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The artwork on this box depicts the town’s most recognisable landmark, St. Peter’s Church, which is situated raised above the town in its own cemetery and accessed from the High Street. Built in 1858-60 in a highly decorated mid-fourteenth century Gothic style, it is the work of Swansea architect J.H. Baylis and was funded by local iron and tinplate master, William Parsons (1795-1864). Often called the cathedral of the Swansea valley – Cadeirlan y Cwm – it dominates Pontardawe with its 60m tall tower and spire. This Grade II listed church is in the Parish of Llangiwg (Pontardawe), in the Church in Wales Diocese of Swansea and Brecon. The church holds weekly Sunday services and its annual Flower Festival in August is a highlight of the town’s calendar.

Heritage Site Grid Ref: SN7226804133


In the artwork, the church sits above the Swansea Canal which runs through the centre of Pontardawe. This industrial canal was built to serve the industries of the Swansea Valley – collieries, iron works and copper works. The first section of the canal, from Swansea to Godre'r Graig, was opened in 1796, and the whole length of 16.5 miles (26.6 km) was completed by October 1798. Thirty-six locks and five aqueducts were constructed to carry the canal across major tributaries of the Afon Tawe, at Clydach, Pontardawe, Ynysmeudwy, Ystalyfera, and Cwmgïedd. The opening of the canal led to an increase in industrial activity along the valley, and a number of manufacturing companies set up works on its banks. The last commercial activity on the canal was recorded in 1931 and several sections were then infilled by the early 1970s. While only five miles of the Swansea Canal is fully navigable – from Clydach to Pontardawe and from Pontardawe to Ynysmeudwy – today it is a green and pleasant walking and cycling route, and kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders navigate the waters alongside the varied wildlife that finds its home in and around the waters. Many key heritage sites can also be found along the route.
Swansea Canal Society, a volunteer group formed in 1981, meets weekly to restore sections of the canal and continue to manage and improve the environment. Further information is available on the society’s website: www.swanseacanalsociety.com

Heritage site Grid Ref: SS698016