A Wales of a Good Time, Part 2

Tuesday, July 2, 2018

 Our first stop today was the Pontypridd Museum and the Old Bridge on the River Taff.

The Old Bridge AKA the William Edwards Bridge is an arched single span footbridge built in 1756. It was the only way across the river in that area.

 The small local museum is housed in an old church with a beautiful organ still in place.

 David and Wayne reading up on local history

 Then we picked up Louise and Morgan and went to visit the Tredgar House. This is the 17th century country manor of the Morgan Family, the same family that renovated Brecon Castle in the 1800's.

 Louise, David and Morgan walking in the 90 acre gardens that are part of the property.

 Although parts of the house date back to the late 15th century this beautiful brick building was added on in 1664. The Morgan family is a well known, dating back to the 1400's. The person we were most interested in was Godfrey Morgan (maybe because our young friend's name is Morgan Godfrey).  In 1854 Godfrey Morgan fought in and survived the Battle of The Light Brigade, made famous by Alfred, Lord Tennyson in his poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade."

 As with many of these old mansions the wood work is ornate and the decor is decadent.

 Lots of gold leave in use

 The music room was one of my favorites

 We walked more of the grounds and found the swans in the pond

 Morgan and David

 The park trail

 Then it was off to Cardiff Bay. David, Morgan and Louise take the lead.

 The re-vitalization of the port area is quite nice

 Cardiff Bay

In the 19th century Cardiff Bay was one of Britain's 3 busiest ports and at that time the Norwegian merchant fleet was the 3rd largest in the world. It should be no surprise to find a Norwegian Church on the shore of the bay.