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|name=Glamorgan
|name=Glamorgan
|welsh=Morgannwg
|welsh=Morgannwg
|map image=GlamorganBrit5.PNG
|map image=Glamorgan Brit Isles Sect 5.svg
|flag=Glamorgan Flag.png
|picture= Cardiff Bay, Cardiff.jpg
|picture= Cardiff Bay, Cardiff.jpg
|picture caption= Cardiff Bay
|picture caption= Cardiff Bay
|area=845 square miles
|population={{hcspop|38}}
|county town=[[Cardiff]]
|county town=[[Cardiff]]
|flower=Yellow Whitlowgrass
|flower=Yellow Whitlowgrass
}}
}}
The '''County of Glamorgan''' is a maritime [[Counties of the United Kingdom|shire]]. It is most populous county of Wales at nearly 1.2 million inhabitants (2001 census).
The '''County of Glamorgan''' is a maritime [[Counties of the United Kingdom|shire]] and the most populous county of Wales at over 1.3 million inhabitants as of 2013.


Glamorganshire is bounded by [[Monmouthshire]] to the east, [[Carmarthenshire]] to the west and [[Brecknockshire]] to the north.
Glamorganshire is bounded by [[Monmouthshire]] to the east, [[Carmarthenshire]] to the west and [[Brecknockshire]] to the north.


==Geography==
==Geography==
Glamorgan is a county of three contrasting localities. To the south east is the [[Vale of Glamorgan]], an undulating limestone [[plateau]],<ref name="Conduit, p.9">Conduit, p.9</ref> mainly comprising farmland and small villages stretching from [[Porthcawl]] to Cardiff. The lowlands are geographically the best environment for agriculture of the three areas.<ref name="Newman19">Newman (1995), pg 19.</ref> Settlements in the area include Cardiff, [[Barry, Glamorgan|Barry]], [[Bridgend]], [[Cowbridge]], [[Penarth]] and Porthcawl.  
Glamorgan is a county of three contrasting localities. To the south east is the [[Vale of Glamorgan]], an undulating limestone plateau,<ref name="Conduit, p.9">Conduit, p.9</ref> mainly comprising farmland and small villages stretching from [[Porthcawl]] to Cardiff. The lowlands are geographically the best environment for agriculture of the three areas.<ref name="Newman19">Newman (1995), pg 19.</ref> Settlements in the area include Cardiff, [[Barry]], [[Bridgend]], [[Cowbridge]], [[Penarth]] and Porthcawl.  
[[File:Glamorgan map470x260.jpeg|thumb|right|300px|A Victorian map of Glamorgan]]
[[File:Glamorgan map470x260.jpeg|thumb|right|250px|A Victorian map of Glamorgan]]
The northern part of the county is a [[mountain]]ous area, dissected by deep narrow valleys. At the southern edge of the [[Brecon Beacons]], the simple geological structure of Old Red Sandstone gives way to carboniferous rocks, limestone and millstone grit.<ref name="Conduit, p.9"/> In the 19th century, industrial and population growth in the coal-bearing valleys of the Rhymney, Taff, Dare and Rhondda gave rise to a form of urbanisation characterised as ribbon development. The last deep mine, Tower Colliery at [[Hirwaun]], closed in January 2008.<ref name=BBC2>{{cite news| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7200432.stm | title = Coal mine closes with celebration | accessdate = 2009-12-26| publisher = BBC News | date=2008-01-25}}</ref> A few small [[drift mine]]s like Unity Mine, formerly Pentreclwydau South, near [[Glynneath]] remain. Towns in the region included [[Aberdare]], [[Caerphilly]], [[Pontypridd]], [[Maesteg]], [[Merthyr Tydfil]] and [[Mountain Ash]].  
The northern part of the county is a mountainous area, dissected by deep narrow valleys. At the southern edge of the [[Brecon Beacons]], the simple geological structure of Old Red Sandstone gives way to carboniferous rocks, limestone and millstone grit.<ref name="Conduit, p.9"/> In the 19th century, industrial and population growth in the coal-bearing valleys of the Rhymney, Taff, Dare and Rhondda gave rise to a form of urbanisation characterised as ribbon development. The last deep mine, Tower Colliery at [[Hirwaun]], closed in January 2008.<ref name=BBC2>{{cite news| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7200432.stm | title = Coal mine closes with celebration | accessdate = 2009-12-26| publisher = BBC News | date=2008-01-25}}</ref> A few small drift mines like Unity Mine, formerly Pentreclwydau South, near [[Glynneath]] remain. Towns in the region include [[Aberdare]], [[Caerphilly]], [[Pontypridd]], [[Maesteg]], [[Merthyr Tydfil]] and [[Mountain Ash]].  


Further west is [[Swansea Bay]] and the [[Gower Peninsula]], an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the first such area designated in Britain.<ref>[http://www.swansea.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=11012 City and County of Swansea: Gower - Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty]</ref> Of all the areas, the Gower was the least affected by heavy industry and the ancient landscape was the least impaired.<ref name="Newman19"/> The high ground that runs centrally through the Gower was largely uncultivated common land and its beaches and rocky coastal headlands showed little signs of the tourist trade<ref name="Newman19"/> that played an increasing role on the local economy. The major settlements of the region include Swansea, [[Neath]] and [[Port Talbot]].
Further west is [[Swansea Bay]] and the [[Gower]] Peninsula, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the first such area designated in Britain.<ref>[http://www.swansea.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=11012 City and County of Swansea: Gower - Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty]</ref> Of all the areas, the Gower was the least affected by heavy industry and the ancient landscape was the least impaired.<ref name="Newman19"/> The high ground that runs centrally through the Gower was largely uncultivated common land and its beaches and rocky coastal headlands showed little signs of the tourist trade<ref name="Newman19"/> that played an increasing role on the local economy. The major settlements of the region include Swansea, [[Neath]] and [[Port Talbot]].
 
===Cities===
*[[Cardiff]] ''([[county town]], partly in [[Monmouthshire]])''
*[[Swansea]]
 
===Hundreds===
[[File:Glamorgan Hundreds.svg|thumb|250px|The hundreds of Glamorgan]]
The county is divided into ten hundreds: ({{kmloutline|GlamorganHundreds}})
{|
|
*[[Caerphilly Hundred|Caerphilly]]
*[[Cowbridge Hundred|Cowbridge]]
*[[Dinas Powis Hundred|Dinas Powis]]
*[[Kibbor]]
*[[Llangyfelach Hundred|Llangyfelach]]
|
*[[Miskin Hundred|Miskin]]
*[[Neath Hundred|Neath]]
*[[Newcastle Hundred|Newcastle]]
*[[Ogmore Hundred|Ogmore]]
*[[Swansea Hundred|Swansea]]
|}
 
===Towns===
{{parishliststart}}
*[[Aberavon]]
*[[Aberdare]]
*[[Bargoed]] (''partly in Monmouthshire'')
*[[Barry]]
*[[Bridgend]]
*[[Briton Ferry]]
*[[Caerphilly]]
*[[Church Village]]
*[[Colwinston]]
*[[Cowbridge]]
*[[Ferndale]]
*[[Gelligaer]]
*[[Glynneath]]
*[[Gorseinon]]
*[[Hengoed, Glamorgan|Hengoed]]
*[[Llanedeyrn]]
*[[Llantrisant]]
*[[Llantwit Major]]
*[[Loughor]]
*[[Maesteg]]
*[[Merthyr Tydfil]] (''partly in Brecknockshire'')
*[[Mountain Ash]]
*[[Neath]]
*[[Nelson, Glamorgan|Nelson]]
*[[Penarth]]
*[[Pencoed]]
*[[Pontardawe]]
*[[Pontarddulais]]
*[[Pontlottyn]]
*[[Pontypridd]]
*[[Port Talbot]]
*[[Porth]]
*[[Porthcawl]]
*[[Rhiwbina]]
*[[Senghenydd]]
*[[St Fagans]]
*[[Tongwynlais]]
*[[Tonypandy]]
*[[Treharris]]
*[[Treherbert]]
*[[Ystrad Mynach]]
{{parishlistend}}
 
===Villages===
See [[:Category:Towns and villages in Glamorgan]]


===Coastline===
===Coastline===
[[File:NashPoint.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Nash Point]]
[[File:NashPoint.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Nash Point]]
The coastline of Glamorgan stretches for 88 miles from Pengam in the east to the Gower in the west; taking in a three distinct districts of geographic characteristics.<ref name="Wade45">Wade (1914), pg45.</ref> The coast at the Vale of Glamorgan is mainly rock bound, while from Porthcawl to Swansea Bay the seaboard houses sandy shores. The final area, the Gower coast, is made up of a rugged and serrated peninsula.<ref name="Wade46">Wade (1914), pg46.</ref>
The coastline of Glamorgan stretches for 88 miles from Pengam in the east to the Gower in the west; taking in a three distinct districts of geographic characteristics.<ref name="Wade45">Wade (1914), pg45.</ref> The coast at the Vale of Glamorgan is mainly rock bound, while from Porthcawl to Swansea Bay the seaboard houses sandy shores. The final area, the Gower coast, is made up of a rugged and serrated peninsula.<ref name="Wade46">Wade (1914), pg46.</ref>


From the east the first major coastline feature is the [[Rhymney River]] which forms the border between Glamorgan and Monmouthshire. Heading west, the coast is an expanse of alluvial deposits stretching to the mouth of Glamorgan's most well known river, the [[River Taff]].<ref name="Wade46"/> Once marshland, the area was consumed by the rapid growth of the [[Cardiff Docks]] during the industrial revolution, but with the downturn in Glamorgan's iron and coal industries, the docks declined. Also flowing into Cardiff Docks is the [[River Ely]], which separates Cardiff from the headland and seaside resort of [[Penarth]] in the Vale of Glamorgan.<ref name="Wade46"/> Here the coast stretches southwards for two and a half miles from Penarth Head to Lavernock Point, hidden from vessels travelling up the [[Bristol Channel]].<ref name="Wade47">Wade (1914), pg47.</ref> South easterly from Lavernock Point, roughly three miles out in the Channel Estuary is [[Flat Holm]], an island which although geographically is within the Vale, is administered as part of the city of Cardiff.<ref name="Davies119">Davies (2008), pg 119.</ref> Flat Holm is the most southerly point of Glamorgan and Wales.
From the east the first major coastline feature is the [[Rhymney River]] which forms the border between Glamorgan and Monmouthshire. Heading west, the coast is an expanse of alluvial deposits stretching to the mouth of Glamorgan's most well known river, the [[River Taff]].<ref name="Wade46"/> Once marshland, the area was consumed by the rapid growth of the Cardiff Docks during the industrial revolution, but with the downturn in Glamorgan's iron and coal industries, the docks declined. Also flowing into Cardiff Docks is the [[River Ely]], which separates Cardiff from the headland and seaside resort of [[Penarth]] in the Vale of Glamorgan.<ref name="Wade46"/> Here the coast stretches southwards for two and a half miles from Penarth Head to Lavernock Point, hidden from vessels travelling up the [[Bristol Channel]].<ref name="Wade47">Wade (1914), pg47.</ref> South easterly from Lavernock Point, roughly three miles out in the Channel Estuary is [[Flat Holm]], an island which although geographically is within the Vale, is administered as part of the city of Cardiff.<ref name="Davies119">Davies (2008), pg 119.</ref> Flat Holm is the most southerly point of Glamorgan and Wales.


From Lavernock Point the coast heads sharply west to the town of [[Barry, Glamorgan|Barry]], a well known seaside resort, Barry is most notable for its rapid expansion during the late 19th century to become an important dock, at one stage surpassing Cardiff Dock for the tonnage of coal exported. Passing the cliffs of Barry Island the coastline becomes a low-lying promontory called the Lays,<ref name="Wade49">Wade (1914), pg49.</ref> which continues west taking in the villages of [[Rhoose]] and [[Aberthaw]] before reaching [[Breaksea Point]], the most southerly point of mainland Wales. Beyond the point is Limpert Bay, which is overlooked by the village of [[Gileston]] and the ancient encampment of Summerhouse Point. Here the cliffs rise and run for eleven miles as far as the estuary of the [[River Ogmore]].<ref name="Wade49"/> Along this run of cliffs the coast passes [[Llantwit Major]] and [[St Donats]], before heading in a rough north west direction at [[Nash Point]].<ref name="Wade49"/>  
From Lavernock Point the coast heads sharply west to the town of [[Barry]], a well-known seaside resort, Barry is most notable for its rapid expansion during the late 19th century to become an important dock, at one stage surpassing Cardiff Dock for the tonnage of coal exported. Passing the cliffs of Barry Island the coastline becomes a low-lying promontory called the Lays,<ref name="Wade49">Wade (1914), pg49.</ref> which continues west taking in the villages of [[Rhoose]] and [[Aberthaw]] before reaching [[Breaksea Point]], the most southerly point of mainland Wales. Beyond the point is Limpert Bay, which is overlooked by the village of [[Gileston]] and the ancient encampment of Summerhouse Point. Here the cliffs rise and run for eleven miles as far as the estuary of the [[River Ogmore]].<ref name="Wade49"/> Along this run of cliffs the coast passes [[Llantwit Major]] and [[St Donats]], before heading in a rough north west direction at [[Nash Point]].<ref name="Wade49"/>  
[[File:Mumbles wales 750px.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Mumbles Bay]]
[[File:Mumbles wales 750px.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Mumbles Bay]]
The coastline remains cliffs until after Dunraven Head, where the cliff face drops away to expose [[Southerndown]] Beach. Two miles beyond the Ogmore river runs out into a sand-locked bay which can been seen as commencing the second section of the Glamorgan coast,<ref name="Wade50">Wade (1914), pg50.</ref> as here the scenery undergoes an abrupt change; from a series of unbroken cliffs to vast regions of sandy beaches.<ref name="Wade51">Wade (1914), pg51.</ref> The Ogmore Bay at [[Ogmore-by-Sea]] is not only floored with sand but is also encircled with high wind-tossed sand hills, these impressive natural sand features are commonly known as the [[Merthyr Mawr]] sand dunes. Beyond the bay the underlying rocks emerge from the sand to form the promontory of Porthcawl Point.<ref name="Wade51"/> [[Porthcawl]] town, once possessing a small dock, abandoned the trade in favour of tourism.<ref name="Wade51"/> The coast continues north west as a low rocky formation for three miles to [[Sker Point]], after which the sand line begins again, forming an arid wilderness all the way to [[Port Talbot]].<ref name="Wade51"/> [[Port Talbot]] was one of the later industrial towns of Glamorgan, and grew out of the mediæval village of [[Aberavon]], a settlement built on the banks of the [[River Afan]]. To the west of the mouth of the Afan is the new district of Sandfields, built over the holiday dunes of Aberavon beach in the 1950s to house the workforce of Port Talbot Steelworks.<ref name="Davies3">Davies (2008), pg 3.</ref>
The coastline remains cliffs until after Dunraven Head, where the cliff face drops away to expose [[Southerndown]] Beach. Two miles beyond the Ogmore river runs out into a sand-locked bay which can been seen as commencing the second section of the Glamorgan coast,<ref name="Wade50">Wade (1914), pg50.</ref> as here the scenery undergoes an abrupt change; from a series of unbroken cliffs to vast regions of sandy beaches.<ref name="Wade51">Wade (1914), pg51.</ref> The Ogmore Bay at [[Ogmore-by-Sea]] is not only floored with sand but is also encircled with high wind-tossed sand hills, these impressive natural sand features are commonly known as the [[Merthyr Mawr]] sand dunes. Beyond the bay the underlying rocks emerge from the sand to form the promontory of Porthcawl Point.<ref name="Wade51"/> [[Porthcawl]] town, once possessing a small dock, abandoned the trade in favour of tourism.<ref name="Wade51"/> The coast continues north west as a low rocky formation for three miles to [[Sker Point]], after which the sand line begins again, forming an arid wilderness all the way to [[Port Talbot]].<ref name="Wade51"/> [[Port Talbot]] was one of the later industrial towns of Glamorgan, and grew out of the mediæval village of [[Aberavon]], a settlement built on the banks of the [[River Afan]]. To the west of the mouth of the Afan is the new district of Sandfields, built over the holiday dunes of Aberavon beach in the 1950s to house the workforce of Port Talbot Steelworks.<ref name="Davies3">Davies (2008), pg 3.</ref>


The River Afan commences the wide sweep of [[Swansea Bay]], which from Port Talbot arcs around taking in [[Baglan Bay]], [[Briton Ferry]], Swansea and ending in [[Mumbles]]. The whole bay is shut in by high hills and is thickly encircled with sands.<ref name="Wade51"/> Within the bay are two of the major estuaries of Glamorgan; from Port Talbot the first is the [[River Neath]], which is protected by long breakwaters.<ref name="Wade51"/> The second is the [[River Tawe]], the central river of Swansea. Beyond the Tawe the bay sweeps for six miles before reaching Mumbles Head, its most westerly point.<ref name="Wade52">Wade (1914), pg52.</ref> Mumbles Head is served by [[Mumbles Lighthouse]], which sits on the further of two small islands off the head.
The River Afan commences the wide sweep of [[Swansea Bay]], which from Port Talbot arcs around taking in [[Baglan Bay]], [[Briton Ferry]], Swansea and ending in [[Mumbles]]. The whole bay is shut in by high hills and is thickly encircled with sands.<ref name="Wade51"/> Within the bay are two of the major estuaries of Glamorgan; from Port Talbot the first is the [[River Neath]], which is protected by long breakwaters.<ref name="Wade51"/> The second is the [[River Tawe]], the central river of Swansea. Beyond the Tawe the bay sweeps for six miles before reaching Mumbles Head, its most westerly point.<ref name="Wade52">Wade (1914), pg52.</ref> Mumbles Head is served by [[the Mumbles|Mumbles Lighthouse]], which sits on the further of two small islands off the head.


At The Mumbles, the coastline begins its third phase, commencing the wild and rugged cliffs of the Gower. From Mumbles Head to [[Worm's Head]], 20 miles to the west, the coast consists of a series of precipitous cliffs, interrupted by a number of sandy bays. The most notable of the bays include [[Langland Bay]], [[Caswell Bay]], [[Pwlldu Bay]], [[Three Cliffs Bay]] and [[Oxwich Bay]]. Three Cliffs Bay and the adjoining Oxwich Bay are overlooked by three mediæval defences, [[Pennard Castle]], [[Penrice Castle]] and [[Oxwich Castle]], all three now ruinous. Oxwich Bay ends in the large wooded promontory of Oxwich Point,<ref name="Wade54">Wade (1914), pg54.</ref> which leads west to the beach front villages of[[Horton, Swansea|Horton]] and [[Port Eynon]]. From Port Eynon Point, a five mile stretch of wild and impressive cliffs<ref name="Wade54"/> leads to Worm's Head and the western termination of the peninsula. This rock face is pierced in places by caverns, the most notable being Culver Hole<ref name="Wade54"/> a bone cave near Port Eynon Point.
At The Mumbles, the coastline begins its third phase, commencing the wild and rugged cliffs of the Gower. From Mumbles Head to [[Worms Head]], 20 miles to the west, the coast consists of a series of precipitous cliffs, interrupted by a number of sandy bays. The most notable of the bays include [[Langland Bay]], [[Caswell Bay]], [[Pwlldu Bay]], [[Three Cliffs Bay]] and [[Oxwich Bay]]. Three Cliffs Bay and the adjoining Oxwich Bay are overlooked by three mediæval defences, [[Pennard Castle]], [[Penrice Castle]] and [[Oxwich Castle]], all three now ruinous. Oxwich Bay ends in the large wooded promontory of Oxwich Point,<ref name="Wade54">Wade (1914), pg54.</ref> which leads west to the beach front villages of [[Horton, Glamorgan|Horton]] and [[Port Eynon]]. From Port Eynon Point, a five-mile stretch of wild and impressive cliffs<ref name="Wade54"/> leads to Worm's Head and the western termination of the peninsula. This rock face is pierced in places by caverns, the most notable being Culver Hole<ref name="Wade54"/> a bone cave near Port Eynon Point.


Worm's Head is one of the stand-out features of the Glamorgan coastline, a long narrow ledge of limestone, projecting into the sea, ending in a 200-foot-high wedge-shaped crag;<ref name="Wade54"/> the Head takes its name from its resemblance to a dragon.<ref name="Wade54"/> On the northern side of the Worm's Head is the village and Bay of Rhossili, a westerly facing bay that leads backwards to a series of downs, some of the highest land in the Gower.<ref name="Wade55">Wade (1914), pg55.</ref> Rhossili Bay ends in the northern formation of Llangenydd Burrows and the islet of [[Burry Holms]].<ref name="Wade55"/> The final stretch of Glamorgan coastline turns north east to form the Burry Inlet, a shallow and sand-choked estuary which leads to a tract of salt marshes which stretch to the mouth of the [[River Loughor]].<ref name="Wade55"/> The Loughor forming the border between Glamorgan and [[Carmarthenshire]].
Worm's Head is one of the stand-out features of the Glamorgan coastline, a long narrow ledge of limestone, projecting into the sea, ending in a 200-foot-high wedge-shaped crag;<ref name="Wade54"/> the Head takes its name from its resemblance to a dragon.<ref name="Wade54"/> On the northern side of the Worm's Head is the village and Bay of Rhossili, a westerly facing bay that leads backwards to a series of downs, some of the highest land in the Gower.<ref name="Wade55">Wade (1914), pg55.</ref> Rhossili Bay ends in the northern formation of Llangenydd Burrows and the islet of [[Burry Holms]].<ref name="Wade55"/> The final stretch of Glamorgan coastline turns north east to form the Burry Inlet, a shallow and sand-choked estuary which leads to a tract of salt marshes which stretch to the mouth of the [[River Loughor]].<ref name="Wade55"/> The Loughor forming the border between Glamorgan and [[Carmarthenshire]].
Line 39: Line 108:
===Rivers===
===Rivers===
The major rivers of Glamorgan include the [[River Taff]], the [[River Ely]], the [[River Ogmore]], the [[River Neath]], [[River Dulais]], the [[River Tawe]], the [[Rhymney River]] (which forms the boundary with Monmouthshire), and the [[River Loughor]] (which forms the boundary with Carmarthenshire).
The major rivers of Glamorgan include the [[River Taff]], the [[River Ely]], the [[River Ogmore]], the [[River Neath]], [[River Dulais]], the [[River Tawe]], the [[Rhymney River]] (which forms the boundary with Monmouthshire), and the [[River Loughor]] (which forms the boundary with Carmarthenshire).
===County Flag===
The Glamorgan flag is a banner of the arms of Iestyn ap Gwrgant, the last Welsh ruler of Morgannwg, a kingdom that once covered the territory of the county of Glamorgan. The design, featuring three silver chevronels on a red field, has appeared extensively in the arms borne by various civic administrations in the county including Mid Glamorgan Council, South Glamorgan Council, West Glamorgan Council and the Vale of Glamorgan Council. Additionally it is a prominent charge in the city arms and flag of Cardiff. In 2013 the design was promoted as a potential flag for the county by the Glamorgan History Society (GHS) in cooperation with the [[Historic Counties Trust]]. Having secured support for the proposed design from several other local bodies from across the county, the GHS formally requested its registration as the county flag from the flag Institute which was duly completed on September 24, 2013.
==Things to see==
{{UKPlacesKey|W}}
[[File:Caerphilly Castle 1.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Caerphilly Castle]]
===Castles===
{{i-Castle}}
*[[Caerphilly Castle]]
*[[Cardiff Castle]]
*[[Castell Coch]], Cardiff
*[[Oystermouth Castle]]
*[[Swansea Castle]]
===Others===
*[[Barry Island]]
*{{i-Railway}} [[Barry Tourist Railway]]
*[[Cardiff Bay]]
*[[Caswell Bay]]
*[[Clyne Gardens]]
*[[Cosmeston Mediæval Village]]
*[[Dyffryn Gardens]]
*[[Gower]] Peninsula
*Gower Heritage Centre
*[[Llandaff Cathedral]]
*Mumbles Pier, [[Swansea]]
*Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Cardiff
*Norwegian Church, Swansea
*Swansea Marina
*Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea
*Welsh Hawking Centre, [[Barry]]


==References==
==References==
Line 46: Line 147:
<references/>
<references/>


{{stub}}
{{British county}}
{{British county}}

Latest revision as of 11:59, 9 June 2023

Glamorgan
Welsh: Morgannwg
United Kingdom

Cardiff Bay
Flag of Glamorgan
Flag
A ddioddefws a orfu
(He that endureth, overcometh)
Glamorgan
[Interactive map]
Area: 827 square miles
Population: 1,321,460
County town: Cardiff
County flower: Yellow Whitlow grass [1]

The County of Glamorgan is a maritime shire and the most populous county of Wales at over 1.3 million inhabitants as of 2013.

Glamorganshire is bounded by Monmouthshire to the east, Carmarthenshire to the west and Brecknockshire to the north.

Geography

Glamorgan is a county of three contrasting localities. To the south east is the Vale of Glamorgan, an undulating limestone plateau,[1] mainly comprising farmland and small villages stretching from Porthcawl to Cardiff. The lowlands are geographically the best environment for agriculture of the three areas.[2] Settlements in the area include Cardiff, Barry, Bridgend, Cowbridge, Penarth and Porthcawl.

A Victorian map of Glamorgan

The northern part of the county is a mountainous area, dissected by deep narrow valleys. At the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons, the simple geological structure of Old Red Sandstone gives way to carboniferous rocks, limestone and millstone grit.[1] In the 19th century, industrial and population growth in the coal-bearing valleys of the Rhymney, Taff, Dare and Rhondda gave rise to a form of urbanisation characterised as ribbon development. The last deep mine, Tower Colliery at Hirwaun, closed in January 2008.[3] A few small drift mines like Unity Mine, formerly Pentreclwydau South, near Glynneath remain. Towns in the region include Aberdare, Caerphilly, Pontypridd, Maesteg, Merthyr Tydfil and Mountain Ash.

Further west is Swansea Bay and the Gower Peninsula, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the first such area designated in Britain.[4] Of all the areas, the Gower was the least affected by heavy industry and the ancient landscape was the least impaired.[2] The high ground that runs centrally through the Gower was largely uncultivated common land and its beaches and rocky coastal headlands showed little signs of the tourist trade[2] that played an increasing role on the local economy. The major settlements of the region include Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot.

Cities

Hundreds

The hundreds of Glamorgan

The county is divided into ten hundreds: (map)

Towns

Villages

See Category:Towns and villages in Glamorgan

Coastline

Nash Point

The coastline of Glamorgan stretches for 88 miles from Pengam in the east to the Gower in the west; taking in a three distinct districts of geographic characteristics.[5] The coast at the Vale of Glamorgan is mainly rock bound, while from Porthcawl to Swansea Bay the seaboard houses sandy shores. The final area, the Gower coast, is made up of a rugged and serrated peninsula.[6]

From the east the first major coastline feature is the Rhymney River which forms the border between Glamorgan and Monmouthshire. Heading west, the coast is an expanse of alluvial deposits stretching to the mouth of Glamorgan's most well known river, the River Taff.[6] Once marshland, the area was consumed by the rapid growth of the Cardiff Docks during the industrial revolution, but with the downturn in Glamorgan's iron and coal industries, the docks declined. Also flowing into Cardiff Docks is the River Ely, which separates Cardiff from the headland and seaside resort of Penarth in the Vale of Glamorgan.[6] Here the coast stretches southwards for two and a half miles from Penarth Head to Lavernock Point, hidden from vessels travelling up the Bristol Channel.[7] South easterly from Lavernock Point, roughly three miles out in the Channel Estuary is Flat Holm, an island which although geographically is within the Vale, is administered as part of the city of Cardiff.[8] Flat Holm is the most southerly point of Glamorgan and Wales.

From Lavernock Point the coast heads sharply west to the town of Barry, a well-known seaside resort, Barry is most notable for its rapid expansion during the late 19th century to become an important dock, at one stage surpassing Cardiff Dock for the tonnage of coal exported. Passing the cliffs of Barry Island the coastline becomes a low-lying promontory called the Lays,[9] which continues west taking in the villages of Rhoose and Aberthaw before reaching Breaksea Point, the most southerly point of mainland Wales. Beyond the point is Limpert Bay, which is overlooked by the village of Gileston and the ancient encampment of Summerhouse Point. Here the cliffs rise and run for eleven miles as far as the estuary of the River Ogmore.[9] Along this run of cliffs the coast passes Llantwit Major and St Donats, before heading in a rough north west direction at Nash Point.[9]

Mumbles Bay

The coastline remains cliffs until after Dunraven Head, where the cliff face drops away to expose Southerndown Beach. Two miles beyond the Ogmore river runs out into a sand-locked bay which can been seen as commencing the second section of the Glamorgan coast,[10] as here the scenery undergoes an abrupt change; from a series of unbroken cliffs to vast regions of sandy beaches.[11] The Ogmore Bay at Ogmore-by-Sea is not only floored with sand but is also encircled with high wind-tossed sand hills, these impressive natural sand features are commonly known as the Merthyr Mawr sand dunes. Beyond the bay the underlying rocks emerge from the sand to form the promontory of Porthcawl Point.[11] Porthcawl town, once possessing a small dock, abandoned the trade in favour of tourism.[11] The coast continues north west as a low rocky formation for three miles to Sker Point, after which the sand line begins again, forming an arid wilderness all the way to Port Talbot.[11] Port Talbot was one of the later industrial towns of Glamorgan, and grew out of the mediæval village of Aberavon, a settlement built on the banks of the River Afan. To the west of the mouth of the Afan is the new district of Sandfields, built over the holiday dunes of Aberavon beach in the 1950s to house the workforce of Port Talbot Steelworks.[12]

The River Afan commences the wide sweep of Swansea Bay, which from Port Talbot arcs around taking in Baglan Bay, Briton Ferry, Swansea and ending in Mumbles. The whole bay is shut in by high hills and is thickly encircled with sands.[11] Within the bay are two of the major estuaries of Glamorgan; from Port Talbot the first is the River Neath, which is protected by long breakwaters.[11] The second is the River Tawe, the central river of Swansea. Beyond the Tawe the bay sweeps for six miles before reaching Mumbles Head, its most westerly point.[13] Mumbles Head is served by Mumbles Lighthouse, which sits on the further of two small islands off the head.

At The Mumbles, the coastline begins its third phase, commencing the wild and rugged cliffs of the Gower. From Mumbles Head to Worms Head, 20 miles to the west, the coast consists of a series of precipitous cliffs, interrupted by a number of sandy bays. The most notable of the bays include Langland Bay, Caswell Bay, Pwlldu Bay, Three Cliffs Bay and Oxwich Bay. Three Cliffs Bay and the adjoining Oxwich Bay are overlooked by three mediæval defences, Pennard Castle, Penrice Castle and Oxwich Castle, all three now ruinous. Oxwich Bay ends in the large wooded promontory of Oxwich Point,[14] which leads west to the beach front villages of Horton and Port Eynon. From Port Eynon Point, a five-mile stretch of wild and impressive cliffs[14] leads to Worm's Head and the western termination of the peninsula. This rock face is pierced in places by caverns, the most notable being Culver Hole[14] a bone cave near Port Eynon Point.

Worm's Head is one of the stand-out features of the Glamorgan coastline, a long narrow ledge of limestone, projecting into the sea, ending in a 200-foot-high wedge-shaped crag;[14] the Head takes its name from its resemblance to a dragon.[14] On the northern side of the Worm's Head is the village and Bay of Rhossili, a westerly facing bay that leads backwards to a series of downs, some of the highest land in the Gower.[15] Rhossili Bay ends in the northern formation of Llangenydd Burrows and the islet of Burry Holms.[15] The final stretch of Glamorgan coastline turns north east to form the Burry Inlet, a shallow and sand-choked estuary which leads to a tract of salt marshes which stretch to the mouth of the River Loughor.[15] The Loughor forming the border between Glamorgan and Carmarthenshire.

Rivers

The major rivers of Glamorgan include the River Taff, the River Ely, the River Ogmore, the River Neath, River Dulais, the River Tawe, the Rhymney River (which forms the boundary with Monmouthshire), and the River Loughor (which forms the boundary with Carmarthenshire).

County Flag

The Glamorgan flag is a banner of the arms of Iestyn ap Gwrgant, the last Welsh ruler of Morgannwg, a kingdom that once covered the territory of the county of Glamorgan. The design, featuring three silver chevronels on a red field, has appeared extensively in the arms borne by various civic administrations in the county including Mid Glamorgan Council, South Glamorgan Council, West Glamorgan Council and the Vale of Glamorgan Council. Additionally it is a prominent charge in the city arms and flag of Cardiff. In 2013 the design was promoted as a potential flag for the county by the Glamorgan History Society (GHS) in cooperation with the Historic Counties Trust. Having secured support for the proposed design from several other local bodies from across the county, the GHS formally requested its registration as the county flag from the flag Institute which was duly completed on September 24, 2013.

Things to see

Key
Cathedral/Abbey/Priory Cathedral/Abbey/Priory
Accessible open space Accessible open space
Amusement/Theme Park Amusement/Theme Park
Castle Castle
Country Park Country Park
Cadw Cadw
Forestry Commission Forestry Commission
Heritage railway Heritage railway
Historic house Historic House
Museum (free)
Museum (not free)		 Museum (free/not free)
National Trust National Trust
Zoo Zoo
Caerphilly Castle

Castles

Castle

Others

References

  • Conduit, Brian (1997). Brecon Beacons and Glamorgan Walks. Pathfinder Guide. Norwich: Jarrold Publishing and Ordnance Survey. ISBN 0711706719. 
  • Newman, John (1995). Glamorgan. London: Penguin Group. ISBN 0140710566. 
  • Davies, John; Jenkins, Nigel (2008). The Welsh Academy Encyclopaedia of Wales. Cardiff: University of Wales Press. ISBN 9780708319536. 
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Conduit, p.9
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Newman (1995), pg 19.
  3. ↑ "Coal mine closes with celebration". BBC News. 2008-01-25. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7200432.stm. Retrieved 2009-12-26. 
  4. ↑ City and County of Swansea: Gower - Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
  5. ↑ Wade (1914), pg45.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Wade (1914), pg46.
  7. ↑ Wade (1914), pg47.
  8. ↑ Davies (2008), pg 119.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Wade (1914), pg49.
  10. ↑ Wade (1914), pg50.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 Wade (1914), pg51.
  12. ↑ Davies (2008), pg 3.
  13. ↑ Wade (1914), pg52.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 Wade (1914), pg54.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Wade (1914), pg55.
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