Laugharne
Laugharne is dominated by the Tāf estuary with the much smaller Corran river running though the township which was probably originally know as Abercorran though Talacharn had also been used in early references.
The earliest indications of human habitation in the area are the Beaker graves of bronze age times, found at Orchard Park and Coygan. Traces of roman pottery have been uncovered during archeological excavations at Glan-y-mor and the castle. The original castle was built by the early 12th century, the existing castle can only be traced to the de Brian family in the late 13th century.
In 1291, Sir Guy de Brian created a Corporation in Laugharne. which was administered by a Portreeve and his court of aldermen and burgesses. The term Portreeve is derived from the Saxon word for market town 'Port' and 'Gerefa' meaning official. Dating back to 820 AD, the office is the only one now held by Act of Parliament although the office still exists in another eight towns in England. The Corporation is still in operation to this date, with court meeting every two weeks.
Laugharne has had a long association with the cockle industry, these being harvested from the estuary mud flats. Its prominence seen in the cockle shell symbol incorporated in the Portreeves chain of office. A cockle factory once stood where there are now gardens beside the Strand.
Laugharme is also famous for Dylan Thomas who lived here in the boathouse of a friend. The boathouse has now been turned into a museum and you can see the views that Dylan saw whilst writing Under Milk Wood - Laugharne and its people being his inspiration for the village of Llareggub.
Dylan died in America but was brought home to Laugharne and is buried in the churchyard.
As you look out into the bay you can easily imagine Viking invaders entering the inlet in their shallow bottomed longboats prepared for pillage.....
Laugharne has hotels, bed and breakfasts, a holiday village, restaurants, shops and pubs to enjoy.
The earliest indications of human habitation in the area are the Beaker graves of bronze age times, found at Orchard Park and Coygan. Traces of roman pottery have been uncovered during archeological excavations at Glan-y-mor and the castle. The original castle was built by the early 12th century, the existing castle can only be traced to the de Brian family in the late 13th century.
In 1291, Sir Guy de Brian created a Corporation in Laugharne. which was administered by a Portreeve and his court of aldermen and burgesses. The term Portreeve is derived from the Saxon word for market town 'Port' and 'Gerefa' meaning official. Dating back to 820 AD, the office is the only one now held by Act of Parliament although the office still exists in another eight towns in England. The Corporation is still in operation to this date, with court meeting every two weeks.
Laugharne has had a long association with the cockle industry, these being harvested from the estuary mud flats. Its prominence seen in the cockle shell symbol incorporated in the Portreeves chain of office. A cockle factory once stood where there are now gardens beside the Strand.
Laugharme is also famous for Dylan Thomas who lived here in the boathouse of a friend. The boathouse has now been turned into a museum and you can see the views that Dylan saw whilst writing Under Milk Wood - Laugharne and its people being his inspiration for the village of Llareggub.
Dylan died in America but was brought home to Laugharne and is buried in the churchyard.
As you look out into the bay you can easily imagine Viking invaders entering the inlet in their shallow bottomed longboats prepared for pillage.....
Laugharne has hotels, bed and breakfasts, a holiday village, restaurants, shops and pubs to enjoy.
