Lampeter (Welsh: Llanbedr Pont Steffan) is a town in Ceredigion, Wales, United Kingdom, lying on the River Teifi, which meets the Irish Sea at Cardigan.
Ceredigion was one of the Royal counties established by Edward I after the defeat of Llywelyn the Last (Llywelyn Ein Llyw Olaf) at Cilmeri in 1282 -- Lampeter fell under direct Royal Control. This however had little effect on the culture of the town, as the Welsh language and culture has continued to thrive.
The town is best known for St David's University College, originally founded in 1822 as a theological college, and now a college of the University of Wales, primarily awarding degrees in the liberal arts. Its central building, based on an Oxbridge quadrangle was completed in 1827, and was designed by C. R. Cockerell. Its construction is recorded as having cost £16,204 6s 7d.
The earliest reference to Lampeter is believed to be 1187, when Owain Gwynedd destroyed the King's castle of Pont Steffan ('Stephen's Bridge' in Welsh). The remains of this castle later became the foundations for C. R. Cockerell's college building, and still form part of the university campus.
Lampeter and its surroundings are home to a theatre, a museum and a number of locally owned shops.
Lampeter hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1984.
