Here, in the historic Welsh town of Llandovery, ensconced in the rustic Castle Hotel, Debbie Eve and I contemplate the day. It is fitting ‘Crach Ffinnant – The Prophecy’ is launched publicly for the first time here in this town. Whilst Admiral Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) English hero of the Battle of Trafalgar, stayed here several times on his way to Pembroke, often, coincidentally, when Lady Hamilton was too, Crach Ffinnant would have visited Llandovery a number of times in the middle ages. Of course, that was a long time before Admiral Nelson. The Castle Hotel did not exist back in the 1400’s but Llandovery Castle did and sits behind the hotel on the Castle Mound overlooking the town. Crach Ffinnant, Prophet and Seer, would definitely have visited this town whilst riding at the side of his Prince, Owain Glyndwr, between 1390 – 1410. Lazzmatazz is a festival of my own creation, born four years ago acting as a platform for new musicians, poets and writers. To launch Crach Ffinnant – The Prophecy at this festival in this town is a real privilege and honour.
So off for a quick breakfast and then start setting up the site, ready to open this evening at six. This is so exciting and I am sure Crach FFinnant, would see all this as ‘Justice’. Diolch!
Llewelyn ap Gruffudd Fychan statue overlooks the town. Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan of Caeo ( c. 1341–1401) was a wealthy Carmarthenshire landowner who was executed in Llandovery by Henry IV of England in punishment for his support of Owain Glyndŵr‘s Welsh rebellion.
Llandovery Castle
Llandovery
Castle Hotel
Llandovery Coat of Arms
Lazarus Carpenter - Author 