Andrew Buchan clock, Rhymney

Image: © Robin Drayton Taken: 23 May 2012

Andrew Buchan, who was born in Scotland in 1788 and came to Rhymney when he was a young man, initially worked at local farms as a carpenter. In 1833 he was contracted by the Bute Ironworks Company to straighten and deepen the bed of the River Rhymney. The labourers were given notes to exchange for goods at the local company store and the shop was then paid for the goods, the money being deducted from the workers pay. This was a form of Truck shop which was illegal at that time. In 1851 he is recorded as a Grocer Master Employing 18 Men. From 1838 to 1858 he was the manager of the Rhymney Brewery which became the largest in Wales. He died in 1870, well respected as a local benefactor. The clock was originally situated at the entrance to the Rhymney Brewery.

Images are licensed for reuse under creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0