Tywyn and District History Society Forum

At their meeting on Monday 17th October Dr Quentin Deakin gave a comprehensive and lively account of Edward Corbet (1741-1820). During the period of Corbet's ownership of Ynysmaengwyn (1782-1820) he made a significant and indelible contribution to the development of Tywyn and its surrounding countryside. Quentin began by placing his subject into a national and indeed an international, context where fears of insurrection and invasion from France were ever present. With the aid of a lineage chart of the family dynasties, he set Corbet into the story of Ynysmaengwyn. He then went on to describe Corbet's colourful character, his activities and his relationship to local residents, highlighting achievements such as draining and improving the agricultural potential of the Dysynni river flood plain (for which he received a gold medal from the Board of Agriculture). However, this may also be seen as depriving poorer residents of traditional rights to wild-fowling and peat as fuel. He also played the key role in the creation of a local militia, which was called upon to deal with major food riots from Bryncrug to Newtown. In conclusion, Quentin challenged the audience to pass their own judgement on the character and activities of his subject.