Ystradgynlais Memorials
Ffynnon Cwmtwrch, Peace Gift
The Well at Lower Cwmtwrch
From the Labour Voice newspaper, 16th August 1919 :-
THE WELL
The inhabitants of Cwmtwrch have at last the gratifying consolation of having acquired the full right of access into the land surrounding the public well of the village, which is owned by Col. Gough. This does not mean that the privilege was hitherto refused them, but there was at the same time no definite stipulation to that effect and the large majority of the public utilized the path leading to the well and the adjoining land more as a matter of tradition or custom. It meant, in fact, obtaining the premises of the agent,—a process that had to be repeated on the appointment of every new agent. A number of the villagers had long held the opinion that with unfettered right in the land, they could carry out certain improvement, and this was the object of a deputation under the presidency of Mr John Dyfrig Owen, who met the owner on Saturday last. After a short interview Colonel Gough generously granted the villagers' wish, with one condition, that there should be erected on the land a tablet containing an inscription to the effect that it was a gift to commemorate peace. The condition will no doubt be readily acceded to and the public will appreciate the willingness with which the owner granted their demands.
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From Llanguicke Parish Council Mag. 1954:-
The Late Dr. W.J. Lewis, Ystalyfera, Medical Officer of Health for the District, reporting on the Cwmtwrch Well in 1933 wrote, “It is an alkaline sulphur Spring……… it has a great reputation for its healing virtues – especially in skin diseases (chronic eczema and psoriasis) bad complexions, rheumatism, neuritis, piles and gravel, scrofulous glands and other complaints”……. BUT THE WATER MUST BE DRUNK ON THE PREMISES |
THE WELL AT LOWER CWMTWRCH
Maes y Flynnon was the site of the annual Eisteddfod at Cwmtwrch where the large Marquee was erected. The best Bard became the recipient of a carved chair. The area around the well became equal to Hyde Park Corner on a Sunday evening. In 1872 a political meeting held there was addressed by William Abraham M.P. who was a champion of miners rights, better known as “Mabon”. This rallying cry “an hour off the day, not a penny off the pay” encouraged miners to form a union.
The well and its surroundings were restored by Ystalyfera Community Council in April 1993 with grant aid from the Prince of Wales Trust and Dwr Cymru.
How to Find the Well
The well at Cwmtwrch can be accessed from either the main road running through the village towards Cwmllynfell, or from the Rhifawr Road, though this second route is down a series of steps.
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| The approach to the well in Lower Cwwmtwrch, just past the Post Office on the left of the main road. | Walk down past the old chapel (now a house) and across the bridge over the River Twrch |
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| The path leading to Cwmtwrch Well, on the other side of the bridge, across an open area, also accessible by steps leading down from the Rhifawr Road | The area of the well at Lower Cwmtwrch, with new benches and a plaque on the wall from the restoration fund. |