Llandovery College was founded and endowed by ex slave owner and wealthy benefactor Thomas Phillips in 1847 who made his fortune on a St Vincent sugar plantation. In 1836 he was compensated £4737 8s 6d for the release of 167 slaves. which he used 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.