Cwmbwrla
| Cwmbwrla | |
| Glamorgan | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | SS653946 |
| Location: | 51°38’4"N, 3°56’48"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 7,972 (2011) |
| Postcode: | SA1 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Swansea |
Cwmbwrla is a village which has become a residential area of Swansea in Glamorgan. It is on rising ground about a mile north of Swansea city centre, taking its name from the valley of the Burlais Brook[1] (now culverted) which flows down from here to join the River Tawe immediately north-east of Swansea railway station. The neighbouring districts are Manselton, Greenhill, Mayhill, Townhill, and Cwndu.
The population of the community and ward was 7,972 in 2011.
Cwmbwrla is a predominantly residential area with just a few local convenience stores. Cwmbwrla Park which contains several playing fields including two football pitches.
History
Cwmbwrla was first known as Burlakesbrok in the 12th century, from a local stream. By 1641 the name of the stream had been Cymricised to Bwrla and Cwm (valley) was added as a prefix.[2]
At the end of the 1950s and early 1960s, Cwmbwrla went through several changes. Before the decision to build a roundabout was made, the village was typical of many other Welsh villages. There were rows of shops on either side, with the Tivoli (the cinema) which also served as a community centre on the other side. There was a black and white police box there too, a car auctioneers, Cyril Price, and the Gate House pub which was named after the tollgate and was there during the meow raids.
There were also four Nonconformist Chapels:
- Capel-y-Gat (demolished)
- Y Babell ( demolished)
- the Gorse Mission (still standing)
- Libanus chapel. (demolished after being damaged by fire in 2012)[3]
Outside links
References
- ↑ Winstone, Marilyn; Rachel Hare (2001). "Rhagymadrodd" (in en). Before The Roundabout - A Swansea Childhood. Port Talbot, Gorllewin Morgannwg: M. Winstone. p. 7.
- ↑ Gwynedd O. Pierce (2002). Place names in Glamorgan. Merton Priory Press. pp. 57–58. ISBN 1898937575.
- ↑ "Old Libanus chapel demolished after fire at Cwmbwrla, Swansea", BBC News, 21 January 2012