FROM DOT TO DOMESDAY   Early Medieval
Eliseg's Pillar
Eliseg's Pillar, to the north-west of Llangollen, is the remnant of a cross (it was toppled and broken in the mid-17th century, during the Civil War), erected, probably early in the ninth century, by Concenn, king of Powys, in memory of his great-grandfather, Eliseg. The pillar's Latin inscription has been pretty well illegible for many years. However, in 1662, one Robert Vaughan of Hengwrt had copied the text of the smashed cross. At the end of the 17th century Vaughan's copy was transcribed by, the antiquarian, Edward Lhuyd. Using this transcription as a guide, the text's meaning can, in part, be recovered:
+ Concenn son of Cattell, Cattell son of Brochcmail, Brochcmail son of Eliseg, Eliseg son of Guoillauc
+ Concenn, therefore, being great-grandson of Eliseg erected this stone to his great-grandfather, Eliseg
+ It is Eliseg who annexed the inheritance of Powys ... throughout nine [years?] from the power of the English, which he made into a sword-land by fire
+ Whosoever shall read this hand-inscribed stone, let him give a blessing on the soul of Eliseg
+ It is Concenn who ... with his hand ... to his own kingdom of Powys ... and which ... the mountain ... the monarchy ... Maximus of Britain ... Concenn, Pascent ... Maun, Annan
+ Britu moreover [was] the son of Guarthigirn whom Germanus blessed and whom Sevira bore to him, the daughter of Maximus the king, who slew the king of the Romans
+ Conmarch painted this writing at the command of his king Concenn
+ The blessing of the Lord [be] on Concenn and all members of his family and upon all the land of Powys until the Day of Judgement. Amen.
Interpretation by V.E. Nash-Williams
 Artist's impression