Place Description

Bala - a historic market town founded by the Normans in the 12th century. The castle was built ‘Y Domen’ and the parallel pattern of its streets was planned in this period. Roger de Mortimer's intention in building the town was to create a stronghold to calm the warlike natives of the Penllyn area, the area around the head of the lake of Tegid. The town was granted a charter and the role of Mayor was created - a function that continues to this day. ‘Bala’ indicates where a river flows from the lake - the Dee from Llyn Tegid, and is the largest natural lake in Wales. The woollen industry has been important to the town and in particular the tradition of knitting socks - which were famous for relieving the pain of joint cradles. The town had many influences on Wales and beyond: here the Bible Society was set up following Mari Jones' long walk barefoot to Bala to seek a copy of the Bible from Thomas Charles. Here was born Betsi Cadwaladr who went to the Crimea to nurse and improve the terrible conditions of the wounded soldiers there. On the outskirts of town is the former home of Michael D Jones who was instrumental in establishing the Welsh colony in Patagonia. Tom Ellis, MP for Meirionnydd, is commemorated on the High Street in a sculpture designed by Sir W. Gascombe John. Penllyn is a stronghold of the Welsh language and is the language spoken by the vast majority of Bala residents.

As the population of this place is between 1,000 and 2,000 people, it is designated a 'small place'. Detailed statistics are therefore unavailable for this place, but you can view maps of neighbourhoods in and around this place by clicking the link below.