Step back in time with fascinating images of Bridgend in Wales.
The Welsh town of Bridgend sits between the cities of Cardiff and Swansea, and got its name from the original bridge over the River Ogmore. Roughly 50,000 residents live in the town, although Bridgend County Borough is home to more than 140,000 people.
The Town Through Time
This video from YouTube channel garnwenfilms lasts just over four minutes.
Old pictures juxtaposed with modern day footage of the same locations give a clear picture of how the town changed over time.
Both the photos and videos show many pedestrians out and about their daily lives.
BRIDGEND – garnwenfilms on YouTube
Remploy Factory 1946
In 1946 the first Remploy factory opened in Bridgend, to employ war disabled craftsmen. The not for profit company went on to open a number of manufacturing sites across Britain providing employment and support for thousands of disabled people over more than half a century.
Bridgend (1946) – British Pathé on YouTube
With the demise of the manufacturing sector in the UK, Remploy transformed into an employment placement service for people with disabilities.
In this British Pathé film, Mr George Isaacs, the Minister of Labour, inaugurated the factory which offered employment in clock and watch repairing, carpentry and furniture making.
Bridgend in 1948
This short and silent British Pathé clip shows Bridgend from a nearby hill on a grey day.
Bridgend (1948) – British Pathé on YouTube
Bridgend In The 1990s
YouTube channel GreetingsFrom uploaded a home video showing a drive through the town on 6th April 1992. The town centre has changed substantially since then.
Driving Through Bridgend on 6 April 1992 – GreetingsFrom on YouTube
Town Centre 1997
YouTube channel pantyrawel uploaded a home video of the town centre in 1997, just before major changes occurred.
Bridgend Town 1997 – pantyrawel on YouTube
Elf Gathering 2010
In December 2010 a total of 784 people dressed as elves assembled in the town’s main street. According to Wales Online the event included the elf song, craft activities and real reindeer. Previously New York held the title for the world’s largest gathering of elves.
Elf World record gathering in Bridgend South Wales – on YouTube
More Wales pages
- Old Images of Monmouth, Wales
- Old Images of Blaenau Gwent, Wales
- Old Images of Monmouthshire, Wales
- Old Images of Pembrokeshire, Wales
- Old Images of Llanybydder, Wales
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