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In the Footsteps of Alexander Cordell

This book, richly illustrated in colour, takes you into the mind and its workings of a brilliant author with a truly passionate spirit. Chris Barber includes correspondence and recorded conversations with Alexander Cordell, which for the first time show us the inner workings of the mind of a creative genius. [Read more]

The Clydach Gorge - Industrial Archaeological Trails

The Clydach Gorge, between Gilwern and Brynmawr, provides a clear illustration of the way in which economic and social factors produce continuous change in the landscape. It in fact retains surprising beauty despite its history: a lovely beechwood remnant on the south side is now protected as a National Nature Reserve, and high moorlands stretch away on the skyline. [Read more]

 

The Clydach Gorge - Industrial Archaeological Trails

Cover Artwork Author: John van Laun
Pages: 80
Type: Softback
Price: £9.00
ISBN: 9 771872 730357


Description:

The Clydach Gorge, between Gilwern and Brynmawr, provides a clear illustration of the way in which economic and social factors produce continuous change in the landscape. It in fact retains surprising beauty despite its history: a lovely beechwood remnant on the south side is now protected as a National Nature Reserve, and high moorlands stretch away on the skyline. But the special character of the gorge - which makes it well worth getting to know - is in part the result of the labours of men over a few generations: rocky amphitheatres left by quarrying, massive stone arches, chapels and humble cottage terraces, with successive lines of remains of communication intricately engraved into the rock which forms the valley sides.

Ironmaking was often the motive behind the work which has left these features. Evidence remains here both of the early production processes, harnessing water power and using timber for fuel, and of later techniques developed with the exploitation of coal during the ‘industrial revolution’.

The history of South Wales is inextricably linked to that of the iron and coal industries. Less well-known, and today often less obvious, is the fact that some of the early industrial developments in Wales took place high up in the valleys and even within the area now designated the Brecon Beacons National Park on account of its great beauty.

The story of much early industry is reflected here in microcosm. That we now seek to conserve relics of an enterprising but grim past is perhaps a comment on our own ‘post-industrial’ society.

The three trails (which follow the introductory sections of this book) have been devised to visit on foot sites and routes in the valley which still give some impression of their former significance.