Brynmawr

Brynmawr is a market town in Blaenau Gwent situated on elevated ground between 380 and 460 meters (1,250 and 1,500 feet) on the eastern edge of the South Wales coalfield. Its town center contains independent shops, a sports center, and facilities that serve the local community.

The transformation from scattered farmhouses to an industrial center began in the early 1800s with the establishment of ironworks. Mining and metalwork shaped the town's life for more than a century afterward.

The Market Hall Cinema, built in 1894, remains a gathering place at the town's heart. It shows how communities here valued shared public spaces for entertainment and connection.

The town sits on elevated ground with good views over the surrounding area, and its shops and facilities are centrally located. Most visitors can walk through the main areas, though some streets have steep gradients.

During the 1930s depression, Quaker organizations launched the Brynmawr Experiment to create employment through manufacturing projects when the mining industry collapsed. This humanitarian effort brought relief to thousands of families during one of the region's hardest periods.

Location: Blaenau Gwent County Borough

GPS coordinates: 51.79600,-3.18300

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:18