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The 13th century saw a powerful Welsh ruler, Llywelyn the Great, erecting castles such as Dolwyddelan, Dolbadarn and Criccieth, & coming close to creating a united and independent Wales. After his death in 1240, civil war ensued and the accession to the English throne of Edward I, a man who wanted to rule Britain, meant the end of Welsh Independence. Edward I surrounded the mountains of Snowdonia with a series of castles, including Conwy, Caernarfon, Beaumaris and Harlech, all of which survive today as remarkable examples of medieval military buildings. Victorian fashions in Britain meant that roofing slates were in enormous demand, and the slate quarries around Snowdonia became the main provider.
The first tourists started coming to Snowdonia around the time that the slate-quarrying business was developing. Betws-y-Coed was a main attraction for these Romantics (intellectuals, poets, writers and artists) due to the stunning location. The region continued to grow in popularity and the tourism industry has grown alongside commercial impact on the region such as the building of reservoirs, and planting of huge conifer plantations (many now being returned to managed natural British woodland).
Snowdonia became a National Park in 1951, and is the 2nd largest of the 10 National Parks of England and Wales. National parks are defined as ‘as extensive area of beautiful and relatively wild country in which, for the nation’s benefit and by appropriate national decision and action, a) the characteristic landscape beauty is strictly preserved, b) access and facilities for public open-air enjoyment are amply provided c) wildlife and buildings and places of architectural and historic interest are suitably protected while d) established farming use is effectively maintained.
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All information on this website is Copyright © 2007 by Siabod Longhouse
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