Rhondda Cynon Taf is a county borough in South Wales. It is located to the north-west of Cardiff and covers an area of 424km2.[1] In 2021 the population was approximately 237,500.[2]
The Cadw/ICOMOS Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales was established in 2002 and given statutory status in 2022. It is administered by Cadw, the historic environment agency of the Welsh Government.[3] [4] Elisabeth Whittle described Cadw as having a "somewhat special and guiding role" in the preservation of historic parks and gardens, since they are "an integral part of Welsh archaeological and architectural heritage". The register includes just under 400 sites, ranging from gardens of private houses, to cemeteries and public parks. Parks and gardens are listed at one of three grades, matching the grading system used for listed buildings. Grade I is the highest grade, for sites of exceptional interest; Grade II*, the next highest, denotes parks and gardens of great quality; while Grade II denotes sites of special interest.
There are five registered parks and gardens in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Two are listed at Grade II*, and three at Grade II. Two were constructed as public parks and the others are parks and gardens that were originally built around country houses.
| Grade | Criteria[5] | |
|---|---|---|
| I | Parks and gardens of exceptional interest | |
| II* | Parks and gardens of great quality | |
| II | Parks and gardens of special interest |
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