View source for Radyr

{{Short description|Suburb of Cardiff, Wales}}
{{for|the electoral ward of the same name|Radyr (electoral ward)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2025}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox UK place
| country                     = Wales
| welsh_name                  = Radur
| coordinates                 = {{coord|51.51|-3.26|display=inline,title}}
| official_name               = Radyr
| community_wales             = [[Radyr and Morganstown]]
| unitary_wales               = [[Cardiff]]
| lieutenancy_wales           = [[Cardiff]]
| constituency_westminster    = [[Cardiff West (UK Parliament constituency)|Cardiff West]]
| constituency_welsh_assembly = [[Cardiff West (Senedd constituency)|Cardiff West]]
| post_town                   = Cardiff
| postcode_district           = CF15
| postcode_area               = CF
| dial_code                   = 029
| os_grid_reference           = ST1380
| population                  =
| population_ref              = 
| static_image_name           = Radyr sign.jpg
| static_image_caption        = Radyr street sign 
}}

'''Radyr''' ({{langx|cy|Radur}}; {{IPA|cy|ˈradɪr}}) is an outer [[suburb]] of [[Cardiff]], about {{convert|4|mi}} northwest of [[Cardiff city centre]]. Radyr is part of [[Radyr and Morganstown]] [[Community (Wales)|Community]], for which the [[United Kingdom Census 2011|2011 Census]] recorded a population of 6,417.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ObjView.asp?Object_ID=9648 |title=Area: Radyr and Morganstown (Parish); Key Figurs for 2011 Census: Key Statistics |work=Neighbourhood Statistics |publisher=[[Office for National Statistics]] |access-date=16 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207124113/http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ObjView.asp?Object_ID=9648 |archive-date=7 February 2012 }}</ref>

[[Morganstown]] is north of Radyr, on the other side of the [[M4 Motorway]]. Neighbouring communities are [[Whitchurch, Cardiff|Whitchurch]] to the east on the opposite bank of the [[River Taff]], [[Pentyrch]] to the west with [[St Fagans]] and [[Llandaff]] to the south.

==History==
===Stone Age until the Norman Conquest===
Evidence of [[Prehistoric Britain#Palaeolithic|Stone Age]] occupation of the Lesser Garth Cave near Morganstown was discovered in 1912 and included worked flints.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Roman Britain in 1963: I. Sites Explored |last1=Wilson |first1=D.R. |last2=Wright |first2=R.P. |year=1964 |journal= Journal of Roman Studies|pages=152–185 |jstor=298662 |volume=54 |doi=10.2307/298662}}</ref> In 1916 excavation of a mound of {{convert|30|m|ft|-1}} in [[#Radyr Woods Nature Area|Radyr Woods]] revealed charcoal and [[British Iron Age|Iron Age]] pottery.<ref name=TC&G/> Radyr developed after the [[Norman invasion of Wales]] at the start of the 12th century and formed part of the Welsh Lordship or [[cantref]] of [[Miskin]] under the Lordship of [[Glamorgan]] created by the Norman King, [[King William Rufus|William Rufus]], in 1093.<ref name=TC&G/>

===Origin of the name===
Hints about the derivation of the name ''Radyr'' can be found in [[Lifris]]'s writings ''Life of St Cadog'', written between 1081 and 1104 but relating to the earlier period around AD 530, which mentions a croft or ''tref'' on the site called ''Aradur Hen''. Lifris also tells the story of ''Tylyway'', a  [[hermit]] who was held to have lived on the banks of the Taff. Tylyway's cell is the most likely origin of the name Radyr; from the Welsh ''yr adur'', meaning "the [[chantry]]", although ''Arudur Hen'' is also possible.<ref name=TC&G/>

===Norman occupation and Middle Ages===
[[File:Motte and Bailey at Radyr.JPG|thumb|right|Radyr motte and moat viewed from top]]
The Norman [[motte-and-bailey|motte]] in the "mound field" is a flat-topped mound {{convert|30|m|-1}} in diameter at the base and {{convert|3.8|m}} high, surrounded by a ditch {{convert|7|m}} wide. An adjoining [[Ward (fortification)|bailey]] to east of the motte could indicate the boundary between Norman and Welsh land.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.gatehouse-gazetteer.info/Welshsites/430.html|title=Morganstown Motte |access-date=19 June 2008}}</ref> The motte was surrounded by a timber [[palisade]] around a wooden [[keep]] and formed part of a defensive line with similar mottes at [[Thornhill, Cardiff|Thornhill]] and Whitchurch.<ref name=TC&G>{{cite book|last=New Horizons History Group |title=Twixt Chain and Gorge |url=http://www.radyr.org.uk/pdf_files/twixt.pdf |publisher=Shadowfax Publishing, Radyr |year=1991 |isbn=0-9514887-4-0 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719200957/http://www.radyr.org.uk/pdf_files/twixt.pdf |archive-date=July 19, 2011 }}</ref> The early settlement that became Radyr developed around the Norman church and manor house in what is now [[Danescourt]]. Surveys in 1307 describe an agricultural hamlet surrounded by [[arable land|arable]] fields.<ref name=TC&G/> The 14th century Welsh Lord of Radyr, Cynwrig ap Hywel, followed by his descendants, farmed the area until it was devastated by the [[Black Death]] and by battles between the [[Marcher Lords]] in 14th and 15th centuries when the whole area was laid waste.<ref name=TC&G/>

===Mathew family===
[[File:Sir William Mathew Llandaf Cathedral.JPG|thumb|Effigies of Sir William Mathew (died 1528) and his wife. The latest of three surviving Mathew family effigies at Llandaff Cathedral<ref>Earliest effigy is of [[David ap Mathew|Sir David Mathew]] (died 1484), the second of Sir Christopher Mathew (died 1527), eldest son of Reyborne Mathew, second son of Sir David</ref>]]
In 1469 Thomas Mathew (died 1469), the third or fourth son of [[Sir David Mathew]] (died 1484) of [[Llandaf]],<ref>{{cite book|first=J. Barry |last=Davies |chapter=Friends of Llandaff Cathedral 2003 annual lecture |title=Friends of Llandaff Cathedral 71st annual report 2003/4 |chapter-url=http://www.users.qwest.net |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130807013913/http://www.users.qwest.net/ |archive-date=August 7, 2013 }}</ref> inherited the land by marriage to Catherine, heiress of Radyr, and built Radyr Court, a [[manor house]] on the site of what is now the Radyr Court Inn in Danescourt.<ref name=TC&G/> The house was used as a court. Although it was destroyed by a fire in the 19th century, the three large [[dungeon]]s survived and can still be seen at the Inn.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-116182175 |title=Court in the Act |last=Welsh |first=Sarah |date=1 May 2004 |newspaper=[[South Wales Echo]] |access-date=20 April 2009}}</ref> On Thomas' death, his lands passed to his eldest son David and then to his younger son William Mathew (died 1528), who was [[knight]]ed by King [[Henry VII of England|Henry VII]] at the [[Battle of Bosworth]] in 1485.<ref name=TC&G/> Sir William accompanied [[Henry VIII of England|Henry VIII]] to the [[Field of the Cloth of Gold]] in 1520. His successor was his eldest son Sir George Mathew, who became [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MP]] for [[Glamorganshire (UK Parliament constituency)|Glamorganshire]] and in 1545 [[High Sheriff of Glamorgan|Sheriff of Glamorgan]].<ref name=TC&G/><ref>{{cite book |editor-last=Moore |editor-first=Patricia |year=1995 |title=Glamorgan Sheriffs |location=Cardiff |publisher=[[University of Wales Press]] |isbn=978-0-7083-1264-3 }}{{page needed|date=June 2013}}</ref>

Sir George created a [[Medieval deer park|deer park]] that ranged far north of Radyr. Tenant farmers there were evicted, and the loss of rental income contributed to the decline in the family's fortunes.<ref name=TC&G/> He had 24 children, eight of whom were illegitimate. Many were daughters, and Sir George needed large sums of money for their [[dowry|dowries]].<ref name=TC&G/> On his death Sir George's lands passed to his eldest son William, who also became an MP and invested in the [[Pentyrch]] ironworks.<ref name=TC&G/> This was an astute move as [[feudalism]] was giving way to early [[industrialisation]]. William's descendants inherited a diminishing fortune. Captain George Mathew, the last of the family to live in Radyr, married Elizabeth Poyntz, and the couple left Radyr to live on her estates at [[Thurles]] in [[County Tipperary]], [[Ireland]] in 1625.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://martinrealm.org/genealogy/mathew.htm |title=Mathew of Thurles |access-date=28 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090105073906/http://martinrealm.org/genealogy/mathew.htm |archive-date=5 January 2009}}</ref>

===Stuart period===
Radyr's new owner was a wealthy landowner, Sir Edward Lewis,<ref name="cardiff-records">{{cite book |editor-last=Matthews |editor-first=John Hobson |year=1900 |title=Cardiff Records |volume=2 |location=London |publisher=[[Institute of Historical Research]] |chapter=The manors of Cardiff district: Descriptions |pages=8–41 |chapter-url= http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=48109#s24}}</ref> who was knighted by [[James I of England|James I]]. Sir Edward owned [[St Fagans Castle]] and its surrounding lands,<ref>{{cite DWB |id=s-LEWI-VAN-1548 |title=LEWIS family, of Van, Glamorganshire |access-date=5 May 2009}}</ref> scene of the [[Battle of St Fagans]] in the [[English Civil War]]. The Lewis fortune passed to Elizabeth Lewis, who married Other Windsor [''sic''], 3rd [[Earl of Plymouth]], the principal landowner in Cardiff, Penarth and [[Barry, South Glamorgan|Barry]].<ref name=TC&G/>

A survey in 1766 shows that the Plymouth family owned the freeholds of most of Radyr. It continues to do so today. Plymouth Estates sold {{convert|22|acre|0}} of residential land in Radyr in 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.coark.com/images/uploads/Annual_Review_2007.pdf |title=Property Profile 2007 |year=2007 |access-date=28 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705131134/http://www2.coark.com/images/uploads/Annual_Review_2007.pdf |archive-date=5 July 2008 }}</ref>

===Development from the 18th century===
Many residents of Radyr worked in the [[Melingriffith Tin Plate Works]], on the other side of the River Taff in Whitchurch.<ref name="Memories"/> The works opened in 1749 and closed in 1957.<ref name="tinworks">{{cite news |url=http://www.whitchurchandllandaff.co.uk/Melingriffith.htm |title=It's goodbye to Griffith's Mill |last=Pride |first=W.E. |date=30 July 1957 |newspaper=[[Western Mail (Wales)|Western Mail]] |access-date=5 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421084347/http://whitchurchandllandaff.co.uk/Melingriffith.htm |archive-date=21 April 2009 }}</ref>

[[Samuel Lewis (publisher)|Samuel Lewis]]' 1849 ''Topographical Dictionary of Wales'' says of Radyr:<ref>{{cite book |last=Lewis |first=Samuel |author-link=Samuel Lewis (publisher) |year=1849 |title=A Topographical Dictionary of Wales |location=London |publisher=Samuel Lewis & Co |chapter=Radyr – Rhuddlan |pages=345–356 |chapter-url= http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=47882}}</ref>

<blockquote>"A parish, in the poorlaw union of Cardiff, hundred of Kibbor, county of Glamorgan, in South Wales, 3½ miles (N. W. by W.) from Cardiff; containing 279 inhabitants. This parish probably derives its name, signifying "a cataract," from the rushing waters of the river Tâf, by which it is bounded on the north-east. It was formerly comprehended within the hundred of Miskin, but has been recently separated therefrom. It comprises about eleven hundred acres of arable and pasture land, inclosed and in a profitable state of cultivation: the surface is in some parts elevated, and in others flat, but nowhere subject to inundation; the soil is a strong brown earth, favourable to the production of good crops of grain of all kinds, potatoes, and hay. The substratum is partly a hard brown stone, and partly limestone of very good quality. Radyr Court, formerly the seat of the family of Matthew, ancestors of the late Lord Llandaf, has been partially taken down, and the remainder has been modernised, and converted into a farmhouse. The turnpike-road leading from Cardiff to Llantrissent passes a little to the south of the parish; and the Tâf-Vale railway runs through it, nearly parallel with the river, which is crossed by the line in this vicinity. Some of the inhabitants are employed at the iron-works in the parish of Pentyrch.</blockquote>

<blockquote>''The living is a vicarage, endowed with £200 royal bounty; patron and impropriator, the representative of the late Earl of Plymouth, who is lord of the manor: the tithes have been commuted for £113. 9s. 0d, of which a sum of £38. 9s. 0d is payable to the impropriator, and a sum of £75 to the vicar. The church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, is a neat plain edifice, with a curious turret at the west end. There is a place of worship for Calvinistic Methodists; a Sunday school for gratuitous instruction is held in it, and another at Radyr Court. In the parish is a spring of very cold water, called Y Pistyll Goleu, "the bright water-spout," issuing from the side of a hill, under a considerable depth of earth over a limestone rock: it has by some writers been termed mineral, but it is not known to possess any other properties than that of its extreme coldness, which renders it efficacious in curing sprains and weakness of the sinews."'' </blockquote>

Until the mid 19th century Radyr was a collection of small farms, crofts and cottages, but after [[Radyr railway station]] opened in 1863,<ref>{{cite book |last=Hutton |first=John |title=The Taff Vale Railway |volume=1 |location=KEttering |publisher=Silver more than |year=2006 |isbn =978-1-85794-249-1}}</ref> the population rose from 400 to more than 600 in 20 years.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/wal/GLA/Radyr/population.html |title=Population Statistics for Radyr |access-date=28 June 2008}}</ref> The [[Taff Vale Railway]] and its successor, the [[Great Western Railway]], brought significant employment to Radyr. Junction Terrace (the first street in Radyr) was built to house the railway workers. It was the start of strong demand for housing in Radyr that transformed the hamlet.<ref name=TC&G/> The [[Barry Railway]]'s [[Walnut Tree Viaduct]], built in 1901, dominated the village for some 70 years.

===Wartime===
[[File:Radyr War memorial.JPG|thumb|Radyr War memorial]]
In the [[World War I|First World War]] the community raised funds for a "Radyr bed" at the nearby Welsh Metropolitan Military Hospital in [[Whitchurch, Cardiff|Whitchurch]] and established a "Citizen Guard" made up of those too old or too young to enlist.<ref name=TC&G/> Losses suffered by the village are recorded on the War Memorial in Heol Isaf.

In the [[World War II|Second World War]] thousands of children were evacuated from metropolitan areas such as [[London]], [[Birmingham]] and [[Liverpool]]. One evacuee from [[Woolwich]], Patricia Armstrong aged nine, was knocked down by a passenger train and killed on a Saturday afternoon in May 1943 while using the Gelynis foot crossing at Morganstown. She was lodged with a family in Morganstown.<ref>{{cite web |last=Strange |first=Keith |title=Cardiff Schools & The Age of the Second World War |url=http://history.cardiffschools.net/WW2school_logs.doc |access-date=14 May 2011 |page=179 |format=DOC |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061210155702/http://history.cardiffschools.net/WW2school_logs.doc |archive-date=10 December 2006 }}</ref> As [[Cardiff Blitz|air raids on Cardiff]] increased, even younger children from Radyr were evacuated to boarding schools at Rhoose and Bridgend.<ref>{{cite book |last=Strange |first=Keith |title=Cardiff schools and the age of the Second World War |page=15 |url= https://www.scribd.com/doc/2589099/Cardiff-schools-and-the-age-of-the-Second-World-War |access-date=5 May 2009}}</ref>

===Post-war history===
An extensive housebuilding programme started in the 1960s, and Radyr's population grew rapidly — particularly children. In 1964 Radyr Primary School had 135 pupils on its roll. This number more than trebled in the next decade.<ref name=TC&G/> A new development, the [[Danescourt]] estate, was built on land surrounding Radyr Court and St John the Baptist parish church, and the land was officially incorporated as a suburb of Cardiff in 1974.<ref name="suburbs">{{cite web |title=The Suburbs and Radyr and Morganstown |url= http://www.cardiffians.co.uk/suburbs/radyr_and_morganstown.shtml |publisher=Cardiffians |access-date=19 April 2011}}</ref> Danybryn Woods, near the development, was retained as the entire forest is protected by a [[tree preservation order]] and is home to many species of plants and wildlife.<ref>{{cite web |title=Danybryn Woods |url=http://www.radyr.org.uk/docs/1814 |publisher=Radyr & Morganstown Community |access-date=19 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719201346/http://www.radyr.org.uk/docs/1814 |archive-date=19 July 2011 }}</ref> Radyr railway station was renovated in 1998 and the tracks through the station were renewed, reducing journey times to Cardiff city centre.<ref name="suburbs"/>

In 2017 construction started on the first phase of a new Cardiff suburb of 7,000 houses, named [[Plasdwr]], on countryside along the Llantrisant Road between Radyr and St Fagans.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/building-work-first-set-homes-12622402 |title=Building work for first set of homes in Cardiff's £2bn garden city to begin before Easter |work=Wales Online |date=17 February 2017|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref>

==Governance==
[[File:Cardiff ward location - Radyr.png|thumb|right|Radyr and Morganstown electoral ward in Cardiff]]

===UK Parliament and Senedd===
Radyr is in the [[Cardiff West (UK Parliament constituency)|Cardiff West]] parliamentary constituency and the [[Cardiff West (Senedd Cymru constituency)|Cardiff West]] [[Senedd Cymru – Welsh Parliament|Senedd]] constituency.

===Cardiff Council===
[[Radyr (electoral ward)|Radyr]] [[wards of the United Kingdom|electoral ward]] (often known as Radyr and Morganstown) has one seat on Cardiff Council and had an electorate of 4,368 (1 May 2008). The ward elected a [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]], Roderick McKerlich, in [[2008 Cardiff Council election|the election of May 2008]] and he was re-elected in 2012 and 2017. Cllr McKerlich is a member of the Council's Environmental Scrutiny Committee.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/content.asp?nav=2872,4274,4282&parent_directory_id=2865&id=6962&Language= |title= Member Profile Conservative |access-date= 7 July 2008 |archive-date= 9 June 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110609180438/http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/content.asp?nav=2872,4274,4282&parent_directory_id=2865&id=6962&Language= |url-status= dead }}</ref>

===Community Council===
[[Radyr and Morganstown]] Community Council is funded by an addition to the [[Council Tax]] bill paid by local residents.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/objview.asp?Object_ID=13860& |title=Council Tax 2009/2010 |publisher=[[Cardiff County Council]] |access-date=5 May 2009 |archive-date=9 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609183255/http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/objview.asp?Object_ID=13860& |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Community Council is run by 11 elected councillors from three wards in the parish – Radyr North (4 seats), Radyr South (3 seats) and Morganstown (4 seats)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/content.asp?nav=2867%2C3597%2C5004&parent_directory_id=2865&id=4048 |title=Radyr Community Council (11 Seats) |publisher=[[Cardiff County Council]] |access-date=5 May 2009 |archive-date=9 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609183402/http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/content.asp?nav=2867,3597,5004&parent_directory_id=2865&id=4048 |url-status=dead }}</ref> - subsequently increased to 12 councillors (4:4:4).

==Geography==
===Geological structure===
The surrounding soils are mostly a strong, brown, dry earth, well adapted for arable farming and the growing of grains of all kinds that contributed to the area being a mostly farming community until the modern era. Soils were further enriched over the millennia by [[Alluvium|alluvial deposits]] from the River Taff. The [[bedrock]] under the whole area is predominantly [[sandstone]], dating from both the [[Devonian]] period ([[Old Red Sandstone]]) and the [[Triassic]] ([[New Red Sandstone]]) laid down in arid conditions.<ref>British Geological Survey 1977 geological map sheet (England and Wales) no 263 ''Cardiff''</ref> These may subsequently have been ground down by the Taff valley [[glacier]] during the last [[Last Glacial Period|ice age]] around 18,000 years ago.<ref name=TC&G/> Radyr Stone is a Triassic [[breccia]] used widely for decorative work in the Cardiff area, including [[Llandaff Cathedral]], [[Bute Docks|Cardiff Docks]] and in the bridges of the [[Taff Vale Railway]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.englishstone.org.uk/documents/dimension%20stone%208.html |title=Triassic building sandstone resources |access-date=7 July 2008}}</ref>

===Radyr Weir===
[[File:Radyr Weir taken from the train (geograph 1808796).jpg|thumb|right|Radyr Weir]]
The [[River Taff]] at this point runs roughly south through [[Taff's Well]], past Radyr and through [[Llandaff]].

Radyr Weir was built in 1774 to divert water into a [[leat]] to the Melingriffith Tin Plate Works.<ref name=TC&G/> The weir is the third obstacle to migratory [[salmon]] and [[sea trout]] — the others being Llandaff Weir and Blackweir, both of which also have fish passes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Research/taffelysap_e_827476.pdf |title=Rivers Taff and Ely Salmon Action Plan |date=December 2003 |publisher=[[National Rivers Authority]] |access-date=7 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090606021533/http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Research/taffelysap_e_827476.pdf |archive-date=6 June 2009 }}</ref> Since the early 1980s, the salmon and sea trout stocks in the Taff have been recovering from nearly 200 years of industrial pollution and exploitation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Research/taffelysap_e_827476.pdf |title=Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Rhondda Cynon Taf |date=1 January 2000 |publisher=Biodiversity Action Reporting System |access-date=7 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090606021533/http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Research/taffelysap_e_827476.pdf |archive-date=6 June 2009 }}</ref> In 1993 the [[National Rivers Authority]] monitored over 500 salmon and 700 sea trout returning to the river to spawn.<ref name="walks">{{cite web |url=http://www.glamorganwalks.com/local_features_mid.htm |title=Local Features Mid |publisher=Glamorgan Walks |access-date=7 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915212159/http://www.glamorganwalks.com/local_features_mid.htm |archive-date=15 September 2008 }}</ref>

From 1749, iron from [[Pentyrch]] was initially transported to the works using pack-horses, then [[tub boat]]s were used on the Taff passing onto the feeder via a lock at Radyr Weir. Parts of this lock can still be seen beside the feeder sluice. In 1815 the tub boats were discontinued and a tramway built along the Taff.<ref name="walks"/> There is a public picnic site by the Radyr weir.

[[File:Radyr weir hydro scheme (geograph 5112329).jpg|thumb|right|Screw turbines]]
A hydro-electric scheme was built in 2016 on [[Radyr Hydro Scheme|Radyr Weir]] to generate renewable energy. The Radyr Weir scheme channels more than 500 million cubic metres of water per year through two [[screw turbine]]s and is expected to generate 400&nbsp;kW — enough energy to power three of the city’s leisure centres — which will save 700 tonnes of CO<sub>2</sub> annually.<ref name=radyrhydro>{{cite web|title=Work on £2.6 million Hydro-Electric Scheme to begin|url=http://www.cardiffnewsroom.co.uk/index.php/archive/225-work-on-2-6-million-hydro-electric-scheme-to-begin|website=Cardiff News Room|access-date=11 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Plans to harness the River Taff through hydro-electric power|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/plans-harness-river-taff-through-2026479|access-date=11 August 2015|agency=Wales Online}}</ref>

The River Taff through Radyr is flanked on both sides by an undeveloped greenway that passes uninterrupted through northern Cardiff all the way to [[Cardiff Castle]] in the centre of the city, before the river enters [[Cardiff Bay]].

===Radyr Woods Nature Area===
[[File:Radyr Woods boardwalk.JPG|thumb|Radyr Woods boardwalk]]
Radyr Woods is a [[Site of Importance for Nature Conservation]] (SINC), under the name Radyr Community Woodlands,<ref>{{cite web |title=Cardiff Green Infrastructure SPG Ecology and Biodiversity Technical Guidance Note |url=https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ENG/resident/Planning/Planning-Policy/Supplementary-Planning-Guidance/Documents/Consultation/Ecology%20and%20Biodiversity%20TGN%20English%20June%202017.pdf |website=Cardiff Council |access-date=15 April 2023}}</ref> covering {{convert|15.6|acre|0}}, and the adjoining Hermit Woods is the smallest [[Local Nature Reserve]] (LNR) in Wales, at {{convert|1.47|acre|0}}).<ref>{{cite web |title=Local Nature Reserves (LNR) Natural Resources Wales |url=https://datamap.gov.wales/layers/inspire-nrw:NRW_LNR |website=DataMapWales |publisher=Welsh Government |access-date=15 April 2023}}</ref><ref name="woods">{{cite web |url=http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/objview.asp?object_id=3617 |title=Radyr Woods |publisher=[[Cardiff Council]] |access-date=29 June 2008 |archive-date=9 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609180350/http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/objview.asp?object_id=3617 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Community Woodlands have a network of footpaths and boardwalks and includes evidence of Iron Age settlements and remains of an early cooking hearth. Originally part of the Tudor deer park owned by the Mathew family and later Radyr Quarry, the area is owned by [[Cardiff Council]] and Plymouth Estates, and managed by the Radyr community council with the support of Cardiff Council's Parks Service.<ref name="discoverradyrwoods">{{cite web|url=http://www.radyr.org.uk/homepages/woods.php|title=Discovering Radyr Woods|access-date=29 June 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626093341/http://www.radyr.org.uk/homepages/woods.php|archive-date=June 26, 2009}}</ref>

Radyr Woods provides habitats for a wide range of species. It also has a number of natural springs that feed a duck pond and a [[European kingfisher|kingfisher]] pond. Recent housing developments between the reserve and the railway line have added complementary public open space with picnic areas and a children's play area. Since 1986 all maintenance and development of the reserve has been carried out by a volunteer group known as The Friends of Radyr Woods.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radyr.org.uk/pdf_files/chain173.pdf |title=Radyr Chain, Number 173 |date=1 December 2007 |publisher=Radyr & Morganstown Association |access-date=12 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090105163129/http://www.radyr.org.uk/pdf_files/chain173.pdf |archive-date=January 5, 2009 }}</ref>

===Radyr hawkweed===
Radyr hawkweed is the common name of ''[[Hieracium radyrense]]'', a very rare [[endemic]] member of the [[asteraceae|aster, daisy, or sunflower family]]. It is a [[apomixis|microspecies]], so far only identified at Radyr. It was first identified in 1907 at the quarry, was described as a variety in 1948 and then as a separate species in 1955. It has rarely been seen and regular surveys between 1998 and 2004 indicate that today only a single population of about 25 plants survives in the wild.<ref name="watsonia">{{cite journal|last1=Hutchinson |first1=G |last2=Rich |first2=TCG |year=2005 |title=Conservation of Britain's biodiversity: ''Hieracium radyrense'' (Asteraceae), Radyr Hawkweed |journal=[[Watsonia (journal)|Watsonia]] |volume=25 |pages=403–407 |url=http://www.watsonia.org.uk/25_4_HutchinsonHieracium.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726102424/http://www.watsonia.org.uk/25_4_HutchinsonHieracium.pdf |archive-date=2011-07-26 }}</ref>
[[File:Radyr Hawkweed.JPG|thumb|left|Radyr hawkweed]]
In the first survey of 1998, only nine plants were identified in one single Radyr garden, where it traditionally grew on grassy banks and lawns, often in shade. It was no longer found at the original locality of Radyr Quarry where examples were last seen in 1985. At [[Bridgend]], six possible plants of the Radyr genus were found on an old garden wall, but confirmation of identification is still awaited.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/171/ |title=Biodiversity & Systematic Biology - Projects |publisher=[[National Museum of Wales]] |access-date=13 May 2009}}</ref>

Neither the species nor the sites have any current legal protection, and it could be under significant threat of survival in the long term from inappropriate gardening or care.<ref name="watsonia"/> Seed samples of the Radyr hawkweed have been provided to the [[Millennium Seed Bank]], the international [[conservation biology|conservation]] project coordinated by the [[Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew]], and plants are being carefully cultivated.<ref name="watsonia"/> The plant normally flowers between May and early July and Radyr residents are urged by botanists to be on the look out for further examples of the endangered species while walking in the area.{{clear}}

==Demography==
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; text-align:center; font-size:90%; margin-left:20px; width:20em;"
|- 
!Year
!Population of Radyr
!Change
|-
| 1801 || 196 || –
|-
| 1811 || 106 || -46%
|-
| 1821 || 128 || 21%
|-
| 1831 || 227 || 77%
|-
| 1841 || 279 || 23%
|-
| 1851 || 417 || 50%
|-
| 1881 || 519 || 24%
|-
| 1891 || 610 || 18%
|-
| 1901 || 816 || 34%
|-
| 1911 || 1,238 || 52%
|-
| 1921 || 1,634 || 32%
|-
| 1931 || 1,586 || -3%
|-
| 1951 || 1,568 || -1%
|-
| 1961 || 1,690 || 8%
<!---
|-
| 1971 ||  || %
|-
| 1981 ||  || %
|-
| 1991 ||  || %
--->
|-
| 2001|| 4,658 || 176%
|-
| 2009|| 6,000 || 29% *
|-
|colspan="3" |''<small>source: [http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/data_cube_page.jsp?data_theme=T_POP&data_cube=N_TOT_POP&u_id=10297138&c_id=10001043&add=N Vision of Britain] except *, which is estimated by the [https://web.archive.org/web/20120207124113/http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ObjView.asp?Object_ID=9648 Office for National Statistics]. Historical populations are calculated with the modern boundaries</small>''
|}

The 2001 census showed that the suburb had a total population of 4,658, of whom 2,268 were male and 2,390 were female. The average age was 39.7 years. 68.27% of [adult] residents are married, with 20.81% having never married. 73.97% declared their religion as [[Christianity]]. 23.97% stated no religion and 0.9% stated [[Islam|Muslim]]. 96.02% stated their [[ethnicity]] as white, 1.76% as [[Asian people|Asian]], 1.03% as mixed race, 1.01% as [[Chinese people|Chinese]], and 0.2% as Black. 15.5% are [[Welsh language]] speakers.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/content.asp?nav=2872,3256,3300,4827&parent_directory_id=2865&id=1985&pagetype=&keyword= |title= 2001 Census Radyr and Morganstown |publisher= Cardiff County Council |date= 9 March 2009 |access-date= 22 July 2008 |archive-date= 9 June 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110609180516/http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/content.asp?nav=2872,3256,3300,4827&parent_directory_id=2865&id=1985&pagetype=&keyword= |url-status= dead }}</ref>

==Landmark buildings and local attractions==
Danybryn Cheshire Home was once a private house owned by Sir Lewis Lougher [[Member of Parliament|MP]].<ref name="Memories"/> It later had two wings added to accommodate the residents, who are physically disabled young people. The Thatch, the only thatched cottage in Radyr, was built for the Mathias family in 1936.<ref name="Memories"/> St John the Baptist parish church is nearly 800 years old, but underwent a [[Victorian restoration]] in the 19th century.<ref name="Churches">{{cite web |url=http://www.parish.radyr.org.uk/ |title=The Churches of the Parish of Radyr |access-date=29 June 2008 |archive-date=23 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723184736/http://parish.radyr.org.uk/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The [[Taff Trail]] [[cycle path]] passes through Radyr via Radyr Weir.<ref>{{cite web |title=Walking the Taff Trail |url= http://www.urban75.org/photos/wales/taff-trail-cardiff.html |publisher=South Wales Urban 75 |access-date=14 May 2011}}</ref> Other notable buildings include The Old Church Rooms and Radyr War Memorial.<ref>{{cite web |title=R & M Association Home Page |url=http://www.radyr.org.uk/docs/rmassociation |publisher=Radyr & Morganstown Association |access-date=14 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719201507/http://www.radyr.org.uk/docs/rmassociation |archive-date=19 July 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=War Memorial Radyr |url= http://www.ww2museums.com/article/19778/War-Memorial-Radyr.htm |publisher=WW2 Museum |access-date=14 May 2011}}</ref> [[Gelynis Farmhouse]] is a [[Grade II* listed building]].<ref>{{Cadw|num=13912|desc=Gelynis Farmhouse and attached cottage and stable|grade=II*|access-date=6 April 2025}}</ref> In nearby districts are [[St Fagans National History Museum]] (formerly the Museum of Welsh Life) and [[Castell Coch]].

==Education==
The Church Rooms in Park Road were also a primary school until 1896 when the Board School was opened next door. Older pupils had to travel to secondary schools in [[Penarth]] by train.<ref name=TC&G/> The part-time [[Radyr Library]] serves the area.

===Nursery and primary schools===
Bryn Deri Primary School was opened in 1976 and has included a [[nursery school]] since September 1999.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.brynderiprm.cardiff.sch.uk/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=3&MMN_position=14:14 |title= About Bryn Deri School |access-date= 29 June 2008 |archive-date= 5 January 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080105180856/http://brynderiprm.cardiff.sch.uk/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=3&MMN_position=14:14 |url-status= dead }}</ref> Radyr has also a private pre-school, Park Road Nursery,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.parkroadnursery.co.uk/ |title=Park Road Nursery |access-date=29 June 2008}}</ref> and a Welsh-language nursery called ''Cylch Meithrin'', both of which are based in the Old Church Rooms.

Radyr Primary School in Park Road opened in 1896, and new classrooms were added in 1968 to accommodate the rising population. The school currently has 11 classes and over 300 pupils.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://radyrprm.cardiff.sch.uk/index.php?module=documents&JAS_Document_op=downloadFile&JAS_File_id=101 |title= Radyr Primary School Prepspectus |access-date= 29 June 2008 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110825140926/http://radyrprm.cardiff.sch.uk/index.php?module=documents&JAS_Document_op=downloadFile&JAS_File_id=101 |archive-date= 25 August 2011 }}</ref>

===Secondary education===
[[Radyr Comprehensive School]] has more than 1,400 pupils from across west Cardiff.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.radyr.cardiff.sch.uk/ |title=Radyr Comprehensive School |access-date=18 June 2008 |archive-date=21 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621054100/http://www.radyr.cardiff.sch.uk/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> It also has a large [[Sixth Form]] college with about 300 students, and an active adult education centre.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.radyr.cardiff.sch.uk/~raec/?file=/home/teacher/raec/public_html/index.web |title=Radyr Adult Education Centre |access-date=29 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070822033538/http://radyr.cardiff.sch.uk/~raec/?file=%2Fhome%2Fteacher%2Fraec%2Fpublic_html%2Findex.web |archive-date=August 22, 2007 }}</ref>
In March 2021, Radyr Comprehensive School was the scene of a major incident where "malicious communication" was phoned through to the school.<ref>{{cite news |title=Radyr Comprehensive School incident in Cardiff 'now over' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-56539224 |access-date=29 March 2021 |agency=BBC |date=26 March 2021}}</ref> Armed police attended the scene and all pupils were successfully evacuated from the school.

==Churches==
[[File:Church of St John the Baptist Radyr.JPG|thumb|St John the Baptist parish church]]
The [[Church in Wales]] Parish of Radyr is in the [[Diocese of Llandaff]]. The [[parish church]] of St [[John the Baptist]], beside Radyr Chain, is now surrounded by the [[Danescourt]] housing estate. It is nearly 800 years old but was altered in the 19th century.<ref name="Churches"/> It is a [[Grade II listed]] building.<ref>{{cite web|title=Church of St. John the Baptist, Llandaff|url=http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/wa-13780-church-of-st-john-the-baptist-llandaff|website=British Listed Buildings|access-date=14 November 2014}}</ref>

Christ Church, although a larger building than St John's, is the daughter church in Radyr. Designed by the Llandaff diocesan surveyor George Halliday, the [[nave]] was ready for use at Easter 1904 and the [[chancel]] and tower were completed in November 1910.<ref name="Churches"/> Also in 1910 [[John Taylor & Co]] of [[Loughborough]] cast a [[Change ringing|ring]] of eight bells for the tower.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://dove.cccbr.org.uk/detail.php?searchString=Radyr&Submit=+Go+&DoveID=RADYR |last=Baldwin |first=John |title=Radyr Christ Church |work=[[Dove's Guide for Church Bell Ringers]] |publisher= [[Central Council of Church Bell Ringers]] |date=16 May 2012 |access-date=15 June 2013}}</ref> Lieutenant Colonel Fisher paid for the bells, and each bell is inscribed with the names of members of his family.<ref name="Memories">{{cite book|url=http://www.radyr.org.uk/pdf_files/memories.pdf |author=Radyr and Morganstown New Horizons History Group |title=Radyr and Morganstown Memories |publisher=Shadowfax Publishing |year=1993 |isbn=0-9514887-6-7 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719201154/http://www.radyr.org.uk/pdf_files/memories.pdf |archive-date=July 19, 2011 }}</ref>

Radyr [[Methodist Church of Great Britain|Methodist Church]] in Windsor Road replaced an earlier Methodist Church in Heol Isaf. Radyr is also served by Radyr [[Baptist Union of Great Britain|Baptist Church]], which worships in the Old Church Rooms in Park Road.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.radyrbaptists.org/alpha.php |title= Radyr Baptist Church |access-date= 29 June 2008 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110727195038/http://www.radyrbaptists.org/alpha.php |archive-date= 27 July 2011 }}</ref>

==Sport and leisure==
[[File:Radyr Golf Club.JPG|thumb|Radyr Golf Club clubhouse]]

[[Llandaff North RFC]] is the closest rugby team to Radyr. Nearby [[Taffs Well RFC]] was formed in 1887, and has provided three former Welsh Rugby captains and six Welsh International players during its history.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.taffswellrfc.co.uk/history/ |title= History of Taffs Well RFC |access-date= 4 July 2008 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081004025827/http://www.taffswellrfc.co.uk/history/ |archive-date= 4 October 2008 }}</ref>

[[Radyr Golf Club]] was founded in 1902 after moving from its original nine-hole course at the Tŷ Mawr in [[Lisvane]]. It is a {{convert|6109|yd}}, par 70 (SSS 70) course for men and {{convert|5510|yd}}, par 73 (SSS 73) for women, and operates all year round.<ref name="golf">{{cite web |url= https://www.radyrgolf.co.uk/scorecard |title=Radyr Golf Club |access-date=7 April 2020}}</ref> Laid out by the course designer [[Harry Colt]],<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.coltassociation.co.uk/colt.php |title= Harry Shapland Colt |access-date= 4 July 2008 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080509124852/http://www.coltassociation.co.uk/colt.php |archive-date= 9 May 2008 }}</ref> the Chairman of the [[2010 Ryder Cup]] recently described Radyr's course as "One of Colt's Little Jewels".<ref name="golf"/>

Radyr Lawn Tennis Club was founded in 1914 by 20 Radyr 'Gentlemen', helped by the Earl of Plymouth Estates. Its first location was near the railway station but the courts were badly laid. Again with the help of Plymouth Estates, the club lifted the turf from all three grass courts and relaid it on its current site next to Christ Church on Heol Isaf.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.radyrtennis.com |title=Radyr Lawn Tennis Club |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611054623/http://www.radyrtennis.com/ |archive-date=2011-06-11 }}</ref>

Radyr Cricket Club was founded in 1890 by the Earl of Plymouth, who granted a hundred-year lease for the current riverside ground to the local residents for a nominal sum. The pavilion was destroyed by fire in 1973 while the team were away on tour. Under the leadership of the new Chairman Keith Terry, a huge fund-raising effort was made and a new pavilion opened on the footprint of the old one in 1975. Radyr currently plays in the first division of the [[South Wales Premier Cricket League]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.radyrcc.co.uk/history.html |title=A History of Radyr Cricket Club |access-date=4 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050522230333/http://www.radyrcc.co.uk/history.html |archive-date=22 May 2005}}</ref>

[[Cardiff Corinthians F.C.|Cardiff Corinthians Football Club]] (known locally as the "Corries") has played its home games at the Riverside Football Ground in Radyr since 1974 and competes in the first division of the [[Welsh Football League]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Club History - Cardiff Corries |url=http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/cardiffcorinthiansafc/history.pl |publisher=[[Cardiff Corinthians F.C.]] |access-date=14 May 2011 |date=1 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100711072220/http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/cardiffcorinthiansafc/history.pl |archive-date=July 11, 2010 }}</ref>

The main shops in Radyr are in Station Road. One of the buildings on this road, Bryn Melyn, is now a dental surgery but was formerly the village post office.<ref name="Memories"/>

==Transport==
===Rail===
At the turn of the 20th century Radyr had a busy railway from where [[coal]] trains were transferred onto either the [[Taff Vale Railway]] to Cardiff Docks, or the Penarth district line to the docks at [[Penarth]], {{convert|4|mi}} southwest of Cardiff city centre. Also, the [[Barry Railway Company]] freight route ran just to the north of Morganstown, over [[Walnut Tree Viaduct]]. To the south-east of Radyr was an extensive railway marshalling yard which included another railway bridge over the Taff to provide an alternative route towards {{rws|Llandaff}}.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/80403 |title=Disused railway bridge near Hailey Park |publisher=Geograph |year=2005 }}</ref> The sidings were lifted in preparation for a housing development in the 1970s.

[[Radyr railway station]] still handles significant traffic, with over 200 trains calling each weekday and more than 400,000 passenger journeys per year.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk/WorkArea/showcontent.aspx?id=5952 |title=Valleys & Cardiff Local Routes Train Times |date=1 May 2009 |access-date=15 May 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/xls/station_usage_0708.xls |title=Station Usage Statistics 2007/2008 |date=2009-04-09 |publisher=[[Office of Rail Regulation]] |access-date=13 May 2009 |archive-date=11 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101111060542/http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/xls/station_usage_0708.xls |url-status=dead }}</ref> Radyr is the northern terminus of the [[Cardiff City Line]].

===Bus===
[[Cardiff Bus]] route 63 and [[Stagecoach South Wales]] route 122 operate from Morganstown and Radyr to [[Cardiff Central bus station]] via Danescourt, Llandaf and Pontcanna.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.cardiffbus.com/english/service.shtml?serviceid=1981 |title = 52 - City Centre - Cyncoed via Albany Road, Ty Gwyn Road}}</ref>

===Road===
The B4262 road (Heol Isaf) runs through the centre of Radyr and Morganstown, leading north to [[Taff's Well]] and the [[A470 road|A470]] towards [[Pontypridd]], and south to the [[A4119 road|A4119]] (Llantrisant Road), which links [[Llantrisant]] with [[Danescourt]], [[Llandaff]] and [[Cardiff city centre]].

The M4 corridor around Cardiff was announced in 1971 as a replacement for a northern link road that had been planned since 1947 but never built.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iht.org/motorway/m4wales.htm |title=The M4 in Wales |publisher=The Motorway Archive |access-date=20 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081231035742/http://www.iht.org/motorway/m4wales.htm |archive-date=31 December 2008 }}</ref> The northern "Lisvane and Radyr route" for the M4 was eventually chosen after a number of noisy public enquiries and active objections by residents from both communities.<ref name="M4-Coryton">{{cite web|url=http://www.iht.org/motorway/m4cascor.htm |title=M4 in Wales. Castleton to Coryton (J29 to J32) |publisher=The Motorway Archive |access-date=20 May 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080703194748/http://www.iht.org/motorway/m4cascor.htm |archive-date=3 July 2008 }}</ref> The new motorway was completed and opened on 10 July 1980,<ref name="M4-Coryton"/> and passes east–west between Radyr and Morganstown. Later this section was widened to three lanes in each direction at a cost of over £71 million, being completed in December 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.traffic-wales.com/5512 |title=M4 road widening work set to start north of Cardiff |access-date=20 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011144236/http://www.traffic-wales.com/5512 |archive-date=October 11, 2007 }}</ref> Radyr has no direct access to or from the motorway.

==Notable people==
[[File:Patricia Neal und Roald Dahl.jpg|thumb|right|Roald Dahl with Patricia Neal]]
Several notable people are associated with Radyr. The children's author [[Roald Dahl]] (1916–90) lived in the 1920s at a house called Tŷ Mynydd in Radyr (which was demolished in 1967).<ref name="Memories"/><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.theguardian.com/books/pictures/image/0,8551,-10105080894,00.html |title=Roald Dahl's photographs |access-date=18 June 2008 |location=London |newspaper=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> He called it an "imposing country mansion, surrounded by acres of farm and woodland" in his book ''[[Boy (autobiography)|Boy: Tales of Childhood]]''.<ref name="book-log.com">{{cite web |url= http://www.book-log.com/article.php?story=20021129062000890 |title= Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl |access-date= 12 July 2008 |archive-date= 8 July 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110708082657/http://www.book-log.com/article.php?story=20021129062000890 |url-status= dead }}</ref> [[Jimi Mistry]] (born 1973), who is an Asian-British actor and appeared in ''[[EastEnders]]'', ''[[The Guru (2002 film)|The Guru]]'' and ''[[East Is East (1999 film)|East Is East]]'', attended Radyr Comprehensive School.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jimi Mistry - Biography |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing/2010/dancers/celebrity/jimi_mistry.shtml |publisher=BBC |access-date=14 May 2011}}</ref> Actor [[Harry Ferrier]] also went to Radyr Comprehensive as he grew up in Radyr.<ref>{{cite web|author=David Owens |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/showbiz/actor-harry-ferrier-takes-wrong-2024395 |title=Actor Harry Ferrier takes to the wrong side of the tracks in Before It Rains |publisher=Wales Online |date=2012-09-20 |access-date=2013-07-07}}</ref> 

Local sportsmen include [[Harry Corner]] (1874–1938), an English [[cricket]]er who played in the Great Britain team that won a gold medal at the [[Cricket at the 1900 Summer Olympics|1900 Summer Olympics]], who lived, died and was buried in Radyr.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1900S/1900/OLYMP/GREAT-BRIT_FRANCE_OLYMP_FINAL_19-20AUG1900_PLAYERS.html |title=Olympic Final: Profiles of the British Players |publisher=[[Cricinfo]] |access-date=27 May 2009}}</ref> [[Hugh Johns]] (1922–2007), who was best known as a [[football (soccer)|football]] commentator for [[ITV Network|ITV]], retired and died in Radyr.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/hugh-johns-456138.html |title=Hugh Johns - obituary |last=Hayward |first=Anthony |date=6 July 2007 |work=[[The Independent]] |access-date=27 May 2009 |location=London}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> [[Frank Meggitt]] (1901–45), a [[Wales|Welsh]] [[cricket]]er, a right-handed batsman and wicket-keeper who played for [[Glamorgan County Cricket Club|Glamorgan]], also lived in the town after retiring from the sport.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://content.cricinfo.com/leicestershire/content/player/16999.html |title=Frank Meggitt profile |publisher=[[Cricinfo]] |access-date=27 May 2009}}</ref> The athlete and runner [[Timothy Benjamin]] (born 1982) was born and raised in Radyr.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/a-email-conversation-with-tim-benjamin-i-had-got-sick-of-people-telling-me-i-wasnt-running-fast-enough-512255.html |archive-url= https://archive.today/20070629055833/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/a-email-conversation-with-tim-benjamin-i-had-got-sick-of-people-telling-me-i-wasnt-running-fast-enough-512255.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= 29 June 2007 |title=A email conversation with Tim Benjamin: 'I had got sick of people telling me I wasn't running fast enough' |last=Rowbottom |first=Mike |date=2005-10-24 |newspaper=[[The Independent]] |access-date=27 May 2009 |location=London}}</ref>

Another notable resident is [[Martin Evans|Sir Martin Evans]] (born 1941), the Professor of mammalian genetics at [[Cardiff University]] who received the [[Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research]] in 2001, was knighted in 2003 and was awarded the 2007 [[Nobel Prize]] for medicine for his work on [[stem cells]]. He is also a Fellow of the [[Royal Society]] and a Fellow of the [[Academy of Medical Sciences]].<ref>{{cite news |url= https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/7033480.stm|title=Nobel Prize for Cardiff professor |access-date=12 July 2008 |work=BBC News |date=8 October 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/cardiff-news/2007/10/10/nobel-winner-s-concrete-start-in-science-91466-19923302/|title=Nobel winner's concrete start in science |last=Aplin |first=Matthew |date=10 October 2007 |newspaper=[[South Wales Echo]] |access-date=27 May 2009}}</ref>

==Radyr in the media==
The outdoor scenes in an episode of the TV science fiction series ''[[Torchwood]]'', called [[Small Worlds (Torchwood)|Small Worlds]], were filmed mostly around Radyr Primary School.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.doctorwholocations.net/locations/radyrprimaryschool |title=Dr Who locations |access-date=12 July 2008}}</ref>{{clear}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://www.radyr.org.uk]
*[http://www.parish.radyr.org.uk/ The Parish of Radyr website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080602084819/http://www.parish.radyr.org.uk/ |date=2 June 2008 }}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20050408154311/http://www.whitchurchandllandaff.co.uk/Radyr.htm Photos of Radyr railway junction, past and present]
*[https://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=2774343 www.geograph.co.uk : photos of Radyr and surrounding area]

{{Commons category|Radyr}}

{{Cardiff}}
{{Politics and Government in Cardiff}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Radyr| ]]
[[Category:Districts of Cardiff]]
[[Category:Villages in Cardiff]]