Interested to learn some interesting facts about Wales? From historic landmarks to iconic Welsh inventors, brewers, and mathematicians, Wales has its fair share of unique claims to fame.
Whether you’re interested in the rich history of the region or perhaps interested to find out a little more about the language, we thought we’d compile a list of some of our favourite facts about Wales.
Curious to learn more about our incredible county? Here are our seven interesting facts about Wales…
Our Top Seven Facts about Wales
1. A Welsh Man Created the Equals (=) Sign
The modern ‘=’ (equals) sign was invented by Robert Recorde in 1557. Robert Recorde was a Welsh physician and mathematician, born in Tenby, Wales in 1512. Not only did he invent the equals sign, but he also introduced the pre-existing plus sign (+) to English speakers in 1557.
2. Wales Created Locomotives in 1804
Richard Trevithick was a British inventor and mining engineer. He created a locomotive that made its maiden journey on the 21st of February 1804 – 25 years before the maiden journey of Stevenson’s Rocket. The loco managed to haul 10 tons of iron some 9.75 miles along the Merthyr Tydfil Tramroad.
3. Our trees are over five thousand years old
There is a Yew tree in Conwy believed to be four to five thousand years old, making it one of the oldest living organisms on Earth. It can be found at St Dygain’s Church at Llangernyw.
4. We’re Big Money Makers
We make more money in Wales than the rest of the UK put together. This is only because the Royal Mint is based at Llantrisant in Wales.
5. Canned Beer? We Were One of the First!
Wales was one of the first countries to commercially can beer. The Felinfoel Brewery in Llanelli first started putting beer in cans during 1931 and they still produce beer in cans today.
6. We’re Home to one of the Longest Place Names in the World
Yep, that’s right! Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwll-llantysiliogogogoch can be found in Anglesey, North Wales. It roughly translates to “The Church of St Mary in the hollow of the white hazel near the rapid whirlpool and the church of St Tysilio near a red cave”, but you’ll find most locals referring to it as Llanfairpwll or Llanfair PG.
7. You’ll find the UK’s Deepest Cave in South Wales
The Ogof Ffynnon Ddu is a 37-miles limestone cave under a hillside in the Upper Swansea Valley in South Wales. It’s around 901 ft, and translates to ‘cave of the black spring’.
Discover even more interesting facts about Wales with a stay in one of our beautiful cottages in Pembrokeshire or browse our hand-picked holiday cottages in West Wales – there’s so much waiting to be discovered!
