Just as the weather on this ancient terrain is prone to change, so has this mountain's story had a few twists and turns along the way.
So what is the history of this rather damp, cold, cloudy and generally bleak place?
When the Romans plodded into Britain, Snowdonia, including Mount Snowdon, was part of the Roman province of Britannia (the name comes from the Greek "painted ones"). The Romans seemed to have used Mount Snowdon as a reference point. Before reliable maps and compasses, a big fat landmark helped you get around the place. Beyond this, with a lack of observation equipment or ranged weaponry, the mountain had little other utility.
In the Early Middle Ages, with the Romans' decision to go back to Rome - presumably because the vegetables tasted better there - there was a power vacuum. On came on the Welsh! It was in the (what we now see as English) stories, such as King Arthur, that the mountain became a cultural symbol. In Welsh Snowdon is called Yr Wyddfa, which means “The Tomb”. This name refers to the myth of Snowdonia really being a burial mound for a giant. In the legend of King Arther the giant, named Rhitta Gawr was a general nuisance in Northern Wales. He kept fighting the kings there and the like. The giant then made the very stupid mistake (with hindsight) of duelling Arthur. There is a reason the mountain is not called 'Arthur's Tomb'. So the giant was killed. Nice family friendly story.
Then Normans invaded Wales, and Snowdonia was subject to Norman control. The local region was dominated by castles such as Conway Castle. Conway was built on elevated ground to control the river Conway. Yet, as none of the castles were terribly close to Snowdon, it seems that the mountain was perhaps just too damn high (or too far away from strategic objectives) to be of much use.
This may have changed in the early 15th century. The Welsh rebellion led by Owain Glyndŵr made use of the mountains of Snowdonia, yet it is difficult to know if they ever used Snowdon as a base of operations.
Snowdown seems to have become a greater symbol of Welsh nationalism in the Early Modern Period. There was a shift from the mountain as a prop for storytelling to a landscape to be looked at in awe. It began to attract travellers and artists. It was mentioned in literature, including the works of poets such as William Wordsworth.
The 19th century saw a surge in tourism to Snowdonia. The construction of the Holyhead Road improved access, and the mountain became a popular destination for hikers. The Snowdon Mountain Railway was also built during this time to carry visitors to the summit.
Tourism continued to grow through the 20th century, and conservation efforts led to the establishment of Snowdonia National Park in 1951, which aimed to protect the natural beauty of the region.
Mount Snowdon has had a significant history of both violence and peace, it has represented both the turbulent times of British history, but also the romanticisation of the past in a peaceful industrial age. It is clear that there has been a shift in how stories are told about the mountain. From folklore to paintings, from stories of great kings to a flock of hikers.
How has Mount Snowdon affected you? Are you going to climb the damn thing now or what?
Oh wondering why it's called Snowdon. Means "snowy hill" in English. You're welcome!
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