A Welsh town in the UK with an interesting story. Pontypridd

A Welsh town in the UK with an interesting story, Pontypridd. Discover the town, history and unusual sights of this Welsh town that is going through a lot of changes!
**CORRECTION** The bridge builder was William EDWARDS not William Williams!
Don;t forget to count how many times you see Manky Panda!
Where did Manky Panda come from? • Mudlarking below Botto...
Our t shirt designs
To be sure to get genuine Manky Panda designs, please use the following links as some baddies have stolen our designs!!!! If it doesn’t say Manufacturer Manky Panda Designs, then it’s not genuine :)
**USA T shirts **
Manky Panda in Christmas Wreath T shirt www.amazon.com...
Gingerbread Manky Panda www.amazon.com...
Pop your wellies on www.amazon.com...
Manky Panda says Have Fun! www.amazon.com...
I found a brick! www.amazon.com...
And the winner is Tom Burleigh T shirt www.amazon.com...
I beat Tom Burleigh T shirt www.amazon.com...
*UK T shirts*
Christmas Manky Panda www.amazon.co....
Christmas wreath Manky Panda www.amazon.co....
I found a brick Ladies V neck https:/
/www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09MT1QLC9Pop your wellies on T shirt www.amazon.co....
I beat Tom Burleigh T shirt www.amazon.co....
And the winner is Tom Burleigh T shirt www.amazon.co....
Our Ko-fi link, where you can watch our live Saturday shows for free ko-fi.com/thej...
** Phil’s wishlist ** www.amazon.co....
** Caroline’s wishlist ** www.amazon.co....
** Our Amazon wishlist ** . Thanks for looking :) www.amazon.co....
If you have any suggestions for ideas for us to try out or places to visit, let us know in the comments. We love to hear from our viewers!
Caroline’s Art Channel / @myhomeonthehillside

[@lfurches]

That was fun. I'l go back and watch the few minutes that I missed. It seems the town has a lot to offer in things to do and see.

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

Like many towns, it's been through a tough time for decades Laura, but there is investment now, so we're hoping for better things in the future. Thanks for watching 😎🙂🐼

[@richardserridge2767]

It's a shame about the traffic noise and modern construction in the UK these days... To keep up with the demands of an ever growing population, there is so much noise these days. I love those rocks covered in lichen and the trees though 😁 Good to see a mini lark too 😂

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

Yes, I know what you mean Richard. But I suppose in some ways many places are not as noisy as when the heavy industry was at it's height. It seems like the industrial revolution turned up the volume and we've been making too much noise ever since. Wishing you a peaceful week, thanks for watching 😎🙂🐼

[@patriciahackman3637]

I'm surprised that you omitted the fact that the Welsh National Anthem was composed & written in Pontypridd. There is a statue in the park which commemorates this.

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

Hi Patricia, and thanks for raising the National Anthem, which as you say was written & composed by a father & son from Pontypridd. While it wasn't included in this video, we have been in Pontypridd before and will certainly be back again. Thanks again and thanks for watching 🤠😎🐼

[@nuttynibs7293]

Evans James and James James. Dependant on when they visited, the statues and memorial were all removed for renovation, but brought back in better than good condition. Trouble now though I fear, is that children climb even more over it not really understanding it's importance, But there we are. Proud they are here.

[@iantobanter9546]

Composed in a room at Mill Street, Ponty which housed HMRC in the 60s and later, Taff Ely Borough Council Planning Department. I believe there is still a plaque on the pine end of the building.

[@nuttynibs7293]

Just happened across your very good video and I thought you might be interested a few other things regarding the Old Single Span Bridge of Ponty'. 'Pont-y-ty-pridd' before shortened to Pontypridd. ;) The bridge, when completed, is reportedly than the world famous Rialto bridge. If his measurements had been off by even 1 foot each way the bridge would never have lasted. Such was his expertise. The shoulder holes in the bridge were created to reduce the pressure on the bridge crown to prevent it being forced up and out, which was what happened to the previous. A lovely story I read when researching the bridge, (I like to believe there's an element of truth in the story because the bridge builder was such a beloved and well respected minister of the church. Others choose to disagree). The story I read said that he ran out of money on the 4th and final bridge. He saw bridge 3 collapsing slowly and saw what was wrong structurally with it. He knew how to correct it next time because bridge 3 was past saving. But there was no more money available. This bridge crossing was so important, not just to the town but a whole list of other reasons, and the nearest crossings were still about 10 miles away, his workers and parishioner's all chose to work for free to get the last one built, just as long as he could guarantee to put food on the tables to feed the families, they would build his bridge. William Edwards was indeed a great builder. thanks for posting your brilliant video.

[@iantobanter9546]

The Bunch of Grapes pub used to have a section of the Glamorganshire canal and a barge in the beer garden. You've prompted me to visit again now, this time with my grandsons. Cheers both.

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

Greta to know that you plan to visit again. Hope you have a great time 🤠😎🐼

[@jimandmarypowell9783]

There's luvly. When I lived in Ponty in the 1970's, the river was a filthy grey. The last time I visited, in 2014, the river ran clear and there were trout rising.

[@nuttynibs7293]

Well done for making it rock. Druids in olden days would say 'if something moves it has life'

[@thecelticdruid7707]

I've been to Pontypridd many times, I like it there.

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

It's a great place and it's changing a lot at the moment 🤠😎🐼

[@susancousins8766]

This is a wonderful tour with its incredible history! The bridge is lovely even though it’s number 4! He had a rough time with those bridges. Modern library is amazing. Great day spent with you both. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💜 Manky sure had a nice time. The river is beautiful.

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

Glad you enjoyed so much in this trip Susan, thanks for coming with us 🤠😎🐼

[@margaretsofocleous1999]

Good old Ponty . I know it well 🎉

[@timphillips9954]

Nice place and nicer people.

[@jeannienash5249]

❤Luv ya bunches, Phil and Caroline ❤

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

Thanks Jeannie and thanks for watching 😎💖🙂💖🐼

[@iantobanter9546]

Brian Davies the authoritative local historian once pointed out to us, the first Rhondda Valley drift mine, located near Pontypridd RFC's ground at Sardis Road.

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

It's amazing what history there is all around us 🤠😎🐼

[@patriciahackman3637]

The arched bridge was built by a builder of the surname Edwards, not Williams as you stated in your vlog.

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

Sorry Patricia, not only did I get the name wrong saying William Williams, when I knew it was William Edwards, but I didn't even notice my mistake during the edit or when we watched the premier! Thank you so much for bringing the error to my attention, I'll ask Caroline to put a correction in the video description. All the best and thanks for watching 🤠😎🐼

[@iantobanter9546]

I believe he also employed the same design at Cenarth.

[@martindavies3266]

William Edwards if I get this right was my Great great great great grandfather it's nice to see its still looking good

[@pauldurkee4764]

I have to disagree with you Phil, those modern construction's are very much to a pattern, you see a lot of them in Cardiff, cheap to put up and easy to knock down in the future. I hope they have made a better job of the Pontypridd library, than the poorly built monstrosity they built on the Hayes in Cardiff.

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

I see your point Paul, and as they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I'm sure we can agree that it's a good thing that we are seeing new libraries built across Wales, when sadly they are being closed elsewhere. 😎🙂🐼

[@christhompson4270]

Another awesome history lesson, take care and thank you for sharing 👏🙏❤️

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

Thank you Chris, you take care too, and thanks for watching 🤠😎🐼

[@cclyon]

I love Turner and went to see his works at the Tate last year when I was in London. That bridge is a beauty.

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

He's an incredible artist, and it's wonderful that his work is accessible for people to enjoy. So glad you liked the bridge, thanks for watching 😎🙂🐼

[@jonihenry8124]

The bridge is wonderful and I loved the big rocks.

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

So glad you enjoyed it Joni, thanks for watching 😎🙂🐼

[@fatnsassy99]

Uncle Phil and aunty Caroline ❤ glad to see ya again! Looking well you twos

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

We're doing really well, and it's great to see you back on our travels 🤠😎🐼

[@suesmith9202]

What a beautiful shopping town. You want to see mine. Ashington Northumberland, it's a dive.

[@pauldurkee4764]

The reality sue is that most of the minor shopping areas in South Wales are becoming full of charity shops, foreign owned barbers and fast food outlets. We used to have five proper department stores in Cardiff, only John Lewis left now.

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

As Paul has pointed out, just like most of the towns across the UK the high streets have suffered a lot in recent times. The loss of incomes to many families when the mines closed, combined with the failure of major outlets, such as Woolworths, British Home-stores and Debenhams, and internet shopping as left loads of empty shops. But as we could see in Pontypridd the builders are moving in, and investment is being made, so there is good news too. And on a personal note, I'd be happy to see even more charity shops. 😎🙂🐼

[@deedorothypapineau6920]

I see your little Manky enjoyed the trip.

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

Yes, he had a great time Dorothy. Especially climbing on the trees & the rocks 😎🙂🐼

[@robertbray2012]

I loved this. My Grandfather was from Pontypridd and my Grandmother was from Treorchy. My family scattered my Grandfathers ashes at the rolling rock (unfortunatley i couldnt attend). Last time i visited was 1981. I'm sure i got a better view over the town than you get now. Although im only quarter welsh i am very proud of my welsh roots and hope to bring my family down this year.

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

So glad you enjoyed the video Robert and that it stirred good memories. You're right about the view, those trees have grown a lot in the past 30 years. Quarter Welsh is probably good enough to play for the national rugby team in the 6 Nations 😄 Hope you and the family get to visit and have a wonderful time. 🤠😎🐼

[@robertbray2012]

@@LetsgowithTheJohnsons thankyou. I DO have to sit on the fence when England play Wales! lol

[@notsosmartmart5402]

My Grandfather too was born in Pontypridd and moved to England in the 20/30s . We all support Wales in the Rugby

[@cdmikie]

that library sure stand out nicely.

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

Yes, it certainly stands out! And it's right at the entrance to the town. 😎🙂🐼

[@cathryng3849]

I would never have guessed that Tom Jones was Welsh! Thanks for the history!

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

Yes Cathryn, he's a valley's boy and he used to sing in the working men's clubs before he made the big time and went over the water to the USA 🤠😎🐼

[@timphillips9954]

@@LetsgowithTheJohnsons He from Wood road Trefforest, not Ponty.

[@iamshotty]

Loved this so much, all of it! And so good to see you by the river again xoxox Teresa ❤🇦🇺

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

Thanks so much Teresa, so glad you enjoyed this trip and the visit to the river 🤠😎🐼

[@thereesfamilyadventures]

Another fabulously interesting vlog from you both. You are a delight to watch.

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

Thanks so much! 😊 So glad you enjoyed it... Thanks for watching 🤠😎🐼

[@angelamillard6418]

❤❤❤ Beautiful place! Love your adventures!

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

Thanks so much Angela 🤠😎🐼

[@Freiya2011]

I think I'll have to visit. ..😂 It surely developped a lot since the 80s!

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

It certainly has changed Freiya, even in the past decade, so well worth a visit. Thanks for watching 🤠😎🐼

[@Freiya2011]

@@LetsgowithTheJohnsons Problem is: I'll need visa - as Wales is no member of the EU, but my country is. So sad!

[@nashabraham7941]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@LetsgowithTheJohnsons]

💙🤠😎🐼💙