Merthyr Tydfil is situated in the county borough of Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales. It derives its name from King Brycheiniog’s daughter St Tydfil, who was murdered here in 480 after being converted to Christianity. “Merthyr†translates as “Martyr†in English, but it is believed that in this instance it means “church in memory of a saint, or positioned on his or her grave.â€
In the past Merthyr Tydfil was one of the leading industrial towns in South Wales, and at one point there were four iron works in the area. These included Dowlais, Cyfarthfa, Plymouth and Penydarren. Although they paid their workers small salaries, they did not go without giving to charity. Sir John Guest, owner of the Dowlais works, encouraged the building of schools, whilst another owner, Anthony Hill, founded the school at Pentrebach.