History

Penrhys Village, developed in 1966, was officially opened in 1968 and provided the largest public sector housing in Wales with 951 dwellings. Over the years, the outward migration from the Rhondda Valleys has seen the Village shrink in size.

The 1970's and 80's saw many negative aspects to the community, with people experiencing third generation unemployment, a high turn over of tenancies, the effects of negative media, the increase of criminality and alcohol/drug problem, debt, health problems, teenage pregnancies and low educational achievements.

Did you know?

Penrhys is 1100ft above sea level

In the late 1980's, the Priority Estates Programme saw the physical refurbishment of the entire housing stock along with environmental improvements. However, the migration from the Rhondda Valleys saw many homes which had been refurbished suffer vandalism as a lack of demand prevailed.

Through the 1990's, further random demolition of properties and the lack of a strategic approach saw the estate diminish in size. It also saw the loss of basic services such as a Pharmacy and a shop. This downward spiral resulted in the crisis which the community faced in 1997. Further demolition was planned without consultation with tenants living in those properties identified.

Positive aspects of Penrhys life are the development and existence of the extended family, an accepting, open and forgiving nature, the capacity for enjoyment on limited means, community solidarity and remarkable human resources of resilience and compassion.

The process of community regeneration began with the work of John and Norah Morgans and the development of Llanfair in February 1992. A series of community projects were developed and there was the encouragement of a team of local volunteers, education workers and students that support the projects.

Alongside this, the Penrhys Partnership was established and 1993 saw the creation of the Penrhys Village Centre. This provides a range of basic services and a wide range of opportunities for individuals and groups within the community.

1996 saw the development and opening of Cartref, which provides high quality, secure supported accommodation for six families who enjoy their independence within the community.

Canolfan Rhys Arts and Education Centre opened in 1996 and provides a wide variety of arts activities. The Centre houses a multi-track-recording studio, art and design facilities, workshop space and an auditorium.

Many challenges remain ahead for the community in its attempt to become a "community to which people wish to belong". The emphasis on partnership working and the development of a coherent holistic strategy is imperative. The ownership and management of Penrhys are under discussion with the possibility of local management. There is a lot of work to be done and we can only write the next chapter together.

Penrhys is situated in what was the parish of Ystradyfodwg on the peak of a mountain, which connects the two valleys of Rhondda Fach and Fawr, and is situated 1100ft above sea level.

Since 1945 an annual ecumenical pilgrimage from Llantarnam to Penrhys has taken place around Pentecost weekend

The statue of Our Lady of Penrhys dominates the skyline which marks the site of an ancient chapel. The shrine of the Virgin Mary at Penrhys was one of the most important in South Wales. It was the focus of intense piety and prayer prior to its destruction at the command of Henry VIII in 1538.

The mediaeval holy well, to which many miracles have been attributed, still survives and is found by walking down the narrow path near to the present day site of the statue, which was erected on 2nd July 1953.

The "well", a focus of pilgrimage, is in fact a natural spring rising on the western slope below the chapel to which have been attributed healing powers.

You can read more the annual pilgrimage by going to the Cistercian-Way website

Penrhys was once, a grange, farmed directly by the monks and lay brothers of Llantarnam. The original complex of buildings also included a hostelry maintained by the monks for the pilgrims, and possibly a grange farmhouse. These would have included all the traditional outbuildings: bake house, brew house, malt house, barns and stables.