Brynddu and the Diaries

William Bulkeley (1691-1760), Brynddu, Llanfechell, Anglesey. He was the son of William Bulkeley and Lettice Jones of Llangoed, and a descendant of Sir Richard Bulkeley of Baron Hill, Sheriff of Anglesey in 1596. William Bulkeley's diaries consist of three volumes, but unfortunately the second volume (1743-7) is missing. The diaries are extremely valuable for their vivid portrait of Anglesey life in the eighteenth century. They include accounts of farm life, wages, prices etc., and not a day passed without William Bulkeley noting very carefully which way the wind blew!

A talk by the Rev. Dafydd Wyn Wiliam- Part of the history of Llanfechell, 1735-1760 from the diaries of William Bulkeley.

A talk by the Rev. Emlyn Richards- Education according to the Diaries of William Bulkeley.

Relevant quotations from the Diaries

Background to the talk

The main period of interest was the Eighteenth Century, but in order to discuss the history of the village during this period an outline of the history of Llanfechell in the Middle Ages was included.

This history was extremely interesting and an explanation of early administrative units was given, i.e. the hundred and commote. Hearing the old names that have survived from this period is quite exciting. The Rev Dafydd Wyn Williams’ knowledge of Llanfechell as well as many other areas is thorough and exact.

His talk developed into the Fifteenth Century using examples of documents from that period, wills, and deeds and aided by these he was able to create a picture of the society.

Having provided the context he went on to discuss the history of Llanfechell in the Eighteenth Century- the period of the diaries. Some valuable facts have been learnt through this research and some interesting statistics were included, informing us of the sizes of smallholdings and farms, the inhabitants’ possessions and events of the age. Mr Williams referred to events such as floods and the collapse of the village cross, the size of the village and the graveyard.

Of particular interest was the information about markets and fairs that were usually held in the village square that was much larger during this time. A weekly market was held in Llanfechell and four annual fairs. Details were given about the goods that were sold and the prices that gave an impression of the age. When discussing wages it was noted that a thatcher was paid eight pence a day but only four if given dinner by the employer. A joiner earned a shilling a day but only six pence if provided with a meal and a labourer six pence a day, three if provided with food. The Brynddu gardener earned three pounds, ten shillings a year but the housekeeper earned the most, earning four pounds a year.We were also informed about football, specifically the competition between Llanfechell and Llanbadrig, starting from Tyddyn ‘Ronwy. The aim was for the Llanbadrig team to get the ball to Llanbadrig Church and for the Llanfechell team to get the ball to Llanfechell village square. These games were held in March and there is mention of one game in April 1734 that lasted for four hours with a crowd of four to five hundred people watching. Unfortunately there are no details about the results.

The Rev.Dafydd Wyn William at LLanfechell School

Part of the talk

Llanfechell

The name ‘Ecclesia de Llanvechyll (Llanfechell Church) was recorded in 1291.

Looking at the tithe map of Llanfechell, 1841 we find that–

45 smallholdings between 1 & 4 acres

27 “ 5 & 10 “

22 “ 11 & 20 “

12 “ 21 & 30 “

12 “ 31 & 40 “

3 “ 41 & 50 “

5 “ 51 & 60 “

6 “ 61 & 100 “ - Bwlch, Bryn-du, Plas Y Mynydd

Mynydd Ithel, Cefn Coch,

Bodelwyn Uchaf.

3 “ 101 & 150 “ Bodeiniol, Y Wylfa, Groesfechan.

2 “ 151 & 200 “ Cafnan, Cromlech.

1 “ 300 “ Coeden.

In addition to these smallholdings there were many more with less than one acre of land -

Cae Gors, Carreg Y Darren, Gors Y Rhyd, Tŷ Newydd, Wern, Gardd Y Bedd , Hafn Y Much, Ty Llwyn.

Agriculture was the main industry in the area .

The Village

According to William Bulkeley of Brynddu, on 10th December 1749, following a flood, three horses were used to carry people through the river to Llanfechell Parish Church.

Because the Bridge over the River that runs thro the Village was not confined to its own bed ‘till the next day at noon.

Here is a short description of Llanfechell- a village with a river flowing through it and a bridge over that river called the Meddanen. The name ‘Bachanen’ was written on a deed in Llanfechell in 1487 as a land description. This form confirms that the Meddanen was the name of the river which flowed through the village. There is, certainly, a connection between the two names, Bachanen and Meddanen.

There was a cross near the church (which, according to the diary fell on 23rd July, 1734), a vicarage, a tithe barn, a garden called Gardd yr Aner (the religious man’s garden), a cottage called Tanyfynwent, Pen Y Dref (the present Post Office), Plas Y Llan (an alehouse) and a marketplace (where the clock stands today) and one or two cottages and other houses, including the old house known as Siop Newydd (behind Pen-lan which is a more recent house). Across the river was Barn Hill (House over the river). To the other direction was Pen Y Bont and Brocket Hall (Glan Aber and Preswylfa today). Llanfechell was a small village of about ten houses.

The markets and fairs of Lanfechell

Between 1734 and 1760, the time of William Bulkeley’s diary, a weekly market was held at Llanfechell as well as four annual fairs, 14th February, 25th July, 25th October and 15th November (Festival of St. Mechell). Any market that fell on a Sunday would be held on the following day (Monday).

The markets and fairs were held in the village square, near the Church. It should be noted that at this time the square was a larger area because some of the houses on the eastern side were not yet built.

It was to buy meat that William Bulkeley would usually go to the market – mutton or veal. Sometimes beef would be bought or goat’s meat, pork and occasionally venison. The markets were held in order to supply the needs of those living in the local Parish and surrounding area.

The purpose of the fairs, however, was to give people from a wide area the opportunity to buy and sell animals. In addition, all sorts of goods were bought and sold there- brass, pewter, shoes, hats, woollen and linen cloth, leather, gloves, stockings and ‘the showy wares of Peddlers’, meat, seeds, iron, ladders and all sorts of other things.

In the fair of October 1751 a pair of oxen was sold at Llnfechell for £11.5s. At the same fair four years later the diarist himself bought four bullocks for £22. Clearly Llanfechell was famed for its fairs and crowds of people flocked to them.

***********************************************************

Education according to the Diaries of William Bulkeley

The concern and contribution of William Bulkeley for Education

The eighteenth century was the golden age of the Gentry and during this century the peasants, neglected for so long, received consideration. They received this especially from educational and religious bodies. During the century education for the poor was prominently to be found among religious charities. Establishing schools was a clear sign and expression of charitable deeds. Charitable schools rose from this most popular form of benevolence. To the lower classes this was the only means of formal education. Most of the schools were Church of England Schools with the parish parson the chief administrator as governor and almost without exception the schoolmasters were members of the Anglican Church. The integral part of education came from the Bible, The Book of Common Prayer and the Catechism. Anglesey parishes greatly benefited from contributions and support of Dean John Jones- Dean of Bangor. He had already established a few schools before the arrival of the SPCK in 1699. John Jones, born in Plas Gwyn, Pentraeth in 1650 was a fine educationalist and archaeologist. His mother was the daughter of Chwaen Isaf. He was appointed the correspondent of the SPCK and became a great pioneer of the charity school in North Wales. He established and endowed schools in the parishes he was inducted to and made sure the Catechism was learnt in Welsh. He distributed Welsh books among his parishioners and helped to establish parish libraries. In his will he contributed generously to certain parishes for the education of poor children. It was hard to offer education on a regular basis for these children because they had to go from house to house begging due to their poor state.

These are examples of schools established in Anglesey from a Christian motivation. A school was established in Amlwch for boys and girls by Eleanor Kymnir from London in 1689. Richard Gwynne from Rhydygroes in the parish of Llanbadrig left Nantglyn, a smallholding, in his will in 1723 to provide education for poor children in a school in Llanfechell village. In 1733 Blanche Wynne decided to donate 40 shillings annually so that the poor children from Llantrisant could learn to read. Sir Arthur Owen from Pembrokeshire, descended from an Anglesey family, gave £4 to pay a schoolmaster to teach young people to read in Welsh in a school built in Aberffraw in 1735. A school was established in a building in St Cybi’s Churchyard by Dr Edward Wynne, Boderwyd, Chancellor of Hereford and endowed it with £120 in 1738.

As expected there were many shortcomings in these schools, especially in their organisation. The schoolmaster at Holyhead did not receive any pay for three years from 1776. There are minutes concerning Llanfechell School noting that they could not fill the post of schoolmaster although every effort had been made to seek one. In time it became obvious that charity schools were in serious trouble and only about twelve parishes had a school and the endowment money was not adequate to maintain them. They had to try and keep to the numbers and arrangements set by the benefactors. There were only 58 pupils in the five schools established by Dean Jones plus the school in Holyhead. The education provided was most elementary.

This vacuum was filled by the circulating schools using the medium of Welsh. Griffith Jones, who became vicar of Llanddowror in 1716, is the gentleman who came to the rescue. His scheme brought great success to the history of education in Wales. Griffith Jones was convinced that preaching was not enough for salvation and he appealed to the SPCK for a supply of Bibles to teach adults to read. Griffith Jones was full of enthusiasm to save the souls of the poor. Without doubt his talent as organizer ensured that every corner of Wales had a school. The schools spread quickly because of their peripatetic nature and brevity. Their narrow religious nature reflected Griffith Jones’ attachment to the Established Church. In spite of all objections these schools secured their place in Anglesey. Within a year there were eleven such schools established with 522 pupils. Griffith Jones contrived a scheme of employing peripatetic teachers because of the difficulty of establishing permanent schools in every parish. These peripatetic teachers and parsons would hold classes in parish churches for a period of about 3-4 months in autumn or winter when agricultural families had more free time. Annual reports publishing the number of pupils appeared under the title Welsh piety.

The vicar of Holyhead, the Reverend Thomas Ellis was most enthusiastic to establish Circulating Schools. He's a lively and industrious priest, eager for the pupils to receive Welsh Bibles. This is how William Morris wrote to his brother Richard on October 3, 1748 showing us the atmosphere in Anglesey- ‘There has never been such desire in Anglesey for books. The populous almost scratched the eyes of Mr Ellis because the poor could not receive free books.’ Another letter from William Morris to his brother Richard was written February 22, 1749- ‘ Mr Ellis had a school for half a year for about 60-70 children taught to read…. Mr Ellis is tired of battling the Methodists.’

The arrival of the Circulating Schools coincided with the Methodist stirring and activities which was quite an influence in Anglesey by this time. In October 1748 Howel Harris preached to a congregation of 2000 by the crossroads called Penygroes, in Rhosmeirch near Llangefni. By 1749 Peter Williams, Howel Harris and Howel Davies were considered the main teachers of the Methodists. They were active in Llangefni, Llanbedrgoch, Llanfair Mathafarn Eithaf and Llangeinwen. From the letters of the Morrisiaid it appears that the Methodists were quite a thorn in the sides of the Anglicans, a religious stimulation was felt throughout the island. Thomas Ellis, Holyhead clearly expressed his opposition of the Methodist by publishing a booklet – ‘A short summary of the Christian Religion together with a word of advice concerning education in regard to Schismatics who dissent from the Anglican Church.’

It is hard to know how far the anti-clerical and anti-Papist spirit of William Bulkeley turned to sympathy for the Nonconformists. It is true that he was the only Justice of the Peace to give a fair hearing when the sects requested a licence to worship. According to William Morris a booklet was written by William Bulkekey in response to one written against the Methodists by Thomas Ellis. This booklet of William Bulkeley was not published only copies of the manuscript distributed over the island. The parson at Holyhead had to write another booklet and publish it hastily. There is no firm evidence concerning William Bulkeley’s booklet although this is not a basis for believing that his sympathy was overflowing towards the Methodists. Dr Thomas Richards believed that the Squire of Brynddu did not have an iota of sympathy towards the Methodists- ‘His pretentious sympathy towards the Methodists was a deception, he was having fun regarding the squires and the clergy pretending to be a Methodist.’ But it is hard to believe that William Bulkeley would be so light-hearted about a matter which meant so much to him. Hardly can the argument be finally resolved. This is how William Bulkeley wrote in his diary on August 30, 1748 ‘….was a day to visit the Circular Charity School that is kept at the time in Caban House where there used to be about 20 children, after these, (being these children of the neighbouring parishes) are taught to read Welsh, which they will perfectly well in 6 months. They are taught the Church Catechism and the Explanation of it and reading of the Old and New Testament, they are likewise taught to write. The Charity is chiefly supported by South Wales Gentlemen and Englishmen. The Clergy are generally all against these circulating schools and do all they can to deprecate them calling them the Nurseries of the Methodists; but they keep their ground in several parts of the country in spite of the resistance they give them.’ This is affirmed by Thomas Kelly in his book ‘Griffith Jones Llanddowror’- 1950) – In North Wales Griffith Jones’ missionaries were under much suspicion of being Methodists. According to the Welsh Piety (1741-42)- ‘ In certain villages schoolmasters had been most barbarously abused.’ As a result of this abuse the process of establishing schools in the North was hampered. But this does not mean that all the parsons were against the Circulating Schools. In fact most of them were willing to open their churches to the schools and to offer their services as cheap as possible. The Reverend Humphrey Jones, the parson of Llanfaethlu, was most supportive to the Circulating Schools. This is what he wrote in a Report- ‘We have upwards 50 scholars, and when they came to school scarce any of them knew a letter yet in less than two months a great many of them could read perfectly.’ (Welsh Piety 1746-7).

Dr Edward Wynne, Bodewryd was most supportive to these schools and was anxious for young people to receive education to civilize them a little. Dr Wynne patronized the school that Thomas Ellis held near St. Cybi’s Church. He had converted Capel Y Bedd into a school, which was opened in 1748. There were 70 children in this school. William Morris wrote to his brother Richard in May 1752- ‘It would please you and every genuine Welshman, to see this school that is in the parish of Cybi, where 40 to 50 children do receive free education to read the old poor Brythonic to understand the rudiments of their religion.’

These Circulating Schools served Anglesey, its children and adults, for over 30 years (1746-1777). During this period 435 schools were held in Parish Churches and other places in 71 districts. The success was marvellous with the obvious zest of the clergy. For the first time in the history of Anglesey a generation of readers was created which showed more reverence towards religion and piety. This is how David Petty wrote – ‘During the 18th Century the education of the poor was naturally and instinctively associated with religious ideas- ‘philanthropic charity’. When the schools suddenly came to an end in 1777 it left a vacuum in the field of education. The clergy missed the opportunity to fill the vacuum and the Methodists took advantage of this. But William Bulkeley of Brynddu did not live to see the fate of the Schools after Griffith Jones, Llanddowror.

William Bulkeley's patronage : Education

This is roughly and briefly the background of William Bulkeley’s period; the middle of the 18th Century. On account of his character and special nature the contribution of this gentleman was remarkable to the culture and education of the period. He had this rare ability to be quite at home in company of the poor peasants of Llanfechell. Often he would visit the homes of the craftsmen near his home, drink their beer, pay for it and assist them. At the beginning of the New Year he would welcome all his servants, male and female, to his house for them all to spend a musical evening in his mansion. William Bulkeley understood the life of his most humble servant where the kind hearted nobleman was at its best. ‘An example’, said Thomas Parry, ‘of a Welsh gentry before they became anglicised.’ I was amazed as how he mixed easily with the lower strata of the peasants while his tastes were completely different from theirs. Yet he could mix with the parsons in the nearby parishes and he referred to the Morris brothers Lewis and Morris as his friends. He was on the best of terms with the titled and landed gentry, as recorded in his diary for New Years Eve 1754 while in Llys Dulas, the home of William Lewis, his brother in law. ‘A good company of neighbouring clergy and substantial freeholders at dinner and made merry until four in the night.’ From this it is no wonder that the nobleman from Brynddu had such knowledge and understanding of the needs of the poor peasantry that led him to give every support to the school and education, especially in Llanfechell, and in general, to Anglesey. I’ve had the honour to know two of his descendants- William Grove-White and Robin Grove-White his son, two endowed with the nature and character of William Bulkeley. I remember writing a short Welsh speech for Bill when he introduced Cledwyn Hughes in an election meeting in Cemaes- unusual for the Squire of Brynddu! We all know how amiable Robin and Helen Grove-White are to all in the neighbourhood, opening their door to riff-raffs like you and me. In the obstacle race of the Brynddu hierarchy thank goodness that the baton is in the hands of Robin and Helen, patrons of Welsh culture.

We must remember, since Anglesey was so remote in the 18th Century, the diary of the nobleman of Brynddu is not a true picture of life throughout Wales before the Methodist Revival. Everyday life in Brynddu is not a true reflection of the way of life of other families of similar statues even in this County. The English influence had penetrated deeply into the lives of many of the gentry. But in Brynddu the Welsh way of life persisted and the Welsh language was spoken. The parishioners had quite a shock when John Evans, the new parson, preached in English! William Bulkeley noted in his diary that he could not write a single word quoting from the parson’s sermon hence forth. William Bulkeley conversed in Welsh with the peasants, in their homes and in the village, as well as when they visited Brynddu on business. The fields had Welsh names, and the cattle, but the status of the horses were higher- they had grand English names!

Whilst we follow the development of culture and education we notice the special contribution and patronage of the manor houses over the years. Many of them had a harpist or a family poet; others collected manuscripts and so transferred valuable recourses for the present day scholars. Some of the gentry wrote in strict poetry and others supported local scholars and were patrons of culture... The names of some of the houses, or manors, still stand for civilized patronage and the Welsh culture, like Sycharth. Llanofer, Peniarth, Gwysanne and Garthewin. What about adding Plas Penucha Caerwys, the home of Thomas Jones of Denbigh who has given patronage to literature and music for many years, and continues to do so up to now. And we will include with pride Brynddu, Llanfechell, with its door still open giving patronage to our culture. Yes, of course, William Bulkeley had been greatly endowed with literacy tendencies. Lewis Morris mentioned that he copied Welsh manuscripts as early as 1726, and sent him poems and harp strings the same year. Lewis Morris refers to’ Llyfr Bodeulwyn’ where is recorded ‘The most noted poem in William Bulkeley of Brynddu’s Collection’. David William, Bodelwyn was a neighbour and good friend of William Bulkeley. In 1745 Lewis Morris listed some manuscripts- ‘Accounts of Manuscripts in Wales’. He mentioned many homes throughout the country where he was given the opportunity to look over literary gems. The manor houses in Anglesey that interest us are- Llanddyfnan in the parish of Llanddyfnan , Brynddu in the parish of Llanfechell, Bodewryd in the parish of Bodewryd and Dronwy in the parish of Llanfachraeth. He also refers to ‘other smaller collections’- David Williams Bodeulwyn, John Owen Presaeddfed, Huw Huws from Llandyfrydog and Dr Richard Evans from Llanerchymedd. According to M.L.11.838 William Bulkeley had a good collection of manuscripts, some copied and some of his own work.

Let’s remember Lewis Morris’ poem ‘An ode to send a snail as a messenger to William Bulkeley of Brynddu in Anglesey in the year 1730’. In the ode it appears he had the poems of Virgil and Horace as well as Gruffudd Grug and Dafydd ap Gwilym.

There are plenty of examples to testify that William Bulkeley had a practical interest in the Welsh language and especially in the children’s education and adults especially the poor and deprived. He was a very cultured person and we should not take his criticism of the preaching of the parson, Richard Bulkeley, as implying that there was not a good relationship with him. Surely the two of them had a profitable session after the service on Sunday evenings. The clergyman was no mean scholar and he assisted Richard Morris to publish a version of the Bible in 1752. This is what William Morris wrote about the parson to his brother Richard Morris in one of his letters- ‘A genial and harmless old gentleman, wise, meek, courteous, and more than likely the best Welshman in Anglesey.’ The often constant company they held was a means of sharpening their minds. This is an item from the will of the Reverend Richard Bulkeley drawn out in 1757, a year before his death: ‘I give and bequeath to my nephew Robert Bulkeley the Chest with R B on it, my own Writing Desk and Bookcase, my books and one hundred pounds in money inclusive of what I promised towards his education and the University.’ It is apparent that Richard Bulkeley, the parson was more supportive of education than anything else. There was a literary nestful of three within the circle of Brynddu, three with the attributes of writers, William Bulkeley of Brynddu, Richard Bulkeley the parson and David Williams Bodelwyn, all within a stone throw. No wonder there was a good support for school and education in Llanfechell. William Bulkeley was the only one of the three interested in collecting manuscripts. His name is associated with the White Book of Mechell- a valuable anthology of Welsh poetry from the fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth centuries> Dafydd Wyn William believes that Lewis Morris encouraged the squire to copy the manuscript LL.G.C. 832E, The White Book of Mechell.

Now and then the squire of Brynddu sailed over to Dublin and in 1735 he visited the ‘Playhouse’ to see- ‘The Beggars Opera, The Tragedy of Dan John, Tamarlane, The Royal Merchant and Henry 1V. He also bought ‘4 Volumes of the Arabian Tales, Solomon’s Chronological History, Clark’s Paraphrase on the 4 Gospels, 2vol 8vo, Lock’s paraphrase and Notes on St Paul’s Epistles’. William Bulkeley was a remarkable serious reader.

We are much indebted to Charles Parry of the National Library for tracing diligently a list of subscribers to Welsh books and the name William Bulkeley is prominent amongst them. These are the works he subscribed to-

Lewis Morris: Plans of Harbours (1748)

Peter Nourse: Athrawiaeth yr Eglwys (1731)

Henry Rowlands: Mona Antiqua Restaurata 1723

Henry Valentine: Defosiwnau Priod

Dafydd Jones: Blodeu-gerdd Cymry

Richard Farrington: Twenty sermons upon the following subjects...

John Parry a Evans Williams: Ancient British Muscl 1742

Ysgrythiadau 54 mewn nifer ar gyfer y Llyfr Gweddi.

It is expected that such a literary gentleman as William Bulkeley would be more zealous for the education of needy children in the area, and his support became visible.

Although we do not have many references in the diary to the school or to education yet these references are remarkably valuable as proof of his interest and support. Unlike the squires of his day, middle of the eighteenth century, William Bulkeley showed a lively interest in every aspect of life in the community. He himself, and not a strange agent, let the farms and smallholdings on the estate. Consequently he knew the neighbourhood well enough to call the inhabitants by their nicknames. When the children of the parish came to the door of Brynddu for Easter eggs it was the squire himself who welcomed them, and not the maid. He called them by their Christian names and gave them a shilling, a good amount, which proves how much he cared for the needy. His literary nature and care for the needy compelled him to support and promote education to those who could not afford it in any way. As he wrote on February 3, 1751 ‘ I gave£5 to a young distant relation, Owen Hughes, the son of the late Bulkeley Hughes, Parson of Edern, who dying in a very poor circumstance, this lad was left to the wide world till my brother Lewis of Llys Dulas took him into his house and sent him to school where he was kept till now, that he is sending him to Cambridge.’

Bibliography:

Griffith Jones – Circulating Schools in Anglesey: TAAS 1936 Tud. 94

A conspectus of Griffith Jones Schools in North Wales 1738-61

Bulletin of celtic Studies V.4 May 1931

Bywgraffiadur Cymreig; ‘William Bulkeley’ – Dr. Thomas Richards

‘Two Centuries of Anglesey Schools’: David A. Pretty

Anglesey – The Concise History – David A. Pretty

‘Hanes Cymru’ – J. Graham Jones (1994) Tud. 82-89

Bro’r Eisteddfod: 3 Ynys Môn (1983) Hen Ddyddiaduron: Helen Ramage

Baledi’r Ddeunawfed Ganrif: Thomas Parry – (1935)

The Life and Work of Griffith Jones, Llanddowror: F. A. Cavenagh

Griffith Jones, Llanddowror 1950: Thomas Kelly

***********************************************************

Relevant quotations from the Diary

November 12,1736 This day was buryed Thomas Lewis of Trefeibion- Meyrick (former of Brwynog) a great dealer in sheep and hays and late in Oxen and Cows & had acquired thereby a considerable fortune ....brought up seven children and one in the University...

April 4, 1737 ...gave Ambrose Lewis of Trysclwyn 1s that went about to beg for eggs, as the custom of school boys is the week before Easter.

September30, 1737 On June 30, 1736- subscribed to a proposal of one Mr Lewis a painter from Shrewsbury for 12 of the most beautiful prospects in North Wales to be delivered by the first of May.

September 30, 1737 Having about a year and a half ago subscribed for 12 Copper-plate prints, being prospects of several places in North Wales done by John Lewis of Shrewsbury, today I received them and paid him for the same 11.11s.6d.

February 1, 1738 ...gave Rice Gray the harper that had been playing most nights since the holydays 6s.

February26, 1738 One Nicholas Oughton that teaches the people of Llanerchymedd to sing (Ysgol Gân) Psalms, came to this church to day with 15 of his scholars to sing that we of this parish might have a tryall of their singing (being about to employ him to teach here). He and his scholars were entertained by the parson and myself at dinner after evening prayer, treated them with some ale where I paid my 1s.

July 1, 1738 A song sent me this day- ‘The Blind Boy’ pricked by Lewis Morris (hen nodiant).

January 17,1739 Yesterday the election for an usher (teacher) for Beaumaris School when Lord Buckeley set up one Hughes of Denbighshire who is curate of Beaumaris. His old friends whom his father had got to be named Ffeofast flew in his face and put up young Vincent of Llanfachraeth a lad of about 19 and got him chose in opposition to the Lord.

February 29 1740 Accident in Llanfechell today, Mr John Bulkeley of Gronant who kept a school in Llanfechell and lodge with William Mathews widow- had been drinking and merry with company till 10 o’clock- found dead in bed.

August 27, 1740 John Bulkeley Bwchanan in 1715 wore my Livery; the year following he kept a little school at Llanfechell which was worth him perhaps 40s a year.

January 20, 1714 ..gave Rhys Gray my old Harper 2/6 being father of four poor children.

April 8, 1741 ... gave 6d to a poor relation at Beaumaris School – (yno yn y Sesiwn Fawr)

March 22, 1742 Delivered Mr Lewis Morris 4s to subscribe for the Welsh Musick & 5s to send to London to buy me a large reading glass.

July 16, 1742 Paid 3s 6d for books from London.

November 17, 1742 Received to day the first rent of the tenant of Nantglyn to the use of Llanfechell School.

August 26, 1748 This day I sent for Nancy Warmingham’s children and their cousins Tom Ellis of Dronwy’s children, being all of them my neighbour’s the Priest’s nephews and nieces and gave them 6d a piece to buy fruits.

August 30, 1748 ..was to day to visit the Circular Charity School that is kept at the time in Caban House where there used to be about 20 children, after these, (being these children of the neighbouring parishes) are taught to read Welsh, which they will perfectly well in 6 months, they are taught the Church Catechism and Explanation of it, and reading of the Old and New Testament. They are likewise taught to write; this Charity is chiefly supported by South Wales Gentlemen and Englishmen. The Clergy are generally all against these Circular Schools and do all they can to depreciate them, calling them the Nurseries of the Methodists; but they keep their ground in several parts of the country in spite of all the resistance they give them.

November 28, 1748 Paid Abraham Jones 3d 11s being his salary at present for keeping the Charity School at Llanfechell.

January9 1749 Gave Richard Evans a Harper from Pwllhely these last days 2s

January 27, 1749 Today I sent Nancy Wright to Mrs Gold’s Boarding in Beaumaris along with her sister Grace and gave between them 2s 6d the other morning that must be laid out for Nancy in town.

February 18, 1749 Sent by Alice Jones 9s 6d to William Morris to pay for my news papers.

May 16, 1749 I went to Thomas Sion Rowland’s house (the fuller of Cefn Coch) who teaches Psalms singing in this parish and sings with them every Sunday and holy days. I went to his house I say where a great number of parishioners and some from other parishes had met to drink his ale and to give him what they thought proper- some more some less. I gave him 10s and 1s for Hugh ab William Gabriel a boy that attends the stable and who is going to him to be taught.

May 29, 1749 Sent the girls to school and gave them 1s a piece.

August 27, 1749 ..gave Owen my cousin Bulkeley Hughes’ son who’s at school here 1s.

August 29, 1749 ...gave Jones the Dancing Master 10s 6d entrance money before Nancy Wright at the dancing school and delivered Mrs Gold one guinea to buy what she stands in need of.

January 13, 1750 Gave 2s 6d to Owen Morris of Caernarvon the first Harper to offer himself & who for that reason I retained, but the worst, I believe as ever handled a harp.

January 31, 1750 Sent the two girls to day to school and gave each of them three shillings sent by John Ifan who went along with them seven pounds to pay for Ann Wright’s board and schooling, besides 10s 6d to her mistress by way of a present gave him likewise 7s to bear their charges.

April 11, 1750 Gave Owen Jones the son of Elizabeth ach William Mathew 1s who as a school boy came about to gather eggs before Easter.

June 7, 1751 Mrs Gold having sent here notice that Miss Grace Wright was to go to very soon to Liverpool pursuant to an order from her grandmother. I sent her today to Beaumaris and gave her 2s 6d.

April 12, 1754 Gave 8d to school boys that begged for eggs.

November 28, 1754 Paid Abraham Jones 3b 13s 10d being what is received at present from Nantglyn & left for teaching children from Llanbadrig at the town of Llanfechell.

January 20, 1756 ...sent 9s 6d to Robert Evans of Llanerchymedd to pay for newspapers.

March 5, 1756 ...gave 5s to William the son of John Hughes of Marian a blind boy that is learning to play the harp with Fowk Jones.

March 29, 1756 Sent 5s to pay for Irish News Papers

April 9, 1757 209 persons communicated this day (Easter) Gave 10s 6d – collection to the poor.

July 6, 1757 ...burying of Mrs Morris of Rhydygroes – widow of late Richard Gwyn- who died September 1723. She married Thomas Morris –servant at Caerau.

June 5, 1759 ..gave Richard Williams of Ty Newydd 1s who is at school at Bangor.

***********************************************************