Whitchurch, Cardiff facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Whitchurch
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 Whitchurch main shopping street |
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 Whitchurch
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| Population | 14,267 (2011) |
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| Principal area | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Country | Wales |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | CARDIFF |
| Postcode district | CF14 |
| Dialling code | 029 |
| Police | South Wales |
| Fire | South Wales |
| Ambulance | Welsh |
| EU Parliament | Wales |
| UK Parliament |
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| Welsh Assembly |
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Whitchurch (Welsh: Yr Eglwys Newydd, lit. 'the New Church') is a lively suburb and community in the north of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. It is about 3 miles north of the city center. You can find it near the A470 road and A4054 road. In 2011, about 14,267 people lived here.
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Discovering Whitchurch
Even though Cardiff has grown a lot, many people who live in Whitchurch still like to call it "The Village." This is because it used to be a separate place. Today, Whitchurch has many schools, a busy shopping area, and the Whitchurch Library. It is also home to the Velindre Cancer Centre, an important hospital in Wales that helps people with cancer.
The main office for the Presbyterian Church of Wales is also located here, at the Tabernacle Church.
A Look Back: Whitchurch History
Whitchurch gets its name from "White Church." However, its Welsh name, Yr Eglwys Newydd, means "The New Church." The first time this area was mentioned was in 1126. Back then, the land was given to Llandaff Cathedral. A small chapel was built where Old Church Road is now. This church, called St Mary's, was part of the cathedral until 1845. Then, it became its own separate church area.
After a lot of fighting against the Normans, the area became part of their control in 1266. The Normans created the area known as the manor of Whitchurch. This included nearby Llandaff North and Rhiwbina. They also built Castell Coch to protect the way into Cardiff in Tongwynlais. By the 1500s, the castle was in ruins. It might have been attacked by Owain Glyndŵr.
In the early 1700s, only about 300 people lived in Whitchurch. They lived in about 50 farms and small homes. But by the end of the 1800s, this number grew to almost 5,000 people!
In 1847, a report about education showed that only 8% of children in Whitchurch went to school. The first national school in the area was built in 1854. It cost 2 pence a week to attend. Later, Whitchurch High School opened its doors in 1937.
Between 1951 and 1961, the number of people living in Whitchurch grew from about 19,827 to 27,325. In 1898 and 1922, parts of Whitchurch became part of Cardiff. By 1967, Whitchurch was fully joined with Cardiff as a suburb.
Melingriffith Tin Works: A Historic Factory
The Melingriffith Tin Plate Works was built in 1749. It was located in north Whitchurch, next to the River Taff. This factory was built near an old corn mill that had been there since the late 1100s. Melingriffith was the biggest working tin factory in the UK for a long time.
The tin mills used water from the River Taff to power their machines. This water came through the Melingriffith feeder stream. This stream also worked as a canal. It carried raw iron ore from the Pentyrch Iron Works until about 1815. Today, you can still see the mostly dry bed of this stream. You can also see a recently fixed water pump near Oak Cottage. The factory site itself is now a modern housing area.
The tin works closed in 1957.
How Whitchurch is Governed
After Whitchurch became part of Cardiff in 1967, it became an area that elected people to the Cardiff City Council. It elected three councillors.
Since April 1995, the Whitchurch & Tongwynlais area has elected four councillors to the County Council of the City and County of Cardiff.
Unlike some other areas, the community of Whitchurch does not have its own local council.
Hospitals in Whitchurch
Whitchurch is home to important hospitals.
Whitchurch Hospital
Cardiff Mental Hospital, later known as Whitchurch Hospital, opened in 1908. It could care for 750 patients. This hospital became well-known across the country for its research. Whitchurch Hospital closed in 2016.
Velindre Cancer Centre
Velindre Hospital opened in Whitchurch in 1956. It is a special hospital that focuses on treating cancer. In 2019, a Maggie's Centre opened nearby. This center offers support to people affected by cancer. It is a striking building with orange metal on the outside.
Schools in Whitchurch
Whitchurch has three main schools:
- Whitchurch High School is the largest comprehensive school in Wales. It has about 2,400 students. It is located on Penlline Road.
- Ysgol Gymraeg Melin Gruffydd is a Welsh-medium primary school. It is on Glan-Y-Nant Road. The school is known for being very effective. Its motto is Cofia ddysgu byw (Remember to learn to live).
- Whitchurch Primary School is one of the largest primary schools in Wales. It has over 700 students aged three to eleven. The school opened in September 2012. It was officially opened by the famous international footballer Gareth Bale. Its motto is Work together, play together, succeed together. This school is also known for being very effective.
Sports in Whitchurch
Whitchurch has a strong connection to sports.
Whitchurch Golf Club started in July 1914.
Whitchurch Rugby Club, also called 'Whitchurch Warriors', began around 1892. Their home games are played in Hailey Park. The club has teams for men, women, girls, and boys.
Whitchurch High School has helped train three international sports stars:
- Sam Warburton, a rugby captain for the British Lions.
- Gareth Bale, a footballer who won the UEFA Champions League.
- Geraint Thomas, a cyclist who won the Tour de France.
Getting Around Whitchurch
Whitchurch is well-connected by transport.
Two train lines run near Whitchurch. The Merthyr Line goes through nearby Llandaff North, stopping at Llandaf railway station. Trains on this line connect the Cardiff Valleys to the Vale of Glamorgan, going through Cardiff city center. Whitchurch (Cardiff) railway station is on the Coryton Line. Trains here run between Coryton and Radyr, also through the city center.
Cardiff Bus services 21, 23, 24, 25, and 35 travel through parts of Whitchurch to Cardiff city centre.
The A470 road runs through the east of Whitchurch. This road goes towards Merthyr Tydfil and North Wales.
