Scribe and Scripture: Poets’ experience of a sacred Medieval landscape
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 2019-03-17

The Cistercian Abbey of Strata Florida occupied a remote and topographically distinctive landscape on the west edge of the Cambrian Mountains in mid Wales. Interpreting the design of the monastic precinct and its environs has required an appreciation of the physical, spiritual, and practical geography of the space, within which water is both resource and symbol. 

Many 20th century Welsh writers have documented visits to the remaining ruins of the abbey through poetry, including Hedd Wyn, John Ormond, Harri Webb, Gillian Clarke, R.S. Thomas, Moelwyn Merchant, Ruth Bidgood, and Gwyneth Lewis. Some have a deep understanding of the historical and theological significance of the site, its association with the Medieval court poet Dafydd ap Gwilym, and the archaeology of the monastery; others responded instinctively to the sensation of being in, and moving through, a natural and cultural space. 

This paper explores whether such accounts can provide surrogates for the experience of previous actor, and whether archaeologists may benefit from incorporating awareness of their own sensory responses in their attempts to interpret the past. I will reflect on my own practice as a poet and archaeologist with specific reference to the writing of my Strata Florida poem ‘Scribe and Scripture’. 


Martin Locock (University of Wales Trinity St. David)