Laugharne

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Map sources for Laugharne at grid reference SN301109

Laugharne (Welsh: Talacharn) is a town in Carmarthenshire, Wales, lying on the estuary of the River Tâf. It is known for having been the home of Dylan Thomas from 1949 until his death in 1953, and is thought to have been an inspiration for the fictional town of Llareggub in Under Milk Wood.

Laugharne Corporation is an almost unique institution, and the last surviving medieval corporation in the United Kingdom. The Corporation was established in 1291 by Sir Guy de Brian, a Marcher Lord. The Corporation is presided over by the Portreeve, wearing his traditional chain of gold cockle shells, the Aldermen, and the body of Burgesses. Courts are held on a regular basis, where administration of the common fields is dealt with. The Laugharne open field system is one of only two surviving and still in use today in Britain.

Customs associated with the Corporation include the Common walk, held every three years. This event is attended by most of the young and firm local population, their number swelled by many visitors. The local pubs open at approx 5.00 in the morning, and following a liquid breakfast the throng commence a trek of some 25 miles around the boundaries of the Corporation lands. At significant historical landmarks a victim is selected to name the place. If they cannot answer, they are hoisted upside down and ceremonially beaten three times on the rear.

The cockle industry was once a significant part of the Laugharne economy, and the well-established pickling firm Parsons have their origins in Laugharne.

The Laugharne accent is interesting, sounding like a mix of Devon with Carmarthenshire Welsh. Many local words and phrases are archaic: e.g. "How art thee maid?"

Architecturally, Laugharne contains many fine examples of Georgian townhouses, with a scattering of earlier vernacular cottages.

Attractions in the town include the 12th-century Laugharne Castle, the town hall and the birdlife of the estuary.

Visit Laugharne Online: http://www.laugharne.co.uk

Find out about the men of Laugharne & Carmarthenshire who died in both World Wars: http://www.laugharnewarmemorial.co.uk