Cowbridge was a small town in Roman times and the current High Street runs along the line of the old Roman road. In the Middle Ages Cowbridge was a market town for the surrounding agricultural area. In the 18th century it became home to many of the Vale’s gentry. Some fine Georgian buildings date from this time. There is a Town Trail which takes you by many of the historic buildings and places in the town.
The main hall of the Town Hall is on the upper floor. The ground floor contains the Council Chamber, the Mayor's Parlour and the cells of the former correction centre (now housing Cowbridge Museum)
The Pavilion once was the site of a handball court and wheelwright's premises. It became a cinema and ballroom but is now an accountant's office.
Holy Cross church was first built in the 13th century. Its fortified tower may once have been capped by a spire.
Cowbridge Grammar School was founded in 1608 by the Stradlings of St Donats, and owned by Jesus College Oxford from 1685. Anthony Hopkins, the actor, is an "old boy". The school closed in the mid-1970s.
The Cowbridge Physic Garden is opposite the Grammar School. This is a public garden which aims to raise awareness of the curative properties of plants.
The Town Wall was built around the same time as the Church.
Then onto Ogmore ...
The legend of Ogmore Castle is that a local man was told of hidden treasure by the Lady of Ogmore. It was buried within the castle and she offered to share it with him. He agreed, but later overcome by selfish greed, he came back to the castle and took the treasure. Apparently the ghost of the dead Lady confronted him and accused him of stealing the treasure. She attacked him and left him badly injured. When he returned home he later suffered a mysterious illness from which he died. The illness has since been known as "The White Lady's Revenge".
The remains of Ogmore Castle
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