Carmarthen is one of the oldest towns in Wales and has a colourful history. In 1849 there were 11,000 inhabitants, twice the population as at the start of the Century. For info from 1849 see Carmarthen - Carmarthenshire', A Topographical Dictionary of Wales (1849), pages 180-202.
http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=47809It was the most important market town in West Wales and the centre of the tanning industry, and shoe and hat manufacture. Tinplate, an iron foundry, a paper mill, as well as 3 banks meant the town was prosperous. However there was still poverty, poor sanitation, over-crowding, and disease.
In the first half of the nineteenth century, eleven Churches and Chapels were built in the town. Carmarthen had a gaol and its own police force with 12 policemen who also acted as the local fire service for many years!
Carmarthen was by no means a quiet village! Even Llandyfaelog had a population of over 1300 in 1844. Interesting that they married in Carmarthen town.
