"Pont Aberglassslyn" (parish of Namor, Wales)

Original hand coloured aquatint etched by W. Pickett (flourished late 18th/early 19th century) from a drawing by Miss Smirke. Published by R. Bowyer, 87 Pall Mall, London c.1810 on Wove paper.
Size of image/plate mark = 312mm x 235mm
Condition = slight paper discolouration wher previos mat boards have been. No foxing. Original hand colouring
Price = AUD$185
Pont Aberglaslyn is in the parish of Nantmor. From here to the sea, landowners have benefited significantly from the land reclamation made possible by the construction at Porthmadog in 1812 of the great embankment across the Traeth Mawr estuary, known as The Cob. Before the cob was built the Glaslyn estuary was tidal as far as Pont Aberglaslyn and the fisherman's path through the pass was used as a route to the coast. It gradually fell out of use and through erosion by the river, became impassable.

The Devil, Black Robin Magician and Welsh Folklore

Pont Aberglassyn has an intriguing connection, according to local folk lore, to the Devil. According to local folk lore the devil built the bridge on condition that he would receive the soul of the first living creature that crossed the river Glasslyn by use of it. Upon finishing the structure he went to the local Inn where, of course, he would find the local Magician, Robin Ddu, and inform him it was indeed complete. Robin Ddu, on his way to inspect the bridge, had managed to lure a local dog with a loaf of freshly baked bread. Once the bridge was in view he enquired of the Devil whether it was indeed sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the loaf carried never alone a living creature across it. The Devil was shocked and demanded the Magician throw his loaf onto the bridge upon which the dog chased it across the bridge thereby robbing the Devil of a human soul. The Magician returned to the Inn and finished his drink with satisfaction. Robin Ddu , also known and Black Robin the Magician, was a real character of history but as Robin Ddu ap Sciencyn Bledrydd of Anglesey around 1450. He was a poet but sometimes known as a prophetic poet and 90 or so original manuscripts have been preserved. He did however pretend to be a sorcerer or wizard at times and appears as a character in many Welsh tales.
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