A tiny corner of North Wales is teetering on the edge of declaring its 'independence', with ambitions to establish a micronation armed with its own flag, emblem, and coat of arms. They also plan to issue passports to the first 500 "citizens".
By the end of the year, an embassy is set to open on the local high street, with a national anthem penned by a renowned American songwriter in the works. The aspiring 'nation' of Bron-yr-Aur will set up shop in a venerable 18th-century cottage nestled in Eryri (Snowdonia), known for its links with iconic rock band Led Zeppelin. The founders are busy drafting a constitution and envision funding their economy through artistic and musical endeavours.
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Anticipated to be spent on international community and ethical initiatives, the budget aims to secure Bron-yr-Aur's status as having the highest foreign aid budget relative to GDP globally.
A unique slogan has been conjured up and there's talk of crowning a "Duke" as their sovereign, a nod towards the classic Ealing comedy Passport to Pimlico, which depicted a London district's whimsical claim to an ancient Burgundian dukedom.
Currently, the historic site Bron-yr-Aur is staking its territorial claims solely around its namesake homestead's immediate area, according to the Land Registry details. However, there's talk of expansion; reports from North Wales Live indicate burgeoning partnerships that could extend its reach southward through Snowdonia down to Aberystwyth in Ceredigion.
Bron-yr-Aur, which gained fame through its association with rock legends Led Zeppelin, aims to leverage its cultural clout to forge connections within global art and music circles. This strategic move seeks to champion Welsh culture and identity on the world stage, reinforcing the idea of Wales as an independent nation with vibrant traditions.
The significance of this effort was remarked by Scott Roe, a local resident also known by his nickname Boohai.
"You have no idea," he remarked. "There are so many people around the world who do not realise Wales is a country and that Welsh is a living language. That's even the case with some people on this island (Britain)."
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Bron-yr-Aur, named for its literal translation 'Hill of Gold', evolved from a shepherd's residence to becoming the holiday home of Robert Plant's family. It was here, in 1970, that Robert Plant and Jimmy Page found sanctuary after their gruelling North American tour, writing pivotal tracks for Led Zeppelin's third studio album.
Contrary to popular belief, the iconic 'Stairway to Heaven' was not composed at Bron-yr-Aur. However, it was within these humble walls that the legendary duo crafted some of their musical gems.
Today, the cottage stands as a significant landmark in the annals of rock history, drawing "pilgrims" from every corner of the world, all keen to hear the tales of its past.
"To be honest, most people forget about Led Zeppelin as soon as they walk up the drive through the trees," said Scott. "It's the sheer beauty of the surroundings that really captured the band's imagination."
Back when Robert Plant and Jimmy Page were engrossed in writing their chart-topping tracks, Bron Yr Aur offered a rather spartan existence devoid of running water or mains electricity.
Fast forward to today, and the property is a beacon of sustainability, powered by solar, wind, and hydro energy, with the micronation cultivating 80% of its own food, a level of self-sufficiency that many larger nations might envy.
The concept of a micronation sprouted from the need to overcome being "land and space poor". By envisioning a virtual realm populated by Bron Yr Aur "citizens", they've fostered a unique online community, uniting Led Zeppelin fans and other creative minds.
Joining the ranks of the Bron Yr Aur collective is Grammy-winning fiddler and banjo virtuoso Chance McCoy. Not only has he scored music for major motion pictures, but he's also in the process of composing what will become the micronation's national anthem.
Aiming for universal appeal, the anthem is expected to be an instrumental piece, according to Scott.
Seceding from a country and forming a new nation is no walk in the park, as Scott shared online: "The birth of a nation.... turns out, it's a lot of paperwork," underlining the administrative challenges that come with such an endeavour.
"Creating an independent nation isn't as simple as planting a flag and declaring, 'this land is now free!' From citizenship structures to designing the most epic coat of arms, there's a lot to sort out. But slowly, surely, and with much tea, Bron Yr Aur the world's newest independent creative nation is taking shape."
Despite the red tape, progress marches on, with a call to action for those who wish to be among the 25 pioneering members of this nation. These founders won't form a conventional government but will collaborate to distribute the responsibilities.
Scott revealed the interest surrounding their project: "We get approached by hundreds of people around the world wanting to do various projects," acknowledging the overwhelming nature of such attention.
The trend of establishing micronations, which surged in the 1970s and 1980s, represents a global phenomenon that served as a platform for anti-establishment sentiment, political critique, and artistic innovation.
During this heyday, Australia became a hotspot for micronations, with notable examples like the Principality of Hutt River, born from a farmer's quarrel over wheat production limits, and the Province of Bumbunga, founded to guarantee a portion of Australia's allegiance to the British monarchy. While these micro-nations often have a quirky charm, politically driven attempts rarely leave a lasting mark.
Surprisingly, a few secession attempts did find short-lived success. The Independent State of Aramoana emerged in New Zealand back in 1980, created by local residents in an act of defiance against plans for an aluminium smelterperceived as a threat to their villages and a wildlife sanctuary.
After stirring resistance, the project was abandoned and Aramoana seamlessly returned to the fold.
In an intriguing turn of events in 1986, North Dumpling Island off New York crowned itself the Kingdom of North Dumpling following a disagreement over a wind turbine installation. This quirky micronation went as far as adopting its own flag, currency, and anthem, and astonishingly received an informal non-aggression nod from US President George H.W. Bush.
Among the more fanciful declarations of sovereignty, John Lennon and Yoko Ono's conceptual "Nutopia" stood out, personifying their vision of a utopian society free of national divisions, with an ethos of peace and love.
Scott highlighted parallels with Bron-yr-Aur, which bears the Latin motto "Per creavitatum et amoru resurgamus" (Let us rise again through creativity and love), likewise championing the pillars of creativity, wellbeing, and sustainable living.
While the advent of the internet may have diluted the raw rebel spirit behind the formation of micronations, it simultaneously nurtured a global community bound by common values.
"Everyone likes to feel as if they belong to something," said Scott, a seasoned recording artist. He's on a mission to foster community spirit in Bron-yr-Aur by launching digital workshops with industry experts, all inspired by the "vibrations" emanating from the Welsh mountains.
Scott is weaving a tapestry of artistry, poetry, retreats, sustainability, and off-grid living into the fabric of the local agendathemes he has long cherished and embodied. It's no surprise that many Bron-yr-Aur followers are drawn onwards to the Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth, seeking out forward-thinking concepts that resonate more than ever today.
Choosing Machynlleth as the location for the new embassy was no accident; it's home to Owain Glyndwr's historic Parliament House. While Bron-yr-Aur doesn't align itself directly with Welsh nationalism, it aims to showcase Wales' distinctive culture and heritage on an international platform.
The plan is to launch the embassy before the end of 2025, providing information and maps to guide citizens towards Bron-yr-Aur affiliates, including local businesses, attractions, and establishments that share their philosophy. Among the early adopters is the 16th-century Plas Dolguog, a sumptuous hotel with rooms named after illustrious composers such as Wagner, Puccini, Bizet, and Handel.
The hotel boasts decor featuring authentic opera set pieces. Discussing more unorthodox lodgings, Scott said, "We tried glamping at Bron-yr-Aur under the 28-day rule," but conceded that "But it seems most pilgrims prefer a four-poster bed."
Despite a clear penchant for opulence, ardent fans still make impromptu trips to the cottage, which has raised concerns for Scott regarding visitor management once Bron-yr-Aur gains autonomy. He shared, "We have people from places like Vietnam who spend a lifetime saving so that they can afford to visit,".
He also spoke about his interactions with visitors: "I've met some amazing people and made some lifelong friends but there has to be a limit."
Not far from the historic site, signs are posted marking the cottage as private land.
Machynlleth's diplomatic outpost is envisaged as more than just an administrative hub, it's also set to offer a micro bar and live music, accessible to all comers, though select gatherings will cater exclusively to passport carriers. A digital envoy office will meanwhile provide community support virtually.
Although Led Zeppelin's legacy looms large over Bron-yr-Aur, this emergent nation aspires to draw a broader spectrum of international free spirits.
"As the first creative independent micronation, we'll be looking to connect with the rest of the planet," announced Scott. This tiny nation certainly doesn't lack in lofty ambitions.