The History of Drefach Toll Bar
This tollbar is of great architectural and historical value as it is the only known tollbar in Wales. The toll bar was originally located on the B4310, near Dan y Lan Quarry, on the western side of the village, towards Carmarthen. It was owned by the Three Commotts Trust (Y Tri Cwmwd) and was in use during the time of the Rebecca Riots. It was moved to its present site, with the aid of a grant in 1995.
Uniquely, it was built in the style of a miniature house, intending to shelter one tollkeeper and was owned by the Three Commotts Trust (Y Tri Cwmwd). According to local historical sources, it is said that a local young man, Jac Tyisha decided to join the local Rebecca Movement after his experience of the exorbitant charges at this tollbar. He once had to pay one shilling and eight pence in tolls on a load of lime that had only cost him eight pence at Garn-bica Quarry.
Unlike many similar tollhouses, it is said that the shrewd keeper saved the building from damage by lifting the bar every time he spotted Rebecca and her followers approaching.
“And they blessed Rebecca, and said unto her, ‘Though art our sister; be thou the mother of thousands of millions and let thy seed possess the gates of those which hate them.”
Tap, tap – a’i ffon ddraenen ddu,
“Mae rhywbeth o’m ffordd fy merched glân i”
Photo of Tollbar in 1985 before it was moved.
A variety of Wynford Nicholas’ illustrations
