A new guidebook for Gelligaer!

A new guidebook has been published by the Roman Fort project. The book has 2 sections – an authority text about the Roman Fort, and a whistle stop tour through the history of Gelligaer.

Richard Brewer of the National Museums of Wales has updated the Roman Fort guidebook, bringing in new interpretation of the site finds. It also includes some new illustrations of how the fort may have looked, and a range of the fascinating images taken during the Edwardian excavations of the site.

The second section charts the story of Gelligaer from the Bronze Age peoples who left their mark at sites such as Carn Bugail, through to the recent expansion of the village and the closure of Penallta Colliery. Key stories such as the first Lewis School and St Catwg Church are picked up and illustrated with some fabulous pictures.

To pick up a copy call at St Catwg’s Hall – where you can also collect the new walk leaflet, or go to the History section, where you can also download a Welsh version of the guide.

 

Gelligaer – Book Launch

The Roman Story of Gelligaer is well known – but how about the supernatural stories that have been intercepted by Malcolm Jones, after he found a Roman Coin.

He has travelled seeking out the story – driven by the call of the previous owner of the coin – and now this story has been written in “Walking in their Footsteps” which will be launch in Gelligaer on 3rd February. Come along and hear Malcolm’s unique story – and you might be convinced that the spirit of the Romans is still alive in Gelligaer.

The Harp Inn, Gelligaer Thursday 3rd February at 7pm

 

Work to start on installing a new fence

After months of planning, work is to start on 8th December to install a new fence across the site of the Roman Fort – to show that this field is the site of a very important part of Gelligaer’s heritage.

The fence has been based upon an old design found around St Catwg’s Church, but with the addition of icons that reflect the areas Roman past, yet will also be practical and keep the horses and sheep secure. The fence has been purpose designed and is being manufactured by Tiltview Engineering Ltd, based at Penallta Industrial Estate.