EISTEDDFOD LLANRWST 1951
(click here) 
2011 is the 60th Anniversary of the National Eisteddfod
held in my home town.
See some of the Western Mail's reports each day
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LLANRWST HISTORY
Contents;
Chronology of the area
Denbigh Street Census 1901
Llanrwst & Dist. Historical Society - Denbigh St. Book
St Paul's Almshouses
William Gladstone in Llanrwst
Educationalist Matthew Arnold in Llanrwst
1878 Highway Robber - Dafydd Pen Bryn
1881 Census, Union Workhouse Llanrwst
John French Pierce, Llanrwst F.C.
T. Glynne Davies
Cartre'r Delyn - Cymdeithas Bob Owen 
David Lloyd, Excise Officer, Llanrwst
Robert Jones, Boar's Head Inn, Llanrwst
John Jenkins, Prescott House, Llanrwst
Jane Griffiths, born 1799, Llanrwst
Owen Ellis Williams, Llanddoged
The Old School Photograph:
Llanrwst County School photo - 1933 Form V
School photo 1938 / 39 - Derek Pritchard
Llanrwst Grammar School 1941 - Form IIIB

DENBIGH STREET1901

A stroll back in time with Ken Davies 

1901 saw the end of the Victorian era, as Queen Victoria died on the Isle of Wight on 22^ndJanuary. Liberal MP David Lloyd George was forced to flee from a pro-Boer meeting as riots break out and the Boer War continues. Robert Gascoyne-Cecil (Conservative) was Prime Minister. Italian Marconi transmitted a morse code signal across the Atlantic Ocean for the first time. Tottenham Hotspur, then a non-league club, won the F.A. Cup. 

Let us follow in the footsteps of one of the many census enumerators, Mr Edward Roberts, as he records details of the families living in Denbigh Street, over a century ago. The 1901 census gave the British population as 41.5 million, Llanrwsts' population was 4,591. All persons recorded here were born in Llanrwst, unless otherwise stated. 

The first entry appearing on the Denbigh Street section of the census relates toBradford House, where draperJohnS. Williams32 of Denbigh lived with his housekeeper Catrin M. Lewis 23 from Dyffryn.

Cambrian StoresandThe Harpwere in occupation but empty on census day.

ButcherRobert Jones37 of Caerwys lived atConwy House, with Trefriw born wife Margaret C. 37 and children Mary C. 10, Maggie M. 7 and Lizzie E. 3. Domestic servant Kate Williams 20 was born in Caernarfon.

PublicanJohn Roberts30 of Dolwyddelen ranTheRed Lion Inn, with his wife Sarah A. 25 of Penmachno. Their children were Edith 2 born in Trefriw and Agnes 1. Alice J. Owen 13, of Glan Conwy was a servant.

PublicanRowland Hughes38 from Caernarfon ranThe Cambrian Vaultsand was also a farmer. He came from Dolwyddelen. Wife Elizabeth 42 came from Anglesey, and children Jane Ellen 7 and Mary E. 4 were born in Denbighshire. Domestic coachman William Roberts 26 was from Anglesey.

Merchant tailorWilliam E. Jones50 of Llangefni lived inAnglesey Housewith wife Margaret J. 40 and son Idris Lloyd Jones 11. His mother in law Elizabeth Lloyd 76 was from Caernarfon, and sister in law Elizabeth M. Lloyd 31 also lived there. 

Evan Pughe29 of Llanfachreth was the printer and compositor living atRhedegydd Office.Wife Margaret 27 was from Capel Garmon and they had a 7 month old daughter Dilys. General servant Lizzie Jones 15 was from Capel Garmon and surveyor T. Lewis Roberts 18 of Blaenau Ffestiniog, a surveyor.

Jeweller and silversmithGriffith Owen82 was Llanllechid born and wife Grace 74 from Glan Conwy. They lived atGreenwich Housewith daughter Janet 33, Maria Rogers 40 and general servant Ellen J. Griffiths 23 from Capel Curig.

Richard Thomas55 was a hawker by trade, living atLongton Housewith Machynlleth born wife Catherine 51. Their children Richard 28, a green fruiterer, Katie 24, Winifred 21 and Evan 7, completed the household.

Manchester Houseis recorded as in occupation, but empty.

Printer and stationerEvan Jones70 lived at thePrinting Workswith nephew John Jones 46 a printer, niece Margaret Morris 47 who were both Manchester born and nephew John Jones 14 from Porthmadog. Jane H. Jones 19 was employed as a domestic servant.

David Thomas71 a shoemaker by trade and his family, are recorded under Denbigh Street. His wife Jane 75 was from Betws Y Coed, and living with them were daughter Jane 32 and nephew William J Jones 12.

Robert Thomas50 a shoemaker and his wife Mary Elizabeth 56 lived at the back of the property.

Living at37 Denbigh StreetwereRobert Jones35, a tailor and hairdresser, born in Denbigh, with his wife Julianna 38, daughter Maggie and son Johnny 1, born in Llanddewi.

A lead miner lived atno. 38. William Hughes33, who was from Llangernyw and he married Mary C. 30 of Llanfaethlu. They had a daughter Hannah 1.

Thomas Williams57, of Capel Curig was a grocer and shopkeeper living atno. 42. He had two boarders working for him as grocer's assistants; William J Williams 21 from Nantmor and Hugh Davies 19 from Ffestiniog. Mary S Kennedy 35 was a domestic servant there.

LondonbornBrook C. D. Simms46 lived atno. 44, and was a bake house keeper. His wife Ellen was 46, son Oscar 20 worked as a coachman, Mary T 19 helped at home, and Mary E Hughes 9 made up the household.

David Jones26 of Cerrigydrudion worked as a lead miner and lived atno. 46. His wife Anne 24, came from Dolwyddelen, they had a son Thomas, 2 months old.

GrocerElias D Jones32 of Talybont lived atWellington House. His wife Sarah 26 came from Birkenhead and had a son Harold 2. Assistant grocer was William Williams 18 and Ellen Hughes 15, a domestic servant.  

WidowEllen Ethel73, lived at no.50 Denbigh Street. Her daughters were Elizabeth Ethel 46, who ran a confectionery shop and Sarah E Roberts 44. Ellen's grandchildren Catherine Roberts 18, Robert E Roberts 14, a grocers' assistant, and Henry Roberts 12 also lived there.

No 52housed foundry workerJohn Griffiths40 of Beaumaris, and his family. His wife was Ellen Elizabeth 40 and their children Blodwen H. 10 and Hannah H 6.

WidowJane Evans61 lived atno. 54. Her son Evan 33 was a blacksmith, Robert 26 a saddler, Hugh 23, a general labourer.

The local butcher wasWilliam Jones52, who lived atno. 56. His wife Mary 52 was from Glan Conwy. Their children lived at home. Walter 22 was a joiner and carpenter, Agnes was 17, Henry 15, David 13 and William 10.

Jeffrey Allsup49, a painter lived atno. 58with his wife Mary 50.

JoinerHugh Salisbury25, wife Elizabeth 38 and 6 month old son Owen H. lived atno. 62 Denbigh Street. They are recorded as being born in Wales.

Next door to them, resided widowAnne Lloyd64, who was living from her own means and Catherine Davies 58.

Her neighbours were widowEllen Richards40. Sons Robert D. 17 worked as a labourer, William 15, an apprentice blacksmith born in Denbigh and Arthur 12 in Coedpoeth. 

Fish and Potato Stores ownerCatherine Edwards57 and widowed of Coedpoeth, lived atThe Walkwith daughter Catherine A 18, of Birkenhead.

Blacksmith and coach builderLlewelyn Jones54 of Denbigh, lived atWalk Foundry, with his wife Jane 52 of Ysbyty Ifan. Their children were John R 20, an elementary school teacher, Catherine 19, a dressmaker, Hannah 13 a house servant, Edwin 12, a scholar, and Thomas Ll. 22, a Wesleyan preacher.

Also living atThe Walkwas widowed dressmakerMargaret Roberts69 and son Robert Jones 42 a domestic gardener. Both were born in Llanddoget. Her grandson Robert A Jones 22 was a plasterer, and was Liverpool born.

Richard Wood33 was a coach builder and came from Dolgelley.

His wife Harriet 30 came from Sandbach, son George 6 was born in Manchester, and daughter Eveline 4 completed their family. Thomas J. Richards 40 boarded with them and was a lead miner from Llanberis.

WidowCatherine Williams64, born in Killingwarth, lived atFfynnon House. She kept three boarders. John Hulbert 63 a coach painter from Liverpool, Hannah M Owen 39, and Ralph K Williams 29 a plumber.

NeighbourJohn Ellis52 was a slate quarry rackman, born in Rhuddlan. His wife Mary 51 was born in Ysbyty Ifan, and all their children were born when they lived there. David R. 29, Robert O. 26 and John H. 26 were also rackmen at the quarry, daughters Hannah E. 21 and Catherine 18 have no occupations recorded. Richard C. 15 was a watchmaker, Evan 12 and Wilford 8 would have been at school. Visiting them on census day were Alice Jane Jones 24 of Llanfair and Sally Parry Jones 19 of Caernarfon. 

Draper's assistantT. H. Jones26 of Bodfari is listed next, with his wife L. 29 and mother in law Jane Jones 50, both of Llanrhaeadr.

Croesffordd CottagehousedHarry Burrows35, an ironmonger from Hanley, wife Annie 34 and children Harold 3 and Percival 1. Mother in law Elizabeth Jones 68, also resident, came from Eglwysbach.

The Police Stationwas occupied by the Superintendent of Police,George Jarvis42 of London. His wife Ellinor 40 came from Llanidloes, and the place names of the children's births show where he was previously stationed in the Police Force. John D. 18, Asterley, Shropshire, Florence 11 and George W. 9 both Denbigh born, Edward 7, Ruthin, Percival 2 and Vernon 2 months. His sister Frances J Jarvis 50 of London was a Hotel Manageress, David Jones 78 a widower from Newtown, worked as a miller, and 17 year old Beatrice Jones from Asterley was the domestic servant.

Many of the children listed would have attended theCountySchool, around the corner, opposite School Bank Terrace.John Irby Farr52 and widowed, was the schoolmaster, and also a Church of England Clergyman. He came from Suffolk. Daughter Helen L. 22 was also resident. His sister in law Jane Leighton 50, lived on her own means, and was born in Northampton. The cook was Catherine Hughes 21 from Eglwysfach, and Mary J. Hughes 20 of Talybont, the housemaid. 

Hugh Roberts36 of Eglwysbach lived atFour Crosseswith his wife, Isabella 35. He is recorded as a car proprietor, and presumably ran a taxi service.

86 Denbigh Streetwas uninhabited.

DressmakerCatherine A Pierce45 was widowed and resided atno. 85. Her son William E 16 was a tailor's apprentice.

Catherine Jones35, living on her own means lived at the back of no 85. She was from Eglwysfach.

WidowCatherine Jones55 ran a grocery shop. She and her family were from Trefriw. Robert G. 21 was a grocer's assistant, Cassie 20 a confectioner and William T. 18, an apprentice joiner. Lodging there were Thomas D Williams 22, a police constable from Rhosllannerchrugog, Goodman Humphries 26, a plumber from Ruthin.

CharwomanEllen Jones64, a widow lived next door..

William Williams67 was a road labourer. He lived with his wife Ann 65 and daughter Ellen 6.

Ann Roberts79 lived at no79 Denbigh Street. 

The following houses are unnumbered.

Ostler and groomWilliam Roberts21 from Trewydr lived next door with wife Alice 27 of Blaenau Ffestiniog, and 6 month old Winifred E. born when the couple lived in Betws y Coed.  

Agricultural labourerThomas Williams24 of Dolgarrog and his family were listed next. Wife Ellen 22 was from Penmaenmawr, and daughter Elizabeth 8 months, from Llanfairfechain.

Alfred Thomas49 worked as a general labourer.

WidowEllen Jones78 was from Trefriw.

Evan Roberts55, was a general labourer.

ScotsmanWilliam R. Gaterby53, was a general labourer from Thirsk. Wife Mandy 30 came from Poplar, London, son Charles 7 was born in Northallerton, and George 3, in Darlington.

Physician and surgeonThomas E Jones64 from Trefriw, lived atHenarwith his family. Wife Mary J. 68 was from Pwllheli. Nieces Elizabeth T. Hill 35, Leah Thomps Hill 31 and Mary Thomps Hill 30, all of Trefriw were dispensers, Ellen Lloyd 23 a cook from Ysbyty Ifan, Jane Evans 23 a housekeeper from Llanfair TH, and Cadwaladr Griffiths 50 of Llangernyw, was a groom.

LabourerRobert Roberts52 lived atno 63with his family. He and his wife Elizabeth 49, were from Gwytherin, they had two children, Abel 11 and Anne Winnie 7. 

No 61housed grocerJohn Jones47 from Flint, wife Elizabeth 41, from Llanddoget, and son John O. 18.

Chester Housewas a popular place for the children. WidowSarah Benson66 kept a toy shop there.

BlacksmithRichard Thomas47 of Llanddeusant lived atno. 57, with wife Annie 37 from Liverpool and children, Margaret A. 15 and Hannah M. 12 born in Eglwysfach, William R. 11, Jennie 5 and Blodwen 1. Boarding with them was Joseph Williams a 35 year old iron moulder from Valley, Anglesey.

PainterWilliam Allsup47 was atno 55. His wife Catherine 43 came from Bethesda. Their children were, George Jeffrey 18, a painter's apprentice, Herbert 14, Cassie 13 and Maggie 8.

No 53housed blacksmithWilliam Jones25 and his wife Janet 24 who was a confectioner/baker from Llansannan.

No 51had widowMargaret Allsup76as head, with son George 30 a painter, and his wife Jennie 30 in residence. Their daughter Gertie 5 was born in Bedford, Percy 3 in Tremeirchion. Sarah I. Jones 41 another daughter of Margaret's was also there with her children Sally 11 and Inman 4.

No 49had in residenceJohn Jones40, a bill poster, and his wife E.A. 39. Son John O. 20, worked as a letter carrier, Catherine17 would have helped in the home, and Margaret E. 11, Annie 8, Eurolwen 5 and an unnamed baby, 1 month old, made up the household.  

Lewis Davies56, was a grocer living atno 47, with his wife Grace 54, children Lewis 17, a cycle repairer, Blodwen 18, William E. 17 a carpentry joiner, Ivor 14, Eiddon 12 and Arthur 10.

IronmongerEvan Evans63 lived atLondon Housewith his wife Leah 66, Mary Hughes 29, Robert 4 and Euronwy 3.

A bootmakerOwen Thomas48 lived at no.43 Denbigh Street, with his wife Maria 50, shoemaker son David 20 and joiner son Owen E. 18.

WasherwomanMargaret Roberts50 lived at theback of no 43with boarder William Jones 40, a butcher.

One house noted as uninhabited.

WatchmakerCharles R. Williams48 of Devon resided atLiverpool House, with his wife M.A. 49 of Groespyr. Son John I. 15 born in Bingley worked as a clerk and Charles K. 14, and G.G.M. 8 were Keighley born.

David Williams63 a retired grocer from Dyserth lived at theCorner Shopwith his wife Susannah 65 of Lloc. Visiting them was a banker's wife Elizabeth A. Williams. David's widowed sister in law Elizabeth Owen 67 of Lloc who was a baker confectioner and servant Mary Thomas 24 of Llwyngwril completed the household.

Bank ManagerWilliam B Lloyd43 of Dolwyddelen lived atMetropolitan Housewith wife Annie V. 36 of Blaenau Ffestiniog, and children William Ll.V. 8 and Edith V. 3 both born in the town. Domestic servant Mary Edwards 43 was from Trawsfynydd, and nurse Kate Jones 19 from Dolwyddelen. 

GrocerAnne Jones76 and widowed, lived at theOld Stamp Officewith daughter Sarah A. 38. Boarding with them were Effie M. Roberts 14 of Weston Rhyn, Margaret E. Jones 13 of Ysbyty Ifan, and Caroline Hughes 13 of Pentrefoelas.

ShopkeeperHenry H. Williams40 of Glan Conwy lived atKingston House. His wife Ellinor 45 came from Rhosybol. Their children were Annie M.14, Alfred J. 12, William G. 8, and Christmas 2.

Confectioner and shopkeeperHannah E. Roberts34 lived atGrosvenor Housewith her cousin Elizabeth B. Roberts 23. Mary Singleton 24 of Birkenhead was employed as a confectionary assistant. Boarding there were Elizabeth Jones 18 a boot task assistant from Towyn and Mary Elizabeth Roberts 24, a school teacher from Llanidloes.

John R. Jones59 and widowed, from Llanidloes was the Licensed Victualler atThe Swan Inn.His daughter Sophia R. was 21. Catherine Hughes 23 a domestic help. Nurse Martha Williams 15 of Betws Y Coed cared for John's granddaughter Edith W. Hope 1.

Grocer, shopkeeper and bootmakerEvan Jones52, wife Jane 54, daughter Esther 23, a shop assistant lived atFeathers Stores. Daughter M.E. 23 a school assistant, was born in Portmadoc.

Farming fromFarm CottagewasWilliam G. Jones32 and wife Elizabeth 50 from St George, Denbigh. Son Grenville 23 was a confectioner, Salisbury 22 an articled clerk, and Eyton 15, and Phyllis were scholars. Jane Roberts 32 was a domestic.

ShoemakerEdward Thomas56 was shoemaker living inDenbigh Streetwith Bangor born wife Hannah 58. Son John 26 was a butcher and daughter Ellen 28.  

Manchesterborn tailorW.E. Hughes32 lived next door with his wife Mary 27 and 9 month old Agnes A..

The property known asBritanniaandtwo adjacent housesin Denbigh Street were uninhabited.

SurgeonJohn William Owen42 of Pwllheli resided atLlys Meddygwith Caernarfon born wife Elizabeth, 38. Domestic Grace Jones 26 came from Dolwyddelen, and Herbert Jones 17, a coachman, from Coedpoeth.

NeighbourWilliam R. Wilkins60 was a chemist and druggist born in Trewydr. Ann Jane Davies 24 kept house for him.

Edward Dickens36 was the licensed victualler atNew Innand came from Wilby, Suffolk. His wife Catherine was 36, and their children were Alice 8, born in Talycafn, Edward 6, Hugh 4 and Myra 2.

Another licensed victualler lived atTheAlbion Hotel, namelyHarriett Griffiths54, a widow. Also in residence were niece Catherine A Parry 30, barman Charles Griffiths 25, grandchildren Robert Charles Parry 6 and Harriet Jane Parry 7. Servant Mary Owens 22, came from Caernarfon.

John Griffiths37 was the innkeeper atThe Crown Inn. He also worked as a lead mine labourer, and came from Betws Y Coed. Wife Jane 36 was from Penmachno, they had two children, John A 10 and Florence 8. 

Whether or not Mr Edward Roberts, the census enumerator, allowed himself some liquid refreshment at this final establishment in Denbigh Street, remains unknown. However his work on that day has allowed us a brief walk down Denbigh Street as the Victorian era came to a close and Edwardian days commenced.

 LLANRWST HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Books on the History of Llanrwst
(click here)

ST PAUL'S ALMSHOUSES
CHURCH STREET, LLANRWST

Picture courtesy of the Almshouse  Museum

1610 - The Jesus Hospital Charity was set up
by Sir John Wynne of Gwydir

• Involved building a free grammar school, almshouses and a warden's house
• Tithes of the Wynne estate in Eglwysbach to fund it
• Almshouse accommodation for 12 men, aged over 65 from the parishes of Betws y Coed, Llanrwst and Eglwysbach
• Each man provided with money, a blue cloak bearing a silver eagle, to remind them of Sir John's generosity
• Warden to look after their needs and devout lifestyle                 .

1841 St Paul's Almshouses
(NB in 1841 census, all were born in County, Denbighshire, unless otherwise stated, Adults ages normally rounded to nearest 5 years)

Catherine Jones, 60, washer woman, John Jones, 25, saddler, Ann Jones 28, David Davies 7.

Ann Davies, 60, David Davies 40, tailor, Mary Owen, 8.

John Williams, 33, gardener, Ann Williams, 30, Catherine Williams 7, Ellin Williams, 5, David Williams, 1

Lowry Evans 45 not born in County

Elizabeth Griffiths, 70, not born in County, Alice Griffiths 20, Elizabeth Griffiths, 12

Catherine Jones, 60, not born in County, Mary Jones 20

David Pritchard 35, quarryman, not born in County, Ann Pritchard 35, Richard Pritchard, 14, William Pritchard 12, Owen Pritchard, 9, Griffith Pritchard, 7, David Pritchard, 5, John Pritchard 2.

John Davies 35, Coachman, Margaret Davies, 25, William Davies 5, Rachel Davies, 2, Mary Davies 2,

Mary Davies, 75

c 1843 - Court case result

• Case proven that the Eglwysbach tithes, still owned by the Gwydir estate, were to be used for the upkeep of the charity 

1851 St Paul's Almshouses were uninhabited

1851 - Jesus Hospital reorganised

• Trustees appointed and regular records kept;
• on health and behaviour of the almspeople
• on tidiness of the rooms
• on state of the building  
• women accepted for the first time
• 12 coalhouses added to the yard
• ladies' privy and new furniture in each room
• Warden replaced by one of the female almspeople, acting as Matron
• Matron given extra allowance of £5 a year

1861 St Paul's Almshouses
(NB Houses not numbered, Matron and Assistant are listed)    .

David Roberts, Almsman, widower, 72, formerly Agricultural labourer, born Llanrwst

Anne Davies, Almswoman, 82, widow, former baker, born Llanrwst

Jane Roberts, Almswoman, widow, 67, formerly nurse tender, born Eglwysfach

Robert Roberts, Almsman, widower, 73, formerly agricultural labouere, born Llanrwst

Margaret Davies, Almswoman, widow, 84, formerly farmer, born Dolwyddelen

Elizabeth Davies, Margaret's granddaughter, unmarried, 15, scholar, born Llanrwst

Anne Griffiths, Almswoman, widow, 84, formerly shoemakers wife, born Gwytherin, blind

Ellenor Williams, Assistant, widow, 62, former fisher's wife, born Llangernyw

Anne Thomas, Almswoman, widow, 76, former farmer, born Penmachno

Catherine Owens, Almswoman, widow, 63, Matron, former ostler's wife, born Llanrwst

Mary Chaloner, Almswoman, widow, 84, formerly farmer, born Llanrwst

Anne Davies, Mary's niece, unmarried 44, formerly general servant, born Llanrwst

Jane Jones, Almswoman, widow, 81, formerly farmer, born Eglwysfach

Hannah Jones, Almswoman, widow, 74, former butcher's wife, born Llanbedr.

1861, September 4 - Trustees visit Almshouse

Robert Jones and J.W. Watling visited Robert Morris's room and found
It was in a most filthy state
Unless the room was done up forthwith, he would be removed
Next morning all the rubbish and filth had been removed
Floor washed by Matron and done up cleanly

1867 St Paul's Almshouses

No 1, David Roberts, 78, of Capel Garmon
No 2, Margaret Parry, 71, of Eglwysbach
No 3, Margaret Davies, 92, of Dolwyddelen
No 4, William Roberts, 75, of Llanrwst, dead
No 5, Jane Williams (Matron) of Betws
No 6, Hannah Jones, 82, of Llanrwst
No 7, Catherine Jones, 78, of Trefaenan
No 8, Thomas Jones, 78, of Llanrwst
No 9, Elizabeth Jones, 76, of Dolwyddelen
No 10, Ann Griffiths, 91, of Llanrwst
No 11, Catherine Roberts, 78, of Llanrwst
No 12, Ann Williams, (--), of Trewydr 
 

1867, April 19 - Trustees visit Almshouse

Trustees J.W. Watling and Edward Jones visited the almshouse and reported;
Rooms clean and comfortable
Jane Williams, Matron, in a weak state of health
Unable to do her heavy duties
Another woman put in to help her for a few weeks 

1871St Paul's Almshouse
(NB listed as per census record)

No 1, David Roberts, widower, 82, general labourer, born Llanrwst

No 12, Anne Williams, widow, 68, slate quarry widow, born Trewydr

No 11, Catherine Roberts, unmarried,82, stocking knitter, born Llanrwst

No 2, Margaret Parry, widow, 80 labourer's widow, born Llanrhos

No 3, John Jones, widower 82, labourer, born Llanrwst

No 10, Ann Griffiths, widow, 95, letter carrier's widow, born Gwytherin, blind.Ann Jones, widow, 70, (servant to Ann Griffiths), carrier's widow, born Beddgelert

No 9, Elizabeth Jones, widow, 82, Farmer's widow, born Llanrwst

No 4, Jane Davies, unmarried, 49, (no details) born Llanrwst

No 5, Jane Williams, widow 70, lead miner's widow, born Penmachno

No 7, Catherine Jones, widow, 82 agricultural labourer's wife, born Penllech

No 6, Hannah Jones, widow, 85, butcher's widow, born Caerhun

1881St Paul's Almshouses

No 1, Hugh Hughes, widower, 86, Alms receiver, born Llandegai

No 2, uninhabited

No 3, Margaret Roberts, widow, 88, Alms receiver, born Llanfrothan

No 4, Jane Davies, unmarried 59, Alms receiver, born Llanrwst

No 5, Jane Williams, widow, 82, Alms receiver, born Penmachno

No 6, uninhabited

No 7, Margaret Williams, widow, 72, Alms receiver, born Llanfairfechan

No 8, John Jones, unmarried, 65, shoemaker Alms receiver, born Llanrwst

No 9, Griffith Jones, unmarried, 70, Alms receiver, born Dolwyddelen

No 10, David Jones, widower, 71, Alms receiver, born Llansarmon

No 11, Ellen Davies, unmarried 72, Alms receiver, born Eglwysfach

1891St Paul's Almshouses

No 1, Catherine Jones, widow, 71, living on own means, born Llanrhychwyn

No 2, Anne Jones, single 64, living on own means, born Eglwysbach

No 3, Margaret Jones, widow, 65, living on own means, born Llangerniew

No 4, Jane Davies, single, 70, living on own means, born Llanrwst

No 5, Jane Owens, widow, 70, living on own means, born Trewydr

No 6, Elizabeth Evans, single, 76, living on own means, born Trewydr

No 7, Maria Jones, widow, 71, living on own means, born Llanrwst

No 8, Jane Jones, widow, 89, living on own means, born Betws y Coed

No 9, uninhabited

No 10, Anne Davies, widow, 65, living on own means, born Llanrwst

No 11, Ellen Jones, widow, 69, living on own means, born Eglwysfach

No 12, Elizabeth Evans, single, 82, living on own means, born Llanrwst

1901 St Paul's Almshouses
(NB - afflictions noted against some - Matron being one of them)

Jane Roberts, widow, 74, Matron in Almshouse, born Llanrhychwyn, deaf and dumb

Jane Davies, wiow 74, born Dolwyddelen, deaf and dumb

Catherine Davies, single, 77, born Eglwysfach

Jane Roberts, single, 68, born Trewydr, deaf and dumb

Maria Jones, 83, widow, born Llanrwst,

Elizabeth Davies,, single, 60, born Eglwysbach

Catherine Jones, widow, 85, born Capel Curig, deaf and dumb

Thomas Edwards, widower, 76 general labourer, no place of birth recorded

1915 January 13 - Almshouse Rules

Inmates to be sober, obedient, with moral and becoming conduct
Inmates cannot let or part with possession of room
Room to be kept clean and tidy
Help in keeping the Yard and Sanitory Conveniences clean & tidy
Not be absent for more than 24 hours at a time without permission
Not absent later than 10 pm, nor from room overnight without permission
No loitering in town, nor frequenting alehouses
Not behave in disorderly way or be a nuisance to others
Must attend Church once each Sunday and other Divine Worship days
Failure to obey rules will result in removal from Almshouse

LINCOLNSHIRE - Patron
W G OWEN - Chairman of Governors
THOMAS GRIFFITHS - Clerk of the Governors 

 1927 - Almshouses renamed

• Name became Hospital of John of Gwydir
• They were always known locally as the 'Bowls'                      .

1976 - Almshouses closed

• Council decided that the almshouses were not fit for habitation
• New council houses built in Llanrwst - no need for almshouses

1987 - Llanrwst Almshouse Museum Trust formed

2000- Llanrwst Almshouse Museum Trust

Offered the lease of the Almshouses for a peppercorn rent
Started to set up a community museum

2002- Llanrwst Almshouse Museum Opened

Photo copyright Eirian Davies, reproduced by licence

 2007 - Friends of Llanrwst Almshouse Museum formed

HERE, WE TRY AND TRACE SOME ALMSPERSONS' LIVES

 James Jones,1901 Almshouse Resident

James Jones was born in Llanrwst and worked as a shoemaker all his life.
In 1841, James 25 and wife Mary 25, lived at Little Street, Llanrwst, where James was a shoemaker. Mary is recorded, durin the censuse as either being born in Snailbeach, or Minsterley, Shropshire.

In 1851, James 32 was a shoemaker, master, living in Narrow Street and employing two apprentices. His wife Mary is recorded as being 40 and son Owen is 9, born in Llanrwst. Owen may have been their only child, as he is the only one recorded on the censuses.

By 1861, James 46, a bootmaker, had moved to Denbigh Street, with wife Mary 48 and son Owen 19, now a printer and compositor by trade. Solomon Jones, 80 and widowed, James' father in law, lived with them. He was a retired leadminer, born in Rhandirmwyn, Carmarthenshire. Pryce Wynne 20, a bootmaker from Denbigh boarded with the family, as did John Williams, 14 an apprentice bootmaker born in Llanrwst. Elizabeth Evans, 18 also of Llanrwst was their house servant.

In 1871, James 57 and Mary 50 lived at Little Bridge Street where he is a shoemaker, master, employing two men and two boys. Jane Jones, 13, worked as a domestic servant, her place of birth is not known.

1881, saw James 66 living with his wife Mary, 68 in Penisardre, again making shoes.

The 1883 Llanrwst Trade Directory records James as a shoemaker trading at Penisar Dre.

Wife Mary had passed away by the 1891 census. James was 76 and widowed, living at Little Bridge Street, and still working as shoemaker. He spoke only Welsh.

In 1901, James was one of the residents at St Paul's Almshouses, Llanrwst, aged 86.

Ann Griffiths, 1861 & 1871 Resident

Ann Griffiths was born in Gwytherin. Ann is recorded as blind from the 1861 census, inclusive. 

In 1841, Ann 60, lived with her husband Robert Griffiths, 66, a post carrier, in Denbigh Street, Llanrwst  

1851 saw Ann 74, and widowed lived on her own at Groesffordd, Llanrwst where she was a general letter carrier.

By 1861, Ann had moved to the Almshouse, was 84, but this time recorded as a former shoemaker's wife. 

On the 19th April 1867, Trustee members JW Watling and Edward Jones visited the Almshouses and reported that Ann Griffiths (the blind woman) still keeps to her bed.

In 1871, Ann housed at No 10 St Paul's Alsmhouse. Ann, 95, was described as a letter carrier's widow. Ann Jones, aged 70, and also a  widow,  was a servant to Ann Griffiths. Her late husband was a carrier, and she born in Beddgelert.

WILLIAM EWART GLADSTONE
Liberal Prime Minister 1868-1874, 1880-1885, 1892-1894
William Gladstone had a home in Hawarden, North Wales and kept a diary.
Here are some September 1855 entries.

MATTHEW ARNOLD

1881 census
UNION WORKHOUSE,
LLANRWST

William JONES Married, 46, Master of Union House,  born Llangerniew, Denbigh
Margaret JONES Married, 46, Matron of Union House,  born Llangerniew, Denbigh  
Elizabeth E. JONES 7, daughter, scholar, born Llanrwst, Denbigh 
Martha WILLIAMS Unmarried, 36, domestic servant, born Llangerniew, Denbigh, Wales
  
Thomas VAUGHAN  Widower 71, pauper, carpenter, born Eglwysfach, Denbigh  
Thomas EVANS Widower 65, pauper, general labourer, born Wales
Owen DAVIES Orphan 11, pauper born, Festiniog, Merioneth
Price EVANS Orphan 13, pauper, born Llanrwst, Denbigh
Ellen EVANS Orphan 4, pauper, born Llanrwst, Denbigh
Hugh HUGHES Widower, 71, pauper, general labourer, born not known
Maurice HUGHES Widower, 82, pauper, general labourer, born not known
Catherine JONES Unmarried, 24, pauper, idiot, born Llanrhychwyn, Caernarvon
Evan JONES Unmarried, 3, pauper, born Llanrwst, Denbigh  
Owen WILLIAMS Unmarried, 78, pauper, general labourer, born not known
William THOMAS Widower, 86, pauper, shoemaker, imbecile, born not known
Evan WILLIAMS Unmarried, 74, pauper, general labourer, born Maenan, Caernarvon  
Owen OWENS Unmarried, 18, pauper, general labourer, idiot, born Llanrwst, Denbigh  
Thomas ROBERTS Unmarried, 78, pauper, general labourer, born Pentrevoelas, Denbigh  
John JONES Widower, 79, pauper, wool weaver (text) born Maenllwyd, Montgomery  
Griffith JONES Unmarried, 25, pauper, blind, born Llanrwst, Denbigh  
Anne GRIFFITHS Unmarried, 18, pauper, domestic servant, born Llansantffraid, Denbigh  
John EVANS Widower, 64, pauper, hawker, born Llanrwst, Denbigh  
David THOMAS Married, 40, pauper, tailor, born Llanrwst, Denbigh  
Robert ROBERTS Married, 65, pauper, shoemaker, born Penmachno, Caernarvon, 
Grace ROBERTS Married, 30, pauper, shoemaker Wife, born Llanrwst, Denbigh  
Hugh Ll. ROBERTS 8, pauper, shoemaker child, born Llanrwst, Denbigh
Thomas ROBERTS   6, pauper, shoemaker child, born Llanrwst, Denbigh 
Catherine M. ROBERTS 4, pauper, shoemaker child, born Llanrwst, Denbigh 
John E. ROBERTS    2, pauper, shoemaker child, born Llanrwst, Denbigh 
John WILLIAMS Unmarried, 82, pauper, general labourer, born Dolwyddelan, Caernarvon 
Jonathan JACKSON Unmarried, 44, pauper, general labourer, born Capel Curig, Caernarvon 
Mary LLOYD Unmarried, 40, pauper, idiot, born Llanrwst, Denbigh 
Catherine ELLIS Unmarried, 18, pauper, domestic servant, born Trewydir, Caernarvon 
John DAVIES Unmarried, 33, pauper, general labourer, born Llangerniew, Denbigh
John HARRIS Uumarried, 28, vagrant, general labourer, born Tredegar, Monmouth
James MORSE Unmarried, 26, vagrant, general labourer, born Hereford, York
Henry DAVIES Unmarried, 19, vagrant, general labourer, born Walsall, Stafford
Edward OWEN Unmarried, 27, vagrant, general labourer, born Holyhead, Anglesey

John French Pierce
Llanrwst Town FC
Winners of the 1936-37
Jack Owen Cup

John's parents were Thomas Pierce and Mary nee Davies. HisFather Twm Pyrs as they called him locally (Thomas Pierce) came originally from Dinbych (Denbigh) in North Wales and was a plasterer who served in the Somme as a private in the Royal Welch Fusuliers during the first World War. John was born on the 7th August 1915.John's birth certificate has the family address as 4 Wellington Street Llanrwst.John was named after a General French who was famous at the beginning of the 20th century. The family were Welsh speaking and lived in a house called The Plough in an area called Scotland Street in Llanrwst, since demolished. The house was double fronted and had a piano. Wil one of his bothers played the piano and John French enjoyed singing. John in the 1930s He played for Llanrwst Town for a couple of years including the Vale of Conway League Championship for 1936/37 and the Jack Owen Cup - per the medal below. Llanrwst Town Vale of Conwy League Champions 1936/37 Click here to see League Table Courtesy of the Welsh Football Data Archive Jack Owen Cup Medal 1936 - 37 For a period of time he was a professional footballer playing for the Belfast Celtic team in Northern Ireland.  Belfast Celtic F.C. (click here for the history of the club). Belfast Celtic - The Grand Old Team (click here to visit the webpage) John joined the Royal Welch Fusiliers with his cousin Robert Davies and landed in France just after the D-Day landings.During the Second World War, he served in India and then in Burma where he may have contracted a tropical disease. When he came back to Llanrwst his skin was yellow and he spent some time convalescing in The Waterloo Hotel in Betws y Coed which was converted into a hospital during the war. John, left, with cousin RobertDavies  Robert 's parents were Robert senior and Mary Davies. Bob Bach (little Bob), Robert Davies died in the 1970s. John was terribly wounded around the same time - haven't found the exact date yet. John was confined to a wheel chair and spent a long time in Stoke Mandeville hospital. He would have been around 32 when the first Stoke Mandeville Games took place so, with John being a sportsman, I am also looking at whether he was involved in these as well. I have been trying to get the Stoke-Mandeville connection as JFP was supposedly very active sportsman (Rugby union supposedly) and was in this hospital around the time Guttman started the games. John in a rugby shirt around 1941

If you can help Michael with his family history enquiry,
he can be contacted via mail@penmon.org

T. GLYNNE DAVIES
Llanrwst born, he won the Crown in the 1951 National Eisteddfod in his home town.

Click here to read exclusively 
about his life. 

Y Casglwr
Cymdeithas Bob Owen

CARTRE'R DELYN
gan Ifor Jones
(cliciwch yma i ddarllen am delynorion Llanrwst)

 "Tre fach aflêr ond yn nodedig am wneud telynau."
William Camden (1551-1623)
gan gynnwys:
Gruffydd Coetmor c1450
William Owen, Pencraig Inco
Dafydd Cadwaladr c1650
Dafydd Maenan c1568
Thomas Anwyl, Maenan
John Richards g 1711
Rowland Griffith
James Hughes, Iago Bencerdd
Evan Jones, Evan y Gorlan, Maenan

DAVID LLOYD
Excise Officer, Llanrwst during 1815 - 1821

Joan Paparo has been in touch. She is keen on finding information on David Lloyd's time at  Llanrwst.

Joan writes:Hi , I have been researching my Lloyd Family, David LLoyd  1775- 1863 was an Excise Officer, he was born in Gwnnws, he spent most of his service with the North Wales Collection.
He was the 2nd Ride Llanrwst from 1815 until 1821 or so. Some of his children were born there, Morgan 1816, Mary 1818 and Thomas 1820. His other children were born in  Llansanffraid, in 1826-1832 their house was Penllathen and LLan-y-Dwfa.

David Lloyd moved back to Gwnnws in 1840 where, he died in 1863.

Many thanks and kind regards, Joan

Can you help Joan with her research please?
She can be contacted viamail@penmon.org

ROBERT JONES
Landlord of THE BOAR'S HEAD
LLANRWST 

Received this delightful request from Lynne Whitworth (nee Jones)
Hello
I was fascinated to see your site which includes the history of Llanrwst, while searching and an email address I could contact!
I am trying to discover more about my great granddad Robert Jones who is proving difficult to trace! I know a bit about him...BUT I can't find him previous to 1891 and with a name like Robert Jones..that is a bit tricky!
I hope you don't mind me contacting you. Best wishes.

Lynne writes;

I know Robert Jones was a publican on the 1891 census, at the Boar's Head Inn, Little Bridge Street, Llanrwst.

Robert and Jane farmed at Tan yr Ywen just above Eglwysbach and lived there with their children Robert Jones the publican/farmer Jane Jones (nee Roberts) Robert's wife Idwal Wyn Jones who later lived at Rhoslan, Eglwysbach Robert Ifor Jones  a piano tuner who moved to live in Coventry Jane Jones married Edward Anwyl Jones and lived at Tyddyn Bach William Henry Jones was a piano tuner and moved to Coventry and opened a music shop. He was my granddad, but he died just a month after I was born (knocked off his bicycle), so I never knew him.

JOHN JENKINS
1845 - 1890
Prescott House

Wendy Bell has been in touch, and writes; Interested to read your website about Llanrwst. My family lived in Llanrwst.

John JENKINS (1845 - 1890) was living at 'Prescott house', Denbigh Street when he died in 1890. John was my great, grandfather.

His father,David Jenkins, was born about 1800 in Llanfihangel, Glyn Myfyr, Denbigh, North Wales, and was baptised on 27.04.1800 at Cerrig y Drudion, the last of 14 children.   His parents were probably Cadwaladr and Lowry Jenkins from  Gronglwyd, Cerrig y Drudion.   (Cadwaladr, father,  was buried at Cerrig y Drudion on 22.05.1812.)   David married Mary Jones (born c.1805  Llanfihangel).
They had at least  10  children, all born at Gwyddelwern
Mary born c. 1828,  David born c. 1830, Hugh born c.1836, William   born c. 1836, Cadwaladr born c. 1839, Job born c. 1840,  Ann born c. 1842, John born 1845, Robert born c. 1850 and Margaret   born c. 1851