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Our locale
Llanidloes dates back to the seventh century when a site by the river
Severn was chosen to build a church dedicated to Saint Idloes, a Celt. After
the Norman Conquest, the town, then dominated by a motte and bailey castle,
began to take the shape it has today: a cross of four broad roads meeting
in the centre.
Great Oak Street on a summer morning, home to a street
market each Saturday. With thanks to our tandem cyclists, Ruth and Stuart,
Otterburn, August 2004
For many decades, Llanidloes was an important centre of lead and silver mining, as well as a market for sheep and wool. Flannel weaving became a thriving industry, as did leather working. The population at 5,000 was double what it is now.
The town was granted a charter in 1280, and has the right to elect a mayor and corporation and hold a borough court. Its most famous building, the Old Market Hall, is the only one of its kind in Wales to survive, despite being hit by articulated lorries from time to time. It was built for judicial purposes about 1600, and has since been a library, a working men’s institute, a museum, an arts and crafts shop and exhibition centre (currently).
A few other fine Black and White buildings survive. Otherwise, much of
the architecture is Georgian and Victorian, and protected under a conservation
order (which includes the exterior of Lloyds). Converted mills and weavers’
houses reflect earlier industries.
Llanidloes is the first town on the River Severn. Shown here is the town's second bridge, Longbridge, from the small park.
Photo with thanks to Pam Brusnaham, Victoria, Australia, February 2010
The imposing non-conformist chapels, built from private money, are a testament to the flourishing commerce of the 19th century. The parish church of St Idloes was extended at this time. It has a massive tower and the belfry is of the Montgomeryshire type. The vast arches on the left of the interior are from an earlier building, and this explains the width of the walls on the southern side. The carved angels in the roof are some of the last created during Henry VIII’s religiously volatile reign.
In the Crown and Anchor in Long Bridge Street hangs a list of over 40 licensed establishments which provided refreshments to thirsty miners, shepherds and mill workers during the 19th century. There are fewer pubs now, nevertheless more than you might expect for the town’s population.
Trips from Llanidloes by car
Lake Clywdog, 3 miles, and the Hafren Forest
Machynlleth, 20 miles via the scenic route
Elan Valley, 25 miles, longer for the round trip
Powis Castle, Welshpool, 27 miles
Devil’s Bridge and Aberystwyth, 29 miles
Centre for Alternative Technology, 31 miles
Dolgellau, 43 miles
Lake Vyrnwy Nature Reserve, 46 miles
Snowdonia, 72 miles
Sheep in snow, January 2010 Photo with thanks to Richard Fryer, Sutton Coldfield
