Nant Gwrtheyrn: Difference between revisions
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==History== |
==History== |
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The quarry named Nant Gwrtheyrn opened in 1861, and was serviced by a village on the site of the current language centre called '''Porth y Nant.''' |
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is the site of a former community in [[Wales]], near [[Llithfaen]]. The village was housing for workers at the nearby [[granite]] quarry of [[Nant Gwrtheyrn]] whose output was [[Sett (paving)|sett]]s used for road surfacing. The quarry was opened in 1861 and closed early in World War II, partly due to a drop in demand and also to transport difficulties. The community dispersed at this time. |
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The site was formerly a stone quarry and its community lived an isolated existence with limited contact with the outside world. The hillsides of the Nant, through their landscape scars and the ruins of quarry structures, testify to this former existence, especially hard in winter when storms drive in to the valley. After the quarry was closed, the cottages fell into disrepair and were occupied by hippies for a time. The site was the subject of several plans for redevelopment, including as an approved school, when it was acquired by a local trust set up to establish a Welsh language centre there. |
The site was formerly a stone quarry and its community lived an isolated existence with limited contact with the outside world. The hillsides of the Nant, through their landscape scars and the ruins of quarry structures, testify to this former existence, especially hard in winter when storms drive in to the valley. After the quarry was closed, the cottages fell into disrepair and were occupied by hippies for a time. The site was the subject of several plans for redevelopment, including as an approved school, when it was acquired by a local trust set up to establish a Welsh language centre there. |
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Revision as of 18:53, 14 April 2011
 | It has been suggested that this article be merged with Porth y Nant. (Discuss) Proposed since March 2011. |
The Nant Gwrtheyrn Welsh Language and Heritage Centre inhabits a former quarrying village (Porth y Nant) on the northern coast of the Llŷn Peninsula, Gwynedd, in northwest Wales. It is sometimes referred to as 'the Nant' and is named after the valley where it is located, Nant Gwrtheyrn ("Vortigern's Creek"), which lies in isolation by the sea at the foot of Yr Eifl.
History
The quarry named Nant Gwrtheyrn opened in 1861, and was serviced by a village on the site of the current language centre called Porth y Nant.
is the site of a former community in Wales, near Llithfaen. The village was housing for workers at the nearby granite quarry of Nant Gwrtheyrn whose output was setts used for road surfacing. The quarry was opened in 1861 and closed early in World War II, partly due to a drop in demand and also to transport difficulties. The community dispersed at this time.
The site was formerly a stone quarry and its community lived an isolated existence with limited contact with the outside world. The hillsides of the Nant, through their landscape scars and the ruins of quarry structures, testify to this former existence, especially hard in winter when storms drive in to the valley. After the quarry was closed, the cottages fell into disrepair and were occupied by hippies for a time. The site was the subject of several plans for redevelopment, including as an approved school, when it was acquired by a local trust set up to establish a Welsh language centre there.
The language centre
The centre specialises in courses for adults who want to learn Welsh as a second language. Courses are held throughout the year at a variety of levels from absolute beginner up to Higher and Proficiency levels, with learners' weekends and other activities to strengthen understanding. Course participants usually are offered one or two cultural experiences as well as formal teaching. Accommodation for students is available in the village, which consists of two terraces of former workmen's cottages, Trem y Mor (Sea View) and Trem y Mynydd (Mountain View).
The centre is used in addition for weddings and conferences, and as a residential site for "Imaginative Writing" students at Liverpool John Moores University. The countryside surrounding Nant Gwrtheyrn is known for its outstanding natural beauty, and frequented for this by writers and photographers.
Landscape and access
The nearby beach can be seen from the village and it is accessible via an unpaved path. The views take in Porth Dinllaen and on a clear day South Stack lighthouse on Anglesey can be seen. The fabulous Castle Gwrtheyrn was destroyed by a fire from heaven, according to legend.
The remote character of the centre means that it is difficult of access. The original road down into the village was very steep and full of sharp bends, and was unsuitable for nervous or inexperienced drivers, or for bad weather conditions; indeed, it was for this reason used as a "corkscrew" testing ground for internationally famous motor firms. It has now been improved, and has passing places. The nearest bus stop is in the nearby village of Llithfaen and the nearest rail stations are in Pwllheli and Bangor. Walking to the centre from the top of the valley is also possible, but the walk down can take over forty minutes and the walk up is a strenuous one that can take over an hour.