Merlin's Oak, Ancient oak tree site in Carmarthen, Wales.
Merlin's Oak stood at the intersection of Oak Lane and Priory Street as a prominent landmark in Carmarthen's medieval layout. The tree was notable for its size and age, shaping the town's appearance for centuries until its eventual removal.
A schoolmaster from Queen Elizabeth Grammar School planted the tree in 1660 to commemorate King Charles II's return to the throne. The oak survived for more than three centuries before removal in the late 1900s.
The tree holds deep roots in Welsh folklore and remains central to the town's identity and storytelling traditions. Walking through Carmarthen today, locals still share the old legends that connect this spot to the town's fate and character.
Fragments of the original oak tree are displayed at two locations in Carmarthen: Saint Peter's Civic Hall at Nott Square and Carmarthenshire County Museum. Visiting both sites gives you a fuller picture of the story across different parts of the town.
Shortly after the removal of the dead tree stump in 1978 for traffic improvements, Carmarthen experienced significant flooding. This striking confirmation of the local legend surprised many and deepened the town's connection to its folklore.
GPS coordinates: 51.86060,-4.29890
Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:49
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Penuel Baptist Chapel
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Eglwys Sant Ioan
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Priory Street Welsh Independent Chapel
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Carmarthenshire War Memorial
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Carmarthen Amphitheatre
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Bethania Chapel
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Former Priory Street School with walls and railings
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1, Priory Street, Carmarthen
327 m
13, St Peter's Street, Carmarthen
342 m
Forecourt rails, gates and piers to Capel Y Priody
47 m
Oak House
16 m
No.144 Priory Street, Carmarthen
323 m
Entrance gates and rails to Penuel Baptist Chapel
80 m
Bryn Roma, including front garden wall, railings and gate
202 m
Tŷ Carwyn, including forecourt railings
402 m
2, The Esplanade, Carmarthen
173 m
Railings, gates and gatepiers to St John's Church
144 m
No 1 including front wall, railings and gate.
170 m
No 3 including front wall, railings and gate.
177 m
No 4, including front garden wall, railings, gate and back garden wall
179 m
No 6, including front garden wall, gate and railings
189 m
No 7 including front garden wall, gate and railings
193 m
No 8, including front garden wall, gate and railings
197 m
The Limes, including front garden wall, railings and gate
185 m
Gatepiers at entrance to former Infirmary
235 m
Walls, gates, piers and railings to The Vicarage
353 m
Former Carmarthenshire Infirmary
238 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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