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Homes for the Needy Poor

Dr Samuel Johnson believed that the truest test of a civilized country was its provision for the poor. If this is the case then Wales is civilized indeed, as we have a long and fascinating history of social housing that dates from medieval monasteries to the housing associations of today.

We’ll be looking at four great examples in Y Ty Cymreig this week, each representing a landmark in our history of providing good housing for the needy.


Llanfyllin Union
One of the best preserved examples of a workhouse anywhere in Britain is the Llanfyllin Union in Montgomeryshire.

Elizabeth Owen Terrace
Life wasn’t quite so tough in the many almshouses erected in Wales. Usually paid for by wealthy patrons who believed that they would be buying their ticket to heaven, they are often architectural treasure houses .

Rhiwbina Garden Suburb
Good taste and design is also the story behind our visit to Rhiwbina Garden suburb, built from 1913.

Council House
And a programme on social housing wouldn’t be complete without a look at the traditional council house. There are thousands to choose from, but we found a real gem in Llanegryn.

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