Pitt's Head facts for kids
Pitt's Head (which is Carreg Collwyn in Welsh) is a special rock in Gwynedd, Wales. It's found near the A4085 road. What makes it unique is that it looks a lot like the face of a famous old politician named William Pitt the Younger. He was a very important leader in Britain a long time ago.
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About Pitt's Head
This interesting rock is located at the bottom of one of the paths that leads up to the top of Snowdon. Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales!
Train Station History
A long time ago, there was a small train stop called Pitt's Head Halt right here. It was part of the first Welsh Highland Railway. This spot was also the highest point on that railway line. Even though the railway is being rebuilt today, this old stop isn't planned to open again.
Bridges and Cuttings
The rock also gives its name to other nearby places. There's the Pitt's Head Bridge, where the railway goes under the A4085 road. And there's also the Pitt's Head Cutting, which is a deep trench dug for the railway.
The Rock Itself
The rock itself is made of a special type of stone called Pitt's Head Tuff. This rock was formed from volcanic ash a very, very long time ago, during a period called the Ordovician age. You can see this type of rock sticking out of the ground in the northern parts of Snowdonia.
The Real Name
The proper name for this group of rocks is Cerrig Collwyn. Pitt's Head is just the name for one specific rock within this group. Long ago, a person named Collwyn ap Tango was said to be a lord of the areas around here, including Eifionnydd, Ardudwy, and parts of the Llŷn.
What It Looks Like
Many people think Pitt's Head looks like the profile of William Pitt the Younger. Take a look at these pictures to see if you agree!
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An artist's drawing of Pitt's Head from 1850.
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A modern photo of Pitt's Head.
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A statue of William Pitt at Pembroke College, Cambridge.
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A painting of William Pitt.
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A sculpture of William Pitt from 1808.
