Llanrwst is a town shrouded in myth, legend and a history dating back 1,500 years. The historic quarter of the town includes St Grwst Church, Pont Fawr Bridge, Tu-hwnt-i'r-bont, Ancaster Square, the Almshouses and the Old Tannery. It is unique in many aspects, altering little in 400 years.
The town also famously considers itself independent of the United Kingdom, and proudly bears the motto 'Cymru, Lloegr a Llanrwst! - Wales. England and Llanrwst!'. Possessing its own flag and arms, the town unsuccessfully applied for separate membership of the United Nations. A visit to Llanrwst is an opportunity to step back in time to an age when hospitality and trade were paramount, when Knights, Armigers and local lords ruled over a little independent state. The rich culture and traditions of Wales find expression in the town of Llanrwst.
Llanrwst Almshouses were constructed in 1610 by Sir John Wynn of Gwydir to house 12 poor men of the parish. For 400 years they continued to provide shelter until 1976 when the buildings closed. Then in 1996 with the aid of Heritage Lottery funding the Almshouses were restored and in 2002 opened by Lord Elis Thomas as a museum of local history and a community focal point.
The museum consists of two restored period rooms, temporary exhibitions and local artefacts. A working herb garden is situated in the museum grounds, offering excellent views of this Grade II listed building and the historic St Grwst Church. This unique community museum offers a rare glimpse into the daily life of a Welsh market town. Exhibits include artefacts associated with local printer bard Gwylim Cowlyd, items of social history and historic images, all evoking a strong sense of community.
The Parish Church at Llanrwst is dedicated to the Celtic Saint Grwst, a sixth century Welsh missionary who settled in the Conwy Valley. By the 10th century there was a sizeable settlement on this site, which in 954AD bore witness to the brutal and bloody Battle of Llanrwst, a decisive battle between the forces of North and South Wales.
During the Wars of the Roses Llanrwst was completely destroyed by Yorkist troops under the leadership of William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke. The present church, although constructed in 1170, dates from 1470, rebuilt two years after its destruction.
St Grwst's houses the beautiful rood screen, a relic of the Cistercian Abbey at Maenan, built in 1509. The Wynn side chapel was built in 1634 as a family mausoleum and housing rare examples of Stuart-period memorials. The chapel is home to the stone sarcophagus of Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, known as Llywelyn the Great, and the effigy of Hywel Coetmor, a local knight who fought under the Black Prince at Poitiers and returned home only to participate in the Glyndwr Rebellion. Both structures are Grade I listed buildings. The church has recently undergone a programme of restoration funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The Bridge at Llanrwst was built in 1636, reputedly by Inigo Jones the 'father of Palladianism'. This graceful triple-arched structure served the ancient counties of Caernarvonshire and Denbighshire as the only crossing until the construction of Thomas Telford's suspension bridge at Betws y Coed in the 19th century.
The bridge was a vital component in the defence of North Wales during the English Civil War and in the latter half of the conflict Royalist troops blew up the western arch of the bridge to halt the advance of Parliamentarian artillery. Also at the western end of the bridge you will find the quaint Tu-hwnt-i'r-bont, now owned by the National Trust. It was formerly a Courthouse where Sir John Wynn sat in judgement over Llanrwst. Enjoy teas and coffees from the cafe shrouded by virginia creeper and sit by the flowing River Conwy.
your comments
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L Coupland, Heswall
The double yellow lines on the approach past the almshouses to St Grwst's CHurch are garish and distracting. The road is banned to traffic anyway. A lovely little town.
Mon Jun 29 09:46:08 2009
Mary Williams, Glasgow
I've read a lot about the chapel, church, almshouses, bridge and the cottage across the bridge but I haven't seen anything written about the origins of the building that houses the Eagles hotel. Does anyone know when it was built and what is was for? It looks like it must have been a significant building.
Fri Mar 13 09:21:52 2009
Lydia Rhian Hansbury
Thank you so much for all the information Pat. Very helpful. We'll certainly be at one of the events.Diolch o galon unwaith eto.
Mon Dec 8 09:38:59 2008
patricia williams llanrwst
There is always a carol service at St Grwst Church on Christmas Eve, starting around 11-11.30. There is also carol singing on the town square around the Christmas tree early evening. Again I shall find out more for you. Keep looking at this page!!
Mon Dec 1 10:00:06 2008
patricia williams llanrwst
Lydia, the Carol service in the town square is on the Sunday before Christmas and starts around 4pm.
Mon Dec 1 09:55:16 2008
lydia from richmond
I originate from Blaenau Ffestiniog and am coming to a cottage near Llanrwst this Xmas with my family. Can you tell me if there is a Christmas carol service in Llanrwst during our stay (Dec 20th - Dec 28th)Diolch o galon.
Mon Nov 24 10:31:32 2008
Patricia Llanrwst
Jo, I think most of the filming was done in the north of England.
Mon Oct 6 10:17:24 2008
Jo Parish from Manchester
I am trying to locate the old mansion used in the film Yanks (1979) starring Richard Gere and Vanessa Redgrave. It was Vanessa Redgrave's (Helen's) home in the film. I am aware they filmed in Llandudno (The Grand) and the house does appear to have a welsh look. I wondered whether you could help.
Mon Aug 18 10:19:04 2008
Patricia Williams Llanrwst
Allan from Adelaide, if you go back one page from here and select 'hints and tips' then near the top you will see my name - Patricia Williams, click on that to contact me directly as I know other descendents of the famous Roberts harpists.
Mon Jul 14 10:24:22 2008
Alan Roberts from Adelaide
Very interested in Dafydd Roberts the harpist who I believe may be my ancestor, or kinsman, as we have a family tradition of gypsy harpists from Pentrefoelas, one the "strongest man in North Wales" who lifted keystones for the bridges &c. Am trying to find Caer Bach or Gaer Bach near Pentrefoelas Hall. Much impressed with your website.Alan Roberts
Wed Jul 9 14:33:08 2008
Alun Salisbury Cardiff formerly Cefn Mawr
Llanrwst Historical Society. Thank you for the information re: the Bartley family and for making contact with me via the Society's web page. I will be delighted to pass on a copy of the letter, together with the limited information I have on the presentation clock, made to John Hughes,
Wed Dec 12 11:52:30 2007
patricia williams Llanrwst
Hello Alun, I have found a Bartley grave in St Mary's Churchyard. I will contact you offline with the info. The Historical Society would be very keen to see the letter and other information you mention. Thank you for your kind offer.
Tue Dec 11 09:29:18 2007
Pat Rowley LLanrwst
Re; ALUN SAILSBURY, BARTLEY FAMILY..There seems to have been two Bartley families living in Llanrwst in the 1890/1990. Edwin who mar ried Hannah had a son John they lived in Albert Place. The other Bartley family lived in Scotland Street and are buried in St Mary's Churchyard.... SAMUEL AND ELINOR BARTLEY
Mon Dec 10 10:02:45 2007
Alun Salisbury, Cardiff, formerly Cefn Mawr
My Taid, John Bartley was born in Llanwrst and lived there until 1904 when he married my Nain and moved to Tref-y-Nant, Acrefair. My great Taid Edwin Bartley married Catherine. I understand she is buried in Llanwrst. I would be interested to know whether there are any Bartleys still living in Llanwrst and whether they have knowledge of this particular cemetery. His brother-in-law John Hughes was born at or near Llanwrst and married my Taid’s sister, Catherine. They settled in Cefn Mawr, near Llangollen. Both men served in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and survived the Great War 1914-1918. John Hughes was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for action at Neuve Chappell, France in May 1916. Unfortunately, two months later he was severely wounded at Mametz Wood and discharged from the army. I have the original letter dated 2nd July 1916 to John Hughes written by David Jones – Secretary - Llanwrst Town Improvement Association about the planned presentation of a memento to him and others in recognistion of their service. I am uncertain whether Llanwrst has an historical society who would be interested in seeing this letter, and information on the memento.Web team: Find out how to contact Llanrwst Historical Society.
Fri Dec 7 11:31:38 2007
Pat Rowley Llanrwst
Smith re: small graveyard in Scotland Street. Llanrwst had become a centre of Nonconformist preaching by about 1790, in spite of local hostility from Church and State. An independent congregation had been incorported by 1802, and Tabernacle, the first Independent chapel in the town was built on Scotland Street in 1813. Locally it was known as 'Capel Sentars' [ Dissenters], not to be confused with the Presbyterian 'Capel Scot'.. In 1882 this original chapel was replaced by the present Tabernacle and during the 20th century the old building was used for light engineering.Only the small graveyard remains. T! he graveyard has been cleared and tidied.Sorry it took so long to reply but I only came across your question this evening.
Wed Nov 14 11:08:05 2007
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Dip into the history of this ancient town with the help of the 2004 Llanrwst Guide and Llanrwst Almshouses.
