Discover the story behind two small Welsh villages that powered an industrial giant and what you can still see today.
Nestled in the Amman Valley, Glanaman and Garnant might seem like peaceful, rural villages — but just over a century ago, they were at the heart of a booming coal industry that helped fuel Britain.
Before the 19th century, this valley was made up of scattered farms and small settlements. Everything changed with the discovery of rich anthracite coal beneath the hills — a highly prized, clean-burning coal perfect for powering steam engines and heating homes. By the 1840s, demand was soaring.
The opening of the Llanelly Railway in 1840 was a turning point. For the first time, coal could be transported quickly to Llanelli docks and then shipped across Britain and beyond. Mines sprang up almost overnight, including Gellyceidrim Colliery, which would go on to employ more than 600 men at its peak. Alongside it, other pits such as Raven Colliery in Garnant became the lifeblood of the valley.
Coal mining shaped every part of life here. Generations of families worked the pits, with boys often following their fathers underground. The work was tough and dangerous, but it created a strong community spirit. The chapels became gathering places, offering support during hard times. Music flourished — male voice choirs, brass bands and later, homegrown talents like John Cale, who was born just up the road in Garnant and went on to change music history as a founding member of The Velvet Underground.
By the mid-20th century, as demand for coal fell, so too did the fortunes of the industry. The closure of Gellyceidrim Colliery in 1957 marked the beginning of the end for large-scale mining. Yet the story didn’t end there.
Today, the valley has been transformed once again. Former colliery sites are now parks, woodlands and walking trails. The Cwmaman Heritage Trail leads visitors through the story of coal mining in the area, while Gelliwerdd Country Park stands where coal tips once loomed.
Visitors can still trace the marks of this proud industrial past, from interpretation boards telling the story of the miners, to locals who remember it first-hand. Whether you’re exploring on foot, enjoying the green spaces, or chatting to residents, you’ll find a community shaped by its history but looking to the future.
You can learn more about the history of Glanaman and Garnant here.
