Llandovery College

Llandovery College is a coeducational independent boarding and day school in Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, Wales. The college consists of Gollop Preparatory, Senior School and Sixth Form. It was previously known as "Welsh College, Llandovery" and "Collegiate Institute" at various periods of its history. History Llandovery College was founded by Thomas Phillips in 1847, a surgeon and later, plantation owner. After the passing of the Slavery Abolition Act 1833 he was compensated £4737 8s 6d in 1836 for the release of 167 slaves. of which he used £4,600 to build Llandovery College. He wanted the school to offer a classical and liberal education in which the Welsh language, the study of Welsh literature and history, were to be cultivated. The town of Llandovery was decided upon "because of its central position and because of easy communication with all parts of South Wales". Also important was “the great beauty and healthiness of the locality and the absence of manufacturing industries". The school first opened with a handful of boys on St David's Day 1848. On 13 December 1849, the foundation stone of the present building was laid. Between 1901 and 1903, alterations were made to the existing school, and new buildings were added, by the Lancaster architects Austin and Paley. The additional buildings included the east range, a school house, and a dining room, at a cost of about £10,000. During his visit in 1902, Sir James Williams-Drummond, 4th Baronet dubbed the school "The Eton of Wales." They have named their newest building the 'Thomas Phillips Centre' after their founder.