Barmouth

infobox UK place
country=Wales
welsh_name=Abermaw
constituency_welsh_assembly=
map_type=Abermaw
official_name=Barmouth (Abermaw)
latitude=52.722
longitude=-4.055
unitary_wales=Gwynedd
lieutenancy_wales=Gwynedd
constituency_westminster=Meirionnydd Nant Conwy
post_town=Abermaw / Barmouth
postcode_district=LL42
postcode_area=LL
dial_code=01341
os_grid_reference=SH613158
population=2230
map_type=location map|Wales Gwynedd|label=|position=left|float=none|long=-4.0|lat=52.7|caption=|width=190

Barmouth (Welsh: "Abermaw" (formal); "Y Bermo" (colloquial)) is a town in the county of Gwynedd, north-western Wales, lying on the estuary of the River Mawddach and Cardigan Bay.

The town is served by Barmouth railway station.

History

The town grew around the shipbuilding industry, and more recently as a seaside resort. Notable buildings include the mediaeval Tŷ Gwyn tower house, the 19th century Tŷ Crwn roundhouse prison and St John's Church. There is also a new Lifeboat Visitors' Centre, where visitors can purchase souvenirs, and take a look at the RNLI lifeboat from the viewing gallery. The busy harbour plays host to the annual Three Peaks yacht race. The famous mountaineer and sailor Bill Tilman lived in Barmouth for many years.

Barmouth Bridge, which takes the Cambrian Line over the River Mawddach, was also formerly at the end of the GWR Ruabon Barmouth line, which passed through Bala and Dolgellau. The southern end of the bridge is now the start of the Mawddach Trail, a cycle path and walk way that utilises the old trackbed.

Ferries sail from Barmouth to Penrhyn Point, where they connect with the narrow gauge Fairbourne Railway for the village of Fairbourne.

William Wordsworth, a visitor to Barmouth in the 19th century, described it thus: "With a fine sea view in front, the mountains behind, the glorious estuary running eight miles inland, and Cadair Idris within compass of a day's walk, Barmouth can always hold its own against any rival."

.

One of Barmouth's star attractions in recent years has been the Arousal Cafe. Originally the 'Carousal Cafe', the letter C was stolen soon after the sign was put up. The owner replaced the C numerous times, only to find it stolen again. He has since ceased his attempts to fix the sign.

Famous sons and daughters

* Herbert Tudor Buckland: Architect b.1869, d.1951
* Charlie (Charlene) Brooks: Actress (East Enders) b. 1981
* Johnny Williams: Boxer b.1926, d.2007

External links

* [http://www.barmouth-communities-first.org/ Barmouth community website latest news from Barmouth and historical photo gallery and much more.]
* [http://www.barmouth.org.uk/ Barmouth.org]
* [http://www.snowdoniaguide.com/barmouth.html Illustrated Guide to Barmouth]
* [http://delwedd.llgc.org.uk/delweddau/gcf/gcf02879.jpgSunset at Barmouth] and [http://delwedd.llgc.org.uk/delweddau/gcf/gcf03160.jpgBarmouth Evening] by Christopher Williams, painted in 1910s and exhibited at National Library of Wales.
* [http://www.gtj.org.uk/en/item1/11338 Aerial photograph of Barmouth]
* [http://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=3491048 www.geograph.co.uk : photos of Barmouth and surrounding area]