The Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales is defined by sweeping coastal landscapes, lush countryside, and a rich tapestry of Welsh heritage. Yet, nestled within this distinctly Welsh region lies an extraordinary piece of history: Penrhos Polish Village, a small settlement where nearly every resident once spoke Polish. Amid the Llŷn's deeply rooted Welsh culture, Penrhos Polish Village endures as a community with a unique and remarkable story.
Established in 1949 on the site of a former RAF base near Pwllheli, Penrhos became a sanctuary for Polish soldiers and civilians who were displaced during World War II. Unable to return home due to the Soviet takeover of Poland, these Poles found a new beginning in the heart of the Llŷn Peninsula. Over time, the Polish refugees transformed Penrhos into a vibrant village where Polish language, customs, and faith were preserved in a new land.
Life in Penrhos was shaped by Polish traditions, and for decades, Polish was the primary language spoken in the village. A Catholic church, community hall, and social clubs offered a sense of home to those who had been uprooted by war. Celebrations of Polish holidays, like Easter and Christmas Eve with traditional Polish customs, were central to the village's identity. For many residents, Penrhos provided a deep sense of connection to their roots, even as they integrated into Welsh society.
Speaking on a recent episode of Vanished Wales on ITV, Ewa Brodzinski, whose parents worked in Penrhos, reflected on her childhood growing up in the village. "Everything was done as it would have been in Poland, especially during certain times of the year, like Christmas," she shared. "As we continued those traditions, they shaped our values." Ewa further remarked, "Many key events in my life happened here—I was married in the church, for example. This was a bit of Poland here in Wales, and my most vivid memory is of it being our home."
Today, Penrhos Polish Village stands as a testament to resilience and community spirit—a symbol of Wales as a nation of sanctuary. Although its population has dwindled and many younger generations have moved away, the village remains a significant landmark of post-war history and Polish heritage in the region.
While plans for the redevelopment of Penrhos are underway, the project will preserve the village’s church, where a towering metal 'Cross of Freedom' still stands. At its stone base is a poignant inscription, dated May 1947 and carved in English, Polish, and Welsh, which reads, "On the way to free Poland," serving as a powerful reminder of the village’s rich history.
The story of Penrhos highlights the importance of European culture in Wales, showcasing the diverse identities that have shaped the nation throughout its history.
