Tongwynlais is a village and community in the north of Cardiff, Wales, north of the M4 motorway in the Taff Valley. It is notable as the location of the hillside landmark, Castell Coch. The population as of the 2011 census was 1871.

Toponymy

The name Tongwynlais is believed to be derived from the word ton meaning 'ley land', i.e. 'pasture, grassland or unploughed land'; and Gwynlais, the name of the stream that runs through the village, Nant Gwynlais, thus "pasture by the Gwynlais". Gwynlais means pure voice in Welsh. (See also Tonna.)

Overview

Tongwynlais lies in the River Taff Valley. Its population was 1946 at the 2001 census. Tongwynlais is located near Junction 32 of the M4 motorway, east of Bridgend and west of Newport and the A470 trunk road. It is situated 5 mi north of Cardiff city centre and 7 mi south of Pontypridd. The surrounding towns and villages are Pentyrch and Radyr to the west, Taffs Well and Caerphilly to the north, and Rhiwbina and Whitchurch to the south. Tongwynlais became part of Cardiff in 1974 when Cardiff was expanded northwestwards. Many consider Tongwynlais as the entrance to the South Wales Valleys from Cardiff, with its famous landmark, Castell Coch, on a hillside. The main route to the Valleys, and beyond to Mid Wales, the A470, runs alongside the village. To the north of the village is Fforest Fawr, a forest of about 100 ha run by Natural Resources Wales. Tongwynlais is separated from the rest of Cardiff by the M4 and the A470 to the south and west and hills and forestry to the east. Tongwynlais is considered to be part of the Cardiff North Rural Area. Tongwynlais is home to a pub, several shops, a football club, a rugby club, a 9-hole golf course, and Tongwynlais Library. The Taff Trail cycle route passes through the village, and it is a popular resting point between sections. The Cardiff Railway once ran through Tongwynlais. It passed through a tunnel just beneath Castell Coch. Tongwynlais railway station opened in 1911 and closed in 1931. The nearest station on the Coryton Line is Coryton. Radyr railway station is also nearby.

Government

Castell Coch

Tongwynlais' most notable building is the Victorian era folly castle called Castell Coch (Red Castle) which is open to the public. It was built on top of the ruins of a 13th-century castle thought to have belonged to Ifor Bach, a local Welsh ruler. It was rebuilt and transformed in the late 1870s by William Burges for the 3rd Marquess of Bute.

Places of worship

There is a parish church and two Nonconformist chapels still open to worshippers in the village: There were once two other chapels in the village (both Nonconformist), which have since closed and been converted into private residences.

Music

The band RocketGoldStar wrote a song about the village, recording it on their 1996 album. They recorded it for a BBC Radio 1 Maida Vale Session. Tongwynlais Brass Band has been in existence since the 19th century and continues to compete in national competitions as well as performing concerts. Castell Coch Choral Society also does a lot of charitable work and has recently performed in the Czech Republic. The Welsh glam metal band Tigertailz named a song on Disc 1 of their Thrill Pistol album "Tongwynlais Fly".

Images