💧🏞️ The Story of Tryweryn – The Village Underwater 🏡🌊
A long time ago, a small Welsh village called Capel Celyn was flooded on purpose to make a huge reservoir. This happened in 1965 when the village was turned into a lake to provide water for a city in England. The story of Tryweryn is very important in Welsh history. Let’s find out why!
Where Was Tryweryn? 🌍
The Tryweryn Valley was in North Wales, near the town of Bala. It was a beautiful area with hills, farms, and a small village called Capel Celyn. People had lived there for generations, speaking Welsh and working on farms.
🏡 The village had:
✔ Houses where families lived.
✔ A school for children.
✔ A chapel where people prayed.
✔ Farms and fields for animals.
But everything changed when Liverpool City Council decided they needed more water for their city.
What Happened to Capel Celyn? 🚜🌊
📅 In 1957, the government decided to build a reservoir in the Tryweryn Valley.
🚜 The people of Capel Celyn had no choice – their homes were going to be destroyed.
🗳️ The Welsh MPs voted against it, but the UK government allowed it anyway.
🏡 By 1965, the village was flooded, and Capel Celyn disappeared under the water.
Now, Llyn Celyn (Celyn Lake) is where the village once stood. Beneath the water, the remains of the village still exist.
Why Is Tryweryn Important? 🤔
Many people in Wales were angry and upset about Tryweryn because:
❌ The people of the village didn’t have a say – they were forced to leave.
❌ Most Welsh people didn’t want the reservoir – but their voices were ignored.
❌ It was a sign that Wales had little political power at the time.
The words “Cofiwch Dryweryn” (“Remember Tryweryn”) became a symbol of Welsh identity and history. You can see this written on walls and buildings all over Wales.
What Is Tryweryn Like Today? 🏞️
🌊 Today, Llyn Celyn is a huge lake that provides water for Liverpool.
🏞️ People visit to walk, fish, and enjoy the views.
📝 The story of Tryweryn is still remembered in Welsh history.
🖌️ The famous “Cofiwch Dryweryn” mural is painted on a wall near Aberystwyth.
Tryweryn is an important story about Welsh history, culture, and the right to be heard.
Fun Facts About Tryweryn! 🤩
✔ Capel Celyn was one of the last Welsh-only speaking villages! 🗣️
✔ The UK government never apologised for flooding the village.
✔ In 2005, Liverpool City Council finally said sorry for what happened.
✔ The “Cofiwch Dryweryn” mural has been repainted many times because it keeps getting damaged. 🎨
What Can You Do? 🎨📖
🖌️ Draw Llyn Celyn – What do you think the village under the water looks like now?
📖 Write a story about what life was like in Capel Celyn before it was flooded.
🔎 Find a “Cofiwch Dryweryn” sign – Have you seen one anywhere in Wales?
Even though Capel Celyn is gone, the people of Wales will always remember Tryweryn! 💙🏡🌊
