Cyfarthfa
Merthyr  Tydfil
Cyfarthfa Ironworks	Cyfarthfa Castle School
THE CRAWSHAYS OF MERTHYR TYDFIL         The Crawshays, Ironmasters of Cyfarthfa, took over the Ironworks set up by Anthony Bacon and eventually Richard Crawshay became the sole owner. Originally from humble beginnings, Richard was amongst the 50 richest men in the country when he died. Control of the Cyfarthfa Ironworks and the Glamorgan Canal were passed on to his son William and then to his son, known as William II. Cyfarthfa Castle was built in 1825 by William II. The most notorious of the family was Robert Thompson Crawshay, who founded the Cyfarthfa Band. He was at first popular with his workforce, but his refusal to enter into any kind of negotiations with the rising Trade Unions led to the statement, 'the Cyfarthfa Ironworks will never open up again in my life-time', and caused great hardship here. There are many interpretations  of the simple inscription on his grave in Vaynor Churchyard, 'May God  Forgive Me'.  The people of Merthyr Tydfil certainly have not forgotten or forgiven him, although there is probably little truth in some of the gossip about the Crawshays.
Francis Crawshay's Photograph Album     The Cyfarthfa Band
Cyfarthfa Castle Museum	Cyfarthfa and the Park
Click Here for the Fete and Gala at Cyfarthfa Park

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