town, Ceredigion county (historic county of Cardiganshire), Wales. The town grew up adjacent to a 12th-century Norman castle overlooking the River Teifi. An arched bridge across the river is said to date from 1136. In 1176 the Welsh prince and justiciar Lord Rhys (Rhys ap Gruffudd) sponsored the first recorded National eisteddfod (bardic assembly for poetry and music) of Wales, in the castle precinct; some 30,000 people attended. The town's first charter was granted in 1284. Cardigan served as a local market centre and was also a small Irish Sea port but declined during the 19th century. Its historic role as county town (seat) of Cardiganshire also declined, with the growth of Aberystwyth 40 miles (64 km) northeast. Cardigan is a modest tourist centre, close to attractive coastal and country scenery. The River Teifi and its tributaries provide good fishing. Pop. (2001) 4,203.