Laswern or High House
Known variously as Laswern and High House, this smallholding occupies a distinctive place in Goytre’s history. Unlike many of the older farms in the parish, High House was a comparatively recent addition to the landscape, built during the late Victorian period and closely associated with one of the village’s most colourful characters, Enoch Waters.
The property appears as holding number 392 on the 1841 tithe map, although the house itself did not yet exist. Research suggests that Laswern was built sometime between 1873 and 1881 within the garden of Vine Tree Cottage by Enoch Waters, the then owner of the site.
On the 1881 census Enoch is 44, a labourer, born in Goytrey, his wife Emma is 42 and was born in Llanover.
Enoch soon developed a reputation for testing the patience of local authorities. On several occasions he was accused of encroaching upon the highway, arguing that the land concerned was merely waste ground. In one instance he extended his occupation by as much as nine feet into the roadway, depositing manure, planting potatoes and fencing the area. Later he was prosecuted for constructing a wall beyond the permitted boundary of a shed and was ordered to remove it. Year by year he continued to push the limits until, in January 1891, he was formally instructed to pay the costs arising from legal proceedings against him.
The census of 1891 says Enoch is now 57, an agricultural labourer, Ellen is 51, living with them on census night is their grand-daughter Nellie Marsh.
Another incident ensured Enoch’s place in local folklore. One night in April 1897 he was disturbed by the noise of several young men walking along the lane. In response, he fired a gun in their direction. One of those involved was William Humphries of Penystair. For this offence Enoch was bound over by the authorities
By 1901 Enoch described himself as a broom maker, and in 1911 he was recorded as a “beesom maker,” manufacturing traditional birch brooms. The census shows that High House contained four rooms and that Enoch and Emma had been married for forty-eight years. Also living there was William Morris, a young agricultural worker from Withington. The property’s rateable value in 1910 was £3 15s.
Personal tragedy followed when Emma died in 1914 and was buried at Saron Chapel. Enoch remained at High House until his own death in 1926. Newspaper reports described him as the oldest inhabitant of the parish and a remarkable local character. Born and raised in Goytre, he had begun earning his own living at the age of ten by working on farms. He was also remembered as a devoted member of Saron Chapel and a committed Liberal. [
The census of 1921 says Enoch is 86 a retired haulier, his sister Ruth is living with him, she is 81, they have two visitors on the night of the census, Leonard and Cecil Treharne, both born in the forest of Dean, Leonard 39, a coal hewer at Navigation Colliery Crumlin, Cecil is 6.
Following Enoch’s death, the property passed to other occupants. Electoral registers show James Williams in residence, and by 1931 the household included Gertrude Williams, Edward Williams, Thomas Williams and Ethel Williams. In August 1932, Edward Williams married Irene James at Saron Chapel, an event reported in the Free Press.
The property appears again in local news in April 1934 when the funeral of Edwards, aged 80, of High House was held at St Peter’s Church. [
In 1937 High House was offered for sale by auction at the Goytrey Arms. The sale catalogue described it as:
“A very attractive and convenient smallholding”
High House was sold by auction held at the Goytrey Arms on the 21st May 1937 at 4.30. It was said to be a very attractive smallholding of 2 acres. The description says a substantial stone house with two reception, three bedrooms and kitchenette with ample buildings and considerable fruit including a number of apple and pear trees, I am unable to find the purchaser.
High House is not listed on the register of 1939, the electoral register of 1945 gives the names of Flora Edwards and Frank Edwards.