Harlech
From Srafopedia
Harlech (pronounced har-lek) is a town and seaside resort in Gwynedd, north-west Wales, lying on Tremadog Bay, and within the Snowdonia National Park. The majority of people living in this area speak Welsh.
The town is best known for Harlech Castle, begun in 1283 by Edward I of England, captured by Owain Glyndŵr, and later the stronghold of Henry Tudor. The castle was originally built next to the sea, but geological processes have changed the shape of the coastline, and the castle now lies on a cliff face, about half a mile inland. The town has since developed with housing estates on the flat low town area and hillside properties in the high town around the shopping street, church and castle.
The town is also the home of Wales' only long term adult residential college, Coleg Harlech, also known as the college of second chance. Theatr Harlech (formerly called Theatr Ardudwy) is located on the Coleg Harlech campus and stages a varied selection of plays, music and films throughout the year.
Ysgol Ardudwy is the county secondary school for children between the ages of 11-16. Philip Pullman was educated there and at Exeter College, Oxford.
Other attractions in Harlech include its beach backed with sand dunes and the famous Royal St David's Golf Club. The Rhinogydd (or Rhinogs) range of mountains lies to the east. The town lay in the pre-1974 county of Merionethshire.
