Thursday, February 09, 2012: Cloudy, 3°C
The history of the town of Neath begins in Roman times. Neath was the crossing place of the River Neath and existed a Roman settlement at that time. Neath is named as one of only nine places in Roman Wales in a 2nd century listing, The Antoine Itinerary.
During Norman times, a timber motte and bailey castle was erected near Neath Abbey in 1129, but this was destroyed by the native Welsh Lords. A second castle was built on the site of the present castle, and around this grew the beginnings of Neath town as we know it today. Peaceful conditions from the 14th century onwards saw the village grow in size, and commerce flourished. The river bridge, built in 1320, encouraged trade, and regular markets were held.
The arrival of the Industrial revolution in the 18th century saw Neath expand rapidly from rural market town to industrial heartland. Coal mining and heavy metal refining were a major source of employment. The constuction of canals and railways made Neath a major transportation centre. The town prospered and flourished and the fine civic buildings built at the time reflected this.
The decline in heavy industry in the area post-Industrial Revolution has meant that Neath is now mainly a commercial and tourist centre, with attractions such as Gnoll Country Park, Neath Abbey ruins and the Neath indoor market.
Opera singer Katherine Jenkins is from Neath, and the town has a thriving Operatic society.
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