Saturday, January 17, 2009

Treleddyd Fawr




It is said that Treleddyd Fawr was built in 1760. Some time around then it was made, from field stones and some dressed stones, gathered together by old hands and young, it grew out of the land around. And even as it grew the cats came to watch. The small cottage, two bedrooms and a parlour, low squatting against the wild winter weather, lime-washed in summer, the roof grouted with lime over slates from Abereiddi.
Storms washed over her and inside the family sheltered, warm around the chimney fawr, telling stories and singing songs, Always beside them a cat would sit quietly, licking her paws, and listening, remembering.
In 1930 Mr Griffiths, his wife and three sons came to the house. The children played in the farmland around, and grew and time moved them all on. Glyn travelled the world, to Africa and back to the small white house by the sea, where he settled down to a quiet life walking the cliffs, listening to birds and seals and talking the ghosts of Maes y Mynydd and always to cats. You could always tell where he was by the small flock of birds that followed above.
Many came to him to learn of the history of the land and the house and he always had time to talk with those who would listen.
In summer there was always a cat on the doorstep in the sunniest place, in winter they settled together by the fire, nodding together, lost in thought and in memory.
Now he alone remains, his brothers have passed away. Now with him only Nadolig sits, on the step in the summer, by the fire in the winter, listening, remembering, waiting.




The photographs above are by David Wilson.
Here you can watch an interview with David where he visited Glyn.
Glyn has appeared many times on both television and radio talking about his house. It featured in a television program recently on S4C, the Welsh language television channel and there is a book that accompanies the series with beautiful photographs of Glyn and the house in sunshine.

11 comments:

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

Lovely. I followed the link and enjoyed the video and interview, too.

Teri and the cats of Furrydance

Goldie, Shade and Banshee said...

Such history.

We hope Mr. Griffiths comes home soon, full of vim and vigor.

Morning's Minion said...

Thank you for this piece--so nicely written. I think Mr. Griffiths, his cottage and his cat memories have captured many hearts. Obviously the Ginger Darlings feel very welcome as his visitors.

meemsnyc said...

Mr. Griffiths' story is amazing! What history, we hope he comes home real soon.

Shammickite said...

Thank you for this post, I have enjoyed learning the story of Mt Griffiths.

The Good Life in Virginia said...

i so enjoyed this post and a little about mr. griffth's history and his home.

thank you for sharing.

hugs to the ginger darlings ^..^
i am a little nostaglic today for my dear lion...i miss her so much ^..^

June said...

ohhhhh....

Unknown said...

Get well quickly Mr Griffiths, your house needs its heart back.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful history - thank you.

Gwen Buchanan said...

Beautiful old structure.. simple honest lines... my favourite... I love the architecture of old.. the venacular.. I'm glad more people are coming to appreciate this...

wonderful work by David Wilson.. they bring my emotions to the surface...

my best to Mr. Griffith.. he is missed...to be missed means a lot...

Anonymous said...

Well, who knew my Uncle Glyn was an internet celebrity :) ...you'll all be pleased to know Glyn came home last week, and was reunited with his much loved cat Nadolig.

Thanks to all wishing him well, and all Glyn's neighbours and friends who're supporting him so wonderfully.

:)