4. Thomas Deakin

The ironmasters relied on skilled workers to help them run the works. Among the most successful of these was Thomas Deakin, who was born in Shropshire in 1776. Deakin worked underground from early childhood, enduring harsh working conditions. Hardworking and intelligent, young Deakin travelled around the mining districts, learning a range of mining methods. He arrived in Blaenavon in 1796, aged 20 years. Samuel Hopkins was so impressed by the young man that he appointed him manager of the ironstone mines. Deakin remained in Blaenavon, working until his death aged 75 years in 1851.

Deakin’s Epitaph Reads:

“Beneath the rocks, I used to toil for bread, beneath this piece of rock I rest my weary head. Till rock and ages shall in chaos roll, on resurrection’s rock, I’ll rest my soul”

We’ve seen some of Blaenavon’s industrial legends but that’s only part of the town’s story. Make your way towards the chancel and keep an eye-out for a pink granite gravestone, marked with a cross. This is the grave of John Griffith Williams, one of Blaenavon’s most illustrious businessmen.