Ystradgynlais and the Upper Swansea Valley, unlike most of Powys, was the scene of great industrial development. For a while in the 19th century it was one of the most important centres of the Industrial Revolution in the world, before progress elsewhere led to it being left behind.

Even at the end of the Victorian period the lives of working people were still very hard. There were many changes for the better though...

Education brought new opportunities for children, making them aware of a wider world outside.
Transport improvements linked the valley with larger cities and with the changing world beyond. These were just beginning to offer the possibilities for wider travel.

Use the links below to see more about some of these changes.