Turks, Jacks & Monkeys

Not many people know that workers have their own Bible and one People who are born in Swansea are called ‘Jacks’, those born in Morriston are known as ‘Monkeys’ but people born in Llanelli are nicknamed ‘Turks’.

Different theories have been put forward for this name, including Turkish immigrants on route for America in the early 1900s hearing that there was work to be found in Llanelli disembarked to find a better life in the industrial town and they became known as Turks.

During the First World War enlisted men from Swansea were sent to France and other European cities whilst many Llanelli soldiers were sent to Gallipoli and the Dardenelles. When they returned they were said to have Turkish sand in their shoes, hence the name ‘Turks’.