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History
of the Tal-y-Cafn Hotel. |
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The
Roman road built about 80 A.D. from Deva (Chester) to
Segontium (Caernarfon) crossed over the river Conway at
Tal-y-Cafn making its way via Conovium (Caerhun) over
Bwlch-y-Ddeufaen towards Penmaenmawr. |
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Looking
across the bridge from the hotel can be seen Bryn castle,
a Welsh fortress guarding the river associated with the
sixth century Welsh Prince Maelgwn Gwynedd. |
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Llywelyn
ap Iorwerth in the thirteenth century designated this
crossing point as a Royal Ferry. Over the centuries drovers
herded their cattle down to Tal-y-Cafn crossing the river
at low tide. The market, which existed for many years,
may be linked with these early drovers. A regular ferry
was in use since 1438 when a ferryman was on hand to assist
travelers. An earlier hostelry may have been on this site
to serve the needs of drovers and other travelers. |
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For
many years the ferry at Tal-y-Cafn was the property if
Lord Bulkeley, who rented it out at £50 per annum.
Passenger, sheep and cattle were conveyed across the river
on a heavy floating platform retained in it's position
by a stout rope passing through a double set of rollers. |
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River
and ferry traffic continued for centuries at Tal-f-Cafn
and an inn or hostelry was a natural focal point for travelers.
It also met the needs of workers in the many industries
in the area in former years, such as local shipyards and
metal-foundries on the banks of the river, also quarrymen
and miners working further inland. |
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The
passing of the first Turnpike Act for Caernarfonshire
in 1768 heralded the start of a road from Tal-y-Cafn ferry
to Conwy and Bangor consolidating the need for a roadside
inn. |
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The
compilation of the railway line from Conwy to Llanrwst
and Betws-y-Coed in 1863 and the establishing of a railway
station at Tal-y-Cafn opened the Conwy valley to tourists.
The building of the first road bridge across the Conwy
river at Tal-y-Cafn in 1897 put into place the final link
in communication as we know it today. |
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Compiled by Stan Wicklen |
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Local historian |
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