History

Recent History

HM Parc Prison opened near Coity in 1997. It is the only private Welsh prison.

Due to traffic problems in the town centre, a bypass was built in 1997. The council then pedestrianised the centre in a scheme that has been criticised for its poor construction and bad design. In a bid to make the most of the pedestrianised streets, markets and fairs have been introduced for people to enjoy.

In 2004, a new bus station was built; it even won a national award in 2005 from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport for Passenger Transport.

Modern Day History

During WWII, Bridgend was home to a Prisoner of War camp at Island Farm. In 1945, 70 prisoners carried out a Steve McQueen-style escape through a tunnel - all were recaptured. Bridgend also had a munitions factory at Waterton and an underground munitions storage base at Brackla.

Bridgend was allegedly photographed by the Luftwaffe; however, it never came under attack -apparently the area had an air pocket that made it dangerous for incoming planes to drop bombs.

Bridgend hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1948 at Newbridge Fields. The most important of several annual Welsh eisteddfods, it has a druidic flavour and features crowning ceremonies for poets, bards in ethereal white costumes, frolicking maidens and the horn of plenty.

In 1960, a bout of bad weather caused the Ogmore to overflow and flood the town centre. The Welsh Water Authority subsequently built attractive concrete walls on its banks, right in the centre of town.

During the 70s, Bridgend had its biggest growth period. Ford and Sony both established factories in and around the Bridgend Industrial Estate.

The 80s saw the development of the Brackla housing estate. In just 10 years it became the largest privately owned housing estate in Europe.

The closure of the Welsh coal industry caused mass unemployment which in turn caused significant social problems.

Along with the rest of South Wales, Bridgend moved into the fields of electronics, manufacturing and textiles. Former miners moved into town or began commuting on a daily basis.

Pre 20th Century History

Over the years, burial mounds have been found in Bridgend, suggesting the area was settled before Roman times.

Somewhere between Bridgend and Cowbridge along the A48, there's a section of Roman road - it's coined 'Crack Hill' by locals.

After 1066, the Norman establishment looked west for new seats for their lords. Norman barons created what was later known as the Welsh Marshes in the south and east of Wales.

Local leader, Morgan Gam, had a stronghold at Coity. In the 11th century, Lord Payn de Turberville, a Norman, challenged Morgan for Coity Castle, 3.2km (2mi) northeast of present-day Bridgend. De Turberville was given two choices: he could either fight Morgan for the lordship or marry Morgan's daughter, Sybil. Rather than risking losing the physical challenge, de Turberville chose Sybil. New wife in tow, he became Lord of Coity and rebuilt the castle.

In 1106, Robert Fitzhamon built the aptly named Newcastle Castle (on Newcastle Hill). Ten years later, William de Londres built Ogmore Castle. This was followed by the construction of the Benedictine Ewenny Priory by Maurice de Londres in 1141. With three castles and a sparkling new priory, the area was well defended.

The town of Bridgend was established at a ford on the River Ogmore. In the 15th century, a stone bridge was built across the river. Once a towering structure with four arches, the bridge fell victim to a flood during the 18th century and two arches were destroyed.

Predominantly an agricultural town, Bridgend was an important centre for local farmers. The discovery of coal around Bridgend had a huge impact on the community. Coal mines began opening in the 17th century - the Llynfi Valley was the first. While Bridgend itself never had coal, the surrounding valleys made up a significant portion of the South Wales coalfields. In addition, ironworks and brickworks were established around the same time; the ironworks ceased operation in 1836.

When the Great Western Railway was built, Bridgend became the last stop en route to the coalfields. As a result, trains brought coal from the valleys and through the town on a regular basis.

Bridgend became home to many quarries, some of which can still be seen in varying stages of decay, as well as an engine works and a large farmers' market.

By the 20th century, Bridgend was a busy market town with good transport links, a thriving community and a population of around 61,000.