Towyn, Denbighshire
| Towyn Welsh: Tywyn | |
| Denbighshire | |
|---|---|
 Towyn entertainment | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | SH974794 |
| Location: | 53°18’7"N, 3°32’24"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 7,864 ((including Kinmel Bay) 2001) |
| Post town: | Abergele |
| Postcode: | LL22 |
| Dialling code: | 01745 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Conwy |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Clwyd West |
Towyn is a seaside resort in Denbighshire. It is found on the coast between Rhyl and Abergele. According to the 2001, together with neighbouring Kinmel Bay (to the east), it had a population 7,864, of whom just 10.7% could speak Welsh, and indeed only a third of the population was born in Wales.[1]
A combination of gale-force winds, a high tide and rough seas caused Towyn's flood defences to be breached at about 11.00am on 26 February 1990. 4 square miles of land was flooded, affecting 2,800 properties and causing areas of the resort to be evacuated. The coastal defences have since been reconstructed and significantly enhanced.[2]
Towyn has a notable church. St. Mary's Church was designed by the renowned architect George Edmund Street, and was consecrated on 17 June 1873. It is known for the distinctive tiling on the roof. The same architect also designed the building which now houses the youth club in nearby Abergele.
The principal economic activity in Towyn is tourism, concentrated in the summer season. A mix of static caravans and touring caravan pitches provides accommodation.
A clergyman from Towyn, Griffith Hughes, was the author of The Natural History of Barbados (London, 1750), which contains the first scientific description of the grapefruit.[3]
References
- ↑ "Towyn & Kinmel Bay Key Statistics". Conwy County Borough Council. http://www.conwy.gov.uk/upload/public/attachments/231/Towyn__Kinmel_Bay.pdf. Retrieved 4 December 2007.
- ↑ Towyn and Kinmel Bay Coastline, Conwy County Borough Council, http://www.conwy.gov.uk/doc.asp?cat=4559&doc=17452, retrieved 18 March 2009
- ↑ World Wide Words: Questions & Answers; Grapefruit. Abstract