Caerphilly County Borough


Caerphilly County Borough in southeast Wales is located north of Cardiff. The northern part is the broad expanse of the Rhymney Valley. It is on the edge of the South Wales Coalfield, and since 1752 leases for the right to mine coal and iron ore were granted. With the start of the Industrial Revolution mining intensified. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were forty coalmines in the valley.

The coal measures also contained iron ore, especially in the north crop area. Limestone was also available nearby, which was necessary as a flux. As a result a substantial local iron and steel industry existed during the early 20th century.