Rhys Meurug's Morganiae Archaiographia - 1578.

Whilst researching the history of the Bridgend area, I came across a book called 'Morganiae Archaiographia' compiled/written by Rice Merrick (Rhys Meurug) in 1578.

Rice was a historian and genealogist that resided in the St. Nicholas area of the Vale of Glamorgan. It is known that his main interest was in the history of Glamorgan, leading him to being 'assiduous' in his research. 

"He is, undoubtedly, the most important of the older historians of Glamorgan ."  - The LLGC 

Rice died on 1st of March, 1586 or 87. 

His book 'Morganiae Archaiographia', which is written in English - is in my opinion an absolute treasure trove of information and facts about our area of Glamorgan. It includes information about the Norman Invasion of Glamorgan  - Castles and Deer Parks - Bridges and Crossings - Houses of Interest etc.

I have chosen a few things from my findings that I hope will interest you: 

(note that Bridgend as it is now is classed as being in the hundred of Newcastle) 

Hundred of Newcastle confienth on the hundreds of Ogmore and Cowbridge of the east, the hundred of Neath of the west. Severn of the south.

Parishes within the Hundred of Newcastle

Newcastle

Coity

Nolton

Coychurch

Laleston 

Newton Nottage

Tythegston 

Kenfig (y Pyle) Cornelli Hall 

Margam

Llangynwyd 

Llanbedr ar Fynydd

St. Brides super Ogmore

Newcastle

Whereof this hundred took that name, I will now take in my way toward Laleston. This containeth both a parish church and also manor of that name. Within it stood a castle of that name also lately repaired by John Gamage, esquire. 

Laleston

A parish church of that name within which sometime stood an old castle of that name. Late the Gamages'. Succession thereof. 

Bridges - Upon Ogmore

St. Brides

Bridgend

Newbridge

Fairs at Bridgend: Ascension Day and on St. Leonard's Day. (6th November) 

Castles within the parish of Newcastle (including piles) 

Coity

Newcastle

Oldcastle 

Kenfig

Llangynwyd 

Seven Dangerous Places Sometime in Glamorgan

Llandaff

Llantrisant

Llantwit Major

Bridgend

Caerphilly

Neath

St. Mary Hill 

(Sources: LLGC - Rhys Meurug)