quity. There are within it a few modern monuments to the memory of different branches of the Wynne family, formerly of this place. Among other inscriptions, I found one recording an instance of fecundity somewhat uncommon. It was on a plain stone over the body of Nicholas Hookes, of Conwy, gentleman, who was interred here in the year 1637, and is stated to have been the forty-first child of his father, and himself the father of twenty-seven children.

prelate applied to the court, for redress but in vain; and being persuaded by general Mytton, he quitted that party,; and went over to the side of the parliament. He now fortified his own house, which was not far distant, and Mytton supplied him with forces to garrison it. "The governor," says Rushworth, " upon notice of such his revolt, sent out a party from Conwy to besiege him in his house; but, he sending to colonel Mytton for assistance, a party was dispatched thither to interpose for and assist him, the archbishop became active on that side in person, and was wounded in the neck. Mytton, having drawn out his forces, it was resolved to storm the place, which was accordingly attempted, and with some foss accomplished; and a few days afterwards, the castle surrendered; the colonel, with relentless antipathy to the Irish, ordered all who were seized within the walls to be tied back to back, and flung into the river. For his services, the parliament granted to the archbishop a general pardon, and in addition a release from all his sequestrations.

After the restoration this fortress was granted by Charles the second, to Edward earl of Conwy, who, in 1665, ordered all the iron, timber, and lead, to be taken down and transported to Ireland, under the pretence that it was to be used there in his majesty's service. Several principal gentlemen of the country opposed the design, but their remonstrances were over-ruled, and this noble pile was reduced nearly to its present condition.-It is at this time held of the crown at an annual rent of six shillings and eight pence, and a dish of fish to Lord Hertford as often as he passes through the town.

CONWY ABBEY.

The remains of the Cistertian abbey founded here by prince Llewelyn ap Iorwerth in 1185, are at present very few. In this convent, and that of Stratflur in Cardiganshire, were kept the Welsh historical records, from 1126 till the year 1270.-The founder was buried in the church of the abbey; but after the dissolution, his coffin was removed to Llanrwst, a town twelve miles distant. In the same church, A. D. 1220, was also interred Cynan ap Owen Gwynedd his body was inclosed in the habiliments of a monk, holy garments, which in those superstitious days were deemed proof against every power of Satan; and thus, as Moret said of Albertus," he turned monk after he was dead."

PLAS MAWR.

In the principal street there is a large uncouth pile of building called Plâs Mawr, The Great Mansion. This appears to have been erected somewhat more than two centuries ago by Robert Wynne, Esq. of Gwydir. In front of the house are the letters J. H. S. X. P. S. signifying, Jesus hominum salvator, Christiani populi salus; and over the gateway a Greek inscription, Avexy, aтexy, bear, forbear. The apartments, which are very numerous, are ornamented in a rude style with arms and uncouth figures in stucco work.

79

CHAP. VIII.

EXCURSION FROM

CONWY ROUND THE

CREIDDIN.

Creiddin.-Diganwy-Teganwy.-Taliesin, the British Bard. -Watch Tower.-Great Orme's Head, or Llandudno Rocks. -Adventures there.-Llandudno.-Tradition of Tudno and Cybi.-Hwylfar Ceirw.-Copper Mine.-Gloddaeth.

CREIDDIN is a commot, or hundred of Caernarvonshire, situated on the side of the river opposite to Conwy, and forming a considerable promontory into the Irish sea. It is terminated by an extensive rock, on many sides very precipitous, of about two miles in length, called the Great Orme's Head. This is connected to the main land, by a neck of ground, altogether so flat, that Leland says, "the way to it is over a made causey, through a marsh often overflown*!! This is never the case at present: it is, on the contrary, supposed to be amongst the finest corn and meadow land in this part of Wales.

After having examined the town of Conwy, I again crossed the river, in company with an intimate friend, to make the tour of this celebrated cape. We strolled along the shore, botanizing

in our progress, for about a mile and a half, till we came to the ruins of the ancient

DIGANWY,

Or Dinas Gonwy, The Fort on the Conwy, at present called by the common people, though for what reason I cannot learn, Y Fardre *. The remains are just sufficient to enable us to form some judgement as to the original extent of this castle. The exterior wall inclosed the summits of two high and almost conical rocks, except on one part, where this defence was rendered unnecessary from the depth of the precipice. On the two summits appear to have been the principal buildings; but although it has been well guarded from its elevated situa tion, and has been successively the habitation of several of the Welsh princes, it is impossible that this castle should have ever been a place of any magnitude. The ruins are now almost covered with earth and shrubs, and in different parts of them the young botanist may meet with much amusement. These rocks are high, and form conspicuous objects from the walls of Conwy. From the summit of the one which is most elevated, we had a good view of the principal parts of the promontory: we saw Gloddaeth in its woods at the foot of a considerable rocky eminence, and in a different direction, about two miles east of us, the woods of Bodscallon,

1

* It is frequently called Gannoc by the old monkish writers.