Quay wall and bollards

Cadw's description

Location

Situated along the N side of the Towy, from c20m W of Carmarthen Bridge, running W or c300m.

History

Quay wall probably of several periods, with work on new quay 1807-8, the quay then being extended E from the Jolly Tar Inn to the (old) bridge (i.e. the eastern 2-thirds), and construction of a new dock 1809-10. A slip was built near the bridge in 1813, by Daniel Mainwaring. Marked on 1834 map as extending from the bridge down to Island House, opposite the end of Blue Street, the extent of the present quay. Bollards are probably early C20.
The port of Carmarthen was one of the chief ports of Wales until it began to decline in the C19. In 1353, Carmarthen was declared the sole Welsh Staple Port. The quay was first built in stone in the 1550s but what is visible must date from the early C19 with later repairs. The last steamers visited the quay just before the Second World War.

Exterior

Retaining wall of stone laid in courses, with squared coping stones laid on edge, extending W as far as the flight of steps with iron gates at Island Wharf; double flight of steps before Jolly Tar PH. A series of about 33 fluted, tapering iron bollards with ball finials and threaded with iron chain railings is embedded in the coping of the quay wall; bollards made by the Priory Foundry, Carmarthen.

Reason for designation

Included as stone-built quay wall, of historic interest for the maritime trade of the town.