Fascinating facts you didn’t know about the Valleys
From the venue for Tom Jones’ first gig, a Dolly Parton-inspired theme park and the man who made cremation legal, Katie-Ann Gupwell discovers surprising things in Wales’ industrial heartlands...
WHEN most people think of the Valleys they may think about its coalmining past, its close-knit communities or its rugged beauty.
But the area has some impressive as well as unusual claims to fame that might leave you gobsmacked.
From being the stomping ground of one of the internet’s forefathers to the story of how the Titanic’s distress call was first heard in Blackwood – the Valleys has contributed to history, heritage and culture more than you might realise.
THE OLD TOM’S BUILDING
Tom’s – on Wood Road in Treforest – was loved by many music fans. Perhaps, it’s more famously noted for being the place where Sir Tom Jones is believed to have first got up on stage.
Then, young Tom was paid £1 to stand in for a cancelled band on a Sunday afternoon in 1957. He did his turn, got the crowd singing and never looked back. Sadly, it shut years back and is now home to a new business but, at heart, it will always belong to our Tom.
THE FORGOTTEN WESTERN THEME PARK
The theme park was built in 1987 on the site of the former Fernhill colliery in Blaenrhondda. Western World was thought to be inspired by Dolly Parton’s Dollywood resort in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
The purpose-built Wild West town, at the foot of the Rhigos mountain, had plans for the biggest saloon bar in South Wales and 12 chalets for guests to stay in.
When it opened, there was a huge fanfare and it cost around £1m – but today only a few can even remember the cowboy-inspired theme park. Just a few weeks after opening, the site turned to tumbleweed and closed for good.
THE MEMORIAL OF A GENIUS
In Treorchy you’ll find a Blue Plaque that acknowledges the work the late Donald Davies did to enable modern computers, and the internet, to be developed. He worked alongside wartime code-breaker Alan Turing, who was also a master of computer science.
Born in the village, Mr Davies’ family initially lived in west Wales, but his father came to the Rhondda to work in the mines.
SULTAN THE PIT PONY
You’ll find Sultan, who is known to be one of the largest figurative earth sculptures in the UK, if you take a trip to Parc Penallta. The site, that was carved from a former coal tip, offers views from the High Point Observatory.
CASTELL NOS
In the forest to the east of Maerdy is all that remains of a medieval Welsh castle. Castell Nos was probably built by the Welsh lords of Meisgyn who were descendants of the last Welsh king of Glamorgan Iestyn ap Gwrgant. The hills also remained in Welsh control long after the Norman marcher lords conquered the richer land to the south.
ROCK ON PONTY
You can find some mysterious and strange looking standing stones at Pontypridd Common – the Rocking Stones.
Little is known about their origin – but they have often been linked with witchcraft or druids. And while you’re there, take a few photographs as the area has some absolutely beautiful views over Pontypridd too.
WATCHMAN’S HUT
This curious looking building was once home to the watchman – no, not a character from a horror film but a local worker who would check the mountain road to make sure it was clear of rocks and sheep.
Found on the Rhigos mountain in Rhondda Cynon Taf, the Watchman’s Hut became a popular photo opportunity for passers-by as small sculptures of discarded plastic and copper wire and colourful flowers adorned the land around the tiny hut.
It remained in use up until the 1990s – and a campaign was recently launched to restore it to its former glory.
NANTYGLO ROUND TOWERS
It’s thought this was the last private castle to be built in Britain. It was built around 1816 by the iron masters of Nantyglo Ironworks, Joseph and Crawshay Bailey.
It was created as not only a symbol of strength, but also as a defence to keep out a rioting workforce. Luckily for its occupiers, the elaborate defence system was never required during the
Chartist uprising.
Now the site is only home to the foundations of the 1811 Ty Mawr mansion. Even though the south tower lies in ruins, the north tower remains.
ANEURIN BEVAN STONES
These are the stones that mark the place where Labour MP and architect of the National Health Service, Aneurin Bevan, spoke to the world. The little area on the hillside was renowned for homing large gatherings of people who gathered to hear Mr Bevan speak.
While the central monolith stands to
represent Mr Bevan, the three smaller ones symbolise Rhymney, Tredegar and Ebbw Vale – which were the three towns in his constituency.
MORLAIS CASTLE
The site may look like something from a scene in Lord Of The Rings, but it is actually the biggest part of Morlais Castle that remains most intact. Entry is through a triangular doorway which is almost built into the floor. You’ll find the old site near Merthyr Tydfil.
THE MAN WHO RECEIVED THE TITANIC’S DISTRESS CALL
As the Titanic drastically struck an iceberg, its frantic crew scrambled to send out a mayday signal. While the dramatic and tragic scenes played out on the Atlantic Ocean, thousands of miles away a radio enthusiast in Blackwood was sat at his desk listening in.
Out of all the people in the world, Artie Moore was one of the first to hear the terrifying signal – but not many people know his story. Artie lived in a 17th-century watermill at Gelli Groes which is still there today.
THE MAN WHO WALKED AROUND LLANTRISANT NAKED – AND HELPED MAKE CREMATION LEGAL
Every town has its eccentric characters. And Llantrisant is no different. In the town centre you’ll find a statue of Chartist, druid and non-conformist Dr William Price.
He’s influential in Welsh history and is known for being one of the most unusual people to have emerged from the Victorian era. Dr Price would often shock the people in Llantrisant by going for walks naked. He also fathered a child when he was over 80 and named him Iesu Grist (Jesus Christ).
Following his son’s death, Dr Price cremated the body on an open pyre – just as chapel services were beginning to finish. The act, which harked back to Druid traditions, was seen as as pure sacrilege – and resulted in his arrest.
Dr Price was later acquitted following a trial. That decision led to the passing of the Cremation Act, which made cremation legal in Britain.
THE LAST PLACE WHERE THE FAIRIES LIVED
In the far western corner of Rhondda Cynon Taf you’ll find Craig y Ddinas. It is supposedly the last place where fairies lived – and the story goes that great treasure was hidden under the huge rock.
Legend has it that the hoard is watched over by a company of King Arthur’s knights, who will only wake up if someone attempts to steal the treasure.
A DEDICATION TO ONE OF THE FASTEST KNOWN PEOPLE
In Llanwonno you’ll find the final resting place of Guto Nyth Brân – Wales’ 18th-century answer to Mo Farrah.
The legendary runner could run from the family farm at Llwyncelyn, Porth, to Pontypridd and back before you had cuppa.
He won thousands of guineas in prize money racing during his lifetime. Tragically, he died when he was only 37 in 1737 after defeating a challenger by the name of Prince. He had recently run 12 miles in just 53 minutes.
THE MAIDEN’S LAKE
Llyn-y-forwyn, in Ferndale, is also known as the Maiden’s Lake. The story goes that the lake is the home of enchantress Nelferch, who married a human. But the mortal man broke a promise not to ask her about her past life. And when she left him, he aged suddenly and ended up destitute. It is said that her spirit still haunts the grounds to this day.
BEAUTIFUL SIGHTS
There are a few beautiful hidden gems in the Valleys – and this is one of them. When the lockdown is over, drive up the Rhondda Fawr and you will find Pen Pych. To do this you’ll need to pass both Treorchy and Treherbert, but when you get there the sights will be worth it.
You’ll be faced with a mountain that’s famous for its waterfalls that show its visitors they’ve reached the top of the Rhondda Valley.
DARE TO TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
The glorious Dare Valley Country Park in Aberdare is as breathtaking as it is beautiful. Here you’ll see amazing views of the mountain-top country park that was created over millions of years ago.
It is full of wildlife such as birds, bees, butterflies and peregrines. And if that wasn’t enough of a reason to take a few photos, the park is also known for being one of the best stargazing spots in the UK.