Author: Chris Barber
Publisher: Amberley Publishing
ISBN: 9781445694009
Price: RRP £14.99 but available at a lower price
Publication: 15th August 2019
Number of pages: 96
Format: Softcover
How Obtained: Purchased
‘All that the people of the past have to commend them for the sacrifices they made, are the dirt monuments they left behind. That is why it is incumbent on people with influence to sacrifice everything to get this done [World Heritage Site status]’
Alexander Cordell, 1994
Novelist Alexander Cordell was referring to Blaenavon and the quote is used by Chris Barber early in his book Hill’s Tramroad: Blaenavon World heritage Site. Published by Amberley in 2019, it is still available to purchase new. Previously, Cordell’s seminal 1959 novel ‘Rape of the Fair Country’ was inspiration both for Barber and the drive to gain the UNESCO status. Appropriately, Barber starts his book with an explanation of World Heritage Status along with the significance and geographical extent of the Blaenavon site.
Two chapters follow which outline the history of the famous ironworks and town. Barber then provides details, along with maps and photographs for walking the route of Hill’s Tramroad from Blaenavon, past the ruins of Pwlldu and Garnddyrys to Llanfoist. The book rounds off with a chronology of Blaenavon ironmaking and a bibliography. Supporting the text are colour photographs and an impressive array of historical reconstructions by local artist Michael Blackmore who sadly passed away in 2015.
The story of the Blaenavon World Heritage Site: town, ironworks, tramroad and more
From 1815 the tramroad took advantage of the one and a half mile long Pwlldu tunnel through Mynydd Garn Fawr between Blaenavon and Pwlldu itself. It was created by extending an existing mineworking and was the longest tunnel on any horse-drawn tramroad in Britain. As a result, the severity of the inclines were greatly reduced compared with earlier routes, helping to transport iron ore, limestone, pig iron and wrought iron. At its height it effectively linked the Blaenavon ironworks, Pwlldu quarries, Garnddyrys forge and Llanfoist wharf on the Brecon and Abergavenny canal.
But the book covers much more than the, albeit impressive, tramroad. In telling the story of the town and ironworks, Barber never forgets the human tale of the people whose lives were conditioned by the harsh and bleak environment.
Words, pictures, reconstructions, guidebook: many ways to engage the curious
It is known that people have diverse learning styles and absorb information in different ways. As such, this book works very well. Combining narrative history, photography, reconstructive art and on-the-ground trail guidance is an engaging mix. Most importantly, the work of Michael Blackmore draws in the reader. At times his artwork provides a ‘helicopter’ perspective of the area, at others focussing on the trials of an individual child struggling with a cruelly heavy load.
(Image credit: Michael Blackmore. Used with permission of Chris Barber)
Above all, Barber’s knowledge and affection for the area shines through. If his aim is to partly commemorate the sacrifice of generations past through their ‘dirt monuments’ then he undoubtedly hits the mark. Certainly he makes you want to follow the tramroad trail, but knowing well the weather of the area maybe an e-book version would be a better bet than soggy pages!
In Summary
Inspired by Alexander Cordell and informed by history this an engaging book which brings the past to life, superbly aided by Blackmore’s reconstructive art. Unusual and highly recommended. Get those boots on!
The Good
- Packed full of information about the tramroad, Blaenavon town and ironworks
- Excellent and engaging mix of approaches including text narrative, photographs, artist reconstructions and walking guide
- Well written by an author with in depth knowledge and affection for the subject
The Not So Good
- A few mistakes in image captions which do not detract from the overall quality of the book
Outline Contents
- Introduction
- Blaenavon Industrial Landscape
- Blaenavon Ironworks
- Blaenavon Town
- Following Hill’s Tramroad – A Walk From Blaenavon to Llanfoist
- Chronology of Ironmaking at Blaenavon
- Bibliography
About the Author: Chris Barber
Chris Barber, MBE, FRGS, is the author of over 30 books on Wales’ rich heritage. Born and raised in Newport, he has lived in Llanfoist for the last 35 years. For 20 years he was the chief countryside officer for Gwent, and established the Gwent countryside service in 1974. Chris is also the founder member and chairman of the Gwent Mountaineering Club. He was awarded an MBE in 2007 for his services to the community and tourist industry in South Wales. His other books include ‘Journey to Avalon’ and ‘Cordell Country’.
(From Amberley Publishing)
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