the encyclopedic entry of Cowbridge

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Cowbridge

Cowbridge (Y Bont-faen) is a market town in the Vale of Glamorgan in Wales. It is twinned with Clisson, France.

History

Roman times

The town's origins appear to be Roman and many remains of a settlement of that era have been found during archaeological excavations. It is identified by some scholars as the site of the Roman fort of 'Bovium', partly because of its name of the present town. However other scholars believe this was Boverton (which is recorded as 'Bovium' in medieval Latin). Llantwit Major and Swansea Museum support this latter theory. The town's Welsh name, Y Bont-faen, means literally 'the stone bridge'. The river Thaw or Ddawan flows through the town.

Middle Ages

The town centre is still arranged on its medieval plan, with one long street divided into "burgage plots". It is one of very few medieval walled towns in Wales, and substantial portions of the walls, together with the south gate, are still standing. On 13 March 1254, Cowbridge received its first borough charter from Richard de Clare, the Lord of Glamorgan. Richard de Clare was one of the most powerful Barons of the day, having huge estates stretching across much of South Wales and also lands in southern and eastern England.

From 1243 de Clare was actively extending his authority in Glamorgan; in 1245 he seized the manors of Llanblethian and Talyfan from Richard Siward, and the lordships of Miskin and Glynrhondda from Hywel ap Maredudd. In Llanblethian he founded the town of Cowbridge and in Miskin he founded the castle and town of Llantrisant. The largely medieval church of the Holy Cross was initially a chapel of ease to the parish church at Llanblethian. In 1307 Earl Gilbert de Clare, grandson of Richard de Clare, began work on the stone fortifications of St Quintins Castle in Llanblethian.

Owain Glyndwr

The Battle of Stalling Down was fought nearby when the large English army of King Henry IV of England met with a combined force of French and Welsh soldiers of Glyndwr in 1403.

Georgian times

The 18th century antiquary, Iolo Morganwg, inventor of the present-day rituals of the National Eisteddfod of Wales kept a bookshop in the High Street, the location of which is now marked with a plaque inscribed with the words 'Y Gwir yn erbyn y Byd' in Welsh and ogham script. It was just outside the town that he held the first meeting of the Gorsedd, an assembly of bards, in 1795. Cowbridge Grammar School was founded in 1608 and had close links with Jesus College, Oxford through its later benefactor, Dr Leoline Jenkins. Its famous pupils included the poet, Alun Lewis, and the actor, Sir Anthony Hopkins. The old grammar school eventually became a comprehensive school, and the original buildings, having for some time lain derelict, are about to undergo refurbishment for an alternative use.

Notable buildings

Cowbridge Museum is located in the town hall, a building dating back perhaps as far as the Elizabethan era, which served as a prison until 1830, when it was converted to replace the former Guild Hall, demolished at that date. The main street contains a number of Georgian houses, including the former town houses of important local families such as the Edmondes and Carnes. The Carnes town house is known as Great House, a Grade 2* listed property of Medieval origin.

Modern Times

Cowbridge contains the following inns: the Bear Hotel, the Horse and Groom, the Edmondes Arms, the Duke of Wellington and the Vale of Glamorgan. The last-named is located at the premises of the former Vale of Glamorgan Brewery.

Closely attached to the town of Cowbridge is the village of Aberthin. Aberthin contains the following inns; The Hare and Hounds and The Farmers Arms

Schools

Cowbridge Comprehensive School with approximately 1300 pupils, is one of the best performing secondary schools in Wales. There are three sites of the school with Lower School being in the south-west of the town and Middle School and Sixth Form in the north-east.