History Timeline
Some selected key events in the history of Aberystwyth:
Iron Age
- Building of the fort on Pendinas.
6th Century
- A small monastery was founded at Llanbadarn.
1109
- An early castle is built near Tanybwlch, south of the Ystwyth, to strengthen the power of King Henry I in the area.
1277
- Construction of the current castle begins - it is not completed until 1289.
- The town is founded with the issuing of its charter.
1402
- Castle is besieged by supporters of Owain Glyndwr - and surrenders in 1404.
1408
- Castle recaptured.
1415
- Henry V used the castle to hold prisoners from Agincourt.
1637
- A Royal mint is established in the castle, and lasts until 1643.
1645
- As part of the Civil War the Parliamentarians lay siege to the castle.
1646
- After 5 months the castle is surrendered.
1649
- The order is given for the castle to be blown up - accounting for its current state!
1762
- Aberystwyth's first bank, the Ship Bank, is founded in Bridge Street.
1763
- A customs house is transferred to Aberystwyth, helping encourage growth of the port.
1798
- The first buildings appear outside the town walls, including the Baptist Chapel now in Baker Street.
1835
- Use of the castle remains for building within the town was finally banned to try and preserve what remains were still standing.
1838
- Permission given for the founding of a gas works.
1846
- The Town Hall is built in Queen's Road. (The current building is a reconstruction after a major fire in 1957).
1851
- There are now 1020 houses in Aberystwyth, compared with 350 in 1801.
1852
- Column on Pendinas built as a monument to the Duke of Wellington. It was originally intended to carry a statue of a man on horseback.
1856
- The first town clock is built at the top of Great Darkgate Street.
1864
- The railway arrives in town, bringing a huge boost in tourism.
- The Old College is built, originally as part of Savin's Castle Hotel.
1865
- The pier is completed.
1866
- Only a year old, the pier is wrecked by a storm.
1867
- The Carmarthen - Aberystwyth rail route is opened.
1872
- The University College of Wales is founded with the acquisition of the Castle Hotel building.
1873
- The Cambrian News starts publication locally.
1881
- The last ship to be built in Aberystwyth is completed.
1890
- First use of electric lighting in town - in the University Physics department..
1892
- Present Trefechan Bridge constructed.
1896
- The rebuilt pier is opened.
1901
- The new promenade from the pier southwards around the castle is started, to be finished in 1903.
1902
- The Vale of Rheidol railway is opened to Devil's Bridge.
1909
- National Library of Wales founded.
1927
- First houses are built in Penparcau.
1937
- Current National Library building completed.
1956
- The town clock is demolished.
1995
- New Eastern Approach Road opened; first developments completed at Parc-y-Llyn.
2000
- A new town clock is built to replace that demolished in 1956.
If you want to know more, there is a stunningly detailed timeline contained in Vas's Guide to Aberystwyth.
Comments
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When were the Rivers diverted to make the presemt harbour, particularly the Ystwyth??
WE known that the Romans mined the Siver, Lead etc. at Cefnllwyd and Banc Y Daren. From where did their ships depart to go back to Rome
Where was their barracks sited. Who was in charge??
Is it true that the wife of Constantine, convgered him to Christianity. Is it true that she was the daughter of a Welsh King.?
It is true that Constantine murdered his wife and child and never came back to the UK? His family are believed to be buried in York.