Statue of Llywelyn the Great in Conwy

A bronze tribute in Conwy honoring Llywelyn the Great, the 13th-century Welsh prince who shaped a nation and united Wales.

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Statue of Llywelyn the Great

The Statue of Llywelyn the Great stands proudly in Conwy’s Lancaster Square, commemorating the influential 13th-century Welsh prince who united much of Wales. Created by E.O. Griffith in 1898, this bronze statue marks the completion of Conwy’s water supply scheme and honors Llywelyn’s legacy as Prince of Wales. Situated on a fountain by architects Grayson & Ould, the statue is a focal point in the town’s historic center.

A brief summary to Statue of Llywelyn the Great

Conwy, GB
Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Visit during daylight for the best views and to appreciate the statue’s details and surrounding plaza.
Combine your visit with a walk around Conwy’s medieval town center and Conwy Castle nearby.
Bring a guidebook or read about Llywelyn the Great beforehand to fully understand the statue’s historical context.
Use the benches around the statue’s plaza for a restful break while soaking in the historic atmosphere.

Getting There

Train

From major cities like Liverpool or Manchester, take a train to Conwy station, approximately 2 to 3 hours travel time. The station is about 1.5 km from the statue, requiring a 20-minute walk through the town center. Trains run regularly but check schedules for frequency. Tickets typically cost £15-£30 one way.
Bus

Local bus services connect Conwy with nearby towns such as Llandudno and Bangor, with journey times around 30 to 60 minutes. The bus stop nearest Lancaster Square is within a 5-minute walk of the statue. Tickets are affordable, usually under £5 for local routes. Service frequency varies, so consult local timetables.
Car

Driving to Conwy is straightforward via the A55 expressway. Allow 1 to 2 hours from regional hubs like Chester or Bangor depending on traffic. Parking is available in public car parks near the town center but can be limited during peak tourist seasons. Parking fees range from £2 to £5 per hour.

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Discover more about Statue of Llywelyn the Great

A Tribute to a Welsh Legend

The Statue of Llywelyn the Great, also known as Llywelyn Fawr, is a bronze monument crafted by E.O. Griffith of Liverpool in 1898. It commemorates Llywelyn ab Iorwerth, a dominant Welsh prince who ruled Gwynedd from 1199 to 1240 and earned the title Prince of Wales through his efforts to unite much of Wales. The statue is mounted on an ornate fountain designed by architects Grayson & Ould, which was gifted by former Conwy mayor Albert Wood to mark the completion of the town's water supply sourced from Llyn Cowlyd reservoir.

Historical Significance and Legacy

Llywelyn the Great was born around 1174 in Dolwyddelan, near Betws-y-Coed. His reign was marked by military success and political alliances, including marriage to Joan, daughter of King John of England. Llywelyn expanded his territory and influence, at times clashing with English forces but also negotiating treaties such as the Treaty of Worcester. He died in 1240 and was originally buried at Aberconwy Abbey, later moved due to Edward I’s castle-building. His stone coffin now rests in Llanrwst church, though his remains have been lost to history.

The Statue’s Artistic and Cultural Context

The statue, unpainted until the 1950s, depicts Llywelyn in period-accurate attire, symbolizing his strength and leadership. Though modest in size compared to the stature of its subject, it occupies a prominent place in Conwy’s town square, near the police station and at the end of High Street. The monument is a reminder of Welsh heritage and Llywelyn’s enduring impact on national identity.

Setting and Visitor Experience

Located in Lancaster Square, the statue is surrounded by benches and a pleasant plaza, inviting visitors to pause and reflect on Welsh history. The fountain base adds an element of charm and historical utility, linking the monument to the town’s development. While the statue is well maintained, some note the absence of detailed signage explaining Llywelyn’s significance, making prior knowledge or a guide helpful for full appreciation.

Connections to Conwy’s Broader Heritage

The statue complements Conwy’s rich medieval heritage, including Conwy Castle and the remnants of Aberconwy Abbey. The site connects visitors to the era when Llywelyn shaped Welsh history, offering a tangible link to the past amid the town’s historic architecture and streetscapes.

Commemorating Welsh Identity Through Public Art

This statue stands as a cultural landmark celebrating Welsh resilience and unity. It reflects the Victorian era’s interest in national heroes and the use of public monuments to foster local pride. The gift from Albert Wood underscores the community’s recognition of Llywelyn’s importance and the blending of civic progress with historical remembrance.

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Statue of Llywelyn the Great

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A bronze tribute in Conwy honoring Llywelyn the Great, the 13th-century Welsh prince who shaped a nation and united Wales.

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Conwy Castle

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National Trust - Conwy Suspension Bridge

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Step onto Thomas Telford’s iconic 19th-century suspension bridge for breathtaking views of Conwy Castle and the River Conwy estuary.

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The Smithy

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Box Cottage

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Bank Prospect

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Statue of Llywelyn the Great in Conwy

A brief summary to Statue of Llywelyn the Great

Local tips

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Getting There

Train

Bus

Car

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Discover more about Statue of Llywelyn the Great

A Tribute to a Welsh Legend

Historical Significance and Legacy

The Statue’s Artistic and Cultural Context

Setting and Visitor Experience

Connections to Conwy’s Broader Heritage

Commemorating Welsh Identity Through Public Art

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Statue of Llywelyn the Great

Conwy Town Walls

Historical Wales

Llandudno Bandstand

Hafod

Llandudno Cenotaph

Pen-y-Dinas Hillfort

St. Tudno's Church

Zip World Conwy

Cadair Ifan Goch

Mynydd Marian Local Nature Reserve

Aber Falls

Trwyn Du Lighthouse

Trwyn Penmon Point

Gwrych Castle

Unmissable attractions to see

The Smallest House In Great Britain

Conwy Castle

National Trust - Conwy Suspension Bridge

Marl woods fairy door

The Smithy

Box Cottage

Bank Prospect

St Mary's Well

Glan Gloddaeth Woodland Park

Wales Coastal Path (West Shore Sand Dunes)

Llandudno Footpath 28 (Public Right of Way)

Nant-y-Gamar

TheBoyandTheShed

Trinity Park

Queen's Park

Essential places to dine

The Jackdaw

Paysanne

Signatures Restaurant

The Lilly

Mamma Rosa

Indulge restaurant

Y Review Restaurant

Carlo's Restaurant

Candles

Dylan's

White Tower

Romeo Ristorante Italiano

Taylor's Cafe Bar

Forte's Restaurant

Wildwood Restaurants Llandudno

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

The Knight Shop

The Collectors' Corner

Parc Llandudno Retail Park

Statement Home & Gifts

Mandarin Gifts Co Ltd

Chinese Themed Gifts & Novelties

Kingdom Krafts

Parker's Welsh Rock & Gifts

Italian World

Love & Light by Sonia

Billy Lal Bargain Centre