In 1965, the Welsh village of Capel Celyn in the Tryweryn Valley was deliberately flooded to create a reservoir for Liverpool, sparking lasting controversy. Today, during extreme heatwaves, its ruins occasionally reappear above the waterline, drawing visitors to its haunting remains.
The Flooding of Capel Celyn
The village, a thriving Welsh-speaking community, was submerged after a decade-long fight by residents. The Liverpool Corporation sought to secure water for Liverpool and the Wirral, leading to a private bill that passed in 1962 despite opposition from all 35 Welsh MPs who voted. Approximately 800 acres were flooded, submerging homes, a school, a post office, a chapel, and a cemetery. Of the 67 residents, 48 lost their homes and many were forced to relocate.
Political and Cultural Impact
The destruction of Capel Celyn fueled support for Plaid Cymru, the Welsh nationalist party, and became a symbol of Welsh cultural erasure. The reservoir, named Llyn Celyn, remains a painful memory for locals, who fought through the Capel Celyn Defense Committee with protests and marches to Liverpool.
Visiting the Site Today
During dry spells, such as the 2018 heatwave, low water levels reveal remnants of the village. A memorial chapel stands as a tribute. Visitors describe the site as "beautiful but sad," with one TripAdvisor reviewer noting: "people's lives were completely upturned, and their entire village was drowned." Another wrote: "The heartbreaking history of this reservoir should never be forgotten." The reservoir offers scenic walks amid rolling hills, attracting tourists who reflect on its history.
