TAKE a step back in time this weekend when a Torfaen venue is transformed into a hub of American Civil War characters.

In recent years, Blaenavon Ironworks has built a reputation for its engaging living history events, allowing visitors to chat to actors portraying characters from historical periods, including the Second World War.

WW2.

Known as the setting of the award-winning BBC television series Coal House, the site has become one of the most treasured features within the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape.

History events at the site attempt to bring the past to life for families and are an eagerly anticipated part of the summer calender.

On Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23 the site will host an American Civil War-themed event, with activities at the site taking place between 11am and 4pm on both days. During the early nineteenth century the industrial site was one of the most important producers of iron in the world. The event will explore the conflict’s links with the ironworks during this period, including what happened when Blaenavon-produced iron reached the other side of the ocean.

On the day, there will be Union and Confederate military camps, drill displays, living history, displays of firepower and battle reenactments.

A statement on the event’s website, explains this as “finding the Welsh connection in American history”.

The ironworks, which commenced production in 1789, are the best preserved blast furnace complex of its period and type in the world and are one of the most important monuments to have survived from the early part of the industrial revolution.

When touring the site today, you can view extensive remains of the blast furnaces, the cast houses and the impressively restored water balance tower.

The site also holds regular exhibitions and reconstructions revisiting the international significance of the iron industry and the scientific processes involved in the production of iron.

This also includes avenues into the social history of industrial Britain at the reconstructed company shop and the refurbished workers’ cottages, at Stack Square and Engine Row.

The site is managed by Welsh Government’s Historic Environment Service, Cadw, has been carefully restored for public viewing.

Now offering free free admission, the Blaenavon Ironworks also receives record visitor numbers.

This weekend’s event is free and for more information, visit Torfaen’ County Borough Council’s website: www.torfaen.gov.uk/en/Events/Latest/23July-American-Civil-War-Weekend.aspx

For information on upcoming events at the site Blaenavon Ironworks, visit: www.visitblaenavon.co.uk