Llangollen

Llangollen is an attractive, archetypal Welsh town lying in the Dee Valley between the Berwyn and Eglwyseg mountains. Since 1947 it has played host to the International Musical Eisteddfod, which celebrates Wales' rich musical and folk heritage.

However long before the first festival, people were visiting this beautiful part of the world. Artists and writers such as Turner and Ruskin were inspired by the landscape and in 1778 two rich, independent Irish aristocrats settled here.

Lady Eleanor Butler and Ms. Sarah Ponsonby were conspicuous by their self-reliance and mannish mode of dress and earned themselves the title the Ladies of Llangollen. During their fifty years in Llangollen they welcomed many eminent guests including the Duke of Wellington and William Wordsworth.