Pontypridd is a town in the county borough of Rhondda Cynon Taff, south Wales.It has a population of roughly 33,000, and is situated 12 miles north of the capital city, Cardiff. It is correctly pronounced "Pont-uh-PREETHE", but is known locally as "Ponty" (pronounced "Pontee").
The name Pontypridd is from the Welsh for bridge by the earthen house; named for several wooden bridges that spanned the River Taff. Pontypridd is, however, more famous for the New Bridge, a stone bridge across the Taff built in 1756 by William Edwards. The bridge was the fourth attempted by Edwards, and at the time of construction was the longest stone-built single-arch bridge in Europe. The bridge is a perfect segment of a circle, the chord of which is 140 feet (43 m), and 35 feet (11 m) above the level of the river. Notable features are three holes of differing diameters through each end of the bridge. These were to reduce the weight of the bridge; the aesthetic nature of them was merely a bonus. However, the utility of the bridge was debatable. The steepness of the design made it difficult to get carts across it, and in 1857, a new bridge, the Victoria Bridge, was built adjacent to the old one, paid for by public subscription.
Pontypridd was known as Newbridge from shortly after the construction of the New Bridge until the 1860s.
The history of Pontypridd is closely tied to the coal and iron industries. Sited as it is at the junction of the Rhondda and Taff valleys, it became an important location for the transportation of coal from the Rhondda and iron from Merthyr Tydfil, first via the Glamorganshire Canal and later via the Taff Vale Railway, to the ports at Cardiff and Barry. Because of its role in transporting coal cargo, its train platform was at one time the longest in the world.
Today the town, which incorporates the village of Treforest, is perhaps best known as home of the University of Glamorgan which started life as a mining college.
Pontypridd boasts one of Wales' best rugby teams and frequently contributes players to the national team. It features a station called Pontypridd railway station, as well as a hospital, Dewi Sant Hospital.
The best Live Nusic Venue in Wales is also here: Clwb Y Bont home of the Roostafish promotion.
Notable people from Pontypridd include: Pontypridd hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1893.
 Trains:
Pontypridd is on the Merthyr Line
Pontypridd is on the Rhondda Line |
Pubs/Bars:
