Rebels

T.H. Roberts – a Victorian ironmongers turned coffee shop – stands on the site of Cwrt Plas yn Dre. The original 15th century building reputedly held Owain Glyndŵr’s court and was later the home of Baron Lewis ap Owen, Sheriff of Meirionnydd. In 1555, ap Owen was murdered by the legendary Gwylliaid Cochion Mawddwy (‘The Red Bandits of Mawddwy’) - a group of 15th and 16th century red-haired highwaymen and robbers, famous in Welsh folk literature. Tales abound of their scurrilous cattle and property thefts within the remote and lawless Mawddwy area. This area is rich in rebellious heritage: the Quaker movement gained many followers here, inspiring the modern Welsh classic Y Stafell Ddirgel (‘The Secret Room’) by Marion Eames (1921-2007). You can follow Dolgellau’s Quaker Heritage Trail and visit the Quaker Museum. 

Photograph of T.H. Roberts - copyright Dave Croker / Geograph. Engraving of Cwrt Plas yn Dre - by permission of The National Library of Wales