History Of The Welsh Flag

For centuries Wales has been represented by a green and white flag with a red dragon in the middle, but what do we actually know about the flag and just why did the Welsh choose to have it symbolise Wales?

welsh-flag

The Welsh Flag

The red dragon itself has been associated with Wales for centuries, and the flag is claimed to be the oldest national flag in the world that is still in use. Why a dragon is on the flag is a story of intrigue, history and myth.

One legend recalls Romano-British soldiers carrying the red dragon (Draco) to Rome on their banners in the fourth-century, but it could be even older than that.

Some consider that the Welsh kings of Aberffraw first adopted the dragon in the early fifth century in order to symbolise their power and authority after the Romans withdrew from Britain. Around the seventh century, it became known as the Red Dragon of Cadwaladr, King of Gwynedd from 655 to 682 AD.

The oldest recorded use of the dragon is from the Historia Brittonum, written by the historian Nennius around 820 AD.

Geoffrey of Monmouth in his Historia Regum Britanniae, written between 1120 and 1129, links the dragon with the Arthurian legends, including Uther Pendragon the father of Arthur whose name translates as Dragon Head. Geoffrey’s account also tells of the prophecy of Myrddin (or Merlin) of a long fight between a red dragon and a white dragon, symbolising the historical struggle between the Welsh and the English.

The red dragon was also said to have been used as the British standard at the Battle of Crecy in 1346 in France, when the brave Welsh archers, dressed in their beloved green and white, played such a crucial role in defeating the French.

Owain Glyndwr raised the dragon standard in 1400 as a symbol of revolt against the English Crown, and then the dragon was brought to England by the House of Tudor, the Welsh dynasty that held the English throne from 1485 to 1603.

It signified their direct descent from one of the noble families of Wales. The green and white stripes of the flag were additions of Henry VII, the first Tudor king, representing the colours of his standard.

Coat_of_Arms_of_Henry_VII

Henry VII Coat of Arms

During Henry VIII’s reign the red dragon on a green and white background became a favourite emblem on Royal Navy ships.

As the national flag of Wales, the red dragon extended its popularity in the twentieth century, when Edward, Prince of Wales used it for his 1911 Caernarfon Investiture. Then in 1959 it became officially recognised as the Welsh national flag, and it now flies proudly over many public and private buildings throughout Wales.

welsh flag at the rugby

The Welsh Flag at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Welshmen, women and children now display the unusual flag as a symbol of pride in their country’s history and culture.

 

 

 

 

 

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Romantic Welsh Places

Wales has some stunning romantic places to enjoy, with so many ideal for couples wanting to enhance their love-life. Here are a handful of our favourite romantic places in Wales to visit.

Old Mill Cottage

Old Mill Cottage, Wye Valley

If you want to spend some quality time with someone, what better way to do this than to stay at the Old Mill Cottage in the Wye Valley. Surrounded by breathtaking views across the impressive countryside with greenery and mountains glistening it’s a real romantic retreat and treat for that matter. The cottage is near the coast so you get to absorb the refreshing sea air and beautiful beaches. This could be the perfect romantic break in Wales.

Aber Valley Nature Reserve, Snowdonia

Aber Valley Nature Reserve, Snowdonia

At the Aber Valley Nature reserve you can rekindle the magic of your relationship in an ideal setting. The Snowdonian valleys and hillsides offer some stunning landscapes that are truly breathtaking. If you are into wildlife and the outdoors this is a perfect place to visit.

Coasteering in Pembrokeshire

Coasteering in Pembrokeshire

Pop along to glorious Pembrokeshire for a spot of coasteering in Preseli, which is ideal if you are the active type. It’s an exciting opportunity to do something that gels you and your partner together, a bonding experience while you jump hand in hand into the sea. Afterwards you can cosy up by a log fire with a well earned glass of wine before relaxing in a luxury eco-lodge.

Explore the Isle of Anglesey

Explore the Isle of Anglesey

The Isle of Anglesey is a romantic Welsh location, it’s one of the best places in the country to pop the big question. If you’re not quite ready for that, you could wander around the ruins of Llanddwyn church before getting cosy while watching the sun set over a deserted beach. There are also some fabulous seafood restaurants nearby which serve crab, lobster, mussels and scallops fresh out of the sea.

Llandgoed Hall in Llyswen

Llandgoed Hall in Llyswen

Llyswen’s 17th century hotel Llandgoed Hall is very popular for a romantic champagne break away. Upon arrival a bottle of champagne and Welsh cream tea will be waiting in your room and for a little extra you can push the boat out and go for chocolates and flowers. Enjoy a four course evening meal, with sumptuous food to make the day go well. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of general life this is a perfect relaxing place to come and spend quality time with your lover.

If any of these suggested romantic Welsh places peek your interest and you want to meet a Welsh partner to explore them with, then simply sign up to the Smwch Dating web site. All those romantic places in Wales are waiting for you.

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Welsh Is a Difficult Language

Learning the Welsh Language

Learning the Welsh Language

A recent survey has been published to show how people use the Welsh language. The survey was established to try and understand how the Welsh language is used and in what context.

The main findings are as follows:- The percentage of fluent Welsh speakers is quite similar to the numbers in the Welsh Language Use Surveys of 2004-06, yet 131,000 more people now say they speak a little Welsh.

The percentage of those who speak Welsh daily hasn’t changed since the last survey findings and there is a visible link between areas of the country in relation to highest concentration of Welsh speakers and fluency.

The areas of Wales with the most concentration of fluent Welsh speakers such as Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Gwynedd and the Isle of Anglesey have seen a slight a decrease since the last survey. The areas with a large increase in fluent Welsh speakers were :- Rhondda Cynon Taf, with an increase of 5,000; and in Cardiff with an increase of approximately 7,000 more.

Today’s younger Welsh speakers are likely to have learnt it in extra lessons away from school.

The survey has been an interesting insight into the Welsh language, and the overall conclusion is that is surprising how many Welsh people can fluently speak the language, especially when you consider what a relatively hard langauge it it to learn. If you do speak Welsh, and you’re single, then then why not try and find someone else who can speak the language too at the Smwch Dating website.

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10 Famous Welsh Hotties

There are so many hot women in Wales, and here we present some hot and famous Welsh celebrities. There are many gorgeous Welsh women out there, other than Catherine Zeta Jones, as you will see.

Imogen Thomas

Imogen Thomas

Welsh hottie Imogen won Miss Wales in 2003. She moved on from her modelling and became famous for a scandalous fling with love rat footballer Ryan Giggs. She found more fame when she appeared in the Channel 4 TV programme Big Brother. This brunette beauty won the hearts of many Welsh men whilst she was in the Big Brother house and she built up her fan base of admiring Welsh men.

Jessica Thomas

Jessica Davies

Ex Miss Wales finalist Aberystwyth hottie Jessica Davies is a glamourous model with brains. She studied for a degree whilst she was regularly posing for Britain’s popular lad magazines.

Lisa Lazarus

Lisa Lazarus

Llanelli hottie Lisa Lazarus also has brains as well as beauty as she has a degree in Radiotherapy. Lisa has starred in numerous acting roles showing that this Welsh beauty is a girl of many talents.

Kathryn Jenkins

Kathryn Jenkins

Neath hottie Kathryn Jenkins a famous singer songwriter. This Welsh choir girl had a passion for opera and all of her albums have reached number one in the UK classical charts selling in excess of four million copies, and many, many digital downloads too. This Welsh beauty soared into the limelight when she sang at Westminster Cathedral honouring Pope John Paul II’s visit in October 2003. She does more than just classical music though; she regularly sings the Welsh national anthem at rugby and football matches.

Lucie Jones

Lucie Jones

Pentyrch hottie Lucie Jones hails from a little village on the outskirts of Cardiff. This is a singer who made it to the XFactor live shows but unfortunately lost her place close to the the final to Jedward of all people! The popular vibrant vocalist then went on to perform at the West End production of Les Misérables and she has many other projects in the pipeline.

Marina Diamandis

Marina Diamandis

Brynmawr hottie Marina Diamandis is a singer/songwriter. Her indie music became popular with the album The Family Jewels in 2010 which reached number five in the UK Album Charts. This indie pop songstress is famed for her own retro cartoonish styles.

Sophie Moulds

Sophie Moulds

Sophie Moulds comes from the Rhondda valley and she was crowned Miss Wales in 2012. This brown eyed Welsh beauty could turn any Welsh man’s head, and she inspires many Welsh girls to be proud of their roots.

Seren Gibson

Seren Gibson

Rhuthun hottie Seren Gibson built her career in modelling for men’s magazines and UK newspapers. Being on the front cover of the likes of Zoo magazine and the Daily Star led to her becoming a favourite pin-up of many a man.

Anna Cariad

Anna Cariad

Pembrokeshire hottie Anna Cariad launched her modelling career successfully at the age of nineteen. Now in her twenties, she is currently living in New York and is continuing to model being featured in many advertising campaigns.

Becky Roberts

Becky Roberts

Newport hottie Becky Roberts is a glamour model who takes her clothes off for a living. You would find posters of her in many Welsh garages that’s for sure. This Welsh blonde is very popular on the adult scene and is often seen writhing around on those Babestation type channels on satellite TV.

Kate McGill

Kate McGill

Carmarthen hottie Kate McGill is a singer songwriter best known for her cover versions of artists like Adele, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and many more. With over 30 million views on her YouTube channel she is in the top twenty most subscribed to musicians on YouTube.

Talking of YouTube, you should consider subscribing to Smwch Dating on Youtube.

We hope you enjoyed reading about this list of top Welsh tottie, and agree that there are many beautiful and talented Welsh women out there. You too can find many talented Welsh women with beautiful model looks at the Smwch Dating web site.

 

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Top 10 Romantic Spots in Wales

There are some very romantic places in Wales, and here are what we consider to be amongst the top romantic spots in Wales to take your dates. Here we present some hidden gems of places to go with your lover, to give you bothe the opportunity to embrace the beautiful Welsh countryside which will certainly help set the mood for some serious loving.

Llanddwyn-Island

Llanddwyn-Island

This is the final resting place of Saint Dwynwen, the patron saint of Lovers. This has to be on any short list of romantic places anywhere in the world!


Castell Coch

Castell Coch

The castle looks dreamy and perfect for a walk around on a romantic evening.


Barfundle Bay

Barfundle Bay

Watch the sunset on the coastal path of Barfundle Bay in beautiful Pembrokeshire.


Ystradfellte Waterfalls

Ystradfellte Waterfalls

This beautiful waterfall in the Brecon Beacons in SOuth Wales is a stunning romantic spot.


Portmeirion

Portmeirion

It looks like the Mediterranean has come to Wales here, a place where you can enjoy the peace and tranquility at this Italian village in Gwynedd.



Carew Castle

Carew Castle

This historical castle has witnessed much in its over 2,000 years of history.


Plas Cadnant

Plas Cadnant

The hidden gardens of Plas Cadnant overlooking the Menai Straits are a well kept secret.


Rhossili Bay

Rhossili Bay

This stunning beach at Rhossili is regularly voted one of Britain’s best beaches.


Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey is one of the greatest monastic ruins of wales, and is ideal for those who admire breathtaking views.


Abereiddy and The Blue Lagoon

Abereiddy and The Blue Lagoon

It’s paradise with this blue lagoon in Pembrokeshire – the glow of the water is truly stunning.

That’s just a few of the many romantic places you can find in Wales. Which would be top of your list, and which would be the one you would choose for a romantic day out or a romantic getaway for a few nights? Single? Not to worry. If you are Welsh and looking for love, check out the Smwch Dating site and find yourself someone to take to one of these top ten romantic hotspots in Wales.

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Welsh Hottie of the Month – August

Our Welsh hottie of the month for August is Angela from Mid Glamorgan. A qualified nurse with a pretty face there’s no wonder she’s our hottie of the month, so let’s find out what she has to say.

Pretty Nurse Angela

Pretty Nurse Angela

“I’m a Nurse, I’ve been qualified for 12 years. I like/love my job, it really is a calling!

I love dry white wine & continental lagers. I run & play Netball to keep fit. – It helps me somewhat fight off the binge drinker Flab – Lol!

I have a serious addiction to spicy Foods; especially indian! I benchmark at Madras and go up in heat from there!

Angela is 38 years old and is looking for a guy of a similar age who is either medium build, athletic, muscular or cuddly.

Her interests include Pop Music, Classical Music, Jazz Music, Rock Music, Movies, Theatre, Dancing, Animals, Gardening, The Arts, The Outdoors, DIY/Crafts, Restaurants, Pubs/Clubs, Reading, TV/Radio, Computers, Internet, Cooking, Travelling, Keep Fit, Sports (Playing), Sports (Watching) and Green Issues. To get in touch with Angela simply click on her photo to get in touch.


Angela is just one of the many Welsh hotties that you can see via the Mid Glamorgan Dating page on the Smwch web site. If you would like to search for other single Welsh hotties in other parts of the country, then that’s OK – just go to the front page of the Smwch Dating web site, where it is of course free to sign up an search by age, build, hair colour, interests etc etc.


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Welsh Hottie of the Month – July

Our Welsh hottie of the month for July is Abigail from Mid Glamorgan, so let’s find out what this attractive blue eyed and curvy girl has to say.

Welsh hottie Abigail

Welsh hottie Abigail

“I am a genuine and honest girl who enjoys the company of an older guy. I am kind, loyal and very caring. I’m that person who would rather put someone else’s happiness before her own.”

“I enjoy someone with the same sense of humour as my own and a lover of a ridiculous pun”

“I’m looking for a man who knows how to treat their lady well as I do not deserve being messed around or used.
Spoil me and I’ll spoil you, it’s only fair xx “

Abigail is looking for someone aged 24 to 35, between about 5’5″-5’11” tall and living in and around Mid Glamorgan.

Her interests include Pop Music, Rock Music, Movies, Animals, The Outdoors, DIY/Crafts, Restaurants, Reading, TV/Radio, Computers, Internet, Cooking and Travelling.

To get in touch with this single Welsh girl from Mid Glamorgan simply click on her photo to get in touch.

Abigail is just one of the many Welsh hotties that you can see via the Mid Glamorgan Dating page on the Smwch web site. If you would like to search for other single Welsh hotties in other parts of the country, by area, age, height, build and more, then that’s also easy – just go to the main Smwch Dating web site, where it is of course free to sign up.


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Welsh Hottie of the Month – June

Our Welsh Hottie of the Month of June is Roxy 26 from Cardiff, but we reckon she won’t be single for long. Let’s hear what this beautiful brunette beauty has to say about herself.

Glamour Girl from South Glamorgan

Cardiff Glamour Girl

“I love love love shopping and all things girly. Have a keen interest in fashion and putting outfits together and I enjoy lunching out with the girls and getting dolled up and going out on the weekends.”

“I hate to admit it but I’m a bit of a junk food addict and love a takeaway. Indian, Chinese, Chippy, but truth be told I’m happy with a good cheeseburger!”

“The most interesting fact about me is probably that I have loads of little OCDs and I actually suffer quite badly with anxiety problems and body dysmorphia as well as confidence problems.”

“My greatest inspiration is my nan and grandpa. They both worked from absolutely nothing to get where they are today and they do anything they can to help me and my sister where they can.”

To get in touch with this sexy glamorous girl from Cardiff who clearly loves her grandparents simply click on her photo which will take you direct to her member profile.

You should know that Roxy is just one of many Welsh hotties you can see via the South Glamorgan Dating page on the Smwch web site. If you would like to search for other single Welsh hotties in other parts of Wales, then that’s easy too. You can view them via the main Smwch Dating web site, where it is of course free to sign up.


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Welsh Hottie of the Month – May

Our Welsh hottie of the month of May is Emma 21 from Llandough, South Glamorgan.

Pretty Welsh Emma

Pretty Emma

Let’s find out what this pretty brunette has to say in her profile….

“Hey guys, my name is Emma, I’m 21 and live/work in Cardiff.

“I’m a strong minded person I know what I want in life, I love to try new things and go new places!
I’m also a very kind, caring person and have a fun and bubbly personality, I find it very easy to get on with people.
I also have a strong sense of humour, I like people that make me laugh 😉

“I’m looking for a sugar daddy to spoil me, I love giving and receiving gifts and like all girls I like the finer things in life so it doesn’t always come cheep 😉

“Time to be blunt, I’m not looking for anyone who is over 50, but if it’s at the higher end of that number would need to look good for their age! Also I like a man who looks after himself and likes to stay in shape!
I’m not looking for a relationship of any kind! Unless it’s no strings friendship!

“If you think you can keep up with my needs then don’t hesitate to message I know I can keep up with yours ;)”

Emma’s interests include Pop Music, Country Music, Rock Music, Movies, Animals, The Outdoors, DIY/Crafts, Restaurants, Pubs/Clubs, TV/Radio, Cooking, Travelling and Keep Fit

Like Emma, our daters have the chance to answer some questions to help potential matches and when asked What do you like to do for fun? Emma answered….
“I love horse riding, I used to compete, but don’t ;find the time anymore!
Also love any kind of outdoor activities, love going to the pub, can’t beat a game of pool and a pint 😉
love trying new things and going new places!”

If you would like to get in touch with this Welsh babe and maybe try to beat her at pool, then simply click on her photo to get in touch.

Emma is just one of many Welsh hotties you can see via the South Glamorgan Dating page on the Smwch Dating web site. If you would like to search for other single Welsh hotties as pretty as Emma in other parts of Wales, then that’s easy too. You can see them via the main Smwch Dating web site, where it is of course free to sign up. Once signed up, you can narrow your search by location, age, height, body shape along with various interests. Good luck.


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Romantic Welsh Getaways

Wales boasts some the most romantic retreats in the UK, it is home to some of the best places to take your other half for a romantic getaway. We take a look at a few of our favourites and point out why these retreats are perfect for a romantic retreat.

Most Romantic Welsh Getaways

Sawday’s Canopy & Stars

Pentre Mawr
This hidden gem of a hotel has a split personality. The main building is a classic Welsh country house hotel, but hidden away in the grounds are gorgeous African safari-style luxury canvas lodges. With private hot tubs and king size beds, these are perfect for a romantic treat and sure to impress your other half.

Welsh Waterways Holidays
If a plain old hotel isn’t your cup of tea and the African safari’s not your style, why not try the romance of a narrowboat? Waterways Holidays offer narrowboats for two people to share for an alternative getaway, the intimacy of the narrowboat adds a romantic feel that you cannot avoid.

Hafod Glan Gwy
This stylish cabin is located near to Hay-on-Wye and the Breacon Beacons. The name translates as ‘summer house by the river’ but don’t let that fool you – the cabin is an ideal romantic setting all year round. With faux fur throws, wood stoves and private patio areas, this is a great place to visit with a lucky partner.

Ty Ucha’r Ffordd
Located on the Bodnant Estate in Conwy, North Wales, this charming one-bedroom cottage has a lot to offer. Encompassing views of the endless rolling hills of the Welsh countryside, with roaring log fires as standard, this is a great place to relax. If you want to take your partner out for a romantic meal the classic Victorian seaside town is just a twenty minute drive away.

Sawday’s Canopy & Stars
If you are looking for a glamping (glamorous camping)  experience in Wales, look no further. Sawday’s Canopy & Stars has Welsh glamping down to a fine art. A large choice is on offer, from tipis to luxury trailers, with meditation included as standard. If you are looking for something a bit different this could be the perfect getaway for you.

If you are looking for that special someone to take away for a romantic getaway then why not try this very popular Welsh Dating Site.

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