1875 Free Press

January 30th

Police Court before Col. Byrde, Rev J. C. Llewellin and E. J. Phillips Esq

REMOVING TO AVOID A DISTRESS

Edward Absolom was charged with removing to avoid a distress.
Mrs Jeremiah, owner of the house said that defendant owed £1 12s 4d. rent to her; defendant had removed part of his furniture……more info no parishes given

February 6th 

Felony

Police Court before Col. Byrde and E. J. Phillips Esq

John Scammell 17, was charged with stealing a horse cloth, the property of William Williams, farmer of Goytre.
Complainant said that the prisoner worked for him and was at his house on the 3rd of Jan; the horse cloth was there then; on the following day he missed it.
In answer to the Bench complainant said he did not ask him why he left; he was no particular friend of his; the horse-cloth produced was his property; he recognised it by one of the straps being chewed a little by the cattle.
In answer to prisoner, complainant said he owed him 5s but prisoner left his employment in the middle of the week; he told him if he would stop he would pay him; he did not order him off the ground.
John Davis, farmer, Pentre, said he gave the cloth produced to the policeman; he purchased it off the prisoner, he asked him where he had got it; he said he found it on Usk road; prisoner had been speaking to his (witness’s) son three months previously to that about a horse-cloth which he had said he had found; he brought it to the witness’s house the Monday after Christmas, he paid him 2s.
Williams, re called said he had the horse-cloth on the 3rd January, it was in the stable, hung up with the other gear.
Pc Allen said that on Monday he received information on the loss of the horse-cloth from Mr Williams, and on searching for it found it at Mr Davies’s; he asked him where he had it from and Mr Davies said he bought it off prisoner; he asked Mr Williams why he did not inform him of the loss before, he said he was going to do so one day, but he, (policeman) had gone too far; Williams identified the horse-cloth as soon as witness took it to him when he arrested prisoner; he said he found it on the Usk road he said, “if I did take it, I would only be taking what he owed me.
Williams, in answer to the Bench said that he had bought the cloth off Mr Jones, saddler, Pontypool.
The Bench were of the opinion that the case clearly proves against prisoner, and he was sentenced to 14 days hard labour.

Leaving a Child Chargeable to the Parish

Elizabeth Barland was charged with leaving her child chargeable to the Pontypool Union on the 22nd Jan.

Mr Hartley Feather, Master of the Union said about 6.30 p.m. he found a child near the door of the Workhouse, he took it in and looking over the Workhouse book he found a child born on 12th October 1873.

Defendant had been in service and had paid 2s 6d a week to a Mrs Rosser of Goytre for looking after the child; she was now out of work and could not pay for the child’s nursing; she had failed to prove the paternity of the child for want of corroborative evidence.

A Mrs Lewis of Canal Parade offered to adopt the child and Mrs Jenkins of Hanbury Terrace took both mother and child in to give them shelter.

Discharged

March 27th

GOYTRE

A Concert was held at the above place on Thursday, March 18th for the benefit of the British School.  Col. Byrde presided, and the choir of the Baptist Chapel, Glascoed, assisted by a few kind friends, performed the pieces much to their own credit and the high satisfaction of all present.  Programme: –

Anthem – Before Jehovah’s awful throne – Choir.

Solo – Comfort ye my people – Mr W. Edmonds.

Anthem – Awake the song of Jubilee – Choir.

Solo – No tears in heaven – Mr T. Brace.

Quartet – Forgive blest shades – Miss H. Morgan, Miss S. Lewis, Mr W. Edmonds, and Mr H. Williams.

Solo – Oh, had I the wings of a dove – Mr S. Evans.

Quartet- As the hart panteth – Misses Watkins, Mr S. Evans, and Mr W. Williams.

Solo – Blessed are the meek – Mr J. Tucker.

Anthem – I will lift up mine eyes – choir.

Solo – The soldier to his mother – Mr Reese.

Trio and chorus – Canaan – Miss H. Morgan, Miss S. Lewis, and Mr W. Williams.

Solo – Home, sweet hone – Mr S. Evans.

Anthem – Oh praise the Lord – Choir.

Song- God bless our sailor prince – Mr T. Brace.

Anthem – Lift up your head – Choir.

Solo – I am lonely since my mother died – Mr W. Edmonds.

Anthem – Now pray we for our country – Choir.

As usual there was an interval of some minutes, and while the singers were recruiting their strength, the respected chairman, with other gentlemen, not liking to waste time, converted the meeting into a grammar class, and enquired into the etymology and translation of two Welsh terms, namely “Cwmbwrwch” and “Dinas.” This enquiry was occasioned by the worthy chairman supposing that the leader of the excellent choir lived at Cwmbwrwch, a circumstance that caused surprise that such an excellent and good conductor could come from such a Nazareth.  However one clever scholar undertook to translate the awkward term, informing his class-master, to the amusement of all, that it meant, badger’s dingle.”  Next came the word “Dinas,” when another scholar interpreted this as meaning “tasteless,” upon which the Rev J. Tucker assured all that if  “diflas” meant “tasteless,”

there was little fear of the singers growing “diflas.”  So that with the excellent singing and the humorous talk, a most pleasant evening was spent.

April 3rd

POLICE COURT – Application for Ejectment

Before Colonel Byrde and C. J. Parkes, Esq.

Mr Jas. H. Farquhar, of Abergavenny, on behalf of the Blaenafon Iron Co, applied for an ejectment order against James Hayward, Goytre.  

Mr Forest, a former agent of the Blaenafon Iron Co, was called by Mr Farquhar, and proved having engaged defendant for the Company at a wage of 1 6s per week, including house rent, there was a distinct understanding that the rent was to be considered part of his wages.

Col. Byrde said that country cottages were let at an annual tenancy, and did not know if the rule applied to them.

Mr Farquhar said it was an invariable rule of the Blaenafon Iron Company, and in this case the man was given to understand that when he ceased working for the Company he would also have to give up the house.  

Mr Rosser was called, and, and proved having served Hayward with a notice on the 15th ult., a copy of which he handed to the magistrates.

The ejectment was granted.

April 17th 

The Charge of Stealing Corn

William Hugo was brought up on remand charged with stealing two bushels of corn and a sack, the property of R T Smith & Co.

Mr Watkins appeared for the prosecution and Mr Greenaway for the defence.

Mr Watkins, after briefly stating his case called upon the first witness.

Anna Maria Hutchinson who said she  lived with her step-father, Thomas Jenkins at Goytre:

She remembered prisoner coming to their house on Easter Monday:He had a horse and “trolley”: he came to fetch a chest of drawers:

When he came to the house there were some sacks upon the trolley:

There appeared to be something in one of them:

She was looking through the window:

They (Hugo and his wife) were sitting on one of the sacks:

She did not know what became of the sacks:

They stayed at her father’s house for some time:

She did not see them taking the horse out of the trolley:

Did not see them drive away:

Saw them taking the chest of drawers out of house:

Did not see them put it on the trolley:

She was in the kitchen:

Did not take notice of any of the sacks till PS Basham came there on the Monday, neither did she notice the sacks between the two occasions:

There were other sacks with these:

Did not notice any oats in the house.

Mr Watkins here asked witness a question relative to a statement made by her to Sergeant Basham.

Mr Greenaway objected

Mr Watkins contended he was right in doing so with a witness who had made one statement to the sergeant and another in the witness box.

Mr Greenaway maintained that a conversation passing between two persons in the absence of the prisoner could not be put in evidence against him.

The bench ruled that the question could not be put.

Witness re-examined:

She did not notice how the sacks were marked:

Sergeant Basham did not call her attention to it:

Did not go anywhere to empty one of the sacks with Palmer:

By the Bench; there was a sack marked but it belonged to themselves:

Did not notice any sacks with marks upon them:

By Mr Watkins; noticed that one of the sacks was marked; that mark was Llanover Mills; 

Went with Palmer into the back kitchen to empty the sack:

That sack Palmer took away:

Did not notice whether he was big or little:

And did not see them empty the corn sack:

She had seen Hugo since they were in court before:

He had not told her what evidence to give today.

By Mr Greenaway; she had given her evidence truthfully and honestly to the best of her knowledge. She had given evidence on the Tuesday previous..

The sacks were exposed to view in a cellar two steps down; anyone could have seen them from the doorway.

Hugo had been at Goytre on Easter Monday. The horse got out of the stable, that’s what delayed him.

In the evening they were in a great hurry.

Saw them coming to the house:

Prisoner and wife were in the trolley:

Saw Hugo on the end of the sack on which they rode:

Saw the drawers taken out of the house:

Saw some sacks there when they were bringing the drawers out of the house:

Had seen chaff in the house and oats.

By Mr Watkins; was present when Sergeant Basham made enquiries before he saw the sacks:

He made the enquiry in the kitchen:

He asked if she had any objection to the house being searched and she replied “not in the least.”

They were packing up the drawers in sacks:

Reuben James Meadows said he was the agent for R T Smith & Co. and prisoner had been in their employ:

He gave prisoner leave to go with the horse and trolley the first time they were not to busy to fetch a chest of drawers:

Was present with the prisoner and Sergeant Basham:

He said he had taken out a feed for the horse and had left it there:

It was, he said all through drink:

“You know I have been drinking.”

Witness (looking at the sack) said they had some bags marked like that one but it was not the usual mark, the mark on that sack was “S & Co.”

There were oats and bran mixed, the oats being crushed flat between rollers, similar to the way in which they crushed the oats:

Had never seen oats crushed like it before:

They were crushed flat by passing through rollers:

Went with P.S. Basham on Easter Monday to Nantyderry Station:

Found this sack (produced) on the premises of prisoners father-in-law Thomas Jenkins:

There was chaff in it then:

There was also another sack containing corn and it was marked Llanover Mills:

He emptied the chaff that was in the sack into another bag:

It was down in the kitchen:

The young woman Hutchinson was present at the time.

Cross– examined by Mr Greenaway:

He was never in the Royal Cornwall Range Militia.

By Mr Watkins; Could not swear that the sack contained chaff.

After a short summary from Mr Greenaway and Mr Watkins the Bench retired to consider their verdict and on returning said they were of the opinion that a case of felony had been proven but taking into consideration the numerous and excellent testimonials of character which they had received of the prisoner they would sentence him to one months hard labour.

July 10th

PONTYPOOL AND USK HIGHWAY BOARD. – On Monday the monthly meeting of this board took place at Usk.  Mr James Powell presided over a full Board.  It was resolved that the district surveyor’s expenditure and receipt book should be balanced every fortnight.  The surveyor was ordered to pay Mr Wrenford for stones when he had funds.  Col. Byrde asked the Board to perform a promise to vote the sum of £5 from the funds of Llanvihangel and Goytrey towards the formation of a road and bridge leading to Goytrey school.  Mr Morgan, of Little Mill, strongly objected; he contended that the bridge in question was private, and the landlord ought to keep it in repair and passable; the members of the Board were not there to dispense gratuities, but to pay just demands, and he considered it would be culpable of the board to order the sum to be paid over, and if it were, he should call the special attention of the auditor to it. – A claim of Mr Jas, Lucas for £1 11s 6d for haulage of stones was ordered to be paid, subject of reduction of 3d per load, which brought the claim to £1 6s 3d. – Mrs Roberts applied to have a quarry on her land filled up, as it had not been used for several years.  On the motion of Col. Byrde, £2 was allowed towards the expense of filling up the quarry.  – Mr Jones of Trevella farm, in accordance with notice given, brought forward very serious charges against the surveyor.  After a long and animated discussion, the proposal for his dismissal was negated by a majority of 9. – only 3 voted for the proposition and 12 against it.  Mr Gething moved – “That this meeting is of the opinion that the charges made against the surveyor by Messrs Jones and Mackintosh have not been proved and that the surveyor stands without a stain on his character. in respect to those charges.”  This was agreed to unanimously.

May 8th

PROSECUTION OF THE VICAR OF LLANOVER  – All further proceedings against the Rev Joshua Evans have been abandoned, as appears from the following letter from the Bishop’s secretaries to Mr Evan’s solicitor: – 

(Copy of the letter)

37, Parliament Street, Westminster,. S.W, April 27 1875,

Dear Sir,

Rev Joshua Evans.

We regret that we have been unable to give you an earlier answer to your letters, but, as you are aware, the Bishop’s Commission was issued on information and complaint, and His Lordship was not the promoter of the proceedings.  We now beg to inform you that it is not intended to proceed further.  We are, dear sir, yours very faithfully,

W .C. A. Williams, Esq.                                           Burder and Dunning.

May 22nd

BAILEY GLAS INN

Mamhilad (Mrs Summerfield’s)

________

THE ANNUAL PIC-NIC and RUSTIC SPORTS

On MONDAY, JUNE 7th, 1875. – Tea on the table

From 3 to 6 o’clock,- Music in attendance

A stall of Wool- work will be opened for Sale

TICKETS, 1S. EACH.

June 5th

MAMHILAD

On Tuesday last the retired little church of Mamhilad was the scene of a gay and fashionable wedding when Miss Susanna Durand Sackmore Birt, daughter of the late Dr Birt, of Canterbury, and cousin of col. Byrde, of Goytrey House, was married to F. G. W. Chalklen, Esq., of St. James’s Clerkenwell?  The ceremony was performed by the Rev C. Cook, rector, assisted by the Rev F. L. Byrde, B.A.  The bride who was given away by her cousin, Colonel Byrde, was very modestly but elegantly attired, as were also the bridesmaids.  To mark the esteem with which the bride is held in the parish of Mamhilad, the little church was crowded to witness the imposing ceremony, and two elegant arches of flowers and evergreens were erected with great taste over the archway and church porch by Miss Annie Lewis, of the Brooks, and Mr Arthur Morgan, of Elm Cottage.  The school children strewed the path to the church with wild flowers, and a beautiful bouquet of exotic flowers, from colonel Byrde’s conservatory, was placed on the alter.  At the conclusion of the service, the bridal party were conveyed in carriages to Goytrey House, the residence of Colonel Byrde, where a sumptuous breakfast was prepared; and in the course of the afternoon the happy newly-married couple left for the railway station, amidst showers of rice and old slippers.

1872 Free Press

March 2nd 

Goytrey Church – an evening service was held on Thanksgiving Day. The Rector, Thomas Evans preached an appropriate sermon from the 85th psalm, 1st verse, “Lord, thou hast been favourable unto thy land; Thou has brought back the captivity of Jacob.” Suitable hymns were excellently sung by the choir, Mrs Evans presiding at the organ.

March 30th – A Queer Way of Taking Care of a Baby
Elizabeth Taylor, aged 15 years, was charged with stealing several articles of wearing apparel, the property of John Morgan of Goytre.
She said her mistress had given h er the things.
Mrs Morgan despised that on March 21st she missed a dress-hat, a bonnet and an apron. The prisoner, who was in her service, was sent to take the baby for a walk; a witness afterwards found the baby lying in the dung water near the cow house and the prisoner had de-camped.
She did not give the prisoner any of these things.
PC Williams 42, deposed he found the things at the prisoners house in Coedygrig. He asked for the articles and the prisoner gave him them saying that she did not steal them; her mistress had given them to her.
Mrs Morgan said that the girl had several times said she would cut the baby’s head off and so forth.
Committed to the house of correction for 14 days.

August 24th  – Police Court 

Wages
Henry Mathews, of Goytrey, was summoned for non-payment of wages due to Geo. Roberts.
He said he owed 7s; whereas Roberts claimed 13s 11d. The Bench ordered the amount claimed with costs.

November 16th – Prize fight

Prize fight took place at Goytrey on Friday last between two Pontypool men who had made arrangements with so much secrecy that the police knew nothing of the affair until it actually took place.
The combatants were Daniel Desmond, a pugilist and Thomas Fletcher, a smith and the contest seemed to have arisen out of a row in George Street some time ago.
These men, in a field belonging to a farmer named Probert, hammered away at each other for two hours and a quarter, in which time 101 “rounds” occurred. The stake was to be £10.
Fletcher, who sprained his wrist some time since, sustained a renewed of the sprain but kept on until Desmond’s head was “as big as a bushel” Desmond aiming to take the use of his opponents sound arm.
We are told that the disgraceful affair ended in a “draw” as the backers would not consent to the men fighting any longer. Principals, backers and spectators are to figure at the Police Court on Saturday.

November 23rd – Prize Fight at Goytrey
Daniel Desmond, (who did not appear) Thomas Fletcher, John Littlehales, Edward Farr, John Wise, Alfred Farr, John Roberts, James Fletcher and Henry Jordan were charged with unlawfully assembling in the parish of Goytrey and creating a breach of the peace; Desmond and Fletcher, being principals in the fight and the rest by aiding and abetting by being present.
PC Basham proved service of the summons on Desmond. Roberts and Jordan pleaded not guilty.
John Gwatkin despised that on November 8th he saw the fight; did not see Roberts and Jordan there; it was between 7 and 8 o’clock in the morning.
PC Williams disposed that he saw all defendants, except Alfred Farr at the place, or coming away in the train.
Thomas Jeremiah despised that he saw the fight at a distance, but did not see whether anyone was seconding the principals or not. Did not see Roberts or Jordan there.
Jordan said he should have liked to see the fight very well; but he did not see it.
Charles Rudman was called as a witness but did not answer. It was said he was out posting and Superintendent M’Tosh said, that if that was the case, he must ask for an adjournment for a week against Roberts and Jordan. This was agreed to.
Col. Byrde said that these fights were a disgrace to the community in which the occurred. The Bench had the power of sending the defendants for trial at the quarter sessions. They did not desire to do so on the present occasion, but at the same time they must take measures that would prevent a recurrence of such disgraceful scenes in future.
Thomas Fletcher was bound over to keep the peace for six months himself in £20 and two sureties, (Thomas Morgan, ironmonger, Abersychan and Stephen Howells, collier, Pontypool) in £10 each and had to pay £1 costs.
A warrant was issued for the apprehension of Desmond. Roberts and Jordan would have to appear again next Saturday. The rest were bound over in £10 each to keep the peace for six months and had to pay 10s each costs.

November 30th – The recent Prize Fight
Henry Jordan, Charles Rudman and John Roberts were charged with aiding and abetting the recent prize fight at Goytrey. Supt. M’Intosh said that Jordan and Roberts were Desmond’s backers, all three now admitted they were at the fight.
In answer to the BenchSupt. M’Intosh said that the party had walked from Pontypool to Goytrey and arrived there at six o’clock in the morning and waited for the day to dawn before they. began operations.
Roberts and Jordan were bound over to keep the peace for six months themselves in £20 each, one with surety each in £10 and had to pay 16d 6d each costs. Rudman was bound over in £10 and had to pay 10s costs.

December 7th  – Stealing a Sovereign
Mary Jane Jones, a little girl nearly 16 years of age who said she came from Blaenafon, but her father was a contractor living in Scotland, pleaded guilty of stealing a sovereign, the property of Edward James Gwatkin at Goytre.
Pc Combes said that the girl’s uncle lived at Blaenafon, she had come from Scotland with out her father’s knowledge and seemed a very naughty little girl, in the habit of stopping out at night and using bad language; her uncle could do nothing with her.
Mrs Gwatkin said that the girl came and asked her for a situation, and as she wanted a girl she took her; she had been in her service about a week when she took a sovereign out of a desk and hid it in a closet in the garden; the girl seemed pretty good otherwise. The Rev. Mr Jones said that the girl was very ignorant and in want of instruction
The Bench sentenced her to one month’s imprisonment and afterwards to be sent to a reformatory school for five years.

1869 Free Press

January 23rd.

AN UNSUPPORTED CHARGE.—George Watkins, a lad of respectable appearance, was charged with housebreaking at Goytrey. Mr Greenway defended. The prosecutor, Henry Plaisted, deposed that his house was broken open, sometime on 5th December last, during his absence, and that a box in his bedroom was partly wrenched open, and a quantity of loose silver and coppers taken out. There was the mark of the heel of a boot left on a sheet that lay on the floor of the bedroom, and the mark was the size of the defendant’s boots. The only other evidence affecting the accused, was that of another lad, who said he saw him near Plaisted’s gate on the day named. Case dismissed.

January 30th.

GETTING INTO A HOUSE AT GOYTREY.—Elizabeth Thomas was charged with stealing 2s. 6d., the moneys  of George Watkins, at Goytrey, on the 16th inst. Mrs Watkins stated that on her return home on the day named, she found that her house, which was left locked, had been broken open. Prisoner was found in one of the bedrooms, and had put the half-crown and some other things into the holes in the wall, where the police discovered them. The girl had been in the habit of going to the house, and had been very kindly treated. Sentenced to 3 weeks’ hard labour.

February 6th.

JOHN HARRIS v JOHN PHILLIPS.—claim 17s. 3d., for work done as carpenter, in the parish of Goytrey. To pay by two instalments.

February 20th.

CHARGE OF TRESPASS.—William Morris, charged with trespass on lands of Thomas James, at Mamhilad for the purpose of cutting twigs for basketmaking, was discharged, as the witness against him, a besom maker, named Rawlings, proved himself unworthy of belief, by denying that he had received parish pay under the pretence of being blind, while it was well-known that he had done so.

February 27th.

TRYING HIS RIGHT.—John Waters, of Goytrey, was summoned for encroachment, by depositing a quantity of mould on the side of the highway within 15 feet of the centre of the road. Henry Williams, surveyor, stated that he had seen the mould, and was instructed by the Highway Board to prosecute. Mr Greenway said he would admit that the defendant put the mould there, but it was on his own land, over which he had exercised right of ownership upwards of 30 years. The late Mr Owen tried to get him from there, and issued a writ; so that the case was now in the Court of Queen’s Bench, and this Bench had no jurisdiction. The case was adjourned.

April 17th.

Marriages.

At the parish church of St. George, Gloucester, April 14, by the father of the bride, assisted by the Rev. Richard Byrde, the Rev. Frederick Louis Byrde, the son of Henry Charles Byrde, Esq., J.P., of Goytrey house, Monmouthshire, to Christiana Nattle youngest daughter of the Rev. T. N. Grigg, vicar.

January 23rd

FROM THE ‘LONDON GAZETTE’.—Bankrupt, Tuesday, May 18.—Joshua Evans, Llanover, clerk in holy orders, May 29, Bristol.

1865 Free Press

January 21st

William William’s, an elderly man and a lad named James Morgan and Roger Morgan (not related) were charged with having had in their possession a spear for catching salmon.

It appears that Wm. Atkinson, keeper and another man were on the banks of a river or stream at Goytrey on the morning of Sunday watching what is called a pit where salmon spawn, and some were spawning at the time they looked at it.

They afterwards observed one of defendants go to the same place and having looked well round about he returned down the river and met the other defendants.

They procured a long pole (produced) they had a spear to it and were apposite the place where the fish were spawning.

Seeing the keeper they ran off leaving the pole behind them.  James Morgan, the other defendant pleaded guilty to having presented the pole.

The other defendants did not appear.

The bench said the penalty for the offence was £3, or 2 months imprisonment.

February 25th

To the Editor of the Pontypool Free Press

Sir, I have been informed that one James Morgan of Monkswood, stated on oath, last Saturday, before the justices of Pontypool, that my old bailiff, David Evans, was dismissed by me for some theft, with which I had charged him.

In that statement is not a particle of truth. Evans was dismissed simply because he happened, (though by no means an habitual drinker) to come to the house under the influence of drink, and it was the second offence.

Yours truly, Thomas Evans, Rector of Goytrey

February 25th  – Disorderly

Wm Parry, who was said to work at Goytrey, was charged with being drunk and incapable on the night of Wednesday last. Fined 7s including costs.

April 1st – An Amazonian Damsel

Elizabeth Lewis appeared, at the insistence of William Williams, charged with having assaulted him on Friday week at Goytrey.

Mr Alexander Edwards appeared for complainant. Complainant said on Friday week I was ordered to go and plough in a field that belonged to Mr Morgan, when defendant stopped me, and asked me where I was going, and I told her. She then turned the horses right about and asked me if I was going back. I said ‘no,’ then she seized a broomstick and struck me several severe blows on the shoulder, which was much injured. I then went back.

From an explanation given by Mr John Morgan, it appeared the land belonged to him. He had taken possession of it on the 2nd February, at which time the notice had expired for defendants husband to give up possession, and he did so.

There had been a conversation about the outgoing tenant re-taking the land, on the condition that his son would guarantee the payment of the rent; but as he refused to do so the matter dropped.

It was further given in evidence that defendant subsequently renewed her objections to the man ploughing the field, and p.c. Hall said when he went to serve defendant with the summons, she threatened to split complainants head open.

In answer to the bench the latter said, I am afraid of this woman if I go there again. After Maria Lewis, the defendant’s daughter had given some unimportant evidence, the bench ordered the defendant to find sureties to keep the peace herself in sum of £20, and one bondman in £10, and pay expenses.

The decision did not seem to meet with defendant’s approbation; and it was not until it seemed that far from unlikely that she would be sent to prison, that a bondsman was procured.

April 22nd

THE VICTUALS, THE TEA, AND THE PORTER.

A youth named Evan Evans charged James Morgan with having assaulted him on Monday se’nnight.

This was an adjourned case. Mr Greenway appeared for complainant, and Mr Alexander Edwards for defendant.

Complainant said I am a porter at Nantyderry railway station defendant also works on. the railway. On Monday week he seized me by the hair of my head; shook me; followed me into the booking-office; struck me with a jar, and threatened to kill me if it cost him £10. I am in danger of my life from him.

By Mr A. Edwards: Did not accuse me of throwing tea over his victuals. The station master had not said anything to me about it. I did not call him Jim Charlotte.

Mr Greenway: That’s what he’s known by better than any other name in Goytrey.

Witness: I did not turn round and say when he threatened me, “What do I care about old Jim Charlotte?” Never called him that name.

Stephen Gregory: I live at Llanover. On Monday week I saw Morgan and Evans. The former having seized the latter by the head, shook him, followed him into the office, and struck him with a bottle. The effect of the blow was that complainant had two black eyes. Defendant said he would screw his neck round. I did not hear anything said about Jim Charlotte.

William Jenkins: I reside in the neighbourhood of Mamhilad. Saw the complainant and defendant on Monday week. The latter seized the former by the hair, and struck him.

By Mr A. Edwards: I heard nothing about defendant charging complainant with having thrown tea over his victuals. Did not hear complainant call defendant Jim Charlotte.

For the defence Mr A. Edwards remarked that in consequence of some animosity existing between defendant’s and complainant’s parents, complainant did everything to annoy him, and on the occasion referred to had thrown tea eyer his victuals, and was in the habit of calling him names, which had provoked him. He called Thomas Pape, whose testimony proved entirely in complainant’s favour. He said: I am station-master at Nantyderry station. I don’t remember that defendant came to me in the garden to complain of the conduct of complainant. On his coming to complain about some one I said: “You’re always bothering about somebody, and I don’t care much about what you say.” I don’t remember that he ever said anything to me about Evans.

By Mr Greenway: Evans is about 17 years old; he is a good boy, but Morgan is always teasing him.

There appeared to have been cross summonses for assault, between defendant and his wife and complainant’s parents, heard in this court some weeks ago, which are supposed to have given rise to this assault. The chairman observed to defendant that the bench could not see anything before them to mitigate his offence. He was convicted in the penalty of £5 including costs. The money was paid.

June 17th

Brithllandwid, Goytrey, near the Little Mill

Mr J. Phillips will sell by auction on Friday the 23rd day of June instant

At the above farm

The following Farming Stock and Effects

The property of Mr Lewis

One cart mare, two yearling colts, one heifer, six ewes and lambs, one ram, sow and six pigs.

Narrow wheel waggon, two ditto carts, plough, harrow, harness, dairy utensils and other effects.

Sale to commence at 4 o’clock in the afternoon, promptly.

August 18th – Trespass at Goytrey

Thomas Roberts charged Roger Morgan with trespass.

When the parties were first called it was stated that defendant could not attend from illness.

Complainant denied that defendant was ill, and he had seen him the day previously.

On the case being gone into, defendant was ordered to pay 5s damage for having broken complainant’s door, together with expenses.

October 16th – Dancing away with a Publican’s Flutina
William, Jones, who had that morning, it appeared, vacated a cell at the county goal, was charged with stealing a flutina, the property of William Waite, Goytrey.
Complainant was a publican residing at Goytrey and some time ago prisoner was at his house and he lent him a fluting to play for some dancers and he subsequently walked off with the instrument.
Prisoner denied having stolen the instrument; he said he had left it on a table at the house of complaint.
The charge was dismissed.
Supt. M’Intosh said prisoner was wanted in Brecon for stealing a watch and he was accordingly taken into custody pending his trip to Brecon.

Walnut Tree

Walnut Tree – 798 on the 1841 Tithe Map.

John Jenkins was born about 1738 near Penypyllennig, his father Thomas was renting Daniel Simond’s land, by 1794 John Jenkins was occupying the land of Henry Simon.

In 1805 John Jenkins owns 2 acres 9 rood and 6 perches and is also renting from Mr Phillips 1 acre and 11 roods.

John Jenkins died in 1813, he leaves a widow, Elizabeth who remained at Walnut Tree still renting Henry Simons’ property and land.

In May 1819, William, son of John and Elizabeth Jenkins, married Ann Jones, their first child William is baptised in 1821.

On the 1841 tithe and census the owner of Walnut Tree is John Williams of Caerphilly, the occupier is William Jenkins, he is farming 36 acres 1 rood and 30 perches, paying £3 19s 3d tithe to the Rector.

In the census of 1841 William is aged 55, Ann his wife is 45, their children are John and Thomas both 20, Philip 17, Elizabeth 12, Walter 7 and James 6. Living with them is Elizabeth Neate a farm servant.

I can’t say for certain who was living at Walnut Tree in 1851, but by 1861 it was Daniel Tedman, a farmer of 38 acres, employing 2 men. Daniel was aged 50, His daughter Elizabeth was 17,  born in Llanarth and son Edward was 16, a farm servant.

Later in 1861 Rees Rees had taken occupancy of Walnut Tree. An illegitimate child, Hezekiah, was born to his daughter Mary, the father of the child was William Hall. Another daughter Amy had an illegitimate child in 1867, the father of Amy’s child was James Waite who later married Louisa Davies, (The Heroine of Goytre Well.)

In 1871 the Rector, the Rev Thomas Evans purchased Walnut Tree, Rees Rees moves along the road to Black Beech to farm and Daniel Tedman moves back in to Walnut Tree.

The 1871 census says Daniel Tedman, is 60, and is a farmer, his wife Ann is 66, their daughter Elizabeth had married John Roberts and they were living with them along with their 6 month old daughter Sarah. Two more grandchildren are living with them, Rachel Rees 4 and Rachel Tedman 1.

At the trial of the Vicar and the Well in 1874 held at Monmouth Assizes, one of the witnesses, William Jenkins said his father was one time tenant of Walnut Tree and had left the premises in 1843, having lived there for 70 years. He stated he had known the place for 40 years. (William Jenkins was now living at Hay Meadow.)

Daniel Tedman remains at Walnut Tree and the 1881 census says he is 71 and was born in Llanarth, Ann his wife was born in Clytha.

I think shortly afterwards Daniel and his family had left as in 1882 Thomas Rees was constable for Walnut Tree. Thomas Rees and his family are still there in 1891, Thomas is aged 39, a farmer born in Llanellen, his wife Margaret is 40 from Monkswood, their children are Thomas 14, William 11, Margaret 9, Reginald 6, Laura 2 and Catherine 2 months. They have two farm servants living with them, John Compton 19, and Fanny Twyne from Blaenavon.

In 1901 Thomas Rees died aged 50 and was buried in St Peter’s Churchyard.

The 1911 census says the new family is one Thomas Jones aged 56, a farmer born in Cloddock, Ann, his wife is also 56, she was born in Crickhowell, they had been married 22 years and have 5 children, all alive, three of which are still living at home, Emily 28 assisting with dairywork, was born in Cloddock, Philip 24,is a farmer’s son working on the farm, and Katie 22, is doing domestic work, both were born in Glascoed. Ann’s father Henry Jones is also living with them; he is aged 78 and was born in Talgarth.

Henry died in 1915 was buried at St Peter’s. Thomas Jones died in June 1915 aged 64, daughter Katie died in November the same year aged 30, both were buried in St Peter’s Churchyard.

In November 1920 The Earl of Abergavenny held a sale of his Goytre properties, lots 30, 33 and 34 were Walnut Tree and Hawthorn Cottage. Philip Jones purchased the Walnut Tree for £290.

On the 1921 census two properties are mentioned, the Bungalow in which 66 year old Ann Jones was living, Ann was born n Llanelly she gives her occupation as a retired farmer.

At Walnut Tree Farm is Philip Jones, 33 a farmer who was born in Glascoed, his wife is Amelia, 33, born in Llanover, son Donald 1, born in Goytre, they have a general domestic servant Eveline James 25, Eveline was born in Goytre.

In March 1925 Walter Jenkins aged 91 died, he was born at Walnut Tree on the 29th October 1833.

I have an article from the Free Press which is not dated (my fault) in which a cow valued at 70 guineas belonging to Mr W Jones of Walnut Tree Farm was hit by lightning, fortunately the cow was insured with Mr William Lewis of Wainfelin.

Ann Jones the wife of Thomas died in October 1936. (Full report in obituaries.) She was still living at Walnut Tree with her son Philip and his wife Amelia, who is still shown on the Electoral register on her own in 1946 and Philip Jones is shown on his own in 1948.

Hutchinson Family

A sincere thank you to Luned James for sending me the following article . Luned’s ancestors farmed in Llanover, the wonderful photo was taken outside Church Cottage Goytre early 1900’s.

 

There is an 1844 marriage record for a David Hutchinson a gardener and Hannah Lewis nee Davies widow both of Brynmawr. See entry. No further research done on either David or Hannah before this date.[1]

David and Hannah were living and (probably) working at Lower Fro, Llanofer when their first daughter Mary Ann was baptised at the parish church in 1845. (lost the record)**

She was followed by other daughters Isabella in 1846, Hannah M (Anna Maria) in 1848; Margaret in 1849, Catherine (Jane) in 1851 an Elizabeth 1853. Their only son David was baptised in 1855.

David Hutchinson senior died months after the baptism of his son. Buried David Hutchinson, Lower Fru (sic) 28th October 1854.

Hannah 43 a widow married Thomas Jenkins 54 a bachelor in 1860 and in the 1861 census they were living at Graig Ddu, Goytre, with four of Hannah’s daughters and her son.

Margaret Hutchinson married John James 3rd Q 1867 Newport Reg Dist. Unsure why they married outside the area. See separate sheet for the couple.

In the 1871 census the Jenkins were living in Coal Brook Villa with Isabella, Elizabeth and Margaret’s daughter Elizabeth May James is visiting.

Isabella Hutchinson married John Williams 1st Q 1873 Abergavenny Dist. They live at The Factory and by 1901 they are living at Ceffynminog (spelling?) near The Refreshment Rooms. They had Annie b.1873/4, Isabella b. 1886c; Reginald b. 1888c. Isabella m Henry James Shore 1909 Reginald John Shore b. 1910/11.

Mary Ann Hutchinson Goytre married James Ralph a coachman of Goytre at the parish church 17th July 1880. James Ralph buried Goytre 23 De 1891. Mary Ann Ralph married William Evan Thomas 1897 in London. There is a burial at Goytre 1909 for Mary Ann Thomas of The Refreshment Rooms and a headstone which says she was the widow of W.E.Thomas and relict of Ralph. See her entry.

Anna (Hannah) Maria Hutchinson Goytre married William Lewis a guard Abergavenny at Goytre parish church 12th February 1881 (no obvious trace after this)

In 1881 Hannah and Thomas may have been living in Saron Lane where Thomas is 78 and not working, Hannah is working in a laundry with Elizabeth 27, David 26 is still living at home and granddaughter Annie Williams , Isabella’s daughter. A few months later Thomas was dead at 78, his abode was given as Fro Ganol.

1891 Hannah, Elizabeth and David are still living together possibly in the same place as previous census with George Davies a lodger (he may be a relative of Hannah nee Davies)

In December 1891 David Hutchinson married Margaret Williams, she went on to run The Refreshment Rooms at Nantyderry and he as a coal dealer from 1911 until his death in 1928.

Elizabeth Hutchinson 42 spinster of School House, Nantyderry, married Thomas Evans 36 bachelor, Capel-Ed, at Goytre 28 February 1897 by licence.

In 1901 Hannah Jenkins age 69 (a mistake?) was living with Isabella and Thomas Evans at 2 School Cottages, Nantyderry (where the group photograph was taken)

Hannah Jenkins died at School Cottage in 1910 aged 84.

Isabella Williams died 1918 age 72

David Hutchinson died of The Refreshment Rooms aged 73 in 1928

The Refreshment Rooms Nantyderry

1901 William Evan Thomas and wife Mary Ann nee Hutchinson

1911 David Hutchinson and his wife Margaret until his death 1928.

  1. There is a John s/o John & Hannah Hutchinson 8th Sept 1844 bpt Goytre. No death or marriage found of any of these.

Morgans of the Wern

The following was sent to me by Bill Morgan in America several years ago. He is the grandson of Azariah Morgan born in (1851-1937). He and his brother William emigrated to Kansas.
Their parents,  William Morgan born in Llanbaddock in 1828 married Martha Jenkins, also born in 1828. They married in May 1850 and started their married life in Llanfrechfa eventually moving to The Wern where they raised their 13 children.

1 Park View / William and Annie Jones

The following was sent to me by a lovely lady called Gwyneth Stratton who’s Jones family came to Goytre in the late 1800’s. Although they moved around the parish they finally settled at 1 Park View. Gwyneth’s nephew Gerald Jones married my cousin Judith Lewis (Bonnie) at Saron Chapel.

 

WILLIAM AND ANNIE JONES

William and Annie were married at the Ebenzer Baptist Chapel in Griffithstown, Pontypool on 6.9.1895.

Their first home was at Coalbrook Cottage (Farm Cottage, Coalbrook, Goytre) (No photographs found). They then moved in 1901, after the birth of their son Henry, to Parc Bach, Canal Lane, Goytre. This was after it was vacated by Annie’s sister Hannah and husband Louis.

This was a very small cottage consisting of a tiny living room, even tinier kitchen. Upstairs had a main bedroom and an adjoining landing which was used as a bedroom for the girls. The boys slept in the loft over the outside bakehouse. Water was fetched from a spring some 100yds from house.

The front porch was added at a later date. Originally the entrance was at the rear of the cottage.

Goytrey School. 1912

Built in 1870 funded by Col Byrdd at a cost of £600. There was one classroom with separate entrances and play areas for boys and girls. A cottage was provided for the head teacher alongside the school building. Over the years some 15 members of our family attended this school. A new building was erected in the 1950’s and the old school is now a private house.

Ellen and Gertrude are on this photograph. Gertrude is 4th from left on 1st standing row, Nell-6th from left on 2nd row.

Free schooling only became compulsory after an Act of Parliament in 1870.

William, with son Arthur, on the milk round in Pontypool. Note the name on the cart: GlanUsk Dairy. When Grandad died in 1912 Annie had to sell this equipment as her sole source of income.

The front of 1 Park View. This was taken shortly after the new road was built. Speak to any of the cousins and they will all remember the steep steps up to the front door- which was hardly ever used.

In 1911 the Jones family moved to 1 Park View, a recently built pair of cottages belonging to the Thomas family. Here there was room at the back for a double stable to accommodate William’s horse and milk cart. Just across the road was the Carpenters Arms which caused much friction between Annie and William. For some time William had been a heavy drinker which no doubt contributed to him developing ‘Dropsy’ (now known as Oedema, a heart condition causing swelling of the body) and which subsequently led to his death at the age of 40 on 27th June 1912, leaving Annie with seven children one of whom was a mere baby.

IN MOURNING JUNE 1912.

Back: Henry and Ellen.  Front: Minnie, Arthur, Annie, Gertrude and Lillian.  Seated at Annie’s knee: William Jnr.

Life for Annie and her children was traumatic at this time. There was no Widow’s pensions and the thought of ‘being on the Parish’ was not even considered. A request for some financial help was made but when Annie was told by the Inspector that she should send her daughters out to service and put the younger ones into care she picked up her broom and sent the poor man about his business. She took on the job of cleaner for the village school which involved much scrubbing of stone floors-daughter Ellen helped and she showed her children in later years the scars on her knees where she had helped out.

To earn an extra 1/- (10p) Annie would go to houses where someone had died to lay them our ready for burial. Her one proviso was that if it was a nighttime call she insisted that someone fetched and returned her after her work was done. All her life Annie had been frightened of the dark.

Lillian and Minnie went into Service while Ellen took on the job of collecting the mail from Jackson’s shop in the village and taking it by bicycle to catch the 4.30 train.

In October 1913 or 17? Annie went on her own to Bristol. This is borne out on a postcard provided by Pam, Ellen’s daughter. It is rumoured that she went to give birth to a child that was adopted. This has yet to be confirmed. We can only assume that the children had been left to be cared for by older siblings and possibly their Aunts Minnie and Hannah who lived locally.

The 1914-18 War had little effect on the family-the boys were all too young for being called up for active service. The sad toll on human life was not as great as in the cities, although the Memorial plaques in the church record a number of losses. The biggest long term effect effect was in the social hierarchy and the fact that the upheavals caused by the war were the catalyst for a major breakdown in the old order of life. This was not so apparent in rural communities where life followed a day to day regular pattern.

LILLIAN.

I cannot locate any date for Lillian’s birth although believe it be about May or June 1896.

She, like so many young women left home aged about 14/15 years of age and went into service where she was trained as a cook.

ELLEN.

At some point in 1917 Ellen left home and returned to her Mother’s birthplace, Brislington, Bristol where she obtained work in a dairy called Grange owned by the Morris family and lodged at 12, Sandown Road. There is a record of other members of the Cousin’s family living a 1, Manworthy Road, Brislington. (These could be traced on the National Census records-1911.)

GERTRUDE

In 1917, at the age of twelve Annie’s daughter, Gertrude, was sent some distance away (I can find no trace of just where but according to Gertrude it was to a wealthier member of the family who lived in a large farmhouse and where a number of servants were employed. She was employed to help with the dairy work. Having been told to ‘babysit’ the baby daughter of the family one evening when everyone else, including the staff, went to a Harvest Supper, Gertrude was told to close all the outside wooden shutters on the windows. Gertrude did as she was told despite being absolutely terrified of being in the house and outside in the dark. Early next morning she packed her belonging and set off to walk home arriving at 1 Park View in the late afternoon. The exhausted child was tired, hungry and frightened and fortunately her mother listened to her sad tale. Realising that Gertrude had been unfairly treated a message was sent to notify her employers as to her whereabouts. Her mother told her that she had to return and finish her year but once that was completed she could come home and another place would be found for her. Annie accompanied Gertrude back to the farm and had some very stiff words with the housekeeper and Gertrude was never asked to do anything like this during her remaining time there.

There is no record of what occupations Henry and Arthur followed and we have no dates as to when they left home. Arthur, it is believed, spent time with a Guards Regiment in London but I can find no trace of this as yet. This left William Jr. aged 17 at home.

Lillian and Thomas Morris

Married: ?   Children: Margaret Ann (Peggy)b. d.

Minnie and William Griffiths.  Children:  Joan b. ?,  Mary b. ?

 

 

Henry m Doris ?     No Children

 

 

 

Arthur. m Violet?  Children: Lawrence (Adopted).

Ellen and Arthur Cottle, m. 14.8.1926.
Children:  Jean b. ?   Pamela b. ?

 

William and Elsie (Shutt) m. 1933.
Children:  Cedric Anthony b. Mar 1934 d. 9.1.2015, Gerald b 1939.

Gertrude and Stanley (Bob) Hayes 28.5.1925.
Children:  Stanley William b. 20.4.1926,  Edna Gertrude b.1928 d.Sep 1929, Gwyneth Marjorie b. 12.1.1934

No pictures available of Joan and Mary Griffiths

Grandchildren-1939

Back: Stanley Hayes, Jean Cottle. Front: Gwyneth Hayes, Cedric Jones, Pamela Cottle. (In Edgar’s Field).

Margaret (Peggy Morris) with Edgar Thomas.

EDGAR THOMAS B 1878: As children we accepted the idea that Edgar was Nanny’s lodger. He was a bit of a rough diamond but looked on all of us as his own relatives.We all can recall going with him to feed his pig’s in ‘Edgar’s’ field and riding in the old cart he kept for many years. He could neither read not write apart from signing his name and I don’t think any of us truly appreciated his worth. Little was known about his background. Searches turned up a few surprises:

1920’s. On the yard outside 1 Park View.

1851 Census shows: James Thomas, Master Blacksmith. Born 1805 married to Sarah born 1810. They had 7 children one of whom was Edgar’s father Alfred. Born 1846.

1881 Census shows Alfred. General labourer married to Emma, Turnpike Toll Collector, at Llanellen. They had 4 children among whom was Edgar, born 1878 (and Edith-more of her in a moment).

1901 Census shows Edgar as a blacksmith at Penpellryw 2. (wonder if this was a spelling mistake?) Monmouthshire.

1911 Census shows: Edgar Thomas, aged 34. Single. Blacksmith living at Lynwood Cottage. Goytrey. Nr Pontypool.

From now on it will be pure supposition-until the next census for 1921 is released.

1 and 2 Park View were built in about 1905 and were the property of Edgar’s father, Alfred, who lived in a cottage in Newtown, Goytrey. Edgar’s sister Edith who married George Sexton in 1902 moved into No 2 Park View. William and Annie Jones moved to No. 1 Park View in 1911. After Grandfather William’s death in 1912 Annie had to make provision for her children and it is very likely that Edgar moved in as her lodger. Again this will be checked out in 1921. In actual fact roles were reversed and Nanny became the lodger and housekeeper to Edgar?? Had Edgar had his way he and Nanny would have married-he did ask her three times but was turned down.

The census of 1921 says the Jones family are at No.2 Park View, but I shall enter them here.

Annie Jones is a 47 year old widow from Brislington, living with her are Gertrude 16, doing general domestic work, Arthur 13, a labourer in market gardens at Nantyderry, William 8, Harry 20, an out of work cattleman on farm for Pritchards, all born in Goytre and Edgar Thomas 43 from Lanvair Kilgeddin a blacksmith.

Photo: A very special and dear lady, ANNIE JONES. On her 80th Birthday in 1952, Seated in the yard at No 1 Park View.

Nanny’s children:  Harry, Gertrude, Arthur, Nell, Billy, Minnie, Lillian.

This is probably the last photograph taken when they were all together.

Family Funeral for Nanny 1956.

Service at Saron Chapel.

Back: Arthur, Edgar, Gerald, Billy, Elsie, Harold. Front:  Gertrude, Minnie, Ellen.

None of us ever had occasion to tell Nanny Jones how much she meant to all her family, it is only now, after many years having walked down memory lane do we realise what a large part she played in our lives. What a legacy she left us, such treasured memories of a time, long past, when the world was a more innocent place.

R.I.P

Edgar’s Field

To anyone else this was just a field housing a pig sty, hen house and occasionally young heifers but to all of us children it was a delightful playground where Kingcups and Watercress flourished in the marshy lower part, and the upper field was filled with all the old fashioned meadow flowers. It was here we picnicked en famille. Collecting eggs from the hen house was a favourite pastime-being careful not to get pecked by an irate chicken.

The pigs were smelly but we still loved going with Edgar to feed the porkers.

The view from the railway bridge in Goytre.

It was magical to stand there and watch the steam trains coming along the line to Pontypool. As the train went under the bridge we would be wrapped in a pungent sulphuric cloud. The drivers would sound their whistles in answer to our waving-very ‘The Railway children’. Stanley and I did this in 2006-a very nostalgic moment although modern trains do not have the same glamour.

Saron Chapel

Where William and Annie were buried as was William (Billy) Hannah and Louis and two of their children are interred here.

Gerald and Bonny were married here.

 

Goytre Canal Bridge.

Until the canal was opened up for barges the water was crystal clear and we could see all the plant and wildlife therein. We spent many happy hours fishing for minnows, watching the water boatmen beetles scuttling across the water, watching the shimmering dragon flies dancing over the water plants and, on rare occasions, seeing the flash of blue and green as a Kingfisher flew between the banks. A child’s paradise and a precious memory.

Picture taken in 2006 when Stanley and I had a very nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Arrow Cottage, Newtown Road, Goytre – my home from 1949-1955.

A public footpath ran along the side of the drive leading to the fields and then on to the Chapel Ed Lane. Behind Arrow Cottage was a tiny little cottage called ‘Nutshell Cottage’ – this was Cedric’s home when he was little. This picture was taken in 2006 but it didn’t look much different in my day.

Sadly the beautiful flower meadows behind The Nutshell have vanished into urban sprawl!

 

Goytre Wharf.

When we were young the canal and wharf were no longer in use and the wharf itself fell into disrepair. To us children it was a wild place full of brambles, stinging nettles, crumbling buildings including a ‘mysterious’ derelict cottage-lovely for scary games of hide and seek.

The Canal Company have done a splendid job bringing the place back to life – well worth a visit.

 

Abergavenny indoor market place.

Behind this stood the Cattle Market where weekly sales were held. Cattle, sheep and pigs were auctioned as farmers from all around the area came to do their deals whilst their wives caught up with shopping and gossip – it was all hustle and bustle. Vegetables, fruit, poultry, clothing-by three o’clock all would fall silent as everyone went home.

Nanny’s favourite lunchtime snack from market café:-Faggot and peas.

 

1 Park View in 2006.

Stanley and I had the pleasure of being invited in and were so happy to see that the old house has been lovingly and carefully refurbished to a very high standard.

Rose Cottage Nantyderry

Rose Cottage Nantyderry – 894 on the 1841 Tithe Map.

The 1841 tithe says Rose Cottage is 23 perches and owned by the Rev. William Morgan of Pontypool. On the census of the same year John Edwards and his wife Elizabeth both aged 50 are the occupiers.

Ten years later John Edwards says he is 56, a farmer of 20 acres, Elizabeth his wife is also 56 and living with them is their son William 22, they were all born in Goytre.

In 1852 the owner is Ann Morgan, daughter of the Rev William Morgan.

In December 1855 John Edwards horse was stabbed to death by an unknown person, the story is in the Monmouthshire Merlin.

I’m not quite sure who was at Rose Cottage in 1861, but by 1871 William Jones and his family were in residence. William was aged 65, a builder, Mary his wife was 58 and their son William was 26, a plasterer he was born in Llanover. 

By 1874 their son William had married Georgina, and their son William Henry was baptised in February of that year at St Peter’s. On the baptism register it is says he was a shopkeeper in Nantyderry Village.

William the elder died sometime between 1871 and 1881, Mary said she was a widow on the 1881 census, she also said she was an annuitant and was born in Ireland, living with her as a boarder was Henry Neate aged 15.

In 1886 William Jones from Rose Cottage appeared at the meeting for a welsh speaking vicar for St Peter’s Church but he did not appear at the second meeting held on the 14th March 1887. His mother Mary died in 1887 and was buried at St Peter’s, she was 74 years old.

On the 1901 census William is aged 58, a tiler and plasterer again, Georgina is also 58 and it says she was born in Govilon.

By 1910 William has purchased Rose Cottage, the rateable value for the property is £4 5s. 

On the 1911 census William is aged 68, Georgina is 63, they had been married for 38 years and had one child, at that time Rose Cottage had five rooms.

Georgina died in May 1913 and was buried at St Peter’s, William died in January 1929 aged 86.

The census in 1921 gives George Taylor as the occupier, along with his sister Eliza Ann. George is 63 a plasterer for trustees of Llanover estate, Eliza Ann is 52, both were born in Llanover.

The electoral register of 1933 says Stanley and Edith Williams were in residence at Rose Tree (sic) Cottage.

Dan-y-graig

Dan-y-graig – 55 on the 1841 Tithe Map.

Dan-y-graig, like so many properties is no longer in Goytre, it is now in the parish of Llanover. It was also known as Yew Tree Farm.

On May 24th 1660 Roger Morgan of Mamhilad and his son William purchased Tre-y-g-dee for £30, the property had a holding of 4 acres and 3 rood. Rosser (Roger) Morgan, yeoman and Oliver his son still hold thee house and land in 1666.

There is now a big gap where I can’t find any documents until 1727 when a child Isaac, son of Isaac was baptised in April at St Peter’s, this is followed by twins in 1732, one again called Isaac, although I can’t find a burial I assume the first Isaac died.

Release of the property was mentioned in 1732 to William James of Bristol, brother of Isaac, they were the sons of James James. In May 1744 Isaac James takes the lease.

In 1745 David Morgan was the constable for Dan-y-graig, at some point around this time the lease goes to James James who was overseer of the poor in 1766, the previous year he was surveyor of the highways for his farm.

James James died in 1787. In his will he mentions his wife Elizabeth, son Edward and daughter Elizabeth. (Edward married Rachel Jenkins in August 1792)

In 1790 William James of Wandsworth, yeoman, son and heir of James James Goytre by Elizabeth his wife sold Dan-y-graig to Solomon Jones of Llantilio Pertholey. The same year Solomon leased Dan-y-criag to John Mathews. The overseer of the poor in 1795 says John Mathews is living at the late James James’s land. In 1817 John Mathews married Mary Prosser at St Peter’s.

In 1818 Dan-y-graig was mortgaged by William Jones of Goytre. He was the son and heir of William Jones by Esther his wife, she was the daughter of Thomas Jones of Goytre by Jane his wife. William Jones took a mortgage loan for £100 from Richard Thomas of Brecon, it was named as Tyr-y-Craig, a property of 12 acres.

William Jones took a further charge of £30 on his mortgage in 1822 and again in 1824, he now owes a total of £300 to Richard Thomas of Llangenny Brecon. Another charge was made in 1828 for £60, on this document it says he is a shopkeeper in Abergavenny. William Jones finally sold Dan-y-graig in 1829 for £600.

The 1841 tithe says the owner is Elizabeth Morgan holding 40 acres 1 rood and 32 perches, paying the rector £4 9s. The lease is held by Vaughan Jones, Danygraig was not occupied on the 1841 census, by the 1851 census Vaughan Jones is the occupier.

In 1864 Richard Pruett (the local stonemason, who built amongst other places Machine House at the wharf) purchased Dan-y-graig, taking a mortgage of £450 from David Morgan.

Charles Williams was renting the house and land as tenant in 1871, he was aged 38 and a farmer of 40 acres, Elizabeth his wife is 38 and their children are Eva 10, Edward 8, Elizabeth 6, Mary 4, Charles 1 and Sarah 4 months.

That same year, 1871, Richard Pruett sold Dan-y-graig to George Watkins for £755.  The same year George Watkins died. 

On the 1891 census Daniel Watkins and his family are the occupiers, he is a farmer, both he and his wife Elizabeth are 28 years old, they have a one month old daughter called Mabel.

The chief rent of £1 15s was transferred to Lady Llanover in 1895 when Ann Watkins sold Dan-y-graig to Lady Llanover. Josiah Lewis took the tenancy in 1895,.

There is an advert in the Free Press on the 19th February 1909 for the sale of a cart horse, apply to Dan-y-graig.

Mary and Josiah Lewis of Danygraig. Photo kindly provided by Donna Hamilton.

The census of 1911 gives more details about Josiah Lewis and his family, he is 70

years old and was born in Llanover, Mary his wife is 68, they have been married for 45 years, of their six children born five are still living, their 29 year old son George was working at home on the farm, also mentioned is 22 year old Edith and 14 year old Ivor.

Mary Lewis died in 1912 and was buried at Saron, her obituary says she is the granddaughter of the founder of Saron. Josiah lived for another six years, he died aged 76 and was buried with Mary in March 1918.

40 year old George Lewis is now in occupation of Dan-y-craig on the census of 1921, he is a farmer and was born in Goytre. His wife is Edith who is 31, Edith was born in Risca. With them is Edith’s father 70 year old John Lloyd, he is a retired colliery hewer previously employed in the Ebbw Vale colliery. Their children are Leslie 8 and one year old Keith,  both children were born in Goytre.

The land tax of 1944 says Herbert is the owner and E S Spencer is the occupier.