Family & Social History - Gilwern, Monmouthshire

Category: Family & Social History

March Headstone - F144 David James Evans

A sad St David's day on 1st March 1927 for Llanelly Hill resident David James Evans' friends and family. We follow the life of David, who, like his father and brothers, toiled in the local mines. His life was tragically cut short in the 1st March 1927 Marine Colliery disaster, leaving behind his wife Ellen… Read more
February Headstone - A19 Major T Lawrence, Dr Evan & Louisa Parry, Anna Pyne

The Lawrence and Pyne families' story spans over a century, beginning with Thomas Lawrence’s military service, including the defense of the Îles St-Marcou in 1798. His sister, Ann Maria Louisa, married naval officer Henry Pyne, and their daughter Louisa wed surgeon Evan Parry. Across generations, the family’s journey unfolds through military valour and medical dedication… Read more
January Headstone - F88 Lewis & Mary Leonard

Explore the life of Lewis Leonard, a Welsh-speaking collier and iron worker. Their story highlights their Welsh heritage and humble but important contributions to their community. Read more
December Headstone - D14a Elias, Elias James, Mary Ann & Ellen GRIFFITHS.

This story captures the life of a working-class Welsh family, marked by hard work, loss, and the dangerous realities of coal mining in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Read more
Oral Histories Added

Records of interviews with long-term residents of Llanelly Parish about their memories of growing up in the area have now been published on the Gilwern u3a website Read more
November Headstone - C20 William & Mary LUTHER, Bronwen LUTHER, C21 Jennet, Martin & Margaret Ann LUTHER

A coal mining family from Llanelly Hill. Read more
October Headstone - Elizabeth & John Stowell

Through their story, we see a reflection of their era: the importance of the canals to Welsh industry,the changing nature of work, and the endurance of family bonds. From canal boatman to machineman, from newlyweds to grandparents, John and Elizabeth Stowell's lives paint a picture of a WelshVictorian working-class family. Read more
September Headstone - Meredith-Daniel Family

The Meredith-Daniel family, another story of hardship and resilience. Read more
August Headstone - Joshua, Martha & Mary Ann Vaughan

Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities faced byfamilies in 19th century industrial Wales and the progress we've made in public health andchild welfare over the past century. Read more
July Headstone - Lewis & Martha Probert

From humble beginnings as a 10-year-old ironstone miner (born in Myrtle Cottage, Gilwern) to Principal of Bala-Bangor Congregational College. Read more