Llanrwst's Ancaster Square gets turfed over

Sep 25 2008 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

LLANRWST town centre was turned green at the weekend after two artists laid turf on Ancaster Square as part of an historical re-enactment.

Artists Megan Broadmeadow and Mari Elain Gwent were working on a project called Llwybr y Ceirw (Path of the Deer) commissioned by the community group Cymru Lloegr a Llanrwst.

Turning the historic town centre green, complete with freshly laid grass and ivy cascading out of the clock tower, was part of a performance to celebrate Llanrwst’s diverse and rich history.

The idea to turf the square developed as the two artists were fascinated by the fact that in the 1400s, in the midst of Owain Glyndr’s rebellion, the townsfolk had abandoned the burning town for the safety of the forest. The town was deserted for so long that grass grew on the square and the deer from the forest came to graze on it.

“The performance went really well,” said Megan. “Lots of people turned up to take a look and watch the play, and during the performance every time the clock chimed a voice boomed out a piece of history about Llanrwst so it was a great learning experience for onlookers too.

“It took just under an hour to complete the turf laying and decorating the clock. We put up the flag of Llanrwst too.”

The historic performance started at dusk on Saturday and by the next day the artists decided to give the rolls of intact turf away free to anyone who wanted it.

Megan added: “The turf stayed in place throughout the night and we were able to give it all away the next day. We got people talking about Llanrwst and its history and are planning further performances, including projections in the town, on November 8 and something when the Christmas lights are being put up.”

samantha.castle