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Aberystwyth

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Constitution Hill (Aberystwyth) at about 4am, summer 2006. Photograph © Mister_Teee

Aberystwyth (Literally in English: Mouth of the Ystwyth) is a historic market town, administrative centre and holiday resort within Ceredigion, Mid Wales. Also known as Aber (mainly by the students of the University).

In modern times Aberystwyth has become a major Welsh educational centre. The indigenous population is around 12,000, but is swelled by an additional 9,250 (2005) students associated with the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. Thus for nine months of the year, Aberystwyth's population is around 21,000 people. The world's first department in international politics was established in Aberystwyth in 1919. It is also the home of the only AMBA accredited MBA programme in Wales.

The town is situated near the confluence of the rivers Ystwyth and Rheidol, about midway down the length of Cardigan Bay. Although the name may seem to suggest otherwise, only the River Rheidol actually passes through the town - the River Ystwyth only just skirts the town, following the reconstruction of the harbour.

Aberystwyth has a pier and a fine sea-front which stretches from Constitution Hill at the north end of the Promenade to the mouth of the harbour at the south.

Aberystwyth is a major tourist centre and a cultural link between the north and south of Wales. Constitution Hill is scaled by the Aberystwyth Electric Cliff Railway giving access to fine views and other attractions at the top, while much of the finest scenery in Mid Wales lies within easy reach of the town. This includes the wilderness of the Cambrian Mountains, whose valleys contain forests and meadows which have little changed in centuries.

Although the town is relatively modern, it contains a number of historic buildings, including the remains of the castle and the "imposing but fantastic structure" of the old buildings of the University College of Wales nearby. The new university campus overlooks Aberystwyth from Penglais Hill to the east of the town centre.

The architecture is a mix of Gothic, Classical revival and Victorian, and the town is sometimes referred to as "the Oxford of Wales".

The town is generally regarded as the capital of Mid Wales, and several institutions have regional offices there. Perhaps the most important of the public bodies located in Aberystwyth is the National Library of Wales. The library also incorporates the National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales, one of six British regional film archives. The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, which maintains and curates the National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW), provides the public with information about the built heritage of Wales.

Aberystwyth is twinned with Saint-Brieuc, Brittany and Kronberg im Taunus, Germany.

The remains of an celtic fortress on Pen Dinas, a hill overlooking Aberystwyth, indicate that the site was inhabited before 700 BCE. However the recorded history of Aberystwyth may be said to date from the building of a fortress on the present Castle Hill, in 1109. Edward I rebuilt Strongbow's castle in 1277, after its destruction by the Welsh. Between the years 1404 and 1408 Aberystwyth Castle was in the hands of Owain Glyndŵr, but finally surrendered to Prince Harry (the future King Henry V of England). Shortly after this the town was incorporated under the title of Ville de Lampadarn (the ancient name of the place being Llanbadarn Gaerog, or the fortified Llanbadarn, to distinguish it from Llanbadarn Fawr, the village one mile inland). It is thus styled in a charter granted by Henry VIII, but by Elizabeth I's time the town was invariably termed Aberystwyth in all documents. In 1647 the Parliamentarian troops razed the castle, so that its remains are now inconsiderable, though portions of three towers still exist.

The Cambrian Railway line from Machynlleth reached Aberystwyth in the 1860s closely followed by rail links to Carmarthen which resulted in the construction of the town's impressive station. The railway's arrival gave rise to something of a Victorian tourist boom and the town was once even billed as the "Biarritz of Wales" . During this time a number of hotels and fine town houses were built including the Queens Hotel. One of the largest of these hotels 'The Castle Hotel' was never completed as a hotel but following bankruptcy was sold cheaply to the 'Welsh National University Committee', a group of people dedicated to the creation of a Welsh University. The University College of Wales (later to become the University of Wales, Aberystwyth) was founded in 1872 in this building.

Aberystwyth was a contributory parliamentary borough until the Third Reform Act, which caused its representation to be merged into that of the county in 1885.

The Vale of Rheidol Railway narrow gauge line from Devil's Bridge was constructed in 1901 and 1902, intended to ship mineral traffic, primarily lead, from Devils Bridge down to Aberystwyth for trans-shipment. By the time it was finished the lead mines were in a deep downturn and it therefore came to rely largely on the tourist industry. The railway opened for passengers in December 1902.

On the night of Friday 14th January 1938 a storm with estimated wind speeds of up to 90 mph struck the town. Most of the promenade was destroyed, along with 200 ft of the pier. Most properties on the seafront were damaged, most severely on Victoria Terrace.

Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg held their historic first protest on Trefechan bridge in Aberystwyth, back in 1963, and here also the first ever independent Welsh Evangelical Church was established.

Merched y Wawr have their national headquarters in Aberystwyth.

Aberystwyth hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1865, 1916, 1952 and 1992.

On March 1, 2005, Aberystwyth was granted Fairtrade Town status.


  Trains in Aberystwyth: Aberystwyth is on The Cambrian Line


 Cinemas in Aberystwyth:
 Cinema Theatre
       Arts Centre
       Penglais
       University of Wales
       SY23 3DE
 http://www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/whatson/cinema

 Commodore
       Bath Street
       Aberystwyth
       Ceredigion
 http://www.commodorecinema.co.uk/

 Drwm
       National Library of Wales
       Penglais Hill
       Aberystwyth
       Ceredigion
       SY23 3BU
 http://drwm.llgc.org.uk/


 Arts in Aberystwyth:
 Aberystwyth Arts Centre
       The University of Wales, Aberystwyth
       Penglais Campus
       Aberystwyth
       Ceredigion
       SY23 3DE
 01970 622882
 http://www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/


 Libraries in Aberystwyth:
 Aberystwyth Library
       Corporation St
       Aberystwyth
       Ceredigion
       SY23 2BU
 01970 633703; 633716
 Mon 9.30am-8.00pm
       Tue 9.30am-8.00pm
       Wed 9.30am-8.00pm
       Thur 9.30am-8.00pm
       Fri 9.30am-8.00pm
       Sat 9.30am-5.00pm


 Farmers Markets in Aberystwyth:
 Aberystwyth Farmers Market
       North Parade
       Aberystwyth
       Cereidgion
       SY23 2NF
 10am-3pm 1st & 3rd Saturdays each month
 01970 633 066


 Museums in Aberystwyth:
 Ceredigion Museum
       Terrace Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2AQ
 01970 633088

 National Screen & Sound Archive Of Wales
       Penglais
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 3BU
 01970 626007


 Rugby in Aberystwyth: Aberystwyth RFC


 Football in Aberystwyth: Aberystwyth Town FC
 Football in Aberystwyth: University of Wales Aberystwyth FC


 Vets in Aberystwyth:
 W.J. Downes
       3 Blaenberllan Park Avenue
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1PB
       01970 624173

 Ystwyth Veterinary Group
       Glyn Padarn
       Llanbadarn Fawr
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 3QU
       01970 612526


Aberystwth Harbour Wall. Photograph © Mister_Teee


 Tourist Information Centres in Aberystwyth:

 Telephone:

01970 612125

 Fax:

01970 612125

 Email:

aberystwythtic@ceredigion.gov.uk

 Address:

Terrace Road
Aberystwyth
Ceredigion
SY23 2AG

 Hours:

Winter Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 17:00 
Summer
7 Days  10.00 - 18.00


 Pubs/Bars in Aberystwyth:
 The Academy
       Great Darkgate Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1DW
 01970 636852

 The Angel Inn
 
Upper Great Darkgate Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1DW
 01970 617878

 Bar Essential
       Portland Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2DX
       01970 623318

 The Bay
       35-37 Marine Terrace
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2DX

 Belle Vue Royal Hotel
       Marine Terrace
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2BA

 The Black Lion Hotel
       Main Road
       Llanrhystud
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 5DG

 Bradys Bar
       Market Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1DL
 01970 627441

 Boars Head
       Queens Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2HT

 The Cambrian Hotel
       Alexandra Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1LG
 01970 612446

 The Castle Hotel
       South Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1JW
 01970 612188

 Central Park Hotel
       Portland Street
       Aberystwyth
       Ceredigion
       SY23 2DX
 01970 623318

 Clarendon Hotel
       Victoria Terrace
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2DH

 The Coopers Hotel
       Northgate St
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2JT
 01970 624050

 The Court Royal Hotel
       Eastgate Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2AR
 01970 611722

 Cross Inn
       Main Road
       Llanon
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 5NB

 Crystal Palace Hotel
       Queens Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2HH

 Downies Vaults
       33 Eastgate Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2AR
       01970 625446

 The Flanneries
       1 High Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1JG
 01970 612334

 Four Seasons Hotel
       Portland Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2DX

 The Fountain
       Trefechan
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1BE
 01970 612430

 The Glengower Hotel
       3 Victoria Terrace
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2DH
       01970 626191

 Groves Hotel
       North Parade
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2NF

 The Half Way Inn
       Mountain Road
       Pisgah
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 4NE
 01970 880631

 Harleys Sports Bar
       21 Eastgate
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2LN

 The Inn on the Pier
       Marine Terrace
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2AZ
 01970 610000/01970 636101

 Kane's
       Corporation Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2BT
 01970 615662

 Lord Beechings
       8 Alexandra Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1LE
 01970 625069

 Marine Hotel
       Marine Terrace
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2DA

 The Mill Inn
       Mill Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1HZ
 01970 612306

 The Nags Head
       23 Bridge Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1PZ
 01970 624725

 Old Black Lion Hotel
       Bridge Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1PZ
 01970 615378

 The Orangery
       10 Market Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1DL
       01970 617606

 The Pier Hotel
       Pier Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2LN
 01970 615126

 Queensbridge Hotel
       Victoria Terrace
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2DH

 Richmond Hotel
       45 Marine Terrace
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2BX

 Royal Pier
       Marine Terrace
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2AZ
 01970 636100

 Rummers Wine Bar
       Bridge Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1QD
 01970 625177

 Scholars
       Queens Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2HH
 01970 615241

 The Ship and Castle
       1 High St
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1JG
 01970 612334

 Southgate Hotel
       Antaron Avenue
       Southgate
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1SF

 St Andrews Court Hotel
       62 Marine Terrace
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2BX

 Talbot Hotel
       Market Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1DL

 Tollgate Inn
       Piercefield Lane
       Penparcau
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1RX
 01970 615016

 The Vale of Rheidol
       Terrace Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1PG
 01970 625819

 Varsity
       48 Upper Portland Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2DT

 The Weston Vaults
       Thespian St
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2JW
 01970 627609

 Windsor Private Hotel
       41 Queens Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2HN

 Yr Hen Llew Du
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1PZ
 01970 615378

 Yr Hen Orsaf
       Station Buildings
       Alexandra Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1LH


 Golf in Aberystwyth:
 Penlanlas Golf Course
       Penlanlas
       Rhydyfelin
       Aberystwyth
       Ceredigion
       SY23 4QE
 01970 625319

 Aberystwyth Golf Club
       Brynymor Road
       Aberystwyth
       Ceredigion
       SY23 2HY
 01970 615104

 Penrhos Golf Club
       Llanrhystud
       Near Aberystwyth
       Ceredigion
       SY23 5AY
 01974 202999

 Capel Bangor Golf and Country Club
       Capel Bangor
       Aberystwyth
       Ceredigion
       SY23 3LL


 Hotels in Aberystwyth:
 Aberystwyth Park Lodge Hotel
       Parc y Llyn Retail Park
       Llanbadarn Fawr
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 3TL
 01970 636333

 Belle Vue Royal
       Marine Terrace
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2BA
 01970 617558

 Cambrian Hotel
       Alexandra Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1LG
 01970 612446

 Four Seasons
       50-54 Portland Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2DX
 01970 612120

 Glen Gower
       3 Victoria Terrace
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2DH
 01970 626191

 Harrys
       44-46 North Parade
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2NF
 01970 617623

 Marine Hotel
       Marine Terrace
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2BX
 01970 612444

 Pier Hotel
       Pier Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2LN
 01970 615126

 Queensbridge Hotel
       Victoria Terrace
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2DH
 01970 612343

 Richmond Hotel
       44-45 Marine Terrace
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2BX
 01970 612201


 B&B's/Guesthouses in Aberystwyth:
 Bodalwyn House
       Queens Avenue
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2EG
 01970 612578

 Brendan
       19 Marine Terrace
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2AZ
 01970 612252

 Bryn-Y-Don Guest House
       36 Bridge Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1QB
 01970 612011

 Cardigan Bay Guest House
       63 Marine Terrace
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2BX
 01970 625667

 Glyn Garth
       South Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1JS
 01970 615050

 The Helmsman
       43 Marine Terrace
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2BX
 01970 624132

 M M Evans
       46 Cambrian Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1NZ
 01970 612730

 Shangri-La Guest House
       36 Portland Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2DX
 01970 617659

 Sinclair
       43 Portland Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2DX
 01970 615158

 Sunnymead
       34 Bridge Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1QB
 01970 617273


 Restaurants in Aberystwyth:
 Agra (Indian)
       36 North Parade
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2NF
 01970 636999

 The Casablanca (Turkish)
       26 Eastgate
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2AR
 01970 617024

 Central Fish Restaurant (Seafood)
       27 Chalybeate Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1HX
 01970 617340

 The Clock Tower
       2 Pier Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2LJ
 01970 626269

 Corners Food & Wine (British)
       21 Chalybeate Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1HS
 01970 611024

 Dolphin Restaurant (British)
       47 Great Darkgate Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1DW
 01970 624081

 Gannets Bistro Ltd (British)
       7 St James Square
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1DU
 01970 617164

 Kings Hall (British)
       Llys Y Brenin
       Terrace Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2AP
 01970 615500

 Lounge
       31 Pier Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2LN
 01970 626444

 Le Figaro (Italian)
       Alexandra Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1LG
 01970 624242

 Light of Asia (Indian)
       34 Eastgate
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2AR
 01970 615040

 Little Italy (Italian)
       51 North Parade
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2JN
 01970 625707

 Mandarin (Chinese)
       26 Pier Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2LN
 01970 612456

 National Milk Bar (British)
       56 Terrace Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2AJ
 01970 612203

 Pier Pavilion (British)
       Marine Terrace
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2AZ
 01970 636123

 Pizza Alley (Italian)
       12A Baker Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2BJ
 01970 625719

 Serendipity
       14 Cambrian Place
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1NT
 01970 625777

 Sherlocks
       12A Baker Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2BJ
 01970 625212

 Shilam Tandoori (Indian)
       Station Buildings
       Alexandra Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1LH
 01970 615015

 Rheidol Restaurant (British)
       45 Cambrian Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1NZ
 01970 612902


 Cafes in Aberystwyth:
 Caffi Morgan
       20 Terrace Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1NP
 01970 612814

 The Express
       Alexandra Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1LG
 01970 617707

 Leisure Centre Catering
       Plascrug
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1HL
 01970 623179

 MG's
       13 Cambrian Place
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1NT
 01970 612363

 Penguin Cafe
       8 Pier Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2LJ
 01970 617186

 Station Buffet
       The Station
       Alexandra Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1LH
 01970 626164

 Sunclouds
       25 North Parade
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2JN
 01970 617750


 Take Aways in Aberystwyth:
 Burger King
       8 Terrace Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1NY
 01970 612523

 Cafe Allspice
       6 Portland Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2NL
 01970 623218

 Ernie's (Fish & Chips)
       15 Portland Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2DX
 01970 617376

 Hollywood Pizza
       28 Pier Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2LN
 01970 612223

 McDonald's Restaurants Ltd
       Parc Y Llyn Retail Park
       Llanbadarn Fawr
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 3TL
 01970 636718

 Penparcau
       Penparcau Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1QX
 01970 612765

 Seafront Palace
       5 Marine Terrace
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2AZ
 01970 626463

 Spartacus Take Away
       36 Northgate Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2JS
 01970 625885

 Spartacus 2
       4 Terrace Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1NY
 01970 627799

 Sun Hong Chinese Take Away
       7 Pier Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2LJ
 01970 624026

 Traditional Fish & Chips (Fish & Chips)
       19 Northgate Street
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2JS
 01970 611169


 Taxis in Aberystwyth:
 A1 Taxis
       2 Brynrheidol Estate
       Llanbadarn Fawr
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 3SP
 01970 611119

 Aber Cars
       Dolwen Yard
       Pwllhobi
       Llanbadarn Fawr
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 3SL
 01970 627070

 Aber Taxis
       Dolwen Yard
       Pwllhobi
       Llanbadarn Fawr
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 3SL
 01970 627272

 Ace Taxi
       36 Heol Dinas
       Penparcau
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 3RT
 01970 617721

 Acti-Car
       Pendorlan
       Cwmsymlog
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 3EZ
       01970 828837

 B.J's Taxis
       83 Maesceinion
       Waunfawr
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 3QQ
 01970 611063

 Bobs Taxis
       31 Rhyd-y-Bont
       Penparcau
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1SR
       01970 615537

 Cardi Taxis
       10 Ger Y Llan
       Penrhyncoch
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 3HQ
 01970 625625

 Central Taxis
       40 Garth Dinas
       Penparcau
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 3RZ
       01970 626600

 Evans Taxi's
       6 Third Avenue
       Penparcau
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1RF
 01970 627777

 Gary's Cabs
       124 Heol Tynyfron
       Penparcau
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 3YA
 01970 623541

 Gethin's Taxis
       Dorlan
       4 Maesyrefail
       Penrhyncoch
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2EG
 01970 820301

 The Happy Taxi
       Llwyngronw
       Old Farmhouse
       Penrhyncoch
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 3EQ
 01970 820555

 Jimmy's Taxis
       7 Rhydybont
       Penparcau
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 1SR
       01970 615705

 M & C Abercabs
       2 Cefn Melindwr
       Capel Bangor
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 3LS
       01970 880865

 Mo's Taxis
       6 Maes Llanio
       Blaenplwyf
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 4DJ
 01970 636663

 Padarn Cars Ltd
       Dolwen Yard
       Pwllhobi
       Llanbadarn Fawr
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 3SL
 01970 612319

 Ray Taxi
       32 Heol Dinas
       Penparcau
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 3RT
 01970 624236

 Star Cabs
       110 Heol Tyn-y-Fron
       Penparcau
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 3YD
 01970 625000

 Z Cars
       51 Heol Tynyfron
       Penparcau
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 3YB
 01970 617820


 Retail in Aberystwyth:
 Argos - Aberystwyth
       Unit 2
       Rheidol Retail Park
       Aberystwyth
       Ceredigion
       SY23 1LL
 0845 640 3030

 Lidl
       Rheidol Retail Park
       Aberystwyth
       SY23 1LL
 0870 444 1234

 Somerfield - Aberystwyth
       Park Avenue
       Aberystwyth
       SY23 1PB
 01970 615098


 Places of Worship in Aberystwyth:
 St Michaels Church
       Laura Place
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2AU
 01970 617184
 www.stmikes.org.uk

 St Pauls Methodist Centre
       Queens Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2NN
 01970 617296

 St Winefred RC Church
       The Presbytery
       Queens Road
       Aberystwyth
       Dyfed
       SY23 2HS
 01970 612549


 Schools/Colleges in Aberystwyth:
 Plascrug C.P. School (Primary)
       Plascrug Avenue
       Aberystwyth
       Ceredigion
       SY23 1HL
 01970 612286

 St Padarns R.C.P. School (Primary)
       Llanbadarn Road
       Aberystwyth
       Ceredigion
       SY23 1EZ
 01970 623862

 Ysgol Gymraeg Aberystwyth (Primary)
       Plascrug Avenue
       Aberystwyth
       Ceredigion
       SY23 1HL
 01970 617613


 

 

The images below are by viacreativa.
 To view a larger image, just click on the image

The seafront at Aberystwyth on, believe it or not, an August day.

Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth has an old town pier jutting out into a curved bay.

 Commonly known as Consti I have taken this picture from the top of Constitution Hill

Gulls at Aberystwyth

Constitution cliffs at Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth Promenade

Aberystwyth Sea Front & Promenade Pier Old College


Aberyswith (Aber-Ystwyth) - From 'A Topographical Dictionary of Wales' (1849)
ABERYSWITH (ABER-YSTWYTH), a sea-port, borough, markettown, and chapelry, and the head of a union, in the parish of LlanbadarnVawr, lower division of the hundred of Geneu'r Glyn, county of Cardigan, South Wales, 38 miles (N. E.) from Cardigan, and 208 (W. N. W.) from London; containing 4916 inhabitants. This place, from its having been fortified at a very early period, and also forming part of the ancient parish of Llanbadarn-Vawr, was originally called Llan-Badarn Gaerog; whilst the small ancient village of Aberystwith was situated to the west of it, on ground now covered by the sea, and on the bank of the Ystwith or Ystwyth, into which river the Rheidol or Rheidiol probably emptied itself, at some distance from the ocean. These rivers now unite at the town, and form at their mouth the modern harbour of Aberystwith. The courses of both have been changed, the Ystwith having flowed directly into the sea, prior to the diversion of its channel some years ago, which was done in order to strengthen the current of the Rheidol in clearing away the bar at the entrance to the harbour.

A castle was founded here in 1109, under the following circumstances. A Flemish nobleman of the name of William de Brabant, in journeying through South Wales, was waylaid by Owain, son of Cadwgan ab Bleddyn, and slain with all his retinue; which so incensed Henry I., that he granted permission to Gilbert de Strongbow to invade the territory of Cadwgan, in Cardiganshire, and win it by the sword. Strongbow was successful; and in order to defend the possessions thus acquired, he built at least two castles, one at Aberystwith, and the other at Dingerait, supposed to be Kîlgerran, near Cardigan. In 1114, Grufydd ab Rhŷs, a Welsh prince, who had for some time carried on with considerable success, in the county of Carmarthen, a desultory warfare with the Norman invaders of South Wales, being invited by the inhabitants of the province of Cardigan, to assist them in throwing off the Norman yoke, attacked the castle of Ystradpeithil, near Aberystwith. This he reduced; and then encamped at Glâs Crûg, about a mile east of Llanbadarn-Vawr church, intending to attack the castle of Aberystwith on the following morning. The governor, apprised of his design, had sent to the neighbouring castle of Ystrad-Meirig for a reinforcement, which arrived during the night; and in the morning Grufydd, ignorant of the circumstance, and confident of success, advanced to a place called Ystrad Antaron, opposite Aberystwith Castle, where he encamped, and held a council of war. Preserving no discipline among his troops, the Normans took advantage of their disorder, and sent out some archers, to tempt them into a skirmish, and to draw them by a feigned retreat towards the bridge over the Rheidol; at the same time placing a part of their best cavalry in ambuscade behind the Castle Hill. The Welsh eagerly pursued these archers to the bridge, over which they were allured by a fresh device of the enemy, and continued their pursuit almost to the gates of the castle, when the horse which had been posted behind the hill attacked them in the flank, while those whom they had pursued made a stand, and assaulted them in front. By this means all the Welsh that had crossed the bridge were cut to pieces, and Grufydd was compelled to retreat with the remainder of his forces, and to abandon his enterprise.

In 1135, Owain Gwynedd and Cadwalader, sons of Grufydd ab Cynan, with a large body of Welsh, made a more successful attempt on the castle, which they took and utterly demolished, putting to the sword all the Normans and Flemings who had settled in this part of the principality, with the exception only of a small number, who escaped by sea into England. Cadwalader, soon afterwards marrying Alice, daughter of Richard, Earl of Clare, and Lord of Cardigan, rebuilt the castle, and made it his chief place of residence; but Owain Gwynedd, after his accession to the sovereignty of North Wales, in revenge for his brother's contumacy, besieged it and burned it to the ground, in 1142. The place continued for many years to experience all the disasters arising from predatory and intestine warfare, and was frequently destroyed and rebuilt in the continued struggles for dominion which occurred, not only between the English and the Welsh, but also among the rival princes of the country. During this period, mention occurs of the castle of Aber Rheidol being destroyed, in 1164, by Rhŷs ab Grufydd, on his invasion of the territories of the Earl of Gloucester; which circumstance has led to a supposition that there was another castle on the seashore, near this place, though it is not at all improbable that the castle of Aberystwith was occasionally designated by that name. Notice of the town of Aberystwith first occurs about the close of the twelfth century.

After rising from some of its frequent demolitions, the castle was again destroyed, in 1207, by Maelgwyn, a chieftain of South Wales, who had previously restored and fortified it, in order to maintain his power in this part of the principality, but who felt himself unable to hold it against Llewelyn, Prince of North Wales, who was advancing to attack him. Llewelyn, on his arrival at Aberystwith, rebuilt and garrisoned the castle, and seized the whole of the extensive territory lying between the rivers Aëron and Dyvi; the castle he retained in his own hands, but the territory he afterwards surrendered to Rhŷs and Owain, sons of Grufydd ab Rhŷs, and nephews of Maelgwyn. In 1212, King John, having with the aid of Maelgwyn and his brother Rhŷs Vychan compelled Llewelyn and other chieftains to do him homage, sent Foulke, Viscount Cardiff, warden of the marches, to force the sons of Grufydd also to acknowledge him as their sovereign, in which attempt Foulke was joined by Maelgwyn and Rhŷs Vychan. The two nephews, unable to withstand so powerful a force, made the required submission, and agreed to relinquish all right to the territories which had been ceded to them by Llewelyn; and Foulke, having repaired and strengthened the fortifications of the castle, placed in it a strong garrison, to defend it for the king. Maelgwyn and Rhŷs Vychan, disappointed in their hope of obtaining for themselves the territories of which Rhŷs and Owain had been dispossessed, now laid siege to the castle, which they succeeded in taking, after an obstinate defence; and razed it to the ground. It appears to have been almost immediately rebuilt; for in 1214, Rhŷs Vychan, being defeated by Foulke, in Carmarthenshire, took refuge in it with Maelgwyn, and brought with him also his wife and children. In the reign of Henry III., the castle was in the possession of Rhŷs ab Grufydd, who, about the year 1223, joined the party of the Earl of Pembroke, in consequence of which, Llewelyn ab Iorwerth, Prince of North Wales, seized it, with all its dependencies; Rhŷs, however, complaining to the king, and requesting his protection from this violence, Henry commanded Llewelyn to appear before him at Shrewsbury, and the prince obeying the summons, the quarrel was amicably adjusted.

In the reign of Edward I., Grufydd ab Meredydd and Rhŷs ab Maelgwyn besieged and took the castle, then held by Llewelyn ab Grufydd, Prince of North Wales. It soon after fell into the hands of the English; and Edward, in order to secure the fulfilment of the conditions of the peace which he had concluded with Llewelyn