Harlech

infobox UK place
country = Wales
welsh_name=
constituency_welsh_assembly= Dwyfor Meirionnydd
latitude= 52.86044
longitude= -4.10549
map_type=
official_name= Harlech
unitary_wales= Gwynedd
lieutenancy_wales= Gwynedd
constituency_westminster= Meirionnydd Nant Conwy
post_town= HARLECH
postcode_district = LL46
postcode_area= LL
dial_code= 01766
os_grid_reference= SH581312
population= 1,264
map_type= location map|Wales Gwynedd|label=|position=left|float=none|long=-4.0|lat=52.8|caption=|width=190

Harlech (pronounced IPA2|ˈhar.lɛx) is a town and seaside resort in Gwynedd, north-west Wales, lying on Tremadog Bay, and within the Snowdonia National Park. It has a population of 1,264, of whom 63% speak Welsh. [ [http://hen.gwynedd.gov.uk/adrannau/economaidd/ffeithiau/local-information/meirionnydd/harlech/index.english.htm] Dead link|date=March 2008] .

The town is best known for Harlech Castle, begun in 1283 by Edward I of England, captured by Owain Glyndŵr, and later the stronghold of Henry Tudor. The castle was originally built next to the sea, but geological processes have changed the shape of the coastline, and the castle now lies on a cliff face, about half a mile inland. The town has since developed with housing estates on the flat low town area and hillside properties in the high town around the shopping street, church and castle. The two areas are linked by a steep and winding road called Twtil.

The town is also the home of Wales' only long term adult residential college, Coleg Harlech, also known as the college of second chance.

Theatr Harlech (formerly called Theatr Ardudwy) is located on the Coleg Harlech campus and stages a varied selection of plays, music and films throughout the year.

Ysgol Ardudwy is the county secondary school for children between the ages of 11-16.

Other attractions in Harlech include its beach backed with sand dunes and the famous Royal St David's Golf Club. The Rhinogydd (or Rhinogs) range of mountains lies to the east. The town lay in the pre-1974 county of Merionethshire.

The town has a railway station served by the Cambrian Line.

The song Men of Harlech is associated with the town.

Harlech Gallery

Harlech Castle with flags at half mast after death of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother 2002

ee also

*Morfa Harlech sand dunes
*Harlech Castle
*Lord Harlech
*HTV - Harlech Television
*Ellis Wynne - Welsh language author

References

External links

* [http://www.secretsnowdonia.co.uk Harlech Tourism Association]
* [http://www.harlech.ac.uk/ Coleg Harlech]
* [http://www.theatrharlech.co.uk/ Theatr Harlech]
* [http://www.royalstdavids.co.uk/ Royal Saint David's Golf Club]
* [http://www.gtj.org.uk/en/item1/11473 Aerial photograph of Harlech]
* [http://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=3490569 www.geograph.co.uk : photos of Harlech and surrounding area]