The Drowning of Capel Celyn
In 1965, the Welsh village of Capel Celyn in the Tryweryn Valley was completely submerged to create Llyn Celyn reservoir, supplying water to Liverpool and the Wirral. The village, once a vibrant Welsh-speaking community, was abandoned after a decade-long fight by residents. The Liverpool Corporation led the project, which was approved by Parliament in 1962 despite opposition from all 35 Welsh MPs.
The Fight for the Village
In 1955, residents learned of the plans and formed the Capel Celyn Defense Committee. They protested and marched to Liverpool, but Liverpool councillors voted overwhelmingly to proceed. A private bill sponsored by Liverpool City Council was passed in 1962, and by 1965, the village was drowned. The flooding submerged 800 acres of land, including homes, a school, post office, chapel, and cemetery. Of the 67 residents, 48 lost their homes and were forced to relocate.
Political Impact
The controversy fueled support for Welsh nationalism, particularly Plaid Cymru. The erasure of traditional Welsh culture and language was a key grievance, as the village symbolized authentic Welsh heritage.
Visiting Today
Today, Llyn Celyn is a popular site for walkers, offering stunning views. A memorial chapel commemorates the lost village. TripAdvisor reviewers describe it as "beautiful but sad." One visitor wrote: "People's lives were completely upturned, and their entire village was drowned. Well worth a visit, especially if you read the history." Another said: "The heartbreaking history of this reservoir should never be forgotten." During heatwaves, such as in 2018, the water level drops enough to reveal remnants of the village.
