Carmarthenshire facts for kids

Carmarthenshire (which is Sir Gaerfyrddin in Welsh) is a special area in southwest Wales. It's like a county, but it's called a unitary authority because it manages its own local services. It's also one of the historic counties of Wales.

The biggest town in Carmarthenshire is Carmarthen. It's a busy market town with about 14,000 people living there. Carmarthenshire is mostly a rural area, meaning it has lots of farms and open land. You'll see many hills here. Other important towns include Llanelli and Ammanford.

About Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire is known for its beautiful countryside and rich history. It's a place where you can explore ancient castles and enjoy nature. The area is important for farming, and many people live in smaller villages and towns.

Geography and Nature

Carmarthenshire has a varied landscape. You'll find rolling hills, green valleys, and a long coastline. The River Towy is one of the longest rivers in Wales, and it flows through the heart of Carmarthenshire. This river creates a fertile valley, which is great for farming.

The western part of the county has a beautiful coastline along Carmarthen Bay. In the east, you can find parts of the Brecon Beacons National Park, including the Black Mountain range. These areas are perfect for hiking and exploring the outdoors.

Important Towns

Carmarthenshire has several key towns, each with its own character.

Carmarthen Town

Carmarthen is the county town and has a long history. It's one of the oldest towns in Wales. It was an important Roman settlement and later became a busy market town. Today, it's a center for shopping and culture in the area.

Llanelli

Llanelli is the largest town in Carmarthenshire. It used to be a big industrial town, especially known for its tinplate and steel works. Today, Llanelli is changing, with new developments and a focus on its coastal location. It's also famous for its rugby team.

Ammanford

Ammanford is another important town, located in the eastern part of Carmarthenshire. It grew a lot during the coal mining boom. While mining has now stopped, Ammanford remains a lively community and a gateway to the Black Mountain area.

History of Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire has a very long and interesting history. People have lived here for thousands of years.

Ancient Times

Evidence shows that people lived in Carmarthenshire even in prehistoric times. The Romans also had a strong presence here. They built a fort and a town called Moridunum, which is now Carmarthen. They even mined for gold at places like Dolaucothi Gold Mines.

Medieval Period

During the Middle Ages, Carmarthenshire was a place of many battles and castles. The Welsh princes and later the Norman invaders built strong castles to control the land. Castles like Carreg Cennen Castle and Kidwelly Castle are still standing today, showing the area's rich past. Monasteries, such as Talley Abbey, were also important centers of life and learning.

Modern Era

In more recent times, Carmarthenshire played a role in the industrial revolution, especially with coal mining and iron works in areas like Llanelli. Today, the county focuses on agriculture, tourism, and new industries.

Images for kids

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  Llyn y Fan Fawr, a beautiful lake in the Black Mountain

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  The green Towy Valley

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  An old picture of ironworks near Llanelli from 1811

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  Allt-y-cafan Mill, powered by the River Teifi

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  The impressive Carreg Cennen Castle

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  The ruins of Talley Abbey

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  Old Roman gold mine workings at Dolaucothi

In Spanish: Carmarthenshire para niños