Hills Tramroad: Blaenavon World Heritage Site
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Hill’s Tramroad was established in about 1817 by the Blaenavon ironmaster Thomas Hill to connect his ironworks with Llanfoist Wharf on the Brecknock & Abergavenny Canal. Trams loaded with pig iron were hauled by horses through a long tunnel to Pwlldu on the other side of the mountain. From there they were taken on a dramatic journey along a ledge cut into the hillside to reach Garnddyrys Forge, situated at an altitude of 1,100 feet above sea level.
Here the pig iron was refined and converted into products such as bars, rails and plates, which were then loaded onto the trams to be hauled around to the front of the Blorenge Mountain and then lowered down a series of inclines to arrive at Llanfoist Wharf, where narrow boats were waiting to begin a two-day journey to Newport Docks.
In this book, author Chris Barber takes the reader through the fascinating story of this early transport route, set within the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site and the Brecon Beacons National Park.
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'.