1932 Free Press

February 26th – Sunday School Concert

A highly successful concert was held at Goytrey schoolroom on Thursday in connection with the Sunday School of Saron Baptist Church.
The large gathering of friends were amply rewarded by the delightful programme which included a performance of an amusing play entitled “the wrong side of the bed,” by the children of the Sunday School, all of whom acquitted themselves creditably.
The latter part of the proceedings consisted of solo recitations by the scholars, which were thoroughly enjoyed.
The thanks of the officers of the Sunday School were extended to all who contributed towards the success of the venture, including Mr and Mrs Vaughan and Miss Ethel Williams.

March 4th – Funeral of Mr James Jenkins (In obituaries)

March 4th – Cottage Repair Ordered

Summoned at the instance of Pontypool Rural District Council for neglecting to abate a nuisance at the old Plough Cottages, Goytrey, Edwin Edgar (55) farmer, was ordered to carry out the specific repairs within three months.
Robert Derrett, sanitary inspector, said the premises consisted of an old farmhouse converted into two cottages. The roof and windows were in need of repair and the walls needed cementing owing to dampness.
Mrs Edgar attributed  the dampness to the fact that no fire had been lighted in the place by the tenant during the winter.
Mr T P Holmes Watkins, clerk to the council, prosecuted.

July 1st – A Ferocious Dog

Child seriously bitten on leg, cheek and lip. Goytrey culprit to be destroyed.
Pontypool magistrates on Monday ordered a dangerous dog belonging to Mrs Florence Richards (48) of Goytrey to be dealt within 14 days.
It had bitten the five year old son of a neighbour, William John Frewin, whilst the child was on his way home from school, inflicting serious injury.
A certificate by Dr EHLM Hachett of Usk, showed that he had been treated the boy for lacerated wounds in the leg and after administering chloroform inserted 5 stitches into his cheek and lips.
The child, it was stated was suffering from shock, following loss of blood and was now in hospital.
The boys father, an examiner in the employ of GWR, said that at 4.15 pm on the previous Tuesday he was in the garden when he heard the cry of a child, looking over the hedge he saw his son covered with blood, being carried home by his older brother, who said he had been bitten by Mrs Richard’s dog. Witness said he had been living near Mrs Richards for three weeks.
Questioned by Mr Harold Saunders, solicitor, Pontypool, for the defendant, Mr Frewin said it was a lonely place.
Mr Saunders: you get tramps and night prowlers there? I have not seen any witness said. The child had just started going to school.
Gilbert Frewin, the ten year old son, told how, when he was walking home from school with his brother John, the dog jumped over the wall and bit his little brother on the face as he was pulling his stocking up.
By Mr Saunders: He did not see his little brother stroke the dog on the back.

Evidence of Vice
John Thomas Bowen, Monkswood, said that his daughter, Gladys, when she was four years old was bitten near the eye by the same dog and on another occasion on the arm. He had himself been attacked by the dog on more than one occasion and had difficulty beating it off.
Mr Saunders said Mrs Richards lived in a very lonely place and it was essential that she have a dog for the safety of her family. She suffered from asthma and had not been to bed for several years, she rested by sitting in a chair.
The dog, a cross-bred Airedale was useful for keeping foxes away from her poultry and also tramps and callers.Mrs Richards said the dog had been severely beaten in a fight and was suffering from a wound on his back, her son said that John Frewin was stroking the dog’s back when he was bitten.

Regarding the sentence on the dog being carried out the magistrates ordered the animal to be kept under strict control.
(Note: Mrs Richards lived at Penpederhoel and John Frewin at James’s Cottage, Rumble Street)

July 29th – Goytrey Church Fete

Sports, Competition and baby show, prettily dressed stalls.
The annual parish church sale, tea and fete took place on Thursday last, opened by Mrs Whitehead, who, in the course of a pleasing and appropriate introductory speech, referred to the need of this yearly parochial event to meet the demands upon the church maintenance funds. At the conclusion of her speech the national anthem was sung.
The stalls had been prettily decorated and attractively offered articles of various kinds.
In the evening, sports, which included bicycle and foot races were held.
The leg of mutton competition drew large number of competitors and the bowling for a pig was well patronised.
The new feature this year was a baby and beauty show, organised by Miss Doris Jackson. There was a large number of entrants. The prizes were won by the following:
The Baby Show
Babies under 15 months, girls;
1st –  Ruby May Jackson, Cwm, 4 months
2nd – Dorothy Dobbs, Goytrey, 10 months

Boys
1st – Bruce Samuels, Griffithstown, 8 1/2 months
2nd – John Owen, Goytrey, 10 months

Boys over 15 months and under 3 years
1st – Keith Luton, Goytrey, 2 years 7 months
2nd – Leslie John Williams, Pontypool Road, 2 years 9 months

Children over 3 years
1st – Pamela Williams, Goytrey, 6 years
2nd – Jean Luton, Goytrey, 4 years 3 months, commended prize
3rd – Joan Hales, Pontypool, 4 years 6 months
4th – Max Dowell, Goytrey, 3 years 11 months

Mr Hales was in attendance and enlivened a successful gathering during and after the event with the loud speaker and choice selection of music.

Mr Edwards, Church Farm, very kindly lent one of his fields for the occasion.

August 5th – Motor Cyclists Injuries

Charles Shepherdson, 22, Twyn Cecil, Goytrey was admitted to Pontypool District Hospital on Sunday suffering from shock, abrasions and cuts. While riding a motor cycle he came into collision with a car.

August 5th – Pretty Wedding at Saron Baptist Chapel

The marriage was solemnised at Saron Chapel Goytrey on Monday of Mr R J Williams, son of Mr & Mrs Williams, High Cottage, Goytrey and Miss Irene Elizabeth James, the only daughter of Mrs J James and the late Mr J James of Elm Tree Cottage Goytrey. The Rev. Aubrey Rees was the officiating minister and Mrs R Rees presided at the organ.
The bride, who was given away by her brother, wore an ankle length dress of pale blue satin with a black picture hat and carried a bouquet of pink carnations and maidenhair fern. She was attended by two bridesmaids, Miss E M Williams, sister of the groom, who wore an ankle length dress of lemon crepe-de-chine with a white picture hat. Miss Eva Pardoe, cousin of the bride wore an ankle length dress also, both carried a bouquet of bronze chrysanthemums and maidenhair fern.
Little Misses Sylvia Jones and Molly James, the flower girls, were dressed in blue silk and carried flower baskets of blue scabious.
The best man was Mr J Williams, brother of the bridegroom.
After,  the ceremony and a reception at the parental home of the bride was attended by some fifty guests. There were a number of valuable presents, one from the Sunday school of which the bride had been superintendent for some time.

August 19th – In Pontypool Hospital

William Morris aged 7 of Ash Cottage, Goytrey, was, on Wednesday evening admitted to Pontypool and District Hospital suffering from abrasions to the head, right arm and left leg. His condition is reported as satisfactory.
He was knocked down by a motor car.

September 9th – Mrs H Jenkins (In obituaries)

September 9th – Goytrey Couple

Mr & Mrs Thomas Morgan of Pwllmeyric, Goytrey, celebrated their Golden wedding on Sunday having been married at Goytrey church on September 4th 1882.
Mr Morgan is in his 80th year and his wife a year or so older, both are in splendid health and are spending a week at Barry with friends to celebrate.
Mr Morgan has been a market gardener at Goytrey for many years. As a young man he spent a short time in Canada and he has worked for short periods on the coal stage at Pontypool Viponds top pit at Varteg.
Both Mr & Mrs Morgan are members of Saron Baptist Chapel. Of the family of five children, three survive:
Mr David Morgan, Maesteg, Mrs R Mount, Basingstoke and Mr William Morgan, Pontypool.

September 16th – Goytrey Farm Withdrawn

At the Greyhound Hotel, Abergavenny, on Tuesday, M/s J Straker & Son & Chadwick, FAI, offered for sale, by auction, the freehold and model residential property, Tyr Ewen, Goytrey. The owner – occupier is Mr J Lewis and the property includes land and orcharding of over 14 acres was withdrawn at £1,350.

September 23rd – Tale of a Horse

Singular case at Pontypool County Court.
A strange story in connection with a transaction in the sale of a horse was related at Pontypool County Court on Wednesday before his honour judge L C Thomas, when Edward Henry Charles of Goytrey claimed £5 from Henry Taylor, of Manor Road, Abersychan.
Mr WLV Harding (from the office of Mr WJ Everett, Pontypool) appeared for the plaintiff and Mr AE Bowen & Son, Pontypool)  for the defendant.
Charles said he paid £5 for a horse from John Hancock, an underground labourer of Cwmffrwdoer, who gave him a receipt, stated that the horse had been sold on behalf of Taylor. Soon after the sale he met Mr Taylor at Pontypool fair.
He told him he had not given Hancock permission to sell the horse. A few days later Taylor came to his farm and said he was going to take the horse away.
He phoned for the police and Taylor left before the constable came.
On the 27th July he met defendant at Pontnewynydd and he again said he was coming for the horse. He asked Taylor to see Hancock and get the purchase money from him and the transaction would be completed.
The defence was that Hancock had had no authority to sell the animal.
Anybody’s Job
It was stated that Taylor told him William Gwatkin,  licensee of the Wheatsheaf Hotel, Pontypool at the time, that if he got a buyer for the horse he would have anything beyond £5 for himself, Hancock was present at the time and considered he was included in the selling arrangement.
Hancock said he had offered £5 to Taylor and he had it in court to pay him.
The Judge: It was a golden opportunity.
Reviewing the evidence his honour said Taylor made it perfectly clear that he was willing to take £5 for the horse. Hancock overheard the conversation and apparently considered he was included in the offer in selling it honestly, for he gave a receipt on behalf of Taylor.
His honour said he was driven to the conclusion that when the conversation took place Hancock was entitled to think that, provided he got this money which Mr Taylor wanted, he was entitled to sell the horse.
The proper course for him to take was to give judgement for the plaintiff and to leave Hancock to hand over the £5.

September 30th – To let or for sale

One cottage on main road Goytrey to Nantyderry, modern conveniences, apply, W. Jackson, Goytrey.

October 7th – Chapel Ed Goytrey

The church, built own 1807 has been re-roofed and the interior painted and decorated. A new window also has been placed in the Chapel to the memory of the late Mr John Wilks, who was deacon in the church for over sixty years.
At the re-opening service the special speaker was the Rev. DL Jenkins, Bargoed,  there was a large and appreciative audience, including a number of the direct descendants of the good men and true who were the founders of the sanctuary.
At the evening meeting addresses were delivered by the Rev. Eli Symmons, Mr D James (Green Court, Llanover,) Mr Pritchard (New Inn,) Mr & Mrs W Stinchcombe.  Mr John Wilks, Little Mill, presided at the organ.

October 14th

Mr Stanley Williams and Mr & Mrs H James of Pentre Farm Goytrey, wish to thank all kind friends for sympathy during their bereavement and for floral tributes.

October 14th – Wedding

The wedding took place on Monday of Goytrey postman Mr Wilfred Spanner and Miss Mary Jane Hobbs, the eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs Richard Hobbs, Gable Cottage, Penpellenny.
At 8 o’clock numerous relatives and friends had assembled at Goytrey church to witness the ceremony, which was solemnised by the rector, the Rev. HCP Belcher, M.A.
The bride, who looked charming, was attended by her sister, Miss Elsie Hobbs and was given away by her eldest brother, Mr Alfred Hobbs, in the unavoidable absence of her father.
Another brother, Mr Evan Hobbs, carried out the duties of best man.
The wedding party were subsequently entertained at the brides home.
The bridegroom, needless to say is well known in the district, for which he has been postman for five years. He is the youngest son of Mrs Spencer of Ventnor, Isle of Wight.
The happy couple later left for Ventnor where the honeymoon will be spent.
Mr & Mrs Spencer will reside at Pontypool.

October 14th – Mr Enoch Waters, Goytrey (In obituaries)

Morgan, Mr D H – 1946

February 15th 1946

Mr D H Morgan

The death occurred after a short illness of Mr David Hugh Morgan, aged 76 of the Gwynedd, Goytrey, a prominent figure in the district for many years and for forty years a member of the parish council, whose chairman he had been.

Mr Morgan was an active member of Saron Baptist Church, of which he was secretary from 1896 until 1920. He had also served as choirmaster and superintendent of the Sunday school. In the latter capacity he made splendid work, for he was very fond of children. He was also secretary of the British and Foreign Bible Society for Goytrey, Llanover and Lanvair. During the recent war he was a member of the Military Hardship Committee and of the Board of Refugees.

Mr Morgan, a member of a well known farming family, was born at the Wern and had been at the Gwynedd since 1921, of eleven brothers only one survives, Mr Louis Morgan, Bussey View, Goytrey, four died in America.

The widow, Mrs Ada Morgan, is a member of another old Goytrey family, her father, the late Mr Josiah Lewis, was prominent in the religious life of the district. Mr & Mrs Morgan had been married nearly 42 years.

Mrs Morgan’s grandfather gave the ground and stones for the building of Saron Chapel.

The funeral took place at Saron Chapel the Rev H Roderick officiating, assisted by the Rev Boaz Roberts of Abergavenny.

Mourners:

The widow; Herbert and Ada; Mr & Mrs Lewis Morgan; Mr & Mrs D Morgan ( Glyn-neath); Mrs Maud Redwood; Mr & Mrs Powell, (Abersychan); Mrs B Morgan and Miss B Morgan (Godalming); Mrs Williams (Wolverhampton); Mr & Mrs Lewis; Mr & Mrs Lewis and Betty; Mrs A Lewis, Arthur and Mary; Mr & Mrs Powell (Griffithstown); Laurie and Arthur Lewis; Councillor H J Lewis,(Cwmbran)

Others Present:

Mr Morgan (Glyn-neath); Mr & Miss John; Mr & Mrs Lewis (Rogerstone); Mr & Mrs Bottle (London); Mr & Mrs Edgar Probyn J.P.; T P Holmes Watkins; Douglas Evans; Percy Holmes (New Inn: John Owen Y Fenni; C Gameson; David Wilks; John Rogers; W Williams (Cwmbran); and many other relatives and friends.

Bearers:

M/s Ira, Leigh, Glyn, Kenneth, David and William Morgan, nephews.

Flowers:

Wife, Herbert and Ada; Cecil and Olive; Lewis and Hannah; Will, Jennie and family; Mr & Mrs Stock and family; Mrs Knapp; Mr & Mrs Francis; W J Powell; L R Morgan and Miss Morgan; Mrs Jenkins and Mrs Brooks; Mr A R Pritchard and family; Mrs Litten; Mr L Lewis; Mr & Mrs Redwood; Hilda and Ernest; Mr & Mrs Powell; Arthur Lewis; Mr & Mrs David Lewis; Mrs Lewis and family; Mr & Mrs J Rogers; Mr & Mrs Morgan and family (Priddew); Mrs Jones and family; Hanover Chapel and Sunday School; Members of Chapel Ed; Goytrey Fawr Parish Council.

1946 Free Press

January 11th – No License

For driving a car without a license at Pontypool on December 22nd Reginald Jones, 30, milk vender of Pentre Vach, Goytrey, was fined 10/-.
Inspector A. Bowkett said that when he stopped James at Clarence Street he produced a license which expired in April 1945, he said “I thought it was in order.”

January 11th – Funeral of Mrs A Lewis

The funeral took place at St Mathews Church, Monkswood, of Mrs. Alice Lewis, aged 66 of Llwyncelyn Farm. She had been in business at Pontypool market for over 40 years and was very well known and esteemed. The Rev C A Rees (Saron Baptist Chapel and the Rev. Howell Witt (curate of Monkswood) officiated.

Mourners: Husband; Harry Florrie and Harold, Lilly and Will, Mabel and Archie, daughters and sons-in-law; Roy Ball; Sylvia, Doreen and Peter Jones, Doris Pitt, Bert, Archie and Harry James, Mary Gratton, grandchildren. Mrs F Pitt, sister. Mr A Pardoe, brother; Mrs C Pardoe, Sheffield, sister-in-law; Irene and Ted Williams, Cliff and Dai James, Mrs E Foster (Birmingham), Mrs H Bridgeman, (Caldicot), Mr J Shepherdson, Mr & Mrs W Summers, Mrs E Orman, Mrs V Smith, Mr T Pitt, Mr & Mrs I Pitt, Charlie, Jack and Ivor Shepherdson, Mrs T Price, Mrs B West, nephews and nieces; Mr R Perrot, Mrs A Scott, Mr T Powell, (Newport), cousins.
Nephews and grandsons acted as bearers.
Flowers: Husband; Annie, Sylvia, Doreen and Peter; Florrie and Harold; John, Melda and children; Lily, Will and family; Mabel and Archie; Roy and Mary; Mabel and Cedric (Rochdale); all the grandchildren at Byrgym Bach; Hetta, Dai and Cliff; Irene and Ted; sister Flo and family; Arthur Hilda and family; ann, Jack and boys; Charlie, Flo and Peter; Annie, Eva and Fred (Sheffield); Jane, (Caldicot); Will and Maud; Flo and Tom (Newport);Alice and Percy; Ivor and May; Ada, Harold and Lilly (Sheffield); Olive, Tom and family (Pontnewynydd); Bessie and family (Pontypool); Mr & Mrs Thompson (Pentre Grange); Mr & Mrs H James and family (Pentre Farm); Mr M Roberts and children (The Cwm); Mr & Mrs Nicholas and family (Brynderwen); Mr & Mrs J Howells (The Brook); Mrs Prosser and family; Mrs Walton and Sidney; Miss & Mrs Rogers (The Horseshoe); The family of the late Mrs Jones, The Knoll; Mrs Radmore and Lilly; Mr E Morris and Mr & Mrs E J Morris; Mrs G Williams and family (Caeton Glas); Mrs Jones and family; Mrs Morris and family; Mr & Mrs Gratton, Ernie and Ray; Mrs J Williams and Mr & Mrs Rees, Saron Baptist Chapel.

January 18th
Funeral of Conway
Arthur – (In obituaries)

January 25th
Funeral of Mr C. R. Whatley
– (In obituaries)

February 1st – Evan Morris – 

The death occurred at Bedfont of Evan Morris one of the oldest inhabitants of Goytrey at the age of 85. A native of Monkswood he lived all his life in the district except for a short period at Abergavenny.A staunch churchman he was for many years a verger and sidesman and for 50 years a member of the choir.
He was employed by the GWR for 47 years and was pre-deceased by his wife 14 years ago. He is survived by his three sons and one daughter.
Funeral service at the house and church were conducted by Canon S G Morgan – Mr Merrick was at the organ.
Mourners: Edwin, Albert and Ernest, sons; J Garland grandson; Stewart Garland, son-in-law; J Jones, A. Probert, W. Trawford, J. Lewis, J Davies.
At the house: Florence, daughter; Melda, granddaughter, Win and Hattie, daughters-in-law; Mary, Gladys, and Clarice, nieces;
Bearers: M/s W. King, T. Jennings, J. Davies, A James, I. Dobbs and S. Haines.
Among the general public were:
M/s W. Morgan, senior; F. Morgan jnr; C. King; Reg Cupper; A. Preece; all of Abergavenny; J. Mugford; W.B. Warne; H. Reardon; A. Jones; F. Walters; W. Griffiths; G. Dobbs; P. Jones; I. Deaken; J. Taylor; Cpt Jones; C. Vaughan; A. Davies; G. Vaughan; H. Williams; G. Boyce; F. Bishop; W & G Cording; Mmes Haines, Vaughan, Merrick, and many others friends.Flowers: The family; Melda and John; Marjorie, Beryl, John and Betty; Gladys, Alf and Jack; Kate and Clarice; GWR staff and engineering dept Abergavenny district; Neighbours Newtown; Mrs Thomas; Mrs Davies and all at Ty Hir; All at Tillbach Mamhilad; Mr & Mrs Whitney and family; G & M Boyce, Berllan; Mrs E Garland and family Griffithstown; Mr J. Lewis and family Llwyn Celyn.

February 15th  – Mr D H Morgan

The death occurred after a short illness of Mr David Hugh Morgan, aged 76 of the Gwynedd, Goytrey, a prominent figure in the district for many years and for forty years a member of the parish council, whose chairman he had been.
Mr Morgan was an active member of Saron Baptist Church, of which he was secretary from 1896 until 1920. He had also served as choirmaster and superintendant of the Sunday school. In the latter capacity he made splendid work, for he was very fond of children. He was also secretary of the British and Foreign Bible Society for Goytrey, Llanover and Lanvair. During the recent war he was a member of the Military Hardship Committee and of the Board of Refugees.
Mr Morgan, a member of a well known farming family, was born at the Wern and had been at the Gwynedd since 1921, of eleven brothers only one survives, Mr Louis Morgan, Bussey View, Goytrey, four died in America.
The widow, Mrs Ada Morgan, is a member of another old Goytrey family, her father, the late Mr Josiah Lewis, was prominent in the religious life of the district. Mr & Mrs Morgan had been married nearly 42 years.
Mrs Morgan’s grandfather gave the ground and stones for the building of Saron Chapel.
The funeral took place at Saron Chapel the Rev H Roderick officiating, assisted by the Rev Boaz Roberts of Abergavenny.
Mourners:
The widow; Herbert and Ada; Mr & Mrs Lewis Morgan; Mr & Mrs D Morgan ( Glyn-neath); Mrs Maud Redwood; Mr & Mrs Powell, (Abersychan); Mrs B Morgan and Miss B Morgan (Godalming); Mrs Williams (Wolverhampton); Mr & Mrs Lewis; Mr & Mrs Lewis and Betty; Mrs A Lewis, Arthur and Mary; Mr & Mrs Powell (Griffithstown); Laurie and Arthur Lewis; Councillor H J Lewis,(Cwmbran)
Others Present:
Mr Morgan (Glyn-neath); Mr & Miss John; Mr & Mrs Lewis (Rogerstone); Mr & Mrs Bottle (London); Mr & Mrs Edgar Probyn J.P.; T P Holmes Watkins; Douglas Evans; Percy Holmes (New Inn: John Owen Y Fenni; C Gameson; David Wilks; John Rogers; W Williams (Cwmbran); and many other relatives and friends.
Bearers:
M/s Ira, Leigh, Glyn, Kenneth, David and William Morgan, nephews.
Flowers:
Wife, Herbert and Ada; Cecil and Olive; Lewis and Hannah; Will, Jennie and family; Mr & Mrs Stock and family; Mrs Knapp; Mr & Mrs Francis; W J Powell; L R Morgan and Miss Morgan; Mrs Jenkins and Mrs Brooks; Mr A R Pritchard and family; Mrs Litten; Mr L Lewis; Mr & Mrs Redwood; Hilda and Ernest; Mr & Mrs Powell; Arthur Lewis; Mr & Mrs David Lewis; Mrs Lewis and family; Mr & Mrs J Rogers; Mr & Mrs Morgan and family (Priddew); Mrs Jones and family; Hanover Chapel and Sunday School; Members of Chapel Ed; Goytrey Fawr Parish Council.

March 8th – Mr H Vimpany, Goytrey.

The funeral took place at St Peter’s Churchyard, Goytrey, of Mr Harry Vimpany, aged 78 of Hay Meadow, Goytrey, Canon Morgan officiated.
Mourners:
Wife; Harry, Ernest, William, Ivor, Harold, sons; Ena, daughter; Tom, son-in-law; Elsie and Doris, daughters-in-law; Georgina and Florrie, sisters-in-law; William, brother-in-law.
Bearers:
M/s Hamer, Price, Powell and Hatchley.
Also present; M/s Churchill; Bybe; Gwatkin; Arthur Gwatkin; R Jones; Messenger; Dobbs and Jones.
Flowers:
Wife, Harry, Ern and Doris; Bill and Ivor; Harold and Elsie; Ena, Tom and children; Georgina; Will, Florrie and family; Mr & Mrs Gwatkin; Gweneth, Bill and Ann; Mrs Lionel Whitehead; Mrs Jones and Hilda; All at Gelli; Amy, Trevor and children; Mr & Mrs Hatchley and Joy; Mr & Mrs Price and Bobby; Mr & Mrs Hamer.

March 8th
Funeral of Mr H Vimpany – (In obituaries)

April 19th – Goytrey Man’s Suicide

A verdict of “Suicide whilst the balance of his mind was disturbed,” was recorded by the coroner Mr D. J. Treasurer, at the Pontypool inquest on Alfred Gordon Williams, aged 56, single, a retired farmer of Highfields, Goytrey, whose sister found him hanging from a beam in an outbuilding on Sunday morning.
The sister, Miss Mahala Williams, said that while her brother had been very depressed he had never threatened to take his life.
Sergt. John Williams, Little Mill, said the rope was fastened to a beam in the roof which could be reached from the floor of a loft extending half way across the barn
Dr. Parry, Abergavenny, said deceased had suffered from neurasthenia for some years and as the result of an attack of ‘flu some months ago his condition became worse.
He was also worried about his brother with whom he resided.

May 3rd

Freehold Cottage, 2 roods, 20 perches of garden and orchard, Yew Tree Cottage, Goytrey, now let to Mr Harold Fishbourne.
Two freehold cottages together with 1 acre, 1 rood and 29 perches of pasture and orchard, New House and Elm Trees, Pengroesoped, now let to Evan Dobbs and H James.
Two freehold villas with large gardens, Bedfont Cottages, Newtown Road, let to E Morris and J Walters.
Sale by public auction.

May 3rd – Goytrey Memorial Unveiled

In the presence of a large congregation, a memorial to the late Eliachim Symmons, late pastor of the church, was unveiled on Sunday at Chapel Ed.
The service was conducted by the Rev Howell Williams of Abergavenny and many friends paid tribute to the life and character of Mr Symmons.
The memorial was erected by members and friends of Chapel Ed, who are grateful to Mrs Shelton Jones for her work in collecting the subscriptions.
The memorial was designed and erected by the Abergavenny sculpture Mr H.N. Davis.

May 17th

Sale of “The Flat” Nantyderry on June 4th at the Greyhound, Abergavenny.
Comprising 14 acres of walled garden, greenhouses etc.

August 2ndSaron Baptist Church

The Rev. A A Rees presided at anniversary service. Those contributing in the afternoon were:
Velma Arthur, Maureen Chamberlain, Robert Howells, Brian Davies, Maureen Lewis, John James, recitations.
Dorothy James, Gerald Jones, Maureen Lewis, Alwyn Lewis, Maureen Chamberlain, Leonard Williams, Dorothy Williams and Gwynedd James, solos.
Senior S.S. scholars, assisted by younger church members gave the evening programme. The choir sang selections and individual items were given by:
Maureen Lewis, Alwyn Lewis, David James, Marion Williams, Barbara James, Stanley Phillips, and messrs Silcox and Langley, solos.
Mrs Jones and Miss Davies duet. John Davis, Gwynedd James, Doreen Jones, Barbara Davies, Peter Jones, Sylvia Jones, Miss Paske, Marjory Roberts, Maureen Lewis, David James and Mrs F Jones, recitations.
Devotions were taken throughout by Barbara Davis and Miss Sylvia Jones and K Losemoors.
Mrs E Rees conducted the singing, Mrs F Jones trained the reciters and Mr Keith Luton accompanied.

August 30th – Flower Show aids Goytre Memorial Fund

The first annual flower and vegetable show, held at Goytre House (kindly lent by Mrs Byrde) attracted a variety and quality of entries that would have done credit to an old established show and the organisers will be assured of success in the future.
The function was in aid of the Goytre Memorial Hall Fund.
Mr H H Hatchley presided at the opening ceremony and said they had every reason to be proud of their success of their first effort.
Mrs Byrde, opening the show said she was proud to be associated with such a worthy object as the provision of a much needed memorial hall.
The value of a flower show, apart from stimulating apart from food production and the development of a friendly competitive spirit, was that they could meet and exchange ideas.
Others who spoke were Mrs L D Whitehead, Canon S G Morgan, Rector of Goytre, who proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs Byrde and Mrs Whitehead and Mr D W Phillips, treasurer, who seconded.
Bouquets were presented by the Misses Marion Jones and Beynon.
The cup for the most successful exhibitor was presented by Miss Molly Thomas, Pontypool, was won by Mr E J Harley of Usk.
The judges were:
E W Luff, Usk, vegetables; Mr C C Jenkins, Usk, flowers; Mr A V Pavord, children’s section; Miss W Davies, Abergavenny, honey; Mrs Spencer, Llanvair, industrial
Officers of the committee:
H H Hatchley, chairman; BFW Bishop, secretary; D W Phillips, treasurer; G Davies, G Knight and R T Messenger.
Show managers:
Mrs D Knight; M/s Howard; I Dobbs; J Litten; T Edwards; E Morris; R Hawkins; and W Rouse.
Vegetable Collection (local)

  1. W Constance, Usk
  2. T Howard, Goytre

Collection Open

  1. E J Harley, Usk

Kidney Potatoes

  1. Harley
  2. Constance
  3. Prosser, Goytre

Kidney Potatoes Coloured

  1. Harley
  2. Prosser
  3. L D Whitehead

Round Potatoes White

  1. Howard

Potatoes Three Varieties

  1. Harley

Autumn Onion trimmed

  1. EA Jones
  2. Harley

Spring Onions Untrimmed

  1. Harley
  2. J Powell, Goytre
  3. E A Jones

Long Carrots

  1. Howard
  2. White, Glascoed

Carrot Stump Root

  1. W Dowding, Usk

Parsnips

  1. Harley
  2. Constance

Cabbage

  1. Harley
  2. Dowding

Runner Beans

  1. EA Jones
  2. Constance

Leeks

  1. Harley

Clery

  1. Constance

Pickling Shallots

  1. White
  2. Jones
  3. Constance

Giant Shallots

  1. Gill
  2. Rouse, Nantyderry
  3. E A Jones

Marrows

  1. Mrs Whitehead
  2. Harley

Tomatoes

  1. Harley
  2. Horler, Snatchwood
  3. E Anthony, Goytre

Lettuce

1.Howard

Constance

W E Charles, Usk

Turnips

  1. Howard

Red Cabbage

  1. Harley

Rhubarb

  1. Constance
  2. White
  3. D H Jones

Ridge Cucumbers

  1. Charles
  2. Harley

Cucumbers grown under glass

  1. Whitehead
  2. Harley

Long runner beans

  1. Constance
  2. Howard

Heaviest potatoes

  1. Constable

Parsnips

  1. C Morris Goytre

Cabbage

  1. Charles
  2. Brain Penpellenny

Runner beans

  1. E A Jones
  2. Morris
  3. Hatchley

Peas

  1. Davies Goytre
  2. Owen

Beet

  1. ProbertDavies
  2. Jones

Potatoes any variety

  1. Probert Little Mill
  2. Charles
  3. Chamberlain Goytre

Onions

  1. Powell
  2. Mrs Williams Goytre
  3. Probert

Carrots

  1. Charles

Pickling shallots

  1. Williams
  2. Brain

Giant shallots

  1. Brain

Dessert apples

  1. E A Jones
  2. Prosser
  3. Mrs Whitehead

Cooking apples

  1. Mrs Whitehead
  2. Ms Williams Goytre
  3. Mrs Haines Goytre

Plums

  1. Mrs E Anthony Goytre
  2. Mrs L Messenger
  3. Prosser

Pears

  1. Mrs Whitehead
  2. Mrs Messenger
  3. Prosser

Soft fruit

  1. Whitehead
  2. Messenger

Flowers

Sweet peas

  1. Constance
  2. Jones
  3. Whitehead

Roses

  1. Whitrehead
  2. Charles

Asters

  1. Whitehead
  2. M Harley
  3. Davies

Antirrhinums

  1. Mrs Charles
  2. Mrs Jones
  3. Mrs Whitehead

Dahlias

  1. Prosser
  2. Howard
  3. Constance

Cut blooms

  1. Mrs Charles
  2. Mrs Howard
  3. Mrs Watkins

Chrysanthemums

  1. Constance
  2. F L Messenger

Zinnias

  1. Harley

Stocks

1.Harley

Dowding

 

Cut flowers three varieties

  1. Mrs Charles

Pot plant

  1. Mrs Howard
  2. Mrs Williams
  3. Mrs Anthony

Table decoration

  1. Mrs Bailey Coedcae
  2. Mrs Charles

Collection of flowers

  1. Mrs Charles

Collection of wild flowers under 14

  1. Patricia Fagg
  2. Miss Chamberlain

Collection of wild flowers under 11

  1. Miss Constable
  2. Griffiths
  3. Jones
  4. Bryn Gill

Honey

Light honey

  1. Mrs L Phillips Goytre
  2. Jones
  3. Messenger

Dark Honey

  1. S E Powell GwehelogChares
  2. Messenger

Light honet local

  1. Phillips
  2. Jones
  3. Messenger

Dark honey local

  1. Charles
  2. Powell

Industrial

Raspberry jam

  1. Mrs Powell
  2. Mrs Chgarles
  3. Mrs Anthony

Strawberry

  1. Mrs K Salter Llanellen
  2. Howard
  3. Messenger

Blackcurrant

  1. Mrs J Takel Abersychan
  2. Mrs Horler
  3. Mrs Powell
  4. Any other jam
  5. 1. Mrs Horler
  6. Mrs Charles
  7. Miss Mary Williams Goytre

Jelly

  1. Mrs E M Watkins Abergavenny
  2. Mrs Takel
  3. Miss Messenger

Bottle fruit

  1. Mrs Messenger
  2. Mrs Jones
  3. Mrs Anthony

Brown hen eggs

  1. Mrs E A Griffiths Pontypool
  2. Mrs Messenger
  3. Mrs Chamberlain

White eggs

  1. Mrs Hatchley

Dish of salad

  1. Howard
  2. Charles
  3. Messenger

Welsh cakes

  1. Mrs Charles
  2. Mrs Thomas Griffithstown
  3. Mrs Griffiths

Fruit cake

  1. Mrs Charles
  2. Mrs Knight
  3. Mrs Griffiths

Sponge sandwich

  1. Miss T Smith Pontnewynydd
  2. Mrs Griffiths
  3. Mrs Phillips

Leather or chamois gloves

  1. And 2. Miss Knight Nantyderry

Handmade door mat

  1. Mrs Watkins

Knitted matinee coat

  1. Mrs Anthony
  2. Mrs Takel

Knitted socks

  1. Mrs Takel
  2. Mrs Watkins

Handmade tray cloth

  1. Miss Knight
  2. Mrs Bailey

Gloves

  1. Mrs Gill
  2. Mrs Hatchley

Table mats

  1. Mrs Takel

Childs soft toy

  1. Mrs Upstone Penpellenny
  2. Mrs Salter

Thrift garment

  1. Mrs J Gill
  2. Mrs Salter

Handmade wool rug

  1. Mrs Gill
  2. Mrs Watkins

 

November 2nd – Late Drinks at Nantyderry

A policeman’s late night visit to the refreshment rooms at Nantyderry railway station on October 209th led to the appearance at Pontypool on Saturday of Edward Stanley Williams, 35, the licensee and Reginald Dennis Rouse, 28, of Station House Nantyderry.
Williams was summoned for supplying beer out of hours to Rouse and aiding and abetting him in its consumption and Rouse was summoned for aiding and abetting in the supply and for consuming after hours. Both pleaded not guilty.
PC K Jenkins, Llanover, said he saw a light and heard voices coming from the refreshment rooms at 10.45 pm. He went in and saw Williams sitting at a table and playing cards with three other men. There were four empty beer glasses on the bar counter. Rouse was sitting on a chair near the fire and there was a glass of beer on the mantelpiece near him. He admitted the drink belonged to him and Williams said “I served it before time.”
Forgot his beer
Mr D P Tomlin (Everett & Tomlin) for the defence said the facts stated by the constable were admitted. There was nothing wrong in the refreshment rooms being open, as they were open all night. Williams’s brother had paid for a round of drinks before ten. Rouse, who had an artificial leg and was tired from prolonged walking, only sipped his then sat down by the fire. He dozed and apparently forgot it. Williams had been licensed since 1940 and had a good record.
Williams said the others drank their beer and he put the empty glasses on the counter, he overlooked Rouse’s on the mantelpiece.
Rouse said he was sleepy and forgot all about the drink. Even if the policeman had not come in he would not have drunk it as it had gone flat.
William Williams and Leonard Hawkins, Nantyderry, said no drinks were served after 5 minutes to ten.
The bench dismissed the charge of supplying but on the consuming charges Williams and Rouse were ordered to pay 20/- costs each.

Vimpany, Mr H – 1946

March 8th 1946

Mr H Vimpany, Goytrey.

The funeral took place at St Peter’s Churchyard, Goytrey, of Mr Harry Vimpany, aged 78 of Hay Meadow, Goytrey, Canon Morgan officiated.

Mourners: Wife; Harry, Ernest, William, Ivor, Harold, sons; Ena, daughter; Tom, son-in-law; Elsie and Doris, daughters-in-law; Georgina and Florrie, sisters-in-law; William, brother-in-law.

Bearers: M/s Hamer, Price, Powell and Hatchley.

Also present; M/s Churchill; Bybe; Gwatkin; Arthur Gwatkin; R Jones; Messenger; Dobbs and Jones.

Flowers:

Wife, Harry, Ern and Doris; Bill and Ivor; Harold and Elsie; Ena, Tom and children; Georgina; Will, Florrie and family; Mr & Mrs Gwatkin; Gweneth, Bill and Ann; Mrs Lionel Whitehead; Mrs Jones and Hilda; All at Gelli; Amy, Trevor and children; Mr & Mrs Hatchley and Joy; Mr & Mrs Price and Bobby; Mr & Mrs Hamer.

Williams, Mrs Edith – 1932

Mrs E Williams

Funeral of Goytrey Farmer’s Wife

The funeral took place on Tuesday week of Mrs Edith Williams who died on September 30th at the age of 26 years. She was the wife of Mr Stanley Williams, Pentre Farm, Goytrey and daughter of Mr and Mrs H. James.

The interment was at Goytrey Church the Rev. H.C.P. Belcher [vicar] and the Rev. C.A. Rees [Saron Chapel] officiating.

The bearers were: Messrs Frank Jones, Morgan Jones, Clifford James and Edward Williams.

Floral tributes were sent by: Husband; Mam Dad and family; Uncle tom and family; Mildred, Bert and baby, [sister and brother in law]; Aunt Elizabeth and Annie, Tondu; Harold and Violet, cousins, Tondu; Beryl, Enid and Vera, cousins, Tondu; Mother in law and Cyril, Pontypool; Mr and Mrs J. James, Goytrey; Mr and Mrs William James and family; Mr and Mrs Frank Jones; Mr and Mrs J. Lewis and John; Mr and Mrs George Evans and family; Mr and Mrs Ball and Roy; Mrs Redwood; Mrs Litten; Mrs Lewis, Pentre Grange; Mr and Mrs Whitney and family; Mr and Mrs Gwatkin and family; Little Sylvia and Doreen ….ones; Mrs Ballinger, Tondu; Mr and Mrs D. Jones, Pontnewynydd; Mr and Mrs Shepardson, Monkswood; Mr and Mrs Archir James, llanover; Mr and Mrs I Jones, Mamhilad; Mr and Mrs Arthur James, Monkswood; and Mr and Mrs E. Williams, Monkswood.

Jenkins, Mrs H – 1946

Mrs H. Jenkins

Funeral at Goytrey aged 93

The death occurred on the 23rd August aged 93 years of Mrs Harriet Jenkins late of Ty Llwyd, Llanover.

The deceased lady was the widow of the Grand Old Man of Goytrey, whom she survived by exactly six months. She was on a visit to her son at Pontypridd.

The funeral took place at Goytrey Church on August 26th. The Rev. Jenkins, St Mark’s Church Pontypridd held a service at the house and the Rev. R.E. Seaton of Mamhilad officiated at the Church in the absence of H.C.P. Belcher, rector of Goytrey.

The mourners were: Mrs Halliday, daughter; Mr W. Parry and Mr F. Parry, sons; Mrs W. Parry, daughter in law; Mr W. Parry and Mr E. Parry, grandsons;

Messrs E. Morris, T. Evans, L. Lloyd and C. Price acted as bearers.

Among the general public present were: Mrs Evans and Mrs Jones, Pengroesoped; Miss Taylor, Mrs Fay, Mr Harding, [Nantyderry]; Mr Rees, [late of Llanover]; Mr Jackson, [Penperllenny]; and Mr Ernest Morris [Goytrey].

Floral tributes were received from: Annie and Harry, [Southampton]; Will and Fan, [Pontypridd]; Fred and family [Ebbw Vale]; Phil and family, [Dorking]; Grandsons and granddaughter, [Southampton]; Mrs Evans, [Pengroesoped] niece; E. Morris and family; All at Nantyderry Post Office; Mrs Price and Winnie, [Pontypridd]; Mrs Thomas [Dan y layn]; Mrs Maltravers and family; Neighbours at Dan y layn; Grandsons and Granddaughters at Pontypridd;

Mr D Williams Maesycoed, Pontypridd was the undertaker.

Margaret Thomas – 26th October 1921

Murder of Margaret Thomas

Lapstone Cottage Goytrey

26th October 1921

When morning broke on Wednesday 26th October 1921, it was a predictable start to the day for David Thomas and his wife Margaret. The couple lived at Lapstone Cottage, a small stone built house on the Llanover Estate, at Pengroesoped near Abergavenny. Having risen as usual just before 6am, David washed and readied himself for work, whilst his 48 year old wife prepared their breakfast of fried potatoes and bacon. This finished and having exchanged their goodbyes, David Thomas left for work. It was 6.45am.

David worked at Ffawydden Quarry about a mile and a half from his home. He was responsible for the removal of topsoil prior to the quarrying of stone. He returned home to the most horrible sight – the dead body of his wife on the kitchen floor bespattered with blood. Nearby was a piece of iron which was blood stained and there is no doubt that it was with this the brute – man is to good a name for such a villain.

Mr. Thomas found his wife was beyond human aid and went to raise the alarm, meeting on his way the village postman, he detached him to summon the local policeman P.C. Preece, who resided about 1 mile from the scene.

Critical investigations have and are being conducted. Yesterday the little white cottage was visited by a number of well known people in the locality and a good many of the women were overcome.

All evidence points strongly to the fact that the murder must have been committed early in the day – probably soon after the husband left for his work. Mrs. Thomas’s routine would be to let the fowl and pigs out shortly after breakfast, but on his return Mr. Thomas fond the animals still locked in their pens. Neither had she commenced her daily chores.

The husband, attired in ordinary everyday labourer’s clothes was a pathetic picture.

The inquest was held in the village Temperance Hotel at Pengroesoped, the husband was called as the first witness, he said he was David Thomas of Lapstone Cottage and his wife’s age was 43, he had left the cottage at 6.40 and returned at 5.30pm, when on gaining access to the house he found his wife dead. On the way to work he saw young Billy Thomas and spoke to him. On his return home unable to get into the house, thinking his wife had gone for milk or water, he discovered the pigs had not been fed and were ravenous, after a while he tried the other door and found it to be on the latch, when he got into the house he found an iron bar about a foot long lying by his wife’s right hand.

Missing from the house were several items; a silver watch of his wife’s; a metal watch of his own; a navy blue suit; navy blue waistcoat and trousers; a pair of light black boots; a tie; 19s; a pair of pants; a singlet; two good razors and bar of shaving soap. In the house they found a tin can close to the wall. In the bedroom witness said he found a folded handkerchief, also missing was £4 in treasury notes.

He had seen a strange man about several days before on the canal bank.

Mrs. Thomas sometimes worked for Mrs. Rosser Llanover and on the 13th October on arriving at work she seemed very upset and said about 8am that day she had seen wet footprints on her path leading to the door of her house. She then went up to the door of her shed and found a big man sitting there and it frightened her. She asked him what he wanted and he said some sticks to light a fire. She told him to be off as she had to carry her sticks a long way. She did not see him again.

William Williams of Llanover said he saw Mr. Thomas working at the quarry on the day of the murder and passed the time of day with him. Alfred Thomas, son of the last witness said he also saw Mr. Thomas in the quarry on the day in question.

Mrs. Elizabeth Evans, widow, Pengroesoped said that Thomas had come to her house to see if his wife had come for water, he then went back home and half an hour later came rushing back shouting someone has murdered Maggie, he then went to Henry Jones for help.

The body was covered in a red quilt and lots of mats but you could still see her legs, nurse Saunders of Tredegar examined Mrs. Thomas and found her dead.

Critical investigations are and being conducted but nothing tangible has been discovered. The murder must have been committed early in the morning, soon after the husband left for work.

Mr. Bryn Morgan of Glan-y-nant Farm said he had seen a man washing himself in the brook, asked if he knew Mrs. Thomas he said she was one of the most jolly women you could wish to know. At one time Mrs. Thomas was housekeeper for Mr. Charles at Park-y-brain Farm.

The funeral of Mrs. Thomas, which took place at Saron Baptist Chapel, a distance of one and a half miles from her cottage was lined with about two thousand people, many to pay genuine respects and many from morbid curiosity.

William Sullivan, 42, a tramping labourer from Cwmbran was charged with the murder of Margaret Thomas.

George Henry Smith, milk seller, Mamhilad said on Friday October 21st he saw prisoner and asked him where he was going; he said he had come from Newport workhouse and was going to Abergavenny workhouse. He again saw him on October 26th heading towards Pontypool. Florence Smith, wife of witness also identified Sullivan as the man seen on the dates mentioned.

A pair of boots left at Lapstone Cottage along with a dirty pair of pajamas and a very dirty handkerchief were discovered by Mr. Thomas and handed to the police. These items were identified as belonging to Sullivan.

Annie Jones of the Forge Hammer Inn, Cwmbran, said Sullivan was drinking in her pub on the 26th October paying 2s 6d for his first drink and later £1 note for drinks with his brother.

Lily May Groves (14) Albion Road, Pontypool, indentified Sullivan as the man who called at her home asking her to ask her mother if she would like to buy a pair of boots and a coat. He wanted 2/6d for the boots and 2/- for the coat. He was told to come back at 6pm. He left the boots and coat on a chair.

Hannah Eliza Groves, 54 of Albion Road Pontypool said she purchased the items from him.

Sullivan was found guilty of the murder of Margaret Thomas.

(Full article can be read in the Free Press section)

Old Castell

Castell Cottage – 395 on the 1841 Tithe Map.

I knew this little cottage very well in my youth as it was owned by my aunt and uncle. My cousin told me it was named after the Castle Pear Tree in the garden.

Castell was number 395 on the 1841 tithe map and contained 3a 2r and 28p, consisting on 4 fields, meadow, the meadow, cae canol and cae wry y canol. The owner was the Earl of Abergavenny.

Although Castell was built many years before, the first fact I can be certain of is a lease dated 1807 to William Morgan for the lives of Ann Phillips 60, her son William 26 and Elizabeth his wife 31. William Phillips married Elizabeth Thomas on February 22nd 1807 at St Peter’s Church, several children were born, William, John and Ann.

In 1819 William Phillips was the constable and on the 1821 Earl of Abergavenny survey Ann Phillips was listed as holding the lease of a cottage and garden.
Elizabeth Phillips died aged 41 and was buried at St Peter’s Church on April 30th 1828.

In 1836 Ann Phillips aged 89 of the Castle was given 2/6 weekly by the overseers of the poor as long as certain arrangement exist between her son and the parish overseers for the occupation of a house and land and “he to bind himself to pay them £5 yearly.”

A new lease was granted to a William Phillips in the year 1838 for the lives of lessee, William, son of Thomas Newman, Goytrey, carpenter, aged 6, John, son of Paul Hughes, Lanvair Kilgedin.

On the 1841 census William is aged 25, a woodcutter, Elizabeth his wife is 25 and their children are Daniel 4 and Mathias 9 months.

In 1845 William was the constable and in 1847 another son Noah was born, in March 1851 their son Isaac died aged 7 and was buried at St Peter’s.

On the 1851 census William is 30, Elizabeth his wife is 40, their children are Mathias 11, Annah 9, Noah 4 and William 1.

In 1852 David Davies of the Royal Oak holds the Royal Oak and Castell, paying the Rev Thomas Evans tithe on both properties.

Lewis Edmunds, (the local builder) wrote in his diary on January 2nd 1855 “William Phillips paid half years rent £5.”

William and Elizabeth’s daughter Hannah died in 1864 aged 22 and was buried at St Peter’s Church on October 14th.

In December 1864 William Phillips was taken to court by John Waters of Vine Tree Cottage, Goytrey (the cottage directly opposite) for £1 7s 8d.

Mathias Phillips is by 1871 the head of the household, he is 30 and married to Eliza who is 41, living with them is his brother William and step-child William 13 and Alfred Easten aged 11.

The lease is now held by Col Byrde, the rateable value was £3 10s.

Mathias Phillips stays at Castell until 1889 when he moves over the road to live at Vine Tree.

On the 1901 census at the “Old Castle” are Charles and Elizabeth Watkins, Charles is 74 and born in Goytre and Eizabeth is 78, a widow from Swansea. There is a burial for Elizabeth Watkins in July 1907, she is aged 84 and from the Old Castle.

By 1911 the new occupier is Stephen Cutter aged 55, a hay ruser on a farm, he was from Ross, his wife Mary 51, was from Lanvair Kilgeddin. Stephen Cutter remains at the Castle and in 1920 he is paying the Earl of Abergavenny £315s rent for the cottage and 3a 1r and 34p of land.

Stephen Cutter is still in residence on the 1921 census, he is now 69 a district roadman for Pontypool Rural District Council, his wife Mary is 67, she is a maternity nurse.


The electoral register of 1924-26 gives Leonard Trehern as the occupier, from 1930-35 Harold and Florence Ball and in 1935 after their marriage the Castel was purchased by John and Esmerelda Lewis from his sister Florence Ball, they remained at the Castle for 50 years.

Maesyberyn

Maes-y-berryn – (I have seen many spelling variations) – 728 on the 1841 Tithe Map.

The owner of Maes-y-beryn was the Earl of Abergavenny who leased it to Edward James in 1786 for the lives of William James 22, and Morgan James 17. Edward James was re-granted the lease again in 1800. Prior to Edward James the occupier was William Valentine. In 1818 Edward James was the constable for Thomas David of Upper House and on the 1821 Earl of Abergavenny survey Edward James was shown as the leaseholder.

Edward James died in October 1836 and was buried in St Peter’s churchyard. The new occupier was John Tuffley but the lease was granted to the Rev John Evans, the vicar of Llanover.

On the1841 tithe the owner was the Earl of Abergavenny and the lease for lives by the Rev John Evans, the occupier was John Tuffley.

On the 1841 census John Tuffley is aged 50, a labourer, Ann his wife is 44, their children are Emma 10 and Ann 5. John Tuffley died in 1848 aged 60 (according to the burial record) and was buried at Saron Chapel.

William Jones and his family became the new occupiers and on the 1851 census he was aged 43, a plasterer, and was born in Cwmcarven. His children were Thomas 10 and William 8. Both children were born in Llanover where William Jones was then living with his wife Mary, a dressmaker.

In 1852, Lewis Edmund wrote in his diary “at the Rev John Evans whitening for Wm Jones.” The same year, on the vicar’s tithe account is written “William Jones of Maesyberyn, 10a 2r and 34p.”

About 1855, John Herbert Gwyn Owen (he was the solicitor who defended John Frost in the Chartist Riots) took the tenancy. The leaseholder was still the Rev John Evans of Llanover, the connection being that Mr Owen was living with Mrs Kingston, who was the daughter of the Rev Evans, by whom he had two sons.

John Owen had taken the lease in his own name by 1860 on the lives of Clara Thackwell, daughter of James Seabright, Thomas Howell of Gloster aged 20 and his two sons, David 8 and John 10. John Owen and family were not living here but at Goytrey Cottage (Oak Cottage.)

John Owen collapsed outside Pontypool Town Hall in 1864, the same year Maesyberyn was occupied by a Mr Williams.  In 1868 an advert in the Free Press was placed for the sale of the lease at the Crown Hotel Pontypool on the 9th January. The advert mentioned the lease was still in the possession of Mr Owen, the annual rent was 10/- and the land contained 23acres 15rood and 11perches. On the 1870 land tax, Maesyberyn was rated between £12 and £50 pounds and the occupier at this time was John Williams.

On the 1871 census John Williams is aged 46, a teacher, born in Hereford. Ann his wife is 41, born in Grosmont and his daughter Mary is 16, a dressmaker, and was born in Llanvetherine.

In 1879 John Griffiths was named on the electoral register for Maesyberyn and in May 1891 Henry Chalken took the lease, he was aged 64, a gent, born in Middlesex, his wife Susanna was 56, who was born in London.

Henry Chalken remained at Maesyberyn and on the 1901 census he was aged 74, his wife Susanna was 66, his sister Sedley was 76 and their servant was Rachel Jenkins 24, born in Goytre.

By 1911 James Griffiths, a station master aged 61 from Radnor along with his wife Annie, also 61 were living at Maesyberyn.

The Earl of Abergavenny sold many properties in 1921, Maesyberyn was included, being lot 24 – A house with pasture and orchard lands, in the occupation of James Griffiths containing 10a 3r which was in lease to Mrs E Williams. The land was purchased by Richard Davies for £230.

James Griffiths is still in occupation on the census of 1921, he is 71 from Old Radnor, a retired station master, his wife Mary is 51, born in Cardiff and gives her occupation as home duties.

By 1927 Elias Francis Morgan had taken occupancy of Macs-y-beran, he died in on the 14th January 1934. He was a retired builder and left the gross sum of £20, 452.
In his will he left various bequests to his three sons, to Wyndham, £1,200, and a property called Thistle Park. To his son Thomas John Morgan, Macs-y-beran and 4 more properties in Crown Street Crumlin. To his son Stanley Adin Morgan he leaves Goytre House Farm and a specified house. To his grand-daughter Mary Catherine Edmunds he leaves £300 and to his housekeeper, Edith Mary John, £150.

In January 1935 Measyberyn was sold again, to Messrs Davies and sons, Newport for £1,950. The tithe was £1 17s 6d, land tax 2/3d.

There is an obituary for a Mr Charles Morgan of Maesyberyn who died in 1935, a native of Abercarn.

Nutshell

Nutshell

I know virtually nothing about the Nutshell, (although I remember it well as I lived next door in Arrow Cottage) other than in 1910 the owner was Arthur Jenkins of Harrow Cottage and the gross value was £7 and the rateable vale was £5 5s.

On the 1911 census Sidney Jenkins aged 41, a warehouse man, and his wife Laura 42 were living there with their children, Frances 9, and Ivor Sidney, both born in Pontypool, and Evelyn 3 who was born in Goytre.

The 1914 poor rate says Arthur Jenkins is still the owner and Sidney is still the occupier.

On the census of 1921 Henry J Selway is living at The Nutshell with his family. Henry is 32, born in Manchester and a colliery stoker at Crumlin Valley Colliery but out of normal employment at the time. Hannah, his wife is 35, born in Bristol, they have a son Ronald aged 5 who was born in Crumlin.

Taken from the electoral register I have Jack and Florence Davies in 1918 and Henry and Hannah Selway in 1922.

On the 1st June 1925 a wedding took place at St Peter’s church between Charles Henry Denner, a butcher of Finchley N.3 and Annie Gwendoline Collins of the Nutshell Goytrey.