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COPY OF Wales Town Member Info - Carmarthenshire - Llandovery

@ Bethlehem in the Dark

Llandovery a town steeped in History

Llandovery Castle & Llywellyn ap Gruffydd Fychan Llandovery Castle stands in the centre of the town located in the main car park . The remains of a Norman castle first mentioned in 1116. The castle itself was captured by Lord Rhys in 1179 until 1282 then recaptured by Edward I. Henry IV stayed at the castle during the Owain Glyndwr struggle for Welsh independence. Witnessing the hanging, drawing and quartering of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan, known as the 'Welsh Prince' and is remembered by the monument that features on the castle mound today. He was a 15th century Welsh martyr executed in 1401 for assisting Owain Glyndwr in his struggle for Welsh independence against King Henry IV. The local landowner refused to betray his people so Henry had him hung, drawn and quartered in the Market Square, a plaque marks the spot and is located on the wall of HSBC bank.

Physicians of Myddfai In the Twelfth Century the physicians served Lord Rhys who laid siege to the castles in the Tywi Valley and succeeded in defeating the Normans. The Drovers Llandovery stood at the junction of three droving routes from Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire to London. Droving was a respected occupation and carried rents from estates, David Jones a drover set up the Bank of the Black Ox in 1799. It issued it's own bank notes and was incorporated into Lloyds Bank in 1909. A statue of a drover is located at the entrance to the car park next to the Heritage Centre. Twm Sion Cati Best described as Wales' own Robin Hood, Twm Sion Cati was born in 1530 in Tregaron; robbing the rich and giving to the poor. To the north of Llandovery lies Dinas Cave, once his hideout. Rev Rhys Pritchard Born in Llandovery in 1579, he was educated at Jesus College Oxford and is best known for writing 'Canwyll y Cymry' ('The Welshman's Candle'), verses and observations giving Welshmen guidelines on living a moral and religious life. He was a Reverend in the town until his death in 1644. The primary school is named after him. William Williams Born in 1717 William Williams is Wales' most celebrated hymn writer and poet, best known for 'Guide me O thou great Jehova'. He is buried in Llanfair church. The house where Vicar Prichard was born, 'Y Neuadd', still stands but the magnificent house, which he built for himself was demolished after the second World War. William William's descendants still live at Pantycelyn Farm where one can see the long case clock, which was at the house during his life.

Places to stay! Llandovery has a great variety of accommodation available from Hotels and Inns to B&B's and camping sites. Castle Hotel (Kings Rd) King's Head Coaching Inn (Market Sq) Drovers B&B (Market Sq) Pencerrig B&B (New Rd) New White Lion (Stone St) CastleView (King's Rd) Penygawse Guest House (High St) King's Arms Hotel (High St) Erwlon Caravan & Camping Park (Brecon Rd) Just outside the area there are numerous high quality B&B accommodation as well as holiday lets.