About Cwmbran

The word Cwmbran is derived from the Welsh language. “Cwm” means “valley,” and “bran” means “crow.” Therefore, the name Cwmbran translates to “Valley of the Crow.” This name likely refers to the presence of crows in the area and the town’s location in a valley of the River Afon Lwyd. The name Cwmbran was first recorded in the 16th century, but the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times.

The history of Cwmbran can be traced back to the Roman occupation of Britain, when a small settlement was established in the area. Over the centuries, the region became an important centre of industry and agriculture, with several historic buildings and landmarks still standing to this day. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Cwmbran, including details on its famous residents, landmarks, and cultural heritage.

Cwmbran is the third largest town in Wales for population, the population of Cwmbran is approximately 50,000, collectively Croesyceiliog and Llanyrafon’s population is 8,300.

Cwmbran Shopping Centre

The Cwmbran Shopping Centre is one of the largest and most popular shopping destinations in Wales. It was opened in 1967 and has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, making it a modern and vibrant retail hub.

Famous People

Several notable individuals have called the Cwmbran area home over the years include Olympic athlete Jamie Baulch and rugby player Ryan Jones.

Old Cwmbran

Old Cwmbran, also known as Cwm Bran, was a small village that predated the development of New Cwmbran.

Old Cwmbran was originally a farming community that grew up around the Llantarnam Abbey estate. The village remained small and isolated for many centuries, and it was not until the 19th century that it began to grow in size and importance. This was due in part to the construction of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, which passed through the village, and the subsequent development of the lime kilns at Ty Coch.

The lime kilns at Ty Coch were established in the early 19th century, and they quickly became a major source of employment for the people of Old Cwmbran. The lime produced by the kilns was used for a variety of purposes, including agriculture, building construction, and the production of lime mortar. The lime kilns continued to operate until the early 20th century, and today they are a popular tourist attraction and a reminder of the area’s industrial heritage.

In addition to the lime kilns and canals, Old Cwmbran was also home to several other small-scale industries, including farming, weaving, and pottery production. The village remained relatively isolated and rural until the mid-20th century, when the construction of the new town of Cwmbran led to its transformation into a suburban area.

Tin works, coke works and iron foundries were built in Cwmbran during the 19th Century, with some continuing into the 20th Century.

The canal played a significant role in the development of Old Cwmbran. The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, which was completed in 1794, passed through the village and provided a vital transportation link between Newport and the Brecon Beacons. The canal also facilitated the development of the lime kilns at Ty Coch and helped to connect the village to the wider industrial network of South Wales.

Overall, the history of Old Cwmbran is closely tied to the development of the canals and lime kilns in the area, and it provides a fascinating glimpse into the industrial heritage of South Wales.

Llantarnam Abbey

Llantarnam Abbey is a former Cistercian monastery located in Cwmbran, Wales. The abbey was founded in 1179 by the Welsh nobleman, William de Braose, who invited monks from the abbey of Savigny in France to establish a new foundation in Wales.

The abbey quickly became an important religious and cultural center, and played a significant role in the development of the local area. The monks were involved in agriculture, and built a number of mills and other structures to support their farming activities. They also established a school, which became known for its high standard of education.

Over the centuries, Llantarnam Abbey underwent several periods of expansion and renovation. During the 14th century, the abbey was extended to include a new chapter house and cloister, and a new church was built in the 15th century. The abbey was dissolved in 1536 during the reign of Henry VIII, as part of the wider dissolution of the monasteries. In 1946 it became again a monastic institution, in the hands of the Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy.

Llanyrafon Manor

Another significant historic site in Cwmbran is Llanyrafon Manor, a 16th-century manor house that was built on the site of an earlier medieval fortress. The manor played an important role in the region’s history, serving as a residence for local nobility and as a centre of agriculture and industry. Today, the manor is open to visitors and offers a range of educational and cultural activities.

Adjacent to the manor is Llanyrafon Mill. The 17th Century mill produced high-quality flour using traditional methods. It is one of the few surviving triple stone water mills left in the country. It is cared for by The Friends of Llanyrafon Mill and houses many historical artefacts from the area.

Llandegfedd Reservoir

Llandegfedd reservoir provides opportunity for sailing, paddle boards as well as fishing and wonderful scenic walks. Ample parking with restaurant and shop on site.

Llantarnam Grange

Llantarnam Grange is a historic building in Cwmbran that was built in the 16th century as a farmstead. Over the centuries, the building has served a range of purposes, including as a residence for local gentry and as a centre of religious education. Today, the building is used as a cultural centre and is home to a range of art and craft workshops.

Jim Crow’s Cottage

Jim Crow’s Cottage is a historic building in Cwmbran that is named after its former owner, a local farmer who lived there in the 19th century. The cottage is one of the oldest buildings in the region and is an important part of its cultural heritage. Today it is a private home.

Pilgrimage to St David’s

Cwmbran has a long history of pilgrimage, with many people travelling through the region on their way to St David’s in Pembrokeshire. The pilgrimage was an important part of Welsh culture and played a key role in the region’s religious and cultural heritage.

Medieval Pilgrimage Route to St David’s: Cwmbran was an important stop on the medieval pilgrimage route from Newport to St David’s, which was one of the most popular pilgrimages in Wales during the Middle Ages. Pilgrims would travel through Cwmbran to visit Llantarnam Abbey. The route continued westward through the Welsh countryside, passing through several other important religious sites before reaching the cathedral at St David’s. Today, many of the churches and landmarks along the pilgrimage route are still standing, and the route is popular with modern-day hikers and history enthusiasts.

Twmbarlwm

Twmbarlwm is a hill located just north of Cwmbran. It has played an important role in local history and folklore for centuries. The hill is topped by the ruins of an ancient fort, which dates back to the Iron Age. Being an ancient prominent hill fort that overlooks Cwmbran it is an important part of the region’s cultural heritage. The hill has a long history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Neolithic period, it was later used by the Romans as a signaling station. During the Middle Ages, the hill was used as a beacon to warn of impending attacks. Today, the hill is a popular destination for hikers and history enthusiasts, and the views from the summit are truly breathtaking.

Welsh mythology links Gwyddno Garanhir, a figure from Welsh mythology and folklore, while Twmbarlwm is a hill located in southeastern Wales. There are several legends and stories that connect Gwyddno Garanhir to Twmbarlwm, but their historicity is difficult to establish.

Blaen Bran and its Wooded Areas

Blaen Bran is a woodland area located on the northern edge of Cwmbran.

Blaen Bran was originally part of the Llantarnam Abbey estate, which was founded in the 12th century by the Cistercian monks. The area was used for farming and forestry for many centuries, and it remained relatively unchanged until the 20th century when the Forestry Commission began to plant large areas of conifers. Today, Blaen Bran is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, and it is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species.

In terms of Welsh named wooded areas in the region, there are several worth noting. These include:

Coed-y-Cerrig: This woodland is located to the north of Cwmbran, and it is named after the rocky outcrops that can be found throughout the area. The name translates to “Wood of the Rocks”.

Coed-y-Garn: This woodland is located to the east of Cwmbran, and it is named after the Iron Age hill fort that can be found within its boundaries. The name translates to “Wood of the Cairn”.

Coed Eva: This woodland is located to the south of Cwmbran, and it is named after the nearby district called Coed Eva. The name translates to “Eva’s Wood”.

Coed-y-Paen: This woodland is located to the west of Cwmbran. The name translates to “pine trees”.

These Welsh named wooded areas are just a few examples of the many beautiful and historic woodlands that can be found in and around Cwmbran.

Sport

Cwmbran has a long history of sporting success, particularly in football and rugby. The town’s football team, Cwmbran Town AFC, has enjoyed success at both the national and international level, while the rugby team, Cwmbran RFC, has also achieved significant victories over the years. In the past Cwmbran Stadium was known for significant athletic events.

Industry

Wales has a long history of industry, including iron and steel production, shipbuilding, and coal mining. Today, the country has a thriving tech industry, with companies such as Sony, Airbus, and General Dynamics having operations in Wales. In Cwmbran Saunders Valve is now part of Crane Process Flow Technologies Ltd opened a new world class facility in 2022. The Grange Hospital – specialist critical care centre opened in 2020. A new Police Headquarters for Gwent opened in 2022 at Llantarnam.

Nearby places of interest

Within a 20-mile radius of Cwmbran, there are several notable buildings and places of interest. These include the historic market town of Abergavenny, which is known for its picturesque architecture and vibrant cultural scene. The town is home to several historic buildings, including the 15th-century Abergavenny Castle and the 18th-century Market Hall. Other notable places of interest in the area include the Brecon Beacons National Park, which is renowned for its natural beauty and scenic walking trails. The Wye Valley from Chepstow to Monmouth is famous for its scenery. Cardiff is easily accessible by road and rail, with the Bay, theatres, museum and shops. St. Fagans which brings Welsh culture and architecture to life. Newport Transporter Bridge and Newport Medieval Boat.

Old Churches

One of the most notable historic churches within a 10-mile radius of Cwmbran is Llantarnam Abbey. Founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks, the abbey is one of the oldest and most significant religious landmarks in the area. Other historic churches in the area include St Mary’s Church in Abergavenny, which dates back to the 12th century, and St Mary’s Church in Chepstow, which was built in the 11th century and is one of the oldest churches in Wales. Newport Cathedral of St Woolos King and Confessor with Romanesque Architecture 1140 – 1160.

King Arthur

King Arthur is a legendary figure in British folklore, known for his deeds and heroism during the medieval period. His stories have been told and retold over the centuries, and his legacy continues to capture the imagination of people around the world. Although the exact location of King Arthur’s kingdom is uncertain, there are many theories and legends that suggest he may have had a connection to the Cwmbran area.
The earliest written accounts of King Arthur date back to the 9th century, with the publication of the Welsh text “Historia Brittonum.” This text tells of a warrior king named Arthur who fought against the Saxons and won many battles. Later, in the 12th century, the French writer Chrétien de Troyes wrote a series of stories that further popularized the legend of King Arthur. These stories included tales of the Knights of the Round Table, Merlin the wizard, and the quest for the Holy Grail.

Although the exact location of King Arthur’s kingdom is not known for certain, there are several theories that suggest a connection to the Cwmbran area. One theory is that King Arthur’s court was located at Caerleon, just a few miles from Cwmbran. Caerleon was an important Roman settlement and later became the site of a major Welsh fortress. It is said that King Arthur held court at Caerleon and that the Round Table was kept there.

Another theory is that King Arthur’s final battle, the Battle of Camlan, took place in the vicinity of Cwmbran. This battle was said to have been fought against Mordred, Arthur’s nephew and a rival for the throne. The exact location of the battle is uncertain, but some believe it may have taken place in the nearby mountains or at the site of an old Roman fort.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding King Arthur’s connection to the Cwmbran area, his legend continues to be an important part of Welsh and British folklore. His stories have inspired countless books, movies, and TV shows, and his legacy remains strong to this day. Whether or not King Arthur actually existed, his tales of bravery, honour, and loyalty continue to capture the hearts and imaginations of people around the world.