Market town (population circa 28,500) situated some 12 miles north of Cardiff, Wales at the confluence of the rivers Taff and Rhondda.The name is believed to come from a contraction of either, the Welsh Pont-y-ty-pridd, bridge of the earthen house, or of the Welsh Pont-y-pridd, bridge of earth, indicating the existence of a ford.
The opening in 1795 of the Glamorganshire canal linking Cardiff docks to Merthyr Tydfil provided the initial boost to commercial development. Thereafter its fortunes were linked with the development of the local coal industry, particularly in the Rhondda. Now therefore in decline following the almost complete cessation of coal mining in South Wales
Notable for William Edwards' bridge, built in 1750, as the home of Rizla UK and as the birthplace of singer, Tom Jones.