HISTORY MEET MY ANCESTORS
My direct ancestor, Gwladys ferch Dafydd Gam ‘the star of Abergavenny’ (1378 – 1454), was the daughter of Gwenllian ferch Gwilym and Dafydd ap Llewelyn ap Hywel, otherwise known as Dafydd Gam a man immortalised by William Shakespeare as Fluellen in Henry V. The poets sang Gwladys’ praises. ‘Gwladys the happy and the faultless. Like the sun – the pavilion of light,’ wrote Lewys Glyn Cothi. They also noted her beauty and luxurious dark hair. Gwladys married Sir Roger Vaughan of Bredwardine who died at Agincourt, 1415. Her second husband, Sir William Herbert, also fought at Agincourt. Her two marriages produced nine children. As Lady of Raglan Castle, Gwladys entertained her guests. She also assisted the needy and afflicted, and supported Welsh culture, especially the bards and minstrels. Gwladys died in 1454 and her effigy can still be found at Abergavenny Priory, where she was a patron. According to legend, she was so beloved by her people that 3,000 knights, nobles and weeping peasantry joined her funeral procession. Born into privilege, Gwladys used her position to support the poor and vulnerable, and the arts. And for that she earned her people’s eternal love and respect. Hannah Howe, international bestselling author https://hannah-howe.com Image: Abergavenny Priory
‘Y FFYNON FAWR’ WELL
Since 1808, 11 water wells have been discovered in Porthcawl. Although most are now hidden underground three are very much in view. ‘St David’s Well,’ Moor Lane Nottage, is the oldest holy or healing well. In the 1920’s/30’s the apparent ‘curative’ properties of the well, prompted a local doctor, Dr Hartland, to advocate its use for all manner of ills, especially rheumatism, 36 | seaside news
hemorrhoids and skin disorders. ‘St John’s,’ or ‘Sandford Well,’ in Newton, south of St John’s Church, has been considered magical as well as holy since the Middle Ages. The magic label stems from the fact that when the tide goes out on Newton Beach the water level in the well rises; and conversely drops when the tide comes in. ‘Y Ffynon Fawr’ Well (pictured), which is at the bottom of Nottage Hill, has the cleanest water of the three ‘healing’ wells and at one time provided water for both Nottage and Porthcawl. A poem set in slate on the wall extols the blessing of water. (See translation1st verse)
Following the inaugural meeting of the Porthcawl Urban District Council, in December 1894, it was decided to pump water from Y Ffynon Fawr to many more Porthcawl Houses. Many houses still had to rely on their own wells. Ceri Joseph
BRIDGEND SWIMMING POOL
The swimming pool in Newbridge Fields opened in 1938. As early as 1898 the Glamorgan Gazette commented “Now that the July heat is compelling people to shed all superfluous clothing, swimming and bathing are in their heyday… we cannot repress a regret that there is no public institution in Bridgend where the youths and men of the town could learn to swim.” No mention of swimming women! In 1932 the Gazette reported that a site was being considered. Arguments raged as to whether it should be covered or open-air and, since the council could not afford the capital cost, could and should they borrow the money. In 1934 Bridgend Council applied for the necessary funds, which exposed deep divisions. One side, supported by the ratepayers association opposed the scheme on the grounds of the ongoing cost. The other side was keen to provide modern leisure facilities in the town. One councillor maintained a pool was not needed as children could swim in the river, which did not fit well with the decision not to draw water for the pool from the Ogmore as it was too polluted. The pool – open-air and unheated - was well used until replaced by the Recreation Centre in 1974. Ian Price Bridgend & District Local History Society The picture shows a queue for the pool in the 1950s