General History

Mr John Lancaster MP, Coal and Ironmaster 1816-1884. Mr John Lancaster (as seen left) was born 19th of September 1816, at Prestwich, Lancashire England. Miss Euphemia Gibson. In November 1841, Mr John Lancaster married Miss Euphemia Gibson of Johnston, Glasgow, Scotland. Later, John and Euphemia and family lived at Ince, Lancashire, England. Their children are listed below – Mr John …

Gaen Street, Blaenau Gwent. The featured image, dated November 1908, shows Gaen Street from the brow of the hill looking east. This area, comprising Gaen Street, Norman Street, Walter Street, George Street and Lewis Street were constructed in the early 1890’s by the Gaen Brothers who were contracted by the Barry Dock Company for the Abertillery Land Investment Company. Cardiff …

Mr A. L. Powell – Milk Bottle. A glass pint milk bottle from the company of Mr A. L. Powell, 111 Alma Street, Abertillery. Made from glass. Dated 1950’s. Size – 8 1/2″ x 3″ inches. Acid etched into the bottle in capital letters are the words – A. L. Powell, Dairyman, 111 Alma Street, Abertillery (as seen in the …

The Foundry Bridge Construction 1951. This was the second bridge to be constructed across the valley at Abertillery, connecting the western and eastern sides of the town. Tenders for the Construction of the New Bridge. On Wednesday 22nd of February 1950, the Western Mail newspaper issued notices that tenders were invited by the Abertillery District Council for contractors with experience …

The New Road to Blaina – Rose Heyworth Road. Originally the main road to Blaina from Abertillery was the Old Blaina Road, the road began at Bridge Street, Abertillery, it went northwards along the base of the Arael Mountain on the western side of the river to the Tilers Arms, Blaina. On this route was a right-of-way at Glo-Byllau Farm …

A Handbook of Railway Stations. This is an official handbook of railway stations in Great Britain and Ireland. It lists Station Accommodation, including Crane Power, Junctions, Sidings, Collieries and Works etc with County Region, the Executive or Company and Position. Pages – 494 pages. Published in 1956 by the British Transport Commission, Railway Clearing House, 203 Eversholt Street, London NW1. …

A Victorian Penny Lick. These penny lick glasses were an early form of cone handed out by the street cart ice-cream vendors. After the ice-cream was licked from the glass, the vendor would dip the penny-lick into a small basin of water ready for the next customer to use. Made from glass. Size – These solid glass licks were small …

The Abertillery Land Investment Company. In 1892 Mr Edward Oxenford Preston and Co of No.4 Tokenhouse Buildings, Bank of England, London, formed the Abertillery Land Investment Company Limited, with others. The company (as seen in the advertisement left) was formed to acquire property, building sites, land and to build houses and cottages in colliery and industrial town districts. Mr Edward …

Mr Moses Adams Illuminated Address. This large, illuminated address was presented to Mr Moses Adams upon the occasion of the family leaving Abertillery to reside at Waun Fawr House, Risca, Monmouthshire. Size 31 1/2″ x 25 1/2″ inches. Moses Adams Illuminated Address Presentation. On Monday 8th of May 1911, a presentation meeting and public tea was held at the Newall …