Cantref Gwarthaf (Dyfed) facts for kids
Cantref Gwarthaf was a very important historical area in southwest Wales. It was the biggest of seven special regions called cantrefi in the old Kingdom of Dyfed. Think of a cantref like a large county or district from a long time ago.
Around the year 950, Cantref Gwarthaf became part of another kingdom called Deheubarth. This area covered parts of what we now know as Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. It included most of the land around the River Tâf.
What Does the Name Mean?
The name "Cantref Gwarthaf" means "upper-most zone." This tells us it was likely located at a higher or more important part of the region.
This cantref was quite large, covering about 244 square miles (632 square kilometers).
How Was It Organized?
Most other cantrefi were divided into two smaller parts. But Cantref Gwarthaf was special because it had eight smaller areas called commotes. These commotes were:
- Amgoed
- Derllys
- Efelfre
- Elfed
- Penrhyn
- Peuliniog
- Talacharn
- Ystlwys
The main town for government and important meetings in Cantref Gwarthaf was Carmarthen. This town was also a key religious center. Other important churches were found in Llanddowror and Meidrim.
Changes Over Time
In the 12th century, the Normans took control of many parts of Wales. Cantref Gwarthaf became part of the Welsh Marches, which were borderlands controlled by Norman lords.
During this time, new towns were built by the Normans. These included Carmarthen, Llansteffan, Laugharne, and St Clears. Many castles were also built to protect these new areas.
Some parts of the cantref, like the commotes of Talacharn and Penrhyn, started speaking English. However, over time, most of the area went back to speaking Welsh. Today, most of Cantref Gwarthaf still speaks Welsh, especially away from the coast.
How It Became Counties
Later, in the 1500s, new laws called the Acts of Union changed how Wales was governed. Cantref Gwarthaf was split up and became part of new counties.
- The commote of Efelfre became part of Pembrokeshire.
- The rest of the cantref became part of Carmarthenshire.
- Some commotes like Amgoed, Penrhyn, Peuliniog, Talacharn, and Ystlwys, along with part of Derllys, formed a new area called Derllys hundred.
- Elfed and the rest of Derllys joined with other commotes to create Elfed hundred.
This shows how the old historical regions of Wales were reorganized into the counties we know today.
