Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s blue plaque scheme celebrates the heritage of the County Borough by placing blue plaques dedicated to people who contributed to the history of the area on buildings where they worked, lived or performed.
Two new Blue Plaques were unveiled in Rhondda Cynon Taf this month to two very deserving nominees.
The first unveiling took place on 9th August, where a plaque dedicated to the poet and Dissenting Minister Edward Evan has been placed at Mountain Ash Golf Club, the site of his former home, Ton Coch Farm.
Edward Evan was born in 1716 on a small farm in Llwydcoed, known as Penyrallt, where Tregibbon stands today. He began composing poetry as a boy and learned to play the harp, playing at local festivals and weddings.
He was apprenticed to Lewis Hopkin, a leading figure among the bards of Glamorgan from whom he learned carpentry, glazing and the rules of traditional poetry. Iolo Morgannwg, whom he taught, claimed that he and Edward Evan were the last descendants of the druidic bards of Wales. In the century after his death, Edward Evan’s poetry was published four times and was popular in the newly industrialised iron and coal towns of Aberdare and Merthyr.
From 1772 to 1796 he was Minister at Hen Dy Cwrdd, Trecynon.
The blue plaque was unveiled in the presence of Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and local ward member for Mountain Ash, alongside his fellow local ward member for Mountain Ash Councillor Wendy Treeby. The unveiling was carried out by Reverend Eric Jones, with speeches by Lord Aberdare, president of the Cynon Valley History Society, local historians David L Davies and James Stewart, Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Councillor Dan Owen-Jones and Vicki Howells MS. Both events were attended by Councillor Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure.
The second of August’s blue plaques is dedicated to Clic y Bont – the Celebrated Circle of 19th Century bards, poets and musicians who met in the Llanover Arms, Pontypridd. The plaque was unveiled at the Llanover Arms by the Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Councillor Dan Owen-Jones with Cor Meibion Pontypridd providing musical entertainment.
So what was Clic y Bont? The cultural activity that developed in Pontypridd in the 19th century, led to the formation of Clic y Bont – or the Bridge Clique – which was made up of influential and talented Pontypridd individuals from all walks of life. Clic y Bont provided Pontypridd with a much-needed focus and literary identity. The group gained some notice, particularly in South Wales bardic circles and the overall Eisteddfod movement.
Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Councillor Dan Owen-Jones said:
“The Blue Plaque scheme is vital in commemorating the rich heritage of our county borough. It’s always an honour to be part of a blue plaque unveiling and to share the stories of the people and events behind the plaques. It’s very fitting that both of these blue plaques commemorate poets, bards and musicians as they were unveiled during the week the National Eisteddfod of Wales, the largest cultural event in Europe, took place right here in Rhondda Cynon Taf”.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s heritage team manage the blue plaque scheme and receive nominations all year round. The team can be contacted at heritageservice@rctcbc.gov.uk for information on the scheme and how to make a nomination.
Posted on 20/08/2024