Myvanwy & Olwen

Working with some old editions of the Caernarfon & Denbigh Herald recently I came across an interesting tale from Llanberis. Far better for me to include it in its entirety here:

CDH 30/1/1891

Town and Country Notes

"A charming story reaches me, says a correspondent, from the neighbourhood of Llanberis. It was told in the vernacular, and I faithfully render it in the best English I can command. "If, on leaving Llanberis along the road towards Carnarvon, you looked carefully at the stones in the walls on both sides of the road you would see till lately scratched on them here and there certain monosyllables such as Tad, Mam, Taid, Nain, Ci, Bach, Llyn, Mawr, and the like; they had been there for many years. They were the reading lessons of two little girls named Myvanwy and Olwen who came to spend a part of the summer with their grandparents at Llanberis. Their father and mother used to take the two little maids out for "walks" on that road, and the words were scratched by their father on the stones, which in that neighbourhood are, as everybody knows, of a slaty nature, easy to write on. When they came to a word there was competition between Myvanwy and Olwen who should spell and read it first. Thus two important things were very pleasantly combined - taking the fresh air and learning to read their mother tongue - and in those days they knew no English (or French). People about used to wonder why their father did not teach them it at home, and they came to the conclusion that he wished to show his contempt for schools and schoolrooms, because he was condemned to pass most of the year in the town as a Government Inspector. Be that as it may, the Hedge School undoubtedly pleased Myvanwy and Olwen much better then than sitting down to a book at home. Alas, many changes have taken place since then, and their taid and nain are gone. But Myvanwy and Olwen are still competing, and although it was Myvanwy that got the French medal at the Mansion House, I am not sure but that it is Olwen that oftenest heads the French class at the Oxford High School."

A little research revealed that the girls were in fact Myfanwy and Olwen Rhys, and their father none other than famed Welsh scholar Sir John Rhys. John Rhys was born on the 21^st of June, 1840, at Aberceiro, Cwmrheidol, Cardiganshire, the son of Hugh Rhys, a farmer. He married Elizabeth Hughes-Davies of Llanberis on the 6^th of August, 1872 at the Parish Church Llanberis. The couple had three daughters, all born in Rhyl, where their father was Inspector of Schools for Flint and Denbigh. – Gwladus, who was born in 1873; Myfanwy, born 1874; and Olwen who was born in 1876. Sadly Gwladus died at Llanberis in 1874.

John Rhys was an authority of the early history of the Celts in Britain and wrote a number of books on the subject, some of which were: Celtic Britain (1882); Celtic Heathendom (1886); Studies in the Arthurian Legend (1891); Studies in Early Irish History (1893); Celtic Folklore, Welsh and Manx (1901).

This classical background clearly provided the girls with a thirst for knowledge and both Myfanwy and Olwen received a first rate education at Oxford. At the time of the 1911 census both sisters were living at home with their parents at The Lodgings, Jesus College, Oxford. Myfanwy was described as a ‘Researcher in History,’ while Olwen was performing housekeeping duties for their parents. Elizabeth (or Elspeth as she was known) died in 1911, while Sir John Rhys himself passed away in 1915.

Neither sister ever married. Myfanwy, of the Ivy House Hotel, Marlborough, Wiltshire, passed away at the age of 71 on the 28^th of November, 1945 at 95, Southmoor Road, Oxford. Olwen died on the 10^th of April, 1953 at 3, Brading Avenue, Southsea, aged 77.

Christmas Events in Carnarvon 1893

From the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald: December 29th. 1893.

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

CHORAL SERVICES

At the evening service held at Christ Church on Sunday a portion of Handel's oratorio, "The Messiah," was rendered by the choir, under the able leadership of Mr. John Williams, the organist. Mr. T. H. Rawson gave the recit "Comfort ye," while the choir followed with the chorus "And the glory of the Lord," in fine style. The recit, by Mr. Edward Lloyd, "Behold! a Virgin shall conceive and bear a son," and the air "O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion," were well executed, the choir taking up the chorus, which followed with spirit. The fine bass voice of the Rev. F. Lampitt, B. A., was heard to the best advantage in the recit "For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth," and the air "The people that walked in darkness." The rendering of the chorus "For unto us a child is born," by the choir, was all that could be desired. A pastoral symphony on the organ followed. several recits were given by Master J. H. Evans, namely, "There were shepherds," And lo! the Angel of the Lord," And the Angel said unto them, fear not;" and "And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God." The chorus, "Glory to God in the highest," was then effectually rendered by the choir. The offertory hymn having been sung, the service was brought to a close by the rendering of the "Hallelujah" chorus in a manner that thoroughly justified the appreciation of the audience. The same evening, and at the same hour, a musical service was conducted at St. Mary's Church by a powerful choir under the leadership of Mr. Pughe Griffith and a well chosen instrumental band. Dr. W. G. Owen presiding at the organ. In addition to a number of carols and hymn tunes which were sung by Mrs. Flynn and Mr. Tom Harris, the following choruses were rendered by the choir: "A gogoniant yr Arglwydd" (Handel); "Oherwydd ganwyd i ni had" (Handel); "Mawl i Dduw" (Mozart); and Hallelujah Chorus.

A PREACHING MEETING

The annual preaching meeting of Pendref Chapel was held on Sunday and Monday. The Revs. O. L. Roberts, Pwllheli; D. S. Davies, Carmarthen; and D. Rees, Capel Mawr, preached to crowded congregations.

THE WORKHOUSE

The inmates of the workhouse were again this year entertained to a splendid Christmas dinner, consisting of roast beef, mutton, plum pudding, fruit, oranges, delicacies, &c., prepared for them by the master and matron (Mr. and Mrs. Jones). The following gifts were received:- Misses Owen, Ty Coch, a hamper of oranges and Christmas cards; Rev. R. P. Hughes, Waterloo Port, oranges; Misses Preece, illustrated papers; Messrs. Bell and Parnham, do.; Mr. Lewis Rees Thomas, currant bread, nuts; Dr. Taylor Morgan, 5s.; Mr. Francis, apples; Captain Jones, 5s.; Miss Sampson, Christmas cards; Mr. George Owen, 4s. 6d.; Rev. J. W. Wynne Jones, Christmas cards and scrap books; Messrs. Henry Williams, 4s. 6d.; John Jones, apples; John Griffiths, old books and toffee; Captain and Mrs. Wynn Griffiths, Llanfair Hall, tobacco, tea, toys, mufflers, bonbons, crackers, &c. The inmates spent a most enjoyable time, and seemed to thoroughly appreciate the preparations made for the occasion. At a meeting of the guardians, on Tuesday, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the kind donors of the above gifts.

GENUINE FUN

One of the most comical and humorous of entertainments ever put on the boards at this town took place at the Guild Hall, on boxing Night, when four of the local and favourite comedians, namely Messrs. S. W. Parnham, Owen Edwards, J. A. Ball, and C. J. Kenney - assisted by Mr. Walter Roselle, the renowned vetriloquist and conjuror, who had benne specially engaged for the occasion - kept an uncomfortably crowded house for over two hours in roars of laughter and the happiest of moods. The opening chorus, Strolling in the Moonlight, by Messrs. Parnham, Ball and Edwards, was a good beginning. Mr. Parnham, instead of rendering After the Ball, as announced in the programme, believing it to be too much of a sentimental song and out of touch with the feelings of people during the festive season, followed up in his merry style with Oh! Mr. Porter, the audience heartily joining in the chorus. The Waiter, by Mr. Ball, and The Silent Maiden (in character), by Mr. Edwards, were well received and the soloists highly applauded. Mr. Walter Rosselle entertained the audience to a rich treat with his ventriloquial efforts, in which he introduced a Family of Five Funny Folks. This was Mr. Rosselle's first appearance in Carnarvon, and we have no hesitation in stating that the able manner in which he executed his part of the programme gained for him the approval and the approbation of the public here. Mr. J. C. Kenney rendered two Tyrolean solos, namely, Over the Hills, and Close Your Eyes, Lena. The ability of this promising amateur captivated the audience, and he was loudly encored. A humorous interlude by Mr. Rosselle brought the first part of the programme to a close. The second part was opened by the rendering of Juh Jah by Mr. Parnham (in character). The soloist posed to be a friend of the public, having discovered a certain root in the woods of the Wild West of America, which would cure all kinds of ailments. His manner of advocating the claims of the "medicine," his funny sayings and new jokes quite pleased the audience. Mr. Ball gave a capital descriptive rendering of a serio-comic song entitled Half-past Nine, as did Mr. Owen Edwards (in character) of They All Take After Me. Mr. Rosselle's conjuring tricks were the admiration of all, especially the very amusing manner in which he introduced a number of magical marvels. A most enjoyable Boxing Night entertainment was brought to a close by a screaming negro farce entitled "removing the Obstacles," Messrs. Ball, Parnham, Kenney, and Edwards acquitting themselves worthy of the occasion. Mr. Wilbur acted as accompanist.

THE BAPTISTS

On Christmas Day the Baptists of this town held their annual meetings, this year, in the from of a tea meeting, in the school-room, of Caersalem Chapel, in the afternoon, and a grand concert at the Victoria Drill Hall in the evening. There were eight tables arranged in the nicely decorated school-room, which were filled with the usual dainties supplied at this old established tea meeting (this being its 25th anniversary), each table being presided over by the following ladies and a host of young ladies and gentlemen helpers:- Mrs. Jones, Victoria-street; Mrs. Captain Roberts, Segontium-terrace; Mrs. J. D. Jones, Post Office; Mrs. Tom Litherland, Mrs. J. Williams, Newborough-street; Misses Davies, Cefnfaes; Mrs. J. Griffith Williams, Gelert-street; Mrs. Davies, Nant Farm. This meeting was a great success, about 500 people having sat down for tea, the excellent quality and management of which was highly praised. The evening concert proved successful in every way, the spacious Drill Hall being crowded with a most enthusiastic audience. The following were the artistes:- Misses Lizzie Dew, Polly Williams, Sydney Williams, Dottie Pritchard (violin), J. and M. K. Davies (pianoforte); Messrs. T. Rogers Jones, Henry J. Roberts, David Jones, Richard Prichard (accompanist), and a splendid choir under the conductorship of Mr. Williams Jones, High-street, all of whom acquitted themselves to the great satisfaction of the audience, who showed their appreciation by demanding several encores. The Chairman was Mr. Norman Davies, Ty Fry, who was well received upon his opening address and proved himself most efficient, and undoubtedly after this meeting we shall hear more of him in a public capacity. We quite agree with him that he has been too much of a "stay at home" man. Upon the motion of the Rev. O. Davies, in a stirring and pithy address, which was seconded by Mr. E. Evans, county surveyor, a cordial vote of thanks was passed to the chairman, bringing this, the jubilee meeting of our Baptist friends to a happy and successful termination. The secretary this year again was Mr. David Jones, chemist.

ANNUAL FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

The fourteenth annual football tournament was held as the Oval, Marcus-street, on Boxing Day, when prizes to the value of 25 guineas were offered to the best teams. The weather was chilly, damp, and unpleasant for football playing; but some hundreds assembled to witness the games. These annual matches are organised by an energetic committee, having Mr. Edward Griffiths as its secretary. This year 10 teams entered the respective classes, namely, the Holyhead Football Club, Penygroes Wanderers, Carnarvon Ironopolis, and the Llanrwst Town in the senior competition, while the Portmadoc Glaslyn Rovers, Carnarvon High-street Swifts, Pwllheli Heli Rangers, Penygroes Rangers, Carnarvon Junior Swifts, and the Carnarvon Rangers entered in the junior class, in which the players were to be under 20 years of age. The play was good throughout, and sometimes exciting. The final tie in the senior class was played by the Carnarvon Ironopolis and the Penygroes Wanderers, and resulted in a win for the former by seven goals to none. The members of the winning team were awarded 11 silver watches. In the junior class, the Carnarvon Rangers beat the Penygroes Rangers by five goals to none in the final tie, and thus earned eleven silver medals.

The Coming of the Railway and the Disruption of the Town

Since early 2011 major disruption has been caused to Caernarfon’s inhabitants by the regeneration work being carried on in the town. Although we all like to moan occasionally, it is, of course, only the latest in a long line of changes the town has experienced over the years.

What would we have done were we living in Caernarfon in 1869, when the then latest project was to extend the Bangor to Caernarfon railway line to join those of Porthmadog and Llanberis? By its sheer scale, that scheme would put today’s to shame.

Work began that May under the watchful eye of contractor Mr. Ridley, and barely a month into the project extensive embankments were being constructed on Morfa Seiont and the base for the track was being laid along the intended path by the gasworks and down to the Quay. Several houses in the vicinity of Segontium Terrace were in the process of being demolished and in the coming few weeks more were to be pulled down. At the time the intention was to build a new station, a “pick-up station” as it was called, under Segontium Terrace.

In late July a terrible event occurred which showed the consequences of such large-scale excavations in the centre of a built-up town; at noon on Tuesday the 21^st a huge landslip took place at the cutting near Turf Square, the Herald reporting that “the back buildings of two or three houses in Bangor-street gave way, and the whole mass came down with a tremendous crash.” It was known the structures were unsafe as they had been propped up with beams, but evidently the weight had been too much for them. Just before the collapse a servant girl had been inside one of the buildings; a narrow escape.

Shortly after eleven o’clock on Wednesday the 9^th of September, the residents of Segontium Terrace were alarmed to hear loud rumblings noises which resembled the roll of thunder. It was later found that part of the entrance arch of the new tunnel below theAlbertInn had collapsed, leaving a breach some dozen yards long and many feet high. The debris, which included a considerable quantity of earth and “seven strong cast iron girders,” lay in a heap on the track bed. It was presumed that recent heavy rain had loosened the soil above the tunnel, resulting in pressure on the new wall and causing it to bulge outward. It was also thought that resting the girders on walls which were not sufficiently strong and well-pinned could have contributed.

In December the Town Council discussed the possibility of covering the railway cutting fromTurf SquaretoCastle Squareand building a new street along its path, which would have added a handsome new shopping thoroughfare to the town.

By April 1870 most of the work had been completed, a barrier of earth by Hugh Humphreys’ premises in Castle Squarebeing the last remaining section to be removed. A month later, on the 29^th of May, a ballast engine made the first journey from one end of town to the other. Large crowds turned out to witness the event; many perched precariously on the wagons.

The final leg of the year long contract was the opening ceremony, which took place on the 6^th of July 1870 when the great and the good of Caernarfon joined the directors of the L.N.W.R. to celebrate its completion.