1924 Free Press

February 20th
Small rick of hay, 1923 made – apply Williams, Bridge Cottage, Goytrey.

July 13th – Nantyderry

Freehold Bungalow, with about half an acre of ground, water laid on, 4 rooms, in splendid condition.
Vacant Possession; absolute bargain. Folio 334

July 19th – Goytrey

Saron Baptist Church. The third annual tea and sports was fixed for Thursday, July 17th but owing to unfavourable weather the event was postponed to the 23rd inst., when there was a good programme of foot and bicycle races, high jump, coco-nut shies, old Aunt Sally, and in fact, as stated on the posters, all the fun of the fair.
Substantial prizes were offered for competition and a splendid selection of music was provided by the Varteg Silver Band.
Those who liked dancing were well catered for and judging by the attendance, the Saron tea and sports bids fair to outshine all other local events.
The enterprising secretary, (Mr James Williams) and the treasurer (Mr Redvers Phillips) are to be heartily congratulated upon success of the event.

August 11th – Nantyderry Home For Unmarried Mothers

Wonderful work. Interesting references were made at the fourth annual report, regarding the wonderful work that  was being done for young unmarried mothers.
Lady Mother Jackson, O.B.E, J.P., reported a satisfactory year’s work. The home had been occupied by 29 girls and 21 babies and at one time during the year they had had as many as 14 girls and 11 babies – the full number. Since then the average had been eight.
The girls had been contented and happy and had fulfilled their part in making the home a real home. With a few exceptions the babies born had been healthy. The home was the only one worked on the same lines in Wales or Monmouthshire. Time had shown that the months spent there after the confinement were of the greatest value, and though it meant a heavy expenditure, the money was well spent.
They had received delightful letters from old girls, who had expressed thanks for the kind manner in which they had been treated.
The work of the past Matron, Miss Ruffles and nurse Jarrett, had been stupendous. Each year proved how much the home was needed and they hoped the interest and support would be kept up. They had not received so many subscriptions as the previous year and they had lost many good friends and subscribers through death. In many cases the fathers had been persuaded to pay towards the maintenance of the children.
Mr Vaughan Hughes, Chepstow, submitted the statement of accounts. The year had been started with an overdraft at the bank of £387 9s 10d, but happily that had been wiped out, mainly through the splendid work done in connection with the bazaar, which had brought in £513 15s. The balance at the bank on March 31st 1924 was £48 19s 6d but from that had been deducted about £60, which was payable as poor rate. He, (Mr Hughes) was of the opinion that this rate was very excessive for a charitable institution such as theirs and pointed out that it would wipe out their balance in hand. He thought the authorities should display more charity.
He also mentioned that grants were made to the home by the Guardians of Chepstow and Monmouth and thought that the lead given by those bodies might well be followed by similar bodies in other towns, as, if the home did not exist, the mothers would be forced to enter infirmaries and would be consequently be a burden on the ratepayer.

August 15th – Goytrey

A “National” Elocutionist
Heartiest congratulations to Miss Annie Lewis, Cerrig Marion, who, at the National Eisteddfod at Pontypool, divided the first prize for the recitation for those under 18 entitled “The Listeners,” there were 15 competitors.
Annie is a product of Saron Baptist Sunday school and is anxious to share the credit of her remarkable success with her teacher, Miss Nancy Millard, Blaenavon.

Usk Petty Sessions, Thursday
The Lady’s Coat.
In similar plight (referring to the previous case when an overcoat covered the rear index plate of a motor cycle) was Owen Jenkins of Goytrey, when passing through the Langibby district before the lynx-like eyes of P.C. Leith, at 9.15 am on July 31st., but the passenger on the carrier in this case was a lady, whose coat was the cause of her cavalier losing 4s to cover the expense of putting the new into operation.

Marriage
Evans-Richards. On August 12th 1924, at Chapel Ed, Goytre, near Pontypool, by the Rev. Eli Summons, E H Evans, BA., only son of Mr & Mrs Evans Preswylfa and Dorothy, youngest daughter of the late Mr DW Richards of Pontllanfraith and Mrs Richards, 8 Preston Avenue, Newport.

Thursday Next – The Wern, Goytre

Midway between Abergavenny and Pontypool
Sale of Dairy Cattle; Implements; Dairy Utensils; Fodders and Grass Keep to April 1st 1925 for Mr E Davies who is retiring.
Sale at 2.30 – J Straker Son & Chadwick, Abergavenny

August 22nd – Thanks

The family of the late Mr Abraham Phillips, of New House, Goytre (The Croft) desire to thank all kind friends for the sympathy and kindness shown in their sad bereavement, also those who sent floral tributes.

August 29th – Goytrey Parish Council

The services of a clerk and parish overseer to the above council are required: Salary £35
Applications to be in the hands of the chairman, Mr Henry Dowell, Ty-Goytrey, not later than September 13th. Canvassing strictly prohibited.

September 12th – Cycle Accident at Goytrey

Griffithstown Clerk’s Narrow Escape. An alarming accident which might have proved fatal, befell Mr Redvers Prosser of Goytre on Wednesday morning.
Mr Prosser who resides at Canal House was proceeding on his push bike to Griffithstown (where he is employed in the clerical department at Messrs Baldwin’s works,) when he collided with a motor vehicle at the dangerous corner near the Carpenter’s Arms.
He was conveyed to his home where it was ascertained that he was suffering from severe bruises and shock. Mr Prosser is well known in Goytre as an active playing member of the local Association Football team.
References were made recently in the Free Press to this corner as a potential death trap.

Goytrey, Near Pontypool

Messrs Pullen, Burning and Russell, under instruction from the executors of Abraham Phillips, deceased, will offer for sale, on the premises, NEW HOUSE, GOYTREY, (The Croft) Near Saron canal bridge, without reserve, on Thursday 2nd October next, the whole LIVE and DEAD STOCK and FARM IMPLEMENTS including;
Several cows; Pigs; Cart Horse; Yearling Colt; 10 Lambs; 150 Head of Poultry; Prime Meadow Hay; Poultry Houses; Chaff Cutters; Cheese Press; Spring Cart; Spring Tip Cart; Covered Sheep Rack; General Farm Tools; Together with furnishings and effects.

September 19th – Mr Harry Morgan
Obituary of Mr Harry Morgan, of Pudda Goytrey. (Report is in obituaries)

October 3rd – Scholar’s Memorable Day

On Wednesday, the middle classes of Goytrey School had a natural history lesson in Pontypool Park. The boys and girls were in the charge of two mistresses and made the journey by bus at 1 o’clock.
Great interest was aroused by the other classes in witnessing the departure, during the dinner hour, of their school-mates.
One of these, the younger, Hughie Jones, the youngest child of the popular master – found a splendid point of vantage on top of the playground wall. His exuberance of spirit, however, proved his downfall indeed; he lost his balance and fell, fracturing his right arm below the elbow.
When Mr & Mrs Jones returned to the house, after seeing to the departure of the merry children, they were astonished to find their six year old son hors-de-combat, quietly waiting their return.
The stoical demeanour of the little sufferer, during the setting of the bone and since, has been remarkable.

St Peter’s Parish Church

The services in connection with the harvest festival were held on Thursday despite the heavy downpour of rain on Thursday, both the early and evening services were attended by exceptionally good congregations.
The special preacher was the Rev. W Watkin Edwards, Record of Llandogo. His theme was praise as the highest art of worship. While prayer was more or less selfish, in the sense that it was a petition either for some personal benefit or for someone or something in whom, or in which, we were interested.
This nice country church was, as usual, most tastefully decorated by the following:
Alter Mrs Belcher; chancel rails, Mrs Whitehead and Miss Whitehead; chancel stalls Miss M Evans; chancel windows, Miss Lena Lloyd; the screen, Mrs Tedman Jones; the pulpit, Mr Harding and Mr John Rosser; the font, Miss Wilkes; pillars, Mrs Gwatkin and Miss A Gwatkin; windows, the Misses Eunice Prosser, Eileen Morgan, and Elsie Gwatkin; and organ gallery, the Misses N Jeremiah and Vera Jenkins.
The gifts of bread, flowers, fruit and vegetables were exceptionally numerous and choice.
The memory of the brave men of the parish was not forgotten, Mrs William Wilkes having sent a large wreath of laurel leaves for the War Memorial Tablet.

October 10th – Goytrey, The Bus Service

Largely Attended Meeting Makes Recommendation
The intense interest taken in the question of the motor omnibus service running between Abergavenny and Pontypool was reflected in the attendance at a public meeting Goytre School Thursday evening. The room was packed to its utmost capacity, more than a hundred people being present.
Mr W l Jones, the schoolmaster, was asked to take the chair.
The meeting had not been in progress many minutes before it came apparent that the attendance comprised supporters of Rossers bus service and supporters of the Eastern Valley Bus service, together with people who merely desire an efficient and reliable service for the district and who were present to see if that could not be arranged with perfect fairness to both proprietors.
Mr Barret and Mr Rosser, the two proprietors, both addressed the meeting at considerable length, referring to the facts relative to the establishment of the services in the fist instance. Both assured the meeting of their desire to be of service to the neighbourhood. Their remarks were very well received.
Numerous questions were asked and there was considerable discussion after which all parties came together on a resolution proposed by Mr Jeremiah and seconded by Mr Davies, that the two proprietors be requested to make a mutual arrangement to run their busses at different times. This resolution was carried unanimously.
A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the chairman, on the proposition of Mr Harris, seconded by Mrs Whitehead.

October 10th – Goytrey School Water Supply

In reply to an enquiry from the Secretary of the County Education Committee, the Town Clerk of Newport has written to say that his council would be prepared to provide a supply of drinking water to Goytrey Council School, but water would not be passing through the aqueduct now being laid for at least two years and it would be open to the Committee to make an application at that time.

1941 Free Press

January 16th – Obstruction

Alfred Clarke (35) a tinworker, of Goytrey, was fined 10/- for causing an obstruction by leaving his car in Osborne Road Pontypool, on December 20th, for half an hour.
PC Pearce gave the facts and defendant pleaded guilty.

January 10th – Late Mr W H Charles – (In Obituaries)

April 4th – American Motor Pioneer
Interesting Career of Native of Goytrey

The death has occurred in America in his eightieth year of Mr William J Morgan, fifth of eleven sons of the late Mr & Mrs Morgan, of Wern Farm Goytrey.
Mr Morgan was apprenticed at the age of 13 to Mr Dan Lewis, a native of Goytrey who had a grocers business at Stoke-on-Trent and later worked for Messrs Peglar and Son, Blaenavon and Pontypool, Mr David Jones, Pontympoile shop and Messrs Atkins Bros., Newport, whence he emigrated to Canada in 1880. Two years later he went to the USA and took out citizenship papers.
Whilst in this country he had been a keen cyclist, first on the old wooden velocipede and then on the two wheeler. In 1882 he won the mile race at the Toronto Industrial Exposition and shortly afterwards he challenged John S Prince, the US professional champion but was defeated.
From then on Mr Morgan took part in races all over the country. In 1886 he engaged in a night and day contest in Minneapolis and set up what was then a world record of 234 miles in 16hrs. 20 mins. After a rest of 40 seconds he remounted his solid-tyres cycle and rode another 50 miles.
In the same year Mr Morgan organised an American bicycle team which went abroad, remaining 17 months and beating all European teams it raced. While in London Mr Morgan was complimented by the late King Edward VII for a unique exhibition when some of his team raced against Buffalo Bill’s Wild West broncos at the Royal Agricultural Hall.

“Climb to the Clouds”
When the motor car became popular in 1901 Mr Morgan promoted more than 100 auto contests. Among the American drivers was William K Vanderbilt, who drove the first mile inside of 40 seconds.
One of the races Mr Morgan promoted was known as “Climb to the Clouds,” and entailed a ride of eight miles to the top of Mount Washington. In 1905 he staged “Montauk Light or Bust,” a trip from Brooklyn to the famous lighthouse. Many cars were stuck in the Long Island mud but the majority reached the light.
Mr Morgan was president of the Morgan Motor Company. To his American friends Mr Morgan was known as the “Senator,” and how he got the title is racily explained in an American newspaper: “He was taking part in a bicycle race at Philadelphia Fair when a senator scheduled to speak failed to arrive and Mr Morgan, pinch-hitting, did such a good job of spell-binding that he was given the title which stuck.”
Mr Morgan leaves his wife, Mrs Elizabeth Stilger Morgan and a son, William. A brother, Mr D H Morgan lives at the Gwynedd, Goytrey.

8th August – Council Prosecution

Owner must repair cottage at Goytrey – at Pontypool Petty Sessions on Saturday, Edwin Edgar, the seventy year old owner of Plough Cottage, Goytrey, was summoned by Pontypool Rural District Council for failing to comply with the requirements of an abatement notice issued of March 9th. Edgar, who was represented, by Mr Harold Saunders, Pontypool, who pleaded not guilty. Mr T P Holmes Watkins, clerk to the authority, prosecuted.
Mr Watkins said the long period elapsing between the expiration of the notice and the prosecution was due to the fact that councils were allowing owners more time in these days to carry out repairs to their property.
In this case repairs to the roof and chimney, the demolition of some ruined walls at one end of the house and the provision of an adequate water supply were necessary but the council had decided to withdraw their summons relating to the water supply until the end of the war.
Prejudicial to Health
William Hogarth, the sanitary inspector, said the house was in such a state as to be prejudicial to health owing to dampness and lack of repair.
In reply to Mr Saunders, he said that the tenant of the cottage complained that repairs ordered to be done by the previous sanitary inspector had not been carried out.
Mr Saunders objected that the proceedings had not been taken under the proper sections of the Act and were therefore void.
The magistrates, however, agreed that there was a case to answer.
Joseph Edwin Edgar, son of the defendant, said that both walls and roof were perfect and that what the inspector took for damp on the walls was actually a stain caused by oil from a lamp that had been upset some time ago.
The Bench ruled that the repairs must be carried out.

October 10th – Missing Goytrey Man Reported Dead

The tragic news was received on Saturday, after a lapse of over sixteen months of the death from wounds of Corporal George Thomas Dudley, Royal Engineers.
He was reported missing on May 29th 1940. Since then his wife, family and parents had not given up hope and Mrs Ivy Dudley, the widow, had been eagerly anticipating the repatriation of wounded prisoners of war in the hope that her husband might be among them.
Corporal Dudley was employed as a carpenter at a local works when called up as a reservist at the outbreak of war. News was received that he was wounded in the fighting in Belgium.
He leaves a wife and three sons, aged 16, 14 and eleven. Corporal Dudley’s parents reside at Great Western Terrace, Pontymoile. Mrs Dudley, the widow, lives in Goytrey.

December 5th – Dead at Foot of Quarry

Dog reveals shooting tragedy at Goytrey
A Goytrey farmer who saw a dog roaming about near the top of a quarry investigated the reason and found the dog’s master lying dead at the bottom of the quarry with gun-shot wound in the chest.
The dead man was Mr Frank Jones, Llwyn-Celyn Farm, Goytrey. It is believed that he was walking along the top of the quarry carrying a sporting gun when he slipped and fell on the greasy ground and that in his fall the gun was discharged. He was 38, a married man with three children.
He was in the habit of shooting on land owned by Mr P Roberts, Penystair Farm, Goytrey and it was Mr Roberts who, attracted by the presence of the dog, went to the edge of the quarry and saw the body of Mr Jones at the bottom. He returned to the village and with assistance returned to the quarry, where PC Germaine, Llanover, improvised a stretcher with a sack and pole
An inquest will be held on Friday.

1879 Free Press

January 11th – Highly Desirable Freehold Estate

Yew Tree Cottage Goytrey containing 32 acres  2 roods 6 perches.
Messrs Waite & Sons have been instructed to sell at the Three Salmons, Usk on Thursday January 30th 1879 at 3 o’clock in the afternoon.

All the above Exceedingly Desirable and Compact Farm – Very pleasantly and healthily situated, with southern aspect, commanding good views, bounded by excellent roads belonging to His Grace the Duke of Beaufort and Iltyd Nicholls Esq., within a short distance of the far-famed river Usk and Nantyderry Railway Station.
To see plans of the property contact the auctioneers.

March 8th – Sad End to a Drunken Spree

Samuel Morgan, Royal Oak, Goytrey, was charged with supplying drink to a drunken man and also permitting drunkenness on his premises, on the 15th ult. Defendant pleaded not guilty.
Mary Ann Thomas, a single woman living at home with her mother, deposed as follows: I saw my father go to defendant’s house at 6.30 on Saturday night, 15th ult., and he stopped there till 9.15;  did not see him when he came from there; saw my father there at 8 o’clock the same evening; he was then tipsy and the landlord supplied him with a pint of ale; saw my father there at 9.30 in the morning, at defendants house; he was not sober then.
Supt. MacIntosh: This man, James Thomas, was found dead the next morning in a pool of water, within 80 yards of the public-house.
Witness said there were others drunk in the house besides his father; there were in the house at the time, Thomas Monckley, Daniel Meredith, Abraham Bevan, Joe Lewis and two young men from the steel works.
Monckley, Meredith and Bevan were drunk and the young men from the steel works were not sober.
Selina Thomas, widow of James Thomas, said that she went to defendant’s house at 11am on Saturday to fetch her husband from there; by then he was dead drunk in an arm chair; she left and her husband came home between 12 and 1 o’clock; he stayed at home until 6.30pm; he said he wanted to see a young man and she gave him 3d; he went out and she never saw him alive afterwards; she waited up for him till 2 o’clock next morning; went to the door several times, but could neither see or hear him; it was pouring rain and she could not go out; besides, she was very ill and went to bed at 2 o’clock; in the morning she asked her daughter where was her father; the girl said he had not been in all night.
A young man came from the stop-gate and said ” Mary Ann your father is dead in the pool.” her husband was not out of the way with drink on Friday night, but he came home drunk on Thursday night.
Thomas Monckley was called for the defence and said that deceased, James Thomas had only one pint of beer there on Saturday night; he was not drunk on Saturday morning.
Supt. MacIntosh: This man has only kept the house a short time and during that time it has been the resort of poachers and men of ill-repute.
The Bench: This is one of the worst cases we have had before us. From the evidence given at the inquest, it seems that you enticed your brother-in-law to your house to make him drunk and sell him beer. You ought to have protected him against himself instead of encouraging him to spend his earnings with you instead of with his family.
We hope you feel not only a sense of shame but a sense of remorse at having caused his death.
We fine you £10; in default of payment you must go to prison, with hard labour, for 2 months.

April 12th – Stealing Boots

John Evans, a tramp, was charged with stealing a pair of boots, the property of Henry Ingram, school-master, Goytrey.
John Smith, marine store dealer, Trosnant, said the prisoner had sold him the boots for 2s 6d.
PC David had apprehended the prisoner at Usk and charged him with the offence. At first he denied the charge but subsequently admitted it.
Sentenced to one months hard labour.

April 26th

To be Let – Two desirable Farms near Nantyderry Station, called Penwern, between 80 and 90 acres and Black Beech about 30, with two fields of good meadow land adjoining either, together, or separately.
Also a cottage and garden at the station:
Apply to the Rev. T Evans, Nantyderry House.
Also a large field by the station, ready to be let to persons for potato ground and another at Goytrey Hall, see Wm Williams, Nantyderry, for the former and John Jones for the latter.

May 17th

In the wrong court – James Arthur, wood dealer of Goytrey, was summoned for committing trespass by breaking a fence belonging to Thomas Jenkins.
Mr I Gardner, solicitor, appeared for the defence and stated defendant had only got the summons that morning, which did not give much time to produce such papers as were necessary to prove to the bench that he had a perfect right to pass over the land which he was charged with trespassing upon.
The defendant was a wood dealer and he had purchased a quantity of wood under an agreement, which gave him the right to convey it across complainants land.
Complainant stated that he had held the farm since the year 1814 and he received a sum of £10 as compensation for the removal of the wood over his farm but that defendant had not taken the prescribed road.
Mr Gardner remarked that the owners of the wood gave the defendant the right to convey it over this land. He submitted that the magistrates had no jurisdiction as the case was one for the County Court, where he should shortly have something to say about it.
The Bench dismissed the summons.

June 14th – Pant Glaes Farm Goytrey

Sale of Live and Dead Stock and Implements, Furniture and Effects.
Fat calf; 8 fat lambs; 2 fat ewes; 5 porker pigs; 1 sow and 10 pigs; 1 ditto and 2 pigs; bay horse pony; 8 year old, good in saddle or harness; 1 yearling cart filly; 2 narrow wheel wagons; narrow wheel tip cart; market cart; reaping machine; iron scuffler; 2 knife chaff machine; haul rake; patent churn; wheel barrow, ladders, iron and stone pig troughs and bushes; dog cart, pony trap (nearly new) silver and brass mounted harness; g.p. harness, long and short harness; side saddle, gentleman road saddle, bridles and collars; hogshead, casks, firkins and tubs; empty sacks, pikes and rakes; sanfoyne, trefoil, trefolium, clover and other seeds; bath chair, dairy utensils; garden and other tools &c.
Furniture and Effects
Wood bedsteads; feather beds, bolsters and pillows; mahogany and other chest of drawers; washstands and dressing tables; oak, deal, dining, kitchen, round and other tables; case, seated, arm and other chairs; oak linen chest; oak sideboard with cupboards under; clocks, barometer, large oil painting “Bonaparte” books; corner cupboard, dresser and shelves; meat safe, clothes horse, fenders and fire irons, tripods, salting bench, knife board, flour tub, Crocker, glass, tea kettles, saucepans, flat irons, candlesticks, buckets pots, pans etc.
Sale to commence at 2 o’clock

June 28th

To be Let By Tender or a Yearly Tenancy, or for a Term with Possession at Michaelmas 1879
That desirable Farm known as “Goytrey Hall,” situate in the parish of Goytrey, about 4 miles distant from Abergavenny and 5 from Pontypool and comprising 128a. 2r. 31p. of excellent Meadow, Pasture and Arable Land the whole of which has been drained.
The House, which is commodious and comfortable is suitable for a large family; outbuildings in excellent order. The Proprietor does not bind himself to accept the highest, or any offer.
Seales tenders marked “Tender for Goytrey Hall,” to be sent, not later than 22nd September to;
James Straker, Abergavenny.

September 27th – The Education Act

Robert Davies, John Williams, Louisa Waite, Joseph Williams, William Thomas and Charles Watkins, were summoned at the instance of the School Attendance Committee for the parish of Goytrey, for not sending their children to school in accordance with the requirements of the Education Act.
The usual orders for attendance were made, the Chairman remarking that people seemed to take a wrong view of the Act.
It was intended to be a benefit to the people and it undoubtedly was. The ratepayers had no pleasure in paying two million a year to educate the people and parents did not recognise the wrong they were doing their children by keeping them away from school.

November 1st

William Jones, grocer and beer seller of Nantyderry, was summoned for having one unjust measure and also for having in his possession three weights and measures unstamped.
Mr Phillips asked how the police could distinguish between the measures needed for supplying beer and those used for domestic purposes; also in what way they could be stamped.
Supt. MacIntosh replied that those measures found in a place where beer was sold were presumed to be for the purpose os supplying ale and they could be stamped by having a little tin affixed to the handle which has previously been stamped. All such deficient weights and measures were seized by the police.
Defendant was fined 10s in each case, inclusive of costs.

Shocking Fatal Accident
At noon on Wednesday, Mr Wm Jenkins, farm bailiff to Colonel Byrde, JP, met with his death under very distressing circumstances.
He had been out superintending the exercise of a horse and had himself a young colt attached to the cart. On returning home and in passing over the canal bridge near Colonel Byrde’s residence, the horse suddenly swerved and overthrew the cart. The animal itself fell and knocked Mr Jenkins down, falling upon his chest. Assistance was immediately at hand but the unfortunate man simply exclaimed, “I am badly hurt,” and died almost directly.
Mr Essex was sent for, but his services were, of course, unavailing.
Deceased, who had been 23 years in Col. Byrde’s service, was known widely and much respected.

November 8th

The Late Mr Wm Jenkins of Goytrey
the sad accident, which has removed from our midst one in the strength of manhood and so universally and deservedly esteemed, has caused a gloom over the whole neighbourhood, which will be long felt.
Many have been the enquiries as to the nature of the accident which resulted in his lamented and sudden death.
He had recently broken in a colt that had been so perfectly quiet that, to use his own expression, when he first put him into the shafts, “he was like an old horse.”
It would appear that, while he was hauling out lime on a field at Penystair, the back chain of the cart harness became unhooked and fell down, which startled him at that time; and it is conjectured that this may have happened again as he was coming home, although it had been tied and may have caused to start and plunge forward on the top of the Canal Bridge, but no one can tell the cause, for no one saw it; and a more careful man with horses than Mr Jenkins there could have been.
The first intimation of anything wrong was the poor fellow calling out to the men in front, who were with the other horses, “get out of the way;” and the next moment there was a crash and the horse and cart were seen turned over on the side of the road by a heap of broken stones.
Assistance from the Park-y-brain farm, close by, was immediately afforded but a fracture of the skull had taken place, either by a blow from the point of the shaft, which seems the most likely, or from the saddle of the cart harness, which was pressing on his head when he was extricated.
The only words he spoke were to Miss Charles, who had ran to the spot, to whom he said,”I am badly bruised.”
Several others were immediately present and he was carried home but never spoke again. A messenger was sent at once for Dr Essex but he could not have lived for many minutes; and when Dr Essex came and examined the injury, he gave it as his opinion that death must have been almost instantaneous.
An inquest was held on Friday morning 31st ult., and verdict returned of “Accidental Death.”
It appeared the horse had come over the same bridge, with the cart, on the previous evening, very quietly. Mr Jenkins had, just before the accident happened, taken the horse from the waggoner near the fatal spot.
The funeral took place on Monday afternoon and it will be remembered for many a day as the most solemn procession of heartfelt mourners the neighbourhood has ever witnessed.
The Rev C Cooke of Mamhilad, read a chapter and offered prayer at the house before leading and part of a hymn was sung.
The remains were borne to their last resting place in Mamhilad Churchyard, to be interred by the side of his father’s remains, who had also met his death by a horse accident.

Master and Servant
Edward Evans, wheelwright, Goytrey, was summoned by John Hardman for non-payment of 4s 6d wages alleged to be due.
Defendant engaged the complainant and another man to do some work for him, but found it necessary to pay them off on the second day.
The work was not satisfactorily performed and he considered that he had paid them a sufficient sum.
The Bench held that defendant was liable for the reason that he did not bargain with the men before engaging them. The decision was that he pay each of them 1s and the costs.

November 29th – More Illegitimacy

William Hunt was summoned by Mary A Williams of Goytrey, with being the father of her illegitimate child.
Complainant did not appear and Mr Plews, who appeared for the defendant, asked that the case be dismissed, remarking that the woman had taken close upon a twelvemonth to consider upon whom she could fix the paternity of her child.
The case was accordingly struck out.

December 27th – Disputed Paternity

Wm Hunt was charged with being the father of the illegitimate child of Mary A Williams (now of Llavair Kilgeddin.)
Mr Iltyd Gardner appeared for the complainant, after hearing the evidence the Bench made an order for the payment of 2s 6d per week and costs.

1944 Free Press

January 14th

Goytrey Thefts – William Williams, gardener’s assistant 17, (The Hollies, Newtown, Goytrey) and Leslie John Hopkins 17, fitter’s mate, (Ivanhoe, Goytrey) pleaded guilty to stealing a fowl and 16lbs of apples of the total value of 16/-, the property of Ronald John Williams, Coalbrook, Goytrey, on December 22nd.
Both were placed on probation for twelve months and were ordered to pay £3 costs each, out of which Williams would be reimbursed for his loss.
Detective Constable G Spencer said that when he interviewed Hopkins with PC W Taylor of Little Mill and asked him to account for a chicken and some apples which he had sold to workmen at Blaenavon, Hopkins said he had bought them and made a statement which was found to be false.
The defendant, Williams, admitted the theft and Hopkins later admitted it also.

School House Goytrey – Main road, hourly bus route, mid-way between Abergavenny and Pontypool.
J. Staker, Chadwick and sons will sell by auction upon the premises by the direction of the Trustees of the late Mr Sobey.
Furniture and effects:
Lathe back arms and other chairs
Brass fender and stand
Oak pedestal table 4’ 4” x 2’ 6”
Small electric stove, kettle and boiler
A coleman lamp and primus stove etc etc
Upright Grand Pianoforte in inlaid walnut case by Monington and Weston
A 4 valve (all main) wireless set – both lots subject to licence
Divan and other chairs
A 5’ high padded back settee
Gramophone record cabinet
Bordered Axminster carpet 10’ x 10’
Lino squares
A few lots of EP and other plate
Adjustable oak dining table 4’ 4” x 3’
Easy chairs
Overmantle in S.W.
Brass curb
A 3’ 9” oak bedroom suite with companion oak 4’ 6” bedstead with spring
A similar bedstead, feather beds, commode chairs, toilet ware, baths
A small fireproof safe by R M Lord
Hand sewing machine, 4’ open bookcase, books
A mhg chest having 5 drawers and miscellaneous items
Sale 1.30 sharp

January 21st – fined for theft, Leslie John Hopkins, 17, fitter’s mate, Ivanhoe, Goytrey was fined £10 for stealing £4, a gold engagement ring, a silver cigarette case, a slab of chocolate, total value £13/10s/6d from the house of Hilda Maud Gill, Rosslyn, Nantyderry on 8th September.
Mrs Gill said she missed the articles after leaving the house with one window open. She had always known Hopkins as a boy of good character,
Hilda Mary Thomas, 16 of Waunddu, Pentrepiod, said she met Hopkins when she was in service in Goytrey and he gave her the ring produced.
Det. Constable G Spencer said that after interviewing Miss Thomas, he went to Blaenavon with PC Taylor, Little Mill and saw the defendant as he was leaving work.
At first he said he knew nothing about it but when taken to Pontypool police station he made a statement admitting the offence, stating that Miss Thomas did not know the ring was stolen and that he regretted his foolish act.
Hopkins parents had repaid the £4 and other articles had been recovered. Superintendant E Casey said that the previous week Hopkins was placed on probation for stealing apples and a chicken but that offence was committed after this one.
Hopkins worked at the Blaenavon open cast site earning £5 a week.
The chairman told Hopkins he had made a bad start.

February 11th – Goytrey Man’s Damages

John Herbert Cheyney of Goytrey brought an action at Monmouthshire Assizes against Stanley Morgan, Goytrey for damages in respect of personal injury arising out of a motor-car accident at Penpellenny at Christmas 1941.
R H H Maddocks (instructed by Mr V J Williams) for the plaintiff said the case had been settled on the terms that the record should be withdrawn and the defendant agreed to pay £1,250 damages and £105 costs.
Defendant was represented by E Ryder Richardson (instructed by Phoenix and Walters)

Powell – Jenkins

At Goytrey Church by Canon J Morgan, David Powell, third son of Mr and Mrs S Powell, Tyroel Farm, Raglan and Marion Gwyneth, daughter of Mr and Mrs Ivor Jenkins, Lan Farm, Goytrey.
The bride wore a pale blue two piece with navy accessories:
Bridesmaid, Shirley Ann Foster, Newport, (brides cousin) and Nancy Powell (sister) in dresses of clover shade, with hats to tone.
Best man, Mr Roger Powell (brother).
Reception at the brides home: 40 guests. Honeymoon at Porthcawl, the bride travelling in a brown frock and jigger coat.
Mr and Mrs Powell will live at Lan Farm, Goytrey.

April 21st – Upper Cae Coed, Goytrey

Freehold property with vacant possession known as Upper Cae Coed, Goytrey, also the household furniture and miscellaneous effects.
Davis & Son have been instructed by the executor Mr Harry Morgan to sell by auction this pleasantly situated cottage and effects upon the premises on Wednesday 26th April 1944.
The freehold property adjoins the main road. It is about a mile from Goytrey Hall, five miles from Abergavenny and Pontypool.
Water is laid on, 2 rooms upstairs, kitchen, parlour, back kitchen, good garden, pigsty etc.
Auction commences at 2pm prompt

July 14th – Property for sale or let

Three freehold farms, Goytrey, Monmouthshire;
Penystair 53 acres
Parc Bach 13 acres
New Barn 53 acres
Between Abergavenny, Usk & Pontypool, will be offered for sale by auction in the month of August at the Greyhound Hotel, Abergavenny, Tuesday 29th August at 3pm.
Bunning and Russell, Pontypool.

August 25th – Whatley-Williams

At Saron Baptist Chapel Goytrey by the Rev C, Rees. Charles, eldest son of Mr & Mrs Whatley, 79 Queen Street, Treforest to Margaret Esme, only daughter of Mr & Mrs D J Williams, The Nook, Goytrey.
Mr Whatley is the manager for Messrs Hipps Ltd at Pontypool.
The bride wore a white satin gown and full length veil.
Bridesmaids; Missis B Cameron and J Whatley (groom’s sister) in pale blue and mauve respectively.
Best man; Mr Lyndon Richards. Groomsmen; Messrs E Buckle and E White.
The bride was presented with silver horseshoes by Misses Peggy Howells, Joyce and Sylvia Davies.
Reception in the Chapel Vestry, 80 guests:
The bride travelling in a dusky pink dress and brown coat.
The bride placed her bouquet on her brother’s grave.

September 29th – Bible Society

The local branch of the British and Foreign Bible society held their meeting at Chapel Ed when the Rev P R Thomas BA district secretary gave an address.
Mr D H Morgan, local secretary and Mr T J Jones, treasurer, presented their statements which showed substantial increases in amount collected.
Goytrey and district have supported the work of the society since 1875 when the late Col H Byrde, Goytrey House, first championed the cause.

October 13th – Upper Pentwyn, Nantyderry

Sale of farming stock which Rennie Taylor & Till have been instructed by the executors of the late Mr Evan Griffiths on Thursday next, October 19th.
77 Hereford and a few cross bred cattle, including the well bred descended herd of 50 pedigree Herefords, founded and all bred on the farm by the late owner, including 17 cows with calves and yearlings; 11 outstanding in-calf 2 year old heifers (sired by “Gillingsby Gayman” 47952) 6 yearling bulls; and the grand three year old stock bull “Vern Sempronius”; 11 deep milking cows, 4 with calves; 12 cross-bred yearling heifers and steers.
50 sound sheep viz:
37 improved Radnor ewes; 3 pure bred Suffolk ewes; 8 cross Suffolk lambs; a capital Suffolk 3 year Ram and ditto lamb ram.
Three 7/8 year old working horses; bacon pig; 100 head poultry and a splendid collection of well preserved implements, machines, tractor, including pneumatic tyred Aliss Chambers B 1941 tractor; rubber tyred trolley; NW & BW tip carts; motor car trailer; cultivating and harvest machinery; barn machinery; 4 poultry houses; harness etc.
Superior surplus furniture and dairy utensils including old mahogany sideboard, dining table, walnut, 3’ 6”, bedroom suite etc.
Sale commencing at 3pm sharp.
Catalogues from the auctioneers, Usk, Monmouth and Newport.

John Cooke’s Diary 1781

Saturday Jan.y 6th 1781 – Bought Mrs Cooke a new calico gown, olive striped with white and my son Thomas a new hat and on Monday last bo.t him a pair of black Manchester breeches. Two little girls went to Mr Davies’s today.

Monday Jan.y 8th – Went with my son John to Bath to visit Mr Thicknese at his hermitage at St Catherines. We lay at York house that night and returned to Bristol next morning. Mr Cookshatt called in Somerset Street whilst we were at Bath, on his way to Yorkshire.

Jan.y 18th – Sent our first load of goods by Caerleon boat to P’pool.

Tuesday Jan.y 23rd 1781 – This day my son Thomas went to board at Cap.t Pococks in princes Street. This day my daur Mary went to board with Mrs Calloway up on Kings Down.

Jan.y 29th 1781 Wednesday – This evening we left our house in Somerset Street and went to lye at my cousin Capel next door.

Jan.y 25th – Sent our last loads of goods to P’pool by the Caerleon boat and gave up the house next morning to Mr Jones the school master. We went on Friday 26th to Mr Davies in Somerset Street and returned on Sunday to me cousins house.

Feb.y 2nd Friday – We set out from Bristol with Eliza in a chaise to the passage, had a fine passage. Set out from Haggard’s in a chaise to Usk and got to Kevanhila by 6 o’clock in the evening. This evening Mr Cecil’s barns and oxhouses were burnt down and a great quantity of grain coustand to the value in the whole of above 300£.

Verses written by a Miss A Maud and sent to a young officer (with a gilded gingerbread doll) who railed ab.t marriage Nov.r 1780

Your aversion to marriage to us is well known

But we really believe you will like this Miss Joan

Whose excellent merits induced us to send

This sweetest of creations to you, our good friend

As is plain to seen, she’s a lady of riches

And we give you our word she’s unreceiving breeches

She is silent and always give you your way

She will never direct you, but always obey

And should you be as ‘tis common be tired of your wife

You may put her away without fear of your life

These verses will induce you we think too well treat her

But we beg you won’t love her so much as to beat her

Feb.y 5th 1781 Monday – I went from Kevanhila to Christchurch to meet my moor tenants and returned to P’pool. Next day went to Kevanhila.

Feb.y 7th 1781 Wednesday – We went in a chaise from Kevanhila to P’pool to Mr Hanbury’s. Staid there ‘till Friday the 9th when we went to our house to live which I rent from Mr Hanbury at 10£ year.

This is the house I was born in, built by my grandfather, inhabited by my mother and will I hope long be so by myself.

Feb.y 5th 1781 Monday – This day abt 7 in the morn.g Mrs Roberts, wife of John Roberts Esq., of Abergavenny died and on Thursday the 8th I attended her funeral at Abergavenny she was buried in the Church there. Mr Hanbury Williams, Mr Jones of Llanarth, Mr Chambre, Mr Lee, Capt Lucas, Cap.t Carr, Mr William Morgan of the hill and myself were bearers. We had hatbands and scarfs and the funeral was the handsomest I ever attended.

Feb.y 7th 1781 Wednesday – This morning killed my pig at Goytre, it weighed 12 stone and cost in all £2.

Feb.y 9th Friday – This day Mr Griffiths of Kevanhila and my son John dined at Mr Hanburys. John is to return to Bristol tomorrow.

Feb.y 10th 1781 – Rec.d of Edw.d Parry 1£ 1s 0d with which I received before at different times and by allowances of land tax make 18£ 10s 0d for half years rent due Michaelmas 1779. He also left 12s on acc.t This day I bought a flitch of bacon for my cousin Capel Cooke which weighed 98 pounds at 21/2d per pound and paid twenty shillings and 5d for it.

 Feb.y 17th 1781 Saturday – This morning ab.t six o’clock my cousin Ann Griffiths of Kevanhila died. She was ill ab.t a fortnight of a warm fever which carried her off in the sixth year of her life.

Feb.y 22nd Thursday – I and Mr Wm Griffiths her cousin attended her funeral as two mourners to Usk Church where she was interred.

 Feb.y 19th Monday ( on blotting page)  – Sent my cousin Edw.d Grevile half a sheep to Bristol. Cost 5s 6d – 22lbs at 3d.

Feb.y 17th 1781 – Rec.d of Sam.l Howell 6d on acc.t of rent.

An easy introduction to the knowledge of nature and the reading of Holy scriptures adapted to the capacities of children 8£ 3s Dodsley 1780, the author Mrs trimmer of Brentford.

Monday Feb.y 26th1781 – This evening Ann Leek came to live with us, wages and tea 5£ 5s 0d a year.

Saturday March 3rd 1781 – Planted 12 gooseberry trees and several currant trees in the garden at P’pool, bro.t from Goytre and also a peach tree and many shrubs. Sowed also my carrots, onion, leeks, turnips, parsley and lettuce and small salading.

March 3rd 1781 blotting page – Mrs Griffiths of Usk sent Eliza in a present of a fine cap from London.

Shrove Tuesday Feb.y 27th 1781 – This day we had, at P’pool the greatest of storm wind that ever was known here. Many houses and buildings unroofed and thrown down, sev.l trees destroyed, some torn up by the root, other broke short off in the middle. Mr Hanbury had above 100 trees blown down in and ab.t P’pool. The wind came from the north and west and raged with all its greatest violence from ab.t two o’clock ‘till four in the afternoon. It is remarkable that the storm was not much felt in or ab.t Abergavenny.

March 7th 1781 – This day Mrs Griffiths of Usk and her son Mr Griffiths of Kevanhila came to see us. She staid two nights.

March 9th Friday – Mrs Cooke and I went to Goytre for flower roots and dined there.

March 11th 1781 – David Williams paid me 6s on acc.t of half years rent due at Lady day 1780 remains due 10£ 14s 0d .

March 13th – Had the grout in my left hand which lasted above a week.

March 24th – The feast at Pontevellien Saturday. This day my horse Jolly came from Goytre to be kept at P’pool. Had a cart load of hay bro.t here.

Mr Griffiths left Kevanhila on or ab.t Tuesday the 27th of March 1781 which he has rented out to Mr Tencate for 17 years from Candlemas last.

Saturday April 14th – Mr and Mrs Griffiths of Kevanhila came here and returned to Usk next day.

Monday 16th – We dined at Mount Pleasant.

Saturday evening April 17th – 5 loads of coal, the week after came 6 loads of coal.

Monday April 23rd – Henry Howell paid me 9£ on acc.t of rent.

Tuesday April 24th – Mrs John James paid me 15s for a years rent due at Michaelmas 1780.

April 25th 1781 – William Bardin paid half years rent due May 1st 1780.

April 26th – Set two quarters of the garden at Goytre with white potatoes.

Tuesday April 24th 1781 – This day poor Lacey Maud died of a contusion in his head from a fall from a horse.

Monday April 30th – Dined at Thos Jenking dinner of trustees.

Saturday April 21st – Edw.d Parry sent me in 5 bushells more of oats.

Saturday April 21st – Mrs Cooke and I dined at Mr and Mrs Edw.d Davies with Mr and Mrs Drane of Berkshire and next Sunday they all dined with us at P’pool.

Sunday April 29th – My cousin William Griffith dined with us at P’pool.

To Make Excellent Lavender Water

Half a pint of the highest rectified spirit of wine.

Part ¾ of a drachm of oil of lavender and 3d of the essence of amber grease. Mix all well together:

Mr & Mrs Davies of Somerset Square

Spirit of wine 10 01/2

Oil of lavender 3 0

May 26th 1781 – Rec.d of John James four pounds eleven shillings on acc.t of half a years rent due to me at Michaelmas 1779.

May 28th 1781 – Set potatoes in the garden at P’pool. Mrs Griffiths dined here.

May 29th – Made raisin wine.

May 30th – Dined with Mr Cookshatt at Geo. Kemys at Newport. A practical grammar of the French language priced 2d bound by N Wanostrocht, printed for I Johnson Pontypants church yard.

June 17th 1781 – Rec.d of David Williams 3 guineas of acc.t of rent. Rec.d same day of Edw.d Parry the sum of 5£.

 Monday June 11th 1781 – (on blotting page) – John Leeks came to me upon Trgal. Wages to be 7 guineas May 1st 1782.

Spence of Amber grease 9d

Cost in all to make above quantity 1£ 4s 91/2d

Tuesday May 1st 1781 – This morning Mr and Mrs Hanbury and family set out for London

May 5th 1781 – Edw.d Parry paid me five pounds on acc.t of rent. This day my daur Eliza began to learn to read with Joe Rogers.

May 7th – Began my casks of raisin wine from Bristol.

Saturday May 12th 1781 – This morning ab.t twelve o’clock my son Thomas arrived from Bristol having finished his schooling there. He came by the Caerleon boat which struck upon the sands on Friday where they staid all night.

Saturday May 12th 1781 – (on blotting page) – 6 bushells of oats from Mr Morgan of Mamhilad. Mr and Mrs Watts of Bristol called here this day.

 

Monday June 18th 1781 – This evening my son Thomas set out to go to Caerleon by the boat to Bristol where he paid Cap.t Pocock 11£ 12s 0d for his board and drawing and Mr Norton 10£ for all rent due to him at Lady Day last and on Friday June 22nd he and his sister Mary with both the Miss Watsons came by Caerleon boat and I met them at Newport and bro.t all to P’pool. Thomas bought a new coat and breeches of the bone de Paris coloured cloths at Bristol.

Friday June 22nd – Set 3 rows of marrowfat peas at P’pool.

Tuesday 26th June – Set potatoes in the slopes towards the river at P’pool.

Saturday June 3rd 1781 – I paid 1 guinea duty to the examination for my man servant John Evans for a year ending the 30th June 1782.

Thursday June 21st 1781 – Bro.t a hogshead of cyder to P’pool. Sold Mr James of the Black Boar 48 gallons of it at 6d a gallon, he had the same quantity of it before at the same price. John Jacob had 3 gallons at the same price. I kept 40 gallons for my own use. Gave Dan.l Jones six gallons of cyder.

 

Ann Leek came Monday Feb.y 26th 1781

£SD

Wages and tea 5 5 0 year

Friday April 20th paid her

On account 10 6

Saturday May 12th paid her

On account 5 0

Thursday July 26th

I paid her in full of all wages due

to her this day July 26th 1781 1 8 6

this will be due to her on the

26th Feb.y 1782 to finish her

Years wages: exactly 3 1 0 to

Make up the 5 5 0 2 4 1

Decm.r 1781 Pd her 1 1 0

 Feb.y 26th 1781 Pd her to finish

Her year due that day 2 0 0

Prosser, Gertrude – 1899

April 7th 1899
Sad Drowning Fatality at Chain Bridge

A very sad case of drowning at the Chain Bridge near Pontypool on Thursday.
It appears that a little girl, Gertrude Prosser, aged 10, with her little brother, a year older, children of the collector of the bridge tolls, were picking primroses at the top of a steep bank of the river above the bridge, called the rock pool, when suddenly the little girl slipped and rolled down the bank and into the pool which is about 15ft deep.
The little brother, who of course was very much frightened, ran down to the toll house and told his mother.
A water bailiff called Parker, who happened to be near, immediately ran to a place where a boat is kept higher up the river and he, with the assistance of General Gillespie of Brynderwen eventually got the body out of the water after it had been immersed for about an hour and a half.
The funeral took place at Bettws Newydd Church on Easter Monday.
Deep sympathy is felt for Mrs Prosser, whose husband has only died lately.

Owen, John Gwynne Herbert – 1863

April 18th 1863

Awfully Sudden Death of JGH Owen Esq., Solicitor

An awful instance of the uncertainty of human life occurred in this town (Pontypool) on Tuesday last.
On that day Mr Owen proceeded to Cardiff to attend our County Court. He alighted from the train at the Clarence Railway Station and went to the Clarence Hotel where he partook of some refreshments and afterwards proceeded towards the Court.
Alas! Who would have thought before he reached the Court of Justice, which he had business to transact, “the strong arm of death” would arrest him and that the next Court before which he would plead would be that presided over by the Judge of All? But such was the case.
Upon ascending the steps in front of the town hall Mr Owen fell and expired almost instantaneously. He was removed into the reading room of the Literary Institution and medical advice instantly summoned.
After the lapse of a few minutes Mr Lawrence and Mr Essex were upon the spot but their services were of no avail, life being quite extinct.
The friends and relatives of the deceased were communicated with by telegraph and in the course of a few hours his brother, Mr David Owen, surgeon of Newport, arrived upon the scene, at which he seemed deeply affected.
About eight o’clock in the evening deceased was laid in the shell of his coffin and on the following day, about two o’clock was removed to his residence at Goytrey, where an inquest was fixed to be held this day (Friday.)
It is the opinion of the medical men that the deceased died from either disease of the heart or apoplexy, we understand for some time past he had complained of pains in his chest and that he had a presentment that he would die suddenly from disease of the heart.
Indeed, some days before his decease he sustained a fall from his horse in consequence from an attack of the disease which is supposed to have caused his death.
Mr Owen, who claimed decent from the royal blood of old Cambria, (the celebrated Owen Glendower, the last prince of Wales being amongst his ancestors) was, we believe, born near Abergavenny from which place he was removed in infancy to Monmouth, where he was articled to the legal profession and where he practised for some time as a solicitor.
He first brought himself into notice during a serious and protracted strike among the colliers on the hills, by his Ernest advocacy of their cause and by continuing this course of conduct he eventually succeeded in obtaining their confidence so entirely that he was appointed their “Attorney-General” and their united contributions furnished a very considerable emolument for his services.
Having once established his reputation as a friend of the poor man he had no lack of clients among the humbler classes, who’s cases he was always ready to undertake and his experience, tact and confidence enabled him to gain their cause when it seemed almost hopeless.
His increased practise led to his removing from Monmouth and for many years he has resided at Goytrey, having also a residence in Cardiff and offices at Newport, Pontypool and other places and an extensive practise throughout the mining districts.
We are glad to hear that his family are not unprovided for, Mr Owen having, in addition to other means, insured his life for £1,000.
Mr Owen’s appearance is too familiar to need a description but we may state that he was apparently in the prime of life, though in his 60th year, he was 6ft 3in in height; and proportionally bulky, he had a pleasant look and a bold, commanding presence and no man inherited a greater right from nature judging from his phrenological developments, to plead in palliation of any particular foibles to which he may have been liable, the deprecatory language of Robert Burns.

“Thou know’t that thou has formed me
With passions wild and strong
And listening to their watching voices
Has often led me wrong”

(John Gwynne Herbert Owen lived at Oak Cottage Goytrey with Mrs Kingston, the daughter of Rev John Evans, rector of Llanover, by whom he had two sons, David and Johny)

In 1840 John Owen became quite famous when he defended the chartist leaders, Frost, Williams and Jones at the special commission in Monmouth when he detected a flaw in the indictment that had escaped the notice of his Majesty solicitor and Attorney General then sitting in judgement on the prisoners.

He began a petition addressed personally to her majesty which was signed by clergy, magistrates, and all denominations of christians to the secretary of state for the communication (?commutation) of their sentences but without avail.

Inquest – April 25th at Goytrey Cottage
ED Batt Esq., Coroner and the following gentlemen:
Thomas James, foreman
Thos. James jnr
J Walters
Wm Walters
Wm Price
John Daniel
George Coles
John Williams
Wm Lewis
J Marshall
John Jenkins
Walter Davies
Mr James We are deposed: I was standing outside the Town Hall, Pontypool about 11 o’clock in the morning of Tuesday the 14th inst., talking to Mr Conway and other gentlemen when Mr Owen came up and shook hands with several persons present.
Shortly afterwards I saw him seize hold of the iron gate at the entrance and perceiving that he was sinking I caught him in my arms and prevented him falling. He spoke a few words in a very faint voice relative to someone going for a doctor, adding “but its too late now.”
He was carried to a room at the Town Hall and died about a quarter of an hour after he was first attacked. I remained with him until he died.
Supt M’Intosh informed the coroner that Mr Weare was the only witness thought necessary to produce and added that he himself was present when deceased was attacked, he could if required give corroborate evidence.
The coroner said he did not think any additional evidence was necessary and as the deceased had been well known to the jury, expressed themselves perfectly satisfied with the evidence produced and returned a verdict that the deceased died from natural causes.
On Monday the remains of the lamented gentleman were interred at Llantilio Pertholey near Abergavenny to which place they were followed by a numerous body of friends and relatives.

1859 Free Press

March 12th – Police Court

Saturday- before Charles H Williams and Frederick Leverit Esqs

A Parochial Squabble – The surveyor of the highways, Thomas Watkins, summoned Wm. Harris, poor-rate collector, for refusing to give him the rate-books for the purpose of making a rate.
Mr Alexander Edwards appeared for the defendant:  It would appear that some apprehension was felt among a portion of the parishioners, that the surveyor was not acting as impartially as he ought to do in his official capacity and they therefore thwarted him as much as possible in the performance of what he considered to be his duties. Defendant it would seem was acting under he influence of other parties and it appeared in evidence that the book was in the possession of Mr Evans.
The magistrates regretted that such a case should have come before them and suggested that the parties should endeavour to come to some amicable arrangement. The defendant was ultimately ordered to give up the book and pay the expenses.

April 16th – Saturday – A Fowl Affair

Henry Plasted (Pudda) charged Mary Gibbon with having assaulted him. Mr Owen (Oak Cottage) appeared for the defendant.
The parties reside at the Goytrey and had been on friendly terms but complainant having, it was alleged, enticed defendants’s hens to lay in his barn and appropriated the eggs, a rupture had ensued. – These revelations created some merriment and the case was ultimately dismissed.

The Goytrey – Wm. Nicholls was charged with being illegally appointed as overseer for the above parish.
Mr Watkins laid the charge. – Defendant was ordered to call another meeting and come up next week to have his appointment confirmed.

May 21st

The Goytrey – Mr Owen made an application on behalf of the parish of Goytrey. He said through the course of the last two months their worships had appointed Mr Nicholls as surveyor; but the person who has been superseded refused to deliver up the books.
He therefore asked their worships to grant a summons against the ex-surveyor and it would be for him to state upon what grounds he detained the books. – The appointment was made by the parish first and afterwards confirmed by their worships.
The summons was issued for this day fortnight.

May 28th

The Goytrey Case – This was an adjourned case of assault, brought by William Harris, assistant overseer for the above named parish, acting for Mr James, the overseer, against Wm Gwatkin, an assistant of the rival overseer.
It appeared from complainants evidence that on Sunday morning about a month since, he was proceeding from the vestry meeting relative to the Railway’s Company’s appeal against the parish rates, when he met defendant, to whom he showed the notice.
This took place just before the commencement of service and in about a quarter of an hour after, he saw defendant engaged in putting up another notice beneath the first and complainant told him to desist, it was not required.
Defendant persisted and complainant pulled it off, when Gwatkin commenced “swaggering” his hand backwards and forward and eventually pushed complainant round by his elbow and put his fist in his face, when, of course, complainant “retired” thinking it very disgraceful conduct for defendant to exhibit before persons going into church.
This formed the grounds for complaint.

In cross-examination by Mr Greenway, witness stated that he never threatened to serve defendant out and entertained no ill-feeling towards him. He had not been instructed by any person particular to bring forward the charge, although there were several who had indirectly persuaded him to do so but he was not bound to give their names.
Defendant had no right to publish the notice, because it was his (complainant’s) duty. Did not closely examine the notice which Gwatkin had posted, but could see it was in his handwriting.
Mr Greenway was proceeding to question the complainant regarding his right to pull the notice down and whether it referred to other matters that that previously posted, when the bench stopped the case by expressing an opinion that there were grounds for the charge of assault.
Mr Greenway applied for the costs of this and a former adjournment but the magistrates advised each party to pay their own expenses.

June 4th

The Goytrey Surveyors – Mr Wm Watkins, ex-surveyor, was summoned for neglecting to deliver up the parish books, writings and other property belonging to the parish.
Mr A Edwards appeared on behalf of the parish and called Mr Wm Nicholls, who stated that he was recently appointed surveyor of highways for the parish of Goytrey and that on the 20th of April he applied to Mr Watkins for the books and papers. He refused at first to give them up but arranged to meet on the 28th and promised to do so then. He accordingly went to his house on the day named and showed his appointment.
Defendant went into another room but returned in about a quarter of an hour when he refused to give up the books and had retained them till the present time.
Mr Watkins asked witness whether the fourteen days had expired from the time he gave notice of his appointment, when he applied for the books.
Witness answered in the negative, nor had he made any demand for them since. Defendant thought the bench had no authority to make this appointment and he should not have refused if he had not been persuaded that he was right. He still considered that he held the appointment and should therefore refuse to give up the books.
The magistrates said they were quite justified in making the late appointment and defendant had full intimation of the fact from his successor who had called upon him to surrender the books &c., which he ought to have done.
They should therefore inflict upon him the full penalty of £5. A rate of 19s 6d collected by him was also ordered to be paid.
Mr Watkins gave notice that he should appeal at the next quarter sessions.

September 17th

Violent Assault on a Police Officer – James Williams, Wm Waters and Enoch Waters, three powerful looking young fellows, were charged with violently assaulting PC Thomas Lewis at Goytrey on the night of the 3rd inst.
He stated: I was returning from Pontypool on the night in question and when about half a mile from the station on the Goytrey-road, I heard the defendants coming along, making a great noise, shouting and singing.
When they came up I asked them to be quiet and not to disturb the people in bed. Enoch Waters began to curse and said “you are too big a man for your clothes.”
Witness replied “you are always the same when I speak to you.” He then pulled off his coat and challenged me to a fight and when he came towards me I caught hold of him by the collar and taking the handbolts out of my pocket, told the others to stand back and not interfere. Wm Waters rushed in-between us and I struck him with the hand cuffs. James Williams then gave me a severe blow on the fore-head which stunned me and knocked me down. Felt the kicks coming but could not say a word. I remained on the ground till Mr James came and assisted me home, where I have since been in bed until today. I have three cuts on my head which were sewn up by Mr Steele, who attended me and the whole of my back is very much bruised.
In cross-examination by Mr Owen, he stated he had three glasses of beer in Pontypool and two at Mamhilad before he met with complainants.
Mr James of Goytrey, deposed to hearing the row in the road near his dwelling and some-one called out, “if you let me go I’ll give it you.” They moved further off and subsequently he heard some-one groaning and on going out to see what had occurred he found Lewis on the ground and assisted him to get up. He said he thought his arm was broken. The defendants afterwards came up and Waters said they had done nothing to annoy the policeman but that he interfered with them.
Did not think that the policeman was drunk at the time. Evan Jones was also called and disposed to hearing the row while in his house and also to seeing the defendants on their return to the spot…a man named Roberts, who’s wife dressed the wounds, spoke of the severe nature of the injuries received by Lewis, as did also Serjeant Wright.
Mr Owen addressed the bench at great length and called several witnesses to prove that the policeman had exceeded his duty previous to meeting with the defendants, one of them, named Thos. Jenkins, stated that he stopped him as he was going home across a field and threatened to take him into custody, telling him he had no business out that time of night.
The bench having consulted for about ten minutes, returned into court, C H Williams Esq., addressing the defendants thus:- We are fully satisfied from the evidence addressed, that the assault has been of a very aggravated character. It is true there is no direct evidence to show what took place at the commencement; nor have we sufficient reason to suppose that the constable exceeded his duty on this occasion.
Granting these allegations, however, to be true, it would take a great deal more than to palate the very violent assault committed upon the policeman; and you are fortunate in not being arraigned on a more serious charge, for it is quite clear his life was in danger. It behoves us to throw especial protection around men occupying the position of a policeman and we shall therefore fine each of you £5 or in default, two months imprisonment…The money in each case was paid.

November 5th

Wednesday before Wm Williams Esq.
Sheep stealing – Wm Plaisted was brought up in custody with stealing a sheep, the property of Mr James Cook, farmer of Goytrey…Serjeant Wright deposed that he went to the prisoner’s house on Monday last and found the carcase of a sheep which had recently been slaughtered.
He then proceeded to the field where the sheep had been killed and found the entrails and skin. He tracked footprints leading across the field to prisoner’s house, where he subsequently returned and apprehended prisoner, who said in answer to the charge, “it was not my fault, it was another man who did it.”
Remanded till Saturday.

November 12th

Stealing a pick-axe – William Cobner (Pelham or Pear Cottage) was charged with stealing a pick-axe, the property of Owen Davies on Tuesday last.
Mr Greenway for defendant… the prosecutor identified the pick-axe as his property, although in cross-examination he acknowledged that he had not seen it for three years.
Defendant’s son also swore to the pick-axe, which he found in a blacksmith’s shop where it had been conveyed by the defendant. This witnesses subjected to a severe cross-examination, in the course of which he admitted having once given a man into custody on suspicion of stealing a watch and afterwards found the had confided it to the safe keeping of a friend.
The Bench, after some further evidence, said they were not satisfied as to the identity of the article in the present instance and dismissed the accused.

Sheep Stealing – Wm Plaisted was brought up on remand, charged with stealing a sheep, the property of Mr Thomas James, farmer, of Goytrey.
Complainant’s son stated that he had 80 sheep on tack in Mr Jenkin’s field, Pentyvach and on the 31st ult., he missed a sheep, the skin of which he found in an old quarry near and identified it by the ears and the pitch mark.
He proceeded to the residence of PC Lewis and gave information, who accompanied him to the prisoner’s house and found the carcase upstairs.
PC Lewis corroborated this portion of the evidence and deposed to apprehend the prisoner.
Sergeant Wright stated that he went to the field where the sheep had been slaughtered and tracked footprints leading to the prisoner’s house, which he found to correspond with his boots.
Prisoner said “It was not my fault, it was another man who put me to do it.”
Thomas James senior, was also sworn and identified the head and ears produced as portions of the missing sheep, prisoner met the charge by making a statement to the effect that his brother (who rented a field near the place) had sent him to kill it. A second charge was preferred against the prisoner for stealing a bushel of wheat the property of his brother and which had been taken from a barn.
Henry Plaisted appeared and identified the wheat and after some further evidence had been taken, the prisoner was committed to take his trial upon both charges at the next quarter sessions.

1955 Free Press

February 4th

Obituary – Mr F J Davies, Goytre

The funeral of Mr F J Davies of School House Goytre took place at St Peter’s Church Goytre. The Rev’d C W Kelly officiated. Mr F J Davies was the youngest son of the late Mr & Mrs Frederick Davies, School House, Carrog, North Wales.

Mourners:

Mrs A M Davies; Miss S H Davies; Mrs L Philips, sister-in-law; Mr D W Phillips, brother-in-law; Mr & Mrs T Cross; Mr & Mrs D A Beynon JP; Mr & Mrs J Phillips; Mrs V B Parsons; Mrs J Bird and Mr & Mrs R Whittington.

Others present:

Cpt. E Jones; Mrs W Swinnerton; W Morgan; S Morgan; H H Hatchley; D R Williams; C W Merrick; J E Jones; J W Davies; D Mathews; Messrs E James and J Williams.

Flowers:

Nance & Dal; Lucy & Bill; Elsie, Tom, Vi and Joan; Percy and Rena Whittington and boys; GVPA; The staff Goytre Vawr school; Mrs Burges; Mrs Dobbs; Miss Messenger; Mrs Hicjman; Mr & Mrs Shorthouse; all at Home Lea; all at Glanbaiden; Mr & Mrs Bishop; Mr & Mrs Owen; Mrs James, Owen and Richard.

February 18th

Obituary – Mr A Watkins

The funeral took place at St Peter’s Church Goytre of Mr A Watkins aged 64 of Bryn View Goytre. The Rev. C W Kelly officiated.

Mourners: Elizabeth, wife; Arthur, son; Gloria and Marie, daughters; Sarah and Rhoda, sisters; John, son-in-law; Charlie, Bill and Ben, brothers; Elsie, cousin; Palm, nephew; Vina, niece.

Others present: Mmes Motley, Phipps, Hale and Hickman; H Williams; S Mathuen; E Williams and J W James.

Bearers: Messrs F Phipps, J Jenkins, Morris, I Dobbs.

Flowers: Elizabeth, Artie and family; Gloria, Peter and family; Maries, John and family; Man, Dad and family, London; Rhoda and Alan; Sarah and Ben; Annie, Glyn Ivor and Palm; Violet, Charlie and boys; Betty, George and children; Jeff, Joan and Paul; Una and Bill; Doris Melvin and Vivian; Jim, Keith, Colin and Philip; Jack, Elsie, John and brothers; Edith, Ted, Elsie and Mr Williams; Tom, Gwen, Iris and Aubrey; Mr & Mrs Ivor Dobbs; Mr & Mrs M Hall and family; The Custom GA; Arthur Jones, GA; All at the Walnut Tree; Mr & Mrs Hickman; Les and Mel Workman; Staff at Little Mill brickworks.

March 18th

Smallholder found dead in Goytre Cottage

Two police officers who forced entry into Plough Cottage Goytre during the weekend, found the occupier, a fifty years old small holder dead in an upstairs room.

He was Joseph Edwin Edgar, who, living alone, had been ill for some time, neighbours told police he had not been seen for some time.

P.C.’s L Clewer and R Childs gained entry. They found Edgar fully clothed in a kneeling position with his head on a chair It is believed he had been dead about 10 days.

There will not be an inquest.

Edwin farmed at Ynyspicca Farm

April 22nd

Obituary – Mrs M James, Goytre

The funeral took place at Saron Baptist Chapel of Mrs Minnie James, Pentre Farm, Goytrey. The Rev’d. C A Rees officiated.

Mourners: Mildred, Agnes, Dorothy and Violet, daughter; Jack and Reginald, sons; Elizabeth, sister; Louie, sister-in-law; Gwyneth, Marjorie, Barbara,, Marion and Dorothy, granddaughters; David and Leonard, grandsons; Mary, daughter-in-law; Bert, Sid and Ron, sons-in-law.

Bearers: Messrs J Price; P Roberts; C James; A James; C Shepherdson and W Powell.

Flowers: Agnes and Reg; Mildred, Bert and children; Dorothy, Sid and children; Jack, Mary and children; Violet, Ron and children; David and Audry; Elizabeth and Louie; Les, Olive, Graham, Pop and Win; Beryl, Enid, Ivor and Len; Alf and Lilian; Billy, Elsie and family; Alf and William; Evelyn, Albert and Gena; Mr & Mrs James, Yew Tree; mr & Mrs Powell, Gelli; Mr & Mrs Ball, Vedw Farm; Mr & Mrs Roy Ball; Mr & Mrs P Roberts; Mr & Mrs Fawdrey; All at Llwyn Celin Bungalow; All at Ty Cooke; Topsy, Jack and Susan; Mrs J Lewis; All at Oviel Garn; Bernard and Doreen Davies; Andrew and Lesley Andrews; Mr & Mrs A James and family; Mr & Mrs D James and family; Ivor and L Jones; Mr & Mrs E J Williams and Cliff; Mr & Mrs Watkins and family; Mr & Mrs Archie James; Mrs Brown and Marjorie; Pengroesoped Shop; Rev & Mrs Rees and Mrs Williams; Mr & Mrs Rogers, Horseshoe; Mr & Mrs Thompson; Bert, Ethel and Jimmy; Mr & Mrs Dobbs and family; Mr & Mrs Pritchard and family; Mr & Mrs Lewis, Ivy Cottage.

Funeral arrangements carried out by E J Ware, Pontypool.

April 29th

Rural Council Nominations – Goytre Ward, 11 candidates for 8 places

Horace Arthur Davies, Bussey View process worker; William B Davies, Oriel Garn, transport driver; Ivor George Dobbs, Skirrid View, householder; Ernest Draper, 1 Bedfont, Textile engineer; Harold Henry Hatchley, Porth Gwyn, decorator; Evan Jones,  The Haven, retired master mariner; William Jones, Pengroesoped Stores, electrician; Thomas Langley, Sunnybank, old aged pensioner; William Llywelen Morgan, Pydew, farmer; George Thomas Pritchard, Pentwyn Farm, farmer; Horace Idwal Prosser, Ty Newydd, farmer.

May 15th

Goytre May Queen

Miss Pamela Watkins, Nantyderry was chosen at Goytre Memorial Hall by Mrs Loasby to reign over Goytre on Whit Monday carnival and fete.

Her attendants will be; Pat Williams, Nantyderry, Dorothy Davies, Goytre, Marilyn Smith, Little Mil and Marylin Hammond, Goytre.

Jennifer Jones, Janet Brooks, Susan Jones, Diane Hammond, Wendy Methuen, Janet Arthur, Gillian Essex, Diane Litten, Sandra Mainwaring and Gillian Bracey were chosen as flower girls.

May 27th

Sale of Freehold Bungalow and Land Situated on the old Abergavenny Road

Lot 1. Llwyn Celyn Bungalow, having a sitting room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms with Nissan hut, garage and shed, together with 1a 2r 5p of land being ordnance sheet number 464. Possession on completion.

Lot 2. 6 acres of land adjoining and lying between the bungalow and Llwyn Celyn with frontage to the road. Let to Mr R G Ball at £8 pa. Ordnance sheet number 462.

M/s Bunning and Russell will sell at the Clarence Hotel Pontypool on Wednesday ?th June 1955 at 4.30pm.

July 22nd

Estate of Mr J Edgar

J Straker, Chadwick and son will sell hay and grass keep standing on approximately 38a on Thursday July 28th 1955.

Lot 1. Cae Susanna adjoining Brook Cottage – 18 acres

Lot 2. Ynyspicca, bounding the Goytre – Usk road 171/2 acres

Lot 3. Royal Oak meadow on the Goytre-Usk road, 3 acres

Note: Hay crop and or stock to be removed by August 31st 1955

Obituary – Mr W Jenkins

The funeral took place at St Peter’s Church Goytre of Mr William Jenkins aged 64 of Ty Coch Goytre. Mr Jenkins was well known in the district. In addition to being sub-postmaster he was the proprietor of a garage and general stores for a number of years.

The Rev. C W Kelly officiated at the church and graveside and Mr C W Merrick was the organist.

Mourners: Wife; Stanley, son; Polly, sister; Arthur, brother; Arthur Major and Norman Jenkins, nephews; Len Brace, Reg and Doris Brace; Beatrice Hawkins, brother and sister-in-law; Mr L Burgham, uncle; Miss F Burgham, aunt; David and Mabel Wilks; Charles and Doris Merrick; Annie and Evan Jones; Will George; Alex Morgan; Len and Dorothy Morgan; George Lewis; Tom Davies; Councillor Lewis, cousins; Mrs Sexton; |Beatrice Gumbrey; Mes Williams; Mrs Thomas.

Bearers: Messrs A Messenger, B Bishop, W Powell and E Owen.

Others present: Mmes B Bishop, E draper, Haynes, Frewin, Harris and Miss G Powell; Major General GW Rees; P.C.’s L Clewer and R Childs; M/s L W Brain and S Morgan; A Powles; R Hamer; W I Morgan; W Rouse; D Price; E Lewis; W Owen; c Price; J Morgan; R Mills; J Taylor; T Langley; H Wilks; W Morgan; J Jenkins; H Williams; T Edwards; J Williams; W E Richards; C Shepherdson; J Price; J Morgan; D Harris; J W James; H MacGregor (representative Shell Mex BP) R A Foulkes (representing London and Liverpool Insurance Co.,) G Pritchard(representing Goytre and Mamhilad branch Unionist Association)

August 12th

To Close the Estate of E J Edgar, deceased – 6 miles from Abergavenny, 12 miles from Newport, 3 miles from Pontypool and 6 miles from Usk

J Straker, Chadwick and Son are instructed to sell by auction in 10 lots on Wednesday 31st August:

The Freehold Cottages, valuable accommodation land comprising 3 cottages, gardens, filling station and timber bungalow.

Sundry parcels of accommodation land formerly part of Ynyspicca and Plough farms and 34 acres of Mount Graig land, 71 acres or thereabouts.

Brook Cottage, freehold, was purchased by the tenant Mr H Frewen for £420 who also purchased 11/2 acres of accommodation land for £100.

Brook Cottage Garage, workshop and site £50 purchased by Mr T Price.

Cae Susanna land 15 acres sold to Mr W H Powell for £1500

Plough Cottages £320 to Mr Lewis

Grazing land 163/4 acres £950 Mr W H Powell

Timber Bungalow £40 and Royal Oak Meadow 21/2 acres £100 Mr J T Powell.

Mountain grazing land 30 acres £120, Foxhunter Stud Farm

November 25th

Eric Thomas and Harper instructed to sell at the Greyhound Hotel, Abergavenny on Tuesday 6th December at 3pm:

The Freehold attested dairy and stock raising holding, known as;

The Pentre Farm Homestead, outbuildings and 125 acres of pasture and arable land.

Llwyn Celyn

Loyncelin – Llwyn Celin – 311 on the 1841 Tithe Map.

The parish register at St Peter’s Goytre says John Jenkins, a labourer was living at Llwyn Celin, he had a son Roderick baptised in 1733 and another son Edward baptised in 1738.

In 1756 William Jenkins was the overseer of the poor for Llwyn Celin, in the same year Morgan Jenkins, husbandsman wrote the following:

The Rev’d Mr Williams curate of Geottre

S’r, You are hereby desired to publish banns of matrimony between us, Morgan Jenkins husbandsman that now live at Lwyncelin and Anne Griffiths spinster that live with her father Walter Griffith at Penpellenig both within the parish of Goytrey.

Given under our hands this 27th day of May in the year 1756.

Married 16th day of July 1756

In the presence of Walter Griffith; Rachel Williams both by x

In 1782 Roderick Jenkins married Catherine Morgan of Goytre House Farm, a daughter Mary was baptised in October 1782 followed by William in November 1784.

Roderick Jenkins died at Llwyn Celin and was buried at St Peter’s on 31st January 1787.

1831 the owner/occupier was Thomas Jenkins, he was the constable for Llwyn Celin.

Between the years of 1833 to 1837 a pauper, Mary Jones occupied a part of Llwyn Celin, she was allowed by the overseers of the poor a rate of 1/- per week plus coals. I cannot find a burial for her.

Walter David in 1837 was both overseer of the poor and land tax collector for Llwyn Celin. Confirmed as the owner on the 1841 tithe was Rebecca Harry and the occupier Walter David, who, on the 1841 census was aged 50 and a farmer. Mary his wife was 45, and their two children, Thomas 13 and Ann 16 were living with them.

Walter David continued living at Llwyn Celin, being the overseer of the poor in 1850 and also stated his religion was a Baptist.

The owner of Llwyn Celin was now James Harry of Newport (I assume the son of Rebecca) he was entitled to vote as the owner of freehold land in the parish of Goytre called “Llewyn Celyn”. In an undated document The rateable value of Llwyn Celin was £2 10s this increased to £12, again it was not dated.

The 1851 census gave a little more information, Walter Davies was now aged 57, a farmer of 19a and born in Goytre, Mary his wife was 50 and born in Mamhilad, their children Ann, 25 was born in Trevethin and their son Thomas, 23 was born in Goytre.

By 1866 Llwyn Celin had a new tenant, Thomas Lewis, who along with Benjamin Jeremiah was appointed overseer of the poor. On the 1870 electoral register Thomas Lewis was named as the occupier of a house and land known as tenant, his age on the 1871 census was 61, he was a widower and had a servant called Hannah Matby aged 55.

In 1875 Thomas Lewis’s son John married Margaret Thomas of Pentre Cottage who was the daughter of John Thomas, a copper man.

I am unable to say with certainty who was living at Llwyn Celin on the 1881 census but by 1891 it was Charles Jones, 37, a wheelwright who was born in Dixon, and Mary 31, his wife who was born in Monkswood.

By 1901 Thomas Jones 31, a farmer, his wife Sarah, 30 and their two children, Edith 8 and Albert 5, were residing at Llwyn Celin. All were born in Goytre.

In June 1908 Llwyn Celin was advertised for sale in the Free Press, offering a farm of 22a 2r 16p, a house, land and buildings in the occupation of Thomas Jones, yearly tenant at a rent of £16 per annum (and undertenant of the late Col. Henry Byrde) tithe paid last year was £1 14s 4d

The same year Thomas Jones sold his Live and Dead stock in a sale.

A tragic accident occurred in 1910 when Mr Frank Jones, 38, of Llwyn-Celyn farm Goytre, a married man with three children was found dead at the bottom of a quarry. He was shooting on the land of Mr Roberts, Penystair Farm when it appears that he slipped and the gun went off accidentally. He was buried at Monkswood Church.

On the electoral register for the years 1912-1919 Richard Dobbs was the occupier. For the years 1921-1922 it was Harriet and Alfred Godfrey.

The 1921 census says Richard Dobbs is 62, born in llangarron,  a roadman working for Pontypool rural district council, he is also a farmer. Harriet his wife is 55,  daughter Mary Jane is 32, both were born in Cwmcarvan. Sons Alfred 24 and Evan 17 were both born in Goytre. Alfred is a blacksmith journeyman working for Wm Wilks, Evan is a farm hand assisting his father.