For anyone interested in Holmes Marsh, Lyonshall, I have been sent a copy of an item printed in the Mid-Wales Chronicle back in l995 which writes about this "enigmatic" place. Having ancestors who lived here during the l9th Century I was taken aback by the following description of their home...there I was imagining an idyllic location! This is a shortened adaptation of the article. I believe the shop mentioned was the one run by my g.g.grandfather, Charles PRICE, grocer at Holmes Marsh in l89l..... "Holmes Marsh at Lyonshall is something of an enigma, baffling local historians because of its dearth of solid fact. A small, though growing community on the edge of the village, Holmes Marsh figures little in the local history books. Most of the information has come from church records or odd paragraphs in the old Kington Times newspaper - such as householders facing prosecution for overcrowding. In years gone by, gentlefolk passing the Holmes Marsh turn would make their children look away "because of the will o' the wisp, or marsh gas, which could be seen there" building up a picture of an area strenuously avoided by village children. There are those living in Lyonshall who recall the absolute necessity to keep well away from Holmes Marsh where they could face trouble. Some went all the way to Almeley School rather than tread on Holmes Marsh soil. "It was always so muddy, difficult to get to school and not get covered", one person said. Apparently the steep gradient of the road down into Lyonshall was eased following a mammoth task to shift tons of soil from the hill. the final resting place for the earth was along the track which now forms part of the road looping around the marsh. One resident remembered more black and white cottages in those days, some of them picturesque with their thatched roofs. The common was a regular grazing place for horses though there was a woman living nearby who would rush out flapping her arms angrily. In those days one of the Holmes Marsh cottages doubled as a local shop much used in the neighbourhood. Regular services were held in the mission hall (still standing) which would have saved locals from trudging to church in Lyonshall. Just across the field from the mission hall was a large pool which provided much merriment for the Holme Marsh children when it froze over in Winter. But whatever happened back in the history of Holmes Marsh still remains something of a mystery". Quite a reputation! Adds a bit of "meat to the bones".... If anyone knows of any local history books written on the area since l995 I would be very glad to learn of them. Regards Diane Johansen