Pontyberem
| Pontyberem | |
| Carmarthenshire | |
|---|---|
 Pontyberem | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | SN501111 |
| Location: | 51°46’44"N, 4°10’26"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 2,829 (2001) |
| Post town: | Llanelli |
| Postcode: | SA15 |
| Dialling code: | 01269 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Carmarthenshire |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Llanelli |
Pontyberem is a villagem and parish situated in the Gwendraeth Valley halfway between Carmarthen and Llanelli in Carmarthenshire. As of the 2001 Census, the population was recorded as 2,829.[1]
History
The village grew during the late 19th century and early 20th century with the growth of the coal mining industry in the area. There were four principal mines in the Pontyberem Area; Pontyberem colliery which was opened in 1845, Pentremawr (1889-c1974), Glynhebog(1892–1949) and Gwendraeth colliery (Watney pit). It was in the Gwendraeth colliery (Watney pit)in 1852 that a terrible disaster took place: 26 men and boys died when water flooded the mine killing all the miners on the night shift. It is said that it took 18 months to recover the bodies .[2] Due to the demise of the coal industry in the South Wales Coalfield, there are now no high quality anthracite coal mines operating in the Gwendraeth Valley.
The renowned Pontyberem safety lamps were made by John Jones (1879–1976) who worked as Colliery Chief Mechanic at Pentremawr Colliery.[3]
The name Pontyberem originates from three separate Welsh-language words, pont meaning bridge, aber meaning mouth of a river (into the sea), estuary, confluence of a lesser with a larger river and Beran after Nant Beran the river that flows through Pontyberem .[4]Although not immediately obvious the element aber once formed part of this place name and referred to the location of the bridge over the river Gwendraeth Fawr just below its confluence with Nant Beran.
It was probably lost through the contraction of aber and the river name Beran. The -a- of aber was then interpreted as the definite article y and Beran was probably influenced by berem, a variant of burum (yeast).'
Local people understand the name Pontyberem to originate from a simple combination of words. The 'Berem' refers to the frothy buildup (like yeast) on the surface of the water of the Nant Beran, especially near the bridge over the Gwendraeth Fawr.
Schools
- Pontyberem Primary School
- Bancffosfelen Primary School
Sport
- Rugby union - Pontyberem R.F.C.: Pontyberem Recreational Park, Heol Y Parc, Pontyberem
- Football - Bancffosfelen F.C.: Pontyberem Recreational Park, Heol Y Parc, Pontyberem
- Cricket - Pontyberem C.C.
Notable people
- Arthur Daniels - Wales and Great Britain rugby league international
- John Jones (1811–1858) - Demolished the tollgates at Pontyberem during the Rebecca Riots
- Nigel Owens - International rugby union referee
Outside links
- Welsh Coal Mines Contains detailed information on Pontyberem, Glynhebog, Gwendraeth (Watney) and Pentremawr collieries.
- Pontyberem Miner's Lamp
- A vision of Pontyberem CP Contains information on Population, Housing,Historic Boundaries and Census Reports.
- Carmarthenshire Council Contains census information regarding Pontyberem
- Rebecca Riots in Pontyberem Carmarthenshire
- www.geograph.co.uk : photos of Pontyberem and surrounding area
References
- ↑ "Census 2001: Pontyberem Ward". http://www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/English/council/Facts%20and%20Stats/CensusProfiles2001/Electoral%20Ward%20Profiles/Documents/PONTYBEREM%20WARD.pdf. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
- ↑ Photo
- ↑ Mining-Memorabilia http://www.mining-memorabilia.co.uk/Pontyberem-Part%20II.htm
- ↑ BBC - Wales - What's in a name - Pontyberem
