Dr Mari Elin Wiliam and Dr Marc Collinson

‘What a mess are pylons?’ Land, language and nuclear plants in Pen Llŷn c. 1936-1969.

This lecture will look at the significance of Pen Llŷn and its landscape to ideals of Welshness and rurality during the middle of the 20th century, focusing particularly on the discussions during the 1950s and 1960s regarding the installation of a nuclear power plant near Edern. This will be contrasted with other controversial examples of ‘modernisation’ of Pen Llŷn scenery, such as the Bombing School and the spread of tourism in the area. Baner and Amserau Cymru asked in 1957 ‘What a mess pylons are’, with that question at the core of poignant discussions about the soul of Pen Llŷn, rural depopulation and the battle for ‘bread’ or ‘beauty’.

Welsh language event 

Simultaneous translation facilities available

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