40). (30) A messuage at Novusburgus, Newton (see pp. 42, 49). (31) Messuages in the town of Cardiff (see pp. 41, 42, 55) ; and (32) Possessions in its arable land, and the meadows, lands, woods, messuages, feedings in wood and plain, in waters and mills, in ways and paths, and all other liberties and immunities appertaining to the aforesaid places. Pope Innocent III . 173 Then follow sundry privileges and injunctions, viz. : — (33) Exemption from tithes for the labour of their hands or their purchases, cultivated and uncultivated lands, gardens, shrubberies, fisheries, pastures. (34) Power to receive and retain clerks or laymen, fleeing from the world, as conversi. (35) No professed brother to depart without permission of the Abbot ; no one to harbour him without a certificate. (36) Such a monk or conversus to be sentenced. (37) Consent of the whole, or at least the larger and wiser part, of the chapter must be given to gifts and alienations of land or benefice ; otherwise they are to be void. (38) No monk or conversus to become surety without per- mission of the Abbot and chapter ; nor to borrow money except for the manifest good of the house. (39) Brethren eligible to give evidence in civil or criminal process. (40) No bishop or other dignitary to compel the members ot the Abbey to attend synods or foreign meetings ; nor bring actions against them in secular courts in the matter of their property or possessions ; nor to come to the Abbey for ordinations, trials, or convoking public meetings ; nor to impede the regular election of the Abbot ; nor the instituting or removing the Abbot for the time being against the Cistercian statutes. (41) If the bishop of the diocese, on humble and devout request, refuses to bless the Abbot, or perform other episcopal acts, then the Abbot, if a priest, may bless his own novices, and exercise the functions of his office, and obtain from another bishop what his own ordinary denies him, with special conditions. (42) Consecration of altars or churches, hallowing of oil, or other sacrament of the church, to be performed for them without fee by the diocesan bishop ; or, failing him, by any other Catholic prelate in the grace and communion of the Apostolic See. (43) When the diocese is sede vacante, neighbouring bishops may be called on to perform the sacraments, without prejudice to the successor of the see. (44) Failing proper bishops, any passing bishop may perform blessings of vessels, vestments, consecration of altars, ordination of monks. (45) Suspension, excommunication or interdict, by bishops or other church dignitaries, of the monastery or any inmates ; or of the servants for not paying tithes or any other apostolic favours ; 174 Margam Abbey. or of the benefactors for their gifts ; or for working on public holidays, to be void as opposed to the Cistercian rule and apostolic privileges. (46) Prohibition, within the precincts of the Abbey, places and granges, of rapine, theft, arson, bloodshed, kidnapping, man- slaughter, and assault. (47) Confirmation of all privileges hitherto given by Roman Pontiffs, of liberties and exemptions given by Kings and Princes, or other faithful persons. (48) Prohibition of all kind of molestation or robbery of the Abbey : — but all things to be preserved to the good of the house, saving the authority of the Apostolic See. (49) The text of this valuable series of privileges, which may be compared with those granted by Pope Urban III in A.D. 11 86 (P- 57), ends with the usual anathema against aggressors, and blessing of those who obey these commands. It is signed by the Pope, two bishops, and twelve cardinals, and dated at Anagni, xii Kal. Dec, 20th Nov., 1203. The Leaden Bulla of the Pope is appended by silken strands. In the same year negotiations took place between the Priory of Caerleon, in Monmouthshire, and the monks of Margam, which resulted in a formal agreement, the text of which is recorded in the Harley Charter, 75 A. 31 {T. 543 .11; C. dccl). This is an important Final Composition, by way of Cyrograph, between the Domus, or Abbey of Kaerlyun, and Margam Abbey, respecting the place called Heneysneweht (Ynis-newydd), and the pastures between the rivers Neht (Nedd) and Taph (Taff). Hereby it is agreed that the monks of Margam are to hold all between Thaph and Neph, from the first head of Rotheni Maur 1 to Taph, from that head to Fennaun Arthur, 2 from Fennaun Arthur to Magna Pola, 3 and from that Pola as the water of Wrelec falls into the river of Neht. In like manner, whatever lies between Rotheni Maur and Thaph is to belong to Kaerliun, except that Margam is to have the common of Hyrwenunworgan, 4 from the Wrelec r> to Aberdare ; and Margam quit-claims to Kaerliun the said Henesnawyt, with exception of Hirwenunworgan aforesaid. For this quit-claim Kaerliun pays to Margam six silver pounds in the Chapter House, A.D. 1203. 1 The Greater Rhondda. Clark, iv, 602. 2 Fynnon Arthur. 3 The Great Pool on Hirwaun Wrgan. 4 The well-known common of Hirwaun Wrgan. 6 Nant-Gwrelych falls into the R. Neath at Pont-vaughan-Nedd. Caerleo?! Abbey. 175 There were two seals appended ; the first, that of Margam Abbey, is wanting, the other is the seal of the Abbot of Kaerliun, a right hand and arm grasping a crozier, between three stars. The Abbey Roll (543.12; C. MCCCCXXVIIl) records a some- what similar composition or agreement between Margam Abbey and Kairleon concerning land and pasture between Taf and the nearer Dufleis, 1 viz., that Margam shall get what she can by freehold or lease from Franks or English ; Kairlion shall only acquire common of pasture, meadow, the arable of Due in the fee of Dogefel, 2 and such burgages within the vill as are given to her ; and also shall get what she can from the Welsh by way of freehold or lease (in proprietatem vel ad firmaui), Margam only to acquire common and wood within these limits. The witnesses are : Lucas and Richer, monks of Margam ; Ysaac, Knaither, monks of Kairleon ; Jordan and Ernald, conversi of Margam ; Rollanus, Randulf, Wastelius and Kadrod, conversi of Kairlion. To the history of England during the earliest years of the thirteenth century, the writer or compiler of the Abbey Annals, which have already furnished us with interesting details respecting the Abbey itself, has contributed a remarkable piece of evidence. Richard Thompson, the author of an historical Essay on the Magna Charta of King John, 2, in 1829, speaking of the battle at the Castle of Mirebeau in Poictou, which took place 1st August, A.D. 1202, says : — " Perhaps it is from King John's conduct after this battle that his memory receives its darkest stain ; since it is affirmed by the Annals of Margam^ that twenty-two of his captives and hostages were starved to death in Corfe Castle, and that several were executed, but above all that he murdered his nephew Arthur." Of romantic rumours upon this circumstance — of which there is now no proving either the truth or the falsehood — there are several ; but of certain narrative nothing can be stated but that 1 The Dubleis stream, which occurs in the early charters of the Liber La/idavcnsis, is said by Mr. Clark to be the Uulais brook which falls into the Llwchwr at Pontarddulais (vol. iii, p. 6) ; but the Dufleis of the deed here mentioned is evidently a tributary of the Ely River near Llantrissant. 2 Dogefel, Mr. Clark thinks, is probably the Manor of Roath Dogfield, which, however, lies east of Cardiff, between the R. Taff and the R. Rhymney (vol. iv, p. 602). Perhaps it derives its name from William Doggevel, whose charter is discussed at p. 55. 3 P. 475- 4 Rolls Edit. 176 Margam Abbey. the Duke died suddenly whilst in the custody of King John. At any rate, however, his death does not appear to have been intended : since Matthew Paris relates that, some time after his capture the King went to Falaise, and ordering Arthur to be brought before him, addressed him with some kindness ; and remonstrating with him on the folly of trusting to Philip, offered him great honours to quit the French Sovereign and adhere to himself. To this he replied disdainfully, by demanding all the dominions of which Richard I had died possessed, as his right by inheritance : swearing that John should never enjoy peace until he restored them. The King left him thoughtful and incensed, and he was soon after removed to a dungeon of the New Tower in the Castle of Rouen, under the custody of Robert de Vipount, from which in a few weeks he disappeared. Matthew Paris adds, "the manner of his death is unknown to all. I wish it may not be as envious fame reports" — implying that he was made away with by his uncle's orders. The same author, in another place, 1 says : — "The Annals of Margam which are also a contemporary authority, state that, some time after Arthur's imprisonment, the King came much intoxicated to Rouen Castle ; and having murdered him there with his own hand, he caused a great stone to be fastened to the corse, and had it thrown into the river. It was soon after dragged out by a fisherman, when, some persons having recognised it, the remains were deposited in the Abbey of St. Mary des Pres." It is somewhat curious that this statement respecting the King of England should alone be preserved in the annals of a Welsh monastery ; but this may, perhaps, be accounted for by the fact that at Margam there had always been intimate intercourse with the political and literary notables of the realm, as is testified by the presence of the copy of the Domesday Book in the Arundel Library of the British Museum, the other copy of the same in H.M. Record Office, and the Book of Historical Pieces containing the Gesta Regum and Novella Historia of William of Malmesbury, and Historia Regum Britannia;, by Geoffrey of Monmouth, in the Royal Library of the British Museum : all of which most valuable manuscripts were at one time in the Margam Abbey library. To one or more of the Abbey inmates this dark episode in the life of King John may have been known. The King's regard for the Abbey, and indeed for the Cistercians in general, when other P. 478. King jfo/in . 177 religious institutions were experiencing his displeasure, may also be attributed to the fact that he was aware the secret of his conduct in this respect was in possession of one who was beyond the reach of a lay, — even though royal, — arm. The fondness of the King for the Cistercians, whether true or feigned, is well illlustrated by the author of the Annals x of Margam : — " Abbates ordinis Cisterciensis, consilio domini Can- tuariensis illuc advenientes, in oculis regis, non sine grandi admira- tione omnium, gratiam regis invenerunt ; adeo ut ipse, flexis in terram genibus, veniam ab eis peteret, pro eo quod eos vexasset, abbatiam se ordinis Cisterciensis facturum promittens, seque ibidem sepeliendum." Among the charters of the King to the Abbey is T. g6 (289. 31 ; C. LXV), that whereby he notifies that he has taken the abbot, monks, conversi, and House of Margam, and its granges, into his custody and protection, to be kept, maintained, and de- fended in the same way as the King's demesnes ; and that they are to be quit of toll and all other custom ; no one to impede them under forfeiture of ten pounds to the King, and twenty shillings to the sheriff ; and no one to put them in plea for any of their tenements, except before the King or his Chief Justice. It is attested by G. Fitz-Peter, Earl of Essex ; Sayer de Quency ; Peter de Stoke ; Fulco de Cantilupo ; and dated at Windsor, 14th May, 6th year, A.D. 1205. The imperfect great seal of the King still remains appended to the deed. In the Fine Rolls, 6 John, A.D. 1205, is a corroborative entry (C. lxiii) to the effect that the Abbot and Convent of Margam gave twenty marks and two palfreys to have a Charter of Royal Protection, and be quit of toll and all other customs throughout all the King's lands, in respect of corn and all other things which they may have bought or sold for their own proper use ; and for a confirmation charter of their possessions. The Abbot of Ford, in Devonshire, was surety for it. The confirmation charter mentioned above is in all likelihood that preserved on the Abbey Roll (7". 289.30) and in the Rotuli Chartarum (C. LXIV), viz. : — A charter of King John, confirming to the Abbey the several grants by : — (1) Robert, Earl of Gloucester, and (2) William, his son, of lands between the Avene and Kenefeg, 1 P. 25. N 178 Mar gam Abbey. with appurtenances, a burgage in Kenefeg, a burgage in Cardiff, a burgage in Novus-Burgus, and a burgage in Bristol. (3) Hugh de Hereford, one hundred acres. (4) Retherech and his heirs, one hundred acres. (5) Gilbert Gramus and his heirs, fifty acres. (6) William Gille and his heirs, forty acres. (7) Warin, son of Kadigan, twenty acres. (8) Burgesses and freemen of Kenefeg, holdings within and without the vill. (9) Morgan, son of Oen, 1 in Havedhaloch, between Kenefeg and Baithan. (10) William Scurlage and his heirs, the fee of Langwy. (n) Nicolas Puinz and David Scurlagge, the fee of Langwy (see p. 126). (12) Thomas de Lagthles (Lageles), one hundred acres. (13) Morgan, son of Cradoc, and his men, holdings in New- castle. (14) Henry de Hunfravilla, apud Landinatum (Llanmeuthin), one hundred and sixty acres. (15) John Bonevilla, fifty acres. (16) The Templars, forty acres. (17) Morgan, son of Cradoc, Puntlimor. (18) Hugh de Langkarvan and his heirs, thirty-three acres. (19) Urban, Priest of Pondewelin (Pendoylon), twelve acres. (20) Burgesses or freemen of Cardiff, holdings within and without the vill. (21) Morgan, son of Cradoc, holdings in the marsh of Aven and Rossavun (Resolven), and common of pasture between Taf and Neth. (22) Gistelard and his heirs, in Kenefeg. (23) And all other grants according to the terms of the several charters. The witnesses are : Hubert Walter, Archbishop of Canterbury ; Eustace, Bishop of Ely ; Geoffrey, son of Peter, Earl of Essex ; Saier de Quenci ; Symon de Patessil' ; Peter de Stok ; Reginald de Cornhill' ; Fulco de Cantilupo. Dated, by hand of Joceline de Welles, at Westminster, 15 May, 6th year, A.D. 1205. A comparison of these names of persons and places with those 1 He appears in two charters, T. 120 ; 523, temp. Gervase, Bishop of St. David's, a.d. 12 14- 1229. King yohn . 179 in the Bull of Pope Innocent enables the identifications to be made without difficulty. There is a copy of this charter in the Harley MS. 84, f. 296 b., with the regnal year seven, which is an impossible date. In the following year we meet with a confirmation (T. 97; C. DCCLXXXV), by A[rnaldus], Abbot, 1 and the whole assembly of Abbots of the General Chapter of Citeaux, of an agreement between the Abbeys of Tewkesbury and Margam, concerning the tithes of Kenefec. Dated A.D. 1206. The seal is wanting. In the year 1207 two Royal Charters were executed in favour ot Margam Abbey. The first, T. 98 (289 . 36 ; 293 . 29 ; cf. C. LXXIX 2 ), is a charter of King John, notifying that he has con- firmed to the Abbot and monks the gift of Geoffrey Sturmy, of the land lying between the land of Herbert, son of Godwineth, and the stream of Knithwini, 3 as that stream runs down the mountain to the moors as far as the lower water, and from the lower water to the road which goes to the mountain and which divides the Earl's land from that of the said Geoffrey, both in meadow, arable, and moorland ; the gift of Roger Sturmy his son, viz., the rest of the land which his father held of the fee of the Earl of Gloucester in Margan, or the same Roger held of his father ; the gift of Resus Coh, half the land of Kethereth in New-castle ; the gift of Enyon, son of Ririd', viz., the other half of the said land ; and the gift of William de London', between the waters of Ukgemore and Garewe. The witnesses are : William Briwerr' ; Eustace de Vescy ; Robert de Turneham; Geoffrey de Nieuille; William de Cantilupe; Geoffrey de Lucy ; Peter de Maulay. Dated by the hand of Hugh de Welles, Archdeacon of Wells, at Broc, i.e., Brook, co. Wilts, 22nd July, 9th year, 1207. An imperfect great seal of King John is appended to the deed. There is a similar charter, mutatis mutandis, with same witnesses and date, printed in C. LXXVI confirming to the Abbey in free almoign the lands of the Welshman in Kaenfeg, for which the monks used to pay thirty shillings yearly to the King's bailiffs of Glanmorgan. The second, T. 99 (289.34; C. LXXVlll 4 ), a charter of King 1 Arnald, abbot, A.D. 1206-1212. J With date clause omitted : from the Rotuli Chartarum. 3 Cf. p. 77. 4 From the Rotuli Chartarum. N 2 I 80 Mar gam Abbey. John, confirming to the Abbey the Moor of Lawareth' in Heued- haloc, and the land of Peyteuin. The witnesses are : Sayer de Quency, Earl of Winchester ; William Briwerr' ; Peter, son of Herebert ; Thomas Basset ; Alan Basset ; Thomas de Sanford'; William de Cantilupe. Dated by the hand of Hugh de Welles, Archdeacon of Wells, at Occham, i.e., Oakham, co. Rutland, nth August, 9th year [a.d. 1207]. To this is appended a fragment of the great seal of the King, by a remarkable specimen of English weaving of the period, a closely-plaited bobbin of variegated green and yellow taffeta, in an elegant pattern. The seal is of green wax. The Fine Roll for A.D. 1207 contains an entry (C. LXXIv) wherein is shown that the Abbot of Margam gives a hundred marks and two good horses for possession of the land of the Welshmen in the territory of Kaenfeeg, or Kenfig, in free almoign, 1 for which the Abbey used to pay thirty shillings yearly to the King's bailiffs of Glamorgan ; and for getting a confirmation charter for their other lands and tenements in the bailiwick of Glamorgan according to reasonable tenour of their charters, with security for the due payment of fifty marks and two horses at Michaelmas, 9 John, and fifty marks at Easter next. 2 An acquittance to William, the Abbey cellarer, dated Sunday after St. Matthew's Day, a° 9, A.D. 1207, with delay granted for delivery of the two " palfreys", is printed in C. LXXXIII. Tested at Bradenestok, or Bradenstok, co. Wilts, 24 Sept., A.D. 1207. There is also another acquittance (C. Lxxxv) to the same for the two horses delivered at Lutegar', i.e., Ludgershall, co. Wilts. Sunday after St. Luke's Day (18 Oct.), a°. 9, A.D. 1207. The Fine Roll of 9 John, A.D. 1207-8, contains the corroborative entry (C. LXXXIX) that the Abbot of Margam pays a hundred marks for holding in frank almoign the whole moor of La-Wareth of Houodhaloc, with the appurtenances, and likewise the land of Peitevin, in accordance with the King's charter thereof. In the year 1208 an amicable settlement of a dispute concern- 1 See p. 178. 2 In the /Calendar e, sen Regis tr u»t de decima colligcnda ad opus domint Papc, vel domini Regis A?iglie, de singulis ecclesijs per dyocesim Landauensem constitutis, quarum taxacio exxedit summam sex marcarum, the Abbot of Mar- gam is rated thus : — Kenefeg : Abbas de Morgan pro mobilibus et immobilibus — .£24 6s. Sd. — Liber Landav., ed. Evans, p. 381. Mar gam and Neath. 1 8 1 ing pastures between the two great Glamorganshire Cistercian Abbeys of Margam and Neath was effected without recourse to secular courts, in obedience to the rules of the Order ; and the still extant record of the transaction (T. 101 ; C. DCCCl) is a deed of arbitration by J., Abbot of Fountains, L., Abbot of Wardon, and R., Abbot of Boxley, in accordance with a recited mandate by the Abbot and General Chapter of Citeaux, in a dispute between the Abbots of Margam and Neath ; assigning two-thirds of the pasture on the hills, of the fee of Morgan [ap Caradoc] ; between the Aven and Neath, to Margam Abbey, and one-third to Neath Abbey — the boundary agrees with the fee of Morgan in length and breadth, from the upper head of the great Aven called Blain-Avene by a straight line transversely to the water of Neth, and from the same head to the vill of Aven ; saving the possession of each house, viz., to Margam, Roshaulyn included between the Wrach and the Cleodocumchach waters, and between the water of Neth and the highroad through the mountains of Thorrebethel to Bleinwrach ; saving the possessions of either house in marshes and " in melis" not to be considered in this division : the Abbot of Neath is to forego ten marks of the thirty which by a former agreement the Abbot of Margam was to pay him — also dividing the pasture of Cadwathlan equally between the litigants, according to the proximity of either Abbey ; Neath to have half the Grange of Killekar ; the two houses to pay conjointly a colt of two years age to Morgan and his heirs ; Neath to hold none of Gilbert dc Turberville's pasture, nor of Moredu's land. Settled by the arbitrators, the Abbot of Rievaulx, and the Abbots of Tintern, Caerleon, Cumbermere, and Cumhyr, assessors, at Margam Abbey Grange, called Orchard, Wednesday after the day of St. Juliana V., 28th May 1208. There are four seals : (1) The Abbot of Fountains, co. York, standing with staff and book. ►J< SIGILLVM . ABBAT[IS . DE . FO]NTANIS. (2) The Abbot of Wardon or de Sartis, co. Bedford, similar style. SIGILLVM . ABBATIS . DE . SARTIS. (3) The Abbot of Boxley, co. Kent, standing, with staff. BATIS . DE . BOXEL... (4) The Abbot of Neath, with staff held obliquely. [►{< SljGILL' ABBATIS I 82 Mar gam Abbey. Conformably to the salutary rule of settling their own disputes among themselves, the Abbot of Margam, with other Cistercian Abbots of Neath, Tintern, Whiteland and Conway, and with other lieges, acted as arbitrator in a settlement 1 of disputes between the Abbots and convents of Dore, co. Hereford, and Strata-florida, co. Cardigan, whereby the Abbot of Dore abated all plaints and losses sustained by the Abbey at the hands of Stratflur, who in future should not disturb Dore, or vex it in regard to certain lands. This was confirmed in A.D. 1209, under seal of the arbitrators. King John visited Margam Abbey on two occasions in the year 1210, prior to and subsequent to his expedition into Ireland. Setting out from Westminster, 8th May, and passing through Odiham, Winchester, Marlborough, and Bristol, the King was at Neath on Friday 21 May ; Cardiff, Tuesday 25th May ; Margam' 2 and Swansea, 28th May ; and Haverford on the last day of the month. The return journey was commenced at Dublin, Tuesday, 24th August ; the King reached Fishguard, Thursday, 26th August ; Haverford and Kidwelly on the following day ; and was at Margam Saturday, 28th August, passing on through Newport to Bristol and Marlborough. 1 H.M. Rec. OJ. : Cat. of Anc. Deeds, vol. i, p. 282, No. B. 727. 2 T. D. Hardy, Description of the Patent Rolls, 1835. 8vo. CHAPTER XV. THE GRAMMUS, OR GRAMUS, FAMILY. THIS ancient family of landowners in Glamorganshire has already been illustrated in this work by the notices of the early progenitor, Gilbert or Gillebertus, whose charters to the Abbey were confirmed by Pope Innocent III and King John. A somewhat extensive series of deeds of the thirteenth century is still extant, whereby the several members of this family gradually parted with their lands to the Abbey, by sale, lease for term of years or in perpetuity, mortgage or impignoration ; and it is convenient to keep them together in this chapter, although by so doing we cover a large part of the century. These docu- ments, which date from A.D. 1202, are still preserved, like those which have gone before, among the Harley Charters of the British Museum and Miss Talbot's Margaiu Abbey Collections. The lands held by the family, perhaps not very extensive, appear to have been situated in Kenfig, where they now lie over- whelmed with the blown sand which has ruined nearly the whole area of the old township ; in North and South Cornelau ; and in places called La Silve or La Schelve, Deumay, Catteputte, Gretehulle, and Langelond, and the Cohi-lake or Goylake stream, the positions of which can now be well determined. The designa- tion of the several places and the names of the witnesses con- tribute largely to our knowledge of the district in the old days, and enable us to reconstruct in some degree the aspect of the place and the lives of the occupiers. The pedigree for six or seven generations is easily constructed by consideration of the charters, from which it appears that : — Of the ancestral personage whose name Grammus became the surname of his descendants, nothing is known beyond the bare name of his son Richard, recorded among witnesses in an early charter of Walter Luvel. The next member we meet is Gilbert, or Gille, whose charters Margam Abbey. were confirmed by Pope Innocent III in A.D. 1203. The relation- ship of Gilbert to Richard is not clear. He married Aliz. Adam Grammus is contemporary with the above. Gilbert's son Roger occurs in the following deeds under date of A.D. 1202, 1203. He married Agnes, and had four sons and a daughter, viz. — (1) Thomas, his heir, occurs in A.D. 1 245-1 264. By his wife Ysota, sister of William Luvel (T. 289.64), he had a son Philip (T. 164). (2) Hugh ; had a son Thomas. (3) Roger, occurs in A.D. 1245. He married Alice. (4) Maurice, occurs in A.D. 1253, 1261. He married Johanna, daughter of Philip ap David of Kenfig. (5) Alice, married Roger Palmer. Some deeds relating to the Palmer family of Kenfeg will be found mentioned under the years 1266, 1267. William Grammus, a witness in A.D. 13 12, seems to be the last representative of the family. 1 Of Roger, son of Gilbert Grammus, we have : — (1) The Harley Charter 75 c. 3 [C. DCCIII), a lease for ten years by Roger Grammus' 2 (the elder), to the monks of Margam, of his part of the land between Kenefeg and Goilache, for ten marks paid beforehand, with power to the monks to renew the lease. Pledged in the hands of Osmer, according to the Welsh custom : (Affidavi in manu Osmeri me hoc totum servare sine omni dolo et sine omni malo ingenio). This phrase "affidavi in manu", which occurs in many instances among the Margam Charters, relates to the practice, mentioned by Giraldus, that the Welsh " omni fere verbo firmando, dextrne manus (ut mos est) porrectione, signo usuali dato, fidem gratis effundere consueverint". Mr. J. H. Round, in his Geoffrey de Mandeville, 1882, p. 386, points out that the custom still survives in some places, and is still with us the sign of the marriage contract. The witnesses are : Thomas, chaplain of Kenefeg ; Walter Luvel ; Osmer 3 ; Wasmer ; David son of Helias ; Roger son of Ralph ; Robert his brother ; Walter de Sabulo ; Thomas son of Ralph Athelwold ; Geoffrey son of Osmer ; Walter the miller ; Walter Witbred ; William de Cornell'. 1 C, vol. iv, p. 45. 2 Occurs in a.d. 1203, 1244. 3 Perhaps the same as Osnier Cuuian, temp. Res Coh, who occurs A.D. 1205, 1234, 1247. i Roper Grammus . 185 The lease runs from Christmas A.D. 1202. The seal bears a bow and arrow. SIGILL' ROGERI GRAMMUS. (2) The Harley Charter 75 C. 5, a grant by Roger Grammus with assent of Agnes his wife, and of Thomas his son and Isota his wife, to Hugh his son, for his homage, of two acres and a half of land near that of Maurice Grammus on the west, and the stream called Goyelake on the N. and S., at a yearly rent of three half- pence. Eight shillings premium to the grantor, and five shillings to Thomas. The witnesses are : Walter Luvel ; William de Corneli ; Richard the clerk ; Hugh Walensis : Maurice Grammus ; Henry Barat; John the priest. Two seals are appended (1) an ornamental fleur-de-lis. t^i S ROGERI : GRAMVS. (2) A fleur-de-lis. t%* SIGILL' . THOME . GRAMMUS. (3) Harley Charter 75 C. 6(C. DCCV). A charter whereby Roger Grammus and Thomas Grammus, his heir, confirm to the monks of Margam two acres and a half of arable land which Hugh Grammus held and gave to the Abbey by charter, paying yearly therefor 2\d. rent to the said Roger and Thomas, and to the House of St. John of Jerusalem \d. The witnesses are : Walter Luvel ; William de Corneli j 1 William son of Alexander de Kenefeg ; Richard the clerk : William Cole; William Frankeleyn. To this charter are appended two imperfect seals, fleurs-de-lis. (4) A confirmation (T. 289.25) by Roger, son of Gille Grammus, of the gift of his father to the Abbey of his free tenement adjacent to the water of Kenefeg. The witnesses are : William de Lichesfeld, William de Punchard[un], monks ; Richard Cnitth, William de Bordeslee, conversi ; Tomas de Corneli ; Gille Grammus ; Adam Grammus ; Walter Gumdi ; Stephen the clerk ; Osmer Cuuian. (5) A grant (T. 289.27; C DCCIV), dated A.I). 1203, by Roger Grammus to Margam Abbey, of all the land from the Great Stone directly opposite Cohilake {i.e., Goylake) on the east, and on the south of the highroad leading towards Castle- Kibur, in fee-farm for half-a-mark yearly rent. Ten years' rent paid beforehand. 1 Occurs in A.D. 1245. 1 86 Margam Abbey. The same witnesses as those in the following deed attest this. (6) To this belongs (T. 289.26) a confirmation by Roger Grammus to the Abbey, of land between the highroad from Kenefeg to Castle-Kibur and the water of Kenefeg, etc., which his father gave to the monks ; and marl for the same from his marl-pit. The witnesses are : Master Maurice ; Walter Luuel ; Ernald, the constable of Kenefeg ; William de Corneli ; Stephen the clerk ; William Cole ; Clement, son of Master Maurice ; William de Marcros. Of Thomas Grammus, son and heir of Roger Grammus, the following deeds occur : — (1) A grant (T. 289.45 ; C. DCCCCXXIV) by Thomas Gramus, with assent of Roger Gramus, his father, to Margam Abbey, of an acre of land adjacent to the highroad leading from the bridge of Kenefeg water to the Goyelake water. For twenty shillings given to him by the monks for charity. (2) Harley Charter 75 C. 11 (T. 289.41 ; C. DCCCCXXl). A charter whereby Thomas Grammus, with assent of Ysota his wife, confirms the release of Roger Grammus his father, to the monks, of half a silver mark, which they were bound to pay yearly, with due recognisance of a pair of white gloves or one penny at Easter. The deed is attested by William de Comely ; Richard the clerk ; William Cole ; William Frankeleyn ; John Withard ; David Wasmeir. It is dated on Midsummer Day, A.D. 1245. This, like several of the Grammus deeds, is a finely written charter, with the letters lengthened. There was probably an elegant penman in the Abbey at this time. The seal bears a fleur-de-lis. ►{< SIGILL' THOME GRAMVS. (3) A quitclaim (T. 144 ; 289. 38 ; C. DCCCCXXVIII) by Thomas Gramus, with assent of Ysota his wife, to Margam Abbey, of a rent of due by the Abbey to him for three acres and a half of land held of the gift of his brother Hugh ; and he swears on the sacrosancta he will never sell, give, or alienate any of his land against the will of the monks, but if he is compelled to do so, the monks to have the option of acquiring it. The witnesses are : Walter Luuel ; William de Cornely ; Gillebert Burdun ; John Witard, David Wasmeyr. It is dated on the Feast of SS. Philip and James, 1st May, A.D. 1245. The seal bears a fleur-de-lis. »J« SIGILL' . THOME . GRAMVS. Thomas Grammus . 187 (4) The Harley Charter 75 C. 12 (C. DCCCCLXXXVlll), whereby Thomas Grammus, with assent of Ysota his wife, confirms to Maurice Grammus, his brother, four acres and a half of land, whereof two lie near the land of Henry Baret on the east side, two near the land of Hugh Juvenis on the west side, from the highroad as far as Goylake, half an acre lies between the land the monks had by gift of Hugh Grammus, and the land of Thomas Grammus, towards Goylake, at a yearly rent of four pence at Ockeday (the fifteenth day after Easter), and for three marks silver and eighteen- pence premium. The witnesses are : Walter Luvel ; Roger Grammus ; William de Comely; William Cole ; William Frankeleyn ; Hugh Walensis; Philip ; David. A seal, as in the previous deed, is appended. This, strictly speaking, is not a Margam Charter, but follows the property which the Abbey eventually acquired. (5) The Harley Charter 75 C. 13 (T. 289. 50; C DCCCCXCl), whereby Thomas Grammus sells, for four shillings, to the abbot and convent of Margam a rent of five pence in which they were bound, viz., fourpence for his brother Maurice's land, and one penny for his (the vendor's) fee. Attested by Walter Luvel ; Philip de Corneli ; William Frankeleyn ; Philip the clerk ; Maurice Grammus. The seal resembles that of the previous deeds. (6) The Harley Charter 75 c. 9 (C. nccccxxil). A quit-claim by Thomas Grammus, son and heir of Roger Grammus, to Hugh his brother, of his right to the land which their father gave to Roger Palmer, brother of the above Thomas, lying between the land of Adam Alberd and that of John the priest. For this deed Richard Flandrensis, constable of Kenefeg, for love of Hugh the grantor's brother, gave him a pair of boots (par estivaliunif worth eighteen pence, and a stsa 2 of beer to Ysota the grantor's wife. Pledged in the hand of Thomas, priest ofLaniltwit. Witnesses : Richard Flandrensis, constable of Kenefeg ; Walter Luvel ; Richard the clerk ; William Cole ; Philip, son of David ; John, the priest of Kenefeg. The seal as before described. (7) The Harley Charter 75 c. 8 (C. CXX). A grant by Thomas Gramus, son of Roger Gramus, with consent of Isud, his wife, to Hugh, son of Hugh, 3 of two acres of arable land on the high road 1 Estivalia, ocrece, species calceoriim, Du Cange. 2 Sisa, pro assisa, impositio tributi, id. ; but probably in this passage simply a barrel of some size or capacity. 3 Ptrliaps a member of the Grammus family. i88 Mar gam Abbey. to Goilake, eight rods wide, at a yearly rent of two pence, and two silver marks consideration money. The witnesses are : William de Corneli ; William Cole; 1 Gilbert de Neth ; Henry de Neth ; William de Sancto Donato ; 2 Adekin Jurdan. The seal is lost, but the ancient woven bobbin which held it still remains. (8) A grant (T. 289. 44 ; C. dccccxxv) by Thomas Gramus to the Abbey, of three acres of land in the culture of Deumay, from Goylake stream to the road leading from Kenefeg to Cateputte, two adjacent to the land of Maurice Gramus his brother, on the east, and the third to that of Thomas Russel on the east. (9) An acquittance (T. 165 ; C. MCCCCXXXlljby Thomas Gramus to the Abbot and Convent of Margam, for ten pounds silver, for six acres of land, three of which lie near the acre the monks formerly had of him, to the west of Thomas Russel's land, in length between the stream of Goylake and the high road leading to Kenefeg as far as Catteputte, two in the culture of Deumay, adjacent to the way leading from the vendor's house to the said high road (three acres belonging to the vendor lying between them excepted) ; the sixth acre lying south of Goylake, near the monks' land, stretching from Walter Luuel's land called Hevedaker to Goylake, and having the vendor's land on the west, at a rent of sixpence, the land redeemable by repayment of the above sum. The witnesses are : Walter Luuel ; Philip de Comely ; William the clerk, son of Alexander ; William Frankeleyn ; Philip the clerk. Dated on the Feast of the Invention of the Holy Cross, 3 May, A.D. 1254. The seal resembles that described below. (10) A grant {T. 166 ; 289 , 49 ; C. DCCCCLVIII) of the six acres mentioned in the previous charter. The same witnesses attest. Dated Whitsunday, 31 May, A.D. 1254. The seal bears a fleur-de- lis. SIGILL' THOME . GRAMUS. (11) An agreement (T. 163; 289.51; C. DCCCLXXVII ; DCCCCLXX) whereby the Abbey and Convent of Margam grant to Philip de Corneli 3 land at the sanctuary of the Chapel of Comely lying on the south near the land of Walter, son of Anselm, and stretching to the place called " Twelve-acres", in exchange for other land adjoining Tangustelond near the high road, with Orchardes- crofte on the south : Philip's heir to make provision elsewhere for dowry of his wife, Amabla, if she outlives him. 1 Occurs in A.D. 1244. 3 Occurs in A.D. 1 254-1262, 2 Circ. A.D, 1264. Th omas Grammus : W illiam Frankelain. i 89 The witnesses are: Daniel Siward ; William Le Flemeng ; 1 Philip de Nerbert ; Maurice his brother ; John Le Noreys ; William his brother ; Thomas Gramus. The seal bears an ornamental fleur-de-lis. >i* SIGILL...LIPPI . D'...ELI. Dated on St. Benedict's Day, A.D. 1257. (12) The Harley Charter 75 c. 10 (C. DCCCCXXIX). A grant by Thomas Grammus, with assent of Ysota his wife, to William Frankelain, of an acre of land stretching from Goylake to Scihve, next to the acre of Hugh Grammus on the west side, which Roger Grammus, the grantor's brother held, at a yearly rent of one penny, and eleven shillings and ten pence consideration money before- hand. The witnesses are : Matthew the chaplain ; William Cole ; Henry de Neth ; Philip the clerk ; Thomas Cole ; Philip Cole ; David Wasmere. This is a finely-written charter, the letters lengthened and ornamented with flourishes. The seal bears a fleur-de-lis as before described, appended by a curious bobbin of soft threads. (13) The Harley Charier 75 B. 46 (C. DCCCCXXXIX), a confirma- tion by William Frankeleyn 2 to the monks of an acre of land, stretching in length along to Goylake on the south, on the north towards La Silve ; in breadth between the land of Henry Vachan on the west, on the east the monks' land. It is attested by Thomas Grammus; Philip de Corneli; 3 Maurice Grammus; Thomas Russel ; Walter Herbert. The seal is a rosette. SIGILL . WILL'I . DE . BONEVILE. Perhaps there was a relationship between the grantor and the owner of the seal. (14) The Harley Charter 75 B. 47 (C. DCCCCXXXVIH), a grant by William Frankeleyn to the monks, of an acre of land in length from Goylake to Seylve, near the acre which belonged to Hugh Grammus on the west, which he had of the gift of Thomas Gram- mus, at a yearly rent of one penny to the heirs of the said Thomas. The witnesses are: Walter Louel ; 4 Maurice le Comely; 5 William Aylward ; 6 William Terry ; 7 Philip Grammus ; Henry Willoc ; 8 John Couh. Imperfect seal as before. 1 William Flandrensis, occurs in A.D. 1247, 1249. 2 Occurs in a.d. 1244-1267. 3 Occurs in a.d. 1254-1262. 4 Occurs in a.d. 1246- 1267. r> Occurs in a.d. 1264. 6 Occurs in a.d. 1307. 7 Occurs in a.d. 1283, 1307, etc. 8 Occurs in A.D. 1283. 190 Ma?" gam Abbey. Here must be added the Harley Charters 75 A. 38, 39, {T. 289.55; C. cxxxill). Recital of an agreement between Margam Abbey and William Frankelein, whereby William mort- gages for thirty years from St. Mark's Day, 25th April, A.D. 1258, an acre of land lying towards Goylake on the south, La Schilue on the north, Henry Vachan's land on the west, the Abbey's land on the east, for one mark, with power of redemption on paying the mark and the cost of the betterment (cum custo meliorationis). Two pence to be reckoned off the money as yearly rent. The witnesses are the same as in the preceding deed. There are two copies, the deed and counterpart. The one bears the abbot's seal, an abbot standing holding a crozier and book, very imperfect ; the other, used by William Frankelein, the seal of William de Bone- vile, as already described. (15) A grant (T. 289. 56 ; C. DCCCCLXXV) by Thomas Gramus to the Abbey of half an acre of land which Alice Gramus formerly bought of the grantor between Goylake and Langelond, but he redeemed it. To be held with the land called Sculue in frank almoign. The witnesses are : Philip de Comely ; William Le Frankeleyn ; Philip the clerk ; Maurice Gramus ; Thomas de Comely. It is dated A.D. 1258. (16) An impignoration, or mortgage (T. 168; 289.52; C. DCCCCLXXIV), by Thomas Gramus, to the Abbey, of all his land between Goylake on the south and Langelond on the north, for a term of forty years, Henry Bareth's land on the east, and Alice Gramus's land on the west, except one acre which William Frankeleyn holds, in consideration of a loan of ten marks; a rent of fourpence yearly accruing is to be reckoned against the Abbey, so as to reduce the repayment to the sum of nine marks. The witnesses are : William Frankeleyn ; Philip de Corneli ; Maurice Gramus ; Thomas de Corneli ; David W'asmeyr. Dated : Easter Octave, 31 March, A.D. 1258. The seal, a fleur-de-lis, as before described. (17) To the foregoing appertains a grant (T. 164; 289.63 ; DCCCCLXl) by John Bareth, clerk, son of Henry Bareth, of Kenefeg, with assent of his lord Thomas Gramus, to the Abbey, of three acres of arable land in the culture of Deumay, from Goylake to Langelonde. The witnesses are : William Frankel[eyn] ; Maurice Gramus ; Thomas Walensis ; David Wasmeyr ; William, son of Faber ; ^Thomas Grammus. I 9 i Thomas 1 the chaplain of Kenefeg, son of William, of St. Donat's; Philip, son of Thomas Gramus. The pointed oval seal bears a fleur-de-lis. »J« S' IOHANNIS . BARED... (18) A mortgage (T. 172; C. dcccclxxxix) by Thomas Gramus to the Abbot of Margam, of an acre of arable land at Gretehulle, near the monks' land on the west, and along the north from the grantor's land near Goylake as far as Walter Luvel's land, and it is five rods in width, for thirty shillings, in goods and money, and \d. rent yearly, with power of redemption for thirty shillings, notwithstanding any prohibition of the King or the Earl. The witnesses are : Walter Luuel ; William the clerk ; Philip the clerk of Kenefeg ; Philip de Cornely ; William Frankeleyn ; Maurice Gramus; William Luuel. It is dated A.D. 1261. There is an imperfect seal as before described. (19) A grant (T. 167; 289.61; C. DCCCCXC) by Thomas Gramus, with assent of Ysoud his wife, to Margam Abbey, of an acre of land at Gretehulle, near the monks' land on the west, and in length along the north from the meadow of the grantor at Goylake to Walter Luvel's land towards the south, and it is of five rods width. The witnesses are : Walter Luuel ; William the clerk ; Philip the clerk of Kenefeg ; Philip de Corneli ; William Frankelein ; Maurice Gramus ; William Luuel. Dated on St. Thomas's Day, 21 December, A.D. 1261. The seal is the same as used before. (20) A grant (T. 289.62 ; C. DCCCCXXVll) by Thomas Grammus, with assent of Yseuda his wife, to the Abbey, of two acres of land upon Gretehulle, near the monks' land on the west, and lying along the north from the meadow of the grantor, adjacent to Goylake, as far as the land of Walter Lovel. The witnesses are : Philip de Corneli ; William Frankeleyn ; Maurice Grammus ; Thomas Walensis ; David Wasmeir. (21) A quitclaim (7*. 184; 289.57; C. DCCCLIl) by William Cohg to Margam Abbey, of five acres of land which his father William Cohg and he himself held of the Abbey, in Prestesburghe, on the road leading to Corneli. The witnesses are : Thomas Grammus ; 2 Maurice 3 his brother ; 1 Occurs in A.D. 1202, 1264, 1267. 2 Occurs in A.D. 1245-1267. 3 Occurs in A.D. 1258- 1267. 192 TMa?~ gam Abbey. William Frankeleyn ; l Walter, son of Herebert ; Thomas Russel. 2 The oval seal bears an inverted fleur-de-lis. ^ S' . WILELMI . COGH. (22) A grant (T. 289.43 > C. DCCCCLXXVIIl) by Philip, son of William de Comely, with assent of Amabilia his wife, to the Abbey, of the mineral of iron and lead on the east side of the highroad which leads from " the new town", Newton Nottage, to the town of Walter Lovel, which is called Comely, with power to supplement deficiencies by searching for mineral throughout all his land, and a right of way for his two-wheel and four-wheel carts. Rent, a pair of gloves, or a penny as long as the mineral holds out; and twenty shillings beforehand. This charter has a remarkable interest for the history of the early mineral industry in South Wales. Mention may be made here of a grant (T. 202 ; C. MCLXXXVl) by Thomas, son of William de Sancto Donato, to Robert, son of Roger Cauan. of Sto. Fagano, of a messuage within the Bailey on the east, near the walls of the cemetery of Kenefeg, and land in the church-land field ; to be held of Margam Abbey, rent eighteen- pence. The witnesses are : William Terry ; Henry Wellok ; Thomas Gramhous : John Goch ; William Aylward ; Philip Sti- ward. They occur in the time of Edward I. The seal bears an ornamental star. >I« S' THOME . DE . S'CO . DONATO. Place must be found here for a Cardiff charter, with several witnesses who appear on the foregoing deed, T. 387 (C. MCXXVI), a grant by Nicholas, son of Joan Nichol', to William Terri and his wife Johanna, of a messuage in Cardiff, and land there abutting on Estret, near the well which belonged to Helena Meleward, at the annual rent of four pence, and ten shillings beforehand. The witnesses are : William Ailleward ; John Alexandri ; Henry Willoc ; Thomas Gramus ; John Cohz. The seal bears a fleur-de-lis between four pellets. >%t S' NICOL IL' . IOHANE. There is a grant ( T. 1 75 ; 289 . 64 ; C. dccccxc vn) by Thomas, chaplain of Kenefeg, son of William de St. Donat's, to the Abbey, of one acre of arable land in the fee of Kenefeg, which he bought of Thomas Gramus, at La Marie, between the lands held by John Occurs in a.d. 1254-1267. 2 Occurs in a.d. 1254. The Grammus or Gramus Family. 193 Faber and John Le Hoppare, of the said Thomas Gramus, begin- ning from La Hamme next Goylake, and extending to the land which Walter Luuel gave to Ysota his sister, wife of Thomas Gramus, in free marriage ; at the yearly rent of one penny, to Thomas Gramus. The witnesses are : D. Hugh, sheriff of Kenefeg ; William the clerk, son of Alexander de Kenefeg ; Thomas Gramus ; Maurice de Comely ; Walter Luuel ; Maurice de Cor- nell ; Philip the clerk of Kenefeg ; William Scurlag'; William Frankel[eyn]. St. Luke's Day, 18th October, A.D. 1264. The seal bears an ornamental seeded fleur-de-lis. [>{< S' . TH]OME . CAPE[LLA]NI . DE . KENEFE... Of the other sons of Roger Grammus, viz., Roger, Hugh and Maurice, the following charters occur : — (1) Harley Charter 75 c. 4 (C. dccccxix). A grant by Roger, son of Roger Grammus, to his brother Hugh, of his land between that of John the priest and that which belonged to Adam Alberd, 1 at the yearly rent of a pair of white gloves or halfpenny, at St. James's fair ;' 2 with the premium of forty shillings sterling, and a jewel worth twelvepence to the grantor's wife. The witnesses are : Richard Flandrensis, 3 constable of Kenfeg ; Walter Luvel ; Richard the clerk ; William Cole ; Philip, son of David; John the priest who wrote the charter. The seal, appended by a bobbin, bears a seeded fleur-de-lis. ►!< S' ROGERI . GRAMVS. T. 777 (C. MLXVIIl) is a grant by John, son of Hosebert de Kenefeg, to Alice the fatnula, or servant, formerly the inclusa, or recluse, of St. James' [Church] of Kenefeg, of a messuage in Kenefeg town in the south part of St. James' Cemetery, at a yearly 1 See 75 c. 9, p. 187. Same witnesses. 2 The old church at Kenfig, now ruined by the sand, was dedicated to St. James. It was probably older than the Abbey, for among the Margam muni- ments is an arbitration, dated at Canterbury, A.D. 11 54 (T. 378 ; C. DCIX), by T[heobald], Archbishop of Canterbury, directed to Nicholas], Bishop of Llandaff, settling the dispute between Job the priest, parson of St. Leonard, Newcastle, and Master Henry Tusard', parson of St. James, so that the said Henry relinquishes to the church of Newcastle the tithe of Geoffrey Esturmi, and thirty acres of land belonging to the church of Chenefeg. The witnesses are : R[oger of Bishopsbridge, Archbishop] Elect of York ; John, treasurer of York; Thomas Lond' [perhaps Thomas, treasurer of London]; J[ordan, treasurer of] Salisbury ; Richard Castel. 3 Occurs in A.D, 120:. 0 194 Mar gam Abbey. rent of two peppercorns at Michaelmas, and eleven shillings in gersumma, or consideration money. The witnesses are : W. Frankelein ; Philip the cook ; Thomas deCorneli; JohnAlbus; W. Ruddoc; Maurice Grammus ; Thomas Walensis. (2) A grant (T. 143; 289.39; C. DCCCCXXIII by Hugh Grammus, son of Roger Grammus, to Margam Abbey, of two acres and a half of land, which Roger Grammus, with assent of Thomas Grammus his heir, gave to the grantor, near the land of Maurice Grammus and Goylake stream ; one acre of land which Thomas Grammus, his brother, gave him and confirmed by charter, near William Frankeleyn's land on the east, and it begins on the south from the said stream, and stretches to La Chilue, and is five rods wide ; and land at Kenefeg which Roger, son of Roger Grammus, gave him, between the lands of John the priest and Adam Albert. The rents are to remain as in the respective deeds of gift. The witnesses are : Roger Grammus ; Thomas Grammus ; Walter Luuel ; William de Corneli ; Richard the clerk ; William Cole ; John Witart. There is a small seal bearing three chevronels, not on a shield. *%< SIGILL' : HVGONIS : GRAMVS : (3) The Harley Charter 75 C. 7 (T. 289.40 ; C. MCCCCXX), a quit-claim by Roger Gramus, to the monks of Margam, of a rent of half a silver mark yearly rent, due by them to him, paying a yearly recognisance of a pair of white gloves or id. at Easter by way of recognisance ; and they are to pay to Agnes his wife yearly a prebend for her support, viz., every week seven conventual loaves and five gallons of beer of the convent ; a crannoc of gruellum (meal), the same amount of beans, and a bushel of salt, once yearly at Michaelmas. The witnesses are : William de Comely ; Richard the clerk ; William Cole ; William Fronkeleyn ; John Withard ; David Wasmeir. Dated on Midsummer Day, A.D. 1245. The seal is the same as in the preceding charter. (4) The Harley Charter 75 C. 14 (T. 289.46; C. DCCCCLIIl). A grant by Maurice Gramus, with assent of his brother Thomas Gramus, to the monks of Margam, of four acres and a half of land which his brother Thomas gave ; two lie near the land of Thomas Baret on the east, two near that of Hugh Juvenis on the west, and all four go along the highroad to Goylake ; — the half acre lies between the land which the monks had of the grantor's brother Hugh, and that of Thomas Gramus, along to Goylake — saving The Grammus or Gramus Family. 195 fourpence yearly rent to the same Thomas. Premium, twenty shillings and an ox. The witnesses are : Walter Luvel ; Thomas Gramus, Roger Gramus, the grantor's brethren ; Thomas de Comely ; Philip Alexandri, William Frankelein ; Philip the clerk ; John Witard. The seal bears an elegant floral device. S'] MAVRICII . GRAMVS. (5) To this deed appertains the Harley Charter 75 C. 15 (C. DCCCCLIl), an acquittance by Maurice Grammus to the abbot and convent of Margam of one hundred silver shillings for the four acres and a half mentioned in the preceding deed, with power of redemption at the same price, notwithstanding any prohibition of the King or of the Earl. The witnesses and the seal are the same as in the above deed. Dated A.D. 1253. (6) The Harley Charter 7 5 C. 16 {C. DCCCCLX). A confirmation and quit-claim by Maurice Grammus of Comely Borealis, or North Cornelau, to the monks of Margam, of all the lands and possessions which his ancestors gave to them. It is attested by the following witnesses : John Le Boteler of Donrevyn, or Dunraven, co. Glamorgan ; Maurice de Comely Australi, or South Cornelau ; William Aylward ; Maurice de Cantelou ; John Peruat ; David Beneyt ; Walter de Magor. The seal, which differs from that of the previous deed, bears a rose flower. >i* S' MAVRICII GRAM MVS. (7) The Harley Charter 75 B. 44 {C. DCCCCLIV), whereby Philip, son of David, burgess of Kenefech, impignorates with Maurice Gramus his son-in-law, genero meo, four acres of land in Pollardes- slade, lying between the acre of the said Maurice on the north part, "which I gave him with Joan my daughter in free marriage", and in breadth to William, son of Herbert's acre, for ten marks sterling, with power of redemption at the same price within ten years, and a pair of gloves only every year afterwards if not redeemed within the period. The witnesses are : Walter Luvel ; Thomas Gramus ; Philip, clerk; 1 Philip Alixander ; William Le Frankeleyn ; Adam Hosmer ; Nicholas Noreys. It is dated on St. Ambrose's Day, 4th April, A.D. 1253. The seal bears a quatrefoil. S\ PHILIPPI : DAVID. 1 Philip, the clerk, occurs in A.D. 1254-1267, etc. U 2 196 Mar gam Abbey. Connected with the family of Grammus, and especially with Maurice Grammus, is the grant (T. 289. 53 ; C. DCCCLX) by Alice, daughter of Alexander, to the abbey, of land which her mother Cecilia 1 gave her, lying on the south of Goylake towards the land of William Cole,- and having on the east the land of William Albus, 3 on the west that of Robert Roul. Under seal of Maurice Gramus, because the grantor had no seal. The witnesses are : Thomas Grammus ; Maurice Grammus ; Philip the clerk ;* David Wasmeyr ; 5 William Le-bunz. The deed may be safely placed about the middle of the thirteenth century. Le-bunz may be a corruption of Pontius. In later days it appears as Bounce (C. IV. 135, A.D. 1329). To this must be added T. 29 {C. DCCCLIX), a grant by Alice, relict of Geoffrey, son of Seware, with assent of Alice 0 her daughter, to Margam Abbey, of her house in Kenefeg, between the houses of William Faber and William Bunz ; rent, twelve pence to the Earl [of Gloucester]. The witnesses are : Fr. Walter Hubolt, William de Kardif, William de Chipstaple, monks of Margam ; William Coh ; William his son ; David, son of Wasmer. There are fragments of a seal of David, son of Wasmer, bearing an ornamental fleur-de-lis. ►J* [SIGILLV]M : DAVID. 1 Cf. Cecilia filia Alexandri, A.D. 1266- 1267. 2 Occurs in A.D. 1219, 1244, 1245. 3 Occurs in a.d. 1267. * Philip, the clerk of Kenefeg, occurs in a.d. 1264, 1267, 1282. 5 Occurs in a.d. 1245, 1258. 6 Perhaps the Alice of the preceding deed. CHAPTER XVI. THE EARLY YEARS OF THE THIRTEENTH CENTURY CON- TINUED—MORGAN, SON OF OEN. — UMFRAMVILLE. HAVING now pursued some of the side branches of the stream of gifts which was running down, as it were, from all quarters of the County of Glamorgan, to the advancement and magnifying of the Abbey, already become a great owner of lands and waters, and possessing many valuable privileges connected with such properties, we may take up the main thread of history again, to some extent contemporary with what has just gone before. There were serious troubles in Glamorganshire in A.D. 121 1, according to the Chroni- clers, between the native princes and the King of England. In this year the castle of Aberystwith 1 was built by King John's order, with the object of curbing Maelgwn and Res Bahhan, or Vychan, Res the little, princes of South Wales. In the following year Res burnt the castle of Swansea. The Cambrian Annals record that in A.D. 12 1 1, " Catwaloin 2 Glamorganiai predas et combustiones fecit non sine hominum detrimento." The Visitation of Margam Abbey, carried out by the order of Guido, abbot of Clairvaulx, on the 15 Kal. Jun., 12 13, brought about the resignation 3 of Gillebert, the abbot of Margam, " a man of noteworthy remembrance". On the same day John, who was a monk in the Abbey, succeeded him. 4 Gilbert appears to have retired to the Cistercian Abbey of Kirkstead, 5 co. Lincoln, where he was a monk, until his death, which took place 4 Id. May (12th May) in the following year, 12 14. Morgan ap Owen's grant of Havodhaloc is confirmed by King 1 Ann. de Margatt, pp. 31, 32. 1 Annales Cambria, p. 68. This chieftain is suggested by the Editor to be Cadwallon, son of Maelgwn. 3 MCCXIIJ 0 . Gilbertus abbas de Margam cessit, cui successit Johannes de Golclivia, xv Kal. Jul. (Exchcq. C/iron., Arch. Camb., 1862, p. 277. 4 Ann. de Marg., p. 32. 5 Ibia. 198 Mar gam Abbey. John in A.D. 1206, but the following cannot be earlier than A.D. 1214. It is a grant (T. 120 ; C. DCCLIII) by Morgan, son of Oweny, to the Abbey, of the whole land of Havedhalok, between the waters of Kenefeg and Baithan, towards the mountains to the cross near the highway ; at a yearly rent of twenty shillings, with under- taking of the grantor to perform services. Pledged and sworn on the sacrosancta of Margam, the following being the sureties : Hoel, son of Traharn' ; Griffin, son of Meuric ; William and Hoel his brethren ; Richard, son of Mored' ; Morgan Kam ; Alaithur, son of Ythenard' ; Resus Choch. The witnesses are : D. Gervase, Bishop of St. David's, 1 in whose presence the grant was made and whose seal was appended ; Martin, archdeacon of St. David's ; Master Mathias of Brechen' [Brecknock] ; Master H. de Clune [Hugh de Cluna, afterwards archdeacon of St. David's, 1222] ; Master William de Capella ; Henry de Umframuille ; Reimund de Sulie ; William de Sumery ; William de Reigny ; William de Cantel' [Cantelupe] ; Peter Buteller' ; Walter Luuellus ; Master Ralph Mailoc ; Thomas the clerk ; Robert Samson' ; Griffin abKanaithur. Two seals remain. (1) Bishop Gervase. Obv. a bishop with staff, on a pedestal. [^ SjlGILLVM . GERVASII . M Rev. The bishop with staff. NSIS . EHSCOPVS. (2) Morgan ab Owein's seal, an ornamental fleur-de-lis. S AB . OEIN. This Morgan was either the son of Owen, brother of Morgan ap Caradoc, or of Owen, son of Morgan ap Caradoc. His grant was confirmed at a subsequent period by Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester and Hertford, as will be seen in the chapter which deals with the charters of that Earl. An almost identical deed exists (T. 523 ; C. MLXVIl), with a few variations of the text, and with omission of the names of the sureties, attested by Gervase, Bishop of St. David's ; Martin, Archdeacon of St. David's ; Hoel ab Trahar' ; Griffin abMeur[ik] Richard ab Mored u ; Morgam Kam ; Alaithur ; Reimund de Sulie ; William de Sumery ; W r illiam de Reigny ; William de Cantel'; Peter Buteller; Walter Luuel ; Master Ralph Mailoc; 1 A.n. 1214-1229. Morgan^ son of Oen. 199 William Luuel ; Thomas the clerk ; Robert Samson ; Res Koch ; Griffin ab Kanaithur. The seal bears a fleur-de-lis, as before. ^ S' MORGANI . AB . OEIN. The witnesses are not quite the same as those of the preceding deed. There must have been some legal reason for the execution of this deed as well as that which goes before it. Perhaps the monks were anxious to get the paragraph respecting the under- taking to perform all services demanded from the occupiers of the land inserted. If so, this text would occupy a prior place. T. 122 (C. DCCCCLXIII) seems to have been found necessary as a pendant to the deed that has gone before. It is a quit-claim by Madok, son of Resus, to Margam Abbey, of the land of Heved- halok, in accordance with the terms of Morgan ab Oweyn's charter. And he will be faithful to the House of Margam, and will defend its property and cattle as if they were his own ; this he swears on the Margam Sanctuaria ; given under seal of Morgan ab Oweyn, because he had no seal. The witnesses are : Morgan, son of Owein ; Maurice, priest of St. Kadoc ; Maurice, parson of St. Julita ; Philip, provost of Land- hari; Morgan Kethin ; Griffin his brother; William de Lichesfeld', Walter Hubolth, monks of Margam. A fragment of the seal of Morgan ab Oweyn, as already described, still remains. We shall see, under the notice of the year 1224 in the general history of the Abbey, detailed in a future chapter, that Morgan, son of Oen, inflicted a vast amount of damage on Neath Abbey. He also devastated Margam, but eventually tried to make amends ; for many years later than the foregoing charters we find a final concord (7". 140 ; C. DCCCCXXXv), by which Morgan, son of Owen, admitting the immensity of the damage which he has inflicted upon the horses and cattle belonging to the Abbey, amounting by estimation to £153, agrees to reduce the rent of twenty shillings due by the Abbey to him for Hauothaloch, to two shillings, with penalty of excommunication or interdiction by the Bishop of Llandaff in case of his breaking the agreement, and power to the Earl's bailiffs of Neth and Landtrissen castles to enforce performance. Under seals 1 of Bishop William de Burgo,' 2 and of Richard de Clare, 3 Earl of Gloucester. 1 a.d. 1244-1253. '-' a.d. 1229-1261. 3 From the circumstance of these seals being appended before that of Morgan, it would seem that he had in some way becomA the Earl's vassal at or before this time, 200 Mar gam Abbey. The witnesses are : William, Bishop of Llandaff ; Master Peter, official; Ralph de Newcastle ; Nicholas, dean of Gronnyth; 1 Stephen Bauzain, 2 sheriff of Glamorgan ; Walter de Sulia ; Gille- bert de Umframuille ; John de Regny ; William Le Flammeng ; 3 Leysan, son of Morgan Cham ; Owen ab Alaythur ; 4 Yoruerd' ab Espus. Three seals remain. (i) Imperfect seal of Bishop William. (2) The Earl of Gloucester's seal, imperfect. The Earl in armour, with hauberk, surcoat, fiat helmet, with sword and shield of arms of Clare, riding on an armorially caparisoned horse galloping to the right. DE : C On the reverse : a shield of arms, CLARE, suspended by the strap from a tree, between two lions. RE : COMIT (3) Morgan's seal, a fleur-de-lis. S' MORGAN : MAB : OEIN. Harley Charter 75 D. 15 (C. XLV) is a charter of the elder H[enry] de Humfranville (son of Gilbert), whereby he confirms to the monks of Margam, in perpetual almoign, all the land which his father Gillebert gave to Urban de Pendouelin [or Pendoylon] at Lantmeuthin, for the soul of Nest, wife of [the said] Gilbert ; for the souls of his father and mother, his children, ancestors and successors. The witnesses are : William de Sancto Johanne ; Engelramn, son of Odo ; John de Bonevilla ; Sibilla, wife of Henry 0 de Humfranville ; Odo Bothan ; Henry Walensis ; Lucas de Budicam ; William, cellarer of Margam ; William de Bedintun ; Henry, monk of Margam ; Godefrey the monk; Jordan the con- versus ; Richard, master of Lanmeuthen [Grange]. The Harley Charter 75 n. 14 (C. CI) records the text of an agreement or convention dated A.D. 12 17, whereby Henry de Umframville the younger (son of the preceding Henry) remits to the monks of Margam all his claim against them for the land of Bradingtune with appurtenances, and receives the rent due thereon for twenty years (eight of which have already elapsed), and so the monks are quit to Easter A.D. 1230. 1 Nich. de Liswrni, Dean of Gronith, occurs in a.d. 1246. 2 Occurs in a.d. 1246-1247. 3 Occurs in A.D. 1247, 1249, 1257. 4 Occurs in A.D. 1246. 6 Occurs in A.p. 1202, 1217. Henry de Umframville. 201 The witnesses are : Oen the dean ; Master Ralph Maylock ; William de Renny ; Raimund de Sullia ; David de Burhulle, sheriff of Kaerdif; Robert Sampson; William de Lichefeld ; Nicholas and Walter, monks of Margam ; Geoffrey, monk of Neht. A grant (T. 118; C. DCCCCXV) is extant by Henry de Vmframville, the younger, 1 to the Abbey, of the whole land of Bradington, at a yearly rent of twenty-three shillings and four- pence ; with undertaking not to exchange the land or chattels, and warranty of the growing crop, in case the land be success- fully claimed against the grantor. Also : confirmation by the same to the same of the grants of his father, and of the land which Hugh de Landcharuan and Gerebert his brother gave to the Abbey, and other charter grants reasonably made by his freemen to the monks. The witnesses are : Audoenus, or Owen, the dean ; and the others noted in the previous deed. The seal bears a rosette of seven leaves. ^ SECRETVM . HENRICI. These were confirmed by Isabel, Countess of Gloucester, between A.D. 121 3- 121 6, in a charter of which some account is given in a subsequent chapter. 1 Son of Henry de Vmframville, lord of Penmark, where the ruins of the castle still remain. Mr. Clark sums up the genealoyy of this family in vol. iii, p. 404. CHAPTER XVII. POSSESSIONS OF THE ABBEY IN THE TOWNS OF BRISTOL AND CARDIFF. IN addition to the early gifts of house property in Bristol which w ere, as we have already observed, granted by several owners, and confirmed by Pope and King, to the Abbey, it will be convenient in this place to group together a small collection of charters which relate to that town, and must be dated in the early years of the thirteenth century. A confirmation (T. 290 . 16 ; C. DCCLXXl) by W , prior of St. James, Bristol, by assent of Alan, Abbot of Tewkesbury, 1 to John, son of Ralph Utlage, of the land in the meadow of Leowine, which the said Ralph purchased of Ailward Textor, or the Weaver; at the yearly rent of twelve pence, and the heriot of one pound of pepper. The land is now known as Lewin's-mead, near to St. James' Church, Bristol. To this deed belongs the confirmation (7^. 290. 15 ; C. DCCLX), by the same prior, to Margam Abbey, of the above land, which John, son of Ralph de Utlage, held of the Priory, and which the Priory held of the gift of Henry Cumin. Rent as before stated. In the Abbey Rolls is the record of an undertaking closely connected with the above (T. 290.32 ; C. MLXV), by William de Bellomonte, to pay six shillings yearly to the Abbey for tenements which he holds in fee-farm in the town of Bristol, viz. : four shillings in the meadow of Lewin, which the Abbey has of the gift of John Utlage ; and two shillings for land between St. Peter's Church and the Castle ; and to pay twelvepence yearly to the Prior of St. James, and sixpence to Walter Cumin, for the said land in the meadow of Leuuin. He is not to give, sell, or exchange the land without consent of the abbot. The monks of the Abbey had sold certain houses in Bristol to 1 a.d. 1 186-1202, Bristol. 203 Michael de London, and in the Close Rolls is an entry (C. c), pur- porting to be a royal mandate addressed to the " probi homines" of that town, to give seisin and the chattels thereof to the said Michael, of which he had been unjustly deprived ; dated at Bristol, 29 November, A.D. 12 16, by Earl William Marshall. About the time of the above-mentioned grants occurs a grant (T. 290.28; C. DCCCCXLVI) by Peter La Warre, clerk, to the Abbe)', of all his land opposite St. Augustine's, in the suburbs of Bristol, between the lands which Richard Gundewine and Mary the widow held, stretching to the street on the east, and to the long side of the said Mary's land on the west. A companion charter to the above is found in T. 290.45 (C. DCCCCXLVil), which is a grant by the same Peter La Ware to the Abbey, of his buildings under the cemetery of St. Augustine's, in the suburbs of Bristol, with a garden extending from the southern corner of the garden of R , the wright, to the wall formerly in possession of Maurice de Ganth. The Bristol family of Camerarius, or Camberlanus, con- temporary and connected with that of Bellomonte and La Ware, or Warre, contributed several grants to the Abbey, viz. : — (1) A grant (T. 290.43 ; C. MLIX) by William Camerarius to the Abbey, of the hermitage of St. Milburga, with its chapel, appurtenances and liberties, meadow, pastures, waters, cultures and easements ; the Abbey providing a religious chaplain unless the grantor excuses the provision of the same. This charter is scored across for erasure at a later period. Of this hermitage and chapel of St. Milburga (in Bristol) we have no other record in the Margam muniments. (2) The same William Camerarius gave by deed (T. 220. 39 ; C. MLX), with assent of Agnes his wife, to the Abbey, land with buildings and rents in Bristol, which William de Bellomonte held of him in Smale Street, 1 between the lands of Henry Nel and Richard Fromunt, for twenty silver marks. (3) The above-mentioned William and Agnes granted (T. 290 . 34 ; C. mlxii) to the Abbey, for ten marks beforehand, a selda in the town of Bristol, in the Goldsmiths' place in the corner nearest the church of St. Nicholas, which Egidius the goldsmith held. (4) There is a confirmation (T. 290.33; C. mlxi), closely belonging to the two foregoing deeds, by William Camerarius, with 1 In a.d. 1261 John de Kenefegh granted the Abbey a crannoc of salt out of tenement in this street, for which see under that year further on. 204 Mar gam Abbey. assent of Agnes his wife, to the Abbey, of twenty shillings rent in Bristol, which William de Bellomonte used to pay for a tenement which he purchased of the said William Camerarius, in Smale Street, between the lands of Henry Nigell and Richard Fromund — and a grant by the same to the Abbey of a selda, or stall, in the Goldsmiths' place of Bristol, in the corner nearest the church of St. Nicholas, formerly held by Egidius the goldsmith, for thirty marks of silver. (5) Agnes, having become a widow, the monks required a new deed in order to escape being responsible for her dowry, or for some other cause which is not clear ; consequently we have an entry in the same Roll recording the confirmation (7". 290.42 ; C. mlxiv) by Agnes Cameraria, widow, to the Abbey, of the gift which her lord, William Cam[erarius] made to the Abbey, in the town of Bristol, viz., a selda in the Goldsmiths' place, which Peter the goldsmith held, and twenty shillings rent, which William de Bello- monte paid. Egidius the goldsmith of the previous deeds appears in this one to have been succeeded by one Peter. (6) The same lady quitclaimed by deed [T. 290 . 35 ; C. MLXIII) to the monks her right to the lands and possessions which her husband, William Camberlanus, granted to the Abbey by charter. This she bound herself to at the hand of Brother John La Warre, 1 cellarer of Margam. (7) Stalls in the busy market of the town of Bristol, the great emporium of the West of England, were valuable property in the thirteenth century. The Abbey, no doubt, knew their worth. Another entry on the Rolls records a grant (T. 290.17; C. DCCCLXXXIX) by Roisa, widow of Richard, son of Seieve, to the monks, for the soul of her lord Richard, and of R. Racg, her father, her mother, and her predecessors, of a stall among the Bristol stalls, which she and her father purchased of Hugh Makemete, between that of Jordan Rufus and her own, charged only with servitium regale, or King's taxes. As with Bristol so with Cardiff, a few early thirteenth-century deeds may conveniently be considered in this place. We have a grant [T. 290.19; C. MXCVIll) by Richard Flammang 2 to the 1 John La Warre is probably a relative of Peter la Warre, the clerk, who appears in one of the foregoing Bristol deeds. He occupied the important office of cellarer, and became abbot in A.D. 1257, as will be seen by the extracts given in that part of this work that deals with that year. 2 Richard Flandrensis occurs in A. p. 1202, Cardiff . 205 Abbey, of a rent of twelve pence, hitherto payable to him by the monks for the land of Lif of Cardiff. Two deeds copied in the Rolls relate to an ancient burgage in Cardiff. (1) A confirmation (T. 290.18; C. DCCCCXLV) by an Earl of Gloucester, addressed to the Sheriff of Gual' [Wales], and the Provost of Cardiff, setting forth that with the assent of his Lord, he grants that Edrun, daughter of Osbern Landward, shall have her house and land free, as his lady Mabillia, Countess of Gloucester, mother of his Lord, gave it to the same ; and after death of Edrun, to Godfrey her son. It is difficult to ascertain who this Earl is. The deed called him H , and Mr. Clark thinks he may be Hubert de Burgh, who married the Countess Isabel, and died in A.D. 1243, but he is not known to have used the title. Mabillia, the countess, who originally granted the property, was the daughter of Earl William, whose charters have already been noticed. (2) A charter (T. 290.14; C. DCCCLXXXVl) signifying that Herbert, son of Turkil, burgess of Cardiff, bought the burgage in the town of Cardiff of Godfrey, son of Edrun, and has granted the same to Margam Abbey, on condition that he and heirs hold it of the Abbey, yielding a plough-share yearly therefor, and the Abbey to have the first option of purchase. Herebert, son of Turkil, is contemporary with Hugh de Here- ford (C. DCXLVI ; T. 33) ; with Ralph Mailoc (C. DCCCXXIIl) ; and with Adam de Sumeri (75 D. 10 ; C. DCXXVIII). The burgage in Chairdis, i.e., Cardiff, given by Robert, son of Turchill, is confirmed by Pope Urban III in A.D. 1 1 86 (75 A. 1 ; C. DCXXX), where the name Robert is probably an error of the Papal scribe for Herbert. He occurs also as witness to charters of Bishop William, c. A.D. 1 190 (75 D. 27 ; C. DCXLII), (DCLXXII), ( T. 39 ; C. DCLXXIX) ; and in a deed of Adam the Porter of Cardiff (75 c. 44 ; C. DCXXVIII). Very early in the thirteenth century occurs the deed, T. 379 (C. dclxxvii), whereby William, son of Osmund, grants to Tedbald his son, a burgage in Kenefeg, just as the grantor held it of the Earl ; a messuage in Cardif, on which is house is built ; and all Wulnodes Croft ; at the yearly rent of one pound of pepper ; two shillings beforehand for recognisance. The witnesses are : Robert, son of Richard, with whose seal this charter is sealed; Acclina, the wife of the grantor; Stciner ; 1 1 Occurs in Harl. C/i. 75 c. 44. 2o6 Mar gam Abbey. Roger Gulegut ; 1 Adam, son of Acer ; William, son of Thanewi ; Odo, son of Engelram ; Eilric Devon' ; Walter, son of Richard ; Nicholas his brother. There is an imperfect seal, bearing on the one side a knight in armour riding on a horse to the right. On the other the impression of a small oval antique gem, a galley. Robert of Kaerdif, i.e., Cardiff, grants by a deed (T. 290.41 ; C. DCCCXl) to the Abbey, one pound of cumin at Michaelmas, which Jordan Alewy 2 used to pay to the grantor for a burgage in the town of Kaerdif. Connected with the foregoing is a quit-claim and abjuration (T. 290.52, 291 . 1 ; C. MXCVII) by Matildis, relict of Hugh de Kardyf, with assent of Cristina her sister, to Margam Abbey, of her claim to land in Treikik moor. Sworn on the Margam sacrosancta. By the Harley Charter 75 C. 23 (C. DCCXXll) Matildis, relict of Hugh de Kardif, confirms to the monks of Margam, in pure almoign, a burgage in St. Mary's Street in the town of Cardiff, near the river Thaf, between that of Eadwaker Gilt and Richard, son of Robert ; also her meadow lying between the Earl's Wala and the meadow of Lucy de Kanetune. Sealed with the seal of Thomas Crisp, 1 because the lady had no seal of her own. The witnesses are : Jordan Alui ; 3 John Alui ; Robert Godard; John Rumbold ; Helias of Newcastle ; Simon de Munt. >{< SIGILL' : THOME : CRISPI. Several other charters of Cardiff occur in the section which treats of the deeds of Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester. The son of Hugh de Kardif and Matildis his wife, above- mentioned, was John Porch, or Le Pore; he occurs in T. 155 ; C. DCCCXXXVIII, a grant by John Le Pore, for his soul and the soul of Matildis his wife, to the Abbey, of a burgage in the town of Cardiff, lying in Cabelle Street, between the burgage of Nithelf de Pennard and that of Edelda la Bruwestere ; also a meadow which he held of Nicholas Herward in Portmane-mede, together with the charter of the land, the Abbey paying one pennyworth of wax towards the candle of the Virgin Mary of Cardiff, that is, St. Mary's Church, at Michaelmas. The witnesses are : Robert Godard ; Jordan Alewy ; 3 Thomas 1 Cf. Roger Gulegut in Harl. C/i., 75 B. 25 : a deed of Richard Bulchart, PP- 55-57- 2 Occurs in A.D. 1234 ; and is contemporary, as a witness, with John Le Pore (C. DCCCXXXV11, JJCCCXXXVIll). 3 Occurs circ. A.D. 1 234. Cardiff. Crisp ; 1 Philip de Dynespovvis ; 1 John Godman ; Adam Fridai. The seal bears an ornamental star. »}< S' IOH'IS : PORCH \ To this belongs the Harley Charter 75 c. 43 (C. DCCCXXXIX), a deed whereby John Le Pore, for the soul's health of himself and his mother, Matildis, confirms to the monks a burgage in the town of Cardiff, which was impignorated to him by Cristina, the relict of Robert Wringel, for twenty shillings and the cost of the im- provements ; and also a third part of two acres of meadow in Portmane-mede, which was similarly impignorated to him by Terricus, son of Thomas, for two marks — (Jordan Hoglo holds the other two-thirds), — paying yearly for the meadow a pair of gloves, price one penny. The witnesses and seal are the same as in the preceding deed. In T. 381 (C. DCCCXXXVII), will be found the deed of impig- noration by Terricus, son of Thomas, to John Porcus, of the third part of two acres of meadow in Portmane-mede (whereof John Hoglo holds the other two-thirds), for two marks ; John paying yearly a pair of gloves, worth one penny, at Midsummer. Sworn on the hands of Walter the priest ; with witnesses — Dom. Alan ; Robert Godard ; Jordan Alewy ; Robert de Lawernach ; Adam Jocelin ; Helyas de Newcastle ; Thomas, son of Reginald Crisp ; Robert Rumbold ; Jordan Alewy ; John, son of Baldewin. Occurs in a.d. 1234. CHAPTER XVIII. ISABEL, COUNTESS OF GLOUCESTER. ON the death of William, Earl of Gloucester, a liberal bene- factor to Margam Abbey, and superior lord of the site, A.D. 1 183 (not 1 173, as Dugdale, in his Baronage, vol. i, p. 536, has mistakenly stated), Henry II retained the Earldom in the hands of the Crown for six years, and in the last year of his reign, A.D. 1 1 89, giving Isabel, the youngest of the three daughters and coheirs of the carl, in marriage to his son John, then Earl of Mortaigne (whose wife, Alice of Maurienne, or Savoy, had died prematurely), bestowed it on him. John held the earldom during the rule of Richard I ; but in consequence of the consanguinity of John and Isabel, who were related in the third degree, 1 Baldwine, Archbishop of Canterbury, laid the Earl's lands under an interdict, which was afterwards released. On ascending the throne, A.D. 1 199, John procured a divorce, 2 but yet held the Honour of Gloucester with the Castle and Hundred of Bristol. Geoffrey Eitz-Piers, fifth Earl of Essex, became her second husband in A.D. 12 1 5. He was killed at a tournament in A.D. 1216, 3 or 1219. 4 After his death she married Hubert de Burgh, Earl of Kent, Justice of England. She had no children. Of her charters confirming the gifts of former benefactors, and adding new grants to Margam Abbey, several remain. The first is : — The confirmation (T. 293.30; C. DCCXCIII) by Countess Isabel to the monks, of lands according to their boundaries, in the fee of Kenefeg, viz., the land of Pctetevin, of Hugh de Hereford, and of the Welsh, for which they used to pay thirty-two shillings to the bailiffs of Kenefeg, the whole moor of Havedhaloc between 1 f Henry I — Maud — Henry II — John. \ Henry I — Robert (nat. son) — William of Gloucester — Isabel. 2 Upon pretence of barrenness. — Dugdale, Baronage, p. 706. 3 Burke, Extinct Peerage, p. 353. 4 Nicolas, Sy/iopsis, p. 219. The Countess Isabel. the waters of Kenefeg and Baithan ; also the gift of William de Londoniis and his heirs of all the land of Egleskeynwir ; also what- ever they have of the gift of Henry de Umframville at Landmeuthin. The original grants of these and the other properties confirmed in the Countess's charters have been already described in the previous chapters of this work, and it is unnecessary to point them out afresh. Then comes a confirmation (T. 104; C. DCCXCIV) by Countess Isabel of various lands, according to their boundaries, in the fee of Kenefeg, viz. : — (1) All the Peitevin land. (2) All that of Hugh de Hereford. (3) All that of the Welshmen, for which thirty-two shillings were paid yearly to the Bailiffs of Kenefeg. (4) All the moor of Hevedhalok between the waters of Kenefeg and Baithan. To be held quit of all services, in pure almoign. Also, confirma- tion of : — (5) All the gifts made to the monks by Earl Robert, her grandfather, and Earl William, her father, viz., all the lands between Kenefeg and the further bank of further Avene, which is to the west of the hermitage of Theodoric ; and as the hills trend from the source of Kenefeg water to the place called Middelcros, and then up as far as Blain-nant-Disculua, and then as far as Rid- kevelechy, and then as Avene goes down into the sea. (6) All wreck between Kenefeg and Avene. (7) A burgage in Kenefeg. (8) A burgage in Kaerdif. (9) A burgage in Novus-Burgus. (10) A burgage in Bristol. Also confirmation of the gifts of her free men, viz. : — (11) Sturmy land, whereof the monks have her father's con- firmation. (12) The gifts of Gillebert Gramus and his heirs. (13) The gifts of the burgesses and freemen of Kenefeg, within or without, in that fee. (14) The gift of Morgan, son of Owen : Hevedhalok. (15) All the fee of Landgewy, by gift of David Scurlag, his ancestors and heirs, and by grant of Nicholas Puinz, according to the charters. (16) The gifts of Pagan de Turbervilla and his heirs in Koith- carth. P 2IO Mar gam Abbey. (17) The gift of the sons of Herbert : Kithleculum. (18) The land of Lacheles, and other grants there according to the grantor's charters. (19) The gifts of Morgan, son of Caradoc and his heirs, on the marsh of Avene, Berchis, and Rossaulin, and common of pasture in the mountains between the rivers Taf and Neth, and Pultimor at Landmeuthin. (20) Of the gift of William de Londoniis, all the land of Egliskainwyr, according to the charters. (21) The gifts of Henry de Umframville and his heirs at Landmeuthin and Bradingtone. (22) Twelve acres there, the gift of Urban, priest of Pendivelin. (23) Thirty-three acres, the gift of Hugh de Landkarvan and his heirs. (24) Twelve acres, the gift of Adam de Sumery. (25) Two acres, the gift of Jorvarth, son of Justin. (26) The gifts of John de Bonevilla and his heirs at Boneville- stone. (27) Forty acres there, given by the Templars. (28) The gift of Maredu and his heirs, viz., as much common of his land in wood and pasture as necessary for their grange of Landmeuthin. (29) The gift of Robert Samson in the fee of St. Nicholas. (30) The gifts of the burgesses or of the freemen of Kaerdif, within or without the town. With confirmation of all other donations reasonably made according to the charters of the grantors, " in bosco et piano", etc., " in wood and plain, in ways and paths, in waters and mills, and fishponds and pools, in moors and marshes, in turbaries and fisheries, in meadows and pastures, and in all other places and things, with all liberties and free customs". The witnesses are : D. Henry, Bishop of Llandaff ; Urban, Archdeacon of Llandaff ; Nicholas Puinz j 1 Henry de Umfram- uille ; John de St. Quintin ; Walter de Sulie ; Ralph de Swines- heued, sheriff ; Gilbert de Turberuille ; Richard Flammang ; William de Cantelw ; 2 Ralph Mailok ; Reimund de Suly ; William Le Sor ; Ralph de Cliuedun'. The seal bears the effigy of the Countess, and legend : — [»j< sigil]lvm : isabel' : com[ltisse : gjloecestrie et mor[etvnie]. 1 Occurs in a.d. 1202, 1252. 2 Cantilupo, in Geoffrey's deed. Photographs of Seals. i. Morgan, son of Caradoc, p. 156; 2. Margan, son of Caradoc, p. 9; 3. Gillebert Burdin, p. 33; 4. Isabella, Countess of Gloucester, p. 210; 5. Milisant, daughter of William Mitdehorguill, p. 68; 6. Leisan, son of Morgan, p. 226 ; 7. Geoffrey de Mandeville, p 211 ; 8. Common Seal of Kenefeg town, p. 297. The Countess Isabel. 2 I I This is endorsed " a general confirmation by the Countess Ysabel of all our tenements", and practically represents the whole of the possessions of the Abbey at the time. Its details may be compared with those contained in the Bull of Pope Honorius III and charter of King John, specified in a former chapter. On the marriage of the Countess Isabel with Geoffrey de Mandeville, Earl of Essex, the monks obtained a deed of con- firmation (T. 1 1 3 B. ; C. DCCXCV) by Geoffrey de Mandeville, Earl of Gloucester and Essex, with assent of Isabel his wife, Countess of Gloucester, to the Abbey, of the charter of the Countess as set forth in the previous deed (T. 104), of which this is the corres- ponding document prepared on behalf of the Earl. The witnesses are the same as in the charter referred to, but a few are not in the same order. The seal bears a shield of arms of early shape ; quarterly. >i* SIGILL' : GALFR ... DE MAVNDEVIL'. This is endorsed with an ancient note that it covers all the land of Margam, with wreck from the further bank of Avene to Ken fig. The Countess then executed a very similar deed of confirmation (T, 113 ; C. DCCCXVIII), which may be described as a confirmation by Isabella, Countess of Gloucester and Essex, with assent of her lord, Geoffrey de Mandeville, Earl of Gloucester and Essex, to the Abbey, of the various lands in the fee ef Kenefeg, viz. (1) the land of Peiteuin ; (2) and of Hugh de Hereford ; (3) and of the Welsh ; (4) and the moor of Hauedhaloc, between the waters of Kenefeg and Baithan ; — and confirmation of (5) grants to the same by Earls Robert her grandfather, and William her father, of the lands between Kenefeg and the further bank of Auene, to the west of Theodoric's hermitage ; and as the hills trend from the source of Kenefeg to Middelcros, to Blainnant-disculua, Ridkeuelethy, and Auene, to the sea ; (6) all wreck between Auene and Kenefeg ; and one burgage in each of the following places : (7) Kenefeg, (8) Kardif, (9) Newburgh, (10) and Bristol ; (1 1) the land of Sturmy ; (12) the grant of Gilbert Grammus ; (13) the grant of the burgesses of Kenefeg in that town, or without ; (14) Hauedhaloc, the gift of Morgan, son of Owen ; (15) Langewi, the gift of David Scurlag and of Nicholas Poinz ; (16) the grant of Pagan de Turberuille in Koithkarth ; (17) the grant of the sons of Herbert in Killeculum ; (18) the grant of Morgan, son of Caradoc, in Auene marsh, Bereges Rossaulin, Pulthimor at Landmeuthin, and common of pasture on P 2 2 I 2 Mar gam Abbey. the hills between the Thaf and Neth ; (19) the land of Walter Lageles at Lageleston ; (20) the grant of William de London' in the whole land of Egliskainwir ; (21) the gift by Henry de Vmframville at Landmeuthin ; (22) that by Urban, the priest of Pendiuelen ; (23) the lands of Hugh de Landkaruan ; (24) of Adam de Sumery ; (25) of Joruarth, son of Justin ; (26) of John de Bonevileston, at Bonevileston ; (27) of the Templars ; (28) the grant by Maredu of necessary common for their grange of Land- meuthin ; (29) that by Robert Sanson in the fee of St. Nicholas ; and (30) the grant of the Burgesses of Cardiff in that town and without. With confirmation of all above-mentioned rights and privileges, and of the charters by which the grants are conveyed ; and all other grants and sales reasonably made according to the charters of the grantors. The witnesses are not quite the same as in the previous deeds : D. Henry, Bishop of Llandaff ; Vrban, Archdeacon of Llandaff ; Nicholas Poinz ; Henry de Umframville ; John de St. Quintin ; Walter de Sullie ; Ralph de Suuynesheued' the sheriff ; Richard Flamang ; Gillebert de Turberuille ; William de Cantilupe ; William Le Sor ; Ralph Mailok. The seal bears on the obverse a figure of the Countess, draped in a long dress, with bag-shaped maunches hanging from the wrists, holding in the right hand a flower. s [m]oretvn... On the reverse is a small oval counterseal with mark of the handle, bearing the impression of an antique oval intaglio gem, engraved with an imperial bust between two winged figures crowning it, an eagle between two standards. EGO . SV[M] . AQUILA . CVSTOS . D[OMl]NE . MEE. Taking the title at the beginning of the charter in connection with the legend, it is clear that the seal was made while Isabel was the wife of John, Earl of Mortaigne, but is used here by her after her divorce from John, and her second marriage to the Earl of Essex. On the death of the Earl of Essex, Isabel's second husband, the Countess of Gloucester and Essex gave to the monks of Margam, between A.D. 12 16 and 12 19, another confirmation whereby she granted in frank almoign, in her free widowhood, for the soul of her late husband, Geoffrey de Mandeville, the following lands in the fee of Kenefeg, viz. : — (1) All the land of the Peitevin. The Countess Isabel. 213 (2) All the land of Hugh de Hereford. (3) All the land of the Welshmen for which they paid thirty shillings to the Bailiffs of Kenefeg. (4) All the land of Hevedhaloc between the waters of Kenefeg and [Baitjhan. (5) Her quit-claim of foreign service for her part of the fee of Langevvy, except half a mark of silver yearly. (6) Quit-claim of all foreign service of knight or huntsman, or otherwise, in regard to all tenements the monks hold of her freemen and knights. (7) Common of pasture in her marsh on the west side of Kaerdif town, paying therefor for each animal depastured the same as the burgesses of Cardiff paid to William, Earl of Gloucester, her father. The witnesses are : Saiher de Quency, Earl of Winchester ; 1 Henry de Furnellis ; William de Tiches' ; Martin the hostiarius or husher ; John de Swinesheved ; William, canon of Kainesham ; Nicholas, prior of Margam ; Brother Thomas the converse ; Thomas [Pirum ?]. This is contained in C. CXXI, from the " Penrice MSS." but I have not been able to identify it with any document at Margam. Subsequently the Countess gave the monks of Margam another deed (T. 113c; C. DCCCXXVl), wherein " Ysabel, Countess of Gloucester and Essex, in her free widowhood", confirms to the Abbey (1) all the grants and confirmations made to the Abbey by Earl Robert, her grandfather, and Earl William, her father, viz. : — (1) All the lands between Kenefeg and the further bank of further Avene on the west of Theodoric's hermitage, etc., as before. (2) All wreck between Avene and Kenefeg. (3) A burgage in Kaerdif. (4) A burgage in Novus Burgus. (5) A burgage in Bristol. Also confirmation of all gifts of her freemen, viz. : — (6) All the land of Sturmy. (7) The gifts of Gilbert Gramus and his heirs. (8) The gifts of the burgesses and freemen of Kenefeg, within and without the fee. 1 Saiher died in a.d. 12 19, so that this charter must be before that date His name does not appear in the next charter of the Countess, and we may presume it was subsequent to his death. 214 Mar gam Abbey. (9) The fee of Langewi given by David Scurlagge ; the grant of N. Poinz ; and the foreign services thereof. (10) Remission of half a silver mark, due yearly for ward and all other services : probably Castle-ward due to her as tenant of Cardiff Castle. (11) The land of Waler Lageles. (12) The gifts of her freemen and her ancestors in the fee of Newcastle. (13) The gift of Pagan de Turbervilla in Koithkarth. (14) That of the sons of Herbert, viz., Kithleculum, with the foreign service of three shillings and sixpence which they used to the Earl of Gloucester's kitchen. (15) Hevedhaloc ; gift of Morgan, son of Oen. (16) Morgan, son of Caradoc, and his heirs, grants in Avene marsh, Berghes and Roshaulin, common of pasture in the mountains between the rivers Thaf and Neth ; and the land called Pultimor at Landmeuthin, with any foreign service there due. (17) The gift of W. de Londoniis or his heirs, all the land of Egleskeinwer, according to the charters. (18) The ten-shillings-land at Marcros given by Philip de Marcros. (19) Hen. de Unfranville's, or his heir's, gift at Landmeuthin and Bradintona. (20) Twelve acres given by Urban, priest of Pendivelin. (21) Thirty-three acres given by Hugh de Lankeruan. (22) The gift of Adam de Sumery, twelve acres. (23) The gift of Joreuarch, son of Justin, two acres. (24) The gift of John de Bonevilla and his heirs at Bone- villeston. (25) The gift of the Templars, forty acres there. (26) The gift of Moredu ; common of his land as much as is necessary for the grange of Landmeuthin. (27) The gift of Rob. Sansun in the fee of St. Nicholas. (28) The gifts of the burgesses and freemen of Kaerdiff within the town, or at Listelebon (Lystalibont). Also (29) the Countess makes a new grant of common in all her marsh on the west of the town of Kaerdif, between the rivers Taf and Eley, the monks paying for each head of cattle as much as the burgesses of Kaerdif used to pay to the bailiffs in her father's time. The deed closes with the general clause of confirmation of all The Countess Isabel, 215 other grants reasonably made to the Abbey, and of the privileges already expressed at p. 210. The witnesses are : Henry de Furneaus ; William de Tiches' ; Dom. William, canon of Kainesham ; Nicholas, prior of Margam ; John, monk of Neath ; Ernald, conversus of Margam ; Martin the hostiarius ; John de Swinesheved. There is an imperfect seal of the Countess, similar to that already described, but the title of MORETUN appears to have been discarded from the legend. CHAPTER XIX. THE THIRTEENTH CENTURY CONTINUED. — WRONO BIL.— THE IRISH CISTERCIANS.— THE ANNALS. RADUALLY the deeds of Margam have been ranging V^J themselves into order of date, with due allowance made in order to keep together some documents which mutually illustrate each other. The charters, however, which belong to the period are not by any means yet exhausted, and we shall find, as we proceed, entries in the local annals and chronicles which throw light on the steady growth of the Abbey, notwithstanding occasional molesta- tion by the lawless inhabitants of the hill districts to the north of its site. VVronu, or Wrono Bil, a Welsh landowner in the neighbour- hood of Kenfig, occurs as a benefactor of the Abbey in the years 1 2 19 and 1254. Of his two extant charters the first is ( T. 124; 289 . 59 ; C. DCCCXXXlll) a grant in frank almoign by Wronu Bil to the Abbey, of seven acres of arable land, whereof five lie on the south adjacent to the land of William Cole, beginning at a place called Balles (Bal-las, on Stormy Down), and reaching towards Goylake, and the other two on the east near the land of Roger Gramus, beginning at Luuelesgrove towards the same. Attested by : Sir Walter Luuel, Knt. ; Stephen the clerk ; Henry, forester ; John de Croili ; William de Corneli. Dated at Pentecost, 26th May, A.D. 12 19. The seal, much chipped, bears a cross pattee with three pellets in each arm. The other is a mortgage, or deed of impignoration (T. 162; 289 . 48 ; C. DCCCCLI), whereby the same Wronu Bil pledges his land to the Abbey for ten shillings ; the lands consist of two acres lying on the top of the hill called Grethulle, between land belonging to Margam and to William the clerk, son of Alexander ; for twenty years, or until redeemed by repayment of the advanced >i« SIGILL' . WRONV . BIL. Wrono Bil. money, at a yearly rent of one penny, improvements carried out by the Abbey to be paid for by Wronu when he forecloses. The witnesses are : Walter Luuel ; Thomas Gramus ; Philip de Corneli ; William Frankelyn ; Philip the clerk ; Walter Acelin. Dated on the Feast of SS. Fabian and Sebastian, 20th January, A.D. 1253 for 1254. The seal is similar to that appended to the foregoing deed. The endorsement on the deed connects the land with Kenfig. In illustration of the Cistercian rule of settling disputes without recourse to law-courts, we find a deed (Harley Charter 75 B. 2 ; T. 290 . 26 ; C. dcccxlii) executed by Peter de Chichester, Dean ; Alard, Chancellor ; and Lambert, Sub-Dean of Wells, reciting a mandate of Pope Honorius III directed to them, ordering an inquiry into the petition of W. Pincerna, and R. and J. his sons, against the Abbots of Margam and Neth, respecting alleged injury to land and goods of the petitioners : dated at the Lateran palace, 11 Id. Januar.,6th year [A.D. 1222] ; and signifying that after a day had been fixed for hearing the cause, an agreement had been con- cluded between the said W. Pincerna and his sons, and Margam Abbey. The seals of the Dean and Sub- Dean still remain appen- ded to the charter. The year 1223 was an unfortunate one for the monks of Margam. The annalist has recorded 1 that at that time certain wicked persons burned in one week upwards of a thousand sheep and two houses belonging to the Abbey. In the following year, 1224, the Welshmen again attacked' 2 the servants of the Abbey, and then killed a boy occupied in tending sheep. Morgan, son of Oen, whose charters of benefaction to Margam are described at p. 198, put the neighbouring abbey of Neth to flames, wherein perished upwards of four hundred sheep and four shepherds, a monk and a conversus being seriously wounded in the encounter with the marauders. Not satiated with these cold-blooded attacks on the two most prominent religious houses of the county, in A.D. 1226, the Welsh- men 3 again broke out with fire and bloodshed in Glamorganshire, and burned the three towns of St. Nicholas, Newcastle, and Lales- ton, killing some of the inhabitants at the same time. 1 " Concremaverunt perversi homines oves nostras plusquam mille, cum duabus domibus, in una septimana". — Ann. de Marg., p. 34. 2 Ibid. 3 " Combusserunt Walenses tres villas de Glamorgan ; villam scilicet de Sancto Nicholao, villam de Novo Castello ; et villam de Lagelestune, nonnul- losque homines occiderunt". — Ann. de Marg., p. 35. 2 1 8 Mar gam Abbey. These towns or villages are : (i) St. Nicholas, about six miles west by south from Cardiff, in the hundred of Dinas-Fowys. It is situated on the high road from Cardiff to Swansea. Here is a celebrated monument of antiquity which, according to Lewis, may possibly be connected with the slaughter that took place in this year. On the right-hand side of the road leading from the village to Dyfryn House, or Dyfryn Golych (the Vale of Worship), a retired spot about a mile to the south of the village, is an ancient cromlech, said to be the largest monument of the kind in the kingdom. It consists of flat stones nearly six feet in height, enclosing an area of seventeen feet in length and thirteen in breadth, upon which rests a table stone twenty-four feet long, and varying in breadth from ten to seventeen feet. Other Druidical remains abound in the neighbourhood. (2) Newcastle, near Bridgend in Newcastle Hundred, on the western bank of the river Ogmore, near its confluence with the river Ewenny. The only remains of the ancient castle, so called from being of later date than Oldcastle, on the opposite bank of the Ogmore, are a gateway, remarkable for an elegant pointed arch, and the ruins of the wall which enclosed the site. (3) Laleston, originally Lageles-ton, the holding of the family of Lageles, of whom several notices will be found among the early charters of the Abbey. This village lies about a mile and a half west from Bridgend, in Newcastle Hundred. Lewis 1 wrongly states that it derives its appellation from Lalys, a native of Palestine and an eminent architect, whom Richard de Granville brought over with him on his return from the Holy Land, and employed to build Neath Abbey. As a reward for the ability which Lalys displayed in the building, Richard bestowed this manor upon him, to which he gave this name and on which he resided ; until, after erecting several churches and castles in the Principality, he was appointed architect to Henry I, and removed to London. Among other of his extant works the tower of the parish church of St. Illtyd is pointed out. The whole story is probably little more than an unsupported legend. 2 Among the Abbey charters is one Harley Charter, 75 A. 14, which the monks preserved with great care, as it related to the Cistercian order at large, and not to Margam in particular. It contains the letters whereby Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury and Cardinal, inspects and recites a privilege granted by Pope Honorius III (xi kal. Jul., 21 June, 6th year, A.D. 1222) 1 Top. Diet, of Wales, vol. i, p. 452. 2 See p. 53. The Irish Cistercians . to the abbots and brethren of the entire order of Cistercians in England, exempting them from being brought into law-suits (ne de causis compellamini litigantium), and ordering that they are not to be compelled to attend trials beyond two days' journey from their respective monasteries (vel ultra duas dietas a propriis monasteriis trahi possitis in causam). Dated at Slindune, or Slindon, co. Sussex, April 1226. But Margam Abbey had not suffered to any great extent by occasional incursions of the neighbouring Welsh, who were, at this period, always prepared to raid upon the vale of Glamorgan from the security of the hill country. The house had grown in impor- tance with every fresh privilege acquired from the heads of the Church and the State ; with every grant and every confirmation of land adjacent to its site ; and with every adhesion which it received from those in authority and high places within the county, not- withstanding the unsettled condition of much of the district lying to the north and west. It had become in the first quarter of the thirteenth century, about eighty years only from its foundation, one of the most important Cistercian abbeys of the west, Neath alone having the slightest emulation with it, and that by no means of a serious character. The preeminence of Margam is well exhibited by the selection of her abbot to be patron of some of the necessitous and decayed abbeys of the order in Ireland. Among the Harley Charters is a deed (75 A. 4; C. DCCCXLV) whereby G[ualter, or Guillelmus], Abbot of Citeaux, and the whole chapter general of abbots, confers in A.D. 1227 upon Margam Abbey, as agreed by the monks thereof, the affiliation of the Abbey of Magium, Maig, or Monaster-nenagh, in co. Limerick, Ireland, which had been a filia of Mellifont Abbey [co. Louth], with strict injunc- tions to reform, both in spirituals and temporals, the unfortunate abbey now suffering, like other Irish foundations, from grave irregularities and overwhelmed with poverty, reported by special visitors to the general Cistercian chapter. These had indeed asserted that neither reformation nor relief was possible ; nor could those be carried out except by changing the inmates and taking some of the larger abbeys away from their matres, or mother abbeys, convicted of irregular conduct (which latter ought to be deprived), and placing them under abbeys of good discipline. The Abbot of Margam probably intervened in this way to save Maig from being suppressed by its own Order, and with success, for the house survived and flourished to the end of all things monastic. With the seal still appended to the charter. 2 20 Mar gam Abbey. This abbey stood in the barony of Poble O'Brien. It was founded in honour of the Virgin Mary, in A.D. 1 148, or 1 151, by O'Brien, who brought hither Cistercian monks from Mellifont. The Abbot of Maig was a Baron of Parliament, and, notwith- standing its bad reputation and sad condition, as revealed to us in the above deed, the abbey appears to have been pretty well off — due to help from Margam — in land and other possessions at the time of the general suppression. Archdale's account of the house is very meagre. In the year 1227 the turbulent Welshmen were again busy with Glamorgan. 1 They entirely destroyed the grange of Pennud, belonging to Margam Abbey, and killed many of the " animals", i.e., sheep, and a greater number of oxen. After this they devastated the grange of Rossaulin, or Resolven, and there burned many ewe sheep and drove away the oxen, killing one of the Abbey servants in the course of the raid. Then, again, they seized the flocks at the grange of Theodoric, a place probably identical with the hermitage of Theodoric, mentioned at a very early period' 2 of the history of Margam. The late Dr. Luard, who edited the Annates de Margam in the Master of the Rolls' series of" Chronicles and Memorials", suggests that these three places are respectively Pennarth, Resolven, and Tythegston. To the first and last, however, I have considerable doubt if he is correct in his assumption. Other places belonging to Margam Abbey suffered on this occasion, which gives the annalist an opportunity of airing his verse : " Rursum 3 diversis in locis domos nostras succenderunt : " In quibus igne greges ovium magni perierunt." By royal letters patent in Harley Charter 75 A. 10 (C. CVlll), addressed to all his bailiffs and lieges, Henry III takes under his immediate protection all men, lands, rents, possessions and property of the monks on sea (that is, shipping and right of wreck) and on land, and strictly orders their protection and favour. The deed is dated at Merewelle, or Merevale, a Cistercian abbey in Leicester- shire, with which, in all probability, Margam Abbey was related by the bonds of a spiritual confraternity not uncommon among monasteries of the same order. 25 May, 12th year, A.D. 1228. Perhaps this was intended as a protective remedy against the troubles Margam was suffering at the hands of the Welsh. In spite of the troubles which were passing in the vicinity of 1 Ann. de Afarg, p. 35. 2 See pp. 20, 25. 8 Ibia. The Irish Cistercians . 22 1 the Abbey, Irish Cistercian houses were still being fostered by Margam, as is shown by the Harley Charter 75 A. 5 (C. CVII), a letter of G[ualter, or Guillelmus], Abbot of Citeaux, and the whole general chapter of abbots, pointing out, in much the same terms as the document already mentioned, the disorderly condition of the miserable Irish abbeys of the Order, reported by special visitors as past improvement, and conferring upon Margam Abbey, which is zealously willing to accept the office, the affiliation of the Abbey of St. Cross, or Holy Cross, formerly a daughter or off-shoot of Maig, A.D. 1228. This abbey was near Thurles in Tipperary county. It was also called Wethirlugh'n. The abbot had the tirle of Earl of Holy Cross, his lands constituting an Earldom ; he was also a Baron of Parliament, and generally Vicar-General of the Irish Cistercians. Very little is known of its history, but it is evident that want of discipline and poverty had brought it to so scandalous a condition, that the general chapter sitting at Citeaux would have acted on the report of the visitors whom they had deputed to visit the house, had it not been that the Abbot of Margam, fired with the hope of reforming its spiritual condition and rehabilitating its temporal state, nobly undertook to deal with it after the method which he was using with success at Maig. In consequence of this proceeding, there was an important gathering of fourteen abbots of Irish Cistercian abbeys, armed with full powers by the general chapter of Citeaux, at which were present the Abbot of Stanley, in Wiltshire, the Abbot of Margam, and the Abbot of Buildwas, in Shropshire. At this meeting, after much discussion, the presiding abbot, Stephen de Lexington, of Stanley, drew up a notification (T. 133 ; C. DCCCLV) setting forth the miserable and scandalous condition of some of the Cistercian Abbeys in Ireland, which is to be remedied by affiliating at least two of them to each " mother" house, so that if one rebelled the other would prove a refuge ; 1 placing the Abbey of Holy Cross, which was formerly the daughter house in Maig, under subjection of Margam Abbey ; and enjoining upon Margam Abbey a strict reformation of the houses which are subject to her. The witnesses are : the Abbots, John de Goldclive of Margam ; S. of Buildwas ; A. of St. Mary's, Dublin ; VV. of Maig ; M. of Vallis Salutis, or Baltinglass, co. Wicklow ; Ph. of Jerpont, co. 1 On the principle : "si unus ceciderit ab altero fultietur ; ve soli quia cum ceciderit non habet sublevamen. Si donnierint duo fovebuntur mutuo, unus autem quomodo calcfiet?" 222 Mar gam Abbey. Kilkenny ; R. of Portus S. Marise, or Dunbrody, co. Wexford ; R. of St. Cross, in Minister ; of Rosavallis, or St. Ewin's, Rossglass, co. Kildare ; W. of Votum ; H. of Beatitudo, or Bectiff, co. Meath ; W. of Wetheni, or Owney, co. Limerick ; J. of Tractan, or de Albo-tractu, co. Cork ; of Grenard, or Lerha, near Granard, co. Longford ; of Arnicamp, or Arincamp ; T. of St. Saviour's, Vallis S. Salvatoris, or Graigne-manach, co. Kilkenny. Dated at the Abbey of Votum, A.D. 1228. It is not certain whether this is Kyrieleyson in Munster, 'Kilbeggan, co. Westmeath, or Kilcooly, co. Tipperary. Of the three seals of these abbots only fragments remain. These relations of Margam Abbey with the Cistercian Houses in Ireland led, in A.D. 1228, to some of the brethren 1 of Margam, not only monks but laics, being sent over to that country for reformation of the Order, on account of the laxity of discipline which had arisen. 1 Quidam ex fratribus domus nostra?, tarn monachi quam lairi, missi sunt in Hiberniam ad reformationem ordinis, quia ibi valde emavcuit disciplina." — A7in. de Marg., p. 36. CHAPTER XX. THE CHILDREN OF MORGAN AP CARADOC— LEISAN.— OWEN. —MORGAN CAM. — CADWALAN.— WENLLIAN.— MORGAN AB CADUATHLAN, NEPHEW OF MORGAN AP CARADOC. E have seen how Morgan ap Caradoc conferred numerous W benefits on the Abbey. The great chief had succeeded to the territories granted, on the subjugation and partition of the county, to Caradoc his father, son of Jestyn ap Gwrgan. At Aberavon stood the principal place of residence for the family. The foundations of the ancient castle in which he lived are still said to be discernible in a field near the churchyard : a site eminently suited for defending the passage over the river ; and although of no great extent, we are told it was sufficiently formid- able to become an object of importance in the various petty wars that disturbed the peace of the Principality. Morgan's demesnes were invaded, and the Castle of Aberavon demolished by Madoc ap Meredydd, Prince of Powys, at the head of a powerful band harry- ing Glamorganshire about, or more probably subsequent to, the year 1150. But the Annals of Margam are silent on this point of date. Incapable of offering successful resistence to the invader, Morgan had taken safety in flight, and eventually placed himself under the protection of William, Earl of Gloucester, and held his lands " per baroniam", 1 a proceeding which, while it enabled him to secure his position, at the same time deprived him and his suc- cessors of their independence. From that time forward the repre- sentatives of this family, the head of the Welsh families of Glamorgan, were subject to, and their demesnes formed a part of, the lordship of Glamorgan and Morgan. The offspring of Morgan, in their turn, fostered the abbey of Margam. Their names are :— Lleisan ap Morgan, who occurs from A.D. 1 179 to 1228; — Owen or Oeni. Leisan and Owen occasionally record assent to 1 Clark, iii, 214. 224 Mar gam Abbey. their father's charters (see C. DCCLXXIV, A.D. 1205); — Morgan Gam, A.D. 1 1 80 to 1240; — Cadwalan ; — perhaps also Caradoc ; — Matildis ; and Wenllian. We have to deal with their charters to the Abbey in turn. Of Lleisan, the eldest son, several important charters remain, viz. : — (1) A deed contained in Harley Charter 75 c. 36; C. DCCCXXVIII, whereby Leissan 1 and Owein, 1 sons of Morgan, promise the monks of Margam on their oaths, not to dig or plough the land between the Walda of the English (Gvval-saeson, or Englishman's wall) and Meles in Avene marsh, for they and their father have given the pasture of all the land, arable and not arable, " in Melis" in moor and in marsh, to the monks, between Avene and the Chapel of St. Thomas, at a yearly rent of twenty shillings. The witnesses are : Worgan, 2 chaplain of Avene ; Roger, 3 son of Yvor ; David Puig- neil ; 4 Herbert Palmer ; William, son of Alevvi. Leisan's seal is wanting; that of Owein bears a dexter hand, holding a lance-flag: — SIGILL HO ANI . (2) By a similar but imperfect deed { T. 288. 12) the brothers Leysan and Owein grant to Margam Abbey all the marsh lying between the " Wallum" of the English (see above) and Auene water, and between Auene water and Berges, at the yearly rent of half-a-mark silver. (3) They also grant (T. 292.21 ; C. DCCCXLIIl) to the Abbey the whole meadow and land of " Spinis" towards Newcastle, from the " muddy ford" towards the east, two quarentenes in length, then to the north as far as the land of Seieth, and the furzes (Spinas) and whatever else is thereon. (4) T. 543 . 6 {C. MCCCCXXI, and compare T. 543 . 18), is a con- firmation by Leisaun, son of Morgan, to the monks, of all the charters and grants of his father in the marsh of Auene, Newcastle, and Pultimor, in wood and plain. Before these witnesses : Wrgan 2 the priest ; William, son of Alewi ; David Puignel ; 4 Herebert Palmer ; Richard, provost of Newcastle ; Wrunu, son of Philip. (5) T. 294.24 {C. DCCCXVl) is a grant by Leisan to Margam, of two acres of land at Gumboldeswille, between Crockereshulle 5 and the King's meadow, in the Newcastle district. 1 Occurs in A.D. 1200- 1 205. 2 Wrgan, priest, occurs c. a.d. r 199. 3 Occurs in a.d. 1213. 4 Occurs in A.D. 1 199-1205. 5 " Terra Scurlage qui dicitur Crokerehille", in his father Morgan's charter of A.D. 1205. See p. 160. Lets an ap Morgan. 225 (6) Leisan confirms (J 1 . 288.4 ! C. DCCCXV) to Margam Abbey all the land extending in length and breadth from foss Sauan, to the water foss, then in length and breadth to Pult Shethan, which his father Morgan gave by charter to the monks. Sworn on the Margam sacrosancta, and under the seal of the said Morgan, because he had no seal. The witnesses are : Kenewreic, 1 the priest of Langauelach ; Cuelin Arther ; Joruerth, son of Hoel ; Griffin Du ; Ithenard, son of Griffin ; Morgan, son of Griffin ; Wrunu, 1 son of Maurice ; Wen, son of Geffrei. (7) Very near in point of time comes T. III. (C. DCCXCl), a general confirmation by Leisan of all the grants and confirmations which his father Morgan made to and with the said Abbey. Before these witnesses :— Helias, dean of Newcastle ; Maurice, priest of St. Cadoc's ; Henry, priest of " Ponte" 2 ; David Puignel ; Andrew, cellarer of Margam ; William del Val, monk ; Gnaitur, conversus of the same. The first seal of the grantor is appended. (8) Two copies are met with of a confirmation {T. no A. B. ; C. DCCXCII) by Leisan to the Abbey, of all the grants and agree- ments in Auena and Newcastle, which his father Morgan made to and with the said Abbey ; this was made when he gave his body to the said Abbey for burial there at his death. Before the same witnesses as above in T. III. One copy bears a fine large seal, on which is delineated the grantor, Leisan, kneeling before the Abbot of Margam, seated with mitre and book, lifting up the right hand in blessing upon the kneeling figure. SIGILLVM . LEISAN . FILII . MORGANI. To the other is appended the second, or equestrian, seal of the grantor. (9) In T. 1 12 (212 . 4 ; 543 . 5 ; C. DCCLXXXIX, MCL) is recorded a grant by Leisan to the Abbey of all the land of Rossaulin, between the water called Wrach and that called Cleudachcumkake, and between the water of Neth and the highway along the hills from Torbethel to Glinwrach, all the commodities of the water of Neth between the two said waters of Wrach and Cleudachcumkake, and common of pasture of all his land on the hills between Auena and Neth. Before these witnesses : Helias, dean of Newcastle ; Maurice, Martin, Henry, and David, priests ; Roger, son of Wian ; David Puignel, John Soor, and Grunu, son of John. Occurs in A.D. 1200. 2 Bridgend (?). Q 226 Mar gam Abbey. A large seal of the type described above is appended. The label is inscribed "de primo sigillo." (10) In the Harley Charter 75 C. 34 (T. 543. 17), Leisan, son of Morgan, with his father's consent, confirms to the monks in perpetual almoign, the common of pasture of the whole of his land, " ex Est-parte de Neth", i.e., on the east of the river Neath, and agrees that he will admit no religious persons other than the said monks. Sworn by Leisan and his father on the sanctuaria before these witnesses : — Helias the dean, 1 Maurice, -2 Martin, 3 Henry, and David, priests ; Roger, son of Wian ; David Pugneil, 4 John Soor ; Grunu, son of John. The seal shows the Abbot of Margam on the Abbey throne, with mitre and book, blessing the grantor Leisan, who kneels before him. It is an interesting object of Welsh art, and shows details of the dress of the Welsh gentleman of the time of King John. SIGILLUM . LEISAN FIL' Another deed, couched in identical terms, exists in T. 109 (C. DCCXC). The witnesses are the same as those of the previous deed. The seal, however, differs : it is oval, pointed at top, and bears a knight in armour, riding on a horse. *%t sigill' leisan fil' MORGAN I. and the label of the seal is inscribed " de segundo sigillo". (11) In T. 107 (292. 23 ; C. DCCCXIV) Leisan, son of Margan, confirms to the Abbey the grants made by his father, and their respective homines to the Abbey, and settles all dissensions with the same for five pounds silver. He restores also to the same their land at Argolesull, in Newcastle, which he has unjustly ploughed and sown. This is sworn on the Margam sacrosancta, before these witnesses : — Maurice the priest ; Wilfrid the priest ; Ralph the clerk ; Grifin ab Kneithur ; Alaithur ; Roger ab Iuor ; Ralph Mailoc ; Adam, son of Ailward ; Alewi Ruht ; Robert Samson ; Thomas Asketil. Octave of SS. Peter and Paul, 6 July, A.D. 12 13 The equestrian seal of Leisan is appended. (12) In the same year Leisan confirmed (T. 108 ; C. DCCCXIII) to Margam Abbey all the charter-grants by Roger, son of VVian, and his brethren, and by his other men, to the Abbey, of their land in his fee of Newcastle ; undertaking not to molest the monks respecting the garden in Newcastle given to them by Walter 1 Hclias, dean of Newcastle, occurs in A.D. 1 199-1208. - Occurs circ. a.d. 1200, 12 1 3. 8 Occurs circ. A.D. 1200. 4 Occurs circ. A.n. 1 199-1208. Leisan ap Morgan. 227 Lagheles ; he ratifies hereby all the grants by the said Morgan and his homines to the Abbey ; and promises never again to vex them by demanding his rents beforehand for land in the said fee. For forty shillings. With remission by the said Leisan of all dissensions with the Abbey. He finds the following sureties : — Master Ralph Mailoc ; Gillebert de Turberuille ; Walter Luuel, constable of Kenefeg. Before these witnesses : Master Ralph Mailoc ; Gillebert de Turberuille ; Henry de Vmfranville ; Walter Luuel ; Alaithur, son of Ythenard ; Griffin, son of Knaithur ; Madoc his brother. Christmas, A.D. 12 13. The equestrian seal of Leisan is appended to this also. (13) Leisan's dissensions with Margam must have been serious and continuous, notwithstanding that the monks gradually obtained many valuable concessions from him. In a general deed or con- firmation, or quit-claim (T. 106; C. DCCXXXlll) he swears on the sanctuaria, on the most holy body of our Lord, and on the most precious wood of the True Cross, and on the reliques of saints, apostles, martyrs, confessors and virgins, contained in a cross on the high altar of the Abbey church, to forego all the dissensions which he has had with Margam Abbey concerning the lands and tenements which it holds of him in his fee ; with confirmation of all grants by Morgan, son of Karadoc, and Audoenus, brother of the grantor, to the Abbey in Pultimor, Auene marsh, Newcastle, and other places, under or upon the mountains ; and undertakes that the bailiff of the land shall determine for the future, by judgment of his courts, all disagreements between the parties, and especially the land of Walter Lageles. The witnesses are : Walter de Sulie, Sheriff of Glamorgan ; Richard Flamang ; l Peter le Butiller; 2 William de Cantilupe ; 3 Walter Luvel ; Stephen, 4 the clerk of Kenefeg ; Wasmer ; Thomas Albus 5 of Kenefeg' ; Alaithur; Res Coch ; Griffin, son of Kanai- thur.' 2 The equestrian type of seal is appended. A knight in armour, with cap-shaped helmet, hauberk and surcoat, sword and shield, riding on a galloping horse. (14) In the Hurley Charter 75 c. 35 {C. DCCCXVII) this Leisan confirms to the monks of Margam the land of Pulthimor, which they hold by charter from his father, and by a charter sealed with ^ SIGILLWM . LEISAVN . FILII . MORGAN. . 1 Occurs in A.D. 1205-12 13. 3 Occurs in A.D. 1207. 6 Occurs in A.D. 1202. - Occurs in a.d. 12 13. 4 Occurs in a.d. 1202-1219. Q 2 228 Mar gam Abbey. Leisan's small seal, at a yearly rent of half a silver mark ; and also confirms to the said monks his former charters " sealed with two other seals", 1 assured and sworn on the sanctuaria of Margam, before the following witnesses : — Maurice, the chaplain of St. Caddoc ; Roger ab Yvor ; 2 Eneas and Maddoc, his sons ; Ernald, the constable of Neath ; Henry, chaplain of Ponte ; Alured de Dunmoc and Philip de Berkelay, Serjeants of Reginald de Brause ; Stephen, the clerk of Kenefeg ; Alaithur, son of Ythenard ; Richard de Selebi, sub-prior of Margam ; William de Lichefeld, Walter de Kardif, Helyas de Bristollia, monks ; Justin and Espus, conversi of Margam. The equestrian or later seal is appended. SIGILLWM . LEISAVN . FILII . MORGAN. (15) Our Leisan ap Morgan confirmed also T. 292.4; (C. DCCXXXIl) to the Abbey, all the charter-grants made by his father in Newcastle. Before these witnesses : Wilfrid the priest ; Lucas the clerk ; Robert Segin ; Robert Samson ; Alaithu ; Res Coh ; Roger Wiaun ; Roger Aithan ; David Puinnel. Oen, also called Hoen and Oweni, the second son of Morgan ap Caradoc, and younger brother of Leisan, has left, in addition to the deeds already mentioned, in which he concurs in the grants made to Margam Abbey by his father and brother, two deeds executed by himself as a principal. They are (1) a confirmation (T. 292 ; 5 ; 543 . 7 ; C. DCCCXXXl) by Oen, son of Morgan, to the Abbey in almoign, of all the grants made by his father of pastures, meadows, and lands in the marsh of Auene, and in Newcastle, in Pultimore, in the mountains, and in wood and plain. The witnesses are : Alaithur, son of Ithenard ; Keneir, brother of Alaithu ; Res, son of Ruathlan ; Madoc, son of Roger ; Anaraud, son of Cnaithur ; Eneir, brother of Anaraud ; Vrien, 3 son of Weir ; Ithenard, son of Madoc ; Kenewreic, son of Madoc ; Meuric, son of Ketheric ; Espus, son of Meiler ; Philip, brother of Espus ; Elider, brother of Philip. (2) A confirmation {Harley Charter 75 c. 37 ; C. DCCCXXX) whereby Hoen, son of Margan, confirms all the gifts and confirma- tions which Margan his father, and Leisan his brother, made in almoign to the monks of Margam, viz., of the lands, meadows, and 1 " Nam ante hoc sigillum, quo presens carta sigillatur, habueram duo sigilla, quibus monachi habent diversas cartas sigillatas, quas eis confirmo"; one of these seals would be that bearing Leisan's effigy kneeling before the abbot, as already described. 2 Occurs in a.d. 1213. 3 Vria, son of Weir, temp. Espus ap Caradoc Du, p. 162. See also p. 232. Owein ap Morgan: Morgan Cam. 229 pastures in the marsh of Avene, the land of Roshowelin, the pastures on the east part of Neth (" ex hestparte de Neth"), and the land of Pultimor. Before these witnesses : Brother Justin and Brother Cnaithur, conversi of Margam ; Alaithur, son of Ethenard ; Roger, son of Wian ; David Puinel ; Morgan, son of Karadoc, father of the said Hoen, and Leisan his brother. The seal of Howen, son of Margan, is still attached to the deed. It bears a right hand grasping a lance-flag. SIGILL' . HOWENI . F NI. Morgan, surnamed Cam, Kam, or Cham, " the crooked", the third son of Morgan ap Caradoc, appears to have inherited the family estates in succession to his brothers Leisan and Owein. He made a few benefactions to the Abbey in the early years of the thirteenth century. In A.D. 1228 Gilbert, Earl of Gloucester, took him prisoner, 1 loaded him with chains, and sent him to England to be kept in safe custody. He was, however, released on giving hostages to the Earl of Clare. In A.D. 1232 Morgan Cam burned the town of Kenfig. 2 He died in February A.D. 1 240-1, and was buried at Margam, 3 his place of sepulture having probably formed part of a bargain between him and the monks, after the usual fashion of the time. Among the charters of Morgam Cam, which are contained in the British Museum and at Margam, notice must be made of : — (1) A notification (T. 73 ; C. DCCCLXXlx) setting forth that he has sworn upon the holy reliques of Margam that he will for the future observe all the charters and confirmations of his father and brothers, and his own, to Margam Abbey ; that he will never dis- possess them from any tenement, nor remove their live-stock from any tenement which they hold of him ; and that all disputes between the parties shall be settled by award of two or three arbitrators, chosen on each side ; " and if we do not adhere to this, let holy church do her duty by us," i.e., excommunicate us ; before these witnesses : — Ralph of Newcastle, Gregory, chaplain of Auene ; Ralph, parson of Neth ; Res ab Roger, Lewelin his brother, Robert Scotus, James the supprior, Osbern and Thomas de Cantelo, monks ; Rired and Espus, conversi of Margam. With a fragment of a seal, bearing a knight in armour, riding on a horse. s' MORG 1 Ann. de Marg., ad. an. 2 Ann. de Iheokesb., ad. an. (Rolls Series), vol. i, p. 1 16. 3 Exchequer Chron., in Arch. Camb., 1862, p. 278. 230 Mar gam Abbey. The great value of this deed to the Abbey lies in the grant of the privilege summed up in the endorsement in these words : " Quod non ponamur in placitum in curia de Avena" — " that we are not to be impleaded in the Aberavon court." (2) A charter (C. CV from the " Penrice MS.", but I am unable to identify this deed among those at Margam) by Morgan, son of Morgan, and his brothers Leisan and Ovvein, to the monks of Margam, that he will not molest them in the Avene waters, nor drive away their sheep, nor trouble them in their cultivated lands in the fee of Newcastle while Newcastle is not in his hands, not- withstanding he may be making war with others for the said Newcastle. Sworn on the sanchiaria of the church. Before these witnesses : Cnithlin, son of Kanan ; Rederch ; and Ririd. (3) A deed {Harley Charter 75 C. 21 ; C. CXIX) whereby Morgan Kam confirms to the monks his whole common of pasture between the Avene and the boundaries of the monks of Margam and Neath ; " tarn in marisco quam in melis", at a yearly rent of forty pence. And he also grants them a place suitable for building a cow-house " in melis". The witnesses are : Meuric ab Willim ; Llewellyn ab Roger ; Res, his brother ; Geoffrey ab Herebert ; Osbert and Thomas, monks of Margam ; Hespus, Robert Petit, conversi of Margam. The seal bears a representation of Morgan Kam in armour, with hauberk, surcoat, flat cap or helmet, sword and shield, riding on a horse springing to the right. ^ SIGILLVM . MORGANI : CAM -)f (4) A grant by Morgan, son of Morgan, T. 115 (C. DCCCXXIX; to the Abbey of the New Marsh of Auene, between their new " Walda" and the " Walda" of the English, with exclusion of cattle, except those belonging to the Abbey, from Easter to Michaelmas. And if the monks desire to cultivate the said marsh, they are to hold it as they formerly did hold the whole marsh by their charter. These being witnesses : Gregory, chaplain of Auene ; Master Ralph Mailoc ; Robert Samson ; John the clerk ; Res, son of Roger ; Washauet Gille, William de Lichesfeld, Walter de Hauerford, monks of Margam ; Brother Robert Pulmor. (5) T. 543 . 20 (C. MCCCCXXIII). A confirmation by Morgan, son of Morgan, to the monks of Margam, of the grant 1 by his younger brother, Cadwalan, son of Morgan, of the land of Rossaulin. The boundaries lie between the waters of Wrach and 1 See a little further on. T. 543. 19 ; C. mccccxxii, Morgan Cam. 231 Cleudac'kac', the water of Neth, and the high road over the mountains from Torrebethel to Bleinwrac ; with all the benefits of the water of Neth ; and of the wood within the said limits, in honey and birds ; and common pasture of all his land between Aveneand Neth, according to the charters of his father and brothers. Sworn on the sanctuaria. (6) Morgan Kam witnesses a quit-claim ( T. 74 ; C. DCCCXl) by Yoruard' Coh, with advice and consent of Meuric, Lowarh, and Yoruard', his sons, to the Abbey, of land between Cattepitte, the land of Gramus, the water of Kenefeg, and the highway leading from La Rigge (Kenefig Hill) towards Kenefeg. Sworn upon the holy reliques of Margam Church. The witnesses are : Morgan Kam ; Meuric ab Wilim, constable ; Resus Coh ; Yoruard' ab Espus ; Owen ab Alaithur ; John and Osbern, monks ; Rired and Espus, conversi of Margam. The seal bears a rosette of eight leaves. ►i< SIGILL' . WORVARD : COH. Morgan Cham occurs in T. 76, a charter of Heilin Pren. (7) The Abbey Roll (T. 292.28; C. DCCCLXVlll) records a confirmation by Morgan Cam, with assent of Matildis his wife, to Margam Abbey, of the grants which Gillebert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester, made in the fee of Newcastle ; namely, all the moor lying between the moor his father gave them by charter, and Baythan water, viz., Baythan water on the west, and the stream called Guthelindelake on the east going from Treykic to Hollake ; and all the acres the Earl gave them by deed in Lagelestun, both on the north of the high road towards Walderes Cross into Roueleslonde, and also on the south of that road. This is interesting as recording the name of Morgan's wife. It is worthy of notice that Morgan, who was Lord of Aven, was sub- ordinate to the Earl of Gloucester, and hereby confirms the grants of his overlord. Perhaps this throws light on the quarrel between them which led to Morgan's capture and downfall. There is a companion deed, wherein is contained the confirmation (T. 545 . 2 ; C. MCCCCXl) by Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester and Hertford, to the Abbey, of the moor lying between another moor which he " chartered" to the Abbey, as the water of Baithan from the west, and the water of Guthelendelake from the east, descend from Treykic as far as to Hollake. Cadwalan, fourth son of Morgan, younger brother of Leisan and Owen, and son of Morgan ap Caradoc, executed a deed, now 232 Mar gam Abbey. on the Abbey Roll (T. 543. 19; C. MCCCCXXIl) granting to the Abbey all the land of Rossaulin, comprised between the waters called Wrach and Claudacumkan and Neth water, and the Torbethel road, through the mountains as far as Bleinwrac ; 1 all the commodities of the Neth water between the aforesaid waters of Wrac and Cleudacumkac ; 2 all the commodities of bees and birds, etc., in the wood, and confirmation of all the gifts and grants which his father Morgan, and his brethren Leisan and Owein, made to the Abbey between the waters of Neth and Avene, by charter. Sworn upon the sanctuaria of Margam, with especially declared warranty against the sons of Wrgy 3 and their offspring, and a promise that he will maintain no one who has done violence to the Abbey until satisfaction has been rendered. Wenllian, or Wenthlian, daughter of Morgan ap Caradoc, and sister of Leisan and Owein, is known by one deed in the Margam collections (T. 123 ; 292. 22 ; C. DCCXXIV), a quit-claim by Wenth- lian, daughter of Morgan, to Margam Abbey, of her right to the meadow and land of " Spinis", held of her father, and afterwards granted to the Abbey by Leisan and Owein her brothers. 4 The land lies from the vadum lutosum, or " muddy ford" of Hwitherel, towards the east for two quarentenes in length, and towards the north as far as the land of Seiet, now perhaps " City" farm. The witnesses are : William de Lichesfeld' ; Brother Joceline and Brother Richard, conversi of Margam ; John de Golcl[iffe], Wrunu, son of Philip ; Jago Seis ; Richard Walensis. The seal is from a stamp, appended by a plaited cord of variegated thread. Morgan, son of Cadwalan, son (p. 9) or grandson (pp. 230, 231) of Caradoc, is known to us by a few charters. There is a con- firmation (T. 45 ; 288 . 9 ; 293 . 8; C. DCCLXXXl) by Morgan, 5 son of Kaduathlan, of the charter-grant which his father Kaduathlan made to Margam in his lands, with the additional privilege of pasture throughout all his land which he ought to inherit from his father. Sworn on the holy reliqnes, with undertaking to protect the monks and their chattels. The witnesses are : Odo de Novo-burgo, Meuric, son of Roger ; Vren, son of Weir ; Iuor Keloit. The endorsement of this deed connects it with Kevenmahhaj or Cefn Machen, at the confluence of the rivers Garw and Ogmore. 1 Blaen-Gwrach, above Resolven. 2 Clydach Brook, running into the River Neath just below Resolven. 3 See p. 129. 4 See p. 224. 6 His sons occur in A.D. 1249, as will be seen further on. Morgan ab Cadwathlan . 233 In the Harley Charter 75 c. 19 {T. 293.10; DCCLXXX) are contained certain letters of guarantee and protection by Morgan ab Kadwathlo, of the grange of Egliskeinwer.and all cattle {averia) of the monks of Margam which are in his land, especially against the men of Brechineoch (Brecknock), and of Seingeheny, and the sons of Seisil ab Lowar. The witnesses are : William de Licheffeld ; Ralph Portarius of Margam ; Brother Justin ; Walter Luvel ; Stephen the clerk ; Alaithur ; Res Coch ; Griffin ab Kanaithur ; Eneroud his brother ; Roger Kam. The seal bears a lion passant. t%t SIGILL' : MORGANI : FILII : KADFY. T. 293 . 9 (C. DCCLXXXll) is a grant by Morgan ab Cadwathlan, to the Abbey, of common of pasture for horses and cattle, in all his lands, except corn and meadow, according to the boundaries which separate his lands from those of the lands of Hoel, son of Moredu, on the east, of Morgan Kam on the west, and of Gilbert de Turberville on the south ; rent, one mark yearly. Sworn on the sanctuaria of Margam. The partition of the land of the lord of Avene is clearly shown by this deed. This Hoel, cousin of the grantor, and occupier of land contiguous to that herein mentioned, was at war with Morgan, and the result is described in the Chronicles, which state that in the year 1228 Howel ap Meredith 1 took captive his cousin, Morgan ap Cadwalan, loaded him with chains, put out his eyes, and subjected him to further cruelties. This Hoel ap Meredyth, son of Caradoc, occasionally occurs in the Annals of Teivkesbury, where, among other notices, we read, under the year 1242, that Hoel son of Mereduth, Res son of Griffin, and G. de Turbewille were at war with each other, and disturbed the peace of Glamorgan, Mischin, and Seynhinith. 2 Owein Creic and Morgan, sons of Morgan ap Cadwalan, will be found mentioned further on under the year 1249. This year also, the monks' barn at Vacella was struck with lightning, and the fire which resulted could not be extinguished for two months. Perhaps this was on the land of Robert de Vaucelles, in Keynsham, co. Somerset (see p. 34). The Welshmen, led by Howel ap Moreduth 3 in 1229, destroyed the towns of St. Nicholas and St. Hillary. 4 Of St. Nicholas some 1 Ann. de Marg., pp. 36, 37. "Hoc anno Howelus Alius Moreduth cepit Morganum filium Cadwalani, avunculi sui, vinxitque eum crudeliter, cujus oculos tandem eruit, ejusque membra . . turpiter amputari fecit." 2 Ann. de Theokesb. (Rolls Series), p. 124. Now Miskin and Senghenydd. 3 See another adventure of this Howel under a.d. 1243. 4 Ann. de Marg., p. 37. 234 Mar gam Abbey. notice has been given already. St. Hillary is a village about a mile and a half to the east of Cowbridge, a little to the south of the Great Western road through the county. There is a quit-claim and abjuration (Harley Charter 75 C . 29 ; C. DCCCLXl) by Griffin Latimer to the monks of Margam, of his right in the land of Kidlicolum, with an oath of his fealty. The monks gave him as much money as would buy a tunic and mantle, " de burello", 1 and linen clothes, viz., a shirt and breeches, " cami- siam et braccas". The witnesses are : Howel ap Mereduth ;- Wronu ab Knaithur ; Howel Vahhan ; Enias Vahhan ; Maurice his brother ; Leulin ab Meuric ; Heylin ab Isac ; Knaitho ab Wrgan ; John La Ware 3 and Osbern, monks ; and Espus and John Faber, conversi of Margam. The seal bears an ornamental fleur-de-lis. *%t SIGILL' GRIFIN LATIMER. This Grifin 4 is found among others who were imprisoned by Richard Syvvard, in violation of a truce, in A.D. 1245. 1 Burellus, " Panni spissioris ac vilioris species, Burre//, bureau, gros draft" I)ucange,s.v. ; a kind of thick coarse cloth, probably of a red colour. Compare this costume with those mentioned at p. 22. 2 Howel ap Moreduth occurs A.D. 1229, 1248, etc., in the Exchequer Chronicle. 3 Abbot of Margam in a.d. 1237. 4 Cf. Clark, vol. i, p. 89 ; ii, p. 347. CHAPTER XXL OTHER DESCENDANTS OF WILLIAM, EARL OF GLOUCESTER. — AMICIA.— GILBERT DE CLARE. HE scene must now shift for a time to the consideration of 1 the connection of Margam Abbey with the noble descendants of Earl William. Robert, his eldest son, had, as we have already recorded, died during the lifetime of his father. The Earl's three daughters had married notable men. Isabel, the youngest daughter, rejected wife of King John, and childless widow of the Earl of Essex, has already been shown to be a liberal benefactress of the Abbey. Amicia, the second daughter, became wife of Richard de Clare, fourth Earl of Hertford, who died in A.D. 1218, leaving his son Gilbert fifth Earl. The mother and the son, in their turn, favoured the Cistercian cause in Glamorgan. Of the Countess Amicia, the text of only one document is extant which refers to the Abbey. It is a confirmation (T. 545 . 3 ; C. MCCCCXll) by Amicia, Countess of Clare, in her free widowhood — that is, after A.D. 121 8 — to the monks, of all grants and confirmations made to them by Robert, Earl of Gloucester, her grandfather, William, Earl of Gloucester, her father, and Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester and Hertford, her son and heir. Mabel, the eldest daughter of Earl William, married Almaric, Count of Evereux, in Normandy. Their son, Almaric, became Earl of Gloucester on the death of Earl Richard in 1218; or, according to other authorities, on the death of Earl Geoffrey in 1 2 16. It is difficult to reconcile this with the statement in the Annals of Margam} which shows that in A.D. 1 217 (12 18), Gilbert dc Clare succeeded to his inheritance of the two Earldoms of Glouces- ter and Hertford, whereupon he confirmed to the Abbey of Margam " omnes terras et libertates quas habuimus ab anteces- soribus suis vel ab hominibus suis". One of Earl Gilbert's charters has already been mentioned. 2 The others include : — 236 Mar gam Abbey. T. 545 . 9 {C. MCCCCXVI), a writ or precept of the Earl, probably executed shortly after his succession to the title, to all his bailiffs and freemen, French, English, and Welsh, declaring that the Abbey is in his custody and protection, and commanding the maintenance thereof and preservation of all liberties contained in the charters granted to it by himself or his ancestors. This Abbey Roll, No. 545, contains ten texts, all relating to the benefactions of the house of Gloucester to the monks of Margam. There is an important charter of Earl Gilbert, without date, preserved in an inspeximus (in A.D. 1338) by Hugh Le Despenser, Lord of Glamorgan and Morgan, son of Hugh Le Despenser, the husband of Alianora, great-granddaughter of the grantor ( T. 212 B. C. ; C. MCLI). By it he confirms to the monks their lands in the fees of Kenefeg and Newcastle ; all the land of Peytevyn, and of Hugh de Hereford and of the Welshmen, for which they paid thirty-two shillings yearly to the bailiffs of Kenefeg ; all the moor of Hevedhaloke, between Kenefeg and Baithan waters ; one hundred and seventeen acres in the demesne of his table in New- castle ; the moor on the north part of the mountain called Briddewodes-Castle ; Seitesland ; a rent of eight shillings and four pence out of Lachelesland ; Ketherek-land, on the south of the road to Lachelestone ; Rofles-land, on the other side of the road ; — and he gives the monks quit-claim of all foreign service of Langewy fee except half a mark for Castle-ward and other services ; twenty-eight pence out of Kylthiculum ; fourteen pence out of Gillemichel-land, payable hitherto to his kitchen ; four shillings and three halfpence out of the land of Jouaf Troinkam, near Kate- putte ; foreign service of all other their tenements, be it of knight, huntsman, or other serjeant, or of the kitchen ; common of pasture in his marsh on the west of Cardiff, between Thaf and Ely, the monks only paying for each herd of cattle as much as the burges- ses did in the time of Earl William ; — and he confirms to the same all the chartered gifts and grants of his ancestors and his freemen, viz., Nos. 6 to 9, 1 1, 13 to 28 of the specified gifts in the last charter of the widow, Countess Isabel, described at p. 213. No. 10, the Castle ward, is reserved as above; No. 12, relating to Newcastle, is also remodelled as above ; and to these are added twenty-four shillings rent given by Adam de Sumery and his heirs at Denis Powys. The valuable clause, " in wood and plain", etc., as in Countess Ysabel's second charter, is repeated. The witnesses are : Henry, Bishop of Llandaff ; Clement, Abbot of Neath ; Master Maurice, the archdeacon ; Masters Nich. Gobion and Ralph Giblert de Clare. 237 Mailloke, canons of Llandaff ; John de Erleg ; Thos. Malemains ; Will, de Acra, sheriff of Cardiff ; Gilb. de Turberville ; Reimund de Sullie ; Will, de Gundi ; Will, de Reigny ; Will, de Cantelupo ; Walt. Lovel. T. 293. 31 (C. DCCCXLIV) appears to be a preliminary draft or abridged copy of this deed, with a great gap between Briddewdes- castell and Egliskeinwer, where it takes up the text of this long deed to Bradington, in No. 19, p. 214, and then ends with the " Quare volo" clause, but omits the witnesses. The letters of Bishop Henry are still extant (T. 130 ; C. Dec), addressed to D. Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester and Hertford, notifying that David Scurlag' was of full age, and seised of his land at the time when the agreements were made between him and Margam Abbey concerning the land he held in the fee of Lang- hewi ; that his full age was recognised in the Cardiff Court when he recovered his land against Reimund, his bastard brother ; and that the said agreements made in the Bishop's presence before the Court of Cardiff are reasonable. This and the preceding deed must be referred to the first year of Earl Gilbert and last of the Bishop, who died 12th November, A.D. 1 2 18, and they corroborate the passage in Annals of Margam already mentioned. Thereupon Earl Gilbert issued a certificate of recognisance {Harley Charter 75 B. 37 ; C. DCCCXix). The names of the witnes- ses or cognizants are : Henry, Bishop of Llandaff; Master N. Gobion, canon of Llandaff ; Peter Pincerna, knight ; William de Sumery, knight ; William de Reigny ; William de Cantilupe ; Roger de Gloucestria ; Richard Le Norreis ; Master Ralph Mailoc ; Maurice de Cantilupe ; Robert Sanson. The seal remains, with the equestrian figure of the Earl on one side, on the other side a shield of the arms of Clare, three chevrons : — SIGIL DE CLARA. There is a precipe ( T. 545 . 5 ; C. MCCCCXiv) of Earl Gilbert to the sheriff of Glamorgan, that whereas King John, who held the land of Glamorgan by reason of his espousal of the Countess Isabella, aunt {inatertera) of the said Gilbert, forbade that the Abbot and monks of Margam should be impleaded of their tene- ments except before himself or his chief justice, so now they shall not be impleaded except before himself or his sheriff at his orders. T. 131 (545.6; C. DCCCXL) is a mandate by Earl Gilbert de Clare to the Sheriff of Glamorgan, that he shall not permit the 238 Mar gam Abbey. Abbot and monks of Margam which belong to his especial alms, to be put in plea for their tenements, nor for any things which appertain to the secular court, except before the Earl himself, or before the Sheriff by order of the Earl. To this is appended a fine impression of the great seal. On one side is the Earl, wearing a hauberk of mail, stiff surcoat, flat-topped helmet, with sword and shield of arms, riding on a galloping horse, caparisoned. The arms of the shield and caparisons are : Three chevrons, Clare. SIGILL[VM : GILBEjRTI : DE : CLARE : CO IS : HE[RTFORDl]E. On the other side is a small round counterseal, with a shield of arms of CLARE. SIGILL' : GILEBERTI : DE : CLARA. The monks looked on this charter of privilege as very precious, and docketed it accordingly. Earl Gilbert gave the Abbot a charter {Harley Charter 75 B. 38 ; T. 545 . 8 ; C. DCCCXLl) stating that, because he desires the Abbey, which is of his especial alms, should preserve its ancient liberties, it is not to permit those coming to parliament or army to be enter- tained or eat in the Abbey against its ancient customs and assises, and the ancient custom is to be maintained against its Welsh neighbours who trouble it with too many visits. The Sheriff is to put this order in force if necessary. The seal resembles that already described. With these we may compare T. 545 .7 (C. MCCCCXV), a mandate by Earl Gilbert to the bailiff of Glamorgan, that he shall not permit Gilbert de Turberville, or any other, to molest the Abbey by reason of forestry or other foreign service, for the tenements given by the Earl or his ancestors to the Abbey ; for all their tenements are to be exforestata, i.e., exempt from foreign service, and free of all other secular service. The Abbey Roll 545 is imperfect at the beginning, which as it now stands contains the ending of a grant (C. MCCCCIV), apparently by Earl Gilbert to the monks, of six acres of land between Walter Lageles's land and the Cross ; seven acres at Grethille, which they rented at ten pence halfpenny yearly ; the moor called Redes on the north of Hugh de Hereford's land ; and the land to the north of that moor between Sturmi-land and other land of the monks, as far as the road near Catteput, leading to Margam. T. 545.4(6". MCCCCXIII) is a confirmation by Earl Gilbert to the Abbey, of the grant of the land of Heuedhaloc made by Gilbert de Clare. 239 Morgan, son of Owen. This Morgan, son of Owen, is probably the grandson of Morgan ap Caradoc. 1 Lastly comes a confirmation (T. 295 ; C. DCCCL) by the Earl to the monks, of all his moor lying without the new Walda of Cardiff, between the Waldas and the sea, and between the Thaf and the Eley ; also a grant of ten acres of land within his new Walda for the construction of a bercary or sheepfold, with free and reasonable ingress and egress for them and their animals when using this land. The writing from this copy, written on a roll, has partly peeled away. 1 See p. 198. CHAPTER XXII. MIDDLE OF THE THIRTEENTH CENTURY. — LEWELIN. — REIMUND DE SULLY. — JORUARD AB ESPUS. — ELIAS, BISHOP OF LLANDAFF. — RES COH. — HENRY III. — THE ABBOT OF TEWKESBURY. HAVING now discussed the documents which throw light upon the history of Margam Abbey down to the early part of the thirteenth century, its period of greatest growth, we may proceed with a consideration of the events which transpired between the years 1230- 1260. This space of time does not appear to have been so much one of new acquisition as it was of consoli- dation and corroboration of its privileges and possessions. The monks were not unmindful of their property in Gower, and obtained from William de Breusa, Lord of Gower, a charter {T. 139 B; C. CCXLIII) confirming their liberty of buying and selling whatever they wish throughout all his land. These being the witnesses : D. Robert de Penrys ; D. John de Vilers ; Henry Scurlage ; Philip de Neth ; Master John de Sweynese ; Adam Cnoyl. A small seal, appended, bears a lion's head. .... NI WILL'I de brevs . . . Mr. Clark dates this deed circa A.D. 1320, which appears to be far too late. Adam Cnoyl 1 was Provost of Swansea. In A.D. 1230 Prince Lewelin is said 2 to have traitorously taken William de Brewsa, the younger, at night during the Easter festival — being suspicious of his conduct with his wife, according to some — but the Margam annalist declares that the real motive was the ancient feud Lewelin had with the elder William de Brewsa and his wife Mathildis de St. Walery, by whose means many Welsh of all degrees had been put to death. After a time spent in prison William was hanged, the knights and family ransomed and allowed to go free. When the Welshmen heard the news of 1 C, vol. iii, p. 457. 2 Ann. de Marg., p. 38. Reymund de Sullia. 241 William's death they were gratified, and are reported to have said : " Nunc vindicatus est sanguis Walensium quem Willelmus de Breusa et sui effuderunt super terram" — " The blood of the Welsh- men which William de Breusa and his men poured out upon the earth is now avenged." Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester and Hertford, 1 died in this year. Early among the deeds of this period must be placed Hurley Charter 75 A. 35 {C. DCCCLXll), an agreement between the monks of Margam and Reymund de Sulya. Reymund received fifteen marks for Robert de Bonevile, five years' rent of Bonevilestone, for a fine made to the said Reymund for getting the grant of the fee farm which he made to the monks ; but it is only on condition that if the ward due for Bonevilestone devolves on Reymund within five years, the monks are to receive their fifteen marks before Reymund or his heirs get anything. The witnesses are : Master Ralph Maylok ; William de Regny, William de Sumery, William Flemang, Robert Samson, Geoffrey de Bonevile, Symon de Bonevile, Robert Poynz, Geoffrey Brendan, monks ; Robert de Landmeuthin and Espus, conversi of Margam. Dated on the Feast of St. Matthew the Apostle, 21st September, A.D. 1230. With a seal bearing a shield of arms: three bars, for Sully. »j< sig . . . mvndi . de . sv . . . Another deed connected with this transaction will be found a little further on, under the year 1237. To this must be subjoined the confirmation 2 by Reimund de Sullia to the Abbey, of the fee-farm which Robert de Bonevile, his " liber homo", made to the monks, of all his land of Bonevilestone ; free except service of half a knight's fee to the said Reimund, and forty pence Castle-ward of Cardiff. Before these witnesses : Ralph Mailoc ; William de Reigny ; William de Somery ; Richard Pincerna ; William le H ; Guido Wak ; Robert Samson ; Walter Pagan ; Geoffrey, monk of Neath ; Philip de Hales ; William de St. Peter, monk of Margam ; Robert de Landmeuthin and Espus, conversi of Margam. In A.D. 1 23 1 the depredations of Lewelin continued. He harried Brehheniauce, and burned the town of Aberotheny, Aberhudni, or Brecknock, but did not succeed in capturing the 1 Ibid., Luard, in his Rolls Edition, erroneously reads " Hereford". 2 C. CCXi, from the " Penrice MS." but the copy in the Abbey Roll 290 .51, which alone I am able to identify, omits the witnesses. k 242 Mar gam Abbey, castle. Then he ran through South Wales, subjecting all the princes except Morgan ap Howel, and burned the town and church of Caerleon, but by resistance of Morgan and a few followers was unable to get possession of the castle. On that occasion Lewelin lost many of his men, some being taken prisoners, others drowned in the river Usk. Then he withdrew over the mountains, and made his way to Neath and besieged it. Neath Castle soon fell into his hands and its destruction was begun ; Morgan Cam there- upon overthrew it, and destroyed the town and its inhabitants. This year Lewelin 1 obtained sixty marks of silver from Margam Abbey. About this same time we must place a grant ( 71 1 25 ; C. MXXXIX) by Walter de Reigni to the Abbey, of fifteen acres of arable land between Blakeberege and the land of William Norrensis, and between the way leading from Blakeberege to Penchoterich, 2 and the way leading from the same to Landhary. Before these witnes- ses : Sir Henry de Vmframuille ; Henry de Budicume ; Nicholas, dean of Liswrony ; Griffin, brother of the archdeacon ; Owen, son of Owen Lug ; William, brother of the grantor ; Hugh de Landefei ; John his son ; Walter and Geoffrey, monks of Margam. The seal bears a seeded fleur-de-lis. ►J* SIGIL' : WALTER! : DE : REIN'. Mr. Clark inclines to think Blakeberege lies within the manor of Colwinston. Relating to the same Walter de Reigni, and to the same locality, at about the same period, is the undertaking ( 7. 114; 291.6; C. MXL) by Robert de Colewinestun to pay yearly to the Abbey twenty pence for land at Blakeburhe, which the monks held of Walter de Regni. These being witnesses : Walter de Suli ; William de Cliuedon ; Thomas de Hodenet ; Clement the clerk ; Richard Franceis ; Richard the clerk of Kenefeg. With a small seal, bearing an escallop. tj< S' . ROB . D[E] . COLWINE. We may conveniently place here two grants (1) 7. 290.40 (C. DCCCCLXII) by William Frankelyn 3 to the Abbey, of all his land in Boncuilestun, which his father Philip held of William de Boneuile. Before these witnesses: Sir Reymund de Suli; 4 1 " Lewelinus de domo de Margan extorsit . lx . marcas aryenti." — Attn, de Marg.y p. 39. 2 Pencoetre, near Llanhany. 3 Occurs in a.d. 1244- 1267. 4 Occurs in A.D. 1230. Joruard ab Espus. 243 William de Regni ; : William de Lanmeis ; 2 William de Cliuedon ; Geoffrey de Boneuile ; Symon his son ; William Cole ; 3 Henry de Neth. And (2) T. 290.44, of land in the fee of Boneuilestun in a valley near the town, which he held of William Le Noreis. 4 Joruard, 5 the son of Espus, occurs among the charters of the Abbey as grantor (T. 543 . 21, cf. C. DCLXXXIV), about A.D. 1230 to 1240, of land between Cumkairuin and the source of Frudul, according to the boundaries held by his father Espus 6 and grand- father Cradoc (ap Jevan) Du. This was confirmed by Wi'lim, Macloc, Espus, and Joruard Vachan, his sons, in a grant (T. 128 ; C. DCCLXXXIV) mentioned below. The same Joruard appears again (T. 289.29; C. DCCXV) as confirming to the Abbey the gift of his father of his land at Comely; and quit-claiming his land " Peiteuin", and the sixpence rent which the monks used to pay. The descent of some of the cadet branches of Caradoc ap Jestyn's family is illustrated incidentally by the deed (T. 128; C. DCCLXXXIV) whereby Wil'im ab Joruerd, Madoc ab Joruerd, and Espus ab Joruerd, and Joruerd Vachan, brethren, manifestly sons of the Joruerd mentioned in the preceding deed, and possibly the husband of Wenllian, the daughter of Morgan ap Caradoc, with consent of their mother Wenthian, 7 to Margam Abbey, grant their land between Cumkerum and the source of Frudel, co. Glamorgan, formerly held by Espus, their grandfather, and Cradoc ab Jewan Du. The witnesses are : Walter de Sulia ; Henry de Humframville ; William 8 Frandens' {i.e., Flandrensis) ; Morgan Vachan; 0 Grifin ab Res ; Grifin Vachan ; Jewan ab Wronu. The four seals bear each a banner flag, charged with four chevrons. 10 (1) *i* S' WILL'l . FILII . VORUER . AB . ESP*. (2) *fr S' MADOC . FILII . YORVIET . Ali . ESI 1 '. 1 Occurs in a.d. 1230. 2 Occurs, as Dean of Gronith, a little further on. 3 Occurs in A.D. 1244. 4 For other charters of Will. Frankeleyn in Kenefeg, see pp. 189 el scq. 5 Occurs in A.D. 1234, 1245, 1246, 1247, 1249, etc., in the time of Leisan ap Morgan, and Earl Gilbert. 6 See p. 162. 7 See p. 232, if I am right in considering her to be one of Morgan's race. * Occurs in A.D. 1247, 1249, 1257, 1261. 9 Perhaps Morgan, son of Morgan Cham, who occurs circ. A.D. 1211-1288. He married Maud de Sully. 10 This connects them closely with the family of Caradoc, whose descendants, the Davenes, bore nearly similar arms. — See C. mclxiii, mclxiv. R 2 244 Mar gam Abbey. (3) *b S' YSPOIS . FIL' . YERVIET . AB . ESP'. (4) *fc S' . YORVIET . VAHAN . FIL' . YORV' . AB . E S P S - In 1 23 1, Ralph Mayloc, a local celebrity of whom we have recorded several notices, died. Next year Henry de Turbervillc appears as Warden of the lordship of Glamorgan. He, too, has already been before our readers in connection with benefactions made to the Abbey, at this time in the zenith of its influence. Glamorgan was in the agony of civil war, which had broken out between the king and the Earl of Pembroke. Among those 1 disaffected were Philip Basset ; Richard Siward, a distinguished soldier, one of the Earl of Gloucester's turbulent barons, and owner of the castle of Talavan. He had married Philippa, sister of Philip Basset, and widow of the Earl of Warwick, without obtaining Royal licence. This gave offence to the king, who resented Siward's attachment to the Earl Mareschal and the Royal party. It was not until two years after, when the scene of strife had shifted away more to the eastward, that Glamorgan was able to make peace with the Crown. In the Eastertide 2 of the year 1232, many of the nobler princes of the Welsh, in obedience to the summons of Lewelin, brought down a large army to the town of Kenfig, with the object of spoiling the inhabitants and destroying the town. The inhabitants had, however, received timely warning, and were thus enabled to send away their flocks to various places, and burn a part of the town close on the walls, so as to render entry more difficult. When the Welsh assault was delivered, the enemy set fire to the buildings outside the town walls, and then with loud shouts rushed rapidly on and took the tower, which was only fortified with a foss and palisade — " fossa et sepe tantum". But the fighting men who were stationed within defended themselves bravely, wounding many of their assailants severely and killing others. Whereupon all the survivors withdrew to the mountains. The annalist says that he was much astonished at one thing : that although the besiegers were in great want of victual, yet they spared the church, the cemetery, and all who were therein. All this is succinctly expressed in another chronicle : " MCCXXXIL Combusta est 3 villa de Kenefeg per Morganum Cham." Of Elias de Radnor, who succeeded Bishop William in the see of Llandaff, on 30th August, A.D. 1230, and died 13th May, a.d. 1240, 1 Clark, The Land of Morgan, p. 96. 2 Ann. de Marg., p. 39. 3 " Exch. Chr.' 3 , in Arch. Camb., 1862, p. 278. See before, p. 229. is hop Eli as. 245 several important charters are preserved to show his benevolent treatment of the Abbey. They are placed in their proper chrono- logical order among the dated charters of the next ten years. Bishop Elias notified by a letter, dated A.D. 1234 (T. 293 . 28 ; C. DCCCLXXVIIl) to the clergy and laity of the diocese, that he had confirmed to Margam Abbey the lands of Rossaulin, Penhuth, Havethaloc, Sturmi, and Egleskeinwir, and the chapels of the said places ; also Bonevilestune and the advowson thereof, as his pre- decessors, Bishops William and Henry, have confirmed them. A little later we meet with the Harley Charter 75 D. 5 (C. DCCCLXXX), whereby Roger Sturmi the younger, a late member of the family, several of whose early charters have already been discussed, with assent of his heirs, quit-claims to the monks all their annual rent of half a mark of silver for the land of Sturmi, in perpetual almoign, charged with a recognisance of a pair of spurs or sixpence yearly. The monks give him a hundred shillings for this quit-claim. Before these witnesses : Robert de Cantilupo ; Wido Wake ; Henry the forester ; John Croili ; Roger, prior ; Richard supprior ; Gervase and Geoffrey, monks of Ncth ; William of Divelin, Robert Poynz, Thomas cle Cantilupe, monks of Margam. It is dated on the Easter after the consecration of Edmund Rich, Archbishop of Canterbury (2nd April, A.D. 1234), i.e., 23rd April, A.D. 1234. This is connected with and closely followed by the Harley Charters 75 B. 8,9 {C. cxvur, dccclxxxii), two deeds, dated on the same day, containing (1) the terms of the agreement, and (2) the quit-claim of John, Res, Roger, Geoffrey, Henry, Moreduth, and Maurice, sons of Griffin Began, with and to Roger Sturmy, their uncle, and the monks of Margam, concerning the moiety of the rent of Sturmiestune, viz., half a mark, which they alleged their uncle Roger had given by charter to their father, Griffin, in marriage with his sister, their mother. Sworn " in ecclesia de Landaf super Tumbam Sancti Theliawi et super omnia sacrosancta ejusdem ecclesise". In the presence of Elyas, Bishop of Llandaff ; Maurice, archdeacon ; Res, son of Griffin. The archdeacon being proctor of the said Roger Sturmy, together with John [de Gold- clive], Abbot of Margam. The witnesses to both deeds are : Elias, Bishop of Llandaff ; Maurice, archdeacon of Llandaff ; Maurice Gobion, treasurer ; Ralph de Newcastle, canon of Llandaff; Master Maurice de Cristchurge, i.e., Christchurch ; Master Richard de Kerliun ; Reymund de Suly ; William de Regny ; Res, son of Griffin ; Res ab Kenewreg ; Yoruard Velin, or Velyn ; Kenewreg 246 Mar gam Abbey. ab Yoruard. They are dated in Whit-week, in " septimana Pente- costes", A.D. 1234. To both deeds the seals of Bishop Elias and Llandaff chapter are appended. In Harley Charter 75 B. 6 (C. DCCCLXXXl) we find recorded a quit-claim by Lewelin Began, and his seven brethren already mentioned, to the Abbey, of all their right to land at Sturm v. Sworn on the sacrosancta at Llandaff, with solemn promises to help the monks always. The witnesses are : Helias, Bishop of Llandaff ; Henry, dean of Cardiff ; Master Gervase, chancellor ; Walter, the precentor ; Yvor de Pendul', canon; Master John Word'; Master John de Lanirit, official of Llandaff ; Gillibert de Umframvile ; Gillibert de Turbervile ; Will. Flandrensis ; Rired Grant ; John his son ; Howel ab Yvor ; Thuder ab Hely ; Lowarh ab Worgan ; Kene- wrec ab Eudas ; Lewelin ab Yvor ; Yoruard Vach ; Lewelin ab Goronu ; and all those mentioned in the preceding deed except R. de Newcastle, M. de Christchurch, R. de Kerliun, and Res ab Kenewreg. With very fine impressions of the seals of the Bishop and chapter, which is so fully represented among the witnesses. The Began family appear again about this time in the Harley Charter 75 B. 7 (C. DCCCLXXXIIl), which is a deed of sale by Geoffrey, son of Griffin Began, to Philip de Dinas-Powis, of the moiety of a burgage in the town of Cardiff, paying yearly to the Earl six pence customary rent. The witnesses are : Jordan Alewy ; Robert Godard ; Thomas Crisp ; Robert Rumbold ; Adam de Pencoteri, and others named. But this is not strictly speaking a Margam charter, although found among its archives. In Harley Charter 75 A. 25 (T. 293 . 12 ; C. DCCCXCiv) are con- tained the letters whereby Elias de Radnor, Bishop of Llandaff, and Morgan Cam, notify that they have adjusted the controversy between Res Goh, son of Res Goh, and Margam Abbey, respecting land lying between the water of Garwe and the water of Uggemore, claimed by Res as his inheritance, and the forestry of the said land : — for, having inspected the charters of W. de Londoniis, 1 and Res the elder 2 and his brethren, and taken oral evidence, they decree the land to belong to the Abbey, Brothers Anian and Lewelin, " predicators", 3 and Master Maurice of Christ Church, being also assessors with them. Res is to prove his right to the 1 See p. 133. 3 See next deed for their full names. * Cf. p. 47. Bishop Elias. 247 forestry before he may have the usual pasture therefor, viz., that of three houses. Damages claimed by both sides, but not awarded. The Abbot swears " in verbo Dei", and Res takes his oath by inspecting and touching the sacrosancta, or relics, that he will abide by this award, with submission of both parties to the bishop. The witnesses are : Master Richard de Karlyon ; Dom. Walter Malet ; Ralph of Newcastle ; John the chaplain ; Roger Sturmy ; Yoruard ab Espus. Dated on St. Ambrose's Feast Day ( 16th Oct. ?), A.D. 1234. The seal of the bishop, and an imperfect seal bearing an equestrian figure, with legend . . . ANI ., are appended. The endorsement calls this a final composition respecting the land of Egliskeinwyr. This proceeding was quickly followed by a quit-claim {Harley Charter 75 B. 40 ; T. 293 . 13 ; C. CXVIl) by Res Coh the younger, to the monks, of all his claim in the land of Egleskeynur, by occasion of the forestry, viz., three houses in the pasture of Egles- keynur, between the water of Garwe and that of Uggemore. And he has sworn it as before enjoined. The witnesses are : Elyas de Radnor, Bishop of Llandaff ; Maurice, Archdeacon of Llandaff ; William, the Dean of Lanmeys, or Llanmaes ; Master Richard de Kerlyun ; John the chaplain ; Richard, the Bishop's notary ; Morgam Cam ; Anyan ab Madoc ; Lewelin ab Roger ; Yoruard ab Espus ; Owen ab Alaythur ; Res his brother ; David ab Wylym ; Levvarh Puygnel ; Osbern and Thomas de Cantelo, monks of Margam ; Espus and Anyan, conversi of Margam. The seal of Ros Coh, junior, a rosette with legend >%* SIGILL' : RESI : COH : IVNIORIS is appended, with those of the Bishop, and of Morgan Cam, a pointed oval seal (of native workmanship) bearing an equestrian figure. »I< SIGILLVM MORGAN I CAM. To these two documents the following two appertain as a corollary : — (1) A quit-claim {T. 293 . 15 ; C. DCCCXCIl) and abjura- tion by Richard Merwith and Howel Kaest, to the Abbey, of all the right which they claimed in the monks' land [of Egliskeinwur, on the endorsement] between the Garwe and Uggemore waters. Sworn on the sacrosancta of the Abbey Church, with abjuration of claim to any other lands belonging to the monks, A.D. 1235. (2) And an abjuration {Harley Charter^ B. 39 ; T. 293 . 20 ; C. DCCXiv) whereby Griffin, Res, and Meurik, brothers of Res Coh Vahhan, 248 Margatn Abbey. abjure in favour of the Abbey all the claim they had in the monks' land between the water of Garwe and that of Uggemore. Sworn in the Chapter-house before the whole Chapter upon the sacrosancta. The witnesses are : Gronu, chaplain of Langonet, or Llan- gonoyd ; Maurice and Res, 1 clerks of Langonet ; Res Coh ; Cradoc ab Ricard ; Cradoc ab Yoruard ; Howel and Philip, sons of Cadugan ; Anaraud and Madoc, sons of Knaitho ; James, sub- prior and Thomas de Kantelo, monks ; Espus and Kanaan, conversi of Margam. There are three seals of the abjurors : (1) A rosette »J< SIGILLVM : GRIFIT : AB : RES. (2) A rosette and border *%* SIGILL' : MAURICII : FILII : RESI : COH. (3) A seeded fleur-de-lis SIGILL' : RESI : FIL' : RESI : COH. There are other contemporary deeds connected with this matter, viz. : — (1) Harley Charter 75 C. 52 (T. 293 .16: C. CLll), a quit-claim and abjuration by Wronu ab Seysil, with assent of Knaitho and Wronu Vahhan, his sons and heirs, to the monks of Margam, in pure almoign, of the land of Egleskeinur which is called Tales- chanlhere, lying between the rivulet Nantikhi and Uggemore water, viz., whatever he or his ancestors had between the water of Garwe and the water of Uggemore. 2 He pledges his faith upon the sacrosancta of Margam to observe this, before these witnesses : Maurice, clerk of Langonet ; Res, his brother ; Richard, 3 clerk of Kenefeg ; Yoruard ab Espus ; Res Coh ; Cradoc ab Richard ; Osbern and Thomas de Kantelo, monks ; and Espus and Canaan, conversi of Margam. (2) A quit-claim (T. 293. 17; C. DCCCXCVIII) and abjuration by Knaitho ab Wronu and Wronu vahhan his brother, to the Abbey, of the land Taleschanlhore, as before. Sworn upon the sacrosancta. Under seal of Wronu their father, and Meuric ab Traharn their kinsman. (3) The quit-claim and abjuration (T. 293.18; C. DCCCXCIX) by Ithenard, son of Richard, with assent of his sons Madoc, Howel, 1 Maurice and Res were brothers (75 C. 52). 2 That is, in the vicinity of Llangeinwyr, between the River Ogmore, or Ogwrmawr, and the River Garw. The stream Nant-y-ci joins the Ogmore just north of Llangeinwyr or Llangeinor. 3 Occurs in A.D. 1245-7, 1266. King Henry III. 249 Res, Wronu, and John, to Margam Abbey, of right in the land of Egliskeinur, as before ; the monks give him a cow, and two shillings to each of his sons. Sworn on the reliques. (4) Cradoc ab Richard, who has already appeared, 1 in reference to the family of Gistelard, as a witness, executed a quit-claim and abjuration (T. 293.14; C. DCCCXCVIl) with assent of his sons Wrony, 2 Lewelin, Ketheri, Howel, Griffin, and Lewelin, to the Abbey, of land of Egleskeynur : the monks give him a cow, and to each of his sons two shillings by way of charity. The terms of the compact were sworn on the sacrosancta of Margam. (5) The quit-claim and abjuration (T. 293.19; C. DCCCC), similarly sworn by Meurik ab Traharn to the Abbey, of the same land. (6) A quit-claim and abjuration (7". 293.21 ; C. DCCCCl) by Philip ab Seisil to Margam Abbey of the same land. Similarly sworn. In A.D. 1236 the monks obtained from King Henry Ilia Royal Charter (T. 134 ; C. DCCCClll), notifying to his justices, sheriffs, and other officers that he has taken the Abbot, monks, conversi, house, and granges of Margam under his protection, and they are to be maintained as his own demesnes ; and he has made them quit of toll and custom as to corn and other things bought or sold for their own uses, under penalty of ten pounds to the King, and twenty shillings to the sheriff for infringement, according to the charter of King John. The witnesses are : Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford ; Robert de Ros ; William de Ralegh ; Robert de Muscegros ; Godfrey de Craucumbe ; Amaury de St. Amand ; Bartholomew de Saukeville. Dated by the hand of Ralph, Bishop of Chichester, Chancellor, at Reading, 20th November, 21 Hen. Ill, A.D. 1236. The imperfect impression of the great seal of the King is still appended by a hollow bobbin of green taffeta. Abbot John de Golclive died on 24th August, A.D. 1237, according to the Chronicles, 3 and was succeeded by John de La Warre. It was in this year that Morgan ap Cadwalan suffered 4 the cruelties of blinding and mutilating at the hands of his nephew, 1 See p. 142. 2 Wronu ap Cradoc occurs in a.d. 1246, 1258. 3 " MCCXXXVIJ 0 . Johannes de Golclivia, Abbas de Margan, obi it IX. Kal. Sept., cui successit Le Ware."— " Excheq. Chron.,"in Arch. Camb., 1862, p. 279. " M.cc. xxxvi j°. J. de Golcliuia obiit, . ix Kal. Sept. cui successit Lewar." — " Welsh Annals," in Harley MS. 838, fol. 1 16, col. 2. 4 Ann. de Marg., p. 36. 250 Mar gam Abbey. Hoel ap Moreduth, as has already been narrated in the account of the group of charters of Caradoc's descendants. Connected with a former document is an attestation {Hark}' Charter 75 B. 21 (C. DCCCCVll) by Robert de Bonevile, that he has received from the monks of Margam eighteen marks, the entire rental due to him for six years for the land of Bonevileston, up to Midsummer, A.D. 1243. Before these witnesses : Richard, canon of Llanthony prima, co. Gloucester ; Geoffrey de Boneville ; John Paris ; Richard, clerk of Kenefeg ; William Frankelyn ; Nicholas de Legge ; John Whithard. Dated " about" the Feast of St. Potentiana the Virgin, 19th May, A.D. 1237. The seal bears the impression of an antique gem, engraved with an Agnus Dei. The reader must turn back to p. 241, where, under the date of A.D. 1230, a previous deed relating to this ownership is recorded. We meet at this period with the deed of arbitration (T. 135 ; C. DCCCCXl) by Roger, Abbot of Ryevallis, or Rievaulx, in co. York ; Nicholas, Abbot of Vallis Dei, or Vaudey, co. Lincoln ; John, Abbot of Kingswood, co. Wilts, in a cause taken in hand after the Cistercian practice of settling controversies for themselves, between Neath and Margam Abbeys, shewing that the Abbot of Margam had endeavoured to supplant the Abbot of Neath in Noua-uilla, or Newton-Nottage ; that the Abbot of Margam is to desist from doing so ; that the Abbot of Neath is to be careful in his dealings respecting the acquisition of that town ; that there is to be an amicable joint possession of the pastures of Neutune- dune and Corneli-dune, or a fair division, according to the view of the Abbots of Boxley, Buildwas, and Kingwood, so that each Abbot may have the moiety nearest his abbey or grange. And the unfounded claim of Neath to land and pasture held by Margam, by the charter of Robert, Earl of Gloucester, and adjusted by an award 1 of the Abbots of Boxley, Wardon, and Fountains, is to be dismissed. The text of this agreement was settled by John, formerly Abbot of Boxley, co. Kent, afterwards Abbot of Citeaux, at Boxley, in the presence of the Abbots of Boxley, Stratford-Lang- thorne, co. Essex, Vallis Dei, and Robertsbridge, co. Suss., before St. Agatha's Day, 5th Feb., A.D. 1237 for 1238. Four seals remain. 1. The Abbot of Rievaulx on a pedestal, with book and staff. ...GI IS . DE . KIEVALL'. 1 Cf. pp. 180, 181. Tewkesbury Abbey. 251 2. The Abbot of Vallis Dei on a pedestal. M : ABBATI 3. The Abbot of Kingswood. A... KINGESW 4. The Abbot of Neath, with book and staff. M : ABBATIS : PK : All the Abbeys mentioned in this deed are of the Cistercian order. They were scattered in position, but manifestly in close correspondence with each other. Mention has already been made 1 of a deed of inspeximus (T. 137; C. DCCCXCV) by Bishop Elias, of a charter of Bishop Henry, adjusting the matter of the tithes of Kenefeg between Margam and Tewkesbury Abbeys. Bishop Elias, in accordance with the above, notifies to all faithful Christians {T. 136; C. DCCCCXll) that in his presence Robert of Fortingdon, Abbot of Tewkesbury, has for ever re- nounced all litigation with the Abbot and Convent of Margam, moved before S , Prior of Strugull, i.e. Chepstow, by authority of Otto, the Papal Legate of England, respecting tithes and other property in the Parish of Kenefeg. Dated : XIIII Kal. Jun., 1 8th May, A.D. 1239. The broken seal bears on the one side the Bishop on a pedestal, the right hand uplifted in blessing, in the left hand a crozier, between a crescent and an estoile. ELIAS : DEI : GR]ACIA : LAN[DAVEN]SIS [: EPISCOPVS.] On the other side a smaller counterseal, bearing a right hand of blessing issuing from wavy lines of clouds. *%t SECRETV' : ELIE : L[ANDAVENSIS : EPl]SCOPI. Bishop Elias enjoined the Abbot and Convent to pull down the chapel which they had built outside the court of their grange of Landgewi, and to celebrate divine services in the chapel built within the court of the grange, which he himself has consecrated. The document 2 recording this (T. 139 ; C. DCCCLXIIl) is executed before these witnesses : William dc Lanmays, dean of GoroniS ; Richard the official ; Master Adam, dean of Pcnhechen ; Richard Kamerarius, parson of Cogan ; Walter Galun ; Geoffrey the clerk. The seal of the Bishop, with counterseal, is still attached to it. Letters are extant (Harley Charter 75 A. 26 ; C. DCCCCXIIl) whereby Bishop Elias notifies to all the faithful that he has granted See p. 128. 2 Cf. this deed with No. 136. 252 Margam Abbey. permission to the Abbot and Convent of Margam to celebrate services in their " Grangia de Melis", the Grange of Meles, a tract of barren land near the shore, in Auene marsh, in the vicinity of Aberavan, A.D. 1239. With the Bishop's seal appended. By another deed Bishop Elias notifies to all faithful Christians (71 138 ; C. DCCCLXIV) that Audoenus, Resus, and Cradocus, sons of Alaythor, have in his presence quit-claimed to the Abbey the meadow in Auene marsh, which they held of the said Alaythor at a rent of half a mark yearly ; and that they have undertaken to pay yearly to the monks half a mark on account of the damages which they have inflicted upon the Abbey. Sworn by the said Audoenus, Resus, and Cradocus, as well as Knaytho Choch their brother, of Basto, by laying their hands on the sacrosancta, whereby they become liable to excommunication if they infringe this com- pact. Other records relating to this matter will be found further on under the dates of A.D. 1246 and 1328. Bishop Elias attests a quit-claim, sworn on the Margam sacro- sancta (T. 291 . 3 ; C. DCCCLXV), by Ener 1 ab Knaytho to the Abbey, of his right in the moor of Treykik, or Tre-y-gedd, near Baiden. Not far from the above in point of time stands a grant (7". 382 ; C. MXl) by Zereuard ab Phelip, with consent of Heltheylou his wife, to Wronoc Seys, of land called Mays-treykik (Maes-tre-y- gedd), lying on the road towards Languniht on the west, reaching to the stream called Nantreykik (Nant-tre-y-gedd), on the east of the highway, going up as far as the road leading to the cemetery of Treykik Chapel. Rent, three halfpence and one-and-a-half- marks paid beforehand. These being the witnesses : Zereuard Cou ; Meurik ab Cnaythou ; Ener ab Madoc ; Meurik ab Cnaythou ab Wronou; Wilim ab Meyler ; Wilim ab Zereuard ab Espus ; Zereuard ab Espus ; Espus ab Zereuard ; Leweline Vauhant ; Howel ab Lowarz ; Wilim ab Adam ; Reys ab Lewelin ab Grefit. A small round seal, with an uncertain design, still remains appended to the deed. The endorsement of "Treie Gyke" supplies a variant form of the name of the land granted. This is not strictly a Margam Charter, but was included in the muniments, and is connected with the Abbey both by place and by some of the witnesses. Before the death of Morgan Cham (A.D. 1240), representative of 1 See pp. 140, 141. Pope Innocent IV. 253 the family of Caradoc, must be placed a quit-claim [T. 76 ; C. DCCCLXXVl) by Heilin 1 Pren and Leulin Hen to the Abbey, of twelve acres of land in the fee of Kenefeg, between Sturmy moor and Cornel' Dune, near the Mei valley. The witnesses are : Morgan Cham ; Gregory the chaplain ; Kederek ab Ruallan ; Lowarc ab David ; David ab Wilemot ; Geoffrey, William, monks ; Hugh, Rered, Espus, conversi of Margam. The seal bears an ornamental fleur-de-lis between two groups of pellets. SIG'L EYLIN . PREN. In the year 1243 2 the town of Kenfegwas burned in the struggle between Howel ap Moreduth, of whose exploits we have already taken some notice, against Richard, Earl of Clare ; that is, Richard de Clare, 8th Earl of Hertford and Gloucester. A Bull of Pope Innocent IV, containing one of the General Privileges of the Cistercian Order (T. 141 ; C. DCCCCXVIII) is pre- served among the muniments formerly belonging to the Abbey of Margam. It is addressed to the Abbot of Citeaux, and all the abbots of the Cistercian Order, granting permission to the same to delegate (during their own absence) to their priors the power of absolving monks and conversi of their monasteries who are under liability of excommunication for laying violent hands upon each other. Lateran, X Kal. Mar., 20th Febr., 1st year, A.D. 1244. With the leaden bulla appended by silken strands. Richard Laheles, or Laeles, on the Feast day of the Invention of the Holy Cross, 3rd May, A.D. 1244, quit-claimed by a deed (7". 142; 292.29; C. DCCCCXXXl) to the Abbey, all his rent of Laheleslond, viz., half-a-mark of silver, the monks paying on demand a pair of spurs, or three pence yearly recognizance ; for one hundred shillings consideration money. The witnesses are : D. David Barone of Nas, or Nash ; Robert de Cantelo ; Walter Luuel; Roger Gramus ; Walter de Comely ; Milo de Penuey ; William Cole. The seal bears a lion rampant. tfc SIGILLVM . RICARDI . LAELES . In the year 1246, according to the Annates Cambrice? the strife 1 Heilin Bren, al. Heylin Pren, occurs again lower down, under A.D. 1246. 2 "m°cc.xliij. Combusta est villa de Kenefeg'. et Howel ap Maredut contra Ricardum de Clara." — " Welsh Annals," in MS. Harl. 86S, fol. 1 16, col. 3 . "mccxlih." Combusta est villa de Kenefeg, et Howel ap Moraduth contra Ricardum comitem de Clare." — " Excheq. Chron.," in Arch. Camb., 1862 p. 279 ; C. mxxxvi. 3 P. 86. 254 Ma?~ gam Abbey. between the rivals was still in progress, for the Lord Herebert, son of Mahius, was killed by the Welshmen in Glamorgan on a hill near the Castle of Morgan Cam. This is attributed to St. Agatha's Day, 5th February, A.D. 1245 for 1246, by the "Exchequer Chronicle" printed in Arch, Cavib., 1862, p. 279 {C. MXXXVl). About this time we must place a set of three deeds relating to the sons of Wronu Coh, or Gouh, viz. (1) a quit-claim {T. \2J ; C. DCCCCIl) by Howel, son of Wronu Coh, 1 to Margam Abbey, of his claim within the new " Walda", in the marsh of Auenc and Melcs and all his right within the water of Kenefeg and the water of Auene. Sworn upon the sacrosancta of the church, before these witnesses : Richard, 2 the clerk of Kenefeg ; John Paris ; 3 Lawarh ab David ; Wronu de Korneli ; Thomas de Cantul[upe] ; 4 William de Chipstaple, monks of Margam; Richard Hyrgois and Kethereth, conversi of Margam. The seal bears an ornamental rosette. S' HOWEL' : AB : WRONV : COH. (2) The quit-claim (T. 121 ; C. DCCCXXXll) by Griffin, son of Wronu, to the Abbey, of his right in Embroh, and the land between the Wessac and the Frudul, or in any other tenement belonging to the Abbey, as well in the marsh of Auene as elsewhere. Sworn affidavit made upon the Margam sacrosancta. Before these witnesses : Resus ab Alaithur ; Cradoc ab Alai- thur ; 5 Wronu Coh ; 6 Heilin Bren ; Ketherek ab Ruallan ; Yovan ab Istin ; Richard, clerk of Kenefeg ; William Scurlag. With a seal bearing an ornamental seeded fleur-de-lis. >%* SIG[ILLV]M . GRIFINI . AB . WRVNI. (3) The Harlcy Charter T. 75 D. 21 (C. MXXIV), whereby Meurich ab Wronu Choc, with assent of his wife, confirms to the Abbey in perpetual almoign, all his meadow which lies between the meadow of Alaytho and that of Kedich, in the marsh of Avene, at a yearly rent of sixteen pence. Before these witnesses: Philip 1 ab Morgan ; Cradoc ab Madoc ; Meurich ab Wilim ; Res ab Roger ; Lewarh ab David; Philip Hey ward. The seal bears an ornamental rosette of eight leaves. *i* SIGILL' . MEURICH . GOVH. 1 Wrono Goh, occurs in a.d. 1246. See also p. 145. 2 Occurs in a.d. 1245-7, 1266. 3 Occurs in A.D. 1237. 1 Occurs in a.d. 1247. 5 Occurs temp. Bp. Elias, and A.D. 1246. fi Occurs with several of the succeeding witnesses in A.D. 1246. 7 Occurs in A.D. 1246. CHAPTER XXIII. RICHARD, EARL OF GLOUCESTER.— BIS HOP WILLIAM.— THE SONS OF ALAYTHUR.— LEYSAN AP MORGAN CHAM.— NEATH AND MARGAM.— CITEAUX.— GILBERT DE TUR- BERVILLE.— ALEXANDER IV.— ETC. N the death of Earl Gilbert, Margam's benefactor, in V / A.D. 1229, whose charters have already passed before the reader, he was succeeded by his son Richard de Clare, 8th Earl of Clare, 6th Earl of Hertford, and 7th Earl of Gloucester. Earl Richard's life was in many respects remarkable. Having succeeded to his peerage when a minor, his wardship was committed to Hubert de Burgh, Earl of Kent and Justiciar of England, the third husband of his father's maternal aunt, the Countess Isabel, divorced queen of King John. He married his guardian's daughter, Margaret, much to the king's displeasure, but was probably divorced, for he afterwards clandestinely married Maud, daughter of John de Lascy, Earl of Lincoln, for which Earl John paid in all 7,000 marks to the Crown. In 42 Hen. Ill a plot was made by Walter de Scoteney, his chief councillor, to poison him and his younger brother William; William died, but the Earl of Gloucester escaped with the loss of his hair and nails. He took part in the prominent political events of his period, but on these we have no space to digress. He appears in some charters now about to be noticed. In July, A.D. 1262, he died of poison, at the table of Peter of Savoy, uncle of the Queen ; and at the same time perished Baldwin de Redvers, Earl of Devon, and other persons of note. Although Bishop Elias had been instrumental, as we have seen, in temporarily appeasing the opposition and ill-will which Owen, son of Alaithur, had meted out to the Abbey, it is not until some years after this Bishop's death that we find the record of the final agreement {T. 145; C. MCCCCXVll) made in A.D. 1246 between Oen, or Owen, Res, and Cradoc, sons of Alaythur, and the monks of Margam, whereby, in consideration of the damages inflicted by the 256 said Oen and the others upon the property of the monks, estimated at .£324, the said Oen and the others grant to the Abbey necessaries from their wood without charge ; a payment of sixty marks within three years ; twenty shillings yearly rent, security for rents due, etc. They undertake also, upon oath on the sacrosancta at Margam, that they will not depasture their cattle on the Abbey lands ; nor occupy the houses of the Abbey ; nor fish in the water of Neth between the Abbey limits of Aber-cleudach and Aber-wrach, under penalty of excommunication and denial of church sepulture. The sons of Alaythur tender these sureties : Leysan, son of Morgan Cham, their lord, and his heirs ; with power to the bailiffs of the Castles of Neth and Landguned to compel observance of the agreement ; and the deed is executed under the seals of William de Burgo, Bishop of Llandaff ; the Chapter of Llandaff ; Richard [de Clare], Earl of Gloucester; and Leysan, son of Morgan Cham. Before the following witnesses : Stephen Bauzain, Sheriff of Glammargan ; Walter de Sullia ; Gillebert de Humframuille; John de Reygni ; Nicholas de Liswrini, dean of Grunith ; Walter Luuel ; Richard, clerk of Kenefeg ; Res, clerk of Landguned ; Joruard ab Espus; Wronu ab Cradoc; Leweline ab Grifin; Cradoc ab Madoc ; Knaitho Goh ; Wronu Goh ; Philip, son of Morgan ; Ketherec ab Readlan ; Heylin Pren. Six seals remain. (1) The Bishop of Llandaff, standing on a carved corbel, with staff, holding up the right hand in blessing. Background reticulated. On the back is a counterseal, bearing a scene of "The Annuncia- tion of the Virgin." Below, under an arch, the Bishop half-length, adoring the Virgin. t%t VE : DELENS : P[ER] : AVE : PIA : P[ER] : TE : LIBERER : A : VE. This is a kind of alliterative rhyming hexameter verse, playing on the word ve, woe, and ave, hail thou. " O Thou pious one, destroying human woe by the hail of salutation, may I by thee be set free from woe. (2) An Agnus Dei. [\V]lLLELMVS . DE [LAN]DAVENSIS. [SIGIL]LVM : LANDAVENSIS : EC[CLESIE]. (3) An ornamental fleur-de-lis. ►{« S'LESSANI . AB . MORGAN. (4) A fleur-de-lis. ^ S'OWEIN . F'ELAITIIO. The Sons of Alaythur. 257 (5) An ornamental rosette. t%t SIGILL' . RES . FILII . ALAITHVRI. (?) (6) A rosette of eight leaves. S' CRADOCI . FIL' . ALAITHO. The seal of Richard, Earl of Gloucester, originally appended between Nos. 4, 5, is now wanting. In the account of Bishop Elias, 1 notice has been taken of an earlier deed about this matter, and there is a recital and confirma- tion of it in A.D. 1328. This Owein, son of Alaythur, granted (T. 543.22; C. MCCCCXXVl) to the Abbey in free almoign all the land between the source of the Frudul and the road leading from Pennud to Blein- kenan ; and between the rivulet Blein-nant-Liucth-Leuerch, near to Torre-kemerev and Nant-disculua, according to his father's charter, 2 and as the way runs across the mountains from the source of the Frudul as far as Blein-kenan. The witnesses of this grant have been omitted in copying the text into the Abbey Roll, so the date is uncertain. But it may be safely placed to a period subse- quent to his reconciliation with the Abbey, and his desire to make a recompense for the damages he had brought about. There is also a grant (Harley Charter 75 B. 4 ; C. CXXVIl) by Owen, son of Alaythur, to Margam Abbey, of all the stony coal (totum carbonem lapideum) on his and his men's land, with ingress and egress for the two-wheeled and four-wheeled carts and other conveyances, for half-a-mark beforehand, and the yearly rent of half a crannoc of wheat as long as the monks use the coal. And they undertake to compensate him for all damage done to his arable land by the digging for coal. Sealed by his lord Leysan, son of Morgan. These being witnesses : Leysau, son of Morgan ; Morgan and Cradoc his brethren ; Eneas and Maurice, clerks of Avene ; Res and Cradoc, sons of Alaythur ; Jorverth ab Espus ; Joor Hyr, Luuarh ab David. The small seal of Leysan bears only a fleur-de-lis. ...LEIS...B. MORG... The seal of Owen bears a fleur-de-lis. ►J< S' OWEN I . E' . ELAITHO. The Bailiffs 3 of Bristol had orders in A.D. 1246 to seize all the wool purchased by the merchants of Ghent from the Abbot of 1 Pp. 199, 200. 2 See pp. 146, 147. 3 Clark, Land of Morgan, p. 109. S 258 Mar gam Abbey. Margam, and to hold it until further disposition was made of it. We shall see, later on, how much the Abbey suffered by the loss of its sheep, on which its revenues in a great measure depended. A few deeds still remain which mention or relate to Leisan II, or Sir Lleisan ap Morgan Gam, Lord of Avene, who flourished at Aberavon between A.D. 12 10 and A.D. 1249. He was evidently named after his uncle, Leisan ap Morgan. One is a fine (T. 149 ; C. DCCCCXXXVIIJ in the Cardiff County Court, sitting on this occa- sion at St. Nicholas, before D. Stephen Bausan, 1 Sheriff of Glam- margan, Sirs Walter de Sulie, William de Reynni, William de Barri ; Thomas de Nerberd ; William Flandrensis ; Joel, son of William ; Robert de Cantulupo ; and Joel, provost of Llanyltwith ; whereby the Abbot and Convent of Margam recover against Leysan, son of Morgan, the water of Auene. and all manner of fish and fisheries therein, by writ of novel-disseisin at the instance of Lord Richard de Clare, Earl of Gloucester and Hertford. The Mill of Auene, and water and mill-pond necessary to it, was reserved to the said Leysan, who is to pay therefor to the abbot the rent of one pound of cumin yearly. Monday, Feast of St. John ante portam Latinam, 6th May, 31 Hen. Ill, A.D. 1247. The seal of Leisan, son of Morgan, remains. One of the Abbey Rolls (T. 289.68) records that the Cirograph charter between the monks and William Albus, 2 of Kenefeg, is attached to a charter of William Geuenhot, or Keuenoht, and was made in A.D. 1247. The deed referred to relates to a lease of land in Kenefeg, and will be found under its proper date, A.D. 1255. Leisan II occurs in a record of Harley Charter 75 C. 42 (C. CXXVl), Letters testimonial whereby Richard Pincerna, Adam Walensis, Thomas de Nerebert, W'illiam Flandrensis, Roger de Regni, Rob. de Cantulupo, Johel son of William, Walt. Luuel, Elyas Bassett, Hen. de Gloucester, Rich, de Gatesden, Hen. de Nerebert, Peter, son of Roger, David Croc, Cradoc ab Meuroc, Ener Vahan, Hoel Du, Philip ab Owen, Reis ab Meuroc, Hanarrod ab Cnaitho, Hoel Du of Landivodoch, Grifit ab Reis, Cradoc ab Madoc, Barth Coh. Jerevad ab Kedivor, and Moricius de Ponte, sworn at the assizes arraigned between the Abbot and Convent of Neath, and Leysan ab Morgan, concerning the land of Enesgauelu, find that it must be holden of Cradoc ab Justin ; and concerning the change of the bed of the river Neth, that it ought to run in the old course: " Et 1 Killed in A.D. 1257, in battle between the Welsh and English. 2 Occurs a.d. 1267. Richard, Ear I of Gloucester . 259 est decenta ejusdem aque a Redecamhcru 1 descendendo quousque eadem aque postea concurrunt simul." And thereupon Leysan recovered seisin. Dated at the County Court of Glamorgan, at Cardiff, Monday before Ascension Day, 33 Hen. Ill, May, A.D. 1249. This was followed by (T. 151 ; C. DCCCCXLl) a deed of arbitra- tion by Stephen, Abbot of Clairvaux, in a dispute between the Abbey of Neath and the Abbey of Margam, wherein he appoints a division of the land called " Enesgaueleu" between the disputants, as settled by the Abbots of Buildewas, co. Salop, and Kingswood, co. Wilts, and forbids recourse (after the usual rule of the Cister- cians, to which reference has been occasionally made) to secular assistance in the matter. Morrow of SS. Peter and Paul, 30th June, A.D. 1249. To this are appended the seals of the Abbots, viz. : — (1) An Abbot with staff and book. The Abbot of Clairvaux. TIS : CLAREV (2) The Abbot of Buildewas. BBAT . . DE (3) The Abbot of Kingswood. BBATI (4) An Abbot, turned slightly to the left, with staff and book. The Abbot of Gardo, Le Gard, or Gardum, a Cistercian Abbey near Amiens. (He was present at the arbitration.) SIGILL DO. The Abbot of Neath's seal is wanting. (5) An Abbot, three-quarters' length, with staff and book. The Abbot of Margam. [►J*] SIGILLVM : ABBATIS : DE : MARGAN. An Inspeximus (T. 152; C. DCCCCXLll), by the Abbots of Savigny, St. Andrew's (perhaps a foreign abbey), and Quarr, in the Isle of Wight, of the arbitration was executed at the request of the Abbot and Convent of Neath. Earl Richard granted, between A.D. 1246 and A.D. 1249, a very important general charter 2 of confirmation (7". 170B. ; C. DCCCLVIl) to the Abbey, in which is set forth at length : — I. — His confirmation of the lands in the fee of Kenefeg and Newcastle, viz., the Peytevin's land ; the land of Hugh de 1 "The ford of Cymmer," apparently Ynys-cymmer, just north-east above Glyn Neath, on the west bank of the Neath River. 2 Imperfect copy in T. 525. S 2 260 Mar gam Abbey. Hereford ; that of the Welshmen charged with an annuity of thirty-two shillings payable to the bailiffs of Kenefeg; the moor of Hevedhalok, between the waters of Kenefeg and Baythan ; a hundred and seventeen acres of land of the " demesne of his table" in Newcastle, that is, all the land between Crokkereshille and Ellenewelle-lake, and between the road from Lacheleston to New- castle and Langeforer, assessed as fifty-three acres ; the land between Ellenewelle-lake and Wytherel, reckoned as thirty-seven acres, and the rest on the E. side of Wytherel, from the " vadum lutosum", or muddy ford, called Fennilake, for two quarentenes length to the E., and northwards to the land of Seyeth ; in the fee of Newcastle, the moor on the N. and W. of the mountain called Briddewdes Castel, according to the following boundaries, viz., as the stream Budelendelake descends from Treykik to Hollake, and then to that spot where the said stream, to the E., falling from Treykyk, runs into Hollake on the E. of Redeford, then to the N., up to the great stone on the moor on the E. of that stream, then to the briars under Alterhery, then to the arable under Treykyk, and then to the W. as the arable divides the moor, as far as Budelende lake ; Seyetesland ; an annual rent of eight shillings and fourpence out of Lachelesland ; the land of Ketherech on the S. of the Lacheleston road ; and Roflesland on the other side of the road. II. — Quit-claim of the whole foreign service of the fee of Land- gewy, except half-a-mark due for Castle-ward and other services ; foreign service of all other tenements, be they of knight, huntsman, or other serjeant, or of the kitchen service, viz., twenty- eight pence for Killecullum, fourteen pence kitchen service for Gillemichel land, four shillings and three halfpence for the land of Jhouaf Troyngam near Kattepitte ; common of pasture in the marsh lying on the E. of the town of Kaerdif between the rivers Taf and Eley, the monks paying yearly for ten sheep one penny, for two head of cattle one penny. III. — Confirmation of all confirmations and grants made by his ancestors, viz., all lands between the waters of Kenefeg and the further bank of Avene waters which is to the west of Theodoric's hermitage, and as the mountains rise to the source of Kenefeg waters as far as the place called Middelcross, then across to Blainant- Disculua, then to Ridde-Keuelechy, and then as Avene goes down to the sea ; all wreck between Avene and Kenefeg ; all the fisheries of Avene, no one to fish in the whole of Avene without the permission of the Abbey ; their fishery in Kenefeg water ; a Richard, Earl of Gloucester. 261 burgage in Kenefeg ; another in Kaerdif ; another in Novus- burgus ; another in Bristol, quit of " tina", probably a tax on beer, and other services ; and quittance of toll throughout the Earl's boroughs, chargeable on things bought or sold by the monks or their men for maintenance. I V. — Confirmation of all grants and confirmations of his freemen, according to their charters, viz. : Sturmy land ; grants of Gillebert Gramus and his heirs ; grant by Espus of his land on Cornelyisdune; grant by the burgesses of Kenefeg and the freemen within or without the vill ; a fee of Landgewy, given by David Scurlage, and grant of Nicholas Poinz ; grant by Pagan de Turberville and his heirs in Koytkarth ; grant by Wronuch ab Kadugan of the land at Horegrave ; by the sons of Herbert, Killecullum ; of Morgan ab Oen, Hevedhalok ; of Morgan ab Karadoc and his heirs or freemen in Avene-marsh, Berches, and Rossaulin; common of pasture between Avenc and Neth, and all the common of pasture between Kenefeg and Hogomor, and Pultimor with its foreign service ; the grant by William de Londoniis and his heirs of Egliskeynwer ; ten shillings' worth of land at Marcros, given by Philip de Marcros; twenty-four shillings' worth, given by Adam de Sumery and his heirs at Denispowys ; the grant by Henry de Umframville and his heirs at Landmeuthin and Bradington ; twelve acres, given by Urban de Pendiuelin ; thirty-three acres, given by Hugh de Landkaruan ; twelve, by Adam de Sumery ; two, by Joruarth ap Justin ; Lauchclesland, by Walter Lacheles ; forty acres, given by the Templars ; grant by John de Boneville and his heirs, of the whole fee of Bonevile ; grant by Moreduh (or Meredith ap Caradoc), of common needed for the monks' grange of Landmeuthin and their horses ; grant by Robert Samson in the fee of St. Nicholas; grants by the burgesses or freemen of Kaerdif, within or without the vill, or at Lystelbon ; and the grant by Nicholas Poinz and his freemen in the manor of Tokyntun, or Tockington, co. Gloucester. V. — Confirmation of all their improvements in the said lands. VI. — The " Quare volo" clause, whereby the monks are to hold all the aforesaid " freely and fully in wood and plain, ways and parks, waters and mills, ponds and pools, moors and marshes, turbaries and fisheries, meadows and pastures," etc. VII. — Confirmation to the monks, that wherever they hold lands and possessions in his fee, there they may hold their court of all pleas and forfeits, except of felony ; and grant of land and chattels of their tenants losing life for felony. 262 Mar gam Abbey. VIII. — Commendation to his heirs to preserve and maintain the possessions and liberties of the church of St. Mary of Margam, in like manner as he himself has granted and confirmed them ; and lastly IX. — Warranty of all these things by him and his heirs. The witnesses are : Patrick de Chauus j 1 Roger de Sumery ; Nicholas Poinz ; Geoffrey de Fanucurt j 1 Stephen Bauceyn ; 2 Ralph de Beuchamp ; John La Ware ; Walter de Sulya ; 3 Gille- bert de Umframvilla ; 3 John de Reigny ; Adam Wallensis. 1 The seal is wanting, but part of the silk cord still remains by which it was appended to the deed. This deed represents in substance a category of the lands and other possessions and privileges of Margam Abbey at the time of its execution. Most of the grants have already formed the subject of this work, and it is unnecessary to refer to them in detail ; one or two only appear to have been lost, which is not a matter of wonder when the long lapse of time and the vicissitudes of the Abbey's fortunes are considered. William de Burgo, Bishop of Llandaff, granted by a formal document {T. 148; C. DCCXXVIIJ to the monks of Margam per- mission to have a chapel and celebrate divine services in the new place to which the Grange of Rossaulyn has been transferred, as in the old chapel, which is to be disused except on the Anniversary. It has a fine but imperfect seal of the bishop, as described before. The date may be at any time between the consecration of Bishop William, 19th Febr., A.D. 1245, an d ms death, nth June, A.D. 1253. We have seen how, in A.D. 1246, the sons of Alaythur, and other Welshmen of Glamorganshire who had injured the Abbey, had been induced by Bishop William's influence to become its bene- factors. Next year, A.D. 1247, the Bishop, continuing his friendly offices, was instrumental in achieving the execution of a dated deed (T. 147 ; C. DCCCCXXXVl), whereby Cnaytho ab Yago, Candalo ab Walter, Walter ab Wassamfret, Eynon Vachan, Wronu ab Eynon, Vronu Du and his sons, Yewan ab Aythan, Aythan uachan, Philip ab Alured, Yewan Palmer, Eynon and Rired ab Ruathlan, Joruard ab Yuor, Cradoc ab Alured ; Eynon ab Nestrec, Wronu ab Yuor, Wronu ab Caterod, Wilim ab Ythel, Ithenard ab Yuor, VVasmeyr ab Caterod, Ythel ab Lewelin, Heylin 1 Occurs in A.n. 1249. 2 Occurs in a.d. 1246, 1247. He was killed, according to the "Welsh Annals" in MS. Harl. 838, fol. n6/>, in A.D. 1257. 3 Occurs in A.D. 1246- 1249. Bis/itp IVilliam de Burgo. 263 ab Goythur, Cnaytho ab Kenewrec, Lewelin ab Kenlas, Wronu ab Wasmeyr, Wassamfret uachan, Wronu ab Wassamfret, Jewan ab Gidla, Louark ab Wasdewi, Ythel Grun and his mother, Wladus, dau. of Ythel ; Wladus, wife of Aythan ; Weyruil, dau. of Yuor ; and Weurdit, dau. of Rired, and Lewelit, wife of Aythan, of St. Brigida superior, acknowledge the damage committed by them against the Abbey at Egleskeinwir Grange, amounting to over £6o, and undertake to pay one mark yearly on St. Donat's Day, 7th August, for six years, and to provide twenty-four men, at the cost of the monks, to protect the Abbey, under penalty of excommunication and interdiction by the Bishop of Llandaff, with certain fines for infringement. Under seal of M. Gobio, precentor, and W. de Caneton', dean of Llandaff, papal subdelegates in this matter. The witnesses are : Gillebert de Humframuille ; Walter de Sullia ; Thomas, vicar of Lantrissen, Chancellor of Llandaff ; Ralph, rector of Newcastle ; Joruard ab Espus ; Resus Coch ; Richard the clerk of Kenefeg ; Thomas de Cantelo ; Philip de Kayrmerthin, John de Sueynese, monks of Margam ; Pagan, vicar of Cohytchirche. The seal of the bishop, as before described, is still appended to the document. The Harley Cliai'tcr 75 A. 50, contains letters of R., Abbot of Swinesheued, or Swineshead, co. Lincoln, to William de Burgo, Bishop of Llandaff, wherein he recites the indulgence of Pope Innocent IV, V Kal. Aug., 28 July, issued in the seventh year of his pontificate, A.D. 1 249, granting to the entire Order of Cistercians freedom of the labour executed by their own hands, or at their own expense, from tithes. This belongs to the Margam archives, but like some other deeds already noticed, has a general importance to the Cistercians. The date lies between A.D. 1249 and A.D. 1253. In A.D. 1249 the Abbey acquired more pastures, and we meet with a Final Concord — a form used to legalise conveyances or purchases of land — (T. 293.24; C. DCCCCXL) in the Cardiff County Court, before Sir Geoffrey de Fanecurt, Sheriff of Glom- morgan, Sir Patrick de Chauorciis, Sir Gilbert de Turberville, Sir Walter de Sulya, Sir Gilbert de Humframville, Sir William de Regny, Sir Adam Walensis, Sir Robert de Sumery, Sir William de Barri, Knights, William Flandrensis, Thomas de Norebert, Roger de Regny, Thomas de Hodeneth, whereby the Abbot and Convent recover common of pasture in their lands against Owen Creic and Morgan his brother, who warrant their father's charter in this behalf. Monday, the morrow of the Decollation of St. John 264 Mar gam Abbey. Baptist, 30th August, 33 Hen. Ill, A.D. 1249. The title at the head of the entry calls the said Owen and Morgan, sons of Morgan ab Cadwathlan. There were three copies of this, and one was held by each of the parties, the third was delivered to the Earl. Cade- wathlan was the brother of Leisan ap Morgan. His sons held half a comote in Glyn Rhondda, subject to a heriot of a horse and arms (C. CXXXVl). The charter of Margan, the father, has already been discussed. Abbot John de la Ware resigned 1 on the day of St. Peter and St. Paul, 29th July, A.D. 1250. He was succeeded by Thomas of Portskewit, on the day of St. Maurice the Martyr and his com- panions, 22nd September, in the same year. Abbot John died in A.D. 1256. Among the Muniments of the Abbey was also preserved an Inspeximus (T. 159; C. DCCCCXLVlll) by Guido de Rochefort, Bishop of Langres in France, and James, Bishop of Roskild in Denmark, of the Indulgence granted by Pope Innocent IV to the Cistercians, that whereas by a recent statute, exempted persons are liable to be summoned before their ordinaries, nevertheless the Cistercian liberties and privileges are not to be prejudiced thereby. Lyons, IV Non. Mar., 4th March, 8th year, A.D. 1251. Dated : Tuesday within the Octave of Easter, 18th April, A.D. 125 1. The seal bears on the obv. a bishop, standing, holding a crozier. S' GVIDON On the rev. a smaller counterseal, showing the bishop half- length, praying. S' SECRETV . EP GVI... The Bishop of Roskild's seal is wanting. We now come to a few records relating to the Abbey's posses- sions in Gloucestershire. Three documents relate to Simon Le Vic, or Le Vike : — (1) The Harlcy Charter 75 D. 13 contains an agreement, or convention, executed about A.D. 1252, whereby Simon le Vic, 2 of Salt-marsh, delivers to Richard Molendinarius, to farm for ten years, an acre and a half of land in Salt-marsh, Bristol, 3 co. 1 "m°cc.l. Dompnus J. Le War cessit ab officio abbatie de Margan in festo Apostolorum Petri et Pauli, cui successit dominus T. de Perithiwet in festo Sanctorum Martyrum Mauricii sociorumque ejus." — " Welsh Annals, Hurley MS. 838, fol. 1 16b., col. 1. 2 Simon Le Vihc, or Le Vike, occurs in A.D. 1252, 1255 (75 c. 26). 3 Rycart's Kqlauiar, ed. L, T. Smith (Camden Soc), p. 46, Simon Le Vic. 265 Gloucester, for half a mark of silver, paid by the said Richard. Before these witnesses : Maurice de Cumtona j 1 John Pessun ; Adam de Bosco ; Ralph Chinun ; Simon le Gumme ; Robert de Stodfold ; John Beie. (2) The agreement (T. 160; C. DCCCCXLix) between Abbot Thomas and Symon Le Vihc, who mortgages to the Abbey for twenty-eight years all his land called La Longelonde in Hurting- ham, perhaps co. Gloucester, for a loan of eight marks and ten shillings, to be repaid before recovery of the land, except twelve pence yearly deducted, at the yearly rent of one silver penny. The witnesses are : D. Nicholas Poynz ; D. Alexander de Cheuerel ; Peter Croc ; Henry de Stokes ; Maurice de Compton ; Henry de Werkesburi ; Gilbert Le Specier. Michaelmas, A.D. 1252. The seal bears a bird. >%t S' . SIMON' LE . WHIG And (3) a lease (T. 161 ; C. DCCCCL) by Simon Le Vikc to the Abbey, of La Longelonde, for fourteen years at a silver penny rent, and fifty-six shillings paid beforehand. Witnesses : D. Nicholas Ponyz, for Poynz ; D. Alexander tic Cheuerell' ; Peter Croc, of Olueston ; Henry de Stokes ; Maurice de Cumptone ; Gilbert the clerk ; Geoffrey de Awel ; Michaelmas, A.D. 1252. About the same time must be placed a grant {Harley Charter 75 B. 23 ; C. cxiv) by Osbern Bosse to the monks of Margam, of all his land in Hoheleswrdi 2 in pure almoign. The witnesses are : Peter Croc; 3 Ralph de Stokes; Hugh de Howelle ; Richard Venator or Huntsman ; William de Crihulle ; Peter the steward ; John de Frith ; Richard, chaplain of Tokinton ; 4 John Aylard, monk of Kingswood, 5 Dunstan and Walter, monks of Margam. The Harley Charter 75 D. 19 is a confirmation by William de Wodelond, son of William de Herdecote, to the Abbey, in free almoign, of an acre of land in the Salt-marsh 0 in the fee of Leya, viz., half an acre near Dwergeshurste on the north-east, and another half acre near the land called Bene, on the west of Bene ; which the Abbey had from his father by charter. Also he grants an acre and a half in the same fee, near Dwergeshurste, on the 1 Probably Maurice de Compton, al. Cumptune, who occurs in A.D. 1252. 2 Probably in co. Glouc. 3 Occurs in a.d. 1252. 4 Tockington, co. Glouc. 5 Cistercian Abbey, co. Wilts. 6 In Bristol, see p. 264. Ma rg a m Ab b ey . north part of the hurst, viz., one acre by itself, and half an acre by itself, which the Abbey had by charter from Richard of Salt- marsh. The witnesses are : D. William, 1 Abbot of St. Augustine's, Bristol; Richard de Brokeneburke ; Peter Croc; 2 Maurice de Comtun ; 2 Geoffrey de Alfereleke ; Wuilliam Rudil. The seal bears a wivern. »J« S' YVILEKINDI DE WODELANDE. Abbot John de la Ware, after serving the interests of Margam Abbey for about thirteen years, was elected to fill the see of Llandaff, 3 and received royal assent to his election on the 26th July, A.D. 1253. The temporalities were restored to him on the following 1 ith August. His consecration took place on the Sunday after Epiphany following, 1 ith January, A. D. 1253-4 : 4 Archbishop Boniface ; Fulk, Bishop of London ; Walter of Worcester ; and William of Bath and Wells, being consecrators. 5 His enthrone- ment took place XV Kal. Mar. 15th February. 4 He died 29th June, 6 or, according to Hardy's edition of Le Neve's Fasti, 30th June, A.D. 1256. Among the few early records relating to the mining industry in South Wales must be noticed a grant (7'. 289.47 \ C> DCCCCLVl) by Walter Luuel, with assent of A his wife, to the monks, of all manner of iron and lead mineral throughout his land, wherever it may be found, — at an annual rent, as long as they use the same, of a coulter and a ploughshare for his plough yearly at Easter, with free ingress and egress with two-wheeled and four-wheeled carts when required. The monks gave the grantor for this gift two quarters of wheat on the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene, 22nd July, A.D. 1253. Notice has already been made of the great common of Hirwaun- Wrgan, 7 and a final agreement had been made in A.D. 1203 between Margam and Caerleon Abbeys respecting it, 8 but dissensions con- 1 William I, A.D. 1234-1242 ; William II, A.D. 1242-1264. 2 Occurs in a.d. 1252. 3 "m'.cc.liii . obiit Dominus W . de Burgo , Episcopus Landavensis , cui successit dominus J[ohannes] Le Ware q[u]ondam abbas de Margan post festum omnium sanctorum/' — "Welsh Annals : ' in Harlcy MS. 838, f. wbb., col. 1. 4 Annals of Tewkesbury (Rolls Edit.), p. 153. 5 Stubbs, Reg. Sacr., p. 42. 6 " M°.CCLV1 . obiit J[ohannes] le War' , episcopus Landavensis , in festo apostolorum Petri et Pauli ."■ — "Welsh Annals" in Harley MS. 838, fol. u6<£, col. 1. 7 See p. 154. 8 See p. 174. Margam and Caerleon Abbey. 267 cerning it broke out subsequently, for in the Hurley Charter 75 A. 6 (C. CXXXIl) are contained letters whereby Boniface, Abbot of Citeaux, and the whole convent of abbots in chapter-general, confirm the decision of the Abbots of Buildwas, co. Salop, Bruerne, co. Oxon., and Kingswood, co. Wilts, appointed judges for settle- ment of the suit between Margam Abbey and Kerlyun.or Caerleon Abbey, respecting common of pasture in the said Hyrvven-Worgan. In this the chapter-general points out that Caerleon had not strictly observed the terms of the settlement. Thereupon an inquiry was held in Worcester Cathedral, on Monday after the close of Easter, i.e., 28th April, A.D. 1253, the Cistercian abbots of Dore, co. Here- ford, and Tintern, co. Monmouth, being assessors ; documents were produced and examined, and the following termination settled, viz., (1) The final composition made in A.D. 1203 1 to be strictly main- tained. (2) Margam Abbey to use the pasture of Hyrwen-W'organ by day and by night at all times of the year. The boundaries are declared to be from Magna-Pola, the great pool, 2 where the Wrelech rises, along the Wrelec to the river Neth running northwards, along the river running eastwards as far as Redevayn, from Redevayn as far as the boundaries of Brecon, and then southwards to the stream Canan (the River Cynon), along the Canan as far as Aberdar, from Aberdar due westwards as far as Puthladar, from Puthladar as far as the mountain brow, along the brow due westward to the great pool. All this area to be common of pasture for Margam, except the mansion-house and wood of Bolchoyth, and a hundred acres adjacent thereto, and a house at Estun-wrelech, with an enclosure of three acres around it, but no monk to live there. (3) Removal of the hedges, ditches, enclosures and buildings made by Caerleon, except the aforesaid. (4) Any monk contravening this order to be put out of his monastery, and not to be readmitted except by licence of the chapter-general. (5) Costs of this affair to follow the usual course. Dated in the Chapter-General at Citeaux, A.D. 1253. In pursuance of the foregoing, the Harley Charter 75 D. 11, was issued, 3 whereby J., Abbot of Tintern, and Stephen of Worcester, Abbot of Dore, notify their inspection of certain letters, dated A.D. 1253, of the Chapter-General of Citeaux, directed to the Abbot of Strata Florida, co. Cardigan, wherein that Abbot is enjoined to strictly obey the final sentence declared in a cause between Margam Abbey and Kaerlion, daughter-house of Strata Florida, by the 1 P. 154. 2 Llyn Fawr, a mile south of Blaen-gwzelech. 3 S. W. Williams, History of the Cistercian Abbey of Strata Florida, 18S9, App. xxx (text and translation). 268 Mar gam Abbey. Abbots of Buildwas, Brueria, and Kingswood. Dated at Alba- Domus, i.e., the Cistercian Abbey of Whiteland, or Ty-Gwyn, in the parish of Llan-Gan, partly in co. Pembroke, and partly in co. Carmarthen, A.D. 1253. We shall find another document relating to this matter under the year 1256. A memorandum is written on the Abbey Roll {T. 289. 67), that in A.D. 1255 the three sons of William Gevenhot, of Kenefeg, had a lease from the Abbey for thirty acres of certain land in Kenefeg, at the yearly rent of four pence, and that the charter was deposited with other specified muniments. In A.D. 1255 the Abbey paid off a distress on Simon Le Vic's land which they had acquired a few years before, 1 for in the Harley Charter 75 C. 26 {C. DCCCCLXV) are contained the letters whereby Yvo de Kibworth, serjeant of the Lord King, acknowledges the receipt from the Abbot of four marks and a half for Simon le Vic, wherein the said Simon was bounden to Cress', son of Mill', and Sampson, son of Mauger, Jews. Dated : St. Peter and St. Paul's Day, 29th June, 39 Hen. Ill, A.D. 1255. The Abbot preserved among his muniments, still extant, the Harley Charter 75 A. 2, which contains an Indulgence of Pope Alexander IV to the Abbots of the Cistercian Order in general, decreeing that, in consequence of the slenderness of their revenues, they are to be exempt from loans of collections, subsidies and other charges, imposed by mandates not containing express mention of this indulgence and of the said order, and from excom- munication, suspension, or interdict, by reason of non-payment thereof. Dated at the Lateran Palace, iii Id. Dec, nth December, 1st year, A.D. 1255. With the leaden bulla of the Pope appended. In Harley Charter 75 A. 37 [C. CXXXIV) we meet with the final composition between the Abbeys of Margam and Karlyun, or Caerleon-upon-Usk, in reference to the arbitration of A.D. 1253, which has already been recorded. By this deed Margam gives to Caerleon, in lieu of the hundred acres adjacent to Bolgoyth, reserved out of the pasture Hyrwen Wurgan, twenty acres in Redvayn, with the house and wood of Bolgoyth and the house and three acres at Estunwerelech, but no monk to be allowed to live there. These being the witnesses: The Cistercian Abbots of Flexley, co. Glouc. ; Tintern, co. Monm. ; Neath ; Alba-Domus, or White- land, and Strata florida, co. Cardigan. Dated at Christchurch, co. 1 See pp. 264, 265. Sir Gilbert de Turbervile. 269 Southampton, on the Octave of St. Lawrence, 17th August, A.D. 1256. The Harley Charter 75 D. 23 (T. 289.54; C. dcccclxix) contains the renunciation by John Witard, Burgess of Kenefech, to the monks, of three acres and a half of land of which he held their charter grant. His wife's dower is to be provided for elsewhere. Witnesses : Philip de Comely ; Thomas Grammus ; Philip the clerk ; William le Frankeleyn ; Hugh Cogh. St. Benedict the Abbot's Day (21st March or 4th December), A.D. 1257. The seal bears an ornamental flower. ►£< S' • IOHANNIS . WITARD. In this year 1 Stephen de Bauzain, Sheriff of Glamorgan in A.D. 1246, 1247, and Patrick de Chaus, or Chauus, were killed in a hostile engagement between the English and Welsh. Sir Gilbert de Turbevile, or Thorberwile, as the name is occasionally spelled, occurs in two deeds about this time. (1) A deed of exchange {T. 169; 291.7; C. DCCCCLXXll) between D. Gilebert de Turbevile and the Abbot and Convent of Margam, whereby Sir Gilbert gives two acres of land in the fee of Newcastle, lying on the north of the road from Kenefec to Keyrdif, where the spring called Wytewelle begins, and in breadth from the land of Thomas Cradoc on the east, and that of William Godmon on the west, in exchange for other two acres in the same fee ; whereof one lies in length between the hedge boundary of Lageleston nearest to the hedge, but for one acre which is held by the relict of Philip Dunning, and it begins on the east and stretches to the east near the hedge, and in breadth it has the monks' land on the north and south. The second acre lies in the fee of Tethegestowe, the last of the land of Walter Lageles on the north, and begins on the high road on the east, and extends in length as far as Torres. Dated the day before St. Barnabas' day, i.e., 10th June, A.D. 1258. The witnesses are : Robert de Cantulupo ; John, son of William ; William Le Deneys ; Richard Le Noreys ; Wronu ab Cradoc. There is appended a seal bearing a knight with surcoat, flat helmet, sword, and shield of arms, a chevron(?), riding on a galloping horse, and blowing a horn. >%* SIGI BERTI 1 " M°CCLVij . Guerra orta est inter Anglos et Wallenses , facta et strage magna , interfectus est , inter ceteros , Stephanas de Bauzain et Patricius de Chaus," etc.— "Welsh Annals," Harley MS. 838, fol. 1 16/;, col. 1. 270 Margam Abbey. (2) A quit-claim by Gilbert 1 de Thorberwile, for his soul's sake (Hurley Charter 75 D. 12; T. 293.22; C. DCCCCLXXl), to the monks, of all his right in the land of Egleskeynwir, or in the common of pasture there. These being the witnesses : D. David Scorlag ; D. William de Reynny ; 2 Peter Pincerna, 3 sheriff of Kerdif ; Walter de Sulye ; William de Clivedun ; Ralph de Novo- Castro ; Johel de Aberonchawe ; Haymund de Hasweyr. The seal bears a shield of indistinct arms. ►!< IE . SVI . SEL . DE . AMOR . LEL. During this year Jewan ap Gweyr, and his sons, Madoc ab Jewan, Gweyr ab Jewan, and Jewan vachan, acknow- ledged by a deed (T. 170; C. DCCCCLXXIII) their commis- sion of injuries against Margam Abbey ; abjured their claim to land at Egleskeynwyr and elsewhere ; undertook not to depasture cattle thereon ; and promised to act like brothers to the monks; with an arrangement that if their cattle were liable to be impounded for trespass, they would pay one half-penny per head if they prevented the impounding thereof, under penalty of excommunication and interdiction by the Bishop of Llandaff, and forfeiture of Church sepulture. Sealed by the said Jewan in the Court of Langunyth, and given under seal of W. de Radenoure, Bishop of Llandaff, the Archdeacon of Llandaff, and William Scurlag, constable of Langunyth. These being witnesses : Griffith ab Res ; Res Voel ; Madoc vachan ; Lewelin ab Anharoud ; Cradoc ab Jareueth ; Wronu ab Jareuedh ; Wilim ab Jareueth. Feast of SS. Peter and Paul, 29th June, 1258. Three small seals still remain. 1. An ornamental estoile. AN : AB : G (Jevan ab Gweyr). 2. A fragment of the Bishop's seal. 3. A crescent enclosing a martlet, in base an estoile. tfr S' WILL'I . SCVRLAG. Henry, son of David Scurlag, just mentioned as the first witness in one of Sir Gilbert de Turbevile's charters, quit-claimed (T. 195 ; C. DCCCLXXIII), with consent of Margiry his wife, to Margam Abbey, all the right and claim which he or his heirs have in the whole land of the fee of Langewy, which his ancestors gave 1 Occurs in a.d. 1202, 1213, 1249, 1258, etc. 2 Occurs in A.D. 1217, 1234, 1247, 1249, 1257. '* Sheriff in A.D. 1258 ; he also occurs at an earlier date. Pope Alexander IV. to the monks, saving the yearly rent of thirty-five shillings ; for nine pounds ten shillings, and a colt (pullanus) beforehand. The witnesses are : D. William de Brewise ; D. Philip de Nerbert ; D. John Le Norreys ; D. John Walensis ; D. Richard Le Flemmeng, Knts. ; Master Maurice Grifith ; Master Henry Grifith ; Maurice de Comely. The seal bears the shield of arms of the Scurlag family ; three estoiles, two and one. >J< S' HENRICI . SCVRLAG. Many of these witnesses have already occurred in the foregoing charters, and several continue to occur later on. Three Papal Bulls, emanating from Pope Alexander IV's Chancery, now claim our attention, (i) In the first (T. 173 ; C. DCCCCLXXIX), addressed to the Abbot of Citeaux and all the abbots of the Cistercian Order, he confirms the privilege that no one may summon them, or the persons of their monasteries, to synods or foreign assemblies, except in matters of faith, without permission of the Apostolic See. Lateran, v Id. Januar, 9th January, 7th year, A.D. 1261. With the leaden Bulla of the Pope, appended by silken strands. (2) The second (7". 174 ; C. DCCCCLXXX) is not very dissimilar to the foregoing. It is also addressed to the Abbot of Citeaux and all the abbots of the Cistercian Order, providing that no pre- judice shall operate against the Order in consequence of the ordinance made 1 by Pope Innocent [IV], his predecessor, placing the abbots under jurisdiction of the ordinaries of their places, and is couched in the exact terms already contained in Innocent IV's document. Lateran, XV Kal. Mar., 1 5th February, 7th year, A.D. 1 261. These Bulls, although general in their scope, come from the Abbey muniments, and were carefully preserved by the Abbot among his most valuable possessions, on account of the important privileges which they embody, and which it is certain often proved most beneficial to the inmates of the Abbey. (3) The third (71 171 ; 293 . 27 ; C. DCCCCLXXXl) is addressed to the Abbot of Margam : — (1) Receiving the Abbey of St. Mary into the protection of St. Peter and his own. (2) Enjoining perpetual observance of the Cistercian rule. (3) Confirming to the Monastery the grants and gifts made to it by various benefactors, viz., the site itself and its appurtenances ; 1 See under A.D. 1251. 272 Mar gam Abbey. the granges of Auene, Enys-auene, Havod-porth, Pennud, Ros- soulyn, Egleskeynur, Glyngaru, Havothalok, Tyrris, Meles, Mid- delberue, Gardino, St. Michael's, Kenefeg, Sturmy, Langewy, Lanmeuthyn, Bonevilleston, The Moor near Cardiff, Lestelebont, Hosebruge ; with its mills, lands, vineyards, fisheries, pastures, woods, and other belongings, and tithes of sheaves and lands in Kenefeg, Newcastle, Tedeges-stowe and Lageleston parish churches. (4) And granting various privileges and enjoining sundry regulations for the government of the Abbey, to wit : — No. 3 of Pope Urban I IPs Bull (see p. 58), with fisheries included. Nos. 4-6, 8-10, 12-15, 11 , 18, 7, 19-21, of the same. No. 17 of Urban's Bull appears to be omitted from this document, and two additional privileges are inserted : (1) Unless the Cistercian Order is expressly mentioned, papal and episcopal letters are not to affect the Abbey ; and (2) on occasion of a general interdict of the country, the monks may celebrate the divine offices in their monastery after excluding excommunicated and interdicted persons. The Bull is ratified by the Pope himself, two Roman bishops, and five cardinals. It is dated at the Lateran Palace, by the hand of Master Jordan, Notary and Vice-Chancellor of the Holy Roman Church, v Non. Mart., 3 March, A.D. 1260, for 1261, 7th year of the Pope. The leaden Bulla is still appended to this important charter. We meet with a grant (T. 546. 2 ; C. MCCCCXXXIII) by John de Kenefegh, burgess of Bristol, 1 to Margam Abbey, of a crannoc of white salt, out of a tenement in Smalestrete, Bristol. Witnessed by Robert Kilmaynan, Mayor of Bristol [A.D. 1261]. Abbot Thomas de Portechewcth 2 (T. 546. 5 ; C. MCCCCXXXVl) granted to Richard, son of James Mey of Kermerdin, co. Car- marthen, a burgage, with curtilage and meadow in the town of Kedweli, i.e., Kidwelly, at a yearly rent of four shillings, without power of alienation. John Kairus has already appeared before us in the time of Bishop Henry, 3 and Milo his son swore to adhere to a compact he made with the monks. Milo appears as a witness to a Laleston 4 charter in A.D. 1244. The Harley Charter 75 c. 41 (7". 291.2; C. DCCCCLXXXIII) contains a confirmation by Milo de Penvey, with assent of Worgan, his brother, to the Abbey, of a portion of his land of Penuey, viz., eight acres between the old road which leads 1 See p. 203. i Circ. A.D. 1250-1270. He came from Portskewit, on the River Severn, in Monmouthshire. 3 P. 128. 4 P. 253. Family of Kairus of Penvei. 273 to La Rigge through the middle of Hunting-groue, and the land which John Kairus, father of the said Milo, gave to the monks. The witnesses are : Ralph, clerk of Newcastle ; Robert de Cantelo j 1 William, son of Wronu ; Maurice, Kenewreg, and Philip, sons of Yago. The seal bears an escallop shell. t%t SIGILL' . MILON . DE P'NVEI. The same Milo, son of John Kair, or Cairus, in Harley Charter 75 C. 20 (T. 294 . 10 ; C. DCLXlll) grants for the good of his father's soul, to the monks, all his land on the west of, and adjacent to, that of Herbert Scurlage, in frank almoign. Sworn upon the holy relics ; and if he cannot warrant the land, then as much other land out of his free tenement in Newcastle. Before these witnesses : Worgan his brother ; Helias Flemenc and William his son ; Richard the chaplain ; David the writer ; Hiago. 2 Milo de Penvey's nephew, Milo, son of Cadivor, confirmed (T. 291 .4; C. DCCCCLXXXII), with assent of his uncles Milo and Urban, to the Abbey, a portion of his land of Penvei, between the old road which leads to La Rigge through the middle of Hanginge- groue ; 3 and three acres of land below the lakes, which were in dispute between the said uncles and the monks; and all his land on the west of the lake towards the boundaries of Herebert Scurlag, and the land which John Kayrus, 4 his grandfather, gave to the monks. Connected with the foregoing is the Harley Charter 75 c. 49 {T. 291 .9; C. DCCCCLXXXIV), a deed whereby Robert Russel, of Penvey, son of Mileth, or Milo, with assent of Agnes his wife and his heirs, confirms in perpetual almoign to the monks of Margam, two acres of land between the Hanging-grove 5 on the north, and the road from Ewenny to Langunith on the south, and two and a half acres of meadow under the said road on the north and the Abbey land on the south, for sixty shillings, charitably bestowed on him " in his most urgent need" by the monks. Before these witnesses : Thomas Grammus : Thomas the steward ; Thomas Russel ; Roger 6 Haster ; Walter Ruddoc ; William Frankeleyn. Feast of St. Ambrose, 4th April, A.D. 1261, with a seal bearing a fleur-de-lis. S' . RjOB'TI . R[VSSEL . FIL'.] MILONl[s]. 1 Occurs in a.d. 1244, etc. 2 Cf. Yago of the previous deed. 3 This is the "Hunting-grove" of a previous deed. "Virgultum quod appellatur Hanginge Grove." La Rigge is Kenfig Hill, a ridge leading to Penfai, near Aberkenfig and Tondu. 4 Occurs in a.d. 1261. 6 " Inter pendentem gravam." u Cf. Roger le Hastare in a deed of a.d. 1276. T 274 Mar gam Abbey. And Harley Charter 75 C. 50 {C. DCCCCLXXXV), a companion to the above, whereby the said Robert mortgages the said lands to the said Abbot and Convent for forty years, for sixty shillings, required in his most urgent need. The witnesses are : Kcnewrech ab Jhago ; Philip, son of William ab Wronu ; Ralph, son of Wronu ; Peter, son of the said Ralph ; Adam ab Elioth. The seal resembles that of the previous deed. ►Ji s' r[ob't]i rv[ssel.] fil' m[il]onis. To these appertains the Harley Charter J ^Q.^x (C.DCCCCLXXXVl) whereby the said Robert Russel, with assent of Agnes his wife and Thomas his heir, remits to the monks a yearly rent of fourpence for all manner of common of his land, with grant of marl, iron, or lead, should they be found in the said lands, and ingress or egress requisite for the same. For these grants the monks piously gave him " no small benefits in his most urgent need". Before these witnesses : Thomas de Sullia ; William Le Flemmcng ; Philip de Comely ; William Le Frankeleyn ; Thomas Gramus. Palm- Sunday, 17th April, A.D. 1 26 1. The seal bears a rosette. i%* S'. ROBERTI : FILII : MILOTI. The pedigree disclosed is : — John Kairus, or Kayras, Milo de Penvei. Cadivor. Urban. Worgan. I Milo. 1 Robert Russel. —Amies. I 1 homas. Then comes the Harley Charter 75 C. 40 (T. 291 . 8 ; C. DCCCCLXXXVll), a grant by Philip, son of William de Penvey, to the monks, in pure almoign, of two acres and a half of arable land called Langaker; one part whereof leads westward as far as Marputte, the other eastward as far as Sortacre, and three- quarters of an acre of meadow between Suueyshulle and the monks' land called " Ten Acres", for sixty shillings given to him in his most urgent need. The witnesses are : Thomas Gramus ; William Frankelayn ; Philip the clerk ; Thomas Stiward ; Gedeman. Palm Sunday, 17th April, A.D. 1 26 1. With a seal bearing a star. Si' : PHI' : FILII : WILL'. The Templars. 275 T. 546. 1 (C. MCCCCXXXIV) is a quit-claim by Richard de Bone- ville, burgess of Ncth, to Margam Abbey, of his right in the land which it holds of the Templars in the fee of Bonevilestonc, and all other lands in that or in other fees. Assured and sworn on the sacrosancta at Margam, before these witnesses ; Walter Lovell, constable of Lang[onoyd] ; Philip the clerk of Kenefeg ; Thomas Grammus ; Maurice Grammus ; Philip de Corncli. A.D. 1262. The Templars, or Knights of St. John, who have been mentioned from time to time in the Abbey Charters, held land in Glamorganshire till at least as late as A.D. 1492. 1 To it may be added T. 290. 3 (C. DCCLXV), a charter of John de Boneuille to the Sheriff of Cardiff and Barons of Glamorgan, confirming to Margam Abbey the land which Richard Norrensis holds of his fee at Karwigau,' 2 if an agreement is made between them. T. 290 . 8 (C. DCCLXIIl) is a record of the grant by John, clerk of Boneuille, 3 to Margam Abbey, of the third part of his land in Boneuille after his death, the grantor receiving the fruit during his lifetime. There is also a quit-claim and abjuration {T. 290.38; C. DCCLXlx) by Richard and Roger de Bonevillc, sons of John the chaplain, to Margam Abbey of land which their father, John, held of the Templars in the fee of Boneuilcstun. Assured and sworn upon the sacrosancta at Margam. The Harley Charter 75 A. 40 (C. CXLIX) contains the examina- tion of witnesses and depositions of the same, produced on behalf of the Abbot and Convent of Margam in St. John's Church, Cardiff, before the Prior of Taleletho, or Tallcy (a Cistercian Monastery in co. Carmarthen), commissary of the Abbot of Wig- more, co. Hereford, and Master Geoffrey de Burgo, Canon of Llandaff, judges appointed by the Pope to hear the appeal moved between the said Abbey of Margam and St. Peter's Abbey, Gloucester, on Wednesday after the Feast of St. .Agatha (i.e., 8th February), A.D. 1262 for 1263. Viz., evidence of Frater John Comyn, monk of Margam, con- cerning Philip de Lulliwelle, proctor of Margam, who moved before the Rural Dean of Llandaff in a cause touching the tithes of the Abbey of Margam in the parish of Lankaruan, that it should be reduced to writing, but it had been by Margam referred to the Roman Court ; of William Sortes, monk of Margam ; of Philip de 1 See Clark, iii, 397 - See p. 132. :; Cf. pp. 1 jS, 139. T 2 276 Mar gam Abbey. Kaermardin, monk of Margam ; of Nicholaus de Kanetone, p/n'sicus ; of John de Nova villa, monk of Margam ; and of Roger de Staunton, clerk, Vice-official of Llandaff. There were also present John Peruat, John Du, and others, when the motion was overruled. It would appear that the appointed judges decided the cause in favour of Margam Abbey, and fined the Abbot of Gloucester .£100 ; for the next writing we have on record in relation to the matter is a deed containing the certificate (T. 180 ; C. Ml) of the Dean of Grunuth to the Prior of Tallyletho, commissary of the Abbot of Wigmore, and to Master Geoffrey de Burgo, Canon of Landaff, judges delegated by the Pope, that he has thrice formally warned the Abbot and Convent of St. Peter, Gloucester, to pay to Margam Abbey, before St. Andrew's Day next, under penalty of ecclesiastical censure, the sum of .£100 fine imposed by the said judges for rash and calumnious vexation. Dated on the Octave of St. James, 1 Aug. 1265 i CHAPTER XXIV. THE LIBRARY AND THE MANUSCRIPTS. HERE can be little doubt that Margam Abbey was well 1 provided with literary manuscripts and records, but of the actual contents of its library we know little. Two or three books and a few hundred charters are all that remain. Rut they are sufficient to enable us to judge of the character of those that are lost. Thomas Gale, who edited so many historical manu- scripts in the seventeenth century, was the first who published the Annates de Morgan, from an original volume in his collections now preserved in the Library of Trinity College, Cambridge, numbered o. 2. 4. This work he performed very incorrectly, accord- ing to the late Dr. Luard, who gives a short description of the MS. in his preface to the Annales Monastici, of which the Annals of Margam form the first article in the Master of the Rolls' Series of Chronicles, no. 36. From Luard we learn that the book is of small quarto size, written on vellum, in sixteen leaves, one or two, perhaps more, being lost at the end. These Annals commence with the death of Edward the Confessor, A.D. 1066 ; they record the foundation of " Our Abbey which is called Margan " in A.D. 1 147 (thereby corroborating the independent testimony of date recorded above at pp. 14, 15), and end abruptly in the middle of the relation of King Henry Ill's displeasure with the powerful Hubert de Burgh in A.D. 1232. The author of the Annals has derived his information from various sources — an additional proof of the existence of a good library in the Abbey — a considerable portion has been derived from the works of William of Malmesbury : unless both William and the annalist obtained their facts and legends from one common origin. It may be that a connection existed between these two abbeys, traceable to the influence of Robert, Earl of Gloucester, the founder of Margam and the literary patron of William, the historian and monk of the great Wiltshire Benedictine Abbey. The early portion of these Annals is meagre 278 Margam Abbey. down to the year of Margam's foundation ; afterwards the notices of public events become fuller, especially those which relate to Wales and the vicinity of the Abbey. After A.D. 1 1 84 much local matter is introduced, under proper years, into the body of the work. Some of the paragraphs relating to points of foreign history show that the compiler had access to numerous sources of infor- mation. The dates of the succession of the Abbots are valuable, and corroborate the charters, and in some cases have assisted to attach correct dates to undated charters in the foregoing pages of this book. There are also noted the foundations of other Cistercian Abbeys ; and the writer has not omitted to place on record the favour which King John showed to Margam and Beaulieu ; to the former because of the King's hospitable reception there, 1 to the latter because the King himself was the founder. Luard shows that some few of the dates given in this MS. are incorrect ; but these errors do not injure the value of the record ; they are little graver than slips of the pen. The Abbey Library 2 also possessed a valuable book of English historical pieces. This is now preserved among the MSS. of the Royal Library in the British Museum, under the numeration 13 D. II. It is a vellum volume of large folio size, written in the latter part of the twelfth century, in double columns, having fifty- one lines to the column. Its contents are : — (1) The Gesta Regum, or Acts of the Kings of England, in Five Books ; and (2) The Novella Historia, or continuation of the same (sometimes called the Sixth Book of the previous article), down to his own day, A.D. 1126-1142, by the celebrated William of Malmesbury already mentioned. This, therefore, forms an additional bond between Margam and Malmesbury Abbeys. (3) The Historia Regum Britannia?, or History of the Kings of Britain, by Geoffrey of Monmouth, in Eleven Books ; with the usual prologue and with interlinear glosses, in a somewhat later handwriting, inserted in the first four columns of the " Prophecies of Merlin." At the end of the MS. is written, in a different hand, of the thirteenth cen- tury : " Liber Monachorum Sancte Marie de Margan." Robert, Earl of Gloucester, the founder of Margam, was not only the patron of William of Malmesbury, but also of Geoffrey of Mon- mouth : a fact which may throw some light on the occurrence of the works of these two authors in the same manuscript. One of the early copies of the celebrated Domesday Book 1 See p. 182. 2 See p. 176. The Manuscripts and Charters. 279 belonged to the Library of Margam Abbey. It is now preserved among the Arundel MSS. in the British Museum. This is a folio volume of the twelfth century, and consists of eighty-five vellum leaves finely written. It contains the Domesday returns for twenty-four counties, and is otherwise abridged by the omission of notices of payments clue to the King ; but it has a great value as an ancient text, and might be collated with the great Exchequcr Domesday advantageously. The counties are taken in the same order as in the Domesday of the Remembrancer's Office, but the following are wanting : Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Berk- shire, Derbyshire. After Rutlandshire follow only the "Civitas et Comitatus Eboraci." A leaf is wanting between f. 47 and f. 48, and another between f. 77 and f. 78. At the beginning is written a note to the effect that the MS. formerly belonged to Margam Abbey. The object for which it was compiled is not apparent. The Domesday of the Remembrancer's Office also formed one of the muniments of a Welsh religious establishment in the neigh- bourhood of Gower land, or was possessed by the family of Breose, lords of that district. There are no reasons which satisfactorily account for its appearance in its present repository. It contains a valuable chronicle of South Wales, thought to have been probably compiled in one of the religious houses of Morganwg or Gwent. Of this there is a good mediaeval copy in the Harley MS. 838, ff. w^b-Wjb ; and a printed copy in the Arcluvologia Cambrensis for 1862, pp. 273-283. Another chronicle of South Wales is contained in Harley MS. 838, ff. 96-117, immediately preceding and in the same handwriting as the copy just mentioned, which runs on at the end without a break. This may be compared with the Annales Cambria; in the Rolls Series, and the highly valuable Clirojiicle in Harley MS. 3859, f. 189& et sea. But none of these three records can be positively identified with Margam Abbey as their place of origin. They have been carefully described by the Rev. John Williams ( ab fi/icl)'m his preface to the Annales Cambria; (Rolls Edit., i860), with the exception of his omitting all reference to the Harley MS. 838. Sir Thomas Duffus Hardy has also discussed their contents in the Catalogue of Historical MSS. in the Rolls Series. The charters of Margam Abbey range in date from the first establishment of the little hermitage of Pendar, "the hill clad with oak woods" (descendants of the carbonised antediluvian Silva which lies deep down below our feet at every step we take on the adjacent littoral from Neath to Kenfig, and from the heights of 280 Mar gam Abbey. Aberdare to far beyond low-water mark on the sand-blown shore), to the dissolution of the Abbey and grants of the sites of its lands and granges. These deeds form probably the most complete original series in existence relating to one monastic establishment. Strange to say, they seem to have been divided into two portions, or, if the whole number of them passed into the possession of Sir Rice Mansell, to whom the Abbey site was sold by the Court of the Augmentations of the Revenues of the Crown not long after the Dissolution, a large number must have been surreptitiously removed from Margam, and these eventually found their way into the careful hands of the illustrious collector of the Harley Library of the British Museum ; for our national collection contains one hundred and seventy-seven deeds, numbered 75 A. 1-51 ; 75 B. 1-47 ; 75 C. 1-55 ; and 75 D. 1-16, T9-25, which dovetail in date and contents with the more extensive collection belonging to Miss Talbot. These are numbered 1-287, 522-542; 113 B.C.; 139B. ; 170 B., 212 B. C. ; 1 172, etc. Or it may be that the portion in the possession of the Trustees of the British Museum represents a kind of specimen selection, made at haphazard, which was brought to London and laid before the officials appointed for the conduct of the sale of the lands of the dissolved religious houses and the Court of Augmentations ; while, on the other hand, the remaining portion which was left behind at Margam passed, with seisin and possession of the site and buildings of the monastery, into the good keeping of the first lay owner of the property, Sir Rice Mansell. The catalogue of the Harley Charters in the British Museum has never been printed ; that of Miss Talbot's charters was printed in three volumes, 8vo, 1893- 1895. The two collections taken together and amalgamated by Mr. Clark in his great work, probably represent nearly the whole contents of the muniment presses of the Abbey at the time it ceased to be the one great and glorious monastic edifice of the county. These deeds are exceedingly rich in references to the noble families, ecclesiastical dignitaries, landed proprietors, English and Welsh, the officials and the prominent personages who figured in their transient turns throughout the annals of Glamorganshire. Among these parch- ments which all-devouring time has spared for us to-day are Papal Bulls and Privileges, to the Cistercian Order in general and to the Abbey in particular; royal charters of Henry II and succeeding monarchs of England ; deeds illustrative of the history of the neighbour Abbey of Neath, the Priory of St. Michael of Uggomore, or Ewenny, and the opulent Abbey of Tewkesbury, in Gloucester- The Abbey Charter-Rolls. 281 shire, which held a considerable estate of lands in these parts. The names of the witnesses, every one of whom has been mentioned in these pages, comprise members of almost every family known to the historian of this district of the Cambrian realms. The monks of this Abbey — and the same may be probably said for other Welsh abbeys — do not appear to have compiled any large Register Books or Chartularies (although Rice Merrick speaks of the Register of Neat/i,now missing) after the English and Scottish manner ; but they caused their charters, privileges, grants of lands, and rents, quitclaims, releases, confirmations, agreements or compositions, conventions, exchanges, and other deeds relating to the transfer of land and the litigation which occasionally ensued, to be neatly copied, sometimes in an abridged form, into small vellum rolls. These were capable, on account of their convenient dimensions, of rapid and effective concealment or easy deportation if, at any time, the safety of the institution were jeopardised — as was sometimes the case — by the guerilla incursions of the sacri- legious and audacious men of Breconshire, and other hostile bands of lawless marauders who, from time to time, swooped down suddenly from the northern hill country to harry the most fertile and more civilised district on the southern littoral of the count}'. Thirteen rolls 1 in all, falling under this category, are extant in Miss Talbot's possession, containing abstracts or transcripts of two hundred and eighty-seven charters, a great proportion of which are, however, copies of originals still available either in the Harley or Margam collections. It is on the classification and study of these several series of charters that the present history of the Abbey has been mainly founded. 1 That is, T. 288. Roll, imperfect at the beginning and ending, written early in the 13th cent., containing copies of 12 charters. T. 289. Roll, written at various times in the 13th cent., containing copies of 69 charters. T. 290, 291. Roll, written at various times in the 13th cent., containing copies of 62 charters. T. 292. Roll, written about the middle of the 13th cent., containing copies of 29 charters. T. 293. Roll, written on both sides, at various times during the 13th cent., injured by rats along the right-hand side, containing copies of 32 charters. T. 294. Roll, imperfect at the beginning and ending, and injured by rats along the left-hand side, written about the middle of the 13th cent., con- taining copies of 15 charters. T. 295. Roll, written in the 13th cent., contain- ing a copy of one deed. T. 296. Roll, written at the end of the 14th or begin- ning of the 15th cent., containing copies of 9 charters. T. 543. Roll, written in the 13th cent, containing copies of 23 charters. T. 544. Roll, containing early copies of 20 charters. T. 545. Roll, containing early copies of 9 charters. T. 546. Roll, containing early copies of 7 charters. CHAPTER XXV. NEWCASTLE.— CARDIFF.— KENEFEG.— BONE VI LESTON.— COGANESMOR.— ETC. ROM A.n. 1265 to 1268 the Abbey was much engaged with an i. important cause relating to the acquisition and tenure of the tithes of St. Leonard, Newcastle. Several deeds illustrate the pro- gress and settlement of the matter, viz. : (1) An agreement ( T. 1 76; C. DCCCCXCVIIl) was entered upon between the Abbot and Convent of Tewkesbury, and the Abbot and Convent of Margam, respecting the tithes of the parish of St. Leonard, Newcastle, as expressed more fully in the following charter, under seal and in presence of Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester and Hertford, patron of both the above Houses. Dated at Hanley [-Castle, co. Wore], 10th April, A.D. 1265, with an imperfect and indistinct seal of the Earl of Gloucester. From the fact that the contracting parties did not seal this deed, and that the endorsement terms it a " transcript of the in- denture between us and Tewkesbury Abbey, sealed with the seal of Gilbert, Earl of Clare, concerning the tithes of Newcastle in the hands of Margam Abbey", it would seem that at the time (10th April), two copies of the deed had not been prepared, but that it was found advisable to ratify the same by this preliminary document. (2) The full form of this indenture of agreement is contained in T. 177 (C. DCCCCXCIX), which is a demise by Tewkesbury to Margam of the tithes of the Church of St. Leonard, Newcastle, the houses, with court, garden, and orchard, which Ralph de Newcastle, Canon of Llandaff, farmer of the said Church, formerly held, excepting the vicarage, viz., the altarage, the minor tithes, and the hay tithe of Newcastle, the altarage of Lawelestone and of Tede- gestowe, and all the tithes of Horegrave, and of the Chapels of Res and Weir, reserving the right of patronage to the vicarage, for twenty-four marks and a half yearly. Tewkesbury hereby remits to Margam all tithes of her proper labour, all other tithes of garbs Newcastle. 283 and all lands and other things belonging to the church ; Margam is to supply the vicar with court and houses ; the vicar is charged with the ordinary expenses, Margam with the extraordinary expenses ; and each give an undertaking to produce deeds when necessary, and to obtain Papal sanction to the agreement at the charges of Margam alone, with other provisions for amicably holding the premises. Under seal of Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester and Hertford, patron of the said Abbeys. Tewkesbury, IV Kal. Mai, 28 Apr., A.n. 1265. Three imperfect seals are appended : (1) The Abbot of Tewkesbury, with staff and book. (2) A six-foil rose, each leaf charged with a shield of arms of Clare. SIGILLVM. . .BERT I . DE . CLARE. (3) Early seal of Tewkesbury Abbey. The letters C . I . R . O . G . R . A . P . H . U . M . are cut through by the indented line at the top The counterpart, bearing the seal of Margam Abbey, was no doubt kept by the Abbot of Tewkesbury. (3) Another copy of the preceding document, not the counter- part, is contained in T. 178. (4) In accordance with these terms, in A.D. 1265, a Papal Commission (T. 179; C. M.) was issued by Enrico Bartolomei, Bishop of Ostia and Velletri, in Italy, to the Dean of Welles, and the Archdeacons of Worcester, and Carmarthen, dioc. St. David's, to take evidence of witnesses at Bristol, in the cause between the Abbot and Convent of Margam, and the Abbot and Convent of Tewkesbury, respecting the tithes of the parish of Newcastle, co. Glamorgan, etc., and to transmit the depositions to him. Perusia, III Kal. Jun., 30th May, 1st year of Pope Clement IV, A.D. 1265. With an imperfect seal, bearing on the one side a bishop, with mitre and crozier, holding up his right hand in benediction. ...HENRICI ET . VELLETREN . EPI... And on the other side a small round counterseal, \ in. diam. A dexter hand and vested arm, issuing from the right, holding up the two keys of St. Peter. : : AVE . MARIA : The Abbot of Tewkesbury had taken this cause into the court of Richard de Clare, Earl of Gloucester, and thereby put Margam to expenses amounting to two hundred marks, for which Margam sued, as well as punishment of Tewkesbury for contravening the rule in this behalf. (5) The final settlement of this matter was arranged in the 284 following deed, wherein Pope Clement IV, by a Bull (T. 185 ; C, MVIII) dated at Viterbo, x Kal. Feb., 23rd January, 3rd year, a.d. 1268, confirmed to the Abbey and Convent, the agreement between them and the Abbot and Convent of Tewkesbury, of the Order of St. Benedict, diocese of Worcester, concerning the tithes of lands in the parish of St. Leonard, Newcastle. With the leaden Bulla of the Pope appended. The Abbey Roll, 546.4 (T. MCCCCXXXV) records the final concord in the county court of Glamorgan, whereby Thomas, Abbot, and the Convent of Margam, recover from Richard, Abbot, and Convent of Bristol, fifty acres of land in Penharth and Costenton in the moor next to Cardiff, between the waters of Taf and Eley, for forty-five marks beforehand. Dated : Monday, Morrow of St. Peter ad Vincula, 2nd August, 50 Hen. Ill, A.D. 1266. Before Bartholomew de Mora, sheriff ; Sirs Walt, de Sulye, Daniel Syward, Rob. de Sumery, Hen. de Humfrenvile, Will. Mailloke, knights; Will. Flandrensis; Philip Le Sor ; Philip de Nerberd ; Rob. de Anna, and John Norreys. To the years A.D. 1266, 1267 must be attributed a series of charters connected with Philip, son of Robert Palmer, or Le Paumer, of Kenefeg, and Amabilia his wife, apparently related to Cecilia, daughter of Alexander, and William the clerk, son of Alexander, and, perhaps, also to the families of Gramus and Frankelein. They are : — (1) A grant (T. 183 ; C. MVll) by Thomas, son of Robert Raul, 1 to Philip, son of Robert Palmer, of Kenefec, of one acre of arable land in the manor of Kenefec, on the south part of Goielake, along from Goielake to the land that belonged to William Cole, having on the east the land of Cecilia, daughter of Alexander, and on the west that of William, son of Herebert, for due service to the lords of Kenefec, for twenty-five shillings paid, in gersuma, beforehand. The witnesses are: Symon Tinctor, William de Pola, Roger Galun, burgesses of Tetteburi ; William the clerk, son of Alexander de Kenefec ; Philip the clerk ; Thomas Gramus ; 2 William Frankelen. The round seal bears a rose of seven leaves. SIGILL' : THOME : FILII : ROB'TI. (2) The grant by Philip, son of Robert Palmer (T. 289.58; C. Mil) to the Abbey, of the land which was bought by the grantor 1 See p. 196. 2 The members of the Grammus family who occur in these deeds have been discussed in Chapter XV. Kenefeg. 285 from Thomas, son of Robert Raul, in the preceding deed. Under seal of Thomas Gramus, because the grantor had no seal. (3) An impignoration or mortgage (T. 181 ; C. Miv) by the same Philip, son of Robert Palmer, and Amabilia his wife, to the Abbey, of three acres and a half of land in the manor of Kenefeg, for ten marks sterling paid beforehand ; viz., all the land which Cecilia, daughter of Alexander, gave them in free marriage, on the east of the town of Kenefeg, in Portlond, near the new foss, having on all sides the monks' land ; redeemable within thirty years, but the monks are to have the cropping for the whole term, as they have undertaken to find the said Philip and his wife food and support for their lives. Dated on All Saints' Day, A.D. 1266. The seal bears a star of many rays. »i< S' PHILIPPI . LE . PALMARE . (4) A grant {T. 182 ; C. MVI) by the same Philip, and Amabilia his wife, to the Abbey, of three acres and a half of arable land in Portlond, in the fee of Kenefeg, which Cecilia, daughter of Alexander, gave them in free marriage ; under seal of William Frankeleyn, because they had no seals. The witnesses are : The', chaplain of Kenefeg ; William, son of Alexander ; William Frankeleyn ; Philip the clerk ; Thomas Walensis ; Maurice Gramus ; William Albus ; on the Feast of SS. Philip and James, A.D. 1267. The pointed oval seal bears an orna- mental fleur-de-lis, with two birds perched upon it. *J< S' WILELMI . [FjRAVNKELEYN. (5) Another similar grant {T. 154; 289.65; C. MV) by the same parties, to the Abbey, of the same land, with clause of warranty added, under seal of David Wasmeir, because they had no seal. Before these witnesses: William the clerk, son of Alexander ; William Albus ; William Frankel[ein] ; Thomas Gramus ; David Wasmeir ; Philip the clerk ; Maurice Gramus. The pointed oval seal bears a seeded fleur-de-lis. »{< sigillvm . DAVID. (6) A grant by the same Philip, with consent of his wife Amabilia (7". 153; 289.42; C. Mill), to Margam Abbey, of a messuage in the town of Kenefeg, which appertains to his burgage, on the south side of the cemetery, 1 having on the east the messuage of Hugh, son of John the priest, and on the west that of Osbern le Hopar. Before these witnesses : Walter Luuel ; 2 Richard the 1 Of St. James, see p. 193 ; now buried under drift sand. 2 Occurs in ad. 1264, etc. 286 Mar gam Abbey. clerk; William Frankelein j 1 John Witard ;' 2 Nicholas, son of the grantor ; Thomas Gramus. 1 The pointed oval seal bears an ornamental fleur-de-lis. , *£l S' PHILIPn . LE . PAVM'. The Harley Charter 75 B. 18 {C. DCCCGIX) is a grant by Cecilia de Bona-villa 3 to Adam, her eldest son, of all her land, viz., twenty acres in the town and fee of Bonevileston, viz., fifteen arable and five meadow ; whereof ten lie in the Clerk's-mead (pratum clerici), one part meadow the other arable ; one acre on the west nearest to the old town road ; an acre and a half of meadow on the south of the spring near the land of Richard, son of Geoffrey ; one acre of arable and a perch near his dwelling house ; three acres at the road called "Gracilis via"; and three acres of arable at La Pole on the N. of Bonevileston, with garden and messuage near the dwelling-house of Wrunu the medicus ; to be held of the Abbot of Margam at the yearly rent of half a pound of wax, except the royalty due to the lord of Wnuo, or Wenvoe. The witnesses are : Symon de Bonavilla ; James de Bonavilla ; Robert Gowel ; 4 Richard, son of Geoffrey ; Adam Frankelein ; John Springale. 5 Two deeds relate to John, son of Wronu the medicus, or physician; they are to be read together in the light of an exchange. The first is T. 546 . 3 (C. MCCCCXXXl), a grant by John, 0 son of Wronu the physician, to the Abbey, of one acre of land in the fee of Bonewileston, near the land of Wronu Wachan. Before these witnesses : Walter de Sullia ; 7 William Flan- drensis ; 8 Philip le Sor ; 9 Wronu Wachan de Penduuclin ; John Springel, 10 of Boneswileston ; Robert de Anne j 11 Thomas, son of Richard. The other is a grant ( T. 546 . 6 ; C. MCCCCXXXVIl) by Brother 1 Occurs in a.d. 1264, etc. - Occurs in A.n. 1245, 1257, 1266, etc. 3 Mr. Clark sums up, ill. 395, all that is known of this family. 4 Cf. Richard Gouel, circ. a.d. 1 31 2. 6 Occurs in A.n. 12S1. 0 Called John Wronuth on the title prefixed to the copy in the Roll. From the expression Wronu Wachan in the body of the deed, it would appear that the elder Wronu the physician was still alive, and that John the grantor was a younger son. 7 Occurs in A.D. 1246, 1247, 1249. * Occurs in a.d. 1247, 1249, 1257-1261, 1266, etc. 9 Occurs in A.D. 1266, 1299, etc. "' Occurs in a.d. 1281. 11 Occurs in A.D. 1266. Bonevileston. 287 Thomas, 1 Abbot, and the Convent of Margam, to the same John, of two and a half acres of arable land in Bonevileston, in a valley near the town on the west, formerly held by William Frankelen from William Le Norreys, for twelve pence yearly rent ; suit to the court of John Le Norres, paying a farthing thereto ; four marks silver and an acre of land (as granted in the previous deed) are given for this grant. The same witnesses here occur as in the former document. Abbot Thomas, of Portskewit, leased by Harley Charter 75 A. 41 (C. CXLVlll), on St. Martin's Day, nth November, A.D. 1267, to Michael Tusard, of Kenefeg, for twenty years, two-thirds of a messuage, with orchard and croft, and an acre of land, near the new ditch on the south [of Kenfig town] adjacent to the land of Philip Coh, the messuage being situate between that of William Sturie and that of John Asceline, at a yearly rent of two shillings, and for ten shillings premium or consideration money. These being witnesses : William Frankelein ; Adam Harding ; John Luue ; Thomas Russel ; Adam Weremoth ; Philip Kifth. There is a memorandum relating to this, wrongly dated A.D 1257, in T. 289.69 {C. dcccclxviii). Abbot Thomas, of Portskewit, was succeeded by Gilbert II, who occurs about A.D. 1270. The dates of his accession and his death are not clearly known. During his rule a composition {Harley Charter 75 A. 36 ; C. CLIIl) was effected of the controversy between Gillebert, Abbot of Margam, and D. John Le Norreys, respecting the lands and tenements which the said John held in Bonevileston of the Abbot : John to hold under the Abbey for the service of twelve pence yearly, and suit of the Abbot's court at Bonevileston every month ; foreign service, reasonable relief, and custody of lands during the heir's minority ; in return, at the instance of Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester and Hertford, the Abbot agrees to warrant the tenements of the said fee to the said John, if the Earl impleads him in the Cardiff County Court. John not to have more than a pair of gilded spurs or sixpence for the land if their ownership be successfully contested in court against him or the Abbot, under penalty of .£100. Mr. Clark has recorded some useful notes on the little-known family of Bonville, and the descent of the manor of Bonevileston, of which the deed is one of the evidences, in vol. iii, pp. 395-397. To this appertains the Harley Charter 75 C. 38 [C. DCCCLl), a 1 Occurs in A.n. 1250, 1267. 288 Mar gam Abbey. deed whereby John Le Noreys, 1 Knt, undertakes to acquit Gillebert, Abbot of Margam, oi £\o sterling for his expenses when vouched to warranty in a plea in the Kerdif County Court, with John,' 2 son of Henry de Bonevile, by writ of Gillebert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester and Hertford, concerning fifty acres of arable and eight of meadow lands in the fee of Bonevilistone ; and not to vouch him or his successors to warranty of the same from hence- forward. The seal bears a shield of arms, a cross fleury between four billets. DNI . IOHANNIS The Harley Charter 75 D. 6 is a renunciation and quit-claim, made between A.D. 1260 and 1270, by William Sturmi, son and heir of William Sturmi, burgess of Kerdif, to the Abbot and Convent of Margam, of his right in the whole land of Geoffrey Sturmi, and Roger Sturmi his son, which lies between the waters of Oggemor and Kenefeg. For this he received six marks. The witnesses are: Richard Crispus, 3 Walter Cornubiensis, 3 John Lude, 3 Maurice Mayloc, Maurice Grant, William Bagge- tripe, 3 Henry his brother, William Le Guldare, 3 burgesses of Kerdif ; D. John Norrensis, 4 D. Philip de Nerbert, 4 D. William de Wincestria, 4 knights. The seal bears a rose of twelve points. t%> S' . WILLELMI . STVRMI. In A.D. 1 276 s Morgan Vachan, son of Morgan Gam, married the daughter of Sir Walter de Sully. The Harley Charter 75 C. 17 (C MXlll) contains the agreement between Roger le Hastare of Kenefeg, and the Abbot and Convent of Margam, whereby he mortgages, with assent of Alice his wife, two acres of his land lying between the land of Maurice Gramus and the Abbey's land on the east, and in length from Goylake to the high road from Kenefeg to the common moor, which land he acquired with his wife, to the Convent for forty years, for fifty shillings sterling ; charged with a payment of two pence to Maurice Grammus, 0 and six pence to the said Roger yearly. These being witnesses : Hugh, vicar of Kenefeg ; Robert his presbiter ; Adam 1 Occurs in A.D. 1257, 1299, etc. 2 John, son of Henry de Bonevile, occurs A.D. 131 2 x 1316. 3 Cardiff surnames, cf. Clark, i, III, 143 ; ii, 305 ; iii, 537, etc. 4 Occurs in A.D. 1257. 1262. Cf. C. cxxxvi, ccxx, etc. " " iMCCLXXVi y . .Morganus , filius Morgani Gam , filiam domini Walteri de Suyllye duxit uxorem." — Excheq. C/irou., in Arch. Camb., 1862, p. 282 ; and "Welsh Annals", Hart. MS. 838, fol. 117. 0 See pp. 194-196. Family of Spudur. 289 Harding ; Adam Waremoth ; Lewelin the tailor ; Richard Le Orman. Dated Sunday in the Octave of Epiphany, 12th January, A.D. 1276. The family of Spudur, Spodur, or Le Spodur, of Bonevileston, is represented by five charters, four of which relate to David, son of Adam, A.D. 1281 (David had a daughter, Alice, by his wife Johanna, daughter of John Stalun) ; and one to Thomas, ten years later. Those of David are : — (1) A grant or sale to the Abbey (T. 188 ; C. MXXVIIl) of a messuage and curtilage in Bonevile on the south side of the high road, between the monks' land on the west, John Frankeleyn's land on the east, and the high road on the south, together with half an acre adjacent to the curtilage on the south, for twenty shillings. The witnesses are : James de Bonevile ; Walter de Barn" ; John Frankeleyn ; John Springgal (or Sprengal) ; John Roger. The seal bears a fleur-de-lis. >%t S' DAVIT . SPVDVR. (2) The quit-claim (T. 186; C. MXXVl) of the premises mentioned in the foregoing deed ; with ten and a half acres and one perch on the north side of the monks' grava at Bonevileistun, according to the boundaries thereof when his father Adam held the land, for five pounds twelve shillings. The witnesses and the seal are the same as those above. Dated on the Feast of St. Margaret the Virgin Martyr, 20th July, A.D. 1281. (3) The quit-claim (T. 187 ; C. MXXIX) of six acres of arable in Bonevileston fee, whereof three lie between the lands of William Heuede on the east, of William Juvenis and John Heuede on the south, and the Smalwey on the north ; the other three on the north of Bonevileston in a place called Pole, between the lands of John Springal on the east, of Ivann Vachan on the west, of Isabella de Bonevileston on the north, and of J. Springal and Robert Faber on the south. The witnesses are : James de Bonavilla ; J. Springal ; John Frankeleyn, and R. Faber. The seal is the same as that already described. Dated on the Morrow of St. Bartholomew's Day, 25th August, A.D. 1281. (4) In the Harley Charter 75 C. 54 (C. mxxvii) he confirms to Johanna, daughter of John Stalun, as long as she lives, and to Alice his daughter by the said Johanna, after her death, the moiety of a house in the town of Bonevileston, near that of John Wronu, with a garden and croft, at the yearly rent of one halfpenny, and U 290 Margam Abbey. threepence to the Castle ward, or Custodia, of Cardiff, due on St. Andrew's Day. The witnesses are : John Frankeleyn ; William Cadi ; John, son of Roger ; Philip, son of Peter ; John Sprinkol ; Robert, son of Faber ; Richard, son of Thomas. This is not an Abbey charter strictly speaking, but was preserved among the muniments, and it is most probable that the property eventually fell into the hands of the Abbey. The charter of Thomas Le Spodur is mentioned lower down under the year A.D. 1292. T. 1 89 (C. MXXXlv) contains a mortgage for eighty years, from A.D. 1283, by Helias, son of Philip Alexander, and Amabilia his wife, to the Abbey, of three acres of arable land, for sixty shillings, of which they were in most urgent need. Two acres of the land lie between Goyelake and the road from Kenefeg to the common moor, adjacent to the land of Maurice Grammus ; the third acre is held of the Hospitallers, adjoining that of John Loue, and reaching from the Cardiff road to the road between Lipthete and Comely. There are charges of two pence yearly to Maurice Gramus, and a penny and a halfpenny to the Hospitallers. The witnesses are : Adam the baker ; William Terri ; David Benet ; John Pereuat ; Henry Willoc ; John Loue ; Adam Herding. Two seals remain: (1) a rosette S' IIE[LIK : FIL' :] PH' : ALEX'. (2) A chalice between two stars. S'] AMABILIE : FILIE : ALEXA... The Exchequer Chronicle^ and the Welsh Annals 1 record the death of Margan, or Morgan, Lord of Avene, i.e., Morgan Vachan, second son, and eventually heir, of Morgan Gam, on VIII Id. Aug., 6th August, A.D. 1288. In Hurley Charter 75 A. 42 (C. CCXV) is recorded an agreement between the Abbot of Margam and Thomas le Spodur, of Bone- vilistone, whereby Thomas quit-claims to the Abbey one acre of arable land with a house and curtilage in the town of Tudekistowe, or Tythegston, on the road leading to the common pasture called Neutonis-doune, for which the Abbot gives him two acres of arable land in the fee of Bonevilistonc, one of which lies in Rede-lond field, the other near the town, lately held by Roger, son of Cady, for which he is to pay fourteen pence yearly rent, and after his death his heirs are to redeem it by a heriot of five shillings for 1 Arch. Cami., 1862, p. 2S1. = Hurl. MS. 838, fol. 117. The Glamorgan County Court. 291 entry. Dated at Margam, on the Eve of the Purification of the Virgin Mary, ist February, A.D. 1291, for 1292. That the Abbot of Margam held all his lands of the county of Cardiff in chief, is shown by the record of an inquiry (T. 389 ; 212.5; C. mlvii) taken at the County Court of Glamorgan, Monday before St. Laurence's Day, 27 Edw. I, A.D. 1299, before D. Symon de Raleye, Sheriff of Glamorgan, and the Earl's council, viz., Sir Robert de la Warcle, Sir John de St. John, junior, Roger his brother ; Sir Robert de Halketone, Sir Hugh de St. John, Sir Robert Bardulf, Sir Robert de Grendone, Knts. ; Master Thomas de Pulisdone, Master Henry de Lancaruan, Sir Robert de Chenintonc, Sir John dc Bruges, clerks ; setting forth that whereas the Abbot of Margam holds all his lands of Cardiff county in chief, and the " famulus", or clerk, of the said county for the time being alone performs the duty of coroner in the Abbot's lands, and Traharn Wu, or Du, Bedell of Tyriarth (Tirialthe) had, by usurpa- tion, held a coroner's inquest on the body of Philip Sparke, who met his death in Cum Kcnefeg', to the prejudice of the liberty of the county, therefore the said Traharn shall be imprisoned. Attested by Symon de Raleye, sheriff of Glamorgan ; Sir John Le Waleys, Knt. ; William de Berkerolys ; John Le Norreys ; John de Wyncestre ; Richard de Nerberd ; Lucas de Barry ; Philip Soor ; David Bassett ; Richard Syward ; William Wallot ; John Le Bottiler ; Robert de Kantelo ; Peter de Lanhaske ; Aaron ap Howel, county bailiff. Three small seals of arms are attached: (1) a bend fusily, Raleigh, -)f s' . simonis ; (2) a bend, etc., Le Waleys ; (3) a cross flory, Le Norreys ; and a fourth bears a fleur-de-lis. About this time the Abbot was taxed upon £118 \2s. 6d. in the " Taxation of Temporals of the See of Llandaff ", recorded in the Cottonian MS., Vitellius, C. X, f. 115 (C. DCCCCXCVl), and for moveables and immoveables £24 6s. 8d. in the same record (C. DCCCCXCIIl). He is rated in the " Synodals or Cathedratics due yearly in the Deanery of Gronyth, to wit, two-thirds to the Bishop, and one-third to the Archdeacon", for the church in the old cemetery of Langewy, three shillings, in the Liber Landavensis, new edit., p. 325. Harley Charter 75 B. 22 [T. 194 ; C. CCXVl) is a quit-claim by John de Bonevyle, son and heir of Henry de Bonevyle, of Bone- vyleston, to the monks of Margam, of fourteen shillings sterling, parcel of the forty shillings {i.e., three marks) of yearly rent for which the monks were responsible. For this quit-claim the Abbot U 2 292 Margam Abbey. assigns, in exchange, to Sir Reymund de Sullye, fourteen shillings yearly rent in Bristol, out of a tenement which Philip le Especer held of them, for which the said Reymund enfeoffs the said John in fourteen shillings out of twenty, which Matthew Everard and Joan his wife, and Hugh their son, used to pay for lands they held of the said Reymund at Holeton, in the lordship of Denys Powys. Witnesses : Sir John de Umframvyle, Sir John Le Waleys, Knts. ; David Basset ; William de Berkeroles ; John de Wyn- cestre ; David de la Bere ; Philip de Sor ; Richard Govel ; Maurice de Bonevyle. Dated at Cardiff, Midsummer Day, A.D. 1302. The Harley Charter and the duplicate copy in the possession of Miss Talbot have two seals still appended to them, viz. : — (1) A shield of arms ; three bars. Between three roses, within a sixfoil panel. ■X- SIGILL' : REMVN : DE : SVLIE : (2) A rosette or star of six points. *fc S' : IOH'IS : BONEVIL' : About this year must be placed a Harley Charter (75 D. 24 ; C MXXII) whereby Maurice Ysaac, 1 of Landoch, co. Glamorgan, confirms in perpetual almoign to the monks of Margam, all his marsh called Coganesmor, of which one head stretches from the east upon La-Slyme, which is called Brodeslyme ; the other head stretches to the pool called Sammelis-were, in length between the marsh called Pennardismore on the north, and the pool called Niwere on the south, at a yearly rent of eight shillings sterling. Attested by D. Reymund de Sulie, 1 D. John Walensis, Knts. ; John de Wyncestria j 1 Richard de Nerber ; Robert de Cantclou ;' 2 Peter de Lanhaske. With a seal bearing a lion dormant on a rose. >j< S' MAVRICII DE LANDOCH. Pope Boniface VIII issued a Bull in favour of the Cistercian Order, granting, at the request of Robert the Cardinal priest of Sta. Potentiana, the indulgence that no one should demand tithes for the cultivated or uncultivated lands belonging to the Order. Dated at the Lateran, xv Kal. Jan., 1 8th Dec, 8th year, A.D. 1302. Leysan, Lord of Auene, son and heir of Morgan Vazhan, granted (T. 190 ; C. MLXXV), to the Abbey, free power to impark, within the limits of his demesne, any kind of animals found upon the adjacent " Walda", surrounding the lands called Cormerchs and Neumerchs, on the south side of Auene water, at the rate of Occurs in a.d. 1302. 2 Occurs in A.D. 1307, 1308. Leisan ap Morgan Vachan. 293 one halfpenny each, towards the maintenance of the "Walda", some honest receiver being found who shall render accompt of the sums demanded to the cellarer of Margam and the principal bailiff of Auene. The witnesses are: Sir Symon de Raleye, sheriff of Glamorgan; Richard Syward ; Res ap Morgan ; Howel ap Morgan ; Traharn ap Res, at Auene, Monday next after the Feast of SS. Philip and James, ist May, A.D. 1304. By a deed still extant (T. 191 ; C. MLXXVl) Traharn ap Res of Tyriarth renounces a release by the Abbot and Convent of Margam of twenty shillings yearly rent, of land in the fee of Newcastle, formerly held by John Mynot. 1 Under seals of Leysan ap Morgan, Lord of Auene ; Richard Syward ; Robert de Cantelo, at Margan, on the Feast of St. Ambrose, 4th Apr., A.D. 1305. Two seals remain : (1) A lion in combat with a wyvern. >fc SIGILLVM . TRAHARN . AP . RES'. (2) An Agnus Dei. t%4 S' MATHEI . DE Abbot Thomas, the successor of Abbot Roger II, 2 demised (by T. 192 ; C. MLXXX) to John Le Yonge, burgess of Kenefeg, for his life, land formerly belonging to the office of the Master of the works of the New Church, viz., three acres of arable land lying between the lands of John Peruat and of Robert de Cantelou, on the road between Kenefeg and Cardiff, towards Corneli ; and between the road near Dame Alice grove, and the land of William Louel. Rent two shillings silver, and ten shillings consideration money beforehand. The witnesses are : William Ayleward ; Thomas Daui; William de La Marie; William Terri ; Philip Stiward, at Margam, Sunday before St. James's Day, 25th July, A.D. 1307. Here the expression, " magister fabrice nove ecclesie nostre" seems to indicate that some parts of the Abbey church at least had been rebuilt shortly before this time. Not far from this in point of time comes the grant (T. 386 ; C. mxv) by William the chaplain, son of Kederech, to John Peruat and Alice his wife, 3 of a messuage and land which Kederech his father held in the town of Kenefeg, near " Monks' Street", between the Abbey grange and the land of Thomas Gramus, at the yearly rent of two pence to the lord of the fee, one man's work for one day in autumn, and twenty shillings beforehand. 1 See p. 143. 2 See pp. 143, 144. 3 See p. 297. 294 Mar gam Abbey. The witnesses are : William Terry ; Henry Willoc ; Adam Herding ; Walter Magor ; l Nicholas Rotarius, or Wheeler ; John Jacobus, or James ; William Albus. There is here a fine pointed oval seal, bearing a tonsured head, in profile to the left. Above it, a hand of blessing issuing from the clouds. -X- S' . [\VI)LL'l . KETHEROCH CAPLL'l . Another Res ap Howel, of later date than the Res of p. 47, executed a quit-claim (Hurley Charter 75 c. 18; C. MXXXV) whereby Res 2 ap Howel ap Cadugan gave to the Abbey, of all his right and claim to the land called Cadugansland, which lies between Walteristone and Horegrave, along the high road leading from Kenefeg to Cardiff, and the path leading from Tiudekistoue (Tythegston) to Horegrave. Sealed by Master Anian de Powys, official of the diocese of Llandaff, sede vacante? Maurice de Corneli, 4 and Maurice Grammus. 5 Witnesses : Robert Benet ; 6 William Terri ;' Philip Gramus ; John Peruat ; 8 Thomas, the burgess of Kenefeg. On St. James the Apostle's Feast, 25th July, A.D. 1308, we have a dated deed (Harlcy Charter 75 A. 43 ; C. CCXXll) containing the text of a convention or agreement between Abbot Thomas and William Wronou, of Bonevileston. The Abbot grants him two acres of arable land in Redelond, and five acres near the Old Castle on the north of Bonevileston, in exchange for seven acres near Hellegogy on the western side. The witnesses are : Robert de Cantelou ; William Frankelyn William Thomas ; Maurice le Fleming; and Thomas Adam. A grant in Norman-French by William de Breouse, Lord of the Honour of Bramber and Gower, to the Abbot and Convent of Margam, that they may buy and sell freely all manner of merchan- dise throughout the land of Gower, was dated at Margam: 12th August, 3 Edw. II, A.D. 1309. It is inspected by his grandson, John de Moumbray, in a deed, noticed further on, dated in A.D. 1350 (T. 223 ; C. MCLXX). A royal warrant 0 was issued on 17th August, A.D. 1309, to several dignitaries, among them to " the Abbot and Convent of 1 Occurs in the time of Maurice Grammus 75 c. 16. - Probably the Res ap Howel who occurs in A.D. 1333. — C, vol. i, p. 283. 3 Circ. a.d. 1287. 4 Occurs in A.n. 1264. 6 Occurs in A.D. 1253- 1276. G Occurs in A.D. 1283. 7 Occurs in A.D. 1307, 1325. 8 His widow Alice occurs in A.D. 1320, 1 321. ,J H.M. Rec. Off., Cat. of Close Rolls, Edw. J I, a.d. i 307-1 313, p. 227. Leysan ap Morgan Vachan. 295 Tynterne or the Abbot of Morgan, to collect as diligently as possible a tenth of ecclesiastical goods granted to the King, Edward II, by the Pope for aid in prosecuting the war with the Scotch." The Abbot was no doubt selected on account of his prominent position among the Cistercians of Wales. The Calendar of Patent Rolls records that the Abbot of Margam paid sixpence due for his holding of Olveston Church, co. Glouces- ter, 16th February, A.D. 1309. John, son of Henry de Boneuile, whom we met with in A.I). 1302, appears again in a quit-claim (T. 193 ; C. MLXXXIII) to the Abbey, of twenty shillings out of forty shillings rent due to him by the Abbey, for a tenement of Boneuyleston, for twenty pounds beforehand. Under seal of Sir Pagan de Turberuyle and Leysan de Auene, son of Morgan Vachan, and grandson of Morgan Gam. The witnesses arc : John Le Botyler ; Peter Baudewyn ; William Turberuyle ; William de Corneli ; William Grammus. Margam, Sunday after Midsummer, A.D. 1312. The seal of Sir Pagan is hexagonal, and bears a shield of arms ; chequy, a fess ermine. S' . PAGAN I : DE : TVRBERVILE : The seal of Leysan de Auene, first of the family to bear the surname, is wanting. CHAPTER XXVI. RIGHT OF WRECK.— MARGAM AND IRELAND.— WILLIAM LA ZOUCHE AND ALIANORA DE CLARE.— JOHN DE AVENE. —EXTENT OF THE ABBEY PROPERTY. HE Abbey had always jealously guarded the right of wreck on 1 the shore between the waters of Avene and Kenefeg, which the Earls of Gloucester had given and confirmed to it very shortly after the foundation. Not many records relate to this right, but we meet them from time to time. Among others is the record ( T. 196 ; C. MLXXXV) of proceedings in the Glamorgan County Court before Robert de Grendone, sheriff, wherein the Abbot produced a writ from Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester and Hertford, to the said Robert and Sir William de Euertone, the Earl's treasurer of Cardiff, showing that the Abbot of Margam complains of the officers of the Earl having seized a wreck between Auene and Kenefeg, and ordering an inquiry into the matter ; Stratford, 13th May, 6 Edw. II, A.D. 1 3 1 3 ; with the finding of John Le Norreys, William de Ber- keroles, David de La Bere, John de Wyncestre, Philip Le Flem- myng, Thomas Basset, Henry de Landefey, and others the jury, in favour of the claim of the Abbot. Monday before St. Barnabas' Day, i.e., 4th June, 6 Edw. II, A.D. 131 3. A small seal of the fore- man of the jury bears a shield of arms: a cross fleury between twelve billets in saltire (John Le Norreys). The endorsement is to the effect that the deed is "an inquisi- tion wherein hit is found that thabbot of Margam oweght to haue wrekkes betwyxt Avon and Kenfeg." This right exists to the present day in the representative of the Abbey. In A.D. 1 3 14-15, the Inquisitio post-mortem (C. CCXXV) on Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester and Hertford, returns that nobleman as possessed of the Advocatio of Margam Abbey. We meet in A.D. 13 16 with an acquittance (T. 197 ; C. mxcvi) •)f S ioh'i ...n s. Family of Pervat. 297 by Griffith ap Morgan ap Howeyn to Margam Abbey, for the arrear of two shillings yearly rent for three years due to him, his brothers, and his uncle for the land of Havothalok. Given under the seal of Sir Leysan de Auene, because the seal of the said Griffith is not well known. Margam, Tuesday after St. Lucy's Day, 14th Dec, A.D. 1 3 16. With imperfect seal, bearing a fleur-de-lis between two crescents. ►J* S' MORG.... The family name of Pervat, which occurred a little earlier, reappears in Alice Pervat, 1 relict of John Peruat of Kenefeg, about A.D. 1320, who quit-claimed lands in Kenefig to the Abbey by two deeds: — I An acre of arable land in Mullemannislond (T. 198; C. MCVIl), between the land of Thomas Tynekare on the east, the land of Thomas Poulyn on the west, and from the mill-pool to the meadow of Henry Vot. Under the common seal of the burgesses of Kenefeg, because her seal is not generally known. The witnesses are : John Louel ; Philip Stiward ; David Mareschall' ; William Terry ; Henry Colyn. Two seals : (1) Pointed oval, i| x 1 in. A fleur-de-lis. ►£1 S' ALICIE . PERVAT. (2) An ornamental cross between four pellets. *%* S' : COMVNE . DE . KENEF'. The rude simplicity of this seal' 2 for a flourishing borough, as Kenfig then was, is very remarkable. 2 A messuage and curtilage in the town of Kenefeg, next Monks' street, between the Grange of the Abbot and Convent of Margam and the land of William Ketherek ; and another messuage and curtilage (T. 199 ; C. MCVl) in the same town, near the same street, between the said grange and Thomas Gramus's land ; which Alice and John had of William the chaplain, son of Ketherek. The Abbot and Convent, in return, grant " by a letter" to the said Alice, for life, one conventual loaf and a gallon of beer daily. Under the common seal of the burgesses of Kenefeg, because her seal is unknown to many persons. The witnesses are : John Louel ; William de Comely ; William de Marie ; Thomas Burgeys ; Philip Stiward ; Henry Montfort ; John Cohc' ; Walter Bogan ; Henry Colyn ; John Textor. Mar- gam, 15th Feb., A.D. 1320 for 1 32 1 . Two seals remain, viz. : 1 See p. 293. 2 See plate of seals at page 210. 298 Mar gam Abbey. (1) That of the borough of Kenfig ; and (2) A star of eight points. >%t S' . ALICIE . P'VA[T]. Under date of Porchester, 7th Oct., 15 Edvv. II, A. D. 1321, a royal letter is still extant addressed to the Justiciary of Ireland, 1 setting forth that whereas it has lately come to the King's know- ledge in full Parliament that in the Abbey of Mellifont, of the Cistercian Order, and in other houses of the same Order in Ireland, it has become the practice to admit no one to the habit of religion unless affidavit be first made or evidence given, that the postulant is not of English race nor related to the English ; and the King has written to the Abbot of Citeaux to cause the abolition of such practices, as it appears to be contrived not only in abuse of charity but also in contempt of the King, etc. ; and the Abbot has written in reply that the Abbots of Dore and Mcrgan were commissioned by the chapter to go to Ireland in person to make disposition and rules concerning the houses of the Order, and to compel the Irish abbots to receive without distinction all such as wish to enter regular life in that Order, etc. : the King therefore now commands the Justiciary to induce the two said abbots on their arrival to prosecute the mandate enjoined on them with diligence, and to compel the other abbots of that Order in those parts to obey them and fulfil the injunction. The Justiciary is further ordered to complete these things, and to coerce rebels and conspirators in this behalf when necessary, so far as may be done without offence of right. Another interesting glimpse of some of the benefits which were held out by the Abbey in return for land, is afforded by a quit- claim (T. 200 ; C. MCXXIV) by John, son of John Nichol of Kenefeg, to the monks, of the right in all his lands, burgages, messuages and other liberties in the town of Kenefeg and without, on condition of receiving daily one conventual loaf, two loaves called " Liuer- souns " 2 and a gallon of beer, half-a-mark silver for wages, four pairs of shoes, price 1 2c/., a quarter of oats, and pasture for two beasts ; and he is to perform the service of a free serjeant. Under seal of the borough of Kenefeg. Attested by John Louel, Philip Stiward, David Marescal, William Terry, Henry Colyn. Margam, Day of St. Donat, Bishop and Martyr, 7th August, A.D. 1325. The seals are : 1 H.M. Rec. Off., Cal. of Close Rolls, Edw. II, A.D. 1318-1323, p. 404. - I.e., livraisons, bread made like a thin open book; cf. our old-fashioned "parliament rakes" ; thin oatmeal cakes are still made in Wales. Cradok ap Ketherek. 299 (1) A fleur-de-lys. s' ioh'is . nicol' de ke'fig. (2) A quatrefoil between four pellets. S' COMVNE . DE . KENEF'. John, sen and heir of Henry de Bonevyle, gave a receipt (T. 201 ; C. MCXXVIIl) to Abbot John de Cantelo and the Convent, for payment of all arrears due to him for bread, beer, salt, meal, and " lardary". This was also satisfied under seal of the corpora- tion of Kenefegg', " because his seal is not well known", on the Feast of St. Peter in Cathedra, 22nd February, A.D. 1325 for 1326. This seal of Kenfeg bears a fleur-de-lys ; the legend is broken off. It is not the same type of seal as that already mentioned. In A.D. 1328 Cradok ap Ketherek recited and confirmed by Harley Charter 75 c . 25 (C. CCLl) the letters of Owen, Res, and Cradok, sons of Alaythour, which were attested by Bishop William de Burgo and the Chapter of Llandaff, and by Richard, Earl of Gloucester, in A.D. 1246, whereby they were bound to pay sixty marks in three years and twenty shillings yearly to the Abbey of Margam in reparation for damages inflicted by them on the house : and he grants the monks all necessaries in all his woods, both above and below Gregan, with free ingress and egress with men and animals. Dated at Auene, i.e., Aberavon, St. Bartholomew's day, 24th August, A.D. 1328. The witnesses are: — John de Avene, Lord of Auene Kylvey and Sully ; John Lovel, Steward of the Lord of Auene ; Madoc Vaghan, Morgan ap Rees, Owen ap Madoc, Griffith Gethyiv brother of the grantor. The original deed, which is hereby confirmed, is described at p. 252. An inquisition was taken at Cardiff, in full county of Glamorgan, (T. 203 ; C. MCXXXI), before D. Nicholas de Clare, Sheriff, by mandate of Lord William La Zouche, Lord of Glamorgan and Morgan, and of Dame Alianora la Despenser, his consort, dated at Cardiff, 9th February, in which is enclosed a petition of the Abbot and Convent of Margam to the said William and Alianora, complaining of the conduct of Earl Gilibert de Clare, father of the lady Alianora, in ousting them from lands in the mountains, which they had of the grant of Earl William, from the mountain's top to the source of Kenefeg, then to the source of Ffrodoil, then across the mountains to the ford of Kewelthi, in Auene, then as the water of Auene descends to the sea; and from lands of the gift of Morgan, 1 A member of this family had a charge brought against him by the Abbot for illegal fishing in Avon water in A.D. 1366. 300 Mar gam Abbey. son of Cradok, late Lord of Auene, to wit, all the land of Rossoulyn, with appurtenances and waters, between Wrach' and Cleudachcum- kake, and other commodities of the water of Neth between the said Wrach and Cleudachcumkake, with common of pasture in the mountain lands between Auene and Neth, as set forth in the respective charters, and confirmed by King John, King Henry III, and the late Earl Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester, so that the Abbey can no longer maintain ten monks as heretofore ; and praying for restitution. Whereupon a jury, viz. : — Sir Henry de Houmframville, Knt. ; Sir Edward Stradling', Knt. ; Sir Philip Flemyg', Knt. ; John Flemyg', of St. George ; John de Auene, Levveline ap Kenewrek, Reginald de Somertone, Thomas de Merlawe, Richard Payn, William of Sainte-Marie- Churche, Alexander Le Prior, John Baudewyne, William Mailloc, Philip Goul, Philip Stiward, Henry Colyn, Thomas Symon, John Jeol, senior ; John Odyn, of Cardiff ; Richard Elis, Roger Grant, William Vaghan ap Phelip, Madoc ap Wilim, and Rees Vaghan ap Rees ap Howel, were impanelled, and having examined the charters (which have been described in their proper places in this work) wherein the alleged grants are contained, they find that the said Lord Gilbert de Clare, late Earl of Gloucester, father of the Lady Alianora, by the procuring and abetting of Stephen de Capenore and others, unlawfully ejected the monks from the lands now claimed, under pretence of afforesting the said lands ; and that they were thus deprived of Terries grange, a grange in the moor near Cardiff, and common of pasture in Keuencribur, for which the said Earl delivered to the same monks Terries grange, More- grange, and the pasture of Keuencribur, to be held in severalty, and the mill of Kenefeg, for eight marks yearly rent ; and that the agreement between the parties was against the will of the Abbot and Convent. Monday before St. Valentine's Day, 3 Edw. Ill [A.D. 1329]. Several small round seals of the jury still remain. In pursuance of, and obedience to, the verdict of the jury above mentioned, William La Zousche, Lord of Glamorgan and Morgan, and Alianora his wife, granted, a very few days subsequently, (T. 204, 205, 206; C. MCXXXII) to the Abbey the land on the hills from the lower brow to the upper brow, to the source of Kenefeg, to the source of Frodoille, across the hills to the Keuelthi ford in Auen, down the water to the sea ; pasture, and land of Rossoulyn, whatever is comprised between the waters of Wrach' and Cleudach'comkake, and the commodities of the water of Neath between the said waters, of all which Earl Gilbert de Clare, father Photographs of the Seal of William la Zouche, Lord of Glamorgan, and Alianora de Clare, his wife. A.D. 1329. William La Zousche. 301 of the said Alianora, had deprived the monks, to be held in frank almoign in accordance with the charters of Lord William, late Earl of Gloucester and Morgan, son of Cradoc. Dated, under the Chancery seal of Cardiff, at Hanleye, 1 18th February, 3 Edw. Ill, A.D. 1329. The witnesses are : — Sir Thomas de Asteleye, Sir Henry de Burmengham, Sir Nicholas de Clare, Sheriff ; Sir Howel ap Howel, Sir Henry de Umframuile, Sir Edward de Stradeleng', Sir Philip Le Flemmeng, Knights ; John Le Flemmeng, of St. George ; John de Auene, Madok Vaghan, of Tyrialth ; Jeuan ap Morgan, Cradok ap Ener. The fine large seal, appended by plaited strands of green and yellow silk, bears on the one side the lord as a knight in armour, with conical helmet, fanplume, sword, shield, hauberk and surcoat, riding to the right on a caparisoned horse, with fanplume. The armorial bearings of the surcoat, shield, and caparisons are ten roundles, in pile, ZOUCHE. Field diapered lozengy. S' WILL'I . LA . ZOVCHE . DOMINI . DE . GLAMORGAN. The Lady Alianora de Clare is on the other side, standing on a carved corbel, draped with long narrow habit, and wearing a flat head-dress ; holding by the strap, in each hand, a shield of arms : dex., three lions passant in pale for ENGLAND, sin., three chevrons, CLARE, within a carved panel of eight traceried cusps. SIGILL' . WILLELMI . LA . ZOVCHE . DOMINI . DE . GLAMORGAN. It is curious to find the lady's effigy on a seal, with the super- scription of her lord and husband, who derived his title by right of marriage. Another copy of this charter is ratified under the seals of the Lord William and Lady Alianora. Although not strictly a Margam Charter, notice may be made here of a grant {T. 395 ; C. MCXXXIII) by Alicia Terri, widow of Richard de Ewyas, burgess of Kenefeg, to John Tuder, burgess, of two acres of land near Flokeslade, between the town of Kenefeg and South Cornell, at the yearly rent of one halfpenny and six silver marks beforehand. The witnesses are : Nicholas de Sherlake, vicar of Kenefeg ; Philip Stiward, Thomas Kocz, Thomas Bounce, Henry Vote, burgesses. Kenefeg, 5th May, A.D. 1329. ' In the parish of Hanley-Castle on the River Severn, co. Worcester, near Upton-upon-Severn. The castle was successively possessed by the Nevilles, Earls of Warwick, the Despensers, and the Lechmeres. Its remains have been converted into a farm-house. 3 0 0 (ii) Horegrove 1 O 5 0 O 0 6 (12) Detherek \ O 4 0 3 O 1 0 (13) Rossoulyn I O 6 8 20 O 4 0 (14) Hendriago O 0 10 (i5) Havoth-duga 4 O 0 8 (16) Moyl 10 O 0 10 (17) Havot-halok ... I O 5 0 30 O 5 0 (18) Bonevilston, rent of assise 2 10 0 — Work done by the nativi O 5 10 (19) Kerdif O 5 4 50 carucates £28 10 8 432^ acr. £14 o 4 Extent of the Abbey Possessions . 305 Land. Yearly Value. Meadow. Yearly Value. Brought forward ... 50 ^28 10 8 432^ £14 o 4 (20) Kedwely — — 068 (21) Marecros — — — 040 (22) Kenfig — — — 010 (23) Blakeberge — — 018 (24) Horegrove ...... — — 0156 (25) Dynes-powes ... — 140 (26) St. Michael's Grange (near) : a fulling mill — 100 St. Michael's Grange (near) : a water mill — 0134 (27) Hosebrugge 2 carucates ,£200 20 o 10 o — a mill ... ... — — o 10 o (28) Sheepfold at the Mora 20 acr. o 10 o 10 050 or Moor near Kerdif (29) Bristol, yearly rent ... — o 10 o (30) Kenefeg and Newcastle Churches ; yearly fee farm, variable 23 o o (31) Havotporth \ car. 050 — (32) Penwith, upper and 1 o 10 o — lower (33) Pasture on the mountains and in plains 500 0100 (34) Court profits of Horegrove and Bonevilston 068 53! car. 20 acr. ,£31 15 8 962^ acr. ,£43 18 2 This amounts in total to 53! carucates, 982^ acres of land, worth yearly £75 13s. lod. A carucate may be taken as equi- valent to sixty acres, taxable, but in actual extent a hundred and twenty acres for a two-field manor, or a hundred and eighty for a three-field manor. It seems to be of less extent here. The Abbot proceeds to report that : — (1) He is required to support thirty-eight monks and forty conversi. (2) No small part of the land adjacent to the shore is subject to inundations, which often destroy the crops, and he fears more expenses under this head. (3) A terrible mortality among the animals on which he relies mostly for support, has occurred. (4) Numerous incursions and attacks of enemies, producing immense losses, have taken place. (5) That, being on the high road, and far from other places of refuge, the Abbey is continually overrun with rich and poor strangers. (6) Thus the monks have become so much impoverished that they are unable to pay their pressing debts, as well as tithes assessed on them by the Tope and the King, and contributions to their Order. X 306 Mar gam Abbey. Sealed in the presence of twelve seniors of the house before the Abbot of Neeth (sic), and Bernard, monk of Clairvaux, bachelor of theology. Dated Thursday next after the Octave of Easter, A.D. 1326. Sealed by William, Abbot of Neth, with a small fragment of an Abbot's seal. The endorsement styles this document a " Taxation of the temporalities of Margam, by Abbot Bernard of Clairvaux." We can compare the acreage and value here disclosed with the corresponding state of the Abbey lands and income at the Dissolution, hereafter to be exhibited. The Abbey must have been very much impoverished indeed at the time this extract was drawn up, for in A.D. 1337 default was made of the rent of forty shillings due for the land of Egliskeinwir : a fact incidentally mentioned in the text of a deed dated 28th April, A.D. 1440, about to be noticed presently in its proper place. CHAPTER XXVII. THE LORDS OF GLAMORGAN.— THE FAMILY OF DAVENE.— JOHN DE MOUMBRAY.— THE CARDIFF CHANCERY.— THE FISHERIES IN THE RIVER AVENE.— ABERAVON CHURCH. —THE INROAD OF THE SANDS. "A N important document ( T. 212 ; C. mcl), in respect that the JL \ privileges which it ratifies and concedes are among the most prized of the possessions of the Abbey, is the charter of Hugh Le Despenser, son and heir of Hugh Le Despenser and Dame Alianora his consort, Lord of Glamorgan and Morgan, inspecting and ratifying the following charters : (1) First Foundation charter of the Abbey by Robert, Earl of Gloucester (see p. 13) ; (2) Wm., Earl of Gloucester, son of Earl Robert, to Bishop Nicholas in favour of Margam (see p. 41) ; (3) Morgan ap Caradoc's charter granting Resolven to the Abbey (see p. 1 59) ; (4) Leisan ap Morgan's charter to the Abbey of the same (P- 225); (5) Inquisition A.D. 1299, as to the death of Philip Sparkc (see p. 291) ; granting, moreover, that the said Abbey shall only answer in the Cardiff County Court for its land and tenements in Glamorgan, and ordering that the monks are to enjoy all their privileges in wood and plain, ways and paths, waters and mills, fishponds and pools, moors, marshes, turbaries, fisheries, meadows, pastures, case- ments and free customs for ever. The witnesses are : John de Egliskene, 1 Bishop of Llandaff ; Master Richard dc Halton, archdeacon ; Gilbert de Wygetone, John de Miltoune, Master Richard de Stokes, canons of the same ; Sir William de Erkelowe, "seneschal of our lands in England", and sheriff of Glamorgan, Sir William de Careswell', Sir John Davene, Sir Roger de Berkeroles, Sir Edward de Stradelyng', Knts. ; 1 Also railed Egglescliffe, A.D. 1323-47. X 2 3 o8 Mar gam Abbey. Gilbert Le Despenser ; John Le Norreis ; Mathew Le Soor ; Thomas de Barry ; Thomas ap Aaron ; John Louel. Dated, Car- diff Castle, 9th Oct., 12 Edw. Ill, A.D. 1338. There is a fine but imperfect seal, 1 bearing on one side a representation of the Lord Hugh in armour, with coat of mail, surcoat, helmet with fanplume, sword and shield, riding to the right on a caparisoned horse. The armorial bearings of the shield and caparisons are : Quarterly, in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, a fret, over all a bend. In base : a mount, ornamented with trefoil flowers. s' : hvgonis : le : despenser : d'ni : glamorgan ci e : et : m[organ]cie. On the other side is a shield of arms, as described above, between two trees; over the shield a lion statant guardant crowned. Within a very finely carved Gothic panel of eight ogee cusps, ornamented along the inner edge with ball-flowers. tfr S' : HVGONIS : LE : DESPENSER : DOMINI : GLAMORGANCIE : ET : M[ORGANC]lE. On the same day the same Lord Hugh de Despencer executed another charter (T. 212 B. ; C. MCLl) confirming : — (1) The charter of William, Earl of Gloucester, to Bishop Nicholas, announcing his confirmation of his father Robert's and mother Mabel's grant to the monks of Clairvaux (see p. 20), T. 239 ; 293 . 32 ; C. MCLI. And (2) The charter of Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester and Hertford, to Margam Abbey (see p. 236). With confirmation in general of all gifts to the Abbey, and concession that the monks arc to hold their courts on all their lands and tenements, respecting all pleas and causes as well as those which belong to the said lord's liberty and to the sheriff's County Court of Glamorgan, and to have all the aforesaid in wood and plain, etc., as before. Dated, Cardiff Castle, 9 Oct., 12 Edw. Ill, A.D. 1338, with the same wit- nesses as in the former deed. There is extant a ratification (7". 213 ; C. MCLIIl) by Henry, Abbot of Margam, of a lease for life by John de Cauntelo, his late predecessor in the Abbey, to Geoffrey de Werham and Cristina his wife, of a messuage and sixteen acres and a half of arable, and half an acre of meadow land in Salso Maresco, i.e., Salt-marsh, formerly held by Walter Frankhomme ; at the annual rent of seventeen shillings. Margam, Feast of St. Silvester the Pope, 31 December, A.D. 1338. 1 An impression attached to one of the Cardiff Corporation charters, and another mentioned at p. 311, preserve other parts of the legend. See plate. Photograph of the Seal of Hugh le Despencer, Lord of Glamorgan and Morgan. The Family of TDavene. 309 T. 214 (C. MCLIV) is a grant by Iseuda La Welere, called Chepman, widow, to the Abbot, of half an acre of land in the fee of Kenefeg, on the road between Kenefeg and Comely, and between the land of John Swetyng on the south and of William Cissor on the north, for five shillings beforehand. The witnesses are : John Louel ; Henry Colyn ; John Robyn, provost of Kenefeg ; Henry Voth' ; David Marescall'. Kenefeg, r4th May, A.D. 1339. The seal bears a priest kneeling before the Virgin Mary and the Child. John de Eglescliffe, Bishop of Llandaff, inspected by a deed (T. 215, 216; C. MCLV) the Bull of Pope Boniface VIII to the Cistercians already mentioned (p. 292), dated at the Lateran, in the year 1302. His inspeximus is dated at Lancarvan, III Id. Oct., 13th October, A.D. 1339. The fine seal on one of the two duplicate copies bears a figure of the bishop on an elaborate pedestal, over his head a rich canopy. On the right a shield of arms of England, on the left a shield bearing the bishop's arms, a stork statant. S' FRAT CIA : EPISC The formal inspection of this Bull of privileges was no doubt made at the request of Margam, the chief Cistercian house in the diocese. It naturally leads up to the next document that is to be noticed, viz., letters (Harley Charter 7 5 A. 28; C. MCLVIl), whereby Bishop John notifies, in his personal visitation of the diocese of Llandaff, that in obedience to Apostolic letters exhibited to him by Hugh Everard, monk of Margam, and proctor of the Abbey, he has confirmed to the Abbot and convent, the possession of the tithes of sheaves and of hay in their lands of Rossoulyn, upper and lower Pennuth, and Porthavoth, i.e., Havod-porth. Dated at Lancarvan ; same date as before. Among the extant records which relate to the De Avenc or Davene family, descendants of Jestyn ap Gwrgan, is: T. 217 (C. MCLXIII) an agreement between Dame Margaret, Lady Dauene, and the Abbot and convent of Margam, whereby the said Lady in her widowhood, with assent of Sir John Dauene her son, confirms to the Abbey three acres and a half of meadow in the marsh of Auene, which extends to the old road on the east, the park of John Davy on the west, the arable of the said John Davy in Claudsavan on the north, and the meadow of the Margam fabric, called Smythes mede on the south, in exchange for five acres in the same marsh, whereof two and a half lay in the old " walda" between Pentir-David on the east and Richard le Sangare's meadow on the west ; the rest 310 Margam Abbey. at Lytelacre and Pentir-David. Auene, Monday after Invention of Holy Cross, 3 May, A.l>. 1 341. Two small seals, as described in the next paragraph. To this appertains T. 218 {C. MCLXIV) the power of attorney by the said Dame Margaret to Thomas her son, to put the Abbot and convent of Margam in seisin of the land in the marsh which she has granted to the Abbey, with assent of Sir John Davene her son, in exchange for other land there. Under seal of the said John ; same date. There are appended two seals : — (1) A shield of arms: per pale, dex. a. fess between six roses, perhaps Umfreville, sin. three chevrons Davene. Suspended by the strap, and between two sprigs of foliage. -X- S' MARGARETE . DAVENE. And (2) a shield of arms, three chevrons Davene. Above the shield an Agnus Dei ; at each side a wyvern. -X- S' IOH'lS . DE . AVENE. By the following deed (T. 219 ; C. MCLXV), Sir John Dauene, Knt, son and heir of Sir Leisan Dauene, quit-claims to the Abbey his right in the three acres and a half in the marsh, which the Convent had of Lady Margaret, his mother, by his assent, in exchange for five acres in the same. By view of Robert Le Westerne. Auene, Monday after St. John Port-Latin, 6th May, A.D. 1 341. Under Sir John's seal of arms as above mentioned. The pedigree is : Morgan Vachan, 1304. Sir Leisan Dauene.— Lady Margaret. Sir John Dauene, Knt. Thomas. The superior Lord, Hugh Le Despenser, Lord of Glamorgan and Morgan, granted (T. 220; C. MCLXVIl) to the Abbey free warren throughout their rabbit-warren of Berwes, or Burrows, between the water of Auene and that of Kenefeg on the west, to the sea, and the highroad from Auen to Kenefeg on the east. Under seal of the Cardiff Chancery. The witnesses are : Sir Matthew Le Soor, Sheriff of Glamorgan ; Sir Roger La Warde, Sir Thomas ap Aron, Knts. ; Sir John de Hampslape ; Sir John de Coventre. Cardiff, 16th February, 18 Edw. Ill, A.D. 1344 T. 227 (C. MCLXVlll) is a quit-claim by William de Marie to Hugh Le TDespenser. Margam Abbey, of pasture for oxen, cows, and other beasts in the grange of St. Michael, which " ex quadam animi levitate", he had once claimed, as if he had any right therein ; he is, however, "now moved by the spirit of truth". Under his own seal and that of John Louel. Margam, Midsummer Day, A.D. 1344. The seal of W. de Marie is wanting, but that of John Louel bears a shield of arms, with its "guige" or strap : a saltire between four pheons ; between two wyverns. •5f S' . IOHANNIS . LOYEL. The same Lord Hugh Le Despenscr, confirmed (by T. 221 ; C. MCLXIX) all the gifts by Morgan ap Cradoc and Leisan his son, to Margam Abbey ; and the land of Rossoulin ; and agreed that the water of Neath should be the boundary between his land and theirs, on condition of their celebrating divine services on his birth- day, "in pre-vigilia Beati Valentini martyris", by a priest saying one mass of the Virgin Mary on the three following days, and on the birthday itself solemn mass in the choir ; monks of at least the grade of priest are to sing the Psalter " pia mente" on the three said days ; seven poor men are to be fed, clothed, and provided with footwear as the monks are, and on the day of his death, yearly, the poor men above mentioned are to be similarly provided for, to which they pledge the manor of Lanmeuthin, etc. Under seal of the Chancery of Cardiff. The witnesses are : Sir Matthew Le Soor, Sheriff of Glamorgan ; Sir John Le Norreis ; Sir Thomas de Fallesleye ; Sir Robert de auditor of the accompts of the above Hugh ; Sir John de Coventre, treasurer and chancellor of Llandaff, (who became Archdeacon in A.D. 1347) Neth ; John Louel ; Robert, bailiff of his county of Gower. Cardiff Court, 15th Feb Edw. III. Before A.D. 1347. An imperfect impression of the seal, appended by plaited strands of green silk (see plate, p. 308). The document has been much injured by rats, so that the actual year of the king cannot be ascertained. In Harley Charter 75 A. 44 (C. CCLXXVll) we find an indenture made on St. Nicholas the Bishop's day, 6 December, A.D. 1349, whereby the Abbot grants to John Lange and Jevan ap Phelipot of Avene, eight acres of arable land in the demesne of the Grange of Terrys for their lives, on condition of their repairing and main- taining all the Abbot's sea-walls {wallce marines) in the marsh of Aberavon, against perils of the sea only at their own proper expenses, excepting the work of repairing or altering the wood- work of the " goutes", which the grantors are to execute at the 312 Ma?' gam Abbey. costs of the Abbey. The feedings on the walls are to be enjoyed by the grantors without injury to them. If the sea goes over the top of the walls, and creates so much damage that it cannot be repaired between two tides of ebb and flow {inter duas tidas maris fluentis et refluentis) without imminent danger, then the Abbot is to render assistance for the more securely avoiding the danger. The Abbot allows each grantor two loads of dead wood (dims summas de mortuo boscd) to be delivered weekly by the forester, but if the)' are found cutting green wood they are liable to be fined in the Abbot's Court. The interest of this lies in its proving that the sea-walls were the property of the Abbey. We have also the text of an agreement (T. 222 ; C. MCLXXIl) between the Abbot and Convent of Margam and Thomas de Auene, son of Sir John de Auene, Lord of Auene, respecting the disputed reparation and ditching of the Abbey " Walda", in the marsh of Avene, near Cornemershe and Neumershe, and the imparcation of the cattle belonging to the men of the said Thomas ; whereby the said Abbot shows, by production of the charters of Leisan and Morgan, sons of Morgan ap Cradok, and the confirmation of Morgan Gam their brother, their right to the soil annexed to the " Walda", on both sides thereof ; the said Thomas confirms and ratifies the said charters, and agrees not to prevent or hinder the Abbej r workmen ; with provisions for attachment of cattle of each party found straying, and punishment of trespassing men of either party. Margam, 1st January, A.D. 1349 for 1350. There is a fragment of a seal bearing a shield of arms: three chevrons, in chief a label of as many points, in a Gothic panel. AVENE. The Editors of the new Monasticon Anglicanum have given the text 1 of an old English deed containing a quit-claim by Thomas de Avene, son of Sir John de Avene, Knt, to Margam Abbey, in free alms, of three acres and a half of meadow land in the marsh of Avene which he held of Lady Margaret de Avene, widow, in exchange for five acres in the same place, according to the boundaries already mentioned. Also, "having after a diligent view thereof, considered the noble and magnificent structure of the walls continually made in the said monastery", he confirms the gifts of Morgan ap Cradoc in Rhosoulyn, and the marsh and moor of 1 Vol. v, p. 741 ; C. CCLXXVi. "The grant of Thomas de Aven, as I found it translated into English among the Collections of the late Mr. Hugh Thomas, without mentioning whence he had it."— Jo. Stevens, History of Abbeys, vol. ii, p. 53. Lond., 8vo, 1722-3. John de Monmbray . 313 Avene, the gifts of Leysan and 0\ven, sons of the said Morgan ; of Morgam Cam ; of Morgan Vaghan and Sir Leysan, sons of the said Morgan Cam ; and of Sir John de Avcne his father, in the places above mentioned. He also grants to the said monks all the hurdles or rods they shall have occasion for on all his demesne lands, towards fishing in their water of Avene ; and free ingress and egress for carriages from Rossoulyn to the Abbey. The pedigree herein disclosed is : Morgan ap Caradoc. J I I Morgan Gam. Owen. _J Morgan Vaghan. = Matfldis. Lleisan de Avene. = Margaret. j Sir John de Avene. I I homas de Avene. Henry, Abbot of Margam, occurs in the charter of Thomas de Avene (son of Lord John de Avene), Lord of Avene, to his English men of the town of Avene (Aberavon). Dated 26th April, 24 Edw. Ill, A.D. 1350 (C. CCLXXX). Harley Charter 75 B. 5 A. (C. CCLXXXI, MCLXXl) is a grant by Thomas de Avene, Lord of Avene, son of John de Avene, to Jervard ap Jevan ap Heylin, of all the tenements and lands of Jeruard Trut ap Wasmeir ap Griffith in the Lordship of Avene, or Aberavon, at a yearly rent of twelve silver pence. The witnesses are : John Lovel, the grantor's steward ; Thomas, Rector of Avene ; Jeuan ap Gwrgan ; Bedell ; William Gethin ; Jevan ap David vachan ; Res ap . . . . Dated at Avene, Sunday after the Feast of St. John ante Portam Latinam (6th May), 24 Edw. Ill [A.D. 1350]. This is not strictly a Margam charter, but the deed was pre- served among the Abbey muniments, and probably the property passed into the possession of the Abbey at a later date. John de Moumbray, Lord of the Honours of Bramber, Gower, and the Island of Haxholme, inspected by a French deed (7*. 223 : C. MCLXX) the grant by William de Breousc, his grandfather, Lord of the Honour of Bramber and Gower, to the Abbot and Convent of Margam, that they may buy and sell freely all manner of mer- chandise without toll, " Sauntz toneau on nul altre custume doner", Lleisan. Sir Lleisan ap Morgan Cam. 314 Mar gam Abbey. throughout the land of Gower, at Margam, 12th August, A.D. 1309, already mentioned under notice of that year. This inspeximus is dated at Oystermouth Castle, 16th April, 24th Edw. Ill [A.D. 1350], with a fine but imperfect seal, bearing a shield of arms : a lion rampant, for MOWBRAY ; between two wyverns, with tails nowy ; within a richly carved Gothic panel, ornamented with ball-flowers along the inner edge. OVBRAY XIH BREMRE : ET : GO The Abbey, as we have learned, had possessions in the peninsula of Gower at Llangennith and elsewhere, and probably found the privileges embodied in the original grant too useful to be allowed to lapse ; hence the necessity for their ratification by inspeximus on the descent of the Honour from William de Braose to John de Moumbray, or Mowbray. T. 224 (C. MCLXXIIl) is a quit-claim by Cristina, widow of Thomas Le Mulleward, of St. George's, 1 to the Abbey, of a tenement in Le Mullestrate, Kaerdif (Mulle or Mill Street, Cardiff), which she had of Thomas, son of Thomas de la More, for life, according to an indenture thereof of the demesne of Cardiff, Thursday after St. Luke's Day, 20th Oct., 25 Edw. Ill, A.D. 1351. The small seal bears an estoile of eight rays. The advowson or church patronage of Llangenydd, or Llangen- nith, a parish in Gower, sixteen miles in the direction of W. by S. from Swansea, dedicated to St. Cenydd, was about this time acquired by the Abbot and Convent of Margam. There is an original document which indicates its connection with the Abbey, dated, 20th April, 27 Edw. Ill, A.D. 1 353, containing the text of the Royal Letters Patent which show that, whereas the king has lately in his Court of Common Pleas recovered his presentation to the church of Langeneth in Wales, against the Abbot and Convent of Margam, in a suit for trespass for acquiring and appropriating, without Royal licence, this advowson, which is held in capite, and has presented William Sampson thereto, yet he grants a pardon to the Abbot and Convent for the trespass, and permits them to appropriate the church, which he hereby grants. Westminster, 20th April, by the King at the instance of Guido de Bryan. The document (T. 225 ; C. MCCLXXVIII and MCCLXXIX from the Patent Rolls) has the great seal still appended to the original text. Harley Charter 75 B. 45 (C. CCLXXXIV) is a deed in French, containing letters whereby Anne Le Despenser, daughter of 1 A parish five miles W. by N. trom Cardiff". The Cardiff Chancery . 315 Henry Lord Ferrars, and widow of Edward Le Despenser, guardian of the two parts (out of three) of Glamorgan and Morgannock, grants to the Abbot and Convent of Margam a release of thirty-two shillings and eightpence, the value of certain waif cattle. Under seal of the Cardiff Chancery. Cardiff, 17 February, 28 Edw. Ill, A.D. 1354. This lady was at this time guardian of her eldest son Edward, nephew and heir of Hugh, elder brother of Edward her husband. Hugh Lc Despenser die dchildless in 23 Edward III, Edward his brother in 16 Edward III. Her guardianship was, according to Mr. Clark (vol. ii, p. 8), confined to the two-thirds because the other third was in dower to Elizabeth de Montacute, widow of Hugh le Despenser above-mentioned. We meet in A.D. 1335 with one of the earliest acquittances (of which there are several of later dates) by Thomas, Abbot of Tewkesbury, to the Abbot of Margam (T. 226; C. MCLXXX), for eleven pounds ten shillings, due next Easter, for the farm of the churches of Kenefec and Newcastle. Tewkesbury, 20th March, A.D. 1354-5- With a pointed oval seal bearing a figure of the Virgin Mary and the Child, under a canopy. This is the Secretum, or Privy Seal of the Abbot of Tewkesbury. SE BVRIE. In T. 228 (C. MCLXXXI), Jeuan ap Griffuth ap Morgan gives an acquittance or receipt to the Abbey, for ten shillings annual rent, and arrears due to him for Hauothalok', up to Michaelmas next. Margam, Saturday after Midsummer, 1st July, A.D. 1357. The imperfect seal bears a bust in profile to the right, in a rosette of tracery. Among the few instances when the Abbey came into contact with secular Courts must be reckoned the affair which is embodied in the record of proceedings (7". 229; C. MCLXXXll) at the Glamorgan County Court before Gilbert de Ellesfeld, Sheriff of Glamorgan and Morgan, whereat Brother John was indicted for robbing David de Gower of fifteen pence at the Borwes ; and Brother Meuric, of St. Michael's Grange, for harbouring John ap Griffith and Rees ap Griffith, felons and outlaws ; but the accused claim to be brethren and conversi to Margam Abbey, and therefore that they ought to appear before their own ordinaries ; it is asked of them if they are clerks, ordained, and able to read, and a book given to them for that proof, but they declare themselves professed Mar gain Abbey. religious, and not bound to answer. Thereupon came Master David ap Rees, clerk, by virtue of the Bishop of Llandaffs com- mission to him, and caused the accused to be delivered to him for trial in an ecclesiastical Court. But the sheriff and the said Master David disputed whether the delinquents were professed, and so entitled to their privilege of clergy. Eventually the sheriff admitted the plea, and made inquest whether they were guilty or not, so as to deliver them up to the said David ; they were tried, found not guilty, and released. Cardiff, Monday before St. Augustine's Day, 26th May, 32 Edw. Ill, A.D. 1358. A fine but chipped impression of the seal of Cardiff Chancery, for Edward Le Despenser, is appended. On the obverse an armed knight, with hauberk, sword, helmet crested with a griffin's head and wings erect, and shield of arms of Despenser, riding to the right on a horse caparisoned with the same arms. SIGILLUM : EDWARDI : LE : DESPENSER AMORGAN : Z : MORG : On the reverse, a large shield of arms as above, slung by the strap or guige upon a forked tree. Within an elaborately traced bilobe of cusped Gothic openwork. SIGILLUM : CANCEL[LARIE] DE : KAIRDIF. Edward Le Despenser, Lord of Glamorgan and Morgan, inspected by a deed (T. 212 C. ; 230 ; 293 . 32 ; C. MCLXXXIII) the long inspeximus of his uncle, Hugh Le Despenser, which has been described at p. 307, and was executed on the 9th October, A.D. 1338. This was given under seal of the Cardiff Chancery, before the following witnesses : John Pascal, Bishop of Llandaff ; John de Coventre, Archdeacon of Llandaff ; Gilbert de Ellesfeld, Sheriff of Glamorgan ; Richard de Turberville, Sir Oliver de St. John, Sir John de Norreis, Sir Edward de Stradeling, knights ; William Flemmyng ; Henry de Landefey ; William Denys, Kaerdiff, 13 July, 32 Edward III, A.D. 1358. The imperfect seal bears on the obverse the Lord of Glamorgan, in armour, riding on a horse caparisoned with the armorials of De- spenser. On the reverse a shield of arms of Despenser, suspended by the strap from a tree, in a border of elaborate tracery. The legends are wanting. The inspected deeds have already been the subject of notice in their proper chronological places. On the back is a memorandum to the effect that certain Compotus Rolls show that the monks held their said lands of Egleskeynwyre at a yearly rent of twenty shillings, payable to the "The Fisheries in the River Avene. 3 1 7 lords of Ogmore Castle. This is an important entry, because they defaulted in their payment in the year 1 337- 1 In A.D. 1359, Henry, Abbot of Margam, occurs under date of Cardiff, 8 Nov., 33 Edvv. Ill, in a deed of inspeximus printed in Francis's Orig. Ch. of Neath, p. 3. By Harley Charter 75 C 55 (C. CCLXXXVII), Ralph de Stafford, Earl of Stafford and Lord of Newport in Wales, notifies to his officers of Newport that he has taken under his especial protection the Abbot and convent of Margam, its men, tenants, lands, property and possessions, and orders the maintenance, protection, and defence thereof. Cowbridge, Sunday in Easter Octave, i.e., 28 April, 33 Edvv. Ill, A.D. 1359. With part of the Earl's seal of arms still appended. This Earl was married to Margaret, daughter and heir of Hugh de Audeley, Earl of Gloucester, by Margaret, daughter and co-heir of Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester, to whom was adjudged 2 Newport and the Monmouthshire possessions of the Clares. But Earl Ralph had no Glamorganshire property, nor had Margam Abbey any possessions in Monmouthshire. Perhaps the Abbot thought it politic to provide for contingencies, and the Earl might not be unwilling to be interested in his wife's ancestor's benefactions. The Harley Charter 75 ii. 42 (C. CCLXXIX) is an acquittance by Richard de Covcntre, executor of the last will and testament of John de Coventre, late Archdeacon of Llandaff to the monks of Margam, for £10 sterling in part payment of £20, wherein they were bounden to the said John by a tally, probably a loan to the Abbey by the deceased Archdeacon. Lantwyt, 12th November, 35 Edw. Ill, A.D. 1 361. The seal bears a shield of arms : a fess and in chief three mullets, with legend S . RICARDI DE COVENTKK. The valuable fisheries in the Avcn river, which the Abbey had now possessed for upwards of two hundred years, were being frequently poached upon, and from time to time wc find notices of proceedings taken against trespassers. In A.D. 1365 wc have the record of a mandate ( T. 231 ; C. MCLXXXVIl) by the Rector of Coytif, and the Rural Dean of Gronyth, Special Commissaries, to Thomas Louel, clerk, to cite John Philip of Kenefeeg, Rees ap Griff' Gethyn of Auene, Hoel ap Griff' Hagar, and others, to appear before the commissiaries in answer to a charge of unlawful fishing in the Auene, brought against them by Margam Abbey, on 1 See T. 253. 2 Clark, vol. ii, p. 13. Mar gam Abbey. pain of excommunication. Dated at Coytif, 2nd November, A.D. 1365. It is endorsed with a certificate of the due citation of the above defendants, who are called Hoel ap Gruffith Hagir, Rees ap Gruffith Gethyn, Jcvan ap Philpot, Rees ap ap , Thomas de Browneswolde of Avene. Ill Id. Nov. (nth Nov.), A.D. 1365. In obedience to the summons appearance was made, and the proceedings take the form of a record (T. 232 ; C. MCLXXXVIIl) of a process before the Dean of Gronyth, Special Commissary, in the church of Kenefeeg, in the case between the Abbot and Rees ap Griff' Gethyn, Hoel du ap Griff' Hagar, Jevan ap Philpot, Rees ap Wylym, Thomas Browneswold of Auene, and nine other defendants, concerning the taking of fish in the Auene by the said Rees, Hoel, and the others ; wherein the said Rees confesses that he took fish in the water and fishery of Avene, and said that he had taken them justly; and thus has fallen under sentence of excommunication. He was ordered to prove his right on the following Monday at New- castle church. John Philpot and the others confess to having fished in the water and fishery of Kenfig and Avene, and are left to the grace and absolution of the Abbot. Eventually, at Kenfig, the defendant Rees delivered in his defence that his ancestors had forfeited their jurisdiction in their courts, and the Abbot exhibited deeds of appropriation, confirmation, and agreement to prove their right. Then the defendant admitted and confessed that after Robert Fitzhaymon had conquered the hereditary land of him, the said Rees, and others, with the water and fishery in dispute, two hundred and seventeen years past, i.e., A.D. 1148, he, the said Robert, gave the said fishery to Margam Abbey in recompense for injuries it had sustained at the hands of his (Rees') ancestors. Wednesday after the Feast of St. Leonard (6th Nov.), A.D. 1365. The pointed oval seal bears on a mount, beneath a tree, a bear standing. The bordure is partly engrailed. ■X- S' . DE[CAN]ATV[S .] DE . GRONYTH. Subsequently we get the record (T. 233 ; C. MCXC) of an x^ssize of Novel-disseisin before a jury of twelve men in the Gla- morgan County Court, held at Cardiff, taken before Sir Edward de Stratelyng, Knt., Sheriff of Glamorgan and Morgan, whereby John, Abbot of Margam, recovers with forty shillings damages, his fishery of salmons, gillyngs, suwyngs, and several other fish in the water of Auene, from the head thereof down to the place where it goes into the sea (which fishery is worth ten pounds yearly), against Res, son of Gruffin Gethyn, aud Howel, son of Gruffin 318 The Fisheries in the River Avene, 319 Hager, each of whom is fined threepence damages. Monday before Midsummer Day, 40 Edw. Ill, A.D. 1366. A small fragment of the Court seal still remains. In consequence of this verdict, a mandate (T. 234 ; C. MCLXXXIX) was issued on the same day by Edward de Stratelyng', Sheriff of Glamorgan and Morgan, to William Wynchestre, bailiff of the county, or to Nicholas Cantelo, sub-bailiff, to deliver seisin to Abbot John of the several fishery of the water of Auene which he has thus recovered. By order of Lord Edward Le Despenser. Cardiff, Monday, St. Alban's Day, 22nd June, 40 Edw. Ill, A.D. 1366. The sheriff's seal bears a shield of arms : paly of six, on a bend three cinquefoils. Between three pairs of slipped trefoils, and within a carved double quatrefoil panel. DE : STRATELYNG The Scurlage family, which has disappeared from our history for several years, reappears in a quit-claim (T. 235 ; C. MCXCV) by Richard Scurlage, son of Richard Scurlage, to the Abbey, of an annuity of twenty shillings which the Abbey used to pay to him. The witnesses are : Robert ab Thomas, Lieutenant of Gower ; Richard Colet, receiver of Gower; John de Swen' or Swansea; Robert de Penbrige ; John Hurton'. Langroue, Day of SS. Simon and Jude, 28th Oct. 46 Edw. Ill, A.D. 1372. It is not very clear what lands the Abbey held of this Richard. But the Scurlages are a Gower family, and it is more probable that the Abbey had acquired lands in that district on which the releasor had an interest, which he remits by this deed. By Harlcy Charter 75 A. 45 (C. CCXCV) the Abbot and convent leased to John Denys, of Watirton, near Bridgend, eighty-nine acres of land in the fee of Bo[n]villiston, during the minority or nonage of John Norreis, son and heir of John Norreis, of Lache, or Leche Castle, near Llancarvan, at a yearly rent of thirteen shillings and four pence. With usual power of re-entry on default, Dated at Margam, St. Andrew's Day, 30th November, 50 Edw. Ill, A.D. 1376. This is in Norman French. The closing years of the fourteenth century were not without calamities which affected the Abbey. The pestilences which visited this country and other parts during the reign of Edward III, in A.D. 1349, 1 36 1 -2, and 1369, had travelled along the traffic-ways, and the district of South Wales eventually felt its effects. This is shown by the preamble of a Bull of Pope Urban VI {T. 236; MCCIl) addressed to the Bishop of Llandaff, as diocesan ordinary, ^20 Mar gam Abbey. sanctioning the annexation or union and incorporation and appro- priation of the patronage of the parochial Church of Auen, i.e., Aberavon, formerly belonging to Sir Edward Spenser, Knt., bene- factor, and by succession, founder of the Abbey of Margam, to and with the said Abbey, in augmentation of its condition, now seriously affected by pestilence and other calamities. Tibur [Tivoli], XVI Kal. Aug., 17th July, 6th year, A.D. 1383. With the leaden bulla of the Pope, appended by a hempen cord. Herein is set forth that the monastery stands in the public way (the main road from Bristol to Ireland), whereby it is subject to a perpetual frequentation both by rich and poor travellers ; its lands and possessions, adjacent to the sea shore, have become unfruitful owing to the inroads of the sea and inundations ; the oxen, sheep and animals have suffered from pestilence and other calamities; and the debts of the Abbey, whose total revenue does not exceed four hundred marks, have increased. Yet in consideration of the appropriation of the church, which is worth forty marks at most, the Abbey is to charge itself with the addition of three more monks to the number hitherto supported, and to feed three poor men and clothe them thrice during the year. The incidental notice respecting the inroads of the sea show s how the ancient trouble on this account was as grievous and hard to bear as ever it had been since the days of Giraldus, who speaks 1 of Margam, as "ubi sabulosi litoris et maris influentis alterna; incipiunt vicissituclines". It is to this period also that we may refer the severe sufferings of the Abbey from the storms of sand blown over its land by the westerly winds from the sea at low tides. This covered up much of its best property, burying whole villages, of which, as Mr. Clark states,- traces are every now and then laid bare. A pathetic appeal from the Abbey for aid was brought forward, we are told, by Richard II in A.D. 1384, but it was attended with but little result. The appeal alluded to may perhaps be connected with the text which is given in C. et c, from the Patent Rolls of the 8th year of Richard II, 28th October, A.D. 1384, wherein the King, by letter under the royal signet, sets forth that the Abbot of Margam had delivered a petition show ing how Edward Le Despenser, late Lord of Glamorgan and Morgan, out of consideration for the losses which the sand-storms had inflicted on the Abbey, had bestowed on it the advowson of Aberavon Church, lying in his lordship of 1 Giraldus, ///'//. Cambr., eel. D. Powell, 1804, p. 63. - The Arclutology of the Land 0/ Morgan, p. 33. ropriation of Ad Brit. Arch. Assoc., Collectanea, p. 144. Neath Abbey. 329 Many of the Margam documents which have been described in this work contain references to Neath Abbey, which from time to time executed agreements with Margam respecting property of land in dispute. It is unnecessary to repeat their contents here. Late in the twelfth century, William de Corundone granted ( T. 1 1 74) to Neath Abbey his meadow land between Bluntesdone and the lordship of Oggemore. Francis prints a deed of exchange between Sir William de Barri and the Abbot and Convent of Neath in A.D. 1220. There is also recorded by the same author a charter of Rights and Privileges of Neath Abbey, given by John, Lord Mowbray, Lord of Gower, confirming charters of Henry and William, Earls of Warwick, A.D. 1334. We may, however, record that in A.D. 1423, Pope Martin V. ordered the Abbot of Margam to admonish certain unknown but iniquitous persons who had presumed to enter the woods of Neath Abbey, cut down and carry off trees, conceal and detain tithes, fruits, rents, proceeds, emoluments, books, chalices, and ecclesiastical ornaments and other goods, that, if the same were not restored within a given time, excommunication would follow. Dated at Rome, iii Id. April. [11 April], 6 Martin V. ( T. 245; C. MCCXXXVIII). Francis also gives the text of the confirmation of various charters to the Abbey by Richard, Earl of Warwick, and Anne his countess, A.D. 1468. At the period of the Dissolution of the Monasteries there were eight monks in the Abbey. The gross revenue is given in 26 Hen. VIII, A.D. 1534, as £150 4s. go 1 ., and the clear income £133 7 s - 7\d- The site was sold in 33 Hen. VIII, A.D. 1 541-2, to Sir Richard Williams, otherwise called Crumwell, in exchange. Among the charters and documents recently acquired by the British Museum Department of MSS. from Lord de Ramsay, is an exemplification, Add. Ch. 39,082 (two large membranes), in Latin, at the request of Henry Williams, alias Crumwell, Esquire, of Letters Patent of King Henry VIII, dated 29th March, 33 Hen. VIII, [a.D. 1542] granting to Sir Richard Williams, alias Crumwell, knight, the manor of ... . Nethe, or Neath, alias Cadockston (Cadoxton-juxta-Neath), co. Glamorgan, parcel of the possessions of Neath Abbey ; . . . . the site of Neath Abbey in Langatock, co. Glamorgan ; the grange, chapel, etc., of Nashe, or Nash, with appurtenances in St. Brigitt's or St. Bride's, Wyke or Wick, Marcrosse, and St. Donat's, and the grange, etc., of Skeere 330 Neath Abbey. in Newton [Newton-Nottage], and other lands in Langatocke and Kadokeston, same co., parcels of the possessions of the said Abbey ; woods in Langatock and Cadockstone ; the appropriate rectory of St. Donat's and advowson of the same, etc., to be held in capite, as one-tenth part of a knight's fee, at specified rents, in consideration of the manors of Brampton and Hemingford Grey, co. Huntingdon, sold to the Crown, and of the payment by the said Richard of the sum of £731 os. j\d. into the Court of Augmentations of Crown Revenues. Dated : Westminster, 10th May, 5 Elizabeth, A.D. 1563. It is sealed with the first great seal of the Queen. The temporal possessions of the monastery situate within the lordship of Gower at the time of the Dissolution were exemplified, 1 Jas. I. In Dugdale's time (a.d. 1683) a Register of the Charters of Neath was in the possession of Sir Edward Stradling, Knt., at St. Donat's, but it is now missing. According to Lewis, " the present remains still afford interesting specimens of ancient ecclesiastical architecture. They are situated on the western bank of the river Neath, or Nedd, about a mile from the town of Neath. The church and buildings appear to have been the work of successive 1 periods, and a pile of very great extent, stretching far beyond these present limits. In these respects the remains bear comparison with Margam. The ruins present a venerable appearance, of which, however, much of the beauty is greatly disfigured by the smoke of the various works which have been set up close to them. It is said that the cornices and other ornamental details are of white stone from Sutton, near Ewenny, a stone peculiarly free from the injuries of ivy and other plants. " The walls of the Priory-house" were " in tolerable order" fifty years ago ; and the hall, the refectory, and some other apartments may be traced. The remains of the Chapter-house and Chapel are considerable.'' There is also" 2 a large vaulted structure generally believed to represent the original refectory, but this is disputed by Prof. Freeman, who contrasts the neglect at Neath with the care taken of the Margam ruins. A carved fragment found among these ruins, bearing shields of the arms of Clare and Mowbray (see woodcut), was figured by Francis, and in the Archceologia Cambrensis, 1st Ser., vol. i, p. 470 ; I have re-used the illustration by permission of the 1 The larger portion was erected in the reigns of Edw. I and II, but some parts in that of Edw. \\\.—Arch. Camb., 3rd Ser., vol. vii, p. 346. '-' Arch. Camb., 3rd Ser., vol. vii, pp. 344, 345, 1861. Neath Abbey. 331 Cambrian Archaeological Society. Specimens of the inlaid tiles, heraldric and geometrical, were published in 1850 by the Com- mittee of the Neath Philosophical Institute. They show great beauty and tasteful design. The drawings were made by Egbert Moxham, architect, and the descriptions of the heraldry (chiefly of the benefactors) are written by Rev. H. Hey Knight, Vicar of Neath, who, with Francis, excavated the site of the Abbey. Another writer records that the remains of the Abbey have slowly but surely crumbled away ; and in A.D. 1788 the west end, with exception of the great arch, was tolerably perfect, but the east end and principal part of the nave had been demolished. The Carved Fragment found among the Ruins of Neath Abbey. lateral aisles remained, overgrown with ivy. There were also several apartments standing to the south of the church. Dugdale's editors print the return of 26 Hen. VIII, First- fruits Office ; the Ministers' Accounts of the Augmentations Office, 31 Hen. VIII, and similarly for 33 Hen. VIII. These docu- ments give the names, extent, and value of the several lands of the late Abbey. Several seals of Neath are extant. The first seal of the Abbot is pointed oval, and bears a dexter hand and vested arm, with long tassels hanging from the wrist, grasping a crozier. »J< SIGILL' ABB[ATTS] DE NETH. This is of the late twelfth or early thirteenth century {Harley Charter 75 B. 32). It is about one inch and a quarter long, and three-quarters of an inch wide. 332 Neath Abbey. A later seal of the Abbot is preserved in T. 101, A.D. 1208. This is pointed oval, measuring one inch and a quarter long by one inch wide. It bears a figure of the Abbot, standing, holding a pastoral staff or crozier obliquely. Mr. Francis gives an illustration of a later Abbot's seal which appears to be pointed oval, an inch and three-quarters long, and an inch wide. The Abbot is represented standing on a bracket or corbel, which is carved with a floral ornament resembling a fleur- de-lis. He hold in the right hand a pastoral staff or crozier, the curve being turned outward ; in the left hand a closed book. The legend is :— »Ji SIGILLVM : ABBATIS : DE : NETH. There is an impression of this seal appended to the Harley Charter 75 A. 37, dated A.D. 1256, of which a notice will be found in its proper chronological position in the above description of the deeds relating to Margam. Francis also figures the common seal, an illustration of which is given below, by kind permission of the Cambrian Archaeological Society. The design is a standing figure of the Virgin Mary, holding the Child, in a canopied niche, etc. In the base is a shield of arms: three clarions, two and one : declared by the editors of the New Monasticon to be the arms of Grainville, the founder. But this can hardly be correct, because the same arms are found on the common seal of Margam Abbey (see plate, p. 30), with which Grainville had nothing to do. It might be thought that they represent CLARE, by a kind of canting heraldry, much affected in the fifteenth century, about which time the seal was made. The family of Clare was closely in union with both Margam and Neath as protectors and benefactors. But this is the shield of arms attributed by the heralds to Robert the Consul, Earl of Gloucester, natural son of King Henry I, in Harley MS. 1386, fol. 94, as well as to the families of Granavilla, Granville, Greenfield, and Grenfell. To Earl Robert's soul, it will be Common Seal of Neath Abbey. Abbots of Neath. 333 remembered, the Abbey was devoted by the founder. Perhaps this accounts for both the patron and the founder bearing the same arms. Keynsham Abbey in Somersetshire, founded by William, Earl of Gloucester, bore a shield of arms of six clarions. These facts sufficiently explain the clarions on the seal. The succession of the Abbots of Neath is not yet fully settled. RALPH 1 occurs before A.D. 1166 ; and R , 2 probably the same person, in A.D. 1 169. WALTER occurs as a witness about A.D. 1170 in Brit. Mus., Additional Charter 8075, and 3 in T. 294. 12. He also occurs 4 in Harley CJiarter 75 A. 19, during the period of Bishop Henry. A occurs 5 in A.D. 1201. CLEMENT occurs 6 in the time of Gilbert, Earl of Gloucester, and died 7 in A.D. 1218. GERVASE 8 succeeded Clement, A.D. 1218. Richard I, died 9 in a.d. 1245. A occurs 10 at Midsummer, A.D. 1266. He is probably identical with ADAM of A.D. 1283 11 and 1289, 1 ' 2 and ADAM DE Carmarthen, or Kaermerdin, who is found in a deed dated 13 April, A.D. 1 289. 10 His tomb-slab or effigy has been figured by Francis, 13 and in a better illustration by Westwood. 11 WILLIAM occurs 15 in A.D. 1336. He is probably the same as William of St. Donat's, who occurs 10 in a.d. 1 340-1 341. Thomas occurs on 8 Nov., A.D. 1359, in an inspeximus. 17 LEYSANT, or LEYSON, occurs 17 1 May, A.D. 1421, and 17 24 April, A.D. 1423, But John occurs 18 in April, a.d. 1422. ROBERT is found 17 in a deed dated 24 June, A.D. 1468. JOHN occurs 17 in 18 Hen. VII, A.D. 1502-3. LLEISION, circ. A.D. 1525, according to Nicholas. 1 ' 1 But Francis dates 20 him circ. A.D. 1500. It is said that this Abbot had obtained I P. 41. 2 C. xxxv. 3 P. 28. 4 P. 128. 5 P. 153. 0 P. 236. 7 Ann. cie Marg. s Ibid. u Ann. de Marg. 111 Francis, Neath. II Exclieq. Chron. in Arch. Camb., 1862, p. 281 ; Hart. MS. 838, f. 117. 13 Hart. MS. 838, f. 117, col. 2. 15 Neath; see also Arch. Camb., 1st Ser., vol. i, p. 469. 14 Arch. Camb., 4th Ser., vol. vii, p. 35. 15 P. 306. 16 Arch. Camb., 3rd Ser., vol. xiii, p. 35 ; C. CCLXXII, CCLXXIII, CCLXXIV ; and Francis, Neath. 17 Francis, Neath. 18 P. 341. v -> Hist, of Giant., p. 56. *> Neath, p. II. 334 Neath Abbey. from Jasper Tudor, Lord of Glamorgan, a charter for founding a university at Neath, but that the death of that lord took place before it was signed. The dissolution occurring soon afterwards, the abbey lands were confiscated and the whole design frustrated. 1 This abbot is the same as Leyson Thomas, who occurs 2 24 Feb. and 8 April, A.D. 1536. He had a pension for life granted to him at the dissolution of the abbey. He occurs' 2 as Leysanus Thomas, 16 May, A.D. 1538. Jasper Tudor died in A.D. 1495, which does not quite harmonise with the above statement. 1 Neath, p. 3. 2 Brit. Mus., Ramsey Cliarters, No. 1015, Ada. Cli. 34,266. CHAPTER XXIX. EWENNY PRIORY. F the Priory of Ewenny, several scattered notices will have V / been met with by the reader of the foregoing pages (see pp. 30, 3T). Besides these, there is not very much more to record. We learn from the Margam Charters that the house was at first called St. Michael's of Uggomore. Subsequently it received the name of Eweni, Eweny, Gwenny, or Ewenny. It stands a few miles from Cowbridge, and its ruins are carefully preserved by the present owner, Col. Turbervile. The antiquary Lcland has shown that John de Londres (Londoniis), lord of Ogmore Castle, was the founder of the Priory, probably in the early part of the twelfth century. The editors of the new Monasticon, in their notice of St. Peter's Abbey, Gloucester, place the foundation of Ewenny in A.D. 1 141 (which corresponds with the insertion at that year in the Annals of Mar gain, see Plate at p. 277), and show that it was a cell, or subordinate house to that rich and powerful Abbey. One member of the founder's family, Maurice de Londres, gave the Priory as a cell to St. Peter's, Gloucester, in that year. He was the fourth in descent from Sir William de Londres, one of Jestyn ap Gwrgan's knights. He had for his share the castle of Aberogwr, a stronghold on the site of which this Prior)' was afterwards erected by his descendant, Maurice. Many are of opinion that the stranger knights could never have settled in Glamorgan if Jestyn had not erected castles to oppress the country, and placed those who were in them, after the manner followed by the Kings of England, to overawe the people and the peasants of the country, and to get into their own possession the best and richest lands from the proprietors of the soil. The Cambrian Journal contains some interesting articles on the"Lordship of Glamorgan" (1859, pp. 68, 71); and on the "Settlement of the Normans in Glamorgan" (1864, pp. 176, 209). The same Journal also contains an account of the 336 Rwenny Priory. thirteen knights who came to Glamorgan in the time of Jestyn (i860, p. 22). The wandering antiquary and delineator, John Carter, whose views of Margam have already been described, visited Ewenny in A.U. 1803, and his sketches, still preserved in the British Museum (Add. MSS. 29,940), comprise ; — A distant south-west view, a nearer view, the first north gate, a north-west view on a still nearer approach, the elevation and plan of the first north gate (f. 47) ; a south-west view, plan, and inner view of the south gate (f. 48) ; a view in the first court, looking north-east, the arms over the porch, a view looking east, a plan, and view looking south on the plan (f. 49); a general plan of the buildings (ff. 50, 51); a south-west view of the church taken from the site of the cloisters (f. 52) ; a large plan of the church (f. 53) ; sections of the choir through the transepts, from north to south, of the west side of the south transept; elevation and details of the west front of the church (ff. 54, 55) ; various sections (ff. 56, 57) ; view of an effigy, and tomb-slab of Roger de Reini, view of a tomb (f. 58) ; the tomb-slab of Maurice de Lundres, or Londres, with details of tombs (f. 59) ; and a view in the choir and south transept looking south-east (f. 60). Buck gives a view from the south-west in A.D. 1741, and Moore has a pleasing illustration in his Monastic Remains, about A.D. 1792. The accompanying plan of the church has been kindly lent by the Cambrian Archaeological Society. The ancient church is of the Norman style of architecture, and, as will be seen, it is of cruciform plan : the nave and south transept being still in a perfect state. The tower is broad, low, and embattled, and it corresponds with the other part of the building, which is of particularly heavy style ; and on this account a remarkable darkness and gloom — not without parallel in some other churches of South Wales — are observable within. There is a mutilated monument of Pagan de Turberville, a bene- factor of Margam Abbey, who has already made an entry in the pages of this book, and one of the principal benefactors here. There are also, according to the editors of the new Monasticon, the remains of an elegant and curious pavement, which appears to have formerly covered the whole of the floor, and to have been probably constructed at the time the church was built. 1 Mr. G. T. Clark has printed man}' texts relating to the possessions and privileges of 1 See a Paper by the late Prof. Freeman in Arc//. Canib , 3rd Ser., vol. iii, p. 1 14, in which the architecture of this church is called "pure Norman", built with a view to defence. Ewenny Priory. 337 Eweny, the earliest of which is dated A.D. 1 141. In A.D. 1291 the Prior is returned in the Taxation as Rector of the church of Eyvvenny, the church of St. Brigida, or St. Bride's, and the church of Colewgleston, or Colwinston ; and as holding land and a water- mill at Tre-y-gost, for which he paid £12 yearly to the Abbot of Gloucester, and land at Lankarvan, for which he paid eighteen shillings yearly to the same. Plan of Ewenny Priory Church. In 26 Hen. VIII, A.D. 1534, the Priory of Ewenny, within the Lordship of Ogmore, held, in addition to other tithes, etc., the tithes of the chapel of Langynour, appropriated to the Rectory of Ewenny, worth £4 6s. 8d. ; an annual payment or pension from the Vicar of St. Brigit's of ^1 ; and from the Vicar of Landovodock an annual payment of 13s. $d. out of the whole or gross income of £78 14s. od. Sundry payments by the Priory due to Tewkesbury Abbey; Neath Abbey ; Henry, Earl of Worcester, chief steward ; Vincent Williams, steward of the Court ; Dio Jenkins, bailiff ; the King, as representing " the Bishop of Rome" ; the Bishop and z E,we?i?iy Priory. Archdeacon of Llandaff ; the poor on the anniversary of Maurice de Londres, first founder, and " in ccena domini", amounted to £? 7 s - in a "> thus leaving a clear income of £71 6s. S^d. Another return of the same year, however, makes the gross total £78 8s. od, and the clear income to be only £59 4s. od. In 34 Hen. VIII, A.D. 1542, the farm of the Priory is valued in the Ministers' Accompts at £20 10s. At the Dissolution, Sir Edward Carne, Knt, obtained the manor, cell, or site of Ewenny as part of the possessions of St. Peter's Abbey, Gloucester, 14th August, 37 Hen. VIII, A.D. 1545. In A.D. 1823 it was in possession of R. P. Turberville, Esq., grandfather of the present owner. No list of the Priors is known, but mention of several may be gathered from the preceding chapters and from Mr. Clark's Cartes. Among them are Bertramnus, a contemporary of Nicholas, Bishop of Llandaff, A.D. 1153-1183; Maurice, a contemporary of Conan, Abbot of Margam (see p. 31); J or John, who flourished in the time of Conan, Abbot of Margam, A.D. 1 198-1203 ; x Roger, in the twelfth century; David, between A.D. 1212 and 1224; Adam and Peter, not dated ; and John, the Chaplain of Ewenny, contem- porary with Prior David. One entry in a record speaks of Ewenny as not maintaining conversi. The last Prior, Thomas Bisseley, or Bysley, and two monks, Thomas Tok and William Branche, signed the original acknowledgment of King Henry VI IPs supremacy, preserved among the Cottonian MSS. in the British Museum, Cleopatra E. VI, f. 205. 2 10 B. This remarkable and interesting document is printed in C. CCCCXXXIV. The early seal of the Prior, with the inscription : »{< SIGILLVM : PRIORIS : s[an]c[t]i : MICHAEL [is] : DE : VGGOMOR, is described at pp. 30, 31, and figured from two impressions among the Talbot Charters in the Plate opposite p. 30. 1 See pp. 41, So. 338 MARGAM CHAPTER XXX. ABLiEY IN THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY. HE fifteenth century has not left many records relating to the 1 Abbey. It would seem that the growth of the monastery had ceased. Gifts were almost unknown, and the texts that have come down to us in the two great collections, and the few scattered notices which contemporary documents have yielded, point to matters of discipline and government rather than to improvement of the rent-roll or religious usefulness of the institution. Among the deeds of this century the following are the most important : — A notarial instrument {Hurley CJiartct 75 A. 3 ; C. CCCXXIV) whereby Nicholas de Transaquis, Deer. Doct, " Papal Chaplain and Auditor of the causes of the Holy Apostolic Palace", recites a citation by Pope John XXIII, inhibiting John, Bishop of Llandaff, for molesting John, Abbot, and the Convent of Margam, in respect to their title to the parish churches of Penthlyn (Penllync, near Covvbridge), Avene, and Langwneth (Llangonoyd, near Margam, and tithes in the diocese of Llandaff, and summons the parties to appear before him. Dated: Rome, 24th March, A.D. 1413. With the seal of John de Thomariis, of Bologna, Deer. Doct, co- adjutor of the said Nicholas because the latter had no seal. Mr. Clark finds David, 1 Abbot of Margam, occurring in A.D. 141 3. The first notice we have of William Meyrick, or Meurick, who according to Mr. Clark succeeded Abbot David I, and occurs in A.D. 141 7, is in a pardon (T. 243 ; C. MCCXXXIV) by Henry V to Abbot William Muryk and the Convent, for all offences committed only against the Crown before the eighth day of December last, with sundry exceptions, at the request of the Commons in the last Parliament. Witnessed by John Plantagenet, Duke of Bedford, Keeper of the Realm, at Westminster, 12th October, 3 Henry V, A.D. 141 5. It is endorsed with a memoran- 1 Arch. Camb., 3rd Ser., No. Lil, p. 315 (October 1867). Z 2 34Q Margam Abbey. dum that it has been enrolled among the Memoranda of the Exchequer, Michaelmas term, A.D. 1416. The King's great seal is appended. The offences charged against the Abbot are not specified very clearly ; probably he was implicated with some of the rebellious acts which were committed in South Wales at the time immediately preceding the date included in the terms of the deed, which embraces a large variety of crimes and misdemeanors, as is usual in the conventional phraseology of royal pardons. The exceptions are counterfeiters of money, multipliers of coinage, washers of gold and silver coin, clippers of coins, common provers, notorious robbers and abjured felons. It is hardly to be conceived that the Abbot, or any member of the Convent, could have been included among these specially excepted transgressors. On an imperfect English deed (C. CCCXXVll) in possession of the late Mr. G. G. Francis, of Swansea, dated 9th May, A.D. 1420, is set forth the verdict of the jury of twelve true men, empanelled in the Court of the town of Avon, to try a cause between the Abbot of Margam and the " kynges burgesys of the town, for serten londes beyng as comyns on-to the said burgeses", whereby the jury found the said lands to be all commons to the burgesses and inhabi- tants of Avon, from the King's wall to the " Walsche wall", called " Klayth Penfold . . . and so northwyse from the Avon ... to full see mark, and in lyke maner the other parte of the seyd londes in varyance from the Pyll mark to full see mark, also the . . . lond ys called Lytlok . . . the borouse wall." Mr. Clark points out that A van, a borough under the lords of Glamorgan, with the family of Avene (representatives of the family of Jestyn ap Gwrgan), as its mesne lord, fell to the Crown in A.D. 1400 on the death of Thomas lc Despenser, when the burgesses might be called King's bur gesses ; but this state of the inhabitants ceased in or about A.D. 1414, on the marriage of Isabel le Despencer, sole heiress, with Richard Beauchamp, who had livery of her lands in 2 Hen. V, A.D. 1414-5. Abbot William occupied his office for about eight or nine years, if the deeds dated Cardiff, 1 May, A.D. 142 1, and 24 April, A.D. 1423, in Francis' Charters of Neath Abbey relate to but one abbot. Abbot William was succeeded by Thomas, and there are still extant the Royal Letters (T. 244; C. MCCXXXVIl) of King Henry V, as Prince of South Wales, granting to Thomas, Abbot of Margam, and John, Abbot of Neath, safe conduct to enter and remain in the counties of Carmarthen and Cardigan, subject to Pope Mart in V. 341 seven days' notice by the Chamberlain of South Wales. Dated at Carmarthen, under seal of the Chancery of South Wales, 24th April, 10 Henry V, A.D. 1422. Under the seal of the Principality of South Wales. Inscribed — HENRICI : QUINTI : DEI : GRACIA : REGIS : ANGL' : ET : FFRANCIE : ET : DOMINI PRO . PRINCIPATU . SOUTHWAL The causes which rendered necessary the Abbot of Margam's journey into the counties of Carmarthen and Cardigan are not disclosed. Probably the next deed mentioned throws some light on the matter. It is a Bull of Pope Martin V {T. 245 ; C. MCCXXXVIIl) to the Abbot of Margam, ordering him 1 to excom- municate all those " sons of iniquity" who have injured or despoiled the Monastery of Neath, by cutting down groves, concealing tithes, profits and rents, unless restitution is made by a certain date. Dated at St. Peter's, Rome, III Id. April, ilth April, 6th year, A.D. 1423. With the leaden bulla of the Pope, appended by a hempen cord. No less than three sealed copies still remain of the citation (T. 246, 247, 248 ; C. MCCXXXIX) by Johannes de Oppiczis, Deer. Doct., Papal Chaplain, Auditor of Causes of the Sacred Apostolic Palace, specially appointed by Pope Martin V to hear the parties and adjudicate thereupon, reciting the petition of William Meuruck, late Abbot, and Convent of Margam, against alleged injuries done by John La Zouche, Bishop of Llandaff, David ap Adam and John Ely, Chaplains of the diocese, to Thomas Watkyn, farmer of the Abbey Grange or Manor of Moregraunge (near Cardiff), concerning the tithes thereof, etc., and summoning them to appear before him. Witnessed by Masters John Helling and Thomas Rode, proctors in the Roman Court, Rome, Tuesday, 1 3th April, A.D. 1423, 6 Martin V, with Notarial certificate of Johannes Reborgelli, clerk, " Luci- onensis diocesis," Public Apostolic and Imperial Notary. The seal bears a figure of St. John Baptist, with camel-hair dress, holding the Agnus Dei, in a canopied niche with tabernacle work at the sides. In base, under an arch, the Doctor kneeling in adoration between two shields of arms : barry of six. OPPIC... DOCTORIS AP The breadth of power exercised by the Abbot oi Margam is well illustrated by the Commission (T. 249; C. mccxl) issued by 1 See also Arch. Cami., 1st Sen, vol. ii, p. 146. 342 Mar gam Abbey. Jordan [Orsini], Bishop of Albano, in Italy, to the Abbot of Margan, to absolve, with injunction of proper penance, David Cardigan, priest of the diocese of Llandaff, who had performed a marriage between David ap Jevan Dalgron, a layman, and Angharat verch Phylyp Wyt, related in the fourth degree of affinity, and had now petitioned for pardon from the excommunication he had incurred. Rome, S. Maria Maggiore, IV Id. Oct., I2th October, 6th year of Pope Martin V, A.D. 1423. A small fragment of the Bishop's seal remains. The bishop of the diocese would seem to have been the proper dignitary to whom such power should have been given, but the see was vacant at the time by the death of John de la Zouch, at an earlier period of the year. John Wells, his successor, was con- secrated at Rome in A.D. 1425, having been "provided" on 9th July; he professed on the 15th January, A.D. 1426. John Hamlyn is found Abbot of Margam in A.D. 1425. 1 The said John de Obizis, Doct. of Deer., Collector for England, and Nuncio of the Apostolic See, gives an acquittance by a deed (C. CCCLlll) to the Abbot of Margam for seven shillings sterling for procuration fees due for the current year. London, 11th July, A.D. 1435. Owen Glendower appears to have included the Abbey among his places of sinister visitation. The injury he inflicted upon it caused Henry VI to grant, by a deed recited in T. 253 (C. MCCLIl), to the Abbey the restitution of the lands, tenements, a mill, waters, and other property, lying between the waters of Ukgemorc and Garwe, called Egliskeinwir, in the royal demesne of Ogemore, formerly given to the Abbey at the time of foundation by William (de) Londoniis, Lord of Ogemore, at a rent of 40 s/i., with reser- vations of wood, which demesne is parcel of the Duchy of Lancaster ; but the Abbey defaulted from the rent in 11 Edw. Ill, A.D. 1337, and the possessions were seized by the Officers of the Duchy of Lancaster ; the Council of the Duchy having inspected various confirmations by Pope Alexander, King John, Thomas de Lon- doniis; Geoffrey de Mandeville, Earl of Gloucester and Essex; the Countess Isabella ; Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester and Here- ford (for Hertford) ; Hugh de Spencer and Edward le Spencer, Lords of Glamorgan and Morgannok, and chief lords of Ogemore before that Lordship fell into the Duchy, ordered a scrutiny of the records affecting the property, preserved at Monmouth, Ogemore ' Clark's Conlrib., An//. Cumb., 1867, p. 315. King Henry VI. 343 and Kidwelly, and that being satisfactory, the possessions are now restored to the Abbey, in consideration of the injury it had experi- enced in the time of the Welsh rebellion at the hands of Owyn de Glendore and his accomplices, and by various inundations of the sea for upwards of four miles ; rent to the Crown and its heirs, Lords of Ogemore, and reservations as before. Dated under royal seal of the Duchy of Lancaster, at Westminster Palace, 28th April, 18 Hen. VI, A.D. 1440. On the same day, in accordance with the above grant, a brief recited in T. 230 (C. MCCXLIX) was addressed to the steward, deputy, and receiver of Ogmore, ordering the restitution of the above possessions to the Abbey. Very shortly afterwards appears a deed (T. 230 ; C. MCCXLIX) whereby Ralph Gamage, the steward ; John Turbervile, John Andrew, deputy-steward and receiver of Ogmore, recite the above brief, and deliver the property to the Abbey. The witnesses are : David Mathew, William Stradiling, Esquires ; John Flemyng, Thomas Butteler, John Stradiling. 24th May, 18 Hen. VI, A.D. 1440, with two small seals, an escallop — and an eagle rising, with legend TORBORVYLL'. In the next year was executed the Royal Charter {T. 253 ; C. MCCLIl) of Henry VI to the Abbey, reciting the grant already described, and now on account of certain ambiguity in the above grant, by reason of which the Abbey has not yet obtained posses- sion of the property, the King confirms the restitution, and com- mands delivery to the Abbey. Dated under the Duchy seal, at Shene Manor, 15th May, 19 Henry VI, A.D. 1441. The seal is wanting, but the silk strands remain, and there is an illuminated border to the deed, with a portrait of the King in an illuminated miniature. William, Abbot of Margam, occurs in A.D. 1441, according to Mr. Clark's Contributions tozvards a Cartulary of Margam in the ArcJiceologia Cavibrensis for 1867, p. 315. Several acquittances are found 1 about this date, by which William, Abbot of Tewkesbury, acknowledges the receipt of ^£7 1 1 los.od. half-yearly farm rent, due from Margam Abbey for the churches of Kenefek and Newcastle, dated at Tewkesbury, 5 Oct., 19 Hen. VI, A.D. 1440 ; 23 April, 19 Hen. VI, A.D. 1441 ; 6 October, 21 Hen. VI, A.D. 1442; and John, Abbot of Tewkes- bury, 19 April, 22 Hen. VII, A.D. 1444; 5 October, 26 Hen. VI, 1 7'. 251, 252, 254, 256-259. 344 Mar gam Abbey. A.D. 1447; (£23) 31 March, 27 Hen. VI, A.D. 1449; 1 April, 28 Hen. VI, A.D. 1450. The seal is oval, and bears a representation of the Virgin Mary and Child, with an abbot kneeling before them and holding a large crozier, with legend S . SECRETV . WILL'l . abb'is . TEVKESBVR' . and other imperfect inscriptions. The texts are contained in Mr. Clark's work. In 1 the year 1441 the heads of several of the principal Cistercian Houses in the kingdom, among whom was the Abbot of Margam, received instructions from Citeaux to inquire into certain abuses which it was alleged had made their appearance in the Cistercian Order in England and Wales. We are able to peruse the still extant inspeximus {T. 255 ; C. MCCLIV) by Robert Thomas, Vicar-General in Spirituals of the diocese of Llandaff, of a deed by John ap David ap Grono Knaytho, Rural Dean of Grouneth, and Special Commissary, reciting the mandate of the said Robert Thomas to him to call a jury to settle the bounds of the parish of Llanguneth and Kenfek, the tithes and altar-dues, and setting forth the finding of the said jury that the altarages and tithes contained between the water of Avan and the water of Kenfig inclusive, "concludendo dictas aquas", appertain to Margam Abbey "a tempore cujus contrarii memoria hominum non existit" : and that the limits and boundaries of the said parish of Llanguneth go from Aven water to Kenfig water, according to the form and effect of the charter of Robert, the King's son, first founder of the Abbey ; 29th July 1443. Dated at Llandaff, 1st December, A.D. I4[4]3, A small seal, a crowned I, remains, with fragments of a few others. In A.D. 1443, Henry VI issued letters 2 under the privy seal, dated at Shene Manor, 3rd March, 21st year, to James Lord Audeley ; John Stanley, Esq. ; Philip ap Res, Decret. Doct. ; Mereduth ap Oweyn, Jevan ap Jankyn, Esqres. ; John ap Res ap Thomas, and others, notifying that he had issued letters under the Great Seal (recited at length), showing that William Morys, Abbot of Strata Florida, co. Cardigan, had been duly confirmed by Thomas, Abbot of Margam, Visitor of the Cis- tercian Order, and another ; nevertheless John ap Res, Abbot of Kymer (or Conway, according to another document), plotted to amove the said William from the abbacy, on the ground that he himself had been appointed on the deposition of the said William for damaging the Abbey ; and the King, believing 1 S. Williams, Hist of Strata Florida, p. 166. 2 Harley Charter, 75 A. 11. Royal Privileges for the Abbot. 345 the said John's statement, committed the Abbey to the said John and others, who made forcible entry and ejected Abbot William. Now, on Abbot William petitioning, for redress, the King commits the Abbey to Thomas, Abbot of Margam, reformer of the Cistercian Order in Wales, and to David, Abbot of White- land, so that neither the said William nor the said John, the con- tending parties, may have any part therein ; and orders an inventory of goods to be made ; and commands the officers of the Crown in the county of Cardigan to be assisting to the said Abbots in the execution of their government therein ; dated at Westminster, 1 8th February, 2ist year, A.D. 1443. The text of this document, with an English translation, is given by Mr. S. Williams in his History of the Cistercian Abbey of Strata Florida, 1889, Appx., pp. xli-xlvii. Thomas, the Abbot mentioned in this deed, appears to have succeeded William, who does not occur after A.D. 1441. The appointment of the Abbot of Margam to rule the Irish abbeys, mentioned before, 1 led to the issue of letters (Harley Charter 75 A. 7 ; C CCCLXIIl) whereby Guillermus, Abbot of Clairvaux Abbey of the Cistercian Order, notifies that the Abbot of Margam is father Abbot and immediate visitor of the four Irish Cistercian Monasteries of Holy Cross, co. Tipperary ; " Kyrie- leison" in Munster, " Chorus St. Benedicti" [Middletown, co. Cork] ; and Maig [co. Limerick], and no other jurisdiction is to be per- mitted. 2 Dated : 4th August, A.D. 1445. The seal and counter- seal of the Abbot of Clairvaux is still remaining. On the 13th of July, A.D. 1448, Henry VI issued a royal charter {T. 1175) to the archbishops and other public officers of the Crown, attesting that, in sign of his piety and affection for the Virgin Mary, he had granted to St. Mary of Margam the lordship and lands lying between the waters of Oggemore and Garrewe, from their confluence to Rotheney, or Rhondda, in perpetual fee farm, at an annual rent of forty shillings ; a court to be held every three weeks at Egliskeynwyre to take cognisance of the numerous matters appertaining to such courts, such as pleas personal real and mixed, assizes of " novel disseisin", and " mort d'ancestor", arising out of lands therein comprised ; power of hearing and determining all manner of felonies, trespasses, and other misde- meanors ; enforcing judgment by imprisoning criminals in the royal castle of Ogmore, with fees to the gaoler ; privilege to the Abbey tenants to be quit of tolls, aids and tallages, suit of hundred- 1 See p. 221. 2 Also printed by Mr. G. T. Clark in the Arch. Camb., 3rd Ser., vol. xiv, 186S. 4 346 Mar gam Abbey. courts, turns, commotes, commortha (a kind of tax levied on a marriage), 1 justice-sessions, and other courts, saving the said rent; and declaring that all goods and chattels of fugitives and felons, fines and forfeitures, are to go to the Abbot ; with other valuable privileges and benefits, one of which is the free fishery in the said waters as far as the land of Oggemore extends, and ratification of all previous royal and private charters. This lordship of Ogmore was originally acquired by the family of De Londoniis, and passed eventually to the Earls of Lancaster, becoming merged in the Duchy, and it is in his capacity as Duke of Lancaster that the King makes this charter under the Duchy seal ; dated at Windsor Castle. On the same day the King issued another deed (Harley Charter 75 A. 12; C. CCCXLIII), setting forth the text of the above at full length, and enjoining all his justices, sheriffs, stewards, and other ministers of his lordship of Oggemore in South Wales to obey the mandates therein expressed. This was also given under seal of the Duchy. Each deed is drawn up in obedience to a bill signed with sign manual of the King, sealed with the signet of the eagle, and in accordance to authority of the Parliament. The seals are wanting. On 24th March, A.D. 1450, 28th year of Henry VI, Richard de Neville (called Nevell in the deed), Earl of Warwick, Lord Le Despenser, Lord of Glamorgan, Morgan, and Bergeveny, issued a precept out of his chancery of Cardiff (T. 260 ; C. MCCLXll) to the sheriffs and other officers of Glamorgan and Morgan, in behalf of Thomas Frankelen, Abbot, and Convent of Margam, commanding that the said officers may not henceforth collect any fees or dues from the Abbey, nor sell beer, wine, mead, "or any tavern" to the detriment of the Abbey ; and notifying that he has taken the said Abbot and Convent, the inmates, lands, and goods of the same, under special protection. The imperfect seal of the chancery of the Earl is appended, bearing on the obverse his figure in armour, riding on a caparisoned horse, galloping to the right. On the reverse a shield of arms, quarterly : Clare and Despenser. T. 261 is another precept relating to the same matters, with a few variations in the wording, and another example of the seal. One of these contains additional privileges of exemption from the 1 Or, according to Mr. Williams's Strata Florida, p. 178, " Seignorial dues payable to the Welsh princes and chieftains in the nature of personal services or gifts in aid of his establishment. These became in time a direct charge on the land ", etc. Richard de Neville. 347 collection of " comortha" ; millers of the Abbey are specially in- cluded with the tenants, and fisheries are inserted by name among the exempted possessions. The Abbot. Thomas Frankelen, may possibly be the same as Abbot Thomas, who has already appeared before us under date of A.D. 1443. The same powerful nobleman, on 4th May, 30 Henry VI, A.D. 1452, in Cardiff Castle, granted (T. 262 ; C. MCCLXIIl) to Thomas, Abbot, and the Convent of Margam, the manors of Newton and Notcsch', in exchange for the manor of Rosoulyn. Under seal of the Chancery. The imperfect seal is similar to that on the following deed (T. 263 ; C. MCCLXIV), which is a precept to the Coroner and Bailiffs of the Counties of Glamorgan and Morgan, to arrest Grono ap Llewellyn Voia and Hopkyn ap Llewellyn Voia, and their goods, for a debt of £20, rent of the manor of Rosoulyn, granted to him by Margam Abbey in exchange for the manor of Neuton Notaysshe. Cardiff, All Saints' Eve, 31st Oct., 31 Hen. VI, A.D. 1452. To this there is appended a fine large seal, bearing on the obverse the Earl in armour ; with shield of arms, a saltire, and label of three points, riding to the right on a galloping horse, with caparisons of armorial bearings, the background diapered with foliage and flowers. COMITIS D'NI GLAM On the reverse is a large shield of arms, quarterly: 1, 4, quarterly, Clare and Despenser ; 2, 3, quarterly, 1,4, three fusils in fesse, Montacute ; 2, 3, an eagle displayed, Monthermer. Crests, each on a helmet, out of a ducal coronet, dexter wanting, sinister a griffin. Supporters, two bears muzzled, chained and ringed. In base, two ragged staves. COMITIS ICI : D'NI : GLAM It is worthy of notice that the two manors, Newton and Notesche of the former deed, have become one manor of Newton Notaysshe in this. The two hamlets of Newton and Nottage now make up the parish of Newton-Nottage, near Bridgend, on the shore of the Bristol Channel, where the sea has greatly encroached. Some traces of the Julia Strata Maritima, on its way to Nidum or Neath, may still be discerned on Newton Down. T. 264 (C. MCCLXVIl) introduces to our notice the earliest extract from the Court Rolls of the Abbot of Margam at Kenefeg. In it Jeuan ap Gryffyth ap Gwelym is admitted tenant in land called Gebon ys londe, and after his death to Jovvan verze Howelle, his wife, and then to Thomas his son ; rent, fourteen- Ma?" gam Abbey. pence ; entry, three shillings and fourpence ; suit of court ; and a pair of capons for entry of the said Jovvan. Before John Strad- lyng, Esq., steward. 9th Oct., 38 Hen. VI., A.D. 1459. Thomas, Abbot of Margam, presented {T. 265 ; MCCLXX) for institution by John Hunden, Bishop of Llandaff, one Rodric ap , chaplain, to the perpetual vicarage of the Church of St. Mary of Auene. Bristol, 20th April, A.D. 1460. The date of Abbot Thomas's decease or removal is not recorded, but William, Abbot of Margam, occurs in a deed dated at Cardiff, 24th June, A.D. 1468, printed in Francis's Original Charters oj Neath. He is probably identical with William Corntoun of a subsequent deed. The year 1470 introduces to our observation a new phase of the management of the Conventual revenues. The Abbey seems to have determined to abandon the farming of its granges, pre- ferring to lease them at a fixed rental to responsible persons. Harley Charter 75 A. 46 (C. CCCLXXXVl) is an indenture of lease whereby Abbot William lets the Grange of Havotporth, or Havod-y-Porth, to Howell ap Jevan ap Jankin, William ap Howell, David ap Jevan ap David The, and Gronoap David Dew, — excepting the sheepfold, the tithes of the sheaves, the profits of the Court-baron, and the fisheries — but including land called Gamlase (except that already in the hands of tenants, and two acres lately held by Jankyn ap Gregore, as far as the further bank of Avene on the north) for twenty years, at the annual rent of ten marks sterling and a crannoc of salt for the grange, five marks six shillings and eightpence for Gamlase, with clauses for repair, maintenance of the grange on receipt of timber necessary, and non-alienation. Dated Michaelmas, 10 Edw. IV, A.D. 1470. Abbot William Corntoun appears to occur between A.D. 1468 and 1487. The successor of the Earl ot Warwick, George [Plantagenet], Duke of Clarence, Lord of Glamorgan and Morgan, in A.D. 1471 issued a precept (71 256 ; C. MCCLXXVll) to his sheriffs and other officers of Glamorgan and Morgan, prohibiting the oppression of Abbot William Corntoun, and the Convent of Margam, by enforced collection of comortha, money, sheep, beasts, goods, and chattels ; nor to sell beer, wine, mead, or other " taberna " to the detriment of the Abbey, but to maintain the abbot, brethren, Serjeants, tenants, millers, rents, tithes, fishings, and other property of the 1 This name has been lost by the parchment being partly consumed by rats. George^ Duke of Clarence. 349 Abbey, under pain of his displeasure ; and signifying that he has taken the Abbey under special protection. Dated in the Chancery of Cardiff, under the Chancery Seal, nth Octr., u Edw. IV, A.D. 1 47 1. To this deed there is an imperfect seal appended, bearing on the obverse the Duke in armour, with crested helmet, sword, and shield of arms, riding to the right on a caparisoned horse. Back- ground replenished with sprigs of foliage. On the reverse a shield of arms, per pale ; dex. FRANCE (modern) and ENGLAND, quarterly, with a label of three points ; sin. per fess, in chief a fess between six crosses crosslet, BEAUCHAMP ; in base, chequy a chevron ermine, NEUBURGH, Earl of Warwick. John Smith, Bishop of Llandaff, issued in A.D. 1477 a certificate T. 267 ; C. MCCLXXXI) declaring that the tenants of the Abbey are exempt from ecclesiastical taxation, and are therefore not to be taxed for the escape of Jeuan Glas, who had taken refuge at the step of the church of Langonyth (when the parishioners, in accord- ance with the custom and practice of the country, were bound to set a watch over him for forty days, under penalty of a hundred shillings), in consequence of which the said penalty had been laid upon the parishioners. Llandaff, 5th July, A.D. 1477. With a fragmentary seal, bearing a bishop standing in a canopied niche, with tabernacled work at the sides. Abbot William leased by a deed in the Talbot collection [T. 268 ; C. MCCLXXXVII) to John ap Thomas ap Richard and Richard ap Thomas ap Richard (apparently brothers), of the rever- sion of the grange of Havothaloke, after decease of Thomas ap Richard (the father), as the said Thomas and Richard ap Jevan ap Howell held it, and the reversion of the tithes, for the term of their lives. Rent, twenty shillings for the grange, and six shillings and eightpence for the tithes ; with a clause for the maintenance of the condition of the houses and ditches by the lessees, and per- mission for them to make a fulling mill on the fee of the grange, for which they are to pay a rent of two shillings yearly. Dated in the Chapter-h ouse, Michaelmas, 2 Ric. Ill, A.D. 1484! with an imperfect seal of Margam Abbey. Tewkesbury Abbey had dealings with Margam in A.D. 1484 and i486, in reference to lands in Gloucestershire. We find (1) an Old English deed (71 526 ; C. MCCLXXXVI) purporting to be an agree- ment between Richard the Abbot, and the Convent of Tewkesbury, and Richard Stradlyng', monk of Margam, on behalf of William the Abbot and the Convent, that Margam Abbey shall assure to Mar gam Abbey. Tewkesbury Abbey all Margam's lands and tenements in Salt- mershe, Tokynton, Olvestone, and Bristou (Bristol), above a yearly pension of sixty shillings, to be paid by the hands of their Prior of St. James, and shall warrant the same of the yearly value of twelve pounds clear except tithes ; in return, Margam Abbey to have the lands they now hold by composition with Tewkesbury Abbey, which lands are specified in the following later document. Tewkesbury, Monday before Michaelmas, 2 Rich. 1 1 1, A.D. 1484. The seal of Tewkesbury Abbey is appended. (2) An exchange (T. 269; C. MCCLXXXVlll) whereby William the Abbot, and Convent of Margam, lease to Richard the Abbot, and Convent of Tewkesbury, the above lands in Saltmerche, Hos- brugge, Tokyngtone, Oluestone, and the town of Bristol, co. Gloucester, for seventy years, and an annuity of sixty shillings ; and the said Abbot and Convent of Tewkesbury lease to the said Abbot and Convent of Margam, for a similar term, the tithes, lands, and advowsons of Newcastle and Kenefeke, co. Glamorgan, with under- taking of renewals. Dated in the Chapter-houses of the said Con- vents, 27th May, A.D. i486, the counterpart under seal of Tewkes- bury Abbey. At the end of sixty years a new deed of lease for a fresh term of seventy years is to be made. (3) In obedience to the terms of the contract, letters are issued {Harley Charter, 75 A. 29 ; C. CCCXCVII) whereby John Aston, Prior of the Priory of St. James, Bristol, notifies that he has received from Brother Richard Stradlying, Cellarer of Morgan, the sum of three pounds sterling, yearly pension appertaining to Tew- kesbury Abbey, due at the Feast of All Saints. Bristol, 13th October, 2 Hen. VII, A.D. i486. The Abbey of Margam seems to have been included in the terms of a general commission " to alle Abbotts of th' ordre of Cisteux in Wales" {Harley MS. 433, art. 2106, f. 209), "to be obeying unto th' Abbot of Vale Crucis in executing such auctorite as is committed unto him by th' Abbotts of Fonteyns and Woo- bourne, reformators of that religione." Westminster, 12 February, 2 Ric. Ill, A.D. 1485. The text of the commission is not given in the manuscript. The fifteenth century deeds of the Abbey close with an extract (T. 270; C. MCCXCl)from the Court Roll of John Hopkyn, Abbot of Margan, at Havodeporth, before John Stradlinge, of Merthilmawre, Esquire, Steward, whereby Dio ap Jevan, his wife, and son are admitted to a tenure in the hands of Gr. ap Jeuan ap Gwilim : 8th Octr., 3 Hen. VII, A.D. 1487 ; and a lease (T. 271 ; C. MCCXCVll) Copyholders . 35 t for three lives by the same Abbot John, to William Hopkyn, junr., Margaret verz Griffith], and their son, of the reversion of a tene- ment in the hands of Thomas ap Gr[iffith] Lya, called " Mayrde", and land called "Pyshylle", at the yearly rent of twenty-six shillings and eightpence, etc. Dated in the Chapter-house, 2nd March, A.D. 1493 for 1494. There is a small indistinct seal appended. The Editors of the new Monasticon mention an indenture, without date, but probably about this time, between the Abbot and J ap W , as to tithes and oblations in the Churches of Enys-Avon, Glincorruck and Margam, included in the Proceedings of the Queen's Remembrancer's Office, Hil. Term., 12 Eliz., Roll 490. CHAPTER XXXI. THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY.— THE CLOSE OF THE HISTORY OF MARGAM ABBEY. HIS century is certainly not one of progress for the Abbey, 1 but of decadence and dissolution. Among the original deeds which are extant are the following : — T. 272 {C. MCCXCVIII). An extract from the Court Roll of David, Abbot of Margam, at Havodeporth, whereby Dio ap Guili, Jeuan his son, and another are admitted to land called Gwerne Manach'z. Rent, nine shillings and sixpence, suit of Court, a heriot, and three shillings and four- pence for first entry. Dated, 25th Feb., 15 Hen. VII, A.D. 1500. Abbot David is termed David ap Thomas ap Howell, in a deed dated 8 March, A.D. 1510(7^ 274) mentioned presently ; but Mr. Clark states that he was the " third son of Thomas ap Jevan by Madryn Stradlyng, which Jevan was fourth son of Rhys Vachan, ancestor of Powell of Llandow. Despite his orders and ecclesias- tical position, David had several natural children, who are frequently mentioned in the local pedigrees." 1 David's last occurrence is in A.D. 1 5 17. A lease (T. 527) by Abbot David to Thomas Hopkyn, of rever- sion of a tenement in St. Michael's Grange, called Holond, and pasture on the hills near Colbroke, for seventy years, at a yearly rent of nine cronocs of corn and a heriot. Dated at Margam, 2nd August, A.D. 1503. Another lease by the same Abbot (T. 273 ; C. mccciii) to John Turbill, gentleman, of Cadogan's land, in the parish of Newcastle, for ninety-nine years, at an annual rent of twenty shillings. Dated in the Chapter-house, 20th May, 1 Hen. VIII, A.D. 1509. An indistinct seal of the Abbey, as before described, is still attached to the document. Mr. Clark thinks 2 the lessee was probably John Turberville, of Tythegston, a considerable landowner and ancestor of the present ow ner of Tythegston. 1 Contrib., I.e., p. 315. - Vol. iv, p. 417. David, Abbot of Mai~gam. 353 A lease for seventy years ( 7. 274 ; C. MCCCIV) of much interest in the history of the fishing rights possessed by the Abbey, by the same Abbot (here giving his full name), David ap Thomas ap Howell, to Jevan ap Hopkyn ap Willyam, gentleman, of all the fishing from the ford called " Reyde Epollon Deon in Avyne ys water", to the pette called " Polle Robyn", paying yearly four fish called " chellinges", forty " sewines", and seventeen " samonys". Dated : 8th March, A.D. 1509 [15 10]. The seal of Margam Abbey still remains, as described further on : And an extract from the Court Roll of Abbot David, at Havod Porthe (7. 275; C. MCCCVI), whereby Hike ap Richard, Mawde daughter of Thomas, his wife, and Thomas their son, are admitted to land held by Morgan Capprike, at the yearly rent of two shillings and eightpence. Dated : 20th July, 2 Hen. VIII, A.D. 15 10. The fragment of seal of the steward, Lodovic ap Thomas ap Howell, or Powell, bears a shield of arms of Powell : a chevron between three fleurs-de-lis. The arms show a descent, according to Mr. Clark, from Einon ap Collwyn. We also meet with a lease (7. 276) for ninety-nine years by Abbot David of Margam, to Amabilla verz David ap Howell ap Jeuan, Dionisia verz Johan, and Margaret, of lands in the tenure of David Tew ap Hopkyn, in the demesne and fee of New-Castle " le hundyrt". Rent, twenty-two shillings ; heriot, five shillings. Dated at the Chapter-house, 14th March, 5 Henry VIII, A.D. 15 14. An imperfect common seal of Margam Abbey is appended. The Harley Charter 75 A. 47 (C. CCCCXlll) is a lease by the same Abbot for seventy years to German ap Howel of Kibbor, of a tenement in Listallapont, called Puppit, fourteen acres of arable called Roffistowe, four acres of meadow in Rothesmore, and a clausure in Portmannis-more in the fee of Kibour, at a yearly rent of thirty-three shillings and fourpence, suit of court, and a heriot. Dated : 19th July, 8 Hen. VIII, A.D. 15 16. There is extant a lease (7. 277 ; C. MCCCXlll) for ninety-nine years, by Abbot David, to Lewelyn ap Jankyng and Griffith ap Lewelyn his son, of the grange of Tanglus-lond, called " Tare- Tanglust" on the endorsement, at the yearly rent of twelve cranocs of wheat and four cranocs of barley, 1 and a heriot of the best beast. Dated at the Chapter of the Abbey, 13th Septr., A.D. 15 16. With the common seal still appended (see Plate, p. 30). The granges were, therefore, passing out of the direct manage- ' " Ordei puri, sicci, et bene ventulati cum modio legale mensurati." A A ^54 Mar gam Abbey. ment of the Abbey, and with the new order of things, the monastic occupants were giving way to lay farm-holders. This indicates a foreboding of bad times in prospect, and a shrinking away of the personnel of the Abbey. The same Abbot, under his full name, leased (T. 528) for seventy years, at twenty shillings and twopence yearly rent, to David ap John ap Ho' and his wife, Joan Loughor, a tenement in Dyffryn-freduir, towards the well called Blayn-y-pennant and the lane called Rew-herbert, with permission to dig for coals as far as the sea-shore ; and the mill called Fredulles-myll, now called Ffrwdwyllt Mill. 2nd Oct., 8 Henry VIII, A.D. 15 16. Abbot David, the same year, leased by a deed (T. 529) to Thomas ap Griff' ap David Wachan, and Margaret verch David ap Philip his wife, the grange of Pennydd' Waylod', for seventy years, at a yearly rent of thirteen shillings and fourpence, and a "heriett". This appertains to the manor of Havod-y-Porth. It is dated in the Chapter-house, 30th December, A.D. 15 16. The following year we meet with a lease (7". 530) by Abbot David, to Jenkyn ap David and Ammabyll verz Thomas his wife, of a tenement in the manor of Havodporthe, lately held by Joroth ap Philipe, and a fulling mill, for seventy years ; at the rent of six shillings and elevenpence, and for the mill twenty pence. Dated in the Chapter-house, 18th Feb., A.D. 15 16 for 15 17. The last lease granted by Abbot David was that (T. 278, C. MCCCXV) to John Duye William, of St. Nicholas, and his heirs of the body of Margaret verz Hoell, his wife, of a tenement late in possession of John Leisan, in Bolstonne (that is, Bonvilston), for ninety years, at the rent of seventeen shillings and fourpence, five shillings heriet, court suit, and two capons for entry of any new tenant. Dated in the Chapter-house, 7th Octr., A.D. 15 17. John Griffith, or Gruff, sometimes ap Gruff', succeeded David in the abbacy. Several leases and other deeds show how the Abbey lands were going in his time. Among them are the following : — A lease (T. 531) by Abbot John ap Gruff', to David ap Howell Goz, Gwenlian verz Thomas his wife, and others, of the moiety of the grange Court-Bachan at Istormy, in the manor of Stormy vaghan, for seventy years, at a yearly rent of seven shillings and eight geese, and for the pastures six bushels of wheat, with speci- fied services. 4th Feb., 9 Hen. VIII, A.D. 15 18. The other moiety was parted with two days later ; for we meet with a lease (T. 279, 532 ; C. MCCCXVii) for seventy years yohn, Abbot of Margam. 355 by John Gruff', Abbot, and Convent of Margam, to Jankyn ap Phelip and Elizabeth verz Jeuan his wife, of the moiety of grange and arable land called Courte-Bechan, at Istormy, with limitation to their issue, then to the right heirs of the said Jankyn, at the rent of six shillings and fourpence, and eight geese for the moiety of the tithe of the same. Dated in the Chapter-house, 6th Febr., 9 Henry VIII, A.D. 15 18. There is appended to this a seal of the Abbot and Convent, viz., the Virgin and Child in a canopied niche, between two shields of arms ; dex. three clarions, 1 for the Earls of Gloucester, founders of the Abbey ; sin. three chevrons, for Clare and Avene. >J< SIGILLVM . ABBATflS . ET . CONVEN]TVS . DE . MARGAN. T. 280 (C. MCCCXVlll) is a lease for seventy years by Abbot John Gruff to Jevan ap David ap Jankyn, Joneta verz Thomas, his wife, and John their son, of two parcels of the tithes of the sheaves lying from the highway at Fynon-gattuke as far as the stream called Ogmore, one of which parcels lies at Penvey and TreranelP, and belongs to the " Domus Sartorum", or tailor's shop, of the Abbey, and the other parcel to the subselaria of the same, lately in the hands of Llewelyn Weyth, at yearly rentals of thirteen shillings and fourpence for the one and five shillings for the other. Dated in the Chapter-house, 5th August, 10 Henry VIII, A.D. 1518. With an imperfect impression of the Abbey seal still attached to the deed. The same Abbot leased by a deed still extant [T. 533) to Jeuan ap Lle'n vaur, Angneta verz Thomas his wife, aud Lle'n ap Jeuan their son, land at Istormy, in the upper part of lands called Can Grew, for their lives, at a yearly rent of fourteen bushels of corn, and geese at Michaelmas ; Margam, 9th Aug., IO Henry VIII, A.D. 15 18 : And by another (T. 534), to David ap Thomas ap Henry, land called Gweyn y Brombyll (in Storme vachan), for sixty years, at a yearly rent of nine cranocs of wheat, etc. Margam, 26th November, 10 Hen. VIII, A.D. 15 18. The Harley Charter, 75 A. 49 (C. MCCCXix) contains the text of a recital of the depositions of the Jury in the Court of John, Abbot of Margam, concerning the metes and bounds of the lands called Penwyth vvaylod, in the hands of the said Thomas 2 ap Gruff' ap David Echan. Before Thomas ap David ap Ho', then steward. 1 For illustrations of two impressions of the Seal of the Abbey, see the Plate at p. 30, and for the Seal of Neath, with the shield of arms of three clarions, see p. 332. 2 See p. 354. A A 2 Mar gam Abbey. The Jury of twelve, under oath, find the boundaries are from the corner of Jevan Thuy's close, beyond the pool, to Lether Telly or Telley, to the high road, off the road through the Gorse moor to Talken Henglawth, then along the old foss to Gorse moor, through the middle of the moor to the coal-pit where lie two stones, then to the old foss of the meadows called Gweyn Deveyd, then to the stones called Maen Lloydon, to the highroad beyond the road to Keven y Garne issa, then between the stones called y Garn to Garn Ycha, then to the well near the close of Gruff ap Res. And the said Thomas ap Gruff' swore to these boundaries on a book of the Gospels, and carried the book, in accordance with the curious custom of the manor, along all the above boundaries. Margam, nth October, II Hen. VIII, A.D. 15 19. There also remains the copy of the verdict (T. 535) of the jury charged in the court of the town of Avon, in a cause between the Abbot of Margam and the King's burgesses of the said town, whereby the land in dispute is found to be common land of the burgesses, from the King's wall to the Welsh wall called " Claudd ponfald", in breadth, and so in length from the River Avon to high- water mark, etc. (" full sea marke"), and also from the " pile maur" to full sea mark, the lands called " litloke" and " borows." The witnesses are : — David ap Jevan Dee, Thomas ap Owen, and the rest of the jury. Avon,- 20th May, A.D. 1520. This is an English deed. « Then follow in order of date other leases, viz. (T. 536), to John Loughor, of a tenement in the Manor of Havodporth, late held by Res ap Res Lloyd for seventy years, at a yearly rent of twenty shillings and services, 7th November, 12 Hen. VIII, A.D. 1520 — {T. 537), to William ap Jevan ap Ho' and Margaret his wife, of lands in the Grange of Lanvigelethe, (1) near the"grene way", and (2) called " Gamlass", for seventy years after the term of William ap Thomas and Nesta, daughter of Jevan, his wife, at rents of eight shillings, and thirteen shillings and fourpence, respectively. 10th July, 13 Hen. VIII, A.D. 1 521 : — and (T. 281; C. MCCCXXIl) on the same day to the same William and Margaret, of a parcel of land " at our Grange", and the two closes, now in the tenure of William ap Thomas and Nest, daughter of Jeuan, his wife, for seventy years, at the rent of eight shillings and fourpence for the land, and thirteen shillings for the closes. An imperfect seal of the Abbey is still appended. This land lies near Morfa. What has become of all the Court Rolls of the Manors belong- ing to the Abbey is not quite clear, but there is an extract ( T. 282 ; yohn, Abbot of Mar gam. 357 C. MCCCXXIII) from the Court Roll of Abbot John, at Havod Porthe, whereby Richard Hopkyn, and Hopkyn ap Richard and Jevan ap Richard, his sons, are admitted to tenements. Rent, seven shillings and sixpence, etc. 8th Octr., 13 Henry VIII, A.D. 1 52 1. A fragment of a signet seal of the Abbot, bearing an eagle rising reguardant, still remains. The Harley Charter 75 B. I (C. CCCCXVIl) is an acquittance by Henry Berly, Abbot of Tewkesbury, to John, Abbot of Margam, for sixty shillings' rent arising out of the Monastery of Margam, for the year ending last All Saints' Day. Tewkesbury, 4th Nov., 14 Hen. VIII, A.D. 1522. Towards the end of his abbacy, John Gruff' leased by deed, Harley Charter 75 A. 48 (T. 538 ; C. CCCCXXIl), to David ap John ap Ho', land for a fulling mill on the water of Frodul, in the manor of Havod-porth, and waste land called " blayne maluke vaur", leading from " blayn maluck" to the ford called " blayn y como", and to the pool called " llyn ddwr' ", etc., for eighty years, at a yearly rent of twenty pence. 14th May, 17 Hen. VIII, A.D. 1525. With a good impression of the common seal of the Abbey, bearing the Virgin Mary holding the child, beneath a canopy, and on each side a shield of arms, as described at p. 355. Beneath is the Abbot, with his crozier, kneeling in adoration. tfc SIGILLVM . ABBATIS . ET CONVENTVS . DE . MARGAN. There are two extracts from the Court Rolls of Abbot John, viz. (T. 283 ; C. MCCCXXVl) at Havod Porth, whereby Lleyson ap Jevan, Joneta daughter of Richard, his wife, and John their son, are admitted to a parcel of waste land at Come Kenfyg, between the lordship of Terzarrle on the east, to the stone called Maen Lloyd, and so along the lake to Come Kenfyg to Ryd-y-Come, and so along the highway to Croes Gruffith, then on to Tone Gregoys, and so to the Cross at Pen-Ryws-y-Baroun, and so to Havod-y-Dyga, then to Terzarrle. Rent, twelve pence yearly, with suit of court, a heriet of a ram, twelve pence for first entry, two capons, or four pence other entries. 15th May, 19 Hen. VIII, A.D. 1527. With a small signet, bearing the monogram I.G., for John Gruff', the Abbot : And T. 284 {C. MCCCXXVIII) at Kenfig, whereby Thomas ap David ap Hoell', John ap Thomas David ap Hoell', and John ap John his son, are admitted tenants in the water-mill called " Seynt Mizchell is mylle". Rent, forty shillings and court suit, two capons or four pence for entry. Before Sir Mathew Cradock, 3 58 Mar gam Abbey. Knt., steward. 15th Oct., 19 Hen. VIII, A.D. 1 527. With a small signet, bearing a boar's head. This is now Lhanmihangel Mill. The following extract, relating to Abbot John, from a letter of Thomas Hennege 1 to Cardinal Wolsey, found among Wolsey's correspondence in the Chapter-house, 2 Westminster, is of interest: — "... And so yt ys that humble pursuyte hathe been made to the Kynges Highnes, for the Abbott of Mergan in Wales, of his fundation, to be good and graciouse Lord unto hym ; to the whiche poursuyte His Highness ys graciously inclynyd, and ys veraye good Lord unto hym, and commaunded me to write to your Grace, in his graciouse name, for to requier, and praye you, in especiall maner, for his sake, to be good Lord unto the seid Abbott, that he maye resorte home to his place ageyne, and enjoye his roume ther, as he did bifore, for the servyng of God according to his duety ; gyvynge unto hym suche injunctions, as by your moste discrete wysdome shalbe thought convenyent for the observyng of good rule and ordre." . . . 4th Aug. [A.D. 1528]. This is the latest record regarding Abbot John ap Griffith which I have met with. From the tenour of the letter, it would almost seem as if Abbot John had fallen under the displeasure of the government. There is a break of a few years before we meet his successor, Ludovicus or Lewis Thomas, the last Abbot of the series. Of him a few leases and extracts from the Court Rolls remain, viz.: (1) T. 285 {C. MCCCXXX) Lease for forty years by Lewis Thorns, Abbot, to Lle'n ap Hopkyn' David Grayh, of all the fishing of the river of Avene, from the ford called " Ryde y ppollon' deon" to that called " Ryde y banall" beneath the mill. Rent, ten " samones", five " gyllynges", and forty-four " suwynges" or eight pence for every samone, four pence for every gyllyng, and for every " cuple sewinges" one penny. This is a very interesting English deed, throwing light on the nature and value of the fishing in the Avan River. Dated, 12th July, 24 Hen. VIII, A.D. 1532. With the Abbey seal. (2) A lease (T. 539) by Abbot Lodowicus Thomas, to Thomas ap Gr' Goz, Gwenlia'z daughter of David, his wife, Jankyn ap William, David ap Lewis, and Johanna verz Liu's, of the reversion of a 1 This was Sir Thomas Heneage, gentleman usher to Cardinal Wolsey, afterwards gentleman of the king's privy chamber. He was knighted in A.D. 1537, and actively supported Cromwell's ecclesiastical policy. He died in A.D. 1553. 2 vol. vi, No. 7a. 3 State Papers, 1830. vol. i, p. 223, No. CLXV. Lodowicus, Abbot of Margam. 359 tenement after the death of Margaret verz Ho', and a cottage between the great gate and the tenure of Margaret Yong, for sixty years, at a yearly rent of eighteen shillings and five pence, and specified services. 4th December, 24 Hen. VIII, A.D. 1532. (3) An extract from the Court Roll of Havod Porthe (T. 286 ; C. MCCCXXXVI), whereby Thomas David ap Gwelyme, David ap Thomas, and Hugh ap Thomas, his sons, are admitted to a tene- ment late in the hands of Dyo ap Gwelim, rent nine shillings and four pence, and lands called Gwerne Manache, rent two pence ; and to land called Kreyg-cum-Gwelyme, at the west of a great closure now held by Llewellyn Tew as far as Troscoll, then to the high road which leads to Fonnon Goeg, then on to Monte-cum- Gwelyme as far as the tenement Gwelyme Greffythe Hyde and Jankyns Greffythe Hyde, and then to the tenement of David ap Jevan ap Rhes, — at the rent of nine pence, suit of court, heriet, six shillings and eight pence first entry, and six pence other entries, — belonging to Lewis [Thomas], Abbot of Margam. 20th Feb., 27 Hen. VIII, A.D. 1536. A small signet of the Abbot, bearing a double-headed eagle displayed, is appended. In A.D. 1536 the " Lordships of Wenloge and Margham" were in the king's hands, according to a remembrance 1 to Cromwell, the king's secretary, for the king's profit. In the same year, 24th February, 27 Hen. VIII. A.D. 1536," Llyson, Abbot of Nethe, and Lewis, Abbot of Morgo", are named, with others, in a com- mission 2 of the peace. Abbot Lewis surrendered his Abbey to the king on the 28th February, A.D. 1537, and obtained a pension of twenty pounds yearly. 3 At the dissolution of monasteries in the 26th year of Henry VIII — apolitical act apt to be too often construed as a personal act of the king — Margam Abbey was found to be of the value of £188 \<\s. total yearly income, and ,£181 js. ^d. clear. This was a tolerably large sum for those days. The king granted the site, as we shall see by the following documents, to his faithful friend and councillor, Sir Rice Manxell, Mansel, or Mansell, Knt, from whose descendants it has passed into possession of the Talbot family, of Wiltshire, and an abridged genealogical scheme of the pedigree is annexed. 1 Calend. of Letters and Papers: Foreign and Domestic; vol. x, p. 91, No. 252. 2 Ibid., p. 159, No. 392 (48). 3 Ibid., vol. xiii, PI. 1, p. 575, col. 1. Mar gam Abbey. Sir Rice Mansell, Knt. ; ob. a.d. 1589. Sir Edward Mansell, Knt. ; ob. 5th Aug. 1585. Sir Thomas Mansell, Knt., Bart. ; ob. 20th Dec. 1631. Sir Lewis Mansell, Knt., Bart. ; ob. 4th April 1638. Sir Edward Mansell, Knt., Bart. ; ob. 17th Nov. 1706. Sir Thomas Mansell, Bart, Lord Mansell of Margam, ob. 10th Dec. 1723. Mary.^pjohn Ivory Talbot, of Lacock, co. Wilts ; ob. Nov. 1772. I Rev. Thomas Talbot, ob. March 1788. Thomas Mansel Talbot, ob. 13th May 18 13. I Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot, ob. 17th Jan. 1890. I Emily Charlotte Talbot. Of the history of the monastery after the dissolution the pre- sent work does not undertake to treat in detail. It may, however, interest the reader to point out that Leland speaks of it " as an Abbey of White Monks, where was a very large and fair church, which seems to indicate that the ruin of the buildings had not in his time begun to be apparent. It will be sufficient to mention a few deeds relating to the purchase of the site. T. 1 185 is an acquittance by Edward Northe, Esqre., Treasurer of the Court of Augmentations of the Revenues of the Crown, to Sir Rice Manxell of Margam, Knt, for £500, part payment of £938 6s. 8d. for the purchase of the site of the late Monastery of Margam, with its granges and lands in co. Glamorgan, coal mine in Keven-Creborne, or Cefn Cribbur, the tithes of Penvey, etc. 9th June, 32 Hen. VIII, A.D. 1540. The original document is still extant which records the Crown Sale (T. 359 ; C. MCCCXLIV) to Sir Rice Manxell, Knt., for the sum of £938 6s. Sd., of the site of the late dissolved Abbey, the church, bell-tower, cemetery, and water-mill, the fishery in the water of Auen, the granges called " Le Newe Graunge, Le Upper Graunge, Noge Court Graunge, and White-Crosse Graunge, the land called Southowse, St. Michael's Graunge, Langlond, Portland, appur- tenances in Kenfegge, Tangelust Grange, Langewithe Grange, Stormy Grange, mine in Keuencrebrone al. Kevencrebur, Brom- bell, tithes in Penvey, etc., to be held as the last Abbot Lodowicus Thomas held them, for the twentieth part of a knight's fee. Rent for Llangewyth Grange and the tithes of Penvey, twenty-six shil- lings and ten pence halfpenny, and for the site of the Abbey, etc., Sir Rice Manxell. 361 seventy-seven shillings and five pence halfpenny. Dated at West- minster, 22nd June, 32 Hen. VIII, A.D. 1540. The Great Seal of King Henry VIII, third type, in bronze- green wax, is still appended by green and white silk strands. T. 1 1 86 is a similar acquittance to that already mentioned for £438 6s. &d., balance due as above. istOct, 32 Hen. VIII, A.D. 1540. A third acquittance (T. 1187) is by the same, now become Sir Edward North, to Sir Rice Manxell, Knt, for £12 os. 4^., due for the woods growing on the site of the late Monastery of Margam and the granges thereof, according to the valuation of Sir Thomas Pope, Knt., master of the Woods, and Wm. Cowper, surveyor. 13th March, 34 Hen. VIII, A.D. 1543, with a seal of arms. Next comes the Crown Sale (T. 362 ; C. MCCCLl) to Sir Rice Manxell, Knt., for ^642 gs. Sd., of the manors of Horgro, alias Hor- grove, and Pylle, alias Pyle, co. Glamorgan, formerly belonging to the dissolved Abbey, together with the water-mill called " Shepps mylle", in the town of Margam ; the messuage called Le Towen', in Margam ; the site of the water-mill called " Cryke mylle" in Cryke, in the parish of Margam ; the grange called " Sheps Grange", near Langewith Grange, in the parish of Laelston ; the grange called Courtbaghan, alias Little Stormy, near Great Stormy, in the parish of Tethgistow ; " Cadoganes landes" in Horgro, in the same parish ; lands, etc., in Brodemede, Brombill, Egloose Nunney, Cryke, and Pentre, within the parish of Margam and in the parishes of Marcrosse and Pylle, al. Pyle ; also the woods of Crykewodde, Little Crykewodde, " Kelley Gredyke coppes", "Myddecroste coppes", " Bollys coppe", and "Little Bolys coppe", with remission of one hundred pounds of the origi- nal price. Attested by the King at Terlying [Terling, co. Essex], 5th August, 35 Henry VIII, A.D. 1543. With an impression of the third Great Seal of King Henry VIII, bronze-green wax, appended by green and white silk strands. T. 1 188 is the Royal Licence by Henry VIII to Sir Rice Manxell, Knt., to alienate the site of the late Monastery and other property in Glamorganshire, to Sir Edward Carne, Knt., and others, trustees, for the use of the said Sir Rice, and Cecilia, his wife, for their lives, then to his son Edward Manxell, in tail male, with provision of the grange of Llangewyth and the tithes of Penvey to Anthony Manxell (another son), and other conditions of reversion. Dated at Terlyng, 6th August, 35 Hen. VIII, A.D. 1543. With the Great Seal appended. There is also an inspeximus and exemplification ( T. 1187) in 362 Mar gam Abbey. the Court of Augmentations of the Revenues of the Crown, of a memorandum that the King will accept £300, payable in three instalments of ^100 each, at fixed times, in lieu of .£642 gs. Sd. due for the grant and purchase of the lands and tenements within the walls, and in the town without the walls, of the late Monastery, for payment whereof the said Sir Rice, Sir Edward Carne of Winney [Ewenny], Knt, and John Ogan, of Wyston, co. Pembroke, Esqre., are bound. Witness : Sir Edward North, Knt. Dated at West- minster, 20th Nov., 36 Hen. VII, A.D. 1544, with a fine specimen of the seal of the Court. To the foregoing may be added a notice of the Crown Sale (T. 366 ; C. MCCCLX) for ^678 is. 6d. to Sir Rice Maunxell, Knt., of the demesne and manor of Hawode y Porthe, al. Havode y Porthe, the manor of Kenfyge, and the manor of Tethegistoo, late belonging to the dissolved Abbey, and Seynt Mychaelles Mill, in the parish of Margam, the Grange of Llanvegellith, land called Crike- wodde, lands in Hawoode y Porthe, Kenfige, Llanvegellith, Trissant, Margam, and the grange or farm of Horgroo, in the parish of Tethegistoo, subject to certain specified charges. Dated Hampton Court, 28th August, 38 Henry VIII, A.D. 1546. The Great Seal is appended by green and white silk strands. " A Short Abstract of tlie Croivn Grants after the Dissolution of Margam Monastery" (7\ 11 84), is derived from the documents already described. Its text is as follows : — " Anno 32°. Hen. 8. pretium, ,£938 6s. 8 303 — , s. of Ithenard, 248 , s. of Wronu Coh, 254 Kaest, 247 Howell ; Rich., s. of Jevan, s. of ; Thos., Will., ss. of , s. of Jevan, 348 Howelle ; Jouvan, dau. of Howeyn ; Morgan, s. of Hugh, s. of Matthew Everard, 292 , s. of Rob., 123 , s. of Rob., or Rodbert, of Lan- carvan, 61, 62, 67 , s. of Rog. Grammus, 193, 194 , s. of Thos., 359 Le Uespenser, 20, 236, 307, 308, 310, 311, 316, 342 Everard, mk. of Maigam, 309 Le Fors, 57 Grammus, 185, 187 Hugh dc Hereford, 54, 57, 60, 171, 178, 208, 209, 211, 213, 236 de Landcaruan, Langkarvan, Landcharuan, Landkarvan, or Lan- keruan, 172, 178, 201, 210, 212, 214 Makemete, 204 de Raelega, 35 Humframville, Humfraville, Umfram- ville, etc., Hen. de ; Hen., s. of Gilb. de ; Hen. s. of Hen. de I. Innocent III, P., 170, 183 IV, P., 253, 263, 264 Ireland, justiciary of, 298 Isabella, Countess of Gloucester, 139, 162, 201, 208-215, 2 3 D > 2 37> 34 2 Iseuda La Welere, al. Chepman, 309 Isota, Isud, Ysota, Ysoud, or Yseuda, w. of Thos. Grammus, 185-187, 189, 191 Itel, s. of Cradoc, s. of Ithegwin, 70 Ithenard ; Alaithu, s. of , s. of Ric, 248 , , Howel, Jo., Madoc, Res. Wronu, ss. of , s. of Yvor, 262 Ithenardh ; Joruerth, s. of Ivor ; Griffin, s. of ; Nesta, w. of , stepson of Walt., s. of Cunnor, 135 — , s. of Ruathlan, s. of Wrgi, 129 Vaghan, 143 ; Gneithur, Leulin, Madoc, WaleueJS, ss. of J — , ab. of Fountains, 181 J — , ab. of Tintern, 267 J , s. of W , 351 J — , s. of W — Pincerna, 217 James, bp. of Roskild, 264 Gunter, 363 Jankin ; Jevan, s. of Jankyn, s. of David, 354 , s. of Phil., 355 , s. of Will. David, 358 Jankyng ; Lewelyn, s. of Jasper Tudor, 334 Jervard, s. of Jevan, s. of Heylin, 313 Trut, s. of Wasmeir, s. of Griffith, 313 leuan, Jevan, or Jewan ; Elizabeth, dau. of ; Dio, Ll'en, Lleyson, ss. of , s. of David, s. of" Jankyn, 355 , s. of David The, 348 , s. of Dio, s. of Guili, 352 , s. of Gidla, 263 , s. of Griffith, s. of Morgan, 315 Index of Names. 373 Jcuan, s. of Gryffyth, s. of Gwelym, 347 , s. of Gweyr, 270 , ; Gweyr, Jewan, Madoc, ss. of , s. of Heylin, 313 — , s. of Ho : Will., s. of — , s. of Hopkyn, s. of Will, 353 — , s. of Howell, 349 , s. of Jankin, 348 — , s. of Lien Vaur, 355 -, s. of Thelipot, or Philpot, 311,318 , s. of Rich. Hopkyn, 357 Dalgron, 342 - Glas, 349 Vachan, s. of Jewan, s. ot Gweyr, 270 Joaf, br. of Caradoc Verbeis, 9 ; Jo., s. of Joan, w. of Matt. Everard , w. of Maur. Grammas, and dau. of Phil, s. of David, 195 Loughor, 354 , see Johanna. Job, parson of Newcastle, 193 Joel, provost of Llanyltwit, 258 Johan, s. of Wasmihangel, 125 ; Dioni'sia, dau. of Johanna, dau. of Jo. Stalun, 289 , dau. of Liu's, 358 , w. of Will. Terri, 192 , see Joan. John, King, 48, 77, 162, 175, 177, 179, 1S0, 182, 183, 198, 237, 300, 327, 342 , ab. of Kingswood, 250 — , ab. of Neath, 340 , bp. of Llandaff, 303, another, 339 , mk. of Margam, 315 — , nephew of Helyas, 45 . nephew of Philip, 123 -XXIII., P., 339 , Cradoc, s. of , s. of Belius ; Gistelard, s. of — , s. of David, s. of Grono Knaytho, 344 , s. of Griffith, 315 , s. of Herb., s. of Godwinet, 26 , s. of Ho ; David, s. of , s. of Ithenard, 249 , s. of Joaf, 166, 167 , ; Deurec or Diveric ; Reth- ereh, s. of , s. of Jo., 357 , s. of Lleyson, s. of Jevan, 357 , s. of Res. ; ab. of Kymer, 344, 345 , s. of Thos. David, s. of Hoell, 357 , s. of Thos., s. of Rich., 349 , s. of Wronu medicus, 286 , de Avene or Davene, 302 — , s. of Leisan Davene, 309, 310, 313 John, s. of Hen. Bareth, 170 — , s. of Griffin Began, 245, 246 de Bonavilla, Boneville, Bone- villa, etc., 132, 138, 172, 178, 210, 214, 275 ; Ric, Rog., Will., ss. of , s. of Hen. de Bonevyle or Bone- vile, 291, 295, 299 Andrew, 343 Aston, pr. of St. James, Bristol, 30 de Bonevilleston, or Bonevileston, 139, 212 Burghill, bp. of Llandaff, 323 de Cantelo, or Cauntelo, ab. of Margam, 299, 308 Comyn, mk. of Margam, 275 de Coventre, 317 Denys, 319 Du ; Ketherech, s. of Duye William, 354 de Eglescliffe, bp. of Llandaff, 309 Ely, 341 Le Flemmyng, 302 Hoglo, 207 — Hunden, bp. of Llandaff, 348 Kairus, or Kayrus, 128, 272, 273 ; Milo, s. of de Kenefegh, 272 , s. of Hosebert dc Kenefeg, 193 Laheles, 151 — Lange, 3 1 : Leisan, 354 de Londres, 335 Loughor, 356 Lovel, 303 de la Mara, 1 53 Minot, Mynot, or Mygnoth, 143, 293 de Monemuta, or Monemutha, 6 3 , E. of Mortain, 61 ; see King John de Moumbray, or Moubray, 294, 3I3> 3 2 9 de Mounteney, shf. of Glamor- gan, 303 , s. of Jo. Nichol, 298 Le Noreys, Norreis, Norres, or Norreys, 287, 288 s. of Jo. Norreis, 319 de Novavilla, 276 de Obizis, al. Oppiczis, 341, 342 , s. of Odo Sorus, 23 Ogan, 362 Peruat, 293 Philip, 317 Reborgelli, 341 — Smith, bp. of Llandaff, 349 Stradlinge, 350 , s. of Adam de Sumeri, 75 374 Index of Names. John de Thomariis, 339 Tuder, 301, 323 Turbervile, 343 ■ Turbill, 352 Le Pore, or Porch, 206, 207 ■ Utlage, 202 , s. of Ralph Utlage, 202 Witard, 269 de Woledon, 302 Le Yonge, 239 La Zouche, bp. of Llandaff, 34 \ Joneta, dau. of Rich., 357 , dau. of Thos., 355 Jordan, s. of Ascer, 150 , s. of Robert, 1 23 Alewy, 206 ■ Orsini, bp. of Albano, 342 Jorevarch, s. of Justin, 214 Joruard, s. of Espus, 243 , ; Espus, Joruard Vachan, Madoc, Will, ss. of , s. of Gistellard, 141 ; see Yoruard. Vachan, ss. of Joruard, s. of Espus, 243 , s. of Ruathlan, 125 , s. of Wasmihangel, 125 , s. of Yvor, 262 Jorvarth, s. of Justin, 210, 212 Jorverth, s. of Ithenardh, 146 , s. ofTudyr Cham, 46 Jouaf Troinkam, 236 Jovvan, dau. of Howelle, 347 Jowain, s. of Justin, 147 ; see Yewan. Justin; Cradoc, Jorevarch or Jorvarth, Jowain, ss. of K. Kadaith, s. of Knaitur, 140 Kadawalan, s. of Caradoc, 1 1 ; see Caduwalan. Kaderoth, 163 , Griffin, s. of Kaduathlan ; Morgan, s. of Kaerdiff, Burgesses of Kaerlion, Kaerlyun, ab.,174, 267 ; see Caerlcon, Kairleon. Kaermerdin, Phil, de Kasst, Howel Kairleon, ab., 175 ; sec Caerleon, Kaer- leon. Kairus, Jo. ; Milo, s. of Jo. Kam, Morgan , Rog. kanetone, Nich. de Kardif, or Kardyf ; Matildis, wid. of Hugh de , Rich, de Karlyun, ab., 268 ; see Caerleon, Kaer- lion, etc. Katherech ; Thatherech, dau. of I Kayrus, Jo. Kederec, Kederech, 171, 293 (cf. 30, 3 2 , 46) Kederech ; Will., s. of Keclic ; Madoc, Phil., Ythenard, ss. of Kenaf ; Rired, s. of Kenaithur, or Keneythur, s. of Herb., s. of Godwinet. 26, 49 Kenefeg, Burgesses of , Jo., s. of Hosebert de Kenefegh, Jo. de Keneris, mother of Tanguistel, 135 Kenewrec, Kenewrech, Kenewreic, Kenewreich, Kenwrec, Keinwrec ; Cnaytho, s. of , br. of Grunu, s. of Phil., 51 , s. of Herb., 27, 28 , , s. of Godwinet, 26, 49 , s. of Ralph, 168 , s. of Rob., s. of Enniaun, 124, 147 , s. of Ruathlan, s. of Wrgi, 129 , s. of Wian, 164 Kenfeg, Burgesses of Kenlas ; Lewelin, s. of Kerlyun, ab. of, 267 ; see Caerleon, etc. Ketherech, 178 , br. of Res Coh, 47 , s. of Jo. Uu, 30 , s. of Will. Gillemichel, 32, 33 Kethereck ; Will., s. of Ketherek ; Cradoc : Will., ss. of Ketheri, s. of Cradoc, s. of Ric., 249 Ketheric, 162, 163, 166 ; Thaterech, dau. of Du ; Thaderech, or Thaterech, dau. of Keuenoht, Will. Kibworth, Yvo de Kingswood, ab. of, 267, 268 , Jo., ab. of Knaitho, s. of Wronu, s. of Seysil, 248 Knaithur, s. of Yoruard, s. of Gistelard, 143 Knaitur ; Anaroth, Ener, Grifin, Kadaith, Madoc, ss. of Knaytho ; Ener, Madoc, ss. of Choch, of Basto, 252 , Grono ; see Cnaytho. Kneythur, s. of Herb., 27 Kradoc, br. of Res Coh, 47 L. L , ab. of Wardon, 181 Laeles, Lageles, Lagheles, Lagthlcs, Laheles ; Jo., Thos., Ric, Walt. Lambert, subdn. of Wells, 217 Landcaruan, Landcharuan, Land- karuan ; Gerebert de, Hugh de Landward, Osbern ; Edrun, s. of Osbern Index of Names. 375 Landward ; Godfrey, s. of Edrun, s. of Osbern Lange, Jo. Langkarvan, Hugh de Langres ; Guido de Rochefort, bp. of Lankeruan, Hugh de Latimer, Griffin Leisan, Leissan, Leisaun, or Leysan, s. of Morgan Cam, 155, 156, 160, 161, 224-226, 228, 230, 232, 257, 307, 3H-3L3 . de Avene, s. of Morgan Vazhan, 258, 292, 297, 302 Leisan, Jo. Leulin, s. of Ivor, 143 Hen., 252 Leuuar, s. of Meruit, 26 Lewelin ; Ythel, s. of , s. of Cradoc, s. of Ric. (two persons), 249 , s. of Griffin Began, 246 , s. of Kenlas, 263 Lewelit, w. of Aythan, 263 Lewelyn, s. of Jankyng, 353 Llandaff, bp. of, 319 Llantcarvan, Hugh de Lien, s. of Jevan, 355 , s. of Hopkyn, 358 Vaur ; Jevan, s. of Llewellyn Voia ; Grono, Hopkin, ss. of , Griffith, s. of Lleyson, s. of Jevan, 357 ; Jo., s. of Loelin, s. of Hoel, 158 Lokyngton, Walt. London, Londoniis ; Mich. de,Thos. de, Will, de Londres ; Jo. de, Maur. de Louark, s. of Wasdewi, 263 Louel, Lovel ; Jo., Thos. Loughor, Joan ; Jo. Lowar ; Seisil, s. of Lowarh, s. of Yoruard Coh, 231 Luarch ; Meuric, s. of Luelin, s. of Riered, 168 Lulliwelle, Phil, de Lupellus, Luuel ; A , w. of Walt. ; Walt. M. M Esturmi, 77 Mabel, Mabilia, Countess, dau. of Rob. Fitzhaymon, 20, 36, 308 , wid. of Will, de Bonavilla, 138 Maddoc, s. of Craithur, 141 Maddock Vahhan, s. of Madoc, s. of Knaytho, 143 Madoc, s. of Ithenard, 248 , s. of Ivor, 143 , s. of Jewan, 270 — , s. of Joruard, s. of Espus, 243 Madoc, s. of Kedic, 145 , s. of Knaitur, 140 , s. of Knaytho ; Maddock Vahhan, s. of , s. of Meuric, 145 Madok, s. of Res, 199 Madryn Stradlyng, 352 Makemete, Hugh Mandeville, Geof. de Mansell, Sir Francis Manxell, or Mansell, Sir Rice ; Anthony, Edw., ss. of La Mara, Jo. de Marcros, Phil, de La Mare, Rob. de Maredu, 213, 212 ; cf. Moreclu Margam, Ap.dots, etc., of— MEILER (hermit), of Pendar, 9-12, 18 , of Margam, 12, 16-18, 22 I. William, of Claravalle, or Ci.airvaux, departed inA.D. 1 1 53 ; 2 3, 38, 40 II. Andrew, dies in a.d. 1155; 24, 38 in. John I occurs in a.d. 1 170; 28, 29 his seal described, 29 ; see plate at p. 30 C— — , occurs between A.D. 1 167- 1 i7o(verydoubtful),38 John, occurs in a.d. 1170 (very doubtful) ; 38, 39 IV. CONAN, or CUNAN, occurs before a.d. 1168, and 1182, 1 187 ; 30, 31, 39, 41, 42, 45, 13' his seal described, 45 v. Roger I, occurs in a.d. 1196- 1203 ; 76, 81, 143, 156 vi. Gilbert, or Gillihert, occurs in a.d. 1203 ; 157, 159 resigns in 12 13 ; 197 dies at Kirkstall, 1214; 197 Conrad (very doubtful), a.d. 12 15, said to be found in the Talbot MSS. by I. M. T[raherne] in Collectanea Topographica, vol. vi, p. 189 vii. John de Goi.cuvia, «/.Gold- CLIVE, succeeds in a.d. 1213, occurs in 1234 ; 197, 245 dies in a.d. 1237 ; 249 viii. John II, Le Ware, al. de La Warre, occurs inA.D. 1237 ; 204 resigns in a.d. 1250 ; 264 becomes Bishop of Llan- daff, 1253, 266 ; dies in 1256, ib. 376 Index of Names. Margam, Abbots, etc., of — ix. Thomas of Portskewit, al. Portech eweth, suc- ceeds in a.d. 1250 ; 264, 265, 272, 284, 287 X. GlLLEBERT, or GILBERT II, succeeds about A.D. 1270; 287, 288 xi. Roger II, occurs in a.d. 1305 ; cf. 143, 144, 293 xii. Thomas, occurs in a.d. 1307, 1308 ; 293, 294 xiii. John de Cantelo, or Caun- telo, occurs in a.d. (1321), 1325, 1326 ; 299 xiv. Henry, occurs in a.d. 1338, 135°, 1359 ; 308, 313, 3'7 xv. John, occurs a.d. 1366; 31S, 319 xvi. John, occurs a.d. 1413; 339 xvii. David I, occurs a.d. 14 13 ; 339 xvm. William Meyrick, or Meu- RICK, occurs in A.D. 141 5 ; 1417, 1421, 1423; 339, 34o, 341 xix. Thomas, occurs a.d. 1422 ; 34o William, occurs in a.d. 1423, see above (very doubtful) xx. John Hamlyn, occurs a.d. '425 ; 342 xxi. William, occurs a.d. 1441 ; 343, 345 xxii. Thomas Frankelen, occurs in A.D. 1443, 1450, 1452, 1460 ; 344, 345, 346, 347, 348 xxiii. William Corntoun, occurs in a.d. 1468, 1470, 147 1, 1484, i486, 1487 ; 348, 349 xxiv. John Hopkvn, occurs in a.d. 1487 ; 350, 351 xxv. David ap Thomas ap Howell, occurs in a.d. 1500, 1503, 1509, 1 5 10, 1 5 14, 1 5 16, 1 5 T 7 ; 352, 353, 354 xxvi. John Griffith, orAP Gruff\ occurs in A.D. 15 18, 15 19, 1521, 1525, 1527 ; 354, 355, 357, 358 xxvii. Ludovicus, Lodowtcus, or Lewis Thomas, or Thoms, occurs in A.D. 1532, 1537 ; 358, 359 Margam, ab. (grantors) 290, 291, 297, 329 Margan, s. of Caradoc, 9, 11, 228 , s. of Phil, s. of Griffin, 18 Margaret, 353 Margaret de Audeley, 317 — de Avene, or Davene, 309, 310, 312 Margaret, dau. of Gil. de Clare, 317 , dau. of David, 354 — , dau. of Griffith, 3:1 , dau. of Hoell, 354 Margery, dau. of Rog.,and w. of Ric. elk. of Kenefeg, 152 , w. of Walt. Coh, 153 , w. of Will. s. of Algar, 151 , w. of Will., s. of Jevan, 356 Marie, Will, de Marshall, Will. Martin V, P., 329, 341 Mary, mr. of Elias, elk., 46 Matild is, \v. of Morgam Cam, 231 , wid. of Hugh de Kardyf, 206 de Sore, 69 Matthew Cradock, Sir, 358 Davys, 365 Everard, 292 Maurice, Master, 134 , pr. of Oweni, 3 1 , s. of Griffin Began, 245, 246 , Grammus, or G ramus, 1S7, 194, 195, 288 de Londres, 335, 336 Ysaac, 292 Mawde, dau. of Thos., 353 Meiler, hermit, etc., 9-12, 16-18, 32 Meleward, Helena Meredith, or Moraduth, s. of Caradoc, 161 ; cf. Meriedoc , , , Nesla, w. of, 161 Meriedoc, s. of Caradoc, 9, 1 1 ; cj. Meredith Meruit ; Leuuar, s. of Merwith, Ric. Meuric ; Madoc, s. of — , mk. of Margam, 315 , br. of Caradoc Yerbeis, 9 — , s. of Blethin, 72 , s. of Cadugan, 66 , s. of Luareh, 65, 150 — , s. of Res Coh, 247 , s. of Ruathlan, 125 — , s. of Traharn, 249 — . s. of Yoruard Coh, 231 Meurich, s. of Wronu Choc, 254 Mey ; Ric, s. of James Michael de London, 203 Tusard, 287 Milisant, 69 , dau. of Will. Mitdehorguill, 67, 68 — , w. of Adam de Sumeri, 74 Milo, s. of Jo. Kairus, 128 de Cadivor, 273 de Penvey, s. of Jo. Kairus, Kair or Cairus, 272, 273 Mitdehorguill ; Milisant ; Will. Moel, Phil. Molendinarius, Ric. Monemutha, family of, 63 Index of Names. 377 Monemutha, Bertha de, Cecilia de, Gil., or Gilieb., de, Jo. de, Ric. de, Walt, de Montacute, Elizabeth de La More ; Thos., s. of Thos. de , Rob. de Moredu, 181, 214; cf. Maredu Moreduth, s. of Griffin Began, 245, 246 Morgan ; Cadwalan, Leisan, Leissan, or Leysan, Morgan, Owein, ss. of ; Wenllian, dau. of , br. of Owein Creic, 263 , s. of Cadwalan, Caduathlan, or Cadwathlan, 233 , , Owein Creic, Morgan, ss. of , s. of Caradoc, 155-161, 163-166, 178, 1S1, 210, 211, 214, 225-227, 232, 299-301, 307, 311, 312 , s. of Howeyn ; Griffith, s. of , s. of Morgan {al. Morgan Cam, Cham, Gam, or Kam), 230, 231, 246, 312,313 , , Matildis, w. of , s. of Oen, Owen, or Oweny, 178, 197, 198, 199, 209, 211, 214, 232, 327 Capprike, 353 Vachan, s. of Morgan Cam, 313 Morys, Will. Moumbray, or Moubray, Jo. de Mounteney, Jo. de Le Mulleward ; Christina, wid. of Thos. Multon, Rob. Muryk, Will. Mynot, Jo. N. Neath, ab. of, 48, 181, 182, 217, 250, 258, 322, 329 list of abbots, 333, 334 , Clement, ab. of Nest, w. of Meredith, s. of Caradoc, 161 Nesta, w. of Ivor, 123 Nestrec ; Eynon, s. of Neville, Rich, de Newcastle, Ralph de Nichol ; Jo., s. of Jo. ; Nich., s. of Joan Nicholas, ab. of Vaudey, 250 , bp. of Llandaff, 24, 25, 41, 49, i93i 3°°, 3° 8 , s. of Joan Nichol, 192 Cantelo, 319 de Clare, shf. of Glamorgan, 299 Herward, 206 de Kanetone, 276 - Puinz, 126, 178, 209, 211, 214 — de Transaquis, 339 Nivard, of Clairvaux, 14 Le Noreis, Will. Le Norres, or Noreys, Jo. Norreis ; Jo., s. of Jo. North, Sir Edw. Novavilla, Jo. de O. Obizis, Jo. de Odo Sorus, 37, 40, 52 , , Jo., s. of Oen, or Owen ; Morgan, s. of Oen, Owein, or Owen, s. of Alaythur, or Alaythour, 256, 257, 299 Oen, Oeni, Hoen, or Oweni, s. of Morgan, s. of Caradoc, 155,227, 228 Ogan, Jo. Oppiczis, Jo. de Orsini, Jordan Osbern Bosse, 265 Landward, 205 Osmund ; Will., s. of Osmer Cuuian, 66 Owein, s. of Alaythur : see (Jen. , or Owen, s. of Morgan, 160, 161, 224, 230. 232, 313 Owen Creic, 263 Oweny ; Morgan, s. of Owyn de Glendore ; Owen Glendower, 342, 343 P. Pagan de Turbervile, or Turben ilia, 70, 71, 172, 209, 211, 214 Palmer, or Le Paumcr ; Phil., s. of Rob. , Yewan Panter, Roger Le Paumer ; see Palmer. Pendar brethren, 9, 11, 12, 16 Pendewelin, Pendivelin, Pendovclin ; Urban, or Wlgar de Pennard, Rob. de Penrice, Rob. de Penvey ; Milo de ; Phil.,s. of William de Peruat, Jo. ; Alice, w. of Jo. Peter, pr. of Bath, 34 , archdn. of Worcester, 126 , goldsmith, 204 , de Chichester, dn. of Wells, 2 1 7 , de Veel, shf. of Glamorgan. 302 Le Warre, or Ware, 205 Petetevin, 208 ; see Peytevin. Peytevin, 212 ; see Petetevin. Phelip ; Jankyn, s. of Phelipot ; Jevan, s. of Philip ; Zerevvard, s. of Philip ; Grunu, Kenewrec, Will.,ss. of , s. of Alured, 262 , s. of Cadugan, 145 , s. of David, 195 , s. of Griffin, 12, iS , ; Margan, s. of , s. of Kedic, 145 378 Index of Names. Philip, s. of Rob. Palmer, 284, 285 , ; Amabilia, vv. of , s. of Rog. Kam, 139 , s. of Seisil, 249 , s. of Will, de Penvey, 274 , s. of Wrgeni, 51 — Alexander ; Helias, s. of — de Corneli, s. of Will, dc Corneli, 188, 192 ; Amabilia, w. of — de Dinas-Powis, 246 Le Especer, 292 de Kaermerdin, mk., 276 de Lulliwelle, proctor, 275 de Marcros, or Marcross, 139, 214 Moel, 157 Sparke, 291, 307 — , Jo. Philpot ; levari, s. of Phylyp Wyt, 343 Pincerna ; J , s. of W ; R , s. of W , Richard ; W Plantagenet, George Ponchardun, Will, dc Le Pore, or Porch, Jo. 1'ren, Heilin Price, Edw., 365 Puinz, Nich. Q- Quarr, ab. of, 259 R. R , ab. of Boxley, 1S1 R , ab. of Swineshead, 263 R , s. of Geoffrey Esturmi (two persons). 77 R , s. of W. Pincerna, 217 Raelega, Hugh de Ragevarh, s. of Grifin, 70 Ralege, Symon de Ralph ; Cadivor, Kenewrech, ss. of Gamage, 343 de Newcastle, can., 282 — de Stafford, E. of Stafford, 317 de Sumeri, 75 Raul ; Thos., s. of Rob., 284, 285 Reborgelli, Jo. Rees, s. of Griffith, 315 , s. of Griffith Gethyn, 317, 31S , s. of Wylym, 318 Regni, or Reigni, Walt, de Reimund, or Reymund, bastard of Scurlag, 237 — - de Sullia, Sully, or Sulya, 241, 291 Renerius, s. of Gilleb. Burdin, 34 Res ; Jo., Madok, Traharn, ss. of Res, or Resus, s. of Alaythor, Alay- thour, or Alaythur, 252, 250, 299 , s. of lilethin, 72 , s. of Grifin, s. of Ivor, 19 Res, s. of Griffin Began, 245, 246 , s. of Hoel, 1 58, 165 , s. of Howel, s. of Gadugan, 294 , s. of Ithenard, 249 , s. of Res Coh, or Goh, 246, 247 , s. of Yewan, 147 Coh, or Goh, 47, 165, 166, 246 ; Griffin, Res, Meurik, ss. of , jun., 247 Rethcrech, error for Ketherech, 178 — , s. of Cradoc, s. of Ithegwin, 70 Rethereh, s. of Jo., s. of J oaf, 167 Rcu, s. of Riggeuarhc, 125 Reymund ; see Reimund. Rice Mansel, Manxell, or Maunxell, Sir, 359-364 Richard II, King, 320 Richard ; Cradoc, Hike, Ithenard, Thos. ; ss. of ; Joneta, dau. of , ab. of Bristol, 284 , ab. of Tewkesbury, 350 — , E. of Warwick, 329 — , elk. of Kenefeg ; Margery, w. of , s. of James Mey, 272 , s. of Jevan, 349 , s. of Jo. de Boneville, 275 , s. of Ric. Scurlage, 319 , s. of Seieve ; Roisa, vv. of , s. of Thos., 349 de Boneville, 275 Bulchard, or Bulchart, 55-57 de Clare, E. of Gloucester, 259, 299 de Coventre, 317 de Dunster, or Dunsterre, 29, 65 de Ewyas ; Alicia Terri, wid. of Flammang, 204 de Granavilla, 325 Hopkyn, 357 ; Hopkyn, Jevan, ss. of de Kardif, 39, 49 Laeles, or Laheles, 253 Merwith, 247 Molendinarius, 264 de Monemutha, 63 de Neville, E. of Warwick, 346, 347 . Pincerna, 258 Stradlyng, mk., 349, 350 Williams (Sir). 329 Richered, s. of Chenaf, 70 ; see Riered, Rired. Riderec, br. of Chenethur, s. of Herb., 22 Riered ; Luelin, s. of — , s. of Kenaf ; Hiwerth, w. of , , see Rired. Rievaulx ; Rog., ab. of Rigered, s. of Herb., s. of Godwinet, 26, 49 Index of Names. 379 Rigewarg, 124 Riggeuarhc ; Reu, s. of Rihered Rreavel ; Enauhin, s. of Rired : Weurdit. dau. of , s. of Kenaf, 124 , s. of Ruathlan, 262 Ririd ; Enniaun, s. of Ririth, s. of Briavel, 27 Rivanus, prt. of Llangewydd, 1 26 Robert ; Adam, Gcrebert, Gregory, Hugh, Jordan, ss. of , card. prt. of S. Potentiana, 292 , or Rodbert, E. of Gloucester, 24, 25, 35, 36, 40, 48, 171, 177, 209, 211. 213,250,307,308,326 , s. of Enniaun ; Enniaun, Kcne- wrec, Ruathlan, Tuder, Wrunu, ss. of , s. of Enniaun ; Ruathlan, s. of , s. of Eynon ; Canaythen, s. of , s. of Rog. Cavan, 192 , s. of Roser, or Rog. Kam, 137 , s. of Turchill, 57 , s. of Walt. Coh, 153 , or Rodbert, s. of Wian 159, 163, 164 de Bonevile, or Boneville, 137, 138, 241, 250 , ; Aliz., w. of of Caen, 13, 20 de Colewinestun, 242 Curteis, 29, 138 ; Rob. Curteis, s. of, 136 Cusin ; Rog., s. of Fitzhaymon, 12, 20, 318 ; Mabilia, dan. of de Grendone, shf. of Glamorgan, 296 of Kaerdif, 206 de La Mare, 1 5 1 — de La More, archdn. of Llandaff, 322 Multon, 364 de 1'ennard, 1 5 1 de Penrice, 151 Russel, s. of Milo, 273, 274 ; Agnes, w. of ; Thos., s. of Samson, Sanson, or Sansun, 210, 212, 214 Thomas, 344 de Westerne, 302 Robertsbridge, ab. of, 250 Rochefort, Guido de Rodbert, E. of Gloucester ; see Rob. , s. of Godwine Francis, 69 , s. of Wian ; see Rob. — of Llancarvan ; Hugh, s. of Rodric, s. of , 348 Roger ; Margery, dau. or ; Adam, s. of Roger, ab. of Heuesham, 126 , ab. of Rievaulx, 250 , br. of Res Coh, 47 , s. of Adam de Sumeri, 75 , s. of Cady, 290 , s. of Geof. Sturmi, 25, 37, 50, 77, 79, 80, 288 , s. of Griffin Began, 245, 246 , s. of Jo. de Boneville, 275 , s. of Rog. Aesturmi, 79 , s. of Rog. Grammus, 193, 194 , ; Agnes, w. of , s. of Wian, 163, 164, 226 de Abbetun, Albertona, Albertunc, or Haubertunia, 25, 37, 52, 57 Cole, 156, 157 Cusin, s. of Rob. Cusin, 65 Grammus, 184, 186, 189 Le Hastare, 288 de Haubertunia, 25 ; see Rog. tic Abbetun. Kam, 137 ; Adam, Phil., Rob., Wronu, ss. of Panter, 324 de Staunton, 276 Sturmi, or Sturmy, 21, 77-79 ; Gunnilda, w. of ; Will., s. of , 245 (a late member of the family) de Sumeri, 74 de Wian, 165 Roskild ; James, bp. of Ruathlan ; Eynon, Joruard, Meuric, Rired, ss. of , s. of Rob., s. of Enniaun, 147 , s. of Wrgi, 129 , ; Ivor, Kenwrec, Tudir, ss. of Ruhatlan, 124 ; see Ruwatlan. Rushook, Thos. Russel, Rob., 273 Ruwatlan, 70 ; see Ruhatlan. S. S. Andrew's, ab. of, 259 S. Donato : Thos., s. of Will. ; Will. Sampson, Will. Samson, Sanson, or Sansun, Rob. Savigny, ab. of, 259 Scurlag, Scurlage, Scurlagge, or Scurlarg ; David; David, s. of Herb. ; Hen., s. of David ; Herb. ; Ric, s. of Ric. ; Will. ; Will., s. of Will. Seieve ; Ric, s. of Seisil ; Phil., s. of , s. of Lowar ; ss. of, 333 Seware ; Geof., s. of Seys, Wronoc Index of Na?nes. Seysil ; Wronu, s. of Sibilla dc Boneville, 137 Simon, or Symon, Le Vic, Vihc, or \"ike, 264, 265 Smith, Jo. Soor, Alatildis Sortes, Will. Sorus, Odo Spenser, Edw. Le Spodur, or Spudur ; Adam ; David, s. of Adam ; Alice, dau. of David ; Thos. Stafford, Ralph de Stalun ; Johanna, dau. of Jo. Staunton, Rog. de Stephen, ab. of Clairvaux, 259 — Bauzain, shf. of Glamorgan, 258 — de Capenore, 300 Langton, abp. of Canterbury, 218 — de Lexington, ab. of Stanley, 221 — of Worcester, ab. of Dore, 267 Stradling, Sir Edw. Stradlinge, Jo. Stradlyng, Madryn ; Rich. Strata-florida, ab. of, 182 Stratelyng, Edw. de Stratford-Langthorne, ab. of, 250 Sturmi, or Sturmy; Geof. ; Gunnilda ; Rog. ; Rog., s. of Geof. ; Will. s. of Rog. ; Will., s. of Will. Sullia, Sullya, or Sulya ; Reimund or Reymund de Sumeri, or Scemeri ; Adam de ; Adam, s. of Rog. de; Jo., s. of Adam de ; Milisant, w. of Adam de ; Ralph de ; Ro. de ; Rog., s. of Adam de Susanna de Boneville, 144 ; Will., s. of Sutthune, Hen. de Swineshead, R , ab. of Symon Cocus, 57 de Ralege, shf. of Glamorgan, 291 Le Vic ; see Simon. T. Talbot pedigree, 359, 360 ; family, 366 Talleletho, pr. of, 275, 276 Tanguistel, w. of Walt., 135 Tedbald, s. of Will., s. of Osmund, 205 Templars, or Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, 145, 172, 178, 210, 212, 214, 275, 290 Terri, Alicia ; Johanna, w. of Will. Terricus, s. of Thos., 207 Tewkesbury, ab. of, 131, 179, 244, 251, 282-284, 303, 323, 349, 3 so — , Alain ; Hen. Berly; Walt., abs.of Textor, Ailw an! Thaderech, dau. of Kethcric Du, 142 Thaterech, dau. of Kathcrech, or Ketheric Du, 142, 162 The ; Jevan, s. of David Theobald, abp. of Canterbury, 193 Walteri, 59 Thomas ; Terricus, s. of - ; Agneta, Ammabyll, Gwen- llian, Joneta, Mawde, daus. of — , ab. of Tewkesbury, 315, 322 — , bp. of Llandaff, 321 ; see Thos. Ru shook — , chpl. of Kenefeg, 192 Thomas, s. of Adam, 65 , s. of David, s. of Ho., 357 , s. of Gr' Goz, 358 , s. of Gruff'., s. of David Echan, 355 Wachan, 354 , s. of Hen. ; David, s. of — , s of Hike, s. of Richard, 3,3 — , s. of Howell, 352, 353 , ; David, s. of , s. of Jevan, 352 , , s. of Gryffyth, 347 , s. of Rich., 349 , s. of Rob. Raul, 234 — , s. of Rob. Russel, 274 , s. of Thos. de la More, 314 — , s. of Will, de S. Donato, 192 Aubrey, Sir, 365 - de Avene, s. of John de Avene, Benet, mk., 303 Bisseley, or Bysley, pr. of Ewennv, 33S de Browneswolde, 318 David ; Jo., s. of David, s. of Gwelyme, 359 Le Despenser, 323 Grammus or Gramus, s. of Rog. Grammus, 185-192, 194 , Isota, Ysota, Iseud, Yseuda, Ysoud, w. of Hopkyn, 352 Lageles, or de Laghtles, 152, 172, 178 - de Londoniis, 134, 135, 342 Lovel, 317 - Rushook, bp. of Llandaff, 321, 322 Le Spodur, 290 Tok, 338 Watkyn, 341 Wolsey, Cardinal, 358 , Rob. Thorberwile, Gil. de Tintern, ab. of, 182 , J., ab. of Tok, Thos. Traharn : Mcurik, s. of Index of Names. Traharn, s. of Res, 293 Transaquis, Nich. de Troinkan, Jouaf Trut, Jeruard Tuder, s. of Rob., s. of Enniaun, 124, 147 Tuder, Jo. Tudir, s. of Ruathlan, s. ofWrgi, 129 Tudor, Jasper Tuclur, s. of Yoruard, s. of Gistelard, 143 Tudyr Cham; Jorverth, s. of Turbevile, Gileb. de Turbervile, Jo. de, Pagan de Turbill, Jo. Turkil ; Herb., or Herebert, s. of Turre, orTurri, Gregory de, Helyas de Tusard, Michael Tynterne, ab. of, 295 U. Ulf; Walt., s. of Umframville, Unfranville, Hen. de Urban III, P., 28, 57, J 74, 272 VI, P., 319, 321 prt. of Pendewelin, 178 de Pendi velin, Pendi velen, or Pen- dovelin, 200, 210, 211, 214, cf. Wlgan Utlage, Jo. ; Jo., s. of Ralph V. Yachan ; Aliz, Avthan, Eynon, Griffin, Ivor, Maddock Vale-crucis, ab. of, 350 Yaudey, Nich., ab. of Vaur, Jevan, s. of Lien Veel, Peter de Verbeis, Carodoc Le Vic, Vihc, or Vike, Simon Voia, Llewellyn Yronu Du, 262 W. W , pr. of St. James, Bristol, 202 W ; J , s. of W , Pincerna, 217 Wachan, David Walawet, or Walaweth, s. of Will. Gillemichel, 23, 33 Waleue'S, s. of Ivor, 143 Walter, ab. of Tewkesbury, 1 29 ; Candalo, s. of , s. of Cunnor, 135 , ; Tanguistel, w. of — , s. of Ulf, 73, 74 , s. of Wassamfret, 262 Coh, 153 ■ ; Margery, w. of ; Rob., s. of — — Cumin, 202 Walter Frankhomme, 308 Lageles, Lagheles, or Laheles, 53, 57, >6o, 161, 212, 214, 227 Lakyngton, elk., 322 Lupellus, or Luuel, 72, 73, 135, 148, 149, 266 ■ Luuel, jun., 136 de Monemutha, 63 de Regni, or Reigni, 242 Witred, 1 50 W'alteri, Theobald Wardon, ab. of, 250 Ware, Hen. La Ware, or Warre, Peter Warin, s. of Cardigan, 178 Warwick, Anne, Countess of , Es. of; Hen., Ric, Will. Wasdewi, Louark, s. of Wasmeir, s. of Griffith, 313 Wasmer ; David, s. of Wasmeyr; Wronu, s. of , s. of Caterod, 262 Wasmihaggel, s. of Cradoc, s. of ab- Ithegwin, 70 Wasmihangel : Gnaythur, Joh., Jor- ward, ss. of Wassamfret ; Wronu, s. of ; Walt., s. of Vachan, 263 Wastmihangel, 124 Watkyn, Thos. La Welere, Iseuda Welles or Wells, members of the chapter, 217 Welshmen, free, 172, 179, 180, 208, 209, 211, 213, 236 Wenlliari, 243 Wcnllian, or Wenthlian, dau. of Mor- gan, s. of Caradoc, 232 Werham, Geoffrey de , ; Christina, w. of Westcott, Hen. Westerne, Rob. de Wetheleu, s. of Yvor, 167 Weurdit, dau. of Rired, 263 Weyruil, dau. of Yvor, 263 Whiteland, ab. of, 182 Wian family, 163 ; Griffin ; Kenewrec, Kenewrech, or Kcnewreich ; Rob., Rodbert, Rog., ss. of Wilim, s. of Joruard, s. of Espus, 243 ; , s. of Ythel, 262 William, ab. of Tewkesbury, 343 , bp. of Llandaff, 55, 61, 62, 70, 71, 245 , br. of Chcnethur[s. of Herb.], 22 , br. of Grunu, s. of Philip, 51 , cellarer of Margam, 180 , elk. of Langewi, 59 , dau. of Wrenid, 46 Index of Names. William, E. of Gloucester, 20, 23, 24, 36, 38-44, 48-50, 52, 53, 53. 166, 171, 177, 209, 211, 213, 301, 307, 308, 333 — , E. of Warwick, 329 s. of Alexander of Kenefeg, 1 36 s. of Algar, 1 5 1 s. of Gilleb. Burdin, 33 s. of Gregory, 43 s. of Herb., s. of Godwinet, 26, 49 s. of Herebert, 27 s. of Howell, 348 s. of Jevan, s. of Ho., 356 s. of Kederech, or Ketherek, 293, 297 s. of Phil. Frankelyn, 242 s. of Osmund, 205 , Tedbald, s. of s. of Rog. Sturmi, 79, 80 s. of Will. Cohg, 191 s. of Will, de Herdecote, 265 s. of Will. Scurlag, 25 s. of Will. Sturmi, 288 - Albus, 258 de Barri, 153, 329 — de Bellomonte, 202-204 de Bonevile, 242 , s. of John and Susanna, 144, 145 Branche, 331 de Breouse, 294, 313 de Breusa, 249 de Burgo, bp. of Llandaff, 262, 263, 299 Camberlanus, or Camerarius, 203, 204 ; Agnes, w. of — Chitaredus, Cithareda, or Citha- dus, 131, 132, 137, 145, 172 de Clairvaux, or Claravalle, ab of Margam, 23, 38, 40 Cogh, or Cohg, 28, 29, 191 de Corundone, 329 Doggavel, Doggevel, or Doc- geuel, 55, 56 de Evertone, 296 Frankelein, Frankclcn, Frarike- leyn, 189, 190, 287 Geuenhot, or Keuenoht, 258 , ss. of, 268 Gille, 171 Gillemichel, 31 ; Kctherech, Walawet or Walaveth, Yuor, ss. of Hopkyn, 351 , John Duye de Londoniis, 133-135, 210, 212, 214, 246, 342 ■ Marshall, E. of Pembroke, 76 de Marie, 310 Mitdehorguill, 67 William Morys, ab. of Strata Florida, 344 Muryk, ab. of Margam, 339 — Le Noreis, Norreys, 243, 287 — de Ponchardun, 35 Price, 365 — de St. Donato, 192 of Saltmarsh, bp. of Llandaff, 67, 69 Sampson, 314 Scurlag, or Scurlage, 25, 37, 52, 57, 126, 127, 135, 136, 172, 178 , jun., 52 Sortes, 275 Terri, 192 de Wodelond, 265 Wronu, 294 Wynchestre, 319 La Zouche, or Zousche, Ld. of Glamorgan, 299, 302-304 ; Jevan, s. of Hopkyn, s. of Williams ; Hen. ; Sir Rich. Witard, Jo. Wladus, w. of Aythan, 263 Wlgan de Pendewelin, 172 : cf. Urban. Wodelond, Will, de Woledon, Jo. de Wolsey, Thos. Worcester, archdn. of, 283 , Peter, archdn. of Worgan, br. of Milo de Penvey, 272 Wrgeni ; Phil., s. of Wrgi ; Ruathlan, s. of Wrgy, ss. of, 129, 232 Wringel ; Cristina, wid. of Rob. Wrono Bil ; see Wronu. Wronoc Seys, 252 Wronu, Wrony, or Wrunu ; Griffin, s. of , medicus ; Jo., s. of — , br. of Res Coh, 47 . s. of Blethin, 71, 72 , s. of Caterod, 262 , s. of Cadugan, 66 , s. of Cradoc, s. of Richard, 249 , s. of Eynon, 262 , s. of Ithenard, 249 , s. of Rob., s. of Enniaun, 124, 147 , s. of Rog. Kam, 137 , s. of Seysil, 248 , ; Knaitho, Wronu Vahhan, ss. of ■ , s. of Wasmeyr, 263 , s. of Wassamfret, 263 , s. of Yuor, 262 Bil, 216 Gogh, 145 Vahhan, s. of Wronu, s. of Seysil, 248 , Will. Wrunuch Cham ; Eneawn, s. of Wylym ; Rees, s. of Index of Names. Wynchestre, Will. Wyt, Phil, 343 Y. Yago ; Cnaytho, s. of Yeruard Du, 147 , s. of Ye wan, 147 Yewan ; Res, s. of , s. of Aythan, 262 , s. of Yustin ; Res, Yeruard, ss. of Palmer, 262 Le Yonge, Jo. Yoruard, s. of Gistelard, 142 ; see Joruard. ; Alaithu, Cradoc, Knaithur, Gronu, Tudur, ss. of , s. of Yoruard Coh, 231 Coh ; Lowarh, Meuric, Yoruard, ss. of Ysaac, Maurice Yseuda, Ysota, or Ysoud,\v. of Thomas Grammus ; see Isota. Ythel ; Wladus, dau. of ; Will. s. of , s. of Hoel, 158 , s. of Lewelin, 262 Grun, 263 Ythenard, or Ythenerd, br. of Res Coh, 47 , s. of Kedic, 145 Yuor ; Ithenard, Joruard, Wetheleu, Wronu, ss. of , s. of Will. Gillemichel, 32 Yustin ; Yewan, s. of Yvo de Kibworth, 268 Z. Zcreward, s. of Philip, 252 ; Heltheylou, w. of LaZouche, or Zouschc, Alianora ; Will. INDEX II. NAMES OF THE PRINCIPAL PLACES IN THE CHARTERS, Etc. The modern names and explanations are within brackets. The contracted words are: — ab. , abbey; betw. , between; ca., castle; ch., church; co., county; coll., college; E. , east; gr. , grange; isl., island; ldp., lordship; MSS. , manuscripts; N., north; nr., near; par. .parish; pi., place; pry., priory; riv. , river; S. , south; St., Saint ; tn., town ; W. , west ; wa. , water ; wd., wood. Abbedeston (Abbotston, co. Southt), 13 Aberavon (properly Aberavan, or Aberafan, par. co. Glam.), 223, 252, 258, 313 321-324 ; see Avena ch., 320 , court, 230 ldp., 315 marsh, 31 1 Aberclaudac, land (Aber-clydach), 129 Abercleudach, wa., 256 Aberdar, Aberdare (par., co. (Ham.), 11, 1 54, 1 74, 267, 280 Aberhudni, 241 Aberotheny (tn. of Brecon, or Breck- nock, Aberhonddu), 241 Aber-wrach, wa. (Aber-gwrach, the Gwrach falls into the Neath riv. at Glyn Neath), 256 Aberystwith, ca. (co. Cardig. ), 197 Aissa, see Nash. Alba-Domus (Alba-landa, or Ty-gwyn; Whiteland ab. in par. of Llan-gan, co. Pembr. and Carm.) 268 ; see Whiteland Albano, in Italy, 342 Alterhery, 260 Altherelin, 160 Alweiscnappe, 39 Anglesea, isl. and co., 110 Argoleshull, in Newcastle, 226 Asse, see Nash, 226 Avan, Aven, Avene (Aber-avan, or Afan) ca., 154 - Avon borough, 340 ■ , Avyne riv. or wa., 13, 20, 21, 24, 25, 35, 72, 116, 118, 131, 141, 145, 1 58, 168, 169, 177, 181, 209, 211, 213, 224, 225, 230-232, 254, 255, 258, 260, 293, 296, 299, 303, 304, 310, 313, 340, 344, 35 6 Avan, high-water mark, 356 , sands, 155 Avana, two rivs. (Avan and I'elena rivs.), 135 Aven, Avene, fisheries, 35, 36, 258, 260, 299,313, 3!7, 318, 319, 358 , fords, 158, 165, 300 , further bank of, 348 further (the river branching from the Avan at Pont-rhyd-y-ven, now- called the Pelena riv.), 20, 25, 36, 209, 2 1 1 , great (the Avan riv.), 1S1 Avens, two rivs. (Avan and Pelena rivs.), 158 Avena, Avene, Axon (Ayan), 13, 14, 146, 213, 299, 310, 313, 317, 318 ca. of Morgan Came, 254 ch. of St. Mary, 320, 322, 323, 33S, 348 , Curia de, 230, 312 , bailiffs, 293 , burgesses, 340, 356 , gra., 272 , ldp., 292, 313 , fee, 145, 163 , marsh, 155, 1^7, 158, 172, 178, 210, 211, 214, 224, 225, 228, 229, 252, 254, 261, 3°9-3'3 , new marsh (probably what is now called Morfa Newydd, New Plain, or flat ground), 230 , park, 309 , pastures, 300 , tn., 313, 340, 356 , vill, 181 , walda, 292, 312 Index of Places. 385 A vena, walda, old, 309 , walls, 31 1 Aveninas fluvium, 131 Avon ; see Avan, Avena Avyne, 353 ; see Avan. 13. Baeian, in Sabluno, Baidan, E. of the Abbey, 39 Baglan, par. co. Glam., nr. Neath, 1 1 1 Baiban, hill ; error in MS. for Baidan, 172 Baidan hill (Mynydd Baidan), 172 Baiden, wa. ; see Treikik. Baithan, ford, 40 Baythan, wa., 50, 178, 198, 209, 211, 213, 231, 236, 260 Ballas, Balles, Bellis (Ballas, on Stormy- down, Pyle, or Bal-las, 1 m. S.E. of Pyle Station), 216, 363 Bardsey, isl. in Abeidaron par., co. Carn., 7 Bargau-Remni, Bargoed-Remni, riv. (Bargoed Rhymney), 16, 17 Bargoed-Taff, riv., 17, 18 Basto, 252 Bath ab., co. Somers., 34 Baythan, see Baithan Beaulieu ab., co. Southt., 278 Bedd-Morgan- Morgan wg, 105 Bellis, see Ballas. Bene, land, 265 Berches, Berchis, Bereges, Berges, Berghes, Borwes, Borows, Burrys, Burrows (Margam Burrows), 157, 210, 211, 214, 224, 261, 304, 310, 315, 356 , wreck at, 304 Bergeveni (Abergavenny, co. Monm.), 123 Berghes, see Berches. Berkehu-Taf, or Taflf. (Bargoed Taff), riv., 16, 17 Berkshire, 16 Berw-Ddu, 1 1 Berwes, see Berches. Bethlesdene or Bittlesden ab., co. Buck., 130 I'.ideford, Devon, 326 Bilsington pry., Kent, 101 Bishopston in Gower, 5 Blackwell-le-Sore (co. Somers.), 24 Blackescerre, Blackeskerre, Blakes- cerra, -cerre, -ker, -karra, etc. (now Sker, on the sea-coast), 28, 48, 49, 3 2 7 Blainant - Disculua, Blain - nant - Dis- culua (Blaen-nant Dysgwylfa), 260 ; see Nant-Disculua, Nantiscoilua. Blainant, Bleinant, riv. (Blaen-nant), 147 Blainant Liueth-liuerich, Blainant liueuth leuerich, Blein nant liueth leuerch (Blaen-nant Llwyn, or Llywd Llywarch ?), 147, 257 Blain-Avene (Blaen- Afan), 181 Blain-Cragan, Blaen-Gregan, 158 Blain-nant - Disculua, see Blainant Disculua. Blainwrache, Bleinwrac, Bleinwrach (Blaen-gwrach above Resolven), 181, 231, 232, 302 Blakeberege, Blakeberge, Blakeburhe, 242, 243, 305 Blakescerra, Blakescerre, Blakeskarra, Blakesker, see Blackescerre. Blakeston (cf. Clackeston), 164 Blankunen, Bleinkenan (Blaen-Cynon, brook falling into the Afan near Blaen-Nant), 147, 257 Blayne maluke vaur (Blaen Maehvg Fawr in Margam), 357 Blayn maluck (Blaen Maelwg), 357 Blayn y Como (Rhyd Blaen-y-Cwm, top of Cwm Kenfig), 357 Blayn-y-pennant (Blain-y-Pennant is in Cwm Duffryn), 354 Bleinant, see Blainant. Bleinant liueuth leverich, see Blainant liueuth-leuerich. Bleinkenan, see Blankunen. Blein-nant-liueth-leurech, see Blainant Liueuth Liuerich. Bleinwrac, Bleinwrach, see Blain- wrache. Bleynant liuen letheric ; see Blainant Liueuth Liuerich. Bluntesdone, 329 Bohrukarn (now Vochrhiw), 16, 18 Bolchoyth, Bolgoyth, wd. (Bolgoed), 267, 268 Bollys Coppe,little Bolys coppe (Ballas copse), 361 Bolstoune (Bonvilston), 354 Bonavilla, Bonevile, Bonevill (Bonvil- ston par., co. Glam.), 261, 275, 289 ch. and land, 132, 144 fee, 138, 145 hospital, 132 Bonevileston, Bonevilestun, Bonevili- stone, Bonevilleston, Bonvilliston, Boncvillestone, Bonevyleston, Bone- wileston, Bonevilston (Bonvilston par., co. Glam.), etc., 68, 137-139,210, 212, 214, 241-243, 245, 250, 272, 275, 286-291, 294, 295, 304, 305 , fee, 275, 286, 288, 319 , "gracilis via", 286 " pratum clerici", 286 Borows, 356 Borwes, Borwys, see Berches. C C 386 Index of Places. Bovium, (Boverton, near Llantwit Major), 103 Boxley ab., Kent, 181 Bradenestock (Bradenstock, Wilts.), 180 Bradetune, Bradinctune, Bradington, Bradingtone, Bradingtune (may be Broughton, 5 me. S.S.E. of Bridgend), 70, 124, 125, 126, 201, 210, 214, 237, 261 Bramber honour, co. Suss., 294, 313 Brampton man., co. Hunt., 330 Brechineoch (Brecknock), 233 Brecknock, tn., 154, 233, 241 Brecon, boundaries, 267 Breconshire, 281 Brehheniauce (Brecknock), 241 Brenkeiru (may be Bryncyriawg), 16 Briddewdes, or Briddewodes, ca., 236, 237 Bridgend (pars, of Coyty and New- castle, co. Glam.) 16, 152, 218 Bristol, Bristollia, Bristollum, Bristou (cos. Glouc. and Somers.), 14, 15, 23, 57, 172, 178, 182, 209, 211, 213, 257, 283, 292, 305, 320, 327, 350 , burgage in, 261 , Canterel's house in the Bailey, 23, 37, 40, 52 , ca., 201 , ca. and honour, 208 channel, 139, 347 , Goldsmiths' pi. nr. ch. of St. Nicholas, 203, 204 , hermitage of St. Milburga, 203 , market-pl., 204 , meadow of Leovin, or Lewin's mead, nr. ch. of St. James, 202 , St. Augustine's ab., 203 ■ , St. James's ch., 202 , St. James's pr., 201, 350 , St. Peter's ch., 201 , Saltmarsh, 264, 265, 308, 350 , Smale-street, 203, 204, 272 British Museum, MSS. in, 280 Briton Ferry, 327 Broc (Brook, co. Wilts.), 179 Brodemede, 361 ; Broade Meade, (some fields on Margam, nr. Morfa Mawr, now called " Bromead"), 363 Brodeslyme, 292 Brombell, -bill, -bille (Brombil on the Rhanallt brook, and there is a Brombil nr. l'yle-Stormy, cf. p. 355, " Gwcyn y Brombyll"), 360, 361, 362, 3"3 . Broniges pit, 132 Broughton, nr. Bridgend (co. Glam.), 126 Brueria, or Bruerne, ab. (co. Oxon.), 267, 268 Bryn Kynhaythwydd, 159 Bryn Llywarch (nr. Baiden ; the land of Luarch, son of Merewith), 49 Buddelencle-lake, Budelende-lake, 260 Buildwas ab. (Salop.), 221, 259, 267, 268 Bulluchesbruhe (Bwrlac Brook(?) runs into Kenfig riv., crosses Water Street, old Roman road), 39 Burdin's-land, (cf. Burdun's-grove in Newton-Nottage, see Francis, Neath, P- 2), 79 Burrows, 310 ; see Berches. Burrys, the Burrows, 157, 304 ; see Berches. Button, 364 Bwllfa (Bwllfa, nr. Aberdare), 1 1 C. Cadegon's land, 365 Cadoc's well (probably well nr. Pant Rosla, Russelve putte, called Fynon- Wen, or the Blessed Well), 23 Cadockston, -tone (Cadoxton, nr. Neath), 329, 330 Cadoxton, or Caddokeston, 326, 328 ; see Kadokeston. Cadogane's lands in Horgro, 361 Cadogan's or Cadugan's land, in par. of Newcastle, 294, 352, 363 Caerleon (in Llangattock par., co. Monm.), tn. and ch. burned, 242 Caerleon ab., 181, 266-268 ; see Kaer- liun. Caerphilly, or -filly (in Eghvysilan par., co. Glamorgan), 17, 328 Cae'rwigau, Cairwigau, Karwigau (Cae'r Wigau in Pendoylon, co. Glam., 1 mile S. of Pendoylon \ 132, 275; Cairdiff, 58 ; see Cardiff Cairwigau ; see Cae'rwigau. Camborne, par. (co. Corn.), 1 14 Cambridge, Trinity coll., 277 Canan stream (Cynon riv., Aberdare), 267 Can Grew, 355 Canterbury, 193 Canterel ; see Bristol. Capel Gwladus (\\ mile NN.W. of Gellygaer), 18 Cappel Fynachlog (ii mile S.E. of Llanwynno), 10 Cardiff (co. Glam.), 2, 3, 9, 20, 30, 36, 58, 64, 75, 144, 152, 172, 178, 182, 204, 205, 207, 212, 218, 246, 269, 293, 299, 304, 310, 315, 318, 323, 327, 328, 348 , burgage called Siward Palmer, 36, 41, 42 , Cabelle st., 206 Index of laces. 387 Cardiff, ca., 13, 142, 308, 315, 347 , castle- ward, 214, 241, 290 , chancery, 310, 311, 315.316,346, 349 , co., 291 , co. court, 126,237,258, 259, 263, 288, 302, 303, 307, 31 1, 315, 318 , Est-st, 192 , ldp., 314 , marsh on the W., betw. Taff and Eley, 75, 236, 239 , moor nr., 284 , moor grange, nr., 272, 300, 305 , Mill-st., 314 , museum, 108 , Portmane-mede, 206 (cf. 353) , road, 290 , St. Mary's ch., 206 , St. Mary's-street, 206 , tn. burnt in A.D. 1185, 54 , Walda, new, 239 ; see also Kaerdif Cardigan, co., 154, 341 345 Carmarthen, co., 154, 341 Carnwathlan, co. Carm., 133 Caruenesdune, 69 Castell-Nedd (Neath— called by the Welsh " Castell-Nedd"), 325 Castelstude, 23 Castle-Kibur, 185, 186 Castle of Morgan Gam, 254 Cateputte, Catteput, Catteputte,Cathe- putte, Kateputte, Katteputte (Pwll- cath, nr. Pyle and Kenfig hill, properly Pwll-y-gath, "the cat's pit"), mentioned in the survey of Pyle, A.D. 1633, T. 1281), 141, 183, 188, 231, 236, 238, 260. Catmaili, abbas, 2 Catteshole (Pwll-y-gath ; Cat's pit [or hole] farm, nr. Kenfig hill, a little S. of E., 2 miles from Pont-y-bwrlac), 39 Cattwg, mon., 325 Catweli tn., Kidwelly par. (co. Carm.), 135 ; see Kedweli, Kidwelly. Cefn-Gelligaer, hen-glawdd (Cefn-Gel- ligaer), 18 Cefn-machen (at the confluence of the Garw and Ogmore rivs.), 134 Ceredigion (Cardigan), 15 Ceven Penar, Ceven Pendar (Cefn Penar, nr. Aberdare), 1 1 Chairdis (error in MS. for Cairdif), 57, 205 Chammaru (Cymmer), 18, 19 Chenefec, Chenefech (Kenfig : the correct spelling is Cynffig, but former is the usual modern way), 35, 44, 45 ; see Kenefec. Chenefeg riv., 24, 25, 193 ; see Kenefec. Chenewinus riv., 21 ; see Kinithwini, Knithwini. Chepstow, co. Monm., 327, 328 La Chilve, 194 Chorus S. Benedicti, ab., 345 Christ church (co. Southt.), 269 Cingjali monasterium, 5 Citeaux, ab. and abbot, in France, 15, 178, 181, 219, 221, 267, 271, 298, 344 Clacckeston, Clakeston (probably Candleston, betw. Tythegston and Merthyr Mawr, formerly Cantlos- town, once the Cantelupes land), 159 ; cf. Blakeston. Clairvaux, ab. and abbot (in France), 13, 14, 19, 23-25, 304, 306, 308, 345 Clakeston ; see Clacckeston. Clanmorgan; Glamorgan, 27 Claudacumkan, Cleodocumchach, Cleudachcumkake, Cleudachcom- kake, Cleudachecomkake, Cleudac' kac', Cleudacumkac (running into Neath riv. below Resolven. Cly- dach-cwm-caca, probably Clydach- Cwm-Cagla, but former is modern and on maps) wa., 159, 181,225, 23 1 , 232, 300, 302 Claudd Ponfald, 356 ; see Klayth Pen- fold. Claudsavan, on the Avene riv., Clawdd Sauan, on the Afan riv., in T. 1282, 309 ; see Foss-Sauan. Cleddac riv., Cleudac, Cleudach, (Clydach riv.), 9, 10, 11 Cleodocumchach, Cleudac'kac, Cleu- dechcumkake, Cleudacumkac wa. ; see Claudacumkan. Cleudaf, 328 Cleuyn (Clyne in Llantwit-juxta-Neath par., co. Glam.), 146 Clodock, 7 Cloeda, or Clydach, wa., 326, 328 Clydach riv., 1 1, 19 Cnyol, fee (Knelston, in Gower), 328 Coganesmor (Cogan, nr. Penarth), 281, 292 Cohi-lake, 183, 185 ; see Goylake. Coicchart, Coithcart, Coitkaid (Coed- Goetre-hen, or Coed-y-Garth in Newcastle), 70, 157, 172 ; see Koith- carth. Colbroke, 352 Colewgleston (Colwinston), 337 Colwinston ch., 337 ma.(Cohvinstone par., co. Glam.), 242 Come Kenfyg (Cwm Kenfig), 357 Comeriswil, well (in the fee of New- castle), 156 Constance, cross of, 327 C c 2 3 88 Index of Places. Conway ab. (Aber-Conway par., co. Cam.), 182 Corfe Castle, par. (co. Dors.), 175 Cormerchs,Cornemershe (in the marsh of Avene, Avan Marsh), 292, 312 Cornelau, N. and S. (Corneli in Pyle par.), 183 Cornele-dune, Corneli-dune, Cornelyis- dune (Corneli Down), 143, 250, 253, 261 Corneli, Comely, 29, 39, 47, 60, 153, 166, 167, 191, 192, 290, 293, 309 cemetery, 60 , S., 301 , supra, 27 Comely chapel, 188, 243 Cornwall, 24 Costenton, nr. Cardiff, 284 Court-Bachan, Courte-Bechan, Court- baghan (Cwrt Bychan), 354, 355, 361 Courte-Colman, tithes (Court Colman nr. Llangwydd), 365 Cowbridge (formerly in the par. of Llanblethian, co. Glam.), 3, 139, 234, 3'7 Coytif, Coyty, par. (co. Glam.), 70, 317, 3i8 Coytseys (Coed Says), 23 Cricke, 363 ; Crickewood, 363 ; Crike- wodde (Craigwyllt), 362 : see Cryke. Croes Gruffhh, 357 Crokerehille, Crokkereshille, Crokeres- hulle (cf. Cae Cocker hill, a fd. in Laleston ; Coker's hill, a fd. in Newcastle), 160, 224, 260 Cross, the (the Groes, or Cross, is a village at Margam, probably so called from a cross formed of earth on the mountain above it— or this cross itself is meant), 23S Crug-Diwlith (a mound where the bards of Tir Iarll were accustomed to meet on the morning of 24 June : it means the dewless mound — no dew was supposed to fall on it), 107 Crumlyn riv., 154 Cryke, 361 mylle (the old building on the edge of Margam Pond is said to be the remains of Craigw yllt mill), 361 wodde (Craigwyllt ?), 361. 362, 363 , little (Craigwyllt Fach), 361 Cumbermere ab. (co. Chesh.), 181 Cumhyr ab. (co. Radn.), 181 Cumkairuin,Cumkerum (Cwm-Cerwyn or Blaen-cwm-cerwyn nr. the source of the Frudul riv., two places half a mile apart), 243 Cum-Kenefeg (Cwm Kenfig), 291 Cwm-Bargoed (Cwm Bargoed), 17 Cwm-Goleu, 17 Cwm-Parc, 1 1 Cwrt-y-Defed (Cwrt-y-defaicl, i.e., Sheep's Court), 1 10 Cymmer, 19 Cynan wa., 326 Cynon riv., 1 1 D. Dame-Alice-Grove, 293 Danes' vale (the valley running from Corneli to Marias and Llanfihangel's- mill), 39 Dare riv., 1 1 Denis-Powys, Denys-Powys, Dinas- Powis, etc. (S.W. of Cardiff, co. Glam.), 75, 76, 218, 236, 261, 292 Detherek (cf. Ketherek), 304 Deumay (the land between Goylake and Longland farm), 183, 188, 190 Devonshire, 144 Dewiscumbe (valley in which stands St. David's well, Ffynon Dewi, nr. Nottage-court), 39 Dinas-Powis, Dinas-Powys, ca. (in Cowbridge hund.,co. Glam.), 75, 76 hundred (co. Glam.), 218 ; see Denis-Powys. Docguinni abbatia, 2 Dochou ab., 3 ; abbot, 2 Docunni abbatia, 2 Dogefel fee, 175 Donisus, well of, in St. Nicholas, 6S Dore ab. (co. Heref.), 182, 267, 298 chapter house, 85, 93 Dorsetshire, 144 Dubleis stream, 175 Dublin, 182 Due, 175 Dufleis riv., 175 Dulais brook, 175 Dunster ch. (co. Somers.), 34 Durham cathedral (co. Durh.), 99 Dwergeshurste, 265 Dyffryn-Fredull' (Dyffryn Ffrwdwyllt in Havod-y-Porth Manor), 354 Dyfryn-house, or Dyfryn Golych, 218 Dynes-powes, 305 ; see Dinas-Powis. Dyved, 15 E. Egleskeinur, Egleskeinwer, Egles- keinwir, Egleskeinur, Egliskainwir, Egliskeinwir, Egliskainwyr, Eglis- keynwer, Egliskeynwyre, etc. (Llan- geinor — Llan-kehin-wyryf, the ch. of Kehin the Virgin), 147, 201, 209, 210, 212, 214, 233, 245, 247-249, 263, 270, 272, 316, 342, 345 ; see Langei- nor. Egleskeinwir ch., 133 , gr., 263 Index of Places. 389 Egleskcinvvir, land, 134, 306 Egloose Nunney (a farm in Mar- gam par., Eglwysnunyd, supposed to have been an ecclesiastical build- ing of some kind), 361 ; Eglois N., 363 Eglwys nunnyd, 112 Eley, Ely, riv., 123, 214, 236, 239, 260, 284 ; see Helei. Ellenepulle-lake (Pwll-andras), 156, 1 59 ; see Wi Serel Ellemvelle-lake, 260 Eltham, Kent, 321 Embroch riv. (Embroch), 135 ; see Hembroc. Embroh (now Mynydd Embroch), 254 Enesgaueleu land, 258, 259 Eniseleueu (Ynys-oleu), 18, 19 Enli isl. (N. Wales), 7 Enys-avene gr., 272 Enys-Avon (Ynis-Avan) ch., 252 Estun-wrelech, Estun-werelech (Ystyn Gwnelech, two miles E. of Glyn Neath Station and on the W. of Hirwaun Wrgan), 267, 268 Euias (co. Heref.), 7 Europe, 1 16 Evreux in Normandy, 151 Eweni, Ewenn th, Ewenny or Eweny, Eywenny (par., co. Glam.), 103, 130, 273, 327, 337, 362 cell, 130 ch. of St. Michael, 150 pry., 25, 80, 149, 150, 335 etseq. ; see Uggomor. rectory, 337 riv., 218 Eywenny, see Eweni. F. Falaise, in Normandy, 176 Farme-bichan, 365 Felin Gelli, 10 Fellewrthi (Gelli-worthi ?j, 151 Fennaun Arthur, 174 Fennebridge, in St. Nicholas, 67, 68 Fennilake, 260 Ffrodoil (Ffrwdwyllt riv.), source of, 299 ; see Frudel. Ffrwd riv., 10, 1 1 Ffrwdwyllt riv., 141 Fishguard (par., co. Pembr.), 182 Flokeslade, 301 Fonmon, ca., in Penmark par., co. Glam., 121 Fonnon Goeg (Ffynon Goeg, nr. Penhydd-waelod), 359 Fons-petre, 21, 78 Fonteyns ab., 350 Foss-Cradoc, 156 Foss-Sauan (Clawdd-Sauan on the Afan river, near Pwll-ysguthan, or Fynon-Ysguthan, at the lower end of Aberavon tn)., 156, 225 Fountains ab., (co. York.), 181,350 Fredull', Dyffryn (Dyffryn Ffrwdwyllt), 354 Fredulles-myll (now Dyffryn Mill on the Ffrwdwyllt), 354 Frodelle, riv., 141 ; see Frudel riv. Frodulle, wa., 357 Frodoille, source, 300 ; see Frudel. Frudel, Frudul riv. (Ffrwdwyllt, nr. Margam), 25, 26, 41, 141, 147, 169, 243. 254, 257 Frutreulin (Ffrwd-rhiw-velen, now Rhyd-velen), 18 Frutsanant riv., 9-1 1 Fynachlog (Capel Fynachlog), 10 Fynon Dewi (St. David's Well, nr. Nottage court), 39 Fynon-gattuke (nr. Aberkenfig), 355 G. Gallt-y-cwm (no doubt formerly Cil-y- cwm), 172 ; see Kelleculum. Gamlase, -lass (Green way, or Green road), 384, 356 Gardin, or Gardino, gr. (cf. Gardinus, the chaplain, witness to Neath ab. foundation charter in Francis's Neath), 57, 272, 305, 326 Le Gard, or Gardo (Cistercian ab., nr. Amiens), 259 Garn, y (the Cairn), 356 Garn ycha, 356 Garwe, Garrewe (Garw), riv., or wa., 47, 133, 134- 168, 179,246-248,342, 345 Gebon ys londe, 347 Gelligaer (par., co. Glam.), 17 Gelli -lenor (Gelli Lenwr, a farm in Llangynwyd Parish), 33 Gethli-lwch (Gclli-lwch), 19 Gethli-fret, Gethli-frith (Gelli-Vrith), 20, 25, 40 Ghent (in Belgium), 257 Gillemichel land (possibly the ancient mansion Gelli, in Avan Valley, Upper Llangynwyd, or Gelli- Michael, Mich- aelston parish, and probably near Aberkenfig), 236, 260 Gilvach Bargoed, 18 Gistelardeslond, 141, 142 Glammargan, Glamorgan, 1,4, 16, 38, 220, 233, 235, 307, 315, 325 Glamorganshire, 54, 114, 115, 121, 152, 154, 217, 223, 254, 261, 275, 280, 360, 361 Glamorgan, bailiffs, 179, 180, 238, 319 , co., 197, 299, 347, 364, 365 39° Index of Places. Glamorgan, co. Court, 284, 291, 296, 302, 303, 315, 318, 346 , ldp., 38, 223, 237, 315, 320 , sheriff, 237, 307, 315, 319 , vale of, (district around Bridgend and Cowbridge betw. S.W.R. and sea), 219 Glanmorgan, 179 Glincorock, Glincorruck, ch. (Glyn- corwg on the river Corvvg, which falls into the Avan river at Cymmer), 352 ; rectory, 365 Glinwrach, Glinwrak (Glyn-y-wrach, or Glyn-Gwrach), 157, 225 Glog (nr. Capel Fynachlog, or i\ miles N.W. of Pontypridd), 10 Gloucester, St. Peter's ab., 149, 275, 335, 337, 333 , honour, 38, 100, 154, 208 shire, 349 Glyngaru (Glyn Garw), gr., 272 Glyn-Mynachesu, 11 Glyn-Rhondda, 264 Gogonev (nr. Resolven), 129 Goielake, Goilache, 184, 284 ; see Goylake. Golden Grove (co. Carm.), 108 Gorse moor (nr. Penhydd Waelod\ 356 Gower (co. Glam.), 5, 151, 240, 294, 3". 3i3, 3M, 3i9 devastated, 1 10 honour, 313 Goyelache, Goylake stream (now Coal- brook running into the Kenfig riv., it runs along a wood Coed-y-GoIlen, 183, 185-191, 193-196, 216, 288, 290 ; see Cohi lake). Gracilis via, road, 286 Gramus, land (cf. survey of Pyle, in a.d. 1633, T. 1281), 231 Grange of the Abbey (Old Pine end, near Morfa), 57, 356 Granges, 360 Great-Pill, 129 Great-Stone opposite Cohi-lake, 185 on the moor at Redeford, 260 Greenwich, E., ma., 365 Gregan (Blaen Gregen, nr. Glyn- Corwg ; Gregen brook falls into the Avan), 299 Grenedona gr., 35 Greneway, 356 Grenewei, highroad, 160 Grethill, Grethull, Gretehulle, 183, 191, 216, 238 Groncath, Gronuth, Grouncth, Gur', Gionyth (rural deanery, co. Glam.), 129, 144, 276, 291, 317, 318, 344 Gualis, barons de, 39 Guenedotia, 7 1 Gumboldeswille, 224 Gur', see Groneath. Guthelendelake, Guthelinclelake, 231 Gwenny (Ewenny), 335 Gwent, 3, 279 Gwerne Manach'z, 352 ; G. Manache, 359 Gweyn Devyd (Waun-defaid, nr. Pen- hydd) 356 Gweyne y Brombyll, 355 H. Ham (on the coast nr. St. Donat's), 143 La Hamme, (near Goylake), 193 Hampton court, 362 Hanginge-grove (this is the manor of Horgrove or Haregrove, Hunting- grove or Hanging-grove, shortened into Horgrove or Haregrove), 273 ; see Hunting-grove. Hanley (Hanley ca., par., co. Wore), 282, 301 Haudhaloc, 123 Havedhaloc, Havedhalok, Havetha- loc, Havodhaloc, Havothalok, Ha- vothaloch, Hevedhaloc, Hovodha- loc, etc. (Havodheulog, a farm in par. of Margam), 28, 123, 172, 178, 180, 197-199, 209, 211, 213, 214,236, 238, 245, 260, 261, 297, 304 Havedhaloc moor (Hafod-heulog moor, 208 Haverford( Haverfordwest, co. Pembr.), 182 Havodhaloc, Havothalok, Havotha- loch, 123, 272, 199, 315, 349; see Havedhaloc (Hafodheulog). Havod-porth, Havode-y-Porthe, Ha- vord Porte, Havod-y-Porth, ma., 309, 353, 354, 356, 357, 362, 363, 364, 365 Havod-y-Dyga ; see Havothduga. Havothalok ; see Havodhaloc. Havoth-duga, Havod-y-Dyga (Hafod- isaf on 6-in. ordnance map, but it is not so, it should probably be Hafod- y-cae), 304, 357 ; see Heved-aker, same place. Havot-porth, Ha\'odeporth, or Havod- y-Porth gr., 272, 305, 348, 350, 352. ; see Porthavoth. Hawode-y-Porthe, 362 Hawoody-Porth and Margam ma., 365 Haxholme Isld. honour (co. Line), 313 Helei, fisheries, 123 ; see Eley. Hellegogy, 138, 294 Hembroc land (Mynydd Embroch), 168 ; see Embroch, Embroh. Hemingford-Grey ma., co. Hunt., 330 Hendriago, 304 Index of 'Places. 391 Henesnawyt, Heneysneweht, 174 Hen-glau, 16 Heol-Adam (ancient road running N. from Gellygaer), 17 Herefordshire, 7 Hermitage of Theodoric, on the E. of the old mouth of the riv. Afan), 20, 2 5, 3 6 , 57, 209, 211, 213, 260 g r -, 57, 220 Heved-aker, 3 miles E. of Margam, on hill above Cwm Kenfig (Hafod- isaf on the 6 in. ordnance map ; on the 1 in. ordnance map it is Hafod- hecca ; neither is correct, it is Ha- fod-y-cae) ; see Havothduga, same farm, 188 Hevedhaloc, Hevedhalok, Hevedha- loke, 180, 199, 209, 213, 214, 236, 238, 260, 261 ; see Havedhaloc (Hafod-heulog). Hirwaun, Hinvaun-Wrgan common, nr. Aberdare, 154, 174, 266-268 ; see Hyrwenunworgan, etc. Hlowenroperdeit (N.N.W. of Ponty- pridd), 9, 10 Hogomor (Ogmore), 261 ; see Ewenny. Hoheleswrdi, 265 Holeton in Denys-Powys, 292 Hollake, 231, 260 ; see Goylake. Holond, in St. Michael's gr. (on the hills nr. Llanmihangel, St. Mich- ael's), 352 Horegrave, Horgrove (Horgrove alias Haregrove, alias Hunting Grove and Hanging Grove, Horgrove § mile W.S.W. of Llangewydd ; it comes from Hunting Grove or Hanging Grove), 66, 145, 261, 282, 294, 305 Horegrove court, 305 Le Horeston, 29 Horgro, gr., and ma., 361, 363-364; -groo, 362 ; -grow, 365 Horgrove gr., 304 ma., 301 Hosebruge, Hosbrugge, gr., 272, 305, 35° mill, 305 Hospitallers' land, 328 (The hospice of the Knights Hospitallers of St. John still exists at Newcastle, Bridg- end ; on the front wall is a carved stone bearing their device: a Greek cross, eagle and monogram) Houodhaloc, 180 ; see Havedhaloc. Hunting-grove, 273 ; see Hanginge- grove. Hurtingham (near Bristol), 265 H\vitherel,232 ;see Wi'Serel, Wytherel. Hyrwenunworgan, 174 ; Hyrwen- worgan, 267 ; Hyrwen-wurgan, 268 ; see Hirwaun. I. Ilduti, abbatia (Llantwit, co. Glam.), 4 Ireland, 59, 115, 182, 320 , Cistercian abbeys in, 152, 219-222 , justiciary in, 298 Isle-of-Bntain, 1 1 5 Istormy (Stormy), 354, 355 J- Jerusalem, crusade to, 60 Joripont (Jerpoint, co. Kilkenny), ab., i y- Julia strata, or via, maritima (part of this road is now Water-street, runs from Cwrt-y-defaid, past Eglvvys- nunyd to Kenfig, then it becomes Heol-y-sheet and Heol-las), 103, 105, 347- K. Kadokeston, 330 ; see Ca Kaenfeeg, Kaenfeg, 179, 180 ; see Kenefeg. Kaerdif, Kardif, 65, 211, 327; see Cardiff. burgage in, 206, 209, 213, 261 marsh on the YV. of, 213, 214 mullcstrate, 314 tn., 210, 260, 261 Kaerliun, Kaerlyun, Kairleon, Kair- lion, Karlyun, Kerlyun, ab., 174, 175, 267, 268 ; see Caerleon. Kardif ; see Kaerdif. Karlyun ab. ; see Kaerliun. Karuesdune, 69 ; see Caruenesdune. Kateputte, 236 ; see Cateputte. Kederekeslond, 142 Kedweli, Kedwely (Kidwelly, co. Carm.), 272, 305 ; see Catweli, Kidwelly. Karpdawardmenet, 16,18. (No doubt this is Cae'r-bedw-ar-y-mynydd ) Kanvigau, 275 ; see Cae'rwigau. Kattepitte, 260 ; see Cateputte. Kclleculum, Kidlicolum, 49, 234 ; see Killeculm, Kithleculum (Gallt-cvvm or Gallt-y-cwm in the Dyffryn Valley on the Ffrwdwyllt riv.) Kelley Grcdyke coppes, 361 ; Kelle- gredige, 363. (Gellygaredig, one mile N. of Llangewydd.) Kenefec, Kenefech, Kenefeeg, Kenefeg, Kenefegg, Kenfegge, Kenefegh, Kenefeh, Kenefeke, Kenefig, Ken- fig, Kenfyge, Chenefec, Chenefeg, etc. (Kenvig, Cefn-y-Figyn, a par. with Pyle, co. Glam.), 20, 28, 30, 32, 33, 37, 43, 45, 54, 57, 58, 65, 105, 128, 152, 162, 163, 167, 179, 183, 184, 186, 188, 194, 196, 213, 231, 250, 251, 253, 39 2 Index of Places. 268, 269, 272, 279, 288, 290, 293, 297, 309, 310, 317, 318, 360, 362 Kenefcc, abbot's court, 347 advowson, 350 bailiffs, 236 barn, 365 burgage in, 43, 178, 205, 209, 21 1, 261 burgesses, 172, 178 — — ca., 65 cemetery, 157, 192 ; of St. James, 193, 285 , come (Cwm Kenfig, a valley near Margam in which rises the Kenfig riv.), 357 ch. of St. James, 129, 131, 193, 303. 305, 323, 324, 343 ch.-land field, [92 ch. and chapels, 128 common moor nr., 288 corporation, 299 fee, 143, 153, 171, 172, 208, 209, 21 '-2 13, 236, 253, 259, 285,309 fishery, 36, 39, 260, 318 gr., 272, 293, 305 hundred court, 74 land, 43, 44, 61 lords of, 284 maladeria, or hospital, 65 ma, 284, 285, 363, 365 mill, 300 millpool, 297 monks'-st., 293, 297 par., 303 ; par. bounds, 344 riv. ; see wa. source of the riv. or wa., 41, 210, 299, 300 territorium, 54, 140 tithes, 365 tn., 193, 211, 261, 285, 287, 297, 298, 301 ; tn. burnt in A.D. 1 167, 35 ; burnt in A.D. 1185, 54 ; burnt in A.D. 1232, 229, 244 ; burnt in A.D. 1243, 253 wa. or riv., 13, 14, 20, 21, 36, 72, 107, 141, 145, 157, 168, 169, 171, 172, '77, 185, 198,209,211,213, 231, 236, 254, 260, 261, 288, 294, 303, 310, 344 Keneverdesham, Keynsham, Kine- werdesham(Keynsham,co. Somers.), 34, 35, 4i Kenilworth, 328 Kerdif, 304 ; see Cardiff. county court, 288 shccpfold at moor nr., 305 ; sec Moor, Mora. Kerdivie castrum (Cardiff ca.), 142 Kerlyun ab., 267 ; see Kaerliun. Ketheric-land, 236 Ketlia'lanwar (Gelli-lenor, or Gelli- lenwr, a very ancient farm in Llan- gynwyd par.), 33 Keuelhi, Keuelthi, Keweleth-hi ford (Gyfylchu ford on the riv. Avan), 158, 164, 300 Keven-Creborne, K. Krebrone, K. Cre- brone, K. Crebur, K. Criber, K. Kribor, coal mines (Cefn Cribwr), 360, 362, 365 Keuencribur, pasture, 300 Keuenmahaj, -mahhai, -mahhaj (Cefn- machen, betw. the rivs. Garw and Ugkemor, or Ogmore, nr. conflu- ence), 47, 134, 168 Keuen-sephon (Cefn-Saison), 328 Keven y Game issa (nr. Penhydd Havod-y-Porth), 356 Keweleth-hi, Kewelthi, ford (in riv. Avan), 41, 299 ; see Red-kevelthi. Keynsham, 34, 41 ; see Kenewerdes- ham, Kinewerdesham. Keyrdif, 269 ; see Cardiff. Kibbor, Kibour, 353 Kidlicolum, 234 ; see Kelleculum, Killeculm (Gallt-y-Cwm in Hafod-y- Porth). Kidliha (Nant Cylla or Cylla Brook, nr. Gelligaer) 16, 18 Kidwelly (co. Carm.) 133, 135, 182, 2 7 2 , 343 ; see Catweli, Kedweli. Kilkenni (in Ireland), 142 Killecanne, 328 (error for Kilticar?) Killecheireh (probably Cil-y-ceirw), 18 Killeculm, Killeculum, Killecullum (Gallt-y-cwm in Dyffryn Ffrwdwyllt), 28, 49, 5°, 57, 7i, 72, 140, 141, 172, 211, 260, 261 Killekar gr. (Gellygaer gr.), 181 Killialum, error in the MS. for Kille- culum. Kilticar, 327 ; or Kiltikan ; (nr. Briton Ferry), 328 Kilvei (nr. Swansea), 302 Kinewerdesham, 35 ; see Keynsham. King's meadow, 224 wall, 340 Kingswood ab. (co. Wilts), 259, 265, 267, 268 Kinithwini riv., 77 ; see Chenewinus, Knithwini. Kirkstead ab. (co. Line), 197 Kithleculum, 210, 214 ; see Kelleculum. Klayth Penfold (at lower end of Aber- avon, on the marsh nr. the old pound or ponfald), 340 ; see Clawdd Pon- fald. Knithwini stream, 179; see Chene- winus, Kinithwini. Koithcarth, Koithkarth, Koythkarth (Coed-y-garth), 209, 21 1, 214, 261 : see Coicchart. Index of laces. 393 Kreyg-cum-Gwelyme (probably Craig Cwm Gwinea, or Gwine, Hafod-y- Porth), 359 Kylthiculum, 236 ; see Kelleculum. Kymer (Cymmer, co. Radn.), ab., 344 Kyrieleison, ab., 345 L. Lache, or Leche Castle (in Wenvoe), nr. Llancarvan, 319 Lacheles-land, Lageles-land, Laheles- lond, Laucheles-land (Laleston, nr. Bridgend), 210, 274, 236, 238, 253, 260, 261 Lacheleston, Lachelestone, Laelston, Lageleston, Lagelestun, Laleston, Laliston, Lla- (nr. Bridgend), 52, 53, 152, 159, 161, 212, 217, 218, 231, 236, 260, 269, 272, 361, 365 ma, 363, 364, 365 ; see Lawele- ston. La-hole-mede, mountain, 37 La-hole-medwe, 34 Laleston, -liston ; see Lacheleston. Lammerwalt, 6 Lancaruan, 309 ; see Lankaruan, Llan- carvan. Lancaster, Duchy of, 342, 343 Landaf ; see Llandafif. tomb of St. Theliaw, 245 Landgenuth (Llangennith, par. in Gower), 151 Landgewi, Landgewy (Llangewydd manor now includes Llangewydd Farm and Llangewydd Court, also a farm), 172, 209, 260, 261 ; see Lan- gewi. fee, 251 gr-, 251 Landgoneth, or Llangonoid, ch., 323 Landguned (Llangynwyd, or Llan- gonoid, par., co. Glam.) ca., 256 Landhary (Llanhary par., co. Glam.), 242 Landinatum ; error of a writer for Lanmeuthin, 178 Landmeuthin, Lanmeuthi, Lanmeu- thin (Llanoethin, Llanmeuthin, Llan- feithun, extraparochial, in Llan- carvan par., co. Glam.), 61, 123, 127, 209-212, 214, 261, 31 1 gr., 212, 127, 272, 304 mills, 304 Landogh, (Llandough, nr. Cowbridge), 3 Landovodock (Llandyfodwg), 337 Landoyeuthin ; error of a writer for Landmeuthin, 61 Landtrissen ca., 199 ; see Lantrissen. Langaker, 274 Langeforer, 263 Langelond (Longland, 1 mile N. of Pyle, and nr. Pwll-y-gath, or Catte putte, nr. Goylake), 183, 190 Langeneth ; see Llangennyth. Langewi, Langewy, Langhewi, Lan- guevi, Langwy, (Llangewydd, co. Glam.), 24, 37, 40, 57, 59, 127, 148, 149, 178 , cemetery (old), 291 , ch., 127, 149 , fee, 126, 135, 150, 213, 214, 236, 237, 270 > gr-, 35, 272, 304 , land, 159 Langewith(e) gr., 360, 361, 362 ; ma., 365 Langewydd, 126 Langhewi ; see Langewi. Langland, 362 Langlond (now Longland), 360, 362 Langonyth ch., 349 Langrove, 319 Languergualt, 6 Languevi ; see Langewi. Languneth, Langunith, Langunyth, Langwneth (Llangonoid or Llan- gynwyd par., co. Glam.), 273, 303 ch., 339 court, 270 manor and advowson of St. Cunit's ch., 302, 303 Langwith gr., 362 Lang wneth, see Languneth. Langwy, 178 ; see Langewi. Langynour, 337 Lankaruan, par., 275, 337 ; see Lan- carvan, Llancarvan. Lanmeuthi, Lanmeuthin, -thyn, 127 ; see Lanmeuthen. Lannildut (Llanilltyd, now Llantwit), 4 Lann Carvanias (Llancarvan), 1 Lann Cingualan, 5 Lann Cyngualan, 5 Lann Geruall, 6 Lann Mergualt, 6 Lantcarvan (Llancarvan par., co. Glam.), 123, 137 Lantgewi (Llangewydd), 31, 126 Lantmeuthin (Llanveithin, Llanoethin, co. Glam.), 61, 62, 200 cemetery, 61 gr., 62, 63, 161 Lantrissen, 16; see Landtrissen. Lantwyt, 317 ; see Llantwit. Lanvigelethe, 356 (362), 363 ; -lith 365 Lateran palace (in Rome), 268, 271 272, 309 Lauchesland (Laleston), 261 ; see Lachelesland. 394 Index of Places. Lawareth moor (Llywarch, Llywarch moor, z\ miles N. of Aberkenfig on riv. Llynfi), 180 Laweleston, Lawelestone (Laleston, nr. Bridgend), 282 ; see Lacheleston. chapel, 303 Leche ca., 319 Lecwithe (Lecwith, nr. Cardiff, co. Glam.), 123 Ledbury, 328 Lestelebont ; see Lisbonit, Lystalibont. gr., 272 Letber Telly, or Telley, nr. Penhydd, Hafod-y-Porth, 356 Leya, fee, 265 Lincoln, Cathedral Chapter-house, 101 Lipthete, 290 Lisbonit, Listallapont, Listelbone, Lis- telebon, 214 ; see Letelebont, Lys- talibont. g r -> 304 Litloke, 356 Littleham, 327 Llaliston, 365 ; see Lacheleston. Llancaiach, 17 Llancarvan, 61, 123, 319 ; see Lancar- van, Lankarvan. Llan-catwg, 326 Llancovian, 133 Llandaff, Landaf, 2, 7, 9, 18, 19, 344, 349 ; see Landaf. ■, chapter-house, 323 ch., 70, 130 diocese, 339, 341, 344 diocesan visitation, 309 palace, 324 see, 291, 322, 328 , tomb of St. Theliaw, 135, 245 Llan-Deilo-Verwalt, 5 Llan-Doch, 2 Llan-Doche-Penarth, 2 Llan-Docuith, 3 Llandogo, 3 ; Llandough, 2, 3 ; Llan- dow, 3 (3|- miles W.S.W. of Cow- bridge). Llandu, 3 Llan-Enniaun, 3 Llan-gan (par., co. Pern.), 268 Llangatock, 329, 330 Llangeinor (betw. the Garw and Ogmore rivs., 13 m. N.W. of Cow- bridge), 133 ; see Egleskeinur, Lan- gynour, St. Kehinweher. Llangenydd, Llangenyth, Llangen- nyth, in Gower, 151, 314 ; see Land- genuth. Llangewydd, 24 Llangewyth, gr., 351— wythe ma., 364 Llanguneth, par. bounds, 344 Llanmeuthin, 178 Llan-Oudocei, 3 Llantrissant ca. (Llantrisant = ch. of the three Saints), 328 Llantwit (par., co. Glam.), 4, 1 10, 1 14 ; see Lantwyt. major, 139 Llanvehangell' ma. (Llanmihangel, St. Michael's Mill), 364 Llanveithen, 61 Llanwonno (Llanwynno, par., co. Glam.), 10, 19 Llanvegellith gr., 362 ; -lyth, 363 Llis-nant riv., 10, 1 1 Llyn ddwr (Llyn-dwr-fawr on Margam mountain), 357 La Longelonde in Hurtingham, 265 Lozerne gr. (Llisworney, nr. Cow- bridge), 328 Luarch (Bryn Llywarch, 2^m. N.N.W. of Aberkenfig on Llynvi R.) ; see Treikik. Lucionensis dioc. (Lucon in Poitou), 34i Luhmeneh (probably Lli-y-mynydd), 18 Lundy isl., 328 Lutegar (Ludgershall, co. Wilts.), 180 Luueles grove (probably LoveFs grove), 216 Lyons (in France), 264, 325 Lystalibont, Listallapont, Lystelbon, 55, 261, 353 ; sec Lestelebont, Lisbonit. Lytelacre, 310 Lytlok (on Avan Marsh), 340 M. Maen Lloyd, 357 Maen Lloydon, 356 Maen-Llythyrog (the Bodvoc stone on Margam mountain), 105 Maesmafon, ? Maes-mawn, 18 ; see Masmawan. Magium ab. (Maig, co. Limerick), 219, 221, 345 Magna-Pola (Llyn-Fawr, "big pool", 1 mile S. of Blaengwrelech. Magna Pola, in K. John's charter to Neath ab., is identified by Francis with Dumball in the Neath riv.), 174, 267 Maig, see Magium. Maislethe, 16, 18 Malmesbury ab. (co. Wilts.), 8, 277, 278 Marc, 328 Marcan, 16 MarchylP, 364 Marcros, -cross, -crosse (par., co. Glam., nr. Cowbridge), 139, 140, 214, 261, 329, 361, 363 ; see Marecros. Marcuth way (in Aberavon Marsh), 156 Index of T 3 laces. 395 Marecros, 305 Marecros-berwes, gr., 304 , fee, 328 Margam, Margan, Mergan (par., co. Glam.), 6, 14, 15, 238, 254, 298, 362 ab. founded, 277 ; ab. remains, 82 ab. site, 82 , advowson of the ab., 296 chapter-house, 83 et seq., 107, 113 ch., 352 ch. (new), 293 ch.-yard, 1 13 , corrodies in the ab., 297, 298 co., 26, 27 , the Earl's fee in, 50, 52 , land in, 36, 37, 40, 42, 51, 61, 79, 80 — — , half the land of, 79 , all land of, 211 , Margham, Idshp., 359 includes Kenfig, 43 ; Newton, 40 ; Sturmi, 80 ma., 364, 365 mountain, 105, 106 par., 361, 362 park, 364 , site of ab., 360-362 St., 109 temporalities, 306, 364 tn., 361 Margona (Margam), 14 La Marie (Marias, nr. Pyle ?), 192 Marlborough (co. Wilts.), 182 Marputte, 274 Marshfield (co. Glouc), 70, 71 Masmawan, 16, 18 ; see Maesmafon. Mauhanis (probably Maes-ynis), 16, 18 Mayrde, 351 Mays-treykik (Maes-tre-y-gedd, nr. Baidan), 252 Mehi, Mei, land, 32, 167 ; see Mey. Cf. Deumay. Mcles, Melis, land (in fee of Avene ; like Meols in Wirral, Cheshire coast), a waste land occasionally subject to sand and sea flood, in manor of Margam. Cf. " all land betw. the new wall and the meles", etc. Sur- vey of A.D. 1582 quoted in survey of A.D. 1633, T. 1282), 146, 224, 230, 252, 254 , Mieles,gr. (the Farm called Lower Court, nr. Port Talbot station, on the edge of the land subject to tidal flood, close to the Avan when it ran out at its old mouth. It is also close to the Wall Saeson, or English- man's Wall, which is probably meant by the "new wall and the meles"), 252, 272, 304 Mellifont ab. (co. Louth), 152, 219, 298 Merewelle (Merevale ab., co. Leic. ), 220 Mergan ab. (Margam), 298, 357 ; sec Margam. Mersfeld, Mersfelda (Marshfield, co. Glouc), 70, 71 Merthilmawre (Merthyr Mawr, nr. Bridgend, and on the Ogmore riv.), 350. Merthir-miuor, Merthyr-mawr, 16, 40, 114 Merthyr-Tydfil (par., co. Glam.), 17 Meskin, Mischin, Miskin (hamlet in Llantrisant par., co. Glouc), 10, 16, 233 Mey, valley, 143 ; see Mehi. Midd' (? Middelcross) gr., 304 Middelberue gr., 272 Middlecros, -cross, 209, 21 1, 260 Mielcs gr., 57 ; see Meles. Mirebeau ca. (in Poictou), 175 Mischin, Miskin, 10, 233 ; see Meskin. Monaster-nenagh ab. (co. Limerick), 219 Monmouth, 3, 6, 317, 343 Monmouth's land, 63 Monnow riv., 7 Mons-Radulphi, 151 ; see Raules- dune. Monte-cum-Gwelyme (Craig Cwm Gwinea, orGwine, in Hafod-y-Porth, Dyffryn Ffrwdwyllt), 359 Moor gr., or More-graunge (nr. Car- diff), 272, 300, 341 Mora (nr. Cardiff), 236, 284, 305 mill, 75 Morcannuc, 7 ; see M organ wg. Morfa, gr. (nr. Margam : Le Newe Graunge, or Cwrt Newydd), 57 Morgo (Margam), 359 Morgan (for Margam), 16, 328, 363 ldp., 223, 346, 347 ma., 365 Morganwg, 15, 16, 154, 279 ; see Mor- cannuc. Mountain Ash, 1 1 Mountain lands, 299, 300 Moyl, 304 Mullemannislond, 297 Myddecroste coppes, 316 Mydcrostekops, 363 Mynachdy, (nr. Fynachlog, N.N.W. of Pontypridd), 10, 1 1 Myngui, Mynwy, 7 N. Nant riv., 10 Nant carban (Valley or Brook of Car- van or Carban, Llancarvan) 1 39 6 Index of Places. Nant clokenig riv. (N.N.W. of Ponty- pridd, nr. Mynachty), 9-1 1 Nant-Clydach riv., 10, 19 Nant-cwm-Parc, 11 Nant-Cylla(Nant Cylla, Gelligaer), 18 Nant-Dar riv., 1 1 Nant-Disculua (Nant Dysgwlfa, riv. of the look-out), 257 ; see Blaenant- Disculua. Nantikhi, rivulet (Nant-y-ci, runs into the Ogmore riv., nr. Llangeinor), 248 Nantiscoilua, Nantiscolua, Nantis- culua, 147 ; see Blainant Disculua, Nant-Disculua. Nant-Pennar, 1 1 Nantreykik stream (Nant Tre-y-gedd, now called Nant-y-gedd. rises nr. Baidan), 252 Naples, 321 Nash, Nashe, Aissa, or Asse, fee of, 327, 328, 329 Neath, Neeth, Neth, ab. (par., co. Glam.), 9, 48, 102, 103, 140, 151, 155, 160, 181, 182, 199,217,218, 250, 258, 259, 280, 306, 325 et seqq., 337, 34i, 359 - ca., 199, 256,326,327 ca. beseiged, 54, 242 ■ "est parte de," or"hestparte de," 226, 229 fishery, 302 hund., 326 manor, 329 pastures, 30 sands, 1 55 university, 328, 334 tn., 103, 279, 347 tn. beseiged, 242 wa., or riv., 118, 159, 172, 17S, 181, ?io. 212, 214, 225, 226, 231, 232, 256, 258, 261, 267, 300, 302, 325, 326, 330 Nedd, Neht, Neph, riv., 72, 174 ; see Neath. Neeth, Neth ; see Neath. Ncutonis-doune, Neutune-dune (New- ton Down), 250, 290 Nevern (co. Pembr.), 108 Newborough (Newburgh, nr. Cardiff), 21, 42, 49, 57, 153, 211 ; see Novus Burgus. Newcastle (par., co. Glam.), 27, 46, 57, 70, 72, 157, 179, 217, 218, 224, 225, 227, 228, 230, 260, 272, 273, 352 advowson, 350 Argoleshull in, 226 — ch. of St. Leonard, 46, 193, 305, 315,323,343 demesne of the E. of Gloucester's table, 236 Newcastle district, 165, 166 fee, 156, 163, 164, 214, 226, 230, 231, 236, 259, 269, 293 hundred, 218 ; "le hundert," 353 land, 160, 164, 166 par., 303 tithes, 282-284 — tn., 143, 178 (Le) New(c) gr. (nr. Morfa), 360, 362 Neumerchs, Neumershe (Morfa Ne- wydd), 292, 312 Newport (co. Monm.), 182, 307 Newton, 40, 57, 153, 172 down, 347 Newtown in Margan, 39, 40 Newton Nottage, Notesch, or Not- aysshe, Newtown (par., co. Glam.), 42, 192, 250, 330, 347 ; see Nottage Court, Nova-villa. Nidum (Neath), 103, 347 Niwere pool, 292 Nodg, or Noge, Court gr. (Nottage Court), 292, 360, 262 Normandy, 38 Notesch ma., 347 Nottage Court, 39 ; see Newton Not- tage. ma, 347 Nova-villa, 42, 250 ; see Newton Not- tage. Novus-burgus (nr. Cardiff, co. Glam.), 36, 42, 49, 172, 178, 209, 213, 261 ; see Newborough. Nunnery farm (in Kenfig), 112 O. Occham (Oakham, co. Rutl.), 180 Odiham (co. Southt.) 182 Oggemor, Ogmore (Ogwr-mawr, co. Glam.), lordship, 329, 338, 342, 343, 346 wa. or riv., 16, 133, 218, 288, 345, 355 ; see Vgemor. Ogmore, ca., 335, 345 Oistremouth, see Oystermouth. Old-castle (hamlet in Lower Coyty par. co. Glam.), 21, 29, 153, 218 , nr. Bonevileston, 294 Olemeda, 135 Olueston, Olvestone (nr. Bristol, co. Glouc), ch., 295, 350 Orchard, grange (probably in E. or W. Orchard ; E. Orchard is on the Thawe riv., both in par. of St. Athan), 181 Orchardescrofte (nr. Tanguestellond, Corneli), 188 Orgareswalle on the riv. Avan, 155; {see survey of A. D. 1582, in the sur- vey of A.D. 1633, T. 1282.) Index of ^Places. 397 Oxford, All Soul's Coll., 151 Oystermouth, 327, 328 P. Palestine, 218 Pavilond, in Gower, 328 Peiteuin, Peithevin, Peittevin, Peitu- uin, 30 ; see Petevin, Poictevin. fee, 142 -land, 30, 142, 162, 163, 166, 180, 209, 21 r, 212, 243 Pembrokeshire, 115, 154 Penchoterich (also Pencoteri, Pencoe- tre, E.S.E. of Llanharry, about \ m. W. of Pencoed station), 242 Pendar (on the riv. Dar, Aberdare), 8-12, 14, 18, 19, 279 Pendelin, 327 Pendoylan, Pendoylon, Penduuelin (Pendoylan par., co. Glam.), 132, 138 Penharth (Penarth par., co. Glam.), 284 Penhuth, 245 ; see Pennud, Penwith (Penhydd). Penlyn, Penlleyne, Penllyne, Penthlyn (Penllyne, nr. Cowbridge) 321, 323, 339, 365 Penmark (par., co. Glam.), 201 Pennardismore (Penarth moor), 292 Pennarth (Penarth, Cardiff), 220 Pennichen, 6 Pennud, Pennudh (Penhydd, 2] miles N.E. of Port Talbot sta.), 146, 168, 257 ; see Penwith (Penhydd) ; gr., 220, 272 Pennuth, 147 ; upper and lower, 309 Pennydd, or Penwyth Waylod (Pen- hjfdd-Waelod), 354, 355 Penrice Castle, 366 Penrhys (Penrhysnr. Pont-rhyd-y-ven, Avan Valley, probably), 1 54 Pen-ryws-y-Baron (nr. Cwm Kenfig), 357 Penthlyn ; see Penlyn. Pen-tir-David (in Avene marsh) 309, 310 Pentirech, 9 Pentre (Pentre is a farm in Cwm, Kenfig), 361 ; -try, 363 Pentyrch (Pentyrch, par., co. Glam.), 9 Penvain, Penvay, Penvei, Penuey (Pen-y-fai, nr. Aberkenfig), 46, 136, 148, 272, 273, 355, 360 , tithes, 360, 361, 362, 365 Penwith, upper and lower, 305 ; see Penhuth, Pennud, Pennuth. Penwyth waylod (Penhydd-waelod), 355 Penychen (Penychen, a cantref, now hundred, containing Talyfan, Mis- kin, Ruthyn and Glyn Rhoddni, or Rhondda), 6 Perusia, 283 Petevin, Petetevin, Peyteuin, Pey- tevyn, land 140, 142, 143, 180, 208, 236, 259 (ma. of Pettun ; see Clark's Land of 'Morgan, p. 70); see Peitevin. Pile ma, 365 ; see Pyle. Pile maur (Pill mawr, Aberavon marsh), 356 Pill, 365 Pistilcoleu (Pistyll-goleu), 18, 19 Pistyll-goleu, 19 Poble O'Brien, barony, 220 Poictevin land (in Kenfig), 162 ; see Peitevin. (La) Pole, nr. Bonevileston, 286, 289 Pollardeslade, 195 Polle Robyn (Pwll Robin, nr. Gyfylchu ford on the riv. Avan), 353 Poncanum, \va., 326 Ponte (? Bridgend, which is Pont- neuydd, or Bont-newydd), 225, 237 (Ponte, in Francis' Neath, K. John's Charter, is said to be " Brit- ton Ferry ? " and lower down in same place Brigeton is identified by the same author with that place. Or is it Pontvaen = Cowbridge?) Pontypridd, 19, 21 Porchester (co. Southt.), 298 Porthavoth, 309 ; see Havod-porth. Porthkerry (par. co. Glam.), 154 Portlond, 285 ; Portland, 360 Portmannis-more, 353 (cf. 206.) Port street, 138 Port Talbot (Aberavon Harbour, changed by Act of Parliament, 1836, to Port Talbot), 103, 1 16-1 18 Preostesbereg, 28 ; see Prestesburge. Pres, ab. of St. Mary des, 176 Prestesburge, Prcstesburghe, 29, 191 ; see Preostesbereg. Pulkanan (Pwll-Cynan, marsh between Neath and Swansea, in which Cynan, son of Rhys ap Tewdur, Lord of Deheubarth, was lost), wa, 326. Pulmor, Pulthimor, Pultimor, Pulti- more (PwlLdu-mawr, nr. Llanmeu- thin and Cowbridge), 69, 153, 156, 172, 210, 211, 214,224,227-229, 261 ; see Puntlimor. Pult-scathan, Pultschetan, Pult- shethan (Pwll-ysguthan, nr. the Avan riv., a well-known well in the marsh of Aven, now in the lower part of Aberavon tn. ; cf. T. 1282), 155. 156, 225 Puntlimor (Pwll-du-mawr), 178 ; see Pulmor. 398 Index of Places. Puppit, 353 Puthladar (Bwllfa-dar, almost due W. from Aberdare, vow called Bwllfa- Dar), 267 Pyle Inn, 366 Pyle, Pyll, par., 46, 77, 365 station, 105 tithes, 365 Pylle, Pille, or Pyle, ma. and par., 361, 363, 364, 365 Pyshylle, 351 Q- Quarr ab. (I. of Wight), 259 R. Raath, Rabat, Rath (Roath, nr. Cardiff, co. Glam.), 55, 56; vivarium or fish- stews, 64, 65 Ranel riv. (Rhanallt Brook, on Ordnance Map Arnallt Brook — people call it the Ranalt), 26 Raneth (same as above), 26 Raulesdune, 150, 151 ; see Mons Radulphi. Redecamheru (Ynys-cymmer, just above Glyn-Neath on the W. bank of the Neath riv.), 259 Redeford, Redeforde (nr. Aberkenfig), 160, 260 Redelond, 294 field, 290 Redes moor, 238 Redesice (nr. Corneli), 47 Redevayn, Rcdvayn (Rhyd-y-Waun), 267, 268 Redkeuelethhi, Redkewelthi (Rhyd Gyfylchu, a ford on the Avan riv.), 20-25 ; sec Ridde-Keuelechy. Redvayn ; see Redevayn. Res, chapel of, 282 Resolven, 147, 159, 307 ; see Rhosoulyn. Rew-herbert (a lane running up the side of the hill Pant-y-Moch in Cwm-Uuffryn, Hafod-y-Porth, so called still), 354 Reyde Epollon Deon, a ford in Avan riv. (Rh)M-y-pyllau-duon, ford of black waters, i.e., Black Wells), 353 ; cf- 357 Rhondda riv., 11, 19, 134, 345 Rhosoulyn, 312 ; see Resolven. Rhos-sili (in Gower), 5 Ridde-Keuclcchy, Rid-Keuelechy, -lethy (Rhyd-gyfylchu), 209, 211, 260 Rievaulx ab. (co. York), 119, 181 La Rigge (old name of Kenfig-hill ; cf. Rhyg, rye or heather. Perhaps = "the ridge"), 231, 273 Roath (par., co. Glam.), 55, 56, 64 Roath-Uogfield Manor, 175 Roffistowe, 353 Rorlesland, -lond, 1 59, 236, 260 ; see Roueleslonde. Rome, Sta. Maria Mag-., 342 , St. Peter's, 322, 329, 341, 342 Rosaulin, Roshaulin, Roshaulyn, Roshowelin, Rosowlin, Rossoulin, Rossoulyn, Rosulgen (Resolven, nr. Neath, par. of Lower Lantwit, co. Glam.), 5,123, 124, 129, 147, 158, 159, 172, 181, 210, 211, 214, 225, 229, 230, 232, 245, 261, 300, 302, 304, 311, 313 chapel, 124, 262 gr., 220, 262, 272 Rossavan, Rossaulim, errors in MSS. for Resolven, 178 Rosulgen, 5 ; see Rosaulin. Rotheney, Rotheni (Rhondda), 134, 345- Mawr (Rhondda Fawr), 174 Rothcsmore, 353 Roueleslonde, 231 ; see Roflesland. Rouen Castle (in France), 176 Rudelf, 20 Rumney pr. (New Romney alien pr., co. Kent), 101 Rumney riv. (co. Monm.), 17, 18 Russelue-putte (PantRosla; cf.Cadoc's well, or Ffynon Wen,or Blessed Well, nr. Pant Rosla. It refers to land betw. Llangewydd and Cefn Cribbur, and Penvey, nr. Aberkenfig), 23 Ryde-y-banall (Rlvfd-y-banal), 358 Ryde-y-come (Rhyd-y-Cvvm, above Cwm Kenfig ; full name is Rhyd Blaen-y-Cwm), 358 Ryde-yppollon-deon, (Rh^d-y-pyllau- duon, Ford of the dark pits or wells; probably Black Wells on the Avan riv. now), 358 S. St. Andrew's ab., 259 St. Andrew (par., co. Glam.), 75 St. Brigida, or Brigitt's (St. Bride's-by- Newton, par., co. Glam.), 153, 329 ch., 337 ; vicar, 338 St. Clare ca., 163 St. Cross ab. (co. Tipperary), 221, 345 St. Cunit's ch. (Llangynwyd,co. Glam.), 3°2, 303 St. David's (co. Pembr.), 35, 36, 328 St. David's chpl., 152 St. David's well (nr. Nottage Court), 39 ; sec St. Tudoc's. St. Donat's (par.,co. Glam.), 143, 159, 329) 330 ch., 140 St. Gladus (Capel St. Gwladus, nr. Gelligaer) 16, 18 Index of T* laces. 399 St. Hillary (St. Hilary par., co. Glam.), 2 33 St. Illtyd, par. ch., 218 St. Kehinweher, chpl. of (Llangeinor, co. Glam.), 133 St. Mary Magdelene's chpl., 153 St. Meuthin's chpl. (at Llanfeithun or Llanmeuthin), 127, 128 St. Michael's, 145, 362 ch., 6 gr. (Llanfihangel farm, \ mile W. of Pyle ch.), 30,52, 53, 167, 272, 304, 360 mill, 305, 357, 362, 363, 365 St. Michael-super-montem, gr. of (nr. Tondu or Aberkenfig, E. of Pyle), 72-74 St. Nicholas (par., co. Glam.), county court held at, 258 fee, 67, 68, 74, 210, 212, 214, 261 to., 217, 218, 233 St. Piran's chpl. (Shoemaker-st., Cardiff), 36 ; see Clark's Land of Morgan. St. Taurinus ab. (at Evreux, Nor- mandy), 151 St. Tudoc's (the dyke from St. Tudoc's may be the little brook running from Corneli, now called the slwt ; it joins the water from St. David's well and goes on to the sea), 39 St. Thomas, chpl. of (now a farmhouse, Court Farm, at Port Talbot station ; ecclesiastical remains and crosses there), 116, 118, 224 St. Ylthut's well (Ffynon Illtyd in Craig Ddu, Cwra Pellena), 158 Salisbury Cathedral, 99 Salt-marsh, Salt-mershe ; see Bristol. Sammelis-were, 292 Savignyab. (in France), 259, 325-327 Scarra, 328 ; sec Blakescerre. La Schelve, La Schilue, Scihve, 183, 189, 190 ; see Sculue. Scotland, 295 Sculue, Scylue, 189, 190 ; see La Schelve, La Silve. Seiet, Seieth, Seietesland, Seyetesland, Seyeth (farm, W. of Cefn-Machen or Keuenmahaj, co. Glam., now probably City), 224, 232, 260 ; see Seitesland. Seingeheny, Seinhei, Seinhenit, Senghenydd, Seynhinith, 17, 39, 123, 233 ; see Seynhinith. Seitesland (now called City, doubtless a corruption of Seiet), 236 ; see Seiet. Senghenydd ; sec Seingeheny. Severn riv., 154 Seyetesland, 260 ; see Seiet. Seynhinith (Senghenydd, but in Rees' Welsh Sain/s, Seinghennydd is no doubt more correct ; now Caer- philly) ; see Seingeheny. Shaftesbury ab. (co. Dors.), 38 Sheeps gr. and mill, 363 Shene man., 343, 344 Sheps gr., 361, (363), 365 Sheps mylle, 360 (363) La Silve, 183, 189 ; see La Schelve, Sculue. Skerra gr. (called also Blakescerre, now Sker), 48 Sliddridge-putte, 23 Slindon, Slindune (co. Suss.), 219 La Slyme, 292 Sortacre, 274 Southouse, 360 Spins', de Spinis, land, 224, 232 Stanley ab. (co. Wilts), 221 Stormy down (in Pyle par., co. Glam.), 46, 77 gr-, 3°4, 3 6 o. 3 6 2 , Little, or le less, 360, 363, 365 , Great, or le more, 360, 365 vaghan, 354 ; Storme-vachan, 355 ; see Sturmi. Strata Florida, Stratflurab. (co. Card.), 182, 267, 344 Stratvaga, 16, 17 Strigoil, 328 Sturmi, Sturmy (Stormy, in Pyle par., co. Glam.) ch., 46, 51, 80, 246 gr., 272 land, 32, 51, 172,209, 211, 213, 238, 245, 261 moor, 143, 253 wood, 33, 37 Sturmiestune, 245 Sully, 302 Sutthune, or Sutton, nr. Ewenny and Bridgend (from this place the stone used in the ab. was brought), 126, 33° Suueyshullc, 274 Swansea (co. Glam.), 182, 218, 240, 3'4, 328 ca., 197 T. Taf, Tafe, Taff riv., 16-19, I2 9> 172, 175, 178, 210, 214, 260. 284; see Taph, Taus, Thaf. fisheries, 123 Taleletho ab. (Talley, co. Carm.), 275, 276 Talcschanlhere, Taleschanlhore, 248 Talken Hen-glawth, 356 Tangelust gr., 360 Tanglus-lond, 353, 362, 365 Tanguestellond,Tanguestelond, or Ty- Tanglwys [i.e., Ty-tan-yr-Eglwys), 400 Index of Places. nr. Cornelau, a mile S.S.W. of Pyle station, 141, 188 Tan-y-Daren, 1 1 Taph riv., 174 ; see Taf. Tare-Tanglust, 353 Taus, Tav, ford, 21, 78; see Taf, Taph. Tedegestowe, Tegestowe, Tithegstowe, Tithgestoe (Tythegston par., co. Glam.), 272,282, 363-365 ; •sw Tethe- gestowe, Tiudekistone, Tudekistowe, Tythegston. chpl., 303 Ten-acres, land, 274 Terlyng (Terling, co. Ess.), 361 Terries, Terrys, gr., 300, 304, 311 ; see Tyrris gr. Terzarrle (Tir-jarl, Llangymvyd par.), Wp., 357 Tethegistoo, 362 Tethgistow, 361 Tethgistowne, 269 ; see Tedegestowe. Tetteberne, 328 Tewkesbury ab. (co. Glouc), 128, 131, 179, 250, 251, 280, 282-284, 3°5> .3-2- 324, 337, 343, 349, 35°, 357 Thaf, Thaph, riv., 174, 212, 214, 236, 239 ; see Taf. Thavy, or Thawe, riv., 326 Theodoric's gr., 57, 220 — hermitage, 20, 25, 36, 57, 209, 211, 213, 260 Thorrcbethel, Thorebethel (Tor-Betel, just S. of Resolven), 181, 302 ; see Torbethel, Torrebethel. Tintarn, 3 Tintern ab. (co. Monm.), 102, 181, 182, 267 ; see Tynlerne. Tir-Iarll, Tirialthe, Tyriarth (in Llangynwyd), 107, 291 ; see Ter- zarle. Tithegstowe, Tithgestoe, Tiuderkis- tone, 294 ; see Tedegestowe. Tokynton, Tokyntone (Tockington, co. Gloucester), 261, 350 Tone Gregoys (Ton-y-Grugos, E. of Margam), 357 Torbethel, 158, 159, 225, 232 ; see Thorrcbethel, Torrebethel. Torkemerev (Tor-y-Cymry, or Rhiu Tor-y-Cymry, near Blaen-nant), 147 ; see Torrekemerev. Torrebethel, 230 ; see Thorrcbethel, Torbethel. Torrekemerev, 257 ; see Torkemerev. Torres, 160, 269 Le To wen, 361 Towyn, 363 Toykemerev (error of MSS. for Torke- merev), 147 Trampeslatd (in St. Nicholas), 68 Tref-rct, 16 Traikic, Treikic, Treikik, Treykik (Tre- y-gedd, nr. Baiden), 40, 49, 140, 143, 160, 252, 260 ; see Treie-gyke Treykic. moor, 143, 160 Tref Bledgwr-mab-Aches, 114 Treie-Gyke, 252 ; see Traikic. Tre-Orkey, 11 TreranelF, 355 Tre-y-gost, 337 Treykic, Treykik, Treykyk, 231, 252, 260 ; see Traikic. cemetery of chapel, 252 Trissant, 262 ; -sent (in Margam par.), 363 Troscoll (road from Penh^dd-waelod and joining Rhiw- Herbert), 359 Tudekistowe, 290 ; see Tedegestowe. Turburnesdune (in St. Nicholas), 6S Twelve-acres, 188 Ty-Gwyn (Whiteland ab.), 268 Tynterne ab., 293, 294 ; see Tintern. Tyriarth, 291 ; see Tir-Iarll. Tyrris gr., 272 ; see Terries gr. Tythegston, 220, 352 ; see Tedeges- towe. U. Vgemor, Uggemore, Ugkemor, Ugke- more (now Ogmore), riv. or wa., 47, !33, '34, 144, 168, 179, 246-248, 327, 342 ; see Oggemor. Uggomor, or -more, pr., 30, 31, 280, 335 ; see Eweni. Ugkemor riv., Ugkemor wa. ; see Vgemor. Ulf's well (nr. Aberkenfig), 22, 23, 52 (Le) Upper gr., 360, 362 Usk riv., 154, 242 V. Vacella, barn, 233 Vadum lutosum (or muddy ford, probably on or in the Ogmore riv.), 224, 232, 260, Valle-crucis ab., 350 Van (hamlet in Bedwas par., co. Glam.), 17 Velleworthi. 150, 151; see Fellewrthi. Via Julia Maritima (in Margam— the road now called Water-st, a mis- taken translation of Heol-y-troed- wyr, road of the foot soldiers — it begins nr. Cwrt-y-defaid, and runs towards Kenfig and beyond), 103, '05, 347 Villa Walteri, 328 Vitcrbo (in Italy), 2S4 Vochrhiw, 18 Votum ab. (in Ireland), 222 Index of Places. 401 w. Walda, or wall, of Margam ab. in Avene marsh, 230, 312 ; see Walda of the English. of the English in Avene marsh (" Gwal-Saison", from Ffrwdwyllt to Avene riv., partly destroyed, but much of it still existing), 224, 230 , new, 254 of Avene, 292, 293, 340 , Welsh and Kings' walls, 356 Walderes Cross, 231 Walderestone, 66, 145; see Walteri- stone. Wales, 49, 323 , Cistercians of, 295, 350 , N., 24, 327, 364 , S., 24, 35, 82, 109, 242, 319, 336, 340, 341, 364 Wallum of the English, 224 ; see Walda. Walteristone, Walterston, 145, 294, 328 ; see Walderestone. Wardon ab. (co. Bedf.), 181 Watirton (Waterton), nr. Bridgend, 3?9 Weir, chapel of, 282 Wenloge, ldshp., 359 Wenvoe (par., co. Glam.), 137, 286 ; see Wunfal. Wessac riv. (Wendderi rivulet, run- ning into the Frudul or Ffrwdwyllt ?), 254 Westminster (co. Midd.) 178, 182, 330, 339, 345, 35o, 358, 360, 362, 364, 365 , ab.,95, 99 Wethirlugh'n ab. (co. Tipperary), 221 WeworSi, 1 5 1 ; see Fellewrthe, Velle- worthi. White-Crosse, gr. (Croes-wen, or Croes-gwyn farm, in Margam ? ), 360, 362 Whiteland, Whitland ab., Alba-landa, or Alba-domus. Ty-Gwyn, ar Tav., the white house on the Taf, where Howel Dda codified the laws in the ninth century, in par. of Llangan, cos. Pembr. and Carm. ; other writers place this abbey in par. of Llanboidy, co. Carm., 30, 102, 182, 268, 345 Wiches, the, 16 Wick (4! miles S.S.E. of Bridgend), 329 WiSerel, on the riv. Ogmore, E. of Pwll-andras, and probably just S. of the confluence of the rivs. Garw and Ogmore. Pwll-andras, as Ellene- pulle lake, or Ellyllon-y-Pwll brook, is now called, falls into the riv. Llynvi, E. of Tondu, in Ynisawdre par., 156 ; see Hwitherel, Witherel. Wigetune (in St. Nicholas), 68 Wigmore ab. (co. Heref. ), 275, 276 Wigornia (Worcestershire), 16 Wigtonshire (in Scotland), 103 Wilton ab. (co. Wilts.), 38 Wiltshire, 359 Winchester (co. Southt.), 182 Windsor (co. Berks.), 16 ; ca., 322, 346 Winney (Ewenny), 362 Witherel, \bo\see Hwitherel, WrSerel. Wnuo (Wenvoe), 286 Woobourne ab., 350 Worcester Cathedral, 267 chapter-house, 101 Worcestershire, 16 Worleton manor, 303 Wrac, Wrach, Wrak, wa. (Gwrach brook, running into Neath riv. at Glyn Neath), 159, 181,225, 230, 232, 2 33, 300, 302 Wrelec, Wrelech, wa. (Nant-Gwer- elech, running into Neath riv. at Pont Neath Vaughan), 174, 267 Wunfal (Wenvoe par., co. Glam.), 137 ; sec Wenvoe. Wyke, or Wick (4$ m. S.S.E. of Bridgend), 329 Wyre riv., 16 Wyston, co. Pembr., 362 Wytherel, 260 ; see Hwitherel. Wytewelle spring, 269 Y. Ynysoleu, 19 Ynys-y-bwll, 10, 19 Ystrad junction, 17 Ystraddyfodwg (Ystrad-y-fodwg, or Ystrad-dyfodwg, co. Glam., from Ystrad, valley, and Dyfodwg, the founder of the church there), 21 Yugein, 5 D D CORRIGENDA. Page 16, for " Brohru-carn", read " Bohrucam". „ 71, line 7, for " character", read " charter". „ 1 50, line 8, for " Abbot, and", read " Abbot of Gloucester, to". „ „ line 13, for " Tuberuille", read " Turberuille". „ 179, line 35, for " Welshman", rc<2^ " Welshmen". „ 185, line 20, for " two" «W " three". ,, 204, note \,for "A.D. 1257", read"A.v. 1237". „ 237, headline, >r " Giblert", read " Gilbert". „ 257, line 2% for " Leysau", read " Leysan". ,, 315, line 14, for "a.D. 1335", read u A.U. 1355". 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