Mountain Ash
| Mountain Ash Welsh: Aberpennar | |
| Glamorgan | |
|---|---|
 Mountain Ash Town hall | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | ST025915 |
| Location: | 51°40’53"N, 3°22’45"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 7,039 (2001) |
| Post town: | Mountain Ash |
| Postcode: | CF45 |
| Dialling code: | 01443 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Rhondda Cynon Taf |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Cynon Valley |
Mountain Ash is a town in Glamorgan, within the Cynon Valley and has a population of 7,039. As a parish it encompasses also contains the outlying villages of Penrhiwceiber, Cefnpennar, Cwmpennar, Darranlas, Fernhill, Glenboi and Newtown and Miskin.
The River Cynon flows past Mountain Ash.
History
Unlike other villages in the South Wales Valleys, Mountain Ash remained quiet, being only disturbed in 1818 by the construction of the Aberdare Canal. It became disused in the early 19th century, filled in to form the New Cardiff Road in 1933.
The population of the village was 1,614 in 1841, rising to 11,463 in 1871 with the opening of local collieries. The 1851 census shows the construction of Duffryn Street and Navigation Street. By 1859 there were 12 public houses, some of the earliest being the Bruce Arms, the Junction Inn and the New Inn. By 1920, Kelly's Directory lists over 200 businesses within the village.
The coal industry had started to decline post the First World War, but after the Second World War factory industries were introduced to offset the serious fall in local mining employment. By the end of the 20th century the last coal mines had closed, and many of the town’s factories had ceased operation as well. New light industries and service activities only partly mitigated the resulting economic hardship.
Mountain Ash along with the rest of the Cynon Valley and the other Glamorgan valleys generally was predominantly a Welsh-speaking Valley up until the 19th century.
Transport
The town is served by Mountain Ash railway station on the Aberdare branch of the Merthyr Line. Further to Mountain Ash railway station, the village of Fernhill and Penrhiwceiber is also served by the Merthyr Line.
Sport and Culture
- Rugby and football: Mountain Ash RFC
Nos Galan Road Race is an annual 3 mile running road race, run on New Year's Eve to commemorate the first race of Guto Nyth Bran. Started in 1958, it now attracts over 800 runners and 10,000 people to the associated street entertainment.[1]
In 1974, Mountain Ash RFC Singers Male voice choir were formed from a group of ex-players.
Mountain Ash hosted the National Eisteddfod in both 1905 and 1946.
Outside links
References
- ↑ Wales stars help warm up Nos Galan runners - South Wales Echo, 1 January 2010