Aberaeron
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Aberaeron | |
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  Aberaeron shown within the United Kingdom |
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| Population | 1,520 |
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| OS grid reference | |
| Principal area | Ceredigion |
| Ceremonial county | Dyfed |
| Constituent country | Wales |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ABERAERON |
| Postcode district | SA46 |
| Dialling code | 01545 |
| Police | Dyfed-Powys |
| Fire | Mid and West Wales |
| Ambulance | Welsh |
| European Parliament | Wales |
| UK Parliament | Ceredigion |
| List of places: UK • Wales • Ceredigion | |
Aberaeron (English: Mouth of the River Aeron) is a seaside town in Ceredigion, Wales. Population 1,500. Situated between Aberystwyth and Cardigan, it is home to the headquarters of Ceredigion County Council.
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[edit] History and design
Aberaeron was planned and built in 1805 by the Rev. Alban Thomas Jones. It is built around the estuary of the River Aeron, which has been enlarged to provide a small half-tide harbour for recreational craft. The estuary is also crossed by a wooden pedestrian bridge.
The architecture of Aberaeron is unusual in this part of rural Wales, being constructed around a principal square of elegant Regency style buildings grouped around the harbour. Some of the architecture was of sufficient interest to feature on British postage stamps.
[edit] Location and features
Aberaeron is located between Cardigan and Aberystwyth on the A487, at a junction with the A482 leading south-east to the university town of Lampeter.
The shoreline consists of generally steep storm beaches of pebbles, although fine sand is visible at low tide levels. Following improvement to sewage disposal and treatment, Aberaeron south beach was awarded the Blue Flag rural beach award in 2005[1].
The climate is mild and temperate, largely conditioned by the proximity of the relatively shallow sea. However, Aberaeron can suffer from occasional winter frosts when cold air descends the Aeron valley from the upland parts of Ceredigion.
The town is notable for the sale of honey and especially honey ice-cream and more recently honey mustard.
With 70% of Aberaeron's inhabitants able to speak Welsh according to the 2001 census, Aberaeron is one of the few coastal areas left in Ceredigion which remains predominantly Welsh-speaking.
A life-sized statue of a Welsh cob stallion was donated to the town in 2005 by the Aberaeron Festival of Welsh Ponies and Cobs to denote the area as Welsh Cob country. It was created by sculptor David Mayer.
[edit] Famous residents
Sir Geraint Evans, the renowned opera singer had a home in Aberaeron for more than 30 years.
[edit] Image gallery
 The River Aeron |
 The Black Lion Hotel, on Alban Square |
 Harbour at low tide |
 Footbridge over the Aeron |
 Harbour and hills |
 The old workhouse |
 The Feathers (former coaching inn) |
 Welsh cob statue |
 Market Street |
 Georgian houses |
 Northgate Toll House, c. 1785 |
 Prince's Avenue |
