National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is part of Free
In Search of Tudor England
The film-maker, in search of the peace and charm he believes belonged to life in Tudor times, seeks out places “untouched by modern times” in Radnorshire and Herefordshire.
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Overview
Harold Cox, believed to have been the owner of a music business in Birmingham, has created a nostalgic, inter-titled tour of Radnorshire and Herefordshire, including shots of Presteigne "almost untouched by modern times", and Builth Wells where “pleasures are taken as of old”. But the reservoirs of the Elan Valley are the acceptable face of modernity, given that “the city of Birmingham has spread its arms seventy miles that its people may have water".
Mr Harold Cox and his brother had neighbouring bungalows built for themselves in Dyffryn Ardudwy for holidaying in and, later, retirement. Harold was renowned in the area for his knitted garments which he produced on a machine. His parents have been captured on this reel: Mr Cox is seen talking over the fence to a keen gardener in Presteigne and Mrs Cox buying a chicken from a market stall ("cities may think big but the farmer is happy with his market towns").
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