Merthyr Tydfil is so synonymous with its industrial past that it is often hard to imagine an older history – one of ancient kingdoms and bloody battles for supremacy.
But that elusive medieval Merthyr of yore is now being brought to life through an extensive community arts project which will culminate in an exhibition later this month and even an opera in April written by and starring local people.
Over the past six months, Head for Arts, based at the Llanhilleth Miners Institute in Abertillery, has been reaching out to all sorts of community groups for their creative responses to the area's lesser known history.
The result is Fragments, an exhibition of artwork, photography, music and poetry inspired by Merthyr's medieval chapter.
Local legend has it that a lost village was once the seat of kings in the middle of Llangorse Lake.
Young writers listening to a talk by Dr Mark Redknap at Llangorse Lake. Photo: Head for Arts
This tale, which according to archaeological surveys has some origins in truth, has been a big source of inspiration for the work created for Fragments.
Bethan Watkins, the project's joint coordinator, told me that the royal court of the Kings of Brycheiniog was apparently built in the 10th century on a man-made island or crannog in the lake.
"Lots of heritage based projects in Merthyr recently have been based around the industrial era so we wanted to look at something further back in time," she said.
"We have been working with the National Museum of Wales which talks about Merthyr being a major trade route with people passing through on their way to this kingdom."
Head for Arts has taken several hundred people from the local area on field trips to St Fagans and to talks by curators from the National Museum.
They have also viewed artefacts, including a linen and silk garment of exceptional quality, woven more than a thousand years ago.
Through various workshops, contributors have had the chance to write poetry, make medieval jewellery and learn about using their digital photographs to tell a story.
Those contributing to the project range from youth club members and families to drama groups, walkers and choir members.
Young people from Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association recording sounds. Photo: Daniel Alford
The first part of the project culminates in a community showcase with free live performances, digital music and film screenings at Theatr Soar in Merthyr between 10am–4pm on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 January.
Visitors to the event will be able to see animations based on medieval myths that have been created by Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association's youth club, a dramatic performance by the Drama@Soar youth theatre and a display of photographs captured by walking groups from across the area.
Local choir, Merthyr Aloud, is also performing, and archaeologists from the National Museum of Wales and Cardiff University will be on hand to provide further insight.
Phase two of the project will finish with the community opera on April 12 and 13.
Bethan said: "A group has been working on the opera since October and it's being led by the professional director Peter Morgan Barnes.
"There are people from Merthyr's open mic group, some young writers and they have been coming up with the storyline with guidance from Peter."
Fragments is part of a larger project, History and Mystery, which has received a £20,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
People are still welcome to get involved in the opera in any way they can and can contact the organisation on 01495 357816 or email info@head4arts.org.uk.
