According to legend Hillhead was a block of cells for the monks at Illtyd's monastery. In fact the block was built as houses for the poor on land donated to the parish in 1809. With the Poor Law Reform Act, a workhouse was established in Bridgend and Hillhead was sold. A number of the poorer families lived there and the row came in for criticism in the 1890s when the local doctor called for them to be demolished. However they have been well restored and are now much sought after.