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The town developed along the River Teifi in the northern region of Carmarthenshire, located in southwestern Wales. When Edward I conquered the territory only a few thatched serf cottages existed on either side of the river. One side belonged to the Celtic chieftains, while the other side of the river belonged to the bishop. Representing the crown, Lord Meredith ap Rhys acquired the lands and constructed a castle in 1240. Housing developed around the fortress. The gentry man’s relatives and soldiers occupied some of the residences, while merchants and migrants, desiring protection, lived in other homes. The community was known as Trecastell at this time.
The population increase officially qualified the settlement as a borough in the early 1300s and the community was then known as Newtown Emlyn. A chapel constructed at the castle entrance served as the house of worship for the wealthy and the village commoners. A market place and town hall emerged. A small forest served as a royal hunting ground.
The plague hit Newcastle in 1349. Illness and death left farms unattended. Starvation and economic depression soon followed. The Welsh lords abandoned the community until the beginning of the 1400s. Things began improving and during the Tudor period, a number of shops emerged and became part of the market place.
Newcastle experienced additional setbacks during the Civil War, but managed to recover. Fertile lands remained productive and the markets remained stable. As the Welsh passed land from one generation to the next, parcels became smaller and smaller. Families resorted to selling properties, quickly obtained by the gentry. This class of people became wealthier and wealthier through land accumulation.
Coalmines and iron works industrialised the community influencing increased trade and improved lifestyles. The healthy economy led to public housing and specialty shop construction.
Activities and Attractions
Explore the main road along with other older streets in the community and see the medieval structures that remain today. Visitors find a colourful collection of unique and unusual shops offering authentic Welsh wares. Pick up some locally grown fruits and vegetables or perhaps some homemade breads and cheese.
Travelling the main road down the hill out of town, visitors encounter the remains of Newcastle Emlyn Castle. The ruined fortress lies along the river, surrounded by a series of grassy knolls. Take in the sights of the countryside having wooded areas, the flowing river and green hills covered with wildflowers.
Experience Welsh history at the National Coracle Centre. The coracle is a crafted, one-person boat made from woven wood and hides. The museum holds a collection of these small vessels, used as water transportation since prehistoric times. See the differences and similarities of the coracles from the Americas, Asia, Ireland and Wales. The facility shop also provides live demonstrations. Watch as craftsmen build these unique watercrafts.
Situated in the beautiful Teifi River valley, the museum and workshop lie on the property of a 17th century estate next to an old flourmill. Tour the mill and follow the nature path to the picturesque Cenarth Falls.
Observe the processes involved in making Welsh cheese at the Caws Cenarth Cheese Farm. Sample the award winning products. The shop offers a large selection of homemade cheeses.
Wool cloth is a centuries old industry in Wales. Visit the National Wool Museum and learn everything there is to know about wool. Trace the process of creating woollen cloth from the time the fleece leaves the sheep to the point of becoming a textile. See the collection of historic spinning wheels and other machinery used in the cloth making process. The facility also has a textile gallery featuring historic and modern collections.
Places to Stay and Dining
After a long day of sightseeing, visitors have the opportunity to relax and indulge in spa treatments at some of the local historic coaching inns. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshing beverage in the conservatory while admiring the scenery.
Enjoy the delicate flavour of freshly caught fish at the Bwyty’r Bont Restaurant. Seafood meals include baked cod served with cheesy mashed potatoes and homemade bread. Try salmon steak served on fresh greens with new potatoes and special garlic herb butter.
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