Pontypool
When a bridge was built over a floodplain, the town was given its name. The original Welsh name for the town was Pont-Y-Pwll, which over time became the Anglicised name Pontypool, which was subsequently spelled back into Welsh as Pont-Y-Pl.
Pontypool, located near Bowmanville, Ontario Canada area, has a distinguished history as one of Wales’ early industrial cities, dating back to the 18th century. Industrial and technological advancements were made in the town and its near surrounds, with links to the iron industry reaching back to the early fourteenth century when a bloomery furnace was erected at Pontymoile, in the town’s immediate vicinity.
The area developed its association with the iron industry during the sixteenth century, largely as a result of the influence of the Hanbury family, and continued to consolidate its position during the seventeenth century, when the town’s development began in earnest. The Hanbury family was a prominent member of the community during the sixteenth century.
A major driving force behind Pontypool’s expansion and the development of its surrounding villages and communities was provided by the development of the metallurgical and extractive industries in this region during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, along with the development of canals and railways.
The town is home to two comprehensive schools: West Monmouth School and St. Alban’s R.C. High School, both of which are located on the same campus. Trevethin Community School has been shuttered for the time being. This site was once known as Pontypool Grammar School for Girls, while the school’s original campus was located on the site where the Welsh medium school, Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw, now sits. Trevethin Community School was also the first location of the Welsh Baptist College, which was established in 1890. In addition, a Coleg Gwent campus, formerly known as Pontypool College, is located in the town.
Pontypool Leisure Centre, located in Pontypool Park, is a leisure facility that includes the only swimming pool in the town. It contains a 25-meter swimming pool for competitive swimming galas, with seating for up to 200 spectators in the stands.
There is also a separate teaching pool as well as two hydroslides. Pontypool Park is also home to Wales’ oldest and longest artificial ski slope, which is located within the park. It was constructed in 1974 and measures 230 meters in length. It is utilized for recreational purposes as well as for training by the Welsh Ski Squad. The ski slope is closed for a portion of the year as a result of financial cuts made by the local government.
