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Tours > Wales > Pontypridd
Pontypridd (Pont uh Preethe)
Pontypridd (Bridge of the Earth) is the largest town of the Rhondda, situated where the Taff and the Rhondda come together. Coal and iron for a century or more were its chief industries, and the anchor chains for Admiral Lord Nelson's fleet were manufactured here, as well as those for the great Cunarders Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth. Light industries have now replaced the older heavy ones.
The town contains a unique iron bridge that is considered a masterpiece. Designed by a local self-taught engineer William Edwards in 1755, it features three cylindrical tunnels on each side to give additional support and lessen wind resistance. In Ynysangharad Park (Uniss Ang Harrad) are statues by W. Goscombe John of Evan James and his son James, the composers of the Welsh National Anthem "Mae Hen Wlad fy Nhadau." The town is also famous for producing popular singer Tom Jones, who began his career in pubs and clubs in the area.
A recent tourist attraction in the area is the Rhondda Heritage Park between Pontypridd and Porth to commemorate the life and culture of what was once the most famous mining valley in the world. Visitors can experience an audio-visual trip that takes them on a simulated journey into the blackness of a deep coal mine. There is also a restored village of the 1920's and momentos of 200 years of colliery life.
Next Stop: Merthyr Tydfil
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