On this page it is intended to build up a collection of photographs illustrating what remains today of the Merthyr Tramroad and artefacts connected with Richard Trevithick and the Penydarren locomotive.
The Memorial was dismantled in February 2002 to allow essential improvements to the sewerage system to be undertaken.
It will be cleaned, restored and reinstated at a later date. (Work is currently delayed whilst work is carried out on the restoration of the cottages behind the memorial).
The photographs alongside depict the removal of the replica locomotive from the memorial
Firstly are four views of the Trevithick Memorial, Gwalia Place, Merthyr Tydfil. The historic journey started near this point and the track went in the direction of the blue van just in view to the right of the memorial.
Another local landmark to disappear at about the same time was “The Narrow Gauge Inn” in Glebeland Street. Now converted to a modern theme bar, the inn sign based on Terence Cuneo’s famous painting of the Penydarren locomotive has been covered over.
On Saturday 5th October 2002 the Project Officer, Rebecca Lewis, took the display panels and other information to the first “Gurney Day” held in Bude, Cornwall. Considerable interest was shown in the project and important contacts made. There follows a selection of photographs taken at Bude:
Bude Castle and the Bude Light.
Rebecca explains the project to a visitor.
Replica of Trevithick’s 1801 road
Galsworthy Gurney (1793-1875) was a friend of William Crawshay and visited him at Cyfarthfa Castle, Merthyr Tydfil and in 1830 operated a Gurney “drag” on Crawshay’s Hirwaun tramroad.
The design of his Bude Castle is based on that of Cyfarthfa
Click on engine for more photographs taken at
