Glamorgan - Knowledge

580: 711: 2233:

in the upland valleys began to increase at a dramatic rate. Between April 1924 and August 1925 the unemployment rate amongst South Wales miners jumped from 1.8% to 28.5%. Several factors came together to cause this collapse, including the over-valuation of sterling, the end of the coal subsidy, the growth of electric power, the adoption of oil as the fuel of choice for many industries, and over-expansion of the mines in the late nineteenth century. The Welsh coal owners had failed to invest mechanisation during the good years, and by the 1930s the South Wales Coalfield had the lowest productivity, highest production costs and smallest profits of all Britain's coal-producing regions.

1512: 69: 4261:, but after conflicts in mainland Europe, British travellers looked for 'wild' destinations within their own country. These first tourists were important archivists in their writings, paintings and sketches but there was no real tourist trade to receive them. The coming of industrialisation in the early 19th century gave rise to a new prosperous middle-class and improved communications; both led to a burgeoning tourist trade. The late 19th century, with improving rail links, saw the coastal areas of Glamorgan that benefited from a beachfront grow as tourist destinations. These towns, most notably 79: 1861: 89: 2847: 341: 1731: 893: 7403: 2638: 2039: 1665:, led to vast social changes across Britain. These events, along with the Act of Union, allowed the leading Welsh families to gain in wealth and prosperity, allowing equal footing to those families of English extraction. Old monasteries, with their lands, were acquired by the wealthy and turned into country houses; their notable residents preferring to live in gentry houses rather than the fortified castles of the past. Major families in Glamorgan included the 3691:. However, for 1,000 years after the Romans there was little need for major roads. Early roads were not systematically managed, and in Glamorgan as in the rest of Wales, they were in a very poor state. Towards Tudor times the upkeep and repair of the roads came under the administration of each parish, with six days of the week during the summer allowed for track repairs. These repairs were rarely completed and the roadways continued to suffer. The 4060: 2630: 2622: 1626: 3130: 53: 2397: 1927: 2092:

away from arable land towards pasture land. There were two main factors behind this trend; firstly the increase in the population of the county required more milk and other dairy produce, in an age before refrigeration. Secondly there was an employment shortage in farming due to the call of better paid industrial work, and pastoral land was less work intensive. Stock rearing became prominent with breeds such as

1903:, and the collieries and shipping dependent on them, supported between 8,000 and 10,000 people. Imports of copper ores reached a peak in the 1880s, after which there was a steep fall until the virtual end of the trade in the 1920s. The cost of shipping ores from distant countries, and the growth of foreign competitors, ended Glamorgan's dominance of the industry. Some of the works converted to the production of 2294: 2511:. Of all the areas, Gower was the least affected by heavy industry and the ancient landscape was the least impaired. The high ground that runs centrally through the Gower was largely uncultivated common land and its beaches and rocky coastal headlands showed little signs of the tourist trade that played an increasing role on the local economy. The major settlements of the region included Swansea, 2528: 3897:, was also the first in Wales. Linking the ironworks of Merthyr to the ports of Cardiff, the Taff Vale line was given royal assent in 1836, with work commencing the same year. It was completed in 1840, and as well as carrying goods the trains made limited passenger trips from the very beginning. By 1856 the Taff Vale Railway was extended to service the top of the Rhondda Valleys at 3727:. Although most of these attacks occurred in Carmarthenshire, there were reports of attacks within Glamorgan, most notably in Swansea. In 1846, county highway boards were established in south Wales, to buy out the turnpike trusts and take over their functions. In 1878 all roads that had ceased to be turnpiked after 1870 were deemed as 'main roads' by the 2586:, a well-known seaside resort, Barry is most notable for its rapid expansion during the late 19th century to become an important dock, at one stage surpassing Cardiff Dock for the tonnage of coal exported. Passing the cliffs of Barry Island the coastline becomes a low-lying promontory called the Lays, which continues west taking in the villages of 3812:(1794). All three were vital in increasing the transportation of iron, copper, steel and coal from the uplands of the county to the ports at Swansea and Cardiff. Although the first stages of all three canals were completed by 1800 and revolutionised the commercial transportation systems of Glamorgan; in 1804 at Penydarren Ironworks, 4265:, Porthcawl, Aberavon and Mumbles, owed their existence as tourist locations to the development of the south Wales coal field and the introduction of the workers' annual holidays. By the mid 20th century these locations improved the number of visitors they could accommodate with the introduction of caravan parks and chalet parks. 2313:(Smith and Brewer) was not completed until 1927 due to the First World War. Designed to reflect sympathetically in dimensions with its neighbouring city hall, the dome-topped museum combines many architectural motifs with Doric columns at its facade, while internally a large entrance hall with stairs, landings and balconies. 3857:

showed any growth, and with the collapse of the coal trade in South Wales Cardiff and Barry Docks became near derelict, shipping mainly general cargo. Swansea also suffered a vast reduction on trade with the end of the area as a world leader in copper smelting. The only dock to remain a viable exporter was the

2075:

to 5.8 million tons by 1884. The coal now produced in Glamorgan far exceeded the interior demand, and in the later half of the 19th century the area became a mass exporter for its product. In the 1890s the docks of South Wales accounted for 38 percent of British coal exports and a quarter of global trade.

3703:. Further Turnpike Acts came into force in 1799 and 1810, and these Acts allowed trustees to collect a toll for the use of certain roads within a district. In South Wales there were turnpikes along the coast, more or less following the present motorway line, up the Merthyr Valley and across the hills to 842:)), as well as tombs that do not fall easily into either group. Such massive constructions would have needed a large labour force – up to 200 men – suggestive of large communities nearby. Archaeological evidence from some Neolithic sites (e.g. Tinkinswood) has shown the continued use of cromlechi in the 3695:

required each landowner to produce a cart, horses or bullocks, and two men to work 4 days on roads. Supervision was by two unpaid surveyors appointed by the parish. By the late 1600s the situation improved as surveyors were appointed by the magistrates, who were allowed to levy a rate to pay for some

2982:

constituency was created, distinct from Swansea District but the Cardiff constituency remained unchanged, and with over 85,000 inhabitants became the largest single-member constituency in the United Kingdom. At this election, all ten members returned for Glamorgan were Liberals, an event which marked

2232:

After the First World War, there was an initial drop in coal and iron production, there was still enough demand to push the coalfields to their limits, helped by events such as the American coal miners' strike. Cardiff Docks reached an exporting peak in 1923, but soon production fell and unemployment

2116:

The industrial period of Glamorgan saw a massive building program throughout the uplands and in the coastal regions, reflecting the increasing population and the need for new cheap housing to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of workers coming into the area. As the towns urbanised and the hamlets

3999:

which also began as an RAF station, before being released to commercial usage in 1956. The airport saw varying degrees of success until regular flights ceased in 1969. Several other airports and aerodromes have serviced Glamorgan, but usually for private flights. The most notorious aviation disaster

3948:. As a threat to the monopoly of the TVR, the plans were heavily contested in Parliament, and more parliamentary time was spent on the Barry bill than on any other railway bill in British history. The second event saw the Taff Vale Railway Strike of 1900, an event that saw the House of Lords, in the 2775:

Worm's Head is one of the stand out features of the Glamorgan coastline, a long narrow ledge of limestone, projecting into the sea, ending in a 200-foot high wedge shaped crag; the Head takes its name from its resemblance to a dragon. On the northern side of the Worm's Head is the village and Bay of

2248:

Steel production was no less depressed than the coal industry. The inter-war years saw the closure of the old Cyfarthfa and Dowlais works, as steel-making became increasingly concentrated in the coastal belt. Both the coal and steel industries were increasingly dominated by large amalgamations, such

2244:

of 1929–1931, which changed the face of industrial Glamorgan forever. In 1932, Glamorgan had an unemployment rate of more than 40 per cent, and one of the highest proportions of people receiving poor relief in the United Kingdom. This was a contrast with relatively recent prosperity: for example, in

2091:

Until the beginning of the 18th century, Glamorgan was almost entirely agriculture based. With the industrialisation of the county, farming became of far less importance, with industrial areas encroaching into farming lands. In Glamorgan, from the late 19th century, there was a significant reduction

3856:

experienced by Great Britain brought an end to the prosperity of the Glamorgan ports. During the Second World War, the main ports of Glamorgan were heavily targeted by German bombing raids, though exports were not severely disrupted. By the second half of the 20th century none of the county's docks

3682:

The earliest forms of transport within Glamorgan were mere paths or trackways linking one settlement to another. With continual use the tracks widened to allow different forms of travel, including the use by pack horses; and as the tracks became more recognisable the first primitive roads came into

2074:

The richest source for steam coal was the Rhondda Valleys, and by 1856 the Taff Vale Railway had reached the heads of both valleys. Over the next fifty years the Rhondda would grow to become the largest producer of coal of the age. In 1874, the Rhondda produced 2.13 million tons of coal, which rose

2034:

or digging horizontally into a level where the seam was exposed at a river bank or mountainside. Although initially excavated for export, coal was soon also needed for the smelting process in Britain's expanding metallurgical industries. Developments in coal mining began in the north-eastern rim of

1809:

The period between the Laws in Wales Acts and the industrialisation of Glamorgan saw two distinct periods architecturally. From the 1530s throughout to 1650, the newly empowered gentry attempted to show their status by building stately homes to show their wealth; but the period from 1650 through to

2272:

With the outbreak of World War II the coalfields of Glamorgan saw a sharp rise in trade and employment. Despite the demand the want for the youth to conscript in the war effort in the valley areas meant that there was a shortage of workers to run the mines; this in turn saw the introduction of the

2078:

Along with the increase in coal production came a very large increase in the population, as people emigrated to the area to seek employment. In Aberdare the population grew from 6,471 in 1841 to 32,299 in 1851 while the Rhondda grew from 3,035 in 1861 to 55,632 in 1881, peaking in 1921 at 162,729.

1422:

hillside defences. All that remains of these fortifications are foundations that leave archaeological evidence of their existence, though many were built upon to create more permanent defensive structures. The earliest surviving structures within the region are early stone monuments, waypoints and

3963:

In the 20th century, the railways saw a gradual drop in usage as the heavy industrial works and mines began to reduce output and close and many stations became redundant. Following the Second World War, the railways were nationalised in 1948. In the 1960s the main line services in Wales underwent

3799:

The event that changed the face of coastal Glamorgan was the growth of the Merthyr iron industry. Merthyr needed a coastal export point for its iron and Cardiff was the obvious choice being at the mouth of the River Taff. A road was built to connect the two towns, but with only horses to move the

3735:

and the roads were placed under the management of the local county council. County highway boards were disbanded. There were, however, a number of urban areas within Glamorgan that retained the right to control their own highways, and the county council never achieved control of the whole highway

2953:

In 1884, the county members were the octogenarian C.R.M. Talbot, who had served since 1830 and the Swansea industrialist, Hussey Vivian, first elected in 1857. In 1885, all ten of the Glamorgan seats were captured by the Liberal Party and this election represented the triumph of the nonconformist

2305:

rather than splendour with period features watered down. As the century progressed, symbols of the past industrial period were torn down and replaced with industrial estates populated by unadorned geometric factories. With concrete becoming the favourite post-war building material, larger office

2264:

rather than the manufacture of finished products. Other parts of Britain began to recover as domestic demand for consumer products picked up, but unemployment in the South Wales Valleys continued to rise: the jobless rate in Merthyr reached 47.5 per cent in June 1935. However, the coastal ports,

2539:

in the east to Gower in the west. It was divided naturally into three distinct sections. The coast of the Vale of Glamorgan was mainly characterised by cliffs, while from Porthcawl to Swansea Bay wide sandy shores prevail. The final section, the Gower coast, was made up of a rugged and serrated

2035:

Glamorgan around the ironworks of Merthyr and in the south-west around the copper plants of Swansea. In 1828 the South Wales coalfield was producing an estimated 3 million tons of coal, by 1840 that had risen to 4.5 million, with about 70 percent consumed by local commercial and domestic usage.

1995:

As well as copper and iron, Glamorgan became an important centre for the tinplate industry. Although not as famous as the Llanelli or Pontypool works, a concentrated number of works emerged around Swansea, Aberavon and Neath towards the late 19th century. Glamorgan became the most populous and

2945:

as the majority of the population lived in the county constituency. Out of 162,241 inhabitants of the county in 1880, only 12,785 had the vote. Conversely, the borough electorate, in Cardiff, Swansea and Merthyr Tydfil had been greatly expanded. This was particularly true of Merthyr where the

2342:

The demands of modern living saw the growth of housing estates throughout Glamorgan, moving away from the Victorian terrace of Cardiff or the ribbon cottages of the valleys. Several of these projects were failures architecturally and socially. Of note were the Billybanks estate in Penarth and

1826:

are ruinous. Of the remaining two manors, The Van at Caerphilly was reconstructed in 1990 while Cefnmabli was gutted by a fire in 1994. The old castles became abandoned throughout this period due to the new security brought by Glamorgan coming under the protection of the crown, with only the

2332:(Pite, Son & Fairweather) is an example of a building which gained from its functional requirements. Initially built for tubercular patients, whose cure required the maximum amount of light and air, the functional architecture left a striking glass-fronted building, completed in 1936. 3800:

cargo, transportation was cumbersome; therefore an alternative was planned. Although Glamorgan had a large number of rivers, few were navigable for any considerable length. Between 1790 and 1794, acts of Parliament were obtained for the construction of three canals within Glamorgan, the

1726:

but the scale of the works increased dramatically from the early 18th century when Swansea displaced Bristol as Britain's copper smelting capital. Easy access to Cornish ores and a local outcropping of coal near the surface, gave Swansea economic advantages in the smelting industry.

2649:

Beach. Two miles beyond, the Ogmore River runs out into a sand-locked bay which can be seen as commencing the second section of the Glamorgan coast, as here the scenery undergoes an abrupt change; from a series of unbroken cliffs to vast regions of sandy beaches. The Ogmore Bay at

3877:

Before the use of locomotives, railway track was used at various stages of the canal system to link locations to which the waterways could not reach. These wagons on these tramlines would be pulled by horse over wooden rails, which later were replaced by wrought iron. In 1809

3933:; all designed with the primary purpose of transporting metals and coal from the uplands of the county to the ever-expanding ports. The cargo carried on these lines was of a very high volume, and in 1850 the Taff Vale Railway was transporting 600,000 tons of coal per annum. 2879:). As well as building a military and defensive network, the Normans also undertook an ecclesiastical reorganisation on Glamorgan. In Llandaff there was a small monastic community based on a small church; which was made the headquarters of the diocese, incorporated into the 2339:(S.W. Milburn & Partners). Begun in the 1960s, and completed in 1971, the building is the third largest hospital in the United Kingdom and the largest in Wales. It was designed to bring the care of patients, research and medical teaching together under one roof. 3719:. This system improved travelling conditions, allowing for stage coaches which were then coming into general use. Although the roads improved there were those who felt that the tolls were unjust, and there was a popular uprising between 1839 and 1843 known as the 476:. Glamorgan was the most populous and industrialised county in Wales, and was once called the "crucible of the Industrial Revolution", as it contained the world centres of three metallurgical industries (iron, steel and copper) and its rich resources of coal. 2983:

the ascendancy of the nonconformist middle-class as a powerful political force. Although most of these seats now had the working-class electorate in a majority they were safe for the Liberals as long as the labour element remained in the Liberal fold.

628:. Whether they remained in the area during periods of extreme cold is unclear. Sea levels have been 150 metres (490 ft) lower and 8 metres (26 ft) higher than at present, resulting in significant changes to the coastline during this period. 1423:

grave markers dating between the 5th and 7th century, with many being moved from their original position to sheltered locations for protection. The most notable of the early stone markers still in its original place is on a high mountain ridge at

1708:, weaving and pottery-making. The main heavy industry of note during this period was copper smelting, and this was centred on the towns of Swansea and Neath. Although copper had been mined in Wales since the Bronze Age, it was not until non- 2030:, the largest continuous coalfield in Britain, which occupied the greater part of Glamorgan, mostly north of the Vale. The coalfield provided a vast range in quality and type, but prior to 1750 the only real access to the seams was through 3861:. First built in 1839, the docks at Port Talbot were a minor concern in relation to the more established ports, but exports increased after the 1916 with the completion of the Margam Steelworks. Exports continued strongly when the 1834:

By the 17th century, the availability of fine building stone permitted the construction of high-quality lime-washed rural cottages and farmhouses in the Vale of Glamorgan, which drew favourable remarks from travellers. A Glamorgan

3836:

continued to be the world's leading exporter of copper, but did not experience the growth of Cardiff due to poor links to the coalfields. Ambitious attempts were made to link Swansea's docks to coal rich areas, such as the

3743:

of the A48 Neath bypass was only completed in 1960, with the A48(M) Port Talbot bypass following in 1966. The latter road, an early example of dual carriageway construction through a built-up area, was the first length of

3845:. In 1881, Barry had 484 inhabitants, after an 1884 act of Parliament authorising the construction of a docks and railway link, the town grew to over 27,000 by 1901. The chief advocate of Barry's growth as a dock was 3625: 3620: 3615: 3610: 3605: 3600: 2117:

became villages, the trappings of modern life were reflected in the buildings required to sustain new and growing communities. The period saw the appearance, not only of the works and pits themselves, but of the

6661: 4029:, a variant of bandy. The game was very popular in Glamorgan between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries before losing in popularity to rugby football. The most notable team to carry the name Glamorgan, is 3831:

and Rhondda Valleys. From 1840 to 1870 Cardiff's export tonnage of coal increased from 44,350 to 2,219,000. By 1871, Cardiff had outgrown all of its Welsh rivals to become the most populous town in the country

2050:

The 1840s saw the start of a dramatic increase in the amount of coal excavated within Glamorgan. Several events took place to precipitate the growth in coal mining, including the discovery of steam coal in the

4192:

was perhaps Glamorgan's most prolific. From the northern coalfields and ironworks a string of world class boxers were produced, which was later matched by notable fighters from Cardiff. Of note were Rhondda's

706:

Stephen Aldhouse-Green notes that while Wales has a "multitude" of Mesolithic sites, their settlements were "focused on the coastal plains", the uplands were "exploited only by specialist hunting groups".

3010:

argued that Merthyr Tydfil County Borough, then heavily burdened by the cost of maintaining many unemployed people, should be abolished and merged with Glamorgan. The county council refused the proposal.

3420: 3415: 3410: 3405: 3400: 3395: 3390: 3385: 3380: 3375: 2954:

middle classes. However, the political representation of Glamorgan was transformed between 1884 and 1922. By 1922, the county was represented by eleven Labour MPs. The transformation commenced with the

3784:

Due to Glamorgan's long coastline, several settlements grew and prospered as harbour and port towns. In 1801, Swansea was Glamorgan's largest urban area with a population five times that of Cardiff's.

2083:. In the ten years from 1881 to 1891, net migration to Glamorgan was over 76,000, 63 percent of which was from the non-border counties of England – a proportion that increased in the following decade. 1952:

was never as significant as iron smelting, which was the major industrial employer of men and capital in south Wales before the rise of the sale-coal industry. Ironmaking developed in locations where

2776:

Rhossili, a westerly facing bay that leads backwards to a series of downs, some of the highest land in the Gower. Rhossili Bay ends in the northern formation of Llangenydd Burrows and the islet of

1700:

area, the hilly terrain along with many areas being densely wooded, made arable farming unprofitable, so the local farming concentrated on the rearing of horses, cattle and sheep. The lowland, or

3271: 3261: 3256: 3251: 3246: 3241: 951:, include weapons and tools from the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age. The hoard, described as "one of the most significant prehistoric metalwork hoards in Wales" has given its name to the 751:

life of agriculture and settlement. They cleared the forests to establish pasture and to cultivate the land and developed new technologies such as ceramics and textile production. A tradition of

6117: 4268:

As the 20th century progressed, and people's leisure activities extended beyond a once-a-year weeks holiday, the county responded with county parks, museums, art galleries and activity centres.

4787: 3699:

In 1756, after the shire of Glamorgan had come under the rule of the crown, Wales adopted a toll system for the maintenance of the roads; with the governance falling under the control of the

5562:

Glamorgan County History, Volume III, The Middle Ages:The Marcher Lordships of Glamorgan and Morgannwg and Gower and Kilvey from the Norman Conquest to the Act of Union of England and Wales

2917:

From the 1790s a call was made for parliamentary reform to address the imbalance between the number of Members of Parliament for each Welsh county and the population each seat represented.

620:

which, in turn, caused sea levels to rise and fall. At various times life has flourished, at others the area is likely to have been completely uninhabitable. Evidence of the presence of

1491:. The lowlands of the Lordship of Glamorgan were manorialized, while much of the sparsely populated uplands were left under Welsh control until the late 13th century. Upon the death of 1704:

was devoted to more general branches of farming, cereal, grass for pasture, hay and stock raising. Non-agricultural industries were generally small scale, with some shallow coal pits,

2547:, once seen as the natural border between Glamorgan and Monmouthshire, until the absorption of Trowbridge into the Cardiff district in 1936. Heading west, the coast was an expanse of 5351: 5317: 5283: 5249: 5215: 5181: 5017: 4795: 4761: 4727: 2768:. From Port Eynon Point, a five-mile stretch of wild and impressive cliffs leads to Worm's Head and the western termination of the peninsula. This rock face is pierced in places by 2245:

1913 unemployment in Merthyr was below 2 per cent and the borough had 24,000 miners. By 1921, the number of employed miners had fallen to 16,000, and in 1934, it was down to 8,000.

4363: 4359: 3066:, the county boroughs and administrative county of Glamorgan were abolished on 1 April 1974, with three new counties being established, each containing a former county borough: 483:, the county boroughs and administrative county of Glamorgan were abolished on 1 April 1974, with three new counties being established, each containing a former county borough: 3917:'s vision of a transport link from London to New York. The South Wales Railway serviced Cardiff, Bridgend, Neath and Swansea, with its final destination within Glamorgan being 4514: 3949: 1402:

that was referred to as Morgannwg. By virtue of its location and geography, Morgannwg or Glywysing was the second part of Wales, after Gwent, to fall under the control of the

3096: 5929: 4843: 2579:, an island which although geographically is within the Vale, is administered as part of the city of Cardiff. Flat Holm was the most southerly point of Glamorgan and Wales. 930:. From c. 3350 BP, a worsening climate began to make agriculture unsustainable in upland areas. The resulting population pressures appear to have led to conflict. 2709:. The whole bay is shut in by high hills and is thickly encircled with sands. Within the bay are two of the major estuaries of Glamorgan; from Port Talbot the first is the 5207: 4257:

Glamorgan, and Wales, were never exploited as a tourist destination until the late 18th century. The destination of choice for English gentlemen during the period was the

3760:

led to a re-appraisal of policy and a decision to extend the M4 further into Glamorgan. By 1970, the Welsh Office was committed to building a new route all the way to

1766:. Despite the existence of these industries, the scale of production was small, and in 1740 the total output of iron from Glamorgan was reported at 400 tons per year. 1537:, many surviving to the present day though many are now ruinous. Of the castles built during the medieval period, those still standing above foundation level include, 1277: 1263: 1249: 1224: 1210: 3595: 3590: 3585: 3580: 3575: 3570: 3565: 3560: 3555: 3550: 3545: 3540: 3535: 3530: 2902:

of Glamorgan. Along with gaining parliamentary representation in 1536, Glamorgan became part of the King's circuit, with judges from England administering law at the

4025:

Sport was an important part of life in Glamorgan, and the county produced several individuals and teams of note. One of the first recorded team sports in Wales was

472:

After falling under English rule in the 16th century, Glamorgan became a more stable county, and exploited its natural resources to become an important part of the

5775: 3788:

was the capital town of the Vale, and the centre of agricultural trade, with surplus stock being shipped to the coastal village of Aberthaw and to a lesser extent

6509: 6460: 2662:

town, once possessing a small dock, abandoned the trade in favour of tourism. The coast continues to the north west as a low rocky formation for three miles to

1810:

the mid-1750s was a fallow time for architectural grandeur, with few new wealthy families moving to the area. Of the eight major gentry houses of the time only

2128:, there was also a reflection to the past, with some individuals who made the most from the booming industrial economy restoring symbols of the past, building 6745: 2717:, the central river of Swansea. Beyond the Tawe the bay sweeps for six miles before reaching Mumbles Head, its most westerly point. Mumbles Head is served by 2929:

gave five more seats to Wales, three went to Glamorganshire. The Act increased the number of MPs for Glamorganshire from one to two, it created the separate

2654:

was not only floored with sand but was also backed by high and extensive sand dune system, these impressive natural sand features are commonly known as the

2559:

during the industrial revolution, but with the downturn in Glamorgan's iron and coal industries, the docks declined. Also flowing into Cardiff Docks is the

7308: 5275: 3509: 4753: 3776:

trunk road opening in 1964. However, even at the outset there were complaints about the capacity and safety of its single carriageway, three-lane design.

2728:, 20 miles to the west, the coast consists of a series of precipitous cliffs, interrupted by a number of sandy bays. The most notable of the bays include 1738:

Early iron smelting within Glamorgan was a localised and minor industry, with historical evidence pointing to scattered ironworks throughout the county.

1499:

in 1217. The subjugation of Glamorgan, begun by Fitzhamon, was finally completed by the powerful De Clare family, and in 1486 the kingdom was granted to

6598:

D.H. New; A.L. Benjamin; K.S. Miles (February 1978). "Some features of the Aberdulais to Llandarcy section of the Neath-Abergavenny trunk road (A465)".

5343: 4098:(Cardiff), have been sporting venues for international rugby. Like cricket, rugby union was also played at county level, with Glamorgan represented by 2301:

After the First World War, Glamorgan, as was typical for Britain as a whole, entered a period of modernity, which saw buildings built and designed for

2121:

or miners cottage, railway stations, hospitals, churches, chapels, bridges, viaducts, stadiums, schools, universities, museums and workingmen's halls.

4045:

status in 1921, and still play under the name of Glamorgan. In the first hundred years, the only Welshman to captain an England major tour abroad was

3037:

rising from flames, symbolising the revival of the county's industry following a period of economic depression. The dragon supported a flag bearing a

2365:

The area that was Glamorgan can be divided into three distinct and contrasting geographical areas. To the south east is a gently undulating limestone

2201:

chapels were built in the 19th century. They progressed from simple, single-storey designs to larger and more elaborate structures, most built in the

1649:. With Wales finally incorporated with the English dominions, the administration of justice passed into the hands of the crown. The Lordship became a 1376:, 'land of Morgan') reputedly derive from the 8th-century king Morgan ab Athrwys, otherwise known as "Morgan Mwynfawr" ('great in riches') who united 3646: 2967: 4799: 3865:

were built in 1952. Port Talbot would eventually become the biggest exporting port in Glamorgan, and the second largest in Wales, only surpassed by

3956:

accountable for the financial losses caused by strike action. The need to reverse the decision was a central factor in the creation of the British

2959: 7415: 3992:, and was originally known as Rhoose Airport. In 1970 it became 'Glamorgan, Rhoose Airport' before becoming 'Cardiff-Wales airport' in the 1980s. 5309: 3882:

built a private tram-road to the Glamorganshire Canal from his coal mine in Gyfeillion. The Gyfeillion site was extended further in 1811 to link

2963: 2780:. The final stretch of Glamorgan coastline turns north-east to form the Burry Inlet, a shallow and sand-choked estuary which leads to a tract of 938:(3150–1900 BP)) and the amount and quality of weapons increased noticeably – along the regionally distinctive tribal lines of the Iron Age. 2171:

with the intention of erecting buildings to meet the administrative, legal and educational needs of Glamorgan's county town. From 1901 onwards,

5377: 4719: 3126: 2377:

to Cardiff. The lowlands are geographically the best environment for agriculture of the three areas. Settlements in the area included Cardiff,

2156:, popularised in France and Germany in the late 18th century, was used for a number of public and educational buildings in Wales including the 5173: 2071:. Glamorgan steam coal quickly became a sought-after commodity for navies all over the world and its production increased to meet the demand. 6710: 3728: 3357: 3352: 3347: 3342: 3337: 3332: 3327: 3322: 3317: 3312: 3307: 3302: 3297: 3292: 3118: 2930: 6985: 1883:, became significant ports. From the late 18th century until the early 20th century Glamorgan produced 70 per cent of the British output of 5241: 3905:, which allowed the exploitation of the minefields in one of the most coal-rich areas of Britain. The second major railway to open was the 3651: 1612:. The building of parish churches also began in the 12th century, densely in the Vale, but very sparsely in the upland and northern areas. 5389: 5009: 2934: 2760:, all three now ruinous. Oxwich Bay ends in the large wooded promontory of Oxwich Point, which leads west to the beach front villages of 2351:, the former Head of the School of Architecture at Cardiff University, as "...the worst examples of architecture and planning in Wales." 2014:

Alongside the metalworks, industries appeared throughout Glamorgan that made use of the works' output. Pontypridd was well known for the

1654: 1492: 6565: 3841:, but these plans were never truly economically successful. The biggest threat to Cardiff's dominance came in the early 20th century at 1875:

From the mid-18th century onwards, Glamorgan's uplands underwent large-scale industrialisation and several coastal towns, in particular

3450: 3445: 3440: 3435: 3430: 3425: 2887:

covered almost the entirety of Glamorgan and continued throughout the history of the county of Glamorgan, and through to modern times.

2168: 941:

Archaeological evidence from two sites in Glamorgan shows Bronze Age practices and settlements continued into the Iron Age. Finds from

1712:

metalworking became a major industry in the late 17th century that Glamorgan saw a concentration of works appearing in a belt between

7011: 3820:

became the first engine to pull a load along rails; heralding the coming of the railways, which would eventually replace the canals.

2979: 2937:

became a borough constituency. Reflecting the increased importance and wealth of Merthyr the borough was given a second MP after the

4526: 1030:

in 75 AD, in what would become Cardiff, was built over an extensive settlement established by the Silures in the 50s AD.

7301: 3687:

established a route, Via Julia Maritima, to service their garrisons across South Wales and this is followed largely by the present

2918: 2269:

coalfield in western Glamorgan (and eastern Carmarthenshire) also managed to maintain production and exports above pre-war levels.

5933: 4909: 4855: 1899:

and later much further afield. The industry was of immense importance to Swansea in particular; in 1823 the smelting works on the

6191: 4091: 1769:

Glamorgan, now falling under the protection of the crown, was also involved in the conflicts of the crown. With the start of the

1584:

became incorporated into the Province of Canterbury, the Bishop of Llandaff rebuilt over the small church with the beginnings of

5219: 4548: 795:, were built between 6000 and 5000 BP, during the early Neolithic period, the first of them about 1500 years before either 4292: 4139: 4107: 3853: 3501: 3266: 3236: 3231: 3226: 3221: 3216: 3211: 3206: 3201: 3196: 3191: 3186: 3181: 3176: 3171: 3166: 3161: 3156: 3151: 2942: 2921:

had only a tenth of the population of Glamorganshire, though Radnorshire had one MP to Glamorganshire's two (Glamorgan and the

2724:

At The Mumbles, the coastline begins its third phase, commencing the wild and rugged cliffs of the Gower. From Mumbles Head to

2241: 1496: 78: 5955: 3921:, before continuing through Carmarthenshire. Other railway lines that opened during the mid to late 19th century included the 2309:

Despite entering a fallow period of architectural design, several structures of note did emerge. Although work began in 1911,

2260:

Glamorgan suffered disproportionately during the Great Depression because of the high proportion of its workforce employed in

88: 7090: 6969: 5448: 4103: 1839:

of the time generally lived in greater comfort than his contemporaries of the more westerly or upland parts of Wales such as

68: 2910:

were appointed as the King's representative. Law enforcement within the confines of the shire was the responsibility of the

2602:

and the ancient encampment of Summerhouse Point. Here the cliffs rise and run for eleven miles as far as the estuary of the

4697: 4617: 4445: 2975: 2922: 2837: 1577:

of 1400–1415. Some were captured, and several were damaged to such an extent they were never maintained as defences again.

1467:

the town of Cardiff and took in the lands from the River Tawe to the River Rhymney. The Lordship took in four of the Welsh

430: 6684: 7459: 7294: 3792:. Where there were breaks in the rocky coastline, small fishing and cockling communities existed, such as Port Eynon and 2987: 5771: 7176: 7118: 3491: 3486: 3481: 3476: 3471: 2971: 2508: 2237: 1427:. Of the later plaitwork patterned standing crosses the finest and best preserved is the 9th century 'Houelt' stone at 6506: 6464: 4130:

teams emerged in the early 1900s; and on 1 January 1908, the first true international rugby league game took place in

3827:

grew quickly during the 19th century, not as a mass exporter of iron but of coal, transported from Pontypridd and the

2598:, the most southerly point of mainland Wales. Beyond the point is Limpert Bay, which was overlooked by the village of 7205: 7165: 7137: 7071: 6944: 5538: 5423: 5157: 4959: 4893: 4658: 4590: 4498: 4429: 3879: 3522: 3111: 3083: 1782: 5107: 5043: 4975: 4135: 3936:

Towards the turn of the 19th century, two notable events occurred connected to the Taff Vale Railway. In 1888, the

2955: 2891: 2216:

Industrial architecture tended to be functional, although some structures, such as the four-storey engine house at

1634: 613: 3968:, but this modernisation failed to save the rail system and by 1968 many passenger lines were discontinued by the 2329: 3838: 3284: 3015: 1018:

Many other settlements of the Silures were neither hill forts nor castles. For example, the 3.2-hectare (8-acre)

5287: 5077: 2658:

sand dunes. Beyond the bay the underlying rocks emerge from the sand to form the promontory of Porthcawl Point.

1637:

established the County of Glamorgan through the amalgamation of the Lordship of Glamorgan with the lordships of

6360: 4765: 4166: 4158: 3638: 2958:. Glamorganshire was split from its two Members of Parliament to five, with the creation of constituencies for 1662: 340: 3849:, and in 1901 Barry was exporting more coal than Cardiff, peaking in 1913 when it shipped 11.41 million tons. 877:; and skillful metalworking (producing new weapons and tools, and fine gold decoration and jewellery, such as 5355: 4297: 4282: 4030: 3002:, despite protests from the southern part of the borough, where it was claimed that links were stronger with 2999: 2261: 2198: 1981: 1961: 861:, of various types, have been identified all over Glamorgan. Other technological innovations – including the 2567:

in the Vale of Glamorgan. Here the coast stretches southwards for two and a half miles from Penarth Head to

465:. The area that became known as Glamorgan was both a rural, pastoral area, and a conflict point between the 4277: 4162: 3941: 3846: 3104: 3063: 2871:

because it was divided into the Norman settled Plain or Vale of Glamorgan and the Welsh upland area called

2645:

The coastline remains as steep cliffs until after Dunraven Head, where the cliff face drops away to expose

2336: 2302: 1956:, coal and limestone were found in close proximity – primarily the northern and south-western parts of the 959:, Vale of Glamorgan, indicate a settlement and "feasting site" occupied from the Late Bronze Age until the 480: 6649:

Rebecca Riots – Both the villages of Llangyfelach and Pontarddulais are villages near Swansea in Glamorgan

4731: 4686: 4606: 1891:

and largely based in the west of the county, where coal could be purchased cheaply and ores imported from

1526:

The legacy of the Marcher Lords left the area scattered with historic buildings including Norman castles,

7464: 3463: 2903: 2254: 2220:(1836), were built to impress. Coal mining eventually became the dominant industry in Glamorgan and tall 2042:

Lewis Merthyr Colliery, Rhondda which, since 1986, has been redeveloped for opening to the public as the

4330: 7317: 4829: 2899: 2153: 972: 853:– defined by the use of metal – has made a lasting impression on the area. Over six hundred Bronze Age 442: 20: 6525: 5321: 4149:

was a very popular sport in Glamorgan, producing two teams with a long tradition in British football,

2875:, anglicised to Morgan. Both areas were under the control of the Norman Lords of Glamorgan (often the 1483:. The area later known as the Gower Peninsula was not under the Lordship of Glamorgan, and became the 5401: 4851: 4287: 3817: 3732: 2991: 2911: 975:

that flourished in the Iron Age – whose territory also included the areas that would become known as

964: 889:

continued to the more remote areas as a warmer climate allowed the cultivation even of upland areas.

808: 715: 3739:

Proposals for a high-quality new road across South Wales were first made in the 1930s. However, the

7377: 5185: 3842: 3143: 2841: 2583: 2445: 2378: 1786: 1646: 980: 803:

was completed. Two major groups of Neolithic architectural traditions are represented in the area:

519: 282: 6714: 3090:

force covers an area that is similar to Glamorgan. Since 2013, Glamorgan has had its own official

1773:, there was little support from the Welsh for the Parliamentarians. Glamorgan sent troops to join 1463:. The Lordship of Morgannwg was split after it was conquered; the kingdom of Glamorgan had as its 7357: 7275: 5141: 5115: 5085: 5051: 4983: 4943: 4917: 4877: 4413: 4302: 4115: 3914: 3890:, allowing the first viable transport link from the Rhondda coal fields to the ports of Cardiff. 3866: 3805: 2683: 2310: 2210: 2015: 1938: 1930: 1770: 1739: 1589: 1533:

The kingdom of Glamorgan was also notable for the number of castles built during the time of the

5253: 2950:, was returned as senior member for Merthyr, an important watershed in Welsh political history. 3862: 2880: 2687: 2322: 2202: 1717: 5021: 1511: 7362: 6569: 4230: 4198: 3937: 3922: 3030: 2306:

blocks began appearing within the cities, though few were of any architectural significance.

2043: 2027: 1996:

industrialised county in Wales and was known as the 'crucible of the Industrial Revolution'.

1992:

was built in 1784. These works made Merthyr Tydfil the main centre of the industry in Wales.

1957: 1012: 800: 473: 462: 292: 6648: 3913:. The line was designed to link the coalfields of Glamorgan to London, and was also part of 2674:

was one of the later industrial towns of Glamorgan, and grew out of the medieval village of

6989: 6118:"Graffiti-covered and soulless – derelict Welsh flats are named one of UK's worst eyesores" 4210: 4146: 4099: 4038: 4009: 3926: 3801: 3765: 3367: 2748:. Three Cliffs Bay and the adjoining Oxwich Bay are overlooked by three medieval defences, 2436:. In the 19th century, industrial and population growth in the coal-bearing valleys of the 2265:

Cardiff and Swansea, managed to sustain a "reasonable" level of economic activity, and the

2206: 2180: 1989: 1828: 1774: 1747: 1609: 1550: 1256: 1229: 820: 644: 450: 530:. The total area was 2,100 km (811 sq mi). Glamorgan contained two cities, 8: 4307: 4194: 4178: 4150: 4110:

in the early part of the 20th century. Other rugby clubs of note from the region include

4042: 3906: 3858: 2884: 2575:. South easterly from Lavernock Point, roughly three miles out in the Channel Estuary is 2536: 2493: 2217: 2152:, exemplify how Gothic was the favoured style for rich industrialists and entrepreneurs. 2133: 2125: 2064: 1985: 1790: 1658: 1581: 1093: 824: 676: 584: 507: 2686:, built over the holiday dunes of Aberavon beach in the 1950s to house the workforce of 2104:

cattle being bred in the Vale of Glamorgan, while the unenclosed wilds of the Gower saw

7454: 7225: 7194: 4921: 4174: 3813: 3748:

opened to traffic in Wales. The Ministry of Transport initially envisaged that the new

3672: 3087: 3038: 2876: 2718: 2453: 2360: 2191: 2097: 1969: 1860: 1815: 1778: 1686: 1585: 1566: 1554: 1019: 7280: 6195: 7201: 7161: 7133: 7114: 7086: 7067: 6965: 6940: 5444: 5419: 5153: 4955: 4889: 4654: 4650: 4586: 4582: 4494: 4490: 4425: 4165:, though Cardiff were more successful during this period, spending 15 seasons in the 4154: 4095: 4087: 3957: 3894: 3764:

in Carmarthenshire. The 1960s also saw the construction of the first road across the

3692: 3091: 3079: 3059:, and was considered appropriate to an area whose wealth depended on great hardship. 3056: 2417: 2370: 2318: 2183: 2093: 2060: 2056: 1965: 1888: 1696:

The main industry of Glamorgan during this period was agriculture. In the upland, or

1538: 1453: 1445: 1270: 1105: 839: 812: 756: 737: 729: 657: 574: 496: 57: 2946:

electorate was increased tenfold to 14,577. As a result, the nonconformist radical,

2846: 2666:, after which the sand line begins again, forming an arid wilderness all the way to 1574: 6607: 5959: 4453: 3789: 3740: 3007: 2895: 2857: 2741: 2213:

and Gothic elements, which has been called the 'Noncomformist Cathedral of Wales'.

2141: 1934: 1920: 1811: 1666: 1638: 1588:

in 1120. In the western region of Morgannwg two monastic foundations were sited, a

1484: 1449: 1419: 1395: 1383: 1242: 1215: 1117: 935: 635: 563: 369: 1570: 759:– the free standing megalithic structures supporting a sloping capstone (known as 7382: 7352: 7342: 7254: 7243: 6513: 5779: 4214: 3996: 3981: 3930: 3756:, with a series of bypasses to improve the A48 further west. The creation of the 3075: 2938: 2926: 2907: 2761: 2572: 2504: 2347:(Alex Robertson, Peter Francis & Partners) in the Rhondda, both described by 1973: 1844: 1755: 1730: 984: 967:, the area that would become known as Glamorgan was part of the territory of the 952: 948: 916:; sometimes with a distinctive style of finely decorated pottery – like those at 767: 687: 683: 625: 601: 527: 523: 511: 492: 469:

lords and the Welsh princes. It was defined by a large concentration of castles.

253: 6461:"A Vision of Britain through Time: Relationships/Unit History of Merthyr Tudful" 4457: 2344: 1685:, the Herberts at Cardiff and Swansea, Sir David Ap Mathew of Llandaff, and the 1653:

and was awarded its first parliamentary representative with the creation of the

7372: 7337: 6688: 6165: 6082: 5393: 5385: 4123: 4053: 3753: 3700: 3067: 3020:

Or, three chevronels gules between as many Tudor roses barbed and seeded proper

2995: 2753: 2749: 2725: 2607: 2595: 2489: 2457: 2437: 2433: 2413: 2250: 2224:– originally made of timber or cast iron, later steel – became symbolic icons. 2157: 2149: 2145: 1908: 1823: 1794: 1542: 1428: 1304: 926: 874: 699: 661: 631: 515: 500: 484: 425: 414: 406: 243: 41: 7402: 4331:"School's Enquiry Commission, Vol VIII (1935) Eyre & Spottiswoode, London" 2055:, the building of a large masonry dock at Cardiff and the construction of the 992: 7448: 7430: 7417: 7387: 7286: 5396:. These were sometimes independent and sometimes controlled one another. Cf. 5348:

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales website

5314:

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales website

5280:

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales website

5246:

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales website

5212:

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales website

5178:

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales website

5149: 5014:

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales website

4951: 4885: 4792:

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales website

4758:

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales website

4724:

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales website

4421: 4218: 4063: 4026: 3965: 3887: 3883: 3833: 3824: 3809: 3720: 3071: 3034: 3026: 2947: 2825: 2821: 2785: 2757: 2651: 2556: 2544: 2421: 2348: 2325:

style completed in 1936, was described as "Wales' finest interwar building".

2282: 2278: 2118: 1868: 1819: 1674: 1605: 1546: 1534: 1407: 1403: 1325: 960: 931: 886: 710: 691: 488: 458: 446: 248: 7245:

Cartae et Alia Munimenta quae ad Dominium de Glamorgan Pertinent (1348–1721)

6611: 5108:"Llanmaes Archaeological Fieldwork, Vale of Glamorgan:National Museum Wales" 4788:"St Lythans chambered cairn, Maesyfelin;Gwal-Y-Filiast:site details:Coflein" 4041:

in 1819; county team Glamorgan CCC did not form until 1888. The team gained

1887:. The industry was developed by English entrepreneurs and investors such as 579: 7256:

Cartae et Alia Munimenta quae ad Dominium de Glamorgan Pertinent (441–1300)

5463: 4262: 4226: 4127: 4111: 3969: 3828: 3761: 3757: 3684: 2813: 2805: 2729: 2702: 2655: 2646: 2637: 2603: 2551:

deposits stretching to the mouth of Glamorgan's most well known river, the

2314: 2176: 2172: 2137: 2052: 1977: 1597: 1562: 1558: 1500: 1008: 913: 774: 597: 551: 543: 535: 268: 4126:. Although never finding any lasting appeal within Glamorgan, a number of 1324:, who is said to have been descended from a Roman Governor in the region. 7392: 4821: 4642: 4574: 4482: 4242: 4222: 4202: 4083: 4079: 4075: 4071: 4005: 3953: 3945: 3773: 3749: 3704: 2809: 2777: 2733: 2710: 2694: 2671: 2667: 2516: 2500: 2080: 2038: 2018:, which during the 19th century was the town's main industrial employer. 1916: 1743: 1601: 1593: 1527: 1131: 1004: 996: 976: 835: 752: 748: 703: 665: 621: 434: 6192:"City and County of Swansea: Gower – Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" 5119: 5055: 4987: 2788:. The Loughor forming the border between Glamorgan and Carmarthenshire. 2772:, the most notable being Culver Hole a bone cave near Port Eynon Point. 2396: 1968:

were established by a partnership of nine men. This was followed by the

1750:

and two iron furnaces were recorded as being set up by Sir W. Mathew in

1645:; the area that had previously been the cantref of Gwynllwg was lost to 1418:

The earliest buildings of note included earthwork dykes and rudimentary

7347: 4720:"Parc le Breos burial chamber;Parc Cwm long cairn:site details:Coflein" 4258: 4206: 4046: 4001: 3985: 3898: 3724: 3716: 3712: 3042: 3003: 2817: 2797: 2781: 2765: 2745: 2737: 2714: 2698: 2679: 2663: 2615: 2552: 2481: 2477: 2465: 2441: 2274: 2266: 2105: 2068: 1942: 1900: 1840: 1763: 1391: 1027: 1023: 850: 843: 796: 741: 695: 680: 649: 4059: 2629: 1960:. In the second half of the 18th century four ironworks were built in 1569:. Many of the castles within Morgannwg were attacked by forces led by 7066:. Pathfinder Guide. Norwich: Jarrold Publishing and Ordnance Survey. 5381: 4522: 4238: 4234: 4182: 4119: 4056:, which was very popular in Cardiff, reaching its peak in the 1930s. 3793: 3785: 2906:. Local magistrates were appointed to deal with petty sessions while 2801: 2659: 2621: 2611: 2576: 2568: 2560: 2469: 2425: 2386: 2374: 2221: 2101: 2026:

The largest change to industrial Glamorgan was the opening up of the

2008: 2004: 1953: 1690: 1472: 1424: 1399: 1378: 1316: 943: 917: 905: 771: 720: 594: 454: 6364: 4066:, one of several World title boxing Champions to come from Glamorgan 546:(600 metres (2,000 ft)) which was situated near the village of 7332: 5701:(third ed.). London: John Murray (Publishers) Ltd. p. 36. 4549:"Overview: From Neolithic to Bronze Age, 8000–800 BC (Page 1 of 6)" 4131: 3745: 3688: 3023: 2675: 2599: 2591: 2555:. Once marshland, the area was consumed by the rapid growth of the 2548: 2473: 2405: 2382: 2161: 2031: 1949: 1892: 1798: 1716:

and Port Talbot. Smelting of copper started around Neath under the

1713: 1625: 1480: 1476: 956: 924:(1991) – that gave rise to the Early Bronze Age being described as 921: 816: 786: 653: 609: 2563:, which separates Cardiff from the headland and seaside resort of 2285:

were targets for German air attacks due to their important docks.

892: 5352: