Just minutes away from Jct 34 of the M4 motorway is the ancient hill town of Llantrisant,so if you are passing and have an hour to spare, it is worth visiting.
There is evidence of a settlement here dating back to 500AD.In the early 1800s Llantrisant was an important market town.Whilst the markets and fairs took place on the castle green,the bullring (main photo) was used for bull baiting.This practice was disallowed in1827.
Also in the main photo is the statue of Dr William Price,the pioneer of cremation, who caused an outcry by cremating the body of his dead son.
A more recent event commemorated the presence of American soldiers who during the second world war camped on Llantrisant common.A plaque giving details can be found on the town entrance to Llantrisant common.
The 298 acre common is managed by the Llantrisant Town Trust on behalf of the freemen of Llantrisant who claim descent from the longbowmen who took part in the Battle of Crecy in 1346. To commemorate the 650th anniversary of the battle, and the granting of a charter to the town, the council, in conjunction with the Llantrisant Town Trust, erected a memorial on the Castle green.
There are some lovely old buildings to be seen, The Model House craft and design centre, lovely old church, castle ruins, little pubs and a coffe shop selling gifts.
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