LLANGWNADL HISTORY
Llangwnadl (sometimes spelt Llangwnnadl) derives its name from St. Gwynhoedl and was one of the most important places on the Pilgrim's Route as the Saints made their way to Bardsey.
Llangwnadl Curch should be on every visitors "to do" list when visiting the area. The original building was made of wattle, mud and timber, until Norman times when a stone building was erected. The first edifice was simple, being rectangular with a small window above the altar and a door in the west wall. During the Middle Ages the Shrine of Gwynhoedl became more and more popular and the popularity of the route made it necessary to enlarge the church, and therefore the south aisle was added and the arcade built. A large perpendicular window was also placed in the east wall, and a smaller window in the south wall and also the doorway was built in the south wall as it is today. The field adjacent to the Church, is to this day, called Cae Eisteddfa ,which means the place to sit and rest.
Llangwnadl Curch should be on every visitors "to do" list when visiting the area. The original building was made of wattle, mud and timber, until Norman times when a stone building was erected. The first edifice was simple, being rectangular with a small window above the altar and a door in the west wall. During the Middle Ages the Shrine of Gwynhoedl became more and more popular and the popularity of the route made it necessary to enlarge the church, and therefore the south aisle was added and the arcade built. A large perpendicular window was also placed in the east wall, and a smaller window in the south wall and also the doorway was built in the south wall as it is today. The field adjacent to the Church, is to this day, called Cae Eisteddfa ,which means the place to sit and rest.
In the Church there is a stone connected with Gwynhoedl which is reputed to be his tombstone. It was discovered during the renovations of 1940, when the plaster was removed off the walls. It can be seen in the south wall of the Church, and on it is cut a Celtic Cross. No doubt that the cross was originally painted, as traces of red colouring are still visible; this stone has been dated to around the year 600 A.D. Another relic of those early years is a bronze sanctus bell, an early Celtic Quadrangle bell dating back to the 6th century. Unfortunately the original bell is no longer in the Church, but can be seen at the National Museum in Cardiff.
Perhaps the most interesting feature in the Church are the pair of Latin inscriptions on the pillars in the north Arcade: one records the burial here of St. Gwynhoedl:
S GWYNHOEDL IACET HIC.
Perhaps the most interesting feature in the Church are the pair of Latin inscriptions on the pillars in the north Arcade: one records the burial here of St. Gwynhoedl:
S GWYNHOEDL IACET HIC.
The other records the building of the Aisle in 1520:
HEC EDES EDIFICATA EST IN ANO DNT IHRO
HEC EDES EDIFICATA EST IN ANO DNT IHRO
One peculiarity is the employment of the letters IHRO to represent Arabic numerals in the date, a passing fashion of first half of the 16th Century, which spread to this country from the Continent. On this pillar a mason's mark can also be found.
Up until the start of the 19th century, when road and rail links improved, the bay at Porth Colmon was an important landing place for all types of goods for this part of Lleyn, and evidence of this can still be seen today.
LLANGWNADL TODAY:
Today, following the closure of its Post Office and shop, Llangwnnadl has no centre as such. However, thanks to the scattering of hidden little coves, and beautiful stretches of secluded beaches, it remains a popular area with holiday makers and divers.
Porth Colmon is a delightful little cove, a natural harbour with a small slipway for the launching of small craft. At low tide the bay opens out to join Penllech beach, (which we have already covered in our Guide to Tudweiliog). Plenty of rock pools for crabbing, and popular with fishermen. Access is via the narrow country lane signposted off the B4417 or by walking across Penllech beach. If you want to stay, literally on the beach at Porth Colmon, then click HERE to take a look at this delightful cottage in a unique location.
SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION IN LLANGWNADL:
NEFYN HOLIDAYS have a wide range of holiday accommodation in the area. For a full list please visit the Nefyn Holidays website.
CAMPSITES IN LLANGWNADL:
Pen-y-Bont Bach, Llangwnadl. Tel: 01758 770252
Llecyn, Llangwnadl. Tel: 01758 770347
NEAREST SHOPS:
The Post Office at Tudweiliog sells basic provisions.
Otherwise Londis in Nefyn, Spar in Aberdaron, or the village shop in Sarn. (These villages will be covered in later posts).
NEAREST GARAGE WHICH DOES CAR REPAIRS:
Tegfan Garage, Llangwnadl. Tel: 01758 770651
Pen Y Bont Garage, Sarn Meyllteyrn.
Efail Rhos Garage, Rhoshirwaun. Tel:01758 760227
EW&SE Pritchard. Morfa Nefyn. Tel: 01758 720219
NEAREST PETROL STATION:
Pen Y Bont Garage, Sarn Meyllteyrn.
EW&SE Pritchard, Morfa Nefyn. Tel: 01758 720219. Usually open until 6 pm and half days on Sundays.
NEAREST DOCTOR'S SURGERIES:
Meddygfa Rhydbach, Botwnnog. Tel:01758 730266
Ty Doctor, Nefyn. Tel: 0844 815 1166
NEAREST HOSPITALS:
Bryn Beryl Hospital on the A499 some 2 miles out of Pwllheli. Minor injuries unit. Tel: 01758 701122
Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor. Main hospital for the area with full Accident and Emergency facilities. Tel: 01248 384384
NEAREST PHARMACY:
Fferyllwyr Llyn, in Nefyn, next to the Londis store. Tel. 01758 720214. Open Mon. to Fri. 8.30 am to 6pm, Saturday 8.30 until 4 pm, and Sunday 10 am until 2 pm.
NEAREST BANK/ATM MACHINE:
Midland Bank in Nefyn - by the mini-roundabout in the centre of Nefyn.
There are also ATM's at the Post Offices in Sarn and Botwnnog, though these have restricted opening hours.
NEAREST POST OFFICE:
Tudweiliog Post Office.
Waterloo House, Sarn Meyllteyrn.
PUBLIC HOUSE:
Ty Newydd Hotel, Sarn Meyllteyrn Tel: 01758 730747. A popular venue for Welsh musicians.
NEAREST PLACES TO EAT:
The Lion Hotel, Tudweiliog. Tel: 01758 770244.
Penrhyn Arms Hotel, Sarn Meyllteyrn. Tel: 01758 730 218
Mill House Restaurant, Sarn Meyllteyrn. Tel:01758 730288
TAXIS:
Morfa Nefyn Taxis: 01758 – 720985
CAR PARKING IN LLANGWNADL:
There is no car park in the village.
NEAREST POLICE STATIONS:
Nefyn Police Station - part-time station on Ffordd Dewi Sant (the main Morfa Nefyn to Nefyn road).Next nearest is Pwllheli Police Station on Ala Road, Pwllheli. Tel: 01286 670160 Opening Hours Monday to Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.
NEAREST INTERNET ACCESS POINTS:
Nefyn Library Free internet access. Open 2 pm to 6pm Monday and Thursday; 10am to 12 on Tuesday, and 4pm to 6pm on Friday.Next nearest Pwllheli Library, K2 Computers in Pwllheli (01758 613130) or Azzta Computers in Pwllheli (01758 612277).
NEAREST CINEMA:
Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli. Tel: 01758 704088. Click on link for programme information.
A TREAT WHILST ON HOLIDAY:
Selective Seafoods. Tel: 01758 770397
Supplying locally caught, fresh Crabs and Lobsters, Sea Bass, and Mackerel in season.
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