Cardigan – the Port

The second largest port in Wales in its heyday.

Cardigan was a key trading hub during the medieval period, benefiting from its sheltered location along the river Teifi. It connected Wales to Ireland, the Bristol Channel, and beyond. The late 18th and 19th Century saw the town’s busy  port enjoying a long period of prosperity, and indeed at one time it was recognised as the second largest port in Wales, behind Beaumaris. It handled cargo such as slate, coal, agricultural produce, and imported goods like wine, salt, and luxury items.

It was also known as a shipbuilding hub; renowned for constructing a variety of vessels, particularly schooners and brigs, which were essential for trade and transport during the era. Shipyards lined the riverbanks, employing skilled craftsmen and shipwrights.

So why did it decline? In the mid-19th century, Cardigan’s prominence waned due to the increasing size of ships becoming too large for the estuary, coupled with the silting of the River Teifi, making navigation up the river to the quaysides increasingly difficult. The rise of larger ports with better rail connections, such as Newport and Swansea, further reduced its importance, particularly after the coal boom.

One notable ship which sailed from Cardigan was the Albion – a Brig. It played a pivotal role in carrying Welsh emigrants seeking new opportunities to New Brunswick in Canada. The Albion was a 66 ton brig and Captain Llewelyn Davies set sail in April 1819 from Cardigan’s quayside set for New Brunswick. She was laden with Cilgerran slate and 180 emigrants in search of a new and better life. A large crowd had gathered to see them off on their 61 day voyage across treacherous seas.