Rhondda

Rhondda is a region in South Wales centered on the Rhondda Valleys. It lies within the historic county of Glamorgan and is now largely part of the county borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf. The area consists of two principal valleys, the Rhondda Fawr (Upper Rhondda) and the Rhondda Fach (Lower Rhondda), which run from upland areas toward the River Taff and meet near Pontypridd. The valleys contain towns such as Pontypridd, Treorchy, Porth, Tonypandy, and Ferndale, characterized by terraced housing and a rugged landscape.

Historically, the Rhondda was one of Britain’s leading coal-mining districts. The coal boom in the 19th and early 20th centuries spurred rapid population growth, urban development, and the construction of transport links, including railways connecting the valleys to Cardiff and the broader South Wales coalfield network. Coal production declined from the mid-20th century, leading to economic restructuring and a shift toward services, manufacturing, and commuter links to Cardiff and other areas. The landscape bears the marks of its mining heritage, with former colliery sites and related cultural memory.

Today the Rhondda is primarily residential, with regeneration initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, tourism, and cultural heritage. The area retains a strong Welsh identity and contributes to the broader Rhondda Cynon Taf region in politics, culture, and economic development.