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The community lies on the confluence of the Clyduch brook and the River Rhondda, in the Southern Welsh county of Glamorgan. Archaeological evidence indicates the location attracted human occupation from prehistoric times. Remnants of Bronze and Iron Age habitation remain scattered throughout the valley.
Farming largely supported the community in the 1700s, along with wool trades operated by local mills. Tonypandy translated means meadow of the fulling mill. In the mid 1800s, coal-mining excavation began and product exportation improved with the arrival of the railway system in 1856. The village is most widely known for the Tonypandy riots of 1910.
Mining companies accused workers of intentionally under producing at a particular site. Workers claimed the geological composition of the site prevented quicker coal production. In disbelief, the company locked down the site, preventing miners from working. As a show of sympathy, other miners went on strike. Miners from other pits joined the coalition and threatened to strike. Companies threatened miners with lost jobs, but the coalition of support continued growing. Despite a promise of meagre wage increases, the united workers group quickly grew in numbers exceeding 140,000. Hundreds of police officers and military troops arrived in Tonypandy attempting prevention of worker congregation. Families joined the men in their fight and riots ensued. The miners went on strike for a month, but eventually returned to work after accepting the minor pay raise.
Tonypandy eventually grew as a centre for commerce and culture. The community developed the first free library over an existing furniture store. By 1915, Tonypandy had a church, elementary and secondary schools. The town constructed the Empire Theatre and the Theatre Royal, which flourished. In 1923, Tonypandy introduced the Methodist Central Hall, which contained two theatres having 500 and 1000 seats. The facility also had suites of rooms. The town police station opened in 1926 and had a staff of 13 officers.
Activities and Attractions
The Rhondda valley where Tonypandy lies offers breathtaking views. Heather covered hills and thick, steep forests surround the community. The Pen Pych Walk ventures through the valley to the tabletop Pen Pych mountain providing spectacular views of the area.
The Penrhys climb over 1,000 feet over the Rhondda valley and feature the Our Lady of Penrhys statue. The monument marks the location of an ancient chapel and medieval holy well. Up until the 1500s, many people considered the destination one of the more important pilgrimage sites in Wales. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the remote chapel drew multitudes for intense piety and prayer. The Welsh attribute many healing miracles to the natural spring well that rises from the western slope. Accessing the well involves travelling a narrow path to the statue.
Climbing Mynydd y Gelli, north west of the community, visitors encounter the Iron Age site known as Hen Dre’r Gelli. The location also contains a number of Bronze Age cairns.
Today, Tonypandy is best known for having the largest shopping centre in the valley. Brand name and independent boutiques and shops line the streets of the pedestrianised area. Strolling along the canopied streets visitors come upon various sculptures remembering the mining industry. The Lady of the Lamp statue commemorates the Scottish founder and owner of the Cambrian Colleries.
Tonypandy provides visitors with the opportunity of taking a self-guided heritage trail walk around town. The path stops at historical sites that honour the events, people and places that contributed to the legacy of Tonypandy.
Places to Stay and Dining
Tonypandy lodging facilities include rural bed and breakfast or self-catering accommodations. The destinations provide the privacy and independence sometimes lacking in larger intercity hotels. Many family owned operations go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.
Visitors enjoy a hearty Sunday dinner everyday at the Toby Carvery. Choose from tenderly cooked beef, gammon or turkey followed by vegetables of choice and round off the plate with gravies, puddings or stuffing. Accompany the meal with a preferred beverage and end with a sinfully delicious dessert.
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