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Touring North Wales

Sir Watkin and Paul Sandby, attended by Thomas Apperley and Captain Gascoin, Samuel Sidebotham, the Wynnstay agent; and nine servants set off on Wednesday 21^st August 1771.

Sir Watkin's intention was to visit his properties across North Wales, to call on his relations and political allies and to have a thoroughly enjoyable time. For Paul Sandby, it provided a chance, at his patron's expense, to seek artistic inspiration and sketch the landscapes of Wales.

Both Sir Watkin and Paul Sandby wanted to see the sights. They made a detour to see the waterfall behind Cynwyd Mill, near Corwen. Later they would make a day trip to visit Dolbadarn Castle and see, if not climb, Snowdon.

Conwyd Mill near Corwen in Merionethshire, between Llangollin and Bala, Paul Sandby, 1776.
© Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru - National Library of Wales

While on tour, Sir Watkin enjoyed his role as the great patron. In Bala he paid for a large bonfire party, with plenty of ale, for his tenants and servants. He laid on a fine dinner for the local gentry. The host suffered some side effects as he required a 'tincture of rhubarb' the next morning.

Sir Watkin and company enjoyed a boating trip on Bala Lake.
Pimble Meer, Paul Sandby, 1777.
© Amgueddfa Cymru National Museum Wales

The accounts reveal all too clearly that the gentlemen enjoyed a drink or two in the evening. The servants drank their fair, though less varied, share too.

"August 23rd 1771 Bala: Wine 6s, Punch £1 0s 6d, Cyder 2s 8d and Porter & Ale 9s. Ale for the Bonfire £3 3s.
August 27th 1771 Ffestiniog: Liquor for Gentlemen and Servants £1 13s 0d. Meat and Ale to Pont Aberglaselun £1 1s
August 30th 1771 Caernarfon: Wine & Punch £2 12 s 6d, Ale £1 19s, 2 bottles of Brandy 7s, 1 bottle of Rum 3s."

Luckily they ate well each evening and usually had a hearty picnic during the day. There is evidence in one aquatint of all this high living taking its toll on Sir Watkin.

Is that Sir Watkin sleeping off the night before?
© Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru - National Library of Wales

There were many other expenses: Sir Watkin gave money to the poor in each town. The horses had to be fed, blacksmiths' and saddlers' bills paid, maids and waiters tipped and the ostler at each inn did not look after the horses for nothing. There was usually a shilling for the boy who cleaned the boots. Luckily Samuel Sidebotham was nearby to keep a check on expenditure and pay the bills.

Touring North Wales

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A Tour Through the 'Fertile and Romantic Country' of North Wales

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A Tour Through the 'Fertile and Romantic Country' of North Wales - PDF format 571Kb

Touring North Wales Continued

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Related links
	Introduction
	The Artist
	The Patron
	Paul Sandby Career Portfolio
	Art & Ideas 1700-1800
	Touring North Wales
	Touring North Wales Continued
	Wrexham Geritage & Culture