Early History
Early reference to Lampeter are difficult to come by, although
the remains of forts, standing stones and buriel chambers in
the area testify to human activity in the area. The mottes of
several early castles are to be found near the town at Olwen
(SN580 492), Allt Goch (SN595 601), and Goetre (SN622 480).
The Romans also left their mark on the area, by building the
road, Sarn Helen, sections of which are still in use in the
area today and the fort and gold mines at Dolaucothi, a few
miles away.
One of the earliest references to Lampeter, is in 1187, when
Owain Gwynedd destroyed the Castle of Pont Stephen which had
been built by the King (the remains of which are in the College
Grounds). It is possible that there was another castle above
the site of the present day church, although little is known
of this. Lampeter was then mentioned by Gerald of Wales during
his tour to raise an army for the Crusades and in 1284, a weekly
Thursday market was granted to Rhys ap Meredith.
Situated in Cardiganshire (now Ceredigion), one of the Royal
counties established by Edward 1 after the defeat of Llywelyn
at Cilmeri in 1182, Lampeter fell under direct Royal Control.
This however had little effect on the culture of the town, as
the Welsh language and culture has continued to thrive. |
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