Website Update ~ October 2024

New & Revised Articles

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Leeswood Hall Dovecote ~ Leeswood, Flintshire

I love dovecotes. They are curious things to come across in the landscape. Quirky little buildings, built to provide year long supplies of pigeon to the great and the good. Their heyday came to an end with the advent of modern argricultural methods which provided fresh meat throughout the year. But these buildings, which whle conforming to a number of architectural norms, almost always have a bit of weirdness to them which make them a pleasure to study. The Leeswood Hall Dovecote dates to the 18th century and has fallen into ruin, but its still a delight to visit.

The Llangollen Underground Monitoring Post ~ Llangollen, Denbighshire

I stumbled across this curious and somewhat disconcerting bit of evidence of our Cold War history a little while ago. The Royal Observor Corp (ROC) underground monitoring post in Llangollen was the master unit for a group of three posts (the other two are at Ruthin and Brymbo in Wrexham), built to house one or two soldiers, buried in the earth and tasked in quantifying the devastation of a nuclear attack. The post at Llangollen has sent me stumbling towards an attempt to visit all the many, many UMP's in Clwyd. It will take some time.

Tŷ Castell ~ Nercwys, Flintshire

It was naughty of me of course, but I'd sort folded the pretty little village of Nercwys into a sort of wider Mold. As I say, naughty. But I visited the curiousity that is Tŷ Castell - a folly, but lately a palatial cowshed. There, in a field, in Nercwys. That's ace, that is.

The Pillar of Eliseg ~ Llantysilio/Llangollen, Denbighshire (Revised)

It was one of the first articles I wrote for this website, back in 2017 or thereabouts. But it was basic and rudimentary and all the more awful for it, since the Pillar of Eliseg is a wonder. It was high time I rewrote the article, attempting to credit this ancient cross with the awe it deserved. You'll have to let me know if I succeeded.

St Winefride's Holy Well & Shrine ~ Holywell, Flintshire (Revised)

I tend to like my holy wells to be quiet places, in the out of the way places. This of course, takes no account for how actually popular they were in they hey day. But, I adore St Winefrede's Well in Holywell, Treffynnon. No other place in the British Isles has a long an unbroken tradition of pilgrimmage as here. I must admit to being a little apprehensive on my first visit, but there was no need to have been. It is a splendid site, and so very rewarding.

Site Visits

Given the weather, its been a surprisingly productive few months of visits. I would have liked to have seen and investigated more, but hey ho. I begun to become a little bit obsessed by the cold war monitoring posts dotted about our area, spurred on by the discovery of the Llangollen post. They will be coming thick and fast over the next couple of months, I fancy. I and the We managed to get about the county, and hopefully you'll be seeing some of these visits written up as articles in the near future - or perhaps revised.

The Capel Garmon Chambered Tomb ~ Capel Garmon, Conwy

Yes, I know its a little bit out of my current remit, but its just a matter of time, you know. And the chambered tomb at Capel Garmon is brilliant. A rare cotswold-severn chambered tomb overlooking Snowdonia to the west and the rest of the world elsewhere.

St Garmon's Well ~ Llanarmon-yn-Iâl, Denbighshire

I went to have another look for St Garmon's Well. I was frustrated. I know it's there somewhere - probably within the hedges. The OS map is certain - but there are doubts. Still, maybe, possibly, I came across its source.

Tomen y Faedre ~ Llanarmon-yn-Iâl, Denbighshire

I made the mistake of visiting Tomen y Faedre in a thunderstorm. Still, it had to be done. The article needs a complete rewrite. Fascinating place, but curiously little is actually known about it. Better be about it, then.

The Penrhos Engine House ~ Brymbo, Wrexham

I think this might be the oldest remaining engine shed in Britain you know. I can't tell you how many times I've driven past this place without visiting, but I managed it. And it was worth it, esepcially given the momentum Stori Brymbo seems to be building at the moment. To that end, I'm going to attend a talk on 'Iron Mad' Wilkinson on Wednesday 9th October 2024 - all are welcome.

The Underground Monitoring Post ~ Brymbo, Wrexham

...and it seemed silly not to visit the UMP at Brymbo, especially since it is, in fact almost adjacent to the Penrhos Engine Shed. This was part of the 'triangle' of posts, of which the Llangollen UMP was the master. The other is at Ruthin, and will shortly be getting a visitor - as long as it isn't in someone's back garden.

Ffynnon Ddeier ~ Bodfari, Denbighshire

I'm not entirely unhappy with the article I originally wrote some years ago, but I might have a pass at it. Still, the We and I visited in order to see if I could take a few more photos. Still there, still strangely underwhelming for a site so very important.

Moel y Gaer Bodfari ~ Denbighshire

Before I get to rewriting my article on Penycloddiau, I need to complete the Clwydian set - an article on Moel y Gaer Bodfari is well overdue. And its a delight to visit. The We and I visited many years ago, with the kids before they got big and otherwise engaged, and I have fond memories of them on a rope swing. I couldn't find the swing, otherwise I'd have been on it...

St Michael & All Angels ~ Efenechtyd, Denbighshire

And I couldn't help myself. I was near enough. I favourite, bestest place. There were flowers on the knocker, and they've moved the Maen Camp from beneath a pew. All the better for that.

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Other Matters Arising

I really ought to start making some money from this time swallowing obsession of mine - especially since I'd love to be doing this for a living. Imagine that - the freedom just to wander, wonder and write about Curious Clwyd for the rest of my life. But the mortgage needs paying. I've sort of given up on the Shop business - it wasn't making any real money, and I'm not very good at all this, you know. So, I've created a Picfair account, and intend on selling my photographs and such like on their platform. Apparently, you can still turn these pictures into prints and the like if you wish. If you're interested, the link is below. You'll recognise a few of the pictures, I'm sure.

https://curiousclwyd.picfair.com/

And on that bombshell, I have long wished to take small parties of the interested to these places I visit, write about and photograph. So, I've decided to start a little business - a guiding business, sharing my love of these wonderful places with you wonderful people. They asked me for a business plan - I told them I wanted visitors to become locals. They liked that. The plans are still in their infancy, but I'll keep you informed...

I'm bored with Linotype Didot ~ it feels a little twee to me. So, I shall be switching over to EB Garamond. Yes, I like it very much. Of course, I may change my mind...So little time, so many fonts.

Website Update ~ July 2024

~ New & Revised Articles

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New Articles

Ffynnon Cilhaul ~ Cwm, Denbighshire

I suppose the miracles of a well are assigned to this saint or that because, well, they're seen as miraculous. All manner of ailments were healed by the waters of these wonders - from sprains to death. Miracles. But what can be forgotten in this ecstasy of religious devotion, is just how important a source of clean, fresh water was to a community. Fynnon Cilhaul is a bit of a mystery, since its older name - Lecki, would seem to indicate the dedication to a barely remmbered saint. But its more recent name (and by recent, I'm still talking of centuries), Cilhaul, means more to me, since it would seem to reflect its position, hidden away beneath a greedy canopy of trees, rarely meeting the rays of the sun.

The Groes Onnen Windmill ~ Holywell, Flintshire

I think it's a shame that we often assume that the past is always a more primitive place. Those that call for a return to the ways of the past, are seen as 'hippies', and dismissed as cranks. I don't know why everything has to be a zero-sum game. There are aspects of the past which we would be madness to return to, however much the knuckle draggers roaming the streets as I write this would wish us to. But there are other qualities in the past which which can help us, inform us, and perhaps which we should be striving to return to. It's barely mentioned that our use of 'renewable energies' really is simply a return to wind and water power. We call them 'renewable' as if we are a bit embarressed about that, but it's true. At Groes Onnen in Holywell, you can see one of the very few windmills in Wales which remains standing to its original height.

The Hooded Tomb of Piers Mostyn ~ Llanasa, Flintshire

I do like a hooded tomb. The grave of Piers Mostyn, he of the Talacre, Catholic Mostyns, is largely ruined - its hood long gone, leaving only the iron fixings. But his heraldry still remains, worked into the southern wall of the parish church of St Asaph and St Cyndeyrn. There's enough there to make merry with my imagination, wondering as to its original splendour.

Collections ~ The Wells of Clwyd

I've updated the Collections page to included the Wells of Clwyd, holy or otherwise. There are plenty more to research, visit and write about, but its a handy little way of accessing those wells I've so far visited.

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Revised Articles

I continue to be careful to be aware of new information and research on those sites I've already visited and written about. It's fascinating just how much can change - usually with an archaeological dig, a find, or the discovery of a lost manuscript. Sometimes the articles need just a tweek, sometimes a rewrite. Sometimes, its just the use of new photographs to better show the site.

Eliseg's Pillar

I'm currently rewriting my article on the Pillar of Eliseg. Goodness, it needs it. I can't tell you how often I've meant to, but it's a little intimidating. It's importance seems to grow with every article I read. It's going to take a while.

Site Visits

Will the rain ever stop? Well, it did, but as it happens I was in the Lake District. This was fabulous, of course, but I couldn't help thinking of all the places I would have liked to visit in my beloved Clwyd. Ah well, that's the rub - one must play to the wind, after all. I was able to get out to a few sites, however.

Llandelian ~ Denbighshire

I am painfully aware that I have not written any articles on this pretty little village. I often stop here with the We and have a drink in the Leyland Arms. There has never been a time that I have visited when the sun wasn't cracking the flags. I think it might have its own climate. Well, there's work to be done here, and I've a mind to do it over the summer.

Velvet Hill ~ Llangollen/Llantysilio, Denbighshire

The We and I went for a walk on Coed Hyrddyn. I was looking to add to my article on St Collen and the Fairy Court (see above). We strayed from the path and ended up having to beat our way through a forest of ferns to make our way back to base camp (The Britannia Inn). I was ecstatic - the We less so.

Nantclwyd y Dre ~ Ruthin, Denbighshire

Just a wonderful place. A genuine gem. A medieval town house (hence the name), steeped in and oozing its history from every nook and cranny. This place is due a serious rewrite - it's in hand.

Basingwerk Abbey ~ Holywell, Flintshire

When I first arrived in North East Wales, Basingwerk was one of the first places I visited. I had spent my early years clambering over the walls (yes, I know, I shouldn't of - but I was very young) of Roche Abbey in South Yorkshire. Abbeys have always been an important to me - especially those that have yet to be heavily tarted up, like. Hence, Basingwerk was one of the first sites in Flintshire that I wrote about. It is time for some considerable work.

Lake District ~ Cumbria

I know, it's not in Clwyd, but its seems rude not to mention the Lake District. And at times, in wandering the hills, it was very much like being in Denbighshire to be honest - just with more Celtic crosses, it seems.

Other Matters Arising

For those who have subscribed to my newsletter, the next edition is due to be sent on Sunday, August 11th. If you haven't yet, but wish to subscribe, you can do so my popping your email address in the box thingy at the bottom of the Home page. Its basically the ramblings of a middle aged Efrog with one dodgy knee.

I'm also updating the Shop with some more prints and just generally having a sort out. I have an Etsy page, which I'm sure I'll get round to organising very soon. Anyways, feel free to have a look. First class postage is free in the UK. If there are any images on the site you'd like rendered into a print - let me know, I'll make it happen.

Bloeddio clustiau mawr!

Website Update ~ June 2024

~ New & Revised Articles

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New Articles

Mold Castle ~ Mold, Flintshire

Well, this was a bugger. I knew it would be, which is why I'd put it off for so very long. But there comes a time, you know the time, when even procrastination runs its course to an end. So I put the hours in. But the hours became days and the days became weeks. It's probably the longest article I've written, largely because of the curious lack of actual information out there on this most enigmatic motte and bailey. But I'm pleased with the results. It will need to be revised on a regular basis, since the information coming to light regarding the importance of this castle is staggering.

The Tan y Coed Medieval Carved Stones ~ Mold, Flintshire

I'd known there were there, but for some reason I'd never been to visit. These curious carved stones were probably from St Mary's in one of its restorations and renovations. But, rather more intriguing is the possibility that they may have come from a lost chapel on the site of Mold Castle. Time will tell, I shouldn't doubt.

Site Map ~ Home Page

I've also created a site map on the Home page, which should hopefully allow visitors to quickly identify places of interest close to them. It wasn't that onerous a task, to be honest, although it did bring to light just how many articles I'd written since I began this project some years ago. Pleasing, actually.

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Revised Articles

I continue to be careful to be aware of new information and research on those sites I've already visited and written about. It's fascinating just how much can change - usually with an archaeological dig, a find, or the discovery of a lost manuscript. Sometimes the articles need just a tweek, sometimes a rewrite. Sometimes, its just the use of new photographs to better show the site.

Craig yr Uchain Hillfort & Enclosure ~ Llandrillo, Denbighshire

I'd never visited. I'd written the article in someting of a white heat, with every intention of visiting shortly after posting. But then never did. I rectified that in May, on one of the rare glorious days we had during the month. The fact that an enclosure is present, should not be that surprising, I suppose, given the name, translating to 'Rock of the Oxen'.

St Collen & the Fairy Court ~ Llangollen/Llantysilio, Denbighshire

Not so much of a rewrite, rather the addition of a couple of new pictures of Coed Hyrddyn (also known as Velvet Hill), taken from Llantysilio Mountain.

Site Visits

While Mold Castle swallowed up most of my available writing time, I've managed to be out and about, scouting new locations, and looking to add to my knowledge on known sites. Some of these places should have been done a long time ago, others have come about from new information. I'll be researching these wonders in due course.

Moel y Gaer Hillfort ~ Bodfari, Denbighshire

A beautiful hillfort above Bodfari, looking over to the Clwydians.

Clawdd Offa ~ Llangollen, Denbighshire

A curious earthwork, mentioned by Edward Lhuyd. Obscure and hidden beneath the summer grasses when I visited. Still, I saw curlews, would you believe.

The Talacre Hall Grotto - Gwespyr, Flintshire

What weirdness is this? A folly within the grounds of what was once Talacre Hall and later abbey. All manner of grotesques and oddities, and an abandon burial ground for the nuns who once lived here.

The Croes Onnen Widmill ~ Holywell, Flintshire

One of the few remaining entirely recognisable windmills remaining in North East Wales.

St Mael & St Sulien's ~ Corwen, Denbighshire

It's time for a radical rewrite of this rather lovely little church.

Maes William ~ Leeswood, Flintshire

Is it, or isn't it? Possibly a motte, possibly raised to defend the approaches to Mold Castle. Or possibly just a natural feature. Hmmm.

Hooded Tomb ~ Llanasa, Flintshire

There isn't much left of this little wonder in the churchyard of St Asaph & St Cyndyrn's. Enough to like, though.

Llandegla Caves ~ Llandegla, Denbighshire

Neolithic caves within the limestone outcrops between Llandegla and Llanarmon yn Ial. All manner of finds were found - both human and beast.

Dolbedlyr ~ Cefn Meiriadog, Denbighshire

Henry Salesbury wrote his Grammatica Britannica here, in 1593. Owned now by the Landmark Trust.

Tomen y Faerdre ~ Llanarmon yn Iâl, Denbighshire

Painful. That's what my first writing on the motte at Tomen y Faerdre is. Desperate for a rewrite.

Other Matters Arising

I'm not sure how many people actually read my newsletter, but if you do, you'll have noticed, I'm sure, that you have not received said letter in your inbox in the last two months. Mold Castle did for me. Normal service will be resumed on 7th July 2024. Salut.