|
Laugharne
is the town where Dylan Thomas "got off the bus and never got on again".
He lived at the Boathouse for the last four years of his life during which
time many major pieces of work were written - including Under Milk Wood.
The Boathouse, where Dylan and Caitlin lived with their children, Aeronwy,
Llewelyn and Colm from 1949 to 1953, is now a heritage centre. The house
now contains audio visual presentations, original furnishings and memorabilia,
a themed bookshop, tea room, viewing platform and terrace. Set in a cliff
overlooking the glorious, 'heron priested' Taf Estuary the Boathouse offers
a fascinating visit including memorabilia, interpretation, bookshop and
tea-room. Dylan Thomas' had a long term affinity with Laugharne ever since
he visited with the poet Glyn Jones in 1934, by 1938 he lived in "Eros"
in Gosport Street, then to "Sea View" until 1940. Dylan is buried
in St. Martin’s new church yard and his grave is marked with a plain
white cross.
But Laugharne is more than just the town where Dylan Thomas lived, much
more. It is an ancient town steeped in history sitting on the estuary of
the River Taf. What was once a busy port, is now popular with writers, artists,
tourists, anglers and bird watchers. And overlooking the estuary are the
dramatic ruins of a Norman Castle.
Laugharne Castle was established in the early twelfth century as an earthwork
castle. It was sacked by the usual suspects, the Welsh, under the command
of Prince Llewelyn the Great, and was rebuilt in stone by the Anglo-Norman
de Brian family during the later thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries.
Sir John Perrot later transformed it into a Tudor mansion in the sixteenth
century. During the Civil War in 1644, Laugharne was captured by Royalists,
but was quickly re-taken by besieging Roundheads. The castle was partially
destroyed soon afterwards and gradually fell into decay. It was left as
a romantic ruin during the 18th century and at the turn of the 19th century
the outer ward was laid with formal gardens. In the late 20th century the
Castle has been the subject of considerable archaeological investigation
and gradual restoration and, with the well maintained Georgian and Victorian
gardens, is open to the public from April to the end of September.
The town of Laugharne itself has an interesting mixture of small cottages
and large Georgian houses. There is an active community, a newly built Millenium
Memorial Hall and a Primary School. There are two mini-markets, a pharmacy,
various shops, and great places to eat and drink including Brown's Public
House where the Poet himself would have a pint.......or two.
|
