0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:08 > 0:00:11- There's a wealth of history - behind the names...
0:00:12 > 0:00:15- ..that have been coined - throughout the years.
0:00:15 > 0:00:19- I'm unlocking the mystery - behind some of Anglesey's names...
0:00:19 > 0:00:22- ..in order to record them - for posterity.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38- This episode takes us - from the mouth of Abermenai...
0:00:38 > 0:00:43- ..along the Menai, past Menai Bridge - to Puffin Island...
0:00:43 > 0:00:45- ..at the furthest tip of Anglesey.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- An anonymous poet - referred to the Menai...
0:00:53 > 0:00:58- ..as the bluest and most beautiful - river on the face of the earth.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- But the Menai is, in fact, - a strait rather than a river...
0:01:02 > 0:01:06- ..with the saltwater tide separating - Anglesey from the rest of Wales.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11- People have traded, fished - and fought along these shores.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15- Its history has left its mark - on Anglesey's names.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21- Braich Abermenai...
0:01:21 > 0:01:25- ..extends narrowly to the sea...
0:01:26 > 0:01:28- ..ending up - in the shape of a crook...
0:01:28 > 0:01:33- ..hence Southcrook, to give it its - English name, originating from 1304.
0:01:33 > 0:01:39- Crook is derived from the Norse, - krokr, which means a hook.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41- It's yet another example...
0:01:41 > 0:01:45- ..of the early Norse influence - on Anglesey's coastline.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50- The Norsemen - aren't the only people...
0:01:50 > 0:01:54- ..to influence Anglesey's - names over the centuries.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58- Legends about attacks from the sea - are rife in some areas.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02- The next location a short distance - away is no exception.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06- I've come to Tal Y Foel - to meet Professor Peredur Lynch...
0:02:07 > 0:02:09- ..to discuss a bloody battle.
0:02:09 > 0:02:14- There is some argument - over its exact location.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- There's some confusion - over the location.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22- We're here in Tal Y Foel - on the Menai estuary.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- The earliest reference - to the battle...
0:02:25 > 0:02:28- ..is mentioned - in the poetry of Gwalchmai.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31- He was an Anglesey man, - born and bred.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- He was the son of Meilyr Brydydd.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37- Gwalchmai wrote a series of poems...
0:02:38 > 0:02:41- ..celebrating - Owain Gwynedd's victories.
0:02:41 > 0:02:47- An exceptionally bloody battle - is described in the poetry.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52- He alludes to three fleets - arriving on Anglesey's shoreline.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- Therein lies the problem.
0:02:55 > 0:03:00- Gwalchmai says that the battle - took place in Tal Moelfre.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04- We're in Tal Y Foel at the moment...
0:03:05 > 0:03:07- ..which means - the other side of the hill.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- That is the translation - of the place name.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- But Gwalchmai makes reference - to a place called Tal Moelfre.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17- There's a Moelfre on Anglesey.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19- There's a Moelfre on Anglesey.- - I know, I was born there!
0:03:19 > 0:03:24- It's the other side of the island - - Tal isn't included in the name.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27- It's problematic...
0:03:27 > 0:03:31- ..because in that poem, Gwalchmai - writes very dramatic lines.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34- He calls the battle a bloodbath.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36- So much blood had been lost...
0:03:36 > 0:03:40- ..by the Normans and Vikings - that had arrived here...
0:03:40 > 0:03:44- ..that the Menai's tide ceased.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- "Menai is without tide...
0:03:48 > 0:03:54- "..due to the ebb tide of blood."
0:03:55 > 0:03:59- So the Menai doesn't ebb - due to so much blood!
0:03:59 > 0:04:02- That's what led people to believe...
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- ..that Tal Y Foel - was the location of the battle.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09- To convolute the matter further...
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- ..a scholar - called Egerton Phillimore...
0:04:13 > 0:04:15- ..claimed...
0:04:15 > 0:04:20- ..that another, much earlier battle, - took place here in 1144...
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- ..when Owain Gwynedd - fought against his own family.
0:04:24 > 0:04:29- I'd prefer to believe that - we're standing in the wrong place.
0:04:30 > 0:04:31- The battle took place in Moelfre.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33- The battle took place in Moelfre.- - I'd like to believe so too!
0:04:34 > 0:04:39- But poets like Gwalchmai were fond - of using hyperbole in their work.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41- He over-exaggerated.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45- It's more dramatic to describe - a bloodbath in Moelfre...
0:04:45 > 0:04:50- ..and the blood flowed - all the way to this point...
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- ..and there was no tide - resulting from the killing spree.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04- From battles between people to - battles against the environment.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09- Tal Y Foel overlooks - a treacherous area for sailors.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- Not only is this sandbank - in the middle of the Menai Strait...
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- ..and is obscured by the tide, - it also moves.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22- Traeth Gwyllt (Wild Beach) - is a large expanse of sand...
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- ..that is uncovered - when then the tide goes out.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30- It's hard to explain - the name's derivation.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32- It might allude to the fact...
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- ..that the sandbank - moves ever so slightly each year.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39- The sand - is very soft in some parts here.
0:05:39 > 0:05:44- It's very easy to find yourself - buried in sand up to your knees.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48- The surface - is a collections of hollows...
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- ..like the surface of the moon.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- It's easy to believe - I'm standing on something wild.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- Sadly, - many have lost their lives here...
0:05:58 > 0:06:00- ..over the years.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03- In one shipwreck in 1785...
0:06:04 > 0:06:06- ..54 people died.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- The place - still continues to fool people.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- Pleasure boats - run into difficulty here.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- According to Richard Jones, - a Menai sailor...
0:06:15 > 0:06:19- ..one man was found here, - and when they came to rescue him...
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- ..all he had - was an atlas of the area's roads.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- He obviously had no idea - what he was doing.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- There is more bloodthirsty history - further along the Menai Strait...
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- ..near the remains - of a very sacred landmark.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56- These are - the ruins of Llanidan church...
0:06:57 > 0:07:01- ..established by St Nidan - from the historic Hen Ogledd.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10- Below the church towards the sea...
0:07:11 > 0:07:13- ..is a site whose name...
0:07:13 > 0:07:17- ..symbolizes - a significant historical event.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29- This is Pant Y Sgraffie.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- Sgraffie is derived from - the Latin scaphae...
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- ..meaning a flat-bottomed boat...
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- ..used in shallow water.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- The modern word skiff - comes from the same derivation.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- The name, Thames Valley Skiffs, - is still used to this day.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- Since the boats - are used in shallow water...
0:07:50 > 0:07:52- ..they're perfect - for landing on shore.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55- The meaning of Pant Y Sgraffie...
0:07:55 > 0:07:58- ..is Meadow Of The Landing Craft.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02- Somewhere to bring people - and drop them on land.
0:08:02 > 0:08:07- It's claimed that this is where - the Romans landed on Anglesey.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10- Henry Rowlands - describes the scene...
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- ..in the Mona Antiqua Restaurata.
0:08:14 > 0:08:19- Rowlands puts his own colourful - and romantic spin on the story.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22- "Now the enraged Romans, - having got on land...
0:08:23 > 0:08:27- "..and the conquering sword having - taken its fill of British blood...
0:08:27 > 0:08:30- "..these giddy Druids who durst not - engage in...
0:08:30 > 0:08:32- "..but stood - without the array of battle.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- "Seeing their sacrifices and - oblations on which they depended...
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- "..prove ineffectual - on these fearless Romans...
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- "..nimbly flipped away - to their woods and coverts...
0:08:42 > 0:08:46- "..leaving their people - to be miserably cut down...
0:08:46 > 0:08:49- "..and slaughtered - by the advancing Romans."
0:08:49 > 0:08:54- There is some uncertainty - about the landing place, but...
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- .."There are probably grounds - to conclude...
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- "..that it was near Porthamel...
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- "..betwixt a place - called Pwll Y Fuwch and Llanidan."
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- He goes on to say...
0:09:05 > 0:09:10- .."It seems their foot landed - in their flat-bottomed vessels...
0:09:10 > 0:09:12- "..near the said Pwll Y Fuwch...
0:09:12 > 0:09:16- "..where there is a place called - Pant Yr Ysgraffiau to this day."
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- Further along the Menai Strait...
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- ..are the two bridges - which cross the Menai.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- One of the area's wonders - is also located here.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- Horatio Nelson - described this area as...
0:09:40 > 0:09:45- .."One of the most treacherous - stretches of sea in the world."
0:09:47 > 0:09:51- This statue of him, commissioned - by the owner of Plas Llanfair...
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- ..has watched over these shores - since 1875.
0:09:55 > 0:10:00- At its most powerful, the current - reaches a speed of eight knots.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- There are a plethora of rocks - which are covered by the sea.
0:10:04 > 0:10:09- Being able to navigate around them - safely requires detailed knowledge.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11- It's easy to see...
0:10:11 > 0:10:15- ..how unpredictable the current is - in this area...
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- ..when you see it - flowing over these rocks.
0:10:18 > 0:10:23- This rock where the Britannia Bridge - pillar lies is Carreg Frydan...
0:10:23 > 0:10:27- ..which refers to the power - of the gushing tide.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31- Over time, - the word Frydan became Frydain...
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- ..and people misinterpreted it - to mean Britain in Welsh.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- It then became Britain - before Britannia Rock...
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- ..which lent its name - to this architectural masterpiece.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- It's strange to think that - Britannia Bridge is a misnomer...
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- ..due to people thinking that Frydan - was a corrupt form of Britain...
0:10:49 > 0:10:55- ..instead of a description of the - water crashing against the rock.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58- Pwll Ceris is a whirlpool...
0:10:58 > 0:11:03- ..that has instilled fear in sailors - and poets throughout the centuries.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06- Gwilym Hiraethog - described this pool...
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- .."as Ceulwnc i ofni calon," - an abyss to frighten the soul.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- When you're right in the middle - of Pwll Ceris...
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- ..and the sea is bubbling wildly - all around you...
0:11:18 > 0:11:23- ..it's easy to empathize - with Gwilym Hiraethog's words.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30- In Latin, in the Historia Brittonium - compiled around 800AD...
0:11:30 > 0:11:35- ..the word used to describe - this location is voraga...
0:11:35 > 0:11:40- ..meaning a whirlpool or an abyss.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- When the work - was later translated into English...
0:11:44 > 0:11:49- ..the word used - to describe it was swelowe...
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- ..which later become swallow.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57- The root of the word lends itself - to the modern term, The Swellies.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59- The meaning, of course...
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- ..is a large pool - swallowing everything in sight.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- The Welsh name, Pwll Ceris...
0:12:08 > 0:12:12- ..simply takes its name - from the personal name, Ceris.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- Carreg Y Pwll is the name of - the rock which emerges at low tide.
0:12:16 > 0:12:21- Llygad Y Pwll refers to the axis - around which the water circulates.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28- Having crossed safely through - Pwll Ceris, we reach Pont Y Borth...
0:12:29 > 0:12:31- ..one of Wales's wonders.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- The name of this rock on which - the pillar stands is Cerrig y Moch.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- Long ago, Anglesey's main source - of income was the livestock market.
0:12:47 > 0:12:52- Before the bridge was built, drovers - transported the animals by boat.
0:12:52 > 0:12:57- They also swam across the Menai - Strait when the tide allowed them.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- Swimming across the strait - was hard work for a pig.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- It is because they would stop - to rest on the rock...
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- ..that it is called - Cerrig Y Moch (Pigs' Rock).
0:13:13 > 0:13:14- .
0:13:14 > 0:13:14- Subtitles
0:13:14 > 0:13:15- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:16 > 0:13:20- Our journey exploring some of - the Menai Strait's names...
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- ..brings us to Afon Cadnant, - north of Menai Bridge.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- Place names - lend themselves well to romanticism.
0:13:30 > 0:13:36- It's inevitable that the names of - rivers are associated with battles.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- But not in the case - of Afon Cadnant...
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- ..since "Cad" at the root - of the name doesn't mean battle.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- "Cadr" in this context means strong.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- Translated, Cadnant means - a strong-flowing river.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- But before we - disregard battles altogether...
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- ..here's an interesting fact.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- There are three Afon Cadnants - in the area.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08- One in Conwy, one in Caernarfon - and this one in Beaumaris.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10- All three are beside castles...
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- ..places you would naturally - associate them with battles.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18- That's just a suggestion - for you to ponder.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- There is Cored (Weir) Gadnant - to be found in the Cadnant estuary.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- In effect, it's a trap for fish...
0:14:28 > 0:14:32- ..designed to catch fish within it - as the tide goes out.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- There are many weirs - along Anglesey's coast.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- They are hard to date.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44- Cadnant Weir is a good example...
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- ..since these tree stumps - suggest their original shape.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- Many remains of fishing weirs - can be still be found...
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- ..on the Welsh coastline.
0:14:55 > 0:15:00- But, in reality, only their - foundations are left nowadays.
0:15:00 > 0:15:05- In working order, there would've - been a timber wall or fence on top.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- We can still see traces - of the stumps and stakes.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- The stakes would've risen - from the foundations...
0:15:13 > 0:15:17- ..in a lattice shape interwoven - and similar to basketweave.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20- They would've stood 15 feet high.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24- When the sea crashed over them, - the fish fell into here.
0:15:24 > 0:15:30- As the tide ebbed, the poor fish - were trapped by this large wall.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34- Interestingly, the name given - to this type of wall was Bangor.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- The name came to mean what was - caught between this type of wall.
0:15:39 > 0:15:44- It later lent its name to the city - across the Menai Strait...
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- ..Bangor-on-Dee and Bangor Teifi.
0:15:50 > 0:15:55- Though these weirs are ancient, - they were extremely effective.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- Some were still operational - until the mid-20th century.
0:15:59 > 0:16:05- There was a prominent one near the - pier of the next town, Beaumaris.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- On the way there, - we pass a peninsula...
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- ..that, in terms of its name, - is one of the most interesting.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22- This is Penrhyn Safnas. It's - original form was Pen Ryn Savn Ast.
0:16:22 > 0:16:27- The Welsh must have likened the - shape of it to a safn (dog's mouth).
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- Its English name is Gallows Point...
0:16:31 > 0:16:33- ..on account of its shape.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37- The Norse name for it - is Osmund's Air...
0:16:37 > 0:16:41- ..which is a combination - of the personal name Asmundr...
0:16:41 > 0:16:46- ..and the Norse word eyrr, meaning - a grainy ridge near the sea.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- Though it's the same - geographical location...
0:16:49 > 0:16:53- ..there are three variants - in three languages.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58- The next town - has a foreign name too.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01- Its archaic Welsh name - was Cerrig Y Gwyddyl.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- But when the castle - was established here...
0:17:05 > 0:17:09- ..the French name, Beau Marais, - was given to the town....
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- ..meaning pretty marsh.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- There are many Latin forms - of the name in written records...
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- ..including Bello Marisco - and Bellum Mariscum.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- Sometimes it's pronounced - "Bliwmaras" locally.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29- An l has been added, just like - the names Plwmp and Plymlimon.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31- I wonder if Bliwmaras...
0:17:32 > 0:17:36- ..has evolved from its very - early Latin name, Bellum Mariscum?
0:17:39 > 0:17:43- Further along the coast - and we pass Fryars Bay...
0:17:43 > 0:17:47- ..which stands in front of the place - where Llywelyn the Great...
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- ..founded the monastery - which lends its name to the bay.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- The site was used for - less peaceful means during WWII...
0:17:55 > 0:17:58- ..when flying boats - were manufactured here...
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- ..and adapted for the RAF.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06- They were launched into the water - from this narrow slope.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14- Three miles further and the Menai - opens to the sea once again.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16- This is Ynys Seiriol...
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- ..which takes its name from - St Seiriol who lived in Penmon.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24- Its English name, Puffin Island, - is relatively recent.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28- The name refers - to the puffins in summer.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30- During the 18th century...
0:18:30 > 0:18:36- ..the puffins were pickled before - being packed and exported as food.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41- Priestholm is far more recent name, - dating from the 15th century.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- Its oldest name is Ynys Lannog.
0:18:44 > 0:18:50- Glannog is a first name - meaning the shore person.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54- We've no idea what connects Glannog - to Puffin Island...
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- ..but we know - that his son was called Helig...
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- ..meaning a person of the sea...
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- ..similar to Dylan Ail Don - in the Mabinogion.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- There is also a legend - dedicated to Helig ap Glannog.
0:19:08 > 0:19:13- Legend has it that Helig ap Glannog - had a court near Penmaenmawr.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- One night, - during a sumptuous feast...
0:19:16 > 0:19:20- ..a secret voice warned them - of an impending tragedy.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- Llys Helig was flooded and everyone - drowned apart from two.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- Some claim that the court's ruins - can still be seen.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33- I've joined Dr Mike Roberts from - Bangor University to find out more.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- Photographs have been taken here - at low tide...
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- ..showing a specific grid pattern.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- Straight lines and square angles.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53- Bangor University - has special equipment...
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- ..to make a 3D map of the seabed.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- Due to changes in the sea level...
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- ..we'll be the first to see...
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- ..the current shape - of the land underwater.
0:20:03 > 0:20:09- It's possible to get a detailed view - of the area on the computer.
0:20:09 > 0:20:14- If there was a court here - at one time, then we'll find it.
0:20:23 > 0:20:28- The picture is showing outlines - of straight lines and square angles.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32- It almost looks like the letter W.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34- It looks as if it's been man made.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37- Are these the ruins of Llys Helig?
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- I don't think it's possible - that this is the palace...
0:20:41 > 0:20:43- ..since the level of the sea...
0:20:44 > 0:20:50- ..has risen over a metre in more - than 6,000 years.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- I'd say it's impossible.
0:20:52 > 0:20:53- So this isn't a palace?
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- So this isn't a palace?- - No, this isn't a palace, sorry.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- We've come all the way - from Puffin Island for nothing.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03- No, it's impossible.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- We'd have to go back - thousands of years...
0:21:07 > 0:21:09- ..for the sea level - to be low enough.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12- 6,000-8,000.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17- Mike doesn't believe that a palace - could've been built here...
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- ..for many thousands of years.
0:21:22 > 0:21:27- Legend has it that Llys Helig - was flooded in the sixth century.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- To support Mike's argument, - he's given me this.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- Essentially, - it serves as a time machine.
0:21:34 > 0:21:39- It's a sample - from the seabed of the Menai area.
0:21:39 > 0:21:45- If you imagine we're here, we travel - back in time, 1,000, 2,000...
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- ..3,000, 4,000 years and so on,
0:21:48 > 0:21:53- It's a light colour on top...
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- ..representing a time when - this places was underwater.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- It contains sand and mud and so on.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04- Further back in time and at the - bottom here is a peaty material...
0:22:04 > 0:22:06- ..with seeds and so on.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10- But the key thing is this.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- When it goes from light to dark, - it goes from being sea to land.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- We're talking - at least 5,000 years ago.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- If you wanted to build - a palace or a court...
0:22:23 > 0:22:30- ..in this area, you would've had to - have done it a very long time ago.
0:22:32 > 0:22:37- Back to the Menai, between the - alleged Llys Helig and Anglesey...
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- ..is this sandy expanse - called Traeth Lafan.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- Nobody so far has come up with an - adequate explanation for the name.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50- It might be a first name...
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- ..though people have associated - the word with llafan, a seaweed...
0:22:55 > 0:22:57- ..and the word wylofain (weeping).
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- It's difficult to accept - those explanations...
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- ..though I have to admit...
0:23:04 > 0:23:09- ..there were certainly times when - a person may have felt like weeping.
0:23:09 > 0:23:14- Having said that, efforts have been - made to preserve the old names...
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- ..and transfer them - to the next generation.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22- What we can be sure of, as we - leave Anglesey for the mainland...
0:23:22 > 0:23:26- ..is that the coastal names - will continue to evolve...
0:23:27 > 0:23:31- ..as they absorb - a variety of influences.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:58 > 0:23:58- .