Residents of the little Welsh community, New Brighton, near Mold, have been advocating for the official recognition of its Welsh name, Pentre Cythraul. The name, which translates to ‘The Devil’s Village’ in English, has sparked debates amongst villagers and local officials. Proposed as an alternative, the Welsh Language Commissioner suggested Pentre Cythrel as a more favourable option. This change aims to distance the village from the negative connotations associated with ‘cythraul.’
Originally named after Josiah Catherall, an industrialist who developed the area in the 19th Century, New Brighton has long been referred to as Pentre Cythraul by locals. The upcoming decision by Flintshire councillors will determine whether the village’s official Welsh name will be updated to Pentre Cythrel. This shift is believed to better reflect the original colloquial name and align with the pronunciation used by residents.
Welsh Language Commissioner Efa Gruffudd Jones recommended the alteration to Pentre Cythrel to mitigate the concerns raised during consultations and address the village’s unfortunate association with ‘The Devil’s Village.’ The potential change involves updating various platforms, such as driving licenses and signage, to incorporate the new Welsh name. The move is seen as a step towards promoting the Welsh language and ensuring linguistic equality alongside English.
The implementation of the Welsh name Pentre Cythrel is anticipated to support Flintshire Council’s language promotion strategy and enhance the visibility of Welsh within the community. Despite the existing usage of Pentre Cythraul in local contexts, the transition to Pentre Cythrel is deemed necessary to eliminate negative perceptions and align with the Commissioner’s endorsement. The decision-making process involves approval by councillors and subsequent confirmation by the Welsh Language Commissioner.
Should the proposed new Welsh name be approved, New Brighton will shed its association with ‘The Devil’s Village,’ paving the way for a fresh linguistic identity that better reflects its historical roots. Residents and officials are set to deliberate on this significant change, highlighting the importance of language preservation and cultural representation within the Welsh community.