Pontypool is the oldest industrial towns in South wales and for more than 200 years it was one of the most important towns in Monmouthshire.  Its existance is undoubtedly owed to the foresight and enterprise of the Hanbury Family who settled here in the 16th century and laid the foundations of a once important iron industry.

It was agreed that they should join hand for a tug, and whichever should be drawn across the river, should build the bridge.  The Devil was forced to yield to the superior muscles of the sturdy Welshman and in accordance with the terms of the contest was obliged to build the bridge which was named after Howell and place accordingly become known as Pont ap Howell.  But this is of course bad Welsh, for a Welshman could not have been called Ap Howell, he might be called William ap Howell or John ap Howell, but never Ap Howell.  The correct name is more likely Pont y Pwll, the bridge over the pool or hollow and it is of significance that in Norman times the place was Known as 'Le Pool'. T

Happy 14th Birthday Dean! love from Mam Dad & Micheal & Debbiexxxxxxxx

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The Market Town Of Pontypool

'Pontypool is a small town of Monmouthshire, which has risen up in the course of the last century.  It owes its existance to the mineral treasures which lie concealed in the surrounding hills.  The quantities of iron ore and oal, here dug out of the bowels of the earth are astonishing. The hammer and pick-axe are heard to resound where used to prevail the prefoundest silence; whilst the roaring furnace and the thundering forge shake the vallies through which the brooks are wont to flow with an uninterrupted placidity!'

                                                                                  John Evans 1805

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