Subscribe to the BlogDivided by the rivers Glaslyn and Colwyn which flow into the sea, the area around Beddgelert is very picturesque. It is believed that Christian missionaries settled this area round about 700 AD, establishing a hermitage on the western banks of the River Colwyn. However this village only really started to develop in the 1700's.
By 1200 this area was famous for its holiness and the hospitality they provided to pilgrims and travelers. Welsh Princes were generous with giving land to the church and the Priory of Valley St. Mary's of Snowdon was establish here, much of the parts of this priory church can still be seen.
In the late 1700's a new bridge and turnpike were built, and during the Napoleonic War this area was very popular with visiting artists and other people from England. The Royal Goat Hotel was built to accommodate this new spate of visitors, and the owner of the hotel, together with local men created Gelert's grave.
There is a sad and very touching tale about Gelert who as the dog of Prince Llewellyn. One day he went hunting, leaving Gelert to guard his baby in the tent, a wolf came along and Gelert killed the wolf who wanted to take the baby. On the return of the Prince, he saw the blood on the dog and though it had killed his baby, but the baby had merely rolled in the blankets, he killed Gelert and later found the child. He buried Gelert next to the river Glaslyn and passersby know the sign of Gelert. Hence the name of the town "Beddgelert"!
Today forestry and farming link with tourism in this area, and families can be accommodated on real working farms as well as in many tourist facilities. There is a wide range of activities to take part in and so much to see in the nearby surrounding areas. Lovers of the great outdoors and history have a fine old time in North Wales and Beddgelert is North Wales at its very best.
By: Simon Haughtone
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