Thought by some to be the greatest British poet of the 20th century, Dylan Thomas wrote most of his work in the Boathouse near Laugharne, with its houses spilling down from the hillside, providing him with much inspiration. His creation of Llareggub (spell it backwards) in his seminal and most famous work, 'Under Milkwood', was inspired by Laugharne, and the sea views form his Boathouse are equally stirring today.

"Rage, rage against the dying of the light", were the poet's words to his dying father. And Bob Dylan loved his work so much that he took the name. But Dylan Thomas was a heavy drinker and died early at 39. He actually died after a typically heavy drinking session in New York, but his body was flown back to this part of Wales. Thomas and his wife are both buried nearby.

The Boathouse is a museum to him now and is open 365 days a year. It retains its original furniture and memorabilia, and an audio-visual presentation recounts his life and work. His recognition as one of our most important poets is acknowledged at Westminster Abbey, where a memorial to him is placed in Poets Corner.

Dylan Thomas' Boathouse
Laugharne

Photograph courtesy Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress