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Gilwern, Monmouthshire

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  • August Headstone - Elias & Elias James Griffiths

    The grave of Elias Griffiths and his thirteen-year-old son Elias James tells the heartbreaking story of a family devastated by the Milfraen Colliery disaster of 1902. Their memorial is a powerful reminder of the dangers faced daily by South Wales mining communities. Read more

  • July Headstone - Arthur & Elizabeth Arkell

    From a miller's son in rural Herefordshire to Managing Director of Gilwern's Silvatone Gramophone Works, Arthur Arkell's life reflects the remarkable industrial changes of the early twentieth century. Together with his first wife, Elizabeth "Bessie" Samuel, whose family were well known in Gilwern, their story offers a fascinating glimpse into local family life, commerce, and… Read more

  • River Usk walk on Monday 15th June

    We had a lovely walk along the river Usk, weather was warm but not to hot and firm conditions underfoot. Read more

  • June Headstone - Thomas Griffiths, Drum Major 23rd Regt Royal Welsh Fusiliers

    Thomas Griffiths (c.1776–1831) was a Welsh soldier who rose from shoemaker to Drum Major Sergeant in the 23rd Regiment of Foot, the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. During more than 26 years of military service, he fought in the Peninsular War, including the Battle of Corunna in 1809, and later served at the Battle of Waterloo in… Read more

  • May Headstone - Mary, James & Benjamin Parry

    This account follows James Parry and Mary James of Llanelly Hill, whose lives were shaped by the coal mining industry. Married in 1881, they raised a family closely connected to the collieries, reflecting both the resilience of their community and the dangers of mining, highlighted by the loss of their son Benjamin in 1936. Read more

  • Visit to Beaufort Ponds, 28th April 2026

    A bitterly cold, dull but dry day for walking around but we did see or hear 19 species: Read more

  • April Headstone - Samuel, Mary & Elizabeth GEORGE

    Grave E92 commemorates the George and Jones families, whose roots lay in Llangeler, Carmarthenshire, before settling in Llanelly. It marks the short life of Samuel George, a parish schoolmaster, his wife Elizabeth (daughter of Thomas Jones, parish clerk of St Elli), and their infant child. The grave reflects a story of strong parish ties, service,… Read more

  • Gilwern Primary School - Heritage Project

    Members of the Family & Social History Group were delighted to be invited to meet with Year 4 pupils from Gilwern primary school who were working on a project exploring how the past shapes our community today. The pupils engaged enthusiastically with Gilwern’s history, and it was a pleasure to share some of our knowledge… Read more

  • Photography Group visit: Bryn Bach Park March 2026

    Five intrepid members of the Gilwern U3A Photo group travelled to Bryn Bach Park, Tredegar a few weeks ago for a first attempt at a group photo shoot. Read more

  • March Headstone - Rev Arthur Griffiths

    The story of the Rev. Arthur Griffiths, long-serving Rector of Llanelly, whose fifty-year ministry left a lasting mark on the parish and community. Read more

Gilwern, Monmouthshire