This symbolic key was awarded to Minnie James at the Opening of the Temple of Peace and Health on 23 November 1938, representing war bereaved mothers of Wales and the world..

Minnie James from Dowlais, Merthyr had lost 3 sons in the war – David, Thomas and Jack James – and led a procession of 24 women at the opening whose anguish as the nation’s ‘most tragic mothers’ encapsulated the deep desire for peace into the future.

The Minnie James Collection aims to collate the letters, postcards, medals and miscellaneous items written and used by her sons during their time at war.

When read in sequence, users will gain an emotive insight in to the experiences of Minnie and her sons through World War 1 and its aftermath:

- David James, Letters 1.1 - 2.42 (56 letters + 8 postcards). Letters 1.1-1.22 are those sent from training in London; letters 2.1-2.42 are those sent from France.
- Jack James, letters 1.1-1.20 (17 letters + 3 postcards)
- Tom James, letters 1.1-1.18 (17 letters + 1 book)
- Embroidered WW1 Postcards
- James Family War Medals and other objects
- Minnie James’ personal effects
- Minnie James opening the Temple of Peace, 1938