National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is part of Free
A Great Day
The most modern, integrated steel works in Europe are at Llanwern, Newport, and they are opened on this “great day” (26/10/1962) by the Queen who is visiting with Prince Philip.
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Overview
26/10/1962: The Queen, opening Richard Thomas and Baldwins’ new Spencer Works at Llanwern, Newport, is “greatly impressed” by what she sees: tipplers, stacker, coke ovens, quenching tower and blast furnaces. 40 miles of hedgerow have been sacrificed, replaced by 39 miles of railway track and 27 miles of road but, as RTB’s Chair points out, despite the destruction and construction (involving 10 million bricks), ducks and swans are still present at ponds on site.
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