LLANBADARN CHURCHYARD by A W GILBEY

Photograph courtesy of the Rev. Neil Cox

Within the Church of St. Padarn at Llanbadarn Fawr are a number of memorial tablets and stained glass windows. Some of these were recorded by Samuel Rush Meyrick in his 'History of Cardiganshire' early in the Nineteenth Century but many of the others were added during the great restoration while some have been erected during the Twentieth century.

In the nave of the Church, traditionally known as Capel Hir, the long chapel, the memorial windows along the west wall are dedicated to the Revd. John Pugh. A committee of his parishioners, under the chairmanship of J .G.W. Bonsall of Fronfraith, unveiled the windows on May 24th, 1894. A mural tablet erected on the wall reads:

These windows were erected by his parishioners and friends, in thankful memory of the Revd. John Pugh, Prebendary of St. Davids, and Rural Dean, for five years Curate, and for thirty two years Vicar of this parish, who died May 7th, 1893. During his incumbency this Church was completely restored.

Directly beneath the memorial to John Pugh is another tablet:

Er cof am In memory of

Walter Emlyn Davies B.A 1907 - 1923

Canon Tyddewi Canon of st. David's

Deon Gwlad Rural Dean

a Ficer and Vicar of

Llanbadarn Fawr

1964 - 1972

Tra bu'n offeiriad yma adferwyd yr eglwys hon yn helaeth

During his incumbency this Church was extensively restored.

Two of the three windows along the north wall of the nave are dedicated as follows. The west window is inscribed:

In memory of Peter Morgan and Jane, his wife.

Glynpadarn Lodge, 1882.

The centre window is dedicated

In loving memory of Louisa Emily Day. 6 May 1892 - 7 December 1957. The gift of her sister Alice Mabel Hamer.

On the north wall of the nave, close to the pulpit, is a plaque which reads:

To the Glory of God and in loving memory of 1st Lieut W.H.K. Owen, (Billy), Scout Officer, 9th Welch Regiment, who was wounded at Festubert on the 25th of September and died at Rouen Red Cross Hospital, October 1st 1915, aged 21 years. Also of Sheila, his little sister, who died March 10th, 1913. “Even so father for so it seemed good in thy sight.”

The south wall of the nave contains three windows. The most westerly of these, marked 'Hope' is inscribed:

In loving memory of Jennie Eveleen Davies, beloved daughter of Joseph Davies of Llwynffynnon in this parish.

The centre window, marked “Faith', is dedicated:

In loving memory of Jennie Davies, beloved wife of Joseph Davies of Llwynffynon in this parish.

The east window is dedicated to

Griffith Hurnphrey Pugh Evans. Knt Comr of the Indian Empire. Born Jan 13th 1840. Fell asleep Feb 6th 1902.

Directly below this window is a tablet inscribed:

To the Glory of God and in sweet memory of my loving and devoted wife "Bunnie", Gladys Gwendolyn Alice, daughter of Richard Townsend Greer, who passed away in Calcutta on the 29th October 1934, aged 31. In her was God's gift of happiness, and of it she freely gave. Erected by her fond husband Arthur Lindsay Lyell.

Slightly above this tablet and to the east of the window is a delicately sculpted tablet by Baily of London of a child at prayer dedicated:

In memory of their first born very dear child, Matthew Davies Williams. His afflicted parents have erected this monument. He was born 24th April 1829 and died 9th November 1833. "Redeemed from among men.” Rev. XIV. 4.

In the Choir are two memorials. One is on the steps leading to the pulpit which was given by Bishop Basil Jones of St. David's in memory of his mother. It is inscribed

Ad majrem evangelii ae'terni profectum necnon in piam tremoriam rnatris suae Jane, uxoris Gulielmi Tilsley Jones de Gvvynfryn in provincia Ceretica arm. Hunc ambonem construendum Curavit Basilius Episcopus Menevensis. Ob ilIa Xmo die mensis Dec. A.S. MDCCCXXII.

The other memorial is a plaque fixed to the north wall:

Y carreg hon a roddwyd gan Aelodau Ysgol Sul, Llanbadarn Fawr, er parch i ffyddlondeb Lizzie S. Richards, yr hen a hunodd 2fed Rhagfyr 1918, yn 22 ml. oed. Hedd, Perffaith Hedd.

The north transept, known as Capel Clarach, has two large windows dedicated to the Morgan family of Nantcaerio and one dedicated to two of the children of the Revd. John Pugh. In the West wall is a window dedicated

To the Glory of God and in loving memory of John Thomas Morgan of Nantcaerio. D. 1922. And Frances Hannah, his wife, d. 1928.

The two pointed lancet windows in the north wall were erected in September 1882 and are dedicated, by two plaques fixed to the wall, to:

In loving rememberance of John Herbert Morgan, only son of John and Frances Morgan of Nantcaerio in this parish. Born Feb 15 1873, died Oct 30 1879.

In memory of Thos Owen Morgan, J .P., D.L., Barrister-at-1aw. Died December 5 1878. Also of Jane, his widow, who died at Aberystwyth, :October 6th, 1881. This window is placed by her affectionate sister Anne Morris of. Machynlleth, Montgomeryshire.

In a recess in the north wall is a lectern inscribed:

In memoriam 3rd Officer Kathleen Miller. W.R.N.S. Lost at sea on active service. August 19th 1941.

  I am grateful to Peter Glyn Williams for the following information:   

     Kathleen was a daughter of Henry Miller (1873-1914) and Jane Anne Jones (1871-1958) of Sunnyside, Llanbadarn – situated in the lane

     immediately behind the Black Lion.  Kathleen was one of a party of 21 Wren officers and ratings all lost at sea 19 Aug 1941 when on a

     voyage from Liverpool to Gibraltar on S S Aguila, torpedoed in Bay of Biscay. Jane Anne Miller – more usually known as Sister Miller

     having qualified as a nurse at a London hospital - lived at Sunnyside until around 1956 when she went to live with her daughter Miss

     Helen Jane Miller, S R N, in Englefield Green, Surrey. Sister Miller named the new Aberystwyth lifeboat, R N L I Aguila Wren in 1952. Kathleen

     is commemorated on Aberystwyth War Memorial on Castle Point but not on Llanbadarn War Memorial. Henry and Jane Anne are buried

     in Aberystwyth Town Cemetery. Sister Miller is the author of your Appendix 2, of course.  [Sister Miller was close neighbour and friend of

     my Nain, Henblas]

On the floor is a brass plaque, diamond shaped which bears an engraved cross and the lettering "J.J. 1822".

The south transept, known as Capel y Dre, contains three memorial windows in the south wall presented by Mrs Hugh Bonsall of Fronfraith. The uppermost window is dedicated to St. Teilo. The western of the two lower windows is dedicated to St. David and inscribed:

To the Glory of. God and in loving memory of John George William Bonsall of Fronfraith, 1817 - 1900. Frances, his wife, of Galltyllan, Montgomeryshire, 1821 - 1896, and their daughter Frances Winifred Gallenga, died 1925. Given to our parents and sister by their surviving daughter.....

The eastern window is dedicated to St. Padarn and inscribed:

To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Hugh Edward Bonsall of Fronfraith and Galltyllan, Montgomeryshire, 1863 - 1928. Given by his wife Gertrude Elizabeth Bonsall 1930.

On the north wall is a plaque inscribed:

In memory of Lewis Pugh Evans Pugh, K.C. 19 April 1865 - 24 July 1940. Eldest son of Lewis Pugh, Abernaed.. And of his wife Emily Adah Sophia (Chaplin), 12 November 1867 - 29 August 1953. Erected in love and gratitude by their children 1960.

On entering the Chancel there are three tablets set in the floor. One is the 'Entrance to the Gogerddan family vault'.

A tablet to the right of the altar is dedicated:

To the Glory of God. In memory of Thomas Marriot, Gent., born at Barlow Hall, Cheshire, 10th Jany 1771. Died at Aberystwyth 16th Decr 1832. Interred in this chancel.

To the left of the altar is a tablet to the memory of Lewis Morris:

Near this place lie the remains of Lewis Morris, Llewelyn Ddu 0 Fon, Scholar, Philosopher, Poet, Patriot. Born at Pontrefeirianell, Anglesey, March 2nd, 1700. Died at Penbryn, in this county, April 11th, 1763. This memorial was placed here to mark a spot dear to Wales, by his great grandson, Lewis Morris. AD 1884.

There is another memorial stone set in the floor of the Chancel, though hidden from view by the altar:

Here lies the remains of Thomas Pryse, Esq., who died 2nd June 1745, aged 30. Also of John Pugh Pryse, Esqr., he died 13th Jany 1774, aged 34.

Above the altar is the great East Window erected under the testamentary direction of George Ernest John Powell of Nanteos, who died in 1882, to the memory of his mother, Rosa Edwyna Powell, who died in 1860, aged 42, and of his sister, Harriet Edwyna Powell, who died in 1857, aged 15 years. The window has a central figure of. Christ; on his left is Moses, with Elias on the right and angels about them. Above the group is a scroll announcing "This is my beloved Son,hear him."

The memorial window in the north wall was erected in 1885 and is dedicated "To the Glory of God and in loving memory of relatives fallen asleep. This window is erected by Hugh and Ellen Sophia Hughes of Glynpadarn in this parish. AD 1885." In the window jamb of this window are several letters cut into the stone, probably in the late Fifteenth Century. The letters are "IHS AP DD PCT. ANGH' VX' El"'; the letters expanded to "Thomas ap Dafydd, Proctor. .Angharad uxor eius.”

In the south wall of the Chancel are two windows. The west window is dedicated by the Revd. J .E. Jones, whose memorial is set in the window recess, to his son:

In loving memory of Edward Whetnall, the beloved child of. the Revd. John E. Jones and Alice, his wife. Born at Cambridge March 6th 1875. Died at Halifax Feby 25th 1879. Jesus called a little child unto Him.

The east window commemorates the house of Nanteos:

Cornelius Powell William Edward Phelp Willm Thos Rld Powell

Died 3rd July 1864 Died 5th Decemr 1879 Died 13 th May 1878 aged

Aged 46 years. Lieut Aged 62 years. Major 62 years. Captn 37th Regt

1st Dragoon Guards. Leicester Militia Lt.Col Cardigan Militia

Erected 1884 by Geo. Fred. Wm. Powell. Son of the late Cornelius Powell.

In the window jamb of this window is a stone engraved with the word 'Stratford' and the initial”W”, with an abbot's crosier set in the centre of the 'W'. This could refer to William Stratford, abbot of the Vale Royal Abbey in the late Fifteenth Century, when Llanbadarn was under its control.

On the south wall of the Chancel are thirteen memorial plaques and these are given from right to left:

No. 1

Sacred to the memory of Jane Pryse, second wife of Pryse Pryse, Esqr., M.P., Gogerddan, who departed this life on Monday the 23rd day of March 1846. “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." St..Mattw XI. 28. This monument was erected by her husband and children, as a small tribute of affection to her memory .

No 2.

Sacred to the memory of Eliza Caroline Rice, second daughter of Walter and Mary Ann Rice, of Llwynybrain, Carmarthenshire, who departed this life on Saturday, the 15th of March, 1846, at Gogerddan in this county. She was kind and affectionate. God gave her and took her to himself again. This monument was erected by her nephew Pryse Pryse.

No 3.

Sacred to the memory of Pryse Loveden, Esqre., M.P., of Gogerddan in this country, who died on the first of February 1855, in the thirty - ninth year of his age, much regretted. He was an affectionate husband and father, a kind friend and a good landlord. He died at the Gloucester Hotel, Piccadilly, London, and his remains were brought down here and buried in the family vault. Also near this spot is buried his infant son, Walter Pryse, who died on the first of January 1844, at Lodge Park, in this county.

No 4.

This monument was erected by Pryse Pryse, Esqre, of Gogerddan in this county, as a small tribute of respect and regard, to the memory of Harriet, his beloved and affectionate wife, second surviving daughter of William, Lord Viscount Ashbrook, of Castle Durrow, in the United Kingdom of Ireland; she departed this life at Gogerddan, on the 13 th day of January 1813, in the 41st year of her age, sincerely regretted by all who had the happiness of her acquaintance.

No 5.

Sacred to the memory of Pryse Pryse, Esquire, thirty years member for the Cardiganshire Boroughs, during which period he conscientiously performed his duty. A true patriot, a sincere friend, and a liberal landlord, he lived beloved and died regretted on the 1st day of January 1849, in the 75th year of his age. T his monument was erected by his son as a small tribute of affectionate rememberance.

No 6.

To the Glory of God and in loving memory of John Edward Jones, M.A., late of Annesley, Nottingham, who entered into rest on Trinity Sunday 1883, and was interred in the adjoining churchyard. I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.

No. 7

Sacred to the memory of Edward Athelstan Lewis Powell, Capt. Leicestershire Regt., only son of William Beauclerk Powell of. Nanteos, who died March 26th 1930, from the effects of an illness contracted while serving in Mesopotamia in the Great War. This. tablet is erected by his widow and tenants in most loving rememberance of a truly Christian gentleman, and one of the most upright and kindest of men.

No. 8

In Memory of John Pugh Pryse Esq.

Successively deputed to Parliament

By the Counties of Cardigan and Merioneth

Whom, a lively Genius, and improved Understanding

Recommended by an amiable sincerity of Manners,

By Candour, Benevolence, and Integrity of Life,

Deservedly endeared to all that knew him.

He was a kind and hospitable Neighbour, a dutiful Son,

A warm, and steady friend, a disinterested Senator,

Honest in Principle, uniform in Conduct

His Mother Maria Charlotta,

Daughter of Rowd Pugh of Rug

In the county of Merioneth, M. D.

Has to her dearly beloved Son, erected

This Monument of her Grief and tender Affection.

He died the 13th of Jany 1774 aged 34.

No. 9

M.S.

Near this place lie the

Bodies of. William Powell Esq. Son of

Sir Thomas Powell - Knight & of

Avarina his wife Daughter of

Cornelius Le Brun Esq.

She died January 9th 1728 aged 53 years

He May 8th 1738 in the 80th year of his Age

Having lived together upwards of 31 years

in uninterrupted Harmony and Affection

She among other excellencies

Possessed an understanding superior to

most of her Sex, and for ye good Conduct.and

Government of her affairs, and Family, left

few Equals.

He was Master of sound sense and prudence

formed on Experience, and regulated by

Temper and Moderation

His Duty to the best of Fathers

Whose virtues and principles he inherited with

his Fortune, was exceeded only by his

Piety to his Creator. Both well discharged the several duties of Christians, Parents, Friends, and were re-

markabIy. eminent for their singular

Benevolence and Hospitality.

They had Issue three Sons;

Thomas, John who died in Africa May 7th 1737,

and William, and two Daughters, Eliz. and Ann.

Their Eldest Son,

Out of a pious regard to the memory of his

dear parents, has caused this stone to be

erected.

Here also lie the bodies of William, Charles, and

of Ann Portrey, son and Daughter of Richd

Portrey of Ynys cedwin in ye county of

, Brecon Esq. by the abovementioned Eliz.

Both died Infants.

No. 10

In ever loving and honoured memory of William Edward George Pryse Wynne Powell, Lieut Welsh Guards, only child of Capt. and Mrs E.A.L. Powell of Nanteos, and granddson of William Beauclerk Powell of Nanreos and Sir Pryse Pryse Bart. of Gogerddan. Born March 8th1899 and killed near Buvianies in France Nov 6th 1918, while gallantly leading his men in action. Brave, kind, and true, he endeared himself to all during his short life, and died as he had lived, a true and very gallant Welsh gentleman. “mil gwell yw marw'n fachgen dewr. Nia byw yn fachgen llwfr!”

No. 11

Sacred to the memory of William Edward Powell of Nanteos in this parish, Esquire, whose remains are interred in the vault near this place. Was born on the 16th February 1788, and died on the 10th April 1854. He was Ld Lieutenant for this county, and its member in Parliament for an unbroken period of 38 years. Also Colonel Commandant of Cardigan Militia. Philanthropy, integrity and consistency, marked his public career. Charity, gentleness and kindness were the qualities that in private life gained him universal love and esteem. This monument was erected by his affectionate wife, Harriet Dell Powel1.

No. 12

In.memory of Thomas Powell of Nanteos, Esq.

He lived respected, and beloved,

He died unfeignedly lamented,

16th April 1797 Aged 52 years.

He married Elinor Maurice Corbet of Lloran, and Ynsymaengwyne by whom he had five Children; William Edward,

Elinor Elizabeth, Richard Owen, Anne Corbetta

Who with his Wife survived him,

and Thomas who lies buried beneath with his Father.

No. 13

In memory of the Revd William Powell LL. D.

of Nanteos;

Who died December 21st 1780 Aged 75.

His hospitable House was open to all;

His fortune was a blessing to himself; .

And enabled him to be a blessing to others.

He lived unfeignedly beloved

And died universally lamented.

Also of Elizabeth his wife,

Daughter of Athelstan Owen of Rhiwsaeson Esq.

And of Mrs. Ann Corbet of Ynysymaengwyn

Her conduct as a Wife and Mother was exemplary

And to all her acquaintance amiable

She left one Son and two Daughters

The eldest of whom died at an early Age at School in London;

And was buried here

Whose opening perfections of Body and Mind answered

the fondest wishes and Hopes of her Relations.

On the East Wall of the Chancel, on either side of the East window, are six memorial tablets:

No. 14

Virum liberalum

lngenio praestantiorem .

Memoria felicissimum,'

Scientiaque omni modo cultum; quaeris viator

His jacet.

Venerandi hic nempe quiescunt manes

Thomae Povelli Militis,

Causidici olim consultissimus. .

Dein Camoriae septentrionalis apud Ludovicus

Judicis intaminati

Scaccarij postea Baronis et Banci regij

Regnum capessente Gulielmo 3 judicis,

Post capitalem Angliae justiciarum primarij

Qui cum reipublicae viclssitudinis morem gerere

Conscientia prohiberet

Per sedecim; qui reliqui erant vitae, annos,

Inopes; et oppressos consilio gratis sublevando,

Si quis alius sui muneris civis

Utilitati publicae egregie consuluit

Obijt die 22° januarij A. D. 1704/5 AEtatis suae 73

Morbo diuturno confectus

Quem tamen mim animi constantia

Salva etiam mortis articulo aequanimitate

sustinuit.

Pietatis ergo Patri charissimus

Gulielmus Powell F.H.

No. 15

To the memory of Laura Edwyna, wife of W.E. Powell , Esqre., of Nanteos in this county, who died September 8th, 1822 in the 35th year of her age.

No. 16

Here lie the earthly remains of John Jones

of Nant Eòs in the County of Cardigan, Esq. Lieutent Coll. of

a Foot Regimt raised there for the service of Kg Charles ye 1 st of bld Memory

who by the Grace of God was true

To the Church in time of persecution

To the King in time of Rebellion

when for doing good, he suffered much evil

and after when it lay in his power he required none.

Who in the midst of much business and tedious Trouble

was a great example of Learning Himself, and a Furtherer of it to others.

.A Loving Husband,

.A tender Father,

And a faithful Friend,

Who lived to see this Kingdom restor'd, but was called to receive his reward

in a better,

In the year of our Lord 1666, of his own Age 32.

To the pious and well deserved Remembrance of whom,

This Memorial was set up in the year 1708 by his Daughter Anne The disconsolate relict of the above Inscrib'd

Cornelius Le Brun Esq.

With whom and her Father she hopes in God's good time to rest here

In peace, and at the last Day with them to partake of

A Happy Resurrection.

No. 17

Here lies

interred the Body

of Cornelius Le Brun Esq.

born at Cologn in Germany

the 4th day of December 1627, and

dyed the 10th day of September 1703

at Nanteos in this County

In tender duty to whose memory

this Mont was set up at the

Expense, and by the order

of his Daughter

Anne.

No. 18

In memory of Harriet Edwyna Powell of Nant Eos. Born 15th October 1842. Died 16th December 1857.

No. 19

To the pious memory of

Thomas Pryse of Gogerthan Esq.

He was

Deservedly beloved by his Country

Honoured for his descent but more

for his merit.

Nature gave him good Part

Which were improved by Education.

Happy in every amiable endowment

Of Body and Mind.

The Politeness of the Gentleman

The Integrity of the Christian

Appeared in all his Actions

Sincere in Friendship in Temper

Affable, generous, and obliging

Of Life, and manners irreproachable

For these truly good Qualities

,He liv'd beloved and died regretted

June 2 nd 1745 aged 30 years,

Leaving one Infant Son.

1n Testimony of .her Love

This monument to his virtues

Was erected by his Mother

Mary Pryse.

The north wall of the Chancel holds six memorials:

No. 20

Near this Place

are interred the Remains of

Lewis Pryse Sen'

of lWoodstock in the County of Oxford

and Gogertharn in the County of

Cardigan, Esq.

And also of Lewis Pryse Junr Esq.

who died at Gogerthan 25th day of Septr

1776 Aged 25.

Lewis Pryse Senr died at Woodstock

the 12th day of March 1779

in the 63 Year of his Age.

To Perpetuate the memory of her Husband

and their only Son

This Monument was erected by Margaret Pryse.

No. 21

Near this place

Lies interred the body of

Katherine

The relict or Giles Chichester

Of ArIington in the County of

Devon, Esq. sometime since

Deceased.

She was daughter of James PaImer

by Katherine his wife

Had nine Children viz.

three sons, and four daughters

John

Her only surviving son, erected this,

in the year of our Lord

MDCCXXXIX

1. D. R.

No.22

Near this place are deposited the Remains

Of Margaret Pryce relict of Lewis Pryce, Esqre

And Daughter and Coheiress of Edward Pryce Esqre

Of W oodstock in the county of Oxford

Blessed with a good understanding with a mild sedate benign disposition'

.She highly improved the value of these gifts

By a conscientious Discharge of the manifold and important Duties

Attached to her various trying situations in Life

By pious submission to the will of the Almighty

By an exemplary religious conduct

By a uniform course of most extensive charities,

And by a display of all the otlher graces of primitive Christianity,

And with a composure warranted by a Life so spent

She resigned it into the hands of a merciful God and Saviour

On the23rd of January 1798 in the 75th year of her age.

Pryse Pryse Esq. erected this monument to the revered

And honoured Memory of his most beloved Grandmother.

No. 23

To the memory of Jane Elizabeth Loveden, youngest daughter of Edward Loveden Loveden, Esqr., of Buscot Park in the county of Berks, by his first wife, Miss Pryse of Gogerddan in this county. She died at Penybont, July 15th 1855, in her 72nd year, and is buried in the family vault in this Church. She is now before her judge. This tablet was erected by her nephews and niece as a small tribute to the memory of her many virtues.

No. 24

In Loving memory of Margetta Jane Fryer, wife of Henry Charles Fryer of Lodge Park, Co. Cardigan, and relict of the late Pryse Loveden, M.P., of Gogerddan in the same county. She died at Lodge Park 17 Nov. 1887, and was buried in the Llancynfelin Cemetery. This tablet is erected by her daughter Margaret Holford and her children. "For ever with the Lord! Amen, so let it be; Life from the dead is in that word, ‘Tis immortality."

No. 25

Erected in loving memory of Edward Lewis Pryse of Peithyll, second son of Pryse Pryse, M.P., of Gogerddan, Co. Cardigan. M.P. for. Cardigan 1857 to 1868. Lord Lieutenant for the Co. 1858 to 1888. Born June 27th 1817. Died May 29th 1888. Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee the Crown of life. By Marg-aret Holford and Carine, Viscountess Parker, his neices.

The memorials to the Powell family of Nanteos reflect their role as Lords of the Manor of Llanbadarn Fawr . The earliest reference to Nanteos in these memorials is contained in that to John Jones (see memorial 16), whose daughter, Anne, married Cornelius le Brun (17); their daughter, Averina, married William Powell (14), the son of Sir Thomas Powell. William's eldest son, named after his father, was Thomas Powell who, with his wife Mary, rebuilt Nanteos from 1739. There is no memorial at Llanbadarn to Thomas and Mary but there is one to Thomas's brother who succeeded him to the estate in 1752. He was the Revd. William Powell (13), and he was married to Elizabeth, the daughter of Athelstan Owen of Rhiwsaeson.   Their son was Thomas Powell (12) who inherited the estate in 1780. He was married to Elinor, daughter of Edward Maurice Corbett of Ynysmaengwyn, and took an active part in the affairs of the county of Cardiganshire. They had five children of whom William Edward Powell (11), succeeded to the estate on the death of his father in 1797. Another of their sons was Richard Owen Powell who was buried in the churchyard with his son, Athelstan Owen Powell (see J66 ).

William Edward Powell took an active interest, as did his father, in agricultural improvements during a period when the landlords were leading the agricultural revolution that transformed Eighteenth Century agriculture. A newspaper of May 1810 carried the following report:

W.E.Powell, Esq, Nanteos, high sheriff of Cardiganshire, has raised a noble emulatlon among his numerous tenantry, by liberally offering premiums of twenty-seven silver cups for improvements in the various branches of agriculture. Such spirited conduct in a young gentleman just come into possession of his estates, gives the fairest promise of his becoming a real blessing to his country; a patriot in the truest sense of the word.

In addition to improving his estate William Edward Powell was also the Member of Parliament for Cardiganshire from 1816 to 1854 and Lord Lieutenant of the County. He took an active part in the formation of the Aberystwyth Dispensary in 1821 and was its patron for many years during which time it developed into an infirmary.

William Edward Powell was twice married; his first wife was Laura Edwina (15), the daughter of James Sackville T. Phelp of Coston House, Leicestershire. Their son, William Thomas Rowland Powell , was to succeed to the estate in 1854. His second wife was Harriet Dell Powell. William Thomas Rowland Powell was born in Swansea in 1815 and was educated at Westminster School. He was usually known as Colonel Powell, a rank he held in the Cardigan Militia. His military training, combined with good estate management, provided Colonel Powell with many a good shoot in the late summer months. In the course of two days, the 20th and 21st of September 1858, he was reported to have shot 39 and a half brace of partridges, four rabbits and three hares.

In 1839 Colonel Powell married Rosa Edwyna, the daughter of George Cherry of Buckland, Herefordshire. They had at least one daughter, Harriet Edwyna, and a son George Ernest John Powell. Rosa Edwyna Powell is buried with her son (see J63) and daughter and it is to her that the great East Window of the Church is dedicated.

Colonel Powell was in the habit of spending the winter months as far away from Nanteos as possible in order to take care of his health. In 1864 his son wrote from Leipzig, Saxony, that the "news of the colonel's health becomes daily more unfavourable and a crisis is shortly expected in his disease, for the turn of which I tremble." The Colonel survived that attack but suffered another on returning from Nice in the spring of 1877. He was critically ill in London but was able to return to Nanteos where he stayed until November before returning to Nice. In 1878 Colonel Powell was again critically ill in London and there he died on Monday, May 13th, 1878.

His son, George Ernest John Powell, was born on February 10th, 1842, and from early in life showed that his talents lay in literature and music rather than the management of the Nanteos estate. There were those, unlike his father, who appreciated the special talents of the young squire and they included Wagner, Rossetti, Swinburne and Longfellow. Educated at Eton and Brasenose College, Oxford, George Ernest John Powell was a poet at heart and published his first volume, 'Molinir', in 1860. He surely appreciated the following, written by T. Trevethan of. Rheidol. Cottage, to celebrate the attainment of his majority.

Scion of a long and noble line
Link'd by historic fame to ages fled,
Whose deeds recorded by the hand of time
Will live forever, tho' themselves be dead.

We hail the dawn of this thy natal day;
God grant that thou wilt yet see many more,
Ere the grim tyrant Death Shall have his sway,
And thou be cast upon dark Lethe' s Shore.

Born in a sphere, with power in thy hand,
Wealth in thy grasp, and Wales thy fatherland;
Heir of an ancient house, we wish thee joy,
And pray no sorrow may thy lot alloy.

This day thou'rt call'd upon the world's great stage
To play the man and all its cares engage;
Boy no longer, manhood claims thy name
To add one more among the sons of fame.

Remember too that unto thee is given
Varied talents by the God in heaven;
Presume not then to let them dormant lie,
But rouse them from a state of latentcy,

May thine example teach the poor on earth
To lisp the name of Powell from their birth.;
The widow' s fervent prayer to Heaven ascend,
And famished orphans hail thee as their friend.

Then when thy youthful form is bent with age
And God-like thoughts thy well-spent life presage,
When two worlds meet upon thy dying bed,
May angels waft a halo round thy head.

Such is the prayer of those who know thee now,
In life's young day with an unclouded brow;
Go on and prosper in the busy world;
May Heaven's blessings o'er thee be unfurled.

Unfortunately the young man did not live long enough to fulfil his promise. In 1881 he maried Miss Dinah Harries but died on October 17th 1882, without an heir and the Nanteos estate passed to his father's cousin, William Beauclerk Powell. William Beauclerk Powell ran the estate until 1911 when he died and the estate passed to his only son, Edward Athelstan Lewis Powell.

Edward Athelstan Lewis Powell (7) was born in 1870 and married Margaret Louisa Jane, the eldest daughter of the Pryse family of Gogerddan. Their only son, William Edward George Pryse Wynne Powell (10) was killed in action in France in November 1918, and with the death of his father in 1930 the male line of the Powell family ended.

The Chancel also contains memorials to the Pryse family of. Gogerddan who were frequently to be found in opposition to the Powells.  At the time when John Jones was raising a foot regiment at Nanteos for the service of King Charles I, the Pryse family were preparing to fight for Parliament. There is not as complete a set of memorials at Llanbadarn Fawr to the Pryse family as there is to the Powells but they were not Lords of the Manor. Underneath the altar there is a tombstone, probably moved into the Church when the yard was being cleared, recording the death of Thomas and John Pugh Pryse, while in the Chancel are memorials to each of. them. Thomas Pryse (19) is the earliest recorded owner of the Gogerddan estate with an extant memorial though previous owners were buried at Llanbadarn, for example Sir Richard Pryse who died in 1622. Thomas Pryse succeeded to the estate on the death of his cousin, Lewis Pugh Pryse, and was Member of Parliament for the county from 1741 to 1743. He was married to Maria Charlotta, the daughter of Richard Pugh, and their son, an infant when Thomas died on June 2nd, 1745, was John Pugh Pryse (8). He was to be M.P. for Cardigan and Merioneth but died without heir in January 1774, aged 34 years.

On the death of John Pugh Pryse the estate passed to his cousin Lewis Pryse (20), of Woodstock, Oxfordshire, who was aged 58 years. His son, Lewis (20) died at Gogerddan, aged 25, in September 1776. The estate therefore passed to Lewis Pryse's daughter, Margaret, when he died in 1779, at Woodstock. Margaret was married to Edward Loveden Loveden of Buscot Park in Berkshire, and two of their children have memorials in the Chancel. Their youngest daughter was Jane Elizabeth Loveden (23), who lived for a time in the Gogerddan town house, built by her brother and known as Loveden House in Bridge Street.

Jane Loveden was crippled and, it is said, went around town in a specially made wheelchair pulled by a donkey. On Sundays she would be carried to church in a sedan chair. Her eldest brother was Pryse Loveden who inherited the Gogerddan estates on the death of his mother. He took the name of Pryse Pryse (5) and was M.P. for the Cardigan Boroughs from 1818 to 1849. He was twice married: his first wife was Harriet and she died in 1813 (4); his second wife, Jane, died in 1846 and Pryse Pryse died in 1849. His eldest son Pryse Pryse, inherited the estate but assumed the surname Loveden by royal licence (3).

Pryce Loveden was married to Margaret Jane (24) and their son, Pryse Pryse, was still a minor in 1855 when his father died at the age of 39. Pryse Loveden was M.P. for Cardiganshire Boroughs, a J .P., and Deputy Lieutenant fort. Cardiganshire. His other children were Margaret, born in 1842, who married Thomas Holford of.Bitteswell in 1869, and Caroline Agnes, who married Viscount Parker in 1887. Margaretta Jane, the widow of Pryse Loveden, married Henry Charles Fryer of Lodge Park who was the agent of the Gogerddan estate.

When Pryse Pryse inherited the Gogerddan estates in 1855 he was still a minor and responsibility for the management of the estate was taken by his uncle, Edward Lewis Pryse (25). Edward Lewis Pryse was born in 1817 and settled at once for the pursuit of a country gentleman's life. He was blooded by his father to his first fox at the age of three and became passionately fond of the Gogerddan Hounds, the pack formed by his father in 1800. He served for a while with the Carabineers but returned in 1846 to his hunting and fishing. Wen called upon he returned to public life in 1855 managing the Gogerddan estate, serving as Lord Lieutenant of Cardiganshire from 1858 to 1888, and representing the county in Parliament from 1857 to 1868. According to the County Gentleman he retired from politics "as he preferred the quiet pleasures of a country life being heart and soul devoted to hunting and all field sports.”

Edward Lewis Pryse was known as Colonel Pryse as he was the commanding officer of the Royal Cardigan Rifle Corps. He farmed about 200 acres at Peithyll, mainly to enjoy the hunting and get a little exercise. Even in old age he hunted twice a week and fished on most of the other days. It was while out fishing that he died. On Monday, May 29th, 1888, he rose at 7 a.m. as usual and at 10 set off on a fishing expedition to Rhosrhydd pools, near where his body was found. Henry Bonsall, in his diary, describes what happened that morning:

The otter hounds met at Nanteos and I went to meet them. The old Colonel was not out. I asked old William James where they were and he said 'down the river' but 'Mae yr hên Colonel wedi marw' he added. 'Nonsense', I said. 'It is not nonsense', he said. So I rode after the hunters and stopped them. Billy Powell was dazed at the intelligence. The Huntsman, Evan, merely exclaimed 'Mister wedi marw ' , and turned and went home. 'The County is astonished at the news. Everybody seems to be sorry for the old man. A lonely death in a little lane at the back of Pwllcenawm."

The news of the Colonel's death was taken to his neice, Viscountess Parker, by her stepfather, H.C. Fryer, and provides an interesting example of dreams as a portent of death. On arrival at the Viscountess' home at Montague Square, London, Fryer was surprised at his reception for Viscountess Parker told him

“Mr Fryer, I know what it is. My uncle is dead. He died on a lane leading from Rhiwarthen to Penwern. I have dreamt four times in four years that this would happen, and the last time was the night before baby was born. I have tried many times to keep him from going that way.”

Edward Lewis Pryse was not buried in the Gogerddan family vault because the Home Secretary refused to allow the burial within the Church. He was buried in the Churchyard, south of the Chancel, and close to the family vault. His two neices, Margaret Holford and Caroline, Viscountess Parker, erected a magnificent mural monument to his memory in the Chancel. It is eleven feet high, cost about £1,000 and was sculpted by George Saul of Florence.

A far less impressive memorial marks rather than covers the grave of Lewis Morris, in the Chancel. His biography in the 'Cambrian Register' of 1796 stated that Lewis Morris was the son of Morris Pritchard Morris of Pentref Eirianell, a village in the Parish of Penrhos Llugwy in Anglesey, and was born on St David Day 1702. He was one of five brothers: John, who went to sea; William, a scholar and botanist; Richard, a poet, and Lewis, a land surveyor and poet.

In 1729 Lewis Morris married the fifteen year old Elizabeth Griffiths and they had three children: Lewis, who died young; Margaret, who died in 1761, aged 30 ; and Eleanor. When Elizabeth died Lewis Morris married Ann Lloyd, the heiress of Penbryn, where he was to spend most of his life, in 1749. They had nine children: Lewis, who died in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1779, aged 29; Jdhn, died at Penbryn, aged 14; Elizabeth; Jane, died aged 9 months; Jane; William, a surveyor who republished many of his father's surveys; Richard, who died young; Mary; Pryse, the youngest, who died in September 1797 wnen, as mate of the 'Thomas' of Liverpool, he was murdered by slaves in mid-passage as the ship crossed the Atlantic to the West Indies.

The career of Lewis Morris has been well documented but long after his death he was to be involved in another controversy. At the time of the great restoration of the Church it occurred to a group of Aberystwyth poets that no memorial existed to mark the grave of Lewis Morris. One of Lewis' s sons had copied a verse into his notebook and added "Meant for my poor father's Monument, who is buried under the foot of the stairs, leading to the gallery, at Llanbadarn Fawr, Cards." The scheme was led by John Jones, known by his bardic name 'Ivon', and the aim was to locate the exact position of the grave and place "a pretty brass tablet on the wall, opposite his resting place."

On the 28th of December 1882 the group arrived at Llanbadarn Church and, apparently with the permission of the Vicar, John Pugh, proceeded to open a vault guided by old John Jones (see B109), a weaver from Llangawsai, who claimed to know where Lewis Morris was buried. He pointed out a vault marked 'William Griffiths, Trefdraeth, Anglesea 1785, who was believed to be Lewis Morris's servant. They opened the deep, brick lined vault and removed the remains of William Griffiths and below they found a skull which, on comparison with prints of the portrait of Lewis Morris, they pronounced to be one and the same. It was then reburied under the new floor in the Chancel.

The activities of these men shocked many people including Sir Lewis Morris, the great grandson of the poet, who wrote a furious letter protesting against "the shameful outrage perpetrated by an ignorant mob from Aberystwyth. I will take whatever measures may be desirable for the punishment of all concerned in this shameful desecration of the sanctity of the grave." By the end of January 1883, however, Morris had decided not to press charges but to continue with his plans to provide the memorial stone which can be seen in the Chancel today.