Glamorgan is one of the 13 historic counties of Wales. It has its roots in the medieval kingdom of Morgannwg, and the Norman Lordship of Glamorgan. In 1536 Glamorgan was created as a shire through the amalgamation of the Lordship of Glamorgan with the Lordships of Gower and Kilvey.
Glamorgan was largely agricultural prior to the 18th century, when it was transformed into one of the industrial heartlands of Wales. It became a centre for the metallurgical and coal industries and the export of their products through world leading ports.
Glamorgan County Council was established in 1889. With the reorganisation of local government in Wales in 1974 it was abolished, succeeded by three new local authorities, Mid, South and West Glamorgan. Following another round of local government reorganisation in 1996, the area is now divided into 8 unitary authorities.
The Glamorgan flag features three silver chevrons on a red background. It is based on the arms of Iestyn ap Gwrgant, the last ruler of the Kingdom of Morgannwg.
Glamorgan’s county flower is the Yellow Whitlowgrass, Llysiau’r Bystwn Melyn in Welsh. This bright yellow flower is commonly found on sunny exposed rock faces, in particular along the Gower coast.