Port Talbot

Port Talbot is an industrial town in South Wales, UK, with a population of approximately 50,000. The town grew out of the original small port and market town of Aberafan (Aberavon), which belonged to the medieval Lords of Afan.

During the early twentieth century, the docks and a major steelworks attracted considerable investment, and this was followed by the siting of a chemical plant at Baglan Bay by British Petroleum. The town got its new name from the Talbot family, who were related to the pioneer photographer, Fox Talbot. They were patrons of Margam Abbey, an ancient Cistercian foundation, and also built Margam Castle[?], a mock Gothic residence, now partially restored and open to the public along with the surrounding park.

In recent years, the town has seen a serious decline, caused by the withdrawal or cutting back of major employers. The borough council has been absorbed into the larger unitary authority of Neath[?] Port Talbot.