Colwyn Bay British Railways poster – Colwyn Bay North Wales – Montague Birrell Black c1948.
This Colwyn Bay British Railways poster was created by Montague Birrell Black to advertise railway travel to the popular seaside town. Black’s image is pictured from a high vantage point near the top of Upper Dingle, which is now better known as the Nant Y Groes Nature Reserve. The view from the picturesque wooded area provides a stunning image over the town of Colwyn Bay and out over the north coast of Wales overlooking the Irish Sea. Montague Birrell Black’s Colwyn Bay poster depicts the fabulous Victoria Pier slap-bang in the middle of the image. The pleasure pier was designed by Mangnall & Littlewood, and built by the Widnes Iron Foundry, William Brown & Sons. When the Edwardian structure was opened on 1 June 1900 it was one of the last British piers to be built.
Birrell Black’s image captures sailboats, yachts, speed boats and fishing boats in the waters in and around Colwyn Bay. The view across the bay to the western side of Bae Colwyn are the buildings and golden sands of the next seaside resort along the Welsh coast. The ancient city Rhos Fynach, probably better known today as Rhos-on-Sea has a history dating back to AD 306 to 337 when the site was used in Roman times under Constantine the Great. In the Middle Ages, the region is also widely considered to have been an outpost of the large Cistercian monastery at Maenan, in the Conwy Valley.
Standing magnificently behind Llandrillo-yn-Rhos are the two headlands that book-end Llandudno Bay. Both the Great Orme, located on the left and the Little Orme, on the right, are two distinct but equally remarkable landmarks. Located on the North Wales coast, there are two headlands that offer breathtaking views and fascinating histories.
The Little Orme, despite its name, is not actually that small. Standing at 141 metres above sea level, it was inhabited during the Mesolithic and Neolithic eras. Today, it is a popular spot for hiking and rock climbing, as well as a haven for many seabirds and marine animals. The headland has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age. It continues to be an important site for conservation and recreation in Wales.
On the other hand, the Great Orme is a massive headland towering over the town of Llandudno. At 207 metres high, it is one of the most iconic landmarks in Wales. The area is known for its rugged cliffs, stunning coastal views, and diverse wildlife, including the rare Kashmiri goats that roam freely on the headland. The Great Orme is also home to several attractions, such as a historic tramway that takes visitors to the summit, a cable car, and an ancient copper mine. Evidence of human settlement dates back to the Stone Age, and it continues to be a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The text on the British Railways poster explains that an “Illustrated Guide from Information Bureau, Town Hall, Colwyn Bay, North Wales” can be obtained on application, in addition to “Particulars of train services and fares may be obtained from stations, offices and agencies.”
Colwyn Bay
Colwyn Bay is a town located on the north coast of Wales, in the county borough of Conwy. The Welsh town grew rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, around the time when the railway arrived in the town. The railway station opened in 1848 as part of the Chester and Holyhead Railway, which linked London with Holyhead, allowing for easier access to the ferry ports for travel to Ireland.
With the arrival of the railway, Colwyn Bay became more accessible and attractive to tourists, and the town quickly developed as a seaside resort. Many new hotels, guest houses, and holiday homes were built to accommodate the growing number of visitors.
The town also became a centre for mining and quarrying, with the railway providing an important means of transportation for coal and other minerals. The Colwyn Bay and Pwllycrochan Estate Company, which owned much of the land in the area, invested heavily in the town’s development, building new streets, parks, and public amenities.
By the early 20th century, Colwyn Bay had become a thriving town, with a growing population and a bustling economy. The railway played a crucial role in this growth, providing the town with access to the wider world and facilitating trade and commerce. Today, Colwyn Bay remains an important transport hub and a popular destination for tourists and visitors to the North Wales coast.
It has a population of around 32,000 people and is known for its beautiful promenade, sandy beach, and stunning views of the Irish Sea. The town has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age, and it played an important role in the Industrial Revolution as a centre for coal mining and quarrying. Today, Colwyn Bay is a popular tourist destination and offers a range of attractions and amenities, including parks, museums, and sports facilities. It is also home to the Welsh Mountain Zoo, which houses a variety of rare and endangered species from around the world.
Other Colwyn Bay posters
Colwyn Bay
