Bridgend

The traditional mainstays of the borough's economy, coal mining and the metal manufacturing industry, have largely disappeared although a few mines still operate. Nowadays, employment within the county borough is dominated by the service sector, covering distribution, hotel and catering, transport and communications, financial services, and education and health. There is also a little agriculture and some light manufacturing and engineering. The medieval and mining heritage of the region is being marketed for tourism. Porthcawl, sheltered from northerly and easterly winds, is a popular holiday resort.

After the invasion of England in 1066, the Norman conquerors penetrated into Wales and built several strongholds in the Bridgend area—including castles at Newcastle, Coity, and Ogmore. The Norman church at Llangeinor was built on a religious site dating from the 6th century. During the 19th century, with the development of mining in South Wales for coal and ores, the Garw and Llynfy valleys became Bridgend’s industrial hub. Bridgend town itself became an important centre for distribution and light manufacturing. It is named after an old bridge crossing the River Ogmore, on which it is situated.