Baglan, Neath Port Talbot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Baglan |
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 Baglan
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| Population | 6,819 |
| OS grid reference | SS746924 |
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| Ceremonial county | |
| Country | Wales |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | PORT TALBOT |
| Postcode district | SA12 |
| Dialling code | 01639 |
| Police | South Wales |
| Fire | Mid and West Wales |
| Ambulance | Welsh |
| EU Parliament | Wales |
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| Welsh Assembly |
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Baglan is a village in Wales, located right next to Port Talbot. It's named after a special person, Saint Baglan. Baglan is also a local community and an area (called a ward) within the Neath Port Talbot county. In 2011, about 6,819 people lived there.
The village is built on the side of a steep hill. It's surrounded by two other hills, Mynydd-y-Gaer to the north and Mynydd Dinas to the east. To the southwest, you'll find open moors and Baglan Bay. Baglan has several old and interesting buildings. These include Baglan House and two churches: St. Catharine's Church and the original St. Baglan's Church. The first St. Baglan's Church is now just a shell after a fire in 1954. St. Catharine's Church was designed by a Welsh architect named John Prichard. It was built in a style called neo-Gothic and opened in 1882. Baglan House used to be home to the Villiers family, who were earls of Jersey.
Baglan railway station is on the South Wales Main Line. You can catch trains from here to Cardiff and Swansea.
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Exploring Baglan's Past
People have lived in Baglan for a very long time. The oldest signs of settlement are from the Bronze Age. You can find an ancient burial mound called Twyn Disgwylfa on Mynydd Dinas. There's also a round mound inside the hillfort of Buarth-y-Gaer, just outside Baglan.
Another ancient site is an Iron Age hillfort called Craig Ty-Isaf. It's located on the nearby hill, Mynydd-y-Gaer. It's thought that an old Roman road, called Via Julia, might have passed through the village.
Later, during the Dark Ages (an early Christian period), a church was built here. We know this from some old Christian stones found locally. One important stone is the Cross of Brancu, which is from the 9th or 10th century. It's now kept in St. Catharine's Church. People believe that Saint Baglan himself founded the first church here.
Medieval Times in Baglan
In the medieval period, the church dedicated to St. Baglan was rebuilt. It was on the same spot as the earlier church. Sadly, this church burned down in 1954. You can still see its ruins at the top of St. Catharine's churchyard.
There was also a medieval castle within the local area. It's known as 'Plas Baglan'. This site is above the Baglan Brook and is now very overgrown. While it's often thought of as a large house (a manor house), it was actually a strong, fortified castle built by the 13th century. Over time, it did become a manor house. Several old house foundations from the medieval period can also be found on the hills behind the village.
Sports in Baglan
Baglan is a great place for sports! It's home to four different sports clubs:
- Baglan Rugby Football Club
- Baglan Football Club
- Baglan Cricket Club
- Tyn-Y-Twr Bowling Club
Famous People from Baglan
Baglan has been home to some well-known people:
- Michael Williams was given the special title of Baron Williams of Baglan in 2010.
- Comedian Rob Brydon was born in Baglan.
- Actor Michael Sheen grew up in the village.
- Comedian Lloyd Langford was also born here.
