Cofiwch Dryweryn – Remember Tryweryn and the Story of Capel Celyn
What is Cofiwch Dryweryn
Cofiwch Dryweryn, translated into English as “Remember Tryweryn”, is one of Wales’ most iconic slogans, a powerful reminder of an event that reshaped Welsh cultural and political history.
Wales Eclectic - Browse ALL Welsh Interest Articles
Have a look around
What Does “Cofiwch Dryweryn” Mean?
In Welsh, Cofiwch Dryweryn literally means “Remember Tryweryn”. This phrase, first painted on a simple cottage wall in Ceredigion in the early 1960s, has become a symbol of remembrance, resistance, and Welsh national pride.
Capel Celyn: A Welsh-Speaking Community Lost
Capel Celyn Memorial Chapel
A memorial chapel was built in 1965 on the banks of the reservoir to commemorate the flooding of Capel Celyn. The chapel has been completely restored in recent years.
Gallery of Shame
The original Cofiwch Dryweryn words were painted on a wall of an uninhabited cottage near to the small village of Llanrhystud, Ceredigion. This village is some 10 miles south of Aberystwyth. The words Cofiwch Dryweryn have become a self-fulfilling prophecy - without question what occurred in the Tryweryn valley in the 1950's and 1960's will always be remembered!
The Flooding of the Tryweryn Valley
In the 1950s and 1960s, plans were made by Liverpool City Council to build a large reservoir in the Tryweryn Valley in north Wales to supply drinking water for Liverpool and Wirral. A private Act of Parliament was passed in 1957, bypassing Welsh local authorities and public consultation.
As a result:
- The village of Capel Celyn, one of the last exclusively Welsh-speaking communities in Wales, was flooded in 1965 to create Llyn Celyn reservoir.
- Homes, farms, school, post office, chapel and cemetery werelost under water, and residents were forced to leave lands their families had lived on for generations.
- The event generated widespread opposition across Wales, seen by many as an attack on the Welsh language and culture.
Origins of the Slogan
In response to this loss, Welsh author and cultural figure Meic Stephens (with Rodric Evans) painted the first Cofiwch Dryweryn message on a ruined farmhouse wall near Llanrhystud on the A487 coastal road.
Despite the humble original, the mural took on lasting significance, reminding people locally and internationally not to forget Tryweryn. It is interesting to note that Meic Stephens, a prolific author described these two words as "my most famous statement, my best-known poem, my most eloquent speech, and my most influential political act.
Official Apology and Modern Reflection
In 2005, Liverpool City Council issued a formal apology for the hurt caused by the Tryweryn project, acknowledging the insensitivity of the original decision that led to Capel Celyn’s destruction, although the apology received mixed reactions in Wales. It is an understatement to say that the apology was not universally accepted in Wales!!!
Legacy and Cultural Importance
Over the decades, Cofiwch Dryweryn has become more than a piece of graffiti:
- It is widely seen throughout Wales and beyond, including in cities and communities outside Wales. The sign has been seen in places from London, New York and Sydney to the Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Summit and the Falkland Islands!
- It stands as a symbol of Welsh identity, cultural resilience, and linguistic pride.
- The wall has been restored and repainted multiple times, especially after incidents of vandalism, reflecting ongoing local commitment to preserving the message.
Why Cofiwch Dryweryn Still Matters Today
(targets: Remember Tryweryn today, Welsh cultural memory)
Remembering Tryweryn and Capel Celyn
The phrase Cofiwch Dryweryn still resonates because it recalls:
- A real community and way of life lost.
- A turning point in Welsh politics and identity.
- A reminder of the importance of local voice and cultural respect.
Whether you’re visiting Wales or exploring its history online, Cofiwch Dryweryn remains a meaningful tribute, encouraging everyone to remember Tryweryn and the people of Capel Celyn.
FAQ's
- What does Cofiwch Dryweryn mean in English?
Remember Tryweryn - Where is the Cofiwch Dryweryn wall located?
About 10 mils south of Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, west Wales and near to the village of Llanrhystud. - Why was Capel Celyn flooded?
Liverpool city council believed that new water supplies were required by Liverpool. - Can you visit Llyn Celyn today?
Yes. You can visit the memorial chapel on the banks of the lake.