We have always loved Dolgellau. It’s a pleasant little market town - a jumble of narrow streets and small squares. Nearly all the buildings are in Welsh slate, and the town boats more listed buildings than any other in the UK . [A listed building is one which cannot be structurally altered without special permission - which is seldom granted.] The town is very old and was in existence in Roman times. It became famous at the time of the rebellion of Owain Glyndwr as the place where he held the last Welsh Parliament in 1404, and from which he made a treaty with Charles VI of France. In more recent times, Dolgellau had its own gold rush in the nineteenth century. Gold from the surrounding hills has traditionally been used to make the wedding rings of the English royal family. Until recently, it also had a thriving woollen industry. The wonderful scenery of the Dolgellau district has brought many famous visitors to the town. Not all of them were impressed. Daniel Defoe signed the register in one of the town’s hotels with these words:If you ever go to Dolgelley,
Don’t stay at the Lion Hotel;
For there’s nothing to put in your belly,
And the waiter won’t answer the bell.
