Cyfartha Castle was built by the Crawshays, the owners of the large ironworks, and built the property on the hillside above the works not only as a place to live but as an expression of their wealth and authority.
Now a free museum with gardens open to the public, it has an interesting gift shop and cafe. A large water play area was popular last summer on hot sunny days. With water spurts and cascades but no standing water this area is safe for even the youngest of children to enjoy (accompanied by an adult, of course.) During our visit, adults also seemed to be enjoying the fun, some being caught out fully-clothed, by the surprise water-spurts.
Information from Cyfarthfa Museum:
Cyfarthfa Castle required a considerable number of servants. In 1874 Mary Crawshay reported, "I keep six ordinary servants indoors, viz two men servants, my daughter's maid, two strong under house maids and a strong, willing Welsh scullery maid, who comes daily as charwomen might come in England." It may have been cleaner and less dangerous and even a more prestigious place of work than the ironworks but the wages were poor and hours long, with personal freedom severely restricted.
In 1869, when reporting on the condition of women ironworkers, a journalist commented, "It is strange to see them so merry over it, but if they threw it up, they could only take their choice between farm labour and domestic service. Neither of which is remunerative in Wales. A servant in every respect as handy and as useful as many who are getting £10 or £12 a year in London can be hired for 5s. a lunar month. (£3 per year)
With an excellent cafe and parking this facility makes for a great day out with something for the whole family: history, scenery, and play areas for the children. Please check opening hours before visiting.
http://www.visitmerthyr.co.uk/attractions/cyfarthfa-park-museum/cyfarthfa-castle-museum.aspx
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