This was a very large and stately building. Near it stood a guest house
and a church, and all the appurtenances of a man of high rank. It was
called Sycharth. Here Glendower maintained an almost princely
hospitality; for, in addition to this estate, he possessed others in
South Wales.
More especially bards were welcomed here. Some resided for months;
others, who simply paused on their rambles through the country,
remained but for a few days; but all were received with marked honour
by Glendower, who was well aware of the important services that they
could render him. Indeed, it was on them that he relied, to no small
extent, to arouse the feelings of the populace; and his hospitality was
well repaid by the songs they sung, in hall and cottage, in his praise;
and by their prophecies that he was destined to restore the ancient
glories of the country.
The house was surrounded by a moat and wall, but had otherwise no
defensive works; as, for a hundred years, the English and Welsh had
dwelt peaceably, side by side. Many of the castles were, indeed, held
by Welshmen, and there were few garrisons but had a considerable
proportion of Welsh in their ranks.
It was singular that Glendower should, after his defiance of the king,
and the raids that had lately been made, have continued to dwell in a
spot so open to attack, and within striking distance of the three great
castles of Ruthyn, Chirk, and Holt.
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