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Why The UK Drowned These Homes

Faultline・34 minutes read

Capel Kellen in Wales faced flooding by England for a reservoir, sparking protests and a shift in Welsh nationalism, leading to the formation of militant nationalist groups like MAC and the Free Wales Army. The flooding of Capel Celyn for Liverpool's water supply underscored power imbalances between England and Wales, culminating in increased support for Welsh Devolution and the establishment of a Welsh parliament in Cardiff.

Insights

  • Liverpool Corporation's decision to flood Capel Kellen for a reservoir despite Welsh opposition marked a turning point in Welsh nationalism, showcasing the impact of external decisions on local communities and national identity.
  • The events in Capel Celyn, including protests, bombings, and the formation of militant nationalist groups, underscored a growing resistance against English control, leading to increased support for Welsh Devolution and the establishment of a Welsh parliament.

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Recent questions

  • What led to the flooding of Capel Kellen?

    Liverpool's water supply issues prompted the decision.

  • How did the residents of Capel Kellen respond to the flooding plans?

    Residents organized protests and petitions against the flooding.

  • What impact did the flooding of Capel Kellen have on Welsh nationalism?

    It led to a transformation in Welsh nationalism.

  • Who were the key figures involved in the protests against the flooding?

    Elwin Edwards, a local counselor, participated in the protests.

  • What were the consequences of the flooding of Capel Kellen?

    It led to the formation of militant Welsh nationalist groups.

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Summary

00:00

Capel Kellen: Welsh Community's Fight Against Flooding

  • KAAL Kellen is a Welsh-speaking community in Trelan Valley, Wales, with around 70 residents, featuring a local shop, post office, school, and chapel for community events.
  • Capel Kellen faced erasure as England planned to flood it to create a reservoir, leading to the eviction of families and demolition of every home and tree.
  • Despite the Welsh community's opposition, England proceeded with flooding Capel Kellen, leading to a loss of power for Wales and a turning point in Welsh nationalism.
  • Liverpool faced water supply issues, prompting plans to source water from Wales, leading to the decision to flood Capel Kellen for a reservoir.
  • Liverpool Corporation identified the Trelan Valley in Wales as an ideal location for a reservoir due to abundant water, suitable geography, and cost-effective construction materials.
  • Residents of Capel Kellen were informed of the flooding plan through a newspaper article, sparking protests and petitions against Liverpool Corporation's actions.
  • Elwin Edwards, a local counselor, had a personal connection to Capel Kellen and participated in protests against the flooding, leading to a shift in his political views.
  • Residents of Capel Kellen organized a peaceful protest in Liverpool, but faced opposition and minimal coverage in local newspapers, resulting in little impact on the flooding plans.
  • The flooding of Capel Kellen led to a transformation in Welsh nationalism and political views, with residents feeling betrayed and marginalized by England's actions.
  • The story of Capel Kellen's flooding serves as a significant moment in Welsh history, highlighting the impact of external decisions on local communities and national identity.

15:48

Welsh Nationalist Movement: Fight for Independence

  • In the 1950s, a Welsh nationalist movement, Plaid Cymru, gained popularity due to Welsh men and women feeling subjugated by the UK state despite fighting for Britain in Europe.
  • Wales officially became part of the United Kingdom in the 16th century under the Law in Wales Act, incorporating it into the kingdom of England.
  • In 1955, Liverpool announced plans to flood the Trelan Valley in Wales, leading to Welsh representatives voting against the bill, but it was passed due to English majority in Parliament.
  • The construction of a 2.5-mile long, 40m deep reservoir in Capel Celyn, Wales, began, leading to the displacement of residents and destruction of the village.
  • In response, Welsh nationalists, including John Albert Jones, Emlyn Jones, and Owain Williams, planted an explosive at the dam's construction site in 1963.
  • The explosion caused a temporary halt in construction, but the perpetrators were eventually caught and jailed, sparking mixed reactions in Wales.
  • Despite protests and resistance, the reservoir was completed, flooding Capel Celyn and leading to the formation of militant Welsh nationalist groups like MAC and the Free Wales Army.
  • MAC and the Free Wales Army engaged in acts of political violence, including blowing up pipelines and targeting the investiture of Prince Charles as the Prince of Wales.
  • The actions of these groups marked a new era of radical nationalism in Wales, with a focus on causing damage rather than harming individuals.
  • The events in Capel Celyn and subsequent actions by nationalist groups highlighted the growing resistance and fight for Welsh independence against English control.

32:15

"Bombings, Sentencing, Devolution, and Water Scarcity"

  • The Mac boys plant four bombs in Canavan before an investiture, resulting in casualties and arrests.
  • Jenkins is sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in the bombings.
  • The bombings lead to increased support for Welsh Devolution, culminating in the establishment of a Welsh parliament in Cardiff.
  • The flooding of Capel Celyn for Liverpool's water supply highlights disparities in power and resources between England and Wales.
  • The story of Capel Celyn serves as a reminder of the global issue of water scarcity and the ethical considerations surrounding water distribution.
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