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LLCOWBRIDGE /Y BONT-FAEN

HOW TO GET HERE

ROADCowbridge has excellent roadconnections and is convenientlysituated just off the A48 midwaybetween Cardiff and Bridgend. It isalso within a short journey time ofjunctions 33, 34 and 35 of the M4.

BUSFor details contact Traveline Cymru Tel: 0871 200 2233www.traveline-cymru.info

RAILThe closest mainline railway stationsare at Bridgend and Cardiff. For details call National Rail Enquiries Tel: 08457 484950www.nationalrail.co.uk

CYCLE ROUTE INFORMATIONwww.sustrans.org.uk

SUT I GYRRAEDD YMA

AR Y FFORDDMae gan y Bont-faen gysylltiadau ffyrddardderchog ac mae wedi ei leoli mewnman cyfleus oddi ar yr A48 hanner fforddrhwng Caerdydd a Phen-y-bont ar Ogwr.Mae hefyd o fewn siwrnai fer i gyffyrdd33, 34 a 35 yr M4.

BWSI gael manylion cysylltwch â TravelineCymru Ffôn: 0871 200 2233www.traveline-cymru.info

RHEILFFORDDMae’r gorsafoedd rheilffordd prif leinagosaf ym Mhen-y-bont ar Ogwr aChaerdydd. I gael manylion ffoniwchYmholiadau National Rail Ffôn: 08457 484950www.nationalrail.co.uk

GWYBODAETH AM Y LLWYBRBEICIOwww.sustrans.org.uk

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1. Dyffryn Gardens / Gerddi Dyffryn 2. Cowbridge Town Hall / Neuadd y Dref Y Bont-faen3. Shopping /Siopa

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The Vale of Glamorgan CouncilTourism Unit, Dock Office, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan CF63 4RT (01446) 704867

E-mail: tourism@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk www.visitthevale.com

Cyngor Bro MorgannwgUned Dwristiaeth, Swyddfa’r Doc, Dociau’r Barri, Y Barri CF63 4RT (01446) 704867

E-bost: tourism@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk www.visitthevale.com

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy in this brochure, The Vale of Glamorgan Council can accept no liability whatsoever for anyerrors, inaccuracies or omissions, or for any matter in any way connected with or arising out of the publication of this information. This brochure

may not be reproduced in any part or in whole without prior consent.

Produced by The Vale of Glamorgan Council Tourism Department. Designed by Martin Hopkins Partnership, Cardiff (029) 2046 1233 www.martinhopkins.co.ukGrateful thanks to the Cowbridge and District Local History Society for providing historical text.

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STAY A WHILEFor information on accommodationor to order a brochure, visitwww.visitthevale.com

r BETH AM AROSI gael gwybodaeth am lety neu iarchebu llyfryn, ewch iwww.visitthevale.com

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CowbridgeY Bont-faen

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COAST COUNTRYSIDE CULTUREVALE OF GLAMORGAN

ARFORDIR CEFN GWLAD DIWYLLIANT

BRO MORGANNWG

Mae’r dref farchnad gain yma wedi ei lleoli mewn ardalbrydferth a thawel a chaiff ei galw’n “Brifddinas” y Frowledig. Mae yna nifer o siopau a thafarnau, bariau gwin athai bwyta ffasiynol i ymweld â nhw ar hyd y Stryd Fawr.Mae yma amryw o siopau dillad o steil hefyd ond yrawyrgylch sy’n rhoi ei hapêl unigryw i’r Bont-faen. Mae gany dref gyfoeth o adeiladau hanesyddol ac mae yna deimladllewyrchus a hamddenol am y dref. Gwerthoedd agwasanaeth hen-ffasiwn sy’n gyrru’r dref ac er gwaethafholl gyfleusterau modern Y Bont-faen, mae hanes y dref yndyddio’n ôl i adeg y Rhufeiniaid.

Elegant market townwww.visitthevale.com

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1. High Street / Stryd Fawr2. Beautiful countryside surrounds

Cowbridge / Mae cefn gwlad prydferthyn amgylchynu Y Bont-faen

3. High Street / Stryd Fawr

Set in a beautiful and secluded area of countryside is thiselegant market town, known as the ‘Capital’ of the rural Vale.Its busy High Street is lined with fashionable shops and inns,wine bars and restaurants. Quite apart from the multitude ofchic boutiques etc., it is the atmosphere which makesCowbridge so appealing. The town has a wealth of historicbuildings and has a prosperous unhurried feel to it. Goodold-fashioned values and service are what makes Cowbridgetick, yet with all modern facilities, it belies the town’s longand fascinating history stretching back to Roman times.

(continued in centre pages)

(parhad ar y tudalennau canol)

Tref farchnad gain

Places to visit...

Cowbridge Physic GardenCowbridge CF71 7BBCowbridge Physic Garden has beencreated, planted and nurtured togive a true sense of physic gardensof old. It has the mix of plants,flowers and trees that would havebeen found in traditional herbalists’gardens; it is enclosed within highstone walls (parts dating back tothe 13th century); and it offers adelightfully calm ambience. Thegarden is accessible to the public.Open everyday accept ChristmasDay. 10am-6pm Summer. 10am-4pm Winter.

Old Hall Gardens Cowbridge High StreetThis was the formal garden of OldHall, the town house of theEdmondes family from about the1740s. Located behind Old Hall andadjacent to the Physic Garden, thispeaceful space is bounded on twosides by the longest survivingstretches of the splendid TownWalls. The garden is in the care ofvolunteers from Cowbridge CharterTrust who are working to reviveneglected borders and encouragediversity of flora, feature, usage andwildlife and to create a place ofbeauty for the enjoyment of ourcommunity and its visitors. There

are new benches and a picnic table, astory space for children, a wildflowermeadow, a habitat area, a pond andlots of bulbs, flowers and shrubsoffering year-round interest. Alwaysopen.

Glyndwr Vineyard Llanblethian, Cowbridge CF71 7JFThe oldest established and largestvineyard in Wales. In a beautifulsetting it produces a range of award-winning wines and has a stunningB&B and self cateringaccommodation. Contact to booktour and wine tasting. Tel 01446774564.

St Quentin’s Castle Llanblethian CF71 7JTThe impressive 14th centurygatehouse at St Quentin’s Castle,Llanblethian is now open to thepublic following restoration work byCADW. Tel: (01443) 336000

Beaupre CastleNr St Hilary CF71 7LTPart castle, part-Elizabethan manor.Situated in fields south-east ofCowbridge on the River Thaw.CADW (01443) 336000

Cowbridge Museum Cowbridge CF71 7ADHoused in the cells of the former’House of Correction’ which becamethe Town Hall in 1830. The museumis open the first Saturday of everymonth.

Coed Hills Rural Artspace St Hilary CF71 7DPWales’ leading venue for art in thelandscape. Sited on a 180-acre farmat St Hilary, near Cowbridge.Tel: (01446) 774084

Plas Llanmihangel Nr Cowbridge CF71 7LQ 16th century Elizabethan manorhouse with some parts dating backto the 12th century. Guided toursand Victorian teas for groups byarrangement. Bed and breakfastalso available. 3 miles south ofCowbridge. Tel: (01446) 774610

Holy Cross Church Cowbridge CF71 7BBThe ‘Cathedral of the Vale’ in ChurchStreet is well worth a visit.

Amelia Trust Farm Nr Bonvilston CF62 3AS160 acre working farm situated justoff the A4226 to Barry. Woodlands,ponds, wetland meadow, farmanimals and visitor centre selling

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farm produce, souvenirs andrefreshments. Tel: (01446) 782030

Taskforce Paintball Penllyn CF71 7AQSouth Wales' premier paintballingand outdoor activity centre offeringan exciting range of activitiesincluding paintballing, laser tag(quasar outdoors), archery andteambuilding command tasks. 30acre site and 12 different gamefields/zones. Games for adults andjuniors (low impact kids paintballfor 8 years and above). Situated justoff the main A48 at Penllyn nearCowbridge. Booking is essential.Tel: 029 2059 3900

South Wales Karting CentreLlandow CF71 7PBOver 1000 metres long and theonly fully floodlit outdoor KartCircuit in Wales. A range of Karts areavailable to suit both the noviceand more experienced driver. Justoff the main A48 near Llandow. Tel: (01446) 795568

Dyffryn Gardens St Nicholas CF5 6SURun by the National Trust, DyffrynGardens are an exceptional exampleof Edwardian garden design,covering more than 55 acres

featuring a stunning collection ofintimate garden rooms, formallawns and seasonal bedding. Withinthe gardens, Dyffryn House, a grandVictorian mansion overlooks thekey aspects of the gardens.Significant parts of the ground andfirst floors have been restored totheir Victorian splendour and arenow open to the public. Situated 1mile south of the A48 near StNicholas. Tel: 029 2059 3328

Warren Mill Farm Park Nr Pendoylan CF71 7UJA large variety of miniature, rareand unusual farm animals, colourfulwaterfowl and a new family ofwallabies. Situated around anatural 4-acre coarse lake, which iswell stocked with carp, tench,perch, roach and bream. Situated 1mile north of the A48 nearBonvilston. Tel: (01446) 781274

Llanerch Vineyard Hensol CF72 8GGA unique and tranquil treasurenestling in 22 acres of beautifulcountryside. Woodland walks, selfguided vineyard tours, restaurant,bistro, boutique hotel rooms andcookery classes. Tel: 01443 222716

Beaupre Castle / Castell y BewpyrLlanerch Vineyard / Gwinllan Llanerch

Dyffryn Gardens / Gerddi Dyffryn

Shopping / Siopa

Lleoedd i Ymweld â Hwy...

Gardd Berlysiau y Bont-faenY Bont-faen CF71 7BBMae Gardd Berlysiau y Bont-faenwedi ei chreu, ei phlannu a’imeithrin i roi gwir synnwyr o erddiperlysiau yr hen ddyddiau. Maeynddi gymysgedd o blanhigion,blodau a choed a fyddai wedi bodmewn gerddi llysieuyddiontraddodiadol; mae wedi ei hamgáugan furiau cerrig uchel (rhannauohonynt yn dyddio’n ôl i’r drydeddganrif ar ddeg); ac mae’n cynnigawyrgylch tawel hyfryd. Mae’r arddyn agored i’r cyhoedd. Ar agor bobdydd heblaw am Ddydd Nadolig.10am-6pm Haf. 10am-4pm Gaeaf.

Gerddi’r Hen Neuadd Stryd Fawr y Bont-faenHon oedd gardd ffurfiol yr HenNeuadd, tŷ trefol teulu’r Edmondesyn y 1740au. Wedi ei leoli tu ôl i’rHen Neuadd a gerllaw’r ArddBerlysiau, mae’r man tawel hwnwedi ei amgylchynu ar ddwy ochrgan rannau hynaf Muriau’r Dref.Gwirfoddolwyr o YmddiriedolaethSiarter y Bont-faen sy’n gofalu amyr ardd ac maent yn gweithio iadfywio borderi a esgeuluswyd acannog amrywiaeth o blanhigion,nodweddion, defnydd a bywydgwyllt er mwyn creu man hardd ygall ein cymuned ac ymwelwyr eifwynhau. Mae yma feinciau a bwrddpicnic newydd, gofod stori i blant,perllan o flodau gwyllt, ardalcynefin, pwll a llu o fylbiau, blodau aphrysglwyni er mwyn cynnal ydiddordeb drwy gydol y flwyddyn.Ar agor bob amser.

Gwinllan Glyndw^ r Llanfleiddan, Y Bont-faenCF71 7JFY winllan hynaf a mwyaf yngNghymru. Mae wedi ei lleoli mewnman godidog ac yn cynhyrchu

ystod o winoedd gwobrwyedig ynogystal â llety gwely a brecwast achyfleusterau hunanarlwyopenigamp. Cysylltwch er mwynarchebu eich taith ac i flasu gwin.Ffôn 01446 774564.

Castell Sain Cwentin LlanblethianCF71 7JTMae’r porthdy trawiadol 14eg ganrifyng Nghastell Sain Cwentin,Llanbleiddian yn agored bellach i’rcyhoedd yn sgîl gwaith adfer ganCADW. Ffôn: (01443) 336000

Castell y BewpyrGer Sain Hilari CF71 7LTRhannol yn gastell, rhannol ynfaenordy oes Elizabeth. Wedi ei leolimewn caeau i’r de-ddwyrain o’rBont-faen ger Afon Ddawan. CADW(01443) 336000

Amgueddfa’r Bont-faenY Bont-faen CF71 7ADMae ei gartref yng nghelloedd y“Cospty” gynt a ddaeth yn neuadd ydref yn 1830. Mae’r amgueddfa aragor ar ddydd Sadwrn cyntaf bob mis.Ffôn: (01446) 775243

Celf-fan Gwledig Coed Hills St Hilary CF71 7DPY man mwyaf blaenllaw yngNghymru am gelfyddyd yn ydirwedd. Wedi’i leoli ar fferm 180erw yn Saint Hilari, ger Y Bont-faen.Ffôn: (01446) 774084

Plas Llanmihangel Ger y Bont-faen CF71 7LQMaenordy o’r unfed ganrif arbymtheg a chyfnod Elizabeth yCyntaf gyda rhai rhannau ohono’ndyddio’n ôl i’r ddeuddegfed ganrif.Gellir trefnu teithiau tywys a theFictorianaidd i grwpiau. Gwely abrecwast hefyd ar gael. 3 milltir i’rde o’r Bont-faen. Ffôn: (01446) 774610

Penny Lane

Penny Lane

Eglwys Y Groes SanctaiddY Bont-faen CF71 7BBMae ‘Cadeirlan y Fro’ yn Stryd yrEglwys yn werth ymweld â hi.

Fferm Ymddiriedolaeth AmeliaGer Tresimwn CF62 3ASFferm weithredol 160 erw wedi’illeoli’n agos i’r A4226 i’r Barri.Coetir, llynnoedd, maes tir gwlyb,anifeiliaid fferm a chanolfanymwelwyr yn gwerthu cynnyrchfferm, cofroddion a lluniaeth. Ffôn: (01446) 782030

Taskforce Paintball Penllyn CF71 7AQPrif ganolfan gemau peli paent agweithgareddau awyr agored DeCymru sy’n cynnig ystod eang oweithgareddau, ac yn eu plith saethupeli paent, laser tag (quasar yn yrawyr agored), saethyddiaeth athasgau adeiladu tîm. Safle 30 erwgyda 12 cae/parth ar gyfer gemaugwahanol. Gemau ar gyfer oedoliona phobl ifanc (gemau peli paentergydio ysgafn i blant, at gyfer 8 oeda hy^n). Wedi ei leoli ychydig oddi aryr A48 ym Mhenllyn ger y Bont-faen. Archebu yn angenrheidiol.Ffôn: 029 2059 3900

Canolfan Gwibgerti De CymruLland ^w CF71 7PBDros 1000 metr o hyd a’r unig DracGwibgertio awyr agored wedi eilifoleuo’n llawn yng Nghymru. Maeamrywiaeth o Wibgerti ar gael afydd yn addas ar gyfer y dechreuwra’r gyrrwr mwy profiadol. Oddi ar yrA48 ger Llandw^ . Ffôn: (01446) 795568

Gerddi DyffrynSain Nicolas CF5 6SUMae Gerddi Dyffryn, sydd yngngofal yr YmddiriedolaethGenedlaethol ac yn enghraiffteithriadol o gynllun garddEdwardaidd, yn ymestyn dros 55erw ac yn cynnwys casgliadtrawiadol o ystafelloedd garddcartrefol, lawntiau ffurfiol agwelyau phlanhigion tymhorol. Ofewn y gerddi mae Ty^ Dyffryn,plasty Fictoraidd mawreddog, ynedrych dros brif elfennau’r gerddi.Mae rhannau sylweddol o’r llawrgwaelod a’r llawr cyntaf wedi euhadnewyddu i’w hysblanderFictoraidd ac maent nawr ar agori’r cyhoedd. Wedi eu lleoli 1 filltiri’r de o’r A48 ger Sain Nicolas. Ffôn:029 2059 3328

Parc Fferm Warren MillGer Pendeulwyn CF71 7UJMae yma gasgliad helaeth oanifeiliaid fferm bychan, prin acanarferol yn ogystal ag adar dwr atheulu newydd o walabïod. Ynamgylchynu llyn 4 erw bras, syddag ynddo ddigonedd o garpiaid,ysgretennod, draenogiaid,cochiaid a merfogiaid. Wedi’i leolifilltir i’r gogledd o’r A48 gerTresimwn. Ffôn: (01446) 781274

Gwinllan LlanerchHensol CF72 8GGPerl unigryw a thawel yn swatiomewn 22 erw o gefn gwladgodidog. Llwybrau drwy’rgoedwig, teithiau hunan-dywys oamgylch y winllan, bwyty, bistro,ystafelloedd gwesty bwtîc adosbarthiadau coginio. Ffôn:01443 222716

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Eating out in Cowbridge is always a treat,whether you’re looking for a lunchtime biteor three-course meal. The town boasts asuperb range of bistros, restaurants, pubsand wine bars catering for all tastes andeach with their own individual characterand style.

EVENTSCowbridge hosts a whole range offestivals and events throughout the year.The Cowbridge Food Festival sees thetown at its most vibrant. You can samplethe very best of local food and drink andenjoy a whole host of live talks anddemonstrations over the weekend.

At Christmas time, Cowbridge has amagical festive feel with the High Streetshops decked with Christmas trees andcolourful lights providing the perfectbackdrop for the Cowbridge ChristmasReindeer Parade.

Theatre goers can enjoy local productionsby Cowbridge Amateur Dramatic Society,held in the charming 65 seater MarketTheatre www.market-theatre.com. Cinema fans can see their favourite filmsat ‘Big Screen Vale’, Cowbridge Town Hall.Films are screened once a month.

For event details visit -www.hubcowbridge.com

Welcome to CowbridgeThis pretty market town nestled in theheart of the rural Vale has much to offervisitors. Steeped in heritage its historicpast is reflected in its present buildings,which add to the interest and characterof the town. The pretty High Street,arcades and courtyards are a pleasure toexplore, each with its own distinctcharacter.

SHOPPING AND EATING OUTShoppers can browse among a myriad ofunique, family owned shops sellingbeautiful clothes for ladies andgentlemen, jewellery, leather goods,shoes, crafts, furniture, books, antiquesand unusual gifts. Renowned for itscustomer care and first class service,Cowbridge makes a welcome alternativeto the large department stores andmodern day shopping outlets.

In recent years Cowbridge has developeda reputation for quality Welsh crafts.The Old Wool Barn Art and Craft centreset in the attractive Verity’s Court, ishome to local talented artistsspecialising in cake decoration, pottery,woodwork, ceramics, jewellery designand decorative art. There’s even achocolate shop to tempt the taste buds!Old Masons Yard is a unique riversideshopping arcade with independentshops, cafes and restaurants. With somuch choice to offer it’s no wonderCowbridge entices visitors to return timeand time again.

CowbridgeELEGANT MARKET TOWN

TREF FARCHNAD GAIN

HISTORIC TIMESIt was in 1977 that the first real evidence ofa Roman settlement at Cowbridge came tolight when remains of shops and houseswere discovered during the Cooper’s Laneexcavation opposite Old Hall. Furtherexcavation behind Bear Lane revealed thatthere had been a sizeable military andcivilian presence at Cowbridge until theSecond Augustan Legion moved away todefend Hadrian’s Wall, and the townbecame deserted.

The Normans entered South Wales at theend of the 11th century and soonestablished control of the lordship ofGlamorgan. Richard de Clare, Earl ofGloucester and Lord of Glamorgan foundedCowbridge, in the aftermath of the Siwardrebellion of 1245.

The town received its first charter in1254, in which it is called Longa Villa(Long Town) an apt description in view ofits layout. Unusually for a Welsh plantedtown, Cowbridge lacked a castle althoughRichard de Clare’s castle at Llanblethianwas only half a mile away and overlookedthe town. The town walls werecompleted by about 1300, their purposebeing to protect the Lord of Glamorgan’svaluable rental properties and burgageplots as well as providing a suitable wayof collecting tolls from the twice-weeklymarkets. Much of the wall still stands,especially around the Old Hall garden andnear the South Gate. Cowbridge is theonly town of the old County ofGlamorgan to retain its walls and presentday Cowbridge is a member of the WalledTown Circle.

Cowbridge’s role in the Middle Ages wasas a market town for the surroundingagricultural area. It was very much anurban settlement with the occupations ofits inhabitants ranging from a variety oftrades and crafts through to professionalpeople and minor gentry.

In the 18th century Cowbridge becamehome to many of the Vale gentry, partlybecause residence in Cowbridge gave theright to vote in parliamentary elections.Some fine Georgian buildings date from

this time. Throughout the century thetown played host to the Quarter Sessionswhere people could be sentenced to betransported to the colonies. The GreatSessions for more serious cases were alsoheld in Cowbridge and many werecondemned to the gallows on nearbyStalling Down.

Trade increased, with some of the produceof the Cowbridge merchants being sentover the Channel through the nearby portof Aberthaw. In 1865, the railway linerunning south from Llantrisant wasopened and then extended to Aberthawin1892 but without sufficient tradesupport to ensure its success it eventuallyclosed in 1951.

The late 20th century, with the growth ofprivate transport and prosperity, sawCowbridge flourish and become thethriving market town which you see today.

Look out for Blue Plaques on buildingsthroughout the town depicting sites ofhistoric interest.

HERITAGE WALKThe Iolo Morganwg Circular Walk (6.5 miles)starts in the heart of historic Cowbridge.Created to guide you through the beautifulsurrounding countryside, villges andwoodland whilst celebrating Iolo Morganwg(1747-1826), one of the Vale’s mostcolourful characters.

Considered an architect of the Welsh nation,walk in Iolo’s footsteps to learn more aboutthis extraordinary figure. Pick up a copy ofthe A5 booklet which includes a pull out OSmap with walking instructions from HighStreet’s Bear Hotel reception or CostaCoffee - which was Iolo’s old shop, the firstfair-trade shop in Wales!

EXPLORE AND MOREVisit the interactive ‘Explore and More’touch screen kiosks and watch a series ofshort films that delve into the fascinatingstories behind the Vale of Glamorgan’scastles, churches and ancient sites. TheKiosk is located on Cowbridge High Streetnext to the entrance to Old Hall.

Ramoth Chapel / Capel Ramoth

Shopping / Siopa

St Quentin’s Castle / Castell Sain Cwentin

Croeso i’r Bont-faenDIGWYDDIADAUBydd y Bont-faen yn cynnal ystod owyliau a digwyddiadau drwy gydol yflwyddyn. Yn ystod Gŵyl Fwyd y Bont-faen gwelir y dref ar ei mwyaf bywiog.Gallwch flasu’r bwyd a diod lleol goraua mwynhau nifer o sgyrsiau acarddangosiadau byw dros ypenwythnos.

Mae naws tymhorol hudol i’r Bont-faen adeg y Nadolig gyda'r siopau yn yStryd Fawr wedi'u haddurno â choedNadolig a goleuadau lliwgar gan roi'rgefnlen berffaith ar gyfer GorymdaithNadolig y Ceirw y Bont-faen.

Gall mynychwyr y theatr weldcynyrchiadau lleol gan GymdeithasTheatr Amatur y Bont-faen, a gynheliryn adeilad hyfryd Theatr y Farchnadgyda’i 65 sedd. www.market-theatre.comGall selogion y sinema fwynhau eu hoffffilmiau yn ‘Big Screen Vale’, Neuadd yDref y Bont-faen. Caiff ffilmiau eusgrinio unwaith y mis.

I gael manylion digwyddiad ewch i -www.hubcowbridge.com

OESOEDD A FUYn 1977 cafwyd tystiolaeth go iawncyntaf o anheddle Rhufeinig panddaethpwyd o hyd i weddillion siopaua thai wrth gloddio yn Lôn y Cowpergyferbyn â’r Hen Neuadd. Wrth gloddioymhellach y tu ôl i Bear Lane daeth ynamlwg fod yna bresenoldeb milwrol asifil mawr ei faint wedi bod yn Y Bont-faen nes i’r Ail Leng Awgwstaidd symudi ffwrdd i amddiffyn Mur Hadrian, agadawyd y dref yn wag.

Daeth y Normaniaid i Dde Cymru arddiwedd yr 11eg ganrif ac yn fuaniawn roeddent yn rheoli arglwyddiaethMorgannwg. Sefydlodd Richard deClare, Iarll Caerloyw ac ArglwyddMorgannwg, Y Bont-faen yn sgîlgwrthryfel Siward yn 1245.

Mae gan y dref farchnad hardd hon,sy’n gorwedd yng nghanol y Fro wlediglawer i'w gynnig i ymwelwyr. Mae'ngyfoethog ei threftadaeth ac feadlewyrchir ei gorffennol hanesyddolyn ei hadeiladau presennol, sy'nychwanegu at ddiddordeb a chymeriady dref. Mae'n bleser archwilio’r StrydFawr, yr arcedau a'r cyrtiau hardd, pobun â'i gymeriad nodedig.

SIOPA A BWYTA ALLANGall siopwyr bori ymysg siopau teuluolunigryw di-ri, yn gwerthu dillad hyfrydi fenywod a dynion, gemwaith,nwyddau lledr, esgidiau, crefftau,dodrefn, llyfrau, hen greiriau arhoddion anarferol. Mae i’r dref enw daam ofalu am ei chwsmeriaid a’igwasanaeth o’r radd flaenaf sy’nnewid derbyniol dros ben ar ôl bod ynsiopau adrannol mawr y ddinas a’rpentrefi siopa modern.

Yn ystod y blynyddoedd diwethaf maetref y Bont-faen wedi meithrin enw daam ei chrefftau Cymreig o safon. MaeCanolfan Celf a Chrefft Yr Hen YsguborWlân wedi ei lleoli yn libart deniadolLlys Verity, ac mae’n gartref i artistiaidtalentog lleol sy’n arbenigo mewnaddurno cacennau, crochenwaith,gwaith coed, cerameg, dyluniogemwaith ac arlunio addurniadol. Maeyno hyd yn oed siop siocled i’chtemtio! Mae’r Old Masons Yard ynarcêd siopa unigryw ar lan yr afon gydasiopau annibynnol, caffis a bwytai.Gyda chymaint i’w gynnig does ryfeddbod tref y Bont-faen yn denu’rymwelwyr yn ôl dro ar ôl tro.

Mae hi bob amser yn bleser bwytaallan yn y Bont-faen, boed eich bod ynchwilio am damaid i ginio neu bryd trichwrs. Yn y dref ceir ystod ardderchogo fistros, tai bwyta, tafarndai a bariaugwin a fydd yn darparu at ddant pawb,ac mae gan bob un ei gymeriad a’isteil ei hun.

Derbyniodd y dref ei siarter gyntafyn 1254, pan y’i gelwid yn Longa Villa(Tref Hir) sy’n ddisgrifiad priodolwrth ystyried ei chynllun. Ynanghyffredin i dref blanedig, nid oeddi’r Bont-faen gastell er bod Richardde Clare wedi codi castell ond hannermilltir i ffwrdd yn Llanbleiddian aoedd yn edrych dros y dref.

Cwblhawyd muriau’r dref erbyn tua1300, eu pwrpas oedd gwarchodeiddo rhentu a thiroedd bwrdaisgwerthfawr Arglwydd Morgannwg ynogystal â darparu dull addas o gasglutollau gan farsiandwyrmarchnadoedd a gynhelid ddwywaithyr wythnos. Mae cyfran helaeth o’rmur yn dal i sefyll, yn enwedig ogwmpas gardd yr Hen Neuadd a gery Porth Deheuol. Y Bont-faen yw’runig dref yn yr hen Sir Forgannwg igadw ei muriau hyd y dydd hwn acmae’r Bont-faen bresennol yn aelodo Gylch y Trefi Caerog.

Yn ystod y Canol Oesoedd roedd yBont-faen yn dref farchnad ar gyferyr ardal amaethyddol o’i chwmpas.Roedd heb os yn anheddiad trefolgyda galwedigaethau ei thrigolion ynamrywio o bob math o fasnachwyr achrefftwyr i weithwyr proffesiynol amân foneddigion.

Yn y ddeunawfed ganrif daeth y Bont-faen yn gartref i lawer o foneddigiony Fro, yn rhannol oherwydd bodpreswylio yn y Bont-faen yn rhoi’rhawl i fwrw pleidlais mewnetholiadau seneddol. Mae ynaadeiladau Sioraidd cain yn dyddio o’rcyfnod hwn. Trwy gydol y ganrifcafodd y Llys Chwarter ei gynnal yn ydref lle gallai’r bobl gael eu dedfrydu igael eu halltudio i’r gwladfeydd.Cynhelid y Llys Mawr yn y Bont-faenhefyd ar gyfer achosion mwy difrifolac fe gondemniwyd llawer o bobl i’rcrocbren ar Fryn Owain gerllaw.

Tyfodd masnach, gyda pheth ogynnyrch masnachwyr y Bont-faen yncael ei anfon dros Fôr Hafren oborthladd cyfagos Aberddawan. Ym1865 agorwyd y rheilffordd yn rhedegtua’r de o Lantrisant ac yna fe’ihestynnwyd ym 1892 i Aberddawan.Fodd bynnag, heb ddigon o fasnachi’w chynnal fe’i caewyd ym 1951.

Yn niwedd yr ugeinfed ganrif, gydachynnydd mewn cludiant preifat affyniant, tyfodd y Bont-faen i fod ydref farchnad lwyddiannus a welwchchi heddiw.

Cadwch lygad am Blaciau Glas aradeiladau drwy’r dref sy’n dynodisafleoedd o ddiddordeb hanesyddol.

www.visitthevale.com

Bear Hotel / Gwesty’r Bear

Blue Plaque Scheme / Cynllun Plac Glas Holy Cross Church / Eglwys y Groes SanctaiddPicturesque Cowbridge / Y Bont-faen hardd

TAITH TREFTADAETHMae Taith Gylchol Iolo Morgannwg(6.5 milltir) yn dechrau yng nghanoltref hanesyddol y Bont-faen. Crëwydy daith er mwyn eich tywys drwygefn gwlad, pentrefi a choedwigoeddgodidog yr ardal a hefyd dathlubywyd Iolo Morgannwg (1747-1826), un o gymeriadau mwyaflliwgar y Fro.

Ystyrir Iolo yn bensaer cenedl yCymry, a gallwch gerdded yn ôl eidroed er mwyn dysgu mwy am ycymeriad rhyfeddol hwn. Casglwcheich copi o’r llyfryn maint A5 sy’ncynnwys map OS y gellir ei dynnu’n

rhydd sydd â chanllawiau cerdded odderbynfa Gwesty’r Arth ar y StrydFawr neu siop Costa Coffee - hensiop Iolo a’r siop fasnach deg gyntafyng Nghymru!

DARGANFOD A MWYEwch i giosg rhyngweithiol‘Darganfod a Mwy’ gyda’i sgriniaucyffwrdd er mwyn gwylio cyfres offilmiau byr sy’n edrych ar hanesiondiddorol cestyll, eglwysi a safleoeddhynafol Bro Morgannwg. Mae’rCiosg wedi ei leoli ar Stryd Fawr yBont-faen drws nesaf i fynedfa’rHen Neuadd.

TO LLANTWIT MAJOR,TO LLANTWIT MAJOR,HERITAGE COAST ANDHERITAGE COAST AND

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VERITY'S COURT &VERITY'S COURT &OLD WOOL BARN OLD WOOL BARN VERITY'S COURT &OLD WOOL BARN

OLD HALLOLD HALL& GARDENS & GARDENS

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www.visitthevale.comELEGANT MARKET TOWNTREF FARCHNAD GAIN

Sports and LeisureFor the more active, there’s a wide selection of activities from paintballing to karting – all just on Cowbridge’sdoorstep. Cowbridge Leisure Centre has a sports hall, gym, health suite, outdoor bowling green, plus a varied activityprogramme. Cowbridge Athletic Club provides squash, tennis, cricket and rugby facilities. Golfers can take their pickfrom a great choice of courses set against the backdrop of spectacular Vale countryside. For further information:www.visitthevale.com or www.valegolfbreaks.com

For walking enthusiasts there’s a choice of easy-to-follow nature trails, circular routes and town walks. A short distancefrom the town are woods, lakes and common land for those who love to be close to nature. For further information onwalking in the Vale contact Valeways Tel: (01446) 749000.

The area is also perfect for fishing with a choice of fisheries within a few miles of Cowbridge.

Fisheries:• Dyffryn Springs Trout and Coarse Fishery, St Lythans. Tel: (029) 2059 5929 www.dyffrynsprings.co.uk• Hazel Court Ponds, Llysworney. Tel: (01446) 771893 www.hazelcourtponds.co.uk• Seven Oaks Fishery, Near Ystradowen. Tel: (01446) 622236 www.sevenoaksfishfarm.co.uk• Warren Mill Farm Park & Fishery, Pendoylan. Tel: (01446) 781274 www.warrenmillfarm.co.uk

If relaxation is more appealing then a visit to Beauty Within, Cowbridge’s very own day spa is a must. Designed tosubconsciously stimulate all your senses, you will enter a luxurious blend of exotic cultures, colours and textures fromaround the world.

The Vale Spa, a few miles away, offers a complete range of pampering spa breaks and spa day experiences in theluxurious surroundings of the Vale Resort. Tel: 01443 667800

Ar gyfer y rhai mwy heini mae amrywiaeth eang o weithgareddau ar gael, o saethu paent i rasio ceir gwyllt - i gyd ardrothwy’r Bont-faen. Mae gan Ganolfan Hamdden y Bont-faen neuadd chwaraeon, campfa, ystafell iechyd, llain fowlioawyr agored, yn ogystal â rhaglen amrywiol o weithgareddau. Mae Clwb Athletau'r Bont-faen yn darparu cyfleusterausboncen, tenis, criced a rygbi. Gall y golffwyr ddewis rhwng nifer o gyrsiau wedi eu lleoli yng nghefn gwlad ysblennyddy Fro. Am ragor o wybodaeth: www.visitthevale.com neu www.valegolfbreaks.com

Ar gyfer y rhai y mae cerdded yn mynd â’u bryd mae yna ddewis o lwybrau natur hawdd eu dilyn, teithiau cylchol atheithiau o gwmpas y dref. Ceir coetir, llynnoedd a thir comin nepell o’r dref i’r rheini sy’n hoffi bod yng nghanol natur.Am ragor o fanylion cerdded yn y Fro cysylltwch â Valeways Ffôn: (01446) 749000. www.valeways.org.uk

Mae’r ardal hefyd yn berffaith ar gyfer pysgota gyda dewis o bysgodfeydd o fewn ychydig filltiroedd i’r Bont-faen.

Pysgodfeydd:• Pysgodfa Brithyll a Physgod Bras Dyffryn Springs, Llwyneliddon. Ffôn: (029) 2059 5929 www.dyffrynsprings.co.uk• Llynnoedd Hazel Court, Llyswyrnwy. Ffôn: (01446) 771893 www.hazelcourtponds.co.uk• Pysgodfa Seven Oaks, ger Ystradowen. Ffôn: (01446) 622236 www.sevenoaksfishfarm.co.uk• Parc a Physgodfa Fferm Warren Mill, Pendeulwyn. Ffôn: (01446) 781274 www.warrenmillfarm.co.uk

Os yw’n well gennych ymlacio yna mae rhaid i chi ymweld â Beauty Within, sba undydd Y Bont-faen. Mae’r profiadwedi ei gynllunio i ysgogi eich synhwyrau i gyd yn ddiarwybod i chi ac fe fyddwch yn profi cymysgedd egsotig oddiwylliannau, lliwiau a gweadau o bob ban o’r byd.

Mae Sba Gwesty’r Vale, ychydig filltiroedd i ffwrdd, yn cynnig ystod lawn o wyliau sba moethus a dyddiau sba ynamgylchedd gogoneddus y Vale Resort. Fôn: 01443 667800

Chwaraeon a Hamdden

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1. Cottrell Park / Parc Cottrell 2. Verity’s Court / Llys Verity3. Cowbridge Physic Garden /

Gardd Berlysiau y Bont-faen 4. Bear Hotel / Gwesty’r Bear