Rhymney (Welsh: Rhymni) is a town located in the county borough of Caerphilly, traditional county of Monmouthshire, south Wales, United Kingdom. The place was well known for its neighboring coal mines, which used to employ almost the entire population, in the beginning of the 20th century.
It is also famous due to a poem by Idris Davies called "Bells of Rhymney", about a serious coal mine accident that happened there. Later, Pete Seeger composed a song, and turned the poem into the lyrics of the music, which was later notably recorded by The Byrds, as well as by Robyn Hitchcock and other musicians.
The history of Rhymney is described quite eloquently in Rhymney Memories, a book by Dr Thomas Jones CH, who was born there and whose daughter, the Labour politician Eirene White was later granted the title Baroness White of Rhymney. Bells of Rhymney - Idris Davies Oh what will you give me? Say the sad bells of Rhymney. Is there hope for the future? Cry the brown bells of Merthyr. Who made the mine owner? Say the black bells of Rhondda. And who robbed the miner? Cry the grim bells of Blaina.
They will plunder will-nilly, Cry the bells of Caerphilly. They have fangs, they have teeth, Shout the loud bells of Neath. Even God is uneasy, Say the moist bells of Swansea. And what will you give me? Say the sad bells of Rhymney.
Throw the vandals in court, Say the bells of Newport. All will be well if, if, if, Cry the green bells of Cardiff. Why so worried, sisters why? Sang the silver bells of Wye. And what will you give me? Say the sad bells of Rhymney?"
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