somewhat elegant east window, containing a representation of the genealogy of Christ from Jesse. The patriarch is painted upon his back, with the genealogical tree growing from his stomach. Near this building is a tombstone containing the following inscription, which affords a memorable instance of the pride of ancestry which is inherent in the Welsh character Heare lyeth the body of ap Iorwerth, ap Llewelyn, KING OF POWIS, who departed this life the xx day of March, in the 1643, and of his age xcv. About a quarter of a mile distant there is a celebrated spring called Ffynnon Dyfnog, the Well of Dyfnog. There was on this spot a bath, and formerly a chapel dedicated to this Welsh saint. A description of Ruthin has been given in Chapter XXIII. page 217. CHAPTER XXX. ST. ASAPH TO CONWAY,* (By Rhyddlan 19 Miles.) Rhyddlan-Morfa Rhyddlan-Rhyddlan Castle-History of Rhyddlan Castle-Rhyl-Diserth-Diserth Castle-Cefu Ogo-Pearl Fishery -Conway-The Suspension Bridge-Conway Castle-History of Conway Castle-Plas Mawr. FROM St. Asaph to the village of Rhyddlan, or the Red Shore, so called from the colour of its site, the country all the way is interesting. Proceeding for about a mile and looking back, the traveller is presented with a view of the little city of St. Asaph, occupying the slope of the hill, at the top of which stands the cathedral, and the intermingled trees and houses, with the turbulent river Elwy flowing at the bottom, under a majestic bridge of five arches, altogether form an extremely beautiful scene. RHYDDLAN Lies in a flat, on the eastern bank of the river Clwyd, about two miles from its influx into the sea. The river is in this part a little extended in width, so as, at high water, to admit * The direct road from St. Asaph to Conway is only 18 miles, and leaves Rhyddlan to the right; that by Rhyddlan is a mile longer, the distances being as follow, (viz.) by the direct road; from St. Asaph to Abergele 7 miles, from Abergele to Conway, 11: by the road through Rhyddlan; from St. Asaph to Rhyddlan 3 miles, from Rhyddlan to Abergele 5, and from Abergele to Conway 11. of small vessels riding up, as far as the bridge. Although Rhyddlan is now a very insignificant village, it was formerly a place of considerable magnitude and importance; but no traces whatever are left to warrant this statement except the ruins of its castle.* Edward I. annexed to Rhyddlan the privileges of a free borough, in order to facilitate an intercourse betwixt the Welsh and English, and for the purpose of allaying the rooted enmity and the unhappy jealousies that had for centuries rent the two countries. In all his proceedings our monarch exhibited strong features of policy. He had been early taught, that when stratagem would supply the place of men and treasure, it was at least wise, if not always just, to adopt it. Hence originated the statute of Rhyddlan, and from similar motives his infant son was proclaimed Prince of Wales. This statute, which was passed in a parliament assembled here in the year 1283, contains a set of regulations for the government of Wales; it also recites many curious particulars relative to the Welsh customs previous to Edward's conquest, against which it was in a great measure directed. His imposing upon them his son, who had, not long before, been born at Caernarvon, for a prince, is an instance of craft which we are surprised to observe in so great a monarch as Edward. He assembled the Welsh barons and chief men, and informed them, that in consequence of their long-expressed desire to have a prince, a native of their own country, he had at length determined to indulge them in nominating one whose whole life had been hitherto irreproachable, and who could not even speak a word of English. Little did they think, when expressing their acclamations of joy and unbounded promises of obedience, that the prince, who was so immaculate, had scarcely been born twelve months, and was at least *"Non procul a mari Rudlana in Tègenia, olim magnus urbs, nunc exiguus vicus situatur."-Lhuyd Comment. Brit. 56. RHYDDLAN-MORFA RHYDDLAN. 285 able to speak as much English as Welsh. The scheme in a great measure succeeded; and, aided by the strength he had at that time obtained in the country, and the additional forces that he brought into it from England, he totally subdued this warlike people. MORFA RHYDDLAN. Between the village and the sea is a large marsh, called Morfa Rhyddlan, the Marsh of Rhyddlan, where, in the year 795, a dreadful battle was fought betwixt the Welsh people under their leader Caradoc, and the Saxon forces headed by Offa, King of Mercia. The Welsh were routed, and their commander was slain. The Saxon prince, in the heat of his revenge, cruelly ordered all the men and children of the enemy that fell into his hands to be massacred, the women alone escaping his fury. This tragical event is supposed to have been recorded by a poem, written shortly afterwards, copies of which are now extant. The plaintive air called Morfa Rhyddlan, as we are told by some, had its origin about the same period; but, from its construction, infinitely too artificial for those dark ages, it is easy to discern that it must be attributed to a much more recent date. RHYDDLAN CASTLE. The castle is of red stone, nearly square, and has six towers, two at each of two opposite corners, and only one at each of the others. One of these was called the King's Tower, Twr y Brenin. It had a double ditch on the north, and a strong wall and foss all round. In this wall a tower called Twr y Silod is yet standing. The principal entrance appears to have been at the north-west angle, between two round towers; the two opposite to these are much shattered, but the remainder are tolerably entire. History of Rhyddlan Castle.--There is some difference of opinion as to the period at which this castle was first erected. Two celebrated historians, Powel and Camden, attribute it, and apparently with justice, to Llewelyn ap Sitsylt, who reigned in Wales at the commencement of the eleventh century, and who, they inform us, made it the place of his residence. In 1063, three years before William the Conqueror came to the throne, Rhyddlan castle was in the possession of Griffith ap Llewelyn, prince of North Wales. It was in that year attacked and burnt by Harold, the son of Godwin, Earl of Kent, (afterwards King of England), in retaliation for some depredations committed by the Welsh on the English borders. The Welsh soon rebuilt this their barrier fortress, which appears to have been of no small importance to them, in the incursions upon their neighbours, affording them a refuge whenever they were driven back, or had the misfortune to be worsted in combat. But in 1098 it appears to have been wrested from them by Robert, surnamed, from the event, de Rhyddlan, the nephew and lieutenant of Hugh, Earl of Chester. Considerable additions were now made to it, and this hero was stationed in it with sufficient force to overawe the Welsh, and repel any attacks they might make. While situated here, Griffith ap Cynan, Prince of Wales, earnestly entreated for aid against some foes by whom he had been assailed, and Robert afforded him every assistance in his power; but, on some quarrel that afterwards took place, Griffith attacked him in the castle, burnt part of the buildings, and slew a great number of his men. It was repaired and fortified by Henry II. who gave it to Hugh de Beauchamp; but in 1169, whilst Henry was engaged in foreign affairs, it was attacked by Owen Gwynedd, and his brother Cadwaladr, assisted by Ryse ap Griffith, and, after two months' blockade, was surrendered to them. The English recovered it, and about 1214, in the reign of King John, it was again at |