So there you have it - a brief history of Merthyr Tydfil, a village that became a town and then a crucible of the Industrial Revolution. Its iron, and then coal was exported all over the world. It no longer has much in the way of accolades, few traces of its past industrial glories are now visible and the town centre is modern and impressive. Go to the old town, however and you get a sense of its old pride.
The writer Alexander Cordell wrote many historical novels set in Merthyr and its neighbouring valleys, they are very real, very moving and give the past a vibrant life. Well worth reading.

Wasn't that an informative walk in the park!