(Margam is believed to have played a significant role in the early transmission of the work of St. Bernard of Clairvaux.)

First, it had a good harbour which was ultimately developed into Port Talbot, named in honour of the squires of Margam.

The combination of local fuel and good transport links from the harbour made Margam an important part of the industrial landscape of the South Wales Coalfield.

The Talbot family had previously, in the 18th century constructed at Margam the longest orangery in Europe, which still stands.

[2] In the early 20th century, Margam became the site of an important British Steel plc works.