Oakdale Workmen’s Institute
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This is Oakdale Workmen’s Institute, often just called the ‘Stute'.
Workmen’s Institutes were a big part of mining communities in Wales between the 1880s and 1930s.
They were paid for with money from miners’ wages and help from coal owners.
Workmen’s Institutes gave workers and their families the chance to take part in learning, culture and entertainment.
The Stute was a big part of people’s social lives, somewhere they could go to dance and watch films.
The library and reading room introduced people to books
No matter what age we are, books help us to learn about and understand the world around us. For poorer families, reading could help them have a better future.
The Institute helped people when times were tough. During the Depression, they donated money to struggling families.
So what happened to Workmen’s Institutes across Wales?
The coal mines started closing in the 1960s and miners lost their jobs. Less and less money was given to the Institutes. Oakdale eventually closed in 1987.
St Fagans wasn’t a mining community.
But there were Workmen’s Clubs in nearby towns, including Canton Liberal Club which opened in 1900 and is still there today.
Instead, St Fagans villagers would have had other social opportunities such as the many sporting clubs supported by the Earl.
Take a moment to image the building in front of you in the 1920s. Full of life with people coming and going.
Can you think of a place or building that’s important to your community?
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Project funders
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage.
The Secret Garden is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to work with adults with learning disabilities and other additional needs to explore the rich history of Ysgubor Fawr cottage and nurture its garden.
