Llanwrtyd Wells (Welsh: Llanwrtyd) is a small town in the parish of Llanwrtyd in Powys, mid Wales, lying on the River Irfon.
With a population of 601 people (United Kingdom Census 2001), it claims to be the smallest town in Britain, although Fordwich in Kent has a smaller population. 34% have some knowledge of Welsh.
Llanwrtyd Wells grew as a spa town, based around the Ffynnon Ddrewllyd spring, which still exists. The town was also known as an eisteddfod site, and is the site of both the World Bog Snorkelling Championships and the annual Man versus Horse Marathon, as well as many other annual events.
The Abernant Lake Hotel was built on the site of an old farm, to cater for the many visitors, keen to take the spa waters. The hotel grounds include a 5 acres (2.0 ha) lake that was created in 1903 by damming an ox-bow of the River Irfon. During the Second World War, Abernant Lake Hotel was home to Bromsgrove School evacuated from Worcestershire and between 1943 and 1945, to the Czechoslovak State School for refugee children. It remained a hotel until 2007 when it became home to a multi-activity centre for school groups and families.
Read more about Llanwrtyd Wells: Cambrian Mill, Spa, Modern Times, Famous Residents, Town Twinning
Famous quotes containing the word wells:
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