Conwy was much smaller than I had expected, but rather likeable and medieval, founded in the 1200s, after King Edward I of England's conquest of Wales, to establish colonial power. It still has its medieval walls and castle. The castle was closed while we were there in preparation for filming of a feature film based on a video game. The rumor is it's Elden Ring, filmed in Imax with a $100 million budget. We were also mesmerized by the harbour's impressive tidal range and sturdy pair of bridges.
We originally had plans to climb Mount Snowdonia, but the weather was not good enough. One afternoon we popped over to Llandudno to have a quick look. Llandudno was founded by Edward Mostyn by converting public land to private land through Enclosure in the 1840s.
In the following decade, the railroad came to Llandudno, connecting it to the industrial heartland. In recent decades airplane travel has connected the industrial heartland to far greater places. Llandudno has held on surprisingly well, in fact I was thinking we should have based ourselves here, better selection of accommodation. One could say it was another version of Brighton in North Wales. See photos below of the Llandudno pier and promenade.
Another day from Conwy, we got a day ticket on the bus - we rode 5 and 5C - and made the rounds.
- Caernarfon Castle, another one of the King Edward I castles, like Conwy Castle, forming the "Iron Ring" of control and domination.
- National Trust Penrhyn Castle, not a real castle, but rather a grand house built in the style of a castle with profits from four Jamaica sugar plantations totaling 1000 slaves. There was William Morris wallpaper in situ!
- Bodnant Garden is known for its 160ft laburnum tunnel and it was in full bloom. It was glorious. John - now I see what other people are trying to do with real or fake plants, around the world. The gardens were gifted to the National Trust while the McLaren family still owns the house and 5000 acres; no direct connection to slaves and colonies. The McLaren's wealth came from chemical inventions and industrial ventures.
Bus 5C, plus Caernarfon Castle and its huge parking lot.
We left Caernarfon by bus, rode for about 15 minutes, then walked about 30 minutes in a light rain to Penrhyn Castle.
And the Penrhyn Garden
The highlight of the National Trust Bodnant Garden is the Laburnum Arch, flowering when we visited!
Round Garden
The family's manorhouse.
The Terrace Garden
Pin Mill and Reflection, Lily Pond, and Canal Terrace
Himalayan Blue Poppy
The view from the Lily Terrace and its semi-circular Lily Pond.
More gardens.
