Step back in time-Llanrwst

Dip into the history of this ancient town with the help of the Llanrwst Guide and Llanrwst Almshouses

Llanrwst is a town shrouded in myth, legend and a history dating back 1,500 years. The historic quarter of the town includes St Grwst Church, Pont Fawr Bridge, Tu-hwnt-i'r-bont, Ancaster Square, the Almshouses and the Old Tannery.

It is unique in many aspects, altering little in 400 years.The town also famously considers itself independent of the United Kingdom, and proudly bears the motto 'Cymru, Lloegr a Llanrwst! - Wales. England and Llanrwst!'. Possessing its own flag and arms, the town unsuccessfully applied for separate membership of the United Nations. A visit to Llanrwst is an opportunity to step back in time to an age when hospitality and trade were paramount, when Knights, Armigers and local lords ruled over a little independent state.

The rich culture and traditions of Wales find expression in the town of Llanrwst.Llanrwst Almshouses were constructed in 1610 by Sir John Wynn of Gwydir to house 12 poor men of the parish. For 400 years they continued to provide shelter until 1976 when the buildings closed. Then in 1996 with the aid of Heritage Lottery funding the Almshouses were restored and in 2002 opened by Lord Elis Thomas as a museum of local history and a community focal point.Llanrwst is a town shrouded in myth, legend and a history dating back 1,500 years. The historic quarter of the town includes St Grwst Church, Pont Fawr Bridge, Tu-hwnt-i'r-bont, Ancaster Square, the Almshouses and the Old Tannery. It is unique in many aspects, altering little in 400 years.