Welcome to Ammanford

Ammanford (Rhydaman) is located in South Wales on the River Loughor, in the county of Carmarthenshire, approximately 198 miles west of London and 15 miles north of Swansea.

The town has a population of around 8,100. Administratively it is within the local government district of Carmarthenshire (one of 22 principal areas of Wales) which covers an area of approximately 2,395 sq kms and which has a population of around 173,000.

Formerly a thriving coal-mining town the pits have now all but disappeared and the town is much quieter. Much of the town's early development was due to its location at the crossroads of coaching routes, with it thus becoming a staging post. Although not regarded as a visitor destination there are some interesting attractions in the vicinity, including the National Botanic Gardens of Wales. It is interesting to note that over 75% of the population here is competent in the Welsh language as compared to 20% across the whole of Wales.

Ammanford's history is one of radical change. Prior to the Industrial Revolution it was part of a relatively poor farming area, although some mining did occur. Things changed with the industrial demand for coal during the 19th century. An elaborate railway network was created to to transport the coal, there was an influx of mineworkers from other parts of Wales and England, and within a relatively short period of time the former quiet agricultural community had been absorbed into a major mining centre.

Although, historically Ammanford's economy was based on coal, today coal extraction has virtually ceased with only one opencast pit remaining. More significant is its position as a retail and service centre for the surrounding area. Ammanford was granted Fairtrade Town status on July 4th 2002.

The name Ammanford came into being on November 20th 1880 at a meeting of prominent local dignitaries. Prior to this date the town was known as Cross Inn, but, because of confusion caused by the existence of another Cross Inn in Carmarthenshire a name change was decided upon. 'Ammanford' was put forward because historically the town had been situated at a ford on the River Amman and this name was accepted unanimously.

The town's motto is 'Hanfod Tref Trefn' which approximates to 'the basis of a good town is orderliness'.