The Drovers' Town

The Drovers' Legacy

Have you noticed how wide the Market Square is? It wasn't built for cars; it was built for cows. For three centuries, Llandovery was the "Kansas City of Wales." It was the great assembly point where thousands of Welsh Black cattle were gathered before being driven on foot all the way to London.

The Bank of the Black Ox

Driving cattle was dangerous, and carrying gold was even riskier. In 1799, a wealthy drover named David Jones founded his own bank right here in the King's Head Inn.

He issued his own banknotes featuring an engraving of a Black Ox. These notes were trusted more than the Bank of England's! It allowed farmers to trade safely without carrying cash. Look out for the Blue Plaque on the King's Head building commemorating this unique piece of financial history.