NLW Ref: LL/1635/43

In the name of God Amen the fowerteeneth daie of August in the yere of our Lorde God one thowsande six hundreth thirtie fower I Richard Thomas of the pyshe of Goytrey in the Com of Monmoth and dioces of Landaffe yeoman beinge of good and perfecte memorie thanked be God doe make my last will and testament in maner and forme followinge that is to saie

First I comende my Soule to God and my bodie to be buried in Christian buriall. And as touchinge the disposicione and devise of all my landes and tenements sett lienge and beinge in the pishe of Goytrey and Countey of Monmoth I give and bequeath the same and every pte and pcell thereof togeather wth all and all maner of houses and buildinges scituate lyeinge and beinge in and upon the sayd lands and tenements wth all and all maner of comodities and rights belonging and appteyninge to the same and all and singular theire appurtenances to William Phillipp one of the sonnes of my brother Phillipp Thomas and his heires forever.

And I will and my last minde and testament is that Marie vergh John my wiffe shall duringe her naturall liffe quietly and peaceably enioye the foresayd lands and tenements wth all and singular theire appurtenances.

And of this my last will and testament I die nominate and ordayne the fore named Marie vergh John my wiffe and William Phillipp my nephewe to be my verie and lawfull executors. In witnes whereof I have hereunto put my seale given the daie and yere first above written.

Sign:

Richard Thomas

Sealed and deliv’ed in the p’sence of Phillipp Thomas; John Thomas Powell; James….?

Proved at Usk 4 August 1636….. Phillip Thomas … ……

NLW Ref: LL/1657/9

In the name of God Amen the tenth day of August in the yere of our Lord God accordinge to the computacon of the Church of England one thousand six hundreth fiftie and seaven I Richard Llewelin of the pishe of Goytre in the Countie of Monmoth and diocs of Landaffe smith caleinge to remembrance the uncertentie of mans life not knowinge how where nor when these our mortall bodies shalbe disolved and mindinge by God’s grace to setle in order such transitorie things as God hath blessed mee wthall to the intent my mind may be unburthened wth the care thereof whensoev’ it shall please God to calle for mee or ells to visit mee wth more extreamitie of sickness beinge now sick in body but of good and pfect memorie laud and praise be given unto Almightie God doe make and ordaine this my last will and Testament in writtinge in maner and forme folowinge (that is to say)

First and principally I doe comend my Soule unto Almightie God my creator and to Jesus Christ my redeemer through whose most precious death and passion I hope to have forgivenes of all my sinns and my bodie to be buried in Xpian buriall.

Item I doe give and bequeath to Juhan my wife one kow to be by her used and ymployed att her owne free will and pleasure.

Item I give and bequeath to Juhan my wife the use and occupaion of the smith forge and the toules belonginge to the same for and duringe the tearme of her naturall life. And after her decease I doe give and bequeath the said smith forge and toules belonginge to the same to my graundchild Edward George.

Item I doe give and bequeath to Juhan my wife the use and occupation of my best pann? For and duringe the terme of her life and after her decease I doe give and bequeath the said pann? To my sonne John Richard.

Alsoe I doe give and bequeath to my graundchild Edward George all the howshould stuff wch I have now remayninge in the house of John Jones wch I heretofore did lend to my sonne George and Jenet his then wife (except the pann? wch I have heerein before alreadie bequeathed.

Item I doe give and bequeath the use and occupation of the rest of my houshould stuff all my corne growinge threshed and unthreshed moneye oweinge to mee & my goods and cattell unbequeathed alreadie all my debts payed my fun’all expences dischardged to my said wife Juhan for and duringe the terme of her naturall life only uppon condicon that Juhan my said wife shall enter into securitie to my overseers heereafter to be named wthin six monthes next after my decease to the use of my sonne John Richard that the moneys corne goods cattell and houshould stuff or the value thereof shalbe and remaine to my sonne John Richard after the tyme of the decease of Juhan my said wife soe much as shall then remaine not spent by her uppon necessaire occations.

And I do heereby nominat appoynt and ordaine my welbeloved wife Juhan Lew? Sole executrix of this my last will and Testament. And doe nominat and appoynt Richard Morgan Harry of Lanover and Richard William Watkine of Goytre overseers of this my will.

In wittnes whereof I have heetherunto put my hand and Soule the day month and yere above written.

Read sealed delivered and acknowledged by the testator as his last will and testament in the p’sence of:

William Saunders;

John Richard

This will was proved at Landaph the 21th of September in the yeare of our Lord God & Saviour Jesus Christ 1657 before Thomas Prichard &c

A true inventerie of all the goods catle houshould stuff and other moveables of Richard Lleweline of the pishe of Goytre in the Cou’ of Monmoth and diocs of Landaffe smith late deceased made the 16^th day of September 1657 and prised by Richard Morgan of Lanover, John Richard of the same and Richard William Watkine of Goytre as foloweth

£            s            d

First the deceadents wearinge appll            prised att               0            10            0

Alsoe one kow given to the deceadents wife prised att            1            6            8

Alsoe one heyfer of a yere ould                                                     0            10            0

Alsoe one litle mare                                                                         0            15            0

Alsoe 3 piggs                                                                                     0            8            0

Alesoe 2 goats prised att                                                                0            5            0

Alsoe the toules of the smith forge wch did belonge to ye deceadent                 0            12            0

Alesoe one fether bed and thapputences prised att                                                1            0            0

Alesoe 2 crokes one litle brazen pann and a litle skilet prised att                        0            12            0

litle cowboord prised att                                                                0            6            0

Alesoe 3 ould coffers prised att                                                    0            6            0

Alesoe 5 pewter platters att                                                            0            6            8

Alesoe all the rest of the wooden vessells & all the formes and plankes               0            1            0

Moneys due to the deceadent wthout specialtie in the hands of David ap

Evan of Goytre                                                                     4            10            0

Alsoe one brazen candlestick                                                         0            0            8

Alsoe all the deceadents corne prised att                                     1            12            0

The sume is                          13            1            0

John Richard; Richard Morgan; Richard William

Exhibited by the executrix the 21th of September 1657

NLW Ref: LL/1849/82

Richard Jones -Goytrey

In the Name of God Amen. I Richard Jones of the parish of Goytrey in the County of Monmouth farmer being of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding – do this twenty eighth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand and eight hundred and forty two, make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say:

I give devise and bequeath unto my son William Jones now living at Pontymoile in the parish of Panteague in the county of Monmouth wood ward, and David Thomas of the parish of Lanvihangel Pontymoile in the county of Monmouth aforesaid, tiler- their heirs executors and administrators and assigns upon trust that they, the said William Jones and David Thomas their heirs executors administrators or assigns do and shall as soon as conveniently may be, after my decease sell and dispose by public auction or by private contract as they think proper – all my live and dead stock in and out. Also all my household furniture, goods, chattles, monies and securities for money and effects of what nature or kind soever or to which I may happen to die seized possessed or in any wise entitles unto the hands of my Trustees aforesaid.

I give and bequeath unto my dear wife Mary Jones of the parish of Goytrey in the county of Monmouth aforesaid the sum of five shillings per week, if the interest of the money arising from the sale will be enough to do so for her own use and benefit during her natural life – after discharging all my just debt and funeral expenses.

The remainder [if any] received from the sale to be placed out on interest upon good security. And after her decease I give and bequeath the same with the remainder and residue [if any] unto all my children to be divided in equal shares namely William Jones Pontymoile aforesaid and Thomas Jones of the parish of Trevethin in the county of Monmouth , Walter Jones of Goytrey aforesaid and Ann Jones now Jenkins, Mary Jones now Mary Jenkins and Sarah Jones , all to be divided between them in equal shares and portions.

Also I give and bequeath unto my son William Jones of Pontymoile aforesaid my freehold messuage or dwelling house and garden with all the appurtenances thereto belonging situate lying and being on the mountain in the parish of Lanhilleth in the county of Monmouth, now in the occupation of Widow Morgan for ever.

My will further is that if my wife Mary Jones aforesaid wishes to keep any of the household furniture for her own use [she may] with the consent of the Trustees – and after her decease I give and bequeath the same goods unto Sarah Jones my daughter.

I nominate, constitute and appoint the said William Jones and David Thomas sole executors of this my last will.

Lastly I hereby revoke all and every former will and wills by me at any time heretofore made and do declare this only to be my last will and testament.

In witness whereof I have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal the day and year first above written

Signed, sealed published and declared by the said testator Richard Jones as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us, who at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.

Richard Jones

William Williams Phillip

John Mathews

William William Phillips Pontymoile Cottager

An Inventory and appraisement of the household furniture, linen and wearing apparel of the late deceased Mr Richard Jones farmer, of the parish of Goytre in the county of Monmouth, taken the 12^th day of March 1849

In Kitching £ s d

1 clock 15 0

1 corner cubboard deal 2 6

1 oak do 2 6

1 clothes press 8 0

1 oak table 2 0

1 table do 1 6

1 small round table 1 0

1 old square table 1 0

8 old chairs 6 0

1 chest of drawers 5 0

1 deal box 4 0

1 fletch of bacon 2 0 0

2 tea trays 1 3

2 benches 1 6

1 lot of earthenware 5 0

6 tea spoons 0 3

3 glasses 0 8

2 small baskets 0 6

6 knives and forks and box 1 0

1 fender and fire irons 2 6

1 old bellest and 6 old candlesticks 0 9

1 tea kettle, 2 pots & 1 saucepan 4 6

1 frying pan and limber 2 0

£5 8 5

Back Bedroom

2 bedsteads 4 0

1 feather bed and pillow 14 0

4 blankets 2 0

2 rugs 1 0

£1 1 0

Front Bedroom

1 bedstead 2 0

1 feather bed and bolster and 2 pillows 1     10 0

2 old blankets and rug 1 6

1 bed hanging 1 6

5 blankets 9 0

3 linen sheets 3 0

1 quilt 1 6

Wearing apparel 2 10 0

1 oak chest 2 6

1 small box 2 0

3 old chairs 2 6

1 square table 1 0

1 small fender and fire irons 6

1 lot of old books 1 6

2 dishes and 6 plates 1 6

£5 10 0

In Stable

1 small cask, I pail 4 6

1 small vate and tub 2 0

£0 6 6 12 5 11

1 House on Mountain £10 0 0

We the undersigned having carefully surveyed the whole of the aforesaid articles mentioned in this inventory do adjudge and value the same in the sum of twelve pounds five shillings and eleven pence.

As witness our hands this 12^th day of March 1849.

NLW Ref: LL/1645/8

Richard John

In the name of God Amen the seaven day of June in the yeare of our Lord God one thousand six hundred fourtie five, I Richard John of the pish of Goytre in the Countie of Monmouth being sick of bodie but of good and p’fect memory (God be praised doe make and ordayne this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say:

First I comend my soule into the hands of God my maker hopeng assuredly through the only merits of Jesus Christ our saviour to be made ptaker of lief everlasting, and I comend my bodie to the earth whereof it is made:

Item: I doe give and bequeath unto Alice my sister, daughter to John ap John all my goods cattles and chattels due to me in manner hereafter and herein specified:

Vitz: the sume of five punds die unto me from Henry Watkin and payable by his bond from William Thomas Phillip last St Andrews tide. Alsoe the sume of thirty shillings due to me from William Jones by his bond on May daie last. Also the sume of twenty shillings due unto me from Anne Lloyd in May last. Alsoe the sume of on and thirtie shillings die to me from John William on a day long since past. Alsoe the sume of tenne shlling due to me long since from John William Morgan.

Item: I doe give and bequeath unto the said Alice my sister the sume of seaven pound and six shilling due unto me by bond from William Jones clk., and alsoe the sume of five pound due to me from William John and alsoe the sume of fourtie shilling due unto me from Charles Thomas.

Item: I give and bequeath unto David Jenkin the sume of three pound wch he the said David now hath in his hands. I alsoe doe give and my will is that the said David Jenkin shall take and receive the first yeares just and lawfill interest of the said some of seaven pound due unto me from the said William Jones clk., and alsoe of the said sume of five pound due unto me from the said William John and alsoe the first yeares lawfull interest of the sd sume of fourtie shilling due to me from the said Charles Thomas, all wch interest I doe except out of the sd bequests unto my sayed sister Alice.

Item: I doe nominate and appointe my sd sister Alice to be sole executrix of this my last will and testament whome I doe appointe and heartily desire to paie my debts and see my funeral expenses discharges.

Item: Whereas I passed and conveyed away my goods cattles and chattels by deed of guift unto my brother William John in trust for certaine reasons known to diverse of my friends upon his fathifull promise made the sealing thereof to redelyver the same to be cancelled I doe herby declare that the said deed was of reall but in trust and that the said William did p’mise me and diverse? Since my p’sent sickness to delyver it up to be cancelled wch he hath not donne. Therefore my will is that my said executrix shall endeaver by all the legall waies and meanes possible to recover the said deed and to disannul and make voyd every pte thereof soe that the said William nor any other clayming from him may receive any benefit or advantage of any kind.

In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my mark and have putt my seale to this my last will and testamt the day and yeare first written above.

Read signed and published in the psence of us:

Will Lewes

Chas Jenkin

Thomas Lewes of Goytre ~ his mark

Griffith ~ his mark

NLW Ref: LL/1678/55

In the name of God Amen the fourtenth day of January in the yeare of our Lord God acording to the computation of the Church of England one thousand six hundred seventy eight I Rice Williams of the parish of Goytrey in the County of Monmoth and diossese of Landaph freman calling to remembrance the uncertaty of man life not knowing how when or wheare these our mortall bodies shall be dissolved and ended and minding by grace to let one order such transitory things as God hath blesed me with all to the intent my mind may be unburthed with the care thereof whensoever it shall please God to call for me or otherwise to visite me with greater extremity of sicnes being now sick in body but of good and perfect memory praised be to God Allmighty therefore do make and ordaine this my last Will and Testament in maner and forme folowing. Vide. First and principally I comend my soulle unto the Allmighty God my creator and unto Jesus Christ my redemer through whose merits presious death and passion I hope to be saved and to have forgivenes of all my sines and my body to buried in Christian buriall in the church of Goytrey. Item I give and bequeath towards the Carthedrall Church of Landaph vid. Item I give and bequeath to the Rector of Goytrey towards my tieth forgoten or unpaid vid.

Item I give and bequeath unto Marry the daughter of Jenkin William my brother the sume of twenty shillings. Item I give and bequeath unto John Jenkin my nephew the sume of six shillings eight pence.

Item I give and bequeath unto Margaret Jenkin my nece the sume of six shillings eight pence.

Item I give and bequeath unto Anne Jenkin the sume of six shilling eight pence.

Item I give and bequeath unto Alce the daughter of John Phillipp the sume of five shillings.

Item I give and bequeath unto Jane the daughter of William Jenkin the sume of five shillings.

Item I give and bequeath unto Ann John the sume of forty shillings to be paid the first yeare after the decease of my father and mother by Morgan William my executor.

Item I give and bequeath unto Ann John one shipe and a lame. Item I give and bequeath unto Marry William my mother two shipes and two lamps.

Item I give and bequeath unto Jenkin William my brother two shipes & two lames.

Item I give and bequeath unto William John Morgan my father two weathers .

Ite I give and bequeath unto Ann John the sume of seaven shillings that is due unto me from Phillipp William Morgan.

Item I give and bequeath unto Marry William my mother one chest. Ite I give and bequeath unto Ann John one trunk.

Ite I give and divise unto Marry William my mother all those houses and lands during her naturall life where my father liveth now and after her desese unto Morgan William and his heires for ever which lands was bequeathed from Richard Thomas unto William John Morgan my father during his life time and and unto me after his deccease.

Item I give and bequeath unto Morgan William my brother all those houses and lands uppon condition that he shall pay the sume of eight pounds unto Jenkin William my brother within the space of five years after the decese of my father and mother and I doe apoint Morgan William my brother to be my executor of this mee last will and Testament uppon condition that he shall pay all the legaties which was bequeathed by me revokin all other wills and Testament.   I witnes where of I have unto set my hand and sealle the day and yeare above written 1678.

NLW Ref: LL/1748/42

An inventory of all and singular the goods cattle and chattles of Reynald John late of the parish of Goytre in the County of Monmouth and Diocese of Landaff yeoman deced made valued and appraised on the first day of May in the year of our Lord 1747 by John Harris and Benjamin Andrew appraisors as foll, that is to say

£            s            d

First his wearing apparell valued at                                           01            05            00

Also one feather bed with its appurtenances                            01            01            00

One dust bed with its appurtenances                                         00            10            00

Houshold stuff                                                                                 02            00            00

Ready money the sum of                                                                10            00            00

One mare and colt at                                                                       01            10            00

Four young steers at                                                                        05            00            00

Four two year old heifars at                                                           04            02            06

Three yearling calves at                                                                   01            12            00

Sheep at                                                                                              00            09            00

Two goats at                                                                                       00            03            00

One pigg at                                                                                         00            02            06

Corn in the ground at                                                                       01            05            00

Implements of husbandry at                                                          00            04            06

Desperate debts the sum of                                                            00            04            03

Lastly all small lumber not before mentioned at                       00            00            11

£29            09            8

Exhibited at Abergavenny on the 26^th day of April in ye year of our Lord 1748 by Mary Reynold (wife of William Andrew) the daughter and sole executrix for a true inventory &c but under protestation of adding &c if any more of the deceased’s assetts shall hereafter come to her hands or possession.

Rachel Thomas – Goytre

This is the last will and testament of me, Rachel Thomas of the parish of Goytre in the county of Monmouth, spinster.

I give and bequeath all my personal estate, effects and property of what nature or kind soever and wheresoever and of which I may happen to die, posses interested in or in any wise entitled to, subject to the payment of my just debts and funeral and testimony expenses unto and to the use of my niece Rachel Anthony now residing in the service of Ferdinand Hanbury Williams esquire of Coldbrook Park, her executors, administrators and assigns absolutely. And I hereby appoint the said Rachel Anthony sole executrix of this my will.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty second day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty.

Rachel Thomas

Signed, sealed and published and declared by the said Rachel Thomas the testatrix as and for her last will and testament in the presence of us who at her request and in her presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses.

Alexander Waddington attorney Usk

Owen Mathews clerk to M/s Jones and Waddington solicitors Usk

NLW Ref: LL/1776/44

Rachel Morgan – Goytrey

The condition of this obligation is such that if Margaret Bennett, wife of Richard Bennett, the cousin germain and next of kin of Rachell Morgan late of the parish of Goitre in the county of Monmouth and diocese of Landaff widow, deceased, do make, or cause to be made a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits of the said deceased which have, or shall come into the hands, possession or knowledge of the said Margaret Bennett.

23^rd April 1776

The above named Margaret Bennett was sworn well and faithfully to administer &c to exhibit an inventory &c and to render an account &c before me Wm. Jenkins surrogate.

Rachel Anthony – Goytre  22^nd March 1887

This is the last will and testament of me Rachel Anthony of Bwrgwm in the parish of Goytre in the County of Monmouth, spinster.

I devise unto Rachel Rosser the daughter of James Rosser of Goytre aforesaid all that house, land and premises in my occupation at Bwrgwm aforesaid.

I bequeath unto Ferdinand Jonathon, John Anthony, William Jonathon and Elizabeth Jonathon being the children of John and Alice Jonathon of Pantalar Farm in the parish of Llanover Upper in the county of Monmouth the sum of one hundred pounds each such legacies to be considered specific and paid out of a mortgage debt of four hundred pounds secured by an equitable mortgage given by the said John Jonathon to the late William Anthony which mortgage sum to be considered specific fund for the payment of such legacies and it is my will that should any or either of the last named legatees die in my lifetime the share of legacy of the one or more dying shall be equally divided between the survivors.

I bequeath unto the three children of Mary Evans of Abertillery in the said County of Monmouth (sister of the said Jonathon) the sum of one hundred pounds the share of any or either of the said three dying in my lifetime to be equally divided between the survivors.

I devise between the five children of Ann Prosser of the parish of Goytre aforesaid all those three cottages and premises belonging to me situate in High Street Blaenafon in the said County of Monmouth as tenants in common.

I bequeath unto Margaret Ferncombe now residing with me the sum of one hundred pounds.

I bequeath unto Leah Jenkins the wife of Thomas Jenkins carpenter, Garndiffaith in the said County of Monmouth, one hundred pounds.

I bequeath the following charitable legacies out of such part of my personal estate as may be legally bequeathed for charitable purposes free from legacy duty for the benefit of the respective institutions hereinafter named.

To the treasurer for the time being of the Baptist Missionary Society the sum of two hundred pounds.

To the treasurer for the time being of the Bible translation severity (Baptist) one hundred pounds.

To each of the treasurers for the time being of the Baptist College at Pontypool, Haverfordwest and Llangollen the sum of one hundred pounds.

To the treasurer for the time being of the Provident Society for aged and infirm Baptist Ministers in Wales and Monmouthshire the sum of one hundred pounds.

To the treasurer for the time being of the Horeb Baptist Church Blaenafon the sum of one hundred pounds.

To the treasurer for the time being of Sharon Baptist Chapel Goytre aforesaid the sum of one hundred pounds.

To the treasurer for the time being of Mr Muller’s orphanage Ashley Down Bristol, thirty pounds.

To the treasurer for the time being of Mr Spurgeous orphanage for boys the sum of thirty pounds.

To the treasurer for the time being the widow’s fund, London, the sum of nineteen guineas.

And I hereby declare that the share and interest of any legates or devise under this my will and the issue of such shall be a female or females shall be for her and their own sole use and benefit respectively and free from the debts, control and engagement of any husband or husbands with whom they may respectively intermarry.

I appoint Mr David Lewis, grocer and the Revd. William Rees Baptist Minister both of Blaenafon aforesaid executors of this my will and hereby revoke all other wills by me heretofore made.

I declare this to be my last will and testament, in witness whereof I have hereunto set my seal this thirty first day of January one thousand eight hundred and seventy seven.

Signed by the said Rachel Anthony as and for her last will and testament in the presence of us both present at the time, who at her request in her presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as written.

Joseph Harris – grocer Ivor House Blaenavon

John Evans – porter Ivor House Blaenafon

Proved at Landaff on the 22^nd day of March 1887 by the oath of David Lewis one of the executors to whom administration was granted.

The Rev.d William Rees the other executor named in the will having renounced the probate and executors thereof.

Under £1900

NLW Ref: LL/1635/42

In the name of God Amen I Phillipp George of the pishe of Goitre and Diocs of Landaff beinge sick in bodie but in pfect memorie (praised be Almightie God) doe make my Will nuncupative in forme followinge vizt. First I comend my Soule to Almightie my Creator and to Jesus Christ my redeamer & my bodie to be buried in Christian buriall. Item doe give and bequeath to Johan George my … sister all my goods and cattell whatsoever…. of the … of the date hereof……….   I nominate…. executrix of this my last will and Testamt. Dated the ixth day of August 1635

Wittness hereunto

Rowland….?

Richard Prichard

(Latin) Proved at Christchurch 12 August 1635 by Johan George

A true inventarie of all the goods and cattel of Phillipp George late of Goitre wthin the Dioces of Landaff deceased prized by Roger Morgan, Thomas Watkin, John Thomas, Wm Morgan Rosser, Morgan Wm Richard and Robert Jenkins the 10^th day of August 1635

Impris 1 dust bedd & bolster prized att      0            ii

It.            2 coorse sheetes at      viii

It.            2 peeces of old …?         xii

It.            2 coffers or chests at     ii

It.            The dec’ts wearing cloaths at    v

It.            1 cawdron or kettle    ii

Item            1 stander at         iiii

It.            The hands of Wm Morgan Rosser    ii

It.            The hands of Rowland laborer          vi            viii

It.            The hands of Morgan Wm Richard      i            ?

Suma            1            3            4

Exhibited 12 Aug 1635