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
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
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
- 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.
This page updated 16-Sep-2007