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Caernarfonshire Bread and Cheese Cupboard

These iconic cupboards are only found in three countries of North Wales, Anglesey, Caernarfonshire and Denbighshire, (though sometimes straying into Merionethshire ) these wonderful cupboards were the fitted kitchen of their day, with the top shelves used for food storage, the slate shelf for dairy goods, the drawers for cutlery and tablecloths and the bottom cupboard used for the storage of pots and pans.
The slate shelf was fitted in the construction of the piece and is not a later addition, and in over 35 years dealing in these cupboards I have not seen another .
The design of inlay is typical of the Caernarfonshire area as is the fact the cupboard is one piece

Beaumaris

Beaumaris is an historic, picturesque town on the south east coast of the beautiful Isle of Anglesey, overlooking the Snowdonia mountain range and down the Menai Strait to the Great Orme’s Head at Llandudno.
The town is full of superb independent shops, galleries and restaurants and is famous for its international music festival, regatta and New Years Eve fireworks display.

Beaumaris boasts what has been described as Edward 1st’s most beautiful castle, an early 17th century courthouse, Victorian gaol and wonderful Victorian pier.

We are fortunate in having some of the very best hotels, superb holiday cottages and B&Bs in Wales, so whether you are a day visitor or staying longer, we look forward to seeing you at 42A Castle Street, Beaumaris.

Have a great visit to our friendly little town.

Y Gwylliaid

Warriors of the dusk (y Gwylliaid)

In the 13 th century, North Wales, then known as Gwynedd, was divided amongst the 15 noble tribes, As the parish of Llanrwst was home to the Gwylliaid who refused to recognise the law or authority, none of the tribes wanted Llanrwst, so it became an independant state hence the saying CYMRU, LLOEGR A LLANRWST (WALES, ENGLAND AND LLANRWST.)

The carving is a 17th century depiction of a Gwylliad.  Shaven headed, pear shaped face and with lentoid eyes typical of the Celtic race, and was carved by the familly of Llanrwst carvers reputed to be the carvers of  Gwydyr Castle and Maenan Abbey, and bears a striking resemblance to the pew ends and rood screen carvings in the Wynn Chapel, Llanrwst.

Legend has it that when all other men sported facial hair, the Gwylliad shaved all theirs and by so doing terrified their enemies.(and everyone else)

This carving was purchased from athe son of a very reputable antique dealer, now deceased, who purchased it from the said familly of woodcarvers in the mid 1950s