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Merthyr Tydfil: Local History Resources

 Both a Welsh town and the county borough in which it is located, Merthyr Tydfil is named after the 5th-century Welsh Christian princess, Tydfil the Martyr, who was slain by pagans. Once home to an iron industry and a slum settlement where most families lived in one small room, today the valley town is home to almost 45,000 people and known for a long list of notable people born there.

Facebook Groups And Pages

Facebook pages and groups are a great way to share memories, information, old photos and learn more about the past history of the area's people and places.

  • Glamorgan Family History Society Public Group
  • Jones Family Tree Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, South Wales Glamorgan
  • Merthyr Tydfil Historical Society
  • Merthyr Tydfil to Abercynon photos
  • Old Merthyr Tydfil .com
  • Oral History of Popular Music in Merthyr Tydfil
  • The History of Wales
  • Wales Past and Present

Glamorgan Archives

The extensive historic records relating to the area's past people and places are found at the Glamorgan Archives. 

In addition, the National Library of Wales holds information about the county and some of its families.


Merthyr Tydfil Digital Archive

The Merthyr Tydfil Digital Archive is a group set up to digitize, catalogue and preserve the photographic history of the town.

Merthyr Tydfil Historical Society

Dedicated to educating the public about the local history and architecture of the town, the Merthyr Tydfil Historical Society normally holds regular meetings. 

Please note that this charity does not focus on family history matters.

Glamorgan Family History Society

The Glamorgan Family History Society is the focal point for family historians researching their genealogy in a number of Welsh counties including Merthyr Tydfil.

Museums in Merthyr Tydfil

Cyfarthfa Castle

Cyfarthfa Castle was built as a castellated mansion, completed in 1824. Today it’s home to a museum, art gallery, exhibition space, parkland and a miniature steam railway run by Merthyr Tydfil Model Engineering Society since 1987.

Joseph Parry's Cottage

Birthplace of the composer Joseph Parry, the cottage on the north-western edge of the town was built in the 1820s to house workers at the the former Cyfarthfa Ironworks.

In the 1970s, the entire row of cottages was marked for demolition. Thankfully the buildings were saved and renovated. Today, visitors can enjoy a museum dedicated to the life and work of Joseph Parry, and learn about the conditions of 19th century life in the town. 

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Location: Merthyr Tydfil CF48, UK

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