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CONTENTS NOTELET CWMYSTWYTH MINE CAPTAINS CWMYSTWYTH COMMUNITY IN 1881 CWMYSTWYTH MINERS IN 1910 CWMYSTWYTH GOING UNDERGROUND EGLWYS NEWYDD TRAGEDY OF 1856 1851 RHEIDIOL - HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD CENSUS HAFOD MANSION THE BARSON and HARPER FAMILIES THE EDWARDS FAMILY CWMYSTWYTH MINES & HAFOD CHURCH PHOTOGRAPHS COFNODION CYMYSTWYTH |
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Notelet card of Cwmystwyth reproduced with kind permission of Jayell. Handmade cards - Photographic Memories - Cwmystwyth. The Geographical Centre of Wales. Created by Jayell 01974 282 626 One of a series of four cards, supplied with envelopes. |
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The Hafod Arch, pictured above on the bottom right, was erected in 1810 by Thomas Johnes, formerly the owner of the nearby Hafod Estate, to mark King George III's Golden Jubilee. |
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Dates of Service |
List of Mine Captains |
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 James Raw's grave at Hafod Church. Died April 1866 aged 65
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 Captain James Raw of Ty Llwyd, c 1850.
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1824 - 1864 1850 - 1879 1844 - 1848 1864 - 1870 1869 only 1870 1880 1880 - 1892 1880 only 1880 only 1887 - 1892 1898 - 1913 1898 - 1935 1916 only 1919 - 1922 1925 - 1926 1929 - 1939 |
James Raw George Fossett as Purser Mathew Francis Samuel Kendall Charles Burrell William Michell (my great x 2 grandfather) Joseph B. Rowse H. H. Oaker as Purser Robert Hancock Thomas Rowse Wallace H. Paull W. W. Varvill John Howell Evans Captain Morgan Captain Craig Rufus Brown |
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I am very grateful to Mr Simon S. J. Hughes for permission to reproduce items from his excellent book The CWMYSTWYTH MINES
ISBN 1 873988 03 6 The Cwmystwyth Mines Printed by Repro 2000 North Parade, Aberystwyth 01970 617290
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CWMYSTWYTH COMMUNITY IN 1881 |
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Penparc. Margaret Oliver 50, widow, housekeeper. Mary Oliver 24. lead ore dresser Lewis Oliver 22, lead miner Elizabeth Oliver 17, lead ore dresser John Oliver 11 scholar
Penparc Elizabeth Jenkins 46, widow, housekeeper Thomas Jenkins 16, lead miner Sarah Jenkins 14, employed in lead mine Elizabeth Jenkins 12, scholar
Penparc Thomas Allen 34, lead ore dresser Sarah Allen 42, wife Claudia Allen 9 months
Bwlchgwynt Joseph Michell 43, lead mine agent Sarah Michell 40, wife Elizabeth Michell 17, milliner William Michell 53, lead mine agent, visitor Sarah Michell 14, Rebekah Michell 12, William E Michell 10, Mary Selena Michell 8, Margaret M Michell 6, Joseph J Michell 4, Emily Sophia Michell 2, Adeline Michell 3 months, children.
Next property listed is the Cwmystwyth Mine.
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Cwmystwyth Mine. Photo courtesy of Rudi Winter. |
Cwrt Robert Hancock 69, mining engineer Rachel Hancock 65, wife
Nantwatkin Jane Williams 39, blacksmith's wife Richard Williams16, Emilia Williams 11, Margaret Williams 9, Emos Williams 8, Jane Williams 2, children.
Nantwatkin John Evans 63, lead miner Jane Evans 62, wife.
Tyn Ddol Edward Morgans 37, lead miner Margaret Morgans 37, wife. Sarah A Morgans 12, Elizabeth Morgans 9, Margaret Morgans 7, William Morgans 5, Ellen Morgans 3, children.
Abernant Mary Howells 52, widow, housekeeper Margaret Howells 25, lead ore dresser Harriet Howells 15, lead ore dresser
Abernant David Evans 50, lead miner Margaret Evans 47, wife Margaret Evans 25, daughter Edward Evans 11, Jane Evans 5.
Pengeulan Thomas Jones 52, widower, lead miner Evan Jones 16, lead miner Richard Jones 13 scholar
Pengeulan Betha James 57, widow, laundress Moses James 30, lead miner
Tyllwyd James E Raw 19, farmer Ann Margaret Raw 17, sister, farmer's daughter Eleanor Raw 14 scholar Catherine Morgans 52, general servant Elizabeth Lloyd 16, dairy maid Mary E Davies 18, visitor, farmer's daughter Richard Edwards 18 servant indoor James Prosser 14 shepherd
Esgairwen Jane James 81 widow, living on relief
Esgairwen Rees Morgans 38, lead miner Sarah Morgans 40, wife William Morgans 16, lead miner Mary Morgans 12, Sarah Morgans 9, Bonar Morgans 7, scholars
Troedrhiw William Dunshan 70, lead miner Jane Dunshan 58, wife
Troedrhiw Sarah Herbert 65, widow, housekeeper.
Troedrhiw Mary Prosser 56, housekeeper Azariah Prosser 24, lead miner Richard Prosser 22, lead miner Margaret Prosser 17, miner's daughter
Nantrhys David Morgans 41, shepherd Ann Morgans 14, shepherd's wife Mary Ann Morgans 16 daughter David Morgans 14 shepherd William E 12, shepherd Richard B Morgans 9, Thomas Morgans 5, Lewis Rhys Morgans 6 months, children.
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Steve Jones writes; My great great grandparents David and Ann Morgans were shepherds for Waddingham at the Hafod. Amongst the children's names you will find William, Mary and Richard. By the summer of that year those three were dead in one week. I believe it was Scarlet fever but not sure. The other boys survived my great grandfather being one, who ended up in the Neath valley as a colliery Osler and another Thomas Rhuddnant Morgan's was later successful in local eisteddfods winning chairs in 1914 and 1915. By all accounts he was a ladies man and two years ago a letter was found by a lady in Devils Bridge. He had sent it to her mother in law before world war one asking for a date. If you can read Welsh it is a very interesting letter. | Pencaecarriers (?) Daniel Jenkins 59, widower, lead miner Elizbeth Jenkins 21, housekeeper Jane Jenkins 19, lead ore dresser
Mill John Howells 46, carpenter Ann Howells 45, wife Thomas Howells 21, lead miner Lewis Howells 19, lead miner John Howells 14, lead miner Sarah Howells 12, Richard Howells 9, Margaret J. Howells 6, children
Pencnwch David Edwards 57, lead miner Richard Edwards 27, lead miner
Penrock Sarah Jenkins 38, widow, grocer Sarah Howells 8, lodger, scholar
Pencnwch Evan Jones 43, lead miner Elizabeth Jones 44, wife Sarah Jones 22, lead ore dresser Evan Jones 20, lead miner Ann Jones 16, lead ore dresser Margaret Jones 16, lead ore dresser Jane Jones 14, lead ore dresser Hannah Jones 12, Sophia Jones 9, Eleanor Jones 6, John Jones 3, scholars.
Pencnwch Thomas Hughes 34, lead miner Sophia Hughes 29, wife Mary Hughes 4, daughter
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My name is Jane Watts and my grandmother Alice Hughes was born in 1889/1890 in Cwmystwyth. Having looked at the 1891 census her father was Thomas Hughes and he was a lead miner, as was her grandfather Thomas Williams. They lived at The Mill, Pencnwych, Llanfihangel Y Croyddyn Upper. Her mother was Sophia Hughes and in 1891 there were 4 daughters including my grandmother, Sophia Ellen, Margaret, Miriam and my grandmother Alice. Having looked at your lovely website I see Thomas and Sophia are listed and a daughter Mary Hughes who is not mentioned in the 1891 census.
| 1891 census; The Mill, John Hughes 44, lead miner, born Llanfihangel Y Creuddyn, Sophia Hughes 39 wife, born Llanafan, children, Sophia Ellen 9, Margaret A. 6, Miriam 3, Alice 1, all born Llanfihangel YC and also living with them was Thomas Williams 67, widower, father in law, a retired lead miner, born Llanafan |
I don't suppose you have any other information you could give me but I was just wondering if you had. Your website really is lovely and it was so good to see my relatives mentioned on it, so even if you haven't any info thank you for making my day with the info and pictures on your site.
| 1901 census ; Felin (Mill) ; Sophia Hughes 49, widow, children, Alice 11, Joseph J. 8, Elizabeth 7. All recorded as born Llanfihangel. All spoke only Welsh. | | Pencnwch John Jones 42, widower, lead miner Mary Jones 17, daughter John Jones 15, lead miner Elizabeth Jones 13, Joseph Jones 12, Thomas Jones 9, scholars
Pencnwch Ann Oliver 61, widow, housekeeper Jane Oliver 18, lead ore dresser Margaret Oliver 16, lead ore dresser
Pencnwch John Roberts 33, lead miner Mary Roberts 28, wife Elizabeth Roberts 5, John Roberts 2, children
Two uninhabitted houses at Pencnwch
Pencnwch Charles Burrell 47, draper and grocer Mary Burrell 46, wife Thomas Burrell 20, scholar Elizabeth Burrell 16, draper's assistant Lewis Burrell 14, Charles Burrell 12, Richard Burrell 9, Anna Mary Burrell 4, Frederick Davy Burrell 1, children Anna Burrell 29, sister, dressmaker
Carthouse Morgan Jones 45, agricultural labourer Martha Jones 45, wife Catherine Jones 18, daughter John Jones 15, lead miner Martha Jones 12, Elizabeth 12, daughters
Pentrebrunant David Morgan 26, farmer Lizzie Morgan 19, wife Morgan Jones 22, farm servant Ann Jones 20, general servant
Penffynon John Davies 32, lead miner Averinah (?) Davies 74, mother, widow, living on relief Jane Davies 45, sister, housekeeper
Penffynon Harriet Howells 39, widow, quilt maker John Howells 16, farm servant Richard Howells 14, farm servant Hannah Howells 12, Margarte 10, scholars
Penffynon Richard Morgans 59, lead miner Ann Morgans 53, wife John Morgans 18, lead miner David Morgans 13, farm servant Sarah Roberts 13, scholar Margaret Raw 24, visitor, housemaid David Morgans 12, lodger scholar
Penffynon Joseph Barclay 58, widower, lead miner Sarah Barclay 21 housekeeper Daniel Barclay 16, lead miner
Penffynon William Williams 35, lead miner Mary Williams 37, wife Mary Ann Williams 6, Thomas Williams 5, Lizzie Williams 3, David Williams 2, children
Penffynon Thomas Lloyd 28, lead miner Sarah Lloyd 23, wife Margaretta Lloyd 4, David Lloyd 11 months children
Penffynon John Moses 27, widower, lead miner Elizabeth Moses 3, daughter Elizabeth Moses, stepmother 54, housekeeper Ann Moses 18, sister, lead ore dresser
School house David Davies 35, lead miner Mary Ann Davies 14, housekeeper Margaret Davies 12, Elizabeth Davies 10, David Davies 8, Jane Davies 5, William F Davies 3, children
School house Catherine James 75 housekeeper Margaret James 85, sister, housekeeper Margaret Jane James 20, niece, lead ore dresser
Ty Bach John Davies 44, lead miner Margaret Davies 40, wife David Davies 17, lead miner Charles Davies 14, John Davies 12, William Davies 10, Ann I Davies 8, Margaret Davies 5, Hannah Davies 1, children
School house Mary Jones 34, teacher's wife John Thomas Jones 6, Rosina Mary Jones 4, Edith M Jones 1, children Ann James 16, domestic servant
School house Cottage Evan Morgans 43, lead miner Elizabeth Morgans 44, wife Elizabeth Morgans 6, William B. Morgans 4, children
School house Thomas Burrell 35, lead miner Mary Burrell 32, wife Richard Burrell 9, Thomas Burrell 7, William Burrell 5, Mary Ann Burrell 3, Margaret Burrell under 10 months, children
Brunant Cottage Abrahan Oliver 47, widower, grocer Mary Oliver 81, mother, widow, retired grocer Margaret I. Joseph 14, niece, Sarah M. Joseph 13, niece, Abraham Thomas Joseph 11, nephew Mary Evans 35, housekeeper.
Brunant Cottage John Michell, 27 lead miner Elizabeth A Michell 29, wife Agnes E Michell 4, William Thomas Michell 2, James Mason Michell 7 months
Penrhiw Mary Williams 85, living on relief
Penrhiw James Ball 47 lead miner Mary Ball 29, Elizabeth Ball 9, Janet Ball 5, William Ball 3, John Ball 7 months
Penbont John Jones 60, horse dealer Mary Owens 13, general servant
Penbont Jane Thomas 89, widow, living on relief Margaret Morgans 13, servant
Tynglog David Oliver 37, lead miner Margaret Oliver 30 John R. Oliver 4, Mary Jane Oliver 3
Tynglog Elizabeth Ball 38, widow, housekeeper Thomas Ball 17, son, lead miner Margaret Ball 12, Ellen Ann Ball 9.
Tynglog Jeremiah Owens 42 lead miner Ann Owens 41 Lewis Owens 16 lead miner Mary Ann Owens 15 lead ore dresser Joseph Owens 11, Edward Owens 9, Thomas Owens 8, Owen Owens 5, Sophia Owens 4, Sarah Owens 3
Tynglog Edward Owens 38, lead miner Sarah Owens 37 William Owens 11, Hugh Owens 9, Edward Owens 7, Lewis Owens 5
Tynglog Margaret James 46 widow, dress maker Sarah Owens 15 lead ore dresser
Tycwta Thomas Howells 34, lead miner Elizabeth Howells 29 Thomas Howells 11, Margaret Howells 9, Mary Howells 5, Lewis Howells 2.
Ochorglog Lewis Roderick 66, tailor Anne Roderick 66
Ochorglog David Williams 30, widower, lead miner Mary Williams 61, mother, widow, housekeeper Anne Williams 24, sister, employed at lead mine David Williams 6, Ann Williams 4, John Williams 1
Ochorglog Daniel Jenkins 33, lead miner Elizabeth Jenkins 30 Richard Jenkins 6, David Jenkins 4, Daniel Jenkins 1 Jane Davies 79. widow, mother in law, living on relief
Penbanc John Williams 40, lead miner Sarah Williams 31 sister, housekeeper James Evans 58, lodger, blacksmith
Penbanc David Williams 44, lead miner Elenor Williams 52 Thomas Williams 22, employed at lead mine Anne Williams 20, Rural letter carrier
Fronheulog John Thickins 51, lead miner Elizabeth Thickins 50 Mary A. Thickins 18, employed in mine work Thomas Thickins 11 David Thickins 9
Tynllechwedd Jane Thickins 49 housewife Thomas Thickins 9
Tynllechwedd William Herbert 65, agricultural labourer Anne Herbert 61 Anne Herbert 44, lead ore dresser William Herbert 26, lead miner David Herbert 22, lead miner
Gwndwngwyn Joseph Morgans 43, lead miner Mary Morgans 47 Mary Morgans,19 employed at lead mine John Morgans 17, lead miner Joseph Morgans 14 lead miner William Morgans 11, Ann Morgans 7.
Gwndwngwyn Rachel Thomas 67, widow Lewis Thomas 29, lead miner Catherine Thomas 26, housekeeper
Pengraigfach Sarah Burrell 85, widow, living on relief Averanah Burrell 51, dressmaker
Pengraigfach Charles Burrell 40, lead miner Jane Burrell 38 William Burrell 12, Thomas Burrell 10, Sarah Burrell 8, John Burrell 6, Mary Burrell 4, Llwewlyn Burrell 4, David Charles Burrell 1.
Pengraigfach Richard Howells 49, lead miner Margaret Howells 49 William Howells 23, lead miner Joseph Howells 20, lead minerMary Howells 16, employed at lead mine works Elizabeth Howells 14, employed at lead mine works Michael 11
Tanlanfawr Thomas Thomas27, lead miner Isaac Thomas 30 brother, tailor Ann Thomas 33, sister, lead dresser Sarah Thomas 35, sister, housekeeper
Tanlanfawr Thomas Morgans 54, widower, lead miner Margaret Morgans 21 housekeeper David Morgans 19, lead miner Thomas Morgans 16, lead miner John Morgans 12
Frondale John Herbert 43, lead miner Mary Herbert 41, John Herbert 9 Elizabeth Davies 32, domestic servant
Frondale Thomas Edwards 28, lead miner Anne Edwards 29 Richard Edwards 4
Tainewyddion William Morgans 34, lead miner Anne Morgans 26 Elizabeth M. Thomas, step daughter 3, Mary Ann Morgans 1
Tainewyddion David James 60, lead miner Susanah James 62 Thomas James 27, lead miner Margaret James 21, lead ore dresser
Tainewyddion William Howells 46, lead miner Sophia Howells 45, housekeeper John Howells 14, lead miner William Howells 12, lead miner Joseph Howells 9, David Howells 5, Sophia Howells 2.
Tainewyddion Sarah Thickins 42, widow, housekeeper Ellen Thickins 18, lead working miner John Thickins 16, lead miner Thomas Thickins 8.
Tainewyddion John Thomas 41, lead miner Mary Thomas 36 Sarah Thomas 13, Mary Thomas 10, Harriet Thomas 7, Elizabeth A. Thomas 5, Margaret I. Thomas 3, John Thomas 7 months
Lluest John Jenkins 41, widower, lead miner Ann Jenkins 16, housekeeper John Jenkins 14, lead miner Thomas Jenkins 12, Mary Jenkins 10, Sarah Jenkins 3 Mary Howells, 75 widow, mother in law
Lluest John Edwards 34, lead miner Jane Jones 51, domestic servant
Tynffordd John Edwards, 54 farmer
Tynffordd Richard Edwards 49, lead miner Margaret Edwards 49 Sarah Edwards 23, general servant John Edwards 22, lead miner Ann Edwards 15, lead miner William Edwards 5, Ionbwy Edwards 3, grandson
Cnwcybarcud David Davies 29, lead miner Sophia Davies 22 Elizabeth Davies 1 John Davies 35, brother, lead miner
Cnwcybarcud William Davies 66, carrier Mary Davies 63 Sarah Davies 30, lead ore dresser Margaret Davies 22, lead ore dresser William David Edwards 1, grandson
Pantrodyn Averinah Davies 75, widower David Davies 45, lead miner Margaret Davies 39, housekeeper Thomas Davies 37, joiner
Pantffynnon Thomas Hughes 25, lead miner Jane Hughes 24 John Hughes 3, Thomas Hughes 1
Lletherbrith Mary Thomas 74, widow Elizabeth Thoams 39, lead ore dresser
Lletherbrith Thomas Edwards 28, lead miner Margaret Edwards 25
Lletherbrith Ann Moses 73, widow, housekeeper
Nantperfedd Isaac Thomas 46, lead miner Mary Thomas 48 Ann Thomas 17, Richard Thomas 11, William Thomas 8
Blaendyffryn Margaret Edwards 23, housekeeper Richard Edwards 9 lodger & scholar
Abernantcwta Thomas Evans 68, widower, lead miner Evan Evans 26, lead miner
Abernantcwta John Evans 31, lead miner Margaret Evans 31 John Evans 5, Thomas Evans 9 months
Tynlone David Davies 25, lead miner Ellen Davies 28
Tynlone Thomas Edwards 47, lead miner Hannah Edwards 46 Sarah Edwards 18, employed at lead mine John Edwards 16, lead miner Thomas Edwards 14, lead miner David Edwards 10, Edward Edwards 9, Hannah Edwards 7
Nant y Gorlan Mary Morgans 63, widow, housekeeper Ellen Edwards 11 Jane Edwards 15, lodger, employed at lead mine
Talwrn David Davies 57, lead miner Elizabeth Davies 61 Mary Ann Owens 14, domestic servant
Talwrn Ann Jenkins 39 housekeeper
Brynglas Moses Evans 65, shoemaker Ann Evans 63 Daniel Evans 24, lead miner
Pencwm Thomas Jones 41, lead miner Sarah Jones 36 William Jones 13, lead miner John Jones 11, Ann Jones 7, Mary Jones 4, Margaret Jones 2
Chapel House Sarah Edwards 74, widow, Methodist Preacher's domestic attendant
This completes Llanfihangel y Creuddyn Upper District 5 for the 1881 census.
MORE CENSUS INFORMATION TO FOLLOW
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CWMYSTWYTH MINERS in 1910
Taken just below the compressor house. |
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Front row; Arthur Hughes, John Edwards, Richard 'Gwar Rhos', Joseph Howells, John Evans, Tom Williams, Ned Edwards, Joseph Morgan, John Roberts. Second row; John Evans, Tom James, Will Edwards, Tom Evans, Dai Williams, John Edwards, Dai Morgan, Joe Appleton, Dai Nurrell, Lewis Thomas Third row; Dick Davies, Dick Thomas, Llew Burrell, Arthur Morgan, Tom James, Thomas Thomas, Ifan 'Gwar Rhos', Thomas Howells, Jack Morgan, Jack Jenkins, Will Thickens, 'Shammi; Morgan, Jack Thomas, Daniel Jenkins, Thomas Morgan, Evan Evans. Back row; Willi Morgan, David Evans, Richard Evans. |
Dressing Mill 1912 |
Crushing Mill 1912 |
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 Dressing Mill 1979
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Take trip of a lifetime into CWMYSTWYTH MINES click here |
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Cwmystwyth Going Underground |
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I was delighted to receive the following message from Kes Jones. KD |
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Apologies if the above link is something you have seen already but I wondered if it might be of interest.
It is the first of a series of four clips exploring the underground workings at Cwmystwyth found after a recommendation on an underground exploration website.
Many thanks for your wonderful site - my former father-in-law Howell Morgan was the great grandson of one of the miners depicted in the photo in front of the compressor house and I am really glad I had a chance to show him your research before he died in 2009.
Howell's reaction to seeing your site was one of amazement - he was of a generation that found the internet itself a true wonder but showing him the sheer extent of what was possible to find was lovely.
He remembered playing in the Hafod mansion grounds as a small boy - sneaking in over the wall to watch the rabbits. He also remembers the lamp house still containing all the miners lamps up until fairly recently.
With all the very best,
Kes |
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Published on You Tube - 10 Apr 2012 by MetalLinksProject
A Welsh audio video of the inside of Cwmystwyth mine made in the 1990s. Reproduced on You Tube with the kind permission of Alun Jenkins from his video Llwybr Tadgu. | |
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THE EGLWYS NEWYDD TRAGEDY OF 1856 |
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Mr Trevor Edwards writes;
While researching my Cwmystwyth ancestry, where the descendants of my great-great-grandparents, David and Sarah Edwards (nee Herbert) had lived in Tynyffordd from 1813 and for more than 100 years. I was saddened upon discovering in the Cardiganshire Family History Society's Index to Burials and Eglwys Newydd 1838 - 1865, that four young nieces and nephews of my great grandparents Richard and Margaret Edwards (nee Howells), also of Tynyffordd, had died at Caermeirch farm in May and June of 1856.
Many other children had also died in 1856. I discovered that many of these poor children died of a Scarlet Fever epidemic in and around the upper Ystwyth valley and which peaked between May and June 1856. Such a tragic loss of young lives representing 10% of the child population in the area on both sides of the River Ystwyth between Hafod Uchtryd and Penybryn and the awful grief and fear which must have prevailed over the community at that time, must surely have been a matter of public record. However, although I have searched many internet sites which cover the history of Eglwys Newydd, and other local sources, I have been unable to find any reference to the tragedy which unfolded there.
Details of the tragic deaths which I compiled appear below. |
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Name |
Age |
Burial Date |
Home |
Anne Barkley Louisa Jane Barson Mary Jane Barson Anne Barson Elizabeth Douglas Sarah Edwards Mary Edwards Thomas Edwards Anne Evans Daniel Evans Thomas Evans Anne Howells Mary Howells John Howells Margaret Howells John Hughes William Hughes Mary Hughes David James Evan James Mary Ann James Jane James Sarah Jenkins Jane Jenkins Elizabeth Lloyd Sarah Lloyd Morgan Lloyd William Lloyd Thomas Lloyd Richard Morgans William Morgans Joseph Morgans Mary Morgans Ann Morgans William Moses John Moses Mary Moses Elizabeth Owens William Thomas Agnes Tregonning Anne Williams Richard Williams John Williams |
4 5 2 8 1m 2 7 9 4 3 10 2 2 7 2 3 3 5 7 3 7 1 6 10m 11 13 2 4 4 13 15 3m 14 8 5 3 6 7 8 4 15 9 1 |
24 March 23 February 13 June 16 June 12 March 26 April 14 May 28 May 23 September 10 June 11 October 19 January 10 June 12 June 18 June 2 April 21 May 23 May 20 June 30 July 1 August 4 August 31 January 6 May 2 February 20 February 28 April 28 April 19 February 1 January 17 January 26 February 5 July 11 July 5 September 20 September 16 October 9 May 1 September 14 May 8 July 11 July 6 May |
Penyffynnon, Pentrebach Nantcrafanglach Pant y Mawn Pant y Mawn Penybryn Cwmystwyth Caermeirch Caermeirch Cwmystwyth Black Lion Abernantcwtta Blaenmilwyn Caermeirch Caermeirch Cwmdu Penygwyndwn Chatham Chatham Tynewydd Abernant Abernant Abernant Tancwarel Tancwarel Esgairfilwyn Esgairfilwyn Cwmystwyth (School House) Cwmystwyth (School House) Lodge, near Church Gilfachyrhew Gilfachyrhew Tanyrallt Tynewydd, Nantperfedd Tynewydd, Nantperfedd Tainewyddion y Mynydd Tainewyddion y Mynydd Tainewyddion y Mynydd Ochorglog Tynewydd Craigiau Penpark Penpark Chatham |
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If anyone can help Trevor with any information relating to the tragedy, please contact this website via the e-mail link. Grateful thanks to Reg Budd of Cambrian Energetics for putting Trevor in touch with me. KD |
| 9th MAY 1856 ELIZABETH OWENS Ochr Glog |
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1851 census; James James, 53, miner in lead mine, Mona 55, wife, Margaret 22, daughter, mine dresser, Hannah (?) 13, mine dresser, Elizabeth Owens 2 granddaughter, carrier's daughter |
| 14th MAY 1856 MARY EDWARDS, Cae'r Meirch |
| 28th MAY 1856 THOMAS EDWARDS, Cae'r Meirch |
| 1851 census; David Edwards, 37, farmer, Ann 36, wife, Thomas 4, Mary 2, John 5 months. All were born in Llanfihangel. |
| 20th JUNE 1856 DAVID JAMES Ty Newydd |
| 1851 census; David James 50, mine in lead mine, Susanna 52, wife, Elizabeth 4, David 2. All born in Llanfihangel |
| 8th JULY 1856 ANNE WILLIAMS, Penpark |
| 11th JULY 1856 RICHARD WILLIAMS, Penpark |
| 1851 census; Mary Williams 41, widow, Mary 17, dresser in lead mine, Elizabeth 15, dresser, Jane 12 dresser, Anne 9, Thomas 6, Richard 4. All born Llanfihangel and Gwnnws |
| 1st SEPTEMBER 1856 WILLIAM THOMAS, Ty Newydd |
| 1851 census; Richard Thomas 46, miner, Mary 43, wife, Thomas 13, Anne, 10, Elizabeth 8, Mary 6, William 2, Lewis 6 months. All born Llanfihangel |
| 11th OCTOBER 1856 THOMAS EVANS, Abernantcwtta |
| 1851 census; Thomas Evans 37, labourer in lead mine, Sophia 41 wife, Thomas 4, Anne 2, John 1. All born Llanfihangel | |
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1851 CENSUS Rheidiol showing Head of Household only |
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Talwrn; David Davies 27, miner, born Llanfihangel Talwrn; John Burrell, 46, miner, born Llanfihangel Talwyrn; John Jenkins 41, miner, born Llanfihangel
Cnwcybarcud; Susanna Davis 74, widow, born Llanfihangel Cnwcybarcud; John Davies, 42, miner, born Llanfihangel Abernantcwta; Thomas Burrell, 27, miner, born Llanfihangel Abernantcwta; Thomas Evans 37, labourer in mine, born Llanbadarn Fawr
Llethr Brith; John Richards, 32, blacksmith, born Llanfihangel Nantcwta; Mary Davies 58, House holder, born Llanfihangel Nantcwta; David Davies 46, labourer in lead mine, born Llanfihangel
Pantyrodyn; David Davies 47, miner in lead mine, born Llanfihangel Tyn y Ffordd; David Edwards 60, at home, retired miner, born Llanfihangel Tanlon fawr; Isaac Thomas, 68, at home, retired miner,born Prestgynwg Upper
Tanlon fawr; Thomas Thomas 59, miner in lead mine, born Llanfihangel Pengraig Fach; William Howells, 56 at home, retired miner, born Llanfihangel Pengraig Fach; William Burrel 51, miner, born Llanfihangel
Ty Newydd; David James 50, miner in lead mine, born Llanfihangel Ty Newydd; Richard Thomas, 46, miner in lead mine, born Llanfihangel Ty Newydd, Penmynydd; Mary Moses widow, 65 householder, b Pengwnws Ty Newydd, John Moses, 32, miner in lead mine, born Pengwnws
Ty Newydd; Thomas Morgans 52, miner in lead mine, born Llanfihangel Ty Newydd Mynydd, Anne James, 67 widow, annuitant, born Pengwnws Ty Newydd; John Morgans, 37, miner in lead mine, born Llanfihangel Lluestedwyd; Mary Howells 46, widow, farmer 4 acres, born Llanfihangel
Lluestedwyd; Thomas Edwards 58, carrier, born Llanfihangel Gwndungwyn; Thomas Thomas, 44, clerk, born Gwnws Gwndungwyn; William Morgans, 48 miner in lead mine, born Llanfihangel Tyn Llechwedd; Ebeneser Herbert, 31, miner in lead mine, born Llanfihangel
Tyn Llechwedd; William Herbert, 35, miner in lead mine, born Llanfihangel Penbank; John Williams, 40, miner in lead mine, born Llanfihangel Ochr Glog; James James, 53, miner in lead mine, born Llanfihangel
Ochr Glog; Anne Barkley, 66, widow, annuitant, born Gwnnws Upper Ochr Glog; William Evans, 34 carpenter, born Llanfihangel Tyn y Glog; Mary Oliver, 50, widow, shopkeeper, born Llanarth
Tyn y Glog; Thomas Morgans, 46, butcher, born Llanfihangel Tyn y Glog; Lewis Owen 57, miner in lead mine, born Melindwr
Ty Cwta; John Howells 52, miner in lead mine, born Llanfihangel Pen Ffynnon; Richard Edwards, 55, miner in lead mine, born Gwnws Pen Ffynnon; Jane Evans, 71, making stockings, born Gwnws
Pen Fynnon; Daniel Jenkins 27, miner in lead mine, born Llanfihangel Capel; Amme Burell, 39, knitting stockings, born Llanfihangel Hen Gapel; Richard Edrwards, 65 clog maker ,born Llanfihangel Pen Ffynnon; David Williams 29, miner in lead mine, born Llanfihangel Pen Ffynnon; Anne Evans 67, annuitant, born Llanfihangel Pen Ffynnon; Jane Jenkins, 66 widow, annuitant, born Llanfihangel
Pen Ffynnon; Jane Morgans, 88 widow, annuitant, born Llanfihangel Pen Ffynnon; David Davies 41, weaver, born Nantmel Pentre; Anne Williams 44, mine dresser, born Llanfihangel Pentre; William Williams 29, mine Agent, born Redruth
Pentre Brunant; Thomas Thomas 40, farmer, born Ysbyty Ystwyth Pentre Brunant; Edward Howells 44, lead miner, born Lanfihangel Upper Pencnwct; Elizabeth Burell 56, shopkeeper, born Llanfihangel Upper Pencnwct; Richard Oliver 25, lead miner, born Gwmws
Pencnwct; Joseph Hughes 45, miner, born Cardigan Pencnwct; Thomas Jenkins, 46 miner, born Llanfihangel Pencnwct; Mary James widow 47, annuitant, born Llanfihangel
Pencnwct; John Williams 55, annuitant, born Cardigan Pencnwct; Elizabeth James, 53, housekeeper, born Cardigan Pentre Mill; John Jones, 30, Mill keeper, born Trefeglwys
Pencaecarriers; Richard Edwards 46, carpenter, born Llanfihangel Penpark; Mary Williams 41, widow, annuitant, born Llanfihangel
Penpark; Lewis Griffiths 57, miner in lead mine, born Gwmws Penpark; William Michael (Michell?) 45 mine agent, born Mary Tavy Cwrt; Enoch Morgans, 41, carpenter, born Llanfihangel
Cwrt; David Evans, 47, miner, born Gwnws Cwrt; William Ball, 33 miner in lead miner, born Mary Tavy
Tyndole; David Morgans, 50 mine subrat, born Llangurig
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Steve Jones writes; My GGG Grandfather David Morgans lived in Tynddol. They came there from Hirnant on top of the Elan Valley after losing their sheep in a severe winter during the 1840's. He became a lead miner. |
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1851 Tyndole; David Morgans, 50, widower, mine subrat, born Llangurig, Montomeryshire, children; Sarah 15, Mary 13, David 11, Rees 9, Edward 7, Elizabeth 6, all born Cwmdauddwr. |
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1861 Ty'n Ddol; David Morgans, 63, widower, labourer miner, born Llangurig, Rees 19, lead miner, Edward 17, lead miner, Elizabeth 16, house servant, all born Cwmdauddwr |
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By the next census, David's daughter Margaret had married Edward Morgan, who was now head of the household. |
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1871 Ty'n Ddol; Edward Morgan 27, lead miner, born Radnorshire, Margaret 27 wife, Mary 5, Sarah Anne 2, Elizabeth 3 weeks, all born Llanfihangel, David Morgans 74, father in law, old lead miner, born Llangurig |
Tyndole; John Evans 32, miner in lead mine, born Llanfihangel Abernant; Joseph James, 25, miner in lead mine, born Llanfihangel
Abernant; John Morgans 32, miner in lead mine, born Llanfihangel Bonor (?) Morgans 48 miner in lead mine, born Llanfihangel Pengeulan; Sarah Morgans 63, widow annuitant born Llanfihangel Pengeulan; Mary James 54, annuitant, born Llanfihangel
Ty Llwyd; James Raw, 50, mine agent and farmer, born Yorkshire
 Mine Captain James Raw, c 1850s |
 James Raw's grave at Hafod Church. Died April 1866 aged 65 |
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Ty Llwyd; James Raw 50, Mine Agent and farmer, born Yorkshire, Ellinor 45, wife , children; Margaret, 18, both born Llanbadarn Fawr, Sarah 15, James 13, Ellinor 11, Mary Anne 7, Harriet 6, visitor Mary Griffiths 65, widow, described as a lady, all born in Llanfihangel, Meredith Davies, 21 , born Llangurig, Thomas Boner 18, born Llanfihangel, both farm servants, Jane Williams 26, born Llanidloes, Anne Hughes 23, born Gwnws, both house servants | Steve Jones writes; My family worked for the Raw family at Ty Llwyd |
Esgairwen; Moses James, 48 miner in lead mine, born Gwnws
Esgairwen; John Jonathan 39, sipand (?) born Gwnws Troed y Rhiw; William Dunstone, 40 lead miner, born Gwennap Cornwall Troed y Rhiw; John Herbert 40, mine dresser, born Llanfihangel
Troed y Rhiw; Richard Prosser, 67, farmer 4 acres, born Llanfihangel Nant Rhees; David Morgans, 57 shepherd, born Llanfihangel
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1851 EGLWYS NEWYDD & HAFOD |
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Hafod Arms; Thomas Ray 51, Inn Keeper, born Warrington Cottage; David Doughton 36, hostler, born Aberystwyth Blaenmerin; Richard Jones 38, shepherd, born Llanbadarn
Dolwen; Morgan Davies, 58, shepherd, born Llanbadarn Ty Gwyn; Thomas Howells, 53, farmer, born Llanfihangel
Efal Fach; David Jones, 28 miner, born Llanfihangel Botgoll; Margaret Jones 63, widow, farmer, born Llanbadarn Ty Newydd; Richard Jones, 37, miner, born Llanfihangel Prignant; Mary Jones, 57, on Parish relief, formerly shepherd, born Llanfihangel
Prignant; James Powell 39, miner, born Llanbadarn Upper Prignant; Mary Howells 62, widow, farmer, born Llanbadarn Penbwlch Botgale (?) Richard Brobart 68, labourer born Oswestry
Hen Ffordd; Lewis Evans, 46 labourer, born Llanbadarn New Farm; John Howells, 39, farmer, born Llanbadarn New Farm; Thomas Thickins, 32 miner, born Gwnws
Chetham; William Williams, 35, miner, born Llanfihangel Chetham; Thomas Williams 38, agricultural labourer, born Llangurig Ysgubor Fawr; Elinor Thickins, 54, widow, no occupation, born Llanfihangel
Ysgubor Fawr; Richard Howells, 39, miner born Llanidloes Ty'n Rhos; Thomas Oliver 34, miner born Llanfihangel Chetham; John Howells 26, miner born Gwmws Ty'n Rhos; Avrhina Oliver, 61, widow, no occupation, born Llanfihangel
Ty'n Llidiart; William Jones, 56 miner born Llanfihangel Ty'n Rhyd; John Morgans 40, cooper, born Llanfihangel Rhos Llidiart; Moses Evans 25, shoemaker, born Llanfihangel
Ty'n y Bryn; Thomas Morgans, 40 farmer, born Llanfihangel Gwenallt; John Thomas 40, farmer, born Llanfihangel Gwenallt; James Edwards, 70 on Parish relief, born Llanfihangel Hafod School; WilliamLloyd, 29, schoolmaster, born Merionethshire Ty'n y Fron; Thomas Edwards 36, miner at lead mine, born Llanfihangel
Ty'n Clytiau; Lewis Oliver 31, miner & holding farm, 40 acres, born Llanfihangel Pwll Piran; Richard John Flowerdew, 28, land agent, born Wortham Nanterafnach (?); John Parson 50, labourer, born Nottingham
Nantyrafnach; Evan Lloyd 75, stonemason, born Llanfihangel Crigrige (?); Elisha Bonner; 48, builder, born Exeter Hafod Garden; William Lewis 29, gardener, born Yspyty Hafod House; Thomas Lloyd, 38, game keeper, born Aberystwyth
Tanith Leol (?); Thomas Evans, 49, joiner, born Llanbadarn Glanyswyth; Hugh Bonner, 50, labourer, born Llanfihangel Pontrhydygroes; John Edwards 29, shopkeeper, born Llanfihangel
Pontrhydygroes; Edward Evans, 46, Perpetual curate of Llanddewi Brefi born Llanfihangel Pontrhydygroes Mill; Sarah Morgans, 55, widow, miller, born Llanfihangel Gwainrhos; David Morgan, 35, miner, born Yspyty Ty'n Rhos; David Evans 44, farmer, born Llanafan
Rhos Rhyw; David Jones 43, farmer born Caron Pantcraf; Asariah Searle, 44, stone mason, born Beer, Devon
Dolgors; Enoch Williams 70, farmer, born Llanbadarn Ty'n Llidiart; James Davies 24, miner, born Llanfihangel Cwmglas Mill; Thomas Morgans, 30, miller, born Llanfihangel
Ty'n Rhos; Ann Pryse; 46, widow, no occupation, born Ysbyty Wern Drew; David Davies, 38, miner, born Llanfihangel
Nant Arthur; Vaughan Ferant, 48, farmer, born Llanfihangel Rhos Fawr; John Evans, 43, Relief of the Parish, born Llanbadarn Fawr Penpontpren; Bonner Bonner, 47, miner, born Llanfihangel
Ty'n Fawnog; John Jones, 34, miner, born Llanfihangel Glangell; John Hughes, 58, woodman, born Llanfihangel Llyn y Ffordd; Manuel Burbec, 23, miner, born Cwmdauddwr
Minyffordd; Thomas Lewis, 47, carpenter, born Llanfihangel Rhoscoch; John James 50, miner, born Llanilar
Dole; Isaac Morgans 42, carpenter, born Llanfihangel Tan y Chwarel; Henry Jones 76, smith, born Llanfihangel Glanygorslwyd; Thomas Davies; 47, agricultural labourer, born Llanfihangel | |
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HAFOD MANSION |
 Photo courtesy of Jayell |
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THOMAS JOHNES 1748 - 1816 |
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THOMAS JOHNES (1748 - 1816) was MP for Cardigan Boroughs 1774 - 1780, then for Radnor until 1796 and then for the County of Cardigan until he died. He was a landowner and an avid collector of books and manuscripts, and set up a private press, the Hafod Press, in 1802. He wrote to his friend George Cumberland in 1794. July 28, 1794. I inform you that within these few days an apparently valuable mineral spring has been discovered close by the Devil's Bridge. It seems to be very strong Chalebeat; as you may wish to taste some of it, I have ordered a small bottle of it to be sent by the Coach directed for you care of Mr Edwards in Pall Mall, and I shall write to him this post to desire he would forward it to you. If further Tunbridges or Cheltenhams should arise there, I trust that the beauties of Nature are of features too grand for any ornaments of Arts to have other effects than to make the old Lady appear more beautiful...
Letter to James Edwards in London. March 13, 1796, Hafod. I wished for you here during the dry and sharp weather to enjoy one of the grandest sights I ever witnessed. I took the opportunity of the great dryness to set fire to some mountains covered with Furze. The wind was very high and the acres of flame as they rapidly ascended must have been something like the grand eruption of Lava, for it ran up in streams of fire and flame. The wind dissipated the smoke and when you went to the Top of the Hill to the windwardside, you appeared as above the clouds, which every now and then a sudden gust divided to give you a glimpse of Paradise below.
Letter to Arthur Young, Secretary of the first Board of Agriculture.He explains why the Cardiganshire Agricultural Society had failed to send their annual accounts, following the death of their secretary. April 17th 1799, Hafod. This has been a very hard Winter upon the Mountain Farmers. The losses among the sheep and lambs are very great indeed. I know not when to expect an end of it, for it snows and hails as fast as if it was the middle of December instead of April.
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1807 - FIRE AT HAFOD |
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Thomas Johnes' home, Hafod, suffered a fire which badly damaged many of his books and manuscripts. When stayning at a castle near Aberystwyth, he wrote to Edward Williams, known as Iolo Morgannwg about the incident.
November 13 1807 You will have seen in the papers my accident at Hafod, and the irreparable loss I have in many things sustained. I am, I hope, duly thankful that it was not worse, and that no lives were lost nor anyone at least hurt. I am now busy rebuilding it and I should be very much obliged to you if you would confirm by an early post directed as above whether there be any blocks of marble fit for columns or for paving staircases in your country and the prices they would come to per foot in working and polishing them..... I have not the plans before me and I cannot send you the exact dimensions...
All the books in the gallery and anti Library have been destroyed but the most part of the four bookcases in the large library have been saved - very luckily a fine library that I purchased at Venice was in London when the fire happened and this escaped. My Mss are gone and I shall not again attempt to collect more - but in regard to printed books I shall be richer than ever - for independent of what has been saved and this Venetian Library, I have purchased a fine collection of topography and early printed works I have now some of Caxton's printing, and all in good condition. | |
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JOHN RUSKIN 1876 |
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Ruskin, who was a critic and explainer of art, architecture and literature wrote about his visit to Wales. My first sight of bolder scenery was in Wales; and I have written, - more than it would be wise to print - about the drive from Hereford to Rhaiadr, under Plynlimmon to Pont-y-Monach; the joy of a walk with my father in the Sunday afternoon towards Hafod, dashed only with some alarmed sense of the sin of being so happy among the hills, instead of writing out a sermon at home; - my father's presence and countenance not wholly comforting me, for we both of us had alike a subdued consciousness of being profane and rebellious characters, compared to my mother. From Pont-y-Mynach we went north, gathering pebbles on the beach at Aberystwyth, and getting up Cader Idris with help of ponies; - it remained, and rightly, for many a year after, a king of mountains to me. Followed Harlech and its sands, Festiniog, the pass of Aberglaslyn, and marvel of Menai Straits and Bridge. | |
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1881 Census
HAFOD Thomas J Waddingham M.A., aged 41 was head of household, farming 2627 acres, and employing 8 men, 4 women and 8 boys. He was unmarried and was born in Leeds, Yorkshire. Ann Coldreck 50, cook and housekeeper. Margaret Lloyd 24, laundress and housemaid. Jane Davies 39, kitchen maid.
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Steve Jones writes; My great great grandparents David and Ann Morgans were shepherds for Waddington at the Hafod. Amongst the children's names you will find William, Mary and Richard. By the summer of that year those three were dead in one week. I believe it was Scarlet fever but not sure.
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HAFOD LODGE Elizabeth Lloyd 49, housekeepr William Lloyd 22, farm servant John R Lloyd 19, lead miner Mary A Lloyd 16, domestic servant John Lloyd 70, uncle, stone mason Thomas Lloyd 14, Evan Lloyd 8, William Lloyd 4 (grandson)
1891
HAFOD Thomas James Waddingham 51, Magistrate living on his own means Sarah Waddingham 58, wife Elizabeth Davies 58, mother in law, widow, living on her own means Rev J.C. Owen, 32, visitor, Clerk in Holy Orders T. J. Wetherall 28, visitor, architect Oswald Church 30 Domestic Servant, Butler Hannah Church 35, domestic servant, cook Laura Isabella Simpson 27, lady's maid George Oliver Bremner 18, footman Mary Ann Davies 23, housemaid Sarah Neale 20, kitchenmaid Mary Anne Thomas 24, intermediate Mary Anne Hunt 40, widow laundress Sarah Jones 17, maid
HAFOD UPPER LODGE John Hughes 22, coachman groom Margaret Hughes wife 34 Elizabeth Hughes 1, daughter
1901
HAFOD John Howells, 48 widower, coachman domestic Emily Griffiths, 21 Laundrymaid, domestic Elizabeth J. Evans, 26 housemaid domestic Alice Stratford, 30 housemaid domestic
UPPER LODGE John Hughes, 43, gamekeeper on Estate Margaret Hughes 44, wife Elizabeth A. Hughes, 11, William T. Hughes 9, children
.jpg) HAFOD LODGE. Photo copyright of Andrew Longton.
Above left - Hafod Ruins 2000 Above right - Hafod Parkland Photos copyright of Nigel Brown
I would love to hear from anyone with any history about Hafod or relatives of those who have lived there in the past.
Please contact me on mail@penmon.org
Ken Davies |
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The BARSON and HARPER Families
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I am very grateful to John Harper who contacted me from New Zealand, with details of his family, who had associations with Hafod, in the 1800s. My thanks also go to Judith Bremner for supplying the photographs. | |
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I have just discovered your very interesting and comprehensive website and thought you might be interested to hear of two English families who lived at Hafod in the 19th century.
John Barson (1799-1865) and his wife Ann Sargison (c1811-1888) were both born and married in Nottinghamshire. John worked at Clumber Park, the estate of the Duke of Newcastle who also owned the Hafod estate.
The Barsons moved to Hafod around 1837 and lived initially in a cottage called Pantycraf.
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 Pantycraf
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The 1841 census shows the family living at the above home. John was 35, an agricultural labourer, wife Ann was 30, Sarah 12, William 10, Thomas 6 and John 2. An important point with the 1841 census was that adults ages were rounded to the nearest 5. |
Sarah Barson's sampler, made when she was 12 years old, when living at Pantycraf, in 1841 |
John & Ann Barson had eleven children. Sarah (1828-1894), William (1830-1882), John (1832-183?), and Thomas (1835-1883) were all born at Walesby, Nottinghamshire. It must have been in 1836 or 1837 that the Barsons moved to Hafod. Another son John was born and died there in 1838 followed by yet another John (1839-1884), James (1843-1901), George (1845-1846), Mary Ann (1847-1856), Louisa Jane (1850-1856), and George (1855-1932).
The family moved from Pantycraf to Nantcrafanbach in 1846.
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John Barson was 50 at the time of the 1851 census, living at Nantcrafanbach, and worked as a labourer, born in East Leake His wife Ann was 41. Living at home with the couple were daughter Sarah, 22, a dressmaker and her siblings, William 20, Thomas 15, all born Walesby. Son John was 12, Mary Ann 3, James 8, and Jane 4 months old. These four children were born in the parish of Llanfihangel Y Creuddyn, Cardiganshire. Visiting the family at the time was shepherd James Harper, 17, born in Rainham, Norfolk | In 1856 they went to live at Pantymawn where John died. In the 1855 sale catalogue John Barson is named as the tenant of 4 acres 3 roods 5 perches of land described as 'Nantygrafanlach Cottage and land' the annual rental being 6 pounds. They moved to Pantymawn in the summer of 1856. Their son James later purchased Pantymawn from the then owner, whose name was Chambers.
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In 1861, John was recorded as aged 61, and a garden labourer. Ann was 51, James 17 was a miner, Mary Ann 14, and George 5. The couple are erroneously shown as having been born in Salop (Shropshire). |
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 Photo courtesy of Barbara Duffy and John Harper
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Taken in Queensland, Standing at the back, L-R Anne Jane Barson, John David Barson, William James Barson, John Williams, Thomas Morgans Barson, Margaret Barson Seated at the front L-R Edie Williams, Mary Barson, Mary Williams (formerly Barson, nee Morgans), Elizabeth Barson, Aggie Williams | More than one of their sons worked in the mines. Their eldest daughter Sarah married at Hafod Church in 1851, James Harper (1831-1907), a young shepherd born in Norfolk. How he came by a shepherding job at Hafod is a mystery to us.
I have the marriage certificate of James Harper and Sarah Barson written by the Reverend Lloyd on the 23 June 1856 - the day they left Hafod for a new life on the far side of the world. Witness to the marriage were John Barson and Thomas Lloyd, who was a gamekeeper at Hafod.
James and Sarah lived at Dologau where their first two children Sarah and John were born.
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 Dologau
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James and Sarah Harper |
Sarah Harper, nee Barson 1828 - 1894 |
All the surviving sons except George married local women. Willliam married Mary Griffiths in 1852 at Tregaron, Thomas married Margaret Hughes of Tynllwyn at Hafod Church in 1859; James married Elizabeth Morgans of Waungaccen at Hafod Church in 1863 and John married Mary Morgans of Waungaccen (presumably a sister of Elizabeth) at Hafod Church in 1865.
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Widow Ann 61, was still at Pant y Mawn in 1871. Living with her was her lead mining son, George, now 17.
Also recorded as living as a seperate household at Pant y Mawn was Ann's son, 32 year old John Barson, a lead miner, his wife Mary 24 and their children Margaret 4 and Grace Jane 2. All were born in Llanfihangel.
Another son James 28, lead miner, lived at Pant y Mawn Bach, with his wife Elizabeth 30 and children Jane 7, John 6, David 4 and William 2, all Llanfihangel born.
Interestingly, the next property entered on the census is Hafod itself. |
Some of the Barsons were still in the area until the early 1880s. Some years after she was widowed, Ann Barson went to live with her youngest son George and his family at Aston in Yorkshire, not far from her old home at Walesby just across the county border
Mary Ann Barson returned to live and work at Walesby, Notts., where she married Edward Burgin in 1868. By 1875 The Burgins were living at Aston, Yorkshire, which was where George Barson was married and settled in 1876, and where his mother was living with them in 1881.
I've narrowed down the dates when the family must have departed from the area. John (the younger) and Mary and their children went to live at Pentre, South Wales about 1874. James and his family left Pantymawn for Pontypridd in 1879 which was probably when Ann and George went back to England. Thomas and his family remained somewhat closer. He became a farm bailiff at Brynymor, Llanbadarn Fawr and one or more of his descendants were in the Aberystwith area well into the twentieth century.
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George and family lived at Aston Terrace in 1881. He is recorded as being born in Wales and that he was a British subject. George was a coal miner, aged 25, married to Mary Ann, 22, born Clay Cross, Derbyshire. They had a son John aged 4, born Swallownest, Yorkshire and daughter Sarah Ann 1, born Aston. George's mother Ann, living with the family, was 76.
Son James, then 38 and his family had moved to Ysbyty Ystwyth, where they lived at Blaen Marchnant, where he was a lead miner. Elizabeth was 41, daughter Jane 17, sons John 16, an ore dresser, David 14, William 11, daughters Sarah A. 8, Mary 6 and Elizabeth 3, all Llanfihangel born.
Son John had moved to Ystradyfodwg, Glamorgan, where he lived at 21 Regent Street. He was a 41 year old coal miner, and his wife Mary was 42. Their family consisted of Margaret 14, Anne 12, Mary 8, all recorded as born in Aberystwyth, but probablt Llanfihangel, Elizabeth 5 and John David 3, both born in Ystradyfodwg. Also living with them were nephews Lewis Lewis 21, Hugh Lewis 19, cousin Thomas Morgan 19 and a boarder, John Morgan, 31, all coal miners, born in Aberystwyth according to the census | After the death of John Barson (1839-1884) in Glamorganshire, to where he and his wife and children had moved from Hafod, his widow Mary married John Williams and they settled at Gympie, Queensland, Australia in 1886 with all of Mary's children going with them, as well as John Williams' two daughters.
Ann Barson died in Nottinghamshire in 1888.
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In 1891, George 35, a coal miner, and his family lived at No 8, but no street name was given, Aston. This was probably 8 Aston Terrace, their home in 1901. Mary Ann was 32, their son John 14, was a colliery pony driver. Sarah Ann was 11, James 8, Eliza 3 and Elizabeth 10 months old, all born Aston.
James 49 was living at 38 Tan y Bedw Street, Rhondda, collier, wife Elizabeth was 50, John 26, David 24, both colliers, Sarah Ann 17. Mary 15, Elizabeth 13. Thomas Morgans 19, a collier born Llanfihangel y Creuddyn was lodging with the family.
William Barson, 23 lived next door at number 37 Tan y Bedw Street. He had married a local girl born in Ystradyfodwg, Prisila aged 18. They had a 3 month old son James. Richard Ellis, 22 a collier born in Llanbadarn Fawr, boarded with the family . |
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George 45, and family were living at 8 Aston Terrace in 1901. He is recorded as a coal hewer, Mary was 42, Sarah 21, James 18, a colliery fireman below ground, Elizabeth 10, (Eliza not recorded at home), Edith 4, born Aston, Thomas 1 and granddaughter Mary 1, both born in Sheffield.
James Barson, a coal hewer, was living in 41 Tan y Bedw Street, Rhondda, Ystradyfodwg, with his wife Elizabeth in 1901. Both were 60. | The family of Sarah's brother John, settled in Australia. I think one or more of the other brothers moved to South Wales while George, the youngest brother settled in Yorkshire.
I visited Hafod some years ago and found all the places where the Barsons and James Harper had lived. It is a beautiful, lost world in the hills there - an Arcadian landscape as remote now as it must have seemed to the English incomers all those years ago. I can quite believe that Coleridge remembered the place when writing Kubla Kahn. I know that the family had to learn Welsh as I expect only the rector and schoolmaster and the family at Hafod House spoke English.
They must have been very lonely until they could talk to the local people. |
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THE EDWARDS FAMILY
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I was thrilled to receive correspondence from Tim Edwards, a photographer in London (KD). He wrote;
I came across your site on the internet. I am also a descendant of the Michells of Cwmystwyth, as described here;
William Michell and Sarah Michell (nee Bands) had a daughter, Annie. Annie Michell married Michael Edwards, who was a schoolmaster in Cwmystwyth Michael and Annie Edwards had a son, Thomas, who lived in Pwll near Llanelli. He was also a schoolmaster, Thomas had a son, Lesley, moved to Norwich, Norfolk, also a schoolmaster. He married Mary Edwards, Lesley and Mary had a son, Timothy, lives in London, photographer, I'm Timothy James Edwards.
I am very grateful to Mrs Mary Edwards and her son Tim for supplying information relating to their family. KD.
Annie was a sister to my great grandmother, Elizabeth Michell. (KD) Click here to read about the Michell family in Cwmystwyth |
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plough studios photographic and film hire studios Tim Edwards runs this business. Click here to access his website
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Family details from the censuses are as follows; We start with Tim's great, great, great grandparents, James and Sarah Edwards.;
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1841 census ; Nantywyre, Upper Llanfihangel. James Edwards, 61 shopkeeper, Sarah Edwards 53, wife, children, Sarah Edwards 20, Thomas Edwards 16, Ann Edwards 12, all born Cardiganshire |
By 1851, James and his wife had hit on hard times.
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1851 census ; Gwenallt, Upper Llanfihangel. James Edwards, 70, Sarah Edwards 64, wife, were both in receipt of Parish relief, daughter Sarah Edwards 22, was a mine washer, all born Llanfihangel. |
Son Thomas had left home, was married and had started a family.
 Tim's great great grandfather -Thomas Edwards who built the present Chapel in 1870 and became the first person to be buried in its consecrated ground behind the Chapel. |
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1851 census ; Tyn y Fron, Upper Llanfihangel. Thomas Edwards 26, miner, Elizabeth Edwards 28, wife, children, Mary Edwards 4, all born Llanfihangel y Creuddyn, Upper. |
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1861 census ; Tynclytan, Upper Llanfihangel. Thomas Edwards 36, Schoolmaster and Calvinistic Methodist Preacher, Elizabeth Edwards 38, wife, children, Mary Edwards 14, James Edwards 9, Michael Edwards 4, Elizabeth Edwards 2, all born Llanfihangel y Creuddyn, Upper. |
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CWMYSTWYTH CHAPEL built by Rev. Thomas Edwards |
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1871 census ; Tynclytan, Upper Llanfihangel. Thomas Edwards 46, Calvinistic Methodist Minister,Cwmystwyth Chapel, Elizabeth Edwards 48, Minister's wife, children, Michael Edwards 14, Elizabeth Edwards 12, Sarah Ann Edwards 9, Margaret J Edwards 3, all born Llanfihangel y Creuddyn, Upper. |
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 Rev Thomas Edwards and his wife Elizabeth
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1881 census ; Fron, Llanfihangel y Creuddyn Upper. Elizabeth Edwards 58, Minister's wife, children, Michael Edwards 24, Sarah A. Edwards 18, Margaret J Edwards 13, all born Llanfihangel y Creuddyn, Upper. |
Rev Thomas Edwards died on the 27th February 1887, aged 62. He was the first to buried at his Chapel. His wife Elizabeth died on March 1st 1896, aged 67
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Grave of Rev Thomas Edwards and Mrs Elizabeth Edwards at Cwmystwyth Chapel |
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Er Cof am Parch. T.EDWARDS, Cwmystwyth Yr hwn a fu farw Chewfror 27, 1887 Yn 62 mlwydd Coffadwriaeth y cyfiawn sydd fendigedig
Hefyd ELIZABETH ei briod Hunodd Mawrth 1af 1896 Yn 67 mlwydd oed
Ni wrthododd rheini ei bobl yr hwn a adnabu efe o'r blaen.
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Tim's great grandfather Michael Edwards who was a schoolteacher at New Inn School. |
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I am grateful to Mrs Mary Edwards who has supplied the following dates of birth which appear in the family Bible. The address is recorded as Pentre Bronant.
William Michell John Michell Smpson Michell Janes Michell Anna Michell Elizabeth Michell Mary Jane Michell Harriet Louise Michell Thomas Henry Michell |
July 3rd 1851 July 24th 1853 January 10th 1855 August 30th 1857 March 30th 1860 June 7th 1863 January 23rd 1865 November 25th 1868 April 26th 1872 | Elizabeth Michell is my great grandmother. KD |
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MICHELL BIBLE ENTRIES |
 | Michael married Annie Michell, daughter of William and Sarah Michell of Cwmystwyth
Annie seated left with unknown family members. (Photos courtesy of Tim Edwards) |
Michael and Annie Edwards with left to right Elizabeth, Nesta, Blodwyn, Gwladys, William, Thomas (Tim Edwards' grandfather), dated approx 1898 |
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1891 census ; Ty Corner, Llanfihangel ar Arth. Newcastle in Emlyn. Michael Edwards 34, schoolmaster, Annie Edwards 30, wife, children ; Lizzie Edwards 5, all born Llanfihangel y Creuddyn, Thomas Edwards 3, Nesta Edwards 1, all born Llanfihangel ar Arth. |
Michael Edwards with New Inn School 1895 |
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 Michael Edwards with pupils of New Inn School
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1901 census ; Ivy Villa, Llanfihangel ar Arth. Newcastle in Emlyn. Michael Edwards 44, schoolmaster, Annie Edwards 40, wife, children ; Lizzie Edwards 15, all born Llanfihangel y Creuddyn, Tom Edwards 13, Nesta Edwards 11, Willie Edwards 9, Blodwen Edwards 4, Gladys Edwards 3, all born Llanfihangel ar Arth. |
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Annie |
and with husband Michael |
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 Thomas Edwards
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JAMES ALFRED BEVAN

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Tim adds that there is another very interesting Welsh side to her family history in the Bevan line. James Alfred Bevan, Tim's great grandfather, was Captain of the first Welsh rugby team to play England.
Click here to read a fascinating history on Alfred James Bevan, which is on the website of Clifton RFC's history |
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James Bevan (15 April 1856 - 3 February 1938) was a Wales international three-quarter who played club rugby for Clifton RFC and Newport. He is best known for being the first Welsh international captain.
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 Photo courtesy of Tim Edwards
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James A. Bevan pictured in 1878 |
Born in Caulfield, Australia, Bevan moved to England with his family while still young. He attended Hereford Cathedral School, and played for Abergavenny before attending university at Cambridge. Bevan played for Cambridge University, and while with Cambridge was selected to captain the very first Welsh international against England.
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Wales v England 1881
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Standing (L-R): W.D.Phillips (Cardiff), G.Harding (Newport), R.Mullock (Newport), F.Purdon (Newport), G.Darbishire (Bangor), E.Treharne (Ponypridd), R.G.D.Williams (Abercamlais). Sitting: T.A.Rees (Oxford University and Llandovery), E.Peake (Oxford University and Chepstow), J.A.Bevan (Captain) (Cambridge University and Grosmont), B.E.Girling (Cardiff), B.B.Mann (Cardiff). On Ground: L.Watkins (Oxford University and Llandaff), C.H.Newman (Cambridge University and Newport), E.J.Lewis (Cambridge University and Llandovery), R.H.B Summers (Haverfordwest). |
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 Tim adds; I've unearthed (via Mum) what seems to be an original print of the Welsh team photo with J. A.Bevan. Patrick Casey states; This is the best copy I have ever seen of this photo.It was taken just before the match in 1881. Most likely in the back of the Princess of Wales pub in Blackheath where they changed. I say that with confidence as it shows the actual team that played. As two didn't turn up and two who turned up to watch but weren't finally selected, played at the last minute are in the picture. It couldn't have been taken after the match as their kit would have been too dirty. I wonder if the photo was taken while someone mustered up some kit for the 2 newcomers. There was nowhere else indoors to take a photo so it had to be here. It is slightly different but I have come across this before. In Victorian times they would take a few photos and choose the best, or should I say the one where a person is not blurred because he moved or the plate was dodgy. If they did one and it didn't come out it would be difficult or impossible to get everyone back to redo it.
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The Rugby Football Union insisted that the England vs Wales match be played on 19th February 1881. This was the same day that Swansea were playing Llanelli at Neath in a semi-final cup-tie thus depriving Wales of several players. This was Wales first international; organised before the Welsh Rugby Union was set up. The players had never played together before; though one player, Major Richard Summers, was selected for Wales on his performances a couple of years earlier for his school, Cheltenham College, in matches against Cardiff and Newport. No formal invitations to play were sent out to the Welsh XV. Two of those expected to appear didn't turn up, so bystanders, university undergraduates with tenuous Welsh links who had travelled to London to see the match, were called in to play for Wales.
It was a humiliating defeat for the Welsh team and Bevan never played for Wales again (under modern scoring values Wales lost 82-0). A month after the match the WRFU was founded at the Castle Hotel, Neath on 12th March 1881.
James Bevan later became an Anglican clergyman.
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James leads a St George's Church, Sunday School Parade through Great Yarmouth |
The James Bevan Trophy below, was named in his honour to celebrate 100 years of Test Rugby Reproduced by licence
 photo courtesy Clifton R.F.C.
FAMILY PHOTO
 Photo courtesy Clifton R.F.C. |
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Standing (L-R): William Clarke, Dorothea, John, Edith, Eric. Sitting: Hubert, Annie Susan (Winifred on knee), James Alfred, Ernest Guy. In front: Kenneth. Geoff. |
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The Woodall Family (James' wife's family) Photos courtesy of Tim Edwards |
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 J.E. Woodall
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 Thomas Woodall
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 Some Woodall family members
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Cwmystwyth Mines and Hafod Church photographs by kind permission and copyright of Tim Edwards
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Eluned Evans writes; I am actively involved with Cofnodion Cwmystwyth (the Cwmystwyth community archive) and I've been meaning to contact you for ages! I wanted to say how much I am enjoying looking through the wealth of information you have on your website - especially (but not only) about Cwmystwyth.
I am gradually working my way through transcribing all the Census returns for Cwmystwyth (i.e. 1841-1901), the Eglwys Newydd Parish Registers (the data from those available in the National Library), Capel Siloam Registers (the only ones I've been able to locate are the Baptismal registers from 1813 on) and finally the 5 account books of the Cwmystwyth Friendly Society which are in the National Library.
Well, I just wanted to make contact and say how much I'm enjoying your website. If you are interested in seeing the Cofnodion Cwmystwyth section of the Community Archive Wales website, it can be found at www.ourwales.org.uk
Many thanks for all your hard work
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