GENUKI : The Itinerary of Archbishop Baldwin through Wales

The Itinerary of Archbishop Baldwin through Wales
and The Description of Wales.

By Giraldus Cambrensis; Everyman reprint 1919 (1st Everyman ed. 1908)

The text is that of Sir Richard Colt Hoare who published an English translation from the original Latin, chiefly from the texts of Camden and Wharton in 1806.

There follows two extracts from the books' introduction together with a listing of chapter headings for each book

Introduction

Two paragraphs from the Introduction by W Llewelyn Williams;

"Gerald the Welshman---Giraldus Cambrensis---was born, probably in 1147, at Manorbier Castle in the county of Pembroke. His father was a Norman noble, William de Barri, who took his name from the little island of Barry off the coast of Glamorgan. His mother, Angharad, was the daughter of Gerald de Windsor by his wife, the famous Princess Nesta, the ' Helen of Wales', and the daughter of Rhys ap Tewdwr Mawr, the last independent Prince of South Wales.............."

"..........(in the Itinerary and Description of Wales........here he is impartial in his evidence, and judicial in his decisions. If he errs at all it is not through racial prejudice. " I am sprung" he once told the Pope in a letter, " from the Princes of Wales and from the barons of the Marches, and when I see injustice in either race, I hate it."

Contents - The Itinerary of Archbishop Baldwin through Wales

First Preface - To Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canturbury
Second Preface to the Same Prelate
Book 1
Journey through Hereford and Radnor
Journey through Hay and Brecheinia
Ewyas and Llanthoni
The Journey by Coed Grono and Abergevenni
Of the Progress by the Castle of Usk and Caerleon
Newport and Caerdyf
The See of Llandaf and Monastery of Margan, and the Remarkable Things in those Parts
Passage of the Rivers Avon and Neth--and of Abertawe and Goer
Passage over the Rivers Lochor and Wendraeth; and of Cydweli
Tywy River--Caermardyn--Monastery of Albelande
Haverford and Ros
Penbroch
Of the Progress by Camros and Niwegal

Book II
Of the See of St David's
Of the Journey by Cemmeis--the Monastery of St Dogmael
Of the River Teivi--Cardigan--Emelyn
Of the Journey by Pont Stephen, the Abbey of Sratflur, Landwei Brevi, and Llanpadarn Vawr
Of the River Devi, and the Land of the Sons of Conan
Passage of Traeth Mawr and Traeth Bachan, and of Nevyn, Carnarvon, and Bangor
The Island of Mona
Passage of the River Conwy in a Boat, and of Dinas Emrys
Of the Mountains of Eryri
Of the Passage by Deganwy and Ruthlan, and the See of Lanelwy, and of Coleshulle
Of the Passage of the River Dee, and of Chester
Of the Journey by the White Monastery, Oswaldes-tree, Powys and Shrewsbury
Of the Journey by Wenloch, Brumfeld, the Castle of Ludlow, and Leominster, to Hereford
A Description of Baldwin, Archbishop of Canterbury

Contents--The Description through Wales

First Preface - To Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canturbury
Second Preface to the Same
Book I
Length and Breadth of Wales, the Nature of its Soil, and the Three Remaining Tribes of Britons
Of the Ancient Division of Wales into Three Parts
Genealogy of the Princes of Wales
Cantreds--Royal Palaces--Cathedrals
Mountains and Rivers of Wales
Concerning the Pleasantness and Fertility of Wales
Origin of the Names Cambria and Wales
Concerning the Nature, Manners, and Dress, the Boldness, Agility, and Courage of this Nation
Their Sober Supper and Frugality
Their Hospitality and Liberality
Concerning the cutting of their Hair, their Care of their Teeth, and Shaving of their Beards
Their Quickness and Sharpness of Understanding
Their Symphonies and Songs
Their Wit and Pleasantry
Their Boldness and Confidence in Speaking
Concerning the Soothsayers of this Nation, and Persons as it were possessed
Their Love of High Birth and Ancient Genealogy
Their Ancient Faith, Love of Christianity, and Devotion
Book II
Concerning the Inconstancy and Instability of this Nation, and their Want of Reverence for Good Faith and Oaths
Their Living by Plunder, and Disregard of the Bonds of Peace and Friendship
Their Deficiency in Battle, and Base Dishonourable Flight
Their Ambitious Seizure of Lands, and Dissensions among Brothers
Their great Exaction, and Want of Moderation
Concerning the Crime of Incest, and the Abuse of Churches by Succession and Participation
Their Sins, and the consequent Loss of Britain and of Troy
In what Manner this Nation is to be overcome
In what Manner Wales, when conquered, should be governed
In what Manner this Nation may resist and revolt

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(Gareth Hicks 10 Dec 2001)

The Itinerary of Archbishop Baldwin through Wales and The Description of Wales.

The Itinerary of Archbishop Baldwin through Wales
and The Description of Wales.