Maesteg Harlequins R.F.C.

THE CLUB BADGE

Set in the centre of an elaborate gold border, a burning castle is the principle feature of the Maesteg Harlequins RFC badge. An heraldic red dragon rampant stands above the castle, and set within a scroll at the foot of the fortification , is the inscription "Tir Iarll". The dragon is representative of the emblem of Wales, while the castle and inscription can claim to be one of the most historic emblems’ in world sport.

The urban area of Maesteg did not exist until the mineralogical deposits of iron and coal were discoveredd, excavated and processed on a large scale, in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. In the mediaeval period the main settlement in the valley was the village of Llangynwyd. It was during this period that the entire parish became incorporated into the Norman Lordship of "Tir Iarll" ("Earl’s Land").

The Norman Lord constructed a castle on the outskirts of the modern village. The castle became a frontier outpost in the volatile Welsh uplands of blaenau. Known locally as "Castle Coch" ("Red Castle"), today the ruins are little more than a few undulating lumps on the lands of Castell farm.

At the battle of Agincourt in 1415, the Longbowmen of Glamorgan and Gwent were at the cutting edge of military technology. Their mastery of archery often a decisive factor in victory. Amongst these skillful archers were the men of Tir Iarll, who fought under the banner of a burning castle. But why a burning castle?

One can only suggest, that it was a matter of pride amongst the Welshmen of the blaenau to show their rejection of or objection to Norman rule. This bastion of Marcher Lordship was attacked and destroyed in 1257 during the uprising of Llewellyn ap Gruffydd. It was repaired only to be destroyed once again in 1294. Some believe the 1294 attack to be the last, while others are of the opinion that the final assault upon the fortification, occurred during the Owain Glyndwr rebellion. Thus the icon of burning castle was carried into battle and subsequently, in future centuries, became the emblem for several organisations in the region, indeed the emblem of the area itself.

The castle is said to have links with Edward II, the king of England who sought refuge there after the English barons and his wife, Isabella of Spain, rebelled against him. He arrived at the castle to discover to find his allies " The Despensers" had fled and the king of England hid at a local farm house disguised as a farm labourer.

Another inhabitant associated with the castle was Countessa Phillipa who helped establish the prestigious "Order of the Garter" in 1348.