The town of Llantrisant is seen as the oldest town in the Ely Valley. It's history, unlike the majority of Rhondda Cynon Taf's towns and villages, extends back several centuries beyond the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Commanding extensive views over the Vale of Glamorgan, the town was built on the crest of a hill. It wouldn't be unreasonable to believe that a Celtic community existed here, at least as early as the 7th century, if not as far back as the Roman invasion, given the legion's interest in neighbouring lands. Certainly with its remarkable vantage point, owing to its elevation between the conquered vale and the barren mountain terrain of the north, Llantrisant became one of the most strategically important Norman strongholds in South Wales.

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The first Norman castle was possibly completed sometime between 1096 and 1100. As well as being strategically placed, one of its most important functions was to offer protection for a community of smallholdings accompanied by a parish church. The Norman Church was dedicated by missionaries of Llantwit Major to saints Illtyd, Gwynno and Dyfodwg giving the town its present name of Church of the Three Saints. It was later rebuilt sometime around 1246 when the neighbouring castle was also fortified.

Left: Llantrisant Church

Despite this fortification Llantrisant witnessed a series of bloodthirsty rebellions. The most notable was the rebellion of Llewellyn Bren in 1316, which devastated the entire lordship including Llantrisant in just nine weeks. The castle, however, was active until at least a decade later when it was used as an overnight prison for King Edward II, captured in November 1326, and later subjected to a horrifying execution at Berkeley Castle. Following a relatively short account as a fighting castle it is rarely mentioned from 1404. It's uncertain whether it was demolished at the hands of Owen Glyndwr or possibly fell redundant during a period of stability.

Right: The old water pump - Llantrisant