The Mill at Gelligroes
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The Mill dates from the 17th Century and has been restored
to full working order. In 1912, young Arthur Moore lived there. He was a keen radio "ham" and in April of that year he picked up S.O.S.signals from an ocean liner in distress. It was two days before his report could be confirmed. The stricken vessel was the "Titanic". Radio pioneer Marconi was so impressed with Arthur's expertise, on hearing the story, he offered him a job with his company. The Mill is now a candle workshop and products can be purchased on site. The Mill also supplies candles for many TV programmes and major feature films, one of which was the first "Harry Potter" movie. Guided tours are available by appointment. |
Once considered as merely a "suburb" of neighbouring Blackwood , Pontllanfraith has grown in size over the years and has now acquired its own separate identity.
Like Blackwood, Pontllanfraith has not suffered as badly as other Valley towns from the decline of the coal industry - being within easy travelling distance from Newport and Cardiff and the work opportunities which have developed along the M4 corridor.
River Bridge and Sirhowy River at Gelligroes, Pontllanfraith
EXTRACT FROM KELLY'S DIRECTORY OF MONMOUTHSHIRE 1901 PONTLLANFRAITH is a hamlet in the ecclesiastical parish of Penmain, close to the Tredegar Junction of the Great Western and London and North Western railways and 13 miles north-west from Newport. The chapel of ease here is an edifice of stone, consisting of chancel, nave, porch and a turret containing one bell: there are 120 sittings. There is a Catholic chapel at Penllwyn served from Pontymister, as well as Congregational and Welsh Methodist chapels.
There is a Board School, erected in 1878, at a cost of £2,000, and extended in 1898 at a further cost of £2,000, for 427 children; average attendance, 97 boys, 125 girls and 84 infants; William Edwards B.A. master; Mrs. Amelia Edwards, mistress; Miss Ann Williams, infants' mistress
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