Newbridge, Caerphilly facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Newbridge
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 Newbridge
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| Population | 6,509 (2011 census) |
| OS grid reference | ST215975 |
| Principal area |
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| Ceremonial county | |
| Country | Wales |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | NEWPORT |
| Postcode district | NP11 |
| Dialling code | 01495 |
| Police | Gwent |
| Fire | South Wales |
| Ambulance | Welsh |
| EU Parliament | Wales |
| UK Parliament |
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| Welsh Assembly |
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| Website | https://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/ |
Newbridge (called Trecelyn in Welsh) is a town and community located in the Caerphilly area of south Wales. It is found within the old borders of Monmouthshire.
Contents
What's in a Name? The Meaning of Newbridge
The Welsh name for Newbridge is Trecelyn. This name means "the town of the holly trees." Sometimes, old maps like those from Ordnance Survey might show a different, incorrect Welsh name.
A Look Back: Newbridge's History
Newbridge is located in an area that was once part of Monmouthshire. Some people used to think this area was part of England until the late 1900s.
In the medieval period, the areas we now know as Abercarn, Cwmcarn, and Newbridge were all part of a larger area called Abercarne. This name goes back to the time of the Normans. These three places were also part of the ancient parish of Mynyddislwyn.
The name "Newbridge" came from a "new bridge" built across the Ebbw River. This happened around the late 1700s. At that time, Newbridge was mostly a farming community. It had farms, sheep pastures, and only a few people living there.
The main farms in the valley included Ty-Llydd and Tynewydd. The modern roads we see today did not exist back then. People traveled and traded along mountain paths that crossed Mynyddislwyn and Mynydd Maen.
The Coal Mining Era in Newbridge
Newbridge started as a farming town in the late 1700s. But everything changed when coal mining began in the 1800s. Like many towns nearby, Newbridge grew very quickly. Many workers came from England, Scotland, and other parts of Wales to work in the mines.
The local coal mines were known for having skilled miners. The community had many shops, churches, chapels, and sports teams. The Celynen Collieries Workingmen's Institute (called the "Stute") and the Memorial Hall (the "Memo") became important places. They were the heart of the town, just like many miners' institutes.
Newbridge Today: After the Mines Closed
Coal mining in Newbridge stopped in the mid-1980s. The mines had survived big events like the 1926 United Kingdom general strike and the Great Depression. However, they could not continue after the UK miners' strike (1984-1985).
Since mining ended, Newbridge has added new places for fun and activities. People living there have also noticed more birds returning to the area. These include herons, buzzards, and kestrels.
The Ebbw Valley Railway opened in February 2008. This train line connects Ebbw Vale Town to Cardiff Central railway station. Newbridge is one of the stations on this line.
In 2009, a new bridge was built over the Ebbw River. This bridge connects the main town to the school and leisure center. It cost over £3 million and was opened by famous boxer Joe Calzaghe and his father, Enzo Calzaghe.
Sports and Fun in Newbridge
Newbridge is a great place for sports!
- Newbridge Rugby Union Football Club plays in the WRU Championship.
- Newbridge Cricket Club plays on the Welfare Ground. They have senior teams and teams for younger players, including women and girls.
- Newbridge Town AFC plays in a local football league. They were champions in the 2022/23 season.
- Newbridge Boxing Club is where Team Calzaghe trains. Joe Calzaghe, a world champion boxer, trained here. He retired in 2009 without ever losing a fight.
Newbridge also has a public leisure centre that opened in 1997. It has a swimming pool and a fitness area. The fitness area was made bigger in 2007.
The Workingmen's Institute & Memorial Hall
The Celynen Collieries' Institute (built in 1908) and the Memorial Hall (built in 1925) are important buildings. They are both listed buildings, meaning they are protected because of their history. The Memorial Hall is especially important, with a Grade II* listing.
Miners themselves built the Institute by borrowing money. The Memorial Hall was built to remember the 75 men from Newbridge who died in the First World War. It is still used for Remembrance Day events every year.
The Memorial Hall has a ballroom with a special dance floor. It also has an art deco auditorium designed for both plays and movies. Both buildings now offer spaces for local groups and events. After the mines closed, the buildings lost their funding.
In 2004, a group called The Friends of Newbridge Memo was formed to save these buildings. They got help from the Heritage Lottery Fund to start raising money for repairs. In 2010, the Heritage Lottery granted £2.9 million to restore these important buildings.
Learning in Newbridge: Schools
Newbridge has a secondary school called Newbridge Secondary School. It teaches about 978 students aged 11 to 16.
There are also primary schools for younger children (4-11 years old). These include Tynewydd Primary School, Pantside Primary School, and Pentwynmawr Primary School.
Famous People from Newbridge
Many notable people have grown up in Newbridge:
- Joe Calzaghe: A world-champion boxer.
- Kim Simmonds: From the band Savoy Brown.
- Steve Strange: The lead singer of the New Romantic band Visage.
- Sir Terry Matthews: A successful high-tech business owner. He owns the Celtic Manor Resort.
- John Dawes: A famous Welsh rugby union captain and coach. He played for the British and Irish Lions.
- Elliot Dee: A rugby player who plays for Wales.
The town also has the Newbridge Celynen Brass Band, which has won many awards.
Images for kids
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Older housing in Newbridge
See also
In Spanish: Newbridge (Caerphilly) para niños
