Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
Merthyr Tydfil-erate
"Rising from the ironworks, one retail park at a time"
Official Coat of Arms
A shield bearing a rusted blast furnace rampant, flanked by two shopping trolleys abandoned in the River Taff, beneath a banner reading 'Gwell Waeth' (Better, Worse). Crowned with Cyfarthfa Castle, because at least that bit turned out nice.
TripAdvisor Review
★★★☆☆ 3/5
"Visited to see the old ironworks and Cyfarthfa Castle, both genuinely impressive, but the walk from the town centre through boarded-up shopfronts really sets the mood. The views from the Brecon Beacons on the doorstep are stunning, which almost makes up for the traffic queuing for the retail park on the old steelworks site. Locals were lovely and proud of their history, which is more than I can say for the state of some of the pavements. Three stars because the castle museum is a genuine hidden gem."— Gwyn P, Cardiff
Property Listing
Stunning Valleys location offering unrivalled access to the Brecon Beacons National Park, a genuine castle, and character properties steeped in industrial heritage at prices that will make Cardiff buyers weep with joy. Some works required, both on the house and possibly the local high street, but you're paying for the view, not the retail offering.
Twinned With
Detroit — Both are proud former industrial powerhouses now best known for what closed down rather than what's still open.
Supporting Evidence
Merthyr Tydfil was once the largest ironworking town in the world in the early 19th century, producing more iron than anywhere else on Earth before the industry collapsed and left the town to reinvent itself repeatedly ever since.