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Coordinates: 51°36'09?N 3°20'32?W? / ?51.60252, -3.34215
Pontypridd is a town in Glamorgan, Wales, in the county borough of Rhondda Cynon Taff. It had a population of 29,781 according to census figures gathered in 2001,[1] and is situated 12 miles (19 km) north of the city of Cardiff. The "ridd" in Pontypridd is pronounced "reath" (as in the word "breathe").[2] Pontypridd is often abbreviated "Ponty" by local residents.
The town is served by Pontypridd railway station.
[edit] History
The name Pontypridd is from "Pont-y-ty-pridd" the Welsh for "bridge by the earthen house", a reference to a succession of wooden bridges that formerly spanned the River Taff at this point. Pontypridd is, however, more famous for the Old Bridge, a stone bridge across the River Taff built in 1756 by William Edwards. This bridge was the third attempted by Edwards, and at the time of its construction was the longest stone-built single Arch bridge in Europe.[3] Rising 35 feet (11 m) above the level of the river, the bridge is a perfect segment of a circle, the chord of which is 140 feet (43 m). Notable features are three holes of differing diameters through each end of the bridge. The purpose of these was to reduce the weight of the bridge, although their aesthetically pleasing nature is a bonus. The utility of the bridge was debatable, however – the steepness of the design making it difficult to get horses and carts across it – and in 1857 a new bridge, the Victoria Bridge, paid for by public subscription, was built adjacent to the old one.
Pontypridd was known as Newbridge from shortly after the construction of what is today called the "Old Bridge" until the 1860s.
The Old Bridge, Pontypridd, dating from 1756
The history of Pontypridd is closely tied to the coal and iron industries. Sited as it is at the junction of the Rhondda and Taff valleys, it became an important location for the transportation of coal from the Rhondda and iron from Merthyr Tydfil, first via the Glamorganshire Canal and later via the Taff Vale Railway, to the ports at Cardiff and Barry. Because of its role in transporting coal cargo, its train platform was at one time the longest in the world.[3]
In recent years neglect by various parties has led to one of the largest towns in the region falling into a state of disrepair[citation needed]. The general consensus in the town is that some substantial and overdue funding is needed to regenerate the area so that it can realise its potential on the banks of the river Taff[citation needed].
The town is also home to a large hospital, Dewi Sant Hospital.
[edit] Entertainment and social history
Pontypridd has its very own community radio station GTFM, which is in partnership with the University of Glamorgan. It has local news, information and music from the last four decades, and is run by a voluntary management committee.
The Pontypridd and Llantrisant Observer[1] is the local newspaper for the town.
Pontypridd is home to Pontypridd Rugby Football Club is one of Wales' most notable rugby union clubs, with a successful junior rugby sections and academy that frequently contributes players to the national team.
Pontypridd Town A.F.C. is a Welsh football club which has achieved some success in the Welsh football league.
Speedway racing was staged at Taff Vale Park in 1929 / 1930.
[edit] Culture
Pontypridd hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1893.
[edit] Twinning
Twinning with Nürtingen, Esslingen, South Germany
Initial contact between the two communities occurred in 1965 with a visit by Côr Meibion Pontypridd Welsh male voice Choir to visit a choir called called "Liederkranz" based in the Oberensingen area of Nürtingen. The Liederkranz returned the visit to Pontypridd one year later. On the occasion of the next visit of Côr Meibion to Nürtingen the partnership between the two communities was formally established - on 26 July 1968. Since then reciprocal visits between the two choirs has taken place on a regular basis. Firm friendships have been established. As one member of Côr Meibion put it, "We don't think of them as friends, we think of them as family."
It was as a result of this successful partnership that Pontypridd Urban District Council decided to have a formal Twinning link at a civic level and to join in partnership with Nürtingen. In July 1968 an Agreement was signed by John Cheesman J.P., mayor of Pontypridd and Karl Gonser mayor of Nürtingen.
This resulted in the first twinning link in Rhondda Cynon Taf and is proud to boast the longest established twinning links with Nürtingen.
[edit] Notable people from Pontypridd
- Tom Jones, singer of such worldwide top 40 hits as Delilah and The Green Green Grass of Home, born in village of Trefforest.
- Evan James and James James, writers of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, the national anthem of Wales
- William Price, who carried out the first cremation in the UK in modern times on Llantrisant Common
- Opera singers Stuart Burrows and Geraint Evans who were born in Cilfynydd
- Freddie Welsh, world champion boxer
- Neil Jenkins, Michael Owen, Martyn Williams, Kevin Morgan, Ceri Sweeney, Gethin Jenkins, Geraint Lewis, Richard Parks, and Gareth Wyatt, Welsh international rugby players
- Lostprophets, rock band
- Phil Campbell, guitarist with Motörhead
- Gareth Davies and Darran Smith of Funeral for a Friend
- John Evans, Poet [2]
- Côr Meibion Pontypridd (Male Voice Choir) [3]
- Owain Warlow, footballer currently playing for Lincoln City
- Jason Price, footballer currently playing for Doncaster Rovers
- Robert James Bye VC winner in World War I, Pontypridd born.
- Ceri Hughes former professional footballer and Wales international
[edit] References
The name of the fictional town of Pontypandy, in which children's television programme Fireman Sam is situated, is a portmanteau of Pontypridd and Tonypandy.
The Welsh TV show Belonging was shot in Pontypridd
Dr Who has also filmed outside the Market Tavern pub in Market Street. Torchwood has also filmed in various parts of pontypridd, including the outskirting villages and communinties such as Treforest and Ynysybwl.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
(Source: Wikipedia) |