Dylan Thomas 1914 -1913

Dylan was born and raised at 5, Cwmdonkin Drive, Swansea, and was educated at the local Grammar School, In 1934 he left Wales for London and following his marriage to Caitlin, in 1937, they eventually settled in Laugharne. Constantly beset by financial problems Dylan and Caitlin sold all their furniture and left the town. In 1948 the Boathouse came on the market and Dylan, desperately wishing to return to Wales, was eternally grateful to one of his most loyal patrons, Margaret Taylor, who purchased the house enabling Dylan and his family to move in during May 1949.
Dylan converted the wooden garage into a study where he found the peace and quiet to write many of his most famous works including 'Under Milkwood'. He became a regular in the bar of the Browns Hotel which was conveniently opposite his parents home. More financial problems resulted in Dylan under-taking long and strenuous lecturing tours in America where in 1953 he collapsed, and died a few days later at the age of 39. He was buried in St. Martin's Churchyard, Laugharne, on 24th November1953 and his grave is marked by a simple wooden cross.

The Dylan Thomas Trail in Pembrokeshire

 

 

Tenby

Home for many years, of the artist Augustus John, who produced one of the most memorable artistic Images of Dylan. His portrait of Dylan is on this page and is in the care of the National Museum of Wales.
Dylan gave the first full reading of 'Under Milk Wood? at the Tenby and District Arts Club at a cafe venue called the Salad Bowl in George Street.

St Dogmaels
Dylan visited a farm in St Dogmaels, Hendre Farm (1930) and wrote a poem for the young girl of the house, Bonnie James.

St Davids
Dylan and his friend John Davenport visited St Davids, Britain's smallest city with its magnificent Cathedral, in 1938. Following a walk to St Davids Head Dylan recited his birthday poem, ?Twenty Four Years?.

Pwllgwaelod, Dinas Cross
Dylan visited the public house, the Sailor's Safety which is situated on the foreshore of Pwllgwaelod beach with some friends, John Malcolm Brinnin and Bill Read, in 1951. Now called The Old Sailors, it is probable that Dylan was a fairly frequent visitor. You can still get a drink and a meal here in the rather cosy bar and restaurant.

Fishguard
In 1938, Dylan and Fred Janes went to the Eisteddfod accompanied by Caitlin and Augustus John. On the return journey Dylan and Augustus John had a 'heated' argument, about what we don?t know but no doubt fuelled by the beverages to be found at the Eisteddfod. Fishguard Lower Town, a place worth visting is the Ship public House that is tightly packed into the main street. Here you will find many historic photos of the place and the filming of ?Under Milk Wood?. Lower Town was used as the location for the fictional town of Llareggub in the film starring Richard Burton in 1973.

The Boathouse at Laugharne
Visit the Boathouse at Laugharne and read some of Dylan's poems

Click on the picture to visit Laugharne, The Boathouse & some poetry by Dylan


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