Welsh Name Research Articles

The Geology of Bardsey Island

B ardsey , an island a mile and three-quarters long, and covering approximately an area of 500 acres, is the westernmost fragment of North Wales, and lies about 2 miles from the promontory of the Lleyn (Western Carnarvonshire), from which it is separated by Bardsey Sound. Its Welsh name, Ynys Enlli, or the Island of the Current, has reference to the strong tides that sweep between its shore and the mainland. Mynydd Enlli, the dominant topographical feature of Bardsey, lies in the north-east of the island, and forms a bold ridge running nearly due north and south. It rises precipitously above the eastern line of sea-cliffs to a height of 548 feet O.D., and descends more gradually on its western side to about 100 feet O.D., where it passes into cultivated drift-covered ground. At the harbour of Henllwyn, the larger and northern part of the island in which this ‘mountain’ is situated is connected by an isthmus, at its narrowest some 35 yards wide, with the smaller southern portion, which consists of a rather flat tract having an elevation of about 50 to 60 feet O.D.; on this portion the lighthouse is built. The southern extremity has been so much dissected by sea-erosion, that the strip of slates between the heads of the opposing inlets of Ogof Lladron and Ogof Diban is only 40 feet wide. Geologically, Bardsey has long been recognized as forming the isolated extremity of the 18-mile-long strip of ancient rocks that borders the western coast of the Lleyn

Welsh Saints and Astronomy

THERE were in Anglesey two contemporary saints who were in the habit of meeting together at a spot mid-way between their respective abodes. One was called Seiriol Wyn, “Seiriol the White or Bright”, the epithet signifying his coming from the east, the region of sunrise. He had his abode on Puffin Island, on the extreme east of Anglesey. The other saint was called Cybi, and because he travelled to meet his friend from the west he was called Cybi Velyn, “Cybi the Yellow”. “He lived on Holy Island, at Caer Gybi”, “Cybi's Camp”, the Welsh name of Holyhead. Their place of meeting was in the parish of Llandyvrydog, where there are two springs called Ffynnon Cybi and Ffynnon Seiriol, which are referred to by Matthew Arnold.

The Milky Way

IN the number of NATURE for November 17, Mr. John Jeremiah states that “Heol y Gwynt” is the only proper Welsh name for the Milky Way. Such is far from being the case. I am acquainted with no less than nine other names, equally proper for that luminous appearance, such as y llwybr llaethog, y ffordd laeth, llwybr y gwynt, galaeth, eirianrod, crygeidwen, caer Gwydion, llwybr Olwen, and llwybr y mab afradlawn. Of these names, y llwybr llaethog and y ffordd laeth answer precisely to Milky Way; llwybr y gwynt (common enough in Carmarthenshire) is synonymous with heol y gwynt; galaeth (from llaeth, milk) corresponds with galaxy; eirianrod signifies a bright circle; and crygeidwen a white cluster. To caer Gwydion (the mural enclosure of Gwydion) belongs a tale, which may be compared with the stories of classical antiquity on the same subject. Gwydion is a noted character in early Welsh romance, in which he figures as an astronomer and an enchanter. He was the son of Don, king of Llychlyn or Scandinavia, and is said to have lived in the fourth century. According to the Welsh poets, he travelled through the heavens in search of a lady, who had eloped with Gronwy Befr, and left a track behind him, which has ever since been called Caer Gwydion. When he found the faithless lady he changed her into an owl. His scientific acquirements are often mentioned in Welsh mythology, and frequent allusions are made to him as an enchanter by the early bards. He is said to have been instructed in magical arts by Math ab Mathonwy, and in the Mabinogi, or tale which bears the name of the latter, his achievements are detailed at length. According to some of the Welsh records he was buried at Morfa Dinlle, on the seashore near Carnarvon.

The Welsh name of Hull

Journal Article The Welsh name of Hull Get access J. A. Harris J. A. Harris Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Notes and Queries, Volume s4-VI, Issue 136, 6 August 1870, Page 111, https://doi.org/10.1093/nq/s4-VI.136.111f Published: 06 August 1870

Welsh names “Blaen”

Welsh names “Blaen”

Welsh names Blaen

Welsh names Blaen Get access Α. Α. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Notes and Queries, Volume s1-V, Issue 119, 7 February 1852, Page 128, https://doi.org/10.1093/nq/s1-V.119.128a Published: 07 February 1852

On certain Welsh Names of Places preserved in English Compounds

On certain Welsh Names of Places preserved in English Compounds