A "massive" nuclear power station that once supplied electricity to thousands of homes across North Wales dominated the skyline for decades.
North Wales Live recently wrote an article about Trawsfynydd nuclear power station in Gwynedd that contained dozens of photos taken on site during a single day in 1961. They captured life at Britain’s first inland atomic power station and brought back many memories for readers.
Thousands of people worked at the power station in Snowdonia National Park from its construction in 1959 to when decommissioning began in 1991. Around 600 people who worked at Trawsfynydd lived in the nearby Bronaber camp, which is described as being a “tin town”.
READ MORE: 22 fascinating photos capture life at Trawsfynydd nuclear power station in 1961
North Wales Live readers commented beneath the Facebook post sharing the original article to share their memories of the power station. Will said: “I love Trawsfynydd power station. It’s like something out of 70s Doctor Who. I did a groundworks job right next to it - it’s massive!”
![View of a crane at Trawsfynydd nuclear power station that was called Goliath and cost £250,000](https://i2-prod.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article26233558.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/2_Trawsfynydd-nuclear-power-station.jpg)
Many people mentioned their family members who worked at Trawsfynydd. Cynthia wrote: “My dad was in the main office in the camp and that's where I used to live. I remember the pub, catholic church, cinema, canteen, laundry and the little shop on site.”
Brenda commented: “My late Uncle Gwilym helped construct Trawsfynydd, and after that, Wylfa. I'd no idea that there were 600 workers living there.” Christine said: “My father worked on the cranes at Trawsfynydd power station for many years.”
![Workers catch up over a meal at the canteen](https://i2-prod.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article26233530.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Trawsfynydd-nuclear-power-station.jpg)
Brian wrote: “My late brother in law, Ted Murphy, lived in Bronaber, which was known as Tin Town, during construction of Trawsfynydd.” Lona recalled: “My dad was a bricklayer building the power station and travelled on buses that brought staff to work from the Nantlle/Penygroes area each day. Dad is now 88!”
Robert commented: “My late father worked here in the 1960s. He and my mum moved from Liverpool and settled in Barmouth.” Kassal said: “My dad was a HGV driver for Tunnel Cement. He and others hauled there as the building etc was done.”
![Living quarters at the nearby camp](https://i2-prod.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article26233557.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_Trawsfynydd-nuclear-power-station.jpg)
Some readers remembered visiting the power station on trips when they were younger. Michael wrote: “Our scout group (1st Petersfield scout group) had a tour around the Trawsfynydd power station, probably late 1960s. We were camping at Llanfair near Harlech at the time and l can vaguely remember being completely overwhelmed at the size of the place.
“I think there was a connection with a person in Petersfield who had been involved in the planning stage of the power station and that is how we managed to book the tour!”
Carol added: “We had a tour of the power station years ago and it was very good.” Jo replied to Carol: “We went on a school trip, I have awful memories of going up a never-ending see-through metal stairway at some point. I hate heights!”
What are your memories of Trawsfynydd power station? Let us know in the comments section below.
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