File 542B (1) and (2). - Welsh Tour ...,

Two notebooks marked 'Welsh Tour 1818' containing an account of part of a tour made by an unidentified writer, apparently an ordained clergyman of the Church of England, with two companions, 'Eliza' and 'Harriet'. The present narrative covers the period between 25 July 1818, when they left Tenby, and 28 August, when they reached home, 'having traversed in ye same vehicle 680 miles without a single accident or even alarm.' The itinerary includes Stackpool [sic], Pembroke, Pater [church], Haverfordwest, Picton Castle, Milford, Egglwys Wrw [sic], Newcastle, Cenarth Bridge, Cilgerran, Aberayron, Aberystwith, Borth, Llanbadern [sic], Devil's Bridge or Pont y Monach [sic], Hafod, Machynlleth, Tal y Llyn, Dolgelly, Barmouth, Rhaiadr dû, Cader Idris, Tan y Bwlch, Tremadoc, Capel Careg [sic], Snowdon, Bangor, Conway, Llanrwst, Cerig y Druidian [sic], Corwen, Llangollen, Oswestry, Shrewsbury, Iron Bridge in Coalbrook Dale, Shiffnal, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Worcester and Glocester [sic]. Mention is made of meeting 'Mr Sims' by chance at 'Aberayron'; others met en route were three clergymen, Oxonians, viz. Mr Natt of St John's, Mr Yeden [sic] of Lincoln and Mr Hughes of Jesus, who consented to accompany the writer's party on the ascent of Snowdon, and Mr Mitchell, an artist in lodgings [? at or near Betws-y-coed]. The writer also mentions writing to his brother Henry and on 27 August records 'Left my Brother Thomas'. There is no indication where the writer lived but he appears to have had an interest in schools. Loose in (2) are some notes on an itinerary corresponding in part to the one followed but also including the Lake District.