Llandovery by munki-boy

Llandovery

Llandovery is a market town in Carmarthenshire, Wales.

Llandovery’s Welsh name is derived from ‘Llan ymlith y dyfroedd’, meaning ‘church enclosure amidst the waters’ and referring to the town’s position between the River Tywi and the Afon Brân and was described by the early travel writer George Borrow as ‘the pleasantest little town in which I have halted’.

Llandovery is an ancient market and droving town, and has been home to a host of interesting historical characters. One of the most famous residents is Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan, who was a wealthy Carmarthenshire landowner. He was executed in Llandovery by Henry IV of England in punishment for his support of Owain Glyndŵr’s Welsh rebellion. Next to the ruins of Llandovery Castle stands the 16-foot-tall (4.9 m) stainless steel statue, to Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan, with an empty helmet, cloak and armour on a base of stone brought from Caeo, the statue was described as representing a “brave nobody”, with the empty helmet and armour representing both the universal nature of Llewelyn’s actions and the violence of his death.

Droving was an important part of Llandovery’s history and it was the passing circus men which contributed to the architecture of the town. The tourist information and heritage centre is situated in centre of Llandovery. It houses exhibitions on the Tonn Press, the area’s droving history and the nineteenth-century geologist Sir Roderick Impey Murchison.

Llandovery is a great base for enjoying many outdoor activities including walking in the western Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountain, mountain biking at Crychan Forest and Cwm Rhaeadr and fishing on the River Towy and Usk Reservoir.

Other local attractions include the highest dam in Britain, Llyn Brianne, (229 ft, 91 m high). There are many beautiful walks in the vicinity. The Dinas RSPB Nature Reserve is nearby.

Famous people associated with Llandovery include outlaw Twm Siôn Cati, the Welsh ‘Robin Hood’ and hymn writer William Williams Pantycelyn.

Created: 24  November  2018  Edited: 29  November  2023

Llandovery