Cylchgronau Cymru

Chwiliwch trwy dros 450 o deitlau a 1.2 miliwn o dudalennau

reported that paving-stones had been unearthed there. Services are still held in the old church during July and August, and there are photographs in existence of two coracle-like craft which were used to transport worshippers from the Hendy side of the river within living memory. The church itself is very interesting. It was originally cruciform, but the nave was extended on the south side to its full length and the thick walls were breached to enable worshippers in the new south aisle to follow the service. There is a south porch, and on entering, a large squint is observed-cut through one of the solid pillars of masonry, so that people entering the church could see the altar and pay their respects to the Host. Mr. Ernest Morgan's sketch of the interior shews the splendid timbering of the roof with its oak tie- beams, the box-like pews, and the entrance to the rood-loft behind the pulpit is a feature deserving attention, being common to many of our Gower churches. But Llandeilo Talybont is not a typical Norman Gower church, for although it was founded centuries before the Norman Settlement, it was never within that settlement. It nevertheless shews signs of Norman architectural influence and it possesses a Norman font, but instead of a saddleback tower, it has a simple bellcote and an unornamented fabric consistent with the native Welsh tradition. The church, however, is now in a shocking state of dis-repair and the Vicar of Pontardulais, supported by a committee of townspeople representing all denominations, is making most laudable efforts to raise money to arrest the process of decay which will soon turn this sacred old building into a ruin. At the confluence of Gwili and Llwchwr on the Carmarthenshire side of the river, there are large earthworks reputed by Col. W. LI. Morgan to be the site of Ystum Enlle with considerable outworks some yards away on the opposite side of a large river loop. But returning to the Glamorgan side we find in a field on the north of the lane to the church a massive and significant mound it is a motte and bailey castle, probably the site of Castell Ddu first mentioned in Llyfr Coch Hergest. Its local name is Banc y rhyfel and its important associations with early Welsh history are as yet scarcely appreciated. Col. W. LI. Morgan in his Antiquarian Survey of East Gower very properly suggests that the earthworks on the other side of the river are later developments of the same site, and after comparison with similar sites elsewhere in Wales it is safe to conclude that Banc y rhyfel is the original motte and bailey of the first wooden Castell Ddu which was in occupation until the more elaborate Castell Ddu near the river-crossing was completed. A farm nearby is still called Castell Ddu." Much remains to be elucidated, but it is certain that within an unspoilt site of forty acres, Pontardulais is in the fortunate position of having its history for two thousand years laid out like a map. The site is unique, and something should be done to preserve the unity