Carmarthenshire MP Jonathan Edwards has advocated 'the importance of heritage paving the way to the future', after visiting two historic landmarks in Llandovery town centre.

Earlier this week Mr Edwards visited two buildings which both bear testimony to the town’s rich history.

The first was The Nag’s Head pub which has received a stainless steel plaque in recognition of being one of the 71 public houses which served Llandovery several centuries ago as part of the drovers' route throughout Wales.

 The second building was the Old Printing Office on Broad Street in commemoration of Gwasg y Tonn. This was one of the most celebrated printing houses in Wales following its establishment in 1829 and was where the journals  ‘Y Cylchgrawn’ and Yr Haul’ were published as well as three volumes of Charlotte Guest’s The Mabinogion.

South Wales Guardian: Jonathan Edwards outside Gwasg y Tonn with the mayor and mayoress, Cllr Handel Davies and his wife Margaret who is the mayoressJonathan Edwards outside Gwasg y Tonn with the mayor and mayoress, Cllr Handel Davies and his wife Margaret who is the mayoress

“Gwasg y Tonn’ is without a doubt an asset of national importance,” commented Jonathan who is the serving MP for Carmarthenshire East and Dinefwr.

“Titles such as 'The Mabinogion' form a huge part of Welsh culture and literature and these are as important now as when they were first published. I’d like to commend the Town Council for their hard work in ensuring these key buildings and parts of our history are not forgotten.”

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The project was led by Llandovery Town Council who were eager to ensure that these elements of the town’s history were remembered.  They are now embarking on a detailed planning process to ensure that each of the 71 pubs will be recognised with a stainless steel plaque identical to that at The Nag's Head.

"This is yet another small step by the town council to recognise, celebrate and promote Llandovery's rich history of national importance and significance," said town mayor, Cllr Handel Davies.

Meanwhile Jonathan has congratulated everyone involved in the project.

"Llandovery has a very proud heritage and it’s important that this is remembered," added Jonathan.

"And with 71 pubs in the town back in the day, I'm sure it would have been a very popular place for a pub crawl!”