Unless you are an expert on Wales, it is unlikely that you know everything about this country. There are many surprising facts about the Gaelic nation that make travelling there an even more exciting proposition.
So let’s see 5 of the most interesting facts about Wales:
1) Wales is one of the oldest geological regions on the planet.
The three geological divisions of the Paleozoic era were named Cambrian, Ordovician and Silurian. During the Roman invasions, the Cambrian’s name (Cambria) was influenced by the Latin language, and the names of the other two geological divisions (the Silures and Ordovices) derive from Celtic tribes that were living in Wales.
As proof of that the fact, Eocks and fossils of the first period of the Paleozoic era have been found in Wales. This also proves that Wales is one of the oldest geological regions on the planet.
2) A Welshman was the first to transmit and receive radio waves
Even if it was Marconi’s experiments that led to the first large-scale commercial application of wireless telegraphy, the first to transmit and receive radio waves was a Welshman named David Edward Hughes. Hughes invented the first printing telegraph system, which he patented in 1855. It was utilised in the USA by the West Union Telegraph Company in 1857 and became the adopted standard system in Europe. Moreover Hughes invented also the carbon microphone, which made practical telephony possible, and made major contributions to electrical science.
3) The world’s first wireless transmission took place in Wales.
The Italian Guglielmo Marconi dreamt of communication transmitted by radio waves since when he was 12. On 13th May 1897 he realised his dream, transmitting the first wireless message between Lavernock, near Porthcawl, Wales and the Island of Flatholm. Moreover, pioneers relevant to the Italian’s success included, amongst other, the Welsh electrical engineer and inventor, Preece, and the London-born Welshman David Edward Hughes.
4) The earth’s highest mountain is named after a Welshman
The name of the famous Mt. Everest comes from Sir George Everest, who was the surveyor general of India and a native of Gwernvale, Breconshire in Wales. Everest introduced the most accurate tools of that era to complete his measurements and calculation of the mountain with great precision. Thanks to that, in 1955 the height of Everest was established at 29,028 feet.
Moreover, the highest mountain of Wales, Yr Wyddfa (Mt. Snowdon, 3,560 feet), has been used as training from the British members of the first team that conquered Everest in 1953.
5) The world’s longest rail-road (train) station name can be found in Wales.
Unsurprisingly there is a Welsh town whose name contains 57 letters. But the name Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwyll-llantisiliogogogoch, which means “the Church of Mary in a white hollow by a hazel tree near a rapid whirlpool by the church of St. Tisilio by a red cave”, means that Wales is home to the longest station name on the planet. To give evidence of that, an old stop sign at the station still keeps the name. Nowadays it is no longer a stop, in fact, due to the small size of the village; the drastic curtailment of British rail services implemented in the 1960’s involved this stop. However, once in the village it is possible to visit a large store (Pringles) selling mostly woollen goods and souvenirs (including platform tickets imprinted with the station name). To make it easier you can pronounce the short form of the name: “Llanfairpwllgwyngyll” or simply “Llanfair P.G.”.
About the Author:
Letizia Scillia is a blogger and loves writing and travelling. This article has been written for Sunbourne a company for camping in Wales. You can find more articles on searchstarz.com.
Memorable Holiday Trips and Real Travel Experiences 