The Farmers’ Union of Wales has joined forces with Cynefin and is showcasing maps, which include the Eisteddfod grounds, along with documents depicting information about the fields such as their historic names, during this year’s National Eisteddfod (August 1-8) and other agricultural and county shows.
Cynefin is an innovative HLF (Heritage Lottery Fund) funded project that aims to digitise all of the tithe maps of Wales.
The project is eager to get the people of Wales involved in transcribing the tithe maps and their associated schedules which name land owners and occupiers, land uses and field names.
“Interestingly, the way field names were recorded in the 1840s for tithe purposes can be compared to the way in which field names are recorded today as part of the SAF/RPW online process,” said Cynefin project manager Einion Gruffudd.
“We look forward to working with the Cynefin project throughout the rest of the show season by displaying a variety of tithe maps throughout our Welsh agricultural shows and are encouraging visitors to our stand to help transcribe them,” said FUW director of policy Dr Nick Fenwick.
“A new exhibition - Y Lle Hanes – will also feature at the Eisteddfod this year and is dedicated to local history.
“At this local history exhibition, visitors will be able to view several tithe maps from Montgomeryshire, including a large tithe map composition of the Meifod area, which has been merged from smaller parish and township maps with the help of local volunteers.
“Eisteddfod-goers will also be able to see how tithe maps can help us learn about the lost villages and houses of Wales,” added Mr Gruffudd.
At the National Library of Wales stand in the Eisteddfod, parts of Llanycil and Llanfor tithe maps will be displayed to show the land that was drowned in 1965 to create Llyn Celyn reservoir.