Tregaron Genealogical Records
Tregaron Birth & Baptism Records
An index to births registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of birth certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.
Baptism registers record the baptism of those born in and around Tregaron and were subsequently baptised in an Anglican place of worship. They are the primary source of birth details before 1837, though are useful to the present. Records can include name of child, parents' names, residence, occupations and more.
Digital images of baptism registers that can be searched by name. They record baptisms, which typically occur shortly after birth, and list the baptised's name, date of birth and/or baptism and parents' names. They may also list where the parents lived, their occupations and occasionally other details.
A collection of indexes and transcripts of birth and baptism records that cover over 250 million people. Includes digital images of many records.
An index to births registered at the central authority for England & Wales. The index provides the area where the birth was registered, mother's maiden name from September 1911 and a reference to order a birth certificate.
Tregaron Marriage & Divorce Records
An index to marriages registered throughout England & Wales. This is the only national marriage index that allows you to search by both spouse's names. Provides a reference to order copies of marriage certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.
Banns registers list the names of people who intended to marry by the system of calling banns, in which the bride and groom's name were called for three weeks at church. At these callings objections could be made to a marriage. Thus they record any intended marriages that didn't occur.
Marriage records from people who married at Tregaron between 1653 and 1927. Lists an individual's abode, marital status and more.
Abstracts of marriage licences granted by the Vicar-General in London. These licences could be used to marry in any church in the Province of Canterbury.
Digital images of marriage registers that can be searched by name. They contain written records of marriages and typically record the name of the bride and groom and date of marriage. They may also record occupations, residences, fathers' names, witnesses and other information about the marriage.
Tregaron Death & Burial Records
An index to deaths registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of death certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.
Records of burial for people buried at Tregaron between 1653 and 1937. Details include the deceased's name, residence and age. Some records may contain the names of relations, cause of death and more.
Burial records covering those buried at St Caron, Tregaron_. This resource is an index and may not include all the details that were recorded in the burial registers from which they were extracted.
Digital images of burial registers that can be searched by name. They contain records of burials, which typically occur a few days after death, and record the name of the deceased and date of death and/or burial. They may also list where the deceased lived, their age, names of relations, occupation and occasionally other details.
A collection of indexes and transcripts of death and burial records that cover over 140 million people. Includes digital images of many records.
Tregaron Census & Population Lists
An index to and digital images of records that detail 40 million civilians in England and Wales. Records list name, date of birth, address, marital status, occupation and details of trade or profession.
The 1911 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.
The 1901 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.
The 1891 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.
The 1881 census provides details on an individual's age, residence and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows for searches on multiple metrics including occupation and residence.
Newspapers Covering Tregaron
A journal containing historical articles and book reviews. It includes society notes. It is mostly in English but there is some Welsh-language content.
A journal publishing historical sources relating to South Wales, with introductory texts, indexes and illustrations.
A journal containing historical articles and book reviews. It includes society notes. It is mostly in English but there is some Welsh-language content.
Various volumes of The Historical Society of West Wales' journal, which include transcripts, indices and abstracts of numerous records such as hearth tax returns, parish registers, marriage licences and wills.
An English-language academic journal containing articles on historical and archaeological topics.
Tregaron Wills & Probate Records
Searchable index and original images of over 12.5 million probates and administrations granted by civil registries. Entries usually include the testator's name, date of death, date of probate and registry. Names of relations may be given.
An index to estate administrations performed by the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. The index covers the southern two thirds of England & Wales, but may also contain entries for northerners.
A searchable database of mid-17th Century probates performed by the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. Supplies details of testator and executor.
An index to most surviving wills, administrations and inventories proved in Wales' six ecclesiastical courts and the Peculiar of Hawarden. Most documents are available to view online.
A index to testators whose will was proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. They principally cover those who lived in the lower two thirds of Britain, but contain wills for residents of Scotland, Ireland, British India and other countries. A copy of each will may be purchased for digital download.
Tregaron Immigration & Travel Records
A name index connected to original images of passenger lists recording people travelling from Britain to destinations outside Europe. Records may detail a passenger's age or date of birth, residence, occupation, destination and more.
A full index of passenger lists for vessels arriving in the UK linked to original images. Does not include lists from vessels sailing from European ports. Early entries can be brief, but later entries may include dates of births, occupations, home addresses and more. Useful for documenting immigration.
An index to and images of documents recording over 1.65 million passengers who arrived in Victoria, Australia, including passengers whose voyage was paid for by others.
Details on thousands of 17th century British immigrants to the U.S., detailing their origins and nature of their immigration.
A list of over 40,000 passengers traveling from North America to the British Isles. Details of passengers may include: occupation, nationality, gender, age, martial status, class, destination, and details of the vessel they sailed on.
Tregaron Military Records
A searchable list of over 100,000 British Army POWs. Records contains details on the captured, their military career and where they were held prisoner.
Details on around 165,000 men serving in the British Army, Navy and Air Force who were held as prisoners during WWII.
Index and original images of over 5 million medal index cards for British soldiers It can be searched by individual's name, Coprs, Unit and Regiment. Due to the loss of many WWI service records, this is the most complete source for British WWI soldiers
This rich collection contains contains records for 1.9 million non-commissioned officers and other ranks who fought in WWI. Due to bomb damage in WWI, around 60% of service records were lost. Documents cover: enlistment, medical status, injuries, conduct, awards and discharge. A great deal of genealogical and biographical documentation can be found in these documents, including details on entire families, physical descriptions and place of birth.
An index to nearly 900,000 military personnel who were awarded the Silver War Badge for sustaining injures. Records include rank, regimental number, unit, dates of enlistment and discharge, and reason for discharge.
Tregaron Court & Legal Records
Records of over 300,000 prisoners held by quarter sessions in England & Wales. Records may contain age, occupation, criminal history, offence and trial proceedings.
Over 175,000 records detailing prisoner's alleged offences and the outcome of their trial. Contains genealogical information.
Digital images of ledgers recording those registered to vote, searchable by an index of 220 million names. Entries list name, address, qualification to vote, description of property and sometimes age and occupation.
From the late 18th century many prisoners in Britain were kept on decommissioned ships known as hulks. This collection contains nearly 50 years of registers for various ships. Details given include: prisoner's name, date received, age, year of birth and conviction details.
This collection lists brief details on 1.55 million criminal cases in England and Wales between 1791 and 1892. Its primary use is to locate specific legal records, which may give further details on the crime and the accused. Details may include the accused's age, nature of crime, location of trial and sentence. Early records can contain a place of birth.
Tregaron Taxation Records
This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.
An index linked to original images of registers recording apprenticeship indentures. Details are given on the trade and nature of apprenticeship. Many records list the parents of the apprentice.
An index to wills and administrations that incurred a death duty tax. The index can be used to order documents that give a brief abstract of the will and details on the duty. It can be used as a make-shift probate index.
Index to personal names listed in the Royalist Composition Papers that dealt with the estates of royalists.
Tregaron Land & Property Records
This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.
Poll books record the names of voters and the direction of their vote. Until 1872 only landholders could vote, so not everyone will be listed. Useful for discerning an ancestor's political leanings and landholdings. The collection is supplemented with other records relating to the vote.
Abstracts of records detailing the estates and families of deceased tenants from the reigns of Henry III and Edward I.
A searchable database of thousands of transcribed and abstracted manuscripts, largely pertaining to land.
A list of owners of above one acre of land in England & Wales. Lists a landowner's residence, acreage and estimated gross yearly rental.
Tregaron Directories & Gazetteers
A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.
A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key historical and contemporary facts. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions. Also contains a list of residents and businesses for each place.
A directory of residents and businesses; with a description of each settlement, containing details on its history, public institutions, churches, postal services, governance and more.
A directory of residents and businesses; with a description of each settlement, containing details on its history, public institutions, churches, postal services, governance and more.
A directory of residents and businesses; with a description of each settlement, containing details on its history, public institutions, churches, postal services, governance and more.
Tregaron Cemeteries
Photographs and transcriptions of millions of gravestones from cemeteries around the world.
Profiles of several hundred mausolea found in the British Isles.
Several thousand transcribed memorials remembering those connected with the nautical occupations.
A searchable database of photographs relating to railways and canals in Britain.
Details of monuments and plaques related to canals and railways. Contains some photographs.
Tregaron Obituaries
The UKs largest repository of obituaries, containing millions of searchable notices.
A growing collection currently containing over 425,000 abstracts of obituaries with reference to the location of the full obituary.
A collection of 364 obituaries of Quakers from the British Isles. The volume was published in 1849 and includes obituaries of those who died in late 1847 through 1848.
This transcribed and searchable work by Sir William Musgrave contains 10,000s of brief obituaries. The work is a reference point for other works containing information on an individual.
A text index and digital images of all editions of a journal containing medical articles and obituaries of medical practitioners.
Tregaron Histories & Books
A journal containing historical articles and book reviews. It includes society notes. It is mostly in English but there is some Welsh-language content.
A journal publishing historical sources relating to South Wales, with introductory texts, indexes and illustrations.
A journal containing historical articles and book reviews. It includes society notes. It is mostly in English but there is some Welsh-language content.
Various volumes of The Historical Society of West Wales' journal, which include transcripts, indices and abstracts of numerous records such as hearth tax returns, parish registers, marriage licences and wills.
Photographs and images of churches in Ceregidon.
Tregaron School & Education Records
A name index connected to digital images of registers recording millions of children educated in schools operated by the National Society for Promoting Religious Education. Records contain a variety of information including genealogical details, education history, illnesses, exam result, fathers occupation and more.
A name index linked to original images of registers recording the education and careers of teachers in England & Wales.
A name index linked to original images of short biographies for over 120,000 Oxford University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.
A transcript of a vast scholarly work briefly chronicling the heritage, education and careers of over 150,000 Cambridge University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.
A searchable database containing over 90,000 note-form biographies for students of Cambridge University.
Tregaron Occupation & Business Records
A liberal newspaper that predominantly covered mercantile and shipping matters. It did not contain family announcements. Each edition has been indexed and digitised.
An introduction to smuggling on the west coast of Britain & the Isle of Man, with details of the act in various regions.
An index to and images of registers recording over 3.7 million trade union members.
Books listing doctors who were licensed to operate in Britain and abroad. Contains doctor's residencies, qualification and date of registration.
A rich collection of records documenting those who worked for railway companies that were later absorbed by the government. Records include: staff registers, station transfers, pensions, accident records, apprentice records, caution books, and memos. Records may include date of birth, date of death and name of father.
Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Tregaron
Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.
A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.
A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.
A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.
A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.
Tregaron Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records
Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.
A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.
Over 600 pedigrees for English and Welsh families who had a right to bear a coat of arms.
A dictionary of families elevated to the peerage of Great Britain & Ireland. It includes genealogies and biographical details.
Lineages of Britain and Ireland's untitled landed families; supplemented with biographical sketches.
Tregaron Church Records
The parish registers of Tregaron are the primary source for birth, marriage and death details before civil registration (1837). A full index to names with original images of the registers are available between 1653 and 1937. Parish registers can assist tracing a family as far back as 1653.
Digital images of registers that record baptisms, which typically occur shortly after birth; marriages and burials. The registers can be searched by name and can help establish links between individuals back to the 16th century.
The parish registers of Wales are a collection of books documenting baptisms, marriages and burials from 1914 to 2013.
The primary source of documentation for baptisms, marriages and burials before 1837, though useful to the present also.
Important information relating to the church, including jurisdictions and names of ministers, archdeacons etc.
Biographical Directories Covering Tregaron
A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.
A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.
A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.
Brief biographies of Anglican clergy in the UK.
A directory containing lengthy biographies of noted British figures. The work took over two decades to compile. Biographies can be searched by name and are linked to images of the original publication.
Tregaron Maps
A collection of digitalised maps covering the county.
Detailed maps covering much of the UK. They depict forests, mountains, larger farms, roads, railroads, towns, and more.
An interactive map featuring four OS map editions published between 1868 and 1954. To load a map select the menu tab on the far right, select the edition you wish to view and zoom in to a locality.
Maps showing settlements, features and some buildings in mainland Britain.
Maps of parishes in England, Scotland and Wales. They are useful in determining which parish records may be relevant to your research.
Tregaron Reference Works
A beginner’s guide to researching ancestry in Wales.
Compiled in 1831, this book details the coverage and condition of parish registers in England & Wales.
A comprehensive guide to researching the history of buildings in the British Isles.
A service that provides advanced and custom surname maps for the British Isles and the US.
A dictionary of around 9,000 mottoes for British families who had right to bear arms.
Civil & Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction
Historical Description
Tregaron, a poor ill-built straggling town, situated on an abrupt hollow, and watered by an arm of the river Teifi, besides being plentifully interspersed with wood, which forms a pleasing relief to the surrounding dreariness. The church is a respectable old building, and the town boasts the dignity of a mayor; but the general accommodation in this secluded place is very indifferent.
A little to the eastward of the town, once stood a house, called in Welsh, Porth y Ffynnon, or Fountain Gate, where was born Thomas Jones, better known in his neighbourhood by the name of Twm Sion Catti. He is said to have been the natural son of Sir John Wynne, of Gwydyr. He flnourished about 1590 and 1630, and acquired considerable reputation as a Welsh antiquary and poet: but his fame in the principality is founded chiefly upon a character of a very different nature, and upon pursuits which might be supposed wholly at variance with the cultivation of letters. The traditionary history of the county, represents him as a robber of consummate address, who managed, for a considerable time, to prey upon his neighbours with complete impunity. By marrying the heiress of Ystrad-ffin, in the Vale of Teifi, he acquired a large fortune, which gave him sufficient consequence in Carmarthenshire, to procure his appointment to the shrievalty for that county; and his title was then changed from Twm Sion Catti, to Thomas Jones, Esq. of Fountain-gate.
Three miles from this place, in our road, is a large mound, encircled by a moat; but whether it was the site of an ancient citadel or sepulchre, is uncertain.
TREGARON is a market town and the head of a union, situated on the Brenig, a tributary of the Teifi, which it joins a quarter of a mile from the town, in the county of Cardigan, and in the civil parish of Caron-ys-clawdd, with a station on the Manchester and Milford railway from Carmarthen to Aberystwith, is miles south from Aberystwith, 10 north-east from Lampeter, 15 east from Aberayron, and 219 from London by road, in Penarth hundred and petty sessional division, Lampeter county court district, rural deanery of Ultra Aeron, archdeaconry of Cardigan and diocese of St. David's. The river Teifi affords good salmon and trout fishing. The parish church of St. Caron is a building of stone dating from the 14th century, and consists of a chancel and nave of equal height and width and a massive embattled western tower containing one bell: the nave and chancel were entirely restored in 1878, at a cost of £1,700; there are 300 sittings: the register dates from the year 1680. The living is a vicarage, yearly tithe rent-charge £146, average £105, net income £161, with 23 acres of glebe and residence, in the gift of the Bishop of St. Davids and held since 1887 by the Rev. Thomas Phillips B.A. of St. David’s College, Lampeter. The Calvinistic Methodist chapel here will seat 800; the Wesleyan chapel affords about 400 sittings. The Town Hall, in the Market place, is a small building. A market is held every Tuesday, and fairs are held as follows:-The Tuesday before the first Wednesday in each month (cattle), Whit Tuesday (cattle) and March 16th and 17th (horse). In the Market place stands a fine statue, erected in 1893, as a memorial to the late Henry Richard esq. M.P. Merthyr Tydvil 1868—88; and at Llangeitho is a statue of the lata Rev. Daniel Rowlands, a Calvinistic Methodist minister, erected in 1888. Twin Shon Catti’s Cave, in the midst of the rocks of the mountain between Tregaron and Llandovery, 13 miles distant, is said to have been the hiding place of Tom Jones, a notorious freebooter. Sunny Hill is the seat of Cornelius Le Brun Powell esq. and Argoed, the residence of Robert S. and Rowland John Rowlands esqrs. The principal landowners are Cornelius Le Brun Powell esq. the Earl of Lisburne and William Inglis Jones esq. of Derry Ormond. The. soil is part peaty and part sandy; subsoil, gravel. The chief crops are barley and oats, but a large portion of the land is pasture. The area of Caron-ys-clawdd is 14,148 acres; rateable value, £5,445; the population in 1891 was 1,575, including 35 officers and inmates in Tregaron workhouse.
Petty Sessions are held at the Town hall on the last Tuesday in each month, at 11 a.m. The following places are included in the Petty Sessional division:-Bettws Leiki, Blaenpenal, Caron-ys-clawdd, Caron-uwch-clawdd, Doithie-caimddwr, Doithie Pyscottwr, Gartheli, Garth & Ystrad, Gogoyan, Gorwydd, Gwynfil, Gwnnws Issa, Gwnnws Ucha, Llangeitho, Llanio, Llanbadarnodwyn, Lledrod Issa, Lledrod Ucha, Nantcwnlle, Prysk & Carfan, Yspytty Ystwyth & Ystrad Meurig.
County Police Station, D. Thomas, sergeant Tregaron Union.
Board day every alternate Tuesday, at the Town hall, at 11 a.m.
The union comprises the following parishes:-Bettws-Leiki, Blaenpenal, Caron-ys-clawdd or Tregaron, Caron-uwch-clawdd or Strata Florida, Doithie-camddwr, Doithie-Pysgottwr, Garth & Ystrad, Gartheli, Gogoyan, Grorwydd, Gwynfil, Lower Gwnnws, Upper Gwnnws, Llanbadarnodwyn, Llangeitho, Llanio, Lower Lledrod, Upper Lledrod, Nantcwnlle, Prysk & Carfan, Ystrad-Meurig & Yspytty-Ystwyth. The population of the union in 1891, was 8,613; area, 121,545 acres; rateable value in 1894, £31,728.
The workhouse is a building of stone built in 1881, & will hold 80 inmates.
Places of Worship, with Times of Services
St. Caron church, Rev. Thomas Phillips B.A. vicar; 10 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Wed. 7 p.m.
Calvinistic Methodist, Rev. Morgan Evans; 10 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Thur. 7 p.m.
Wesleyan, 10 a.m. & 6 p.m.
A School Board of seven members was formed 29 Oct. 1874 for the United District of Caron-ys-clawdd or Tregaron & Llanbadarn-Odwyn; David Thomas, Cambrian house, Tregaron, clerk to the board; David Evans, Pentre, Tregaron, attendance officer.
Schools
Board, built in 1859, for 190 children; average attendance, 98.
Board, Blaencaron, built in 1883, for 60 children; average attendance, 42.
National, built in 1872, for 144 children; average attendance, 92.
TREGARRON,
Or Tref Garon: the town of Caron is situated about fifteen miles south-east of Aberystwith: it is about nine miles long, and four broad. There is a market here every Tuesday, and one fair yearly, on the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth of March, for hose, pedlary ware, home-spun cloth, horses, pigs, &c. Leland says, fol. 77, “The chefe town of Pennarth Lordship being in Cardiganshire is Tregaron.” The river Berwyn runs through this town, and afterwards joins the Teify, which passes to the north-west of it, at a little distance below. The Methodists have a chapel in this town. About a century and a half ago, lived one Matthew Evans, who kept a public house in this town; he was the father of two sons and a daughter, generally known by the name of “Plant Matt,” or Matthew’s children. These persons were celebrated robbers, and lived in a cave near the Devil’s Bridge, which still retains their name. The entrance to this admitting only one at a time, these robbers could alone keep out hundreds. Here they lived for several years, and if either had a friend, he gave him his glove, which served as a passport when stopped by the others. At last they committed murder, and being taken, were executed pursuant to their sentence. On a hill, south-east of the town, are shewn the ruins of Fountaingate, called by the people, Plas Twm Sion Catty, where the natural son of Sir John Wynne, of Gwydyr, known by the name of “Twm o’Sion a Catty,” that is, “Tom, the son of John and Catherine,” lived. His real name was Thomas Jones, and he flourished from about A. D. 1590, to 1630. He was also esteemed an as eminent antiquary and poet; but he is better known from the tricks attributed to him as a robber, many of which are still retained in the memory of the people in Cardiganshire and Caermarthenshire. Some of these stories may be not improperly inserted here. It is said he was told by a poor man that he wanted a pitcher, and that he readily undertook to steal one for him. They accordingly went together to a shop, and while cheapening some, Tom told the seller that there was a hole in one, which the other denied. Tom desired him to put his hand in, and at the same time desired the poor man to convey one away. When the seller again affirmed, “that there was no hole in it,” Tom replied, laughing, “How then could you put your hand in it?” and went away undiscovered. At another time being informed that there was a famous highwayman in the country, he determined to attempt robbing him, for which purpose he rode a poor horse, and took with him a leathern bag full of shells, and went to meet him. The highwayman ordered him to stop, and deliver his money. Tom was rather reluctant, but when the robber threatened to shoot him, he flung the leathern bag over the hedge. The robber swore, and ordered him to hold his horse; but while he went over the hedge, Tom mounted his horse, and gallopped off. He observed a poor woman selling cloth in a fair, and slyly tacked one end of a piece to his coat, gave a swift turn, and twisted it round him, and was immediately lost in the crowd. He shortly after met the poor woman deploring her loss, and condoled with her, lamenting that so many rogues frequented fairs, and wondering that she should be so careless, observed to her that he, for his part, always tacked his to his coat. He paid his addresses to the heiress of Ystradfin, in the county of Caermarthen, but with very little hopes of success. As he knew that he must alone depend on his wits, he had again recourse to stratagems. His visits to the abode of his inamorata were in the evening; but all he could say would never persuade her to come out to him. One night having summoned all her fortitude to her aid, she refused to listen to him, and desired him never again to come near the house, though much against her wishes. “If it is so,” said Tom, “I entreat you to give me your hand for once before we part for ever.” The lady put her hand through the window, which Tom immediately seized, and instead of pressing it ardently to his lips, swore he would instantly cut it off, if she would not that moment marry him. The priest was at hand, the ring slipped on, and the ceremony concluded. After his marriage he altered his mode of living, and exhorted his accomplices to leave off robbing, and determine, as he had done, to live honestly. The change in his conduct, as well as his fortune, must have been great, as he was after this appointed sheriff of the county of Caermarthen. The following Cywyd transcribed out of an old MSS. in the possession of the late Mr. Jenkins, of Llwyn groes, in the parish of Llanwnnen, and now the property of Mrs. Hughes, of the same place, his widow, is ascribed to Twm Sion Catti.
CIWYD Y GOFID.
Mae Cydymeith diffeithwas
Im canlyn fal gelyn glas
Ac fe elwir y gofyd
Am trodd yn ol pobol byd
Os ym mla’n yr amcana’
Blino’r wyf om blaen yr a
Os yn ol yr ymho’lwn
Beynydd cynt na’r hyd yw hwn
Os ar farch ymgyfarchwn
Blaenaf a hwyaf fydd hwn
Os o ddwr y ceisiwn dda
Yn ddiddowt fe ddoi atta
Braisg iawn yw y gwr wemn bro
Ac mewn blaenau maen blino
Mae iddo blant mi gwranta
Heb fod un i ddyn yn dda
Dyled yn addefed a una
Un pwn yw ei fab buna’
Mab arall cuall ni’m car
Hodi yn hogi yn hagar
Mae iddo fab mi adwen fi
Yn waethaf elwir Noethni
Mae iddo ferch im hanerchi
Angen mi ai had wen hi
Mae iddo ordderch anserchog
Yn tynyn ol fal tenyn og
Gofal yw gwraig y gofyd
Dyna baen. dynion y byd
Dyna dylwyth in dala
Bennydd heb un dydd da
Maflyd ar gofyd a ga
Gwymp dra chwmp ac e’n drecha
Y fe’n draws shoes im dro
Poen i dwm ar pen dano
Minnen geisiwn drachefen
Yn daer o beth daro ei ben
Ynteu r gofyd drud tramawr
Trum ei law am traw ei ilawr
Am gadael yno gwedyn
Ar llawr i mafael am llun
Mae gwr oddiamom i gyd
Oddiar gyfoeth a gofyd
Duw yw hwn, da yw hyny
A nertha Dwm unwaith i dy
Union a phob dynion da
Da waith y pen diwetha.
Thom. Jones, al. Twm Sion Catti.
On the margin in the original manuscript, and in a different hand-writing, is the following note: “Ni bu’r Cdd. yma eiroed eiwrein o ran jaith na phrydyddaeth,” from which we may understand that neither the language nor metre of this poem are correct. At Nant Eos is an emblazoned pedigree of the Corbet family, written and painted by him. How far the stories told of him are authentic I cannot tell, but I think them not at all in character with his other pursuits.
Tregarron was formerly a corporate town, but owing to improper conduct at the election of a member to serve in Parliament in the year 1742, the Corporation was voted in that august house to have forfeited their charter.
There is a very large intrenchment in this parish, in form resembling the greater segment of a circle, well defended on three sides by an impenetrable morass. This is called Castell Flemys, and is supposed to have been erected by the Flemings in a descent on this part of Wales.
Besides this, is another called Castell Sunnyhill, from its proximity to that farm; and in this parish is Tommen Llanio, a moated tumulus, but whether erected by the Romans, or of later date; whether for the purpose of defence or burial, it is impossible now to determine, though in all probability the latter.
The parsonage-house stands on an eminence to the eastward of the town, and is delightfully embosomed in fir-trees, a great part however of which belong to the Nanteos estate. The bam and stables are in excellent repair.
The Church stands upon an elevated rocky spot near the centre of the town, and near the south-east end of the parish, close to the river Brennig, over which there is a wooden bridge leading to it. Leland says, at Tregarron “is a Chirch standin upon a round Coppe of cast Yerth.” On the north side, close to the church, was a square walled place, open to the sky, to deposit bones dug up from old graves; but this is now no more.
The church is a handsome structure, and its tower gives it a bold appearance. It consists simply of a nave and chancel, though probably it might have been once larger. It is dedicated to Caron, a British Saint, and is a vicarage. He was a man bom in a low situation in life, though his courage and generous deportment obtained him the sovereignty in Wales: he made war against the Romans, reigned seven years, and was buried at Tregarron.
In the churchyard was formerly a tombstone bearing this inscription
Here lieth James Herbert of Pen Sheriff
who died......... 1684...........
Remember man as thou goest bye
So thou art now, so e’en was I
Remember man that dye thou must
And after come to judgment just.
James Herbert, a short time previous to his death, carried the gravestone himself to the churchyard, though very large and ponderous, by means of bands made of birch.
There was also in the churchyard, at the time the church was repairing in the year 1805, four ancient monumental stones; two of them bearing inscriptions, and the other without. They seem to be the workmanship of the sixth century. (See Pl. VII. Fig. 1) has two rows of letters. Fig. 2 only a rude cross. Fig. 3 seems the best executed, has a cross on one side, and an inscription in one line on another. Fig. 4 has only a rude cross on it. Fig. 1 is three feet two inches in length, eight inches wide, and six inches thick. Fig. 2 is one foot two inches in height, and one foot wide. Fig. 3 is three feet long, four inches thick, at the upper part eight inches wide, and at the lower seven inches wide. Fig. 4, is two feet four inches in height, and one foot in width.
On a hill in this parish, called Penrhiwflur, are three heaps of stones, called cameddau, sepulchral monuments of Druidical origin; and in this parish is a bank of raised earth running in a straight line for several miles, in this as well as the parish of Gwnnws, or Llanwnnws, and which is said to lead into the sea, called “Cwys uch bannog,” or “the furrow of Bannoy’s oxen,” the same as were said to be employed in the building of the church of Llandewi Brefi. But it is probably the remains of an old British road.
The lordship of Caron belonged formerly to the Clement family, which is thus related in their pedigree:
* In the Tower of London is the original grant to Geoffry Clement, of this Lordship, which he had won, dated 10th of February, in the 18th year of Edward I.
PENTRE RHYDFENDIGED,
Or the village of the Blessed Ford, is so called from being situated near a brook. It stands partly in the parish of Tregarron, and partly in the parish of Gwnnws, called also Llanwnws, in the hundred of Ilar.
Most Common Surnames in Tregaron
| Rank | Surname | Incidence | Frequency | Percent of Parent | Rank in Penarth Hundred |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jones | 421 | 1:4 | 3.06% | 1 |
| 2 | Davies | 232 | 1:7 | 2.18% | 2 |
| 3 | Evans | 184 | 1:9 | 2.27% | 3 |
| 4 | Williams | 113 | 1:15 | 3.26% | 5 |
| 5 | Morgans | 108 | 1:16 | 7.67% | 11 |
| 6 | George | 80 | 1:22 | 40.20% | 28 |
| 7 | Thomas | 58 | 1:30 | 1.61% | 4 |
| 8 | Rees | 53 | 1:33 | 3.48% | 10 |
| 9 | Hughes | 46 | 1:38 | 3.34% | 12 |
| 10 | Rowlands | 43 | 1:40 | 11.14% | 22 |
| 11 | Edwards | 42 | 1:41 | 2.44% | 9 |
| 12 | Lewis | 39 | 1:44 | 1.88% | 8 |
| 13 | Jenkins | 38 | 1:46 | 1.71% | 6 |
| 14 | James | 31 | 1:56 | 1.46% | 7 |
| 15 | Griffiths | 25 | 1:69 | 1.88% | 13 |
| 15 | Richards | 25 | 1:69 | 2.33% | 16 |
| 17 | Phillips | 23 | 1:75 | 6.17% | 23 |
| 17 | Owens | 23 | 1:75 | 3.69% | 18 |
| 19 | Felix | 22 | 1:79 | 23.66% | 44 |
| 20 | Lloyd | 19 | 1:91 | 1.51% | 14 |
| 21 | Morgan | 9 | 1:192 | 0.80% | 15 |
| 21 | Daniel | 9 | 1:192 | 3.80% | 25 |
| 23 | Owen | 8 | 1:217 | 1.90% | 21 |
| 24 | Morris | 7 | 1:247 | 1.08% | 17 |
| 25 | Martin | 6 | 1:289 | 75.00% | 242 |
| 25 | Rowland | 6 | 1:289 | 11.32% | 57 |
| 27 | Roberts | 5 | 1:346 | 1.04% | 19 |
| 27 | Benjamin | 5 | 1:346 | 4.67% | 39 |
| 27 | Drisgol | 5 | 1:346 | 100.00% | 374 |
| 30 | Watkins | 4 | 1:433 | 2.90% | 36 |
| 30 | Beynon | 4 | 1:433 | 12.50% | 74 |
| 32 | Stephens | 3 | 1:577 | 2.61% | 38 |
| 32 | Herbert | 3 | 1:577 | 1.94% | 35 |
| 32 | Pugh | 3 | 1:577 | 1.03% | 24 |
| 32 | Ingram | 3 | 1:577 | 60.00% | 374 |
| 36 | Smith | 2 | 1:866 | 3.13% | 51 |
| 36 | Clarke | 2 | 1:866 | 7.14% | 80 |
| 36 | Price | 2 | 1:866 | 1.00% | 27 |
| 36 | Saunders | 2 | 1:866 | 22.22% | 215 |
| 36 | Parry | 2 | 1:866 | 0.47% | 20 |
| 36 | Francis | 2 | 1:866 | 4.55% | 61 |
| 36 | Roderick | 2 | 1:866 | 2.00% | 43 |
| 43 | Johnson | 1 | 1:1,732 | 20.00% | 374 |
| 43 | Parker | 1 | 1:1,732 | 33.33% | 529 |
| 43 | Murphy | 1 | 1:1,732 | 14.29% | 281 |
| 43 | Sanders | 1 | 1:1,732 | 25.00% | 444 |
| 43 | Stephen | 1 | 1:1,732 | 100.00% | 794 |
| 43 | Edmunds | 1 | 1:1,732 | 8.33% | 169 |
| 43 | Driscoll | 1 | 1:1,732 | 100.00% | 794 |
| 43 | Lodwick | 1 | 1:1,732 | 4.55% | 99 |
| 43 | Ishmael | 1 | 1:1,732 | 2.86% | 72 |
| 43 | Herberts | 1 | 1:1,732 | 5.56% | 112 |
| 43 | Gey | 1 | 1:1,732 | 100.00% | 794 |
| 43 | Theodor | 1 | 1:1,732 | 100.00% | 794 |