Armorials

Demetia (Dyfed)

Descent of Hywel Dda and the Creation of Deheubarth

The Kings & Princes of Deheubarth

Cydweli & Carnwyllion

Map Showing Medieval Administration Areas of

Cantref Mawr, Cantref Bychan & Cantref Eginog

Tithes

A Background to Parish Government in England & Wales (1894-1994)

Civic Administration

Grant of Badge

Grant of Arms

1974 Charter

Parliamentry Voting Rights, 1770-1928

Parliamentary Electoral Roll, 1834

Llanelly Workhouse

Board of Health

19th Century Statistical Report

1849 Transfer of Responsibility from Trustees

1850 Presentation of Report, Bristol, 18 March

1866 Hunter Report

Cholera

Hospitals –The Voluntary Hospital – Marble Hall

Education

Schools

The Blue Books

Newspaper Reports

The Public Library (Athenaeum) & Nevill Memorial Hall

The Town Hall Throughout the Years

Castle Buildings

Extract

The Town Hall Throughout the Years

Finally, the first site opposite the old Steam Mill was chosen, which proved to be an ideal location and ensured that the new, impressive, Town Hall could be viewed to its best advantage from all directions. Mr Watkeys recommended the site saying ‘In my opinion there is not the least doubt as to the appropriate site, and being more elevated than the others would be prominent’.

Despite the strong recommendation of the town’s surveyor, proposals were delayed and it was not until September 1891 that the decision was made to build the Town and Public Hall. Proposals included accommodation for 2,000 persons, excluding the orchestra, but including two retiring rooms and two cloakrooms; accommodation for the County Court and Petty Sessions; 300 seats and accommodation for a Judge, Magistrates, Solicitors, Barristers and clerks, together with a Council Chamber with space for 30 members and officers. Specifications also had to provide accommodation for County Court staff. It was agreed that plans would have to be referred to a professional adjudicator and the building works should not exceed £15,000 with an additional £3,000 set aside for contingencies, fixtures and fittings etc.

Before a decision was made to accept the proposals, the Llanelly Board of Health decided to hold a public meeting to endorse their recommendation. The meeting, which was not well attended, was held in September 1891. Most of the people present were supporters and it was no surprise that there was unanimous support for the resolution to be passed to proceed with scheme as quickly as possible.

It seems that one of the main factors for the delay in making a decision was that the Board did not have the powers to borrow money. The situation was rectified by the provisions of the Llanelly Local Board Act of 1888, which conferred specific power to erect a New Town Hall and Public Hall, with offices, at a total cost, including site, not exceeding £25,000. Provision was also made for the Board to use any two acres of land, or any piece of land, not exceeding one acre, of the People’s Park.

In March 1892, the Board confirmed that plans for the New Town Hall should be obtained but the scheme did not include the Public Hall accommodation – much to the public’s disquiet. By August 1892 Mr Charles Barry, a London Architect, appointed official adjudicator, considered 25 plans and duly reported to the Board.