Mayor Nathan Matthews explores Blaenavon’s rich history from its 1860 local board to present, highlighting key figures.
In 1859, locals wanted a government district and petitioned the Home Secretary for Blaenavon. The town was growing industrially, but was split among parishes, making governance tough. The request was granted in 1860, and Blaenavon became an official district.
The council chamber walls display old names of local government chairs since 1860. Thomas William Plum was the first chair, serving from 1860 to 1863. Plum was general manager of the iron company.
Plum understood the poor’s struggles and wanted to improve their lives. He aimed for their physical and moral well-being, making him a great first chairman. The Local Board handled many things, including streets, sanitation, roads, and health.
The Local Board had business owners and clergy. In 1894, it became the Urban District Council, which had more power and representation. Thomas Hemming was the longest-serving chair, managing the forge company for ten years.
The chair was usually a “company man,” representing the main industry. That changed in 1894 with Henry Morgan Davies, a chemist, dentist, and deacon, who became council chairman. Working-class representation grew too.
Samuel Godfrey became chair in 1910, the first laboring-class chairman. Godfrey was a moderate Liberal who worked across different classes. Younger members wanted socialist policies and joined the Labour Party.
William Lewis Cook pushed for better housing and later worked for the Ministry of Fuel. Isaac Hayward led London County Council and received a knighthood in 1959. A bust of Sir Isaac is at the museum.
Arthur Henry Holder was a socialist who chaired the miners’ federation branch. In 1929, he was hurt in an explosion but still saved a miner’s life. His own father died in the explosion, and Holder collapsed trying to save him.
Holder became council chairman in 1936 at only 36 years old. The King visited during his term, and Holder gave him a letter from hunger marchers. He said people wanted work, but there was none.
The King said he regretted it and that something had to be done. The council supported the unemployed and rebuilt the council offices. They hired unemployed workers in 1930 and the opening key is still with the council.
They refurnished the council chamber in 1936 for the King’s visit. They got a new chair and desk, which the council still uses. A coat of arms and chain of office were adopted, and the council clerk designed them.
The shield symbols show Blaenavon’s identity, and “At Spes Non Fracta” was the motto, meaning “Hope is Not Broken.” This was meaningful then and a formal coat of arms came in 1952. A new chain uses the updated emblem.