Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery is home to a fantastic collection of artefacts spanning 2000 years of Merthyr Tydfil’s history.
The ‘Ironmaster’ William Crawshay II commissioned Cyfarthfa Castle in 1824. This grand castellated mansion overlooked his immensely successful ironworks and has been called, “the most impressive monument of the Industrial Iron Age in South Wales.”
A museum since 1910, it now houses the first steam whistle, the first voting ballot box and dresses by Laura Ashley and Julien McDonald. You can also admire the extensive fine and decorative art collections, including Swansea, Nantgarw and Wedgwood porcelain and art by Penry Williams, ‘the Welsh Turner’. Also, learn about Richard Trevithick’s Penydarren Locomotive of 1804, the first locomotive to pull a load along rails. Discover the roots of the Labour movement, from the Merthyr Rising of 1831, and the martyrdom of Dic Penderyn, to the first Labour MP – Keir Hardie. Finally, see our curiosities from around the world including Ancient Egyptian grave goods.
Enjoy the elegant surroundings of this interesting museum and once family home, set in beautiful parkland, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Telephone: 01685 727371
Email: museum@merthyrleisuretrust.co.uk
Website: www.cyfarthfa.com
