The Black Lion, Cardigan

A building of some kind has been on the site of The Black Lion Hotel since 1105 and is probably the oldest coaching inn in Wales.  At the time Cardigan became an important stopover on the journey between north and south Wales with the Black Lion becoming an important coaching inn and within its courtyard it housed stables, coach houses and the town’s well. 

It is generally believed that the Black Lion is the oldest inhabited building in Cardigan and built around the 18^th century.  Local magistrates met at the Black Lion and before the Shire Hall was built the Town Council held their meetings here.

Various public meetings have been held in its rooms over the years and in 1850 for a while one of its rooms was used as a saddler’s shop.  

By 1895 coaches from the Black Lion Hotel met all trains to the town.

Serving real ale.

Toilets located downstairs which were probably hotel cellars at one time.