0:00:00 > 0:00:00- 888
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- 888- - 888
0:00:07 > 0:00:09- 888
0:00:13 > 0:00:15- 888
0:00:20 > 0:00:22- 888
0:00:24 > 0:00:27- Hello and welcome - to Straeon Tafarn...
0:00:27 > 0:00:31- ..with me, the bald-headed bandit, - Dewi Pws Morris.
0:00:32 > 0:00:37- I enjoy travelling Wales, performing - gigs and hearing exciting stories.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- Where are we going this time?
0:00:41 > 0:00:43- George Borrow called it...
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- .."a dirty, squalid place."
0:00:46 > 0:00:48- By George, George!
0:00:50 > 0:00:54- According to OM Edwards, - it's home to the best Welsh hymn...
0:00:55 > 0:00:56- ..O! Tyn Y Gorchudd.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02- Where am I? I'm in Dinas Mawddwy, - between Machynlleth and Dolgellau.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07- The pub in question - is the Red Lion - grrr!
0:01:17 > 0:01:21- This place is remote - and unfamiliar to me.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25- Believe it or not, I do know - something about Dinas Mawddwy.
0:01:25 > 0:01:31- It was home to the notorious - Red Bandits of Mawddwy.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34- They were evil men with red hair - and no manners.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37- Don't take my word for it.
0:01:37 > 0:01:42- Gwawr joined me at the Red Lion - to tell me all about them.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48- There are a number of ideas - about their origin.
0:01:48 > 0:01:53- Some suggest they were linked - with Glyndwr's revolt.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57- Officially, the revolt - of Owain Glyndwr ended in 1421.
0:01:57 > 0:02:02- Many people from Mawddwy fought - for his cause and lost their land.
0:02:03 > 0:02:08- Some believe the bandits - were scions of Glyndwr's army...
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- ..who were still passionate - about their loss.
0:02:11 > 0:02:16- Did they rob from one specific area - or did they move around?
0:02:16 > 0:02:20- They moved around a lot - in the Mawddwy and Dugoed areas.
0:02:20 > 0:02:25- It's mountainous and remote today, - so it was even worse 500 years ago.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29- Mawddwy became part of Merioneth - as part of the Act of Union...
0:02:29 > 0:02:33- ..so it has always been - a bit here and there.
0:02:33 > 0:02:38- They took advantage of this - to get away with their attacks.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41- They could escape across the border - to Powys...
0:02:41 > 0:02:44- ..and return via other borders.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47- They took advantage - of their surroundings.
0:02:48 > 0:02:53- There are tales of them stealing and - driving cattle from vale to vale.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57- They didn't live in caves - or forests.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01- They were yeomen - who owned some property.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05- They weren't the dregs of society.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08- Where would they hide?
0:03:08 > 0:03:13- They tended to hide out - in areas near the county border...
0:03:13 > 0:03:16- ..such as Bwlch yr Oerddrws - and Bwlch y Groes.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- We have sites - such as Ffynnon y Gwylliaid...
0:03:20 > 0:03:22- ..where the bandits - washed their hands...
0:03:22 > 0:03:24- ..and Pyllau'r Glwferiaid.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27- A number of local names - reflect the history.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- These names paint a picture - of history.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- The place names - are proof of their existence.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41- The general belief is that - the Red Bandits were most active...
0:03:42 > 0:03:44- ..in the early 16th century.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48- Baron Owen was an officer - of the new Tudor regime.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50- He had a high opinion of himself.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54- He used his connections - to scale the social ladder.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58- He was commissioned - to capture the bandits.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06- It was Christmas Eve.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09- Baron Owen and his men - had decided...
0:04:09 > 0:04:13- ..that the bandits - wouldn't have a merry Christmas.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- They decided to attack.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- Their aim was to kill - as many bandits as possible...
0:04:21 > 0:04:23- ..and they weren't disappointed!
0:04:26 > 0:04:30- Some 80 bandits - were captured and hanged.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34- Their bodies were found dangling - in the wind on Christmas morning.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42- Among them was a young boy - called John Goch.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48- His mother pleaded with the Baron - to spare her son...
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- ..but he showed no mercy.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57- As John breathed his last...
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- ..his mother bared her breasts - and shouted...
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- .."These breasts have raised - John's brothers.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06- "They will take revenge - on the Baron...
0:05:07 > 0:05:11- "..and wash their hands - in the blood of his heart."
0:05:17 > 0:05:21- Ten months later, as the Baron - went home over Bwlch y Fedwen...
0:05:22 > 0:05:24- ..he was caught in a classic trap.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- Two oak trees fell to the ground...
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- ..one behind him, - one in front of him...
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- ..and the sky filled with arrows.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43- It's said that the Baron - was struck 30 times...
0:05:43 > 0:05:47- ..and his corpse fell at the feet - of John Goch's brothers.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51- As their mother had promised...
0:05:52 > 0:05:57- ..the boys washed their hands - in the blood of Baron Owen's heart.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15- This is a legend of Dinas Mawddwy. - Everyone knows about the bandits.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20- I spoke to Tegwyn Jones, - who elaborated on their story.
0:06:20 > 0:06:25- He's also a proper poet, - which really makes me feel nervous!
0:06:25 > 0:06:27- How many did the Baron execute?
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- The court records state - that eight were executed...
0:06:32 > 0:06:34- ..namely John Goch - and his brothers...
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- ..as well as people - from Cemaes, Llanwddyn and Mawddwy.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- There was also a pregnant woman.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45- She wasn't hanged - until after the birth of her child.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- There's a story of one attack - near my home.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- During harvest, - a truckle of cheese was taken out.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- The bandits shot an arrow - from one side of the valley...
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- ..and hit the truckle.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06- At one time, scythes were placed - in chimneys...
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- ..to stop the bandits - climbing down them at night.
0:07:11 > 0:07:12- Goodness me!
0:07:13 > 0:07:18- Everyone in Dinas Mawddwy filled - their chimneys to stop the bandits.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22- Fortunately, my little green van - hasn't got a chimney!
0:07:23 > 0:07:28- Gwawr was enjoying herself so much - that she wanted to tell me more.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- Are there any literary references - to the bandits?
0:07:32 > 0:07:37- When Baron Owen was murdered, - five poets composed elegies to him.
0:07:38 > 0:07:43- Thomas Pennant in 1778 - first wrote about them in print.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- He stated - that there were 80 bandits...
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- ..but he was writing - 200 years after the event.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- It's possible the oral tradition - had embellished the story!
0:07:53 > 0:07:55- When did the bandits disappear?
0:07:55 > 0:07:57- When did the bandits disappear?- - It's difficult to say.
0:07:57 > 0:08:03- However, I know of one incident - that happened following the murder.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07- Gwanas farm, - over Bwlch yr Oerddrws...
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- ..belonged to a Catholic guild, - the Order of St John.
0:08:11 > 0:08:17- They gave outlaws - refuge from the law.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21- Sion Rhydderch, - who farmed Gwanas at that time...
0:08:21 > 0:08:26- ..offered refuge to some - of the last remaining bandits.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30- Unfortunately, - he betrayed the bandits...
0:08:30 > 0:08:35- ..and revealed their location - to the local authorities.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37- There is a saying in the area.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40- If someone goes back - on their word...
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- ..they are said to be - as deceitful as Sion Rhydderch!
0:08:44 > 0:08:46- These were wicked men.
0:08:46 > 0:08:47- These were wicked men.- - Yes, they were wicked.
0:08:47 > 0:08:52- However, the oral tradition - has transformed them into heroes.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54- The locals are proud of them.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- What are the locals like now?
0:08:57 > 0:08:59- What are the locals like now?- - I wouldn't like to say!
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- I love real-life Welsh tales - about the likes of the bandits.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09- It makes me long for the past.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- I'm an old romantic fool, - but then again, why not?
0:09:16 > 0:09:16- .
0:09:18 > 0:09:18- 888
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- 888- - 888
0:09:23 > 0:09:28- I love visiting Welsh pubs, - holding gigs and meeting the locals.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- Dinas Mawddwy is very beautiful.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34- It appears tranquil these days...
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- ..but it once attracted people - from far and wide.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- Tegwyn Jones - explains the area's history.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- Who was this man Buckley?
0:09:45 > 0:09:50- Edmund Buckley - was a wealthy man from Manchester.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52- He spent extensively in the area.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- He built a mansion with a window - for each day of the year...
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- ..and a chimney - for every week of the year.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02- It was a huge Gothic mansion.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05- He also built the Buckley Arms...
0:10:05 > 0:10:08- ..one of Europe's earliest - concrete buildings.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- Dr John Davies, who translated - the New Testament, lived here.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- While he was rector here, - he built many bridges...
0:10:16 > 0:10:20- ..one at Mallwyd - and one in Dinas itself.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22- The earliest dates back to 1610.
0:10:23 > 0:10:24- Why did he build them?
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- To cross the valley, of course.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29- To cross the valley, of course.- - Thanks, Tegwyn!
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- Let's have something - to soothe the soul.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39- # Let the bright sun - of righteousness shine... #
0:10:39 > 0:10:41- Ah... lovely.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- Did you know that a local boy - wrote that hymn?
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- Angharad Price called by - to tell the story.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- Hugh Jones was a famous hymn writer.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- He published two volumes - of poems and hymns.
0:10:57 > 0:11:03- One of the most famous hymns - of its day was O! Tyn Y Gorchudd.
0:11:04 > 0:11:10- OM Edwards called it the best hymn - in the Welsh language.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- In the 1770s, he published - a very important book...
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- ..unique in the Welsh language, - Cydymaith Yr Hwsmon.
0:11:19 > 0:11:24- It traced the changing seasons - in the agricultural world.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- Every description - contained a religious reference.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31- In the preface to the book...
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- ..he states that he thought - of the tranquillity of Maesglasau...
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- ..while living - amid the chaos of London.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- The homesickness that he felt - also affected the book...
0:11:43 > 0:11:44- ..because it is very passionate.
0:11:45 > 0:11:50- He funded the book by collecting - a list of subscribers...
0:11:50 > 0:11:55- ..mainly from Dinas Mawddwy, - including many relatives.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- He used that money - to publish this book...
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- ..and the other books - that he published in his lifetime.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- Unfortunately, - this book has been forgotten.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- Personally, - I think it's a lost classic.
0:12:10 > 0:12:16- It could be compared with classic - European books of the period.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20- Werther by Goethe - in Germany springs to mind.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- It was published in the same year - as Cydymaith Yr Hwsmon.
0:12:25 > 0:12:31- One became a world-famous classic - and made Goethe a wealthy man...
0:12:31 > 0:12:37- ..while poor Hugh Jones died - as an unknown pauper in Wales.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39- Was he bitter?
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- He faced tremendous debts - due to the publications.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48- The Methodist chapel disowned him - because of his debts.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- He did his best for his country, - literature and religion...
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- ..and received no thanks for it.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- My full name is Dewi Grey Morris.
0:13:02 > 0:13:08- Mam always claimed that my family - were distant relatives of Earl Grey.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- I believed her for years, - but it was a joke.
0:13:13 > 0:13:14- Thanks, Mam!
0:13:15 > 0:13:19- This area is steeped - in Wyn's family history.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23- He's related - to a very special family.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27- Most of it was passed on - via word of mouth...
0:13:27 > 0:13:32- ..but records claim my family - have been here for 1,000 years.
0:13:32 > 0:13:33- A thousand years?
0:13:33 > 0:13:35- A thousand years?- - Yes.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- We plan to hold - some sort of celebration next year.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- We have made a few arrangements...
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- ..but I suspect the family tree - will be quite extensive.
0:13:48 > 0:13:49- Think about it.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- One family farming the same land - for over 1,000 years.
0:13:53 > 0:13:58- When Wyn was a child, a BBC crew - made a film about the family.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01- They were a large family - with five children.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06- They were Wyn's father, a sister - and three blind brothers.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- It saddens me - to think of Nain and Taid.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- They lost two children - at a young age.
0:14:13 > 0:14:19- Their only daughter, Rebecca, - died of diphtheria aged 11...
0:14:19 > 0:14:21- ..and she had three blind brothers.
0:14:22 > 0:14:28- They said that the most - difficult thing they ever did...
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- ..was to bid farewell - to their two children.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- One was five - and the other was three.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- The children left Drws-y-Nant - station, Rhydymain...
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- ..to attend a school - for the blind in Rhyl.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- Lewis could see - until he was 11 or 13 years old.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- When he went to school, - they took his glasses.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51- The glasses were pointless - if he was going to learn Braille.
0:14:52 > 0:14:53- Was his sight deteriorating?
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- It was, but after they took - his glasses, that was it!
0:14:58 > 0:14:59- There was another brother.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01- There was another brother.- - Yes, Dad.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05- Dad was the only one - who could see to run the farm.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- Dad's heart wasn't in farming.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- He wanted to be a vet - when he was young...
0:15:11 > 0:15:17- ..but he was forced to come home - in order to run the farm.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- This story has given me an appetite - to learn more.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26- Funnily enough, Angharad - is also related to the family.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- Wyn's sister is her mother.
0:15:30 > 0:15:36- The eldest brother, Griffith, - became a vicar in England...
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- ..and he studied - at Oxford University.
0:15:40 > 0:15:45- "I saw also the Lord, sitting - upon a throne, high and lifted up."
0:15:46 > 0:15:51- The middle brother, William, - mastered a dozen languages.
0:15:51 > 0:15:57- He returned to Ty'n y Braich, - where he edited texts into Braille.
0:15:59 > 0:16:04- The third brother, Lewis, was very - talented in a number of ways.
0:16:06 > 0:16:11- Telephones are my world, - but oddly enough, I don't own one.
0:16:13 > 0:16:18- When I want to call Ty'n y Braich, - I have to use a telephone kiosk.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24- Good afternoon, - I'd like a call to North Wales.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27- TELEPHONE
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- The family was relatively poor, - but they had to care for the boys.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- My grandfather, - and his sister, Rebecca...
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- ..left school at the age of 11 - against their wishes.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- My grandfather's happiest day...
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- ..was when he was - in the black in the bank.
0:16:47 > 0:16:53- As well as this film, - the family also inspired a book.
0:16:53 > 0:16:58- O! Tyn Y Gorchudd shared its name - with Hugh Jones's famous hymn.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02- Who was the author? - None other than Angharad.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- I felt the need - to record two things.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- The first was the history - of a popular way of life...
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- ..in rural Wales - during the 20th century.
0:17:14 > 0:17:19- The second was the story of my - grandfather's three blind brothers.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22- I wrote it - from Rebecca's perspective.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- Sadly, she died at the age of 11...
0:17:26 > 0:17:30- ..but I wrote her story...
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- ..and gave her the life - that she didn't have.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- The story is told - at the end of her life...
0:17:36 > 0:17:41- ..in the late 20th century - as she looks back over the decades.
0:17:42 > 0:17:48- "Through the decades of my life, - I've witnessed some amazing changes.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- "The motorbike replaced the sledge.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- "The shire horse - was replaced by the tractor.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- "The pony and trap - were replaced by the car.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- "Rush candles were replaced - by wax candles...
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- "..then by paraffin lamps - and then electric lighting.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12- "A machine replaced the body.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15- "A tool replaced the hand.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- "The phone replaced the letter...
0:18:18 > 0:18:23- "..and I hear the phone was replaced - by messages on a screen.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27- "Radio and television - replaced newspapers.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31- "Books were replaced by film.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- "The Sabbath - was replaced by Sunday."
0:18:38 > 0:18:43- It's a great novel and an amazing - story about three blind brothers.
0:18:44 > 0:18:49- To this day, the family is unsure - of the cause of their blindness...
0:18:49 > 0:18:53- ..but it didn't stop them - from living life to the full.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- Time has beaten me again - and it's time for a song.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03- I'm joined by the king of the banjo - and the master of the mandolin...
0:19:03 > 0:19:05- ..Tudur Huws Jones.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09- The song for the Red Lion - is Nwy Yn Y Nen.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- # On the mountain summit
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- # Sits a white cloud
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- # And the sun dances
0:19:20 > 0:19:23- # On the ripples on the lake
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- # The rural school - is robbed of its song
0:19:30 > 0:19:34- # Wooden toys smashed to smithereens
0:19:37 > 0:19:40- # The children - are leaving for the towns
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- # The children - are leaving for the towns
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- # And there's gas in the sky
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- # And the moon is white
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- # And there's something wrong
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- # In the town
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- # Yes, there's gas in the sky
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- # The moon is white
0:20:09 > 0:20:12- # And there's something wrong
0:20:13 > 0:20:14- # In the town
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- # When spring arrives
0:20:24 > 0:20:26- # To usher the summer
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- # In a lonely valley
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- # On a fine morning
0:20:34 > 0:20:37- # I hear their feet stampede
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- # They say farewell - to the dirty city
0:20:47 > 0:20:51- # The children - are returning to the country
0:20:52 > 0:20:57- # The children - are running back to the county
0:20:59 > 0:21:02- # And there's gas in the sky
0:21:04 > 0:21:06- # And the moon is white
0:21:07 > 0:21:09- # And there's something wrong
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- # In the town
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- # Yes, there's gas in the sky
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- # And the moon is white
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- # And there's something wrong
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- # In the town
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- # Yes, there's gas in the sky
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- # And the moon is white
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- # And there's something wrong
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- # In the town
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- # Yes, there's gas in the sky
0:21:44 > 0:21:46- # And the moon is white
0:21:46 > 0:21:51- # And there's something wrong
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- # In the town #
0:22:11 > 0:22:13- Thank you very much.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- Oh, I enjoyed that.
0:22:21 > 0:22:27- "I had lots of fun in Dinas, where - the people of Mawddwy are vigorous
0:22:27 > 0:22:32- "After hearing the habits - of Mawddwy's Red Bandits
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- "I hid all night under the canvas!"
0:22:35 > 0:22:37- Goodnight.
0:22:38 > 0:22:43- # Lleucu Llwyd, you are beautiful
0:22:43 > 0:22:48- # Lleucu Llwyd, - you are worth the world to me
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- # Lleucu Llwyd, you're an angel
0:22:54 > 0:23:00- # Lleucu Llwyd, - I love you, you, you #
0:23:07 > 0:23:09- S4C subtitles by Tinopolis
0:23:09 > 0:23:09- .