Pen-y-Gwryd Pillboxes

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.

The monument consists of anti-invasion defences, dating to the early period of World War II (AD 1940-41), that formed part of Western Command Stop Line No. 23, which ran from Bangor to Portmadoc. Four pillboxes are located on and around the junction of the A498 and A4086 trunk roads, where they defend the strategically important road junction at the head of the Nant Gwynant valley, between Beddgelert, Capel Curig and Llanberis. The two northern pillboxes act as a pair and cover the A498 to the north. The southern pair defend the road to the Llanberis Pass and the head of the Nant Cynnyd valley respectively.

The pillboxes are built of concrete and possess sunken entrances. Locally sourced exterior stone walls and grass banks and roof coverings provide camouflage through concealment. They are regular in shape, but depart from the standard War Office specifications, as they have been adapted to suit local tactical requirements.

The significant views from the northern pair of pillboxes are to the north and east along the A4086 towards Capel Curig, whilst the significant views from the southern pair are to the southwest along the A4086 towards the Llanberis Pass.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of World War II anti-invasion practices. The monument is well preserved and has group value. It is an important relic of actions taken against the perceived threat of a German invasion from Ireland. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive. Each scheduled area is circular and measures 15m in diameter. Area 'A' is centred on Item 'A' (NGR SH 66105 55986). Area 'B' is centred on Item 'B' (NGR 66053 55724). Area 'C' is centred on Item 'C' (NGR 65888 55506). Area 'D' is centred on Item 'D' (NGR 65621 55497).