Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SOUTH WALES VALLEYS
The valleys fanning northwards from Cardiff and Newport were once the heart of industrial
Wales. Although the coal, iron and steel industries have withered, the valley names -
Rhondda, Cynon, Rhymney, Ebbw - still evoke a world of tight-knit working-class com-
munities, male voice choirs and rows of neat terraced houses set amid a coal-blackened
landscape. Today the region is fighting back against its decline by creating a tourist in-
dustry based on industrial heritage - places such as Rhondda Heritage Park, Big Pit and
Blaenavon Ironworks are among Wales' most impressive tourist attractions.
The valleys' industrial economy emerged in the 18th century, based on the exploitation
of the region's rich deposits of coal, limestone and iron ore. At first the iron trade dictated
the need for coal, but by the 1830s coal was finding its own worldwide markets and people
poured in from the countryside looking for work. The harsh and dangerous working condi-
tions provided fertile ground for political radicalism - Merthyr Tydfil elected Britain's first
ever Labour Party MP in 1900, and many locals went to fight in the Spanish Civil War in
the 1930s.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Blaenavon (Blaenafon)
POP 6050
Of all the valley towns that were decimated by the demise of heavy industry, the one-time
coal and iron town of Blaenavon shows the greenest shoots of regrowth. This rejuvenation
is helped to a large part by the awarding of Unesco World Heritage status in 2000 to its
unique conglomeration of industrial sites. Its proximity to Brecon Beacons National Park
and Abergavenny doesn't do it any harm either.
Blaenavon is an interesting town to visit, but not necessarily to stay in; the nearest re-
commended accommodation is in Abergavenny.
Sights
Blaenavon World
Heritage Centre
INTERPRETATION CENTRE
