24/08/2026
🗺️ Discover Abertillery Town Trail - Part 3
We continue our journey along the new Abertillery Town Trail, uncovering more of the stories, people and places that have shaped our town.
This time… it’s St Michael’s Church, Abertillery Arcade & Bon Marché!👇
⛪ St Michael’s Church
Abertillery’s Anglican community first worshipped at the Royal Oak Inn in 1846, before the first St Michael’s Church opened in 1854.
As the town grew, the church became too small, leading to the construction of the present building, which was consecrated in 1899 and extended in 1906 with a chancel, chapel, vestries and organ chamber.
Built from local stone, it was designed with a tower and spire - but these were never completed.
Today, a blue plaque commemorates internationally renowned artist John Selway (1938–2017), who lived and worked in Abertillery and created the ‘Stations of the Cross’. 🎨
🛍️ Abertillery Arcade
Opened in the late 1890s, Abertillery’s Victorian Arcade quickly became a hub of the town’s commercial life, with shops selling everything from food and clothing to toys, to***co and ironmongery.
The arcade has seen plenty of drama over the years – from illegal betting in 1909 to its glass roof collapsing under heavy snow in 1933! ❄️
Its café was also a popular meeting place, run for many years by Italian immigrant families.
Recently refurbished by Blaenau Gwent Council, it remains one of Wales’ oldest Victorian arcades and an important part of Abertillery’s future regeneration.
🏬 Bon Marché
Once one of Abertillery’s most prestigious department stores, Bon Marché was a major part of the town’s thriving commercial life during its industrial heyday.
Founded in 1892, it grew from a menswear business into a huge department store selling everything from furniture, wallpaper and paints to toys, china, electrical goods and sports accessories.
And at Christmas, its grotto was a much-loved attraction, with children flocking to visit Santa! 🎅
The store survived serious fires in 1894 and 1939 before finally closing in the late 1960s.
Today, the building’s historic architecture, along with the nearby Pontlottyn (now a Wetherspoons), remains a reminder of Abertillery’s vibrant commercial past. 🛍️
☕ BONUS STOPS!
While following the trail, why not pop into Kirsty’s Café in the arcade for a coffee or breakfast/brunch?
Or visit The Valleys Yarnhouse, a community yarn shop attracting visitors from around the world with its unique range of clothing, gifts and accessories. 🧶
🗺️ Follow the trail and discover the stories hiding in the heart of our town!
🔗 Link in the comments below. 👇
Abertillery & District Museum
Blaenau Gwent CBC
BG Arts - Celfyddydau BG
Abertillery & Llanhilleth Community Council
Kirsty's Kath
The Valleys Yarnhouse
Wales
Visit Southern Wales
Griffin Guiding
Wales Best Guides
