Sword plan in honour of Princes of Gwynedd
A HUGE steel sword is set to tower over a Snowdonia lake as a “bold piece of public art” in honour of the Welsh princes.
The 20ft sculpture, at Llyn Padarn in Llanberis, is the subject of a scoping application by Gwynedd council’s tourism and marketing unit, and will be modelled on the type of sword used by the Princes of Gwynedd.
“We are in the initial stages of developing these exciting plans,” said Sioned Williams, Gwynedd’s head of economy and community.
“The aim of installing this sword at Llanberis is to raise awareness among visitors and local people of the history of Gwynedd and of Wales.
“Llanberis holds a significant place in history, due to its links to the Princes of Gwynedd such as Llywelyn Fawr, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd and Owain Glyndwr. The remains of Dolbadarn Castle still stand proud over the community and the historic meeting point of Moel Cynghorion can be seen from the village.”
The council says local craftspeople and contractors will be used to create and install the sword, which comes in the wake of the controversy around Flint Castle’s proposed Iron Ring sculpture, which was slammed as a “disrespectful” symbol of oppression.
Ms Williams said: “If our application is approved, the project can be moved on. The council has already been advised by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales on the type of sword the Gwynedd Princes would have used, and this will guide us when we come to the design phase.
“Cultural tourism is a growth sector and, as a council, our vision is to support our communities to make tourism a viable, year-round industry.
“Should the plans go ahead, this sword will draw national and international attention to Gwynedd and whet people’s appetite to come and experience our rich history and unique identity.”
The idea was welcomed by Stephen Edwards of Hwb Eryri, who organise community events like the Snowdon Race.
He said: “We would envisage that the sword could become a focal point for the village of Llanberis and a circular walkway could be built leading people from the sculpture to Dolbadarn castle.”