Merionethshire, Historic county in northwestern Wales, United Kingdom
Merionethshire is a historic county in northwestern Wales that stretches from Cardigan Bay inland through river valleys toward the Snowdonia mountains. The region contains varied landscapes with coastal areas, river corridors, and high moorlands.
The region became an official county in 1284 following years of conflict between Welsh princes and Norman settlers over territorial control. This formal establishment reshaped the political organization of northern Wales.
The region's remote location helped keep Welsh language and local customs alive through the centuries. You can still sense these traditions in small villages and at local gatherings today.
The area is now part of larger administrative regions, so you can reach most locations via main routes through Snowdonia. For detailed historical information about the former county, visit local archives and museums scattered throughout the region.
The Mawddach valley held gold deposits that were mined at various times, while the Ffestiniog region became a major slate extraction center during the 1800s. These natural resources shaped both the economy and the landscape of the historic county.
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