The Elan Valley

The Elan Valley (Dyffryn Elan) lies in the heart of Wales near Rhayader (Rhaeadr Gwy). The Elan Valley is well known for its spectacular dams and reservoirs and the estate covers 72 square miles of mainly open moorland.

Human activity in the Elan Valley goes back to at least 3000BC. Remains of a Neolithic chambered tomb can be seen on Beddau Folau. The upland areas which surround the reservoirs are scattered with Bronze Age burial cairns and standing stones. A Roman marching camp can be found on Esgair Perfedd.

In medieval times the area formed part of the Cwmdeuddwr Grange which was owned by Strata Florida Abbey. A few remains can still be seen including a rabbit warren on Esgair Y Ty. There are also remains from the post-medieval period including mines and farmsteads.

An Act of Parliament was passed in 1892 for Birmingham Corporation to compulsorily purchase the water catchment area of the Elan and Claerwen Valleys.

In 1893 the building work began. Around 100 occupants of the Elan Valley had to move. Many buildings were demolished including manor houses, farms, a school and a church.

Six reservoirs were planned including Caban Coch, Pen y Garreg and Craig Goch in the Elan Valley and Dol-y-mynach, Ciloerwynt and Pant-y-beddau in the Claerwen Valley.

On 21 July 1904 King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra officially opened the Elan dams and water began flowing along 118 km of pipeline to Birmingham.