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The settlement developed in the central part of Carmarthenshire in southwestern Wales. The settlement took its name from a Celtic saint named Teilo who established a monastery in Llandeilo. People thought so highly of the saint that approximately 45 places bear his name. A church eventually replaced the monastery and became the mother church for many parishes in the area. The Romans had two sizable forts here and constructed roads. A civilian settlement also emerged in the 2nd century. The lands changed hands many times between the Welsh and the Brits. The Normans controlled the lands until 1155. Edward I claimed the lands in 1277, bringing Llandeilo under crown rule.
The territories passed for a time to the Bishops of Llandiff and St. Davis. The constant battles for territorial control led to the burning of Llandeilo three times in 1213, 1316 and 1403. Through generations, marriage and Henry Tudor appointed to the throne, Llandeilo eventually passed to the family of Welsh Prince Gryffyd. Lord Rhys ap Gryffyd ruled until accused of treason by Henry VIII. The community grew slowly and by 1858, had a little over 1,000 residents. During this time, the residents acquired household water by hand pumps.
Burning lamp oil illuminated homes and streets. From 1843 until 1858, darkness covered the streets, as community members could not agree on who would pay for the lamplighter wages and the necessary lamp lighting supplies. Houses had thatched roofs and mail arrived by carriers on horseback. The people feared the railway and other modern conveniences at first, thinking change would end the Welsh culture. Zinc mining began in 1857 and some limestone mining occurred. A gasworks industry developed before the end of the century.
Activities and Attractions
On the west end of town lays the boundary of Dinefwr Park. The park contains old wooded areas, a deer park, the Roman forts and the ancient castle. Miles of boardwalks and paths travel through the area. Visitors journey to the centre of the park and encounter the Newton House, situated on an 800-acre (323 hectare) property. The castle like mansion welcomes guests to tour the home, having décor and furnishings reminiscent of the Edwardian era. Interactive exhibits allow children to dress up in period costuming and actors recreate typical estate employees.
Overlooking the southern border of the park lays the remains of Dinefwr Castle. Constructed by Welsh king Rhys ap Gruffydd in the 1100s, the fortress has many nooks and crannies to explore and towers to climb. At the top of the towers, visitors get a fantastic view over the river valley and the hills beyond.
A few miles south of Llandeilo, visitors encounter the remnants of Carreg Cennen Castle. This fortress reportedly has ties with the legendary King Arthur. A Welsh king built the fortress high above the land on a steep cliff. Climbing to the top of the gradient requires a bit of physical exertion. Structures remaining intact include the ovens once used for baking and the cisterns that held the water supply. An interesting feature of the castle includes a staircase that leads to underground passageways and caves.
Places to Stay and Dining
Hotels in Llandeilo include Victorian and Edwardian inns, which combine modern and historic décor and furnishings, creating a pleasant and unique atmosphere. Choosing facilities centrally located in Llandeilo means guests are typically within walking distance of attractions, eateries and shopping districts.
The Plough Inn Restaurant serves a combination of traditional favourites along with meals having an original, modern twist. Main dish options include honey-glazed ham served with mashed potatoes, or roasted lemon chicken, served with buttered mashed potatoes and a mushroom/sage sauce.
Accommodation in Llandeilo
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