Welcome to the homepage of Blaenau Gwent Heritage Forum. As a group we aim to highlight, share and celebrate our rich local heritage here in Blaenau Gwent.
Abertillery, Brynmawr, Cwm, Ebbw Vale, Llanhilleth, Nantyglo and Blaina, Six Bells, Tredegar, Trefil,
Blaenau Gwent and its surrounding area was at the forefront of the industrial revolution in the 19th century. The county is rich with historic buildings, ancient monuments and important heritage sites, all set within a very attractive landscape.The Blaenau are the mountainous uplands of this historic Gwent kingdom.
Upcoming Anniversaries
2026 – LlANHILLETH MINERS’ INSTITUTE
120th ANNIVERSARY Built in 1906 to serve the educational, recreational, and health needs of miners and their families, this iconic building still stands as a vibrant hub at the heart of the community today.
2026 – MOOSE INTERNATIONAL NO. 1 LODGE, TREDEGAR
100th ANNIVERSARY In 1926 members of the American fraternal order, ‘The Loyal Order of Moose’, came to the UK and established the ‘Grand Lodge of Great Britain’. Led by J.J. Davis they opened their inaugural no 1 lodge in Tredegar, in the same year.
2026 – GENERAL STRIKE
CENTENARY of the 1926 General Strike
2026 – ABERFAN
60th ANNIVERSARY On 21st October 1966, one of the worst mining-related disasters in British history took place in the small village of Aberfan,
2027 – MARINE COLLIERY EXPLOSION, CWM
100th ANNIVERSARY On St David’s Day 1927, 52 miners at Marine Colliery were tragically killed in an explosion which occurred in the Black Vein Seam, 350 yards underground.
2027 – EBBW VALE STEEL WORKS
25th ANNIVERSARY of the final closure of the works by Corus, ending the steelmaking era in Ebbw Vale.
News Update
CLICK HERE for more details about the article: The History of the Parish of Llanhilleth
It was a pleasure for Lyn Maloney to present Christine Bailey with a copy of Blaenau Gwent Heritage Forum’s recently published Spring Journal, on behalf of Llanhilleth Heritage Society. This journal contains a rediscovered document, ‘The History of the Parish of Llanhilleth’ written in 1947 by W. H. Bailey (Bill), Christine’s uncle. Christine received the journal on behalf of his family.
A poor and very dilapidated copy of Mr. Bailey’s original, detailed history had been sat on top of the Forum’s Journal Editor, Rodger Burchell’s bookcase for many years. It has now been painstakingly transcribed, the faded original drawings redrawn and diagrams/maps and clearer photographs, contributed by members of Llanhilleth Heritage Society. The history has been reproduced in the journal and covers 53 pages. The journal costs £7.50.
Would you like to:
- Buy a copy through this website
Spring Journal issue 27 – A5 book
Spring Journal issue 27 – A4 download
- Buy a copy in Llanhilleth
Llanhilleth Miners’ Institute: Heritage Centre – Tuesdays 2pm – 4pm
- Buy a copy at Bedwellty House, Tredegar at our monthly talks
2nd Thursday every month 2pm – 3pm
- Find out more about what else is in our journal
CLICK HERE for the JOURNALS page
- Find out more about heritage news in Llanhilleth
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