Newcastle Emlyn History Society
Old Library
Market Hall
Market Square
Newcastle Emlyn
SA38 9AQ
Hanes Emlyn
Town Bridge 1790
Market Hall
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Power and Light
Electricity came to Newcastle Emlyn as early as 1909. John Roger Parkington, born in Ipswich but at the time working in Swansea on the dock pumps was asked by Evan Rees to come and light the Eisteddfod Tent and following that success he was asked to make a bid for the Town Electricity system. His plan won from the gas.
He set up his Power station in a disused corn mill, drawing water from the weir below the castle.
New turbines were installed and low voltage electricity was supplied to the town. At about 11.45 the lights would flicker and at midnight they were switched off for the night. Then the Atlas all night bulb came, and the voltage was increased, power was left on all the time and electric irons could also be used.
Electricity
J R Parkington
The old Corn Mill / Power Station
The original Turbines -
Central Hall.
Mr Parkington also built the Central Hall, now Neuadd Emlyn Hall in 1914 so that he could show silent films and to have dramas and concerts.
Castle Street showing l to r The Kings Head, Electric House and the Central Hall, now Emlyn Hall.
Mr J R Parkington outside the old Power Station in 1920