Reservoir helped to supply town during conflict
A CARMARTHENSHIRE reservoir has been given Grade II listed status recognising not only its architecture, but also historical significance in suppling water to the Llanelli area during the First World War.
Cadw granted the listing to Llyn y Fan Fach reservoir dam and elements of the water supply network at Llanddeusant near the Black Mountain in the Brecon Beacons, south of Llandovery.
The listing acknowledges the part the dam and reservoir played in the war years after conscientious objectors undertook back-breaking labour to supply more water to Carmarthenshire – specifically the Llanelli area.
By the late 19th Century, Llanelli’s tinplate industry was booming and the town needed more water for its factories and people fast. The solution was nestled 30 miles north on the Llanddeusant mountainside – Llyn y Fan Fach, the setting of an old Welsh legend known as ‘The Lady of the Lake’.
The lake was chosen to become a new water supply for Llanelli and was dammed in a series of rigorous engineering works which broke ground in 1912, carried out by 175 Irish workmen.
Reaching 300m above sea level, the engineering works began transforming the glacial lake into a reservoir and laying pipe to carry water 25 miles to Llanon and Llanelli.
However, the work was short-lived, soon after construction began, with Europe gearing up to go to war, the Irish workforce found far less gruelling labour elsewhere.
After war broke out, the then Llanelli Council tried and failed to secure prisoners of war to complete the engineering works - leaving the dam incomplete.
One option remained for Llyn y Fan Fach – under the Military Service Act of 1916, any men who had been conscripted but refused to sign their papers or wear their military uniforms were sent to undertake civilian works in camps across the UK.
In 1916, Llanddeusant became home to hundreds of conscientious objectors – mainly men from North West England and the Midlands – who were tasked with completing the dam and finally transforming the lake into a much needed reservoir.
Conditions for engineering works in this isolated environment were incredibly challenging, forcing the labourers to complete groundworks in harsh weather and work long hours.
These men would find that their war was to be fought not in the trenches of the Western Front, but on a windswept hill in Carmarthenshire.
Gwilym Hughes, head of Cadw, said: “Listing Llyn y Fan Fach will ensure that its historic legacy will be kept alive and remembered for many generations to come, in Wales and beyond.
“The reservoir is an unusual and rare example of the wider contribution made by the Objectors on nationally important, but not war-related work. We’re proud that we will now be able to protect Llyn y Fan Fach and continue to share its story.”
MS Dawn Bowden, Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, said: “This site is of Wales and UK-wide significance, so I’m delighted with the news of its listing, which works to highlight its special qualities while protecting it for the benefit of future generations.
“This site helps to paint an interesting picture of the lives and experiences of conscientious objectors during the First World War.
“The listing of this site will ensure stories like this aren’t forgotten – forever feeding into the rich heritage landscape of Wales.”