This is proving to be a challenging, yet fascinating project and we are making good progress.
There are 5 plots around the churchyard (A - E) and we estimate there are almost 1,000 graves. Progress at the start was slow due to access problems and many headstones being very difficult to read. We are indebted to the Churchyard Chums and one of our members who have worked tirelessly to clear pathways and make it easier and safer to photograph the headstones. (This group is organised by St Elli Church Council, and they do a "tidy up" on the first Tuesday of the month in order to manage the overgrowth and treefall in the graveyard. All are welcome to join them - just bring some gloves and whatever tools you think you may need.)
Our research is revealing a lot about the history of Llanelli Parish, and it is no surprise that many of the residents worked at the ironworks, quarries or the mines. Other occupations we have come across include shoemakers, grocers, carpenters, blacksmiths, dressmakers and a doctor.
The ironworks at Clydach was founded in 1793 by a consortium of industrialists - Edward Frere, Thomas Cooke and the Kendall family. In 1805 around 400 people were employed in the ironworks and mines but by 1842 that had risen to 1,345. It operated, under various ownerships, for roughly a century before closing in 1914. During its heyday, it produced high quality iron and tinplate products that were exported around Britain and overseas. Hundreds of local workers were employed there over the decades.
Watch this space!
Every month we will feature a headstone and highlight what we have discovered about it.