Monmouthshire Antiquarian Association Annual Study Day with Pontypool Local History Society
A morning of talks at Pontypool Museum followed by lunch (included in the ticket price). In the afternoon a choice of programme including talks at the museum, a walk in town or a tour and talk at St Cadoc’s Church, Trevethin with transport provided. The afternoon will close back at the museum.
Pontypool Study Day Programme
| 09.30 | Welcome: Light Refreshments and introduction |
| 10.00 | Hurried into eternity: the Llanerch Colliery Disaster 6 Feb 1890
Speaker: Tony Hopkins On February 6, 1890, a catastrophic explosion occurred at the Llanerch Colliery near Abersychan. A total of 176 men and boys lost their lives, leaving many widowed and fatherless in the surrounding community. The disaster is recognized as one of the most devastating to occur in south Wales. To honour the victims, a memorial sculpture by Chris Woods was unveiled in 1919. It depicted a miner rescuing a young boy. After describing the location of the colliery, the presentation will consider the impact of the explosion on the wider community through a range of illustrative documents. Finally, the disaster will be considered as part of the character and identity of the Eastern Valley. Tony Hopkins is an archivist at Gwent Archives and formerly Gwent County Archivist. He has edited Gwent Local History since 1996 and is currently editor of the Monmouthshire Antiquary The journal of the Monmouthshire Antiquarian Association.
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| 10.45 | Some recent later prehistoric treasure groups and single finds from Torfaen and Gwent and the work of Amgueddfa Cymru and PAS Cymru staff
Speaker: Adam Gwilt In this introductory presentation, a range of recent discoveries from Torfaen will be presented, including Bronze Age hoard groups and single metalwork finds. These will be related to a wider range of similar Bronze and Iron Age hoards and artefact discoveries found across Gwent, providing new insights into these prehistoric communities, their technologies, art styles and beliefs. This talk will also illustrate some of the ongoing work undertaken by national museum curators, conservators and PAS Cymru recording officers, who record and report on archaeological finds made by members of the public each year. Adam Gwilt is the Principal Curator of Prehistory at Amgueddfa Cymru who is responsible for caring for, developing and researching and making the prehistoric archaeology collection accessible. He also reports on and advises coroners on prehistoric treasure finds made in Wales. |
| 11.30 | Coffee Break |
| 11.45 | The British Nylon Spinners, Mamhilad
Speaker: Stephen Peel In the late 1940’s as the country struggled to recover from a crippling war, new technology created new industries, whilst the new society required that these new industries would provide working conditions and facilities for the workforce that were incomparably better than anything previously provided . One of the leading examples of this was the British Nylon Spinners factory at Mamhilad, where an innovative building provided an attractive holistic environment for the staff, which still creates a stunning gateway to Pontypool today. Stephen Peel is a former conservation officer with Torfaen County Council; He now offers independent advice about the built environment from his business based in Monmouthshire.
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| 12.30 | Buffet Lunch |
| 13.30 – 15.15 | Choice of
a. Talk and Guided Tour at St Cadoc’s Church with Canon Dr. Arthur Edwards (minibus transport to St Cadoc’s will be available) The Place of Trevethin Church in the History of Pontypool The talk will be followed by a discussion, and tour around the building. b. A walking tour of Pontypool town This guided walk will consider Pontypool’s rich industrial past as reflected in its 18th-century architecture and Victorian commercial buildings. Amongst the essential landmarks in the town are the 1730 Old Market Hall, the former Town Hall (currently the Torfaen Register Office), and the Grade II listed Crane Street Baptist Church. Notable sites include Trosnant and Crane Street, famous for the production of iconic Pontypool Japanware in the 18th century. Strongly influenced by the Hanbury family’s ironworks, the area maintains a distinct heritage character, as one of the first industrial towns. Walk leaders are enthusiastic members of the Pontypool Local History Society, passionate about the town and sharing their knowledge. |
| 15.30 | Tea/Coffee at the museum |
| 15.45 | Round-up and close |
| During lunch, attendees will be given the option of attending a potted history of the museum (possibly by collections curator Sarah Parsons) and a talk on the history of Pontypool Japanware by Lindsay Prosser. | |
Tickets cost £16.17 which includes a small admin fee. To book please click on the link below.
Please note these events may be subject to change or cancellation at short notice.
Quarterly newsletters and reminders will be sent out through the year.
If you have any queries about events or would like to suggest a talk or visit, please contact the secretary by email – secretary@maa.wales