Merthyr Tydfil was at the cutting edge of the industrial revolution 200 years ago. For presenter Jonny Owen, this is personal, as he explores his family roots in the town.
Jonny Owen explores the story of his hometown Merthyr Tydfil, marking 200 years since Cyfarthfa Castle was built by ironworks owners the Crawshays. Once a small village, it became Wales’ first proper town, booming from 40 residents in 1760 to 46,000 by 1851. Thousands, including Jonny’s ancestors, came for iron and coal jobs, lured by higher wages despite harsh conditions. It was a kind of industrial gold rush as these migrants from Wales, Ireland and England sought a better life for themselves and their families.
With family historian Carolyn Nanson, he discovers how Merthyr has made him. He reconnects with old friends, tracing family roots, and visits his old school, where pupils proudly share their place in Merthyr’s story.
In Episode 2, Living Memory, Jonny returns to his old primary school where Year 4 pupils are eager to tell him what they have learned about the part their families have played in the story of Merthyr. And he learns more about the Italians, some of whom came here 150 years ago.
