more perfect state than it is at present. This remark also applies to the figure of Saint Gwynnog, before referred to, a fac-simile of which, from a sketch by Mr. Parker, dated 1830, is engraved, and proves the present disjointed and dilapidated remains to have formed the central compartment of a late decorated east window, which, although somewhat damaged, was not so far defaced as to be beyond restoration, had the feeling existed at that period for such treatment.

Owing, in all probability, to a constructional defect in the south wall of the nave, the effect of the screen on the west front is somewhat marred by a deflection in the longitudinal beam, but this point, being of little moment, has not been fully represented in the drawing. By comparing the details of Llanwnog screen with those of the screen from Newtown old church, it will at once be observed what a strong resemblance they bear to each other. The treatment of the foliage and enriched portions generally, is unquestionably the work of the same craftsman, and too much cannot be said in praise of the singularly conscientious style in which the work has been executed; the thorough-going crispness and vitality given to multitudinous, complex geometric forms, combined with perfectly harmonious treatment, render these screens of paramount excellence; what, for instance, can excel the cornices from the Newtown screen, or the open work ornament which originally must have crowned the rood loft? The delicacy with which they are carved is no less striking than the skill in which the requisite light and shade are maintained.

In my descriptive remarks upon the Newtown screen, in vol. iii, p. 211, of the Collections, I gave it as my opinion that the usually accepted idea, that these screens came from Cwm Hir Abbey was not based upon reliable evidence; for instance, the spacing of the panels of the lower portion of Llanwnog screen conform to the exact width of the nave, the openings between the mullions being one foot seven and a-half inches, whilst those at Newtown are only one foot two inches in the same position, the panels being designed to accord with the dif

ferent widths, whilst the mullions and other leading moulded members are entirely varied in character, the tool marks and execution of each work being alike; a comparison of the central opening from the nave to chancel of Llanwnog with those to the chancel and chancel aisle in Newtown screen, as it originally stood, must further confirm the individuality of each screen, to leave untouched the question of decoration, which, in the one, has been executed with exceeding richness and good taste, whilst the other, dark with age, is as it left the worker's chisel. A more reasonable hypothesis, in regard to the execution of these screens can, I think, be formed, if it is remembered that the very beautiful abbey which existed at Cwm Hir, and to which it is more than probable churches within the district were connected, was founded by abbots of the Cistercian order. This order possessed, as their numerous buildings handed down to us unquestionably show, mediæval artists of the highest order, who, linked together by the bonds of freemasonry, travelled and laboured for the cause of their religion. There is, furthermore, so little in common with these screens and those to be found in other parts of Montgomeryshire, that their inspiration is the more apparent.

A very interesting subject in connection with the monograms entwined upon the carved bosses at the intersection of the ribs forming the soffite of the rood loft, yet remains to be treated of; their quaintness of character, coupled with the blackness of the oak, and subdued light of the church, renders the deciphering of them somewhat difficult; they no doubt refer, however, to those by whom the screen was erected, or are in perpetuation of those connected with parish history.

I hope to have an opportunity of completing sketches of all the monograms, when some member of the Club, interested in the archæology of the parish, will no doubt interpret them.

I propose in my next paper to treat of Llannano screen, which is situate within a short distance of Abbey Cwm Hir.

MATERIALS FOR A "TOPOGRAPHICON"

OF MONTGOMERYSHIRE.

BY RICHARD WILLIAMS, NEWTOWN.
(Continued from vol. iii, p. 230.)

LLANBRYNMAIR.--("St. Mary's on the Hill.")-A parish comprising the townships of Talerddig, Tirymyneich, Dolgadfan, Tafolwern Rhiwsaeson, and Pennant, all of which, except the first (which belongs to the manor of Talerddig) are in the lordship and manor of Cyfeiliog. In Pope Nicholas's Taxation it is described as a chapelry. See Mont. Coll., vol. ii, p. 89.

The abbey of Ystrad Marchell (Strata Marcella) enjoyed extensive possessions in this and the adjoining parishes under Gwenwynwyn's charter of 1201 (see a copy of the charter in Pennant's Tours, vol. iii, p. 458). On August 30th, 1530, a lease of Tyddyn-hafod-yFoel tenement was granted by John the then abbot to John ab Hywel Vychan of Llwydiarth, Esq., this being nine years before the dissolution of the abbey (see Rev. Walter Davies's "History of Meifod," Cam. Quar. Mag., vol. i, p. 328, and his Works, vol. iii. See particulars of grant, 10 Eliz., 7 July, to Robert Corbet of "Frith Dovolwen" and "Llin Mawre," in Mont. Coll., vol. iii, p. 146; and another of the same to the Earl of Leicester, 14 Eliz., 19 April, Ibid., p. 154.

Lewys Glyn Cothi has addressed a poem (Works, p. 447) to Owain Fychan ab Gruffydd ab Ieuan Llwyd who lived here.

It is a curious fact that, down at least to 1657, the law of gavelkind was prevalent in this parish (see Mont. Coll., vol. iii, p. 45.)

Humphrey Dafydd ab Ifan, a good poet, lived and was parish clerk here about 1620-1660.

LLANDYSILIO. A parish in the hundred of Deuddwr. The church, founded by Tysilio, son of Brochwel Ysgythrog, by Arddun Ben-asgell, in the sixth century, was formerly a chapel to Llandrinio. "Bonedd y Saint," Myv. Arch., p. 431; Rees's Welsh Saints, p.

278.

"Derllyddid fy neddf fy newisaw

Yn nghadelling fro Dysiliaw."

(Let my lot and my wishes be poured forth
In the protecting country of Tysilio.)

Gorhoffed," Gwalchmai.-Myv. Arch., p. 144.

LLANERFYL.-A parish in the hundred of Caereinion, so named after Eurfyl, a saint who is supposed to have lived in the seventh century, and to have founded the church. -Rees's Welsh Saints, p. 307.

"A'r lle anorfod

Uwch Llanurful."

(And the insurmountable place
Above Llanerfyl.)

"Canu yr Iustus Llwyd."-Myv. Arch. p. 366.

LLANFAIR CAEREINION.-A town and parish in the hundred of Caereinion. In the account given of Ceridwen's cauldron of inspiration and science for her illfavoured son Avagddu in the History of Taliesin, we find the following:

"A Gwion bach mab gwreang o Lanfair yng Nghaer Einion ym Mowys a roes hi i amodi y pair."-(And she put Gwion Bach, the son of a yeoman of Llanfair, in Caereinion in Powys, to stir the cauldron.)-Mabinogion, iii, pp. 322, 357, and Myv. Arch., p. 22.

One of the sayings of this Gwion Bach is preserved in Chwedlau y Doethion, the "Sayings of the Wise Men":

"A glywaist ti chwedl Gwiawn

Bach, yn dangaws deddf gyfiawn?
Iawn pob iawn lle bo iawn."

(Hast thou heard the saying of Gwiawn
Bach, teaching a just law?

Every claim is right where there is justice.)

Iolo MSS., pp. 259, 663.