Llandrindod Wells, with a population of just over five thousand people, is the fifth largest town in Powys. Despite its middling ranking, the town does have a much more interesting history than many of the cities that surround it and its beautiful Victorian and Edwardian architecture makes it easily among the most visually striking cities in the area. The city's biggest claim to fame, however, would easily be its longstanding reputation as a spa town.
In the middle of the 1700s visitors began to flock to Llandrindod in droves because of a rumor that arose regarding the natural springs in the village. Many thought that the water in Llandrindod's springs had miraculous healing powers. Whether these boasts were ever proven is of little consequence. People came to the city from all over and the influx caused a boom in the economy of the Llandrindod, allowing ornate and prestigious hotels like Llandrindod Hall to be erected, which ended up bringing in even more tourists. The healing waters of Llandrindod wouldn't be able to sustain the industry of the city, however, and a sizable decline in tourism began to be felt as early as the late 1800s. Fortunately, by this time the Industrial Revolution was right around the corner and the city's demise was staved off by the famed Heart of Wales Line. This railway allowed people from South Wales and the Midlands to visit Llandrindod with ease and this happily coincided with the many new shops, streets, hotels, and houses that began to be built in large quantities in the 1860s. During this time even more decorative and beautiful landmarks began to be built that made earlier buildings like Llandrindod Hall pale in comparison. Ornamental lakes and lavish golf courses catered to the upscale crowds that would stay in the expensive suites scattered all about Llandrindod.
After World War I, a global depression hit the world and Llandrindod was particularly affected because of its large quantity of upscale establishments. The city's economic woes would continue until around the 1970s, when the local government reorganized the county placements and Llandrindod suddenly became the capital of the new county known as Powys. Once again Llandrindod was back on top as thousands moved into this newly created capital and built up businesses and shops that took advantage of the city's low cost of living. Unfortunately, recent research suggests that Llandrindod's economy may be once again on the way down. Many factories and supermarkets have closed down and charity shops have replaced many for-profit stores and companies. This is largely due to the global recession and, if the light is truly at the end of the tunnel, things may once again look bright for Llandrindod in the near future. One thing is certain, however: Llandrindod has experienced the best and worst that capitalism has to offer and it has taken its blows with grace and dignity. Llandrindod has bounced back from the brink countless times and one can say with more than a little confidence that this isn't the last we've seen of Llandrindod.
| 
+44 (0)1597 822585
