A grassroots uprising in the heart of rural Wales has scored a decisive victory against a travel company accused of attempting to anglicise a piece of local heritage. The firm, initially known as Welsh Rare Breeds, sparked fury after it purchased the historic mansion Tŷ Mawr and rebranded it under the English name 'The English Manor'.
The move was seen by residents of Berriew, Powys, as a direct affront to their cultural identity and the property's deep Welsh roots. The subsequent backlash was swift and powerful, forcing the company into a complete reversal.
A Community Fights Back
Villagers expressed profound dismay at the rebrand, interpreting it not as a simple marketing decision but as an act of cultural erasure. The name Tŷ Mawr, which translates to 'Big House' in English, is deeply woven into the local history and landscape. To see it rebranded with an explicitly English title was, for many, a step too far.
The community's response was immediate and coordinated. A formal complaint was lodged with the company, articulating the deep-seated offence caused by the name change. The strength of local feeling left the business with little choice but to listen.
The Company's Climbdown
Facing intense pressure, the travel firm has now performed a full U-turn. It has publicly apologised for the 'insensitive' rebrand and confirmed it will revert to using the property's original and rightful Welsh name, Tŷ Mawr.
In a statement, the company acknowledged its error, stating the change was made to better appeal to its core market but admitting it had "completely misjudged and underestimated the importance of the name to the local community and to the property itself." The firm has pledged to be more considerate of local culture and history in its future operations.
A Victory for Cultural Heritage
This story is more than a simple corporate rebranding failure; it is a testament to the power of community action. The residents of Berriew stood firm to protect a cherished landmark, ensuring its Welsh identity was preserved for future generations.
The successful campaign sends a clear message to businesses operating in areas with strong cultural identities: local heritage is not for sale and cannot be whitewashed for commercial gain. The name Tŷ Mawr will rightly remain, a symbol of Welsh pride and a victory for community spirit.
