Tales from afar… Llanelli and Pembrey

 This month’s article looks outside of Swansea at a headstone and some interesting blue plaques situated in Llanelli and Pembrey.

Our first stop is St Illtyd’s Church (top right) in Pembrey, a village situated between Burry Port and Kidwelly. The nave and chancel at St Illtyds date from the 13th century, with some additional building works being carried out during the 14th and 15th centuries. In 1856, the church was restored in the Tudor-Gothic style that we see today. The stained-glass window in the east wall which depicts The Adoration of the Shepherds and the Magi, (right) is by Celtic Studios of Swansea.

Celtic Studios was situated at 5 Prospect Place and was established during 1946 by Howard Martin and his cousin Hubert Thomas. The two men had founded an earlier business located in Morriston during 1933. Most of their work was stained glass windows in churches around South Wales, with some of their best works being exported to Canada. The firm ceased trading in 1993.

Propped up against the church wall (left) of St Illtyds is a headstone commemorating the memory of Lieutenant Colonel Coquelin and his 12-year-old daughter, Adeline who lost their lives on 25th November 1828, whilst on board the “Le Jeune Emma”, which was wrecked off Cefn Sidan. The ship was returning to France from Martinique in the West Indies. Adeline was the niece of Josephine, divorced wife of Napoleon. 7 years after his death in 1821, people still remembered the name of Napoleon, even in a remote place like Pembrey.

Moving on to Llanelli

Situated on a building in the town centre are two blue plaques (right), one commemorating The Royalty Theatre, which was built in 1892 and another for Arthur William Haggar (1851-1925).

Boxing Day 1892 saw the opening of The Royalty Theatre (left). The first play performed was Alfred Cox’s “A Detective”. The theatre had been commissioned by the Welsh comedian, John Edmund Noakes, who had purchased the plot of land and had employed T. P. Martin, a Swansea Architect to draw up the plans. The works were carried out by local builder, Tom Hughes. During its early years, performers included Charlie Chaplin, Mari Lloyd, and Grace Fields. It closed during 1897 for minor repairs, and the theatre was sold.

It was here during 1908, that Keir Hardie, founder of the Labour Party addressed the people of Llanelli. In 1910 Haggar purchased the theatre, but in 1917 it was sold again and reopened as a Hippodrome. It had some success as a live theatre during the 1920s, but it later became a bingo hall before being finally being demolished in 1977.

Arthur William Haggar (right), was a British pioneer of the cinema industry, and was active during the 7-year period from 1901-1908. One of the earliest films he produced was The Maid of Cefn Ydfa in 1902. The film lasted 7 minutes and consisted of a cast of Haggar’s own family. The film is based on a well-known Welsh folk tale, and caused a huge sensation in Swansea, when it was premiered at the Star Theatre in October 1903. Haggar made his fortune from this film, and his other films included Desperate Poaching Affray, in 1902. This 3-minute film was one of the earliest films to have a chase scene. Haggar is commemorated in Llanelli for his purchase of the theatre.

The former Fountain Inn in Thomas Street, Llanelli is now a private residence that bears a blue plaque (left) commemorating Eleanor Daniels (1886-1994) a stage and film actress. Her first public appearance was aged 13 when she won the local Eisteddfod. By 1907, she’d won 3 National Eisteddfod Chairs. 






Daniels (right) studied acting with the Herbert Beerbohm Tree Company, and in 1914 Daniels toured with the Welsh Players throughout the United States. Following this, Daniels moved permanently to the US, and it was here that she featured on the stage and in silent films. Daniels is best remembered for If Winter Comes, in 1923. She was awarded the Gorsedd Honours in 1930 in recognition of her services. Daniels died in Connecticut, 1994.

Another member of the Welsh Players was Gareth Hughes. Hughes was the cousin of William Glynne-Jones (1907-1977) who is commemorated with a blue plaque (right) on a terrace house situated in Andrew Street. Broadcaster and journalist Glynne-Jones (left) was also an author of both fiction and children’s books. His stories were broadcast weekly on BBC Children’s Hour. Glynne-Jones, tried to pursue a career as a writer in London, whilst his family still lived in Llanelli, and it was in London that he died. His acquaintances included Dylan Thomas.

Other blue plaques around Llanelli commemorate sportsman John Graham Chambers, actress Dorothy Squires and the former Bryntirion, the Llanelli workhouse which is now residential flats.





Copyright - The Bay Magazine, May 2023

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