File 858C. - An archaeological tour in Pembrokeshire

A volume (No. VI) in the autograph of the Rev. Henry James Vincent (1799-1865), vicar of St Dogmaels, Pembrokeshire. The manuscript contains a description of 'an archaeological tour', which commenced 'Monday Augt 25 1862', from Llantood to St Davids and back to Goodwick. Places visited or referred to include Eglwyswrw, Brynberian, Henry's Moat, Ambleston, Little Newcastle, St Dogwells, Letterston, Jordanston, Granston, St Nicholas, Trenewydd (Pencaer), Trefasser, Ffynnon Druidion, Mathry, Mesur y dorth, Waun beddau, Rhodiad, St Davids, Llanrian, Trevine, Trenewydd (Pencaer), Llanwnda and Goodwick. There are many references to and short descriptions of archaeological and historical sites. The descriptions are most detailed for the St Nicholas, Llanwnda and Pencaer area, with which the writer was familiar. He stayed twice at Trenewydd (Pencaer), 'the residence of my cousin John James, Esq.' and he refers to Trevelgare [?recte Trefelgarn] as 'the abode of my childhood'. He also recites anecdotes relating to the French landing at Pencerrig gwastad in 1797. There are interesting details also in his description of St Davids, which he compares with its condition when he first saw it in January 1810 and he gives also his earliest recollections of the buildings and of the grammar school in the cathedral. A large number of pages have been inserted into the description of the tour giving details concerning famous figures connected with various places on or near the route of the tour. Most of this material is derived from published sources but in some cases (e.g. the section relating to the Rev. Nathaniel Rowland) it includes personal reminiscences and information acquired from acquaintances. The following figures are referred to at some length: Owen Glendower (a lengthy description of his activities as Little Trefgarn in St Dogwells was 'supposed to have been the birthplace of the celebrated Owen Glendower', though the writer admits later 'That Glendower was born in Pembrokeshire is scarcely probable'; Joseph Harris (Gomer, 1773-1825), (from St Dogwells) (in this section the writer states his attitude towards the preservation of the Welsh language); the Rev. Nathaniel Rowland (1749-1831) (connected with Little Newcastle) (this section contains some personal reminiscences and information acquired from acquaintances and details relating to other members of the Rowland family); and the Rev. Howell Davies (1716-1770) (connected with Llysyfran). There are briefer references to Bartholomew Roberts (1682?-1722), the pirate, from Little Newcastle, the Rev. William Gambold (1672-1728) and John Gambold (1711-1771), the Moravian bishop. There is a longer note relating to Sir Thomas Picton (1758-1815), which includes anecdotes which the writer had heard from a friend of Picton. The writer states that he had been promised a title for orders from St Nicholas but the incumbent had died before the writer had come of age and had been succeeded by the Rev. William Grey Hughes (?1792-1824). The writer gives his recollections of the Rev. William Grey Hughes and also details concerning his father the Rev. John Hughes (1760-1813) and his grandfather the Rev. Thomas Grey (1733-1810).