Abertillery History

The Abertillery British Legion Club. The British Legion at Abertillery, prior to 1921, was known as the Abertillery branch of the Welsh National Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers Association or D.D.S.S. for short. They formed the association at Abertillery after the Great War 1914-1918 and they held their meetings at the Palace Cinema, Carmel Street, Abertillery. In …

Railway Inn, Abertillery. Mr Thomas Jones. In the late 1860’s, Mr Thomas Jones was reported as being the landlord at the Railway Inn, Abertillery. On the 1871 census Mr Thomas Jones is listed as being born in 1839 at Hay, Brecon,  Brecknockshire, his wife was Mrs Leah Jones born in 1841 at Mynyddislwyn. They lived at the Railway Inn, Abertillery …

A Section of the Clyn Mawr Hotel Tree. This is a cross-section of one of the branches of the tree that was situated at the southern side of the Clyn Mawr Hotel, the tree was getting too big and was cut down on Thursday 6th October 1983. Mr Harry Potter a regular at the Clyn Mawr acquired the section as …

Abertillery Metropole Theatre Autograph Book 1913-1922. This is a little autograph book was kept Mrs Willis’s Boarding House at Abertillery, Mrs Willis had a connection with the many actors, artists and musicians who stayed at the premises whilst appearing in the Metropole Theatre between 1913-1922. Over thirty-six artistes signed the book and many added little messages, adages and poems along …

Tony Barton. Tony Barton was a baritone singer and featured in many shows at the Metropole Abertillery, he signed Mrs Willis’s book and wrote a poem which is partially illegible. He dated it 5th February 1914. Tony Barton was known as the “Singing Mill Lad”. (More information to come).

Frank Dickinson. Frank Dickinson was at the Metropole Theatre, Abertillery and signed Mrs Willis’s book, he wrote a message wishing Mrs Willis well and dated it the 4th February 1914.  Frank Dickinson was a native of Yorkshire and a Basso – An operatic bass singer.  (More information to come).

Leslie Parker. Leslie Parker was at the Metropole Theatre, Abertillery,  the book was signed with the inscription “Happy Days”, though nothing else. (More information to come).

M. Parker. M. Parker was at Metropole Theatre, Abertillery and signed the book at the boarding house. Sadly not dated. (More information to come).

Gabrielle Gordon. Gabrielle Gordon appeared at the Metropole Theatre, Abertillery in the production of “The Belle of New York” in October 1913. Gabrielle Gordon was a American actress, she was at Mrs Willis’s boarding house and signed the book on 16th October 1913. (More information to come).    

Gaby Fay. Gaby Fay was Dorothy Fay Hammerton (Born 26th September 1893 – Died 23rd June 1973). Dorothy Fay Hammerton was professionally known as Fay Holden, a British born American based actress. She was known as Gaby Fay in her early career. Born in Birmingham, England Gaby Fay later travelled and performed in many theatres during her early career. In …