History

Erected at various dates between c. 1860 and 1876. Unusual memorials consisting of stone slabs with fluted iron legs, probably cast at the local Clydach Ironworks, which closed in 1877. This type of memorial, a simplification of the sarcophagus type is often found in the area (several at Llangattock, Brecs), the feet usually of stone rather than cast-iron as at Llanelly.

Exterior

Memorials with large sandstone slabs, each carried on four cast-iron legs. The legs are ribbed and taper from fluted feet to caps. Slabs are facetted to central ridge, most with lettering on the four faces. Some inscriptions are lichen-covered.

Approximately central to churchyard is memorial: to Elias Thomas of Clydach d. February 1st 1861 (41); his wife Jane d. October 10th 1867 (39), and their daughters Mary Jane Prichard d. 1862 and Anne Andrew d. July 22nd 1861.

Six metres E, W of lawned pathway is a similar pair. Southernmost memorial to Sarah Emily, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Jones d. 28th January 1857 (1) and Elizabeth her mother, b. 20th December 1834, d. 31st July 1861. Adjacent memorial is lower and has squat moulded convex iron feet on small plinth-blocks. Eroded top with inscriptions in Welsh to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Jane Davies of Brynmawr d. 22nd September 1858, and her father John, d. 1875.

On the E side of the lawned path, immediately SE of the above pair is memorial to Mary Aubrey 1891, with earlier 1850s dates under holly tree.

Some six metres to the N of the pair is memorial to: Rachel Jones d. 18th July 1874 (69); her husband, John Jones d. 24 July 1879 (78), and their son John. Iron feet stand on a cast-iron base-plate.

Some six metres NE, on E side of lawned path is memorial to John Reynallt of Llanelly, pattern-maker at the Clydach Ironworks d. 1876 aged 72; also inscription to son, Joshua. Base as above.

Reasons for Listing

Listed as unusually well-designed late C19 memorials, utilising locally-produced cast-iron; a detail rarely encountered elsewhere in the area. Group value with Church and Cross.

External Links

• Cadwr Listing
• Wikidata Q29500911

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

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  Maintaining and Repairing Old Houses: A Guide to Conservation, Sustainability and Economy
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  [(Shropshire)] [By (author) Nikolaus Pevsner] published on (January, 1958)
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  Suffolk: West: The Buildings of England (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
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  Sussex: East with Brighton and Hove (Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
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  Old House Eco Handbook: A Practical Guide to Retrofitting for Energy-Efficiency & Sustainability
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