In 2025, Cyfarthfa Castle in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales is celebrating its bicentenary.
Built in 1825 as a majestic family home for the Ironmaster William Crawshay II, Cyfarthfa Castle is the jewel in the crown of Merthyr Tydfil. Every year thousands of people enjoy a visit to the castle and its expansive gardens, lake, play area and other activities.
During 2025, Cyfarthfa200, a bumper programme of fun, exciting and informative events and exhibitions will be taking place to highlight the national and international importance of the Cyfarthfa site, and to celebrate the history of the people and communities that made it.
Cyfarthfa200 kicked-off in January with a co-curated art exhibition at Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery looking at the history of Cyfarthfa, produced in collaboration with local schools, youth groups and Dowlais Visual Arts Group.
The Cyfarthfa Foundation are also presenting their exhibition, celebrating the heritage, present, and transformative future of Cyfarthfa Park and Castle. From the geological foundations that shaped it as the greatest centre of ironmaking in the world; to its changing role as a home, school, and cultural hub over the last two centuries. Highlighting the ambitious, cross-generational vision being championed by the Cyfarthfa Foundation, the exhibition also showcases artists’ interpretations of Cyfarthfa’s restoration alongside a commissioned artwork by South Wales artist Amanda Turner representing the exciting changes ahead.
Post-16 students have curated a linked exhibition in The College Merthyr Tydfil using sketch books of drawings completed by year 4 Merthyr Primary School children during visits to Cyfarthfa Castle and Park last year.
Other confirmed events include a range of adult and family activities at Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery including a bicentennial plate workshop, eco painting and a ‘paint and sip’ event. There will also be talks and lectures on themes including Rainbowing Merthyr, The History of the Wedding Ring, Penry Williams and Influential Women of Merthyr.
With exciting events from a range of community partners and stakeholders, people can also enjoy a Geocaching day, an exciting trail hunting items or ‘caches’ around Cyfarthfa Park, being led by Gwent Wildlife Trust and Cwm Taf People First; Dowlais Visual Arts will be hosting a number of events including a celebration of Laura Ashley’s centenary; and libraries across Merthyr Tydfil will be inviting people to discover 200 great books on Merthyr Tydfil and the South Wales Valleys.
In 2025, the route for Merthyr Half Marathon has also been changed, meaning runners will follow a course through Cyfarthfa Park in celebration of the anniversary.
Local historical groups and experts are also due to hold talks and lectures where people can learn more about the exciting history of Cyfarthfa.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Brent Carter, said: “The bicentenary is providing an opportunity to bring the community together to recognise the history of Cyfarthfa Castle. A series of exciting events will be delivered across the whole year, encouraging members of the local community – and visitors from outside of Merthyr Tydfil – to participate, create or enhance their own memories of the building and form part of the celebrations.
“I have fond memories of attending school in the Castle and I know there are many people currently living in Merthyr Tydfil, and further afield, who share the same. I very much look forward to the year ahead and celebrating this special anniversary of the jewel in Merthyr’s crown.”
Jess Mahoney, Chief Executive of the Cyfarthfa Foundation, the organisation responsible for championing the development of Cyfarthfa Park and Castle said “Whether as a school, museum and art gallery, wedding venue, park or recreation facility, the significance of Cyfarthfa to the community of Merthyr Tydfil cannot be overstated. As the Cyfarthfa Foundation sets about delivering an ambitious vision for the future, we’re excited to take this timely opportunity to look back on 200 years of history, heritage, art and the environment at Cyfarthfa, and to celebrate the vital role that generations of people from Merthyr Tydfil have played in shaping the modern world.”
Cyfarthfa Castle itself has had a long history, initially built in 1825 as a majestic family home for the Ironmaster William Crawshay II, almost a century later additional school buildings were constructed to house Cyfarthfa High School following the transfer of ownership from the Crawshay family to Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.
In 1910 the castle was developed into the Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery. Today the museum houses historic artefacts linked to Merthyr Tydfil’s past – a testament to Merthyr’s spirit and the story which makes Merthyr so important in history for Wales and Britain and the wider world. The much-loved Museum and Art Gallery, and its 160-acre park, offers a yearly program of walks, talks, workshops and exhibitions.
Cyfarthfa200 has been part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
