Cardigan, Ceredigion
|
|
Cardigan (Welsh: Aberteifi) is the county town of Cardiganshire (Ceredigion) in west Wales.
The town, founded in 1093 by the Norman Roger de Montgomery, lies on the estuary of the River Teifi. Attractions in the town include the remains of Cardigan Castle, a heritage centre, arts centre and a currently under used nineteenth century guildhall.
In 1176 the castle became the site of the first competitive Eisteddfod. Cardigan also hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1942 and 1976. The castle was for many years in private hands and as a result became run down and derelict. The town council itself showed little interest in saving it. However a group of volunteers, and the local Catholic Priest, working separately did raise its profile. Ceredigion Council finally bought it in 2003.
By the early 19th century over 300 sailing vessels were registered at the port and more than 200 ships were built in the five shipyards. Cilgerran slate was exported from the port. The river silted up and the port died by the early part of the twentieth century. Plans to dredge it have come to naught over the years.
Cardigan is also the site of Wales' premier Roman Catholic Shrine in Wales. In pre-Reformation times it was known for a statue of the Virgin Mary, who held a candle whose flame never extinguished.
Cardigan is twinned with Brioude, France.
Cardigan Island lies offshore near the town.