About Us

The Tywyn & District History Society was founded in April 2018 as a result of local interest in Heritage and History. As well as being a local history society we are interested in all past events, national and international. We meet on the third Monday of the month in Tywyn Baptist Church. Meetings are open to members and non-members for a small admission charge.

We are led by our members. That could be you. Membership is open to anyone who shares our passion for history, whether currently resident in the area, a regular visitor or former residents. At least five themes and a number of trips are selected each year by an annual survey of member's interests. So far, we have covered everything from Neolithic farmers to the Second World War, politics to archaeology, social to technological change, culture and the arts.

We have a unique pattern of paired meetings. The theme is first explored by a specialist speaker, who may look at the wider context or a detailed case study. The follow-up meeting is for members and local residents to contribute around the same theme. So far over thirty of our members have contributed in these 'workshop' style meetings.

The district we cover is bounded by two great rivers, the Mawddach to the north, the Dyfi to the south and the Cambrian coastline to the west. To the east it takes in Corris, along the A487, but to the west - well, that's the sea - with our own 'submerged landscape' of Cantre'r Gwaelod shared with Ynyslas and Borth, the district's history doesn't stop at the beach. Tywyn itself has a long and fascinating history and this can be explored through our Town Trail. The Romans built a fort at Pennal. There are lovely medieval churches at Llanegryn and Llangelynin, ruins of an early medieval castle at Castell y Bere and sites of older motte castles at Domen Dreiniog and Bryn y Castell near Tywyn. Pennal was an important center for Owain Glyndwr and its small museum and church explore the connections. Llwyngwril village attracted a community of early Quakers and has a fine mid-Victorian church. St Michael's at Llanfihangel y Pennant has a display on local hero Mary Jones and her mission to bring Welsh bibles to west Wales. There are slate mining sites at Corris, Abergynolwyn and Aberllefenni linked to the coast by the historic Talyllyn and Corris railways. World War 2 remains may be seen at Tonfanau, Peniarth and Fairbourne.

The society has taken on a number of heritage projects. Over the first two years we were successful in a bid to the National Heritage Lottery for funding to create the Tywyn Town Trail : five information boards around the town and bilingual leaflets. We have recently extended this with an introductory board to Tywyn and the trails. Provided with help from Llechi Cymru/ Welsh Slate, this board in a planter is located in the high street close to the steps leading to the Leisure Centre. We liaise with Merioneth county and other local history societies.

The social side is important - an annual meal and several trips. Each meeting has a mid-way refreshment break. We are about fun as well as high standards and learning.

Joining The Society

The society welcomes new members. Write to 'The Secretary TDHS, 23 Corbett Avenue, Tywyn, Gwynedd LL36 0AH' asking for a membership form.