Llanelli is a coastal town in Carmarthenshire, Wales and approximately 13 km (8 miles) from Swansea. Amongst other things, it is famous for its proud rugby tradition.

History

Historically a minor town, Llanelli grew significantly in the 18th and 19th centuries with the mining of coal and later tinplate and steelworks. It became such a significant regional producer of tin that it was referred to as "Tinopolis" by the latter half of the 19th century. The closure of coal mines and competition from overseas steel plants meant that Llanelli, like many other towns in South Wales, saw significant and sustained economic decline from the late 1970s.

Llanelli has hosted the National Eisteddfod five times: in 1895, 1903, 1930, 1962, and 2000.

Local attractions

The Millennium Coastal Park, which spans 21 km (13 miles) of coastline from Loughor to Pembrey, offers views of the Gower Peninsula and the opportunity for traffic-free cycling.

Pembrey Country Park is situated on the outskirts of Llanelli, and consists of about 2 km² (500 acres) of parkland. Cefn Sidan, a beach within the park that has won the coveted Blue Flag award, is approximately 13 km (8 miles) long and half a mile to the sea at its narrowest at low tide. It also has a lifeguard patrolled area.

Location

Lattitude and Longitude: (51.68, -4.16) (World gazetteer)

Nearby towns and cities: Swansea

Pronunciation & Spelling

The town's name is often mispronounced by non-speakers of Welsh, particularly those from outside the UK. The "ll"s in the name are pronounced as voiceless alveolar lateral fricatives, a phoneme unfamiliar to most English-speakers. In England, where many people are aware that "ll" is not the same as "l" but are unable to pronounce it quite correctly, it is common to hear "Llanelli" approximated as "Clanethli".

You will something find Llanelli spelt 'Llanelly', an anglicised form which was used in government and official documents until the 1970s. This is evident in the name of the local historic building, 'Llanelly House'. It can also lead to confusion with the village and parish, Llanelly, which is in south-east Wales.

See also

• Llanelli Scarlets rugby team
• Llanelli A.F.C.

External links

• Llanelli Star local newspaper
• Scarlet FM local radio station
• Llanelli Town Council Llanelli's Town Council