Tal-y-bont, Ceredigion

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For other examples of the same place name, see Tal-y-bont.

Tal-y-bont is a village in north Ceredigion (also known as Talybont). It is located on the A487 main road, approximately halfway between Aberystwyth and Machynlleth.

The village stands on the Afon Leri and Afon Ceulan riversides in the area of Genau'r Glyn, at the foot of Ceulan Maes-mawr (383 metres). There are many old silver and lead mines and woollen mills surrounding the village. Although silver and lead had been mined in the area since Roman times, it wasn't until the 19th century that the village began to grow drastically, many of the terraces were built during this period for workers who migrated to the area. Many of the houses, for example the Pharmacy, are listed buildings and therefore maintain many of their original features such as sash windows. There were only 35 houses in Tal-y-bont in 1835, the majority were thatched roof cottages.^[1]

At one point there were 15 shops, a garage, two banks and three chapels in the village; the Tabernacl was built in 1812, Eglwys Dewi Sant (English: St. David's Church) in 1909, there is also Bethel, Capel yr Annibynwyr (Anabaptist chapel). The Memorial Hall was built in 1928 in remembrance of those who died during the First World War. Since 1966 the village has been home to Y Lolfa press. A garage, pharmacy, heirdressers and a 'Spar' convenience store still exist in the village (although the shop is at risk of closure due to the proposed Post Office closures).

There are two pubs in Tal-y-bont, the 'Llew Gwyn' (White Lion) and the 'Llew Du' (Black Lion). The Tal-y-bont agricultural show is held annually in the Black Lion's old fields, as it has been for several decades.^[2]

A few of Tal-y-bont's notable residents include the artist Ruth Jên, who painted Y Lolfa's infamous mural; and the novelist, Mihangel Morgan.