Cylchgronau Cymru

In parts of Britain and western Europe these standing-stones may be found, set out in lines or avenues, but in Gower no con- vincing examples of such alignments have hitherto been proved to exist. That at least one such alignment of stones did in fact exist in our area in former times is indicated by an interesting estate map of the Manor of Knelston, dated 1784, preserved in the National Library of Wales at Aberystwyth. The map, of which the Gower Society possesses a photostat copy, shows that one of the numerous standing-stones now remaining in the Knelston area did at that time form part of an alignment of three such stones, two of which have since vanished. The accompanying plan reproduces the relevant portion of the map. The remaining stone of this alignment is that known as the Bury Western Stone which stands near the hedge of a large field formerly known as the Sheep Lays. The old estate map shows the manor in great detail, not only its houses and hedges being indicated but even the field gates. Each of the existing standing-stones is shown in the precise position it occupies today. Three stones which no longer exist are also shown (one of them an isolated example not included on the portion reproduced) the other two, together with the Bury Western Stone, forming an alignment of eighty feet long. The accuracy of this early map is easily demonstrable so it seems certain that at least one alignment of standing-stones existed in Gower until late eighteenth century. The others have had to yield to the mechanization of agriculture. Ten Walks in Gower This publication has already given great pleasure to many members and visitors. It has proved a valuable guide and in a quite original form. It is available from the Gower Society's Book Depot at Messrs Sidney Heath Ltd., Beau Nash House, Swansea. The Guide to Gower After years of preparation, the Standard Guide to the Special Area" of Gower is now being prepared. The Society asked Gwent Jones to edit the volume and he readily accepted the task. The material-articles, photographs and maps-will be outstanding. It is hoped that production will be possible at such a price that it can reach every home and every pocket.