Kidwelly

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Kidwelly
Welsh: Cydweli

Kidwelly shown within the United Kingdom
Population	3,000 approx.
OS grid reference	SN505005
Principal area	Carmarthenshire
Ceremonial county	Dyfed
Constituent country	Wales
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	KIDWELLY
Postcode district	SA17
Dialling code	01554
Police	Dyfed-Powys
Fire	Mid and West Wales
Ambulance	Welsh
European Parliament	Wales
UK Parliament	Llanelli
Welsh Assembly	Llanelli
Website: kidwelly.gov.uk
List of places: UK • Wales • Carmarthenshire

Coordinates: 51°30′N 4°00′W / 51.5, -4

Town Centre and Parish Church

Kidwelly (Welsh: Cydweli) is a town in Carmarthenshire, West Wales, approximately 10 miles west of the main town of Llanelli.

It lies on the River Gwendraeth above Carmarthen Bay.

1 History
2 Tourism
3 Transport
4 Government
5 Sport
6 See also
7 References
8 External links

[edit] History

The name 'Kidwelly' is thought to be very old: the earliest form of the name, 'Cetgueli', is recorded by the monk, Nennius, writing in the 9th century. The town and castle were established by the invading Normans during the 12th century.

A nearby field known as Maes Gwenllian is known as the location of a battle in 1136, in which Princess Gwenllian, sister of Owain Gwynedd, led her husband's troops into battle against a Norman army during his absence. She is believed to have been killed either during the battle or shortly afterwards.

Although being an ancient town, Kidwelly grew significantly during the industrial revolution, as did many other towns in South Wales. The town was home to a large brickworks and tinworks. Little evidence now exists of such activities since the closure of the industrial works, with the exception of Kidwelly Industrial Museum.

[edit] Tourism

Today, the town has adapted to cater for tourism and retail rather than dense industry. The council boasts historical attractions and beautiful countryside, but many complain of a lack of suitable facilities for visitors.

Attractions include Kidwelly Castle, founded in 1106, a fourteenth century bridge and gate, the former quay (now a nature reserve), a Norman parish church, and an industrial museum.

The current population of Kidwelly is approximately 3,000, with some 30,000 tourists visiting annually.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Transport

Road - Kidwelly is connected to Llanelli and Carmarthen by the A484 road.

Bus/Coach - There are regular local buses running through Kidwelly, linking the town with Llanelli and Carmarthen, with a main stop in the town centre. There is also a Coach Park located in the town centre.

Rail - Regular shuttles between Swansea and Fishguard every hour or half-hour and a service between London Paddington and Fishguard twice daily stop at Kidwelly railway station, located at the southern end of Station Road.

Cycling - Kidwelly is connected to the National Cycle Network along the coast from the east and west by NCR 4.^[1] The cycle path runs directly through the town centre.

Air - Pembrey Airport is approximately 3 miles east of Kidwelly, and is connected to the town by regular bus services.