Carmarthen, the oldest town in Wales, is steeped in myths and legends, from tales of Merlin to the capture of its castle by Owain Glyndwr. It’s a place where history weaves a spellbinding narrative, enchanting both locals and visitors with its rich past.
Among the historical enigmas that blur the line between fact and fiction are the ‘Tunnels of Carmarthen’ – an extensive labyrinth of ancient passageways rumoured to connect key locations throughout the town. The question lingers: did these tunnels provide a secret pathway for high-profile prisoners travelling from Carmarthen Castle to St Peter’s Church? And, more tantalisingly, do they still offer a hidden route beneath the streets of Carmarthen?
Armed with a torch and a sense of adventure, back in 2017 I embarked on a quest to uncover these medieval passages, imagining the footsteps of those who might have used them centuries ago – for worship, justice, or perhaps even a discreet journey home after an evening at the local tavern.
“There was a doorway and behind it was an alleyway,” shared Geraint Jones, a retired building control officer, who claimed to have walked these very paths beneath our feet. He once ventured from Nott Square down as far as the Guildhall, hugging the subterranean walls as he did so.
The mystery of Carmarthen Castle’s possible hidden passage to St Peter’s Church has ignited the curiosity of locals for years. Owners of a florist in King Street recalled the fascination of visitors with the idea of a tunnel running underneath their shop, possibly connecting to the castle.
Canon Leigh Richardson, the former vicar of St Peters Church, added weight to the speculation when he mentioned a plumber’s discovery of a hollow space below the church’s ground. Such connections between significant landmarks in the town hint at a hidden network beneath the ancient streets of Carmarthen.
However, viewpoints differ, with local historian Simon Ratty suggesting that many underground passages are likely culverts meant for diverting streams and rivers, rather than extensive accessible tunnels. Regardless of the debate, the allure of the mystery continues to captivate imaginations.
As the question of Carmarthen’s underground tunnels remains shrouded in uncertainty, the town’s rich history and legends persist in weaving tales of intrigue and wonder beneath its ancient streets. The possibility of hidden passageways connecting key sites in Carmarthen adds a layer of mystery to the town’s already enchanting narrative, leaving room for imagination and exploration of its historical secrets.