Ystradgynlais Info

History and Heritage

Welcome to the History and Heritage section of Ystradgynlais Info.

Here you can find information on the War graves and memorials of the Ystradgynlais district, all research by Val Trevallion. Covering Ystradgynlais, Abercrave, Cwmtwrch, Cwmgiedd, Glyntawe and Coelbren in both world wars, there are detailed memorial pages for each of the fallen, where such information has been located, and information about each of the cemeteries and churchyards. In time we will expand this section to cover monuments, plaques and commemorations located in other buildings and parks.

On 27th September 2011, a Service of Remembrance was held at Maesydderwen School for One of The Few, Squadron Leader Cedric Watcyn Williams, who was killed in action in August 1940 during the Battle of Britain.

Saint Cynog's Church celebrated 150 years in its present premises, June 2011. Ystradgynlais Info has a section celebrating the 150th anniversary of Saint Cynog's Church in its present premises. Rebuilt completely in 1861, the modern, light and airy church replaced a medieval building which was located slightly forward of the present location.

The Ystradgynlais War Memorial contains the names of the fallen from Ystradgynlais and surrounding parishes. Each of the fallen has their own webpage, detailing the circumstances of their death and where and how they are buried, or remembered. Sections for each of the cemeteries and churchyards are included, as well as a look at the other monuments and plaques erected in the Ystradgynlais area.

Ystradgynlais Info contains several pages regarding St. Cynog's Church. You can read the programme of events celebrating the 150th anniversary of Saint Cynog's Church in its present location. You can view photographs of the interior and exterior of Saint Cynog's. Also view the wargraves and remembrance graves in Saint Cynog's cemetery.

Llangiwg Church is a preserved historic church in the Swansea Valley, now owned by a community organisation. The Friends of Llangiwg aim to preserve the church and its environment for the education and enjoyment of future generations.

One of the most iconic sights of the town are the arches of the Ynyscedwyn Ironworks in Glanrhyd, next door to Ystradgynlais Community Hospital. Ystradgynlais Info has several pages of photographs of the Ynyscedwyn Ironworks and the small heritage park that surrounds the arches, as well as the river at the back, with its industrial archaeology.

If you are interested in finding out about local groups concerned with the preservation of local history and heritage, click here to go to Ystradgynlais Info's dedicated webpage for those groups.