Pen y Bryn, Conwy
From the place now known as Abergwyngregyn in Conwy, the Welsh Lords could travel easily to Glasgow, Britany, Anglesey and Cornwall. They guarded secrets of the use of minerals and semi precious metals that were to be found across the rich lands of Wales and beyond. During an interesting lecture by Historical Researcher, Mrs Kathryn Gibson, on the history of her home, Pen Y Bryn at Abergwyngregyn, she related how field names have provided fundamental information in her research.
The area around Pen y Bryn was known as Aber Garth Celyn and the modern name Abergwyngregyn (place of white shells) illustrates the attempt to erode the historical importance of the site by King Edward 1st . Evidence points towards Pen y Bryn being Llewelyn ap Gruffydd's, Royal home, Aber Garth Celyn. The place name, Abber Garth Celyn, was removed from all documents by Edward 1st who wanted to wipe out all memory of Llewelyn.
But the power of the place itself was far greater than those who tried to destroy it, and because of the tenacity of the Welsh people to retain a separate language, it was never quite forgotten. Some references to the important history of the site have remained in house names, field names, and mountain names in the area. Kathryn Gibson's research into these indicates that the Llewelyn lived and held court at Pen Y Bryn. As well as field names, ancient texts and local anecdotes, modern technology has now precisely detected the age and revealed the likely historical significance of Pen y Bryn. But the research continues because only with tenacity and endeavour will the importance of this site be acknowledged in Welsh and British History.
