_(For the Mirror)_
The best or north-east view of Carmarthen comprises the bridge, part of
the quay, with the granaries and shipping, and in the middle is seen
part of the castle. Few towns can, perhaps, boast of greater antiquity,
or of so many antiquarian remains as Carmarthen, South Wales; although,
I am sorry to say, that their origin and history have not been, I
believe, clearly explained or understood by the literary world. One
would conclude, that as a Welshman is almost proverbially distinguished
for deeming himself illustriously descended, and relating his long
pedigree, he would naturally boast of, and exhibit to the public, some
account of these vestiges of his ancestors; but such is not the case,
and to their shame be it spoken, these ruins are scarcely noticed with
any degree of interest by the inhabitants of Carmarthen. But to my
subject. The name is derived from _caera_, wall, and _marthen_, a
corruption of Merlyn, the name of its founder, who was a great
necromancer and prophet, and held in high respect by the Welsh. There is
a seat hewn out of a rock in a grove near this town, called Merlyn's
Grove, where it is said he studied. He prophesied the fate of Wales, and
said that Carmarthen would some day sink and be covered with water. I
would concur with the author of a "Family Tour through the British
Empire," by attributing his influence, not to any powers in magic, but
to a superior understanding; although some of his predictions have been
verified. The town of Carmarthen is pleasantly situated in a valley
surrounded by hills; it has been fortified with walls and a castle, part
of which remain; so that it appears to have been the residence of many
princes of Wales. It has also been a Roman station, and has the remains
of a Roman prætorium. Amongst its other antiquities are the Grey Friars,
(a monastery,) the Bulwark, (a trench on the side of the town that
fronts the river,) and the Priory. Its modern buildings are, the
monument erected to Sir Thomas Picton, the Guildhall, the two gaols, a
fish and butter market-place, over which is the town fire-bell; the
slaughter-house, similar to the abattoir at Paris, and excellent
shambles, with poultry and potato market-places annexed. The church,
which is an ancient one, has an unattractive exterior; but when you
enter it, I think you will say it can compete with any church for
ancient beauty and ornament. Amongst the tombs in the chancel are those
of Sir Rhys ap Thomas, with the effigies of him and his lady, affording
a specimen of the costume of the reign of Henry VII.; and Sir Richard
Steele, whose remains are discovered by a small, simple tablet. There is
a promenade here, called the Parade, which commands a fine and extensive
view of the surrounding picturesque scenery and of the Towy, where the
coracles may be seen plying about. The town consists of ten principal
streets, noted for being kept clean, and lighted with gas. It is
governed by a mayor, two sheriffs, and twenty councilmen; sends a member
to Parliament, and gives title of marquess to the family of Osborne. It
carries on a great trade in butter and oats; and traffics much with
Bristol by the river Towy, which runs into the sea; whence ships of two
hundred tons burden come up to the town. The bay is very dangerous,
owing to the bar and the quicksands. Its chief manufacture is tin, which
is esteemed the best in the kingdom. It has a small theatre, in
appearance a stable; but it is in contemplation to build a new one, as
also a church; so that you will perceive the march of improvement is
rapidly spreading into Wales, as well as other places.