Carmarthenshire: Geography and History Overview

Carmarthenshire is a county in southwest Wales known for its beautiful scenery and natural attractions.

The county town and administrative center of Carmarthenshire is Carmarthen.

Carmarthenshire is nicknamed 'The Garden of Wales' due to its beautiful countryside and National Botanic Garden of Wales.

Carmarthenshire has a rich history, evident in its numerous medieval castles, hillforts, and standing stones.

Carmarthenshire's economy revolves around agriculture, forestry, fishing, and tourism.

Llanelli, Carmarthen, and Ammanford are the three largest towns in Carmarthenshire.

The Millenium Coastal Park is a 10-mile long park in Carmarthenshire offering beautiful coastal views.

Carmarthenshire's history includes periods of Roman settlement, medieval rule, and Welsh rebellions.

This path provides a continuous walking route around the whole of Wales.

This garden displays plants from Wales and from all around the world.

This organization provides opportunities to explore the past.

This sports team plays in the Cymru Premier and has won the Welsh Cup once and the Welsh League Cup Twice.

This team plays in the Welsh Premier Division and has won the WRU Challenge Cup on fourteen occasions.

This racecourse was built on the site of an open cast coal mine.

This golf course is a championship course built as part of the Llanelli Waterside regeneration plan.

This circuit is considered the home of Welsh motorsport, providing racing for cars, motorcycles, karts and trucks.

This railway line takes a scenic route through mid-Wales and links Llanelli with Craven Arms.

This bus service operates in the north of the county, offering customized transport to rural dwellers.

Dating back to around 75 AD, Carmarthen, located in southwest Wales, is considered the oldest continually occupied town in Wales due to its Roman fort and nearby amphitheatre.

The Vale of [the river] Tywi, historically referred to as Ystrad Tywi, was part of the Kingdom of Deheubarth during the High Middle Ages, with its court situated at Dinefwr.

The Romans established a fort at Carmarthen around 75 AD, strategically controlling the southwest of Wales.

Carmarthenshire was contested ground between the Normans and Welsh lords, leading to numerous castle changes of hands.

Following the conquest of Wales by Edward I, Carmarthenshire was reorganized as a county by the Statute of Rhuddlan in 1284.

Edward I established Carmarthen as the capital of the newly formed county, holding courts and administrative offices there.

Carmarthen was transformed into a bustling trading port by the Normans, becoming the only staple port in Wales, importing and exporting various goods.

Carmarthen was particularly susceptible to plague due to its role as a port, with ships arriving from southern France, bringing flea-infested rats.

Owain Glyndŵr, a Welsh leader, briefly captured Carmarthen Castle and other strongholds in 1405, aiming to liberate Wales from English rule.

During the English Civil War, Carmarthen Castle changed hands multiple times between Parliamentarian and Royalist forces, reflecting the conflict's regional dynamics.

The first industrial canal in Wales, built in 1768, was designed to transport coal from the Gwendraeth Valley to the coast, initiating industrial development in the area.

The Napoleonic Wars (1799–1815) boosted demand for coal, iron, and agricultural goods, contributing to Carmarthenshire's economic prosperity.

The Rebecca Riots, a series of protests by farmers and agricultural workers, occurred around 1840, driven by grievances against higher taxes and tolls.

A traditional type of cheese made from cow's milk, originating in Italy.

Relating to the raising of animals, particularly cattle and sheep, for agricultural purposes.

A type of coastal marine mollusk that is harvested from the sea.

The process of extracting coal from the earth.

A type of housing that typically features rows of terraced houses.

The process of coating metal with a thin layer of tin.

The act of trading or selling livestock, often at a specific designated place.

The power derived from flowing water, often used to drive machinery.

A measure of economic output per person, indicating the level of economic activity.

Actions or strategies undertaken to make a business or operation more diverse.

The act of attracting visitors to a place for the purpose of experiencing its attractions.

The creation and distribution of cultural products such as films, music, and art.

A type of park that offers recreational activities and opportunities to connect with nature.

A type of fort or stronghold built during the Iron Age.

A monument built during the Bronze Age, often consisting of a large mound of stones.