Pontypridd
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Pontypridd is a town in the county borough of Rhondda Cynon Taff, traditional county of Glamorgan, south Wales. It has a population of roughly 33,000, and is situated 12 miles north of the capital city, Cardiff. It is correctly pronounced "Pont-uh-PREETHE", but is known locally as "Ponty" (pronounced "Pontee").
The name Pontypridd is from the Welsh for Bridge by the earthern house. The bridge in question was a footbridge across the River Taff. Pontypridd is, however, more famous for the Old Bridge, a stone bridge across the Taff built in 1755 by William Edwards. The bridge was the third attempted by Edwards, and at the time of construction was the longest stone-built single-arch bridge in Europe. The bridge is a perfect segment of a circle, the chord of which is 140 feet (43 m), and 35 feet (11 m) above the level of the river. Notable features are three holes of differing diameters through each end of the bridge. These were to reduce the weight of the bridge; the aesthetic nature of them was merely a bonus. However, the utility of the bridge was debatable. The steepness of the design made it difficult to get carts across it, and in 1857, a new bridge, the Victoria Bridge, was built adjacent to the old one, paid for by public subscription.
Pontypridd was known as Newbridge from shortly after the construction of the Old Bridge until the 1860s.
The history of Pontypridd is closely tied to the coal and iron industries. Sited as it is at the junction of the Rhondda and Taff valleys, it became an important location for the transportation of coal from the Rhondda and iron from Merthyr Tydfil, first via the Glamorganshire Canal and later via the Taff Vale Railway, to the ports at Cardiff and Barry. Because of its role in transporting coal cargo, its train platform was at one time the longest in Britain.
Today the town, which incorporates the village of Treforest, is perhaps best known as home of the University of Glamorgan which started life as a mining college.
Pontypridd boasts one of Wales's best rugby teams and frequently contributes players to the national team.
Notable people from Pontypridd include:
- Tom Jones, singer of such classics as Delilah and The Green Green Grass of Home, born in neighbouring Treforest
- Evan James and James James, writers of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, the national anthem of Wales
- William Price, who carried out the first cremation in the UK in modern times at Llantrisant Common
- Opera singers Stuart Burrows and Geraint Evans who were born in nearby Cilfynydd
- Freddie Welsh, world champion boxer
- Michael Owen, Wales international rugby player
- Lostprophets, rock band
Pontypridd hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1893.cy:Pontypridd de:Pontypridd