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Portmeirion - Architectural Fantasy Becomes Dream Location |
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Portmeirion was developed in two phases, 1926-39 and 1954-72, the break a result of William-Ellis's wartime service. He first acquired the site of the existing village, then the land beyond it, and eventually the lands surrounding Deudraeth Castle - and the 'castle' itself. It was owned by his uncle, Sir Osmond Williams, a descendant of David Williams, an attorney and the first Liberal MP for Meirioneth. The authentic castle has long since been destroyed and is marked by a tablet near the base of the Campanile:
"This tower, built in 1928 by Clough Williams-Ellis, architect and publican, embodies stones from the 12th Century castle of his ancestor Gryffyrd ap Cynan, King of North Wales, that stood on an eminence 150 yards to the west. It was finally razed c.1869 by Sir William Fothergill Cook, inventor of the Electric Telegraph, "lest the ruins should become known and attract visitors to the place." This 19th Century affront to the 12th Century is thus piously redressed in the 20th Century"
Some buildings were designed by Williams-Ellis, others dismantled, shipped and reassembled from other parts of the UK. The Old Bristol Colonnade now stands in front of the domed Pantheon. It was originally built at Arnos Court, Bristol, in 1760 by William Reeve and was reconstructed at Portmeirion in 1959. The Town Hall (1937-38) or 'Hercules Hall' was designed to house a unique, barrel-vaulted 17th Century Jacobean ceiling, which was salvaged from Emral Hall in Flintshire in 1933.
Over 45 unique buildings are described in the current guidebook to Portmeirion. The construction methods and details were kept as simple as possible in order that each new building could be completed when the hotel was shut between autumn and the following Easter. Sub-tropical gardens known as 'Y Gwyllt' surround the village, encouraged by the warmth of the Gulf Stream, and are now designated as a Conservation area.
Take a virtual stroll around the village in our photo-gallery - click here to see more.
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