Dylan Thomas’ Boathouse, Laugharne

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Dylan Thomas’ Boathouse, Laugharne

The poet and writer Dylan Thomas lived here from 1949 to 1953, the last four years of his life. During that time he wrote many of his most important works, including the radio play Under Milk Wood and the iconic poem, Do Not Go Gentle, written for his dying father.

It was from here that he travelled, in 1953, to the USA on his fourth tour. There he was taken ill and died in a New York hospital. He was 39 years old. You can see his grave in the churchyard in Laugharne.

The house’s construction date isn’t known, but in 1834 it was leased to a local family called the Scourfields by the town corporation. Since then it was made into two dwellings before being converted back into a single dwelling. It was variously a private house and a holiday home before Margaret Taylor, one of Thomas’ patrons, leased it for the use of his family in 1949.

Dylan Thomas was born in Swansea and had relatives in Carmarthenshire. He lived in two other places in Laugharne before settling in the Boathouse with his wife Caitlin and their three children. The garage on the top path was adapted for Thomas to use as a writing shed, and his career saw a renaissance during his time here. One of his favourite places for socialising in Laugharne was Brown's Hotel in King Street.

Today the house is a museum devoted to the poet. It is still owned by the corporation but leased to and managed by Carmarthenshire County Council. Tel: 01994 427420.

Postcode: SA33 4SD    View Location Map

Dylan Thomas’ Boathouse - Carmarthenshire council website

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