The Black Lion Hotel, Cardigan
In the 18th century and early 19th, this inn was one of Cardigan’s most important buildings. Auctions, balls, inquests and council meetings were held here. It was also a venue for the petty sessions, similar to a magistrates’ court today.
In 1848 a mob of at least 500 people gathered outside the Black Lion, many carrying torches and sticks. A procession had followed a ceffyl pren (wooden horse), carried by four men. Traditionally a ceffyl pren was used to parade and humiliate someone who had offended local society. This time, the horse’s rider was dressed in women’s clothing and was arrested outside the Black Lion. This sparked violence against the police, until Mr Parker of the Black Lion let them and the prisoner in.
The hotel’s doors and shutters were closed but some windows were broken before the military arrived from the barracks and quelled the riot. The prisoner, farm servant James James from St Dogmaels, claimed in court later that he’d been placed on the horse against his will. He couldn’t explain why he was dressed in drag, which the jury thought was a sign of premeditation (men had dressed as women in the Rebecca Riots, earlier that decade). He was sentenced to six months in prison with hard labour.
A Cardigan to Aberaeron mail coach service was launched in September 1863 by Thomas Parker, of the Black Lion Hotel, and Richard Selby, of the Feathers Royal Hotel in Aberaeron. It left the Black Lion at 8.30am daily (except Sundays) and connected at Aberaeron with the Carmarthen to Aberystwyth mail. It left the Feathers at 2pm and reached the Black Lion at 6pm.
Thomas Parker was also a livestock dealer and judge, specialising in black cattle.
The hotel was refurbished in 2025 after being acquired by the locally owned Flat Rock Group.
Postcode: SA43 1HJ View Location Map