SCHOOLCHILDREN in Blaenavon came together with community groups to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the town’s first free school recently.

As part of a moving remembrance ceremony, a St Peter’s School bicentenary exhibition was opened last Friday at Blaenavon’s World Heritage Centre.

Pupils from Blaenavon Heritage VC Primary School received awards for art work and creative writing included in the new exhibition.

The original St Peter’s School building now forms part of the heritage centre opened in 1816 in memory of local ironmaster Samuel Hopkins.

St Peter’s School was relocated to Park Street in 1982, and in 2012 it merged with Hillside Primary to form the Blaenavon Heritage primary.

Children sang both their school song and the song of St. Peter’s as part of the emotional anniversary occasion.

Reverend Rufus Noy, of St Peter’s Church, said: “Remembering a school founded 200 years ago and celebrating what they achieved with the school songs was incredibly moving.

“The whole event was so special. It shows the effect it had on the area and at the time would have transformed the place. Many people said they learnt things about the area they didn’t know and how lovely it was."

Revolutionary at the time, St Peter's was one of the first free schools in Wales built by an industrial employer for the benefit of workers children.

It is one of only a few school buildings to date as far back as the early nineteenth century.

Blaenavon World Heritage site coordinator Cath Thomas said: “St Peter’s has served Blaenavon for 200 years, first as a school providing free education for the towns children and now helping to preserve the town’s heritage for future generations.

“It was a delight to see the young children from Blaenavon Heritage VC School come together with older generations to share stories about their school days and view the new exhibition.”

The St. Peter’s School Bicentenary exhibition is on display at the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre until June 10.

People with memories of St. Peter’s School are encouraged to come along and share their stories.

For more information call 01495 742333 or email blaenavon.tic@torfaen.gov.uk