THE pastoral scene of Merthyr Dyfan, with the only surviving remains of its medieval village, are being destroyed by modern housing development close to the church.

Here once stood a parsonage, crofter’s house, a mill and a small corn drying kiln all dating from the 13th-14th century. This once formed part of a village which began around 1180, built close to an ancient site said to have been in place, according to legend, where St Dyfan or Deruvians was martyred and where his bones were deposited.

The medieval village was located in two areas, the above-mentioned was west of the church, and south of Ty Du farm in a field known as Ffynnon John Lewis, now built over. In this area was a farmstead, and east of this site was a bakehouse dating from the 14th century, all these sites were excavated by myself and a few volunteer diggers between 1967 and 1980.

Later on, in the 17th and 18th centuries, the church would have had thatched cottages to keep it company. Now, apart from the church and White Farm, it will be lost to the development of this new housing scheme, yet again another piece of Barry’s past is gone forever. Whereas most towns or villages in the Vale of Glamorgan take pride in their heritage, Barry does not, just more houses.

Barry, to many people, is a modern town with no history apart from the building of the docks, the world wars, and Gavin and Stacey. It may as well be that, for Barry’s ancient past has been destroyed. Who cares about our past? Just a few dedicated people.

Residents have campaigned for years to preserve this last strip of natural undisturbed beauty in the town, but to no avail. The developers will have their way and someone out there is accountable this disaster. Shame on you.

Gareth Tyley Hayes Road Sully Penarth