Book uncovers Rhossili’s rich history

PR Log (Press Release) – May 19, 2009 – A recently published book uncovers the rich history of Rhossili on Gower.

‘Rhossili: The Land, Landscape and People’ is on sale at the West Glamorgan Archives in Swansea’s Civic Centre and at the National Trust shop in Rhossili.

It’s been written by Rhossili native Leonard Beynon and traces the history of this once isolated village from prehistory to the twentieth century, including chapters on the shipwrecks that dot the coast and on Rhossili’s most famous son, Edgar Evans, who accompanied Captain Scott to the South Pole and perished on the return journey.

Rhossili is widely recognised as one of the most beautiful parts of the UK and was recently voted the best picnic spot in Wales. If you are out exploring the area this summer, there are many references and explanations in the book to the landscape features which make this Gower village so distinctive, such as the unusual remnant of a medieval farming system in ‘The Vile’.

Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: “Rhossili is well-known for its rugged beauty and timeless charm but its history is also rich and varied and this is why books of this nature offer such a fascinating insight into the past.

“And anyone who makes a visit to the West Glamorgan Archives to take a look at the book can also find historical documents and resources to help with researching other areas including tracing their family tree and the history of towns and villages throughout the West Glamorgan area.”

Take a peek at http://www.swansea.gov.uk/westglamorganarchives for more information about the Archives or call 01792 636589.