the encyclopedic entry of Tonyrefail

Tonyrefail

Tonyrefail is a village in the county borough of Rhondda Cynon Taff, Wales. It is situated four miles north-west of Llantrisant below the Rhondda Valley and at the head of the Ely Valley. Historically the site of a rural hamlet, it evolved in an industrial village during the second half of the 19th century, when coal and steel became synonymous with South Wales.

History

Early records show Tonyrefail to be a dairy-farming and livestock-raising area, and many early farmhouses still exist in some form today. This was in stark contrast to the nearby valleys, that were forced to adopt arable and sheep farming activities due to their hilly geography. Early industrialisation began in the late 18th century around a corn mill and woollen factory, but it wasn't until deep coalmining began that employment grew on a large scale. At its peak Coedely Colliery employed nearly 1800 men which not only changed the face of Tonyrefial, but also created the establishment of nearby colliery settlements such as Coedely, Thomastown and Bryngolau. It was once a busy town serving the communities of Coedely, Trebanog, Gilfach Goch and Tonyrefail itself. These days though it is a quiet residential town.

Buildings of note

One of the most notable buildings in Tonyrefial is Collenna House, a three story mansion originally built in 1093, which overlooks the village. The house is believed to have been built by the Welsh noble, Einion ap Collwyn who after a dispute with Iestyn ab Gwrgant, married Iestyn's only daughter, Nest. The two are said to have set up home at Collenna House and it was around this time that they founded the old Church of St. John. Collena House would eventually become home to the Prichard family, who trace their line back to the house's original Norman occupants. One of the more notable members of the Pritchard family, who would eventually die at Collenna house, was Reverend Richard Prichard, Vicar of Llandaff. His son, John Prichard was a reknowned Welsh architect who was responsible for restoration work at Llandaff Cathedral and many other local churches.