Julie, I've stayed in Aberystwyth before and there are cabs available everywhere to take you to/from the NLW and/or the Ceredigion Archives, although the Archives are probably within easy walking distance from the small hotel my daughter and I stayed at once, and I would recommend them to anyone. Ever since '93, I've stayed with relatives in Montgomeryshire so haven't had another reason to stay in Aberystwyth. You'll have to contact them for current prices/availability. This was listed in Fodor's guide ('92) for Great Britain and priced as 'moderate' at the time. It's convenient to businesses and the train station, not far from the Archives (as I recall), but I would recommend taking a cab up to the NLW. (There is a small cafeteria downstairs at the NLW, but you'll want to check their opening times.) The Groves Hotel Family-owned and in the heart of town, the hotel has comfortable bedrooms with tea- and coffee-making facilities [electric kettle & instant coffee]; a paneled lounge bar; and Welsh, English, and French dishes on the menu in the Tapestry Restaurant. 44-46 North Parade Aberystwyth SY 23 2NF Telephone: 01970-617623 12 rooms with bath. I'll warn you it's an old hotel, and we laughed about the floors sloping! :-) Still, it was very nice and so was their lounge and restaurant. I think a Continental breakfast came with the room, but I don't recall for sure. (Don't try to use a hair-dryer in the bathroom electrical outlet -- I tried that already!) Try to allow *at least* one entire day for the National Library. You don't book appointments, but bring your passport for identification to obtain a reader's ticket. The form asks for your purpose -- "Genealogy" is sufficient. You'll probably want to go to the Dept. of Manuscripts and Records, where you will sign in (again) and use their outer area to peruse the card index, will indexes, etc. If you wish to read original wills or other documents, you fill out a request form there and the material will be brought to you to read in the next room. There materials on the open shelves in the reading room, as well. Beyond that room is the area that contains the GRO Indexes on microfiche (self-serve) and all of the microfilmed Bishop's Transcripts, Parish Registers, and Census Returns. I'm jealous! :-) Be sure to confirm the opening hours for the Ceredigion Archives -- I recall some odd times. There is also the Superintendent Registrar's office if you want to obtain certificates (birth/marriage/death) for events in that area --- another place with strange hours. Llanbadarn Fawr Parish Church is a wonderful place -- so much history there, and quite a graveyard to explore. (You might check with Ceredigion Archives and/or NLW to see if they have a transcript of the graves there that was done some years ago by a local school -- I think the manuscript is deposited with one of them.) I wish you a great trip! Regards, Julie Preston [email protected] ----- Original Message ----- From: "Julie Seddon" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, October 24, 2000 4:53 PM Subject: [WLS-CARDIGANSHIRE] help please > Hi everyone, > I'm re-posting my family interest: MORRIS family who lived in Portland Lane/Road Aberystwyth from 1860s onwards but also need your help. > > I'm planning a trip to Aberystwyth to visit my ggg-grandfather's grave at Llanbadarn Fawr parish church. I've spoke to the Ceredigon Archive Office but would value your opinion on whether a visit to the National Library of Wales would be useful - I can only do so much in a few days! If the NLW is worth visiting, do I need a reader's ticket or do I have to book an appointment with anyone? If so, who should I contact? > Also, can anyone suggest a hotel/area that would be convenient for the archive office and Llanbadarn Fawr - I don't want to end up in the red light district or among riotous students! > Grateful for any help or suggestions, > > Julie >

Just to add to Julie's very full advice that the Ceredigion Archives contact details etc are on the Archives section of my Help Page. Gareth List Administrator for Dyfed, CGN & PEM. Lookup Exchange http://www.johngareth.freeserve.co.uk/lookup.html Help Page http://www.johngareth.freeserve.co.uk/hicks.html ----- Original Message ----- From: "Julie Preston" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2000 1:36 AM Subject: Re: [WLS-CARDIGANSHIRE] help please