About

Set between Betws-y-Coed and Conwy, Llanrwst is a historic market town in the Conwy Valley. It takes its name from the 5th/6th century Saint Grwst.

The growth of the town in the 13th century was considerably aided by an edict by Edward I of England, who built Conwy Castle, prohibiting any Welshman from trading within 10 miles (16 km) of that town. Llanrwst, located some 13 miles (21 km) from Conwy, was therefore strategically placed to benefit from this.

The town grew around wool, and indeed for a long time the price of wool for the whole of Britain was set here. Llanrwst also became renowned for harp manufacture, but today, lying as it does in Snowdonia, its main industry aside that of being a market town is tourism.

Notable buildings in Llanrwst include the almshouses, two 17th-century chapels and the Parish Church of St Grwst, which holds the stone coffin of Llywelyn the Great. Pont Fawr, a narrow three-arch stone bridge that is said to have been designed by Inigo Jones, was built in 1636 by Sir John Wynn of Gwydir Castle. The bridge connects the town with Gwydir, a manor house dating from 1492, the 15th-century courthouse known as Tu Hwnt i'r Bont and also with the road from nearby Trefriw.