Casgliadau Arlein

Handwritten illuminated address "Presented to W.J. Thomas Esq. M.R.C.S. Engl. L.R.C.P. Lond. Gwerthonor Place Gilfach. By Inhabitants of Gilfach & Surrounding Districts. Dated August 24th, 1903. W.J. Thomas was District Medical Officer in Gilfach Goch who was moving to the Gelligaer and Bargoed area. The address is thanking him for his services in Gilfach especially during the mining disputes of 1898 (a 5 month strike in south Wales against the Sliding Scale in which the miners were defeated - the South Wales Miners' Federation was formed partly as a result of this defeat) and a 22 month dispute at a 'neighbouring house coal pit' (No details known at present). Photographs of Dr Thomas and his wife, and also four photographs showing a house, ruined church (Tintern Abbey?), church, and colliery.