Llandysul
Encyclopedia
Llandysul is a small town in the county of Ceredigion
, Wales
. The community of Pont Tyweli lies directly across the Teifi River in Carmarthenshire
. It is in the valley of the River Teifi
and is visited for its fishing and canoeing.
Llandysul is best known as the home of Gwasg Gomer
, one of the most prominent publishers of Welsh-interest and Welsh language
books in Wales. The town is twinned with Plogonnec
(Plogoneg) in Brittany
, France.Twinning database. The population was 2902 at the 2001 Census.
hill fort
one mile northeast of Llandysul. An oval banked and ditched enclosure with double ramparts, about 160m by 128m, is defined by degraded banks and scarps on the summit of an isolated hill. Two halves of a bronze collar were found near here, possibly dating to the late 1st century BC or early 1st century AD.
The oldest building in the town is the church which dates from the 13th century. Fairs and markets were established by the Kings of England and the Edwardian marcher lords who captured these lands from the native rulers between the 12th and 14th centuries. Owain Glyndŵr
is associated with the town. The men of Llandysul supported him in battle in 1400 and afterwards his lands around Llandysul were confiscated by Henry IV
.
In 1644, during the English Civil War
, the Royalist
army was defending Ceredigion against the Parliamentary army. One of the three arches of the bridge at Llandysul was pulled down by the Royalists to prevent the Parliamentarians crossing into Ceredigion. The bridge was later rebuilt with a single arch.
The Teifi Valley around Llandysul was the home of the Welsh woollen industry. Many sheep were reared locally and there were plenty of fast-flowing streams to power machinery so many woollen mills were established in the area in the 19th century. There was also a flannel shirt factory in the town at that time. The mills had nearly all been closed by the end of the 20th century as cheaper textiles became available from the Far East
.
The Gomerian Press, Gwasg Gomer in the Welsh language
, was founded by John David Lewis (1859-1914). He started by selling books from a corner of his father's grocery store before establishing the press in 1892. It is now a thriving printing company and the largest publishing house in Wales and moved to new premises just outside the town in 2004. It publishes titles for both adults and children, in English and in Welsh. The present managing director, Jonathan Lewis, is the great grandson of the founder.
The Welsh Harp Centre, Telynau Teifi is a community business, set up with help from Ceredigion County Council
and the European Union
in 2004. It is believed to be the only harp
-making business in Wales, a country with a traditional association with the instrument. Celtic and folk harps are made here as well as a 20 string lap harp, and the whole manufacturing process takes place on the site.
Llandysul Paddlers Canoe Centre was opened in October 1998. It holds courses and provides accommodation for up to 35 visitors. Canoeing brings in visitors who contribute to the local economy.
. There is a children's playground, a tennis club, a bowling club and sports pitches. Llandysul Cricket Club and Llandysul Football Club play here.
The Tysul Hall was built in 1955 as a memorial to the men lost in two world wars. It can seat 400 people and various events and meetings are held here.
Llandysul has a post office, several banks, two chemists, a range of other shops, a church, several chapels and a leisure centre with swimming pool.
Llandysul Angling Association owns the rights to over 30 miles of fishing on the River Teifi which is a river noted for its salmon, sea trout and trout.
Llandysul Paddlers is a non profit making association which works with young people from the community and across the whole of the UK. They deliver sessions on kayaking, white water rafting and canoeing, away from the water they deliver sessions about climbing and mountain biking and help local schools in there delivery of the DofE scheme.
The Powerhouse is a community and arts centre designed to host a variety of activities. It is housed in a historic building beside the River Teifi that originally generated power for the local community.
is a bilingual comprehensive school with over 500 pupils and Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul is a bilingual primary school.
Llandysul paddlers also works as a education center delivering sessions to young people and adults and has a number of full time trained teachers working for them.
. The present stone structure dates from the thirteenth century and the roof remained thatched until 1783. The ancient altar with its early Christian inscription was incorporated into the altar of the Lady Chapel. The simple nave is separated from the north and south aisles by plain square pillars. Other ancient carved stones are found in the choir vestry. One of these is the Velvor Stone, a fragment cut from the middle of an inscribed slab.
The tower houses a ring of six bells which are rung regularly.
Calan Hen is an interesting custom associated with the church. It dates from 1752 when 11 days were lost on the change from the Julian calendar
to the Gregorian calendar
. On the old New Year's Day, now 12th January, it was the custom for harvest workers to be given a feast. The rest of the day was spent kicking a ball about. Kickoff was halfway between the two goals, Llanwenog Church porch and Llandysul Church porch. Most of the players were drunk by this time and it was a rough affair. In 1833, the vicar of Llandysul, Reverent Enoch James, substituted a different way of celebrating Calan Hen. It was a gathering in Llandysul Church of the Sunday Schools of the churches within 8 miles of Llandysul to answer catechisms, sing anthems and recite scriptures. The custom continues to this day.
Ceredigion
Ceredigion is a county and former kingdom in mid-west Wales. As Cardiganshire , it was created in 1282, and was reconstituted as a county under that name in 1996, reverting to Ceredigion a day later...
, Wales
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
. The community of Pont Tyweli lies directly across the Teifi River in Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire is a unitary authority in the south west of Wales and one of thirteen historic counties. It is the 3rd largest in Wales. Its three largest towns are Llanelli, Carmarthen and Ammanford...
. It is in the valley of the River Teifi
River Teifi
The River Teifi forms the boundary between the counties of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire in south-west Wales for most of its 75 mile length, flowing into the sea below the town of Cardigan. The catchment of the river is estimated to be 1,008 square kilometres yielding an average flow at Glan...
and is visited for its fishing and canoeing.
Llandysul is best known as the home of Gwasg Gomer
Gomer Press
Gomer Press is a printing and publishing company based in Llandysul, west Wales. The company was first established in 1892 and is owned by the same family to this day. Jonathan Lewis, the great grandson of the company's founder, is the current managing director...
, one of the most prominent publishers of Welsh-interest and Welsh language
Welsh language
Welsh is a member of the Brythonic branch of the Celtic languages spoken natively in Wales, by some along the Welsh border in England, and in Y Wladfa...
books in Wales. The town is twinned with Plogonnec
Plogonnec
Plogonnec is a commune in the Finistère department of Brittany in north-western France.-Population:Inhabitants of Plogonnec are called in French Plogonnecois or Plogonistes.-References:** -External links:* *...
(Plogoneg) in Brittany
Brittany
Brittany is a cultural and administrative region in the north-west of France. Previously a kingdom and then a duchy, Brittany was united to the Kingdom of France in 1532 as a province. Brittany has also been referred to as Less, Lesser or Little Britain...
, France.Twinning database. The population was 2902 at the 2001 Census.
History
Pencoedfoel is an iron ageIron Age
The Iron Age is the archaeological period generally occurring after the Bronze Age, marked by the prevalent use of iron. The early period of the age is characterized by the widespread use of iron or steel. The adoption of such material coincided with other changes in society, including differing...
hill fort
Hill fort
A hill fort is a type of earthworks used as a fortified refuge or defended settlement, located to exploit a rise in elevation for defensive advantage. They are typically European and of the Bronze and Iron Ages. Some were used in the post-Roman period...
one mile northeast of Llandysul. An oval banked and ditched enclosure with double ramparts, about 160m by 128m, is defined by degraded banks and scarps on the summit of an isolated hill. Two halves of a bronze collar were found near here, possibly dating to the late 1st century BC or early 1st century AD.
The oldest building in the town is the church which dates from the 13th century. Fairs and markets were established by the Kings of England and the Edwardian marcher lords who captured these lands from the native rulers between the 12th and 14th centuries. Owain Glyndŵr
Owain Glyndwr
Owain Glyndŵr , or Owain Glyn Dŵr, anglicised by William Shakespeare as Owen Glendower , was a Welsh ruler and the last native Welshman to hold the title Prince of Wales...
is associated with the town. The men of Llandysul supported him in battle in 1400 and afterwards his lands around Llandysul were confiscated by Henry IV
Henry IV of England
Henry IV was King of England and Lord of Ireland . He was the ninth King of England of the House of Plantagenet and also asserted his grandfather's claim to the title King of France. He was born at Bolingbroke Castle in Lincolnshire, hence his other name, Henry Bolingbroke...
.
In 1644, during the English Civil War
English Civil War
The English Civil War was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations between Parliamentarians and Royalists...
, the Royalist
Cavalier
Cavalier was the name used by Parliamentarians for a Royalist supporter of King Charles I and son Charles II during the English Civil War, the Interregnum, and the Restoration...
army was defending Ceredigion against the Parliamentary army. One of the three arches of the bridge at Llandysul was pulled down by the Royalists to prevent the Parliamentarians crossing into Ceredigion. The bridge was later rebuilt with a single arch.
The Teifi Valley around Llandysul was the home of the Welsh woollen industry. Many sheep were reared locally and there were plenty of fast-flowing streams to power machinery so many woollen mills were established in the area in the 19th century. There was also a flannel shirt factory in the town at that time. The mills had nearly all been closed by the end of the 20th century as cheaper textiles became available from the Far East
Far East
The Far East is an English term mostly describing East Asia and Southeast Asia, with South Asia sometimes also included for economic and cultural reasons.The term came into use in European geopolitical discourse in the 19th century,...
.
The Gomerian Press, Gwasg Gomer in the Welsh language
Welsh language
Welsh is a member of the Brythonic branch of the Celtic languages spoken natively in Wales, by some along the Welsh border in England, and in Y Wladfa...
, was founded by John David Lewis (1859-1914). He started by selling books from a corner of his father's grocery store before establishing the press in 1892. It is now a thriving printing company and the largest publishing house in Wales and moved to new premises just outside the town in 2004. It publishes titles for both adults and children, in English and in Welsh. The present managing director, Jonathan Lewis, is the great grandson of the founder.
Economy
There is little industry in Llandysul today. The woollen mills are closed and used for other purposes. One houses a confectionery distribution business. There used to be a fortnightly livestock market but it closed in 2008 when the site became part of the new Llandysul bypass. Tourism draws people into West Wales but Llandysul largely misses out from this source of income as it houses no specific tourist attractions.The Welsh Harp Centre, Telynau Teifi is a community business, set up with help from Ceredigion County Council
Ceredigion County Council
Ceredigion County Council is the governing body for the county of Ceredigion, one of the unitary authorities of Wales.-Political makeup:Elections take place every four years...
and the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
in 2004. It is believed to be the only harp
Harp
The harp is a multi-stringed instrument which has the plane of its strings positioned perpendicularly to the soundboard. Organologically, it is in the general category of chordophones and has its own sub category . All harps have a neck, resonator and strings...
-making business in Wales, a country with a traditional association with the instrument. Celtic and folk harps are made here as well as a 20 string lap harp, and the whole manufacturing process takes place on the site.
Llandysul Paddlers Canoe Centre was opened in October 1998. It holds courses and provides accommodation for up to 35 visitors. Canoeing brings in visitors who contribute to the local economy.
Culture and community
The Memorial Park is an attractive recreation area in a loop of the River TeifiRiver Teifi
The River Teifi forms the boundary between the counties of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire in south-west Wales for most of its 75 mile length, flowing into the sea below the town of Cardigan. The catchment of the river is estimated to be 1,008 square kilometres yielding an average flow at Glan...
. There is a children's playground, a tennis club, a bowling club and sports pitches. Llandysul Cricket Club and Llandysul Football Club play here.
The Tysul Hall was built in 1955 as a memorial to the men lost in two world wars. It can seat 400 people and various events and meetings are held here.
Llandysul has a post office, several banks, two chemists, a range of other shops, a church, several chapels and a leisure centre with swimming pool.
Llandysul Angling Association owns the rights to over 30 miles of fishing on the River Teifi which is a river noted for its salmon, sea trout and trout.
Llandysul Paddlers is a non profit making association which works with young people from the community and across the whole of the UK. They deliver sessions on kayaking, white water rafting and canoeing, away from the water they deliver sessions about climbing and mountain biking and help local schools in there delivery of the DofE scheme.
The Powerhouse is a community and arts centre designed to host a variety of activities. It is housed in a historic building beside the River Teifi that originally generated power for the local community.
Education
There are two schools in the town. Ysgol Dyffryn TeifiYsgol Dyffryn Teifi
Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi is a bilingual comprehensive school in Llandysul, Ceredigion. It stands on the site of the previous Llandysul Grammar School. The school was established in 1984 following the re-organisation of education in the Teifi Valley...
is a bilingual comprehensive school with over 500 pupils and Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul is a bilingual primary school.
Llandysul paddlers also works as a education center delivering sessions to young people and adults and has a number of full time trained teachers working for them.
Church
The church of St Tysul was founded by Tysul, 462 - 554, at the meeting place of a number of tracks at a ford over the River TeifiRiver Teifi
The River Teifi forms the boundary between the counties of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire in south-west Wales for most of its 75 mile length, flowing into the sea below the town of Cardigan. The catchment of the river is estimated to be 1,008 square kilometres yielding an average flow at Glan...
. The present stone structure dates from the thirteenth century and the roof remained thatched until 1783. The ancient altar with its early Christian inscription was incorporated into the altar of the Lady Chapel. The simple nave is separated from the north and south aisles by plain square pillars. Other ancient carved stones are found in the choir vestry. One of these is the Velvor Stone, a fragment cut from the middle of an inscribed slab.
The tower houses a ring of six bells which are rung regularly.
Calan Hen is an interesting custom associated with the church. It dates from 1752 when 11 days were lost on the change from the Julian calendar
Julian calendar
The Julian calendar began in 45 BC as a reform of the Roman calendar by Julius Caesar. It was chosen after consultation with the astronomer Sosigenes of Alexandria and was probably designed to approximate the tropical year .The Julian calendar has a regular year of 365 days divided into 12 months...
to the Gregorian calendar
Gregorian calendar
The Gregorian calendar, also known as the Western calendar, or Christian calendar, is the internationally accepted civil calendar. It was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII, after whom the calendar was named, by a decree signed on 24 February 1582, a papal bull known by its opening words Inter...
. On the old New Year's Day, now 12th January, it was the custom for harvest workers to be given a feast. The rest of the day was spent kicking a ball about. Kickoff was halfway between the two goals, Llanwenog Church porch and Llandysul Church porch. Most of the players were drunk by this time and it was a rough affair. In 1833, the vicar of Llandysul, Reverent Enoch James, substituted a different way of celebrating Calan Hen. It was a gathering in Llandysul Church of the Sunday Schools of the churches within 8 miles of Llandysul to answer catechisms, sing anthems and recite scriptures. The custom continues to this day.
Notable people
- Christmas EvansChristmas EvansChristmas Evans was a Welsh Nonconformist minister, regarded as one of the greatest preachers in the history of Wales....
(1766-1838), preacher - Anna Lloyd Jones, the mother of Frank Lloyd WrightFrank Lloyd WrightFrank Lloyd Wright was an American architect, interior designer, writer and educator, who designed more than 1,000 structures and completed 500 works. Wright believed in designing structures which were in harmony with humanity and its environment, a philosophy he called organic architecture...
was born here, as well as her brother Jenkin Lloyd Jones, a famous American Unitarian preacher.