This book is the result of a piece of research which, is full of interest not only to the people of Merioneth, but to all who care to take thought of the public and social life in the County nearly 150 years ago. Primarily it is concerned with the time when the nation sprang to arms at the threat to its liberties by a foreign dictator. I heard Mr. Lloyd George at a gathering to commemorate the formation of one of the battalions of the London Welsh, adorn his speech with a characteristic simile. The martial spirit of the Welsh, long quiescent till, aroused can be compared, said the orator, to the course of one of those rivers which flow underground. For miles, the current runs unseen, unheard: unexpectedly it surges to the surface a mighty irresistible stream until after its appointed course it disappears once more. So it was in the French War in our County. The lists of the Merioneth Volunteers were overflowing. The spirit rising to the surface was unabated. This, however, is no tale of warlike deeds. The enemy got no nearer than Fishguard. It is interesting to learn that the earliest news of that invasion readied the General Commanding in Chester through the services of the 20 horsemen whom Captain Corbet had (apparently irregularly) enrolled in his company of Towyn Volunteers. That company seems to have had for its purpose as much the maintenance of order in the County as defence against the invader. In time of war, before the constitution of a police force, no doubt the Government welcomed such aid. The story of the Merioneth Volunteers is peaceful. They do not seem to have been called upon to execute more than a route march some times to an adjoining County, sometimes within their own. Mr. Owen has discovered only the terms of service of the Edeyrnion Corps who undertook to go to any part of the kingdom in case of actual invasion or appearance of the enemy off the coast. We may, however, conjecture that the other Corps gave the same undertaking. Why when the uniform of Penllyn, Edeyrnion and Cader Idris were prescribed white, were the, breeches of Barmouth Blue? Possibly a more suitable colour for dealing with wrecks which appears to have been part of the duty of the Barmouth Corps. Many of us in Merioneth will be interested in recognising relatives amongst the names given by Mr. Owen. I have no doubt that many family traditions will be revived by those who are fortunate enough to possess this book.
Perhaps I may add a word or, two of general application. This is an instance of an interesting and valuable piece of historical research conducted by a very busy man in the scanty intervals allowed him by his official work. It will form a useful contribution to the history of the County. There are similar records available for similar work which is yet untouched. From my slight acquaintance with such records of Quarter Sessions as have been published I am satisfied that there is in Quarter Sessions Rolls and Minutes alone a wealth of material illustrating social and economic life in the various-Counties. It is to be hoped that the success of the present work will inspire, others to tread in the steps of the author so as to enrich our knowledge of the history of the Counties of Wales.
ATKIN
July, 1934.
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