Harlech

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Coordinates: 52°51′38″N 4°06′20″W / 52.86044°N 4.10549°W / 52.86044; -4.10549

Harlech
Harlech shown within Wales
Population	1,264
OS grid reference	SH581312
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 (Welsh pronunciation: [ˈharlɛx]) 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.^{[citation needed]} The town lay in the pre-1974 county of Merionethshire.

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.

[edit] Transport

The town has a railway station served by the Cambrian Line.

[edit] Educational facilities

Ysgol Ardudwy is the county secondary school for children between the ages of 11-16.

The town is also the home of Wales' only long term adult residential college, Coleg Harlech, also known as the college of second chance.

[edit] Recreation

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.

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.

[edit] In popular culture

The song Men of Harlech is associated with the town, and is traditionally said to describe events during the seven year long siege of the castle between 1461 and 1468.^[1]

[edit] Famous residents

• Ellis Wynne (1671-1734) - Welsh language author

[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

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Harlech Tourism Association
• Coleg Harlech
• Theatr Harlech
• Royal Saint David's Golf Club
• Aerial photograph of Harlech
• www.geograph.co.uk : photos of Harlech and surrounding area

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