Editing Pontypridd

{{Short description|Town in Wales}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox UK place
|coordinates = {{coord|51.602|-3.342|display=inline,title}}
|static_image_name = <!-- images and maps  -----------> {{multiple image
| border                   = infobox
| perrow            = 1/2/2/2/2
| total_width       = 250
| image1 = The Old Bridge, Pontypridd.jpg
| image2 = St. David's Foundation Hospice Care charity shop, Pontypridd - geograph.org.uk - 3437751.jpg
| image3 = Evan James and James James Statue (Close Up), Ynysangharad Park - geograph.org.uk - 421725.jpg
| footer = From the top, [[Old Bridge, Pontypridd|The Old Bridge]], Town Centre, Monument to [[Evan James (poet)|Evan James]] & [[James James]] in [[Ynysangharad War Memorial Park|Ynysangharad Park]]}}
|static_image_caption = 
|country = Wales
|constituency_welsh_assembly = [[Pontypridd (Senedd constituency)|Pontypridd]],<br />[[South Wales Central (Senedd electoral region)|South Wales Central Electoral Region]]
|map_type = 
|official_name = Pontypridd
|population = 31,206
|population_ref = (2021)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/uk/wales/rhondda_cynon_taf/W38000081__pontypridd/ |title=Pontypridd (Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales / Cymru, United Kingdom) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map, Location, Weather and Web Information |website=Citypopulation.de}}</ref>
|community_wales = Pontypridd Town
|unitary_wales = [[Rhondda Cynon Taf]]
|lieutenancy_wales = [[Mid Glamorgan]]
|constituency_westminster = [[Pontypridd (UK Parliament constituency)|Pontypridd]]
|post_town = PONTYPRIDD
|postcode_district = CF37
|postcode_area = CF
|dial_code = 01443
|os_grid_reference = ST075895
| module=  {{Collapsible list
| framestyle=border:none;text-align:center; padding:0; |title=Community map
|1=[[File:2024 Wales Rhondda Cynon Taf Community Pontypridd Town map.svg|240px]]<br />Map of the community
}}
}}
'''Pontypridd''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|p|ɒ|n|t|ɪ|ˈ|p|r|iː|ð}} {{respell|PON|tih|PREEDH}},<ref>{{cite Collins Dictionary|Pontypridd}}</ref> {{IPA|cy|ˌpɔntəˈpriːð|lang}}), [[Colloquialism|colloquially]] referred to as ''Ponty'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lido Ponty {{!}} Outdoor Swimming in Pontypridd, South Wales |url=https://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Resident/SportsandLeisure/Lido/Home.aspx |access-date=2022-07-10 |website=www.rctcbc.gov.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=http://www.ponty.net/ |access-date=2022-07-10 |website=Pontypridd-RFC |language=en-GB}}</ref> is a town and a [[Community (Wales)|community]] in [[Rhondda Cynon Taf]], [[South Wales]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rhondda Cynon Taf Local Development Plan |url=http://www.cartogold.co.uk/rhondda/text/06_sa_policies.html |website=Cartogold.co.uk |date=2007-12-07 |access-date=2016-02-21 |last=CHK}}</ref> approximately 10 miles north west of [[Cardiff]] city centre.

==Geography==
Pontypridd comprises the electoral wards of [[Cilfynydd]], [[Glyncoch]], [[Graig Pontypridd|Graig]], [[Hawthorn, Glamorgan|Hawthorn]], Pontypridd Town, 'Rhondda', [[Rhydyfelin]] Central/Ilan, Trallwng ([[Trallwn Pontypridd|Trallwn]]) and [[Treforest]]. The town mainly falls within the [[Pontypridd (Senedd constituency)|Senedd]] and [[Pontypridd (UK Parliament constituency)|UK parliamentary]] constituency by the same name, although the Cilfynydd and Glyncoch wards fall within the [[Cynon Valley (Senedd constituency)|Cynon Valley Senedd constituency]] and the [[Cynon Valley (UK Parliament constituency)|Cynon Valley UK parliamentary constituency]]. This change was effective for the [[2007 National Assembly for Wales election|2007 Welsh Assembly election]], and for the [[2010 United Kingdom general election|2010 UK General Election]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2006/1041/schedule/1/made |title=The Parliamentary Constituencies and Assembly Electoral Regions (Wales) Order 2006, Schedule 1 |website=Legislation.gov.uk |access-date=2021-09-02}}</ref>

The town sits at the junction of the [[Rhondda Valley|Rhondda]] and [[Taff Valley|Taff]] valleys, where the [[River Rhondda]] flows into the Taff just south of the town at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.<ref>''The Welsh Academy Encyclopaedia of Wales''. [[John Davies (historian)|John Davies]], [[Nigel Jenkins]], Menna Baines and Peredur Lynch (2008) pg692 {{ISBN|978-0-7083-1953-6}}</ref> Pontypridd community recorded a population of about 32,700 in the [[2011 United Kingdom census|2011 census]] figures.<ref>The urban area with nearby communities has about 55,000 inhabitants. [http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/census2001/ks_ua_ew_part1.pdf] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226224626/http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/census2001/ks_ua_ew_part1.pdf|date=26 February 2008}}</ref> while Pontypridd Town ward itself was recorded as having a population of 2,919 also as of 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=3&b=5939138&c=Pontypridd&d=14&e=16&g=419433&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1214338952796&enc=1 |title=Office of National Statistics |access-date=24 June 2008 |archive-date=5 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005042549/http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=3&b=5939138&c=Pontypridd&d=14&e=16&g=419433&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1214338952796&enc=1 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The town lies alongside the north–south dual carriageway [[A470 road|A470]] between Cardiff and Merthyr Tydfil. The A4054, running north and south of the town, was the former main road, and like the A470, follows the [[River Taff|Taff Valley]]. South of the town is the A473 for [[Llantrisant]] and [[Pencoed]]. To the west is the A4058, which follows the [[River Rhondda]] to [[Porth]] and the [[Rhondda Valley]] beyond.

==History==
===Etymology===
The name Pontypridd derives from the name {{lang|cy|Pont y tŷ pridd}}, [[Welsh language|Welsh]] for "bridge by the earthen house", referring singly to successive wooden bridges that once spanned the [[River Taff]] at this point.

===Old Bridge===
Pontypridd is noted for its [[Old Bridge, Pontypridd|Old Bridge]], a stone construction across the [[River Taff]] built in 1756 by [[William Edwards (architect)|William Edwards]]. This was Edwards's fourth attempt, and at the time of construction, was the longest single-span stone [[arch bridge]] in the world. Rising {{convert|35|ft}} above the level of the river, the bridge forms a perfect segment of a circle, the [[chord (geometry)|chord]] of which is {{convert|140|ft}}. Notable features are the three holes of differing diameters through each end of the bridge, the purpose of which is to reduce weight. On completion, questions were soon raised as to the utility of the bridge, with the steepness of the design making it difficult to get horses and carts across. As a result, a new bridge, the Victoria Bridge, paid for by public subscription, was built adjacent to the old one in 1857. Pontypridd was known as Newbridge from shortly after the construction of the Old Bridge until the 1860s.
[[File:Drinking fountain, Taff St, Pontypridd.jpg|thumb|The drinking fountain in Taff St, Pontypridd, donated in 1895 by Sir Alfred Thomas, MP for East Glamorgan]]
[[File:Pontypridd New Bridge (b).jpg|thumb|[[Old Bridge, Pontypridd|Old Bridge]], dating from 1756]]

===Coal===
The history of Pontypridd is tied to the [[coal]] and [[iron]] industries; before their development Pontypridd was a hamlet of a few farmsteads, with [[Treforest]] initially becoming the main urban settlement in the area. Sited at the junction of three valleys, it became an important location for transporting coal from the Rhondda and iron from [[Merthyr Tydfil]], first by the [[Glamorganshire Canal]], and later by the [[Taff Vale Railway]], to the ports at [[Cardiff]], [[Barry, Vale of Glamorgan|Barry]] and [[Newport, Wales|Newport]]. Its role in coal transport lengthened its railway platform, which is thought to have once been the longest in the world in its heyday.<ref>Huw Williams, 1981. ''Pontypridd: Essays on the History of an Industrial Community''. University College, Department of Extra-Mural Studies.</ref> Pontypridd in the second half of the 19th century was a hive of industry, once nicknamed the "[[Wild West]]".<ref>Lucy Ellis, 2009. ''Tom Jones Close Up''. 0711975493</ref> There were several collieries within the Pontypridd area itself, including:
[[File:Pontypridd Railway Station 1910s.jpg|thumb|right|Tonypandy & Trealaw railway station during an early 1910s coal strike]]
[[File:The Pontypridd Chronicle Jan 15 1881.jpg|thumb|Front page of the earliest surviving copy of the Welsh newspaper ''The Pontypridd Chronicle''; 15 January 1881]]
*[[Albion Colliery|Albion Colliery, Cilfynydd]]
*Bodwenarth Colliery, Pontsionnorton
*Daren Ddu Colliery, Graigwen & Glyncoch
*Dynea Colliery, Rhydyfelen
*Gelli-whion Colliery, Graig
*Great Western/Gyfeillion Colliery, Hopkinstown
*Lan Colliery, Hopkinstown
*Newbridge Colliery, Graig
*Pen-y-rhiw Colliery, Graig
*Pontypridd/Maritime Collieries, Graig & Maesycoed
*Pwllgwaun Colliery/'Dan's Muck Hole', Pwllgwaun
*Red Ash Colliery, Cilfynydd
*Ty-Mawr Colliery, Hopkinstown & Pantygraigwen
*Typica Colliery, Hopkinstown & Pantygraigwen, and
*Victoria Colliery, Maesycoed

As well as deep-mined collieries, there were many coal levels and trial shafts dug into the hillsides overlooking the town from Cilfynydd, Graig, Graigwen and [[Trehafod|Hafod]]. The Albion Colliery in the village of Cilfynydd in 1894 underwent one of the worst explosions in the South Wales coalfield, with the death of 290 colliers (see [[Keir Hardie]]).

===Iron and steel===
Other instrumental industries in Pontypridd were the [[Brown Lenox & Co Ltd|Brown Lenox]]/Newbridge Chain & Anchor Works south-east of the town, and [[Crawshay]]'s Forest Iron, Steel & Tin Plate Works and the Taff Vale Iron Works, both in Treforest near the now [[University of South Wales]].

===Buildings===
The town has a hospital, [[Dewi Sant Hospital]] and acts as the [[headquarters]] of [[Transport for Wales Rail]] at Llys Cadwyn.

==Government==
[[File:Municipal Buildings, Pontypridd - geograph.org.uk - 4260756.jpg|thumb|[[Pontypridd Municipal Buildings]]]]
[[Pontypridd Urban District Council]] operated from 1894 to 1974, when it was incorporated into [[Taff Ely Borough Council]]. That in turn came under the unitary [[Rhondda Cynon Taf]] Council in 1996. Pontypridd Town Council functions as a community council. [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]] is the dominant political force and has been since the First World War. The community elects 23 town councillors from 11 community wards: [[Cilfynydd]], Glyncoch, [[Graig, Pontypridd|Graig]], [[Hawthorn, Rhondda Cynon Taf|Hawthorn]], Ilan, Pontypridd, [[Rhondda (Pontypridd electoral ward)|Rhondda]], Rhydfelen Central, Rhydfelen Lower, Trallwng and Treforest.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2016/1156/pdfs/wsi_20161156_mi.pdf |title=The Rhondda Cynon Taf (Communities) Order 2016 |website=Legislation.gov.uk |access-date=1 April 2018}}</ref> [[Pontypridd Municipal Buildings]] was completed in 1904.<ref>{{NHAW|desc= Pontypridd Municipal Buildings |num=13532|access-date=4 December 2024}}</ref>

==Pontypridd community==
[[File:Cilfynydd Commercial Hotel.jpg|right|thumb|The Cilfynydd Commercial Hotel in [[Cilfynydd]]]]
[[File:St David's Church, Hopkinstown.jpg|right|thumb|St. David's Church in [[Hopkinstown]] (closed Feb 2022)<ref>{{cite web|title=Meet the Team|url=https://www.pontypriddministryarea.org.uk/meet-the-team.html|website= Pontypridd Ministry Area|accessdate=28 July 2022| archive-date=28 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728165856/https://www.pontypriddministryarea.org.uk/meet-the-team.html/|url-status=dead}}</ref>]] 

Pontypridd community comprises the town centre itself, with the following key villages/settlements:
*[[Cilfynydd]]
*[[Coedpenmaen]] (Coed-Pen-Maen)
*[[Glyntaff]]
*[[Glyncoch]]
*[[Graig Pontypridd|Graig]]
*[[Graigwen]] & Pantygraigwen
*[[Hawthorn, Glamorgan|Hawthorn]]
*[[Hopkinstown]]
*[[Maesycoed]]
*[[Pen-y-coedcae]]
*[[Pontsionnorton]] (Pont Sion Norton)
*[[Pwllgwaun]]
*[[Rhydyfelin]]
*[[Trallwn Pontypridd|Trallwn]] (Trallwng)
*[[Treforest]]
*[[Upper Boat]]
 
Pontypridd serves as the postal town for the community of [[Llantwit Fardre]] under the CF38 postcode district, although the area is not considered part of Pontypridd.

==Transport links==
Pontypridd came into being because of transport, as it was on the [[Droving|drovers']] route from the south Wales coast and the [[Bristol Channel]], to Merthyr, and onwards into the hills of [[Brecon]]. Although initial expansion in the valleys occurred at Treforest due to the slower speed of the River Taff at that point, the establishment of better bridge building meant a natural flow of power to Pontypridd.

===Railway===
{{Main|Pontypridd railway station}}
[[File:Pontypridd railway station.jpg|thumb|left|Railway station]]
The establishment of Pontypridd over Treforest was finally confirmed with the building of the [[Glamorganshire Canal]] to serve the coalmines of the Rhondda Valley. However, the volumes of coal extraction soon led to construction of the [[Taff Vale Railway]], which at its peak meant a train passed through [[Pontypridd railway station]] (including the freight lines immediately to its west) every two or three minutes.<ref>"Pontypridd and The Taff Vale Railway", E. Mountford, in ''The Railway and Industrial Heritage of Pontypridd & District'' p. 16, 1985, Taff-Ely BC.</ref> The station was originally built as a long single island, at one point the world's longest platform, a reflection of both the narrow available geography of the steep valley side and the need to accommodate many converging railways lines at what became the 19th-century hub of the valleys.

Due to the restrictive geography, only parcels and mail were handled at Pontypridd. Heavy freight went to {{Stnlnk|Treforest}}. The station today is operated by [[Transport for Wales Rail|Transport for Wales]], which is headquartered in the town. It reflects the fewer destinations served since the [[Beeching cuts|Beeching]] and earlier cuts, with one up (valley) platform, one down (through) platform, a down bay platform (opened in December 2014), and one passing loop.

===Trams, trolleybuses, and buses===
A [[tram]] service began on 6 March 1905 from [[Cilfynydd]] through Pontypridd to Treforest. It gave way on 18 September 1930 to [[trolleybuses]], which on 31 January 1957 were replaced by buses following the same route.

==Education==
[[File:Glamorgan Business School.jpg|thumb|right|Glamorgan Business School (university)]]
*Pontypridd County Intermediate and Technical School was built in 1895 as a co-educational school in Tyfica Road, later becoming Pontypridd County Grammar School for Boys. In 1973, it became the Coedylan Comprehensive School, and is now the [[Pontypridd High School]] in [[Cilfynydd]] on the west side of the [[A4054 road|A4054]].
*[[Hawthorn High School (Pontypridd)|Hawthorn High School]] is near the [[A4054 road|A4054]] in [[Hawthorn, Rhondda Cynon Taf|Hawthorn]] (south-east of the town)
*Pontypridd Grammar School for Girls was on Glyntaff Road in [[Glyntaff]].
*[[Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School]] is on Penycoedcae Road in [[Beddau]].
*[[Cardinal Newman RC School]] is on Dynea Road in [[Rhydyfelin]].
*[[Ysgol Garth Olwg]] is on the A473 in [[Church Village]] (south of the town).
*The [[University of South Wales]] is in [[Treforest]] (south of the town), next to the [[A473 road|A473]].

==Entertainment and social history==
===Sport and recreation===
[[File:Sardis Road Rugby Ground, Pontypridd - Geograph-3442821-by-Jaggery.jpg|thumb|Sardis Road rugby ground]]
[[File:Paddling pool, Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd.jpg|thumb|The former paddling pool in Ynysangharad Park, now removed]]
[[File:PitchAndPuttGolfPontypriddPark.jpg|thumb|The pitch and putt golf course in Ynysangharad Park, now removed]]
[[File:BandstandPontypriddPark.jpg|thumb|The bandstand in Ynysangharad Park]]
*[[Ysangharad War Memorial|Ynysangharad War Memorial]] Park, opened by [[Edmund Allenby, 1st Viscount Allenby|Field Marshal Viscount Allenby]] on 6 August 1923, features a [[bandstand]], [[basketball courts]], a dog exercise area, a lido swimming pool (dubbed the National Lido of Wales), [[tennis courts]], [[lawn bowls]] greens, a [[football pitch]], a [[cricket pitch]], and memorials to the war dead of Pontypridd and to the composers of [[Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau|the Welsh national anthem]]. It has also hosted festivals and music concerts, including the annual Ponty's Big Weekend festival.
*Pontypridd hosts [[Pontypridd RFC|Pontypridd Rugby Football Club]], one of Wales's notable [[rugby union]] clubs, with a successful junior rugby and age-grade sections. It frequently contribute players to [[Wales national rugby union team|the national team]]. Formed in 1876,<ref>''Fields of Praise, The Official History of the Welsh Rugby Union 1881–1981'', David Smith, Gareth Williams (1980), 26 pp.</ref> Pontypridd RFC play in the [[Welsh Premier Division|Principality Premiership]], [[WRU Challenge Cup|SWALEC Cup]] and the [[British and Irish Cup]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ponty.net/british-and-irish-cup-draw-announced |title=British and Irish Cup draw announced &#124; Club News &#124; News & Views |website=Ponty.net |date=2013-05-13 |access-date=2013-05-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304223329/http://www.ponty.net/british-and-irish-cup-draw-announced |archive-date=4 March 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Pontypridd RFC plays home games at [[Sardis Road]], with its junior section playing at [[Taff Vale Park]] and Pontypridd High School Fields, Cilfynydd.
*[[Pontypridd United F.C.]] is a Welsh [[football (soccer)|football]] club which currently plays in the [[Cymru South]], the second tier of the [[Welsh football league system]].
*[[Motorcycle speedway|Speedway]] racing was staged at [[Taff Vale Park]] in the town's Broadway area in 1929/1930.
*Pontypridd Bowls Club plays in the top division in the Cynon Valley, Mid Glamorgan and the Cardiff League, having been promoted in all three divisions after the 2009 season. Home games are played at Ynysangharad Park.

===Media===
*[[GTFM]] is the local [[Community radio in the United Kingdom|community radio station]] based in Pontypridd and broadcasts on 107.9FM to the town and the surrounding areas of Rhondda Cynon Taf.<ref>{{cite web |title=About GTFM |url=https://www.gtfm.co.uk/about/ |website=GTFM |access-date=26 April 2023}}</ref> Its studios are based in Rhydyfelin, near Cardinal Newman School. 

*Pontypridd is also served by several [[Independent Local Radio]] stations: [[Capital South Wales]], [[Heart South Wales]] and [[Nation Radio Wales]].

*The ''Pontypridd and Llantrisant Observer''<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/2000localinfo/pontypriddobserver/ |title=WalesOnline: News, sport, weather and events from across Wales |website=icWales |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061020015729/http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/2000localinfo/pontypriddobserver/ |archive-date=20 October 2006}}</ref> is the local weekly newspaper.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pontypridd and Llantrisant Observer |url=https://www.reachsolutions.co.uk/brands/pontypridd-llantrisant-observer |website=Reach Solutions}}</ref>

===Culture===
[[File:JamesJamesEvanJamesMemorialPontypriddPark.jpg|thumb|A memorial in Ynysangharad Park to Evan James and James James, composers of the Welsh national anthem]]
*The Welsh [[national anthem]] [[Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau]] ('The Land of my Fathers') was composed in Pontypridd by local poets/musicians [[Evan James (poet)|Evan James]] and [[James James]]. 
*Pontypridd was home to the eccentric [[William Price (doctor)|Dr William Price]] who performed the first modern cremation in the United Kingdom.
*Pontypridd hosted the [[National Eisteddfod]] in 1893 and also hosted the 2024 Eisteddfod.
*[[Côr Meibion Pontypridd]] (Pontypridd Male Voice Choir)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.malechoir.com/index.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=6 October 2007 |archive-date=8 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070808144825/http://www.malechoir.com/index.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*Pontypridd holds the [[Welsh Poetry Competition]], the biggest of its kind in Wales.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.welshpoetry.co.uk/ |title=Home – Poetry Competition |website=Welshpoetry.co.uk |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111190611/https://www.welshpoetry.co.uk/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*The singer [[Tom Jones (singer)|Tom Jones]] was born in Treforest and often mentions his home town in interviews.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tomjones.com/news/index.aspx?newsid=32 |title=Tom Jones |date=13 November 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061113032502/http://www.tomjones.com/news/index.aspx?newsid=32 |access-date=11 January 2022|archive-date=13 November 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/4588611.stm |work=BBC News |title=Home town welcomes back Tom Jones |date=28 May 2005 |access-date=22 May 2010}}</ref> He headlined in a 65th birthday concert at the town's Ynysangharad Park.
*The [[Pontypridd Market and Town Hall]] contained an auditorium, latterly known as the Town Hall Theatre, which closed in 1982.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://wsa-ondisplay.co.uk/2020/category/undergraduate/year-2/pontypridd-performance-space/  |title=Pontypridd Performance Space| publisher= Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University  |access-date=3 December 2024}}</ref>

===In popular culture===
*The name of the fictional Welsh town of Pontypandy, where children's television programme ''[[Fireman Sam]]'' is set, is a [[portmanteau]] of Pontypridd and [[Tonypandy]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/arts/sites/themes/children/fireman_sam.shtml |title=Wales – Arts – Children – Fireman Sam |publisher=BBC |date=2009-02-11 |access-date=2013-05-23}}</ref>
*The Welsh TV show ''[[Belonging (TV series)|Belonging]]'' was shot in Pontypridd.
*The [[BBC]]'s ''[[Doctor Who]]'' and ''[[Torchwood]]'' have been filmed at locations in and around Pontypridd, such as at the ''Market Tavern'', a pub in Market Street, and the Lido in [[Ysangharad War Memorial|Ynysangharad]] Park. Other locations include Treforest, Hawthorn, Graigwen, Upper Boat, Trallwng, and [[Ynysybwl]].

===Twinning===
Pontypridd is [[Sister city|twinned]] with [[Nürtingen]], [[Baden-Württemberg]], Germany. Initial contact was made between them in 1965, with a visit by [[Côr Meibion Pontypridd]] Welsh male voice [[Choir]] to a choir called {{lang|de|italic=no|Liederkranz}} ("Coronet of Songs") based in the Oberensingen area of Nürtingen. The visit was returned a year later. Reciprocal choir visits have continued and the partnership prompted Pontypridd Urban District Council to join with Nürtingen in formal twinning relations, under an agreement signed in July 1968 by John Cheesman, Chairman of Pontypridd UDC, and Karl Gonser, Mayor of Nürtingen.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk/EN/LeisureLibrariesCulture/TourismandTravel/Towntwinning/HistoryOfTownTwinning.aspx |title=The History of Twinning in Rhondda Cynon Taf |date=31 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831103311/http://www.rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk/EN/LeisureLibrariesCulture/TourismandTravel/Towntwinning/HistoryOfTownTwinning.aspx |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-date=31 August 2012}}</ref>

Pontypridd is twinned with [[Mbale]], Uganda, since an official twinning ceremony in 2005, following links by local churches and health-care workers under the charitable Partnerships Overseas Networking Trust.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://pont-mbale.org.uk/main/en/faqs/214-faq6 |title=Q: Are Pontypridd and Rhondda Cynon Taf really twinned with places in Uganda? |date=2 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402021356/http://pont-mbale.org.uk/main/en/faqs/214-faq6 |access-date=11 January 2022|archive-date=2 April 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://pont-mbale.org.uk/main/en/overview/background |title=Background |date=1 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501230356/http://pont-mbale.org.uk/main/en/overview/background |access-date=11 January 2022|archive-date=1 May 2012}}</ref>

==Notable people==
:''See [[:Category:People from Pontypridd]]''
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their OWN article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->
*[[Robert Bye]] (1889–1962), recipient of the [[Victoria Cross]] in [[World War I]]
*[[Stuart Burrows]] (born 1933), opera singer, born in [[Cilfynydd]]
*[[Phil Campbell (musician)|Phil Campbell]] (born 1961) of Motörhead
*[[Climbing Trees]], indie-folk band, formed in Pontypridd in 2011.
*[[Catrin Collier]] (born 1948), novelist, had the Tŷ Catrin adult education centre in Pontypridd named in her honour in 2002.<ref name="CaA">{{Cite web |url=http://www.contactanauthor.co.uk/authorpage.php?id=220 |title=Catrin Collier |work=Contactanauthor.co.uk |access-date=2 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014173409/http://www.contactanauthor.co.uk/authorpage.php?id=220 |archive-date=14 October 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Joyce Daniel]] opened one of the country's first birth control clinics in Pontypridd in 1930.<ref>{{Cite ODNB |title=Joyce Daniel |date=2004-09-23 |url=http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/54992 |editor-last=Matthew |editor-first=H. C. G. |access-date=2023-07-19 |place=Oxford |doi=10.1093/ref:odnb/54992 |editor2-last=Harrison |editor2-first=B.}}</ref>
*[[Geraint Evans]] (1922–1992), opera singer, born in [[Cilfynydd]].
*[[Beverley Humphreys]] (born 1947), operatic and concert singer and broadcaster.
*[[Evan James (poet)|Evan James]] (1809–1878) and [[James James]] (1832–1902), writers of [[Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau]], the national anthem of Wales
*[[Alan Wayne Jones]] (born 1945), forensic toxicologist
*[[David Lloyd Jones (judge)|David Lloyd Jones]] (born 1952), [[High Court judge (England and Wales)|Judge of the High Court]] (QBD), [[Lord Justice of Appeal]], and first [[Justice of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom]] to come from Wales was educated at [[Pontypridd High School|Pontypridd Boys' Grammar School]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.supremecourt.uk/about/biographies-of-the-justices.html |title=The Supreme Court – Biographies of the Justices |website=Supremecourt.uk |language=en |access-date=2021-08-26}}</ref>
*[[Tom Jones (singer)|Tom Jones]] (born 1940), singer, was born at 57 Kingsland Terrace in village of [[Treforest]].
*[[David Kelly (weapons expert)|David Kelly]] (1944–2003), specialist in biological warfare, attended [[Pontypridd High School|Pontypridd Boys' Grammar School]].
*[[Lostprophets]], [[alternative metal]] band formed in 1997<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/ian-watkins-pontypridd-lostprophets/|title=Pontypridd Isn't Proud of Ian Watkins Any More|first=Michael|last=O'Connell-Davidson|date=23 December 2013|website=VICE|access-date=28 March 2023}}</ref>
*[[Elaine Morgan]] (1920–2013), scriptwriter and anthropologist
*[[Kimberley Nixon]] (born 1985), actress
*[[Morfydd Llwyn Owen]] (1891-1918), composer, pianist and mezzo-soprano
*[[William Price (doctor)|William Price]] (1800–1893) carried out the first cremation in the UK in modern times on [[Llantrisant]] Common.
*[[Merlyn Rees]] (born 1920), Labour Party politician
*[[Chris Slade]] (born 1946), drummer for [[AC/DC]] and [[Asia (band)|Asia]]
*[[Stephen Volk]] (born 1954), screenwriter and novelist 
*[[Tasker Watkins]] (1918–2007), [[Victoria Cross|VC]], [[Lord Justice of Appeal]], deputy Lord Chief Justice, and President of the [[Welsh Rugby Union]], was educated at [[Pontypridd High School|Pontypridd Boys' Grammar School]]
*[[Naunton Wayne]] (1901–1970), actor, born in Llanwonno
*[[Gareth Wood (composer)|Gareth Wood]] (1950-2023), composer

===Sports people===
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their OWN article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->
*[[Danny Canning]] (1926–2014), association footballer
*[[Keith Cooper]] (football referee) (born 1948), former Premier League referee
*[[Steve Cooper (football manager)|Steve Cooper]] (born 1979), professional association football manager
*[[Glyn Davies (rugby union)]] (1927-1976), Welsh international rugby player
*[[Jamie Donaldson]] (born 1975), professional golfer 
*[[Colin Gale]] (1932–2008), association footballer
*[[Harri Greville]] (born 1990), rugby league footballer
*[[John Gwilliam]] (1923–2016) Welsh international rugby player
*[[Richard Haig]] (born 1970), association footballer
*[[Cory Hill]] (born 1992) Welsh international rugby player
*[[Ceri Hughes]] (born 1971), association footballer
*[[Jenny James (swimmer)|Jenny James]] (1927–2014), first Welsh person to swim the English Channel (in 1951)
*[[Neil Jenkins]] (born 1971) Welsh international rugby player
*[[Sheila Laxon]] the first female horse trainer to win the Australian "cups double": the [[Caulfield Cup]] and [[Melbourne Cup]]
*[[Ella Lloyd]] (born 2005) Welsh racing driver
*[[Pat Mountain]] (born 1976), association footballer
*[[Kevin Morgan (rugby union)|Kevin Morgan]] (born 1977) Welsh international rugby player
*[[Michael Owen (rugby union)|Michael Owen]] (born 1980) Welsh international rugby player
*[[Richard Parks]] (born 1977) Welsh international rugby player
*[[Jason Price]] (born 1977) , association footballer
*[[Russell Robins]] (1932–2019) Welsh international rugby player
*[[Ceri Sweeney]] (born 1980) Welsh international rugby player
*[[Peter Turnbull (cricketer)|Peter Turnbull]] (born 1989), first-class cricketer
*[[Owain Warlow]] (born 1987), association footballer
*[[Freddie Welsh]] (1886–1927), world champion boxer
*[[Martyn Williams]] (born 1975) Welsh international rugby player
*[[Gareth Wyatt]] (born 1977) Welsh international rugby player

==Bibliography==
*{{Cite book |last=Tobin |first=Patrick F. |title=The Bridge and the Song, Some chapters in the story of Pontypridd|year=1991 |publisher=Mid Glamorgan County Libraries |location=Bridgend |isbn=1-872430-05-8}}

==See also==
*[[Pontypridd (UK Parliament constituency)]]
*[[Pontypridd (Senedd constituency)]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{wikivoyage|Pontypridd}}
{{External links|date=January 2022}}
*[https://www.pontypriddtowncouncil.gov.uk/ Pontypridd Town Council]: official website of Pontypridd Town Council
*[http://www.pontytown.co.uk/ Pontypridd Town website & forum]: Official Pontypridd Town website
*[http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/I?ils:1:./temp/~pp_7SHH::displayType=1:m856sd=ggbain:m856sf=10365:@@@il British strike – extra fodder for pit ponies, Pontypridd] Photo from the Library of Congress's George Grantham Bain Collection
*[http://www.gtj.org.uk/en/item1/11366 Aerial photograph of Pontypridd]
*[https://www.pontytown.co.uk/history/ The history of Pontypridd]
*[http://www.old-bus-photos.co.uk/?p=6970/ Pontypridd Trolleybus] Pontypridd trolleybus during World War II
*[http://www.welshpoetry.co.uk International Welsh Poetry Competition] International Welsh Poetry Competition based in Pontypridd
*[http://www.poetrybookawards.co.uk International Poetry Book Awards] International Poetry Book Awards based in Pontypridd
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[[Category:Pontypridd| ]]
[[Category:Towns in Rhondda Cynon Taf]]