Heritage Victorian Day

A sea of swing-boats, carriage-rides and top hats — a look back at the first ‘Heritage Victorian Day’ in Merthyr Tydfil.

Visitors and residents of Merthyr Tydfil stepped back in time — with the arrival of the Pontmorlais Townscape ‘Heritage Victorian Day’.

The event was designed to give visitors a glimpse into what the town centre may have looked like nearly 200 years ago — while providing a fun day out for the whole family.

Here are just six things visitors saw and enjoyed as the Victorian era returned to Merthyr Tydfil…

• Horse and carriage rides on Pontmorlais High Street

• Victorian characters taking to the streets — from bakers to candlestick makers

• The return of William Crawshay, former owner of Cyfarthfa Ironworks — pictured here with Merthyr Tydfil Mayor Cllr Declan Sammon

• The arrival of swing-boats and traditional fairground games

• Watching Punch & Judy shows — a staple of the Victorian high street

• And finally, browsing Merthyr Artisan Market for local and handmade produce

The event was arranged by the Council in partnership with the Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil BID — with thanks to the Pontmorlais Townscape Heritage Initiative — funded via private sector investments, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Cadw and the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.