[61b] Y Faenol, is derived from Maenol, or Maenawr, (from which probably comes the English word Manor, and the vulgar Latin Manerium) meaning as explained in Howel Dda’s laws, either a lowland or upland district, bounded or marked out by large stones, (singular maen, plural meini) the former containing four Vills, and the latter thirteen. The new house erected by the present proprietor, is at some distance from the old one, the latter is very ancient, and has a very curious Gothic Family Chapel nearly adjoining it, dedicated to St. Mary.
[63] Near the same spot, as it is conjectured, where Agricola pasted over into the Island.
[66] This melancholy event took place on the night of the 5th of December, being the Carnarvon Fair day, and the Boatmen probably in liquor: the cries of distress were heard from both shores. One remarkable circumstance deserves to be recorded, that only one person (out of 69) survived in this instance, as well as the other, and both their names Hugh Williams.
[69] Caer, the fortified Town; yn Arvon, in the District of Arfon, one of the Hundreds of this County, so called from its situation, opposite Mona, or Anglesey, which is the is the signification of the word; viz. Ar, upon; Mona, Anglesey.
[74] The writer is aware that a very different account is given the origin of this motto, viz. that these were the arms of the King of Bohemia, killed by the Black Prince.
[91] Carnarvon, does not owe its name to Edward I. as is generally supposed; for Giraldus Cambrensis mentions it in his memorable journey with the Archbishop, in 1188; and Llewelyn the Great dates from it a Charter, in the year 1221: probably the Caernarvon of those times was the ancient Segontium; whose name the Welch had changed to Caer-ar-Fon.
[92] A Well near the old Fort, now called Hen Waliau, bears the name of that Princess, and some very slight remains of Ruins, point out the probable situation of this old Building, not far from the banks of the Seiont, to the right of the road leading to Pont Saint.
[95] The above William Griffith, of Carnarvon and Tref-Arthen, was descended by the Mother’s side, (as Mr. Rowlands informs us) from the Pilston’s of this Town, and his Grand Daughter, Margaret, conveyed this property to Griffith Jones, of Castellmarch, in Lleyn; and his Daughter Margaret marrying Sir William Williams, of Vaenol, Baronet, that gentleman consequently became possessed of it.
[98a] Specimens of Ancient Welsh Poetry.—London 1784. 4to.
[98b] The Red Dragon, was the device of Cedwalladr, which all his descendants wore on their banners.