A MAJOR research project on travellers from Europe to Wales has uncovered some fascinating descriptions of Aberystwyth and the area contained in travelogues that had mostly been forgotten.

Aberystwyth was described as ‘the Dieppe of Wales’ by French visitor Alfred Erny in the 19th century.

“Aberystwith est le Dieppe du pays de Galles”, he wrote in Voyage dans le pays de Galles in 1862.

In March 1922 Bartkók, the famous Hungarian composer, stayed at the Queen’s Hotel on the seafront which was later used as council offices and courts, while giving his first public recital in Britain at the music department of the university.

The message on the picture postcard of Constitution Hill that he sent his sister said: “It is a magnificent, hilly region, with a wild, rocky seashore, and there isn’t a single cloud in the sky”.

Dr Heather Williams, of the Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies explained more about the findings.

“The earliest account I have in French of mid Wales is by artist Amélie de Suffren who visited in about 1802,” she said.

“She finds the scenery at Devil’s Bridge overwhelming, and in Aberystwyth is struck by the impressive location and unusual Moorish architecture of Castle House. She remarks that the sea is extremely stormy here and the coast very inaccessible. Other French travellers, such as Alphonse Esquiros, in1865, warn that Aberystwyth may be swept away one day, as the slate cliffs are under pressure from the fierce waves.”

Louis Simond was French but had lived for 20 years in America before undertaking his journey in 1810.

“He gives us a wonderful description of being on the road to Aberystwyth on 20 July 1810,” Dr Williams added.See this week's Aberystwyth edition for the full story or read the digital edition by clicking the tab at the top of the page