An innocent man gibbeted for a murder he hadn't committed, troubles in Neath pubs and prostitutes in the town - Neath has had a colourful life.
The shocking tales have been unearthed by a local history society which has been looking into the disturbances which took place in pubs in the town, as well as court cases involving prostitutes.
It has also dug up some facts about Francis Roper who was gibbeted on top a hill in 1760 for a murder it now looks like he might not have committed.
Keith Tucker, of The Neath Antiquarian Society, said: "He was tried and found guilty of murdering a woman. He was then hanged on a gibbet and left on public display until the corpse rotted.
"However, it now looks like he didn't commit the crime."
Rioting in Neath has also been delved into - including the looting of a German jeweller in the town during anti-German disturbances.
The stories of two substantial houses, one extinct and the other still surviving, are also explored, along with the origin of the fire brigade in Neath - which is closely linked with the police.
And there are details of lost farms in the Resolven area, as well as of local monoliths dating as far back as prehistoric times.
The society has also been celebrating the 100th anniversary of the First World War, researching, among others, the origins of Penrhiwtyn Hospital and finding out more about John Adams, a conscientious objector from Briton Ferry.
And it has been looking at the impact cholera had in Neath.
The deadly disease first hit the town in 1832 and when it returned in 1849, it caused the death of 800 people in the area.
Mr Tucker said The Neath Antiquarian Society had existed since 1923 and brought out a book every five years, with the latest one being the third volume.
Written by local historians and members of the Society, the book contains lots of pictures as well as more in-depth articles.
Mr Tucker added: "This long anticipated book is a treasure trove of information about Neath and district.
"The first two volumes in the series were very well received and were instant best sellers.
"This third volume is 50% bigger and promises to be just as popular, if not more so, judging by the interest that has already been shown in its publication. Running to 252 pages, it is copiously illustrated."
The book launch will be on Saturday, October 20, at the Mechanics Institute in Church Place, Neath.
The event is on from 10.30am to 4pm, with the official launch scheduled for 11am.
‘The Neath Antiquarian’ Vol 3 is currently £20. After Christmas, the regular price will be £23.
To find out more, visit the website of the society.
