Llangollen 18 and 19 September 2010

Llangollen derives its name from St Collen who established a church enclosure or “Llan” in the 7th century.  This is now the site of St Collen’s Church and churchyard.  In the 9th century Cyngen, Prince of Powys erected a pillar as a memorial to his great-grandfather Eliseg who had withstood the invasion of the Anglo-Saxons in the previous century.  Valle Crucis Abbey was founded by the Cistercians in 1200, and they were responsible for many agricultural improvements.  The original Corn Mill (rebuilt 1786) was established under their patronage.

Castell Dinas Bran was built by Gruffydd ap Madoc Prince of Powys Fadog around 1260 but was destroyed shortly after in 1277 before it could be used by the invading English. The bridge, reputedly the first stone bridge over the Dee, was considered one of the seven ‘wonders of Wales’ and was built by Bishop John Trevor of Trevor Hall in 1345.

Before the 19th century Llangollen was a small market town centred around the church and the bridge.  Today it is known mainly for its International Eisteddfod and the “Ladies of Llangollen”, and their home, Plas Newydd.  More recent buildings of interest are the Museum, originally built in the 1970’s to house the Library, and the Royal International Pavilion in 1992 to provide a permanent replacement for the previous canvas marquee – (the tent for original national eisteddfod in 1858 was made of flannel!).