Location
From it's humble beginnings as a small village, Merthyr Tydfil grew to become the iron capital of the world during the industrial revolution.
A few facts of interest - Did you know?
- Welsh steam coal was first imported to England from Merthyr Tydfil.
- The first ever passenger railway journey took place here in Merthyr Tydfil in 1804.
- The first Bessemer Steel was manufactured here in Merthyr Tydfil.
- The first ever independent Labour MP, Keir Hardie, was elected in Merthyr Tydfil.
- Merthyr Tydfil, therefore, has a great industrial and cultural history which can be researched further at Cyfarthfa Castle Museum, a mere 5 minute car journey from the Castle Hotel.
- The building, a former home of Robert Crawshay (the notorious iron and steel magnate of the industrial age), houses a fascinating insight into Merthyr's great past, including the historic 'Merthyr Rising' of 1831.
The 'Merthyr Rising' took place on the site of the old Castle Hotel, when soldiers marched from Brecon to put down the rising led by Dic Penderyn, who was eventually hanged for his part in the Merthyr Riots. A large crowd had gathered on the site, and Lewis Lewis confronted the crowd shouting "Boys, take away their guns". It is impossible to say exactly what happened next, but a large rebellious crowd had gathered outside the inn, fighting for their rights. Then, to everyone's horror, came the terrible command to fire on the crowd, as the crowd rushed forward onto the soldiers. This event witnessed the first working-class revolt in Welsh history, taking place close to the Castle Hotel.
Many local sites remain today, and the town centre library (situated close to the Castle Hotel), is a great place to start a historic trip back through the years.
Let's not dwell on the past, even though our town's history is remarkable. Throughout time, the industrial landscape of Merthyr, cut out of steel and coal, has moved forward in time, and the town is now a vibrant place coming to terms with the new technology and development of the 21st century.
The Locality
The town is situated just south of the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park, a designated area of outstanding beauty, and well worth the short trip from Merthyr to Brecon. Some breathtaking scenery and views can be captured in idyllic and tranquil surroundings.
Merthyr also has many modern and well-known shops, such as Dorothy Perkins, Argos, Boots and W.H. Smiths. However, for the true shopaholic, why not take a day return trip by bus to Cardiff, the capital of the Principality, and indulge in a shopping feast in one of the UK's great shopping arenas? Cardiff lies just 20 miles south of Merthyr and is easily accessible via the A470 expressway. The city is serviced frequently throughout the day by direct bus or train link, and ample car parking is available.
Leisure Facilities
For the more energetic, a number of golf courses are within a short drive from the Castle Hotel. The nearest, the 18 hole Morlais Castle Golf Club, is set on the site of the ancient ruins of the Morlais Castle, an ancient castle built on the probable site of an Iron Age hill fort, which was abandoned in the Middle Ages. The course boasts spectacular views from all directions, and the Castle Hotel provides a buggy for its guests to use at the course.
The local leisure centre is another popular venue, with a modern gymnasium, sauna suite, squash courts, badminton and tennis courts. In short, Merthyr caters for many varied kinds of sporting enthusiasts.
