John Gwin, a pillar of the community in 17th century Llangwm Uchaf, Monmouthshire, has left an extraordinary legacy.
His ‘Commonplace Book’, passed down over generations, is considered one of the most important sources for the history of medicine in Wales, and also opens a fascinating window into husbandry, family life, business practices, and local and community affairs set against a backdrop of significant political upheaval. As churchwarden for St. Jerome’s in the 1670s, Gwin dealt with ‘divers variances quarrels and debates’ among parishioners.
Tony Hopkins, a former Archivist of Gwent Archives, is preparing to transcribe and publish John Gwin’s Commonplace Book. We’re delighted to reproduce an abridged version of his lecture on this remarkable record.