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Llanelli:
Story of a Town
John Edwards
IJohn Edwards has written the first-ever comprehensive
history of Llanelli. Originally written in Welsh,
it was commissioned by Carmarthenshire County Council
as a gift to the National Eisteddfod 2000 at Llanelli.
The Llanelli Star is grateful to the County Council
for permission to publish an English version prepared
by the author by spring 2001.
The story takes us from the Ice Age to the dawning
of the Third Millennium. The first thousand years
or so follow the fortunes of the Celts and Romans,
through early Welsh history to the coming of the
Normans and the loss of Welsh independence.
The beginnings of Llanelli centred around the Parish
Church and we see the influence of three landed families,
the Vaughans, the Stepneys and the Mansels, in the
development of the town.
Coal and shipping were the earliest industrial enterprises
and these date from the 16th century. Iron makes
it appearance at the end of the 18th century when
Alexandra Raby steps on to the scene and copper comes
next with the huge contribution of the Nevill family.
From the mid-19th century, it is the production of
tinplate which takes pride of place, making Llanelli’s
tinplate production the largest of any town in the
world. The second part of the 20th century sees the
demise of heavy industry with Llanelli facing up
to a new future based on tourism.
The story the author tells is no dry recital of facts,
however. You will meet a varied selection of colourful
characters and read of dramatic incidents which happened
in the town. There is romance in the development
of roads, railways and shipping and much excitement
in social and religious affairs.
John Edwards is Llanelli born and bred and Llanelli
through and through. He has lived there all his life
with the exception of naval service and university
study. He holds the town in the very highest regard
and his pride in Llanelli shines through the entire
book.
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About the
Author
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