2. Samuel Hopkins

This is the grave of the ironmaster Samuel Hopkins who was buried with his aunt, Sarah Bissel. Samuel Hopkins grew up in Staffordshire and became a partner in the Blaenavon Ironworks following the death of his father Thomas Hopkins in 1793.

In 1799, Samuel built a 'comfortable and elegant' mansion for himself known as The Great House. Samuel knew his workers by name, promoted education and was good to the poor. Following his death in 1815, his sister Sarah Hopkins built St. Peter's School (now the World Heritage Centre), which was dedicated to his memory.

To find out what happened next look for another grave with a cast-iron topped lid, closer to the church entrance. This is the grave of Thomas Hill II and his daughter Jane.