29/10/2020
In the days when people believed that demons, witches, and fairies were responsible for every bad thing that happened, from losing your keys to the plague, it was thought that making protective marks around areas where they could enter your house would stop them getting in to make mischief.
These marks, known today as ‘Apotropaic Marks’ were placed near doorways, hearths, chimneys, windows, and even in the privy. Llancaiach Fawr has literally hundreds of these marks in all parts of the house, in fact, experts have been amazed by the sheer number found in the manor house compared to other old buildings.
In this video, Alicia, one of our historic interpreters, gives a short presentation of just a few of the many marks found in this incredible old house.
Yn y dyddiau pan oedd pobl yn credu bod cythreuliaid, gwrachod, a thylwyth teg yn gyfrifol am bob peth drwg a ddigwyddodd, o golli'ch allweddi i'r pla, credwyd y byddai gwneud marciau amddiffynnol o amgylch ardaloedd lle gallent fynd i mewn i'ch tŷ yn eu hatal rhag mynd i mewn i wneud drygioni.
Gosodwyd y marciau hyn, a elwir heddiw yn ‘Apotropaic Marks’ ger drysau, aelwydydd, simneiau, ffenestri, a hyd yn oed yn y gyfrinach. Yn llythrennol mae gan Llancaiach Fawr gannoedd o'r marciau hyn ym mhob rhan o'r tŷ, mewn gwirionedd, mae arbenigwyr wedi eu syfrdanu gan y nifer enfawr a geir yn y maenordy o'i gymharu â hen adeiladau eraill.
Yn y fideo hwn, mae un o'n dehonglwyr hanesyddol, Alicia, yn rhoi cyflwyniad byr o ddim ond ychydig o'r marciau niferus a geir yn yr hen dŷ anhygoel hwn.
There have been some exciting discoveries in the Manor house over the last few years. Alicia, one of our historical interpreters takes you on a tour and shows y...