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ISSUE 59 February 2018

CYNON VALLEY MUSEUM Depot Road, Aberdare CF44 8DL. Tel: 01685 886729 Email: engagement@cynonvalleymuseum.

HAY HISTORY GROUP Contact: Peter Ford Tel. 01497820676 email: [email protected] www.Hayhistorygroup.co.uk www.haytours.co.uk

LLANGAMMARCH WELLS LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Contact: Sue Lilly Tel. 01591 610792 Email: [email protected]

LLANGYNIDR LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Contact: Ann Jessopp Tel. 01874 730431 email: [email protected]

LLANTHONY HISTORY GROUP Contact: Oliver Fairclough Tel. 01873 890 540 Introducing The Forum [email protected] BRECKNOCK MUSEUM Contact: Nigel Blackmore, Senior Curator Tel. 01874 624121 & DISTRICT HERITAGE & ARTS CENTRE Contact: Rob Thomas Tel. 01591 610661 BRECKNOCK SOCIETY AND MUSEUM email: [email protected] FRIENDS Contact: Elaine Starling Tel. 01874 711484 www.llanwrtydhistorygroup.com email: [email protected] LLYN SYFADDAN HISTORY GROUP LIBRARY Tel. 01874 62334 Contact: Roger Reese email: [email protected] BRECONSHIRE LOCAL & FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Mr Robert Eckley, 42, Pendre Close, Brecon, LD3 9EW. COUNTY ARCHIVE OFFICE email: [email protected] email: [email protected] www.powys.gov.uk/archives Tel. 01597 826088 & DISTRICT HERITAGE SOCIETY Contact: Anna Page Tel. 01982 553376 POWYS FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Contact: Sheila Leitch Tel. 01497 847354 CHRIST COLLEGE ARCHIVE Contact: Felicity Kilpatrick Tel. 01874 615440 REGIMENTAL MUSEUM OF THE ROYAL WELSH Contact: Richard Davies / Celia Green Tel. 01874 613310 CRAI & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY ARCHIVE Contact: Frances Jenkins Tel. 01874 636990 AND DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY Contact: Sheila Lovell Tel. 01874 711096 DISTRICT ARCHIVE CENTRE Email: [email protected] Secretary: Wendy Parker. Contact: [email protected] WELSH HISTORIC GARDENS TRUST Contact: Elizabeth Siberry Tel. 01873 812169 CRICKHOWELL & DISTRICT HISTORY SOCIETY Contact: Carol Jenkins Tel. 01873 812184 FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Contact: Caryl Jones Tel. 01269 825306 Tickets are free but seats should be booked via the Theatr. Editorial There will be a retiring collection in aid of the educational Hanes is published every 3 months. The next edition is to be work of the Society published May 1st 2018. Please email any articles or information about events etc. with the heading "HANES" to Monday 18th April 2018 [email protected] by April 30th. 2018. Annual General Meeting 2.30pm The Muse, Street ,Brecon. News AND EVENTS Friends of Church with the Brecknock Society We have two forthcoming events at Llansantffraed Church Brecon Beacons National Park (alongside the near Talybont-on-Usk) associated th Young Archaeologists’ Club with - Breconshire’s famous 17 century poet and physician: The Brecon Beacons Young Archaeologists’ Club is part of a - Sunday 22 April, 3.00pm - Memorial Evensong on network of Young Archaeologists’ Clubs across Wales, and the anniversary of the death of Henry Vaughan. Address by poet UK, administered by the Council for British Archaeology. YAC Hilary Davies and wreath laying at Henry Vaughan’s grave is the only UK-wide club for young people up to the age of 17 followed by refreshments. No charge; collection for church interested in archaeology. YAC’s vision is for all young people maintenance fund to have opportunities to be inspired and excited by - Saturday 19 May, 7.30pm - ‘His lute, his fancy, and his archaeology, and to empower them to help shape its future. flights’ Concert by Dowland Works group with renowned The Brecon Beacons Young Archaeologists’ Club was soprano Emma Kirkby. Music and poetry from the world of established by a group of local volunteers in order to fill a gap Henry Vaughan. Tickets £14, includes programme and in the provision of YAC branches in the Brecon Beacons and interval refreshments - contact Mervyn Bramley 01874 the Usk Valley. Brecon Beacons YAC is supported by the 665267 Brecon Beacons National Park Authority.

You can find out more about the Brecon Beacons Young Archaeologists’ Club by visiting our blog Brecknock Forum http://bbyac.wordpress.com/ Next Brecon Forum Meeting: Friday 2 Feb 2018 10.30 at: 2 Wyeside Workshops. (It is Brecknock Society & Museum Friends just off Castle Street) Park in the Riverside carpark . Make your way towards 12th February 2018 - Digitisation Workshop Urgent Wyeside Arts centre Start at 10 am finish at 3pm. Venue Brecon Library. Run in conjunction with National Library of Wales - fee £10 Breconshire Local & Family History Society payable to BS&MF. If anybody wishes to apply please let Elaine Starling know by The Society meets monthly at 2pm, upstairs in Brecon Library, Friday 9th February. Tea and Coffee provided but not lunch . Ship Street, Brecon. Members attend the Talks for free and [email protected] or Tele 01874 711 484. visitors can attend on payment of £1.

Friday 23rd February 2018 - 7.00pm The Muse. Glamorgan Tuesday, 6 February 2018 - Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift. A Street Brecon. 'An Evening with the Winner of 2017 Roland personal visit. Roger Reese, Chairman of the Llyn Safaddan Mathias Prize for Poetry.' John Freeman with his book 'What History Group, will give a personal account of his visit to Possessed me' and Jonathan Edwards, poet ,who was also a these historic sites. judge of this prize'. Tuesday, 6 March 2018 - Research and presentation: a family Wednesday 28 February 2018 - 6.00 pm. The Muse, story Glamorgan Street,Brecon. Janet Robinson has researched her family history and has The Stained Glass of Breconshire. Martin Crampin of the produced a book “Family Matters” on the subject of her Centre for advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies family research. She will pass on tips regarding her research.

Friday March 23rd 2018 - 7.00pm - Theatr Tuesday 10 April 2018 - Memories of the poet Henry Vaughan. Elizabeth Siberry, will talk about this famous 17th 21st Sir John Lloyd Lecture - The Lord century Breconian, who was a metaphysical poet, author, Thomas of Cwmgiedd, 'Justice in Brecknock translator and physician. He is buried in Llansantffraed-juxta- over the centuries: some reflections'. Usk. Lord Thomas served as the Lord Chief Justice of and Wales from October 1st 2013 st Research advice for both family and local history is available to October 1 2017. He now chairs a new on the third Saturday in the month, at Brecon Library, Commission on justice in Wales. A native of between 11am and midday. All are welcome.For more details the little village of Cwmgiedd near Ystradgynlais, he is an about our Society, e-mail [email protected] . excellent speaker who holds his Breconshire heritage dear.

Brecon U3A Builth Wells Heritage Society Thu. Feb 1st 2018 10.30am - An Artist's War - Phyllida Shaw Builth Wells and District Heritage Society forthcoming 1.15pm - Architecture and Landscape - The Stirling Prize for meetings: Architecture 2.30pm - Family History - Rowland Jepson's Family Tree 9th February 2018 Capt. Clive Easton - 'Jumbo and I' .. my life with the 747 Thu. Feb 8th 2018 10.30am - Benjamin Disraeli - Joe England 9th March 2018 Society AGM followed by presentation/talk Thu. Feb 15th 2018 1.15pm - Archaeology - Gwernvale 2 - Jan Bailey 13th April 2018 Philip Hume – The Mortimer Trail All meetings are held at 7.30pm at Wesley Church, Builth Thu. Mar 1st 2018 Wells (opposite Greyhound hotel). Visitors welcome. 10.30 am - The Black Mountain - Locals, Legends and Landscape - Gill Evans Please note, as of now our new venue for monthly talks is The Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Garth Rd., Builth Wells LD2 3AR Thu. Mar 8th 2018 (Opposite our previous venue The Greyhound Hotel) which 1.15- 3.15 Archaeology and Science - 'Agincourt ' DNA Data has a small car park. Andrew Grieson University Of Sheffield will be reporting on the results collected from the DNA samples collected locally in Members: Free Visitors :£3 Tea and coffee available the Brecon Area during the 2015 Agincourt Events. Fee £1 Contact Elaine Starling 01874 711 484 Crickhowell & District History Society Thu. Mar 15th 2018 1.15pm - Architecture and Landscape - Distinctive Local 21 February 2018 - (Annual General Meeting) - Dr Naylor Landscapes in Past Times Firth ‘John Upton, Genius or Rogue’ Brecon U3A meets weekly on a Thursday, during "term time", at Theatr Brycheiniog, Canal Wharf, Brecon, LD3 7EW for a 21 March 2018 Will Davies ‘Crickhowell Castle, Its History and programme of lectures, talks, workshops, outings and Buildings’ demonstrations. Some of these are led by members and some by visiting speakers. 18 April 2018 - Brian Davies ‘Big Pit, The Making of a Mining Museum’ The morning session starts at 10.30am with coffee available from 10am in the gallery on the first floor. The travel desk 23 May 2018 - Eric Gower ‘The Copper, the Screen and the and notice boards are on display in the gallery before and Chiming Bells, the Story of a War Memorial’ after the morning lecture. The afternoon sessions start at 1.15pm and 2.30pm. All meetings are held in he Parish Hall, Church Lane and commence at 7.30 pm. Membership costs £26 per year, there is a £1 charge for attendance at any or all of the Thursday sessions. Cusop History Group, Herefordshire

"The Third Age" is the time after the first age of childhood nd and the second of work and family. 2 February 2018 - Martin Griffiths the astronomer will be giving a talk on astronomy and myths The University of the Third Age started in France in 1972 and th in Britain in 1982. U3As are self help, self managed, lifelong 10 February 2018 - learning co-operatives for older people no longer in full time History of the Moor Estate. Mary Morgan work, it provides opportunities for members to share learning experiences in a wide range of interest groups, not for Both talks are at Cusop Village Hall. qualifications but for fun. There are around 600 groups in Britain. Each U3A is independent, self funding and governing, organising its own programme to suit the wishes and interests of its members. All U3As are affiliated to The Third Age Trust. Brecon U3A is one of a network covering South Wales and Severnside. It is a registered charity No. 1074288.

Cynon Valley Museum Hay History Group Hay Independence Weekend - Hay Tours will run a number of tours over the 41st Independence Celebrations week at Easter – details will be published on the website nearer the time.

Hay Castle update  The recent newsletter highlighted 2 more grants of £5,000 and £4,800.  Following a value engineering exercise to reduce costs revised tenders are due in soon. A decision is expected to be announced shortly.  A leaflet 10 Facts about the Castle has been circulated widely throughout town.  The Castle Trust is looking for new trustees. Apply to

the castle. Cynon Valley Museum & Gallery opened in 2001 and is  The castle will be ‘dementia friendly’ and Mari is situated in Aberdare which is located in the Cynon Valley. The now a Dementia Champion. Museum was developed with the support of the Heritage  The trust is promoting the concept of legacies to Lottery Fund and the museum & gallery is situated on the support future funding. site of the 19th century Gadlys Ironworks. On the weekend of 4/5 August there will be activities to The Gadlys Ironworks were opened in 1827 by a partnership commemorate the end of the First World War. The group has of George Rowland Morgan, Edward Morgan Williams and donated £100 to the RBL who are organizing it, and Hay Matthew Wayne. Matthew Wayne had been furnace History Group will have a stall in the Cheesemarket. manager at Cyfartha Ironworks, and with the help of his son Thomas Wayne, was instrumental in developing the sale coal Enquiries through the website have continued from people market in the Cynon Valley. When it opened the Gadlys looking for information about their ancestors around Hay. An enquiry from Australia asked for information about Dr John ironworks had only one furnace and this was first put into st blast in 1828. When the works were put up for sale in 1835 it William Hope who became the 1 Commissioner of Public included 350 acres of mineral rights and an iron mine Health in Western Australia. He was born in 1A Bear Street, employing 150 men, the single blast furnace was capable of Hay, then a grocers/bakery, and also lived at no 13. His producing 1,700 - 2,000 tons of iron per annum. In the father owned 2 or 3 houses in the street and also worked as a proceeding years the works expanded as by 1850 there were timber merchant. His obituary 5th December 1918 stated he three blast furnaces at the site and a fourth was added by died 21st November. One of 11 children he was schooled at 1854. After a period of expansion in the 1860's the Ironworks home by his father and mother. Initially he worked as a clerk were at the peak of their development when the First Edition for Griffiths Solicitors before training at St Bartholomew’s of the Ordnance Survey map was surveyed in 1868. Medical School qualifying before he was 21years.

For much of its life the Gadlys Ironworks produced iron for Alan has been given the Naval Service Record for William tinplate bars, but from 1861 production began on wrought Griffiths whose parents Edward and Jane Griffiths lived at iron rails. In 1872 fifteen puddling furnaces and two rolling 1 Hampton Cottages . William served from 1883 – 93 mills were in operation at the works, and the works were and then re-enlisted 1893 till he was invalided out in 1895. In capable of producing 500 to 600 tons of rails per week. 1901 he was at Pontyrangel, near Hay. He died 1909 aged However, in common with the Aberdare and Abernant 46years.

Ironworks, the works at Gadlys did not weather the downturn rd in trade of the early 1870's and production ceased in 1876. Next Meeting - Friday 23 March at 7.30 – the AGM at Cusop The remains of the Gadlys Ironworks are the best preserved Village Hall. of the Cynon Valley Ironworks. The engine house, which housed the engine that supplied the blast, has been restored and the casting sheds are now the sites of the Cynon Valley Museum. The remains of the blast furnaces are also still in a relatively good condition, and can be seen behind the Museum building.

We have records going as far back to 1690. These include a History Society huge range of subjects: from court sessions, bridges, land enclosures to weights and measures; coroners; ale houses; Talks are held on the third Monday monthly at the Alexandra roads; canals and railways. Hall in Llangammarch, starting at 7.30pm Monday 19th February - Mairwen Price and her Family This is a brand new and ambitious volunteer project to History. Exploring this remarkable family tree that traces back systematically go through sessions roll boxes and update our to Elystan Glodrudd and beyond and is deeply rooted in records of what’s where. This role is not front of house, it can Llangammarch today. be done at any time during the working week. Interested? Monday 19th March – Presentation on the Powys World War Email: [email protected] 1 Memorials Project with Nathan Davies & Meg Ryder Tel. 01597 826088 Monday 16th April - Richard Rees on the 1899 proposals to dam and flood the Irfon Valley to provide water for London. Gardener needed at Powys Archives Here at Powys Archives we need a hand with our rockery. At the moment it’s an uninspiring piece of clay. It faces south, Llanwrtyd Heritage and Arts Centre gets all day sun and there is a small budget to turn this into a little garden. Trouble is none of us has the right skills and We are currently closed during the winter months but will re- knowledge. So we need volunteers. This would be a lovely open for the coming season in April. We will then, as usual, be project for someone who knows their plants, isn’t afraid of a open every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday between bit of graft and would enjoy a chance to design a garden 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. We continue however with our space for us. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from series of monthly Talks, held in the evening at 7.00 p.m., you admission £2.00 to include refreshments. Our future Talks are: All roles will be based at our new facility in . 7th February 2018: Brazil – a Fossil Paradise. (Wednesday) Please have a look at our website for more details: A specimen-rich talk of fieldwork undertaken in N.E.Brazil to http://www.powys.gov.uk/en/archives/find-archives-local- discover exotic 110 million year old fossils. Rob Loveridge. records/volunteering-at-powys-archives/

7th March 2018: The Conquistadores .. the Inca Trail .. and Steve Woodward Machu Picchu. (Wednesday) Volunteer & Engagement Officer How could 180 Spaniards invade and conquer the Inca Powys Archives and Information Management nation? Rob Thomas. Unit 29 Ddole Road Enterprise Park 5th April 2018: Trains across Europe. (Thursday) Llandrindod Wells LD1 6DF An illustrated talk on travelling by Rail across Europe. Rev. Andrew Tweed. Recent Accessions to Powys Archives Records of Llwynmadoc Estate nr Beulah, Builth Wells, 2nd May 2018: Researching my Family Tree. Wednesday) Breconshire: (Caerwnon?) Estate Ledger 1914-1927; How far back can one trace Ancestors? Howell Evans. (Pencerrig?) Cash Book 1923-1930; (Llwynmadoc?) Income Tax 1920-1923; (Llwynmadoc?) Rent Book 1947-1950; www.llanwrtydhistorygroup.webs.com (Llwynmadoc?) Ledger 1930-1950. [Acc 2426] 2 photocopied sheets showing financial statements of Cymdeithas Crai, with payments to Longtown History Society, Herefordshire servicemen 1941 and 1942; Elglwys Bethlehem Aber-Craf, Brecknockshire: Llawlyfr Dathlu 1861- 1961; Capel Tynewydd, Monday, 5th February 2018 - Martin Cook and Neil Kidd Trecastell, Brecknockshire: Cymnafa Dathlu Emynau William Results of the Longtown Castles Project Williams Pantycelyn 2017 [Acc 2427] Llanfihangel Parish Records, Breconshire: Overseers account books 1905-1914; collecting and deposit Powys Archives books 1901-1921; supplemental valuation list 1906; balance Volunteering at Powys Archives sheets 1910, 1925, 1926; account book for Cefnmaes Charity We are looking for friendly people with a passion both for 1833-1904; appeal letter and acknowledgement letter for history and people to welcome visitors to the Archives and National Fund for Welsh Troops; persons qualified to serve on help settle them in. If you want to share your interest in local juries 19??; valuation list 1902; receipt and payment books or family history, please get in touch. This would also be great 1888-1911; rate books 1900-1920; collectors monthly for people wanting experience of working with the public. statement books 1896-1918; letter from Welsh Church Commission about burial grounds 18 May 1925; details of Quarter Sessions Recorder contribution orders 1910-1920; registration 1906, 1909, 1910, Are you interested in local history? Organised and attentive to 1911; minutes 1890-1916 [Acc 2429] detail? Happy to work independently? Comfortable handling Minute book for Penderyn Young Farmers Club (Advisory delicate documents? Able to read old handwriting? Committee), Breconshire 1951-1962 [Acc 2432]

Capel Taf Fechan Parish Registers, Llanthetty, Breconshire: List of Baptisms 1813-1894; List of Burials 1813-1920; List of Society Burials 1901-1917 [Acc 2436] 1951 Sales Catalogue for Owen (Brecon) Limited, Merchants 2018 Events Programme to be announced shortly. to the Building, Plumbing and Decorating Trades, Breconshire. [Acc 2437] Please put the date of Wednesday May 9th in your diaries/calendars so that you don’t miss out on this years Excursion. Keep your eye on this page for further details. New Brecon Publication The Radnorshire Society, established in 1930, is concerned with the archaeology and history of the historic county of Radnorshire (now part of Powys). We welcome new members, whether they live in Radnorshire or further afield. Benefits of membership include access to our Archive and Library, a copy of the current year’s Radnorshire Society Transactions, plus lectures and field visits to local sites of interest. An Executive Committee manages a programme of public lectures and excursions, oversees the running of the Society’s local history library, (including its important archive of Radnorshire related material), and deals with a wide range of enquiries from correspondents world-wide. The Field section is the research arm of the society. It organises a separate programme of talks, research, and field trips, and also publishes an annual illustrated newsletter. The Transactions of the Society, issued annually in a bound volume, is an important scholarly publication incorporating academic research and archive material.

The National Library of Wales

Wednesday 7 February 1.00pm Curious Travellers: Thomas Pennant and the C18th Welsh

Tour. Dr Mary- Ann Constantine. Secret Brecon publication date 15th March 2018. An introduction to the highlights of a four-year project exploring the Tours in Wales of Thomas Pennant (1726–1798) Don’t be fooled by Brecon’s quiet, serene exterior, for lurking and the stories of those who followed in his footsteps. An just beneath the surface are little-known and long-forgotten exhibition accompanying the talk will be displayed in the secrets. Here on the fair banks of the Usk we recount tales of Library’s Summers Room. tragedy and valour in the lengthy and varied history of this Free admission by ticket town. We read of gruesome public executions on the riverbank, of poachers’ adventures with water bailiffs, of the Wednesday 21 March 1.00pm almost forgotten grave of a hero of the Crimea and his The Tredegar Company - Leslie M. Shore. outstanding bravery; of the Holy wells in and around the town, The Tredegar Company earned its and of our schools back in the day. We meet a nobleman, wealth from iron and coal. In the seemingly born to greatness, who instead died a traitor’s death nineteenth century the ‘Great’ at the hands of Henry VIII, and hear of French officers South Wales Tredegar iron works captured in the Napoleonic Wars who left their mark here. We operated on land owned by the seek out interesting people and visit places that no longer Morgan family of Tredegar House, exist, and follow two Secret walks around the town. We meet Newport. During the Railway Age, the Brecon-born actor with an extensive and wide-ranging the works supplied iron rail to the career, including a Bond film, who never forgot his roots. world. Then after 1873 as the Tredegar Iron & Coal Company, Fully illustrated in colour throughout, Secret Brecon delves global sales of its resources of beneath the surface of this ancient town, veers away from the steam coal boomed. Leslie Shore offers a history of the main streets and sights, and invites the reader to discover and Tredegar Company with an account of the fate of the enjoy Brecon’s hidden history. company’s collieries under National Coal Board control.

Available to pre-order at Amberley-Books.com The presentation will include sources from the Library’s extensive archives. Free admission by ticket

Wednesday 18 April 1.00pm Newport’s Medieval Ship - Jeff Brooks Herefordshire Archive and Records Centre

30th January 2018 - 23rd February 2018Centenary of Votes

for Women

As we celebrate the Year of the Sea, In commemoration of 100 years since the enactment of the this is an opportunity to discover the Representation of the People Act 1918, this exhibition will fascinating story of the medieval explore the history of women’s suffrage in Herefordshire ship found in Newport – its history, Herefordshire Archive and Records Centre Fir Tree Lane, archaeology and conservation. HR2 6LA Cost: Free Free admission by ticket 10th February 2018 14:00 - 16:00 Dating photographs 1900-1940's Learn about the history of photography in the early 20th century and methods for dating photographs. Attendees are invited to bring their own photographs. Herefordshire Archive and Records Centre Fir Tree Lane, Hereford HR2 6LA Cost: £9.60 Saturday 12 May 10.00am – 4.00pm Family and Local History Fair - A full day of talks, presentations and stands, with an opportunity to talk to experts. A fascinating day for everyone interested in all Powys Family History Society aspects of Family and Local History. Monday 26th February 2018 7.30pm Free admission Venue: Kensington Church, Brecon “Joseph Cobb - Property Millionaire from Brecon” Friday 18 May 9.30am – 4.30pm Speaker: Glyn Mathias Carto-Cymru - The Wales Map - Symposium 2018 - Charting the seas. Charting the seas and coasts of the World – how Monday 26th March 2018 7.30pm maps depict the sea and coastline and how such mapping is Venue: Kensington Church, Brecon used to widen our understanding of these environments. The “The Dillwyn’s” symposium is a collaboration between The National Library of Speaker: Ieuan Evans Wales and The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historic Monuments of Wales. Monday 30th April 2018 7.30pm Admission by ticket ￡20.00, which includes a buffet lunch Venue: Kensington Church, Brecon and morning / afternoon refreshments “Uniform, Dress of The Guards Household Cavalry” Speaker: Lt. Col. Malcolm Hill