Llanwrtyd Wells
| Llanwrtyd Wells Welsh: Llanwrtyd | |
| Brecknockshire | |
|---|---|
 Llanwrtyd Wells | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | SN877465 |
| Location: | 52°6’19"N, 3°38’28"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 601 (2001) |
| Post town: | Llanwrtyd Wells |
| Postcode: | LD5 |
| Dialling code: | 01591 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Powys |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Brecon & Radnorshire |
Llanwrtyd Wells is a small town in the parish of Llanwrtyd in Brecknockshire, on the banks of the River Irfon. With a population of 601 people, Llanwrtyd Wells claims to be the smallest town in Britain, a status argued with Fordwich in Kent.
Llanwrtyd Wells grew as a spa town, based around the Ffynon Droellwyd spring. The town was also known as an Eisteddfod site, and more recently has become known as the site of the "World Bog Snorkelling Championships" and the annual "Man versus Horse Marathon", and other such yearly events.
Spa
Llanwrtyd Wells was once a spa town following the discovery in 1732, by the Rev Theophilus Evans, of waters claimed to have amazing healing properties. The wells were referred to as the "Stinking Well" because of the smell of hydrogen sulphide gas that was given off when you breathed the vapours.
Spa fashion reached its peak in the Victorian era and many of the hotels in Llanwrtyd Wells date back to these times. The Belle Vue Hotel[1] was built in 1843 and is the only purpose-built hotel in Llanwrtyd Wells.