Ystradgynlais
| Ystradgynlais | |
| Brecknockshire | |
|---|---|
 Parc yr Orsedd, Ystradgynlais | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | SN793106 |
| Location: | 51°46’52"N, 3°45’4"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 9,004 |
| Post town: | Swansea |
| Postcode: | SA9 |
| Dialling code: | 01639 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Powys |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Brecon & Radnorshire |
Ystradgynlais is a town on the River Tawe in Brecknockshire. The town grew around the iron-making, coal-mining and watch-making industries.
The name "Ystradgynlais" means 'vale of the Cynlais'; Cynlais may be a river name or originally a personal name, or it may derive from cyn ('chisel') and glais ('stream') - is first recorded in 1372.[1]
Up until the mid 18th century most of the Swansea Valley was thickly wooded and sparsely populated. In the 1600s there were only a couple of houses by the church and a pub (now the rectory). In 1801 there were only 993 residents in Ystradgynlais living in only 196 houses. The first documented written evidence of iron working in the area was at Ynyscedwyn and is of a deed of release dated 1729. By 1750 there were only 7 furnaces in south Wales, one of which was at Ynyscedwyn.
The first written evidence of coal workings in the area was in 1780 in Wauclawdd. Most of the coal dug up in the area was sent to the blast furnaces of the iron works. By 1790 the full extent of the mineral resources in the valley were known and it was realised that to exploit these to the full transport would have to be essential. A bill was passed in 1793, which allowed the construction of the Swansea valley canal. This means of transport remained the only mode of transport for 60 years.
The greatest increase in population was from 1821-41 which coincides with the coming of George Crane and the development of the Ynyscedwyn iron works. By 1870 however the industrial development was in decline due to the various economical factors. Although coal mining carried on in the area a few light ones have replaced the heavy industries.
Culture
Ystradgynlais hosted the 1954 National Eisteddfod.
The century-old award-winning Ystradgynlais Public Band competed in the 2005 National Eisteddfod.[2]
Ystradgynlais is one of the few areas within Brecknockshire, which has a high proportion of Welsh-speakers, indeed, according to the 2001 census, over half of all the Welsh-speakers within the county live in Ystradgynlais itself.
About the town
National Cycle Route 43 passes though this village.
Ystradgynlais's Parc-yr-Orsedd has a monument to the fallen heroes of both World Wars from Ystradgynlais, Abercrave, Cwmtwrch, Cwmgiedd, Glyntawe and Coelbren.
Dan yr Ogof caves are a short journey from the town centre, passing Craig-y-Nos Castle and Henrhyd Waterfall.
The Miners Welfare Hall in Ystradgynlais has a cinema. The town also has a number of traditional pubs.
People of Ystradgynlais
The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, grew up in Ystradgynlais.
The Polish painter Josef Herman spent 11 years living and painting in Ystradgynlais.[3]
It is the hometown of the Torchwood actress Eve Myles.
Composer Caleb Bedville was born in Ystradgynlais and lived there prior to emigrating to Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Sport
- Football: Ystradgynlais FC
- Rugby: Ystradgynlais RFC, established in 1890; they hold a fierce rivalry with Ystalyfera RFC and Abercrave RFC.
Outside links
- Ystradgynlais Information
- Pictures of Ystradgynlais and the area on Geograph.co.uk
- History of Palleg manor, Ystradgynlais
References
- ↑ Wyn Owen, Hywel; Richard Morgan (2007). Dictionary of the Place-Names of Wales. Llandysul: Gomer Press. p. 504.
- ↑ Welcome - The National Eisteddfod of Wales
- ↑ [http://www.welshartsarchive.org.uk/heman_article.htm Sonia Williams