Gwyrdd Dirio - Green Land

[wallasey 8]

First the "legals"

Map: Hand Crafted in the Terraforma

Mods: Many...

>NAM

>

Euro Road

Textures

>Maxis Buildings Blocker

>Cycledogg's Terrain Mod

>PEG Rock and Water mod

>UK Lighting Mod

>Slope Mod

>Bridge Height Mod

CustomBuildings: Not as yet

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This has been edited on 03JUN08...reposting lost info!

So here we are...yet another CJ to grace Simtropolis...and yet another UK based one at that. Now before we begin, you may have noticed the Welsh phrasing above, now I will point out now that this doesn't seek to be anything like the ever wonderful New Rhodesia by 6underground. The region this CJ looks at is a fictional place, that is inhabited by Welsh and English speaking sims. Before I introduce you all to the region, Here’s some background into how this came to be...

(Feel Free to skip if you aren't up to reading a small history lesson! )

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The Welsh originally colonized the area during the Middle Ages (circa 1430), most of which were Monks and Religious Icons fleeing their respective homelands in fear of what would happen to them if the English ever caught up. After months of sailing, they found land. It was expansive with flat, fertile land ideal for farming and civilization, whilst mountains and valley's provided safe and ideal hiding places for those in fear of prosecution. Abbey's and churches were constructed in major centres. This provided education and healthcare for the inhabitants. Their capital, Bangor grew rapidly as a hub. Its position next to the River Merfa and the Leander Straights quickly made Bangor into a prosperous city. Its links to towns and villages across what was to become Gwyrdd Dirio only emphasized its importance. This, however brought about its downfall. Word soon got back to the English about where the "escapees" had gotten to...troops were soon headed for Bangor and its lands. The leader of the armories was John de Hale. When Hale arrived in Bangor, the Welsh were il-prepared. The sacking of the city by the English was short...but deadly. To make an example of the Welsh, John de Hale ordered the culling of all men older than himself (27). He then decided he wanted what the Welsh had created...and made a deal with them. He said, I will relinquish from anymore bloodshed...but I want the mainland. He pointed across the Leander Straits to a Island. "Take yourselves and your people over there and you will be free to do your own thing". To which the Welsh did.

Ever since, there has been no love loss in this land between Hynys chan Ryddha (Island of the released) and the Mainland. The Welsh still claim they own the region, but the English say different. Clashes were common after the agreement, but little came of it. Bangor was re-constructed but the English soon built up a new capital to the south. It was named Hale...in honor of John de Hale.

The Welsh meanwhile built up their island, Their new capital, Holyhead was named after where the greater amount of the remaining populus came from. They built an Abbey on HolyheadIsland, this is now a ruin but pilgrims still make the journey to this sacred building.

In 1902, Gwyrdd Dirio become one nation once again. Although there had been no wars or blood-shed since the 1700's, The powers that be in Hale and Holyhead decided that it was time to bury the hatchet and move on. The treaty put to rest what had been done in the past, and set out how the region would become one. Hale would become the Capital for everyone, with Holyhead maintaining its important position as a centre forHynys Chan Ryddha. The Leander Straits still form's a natural boundary, and Hynys chan Ryddha is still predominantly Welsh Speaking with the mainland being English.

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In order to better understand the geography of the region, below is a political map defining local authority boundaries...

[

The Dotted line shows the old boundary between the Mainland and Hynys chan Ryddha. The region is administered by County Councils and Borough Council's. These are governed from county towns, most of which give their name to their local council name.

Bangor was the first place in the region to be colonized all those years ago; most of what was built by the Welsh was obliterated by the English. For reasons un-be-known to us, John De Hale never renamed the city after a English Placename.

Without further ado, and to get us started, heres a few views of Bangor; The oldest city in Gwyrdd Diro...

Lathom New Road

: This suburban route runs North Westerly out of the City Centre. It was laid out in the 1930's and quickly attracted affluent property developers. Some of the housing here is lucky enough to have wide open views over the Leander Straights, with some impeccable sunsets to behold! The M51 connects Bangor with Cleveleys to the North and Hale to the South via the M53.

Soughton Road

: To the South of Bangor is

Canning Road

, Also laid out in the 1930's, middle class housing lines the main road out of the city. Bangor isn't big in size, infact the place itself only has a population of 45k. How is this a city? I hear you ask! Well, it has a Cathedral and a City Charter to boast, making it more than elegable to be classed as a city. Like most historical settlements, it doesn't cover a large land area, with its growth being compacted into the valley. The railway line is the main coastal line connecting Hale to Bangor and Cleveleys.

Merfa RetailPark: The developers of the retail park in the 1990's named this large acreage of retail space after the Welsh name for the River Barrow. This was in effort to remember that Bangor hasn't always been English; this was backed up during construction when several artifacts were recovered and put on show in BangorTown Hall.

Bangor City Centre (The Railway): The dual carriageway you see leading away from the Railway line is

Cliviger Road

and connects the historic City Centre with the M51 and the BarrowValleyIndustrial Park. The WhiteTower block next to Bangor Station is the head office of the Bangor Transport Alliance. This includes the HQ of Bangor Bus (a local Bus Operator) The Passenger Transport Watchdog for Gwyrdd Dirio and several other transport orientated organizations. Also in view is St Mary's Cathedral.

Bangor City Centre (Arndale House and Surround): Arndale House is the tall office building which can be spotted to the left of St Mary's Cathedral. It was controversial at the time of construction as it was the only building to be built in the event of the withdrawal of the Bangor Tall Buildings Ban. It stands some 23 floors above the historic City Centre and is home to several Council Departments and regional HQ's of various consortiums, namely Halifax Bank and M&S. This image also shows the topography of Bangor, to the North the land rises steeply out of the valley. This allows spectacular views over the city and Leander Straights to be had, several properties can sell for proportionately higher prices because of this.

For those who missed this update, I hope this has filled in some of the gaps!

 

 

 

[Callbat 8]

Wondeful! A Welsh city journal! I especially love the city centre and the suburbs are masterfully done!

I cant wait for more!

[edcase2k4-thugangel1983 1]

very nice! i particularly like that building "Arndale House", and the Merfa Retail Park. there's some buildings there that i would like to use!

how long have you been working on this region so far?

[Abc987 3]

Gorgeous! Unique! Interesting!

Wow! With such a sturdy support of information, this CJ will go far! Bangor is also quite aesthetically pleasing!

[edmonton_stinks 5]

Your suburbs are very British. I like it!

[mightygoose 92]

that doesn't look much like bangor to me

[anarchy0029 2]

Just the look of the picture. I can't wait to see the rest of it.

[Shingure 56]

I can't wait for the first update. * Is bouncing around *

[jacqulina 162]

great intro sounds very interesting my friend cant wait for more.

[6underground 11]

Da Iawn! Loving the Welsh links matey, and thanks for the tip of the hat to Rhodesia Newydd Dinas.

I shall follow your progress.

Hwyl fawr.

[wallasey 8]

Well Thankyou all for such a good response within the last few days!

I would like to point out that there appears to be information missing from my first posting; don't know if this has been the case in similar threads or not. If the images don't reappear after the forum is running full throttle, I will re-post the images. Can't have people missing out on Bangor now can we?

Without further ado...

CallbatWonderful! A Welsh city journal! I especially love the city centre and the suburbs are masterfully done!

I cant wait for more!quote>

Thanks for that Callbat, and the first posting too! The City Centre is something which the following update concentrates on in a big way, suburbs to follow! I Am hoping the suburbs will look UK-esque; Gascooker buildings galore!

edcase2k4-thugangel1983 very nice! i particularly like that building "Arndale House", and the MerfaRetailPark. there's some buildings there that i would like to use!

how long have you been working on this region so far? quote>

Why thankyou! Arndale House does somewhat stand out! If memory serves me right, it is the HeronTower by Ill Tonkso. No Dependencies you will be chuffed to read!

I have been working on the region since Easter, I had taken a break from the game for a few months previous. I got back into SC4 after going on holls to Holyhead in Anglesey. Oddly enough, I was in the real life Bangor today! How strange. Thanks for your question!

jrhnemo:  Gorgeous! Unique! Interesting!

Wow! With such a sturdy support of information, this CJ will go far! Bangor is also quite aesthetically pleasing!quote>

Wow, a three word summary! I am hoping you wont be let down by subsequent updates! I am hoping the history is enough to give you some insight into how the region works and has developed. Although, I notice some of the original posting is missing. Oh dear!

edmonton_stinks:  Your suburbs are very British. I like it!.quote>

That’s the plan! If you like British Suburbs, this will be for you!

Thanks for having a look at Gwyrdd Dirio!

mightygoose: that doesn't look much like bangor to mequote>

Not the RL Bangor no, Oddly, I was in Bangor today! Drove through and compared to some extent! When I started out, this was meant to be like Bangor, but as this was my first city in the region, the population wasn't able to commute anywhere which is why the CBD is a little "over" developed!

For those who are interested as to what the RL Bangor looks like, I found a very good photostream on Flickr.

Thanks for your comment!

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Now I get the impression that the next 3 responses are wondering "what are those people above going on about? I cant see any suburbs!" As previously said, if the first posting doesn't appear in full, I will re-post what is missing. The commentary might be somewhat different however!

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anarchy0029:  Just the look of the picture. I can't wait to see the rest of it.quote>

Wait no longer! The rest is here!

Shingure:  I can't wait for the first update. * Is bouncing around *.quote>

It is great to see Bangor's banner is having that effect on yer! I do hope the next update doesn't send you into override!

jacqulina:  great intro sounds very interesting my friend cant wait for more.quote>

I am only sorry the whole intro isn't still intact for you jacquilina!

Thank you all for your feedback! I am surprised at the amount of replies I have got so far! Keep up the good work people!quote>

[nihonkaranws 88]

Nice work, I like the way the photos are arranged.

[jacqulina 162]

wonderfull work my friend looking very nice so far i cant wait for more.

[Shingure 56]

Very informative update. Also the buildings look good to be so old. They must pump alot of money into maintenence.

[collgab 10]

Looks great, very interesting

[Schulmanator 5,812]

Very nice! You aretreating us to some quality work.

[edmonton_stinks 5]

Looking forward to the bus update, and I love the historical buildings.

[Ntq€310 1]

very nice pictures!

[Callbat 8]

Wonderful, the city centre looks splendid, very British

[wallasey 8]

Nihonkaranws: Thanks for that! Come back and visit again!

Jacqulina: Your welcome my friend! I am hoping you’ll continue to enjoy this CJ too!

Shingure:  Well Bangor’s people take pride in their buildings…and they are noted for it! Many thanks for commenting!

Collgab: Thanks for that mate!

Schulmanator:  Quality work ay! I am most flattered by this! You can come again!......please do!

edmonton_stinks: Wait no longer! Photobucket warranting…it is here!

Ntq$310: Many thanks…I hope you’ll like the forthcoming images!

Callbat: The city centre is meant to be historic…and by heck it’s taken a lot of time to get it to look like that! Thanks for visiting!

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Onto the third update of this CJ. We will be jumping on the No38 as we travel from LathomVillage in the North...to MerfaRetailPark in the South. This will give you all a cross-section of Bangor. This is a big update so apologies in advance if this bites into your bandwidth.

 

 

Hope this update proved to be enjoyable!!

[Jillybean86 38]

Wow, this city is incredible! You have a great attention to detail. I love the cathedral and rock mod. The bus tour was a great way to show off new areas. Great job

[edmonton_stinks 5]

That update was unbelievable! Amazing job.

[xpotusx 0]

Hey, great looking CJ! What housing BATs did you use? I would be more specific, but I would really like to know all of them. The rowhouse and British/European looking ones, anyways.

[Callbat 8]

Excellent update, you've hit Britishness on the mark!

Also it was quite a pleasure to read

[edcase2k4-thugangel1983 1]

i agree! couldn't be more British. all the buildings and layouts are authentic. you put so much attention to detail, i'm very envious. everything seems to sit "just right" - a look i sometimes struggle to get. this is by far one of my favourite CJs.

i love it!!!    good work on all the signs and historical information too.

P.S. i like that yellow skin on the bus that U-Drove

[Sky Guy 163]

I like it... Bangor- sounds like my CJ Bangorai' LOL Cool!

Keep up the good work my friend

[jacqulina 162]

im sure i will my friend,i love the residential very nicely planned city so far

[lucky7 73]

First off, Welsh sounds great!! Great history and background info. The city looks great, too, I especially like the retail park. Moreover: very good building-choice, it makes each neighborhood very unique. The old city center mixed with new architecture in a pleasant way looks very good. Good idea w/ the 'Notable buildings'.

Definitely looking forward to more,

lucky7

[jayo 44]

Brilliant work

But i suggest you get the No Palms mod of the stex

Just type something like Palms.etc in the search

[6underground 11]

Wallasey, are you into Nation Roleplaying at all? New Rhodesia (the province) is part of the "Free Kingdom of Wales" which is inturn a member state of the SimCity Journal Union. I was wondering if you'd be interested in joining?