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The End of the Castell Coch Inn

Old newspaper headline

The Evening Express reported on Saturday 28th January 1905 that the Castell Coch Inn was demolished the previous day, despite protests from the tenants. The Inn was removed following an Act of Parliament for the construction of the railway between Cardiff and Pontypridd. This work also affected 30 cottages in the village. Mr and Mrs … more…

Postcards from Tongwynlais – Part 9

Castell Coch postcard front

I’m going to finish 2019 with another postcard from the collection. This is a favourite image of mine and I have several cards featuring it. This particular example was posted on August 3rd 1906. The date isn’t clear but the stamp features Edward VII, who was king from 1901 to 1910. This is one of … more…

Mary Gillham’s Tongwynlais – Part 2

View North to Castell Coch above Tongwynlais. February 1972

I discovered some photos of Tongwynlais and Castell Coch from the “Mary Gillham Archive Project” back in 2016. The project volunteers have been adding some really great shots over the last couple of years. In this instalment I’m pleased to share some great photos from the 1970s and 1980s. All photos are from the Mary Gillham Archive Project. … more…

Tongwynlais War Memorial

War memorial in St Michael's Church, Tongwynlais

2018 marked the centenary of the 1st World War and the inter-war period saw the creation of many local memorials to those who served. I visited St Michael’s Church to take a look at the tribute, which was presented to the community just over 100 years ago. The memorial tablet was unveiled by Mrs Lewis … more…

Postcards from Tongwynlais – Part 8

Old postcard featuring drawing of Castell Coch

We’ve got a bumper collection of postcards for you this month. They all feature beautiful pencil sketches of Castell Coch by Joyce Capon. Dating the cards is tricky because they haven’t been posted. They were printed by “William Lewis (Printers) Ltd., 43, Penarth Road, Cardiff.” Some quick research tells me that William Lewis died in … more…

New Church at Tongwynlais

Photo of St Michael's Church on an old postcard

This month we’re stepping back in time to 1875, when the foundation stone for St Michael’s Church was laid. The Western Mail reported on the ceremony, which took place on 10th June 1875. There’s lots of fascinating information and details about village life in the 19th century. For more history and images of the village … more…