0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:23 > 0:00:24- Coming up...
0:00:24 > 0:00:28- ..Gerwyn James - looks at fish traps on the Menai.
0:00:28 > 0:00:33- Rhodri Morgan reveals the link - between this house and this man...
0:00:34 > 0:00:37- ..and Lisa Gwilym - tries her hand at bell-ringing.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47- There have been many uses - for slate over the years.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51- But the main reason - why the industry flourished...
0:00:51 > 0:00:54- ..was to put roofs on our houses.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- That was the daily work - of the quarry.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07- It was hard and monotonous work.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10- It's hardly surprising - that most quarrymen...
0:01:10 > 0:01:15- ..didn't want to see any more slate - after a hard day's work.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22- But it didn't mean - they weren't proud of their craft.
0:01:22 > 0:01:27- A few of them decided to use slate - to express themselves creatively...
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- ..rather than only splitting them.
0:01:32 > 0:01:37- Descriptions of quarrymen's homes - in early 19th century Bethesda...
0:01:38 > 0:01:41- ..paint a picture - of filthy hovels...
0:01:42 > 0:01:45- ..dirty, dark and basic houses.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48- But this is an unfair - and incorrect portrayal.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- There are artefacts - at Bangor Museum to prove this.
0:01:54 > 0:01:59- It houses numerous ornate hearth - surrounds from quarrymen's homes.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04- Esther, what's the history - of this collection?
0:02:04 > 0:02:06- These are a few examples...
0:02:07 > 0:02:10- ..of the hundreds - unearthed by Gwenno Caffell.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14- They come from Tregarth, - Llanllechid...
0:02:14 > 0:02:18- ..and Rachub, with some from - Abergynolwyn, Corris and Blaenau.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- Most are from the Ogwen Valley.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- They were made - between 1820 and the 1840s...
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- ..a period of growth - at Penrhyn Quarry.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- A lot was going on - in the Ogwen Valley.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38- They're a part - of this local development.
0:02:38 > 0:02:39- What about this one?
0:02:39 > 0:02:41- What about this one?- - It's fantastic and intricate.
0:02:42 > 0:02:47- It's dated 1838, and features - the names of John Parry and Mary.
0:02:48 > 0:02:53- The music and lyrics - of "Cyfeillgarwch" can be seen.
0:02:53 > 0:02:54- It's amazing.
0:02:54 > 0:02:55- It's amazing.- - Do you know the tune?
0:02:55 > 0:02:56- No!
0:02:56 > 0:02:58- No!- - You know I'd ask you to sing it!
0:02:58 > 0:03:04- A variety of symbols are used.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- Is there a recurring theme?
0:03:07 > 0:03:08- Is there a recurring theme?- - Yes.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11- Circles are the most common.
0:03:11 > 0:03:16- This example has a freehand design - combined with circles.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20- There are also wine glasses...
0:03:21 > 0:03:23- ..flowers...
0:03:23 > 0:03:27- ..a clock, birds, - all sorts of things.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32- These intricate exhibits...
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- ..prove how house-proud they were.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40- They knew how to work the slate.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45- They did something amazing with it.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- The most beautiful - and intricate hearth surround...
0:03:50 > 0:03:53- ..is in a house near Bethesda.
0:03:55 > 0:03:56- Hello, Eirwen.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00- Bethesda's most remarkable - hearth surround...
0:04:00 > 0:04:05- ..has been in Eirwen Williams's - family for many years.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09- Well, Eirwen! It's superb.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13- I've never seen slatecraft like it.
0:04:13 > 0:04:14- It's unique.
0:04:14 > 0:04:15- It's unique.- - Yes.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18- There's a central zodiac...
0:04:18 > 0:04:24- ..a chart of solar - and lunar eclipses...
0:04:24 > 0:04:29- ..and the moon and earth's orbits.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32- What's the story behind it?
0:04:32 > 0:04:35- It was made - for my great-grandparents...
0:04:36 > 0:04:39- ..Richard and Grace Jones - of Bryn Twrw...
0:04:40 > 0:04:42- ..in 1837.
0:04:42 > 0:04:47- It was carved - by Thomas and William Jones.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53- They copied Arfonwyson's diagrams.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57- Arfonwyson must have been - a family friend.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- He was an ordinary man.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06- He only had three years' schooling.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- But he went to work in Greenwich...
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- ..at the Royal Observatory.
0:05:15 > 0:05:16- He was a very clever man.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- He was a very clever man.- - A mathematical genius...
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- ..and a brilliant astronomer.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26- The information - is scientifically accurate.
0:05:27 > 0:05:33- The zodiac symbols are depicted - in a uniquely humorous way.
0:05:34 > 0:05:40- The Water Bearer is pouring water - and fish are swimming in it.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44- Further down...
0:05:44 > 0:05:47- ..the Bull chases the Twins.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- And the Scales.
0:05:50 > 0:05:55- They used a more unfamiliar name, - the balance, for the scales.
0:05:55 > 0:06:00- That's the origin of the saying, - hanging in the balance.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- You mentioned the family connection.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08- How much does this hearth surround - mean to you?
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- It means the world to me.
0:06:12 > 0:06:13- It's a treasure.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16- It's a part of my life.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21- Well, Eirwen. Thanks very much - for allowing me to see this.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- It's absolutely mind-blowing.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30- In Bethesda a few years ago...
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- ..a commission was given - to sculptor Ann Catrin.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37- She completed it with local help.
0:06:37 > 0:06:42- It involved carving slate in the - style of Eirwen's hearth surround...
0:06:42 > 0:06:45- ..to commemorate - Thomas and William Jones...
0:06:46 > 0:06:48- ..and other local slate carvers.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53- Ann Catrin's studio - is in Glynllifon.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59- I'm here to look at the tools - she created to complete the work.
0:07:00 > 0:07:01- Are you busy?
0:07:01 > 0:07:02- Are you busy?- - Not bad!
0:07:02 > 0:07:04- I'm disturbing you!
0:07:04 > 0:07:05- I'm disturbing you!- - Yes!
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- I've come to see the tools.
0:07:09 > 0:07:10- They're not typical quarry tools.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- They're not typical quarry tools.- - No, not everyday tools.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- They were used - for decorative purposes.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- These are improvised handmade tools.
0:07:19 > 0:07:20- That's right.
0:07:21 > 0:07:22- You did this.
0:07:22 > 0:07:28- I ground teeth - into a drill bit.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- From the old photographs - I've seen...
0:07:32 > 0:07:35- ..it's what they did - with old chisels.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- What are these?
0:07:39 > 0:07:44- They used something similar - to spokes on a bike wheel.
0:07:44 > 0:07:50- The metal was as hard - as tooled steel, but malleable.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- We use it as a compass.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55- Can I have a go?
0:07:55 > 0:07:57- Can I have a go?- - Yes, great!
0:07:59 > 0:08:00- That's it.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- It's a satisfying process - - you're leaving your mark!
0:08:09 > 0:08:10- Yes!
0:08:10 > 0:08:16- They did this in their spare time.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18- Yes. There was no television!
0:08:19 > 0:08:23- At night, - after very physical work...
0:08:23 > 0:08:29- ..it was an intricate craft, - detailed and skilled.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31- It took time.
0:08:33 > 0:08:34- Is that OK for now?
0:08:34 > 0:08:36- Is that OK for now?- - What does it look like?
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- It's hard to see with all the dust.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43- It'll make a doughnut shape - the deeper it goes.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- Like a doughnut?!
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- Now I know how to carve petals...
0:08:55 > 0:08:56- ..and a doughnut!
0:08:57 > 0:08:59- But I'll need more practice...
0:08:59 > 0:09:03- ..if I'm to reach the standard - of the quarrymen's masterpieces.
0:09:12 > 0:09:17- It isn't only in dusty storerooms - or locked coffers in a museum...
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- ..that artefacts - and fascinating stories are hidden.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- You'll often find - revealing stories...
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- ..on the streets - of our towns and cities.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- Take this street, for example - - Moorland Road in Aberavon.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- A resident contacted us recently...
0:09:35 > 0:09:40- ..to say he had a fascinating piece - of history to share with us.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- I've come to meet Peter Williams...
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- ..who's in possession - of a special letter.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59- There are a wealth of items - on the table. Where do we start?!
0:09:59 > 0:10:03- Let's begin - with the reason we're here.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- It's a letter - from a very famous man.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- Who is he?
0:10:09 > 0:10:11- Who is he?- - Winston Churchill.
0:10:11 > 0:10:16- It was sent to my grandfather, - Major John Williams.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- "My dear Major Williams.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- "I am extremely glad you obtained - a post under the government...
0:10:24 > 0:10:26- "..as a result of my intervention.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- "When I return to England - in November...
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- "..perhaps you will let me know - how you are getting on.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35- "I would do anything I could...
0:10:35 > 0:10:39- "..but I have no influence - with the present government.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- "Sincerely yours, - Winston Churchill."
0:10:43 > 0:10:44- It's a remarkable letter.
0:10:44 > 0:10:45- It's a remarkable letter.- - Yes.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- What was the connection - with your grandfather?
0:10:49 > 0:10:54- He was in the same battalion - as Churchill during World War I.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- The 6th Battalion - of the Scots Fusiliers.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- This letter is dated - from a later period.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- He kept in touch.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- He worked in the coal mine.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- After the 1926 General Strike - and economic depression...
0:11:11 > 0:11:13- ..he lost his job.
0:11:13 > 0:11:19- He wrote to Churchill to ask - for a job in the Defence Ministry.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- But as Churchill said, - he had no influence.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27- Labour was in power, - but he did arrange work...
0:11:27 > 0:11:32- ..for my grandfather - at the Ministry of Labour.
0:11:32 > 0:11:37- Your father followed your - grandfather and joined the army?
0:11:37 > 0:11:43- He joined the Royal Tank Regiment - in 1938, before World War II.
0:11:44 > 0:11:49- He was sent to North Africa, - to Tobruk and El Alamein.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- He was captured - by the Germans in North Africa.
0:11:54 > 0:12:00- He was taken to Stalag Luft IV-B - in eastern Germany.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- This is his document.
0:12:07 > 0:12:08- That's it.
0:12:09 > 0:12:15- This is his identity card, - with a thumbprint and photograph.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- We also see his name, - Robert Winston Spencer Williams.
0:12:21 > 0:12:26- Churchill obviously made - an impression on your grandfather!
0:12:26 > 0:12:31- He named his son after his friend, - Winston Churchill.
0:12:31 > 0:12:36- It's often forgotten that Churchill - was hated in South Wales...
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- ..because of his handling - of the miners' strike.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44- My father was stuck - with the name all his life!
0:12:45 > 0:12:50- Brilliant. Thank you very much, - Peter. It's been fascinating.
0:12:51 > 0:12:52- Thank you.
0:12:53 > 0:12:53- .
0:12:57 > 0:12:57- Subtitles
0:12:57 > 0:12:59- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:05 > 0:13:10- I'm Gerwyn James and I've studied - the Menai for many years.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15- It's an area steeped in history.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- I'd like to share - the fishing traps with you today.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28- They go all the way from here - to the far end of the Menai.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- This black wall...
0:13:36 > 0:13:41- ..may be the best example in Wales - of a medieval fishing trap.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45- It's seven foot high.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48- It has been here for centuries.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- According to records - dating back 700 years...
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- ..the peasant folk - that lived here...
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- ..had to pay - ten and a half pennies a year...
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- ..to the Bishop of Bangor - to repair the wall.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06- The fish swam in with the tide...
0:14:07 > 0:14:12- ..and were trapped behind the wall - on the ebb tide.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- Fishermen took whatever was caught.
0:14:22 > 0:14:27- Behind me is Ynys Gorad Goch, - which also had fish traps.
0:14:27 > 0:14:32- However, this island - had traps on both ends.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- They could catch fish - four times a day.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- They caught herring mainly.
0:14:40 > 0:14:45- The fish were cured and carried - downriver to Llanfaes or Beaumaris.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50- From there, they'd be exported - to major English cities.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- In the Middle Ages, - and until relatively recently...
0:14:57 > 0:14:59- ..ordinary folk - ate very little meat.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- Beef and lamb - were food for the rich.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- If you were a farmer...
0:15:08 > 0:15:13- ..you'd keep animals - to sell them in the market...
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- ..to pay rent.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- The Church insisted - that people ate fish on Fridays.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- Fish was the staple diet.
0:15:30 > 0:15:36- This method of fishing ended - around the time of World War I.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- In one respect, it's sad.
0:15:39 > 0:15:40- A way of life...
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- ..how man fished on this river...
0:15:44 > 0:15:45- ..has disappeared.
0:15:46 > 0:15:47- On the other hand...
0:15:48 > 0:15:52- ..imagine getting up - very early in midwinter...
0:15:52 > 0:15:54- ..to come here with nets.
0:15:54 > 0:15:59- It was extremely tough work. - I wouldn't have liked to do it.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- Things have changed. Life is easier.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- BELLS RING
0:16:15 > 0:16:17- Whether you're religious or not...
0:16:17 > 0:16:22- ..it's comforting to hear the peal - of bells on Sunday mornings.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- For those of us still in bed...
0:16:25 > 0:16:30- ..take pity on the bell-ringer - who had to wake up early.
0:16:31 > 0:16:37- St Padarn Church - in Llanbadarn Fawr near Aberystwyth.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41- History fills every nook and cranny.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45- It was once the focal point - of Wales's largest parish.
0:16:45 > 0:16:51- The medieval poet Dafydd ap Gwilym - mentions it in one of his poems.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- William Morgan was a vicar here - in the 16th century.
0:16:55 > 0:17:00- Tonight, I'm having a go at ringing - the ancient bells of Llanbadarn.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02- But someone's already at it!
0:17:03 > 0:17:04- Hi, Gerald.
0:17:04 > 0:17:05- Hi, Gerald.- - Hello, Lisa.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07- You started early.
0:17:07 > 0:17:08- You started early.- - Yes!
0:17:08 > 0:17:10- Have you finished?
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- Have you finished?- - Yes, for now.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14- I'm here to have a go!
0:17:14 > 0:17:18- I'm not the one to teach you! - You should see a professional!
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- I can show you the bells upstairs.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22- I can show you the bells upstairs.- - Thank you.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- I'll lead the way.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33- Here are the amazing bells.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36- Yes, the eleven Llanbadarn bells.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38- There are eleven?
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- Ten are usually rung.
0:17:41 > 0:17:46- The extra bell makes it possible - to change key.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49- What was their original purpose?
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- To tell the congregation - it was time for church.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57- They were rung when there - was a funeral or a wedding...
0:17:58 > 0:18:01- ..or to warn of an enemy invasion...
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- ..or even to proclaim victory - in a war.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- They were quite simple, originally.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13- Pulling the rope swung the bell - and made the clapper strike.
0:18:14 > 0:18:15- That was it.
0:18:16 > 0:18:22- But in England, sometime - during the late 17th century...
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- ..a much more complex system - was devised...
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- ..producing a more impressive sound.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31- When the rope is pulled...
0:18:32 > 0:18:36- ..the wheel and bell turn - a little over 360 degrees.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- That strikes the bell once.
0:18:40 > 0:18:45- You pull again, and it swings back - to strike a second time.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50- Each bell is struck once...
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- ..until they go through the range.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58- The order is changed - according to what is played.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- The ringing can last a long time.
0:19:01 > 0:19:02- How long?
0:19:03 > 0:19:05- In the bell chamber...
0:19:05 > 0:19:10- ..there's a sign to say - that they can ring for hours...
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- ..playing 5,000 different peals.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16- It's amazing.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- The neighbours are understanding!
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- You've had experience - of bell-ringing.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- Tell me honestly - how hard is it?
0:19:28 > 0:19:32- It's not that difficult, - if you're taught properly.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- You don't have to be strong, - it's more of a knack.
0:19:37 > 0:19:38- It's getting the timing right.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40- It's getting the timing right.- - Will you hold my hand?!
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- With pleasure!
0:19:42 > 0:19:48- Experienced ringers Bob and Fran - awaited us in the bell chamber.
0:19:48 > 0:19:53- Bell-ringing might appear easy, - but training is required.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- It can be dangerous.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59- People have apparently - lost fingers doing this.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- Hands at your side.
0:20:03 > 0:20:04- Here?
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- Here?- - Don't bend your knees.
0:20:08 > 0:20:09- OK.
0:20:12 > 0:20:13- OK.
0:20:16 > 0:20:17- Let go.
0:20:18 > 0:20:19- BELL RINGS
0:20:21 > 0:20:22- It fell so quickly.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24- You did that!
0:20:25 > 0:20:26- Do it again.
0:20:28 > 0:20:29- BELL RINGS
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- Let go.
0:20:40 > 0:20:41- Sorry, Bob.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45- It's a matter of timing.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- Unfortunately, - my timing was a disgrace.
0:20:49 > 0:20:49- Let go.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- Let go.- - BELL RINGS
0:20:56 > 0:20:58- OK!
0:20:58 > 0:21:00- Bob's much better than me.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02- Bob's much better than me.- - You contributed!
0:21:04 > 0:21:05- Thanks very much.
0:21:06 > 0:21:07- You're welcome.
0:21:07 > 0:21:12- If you want to come back, - we meet every Thursday at 7.30pm.
0:21:12 > 0:21:13- Thanks!
0:21:16 > 0:21:19- Promptly at 7.30pm...
0:21:19 > 0:21:25- ..the Aberystwyth University - Society of Change Ringers arrived.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- BELL-RINGING
0:21:46 > 0:21:50- You're all very young.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52- Aberystwyth is a university town.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55- Many of us are students.
0:21:56 > 0:21:57- When did you start?
0:21:57 > 0:21:59- When did you start?- - When I was twelve.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02- What was the appeal?
0:22:02 > 0:22:04- I lived in Aberystwyth...
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- ..and I'd seen the church tower - and heard the Llanbadarn bells.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- It was something different and new - to do - maybe a little odd!
0:22:13 > 0:22:15- Are you musical?
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- I do come from a musical background.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22- It's different - to instrumental music.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- But it's still lovely to listen to.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- I'll follow you, Fran.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50- The bells are silent.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- They're off to the pub, - and I fancy a pint too!
0:23:00 > 0:23:03- Last week, - I asked you to name this object...
0:23:03 > 0:23:07- ..a rare artefact from St Fagans - National History Museum.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09- It's an otter spear.
0:23:10 > 0:23:15- It was used to hunt otters - in the 19th century and earlier.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- Painful.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22- Here's this week's object.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26- This piece of wood has incredibly - intricate carvings on it.
0:23:27 > 0:23:32- Here's a clue - it's from - the St Fagans fashion collection.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36- What is it? - Send your answers via Facebook.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- I'll give you the answer next week.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41- Thanks, Ger.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:23:58 > 0:23:59- .