THE latest community news from Harlech.
Historical Society
A TALK on “Maps of Merioneth” by Merfyn Wyn Jones, area archivist for Meirionnydd was the subject of the October meeting of the society.
The speaker illustrated his talk with a selection of historic maps, most of which are held by the Record Office in Dolgellau.
The Mappa Mundi of 1285 is believed to be the largest medieval map known still to exist, and is housed in Hereford Cathedral.
It depicts the world as circular with Jerusalem at its centre, emphasising its Christian nature.
However, the next two centuries, known as ‘The Age of Discovery’ saw remarkable findings which might never have happened without the development of maps.
The most significant factor in this was the application of printing to map production and the development of copper plate engraving.
From Elizabethan to Victorian times the county was to become the basic unit of regional mapping in Britain.
The first published separate map of Wales called ‘The model of Wales’ appeared in 1573 as a supplement to what is regarded as the first ‘modern’ atlas: “Theatrum Orbis Terrarum” published by Abraham Ortel.
Other cartographers soon began mapping Wales.
The most innovative were Saxton, Speed and Ogilby.
Christopher Saxton was commissioned in the 1570s to survey the whole of England and Wales.
His map of Merioneth combined with Montgomery was published in the Atlas of the Counties of England and Wales in 1579.
The map shows mountains, rivers woods, towns, villages, country houses and bridges - but no roads. The sea, which is stippled, is filled with ships and fishes.
His was the first national atlas of its kind to be published in any country and formed the basis for the work of cartographers for well over 100 years.
19th century industrialisation saw the addition of railways and canals to county maps.
A map of Merionethshire by Langley and Belch in 1818 includes a drawing of Dolgellau from above Y Bont Fawr.
A boat on the Wnion, indicated that the river was navigable.
An unusual map of North Wales is a caricature map drawn on stone from a design by Hugh Hughes in the shape of an old woman with a bundle on her back.
Behind her ear is the Great Orme peninsular in the form of the head and shoulders of a lady in a ball gown.
The first Ordnance Survey sheets of Merioneth were drawn up in the period 1837 to 1840 and larger scale editions followed in 1889-90 and 1901.
Tithe maps which assisted in apportioning the liabilities of each property in a parish were also drawn up in the 1830s.
Llandanwg parish, which included Harlech, was surveyed in 1840. Estate maps, first produced in the 16th century, continued in popularity until the middle of the 19th century.
One early example is a map of the Hengwrt and Nannau estate in 1794 accompanied by a map of Dolgellau. Sales maps of properties also provide information on boundaries.
Mr Tomos concluded that with digitisation, older maps can now be layered on top of modern maps thus extending their usefulness as historic documents and providing a variety of new uses.
He was warmly applauded by a large and appreciative audience.
WI
THE president, Christine Hemsley welcomed members, with a special welcome given to our guest visitor Arlene, who was staying with friends in Harlech, having travelled from her home in Canada.
A bouquet of flowers was presented to Denise and Magnus who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary recently.
Well done to Jan and Edwina for being worthy winners at The Treasure Hunt event held at Dolgellau Rugby Club.
Minutes of the last meeting were read, with two amendments being made.
Our treasurer Sheila Maxwell gave a report on our current finances, and informed everyone we had a very successful coffee morning in the Old Library last Saturday.
A few of our ladies displayed their craft work, and Sheila brought along her spinning wheel, with Debbie demonstrating her cake decorating skills.
The WI book ‘100 Facts about Harlech’ continues to sell extremely well, with copies available to purchase at various outlets in Harlech and surrounding areas.
Information was given out regarding our excursion to Caernarfon Castle on Thursday, 20 October to view the display of poppies.
Members will meet together first for Lunch, and continue to the castle. Two other events coming up were Lunch at The College in Dolgellau, and our Christmas Meeting to be held at The Castle Café in Harlech, Interested new members are welcome to join us (please contact our President)
Our next meeting on the 9 November to be held in the Memorial Hall will be our AGM with members craft work being on display. A fund raising event will take place on behalf of North West Cancer Research a Beetle Drive, to be held in Llanfair Village Hall on the 18th November.
Our guest speaker for the evening was Marion Wagstaff, who gave a very interesting talk on how to make an elf slipper.
Marion produced packs of materials and instructions for our Ladies to take away and prepare at their leisure. A vote of thanks was given by Jenny Dunley. The competition winner was Eileen Greenwood.
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