Pontymister

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Pontymister
Monmouthshire
Risca and Pontymister Station, looking west - geograph.org.uk - 1157225.jpg
Risca and Pontymister station
Location
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Location: 51°36’0"N, 3°6’0"W
Data
Post town: Newport
Postcode: NP11
Dialling code: 01633
Local Government
Council: Caerphilly
Parliamentary
constituency:
Islwyn

Pontymister is a village that forms a suburb of its neighbour, the town of Risca, which itself forms part of the conurbation around Newport, Monmouthshire.

History

Originally a farm called Tŷ Isaf, the village came about as a need for housing for the local steel mill and chemical works workforces. Most houses were built in 1920 - 1925.

From the late 1800s there were a number of heavy industries, (steel and chemical), based alongside the river Ebbw. The name Pontymister is said to have come about as the staff were paid from an office built alongside the bridge that connected Ty Isaf to Ochrwyth. The bridge became known as the master's bridge, Pont Y Mister.

Pontymister steel works was famous for being the grave yard for steam trains. Many were brought there in the early 1960s for their scrap value. Some were saved and moved onto Barry Docks.

Amenities

Many local pubs still bear the names of steel making; the Rolling Mill, the Forge and Hammer, etc. Although the Forge hammer became an Indian restaurant - The Tamarind - in 2009.

The Cistercian Way waymarked long-distance footpath passes through Pontymister.

The village is served by Risca and Pontymister railway station.

Outside links

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