Blaenavon

Community in Monmouthshire

Wales

Blaenavon

Blaenavon is a small community located in the county of Monmouthshire, Wales. Situated in the picturesque landscape of the South Wales Valleys, it covers an area of approximately 11 square miles and has a population of around 6,000 residents. The community is nestled within the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its significant industrial history.

The area's industrial heritage dates back to the late 18th century when it became a thriving iron and coal mining town. Blaenavon played a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution and was once home to numerous ironworks, coal mines, and quarries. Today, remnants of this industrial past can be explored in the town's many preserved sites, including the Blaenavon Ironworks and Big Pit National Coal Museum, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts from around the world.

Despite its industrial roots, Blaenavon is also known for its natural beauty. The community is surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. The nearby Blorenge mountain offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

In terms of amenities, Blaenavon boasts a range of local shops, cafes, and restaurants, providing residents and visitors with a variety of options for shopping and dining. The community also has several schools, churches, and recreational facilities, ensuring a vibrant and close-knit community spirit.

Overall, Blaenavon is a charming community that seamlessly blends its rich industrial heritage with its natural beauty, providing a unique and captivating experience for all who visit.

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Blaenavon Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.77674/-3.093398 or Grid Reference SO2409. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Blaenavon Ironwork

The Foundry and Cast House in the Blaenavon Ironworks Museum.

Philip Halling

Iron furnace

Iron furnace simulation in the Blaenavon Ironworks museum. This represents the burning coke which turned the iron ore molten in the furnace above. In this simulation there is a line in the floor which lights up representing the flowing molten iron.

Philip Halling

Ironworks simulation

The illuminated lines in the floor of the Cast House at Blaenavon Ironworks. This simulation represents molten iron flowing from the furnace in the background and forming pig iron.

Philip Halling

Truck Shop, Blaenavon Ironworks

The Truck Shop, the company shop for workers at the Blaenavon Ironworks. The portrait on the wall is of William Hill I, one of the leading partners of the ironworks.

Philip Halling

Big Pit Mining Museum

The Big Pit was a working coal mine from 1880 to 1980 when it closed. In 1983 it opened as the Big Pit National Coal Museum.

Philip Halling

Big Pit Mining Museum

The Big Pit was a working coal mine from 1880 to 1980 when it closed. In 1983 it opened as the Big Pit National Coal Museum.

Philip Halling

The Pit Head, Big Pit

The pit head at the Big Pit National Coal Museum. The pit was a working coal mine from 1880 to 1980 when it closed. In 1983 it opened as the Big Pit National Coal Museum.

Philip Halling

Pit Head Baths, Big Pit

Philip Halling

St Peter's Church

Philip Halling

Rhymney Beers

Rhymney Beers, on a bridge carrying the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway over a road to the Big Pit National Coal Museum.

Philip Halling

A Post Office no more

As seems to be happening across the country these larger traditional Post offices are closing and being replaced by a smaller post office within another shop or business. This former PO is in Blaenavon. Here is a picture of the PO when it was open SO2508 : Blaenavon Post Office.

Philip Halling

Statue of Ken Jones

Sculpture of Ken Jones who was born in Blaenavon on 30 December in 1921. He won a Silver Medal at London Olympics in 1948 in the 4x100m and as a Rugby player won the Grand Slam in the Five Nations for Wales in the 1950s. The sculpture is by sculptor, Laury Dizengremel.

Philip Halling