"The only Garden in Europe dedicated to the Law"

Hywel Dda and the Law.

Hywel Dda’s lovely Garden and Heritage Centre at Whitland celebrates the achievements of Hywel Dda (Hywel the Good), ‘King of all Wales’ during the first half of the tenth century. It’s a beautiful place to linger and enjoy the beauty of the gardens whilst also picking up new and exciting information on King Hywel’s just and fair laws.

According to tradition King Hywel Dda called a great assembly of lawyers and leaders from all over his kingdom to the ‘Ty Gwyn-ar-Daf’(the white house on the Taf), now known as Whitland, to study the laws of various provinces and to draw up a unified legal code for Wales. These laws, the ‘Laws of Hywel’ as they became known, are described as one of the wonders of Welsh history, and examples are displayed on slate plaques illustrated with enamels in and around the gardens. They give a fascinating insight into medieval society, reflecting the customs of the Welsh people, their way of life and their fair values.

People of all ages can enjoy the Centre and the Gardens. Children can enjoy the Hywel Dda colouring books packed with fun images, attempt our fiendishly difficult treasure hunt which will put their searching skills to the test, or attempt our fascinating work books full of different tasks. Adults can relax and enjoy amongst the beauty of the gardens whilst also picking up new and fascinating information on King Hywel’s just and fair laws.