Background information

Merthyr Tydfil is easy to reach, with excellent road networks. It sits between the Capital of Wales – Cardiff and the Brecon Beacons. Merthyr Tydfil has a population of about 64 thousand. At one time Merthyr Tydfil was the largest town in Wales, today it is the fourth largest urban area. Sometime you’ll see Merthyr Tydfil being referred to as just “Merthyr” In Modern welsh the word ‘Martyr’ generally means “Martyr”.

The Cefn Coed Viaduct was built to carry the Brecon and Merthyr Railway, and still stands in beauty today. Merthyr was an ideal site for Ironworks, being close to reserves of iron, ore, coal, limestone, lumber and water, with small scale iron working and coal mining being carried out since the Tudor times.

Local steel and coal industries began to decline after World War I, with Merthyr being heavily affected. Ironworks closed, but 1932 more than 80% of men in Dowlais were unemployed, people emigrated from Merthyr I the 1920’s and 1930’s. There was temporary relief during World War II, and then post the war, several large companies set up in Merthyr.

In October 1948 the American owned Hoover Company opened in Pentrebach, and still stands today. Hoover went on to employ nearly 5000 people from the local area, making Hoover the largest employer in the borough. There became growing employment for Women following the second World War, with further manufacturing and consumer based businesses. Merthyr Tydfil Institute for the Blind was founded in 1923.

Cyfartha, was the former home of the Ironmaster William Crawshay II, and is an opulent mock-castle, which is now a museum. The ‘Castle’ houses a number of painting of the town, Hoover exhibition, large collection of artefacts from the town’s Industrial Revolution period, along with a notable collection of Egyptian tomb artefacts.

‘Merthyr’ sits on the outskirts of the Brecon Beacons National Park, home to the famous mountain ‘Pen Y Fan’, and Brecon Mountain Railway.

Sporting Success, Famous people and current developments

Merthyr has been popular within the Boxing Profession. With Eddie Thomas sculpture at Bethesda Gardens. There were others who shone & followed in his footsteps in the ring and success in the Boxing world - Johnny Owen and Howard Winstone. Other sports to list with success born out of Merthyr are Football – Gareth Abraham, Gordon Davies, Kevin Gall, Declan John, Brian Law, Mark Pembridge.

We are proud to have Laura Ashley and Julien Macdonald having their roots firmly grounded in the Town.

The town also proud of all other actors, and sports people that have been lucky enough to represent Merthyr and Wales on a larger scale.

Merthyr is home to Bike Park Wales & Parkwood Outdoors Dolygear. Both offer leisure activities, for all the family, along with café areas to enjoy a good home cooked meal afterwards.

Over recent years we have seen great investments into the area, with shopping centres, new independent retailers and foot outlets choosing Merthyr to host their business, and giving the people of Merthyr employment opportunities and retaining spending locally. Merthyr Tourist Information Office is now located at Trago Mills, offering information, advice and now selling a range of gifts, guides, merchandise and souvenirs for Merthyr and Brecon Beacons.