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.

COFIA 1282 REMEMBERANCE TRAIL Central Cymru. A Brenhinol Cymru Medieval Initiative.

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If the annual Cilmeri Commemoration is not your scene, then you have an alternative day out following in the footsteps of the Anthony Edwards view on the sad events that took place over 10, 11 & 12 Ragfyr 1282. Proceed to Rhosferig where Byddin Llywelyn pitched camp on the 10th, on to Irfon foot Bridge via Golf Course location of where the Welsh Army was massacre on the 12th, on to Builth to visit the Castle and a tea break. Then on to Aberedw location where Llywelyn III  was ambushed and mortally wounded on the 11th, visit the Castle and Church, only proceed to Ogof Llywelyn if enough light left in the day to get there and back before darkness sets in. Check out with some one local re state of the path to the cave, maybe at the Seven Stars Tafarn, myself at this point would book in for the night at 7S's and, have a good evening Cofia 1282 Rememberance Meal.

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In the morning after a good hearty breakfast proceed to Ogof Llywelyn, it was here that Llywelyn III was mudered by beheading on command of Edward I King of England. Followed by an afternoon outing to Abaty Cwm Hir where the body of Llywelyn III was bueried under the high alter, here it would be appropriate to place wreaths by the memorial set up there by Cofiwn. Note there is a tafarn in ACH too where a Sunday dinner or evening meal may be had before you begin your journey home after an interesting pre xmas week end break. Try it ! I have and it is a break from the usual Cilmeri Commemoration day especially, if like me one is now beyond middle age, or 60 plus like me  sad to say. I shall be doing much of this outing this weekend so our paths may cross, so wear an Ivy with Red&Yellow Ribbon so that we may recognise fellow Welsh Medieval History enthusiasts.

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Such a field trip outing is idea for couples, families, friends and community groups and, please do place Ivy or floral rememberance tributes in the church or in the cave.

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Do wear clothing to keep you warm, good foot wear is a must too and, last but not least take sarnies and a flask of hot soup plus a torch and compass just in case. For further information I have posted to my blogs an abbreviated account of the Anthony Edwards true story of the Ambush and Assassination of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd 'Tywysog Cymru'. Try a google search of his name or Aberedw.

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Gethin Gruffydd.