Llŷn Peninsula
Encyclopedia
Irish Sea
The Irish Sea separates the islands of Ireland and Great Britain. It is connected to the Celtic Sea in the south by St George's Channel, and to the Atlantic Ocean in the north by the North Channel. Anglesey is the largest island within the Irish Sea, followed by the Isle of Man...
from north west Wales
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
, south west of the Isle of Anglesey. It is part of the modern county and historic region of Gwynedd
Gwynedd
Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated...
. The name is thought to be of Irish origin, and to have the same root Laigin
Laigin
The Laigin, modern spelling Laighin , were a population group of early Ireland who gave their name to the province of Leinster...
(Laighin) in Irish
Irish language
Irish , also known as Irish Gaelic, is a Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family, originating in Ireland and historically spoken by the Irish people. Irish is now spoken as a first language by a minority of Irish people, as well as being a second language of a larger proportion of...
as the word Leinster
Leinster
Leinster is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the east of Ireland. It comprises the ancient Kingdoms of Mide, Osraige and Leinster. Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the historic fifths of Leinster and Mide gradually merged, mainly due to the impact of the Pale, which straddled...
. The name Llŷn is also sometimes spelled Lleyn, a spelling which is less common today than in the past and is generally considered to be an anglicisation which ignores the phonetic values of Welsh. Much of the eastern part of the peninsula, around Criccieth
Criccieth
Criccieth is a town and community on Cardigan Bay, in the Eifionydd area of Gwynedd in Wales. The town lies west of Porthmadog, east of Pwllheli and south of Caernarfon. It has a population of 1,826....
, is technically part of Eifionydd
Eifionydd
Eifionydd is an area in north-west Wales covering the south-eastern part of the Llŷn Peninsula from Porthmadog to just east of Pwllheli. The Afon Erch forms its western border. It now lies in Gwynedd....
rather than Llŷn, although the modern boundaries have become somewhat vague.
Llŷn is notable for its large number of protected sites, including a National Nature Reserve
National Nature Reserve
For details of National nature reserves in the United Kingdom see:*National Nature Reserves in England*National Nature Reserves in Northern Ireland*National Nature Reserves in Scotland*National Nature Reserves in Wales...
at Cors Geirch
Cors Geirch National Nature Reserve
Cors Geirch National Nature Reserve is an extensive wetland site situated on the Llŷn Peninsula, in the central part of the valley that runs between Nefyn and Pwllheli in Wales. It is maintained by the ....
, a National Heritage Coastline
Heritage Coast
A Heritage Coast is a strip of UK coastline designated by the Countryside Agency in England and the Countryside Council for Wales as having notable natural beauty or scientific significance.- Designated coastline :...
and a European Marine Special Area of Conservation
Special Area of Conservation
A Special Area of Conservation is defined in the European Union's Habitats Directive , also known as the Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora...
, and 20 Sites of Special Scientific Interest. The Llŷn Coastal Path
Llyn Coastal Path
The Llŷn Coastal Path is a waymarked long distance footpath running along the coast of the Llŷn Peninsula from Caernarfon to Porthmadog, Gwynedd, north-west Wales.-Distance:The Llŷn Coastal Path runs for...
, a long distance footpath, enables walkers to fully explore both coasts of the peninsula. The Welsh Language and Heritage Centre of Nant Gwrtheyrn
Nant Gwrtheyrn
Nant Gwrtheyrn is a Welsh Language and Heritage Centre, located near near the village of Llithfaen on the northern coast of the Llŷn Peninsula, Gwynedd, in northwest Wales....
is situated on the north coast. Much of the coastline and the ex-volcanic hills are part of the Llŷn Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is an area of countryside considered to have significant landscape value in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, that has been specially designated by the Countryside Agency on behalf of the United Kingdom government; the Countryside Council for Wales on...
, confirming the peninsula as one of the most scientifically important in both Wales and Britain. In 1984 there was an earthquake beneath the peninsula, which measured 5.4 on the Richter Scale and was felt in many parts of Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
and western Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
.
Historically, the peninsula was used by pilgrim
Pilgrim
A pilgrim is a traveler who is on a journey to a holy place. Typically, this is a physical journeying to some place of special significance to the adherent of a particular religious belief system...
s en route to Bardsey Island
Bardsey Island
Bardsey Island , the legendary "Island of 20,000 saints", lies off the Llŷn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. The Welsh name means "The Island in the Currents", although its English name refers to the "Island of the Bards", or possibly the island of the Viking chieftan, "Barda". It is ...
(Welsh: Ynys Enlli), and its relative isolation has helped to conserve the Welsh language
Welsh language
Welsh is a member of the Brythonic branch of the Celtic languages spoken natively in Wales, by some along the Welsh border in England, and in Y Wladfa...
and culture, for which the locality is now famous. This perceived remoteness from urban life has lent the area an unspoilt image which has made Llŷn a popular destination for both tourists and holiday home owners. Holiday homes remain a bone of contention among locals, many of whom are forced out of the housing market by incomers. From the 1970s to the 1990s, a shadowy group known as Meibion Glyndŵr
Meibion Glyndwr
Meibion Glyndŵr was a Welsh nationalist movement violently opposed to the loss of Welsh culture and language. They were formed in response to the housing crisis precipitated by large numbers of houses being bought by wealthy English people for use as holiday homes, pushing up house prices beyond...
claimed responsibility for several hundred arson attacks on holiday homes using incendiary devices. Some of these attacks took place in Llŷn.
Welsh language
Prior to 2001, there had been a decline in WelshWelsh language
Welsh is a member of the Brythonic branch of the Celtic languages spoken natively in Wales, by some along the Welsh border in England, and in Y Wladfa...
speakers in Gwynedd
Gwynedd
Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated...
, which includes the Llŷn Peninsula. According to the 2001 census the number of Welsh speakers in Wales increased for the first time in over 100 years, with 20.5 per cent of a population of over 2.9 million claiming fluency in Welsh. Additionally, 28 per cent of the population of Wales claimed to understand Welsh. However, the number of Welsh speakers declined in Gwynedd
Gwynedd
Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated...
from 72.1 per cent in 1991 to 68.7 per cent in 2001. By 2003 however, a survey of schools showed that just over 94 per cent of children between the ages of 3 and 15 were able to speak Welsh, making Llŷn one of the foremost heartlands for the language
Y Fro Gymraeg
Y Fro Gymraeg is a name often used to refer to the linguistic area in Wales where the Welsh language is used by the majority or a large part of the population; it is the heartland of the Welsh language and comparable in that respect to the Gàidhealtachd of Scotland and Gaeltacht of Ireland...
, though, as in the rest of north west Wales, many people are concerned that the influx of English speakers is damaging the standing of Welsh and threatening its future as a living community language in the area.
Tân yn Llŷn 1936
Concern for the Welsh language was ignited in 1936 when the United Kingdom government settled on establishing a bombing school at PenyberthPenyberth
Penyberth was a farmhouse at Penrhos, on the Llŷn Peninsula near Pwllheli, Gwynedd, which had been the home to generations of patrons of poets, but destroyed in 1936 in order to build a training camp and aerodrome for the RAF....
on the Peninsula. The events surrounding the protest became known as Tân yn Llŷn (Fire in Llŷn). The government had settled on Llŷn as the site for its new bombing school after similar locations in Northumberland
Northumberland
Northumberland is the northernmost ceremonial county and a unitary district in North East England. For Eurostat purposes Northumberland is a NUTS 3 region and is one of three boroughs or unitary districts that comprise the "Northumberland and Tyne and Wear" NUTS 2 region...
and Dorset
Dorset
Dorset , is a county in South West England on the English Channel coast. The county town is Dorchester which is situated in the south. The Hampshire towns of Bournemouth and Christchurch joined the county with the reorganisation of local government in 1974...
were met with protests. However, British Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin
Stanley Baldwin
Stanley Baldwin, 1st Earl Baldwin of Bewdley, KG, PC was a British Conservative politician, who dominated the government in his country between the two world wars...
refused to hear the case against the bombing school in Wales, despite a deputation representing half a million Welsh protesters. Protest against the bombing school was summed up by Saunders Lewis
Saunders Lewis
Saunders Lewis was a Welsh poet, dramatist, historian, literary critic, and political activist. He was a prominent Welsh nationalist and a founder of the Welsh National Party...
when he wrote that the British government was intent upon turning one of the "essential homes of Welsh culture, idiom
Idiom
Idiom is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is comprehended in regard to a common use of that expression that is separate from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made...
, and literature
Literature of Wales (Welsh language)
After literature written in the classical languages literature in the Welsh language is the oldest surviving literature in Europe. The Welsh literary tradition stretches from the 6th century to the twenty-first. Its fortunes have fluctuated over the centuries, in line with those of the Welsh...
" into a place for promoting a barbaric method of warfare. On 8 September 1936 the bombing school building was set on fire by Saunders Lewis, Lewis Valentine
Lewis Valentine
Lewis Edward Valentine was a Welsh politician, Baptist pastor, author, editor, and Welsh-language activist.-Early life:Valentine was born in Llanddulas, Conwy, the son of Samuel Valentine, a limestone quarryman, and his wife Mary...
, and D.J. Williams, who immediately gave themselves up to the police and claimed responsibility. The trial at Caernarfon
Caernarfon
Caernarfon is a Royal town, community and port in Gwynedd, Wales, with a population of 9,611. It lies along the A487 road, on the east banks of the Menai Straits, opposite the Isle of Anglesey. The city of Bangor is to the northeast, while Snowdonia fringes Caernarfon to the east and southeast...
failed to agree on a verdict and the case was sent to the Old Bailey
Old Bailey
The Central Criminal Court in England and Wales, commonly known as the Old Bailey from the street in which it stands, is a court building in central London, one of a number of buildings housing the Crown Court...
in London. The "Three" were sentenced to nine months imprisonment in Wormwood Scrubs
Wormwood Scrubs (HM Prison)
HM Prison Wormwood Scrubs is a Category B men's prison, located in the Wormwood Scrubs area of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, in inner west London, England. The prison is operated by Her Majesty's Prison Service....
, and on their release they were greeted as heroes by 15,000 people at a pavilion in Caernarfon.
Relationship with the property market
The decline in the use of the Welsh language in Llŷn has been attributed to a rise in property prices. Local Welsh-speakers are increasingly unable to afford housing in the area as the rise in house prices has outpaced average earnings in Wales. On the other hand, there has been an influx of non-Welsh speakers purchasing properties for retirement or holiday homes. The issue of locals being priced out of the local housing market is common to many rural communities throughout Britain, but in Wales the added dimension of language further complicates the issue, as many new residents have not learnt the Welsh language.See also: History of the Welsh language – 2001 census and second home controversy
Governance
The whole of Llŷn is governed by Cyngor GwyneddGwynedd Council
Gwynedd Council is the governing body for the principal area of Gwynedd, one of the subdivisions of Wales within the United Kingdom.- Creation of the Authority :...
, a unitary authority
Unitary authority
A unitary authority is a type of local authority that has a single tier and is responsible for all local government functions within its area or performs additional functions which elsewhere in the relevant country are usually performed by national government or a higher level of sub-national...
established in 1996. The area had traditionally formed part of Caernarfonshire
Caernarfonshire
Caernarfonshire , historically spelled as Caernarvonshire or Carnarvonshire in English during its existence, was one of the thirteen historic counties, a vice-county and a former administrative county of Wales....
, for which an elected county council had been formed in 1889. Caernarfonshire was abolished in 1974 and incorporated into the new county of Gwynedd
Gwynedd
Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated...
, which became a unitary authority under the 1996 reorganisation.
Llŷn Rural District, based in Pwllheli
Pwllheli
Pwllheli is a community and the main market town of the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, north-western Wales. It has a population of 3,861, of which a large proportion, 81 per cent, are Welsh speaking. Pwllheli is the place where Plaid Cymru was founded. It is the birthplace of Albert Evans-Jones -...
, was created under the Local Government Act 1894
Local Government Act 1894
The Local Government Act 1894 was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that reformed local government in England and Wales outside the County of London. The Act followed the reforms carried out at county level under the Local Government Act 1888...
from the area of Pwllheli Rural Sanitary District
Pwllheli
Pwllheli is a community and the main market town of the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, north-western Wales. It has a population of 3,861, of which a large proportion, 81 per cent, are Welsh speaking. Pwllheli is the place where Plaid Cymru was founded. It is the birthplace of Albert Evans-Jones -...
. At the time it covered 91449 acres (370.1 km²) and consisted of 30 civil parish
Civil parish
In England, a civil parish is a territorial designation and, where they are found, the lowest tier of local government below districts and counties...
es, although the number was subsequently reduced. At the 1901 census it had a population of 16,816. Under a County Review Order
Local Government Act 1929
The Local Government Act 1929 was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that made changes to the Poor Law and local government in England and Wales....
in 1934, 18 parishes were abolished with their areas distributed among other parishes; a new parish of Buan
Buan, Gwynedd
Buan is a community in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. It includes the villages of Boduan and Rhydyclafdy, and has a population of 469....
was formed by the merger of Ceidio
Ceidio
Ceidio is a former civil parish in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. It was abolished in 1934, and incorporated into Buan....
and Llanfihangel Bachellaeth
Llanfihangel Bachellaeth
Llanfihangel Bachellaeth is a former civil parish in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. It was abolished in 1934, and incorporated into Buan....
; and the parish of Dolbenmaen
Dolbenmaen
Dolbenmaen is a village and community in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, located in Eifionydd, of which it was the administrative centre until 1239. The community includes the villages of Bryncir, Cenin, Garndolbenmaen, Golan, Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, Penmorfa and Pentrefelin, and has a population of...
was transferred from Glaslyn Rural District
Glaslyn Rural District
Glaslyn was a rural district in the administrative county of Caernarfonshire from 1894 to 1934.The district was formed under the Local Government Act 1894 from the part of Festiniog Rural Sanitary District in Caernarfonshire...
. Five years later, in 1939, Edern
Edern, Gwynedd
Edern, formerly known as Edeyrn, is a village and former civil parish in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. The civil parish was abolished in 1939, and incorporated into Nefyn....
was abolished and incorporated into Nefyn
Nefyn
Nefyn is a small town and community on the north west coast of the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, Wales, with a population of 2,619. Welsh is the first language of almost 80% of its inhabitants. The A497 road terminates in the town centre.-History:...
. The rural district was abolished in 1974, with its area being included in the Dwyfor District
Dwyfor
Dwyfor was one of the five local government districts of Gwynedd, Wales from 1974 to 1996, covering the Llŷn peninsula. Its council was based in Pwllheli....
of Gwynedd, which was itself abolished in 1996, when Gwynedd became a unitary authority
Unitary authority
A unitary authority is a type of local authority that has a single tier and is responsible for all local government functions within its area or performs additional functions which elsewhere in the relevant country are usually performed by national government or a higher level of sub-national...
. At the time of abolition, the rural district covered 114232 acres (462.3 km²) and had a population at the 1971 census of 15,190.
Pwllheli Municipal Borough was the successor to a free borough which was granted a charter by Edward, the Black Prince
Edward, the Black Prince
Edward of Woodstock, Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, Prince of Aquitaine, KG was the eldest son of King Edward III of England and his wife Philippa of Hainault as well as father to King Richard II of England....
in 1355. The Corporation was abolished by the Municipal Corporations Act 1835
Municipal Corporations Act 1835
The Municipal Corporations Act 1835 – sometimes known as the Municipal Reform Act, was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that reformed local government in the incorporated boroughs of England and Wales...
, and replaced by an elected council, which existed until Pwllheli
Pwllheli
Pwllheli is a community and the main market town of the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, north-western Wales. It has a population of 3,861, of which a large proportion, 81 per cent, are Welsh speaking. Pwllheli is the place where Plaid Cymru was founded. It is the birthplace of Albert Evans-Jones -...
was included in Dwyfor in 1974, as a result of the Local Government Act 1972
Local Government Act 1972
The Local Government Act 1972 is an Act of Parliament in the United Kingdom that reformed local government in England and Wales on 1 April 1974....
. At the 1841 census Pwllheli had a population of 2,367. By the time of abolition the borough covered 1211 acres (4.9 km²) and had a population at the 1961 census of 3,647.
Criccieth Urban District was created under the Local Government Act 1894, and covered the area of the former borough, which had been abolished in 1886 by the Municipal Corporations Act 1883. The borough charter had been granted by Edward I
Edward I of England
Edward I , also known as Edward Longshanks and the Hammer of the Scots, was King of England from 1272 to 1307. The first son of Henry III, Edward was involved early in the political intrigues of his father's reign, which included an outright rebellion by the English barons...
in 1284. The urban district covered 472 acres (1.9 km²) and at the 1901 census had a population of 1,406. By the time of abolition and incorporation into Dwyfor in 1974, it covered 1721 acres (7 km²), and had a population at the 1961 census of 1,672.
List of former civil parishes
| Image | Name | Period | Population 1961 |
County | Community Community (Wales) A community is a division of land in Wales that forms the lowest-tier of local government in Wales. Welsh communities are analogous to civil parishes in England.... |
Refs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdaron Aberdaron Aberdaron is a community and former fishing village at the western tip of the Llŷn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. It lies west of Pwllheli and south west of Caernarfon, and has a population of 1,019. It is sometimes referred to as the "Land's End of Wales"... |
1894 1974 |
1,161 | Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Aberdaron Aberdaron Aberdaron is a community and former fishing village at the western tip of the Llŷn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. It lies west of Pwllheli and south west of Caernarfon, and has a population of 1,019. It is sometimes referred to as the "Land's End of Wales"... |
||
| Abererch Abererch Abererch is a small village and former civil parish in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. The parish was abolished in 1934, and incorporated into Llannor. It is a mostly Welsh speaking village. There is a primary school and a playschool, and a railway station.... |
1894 1934 |
Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Llannor Llannor Llannor is a village and community in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. The community includes the villages of Abererch, Efailnewydd and Rhos-fawr, and has a population of 2,244.... |
|||
| Bardsey Island Bardsey Island Bardsey Island , the legendary "Island of 20,000 saints", lies off the Llŷn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. The Welsh name means "The Island in the Currents", although its English name refers to the "Island of the Bards", or possibly the island of the Viking chieftan, "Barda". It is ... |
1894 1974 |
17 | Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Aberdaron Aberdaron Aberdaron is a community and former fishing village at the western tip of the Llŷn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. It lies west of Pwllheli and south west of Caernarfon, and has a population of 1,019. It is sometimes referred to as the "Land's End of Wales"... |
||
| Bodferin Bodferin Bodferin is a former civil parish in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. It was abolished in 1934, and incorporated into Aberdaron.... |
1894 1934 |
Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Aberdaron Aberdaron Aberdaron is a community and former fishing village at the western tip of the Llŷn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. It lies west of Pwllheli and south west of Caernarfon, and has a population of 1,019. It is sometimes referred to as the "Land's End of Wales"... |
|||
| Botwnnog Botwnnog Botwnnog is a village and community in Gwynedd in Wales, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. It has a population of 955.It lies between Mynytho and Sarn Meyllteyrn, and is the home to two schools, a primary Pont Y Gof Primary School, and secondary . It also has the main branch of general practician ... |
1894 1974 |
1,176 | Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Botwnnog Botwnnog Botwnnog is a village and community in Gwynedd in Wales, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. It has a population of 955.It lies between Mynytho and Sarn Meyllteyrn, and is the home to two schools, a primary Pont Y Gof Primary School, and secondary . It also has the main branch of general practician ... |
||
| Bryncroes Bryncroes Bryncroes is a hamlet and former civil parish in Gwynedd in Wales, and lies on the Llŷn Peninsula approximately 2 km west of Sarn Mellteyrn. The parish was abolished in 1934 and divided between Botwnnog and Aberdaron. The village was the scene of fierce protests between 1969 and 1972 when it... |
1894 1934 |
Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Aberdaron Aberdaron Aberdaron is a community and former fishing village at the western tip of the Llŷn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. It lies west of Pwllheli and south west of Caernarfon, and has a population of 1,019. It is sometimes referred to as the "Land's End of Wales"... Botwnnog Botwnnog Botwnnog is a village and community in Gwynedd in Wales, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. It has a population of 955.It lies between Mynytho and Sarn Meyllteyrn, and is the home to two schools, a primary Pont Y Gof Primary School, and secondary . It also has the main branch of general practician ... |
|||
| Buan Buan, Gwynedd Buan is a community in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. It includes the villages of Boduan and Rhydyclafdy, and has a population of 469.... |
1934 1974 |
619 | Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Buan Buan, Gwynedd Buan is a community in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. It includes the villages of Boduan and Rhydyclafdy, and has a population of 469.... |
||
| Carnguwch Carnguwch Carguwch is a former civil parish in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. It was abolished in 1934, and incorporated into Pistyll. The parish included high Mynydd Carnguwch.... |
1894 1934 |
Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Pistyll Pistyll Pistyll is a village and community in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. The community includes the village of Llithfaen, and has a population of 492. It is the site of Nant Gwrtheyrn, the Welsh National Language Centre.... |
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| Ceidio Ceidio Ceidio is a former civil parish in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. It was abolished in 1934, and incorporated into Buan.... |
1894 1934 |
Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Buan Buan, Gwynedd Buan is a community in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. It includes the villages of Boduan and Rhydyclafdy, and has a population of 469.... |
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| Criccieth Urban District Criccieth Criccieth is a town and community on Cardigan Bay, in the Eifionydd area of Gwynedd in Wales. The town lies west of Porthmadog, east of Pwllheli and south of Caernarfon. It has a population of 1,826.... |
1894 1974 |
1,672 | Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Criccieth Criccieth Criccieth is a town and community on Cardigan Bay, in the Eifionydd area of Gwynedd in Wales. The town lies west of Porthmadog, east of Pwllheli and south of Caernarfon. It has a population of 1,826.... |
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| Dolbenmaen Dolbenmaen Dolbenmaen is a village and community in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, located in Eifionydd, of which it was the administrative centre until 1239. The community includes the villages of Bryncir, Cenin, Garndolbenmaen, Golan, Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, Penmorfa and Pentrefelin, and has a population of... |
1934 1974 |
1,447 | Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Dolbenmaen Dolbenmaen Dolbenmaen is a village and community in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, located in Eifionydd, of which it was the administrative centre until 1239. The community includes the villages of Bryncir, Cenin, Garndolbenmaen, Golan, Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, Penmorfa and Pentrefelin, and has a population of... |
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| Edern Edern, Gwynedd Edern, formerly known as Edeyrn, is a village and former civil parish in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. The civil parish was abolished in 1939, and incorporated into Nefyn.... |
1894 1939 |
Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Nefyn Nefyn Nefyn is a small town and community on the north west coast of the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, Wales, with a population of 2,619. Welsh is the first language of almost 80% of its inhabitants. The A497 road terminates in the town centre.-History:... |
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| Llanaelhaearn Llanaelhaearn Llanaelhaearn is a village and community in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. The community includes the village of Trefor, and has a population of 1,067.... |
1894 1974 |
1,242 | Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Llanaelhaearn Llanaelhaearn Llanaelhaearn is a village and community in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. The community includes the village of Trefor, and has a population of 1,067.... |
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| Llanarmon | 1894 1934 |
Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Llanystumdwy Llanystumdwy Llanystumdwy is a village and community on the Llŷn Peninsula of Gwynedd in Wales, although it is not regarded as being part of Llŷn, but belonging instead to the local region of Eifionydd... |
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| Llanbedrog Llanbedrog Llanbedrog is a village and community on the Llŷn peninsula of Gwynedd in Wales. It is situated on the south side of the peninsula on the A499 between Pwllheli and Abersoch. Formerly in the county of Caernarfonshire, it has a population of 1,020.... |
1894 1974 |
883 | Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Llanbedrog Llanbedrog Llanbedrog is a village and community on the Llŷn peninsula of Gwynedd in Wales. It is situated on the south side of the peninsula on the A499 between Pwllheli and Abersoch. Formerly in the county of Caernarfonshire, it has a population of 1,020.... |
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Llandegwning Llandegwning Llandegwning is a village and former civil parish in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. The parish was abolished in 1934, and incorporated into Botwnnog.... |
1894 1934 |
Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Botwnnog Botwnnog Botwnnog is a village and community in Gwynedd in Wales, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. It has a population of 955.It lies between Mynytho and Sarn Meyllteyrn, and is the home to two schools, a primary Pont Y Gof Primary School, and secondary . It also has the main branch of general practician ... |
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| Llandudwen Llandudwen Llandudwen is a former civil parish in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. It was abolished in 1934, and divided between Buan and Tudweiliog.... |
1894 1934 |
Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Buan Buan, Gwynedd Buan is a community in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. It includes the villages of Boduan and Rhydyclafdy, and has a population of 469.... Tudweiliog Tudweiliog Tudweiliog is a small, predominantly Welsh speaking village and community on the northern coast of the Llŷn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd... |
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| Llanengan Llanengan Llanengan is a small village and community south west of Abersoch in Gwynedd, north-west Wales. It has a population of 2,024.In its centre is the parish church of St... |
1894 1974 |
2,116 | Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Llanengan Llanengan Llanengan is a small village and community south west of Abersoch in Gwynedd, north-west Wales. It has a population of 2,024.In its centre is the parish church of St... |
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| Llanfaelrhys Llanfaelrhys Llanfaelrhys is a village and former civil parish in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. The parish was abolished in 1934 and incorporated into Aberdaron.-External links:... |
1894 1934 |
Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Aberdaron Aberdaron Aberdaron is a community and former fishing village at the western tip of the Llŷn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. It lies west of Pwllheli and south west of Caernarfon, and has a population of 1,019. It is sometimes referred to as the "Land's End of Wales"... |
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| Llanfihangel Bachellaeth Llanfihangel Bachellaeth Llanfihangel Bachellaeth is a former civil parish in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. It was abolished in 1934, and incorporated into Buan.... |
1894 1934 |
Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Buan Buan, Gwynedd Buan is a community in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. It includes the villages of Boduan and Rhydyclafdy, and has a population of 469.... |
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| Llangian Llangian Llangian is a small village and former civil parish on the Llŷn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. It is located north west of Abersoch, in the community of Llanengan. The parish was abolished in 1934 and divided between Llanengan and Botwnnog. The village's church of Saint Cian is... |
1894 1934 |
Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Botwnnog Botwnnog Botwnnog is a village and community in Gwynedd in Wales, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. It has a population of 955.It lies between Mynytho and Sarn Meyllteyrn, and is the home to two schools, a primary Pont Y Gof Primary School, and secondary . It also has the main branch of general practician ... Llanengan Llanengan Llanengan is a small village and community south west of Abersoch in Gwynedd, north-west Wales. It has a population of 2,024.In its centre is the parish church of St... |
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| Llangwnnadl Llangwnnadl Llangwnnadl is a village and former civil parish in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. The parish was abolished in 1934, and incorporated into Tudweiliog.... |
1894 1934 |
Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Aberdaron Aberdaron Aberdaron is a community and former fishing village at the western tip of the Llŷn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. It lies west of Pwllheli and south west of Caernarfon, and has a population of 1,019. It is sometimes referred to as the "Land's End of Wales"... Tudweiliog Tudweiliog Tudweiliog is a small, predominantly Welsh speaking village and community on the northern coast of the Llŷn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd... |
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| Llangybi Llangybi Llangybi can refer to one of several villages named after Saint Cybi, their reputed founder.In Wales*Llangybi, Ceredigion*Llangybi, Gwynedd*Llangybi, Monmouthshire... |
1894 1934 |
Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Llannor Llannor Llannor is a village and community in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. The community includes the villages of Abererch, Efailnewydd and Rhos-fawr, and has a population of 2,244.... Llanystumdwy Llanystumdwy Llanystumdwy is a village and community on the Llŷn Peninsula of Gwynedd in Wales, although it is not regarded as being part of Llŷn, but belonging instead to the local region of Eifionydd... |
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| Llaniestyn Llaniestyn Llaniestyn is a village and former civil parish in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. The parish was abolished in 1934, and divided between Tudweiliog and Botwnnog.... |
1894 1934 |
Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Botwnnog Botwnnog Botwnnog is a village and community in Gwynedd in Wales, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. It has a population of 955.It lies between Mynytho and Sarn Meyllteyrn, and is the home to two schools, a primary Pont Y Gof Primary School, and secondary . It also has the main branch of general practician ... Tudweiliog Tudweiliog Tudweiliog is a small, predominantly Welsh speaking village and community on the northern coast of the Llŷn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd... |
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| Llannor Llannor Llannor is a village and community in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. The community includes the villages of Abererch, Efailnewydd and Rhos-fawr, and has a population of 2,244.... |
1894 1974 |
2,039 | Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Llannor Llannor Llannor is a village and community in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. The community includes the villages of Abererch, Efailnewydd and Rhos-fawr, and has a population of 2,244.... |
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| Llanystumdwy Llanystumdwy Llanystumdwy is a village and community on the Llŷn Peninsula of Gwynedd in Wales, although it is not regarded as being part of Llŷn, but belonging instead to the local region of Eifionydd... |
1894 1974 |
2,056 | Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Llanystumdwy Llanystumdwy Llanystumdwy is a village and community on the Llŷn Peninsula of Gwynedd in Wales, although it is not regarded as being part of Llŷn, but belonging instead to the local region of Eifionydd... |
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| Mellteyrn Mellteyrn Sarn Meyllteyrn is a village and former civil parish located to the West of the Llŷn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. It lies 8.4 miles west of Pwllheli and 24.3 miles south west of Caernarfon. The village is often referred to simply as Sarn... |
1894 1934 |
Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Botwnnog Botwnnog Botwnnog is a village and community in Gwynedd in Wales, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. It has a population of 955.It lies between Mynytho and Sarn Meyllteyrn, and is the home to two schools, a primary Pont Y Gof Primary School, and secondary . It also has the main branch of general practician ... Tudweiliog Tudweiliog Tudweiliog is a small, predominantly Welsh speaking village and community on the northern coast of the Llŷn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd... |
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| Nefyn Nefyn Nefyn is a small town and community on the north west coast of the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, Wales, with a population of 2,619. Welsh is the first language of almost 80% of its inhabitants. The A497 road terminates in the town centre.-History:... |
1894 1974 |
2,164 | Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Nefyn Nefyn Nefyn is a small town and community on the north west coast of the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, Wales, with a population of 2,619. Welsh is the first language of almost 80% of its inhabitants. The A497 road terminates in the town centre.-History:... |
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| Penllech Penllech Penllech is a village and former civil parish in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. The parish was abolished in 1934, and incorporated into Tudweiliog.... |
1894 1934 |
Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Tudweiliog Tudweiliog Tudweiliog is a small, predominantly Welsh speaking village and community on the northern coast of the Llŷn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd... |
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| Penllyn Penllyn Penllyn is a former civil parish in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. The parish was created in 1894 from the part of Criccieth parish that lay outside the ancient borough. It was abolished in 1934, and divided between Llanystumdwy and Criccieth.... |
1894 1934 |
Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Criccieth Criccieth Criccieth is a town and community on Cardigan Bay, in the Eifionydd area of Gwynedd in Wales. The town lies west of Porthmadog, east of Pwllheli and south of Caernarfon. It has a population of 1,826.... Llanystumdwy Llanystumdwy Llanystumdwy is a village and community on the Llŷn Peninsula of Gwynedd in Wales, although it is not regarded as being part of Llŷn, but belonging instead to the local region of Eifionydd... |
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| Penrhos Penrhos, Gwynedd Penrhos is a village and former civil parish in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. The parish was abolished in 1934, and incorporated into Llannor.It was the home of former MP Goronwy Roberts. Penyberth lies within its confines.... |
1894 1934 |
Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Llannor Llannor Llannor is a village and community in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. The community includes the villages of Abererch, Efailnewydd and Rhos-fawr, and has a population of 2,244.... |
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| Pistyll Pistyll Pistyll is a village and community in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. The community includes the village of Llithfaen, and has a population of 492. It is the site of Nant Gwrtheyrn, the Welsh National Language Centre.... |
1894 1974 |
599 | Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Pistyll Pistyll Pistyll is a village and community in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. The community includes the village of Llithfaen, and has a population of 492. It is the site of Nant Gwrtheyrn, the Welsh National Language Centre.... |
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| Pwllheli Municipal Borough Pwllheli Pwllheli is a community and the main market town of the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, north-western Wales. It has a population of 3,861, of which a large proportion, 81 per cent, are Welsh speaking. Pwllheli is the place where Plaid Cymru was founded. It is the birthplace of Albert Evans-Jones -... |
1835 1974 |
3,647 | Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Pwllheli Pwllheli Pwllheli is a community and the main market town of the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, north-western Wales. It has a population of 3,861, of which a large proportion, 81 per cent, are Welsh speaking. Pwllheli is the place where Plaid Cymru was founded. It is the birthplace of Albert Evans-Jones -... |
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| Tudweiliog Tudweiliog Tudweiliog is a small, predominantly Welsh speaking village and community on the northern coast of the Llŷn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd... |
1894 1974 |
1,003 | Gwynedd Gwynedd Gwynedd is a county in north-west Wales, named after the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. Although the second biggest in terms of geographical area, it is also one of the most sparsely populated... |
Tudweiliog Tudweiliog Tudweiliog is a small, predominantly Welsh speaking village and community on the northern coast of the Llŷn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd... |
Geography
Llŷn is an extensive plateau dominated by numerous volcanic hills and mountains. The largest of these is Yr EiflYr Eifl
Yr Eifl is a mountain on the north coast of the Llŷn peninsula in Gwynedd, north-western Wales.It has three summits, each quite separate from the others, and this is often supposed to be the source of the English name The Rivals...
, although Garn Boduan
Garn Boduan
Garn Boduan is an Iron Age hill fort near Nefyn, on the Llŷn Peninsula in Wales.In a survey in the 1950s the traces of over 170 round houses were identified on this site, and around 100 round houses are still visible on the ground. Between 100 and 400 people may have lived in this fort. The lower...
, Garn Fadrun and Mynydd Rhiw are also distinctive. Large stretches of the northern coast consist of steep cliffs and rugged rocks with offshore islands and stacks, while there are more extensive sandy beaches on the southern coast, such as Porth Neigwl and Castellmarch Beach. North of Abersoch
Abersoch
Abersoch is a large village in the community of Llanengan in Gwynedd, Wales. It is a popular coastal seaside resort with approximately 1,000 inhabitants, on the east-facing south coast of the Llŷn Peninsula at the southern terminus of the A499. It is about south-west of Pwllheli and south-west of...
a series of sand dunes has developed. The landscape is divided into a patchwork of fields, with the traditional field boundaries, stone walls, hedgerows and cloddiau, a prominent feature.
Bardsey Island
Bardsey Island
Bardsey Island , the legendary "Island of 20,000 saints", lies off the Llŷn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. The Welsh name means "The Island in the Currents", although its English name refers to the "Island of the Bards", or possibly the island of the Viking chieftan, "Barda". It is ...
is steeped in religion and holy traditions. The first monastery on the island was established before 542 AD, and it became a major centre of pilgrimage during medieval times. There are numerous wells throughout the peninsula, many dating back to the pre-Christian era. Many have holy connotations, and they were important stops for pilgrims heading to the island.
The most rural parts are characterised by small houses, cottages and individual farms, resembling parts of south west Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
. Small compact villages, built of traditional materials, are squeezed into the landscape. The only large scale industrial development was quarrying and mining, which has now largely ceased. The granite quarries of northern Llŷn have left a legacy of inclines and export docks, and were the reason for the growth of villages such as Llithfaen
Llithfaen
Llithfaen is a small village on the Llyn Peninsula in Gwynedd, Wales. It is located around 4 miles north-east of Nefyn and lies just south-west of Yr Eifl mountain. There used to be three quarries close to the village, the last of which closed in 1963.-References:...
and Trefor
Trefor
Trefor is a village on the north coast of the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, Wales. Its population, with nearby Llanaelhaearn is 1,560.-Location and amenities:...
. Copper, zinc and lead were mined around Llanengan
Llanengan
Llanengan is a small village and community south west of Abersoch in Gwynedd, north-west Wales. It has a population of 2,024.In its centre is the parish church of St...
, while 196770 long tons (199,928.2 t) of manganese were produced at Y Rhiw between 1894 and 1945. Shipbuilding was important at Nefyn
Nefyn
Nefyn is a small town and community on the north west coast of the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, Wales, with a population of 2,619. Welsh is the first language of almost 80% of its inhabitants. The A497 road terminates in the town centre.-History:...
, Aberdaron
Aberdaron
Aberdaron is a community and former fishing village at the western tip of the Llŷn Peninsula in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. It lies west of Pwllheli and south west of Caernarfon, and has a population of 1,019. It is sometimes referred to as the "Land's End of Wales"...
, Abersoch and Llanaelhaearn
Llanaelhaearn
Llanaelhaearn is a village and community in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, located on the Llŷn Peninsula. The community includes the village of Trefor, and has a population of 1,067....
, although the industry collapsed after the introduction of steel ships from 1880. Nefyn was also an important herring port, and crab and lobster fishing was carried out in most coastal communities.
Farming was originally simple and organic, but underwent major changes after World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
as machines came into widespread use. Land was drained and fields expanded and reseeded. From the 1950s onwards, extensive use was made of artificial fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, leading to drastic changes in the appearance of the landscape.
Tourism developed after the construction of the railway to Pwllheli
Pwllheli
Pwllheli is a community and the main market town of the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, north-western Wales. It has a population of 3,861, of which a large proportion, 81 per cent, are Welsh speaking. Pwllheli is the place where Plaid Cymru was founded. It is the birthplace of Albert Evans-Jones -...
in 1867. The town expanded rapidly, with several large houses and hotels constructed, and a tramway was built linking the town to Llanbedrog
Llanbedrog
Llanbedrog is a village and community on the Llŷn peninsula of Gwynedd in Wales. It is situated on the south side of the peninsula on the A499 between Pwllheli and Abersoch. Formerly in the county of Caernarfonshire, it has a population of 1,020....
. Following World War II, Butlins
Butlins
Butlins is a chain of large holiday camps in the United Kingdom. Butlins was founded by Billy Butlin to provide affordable holidays for ordinary British families....
established a holiday camp at Penychain, which attracted visitors from the industrial cities of North West England
North West England
North West England, informally known as The North West, is one of the nine official regions of England.North West England had a 2006 estimated population of 6,853,201 the third most populated region after London and the South East...
and the West Midlands
West Midlands (region)
The West Midlands is an official region of England, covering the western half of the area traditionally known as the Midlands. It contains the second most populous British city, Birmingham, and the larger West Midlands conurbation, which includes the city of Wolverhampton and large towns of Dudley,...
. As car ownership increased, the tourist industry spread to the countryside and to coastal villages such as Aberdaron, Abersoch, Llanbedrog and Nefyn, where many families supplemented their income by letting out rooms and houses.
Pwllheli was the administrative centre of Llŷn for over 700 years. It was a royal maerdref of the Kingdom of Gwynedd
Kingdom of Gwynedd
Gwynedd was one petty kingdom of several Welsh successor states which emerged in 5th-century post-Roman Britain in the Early Middle Ages, and later evolved into a principality during the High Middle Ages. It was based on the former Brythonic tribal lands of the Ordovices, Gangani, and the...
, and became a free borough following the English conquest. By the 1770s it was described as "the best town in this county", and in the 18th and 19th centuries over 400 ships were built there.