Monday 14 December 2009

COFIA 1282 MEDIEVAL HERITAGE TRAIL marked out 12 - 12 - 2009

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Historical Record testifies that Llywelyn III with his Army came into Central Cymru and made camp on Rhosferig on the 10th December, an hill with commanding view in all directions and of course defencible. Late the following day 11th December, after possibly displaying Y Croes Naid to his soldiers, records states he went to Llanganten, possibly to pray in the Church there, although some consider he did this at Llanynys just further on. Whatever, he returns to Pont Irfon (near to present day Golf Course, see fotos below) and with his Teulu - Personal Royal Body Guard crosses the Irfon and makes his way to Aberedw. Here according to historian Anthony Edwards, they are ambushed and the body guard killed whilst Llywelyn III is mortally wounded. His body his placed in a near by Cave, today named as Ogof Llywelyn, there he is given last rites prior to being murdered by beheading on command of Edward I King of England. Possibly it is here that his personal priest having given him his last rites, secretly took possession of the Y Croes Naid to eventually return with it to Gwynedd. The following day 12th December, Byddin Llywelyn are told of their leaders death and induced to come off Rhosferig and surrender in area of present day Parc yr Irfon on which today there is Builth Wells Golf Course, There they are surrounded and masscred, possibly by Welsh Archers serving with the Anglo - Norman Army, a few escape the massacre and return to Gwynedd.
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Above are Cards I made to mark locations of these events for future reference regards establishing a Brenhinol Cymru - Cofia 1282 - Medieval Heritage Trail. I managed to place such at Rhosferig and close to Parc yr Irfon, near Golf Club House and with Pont Irfon in view but unfortunatly did not make it to Aberedw and Ogof Llywelyn. That will have to be now left to another day but I will return to complete this project and post up further details for your information.
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Below fotos are of card placed in area of Rhosferig.
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Below I marked out location near to where the aforementioned massacre took place, commonly referred to as the Battle of Irfon Bridge. You will note there is an ideal location here, opposite Golf Course Club  House for a Massacre Memorial. C'mon Builth Wells how's about it, a worthy project re Cadw E.U. Five Year Heritage Tourism Initiative, see their web site for further detailed information.
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Foto below - Irfon Bridge - close by.
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G.Gruffydd.