Location of Red Lion Row

Picture taken Dec 2005.

The above photograph shows the location of the Red Lion Inn, which has long since gone. The 29th October, 1845, edition of The Cambrian newspaper carried an advertisment offering the lease for the "much frequented" public house, which also had attached to it, a two stalled stable and garden. Applications were to be made via the paper, to Mr William Howell, Cross Inn, (Ammanford), or Mr William Jones of the Raven Inn at Garnant, who would show the property. The Red Lion Inn was advertised as being within 500 yards (metres), of Garnant Colliery and in the immediate neighbourhood of Mr James and Aubrey's and other extensive works.

Metal barriers now line the front of what became Red Lion Row, on the border of Garnant and Gwaun Cae Gurwen, on the A474. The Original Garnant Pit was opposite Red Lion Row (Behind the photographer). The pit where the disaster occurred, was located behind these cottages, across the river.

The Pwll Perkins water wheel would have been visible from the river bridge on the same side of the road as the original pit.

Water wheel and bridge c.1907.

Work commenced in August 1913, to widen this joint county bridge from 12 feet to 30 feet. It was considered to be a dangerous spot due to the amount of motor driving at the time! The 9th October 1913 edition of "The South Wales Chronicle" reported that the ceremony of filling the keystone of the arch, was performed by Mr William Jones, landlord of the Globe Inn, on Saturday 4th October 1913. A considerable crowd gathered to watch the event.