History

Llyn Gwynant lies in northern Snowdonia amid mountains rich in geological, biological and human history. Most of the landscape and wildlife of this area developed during and after the glacial periods, more than ten thousand years ago. The retreating glaciers carved out the u-shaped valley and eventually sessile oak woodland developed, which has been occupied since ancient times. The oak woodland was the source of fuel, charcoal, tanin from bark for preserving leather and other raw materials that were useful. Cleared land became farmed.

The first written reference to the present farm is apparently 1536, as the farmhouse was known to be the birthplace of Sir John Williams who went to London at an early age, become goldsmith to James the 1st, and was responsible for rebuilding the old house in a style somewhat grander than other farmhouses of the area but which clearly show this was a working farm. We are slowly collecting information and local engravings and photos from this area as well as links to tell you more. Llyn Gwynant also has ancient human history as this is Merlin country, and we celebrate this important local tale with hand painted tiles in our Wedding barns, you can see the story and images in our Merlin tiles.