Glynneath

Glynneath (alternatively Glyn-Neath, Welsh: Cwmnedd or Glyn-nedd), is a small town situated on the River Neath in the county borough of Neath Port Talbot, Wales (and formerly in the historic county of Glamorgan), lying on the River Neath.

Glynneath is also the name of a community and an electoral ward. The town community is slightly larger than the Glynneath ward, with some 840 members of the community resident in the neighbouring ward of Blaengwrach.

Industrialisation reached Glynneath when coal mining started in 1793, and then rapidly expanded when the Neath Canal came to the village in 1775. Many features of the old canal still survive to present time.

Glynneath is a picturesque tourist ruins area with waterfalls to the north east at Pontneathvaughan (Pontneddfechan) near the Brecon Beacons. Large parts of the rural community have been heavily forested.

Notable buildings

Glynneath is home to the ruins of Aberpergwm House, once owned by Rhys ap Siancyn, the site now houses St Cadog's Church (1809). Aberpergwm House became the home of the Williams family, Welsh gentry with a strong tradition of using the Welsh language over English. Their descendants include the last of the Welsh household bards Dafydd Nicolas and folksong collector Maria Jane Williams. The Williams' family motto a ddioddefws a orfu (He who suffers, triumphs) was adopted by Glamorgan County Council. The mansion itelf was remodelled in 1876 but is now derelict and little of note remains of the iconic building.

Sports and leisure

Glynneath once a year plays host to one of motorsports most important challenges, The World Rally Championships (formally known as the Lombard RAC rally or Rally GB). The British round of the Championship is probably the most important and toughest round of the series due to the ever changing weather conditions, is a test of man and machine. Some of the biggest names in motorsport have taken part and failed in completing the British championship.

Glynneath also has an association with Downhill mountain biking with the Welsh National Championships being held at Rheola. A huge following is now emerging within Glynneath.

Glynneath is home to Glynneath RFC a rugby union club founded in 1889.

Notable residents

Siwan Morris, actress, (Belonging, Caerdydd, Skins).
Max Boyce , comedian and singer closely linked to Welsh rugby culture.
Leslie Hardman British Army Chaplain and Rabbi who was among those who liberated Bergen-Belsen concentration camp born in the town.