History in Structure

Pedestal and Statue of "Caradog"

A Grade II Listed Building in Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taff

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Coordinates

Latitude: 51.7126 / 51°42'45"N

Longitude: -3.4454 / 3°26'43"W

OS Eastings: 300233

OS Northings: 202534

OS Grid: SO002025

Mapcode National: GBR HL.362T

Mapcode Global: VH6D3.76DX

Plus Code: 9C3RPH73+3R

Entry Name: Pedestal and Statue of "Caradog"

Listing Date: 10 January 1991

Last Amended: 10 January 1991

Grade: II

Source: Cadw

Source ID: 10865

Building Class: Commemorative

Also known as: Pedestal and Statue of Griffith Rhys Jones (Caradog)

ID on this website: 300010865

Location: At the top end of the square on an island site in front of the Black Lion Hotel. Reset on modern platform with sunken forecourt (ca 1962).

County: Rhondda Cynon Taff

Community: Aberdare (Aberdâr)

Community: Aberdare East

Built-Up Area: Aberdare

Traditional County: Glamorgan

Tagged with: Statue

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History

Erected l920; unveiled on 10th July. Sculpture by Sir W Goscombe John, cast by A B Burton, Founder of Thames Ditton. Born Griffith Rhys Jones in l834 he became known as Caradog after the enormous success of the 'Cor Caradog' at Aberfan in l854. He was trained as a blacksmith (his father was an engineer at the Llwydcoed Ironworks) and it is said that people came for music lessons in his smithy during the meal breaks at the collieries. In l858 he became conductor of the Aberdare United choir, in l870 founded a male voice choir at Treorchy where he had moved to become a publican and in l872 and l873 he conducted the South Wales Choral Union (Cor Mawr) to victory in the Crystal Palace competition. These latter achievements have earned 'Caradog' the place as one of Wales' greatest choral conductors. He died in l897.

Exterior

Pre-cast stone square pedestal with chamfered corners and raised inscribed panels. Bronze standing statue of 'Caradog' as if conducting. At his back a coat is draped over a three-legged stool with tassels to the seat. A violin leans against it to the right, in a reference to the fact that he also played the violin; the absence of a bow is said to allude to the story that he used a silk handkerchief instead of a bow.

Reasons for Listing

Group value

External Links

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

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Other nearby listed buildings

  • II The Black Lion Hotel
    Prominently sited facing NE down Victoria Square; on corner with Monk Street. Iron railings to the front. Formerly with long garden stretching down the hill.
  • II Bethania Chapel
    High above the street facing NE; hall to rear facing Griffith Street. On sloping site; 2 flights of steps to the forecourt beside No l0l.
  • II Sunday School attached to Bethania Chapel
    High above the street facing NE; hall to rear facing Griffith Street. On sloping site; 2 flights of steps to the forecourt beside No l0l.
  • II* St Elvan's Church
    Prominently set in a small churchyard on an eminence in the centre of the town. Reached from Victoria Square, up Church Street and from Canon Street.
  • II Calfaria Chapel
    Above the road and set back behind burial ground. Side elevation to Griffith Street.
  • II Hall attached to Calfaria Chapel
    Above the road and set back behind burial ground. Side elevation to Griffith Street.
  • II War Memorial
    At the NE, lower, end of Victoria Square at the junction with Cardiff Road; on an island site where the Victoria Monument formerly stood.
  • II Pillar Box on Pavement outside Nos. 60 & 62
    On the pavement at the roadside.

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