Aberdare

Human settlement in Wales

Aberdare

* Welsh: Aberdâr

File:Aberdare town centre, (2) 8.15.jpg
Aberdare town centre

Aberdare is located in Rhondda Cynon Taf

Aberdare

Aberdare

Location within Rhondda Cynon Taf

Population| 39,550 (Mid-2017 Estimate)[1]
OS grid reference| SO005025
Principal area|

* Rhondda Cynon Taf

Ceremonial county|

* Mid Glamorgan

Country| Wales
Sovereign state| United Kingdom
Post town| ABERDARE
Postcode district| CF44
Dialling code| 01685
Police| South Wales
Fire| South Wales
Ambulance| Welsh
UK Parliament|

* Cynon Valley

Senedd Cymru – Welsh Parliament|

* Cynon Valley

List of places

Wales
Rhondda Cynon Taf

51°42′47″N 3°26′42″W﻿ / ﻿51.713°N 3.445°W﻿ / 51.713; -3.445Coordinates: 51°42′47″N 3°26′42″W﻿ / ﻿51.713°N 3.445°W﻿ / 51.713; -3.445

Aberdare (/ˌæbərˈdɛər/ ab-ər-DAIR;[2] Welsh: Aberdâr) is a town in the Cynon Valley area of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales, at the confluence of the Rivers Dare (Dâr) and Cynon. Aberdare has a population of 39,550 (mid-2017 estimate).[1] Aberdare is 4 miles (6 km) south-west of Merthyr Tydfil, 20 miles (32 km) north-west of Cardiff and 22 miles (35 km) east-north-east of Swansea. During the 19th century it became a thriving industrial settlement, which was also notable for the vitality of its cultural life and as an important publishing centre.

## Contents

* 1 Etymology
* 2 History
* 2.1 Early history
* 2.2 Middle Ages
* 2.3 Industrial Aberdare
* 3 Population growth
* 4 Language
* 5 Industry
* 5.1 Iron Industry
* 5.2 Coal industry
* 6 Government
* 6.1 Parliamentary elections
* 6.1.1 1868 general election
* 6.1.2 1874–1914
* 6.1.3 Twentieth century
* 6.2 Local government
* 7 Culture
* 8 Religion
* 8.1 Anglican Church
* 8.2 Nonconformity
* 8.2.1 Independents
* 8.2.2 Baptists
* 8.2.3 Calvinistic Methodists
* 8.2.4 Other denominations
* 8.3 Judaism
* 9 Education
* 9.1 Colleges
* 9.2 Secondary schools
* 10 Transport
* 11 Sports
* 11.1 Cricket
* 11.2 Rugby League
* 11.3 Rugby Union
* 11.4 Soccer
* 12 Notable people
* 13 See also
* 14 References
* 15 Sources
* 15.1 Books
* 15.2 Journals
* 15.3 Newspapers
* 15.4 Online
* 15.5 External sources
* 16 External links

## Etymology[edit | edit source]

The name Aberdare means "mouth/confluence of the river dare", as the town is located where the Dare river (Welsh: Afon Dâr) meets the Cynon (Welsh: afon Cynon). While the town's Welsh spelling uses formal conventions, the English spelling of the name reflects the town's pronunciation in the local Gwenhwyseg dialect of South East Wales.[3]

Dâr is an archaic Welsh word for oaks (the plural of derwen), and the valley was noted for its large and fine oaks as late as the nineteenth century.[4] In ancient times, the river may have been associated with Daron, an ancient Celtic goddess of oak. As such, the town would share an etymology with Aberdaron and the Daron river. As with many Welsh toponyms, it is likely that the locality was known by this name long before the development of the town.[5][6]

## History[edit | edit source]

### Early history[edit | edit source]

There are several cairns and the remains of a circular British encampment on the mountain between Aberdare and Merthyr. This may have led to the mountain itself being named Bryn-y-Beddau (hill of graves) although other local traditions associate the name with the Battle of Hirwaun Wrgant.

### Middle Ages[edit | edit source]

The area is traditionally given as the scene of the battle of Hirwaun Wrgant, where the allied forces of the Norman Robert Fitzhamon and Iestyn ap Gwrgant, the last Welsh prince of Glamorgan defeated Rhys ap Tewdwr, prince of Dyfed. The battle is thought to have started at Aberdare, with the areas now known as upper and lower Gadlys (The battle Court(s)), traditionally given as each armies' headquarters.[7]

The settlement of Aberdare dates from at least this period, with the first known reference being in a monastic chapter of 1203 concerning grazing right on Hirwaun Common.[8] It was originally a small village in an agricultural district, centred around the Church of St John the Baptist, said to date from at least 1189. By the middle of the 15th century, Aberdare contained a water mill in addition to a number of thatched cottages, of which no evidence remains.[9]

### Industrial Aberdare[edit | edit source]

Aberdare grew rapidly in the early nineteenth century through two major industries: first iron, then coal. A branch of the Glamorganshire Canal (1811) was opened to transport these products; then the railway became the main means of transport to the South Wales coast.[10] From the 1870s onwards, the economy of the town was dominated by the coal mining industry, with only a small tinplate works. There were also several brickworks and breweries. During the latter half of the 19th century, considerable improvements were made to the town, which became a pleasant place to live, despite the nearby collieries. A postgraduate theological college opened in connection with the Church of England in 1892, but in 1907 it moved to Llandaff.[7]

File:Aberdare 1910s.jpg

Aberdare in the 1910s

With the ecclesiastical parishes of St Fagan's (Trecynon) and Aberaman carved out of the ancient parish, Aberdare had 12 Anglican churches and one Catholic church, built in 1866 in Monk Street near the site of a cell attached to Penrhys monastery; and at one time there were over 50 Nonconformist chapels (including those in surrounding settlements such as Cwmaman and Llwydcoed). The services in the majority of the chapels were in Welsh. Most of these chapels have now closed, with many converted to other uses. The urban district includes what were once the separate villages of Aberaman, Abernant, Cwmaman, Cwmbach, Cwmdare, Llwydcoed, Penywaun and Trecynon.

## Population growth[edit | edit source]

In 1801, the population of the parish of Aberdare was just 1,486, but the early 19th century saw rapid industrial growth, first through the ironworks, and later through the iron and steam coal industries. By the 1840s the parish population was increasing by 1,000 people every year, almost exclusively migrant workers from west Wales, which was suffering from an agricultural depression.[11][12] This growth was increasingly concentrated in the previously agricultural areas of Blaengwawr and Cefnpennar to the south of the town. The population of the Aberdare District (centred on the town) was 9,322 in 1841, 18,774 in 1851, and 37,487 in 1861.[7]

Despite a small decline in the 1870s, population levels continued to increase, with the first decade of the 20th century seeing a notably sharp increase, largely as a result of the steam coal trade, reaching 53,779 in 1911.[13] The population has since declined owing to the loss of most of the heavy industry.

File:Aberdare skyline, 8.15.jpg

Aberdare skyline in 2015

The Aberdare population at the 2001 census was 31,705 (ranked 13th largest in Wales).[14] By 2011 it was 29,748, though the figure includes the surrounding populations of Aberaman, Abercwmboi, Cwmbach and Llwydcoed.[15]

## Language[edit | edit source]

Welsh was the prominent language until the mid 20th century and Aberdare was an important centre of Welsh language publishing. A large proportion of the early migrant population were Welsh speaking, and in 1851 only ten per cent of the population had been born outside of Wales.[16]

In his controversial evidence to the 1847 Inquiry into the State of Education in Wales \- the report of which is known in Wales as the Brad y Llyfrau Gleision (Treason of the Blue Books), the Anglican vicar of Aberdare, John Griffith, stated that the English language was "generally understood" and referred to the arrival of people from anglicised areas such as Radnorshire and south Pembrokeshire.[17] Griffith also made allegations about the Welsh speaking population and what he considered to be the degraded character of the women of Aberdare, alleging sexual promiscuity was an accepted social convention, that drunkenness and improvidence amongst the miners was common and attacking what he saw as exaggerated emotion in the religious practices of the Nonconformists.[18]

File:Rev Thomas Price.jpg

Rev Thomas Price (1820–88), minister of Capel Calfaria

This evidence helped inform the findings of the report which would go on to stigmatise Welsh people as "ignorant", "lazy" and "immoral" and found the reason for this was the continued use of the Welsh language, which it described as "evil". The controversial reports allowed the local non-conformist minister Thomas Price of Calfaria to arrange public meetings, from which he would emerge as a leading critic of the vicar's evidence and, by implication, a defender of both the Welsh language and the morality of the local population,[19] It is still contended that Griffiths was made vicar of Merthyr in the neighbouring valley to escape local anger,[20] even though it was over ten years before he left Aberdare. The reports and subsequent defence would maintain the perceptions of Aberdare, the Cynon Valley and even the wider area as proudly nonconformist and defiantly Welsh speaking throughout its industrialised history.[21]

By 1901, the census recorded that 71.5% of the population of Aberdare Urban District spoke Welsh, but this fell to 65.2% in 1911.[22] The 1911 data shows that Welsh was more widely spoken among the older generation compared to the young, and amongst women compared to men. A shift in language was expedited with the loss of men during the First World War and the resulting economic turmoil.[23] English gradually began to replace Welsh as the community language, as shown by the decline of the Welsh language press in the town. This pattern continued after the Second World War despite the advent of Welsh medium education. Ysgol Gymraeg Aberdâr, the Welsh-medium primary school, was established in the 1950s with Idwal Rees as head teacher.

According to the 2011 Census, 11.6%[clarification needed] of Aberdare residents aged three years and over can speak Welsh, with 24.8% of 3- to 15-year-olds stating that they can speak it.[24]

## Industry[edit | edit source]

### Iron Industry[edit | edit source]

Ironworks were established at Llwydcoed and Abernant in 1799[10] and 1800 respectively, followed by others at Gadlys and Aberaman in 1827 and 1847. The iron industry began to expand in a significant way around 1818 when the Crawshay family of Merthyr purchased the Hirwaun ironworks and place them under independent management. In the following year, Rowland Fothergill took over the ironworks at Abernant and a few years later did the same at Llwydcoed. Both concerns later fell into the hands of his nephew Richard Fothergill. The Gadlys Ironworks was established in 1827 by Matthew Wayne, who had previously managed the Cyfarthfa ironworks at Merthyr.[25] The Gadlys works, now considered an important archaeological site, originally comprised four blast furnaces, inner forges, rowing mills and puddling furnaces. The development of these works provided impetus to the growth of Aberdare as a nucleated town.[9] The iron industry was gradually superseded by coal and all the five iron works had closed by 1875, as the local supply of iron ore was inadequate to meet the ever-increasing demand created by the invention of steel, and as a result the importing of ore proved more profitable.[9]

### Coal industry[edit | edit source]

The iron industry had a relatively small impact upon the economy of Aberdare and in 1831 only 1.2% of the population was employed in manufacturing, as opposed to 19.8% in neighbouring Merthyr Tydfil.[25] In the early years of Aberdare's development, most of the coal worked in the parish was coking coal, and was consumed locally, chiefly in the ironworks.[7] Although the Gadlys works was small in comparison with the other ironworks it became significant as the Waynes also became involved in the production of sale coal.[26] In 1836, this activity led to the exploitation of the "Four-foot Seam" of high-calorific value steam coal began, and pits were sunk in rapid succession.

In 1840, Thomas Powell sank a pit at Cwmbach, and during the next few years he opened another four pits. In the next few years, other local entrepreneurs now became involved in the expansion of the coal trade, including David Williams at Ynysgynon and David Davis at Blaengwawr, as well as the latter's son David Davis, Maesyffynnon. They were joined by newcomers such as Crawshay Bailey at Aberaman and, in due course, George Elliot in the lower part of the valley.[27] This coal was valuable for steam railways and steam ships, and an export trade began,[10] via the Taff Vale Railway and the port of Cardiff. The population of the parish rose from 6,471 in 1841 to 14,999 in 1851 and 32,299 in 1861 and John Davies[28] described it as "the most dynamic place in Wales". In 1851, the Admiralty decided to use Welsh steam coal in ships of the Royal Navy, and this decision boosted the reputation of Aberdare's product and launched a huge international export market.[29] Coal mined in Aberdare parish rose from 177,000 long tons (180,000 t) in 1844 to 477,000 long tons (485,000 t) in 1850,[30] and the coal trade, which after 1875 was the chief support of the town, soon reached huge dimensions.

The growth of the coal trade inevitably led to a number of industrial disputes, some of which were local and others which affected the wider coalfield. Trade unionism began to appear in the Aberdare Valley at intervals from the 1830s onwards but the first significant manifestation occurred during the Aberdare Strike of 1857–8. The dispute was initiated by the depression in trade which followed the Crimean War and saw the local coal owners successfully impose a reduction in wages. The dispute did, however, witness an early manifestation of mass trade unionism amongst the miners of the valley and although unsuccessful the dispute saw the emergence of a stronger sense of solidarity amongst the miners.[31]

Steam coal was subsequently found in the Rhondda and further west, but many of the great companies of the Welsh coal industry's Gilded Age started operation in Aberdare and the lower Cynon Valley, including those of Samuel Thomas, David Davies and Sons, Nixon's Navigation and Powell Duffryn.[29]

During the early years of the twentieth century, the Aberdare valley became the focus of increased militancy among the mining workforce and an unofficial strike by 11,000 miners in the district from 20 October 1910 unyil 2 February 1911 attracted much attention at the time, although it was ultimately overshadowed by the Cambrian dispute in the neighbouring Rhondda valley which became synonymous with the so-called Tonypandy Riots.[32]

In common with the rest of the South Wales coalfield, Aberdare's coal industry commenced a long decline after World War I, and the last two deep mines still in operation in the 1960s were the small Aberaman and Fforchaman collieries, which closed in 1962 and 1965 respectively.

File:Aberdare Co-operative store fire, May 11th 1919.jpg

Aberdare Co-operative store fire, 11 May 1919

On 11 May 1919, an extensive fire broke out on Cardiff Street, Aberdare.

With the decline of both iron and coal, Aberdare has become reliant on commercial businesses as a major source of employment. Its industries include cable manufacture, smokeless fuels, and tourism.[10]

## Government[edit | edit source]

As a small village in the upland valleys of Glamorgan, Aberdare did not play any significant part in political life until its development as an industrial settlement. It was part of the lordship of Miskin, and the ancient office of High Constable continued in ceremonial form until relatively recent times.

### Parliamentary elections[edit | edit source]

In 1832, Aberdare was removed from the Glamorgan county constituency and became part of the parliamentary borough (constituency) of Merthyr Tydfil. For much of the nineteenth century, the representation was initially controlled by the ironmasters of Merthyr, notably the Guest family. From 1852 until 1868 the seat was held by Henry Austen Bruce whose main industrial interests lay in the Aberdare valley. Bruce was a Liberal but was viewed with suspicion by the more radical faction which became increasingly influential within Welsh Liberalism in the 1860s. The radicals supported such policies as the disestablishment of the Church of England and were closely allied to the Liberation Society.

#### 1868 general election[edit | edit source]

Nonconformist ministers played a prominent role in this new politics and, at Aberdare, they found an effective spokesman in the Rev Thomas Price minister of Calfaria, Aberdare. Following the granting of a second parliamentary seat to the borough of Merthyr Tydfil in 1867, the Liberals of Aberdare sought to ensure that a candidate from their part of the constituency was returned alongside the sitting member, Henry Austen Bruce. Their choice fell upon Richard Fothergill, owner of the ironworks at Abernant, who was enthusiastically supported by the Rev Thomas Price. Shortly before the election, however, Henry Richard intervened as a radical Liberal candidate, invited by the radicals of Merthyr. To many people's surprise, Price was lukewarm about his candidature and continued to support Fothergill. Ultimately, Henry Richard won a celebrated victory with Fothergill in second place and Bruce losing his seat. Richard thus became one of the-first radical MPs from Wales.[33]

#### 1874–1914[edit | edit source]

At the 1874 General Election, both Richard and Fothergill were again returned, although the former was criticised for his apparent lack of sympathy towards the miners during the industrial disputes of the early 1870s. This led to the emergence of Thomas Halliday as the first labour or working-class candidate to contest a Welsh constituency. Although he polled well, Halliday fell short of being elected. For the remainder of the nineteenth century, the constituency was represented by industrialists, most notably David Alfred Thomas. In 1900, however, Thomas was joined by Keir Hardie, the ILP candidate, who became the first labour representative to be returned for a Welsh constituency independent of the Liberal Party.

#### Twentieth century[edit | edit source]

The Aberdare constituency came into being at the 1918 election. The first representative was Charles Butt Stanton who had been elected at a by-election following Hardie's death in 1915. However, in 1922, Stanton was defeated by a Labour candidate and the party has held the seat ever since. The only significant challenge came from Plaid Cymru at the 1970 and February 1974 General Elections but this performance has not since been repeated. From 1984 until 2019 the parliamentary seat, now known as Cynon Valley was held by Ann Clwyd of Labour.

File:Aberdare-View from road to Ferndale.jpg

View over Aberdare

### Local government[edit | edit source]

Aberdare was an ancient parish within Glamorgan.[34] Until the mid-nineteenth century the local government of Aberdare and its locality remained in the hands of traditional structures such as the parish vestry and the High Constable, who was chosen on an annual basis. However, the rapid industrial development of the parish resulted in the situation where these traditional bodies could not cope with the realities of an urbanised, industrial community which had developed without any planning or facilities. During the early decades of the century the iron masters gradually imposed their influence over local affairs and this remained the case following the formation of the Merthyr Board of Guardians in 1836. During the 1850s and early 1860s, however, as coal displaced iron as the main industry in the valley, the ironmasters were displaced as the dominant group in local government and administration by an alliance between mostly indigenous coal owners, shopkeepers and tradesmen, professional men and dissenting ministers. A central figure in this development was the Rev Thomas Price. The growth of this alliance was rooted in the reaction to the 1847 Education Reports and the subsequent efforts to establish a British School at Aberdare.[35]

In the 1840s there were no adequate sanitary facilities or water supply and life expectancy was low. Outbreaks of cholera and typhus were commonplace.[36] Against this background, Thomas Webster Rammell prepared a report for the General Board of Health on the sanitary condition of the parish, which recommended that a local board of health be established.[37] The whole parish of Aberdare was formally declared a local board district on 31 July 1854, to be governed by the Aberdare Local Board of Health.[38] Its first chairman was Richard Fothergill and the members included David Davis, Blaengwawr, David Williams (Alaw Goch), Rees Hopkin Rhys and the Rev. Thomas Price.[39] It was followed by the Aberdare School Board in 1871.

By 1889, the Local Board of Health had initiated a number of developments which included the purchase of local reservoirs from the Aberdare Waterworks Company for £97,000, a sewerage scheme costing £35,000, as well as the opening of Aberdare Public Park and a local fever hospital. The lack of a Free Library, however, remained a concern.[40]

Later, the formation of the Glamorgan County Council (upon which Aberdare had five elected members) in 1889, followed by the Aberdare Urban District Council, which replaced the Local Board in 1894, transformed the local politics of the Aberdare valley.

File:Aberdare January 2013 snow.jpg

Aberdare in January 2013

At the 1889 Glamorgan County Council Elections most of the elected representatives were coalowners and industrialists and the only exception in the earlier period was the miners' agent David Morgan (Dai o'r Nant), elected in 1892 as a labour representative. From the early 1900s, however, Labour candidates began to gain ground and dominated local government from the 1920s onwards. The same pattern was seen on the Aberdare UDC.

Aberdare Urban District was abolished in 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972. The area became part of the borough of Cynon Valley within the new county of Mid Glamorgan. The area of the former urban district was made a community, later being subdivided in 1982 into five communities: Aberaman, Cwmbach, Llwydcoed, Penywaun, and a smaller Aberdare community.[41] The Aberdare community was further divided in 2017 into two communities called Aberdare East and Aberdare West.[42] Aberdare East includes Aberdare town centre and the village of Abernant. Aberdare West includes Cwmdare, Cwm Sian and Trecynon. No community council exists for either of the Aberdare communities.[43]

Cynon Valley Borough Council and Mid Glamorgan County Council were both abolished in 1996, since when Aberdare has been governed by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. The town lies mainly in the Aberdare East ward, represented by two county councillors. Nearby Cwmdare, Llwydcoed and Trecynon are represented by the Aberdare West/Llwydcoed ward. Both wards have been represented by the Labour Party since 2012.[44][45]

## Culture[edit | edit source]

File:CaradogStatueAberdare.jpg

Caradog statue in Victoria Square

Aberdare, during its boom years, was considered a centre of Welsh culture: it hosted the first National Eisteddfod in 1861, with which David Williams (Alaw Goch) was closely associated. A number of local eisteddfodau had long been held in the locality, associated with figures such as William Williams (Carw Coch) The Eisteddfod was again held in Aberdare in 1885, and also in 1956 at Aberdare Park where the Gorsedd standing stones still exist. At the last National Eisteddfod held in Aberdare in 1956 Mathonwy Hughes won the chair. From the mid nineteenth century, Aberdare was an important publishing centre where a large number of books and journals were produced, the majority of which were in the Welsh language. A newspaper entitled Y Gwladgarwr (the Patriot) was published at Aberdare from 1856 until 1882 and was circulated widely throughout the South Wales valleys. From 1875 a more successful newspaper, Tarian y Gweithiwr (the Workman's Shield) was published at Aberdare by John Mills. Y Darian, as it was known, strongly supported the trade union movements among the miners and ironworkers of the valleys. The miners' leader, William Abraham, derived support from the newspaper, which was also aligned with radical nonconformist liberalism. The rise of the political labour movement and the subsequent decline of the Welsh language in the valleys, ultimately led to its decline and closure in 1934.

The Coliseum Theatre is Aberdare's main arts venue, containing a 600-seat auditorium and cinema. It is situated in nearby Trecynon and was built in 1938 using miners' subscriptions.

The Second World War poet Alun Lewis, was born near Aberdare in the village Cwmaman and there is a plaque commemorating him, including a quotation from his poem The Mountain over Aberdare.

The founding members of the rock band Stereophonics originated from the nearby village of Cwmaman. It is also the hometown of guitarist Mark Parry of Vancouver rock band The Manvils. Famed anarchist-punk band Crass played their last live show for striking miners in Aberdare during the UK miners' strike.

Griffith Rhys Jones − or Caradog as he was commonly known − was the Conductor of the famous 'Côr Mawr' of some 460 voices (the South Wales Choral Union), which twice won first prize at Crystal Palace choral competitions in London in the 1870s. He is depicted in the town's most prominent statue by sculptor Goscombe John, unveiled on Victoria Square in 1920.

Aberdare was culturally twinned with the German town of Ravensburg.

## Religion[edit | edit source]

### Anglican Church[edit | edit source]

The original parish church of St John the Baptist was originally built in 1189. Some of its original architecture is still intact.[10][46]

File:Aberdare St John the Baptist Church.jpg

St John the Baptist's Church

With the development of Aberdare as an industrial centre in the nineteenth century it became increasingly apparent that the ancient church was far too small to service the perceived spiritual needs of an urban community, particularly in view of the rapid growth of nonconformity from the 1830s onwards. Eventually, John Griffith, the rector of Aberdare undertook to raise funds to build a new church, leading to the rapid construction of St Elvan's Church in the town centre between 1851 and 1852.[47] This Church in Wales church still stands the heart of the parish of Aberdare and has had extensive work since its erection.[46] The church has a modern electrical, two-manual and pedal board pipe organ,[48] that is still used in services.

File:Aberdare St Elvan's church.jpg

St Elvan's Church

John Griffith, vicar of Aberdare, who built St Elvan's, transformed the role of the Anglican church in the valley by building a number of other churches, including St Fagan's, Trecynon. Other churches in the parish are St Luke's (Cwmdare), St James's (Llwydcoed) and St Matthew's Church (1891) (Abernant).[49]

In the parish of Aberaman and Cwmaman is St Margaret's Church, with an old, but beautiful, pipe organ with two manuals and a pedal board. Also in this parish is St Joseph's Church, Cwmaman. St Joseph's has recently undergone much recreational work, almost converting the church into a community centre. However, regular church services still take place. Here, there is a two-manual and pedal board electric organ, with speakers at the front and sides of the church.

In 1910 there were 34 Anglican churches in the Urban District of Aberdare. A survey of the attendance at places of worship on a particular Sunday in that year recorded that 17.8% of worshippers attended church services, with the remainder attending nonconformist chapels.[50]

### Nonconformity[edit | edit source]

The Aberdare Valley was a stronghold of Nonconformity from the mid-nineteenth century until the inter-war years. In the aftermath of the 1847 Education Reports nonconformists became increasingly active in the political and educational life of Wales and in few places was this as prevalent as at Aberdare. The leading figure was Thomas Price, minister of Calfaria, Aberdare.

Aberdare was a major centre of the 1904–05 Religious Revival, which had begun at Loughor near Swansea. The revival aroused alarm among ministers for the revolutionary, even anarchistic, impact it had upon chapel congregations and denominational organisation. In particular, it was seen as drawing attention away from pulpit preaching and the role of the minister.[51] The local newspaper, the Aberdare Leader, regarded the revival with suspicion from the outset, objecting to the 'abnormal heat' which it engendered.[52] Trecynon was particularly affected by the revival, and the meetings held there were sais to have aroused more emotion and excitement than the more restrained meetings in Aberdare itself. The impact of the revival was significant in the short term, but in the longer term was fairly transient.

Once the immediate impact of the revival had faded, it was clear from the early twentieth century that there was a gradual decline in the influence of the chapels. This can be explained by several factors, including the rise of socialism and the process of linguistic change which saw the younger generation increasingly turn to the English language. There were also theological controversies such as that over the New Theology propounded by R.J. Campbell.[53]

Of the many chapels, few are still used for their original purpose and a number of closed since the turn of the millennium. Many have been converted for housing or other purposes (including one at Robertstown which has become a mosque), and others demolished. Among the notable chapels were Calfaria, Aberdare and Seion, Cwmaman (Baptist); Saron, Aberaman and Siloa, Aberdare (Independent); and Bethania, Aberdare (Calvinistic Methodist).

#### Independents[edit | edit source]

The earliest Welsh Independent, or Congregationalist chapel in the Aberdare area was Ebenezer, trecynon, although meetings had been held from the latter years of the eighteenth century in dwelling houses in the locality, for example at Hirwaun.[54] During the nineteenth century, the Independents showed the biggest increases in terms of places of worship: from two in 1837 to twenty-five (four of them being English causes), in 1897.[55] By 1910 there were 35 Independent chapels, with a total membership of 8,612.[50] Siloa Chapel was the largest of the Independent chapels in Aberdare and is one of the few that remain open today, having been 're-established' as a Welsh language chapel. The Independent ministers of nineteenth-century Aberdare included some powerful personalities but none had the kind of wider social authority which Thomas Price enjoyed amongst the Baptists.

File:Siloa Chapel, Aberdare - geograph.org.uk - 679638.jpg

Siloa Chapel, Aberdare

Of the other Independent chapels in the valley Saron, in Davis Street, Aberaman, was used for regular services by a small group of members until 2011. For many years, these were held in a small side-room, and not the chapel itself. The chapel has a large vestry comprising rows of two-way-facing wooden benches and a stage, with a side entrance onto Beddoe Street and back entrance to Lewis Street. Although the building is not in good repair, the interior, including pulpit and balcony seating area (back & sides), was in good order but the chapel eventually closed due to the very small number of members remaining. In February 1999, Saron was made a Grade II Listed Building.[56]

#### Baptists[edit | edit source]

The Baptists were the most influential of the nonconformist denominations in Aberdare and their development was led by the Rev. Thomas Price who came to Aberdare in the early 1840s as minister of Calfaria Chapel.[57] In 1837 the Baptists had three chapels, but in 1897 there were twenty, seventeen of them being Welsh.[55] By 1910 the number of chapels had increased to 30, with a total membership of 7,422.[50] Most of these Baptist chapels were established under the influence of Thomas Price who encouraged members to establish branch chapels to attract migrants who flocked to the town and locality from rural Wales. The chapels came together for regular gatherings, including baptismal services which were held in the River Cynon[58] As a result, Price exerted an influence in the religious life of the locality which was far greater than that of any other minister.[59]

#### Calvinistic Methodists[edit | edit source]

By 1910 there were 24 Calvinistic Methodist chapels in the Aberdare Urban District with a total membership of 4,879.[50] The most prominent of these was Bethania, Aberdare, once the largest chapel in Aberdare. Derelict for many years, it was demolished in 2015. The Methodists were numerically powerful and while some of their ministers such as William James of Bethania served on the Aberdare School Board and other public bodies, their constitution militated against the sort of active political action which came more naturally to the Baptists and Independents.[60]

#### Other denominations[edit | edit source]

The other denominations were weaker, including the Wesleyan Methodists who had 14 places of worship by 1910.[50] There was also a significant Unitarian tradition in the valley and three places of worship by 1910.[50] Highland Place Unitarian Church celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2010,[61] with a number of lectures on its history and the history of Unitarianism in Wales taking place there. The church has a two-manual pipe organ with pedal board that is used to accompany all services. The current organist is Grace Jones, the sister of the former organist Jacob Jones. The connected schoolroom is used for post-service meetings and socialising.

### Judaism[edit | edit source]

Seymour Street was once home to a synagogue which opened its doors in the late 1800s and which closed in 1957. The site now has a blue plaque.[62]

## Education[edit | edit source]

The state of education in the parish was a cause for concern during the early industrial period as is illustrated by the reaction to the 1847 Education Reports. Initially, there was an outcry, led by the Rev Thomas Price against the comments made by the vicar of Aberdare in his submission to the commissioners. However, on closer reflection, the reports related the deficiencies of educational provision, not only in Aberdare itself but also in the communities of the valleys generally. In so doing they not only criticised the ironmasters for their failure to provide schools for workers' children but also the nonconformists for not establishing British Schools.[63] At the ten schools in Aberdare there was accommodation for only 1,317 children, a small proportion of the population. Largely as a result of these criticisms, the main nonconformist denominations worked together to establish a British School, known locally as Ysgol y Comin, which was opened in 1848, accommodating 200 pupils. Funds were raised which largely cleared the debts and the opening of the school was marked by a public meeting addressed by Price and David Williams (Alaw Goch).[64]

Much energy was expended during this period on conflicts between Anglicans and nonconformists over education. The establishment of the Aberdare School Board in 1871 brought about an extension of educational provision but also intensified religious rivalries. School Board elections were invariably fought on religious grounds. Despite these tensions the Board took over a number of existing schools and established new ones. By 1889, fourteen schools were operated by the Board but truancy and lack of attendance remained a problem, as in many industrial districts.[65]

In common with other public bodies at the time (see 'Local Government' above), membership of the School Board was dominated by coal owners and colliery officials, nonconformist ministers, professional men and tradesmen. Only occasionally was an Anglican clergyman elected and, with the exception of David Morgan (Dai o'r Nant), no working class candidates were elected for more than one term.[66]

### Colleges[edit | edit source]

* Coleg y Cymoedd

### Secondary schools[edit | edit source]

* Aberdare Community School
* St. John the Baptist School (Aberdare)
* Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun

## Transport[edit | edit source]

The town is served by Aberdare railway station and Aberdare bus station, opposite each other in the town centre. The town has also been subject to an extensive redevelopment scheme during 2012–13.

## Sports[edit | edit source]

File:Sobell Leisure Centre, Aberdare - geograph.org.uk - 4317926.jpg

The newly redeveloped Sobell Leisure Centre in 2015

Aberdare is home to Yr Ynys, an historic sports ground which has the distinction of hosting the first Rugby League international, a professional Rugby League team, a football League side and an All Blacks' tour match. Today the Ynys hosts the town's Rugby Union and Cricket teams, as well as the Sobell Leisure Centre and the Ron Jones Athletics Stadium, a 263-seat stadium with crumb rubber track and field sports facilities, home to Aberdare Valley AAC.[67]

### Cricket[edit | edit source]

A cricket club was re-established at the Ynys in 1968 and was named Riverside Cricket Club in reference to its location on the banks of the river Dare. The club would later be renamed Dare Valley CC, before finally changing its name to Aberdare CC. In 2008 the club was granted a 25-year lease on the land outside the boundary of the Ynys' pitch 1, where a club house and training nets were soon constructed. This was followed by the building of a Community Hub and Café in the 2010s. Today, the club runs 3 adult teams and 4 junior sides.[68]

### Rugby League[edit | edit source]

File:Dai Tarw Jones.jpg

Aberdare's Dai "Tarw" Jones would score the decisive try in Wales' victory in the first ever international Rugby League match, played at the Ynys.

The Northern Union hired the Ynys on the 1 January 1908 to host what would be the first ever international rugby league match. Played on a near frozen pitch, the match between Wales and the New Zealand All Golds proved to be a close and exciting game. The decisive score came from local star and former Aberdare RFC player, Dai "Tarw" Jones, who scored a try just minutes before the final whistle, giving Wales a 9–8 victory.[69]

The match attracted 15,000 paying spectators, with the gate receipts of £560 highlighting the commercial potential of rugby league at the Ynys. This took place at a time when the Northern Union was looking to establish professional teams across south Wales and just months after the Welsh Rugby Union had sanctioned Aberdare RFC for professionalism (banning Jones for life). As such, discussions on the establishment of a Rugby League club in Aberdare advanced quickly and on 21 July 1908, Aberdare RLFC were admitted to the Northern Union's Rugby League. On 5 September 1908 the new team played their first match against Wigan in front of a crowd of 3,000 at the Ynys.[70]

The potential for crowd support was again demonstrated when on the 10th November 1908 the Ynys hosted its second international side as 5,000 spectators watched Aberdare take on the first touring Australian team.[71][72] However the Aberdare club side could not replicate the heroics of the Welsh team, losing the match 10–37. Indeed, Aberdare struggled under Northern Union rules and initially high crowd numbers deteriorate with the poor results, which saw Aberdare finishing their only season in the Rugby Football League as the bottom club. Finally on 10 July 1909, Aberdare reported 'unexpected difficulties' in its finances and resigned from the Northern Rugby League.[70]

### Rugby Union[edit | edit source]

File:Aberdare RFC Rugy Football Club by Aberdare Blog.jpg

The modern Aberdare Rugby Club near the Ynys. The signage displays the initials as RUFC rather than RFC, distinguishing it as the town's rugby union club.

A rugby club representing Aberdare was recorded as early as 1876, but the modern Aberdare RFC traces its history back to a foundation of 1890.[73] The club had great success in the early twentieth century with local star Dai 'Tarw' Jones captaining the club from 1905 to 1907. Jones gained recognition as a player in club, representative and international games. Most notably, Jones played an important part in the "Match of the century", when Wales defeated the New Zealand All Blacks. In 1907, Jones and the Aberdare club played a pivotal role in the professionalism scandal, with the Welsh Rugby Union permanently suspending the club's entire committee and a number of players (including a lifetime ban for Jones). These events would quickly lead to many of the town's players and fans switching to rugby league, with the first ever rugby league international and the founding of Aberdare RLFC in 1908.[74]

Despite the suspensions, rugby union continued in the town as the club (renamed Aberaman RFC) moved to Aberaman Park. The Ynys Stadium would host its first international rugby union side on 12 December 1935, when the 1935-36 All Blacks played a tour match against a Mid-Districts side. The All Blacks won the match 31–10 in front of a crowd of 6,000.[75]

Aberaman RFC returned to the Ynys in the 1960s. In February 1971, a clubhouse was opened at the old Crown Hotel in Gloucester Street, this was followed by the construction of a grand stand at the Ynys costing £20,000. Following the advent of professionalism in rugby union, the WRU sanctions against Aberdare were no longer applicable. As such, the club took the name Aberdare RUFC once again. Aberdare is also home to Abercwmboi RFC and Hirwaun RFC.

### Soccer[edit | edit source]

File:Aberdare Football Festival.jpg

Aberaman Park was once home to Aberdare RFC and is the current home ground of Abrdare Town FC.

The Ynys stadium was also home to Aberdare Athletic F.C., members of the Football League between 1921 and 1927. Aberdare finished bottom in their final season and folded in 1928 after failing to be re-elected to the league.[76]

Aberaman Athletic F.C. continued to play until World War II, and was succeeded by Aberdare & Aberaman Athletic in 1945 and Aberdare Town F.C. in 1947. The club continue to play in the Welsh Football League. Today, Aberdare Town plays in the South Wales Alliance League and are based at Aberaman Park.

## Notable people[edit | edit source]

See also Category:People from Aberdare

Notable current and former residents and natives of Aberdare include:

* Henry Austin Bruce – 1st Baron Aberdare & Home Secretary (1868–1873)
* Les Cartwright \- Former Association Footballer and Wales international, played for Coventry City and Wrexham AFC
* Rose Davies – Labour politician and feminist
* Ian Evans – Former Rugby Union Player and Wales international, played for Ospreys and Bristol. Currently coaching at the Dragons
* Lyn Evans – particle physicist and project leader of the Large Hadron Collider
* Ioan Gruffudd – actor, born in Llwydcoed, Aberdare
* Patrick Hannan (presenter) – broadcaster
* David "Tarw" Jones – Dual code rugby international
* Alun Lewis – War poet
* Arthur Linton \- cyclist
* Lee Lucas \- Association Footballer, played for Swansea City and Motherwell.
* Jimmy Michael – World cycling champion
* 'Big' Jim Mills – Wales & Great Britain rugby league international
* John Morgan – Canadian comedian, Royal Canadian Air Farce
* Mihangel Morgan – Welsh language writer, born in Trecynon, some of his literary works feature Aberdare
* Roy Noble – Welsh broadcaster, has lived near Aberdare for the past 30 years
* R. Ifor Parry – Congregationalist Minister and schoolteacher
* Jason Price \- Former Association Footballer, played for Swansea City and Doncaster Rovers
* Thomas Price (Baptist minister) – Baptist Minister and radical politician
* Ieuan Rhys – actor, from Trecynon
* Rhys Hopkin Rhys – 19th century industrialist and prominent local figure
* Rhian Samuel – composer and professor of music
* Bethan Sayed – member of the Senedd for the South Wales (West) Region
* Stereophonics – all three original members, Kelly Jones, Richard Jones and Stuart Cable were brought up in Cwmaman, Aberdare
* Rees Thomas \- Former Association Footballer, played for Cardiff City, Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic and Portsmouth
* Jo Walton – fantasy novelist, now living in Montreal, Quebec
* David Young – rugby player and coach, raised in Penywaun

## See also[edit | edit source]

* List of twin towns and sister cities in the United Kingdom
* Aberdare Park

## References[edit | edit source]

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2. ^ Jones, Daniel (2006). Roach, Peter; Hartman, James; Setter, Jane (eds.). English Pronouncing Dictionary (17th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 2\. ISBN 9780521680868.
3. ^ Jones, Elin (22 May 2015). "Hen dafodiaith ardal y Steddfod". BBC Cymru Fyw (in Welsh). Retrieved 15 August 2022.
4. ^ "An Old Mountaineer" (John Bruce Pryce) (2 July 1853). "Roads in the Aberdare Valley up to the year 1790". Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
5. ^ MacKillop, James (2004). A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780191726552.
6. ^ Roberts, Dr. Brynley F. (1993). "Some Aberdare Place-Names". Old Aberdare. vii: 5.
7. ^ a b c d File:Wikisource-logo.svg One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Aberdare". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 1 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 45.
8. ^ "Chronology of the History of the Cynon Valley". Cynon Valley History Society. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
9. ^ a b c "Aberdare Conservation Area. Appraisal and Management Plan" (PDF). Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 December 2015. Retrieved 20 November 2013., pp.9–11
10. ^ a b c d e Hoiberg, Dale H., ed. (2010). "Aberdare". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. I: A-ak Bayes (15th ed.). Chicago, IL: Encyclopædia Britannica Inc. pp. 27. ISBN 978-1-59339-837-8.
11. ^ Jones 1964, pp. 149–52.
12. ^ Wilton D., Wills (1969). "The Rev. John Griffith and the revival of the established church in nineteenth century Glamorgan" (PDF). Morgannwg. 13: 75–102. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
13. ^ Jones. Statistical Evidence. p. 44.
14. ^ "Settlements" (PDF). Office for National Statistics. clickonwales.org. p. 1\. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 8 January 2012.
15. ^ UK Census (2011). "Local Area Report – Aberdare Built-up area (1119885767)". Nomis. Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
16. ^ Turner 1984, p. 6.
17. ^ "1847 Report into the State of Education in Wales"., p.489
18. ^ Jones. Communities. p. 272.
19. ^ "Public Meeting at Aberdare". Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian. 26 February 1848. Retrieved 20 November 2013.
20. ^ "St Elvan's Church Aberdare". Archived from the original on 4 August 2016. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
21. ^ Jones 1964, pp. 155–6.
22. ^ Jones. Statistical Evidence., p.229
23. ^ Jones. Statistical Evidence. p. 287.
24. ^ "Comisiynydd y Gymraeg – 2011 Census results by Community". www.comisiynyddygymraeg.cymru. Archived from the original on 14 September 2017. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
25. ^ a b Jones 1964, p. 150.
26. ^ Jones 1964, pp. 149–50.
27. ^ Jones 1964, pp. 150–1.
28. ^ Davies, John, A History of Wales, Penguin, 1994, ISBN 0-14-014581-8, p 400
29. ^ a b Davies, op cit, p 400
30. ^ Davies, op cit, p 384
31. ^ Jones 1964, pp. 166–8.
32. ^ Barclay 1978, p. 24.
33. ^ Morgan 1991, pp. 23–5.
34. ^ "Aberdare Ancient Parish / Civil Parish". A Vision of Britain through Time. GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
35. ^ Jones 1964, pp. 156–60.
36. ^ Jones 1964, p. 152.
37. ^ Rammell 1853, pp. 28–9.
38. ^ Bevan, Charles Dacres (1855). The Statutes of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. London: Eyre and Spottiswoode. pp. 103–110. Retrieved 19 October 2022. "An Act to confirm Provisional Orders of the General Board of Health for the Districts of Plymouth, Howarth, Aberdare, Bishop Auckland, Willenhall, and Over Darwen (17 & 18 Vict. c. 53)"
39. ^ "Aberdare Board of Health". Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian. 22 September 1854. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
40. ^ Parry. "Labour Leaders and Local Politics": 400, 402. `{{cite journal}}`: Cite journal requires `|journal=` (help)
41. ^ "The Cynon Valley (Communities) Order 1981", legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives, SI 1981/1738, retrieved 18 October 2022
42. ^ "The Rhondda Cynon Taf (Communities) Order 2016", legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives, SI 2016/1156, retrieved 18 October 2022
43. ^ "Community Town Councils and Councillors". Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
44. ^ Rhondda Cyon Taff County Borough Council Election Results 1995-2012, The Election Centre. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
45. ^ County Borough Council Elections 2017, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
46. ^ a b Newman (1995), p.133
47. ^ Jones. Communities. pp. 88–104.
48. ^ "Glamorgan (Glamorgan, Mid), Aberdare, St. Elvan, Church Street, Victoria Square". The British Institute of Organ Studies2005. National Pipe Organ Register. 2005. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
49. ^ Newman (1995), p. 134
50. ^ a b c d e f Jones. Statistical Evidence. p. 447.
51. ^ Morgan. Rebirth of a Nation. pp. 134–5.
52. ^ "Editorial". Aberdare Leader. 19 November 1904. p. 4. Retrieved 11 February 2016.
53. ^ "Old v New Theology. Conflict at Abercwmboi". Aberdare Leader. 7 November 1908. Retrieved 14 March 2015.
54. ^ "Old Aberdare. History of Congregationalism". Aberdare Leader. 25 October 1913. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
55. ^ a b Rees, Chapels in the Valley, p.169
56. ^ "Saron Independent Chapel, Aberaman". britishlistedbuildings.co.uk. Retrieved 15 July 2012.
57. ^ Jones, Explorations and Explanations, p.197−8
58. ^ Alexander, D.T. (5 April 1913). "Old Aberdare. Leading Men and Establishments 50 Years Ago". Aberdare Leader. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
59. ^ Jones. Communities. pp. 269–70.
60. ^ Jones. Communities. p. 270.
61. ^ "Aberdare Unitarian Church". Ukunitarians.org.uk. Retrieved 28 May 2013.
62. ^ Tegeltija, Sam (30 January 2015). "Blue plaque for former Aberdare synagogue". WalesOnline.
63. ^ Jones. Communities. p. 274.
64. ^ "Aberdare British Schools". Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian. 14 October 1848. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
65. ^ Parry. "Labour Leaders and Local Politics": 401–2. `{{cite journal}}`: Cite journal requires `|journal=` (help)
66. ^ Parry. "Labour Leaders and Local Politics": 401–5. `{{cite journal}}`: Cite journal requires `|journal=` (help)
67. ^ "Welsh Athletics". Retrieved 7 August 2022.
68. ^ "History". Aberdare Cricket Club. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
69. ^ "The All Golds". Archived from the original on 10 October 2017. Retrieved 30 September 2018.
70. ^ a b Lush, Farrar, Peter, Dave (1998). Tries in the valleys : a history of Rugby League in Wales. London: London League. pp. 29–30. ISBN 0-9526064-3-7.
71. ^ Kangaroo Tour: 1908-1909 Archived 2008-05-23 at the Wayback Machine rl1908.com
72. ^ Phil Blanche (1 January 2008). "R League: Jones did the double over NZ". Western Mail. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
73. ^ "MERTHYR. I|1876-12-02|The Western Mail - Welsh Newspapers". newspapers.library.wales.
74. ^ Lush, Peter; Farrar, Dave (1998). Tries in the Valley: A History of Rugby League in Wales. London: London League Publications. p. 9\. ISBN 0-9526064-3-7.
75. ^ Tegeltija, Sam (8 December 2015). "'It was like preparing for a royal visit' The day the All Blacks visited Aberdare 80 years ago on Saturday". Wales Online. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
76. ^ "The Pyramid.info: Promotion to/Relegation from the Football League by year". www.thepyramid.info. Retrieved 4 February 2019.

## Sources[edit | edit source]

### Books[edit | edit source]

* Jones, Dot (1998). Statistical Evidence relating to the Welsh Language 1801–1911. Cardiff: University of Wales Press. p. 44\. ISBN 0708314600.
* Jones, Ieuan Gwynedd (1981). Explorations & Explanations. Essays in the Social History of Victorian Wales. Llandysul: Gomer. ISBN 0-85088-644-9.
* Jones, Ieuan Gwynedd (1987). Communities. Essays in the Social History of Victorian Wales. Llandysul: Gomer. ISBN 0-86383-223-7.
* Morgan, Kenneth O (1991). Wales in British Politics 1868–1922 (3rd ed.). Cardiff: University of Wales Press. ISBN 0708311245.
* Morgan, Kenneth O. (1981). Rebirth of a Nation. Wales 1889–1980. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-821760-9.
* Newman, John (1995). Glamorgan. London: Penguin Group. ISBN 0140710566.
* Rees, D. Ben (1975). Chapels in the Valley. The Ffynnon Press. ISBN 0-902158-08-2.

### Journals[edit | edit source]

* Barclay, Martin (1978). ""The Slaves of the Lamp". The Aberdare Miners Strike 1910" (PDF). Llafur: The Journal of the Society for the Study of Welsh Labour History. 2 (3): 24–42. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
* Jones, Ieuan Gwynedd (1964). "Dr. Thomas Price and the election of 1868 in Merthyr Tydfil : a study in nonconformist politics (Part One)" (PDF). Welsh History Review. 2 (2): 147–172. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
* Jones, Ieuan Gwynedd (1965). "Dr Thomas Price and the election of 1868 in Merthyr Tydfil: a study in nonconformist politics (Part Two)" (PDF). Welsh History Review. 2 (3): 251–70. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
* Parry, Jon (1989). "Labour Leaders and Local Politics 1888–1902: The Example of Aberdare" (PDF). Welsh History Review. 14 (3): 399–416. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 24 October 2013.
* Turner, Christopher B. (1984). "Religious revivalism and Welsh Industrial Society: Aberdare in 1859" (PDF). Llafur: The Journal of the Society for the Study of Welsh Labour History. 4 (1): 4–13. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
* Wills, Wilton D. (1969). "The Rev. John Griffith and the revival of the established church in nineteenth century Glamorgan" (PDF). Morgannwg. 13: 75–102. Retrieved 6 November 2013.

### Newspapers[edit | edit source]

* Aberdare Leader
* Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian

### Online[edit | edit source]

* Rammell, Thomas Webster (1853). "Report to the General Board of Health on a preliminary inquiry into the sewerage, drainage, and supply of water, and the sanitary condition of the inhabitants of the inhabitants of the parish of Aberdare in the county of Glamorgan". Internet Archive. General Board of Health. Retrieved 13 March 2017.

### External sources[edit | edit source]

* BBC website on Aberdare
* Website of the Parish of St Fagans Aberdare

## External links[edit | edit source]

File:Commons-logo.svg

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Aberdare.

File:Wikivoyage-Logo-v3-icon.svg

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for [[Wikivoyage:Aberdare#Template:Wikidata|Aberdare]].

* www.geograph.co.uk : photos of Aberdare and surrounding area

* v
* t
* e

Rhondda Cynon Taf

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council

Communities|

* Aberaman North
* Aberaman South
* Abercynon
* Aberdare East
* Aberdare West
* Cwm Clydach
* Cwmbach
* Cymmer
* Ferndale
* Gilfach Goch
* Hirwaun
* Llanharan
* Llanharry
* Llantrisant
* Llantwit Fardre
* Llwydcoed
* Llwynypïa
* Maerdy
* Mountain Ash East
* Mountain Ash West
* Penrhiwceiber
* Pentre
* Pen-y-graig
* Penywaun
* Pont-y-clun
* Pontypridd
* Porth
* Rhigos
* Taff's Well
* Tonypandy
* Tonyrefail
* Trealaw
* Trehafod
* Treherbert
* Treorchy
* Tylorstown
* Ynyshir
* Ynysybwl and Coed-y-Cwm
* Ystrad

File:Wales Rhondda Cynon Taf locator map.svg

Towns
and
villages|

* Aberaman
* Abercwmboi
* Abercynon
* Aberdare
* Abernant
* Beddau
* Blaenclydach
* Blaencwm
* Blaenllechau
* Blaenrhondda
* Britannia
* Bryncae
* Bryngolau
* Brynna
* Brynsadler
* Brynteg
* Buarth-y-Capel
* Bwllfa Dare
* Caegarw
* Carnetown
* Castell y Mwnws
* Castellau
* Cefn Rhigos
* Cefnpennar
* Church Village
* Cilfynydd
* Clydach Vale
* Coed-Ely
* Coedpenmaen
* Coed-y-Cwm
* Collena
* Croesbychan
* Cross Inn
* Cwm-Hwnt
* Cwmaman
* Cwmbach
* Cwmdare
* Cwmparc
* Cwmpennar
* Cymmer
* Dinas Rhondda
* Dolau
* Edmondstown
* Efail Isaf
* Ferndale
* Fernhill
* Foundry Town
* Gadlys
* Garden City
* Gelli
* Gilfach Goch
* Glan Y-Ffordd
* Glan-Y-Llyn
* Glenboi
* Glyncoch
* Glynfach
* Glynhafod
* Glyntaff
* Godreaman
* Graig
* Graigwen
* Groes-faen
* Hawthorn
* Hendreforgan
* Hirwaun
* Hopkinstown
* Ilan
* Llanharan
* Llanharry
* Llanilid
* Llantrisant
* Llantwit Fardre
* Llwydcoed
* Llwyncelyn
* Llwynypia
* Maerdy
* Maesycoed
* Miskin, Mountain Ash
* Miskin, Pontyclun
* Mountain Ash
* Mwyndy
* Nantgarw
* Newtown
* Pantygraigwen
* Penderyn
* Penpisgah
* Penrhiwceiber
* Penrhiwfer
* Penrhys
* Pentre
* Pentrebach
* Pen-y-coedcae
* Penygraig
* Penygraigwen
* Penywaun
* Perthcelyn
* Pontcynon
* Pontsionnorton
* Pontyclun
* Pontygwaith
* Pontypridd
* Porth
* Pwllgwaun
* Rhigos
* Rhiw Ddar
* Rhiwsaeson
* Rhydyfelin
* Robertstown
* Roberttown
* Stanleytown
* Taffs Well
* Talbot Green
* Talygarn
* Thomastown
* Ton Pentre
* Tonteg
* Tonypandy
* Tonyrefail
* Trallwn
* Trealaw
* Trebanog
* Trecynon
* Treforest
* Trehafod
* Treherbert
* Trenant
* Treorchy
* Ty Fry
* Ty-Rhiw
* Tyla Garw
* Tylcha
* Tylorstown
* Tynewydd
* Tynybryn
* Tyn-y-nant
* Tyntetown
* Upper Boat
* Upper Church Village
* Wattstown
* Williamstown
* Ynysangharad
* Ynysboeth
* Ynysddu
* Ynyshir
* Ynysmaerdy
* Ynyswen
* Ynysybwl
* Ystrad

Education|

* Aberdare Girls' School
* Aberdare High School
* Blaengwawr Comprehensive School
* Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School
* Coleg y Cymoedd
* Hawthorn High School
* Mountain Ash Comprehensive School
* Pontypridd High School
* Porth County Community School
* St. John the Baptist School
* Tonyrefail School
* Treorchy Comprehensive School
* University of South Wales
* Y Pant School
* Ysgol Gyfun Cymer Rhondda
* Ysgol Gyfun Garth Olwg
* Ysgol Gyfun Llanhari
* Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun

Rivers|

* Afon Clun
* Afon Sychryd
* River Cynon
* River Ely
* River Rhondda
* River Taff

Topic
lists|

* Parliamentary constituencies
* Places
* SSSIs
* Grade I listed buildings
* Grade II* listed buildings
* Scheduled Monuments
* High Sheriffs
* Lord Lieutenants
* Museums
* Public art

Major
infrastructure|

* M4 motorway

category
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