Kidwelly
Kidwelly was founded circa 1115, received its Royal Charter from Henry I and was established as a borough - one of the oldest in Wales. English, French and Flemish immigrants, traders and agriculturalists were integrated to consolidate the Norman hold on the district. The castle and the town were attacked and devastated several times by the zealous Welsh.
The battlefield of Maes Gwenllian (Gwenllian's Field), lies a mile north of Kidwelly and commemorates Gwenllian the daughter of Gruffudd ap Cynon, King of Gwynedd and wife of the Prince of Deheubarth, Gruffudd ap Rhys. She led her army of welshmen to battle, but Maurice's army would proved to be far superior to that of Gwenllian's. The battle was bloody and fatal to Gwenllian and her son Morgan. They were both beheaded on the site that has been known since that time as Maesgwenllian (Gwenllian's field). Her husband gained his revenge just months after Gwenllian's death when he and her brothers rousted the Normans out of Ceredigion.
Kidwelly castle is one of Wales' best-kept secrets, a fine castle and well worth a visit. . It is built on a steep bluff overlooking the River Gwendraeth and presents a vision of medieval times. It is remarkably well preserved and its soaring twin-towered gatehouse stands almost to full height. By the end of the 13th Century the inner town was defended by great walls and gateways.
During the 14th century the town prospered and became one of the busiest trading and commercial centres in South Wales. St Mary's Church was built in c1320 as a Benedictine Priory before the Reformation. The simple tower with its graceful spire is deemed to be the most outstanding architectural feature of the whole structure.
A Tinplate Works was established in 1737, the second earliest works in Wales. Between 1766 and 1768 Thomas Kymer built a three-mile long canal and docks, linking his coal pits with the coast. In the 19th and with the export of coal from the Gwendraeth Fawr, Kidwelly's fortunes improved. The Victorian era saw continued prosperity and during this period the Gothic-style Town Hall was built.
Kidwelly offers over 10 miles of public footpaths including four planned walks - The Kymers Quay Walk, The Cunedda Way, The Old Forge Walk and The Mynyddygarreg Walk. The Sustrans Cycle Track is available to Kidwelly and is being extended to Pembrokeshire, West Wales.
The battlefield of Maes Gwenllian (Gwenllian's Field), lies a mile north of Kidwelly and commemorates Gwenllian the daughter of Gruffudd ap Cynon, King of Gwynedd and wife of the Prince of Deheubarth, Gruffudd ap Rhys. She led her army of welshmen to battle, but Maurice's army would proved to be far superior to that of Gwenllian's. The battle was bloody and fatal to Gwenllian and her son Morgan. They were both beheaded on the site that has been known since that time as Maesgwenllian (Gwenllian's field). Her husband gained his revenge just months after Gwenllian's death when he and her brothers rousted the Normans out of Ceredigion.
Kidwelly castle is one of Wales' best-kept secrets, a fine castle and well worth a visit. . It is built on a steep bluff overlooking the River Gwendraeth and presents a vision of medieval times. It is remarkably well preserved and its soaring twin-towered gatehouse stands almost to full height. By the end of the 13th Century the inner town was defended by great walls and gateways.
During the 14th century the town prospered and became one of the busiest trading and commercial centres in South Wales. St Mary's Church was built in c1320 as a Benedictine Priory before the Reformation. The simple tower with its graceful spire is deemed to be the most outstanding architectural feature of the whole structure.
A Tinplate Works was established in 1737, the second earliest works in Wales. Between 1766 and 1768 Thomas Kymer built a three-mile long canal and docks, linking his coal pits with the coast. In the 19th and with the export of coal from the Gwendraeth Fawr, Kidwelly's fortunes improved. The Victorian era saw continued prosperity and during this period the Gothic-style Town Hall was built.
Kidwelly offers over 10 miles of public footpaths including four planned walks - The Kymers Quay Walk, The Cunedda Way, The Old Forge Walk and The Mynyddygarreg Walk. The Sustrans Cycle Track is available to Kidwelly and is being extended to Pembrokeshire, West Wales.
