Now in the parish of Llanover, originally owned by the Earl of Abergavenny. Number  277 on the 1841 tithe map

In 1827 the original property was enlarged to make two cottages.

On the 21st March 1830 Morgan Griffith died at Penty, he was 91 years old, followed by ten year old Mary Griffith in 1835, they were both buried in Llanvair Kilgeddin churchyard.

The census of 1841 gives Morris Griffith a 40 year old quarryman, Ann his wife also 40, daughter Mary 15, son John 6 and Charles Dowling, 20 a mason living at number one.

At number two is Mary Mathews 70 and her daughter Rachel, both Mary and Rachel annuitants.

10 month old Emily Griffiths died at Penty in 1847, she was buried in Llanover churchyard, the following year a baby girl was born to George and Elizabeth Griffith, the register says George is a butler and have baptised the baby Mary Elizabeth.

Unfortunately the census of 1851 is a minefield, the enumerator appears to have gone round the parish only mentioning a few properties, against the names of most he has written “none.”

Also missing is the 1861 census.

At Llanover church on the 11 September 1870 John James and Elizabeth his wife had their baby son Peter baptised, John said he was a labourer living at Penty. The following year another son, Arthur, was baptised.

On the census of 1871 is John Jones 51, his wife Ann 46 and 7 year old son Henry.

Lewis Edmund, the local builder wrote in his diary on 3rd Nov 1875 that he was at Hanover for the funeral of John Jones, gardener Penty.

A lease was signed by Ebenezer Morgan on 1st May 1877 for the

tenancy of Penty cottages, the lease also signed on 1st May 1877 is held by Rees Jenkins, farmer, who sub let to Ebenezer who was a retired tailor,  born in Abergavenny in 1804,  the son of Morgan Morgan also a tailor.

The following memo was written on 27th May 1879  by Lady Llanover regarding her concerns about Mr James and a lady.

There is a very distressing scandal and means must be found to put an end to it.  The woman who keeps house for Ebenezer Morgan it appears not only drinks herself but continually has Mr James from the next door to sit up all night drinking.

Ebenezer goes to bed about half past eight. I spoke to Mr. Thomas of Hanover yesterday and he says that he has done his very best to awaken Mr James to a sense of the wickedness of such conduct but that he is so infatuated by the temptation always at hand that nothing can be done effectually unless this woman is sent away which she certainly ought to be if only for another reason that she has been known to offer a penny to a child to go with a jug to Pen Croes Oped to bring some sort of liquor and of course such conduct is most demoralising.

I believe you know that Ebenezer’s sister (Mrs Edwards of Pentstair) when dying begged me to let her brother have one of my cottages and I promised he should.  No doubt she thought that he would thereby have some influence or authority ( over him as he is blind and deaf,  as he is he would be very likely to come to some untimely end if he was not near here with a next door neighbour  – but most unfortunately this woman is ruining the next door neighbours and if I turn him off suddenly his mother and sister may both starve which indeed I believe they have lately nearly done as Mr James has become very unkind to his mother since all this has taken place and I have given his sister leave to be a week at the Ty Uchaf  for the sake of having milk and good food to buy to get up her strength.

Mr Thomas tells me that she is a most plausible woman, quick and active and industrious but having this dreadful vice is no doubt the reason that she was glad to undertake the charge of Ebenezers house instead of a better place,- she is a widow, has some property and a son, when she is got rid of, of course Ann James and her mother would take care of Ebenezer and live in their own house but it would not do to say a word of this beforehand, for they say she is a very violent woman and she might accuse them of trying to get rid of her to get the place.

I understand that Allen the policeman was up there one night not long ago by the request of Mr James’s mother who also sent for Rhys Jenkins whose tenants they are as he rents the house off me.

I wish you to see Allen and ask him from me if he cannot give any evidence as to finding them drinking there late at night so that I might have grounds to tell Ebenezer so that she must go and tell him herself that it is better for her to go quietly as if it was her own wish, to prevent still more public scandal which would still more seriously injure her character.

I should be very decided with Ebenezer to say that he shall not have my house to live in if he keeps such a housekeeper but otherwise that he can be very comfortable and have a respectable woman to take care of him. It will be the next time when she is gone to take Mr James in hand and very likely he will have to go also.

I should send him off at once if it were not for his mother, who, he previously is good to and supported.  I have asked Davis about his work – he says he is often off his work and has lost days the last month – but he always makes the excuse that he has such bad health and is not able to come to work – he says he always takes him off the book every time, that sometimes he makes up the time again – and sometimes he does not.

I think for the future  that when any of the men do not keep their time that it ought to appear some way on the book if it is made up again by over hours – but I will check to you about his again but had I known that this man was intentionally missing days I should have had enquiries made sooner and I do not suppose that you discussed it.

(The remainder of the letter is about other matters relating to the estate)

The land tax of 1878 says Mrs James, the following year Richard Morgan is also paying land tax for Penty, and on the 10th December he paid income tax for Penty house and garden to Lady Llanover.

The census of 1881 says Richard Morgan is 29, a farm labourer born in Llanover, his 26 year old wife Miriam was born in Glyn Neath, they were married in January 1878, their children are David 2 and William 2 months, both born in Goytre.

Over the following years Richard Morgan is mentioned several time for paying rates and taxes for Penty and signing the petition for a welsh speaking vicar for the parish of Goytre.

The census of 1891 gives two families residing at Penty,

Henry Jones a 27 year old gardener born in Goytre, he is married to Mary 26 from Ammanford, they have a two year old son John, living with them is 21 year old William Edwards who is under gamekeeper on the estate, William was born in Brecon.

At the other property is Richard Morgan, he is now 39 and a general labourer, Miriam is 35, their children, all born in Goytre are David 12, William 10, Jacob 8, Jane 6 and Edith 9 months.

The enumerator on the 1901 census has numbered the properties, Richard Morgan is at number one with his wife Miriam, daughter Edith, he has a lodger, William Walters, a 78 year old gardener. Children William and Jacob are living in Glyn Neath, Jane has also left home, in 1920 she married William Webster.

At number two is Thomas Jacob who is a 38 year old gardener born in Llanover, his wife Alice is 24 from Whitchurch, they were married in Llanover church in 1896 their two children are Ivor 2 and Charles 10 months.

An entry in Llanover church burial register says Miriam Morgan 53 of Penty was buried on 5th May 1909, there is another entry for her son David John in June 1913.

At number one on the 1911 census is Richard Morgan a woodcutter, now aged 60., daughter Edith Maud is 20 and Maggie Coombes 10 from Glyn Neath.

At number two is Thomas Jacob 48 a coal man at the mansion, Alice his wife is 33, their children are Ivor 13, Charles 10, Elsie 8, Gladys 5, and William 2.

The census of 1921 says Richard Morgan is now 60, a woodcutter for Lord Treowen at Llanover estate, Jacob is 38, single, a colliery engine driver at British Rhondda colliery Glyn Neath, Maggie Coombes is still with them, she is a general servant.

At the other cottage is Thomas Jacob, Alice, their children Elsie, Gladys Willie, Cyril, Allen and Harold, Thomas is a general labourer for Lord Treowen.

Thomas and his family remained at Penty until their deaths, Thomas died in 1945 followed by Elsie in 1947.

Chapel Ed Cottages No.2

On the census of 1861 Evans family had taken up residence, David 22, Mary 22, son Evan 2 and daughter Catherine 6 months. David and Mary were born in Denbighshire, Evan in Wrexham and Catherine in Goytrey. David Evans had married Mary Roberts in Wrexham in July 1848.

In 1861 David Evans is 61, still a labourer, Mary 32, Evan12, Sarah 8 Mary 4 and Thomas 1.

On the census of 1871 Yew Tree is called Chapel Ed Cottage the Evans family are still in residence, David is now 51, Mary 43, Evan is 23 a fireman, Thomas is 12, David 9, both attending school and John 3, John began school in 1875.

By 1881 Evan Evans had married, he was living in New Inn village with his wife Helen and three young daughters, Mary, Helen and Edith.

David Evans 61 in 1881 had become a farmer of 16 acres his wife Mary is 52, a farmers wife, son John is still attending Goytre British school where in 1882 he is presented with a medal for attaining his second grade when tragedy struck,  he died the same year aged 15.

David Evans died suddenly on 13 July 1882 of heart disease, but probably through the shock of losing his son John.

Mary now became a greengrocer, living with her in 1891 is son Thomas 30, employed in an engineer works.

Mary died in February 1897 aged 69, she was buried with husband David and son John in the grounds of Chapel Ed.

The electoral register of 1900 says Charles Cornish is in residence at one of the cottages. Also the census of 1911 says Charles Cornish is 36 a gamekeeper, who was born in Somerset, Annie his wife is 33 born in Dorset, their children are Gerald 8, Reginald 6, Elsie 3, all born in Sully Glamorgan and 1 month old Laura, born in Goytre.

The parish poor rate of 1914 says Valentine Morris is in residence.

At the time of the 1921 census Albert Cotterill a 35 year old journeyman plasterer working for Panteg housing scheme is living at Chapel Ed, his wife Emily is 36, son Albert is 10, they were all born in Malvern, daughter Muriel 9 and son Dennis 5 were born in Llanhowell.

The electoral register for 1928 says Rees Charles Cooke is occupying the property.

No. 968 on the 1841 tithe map – 60 acres.

Rowland Morgan was in occupation of Yew Tree Farm, his children, baptised at St Peter’s church were Reinold in 1712, Morgan 1714, Mary 1715, Elizabeth 1718 and William 1721.

An entry in the parish overseers account dated 14 May 1730 says Rowland Morgan was summoned to appear or a warrant would be issued against him, no reason was given for any misdemeanour he had committed.

Rowland Morgan died in 1760, he was buried in St Peter’s churchyard on the 23 November.

The next document I can find relating to Yew Tree is the will of John Morgan dated 1798 leaving the property and all he owns to his wife Frances.

In 1818 Frances is mentioned with her son Henry occupying the property which Roland Morgan did once occupy. Frances Morgan died in 1827, she was buried in St Peter’s churchyard.

In August 1835 Henry Morgan released the property to his daughters Mary and Ann.

In 1837 Henry Morgan sold Yew Tree Farm to John Williams and his wife, John is a shopkeeper of Usk, he pays £700 of which £400 is mortgaged.

The census of 1841 says John Powell 70 is farming at Yew Tree, living with him is his son also John who is 30, a school master, and daughter Susanna 20.

An indenture dated 10th April 1849 between John Williams, the owner of Yew Tree Farm, now of Kemys Commander and his wife are mortgaged to Richard Greenway of Pontypool.

I am unable to find any information relating the to 1851 census.

On the 22 June 1857 John Williams of Usk died. In 1861 Henry Williams of Maerdy Farm, Usk (son of John and Mary) and Mary Williams, widow of John Williams, shopkeeper, sold Yew Tree Farm to Charles Herbert for £1195.

On the 26 June 1861 Henry Williams wrote to Charles Herbert through his solicitor asking the reason for the delay in purchasing Yew Tree Farm, the sale finally went through. Charles Herbert the new owner was a provision merchant of Varteg, the land tax of 1867 says the owner of Yew Tree Farm and Yew Tree Cottage is Charles Herbert.

In 1863 Mary Williams, widow of Usk took Charles Herbert to court saying she had overpaid interest of £6 6s 1d on his purchase of Yew Tree Farm and Cottage.

William Preece from Raglan is in occupation of Yew Tree Farm on the census of 1871, he is 48 farming 100a, Mary his wife is 54, she was born in Smithfield, their children are William 22, Thomas 20, Mary J 18, Temperance 13, Catherine 10 and nephew Caleb Hicks 12. Caleb is a labourer born in Abergavenny, all the children were born in Goytre other than Catherine who was born in Monkswood.

William Preece had left by 1881, William Harris had taken the farm, he had married Elizabeth Mathews, the daughter of Henry Mathews of Plough Farm Goytre in 1871, the census says he is 29, a farmer of 50a, born in Monkswood. Elizabeth is 29, born in Goytre, their sons are William 6, Edwin 1 and daughter Mabel 4. They have a farm servant, William Redwood 46.
William and Mabel ought to be attending Goytre school  but William Harris was summoned by Pontypool Board of Guardians for non-attendance of his children in 1882, December 1883 and again in June 1884.
William and Elizabeth had a son Charles born in May 1885 and a daughter Gertrude Ellen in June 1889, Charles was baptised in Goytre church, Gertrude in Monkswood church.

William Harris and his family left Yew Tree farm shortly afterwards, they moved to Plough where he gave his occupation as blacksmith.

The following advert was placed in the Free Press, the owner of Yew Tree Farm had been the Rev. James Cadwallader, curate at Usk prison, he had left Usk in 1891 and returned to his birthplace, Pembroke where he died shortly afterwards.

Parish of Goytrey
Marfell & Poole Have been instructed to offer for sale by public auction at the
Three Salmons Usk on Monday the 21st day of August 1899 at 3 o’clock in the afternoon.

Freehold Farm and Lands
Known as Yew Tree Cottage Farm situate in the parish of Goytrey adjoining the road leading from Monkswood to Penperllenny and containing an area of 36a 0r 2p or thereabouts.

Now in the occupation of Mr George Stinchcombe as yearly tenant, also all that Cottage and Garden adjoining the above farm and containing upwards of one acre and now in the occupation of Mr William Summers.

The property is pleasantly situated with a southern aspect and commands good views of the surrounding country.
It adjoins a good road and is situate about 3 miles from Usk, 4 from Pontypool and 7 from Abergavenny.
Auctioneers: Trotsky Court Usk.
Solicitors Gustard and Waddington.

The farmhouse is described as substantially built and slated, contains parlour, large kitchen, back kitchen with oven, boiler and good dairy. 4 bedrooms plus dressing room. Large barn with stables, cow house, cart shed and pig styes. Tithe payable to the rector £4 3s 5d and land tax 18s .

Yew Tree Farm was purchased by the tenant George Stinchcombe who had married Harriet Rose Evans in 1891, on the census of 1901 they had three daughters, Harriet, Florence and Hilda.

On the 1 April 1910 George Stinchcombe was summoned for non-payment of poor rate to the parish. he owed the sum of 12s 11d, in his defence he said the work carried out by the parish was unsatisfactory and the ratepayers did not get value for money, he would pay but under protest.

The census of 1911 says he is 46, a farmer born in Monkswood,  his wife Harriet is 40 from Glascoed, their children are Florence Rose 16, who is doing dairy work on the farm, Hilda 14, Nellie 8, Harold 6, Annie Rachel 5 and Kathleen Emma 3.

On June 11 1913 George Stinchcombe was fined 15 shillings for not having a dog licence.

On the 1921 census George is still farming at Yew Tree farm, living at home as well as Harriet his wife are daughters Nellie, Annie and Kathleen, Harold, their son is now assisting of the farm. Annie is an apprentice to tailoring at Mr Croom’s in Commercial Street Pontypool.

The Stinchcombe family remained at Yew Tree Farm for many years with George dying in July 1951 and Harriet in April 1961, they were buried in Monkswood churchyard.

In their wills George left £50 to son Harold and Harriet left £405 also to Harold.

No. 223 on the 1840 Tithe map, now in the parish of Llanover.

On the 11th May 1768 Joshua Thomas married Rachel Rosser at St Peter’s church Goytre. Rachel was the daughter of John and Ann (nee Phillips) of Pantglas Mill and farm which was a very short distance from Bwrgwm cottage.  

Joshua and Rachel had several children baptised,  Rachel in June 1769, Mary in June 1772, John and Margaret in 1773, possibly twins.

Joshua Thomas died in 1790, he was buried in Llanellen churchyard, he died without leaving a will, a bond was made leaving all his goods and property to his wife Rachel. 

The land tax of 1808 says Rachel Thomas, yet in 1814 the land tax says Rachel Anthony,  (her brother John Anthony Thomas, who lived very close to her at Bwrgwm Bach appears to have dropped the surname Thomas, hence the reason why Rachel Thomas is sometimes referred to as Rachel Anthony.)  The tithe of 1832 says Rachel Thomas is the owner of a house and garden in hand (in her ownership.)

Rachel Thomas died in January 1839 aged 96, she was also buried at Llanellen church with her husband Joshua.

The census of 1841 for Bwmgwm says Rachel Thomas is 72 (daughter of Rachel and Joshua Thomas) she is of independent means, living with her is her 30 year old niece Rachel Anthony (Thomas) a female servant working for Hanbury Williams Coldbrook Abergavenny as a dairymaid. Rachel Anthony is the daughter of Rachel Thomas’s brother John Anthony Thomas.  there are several references when Rachel Anthony is also called Rachel Thomas.

On Saturday 15th May 1841 Lewis Edmund, the local builder wrote in his diary he was at Rachel Thomas’s of Goytree, whitening, and again on May 8th and 9th 1850 he was at Rachel Thomas’s whitening outside.

The census of 1851 says Rachel Thomas is 82, a landed proprietor, Rachel Anthony, her niece is a house servant aged 40, also on the census is Rachel Thomas’s sister Margaret Price aged 78.

Land tax in 1852 says Rachel Thomas has a house and land of 2a 0r 6p in hand.

Several entries appear in Lewis Edmunds diary, saying he was at Rachel Thomas’s Bwrgwm, on the 12 March 1853 he was whitening inside, on the 10 November he wrote, at thanksgiving at Hanover and at Rachel Thomas 3 o’clock.

On the 16th February 1855 Lewis Edmund wrote in his diary Rachel Thomas jnr. died at Bwrgwm aged 85 years, buried at Hanover, left house to Rachel Anthony.

Another entry in Lewis Edmunds diary says he was at Rachel Anthony’s on the 31st May 1856.

On the census of 1861 the entry now says Rachel Thomas is now 49, a dairymaid, she is unmarried and living on her own.

Lewis Edmund was repairing at Rachel Anthony’s on the 9th October 1868.

On the 1871 census Rachel Thomas is 58, a farmer, living with her is 30 year old Emma Tuffley a dressmaker and 70 year old Walter David, a farmer.

The census of 1881 says Rachel Anthony is 68, retired, Living with her is married niece Margaret Gwatkin and Margaret’s daughter Rachel, and Martha Davies.

Rachel Anthony died in in December 1886, she was buried at Ebenezer Baptist Chapel Blaenavon. She left  the following legacies in her will.

To Rachel Rosser, the daughter of James Rosser Goytre, her house and garden.
To the five Johnathon children of Pantalar Farm Llanover £100 each.
To Margaret Evans of Abertillery £100
To the five children of Ann Rosser Goytre 3 cottages and premises (shops) in High Street Blaenavon .
To Margaret Ferncombe (now Gwatkin) living with her £100.
To Leah Jenkins Garndiffaith £50.
To the Baptist Missionary Society £200.
To the Bible Translation Society £100.
To the Baptist Colleges in Pontypool, Haverfordwest and Llangollen £100.
To the infirm Baptist Ministers £100.
To Horeb Baptist Church Blaenavon £100.
To Saron Chapel Goytre £100.
To Mr Mullers orphanage Ashley Down £30.
To Mr Spurgeon’s boys orphanage £30.
To the widows fund London 19 guineas.
To the Baptist tract fund 19 guineas.
The value of her will is given as under £1,900.
She also stated that all monies given to females in her will is for their sole use only. 

After her death Lewis Edmunds swore a declaration stating that he had know Rachel Anthony and that the property Bwrgwm had been given to her by her aunt Rachel Thomas.

Rachel Jones (nee Rosser) raised an £80 mortgage against the property in 1888 from William Meredith of the High Street Blaenavon, shortly after this she sold Bwrgwm to Lady Llanover on the 8th December 1888 paying £5 2s 8d duty of succession.

By the census of 1891 Charles Morgan, 50, a coal miner born in Llanover and his wife Caroline 51 born in Llanwenarth were in occupation of Bwrgwm Cottage. Ten years later on the census of 1901 Charles had changed his occupation to a roadman, saying he was partly deaf, Caroline says she is a laundress, working from home.

In 1910 the gross rateable value of Bwrgwm cottage was £4 10s, paying £4, the owner was Herbert of Llanover.

By 1911 the occupier had changed to Leonard Rowley who was a 29 year old mason’s labourer, born in Llanover, his wife is Margaret Jane, 29, born in Swansea, their children, Muriel Elise 6 and Evan James 3, were born in Llanover.

Leonard Rowley and his family remained at Bwrgwm, the 1921 census says he is 39, out of work from the “Big Pit” Blaenavon where he is a timber-mans assistant, Margaret is also 39, their three children are Muriel Elise 16, Evan James 13 and Herbert Charles 7. By 1924 Leonard and his family had moved to Bwrgwm Bach according to the electoral register. By 1930 they had moved to Bailey Glas also in Llanover with the electoral register of 1934 saying Leonard Rowley was living in a caravan near the Lodge.

Glanbaiden is a rather imposing house situated in the centre of the village.

It was built by John Burgoyne, a builder from Pontypool for Franklin James Harris. Franklin Harris was born at Gwenffrwd Woolen Mill in 1861, the son of Samuel and his wife Anne nee James.

On November 24th 1893 Franklin Harris married Mary Margaretta Jeremiah the daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth Harris at Llantilio Pertholey church, the census of 1901 says they are living at the Carpenters Arms where Franklin Harris is 40 an innkeeper, Mary Margaretta is 31, their daughter Mary Elizabeth is 6. The Carpenters Arms had previously been kept by Mary’s father Abraham Jeremiah.

In 1894 Mr Webbe of Pontypool made an application on behalf of Franklin Harris for the grant of a full licence for the Carpenters Arms, Goytrey. Mr Lyne of Newport opposed this application on behalf of the police and Lady Llanover, the bench dismissed the objection and the licence was granted.

By the census of 1911 Franklin and his family were in occupation of Glanbaiden, the census says he is 50 years, a retired Victualler, Mary his wife is 41, they have two daughters, Mary Elizabeth 16 and Annie Irene 9, living with them is Mary’s brother Thomas Jeremiah who is 40, a wheelwright.

Franklin Harris and his family were still in residence on the census of 1921, it says he is 60, a retired licenced victualler, Mary his wife is 52, Mary Elizabeth is now 26, an elementary school teacher at Goytre school, as is her sister Annie Irene aged 20. Franklin’s brother-in-law Thomas Jeremiah is still living with them, he is 50 and works for Mrs Wilks, Goytre, as a wheelwright.

Franklin Harris died in early February 1925 aged 64, he was buried in St Peter’s churchyard, he left to his wife Mary £1625. Mary Margaretta died at Maesderwen in November 1939 she was buried with her husband Franklin. In her will she leaves £1081 7s 6d to her eldest daughter Mary Elizabeth Harris.

Mary Margaretta, Mary Elizabeth and Annie Irene Harris remained at Glanbaiden until it was sold in 1933 for the sum of £1000, after which they moved to Maesderwen. Mary Margaretta died in 

The electoral register of 1934 says Catherine Ann Morris and Leah Morris are in residence.

They were still in residence on the register of 1939. Catherine Morris, born in 1889 and Leah, born in 1897 are of private means as was Mona Morris born in 1917, Edward Morris born in 1913 is a handyman. Also at Glanbaiden is Wyndham Williams born in 1899, he is a newsagent and tobacconist.

Glanbaiden was sold to Abraham Jenkins in 1956 for £3500, he died in 1958, and was buried in St Peter’s churchyard.

Glanbaiden was sold in 1963 to Arthur James Eckley for £5,750 then again in 1964 to John Edward Owen for  £4,750, it has remained in the Owen family until recently.

The Rectory was built in 1901 it is now a private home.

The first rector to occupy the property in 1901 was Howell Howell, followed by Joseph Rees Davies in 1903.

On the census of 1911 the Reverend Joseph Davies was 42, he was born in Cardigan and spoke both Welsh and English, his wife Annie Sophia was 45 , they had been married 18 years and had had two children. Living with them is a monthly nurse, Rosehannah Gratton, 51 who was born in Birmingham, and a general servant, 20 year old Lucy Hannah Ross from Tredegar.

In 1920 Henry Belcher became the new rector of the parish, he was 59 on the 1921 census, he was born in Gloucester, his wife Clara was also 59, she was born in Westminster, living with them at the rectory was visitor Ellen Rolls also born in Westminster and a servant Mabel Gertrude Price 40 from Abergavenny.

In 1933 the Reverend Thomas John Richards was the new rector, followed by Sydney George Morgan in 1939.

In 1949 this had changed to the Reverend Charles William Kelly who left and was replaced by the Reverend Algernon Lionel Davies in 1956.

Harold John Thomas Richards was the new rector in 1969, the last rector to live at the Rectory was Clifford Ray Cale who came to the parish in 1982.

No. 718 on the 1840 Tithe Map – containing 3a 3r 35p small holding.

On the 10th July 1765 David Valentine (the son of William, baptised at St Peter’s in 1710) took the lease of all those two cottages of about 2 acres waste ground in Pellenigg, parish of Goytre, then in possession of Mary Valentine. Lease for lives of the said David Valentine, David his son 20 and Mary his daughter 22.

Elizabeth, the wife of David Valentine the elder died in 1778, and was buried at St Peter’s.

David Valentine the elder died in 1782, he was buried in St Peter’s churchyard. Three years later in 1785 David Valent (a variation of Valentine ) the son of David and Ann his wife died, he was also laid to rest at St Peter’s.

I have found the following children of David and Ann baptised at St Peter’s. David in November 1777, Elizabeth in 1780, John in February 1787 and Martha in August 1796.

David Valent’s name is listed as paying land tax for the property in 1798.

Ann, the wife of David Valentine died in 1810, she was buried at St. Peter’s.

The Earl of Abergavenny’s survey of 1821 says David Valentine is still tenant of pasture and arable lands, but he died the following year 1822, from his death age he had been born in 1745.

A Court Leet in 1823 says David Valentine died possessed of leasehold land. The land tax the same year is paid by William Vallent.

Earl of Abergavenny lease no. 79 was regranted to William Vallent on the 29th September 1831, William had married Elizabeth Proger but I cannot find the marriage.

On the electoral register of 1840 is William Valentine in this parish, leasehold land for lives near Chapel Ed.

The census of 1841 says William Valentine is 70, Elizabeth is 65, living with them is 11 year old Mary Richards, the tithe of the same year says William Valent is in occupation of little field, cae ffynon, a garden, meadow and little orchard and little field.

William Valentine had died or moved sometime before 1851 as the occupier on the census of 1851 is David Jenkins a 68 year old blacksmith who had previously lived at Phoenix cottage. The following year David Jenkins died, he was buried in St Iltyds churchyard Mamhilad.

The census of 1861 is missing but in 1871 John Williams a 45 year old shoemaker and his wife Elizabeth 40 are in residence, they were both born in Goytre. John had died before the next census of 1881 as his wife Elizabeth is now a widow living at Penwern with her brother James Jenkins.

By 1901 William Lewis and family had moved into Elm Trees, sadly his son called William Isaac died at 8 months on the 2nd of April 1901. The census says William Lewis is a 27 year old butcher, Edith his wife is 28.

No 212 on the map is owned by the Earl of Abergavenny, the gross value is £3, rateable value is £2, the property has 2 acres.

William and his family remain at Elm Trees for quite some time, in 1911 it says the property has 6 rooms, William is a pickler at the steel works, Edith is 39, they had been married for 17 years, their children are  Clifford 15, Edith 14, Florence 13, Ivor 8, Elizabeth 7, Richard 5 and Philip 4.

In 1920 the Earl of Abergavenny sold many of his properties, lot 23 was Elm Trees, a smallholding of 3a 0r 35p rent of £7 7s p.a., the property was sold to Mrs Gertrude Williams of Nash Road, Newport for £305.

William Lewis and his family remained at Elm Trees for some considerable time afterwards.

At Elm Trees on the register of 1939, Ruth Jones born in 1860 is a market gardener, Ernest James Jones born in 1893, John Thomas Jones born in 1881 is incapacitated and Winifred E, born in 1896.

No. 497 on the 1841 Tithe Map. 

There were two semi detached cottages at Porth Gwyn owned by the Earl of Abergavenny, I have decided to combine the information of both into one article.

In 1821 William Williams took a lease from the Earl of Abergavenny for Porth Gwyn cottages on the lives of John and Mary Rogers, the children of Isaac of Garndarris, an iron works foreman, John was 13, Mary 14. Also on the life of John Lewis 10, the son of Joseph Lewis of Mamhilad, labourer.

William Williams lived at number one Porth Gwyn and let number two. The electoral register of 1834 says William Williams lives near Ty Twmpyn.

On the 1841 tithe Joseph Lewis is paying 19 shillings to the rector for the property which includes 6 acres and 16 perches of land.

The head of household on the 1841 census at one of the cottages is 75 year old Elizabeth Lewis and Mary Edwards aged 30.

At the other cottage is the family of William Harris, William is 35 a labourer, his wife Sarah is 32, William and Sarah Lewis were married at St Peter’s church Goytre in April 1824.

Details are missing for both the 1851 and 61 census, but the 1852 electoral register says Joseph Lewis still holds the lease for lives.

In 1870 Col. Byrde took a 21 year lease from the Earl of Abergavenny in which is stated he must rebuild the cottages which he does, then let lets them to the Rev. Richard Byrde his son. The lease says the properties were late in the possession of Edmund Lewis  under a lease granted in 1813, late of Joseph Lewis under a lease of 1821 then to William Williams for 21 years.

On the census of 1881 living at number one cottage was Joseph Williams 32, his wife Mary 36, children James 10 ,Ann Mary 8, Edward 5 and three year old Ada, Joseph, James and Ann Mary were born in Llanover, Mary Edward and Ada were born in Goytre.

James, Mary and Edward Williams started attending Goytre British school in April 1878. In June 1882 James Williams named was on the list for not attending school and again in 1883, Joseph, his father was summoned for not sending him to school, an order was made against him in December 1883, in January 1884 he was fined 5s. In December 1884 Joseph was once again summoned for neglecting to send Mary and Ada to school.

At number two is Mary Davies nee Morgan. Mary had married Robert Davies a widower at St Peter’s church in July 1856.

On the census of 1881 she is now a 43 year old shoemakers widow from Bettws. Her husband Robert had died in 1879 and was buried at St Iltyd’s Mamhilad. Living with her is, Robert 22, her stepson a labourer, her children Moses 12, Ellen 9 and Mary 1. They had been in occupation of the cottage for a while as Moses started attending Goytre British school in 1873 and Ellen in 1878.

Mrs Davies was not sending Ellen to school in 1882 even though she had a paupers certificate for payment, she was summoned by Pontypool Board of Guardians in January for this offence and fined 5s.

In June 1884 Mary Davies remarried Thomas Amos Watkins at St Peter’s.

The following article, relating to Porth Gwyn was written in the Free Press.

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Application for Ejectment Order

1^st June 1888

Wm. Lewis was summoned to show why a warrant of ejectment order should not be issued against him in respect of premises at Goytrey in which he was in possession.

It will be remembered that the matter was before the court a fortnight ago, at the instance of the landlord, Col. Byrde, who then agreed to accept a nominal rent of £1 a year from Lewis, who however, would not agree to the arrangement but asked for a fortnight to consider the suggestion. – he did not now appear.

Col. Byrde went into the witness box and deposed that in March 1861, a widow named Lewis whose husband had recently died asked him if he would re-new a lease from the Earl of Abergavenny, that her family had held some years before, as some other persons had made application for it that she thought would not do very well by her.

He therefore made application to the Marquis of Abergavenny and obtained the lease in 1861. He then allowed the widow to occupy the house until 1884 when she died.

He might say that part of the house had been burnt down, and at present consisted of a little kitchen below and a little room upstairs with a ladder assent to it, she occupied it until her death. Her sons came to her occasionally during that time and her son William went into occupation, and applicant allowed him to remain in occupation for a couple of years, when fearing that he might think he was entitled to remain in occupation for the remainder of his life applicant sent to him a demand note for rent.

Then it was that he set up a claim, and said he would not turn out and that involved the necessity for the present application. 

Had Lewis acknowledged the applicant’s right he would have probably allowed him to remain there sometime longer, as he [Col. Byrde] had always paid the rent and taxes:

By Mr Parkes; Witness took the lease at the request of Lewis’s mother in order to allow her to remain in possession and always paid all demands.

Mr Phillips: Then so far as the son is concerned it is really a case of taking advantage of your kindness to his mother?

Col Byrde: I suppose so.

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At number one on the 1891 census is Joseph Williams, 47 a labourer born in Machen, his wife Mary is also 47, their children are James 20, a railway man, Edward 16 a labourer, both born in Blaenavon, Ada 13 and Joseph 9 were born in Goytre.

At number two is Thomas Amos Watkins 42 and his wife Mary 53, Mary’s children Moses 22 and Mary are living with them. Moses is a general labourer.

Joseph Williams and family are still in occupation at number one on the 1901 census, Joseph is now 57, a Waggoner on a farm, Mary is 57, she was born in Goytre, daughter Ann is 28, son Edward is 24, a railway brakesman, younger son Joseph is now 15.

At number two is still Thomas Watkins and Mary, Thomas is now 55 a main roads man, Mary is 61, she was born in Bettws Newydd, living with them is Mary’s daughter Mary, who is 21, a dressmaker working on her own account.

At number two is still Thomas Watkins, now 68 formerly a roadman for the rural district council, Mary his wife is now 72. Thomas died in 1913 and was buried on January 23rd 1913 at Mamhilad church. Mary died in 1915 and was also buried at St Iltyd’s, Mamhilad.

After the death of Thomas Morgan the Price family took occupancy, sadly a six month old baby Walter Morgan Price died aged 6 months on the 13th October, he was the son of George.

There is no mention of the cottages on the 1911 census and unfortunately I cannot work out who was living there.

In 1920 the Earl of Abergavenny sold his properties in Monmouthshire, Porth Gwyn, occupied by Charles Cornish who had previously lived at the Gelli purchased both cottage for £400, the sale says it was a pair of cottages with outbuildings containing 2a 2r 3p, the rent being £6 and the tithe 8s 9d.

The census of 1821 says Charles Cornish is occupying number one, he is 56 born in Somerset, Hannah is wife is 54, their children are Albert 11 and Irene 9, both were born in Goytre. Charles married Hannah Crabb on November 10th 1891 in Banwell. When Charles moved to the Gelli he was employed as a gamekeeper.

At number two is Jenkin Rosser 42, an under gardener, Jenkin was born in Goytre, Elizabeth his wife is 39 from Hereford, their children, all born in Goytre are Cecil 13, Alfred 7, Gladys 10 and Willie 5.

Charles Cornish died in March 1923 at Pontypool hospital aged 58, he was laid to rest in St Peter’s churchyard. Hannah remained at Porth Gwyn until her death in May 1930 aged 63.

The register of 1939 gives only one family at Porth Gwyn living at number two, James Henry Pritchard, a county council roadman, he has a housekeeper living with him, Margaret Clarkson.

The shop was set up in 1857 by Henry Bird JP as the Cooperative and Industrial Society Ltd. The manager of the shop was John Wilks, John was born at Goytre House Farm, the son of Isaac, a blacksmith and Elizabeth Jenkins.

The census of 1871 shows John Wilks in occupation, he is 28, a blacksmith and grocer,  Living with him is his brother William aged 24, sister Mary Ann 19,  his wife Catherine and two year old son John. Catherine Hargest, John’s wife was the daughter of David, a boot and shoe maker from Talgarth. John and Catherine were married  at  St Woolos  Newport on 29th January 1868.

On the census of 1881 at the Industrial Stores is John 38, a blacksmith and grocer, Catherine is 37, their children are John 12, Agnes 9 and David 3, living with them is an apprentice William Hawkes 19, his place of birth is not known.

By the census of 1901 John is a machinist, he had set up John Wilks and Son engineering works in Little Mill. The census says he is a mechanical engineer and employer, living with him is his wife Catherine 57, daughter Agnes 29, a grocers shop assistant and son David 23, a mechanical engineer.

Catherine died on April 28th 1905, she was buried at Chapel Ed where John was a deacon.

In 1911 at the Post Office Goytre is John 68, he is now a widower, daughter Agnes is a post mistress for GPO.

At Penperllenny House in 1921 is John, now says he is an agricultural engineer, living with him is daughter Agnes. Both his sons, David and John are employed at the works in Little Mill. David had married Ethel Davies on the 2nd of September 1907 at the Independent Chapel Abergavenny.

John Wilks died at Penperlleni House in Goytre on April 17th 1931, (read in obituaries) he left £808 3s 4d in his will to John and David. He was also buried at Chapel Ed.

Daughter Agnes remained at Penperlleny House until her death on January 18th 1945. Her will stated she had left £828 5s 9d to Ethel, the wife of her brother David, this amount was resworn later and increased to the sum of £2201 15s 1d.

No. 796 on the 1841 Tithe Map.

In 1776 John Stephens took the lease for the property from the Earl of Abergavenny for a cottage, garden and 3 parcels of land for the lives of John 38, Catherine his wife 38 and son William aged 2.

John and his wife Catherine had several children baptised at St Peter’s church, John in 1776, Mary in 1779 and James in 1780.

John Stephens died in 1793, he was buried at St Peter’s church Goytre, His wife Catherine remained at Star, she paid the land tax for the property in 1798. (Catherine died in March 1832 also being buried at St Peter’s.)

A new lease from the Earl of Abergavenny was granted in 1820 to Philip Jenkins (but says now deceased) on the lives of John, son of William Jeremiah then aged 9, John Stephens, the son of William Stephens of Goytre, then aged 8.

The tithe of 1821 says William Stephens is in occupation of Star and the owner is the Earl of Abergavenny. On the electoral register dated 1832/4 says William Stephens near the Chapel.

The census of 1841 gives more information, William Stephens is still living at Star, he is 65, a labourer, Mary his wife is also 65, living with them are sons William 30, a labourer, Thomas 20, no occupation given, Elizabeth Lewis 70 and Joanne Ricks 14.

On the 1851 census William is 77, a labourer born in Chepstow, Mary is 74 born in Llangibby, they have a servant, 20 year old Jane George from Trevethin.

The lease for Star changed in 1859 to 51 year old John Ballard, for the lives of himself, his wife Mary also 51 and William Stephens of Pontymoile aged 12.

In 1860 John Ballard voted for Thomas Jenkins to become highways assessor for the parish, a position Thomas Jenkins won.

The census of 1871 says John Ballard is an annuitant aged 66, Mary his wife is also 66, they were both born in Monmouthshire. In September the same year John Ballard died and was buried at Chapel Ed. Mary remained at Star until her death in 1882 aged 77.

The next family to occupy Star is the Stinchcombe family, on the 1891 census William is 37, a farm labourer born in Monkswood, Annie his wife is 30, born in Llantilio. William and Annie were married at Frogmore Street Church Abergavenny on December 29th 1879. In 1894 they sadly lost a month old baby boy, Henry George who was buried in Chapel Ed churchyard.

In 1901 William is 47, he is now a cider maker and market gardener, Annie is 42, their children are William 14, engaged at home, daughter Lilly is 12, at school and Charles who is 10, all the children being born in Goytre.

The Earl of Abergavenny sold most of his properties in the parish in 1920, Star Cottage was up for sale, with the tenant, William Stinchcombe paying 10s rent, land tax 3s 9d, tithe 9s 4d, sitting tenant William purchased Star for £180.

William Stinchcombe remained at Star until his death in 1940, on the 1911 census he is 57, a market gardener, Annie his wife is 51, son Charles is 20, a blacksmith. In 1921 William is still a market gardener, being helped by his wife Annie, Charles is now 30, still a blacksmith, living with them is their grandson Reece Charles Cook aged 16, he is a labourer at the clay pit in Little Mill but out of work at the time of the census.

William and Annie Stinchcombe celebrated their Golden Wedding in 1929, having lived at Star for 47 years, Annie having taken their produce to Pontypool market every Saturday during those years. William had been a lay preacher at Saron Chapel where he was buried when he died in 1940.