Proger’s

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 29th 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.

List of Overseers 1733 – 1889

The Names of Overseers of the Poor
1733 Frederick Jenkin for the land of Charles Henry Esq
1736 David Morgan for the lease of Ann Andrews
Richard Plato for the land late of  James Griffiths
1737 Roger Reynold for his Lease
1742 John Gwillim for his own Lands
1749 David Williams for Mr Robers Land
1750 William Jenkins for Bossvile Lands
1751 Lewis Williams for Melinycoed
1752 Walter Evans for his Lease
Thomas Jenkins alias Oliver for his lease
1753 Walter Evans for Pen y t?yn
Llewelin Evans for Edg’r Jenkins
1754 William Jeremiah for Park y Brain
Thomas Howell for his own Land
1755 James Thomas for Abergwelvan
William Matthew` for his Lease
1756 Walter Griffiths for his Lease
William Jenkins for Loyn Celin
1757 Thomas Jenkins for his Lease
George Walbyof for Penpelenig
1758 William Harris for his own Lands
Thomas Jenkins for Daniel Simond
1759 John James for Esq Jenkins Mill Lands
James Prosser for his own Lands
1760 David Watkins for his own Lands
John Morgan for his Lease
1761 John Edwards for Higins
John Morgan for his Lease
1762 William Andrews for his own Lands
William James Smith for his Lease
1763 Isaac Harry for Thos Williams Land
John Morgan Mason for his own
1764 Morgan Evan for his own Lands
William Andrews for Late Roberts Lands
1765 William Lewis for his own Lnads
Richard Watkins for Burgwm
1766 Charles Lewis for Berllan Dowill
James James for his own lands
1767 William James for Mr Griffiths
John James for William Williams Land
1768 William Williams for Mr Edwards Land
Jospeh Watkins for the house by the Church
1769 Thomas Lewis for his own Land
Henry Edwards for yd? Pandy
1770 William Morgan Pen y stare
Thomas Jones for his own Late Andrew Parry
1771 Richard Waters for John Edwards Land
John Lewis for land of John Cooke Esq
1772 George Price for John Morgan Esq’s Land
William James for the late Lease of Sarah Morgan
1773 William Prosser for William Murphays Lands
Reginold Williams for his own Lands
1774 Jenkin Daniels for his own Lands
William Jones butcher for his own Lands
1775 John Jones Taylor for his Lease
1776 Henry Morgan for Penytoyn
Walter Griffiths Park y Brayne
1777 William Proger for his Lease
John for Coed Robin
1778 Thomas Jenkins for his own Land Ty Pwcca
William Phillips for Mr Hanbury Williams
1779 William Mathew Smith 
|ohn Edwards for the Lands Melin y coed
1780 Morgan Evan Park Bach
Thomas John Jenkins for Daniel Simond
1781 William Andrews for Pentey Bach
John Rosser for his own
1782 William Morgan Penstair
Richard Watkins for Burgwm
1783 Francis Morgan for Pelenigg
William Williams late Peter Charles
1784 Roderick Jenkins Lwyn Celin
Gwillim Jenkins for John Williams Land
1785 William Hadfield for his Lease
Edward Edwards for Mr Jenkins Land
1786 James James for his own
William Valentine for his Lease
1787 John Moses for Mr Cook Land
1788 William M Williams for Mr S(missing) Land
1789 John Parrott for penytoyn
1790 William Lewis for Berllan Dowill
1791 Richard Jones late Mathews
1792 William Watkins Mr Sparrow Mill Lands
1793 Edward James for Mr Morgans Lands
1794 David Jones for James Lewis Lands
1795 John Mathews for late James James Land
1796 William Parry for Crossoped
1797 William Jones Butcher   
1798 Thomas David for the Upper House
1799 James Prosser for Mr Dibdin’s Land
1800 Richard Jeremiah for the House by the Church
1801 John Jenkins for Henry Simon
1802 Walter Griffiths for Park y Brain
1803 Jenkin Rosser for his own
1804 Thomas Higgins for John Sparrow Esq Great House
1805 Thomas David for the Lower House
1806 Thomas Jenkins for his own Land
1807 John Moses for Mr Cooke’s
1808 Vaughan Jones for the late Thomas Jones;s
1809 Thomas Jenkins for Penstair
1810 Mrs Elizabeth Bird her own late Thos Lewis Lower Goy  Hse
1811 Anselm Thurston for mrs Jones of Henrue
1812 John Parrott for Pentwyn
1813 John Watkins for late Jenkin Daniel’s
1814 William Lewis for Berllan Dywyll
1815 Richard Jones late Wm Matthew’s Ty hir
1816 Edward Lewis for Bwrgwm
1817 John Morgan for Melin y Coed
1818 William Rosser for Mrs Morgan’s Land
1819 Thomas Jenkins for Mrs Prichard the Lan
1820 James Lewis for his own the Wern
1821 James Lewis for Goytrey Lodge
1822 John William for New Barn
1823 James Prosser for Mr Dibdin
1824 Edward James for Thos David;s Upper House
1825 Richard Jones for Park y Brain
1826 Elizabeth Jenkins for Henry Simon
1827 John Rosser for Jenkins Rosser’s
1828 Thomas Lewis for Mr Cooke’s
1829 Vaughan Jones for his own
1830 John Harris for Goytrey Hall
Thomas David for Pentre bach
1831/5 William Lloyd with salary
1836 Henry James for Mr McDonnell
Thomas Prosser for his own
1837 Walter David for Llwyn Celin
John Jenkins Penstair
1838 Philip Morgan for Abergwelvan
John Prosser for Pellennigg
1839 William Jenkins for late Thos Jenkins
Charles Lewis for Berllan Dywyll
1840 William Evans for Miss Ann Jones Tre waelod
John Watkins Ty Hir
1841 James Gwatkin for Pentwyn
Edward Lewis for Ty’r Ywen
1842 William Jenkins Melin y Coed
1843 Ruth Jenkins Lan
John Lewis New Barn
1844 William Vaughan for the Wern
William Parry for Lan wysk
1845 Richard Jones for Park y brain
John Rosser Pant Glas
1846 Rees Rees for Penpellenny farm
Vaughan Jones Ty Llwyd
1847 Thomas Watts for Ynys y Pigau
John Willimas for Yew Tree Cottage
1848 William Rees for Nant y Derri
Thomas Davies for Pentre Bach
1849 William Williams for Kiln Farm
John Edwards for John Lewis farm near the Church
1850 Walter Davies for Llwyncelyn
Thomas Prosser for his own
William Gwatkin with salary
1851 Thomas Watkins for Goytrey House
Thomas Jenkins for Land
William Gwatkin salary
1852 William Jenkins Canal bridge no 83
Charles Lewis Berllan Dwyllt
William Gwatkin with a salary
1853 John Prosser Penpellenny
Henry Mathews Trewaelod
William Gwatkin with a salary
1854 Thomas Roberts Penystair
John LewisTy Hir
William Gwatkin at a salary
1855 William Gwatkin for the church with  a salary
Thomas James for Goytrey Hall
1856 Richard Miles for Pentwyn
William Nicholas Ty Yewen
1857 John Phillips for New Barn
Mordecay Jones for Coed Robin
1858 Thomas Evans Half House
Thomas Lewis Taybor
William Harris with salary
1859 Thomas James Tir Goytrey House
William Cocker for Kiln Farm
William Harris with salary
1860 Thomas James Goytrey House
William Cocker for Kiln Farm
William Harris with salary
1861 William Gwatkin for the Church   
John Williams for Melin y Coed
1862 Isaac Lewis from Glanwysk
Edward Charles for Park y Brain
1863 Daniell Tedman for Penpellenny farm
Thomas Jones for Ty Llwyd
1864 William Mortgan for the Wern
Mrs Rosser for Pant Glase
1865 Mrs Watts for Ynys y Pigau
Wm H Reece for Yew Tree Cottage
1866 Benjamin Jeremiah for John Lewis farm by the Church
Thomas Lewis for Llwyn Celyn
1867 Thomas Jenkins Lan Farm
Thomas Prosser for Upper House
1868 John Preece for Abergwelvan
John Bevan Star
1869
1870 Jospeh Everson for Goytrey Hall
John Jenkins New House
1871 John Jones Pentre Bach
William Turner for New Barn
1872 Mordecai Jones for Coed Robin
Mr Moffatt for Pentre Cottage
1873 Richard Pruett for Woodland Cottage
Edward Williams for Woodland Cottage
1874 Henry Crump for Pengrosshoped Farm
Walter Jenkins for farm isa Pulga?
William Gwatkin with salary
1875 Isaac Lewis for Glanwysk
William Morgan for the Wern
William Gwatkin Assistant
1876 John Morgan for Barthalan
Mrs Ann Rosser Pantglase
1877 Edwin Wm Gwatkin Goitrey Yard
William Rosser Pengrosshoped
1889 Mordecai Jones for Coed Robin
John Oasis? Vellw Farm????

1856 Free Press

June 14th – Caution to smokers

A few days since, a serious fire took place at the Wood Mill in the parish of Goitre adjacent to the Nantyderry station on the Newport Abergavenny and Hereford railway, for some time past in the occupation of Mr Williams.
It appears from facts afforded that smoke was observed issuing from a well built and commodious barn situated at the rear of the mill in which was placed about 60 bushels of wheat and upon proceeding thither the interior was found to be in flames.
Assistance from neighbours and others was kindly rendered endeavoured with buckets and other utensils to throw water upon the building but their combined efforts proved unavailing, the fire having gained a mastery over them and the barn was consequently, in a short time entirely gutted.
The fire, we understand, was occasioned by a man who was engaged in the building thrashing, smoking a pipe, a spark from which fell amongst the straw and hence the disaster.
It is hoped that this occurrence will act as a caution to parties allowing servants to smoke about their buildings, which reprehensible conduct so frequently terminates in the destruction of the property and not infrequently in sacrifice of human life.

1877 Free Press

January 27th

John Probert of Pontypool refused to quit the refreshment rooms when ordered to do so by the proprietor.
He did not appear at court.
John Williams, proprietor said that John Probert came to his house at 9.30 on the night of the 13th inst., and called for a glass of beer, with which he was served.
He was perfectly sober and went away in the course of about half an hour, he return very much intoxicated, my wife and daughter refused to draw him beer, whereupon he used very disgraceful language; complainant asked him to go out and he refused but subsequently with great difficulty managed to eject him.
Fined 5s or 14 days hard labour.

 

August 11th

To the Overseers of the Poor of the Parish of Goytrey, the Superintendent of Police for the District of Pontypool, and to all whom it may concern. I JOHN HARRIS, now residing at Penperlleny, in the Parish of Goytrey, in the County of Monmouth, Beerhouse-keeper, and for Six Months last past having resided at Penperlleny, in the said Parish of Goytrey, Do Hereby Give Notice that it is my intention to apply at the General Annual Licensing Meeting, to be holden at the Town Hall, Pontypool, on the 25th day of August next ensuing, for a License to Sell exciseable Liquors by Retail, to be drunk or consumed in the House or Premises thereunto belonging, situate at Penperlleny, and which I intend to keep as Inn, Alehouse, or Victualling House. Given under my hand this 3rd day of August, in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Seveaty-sevea. JOHN HARRIS.

August 18th – Alleged Wood Stealing

Geo, Brown and James Morgan were charged with stealing a quantity of pit wood, the property of A D Berrington esq., at Goytrey on July 23rd.
Mr Watkins defended.
Mathew Williams was the first witness called. He said he was appointed to look after the woods for Mr Berrington:
They had missed wood from the place:
In answer to Mr Watkins:
The wood where the pitwood was taken from was let to men named Mayberry and Arthur:
They purchased the underwood and they have to clear away both stubbs and underwood:
Mayberry informed witness about men taking the underwood away: had not seen Arthur about it:
It occurred on 23rd July but witness did not receive any information about it until August 8th:
The husband of the next witness to be called lived close to the wood; did not know of any bad feeling between Brown and her;
Had not seen the wood alleged to have been stolen; missed the wood on 25th July:
Ann Williams lived in the parish of Goytrey; she could not exactly remember the day she had seen prisoners carrying sticks out of Mr Berrington’s wood;
Prisoners had each a piece of pitwood; which they were carrying to the waggon of John Bevan; she saw the sticks on the waggon;
By Mr Watkins: It was between six and seven o’clock in the evening when the prisoners took the sticks away; she could not say which month it was; but she thought it was about a fortnight previously; It was on a Monday; she generally went to meeting on a Sunday and she had been to meeting the day before;
Brown and witness had never fallen out; he had never threatened to summon her; nor had he ever cautioned her about taking sticks from the wood; she lived nearer that 50 yards from the wood; she dealt in fruit; so did Mrs Bevan;
It was Bevan’s waggon she saw the sticks on:
Daniel Crompton was next called and said he was standing at Abraham Williams’s door when he saw Bevan’s waggon with some sticks upon it; couldn’t say whether the sticks were pit wood or not; they were about 6ft long; it was between six and seven o’clock in the evening:
In answer to Mr Watkins: Should not have noticed the affair at all but for Mrs Williams having pointed it out to him; she said “you see they are putting sticks on the waggon and if anything is missed we shall be blamed for it.”
Abraham Williams, labourer and basket maker said he met prisoners one night; they were with Bevan’s waggon; there was some browse on it; saw two sticks on top of the browse; but he would not swear what they were; it was about 6.30 in the evening when he met them;
In answer to Mr Watkins: Did not know of any ill-feeling between his wife and Bevan; never heard that his wife was about to be summoned by Brown;

The case was adjourned till next Saturday:

August 25th – The Goytrey Wood Stealing Case

George Brown and James Morgan were charged [on remand] with stealing pitwood, the property of A D Berrington esq.,
Mr Watkins appeared for prisoners;
Mathew Williams was re-called and being cross-examined by Mr Watkins, said he was in the habit of visiting the wood three times per week;
Some weeks he would visit the place only once; it was 11 or 12 acres in extent; in the place where the witness Ann Williams had pointed out to him was ‘corded’,men were cutting the wood a few months ago;
Witness had missed some sticks from a heap; there were three hedges between Mrs Williams’s house and the place where she alleged she saw the sticks taken from; the place where the pitwood was taken from was about 50 yards into the wood; it was altogether about 110 yards from this place to the witness’s Williams house;
In answer to Mr Phillips;
Witness missed three pieces that he knew; but he had not seen those sticks afterwards;
He had missed one large piece and two middle sized pieces;
Daniel Compton was re-called; and said he was standing in Mrs Williams’s garden; there were three fences between them, the garden and the waggon; there was a wide gap in the hedge so that the tail of the waggon could be seen;
Witness did not suggest to Morgan’s mother, on the previous Saturday, that he [Morgan]should confess that he had stolen sticks, and so get Brown convicted;
Witness himself had been convicted of felony;
John Bevan jnr., said he lived at the Yew Tree Cottage; the prisoners had borrowed his fathers waggon to take away some browse from the wood;
The agreement was, that they, [the Bevan’s] were to have a load of browse for hauling a load; he went to the wood in company with the prisoners; there was a high hedge between where they placed the waggon and the road;
The hedge consisted of horles and sallies; after they loaded the browse a short rough stick was put onto the waggon, this stick was not trimmed;
Brown’s stick was a little longer; a tree by falling had broken and splintered it at one end and there was a knot in it;
In answer to Mr Edwards; those sticks were not taken from a heap;
Examination continued: witness went with Pardoe and pointed out the place where the waggon stood; he measured in a straight line from there to Mrs Williams’s gate;
James Arthur deposed that he and a man named Mayberry had bought the coppice wood;
They had cordwood and pitwood out of the coppice;
The timber was to belong to Mr Berrington; they had to clear the wood of all browse and underwood;
He had let the wood to prisoners to clear it; but cautioned them not to touch either cordwood or pitwood;
They take many pitwood pieces to act as levers in grubbing the wood; and as a rule these are of no use afterwards;
From the description the boy gave of the sticks he would not infer they were pitwood;
Wm. Pardoe has measured the ground at the request of the prisoners;
From where the waggon stood to Mrs Williams’s house was 135 yards; the waggon could not be seen from the house in question;

The case was dismissed.

October 27th   – Notice of Removal

E. Evans & Son, Coachbuilder & Wheelwright

Beg to inform the Nobility, Gentry and Public in general that they have moved from Llanover near Abergavenny to more commodious premises at Penperllenny, Goytrey, near Pontypool, where they hope, with strict attention to all orders entrusted to them together with good workmanship and best materials, to merit a share of the public patronage.

E.E. & son also return their thanks for all past favours and remain your obedient servants.

E. Evans & Son, Coachbuilders, Wheelwrights &c., Penperllenny, Goytrey, near Pontypool.

December 1st – Two Cottages to be Let

Two cottages with gardens to let at Nantyderry with an excellent Smith’s shop with one cottage and all conveniences.
Also after Christmas a portion of land for a coal wharf, with part of a good shed.
Rents moderate.
Apply to William Williams, Refreshment House, Nantyderry.

Monmouthshire Merlin

August 23rd 1856 – Mamhilad Sheep Stealing
On the 1st instant three fat sheep were stolen from the flock of Mr John Lewis, and on the 14th nine sheep belonging to Mr John Phillips of Goytre were also stolen.
In each instance the sheep were traced to the mountain, in the direction of Blaenavon.

September 11th 1858 – Goytrey Sunday School
On the 1st inst. At the house of Richard Pruett (Woodland Cottage, Pengroesoped) the children of Goytre Infants Sunday school in number about 30, were liberally treated to tea and cake.
This treat was not a little appreciated by the happy band of children on the occasion.
Mr and Miss Smith were present.

November 6th. – Mr Morgan sudden death – previously of Mellin Coed
Sudden death at Glascoed – On Friday evening as Mr Morgan, a farmer of this place and who formerly farmed at Melin Coed Goytrey, was returning from the fair, he dismounted near Mr Davis Williams, Monkswood.
In attempting to get on horseback he fell and died in the course of a few minutes. After the body was discovered and conveyed to the Beaufort Arms.
The deceased was doubtless attained with apoplexy.

September 5th, 1873.

(To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.)
Sir—-The statements made in various newspapers,–respecting the closing up of a small reservoir in my field on, the Walnut Tree Farm in this parish, are so, inaccurate that I shall feel obliged by your printing the enclosed letters in your next, as they appeared in the Western MaiI of the 1st instant.

Yours truly, THOMAS EVANS.

(To the Editor of the Western Mail.)

SIR,—The account given by your Pontypool reporter of the so-called well in the middle of my field, and closed by me, is so inconsistent with fact that you will oblige by inserting the subjoined letter, addressed by me last week to the Pontypool Free Press, in which, the facts of the case are clearly stated.

The supply of water in my well in the wood, and near the road, has been tested, and the yield from the springs is two gallons in five minutes. One side is gravelly, therefore the water does not always run away, but soaks through the gravel.

On Wednesday next, at four p.m., my servant will empty the well of its waters once more, so as to give an opportunity to anyone who may be incredulous of seeing with his own eyes how pure and ample is the supply of water from the several springs in the well, which is fed by no drains.

If you will kindly send a reporter to the spot, either from Cardiff or Pontypool, I will pay his fare to and fro, and he will be able to decide whether or not “it is a hollow, filled with dead surface water,” or a real spring of pure water.

On Friday last my servant caught a boy of Louisa Wait’s, and a girl of the railway labourer, John Collins, John Williams’s tenant, in the act of stirring the water to make it muddy, having first filled their cans with clear water.

Since an attempt was made last month for the first time in the history of the property, to trump up a prescriptive right to the reservoir in my field (which I am prepared to disprove) the water in this well has been systematically troubled, and the offenders have been found out at last.

It is not true that I have any quarrel with the inhabitants of my parish, but a small number of them connected with the British school have been led on by John Williams and Louisa Wait, to make it a party question, and to stir up strife.

Yours truly,

THOMAS EVANS, Rector of Goytrey.

Nantyderry House, August 18.

(To the Editor of the Free Press.)

SIR,–l have neither leisure nor inclination for controversy with persons who deal simply in reckless assertions, utterly devoid of truth. The facts with regard to my wells are simple enough. I have cleared out a well, at my own expense, for the accommodation of my neighbours (for whom, by-the-bye, I am in no way compelled to provide), and here there is an ample supply. Not content with this, one or two of them, for reasons best known to themselves, covet access to a more distant reservoir, situate in the middle of one of my fields, and fed by my own drains. Even here I was willing to act kindly and grant permission to those who sought it, to make use of these waters. But when a certain Mrs. Wait, backud by her friend, Mr. John Williams, boldly trespassed upon my property and asserted a right to transgress without my permission, no course was left to me but to vindicate my title by closing the well altogether. If my right is really disputed, let it be tried in the usual way but if the lowest class in the neighbourhood, led on by those who should know better, attack my property in an unlawful way, punishment will overtake them sooner or later. As to the attacks directed against my kindly dealing in the parish and neighbourhood, nobody knows better that they are unfounded than John Williams himself, except, indeed, those abettors of higher station, who keep themselves prudently in the background.

Yours, &c.,

THOMAS EVANS, Rector of Goytrey.

Nantyderry, August 20.

(Note: More details regarding this altercation can be viewed here)

Abergavenny Chronicle

8th July, 1910.

GOYTREY. CYCLE ACCIDENT.

On Monday afternoon an accident befel one of a party of young cyclists in the neighbourhood of Llanover. Near the top of Goytre Hall pitch a motor-cyclist coming in the opposite direction collided with one of the lads, named Reggie Green, Earl-street, Abertillery, knocking him off the machine. The lad was so badly injured that Mrs. Williams, of Goytre Hall, had him removed to Nantyderry station, to be sent home to Abertillery by train. The motor-cyclist, named Collier, also of Abertillerv, escaped practically without injury. Both machines were badly damaged. 

19th February, 1915.

GOYTREY.  CONCERT AND DANCE.

A very successful concert was held at Nantyderry Schoolroom on Thursday last on behalf of the Red Cross Society, and an exceptionally good programme was gone through. The Rector, the Rev. J. Davies, took the chair and made some appropriate remarks on the subject for which the concert was held. Songs were given by Miss Hughes, Nantyderry House, Miss T. M. Davies (winner of the Gold Laurels, France), Mrs. E. Evans, Mr. Percy Jones, Mr. Wingrave, Miss C. Lloyd, Mr. Peter James. Pianoforte solos by Miss Muriel Davies and Mrs. Rosser. Messrs. Horsington Bros gave a delightful performance on their hand-bells. An amusing sketch, entitled “The Twins,” was given by the Misses G. and M. Davies, Miss Wilks, Mrs. Leeworthy, and Mrs. Jones. A dance followed.

July 9th 1915 – Col. Cuthbertson Invalided Home

Lieut.-Col. E B Cuthbertson, MVO. commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion Monmouthshire Regiment (Territorial Force) has been invalided home from the front.
Upon arrival in England he stayed in London for a while but he is now home in Goytrey.

24th September 1915.

GOYTREY.  EGG COLLECTION.

Another one hundred and seventy-three eggs were collected last Sunday for the National Egg Collection, at St. Peter’s Church, Goytrey. Altogether one thousand one hundred and fifty eggs have been brought to the church. The eggs are sent to London, and from there they are sent to the wounded soldiers and sailors.

27th April, 1917.

GOYTREY.  BOY’S THEFT.

At the Pontypool Police Court on Monday before Messrs. W. H. Pitten and R S. Probvn – a Goytrey schoolboy was charged with stealing a bicycle, value £2 15s., the property of Thomas Heaven (15) Lewis-street, Abersychan, on Sunday. The evidence given by the prosecutor was to the effect that he and two other lads went for a bicycle ride on Sunday, and, on arrival at Goytrey, they went into a wood to pick flowers. Witness left his bicycle in charge of the defendant, who said he would look after it, but when he (witness) came out of the wood both defendant and the bicycle were missing. P. C. Merrick. Little Mill, said that five hours after receiving information of the theft he saw defendant riding the bicycle. When asked to whom it belonged he replied that it was his. In spite of the boy’s mother’s request to the Bench to send her son away to a reformatory, the magistrates imposed a fine of 10s., to be supplemented by six strokes with the birch rod.

27th April 1917 – Late Mr George Gwatkin

The funeral of the late Mr George Gwatkin of Church Farm Nantyderry took place at Goytre churchyard on Tuesday. The Rev. J Davies officiated.
The chief mourners were: The widow; Messrs Fred, Evan and Gilbert, sons; Mr & Mrs W Gwatkin, son and daughter-in-law; Mr & Mrs T Jenkins, son-in-law and daughter; Mr T Gwatkin, brother; Mrs Williams, sister; Messrs Archie Gwatkin & W Gwatkin and Dick Williams, nephews; and many other relatives.
A number of friends and neighbour were also present. The bearers were: Mr J Banner (Caerleon) Mr R Jenkins; Mr W Knipe and Mr D h Morgan.
Floral tributes were sent by the following: Widow; Sons; Fred and family; Herbert, Annie and grandchildren; Evan, Rose and Tom; Car., Billie and little Billie; sister Ann, Tom and Elizabeth; sister-in-law Louisa; May & Griff; Harry 7 Flo; Fred & Bell; Kate & Dick; Tom & Annie; Iltyd & Lizzie; J & W Banner; Tom; Mr & Mrs Besant; Mr & Mrs Rosser; All at the Mill; Mr & Mrs Evans; Mr & Mrs Jones; Mr & Mrs Howell; Mr & Mrs Tidcombe; Mr & Mrs Powles; Mr & Mrs D H Morgan; Mrs Messenger; Mrs Morgan.

2nd August 1918.

GOYTRE. DEATH on Active Service.

With deep regret we have to chronicle the death in action in France, on July 2nd, of Lce.-Cpl. Percy Thomas Lewis, S.W.B., the youngest son of Mr, W. Lewis. Tv’r-Ywen, Goytrey. In a letter bearing the sad news of his death it was stated that a shell struck the building in which he was at the time, killing him instantly. A pathetic feature of this young soldier’s death was that it happened on his birthday. He was born at the Lower Hendre, Llanover, on July 2nd, 1896, received his elementary education at Llanover School, and later on entered the West Mon. Intermediate School, where he gave every satisfaction to the masters as a scholar who applied himself diligently to all his studies. By further private study he passed his examinations for the Excise, in the office of which he served for some time at Cardiff, then at Pontypool, whence he was called to the colours; joining the South Wales Borderers, and in due time went over with them to France. From there he wrote many letters to his friends, in all of which he expressed his delight at receiving heartening letters from home, and showed his true estimate of the nature and merits of the world-wide conflict in which he took part. In the year 1905, when the Revival was in its strength, at the tender age of nine, he was one of only 30 new members who were received into the Congregational Church. at Hanover. From that day onwards he continued to manifest the deepest interest in all that concerned the welfare of the Church and the Sunday-school. Thus death has removed from our midst, at the early age of 22, an engaging personality that had I already given sure signs of forcefulness of character and high promise of a successful career in life. Those with whom he served in the regiment of the S. W .B. all bear united testimony to his excellent soldierly qualities, and particularly to his sterling Christian character. It is no exaggeration, it is only bare truth, to say-that our young friend, like many more high and low. has given his life for his country and for the world, and, let us firmly hope, not in vain. Such heroic deaths, endured on the world’s battlefields, are, alas and perforce, the costiv price of the world’s advancement. It is this thought which now, as in time to come, will most surely bring real and solid comfort to every stricken and perplexed heart that has been called to sorrow in this great Armageddon of the nations.-D,D.

28th November 1919.

GOYTRE.

PROPERTY SALE. – Glanynant, a freehold property with three acres of land, has been disposed of privately by Messrs. Davis & Sons, Usk, to Mr. B. Morgan. Mr. T. J. Thomas, Bargoed, was the vendor’s solicitor.

Monmouthshire Quarter Sessions

April 19th 1834  – William Watts – Monmouthshire Quarter Sessions

Monkswood, Appellants: Goytrey Respondents

This was a case on the removal of a pauper 66 years of age, named William Watts.
The advocates were, for the respondents, Mr Talbot, for the appellants, Mr Nicholls.
Wm Watts, being examined by Mr Talbot, deposed that 45 years ago he married Martha Edwards, whose mother gave to him a cottage at Monkswood which he occupied 6 years.
The witness on his cross-examination by Mr Nicholls, stated that this cottage was given without a legal conveyance, by a parole agreement; and the brother of his wife had since disputed witness’s right of possession. The question was left to arbitration and it was decided that the pauper had no right to the possession during the lifetime of his mother-in-law; but £20 were awarded to him as compensation for a building which he had erected. The pauper afterwards left Monkswood and acquired property, value £160 in Goytrey, in which place he occupied a house at £12 a year.
Mr Talbot maintained that the pauper’s settlement was by property, in the parish of Monkswood and that the parole conveyance of the cottage was valid.
The learned gentleman quoted authorities in support of his view of the law of the case; but the order was quashed.
(Wm Watts was the innkeeper of the Royal Oak, from 1811-1815 later he lived at Ynyspwcca)

South Wales Daily News

October 26th 1894 – Stealing a Watch

At the police court on Thursday – before Dr W J Mulligan and M Fowler – Arthur Jones, a labourer was convicted of stealing a watch, the property of Herbert Bishop of Goytrey, on Wednesday and default of paying a fine of 40s, was sent to prison for a month.

December 21st 1894 – A Farmer’s Failure

Richard Hewitt, farmer of Goytrey, near Monmouth underwent his public examination at Newport on Thursday. Debtor told the court that he commenced business in 1879 as a farmer, with a capital of £100 at the Canal farm Goytrey. Subsequently he also rented Pudda Farm.
His total rental was £30 per annum. His total liabilities were £130 9s, his assets were £41 10s
He first became aware of his insolvency about three years ago. He attributed his failings to stock. Bad trade and law expenses, the Lord having sued him for rent in the High Court and the petition was filed in consequence.

The examination was formally adjourned.

August 19th 1895 – Serious Charge Against a Goytrey Farmer

At Pontypool police court on Saturday, E J Phillips presiding. William Jenkins, Pantglas Farm Goytrey, was summoned for feloniously assaulting Margaret Jones, a married woman, at Goytrey, on the 9th inst.
Mr L Webb defended. Prosecutrix said that on the day in question prisoner came to her house on business and after conversing with her, seized and committed the offence complained of. A large number of witnessess were called and prisoner gave on oath a complete denial to the charge.
After a long hearing, the Bench committed the accused for trial at the assizes, accepting bail for £100 and sureties in a like amount.

November 18th 1895 – Alleged Housebreaking at Goytrey

At Pontypool police court on Saturday, Reuben Gould and Wm. Morris were charged with housebreaking at Goytrey on the 15th November.
William Lewis, woodcutter, Goytrey said he left his house securely fastened on Monday morning. When he returned in the evening the window had been opened and a gun and two pouches taken.
Jenkin Rosser mentioned two prisoners going towards Abersychan with a gun in their possession. J Lewis said he saw the prisoners at Abersychan carrying the items produced.
They also had the flasks in their pockets.

Prisoners were committed for trial at the Assizes.

Evening Express

1st October, 1894.

PONTYPOOL. The adjourned licensing session was held on Saturday at the Town-hall, Pontypool, Mr. E. J. Phillips presiding, there being a full bench. The Bench granted the renewal of all the existing licences. The licence of the Lion Hotel, Blaenavon, was transferred from Mrs. D. Morgan to Fredk. Jenkins. Mr. L. E. Webbe, Pontypool, applied on behalf of Franklin G. Harris, for the grant of a full licence to the Carpenter’s Arms Inn, Goytrey. Mr. H. S. Lyne, Newport, opposed for the police and Lady Llanover.—The Bench decided to grant the licence.

Saturday April 24th, 1897.

YOUTH FIRED ON AT GOYTREY.

A charge was preferred at Pontypool Police court on Thursday (before Mr. A. A. Williams and other gentlemen) against Enoch Waters, farmer, Goytrey, of unlawfully firing at William Humphreys with intent to do him grievous bodily harm, at Goytrey, on Good Friday. Mr. L. E. Webb, Pontypool, defended.—Prosecutor said that he had been to a tea party at Chapel road, and afterwards called at the Carpenters’ Arms, where he met some companions. They left some time after ten o’clock, and went on up the road singing. One of them suggested they should sing at Waters’ and one of them opened the gate leading to the house, but Waters coming out they all ran away. Witness was struck by a stone as he was running off and had turned round to tell a companion to come on when a gun was fired, and a shot took him in the forehead and arm. several others passing very near him.—Prisoner was committed for trial to the quarter sessions.

8th October, 1898.

Charles Jones, described as a farm labourer of Goytrey, was committed to the assizes for trial bv the Pontypool magistrates on Friday on a charge of being unduly intimate with Amv Herbert, aged fifteen years, at Goytrey, on the 4th of October.

29th October, 1904

GOYTRE TRAGEDY.

THE ALLEGED SHOOTING OF A GAME-KEEPER.

Prisoners Again Before the Magistrates.

Basil Tyler, alias George, and Luther Pinner, the two men arrested in connection with the Goytrey shooting outrage, were to-day brought up at the Pontypooi Police-court. In addition to the charge of shocting the gamekeeper (Charles Cornish), with intent to murder him, Tyler was further charged with breaking and entering the dwelling-house of Mr. John. Thomas, Court Farm, Llanviangel, on the night of the 27th September, and stealing therefrom a double- barrelled gun and other articles, valued at £3 10s. The charge preferred against Pinner was that of aiding and abetting Tyler in his ALLEGED. MURDEROUS ATTEMPT upon Captain Cook’s gamekeeper. The prisoners were brought over from Usk Prison by an early train, and when they were ushered into the court at eleven o’clock there was a densely packed assemblage. Pinner, who was the first to make his appearance, is an undersized man of the. labouring type, with a dark moustache, and Tyler, who is nothing more than an overgrown boy, walked into the court smiling, and took his seat in the dock alongside of his confederate. He was pretty well known in Pontypool, and during the time he was at the reformatory school he used to come with wagons of vegetables to the market regularly. At the outset, Superintendent James said he had again to apply for a remand, as the injured gamekeeper was unable to leave the hospital. A letter was read from Dr. Tatham (Abergavenny) in which he said that Cornish was still suffering from the effects of the gunshot wound, and would be unable to leave hospital for another ten days or fortnight. He was quite unfit to give evidence. Prisoners were remanded for a week.

24th August 1900.

WANTED, by a thoroughly respectable, experienced Farmer’s Daughter, a Situation as Housekeeper in Farm or Tradesman’s House.—Address R., care of Mr. T. H. Rees, Walnut Tree Farm, Goytre, Nr. Pontypool.

9th December, 1905.

OFFERED THE P.C. A FLORIN

No-light Offender Chased a Mile.

At Pontypool Poiice-court to-day Alfred Jones. a. Goytrey farmer, was summoned for driving without lights at LIanvihangel, Pontymoile, and also for attempting to bribe Police-constable Nunley in the execution of his duty.–The officer stated that at 5.20 p.m., on the 29th ult. he was on duty on the Usk road when the defendant drove past with a. horse and trap without lights. He called upon defendant to stop, but, instead of doing so, he drove on. Witness followed him, and found the horse and trap standing outside the Horse and Jockey. The people at the inn did not seem willing to tell him who the trap belonged to, and upon his informing them that he would take posession of it the defendant said it was his property. Asked why he did not stop, defendant said he did not see witness, and, upon being informed that he would be reported for driving without lights, defendant put a two-shiliing piece on his pocket-book and said, “Take that and say no more about it.”

Defendant: Tell the truth.

Defendant said that the reason he did not stop was that he believed someone was shouting after him for a ride. When the policeman told him he had had to run a mile after him he offered him 2s. for his trouble. The Bench fined the defendant 5s. in respect of the first offence, but dismissed the summons for attempted bribery.

17th May, 1907.

NEW CHAPEL AT GOYTREY.

Foundatlon-stones of a new Baptist chapel and schoolroom for the use of the Inhabitants of the Goytrey, Little Mill, and Glascoed Parishes were laid at Little Mill on Thursday. The chapel is estimated to cost about £290, and will provide sealing accommodation for 150 persons.

27th January, 1909.

A TRAMP’S THEFT.

William Bowdell, tramping labourer, was charged at Pontypool to-day with vagrancy by sleeping at the Cwmffrwdoer Brickworks on January 25. There was a farther charge against the prisoner of stealing a hammer and two trowels, value 4s., the property of Philip Morgan, at Goytrey, on January 23. He was sentenced to a month’s imprisonment.

12th June, 1909.

14 UNLICENSED DOGS.

Charlotte Mary Evans, of Nantyderry House Farm, Goytrey, was fined £5 5s at Pontypool to-day for keeping fourteen dogs without Licence.

20th August,1909

CATTLE OR RABBITS?

James Parry, of Black Beach Farm, Goytrey, at Usk County-court on Thursday sued Edwin Baker, of Ynys-y-pica Farm, Goytrey, for £12, for damage to growing wheat. Mr. Heywood, Abergavenny, represented the plaintiff, and Mr. Everett, Pontypool, defended. It was said that defendant’s cattle broke into the growing wheat in May, and did a lot of damage, but the defence suggested that the damage was caused by rabbits from an adjoining wood. Several witnesses were called, including Mr. Montague Harris, valuer, Abergavenny, and Mr. W. H. Pitten, auctioneer and valuer, Pontypool.—In the result his Honour gave judgement for £5 5s. damages.

18th September, 1909.

SNARING RABBITS.

David Thomas, farm labourer, Goytrey was summoned at Pontypool today for trespassing in search of game at Goytrey on September 14th.
Mr T Watkins, Pontypool prosecuted on behalf of Mr J c Hanbury.
Ernest Williams, a gamekeeper stated that he found wires set as rabbit snares on Park-y-brain Farm, and after watching them for some time he saw the defendant approach and set them again.
Defendant said he has permission from the occupier of the farm to snare a few rabbits, but this was found to be untrue.

A fine of 10s was imposed.

9th October, 1909.

DEFICIENT IN FAT

Edwin Edgar, milk-vendor, Goytrey, was summoned at Pontypool to-day for selling milk which was deficient in fat to the extent of nine per cent, at Pontypool on October 6. Mr. W. J. Everett defended, and this being tihe first offenoe a fine of 10s. only was imposed.

8th December, 1909.

WENT TO BEG FOOD

Edward Robertson and John Bain Tullock, tramps, who were described as Londoners, were charged at Pontypool to-day with breaking and entering the dwelling-house of Harry Edward Hughes, and stealing a large quantity of articles of clothing, &c., at Goytrey, on the 2nd inst. Prosecutor stated that he locked the house about 2.30 p.m., and when he returned, about twelve o’clock, he found be back-door half open. He immediately searched the house, and found that several drawers had been ransacked, and a quantity of clothing, &c., valued at about £6, missing. Police constable Powell, Llanover, stated that he arrested prisoners on the Abergavenny road as they were in the act of changing clothes. He charged them with the offence, but they made no reply. Later Tullock said that they broke a window and got in, leaving by the back-door. Prisoners informed the bench that they went to the house to beg food, but as no one was there they broke in and took the clothes. The Bench committed them for trial at the quarter sessions.

5th October 1910 – Mr Samuel Deverall

Councillor Samuel Deverall of 44 Cross Street Abergavenny, grocer, a former mayor of the borough, who died on August 3rd last at Pant Glas Farm Goytrey, Monmouthshire aged 44 years, left estate of the gross value of £3703.
Probate of his will dated April1st 1890 has been granted to his widow.
The testator left all his property to his wife, expressing himself as “having a perfect trust in her and therefore knowing she will do that which is just and right for our son.”

Western Mail

21st December 1894 – Richard Hewlett

Re- Richard Hewlett, farmer, Canal Bridge farm (Bridge Cottage) Goytrey and Puddu Farm Goytrey.

The liabilities were estimated £130 9s and the deficiency estimated £88 19s. Debtor, who commenced business in 1879 attributed his failure to law costs, losses in stock and bad trade. Examination closed.

15th May 1895 – Gazette News
Richard Hewlett, Goytre Mon, farmer: First and final dividend 5s in the pound; pay at the official receivers, Newport.

16th May 1900 – Henry Crump

Henry Crump of Pengroesoped Farm Goytrey was charged at Pontypool police court, on Tuesday with attempting to commit suicide by cutting his throat with a pocket knife.

He was remanded to see whether his daughter would undertake to look after him.

15th November 1900 – Rosser-v-Knipe

Rosser-v-Knipe, this was a claim for £5 damages done to a trap and harness. Mrs Rosser who lives in Goytrey, stated she was coming home from Pontypool market on the 18th August, when the defendant, who is a farmer living in Griffithstown, drove into her trap, breaking the shaft, splintering the front of the vehicle and doing other damage.

The collision was admitted and Judge Owen made an order for £3.

28th July 1914

At the Crown Hotel Pontypool on July 27th M/s Pitten & Wilton offered several properties. Two freehold houses with 2 acres of land known as New House and Elm Trees were sold to Mrs Lloyd, Yew Tree Cottage for £410.

29th January 1915

Mr William Williams of Ivy Cottage Goytrey, who died on December 8th left an estate to the gross value of £667 of which £361 is net personally.

28th April 1917

Wilks – on April 26th at Hawthorn Cottage Goytrey, William Wilks, builder &c. Funeral on Monday at Goytrey Church yard at 2.30 pm (near Nantyderry Railway Station.)