As part of my research into Lake Vyrnwy / Llyn Efernwy in an effort to understand the underwater structure of different parts of the lake I explored historic records produced before the flooding of the valley to fill the lake. Ordnance Survey 1:2500 scale county maps produced in 1887 hold a rich amount of detail on the underwater terrain and structure. The “Vyrnwy Photographs” album in the Edward Hubbard collection also offer a unique insight into parts of the valley before and during flooding as well as the village of Llanwddyn before and after demolition.
The lake was filled in 1888/89 and in the process flooded the parish church of St. John the Baptist, two Methodist chapels, three inns/public houses, a school, post office, and 37 houses in the village of Llanwddyn as well as 10 farm houses and Eunant Hall, a large country house and estate. Several roads and bridges were also flooded.
All of the buildings were demolished before the lake was filled. I have matched historical before and after photos from the Hubbard Album and these suggest that this largely comprised of removing the roof and breaking down thinner walls and weaker sections over windows and doors. The sturdier portions like gable end walls and chimney breasts seemed to remain largely intact. It is also clear that larger trees were cut down and many stone walls in the village were destroyed. There were, however, many sections of stone walls still intact and the bridges were still in evidence when the lake filled.
More recent historical evidence is also present on Flickr in the albums of people who have visited and photographed the lake during low water periods. After more than 100 years of siltation and flooding events it would seem unlikely many of these man made features remain. However, photos taken during the droughts of 1976 and 1995 when the village of LLanwddyn and other parts of the valley floor were accessible, owing to low water levels in the lake, show significant remnants of these man made structures. While these more recent photos show that there may not be a significant amount of these structures remaining there are sufficient to take note of, especially as these were often located on higher ground in what was a valley largely characterised by unproductive bog.
Tight Lines
Greg
