Near to the effigy of Howell Coetmore is the underpart of a stone coffin in which Llewelyn ap Iorwerth, surnamed the Great, the son-in-law of King John, was buried at the Abbey of Conwy; to the coffin is fixed a piece of brass with this inscription:
“This is the coffin of Leolinus Magnus, Prince
of Wales, who was buried at the Abbey of
Conwy, which upon the dissolution
was removed thence.”
On going from the chapel to the church, you pass over a large square flag of free stone, having on its sides a Latin inscription thus translated:
“To the Memory of the Sons of John Wynne of Gwydir, Knight and Baronet, who died during their father’s life time: John Knight, was buried at Lucca, in the free State of Italy, in the year of his age 30, of our Lord 1613. Robert, who had entered into holy orders, in the year of his age 24, of our Lord 1617. Thomas, Roger, Thomas, in their minority.—Death! a vapour! Behold! we have existed.”
In the chancel, between the reading desk and the communion table, is a flag of freestone on the remains of Margaret Vaughan, heiress of Caergai; she was esteemed the Sappho of her age; many of her poetical productions are still extant.
The gallery over the reading desk is said to have been removed here from the Abbey of Aberllechog or Maenan Abbey, upon the dissolution of that religious house.
Under the reading desk in the Church, in a pew belonging to Kyffdy, is a Latin epitaph to the memory of Griffith Lloyd, of Bryniog, Rector of this parish; this is said to have been written by himself, and has been much admired for its singularity:—it runs thus:
“Once the undeserving School-master,
Then the more undeserving Lecturer,
And last of all, the most undeserving Rector of this Parish.
Do not think, speak, or write any thing evil of the Dead.”
There is a Market Hall, Town Hall, free schools and alms houses. The latter were erected by Sir John Wynne, in 1610, and received the name of Jesus Hospital. He endowed them for the reception of twelve poor men, by ceding the rectorial tithes of Eglwys Fach, which are valued at £200 per annum. Within a mile of Llanrwst there is a spring, which is much esteemed for its healthful qualities. The water is soft, and a drop of sal-volatile mixed with a cup of it, turns it white as milk, while oil of tartar causes it to assume a pearl colour. If during the tourist’s visit to Llanrwst there should chance to fall much rain, I would advise him by all means to view the cataract called