Cylchgronau Cymru

The episode is of course trivial in itself, yet it offers a possible clue to the mixed feelings wherewith the genuine Cymry might have viewed any irruption into their midst of Prince Charles's army in 1745, with its bands of clans- men in kilts, accompanied by all the wild music of the Highlands. The generation that elapses from the failure of the Jacobite rising in 1715 to the more important campaign of 1745 saw at the same time a great increase in Jacobite activity and intrigue, and likewise a rapid development in the educational and religious progress of the Welsh people. The two movements are of course incompatible with one another. Those of the people that were being taught to read and write and reflect could own little enthusiasm for the cause of the Roman Catholic Legitimist king in Rome who claimed to reign in Britain. Although the work and influence of Griffith Jones and his devoted patrons and helpers had no dynastic aim, yet the new ideas and aspirations raised by their teaching were bound to re-act on the political outlook of the country-people as a whole. And this too in spite of very strong efforts made by the leading Jacobite families in Wales. At first sight it would appear as though the Jacobite cause was secretly gaining in strength, but in reality the bulk of the people had grown to care less and less about this question of the dynasty. Their immediate and more lively interest lay elsewhere. Moreover, as I said before, the very close con- nection of the Royal Stuarts with the Papacy must of itself have prejudiced their cause in evangelical eyes. Of the Welsh Jacobite leaders between the 'Fifteen and the 'Forty-five, undoubtedly the most important is Sir Watkin Wynn, third baronet of Wynnstay. He figures constantly under the pseudonym of Brutus in all con- temporary Jacobite correspondence. As a young squire