"Suffering from a hopeless form of insanity." - Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum.

June 10, 2015, 2:44 am

≫ Next: St. Illtyd's Church, Newcastle Hill.

I have been given an original copy of the 'Twenty-Fifth Annual Report of the Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum, Bridgend – for the year 1889.' At the time of this report Angleton Asylum (now Glanrhyd) was known as the 'Old Asylum' with Parc Gwyllt being known as the 'New Asylum'.

The Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum was an amalgamation of BOTH asylums. The old and new committees became a joined committee.

The 57 paged books gives an incredible insight in to the lives of the patients and more so the staff of the Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum with information regarding:

Visiting Committee and Officers
Visiting Committee's Report
Commissioners' Report
Medical Superintendent's Report
Chaplain's Report
Statistical Tables
Ordinary Diet Table
Salaries and Wages
Contract Prices
Financial Accounts
Payments
Maintenance Accounts
Work done in Workshops

In this post I will be sharing some information and extracts from the Report.

Staff of the Lunatic Asylum, c.1900.

Asylum Staff
(January 1889 - March 1890)

Non – Resident Staff

Thomas Taplin Lewis, Esq – Bridgend: Clerk to Visitors

Thomas George Smith, Esq – National Provincial Bank, Bridgend: Treasurer

Resident Staff

Henry T. Pringle, M.D., - Medical Superintendent

Robert S. Stewart, M.D., D.P.H., Camb, - Senior Assistant Medical Officer

David Finlay, M.D., - Second Assistant Medical Officer

John Marshall, M.B, and C.M., - Third Assistant Medical Officer

Rev. James Jones – Chaplain

William Jenkins – Clerk

John H. Hill – Storekeeper

Annie Pitt – Housekeeper (Angelton)

Sarah Hunt – Housekeeper (Parc Gwyllt)

William Davidson – Head Attendant

Catharine Porter – do – (Angelton)

Cecilia David – do – (Parc Gwyllt)

Staff of the Lunatic Asylum, c.1900.

Interesting Extracts
(January 1889 - March 1890)

The number of patients in the two Asylums has risen from 888 to 913.

The whole outside wood and iron work of Angelton Asylum has been cleaned and painted (at the cost of £366.)

Final arrangements have been made with Garw Water Company for supplying both Institutions with water after the 26th of August, 1890.

Three thousand trees will be planted along the Northern and Eastern Boundaries of the New Asylum (Parc Gwyllt)

A new mortuary has been erected. The old one has been converted in to a meat store.

Singing class is held every Tuesday evening (attendance being 40)

The Asylum Library has 400 books.

The present cost of maintenance is 7s. 11d. per head.

Staff of the Lunatic Asylum, c.1910.

Medical and Mortality

Two inquests have been held

One on the body of a gentleman who died of T.B accelerated by a wound in the neck which was self-inflicted before admission.
The second on a gentleman who died in a convulsive seizure occurring in the course of General Paralysis.

Casualties

Three casualties resulting in fractures of bones appear to have occurred and have resulted from falls.

A man cut his throat with a portion of an iron boot heel, worn sharp, but he recovered. (This was done while the man was in bed in an observation dormitory.

Seclusion

Two males on five occasions and for 20 ¾ hours
Three females on four occasions and for 17 hours.

One female during 73 hours has been mechanically restrained since the last visit.

Deaths

Males: 63

Females: 35

Funerals

37 at the Angleton Cemetery

11 at the Parc Gwyllt Cemetery

"No man or woman capable of any intelligent thought and possessed of ordinary self-control would deliberately marry a weak-minded person or an epileptic; and yet many of the class that feeds our Asylums seem to be quite ignorant of the terrible consequences to their children of committing what ought almost to be regarded as a crime. " - Henry T. Pringle, M.D.

Staff of the Lunatic Asylum, c.1890.

↧

St. Illtyd's Church, Newcastle Hill.

October 2, 2015, 5:54 am

≫ Next: Dr Richard Price: A Friend of Liberty.

≪ Previous: "Suffering from a hopeless form of insanity." - Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum.

A view of St. Illtyd's Church, c.1910.

St Illtyd's Church is a Grade II* listed building situated below Newcastle. It sits on the western bank of the river Ogmore and overlooks the town of Bridgend. The church was originally dedicated to St. Leonard, the patron saint of prisoners, which is why throughout this post the church is referred to as both St. Illtyd's and St. Leonard's.

It is thought that the church of St. Leonard was built around the time of the (stone) erection of Newcastle. One of the first recorded references to Newcastle can be found in a Confirmation by Henry I of grants by Rober FitzHamon to the Abbey of Tewkesbury. This includes a reference to
"ECCLESIA DE NOVA CASTELLA".

During 1154, the church of Newcastle claimed tithes from the lands of Geoffrey Sturmi, after a dispute with the Lordship of Kenfig and arbitration by Archbishop Theobald.

In 1226, both the church and castle of Newcastle were attacked and almost destroyed by the Welsh from Afan. This attack was one of many such attacks on the area of Newcastle. It was considered the most vulnerable of castles in the Norman-occupied area.

St. Leonard's Church saw many disputes during the 1200s. An example of such disputes is one that took place during 1267. It was between Margam and Tewkesbury and regarded the tithes of St. Leonard's Church. The dispute was settled by a Papal Bull of Pope Clement IV, dated 22nd January 1268. As a result of this, Margam was given the rights to the tithes of St. Leonard's Church but Tewkesbury was given the patronage of the vicarage with a fixed yearly rent.

(This lasted until 1486 when Margam took over the tithes of Newcastle in toto.)

Newcastle Castle

1404 sees that besiegement of Coity Castle by Owain Glyndwr and his forces. Newcastle and St. Leonard's Church were heavily damaged by the attacks that followed. It is recorded that the manorial mill of Ogmore Castle was completely destroyed as a result of Glyndwr's attacks.

It is thought that sometime during the 1550s, St. Leonard's Church was rededicated to St. Illtyd the Knight. After the dissolution of the monasteries, the tithes of Newcastle were sold to Sir Rice Mansel of Margam hence becoming part of the Margam Estate until the redemption of the tithes.
Vicars of Newcastle

After the sixteenth-century up until the nineteenth-century, there doesn't seem to be many records available regarding St. Illtyd's Church. An article published in The Cambrian Journal of 1860 tells us that there were deaths recorded in the area as early as 1654 and 1675. The earliest death recorded in the churchyard is that of Ann Williams who died in 1636. The memorial tablet of Ann Willaims was one fixed to the exterior wall of the tower but now seems to be lost.

A collection of memorials in the Vestry also give us an interesting insight into the period.

It is reported in The Cambrian that the tower of St. Illtyd's Church was struck by lightning. The event took place on the Friday before the 30th of November 1822.

"On Friday se'nnight, the south-west corner of the steeple of Newcastle church, Bridgend, in this county, was struck by lightning, and a large stone carried several yards distance. The electric fluid descended through the tower without in the least degree affecting the bells or the clock; but in the belfry a large stone was forced from the wall, and thrown to the opposite side of the steeple. It is then supposed to have entered the ground in one of the pews, as the walls in that part of the church were covered with earth."

By 1849, there seemed to be growing concern that the church was not big enough to house the growing congregation. At that time, the church was able to hold a congregation of 106 and 80 children. A meeting was held to discuss the possibility of enlarging the church. The estimated cost of doing so was £1,000 – they proceeded with the enlargement of the church which was an addition of the North Aisle. The church was re-opened on the 23rd December 1850 by the Bishop of Llandaff.

The church was again enlarged in 1893. The chancel was reconstructed and a vestry was added. The works were executed by William Clark of Llandaff.

As a consequence of the nineteenth-century renovations, the tower of the church is now the only 'ancient' portion of the building remaining.

The Altar

The Lynch Gate of St. Illtyd's Church.

(Sources: Dr. Randall - Bridgend 900 - The Cambrian Journal - LLGC)

↧

Dr Richard Price: A Friend of Liberty.

October 9, 2015, 2:53 am

≫ Next: The Facts and Fallacies of St. John's House

≪ Previous: St. Illtyd's Church, Newcastle Hill.

It is WalesOnline's Welsh History Month and this year's theme is 'What has Wales given the world?'

"That's the question asked by History Research Wales academics in Welsh History Month 2015 run by WalesOnline and our partners, Cadw, National Museum Wales, National Trust Wales, National Library of Wales." - Wales Online.

It will come as no surprise to most of you who I have chosen to write about. I and many others regard this individual as one of the most influential gentlemen that Wales has given the world.

Two engravings of Dr. Richard Price

Rev Dr Richard Price D.D F.R.S was an influential moral philosopher, economist, preacher, and theologian. He is best known for what some would say his mathematical genius and influence on both the French and American Revolutions.

It is important to know the religious background and surroundings Dr. Richard Price was born into. The Act of Uniformity 1662, when clergymen who could not, for conscience sake, subscribe the Articles of the Church of England were ejected from their livings and forced to ministers their services in barns and sheds.

Brynllywarch Farm House

One of these ejected ministers was Rev. Samuel Jones of Llangynwyd. He has been described as "in many respects the most eminent of all Welsh Nonconformist ministers of the seventeenth century". Samuel was appointed Vicar of Llangynwyd on 4th of May 1657. Under the Act of Uniformity of 1662, he was ejected and retired to Brynllywarch. It was at Brynllywarch that he established a Nonconformist Academy. Rice Price, the father of Dr. Richard Price was a pupil at the Academy. On the death of Rev. Samuel Jones, he succeeded him in both his ministry and Academy. Rice was heavily involved in the establishment of the Meeting Houses in Bettws and Newcastle Hill. Bridgend. He gave his services to congregations in both Bridgend and Bettws.

Richard Price was born at Tynton, Llangenior on the 23rd of February 1723. He was the son of the Rice Price and his second wife Catherine Richards. Catherine Richards was a daughter of Dr. David Richards of Oldcastle. Caroline Williams describes her as a very beautiful and delightful woman.

It is known that in his father's eyes Richard was destined to become a merchant but from a young age Richard had shown more interest in books and this was encouraged by his tutors. There is a story which tells of an instance when Rice found his son reading the sermons of Dr. Samuel Clarke and flung it into the fire.

Due to his fathers 'connections' Richard was able to benefit from the very best education that Welsh Dissenting Academies had to offer. He attended one school at Neath and another at Llanon, Carmarthen. By 1738, Richard was attending Vavasor Griffiths Academy, Talgarth. In the June of 1739, while Richard was studying at Talgarth Academy, his father Rice Price died suddenly at Tynton. At the death of his father, Richard then aged 16, was left the sum of £400 which he quickly gave to his two sisters. Catherine Price and her two daughters were removed from Tynton to “an old house at Bridgend on the banks of the river.”

Tingle's View of Bridgend.

Although somewhat difficult, Richard was able to continue his education at the academy in Talgarth for another year. Tradition states that he was boarded and educated for £5 per year. He occasionally walked from Talgarth to Bridgend to visit his mother and sisters. He even did so during the severe snow of 1740 – at that time his mother Catherine was gravely ill.

On the 4th of June 1740, Catherine died at Bridgend, aged 47. She only survived her husband one year. Catherine Price was buried in the Old Churchyard of St. Mary's, Nolton but her gravestone can still be seen today.

It is thought that the loss of his mother inclined his entry into the ministry. During this time of difficulty, Richard sought the advice of his uncle Samuel Price who was the co-pastor to Dr. Isaac Watts in London. Without secure means of getting to London, Richard's half brother came to his aid by the loan of a horse to ride for twenty miles of the journey.

“Dick, your situation gives you some claim to my assistance; my horse is at your service for the first twenty miles of your journey.” - John Price

From Cardiff, Richard proceeded on foot and perhaps getting a lift in a passing wagon from time to time. It is known that he was aided on a part, of his journey by a lady who observed him walking and gave him a seat inside her carriage.

Within days of reaching London, his uncle admitted him as a student to the Academy founded by William Coward, which was situated in Tenter Alley, Moorfields. As a result of his uncle's generosity, Richard was able to take lodging above a barber's shop in Pudding Lane. He continued his studies here from 1740 – 1744, taking a brief sabbatical during 1741 owing to the “thick air of the city” resulting in deterioration of his health.

Flourishing in his studies, he became a Dissenting Minister like his father before him. He preached at Edmonton and became chaplain to one of the most wealthy members of his congregation. For the next twelve years, Rev. Price lived with Mr. Streatfield and devoted himself to those ministerial duties.

With the death of Mr. Streatfield in 1756, Richard Price inherited a handsome legacy. The house where Richard had lived with Mr. Streatfield became the property of Lady Abney. Later the same year Samuel Price died at the age of 80 and left his nephew a house in Leadenhall Street.

One of many satirical engravings of Dr. Richard Price

Richard Price married Sarah Blundell of Belgrave in Leicestershire, on the 16th of June 1757.
Sarah Blundell was the daughter of a gentleman, who had lost quite a lot of money during the South Sea Bubble. Throughout the marriage, Sarah remained a communicant of the Church of England. In the year following their marriage, Richard and his wife Sarah moved to 54 Newington Green, where he became the minister of the local dissenters' chapel. The house that they resided in were built in 1658 and are now known as the oldest surviving block of brick terraced houses in London.

It was here that Richard Price became friendly with many well-known men of science and mathematics. He had a passion for these subjects from a very young age and was now becoming more and more surrounded by like-minded people. His first important world was entitled'A review of the principal questions and difficulties in Morals'. It was published in 1758, at that time Richard Price was 35 years old.

This work introduced Richard to the highest of intellectual society. Notable friends of his included: Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, Earl of Stanthorpe, William Pitt, - Adam Smith, David Hume and Samuel Rodgers.

In 1761, Dr. Price was elected a member of Mr. William's Turst which enabled him and his ministry to be recognised. That same year, Rev. Thomas Bayes died and his papers came into the possession of Richard Price. He quickly realised the importance of these papers, prepared and submitted them to the Royal Society in 1763. On the 5th of December 1765, Richard Price was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. He earned the degree of Doctor of Divinity from The Marischal College, Aberdeen on the 7th of August 1767.

As well as delivering afternoon sermons at Newington Green, In 1770 Richard Price became the morning preacher at Gravel Pit Chapel, Hackney. In the same year, he began to carry out various duties in Old Jewry Street, London.

'Observations on Reversionary Payments' was published by Dr Richard in 1771 and said to have laid the basis for the whole principle of life assurance worldwide. The next year he published 'An Appeal to the Public on the Subject of the National Debt'which heavily influenced William Pitt and his economic policies.

The title page of one of Dr. Price's most noted works - another satirical engraving of the Doctor.

' Observations on the Nature of Civil Liberty, the Principles of Government, and the Justice and Policy of the War with America' was published in the February of 1776. It sold 60,000 copies in the first year of its publication. It is what he considered "one of the best actions of his life".

This publication secured Dr Richard Price the Freedom of the City of London and the inevitable gold casket to the value of £50. The pamphlet was translated into serval European languages. The translations of the first pamphlet led to Dr Price being acquainted with such people as Turgot, Necker and Condorcet of France. In later life, Dr Price helped advise and support the triumph of French liberty.

In 1778 'Two Tracts on Civil Liberty' was published. The document contained forecasts and ideas regarding European Federation and Untied Nations.

To show their appreciation, Congress gave Dr, Richard Price honorary citizenship of the United States. Congress asked for his assistance in regulating their finances, but Dr Richard Price declined to owe to his advancing age. Though he declined this offer, he accepted an honorary doctorate of Laws from The Univeristy of Yale, that was conferred upon himself and George Washington alone in 1781.

A year after the death of his wife, Sarah Price in 1786, Richard removed from his Newington Green residence which had been his marital home for nearly thirty years. Thinking that a change of scenery might divert his thoughts of grief, he moved closer to his congregation and took up residence at the neighbouring village of Hackney. Not long after the his moving into his new home, his recently widowed sister Mrs Morgan, came to live with him in Hackney. She took it upon herself to help/manage Richard's household.

In later life, Richard lost the ability of the sense of smell and was unable to enjoy his much loved recreational activities which included two/three hours of horse riding every day before dinner. He would also enjoy a cold bath three/four times a week. Owing to constant pain in his back and legs he was even unable to walk any great distance – these ailments began to dampen his spirits.

"Disorders of his body, however much they might have depressed his spirits, never had the least effect in impairing the faculties of his mind." - William Morgan F.R.S

He was a keen supporter of the French Revolution and used every opportunity he could to express his support for the cause. On the 4th of November 1789, Dr, Richard Price preached his last controversial sermon entitled “A Discourse on the Love of our Country” at Old Jewry, London.

In this sermon, Dr Price presents his views on the “dawning of the millennium through the spread of liberty and happiness over the world.” He spoke of this in reference to the then current developments in France. He soon consented to the publication of the sermon which when through edition after edition in London, Boston, Dublin and Paris. The appendix of the published sermon contains letters of thanks from French patriotic bodies which all exclaim fullest sentiments of liberty.

This sermon formed and was a target of Burke's' famous political pamphlet entitled “Reflections on the Revolution in France” (1790)– This is described by William Morgan F.R.S as“torrents of abuse” against Dr. Richard Price.

On the 14th of July 1790, a dinner was held at the Crown and Anchor Tavern in the Strand, London to celebrate the first anniversary of the Revolution. Guests at this dinner were known as 'Friends of Liberty' and the 'Friends of the Revolution in France'. This dinner would be the last of Dr. Price's public exertions in supporting civil and religious liberty.

In the August of 1790, Richard took his annual excursion to Newton, Glamorgan. Here he spent time visiting his relatives at Bridgend and as usual this elevated his spirits. He returned to London in October and began to write his memoirs.

In the February of 1791, Richard became ever more fragile and a few weeks later he was seized with a bladder complaint which left him bed-bound for the last month of his life. Rev Dr Richard Price D.D F.R.S died a few minutes before three o'clock on the morning of the 19th of April 1791.

On the 26th of April 1791, Rev Dr Richard Price D.D F.R.S was 'deposited' inside the tomb of his wife Sarah and his Uncle Rev. Samuel Price at Bunhill Fields Cemetery, London. The funeral service was performed by his intimate friend Dr. Kippis. His funeral procession consisted of “twenty mourning coaches of his family and friends and a train of thirty gentlemen's carriages”.

His friend Dr. Joseph Priestly delivered a funeral sermon at the Meeting House at Gravel Pit, Hackney on the 1st of May. Dr. Price and his two nephews, William Morgan and George Cadogan Morgan, were all Fellows of the Royal Society – a rare distinction within one family.

Derby Mercury - 28th April 1791.

(Sources: LLGC - Dr. Randall - UKUnitarians - C.Williams - Maurice Ogborn - Wellcome Images - William Morgan F.R.S)

↧

The Facts and Fallacies of St. John's House

January 4, 2016, 2:28 pm

≫ Next: The Life of Sergt. Fred Rowlands

≪ Previous: Dr Richard Price: A Friend of Liberty.

A view of St. John's House, c.1935 - photographed by Edward Loveluck

Since my last post about this house, a lot of things have changed. More information has been collected, various feasibility studies have been conducted and funding has been obtained. Yet, historically speaking, I am still unable to answer the question(s) that have been plaguing myself and others before me: Who built this building and why?

St. John's House, or as it's known locally “St. John's Hospice”, is a late 15th century/early 16th-century building situated in the Newcastle area of Bridgend. The house can be found set into the slope on the right side of Newcastle Hill, and is thought to be one of the oldest habitable houses in the district of Bridgend. St. John's House was listed as a Grade II* building in August 1952. - "A particularly important building of exceptional interest and of outstanding importance."

The house takes its name after the Victorian suggestion that it was a hospice of the 'Knights Hospitallers'. These were a group of men that were attached to a hospital in Jerusalem, founded by “Blessed Gerard” during the early part of the 11th century. The patron of these 'Knights Hospitallers' was St John of Jerusalem. This assumption was made because of two stone tablets that are mentioned in the sources/quotes below.

The two stone plaques that have given the house its name.

An article in the South Wales Echo (3rd July 1896) notes that the Cardiff Naturalist Society took part in a 'field walk' which was led by William Riley, Archaeologist. It describes that they visited the Hospice of Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem at Newcastle, Bridgend.

Walter de Birch notes that “The Hospice of the Knights Hospitallers of St. John still exists at Newcastle, Bridgend. On the front wall is a carved stone bearing their device, a Greek cross and an eagle and monogram.” - History of Margam Abbey (1897)

Writing in The Story of 'St Illtyd’s Church Bridgend' Edward Loveluck shares these notes regarding the house: “The greater portion of the building appears to date from the early 16th century, but much alteration and reconstruction took place during the 19th century. Despite this, the original plan and accommodation can bee readily identified. Many interesting details such as the stone arched doorways, winding staircases ad moulded oak beams of period design remaining in position.

The principal features, however, are the fine stone tablets two in number now fixed in the front wall. These are Quarella stone of contemporary design. The table over the door has the sacred monogram IHC as it's central feature. At the side are interlacing triangles adapted to provide eight points and underneath three fishes interwoven and a lion passant guardant. The tablet set in the recess of the main wall has a boldly designed eagle in the centre with a Maltese cross in the to dexter corner. In the 18th century, these tablets were noted in position on the porch.

A list of St. Illtyd's Church, records that in 1560 Thomas ap Jenkin Philip was resident and keeping hospitality. “

The truth is that there was no known connection between St. John's House and the Order of St. John of Jerusalem until it was purchased from the owner in 1919.

The two stone plaques that have given the house its name.

So what do we actually know?

Unfortunately, nothing is known about the house before 1791. During this year, a Lease and Release of these dates respectively the Release made between Walter Coffin and Thomas Williams of the first part. Rees Roberts of the second part and Charles Llewellyn of the third part.

1826: Indenture of mortgage of this date made between the said Charles Llewellyn of the one part and Evan Reece of the other part.

1827: Lease and release of this date respectively the release made between the said Charles Llewellyn of the one part and Robert Loughor of the other part.

1828: Lease and release of these dates respectively the release made between the said Charles Llewellyn of the one part and the Reverend Thomas Hancorne and William Lewis of the other part.

The census of 1861 tells us that shows us that St. John's House was used as two houses. These were 20 & 22 Newcastle Hill.

The Lewis family occupied one of the two houses from 1861 up until it was purchased by the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in 1919. Prior to this, the Lewis family lived at 'Olde Bridge Street', Newcastle, Bridgend.

The 1861 Census showing the Lewis family living at 22 Newcastle Hill.

Two photographs of the inhabitants of St. John's House -
(Quite possibly members of the Lewis family.)

A view of St. John's House showing the Georgian extension that was demolished in the 1930s.

- Extract from an article with photographs from the Western Mail March 13th, 1936 -

"An old brass bell of unusual design which, according to the National Museum of Wales authorities, is of late Celtic technique, has been discovered during excavations carried out by voluntary workers at the medieval building standing on Newcastle Hill Bridgend, known as the hospice of the Knights of Hospitallers of St. John"

In 1936, the Georgian extension and room behind it were demolished. During this process, an old brass bell was found. This was discovered was discovered near the circular foundation of apsidal appearance on the east side of the South room.

In a letter received by Mr. Munro on March 9^th 1936, the writer writes that the bell was submitted to the National Museum of Wales. This was first done by drawing and then the bell itself was submitted.

Later in the July of 1936, Edward Loveluck received a letter from a W. Grimes. This letter talks about the National Museum of Wales requesting to have the bell on loan while the 'Hospice' is being restored. The bell was loaned to the National Museum of Wales and has been there ever since.

A view of St. John's House without the Georgian Extension.

(More information will be added during the coming year - Sources: Edward Loveluck - Dr. Randall - BLHS - Coflein - CADW)

↧

The Life of Sergt. Fred Rowlands

March 8, 2016, 2:25 pm

≫ Next: A History of The Glamorgan Gazette

≪ Previous: The Facts and Fallacies of St. John's House

The only known photograph of Fred Rowlands (He is the tall man standing on the left)

Those who have been following my blog since 2012 will know that my interest in the life of my great-great grandfather is what pushed me to start writing. Four years later, although being known for my writing about Bridgend, this is still one of my 'main' focuses. My great-great grandfather was the subject of my contribution to the Letter to the Unknown Soldier Project.

My father was given Fred Rowlands 'Dead Mans Penny' shortly before his passing. The recent discovery of this object within my father belongings has caused me to delve into my family research once more.

Unfortunately, not much is known about Fred. The following information has been drawn together from various family certificates, newspaper articles and 'tit bits' passed down to my grandmother.

Fred Rowlands' Dead Mans Penny

Fred Rowlands was born on 22nd of February 1889 in Welshpool. Born at 6 Boot Passage, he was one of the ten children of Joseph and Mary Rowlands.

While researching the area where my great-great grandfather grew up, I came across an interesting article in 'Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser'. Dated 17th of November 1900, it tells of Fred being an 'Illegally Employed School Boy'. The article describes Fred as "12 years old, but being delicate, was only in Standard 2".

Sometime between 1901 and 1911, along with a number of his siblings, Fred relocated to Pontycymmer, South Wales. The 1911 Census tells us that at the age of 22, he was living at 27 Alexandra Road, Pontycymmer. His occupation is listed as a 'Domestic Repairer - Below Ground'. From this and family tradition, we can assume that he relocated to Wales for work.

On 24th of March 1913, at Bridgend Registry Office, Fred Rowlands married Elizabeth Matthews. His brother, William Henry and Lizzie Ford were the witnesses at the wedding of my great-great grandparents.

On 23rd of October 1914, Gwladys Maud Louvain Rowlands was born at 86 The Avenue Pontycymmer. Gwladys was the only child of Fred and Elizabeth Rowlands.

Porthcawl Train Station, 1914. (Peoples Collection Wales)

A month before the birth of his daughter, Fred enlisted at Porthcawl. He became attached to the 16th (Service) Battalion Welsh Regiment that was formed at Porthcawl in November 1914.

The Battalion entrained from Porthcawl to Colwyn Bay on the 30th of December 1914. It was at Colwyn Bay that the 16th (Service) Battalion Welsh Regiment became part of the 38th (Welsh) Division. The next eight months were spent in training in North Wales before moving to Winchester in August 1915 with other units of the 38th (Welsh) Division.

While at Winchester they undertook Musketry Training at Hazeley Down Camp. Now ready for active service, the 38th Division was inspected by the Queen at Salisbury Plain. After the inspection, the whole battalion made their way to Cardiff for the final visit. The Glamorgan Gazette records that they were given a rousing reception with speeches from the Lord Mayor, Lieutenant-Col Gaskell and Alderman Richards. Then, each solider was given 24 hours leave prior to the Battalions return to Winchester.

The 38th (Welsh) Division embarked to France on the 4th of December 1915: arriving at Le Harve on the following Sunday.

The Glamorgan Gazette notes that Fred was promoted to the rank of Sergeant a few days before his departure to France.

Up until his death, nothing is known of Fred's time in France as the letters he sent home to his wife and family are long since gone.

On the 7th of July 1916 Sergt. Fred Rowlands lost his life at the Battle for Mametz Wood.

Below is an extract from the 16th (Service) Battalion Welsh Regiment War Diary written on the day of his death:

“8.30am Bn. under orders drawn up on their own side of slope facing MAMETZ WOOD in lines of platoons with a 2 platoon frontage. 11/SWB in support 10/SWB in reserve. Our artillery ceased firing at wood at 8.30am + first lines of Bn. proceeded over the crest of the slope but came instantly under heavy machine gun frontal fire from MAMETZ WOOD, enfilade fire from FLATIRON COPSE + SABOT COPSE + the German Second System, which now between MAMETZ WOOD + BAZENTIN LE PETIT WOOD, Bn. suffered heavily + has to withdraw to their own side of crest. Bn. made two more attacks but. position was much too exposed for any hope or success + orders were received to cease operation. 11/SWB attempted to approach the wood through a gulley running between CATERPILLAR WOOD, slope mentioned above but machine-gun fire drove them back. Our losses:- 6offs, killed, 6 wounded, 268 OR’s killed, missing or wounded. Weather very wet, this adding greatly to exhaustion of troops Bn. received orders to return to their Bivouac. Moved off 10.30pm Arrived 4.am 8/7/16”

The Glamorgan Gazette published on the 21st July 1916 reports the death of Sergt. Fred Rowlands.

Below is an extract of a letter from Driver C. Riggs of the 16th (Service) Battalion Welsh Regiment. The letter is undated but was written after 7th of July 1916 as it mentions the death of Sergt. Rowlands. The letter also mentions the death of Private Richard Shakespeare who was the brother in law of Sergt. Rowlands.

Sergt. Fred Rowlands is buried at Flatiron Copse Cemetery, Mametz.(Grave Ref: VI. E. 9)

He is remembered locally on the Memorial at St. David's Church, Pontycymmer.

Sergt. Fred Rowlands is remembered at the War Memorial at St. Mary's Church, Welshpool.

The War Memorial was designed by Aston Webb in 1921. It was erected by public subscription in 1923.

The War Memorial. St. Mary's Church, Welshpool.

(Sources: Peoples Collection Wales - Royal Welsh - Garw Valley Heritage Society - The Glamorgan Gazette)

↧

A History of The Glamorgan Gazette

March 23, 2016, 3:07 pm

≫ Next: Welsh Customs & Eastertide Folklore.

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Caroline Street, c.1899.

For over 100 years, The Glamorgan Gazette has been and continues to be a household name. After being given a few hundred original copies of the newspaper (dating 1946 - 1965) I have been researching the history of this well-known local publication.

An advertisement from the Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian, Glamorgan, Monmouth, and Brecon Gazette: 22nd June 1866.

On 29th of June 1866, the 'Central Glamorgan Gazette and General, Commercial and Agricultural Advertiser' commenced publication. The newspaper was of four-page broadsheet format with seven columns. The 'Central Glamorgan Gazette and General, Commercial and Agricultural Advertiser' was founded and managed by John Hemming of Coity Road, Bridgend. He was connected with newspaper for over 30 years before moving on to other newspapers. At the time of his death in 1915, John Hemming was noted as "one of the oldest working journalists in the Principality".

In the August of 1877, South Wales was subjected to highly destructive floods. As a result of the flooding, the 'Central Glamorgan Gazette' offices were flooded. The stock of paper along with the files of the 'Central Glamorgan Gazette' were destroyed.

On 2nd of January 1880, the first issue of the 'Bridgend Chronicle' was published. With a cost of 1d, the papers subtitle was 'The Cowbridge, Llantrisant and Maesteg Advertiser'. This publication was published and printed by a John Hopkin of 2 Union Street, Bridgend.

The 1881 census lists that John Hopkins lived at 2 Union Street with his Wife Annie Hopkin. His occupation is listed as a 'Newspaper editor'. Later in 1889, the 'Bridgend Chronicle' changed its name to 'The Bridgend & Neath Chronicle'.

An advertisement for Central Glamorgan Gazette, 1880.

In May of the same year (1880), the Central Glamorgan Printing & Publishing Company Ltd was formed to run the 'Central Glamorgan Gazette and General, Commercial and Agricultural Advertiser'. The new company took over the premises at Queen Street, which had previously been managed by John Hemming.

In the April of 1894, 'The Bridgend & Neath Chronicle' and 'The Central Glamorgan Gazette and General, Commercial and Agricultural Advertiser' amalgamated. The coming together of these two publications resulted in a 'new' publication called 'Glamorgan Gazette, Bridgend & Neath Chronicle Incorporated'. This subsequently became we now know as 'The Glamorgan Gazette'. The newspaper was published and printed by John Evans at Bridgend.

An article from the Evening Express: 31st March 1894.

An advertisement for Glamorgan Gazette, 1909.

In 1899, the company hired a Linotype Machine at the cost of £100 per year. (During 1911 and 1926, the company purchased further Linotype Machines.)

On 6th of June 1919, the first issue of the 'Glamorgan Advertiser' went into circulation. It was published in Commercial Street, Maesteg. It later became the 'Bridgend & Maesteg Advertiser' and appeared alongside the 'Glamorgan Gazette'.

In 1923, the Hope Baptist schoolroom was purchased by 'Glamorgan Gazette Company' at the cost of £595. The space was need by the 'Glamorgan Gazette' to accommodate their machinery and ever expanding workforce.

In 1936, the assistant manager of the 'Glamorgan Gazette' was Arthur Franklin. He later succeeded W J Parker Harries as managing editor and secretary of the newspaper. During 1938, the company acquired a new flat-bed rotary press capable of printing 3,400 copies an hour.

An advertisement for Glamorgan Gazette, 1946.

In 1949, Olaf Jones joined the newspaper as a senior journalist but later the same was appointed as editor of the 'Glamorgan Gazette'. Olaf Jones went on to edit the newspaper for a further 27 years and was later appointed, managing director.

Other long serving members of the Gazette staff include

Fred Timewell who worked at the paper for forty-four years.
Jack Apsee who worked at the paper for forty-five years.

During the year of 1962, the amalgamation of the 'Glamorgan Gazette' and the 'Bridgend & Maesteg Advertiser' took place. The last issue of the latter was on 29th January 1962.

The Glamorgan Gazette Offices at Queen Street were demolished in 1973. The offices moved to Caroline Street, then to Nolton Street.

In 1994, the newspaper saw the end of the broadsheet format and 'went tabloid'. Ten years later in 2004, Deborah Rees was appointed the first female editor of the 'Glamorgan Gazette'.

Demolition of the Glamorgan Gazette Offices, Queen Street, 1973.

(Sources: Bridgend 900 - Glamorgan Archives - LLGC - Dr. Randall - BLHS - WalesOnline)

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Welsh Customs & Eastertide Folklore.

March 27, 2016, 11:03 am

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Wales is known for it's 'weird and wonderful' customs and festivals.
Most well known being The Mari Llwyd - Plygain - Hel Caennig - The Gorsedd of the Bards - Gŵyl Mabsant.

This morning it dawned on my that I do not know of any Welsh customs relating to Easter. I have written this blogpost to share what I have discovered about the 'Welsh Easter' of the past.

If you drank Butter-milk on Shrove Tuesday, you would never have freckles or sunburn.

If you buried a piece of Pancake, you would have luck during the next twelve months.

Clepio
It was a custom in parts of North Wales to 'clap for eggs' on the Monday before easter. It was known as'Clepio wyanu'r pasg' or 'clepian wyanu'. Children of Anglesey would chant'Clap, Clap, gofyn wy I hogia bach ar y plwy'when begging for eggs. In Amlwch, it is noted that children might collect as much as forty eggs per child.

Good Friday

On Good Friday, it is unlucky to meddle with the earth, to plough or sow or to do any type of gardening.
If you use a sewing needle on Good Friday, you or your premises will be destroyed by lightning.
Bread made on Good Friday will quickly turn sour.

Hot Cross Buns

In Tenby, after the Good Friday service, the congregation would eat Hot Cross Buns. These were thought to have a curative power and a number of them were tied in a bag and hung up in the kitchen until the following good Friday. It was believed that a portion of the bun when eaten, could cure any disease. They were also given to domestic animals to cure diseases.

"I recall the inhabitants of Llangollen, Denbighshire, ascending Dinas Bran on Easter Day to greet the rising of the sun with three somersaults."

An account of Easter Sunrise from Rev. John Williams of Glanmor.

It was considered an evil omen if Easter Sunday fell on March 25th or Lady Day.

Children born or baptised on Easter Sunday were considered very fortunate.

"Ye young fellows yt can get up soon in ye morning to come & pull y'ir comrades out of bed, put them y'stocks & holding up one of y'ir legs, pour a pail of water down it."

An account of 'Stocsio' from Loveday's Diary of a Tour in 1732.

In parts of Glamorgan and Conwy villagers undertook the hellish custom of 'Stocsio'.

The last man in the parish to be married before Easter Sunday was on that day straight after morning service, set out for the highest point in the district. Accompanied by a number of men, the newly married man climbed upon a hillock and addressed the crowd of people.

He then issued the following commands:

All men under sixty had to be up and dressed before six
All men under forty were to be presentable before four.
All those under twenty could not go to bed but had to be prepared and ready and in their places on. Easter Monday.

If these commands were disobeyed, the offenders were put in the stocks for a number of hours.

As Easter Monday dawned the stocks were prominently positioned on the main street or market place. It was common for the house of a 'lazy, bed loving bachelor' to be attacked first. The villagers got into the house by getting through a window or forcing the door. The bachelor was then forced from his bed, carried out into a cart and taken to the stocks. The newly married man acted as the Master of the Revels. He lectured the bachelor on the sins of idleness and the story of the sluggard. He then took the unfortunate victims hand and belaboured it several times with a gorse branch and asking a number of questions as he did so.

These questions included:

Whether he likes better, the mistress or the maid?
Ale or Butter Milk?
Whether he would go through the gate of a field if open or over the stile?

If the victim tried not to answer or told deliberate lies he suffered serve reprimands and more mishandling with the gorse branch. The hapless prisoner was then released, somewhat worse for wear, scratched and cut as he was, to the sound of much cheering. He then joined his former tormentors in the hunt for fresh victims.

Any girl found to have spied on these proceedings had her shoe removed from her foot and kept from her until she paid the forfeit of one or two kisses. Elderly ladies and married women caught spying had to pay sixpence or less.

Luckily, this custom died out in North Wales by 1825 and in Glamorgan 1840.

'In the Stocks Again' by P. B. Abery - 1909.

Lifting

In many parts of both South and North Wales, it was a custom for the lower classes to partake in the custom of 'lifting'. The custom was to be over by noon each day and consisted of lifting a person off the ground on a chair three times. On Easter Monday, the men lifting the women and on Tuesday the women lifted the men.

The poet Ceiriog tells of how in one house an old lady was persuaded to sit in the chair. She was so heavy that the chair could not be lifted!

Any respectable woman would not be seen outdoors before noon. They were kept withing their houses with the doors looked. It is noted that

"Nothing short of locks or bolts could keep out the lifters;and great was their relief when the afternoon came that day."

Other beliefs and customs relating to Eastertide.

Young men and girl would walk to the nearest important well on Easter Monday, fill jugs with water and strewn flowers in the surrounding stones and bushes. For the people of Bridgend, the nearest Well of significant importance is 'Sandford's Well'. The Well is situated near Newton Parish Church, Porthcawl. It was believed that any water taken from this well would stay pure for the next twelve months.

In the Vale of Glamorgan whole villages trimmed and adorned the graves of their dead relatives on Easter eve. The sides of the graves were raised up with fresh turf and fresh earth was placed on the surface; the end stones were whitewashed and women planted rosemary and rue whilst girls brought baskets of crocuses, daffodils and primroses which they placed in 'somewhat fantastic figures upon all graves'.

Flowers at Wenvoe Parish Church, Vale of Glamorgan.

(Sources: LLGC - National Museum of Wales - Folklore and Folk Stories of Wales - Alan Roderick - Alun Morgan)

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"Previous attacks of insanity and inherited tendencies." - Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum.

May 14, 2016, 2:54 pm

≫ Next: "….Penbont a good market toun standing on Ogor." - The History of Bridgend Market.

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A view of Angelton Asylum - 1898.

As some of my readers know, last June I was given a copy of the 'Twenty-Fifth Annual Report of the Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum, Bridgend – for the year 1889'. Recently, while researching the history and beginnings of Bridgend & Cowbridge Union Workhouse, I found myself reading the report again.

The Annual Report of the Medical Superintendent addressed to the committee of the Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum is written by Dr. Henry T Pringle and is dated 30th March, 1890. His report makes interesting reading, as some of his medical opinions and thoughts regarding lunacy and insanity would not be of much value today.

Dr. Henry Turnbull Pringle was appointed Physician Superintendent of Angelton Asylum in 1867 and was later appointed Medical Superintendent in 1874. He retired in 1904, after 37 years at Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum. The report tells us that during the year 1889, Dr. Pringle's salary was £800. He had allowances that included: House, Coal, Gas, Laundry, Garden Produce, Groom, Hay and Straw for two horses.

Extracts from The Annual Report of the Medical Superintendent

"No fewer than 34 were suffering from that hopeless form of insanity, General Paralysis. Moreover, of the 34 cases of this sad disease, 19 were aliens and only 15 Welsh, which illustrates a well-known fact that Celtic races generally are much less liable to suffer from this malady that their Saxon neighbours. "

"No man or woman capable of any intelligent thought and possessed of ordinary self-control would deliberately marry a weak-minded person or an epileptic; and yet many of the class that feeds our Asylums seem to be quite ignorant of the terrible consequences to their children of committing what ought almost to be regarded as a crime. "

"The intermarriage of those nearly related, in isolated villages and country districts, is often carried to such an extent that eccentricity, if not actual insanity, is the predominant characteristic of the inhabitants and is often associated with exceeding, narrowness of mental vision and inability to see questions from any standpoint but their own."

"Amongst the causes of insanity in the new cases, 57 were ascribed to those of a moral nature, such as domestic trouble, worry, anxiety, and money losses; and 127 to a physical, of which the chief intemperance, injuries to head, previous attacks of insanity, and inherited tendencies."

"Isolation is as injurious to a race as it is to any individual, and from this, by reason of its mineral wealth, Glamorgan has to a great extent been preserved; and moreover, as I have formerly pointed out, it has a smaller percentage of lunatics to its sane population that almost any other county, and therefore financially a lighter burden to bear."

"A new and excellent mortuary has been erected and is one of the most convenient I have seen in any Asylum. The old one is being converted into a meat store."

Along with his report, Dr. Henry Pringle includes detailed tables to mortality, admissions, discharges, diet etc. One of the most interesting tables (in my opinion) is his table of 'Causes of Insanity'.

Showing the probable Causes of Insanity in the Patients admitted during the year 1889.

(I have transcribed the table; M = Male & F = Female.)

An illustration of Dr. Pringle, 1894.

Intemperance in Drink: M51 - F11
Domestic Trouble: M9 - F16
Adverse Circumstances: M3 - F4
Mental Anxiety and Worry: M7 - F7
Religious Excitement: M1 - F1
Love Affairs: M1 - F1
Fright and Nervous Shock: M2 - F5
Sexual Intemperance: M10 - F5
Venereal Disease: M2 - F0
Self Abuse (Sexual): M2 - F0
Over Exertion: M3 - F1
Sunstroke: M1 - F0
Accident or Injury: M8 - F0
Pregnancy: F2
Parturition and Puerperal State: F4
Lactation: M0 - F0
Uterine and Ovarian Disorders: M0 - F0
Puberty: M0 - F0
Change of Life: M0 - F5
Fevers: M0 - F4
Privation and Starvation: M1 - F2
Old Age: M2 - F2
Other bodily diseases and disorders: M3 - F2
Previous Attacks: M30 - F16
Hereditary Influences: M23 - F36
Congenital Defect: M1 - F6
Other ascertained Causes: M0 - F0
Unknown: M24 - F11

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"….Penbont a good market toun standing on Ogor." - The History of Bridgend Market.

July 12, 2016, 3:02 pm

≫ Next: The Life of Miss Caroline Elizabeth Williams.

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"Bridgend, or so named of the site there of being butt on east side of the bridge upon Ogmore in that place. Within it is kept every Saturday a great market therein is sold corn (and) victuals, and often cattle and other merchandise are to be sold."

(Rhys Meurug, 1578)

The first recorded mention of a market at Bridgend is found in the year 1516. This would have been in the form of a charter/grant from King Henry VIII. It isn't known whether there was a market in the area before this time as the name 'Bridgend' derives from the erection of the 'Old Stone Bridge' in c.1425.

"….Penbont a good market toun standing on Ogor."

(John Leland, 1539.)

During the earlier part of the seventeenth century, it was common for Court Surveys made of certain areas. The Court Survey for Coity Anglia was held at Bridgend on the 22nd March 1631. At that time the Lord of the Manor was Robert Sidney, Earl of Leicester.

An entry in this survey tells us that Bridgend held a weekly Saturday market with two fairs on Ascension Day and St. Leonard's Day. It is noted that Henry Matthew took the Market Tolls under an assignment from Rowland White who held them for life from the Lord of the Manor. Although the Survey gives particulars of the market rights, unfortunately, it does not mention/refer to any building.

Below are two extracts about the survey from Dr. Henry Randall:

"The jurors repeat the statements of the previous century that there was a weekly Saturday market and the two fairs on ascension day and St. Leonard's Day, they follow this by saying that Henry Matthew took the Market Tolls under an assignment from Rowland White who held them for life from the Lord of the Manor."

"The Jury professed a politic and convenient ignorance both of the consideration that Rowland White had paid to the Lord of the manor and of the value of the market tolls, but they did report that Matthew paid White a rental of £20 per year. They could hardly have done otherwise as Matthew was a member of the Jury."

"The Standard Winchester Bushel belonging to the Market of Charles Edwin, Esq., in the County of Glamorgan, compared with the original at the Exchequer, the Nineteenth Day of December 1798."

Illustration of the Old Town Hall.

It is thought that during the eighteenth and early nineteenth century, the Bridgend Market was held under the arches of the Old Town Hall. This Town Hall was a typical Booth Hall/Market Hall with Justice Rooms above. The Old Town Hall was erected c.1788 and demolished during 1843 to make way for the New Town Hall. An advertisement for the sale of the Leicester Arms in 1832 describes the Public House as being near “the Town Hall where the corn, butter and cheese market is held..”

Bridgend Market Hall, 1905.

Bridgend Market Act of 1836.

In November 1835, The Cambrian reports that an application for a new town hall and market hall in Bridgend had been put forward to Parliament.

The application now known as the Bridgend Market Act of 1836 was given Royal Assent on 30th of March 1836. Later that year., The Cambrian reports that the New Market was under construction on the site of the Old Tennis Courts at Eastgate Street (now Caroline Street).

The New Market was opened to the public on 25th of March, 1837.

The Cambrian reports: “It is not as yet completed, but the work is so far in progress, that no inconvenience will arise, either to the venders of commodities, or to the public. We congratulate the good folks of Bridgend, in having now, what they wanted long ago, a good and commodious Market.”

The scheme of the act was also to include the erection of a New Slaughterhouse and New Cattle Market. Previous to this act, the livestock market was held in the street surrounding what was then the town hall.

On the 30th of January 1839, the New Slaughterhouses were opened. Later, on the 18th April 1846, the New Cattle Market was opened on a site near Wyndham Street/Adare Street known as 'The Election Field'. The opening of these new buildings completed the scheme of the Bridgend Market Act of 1836.

Bridgend Market Hall, Caroline Street, c.1910.

“For years Bridgend has felt the need of a more up-to-date market place.”

In 1906 the Victorian Market Hall at Caroline Street was completely demolished and entirely reconstructed on the same site. Unlike its predecessor, the New Market Building had a full covered roof that allowed ample light and ventilation via clerestories. As well as the surrounding lock-up stalls, the central market space which measured at 120 ft by 109 ft, had allocated to rows of movable stalls. When the stalls were removed the building was capable of accommodating 5000 people.

The Market Building was designed by Messrs. Henry Martin and Son, of Birmingham; with the construction work being carried out by Mr. Philip Gaylard of Bridgend.

The Entrance to the Market Building at Caroline Street.

In 1955, the Market Buildings were taken over by Bridgend urban District Council. Previous to this, the BUDC had taken over the Slaughterhouses, Weighbridge, and Cattle Market. The Cattle Market was moved to the site at Quarella.

The Market Buildings at Caroline Street were demolished in June 1972. The New Market in The Rhiw Shopping Centre opened on 15th May 1972.

Interior views of the Market Buildings at Caroline Street, 1971.

(Sources: H.J Randall - Moelwyn I. Williams - LLGC - BCBC)

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The Life of Miss Caroline Elizabeth Williams.

August 1, 2016, 10:40 am

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Photograph of Caroline Elizabeth Williams.

Caroline Elizabeth Williams was the sister of Morgan Williams of Killay House, the sister of Arthur Williams MP for South Glamorgan and the niece of Walter Coffin III. She was a descendant of Dr. Richard Price and William Morgan FRS the inventor of the first X-Ray tube.

Described as a 'radical', her liberal mind and passion for the advancement of women was next to none known in Wales at that time. Throughout her long life, she worked hard and did much to better the education for women. It is noted that she never hesitated or swerved from expressing her opinions and did all in her power to put her views into practice.

Unfortunately, although Caroline published a book 'A Welsh Family from the Beginning of the 18th Century' detailing the history of her family, not much is known about Caroline's life as she neglected to detail any information about herself.

The following information has been drawn together from various certificates, newspaper articles, and various books.

Caroline Elizabeth Williams was the first-born child of Dr. John Morgan Williams and Caroline Whitesmith of Newcastle Hill. She was baptised at St. Illtyd's Church, Newcastle Hill, on 16th December of 1823 but was not registered as born until January 1824.

Shortly after the 'failure of the bank' in 1825, Dr. Williams and his wife moved to London with the hope of pursuing his profession as a surgeon. They settled on the North side of London and took a house at Stoke Newington, near Stamford Hill where an uncle of Dr. Williams' lived. It was at Stoke Newington that five of Caroline's siblings were born.

During Caroline's time in London, her the family lived in a street near one of the hospitals in which its patients were ravaged by Cholera Morbus. Caroline notes that at that the height of the disease she was visiting her mother's family and friends in Yorkshire. Her letters to her father refer to Cholera as “that terrible thing”. She writes “it is very bad in Bradford”.. “but there is no wonder, for there is a canal there, and they throw everything into it”.

In 1834 the Cholera epidemic had arrived at Bridgend. It is well known that most of the inhabitants of Angeltown, Bridgend (now the site of Glanrhyd) were “carried” away by what Caroline Williams describes as “the pestilence”.

By this time, the Williams family had relocated back to their native town so that Dr. Williams could resume the practice of his profession. It is written that Dr. Williams' services were greatly requested as it was known that he had first-hand experience of this disease while he was in London. It was during this year that Caroline's mother gave birth to a son at Bridgend. She later gave birth to two girls at Bridgend, one in 1837 and the other in 1839.

Sometime during 1837, Caroline's Uncle, Richard Williams, who was a keen supporter of the educational advancement of women, paid for his niece (Caroline) to be educated at Mrs. Carpenter's Boarding School for Young Ladies, Bristol. The school was run by Mrs. Carpenter and her daughter Mary Carpenter the infamous social reformer and supporter of Women's Suffrage.

The 1841 Census tells us that Caroline, then aged 17 was living in a house on the East side of Newcastle Hill (thought to have been opposite the Horse and Groom Inn). She lived there with her parents and eight siblings.

Three years later in, 1845 Caroline's mother passed away at the age of 48. Native of Yorkshire, she died at Bridgend and had been married to Dr. Williams for 23 years. Dr. Williams continued to live at the cottage on Newcastle Hill until his death in March 1866.

Shortly before the death of her mother, Caroline was invited to Llandaff Court to live with her relatives the Coffin's who relocated there after the death of Walter Coffin II in 1815. Caroline was taken under the wing of Mrs. Coffin, who with no grandchildren herself, fell to her sister's grandchildren.

“It was the privilege of these young people... to be thrown into the society of their cousins at Llandaff. To be with them was a liberal education. "

- Caroline E Williams, 1893.

Furthur census' and registers give us the following information:

At the time of the 1851 Census, Caroline was a visiting her aunt Sarah Rowlands at Glyn Clydach, Neath.

The 1861 Census tells us that Caroline was a lodger at a house in Edward Street, Llandaff. Her occupation is described as 'Independent'.

The Principal Registry, dated 13th April 1866, tells us that on the death her father, Caroline was living with her Uncle Walter Coffin. at 47 Prince's Gate, Kensington and is noted as a spinster.

The 1871 Census tells us that Caroline, aged 47 was staying at Bloomfield House, Sketty. It seems that she was living with her brother Leonard and his family.

The 1881 Census tells us that Caroline was living at 4 Vicarage Gate with her niece, nephew, and five servants. The niece and nephew were the children of her brother Morgan Williams who returned, with his children from Russia after the death of his wife.

After the death of her uncle Walter Coffin III, Caroline Williams inherited a majority of The Dinas Estate including the Colliery.

1892 saw Caroline give instructions that a Reading Room and Workmen's Institute were to be built on a site below Old Dinas House. She paid for this via her own means and it is recorded that she felt that it was her duty to provide the inhabitants of the area with such institutions. Along with this, she spent large sums of money on laying and making good roads throughout the Dinas Estate.

Dinas Institute was completed in 1893. The building cost £1700, contained a 250 seated hall and a library with both men's and women's reading rooms.

Architectural drawing of Aberdare Hall, Cardiff, 1897

Caroline Elizabeth Williams and Aberdare Hall

Aberdare Hall was established in 1883 by Lady Aberdare to promote women's education in Wales.

An article published (1890) in the South Wales Daily News tells of how Caroline Williams paid the sum of £1000 to the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire in trust that the money would be devoted to the foundation of scholarships, tenable by girl/women students who resided/would reside at Aberdare Hall.

The Scholarship became known as the Caroline Williams Scholarship and was the first Scholarship for women ever given at a Welsh University College.

Caroline was one of the founders and directors of the Women's Printing Society, Westminster. She published both of her books with the society: 'A Welsh Family from the Beginning of the 18th Century' - published in 1893. The second of her books detailed the historic buildings of Bridgend but is now out of print and virtually untraceable.

In November 1897, Caroline was nominated for the position of President of Governors of Aberdare Hall, Cardiff. Caroline Williams was later elected as the president of the Governors of Aberdare Hall, Cardiff. She succeeded the founder of Aberdare Hall, Lady Aberdare who died in 1897.

In 1900, along with other governors she supported the movement for raising a memorial to Alfred Hughes. This memorial was in the form of a proposed Anatomical Museum at Cardiff.

For reasons unnoted, Caroline Williams resigned as President in December 1902. Regarding her resignation The Western Mail reports: "her generous support of the hall since it's formation and her unfailing interest in its welfare marked her on as the fitting successor of the first President, Lady Aberdare."

On her death, Caroline Williams bequeathed £800 to Aberdare Hall, Cardiff, upon trust for a Catherine Buckton Scholarship. So named after her sister Catherine Buckton, who was a teacher and lecturer in Leeds.

On 13th of January 1908, Caroline Elizabeth Williams died suddenly at the age of 84. Caroline was living at 4 Vicarage Gate, Kensington. At the time of her death, Caroline was one of many subscribers to the new college buildings being erected at Cathays Park.

At her death, Caroline left substantial money to various educational charities and Women's Suffrage Causes.

These included:

£800 to the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire for the establishment of a School of Mining.
£800 to Aberdare Hall, Cardiff, upon trust for a Catherine Buckton Scholarship.
£100 to the promotion of the cause of Women's Sufferage.
£450 to her five servants.

She was cremated and her ashes were placed in the Unitarian Chapel at Park Street, Bridgend - The Unitarian Chapel was founded by Rice Price who was the father of Dr. Richard Price and an ancestor of Caroline Williams and Walter Coffin.

(Sources: Caroline E Williams - Dr. Randall - NLW - Bridgend 900)

↧

Who is Buried Here? - The Unitarian Chapel, Newcastle Hill.

September 5, 2016, 2:46 pm

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Bridgend Unitarian Chapel, Newcastle Hill.

Those who live in Bridgend will have walked passed this old chapel at least once in their lives.With it's smashed/boarded up windows and doors it is obvious why the building is seen as a dilapidated eyesore. Although the present chapel was erected in 1795, its predecessor was one of the first Dissenting centres in South Wales and goes back to the origins of the movement. It is actually thought to be one of the oldest Dissenting Chapels/Meeting Houses in Wales. Towards the end of the chapels life, it was used as Elim Pentecostal Chapel. (read more)

Unfortunately, due to private ownership and it's current state, the chapel (including the chapelyard) is off limits to the public. If you peer through the ironclad gate, you will see that there are dozens of monuments to people of Bridgend's past propped up against the walls. I have often wondered to myself, who are they? So, I decided to find out!

Some Interesting Facts.

Earliest Inscription: 1708

Latest Inscription: 1891 in the chapelyard (1908 inside the chapel)

Condition of the graveyard: All under tarmac with some monuments propped up against the walls.

Condition of the monuments: Dismantled, headstones broken and very worn inscriptions.

Occupations Recorded: Cordwainer - Clothiers - Surgeon

Places: Brn-y-coed, Cardiff, Coity, Llandaff, Pyle, Surrey, Austraila, Brickville.

Below are transcriptions of the 1903 recordings of the monuments in the chapel yard of the Unitarian Chapel.

1: In memory of Walter Coffin, of this Parish,who died July 5th, 1812 aged 81,

And of Anne, his wife, who died at Llandaff, July 28th, 1823, aged 71,

And of Mary, their daughter,Born Feb. 23rd. 1786 Died Sept. 23rd. 1842.

And of John, their son,Born Sept. 8th. 1782 Died Oct. 19th.1842.

Sarah Coffin, daughter of Walter and Anne Coffin, Born 1791, died 1854

Also William, son of the aforesaid Walter and Anne Coffin, Born Aug. 14th 1790, died Nov. 22nd. 1863. And also of Walter Coffin, son of the aforesaid Walter and Anne Coffin, Born June 7th. 1784, died Feb. 15th. 1867,Aged 82 years.

2: In memory of William Llewellyn, surgeon of Pyle who departed this life on the 7th of August 1828 Aged 63.

'I have fought a good fight

I have finished my course

I have kept the faith'

Also Catherine wife of the above, who died May 10th 1852 aged 80 years.

3: Sacred to the memory of Ann wife of David Jones Cwmyrisca in the parish of Langonoyd died the 8th March 1801 Aged 67 years.

Also Reynold Jones, son of the above named who died March 22nd 1857 Aged 88 years.

Also David Thomas, Cwmyrisca, who died Dec 2nd 1868. Aged 70 years.

Caroline wife of the above David Thomas who died Dec 27 1890. Aged 84 years.

4: Sacred to the memory of Rees, son of Thomas Jenkins by Mary his wife who died after a short illness at Brickville, Lawrence County in the States of Alabama North America March 17th 1836 Aged 28 years.

The above named Mary wife of Thomas Jenkins died Septr 30 1843 Aged 74 years.

Also the aforesaid Thomas Jenkins who died Oct 22 1850 Aged 80 years.

In memory of Thomas son of Thomas and Mary Jenkins who died 5th of May 1810 Aged 10 years.

5: Sacred to the memory of Rees Jenkins who died Nov 8th 1834 aged 58 years.

Also two of his daughters by Mary his wife who died in their infancy.

Also Elizabeth Longdon their daughter died Sept 13th 1865 aged 45 years.

Also Thomas Longdon her son died Dec 5th 1867 Aged 17 years.

Also to the memory of (Mary relict of) the aforesaid Rees Jenkins who died Nov 4th 1863/53 Aged 73 years.

Also Mary Jenkins daughter of the above who died Dec 2nd 1879 Aged 70 years.

Also Catherine Jenkins Born Dec 4th 1814 died June 4th 1891.

6: Here lieth the body of Mary the wife of Rees Howell, who dy'd the 11th day of January 1768 aged 43 years.

Also the body of Mary their daughter who died Febry the 3rd 1768 Aged 2 years.

Also the above named Rees Howell of the town of Neath who died the 28th of October 1805 Aged 46.

Drawing of the Chapel Yard - 1993. (Glamorgan Family History Society)

6a : Sacred to the memory of Elizabeth eldest daughter of the late Rev. Samuel Price by Mary his wife who died Dec 13th 1847 Aged 60 years.

6b: In memory of Mary of (sic) James Moody Richmond, Surry Esqr who died Oct 1 1866 Aged 73 years. Also the above James Moody who died Jany 15th 1867 Aged 76.

7: Here lieth the body of Catherine Willm granddaughter of the said William David who departed this life August 10th 1760 Aged 52.

Here lieth the body of William David, cordwainer of this town who died the 5th day of April 1806 Aged 78.

8: In memory of Hector Ingart (?) who died April 10th 1814 Aged 19 years.

9: A small headstone behind a tree – Hop James who died June 4, 1795 Aged 33.

10: In memory of Catherine wife of Thos Richards who died Oct 28th 1747 aged 33.

Also of Christopher David who died Jany 10th (should be 16th) 1811 Aged 77.

Also Margaret relict of the above said Christopher David who died Nov 13th 1819 Aged 84.

11: Here lieth the body of Annie Lewis widow of Richard Lewis of the parish of Saint Bride Minor who died the 26th day of May 1818 Aged 78 years.

12: Here lieth the body of John Evans who departed this life the 30th day of August 1757 Aged 84. Here lieth the body of Mary the wife of Owen Williams who died 11th of February 1770 Aged 60 years. Also the body of the said Owen Williams who died the 23rd of March 1780 Aged 70.

13: Here lieth the body of Thomas Morgan son of Joshua Morgan who departed this life 6th day of September 1740 Aged nine years. Also Joan Morgan died February the 19th 1773 aged 63.

'Here I lie to take a nap

In my mother's common lap

Until I hear the bridegroom say

Awake my lover & Come away'

14: In memory of Rees Jenkins. He died Augst 20th 1780 Aged 12 years.

15: F. R. E ye body of Morgan.... who … day of February 1765 aged 42.

16: Here lieth the body of Thomas the son of Thomas Jenkins by Mary his wife who died the 6th day of May 1810 aged 10 years.

17: In memory of Joan the daughter of Evan Thomas by Catherine his wife who died July 2nd 1796 aged 9 years.

18: Sarah Thomas died March 31st 1759 aged 36.

19: In memory of Evan son of Edward Thomas died October 9th 1782 aged 9months.

Also the above said Edward Thomas who died July 9th (should be 29th) 1811 Aged 70.

Also Sarah relict of the above said Edward Thomas who died Jany 29th 1827 Aged 72.

20: Here lieth the body of Jennet the wife of Thos Harry died Jany 24th 1783 Aged 58 (also) Here lie the bodies of Thos & Mary their children died infants.

Here lieth the body of William Harry son of Thomas Harry by Jennet his wife who died August 11th 1824 Aged 9 years.

21: Here lieth the body of Catherine, daughter of Hopkin Evans by Catherine his wife who died May 26th 1797 aged 11.

Also the body of Thomas Harry who died January 5th 1826 Aged 78.

22: Here lieth the body of Thomas David, son of Hopkin David, who died Sept the 6th..

23: Here lieth the body of Morgan Williams who died February the 15th 1763 Aged 74.

Also the body of Thos David who died Dec 12th 1796 – Aged 69.

Also the body of Elizabeth wife of the above Thos David died March 18th 1802 Aged 76.

24: Here lieth ye boddie of Jenkin Lewis who died December 11th 1708 Aged 70.

25: In memory of Owen so of Morgan Howell and Gwellian his wife of this parish died Nov 15th 1851 Aged 4 years.

26: In memory of Martha the beloved wife of Abraham Williams who died Feby 12th 1887 Aged 51 years.

Also of the aforesaid Abraham Williams died Aug 20 1888 Aged 61 years.

27: In memory of William Morgan of this town who died Oct 11 1873 Aged 62 years.

Also Phebe Ann daughter of the above by Hannah his wife who died June 21 1885 Aged 23 years.

'Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil.

For thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.'

Also William James son of the said William and Hannah Morgan who died Feb 2nd 1891 Aged 26.

'We asked life and he granted a long life even for ever.'

28 : In memory of John Thomas of this town who died March 24th 1883 Aged 86.

Also Pheobe wife of the above who died March 28th 1883 Aged 85.

Also William Morgan son of the aforesaid who died May 18th 1884 Aged 60 years.

'Hen afon yr Iorddonen rhaid I mi groesi hon

Wrth feddwl am ei dyfnder mae Dy-dan fynnnon

Os caf fi wir adnabod fy mod I dan mod

Af dwyddi'n dawrl ddigon a'r gwaelod dan fy whroed.'

29: Here lieth the body of Lewes Llewelin who died January 17 1758 Aged 91

Also Howell his son died June 4th 1758 Aged 31.

Here also lieth the body of Jennet the widow of the above Lewes Llewelin who died Dec 2nd 1776 aged 60.

30: Two gravestones with no inscriptions.

31: Here lieth the body of John Rice who died March 4th 1810 Aged 77.

32: Here lieth the body of Edward Lewis who departed this life March the 12th 1721 Aged 59.

Here lieth the body of Thomas Lewellin who died September the 1 1772 Aged 19.

North side of the tomb lie the body (sic) of the children of the said Thomas Lewellin and Charlotte his wife.

33: Here lieth the body of two sons of Howell Llewellin by Mary his wife died at …..

33a: In memory of William Jenkins of Bryn y coed in the parish of.....

33b: Here lieth the bodie of Ann the daughter of Thos David by Catherine his wife died June 23rd 1860 Aged 6 months.

Also the above Thos David who died March 23rd 1853 aged 81.

34: Underneath lieth the body of William son of James Jarvis by Margaret his wife who died March 20th 1795 aged 1 year and 7 months.

Also the above named James Jarvis who died Oct 12 in the year (….) aged 37 years.

35: In memory of Edward Turberville of the parish of Coity who departed this life March 1st 1796 Aged 49 years.

Also Susanna the wife of the above named died April 18th 1831 Aged 75 years.

36: In memory of Rachel the daughter of William Wickworth (?) died …..(illegible)

37: In memory of Eleanor wife of Wm Gronow died Jany 2nd 1796. Aged 50 years.

38: In memory of Mary the wife of William Gibbon late of this parish who died Jan 22, 1855 aged 32 years.

Also the above named William Gibbon who died at Melbourne Australia May 20 1861 Aged 38 years. Also two of their children who died in infancy.

39: Er cof am Mary Williams gent digol or plwyf hwn bu fawr

Medi yr 23 ain yn y flwyd yn 1850 yn ei 23 oed.

(Sources: GFHS - Howard Llewellyn - Dr. Randall - Janet Hearle)

↧

Who is Buried Here? - Tabernacle Independent Chapel, Elder Street.

October 6, 2016, 1:11 pm

≫ Next: Nos Calan Gaeaf - A Welsh Hallowe'en

≪ Previous: Who is Buried Here? - The Unitarian Chapel, Newcastle Hill.

The Tabernacle Chapel, Adare Street - Built in 1850.

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by a lady enquiring about the history of the chapelyard in Elder Street. I have visited the site chapelyard quite a few times but again, realized that I didn't know a lot about who was buried there. I also realized that many people do not know that the chapelyard exists! Due to the popularity of the Unitarian Chapel post, I have decided to write a this post about my findings.

Background

The first Tabernacle of Welsh Congregational denomination was erected at the corner of Elder Street and what is now Adare Street. Although the chapel was completed in 1810, the Tabernacle traces its origins back to the erection of The Meeting House at Newcastle Hill.

The Tabernacle Hall, once used as a school room, was erected in 1805. Later, in 1850 a new chapel, adjoining the old one was erected in Adare Street. The original chapel (built in 1801) was not demolished until 1914. The current chapel, opened in 1989, is situated on the site of the old Palace Cinema at Derwen Road.

Some Interesting Facts.

Earliest Inscription: 1811
Latest Inscription: 1890.
Condition of the graveyard: At some point before 1986, the gravestones were taken and propped up against the wall. The graveyard was then concreted over.
Condition of the monuments: Dismantled, headstones broken and very worn inscriptions.
Occupations Recorded: Minister
Places: Penyvai, Merthyr Mawr, Carmarthen, St. Mary Hill.

Below are transcriptions of the 1986 recordings of the monuments in the chapel yard of the Tabernacle, Elder Street.

1: Sacred to the memory of Anne the wife of Griffith Jones and daughter of William & Mary Jenkins who died August 4th 1849 aged 22 years.

Also, the above named Griffith Jones who died April 22nd 1886 aged 56 years.

2: Sacred to the memory of David son of John Lewis by Margaret his wife who died Decr 6 1840 aged 6months.

Also, two children of the above named who died in their infancy.

Also, Margaret wife of the above named who died March 11th 1860 aged 52 years.

Also, Hannah wife of the above named who died Dec 31 1871 aged 67 years.

Also, of the said John Lewis who died January 23 1889 aged 82 years.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."

3: Sacred to the memory of Margaret relict of Jenkin Evans of this town. She died Novr 19th 1831 aged 52 years.

"Hi fu'n ffyddlon yn y winllan/gweithiodd ei diwrnod allan/oddiwrth ei llafur y mae'n gorphwys/ni hyderwn, y'mharadwys."

4: In memory of Mary, wife of Revd. W. Jones, Minister of this chapel, who died Oct 23, 1836 aged 47.

Also, two infants Also the above named W. Jones, who died June 15 1847 in the 61 year of his age.

"Yma y gorwedd gewddillion un gafodd pwy o blesser wrth ddarllen gair duw a myfrig ynddo, nah mewn di arall yn.."

5: In memory of William Francis He departed this life March 24th 1826 aged 39.

Also, Frederick son of Thomas & Ann Francis died Febr 18th 1839 aged 18months.

…. the aforesaid Thomas Francis who died Sepr 22nd 1880 aged 79 years.

"Ond grist sydth d bo-peth ac yn inho...op...h'"

Also Ann the beloved wife of the above who died Jan 18th 1885 aged 81 years.

"My heart is fixed, O god, my heart is fixed I will sing and give praise."

6 – no inscription.

Two illustrations of the chapelyard and sites of the three Tabernacle Chapels.

7: In memory of Gwenllian daughter of John & Mary William …. in the parish of Merthyr Mawr, who died 29th Janry 1841, aged 33years. Also the above named John William...

Also, to the memory of Mary wife of the aforesaid John William who died March 25th 1859 aged 83 years.

8: In memory of Elizabeth wife of John Tanner many years a schoolmaster at Bridgend.

She died March 3rd 1833 aged 81.

Also, the above named John Tanner died January 14th 18.. aged 89 years.

9: Sacred to the memory of Catherine Emmeline Davis daughter of David Davis... of this town/.... Jan 6 1855.

10: In memory of David the son of Morgan & Mary Phillips of this parish who died Aug 10 1867 aged 11 years. The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

11: In memory of Thomas and Jane Morgan both from the county of Carmarthen also of David Major of this town/and the son of the above named/who died July 16th 1832 agd 43years.

Also, of Ann eldest daughter of the said David Major by Grace his wife who died April 30th 1831 aged 6 years. And likewise of two infants.

"Truly the end of a good man is peace."

Also, Grace wife of the said David Major who died Dec 9th 1864 aged 75 years.

12: In memory of Mary, the wife of John Thomas who died May 25th 1814 aged 52.

Also, John the above named who died November 20th 1819 aged 57 years.

A view of the chapel yard at Elder Street.

13: Very badly flaked.

In memory of Watkin of Willm Richards by Catherine his wife who died Febry 18 aged 5 years.

(Part of Verse..)

Also,Watkin the fourth son of the above named who died July 8th 1811 aged 6 months. And also William the eldest son of the above named who died Janry 1815 aged 19 years. Also Liam the fifth son of the above named who died Janry 19 1818 2 years.

14: ABCDEFGHIJKLM – abcefghijklmn

David Jenkins Oldcastle Bridgend .

15: Elim – Eliz – Watkins – died Decr 4th 1884 aged 44 years.

16: (Half of a headstone)

In memory of Elizabeth daughter of Owen and Martha Lewis she died July 5th 1824.

17: Sacred to the memory of …. son of William …..re.... died 22nd Decr 18... aged 4 years.

18: In memory of Jane wife of William Elias of the parish of Newcastle she died Febry 1847 aged 76 years. Also, William Elias who died Oct 26 1869 aged 85 years.

19: "The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

In memory of Sarah daughter of John Jones by Mary his wife who died Feb 23 1864 aged 2 years. Also, the above named Mary Jones who died June 27 1866 aged 39 years. Also Ann Jones their daughter who died Nov 12 186.... years.

Also, the above named John Jones who died Jan 9 1878 aged 48 years.

20: In memory of Jennet the wife of William Gronow of this town who died Fed 11th 1861 aged 74 years. Also the above named William Gronow who died Decr 14 1869 aged 70 years.

A few of the gravestones at Elder Street.

21: In memory of Mary the wife of David Llewellyn of this parish who departed this life May 12th 1851 aged 80 years.

Also, Catherine the daughter of Richard and Ann Gronow who died Nov 17 1866 aged 14 years.

22: In memory of Elizabeth Thomas who died Febry 1st 1845 aged 86 years.

Also Elgan the son of Robert & Eliz. Thomas died March 24 18.. aged.. years.

23: In memory of T...es who … 2 years. … Jones who.... Also Thos Jones. Who died 1815.

Also..... wife Jones who died Janry 11th 1821 aged 35 years.

24: Sacred to the memory of Catherine the wife of Benjamin Cross who died Octer 5th 1843 aged 57 years. Also Jeremiah Cross son of the above named who died March 7th 1856 aged 27 years. Also the above named Benjamin Cross who died April 14 1874 aged 84 years.

25: In memory of Edward son of Morgan Williams by Margaret his wife of the parish of Saint Mary Hill who departed this life January 10th 1840 aged 23 years.

Also, the afore named Margaret wife of the said Morgan Williams who died Decr 2nd 1859 aged 73years.

Likewise the said Morgan Williams who died April 16th 1860 aged 73 years.

Also, Edward son of the above Edward Williams who died at Coed y Mwstwr Coychurch Jan 8 1887 aged 47 years.

26: In memory of Alexander son of Jenkin Jenkins of this town and Mary his wife who died Febr XXI MDCCCXXXIX aged IV months.

A few of the gravestones at Elder Street.

27: In memory of Catherine daughter of Robert Thomas by Ruth his wife she died Janry 8th 1832 aged 4 years & 10 months.

Also, Mary daughter of the above named died Decr 12th 1836 aged 13 years. The aforesaid Robert Thomas died Sept. 13 1859 aged 66.

28: – Sacred to the memory of Daniel Lewis son of David Lewis,East Gate, Bridgend by Margaret his wife who departed this life Decr 16th 1847 aged 8 years.

Also, David son of the above named who died May 30th 1854 aged 22 years.

29: In memory of Ann the wife of Cradock David of this town who died Dec 24 1848 aged 30 years. Also, John son of the above named who died May 31 1861 aged 16 years.

Also, Mary second wife of the above named who died May 24 18.. aged 54 years.

30: In memory of the four children of John & Sarah Phillips of this town

William Jones died Nov 20 1854 aged 7 years.

Sarah Jane died March 21 1862 aged 4 months.

Also, Sarah Jane died April 25 1865 aged 14 months

Susannah died Dec 18 1872 aged 15 years.

Also, the above named John Phillips who died May 7 1876 aged 57 years.

Also, the above named Sarah Phillips who died Oct 4 1877 aged 55 years.

31: In memory of Jane the daughter of Evan & Gwenllian Williams of Penyvai whod died Mar 6 1854 aged 13 years.

Also, Evan son of the above who died Aug 12 1857 aged 18 years.

"The Lord gave and the lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

Also, the above named Evan Williams who died Feb 18 1878 aged 68 years.

Also, the above named Gwenllian Williams who died Dec 23 1889 aged 78 years.

"Yr hyn a allodd hon, ni ai gwnaeth."

The gravestone of monumental mason, David Jenkins of Nolton Street.

32: In memory of David son of Thomas & Margaret Lewis who died Feby 5th 1826 aged 11 months. Also John son of the above named who died April 5 1839 aged 2 years.

Also, Thomas Lewis of the above named who died Decr 6 1854 aged 62 years.

Also, the above named Margaret Lewis died April 30 1863 aged 66 years.

Also, Thomas Lewis their son who died Sept 13 1890 aged 68 years.

33: … the memory of Elizabeth wife of Thomas Hopkin of this town died August 28 1849 aged 32 years. Also, 4 children who died in their infancy. Also..... - …. -

Also, Elizabeth..... ….. and Teresa Jo.. who died June 1868 aged … years.

Also, the above named Thomas Hopkin who died June 5 1870 aged 54 years.

34: In memory of Ann Lawrence she died Sept 24th 1827 aged 74 years.

Also Elizabeth relict of Rowland Jones of this town who died March 3rd 1839 aged 80 years.

35: In memory of Mary wife of John Elias who died June 19 1882 aged 74 years. Also the above John Elias who died June 17 1889 aged 78 years.

36: Sacred to the memory of Elizabeth the daughter of William & Elizabeth Francis of this town who died Decr 13 1849 aged 13 years.

Also, the above named Elizabeth Francis who died Septr 24 1865 aged 67 years. Also the above named William Francis who died June 2 1877 aged 77 years.

37: In memory of Catherine daughter of William and Ann Gregory died Oct 6th 1862 aged 17 years.

38: In memory of James son of William and Ann Gregory who died Oct 31 1850 aged 3 years.

Also, Ann the wife of William Gregory died Nov 2 1854 aged 45 years.

Imprint of a gravestone that was attached to the wall.

(Sources: GFHS - Dr. Randall - WelshChapels)

↧

Nos Calan Gaeaf - A Welsh Hallowe'en

October 31, 2016, 11:39 am

≫ Next: Brynteg House: '...for the residence of a Gentleman of Fortune'.

≪ Previous: Who is Buried Here? - Tabernacle Independent Chapel, Elder Street.

Witches commonly associated with Halloween - via Wellcome Collection.

Described as the weirdest of all the Teir Nos Ysbrydion, Nos Calan Gaeaf or as it is commonly known All Hallows Eve, was widely celebrated throughout Wales. It is the night that "wind blowing over the feet of the corpses" bore sighs to the houses of those who were to die during the ensuing year.

"All those who had been drowned in the sea came up to ride over the waves on white horses, and held remarkable revels."

One of the most common ways to try and frighten people was to hollow out a Turnip and place it on the side of the road or path with a lit candle inside.

Described as a less picturesque version of the Mari Lwyd, boys would dress themselves in women's clothes and vice-versa. They would then go door to door singing very odd rhymes.

Such verses included:

O mae Jiwdi wedi marw

A'i chorff hi yn y bedd

A'i hysbryd yun y whilbar

Yn mynd sha Castell Nedd.

(O, Judy is dead and her corpse is in the grave, and her soul in a wheelbarrow going towards Neath.)

It is recorded in Llanfylin, that the 'lower order' of working men would dress themselves in sheep skins and old ragged clothes and mask their faces, going about the houses and streets on Hallowe'en. Called the 'Gwarachod', they used to get coppers, apples, and nuts and drink in public houses. It is thought that the name 'Gwarachod' derives from the supernatural activity that is associated with All Hallows Eve.

Pigs at Llansawel - via People's Collection Wales

Hwch Ddu Gwta (the tailless black sow)

On this night, in some parts of Wales, wandering ghosts took the form of a 'ladi wen'. In North Wales, these ghosts took the form of 'Hwch Ddu Gwta'– this was a menacing creature, feared by the strongest of men. These were both connected with the Calan Gaeaf tradition of bonfire lighting after dark.

With the help of enthusiastic young people, the Bonfires would be built during the day time. On this day, ordinary work was set aside and the young people saw it as competition to see whose bonfire would last the longest.

Once the bonfire was lit, potatoes and apples were placed into the fire to roast. There would be much dancing, singing, shouting, and celebration. Some accounts of the custom talk of individuals running through the bonfire and casting stones with their names on into the blaze.

When the fire was almost extinguished, they would run away fearing that the Hwch Ddu Gwta would push them into the bonfire. As they ran, they chanted the following:

Adref, adref am y cynta', Hwch Ddu Gwta a gipio'r ola - Denbighshire Version.

Hwch Ddu Gwta a Ladi Wen heb ddim pen - Angelsey Version.

Hwch Ddu Gwta a gipio'r ola

Hwch Ddu Gwta nos G'langaea

Llandron yn dwad tan weu sana.

The following morning, those who cast stones into the bonfire returned to retrieve them. To find them indicated good luck during the next year. If they were not found it was an omen of misfortune and perhaps even of death.

Modern day 'trick or treaters' - via People's Collection Wales.

Fortune Telling and Other Beliefs

Nos Calan Gaeaf was also a night for divination with reference to matrimony. Below are some interesting ways women sought out their future husbands.

In Tenby, the custom of 'sowing hemp' was carried out by women at midnight.
Having raised a little of the ground the women would chant:

Hemp seed I sow, hemp seed I'll mow;

Whoe'er my ture love is to be

Come rake this hemp seed after me.

The shape of the person sought would then appear and rake away the hemp seed.

A shovel was placed against the fire, and on it a girl and boy would each place a grain of wheat, side by side. These edged close together, one grain would bob its head and bow, the another would make an awkward curtsy. As they began to swell and look hot, they would clear the shovel at a bound. If both grains went off together, it was a sign that the young couple would jump together in matrimony; but if they took different directions it was an omen of a doomed marriage.

A few other interesting beliefs relating to Hallowe'en in Wales.

On Hallowe'en while, consecrated bells are ringing, witches are hindered from hurting anybody

If at midnight any persons had the courage to run three times around the parish church and then peep through the keyhole of the door, they would see the apparitions of those who were soon to die.

If you sit in the church porch at midnight on Hallowe'en, or all through the night, you will see a procession of all the people who are to die in the parish during the year, and they
will appear dressed in their best garments.

If crows caw round the house in the afternoon of Halloween, there will be a corpse of an inmate or the dead body of an animal belonging to the inhabitant soon.

(Sources: Alun Roderick - Trevor M Owen - Wellcome Images - People's Collection Wales.)

↧

Brynteg House: '...for the residence of a Gentleman of Fortune'.

December 15, 2016, 2:43 pm

≫ Next: "This man's medicine will kill me.” - The Manslaughter of Susannah Thomas.

≪ Previous: Nos Calan Gaeaf - A Welsh Hallowe'en

A view of Brynteg House taken in 1923.

While reading 'From a Fair Hill: Brynteg Comprehensive School'I became interested in 'Brynteg House'– the house that was demolished for Bridgend Boys Grammar School to be built. Although the book mentioned above gives a brief description of Brynteg House, it doesn't include details of the former occupants except for 'Mr. Truman, Ironmonger'.

(As with most of the research I carry out, the majority of this information is drawn from newspaper articles, maps and books.)

William Truman was born in Llansannor during 1790. It would seem that he moved to Bridgend for work during the early 1800s. (I have estimated that William began working in Bridgend around 1807.) In 1817, he married Jane Jenkins of Llansannor at St. Bride's Super Ely. William Truman was enrolled as a Freeman of Llantrisant on the 2nd of December 1817. After two years of marriage, Jane died aged 26.

A series of advertisements published in The Cambrian (1834) tell us that William Truman had been working as an Ironmonger in Bridgend for twenty-seven years. It advertises that he had disposed of all of his stock to Mr William Edwards, of the same town.

The 1841 Census entry for Brynteg House tells us that William Truman was one of nine people occupying the house. Listed as 'head' of the household, the census shows that he employed three servants: two female servants and one 'manservant'.The other occupants of the house included John Truman, and various members of the Jenkins family (of whom William's late wife belonged to.)

Just under a month after the 1841 census was taken, William died aged 51. He is buried at St. Sewnyr's Church, with his wife Jane. The house and estate were left to John and Christopher Truman.

It is after William's death that we find the first advertisements that detail of the selling of Brynteg House. It is from the following advertisements that we can work out the approximate date that the house was built and get a feel of size/look of the house.

Advertisments for the sale of Brynteg House - 1841.

The next known residents of Brynteg House as the Morgan family. The family took residence at Brynteg House sometime during the early 1840s. References to the William H. Morgan living at Brynteg are found in the form of a notice (1846) for the attention meeting Railway Contractors and a further notice (1848) for a meeting of the Proprietors of the Bridgend Railway – of which he was the secretary.

The 1851 Census entry for Brynteg House lists William Henry Morgan as 'head' of the household and his occupation is listed as a Wine Merchant. At this time, eleven other people lived at the house – They were: Elizabeth, William's wife and their five children. Four Servants, and a lady by the name of Fanny King whose occupation is listed as 'Governess'.

In the same year, the Morgan family had removed from Brynteg House to Southerndown. In June of that year, two of William Morgan's sons Charles aged 13 and Wintle aged 19, drowned whilst bathing their horses in the sea at Southerndown.

In 1852, Brynteg House is advertised to be let with 'Immediate Possession'. The advertisement describes Brynteg House as “An excellent and commodious family residence.”... “with 26 Acres of most productive Pasture Land”.

(The house was purchased by William Waston Esq. but was later put up for auction in 1859.)

An advertisment for the sale of Brynteg House - 1859.

Robert Evans J.P purchased Brynteg House from William Waston Esq in 1860. It was at Brynteg that Robert Evans would spend the rest of his life. A life which is noted to have been dedicated to the town of Bridgend.

Robert was the son of the well-known auctioneer and publican, Thomas Evans. It was Thomas Evans that built The Bear Inn/Hotel on The Old Stone Bridge. He was born in 1826 and spent the first twenty years of his life living at High Street (now Dunraven Place.)

He originally intended to be a lawyer and was a pupil under Cadogan Morgan, but owing to his father's accident, Robert took over the auctioneering business. Robert quickly secured a large practice and became one of the leading auctioneers and valuers in the County of Glamorgan.

He was heavily involved in the development of both the Garw and Ogmore Valleys. As well as sinking and for many years working the Ynysawdre Colliery, Robert owned Evanstown Brick Works, and Cefn Cribbwr Colliery.

He was noted for his involvement in the local community:

He was a member of the Bridgend Local Board
He was a member of the County Roads Board
He was the Guardian of the Poor for Ynysawdre
He was the Magistrate and Justice of the Peace at Bridgend Police Court
Principal-agent to Messr Talbot & Lord Swansea.
Secretary of Bridgend Cricket Club

The 1901 Census entry for Brynteg House lists Robert Evans as head of the household. The census also shows that he employed his niece, Jane as his housekeeper.

On the 7th October 1906, Robert Evans JP passed away at Brynteg House aged 86. He was the longest inhabitant of Brynteg House, having lived there for 46 years.

The last recorded residents of Brynteg House were members of the Day family. Originally from Norfolk, Benjamin Day and his family settled at Brynteg House shortly after the death of Robert Evans J.P. The 1911 Census entry lists Benjamin Day as the 'head' of the household. He lived there with his wife Hilda and their three servants.

Brynteg House was sold to Bridgend Urban District Council for less than £4,500 in 1934. The house was completely demolished and replaced with Bridgend Boys Grammar School which is now Brynteg Upper School.

A view of The Blind School, Bridgend. (Brynteg House can be seen in the far left-hand corner.)
(Britain From Above)

(Sources: Brynteg Comprehensive School - Dr. Randall - Bridgend 900 - LLGC)

↧

"This man's medicine will kill me.” - The Manslaughter of Susannah Thomas.

January 26, 2017, 11:57 am

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The Wyndham Arms, 1795.

On the 26th of January 1839 an inquest into the death of Susannah Thomas, aged 22, took place at the Wyndham Arms Inn. The inquest was held before Lewis Rees Esq. The coroner, and his jury.

It was suspected that Susannah (who died at Bridgend on the 25th of January, 1839) had died about an hour or so after taking medicine supplied by the infamous Baron Spolasco, a visiting doctor from Swansea.

Susannah Thomas was born to Anne and Thomas Thomas of Cowbridge. At the time of her death, Susannah was living with her auntie Elizabeth Arnott at East Gate Street (now Caroline Street).
For a time, Susannah was employed as a servant to Miss Bevan of Cowbridge, sister of the well-known solicitor Mr Bevan of the same town. Owing to her ill health, Susannah removed to her Aunties house at Bridgend.

A few days before her death, Susannah had read an advertisement in The Cambrian about how Baron Spolasco would be visiting the Wyndham Arms on the 24th of January.

Advertisement for Baron Spolasco's work.

On the morning of the 24th of January, Susannah carried out her usual household work then went to do some needle-work in the stable. On hearing that Baron Spolasco had arrived at Wyndham Arms at 6 o'clock that evening; Susannah and Elizabeth made their way to the Inn. Once there, they were told to pay 5 shillings to see the Baron.

While waiting for their turn to see the infamous Spolasco, they witnessed a man by the name of John Thomas have his leg dressed. Baron Spolasco told the man that “he would have new legs in a short time.” It was soon the turn of Susannah and Elizabeth. After introducing himself, Baron Spolasco told Susannah that “..you have a bold eye, with a deadly disorder under it.” He went on to say that his “medicine is very dear; I cannot give you anything under a guinea”.

Elizabeth gave the Baron all the money in her purse, 17s. 6D – she was then told by a Hannah Phillips (who was assisting Spolasco) that she could bring the rest of the money at another time. Baron Spolasco gave Elizabeth and Susannah the medicine which consisted of two pills and a packet of power.

He advised:“she (Susannah) must take one bolus and half the powder at night and if that should not operate take the remainder the next morning.” With that, he shook Susannah's hand and exclaimed: “you may bless the hour you ever saw the Baron Spolasco come to the town of Bridgend: you will be another person tomorrow. Pray to almighty god and you will be better tomorrow.”
He wished the both goodnight and asked them to come back between 11 and 12 the next day.

Under the direction of the Baron, Susannah took half her medicine and went to bed at 11 o'clock. Between 3 and 4 o'clock on the 25th of January, Margaret, Susannah's sister, came into the bedroom of their aunt and shouted: “O God, Susan is dying.” Frantic, both Elizabeth and her husband rushed to Susannah's bedside. While at the bedside Susannah cried: “O God, I am dying, this man's medicine will kill me.”

“You may bless the hour you ever saw the Baron Spolasco come to the town of Bridgend."

After giving her the second dose of medicine and applying wet flannels to the area of Susannah's pain, Elizabeth went to the Wyndham Arms Inn and called upon Baron Spolasco. Spolasco told Elizabeth “There is nothing to be done, you must wait until the medicine operates.”

Elizabeth returned home but within half an hour she called upon Baron Spolasco again. This time he instructed her to give Susannah “half a glass of wine, half a glass of brandy and mull them together to cheer her spirits.” Elizabeth responded by saying “it is proper you should come and see her, for if you do not, there will be an uproar in the town.” He reluctantly agreed to pass by and see Susannah in half an hour.

Thomas Arnott, the uncle of Susannah and husband to Elizabeth, saw the Baron walk passed the house twice. Thomas chased the Baron through East Gate Street and brought him to Susannah's bedside. At the time of his arrival, Susannah's hands and feet were cold and began to turn purple.
While there, Baron Spolasco told Elizabeth to give Susannah “a table spoonful of caster oil, and if it did not operate to give her another in an hour and a half; and if that did not operate, to make her a strong glister of turpentine in it.”

Baron Spolasco told them he was going to stop at Cowbridge for the night and that Elizabeth should write to him to inform him how Susannah was doing.

Susannah died a quarter of an hour later after Baron Spolasco left the house. Susannah is buried at Holy Cross Churchyard, Cowbridge.

The entry of Susannah Thomas' death in the parish register of Cowbridge.

Dr Abraham Verity (Snr) was requested to undertake a post-mortem examination of the body.
He undertook the postmortem examination with the help of his son Fredrick Verity and his nephew William Wood. They found a perforation of the stomach caused by excited inflammation. He also found that the medicine taken by the deceased had proved to be highly injurious.

"....the medicine now produced, which the Baron gave another patient, is composed of aloes and jalap, which would if administered to such a subject as deceased, who was weak and delicate, have accelerated her death."

The jury gave a verdict of manslaughter and Baron Spolasco was to be charged with "having unlawfully and wilfully administered to one Susannah Thomas, a certain destructive drug, of which Susannah Thomas died.”

A warrant was issued by the magistrates to arrest Baron Spolasco. He was apprehended at Cowbridge and he described the arrest as a "foul conspiracy got up against him." He was committed to Cardiff Gaol to await trial at the next County Sessions.

The Lancet London

The trial of Baron Spolasco at the Glamorgan Assizes took place on the 6th of March 1839.

The trial began at 9 o'clock and the hall in was full to excess with people. The Glamorgan Monmouth and Brecon Gazette and Merthyr Guardian reported that the death of Susannah Thomas “produced great excitement in the town and neighbourhood of Bridgend.”

As the jury swore in, Mr Lewis (Prosecuting) made an objection to a member of the Jury. He claimed that the person in question was an uncle to Mr Walters (Defence). The Lordship came to the conclusion that it did not perceive that could be any objection. The person in question was allowed to remain.

Dr John Llewellyn was first to give evidence. He told of how he was called to her two months before her death. At that time she was under considerable ill health. He concluded that she was labouring under irritability of the stomach – which he treated her for. He states that Susannah was in his care from November 25th until December 2nd: at that time she left Cowbridge and went to reside in Bridgend.

Portrait of Baron Spolasco - Letter published written by Spolasco on 31st January 1839.

While being questioned by Mr Chilton regarding the claim that Spolasco was able to diagnose Susannah's illness by looking into her eyes, Dr Llewellyn stated: “It is not possible to know the state of a person's health, who is able to walk out, by looking at their eyes.”

The next witness brought to the stand was Dr Abraham Verity (Snr). He began by telling of how he was called upon by the Coroner to make a post-mortem. He the examination took place on the day after Susannah's death (26th of January) He was assisted by his son and Mr Wood.

"We found the peritoneum had been affected with inflammation and near the stomach were marks of gangrene... The inner lining of the stomach was very much thickened, contracted and gangrenous, about the middle there appeared a perforation or rupture through which liquid contents had escaped into the cavity of the abdomen.

I attribute the death to acute inflammation by causing gangrene. The person could live at most four or five hours after the rupture."

Fredrick Verity, son of Dr Abraham Verity was brought to the stand. He made it clear that he could not say whether or not the contents of the stomach was the very contents that Dr Abraham Verity examined.

The last witness to take the stand was Dr William Henry Wood, nephew of Dr Abraham Verity.

“I am of opinion that the medicine administered was not the cause of death. I am of the opinion that the medicine administered might have accelerated death – not specifically as a medicine – but by producing nausea and consequent vomiting.”

His Lordship then referred the case to the jury, who unanimously returned the verdict of Not Guilty.

The Glamorgan Monmouth and Brecon Gazette and Merthyr Guardian: 9th March 1839.

(Sources: LLGC - Dr. Randall - Bridgend and Cowbridge Union Workhouse - BritishNewspaperArchive - The Lancet London)

↧

Who is Buried Here? - Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel.

February 11, 2017, 2:18 pm

≫ Next: Who is Buried Here? - Dr. Robert Sloss Stewart.

≪ Previous: "This man's medicine will kill me.” - The Manslaughter of Susannah Thomas.

Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel Yard.

Whilst walking up Newcastle Hill about six years ago, I spotted something. Climbing my way through a thick growth of weeds, rubbish and heroin needles, I discovered an abandoned chapel yard.

Situated at the junction of Newcastle Hill and West Road, this hidden gem is known as the 'Old Welsh Baptist Chapel Yard'. Although it is heavily neglected*, it is fully accessible to the public.
Owing to the popularity of the Unitarian Chapel & Tabernacle post, I have decided to write a post about my research into who is buried here!

Background.

The meeting house of the Dissenters at this site was registered with the Bishop of Llandaff in 1808.
In 1837, Rev. John James gives the date of 1789 for when the congregation was founded. He goes on to say that in 1837, the church had some 150 members.

The chapel was relocated to Wyndham Street during in 1890. After the first world war, the chapel yard seems to have fallen into disuse. By 1955, the chapel on Newcastle Hill/West Road is described as “roofless ruin”. (Read more about the Chapel in Wyndham Street)

In 1986, the graveyard is described as being the subject of a proposed scheme by Ogwr Borough Council to create an open space with the gravestones being taken up and reset against walls. Although in the Newcastle Hill conservation area, the operation appears to have been abandoned before completion.

Some Interesting Facts.

Earliest Inscription: 1810.
Latest Inscription: 1915.
Condition of the graveyard: At the present time (2017) the graveyard is in a very dilapidated state.
Condition of the monuments: Dismantled, headstones broken and very worn inscriptions
Occupations Recorded: Builder, Excise Officer, Minister, Sadler, Tailor.
Places: Laleston, Ewenny, Aberavon, Neath, St. Brides Major, Cymmer, Wildmill, Hereford, India.

Drawing of the Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel Yard - 1996. (Glamorgan Family History Society)

Below are transcriptions of the 1986 & 1992 recordings of the monuments displaced from their original positions in the chapel yard of the Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel.

A: In memory of John the son of John Griffith by Harriot his wife of the parish of Ewenny who died April 11th 1831 aged 14 months.

B: In memory of Jane daughter of Evan and Rachel Lewis of Newcastle who died Sep. 29 1832 aged 16 months.

Also the said Evan Lewis who died April 18 1848 aged 70 years.

Also David son of the said Evan and Rachel Lewis who died July 14th 1849 aged 27 years.

C: …./.../John Griffiths (late officer of Excise) by Sarah his wife who died January 6th 1839 aged 6 years.

Sarah daughter of the above died Janry 9th 1839 aged 3 years.

And also Sarah wife of the above John Griffiths and mother of the above children who departed this life March 31st 1841 aged 40 years.

D: In memory of Elizabeth Morris wife of the Revd John Morris died May 4th 1847 aged 78 years.

"Yma gorwedd mam Pregethwyr

Fu'n gweini iddynt lawer Blwyddyn Nawr mae n derbyn cyflawn wobr

Gan y Bugail mwy Rhagor ol"

Also the Rev. John Morris who died Feby 7 1853 aged 80 years.

E:"Gweddiwon yn ddw..."

In memory of Thomas Arthur he died 29th April 1831 aged 32 years.

"Am hynny na chysgwyn Fef rhu erailleithr gwyliwn a by ddwn sobr."

F: … of Ann Jones of the said John Jones December 11 aged 80 years.

G: In memory of John son of John & …. Jones gran....
aforesaid John..... who died February 20... aged 1 month.

And of Margaret the daughter of the above named who died Decr 16th 1831 aged....

Also the above named John Jones who died July 22 1871 aged 62 years.

H: In memory of Jane daughter of Samuel Gatter & Jane his wife who died March 19th 1855 aged 2 years. Also Samuel Gatter the husband of the above who died Feby 24th 1857 aged 37 years.

I: "Bydd ffyddlon hyd angau ac mi a'ro ddaf I ti goron y bywyd."

In memory of Rodrick Hughes who died June 3rd 1830 aged 81 years.

Also of Jane granddaughter of the above named and daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Hughs who died March 10th 1842 aged 15 years.

J: In memory of William Morgan of this parish who died Dec 27 1869 aged 59 years.

Also of the said Elizabeth Morgan who died Dec 2 1887 aged 75 years. Thy will be done.

K: In memory of David Griffiths of this town who died Sep 22nd 1866 aged 75 years.

Also Catherine the wife of the said David Griffiths who died Jan 4th 1867 aged 67 years.

Also Anny granddaughter of the above named aged 4 years.

L: In memory of David son of William & Elizabeth Morgan of this parish and great grandson to the said Roderick Hughes who died the first day of September 1854 aged 9 years.

And also five of their children.

M: To the memory of Ann John mother in law of the said William Thomas who died Septr 21st 1845 aged 86 years.

Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel Yard.

Below are transcriptions of the 1986 & 1992 recordings of the monuments in the chapel yard of the Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel.

1: In affectionate remembrance of David son of the Rev. Thomas Cole, Baptist Minister in this town, who died March 15 1872 aged 5 months.

2: In memory of John Hussey of this parish who died December 29 1851 aged 47 years.

3: In memory of David Williams who died October 11 1828 aged 45 years.

Also Mary Williams wife of the above who died 18(60/66) aged 88 years/

4: In memory of Robert son of Robert and Margaret Delahay of this parish who died Nov ...2... 1832 aged 5 years.

Also two of their children died in their infancy and the above named Robert Delahay
who died March 12 1856 aged 61 years.

Margaret Delahay … Robert Delahay died May 29th 1864 aged 66.

5: Ledger: In memory of Margaret Smith the beloved wife of David Smith who died April 7 1860 aged 64 years. Also the above named David Smith who died June 6 1860 aged 71 years.

South Panel in Base: Sacred to the memory of Margaret the wife of William Smith of the parish of Saint Brides Major she died April 22nd aged 70 years..

"Byd ffyddlon hyd angau mi a roddaf I/ii goron y bywyd."

6: To the memory of four children of the late John Williams, Officer of Excise of Hereford who all died of scarlet fever Sepr 1849. Also Mary D Williams relict of the above who died Nov 9, 1884 aged 74 years.

“Forever with the Lord”

7: No inscription

8: In memory of David.... William Harry..../..../.../29th/..../..../ named William Harry who died October 1st 1844 aged 57 years.

Also Mary relict of the above named William Harry who died April 29th 1847 aged 73 years.

9: "Wele plant ydynt/... iffeddiaerg yr Arglwydd ei wo … fyw ffrwyth y groib."

PS CXXVII/../

In memory of Thomas the son of Lewis Richard by Rachel his wife who died Feb 14 1833 aged 3 years. Also Richard their son died Feb 20th 1833 aged 9 months.

10: Earth plot - no inscription

11: "We shall... ion morn"

In loving memory of Oliver Ivor the fourth son of John & Elizabeth Evans Bridgend

born October 30th 1874 died November 2nd 1886.

Also the above named John Evans of the Bridgend Chronicle born Jan 25 1845 died Oct 28 1895. Also of the above named Elizabeth Evans born... died 1912 aged 68 years.

12: … Simon Collier of this parish who died Aug 27 1874 aged 66 years.

13: No inscription

Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel Yard.

14: In memory of Catherine, the daughter of Simon & Catherine Collier of this parish

who died Dec 19 1840 aged 5 years.

Also Mary Ann, their daughter died Dec 1 1872 aged 38 years.

15: Sacred to the memory of John Lewis, Bridgend who died Decr 4th 1846 aged 95 years.

16: In memory of Margaret daughter of Thos & Margaret Lewellyn died 16th 1837 aged...

17: In memory of Sarah, the wife of William Evans of this town, who died Dec. 19, 1856, aged 43 years. Also 5 children, who died in infancy.

18: No inscription

19: In loving memory of Catherine the beloved wife of John Gibbon of Bridgend, who died Oct. 13 1879, aged 22 years. Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth.

Also Catherine Griffiths, who died Nov. 17 1898, aged 75 years.

20: Headstone - In memory of five children of John and Catherine Griffiths of this town

Mary died October 3 1856 aged 6 weeks.

William died January 13 1867 aged 2 years and 8months.

Mary Ann died January 21 1867 aged 6 years and 9 months.

David died February 1 1867 aged 5 years.

Thomas died February 2 1867 aged 4 months.

"Wele plant ydynt et ifeddiaeth yr Arglwydd ei wod yw ffrwyth u croth"

Psalmau CXXVII

Ledger – Also Benjamin Griffiths who died June 6 1871 aged 18 years.

21: In loving memory of Hannah wife of Thomas Gronow who died Sep. 5 1872 aged 6 years.

Also of the above named Thomas Gronow who died Feb 18 1890 aged 85 years.

22: Sacred to the memory Thomas.... Thomas and … Lewis who died 10th April 1840 aged 3 years.

Also Margaret Lewis.... daughter died Aug 1st … aged 11 days.

Also the above named Thomas Lewis died Jan 27 1886 aged 84 years.

Also the above named Elizabeth Lewis died April 5 1886 aged 87 years.

23: In memory of Margaret daughter of John Morgan by Ann his wife of Bridgend

who died May 23 1851 aged 16 months.

Also John son of the above named who died April 29 1853 aged 5 weeks.

Also the above named John Morgan who died Dec 12 1869 aged 50 years.

Also Mary Ann wife of John Lewis, daughter of the above who died Jan 18 1886 aged 39 years.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord"

Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel Yard.

24: In affectionate remembrance of William Ball of this town who died Nov 9 1886 aged 33 years, Also of four children who died in their infancy.

25: …/.../Emma James Marks …./Samuel Marks/...Elisa Davies Marks..../..../ Elisa Davies...

26: …/.../.../ Also Catherine wife of the above died April 23 1851 aged 80 years.

27: "Nothing in my hand I bring simply to thy cross I cling."

In loving memory of Rachel the beloved daughter of Daniel and Margaret Williams of this town who died suddenly Oct 22 1882 aged 17 years.

Also of Carradogia their daughter who died April 9 1890 aged 13 years.

"Safe in the arms of Jesus."

28: No inscription

29: In memory of Mary the wife of David Delahay of this parish who died June 21 1858 aged 29 years.

30: No inscription

31: No inscription

32: In memory of Ann the beloved wife of Llewellyn Llewellyn of this town who died Feb 10 1883 aged 37 years.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."

33: In loving memory of David Edwards of this town who entered into rest Jan. 18 1893 aged 87 years.

"I know my redeemer Liveth."

34: In memory of Jenkin Howell of Laleston who died July 17 1844 aged 51 years.

Also Ann wife of the above Jenkin Howell who died Dec 20 1868 aged 74 years.

"Coffadwriaeth y cyfiawn sydd fendigedig."

Also Jennet the wife of Jenkin Howell of Cymmer and son of the above who died July 22 1873 aged 49 years.

Hele'r or weddle rhaddwydd rhan briddlyd un ian o duedd raglawn a drwyd a doeth bu ein chwaer ar daith bwywd hi a wych hwyliodd oes ddifrycheulyd he dyw'n llawn dedwyddyed mae'n Jennet Ban.

"Yn yr rydd drigfam o gyrhaedd drygfyd."

35: In memory of Margaret the daughter of …. died....

Also the.... Nicholas Da... 1833 aged 1 years.

Also Richard … died Novr 17 18... aged...

Also the relict of the above Nicholas Dav... died Nov... aged.... years.

36: No inscription

37: No inscription

38: To the memory of five children of Thomas and Grace Phillips.

Martha, born Nov. 21 1846 died Sept 10 1848.

Thomas, April 10 184, died Nov 1 1849.

Susannah, May 28 1838 died Dec 13 1849.

Two died in their infancy.

Also the above named Thomas Phillips who died February 10 1887 aged 74 years.

Also the above named Grace Phillips who died December 10 1889 aged 79 years.

39: To the memory of five children of John and Hannah Phillips of this town.

John born Apr. 11 1818 died March 6 1819.

Maria, born Mar 4 1829 died Oct 5 1833.

Joseph born July 10 1825 died Apr 30 1845.

Elizabeth, Nov 18 1810 died Jan 2 1847.

Isaac, Jan 28 1823 died Apr 9 1847.

The above named John Phillips born Jan 6 1787 died May 11 1847

Also the above Hannah born Oct 24 1787 died Sept 5 1873.

40:… y/Arglwydd/..../of/... John & Ann/.../Also Henry died M..../.../.../ John Thomas …/died January.... 1806/ aged … years.

41: In memory of Morgan son of John Davies by June his wife who died July 26th 1832 aged 3 years.

Also two of their children died in their infancy,

42: Sacred to the memory of William son of Lewis Thomas by Catherine his wife of the parish of Laliston who died the 5th April 1819 aged 12 dayes.

Also the above named Catherine Thomas who died the 20th Sept 1820 aged 43 years.

Also Joan daughter of Lewis and Catherine Thomas was born August 26th 1806 died February 26th 1865. The said Lewis Thomas died March 20th 1865 aged 86 years.

43: No inscription

44: No inscription

Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel Yard.

45: In memory of Gwenlian daughter of Thos. Llewellyn by Dilril his wife of Wallace in the parish of Ewenny who departed this life Sepr 3rd 1810 aged 27.

46: In memory of Mary, the daughter of John and Mary Lewellyn of this town who died April 2 1867 aged 35 years.

Ledger: Here lieth the body of Morris.... / of Ewenny died July....th 18...aged..

47: Sacred to the memory of William Roberts builder of this town who died Septr. 30th 1849 aged 31 years.

Ledger: Here lieth the body of Martha wife of the said Morris Griffith died Decr 5th 1810 aged 29...

48: In memory of Mary the beloved wife of John Lewellyn of this town who died Aug. 17 1862 aged 65 years.

Also the above named John Lewellyn who died April 23 1879 aged 78 years.

Ledger: Here lieth the body of Thos. Thomas of Ewenny who departed June 26th 1810 aged....

49: No inscription

50: No inscription

51: No inscription

52: Sacred to the memory of Samuel Morgan formerly of this town and late of Aberavon,

who died March 15th 1867 aged 78 years.

Also of Elizabeth the beloved wife of the above named who died Oct 27th 1867 aged 76 years.

"A good name is better than precious ointment; the day of death than the day of ones birth."

Also of Thomas R. Morgan so of the above who died Sept 14 1871 aged 36 years.

53: In affectionate remembrance of Mary, the beloved wife of Edward Morgan of this town,

who died June 18 1875 aged 44 years.

Also 5 children who died in infancy.

54: "To be with Christ which is far better."

In loving memory of David Thomas of this town who died Feb 18 1877 aged 48 years.

"Thy will be done."

Also Mary the beloved wife of the above who died April 26 1880 aged 49 years.

55: In memory of Ann the wife of John Thomas of this town who died Nov 12 1874/72/1871 aged 73 years.

Also Margaret Jane the daughter of David and Mary Thomas and granddaughter of the above, who died Jan 26 1871 aged 2 years.

Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel Yard.

56: In mem.. George the son of John Richards by Maria his wife who died Mar 6 ...6 aged 5 years. Also Elizabeth their daughter who died Mar 15 1856 aged 14 months.

Also Thomas their son who did at Cawnpore Apr 20 1867 aged 24 years.

Also the above John Richards, who died May 17 1887 aged 63 years.

Also Maria wife of the above died Jan 7 1899 aged 88 years.

57: "….marw …. diar 14.32"

In memory of William Rees of this parish who died May 12 1861 aged 67 years.

Also Jennet wife of the above died Feb 9 1867 aged 67 years.

58: In memory of William Spencer of Graig yr eos in the parish of St. Bride's Major

who died March 19th 1844 aged 73 years.

Also of Margaret Spencer the beloved wife of the above who died July 22nd 1850 aged 81 years.

Also of Elizabeth Spencer Jenkins daughter of the late Rev. Wm Jenkins Baptist Minister of Dolau Rhadnorshire and granddaughter of the above who died June 17th 1862 aged 20 years.

Also of Elizabeth Howell beloved wife of William Howell tailor and draper Neath

who died Feb 6th 1866 aged 53 years.

59: To the memory of Mary wife of Lewis Davis of this parish who died Septr 11th 1844 aged 34 years.

"I long in sickness lay and with much patience borne

I left this house of clay and crossed Jordon cover."

Also in memory of Ann the wife of Edward Edwards and mother of the above Mary Davis

who died February 9 1856 aged 77 years.

Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel Yard.

60: In affectionate memory of Edith Mary daughter of Edward & Mary Rich died Dec 15 1884 aged 4 years & 3 months.

Also of Ernest Brinley their son died April 2 1887 aged 19 months

"Thy will be done."

61: No inscription

62: Sacred to the memory of Jane, daughter of William and Susannah Thomas

who died Novr 10th 1837 aged 2 years.

David son of the above named died Jun 4th 1843 aged 18 years.

The above named William Thomas died the 8th of Janry 1846 aged 43 years.

Also David their son died in his infancy.

Also Edward son of the above William and Susannah Thomas who died March 4th 1861 aged 29 years.

Also Susannah wife of the above William Thomas died March 23rd 1866 aged 65 years.

63: No inscription

64: ..y...ti..i ...rwedd corph Elizth Richard

chwrfo Wm Richard or plwif y Bettws a fu farw Wefro 21 1811 1841 ei hoedd 55...

Also the above named Will Richard who died October 18th 1810/40 aged 77 years.

Also Elizabeth wife of the aforesaid named William Richard who died September 15th 1839 aged 75 years.

65: No inscription

66: No inscription

67: I H S

"Coffadwriaeth y cyfiawn sydd fendigedig Diar 10.7"

In memory of Isaac Griffiths late of Wild Mill who died April 15 1874 aged 59 years.

68: IHS

In memory of Elizabeth the wife of John David of this town who died Apr 2 1883 aged 57 years. Also once child who died in infancy.

69: Underneath lieth the remains of the mortal William Rees late of the town of Bridgend, sadler

who died February 2nd 1820 aged 77 years.

Magdalene daughter of the above W Rees born deaf and dumb died May 19th 1822 aged 49 years.

Mary Ann wife of Isaac Griffith Wild Mill granddaughter of the sd Wm Rees and the only child of Wm & Sarah Rees Penyvay died July 17th 1846 aged 30 years.

Isaac Davies son of the said Isaac and Mary Ann Griffiths died Feby 6th 1847 aged 10 months.

Ledger: Also the aforesaid William Rees who died May 25th aged 78 years. (Year not given)

70: No inscription

71: Sacred to the memory of David Griffiths born September 12th 1820 died September 8th 1882.

"Gwyn eu byd y rhai pur o galon; canys hwy a welant dduw."

Also Ann his wife, died Nov 10 1915 aged 95 years.

"Gwyn eu byd y tangnefeddwyr canys hwy a elwir yn blant I Dduw."

.
72: In memory of Ann, the wife of David Jones of Oldcastle who died March 7th 1849 aged 52 years.

"Coffadwriaeth y cyfiawn sydd fendigedig"

Also David Jones who died Oct 1863 aged 73 years.

Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel Yard.

*Recently, the grass has been cut which makes for easier access!

(Sources: GFHS - Dr. Randall - Louvain Rees - LLGC)

↧

Who is Buried Here? - Dr. Robert Sloss Stewart.

April 27, 2017, 2:51 pm

≫ Next: Edwin Lott: Artist, Photographer and Cartoonist.

≪ Previous: Who is Buried Here? - Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel.

The tipped gravestone of Dr. Robert Sloss Stewart.

Hidden in the overgrown woodland next to Glanrhyd Hospital, lies the remains of the original Angelton Asylum Cemetery. Although hundreds of people are buried there, only ten gravestones remain. (Between 1915 - 1926, 288 people were buried at the hospital cemetery)

While researching the stories of the people buried there, I came across an interesting gentleman named Dr. Robert Sloss Stewart. Unfortunately not much is known about Robert's life. What little we know has been drawn from census records, medical journals, and newspaper articles.

Robert Sloss Stewart was born to Matthew and Catherine Stewart (nee Ritchie) on 20th of January 1862, in Dalmellington, Scotland.

The 1871 Census shows Robert aged 8, living at home with his parents and three siblings.
The 1881 Census tells us that Robert was a student of medicine and was lodging with the Peters family in Partick, Scotland.

An extract from the Medical Register of 1891.

The Medical Register of 1891, gives an interesting insight into Dr. Stewart's profession. It shows that Dr. Stewart was registered as a medical professional on the 9th of May 1883.

The register also details the qualifications obtained by Dr. Stewart:

M.B Master Surgeon - 1883.
MD at University Of Glasgow - 1886.
Dip. Public Health at University of Cambridge - 1887.

Soon after obtaining these qualifications, Dr. Stewart became Resident Assistant at the Glasgow Western Infirmary. During his time at the Infirmary, he worked in the wards of Sir William T Gairdner and Dr. Alexander Patterson.It was during his time at the Infirmary that he turned his attention to the study of psychological medicine.

Subsequently, Dr. Stewart gained the position of Assistant Medical Officer at Angelton Asylum.
At this time Dr. Stewart was given a wage of £800 per year. This also included amenities: House, Coal, Gas, Laundry, Garden Produce, Groom, Hay and Straw for two horses.

The 1891 Census shows Dr. Stewart, aged 29 is listed as living at and working as the First Attendant of Angelton Asylum. By 1901, Dr. Stewart had become Deputy Medical Superintendent of Angelton Asylum.

Dr. Stewart was appointed Medical Superintendent imminently on the retirement of Dr. Henry Pringle in February 1904.

Throughout his medical career, Dr. Stewart became well-known for his papers and theories on the subject of mental health. His papers include:

Observations of the Spinal Cord of the Insane – 1886
Ataxic Paraplegia in Case of Primary Dementia - 1887
The Spastic and Tabetic types of General Paralysis - 1895
The Increase of General Paralysis in England and Wales – 1896
Decrease of General Paralysis of the Insane in England and Wales – 1901
The Relationship of Wages, Lunacy, and Crime in South Wales - 1904
The Mental and Moral Effects of the South African War (1889 – 1902) on the British People - 1904.

Regularly giving lectures at Cardiff College, he was keenly interested in his fellow man, he made close studies of conditions in the county of Glamorgan and took a keen interest in the connection between social factors and 'lunacy'.

Dr. Stewart's paper 'The Mental and Moral Effects of the South African War'"attracted some amount of attention from those interested in social problems, the conclusions at which he arrived being that the impressions produced by the events of the last three months of the year 1899 were such as to induce a very unmistakable change in the national characteristics..."

Dr. Stewart was admitted into the Prince Llewellyn Lodge of the Freemasons at Cardiff in April 1886.

In his personal life. Dr. Stewart was a lover of nature, he devoted a lot of his time to the study of field botany. A firm believer in 'Mens sana in corpore sano', during the summer months, he took great pleasure in sleeping outdoors. He was known to enjoy cycling, rowing and frequently refereed for the Angelton Rovers Football Team.

On the 1st of August 1905, Dr. Stewart married Helen Greener at Kingshill, Scotland. Also a medical professional, Helen was born in Scotland during 1874.

In November 1905, The Glamorgan Gazette reported that Dr. Stewart is suffering from a serious illness, so serious that Sir William Broadbent of London was called to the County Asylum at Angelton. It is reported that Dr. Stewart was suffering from a hemorrhage of the lung.

On the 28th of September 1906, Dr. Robert Sloss Steward died at his residence in Angelton Asylum as a result of heart failure. It is thought that this was brought on by the hemorrhage he suffered less than a year before his death.

On his death, obituaries appeared in various medical journals including The Lancet, The American Journal of Psychiatry, Glasgow Medical Journal and The British Journal of Psychiatry.

The British Journal of Psychiatry writes:

"By Dr. Stewart's untimely death, Glamorgan Asylum has lost an able Superintendent and the medical profession a prominent member. Of a retiring, unostentatious, kind, genial disposition, he was universally respected and esteemed and his loss is keenly felt by all who knew him."

The original Angelton Asylum. Chapel - now Glanrhyd Hospital Chapel

Dr. Stewart's funeral took place at Angelton Asylum on the 1st of October 1906. It was semi-private and the service was conducted by Rev. David Davies of Canton and Rev. R.J. Jones (Asylum Chaplain). Dr. Stewart was then interred in the cemetery adjoining Angelton Asylum. Among those who attended were his widow Mrs. Stewart, Alderman Richard Lewis (Pontypridd) Alderman John Thomas (Tondu) Dr. Finlay, Dr. Paterson, Rev. W.S. Evans and Rev. W. Evanson.

The tipped gravestone of Dr. Robert Sloss Stewart.

(Sources: BJPsych - The Glamorgan Gazette - WelshNewspapersOnline - Medical Register 1891)

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Edwin Lott: Artist, Photographer and Cartoonist.

June 22, 2017, 1:03 pm

≫ Next: Behind the Folk Tale: The Maid of Cefn Ydfa.

≪ Previous: Who is Buried Here? - Dr. Robert Sloss Stewart.

Children outside Broadlands House.

Many of you will be familiar with the name Ernest Carver, the renowned portrait photographer based in Bridgend. Many of you may even have photographs taken by him.

What some of you may not know is that before Carver there was another photographer. His name was Edwin Lott and is thought to be the first professional photographer established in Bridgend. His studio known as 'Nolton Studio' was established near the Lott family home in 1872.

Unfortunately, not much is known about Edwin's life until he established Nolton Studio, even then information is quite sparse. The following information has been drawn together from various certificates, newspaper articles, and various books.

Entry of the Baptism of Edwin Lott.

Edwin Lott was the youngest son of William and Mary Lott of Nolton Street. His parents, William Lott and Mary Llewellyn, married at St. Mary's Church, Nolton in 1836.

A year before his birth, Mary gave birth to a son named Edwin. Sadly, a month or so later he passed away. A year later, Edwin was born. Edwin, being named after his deceased brother, was baptised at St. Mary's Church, Nolton on the 10th of November 1850.

The 1851 census lists Edwin aged 7mths old, living with his family at 6 Nolton Street.

Edwin and his brothers seemed to have followed the profession of their father. William was a master painter, glazier, and artist for the Dunraven Estate.

The 1861 census shows that Edwin was a scholar. William and Reuben (Edwin's brothers) were painters.
The 1871 census shows that Edwin was now a painter. Interestingly, it also shows his brother Reuben was a painter employing four men.
The 1881 census shows Edwin, living at the same address and was now a Photographer.
The 1891 census shows Edwin as head of the household. There his occupation is listed as an Artist and Photographer. Living with his mother, sister, nephew, niece and servant.

The 1901 census shows Edwin, again as head of the household but now living at 9 Nolton Street. There his occupation is listed as an Artist and Photographer. It also mentions that he worked from home and was bilingual. There, he was living with his sister, niece, and servant.

The 1911 census shows Edwin as head of the household. There he was living with his nephew, also named Edwin who was his assistant photographer. The census entry shows that Edwin, then aged 61 was suffering from a Rheumatic disease.

A photograph of Edwin Lott & Advertisement for Nolton Studio, 1891.

As well as being a portrait photographer, Edwin Lott was known to photograph Sports Teams, District Officials, and even dogs!

One of the highlights of Edwin Lott's photographic career was photographing Princess Mary of Teck and her Royal Party.

The Princess of Teck paid a visit to the town of Bridgend in 1888, while on her way to Dunraven Castle. After arriving at Bridgend Railway Station, the Royal party made their way down Dunraven Road, then to Wyndham Street, Dunraven Place, Caroline Street and finally Nolton Street. It was there at Nolton Street, Edwin Lott photographed the Royal Party along with Lord Dunraven.

An interesting snippet from The Western Mail.

Like his father William, Edwin Lott was a very talented Cartoonist. He was known for causing quite a stir among the Local Board of Guardians. His cartoons on the candidates for election to the Local Board of Guardians were exhibited in his shop window, and they attracted much attention from the ratepayers.

It is noted that once when there was a dispute as to a right of way, Edwin Lott drew an amusing cartoon representative of the leading figures in the quarrel, and the picture of these men engaged in discoursing music on various instruments appropriate to their previous conduct in the affair created considerable 'mirth'.

On the 21st of February 1914, Edwin Lott passed away after a short illness. His funeral was held at St. Mary's Church, Nolton.

The service in the church was conducted by the Rev. F. W. Edmondes and Rev. T. P. Price officiated at the graveside. The mourners included Messrs. E. J. Lott, J. L. Stradling, and John Lewis.

Among others who attended were the Rev. David Phillips, and Messrs. Edward Preece, Harry Lewis, George Bevan, R. Jenkins, T. Jenkins, D. II. Thomas, W. Evans, W. Williams, Tom Swift, T. Woodward, Lloyd Jones and Bedford Morgan.

Llandaff Probate Records show that Edwin Lott left his entire estate to his nephew, Edwin J. Lott, who was also his assistant photographer. After the death of his Uncle, Edwin J. Lott continued the family photography business until his death in 1926.

Portraits taken by Edwin Lott.

(Sources: NLW - The Western Mail - Ancestry)

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Behind the Folk Tale: The Maid of Cefn Ydfa.

September 8, 2017, 11:47 am

≫ Next: Who is Buried Here? - Angelton Asylum Cemetery.

≪ Previous: Edwin Lott: Artist, Photographer and Cartoonist.

The Ruins of Cefn Ydfa Farm House

Many of you will have heard of the story of The Maid of Cefn Ydfa. It is a story that has been passed down and altered from generation to generation but who were the real people behind this folktale?

The eldest child of Diana Thomas (nee Harry) and Hopkin Thomas, Will Hopkin was baptised at Llangynwyd on the 24th of November 1700. He had two brothers: Jenkin Hopkin born in 1703 and Thomas Hopkin born in 1706.

The parish record entry for the birth of William Hopkin.

A year after the birth of his brother, Thomas, William's father Hopkin died aged 37 years.

Not very much is known about Will Hopkin. The only proof we have that he could write can be found on a lease for 'Gwaun y Llan' in the village of Llangynwyd. Will signed his name at the bottom of the lease. It would seem that his mother, Diana was unable to write as she signed the document with her 'mark.' William's brother Jenkin is also mentioned but couldn't sign as he was too young to sign the document.

The signature of William Hopkin

The lease dated the 25th of March 1722, is the only known home of Diana Thomas, William and Jenkin Hopkin. The property is described as "a house, smith's forge ad croft' were 'adjoyning and lyeing neare the church of Langonwyd with approximately 8 acres of meadow.'"

Sometime after 1842, it is thought that Gwaun y Llan was demolished to extend the churchyard of Llangynwyd.

William Hopkin was buried in the same grave as his father on 1741. His brother Jenkin died a year previous to William in 1740. The parish record entries for both deaths describe them as 'paupers'. Diana, their mother was also listed as a pauper at the time of her death in 1756.

William Thomas married Catherine Price of Tyla Coch Farm on the 30th of March 1703. Catherine was the sister of the infamous Rice Price of Tynton and the aunt of Dr. Richard Price. Their eldest child Ann Thomas was baptised on the 8th of May 1704.

The parish record entry for the birth of Ann Thomas.

William Thomas was buried on the 14th of December 1706. His Will makes for interesting reading.

“I give and bequeath my only son William Thomas the sum of one pound to be pd when he comes of age of one and twenty to be paid by an executrix hereafter named.” (Within a few days of his death, his son William who was only a two weeks old died and was buried with him.)

“I give unto my only daughter Anne Thomas my best brazen pan and crock, with a good new feather bed, and bed cloths. I give my sd daughter Anne the sum of fifty pounds in money to be improved and bear use for her from the day of my decease.”

His will states that he appointed his brother in law, Rice Price and his special friend Richard Price (who was his nephew) to be “guardians on my poor fatherless children.”

The rest of his personal estate was left to his “loving wife Kate Price.” He goes on to say that she is to maintain their children with “meat, drink and apparel and all other decencies.”

An extract from the Inventory included in the Will of William Thomas.

After the death of her daughter in 1727, Anthony Maddocks remarried and Catherine was ejected from Cefn Ydfa. We know that by 1735 she was living at a residence in Newcastle in Bridgend. A year earlier, Catherine signed her name as 'Cate Thomas' on the marriage portion of her sister Anne Price.

Although her signature is some what crude, it shows that by that time Catherine had learned at least to write her name.

The next document that we have for Catherine Thomas dates from 1741 but refers to a period when she was involved in land/property transactions with her sister Jennet in 1735.

Catherine died sometime between June 1751 and July 1752. Her burial place remains unknown and there is no record of her death in either Newcastle or Llangynwyd Parish Records.

It is thought that she was buried at the Old Meeting House, Newcastle Hill but we cannot be certain. Reading Catherine's will, it seems that she had little of her former wealth and close family.

"I give and bequeath unto my nephew the said Samuel Price one large table and one cupboard formerly my father's of Tila Goch."

“I give and bequeath unto Samuel Price and William David of Bridgend five pounds in trust for the use of the poor members of the congregation meeting at City and Bridgend.”

“I bequeath unto ye said Samuel Price and Thomas David five pounds in trust towards repairing the walls of the burying place at Newcastle adjoining the meeting houses at City and Bridgend.”

As mentioned above, Ann Thomas was baptised on the 8th of May 1704. With the death of her father and younger brother, Ann became the sole heiress to the Cefn Ydfa Estate. Nothing is known about Ann's upbringing other than unlike her mother, she learned to write.

Anthony Maddocks Jnr was the eldest son of Anthony Maddocks Snr and Anne Llewellyn of Cwm yr Isca Farm. One of nine siblings, Anthony was baptised on the 16th of October 1695.

Anthony Maddocks Snr was the solicitor and advisor for the Prices of Tynton and the Thomases of Cefn Ydfa. His son Anthony Maddocks Jnr followed in his father's footsteps becoming a solicitor and advisor for a majority of the aristocracy in the Glamorgan area.

The first mention of both Ann Thomas and Anthony Maddocks Jnr is found in the form of their marriage settlement. Dated the 3rd of May 1725, the document details the 'terms and conditions' of their marriage.

This included:

A payment of £500 by Ann and Catherine Thomas to Anthony Maddocks Jnr.
A payment of £20 per year to Catherine Thomas (in four quarterly payments)
Transfer of lands to Rice Price and William Edmunds.

A description of Cefn Ydfa Estate is also given:

"One bakehouse, one barn, cowhouse, two orchards, one garden, and tenements of land by the estimation of fifty acres, commonly called and known by the name of Kefn y Gnydfa."

The marriage settlement was signed by

Ann Thomas, Anthony Maddocks – The mark of Catherine Thomas was given.
Thomas Powell, William Maddocks, and Thomas Lewis.

The marriage of Ann Thomas and Anthony Maddocks Jnr took place at Llangynwyd Parish Church on the 4th of May 1725.

Ann Maddocks was buried on 16th of June 1727. She was buried with her father and brother in the chancel of Llangynwyd Parish Church.

The parish record entry for the burial of Ann Maddocks.

According to Caroline E Williams, a descendant of Ann Maddocks, Ann died as a result of child birth. An entry in the parish records for Llangynwyd shows an entry for a Catherine Maddocks, daughter of Anthony Maddocks and Ann Maddocks who was buried on the 28th of May 1727.

(This was just two weeks before the death of Ann Maddocks of Cefn Ydfa.)

Others suggest that Ann died of Smallpox or perhaps Typhus which were both rampant in Wales during the period 1727 – 1730.

Just seven months after the death of his first wife, Anthony Maddocks Jnr married Elizabeth Thomas of Laleston. Elizabeth was the daughter of Dr. Thomas and Jane Thomas of The Great House, Laleston.

The 'Cefn Ydfa' Portrait - The handwriting of Anthony Maddocks Jnr.

(Source: G.V Hill - NLW - NMW - Find My Past)

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Who is Buried Here? - Angelton Asylum Cemetery.

October 19, 2017, 1:02 pm

≫ Next: Y Gwyliau - A Welsh Christmas.

≪ Previous: Behind the Folk Tale: The Maid of Cefn Ydfa.

A view of the original Angelton Asylum Cemetery.

Following my post about Dr. Robert Sloss Stewart, I have been researching the lives of the other nine gravestones that remain in the original Angelton Asylum Cemetery. Due to the amount of information, I have decided to share my research via a series of posts.

It is interesting to remember that at some point during their time at Angelton, whether it be a passing glance or a medics meeting, all of the people would have crossed paths. They would have all been familiar with each other.

In this post, I will be writing about Eleanor Davidson and Francis Hill.

Unfortunately not much is known about their lives. What little we know has been drawn from census records, parish records, medical journals, and newspaper articles.

The headstone of Eleanor Davidson at Angelton Cemetery.

Eleanor Keeble was born in January 1851. Born in Ipswich, she was a daughter of Frederick and Eleanor Keeble.

The 1851 census shows that Eleanor, aged two months was living at Fore Hamlet, Ipswich. She lived Fore Hamlet with her parents and two brothers: Thomas and Harry. The census shows that her father, Frederick was an Engineer.

The 1861 census shows that Eleanor, aged 10 was living at John Street with her grandparents. (It's interesting that John Street is two streets over from Fore Hamlet.)

Glamorgan Banns entry for Eleanor and William.

Eleanor Keeble married William Davidson at St. Illtyd's Church, Newcastle Hill on the 8th of May, 1889.

At the time of their marriage, Eleanor was an Attendant at Angelton Asylum. Her husband, William Davidson was the Head Attendant of Angelton Asylum. He was born in Scotland in 1852 and was the son of a farmer also named William Davidson.

Witnesses to the marriage were all staff of Angelton Asylum.

John Jones: Attendant at Angelton Asylum.
Henry Harris: Baker at Angelton Asylum.
Anna Maria Harris: Wife of Henry Harris, Baker.
Sarah Hunt: Housekeeper at Angelton Asylum.

The 'Twenty-Fifth Annual Report of the Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum, Bridgend – for the year 1889' notes that at that time the salary for Head Attendant and his wife was £52.48. This included Board and Lodging, Laundry and Uniform.

Eleanor Davidson died at Angelton Asylum on the 11th of March 1890, aged 38 years old. Eleanor's death certificate shows that she died of a 'rupture of the uterus in labour collapse' - in layman's terms, Eleanor died as a result of childbirth. Her death was certified by Dr. R.S.Stewart who was present at Eleanor's death.

Extract from the death certificate of Eleanor Davidson.

William Davidson now a widower, William married Mary MacArthy at St. Mary's Church, Coity on the 16th of December 1893. By this time, William was Clerk of Works at Parc Gwyllt. William and his wife stayed at Parc Gwyllt until William's retirement in May 1907.

On his retirement, an article published in The Glamorgan Gazette noted that "many acts of kindness bear testimony to his integrity of purpose and keen sense of honour in discharging his complex duties as clerk of works for the Asylum Committee."It goes on to mention that William had worked at the Asylum for over 30 years.

The tipped headstone of Francis George Herbert Hill at Angelton Cemetery.

Francis George Herbert Hill was born at Joint Counties Asylum Lodge on Christmas Day 1884. He was the eldest son of John and Emma Hill who were both staffs at the Asylum.

John Hill married Emma Powell at St. Cadoc's Church, Trevethin on the 2nd of April, 1884.

Francis had three brothers, all of which survived him:

Charles Henry: b. 6th April 1887 at Joint Counties Asylum Lodge.
William Edward: b. 29th June 1890 at Angelton Asylum.
Frederick Powell: b. 19th June 1892 at Angelton Asylum.

Sometime between 1887 and 1890, the Hill family moved to Angelton Asylum. Here, John Hill was employed as a Storekeeper.

The 'Twenty-Fifth Annual Report of the Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum, Bridgend – for the year 1889'notes that at that time the salary for a Storekeeper was £120. This included a house and garden.

Francis Hill died at Asylum Lodge, Angelton Asylum on the 9th June 1889, aged 4 years and six months. His death certificate shows that Francis died of 'Leucocythemia', what we now know as Leukemia. It also notes Dr. R.S. Stewart certified the cause of death and that Francis had suffered from 'Leucocythemia' for 6 months prior to his death.

Extract from the death certificate of Francis Geroge Herbert Hill.

The 1891 Census shows that John Hill was the Storekeeper at Angelton Asylum. He lived in a lodge on the Asylum grounds with his wife and son William. (By this time, Charles had left home.)

The 1901 Census shows us that John Hill was still the Storekeeper at the Angelton part of the Glamorgan County Asylum. By this time, Frederick his youngest son had been born. The census shows that John's father, John was living with them at the Asylum Lodge.

The 1911 Census shows us that John Hill was still the Storekeeper. By this time his sons William and Frederick were employed.

Sometime between 1911 and 1926, John and Emma Hill moved to Middlesex. John died in September 1926, aged 70. Emma Hill died in May 1939, aged 82.

The staff of Angelton Asylum.

(Sources: NLW - Glamorgan Archives)

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