Blue Plaque To Remember Pontypridd Union Workhouse

A Blue Plaque has been unveiled by Rhondda Cynon Taf Mayor, Councillor Wendy Treeby, at Dewi Sant Health Park, the site of the former Pontypridd Union Workhouse.

Rhondda Cynon Taf has many Blue Plaques across the County Borough, commemorating the lives of individuals and buildings of historical significance.

The Blue Plaque at Dewi Sant Health Park was unveiled by Rhondda Cynon Taf Mayor, Councillor Wendy Treeby, accompanied by Rhodri Powell MBE, former Directorate Manager of Pathology for Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (1989-2001). Mr Powell, on behalf of Llantrisant and District Local History Society, nominated the location of the Blue Plaque.

Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Councillor Wendy Treeby, said: “This Blue Plaque at Dewi Sant Health Park will serve as a reminder for future generations that this hospital’s foundations were built on those of an extremely important predecessor Pontypridd Union Workhouse.

“It will commemorate and highlight a period of our history before any social services were available to the residents of this area, possibly a time of greater austerity and hardship than we currently face.

“The Union Workhouse was as vital then in its role of caring for the sick and the vulnerable as its modern counterpart is today.”

Rhodri Powell MBE, said: “I am delighted to assist with the unveiling of this Blue Plaque in Pontypridd on the 160-year anniversary of the deal being signed for the Workhouse. This Blue Plaque commemorates the significant part in played in the history of the area.”

The Pontypridd Union Workhouse, located at the side of Court House Street between Albert Road and High Street, was built in 1865 at a cost of £7,000. By 1900 the Workhouse premises had expanded, with the addition of an infirmary and isolation hospital. Office accommodation was also added in the area.

The Workhouse later became known as Central Homes and then under the National Health Service, became Graig Hospital. The original buildings were demolished in 1966 and the Dewi Sant Health Park was built on the site.