Glamorgan's long and varied history has left layer upon layer of visible remains. Castles range
from remarkable earthworks to magnificent structures such as Cardiff and Caerphilly. Impressive
remains of three little known abbeys, at Ewenny, Margam and Neath, together with Llandaff
Cathedral, testify to the wealth of the church in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. The
landscaped setting of Penrice Castle preserves a complete Georgian arcadia while Cardiff Castle
is the supreme example of an exotic Victorian fantasy. Other major country houses, such as
Ruperra and Wenvoe are now evocative ruins. In dramatic contrast are the chapels and
workmen's institutes of the Valleys settlements and the landscape of heavy industry. Pride of
place is given to Swansea, once a Regency resort, and Cardiff, coal metropolis. Their many fine
public buildings are covered, as are their array of churches, chapels, arcades and solid suburban
streets.
