Cantref Gwarthaf (Dyfed)

Cantref Gwarthaf was the largest of the seven cantrefi of Dyfed in southwest Wales.

Unlike the other Dyfed cantrefi which were divided into two (or fewer) commotes, Cantref Gwarthaf was divided into eight commotes: Amgoed, Derllys, Efelfre, Elfed [cy; br], Penrhyn, Peuliniog, Talacharn, and Ystlwys.

Its ecclesiastical centre (and perhaps, in the Age of the Saints, the seat of a bishop[3]) was probably also Carmarthen, although the churches at Llanddowror and Meidrim were also important.

Marcher Boroughs were established at Carmarthen, Llansteffan, Laugharne and St Clears, and many other castles were built.

At the time of the Acts of Union (1535 and 1542), the cantref was split between the newly formed counties, when Efelfre became part of Narberth hundred, Pembrokeshire and the rest became part of Carmarthenshire: Amgoed, Penrhyn, Peuliniog, Talacharn, Ystlwys and part of Derllys became Derllys hundred, while Elfed and the rest of Derllys were combined with Emlyn Uwch Cuch and Gwidigada commote of Cantref Mawr to form Elfed hundred.