Remembrance Day: Loving Lysaght
“Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget – lest we forget!”
– Recessional by Rudyard Kipling
This Remembrance Day, we reflect on those who protected and supported their communities during wartime. In Newport, the Lysaght Institute stands as a reminder of these sacrifices, and this year, we honour the legacy of its members who served. Keeping their stories alive reminds us of the strength, resilience and unity they embodied, and their sacrifices remain a cornerstone of Newport’s history.
The Lysaght Institute and the Newport Community
Before there was the Lysaght Institute, there was The Orb Ironworks, established in 1898 by John Lysaght and Co. The Orb transformed Newport from a quiet town to a thriving city, with new streets and housing developed to support its growth. When employment at The Orb peaked at over 3,500, the company and its workers came together to open the Lysaght Institute in 1928. This eight-acre community space, complete with ballroom, tennis courts and gardens, became a hub for Newport’s families.
Source: Loving the Lysaght
When World War II erupted, the Institute took on an even greater role in providing locals with joy and comfort. It became a place of solace and unity, helping families maintain their sense of community despite the hardships and losses many endured.
The Brave Men Who Went to War
Many workers from The Orb signed up for national service during both World Wars. The Steel Remembered project reflected:
“During the First World War, everybody was encouraged to sign up or join the war effort. The men of the Orb Steelworks answered that call in their droves and were encouraged by their employer to go. A total of 852 men from the steelworks enlisted between August and December 1914 alone, but many more followed subsequently. No-one who enlisted came out of the experience unscathed and we are keen also to explore the social effects on those who survived and the families of those who did not.”
Source: Steel Remembered
During World War I, 121 men gave their lives, and in World War II, another 27 fell. In 1924 a memorial cenotaph was erected near The Orb to honour the sacrifices of those who served in the First World War. Later, a further plaque would be added in honour of World War II. Then in 2009, another unveiling ceremony was celebrated and brought together Reverend Edward Mathias-Jones of St. Stephen’s Church, current Orb employees and the families of those commemorated, who joined together in remembrance. This cenotaph remains a testament to their bravery and ensures that Newport’s community continues to remember their sacrifices. With the historic Orb now being redeveloped, the cenotaph will be re-homed at the Institute, bringing them back to another much-loved location. The names and stories of the men who fought in World War II can be discovered here: https://steelremembered.org/men.html
Source: War Memorials Online and Steel Remembered
Also as part of the Steel Remembered project, the volunteers spoke with Wilf Berry, who was born in 1919 and started his career at The Orb in 1936. They spoke about life in Newport, the steelworks and the World Wars; the full interview can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO2CIWE_T5Q
The Importance of Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day is not only about reflecting on the losses of the past; it is also about holding onto hope for a peaceful future. The poppy, a symbol of this day, perfectly embodies this message. As John McCrae wrote in In Flanders Field:
“In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.”
In Newport, the Lysaght Institute has carried forward the tradition of Remembrance through events that bring the community together, reminding us that our resilience, unity and hope for peace are values worth preserving. To commemorate this special day, this year, we ask the Newport community and friends of Lysaght to visit the cenotaph on Lysaght Institute’s grounds to pay their respects. While there, head inside to the reception area and read the names of the men who bravely fought for their country.
Source: Steel Remembered
The Lasting Legacy of Remembrance
Each year, our Remembrance events at the Lysaght Institute bring together generations to remember the fallen and honour their contributions. In collaboration with Linc Cymru, the Institute is dedicated to preserving these stories and ensuring that Newport’s history remains alive for future generations. Through educational programs, community events, and memorial projects, we are committed to teaching the values of resilience, unity and peace that these brave men represented.
In 2020, in partnership with the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project Loving the Lysaght began in order to preserve the history of The Orb and the Institute through oral stories, workshops, events and research. As part of this work, the volunteers were able to find mementoes of the past and those who served in the wars. For example, this beautiful photo shows soldiers sitting on the green outside the Lysaght Institute.
Source: Loving the Lysaght
Sadly, it isn’t known what regiment these men belong to or when this picture was taken; however, we were able to keep the memory of Leonard Young alive through this project. Leonard was born in Newport in 1918 and lived on Jeffery Street, he later worked as a Steam Crane Driver at The Orb and went on to serve as a Sapper in the Royal Engineers and died as a result of an accident while serving in Gibraltar on the 25th of October 1940 aged 22. Not only is he remembered here in Wales, but he is also remembered on the Gibraltar Memorial.
Source: Loving the Lysaght
More artefacts to Newport’s past can be discovered on the Loving the Lysaght People’s Collection Wales page here.
How the Community Can Get Involved
After you’ve visited the Lysaght Institute to commemorate the day, take a moment to visit Newport City Centre, where numerous events and activities honouring our veterans are being held.
Remembrance doesn’t end on November 11th. You can support these efforts by volunteering, advocating or donating to local causes and charities dedicated to veterans and their families. Each action, big or small, helps to carry forward the legacy of those who gave so much for our future.