180 years of St Mary’s Church in Glyntaff

Hawthorn High School pupils, church members and community volunteers will reflect on nearly two centuries of impact that St Mary’s Church in Glyntaff has had in the local area.

Brenda Cawthorne, who is leading the project, explained: “It may be surprising that within the wider community of Pontypridd, few people are aware of the importance of St Mary’s Church as a very significant historic building, which was given a Grade II listing in 2001.

“This nine-month project will look at the church’s distinctive history, from its architectural features and how they have changed over time, to the life and work of its vicars and wider stories from the church community.”

Researching the church's history

Local historians and experts from Pontypridd Library, Pontypridd Museum and the Glamorgan Archives will also be involved in the project. They will help produce a bilingual exhibition and an illustrated booklet of the group’s research.

Experts will also help schoolchildren learn new skills while digitising their research, making it accessible on the school and museum websites.

There will also be a celebration service at St Mary’s marking its 180^th anniversary.

Supporting heritage in Rhondda Cynon Taf

Stephen Barlow, Head of Engagement for The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales, added: “We have recently identified Rhondda Cynon Taf as one of our priority areas and projects such as this one embody our aims in ensuring heritage comes alive within our communities.”

Please get in touch if you have an idea for a heritage project in Rhondda Cynon Taf.