PENYDARREN HIGH STREET
For the latest in our series, we have three photographs showing somewhere that has altered beyond all recognition – Penydarren High Street.
At one time Penydarren High Street was lined by houses and shops; a chapel – Radcliffe Hall; a cinema – the Cosy, not to mention several pubs. Penydarren High Street was also the site of The Lucania where Eddie Thomas had his gym.
The first photograph shows the High Street in about 1910.
The next photograph taken just slightly further up the High Street is from 1972.
In this photograph you can see that the houses are still standing, if a little more weather-worn than previously, and Radcliffe Hall Chapel is at the bottom of the photo on the left hand side.
The last photo is from 2012 – nothing remains. That’s progress for you!!!
Very interesting I remember it from the 40 / 50’s as pictured but not visited for about 25 years am amazed how green and countrified it has become.
And the enormous amount of mature trees now in and surrounding the town and river is quite remarkable.
Well done the town planning with a great deal of help from nature.
loved Radcliffe Hall many happy hours there. Rev. Percy Brown last minister before closing and joining Hope Church. Crystal Palace my Friday night venue. Remember starting the Penydarren Club there also going to the Cosy and the Lucania when sam was in charge. Doctors, Roberts the chemist, Barsi the fish shop, Basinis the cafe, Tanners the newsagent two barbers, ladies hairdresser, a couple of General Stores blacksmith Post Office and I have left a lot out. On top of all that there was a shop almost in every other street What a community I am privilaged to have lived there