Cymru might seem small, but its history has spread far and wide. Across the world, there are three towns that carry a piece of Welsh history, reminding people of their connection to Cymru, even from thousands of miles away.

1.

Llangollen! A magnificent little town situated in… wait, South Wales? Oh! That’s NEW South Wales, Australia. Why is it called Llangothlin? 🤨

Yes, this is the New South Wales locality of Llangothlin. Named after the Denbighshire town of Llangollen, Llangothlin (a more anglicanised name) is a small locality situated in New South Wales and contains a number of small houses, as well as its own nature reserve (pictured).

2.

Everyone in Cymru is familiar with Llandudno.

It is the town that Gogs are forever correcting the pronunciation of (Hlan-did-noh, not lan-dud-no) when tourists at train stations are asking if they are on the right train. But did you know… there is a South African Llandudno?

Llandudno (South Africa) lies in the Western Cape and has one of the most stunning, naturally diverse beaches. The seaside suburb gained its name in the year 1903, when the valley in which it lies (Afrikaans name: Kleinkommetjie) was declared a township by those who noticed striking similarities between the area and the Welsh Llandudno, Conwy.

3.

Being from the north of the country, I spent numerous day of my childhood in Bala, Gwynedd. It a beautiful, serene part of the country that simply cannot be replicated… or can it?

In Southern Ontario, within the Muskoka cottage country region, Canada, there lies another Bala (pictured in 1963). Bala Ontario was settled by a Thomas Burgess, who opened up a sawmill and store there in 1868.

Over time, the area proved to be a poor climate for farming and logging became less valuable, too. The area, much like Bala, Gwynedd, is so beautiful, however, that it found its worth as a summer resort location.

In 1914, it would become the smallest incorporated town in all of Canada when Thomas Burgess’ son became its first mayor.

Lastly, Bala, Ontario is also officially twinned with Bala, Gwynedd!

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Sally George

Sally is a proud wife of a Welshman, editor & writer of Welsh Histories. She’s all about stories—that shout ‘anything Welsh.’ Drop her an email if you have an advice, insight, experience, or a story to share.