Photography by Jennifer Ohmes and John Ball - 6 June 2000 and 13 July 2000 (with Sony Mavica digital cameras)

Pen-y-wern is a derelict farm situated above the east bank of Afon Twrch in the Upper Twrch Valley, about two miles north of the village of Cwmtwrch Uchaf. The farm is in the Breconshire parish of Ystradgynlais. I've visited Pen-y-wern on a number of occasions to take photographs for researchers whose ancestors once lived on the farm, and also as the climax to an enjoyable country walk.

Note: Would anyone with a genealogical interest in Pen-y-wern Farm please contact Tom Wanosik of Ohio, USA, whose ancestors once lived on the farm. E-mail Tom at [email protected].

Image 1:

The farmhouse and its associated buildings are in a wooded glade, best seen when lit by dappled sunlight.

Photography by John Ball

Image 2:

Photography by John Ball

The farmhouse itself is partly hidden behind the trees on the centre right of the picture. To the left is a cow-shed and blacksmith's workshop.

Image 3:

Photography by John Ball

The cow-shed (centre) and blacksmith's workshop (right).

Image 4:

Photography by Jennifer Ohmes

Inside the farmouse is this old fireplace with its oven alongside. One can almost smell the freshly baked bread! The roof timbers and upper floor joists have collapsed into what must once have been the kitchen.

Image 5:

Photography by John Ball

The old smithy at Pen-y-wern Farm. On the left is the workshop containing the blacksmith's forge. On the right is possibly a storeroom. Unfortunately, the roof has collapsed.

Image 6:

Photography by John Ball

Inside the smithy is this old horse-drawn hay-rake, most of whose tines have broken off.

Image 7, 8:

Photography by John Ball    

Details of the rusting and delapidated farm equipment in the smithy.

Image 9, 10:

Photography by John Ball

Hidden behind the rusty rake are the remains of the blacksmith's forge.

Image 11:

Photography by Jennifer Ohmes

Jennifer spotted this shiny object protruding through the soil on top of the forge.

Image 12:

A few minutes of excavation revealed the mystery object as an old bottle - but how long had it been there and what did it once contain?

Photography by Jennifer Ohmes