ADVERTISEMENT FOR A NEW EDITOR OF THE CARMARTHENSHIRE ANTIQUARY

Following the sad loss of our longstanding Editor, Miss Muriel Bowen Evans in December 2015, the Council of the Society held an Emergency Meeting to consider the way forward. It was agreed by all, including the Acting Editor, Mrs Heather James, that we should advertise the post as widely as possible.

The Acting Editor is overseeing the production of Vol 51 (2015) and taking in material for Vol 52 (2016) with the assistance of a small Editorial Board. The Carmarthenshire Antiquary is produced annually and circulated to the membership both individual and corporate.

Applications are invited, giving an indication of relevant qualifications, experience and vision for the future to be sent to the Hon. Sec. Mrs Menna Owen-Strong, Min-yr-Afon, Llangain, Carmarthen SA33 5AH or by email to mennamos@gmail.com

Applications should be received by the end of July 2016 and Council and the Editorial Board will invite applicants to make an informal presentation at a meeting in late summer 2016. The future editor will have the help and support of the small editorial board.

Invitation to New Book Launch of
“Dolaucothi and Brunant
A Tale of Two Families in Wales”
by David TR Lewis

on (1) Tuesday 5 July 2016 in the Dolaucothi Arms in Pumsaint from 7pm to 8pm
and (2) on Wednesday 6 July 2016 in the Brunant Arms in Caio from 7pm to 8pm

Hardback cover with dust jacket, 490 pages
300 old and new photographs and maps
£20 per copy

In 2012 the author published a history of the Parish of Cynwyl Gaeo entitled “Family Histories and Community Life in North Carmarthenshire” . This new book is a more detailed history of the fascinating Johnes and Lloyd families (with their Lloyd-Johnes and Hills wider family associations) and contains some 300 old and new photographs and maps. These gentry families had an extraordinary influence on life in Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire. They inter-married and many members served as MP, Lord Lieutenant, Custos Rotulorum, Sheriff, DL and JP over the centuries. This book tells the tale of the origins of the families which some claim go as far back as Coel Hen Godebog (Old King Cole) in the 5 th century, of their involvement in the Dolaucothi and Brunant Estates, and of the social, political, military and economic times in which they lived during the past 1,500 years.

Family members included Urien Rheged, Cydifor ap Dinawal, Sir Rhys ap Thomas KG of Dinefwr, Sir Thomas Jones of Abermarlais, Thomas Johnes of Hafod, Judge John Johnes of Dolaucothi (murdered by his butler), Sir James Hills-Johnes VC and his wife Lady Betha, David Llwyd of Llandysul, Rev John Lloyd and George and Charles Lloyd of Brunant, and the infamous Sir Herbert Lloyd of Peterwell. Family members who served their country bravely were awarded with three VCs and six DSOs.

Other Seats of the families described include Abermâd, Abermarlais, Alltyrodyn, Brynbran, Carew Castle, Castell Hywel, Croft Castle, Foelallt, Ffosybleiddiaid, Hafod, Haroldston, Llanfair Clydogau, Llanllyr, Mabws, Maesyfelin, Penybont and Peterwell. Detailed Family Pedigrees and maps are included together with details of the estates, the demesnes, tenants, census returns and community and public service.

You can obtain your copy by:

Either (1) attending the book launch at the Dolaucothi Arms in Pumsaint on Tuesday 5 July 2016 from 7pm to 8pm

Or (2) attending the book launch at the Brunant Arms in Caio on Wednesday 6 July 2016 from 7pm to 8pm

Or (3) completing the Order Form and sending it to David Lewis at Erwhen, Pumsaint, Nr Llanwrda, Carms SA19 8YP .

Tel: 01558-650144 or E-mail: lewis.erwhen@icloud.com

Or (4) buying a copy at the Brunant Arms, Dolaucothi Arms or Ffarmers Post Office for £20 per copy

Or (5) buying a copy at Waterstones in Carmarthen for £30 per copy

ALL BOOK MONIES GO TO THE ARMY BENEVOLENT FUND CHARITY

Diploma in Irish Archaeology

The diploma is fully online, to facilitate the participation of folks in different countries and time zones, and is offered by experts on Irish archaeology. We currently have participants from Ireland, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Canada, the United States, and Australia -  and would love to continue this diversity.

Information can be found at by clicking here and online applications can be found here.

The online brochure in PDF format can be downloaded here.

The Antiquarian Year under Review 2013
By Jeremy John

See some pictures of the Society's 2014 AGM