Book Review - Old Llanelly by John Innes

On Tuesday the 12th of July in Llanelli Museum, Parc Howard, the Llanelli and District Civic Society launched their reprint of John Innes’ book "Old Llanelly". The original was published in 1902 and cost six shillings. The production costs have been supported by a grant from Awards for All Wales. Chairperson on the evening, Brenda Lewis, introduced John Edwards who had written a Preface to the book. John gave a short talk to the audience and was followed by Kenneth Rees the Chairman of Llanelli and District Civic Society, Heward Rees, Vice-Chairman and Project Co-ordinator and Matthew Griffiths, Director of the Civic Trust for Wales. Although historians have disputed the historical accuracy of a few passages, the book gives a good grounding in the history of Llanelli. Topics covered include the Parish Church, Coal, Road and Rail developments and Schools. Some of the chapters within the book were written by Arthur Mee who had himself written a book on the Old Church some years earlier.

We feel that Llanelli and District Civic Society have made a valuable contribution to the preservation of Llanelli’s history by making Old Llanelly available once more to the Community. The book is packed with many facts that the reader will find absorbing.

Copies of the book are available from Llanelli and District Civic Society at £12.00.

Review by Hugh Morgan Lewis,
LCH Membership Secretary