'They've gone too far': Anger as statue gets rude addition

RESIDENTS were left incensed when a large sex toy was added to a statue of one of Wales' greatest historical figures.

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE Countryside and Tourism Editor

Llywelyn ab Iorwerth, the Gwynedd prince who fleetingly forged a nation, has twice suffered the same indignity in Conwy town centre.

His statue, perched on a column above a fountain in Lancaster Square, was erected in 1898 to commemorate one of Wales' greatest sons.

In late September, a phallic symbol was placed above his crown, and the same stunt was repeated last weekend.

When photos were shared on social media, there was a mixed reaction. While some people condemned the stunt as "shameful" and a "disgrace", others claimed it was a light hearted prank that shouldn't be taken too seriously.

During his lifetime, Llywelyn brought unprecedented unity to much of Wales, though perhaps never the institutional resilience he sought.

Shortly after his death in 1240, having battled Anglo-Norman power, he was given the title Llywelyn Fawr one of only two Welsh rulers to be called "the Great".

As a potent symbol of Welsh independence, the appearance of a phallic symbol might be seen as a political statement.

More likely it was just an act of youthful stupidity, believes town councillor Joan Vaughan.