The Circus in Merthyr Tydfil

The circus has a surprisingly long history.  The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian newspaper of November 1839 advertised the 'Royal Circus, Merthyr'. There was 'recreational gymnastics and equestrian entertainments' under the patronage of Sir J.J. Guest, MP. The cost of watching the show was quite expensive; since it was 2 shillings for the boxes, 1 shilling for the pit and 6 pence for the gallery.  For many of the workers in Merthyr Tydfil it would have cost them a whole days pay to attend. At one time there was an annual circus in Merthyr Tydfil and many a young boy or girl thought about running away to join the circus. One circus, advertised in the Merthyr Express a hundred years ago, had the legendary Colonel Tom Thumb and famous Buffalo Bill came with a circus here. The circus was all show-business and excitement. Inside the big top there was sharp-shooting, knife-throwing acts, the trapeze, as well as the live animals performing on stage. The circus performers would attract a crowd by parading up to Penydarren Park and the elephants would slowly wander up the High Street, followed by excited children. However, gradually the circus became more confined to Cyfarthfa Park and the elephants were kept well away from traffic in the football pitch by Cyfarthfa Castle. The arrival of the circus in Merthyr Tydfil was always popular with  young people but today it is no longer possible to view performing animals.