Hi Peter,
Interesting points. It crossed my mind that the Caer Gai incident in 1645 may have been a
punitive raid by the Montgomeryshire Parliamentarians, or perhaps a piece of bullying to
bring Rowland Vaughan (1587-1667), and with him the other parts of Merioneth, into the
Parliamentarian cause. In which case, why Caer Gai given the Vaughan family's other
land holdings in the county? It also raises the question, as you suggest, of the political
affiliations either way of the other estates in the Penllyn area, Rhiwlas and Rhiwaeog for
example, both of which are strategically placed in terms of local communications and
settlement. Might also be worth investigating the affiliations of the Rug estate in
Edeyrnion.
The other theme that suggests itself as regards pro- or anti- monarchist affiliations is
the connection with the rise of Quakerism in certain pockets of Merioneth, notably the
Dolgallau and Bala areas post 1657. This also gives you a broader timeline, and
potentially, a direct connection to the recorded beliefs of local family groups whose
histories have been investigated as part of the settlement of Pennsylvania. The late
Marion Eames is a point of reference given her research into her book Y Stafell Ddirgel. I
would also look for clues in the works of local poets, especially those who maintained a
strong connection with local estates. In this respect, Rowland Vaughan is another starting
point according to work on this subject by Glenys Davies and A. Lloyd Hughes (Noddwyr y
Beirdd).
The other incidents worth noting from Atlas Meirionnyd are: Harlech 1647, Llwyngwril 1648
and Barmouth 1848. There is also a map which traces the route taken by John Owen,
Clenennau, a Royalist, who was pursued by a small group of Parliamentarians lead by
Twistleton Owen.
Regards,
Ken Richards
On Oct 24, 2013, at 6:05 PM, Peter Evans wrote:
Ken,
>> What if....it was quiet in Merionethshire compared with other places that
experienced political and military excitement?
Generally speaking that is the case.
However, as the reference 'The History of North Wales ...' by William
Cathrall states there was action in Bala for the week starting 21 August
1645. I don't think I have seen that mentioned elsewhere.
Then I would be interested in who were the supporters of Vaughan, and who
were the local Parliamentarian sympathisers of the Parliamentary forces who
invaded Bala.
Regards,
Peter Evans
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