It's 1671 and John Gwin, a pillar of the community of Llangwm Uchaf, is the church warden. Fierce disputes have broken out and Gwin writes in his precious book of 'divers variances quarrels and debates and suites of laws to utter destruction and overthrow of manie'.

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Gwin has already filled the pages of his book with decades of notes on every aspect of his life, including husbandry, business, politics, family, religion, and even a bit of gossip, all against the backdrop of turbulent times.

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Passed down over generations, John Gwin's Commonplace Book, now @GwentArchives, is full of practical advice on everything from grafting an apple tree, to making a horse 'piss and doung', or even making a wise marriage choice!

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Gwin's writings on medical treatments, such as cures for sore eyes and smallpox (shown here) have made this an invaluable resource for the history of medicine in this period.

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We're delighted to share with you a lecture by Tony Hopkins, who is preparing to publish this fascinating book.

Read the blog: https://friendsoffriendlesschurches.org.uk/john-gwins-commonplace-book/

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Image from John Gwin's Commonplace Book (D43/4216) reproduced with thanks to Gwent Archives.

Special thanks to @heritagepilgrim for her help with this blog.