Aberdare, South Wales

Aberdare is one of many towns in south Wales that were once dependent on coal-mining but have suffered with the decline and ultimate closure of the mining industry.  Aberdare was reputed to produce the best steam coal in the world, and much of the coal extracted here powered Britain’s railways during the era of steam traction.

Aberdare is near the head of the Cynon Valley, at the confluence of the rivers Dare and Cynon. Behind the town is Graig Mountain, which is on the southern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Now that the old spoil-heaps have gone, or been incorporated into the landscape, there is a great deal of scenic beauty here.

Aberdare has a proud record as a cultural centre. It was the home of the first National Eisteddfod of Wales, in 1861, and it was also the host town in 1885 and 1956. Part of the Eisteddfod ceremonies require the use of a circle of standing stones, which is erected for the purpose should there not be one in place already. The stones of the Aberdare Eisteddfod can still be seen in Aberdare Park.

The town centre is a mixture of Victorian and later buildings. Pride of place goes to a statue of “Caradog”, the legendary conductor Griffith Rhys Jones (1834-97) who led the South Wales Choral Union to victory in the first choir contest held at London’s Crystal Palace in 1872.

The town is notable for the large number of churches and chapels, although most of the latter have been converted into houses and other buildings.  The most historic church building is St John the Baptist church in the High Street. Parts of the building date from at least 1200. St Elvan’s church, with its prominent spire, is much younger, having been built in the 1850s.

© John Welford