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.
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CADW Open Doors Event 2026 – Participating Sites in Blaenau Gwent
Open Doors is a festival celebrating heritage and architecture which takes place throughout September as part of European Heritage Days. This year three significant buildings opened their doors, enabling local residents and visitors to discover more about the rich local history that shaped the towns, valleys and communities in Blaenau Gwent
ST. ILLTYDS CHURCH: This church is recognised as the oldest standing building in the county borough. It features an ancient chancel, striking tower, and a wildflower meadow churchyard.
TREDEGAR TOWN CLOCK: This clock is 168 years old. Standing at 72-feet (22metres) tall it is the tallest freestanding iron clock in the UK. Adventurous visitors can climb the interior steel rung ladders to the top.
LLANHILLETH MINERS’ INSTITUTE This building celebrates its 120th anniversary this year(1906–2026)
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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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