St Clears

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

St Clears Sanclêr
Population	2,820 (2001 census)
OS grid reference	SN275165
Principal area	Carmarthenshire
Ceremonial county	Dyfed
Constituent country	Wales
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	CARMARTHEN
Postcode district	SA33
Dial code	01994
Police	Dyfed-Powys
Fire	Mid and West Wales
Ambulance	Welsh
UK Parliament	Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire
European Parliament	Wales
List of places: UK • Wales • Carmarthenshire

St Clears (Welsh: Sanclêr) is a small town on the River Tâf in Carmarthenshire, west Wales. According to the 2001 UK census, it has a population of 2,820 people, most of whom are Welsh-speaking, although there is a marked difference between the southern and northern ends of the town in percentage terms.

The Norman St Clears Castle was constructed, the castle mound can still be seen, and in the twelfth century the town grew around it. Below the castle there was a port on the river Tâf, which could take ships of up to 500 tons according to a plaque on the site.

The castle held out against Owain Glyndŵr, and much later the town is famous for the destruction of one of its toll gates in the Rebecca Riots.

The building of the railway was responsible for the decline of many of the small ports along the Bristol Channel coast, and St Clears was no exception. The railway passed about 2 miles north of the castle, and new building at the North end of the high street spread eastwards along the main A40 road and then northwards again to the station. The A40 section became known as Pentre Road, and is now the main commercial centre of the town, which is now bypassed by a dual carriageway which carries the main A40 traffic.

The town's Cattle market was important until its recent closure, but the town still has a large agricultural cooperative store. The town has also hosted an important oil distribution centre and milk processing plant. Now however smaller industrial units provide the main local employment. The town boasts a good variety of local shops including two prize winning butchers, and two craft centres. There are also several pubs some of which are notable for their food.

The surrounding countryside is mainly rolling grassland consisting of moderate sized fields with well kept hedges. The main agricultural enterprise is dairying, but sheep and beef are very important as well. The soils are deep and productive and will grow good crops of potatoes and cereals, and the climate allows fruit growing as well. Although most of the land is farmed commercially the area is a haven for wildlife - probably a reflection of the fact that most of the land is still farmed by families who take a pride in their farms, and like to see the job well done! For holiday makers St Clears has a range of Bed and Breakfast, self catering accommodation and campsites. It is within an hour's drive of two National Parks (Brecon Beacons, Pembrokeshire Coast), the Gower Peninsula AONB and also the three main Irish ferry ports (Fishguard, Pembroke Dock, and Swansea).

Coordinates: 51.82043° N 4.50424° W