Tywyn and District History Society Forum

On the 15th January the society held its first meeting on the members' chosen theme of Wales in the Civil War at their usual venue. This was the first time they employed the method of Zoom and screen, which allowed them to cater for members and visitors alike and to invite one of the leading authorities on the subject, Professor Gaunt of Chester University, to participate from a distance. The society is grateful to the Tywyn Baptist Church for the additional technical work required in meeting the challenges involved in making it work perfectly in this precise location. Professor Gaunt, author of A Nation Under Siege - Wales in the Civil War, attracted a large and appreciative audience on one of the coldest nights of the year. Initially, with the exception of south Pembrokeshire, Wales strongly supported the King's cause. However, from 1645 Wales rather precipitously switched allegiance to Parliament. With admirable clarity, Peter examined the detailed and now largely accepted explanations of the initial Royal support and its subsequent collapse. He finished by describing how the Welsh were courted by King Charles I and mocked in Parliamentary propaganda sheets. After taking questions, Peter was warmly thanked for an excellent and enlightening presentation by Quentin Deakin, Secretary. The follow-up meeting on the theme, at which members take the lead with further talks based on their own research, will be on Monday 19th February at the Baptist Church. The local scene, with action taking place at Machynlleth, will be amongst the topics covered. All welcome.