Two examples of the 'Welsh Not'
Two examples of the 'Welsh Not'. The upper example is inscribed 'WN' and was used in Ysgol Pontgarreg, Llangrannog, Cardiganshire, in 1852. The lower example is inscribed 'Welsh N' and was found by builders at Capel Penrhiw, Drefach Felindre, as the chapel was being taken down before being moved to the Museum of Welsh Life. A school had been held at the chapel during the 19th century. Both examples are now on display in the main gallery at the Museum of Welsh Life.
The 'Welsh Not' was used in some schools during the eighteenth and nineteenth century in a bid to prevent pupils from speaking Welsh. The 'Welsh Not', which usually consisted of a small piece of wood or slate inscribed with the letters 'W.N', was hung around the neck of a child who was caught speaking Welsh. At the end of the school day, the child wearing the 'Welsh Not' would be punished by the schoolteacher.






