Llandissilio, Legend & Language

The Landsker BorderLands

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December 07, 2004

Boundaries

Llandissilio parish became divided centuries ago. Llandissilio West being in Pembrokeshire and Llandissilio East in Carmarthenshire.

Prehistory

Llandissilio contains many prehistoric sites. An area north of the village, around Glandy Cross, has been revealed by Dyfed Archeological Trust, as having most important group of early prehistoric monuments in south west Wales with more than 20 major late Neolithic and Bronze Age sites.

Inscribed Stones

There are four of these stones, one being just a fragment.

They have been built into the outside wall of the church. This is not their original position. Inside the church is a further inscribed stone brought here from Egremont when that church was demolished.

Pisgah Independent Chapel

The first chapel was built in 1826. It was re-built in 1859 and opened in the following year, further work was completed in 1870. Amongst the many distinguished pastors was Rev. Joseph James (minister of Pisgah and Bethesda in Llawhaden 1908-1962). Pisgah formed a joint pastorate with Bethesda, Llawhaden in 1852 and that continued until 1984 when these chapels joined Hebron and Nebo to form a larger pastorate.

Brynconyn School

Brynconyn School was built by the Llandissilio United District Board to replace the earlier school at Blaenconyn. One of Wales's most celebrated poets, Waldo Williams, was educated here where his father was headmaster. The school was extended in 1969.

Country Walks (OS Pathfinder 1057)

Starting from the car park adjacent to the school (OS 122212) and walking up through the village to the church, walkers can join The Landsker Borderlands Trail which links the village with neighbouring Gelli and Efailwen. Shorter circular walks are also available, offering a wealth of wildlife and flora with perhaps a glimpse of a kingfisher or mink.

St. Tysilio's Church

There is a reference to the church in 1291. Llandissilio was a prebend of Abergwili, Carmarthen, in the Middle Ages and later Christ Church, Brecon, to which part of the tithe was payable. The church was restored in 1838 and virtually re-built in 1898. The present font is modern but an earlier font is in the churchyard. The lych-gate is also a modern replacement (1900). Within it are a few fragments of the older gate and a stone dated 1699.

The through route from Cardigan to Tenby has given modern Llandissilio the appearance of a linear village with the church a little to one side. However, at one time the church and rounded churchyard formed a nodal point. One of the paths from the west approached across a ford and another across stepping-stones. In the churchyard is a sunken way,

The 1840's tithe schedule and map show 38 acres of parish glebe, but it seems likely that in an earlier period the glebe was more extensive and that much of the land around the church fell into that category. Until the middle of the twentieth century an annual sum of money was paid to the church by the residents of Pencnwc and this payment was thought to be connected with old glebe land, now part of the farm.

During the 18th century, circulating schools organized by Griffith Jones, Llanddowror, were held on three occasions in the parish church: 1751-2 (23 pupils), 1754-5 (43 pupils) and 1760-1 (50 pupils).

The Village

Maps of the early 19th century show a small cluster of dwellings alongside the Cardigan - Tenby road, which included 2 almshouses and 2 inns. The Bush can be identified by name in 1823, but it may be older. There is much speculation as to the significance of the name Royal Exchange - the property on which Bush Inn was located. The Sun Inn can be identified from 1827 to 1891. The Pwllcwarre Arms, Angel and Saddlers Arms were in business in 1891 and also in 1910. Today only the Angel and the Bush remain.

Llandissilio grew in size during the 19th century. In 1891 there were 2 clog makers, a shoemaker, boot maker, blacksmith, wool dyers, 6 tailors (or apprentices), a seamstress, 2 saddlers, a cooper and a watch maker, also 4 shopkeepers, 3 dealers, 2 farmers cum butchers, 2 coal merchants, 3 inn keepers, as well as 3 carpenters, 3 masons and a house builder. By 1910 there were 5 shops as well as the saddler's business.

The Landsker Borderlands

The Landsker is the imaginary line of history which separates the Welsh speaking north of Pembrokeshire from the English speaking south. The Landsker may be of Norse origin signifying frontier, and its borderlands include communities with a remarkable and rich history, with castles, strongholds, early settlements and churches varying radically in design.

The mosaic of small woodlands, thick hedgerows, pasture lands and stream valleys abounds with wildlife. In the spring and summer the hedgebanks and verges are noted for their wild flowers which include bluebells, cow parsley, early purple orchids, foxgloves, primroses and red campion. There are many resident birds and also summer songsters like chiffchaffs and blackcaps. Although rarely seen badgers do occur widely, and, in the wetter areas, otters.

Llandissilio

The village is in the parish of Llandissilio West in Pembrokeshire, and takes its name from Tysilio a 6th century saint. It is not known when the first church bearing his name was founded, but the early inscribed stones testify to the presence of Christians in the area from the late 5th or early 6th centuries. The parish was referred to as Llandissilio neved in 1572, distinguishing it from others bearing the saint's name.

Blaenconyn Chapel

Blaenconyn's roots are to be found in two chapels, Rhydwilym and Ffynnon (Llanddewi Velfrey). Owing to the distance between the chapels worshippers in Llandissilio area early in the 19th century often held services in local farms. Due to the popularity of these services a local farmer, Rev. Theo Thomas, donated a plot of land and Blaenconyn (Baptist) chapel was completed in 1844.

Distinguished ministers include Rev. D.J. Michael, who was ordained at Blaenconyn in 1909 and stayed for 53 years, and was the driving force behind the re-building of the chapel in the 1930's.

Also associated with Blaenconyn Chapel was a British school, which became part of the state system after 1870 and was eventually replace by Brynconyn.

Amongst the cultural activities associated with Blaenconyn, the most well-known were the Semi-National Eisteddfodau, which were held in a marguee next to the chapel on Ty-hen field. The first of the series took place in 1922. Choirs traveled from all over South Wales to compete, often arriving in Clynderwen by train. Llandissilio even had its own male voice choir which survived until after the 2nd World War. Unfortunately in 1932 the eisteddfodau came to an end.

Country Code:

Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work:

• Guard against all risk of fire:
• Fasten all gates:
• Keep your dogs under close control:
• Keep to the public paths across farmland:
• Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls:
• Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone:
• Take your litter home:
• Help to keep all water clean:
• Protect wildlife, plants and trees:
• Take special care on country roads:
• Make no unnecessary noise.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

You can pick this and other pamphlets up at any of your local Tourist Information Centres. And remember, Pembrokeshire Tourist Information Centres aren't just for tourists! There is a wealth of information for everyone. Click here to find the one nearest you.

The South Pembrokeshire Partnership for Action with Rural Communities (SPARC) has been established to improve the social and economic wellbeing of the people and enhance the environment of Pembrokeshire. Funding is provided by the European Union Objective 1 (EAGGF), the Welsh Assembly Government through the Local Regeneration Fund and the Welsh Development Agency through the Rural Recovery Plan.

Text researched and written by Llandissilio residents in conjunction with Cambria Archaeology.