Monmouthshire Quarter Sessions

April 19th 1834  – William Watts – Monmouthshire Quarter Sessions

Monkswood, Appellants: Goytrey Respondents

This was a case on the removal of a pauper 66 years of age, named William Watts.
The advocates were, for the respondents, Mr Talbot, for the appellants, Mr Nicholls.
Wm Watts, being examined by Mr Talbot, deposed that 45 years ago he married Martha Edwards, whose mother gave to him a cottage at Monkswood which he occupied 6 years.
The witness on his cross-examination by Mr Nicholls, stated that this cottage was given without a legal conveyance, by a parole agreement; and the brother of his wife had since disputed witness’s right of possession. The question was left to arbitration and it was decided that the pauper had no right to the possession during the lifetime of his mother-in-law; but £20 were awarded to him as compensation for a building which he had erected. The pauper afterwards left Monkswood and acquired property, value £160 in Goytrey, in which place he occupied a house at £12 a year.
Mr Talbot maintained that the pauper’s settlement was by property, in the parish of Monkswood and that the parole conveyance of the cottage was valid.
The learned gentleman quoted authorities in support of his view of the law of the case; but the order was quashed.
(Wm Watts was the innkeeper of the Royal Oak, from 1811-1815 later he lived at Ynyspwcca)

South Wales Daily News

October 26th 1894 – Stealing a Watch

At the police court on Thursday – before Dr W J Mulligan and M Fowler – Arthur Jones, a labourer was convicted of stealing a watch, the property of Herbert Bishop of Goytrey, on Wednesday and default of paying a fine of 40s, was sent to prison for a month.

December 21st 1894 – A Farmer’s Failure

Richard Hewitt, farmer of Goytrey, near Monmouth underwent his public examination at Newport on Thursday. Debtor told the court that he commenced business in 1879 as a farmer, with a capital of £100 at the Canal farm Goytrey. Subsequently he also rented Pudda Farm.
His total rental was £30 per annum. His total liabilities were £130 9s, his assets were £41 10s
He first became aware of his insolvency about three years ago. He attributed his failings to stock. Bad trade and law expenses, the Lord having sued him for rent in the High Court and the petition was filed in consequence.

The examination was formally adjourned.

August 19th 1895 – Serious Charge Against a Goytrey Farmer

At Pontypool police court on Saturday, E J Phillips presiding. William Jenkins, Pantglas Farm Goytrey, was summoned for feloniously assaulting Margaret Jones, a married woman, at Goytrey, on the 9th inst.
Mr L Webb defended. Prosecutrix said that on the day in question prisoner came to her house on business and after conversing with her, seized and committed the offence complained of. A large number of witnessess were called and prisoner gave on oath a complete denial to the charge.
After a long hearing, the Bench committed the accused for trial at the assizes, accepting bail for £100 and sureties in a like amount.

November 18th 1895 – Alleged Housebreaking at Goytrey

At Pontypool police court on Saturday, Reuben Gould and Wm. Morris were charged with housebreaking at Goytrey on the 15th November.
William Lewis, woodcutter, Goytrey said he left his house securely fastened on Monday morning. When he returned in the evening the window had been opened and a gun and two pouches taken.
Jenkin Rosser mentioned two prisoners going towards Abersychan with a gun in their possession. J Lewis said he saw the prisoners at Abersychan carrying the items produced.
They also had the flasks in their pockets.

Prisoners were committed for trial at the Assizes.

Evening Express

1st October, 1894.

PONTYPOOL. The adjourned licensing session was held on Saturday at the Town-hall, Pontypool, Mr. E. J. Phillips presiding, there being a full bench. The Bench granted the renewal of all the existing licences. The licence of the Lion Hotel, Blaenavon, was transferred from Mrs. D. Morgan to Fredk. Jenkins. Mr. L. E. Webbe, Pontypool, applied on behalf of Franklin G. Harris, for the grant of a full licence to the Carpenter’s Arms Inn, Goytrey. Mr. H. S. Lyne, Newport, opposed for the police and Lady Llanover.—The Bench decided to grant the licence.

Saturday April 24th, 1897.

YOUTH FIRED ON AT GOYTREY.

A charge was preferred at Pontypool Police court on Thursday (before Mr. A. A. Williams and other gentlemen) against Enoch Waters, farmer, Goytrey, of unlawfully firing at William Humphreys with intent to do him grievous bodily harm, at Goytrey, on Good Friday. Mr. L. E. Webb, Pontypool, defended.—Prosecutor said that he had been to a tea party at Chapel road, and afterwards called at the Carpenters’ Arms, where he met some companions. They left some time after ten o’clock, and went on up the road singing. One of them suggested they should sing at Waters’ and one of them opened the gate leading to the house, but Waters coming out they all ran away. Witness was struck by a stone as he was running off and had turned round to tell a companion to come on when a gun was fired, and a shot took him in the forehead and arm. several others passing very near him.—Prisoner was committed for trial to the quarter sessions.

8th October, 1898.

Charles Jones, described as a farm labourer of Goytrey, was committed to the assizes for trial bv the Pontypool magistrates on Friday on a charge of being unduly intimate with Amv Herbert, aged fifteen years, at Goytrey, on the 4th of October.

29th October, 1904

GOYTRE TRAGEDY.

THE ALLEGED SHOOTING OF A GAME-KEEPER.

Prisoners Again Before the Magistrates.

Basil Tyler, alias George, and Luther Pinner, the two men arrested in connection with the Goytrey shooting outrage, were to-day brought up at the Pontypooi Police-court. In addition to the charge of shocting the gamekeeper (Charles Cornish), with intent to murder him, Tyler was further charged with breaking and entering the dwelling-house of Mr. John. Thomas, Court Farm, Llanviangel, on the night of the 27th September, and stealing therefrom a double- barrelled gun and other articles, valued at £3 10s. The charge preferred against Pinner was that of aiding and abetting Tyler in his ALLEGED. MURDEROUS ATTEMPT upon Captain Cook’s gamekeeper. The prisoners were brought over from Usk Prison by an early train, and when they were ushered into the court at eleven o’clock there was a densely packed assemblage. Pinner, who was the first to make his appearance, is an undersized man of the. labouring type, with a dark moustache, and Tyler, who is nothing more than an overgrown boy, walked into the court smiling, and took his seat in the dock alongside of his confederate. He was pretty well known in Pontypool, and during the time he was at the reformatory school he used to come with wagons of vegetables to the market regularly. At the outset, Superintendent James said he had again to apply for a remand, as the injured gamekeeper was unable to leave the hospital. A letter was read from Dr. Tatham (Abergavenny) in which he said that Cornish was still suffering from the effects of the gunshot wound, and would be unable to leave hospital for another ten days or fortnight. He was quite unfit to give evidence. Prisoners were remanded for a week.

24th August 1900.

WANTED, by a thoroughly respectable, experienced Farmer’s Daughter, a Situation as Housekeeper in Farm or Tradesman’s House.—Address R., care of Mr. T. H. Rees, Walnut Tree Farm, Goytre, Nr. Pontypool.

9th December, 1905.

OFFERED THE P.C. A FLORIN

No-light Offender Chased a Mile.

At Pontypool Poiice-court to-day Alfred Jones. a. Goytrey farmer, was summoned for driving without lights at LIanvihangel, Pontymoile, and also for attempting to bribe Police-constable Nunley in the execution of his duty.–The officer stated that at 5.20 p.m., on the 29th ult. he was on duty on the Usk road when the defendant drove past with a. horse and trap without lights. He called upon defendant to stop, but, instead of doing so, he drove on. Witness followed him, and found the horse and trap standing outside the Horse and Jockey. The people at the inn did not seem willing to tell him who the trap belonged to, and upon his informing them that he would take posession of it the defendant said it was his property. Asked why he did not stop, defendant said he did not see witness, and, upon being informed that he would be reported for driving without lights, defendant put a two-shiliing piece on his pocket-book and said, “Take that and say no more about it.”

Defendant: Tell the truth.

Defendant said that the reason he did not stop was that he believed someone was shouting after him for a ride. When the policeman told him he had had to run a mile after him he offered him 2s. for his trouble. The Bench fined the defendant 5s. in respect of the first offence, but dismissed the summons for attempted bribery.

17th May, 1907.

NEW CHAPEL AT GOYTREY.

Foundatlon-stones of a new Baptist chapel and schoolroom for the use of the Inhabitants of the Goytrey, Little Mill, and Glascoed Parishes were laid at Little Mill on Thursday. The chapel is estimated to cost about £290, and will provide sealing accommodation for 150 persons.

27th January, 1909.

A TRAMP’S THEFT.

William Bowdell, tramping labourer, was charged at Pontypool to-day with vagrancy by sleeping at the Cwmffrwdoer Brickworks on January 25. There was a farther charge against the prisoner of stealing a hammer and two trowels, value 4s., the property of Philip Morgan, at Goytrey, on January 23. He was sentenced to a month’s imprisonment.

12th June, 1909.

14 UNLICENSED DOGS.

Charlotte Mary Evans, of Nantyderry House Farm, Goytrey, was fined £5 5s at Pontypool to-day for keeping fourteen dogs without Licence.

20th August,1909

CATTLE OR RABBITS?

James Parry, of Black Beach Farm, Goytrey, at Usk County-court on Thursday sued Edwin Baker, of Ynys-y-pica Farm, Goytrey, for £12, for damage to growing wheat. Mr. Heywood, Abergavenny, represented the plaintiff, and Mr. Everett, Pontypool, defended. It was said that defendant’s cattle broke into the growing wheat in May, and did a lot of damage, but the defence suggested that the damage was caused by rabbits from an adjoining wood. Several witnesses were called, including Mr. Montague Harris, valuer, Abergavenny, and Mr. W. H. Pitten, auctioneer and valuer, Pontypool.—In the result his Honour gave judgement for £5 5s. damages.

18th September, 1909.

SNARING RABBITS.

David Thomas, farm labourer, Goytrey was summoned at Pontypool today for trespassing in search of game at Goytrey on September 14th.
Mr T Watkins, Pontypool prosecuted on behalf of Mr J c Hanbury.
Ernest Williams, a gamekeeper stated that he found wires set as rabbit snares on Park-y-brain Farm, and after watching them for some time he saw the defendant approach and set them again.
Defendant said he has permission from the occupier of the farm to snare a few rabbits, but this was found to be untrue.

A fine of 10s was imposed.

9th October, 1909.

DEFICIENT IN FAT

Edwin Edgar, milk-vendor, Goytrey, was summoned at Pontypool to-day for selling milk which was deficient in fat to the extent of nine per cent, at Pontypool on October 6. Mr. W. J. Everett defended, and this being tihe first offenoe a fine of 10s. only was imposed.

8th December, 1909.

WENT TO BEG FOOD

Edward Robertson and John Bain Tullock, tramps, who were described as Londoners, were charged at Pontypool to-day with breaking and entering the dwelling-house of Harry Edward Hughes, and stealing a large quantity of articles of clothing, &c., at Goytrey, on the 2nd inst. Prosecutor stated that he locked the house about 2.30 p.m., and when he returned, about twelve o’clock, he found be back-door half open. He immediately searched the house, and found that several drawers had been ransacked, and a quantity of clothing, &c., valued at about £6, missing. Police constable Powell, Llanover, stated that he arrested prisoners on the Abergavenny road as they were in the act of changing clothes. He charged them with the offence, but they made no reply. Later Tullock said that they broke a window and got in, leaving by the back-door. Prisoners informed the bench that they went to the house to beg food, but as no one was there they broke in and took the clothes. The Bench committed them for trial at the quarter sessions.

5th October 1910 – Mr Samuel Deverall

Councillor Samuel Deverall of 44 Cross Street Abergavenny, grocer, a former mayor of the borough, who died on August 3rd last at Pant Glas Farm Goytrey, Monmouthshire aged 44 years, left estate of the gross value of £3703.
Probate of his will dated April1st 1890 has been granted to his widow.
The testator left all his property to his wife, expressing himself as “having a perfect trust in her and therefore knowing she will do that which is just and right for our son.”

Western Mail

21st December 1894 – Richard Hewlett

Re- Richard Hewlett, farmer, Canal Bridge farm (Bridge Cottage) Goytrey and Puddu Farm Goytrey.

The liabilities were estimated £130 9s and the deficiency estimated £88 19s. Debtor, who commenced business in 1879 attributed his failure to law costs, losses in stock and bad trade. Examination closed.

15th May 1895 – Gazette News
Richard Hewlett, Goytre Mon, farmer: First and final dividend 5s in the pound; pay at the official receivers, Newport.

16th May 1900 – Henry Crump

Henry Crump of Pengroesoped Farm Goytrey was charged at Pontypool police court, on Tuesday with attempting to commit suicide by cutting his throat with a pocket knife.

He was remanded to see whether his daughter would undertake to look after him.

15th November 1900 – Rosser-v-Knipe

Rosser-v-Knipe, this was a claim for £5 damages done to a trap and harness. Mrs Rosser who lives in Goytrey, stated she was coming home from Pontypool market on the 18th August, when the defendant, who is a farmer living in Griffithstown, drove into her trap, breaking the shaft, splintering the front of the vehicle and doing other damage.

The collision was admitted and Judge Owen made an order for £3.

28th July 1914

At the Crown Hotel Pontypool on July 27th M/s Pitten & Wilton offered several properties. Two freehold houses with 2 acres of land known as New House and Elm Trees were sold to Mrs Lloyd, Yew Tree Cottage for £410.

29th January 1915

Mr William Williams of Ivy Cottage Goytrey, who died on December 8th left an estate to the gross value of £667 of which £361 is net personally.

28th April 1917

Wilks – on April 26th at Hawthorn Cottage Goytrey, William Wilks, builder &c. Funeral on Monday at Goytrey Church yard at 2.30 pm (near Nantyderry Railway Station.)

1875 Free Press

January 30th

Police Court before Col. Byrde, Rev J. C. Llewellin and E. J. Phillips Esq

REMOVING TO AVOID A DISTRESS

Edward Absolom was charged with removing to avoid a distress.
Mrs Jeremiah, owner of the house said that defendant owed £1 12s 4d. rent to her; defendant had removed part of his furniture……more info no parishes given

February 6th 

Felony

Police Court before Col. Byrde and E. J. Phillips Esq

John Scammell 17, was charged with stealing a horse cloth, the property of William Williams, farmer of Goytre.
Complainant said that the prisoner worked for him and was at his house on the 3rd of Jan; the horse cloth was there then; on the following day he missed it.
In answer to the Bench complainant said he did not ask him why he left; he was no particular friend of his; the horse-cloth produced was his property; he recognised it by one of the straps being chewed a little by the cattle.
In answer to prisoner, complainant said he owed him 5s but prisoner left his employment in the middle of the week; he told him if he would stop he would pay him; he did not order him off the ground.
John Davis, farmer, Pentre, said he gave the cloth produced to the policeman; he purchased it off the prisoner, he asked him where he had got it; he said he found it on Usk road; prisoner had been speaking to his (witness’s) son three months previously to that about a horse-cloth which he had said he had found; he brought it to the witness’s house the Monday after Christmas, he paid him 2s.
Williams, re called said he had the horse-cloth on the 3rd January, it was in the stable, hung up with the other gear.
Pc Allen said that on Monday he received information on the loss of the horse-cloth from Mr Williams, and on searching for it found it at Mr Davies’s; he asked him where he had it from and Mr Davies said he bought it off prisoner; he asked Mr Williams why he did not inform him of the loss before, he said he was going to do so one day, but he, (policeman) had gone too far; Williams identified the horse-cloth as soon as witness took it to him when he arrested prisoner; he said he found it on the Usk road he said, “if I did take it, I would only be taking what he owed me.
Williams, in answer to the Bench said that he had bought the cloth off Mr Jones, saddler, Pontypool.
The Bench were of the opinion that the case clearly proves against prisoner, and he was sentenced to 14 days hard labour.

Leaving a Child Chargeable to the Parish

Elizabeth Barland was charged with leaving her child chargeable to the Pontypool Union on the 22nd Jan.

Mr Hartley Feather, Master of the Union said about 6.30 p.m. he found a child near the door of the Workhouse, he took it in and looking over the Workhouse book he found a child born on 12th October 1873.

Defendant had been in service and had paid 2s 6d a week to a Mrs Rosser of Goytre for looking after the child; she was now out of work and could not pay for the child’s nursing; she had failed to prove the paternity of the child for want of corroborative evidence.

A Mrs Lewis of Canal Parade offered to adopt the child and Mrs Jenkins of Hanbury Terrace took both mother and child in to give them shelter.

Discharged

March 27th

GOYTRE

A Concert was held at the above place on Thursday, March 18th for the benefit of the British School.  Col. Byrde presided, and the choir of the Baptist Chapel, Glascoed, assisted by a few kind friends, performed the pieces much to their own credit and the high satisfaction of all present.  Programme: –

Anthem – Before Jehovah’s awful throne – Choir.

Solo – Comfort ye my people – Mr W. Edmonds.

Anthem – Awake the song of Jubilee – Choir.

Solo – No tears in heaven – Mr T. Brace.

Quartet – Forgive blest shades – Miss H. Morgan, Miss S. Lewis, Mr W. Edmonds, and Mr H. Williams.

Solo – Oh, had I the wings of a dove – Mr S. Evans.

Quartet- As the hart panteth – Misses Watkins, Mr S. Evans, and Mr W. Williams.

Solo – Blessed are the meek – Mr J. Tucker.

Anthem – I will lift up mine eyes – choir.

Solo – The soldier to his mother – Mr Reese.

Trio and chorus – Canaan – Miss H. Morgan, Miss S. Lewis, and Mr W. Williams.

Solo – Home, sweet hone – Mr S. Evans.

Anthem – Oh praise the Lord – Choir.

Song- God bless our sailor prince – Mr T. Brace.

Anthem – Lift up your head – Choir.

Solo – I am lonely since my mother died – Mr W. Edmonds.

Anthem – Now pray we for our country – Choir.

As usual there was an interval of some minutes, and while the singers were recruiting their strength, the respected chairman, with other gentlemen, not liking to waste time, converted the meeting into a grammar class, and enquired into the etymology and translation of two Welsh terms, namely “Cwmbwrwch” and “Dinas.” This enquiry was occasioned by the worthy chairman supposing that the leader of the excellent choir lived at Cwmbwrwch, a circumstance that caused surprise that such an excellent and good conductor could come from such a Nazareth.  However one clever scholar undertook to translate the awkward term, informing his class-master, to the amusement of all, that it meant, badger’s dingle.”  Next came the word “Dinas,” when another scholar interpreted this as meaning “tasteless,” upon which the Rev J. Tucker assured all that if  “diflas” meant “tasteless,”

there was little fear of the singers growing “diflas.”  So that with the excellent singing and the humorous talk, a most pleasant evening was spent.

April 3rd

POLICE COURT – Application for Ejectment

Before Colonel Byrde and C. J. Parkes, Esq.

Mr Jas. H. Farquhar, of Abergavenny, on behalf of the Blaenafon Iron Co, applied for an ejectment order against James Hayward, Goytre.  

Mr Forest, a former agent of the Blaenafon Iron Co, was called by Mr Farquhar, and proved having engaged defendant for the Company at a wage of 1 6s per week, including house rent, there was a distinct understanding that the rent was to be considered part of his wages.

Col. Byrde said that country cottages were let at an annual tenancy, and did not know if the rule applied to them.

Mr Farquhar said it was an invariable rule of the Blaenafon Iron Company, and in this case the man was given to understand that when he ceased working for the Company he would also have to give up the house.  

Mr Rosser was called, and, and proved having served Hayward with a notice on the 15th ult., a copy of which he handed to the magistrates.

The ejectment was granted.

April 17th 

The Charge of Stealing Corn

William Hugo was brought up on remand charged with stealing two bushels of corn and a sack, the property of R T Smith & Co.

Mr Watkins appeared for the prosecution and Mr Greenaway for the defence.

Mr Watkins, after briefly stating his case called upon the first witness.

Anna Maria Hutchinson who said she  lived with her step-father, Thomas Jenkins at Goytre:

She remembered prisoner coming to their house on Easter Monday:He had a horse and “trolley”: he came to fetch a chest of drawers:

When he came to the house there were some sacks upon the trolley:

There appeared to be something in one of them:

She was looking through the window:

They (Hugo and his wife) were sitting on one of the sacks:

She did not know what became of the sacks:

They stayed at her father’s house for some time:

She did not see them taking the horse out of the trolley:

Did not see them drive away:

Saw them taking the chest of drawers out of house:

Did not see them put it on the trolley:

She was in the kitchen:

Did not take notice of any of the sacks till PS Basham came there on the Monday, neither did she notice the sacks between the two occasions:

There were other sacks with these:

Did not notice any oats in the house.

Mr Watkins here asked witness a question relative to a statement made by her to Sergeant Basham.

Mr Greenaway objected

Mr Watkins contended he was right in doing so with a witness who had made one statement to the sergeant and another in the witness box.

Mr Greenaway maintained that a conversation passing between two persons in the absence of the prisoner could not be put in evidence against him.

The bench ruled that the question could not be put.

Witness re-examined:

She did not notice how the sacks were marked:

Sergeant Basham did not call her attention to it:

Did not go anywhere to empty one of the sacks with Palmer:

By the Bench; there was a sack marked but it belonged to themselves:

Did not notice any sacks with marks upon them:

By Mr Watkins; noticed that one of the sacks was marked; that mark was Llanover Mills; 

Went with Palmer into the back kitchen to empty the sack:

That sack Palmer took away:

Did not notice whether he was big or little:

And did not see them empty the corn sack:

She had seen Hugo since they were in court before:

He had not told her what evidence to give today.

By Mr Greenaway; she had given her evidence truthfully and honestly to the best of her knowledge. She had given evidence on the Tuesday previous..

The sacks were exposed to view in a cellar two steps down; anyone could have seen them from the doorway.

Hugo had been at Goytre on Easter Monday. The horse got out of the stable, that’s what delayed him.

In the evening they were in a great hurry.

Saw them coming to the house:

Prisoner and wife were in the trolley:

Saw Hugo on the end of the sack on which they rode:

Saw the drawers taken out of the house:

Saw some sacks there when they were bringing the drawers out of the house:

Had seen chaff in the house and oats.

By Mr Watkins; was present when Sergeant Basham made enquiries before he saw the sacks:

He made the enquiry in the kitchen:

He asked if she had any objection to the house being searched and she replied “not in the least.”

They were packing up the drawers in sacks:

Reuben James Meadows said he was the agent for R T Smith & Co. and prisoner had been in their employ:

He gave prisoner leave to go with the horse and trolley the first time they were not to busy to fetch a chest of drawers:

Was present with the prisoner and Sergeant Basham:

He said he had taken out a feed for the horse and had left it there:

It was, he said all through drink:

“You know I have been drinking.”

Witness (looking at the sack) said they had some bags marked like that one but it was not the usual mark, the mark on that sack was “S & Co.”

There were oats and bran mixed, the oats being crushed flat between rollers, similar to the way in which they crushed the oats:

Had never seen oats crushed like it before:

They were crushed flat by passing through rollers:

Went with P.S. Basham on Easter Monday to Nantyderry Station:

Found this sack (produced) on the premises of prisoners father-in-law Thomas Jenkins:

There was chaff in it then:

There was also another sack containing corn and it was marked Llanover Mills:

He emptied the chaff that was in the sack into another bag:

It was down in the kitchen:

The young woman Hutchinson was present at the time.

Cross– examined by Mr Greenaway:

He was never in the Royal Cornwall Range Militia.

By Mr Watkins; Could not swear that the sack contained chaff.

After a short summary from Mr Greenaway and Mr Watkins the Bench retired to consider their verdict and on returning said they were of the opinion that a case of felony had been proven but taking into consideration the numerous and excellent testimonials of character which they had received of the prisoner they would sentence him to one months hard labour.

July 10th

PONTYPOOL AND USK HIGHWAY BOARD. – On Monday the monthly meeting of this board took place at Usk.  Mr James Powell presided over a full Board.  It was resolved that the district surveyor’s expenditure and receipt book should be balanced every fortnight.  The surveyor was ordered to pay Mr Wrenford for stones when he had funds.  Col. Byrde asked the Board to perform a promise to vote the sum of £5 from the funds of Llanvihangel and Goytrey towards the formation of a road and bridge leading to Goytrey school.  Mr Morgan, of Little Mill, strongly objected; he contended that the bridge in question was private, and the landlord ought to keep it in repair and passable; the members of the Board were not there to dispense gratuities, but to pay just demands, and he considered it would be culpable of the board to order the sum to be paid over, and if it were, he should call the special attention of the auditor to it. – A claim of Mr Jas, Lucas for £1 11s 6d for haulage of stones was ordered to be paid, subject of reduction of 3d per load, which brought the claim to £1 6s 3d. – Mrs Roberts applied to have a quarry on her land filled up, as it had not been used for several years.  On the motion of Col. Byrde, £2 was allowed towards the expense of filling up the quarry.  – Mr Jones of Trevella farm, in accordance with notice given, brought forward very serious charges against the surveyor.  After a long and animated discussion, the proposal for his dismissal was negated by a majority of 9. – only 3 voted for the proposition and 12 against it.  Mr Gething moved – “That this meeting is of the opinion that the charges made against the surveyor by Messrs Jones and Mackintosh have not been proved and that the surveyor stands without a stain on his character. in respect to those charges.”  This was agreed to unanimously.

May 8th

PROSECUTION OF THE VICAR OF LLANOVER  – All further proceedings against the Rev Joshua Evans have been abandoned, as appears from the following letter from the Bishop’s secretaries to Mr Evan’s solicitor: – 

(Copy of the letter)

37, Parliament Street, Westminster,. S.W, April 27 1875,

Dear Sir,

Rev Joshua Evans.

We regret that we have been unable to give you an earlier answer to your letters, but, as you are aware, the Bishop’s Commission was issued on information and complaint, and His Lordship was not the promoter of the proceedings.  We now beg to inform you that it is not intended to proceed further.  We are, dear sir, yours very faithfully,

W .C. A. Williams, Esq.                                           Burder and Dunning.

May 22nd

BAILEY GLAS INN

Mamhilad (Mrs Summerfield’s)

________

THE ANNUAL PIC-NIC and RUSTIC SPORTS

On MONDAY, JUNE 7th, 1875. – Tea on the table

From 3 to 6 o’clock,- Music in attendance

A stall of Wool- work will be opened for Sale

TICKETS, 1S. EACH.

June 5th

MAMHILAD

On Tuesday last the retired little church of Mamhilad was the scene of a gay and fashionable wedding when Miss Susanna Durand Sackmore Birt, daughter of the late Dr Birt, of Canterbury, and cousin of col. Byrde, of Goytrey House, was married to F. G. W. Chalklen, Esq., of St. James’s Clerkenwell?  The ceremony was performed by the Rev C. Cook, rector, assisted by the Rev F. L. Byrde, B.A.  The bride who was given away by her cousin, Colonel Byrde, was very modestly but elegantly attired, as were also the bridesmaids.  To mark the esteem with which the bride is held in the parish of Mamhilad, the little church was crowded to witness the imposing ceremony, and two elegant arches of flowers and evergreens were erected with great taste over the archway and church porch by Miss Annie Lewis, of the Brooks, and Mr Arthur Morgan, of Elm Cottage.  The school children strewed the path to the church with wild flowers, and a beautiful bouquet of exotic flowers, from colonel Byrde’s conservatory, was placed on the alter.  At the conclusion of the service, the bridal party were conveyed in carriages to Goytrey House, the residence of Colonel Byrde, where a sumptuous breakfast was prepared; and in the course of the afternoon the happy newly-married couple left for the railway station, amidst showers of rice and old slippers.

1872 Free Press

March 2nd 

Goytrey Church – an evening service was held on Thanksgiving Day. The Rector, Thomas Evans preached an appropriate sermon from the 85th psalm, 1st verse, “Lord, thou hast been favourable unto thy land; Thou has brought back the captivity of Jacob.” Suitable hymns were excellently sung by the choir, Mrs Evans presiding at the organ.

March 30th – A Queer Way of Taking Care of a Baby
Elizabeth Taylor, aged 15 years, was charged with stealing several articles of wearing apparel, the property of John Morgan of Goytre.
She said her mistress had given h er the things.
Mrs Morgan despised that on March 21st she missed a dress-hat, a bonnet and an apron. The prisoner, who was in her service, was sent to take the baby for a walk; a witness afterwards found the baby lying in the dung water near the cow house and the prisoner had de-camped.
She did not give the prisoner any of these things.
PC Williams 42, deposed he found the things at the prisoners house in Coedygrig. He asked for the articles and the prisoner gave him them saying that she did not steal them; her mistress had given them to her.
Mrs Morgan said that the girl had several times said she would cut the baby’s head off and so forth.
Committed to the house of correction for 14 days.

August 24th  – Police Court 

Wages
Henry Mathews, of Goytrey, was summoned for non-payment of wages due to Geo. Roberts.
He said he owed 7s; whereas Roberts claimed 13s 11d. The Bench ordered the amount claimed with costs.

November 16th – Prize fight

Prize fight took place at Goytrey on Friday last between two Pontypool men who had made arrangements with so much secrecy that the police knew nothing of the affair until it actually took place.
The combatants were Daniel Desmond, a pugilist and Thomas Fletcher, a smith and the contest seemed to have arisen out of a row in George Street some time ago.
These men, in a field belonging to a farmer named Probert, hammered away at each other for two hours and a quarter, in which time 101 “rounds” occurred. The stake was to be £10.
Fletcher, who sprained his wrist some time since, sustained a renewed of the sprain but kept on until Desmond’s head was “as big as a bushel” Desmond aiming to take the use of his opponents sound arm.
We are told that the disgraceful affair ended in a “draw” as the backers would not consent to the men fighting any longer. Principals, backers and spectators are to figure at the Police Court on Saturday.

November 23rd – Prize Fight at Goytrey
Daniel Desmond, (who did not appear) Thomas Fletcher, John Littlehales, Edward Farr, John Wise, Alfred Farr, John Roberts, James Fletcher and Henry Jordan were charged with unlawfully assembling in the parish of Goytrey and creating a breach of the peace; Desmond and Fletcher, being principals in the fight and the rest by aiding and abetting by being present.
PC Basham proved service of the summons on Desmond. Roberts and Jordan pleaded not guilty.
John Gwatkin despised that on November 8th he saw the fight; did not see Roberts and Jordan there; it was between 7 and 8 o’clock in the morning.
PC Williams disposed that he saw all defendants, except Alfred Farr at the place, or coming away in the train.
Thomas Jeremiah despised that he saw the fight at a distance, but did not see whether anyone was seconding the principals or not. Did not see Roberts or Jordan there.
Jordan said he should have liked to see the fight very well; but he did not see it.
Charles Rudman was called as a witness but did not answer. It was said he was out posting and Superintendent M’Tosh said, that if that was the case, he must ask for an adjournment for a week against Roberts and Jordan. This was agreed to.
Col. Byrde said that these fights were a disgrace to the community in which the occurred. The Bench had the power of sending the defendants for trial at the quarter sessions. They did not desire to do so on the present occasion, but at the same time they must take measures that would prevent a recurrence of such disgraceful scenes in future.
Thomas Fletcher was bound over to keep the peace for six months himself in £20 and two sureties, (Thomas Morgan, ironmonger, Abersychan and Stephen Howells, collier, Pontypool) in £10 each and had to pay £1 costs.
A warrant was issued for the apprehension of Desmond. Roberts and Jordan would have to appear again next Saturday. The rest were bound over in £10 each to keep the peace for six months and had to pay 10s each costs.

November 30th – The recent Prize Fight
Henry Jordan, Charles Rudman and John Roberts were charged with aiding and abetting the recent prize fight at Goytrey. Supt. M’Intosh said that Jordan and Roberts were Desmond’s backers, all three now admitted they were at the fight.
In answer to the BenchSupt. M’Intosh said that the party had walked from Pontypool to Goytrey and arrived there at six o’clock in the morning and waited for the day to dawn before they. began operations.
Roberts and Jordan were bound over to keep the peace for six months themselves in £20 each, one with surety each in £10 and had to pay 16d 6d each costs. Rudman was bound over in £10 and had to pay 10s costs.

December 7th  – Stealing a Sovereign
Mary Jane Jones, a little girl nearly 16 years of age who said she came from Blaenafon, but her father was a contractor living in Scotland, pleaded guilty of stealing a sovereign, the property of Edward James Gwatkin at Goytre.
Pc Combes said that the girl’s uncle lived at Blaenafon, she had come from Scotland with out her father’s knowledge and seemed a very naughty little girl, in the habit of stopping out at night and using bad language; her uncle could do nothing with her.
Mrs Gwatkin said that the girl came and asked her for a situation, and as she wanted a girl she took her; she had been in her service about a week when she took a sovereign out of a desk and hid it in a closet in the garden; the girl seemed pretty good otherwise. The Rev. Mr Jones said that the girl was very ignorant and in want of instruction
The Bench sentenced her to one month’s imprisonment and afterwards to be sent to a reformatory school for five years.

1869 Free Press

January 23rd.

AN UNSUPPORTED CHARGE.—George Watkins, a lad of respectable appearance, was charged with housebreaking at Goytrey. Mr Greenway defended. The prosecutor, Henry Plaisted, deposed that his house was broken open, sometime on 5th December last, during his absence, and that a box in his bedroom was partly wrenched open, and a quantity of loose silver and coppers taken out. There was the mark of the heel of a boot left on a sheet that lay on the floor of the bedroom, and the mark was the size of the defendant’s boots. The only other evidence affecting the accused, was that of another lad, who said he saw him near Plaisted’s gate on the day named. Case dismissed.

January 30th.

GETTING INTO A HOUSE AT GOYTREY.—Elizabeth Thomas was charged with stealing 2s. 6d., the moneys  of George Watkins, at Goytrey, on the 16th inst. Mrs Watkins stated that on her return home on the day named, she found that her house, which was left locked, had been broken open. Prisoner was found in one of the bedrooms, and had put the half-crown and some other things into the holes in the wall, where the police discovered them. The girl had been in the habit of going to the house, and had been very kindly treated. Sentenced to 3 weeks’ hard labour.

February 6th.

JOHN HARRIS v JOHN PHILLIPS.—claim 17s. 3d., for work done as carpenter, in the parish of Goytrey. To pay by two instalments.

February 20th.

CHARGE OF TRESPASS.—William Morris, charged with trespass on lands of Thomas James, at Mamhilad for the purpose of cutting twigs for basketmaking, was discharged, as the witness against him, a besom maker, named Rawlings, proved himself unworthy of belief, by denying that he had received parish pay under the pretence of being blind, while it was well-known that he had done so.

February 27th.

TRYING HIS RIGHT.—John Waters, of Goytrey, was summoned for encroachment, by depositing a quantity of mould on the side of the highway within 15 feet of the centre of the road. Henry Williams, surveyor, stated that he had seen the mould, and was instructed by the Highway Board to prosecute. Mr Greenway said he would admit that the defendant put the mould there, but it was on his own land, over which he had exercised right of ownership upwards of 30 years. The late Mr Owen tried to get him from there, and issued a writ; so that the case was now in the Court of Queen’s Bench, and this Bench had no jurisdiction. The case was adjourned.

April 17th.

Marriages.

At the parish church of St. George, Gloucester, April 14, by the father of the bride, assisted by the Rev. Richard Byrde, the Rev. Frederick Louis Byrde, the son of Henry Charles Byrde, Esq., J.P., of Goytrey house, Monmouthshire, to Christiana Nattle youngest daughter of the Rev. T. N. Grigg, vicar.

January 23rd

FROM THE ‘LONDON GAZETTE’.—Bankrupt, Tuesday, May 18.—Joshua Evans, Llanover, clerk in holy orders, May 29, Bristol.

1865 Free Press

January 21st

William William’s, an elderly man and a lad named James Morgan and Roger Morgan (not related) were charged with having had in their possession a spear for catching salmon.

It appears that Wm. Atkinson, keeper and another man were on the banks of a river or stream at Goytrey on the morning of Sunday watching what is called a pit where salmon spawn, and some were spawning at the time they looked at it.

They afterwards observed one of defendants go to the same place and having looked well round about he returned down the river and met the other defendants.

They procured a long pole (produced) they had a spear to it and were apposite the place where the fish were spawning.

Seeing the keeper they ran off leaving the pole behind them.  James Morgan, the other defendant pleaded guilty to having presented the pole.

The other defendants did not appear.

The bench said the penalty for the offence was £3, or 2 months imprisonment.

February 25th

To the Editor of the Pontypool Free Press

Sir, I have been informed that one James Morgan of Monkswood, stated on oath, last Saturday, before the justices of Pontypool, that my old bailiff, David Evans, was dismissed by me for some theft, with which I had charged him.

In that statement is not a particle of truth. Evans was dismissed simply because he happened, (though by no means an habitual drinker) to come to the house under the influence of drink, and it was the second offence.

Yours truly, Thomas Evans, Rector of Goytrey

February 25th  – Disorderly

Wm Parry, who was said to work at Goytrey, was charged with being drunk and incapable on the night of Wednesday last. Fined 7s including costs.

April 1st – An Amazonian Damsel

Elizabeth Lewis appeared, at the insistence of William Williams, charged with having assaulted him on Friday week at Goytrey.

Mr Alexander Edwards appeared for complainant. Complainant said on Friday week I was ordered to go and plough in a field that belonged to Mr Morgan, when defendant stopped me, and asked me where I was going, and I told her. She then turned the horses right about and asked me if I was going back. I said ‘no,’ then she seized a broomstick and struck me several severe blows on the shoulder, which was much injured. I then went back.

From an explanation given by Mr John Morgan, it appeared the land belonged to him. He had taken possession of it on the 2nd February, at which time the notice had expired for defendants husband to give up possession, and he did so.

There had been a conversation about the outgoing tenant re-taking the land, on the condition that his son would guarantee the payment of the rent; but as he refused to do so the matter dropped.

It was further given in evidence that defendant subsequently renewed her objections to the man ploughing the field, and p.c. Hall said when he went to serve defendant with the summons, she threatened to split complainants head open.

In answer to the bench the latter said, I am afraid of this woman if I go there again. After Maria Lewis, the defendant’s daughter had given some unimportant evidence, the bench ordered the defendant to find sureties to keep the peace herself in sum of £20, and one bondman in £10, and pay expenses.

The decision did not seem to meet with defendant’s approbation; and it was not until it seemed that far from unlikely that she would be sent to prison, that a bondsman was procured.

April 22nd

THE VICTUALS, THE TEA, AND THE PORTER.

A youth named Evan Evans charged James Morgan with having assaulted him on Monday se’nnight.

This was an adjourned case. Mr Greenway appeared for complainant, and Mr Alexander Edwards for defendant.

Complainant said I am a porter at Nantyderry railway station defendant also works on. the railway. On Monday week he seized me by the hair of my head; shook me; followed me into the booking-office; struck me with a jar, and threatened to kill me if it cost him £10. I am in danger of my life from him.

By Mr A. Edwards: Did not accuse me of throwing tea over his victuals. The station master had not said anything to me about it. I did not call him Jim Charlotte.

Mr Greenway: That’s what he’s known by better than any other name in Goytrey.

Witness: I did not turn round and say when he threatened me, “What do I care about old Jim Charlotte?” Never called him that name.

Stephen Gregory: I live at Llanover. On Monday week I saw Morgan and Evans. The former having seized the latter by the head, shook him, followed him into the office, and struck him with a bottle. The effect of the blow was that complainant had two black eyes. Defendant said he would screw his neck round. I did not hear anything said about Jim Charlotte.

William Jenkins: I reside in the neighbourhood of Mamhilad. Saw the complainant and defendant on Monday week. The latter seized the former by the hair, and struck him.

By Mr A. Edwards: I heard nothing about defendant charging complainant with having thrown tea over his victuals. Did not hear complainant call defendant Jim Charlotte.

For the defence Mr A. Edwards remarked that in consequence of some animosity existing between defendant’s and complainant’s parents, complainant did everything to annoy him, and on the occasion referred to had thrown tea eyer his victuals, and was in the habit of calling him names, which had provoked him. He called Thomas Pape, whose testimony proved entirely in complainant’s favour. He said: I am station-master at Nantyderry station. I don’t remember that defendant came to me in the garden to complain of the conduct of complainant. On his coming to complain about some one I said: “You’re always bothering about somebody, and I don’t care much about what you say.” I don’t remember that he ever said anything to me about Evans.

By Mr Greenway: Evans is about 17 years old; he is a good boy, but Morgan is always teasing him.

There appeared to have been cross summonses for assault, between defendant and his wife and complainant’s parents, heard in this court some weeks ago, which are supposed to have given rise to this assault. The chairman observed to defendant that the bench could not see anything before them to mitigate his offence. He was convicted in the penalty of £5 including costs. The money was paid.

June 17th

Brithllandwid, Goytrey, near the Little Mill

Mr J. Phillips will sell by auction on Friday the 23rd day of June instant

At the above farm

The following Farming Stock and Effects

The property of Mr Lewis

One cart mare, two yearling colts, one heifer, six ewes and lambs, one ram, sow and six pigs.

Narrow wheel waggon, two ditto carts, plough, harrow, harness, dairy utensils and other effects.

Sale to commence at 4 o’clock in the afternoon, promptly.

August 18th – Trespass at Goytrey

Thomas Roberts charged Roger Morgan with trespass.

When the parties were first called it was stated that defendant could not attend from illness.

Complainant denied that defendant was ill, and he had seen him the day previously.

On the case being gone into, defendant was ordered to pay 5s damage for having broken complainant’s door, together with expenses.

October 16th – Dancing away with a Publican’s Flutina
William, Jones, who had that morning, it appeared, vacated a cell at the county goal, was charged with stealing a flutina, the property of William Waite, Goytrey.
Complainant was a publican residing at Goytrey and some time ago prisoner was at his house and he lent him a fluting to play for some dancers and he subsequently walked off with the instrument.
Prisoner denied having stolen the instrument; he said he had left it on a table at the house of complaint.
The charge was dismissed.
Supt. M’Intosh said prisoner was wanted in Brecon for stealing a watch and he was accordingly taken into custody pending his trip to Brecon.

Misc Newspaper Articles

Western Mail 21stDecember 1894

Re- Richard Hewlett, farmer, Canal Bridge farm (Bridge Cottage) Goytrey and Puddu Farm Goytrey.

The liabilities were estimated £130 9s and the deficiency estimated £88 19s. Debtor, who commenced business in 1879 attributed his failure to law costs, losses in stock and bad trade. Examination closed.

Western Mail 16thMay 1900

Henry Crump of Pengroesoped Farm Goytrey was charged at Pontypool police court, on Tuesday with attempting to commit suicide by cutting his throat with a pocket knife.

He was remanded to see whether his daughter would undertake to look after him.

Western Mail 15thNovember 1900

Rosser-v-Knipe, this was a claim for £5 damages done to a trap and harness. Mrs Rosser who lives in Goytrey, stated she was coming home from Pontypool market on the 18thAugust, when the defendant, who is a farmer living in Griffithstown, drove into her trap, breaking the shaft, splintering the front of the vehicle and doing other damage.

The collision was admitted and Judge Owen made an order for £3.

Western Mail 28thJuly 1914

At the Crown Hotel Pontypool on July 27thM/s Pitten & Wilton offered several properties. Two freehold houses with 2 acres of land known as New House and Elm Trees were sold to Mrs Lloyd, Yew Tree Cottage for £410.

Western Mail 29thJanuary 1915

Mr William Williams of Ivy Cottage Goytrey, who died on December 8thleft an estate to the gross value of £667 of which £361 is net personally.

Western Mail 28thApril 1917

Wilks – on April 26that Hawthorn Cottage Goytrey, William Wilks, builder &c. Funeral on Monday at Goytrey Church yard at 2.30 pm (near Nantyderry Railway Station.)