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In modern Welsh 'merthyr' means 'martyr'. But there is good evidence that in early Welsh the word could also mean 'site of martyrdom / shrine of a martyr'.
Traditionally the Old Parish Church of Merthyr Tydfil was the site of martyrdom and burial for the local saint - Saint Tydfil - who still features on the borough coat of arms. The only effigy of her used to form part of the town's war memorial, but this was stolen some time during the 1990's.
Saint Tydfil was one of the daughters of the equally mythical Brychan Brycheiniog - a fifth century King of Breconshire who had many children who seem to have spent most of their lives Christianising south-east Wales (and occasionally getting killed by pagan Picts for their trouble).
The name Merthyr Tydfil (Merthyr Tudful in modern Welsh orthography) seems to go back at least to medieval times, but the story may have been 'improved' more recently. Much 'ancient' Welsh history was in fact 're-imagined' by the Flemingston Apothecary / Stonemason Iolo Morgannwg in the 1750's - and Iolo's son Dafydd ab Iolo kept a school on Three Salmon Street in Merthyr Tydfil in the late Eighteenth Century, where he seems likely to have helped the newly industrialised town discover its roots.
The names Tydfil and Tanglwstl (Tydfil's sister) are still sometimes used in the Merthyr area, as is Rhun (according to the myth, Tydfil's brother).
What else can I help you with?
Who killed Ann Questa in Merthyr Tydfil in 1980?
Stephen Pitt from dowlais
What was it living in Merthyr Tidfil In The 19th Century?
the living conditions were terrible in Merthyr Tydfil. There was a disease called cholera going around which was caused by drinking dirty water. It was the same water that people put there waste in. Merthyr was really busy because the population had grown.
What did the first steam locomotive do?
In 1804, invented by Richard Trevithick, the worlds first full scale locomotive pulled a train along the tramway of the Penydarren Ironworks, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.
What welsh teams play football in England?
Cardiff and swansea are in the football league, but wrexham, Newport county,colwyn bay and merthyr tydfil also play in lower English leagues
Was merthyr tydfil the capital of Wales?
No ,it's never been the Welsh capital- up until the Industrial Revolution (1759) it was a small village, and only expanded when iron foundries were established there in the 18th Century (From 1759).
When was Merthyr Tydfil F.C. created?
Merthyr Tydfil F.C. was created in 1945.
When did Merthyr Tydfil F.C. end?
Merthyr Tydfil F.C. ended in 2010.
Where was cuthbert Taylor professional boxer from merthyr tydfil born?
cuthbert taylor was born in merthyr tydfil
When did Merthyr Tydfil - UK Parliament constituency - end?
Merthyr Tydfil - UK Parliament constituency - ended in 1983.
When was Merthyr Tydfil - UK Parliament constituency - created?
Merthyr Tydfil - UK Parliament constituency - was created in 1950.
When was Merthyr Tydfil RLFC created?
Merthyr Tydfil RLFC was created on 1907-07-15 and folded in 1911 after the failure of the Welsh League
Where are The Blackout from?
The Blackout is from the Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.
What has the author Glyndwr G Jones written?
Glyndwr G Jones has written a variety of historical and genealogical books, including "The Merthyr Rising," "Merthyr Tydfil Tramroads and Their Locomotives," and "The Collieries and Coalminers of Merthyr Tydfil." He is known for his research and publications on the history of Merthyr Tydfil in Wales.
What is the nearest country to merthyr tydfil?
England is the closest
Where in Wales is the band The Blackout from?
They are from Merthyr Tydfil in Wales.
What is the distance in Wales from Brecon to Merthyr Tydfil?
The distance in Wales from Brecon to Merthyr Tydfil is 19 miles. That equals 30.5 kilometers and about 30 minutes in driving time.
What is the country code and area code of Merthyr Tydfil United Kingdom?
The country code and area code of Merthyr Tydfil, United Kingdom is 44, (0)1685.
