The Billy Wynt

On the mountain of Y-Graig sit’s this marvel of ancient architecture, The Billy Wynt. What this ancient stone built piece of history was actually used for is something that has puzzled inquisitive people for centuries.

It is believed it was originally built as a windmill in around the year 600CE, however historical records don’t show any windmill’s having been built anywhere near here. It is claimed by Taliesin Morgan who was a Freeman of the town of Llantrisant in 1871, that, in the year 1280CE during the Welsh Rebellion the windmill was destroyed leaving only the part still visible today. Even though there were later records of windmills on mainly private land, there were no records of one above Llantrisant at all.

In “Bowens Map” of the area from the year 1729 the Billy Wynt is simply described as an old tower. However military historians believe due to it’s lofty position on the mountain of Y-Graig it was more than likely a lookout or century lookout with it’s majestic views over Llantrisant and the surrounding valleys.

It is also thought it could have simply been either a simple storage shelter or out building for the near by Llantrisant Castle. The first Earl of Gloucester, Lord of Glamorgan Robert Fitzroy who died in 1147CE is thought to have laid an early foundation for the castle but again there is no real proof other than close by a Norman Church was built in 1096CE. What we do know is that Richard de Clare had the castle fortified and very soon it was recognised as one of the main administrative centre’s of Meissen and Glyrhondda. It’s close relationship with Norman France made Llantrisant second only in importance to the capital of Wales, Cardiff.

Without doubt the castle was built , destroyed and built again several times over the years. The Billy Wynt whatever it’s use has stood looking down over the beautiful area and stood proudly over the buildings and people below.

For me on a personal note, the Billy Wynt is somewhere to sit in quiet contemplation looking out over, in today’s world, farms and fields behind and large retail outlets in front. It is a place of history and imagination, a place of calmness, solitude and self made stories.

Today it is off the beaten track so to speak so the ability to get to the impressive site is open only to those able to. Perhaps it would be a nice idea to have a real track or road to allow everyone a chance to take in this majestic place. You can walk over the many, many fields to get to the building or sport a steep path on a much shorter route.

There are steps leading up the inside of the Billy Wynt which indeed do suggest it was once a much taller building. Once on top the views across the Welsh countryside and out into the Rhondda Valley are absolutely breathtaking. Travelling down the valley from Tonypandy, Gilfach-Goch and surrounding area’s you get to a point where, upon looking up and ahead, the Billy Wynt stands out as a beacon to whole area. During the warmer summer months there is a constant flow of walkers, joggers and cyclists heading up to the mountain top where our subject sits in all of its glory. For me, whatever the Billy Wynt was built for, a windmill, a lookout, a barn or even just a garden shed for the castle, I find it intriguing, mesmerising and a beautiful part of our history. If it gave us flour, safety or cover for only a night, the Billy Wynt is one of my favourite places to be.