Louvain Rees • hellohistoria

Geese at Cowbridge via People's Collection Wales

From The Plygain to the Mari Lwyd, I'll be exploring some of the weird and wonderful customs/traditions our ancestors took part in during Christmastide. Although a majority of these customs are now obsolete, it is always interesting to look back on how Christmas once was.

"During the Victorian period, Christmas changed gradually from an intensely social occasion in which all the community took part to one of family celebration in the seclusion of private houses."

In many parts of Wales, Christmas Day meant rising early. It some places, it meant staying up overnight. This was to attend The Plygain Service in the local parish church/chapel.

The hour of the Plygain seems to have varied between 3am and 6am, with the latter being more desirable in later years. An account from Mrs. Thrale's Journal (1774) notes that: "the inhabitants of Dyffryn Clwyd kindled their lights at two in the morning and sang and danced to the harp until the call to the Plygain."

In Tenby, crowds carrying torches, shouting verses and blowing cow horns. Forming a procession, the crowd would escort the Rector from his house to the service. The torches were extinguished on the porch of the church. At the relighting of the torches, the same procession was repeated after the Plygain Service.

Attendees of the Plygain were advised to bring their own candles. In some places, for example, Llanfyllin, special candles known as 'Canwyllau Plygain' were made by local chandeliers. These candles were made to withstand wind and came at the cost of two pence or four pence, depending on the chosen size. During the service, the church was decorated with Mistletoe, candles coloured candles, and decked with holly.

Plygain Singers via People's Collection Wales.

The Plygain service itself was an abbreviated form of the usual Sunday morning service. This was followed by carols composed by local poets in the early weeks of December. In some cases, up to fifteen carols were sung at one service.

An account of the Plygain Service described by William Payne:

'Now the church is in a blaze, now crammed, body, aisles, gallery, now Shon Robert, the club-footed shoemaker, and his wife, descending from the singing seat to the lower and front part of the gallery,.

The crowds are wholly silent and rapt in admiration. Then the good Rector, and his curate, David Pugh, stand up, and read the Morning Service abbreviated, finishing with the prayer for All Conditions of Men. Prayers over, the singers begin again more carols then silence in the audience, broken at appropriate pauses by the suppressed hum, of delight and approval, till between eight and nine, hunger telling on the singers, the Plygain is over and the Bells strike out a round peal.'

The decline of this tradition is said to have been caused by “disorder on account of men under the influence of drink attending the church after a night of revelry..”

With the Plygain Service over, families returned to their farmsteads and house to continue the Christmas Day Festivities. This included a Christmas breakfast of hot ale, cheese, and toasted bread.

In some parts of Wales, it was customary for a Christmas Pie to be made. One such pie was made of a boned roasted goose stuffed with a boiled tongue. This was then encased in pastry lined with mincemeat and eaten cold. It was served in addition to mince pies and was intended to last the whole Christmas week.

Other popular Christmas Day activities included 'rough and tumble' football, squirrel and rabbit hunting.

Wellcome Collection

St. Stephen's Day (Boxing Day) saw the custom of 'Holming.' This was the act of beating a person with Holly. The last person to awake of this day was beaten with branches of Holly and named 'Tapster.' For the rest of the year, the 'Tapster' was given the task of undertaking the most menial tasks of the family.

Animals did not escape this tradition of 'Holming.' Animals were also bled on this day. It was thought that this was good for the health of the animal and brought good luck to the homestead.

“About Christmas is a very proper time to bleed horses, for then they are commonly at house, then Spring comes on, the Sun being now coming back from the Winter Solstice, and there are three or four days of rest, and if it be upon St. Stephen's Day, is not the worse seeing there are with it three days' rest.” - Brand Popular Antiques

An Old man who lived in Penmynydd in the early part of the nineteenth century would holm himself on St. Stephen's Day until he bled.

St. John's Well, Newton Nottage via Louvain Rees.

Letting in the New Year was a belief that the first person to enter the homestead on New Years Day foretold the years' luck.

In Pencoed, it was unlucky to see a red-haired man first.
In Pembrokeshire, it was unlucky to see a woman first.

Little boys were paraded all through the house so as to 'break the witch' should some girl or woman have been thoughtless enough to call.

On a New Years morning, boys visited local houses carrying Spring-water freshly drawn from the local well. This water was mixed with Rosemary, Holly, and Myrtle. As well as sprinkling the faces of all those they met on their way, in exchange for a 'few coppers', the boys would also sprinkle every room in a home with the water.

Children and Hel Calennig via People's Collection Wales

Hel Calennig was the custom on giving gifts on New Year's Day. Much like trick or treating, children would gather themselves in little groups and go from house to house wishing the occupants a Happy New Year and Good Health.

This was symbolised by each childbearing an apple (sometimes orange) stuck full of corn, decorated with springs of Evergreen and three short skewers to serve as a support for the children to hold in their hands.

Verses were sung at the door of the house and in return for their good wishes, the children were given food and even sometimes money.

Mi godais heddiw ma's o'm tŷ

A'm cwd a'm pastwn gyda mi,

A dyma'm neges ar eich traws,

Sef llanw'm cwd â bara a chaws.

Translation:

I left my house today

With my bag and my stick,

And here is my message to you,

Fill my bag with bread and cheese.

The Mari Lwyd via People's Collection Wales

The Mari Lwyd, sometimes known as 'Pen Ceffyl', 'Y March' or 'Y Gynfasfarch' is a very well know Welsh custom.

The Mari Lwyd consisted of a horse's skull which had been buried in fresh lime – This was usually the same skull used as the Mari Lwyd a year earlier. In some cases, a wooden block was used instead of a horse's skull.

A pole was inserted into skull or wooden block and a white sheet draped over it. Coloured ribbons were used to decorate the skull with glass used to represent the eyes. Pieces of black cloth were then attached to serve as ears. With the gentleman chosen to carry the Mari Lwyd stood under the sheet holding the pole, reigns and bells were then attached.

The Mari Lwyd party consisted of a Leader, Sergeant, Merryman and Punch and Judy. The Merryman brought his fiddle, Punch and Judy were dressed in tattered clothes with blackened faces with the rest of the party decorated with ribbons and sashes.

As the Mari Lwyd approached the house it was intending to visit, the leader would tap on the door while the rest of the part including the Mari sang traditional rhymes. If the door was answered, the party and inhabitants of the house would engage in a 'battle of wits.'

Wel, dyma ni'n dwad

Gyfelillion diniwad

I' mofyn am gennad - i ganu

Translation: Behold here we come, simple friends, to ask for permission to sing.

Rhowch glywed, wyr doethion

Pa faint ycho ddynion,

A pheth yn wych union -

yw'ch enwau?

Translation: Let us hear, wise men, how many of you there are, and what exactly are your names?

When the house was entered, Y Fari paid special attention to the female occupants. This was done by neighing at the women as well as biting and nudging them. The Merryman played his fiddle while Punch and Judy began their show.

Judy entered with her broom to clean the hearth. She was then knocked to the floor by Punch who ran around attempting to kiss the women of the household. Punch was then chased through the house by Judy and hit with her broom.

Having sung and danced, the party sat to eat food and drink ale. On their departure, the Mari Lwyd wished the household a Happy New Year.

Dymunwn ich lawenydd

I gynnal blwyddyn newydd

Tra paro'r gwr i dincian cloch

Well, well y boch chwi beunydd

Translation: We wish you joy to live a new year; as long as the man tinkles his bell, may you improve daily.

(Sources: People's Collection Wales - Trevor M. Owen - BritishNewspaperArchives - NLW)

Girl in a graveyard, Bruce Davidson - 1965.

Many of you will recognise this photograph taken by American photographer Bruce Davidson in 1965. Part of the 'Welsh Miners' series, it is one of many taken during his tour of the South Wales Coalfield with poet Horace Jones. Images from Davidson's 'Welsh Miner' series can be found here.

A few months ago, while on Twitter, I came across a thread of photographers keen to discover where the above photograph was taken. I suggested researching the names of the headstone that the young girl is stood next to. Those names were 'Sarah' and 'Roger Christopher.'

From the information on the headstone, I managed to trace the location of the burial ground to Capel Bethlehem, Caepantywyll.

Unfortunately, not much is known about Caepantywyll. What little we know has been drawn from census records, sanitary reports, and newspaper articles. I've decided to focus on the period when those named on the headstone were in their prime.

An area of early worker's housing, Caepantywyll was situated just below Brecon Road at Cyfartha.
The first homes in this area were built in the early 1800s to house the works of Cyfarthfa Ironworks. By the mid-1860s, Caepantywyll was home to over 2400 men, women and children. At that time Caepantywyll had 20 streets and 509 houses!

The Report on the Sanitary Condition of Merthyr Tydfil (1867) gives an interesting snapshot of the area of Caepantywyll during this period. At that time, Caepantywyll was classed as being in the Division of Tydfil's Well.

The report notes that the fourth outbreak of Cholera at Merthyr started on the 23rd of August 1866. Abercannaid, Caedraw, and Cae Harris were first areas to infected with the disease. By the next day, the 'filth' had spread to Penydarren, Georgetown, and Caepantywyll.

278 people died of 'Cholera Morbus' in Merthyr in 1866.
41 of those deaths were in the Division of Tydfil's Well.
Fifteen Streets in the Division of Tydfil's Well were infected with Cholera and Diarrhoea.
The average age of death for a person living in Merthyr was 24 ½ years.

The report also notes statistics from previous years.

In 1849, 267 people died of Cholera in the Division of Tydfil's Well.
In 1854/5, 55 people died of Cholera in the Division of Tydfil's Well.
In 1852, the average age at death for Merthyr was 17 ½ years.

Capel Bethlehem

Capel Bethlehem was opened on the 24th of May 1841. Described as “commodious and well built” the chapel was of Welsh Calvinistic Methodist denomination and is noted as being one of the oldest of that denomination in Merthyr. The chapel was erected at a cost of over £1000, with £50 being collected on the day of its official opening.

Rev. John Roberts

Although the chapel was built in 1841, the first recorded burial in the chapel burial ground was in 1812. This could either be an error or a suggestion that there was a previous chapel on the site of the later Capel Bethlehem.

One the ministers at Capel Bethlehem was Rev. John Roberts, more commonly known by his Bardic
name 'Ieuan Gwyllt.' He was a well-known musician and was the founder of the Cymanfa Ganu. He was asked to become the minister at Capel Bethlehem in 1851 and was later ordained at Newcastle Emlyn on the 7th of August 1861. He went on to become the minister at Capel Coch in Llanberis and editor of many Welsh language newspapers/periodicals.

William Morris, the assistant to the Education Commissioners of 1846/7, was an active member of Capel Bethlehem Congregation. He was Master of two private schools: one at Caepantywyll and another at Cefncoedd-y-cymmer.

An interior view of Capel Bethlehem - Alan George

In 1846/7 it is reported that there were 37 private schools in Merthyr and Dowlais. In Caepantywyll there were three 'front room' schools and a further six schools that were held in public houses.

As stated at the beginning of this post, not much is known about Capel Bethlehem.

Once described as a hotbed of disease, Caepantywyll no longer exists. During the second half of the 20th-century Caepantywyll fell into decline. Some residents abandoned their houses and other gradually moved to the new housing estates. This led to the houses and Capel Bethlehem being demolished.

Outside Capel Bethlehem, c.1900.

The Christopher Family of Merthyr Cynog

As well as being able to trace the location of Bruce Davison's photograph, I decided to trace those who are remembered on that now famous headstone.

Sarah Hughes, the daughter of William and Margaret Hughes was born at Llanfairbryn, on the 2nd of January 1819. She was later baptised on the 17th of January at Pentretygwyn Chapel.

Sarah married her first husband, Thomas Davies at Salem Chapel, Llandovery on the 26th of August 1843. Although they were married in Llandovery, it seems that the couples Banns were read at St. David's Church, Tirabad, 10 miles north of Llandovery.

Sarah and Thomas had three children:

David, born on the 13th of August 1843: Born at Llanfairbryn.
Thomas, born on the 18th of April 1847: Born at Merthyr Cynog
John, born on the 2nd of May 1850: Born at Merthyr Cynog

The Census of 1851 tells us that Sarah, who is listed as a pauper and former wife of a labourer, was now living in Merthyr Cynog with her three children. By that time, it seems, that her husband Thomas had disappeared.

Roger Christopher was born on the 13th of March 1803 at Ysclydach. The son of David and Elisabeth Christopher, he was later baptised on the 20th of March at St. David's Church, Llywel.

Roger married his first wife, Mary Powell on the 13th of November 1827 at St. David's Church, Rhyd-y-bryw. The marriage Banns show that neither Roger or Mary could write. The witnesses to their marriage were Lewis Powell and Owen Evans.

Marriage Banns of Roger and Mary

Roger and Mary had one child, David who was baptised on the 18th of January 1829. It would seem that he was born a week or so before his baptism as Mary was buried at St. David's Church on the 12th of January that same year. From this, we can assume that she died as a result of childbirth. Mary died aged 27 years.

The Census of 1841 shows that Roger, now a widower, was living in the village of Pentrefelin with his mother and son David. At this time Roger was a labourer working on the Turnpike Road.
The Census of 1851 Census shows that Roger and his son were now living with his brother and his family in the village of Pentrefelin, At this time Roger is listed as an agricultural labourer.

Roger's son, David was buried at St. David's Church, Rhyd-y-briw on the 6th of May 1858. He died aged 29 years.

Roger and Sarah were married at St. Cynog's Church, Merthyr Cynog on the 7th of March 1859. Again, the Marriage Banns show that neither Roger or Sarah were able to write.

This time the Banns list the both their father's occupations: Roger's father, David was a Tailor and Sarah's father, William was a Labourer. The witnesses to their marriage were William Davies and James Price.

Marriage Banns of Roger and Sarah.

Their first son, Roger Christopher, was born on the 25th of January 1860 at Merthyr Cynog.

The Census of 1861 tells us that Roger and Sarah were now living at Merthyr Cynog with their one-year-old son Roger and Sarah's 11-year-old son John Davies. On this occasion, Roger is listed as being a navigator.

Their second son, Edward was born at Merthyr Cynog in August 1863.

The Census of 1871 tells us that Roger and Sarah were now living at 'No.6 Pontfaen Villiage.' They lived here with their sons, Roger aged 11 and Edward aged 7. At this time Roger is listed as an agricultural labourer.

On the 11th of April that same year, Roger Christopher died at Pontfaen Village aged 68. Unfortunately, I cannot find a record of Roger's burial.

Three years later, on the 2nd of July, their son Edward died aged 11. Edward was buried at Capel Bethlehem, Caepantywyll. Edward's place of death, Brecon Street, suggests that after the death of his father, the family moved close to Cyfarthfa Ironworks.

The Census of 1881 shows that by that time, Sarah and two of her children had moved to 40 Pontycapel Road. At this time Sarah is listed as a Domestic Servant. He son Roger now aged 21 is listed as a coal miner with his half-brother Thomas, aged 32, listed as an Iron Refiner.

The Census of 1891 shows the Christopher family living at the same address, 40 Pontycapel Street. Sarah lived here with her son Roger who is listed as a collier.

On the 6th of September 1900, Sarah died at 40 Pontycapel Road, aged 81. Sarah was buried with her son at Capel Bethlehem, Caepantywyll. The probate records show that on her death, Sarah left all of her effects to her son Roger. This amounted to £115 3s. 6.d.

Both the 1901 and 1911 Census tell us that Roger (Sarah's son) was still living at 40 Pontycapel Road. On both these occasions, Roger is listed as a Coal Hewer.

On the 6th of November 1912, Roger died at 4 South Terrace, Cefncoed-y-cymmer, aged 52. Roger was buried with his mother and brother at Capel Bethlehem, Caepantywyll. Probate records show that on his death, Roger left all of her effects to Evan Lougher secretary to the friendly society. His effects amounted to £736 18s. 1d.

Girl in a graveyard Bruce Davidson - 1965.

(Sources: Bruce Davidson - LLGC - Peoples Collection Wales - Alan George - Merthyr Burial Board - Merthyr Board of Guardians)

On the night of 12th of August 1872, Selina Jones was found dead at her home at Newcastle Hill. It was suspected that her death was caused by series of falls she had earlier that evening but over the days that followed something very different was uncovered.

Unfortunately, not much is known about the early life of both Thomas and Selina Jones. What little we know has been drawn from census records, court records, and newspaper articles.

The first record of the family living in Bridgend is the baptism record of their eldest daughter Esther Ann. Esther Ann was baptised at Nolton Church on the 1st of March 1861. At this time the Jones family were living at School Court.

By the time of the 1861 Census, the family were living at Phillips Court. Thomas lived there with his wife, Selina and their children: Henry and Esther Ann.

The Census record also shows that the Jones family shared their house with another family, the Davies'. These were: Esther Davies, Alfred Davies, and their two children. Both Thomas, Selina and Esther Davies are all listed as 'Hawkers.'

The 1871 Census tells us that the Jones family were now living at Newcastle Hill. Here Thomas and Selina lived with their children: Henry, Esther Ann, David, Shadrach, and Rosana. At this time, Thomas' mother, Ann, aged 79 was also living with the family. Again, Thomas and Selina are listed as 'Hawkers.'

On the night of the 12th of August 1872, Selina Jones was found dead at her home at Newcastle Hill. She was aged 42. Selina was buried at St. Illtyd's Church, Newcastle Hill.

In the days following her death, an Inquest was called. Upon the warrant of the Coroner, Thomas Jones was taken into custody on the charge of causing the death of his wife. Owing to the importance of the case, the Inquest was adjourned until the following weekend.

The Inquest into the death of Selina Jones resumed at The Angel Inn on the 23rd of August. The postmortem was performed by Dr. Leahy. He found a severe laceration on one part of Selina's body. He went on to say that haemorrhage from the womb caused her death, and that blood had flowed from wounds which were probably caused by a kick.

Thomas Jones appeared before Magistrates on the 24th of August and was committed to Cardiff Prison to await trial. He was later transferred to Swansea Prison on the 18th of February 1873.

The Assizes entry for Thomas Jones.

On the 6th of March 1873, after eight months in Prison, Thomas Jones stood trial on the indictment of “having feloniously, wilfully, and, of malice aforethought, killed and murdered his wife Selina Jones at Newcastle, near Bridgend on the 12th August, 1872.” At the coroner's request, Thomas was also charged with Manslaughter.

Mr. B. Williams and Mr. Arthur Williams were the prosecutions. Although undefended, Thomas attended the court at the request of Mr. Allen. Eleven witnesses, who were mostly neighbours, were examined during the trial.

The first witness to be sworn in called was Elizabeth Hapgood:

"I know the prisoner and his wife, and I remember her being in my house on the evening of the 12th of August, last. She had a pint of ale, and whilst she was in the house, her husband, the prisoner came in. At the time she had a pint of beer in her hand. She then left and he remained, and later in the evening, about nine o'clock, she returned, and the prisoner was still there."

"She was then the worse for drink. She came in and caught hold of a parcel he had and was about striking him with it. He jumped up and I went between them. Just then another man who was in the house also got up and took the deceased out and prisoner followed her, but came back in the course of a quarter-of-an-hour. In about another quarter-of-an-hour prisoner's little boy came in and said to the prisoner that the deceased was ill."

The second witness to be sworn in was William Home and said:

"I remember being in the Talbot on the night in question, and saw the deceased there; she had a pint of beer. Shortly after she had been there, prisoner came in, and when he saw his wife he told her to "go home," and she said “I won't go home," and he said I will make you," and prisoner gave her a push."

"Prisoner remained in the house afterwards drinking, and in about half-an-hour afterwards the wife returned to the house, strongly under the influence of drink. She appeared to be in a temper. Prisoner was sitting down on the settle with a bundle by his side. She caught hold of it and said, “I will have it," but he said" You shan't," and a struggle followed."

"Prisoner rose up his fist about to strike his wife, but he did not strike her. I went between them, and took her out to the door and put her in the direction of her home, and I persuaded her to go."

"It was about a quarter of an hour afterwards that the prisoner left, but again returned in a short time and sat down by me, and said to me "So help me God she (the deceased) won't come down for me again in a hurry."

"After the prisoner's little boy came down he said, "Father come home, my mother is ill," That was the first time the little boy came down, but prisoner did not go out. The little boy came down again and said, "Father come home, mother is dead." Prisoner said, “Drunk she is."

"The deceased used to drink heavily, and when drunk was often very quarrelsome."

Sarah Howe was next called and said: "I remember seeing the deceased on the evening of the 12th of August on her own doorstep. She was rather intoxicated, and abused everyone that passed. I walked down the length of two houses, and as I was returning I heard a plate being broken."

"I ran on towards her house, as there were two or three children about the door, and sent them away. I then heard her scream “Murder” three times, and exclaim “Oh Tom." The door was closed after these screams. I could see that it was open, but I could not see in. I do not know who closed it. "

"I often heard rows between the prisoner and the deceased, who was a woman of a very quarrelsome temper. Deceased was a very violent woman, and would abuse anyone that looked at her."

Mary Ann Phillips was next sworn in and said: "I was returning passed prisoner's house, and it was then about nine o'clock. My attention was attracted to prisoner's house by hearing screams, and in consequence, I stood opposite the door, which was then half-open."

"I looked through the half-opened door into the room, and I saw Selina Jones and the prisoner; I saw the prisoner strike his wife in the face. She was then sitting by the door, when he struck her she said: "Oh, Tom, don't." I then went away, leaving the deceased screaming. "

A view of Newcastle Hill.

Thomas Riley was next examined by Mr A. Williams and said: "On the evening of the 12th August I was passing prisoner's house with my wife, it was between nine and ten o'clock I heard a man saying “Give me my supper.”"

"I did not know whose voice it was I also heard a plate broken. I also heard screams, and a woman's voice saying" Oh, you have murdered me." I then went away, and saw the prisoner on the following morning, but not that night. I did not see prisoner that night, but I heard him coming to the door and say “Get up, you old sow, you are drunk.”

Thomas Jenkins, examined by Mr B. T. Williams, said: "On the evening of the 12th August, I was in The Lamb Inn, about nine o'clock, and prisoner came in there, and afterwards his mother came in and asked for 6d for tea and sugar, which he gave her."

"I also heard the prisoner tell the landlady to let her have some gin for his wife. Afterwards, prisoner said, “My wife is not what the man calls her a whore, but I have nearly done for her now."

Mary Jones was next called, and examined by Mr A. Williiams, and said:"I was passing it on the evening of the 12th August, between half-past nine and ten, when the prisoner's mother called me in. I went in and saw prisoner's wife sitting in a chair. I went up to her and found that she was quite dead and cold. I sent the little boy to fetch his father. There was a quantity of blood on the floor, and it appeared as if it had been washed up."

Ann Jones, the mother of the Thomas Jones was called, and said: "I am 81 years of age, and the mother of the prisoner' I lived with him and his wife Selina. It was about seven o'clock that the wife came home on the evening in question. She had been drinking before she came home."

"Selina suckled her child and then went out. I also went out afterwards to the public house and the deceased said, “Go home mother, I'll come after you. She soon afterwards came home, and was followed by her husband. It was about half-past nine that she came home and immediately after he came in, she up with a soup plate, and threw it at him."

"He then went out of the house, and she said she would follow him in a minute. She got up to go after him, but fell over the table, and the little boy and myself then caught hold of her arm, and she got up, and we put her in the armchair by the fire, and I thought she went to sleep."

"Soon afterwards I went up to her, and got a little alarmed because she did not speak. I then went to look for my son, the prisoner, and it was then I had the gin."

Ann was then questioned by the Judge.

The Judge:"Did she drink it?"
Ann Jones:"Yes. She was alive then, I am sure I put it to her mouth, and I am certain she swallowed it. I afterwards put my hands to her head. Afterwards, my son came home, and he sent for Dr. Jenkins. When my son gave me the gin, he told me to give it to his wife, as it would do her good and liven her up."

Dr. Jenkins, Bridgend, said: "On the night of the 12th August last, a little after 10 o'clock, prisoner and another man came for me, and the prisoner said he believed his wife was dead. I went directly, and I found the wife in the house seated in a chair by the fire. She was dead, and I thought at the time that she had been dead a quarter of an hour."

"I noticed the floor of the room was smeared with blood. By smeared, I mean that the blood had been washed up. I examined her and found blood on her clothes and legs. I did not examine her minutely because there were no external injuries. I thought I should have to make a postmortem examination."

Cross-examined by Mr. Allen: "It was a little after 11 o'clock when I was in the house. I formed no opinion then as to the cause of death. I did not make a post-mortem examination it was done by another gentleman in my absence."

Dr. Leahy deposed the making a post-mortem examination, the results of which he detailed:
"He was of opinion that she bled to death from the internal wounds, which corresponded with a slight external contusion which he found on her person, and such wound would have been produced by a kick."

"He did not think the wound could have been produced by a fall. He did not think that even the falling upon the leg of a table would have produced it. I do not think the weight of a body falling against the leg of a table would have produced the injuries.”

Helen Bevan was next called and said:“A little after ten, I went into the house, just as Dr. Jenkins was coming out, and I found the prisoner's wife sitting down in the chair. I undressed the deceased and washed her. On one of her cheeks, there was a slight discolouration. The witness also spoke to other marks of violence on the person of the deceased."

Thus ended the case for the prosecution.

The Jury afterward retired and having been absent a short time returned into court with a verdict of guilty of Manslaughter. The Judge deferred passing sentence, but at the rising of the Court sentenced the prisoner to ten years' penal servitude.

The mugshot of Thomas Jones taken at Pentonville Prison in 1874.

I have been able to obtain the prison records of Thomas Jones. It gives an interesting insight into the type of gentleman he was.

While at Swansea Prison Thomas is described as being 5ft6, with foxy red hair, blue eyes, and a light complexion. It is noted that he had five blue dots tattooed near his left thumb and is described as a Drunkard. At that time Thomas was unable to read or write.

He was suffering with the early stages of Syphillis, a compound fracture of the right leg and a joint ankle stiff.

On the 28th of April, he was transferred to from Swansea Prison to Pentonville Prison.

Thomas is described as being fat and having problems with both of his legs.
By this time he has lost most of his left little finger and had ulcers. At the time of his admission to Pentonville Thomas was 5ft6 and weighed 144lbs.

Shortly after his admission to Pentonville, Thomas was hospitalised with a large ulcer on his right leg. He stayed in the infirmary for for months.

On the 19th of January 1874, Thomas was transferred from Pentonville Prison to Portland Prison.

During his time at Portland, Thomas was hospitalised seven times for various complaints including Lumbago, Diarrhoea, and an abscess.

He served another six years of his sentence at Portland before being released on license on the 31st of December 1880.

The Licence for Thomas Jones

What happened to Thomas after his release from prison? Thomas Jones came back to Bridgend.

At the time of the 1881 Census, Thomas was lodging at 17 Newcastle Hill. He is listed as a 'Pedlar.'

By the time of the 1891 Census, Thomas had moved to Nolton Street. There he was lodging with eight others and is listed as a 'Hawker.'

In 1901 Thomas was an inmate at The Bridgend and Cowbridge Union Workhouse. Aged 80, he was listed as a 'Pauper' with his previous occupation being a 'Hawker.'

Thomas died at Bridgend and Cowbridge Union Workhouse in 1911 aged 91.

(Sources: NLW - Ancestry - Glamorgan Archives - Pentonville Prison)

A funeral at Llansteffan - Peoples Collection Wales

From Ty Corff to Sin-eating, I'll be exploring death, burial and mourning customs/ traditions relating to Wales. Although some of these will seem alien to us, these customs were an important part of the death and funeral process.

Ty Corff, Gwlynos, and the Funeral

In rural Wales, the death of a local person was formally announced by the bell of the parish church.

During the hours following the death, the 'Diweddu' took place at 'Ty Corff'. This was the washing and preparing of the body before it was placed in the coffin.

When the body was placed in the coffin, certain steps were taken that were thought to prevent decay and the influence of evil. A pewter plate filled with salt was placed on the chest of the deceased. In Betws-y-coed, a piece of green sod, wrapped in paper was used instead of salt. By this time, the coffin would have been moved into the family home. Members of the deceased family and neighbours volunteered to sit up each night in the room in which the body rested. This was known as 'Gwylio'r Corff.'

A 'Gwylnos' was held on the night before the funeral. In preparation for the 'Gwlynos', the room in which the corpse lay would be adorned with linen sheets with laurel leaves pinned to them. Two candles were then placed at the head and feet of the body. A variation of this practice was recorded in Pembrokeshire during the 1850s. This was in the form of a lighted candle on a plate placed on the chest of the deceased during the 'Gwylnos'.

An account by Lewis Morris of a 'Gwylnos' that took place in Anglesey during the mid-18th century:

“The night before Ye Burying all the neighbours & friends of Ye Deceased come & watch his Body & to say their prayers., or Pater nosters ye saying is, Padreua i'r Wylnos as they term it, and there sitt up all night a-drinking smoaking singing of carols or some ancient odes to ye purpose & playing all little mountebank tricks as they can think on to keep themselves awake.

At their entrance into ye house they first go to ye room where (the) dead Body lies & say the Lord's prayer kneeling by ye dead body, and when they get up one of ye nearest relations or masters of ye ceremonies give each a cup of ale & they are ordered to sit down. At ye dusk of the night an evening prayer is read by ye clergyman of ye parish or if not present by one of ye company.

The neglect of which they think to be a great slur on ye family. The singing of psalms if they can or else fall to singing of carols which are ancient songs containing Reflections upon death & Immortality of ye Soul.”

Wellcome Collection

According to a Pembrokeshire writer, that until the middle of the 18th-century it was common for the body of the deceased to be drawn up through the chimney of the house during the 'Gwylnos.'

On the day of the funeral, a corpse-bell or small hand bell was rung by the parish clerk who walked in front of the funeral procession. Every parish had a traditional route that the procession followed. It was believed that any other route taken would cause the deceased to have no rest.

During the funeral service, an offering of money was made as a mark of respect to the clergyman. Poor mourners would be expected to give at least sixpence or a shilling. The other mourners were expected to give at least half a crown or a crown. This money was placed on top of the coffin and collected at the end of the service.

A second offering of money was given at the graveside. This was called 'Arian Rhaw' (spade money) Named so as the money was collected in a spade over the grave by the parish clerk.

After the service, a custom known as the 'shot' was practised. This took place at a local public house, usually near the church. Beer was brought to the table in jugs, with small glasses. The person in charge would shout “Y mae 'r ty yn rhydd!” (The house is free!) The mourners would then drink the 'shot' until the beer was gone and it would be repeated until they could drink no more.

This was paid for by the mourners. The names and addresses of those who contributed to the 'shot' were written down and given to the family of the deceased. It was seen as disrespectful not to contribute to this custom.

Sin-eating

On some occasions after a sudden death, the local Sin-eater was called upon. This mysterious custom is known to have been practised in rural areas of Wales/Hereford and was usually associated with the poor classes. As the name suggests, the job of a Sin-eater was to 'eat' the sins of those who did not have the opportunity to confess their sins on their death bed.

The Sin-eater would eat bread and drink ale off the body of the deceased, thus absorbing his/her sins. This was thought to ease the passage to heaven as the deceased would not be weighed done by his/her sins.

The first record of the Sin-eater is found John Aubrey's 'Remaines of Gentilisme and Judaisme'written between 1687 – 1689.

“In the County of Hereford [there] was an Old Custom at Funeralls, to hire poor people, who were to take upon them all the Sinnes of the party deceased... The manner was that when the Corps was brought-out of the house and layd on the Biere; a Loafe of bread was brought out, and delivered to the Sinne-eater over the corps, as also a Mazar-bowle full of beer, which he was to drinke up, and sixpence in money, in consideration whereof, he took upon himself all the Sinnes of the Defunct, and freed him from Walking after they were dead.”

An article in the Lancaster Gazette described the Sin-eater as someone “who undertook so daring an imposture must all have been infidels, willing, apparently, like Esau, to sell their birthright for a mess of pottage.”

A later mention of this custom comes from the writer Mathew Moggridge in 1852. At a meeting of The Cambrian Archaeology Association, he describes the practice as follows:

“The custom of employing the sin-eater probably obtained in ancient times throughout a large portion of Wales and its Marches. When a person died, the friends sent for the sin-eater of the district, who on his arrival placed a plate of salt on the breast of the defunct, and upon the salt a piece of bread. He then muttered an incantation over the bread, which he finally ate—thereby eating up all the sins of the deceased. This done he received his fee of 2s. 6d., and vanished as quickly as possible from the general gaze; for, as it was believed that he really appropriated to his own use and behoof the sins of all those over whom he performed the above ceremony, he was utterly detested in the neighbourhood.”

Mourning Card - National Museum of Wales

Mourning Jewellery and Mourning Cards

Mourning rings and jewellery were worn to remind the living of their deceased relatives. As well as this, they reminded the wearer of their inevitable demise. Mourning jewellery came in various different forms including brooches, necklaces, and bracelets.

Families were able to send the hair to businesses that specialised in mourning jewellery.
The hair would be woven into a pattern and incorporated into a ring or another piece of jewellery.
Engraved on the back of the jewellery would be the name, age, and date of death of the loved one.

During the funeral of the Earl of Powis in 1801, memorial rings were distributed to those who attended the funeral. The Earl of Powis requested this in his Will and the rings were paid for by his estate.

Shortly after the death of Dr. Benjamin Franklin in 1790, Benjamin Rush gave a lock of Dr. Franklin's hair to Dr. Richard Price. When Dr. Price passed away the following year, a lock of his hair was taken and along with Dr. Franklin's was fashioned into part of a mourning ring.

Memorial Cards were often given out to friends and relatives at funerals. These were usually decorated with a black bordering, a verse, and illustration. On occasion, a photograph of the deceased would be included on the card. As well as being given out at individual funerals, Memorial Cards were given out at funerals of those who died during disasters.

The mourning ring containing the hair of Dr. Price & Dr. Franklin.

(Sources: Peoples Collection Wales - National Museum of Wals - Trefor Owen)

What is a Death Cafe?

In simple terms, a Death Cafe is an event where people meet, eat cake and discuss death. It is an informal get-together and an opportunity to talk about themes that are not often discussed, rather than a grief support or counselling session.

"to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives."

The Death Cafe movement was founded in 2011 by Jon Underwood. The first Death Cafe (in the UK) was held at Jon Underwood's home in Hackney. It was facilitated by Sue Barsky Reid, Jon's mother.

"As of today, we have offered 7333 Death Cafes in 61 countries since September 2011. If 10 people came to each one that would be 73330 participants. We've established both that there are people who are keen to talk about death and that many are passionate enough to organise their own Death Cafe."

You can read more about Death Cafe and its history on their website: https://deathcafe.com/what/

I was invited to host the first ever Death Cafe at St. Fagans National Museum of History. The focus of this Death Cafe was to explore mourning practices and how people are remembered in different cultures. A huge thank you to Curator Elen Phillips and Youth Engagement Officer Sarah Younan for facilitating this event and letting ramble about death!

'Life Is...' - Death

We visited the Death section of the new 'Life Is...' gallery. 'Life Is...' is one of three new galleries at

St. Fagans National Museum. This particular gallery showcases every day objects and the history behind them.

The Death section lets visitors discover people across time have dealt with death and remembered their loved ones. It houses many objects including a stone coffin, burial remains, mourning clothing, a horse-drawn hearse and a children's glassette.

Horse-drawn Hearse and Children's Glassette

It was common for parishes to purchase a hearse and rent it out to the parishioners. The horse-drawn hearse was used by the parishioners of Berriew until 1910. The children's glassette (coffin carrier) dates from the early 1900s. It was used by Clarks Undertakers in Wrexham.

The children's glassette and horse-drawn hearse.

Death on Site

For the next part of the Death Cafe, we visited three of the museums most iconic buildings to explore 'Death on site.'

Kennixton Farmhouse

Kennixton Farmhouse was originally situated in Llangennith and was moved to the museum in 1952. The earliest part of the farmhouse dates from 1610, with the later parts dating from 1680 and 1750.

The iconic red painted walls, originally painted with a mixture of ox-blood and lime, were painted this colour as it was believed that red protected people from evil spirits. The two carved figures that can be seen just inside the front door were another deterrent against evil spirits.

Kennixton Farmhouse.

Abernodwydd Farmhouse

Abernodwydd Farmhouse was originally situated in Llangadfan and was moved to the museum in 1951. The timber-framed building was built in 1678 with alterations made in 1708.

Abernodwydd houses an extremely interesting 'death-bed.' Carved on the headboard is a 'Memento Mori' to James Price, who died on the 4th of May 1658.

Detail of the 'Death-bed' photgoraphed by Geoff Charles.

The 'death-bed' is originally from Neuadd Lwyd Farmhouse in Rhayader. The Price family lived at the farmhouse for over 200 years. (I'll be writing a separate post about the history of the farmhouse and 'death-bed' in the near future.)

A crude figure of death can be seen holding a bow and arrow.Death is surrounded by hexfoils which are commonly known as 'Witch-marks'. These markings are believed to turn away, or ward off, evil.

"They are indeed hexfoils used as ritual protection marks. The marks were not just limited to buildings, but were used on objects as well. Particularly object that had a void or space that needed some form of spiritual protection. Therefore one of the most common places to find them is on chests and coffers - most particularly parish chests - but beds are also another commonplace.

You were considered to be most vulnerable to being interfered with by evil or malign spirits when asleep, so to defend the bedroom, or even the bed space itself, was simple common sense." - Matthew Champion, Medieval Graffiti Expert.

Pen-rhiw Chapel.

Pen-rhiw Chapel was originally situated in Dre- Fach Felindre and is thought to have been built as a barn during the early-18th-century. It was acquired as a meeting place for Unitarians in 1777. It was also used as a school and when it was dismantled in 1953 various ink bottles and quill pens were found under the floorboards.

Another interesting find during the dismantling of the chapel were two Welsh Nots. The 'Welsh Not' was used as a means to eradicate the Welsh Language in schools. It came in many forms, a block of wood, a stick, and a slate.

One of the chapels funeral biers and a temporary mort-safe can be found resting on the beams above the chapel. This was a common way of storing a funeral bier and in churches they can often be found resting on the beams above the porch.

The funeral bier was used to carry the coffin from a hearse to the service and then from the service to the graveside. Most churches/chapels had their own funeral biers but this chapel, in particular, was lucky to have more than one (including a child's bier.)

The temporary mort-safe was used to protect the grave after burial. The cage of iron would later be removed after the grave had settled. In some places, permanent mort-safes were used to protect the grave indefinitely. Before the appearance of iron mort-safes c.1816, large stones were sometimes used to protect the grave from any disturbance. One of the only surviving (permanent) mort-safes of this kind in Wales can be found in St. Cein's Churchyard, Llangeinor. It protects the grave of a young woman called Rachel.

Object Handling Session

Overseen by Elen Phillips, we held an object handling session. A huge thank you to Sarah and Abike for educating us on the Congolese Spirit Doll.

The Congolese Spirit Doll

Sarah Younan talked to us about a Congolese Spirit Doll that is housed in the collections at St. Fagans. The doll was acquired by Edward Lovett, a folklorist and collector of objects relating to folklore and community customs.

Sarah and the Spirit Doll

This spirit doll is thought to be a 'nkisi' doll from the Bakongo people who have a long tradition of metal work. In their tradition, metal carries meaning beyond its material function – it is seen as a substance that changes from one state to another. People who knew how to work metal also acted as priests and were part of initiated societies with secret knowledge.

The doll is a reminder of the deceased and also serves a ritual function as a ‘bridge’ between the living and the dead. By upholding the memory of the ancestor and performing rituals dutifully, the living remember, stay connected to and keep the spirit of the dead peaceful.

Mourning Jewellery

Mourning rings and jewellery were worn to remind the living of their deceased relatives. As well as this, they reminded the wearer of their inevitable demise. Mourning jewellery came in various different forms including brooches, necklaces, and bracelets.

Families were able to send the hair to businesses that specialised in mourning jewellery. The hair would be woven into a pattern and incorporated into a ring or another piece of jewellery. Engraved on the back of the jewellery would be the name, age, and date of death of the loved one.

Two 'Memento Mori Rings' - The one of the right contains the hair of Dr. Price & Dr. Franklin.

Shortly after the death of Dr. Benjamin Franklin in 1790, Benjamin Rush gave a lock of Dr. Franklin's hair to Dr. Richard Price. When Dr. Price passed away the following year, a lock of his hair was taken and along with Dr. Franklin's was fashioned into part of a mourning ring.

Memorial Cards & Plates

Memorial Cards were often given out to friends and relatives at funerals. These were usually decorated with a black bordering, a verse, and illustration. On occasion, a photograph of the deceased would be included on the card. As well as being given out at individual funerals, memorial cards and memorial plates were given out at funerals of those who died during disasters. Like the mourning jewellery, Memorial Plates were made to order and fully customisable. These plates were commonly produced after a disaster and over time became a sort of souvenir.

The Plate of a Sin-Eater.

After a sudden death, the local Sin-eater was called upon. This mysterious custom is known to have been practiced in rural areas of Wales/Hereford and was usually associated with the poor classes.

As the name suggests, the job of a Sin-eater was to 'eat' the sins of those who did not have the opportunity to confess their sins on their death bed.

The Sin-eater would eat bread and drink ale off the body of the deceased, thus absorbing his/her sins. This was thought to ease the passage to heaven as the deceased would not be weighed down by his/her sins.

Other objects included:

A sampler recording the deaths of three members of the Bowen family of Pyle.
Socks knitted by Eliza Lewis c.1850. They were to be worn on her death but she suffered from a condition that caused her legs to swell and at the time of her death, they did not fit her.
The fox-fur cap of Dr. William Price: Dr. William Price is best known for being the pioneer of modern cremation. He was a vegetarian nudist who believed in free love and herbal remedies.
A boot that was discovered in 1994 behind a fireplace at a house in Llanfachreth: Many believed that that hiding a child’s shoe in a chimney breast or in the walls of a house increased a couple’s chance of having children.

The sampler, death socks, fox-cap and child's shoe.

Jewellery Making Workshop

We ended Death Cafe with tea, cake, discussion, and a jewellery making workshop. Based on Victorian mourning jewellery, we were given the chance to make our own! People were encouraged to bring old photographs, clothes, hair or similar reminders of loved ones. Sarah led the way by craftting some jewellery made from her hair!

Cake and jewellery making!

(Sources: St. Fagans National Museum of Wales - Sarah Younan - Elen Phillips - Geoff Charles)

A view of the orginal Angelton Asylum Cemetery.

Following my posts about Dr Robert Sloss Stewart, Eleanor Davidson and Francis Hill, I have continued my research into the lives of the other seven 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.

In this post, I will be writing about Thomas 'King' Rees.

Out of the hundreds of men, women and children buried in the original Angelton Asylum Cemetery Thomas 'King' Rees is the only patient who has a gravestone. He is buried in the location where the staff of the asylum and their relatives are buried. It is clear that Thomas was a highly respected patient as his gravestone was paid for by the staff of Angelton Asylum.

"Erected by the Asylum Staff in Recognition of his kind unselfish and obliging nature."

The gravestone of Thomas Rees.

Although not much is known about his early life, I have found that his case file gives us a detailed insight into his personality and life during his time in the asylum system. Other information has been drawn from census records and burial records.

The first record of Thomas can be found on the 1841 Census. The 1841 Census tells us that Thomas was 20 years old and was a servant at Ynyscedwyn House in Ystradgynlais.

Thomas Rees was admitted to Vernon House Asylum as a pauper lunatic on the 13th of March 1846. He was sent there on the authority of the local relieving officer David Morgan and he was certified by surgeon William Ferry. At the time of his admission to Vernon House, he was a 25-year-old servant and his bodily condition is described as 'satisfactory.' The reason for admission is noted as 'Monomania'.

The Vernon House admission record for Thomas Rees.

Monomania: Exaggerated or obsessive enthusiasm for or preoccupation with one thing. The term was first used around 1810 by French psychiatrist Jean-Étienne Dominique Esquirol (1772–1840).

According to his admission record, it was his first attack and Thomas had been suffering from 'Monomania' for approximately 18 weeks before being admitted to Vernon House. Thomas assisted in the kitchens and was described as being “cheerful and obliging.” After 19 years and being declared as 'not improved', Thomas was transferred to Angelton Asylum on the 13th of September 1865.

The Angelton Asylum Case Files of Thomas Rees.

On admission to Angelton Asylum, Thomas described as “being slightly demented and has the delusion that he is King of Swansea.” By this time, the reason for his admission had changed to 'Dementia.'

Below are extracts from his case file – You will notice gaps between the dates as during those times he is described as being “the same.”

15th of September 1865: Seems to like the change although he left Briton Ferry (Vernon House) very reluctantly. Has begun at once to make himself useful with the Porter in the Dining Hall.

18th of September 1865: Doing very well. Has freedom on parole and is more willing to be useful in any way. There is something suggestive of General Paralysis (Syphilis) in his manner and conduct, although nothing definite.”

12th October 1865: Has settled very well, acts as Porters Assistant and is a most useful man. Conduct in all respects correct and noble. Seldom expresses his delusion although always called Thomas “King” and likes the title.

14th December 1866: Has been lately somewhat foolish – having demanded that one of the attendants be given to him, as he says "she is his wife."

10th June 1869: Has been troubled much of late with pains in several of his joints – seemingly rheumatic in their nature.

4th October 1869: Much the same – Joints better – acts as groom to the Medical Superintendent and is extremely proud of his post.

Extract from the Case File of Thomas Rees.

12th March 1871: The same – very useful but full of delusions.

10th June 1872: Much the same - full of delusions as to his own importance.

10th September 1873: Unchanged full of delusions as to his power and abilities – quiet and useful.

12th March 1874: Quiet, useful, demented. Has many delusions e.g that he is King of Swansea. That is wife is concealed in his hand. He talks eagerly up to his own window to someone he believes to be there, whenever he thinks he is not observed. Is very useful and trustworthy as a groom to the Medical Superintendent.

3rd September 1877: Demented, happy, useful.

12th December 1877:
A demented, happy, and useful man. Continues in full charge of Superintendent's carriage and horses. Is very trustworthy and careful. Behaviour good. - Ward 1.

3rd September 1878: Mentally unchanged. Has lately been suffering from lumbago but is now nearly well again.

11th December 1881: Still in charge of Superintendents Stable.

9th September 1883: No change. Was laid up a few days with slight diarrhoea but is out and about again as normal now.

25th April 1884: If anything rather more demented of late. Still looks after the Superintendents Stable and is full of delusions. He says "the 40 years are nearly expired and he must leave, the place be shut up and everyone go."

11th December 1884: Still full of delusions, but usefully employed and in good health.

16th November 1885: He becomes if anything a trifle sillier.

23rd August 1886: Since last note, he has refused to act as coachman to the Superintendent and he now attends to the dining hall. Mentally much the same.

24th May 1887: Much the same. Height: 5ft 3/12 | Weight: 10st.

20th July 1887: A contented civil and useful man, with exalted delusions.

26th November 1889: Mind much the same. About a month ago, patients appetite and strength failed a little though the patient himself would not admit that he was otherwise than in the best of health. He has a glass of port wine daily and has improved much. Usefully employed as before.

The entrance to Glamorgan County Asylum, 1898.

27th November 1890: Much the same. Is again having Port daily. Usefully employed in the dining hall and at the front door.

24 February 1891: Much the same. During the severe cold weather, he was looking thin and worn, since the weather became mild he has improved much. Exalted delusions, says "he is a King."

April 1891: He is demented and good natured and has many exalted delusions, says "he is a King"

6th April 1892: He is demented, talks incoherently and has exalted delusions. Memory impaired.

25th April 1893: A gentile contented old man with various delusions. He fails somewhat in behaviour and insight.

24th October 1893: Mentally there is no material change. Sight is failing from advancing cataracts.

11th January 1894: He continues bright, civil and industrious and is fair (in) behaviour. Sight slowly failing.

Thomas died at 8:10pm on the 2nd of March 1894. He was 72 years old and his cause of death was given as 'Senile Decay.' The extract from his case file below gives a detailed account of the day Thomas passed away.

He was seized with a sharp attack of Influenza on January 15th. There was great prostration with dryness of the respiratory tract and a weak heart. Troubled with a short cough. The pulse improved a little for a few days but his strength fluctuated much and he became gradually anaemic.

About the 3rd of February, the left leg became much swollen and oedematous, the swelling extended into the groin. The foot also was involved, he complained much of pain in the calf of (the) leg.

On the 6th he requested that his medicine be made more bitter.; the Nux Vomica was increased to m20. By the 13th the swelling of the left leg had greatly subsided but the right leg now began to swell up like the left.

This swelling has persisted. As he continued weak and was losing ground the above tonic was on the 22nd discontinued and Eastous Syrup given. This on the 26th was replaced by Quin Disulphide.

On the 28th the left lower lobe was dull. RM Tubular. Mucus tales in both lungs. Skin dry and scaly. Latherly appetite failed … at milk diet. Tongue became dry and glazed.

For several days he suffered from relapsed bowels. His daily allowance of Port was increased. His strength steadily failed.

This morning he was much worse and could not cough up the mucus. Bronchitis Kettle did not relieve. He gradually sank and died today at 8:10pm. He did not realise his condition and this
afternoon refused the consolation of religion.

Report to the Coroner regarding the death of Thomas Rees.

(Sources: Glamorgan Archives | National Library of Wales)

Morgannwg Journal - 1957.

In late 2018 I was approached by Lisa Tallis, the Assistant Librarian at Special Collections and Archives at Cardiff University and co-editor of the Morgannwg Journal to write a piece for their new section on online and digital resources. As someone who regularly uses the journal as a research source, I jumped at the chance to write for the journal.

What is the Morgannwg Journal?

The Morgannwg is the journal of the Glamorgan History Society. Founded in 1950, the Society promotes an encourages the study of the history of the county of Glamorgan. The Society published the first volume of its journal 'Morgannwg' in 1957. The bi-lingual publication was funded by Society subscribers and a donation from the Welsh Church Act Fund of Glamorgan County Council.

For more than fifty years, the Glamorgan History Society has played a prominent and highly respected role in encouraging the study of the history of Glamorgan in all its many aspects.

The Glamorgan History Society is open to all those with an interest in the history of Glamorgan. Annual membership costs £10. Each member receives a copy of the Society's journal and is entitled to attend the Annual General Meeting and the Autumn Day School. More information can be found here.

The National Library of Wales has digitalised past issues of the Morgannwg Journal (1957 - 2004) which can be accessed here.

A view of Bridgend.

Many of my readers do not have access to the Morgannwg Journal so I wanted to publish my article here. I hope that you will find it of interest. A huge thank you to both editors Lisa Tallis and Prof. Madeleine Gray for their help and encouragement.

'Hellohistoria' was founded in 2012 as a way for me to share my passion for local history. In the beginning, the blog focused solely on the history of Bridgend. I wanted to make local history more accessible.

My first blogpost was about my first visit to St. John's House, the oldest habitable house in Bridgend Town. This was picked up by various media outlets and it seems to have flourished from there. As I result of that article have now been involved with the house for nearly seven years.

I've been working with St. John's House as a researcher for nearly seven years. My focus is on the social history of the house, I'm interested in who lived, worked, and played there. The house was built c.1511, that's 507 years of occupancy! That said, the bulk of my research involves transcribing records. For example, at the moment I am transcribing the Edward Loveluck Papers relating to St. John's House.

I founded Remembering Bridgend in 2012/13 as a 'sister' site to 'hellohistoria'. It was set up as a platform for people to share their memories, photographs, and stories. Again, this was a way of making local history more accessible. I wanted to share my research with people who had the same passion for our town as I did but didn't have access to local history resources.

People from all over the world can now access the history of Bridgend, no matter what their connection is with our town. People have reconnected with long lost friends and relatives have been reunited through Remembering Bridgend. At the moment the page following stands at 17,000 people.

As my interests changed and developed, so did my blog. I've slowly drifted away from focusing solely on Bridgend. It took me a while to do so as at the start, I felt that I was betraying my home-town by exploring history in other areas of Wales.

The concept of betraying my home-town seems rather silly now, but at the time it was very real. I can now say it was a very good decision to do so. Drifting away from local history has enabled me to explore parts of Welsh history that have always interested me. I'm not so much confined to the one place or governed by the history of one town. There's a whole country for me to write about and explore. I now write and research to feed my own curiosity.

Detail of a memorial at Amroth Parish Church.

I became interested in what some would call 'morbid' aspects of history. I first became interested in the death aspect of history when I started visiting churches more frequently. I became interested in the lives of the people buried in the churchyards and burial grounds. Who were they? Where did they come from? What lives did they lead?

It reminded me that at some point, everyone is important to someone. People buried yesterday are no different from people buried hundreds of years ago. They were important to someone. They loved and they were loved. So I started writing about them. I created a series of sorts called 'Who is buried here?.' My aim was/is to explore and research the little-known burial grounds in the area.

My first was about a tiny chapel-yard at the top on Newcastle Hill. The chapel-yard was one that I had walked through countless times. It once housed the Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel which was founded in 1789. When the congregation moved to a new chapel in 1890, the chapel and chapel-yard fell into disuse. It is now nothing more than a mess of tipped and smashed gravestones.

“There are three deaths. The first is when the body ceases to function. The second is when the body is consigned to the grave. The third is that moment, sometime in the future, when your name is spoken for the last time.” - David Eagleman.

When I write about these people, they are remembered again for one moment. I like to be able to look at a grave and have some sort of concept of who that person was, what they did and what their life was like. My most recent post in the 'Who is buried here?' series is about those buried in Angelton Asylum Cemetery.

Now, I write about everything from corpse candles to haunted beds. My most recent being about Sin-eating and the history of the Welsh funeral. My interests are still and will always be developing but for now, my focus is on death and mourning.

Angelton Asylum Cemetery.

A postcard of Angelton Asylum, Bridgend.

Those who follow my work will know that I am currently researching and writing about the patients of Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum. This is my second blogpost about a patient of Angelton Asylum, the first post being about Thomas 'King' Rees. It is interesting to note that the gentleman I am writing about in this post would have known Thomas.

In this post, I write about Arthur Henry Banner.

Arthur was the son of one of the first members of the rural police force at Newbridge. He was a husband, a father and a grocer. He was one of the few who were not buried in the Angelton Asylum Cemetery. His family paid for his body to be removed from the asylum and to be buried with his family.

Although not much is known about his life, I have found that his case file gives us a detailed insight into his time at the asylum. Other information has been drawn from census records and burial records.

A view of St Nicholas Village, Vale of Glamorgan.

Arthur Henry Banner was born in March 1837 at Regent Place, Bedminster. He was the youngest of three children born to Esther and her husband Philip Banner. Their eldest child, Henry Arthur died in 1834 aged 9 months. Hannah, their middle child, Arthur's older sister was born in December 1835.

The 1841 Census tells us that the Banner family had moved from Bedminister to Newbridge (now Pontypridd) At this time Philip Banner was employed as a Policeman. Both Hannah and Arthur are listed as scholars. An article in The Glamorgan, Monmouth and Brecon Gazette and Merthyr Guardian published in March 1841 details an arrest made by Philip Banner at Newbridge. In this article, he is described as being “one of the rural police.”

In 1843, Arthur's mother, Esther died aged 44. By this time the family were living in the village of St Nicholas in the Vale of Glamorgan. She was buried in what is now the Banner Family plot at St Nicholas Parish Church.

In 1846 Philip married his second wife, Elizabeth Hopkins. The 1851 Census tells us that the Banner family (with the exception of Hannah) were living in the village St Nicholas. Hannah was living at Dyffryn House where she worked as a scullery maid. Again, Philip was employed as a Policeman and Arthur is listed as being a scholar.

In 1853, Philip Banner became the innkeeper of The Three Tuns Inn, St Nicholas (now a private residence) – Sadly, he died the following year and was buried with his first wife at St Nicholas Parish Church. Hannah Earl (nee Banner) inherited The Three Tuns Inn and it stayed in the family until her the death of her niece in 1946.

The 1861 Census tells us that Arthur, now 24, was employed as a grocer and was staying at a house in Main Street, Pembroke. It was during this year that he met his soon to wife Anne Danson Strawson.

Anne was born at Smith Street Llanishen in July 1835. She was one of nine children born to George Smith Strawson and his wife Ann. The 1841 Census tells us that the Strawson family were living at Smith Street, Llanishen. Her father, George, was a self-employed architect.

After her mother's death in 1847, Anne lived with her grandparents at Blue House Farm in Llanishen. She lived here until her marriage to Arthur in 1861.

Marriage Banns for Arthur and Anne Banner.

On December the 16th 1861, Arthur married his wife Anne Danson Strawson at St Isan's Church in Llanishen. At the time of their marriage, Arthur was employed as a grocer. Anne was employed by her grandmother as the housekeeper at Blue House Farm in Llanishen. The following year, Anne gave birth to a son Philip William Banner. He was baptised at St John the Baptist Church, Cardiff on 26th November 1862.

“A tall respectable-looking man – speaks quite rational, though with very marked hesitation of speech.”

The events that led up to Arthur being admitted to Angelton Asylum are unknown. He was admitted to Angelton Asylum on the 15th of April 1870. His admission record tells us that this was his first attack and Arthur had been suffering from insanity for nine months prior to his admission to the asylum. His reason for admission is noted as General Paralysis and was thought to have been caused by “over-free indulgence” in alcohol.

“Having the delusion that a neighbour wishes to shoot him. Great hesitation in answering questions – timid manner – loss of memory – fancying he hears people talking about him – one of the facts indicating insanity given in statement.”

The Angelton Asylum Case File of Arthur Banner.

Below are extracts from his case file – You will notice gaps between the dates as during those times he is described as being “the same.”

16th April 1870: Had a very good night and slept well – is quite rational.

20th April 1870: Very apprehensive of evil befalling his friends and himself.

23rd April 1870: Extremely miserable – declares that his wife and boy have been shot and that their bodies are lying uncovered and weltering in blood “outside somewhere” - will not be pacified – tonight a dose of Chloral Hydrate has composed him.

28th April 1870: Rather better again, laughs at his late delusions but replaces them by other of a less miserable nature.

11th May 1870: More composed -assists in the ward.

20th May 1870: Getting more confused and lost – frequently wets himself.

10th June 1870: Disease slowly progressing and he is now in Ward 3.

22nd June 1870: Is labouring under a congestive attack and is restless and excited – is much prostrated and quite unable to stand.

12th July 1870: Better and going about again though still very shaky.

10th August 1870: The same – mind much weakened.

14th February 1871: In much better BH – but is very week mentally although he can speak quite rationally.

7th June 1871: Sometimes irritable and disconnected and threatens the asylum officers with lawsuits to get damages for his detention here. Generally quiet, ill and well behaved.

15th December 1871: Calmer and more contented. About six weeks ago had a severe pneumonic attack but is now much as usual again.

16th March 1872: Quiet and contented, mind much weakened.

26th September 1872: Unchanged, quiet, useful, harmless and demented.

23rd December 1872: The same – assists Porter in the Dining Hall.

12th June 1874: Quiet, useful, demented. Assists in the hall and at door. Writes long rambling incoherent letters to his friends.

11th December 1875: Speech and BH failing markedly, but is still able to assist in Dining Hall.

"Has been failing much in B.H of late.

Is now in Ward resting quietly."

September 1876

Arthur died at 8:45am on the 14th of November 1876. He was 39 years old and his cause of death was given as 'Disease of the Heart.' The extracts from his case file below detail the days leading up to his death.

8th November 1876: Very ill and constantly confined to bed. Has for some time been suffering for symptoms of cardiac disease which is now fully developed Oedema of the legs and face considerable and dyspnoea very great.

14th November 1876: Has been gradually getting worse becoming more feeble daily and died today at 8:45 am.

Arthur was one of the few people who were not buried in the Angelton Asylum Cemetery. His family paid for his body to be removed from the asylum to be buried at St Nicholas Church. He was buried in the Banner Family Plot on the 20th of November 1876.

Anne Danson Banner never re-married and continued to live in Cardiff until her death in 1921. Their son Philip married his wife Catherine in 1902. He became a well-known salesman to the Naval Collieries. He survived his mother by five years and died in 1926. They are all buried together in the Banner Family Plot at St Nicholas Parish Church in the Vale of Glamorgan.

The gravestone of Arthur Banner and his wife Anne Danson Banner at St Nicholas Church, Vale of Glamorgan.

(Sources: Glamorgan Archives | National Library of Wales)

Detail of the letter.

While going through the National Museum of Wales Collections, I came across a love-letter. Addressed to a 'Miss Sarah Al..' of the 'Glove and Shears, Bridgend', it is posted marked 14th of February 1845. It contains beautiful handwritten pieces of poetry.

"Excuse me, dear, for being so bold,

As not write your name in gold,

the gold was scarce as you may think,

that made me write your name with ink."

(You can view the love-letter here.)

Detail of the letter.

Although the letter isn't signed and despite the lack of information, I have been able to trace the recipient of the letter. Her name was Sarah Allen and she was 20 years old when she received the letter.

Sarah was baptised at St Mary's Church, Nolton on the 26th of November 1825. Sarah was one of eight children born to Isaac and Mary Allen of Oldcastle.

The 1841 Census tells us that Sarah was living with her family in Oldcastle. They lived in a house in what now is known as Nolton Street. At the time of the census, her father, Isaac is listed as a 'skinner & glover.'

The 'Lower Hamlet of Coity' Tithe Map of 1842 tells us that Isaac was paying 6d in tithes to Rev. John Harding. The landowner was the Earl of Dunraven and the apportionment is listed as 'House and Garden'. It is interesting to note that the house where the Allen family lived was next to the first Police House in Bridgend.

We know from the letter that at some point between 1842 and 1845, their dwelling became 'The Glove and Shears' Public House. We can assume that the public house takes its name after the occupation of its owner.

Bridgend Petty Sessions mentioning Isaac Allen.

In 1845, Sarah then aged 20, received a love letter from her admirer. A month prior to receiving the letter, Sarah's mother, Mary, died aged 54 years old.

In September of the same year, Isaac was charged at Bridgend Petty Sessions with “keeping his house open after the hour of ten o'clock at night.” He was fined £1 7s 10d.

The 1851 Census tells us that the Sarah lived with her father and two of her brothers at 'The Glove & Shears'. Isaac, now a widower, was listed as being a 'skinner & publican'. John and Thomas his sons are also listed as a 'skinners'. Sarah, now aged 25, does not have a listed occupation.

The Welcome to Town, 1900.

In 1851, Sarah married Thomas George, a local butcher, at St Mary's Church, Nolton. Thomas was baptised at St Mary's Church, Nolton on the 22nd of July 1821. He was the only child of William and Margaret George of Oldcastle. Thomas' father was a farmer who worked a stretch of land from Freeschool Court to Coychurch Road.

Sarah and Thomas had seven children, six of whom survived infancy.

Twin boys Isaac and William who were baptised in February 1854.
Thomas who was baptised in July 1855.
Mary Margaret who was baptised in October 1857.
Sarah Allen who was baptised in May 1859.
Margaret who was baptised in November 1860 but sadly died five months later.
Margaret who was baptised in June 1863.

The baptism record of their son Thomas lists his father Thomas as a 'Publican.' Later in 1859, a notice in 'The Cardiff Times' announcing the birth of Sarah and Thomas' daughter Sarah, lists Thomas as the landlord of the 'Welcome to Town'.

The Welcome to Town Inn (now a derelict building) is situated on the junction of Nolton Street and Freeschool Court. It was the haunt of many travellers and locals during its 150+ years as a public house.

The 1861 Census tells us that Sarah and Thomas were living in Freeschool Court with their five children. Although the name of the dwelling isn't mentioned, we can assume that they were living at the 'Welcome to Town Inn.' The census record shows that the family employed a nurse and general servant.

On the 4th of January 1868, Sarah died aged 42 years old. Her cause of death is noted as pneumonia of which she had been suffering from for three weeks. The informant listed on her death certificate is John Cooke. John was the husband of Sarah's sister Elizabeth. John and Elizabeth lived a few doors down from the Welcome to Town Public House. As the address on the death certificate is simply given as Nolton Street, it could be that Sarah was at their residence when she died. Sarah was buried at St Mary's Churchyard, Nolton three days later.

The death certificate of Sarah George.

The following year, the license for the 'Welcome to Town Inn' was transferred to John Davis and the family moved to Coychurch Road. In 1871 tragedy struck the George family again when their eldest son Isaac was 'lost with all hands' in the Barque Mangosteen. This was followed by the death of their son William in 1880 and their daughter Sarah in 1882.

The 1871 Census shows that Thomas and his family were living at 13 Coychurch Road. Here Thomas lived with four of his children who are all listed as Scholars. Thomas is listed as being a butcher.

The 1881 Census shows that Thomas and his family were still living at the same address. Living with his three daughters, the census listed Thomas' occupation as a Butcher. His daughter Sarah is listed as a Dressmaker, Margaret is listed as a pupil-teacher and Mary does not have a listed occupation.

The 1891 Census shows Thomas living at the same address. Thomas lived there with his daughter Mary who is listed as a 'domestic housekeeper'.

Thomas George died on the 20th of October 1892, aged 71 years. He was buried with his wife and children at St Mary's Churchyard, Nolton.

The gravestone of Sarah and her family.

The gravestone of Sarah and her family,

(Sources: NLW Welsh Newspaper Archive - NLW Wills - NMW Online Collections)

A view of Bridgend.

On the 4th of June 1849, two petitions were sent to the General Board of Health on behalf of the inhabitants of the hamlets of lower Coity and lower Newcastle – what we now know as Bridgend Town Centre. These petitions requested advice and instructions on to deal with the dangerous sanitary conditions of the town and the growing fear of Cholera.

As a result of these petitions, George T Clark of Talygarn was commissioned to carry out an inquiry into the sanitary conditions of Bridgend. This inquiry took place between the 8th and 11th of August 1849.

His report led to the formation of the Bridgend Local Board of Health. The Bridgend Local Board of Health (The Local Board) had its first meeting in September 1851. It assumed the responsibilities of Bridgend's first local government. As a result of its formation, Newcastle officially became part of Bridgend. For the first time, the town was regarded as one entity instead of two separate hamlets.

George T Clark's report gives us a glimpse into the grim reality of life during the 1840s. Many of us look back with rose-tinted glasses and imagine Bridgend as the picturesque town that is presented to us in Francis Frith photographs.

An extract from the report.

Evidence from the Sanitary Committee

As part of the report, evidence was submitted to Clark in the form of an earlier report written by the Local Sanitary Committee. The earlier report contains statements from Dr Abraham Verity, Captain Napier and Superintendent Sadler.

Dr Abraham Verity described Phillips Court in his statement: “Fever in this court is often prevalent and extends from house to house, and, in many cases, has proved fatal.”

“No 1 consists of two bedrooms. Five persons sleep in two small beds. The walls are black with filth; the ground-floor is very damp; there is no drainage.”

“No 5 consists of three rooms. There are seven beds in which 25 persons sleep; the ground-floor is very damp; the house altogether is in a filthy state. When entered, the stench is unbearable.”

“In this court, the houses and rooms are very small. The total number living in the court is 88. All the houses are dark, gloomy, and extremely filthy. The windows are very small; capable, if wide open, of ventilating the rooms but very imperfectly. Yet the windows are not only kept permanently closed but are carefully and firmly pasted all round so that not the slightest breath of air can enter. I was told by the woman that her children and herself would starve with the cold, having no means of procuring fuel.”

Captain Napier described the lodging houses in the town: “The low lodging-houses, till lately, have been overcrowded with tramps and navvies; in one room of 10 feet square, slept 12 or 14 navigators, in beds which were never suffered to cool, since by day they were occupied by women, and at night by men.”

Superintendent Sadler described how water is supplied to the inhabitants of the town:"Water is in general supplied to the houses from the river by females, who are employed to carry it in pails, containing from six to eight gallons, and for which they are paid at the rate of 1/2d. per pail."

An extract from the report.

Clark's Inspection

During Clark's inspection of the town, he was accompanied by Rev. Knight, Rev. Harding, Captain Napier, Mr Cox, Mr Price, Mr Edwards and Superintendent Sadler.

High Street (now Dunraven Place).
“The buildings between the Town Hall and the river are very badly drained. There is no pump. The inhabitants are allowed to go to the Globe Inn pump. The house-filth is thrown into the river and the street gutter. Mr. Thomas, tailor, rents a 5/. house, without privy or back premises. The other houses are much in the same condition. The street is badly paved, the yards unpaved and filthy. The lower part of High-street, near the new and old bridges, is occasionally flooded.”

David's Court
“...is unpaved, occasionally flooded, and in one corner there is a filthy ash-heap. There is no privy, and the refuse is thrown into the gutter. The inhabitants pay about 3lper annum rental. They would willingly pay 2d. a-week for a water supply.”

Adare Street
“..much of which is new, is unpaved, and at the time of my visit was a pool of water and mud. The houses are let at from 15/. to 18/. per annum each, but are very deficient in privies, and without water.”

Elder Street
Elder Street is described as having “a culvert, but the drainage from the houses does not enter it, but trickles by an open gutter down the road. They are without privies, and obtain their water from the river or the market pump.”

Union Street (now Market Street)
“..contains nine houses, with only one privy, which is also public. The house-drains pass close beneath the floor, and discharge into the street gutter. The cesspool is placed on ground higher than the houses, and the smell is much complained of.”

An extract from the report.

Paradise Road
“...is a cluster of six houses, with only one privy. Here the refuse is cast into an open pool. There is no supply of water. The yard is ill-paved and damp. In the street is a public dung-pit and a very filthy pigsty. There is no privy, and the house filth is cast into the public road.”

Irish Court
“At its entry is an open and very offensive dung-heap. Here are eight houses with a crowded population, and without either water or privies. The court is unpaved, and the lodgers taken in are of a very bad description."

The Rue (The Rhiw)
“...contains 14 houses. They are without water. In the street is an open gutter, and behind are very close and filthy yards, unpaved and wet, and draining upon the houses. At the lower part of this street is a tan-yard and next to it a fellmongery. The smell of the latter is complained of.”

Newcastle Hill
"Bad as is the state of things in Oldcastle, it is as bad, perhaps in some parts worse, on the Newcastle side of the river. The cottages above and about the Castle and Church are absolutely without drains at all; and many of the people bring their water from the river, 100 feet or more below them. The streets are ill-paved and undrained, and damp, even though built on very steep ground. Lower down, several of the houses are within reach of floods. Ten houses here have only one privy, and the want of water is universal. The people, to save the labour of going to the river, even take water from a stagnant and dirty horse-pond in Captain Napier's stable yard."

Remedies and Recommendations

"It appears from this inspection of Bridgend that the town is badly drained and very badly supplied with water, that the cottage tenements are in several parts wholly without privies, and nowhere even tolerably supplied in this respect, and that in consequence of the damp and filth thus produced, there are parts of the town m which epidemic disease is frequent and severe."

Clark finishes his report by recommending the formation of a local government with powers extending over the town and surrounding suburbs. Known as 'the Local Board' the board was now in charge of the management of highways, sewers and the water supply of the town.

He recommended that the “provision of a proper water supply, sewerage, and the improvement of the house arrangements” should be the first priority for the newly formed board.

His other recommendations included:

A filtering tank being constructed near the river.. "with a small steam-engine set up, by means of which the water should be raised into a service reservoir containing two to four days' supply, and placed upon the summit of the hill above Newcastle."
The construction of the main drain on each side of the river.
That two privies be erected for every three cottages and at least one water tap to the same number.
Cess-pools to be filled up and proper dustbins for ashes to be provided.

Unfortunately, not all of the recommendations were carried out. The Local Board failed to provide a proper water supply. In 1857 Caroline, Dowager Countess of Dunraven paid for a pipeline to be laid from a spring near Sarn to a water trough and tap on the corner of Court Road. This water was freely available to everyone.

A view of Caroline Street, 1870.

(Sources: Wellcome Trust | WelshNewspapersOnline | Dr Randall)

The headstone of Pte. Charles William Murphy.

Those of you who live locally will know the story of the 'lonely soldier' buried in a 'field' behind Glanrhyd Hospital. People say that he died of shell-shock, others say that he was abandoned by his family and that he is buried on his own.

What is the truth? Is he on his own? How did he die?

Charles isn't on his own. That 'field' people speak of is one of three is Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum burial grounds. He is buried with hundreds of men, women and child patients of Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum.

We only remember him because he has a headstone. He is not any more or any less important than the others buried there. Sharing the truth about his death does not tarnish his memory. He was loved. He left behind a wife and three young children.

Who was he? In this blogpost I shed light on the man who is known as the 'lonely soldier.'

The headstone of Pte. Charles William Murphy.

Charles William Murphy born at Cardiff in 1882. He was one of seven children born to John and Caroline Murphy of Canton.

The 1891 Census tells us that Charles was living with his family at Severn Road in Canton. He lived there with his mother Caroline, three of his siblings and his maternal grandfather. The census also tells us that the family employed two servants.

The 1901 Census tells us that Charles, his siblings and grandfather were living with his parents in Neath. By this time John and Caroline were running 'The Cross Keys Hotel' at St David's Street. Charles is listed as being a Grocers Assistant. Again, the census tells us that the family employed two servants.

A view of Jersey Road, Blaengwynfi.

On the 27th of January 1909, Charles married Maude Eliza Saunders at Merthyr. Born at Cinderford in 1886, Maude was the daughter of William and Ellen Saunders. It is not known why Maude came to Wales but the 1901 Census tells us that she was living with her uncle and auntie at 25 Upper Lime Street in Swansea.

Charles and Maude had three children

Dora Maud who was born on the 14th of May 1910.
Roy William Charles who was born on the 5th of January 1912.
Leslie Charles who was born on the 15th of February 1917.

The 1911 Census tells us that Charles and Maude were living 11 Jersey Road in Blaengwynfi. Charles is listed as a club steward (and Maude a stewardess) at the Workmens Club & Institute Blaengwynfi. At the time of this census, their daughter Dora was 10 months old. The census also shows that the family employed a servant.

On the 11th of December 1915, Charles enlisted at Porth. At the time of his enlistment, Charles living in Maerdy and working as a colliery repairer which was a reserved occupation. As a result of this, he was put into the Army reserves on the 12th of December 1915.

Charles was mobilised on the 14th of September 1917 and became attached to the 1st (Reserve) Battalion Monmouthshire Regiment as a Private on the 15th of September 1917.

On the 1st of October 1917, Charles was admitted to Oswestry Military Hospital. The reason for admission is noted as “Delusional Insanity.” He spent 13 days in the military hospital and with no improvement was sent to the Welsh Metropolitan War Hospital (Mental Division) at Whitchurch.

On his arrival at the Welsh Metropolitan War Hospital, Charles was diagnosed with General Paralysis of the Insane.

“Patient is becoming demented - simple facile – restless – has delusions of grandeur.”

"Wasserman reaction: Strongly positive

Nonne Apelt cell count: 252 per mm."

The Wasserman reaction test was the anti-body test for General Paralysis of the Insane. The Nonne Apelt cell test was used to determine the extent of the disease on the central nervous system. Whereas the Nonne Apelt cell test was carried by testing the spinal fluid of the patient, the Wasserman reaction test was carried out by testing both the spinal fluid and blood of the patients.

Charles' discharge documents.

While still in hospital, Charles was officially discharged from the Army on the 1st of January 1918. His discharge record gives us some interesting details about him. This record helps us to build a mental image of what Charles would have looked like.

Description at the time of discharge:

Age: 36

Height: 5ft6

Chest measurements girth when fully expanded: 37 inches (range of expansion: 2 inches)

Eyes: Brown

Hair: Black

Trade: Colliery Repairer

Military character: Good

Character awarded in accordance with King's Regulations:

His conduct during service has been good.

Statement of Services:

Attested: 11/12/1915

To Army Reserve: 12/12/1915

Mobilized: 14/9/1917

Posted: 15/9/1917 (1st (Reserve) Battalion, Monmouthshire Regiment)

1/1/1918: No longer physically fit for war service.

On the 5th of March 1918, Maude applied for Charles' war pension. His pension amounted to £25.
The pension application record gives us further insight into his condition.

It states that he had “Constitutional Syphilis” (advanced syphilis) which was “aggravated” by military service. It also states that he required care and supervision at home.

Charles' death certificate lists his previous address as 'The Dunns, Mumbles' which at that time was the Victoria Red Cross Hospital. This suggests that after his time at the Welsh Metropolitan War Hospital, he was sent to another hospital. Whether this was due to Maude not being able to care for him at home, we do not know.

A view of Angelton Asylum - Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum.

On the 1st of June 1918, Charles was admitted to Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum. His reason for admission is noted as "mental stress." His was occupation is listed as "Soldier" but at some point, this was changed to his previous occupation as a "colliery repairman."

On the 31st of July 1918, Charles died aged 36 at the Angelton in Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum. He died as a result of General Paralysis of the Insane and Lymphangitis - which is a complication caused by General paralysis of the Insane. His death certificate lists his occupation as "ex-private 1st Monmouthshire Regt" and “Colliery Repairman.”

Charles' death certificate.

When a patient died, and the body was not claimed or in most cases, the family could not afford to bury them, the patient was buried in the asylum cemetery.

Charles William Murphy was buried in the Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum burial ground at Angelton on the 5th of August 1918. His burial ceremony was performed by Rev. Jones.

At the time of his burial, he was not classed as a war casualty as he was not an active serviceman. Those who died in Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum and were classed as war dead at the time of their burial were buried at Bridgend Cemetery on Cemetery Road.

It wasn't until 1921 that Charles and many others all over the world became classed as war dead.

Why is his gravestone still there? Charles' gravestone is still there as it is legally protected by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and cannot be removed.

The headstone of Pte. Charles William Murphy.

(Sources: Wellcome Collection - Glamorgan Archives DHGL Series - National Archives)

A view of Angelton Asylum.

In this blogpost, I explore the lives of two women; Margaret and Jessie. Known simply as Mrs Yellowlees and Mrs Pringle, they were the first wives of Dr David Yellowlees and Dr Henry Turnbull Pringle of Angelton Asylum.

On the surface, it would seem that the only connection they have is that they were both 'just' doctors wives. Although they died 27 years apart there is a much deeper connection between them. Margaret and Jessie both lived in the same house, walked the same corridors, ate with the same dinner guests and both tragically died young.

Unfortunately, but unsurprisingly, the lives of Margaret and Jessie have not been documented in great detail. The following information has been drawn together from various certificates, newspaper articles, and archive material.

Margaret Eliza Yellowlees (née Spence)

Margaret Eliza Spence was born in Otley in 1840. She was one of five children and the only surviving daughter of Dr John Spence and his second wife Eliza.

The 1841 Census tells that Margaret was living with her family at Westgate, Otley. She lived there with her father Dr John Spence, who was a local surgeon, her mother Eliza and five of her siblings. Her brothers John and William (from her father's first marriage) are both listed as being in the medical profession, John being an apprentice surgeon and William being an assistant medical doctor.

Westgate, Otley.

The 1851 Census tells us that Margaret, her parents and two of her siblings were living at Westgate. The census also tells us that Peter Stark (assistant surgeon to Dr John Spence) was living with the family. At this time the Spence family employed a Groom, House Servant and Cook.

The 1861 Census tells us that Margaret and her mother Eliza were staying at Royal Well Terrace in London. This could have been to visit Dr Seymour. Throughout her life, Margaret had been treated for 'Tic Douloureux' by Dr Seymour.

Tic Douloureux: ".. a painful disorder of the trigeminal nerve, characterized by severe pain in the face and forehead on the affected side, extending to the midline of the face and head, triggered by stimuli such as cold drafts, chewing, drinking cold liquids, brushing the hair, or washing the face.”

On the 29th of December 1863, Margaret married Dr David Yellowlees at St Oswald's Church in Otley. Born in 1837, Dr David Yellowlees was the son of David and Margaret Yellowlees of Stirling. The 1861 Census tells us that David was living at West Terrace, Otley. It was there that he worked as a doctor in private practice.

Margaret's signature.

In the same year of their marriage, David became medical superintendent of the newly built Angelton Asylum. Soon after marriage, Margaret joined him in Bridgend and the young couple took residence at Angelton House on the outskirts of the asylum.

On the 18th of October 1865, Margaret died suddenly aged 25 years old at Angelton House. The circumstances surrounding Margaret's death led to an inquest.

The inquest into Margaret's death was held before Howel Cuthbertson Esq on the 20th of October at Angelton Asylum. Those who gave evidence were Margaret's husband Dr David Yellowlees and local chemist John Jones.

Below are extracts of evidence given by Dr David Yellowlees during the inquest into the death of his wife.

“About twenty minutes past six o'clock in the evening I went into the house to tea, by arrangement.....When I came back to the room, there was a loud knocking at the ceiling. I went upstairs immediately and found deceased seized with fainting.

I fetched her a cup of tea, which she refused; then there came on a severe convulsive fit and complete insensibility, and jerking and rigidity of the limbs. This passed off, and she was put off to bed.

The convulsive twitching continued and I offered her some toddy. She said she could not swallow it but she did swallow a little. I sent for Dr Pritchard and the head attendant at the asylum. The convulsive spasms continued, and she died in a few minutes. She had had fainting fits before repeatedly – the only cause was, I believe weakness.

The Death Certificate of Margaret.

She had been suffering from tic that day and previous had been under treatment for it many a time. I believe she has to take morphia for it under the direction of Dr Seymour of London. I have no doubt, from what I have heard, that she had taken some lately. She used to conceal it from me. I believe she died from a fit caused by an overdose of morphia.

I found a bottle after her death; it was brought to me by the housekeeper at the asylum, who had found it under the deceased's bed. Never saw deceased take morphia; she always did it secretly.

The morphia bottle found is much stronger that is usually given. Did not see any glass used for taking the morphia. If she had taken in a tumbler, I should have tasted it. A person in the habit of taking morphia could take a stronger dose than an ordinary person. Deceased took it twice a day under Dr Seymour's prescription."

The jury determined that cause of death as“died from an overdose of Morphia inadvertently taken.”

Margaret was buried in the Spence family vault at St Oswald's Church, Otley.

Dr David Yellowlees & Dr Henry Turnbull Pringle (Wellcome Collection)

Jessie Isabella Pringle (née Smith)

Jessie Isabella Smith was baptised at St Mary's Church, Nolton on the 5th of August 1855. She was one of four children and the only daughter of local bank agent Thomas George Smith and his wife Jessie Halkett Smith.

The 1861 Census tells us that Jessie was living with her parents, siblings and paternal grandmother at 'The Bank' in Adare Street. (This building still survives and is now Natwest) The census also shows that the family employed two house servants.

'The Bank' Adare Street.

The 1871 Census tells us that Jessie and her family were living at 'The Bank' in Adare Street. The census shows that the family employed one servant, named Ann Davies.

On the 17th of August 1875, Jessie married Dr Henry Turnbull Pringle at St Mary's Church, Nolton.

Born in November 1840, Dr Henry Turnbull Pringle was the son of Robert and Charlotte Pringle of Hawick.

Jessie's Signature.

The 1871 Census tells us that Henry was working as the Assistant Medical Attendant of Angelton Asylum. In 1874 Dr Henry Turnbull Pringle became the Head Medical Superintendent of the asylum and on their marriage, the couple took residence at Angelton House.

Jessie and Henry had six children, five of whom survived infancy.

Stuart Henry who was baptised in July 1877 but sadly died eleven weeks later.
Arthur Douglas who was baptised in March 1800.
Gladys Isabel Douglas who was baptised in July 1881.
Kenneth Douglas who was baptised in March 1883.
Norman Douglas who was baptised in May 1884.
Moira Douglas who was baptised in May 1885.

The 1881 Census tells us that Jessie and her mother were staying in Cheltenham. The census also tells us that her husband Henry and her son Arthur were living at Angelton House. At this time the family employed a housemaid and a nursemaid, the latter presumably to look after Arthur as he was just over a year old at the time the census was taken.

The 1891 Census tells us that Jessie, her husband and five children were living at Angelton House. As well as employing a housemaid and a nursemaid, the census shows that the family employed a governess, a parlour maid, a cook and a seamstress.

In March 1892 Jessie travelled with her husband to Edgbaston for an operation. The operation was unsuccessful. She succumbed to the complications of the operation on the 6th of March, aged 36. She left behind her husband and young family - her youngest child being seven years old.

Her cause of death is recorded as "Peritonitis"and "Heart Failure."

Jessie Isabella Pringle was buried at St Mary's Church, Coity on the 11th of March 1892.

The Death Certificate of Jessie.

(Sources: NLW - BritishNewspaperArchive - Wellcome Collection)

The CWGC War Grave of Nurse Hannah Dunlop Mark.

While researching those who died during the First World War, I came across a local woman who was buried in Bridgend Cemetery. Nurse Hannah Dunlop Mark of the Territorial Nursing Force died on the 10th of October 1918.

On her death, Hannah was described as "an ideal nurse, kind and gentle in her ways and extremely popular with her colleagues...” But who was she?

Unfortunately, but unsurprisingly, Hannah's life has not been documented in great detail. The following information has been drawn together by various certificates, newspaper articles, and archive material.

Hannah's Baptism Record.

Hannah Dunlop Mark was baptised at St Mary's Church (Nolton) on the 15th of December 1895. Hannah was the fourth child of nine children born to Alexander and Sarah Marks of Australian Terrace.

The 1901 Census tells us that Hannah and her family were living at 13 Australian Terrace. Alexander is listed as being a Highway Surveyor. Hannah and her siblings are listed as being in school. The Marks children were all pupils of Pen-y-Bont Infants School on Quarella Road. Alexander was listed as being a Highway Surveyor.

The 1911 Census tells us that the Mark family had moved to a house known as 'Garnock' at Acland Road. The house took its name after the area in Scotland where Alexander was born. At the time of the census, Hannah and her sister Edith were both pupils at Bridgend County School.

Alexander is listed as being a Road Surveyor, her brother David is listed as being a Postal Worker. Her elder sisters, Elizabeth and Isabella were both listed as working at home as dressmakers.

A view of Acland Road • Edwin Miles.

By 1914, Hannah had left Bridgend to undertake training to become a nurse. In early 1918, Hannah became attached to the Territorial Force Nursing Service and shortly after moved to Liverpool to work as a nurse at the 1st Western Military Hospital in Fazakerley.

Built as an infectious diseases hospital, the hospital at Fazakerley was taken over the Royal Army Medical Corps at the outbreak of the First World War. It became known at the 1st Western Military Hospital and continue to be used as a military hospital for the full duration of the war.

On the 10th of October 1918, Nurse Hannah Dunlop Mark died at 1st Western General Hospital, aged 23. Hannah died of 'Pneumonia following Influenza.' It is believed that Hannah was a victim of the 'Spanish Flu.'

Notice of the death of Nurse Hannah Dunlop Mark • The Glamorgan Gazette.

"A military funeral – numerously attended and deeply impressive – evoking a widespread manifestation of public sympathy and sorrow."

A description of the funeral of Nurse Hannah Dunlop Mark • The Glamorgan Gazette.

A portrait of Nurse Hannah Dunlop Mark.

On the 11th of October, Hannah's body was accompanied to Lime Street Station by the matron, assistant matron and nurses of 1st Western Military Hospital. From there, her body was transported to Bridgend by train.

Following a private service on the 14th of October at the Mark family home, a full military funeral took place at Bridgend Cemetery. As well as members of her family, Hannah's funeral attracted hundreds of mourners. A detachment of Police were in attendance as well as discharged sailors and soldiers.

The funeral service at the graveside was officiated by Rev. W.J. Phillips (Rector of Coity) with bearers from the Red Cross Detachment. Three rifle volleys were fired by the Volunteer Training Corps overseen by Sergt. Cowden and the Last Post was sounded by Sergt. J.H. Neal.

Hannah's coffin was adorned with floral tributes from family, friends and various organisations including:

Bridgend Federation of Discharged Sailors and Soldiers.
Royal Army Medical Corps Orderlies, Royal Army Medical Corps Staff and Territorial Force. Nurses and Medical Staff at Sparrowhall Military Hospital.
Nursing staff of 1st Western General Hospital, Fazakerley.

Alexander and Sarah received letters of sympathy from people far and wide including:

the Director-General of the Army Medical Service.
the Matron in Chief of the Territorial Force Nursing Society.
the Principle Matron of the 1st Western Military Hospital, Fazakerley.

The Matron in Chief wrote: “A record will be kept at the War Office of the cheerful, willing service assistant Nurse Mark has rendered to her country while on active service at home, it was with the deepest regret that the report of her death was received."

A memorial printed in The Glamorgan Gazette in 1919.

After her death, Hannah was publicly remembered by her parents. Around the anniversary of her death, a memorial was printed in The Glamorgan Gazette. This continued for three years until the death of her mother Sarah in 1921. On the death of his wife, Alexander retired to his birth country of Scotland. He died there in 1931.

(Sources: IWM - BritishNewspapersOnline - CWGC)

A view of Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum (Angelton)

In this blogpost, I write about Donald Mortimer Warner.

When I read Donald's case-file, I found myself wanting to know how and why this young man ended up so far from home. I wanted to know where he came from, who his family were and how he became ill.

Although not much is known about his early life, I have been able to piece this gentlemans life together through newpaper articles, census records and casefiles.

Content warning: The newspaper articles and transcribed of case notes in this blogpost contain racist language.

Donald Mortimer Warner was born on the 24th of January 1868. He was the second of seven children born to Georgina and her husband Nathaniel Warner of St Michael, Barbados. At some point during the next 20 years, Donald came to live in the United Kingdom.

The 1891 Census tells us that Donald was at lodging with a family at 294 Scotland Street, Glasgow. At this time Donald is listed as being a Marine Engineer. His place of birth is given as Barbados and he is noted as a British Subject.

Articles from The Hull Daily Mail detailing Donald's arrest on two ocassions.

Sometime between 1891 and 1895, Donald travelled to Hull. A report in the 'Hull Daily Mail' dated 13th of May 1895 tells us that Donald was in Hull Police Court on a charge of begging. The report details that the police had received many complaints regarding Donald begging in front of shops in the area. At the time of the sentencing, Deputy-Chief Constable Jones described Donald as being a "perfect nuisance". Donald was sentenced to fourteen days imprisonment in the local gaol.

Donald appeared in Hull Police Court a further three times:

September 1895: He received twenty-one days imprisonment for begging.
December 1895: He received thirty days imprisonment for begging.
November 1896: He received three months imprisonment for begging.

A photograph of Donald taken in 1899 by Dr David Finlay.

By January 1898, Donald had made his way to Swansea. On the 6th of January, he was found wandering the streets of Swansea and brought to Swansea Workhouse. On admission to the workhouse, Donald was certified as a lunatic.

"He believes he is the President of America and that he owns the whole of America. Imagines there is a sewing and drawing machine in his body. Believes he is the God almighty and he has created the whole world."

"He believes he is the greatest engineer and inventor of machinery in the whole world. He imagines he has invented a number of coal ploughing machines. He believes he is the largest shipowner in the world."- Dr Stewart, 1898.

Donald was transferred to Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum (Angelton) on the 1st of October 1898. His admission record tells us that this was his first (known) attack and that he had been suffering from insanity for six months. His reason for admission is noted is as “Acute Mania”.

Below are extracts from his case file. You will notice gaps between the dates as during those times he is described as being the same or no change.

He is a native of Barbados and left there, he says, four years ago. Six months ago he was found wandering about Swansea streets and taken to the workhouse and his mind has been affected all that time.

No apparent abnormality of the thoracic or abdominal organs. He is of a typical negroitic appearance.

An extract from the casefile of Donald Mortimer Warner.

8th October 1898: Since admission he has been unsettled and uncertain, talking in a thin alto voice in a rambling incoherent way and on several occasions he has been threatening and actually violent towards others with no provocation and is now warded in IV. Sleep & appetite good.

15th October 1898: Since being in IV he has been given little trouble. He is as incoherent and as full of delusions as ever and he is at times noisy but he refrains from violence. Appetite good. He sleeps well in an SR.

22nd October 1898: Much the same. Has invented many things. He receives cablegrams from New York regarding his rum and sugar supplies vocally. He sleeps well in a general dormitory.

17th November 1898: He is unsettled restless and given to talking to himself and is often noisy. Delusions and hallucinating persist. He is occasionally talkative at night.

"Restless and talkative and talked of himself as “the King Superior” - He was inclined to be violent – He has continued incoherent and with many exalted delusions."- Dr Finlay, 1899.

On the 7th of July 1899, Donald was transferred to the Parc Gwyllt building of Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum. Below are extracts from his second case-file.

Quiet and so far well-conducted, making himself very useful indoors but he is very incoherent and possessed of exalted delusions. Says he has invented machines in Cardiff for all kinds of purposes building.. weaving etc

A Negro – native of Barbados. Tall and well proportioned. Organs are healthy.

9th October 1899: Restless, incoherent and deluded.

5th January 1900: Now works with upholster. In mind, he continues as above noted.

9th July 1900: Excitable, restless, incoherent and deluded.

An extract from the casefile of Donald Mortimer Warner.

18th October 1901: Says he is Sir Donald Warner, President of Barbados. Memory defective. No change.

8th January 1902: Occasionally gets violent outburst of groundless rage. Works regularly.

17th July 1902: Mentally no change. Has not been so well lately having had a severe cough and losing flesh but no evidence of phthisis can be found.

20th August 1902: There has been continued pyrexia now for some weeks. He has had considerable bronchitis at the left apex.

11th October 1902: Temperature still keeps up and the signs of phthisis are more advanced. Mentally he has exalted delusions, is childish.

23rd December 1902: Yesterday he brought up a fairly large amount of bright coloured blood. Evidently from the lungs.

24th January 1903: The Harmorage after going on for about a week gradually stopped, he is becoming gradually weaker. Mentally no change.

25th January 1904: Is not so well, complains of pain in the back and is confined to bed. He is improving. Mentally unchanged.

Donald died at 4pm on the 30th of November 1904. He was 36 years old and his cause of death was given as “Mania” and “Pulmonary Tuberculosis”. The extracts from his case file below detail the months leading up to his death.

22nd February 1904: Today brought up about 8oz of blood from the lungs there has been no... the physical signs of phthisis are becoming more active again.

2nd April 1904: The symptoms of phthsis are becoming more pronounced again. There has just recently been a slight attack of haemoptysis. Mentally unchanged.

6th June 1904: Temp keeps hight and he is growing weaker and thinner. Symptoms progressive.

8th July 1904: Has been rather better again but still very weak and feeble. Pyrexia continues. Mentally unchanged.

14th October 1904: Has been getting weaker. His temperature has been high every night of late and the symptoms are progressive. No change in his mental condition.

1st December 1904: Got gradually worse from last not and sank and died at 4pm yesterday.

Donald Mortimer Warner was buried at the Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum Burial Ground (Parc Gwyllt) on the 3rd of December 1904. The graves of those buried in the asylum cemetery were originally marked with white wooden crosses. These are now long gone.

Glamorgan County Lunatic Asylum Burial Ground (Parc Gwyllt)

In affectionate memory of

Alice,

The dearly beloved daughter of Charles & Martha Edwards, of The Bush,

Died October 19th,

Aged 13.

Interred at Evancoed Church, October 22nd, 1881.

A while ago I purchased a bundle of mourning cards from Nolton Antiques in Bridgend. While looking through my bundle of mourning cards I found the mourning card for a young girl called Alice. I decided that I wanted to 'find' Alice.

What is a mourning card?

Mourning cards were often given out to friends and relatives as keepsakes at funerals. The predecessor of what we now know as an 'order of service', these cards were usually decorated with a black bordering, a verse, and illustration. On occasion, a photograph of the deceased would be included on the card.

In this blogpost, I write about Alice's short life. The following information has been drawn together from various certificates, newspaper articles, and archive material.

The mourning card in memory of Alice Edwards.

Martha (later known as Alice) Edwards was born in October 1868. She was one of ten children born to Charles and Martha Jane Edwards of Beggar's Bush in Old Radnor.

Alice's parents, Charles and Martha hailed from different sides of the border. Charles was born in Almeley in 1831 and Martha was born in Llanfihangel Nant-Melan in 1828. Charles and Martha married at St Mary Magdalene Church in Eardisley on the 22nd of October 1852.

Charles and Martha were not strangers to death. They sadly lost three of their children prior to Alice's death.

In 1865 their daughter Elizabeth died aged 1 year.
In 1871 their daughter Catherine died aged 7 months.
In 1872 their son Thomas died aged 10 years.

The three above children were buried at St Michael's Churchyard in Cascob.

A view of Evenjobb Village.

The 1871 Census tells us that Martha (later known as Alice) was living with her parents and six of her siblings at the 'Old Turnpike' in the hamlet of Beggar's Bush in Evenjobb.

At some point during the time between the 1871 and 1881 census, like many people at that time, Martha became known by her middle name Alice.

The 1881 Census tells us that Alice and her family were living at the 'Bush.' It's interesting to note that the 'Bush' was the farm next door to their previous home. By that time, the 'Old Turnpike' had changed its name to 'Northgate Cottage.'

On the 19th of October 1881, Alice died at The Bush, aged 13. An inquest into her death concluded that Alice died of “Natural Causes viz Diphtheria.”

The death certificate of Alice Edwards.

Alice was buried at St Peter's Churchyard, Evancoed on the 22nd of October 1881. Alice's parents were later buried at the same churchyard. Her mother Martha in 1893 and her father Charles in 1895.

Alice's gravestone at St Peter's Churchyard, Evancoed.

The Mari Lwyd at St Fagans 2019.

The Mari Lwyd is perhaps one of Wales' most well-known folk customs. A horse skull draped with ribbons, the Mari Lwyd (The Grey Mare) often startles those who meet her for the first time.

She usually makes her appearance between December and Old New Year, with the longest continuous Mari Lwyd taking place every year in the sleepy village of Llangynwyd in South Wales.

The Cowbridge Mari Lwyd via The Peoples Collection Wales

A pole was inserted into skull or wooden block and a white sheet draped over it. Coloured ribbons were used to decorate the skull with glass used to represent the eyes. Pieces of black cloth were then attached to serve as ears. The gentleman who was chosen to carry the Mari Lwyd stood under the sheet holding the pole, reigns and bells were then attached. The gentleman was then able to operate the jaw of the skull to create the illusion that the horse was alive.

The Mari Lwyd and her party at Llangynwyd photographed by Frederic Evans.

As the Mari Lwyd approached the house it was intending to visit, the leader would tap on the door while the rest of the party including the Mari sang traditional rhymes. If the door was answered, the party and inhabitants of the house would engage in a 'battle of wits.'

Wel, dyma ni'n dwad

Gyfelillion diniwad

I' mofyn am gennad - i ganu

(Translation: Behold here we come, simple friends, to ask for permission to sing.)

Rhowch glywed, wyr doethion

Pa faint ycho ddynion,

A pheth yn wych union -

yw'ch enwau?

(Translation: Let us hear, wise men, how many of you there are, and what exactly are your names?)

The Mari Lwyd and her party at Llangynwyd photographed by Frederic Evans.

Having sung and danced, the party would sit to eat food and drink ale. On their departure, the Mari Lwyd wished the household a Happy New Year.

Dymunwn ich lawenydd

I gynnal blwyddyn newydd

Tra paro'r gwr i dincian cloch

Well, well y boch chwi beunydd

(Translation: We wish you joy to live a new year; as long as the man tinkles his bell, may you improve daily.)

Portrait of Mrs William Williams of Caernarfon. It shows her wearing a mourning dress, and a brooch with an image of a man - possibly her husband, Captain Williams.

The National Museum of Wales is home to a collection of over half a million objects relating to Welsh life, history and culture. In these collections, you will find everything from taxidermy animals to bracelets made of human hair.

Of course, the collection includes an array of objects related to death and mourning – my specialist subject! In this blogpost, I will be sharing a few of my favourite objects and their stories.

The Abernodwydd Death Bed

A view of the headboard.

Abernodwydd Farmhouse was originally situated in Llangadfan and was moved to St Fagans National Museum of History in 1951. The timber-framed building was built in 1678 with alterations made in 1708.

Abernodwydd is home to an extremely interesting bed. Carved on the headboard is a 'Memento Mori' to James Price, who died on the 4th of May 1658.

A crude figure of death can be seen holding a bow and arrow. Death is surrounded by hexfoils which are commonly known as 'Witch-marks'. These markings are believed to turn away, or ward off, evil.

"They are indeed hexfoils used as ritual protection marks. The marks were not just limited to buildings, but were used on objects as well. Particularly object that had a void or space that needed some form of spiritual protection. Therefore one of the most common places to find them is on chests and coffers - most particularly parish chests - but beds are also another commonplace.

You were considered to be most vulnerable to being interfered with by evil or malign spirits when asleep, so to defend the bedroom, or even the bed space itself, was simple common sense." -Matthew Champion, Medieval Graffiti Expert.

Hearse and Glass Coffin Carrier

It was common for parishes to own at least one horse-drawn hearse that could be used by members of the congregation on the death of their loved ones. This horse-drawn hearse belonged to the parishioners of Berriew and was used by the congregation until 1910.

This children's glass coffin carrier dates from the early 1900s. It belonged to and was used by the long-established Clark's Undertakers in Wrexham.

A view of the Hearse and Coffin Carrier on display at St Fagans National Musuem of History.

Clothing

Funeral Stockings

These woollen stockings were knitted by Eliza Lewis to be worn after her death. Dating from c.1850, they are made of hand-spun wool from sheep kept on her farm at Esgaironnen in Llanarth. They survive as Eliza suffered from dropsy which caused her limbs to swell and as a result of this, the stockings were too tight to be worn.

Eliza Lewis's Stockings. (NMW Collections)

Linen Cloth

This linen cloth is one of two that belonged to Mrs Esther Davies of Cilgryman Fawr. Embroidered with the initials 'E.D', both clothes were used during the 1840s by neighbouring families as makeshift biers to carry the bodies of children who had died in infancy to their place of burial.

Linen Cloth. (NMW Collections)

A Child's Shroud

This child's shroud dates from 1920 and was used by T. Rhys Undertakers in Clydach. Divided into five pieces, it includes a cover for the body, sleeves, cotton face mesh and a collar.

Child's Shroud and detail of embroidery. (NWM Collections)

Child's Leather Boots

These leather boots were purchased by William and Mary Davies of Tonypandy for their infant son. Sadly, these boots were never worn as the baby died aged seven months on 6th January 1879.

Child's Leather Boots. (NMW Collections)

Baby's Outfit

This baby's velvet cape and matching robe was bought in 1889 for a baby boy from Ebbw Vale. Sadly. the outfit remained unworn as the infant died aged seven months.

Baby's Cape and Robe. (NMW Collections)

Mourning Jewellery

Mourning jewellery was (and still is) worn to remind the living of their deceased relatives. As well as this, they reminded the wearer of their inevitable demise. Mourning jewellery came in various different forms including brooches, necklaces, and bracelets.

The Mourning Ring of Rev Dr Richard Price and Dr Benjamin Franklin.

This mourning ring contains the hair of Rev Dr Richard Price and Dr Benjamin Franklin. On the death of Benjamin Franklin in 1790, Richard was sent a lock of his hair by Benjamin Rush. When Richard Price died the following year, a lock of his hair was taken and along with Benjamin Franklin's was entwined and made into a mourning ring.

The inscription engraved on the inside reads: 'Benjamin Franklin died 17 April 1790.'

The inscription engraved on the outside reads: 'Rich'd Price D.D. Died 19 April 1790.'

Mouring Ring of Rev Dr Richard Price and Dr Benjamin Franklin. (Louvain Rees)

Mourning Brooch

This mourning brooch contains the hair of a young girl named Harriet Kelshaw who died on the 5th of June 1825, aged 11. Harriet baptised on the 16th of August 1813. She was the daughter of William and Mary Kelshaw of Thornes in Wakefield, Yorkshire.

Leeds Intelligencer (16th of June 1825) notes Harriet's death.

"Same day, the 13th year of her age, Harriet, second daughter Mr. Wm. Kelshaw.”

Harriet was buried at St John the Baptist Church, Wakefield on the 9th of June 1825. Her burial record in the parish register notes her age as 11 years and 10 months.

The inscription engraved on the back reads: 'Harriet Kelshaw Obt. 4th June 1825'.

Mourning Brooch. (NMW Collections)

Jet Mourning Necklace

This jet mourning necklace dates from c.1880 and contains a miniature portrait of the owner's father.

Jet Mourning Necklace. (NMW Collections)

Mourning Bracelet

This mourning bracelet is made from woven hair which is held by gold clasps and a mosaic-style image.

Mourning Bracelet. (NMW Collections)

Mourning Brooch

This mourning brooch shows an image of the tomb of Griffith Davies. His daughter's hair has been used to decorate the image.

The inscription reads: 'G.D. Obit. March 21 1856.'

Mourning Brooch. (NMW Collections)

I will be writing a separate blogpost on a select few of the mourning cards that are part of the Death Collections in the very near future. There will also be a separate blogpost on the items related to Dr William Price.

(Sources: Photographs (unless stated) National Museum of Wales Collections)

On the night of the 12th of August 1872, Selina Jones was found dead in her home at 34 Newcastle Street. Later known locally as “The Bridgend Murder” - It was initially suspected that her death was caused by a series of falls she had earlier that evening but over the days that followed something very different was uncovered.

Unfortunately, not much is known about the early life of both Thomas and Selina Jones. What little we know has been drawn from census records, court records, and newspaper articles.

A newspaper article reporting the trial of Thomas and Selina.

The first record of Thomas Jones and Selina Adams (Adams was Selina’s maiden name) in Bridgend can be found in the Glamorgan Calendar of Prisoners for the year 1857.

On the 26th of September 1857, a warrant for the arrest of Thomas Jones and Selina Adams was issued by Bridgend Magistrates Court. The pair were accused of “Stealing one jacket, valued at 15s, the property of William Jeffreys, at Bridgend,” on the 1st of September.

They were received into custody at the House of Correction at Swansea on the 28th of September.

The Glamorgan Calendar of Prisoners gives a brief but interesting description of the couple:

Thomas Jones, then aged 34, was described as being a Hawker who was unable to read and write.

Selina Adams, then 27, was described as being a Pedlar who had an “imperfect education” - this meant that she was able to read and write but at a very basic standard.

Thomas and Selina spend just over a month at Swansea House of Correction before being tried at Glamorganshire Quarter Sessions on the 21st of October. The verdict was given as “Not True Bill.”

A view of Freeschool Court.

I have been unable to find a marriage record for Thomas and Selina. Thomas was previously married to a woman named Rosannah, with whom he had two children. There is no record of their separation, so it is possible that Selina took Thomas’ last name without ever marrying him.

In 1858, Selina gave birth to their first child, Henry. He was soon followed by six siblings: Rosanna (b.1860) Esther Ann (b.1861) David (b.1863) Shadrach (b.1864) Adah (b.1869) and Thomas (b.1871).

The first recorded address of the Jones family in Bridgend is found on the baptism record of their eldest daughter Rosanna. Rosanna was baptised at St Mary's Church (Nolton) on the 18th of August 1860. At the time of her baptism, the Jones family were living at School Court.

The1861 Census tells us the family had moved just across the road and were living at Phillips Court. Thomas and Selina lived there with two of their children: Henry and Esther Ann. Both Selina and Thomas are listed as ‘Licensed Hawkers.’

The Census record also shows that the Jones family shared their house with another family, the Davies'. These were: Esther Davies and her four children.

The 1871 Census tells us that the Jones family were now living at 34 Newcastle Street (now Newcastle Hill).

It was there that Thomas and Selina lived with their children: Henry, Esther Ann, David, Shadrach, and Rosana. At this time, Thomas' mother, Ann, aged 79 was also living with the family. Again, Thomas and Selina are listed as 'Hawkers.'

On the night of the 12th of August 1872, tragedy struck the Jones family, when Selina Jones was found dead in the family home at 34 Newcastle Street.

On the 16th of August, an inquiry was opened at The Angel Inn (at the bottom of Newcastle Hill) into the death of Selina Jones. Thomas had been taken into custody prior to the inquest on the suspicion that he had caused Selina’s death.

The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian Glamorgan Monmouth and Brecon Gazette reported:

“The inquiry lasted between three and four hours, but the evidence adduced did not appear to implicate the husband of the deceased woman. Superintendent Sadler applied for an adjournment, stating that he had important evidence to bring forward.”

“There is a feeling of sympathy for the man in his unfortunate position, as he bears the character of being a quiet man, and is said to have received much provocation from the deceased.”

The death certificate of Selina Jones.

The inquiry into Selina’s death was resumed at The Angel Inn on the 23rd of August. The important evidence mentioned in the above article came from Dr Leahy and a neighbour of the Jones family.

Dr Leahy had performed the postmortem on the deceased. During the postmortem, Dr Leahy found a severe laceration on one part of the deceased’s body. He went on to say which must have been caused by direct violence, and haemorrhage ensued, causing death.

“The wound would most probably have been caused by a kick that was the most natural way of accounting for it.”

A witness had heard a quarrel between Thomas and Selina. They heard the latter say, "You have killed me now; you have done it."

The jury, after deliberating for four and a half hours, returned a verdict of manslaughter against Thomas Jones, and Thomas was committed to Cardiff Gaol the following day to await trial. He was later transferred to Swansea Gaol on the 18th of February 1873.

The calendar entry for the trial of Thomas Jones.

On the 6th of March 1873, after eight months in prison, Thomas Jones stood trial on the indictment of “having feloniously, wilfully, and, of malice aforethought, killed and murdered his wife Selina Jones at Newcastle, near Bridgend on the 12th August, 1872.” - At the coroner's request, Thomas was also charged with Manslaughter.

The long-awaited trial was widely reported. The below quotes are taken from a report of the trial in the South Wales Daily News - dated the 12th of March, 1873. As well as documenting the trial, the report gives us an insight into Thomas and Selina’s turbulent relationship.

Mr B. T. Williams and Mr Arthur Williams prosecuted; prisoner being undefended, but at the request of his lordship Mr Allen consented to appear for the prisoner. A short adjournment took place after the empanelling of the jury, so as to allow Mr Allen an opportunity to peruse the depositions.

In total, eleven witnesses were called to testify at the trial. Many of them being neighbours and friends of both Thomas and Selina.

Mr B. T. Williams opened the case to the jury relating the facts of the case which can be found below:

The first witness to be called was Elizabeth Hapgood:

"I know the prisoner and his wife, and I remember her being in my house on the evening of the 12th of August, last. She had a pint of ale, and whilst she was in the house, her husband, the prisoner, came in. At the time she had a pint of beer in her hand. She then left and he remained, and later in the evening, about nine o'clock, she returned, and the prisoner was still there."

"She was then the worse for drink. She came in and caught hold of a parcel he had and was about striking him with it. He jumped up and I went between them. Just then another man who was in the house also got up and took the deceased out and the prisoner followed her but came back in the course of a quarter of an hour. In about another quarter-of-an-hour prisoner's little boy came in and said to the prisoner that the deceased was ill."

The second witness to be called in was William Howe and said:

"I remember being in the Talbot on the night in question, and saw the deceased there; she had a pint of beer. Shortly after she had been there, the prisoner came in, and when he saw his wife he told her to "go home," and she said “I won't go home," and he said I will make you," and prisoner gave her a push."

"Prisoner remained in the house afterwards drinking, and in about half-an-hour afterwards the wife returned to the house, strongly under the influence of drink. She appeared to be in a temper. The prisoner was sitting down on the settle with a bundle by his side. She caught hold of it and said, “I will have it," but he said" You shan't," and a struggle followed."

"Prisoner rose his fist about to strike his wife, but he did not strike her. I went between them, and took her out to the door and put her in the direction of her home, and I persuaded her to go."

"It was about a quarter of an hour afterwards that the prisoner left, but again returned in a short time and sat down by me, and said to me: "So help me God she (the deceased) won't come down for me again in a hurry."

"After the prisoner's little boy came down he said: "Father come home, my mother is ill," That was the first time the little boy came down, but the prisoner did not go out. The little boy came down again and said: "Father come home, mother is dead." Prisoner said: “Drunk she is."

"The deceased used to drink heavily, and when drunk was often very quarrelsome."

A view of Newcastle Hill.

Sarah Howe was next called and said:"I remember seeing the deceased on the evening of the 12th of August on her own doorstep. She was rather intoxicated and abused everyone that passed. I walked down the length of two houses, and as I was returning I heard a plate being broken."

"I ran on towards her house, as there were two or three children about the door, and sent them away. I then heard her scream “Murder” three times, and exclaim “Oh Tom." The door was closed after these screams. I could see that it was open, but I could not see in. I do not know who closed it. "

"I often heard rows between the prisoner and the deceased, who was a woman of a very quarrelsome temper. Deceased was a very violent woman, and would abuse anyone that looked at her."

Thomas Riley was next examined by Mr A Williams and said:"I was passing prisoner's house with my wife, it was between nine and ten o'clock I heard a man saying “Give me my supper.”

"I did not know whose voice it was I also heard a plate broken. I also heard screams, and a woman's voice saying" Oh, you have murdered me." I then went away, and saw the prisoner on the following morning, but not that night. I did not see the prisoner that night, but I heard him coming to the door and say: “Get up, you old sow, you are drunk.”

Thomas Jenkins, examined by Mr B. T. Williams, said: "I was in The Lamb Inn, about nine o'clock, and prisoner came in there, and afterwards his mother came in and asked for 6d for tea and sugar, which he gave her."

“My wife is not what the man calls her a whore, but I have nearly done for her now."

Helen Bevan was next called and said: “A little after ten, I went into the house, just as Dr Jenkins was coming out, and I found the prisoner's wife sitting down in the chair. I undressed the deceased and washed her. On one of her cheeks, there was a slight discolouration. The witness also spoke to other marks of violence on the person of the deceased."

Ann Jones, the mother of Thomas Jones was called and said: "I am 81 years of age, and the mother of the prisoner' I lived with him and his wife Selina. It was about seven o'clock that the wife came home on the evening in question. She had been drinking before she came home."

"Selina suckled her child and then went out. I also went out afterwards to the public house and the deceased said, “Go, home mother, I'll come after you. She soon afterwards came home, and was followed by her husband. It was about half-past nine that she came home and immediately after he came in, she up with a soup plate, and threw it at him."

"He then went out of the house, and she said she would follow him in a minute. She got up to go after him, but fell over the table, and the little boy and myself then caught hold of her arm, and she got up, and we put her in the armchair by the fire, and I thought she went to sleep."

"Soon afterwards I went up to her, and got a little alarmed because she did not speak. I then went to look for my son, the prisoner, and it was then I had the gin."

Ann was then questioned by the Judge.

The Judge: "Did she drink it?"

Ann Jones: "Yes. She was alive then, I am sure I put it to her mouth, and I am certain she swallowed it. I afterwards put my hands to her head. Afterwards, my son came home, and he sent for Dr Jenkins. When my son gave me the gin, he told me to give it to his wife, as it would do her good and liven her up."

The final witnesses to be called were Dr Jenkins and Dr Leahy.

Dr Jenkins said:"...a little after 10 o'clock, prisoner and another man came for me, and the prisoner said he believed his wife was dead. I went directly, and I found the wife in the house seated in a chair by the fire. She was dead, and I thought at the time that she had been dead a quarter of an hour."

"I noticed the floor of the room was smeared with blood. By smeared, I mean that the blood had been washed up. I examined her and found blood on her clothes and legs. I did not examine her minutely because there were no external injuries. I thought I should have to make a postmortem examination."

Dr Leahy then presented the court with the results of the post-mortem:

Dr Leahy was of opinion that “..she bled to death from the internal wounds, which corresponded with a slight external contusion which he found on her person, and such wound would have been produced by a kick."

"...did not think the wound could have been produced by a fall and did not think that even the falling upon the leg of a table would have produced it. I do not think the weight of a body falling against the leg of a table would have produced the injuries.”

The Jury afterwards retired and having been absent a short time, returned to court with a verdict of guilty of Manslaughter. Thomas was sentenced to ten years of penal servitude.

The prison record of Thomas Jones.

Thomas’s prison record gives a detailed insight into Thomas’s time in the penal system.

While at Swansea Gaol, William Cox (the governor of Swansea Gaol) described Thomas as being:

5ft6, with foxy red hair, blue eyes, and a light complexion.
His face was described as “unproportioned” and “irregular.”
It was noted that he had five blue dots tattooed near his left thumb and was described as a “drunkard.”

On the 28th of April 1873, Thomas was transferred to carry out his sentence at Pentonville Prison.

On admission to Pentonville Prison, Thomas was described as being:

"5ft6, fat and missing most of his left little finger."
It is also noted that he suffered from a "prominent ulcer on his right leg."

Shortly after his admission to Pentonville, Thomas was hospitalised with a large ulcer on his right leg. As a result of this, he was confined to the infirmary for four months.

On the 19th of January 1874, Thomas was transferred from Pentonville Prison to Portland Prison.

During his time at Portland Prison, Thomas was hospitalised seven times for various complaints including lumbago, diarrhoea, and an abscess. Thomas was also punished for causing a nuisance and for “Leaving his work on the verge and picking up some tobacco.”

A portrait of Thomas Jones taken at Pentonville Prison.

All though Thomas did not receive any visits during his incarceration, he did receive letters from his mother, who was residing at Bridgend Workhouse until her death. He also received letters from his friend Mr Wallington.

Shortly before his release, Thomas began to correspond with his son, Thomas. Thomas was a son from Thomas’ previous marriage. He was born in Birmingham in 1846 and at the time of corresponding with his father, he lived at Mill Street with his family in Hereford.

Thomas was released from Portland Prison on a license (after serving just under eight years of his ten-year sentence) on the 31st of December 1880 and discharged to the Bristol Aid Society.

The license conditions.

By 1881, Thomas has returned to Bridgend.

The 1881 Census tells us that Thomas was lodging at 17 Newcastle Hill and is listed as a 'Pedlar.'
The 1891 Census tells us that Thomas had moved to Nolton Street. There he was lodging with eight others and is listed as a 'Hawker.'
The 1901 Census tells us that Thomas was an inmate at The Bridgend and Cowbridge Union Workhouse. Aged 80, he was listed as a 'Pauper' with his previous occupation being a 'Hawker.'

Thomas died at Bridgend and Cowbridge Union Workhouse in 1911 aged 91.

(Sources: NLW - Ancestry - Glamorgan Archives - Pentonville Prison )

"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.

When Welsh folk customs are mentioned, we automatically conjure up images of the Wren, the Mari Lwyd and Old New Year. We don't seem to talk about what the Welsh did during the Easter period.

In this blogpost I take a look at traditional Welsh Easter folk customs.

Dydd Sul y Blodau at Ogmore Vale.

Dydd Sul y Blodau and Easter Sunday were (and still are) the days that the Welsh tend the graves of their loved ones.

An account of the tending of graves in the Vale of Glamorgan from Charles Redwood:

“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.”

In rural parts of Wales, particularly north Wales, no elaborate flowers were placed on graves on these days. Instead, people chose to clean the graves of their loved ones. The graves were whitewashed, weeds were pulled and simple tributes were left by loved ones.

Egg Clappers - National Museum of Wales.

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 many as forty eggs per child.

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.

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

"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.

As Easter Monday dawned, the stocks were prominently positioned on the main street or marketplace. 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 victim's hand and belaboured it several times with a gorse branch and asked 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.

Chapel Chairs photographed by John Thomas.

In many parts of both south and north Wales, it was a custom for the lower classes to partake in the custom of 'Lifting'.

On Easter Monday, the men lifted the women and on Tuesday the women lifted the men.

The 'lifters' went around in groups of three or four. Playing the fiddle and carrying a chair draped in ribbons, the 'lifters' went door to door, seizing the occupants and placing them in the chair. The chair was then raised three times in the air and bystanders cheered and clapped.

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.

An account of 'Lifting' from Trefor M Owen:

"Any respectable woman would not be seen outdoors before noon. They were kept within their houses with the doors locked. Nothing short of locks or bolts could keep out the lifters, and great was their relief when the afternoon came that day."

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

John Rankin B.A.

For those who attended Bridgend County School, Heol Gam or Brynteg Comprehensive School, John Rankin B.A. will be a familiar name.

The first headmaster of Bridgend Intermediate School (later Brynteg) John served the community of Glamorgan as a teacher and educator for 43 years. But, who was John Rankin B.A? In this blogpost, I take a look at the life of an Irish man who became a key figure in many children's lives.

Unfortunately, not much is known about the early life of John. What little we know has been drawn from census records, certificates and newspaper articles.

John Rankin was born on the 21st of August, 1863. He was the eldest of nine children born to James and Elizabeth Rankin of Castleblaney, Co Monaghan in Northern Ireland.

John came from a deeply religious family. He was a great-grandson of Rev James Rankin, the Minister of the Presbyterian Congregation in Monaghan. It was through the Presbyterian Church that the Rankin children were able to read and write.

John Rankin: A Teacher and Educator.

Advertisement for Bridgend Grammar School.

It is not known when John made the journey from Ireland to Wales. The first mention of John being in Wales can be found in 1885. In 1885, John Rankin joined the staff at Pontypridd Grammar School. He worked under the headmaster John Francis M'clune.

In July 1886, John became a Classical and Mathematical Master at the High School, Cheltenham. In June 1888, John completed his degree at London University with 1st Class Honours. On his return to Wales the same year, John was appointed senior assistant master at Pontypridd Grammar School.

"Mr Rankin is a successful teacher and firm disciplinarian and will be a material acquisition to the teaching staff of this popular school."- The Pontypridd Chronicle.

In 1888, John Francis M'clune started a new venture - Bridgend Grammar School. Bridgend Grammar School was a private boys' preparatory school, based on the same model as Pontypridd Grammar School. John was appointed headmaster of the newly founded Bridgend Grammar School the following year.

He moved into a fully furnished bedroom at Clifton House, Newcastle Hill. Clifton House was one of two licensed boarding houses run by Mrs Bascombe. The 1891 Census tells us that John was living at Clifton House with four other boarders. John was listed as being a schoolmaster.

In January 1896, The Cardiff Times reported that John had“sufficiently mastered the Welsh language.” As a result of this, he was able to write for various Welsh language publications and teach Welsh at the Bridgend Grammar School.

Bridgend Intermediate School - John Rankin can be seen on the left.

Under the provisions of the Welsh Intermediate Education Act 1889, a secondary school, known as "the Intermediate School" was opened on the 21st of September 1896. The school later became the Bridgend County Girl Grammar School and is now Penybont Primary School.

On the 8th of August 1896, John Rankin B.A. was appointed as the first headmaster of the Intermediate School.

Dr Randall later wrote about Rankin's appointment: "The first headmaster was John Rankin, who had previously carried on a private secondary school in the town. It was an excellent choice, for he had the characteristics of the gentleman scholar, was exceedingly loyal to his school and his pupils, and his peculiarities increased their affection for him."

Below quotes taken from "From a Fair Hill: Brynteg Comphresive School" give us an interesting insight into John's personality as a teacher.

"Mr John Rankin, the Headmaster, known as Boss', was a strict disciplinarian who rigidly applied the 'No Smoking' rule (although he always smoked Gold Flake Cigarettes regularly). He visited every form in turn asking three or four of the boy's questions. If one of the boys failed to answer a question he curled his moustache and said "I presume you are one of the smokey band, one of the smokey rotters. Umph!."

"The great pioneer work which he [John Rankin] did in the cause of education for this district and the love and respect which he instilled into his pupils, will not easily be forgotten. Present-day pupils know him as the fine old gentleman, who with his white linen spats and bow tie, used faithfully to attend each school sports, and present the prizes at the end, always adding a cheery word to each successful competitor."

John stayed as headmaster of the school for 32 years, until his retirement in 1928. Altogether, John dedicated 43 years of his life to education in South Wales.

John Rankin: A Husband and Father.

On Wednesday the 8th of April 1896, John Rankin married Maria May Stockwood at St Illtyd's Church, Newcastle Hill.

Maria May Stockwood was one of seven children born to the well-known solicitor Thomas Stockwood and his wife Ann. Maria was a member of the local committee of the Queen Victoria Jubilee Nursing Insitute and a member of the Bridgend Hospital Sewing Guild. (I will be writing in more detail about the Stockwood's in the near future.)

The Glamorgan Gazette described the bridal costume as being “white figured silk with a white chipped hat with plumes fastened with orange blossoms.” The couple then travelled to Aberystwyth for their honeymoon.

A view of Caederwen.

At the time of their marriage, the Rankin family lived at 'Caederwen' - the Stockwood family home. It was at 'Caederwen' that their only child, a son, Reginald John Rankin was born in January 1897. He was baptised on the 3rd of February 1897 at St Illtyd's Church, Newcastle Hill.

In 1899, the Rankin family moved to Rhos y Nau, West Road. This would be their family home for the next 40 years.

The 1901 Census tells us that the Rankin family were living at Rhos y Nau, West Road. John lived there with his wife May, son Reginald, his sister in law and a servant. John's occupation was listed as the headmaster of Bridgend Intermediate School.

The 1921 Census tells us that John was the “headmaster of recognised secondary school.” His place of employment is given as Bridgend County School. At the time of the census, John lived with his wife Maria, his sister in law and a servant.

In August 1932, Maria May, John's wife died. In her obituary, Maria was described as being "of a kind-hearted and generous disposition." She was a "staunch and loyal friend, never more in days of stress and gloom." She was buried in the Stockwood family plot at St Illtyd's Church, Newcastle Hill.

In March 1939, John died at Rhos y Nau, aged 76. He had a private funeral and was buried with his wife, Maria, at St Illtyd's Church.

"I have never met a man or woman whose appreciation of Mr Rankin's quality as teacher and guide was lacking. Hundreds up and down the county and without its bounds respected and truly loved the deceased gentleman."- The Glamorgan Gazette, April 1939.

Bridgend County School.

The John Rankin Memorial Prize.

“It was his great ambition to present the old school with some permanent token of his connection with it.” - The Glamorgan Gazette, 1947.

In October 1947, a plaque to commemorate John Rankin was unveiled at the Bridgend County Girls School – Originally the Bridgend Intermediate School, it was in that building that John Rankin became headmaster in 1896.

The plaque reads: "The old pupils here record, with deep affection, their memories of John Rankin, B.A, Headmaster. 1896 – 1928."

Along with the plaque, The John Rankin Memorial Prize was announced. The prize was funded by public subscription with over 531 people donating money.

"It had been one of his (John Rankin's) regrets that the school was not better endowed with scholarships to enable more boys to go to University." - Edward James J.P., 1947.

The John Rankin Memorial Prize included two prizes:

A school leaving prize (annually) for one boy or one girl of Bridgend County Schools.
A prize for a boy and a girl in the sixth form, who had shown outstanding powers of initiative, sense of duty and consideration for his and her fellows.

75 years later, the Rankin Scholar Award is still awarded and celebrated at Brynteg Comprehensive School.

Staff Photograph showing John Rankin in the centre.

Y Gwyliau - A Welsh Christmas.

"People of the Poorest and Dirtiest Class." - Caepantywyll.

“Get up, you old sow, you are drunk.” - The Manslaughter of Selina Jones.

Sin-eating & Singing: A Welsh Funeral.

Death and Cake: St Fagans Death Café.

Demented, happy, and useful | Who is Buried Here? - Thomas 'King' Rees

Glamorgan History Society | Writing for the Morgannwg Journal

Useful, harmless, and demented | Arthur Henry Banner

'My dearest Sarah' | A Bridgend Love Letter.

The Stench is Unbearable | Clark's Inspection of Bridgend.

The Lonely Soldier | Charles William Murphy

An Overdose and Heart Failure | The Deaths of Mrs Yellowlees & Mrs Pringle.

"a widespread manifestation of public sympathy and sorrow" | Nurse Hannah Dunlop Mark

A Perfect Nuisance | Donald Mortimer Warner.

Finding Alice Edwards.

A horse skull draped with ribbons | The Mari Lwyd

In Loving Memory • Death Collections at the National Museum of Wales.

"So help me God she won't come down for me again in a hurry."• The Bridgend Murder

“My wife is not what the man calls her a whore, but I have nearly done for her now."

"Nothing short of locks or bolts could keep out the lifters."• Welsh Easter Customs.

"If at any time, at any place, and under any circumstances, you can do a good turn to a fellow Bridgendian, remember that it is a privilege to do so." | John Rankin B.A.