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Sixty years ago, a group of local historians came together for the first ever meeting of the Gelligaer Historical Society.

The society was created to delve into the rich history of the former Parish of Gelligaer, which stretched from Ystrad Mynach to Rhymney and included places like Gelligaer, Hengoed, Bargoed, Deri, Fochriw and Pontlottyn within its boundaries.

The area’s eastern boundary followed the Rhymney river, while Trelewis and Bedlinog, in modern-day Merthyr Tydfil County Borough, were also part of the parish.

It is an area that remained mostly rural and sparsely populated until the late 19th century, when mineworkers arrived there from across Wales, England and further afield.

This history has kept generations of historians busy for the last six decades, with the society having published 27 journals since it was first founded – with a 28th expected to be published later this year.

Group member David Mills told Caerphilly Observer: “We cover all periods of history in the area, from the Romans to WWII.

“We’re looking to do something on the Queen’s Coronation next. WWI is also a big topic for us.

“Everyone in the society has their own interests but we work together on projects. We can even do family research for people who write in and send us photos.”

The society has also worked on projects with schools in the former parish area, including Lewis School Pengam.

The society holds regular meetings at the 17th-century Llancaiach Fawr manor, near Nelson. During the pandemic, meetings were held remotely but are now held in a hybrid format.

The society’s first ever meeting was held on January 10, 1962, but the society itself was actually formed at the council offices in Hengoed a couple of months earlier – on November 22, 1961.

Many of the group’s founding members had worked together to research the history of the area for a book, The Gelligaer Story, which was published in the late 1950s to mark the 50th anniversary of Gelligaer Urban District Council.

The society was created so the research could be continued.

To mark the 60th anniversary of the society’s formation, present-day members published a 316-page hardcover book detailing the Parish of Gelligaer during the 19th century.

Despite the closure of libraries and archives during the Covid pandemic, most of the research for the book had already been carried out. This, combined with the wealth of information available on the internet, meant research was able to continue throughout Covid, while members continued to meet up using Zoom.

“A lot of our research used to be done in libraries and at archives, but now much of it is online,” said Mr Mills.

“We’ve always been able to access material, but the digital age has made things much easier for us. However, if it wasn’t for libraries and archives, this info wouldn’t be available online in the first place.”

Ten years earlier, the society marked its 50th anniversary, which it commemorated by releasing a 336-page hardcover about the history of Bargoed and Gilfach.

The journals produced by the society are sent to the Glamorgan Archives and National Library of Wales.

Mr Mills said the society is looking to set up a digital archive, making it easier for people to access their work and research.

Caerphilly MP Wayne David said: “As a historian by training, I recognise the wonderful local history work which the society has done for a long time.

“The society does a remarkable job at making people aware and proud of their history. Gelligaer has a rich history dating back to the Romans forts and to present day, with the area making a big contribution to the coal industry.

“The society has been well established and I very much hope it continues to do a fantastic job. The publications they have published and meetings held have proved of immeasurable value and gives the community a firm sense of rootedness.”