Titanic’s victims to world-famous conductors, miner’s leaders to F.A. Cup finalists and Welsh bards to Rourke’s Drift heroes – Treorchy Cemetery remembers them all.
And in a special project piloted by children from Treorchy Primary School, a new Heritage Trail has been launched thanks to the work of a local funeral director with the support of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
The Treorchy Cemetery Heritage Trail has been researched and funded by Ian and James Reynolds, who run Dewi Reynolds and Sons. Their father, the founder the business, worked in the cemetery for over 65 years and regularly told them about the famous individuals who were laid to rest there.
As the sons approach the 40th anniversary since they joined their late father in the family business, they wanted to commemorate the occasion with this special project.
The Trail was officially launched by Treorchy Primary School pupils who used the specially designed pamphlet to follow a path through the cemetery which brings them to each of the 10 most significant graves.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism Cllr Robert Bevan explained: “With the unceasing growth of interest in genealogy, local cemeteries are often the first source of information for anyone who wants to know more about their family history.
“But the Heritage Trail does much more than that, as it clearly highlights those individuals who are remembered beyond their own immediate family and enjoyed fascinating lives in their own right.
“Now visitors to Treorchy can enjoy the breathtaking landscape view from the Cemetery while following the Trail and learning more about some of the Rhondda’s most famous residents.
“Undoubtedly this will become valuable resource and a significant part of the local curriculum for children who are studying history and can learn more about their immediate Rhondda history. I really most congratulate all those who had the foresight to launch the Trail and everyone who has supported it.”
The entire project was designed to become an integral part of the children’s learning experience where they discover more about the famous historical figures who once lived in their locality.
A fascinating list of individuals has been noted in the trail including Rhondda’s first MP and President of the South Wales Miners Federation William Abraham “Mabon”,
Nearby is Henry Lewis, who at the age of 18 fought with the South Wales Borderers against the Zulu warriors in Rourke’s Drift. Roy Paul, one of Britain’s finest footballers captained Manchester City in two F.A. Cup Finals is also remembered along with Treorchy Male Choir’s founder conductor John Haydn Davies.
Blaenrhondda boxer David John Bowen who lost his life on the maiden voyage of the SS Titanic in 1912 was buried in Nova Scotia, but is remembered on the family grave in Treorchy. Another aspect of the Trail is the infamous “Boozers Row”, an area of cemetery affectionately known as the resting place of so many local landlords.
Ian Reynolds, of Dewi Reynolds & Sons said: “With over 70,000 graves, Treorchy Cemetery is one of the largest of its kind in the South Wales Valleys and is the final resting place of so many famous individuals who have made their mark on the local and international stage.
“Rhondda has always been recognised as the birthplace to so many talented figures from the world of sport, literature and music. The Heritage Trail remembers them along with the more unusual tragic tails of people that are not so well known within the local communities.
“Hopefully the Heritage Trail will be well followed and appreciated to the many residents of the Rhondda and visitors who want to know more about the wealth of history associated with the valleys of our home.”
Copies of the Treorchy Cemetery Heritage Trail are available at schools in upper Rhondda, Treorchy Library, Rhondda Heritage Park, Glyntaff Head Office for Cemeteries and Dewi Reynolds & Sons
