Neath (UK Parliament constituency)

Neath is a constituency represented in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It is also represented at the National Assembly for Wales. It elects one Member of Parliament (MP) by the first past the post system of election and one Assembly Member by the by the first past the post system of election.

The Constituency of Neath

The constituency is located in West Glamorgan, Wales.

Related Topics:
West Glamorgan - Wales

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The Neath constituency is a mixture of both industrial and rural communities, running in a north-south strip along the dips, ridges and folded landscape of South Wales. It includes most of the Neath and Dulais Valleys, and some of the Upper Swansea Valley as well. The town of Neath is at its southern end and is a medium sized town which started life as a Roman Nidum. The lower reaches of the valley are almost entirely given over to industry.

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The constituency boasts historical places of both industrial and natural forms. Neath and the surrounding areas were industrialised very early in Britain's history. Copper smelting was already happening here in the late sixteenth century.

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When Neath Abbey (now a magnificent ruin) was founded in 1129, it was the richest of all Welsh monasteries, and in writings of the sixteenth century was described as the 'fairest Abbey of all Wales'. At it's height it owned extensive lands and property, from Glamorgan to Somerset; had almost 5,000 sheep, as well as horses and cattle; it owned a ship and a landing-place, and worked mills, fisheries and coal-mines. But it suffered greatly during the many skirmishes between the Welsh and English (or Norman's), and by the 1530's had only eight monks left. The ruins date mostly from the late thirteenth century. It has been in turn, a prosperous Abbey, a Jacobean Mansion (painted by Turner), an iron foundry (which explains the Abbey's position bang in the middle of an industrial area) and now an historical monument.

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There are many beautiful natural sites in Neath, though the most famous must be the Aberdulais falls, painted by Turner during the year he spent in Neath in around 1795/96. He also sketched many other areas of beauty including Melincourt Falls in the Vale of Neath.

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The canals running through the constituency are also a legacy of it's industrial past, though now enjoyed by locals and visitors alike after their restoration. Throughout the area are many spectacular aspects as it nestles almost up to the foothills of the Brecon Beacons.

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The constituency was heavily mined and the small communities that grew up around these mines were devastated by the collapse of the mining industry in the 1980's. Many are still fighting to retain their communities. The result is that the valleys are returning to their natural beauty. Though on the edges of many of these communities there are now "Industrial Villages" springing up, helping to replace the jobs lost by the demise of the mining industry, and so helping to keep young people in these communities. Visit the Neath Port Talbot website on: www.neath-porttalbot.gov.uk

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A legacy to Neath's political history is the memorial stone in Victoria Gardens to the 5 Neath citizens killed during the Spanish Civil War of 1936-38

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Neath has a strong Rugby and cricket playing tradition and the towns RFC does well in the Welsh Premier League. They are known as the "All Blacks of Wales".As well as the Ospreys, the regional Celtic League side.

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The constituency remains a Welsh Speaking area, with approximately 26% of the population reported at Welsh Speakers. Neath was proud to host the National Eisteddfod of Wales in 1994.

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The Pontardawe International Music Festival takes place annually in the constituency. It is a week of Folk and Rock music and dance. Made up of both performances and workshops, it is an International affair and transforms the constituency during its week. In the town of Neath dances and singers perform in the streets in the run up to and during the festival. It is a celebration of the areas International ties. (Information on the Pontardawe Festival, whether for participating or visiting, can be had from, The Pontardawe Inn, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 4ED. Tel: 01792 830791 or visit the web site www.pontardawefestival.org.uk)

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