Caerwys Nov^br. 22: 1777 –

D^r Sir

I believe now that my Suspicions were groundless in respect to the Lady that Built Overton Bridge.¹ I find in my Extract of Mr Eyton’s Book, that Madoc ap Ievan ^Eyton &c married Margaret daughter of Iorwerth Ddu of Pengwern in Nanheudy Esqr And that “Gwenhwyvar her Sister living with her at Eyton caused Overton Bridge to be first built of stone at her own proper Costs” saith Rob^t Vaughan of Hengwrt” &c –² In another Extract I find. – “Madoc ap Meredydd Prince of ^Powys Vadoc & Lord of Overton Madoc, from whom that Town hath the adjunct of Madoc ever Since” &c – You find that Powys Vadoc & Overton Madoc, owe that addition to their name to the same Prince, you will find the ^same account, I believe, in Leland.³ – I am with best Respects to Mrs Pennant &^c

your very Humble Sert &c

John Lloyd

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Editorial notes

1. 'This bridge consists of two neat arches, and was first built of stone by the munificence of Gwenhwyvar, daughter of Jerwerth Ddu of Pengwern, near Llangollen; a maiden lady who resided at Eyton with her sister Margaret, who was married to Madoc ap Evan Eyton*. [footnote: *Eyton Pedigree].' A tour in Wales 1770 [1773] (1778), I, p. 226.
2. It is not clear from which of Robert Vaughan’s works Lloyd quotes.
3. Pennant reports of the castle at Overton that 'Tradition says, that it had been the residence of Madoc ap Meredydd prince of Powys and lord of Overton; from which the place received the addition of Madoc'. A tour in Wales 1770 [1773] (1778), I, p. 227. Madog ap Maredudd (d. 1160), succeeded his father Bleddyn ap Cynfyn as king of Powys in 1132. Leland's work was published by Thomas Hearne, as The itinerary of John Leland the Antiquary (Oxford, 1710–12).