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.
CONTACT Chairman
CONTACT General
CONTACT Journal Contributions
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.
Our Trip to Pwll Du, Govilon Wharf and Llanfoist Wharf
What a great day we had on our recent BGHF summer trip. We met in the lovely Llanelly Community Hall where we were treated to a very interesting and informative talk on the ‘Deserted Mining Hamlet of Pwll Du’ by Rodger Burchell. The hall committee made us feel very welcome and provided teas and coffees afterwards. Refreshed, we moved on to explore the actual site of Pwll Du where Rodger helped us discover where the houses, key buildings and tunnels had been.
Enjoying the far-reaching wild, upland views as we drove across the moors to have lunch in the iconic Whistle Inn with its great display of mining lamps and railway memorabilia went down a treat – a great opportunity to gather, relax and chat.
For the afternoon session we moved on to Govilon wharf where we were welcomed and looked after by members of Govilon Boat Club. After a short presentation on Govilon wharf we were taken on a magical trip along the canal from Govilon to visit Llanfoist wharf which directly links to the Blaenavon and Pwll Du area we had visited earlier. We travelled along the canal in a variety of private members boats and cannot thank them enough for their kindness and hospitality in sharing their own boats with us.
The day concluded with delicious homemade cakes in the boathouse. What a wonderful day of friendship, community, shared interests and history. We all learnt a lot but more importantly made connections and friendships
Our trips for this year have finished but if you are interested in joining us on one in the future keep an eye on our WHAT’S ON page.
Current BGHF Projects
Family History Research
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.
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