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 tswano@bright.net.


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

Above: 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.

Above: 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.

Above: 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.

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

Above and below: Details of the rusting and delapidated farm equipment in the smithy.

Above and below: Hidden behind the rusty rake are the remains of the blacksmith's forge.

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

Right: 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?

Click on the bottle to solve the mystery.