The Talbot
Hotel
Tregaron
Tel: +44 (0)1974 298208
www.talbothotel-tregaron.co.uk
Proprietors: Graham Williams and Shan Rees
The Talbot Hotel is an old drovers’ inn dating back to
13th century and its oak beams, stone walls and open fires are
strong reminders of long ago. Unusually in this day and age it
has always been privately owned and since 1983 Welsh speaking
brother and sister Graham Williams and Shan Rees have been the
proprietors. It has 2 bars, a 50 cover restaurant, function room
seating 140 and 15 bedrooms.
The Talbot is situated on the square in Tregaron, Ceredigion
– a small market town as famous for its warm Welsh welcome
as it is for being the birthplace of Twm Sion Cati (the Welsh
Robin Hood) and Henry Richard (one of the founding members of
the United Nations).
The History
(George Borrow, Wild Wales)
"And what kind of place is Tregaron? O, very good place;
not quite as big as London, but very good place".
"What is it famed for?" said I.
"O, famed for very good ham; best ham at Tregaron in all
Shire Cardigan."
"Famed for anything else?"
"O yes! famed for great man, clever thief, Twm Shone Catti,
who was born there."....
"Where is the inn?" said I to my companion.
‘Yonder it be’ said he, pointing to a large house
at the farther end of the market-place. ‘Very good inn that
- Talbot Arms - where they are always glad to see English gentlemans."...
I experienced very good entertainment at the Tregaron inn, had
an excellent supper and a very comfortable bed.”
Extract from The History of Tregaron by D C Rees :
“Talbot Hotel. No one can look at the strong walls and
solid, unpretentious 18th century building of the old house which
bears the name of Talbot Hotel without picturing the bye-gone
coaching days. The open fireplace provided a warm welcome with
its well piled turf fire."
The Elephant
The Talbot is almost as well known for its elephant as
it is for its hospitality.
Extract from The History of Tregaron D C Rees :
“An Elephant. On the 10th July 1848, 'Batty’s Menagerie'
visited Tregaron. One of the elephants quenched its thirst at
Bronmwyn, which proved fatal owing to lead poisoning. It died
in the Ivy Bush stable. Its burying place was in the field at
the rear of the Talbot Hotel.” |
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