Point 26
Last updated: 27 November 2005
Continue along the pavement, until you come to THE OLD BUDGET GATE (147 MARINE DRIVE) (26). In 1909 Lloyd George introduced the People's Budget, which started Old Age Pensions, but also included a tax on land values to help pay for them.. This provoked much indignation and opposition from landowners across the UK and a Mr Horton, who owned most of the land in Rhos-on-Sea at the time, put up a toll gate here on the Promenade in protest, and called it The Budget Toll Gate - hence the name of the house.
He sold the road and its tollgate to the tram company in 1911 when they built their new tramway. However the tram company continued to charge a toll to cars using the road, until they became bankrupt in 1961. The toll was only abolished in 1963, when the council bought the road and gave it its first proper surface. Cars were being charged a shilling (5p) and (perambulators a penny) at the time of its closure.
Continue along Marine Drive. After crossing over Abbey Road, look to your right for a fine view of Llandrillo parish church and Bryn Euryn, which you recently visited. From this viewpoint, you can appreciate what a prominent landmark the whitewashed church would have been to sailors in earlier centuries.
Carry on along Marine Drive until you return to your original starting point at St Trillo's Chapel. Just before this, notice the two interesting houses on either side of College Avenue - St Michael's Nursing Home and The Breakers. Built in the 1930s, at the time these were both regarded as daring examples of the Modernist Movement. The design is impressive, but the characteristic flat roofs were not very practical.
You have earned a rest, so why not have continue into Rhos for a cup of tea at one of the many pleasant cafes, if you have not done so already.
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your comments
Nigel, Rhos on Sea
I have lived in Rhos and the surrounding area for many years but had no idea there were so many interesting things to be seen. The walk was wonderful and was all the better for having a better understanding of area and its history.
Thu Aug 20 09:49:25 2009
Kath Shaw in High Peak
As a child my father spent lots of time at Llysfaen, in a Children's Home convalescing. He loved Colwyn Bay, Old Colwyn and surrounding areas, and took us back to Wales almost every year on holiday. Thoroughly enjoyed your walk - really interesting and it really gives a flavour of things past!
Thank you so much.
Tue Mar 14 15:10:55 2006
