Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Taliesin Monument
Trefriw, Conwy, Wales
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade II
- Broad class
- Commemorative
- Date of designation
- 30 May 1996
- Locality
- Llyn Geirionydd
- Community
- Trefriw
- Unitary authority
- Conwy
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 53.13660, -3.84878
- Cadw reference
- 16947
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesLlyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of WalesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries
Shown on 5 historical map sheets, the earliest the 1795 "To Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn Bart ... the map of the six counties of North Wales is most humbly inscribed by his obedient humble servant" (Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – The National Library of Wales).
Cadw's description
Location
Located on a natural mount at the N end of Lake Geirionydd.
History
Monolithic memorial erected c.1850 by Lord Willoughby De Eresby of Gwydir Castle on the supposed site of the birthplace of the famous C6th bard Taliesin. In 1863, disillusioned with the formality of the Eisteddfod rules, the poet Gwilym Gowlyd held his first Arwest here; from then until 1927 it continued to be held annually on this site at the foot of the monument to `the chief of bards.' Following its collapse in 1976 during a storm, the pillar was re-erected in 1994.
Exterior
3-stepped square boulder plinth surmounted by a tall pillar of undressed stone, itself surmounted by a plain oak cross. Brass plaque to front with historical information inscribed bilingually.
Reason for designation
Of literary and historic interest associated with Taliesin as the focus, for over sixty years, for the Arwest of Gwilym Gowlyd.
Nearby in the register
- Klondyke Lead MillLead Mineunder 1 mi
- Pont Hafod ArthenTransportunder 1 mi
- Llanrhychwyn ChurchReligious, Ritual and Funeraryunder 1 mi
- Lychgate at Llanrhychwyn ChurchReligious, Ritual and Funeraryunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.