Author Archives: Viv Rosser

Black Beech

Posted on by

Black Beech – 810 on the 1841 tithe map

On the tithe of 1841 Black Beech contained 29 acres 0 rood and 23 perches and an additional 7 acres 0 rood and 17 perches. The owner was Sir Joseph Bailey, he was paying £3 12s plus 5s 5d to the rector.

On the census of 1841 John Williams is the occupier, he is a 60 year old farmer, his wife Eleanor is 55, living with them are Thomas 25, Elinor 20, Abraham 20, Charlotte 15, Roger 15, Isaac 7, Elinor 4 and two year old Isaac.

By 1861 John Williams had died as Elinor says she is a 66 year old widow ( I cannot find a burial for John) farming 26 acres and came from Breconshire. Living with her are her grandchildren Isaac 17 and John 13. She also has two farm servants, John Watts, 40 and John Jenkins 25.

In 1852 Elinor is registered as holding farm and lands of 39 acres 0 rood and 23 perches, her name appears on the vicar’s tithe account in 1855.

An advert is placed in the Usk Observer on the 14th March 1857 by Abraham Williams for the sale of farming stock and household furniture as the family are quitting Black Beech.

The new tenant of Black Beech in 1859 is Thomas Roberts. On the 1861census Thomas is a 33 year old, farming 32 acres, he was born in Llangattock. His wife is Jane who is 38, the children mentioned are Alice and Thomas, both aged 1.

By 1865 several things had happened to the family. Jane, Thomas’s wife had died although I cannot find a burial for her, and Thomas had changed his occupation, he is now a publican at the Royal Oak, Goytre. (Thomas Roberts, widow, public house keeper, married Martha Neate, July 1867.)

The electoral register of 1866 says Sir Joseph Bailey of Glenusk Park is still holding Black Beech, a freehold house and land.

I am unable to ascertain who is living at Black Beech on the census of 1871, but it appears John Williams of Penwern is leasing the property and subletting it as he says in the Free Press of 1873 that his tenant (of Black Beech) wants to leave due to the interference from the vicar. This is the date of the notorious case of “The Vicar and the Well.” Mr Mathews, farmer of Penpellenny closed up the Black Well the same year.

On the census of 1881 William Bevan and Elizabeth his wife are living at Black Beech, William is 48, an agricultural labourer born in Trevethin, Elizabeth is 56, born in Glascoed.

At St Peter’s Church on October 26 1886 William Leonard Rees, a farmer of Black Beech married Sarah Ann Howell of Penperheol

The tithe map was updated in 1888, we now have William Rees the new occupier. William was born in Raglan in 1822, the son of Leonard and Ann, nee Jones. William married Mary Turner at St Peter’s Goytre on the 15th February 1847. Their children are William Leonard, Thomas, Mary Jane, Temperance and Catherine, on the census of 1891 at Black Beech are William 67 a farmer, Mary his wife 73, Mary Jane 35, Temperance 33 and Catherine 30.

Temperance married Francis Nobes, she died in 1926 in Poole.

Mary Jane remained unmarried, she died in Usk in 1908 and was laid to rest in St Peter’s Churchyard.

William Leonard Rees married Sarah Ann Howells in Goytre Church, they lived at Penpederhewl, according to an ancestor he emigrated to America, but no date is given.

Thomas married Sarah Ann Howells in Goytre Church, he lived and farmed the Walnut Tree in Goytre. Thomas died in 1902 aged 50, he is also buried at St Peter’s.

William Rees was fined in £3 10s in 1888 for non-payment of the poor rate. Mary, William’s wife died in May 1891 aged 76, William died in March 1900 aged 75, they are both buried in St Peter’s churchyard.

Another death in January 1902 at Black Beech is Alfred Lewis, Alfred was only 31 years old, the eldest son of William and Elizabeth, late of the Lan, Goytre.

Thomas Rees, (son of William, living at Walnut Tree) held a sale at Black Beech of farming stock and implements on 17th November 1905.

By 1910 Black Beech had changed ownership, it now belonged to the Rev Charles Cook of Mamhilad it had a gross value of £8 and a rateable value of £7, for a holding of 28 acres.

The new occupier in 1911 is James Parry from Mamhilad, James is 42, his wife Emily (nee Arnold) is 38 they had been married for 17 years, had eight children, seven of which had survived. Laura 16, Bertha 14, Gus 12, Susan 11, Elizabeth 9, Emily 7, Elsie 4, all being born in Glascoed.

The Parry family did not stay long at Black Beech, by 1914 they had moved to farm at Glascoed, where James died in 1957.

The poor rate was paid by the Rev. C Cook 1914.

In March 1906 Christopher Cook of Mamhilad a 38 year old farmer married Gertrude Davies, 29, the daughter of Aaron Davies, a gardener, at Llanvihangel Pontymoile Church, they made their home at Black Beech where they had two sons, Philip and Charles.

On the 18th December 1921 Christopher Cook, 53, of Black Beech, husband of Gertrude was laid to rest at St Peter’s church, Goytre. Christopher was the son of Christopher Cook, clergyman of Mamhilad.

Gertrude remained at Black Beech, the Electoral Register shows Philip living with her in 1938, by 1948 Gertrude, Charles and Philip were all residing there.

Gertrude died in 1957, the Cook family remained at Black Beech for many more years.

Pengroesoped Cottages No. 2

Posted on by

The cottages were built in the garden of the Old Thatch Cottage by William Williams, in December 1851.

On the census of 1861 widow Rachel Jones was in residence. This had changed by 1871 to Jane Thomas also a widow, living with her is her son William a 35 year old farm labourer, they were both born in Brecon.

On the 1881 census in occupation of number two is Henry Holland 55 from Bicester, a labourer, along with his 44 year old wife Virginia from Weymouth with their sons, Henry 17, a gardener born in Merthyr, William 11 and 13 year old daughter Ellen both born in Goytre.

The younger children were attending Penperlleny School when in January 1883 Henry Holland was summoned by the Pontypool Board of Guardians for his children’s non-attendance.

By 1891 Henry and his family moved to Abergavenny where, in 1894 Virginia died. Four year later in September 1898 Henry was admitted to Abergavenny Lunatic Asylum, he died in December the same year.

The 1901 census shows Samuel James and his family in occupation, Samuel is a 35 year old miller, born in Bath, Laura his wife is 30, their children are James, John and Ceridwen. All the children attended Llanover School.

Isaac Heaven had taken occupation by 1911, he was 44, a labourer on the Llanover estate, his wife Frances is also 44, they had been married 17 years and had two children both still alive but only one daughter, 9 year old Ellen Jane was living with them on the census.

By 1921 it was Henry William Jones living at number 2, Henry was 43 from Llanellen, he was a woodman for Llanover estate trustees, Catherine his wife was 29 born in Llantrissant, daughter Catherine was 10, born in Llanover and son William Herbert was 18, a garden labourer for Llanover trustees, William was born in Llanellen.

Pengroesoped Cottages No. 1

Posted on by

Pengroesoped Cottages were built about 1851 by William Williams in the garden of the Old Thatch Cottage whilst he was in ownership.

The census of 1861 says Elizabeth Fisher is in occupation with her son Edwin, they had previously lived at Goytre Wharf.

By 1867 the new owner of the Cottages was Richard Drinkwater, living there was Robert Davies who had moved to Pantglas Mill house before the 1871 census as the census of that year showed George Watkins a 34 year old agricultural labourer born in Hereford, his wife Mary Ann 25 born in Llanover upper and Heanna 3 living at number 1.

Living at number 1 on the 1881 census is Amos Jones, a 41 year old agricultural labourer born in Llandenny, his wife Martha is 43 from Glascoed, their children are Henry 8 and Elsie 2 both born in Goytre.

This had changed again by 1901 when 36 year old Isaac Heaven, a carter at the mill, and his family took occupation. Isaac was born in Llanover, his wife Frances 35  from Llanvihangel Gobion, their daughter Louise 6 was born in Glamorgan.

By 1911,  50 year old widow Elizabeth Evans and her 48 year old brother Phillip Jenkins and Elizabeth’s 19 year old daughter Louise a dressmaker had become the new occupiers of number 1. Elizabeth and Phillip were born in Goytre, Louise in Pontypool.

Louise had left the cottage by the 1921 census but Elizabeth and her brother Phillip were still living there at the time of a tragic accident when Phillip was killed, the report is under inquests in March 1927.

Prosser, Mrs R 1956

Posted on by

21st September 1936

Mrs R Prosser Goytre

The funeral took place at Saron Baptist Church of Mrs Rebecca Prosser aged 86 of Tynewynydd Farm, Goytre.

Services at the house were conducted by the Rev. A Rees, minister and the Rev. A Davies, rector of St Peter’s Church Goytre. Mrs Rees, (niece) was the organist.

Mourners: Horace and Eunice, son and daughter; Joyce and William, grandchildren; Polly, sister-in-law; Lily, Dai, Gwynne, Annie, George, Mary, Florrie, Blodwen, Gwynneth, Doris, Horice and Vivian, nephews and nieces; Mrs F Miles; Mr & Mrs Percy Jones.

Bearers; Messrs Harry and Arthur Jacob, Ted and Jim Williams, nephews.

1919 Free Press

Posted on by

April 15th

Newland Hunt Williams offer For Sale by Auction on Wednesday April 30th 1919 at 2.30 o’clock:

The compact freehold agricultural residential estate known as Ty Cooke having an area of 190a 1r 38p

July 15th – O.B.E.

It is with pleasure we learn that Mr & Mrs Day of Park View Goytrey have just received the news that their son Mr A C Day who is at present private secretary to the Governor of New Zealand has had the order of the British Empire confirmed upon him for his services during the war.

Mr Day received his education in the Northleach Grammer school, Gloucestershire.

For six years he was a clerk in the office of M/s Barfoot & Co., estate agent and accountant, Newport.

He then became clerk to Sir John Dixon Pointer – now Earl Islington, Corsham Park Wiltshire and from there he went out to New Zealand as private secretary to the Governer General.

All friends rejoice Mr & Mrs Day over the honour conferred upon their son.

August 29th – Cadet outing to Goytrey Hall by Capt., and Mrs Whitehead.

The Little Mill cadets spent an enjoyable afternoon at Goytre Hall last Wednesday week.

Accompanied by their band the cadets reached the hall early in the afternoon and were greeted by Mrs Whitehead.

A cricket match was held in the afternoon which occupied the remainder of the visit, supper was served on the terrace.

Captain Craven Jones thanked the hosts on behalf of the boys who gave a round of hearty cheers in support.

September 24th – The Wern Goytrey

One mile from Nantyderry and two miles from Little Mill Rennie & Jones have been favoured with instruction from D H Morgan (who is giving up the Goytrey Hall Farm through ill health) to sell by auction on Thursday October 19th 1919. The following live and dead stock and crops &c.

32 Cross-bred cattle

70 healthy speckled faced ewes and their 60 cross Kerry lambs

8 workhorses and colts

Produce

Implements and harnesses etc.

And a few lots of household furniture

Luncheon 11.30

Sale 12.00

October 3rd – Cycling

Daniel Edwards, baker, Goytrey was summoned for riding a bicycle without lights after sunset at Llanvihangel Pontypool on September 20th.

P.C. Nunley proved the offence and defendant was fined 10s.

October 21st 

In a picturesque part of the county close to and above Nantyderry Station on the main GW line between Newport, Pontypool Road and Abergavenny.

Important Sale of Attractive & Choice Freehold Property known as Goytrey Farm.

Situated as above and adjoining a good road and in the parish of Goytrey it comprises a substantially built modern residence of 5 bedrooms, bath room, dining room with bay windows, kitchen, scullery, small enclosed yard, lawned gardens etc and suitable outbuildings.

And well farmed and watered enclosures of pasture and fertile arable land lying within a ring fence the whole having an area of 60acres.

Now let on an annual candlemas tenancy which Rennie & Jones are favoured with instructions from Mr John Rees to sell at auction at the Kings Head Newport on Wednesday November 12th 1919 at 3pm.

Morris, Evan – 1946

Posted on by

Evan Morris – 1st February 1946

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

Morris, Mrs Jane – 1931

Posted on by

Mrs J. Morris – Goytrey

The funeral took place on Saturday of Mrs J Morris of Bedfont, Goytrey, a respected inhabitant of the district who passed away on the previous Tuesday at the advanced age of 76 years.

Mrs Morris was the daughter of the late Mr John Jones clerk to the parish of Goytrey, she leaves a daughter and three sons.

The Rev. H C Belcher officiated at the House, Church and Grave, a gathering of over 100 people sang the hymns ‘Lead us Heavenly Father’, Rock of Ages’ and ‘O God my Father While I Stray’.

The Mourners Were:

Messrs E Morris, husband; Ted, Bert and Ernie, sons; Stuart, [son in law]; Harry [Swindon] [nephew]; John, [grandson]; E Boyce, A. Probert, P. Griffiths, J. Jones, J. George, W. Tramford and A. James, [cousins];

The Bearers were: Messrs C. Vaughan, A. Davies, H. Dowell junior and F. Watkins.

Floral tributes were sent by: Husband and family, Emily and Harry, [sister and brother in law]; John and Lizzie, [brother and sister in law], Edith, [sister in law], Harry, Bernard, Ernest and Reg, [nephews]; all at Bourne [cousins]; All at Church Cottage, [cousins]; Emily and family, [cousins]; Mamie and Jim, [niece and nephew]; Gladys and Alf, Menil; Hetty, Percy and uncle, Brecon, Kate, Charlie, Will and Clarice, Abercarn; Mrs & Mrs I V Garland & family; Millie and Archie, [Newport]; Mrs Gardner, [Abersychan]; Mr & Mrs Harman; Miss Williams, Miss R Wilks; Miss Aggie Wilks; Mr RJ & L Rosser; Mrs & the Misses’s Harris’s; Mrs Hutchinson; Mr O. Court & family; W A and D Jackson; Mr & Mrs Whitney & family; All at the Pudda; Mrs Ellaway; All at Ty Hir; Mr & Mrs Thomas, Old Stores; Mr & Mrs Stichcombe; E & J Cornish; All at the Goytrey Arms; Mr & Mrs D W Price; Fred, Polly and Robbie; all at Ty Goytrey Farm; T & A Messenger and family; G C and Percy Jones; Martha, Dolly and Charlie Merrick; Mr & Mrs Titcombe; Mr & Mrs R Jenkins; Mr & Mrs C Messenger; G and M Boyce; Mr & Mrs Leworthy, [Little Mill]; Mr & Mrs George and Verley, [Pontypool]; Mr & Misses Thomas, [Monmouth]; Mrs Clemo and Tony,[Griffithstown]; Horace Meredith, [Abergavenny]; Mr & Mrs Jenkins & Harry, Staff & Engineering Co; Wilfred; Mr & Mrs Griffiths, [Croesnypant]; Mrs Probert, [Newport].

The undertaker was Mr W Jackson, Goytrey.

Williams, Elizabeth – 1882

Posted on by

Goytrey Sad Death – 18th February 1882 Monmouthshire County Observer

On Wednesday morning an inquest was held at Penwern Cottage Goytrey, before E D Batt Esq., coroner and a jury composed of the following gentleman:-

Messrs A R Garrett (foreman) John Jones, David Evans, William Wilks, Robert Feltham, – Watkins, James Ralph, Isaac Wilks, Thomas Reece, George Gwatkin, John Price and William Evans, touching the death of Elizabeth Williams aged fifty, which took place on Saturday last under distressing circumstances.

The only witness called was James Jenkins, brother of deceased who deposed that he saw her alive on Saturday morning before he went to work.

When he came home in the evening he found she was out, but thinking she had gone to pay a visit to one of her brothers, did not go in search of her till it became dark; he then became uneasy and went in search of her, but did not find her until Sunday morning when he discovered her death in a brook.

She had been in a weak state of health some time and under medical treatment. She was seen going from home by her neighbours between twelve and one on Saturday.

The jury were unanimously of opinion that deceased must have wandered through a wood near her home and by trying to cross the brook into a field, fell in, and by falling struck her head against a stone and became stunned.

The jury returned a verdict of “Found Drowned.”

Deceased had been in the habit of going into this wood for a few dried sticks.

Boyce, Abraham – 1930

Posted on by

Aged Farmers Death at Goytrey

The death of Mr Abraham Boyce Berllan Farm, Goytrey, has removed from the district on of its oldest inhabitants.

The deceased was in his 82nd year.  A native of Common Coed-y-paen he had resided at Berllan for over 40 years.  In his younger days Mr Boyce spent some years in California.  On his return he bought the Berllan and farmed it with the aid of his family until his death. He was preceded by his wife a couple of years ago.  He leaves three sons and two daughters.

The two eldest sons, Stanley and Alfred have been resident in U.S.A. for seventeen years.

The interment took place at Goytrey on Wednesday the 20th inst.

The Rev H C P Belcher officiated at a short service at the house and at the church.  Mr C Merrick presided at the organ.

The bearers were Messrs J. Stichcombe, A. Griffiths, W. Pritchard and E Owen.

The mourners present included Mr Chas. Boyce brother, Mr Godfrey Boyce son, Mr C. B. Lewis son in law, Mr W. Crowe brother in law, Messrs W. R. H. and E Crowe, Ernest and Robert Boyce,  Fred H. and Richard H. Phillips, Anthony Taylor, and Arthur Boyce nephews, Messrs H. Harvey and D. James, S. Stichcombe and E. Morris.

Floral Tributes were sent by:- Margaret, Alfred, Stanley and Godfrey children; Kate and Charlie daughter and son in law; Roger grandson; brother Charlie and Maggie; sister Emma and children, Griffithstown; Aunt Maggie, uncle, nephews and nieces; Bob, Kate & family; Fred & Maggie; A.A, J.M.& M.J. Pugh cousins; Anthony & family; Nephews & Nieces, Ynysybwl; Mrs Pritchard & family, Pentwyn; Mr & Mrs Griffiths Pantypwdyn; Mr & Mrs T. Pitt & family; Mr Mathews, Gertie & Elsie; Albert Owen & family; Mr & Mrs Stinchcombe & family; Mrs Maddocks & family; Mr & Mrs E. Morris.

Mr C. C. Pritchard of Pontypool was the undertaker.

Bevan, William – 1869

Posted on by

Drowned In the Canal – 6th February 1869

On Sunday two men named William James and Lewis Bevan while walking by the side of the canal between Mrs Summerfield’s public house and Mamhilad found the body of a man lying in the canal.

The deceased turned out to be a basket maker named as William Bevan about 80 years of age, who had lived in Goytrey. His hat still remained on his head and in his pocket were £1 in gold, £1 in silver and 51/2d . His bag containing groceries was found about 20 yards off.

The presumption is that in the darkness on Saturday night he walked into the canal and was accidentally drowned.

William Bevan lived at Coalbrook; he married Mary Williams at Llanover Church on the 9th June 1823. She died in 1865 they had at least 6 children, one of them being Mary who was a servant for Isaac Lewis, Glanusk. She was the young girl in the murdered baby case at Glanusk.