Prior to 1240 the village was known as Emlyn and consisted of just a few makeshift homes on the riverbank. It was in 1240 that the castle was built by Meredith ap Rhys Gryg. This area then became known as Trecastell and cottages were built to house the servants from the castle. One of these cottages can still be seen today.
The Castle at Newcastle Emlyn
Now in ruins, the town’s castle has had a varied history. Following its construction by Meredith in 1240 it passed to his son, Rhys ap Maredudd. During his successful battle against the English crown the castle changed hands on several occasions in a short period of time. Owain Glyndwr took the castle in 1403 but reports state that by 1428 the structure was in ruins. Rebuilding and refurbishments were carried out and the castle had several more owners before finally being destroyed by Oliver Cromwell during the Civil War.
The Last Dragon in Wales
Legend has it that the last dragon in Wales was slain in Newcastle Emlyn. The story goes that the townspeople had gathered for a fair where they were entertained by jugglers, dancers and musicians, ate and drank and bought items from the various stalls. The dragon came and was shot by a young man with a musket. The dragon was fatally wounded, fell into the river and was washed away. Every year the town celebrates the Heart of the Dragon Festival, where visitors can shop at the Medieval Fayre, watch a re-enactment of the legend and see other demonstrations and exhibitions.
The Commercial Development of Newcastle Emlyn
Following the Civil War South Wales gradually developed mining and other industries. This had a good effect on the agricultural industry in the West Wales area with an increased demand for produce. By the nineteenth century the agricultural fairs and markets held in the town were proving very popular. The number of shops, inns and homes increased and the population grew. The railway line was opened in 1895 and helped to increase trade to the area but the line was closed in the 1970s. The number of fairs held in the town has significantly reduced over recent years.
The first printing press in Wales was established at Adpar, the section of the town on the Ceredigion side of the Teifi River in the eighteenth century. There are conflicting stories about the first book printed but examples of the work produced can be seen in the National Library of Wales at Aberystwyth.
http://www.newcastleemlyn.info/
http://www.castlewales.com/newcas2.html
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