Harlech
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Harlech | |
  Harlech shown within the United Kingdom |
|
| Population | 1,264 |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | |
| Principal area | Gwynedd |
| Ceremonial county | Gwynedd |
| Constituent country | Wales |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | HARLECH |
| Postcode district | LL46 |
| Dialling code | 01766 |
| Police | North Wales |
| Fire | North Wales |
| Ambulance | Welsh |
| European Parliament | Wales |
| UK Parliament | Meirionnydd Nant Conwy |
| Welsh Assembly | Dwyfor Meirionnydd |
| List of places: UK • Wales • Gwynedd | |
Harlech (pronounced IPA: [ˈhar.lɛx]) is a town and seaside resort in Gwynedd, north-west Wales, lying on Tremadog Bay, and within the Snowdonia National Park. It has a population of 1,264, of whom 63% speak Welsh. [1].
The town is best known for Harlech Castle, begun in 1283 by Edward I of England, captured by Owain Glyndŵr, and later the stronghold of Henry Tudor. The castle was originally built next to the sea, but geological processes have changed the shape of the coastline, and the castle now lies on a cliff face, about half a mile inland. The town has since developed with housing estates on the flat low town area and hillside properties in the high town around the shopping street, church and castle. The two areas are linked by a steep and winding road called Twtil.
The town is also the home of Wales' only long term adult residential college, Coleg Harlech, also known as the college of second chance.
Theatr Harlech (formerly called Theatr Ardudwy) is located on the Coleg Harlech campus and stages a varied selection of plays, music and films throughout the year.
Ysgol Ardudwy is the county secondary school for children between the ages of 11-16.
Other attractions in Harlech include its beach backed with sand dunes and the famous Royal St David's Golf Club. The Rhinogydd (or Rhinogs) range of mountains lies to the east. The town lay in the pre-1974 county of Merionethshire.
The town has a railway station served by the Cambrian Line.
The song Men of Harlech is associated with the town.
Contents |
[edit] Harlech Gallery
 Harlech Castle with flags at half mast after death of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother 2002 |
 The Two Kings (sculptor Ivor Robert-Jones, 1984) near Harlech Castle, Wales. Bendigeidfran carries the body of his nephew Gwern |
 Harlech as viewed from the beach area, the Castle is located centre-left |
 Harlech College with Harlech Castle in background |
[edit] See also
- Morfa Harlech sand dunes
- Harlech Castle
- Lord Harlech
- HTV - Harlech Television
- Ellis Wynne - Welsh language author
