Towards the close of the last century, some spirited Welsh gentlemen, who had the honour of their national harmony and literature at heart, determined to revive a meeting likely to preserve and encourage that music and language, the excellence of which has for ages been enthusiastically admired by their countrymen. In the spring of 1798, their resolution was carried into effect; and an Eisteddvod was held at Caerwys, the ancient place of meeting. Since this period, Eisteddvodau have been frequent in different parts of the Principality.
Bangor 14½ Beddgelert 12 Caernarvon 17 Cerniogau Mawr 15 Ffestiniog 20 Llanberis 10 Llanrwst 10 Menai Bridge 17
Capel Curig is most beautifully situated on the London and Holyhead road. From its vicinity to Snowdon and other mountains of note in this part of the Principality, and to several of the first lakes in North Wales, it has been for a long time much frequented by tourists; and since the diversion of the great Holyhead road through Nant Ffrancon, and the erection of a spacious hotel here by the late Lord Penrhyn, has become a place of fashionable resort, and during the summer season is visited by many families of distinction. A new line of road from this place to Caernarvon, through the pass of Llanberis, at the foot of Snowdon, has lately been opened, affording a more direct communication with the interior of the counties of Caernarvon and Merioneth.
In this vale there is a lovely variety both of wood and water. The name is derived from its chapel, dedicated to a Welsh saint called Curig, situate a short distance from the inn. He is mentioned in an old Welsh poem, which, however, only intimates his order, and nothing more is at present known of him.
Capel Curig is situated in a district abounding with mineral wealth. A great quantity of calamine has been obtained here, and in the vicinity is found the broad primitive rock called serpentine. Near a place called Bryn Gwaliau, between Capel Curig and Llanrwst, there are some remains of a Roman edifice, a great part of which has been removed for building materials: one of the apartments was found by Mr. Lysons to be sixty feet by twenty in dimensions, and another eighteen feet six inches square, in which latter were several short square pillars of stone, similar to those of the hypocaust near the Feathers hotel in Chester.