Wales is known for its rich history, culture, and diverse landscapes and the villages of Pyle, Cefn Cribwr, and Kenfig Hill, located in the historic county of Glamorgan, South Wales, are small but significant parts of this Welsh heritage. Each of these villages has played a distinct role in the region’s development, shaped by their agricultural roots, industrial heritage, and community spirit. This article will explore the unique history of Pyle, Cefn Cribwr, and Kenfig Hill, tracing their origins, industrial developments, and their roles in the broader context of Welsh history.
Pyle: The Gateway Village
Pyle, a small village just outside Bridgend, is often referred to as the “gateway” to other nearby towns due to its strategic location along ancient roads and trade routes. Its name is thought to derive from the Welsh word Pîl, meaning a tidal creek or inlet, reflecting its proximity to the Kenfig River and coastal area. Historically, Pyle was primarily an agricultural settlement, relying on its farmlands for sustenance.
One of the most notable landmarks in Pyle is Pyle Parish Church (St. James’ Church), dating back to the 13th century. The church is an important part of the village’s history, serving as a spiritual hub and community gathering point for centuries.
By the 19th and 20th centuries, Pyle began to shift from agriculture toward industry.
Newlands Colliery was opened by the Cribbwr Fawr Collieries Limited in 1918, to work various seams under Margam Bay. It consisted of slants and there was also a pit, which was 253 yards deep. From a list 1923, there were 352 men employed, producing House and Manufacturing coal from the Cribbwr Fawr seam.
By 1938 the workforce had grown to a total of 812 men, working coking coal from the Slatog, Six Feet, South Fawr and Drydydd seams.
A new upcast shaft was driven by the National Coal Board in 1951, although the colliery suffered continually with water problems. It closed in 1968.
However, the introduction of coal mining in the South Wales Valleys led to Pyle’s expansion as a hub for transporting coal and other industrial goods.
The development of the nearby railway system further accelerated this shift, making Pyle an essential stop for both goods and passengers traveling across South Wales.
Cefn Cribwr: Industrial Roots and Innovation
Cefn Cribwr, located just a few miles from Pyle, boasts a history deeply connected to Wales’ industrial revolution. The name Cefn Cribwr translates to “ridge of the horseman” in Welsh, indicating the village’s location atop a ridge and its historical links to equestrian activity. However, the village’s growth is largely attributed to the iron and coal industries that flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries.
One of the most important figures in Cefn Cribwr’s history was John Bedford, an English industrialist who, in the late 18th century, founded an ironworks in the village. His establishment included blast furnaces, forges, and a tramway, which became key elements of the industrial landscape. The ironworks played a pivotal role in producing materials for the burgeoning industries of Wales and beyond.
Bedford’s enterprise declined in the early 19th century, but the remnants of his work can still be seen today at Bedford Ironworks, which has been preserved as a heritage site. Visitors to Cefn Cribwr can explore the historic site and understand the industrial processes that once powered the village’s economy. The village was also home to a number of collieries, reflecting its role in South Wales’ thriving coal mining industry.
Kenfig Hill: A Community Built on Coal
Kenfig Hill, located to the west of Pyle and Cefn Cribwr, is another village deeply rooted in Wales’ industrial heritage, particularly coal mining. The village developed significantly during the 19th century as the demand for coal soared, and the South Wales coalfields became some of the most productive in the world. Like many South Wales communities, Kenfig Hill was shaped by the coal trade, with much of its population working in nearby mines or related industries.
Mines within the area included Brynddu, as well as Parc Slip, Margam – both, as with many mines in the industry were home to tragedy and notorious accidents. Another significant coal mine near Kenfig Hill was South Cornelly Colliery, which employed many local men and supported the village’s growth. The colliery, along with others in the region, played a vital role in powering the industrial revolution in Wales and the UK.
Later, the Coal Board opened an Opencast mine, the remains of which can still be seen to this day and much of the regions old mining heritage and railway has been used to develop pleasant walks that families can enjoy to this day.
In 2015, Kenfig Hill saw the creation of a monument square to pay tribute to the local men who worked and died in the collieries of the area. The square contains an authentic coal dram which was rescued from the Llynfi Valley and painstakingly restored and donated by local businessman David Brace OBE, who is Chairman of the Dunraven Group of Companies.
The monument depicts a dram which is upturned and symbolically tipping out coal, displaying images representing scenes from the coal era. The images were created by young artists from the 2012/13 year 5 of Pyle Primary and Mynydd Cynffig Junior schools. Pyle Community Council is indebted to the Awards for all Wales Lottery Fund, Marks & Spencer’s Community Fund and Bridgend County Borough Council for their grants, without which this project would not have been possible (source: https://kenfig.weebly.com/authors-blog/kenfigs-industrial-heritage).
Although coal mining has long since disappeared from the area, Kenfig Hill retains much of its historical character. Community spirit is strong in the village, as seen through its local events, sports clubs, and historical societies.
Modern-Day Heritage
Despite the decline of heavy industry in South Wales during the 20th century, Pyle, Cefn Cribwr, and Kenfig Hill have continued to thrive as communities rooted in both their heritage and modern-day developments. Today, these villages serve as residential areas for people commuting to nearby towns and cities such as Bridgend, Cardiff, and Swansea. They also attract visitors interested in exploring Wales’ industrial history and natural beauty.
In recent years, efforts to preserve the industrial legacy of these villages have gained momentum. Historical sites like the Bedford Ironworks in Cefn Cribwr and the remnants of Kenfig Castle in nearby North Cornelly offer glimpses into the past while providing educational resources for future generations. Local history societies in each village continue to collect stories and artifacts, ensuring that the legacy of these communities is not forgotten.
Conclusion
Pyle, Cefn Cribwr, and Kenfig Hill are three villages with distinct histories yet interconnected by their roles in the broader narrative of Welsh industrial and social development. From Pyle’s agricultural roots and strategic location to Cefn Cribwr’s pioneering industrial innovations and Kenfig Hill’s coal-driven community, these villages offer rich insights into the Welsh past. Today, they stand as symbols of resilience and transformation, embodying the spirit of Wales as it balances history with modernity.