Glamorgan-shire

Glamorgan-shire (in Welsh, Gwlad Morgan), the most southerly of the counties of Wales, is bounded S. and SW. by the Bristol Channel, NW. by Caermarthen, N. by Brecknock, and E. by Monmouth. Area, 855 sq. m.; pop. (1801) 70,879; (1841) 171,188; (1871) 397,859; (1881) 511,433; (1891) 687,147. This increase, which is unexampled in the kingdom, has been brought about by the development of the coal and iron industries. In the western portion of the county the coast is indented by Swansea Bay, from which it projects westward into the peninsula of Gower. The northern district is covered with rugged hills, the highest of which, however, Llanginein, is only 1859 feet in height. This district comprises one of the richest coalfields in the kingdom. The southern portion of the county consists of a series of fertile valleys, richly wooded and with a mild climate, the finest being the Vale of Glamorgan, the 'garden of Wales.' The soil is a deep rich loam resting on limestone, and is excellently adapted for the growth of cereals. The mountainous district is intersected by numerous picturesque valleys, affording good pasturage for sheep and cattle. The chief rivers—the Rhymney, Taf, Neath, Tawe, and Llwehwr—flow southward into the Bristol Channel. Besides coal, anthracite or stone-coal, coking-coal, ironstone, and limestone are found. At Merthyr-Tydvil and Dowlais are large ironworks; at Swansea, Neath, Aberavon, large copper-smelting works. Tin and lead are also smelted in the county. Wheat, barley, oats, and potatoes are the chief crops raised; and butter and cheese are largely produced. The farms are generally small, and agriculture is not in a highly advanced state. The county sends five members to parliament; the represented boroughs are Merthyr-Tydvil (with two), Swansea town (two), and the Cardiff boroughs (one). Glamorgan-shire contains some interesting Roman remains, and many ruined memorials of the middle ages. Of these last Oystermouth Castle, Caerphilly Castle, and Castle Coch are the finest specimens. Cardiff Castle is a fine restored edifice. See Thomas Nicholas, History of Glamorganshire (1874).