The Giant Ram of Llanwyst. First mentioned by Geraldus in the 'Cambriensis' as a creature of immense stature and ferocious mien that inhabited the slopes of Dinas Mallytchdd, it was seen by later historians as symbolically representing the welsh character. In the late 18th C. the story was revived and embellished and a small local industry developed producing pamphlets and an elixir of Ramswool which was claimed to have healing powers. Dorothy Wordsworth wrote in a letter of 1817 after purchasing a supply, 'William's itch has improved greatly, and he is in high spirits. Its such a relief to hear him whistling again.' |
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Then in 1902 the discovery by Meredith Williams of the bones of an outsized ovine while exploring old mine workings brought crowds flocking to the village. 'Rammers' as the locals affectionately called them continued to come for several years and in 1913 Meredith took the bones on the road. But by then the mood of the nation had changed and on the outbreak of war he retired to Llanwyst. After an ill-advised investment in an all night whelk stall his goods were seized and the whereabouts of the bones lost.  A young artists impression of The Ram of Llanwyst The Land of our Fathers Learn about Wales The History of Powys Powys History The man Tom Jones
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