Llangeinor and the Garw Valley
Part of the Pedair Afon Ministry Area
About us
The Parish of Llangeinor and the Garw Valley is within the Diocese of Llandaff; a diocese of The Church in Wales. The parish extends north from Bridgend as far as Blaengarw where the road ends and the mountains take over. We are part of an informal group of parishes known as LOG+ who work together in mission and ministry.
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Llangeinor
Set midway into the Garw Valley is historic Llangeinor. This pretty village with its Historic Church occupying a commanding position on the mountainside has inspiring views of the beautiful valley, and the entire village is now protected as part of a conservation area. Although a small valley community, this little known village, in a little known valley, has had more effect on world history than probably any other in the world. It was here, in Tynton Farm that Richard Price was born. This 18th century philosopher and financial genius went on to write his theories of government that included the freedom to worship as one wished, freedom of speech and the rights of all men to think and speak as their conscience allowed. When the residents of the new colonies in North America read Dr. Price’s writings, they were inspired to declare Independence from England and set up their own country. They incorporated these into their Declaration of Independence which led to the American War of Independence. They then used Dr. Price’s writings as the basis for their brand new constitution, which is still operative today. The Constitution of the United States of America offered citizens of the new country, the freedoms written in Dr. Price’s books. Dr Price was invited by the newly formed government of the USA to accept a position as consultant to them, an offer he declined. [Ref Bridgend CC]
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Garw Valley
Cwm Garw should be translated as the ‘rugged’ valley, there is no doubting its picturesque rugged beauty. As its name suggests, Blaengarw sits at the head of the valley surrounded by the towering Carn & Werfa mountains. Since the demise of the area’s collieries, regeneration has helped re-green the area, such as at Parc Calon Lan, named after a famous Welsh hymn, the words of which were written by Daniel James when he lived in the village.
Blaengarw is adjoined by Pontycymer, which featured as the location for the 2004 film, Very Annie Mary. It has a fantastic traditional menswear shop at Oxford House. The valley winds beautifully down past Lluest and Pantygog to Llangeinor, where the 18th century philosopher and financial genius, Dr Richard Price was born at Tynton Farm. His writings influenced both the American ‘Declaration of Independence’ and Constitution.
