17-OCT-2008
Bryn y Gofeb Memorial Park (2)
Close-up detail of gate closer.
19-OCT-2008
Stelin
This table was a wedding gift to his daughter Eirianwen, my grandmother. Its main purpose was to provide a surface for scrubbing (slate) miners' trousers clean.
19-OCT-2008
Pedol / Horseshoe
An unfinished horseshoe, from its size it was probably for a pony rather than a horse.
So which way around should a horseshoe be fixed to a door frame? Its up to you...if you fix it the same way as the photo, good luck will be held within it for you. However, place it the opposite way around and good luck will pour onto anybody passing under it!
19-NOV-2008
Horseshoe for Draught Horse
Another example of one of Robin's horseshoes
02-DEC-2008
Frost Nail
Frost nails were used during icy conditions, the two front nails were removed from the horseshoe and replaced with frost nails. These ensured that the precious draught horses would not slip and potentially break a leg.
In the Garden
Tons of horse manure ensured that Robin had an ample supply of first class vegetables in his garden! He would grow potatoes, carrots, beetroot and swedes in the garden and had a bench there so that he could sit and contemplate whilst enjoying his pipe. The pipe was exchanged for chewing tobacco whilst working.
The photo shows Robin with my grandmother.
Robin and Kate
Also
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welsh_Not
Robin and Owen Owens
Owen Owens was one of Robin's closest friends, he was a joiner by trade and undertook numerous repairs and adaptations to Robin's houses.
1915
Humphrey, Willie and Isaac
Robin's brother, Wmffra, had two sons namely Humphrey (on the lower chair) and Isaac (on the higher chair), their cousin Willie is standing. They too were blacksmiths and as can be seen fought in the 1st World War.
19-OCT-2008
Isaac's Horseshoe
This beautiful horseshoe was made by Isaac and inscribed upon it are the places he went to on his tour of duty in 1918. They are: Ypres, Somme and Armentieres. Above the metal "frog" there's another horseshoe inscribed in the plate with the initial "I"(for Isaac) in its centre.
19-OCT-2008
Isallt Smithy
This is the smithy where Robin's brother, Wmffra set-up business. Note the horseshoes on the doors.
2003
Lake Smithy
Isaac and Humphrey were the blacksmiths who worked in this smithy during the construction of Trawsfynydd Lake between 1924 and 1928.
