Site of rifle ranges, Sirhowy Hill Woodlands
Just above this area there were rifle ranges in Victorian times and later. They’re marked on the extract from the 1888 OS map (courtesy of Gwent Archives), with “Targets” to the north. It’s said that mortar shells and bullet casings can still be found in the ground.
The rifle range was probably used by local militias. Across Britain, militias were increased in the 18th and early 19th centuries amid concerns France could invade.
Ebbw Vale and Sirhowy had militias, with at least five companies of men. Local ironworks reportedly sponsored the uniforms and ironworks managers became Captains. Military bands were formed and shooting competitions held. In 1867 the Tredegar and Ebbw Vale militias were led by Captains Hughes and James and an Ensign Jordan. They were rationalised for the Boar and Great Wars.
The Sirhowy Militia used Drill Halls at the bottom of Dukestown and a HQ company near Tredegar railway station (beyond the park on the road towards Whitworth Terrace). The Drill Halls were also used by G Company of the 3rd Territorial Force Battalion Monmouthshire Regiment, and F Company of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the South Wales Borderers.
Each company had a rifle range for soldiers to practise shooting. There was an armoury in Ebbw Vale to store the rifles and ammunition.
Local rifle ranges are reported to have fallen into disuse in the 1950s when all Regiments dropped their 2nd and some of their 3rd battalions. The aerial photo, courtesy of the Welsh Government, shows the area corresponding with the map extract in 1955.
Grid reference: SO151095