In the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan, close to Cowbridge, lies the small coastal town of Llantwit Major, in an area called " the most beautiful of places " by St. Illtud and his followers nearly 15 centuries ago.
Llantwit is an ancient beachside settlement with relics having been found from as far back as the Neolithic period. The area was under the rule of the Romans for nearly 350 years, and there has even been nearby excavations of an elaborate Roman Villa, complete with bathrooms and mosaic pathways, dating from the mid 2nd century.
However, Llantwit's main repute dates from after the Romans had left, with the foundation of a monastery by St. Illtud in the late 5th century - indeed, Llantwit has the reputation of being one of the first places to establish Christianity in Britain. The religious centre set up by Illtud rapidly became famous as a seat of learning as well as religion, attracting royalty and, legends say, even St David, the patron saint of Wales, himself. Many churches were founded from here and it became so renowned that it was used as a royal burial place.
Llantwit Major was sacked by Danish marauders in 988 AD, but the church college continued peacefully through Norman times, when political changes affected local life, even bringing some battles, and on into the Tudor ages. By 1450 the lands and rents mainly belonged to the Chief Lord of the Manor of Boverton and Llantwit, and it turned into a thriving agricultural community. Local gentry built mansions like the Upper House and Boverton Place and lived in some splendour. These wealthy local families included some notable persons such as a Maid of Honour to Queen Elizabeth the first, and the Attorney General of Wales. Llantwit Major clearly had royalist sympathies during the Civil War, as seen in 1648 when many local families took part in the battle of St.Fagans against Cromwell's forces.
In later times it appears that there was much smuggling in the district with nearby caves hiding contraband, and there are even stories of the legendary highwayman Cap Goch frequenting local inns. Life was also enlivened by the celebrations for the visits of the Mari Lwyd on Twelfth Night and the annual processions of 'Anwyl Day' which commemorated a victory over a band of Irish raiders.
In short, Llantwit Major has had an extremely rich and interesting history, and the town continues to show it's heritage in the many old buildings that survive along it's small and quaint streets. It provides an excellent base for exploring South Wales, from the cosmopolitan capital city of Cardiff only about 15 miles eastwards, to the historic valleys and splendid Brecon Beacons National Park or to the beautiful Gower Peninsula to the west.
The presence of St. Donats Castle (formally owned by newspaper magnate Randolph Hearst), a centre of learning excellence close to the West House, has resulted in many members of the British, Dainish and Swedish Royal Families staying here. Many Lords and Ladies in addition to various ambassadors and VIP's have all stayed in our quiet little corner of Wales.
Photos of modern Llantwit can be found here.
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