Evening Visit: Friday May 8th -
‘The Battle of Crogan: The Welsh Thermopylae?’
Mark Williams will be leading a guided walk of the Ceiriog Valley Site. Meet at Bronygarth Bridge at 7.00pm [first turn on LHS past the Ceiriog Valley Trout Farm on the Chirk to Glyn Ceiriog Road]. Strong Shoes required
Evening Visit: Friday June 12th - ‘Trelystan through Time’
Meet at the Car park of the Green Dragon at Buttington Cross at 7.00pm
For further information contact Heather Hidden: 01691662602 or Email heather.hidden@btinternet.com
There is evidence for human occupation of the wonderful landscape of the Long Mountain right back to the Neolithic. Excavation of Bronze Age barrows revealed underlying traces of dwellings dating to 2,500BC. These fragile homes made little impact on their environment in stark contrast to the model estate built by the Naylor family, wealthy nineteenth century industrialists.
We will drive past some of the buildings of this relatively recent development and progress to the lovely and isolated half timbered church at Trelystan where the Rev Harrett has kindly agreed to give a short guided tour.
Our return journey will take in a short portion of the Ridgeway and the site of the Trelystan barrows. We will return via the Car park of the Green Dragon so that people can double up on cars
Stockport seems an odd choice at first glance but it is an historic town with similar origins to Oswestry. The castle site and its bailey are now the market place and St Mary's Church. Staircase House, in the market place, was a medieval merchant's house. It had suffered from neglect but was saved by Stockport Council. So, after extensive archaeological investigation and restoration, each of the three floors now represents one of three periods of the long history of the house. The magnificent early 17th century staircase that gives the building its name has also been restored. To the rear the period outbuildings have been restored and converted into a museum. The artefacts from the recent excavations at Mellor hillfort should be on display. Sadly no Bronze Age barrows as on the programme, but a wonderful amber necklace found in a local barrow should be on display.
Bramall Hall is a few miles out of town and has been described as 'one of the finest half-timbered houses in the country'. An open-E plan building, it includes a Great Hall, a chapel, a minstrel's gallery and more. It was a family home into the early 20th century but it has retained its earlier character.
Travel: As Saturday is a market day in Stockport and parking is notoriously difficult, travel will be by coach. This will leave from the Park Gates, Church Street at 9am and return at approximately 5.30pm.
Nourishment! No formal arrangements have been made. There are facilities for drinks and snacks at both venues.
Contact: Margaret Worthington. In advance 01691 828 900 or portharch@btinternet.com. On the day 07790 847 936 (no network in Porthywaen!)
Costs: -
We have to book the coach in advance and the cost is £12.50 per person. This fee must be paid when booking.
Entrance to Staircase House £3. 95 or £2.95 for concessions. Guided Tour of Bramall Hall £5.50 or £4.50 for concessions (retired persons). Payable on the coach (or in advance is you prefer).
Please make cheques payable to Oswestry & Border History & Archaeology Group.
Booking: Please complete and return the linked slip by 8th May 2009 so that our arrangements and numbers can be confirmed.