Welsh Journals

BOOKS RECEIVED PETERWELL The History of a Mansion and its Infamous Squire by Bethan Phillips. Gomer Press, Llandysul, 1983. ISBN o 86383 026 9 Pagesxx + 304. Illust. trated. CIO-50 This book reads like a novel. The life of the period has been vividly described and the incidents recorded in detail, but is is doubtful whether any writer of fiction could have invented such a wicked and disreputable person as the central figure in this book Sir Herbert Lloyd (1720-1769). The author has examined the legends which surrounded Maes-y-Felin and Peter- well and has succeeded in separating fact from fiction, but no amount of research could have managed to redeem the character of Sir Herbert Lloyd. He was despised by his contemporaries in Cardiganshire both gentry and commoners. Our literature has been enriched by the research undertaken by Bethan Phillips, and the printers have encased her work in a fine volume which is well illustrated. AND THEY BLESSED REBECCA; An account of the Welsh Toll-gate Riots 1839-1844 by Pat Molloy. Gomer Press, Llandysul 1983. ISBN o 86383 031 Pages xvi + 352 Illustrated. £ 10.95 The harsh conditions of life in rural South and West Wales during the early part of the last century gave birth to a phenomenon known as "The Rebecca Riots"— an event important enough to warrant The Times despatching a reporter to record the incidents. The people gave vent to their feelings by attacking the toll-gates, but it developed into a revolt against all in authority. As a contemporary writer observed at the time in a letter to the Home Office, "The people have discovered their immense power without knowing how to use it constitutionally." We may look at this period in our history and praise these gallant men-the maj- ority unknown-who by violent means achieved their goal and forced Parliament to take action. Circumstances of the period may have made such action necessary, and it is hoped that present day conditions in rural Wales will not provide an occasion for similar outbreaks of violence. The author, whilst acknowledging his indebtedness to David Williams' The Rebecca Riots A Study in Agrarian Discontent, has looked at over two hundred and fifty incidents and at the characters involved. He, as befits a former detective, has amas- sed the evidence, sifted it and prepared his case for presentation in court. With the evidence, a large number of illustrations have been reproduced-many published for the first time, and the result is a live picture of the turbulent period between 1839 and 1844. 39 Why Rebecca ? Who was Rebecca ? Was there more than one ? As the author says "Rebecca was a champion waiting to be called upon. A paradox a product of a biblically dictated way of life calculated to produce conformity and obedience, which yet produced a stimulus to law-breaking. Or did it ?"