Near to Corwen is the site of an ancient British encampment, called Caer Drwyn; it is on the summit of a hill, and protected by a circular wall, about one mile in circumference: and within are the ruins of a circular fort. It is supposed to be one of the chain of posts from Dyserth to Cynwyd, and formed in olden times a stronghold. Owen Gwynedd occupied it in the days of Henry the Second.
The tourist remaining at Corwen, who has any relish for angling, may readily obtain all the necessary tackle in the town, at a low charge, and will find good fishing between Corwen and Llan-St.-Ffraid bridges, two or three miles, and at Llandrillo, about five miles from Corwen.
This district was visited by a most desolating flood, caused by heavy rains, in the summer of 1846.
CRICAETH,
(Caernarvonshire.)
| Beddgelert | 11 |
| Caernarvon | 20 |
| London | 240 |
| Pwllheli | 8 |
Cricaeth, a little borough town, contributory to Caernarvon, with 811 inhabitants, is very irregularly built. Except the remains of its small castle, it contains nothing which can claim the attention of the traveller. This ruin stands on a rising ground, at the end of a long neck of land, jutting into the sea. The entrance into it is between two round towers; the others being all square. Edward the First is said to have founded this castle; and it was once the residence of Howel-y-Fwyall, who captured the king of France at the battle of Poictiers. It is stated that the Welsh warrior struck off the head of the king’s horse with a battle-axe, and then secured the monarch. The event is thus recorded by one of the native bards:—
“Pan roddodd
Y ffrwyn ymhen Brenin Ffrainc.”
The Black Prince made Howel constable of this castle, granting him a guard of eighty yeomen at the royal charge, and a mess of meat to be served up daily before his pole-axe.
The church, dedicated to St. Catherine, is a spacious structure, but in a very neglected state.
From the eminence on which the castle stands, is a beautiful view across Cardigan bay towards Harlech, where is seen its fine old castle, backed by the high and distant mountains of Merionethshire.