your comments
Helen Kerr, Cambridge
About 45-48 years ago we stayed in a caravan in the grounds, I think, of Boverton Castle but I cannot be certain. there was a summer house behind the caravans which lay in a grassy bowl surrounded by woods and a set of fairly grand steps going up to a ruined house. A little shop selling milk etc was kind of built in to an old tree to the left of the house! Someone tell me I'm not going mad and just imagining this - it's been bothering me for years!
Suzi Bestwick, Nottingham
I spent every summer of my childhood in my Nan's caravan on Llantwit beach site. Such happy memories often revisited in dreams. Halcyon days of unprecedented freedom. Walks along the clifftop, Albert's cafe at the front. Dolphin's book shop and Pickwick Papers. The council broke my heart when they took the land back. Acorn caravan park is just not the same - it has facilities for a start!! Over 65 years of connection with my family through the RAF and the caravan site.
Susan Hayes, Essex
My mum was born in Llantwit and always wanted to go back. We would go there every year when we were kids to visit my nan, auntie and uncle. We used to love the beach, it is such a special place but is now unfortunately a very sad sight. I love Llantwit, it holds so many happy memories and we visit as often as we can.
roger jones adelaide, south australia
I spent all my school vacations in Llantwit in the 1950s. My uncle was the blacksmith there, Walter Davies. My grandmother lived in Morfa Lane, and at Moorlands Farm, one of my other uncles Ronnie Davies has a painting of himself hanging in the front bar of the Old White Heart. I was in Wales early this year for a few months visit, Cymru am byth....
Lynette Margerison, Bridgend
I love llantwit beach and the town is still real. It definitely doesn't want to end up like Cowbridge. Pretty but false.
Ian Kolk from Perth Australia
I will be having my civil ceremony in Llantwit Major in 2008. Having read all these comments, I cannot wait to spend some time there! I have lived in Wales for 6 months and loved the walks, hope it lives up to its name.
Muriel Grindley-Ferris from Zambia
I left Llantwit just over 36 years ago to come to Africa - I've visited Llantwit for 22 years. I remember the lovely walks through the meadow or over the cliffs to the beach - I practically lived on the beach during the summer hols. We kids used to play in the woods and knew nearly everyone in Llantwit. Before supermarkets were Jones the grocer(Philco) Dai the butcher etc. Walks down Windmill Lane... Happy memories. I hope to go back and visit one day.
Emily Cluett used to live in Llantwit
Llantwit rocks, especially the beach in the summer. I want to move back!!!!!!!!!!
James Birchall from Penarth
I went to Llantwit Major for the first time today. I can't believe people aren't raving about this place. It's got everything; a charming old town centre, traditional pubs serving real ale, a beach, great places to walk and easy access to the rest of South Wales. How come no-one ever mentions Llantwit Major?
Valerie Waltman.Victorville.Calif.USA
I've never been to Llantwit, but feel like I know it, as my best friends for the past 10 years here in California, are the Armstrongs. They have just retired and moved back there. I've heard so many lovely stories of their life there, that I have to come see for myself, so am looking forward to coming over there to visit them in November.
Clive Francis, Southerndown
My memories of Llantwit are the hot summers of the early 1950s sunbathing on the beach, kitted out in home made wool trunks, a blackcurrant drink in hand. Mrs Evans would allways give Locals Extra Blackcurrant at no charge. Cows would arrive on the beach from the meadows when the tide was on the turn. The rocks were of no concern - it was the cow pats we had to watch out for.
Steve Lewis, Bristol
I'm now 39 years of age - I've been going to Llantwit all my life. Most of my family had caravans near the beach until the council took the land back at least 20 years ago. It's still near my heart and I go back when I can. My grandmother and great grandmother went here too. What a change lately though - what's happened at the beach? Can't even get to it now with huge rocks, and the meadow where caravans were is overgrown. It was so tidy when the caravans were there - brought a tear to my eyes remembering what it was like. My mum's got cine film of the caravan site, and sports days we used to have on site e.g. three legged race. Don't know if any other readers can remember those days in the 60s 70s and 80s - be nice to have feedback.
Jon Brady, Glasgow
I visited Llantwit in August 2006 and it was a peaceful and beautiful place. I wish I could see it again someday.
Eric Lauderdale (The Yank), Santa Barbara, California
I lived in Llantwit from 1988-95. I had married Lindy and our daughter was born at the Princess of Wales Hospital.
I had moved from California to be with my love in her precious little Welsh town and I fell in love with it immediately. We live in Ivy Cottage and not a day went by that I did not marvel at the history surrounding me or the friends I had met and the characters I served at the Old White Heart. St Illtid, the castle, the beach, the WALKS! Words cannot express how I miss everyone and everything that is Llantwit Major. 20 years on, back in Santa Barbara, California, and my heart still wanders the buttercup meadows of South Wales, my soul yearns for you my magical Llantit Major.
GJ from Llantwit
Llantwit is a beautiful Town but needs to make the most of its assets in the same way that Cowbridge has. We have more to offer than the latter but do not promote the locality at all. Pull your socks up, local council.
Nige B
I have lived in Llantwit Major for ten years. It's a beautiful little town full of history and interest. A plethora of places to eat and drink, something for all tastes and most pockets! Llantwit is a Mecca for those who love outdoor life. Fantastic rural walks and a much underated beach. The beach is excellent for surfing and kayaking. The beach comes into its own at low tide and during summer weekends it is manned by life-guards.
Llantwit Major Castle
You are invited to help write the internet history book for Llantwit Major Castle, "Old Place"! Please send any historic or interesting information regarding Old Place. Have you visited the ruin? Have you seen the ghosts? Please share your adventures (scary or pleasant), memories and history for the enjoyment and education of others. Are you related to the builder, inhabitants or the ghosts? Digital scans of old photographs & postcards, maps, or pages from old books containing descriptions, history, drawings or engravings, or folklore about the ruin would be most useful. Your photographs of the ruin can also be featured on the website! www.llantwitmajorcastle.co.uk
Danielle Fitzpatrick from Llantwit Major
I've lived in Llantwit for 20 years and it gets under your skin. There is something about the place that makes you want to stay but I can't put my finger on it. I just know I love the people and the place.
Caitlin Sniggs from Llantwit
I like llantwit Major, there is nice walks and places to go
Rob Renee
We have tried to inform tourists and residents just how attractive and important a location Llantwit Major is. Thanks to the BBC for allowing us to push our message out a little further! If any more information about the Town is required please feel free to visit www.llantwit-major.net or contact us for help/advice.
