Aberystwyth is a university town on the coast of Wales on Cardigan Bay, Ceredigion.
 |
| Atop Constitution Hill |
| Information |
| Ceremonial county: |
Dyfed |
| County: |
Ceredigion |
| Population: |
15,935 (2011 census) |
The name Aberystwyth means Mouth (Aber) of the river Ystwyth. People have lived in the area since at least the Mesolithic. A Celtic fortress was built overlooking where the town is now in about 600BCE. In 1109, a castle was built by Gilbert Fitz Richard on lands granted by King Henry I. The castle was built on the south bank of the Ystwyth to the south of the current town but it is what gave the settlement it's name.
The castle was replaced in 1277 (after it had been burnt down for the second time) by the current one at Castle Hill. Aberystwyth castle was built by King Edward I, however it was burnt down itself within a few years! The castle was repaired and became an important strategic location, serving as a royal mint during the reign of King Charles I. Cromwell's forces destroyed the castle for good in 1649.
Aberystwyth grew as a town after a building of a port in the 18th and 19th centuries. The railway reached Aberystwyth in 1864, the town becoming a popular Victorian tourist destination. A funicular railway was built up to the top of Constitution Hill, which overlooks the town, in 1896.
These days Aberystwyth continues to be a popular tourist destination, it is also a major cultural centre in Wales with the National Library of Wales in the town which was established in 1907.
 |
| Street in Aberystwyth |
 |
| Aberystwyth Cliff Railway |
 |
| The harbour |
 |
| The promenade |
 |
| The pier |
