0:00:00 > 0:00:01- Subtitles
0:00:01 > 0:00:03- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:08 > 0:00:12- Wales is famous worldwide - for its rich history.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15- It's part of our make-up - and defines us as a nation.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19- From slate quarries - to Iron Age hill forts...
0:00:19 > 0:00:21- ..generations of Welsh people...
0:00:21 > 0:00:25- ..have left their mark - on the world around us.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30- We've searched for locations...
0:00:30 > 0:00:31- ..artefacts...
0:00:32 > 0:00:35- ..and interesting, - revealing stories...
0:00:35 > 0:00:39- ..that shed further light - on our rich heritage.
0:00:39 > 0:00:45- Over the coming weeks, we'll share - some of the fruits of our labour.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- We'll open chests, - drawers and doors...
0:00:49 > 0:00:52- ..to uncover - a little piece of history.
0:01:16 > 0:01:21- Later, Rhodri Morgan explains - the link between our oak forests...
0:01:22 > 0:01:25- ..and how history was recorded...
0:01:25 > 0:01:30- ..and Lisa Gwilym learns the secrets - of a walled garden near Bridgend.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36- Falconry, the art of training - a bird of prey to hunt...
0:01:36 > 0:01:40- ..is a primitive craft - dating back 4,000 years...
0:01:40 > 0:01:43- ..to China, Mongolia - and Mesopotamia.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47- It would, of course, - be great to visit these places.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49- However, I'm in Llandrindod Wells...
0:01:51 > 0:01:53- ...but with good reason.
0:01:53 > 0:01:59- The Radnorshire Museum - houses a rather special artefact.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04- This is it.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10- It's a falconer's whistle...
0:02:10 > 0:02:14- ..which was used - to call birds of prey.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19- It was found in a local field - by a metal detectorist.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24- There are different types, - and this one's silver.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28- It suggests that its owner...
0:02:28 > 0:02:32- ..was wealthy - and influential in the area...
0:02:32 > 0:02:36- ..maybe a minor aristocrat - or local nobleman.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39- Because it's silver...
0:02:39 > 0:02:43- ..the National Museum of Wales - was able to date it...
0:02:43 > 0:02:47- ..by testing - the purity of the silver.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52- Those tests proved - that it dates to around 1650.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56- So how does it work?
0:02:57 > 0:03:03- The technique of blowing a whistle - hasn't changed much in 300 years!
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- But something tells me - there's more to it than that.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12- The museum's curator has allowed me - to borrow the whistle...
0:03:13 > 0:03:18- ..to conduct a short experiment, - provided I look after it.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21- It should be safe now!
0:03:22 > 0:03:27- Next, I need to find - a location for the experiment.
0:03:27 > 0:03:32- The site of Cefnllys Castle is three - miles east of Llandrindod Wells.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- A bloody battle took place here - during the 13th century...
0:03:37 > 0:03:41- ..between the armies of Llywelyn - ap Gruffudd and Roger Mortimer...
0:03:41 > 0:03:45- ..and also in the 15th century, - during the Glyndwr revolt.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49- There are only ruins here today...
0:03:49 > 0:03:53- ..but the Mortimers - were powerful barons...
0:03:53 > 0:03:58- ..so it's easy to imagine - that falcons once hunted here.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07- There is a reference to falconers - in the Laws of Hywel Dda.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13- In the Laws of the Court, - he sets the order of precedence...
0:04:14 > 0:04:19- ..starting with the king, the queen - and the designated heir.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23- He then lists 24 officers.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- The fourth of those - was the chief falconer...
0:04:27 > 0:04:32- ..after the soldiers' captain, - the priest and the steward.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34- High status indeed!
0:04:34 > 0:04:37- Despite the views - from the hilltop...
0:04:38 > 0:04:42- ..court falconers would have hunted - down in the valley.
0:04:43 > 0:04:48- Islwyn Jones, a latter-day falconer, - will recreate a medieval scene.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- Alright, Islwyn?
0:04:50 > 0:04:51- Alright, Islwyn?- - Are you OK?
0:04:52 > 0:04:55- It's quieter down here - than up there on the hill.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58- The only thing - you'd fly up there is a kite!
0:04:58 > 0:05:04- I'm told the chief falconers - were highly respected.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07- The king held your stirrup.
0:05:07 > 0:05:08- Sadly, it isn't the same today!
0:05:08 > 0:05:10- Sadly, it isn't the same today!- - Has the respect gone?
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- I'm afraid the birds - are more highly valued than me.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- It's handsome! - How do you instil loyalty in them?
0:05:18 > 0:05:22- Could you send it down the road - for some chips?!
0:05:22 > 0:05:24- It doesn't quite work like that.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- I've often read that it's - a relationship based on food.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- I don't believe that.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- Don't laugh, - but my birds watch TV with me.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- They used this 300 years ago.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48- Even aged 300, it's as good as mine, - although mine's bigger!
0:05:49 > 0:05:50- Blow it again.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52- Blow it again.- - THEY BOTH BLOW THEIR WHISTLES
0:05:52 > 0:05:54- Mine is out of tune.
0:05:54 > 0:05:55- It's the same pitch though.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- It's the same pitch though.- - Yes.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00- That one's better.
0:06:00 > 0:06:05- There you go! They do say - that a small one can be better!
0:06:06 > 0:06:12- Islwyn's status as a falconer means - he has an assistant, Lowri Peacock.
0:06:12 > 0:06:18- I'll soon be introduced to Paddy, - the falcon on Lowri's arm.
0:06:19 > 0:06:20- They only eat meat.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22- They only eat meat.- - There's plenty of meat on me.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- Where's your whistle?
0:06:27 > 0:06:29- Here it is.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- Try your best. Off you go.
0:06:33 > 0:06:34- DEWI WHISTLES
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- He's coming.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- Wow.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- Amazing.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- He's gulping it down.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52- Look at that.
0:06:52 > 0:06:57- The whistle worked a treat, and now - I feel like a real chief falconer.
0:07:06 > 0:07:11- Not everyone is lucky enough - to live in a listed building.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- But such a building - requires care and maintenance.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- This building dates back - to the late 18th century.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22- The former wash house - is now a family home.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- When the owners - bought the building in 2001...
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- ..they soon realized that their - biggest maintenance headache...
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- ..would be the garden.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41- This walled kitchen garden - dates back to Georgian times.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46- For years, in many respects, - it was lost.
0:07:48 > 0:07:53- It was originally part of the vast - Goetre-hen estate near Maesteg...
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- ..an estate built on the proceeds - of the local coal industry.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- This map dates back to 1877.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- The external walls - are clearly visible.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- They grew all kinds - of fruit and vegetables.
0:08:08 > 0:08:13- Pears, cherries and figs were grown, - and there was even a nuttery.
0:08:13 > 0:08:20- But the walls or its Georgian roots - aren't its most unusual feature.
0:08:21 > 0:08:27- That, according to Cadw, - is its terraced layout.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30- There are several different levels.
0:08:30 > 0:08:36- That's why it's more unusual - than most late 18th century gardens.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- But this is what amazed me.
0:08:39 > 0:08:45- Barely ten years ago, this garden - was completely overgrown.
0:08:48 > 0:08:54- The owners gradually unearthed - the garden's unique features.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- They rebuilt 4.3 miles - of stone walls.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00- The process is still ongoing.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- I was keen to talk to Mark Weinzweig - and his son, Eifion.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09- Was the project a labour of love?
0:09:10 > 0:09:15- Can you give us an idea - of how much work was involved?
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- It was a lot of work.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- Yes.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23- It didn't look like this at all.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- There were cypress trees - and a lawn in the middle.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- We cleared everything - and started again.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35- It has taken years - to get it to this standard.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38- Dad used to have black hair!
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- We uncovered many things.
0:09:41 > 0:09:42- Like what?
0:09:43 > 0:09:47- We found original cobbled paths - just down there.
0:09:48 > 0:09:49- It was great!
0:09:50 > 0:09:55- We worked really hard - to get it as it is now.
0:09:55 > 0:10:00- You worked closely with Cadw. - How important is the relationship?
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- It was important to work with Cadw.
0:10:03 > 0:10:09- It gave us confidence to tackle jobs - such as rebuilding the wall.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- They explained everything.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- We made sure we were doing it right.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19- The greenhouse caught my eye.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- It was a shed when we arrived.
0:10:23 > 0:10:29- Cadw were excited that it dated - from the Georgian period.
0:10:29 > 0:10:35- It took six trailers - full of rubbish to clear it.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38- We rebuilt the roof and front.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41- Can I show you how they heated it?
0:10:42 > 0:10:42- Let's go and see.
0:10:42 > 0:10:43- Let's go and see.- - OK!
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- Why have you brought us here?
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- To show you this hole in the wall.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- This was where the fire was lit - to heat the greenhouse.
0:11:03 > 0:11:04- Rather than depend on the sun.
0:11:04 > 0:11:05- Rather than depend on the sun.- - Yes.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- What was grown in the greenhouse?
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- I'm not sure.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13- Possibly bananas.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- Fruits that don't like - cold weather.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- Who kept the fire going?
0:11:19 > 0:11:21- Who kept the fire going?- - One of the servants.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- Eifion wasn't here centuries ago!
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- Historically, one servant - looked after the fire.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- He lived in this little cottage.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36- I don't want to do that!
0:11:36 > 0:11:37- No!
0:11:42 > 0:11:43- What do you grow here?
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- What do you grow here?- - Leeks, beans, apples.
0:11:48 > 0:11:49- Parsnips.
0:11:50 > 0:11:51- We grow fruit here.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57- We also grow carrots, potatoes - and Jerusalem artichokes.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- We grow whatever we want to eat.
0:12:07 > 0:12:08- Thank you.
0:12:11 > 0:12:12- This is ideal.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17- The kitchen garden is doing - exactly what it did centuries ago...
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- ..and it's all thanks to you.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- Congratulations - and thanks for the welcome.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- You're welcome.
0:12:28 > 0:12:28- .
0:12:31 > 0:12:32- Subtitles
0:12:32 > 0:12:34- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:37 > 0:12:39- Where would we be without ink?
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- The world would certainly - be a poorer place.
0:12:43 > 0:12:48- History is created every day, - and it must be recorded.
0:12:48 > 0:12:54- That's why these little marbles, - or oak galls, were so important.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- For 1,400 years in Europe...
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- ..they were used to make ink.
0:13:03 > 0:13:08- Ink produced by these galls - filled the inkwells of Hywel Dda...
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- ..and William Williams Pantycelyn.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- Today, I'm going to make some!
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- This is an old oak forest - in the Bethesda area.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23- Naturalist Twm Elias - will guide me through the process.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- I've come here to collect these.
0:13:30 > 0:13:31- Oak galls.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33- Oak galls.- - What are they exactly?
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- They are created - by a little insect.
0:13:39 > 0:13:44- It lays an egg - under the bark of a young twig.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49- This egg produces an odd growth.
0:13:49 > 0:13:55- The egg is surrounded - by this growth.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- It's safe in there.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- Once matured...
0:14:03 > 0:14:07- ..the insect bores a hole - and searches for another tree.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09- Are they common?
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- Yes, normally, but not this year. - Last year's winter was too harsh.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- Will we be lucky today?
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- Will we be lucky today?- - There's only one way to find out.
0:14:19 > 0:14:20- OK!
0:14:23 > 0:14:30- According to Twm, the galls - tend to grow on young trees.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35- We left the depths of the forest - and ventured to its margins.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37- Look!
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- Here's one.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- This is on a young tree.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- There's also a little hole here.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46- There's also a little hole here.- - Our little friend has escaped.
0:14:47 > 0:14:48- There are several here.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- People would collect them.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- Vast amounts were found - in some years.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- Collect as much as you can - because you can never tell.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03- The following year might be poor.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08- Make the ink - when you find the galls.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- They say the best time to cut - a stick is when you see one!
0:15:14 > 0:15:15- We're off to a good start.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- We're off to a good start.- - But we've only found two galls.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23- We need more to make ink. Let's go.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29- To be honest, - we had a disappointing forage.
0:15:29 > 0:15:35- But Twm is like a squirrel - and had already collected some.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38- Come in to the workshop.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40- It looks like an ideal place.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- It looks like an ideal place.- - Yes! It's full of character.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- We have the ingredients. - Where do we start?
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- Right! We need a recipe.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- This is what it says - in this Victorian book.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- "For 12 gallons of ink...
0:15:58 > 0:16:03- "..take 12 pounds of galls - and five pounds of gum...
0:16:03 > 0:16:08- "..five pounds of green sulphate of - iron and 12 gallons of rainwater."
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- We'll scale it down somewhat!
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- How long is the letter - we want to write?!
0:16:16 > 0:16:22- We start by crushing the galls.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- Take a handful.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- It's not easy!
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- Oh! OK! - I'm losing more than I'm crushing.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- I think I'm getting somewhere.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- It's easy - once you've cracked the shell.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47- I've crushed them.
0:16:47 > 0:16:48- What next?
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- I'd say you have 50 grams - of crushed galls.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- Add them to 500ml of rainwater...
0:16:58 > 0:17:02- ..and boil the mixture - for three hours.
0:17:02 > 0:17:08- To save time, - here's some I prepared earlier.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- Who would have thought?
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- Twm Elias morphing into a Blue Peter - presenter before my very eyes!
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- Let's speed up - this relatively laborious process.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- First, 50 grams of gum arabic.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28- 50 grams of iron sulphate.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32- Add hot water and work into a paste.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- Isn't that rather lumpy, Rhodri?
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- It's as good as my gravy!
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- Pour the mixtures into a jug...
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- ..followed - by the sieved gall liquid.
0:17:49 > 0:17:54- As it chilled, Twm assured me - it would turn a blue-black colour.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57- That's the ink.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- I can see the colour.
0:18:00 > 0:18:01- It's blue-black.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- Let's find a more suitable bottle.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10- We can pour it into the bottle.
0:18:13 > 0:18:14- There you are.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17- We're ready to write a large tome!
0:18:18 > 0:18:21- Paper, pen and start writing.
0:18:22 > 0:18:23- Ink!
0:18:28 > 0:18:31- The big moment has arrived.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36- I'll try this handsome quill.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- I haven't used a quill before.
0:18:45 > 0:18:46- It's not easy...
0:18:47 > 0:18:49- ..as it's plain to see!
0:18:50 > 0:18:54- You've rediscovered - our forefathers' writing method.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- The Pennal Letter. "Dear Pope."
0:19:04 > 0:19:08- Why did this ink fall out of use?
0:19:10 > 0:19:11- I'll tell you why.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13- The biro!
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- That's the fate - that befell ink and quill.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- I'm Vivian Parry Williams.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- I retired from Tanygrisiau - Power Station in 1994.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42- I graduated in Welsh History - from Bangor University...
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- ..when I was 58 years old.
0:19:46 > 0:19:51- I was interested in local history, - especially the Penmachno area...
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- ..and Rhiwbach quarry.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- This is Rhiwbach village.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- There are only ruins here now.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12- A community once lived here.
0:20:13 > 0:20:18- Up to the First World War, - around 80 people lived here.
0:20:20 > 0:20:25- Rhiwbach was a remote location, - 1,200 feet above sea level.
0:20:28 > 0:20:34- Many of my family, - including my father, worked here.
0:20:34 > 0:20:39- I always feel sad when I come here, - but it's very close to my heart.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48- In 1908, they opened a school here.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- A full-time schoolmistress - was employed here.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- Her name was Kate Hughes.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- She was the lexicographer - Bruce Griffiths's grandmother.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05- She travelled every day - from Blaenau Ffestiniog.
0:21:06 > 0:21:12- She sat on empty wagons that had - left Rhiwbach full the night before.
0:21:15 > 0:21:20- She travelled along three steep - inclines on a tramway.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24- She arrived at Rhiwbach school.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28- At night, she made her way - to Craig Ddu quarry.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- They used what was known - as a wild car.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35- It was like a skateboard.
0:21:35 > 0:21:40- She rode the wild car - with the quarrymen.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- You can picture the scene.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48- Flying down the inclines, - her skirt billowing in the wind!
0:21:48 > 0:21:54- That's what I call dedication. - Who would do that today?
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- She was paid 30...
0:21:58 > 0:22:02- ..not a week, not a month, - but 30 a year.
0:22:05 > 0:22:10- There is one artefact from here - that I treasure.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14- The Rhiwbach school bell.
0:22:15 > 0:22:20- It's back at Rhiwbach school for - the first time in almost a century.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25- Kate Hughes would ring the bell - to summon the children back...
0:22:25 > 0:22:27- ..when they wandered off.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30- Come back, children.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33- BELL RINGS
0:22:47 > 0:22:52- St Fagans National History Museum - stores thousands of artefacts...
0:22:53 > 0:22:55- ..not all of which are on display.
0:22:56 > 0:23:02- They allowed us to select a few - for a weekly slot on the programme.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06- We'll ask a simple question - - what is it?
0:23:09 > 0:23:14- We have a dangerous-looking tool - this week. Thanks, Gareth!
0:23:14 > 0:23:18- It's like a long pitchfork...
0:23:19 > 0:23:23- ..with two extremely sharp points.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27- Who would use this?
0:23:27 > 0:23:30- Was he a farmer, - a hunter or a soldier?
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- So, what is it? - Send your answers via Facebook.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- I'll tell you what it is next week.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:23:55 > 0:23:55- .