Welsh Journals

FOREWORD IN Brycheiniog Volume XI, we continue to look at the vernacular building of Breconshire, and the third paper in the series brings us to the Brecon District. We are particularly fortunate in that we are able to continue with the publishing of these valuable papers, and this has been made possible by another generous subvention from the Council for British Archaeology. We are deeply indebted to the Council for its encouraging support of what is quite an ambitious project in a very much neglected field in our county's history, and the Council may rest assured that these published papers have resulted in a renewal of interest and a greater concern in the style and development of the traditional building of the county. It is hoped to bring this project to its completion by further papers in future volumes. Our readers will recall the useful and effective article on 'The Castles of Breconshire' in Brycheiniog Vol. VII. In this volume, the same contributor adds an extended note on 'A Castle of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd in Brycheiniog,' and we are grateful for this interesting implementation. Breconshire is rich in respect of its Welsh place-names, and there has been an eager desire for someone with expert knowledge of the Welsh language as well as of the county to guide us to these riches. We are, indeed, fortunate in that Breconshire itself has produced one of the fore- most Celtic scholars of the day in the person of Dr. Stephen J. Williams, and we are honoured by the appearance in the present volume of his first article on this interesting subject. Dr. Williams has kindly acceded to the request of our English friends to write his articles in English. Breconshire can claim a number of such friends who are keenly anxious to understand and appreciate what the Welsh language and culture have to offer. A further extract from the Cray Parish Scrap-book is included, and this should provide, apart from its own intrinsic interest, some further guid- ance to those who are actively engaged in other parishes in compiling their Scrap-books. Some really splendid work is in progress in many of our parishes, and we look forward to the finished products. The Brecknock Society and the Local History Societies are also maintaining the good work in furthering and fostering the interest in local history. The Theophilus Joneses of the future will be delighted at finding such wealth of material to hand.