Merthyr Tydfil, nestling in the north of the Taff Valley, owes its name to Tudful, the daughter of Brychan, Prince of Brycheiniog, who was slain by the maurauding Picts in the 5th Century at the site of the Parish Church.

Subsequently canonized, the site on which she was slain became known as Martyr Tudful, or Merthyr Tydfil.

Over the centuries, there have been great and wonderous events associated with the town and surrounding area.

The early 18th century saw the establishment of the huge ironworks complexes, which made Merthyr the iron capital of the world.

The suffering endured by these early ironworkers can only be imagined, and indeed, at the same time, further similar hard working conditions were endured by the thousands of miners employed in the numerous collieries and coal levels.

They served to provide coal not only for the ironworks, but also fuel for the ships to reach the vast British Empire.

In the past twenty years or so, there has been a remarkable transformation in both the working practices and topography of the area, with considerable land reclamation work creating environmental and structural improvements.

The town, or to give it its correct name, the Borough of Merthyr Tydfil, contains a population of over 55,000 people.

It extends from Dowlais in the north through Merthyr Town, Troedyrhiw, Aberfan, and Merthyr Vale to Treharris, Trelewis and Bedlinog at its southern extremities, some ten miles in distance.

With the improvements in the infrastructure, and served by excellent road and rail networks, Cardiff and Swansea are but 30 minutes away, whilst Birmingham and London are no more than 2 and 3 hours travelling time respectively. Cardiff International Airport is a mere 30 miles distance.

Great politicians, writers, musicians, entrepeneurs and sportsmen have all been associated with Merthyr Tydfil, with world renowned people such as Richard Trevithick, Keir Hardie, Joseph Parry, Howard Winstone and Julien Macdonald to name but a few.

There are countless places of interest within a short travelling distance of the borough, with the Brecon Beacons National Park, one of three in Wales, literally on the doorstep.

Accomodation and culinary tastes of the most discerning of travellers can all be found within the borough, which can be enjoyed by visitors and re-discovered by locals alike.

For more about the town, see Gareth's website at merthyrtydfilonline.co.uk

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