‘Frozen in time’ UK village where a ‘masterpiece’ series with 100% score was filmed | UK | News
There are many places in the UK that have been used as filming locations for famous movies and TV shows. Some of the most well-known landmarks include castles in Scotland and streets in London.
But there is also a colorful seaside village in Wales that has been described as “frozen in time” and is attracting the attention of fans of a “masterpiece” series filmed here in the 1960s. The show in question is called The Prisoner and the village is Portmeirion in Gwynedd in north-west Wales.
Portmeirion was created by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, who bought the site in 1925 and spent 50 years bringing his vision to life.
he wanted It showed that a place of natural beauty could be developed without destroying its natural beauty, and the result was a unique village more akin to the Italian Riviera. than rural Wales.
The village is now famous for its brightly colored buildings, central square, classical arches, domes, porticoes and Mediterranean-style layout.
As for The Prisoner, the series follows Number Six, a former intelligence agent played by Patrick McGoohan, who is trapped in a mysterious seaside village where everyone is watched and no one can leave.
McGoohan not only starred in the title role, but also created the series. Although only 17 episodes were broadcast between 1967 and 1968, The Prisoner became one of the most influential British TV series of its time.
It has a 100% critic score and a 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
One critic wrote: “Simply put, the series is a dazzling masterpiece and one of the greatest productions ever made.”
Another said: “The most original series of the time, influencing many future series like Lost, X-Files. Watch it.”
A third added: “This is the greatest, best and best TV series ever made!”
The series made such an impression that a fan group called Six of One was formed in the 1970s, and conventions featuring manned chess games and other themed events are still held in Portmeirion today.
Visitors can stop by The Prisoner Shop, where official merchandise is sold, and tour the locations featured on screen.
But Portmeirion’s history goes back much further than the 1960s. It has its roots in the manor of Aber Iâ, where the ruined Castell Deudraeth is recorded as early as 1188.
Victorian tenants later planted exotic trees, and by the time Williams-Ellis purchased the land it had become what he called “neglected wilderness.”
He renamed it Portmeirion – ‘Port’ for its coastal location and ‘Meirion’ after the historic township of Merioneth.
Construction took place in two phases: the first from 1926 to 1939, and the second from 1954 to 1976.
Today Portmeirion has hotels, shops, restaurants and a 70-acre woodland path known as The Gwyllt.
There is even a Japanese garden, hidden coves, giant rhododendrons and the famous “Stone Boat” built along the coastline in memory of a ship that once docked there.
The entire village is privately owned and carefully protected. Pets are not allowed and tide times are displayed along the estuary to keep visitors safe.
More information can be found Here.
