The controversial flooding of a Welsh village to supply water to Liverpool
The flooding of Capel Celyn galvanised Welsh nationalist sentiment and contributed to the eventual devolution of Wales.
Key Facts
- Year of flooding
- 1965
- Reservoir created
- Llyn Celyn
- Project developer
- Liverpool Corporation
- Local authorities opposing
- 125
- Welsh MPs supporting the bill
- 0 out of 36
- Liverpool apology issued
- 2005
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Liverpool Corporation sought to expand its water supply for Liverpool and Wirral's industrial needs. The Tryweryn valley in Merionethshire was identified as a suitable site for a reservoir, despite the presence of Capel Celyn, one of the last Welsh-only speaking communities in the region. Opposition from 125 local authorities and all 36 Welsh MPs failed to block the parliamentary bill.
In 1965, the Tryweryn valley was flooded to form the Llyn Celyn reservoir, submerging the rural Welsh-speaking community of Capel Celyn. The project was carried out by Liverpool Corporation over sustained Welsh opposition, including protests held both on site and in Liverpool, and without the support of a single Welsh member of Parliament.
The flooding intensified Welsh national consciousness and boosted support for Plaid Cymru. It is widely credited with accelerating the movement toward Welsh devolution. Liverpool City Council issued a formal apology in 2005. The event entered cultural memory, most notably through the Cofiwch Dryweryn mural, which became an enduring symbol of Welsh identity and resistance.