UNIVERSAL DIRECTORY
1791

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Caernarvon is a sea-port town, the metropolis of Caernarvonshire, and allowed to be the most pleasant and healthy place in North Wales. The purity of the water and salubrity of the air here are so remarkable, that an epidemical disorder is not known to exist among the inhabitants. Caernarvon Castle is noted, not only as being the place where the first prince of Wales was born but for the magnificence of its immense structure, which never fails to strike the curious observer with admiration. It is the best preserved one of any in Wales. Thus did Edward the First, the conqueror of Wales, give the Welsh, according to his equivocating promise, a native prince to rule over them, in the person of his son, afterwards Edward II. They shew the queen's bed-chamber to all travellers that visit the castle, as also the cradle in which Edward II was rocked, which is a curious piece of antiquity. This castle is in the Roman style of architecture, and has one tower eminent above the rest, called the Eagle's Tower, from an eagle carved upon it. The constable of the castle is always mayor of the town by his patent. The town and castle are agreeably situated on the banks of the Streights of Menai, having an exceeding good quay and harbour, commanding a delightful view of the Island of Anglesea, &c. In the vicinity stands the lofty Snowden, with such variety of other romantic views, as are not to be excelled by any other county in this kingdom. We shall here introduce a description of Snowden in the words of Cradock. "I passed my evening (says our author) at a very good inn at Caernarvon; and, having procured an intelligent guide, returned early next morning through Bettws to the foot of Snowden. Having left my horses at a small hut, and hired a mountaineer to carry some cordials and provisions, with a spiked stick, but imprudently without nails in my shoes, about ten o'clock I began to ascend the mountain. The two first miles were rather boggy and disagreeable; but, when the prospect opened, I soon forgot all difficulties. In the course of the two last, I passed by six precipices, which I believe were very formidable; but, as I was near the brink, and the wind very high, I did not venture to examine them too narrowly.

"On the summit, which is a plain about six yards in circumference, the air was perfectly mild and serene, and I could with pleasure contemplate the amazing map that was unfolded to my view. From hence may be distinctly seen, Wicklow hills in Ireland, the Isle of Man, Cumberland, Lancashire, Cheshire, Shropshire, and part of Scotland; all the counties of North Wales, the Isle of Anglesea; rivers, plains, woods, rocks, and mountains, six-and-twenty lakes, and two seas. It is doubted, whether there is another circular prospect so extensive in any part of the terraqueous globe. Who could take such a survey, without perceiving his spirits elevated in some proportion to the height? Who could behold so bountiful a display of nature, without wonder and extacy? Who but must feel even a degree of pride, from having gained an eminence, from which he could with ease overlook the nest of the eagle, and the nest of the hawk?

"But, as the level walks of life are best suited to the generality of mankind, it became neccessary to consider, that this was no spot where I could probably make any lasting abode, and that the return would be attended with at least as much difficulty as the ascent. Having descended a mile or two, I did not think it amiss to enquire about an exhausted mine that I saw at a distance; and I could make this enquiry with the better grace, as the guide had hitherto wondered at my prowess. The mine, I was informed, was only copper; and, happy was it for the Welsh, that their mines did not consist of choicer metals: had they been cursed with either gold or silver, foreign nations, long since, in the name of the God of peace, and under pretence of teaching them an immaculate religion, had laid waste their country, and murdered its inhabitants. The Spaniards made the gospel an excuse for all the barbarities they committed in the conquest of Peru; and when they plundered the rich mines of Potosi, they frequently (says Las Casas) erected gibbets all over the country, and hung up twelve poor wretches at a time, in honour of the twelve apostles."

It is not to be wondered at that the number of nobility and gentry resorting to this place from England and Ireland, every bathing season, should so greatly increase, when it is considered that, in addition to what nature has so liberally bestowed on it, the inhabitants themselves do not fall short of using their utmost endeavours to make every thing agreeable and convenient to their numerous visitors. Here are fine salt-water baths, an extensive bowling green, fives court, &c. &c.

The chancery and excheqeur for North Wales was established formerly in this town, which, though but small, is neatly built, and very populous. It is a place of considerable strength by nature as well as art; for it is surrounded on all sides (except the east,) by two rivers and the sea. It enjoys several immunities, and sends one member to parliament. The right of election is in the burgesses of Caernarvon, Cricaeth, Pwllheli, Nevin, and Conway. Lord Paget is the present representative. The town is governed by a mayor, two bailiffs, a recorder, two stewards, two serjeants, and four constables and sidesmen.

The post sets off every morning at eight o'clock, and returns about three in the afternoon. The principal inns are the Boot, Richard Griffith, and the King's Head, Robert Roberts.

The market-day is Saturday. The fairs are January 12, March 12, May 16, June 26, August 12, September 17, and December 5. The principal article by which the town derives any considerable advantage is slate, and the returns of it alone amount to about 50,000l. per annum.

Caernarvon is distant from London 253 miles; from Bangor 9; where the great road leading by Bangor-ferry (at which place is a good inn kept by Mr. Jackson) communicates, by way of Holyhead, between England and Ireland. From Conway, by Aber, (where is a very good inn kept by Mr. Sumpster,) 24 miles. From Pwllheli, by Clynog, an ancient village, having a new commodious inn kept by Edward Jones, 20 miles. From Beaumaris, in Anglesea, by Bangor-ferry, 14 miles. Pwllheli, Nevin, and Cricaeth, are contributory boroughs to Caernarvon. The two last-mentioned are ancient, and were formerly, as appears by their ruinous fortifications, places of some note, but now they are only small villages, not having a post-office in either, nor any trade worth notice. Within five miles of Caernarvon is Plasnewydd, a very ancient edifice on the Anglesea shore, the palace of the right hon. the earl of Uxbridge, mayor of Caernarvon, constable of the castle, and ranger of Snowdon. The general price of freightage from this town to London is 20s. per ton, and ½d. per foot for light articles; from Liverpool and Chester, 10s. per ton and 3d. per foot.

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Universal Directory. London. 1791.

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