Newspaper extracts for Dolgellau

There are many references to this area in the 15 million Welsh and English language articles from Welsh newspapers transcribed by the NLW and viewable on Welsh Newspapers Online
Below are English language articles that have been re-transcribed and extracted randomly to illustrate what is available, there are many that are not extracted here that include names of local people

• From The North Wales Express 12th May 1899

The Public Houses of Dolgellau THE ACTIVITY OF THE FREE CHURCH COUNCIL. On Tuesday, on behalf of the Dolgelley and District Free Church Council, the Rev John Williams approached the Bench of Magistrates sitting in petty sessions, and invited their consideration of the following matters bearing upon the regulation and restriction of the liquor traffic, with the view of further promoting temperance in the town and distnct:—

1. The number of licensed houses in the Dolgelley division compares unfavourably with other divisions of the county with the exception of Corwen, which has the same number. Dolgelley district has one public house to every 274 of he inhabitants, whilst Bala has one to every 470, and Penrhyndeudraeth (including Festiniog) one to every 467. Towyn one to every 406 and Barmouth one to every 281.

2. Tied houses have greatly increased in recent years.

3. It was hoped that the licensing authority would make it a condition of the renewal of all licenses that back entrances and; other entrances that make police supervision difficult should not be used for trade purposes.

4. Structural alterations of licensed premises should be submitted for their worships' approval.

5. Sale of drink to children.

6. That no applications for special or occasional licenses be heard except in open court and after due notice to the police.

Accompany-ng the Rev J. Williams were several other ministers of different denominations. The deputation were well received, and the Bench assured them of their support.

•  From The Principality 10th November 1848

A DAY'S RAMBLE IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF DOLGELLAU. [Written for the PRINCIPALITY.]

"GENTLE READER,—Have you ever been in North Wales ? and if in North Wales, have you ever visited Dolgellau ? It is a small town in Merionethshire, situated in a hollow, and surrounded by an amphitheatre of mountains, of which Cader Idris is chief. It rejoices in the distinction of having no streets. The disposal of the houses looks like Nonconformity run mad. There is a good inn, so you need not be concerned about creature comforts.

If you happen to know a little of geology, it will help you to invest the mountains with the hues and interest of poetry. Only suppose - what, of course, must be an impossibility - that you had been in existence when this "dry land "  appeared, and that some supernatural spirit had apprised you of the day when Cader Idris and his companions were going to emerge from the mighty deep, what a unique specimen of the sublime you had been permitted to see. How everything little and earthy must have perished within you, as you watched the commotion of the water, and caught the first sight of. old Cader's majestic brow uprising from the wave! How the water rushes down his sides—higher and higher he ascends-broader and broader spreads his base look at his widening shoulders, and see how his outline grows on the sight. His assent slackens—he stands still —seems to adjust himself, and to take a firm footing; and now, for the first time, he warms his huge frame in the beams of the sun. But this is all nonsense. Never heed THAT. It can do you no harm if your "lines have fallen" in some dingy manufacturing town or crowded city. The human mind grows like what it contemplates; and if you have any regard for either your body or soul, you will occasionally treat yourself to a few weeks' sojourning among the mountains. Supposing you have come as far as Dolgellau, you will do well to ascend one of the hills which overlook it, and watch the coming on of evening. Should it be your good fortune to do this after a shower of rain - and rain is pretty plentiful in Wales -I  would have you take particular notice of the mountain mist. Sometimes it rolls and tumbles about —sometimes, it spreads over the glens and defiles like a sheet —sometimes it marches in stately procession, completely shrouding the mountains as it advances, while its skirts sweep along their slopes, sometimes it disposes of itself in the most graceful foldings of drapery.  .....(part extract of a lengthy article).........."

•  From The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard 7th April 1882

QUERIES. DOLGELLEY PARISH CHARITIES.—In looking over the Vestry book of the parish of Dolgelley the other day I saw the following list of charities which may be of interest to your Dolgelley readers:— (part extract only )......

Charities—

"Parish of Dolgellau Grammar School. "

"Farm called Penrhyn, bequeathed by Rev. John Ellis, D.D., acreage not known, tenant's name Owen Roberts, yearly £13 0s, 0d.. parish of Llanaber.

"Farm called Cilgwynbach, bequeathed by Ellis Lewis, acreage not known, name of tenant, Owen Jones, yearly £13, Denbighshire.

Dividends on £300 consols, being Mr Tamberlaine's bequest, £8. 14s. Od. Invested in the name of the Dean of Bangor.

"Interest accruing from Dolgellau Turnpike Trust on £80. 0s. 0d., £ 2.16s., supposed to be in the name of the Dean and Chapter of Bangor.

•  From The Cardiff Times 23rd February 1907

CORRESPONDENCE. Owain Glyndwr's Prison House.

To THE EDITOR

"Sir,—The Welsh are constantly boasting ol their patriotism, but when it comes to a question of subscribing some trifling sum for the purpose of preserving a priceless historical monument this all seems to evaporate. To the eternal disgrace of the Cymric nation, the magnificent Parliament House at Dolgellau, was destroyed some years ago, although it could have been bought for a few hundred pounds, whereas it would have cost ten thousand even to make an imitation of it, to say nothing of its infinite archeological and architectural value. I have a special interest in the matter, as my relative, the late A. B. Phipson, was engaged to make plans and draw up a report on the building, and had he but mentioned the matter to me at the time I should certainly have purchased the property myself. If now the chance of acquiring Owain Glyndwr's prison house, an edifice of far less aesthetic, but equal historic, interest Is missed the Welsh nation will again cover itself with indelible shame, and cannot complain if in future all its protestations of national pride are ridiculed.- I am, &c., ......."