The late historian Noel Watkin told me that the holes in the spire of this church, which rises 208 feet from the ground, were there to allow the wind to pass through so as not to cause any structural damage.

He also referred to the church as 'The Cathedral of the Swansea Valley' which when in 2012, St. Peter's celebrated its 150 years the headline in the South Wales Evening Post on 31st July 2012 was entitled: 'Cathedral' celebrates 150 years of services.

As would be expected this Church remembers the fallen of Pontardawe and District not only within the walls but also amongst its Cemetery, however when photographing the war and remembrance graves I was fascinated by this one which reads:

Views of Saint Peter's, Pontardawe

These photographs of Saint Peter's Church, Pontardawe from various distances were taken in July 2019. They show how the spire of the church dominates the skyline, and how the church can be seen standing out from many different directions.

These similar ones were taken from Primrose Hill in July 2020, similarly showing how the spire of Saint Peter's can be seen from all directions.

Saint Peter's Schoolrooms

Saint Peter's school rooms are on the opposite side of the road from Saint Peter's Church, some way along the main road towards Llanguicke and Ynysmeudwy.

Saint Peter's in The Llais

The Llais newspaper had always included a round-up of happenings at local churches and chapels, even when these were not part of any particular story. Sometimes they advertised forthcoming events, and at other times who was preaching, or had preached there recently.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, March 3rd 1923:-

REV BEN HUGHES ILL
The many friends of the Rev. Ben Hughes (curate of St. Peter's, Pontardawe) join in wishing him a speedy recovery from his indisposition which is believed to be a slight attack of pneumonia. The rev. gentleman was taken ill last week, but has made a steady improvement and a rapid recovery is predicted.