Goytre Farm – Ty Goytre – 633 on the 1841 Tithe Map.

1783 – sale by the trustees of Hanbury Williams, of all that farm called Goytre Farm, messuage, outbuildings, about 86 acres of arable and pasture, situated in the parish of Goytre, now in tenancy or occupation of Richard Williams at a yearly rent of £28.

The 1841 tithe says the owner is William Hunter Little, the property now contains 55a 1r 3p and is paying £9 6s 4d to the Rector. William Hunter Little has let the land to Francis McDonnel.

Occupying the house on the census of that date is William Williams aged 50, an agricultural labourer, Hannah his wife also 50, and their 15 year old son William.

William and Hannah Williams remain at Goytre Farm for the next twenty years; by 1871 they had left Goytre Farm to live at Bwrgwm Cottage with their daughter Caroline.

In October 1874 a sale of Live and Dead stock was held at Goytre Farm.

On the 1881 census George Grenow is in occupation, he is a 51 year old farm servant, his wife Eliza is 44 and they came from Hereford.

The electoral register of 1894 says William E. Thomas of Nantyderry Refreshment rooms is holding the lease.

John Rees holds a farming sale in August 1902, he remains at Goytre Farm and on the 1911 census he is 71 years old, a farmer born in Mynyiddslwyn. Staying with him is his 12 year old grandson Arthur Evans, his housekeeper is Hettie Hughes from Cardiff, and 25 year old Edgar Phillips is a waggoner on the farm.

John Rees had left by 1921 as David Thomas was now holding a sale at Goytre Farm, he was giving up the tenancy.

George Bandfield died at Goytre Farm in 1931, he was 42 years of age and well known in Usk and left a wife and three children.

Upper House – Ty Newydd.   

330 on the 1841 Tithe Map.

The owner of Upper House was the Earl of Abergavenny, containing 3a 2r 12p. The fields were Far field; Little field; Orchard; Cottage and garden; Cae Scybor and paying 10s 9d to the Rector.

The tenant holding the lease in 1759 was James Prosser, he was an overseer of the poor for the parish.

By 1815 Thomas Prosser, son of James, was constable for his lands. In 1831 his daughter Catherine married John Griffiths at St Peter’s, Thomas and Ann Prosser were witnesses.

The census of 1841 says that living at Upper House were Thomas Prosser a 61 year old farmer, Mary his wife, four year old Thomas Prosser, son-in-law John Griffiths a 30 year old labourer, their daughter Catherine and their three children, Eliza 9, Mary 6 and 7 month old John.

Thomas Prosser voted against the police, as did most of the parish in 1850, his details were given as living near canal bridge number 83.

On the 1851 census Thomas is a widower, he is 75 years old, a farmer of 20 acres and was born in Goytre, living with him is his 15 year old grandson Thomas.

By 1861 Thomas has gone to live with his son Thomas at the Gelli. Thomas the elder died in 1864 and was buried at Saron Chapel with his wife.

Son Thomas Prosser is mentioned in 1867 as overseer of the poor for the Upper House. Thomas is occupying the property in 1871, he is 34 and a labourer, Ann, his wife is 44. In April 1878 their daughter Mary Ann died aged 17, she was buried at Saron Chapel churchyard.

By 1881 they have 4 children, Francis 18, Rees 16, Rachel 14 and 11 year old Levi. By 1891 Thomas and Ann are living on their own, in October 1894 their daughter Rachel married Alan Hanbury at Saron Chapel.

Thomas’s wife Ann died in July 1896 and was buried at Saron Chapel.

Two colliers stole fowls from Francis in March 1900 and ended up in court for their misdeeds.

By the time of the 1901 census Francis is now at the Upper House with his wife Rebecka, he is aged 38 and Rebecka is 30, by 1911 they have three children, Horace 8, Eunice 5 and one year old Harold.

In 1920 the Earl of Abergavenny sold most of his land and property in the parish, adjoining Upper House were three lots:

Lot 1. 2a 4p let at £2 – tithe 5s 8d sold to Francis Prosser for £140.

Lot 2. 1a 2r 28p adjoining lot 1. At 1s 10d tithe sold to Francis Prosser for £60.

Lot 3. An old garden and pasture, orchard, known as Prosser’s land, 2r 12p let at £1, tithe 2s 5d for £110.

Francis paid a deposit of £31 at the time of purchase, with a balance of £279 remaining.

In January 1920 Francis Prosser was arrested in Abersychan for a serious wound he inflicted on Lewis Morgan. Apparently there was bad feeling among the families due to Francis’s daughter not being chosen as the organist at Saron Chapel where Mr Morgan’s son is the Sunday school superintendant.

Francis was taken to court, as the attack was so serious he was held in custody.

(full report in the Free Press.)

On the 1921 census Francis Prosser is 59 a smallholder, his wife Rebecca is 50, their children Harris Idwal 18, Eunice Murial 16 and Harry Llewellyn 13 are all assisting their father on the smallholding, all the family were born in Goytre.

Mr Redvers Prosser of Canal House was involved in a cycle accident in September 1924 at the corner of the Carpenters Arms where he received severe bruising and shock, he is well know in Goytre as an active member of thee local football team.

Upper Cae Coed – 207 on the 1841 Tithe Map.

The tithe of 1841 says the owner of Upper Cae Coed is not known. The census of the same year says John Walters has a cottage and garden and is paying ^½d to the rector.

The 1851 census says 57 year old Walter David is a farmer of 15 acres and he was born in Goytre, Mary his wife is 50 and two children are living with them, Ann 25 and Thomas 23.

The Electoral Register of 1852 says Walter David owns a freehold house and land.

Unfortunately the census of 1861 has been partially lost for the parish so fast forward to 1871 when Walter David is now being called Davies, he has gone to live with Rachel Thomas at Bwrgwm, he is 70 and still a farmer.

I have the same problem with the 1871 and 1881 census for Upper Cae Coed as I can’t be sure who was living there but by 1891 the owner is 30 year old Daniel Williams who is an estate worker, his wife Martha is 34, and living with them is Francis Davies.

They remain at Upper Cae Coed where in March 1907 Martha died, she was 50 years old and was buried at Saron Chapel.

On the census of 1911 Daniel is 50, a farm labourer, living with him is Bridgett Williams, 41 from Berkshire.

Daniel remained at Upper Cae Coed until his death in December 1943.

On the census of 1921 Daniel Williams was 60, he was born in Glascoed,a general farm worker, living with him is 50 year old Bridgett born in Old Windsor, they have adopted children whose father had died, Joanna Collier aged 12, Ruby Jones aged 11, it is not known where either of the children were born. Also, named as a boarder is a baby who’s age is given as 1-3 weeks old,  Gwilym Evans who was born in Nantyderry.

There followed a notice in the Free Press for anyone having a claim against his estate to contact Waddingtons in Usk.

Upper Cae Coed was advertised for sale in April 1944, the advert says there were two upstairs rooms, a kitchen, parlour, back kitchen, good garden and pig styes and water was laid on.

Another death occurred at Upper Cae Coed in 1951, 61 year old James Charles Jones, he was buried at St Mathews Monkswood, his wife had preceeded him.

New Barn – Ty Pukka/Ty Poocha

New Barn in 1841 was 179 on the 1841 Tithe Map, containing 61a 2r 4p

New Barn Farm

The fields were:

Nine covers; the meadow; cae frendybach; cae saybor; brake; cae yr iwen; far orchard; ty poocha homestead; sawpit meadow; cae pwll; the twelve covers; the sixteen covers; the four covers and cae ffynnon.

A letter to the Rector dated 7th May 1763: John Andrew and Mary Summerfield asking him to publish the banns for their marriage, they were married on 3rd June 1763.

Thomas Jenkins in 1778 was overseer of the poor for his own lands, Ty Poocha.

The next mention is in 1821 where John Williams of Ty Pooka is on the assesors list, but in 1829 William Morgan is paying £2 land tax for Ty Poocha, the occupier is William Evans.

By 1841 the occupier has changed to John Lewis who is living at Ty Poocha with his wife Elizabeth, they are both aged 45.

The tithe for 1841 says the owner is William Morgan of Pantygoitre House, the land is now 63a 2r 29p and he is paying £11 4s 8d to the rector.

John Lewis had left by 1851,  the census of that date says William Summerfield is now the occupier with his wife Rachel, William is  55 and Rachel is 52. Living with them at the time of the census is Elizabeth James, a widow, born in Goytre, and her two children Elizabeth and Ann, both born in Surrey; David Daniel from Panteg who is visiting; William Jones, 64 of Kemmys is a farm labourer; and their house servant, 17 year old Sarah Jones from Llanover.

William Summerfield died in 1857 aged 60 and was buried at St Iltyd’s church Mamhilad. Following the death of William, Rachel took over the Bailey Glas Inn at Mamhilad and remained there until her death in 1887.

By 1861 John Phillips is now farming at New Barn, they had moved to New Barn by 1855 as their second son Francis James was born there. John was from the Lower Hendre Llanover,  he married Ann Rosser in 1852, he was 37 years old in 1861 and farming 62a with the help of two men.

John Phillips died in June 1864 followed by Ann in July the same year, they were living at Ty Ivor at the time of their deaths, John Phillips died leaving £100.

On the 1866 Electoral Register William Turner has the land at New Barn as occupier, Lewis Edmund wrote in his diary in January 1871 “at Wm Turner, New Barn, whitening inside”,  for which he was paid 4s.

The 1871 census says William Turner is 79, a farmer of 60 acres and was born in Warwick. His son-in-law is William Jones, 46, a farm bailiff and married to William’s daughter Frances, they have four children, John Henry 17, working on the farm, Catherine Frances 15, George 11 and William 7. The same year William Turner is mentioned as an overseer of the poor for the parish.

William Turner died in March 1874 and was buried in Lanvair Kilgeddin.

In 1878 the occupier is William Jones, the son-in-law of William Turner. Lewis Edmund once again wrote in his diary “at William Jones New Barn Goytrey repairing the barn and stables”.

On the 1881 census William Jones and his wife Frances are living at New Barn with their children Henry 25, Catherine 23 and 17 year old William, they are all employed at the “House of Fraser”.

By 1885 Thomas Jenkins is now living at New Barn, he is an overseer of the poor for the parish, in 1887 he appeared as a witness for a welsh speaking vicar, this was after the death of the Rev. Thomas Evans, when the parish was looking for a new Rector.

The census of 1891 says Thomas Jenkins is aged 30, a farmer born in Clytha, Annie his wife is 29 and was born in Shrewsbury, and their children are Annie 6 and Ada 4.

In September 1895 their 15 month old son Edward died and was buried at St Peter’s.

Thomas Jenkins remains at New Barn and in 1901 Annie is a telegraph learner, Ada is 14, and they have a son Iltyd who is 3 years old. Their farm servant is 40 year old Edward Cole from Cheltenham.

The death of 21 year old Ada occurred in July 1908, she was also buried at St Peter’s.

By 1910 the owner of New Barn is Elizabeth Nicholls, the gross value for the property was £11 10s and the rateable value was £8 10s.

The census of 1911 gives more details than any previous ones, Thomas and Annie Jenkins had been married for 27 years, they had 5 children, two of which had died (Edward and Ada) the children living at home were Iltyd who is now 13 and Ivy Phyllis, both were attending school. They have their farm servant, Charles Thomas who is 28 from Abergavenny.

The poor rate of 1914 states Thomas Jenkins is now the owner of New Barn.

Albert Addams Williams held a sale of his Goytre properties in November 1918 and Thomas Jenkins purchased Oviel Garn, a cottage just below New Barn.

On the 1921 census Thomas Jenkins is 61, born in Clytha, a farmer, his wife Annie is 60 from Hadnal in Shropshire, David Lewis 52 is visiting from Newtown Montgomery, he is an out of work coal hewer, other visitors are Harriet Lewis 58 from Tredegar and Annie Thomas from Beaufort Brecon.

Daughter Ivy Jenkins married Joseph Brooks in September 1931.

By 1938 Thomas and Annie had moved to Cantref Bungalow, a short distance away from New Barn, Thomas died in 1940 (reported in the Free Press) and Annie died in February 1952 aged 90, both laid to rest in St Peter’s Churchyard.

Living at New Barn in 1938 were Arnold Herbert and his wife Elizabeth.

New Barn was sold in July 1944 to Gomer Edwards.

Ty Ifor – Pengroesoped

In August 1854 John Rosser of Pantglas, miller and farmer gave to his son-in-law, John Phillips a piece of land on which to build a house.

The following advert was placed in the Mon Merlin on Friday the 4th May
To be let, a most desirable country residence for a genteel family adjoining the turnpike road between Pontypool and Abergavenny, 1 mile GWR railway station.
Newly erected, consisting of, large parlour, 4 spacious bedrooms, back kitchen, brewhouse, pantry &c, with flowers and kitchen garden attached. Rent moderate.
Apply, Mr John Rosser, Goytrey Mill.

Edmund Lewis wrote in his diary, “at Ty Ifor plastering for John Phillips.” In 1858 John Phillips borrowed £100 from Charles Herbert  to enable him to complete the building.

After completion John Phillips sold Ty Ivor to Thomas James, the owner of Ty Cooke.

Thomas James was in occupation by 1861, the census says he is 65 years old and a farmer of 230 acres, was born in Mamhilad, his wife Elizabeth is 59 and was born in Hereford, Mary their daughter is 22 and was born in Goytre. The following year (1862) their son John married a Patty James and in January 1864 their daughter Mary married John Gittens.

Lewis Edmund wrote in his diary on the 22nd January 1866 that Thomas James of Ty Ifor had died aged aged 72 and on the 27th wrote he was at the funeral of Thomas James at Hanover Chapel, but an article in the Usk Observer of the 8th February says Thomas James was 75 and had died of bronchitis.

This is a photograph of Alderman Philip James of Abersychan, the son of Thomas, he was born at Ty Ifor.

The 1871 census says Elizabeth Phillips and her daughter Ann are living at Ty Ifor, both being born in Goytre.

On the 11th May 1872 the property was sold to Charles Herbert, he purchased it from a J A Kelly, stating it had recently belonged to John Phillips, it was then once again sold to Richard Richards, a butcher from Garndiffaith. Mrs Richards sold Ty Ifor again in 1878. It was purchased by the Rev Thomas Evans, rector of Goytre.
The property details say it is a detached villa with dining room, drawing room, china pantry, kitchen, larder good cellar, 4 large bedrooms, coach house, 2 stall stables etc.

On the 1881 census Edwin Gwatkin, 34, a master carpenter employing one man is living at Ty Ifor  with his wife Louisa, 35, their children are Edwin 7, Annie 4 and Edwin 2. Living with them is William Parry 53, a carpenter.

In 1885 William Rosser of the Tavern, Pengroesoped sold a piece of land adjoining Ty Ifor to Richard Richards.

Ty Ifor was up for sale again in 1896,  it was part of the estate owned by Anne Evans, the wife of the Rev. Thomas. The advert in the free Press stated it was a Freehold residential cottage with 1 rood 13 perches, paying 7s 6d land tax. The purchaser was William Evans who paid £400 for Ty Ifor and £1000 for Pantglas.

William Evans lived at Ty Ifor with his family. His two children, Annie and John attending Llanover school. Sadly Annie died aged 10, and two more children died very young, Morfydd aged 2 and Ceinwen aged one.

By 1901, 40 year old Evan Jones a farmer from Brecon and his 29 year old wife Sarah from Liverpool are in residence at Ty Ifor. Evan Jones remained at Ty Ifor until 1907.

A wedding took place at St Peter’s Church Goytrey on April 21 1910 when Katie Gwatkin (27) of Ty Ivor married Frederick George Edwards (25) a plumber from Alsager.

On the census of 1911 Edwin Gwatkin was back living at Ty Ifor , he was now 64 and an assistant overseer of the poor for the parish of Goytre, he had been married to his wife Louisa for 40 years, they had had 6 children, all alive.

In 1914 Ty Ifor was sold to Llanover estate, the new occupier was Robert Logan who came from Mitchel Troy, his children, Kathleen, Frances, Robert and William all attending Llanover school.

Ty Ivor is now a listed building in the parish of Llanover.

Nightingale Grove – 963 on the 1841 Tithe Map.

The 1841 tithe shows John Moses as the owner and Sarah Hughes the occupier. Sarah is aged 55 on the 1841 census, living with her are her children Ann 20, Mary 15 and Rachel 14.

Sarah Hughes remained at Nightingale Grove, and on the 1851 census she is a 65 year old widow, a pauper, her daughter Ann is 30 and a charwoman, Rachel is 25 and still at home, her grandchildren Robert 8, William and Eliza both 5, and 2 year old Eliza are living with her.

The 1852 parish assessment says Nightingale Grove is 203 on the parish map and contains 8 perches.

Sarah Hughes left the property sometime after 1861 and William Gough takes up residence, he is 32 in 1871 and a farm labourer born in Lanvair Kilgeddin, his wife Ruth is 35 and born in Mamhilad, their children are Lueza 6, William 4 and Albert 3.

There are records of two children being baptised in 1893 at St Mathews Church Monkswood, Thomas John Price and Hilda Ellen Price, they are the children of John and Martha Price of Nightingale Cottage Goytre.

The owner on the tithe update of 1889 is Isaac Jenkins, the occupier is John Lewis, although at some time Isaac Jenkins went to live at Nightingale Grove as he died there in 1898 aged 77 and was buried at St Mathews Church Monkswood. His wife Ann remained there and died in March 1900 aged 81, she was also buried at Monkswood.

Nightingale Grove was offered for sale on the 21^st February 1902 (full advert in the Free Press) the tenant is Mr Albert Owen paying £7 yearly rent and also paying rates and taxes, included are two adjoining gardens, in the ownership of the Marquis of Bute at a yearly rent of £1 2s 6d the land tax is 11d.

On the 1911 census Albert Owen is aged 38, a mason, Ruth his wife is 36, they had been married for 9 years and have 5 children, Edward 8, William 7, Winifred 5, Annie 3 and Gwladys, all the children were born in Goytre.

The 1914 poor rate says the owner is D F Pritchard, yet the sale in November 1920 says the owner is the Earl of Abergavenny. Nightingale Grove was sold to Mr Albert Owen for the sum of £150.

The 1921 census gives Albert Owen, 48 born in Pontypool, he is a mason for Wilks builders and construction, Rachel his wife is 46, Rachel and all the children were born in Goytre.  Their sons are Edward 19, a railway engine cleaner, William 17 is an apprentice tiler and plasterer for Wilks, their youngest son is David.  Their daughters are Winifred 12, Annie 13, Gwladys 11. Also living with them is Rachel’s father 87 year old Walter Jenkins.

Plough – Trewaelod – 791 on the 1841 Tithe Map.

The first mention I can find is in 1770 when William Morgan is constable for his lease of Trewaelod, he is mentioned again in 1802.

In 1837 William Evans, the occupier of Trewlaelod  was the collector of land tax for the owner, Miss Ann Jones.

The 1841 census says William Evans and his wife Elizabeth are both aged 55, the tithe once again says the owner is Miss Ann Jones.

By the 1851 census Henry Mathews, 28 from Llanbraddock is living at Trewaelod, he is a farmer of 23 acres, Sarah his wife is 23 and was born in Panteg, their children are Eleanor 2 and William 6 months, both being born in Goytre. Living with them is Sarah’s mother, Elizabeth Weeks a widow aged 77 who was also born in Llanbraddock.

The overseer of the poor records show in that 1853 Henry Mathews was collecting the land tax for Trewaelod.

Henry and Sarah Mathews had two daughters baptised at St Peter’s, Mary Ann in December 1854 and Emily in April 1857.

The overseer of the poor record at this time says William Harris is collecting the land tax for Trewaelod, Henry Mathews is still in occupation.

The 1861 census for part of the village is missing, this includes Trewaelod.

By 1871 Henry Mathews has moved to Great House Farm, Mamhilad. His daughter Hellin 21, along with her sisters Mary and Matilda both aged 8 are living at Trewaelod.

The same year Elizabeth Mathews married William Harris from Monkswood, William was 21 and a blacksmith.

Trewaelod had been renamed Plough by 1881, the owner is Henry Mathews and the occupier is William Evans aged 31, a wheelwright born in Pontypool. His wife Rebecca is 31 and was born in Machen, they have a one year old son Edward who was born in Goytre. Living with them is Rebecca’s mother also called Rebecca, she is 65, a farmer’s widow, and Rebecca’s brother James Williams who is 25 and a farm labourer.

The Evans family had moved to Coalbrook Cottage by 1883 and Henry Mathews’ daughter Elizabeth and William Harris took occupation with their children Mabel, Edward, Reginald and later Charles who was born in 1885.

On May 23rd 1899 Hannah Morgan of Plough Farm Goytrey married  Osmond Arthur Davies of Oak Lane Mamhilad, Osmond was a 31 year old farmer, Hannah was 29.

Henry Mathews returned to live in Plough by 1901.

Plough was sold in October 1904, the owners were given as Emma Catherine Williams, a widow, and Thomas Reece Williams. The property description says “There is an old fashioned stone built dwelling house containing 6 rooms, adjoining is a stable for 2 horses and pig styes. Conveniently situated in one of the fields is a useful barn with stables and a fowl house.” The property had 35 acres 0 rood and 17 perches.

Brochure for the Sale of The Plough Farm

The 1914 poor rate says the owner is Frederick J Lowe.

The electoral register gives the following occupiers:

1920 – The Plough Farm

William Arthur and Elizabeth Isaacs, this had changed by the 1921 census to 66 year old Alice Stoneham, a widow born in Glascoed, living with her is Louie 25 and 23 year old son William who is a farmer on his own account.

A wedding took place at St Peter’s church on December 23 1924 between Albert Edward Smith, a shoeing smith of Llanddewi Rhytherch and Emily Elizabeth Lewis of The Plough Goytrey.

1923

Frederick John and Ellen Beatrice Knight

1925

William John Mainwaring

1927

William Isaac and Edith Lewis with their sons Ivor and Richard Isaac

At some time around now the property was made into two cottages

1 The Plough Cottage on the 1921 census is John Kinght a 35 year old out of work coal miner born in Abersychan, his wife Beatrice is 35 from Maesteg, they son John Howell is one year old, he was born in Pontypool.

1930 -Mabel Williams

1931 – James Henry and Violet Williams

1935 – Rees, Maud and Harold Stephens

1937 – Trevor and Mary Ann Williams

1938 – Lilian V Watkins

1948 – Leslie J and Honerine Evans

1931, at No 2 Plough Cottages the death of Florence Kate Long aged 53 was reported.

In June 1932 Edwin Edgar (of Ysyspwcca) the owner of Plough was given an order by Pontypool Rural District Council to make repairs to the cottages, he did not do so and was once again taken to court for not complying. The roof and windows required attention and the walls required cementing due to dampness, Mrs Edgar blamed the tenants for not having lit fires during the winter.

2 The Plough

1931 – Edward Price

1933 – Henry and Edith Williams

1938 – Sarah Jones was at Plough Stores

1939 – George and Nellie Ricketts

January 22^nd 1943

Joseph Edgar of Plough Farm Cottage failed to make his agricultural returns and was fined £10.

Progers

I have named this property Progers after the family who lived there, as I have been unable to find a name for it.

 The 1841 Tithe Map number is 450, the property is no longer standing but my aunt remembered it whilst she was a young girl as she passed it daily on her way to school.

A new property, Ellersley, was built close to the site of the original house, it is Mr Logan’s on Park-y-brain lane.

In August 1730 a child called Elizabeth is baptised at Goytre Church, she is the “reputed” child of Thomas Proger and Jane William Jenkin of Lanvair Kilgeddin.

The first record starts with Thomas Proger in 1734 with the birth of a child called William, another child Ann is born in 1736, Ann died in 1739.

William Proger married Judith Morgan of Mamhilad in April 1767, their first child, another William, was baptised in May 1771, a daughter Elizabeth in October 1773, the entry in the register says father William Proger is a cooper, followed by another son Richard in October 1776. Another son William was baptised in 1777. William Proger the elder died in 1778.

The next mention is in 1798 when Judith Proger paid the Land Tax for her lease.

In 1804 Richard Proger married Rachel Williams at St Peter’s, their first child Mary was baptised in September 1806. The same year his mother Judith Proger died and was buried at St Peter’s Church.

On the 29^th September 1807 Richard Proger is granted a new lease from the Earl of Abergavenny for the lives of Richard aged about 30, Rachel his wife aged about 32 and Mary his daughter aged about 1. The property information says; a messuage and 3 acres of freehold land of Capel Leigh on the north, lease of William Jenkin on the east and the highway from Penpellenny to Penstair on south and west.

In 1820 Richard Proger was the constable for his lease and it is about this time his name first appears in the parish overseers accounts, he is now mentioned as a carpenter.

The parish valuation of 1831 says the cottage and land is worth £6 and the old house and land is also worth £6.

The Electoral register of 1832 says the cottage is near Park-y-Brain.

Richard’s daughter Mary married Thomas Newman (of Bussey View) in 1833.

The 1841 census and tithe confirm the owner is the Earl of Abergavenny, the census gave Richard and Rachel Progers ages as both 65, living with them is their son William 20, a carpenter and their grandson William Newman aged 8. Also, they have an apprentice carpenter, 15 year old James Lewis and a female servant, Ann Prosser aged 25.

Rachel Proger died in February 1849 her age was given as 73, by 1851 Richard has moved to Blaenavon where he died in 1865 aged 89 but was brought back to St Peter’s to be buried with Rachel.

Walnut Tree – 798 on the 1841 Tithe Map.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WILLIAM AND ANNIE JONES

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

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

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

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

Goytrey School. 1912

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

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

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

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

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

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

IN MOURNING JUNE 1912.

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

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

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

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

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

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

LILLIAN.

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

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

ELLEN.

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

GERTRUDE

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

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

Lillian and Thomas Morris

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

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

Henry m Doris ?     No Children

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

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

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

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

No pictures available of Joan and Mary Griffiths

Grandchildren-1939

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

Margaret (Peggy Morris) with Edgar Thomas.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Family Funeral for Nanny 1956.

Service at Saron Chapel.

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

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

R.I.P

Edgar’s Field

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

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

The view from the railway bridge in Goytre.

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

Saron Chapel

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

Gerald and Bonny were married here.

Goytre Canal Bridge.

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

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

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

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

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

Goytre Wharf.

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

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

Abergavenny indoor market place.

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

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

1 Park View in 2006.

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