A Historical Journey

There is not a day that goes by where I don’t thank my blessings. I’m not quite sure what brought me to this wonderful place, but Llangadog is a place which very much feels like home. It is almost as though you step through a black hole into a time that has long gone by. People stop and chat and take a genuine interest in visitors to the area. Nothing is rushed here; this is a rural farming area where everything ebbs and flows with the different seasons.

Llangadog is situated in the fertile Towy valley, known as the garden of Wales. The Carmarthenshire Fans form open moorland, rich in archaeology of societies long since past. Ancient castles, forts and Lys sit atop many local hills with historic communication routes controlled by the princes of Deheubarth, with the stronghold at the magnificent Dinefwr Castle situated at the edge of Llandeilo.

Tradition states that Celtic saint Cadog founded a church and monastery during the 6th century and the beautiful St Cadog Church is still in the heart of Llangadog village. In the late 13th century, the lands were given to the Bishop of St Davids and the small market village of Llangadog was established with weekly markets, horse fairs and larger annual fairs were also held. There was even an annual horse race on the village common.

Llangadog Castle, also known as Castell Meurig, is situated facing the village common. All that is left is a motte and bailey with earthwork defences. The castle was built originally in 1110 and then destroyed. In 1173, the same year that Lord Rhys ap Gruffydd, proprietary prince of Deheubarth, had a son by Meredith. The son was called Meurig, and so it seems likely that the castle was built for him. In 1203, the castle was under siege and taken by catapults and slings by Maelgwn ap Rhys. The castell was finally destroyed by the Welsh to ensure that it was not invaded by the English. Local tradition suggest that the castle had a stone keep and the stone was scavenged from the ruins to build the beautiful farmhouse known as Glansawdde. Today, the remains consist of a massive motte about 10 metres high with traces of a ditch surrounding the site to provide extra defence. I am extremely lucky to be the custodian of Castell Meurig as the house and cottages are located at this historical site.

The view from the top of the motte is simply breathtaking and the motte has been home for many years to badgers, foxes and other wildlife. The well motte and bailey is of national importance and is a scheduled monument under the protection of Cadw as it may contain archaeological evidence and information.