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The historic community developed north of Carmarthen Bay, on the shores of the River Towy in southwestern Wales. The territory belonged to the Celtic Demetae tribe long before the Romans arrived in 75 AD and constructed a fort. Centuries later, the strategic location also attracted the Normans who invaded the land in the 11th century. William Baldwin constructed a castle in Carmarthen in 1094. The region saw constant battle for control between the native Welsh, Brits and Saxons. In 1215, Welsh king Llywelyn the Great invaded Carmarthen and destroyed the castle. Having permission from the crown, the manor lord reconstructed the castle, along with a protective wall that encompassed the entire community.
Part of local history includes the tales of Merlin and King Arthur. The Black Book of Carmarthen, compiled in 1250, contains a collection of Welsh poems and supposedly refers to Merlin and Arthur. Many believe Merlin was born in a cave outside of Carmarthen.
Trade on the river brought more than the usual exports and imports to Carmarthen, as the plague hit the village in the mid 1300s. The mass grave used to contain all the deceased remains under one of Carmarthen’s streets.
Carmarthen became the judicial headquarters for southwestern Wales in the 1500s. This was also the time of religious persecution for those not loyal to the Catholic faith. The local Bishop Ferrar, a reformation pastor, burned at the stake in Carmarthen in the 1550s.
Coal mining and ironworks facilities soon followed agricultural and woollen industries. Carmarthen had a boy’s grammar school by 1587. In 1604, Carmarthen was recognized as a corporate county.
In 1828, Carmarthen unveiled a monument commemorating Lieutenant General Sir Robert Picton, a Welsh/British officer who died at the Battle of Waterloo. Though respected for his military career, Picton was also known as a cruel man and the word “pictoning” emerged from his infamous reputation. During the second World War, one of the Carmarthen estates was used by the military as a prisoner of war camp.
Activities and Attractions
Guests walk around town admiring the collection of buildings old and new. Some of the structures housing inns and shops date to the Middle Ages. Carmarthen has a modern covered market offering fresh produce, meats and cheeses. Shoppers also find a selection of name brand chain stores along with independently owned and operated boutiques.
The remains of the once great Carmarthen Castle also lie within the town. Now, all that remains are the gatehouse, the keep, part of a curtain wall and two towers.
Carmarthen has a number of galleries and museums displaying traditional Welsh crafts and history. The Oriel Myrddyn displays an ever-changing selection of local contemporary crafts while a quilt centre features all manner of typical Welsh designs and patterns.
The Heritage Centre depicts local history through artefacts and visual displays. Strolling on Priory Street and heading to the outskirts of Carmarthen, visitors find the foundations of the ancient Roman amphiteatre. Seating would have been located on the north hill, providing a perfect observation point in the first century, and in present day overlooks the valley. An odd knoll seen in the distance is called Merlin’s Hill and a cave here was supposedly the birthplace of the legendary wizard.
Canoeing and fishing are popular past times on the River Towy. Guests may catch a glimpse of fisherman in funny looking little watercraft known as coracles. Civilizations used this type of boat from prehistoric times and local craftsmen continue constructing the primitive vessel, which is light enough for one person to carry. It is not unusual for two coracle anglers to travel side by side while holding a net between them, which greatly increases the possibility of catching fish.
Venturing east of Carmarthen, visitors find the medieval Bishop’s Palace, which now houses the Carmarthen Museum. The facility collections include exhibits dating from prehistoric times and include portions of an old oak known as Merlin’s tree. Learn how Arthur and Merlin fit into Welsh history and see how civilizations survived throughout the centuries. The museum has a vast collection of typical household items, machinery and tools used in various trades and examples of weaponry. See impressive ancient stone carvings and historical funerary displays. The Palace also features gardens representative of earlier times.
Places to Stay and Dining
Though Carmarthen hotels and inns retain their characteristic medieval appearance on the outside, inside, guests find beautifully modernized facilities offering complete business and fitness centres and spacious, comfortable rooms. Many a facility’s history includes a list of famous guests from royalty to historically celebrated people.
The Fig Tree Restaurant offers a wide selection of fine dining options that include crispy duck breast served with plum sauce, or chicken stuffed with mozzarella and tomatoes, topped with mustard mashed potatoes and Welsh bacon cream. Finish the meal with homemade ice cream or dark Belgian chocolate mousse.
Accommodation in Carmarthen
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