Llansamlet

Coordinates: 51°40′N 3°53′W / 51.66°N 03.89°W / 51.66; -03.89

Llansamlet is a suburban district of Swansea, Wales, falling into the Llansamlet ward. The area is centered on the A48 road (named Samlet Road and Clase Road in the area) and the M4 motorway.

Similar to many other places in Wales where the name begins with Llan, Llansamlet is named after a saint – Saint Samlet. There is a Saint Samlet's Church in the area on Church Road.

History

Historically, the region was part of the Principality of Deheubarth until the Norman invasions between 1067 and 1101. From 1135 the Normans wrested the region from the Prince of Deheubarth and formed the basis for the Marcher Lordship of Kilvey of comital rank. After the Laws in Wales Act 1535 abolished Marcher lordships, the region was incorporated into the county of Glamorgan. The parish of Llansamlet became part of the borough of Swansea in two boundary changes in 1835 and 1918.

Llansamlet was an important coal mining area from at least the 14th century. Initially coal was mined for export but with the coming of the copper industry in the 18th century much of the output was used for smelting purposes. In 1750 the principal mineral properties were acquired by Chauncy Townsend and they remained in his family until his great-grandson, Charles Henry Smith, relinquished them in 1872. By this time all the best seams had been worked out and output was in decline. Coal-working finally ceased in the first half of the 20th century. Much of the former mining area is now occupied by the Swansea Enterprise Park.