over a handsome stone bridge, built over the Tyvi, which is here of
considerable width. In front of this stands, on a steep eminence, the
castle, consisting chiefly of its outer walls, which prove it to have
been once a considerable building. This place, considered the principal
town of the county, is called by the Britons Aberteivi; which name it
receives from standing near the mouth of the river Tyvi. It was
fortified, together with the castle, by Gilbert, son of Richard Clare,
and demolished by Rhees ap Gryffith.
Cardigan had once a strong castle; but it was destroyed in the civil
wars, and an elegant mansion erected on its site by Mr. Bowen: the
cellars of which were anciently the dungeons of the keep. At the end of
the bridge is a chapel, said to be erected on the spot, where Giraldus
preached the Crusade.
The town is large and regular; its chief trade consisting in lead,
exported to Ireland. It sends one member to Parliament, and gives the
title of Earl to the family of Brudenell. The Church is large, and well
built, with a handsome tower. The new gaol, finished in the year 1797,
is conveniently situated, and appears to be a well-planned building. One
mile from Cardigan is