44-569: Vice-Admiral Sir Robert Lewis Fitzgerald KCH (1776 – 17 January 1844) was a British naval officer of the 18th and 19th centuries. He served throughout the French Revolutionary Wars , most notably commanding the bomb vessel HMS Vesuvius , but illness made him unable to go to sea during the Napoleonic Wars , with Fitzgerald instead commanding the Isle of Wight sea fencibles . Made
88-559: A personal flag . A vice-admiral flies a St George's cross defaced with a red disc in the hoist. The rank of vice-admiral itself is shown in its sleeve lace by a broad band with two narrower bands. Since 2001, it has been designated a three-star rank , when the number of stars on the shoulder board were increased to three. Cardigan, Ceredigion 52°05′03″N 4°39′29″W / 52.08417°N 4.65792°W / 52.08417; -4.65792 Cardigan ( Welsh : Aberteifi , pronounced [abɛrˈtei̯vi] )
132-602: A superannuated rear-admiral in 1825, he was restored as a vice-admiral in 1840. Robert Lewis Fitzgerald was born in 1776, descending from a younger branch of the ancient house of Leinster . Fitzgerald joined the Royal Navy in March 1786 as a midshipman on board the frigate HMS Winchelsea commanded by Edward Pellew . With Winchelsea Fitzgerald spent three years on the Newfoundland Station . After this he served on
176-576: A Norman army conquered Ceredigion. Its hinterland was regained by Owain Gwynedd , Cadwaladr ap Gruffydd , and Gruffydd ap Rhys in October 1136 after their victory at Crug Mawr over Norman forces army led by Roberts fitz Martin and fitz Stephen and Maurice FitzGerald . Rhys ap Gruffydd fortified the town and was credited with the establishment of the castle near the bridge over the Teifi. In 1176, he instituted
220-590: A Vice-Admiral changed a number of times during this period. In the Royal Navy, the rank of vice-admiral should be distinguished from the office of Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom , which is an Admiralty position usually held by a retired full admiral, and that of Vice-Admiral of the Coast , a now obsolete office dealing with naval administration in each of the maritime counties. Vice-admirals are entitled to fly
264-524: A country town. Information recorded in Trade Directories show that in 1830 there were Thirteen boot makers , three bakers , one miller , four blacksmiths , seven carpenters , two coopers , six tailors , five dressmakers and milliners , two straw hat makers, two weavers , three curriers , three saddlers , two whitesmiths , four glaziers , five maltsters, two printers , two tanners and one stonemason . The houses were mostly of slate and
308-439: A group of volunteers and the local Catholic priest, Seamus Cunane, working separately, did raise its profile. Ceredigion County Council bought it in 2003. The castle and house underwent restoration in 2014. The castle is open to the public. There is luxury accommodation for hire, a heritage centre with education facilities, a restaurant, an events and open-air concert area, and there are rooms for hire for classes. Including
352-726: A new civic area and landing stage. Until 2011, traders in Cardigan were represented by the Chamber of Commerce. Cardigan Traders' Group was set up in that year, attracting half of the members of the Chamber of Commerce. The new group was set to meet in February 2011 to decide how to proceed. Cardigan was named one of the best places to live in Wales in 2017. Cardigan and District Community Hospital closed in 2019, after outpatient services were transferred to Cardigan Integrated Health Centre . The future of
396-464: A thriving shipbuilding industry, with over 200 vessels being built both in Cardigan and downstream in the village of Llandudoch (St Dogmaels). By mid-century, it was connected with the Welsh rail network but its harbour was obstructed by a sand bar that made it dangerous for vessels over 300 tons burden except during the high spring tides. Rural industries and craftsmen were an important part of life in
440-563: Is a flag officer rank of the Royal Navy and equates to the NATO rank code OF-8 . It is immediately superior to the rear admiral rank and is subordinate to the full admiral rank. The equivalent rank in the British Army and Royal Marines is lieutenant-general ; and in the Royal Air Force , it is air marshal . The Royal Navy has had vice-admirals since at least the 16th century. When
484-535: Is a town and community in the county of Ceredigion , Wales . Positioned on the tidal reach of the River Teifi at the point where Ceredigion meets Pembrokeshire , Cardigan was the county town of the historic county of Cardiganshire . Cardigan is the second-largest town in Ceredigion. The largest town, Aberystwyth , is one of the two administrative centres; the other is Aberaeron . The settlement at Cardigan
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#1732890853732528-410: Is at Aberporth approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) east-northeast. Typically, fewer than 3 days of the year will reach a value above 25.0 °C (77.0 °F). The highest temperature recorded at Aberporth was 32.7 °C (90.9 °F), on 19 July 2006. On average 18.3 nights will report air frost and the coldest night of the year should fall to −4.45 °C (23.99 °F). The coldest month
572-604: Is located north of the town centre and educates 700 full-time and 2,000 part-time students in both Welsh and English languages, and is Ceredigion's only further education college. The college became a constituent college of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David . In a special ceremony at the guildhall, the university's vice-chancellor, Prof Medwin Hughes , chair of the university council, Ven Randolph Thomas and Dr. Brinley Jones, president of UWTSD officially welcomed Coleg Ceredigion to
616-682: The action of 30 May 1798 , where he assisted in destroying the French 36-gun corvette Confiante . Fitzgerald and Vesuvius were then sent to the Mediterranean Sea . He was promoted to post-captain on 24 December 1798 and in February 1799 was given command of HMS Tonnant , which had been taken by the British at the Battle of the Nile . Fitzgerald sailed Tonnant to Gibraltar and then back to England where she
660-428: The second-rate HMS London , the flagship of Rear-Admiral John Colpoys . In London Fitzgerald took part in the Battle of Groix on 23 June 1795 where three French ships of the line were captured. In February 1797 Fitzgerald was promoted to commander and took command of HMS Vesuvius , an 8-gun bomb vessel . He bombarded Le Havre while in a squadron commanded by Sir Richard Strachan before taking part in
704-533: The 2011 census. Cardigan is an anglicisation of the Welsh Ceredigion ("Ceredig's land"), the surrounding territory its Norman castle once controlled. Ceredig was supposedly one of the sons of Cunedda Wledig , who Welsh legend records invaded from the north to recover lands in Roman Britain from invading Irishmen in late antiquity . The Welsh name Aberteifi refers to its position by
748-475: The UWTSD group. The college and Cardigan Secondary School, Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi share the same site. Ysgol Gynradd Gymunedol Aberteifi was established in 2008 when the former Cardigan Infant and Cardigan Junior schools were combined. The school educates more than 300 pupils. The parish church is dedicated to St Mary. Cardigan is the site of Our Lady of Cardigan , a Roman Catholic shrine , also known as
792-429: The beginning of the 18th century there was a large merchant fleet. Exports included herring and salmon, slate, bark for tanning, corn and ale. Imports included oranges, manufactured goods, building materials and coal. Industries that developed included shipbuilding, brickworks, a foundry, ropemakers and sailmakers. A county jail was erected in 1793. In 1819, the ship Albion left Cardigan for New Brunswick , carrying
836-562: The castle (Grade I-listed ) and the old bridge (Grade II* ), there are over 100 listed buildings in Cardigan community, most in the town itself. These include the Old Shire Hall which ids Grade II* listed. Cardigan is the second largest town in Ceredigion with 4,203 inhabitants (2001), reducing slightly to 4,184 at the 2011 census. At the 2001 census more than 69% of the residents were recorded as being able to speak or understand spoken Welsh, with 45% able to speak, read and write in
880-573: The early 17th century was already falling into ruins. A small Benedictine priory operated until the Reformation and the more important abbey of St Dogmael's was also nearby. With Wales formally annexed by England through the Laws in Wales Acts , political and domestic stability boosted economic prosperity through the increase in maritime trade. At the end of the 16th century the port's principal trade
924-442: The early nineteenth century. In 1889, Cardiganshire County Council was formed, although the former county town was rarely the venue for its meetings. Levi James, one of the town's two inaugural county councillors, was immediately made an alderman and became the second chairman of the council. Cardigan is a significant regional administrative centre for West Wales . Cardigan Town Council comprises thirteen councillors who represent
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#1732890853732968-500: The first Welsh settlers to Canada; on board were 27 Cardigan families, many of whom were farmers. In the 18th and early 19th century, Cardigan was the commercial centre of its county and the most important port in South Wales , exporting slate, oats, barley, and butter. In 1815, it possessed 314 ships totaling 12,554 long tons (12,755 t). This was seven times as many vessels as Cardiff and three times as many as Swansea . It had
1012-480: The first eisteddfod . Contestants came from all over the British Isles to compete for chairs in music and poetry. Lord Rhys' grandson Maelgwn razed the castle and sacked the town. In 1199 the town received its first charter and became an important trade centre. In 1227 a weekly market was established which continues to this day. Welsh rule over Cardigan continued, for some periods under royal lordship, until it
1056-611: The flagship of Rear-Admiral Philip Affleck , HMS Centurion , on the Jamaica Station . In 1794 Fitzgerald took part in the Invasion of Guadeloupe while serving on HMS Boyne . In February he was promoted to lieutenant and moved from Boyne to the recently captured ship-sloop HMS Avenger . Fitzgerald served on board Avenger until she returned to England under Edward Griffith in September. After this he gained employment on board
1100-587: The fleet was deployed, the vice-admiral would be in the leading portion or van , acting as the deputy to the admiral. The rank of Vice-Admiral evolved from that of Lieutenant of the Admiralty (1546–1564) that being an officer who acted as secretary to the Lord Admiral of England and lapsed in 1876 but was revived in 1901 by King Edward VII . Prior to 1864 the Royal Navy was divided into coloured squadrons which determined his career path . The command flags flown by
1144-567: The former hospital site is under discussion. Cardigan lies astride the Afon Teifi and includes the last bridging point of the river before the sea 3 miles (5 km) northwest. It is 77 miles (120 km) northwest of Cardiff and 198 miles (319 km) from London. The majority of the town was north of the river before the 20th century. Afon Mwldan which flows south to the west of the town centre has suffered from pollution. The town and rivers are prone to flooding. An earthquake of magnitude 4.4
1188-535: The language. In 2011 54.6% were able to speak Welsh. In 1176, and again 800 years later, the National Eisteddfod was held in the town (also in 1942). In 2003 the community, together with the Welsh Language Board , set up a language action plan designed to provide opportunities for people of all ages to get together to speak Welsh. Cardigan is an ancient borough which had its own municipal council from
1232-477: The links course originated with 9 holes in 1895. A blue plaque was put up at Cardigan Quay in 2018 to honour multiple powerboat champion, boat-builder and commentator Jonathan Jones in his home town. Moorings in the River Teifi are under the control of Afon Teifi Fairways and there is some deepwater mooring on the south bank downstream of the old bridge. Other midstream moorings exist from Cardigan downstream to
1276-440: The local community . Following the 2017 election the council was unique in Wales for having a female majority (seven women, six men). The town has several health centres, a college, modern arts centre (with three-screen cinema), theatre and recently refurbished 19th century guildhall housing market stalls. For shopping there are supermarkets, town centre shops and several trading estates. Cardigan's college, Coleg Ceredigion ,
1320-495: The loss of 400 jobs when M&S sourced from overseas. A new jeans manufacturer—the Hiut Denim Company—opened in 2012, employing some of the original staff and in 2017 became globally recognised for its connection with Meghan Markle . In 2006 and 2008, the town undertook a coordinated programme of building works, sympathetically restoring many of the shop facades in the town centre. The quayside has been rebuilt with
1364-484: The mid-19th century there were more than 60 taverns in the town. The decline of the port was hastened by the coming of the railway in 1886. The river silted up and larger vessels could no longer reach the port, which had largely become inactive by the early part of the 20th century. Some test dredging was carried out in 2009. For the last 40 years of the 20th century, a factory in the town made 35,000 pairs of jeans per week for Marks & Spencer , but closed in 2002 with
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1408-513: The mouth ( aber ) of the River Teifi . The nearest known Roman forts were at Loventium and Bremia at the gold mines near Llanio above the River Teifi on the Sarn Helen road . The present town grew up near the medieval forts established to control the access of the Teifi and its confluents to Cardigan Bay on the Irish Sea . A castle was built by Roger de Montgomery in 1093 after
1452-617: The red . Fitzgerald had one brother, Lieutenant-Colonel James Fitzgerald of the 3rd Regiment of Foot Guards who served as an equerry and aide-de-camp to the Duke of York , as well as deputy adjutant general in the Mediterranean, and died in 1802. In August 1800 Fitzgerald married Jane Welch (died 11 May 1841 aged 63), the daughter of Richard Welch who was a former chief justice of Jamaica . The couple had eleven children, including: Vice-Admiral (Royal Navy) A vice-admiral ( VAdm )
1496-532: The shrine to Our Lady of the Taper. Other churches include: There is also a small Islamic centre on Quay Street called the "Cardigan Islamic Cultural Centre". It serves the local Muslim community in the town. There is a leisure centre in the grounds of the college offering sport and fitness facilities, and a swimming pool and leisure complex (a registered charity opened in 1977) in Napier Street. A public library
1540-404: The streets narrow, steep, and irregular, with a grammar school erected in 1804 and a national school in 1848. The town also had a public library. Cardigan Guildhall was built between 1858 and 1860 on the site of the old grammar school and a house with a coach-house owned by Abraham Morgan. The cost of building was £1,880 5s for the front buildings, and £2,174 15s for the markets. By
1584-579: Was January 1963, with a mean minimum temperature of −9.9 °C (14.2 °F). Rainfall averages around 890 mm (35 in) per year, with at least 1 mm (0.04 in) falling on 146.4 days. In 1176, Cardigan Castle became the site of the first competitive Eisteddfod . Cardigan also hosted the National Eisteddfod of Wales in 1942 and 1976. The castle was for many years privately owned and became run down and derelict. The town council itself showed little interest in saving it. However,
1628-601: Was annexed to the English crown in 1283 when the county of Cardiganshire was created. The town wall was built in the 1240s and the castle was rebuilt. St Mary's Church was established as a Benedictine Priory and parish church in mediaeval times and survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries . The castle ceased being the administrative centre of the county with the Act of Union in 1536 and by
1672-481: Was developed around the Norman castle built in the late 11th or early 12th century. The castle was the location of the 1176 Cardigan eisteddfod , precursor of the present-day National Eisteddfod . The town became an important port in the 18th century, but declined by the early 20th century owing to its shallow harbour. The castle underwent restoration in 2014. The population in 2001 was 4,203, reducing slightly to 4,184 at
1716-486: Was felt in the community on 17 February 2018; this was the biggest UK earthquake in ten years. glaciolacustrine clay from local brick pits in Bath House Road and on the site of King George's field was used for brick-making until the early 20th century. Cardigan experiences a maritime climate with comfortable summers and cold winters. The nearest Met Office weather station for which online records are available
1760-533: Was fishing, but over the next century trade expanded to include a range of imports and exports, and a Customs House was established to collect revenues. During the Civil War , the town's castle was held for a time by the Royalists . In the 17th century, the residence erected around the old priory was famed as the home of Orinda ( Catherine Philips ), the friend of Jeremy Taylor . The herring fishery developed and by
1804-513: Was laid up in ordinary . In early 1801 Fitzgerald was given command of the 32-gun frigate HMS Triton in the English Channel . He took the French letter of marque Le Jeune Theodore on 15 September, and Triton was paid off at Plymouth on 9 April 1802. After the Peace of Amiens ended on 18 May 1803 Fitzgerald looked to continue his naval service, but issues with his health meant that he
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1848-531: Was made a superannuated rear-admiral . This meant that he received the pay and title of a rear-admiral, but would not obtain further promotion by seniority. In January 1835 Fitzgerald was made a Knight Commander of the Royal Guelphic Order , and in November 1840 was restored to the navy list with the rank of vice-admiral of the blue . Fitzgerald died at Bath on 17 January 1844, aged 69, as a vice-admiral of
1892-574: Was situated in 'Canolfan Teifi' near the guildhall, but, in July 2017 moved to the local Council Offices on Morgan Street. Cardigan Rugby Football Club was founded in 1876 and plays in WRU Division Two West . It is a feeder club for the Llanelli Scarlets . Cardigan Golf Club is a 6,500-yard 18 hole clifftop course at Gwbert , north of the town. The current clubhouse was opened in 1977 but
1936-724: Was unable to secure an appointment at sea. Instead Fitzgerald was assigned as senior officer of the Sea Fencibles on the Isle of Wight , and commanded the naval district between Kidwelly and Cardigan in Wales . In July 1816 the Commissioners of the Navy attempted to elect Fitzgerald to the position of Governor of the Royal Naval Asylum , a large school. He was elected incorrectly and the appointment did not take place. In June 1825 Fitzgerald
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