January 2nd 1864
At Hanover Chapel, Llanover, December 17th, by license, by the Rev. Robt. Thomas, Independent Minister, Mr John Gittings, of Goytrey, miller to Mary, youngest daughter of Thomas James, Esq., of Ty Ivor, Goytrey.
January 16th – Pugilism at Goytrey
Thomas Jenkins, John Griffiths, John Allgood and Henry Painter, were charged with having committed a breach of the peace by fighting.
It appeared from the evidence of William Rosser, that the two first named defendants began fighting on the night after Christmas Day at Mrs Rosser’s house, at the Goytrey, (Pengroesoped Tavern) and the other two acted as their seconds, after which they also had a “set to.”
Mr Ralph said that these offences depended a good deal upon the character of the house in which they took place; if the occupier would not sell too much drink at once, disturbances would be less frequent occurrence.
Defendants were convicted in the penalty of 9s each.
February 6th – Mr John Gwynne Herbert Owen
In the matter of the late Mr Owen, late of Cardiff (he lived at Oak Cottage Goytrey), solicitor deceased, all persons indebted to the estate are requested to pay the same to Mr Andrew Hair, Pontypool, the administrator, forthwith.
February 20th – Putting his foot in a trap
Emanuel Powell was charged with having stolen a rabbit vermin trap, the property of Mr Henry Charles Byrde, of Goytre House. (Mr Byrde left the bench during the hearing of the case.)
Edwin Edwards proved to seeing the prisoner take the property about two o’clock on Sunday last and told him not to do so, as one had already been lost and some enquiry would be made respecting them.
Prisoner, having pleaded guilty to the charge, he was committed to twenty one days with hard labour.
May 9th – Chapel-Ed
The annual tea meeting was held on Good Friday, at which from 700 to 800 people sat down partake of the cheering repast.
Some of the younger visitors, in search of a little recreation, were prevented from entering a field adjoining the chapel by an elderly “brother” who was digging in the field in question instead of devoting the day to the services of the good cause.
He stated his objection to his field being trespassed upon in good characteristic terms, “her cost me £2 and her’s good ground.”
May 28th – Appeal Against Rates
Mr Lloyd made an application on behalf of Thomas Thomas, farmer, Goytrey for a reduction in the amount of assessment of his land and premises, which he showed had been illegally made.
The applicant, (Thomas) was ordered to give the necessary notice in writing, which he had neglected to do so previously.
August 27th – Damaging an Orchard
Lucy Mercy, Martha Mercy and Robert Saunders were charged with committing damaged to an orchard and destroying apples belonging to James Morgan, at Penpet-yr-hewl.
This case had been adjourned prom a previous meeting for the attendance of a witness in favour of the defendant Robert Saunders, the latter whom did not appear.
John Perrott, the witness referred to said: I am a gamekeeper at Monkswood; on the 20th of July I was on my rounds and saw Saunders about 9 o’clock in the evening in the road below the Oak; had not seen him before on that day; he was standing at the cross road; I heard no quarrelling, but was told there was some; before I saw Saunders I saw Dixon near James Morgan’s house.
Lucy Mercy and Robert Saunders were found guilty of the charge and were ordered to pay 10s each fine and costs, or in default of payment ten days imprisonment.
October 22nd
Henry Mathews, Goytre, shopkeeper, v John Lewis, Goytrey, labourer.
Claim 10s 11d for goods.
October 22nd
William Cocker, Goytrey, miller v Herbert Edwards, Goytrey shoemaker.
Claim 5s 3d for goods.
To be paid in a week and one witness allowed.
November 26th – Assault at the Goytrey.
An old man named John Edwards charged James Morgan, of Goytrey, with having assaulted him on the 29th ult.
Mr Alexander Edwards appeared for the defendant.
Complainant disposed that on going into the Oak Inn to obtain a pint of beer he saw defendant and another person named Thomas Watts there; some altercation arose as to his having said something derogatory to the character of defendant, when the latter seized the poker, attempted to put it down his throat and eventually struck him.
He (complainant) called “witness” in order to attract the attention of Watts.
The latter, on being called, said that he did not hear anything pass between the parties; did not see defendant have the poker; did not see him strike complainant; heard the latter call “witness,” but did not go to him; and did not hear ant altercation.
The bench seemed to give little weight to the testimony of the last witness and convicted defendant in the penalty of 20s, including costs.
December 17th
Peter Marfell, Clytha v William Proger, carpenter, Goytrey;
Claim £4 3s – to pay in two instalments.
December 24th – Going off the Path
George Powell was charged by Thomas Thomas, Goytrey with having committed a trespass by walking across a field where there was no path.
The case imposed of by defendant paying 5s expenses.
March 11th 1865 – To the Editor –
Sir, about a year ago a grocer’s shop was opened at the Goytrey, under the title of “the Co-operative Industrial Stores,” Colonel Byrde was mainly instrumental in its establishment, intending it as a benefit for the parish.
He always took a great interest in its welfare and management. However now he has left the this country for some few months and during his absence he has committed the government to the hands of others, upon whom his mantle has not descended, for there is now a great split in the camp and there is no one to stand in the breach.
Under the government a new order of things was thought necessary, so the secretary was superseded and the manager, a man universally respected, would have been summarily discharged from house and home, had he not the law on his side; and I believe it is a fact that one of this company, well known for his childlike simplicity, even tried to get a summons on the manager for resisting their aggressive measures.
Now, from all appearance, the dissolution of these stores is near at hand. Several shareholders, disgusted with the state of affairs, have withdrawn, others are about doing so, and for the short time that it has to exist the shop will certainly be known as the business of a private firm, with one of its members as manager, a man who has gained large experience in the wholesale and retail grocery trade by superintending road making.
I would add that I expect this firm will shortly have to offer to the highest bidder all their refuse stock and fixtures at a considerably reduced price, which any enterprising tradesman will find a bargain.
I am, Sir, yours respectfully,
FAIR PLAY
May 20th
John Lewis was charged with having committed a trespass on property situate at Goytrey, belonging to John Morgan.
It appeared that complainant was the owner of an arable field which was occupied by Charles Lewis, father of defendant, who had recently given up possession of it in a regular manner and even so far signified his approval of doing so as to end complainant is plough to plough it.
Defendant’s mother had, however, already been convicted in this court for having assaulted complainant’s man when he went to plough, or to do some other work in the field and in order to prevent the progress of such work defendant had locked the gate of the field, which formed the present offence.
He was convicted in the penalty of £5.
May 11th – Paternal Obligations
James Wait, Labour, Nantyderry, appeared at the instance of Amy Reece for the non-payment of £1 12s 4d due to her as bastardy arrears.
It appeared that the child was six years of age and was said to be residing with an uncle at Portsmouth.
Defendant said he had not seen it for some time and did not know whether it was living or not.
Complainant, who holds some situation in a school at Caerleon, was told that she could only recover for 13 weeks’ pay, which at 1s 6d amounted to 20s 6d and which defendant was ordered to pay with 9s expenses
He paid part of the amount and arranged about paying the other.
May 20th – Highway Rates.
An order was made on Thomas Roberts, Goytrey, to pay a highway rate on or before this day week.
Defendant, who was represented by his wife, said they did not occupy the land upon which the rate was charged, now, but as it appeared they occupied it on the 22nd of June, when the rate was made, defendant was ordered to pay.
June 25th – Larceny
Thomas Evans, Goytrey, was charged with stealing a flannel waistcoat and a tape measure, the property of Thomas Richards, of the Castle Stores, Abergavenny; and further charged with stealing a waistcoat, the property of George Meredith.
Prisoner pleaded guilty to both charges and he was sentenced to three months imprisonment for the two offences.
August 12th – Assaulting a Landlord.
Mathias Dixon was charged by Thomas Roberts with having assaulted him.
Complainant said that defendant came into his house – an inn, situate at, or in the vicinity of Goytre on the 19th ult., and having dragged him by the collar from a settle on which he was asleep, got him behind the settle and struck him so violently that blood “flew out of his ear.”
Defendant pleaded that he struck complainant because he was trying to induce two lads to fight.
Joseph Hopkins corroborated complainant’s statement.
Joseph Thomas on being called for the defendant said that complainant began the row by wishing to make two lads fight and that defendant only tried to drag defendant out of the house.
On his saying that he had some marks on his head, defendant was told by the bench that it was very likely people who interfered as he appeared to have done would be marked; and however wrong the complainant might have been it was not for him to interfere.
Defendant was convicted in the penalty of 20s, including costs, or seven days in default.
(Thomas Roberts was the landlord of the Royal Oak inn)
August 12th – Robbery from the person
George Clements, a young farm labourer, was charged, on remand from Tuesday last, with having stolen seven sovereigns from the person of George Roberts.
Prosecutor said: I am a hay dealer, and reside in Monkswood; on the evening of Saturday last, as I was returning home about 9 o’clock I fell asleep on the roadside near Pant-y-pudding farm, at which time I had seven sovereigns in my possession. I had been asleep about two hours; when I awoke I missed all my money; I was not drunk; I did not see him previously.
Ann Jenkins, wife of Isaac Jenkins, Pant-y-pudding farm, deposed: prisoner was in service of my husband; between the hours of nine and ten o’clock on the night of Saturday last he asked me for some money; I refused him; he asked if I would let him have 6d; I told him I could not let him have any money; he said he wanted to pay his washerwoman; I saw him go towards the Little Mill and did not see him again until Sunday morning.
Prosecutor, on being recalled said that he fell asleep between Pant-y-pudding and the Little Mill, which were about half a mile apart.
Job Thomas, fellow servant with prisoner at the farm in question stated; Prisoner had been in his situation about a fortnight; I went to a public house at the Little Mill (the Half-way House) kept by Mr Jenkins, at about 10 o’clock on the night of Saturday last; I saw prosecutor on the road asleep, between Pant-y-pudding farm and the Little Mill; I left prisoner at the farm and in about an hour afterwards he followed me to the Little Mill; when he came into the house he called for a half a quarter of tobacco for which he tendered a sovereign in payment; he also paid for four jugs of beer; I saw the bag produced in prisoner’s possession; it contained gold and silver
Elizabeth Jenkins, of the Little Mill, deposed to receiving a sovereign from the prisoner in payment for half a quarter of tobacco on Saturday night; he also paid for four jugs of beer; she saw the bag produced in his possession, with money in it.
John Walkey, a lad twelve years of age said: I was in a field on Pant-y-pudding farm with prisoner, on Monday last; Superintendent Llewellin came up to the gate and asked for Job Thomas; when he had gone the prisoner went to a certain part of the hedge in the field; on the following morning I pointed out to Sergeant Morgan the spot in the hedge to which I had seen the prisoner go; after I had done so I saw sergeant Morgan find a bag containing money.
Prisoner was committed for trial at the next assizes.
August 26th – Breaking a Door
Roger Morgan was charged by Thomas Roberts with having committed trespass on his property at the Goytrey.
When the parties were first called it was stated that defendant could not attend in consequence of illness.
Complainant denied that defendant was ill as he had seen him the day previously.
On the case being gone into defendant was ordered to pay 5s damage he had committed by breaking complainants door, together with expenses.
October 7th – Affiliation
William Bevan, labourer, Goytre, was summoned by Mary Ann Watkins, Abergavenny, to shew cause why he should not contribute towards the support of her illegitimate child.
Complainant deposed: The intimacy took place when I lived at Llanellen and the defendant at the Hardwick; he promised to marry me and has given me money towards the support of the child.
By defendant: I have never been “going” with anyone else but you.
Defendant: I told her that I would never marry her.
By the Bench: I do not deny my intimacy with her.
Complainant, in answer to the Bench said she had had two children previously to the one she now sought to affiliate on defendant.
Defendant to complainant: I heard you have had five.
The Bench to defendant: The magistrates have decided that you are the father of this child. Complainant has had a child before and that fact operates upon our minds in deciding what amount you shall pay.
You will have to pay 1s 6d from the date of application.
Defendant: It is too much!
Complainant: He gets 9s a week.
(William Bevan lived at Coalbrook Cottage)
December 2nd – Judgement Summons:
Henry Greatwood, surgeon, Usk v James Morgan, woodman Goytrey.
Defendant appeared and was examined as to his means.
Ordered to pay 5s a month, to commence in two months.
December 9th
Abraham Williams, labourer, Goytre, and wife v John Jenkins, haulier, Goytre.
Mr Partridge for defendant.
This action was brought under the will of William Jenkins, of which the plaintiffs were executor and executrix, for the recovery of £5 10s for rent of a cottage and £6 for the goods of the testator.
It appeared the testator lived with the defendant, who was a distant relative to him, up to the time of his death in July last, in a cottage held by him (the testator) under a lease for life from the Earl of Abergavenny, the conditions of his residence there being that defendant should pay him £3 a year rent.
To prove their claim, plaintiffs produced the probate of the will and called the person who had been in the habit of keeping the testator’s accounts.
Defendant stated his willingness to give up the goods, but alleged, in which he was corroborated by his wife, that the rent had been paid to the testator, in small sums as he wanted it, up to within a few weeks of his death; he further pleaded a set-off, in which was one item for “laying out” William Jenkins.
His Honour ultimately gave judgement for 4s for rent and the goods to be delivered up or £6 paid in a week, with costs of £7 and three witnesses, remarking that he had a strong suspicion that the rent claimed was due, although he could not give judgement for it.
9th December
John Waters, besom maker, Goytre v William Phillips, wood dealer, Goytre; and Phillips v Waters.
Mr Partridge appeared for Waters and Mr Granville Waddington for Phillips.
This was a cross action, in which Waters claimed 18s 4d as a balance of account overpaid, and Phillips sought to recover £3 9s 4d for besom sticks and growing birch, but the main question at issue was as to the payment by Waters of a sum of £2, which five witnesses on his behalf swore to having seen paid, whilst Phillips denied receiving it.
After much hard swearing, His Honour gave judgement for 17s 8d with costs of six witnesses in Waters claim and for the defendant in Phillips’ claim.
November 7th 1866
Goytrey – Gun Stealing.
Joseph White, indicted with having stolen a gun, the property of Isaac Wilks at Goytrey, in November 1866.
Mr Hamden prosecuted. Prisoner said a man named Prosser brought him the gun and told him he got it from the blacksmith’s shop and asked him to take it to Ross and try to exchange it.
The gun was found in White’s possession and was identified as the property of prosecutor.
The jury found him not guilty.
Whilst the constable was investigation the former charge he found a table-cloth in prisoner’s house, which he suspected to have belonged to Thomas Thomas (Great House Farm) Mamhilad, who had one similar to it on the 18th of November.
Prosecutors wife could only identify it by its being marked with jam stains. The prisoner said it was his cloth and that before the magistrates the witness had sworn to another cloth, which they found in his house.
The prisoner was acquitted on this charge likewise.
November 10th – Drunk, Riotous and Incapable.
Thomas Price, Goytrey, was charged with having been drunk and riotous on the night of Tuesday last.
This appeared to have been a bad case.
Defendant was convicted in the penalty of 5s and 12s costs.
November 17th – Goytre Monmouthshire
To Timber Dealers and Others
To Be Sold by Private Tender on Tuesday the 20th November next.
The Fallages of the Valuable Coppice Wood, known as “Graig-yr-Harris,” 45 acres in extent, (more or less) situated near Kemeys Bridge in the parish of Goytre.
Sealed tenders must be sent in or on before Tuesday the 20th day of November next to Frank W Byrde, Goytre, near Pontypool.
Purchasers will be required to pay down 12 per cent., to sign condition, which may be had on application; and deposit approved bills at six and ten months, for payment of the remainder of the purchase moneys.
The highest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted.
Dated the 31st day of October 1866.
Goytre, Pontypool.
November 24th – Apples v Eggs
A young lad, named Isaac Jeremiah, appeared at the instance of a man Jones for stealing his apples.
The parties reside at Goytrey.
Jones had some apples on a barn floor and on looking through a crevice in the door he saw the lad putting some of them in a basket.
On speaking to him he put them back whence he had taken them.
Mrs Jeremiah said she had some hens laying in the barn, of which they were tenants until the month of May next and she sent her son with a basket (produced) to gather the eggs.
Jones said that the last witness had three hens laying in the barn.
The Bench said that although the lad might have been sent to look for eggs, yet he might also have taken an apple or two.
Case dismissed; complainant to pay 6s 6d costs.
December 4th – The Bankruptcy Act 1861
Order of Discharge
In the County Court of Monmouthshire, holden at Usk.
In the matter of George Robert, of the parish of Monkswood in the County of Monmouth, Hat Dealer.
Whereas at a public sitting of the Court held this day, the Court granted an Order of Discharge to the said Bankrupt.
Notice is hereby given that an Order of Discharge will be drawn up and delivered to the said Bankrupt after the expiration of Thirty Days from this date unless in the meantime an appeal be duly entered against the Judgement of the said Court.
Dated this 4th day of December 1866.
W Graham, jun., High Bailiff
April 27th 1867 – Illegitimacy
A commercial traveller of the name of J F Collier, who was said to reside at Newport was summoned by Martha Lewis, of Goytrey, for the non-payment of 13 weeks bastardy arrears at 2s 6d per week.
Defendant, who did not appear, was ordered to pay with costs.
(Martha Lewis lived with her father John near Hay Meadow)
Another entry on April 8th 1869 for affiliation arrears against John Frederick Collier of Newport when he was summoned at the instance of Martha Lewis, Goytrey, for the non-payment of £1 2s 6d.
As defendant did not appear P.. Says proved having served him with the summons and an order of payment with costs was made upon him
July 27th – Assault
Thomas Roberts (Royal Oak) was charged with assaulting Lucy Mercy, at Monkswood on the 13th inst.
Mr Alexander Edwards appeared for the defendant.
Complainant stated that as she was going to shop for some bread for her children, she saw Roberts coming on the road; he came towards her and struck her down without saying a word; she got up and he knocked her down a second time and then she screamed out; he struck her a third time and when she fell down he put his knee on her chest and tried to choke her; he made use of some threatening oaths to her, telling her he would serve her the same.
It was elicited in cross-examination that the assault arose in consequence of complainants daughter being about to be married to defendant and Lucy not being agreeable to the union, proceeded to the church on the day of the wedding and forbad the celebration.
It was then made known that complainant could not produce a marriage certificate and the officiating minister declined to gratify her wish and the marriage was proceeded with.
It was then endeavoured to be shown that defendant was in fear of breaches.
August 10th
William Panniers v Thomas Roberts, Goytrey.
£2 5s balance on price of a horse. To be paid in a week.
October 2nd
James Davies, Usk, painter v William Bunning, Great House, Goytrey.
Claim £21 4s, for work and materials.
Plaintiff had put up a water closet, papered some rooms and sunk a well for defendant.
He also fixed a brass pump over the well, which did not throw enough water, and defendant objected to pay for it.
Plaintiff told him if he would pay the cost of sinking the well he would take the pump back.
£14 4s and 16s costs had been paid into court and his Honour gave judgement for that amount and defendant to send home the pump.
October 5th – Overseers of Goytrey
This summons was heard to-day and after a few observations the magistrates decide to adjourn the case until the following Monday – the Highway Board having to meet in the afternoon of Friday-when the order of £120 was to be abandoned and a fresh order of £84 made, and which the overseers promised should be complied with, but in the event of their not complying the magistrates would enforce the call of £120.
October 12th
John Roderick, Goytrey, labourer, v Philip Saunders, Monkswood, labourer.
Claim for lodgings, 17s 4d.
Judgement for full amount to be paid by two instalments.
November 2nd – Amicable Arrangements.
James Waite appeared at the instance of Amy Reece, Goytrey, for not paying to a bastardy order she had obtained against him.
Allowed to settle.
January 30th 1869 – Pontypool Police Court.
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 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 three weeks hard labour.
(Yew Tree Cottage, Rhydlofan)
May 8th – Borough Police.
False Pretences – James Morgan, of the Goitre, was charged with obtaining a quantity of manure from Mr J S Stone of Dock Street, Newport, by fraudulent means.
Mr Wade, solicitor, appeared for the prosecution, and applied for a remand till Friday, which was granted.
June 5th – An Umbrella Case.
Sarah Williams, a respectable woman from Llandegfeth, was charged with stealing an umbrella belonging to James Morgan, of Goytrey.
It was proved that the umbrella was taken in mistake without any felonious intention and the case was dismissed.
October 1st – Marriage
At Crickhowell, September 21st, by the Rev. Thomas Evans, rector of Goytrey, Monmouthshire, uncle of the bride, Philip Edward Hill, M.R.C.S.E. and L.S.A.L. of Newport, Monmouthshire to Gertrude Marianne Susan, youngest daughter of the Rev. John Evans, B.D.rector of Crickhowell.
October – Goytre
Persons willing to contract with the Usk and Pontypool Highways Board for widening and improving a further portion of the Star Road, in the above parish are requested to send sealed Tenders to the undersigned on or before Thursday, the 14th of October inst.
A plan and specification of the work may be seen at the office of Mr Henry Williams, the District Surveyor in Usk, on or after Saturday, the 2nd inst.
The names of two sureties must be given in the Tender.
J. Keats, Clerk to the Board.
October 1st – Prostitution.
Harriet Davies and Rosanna Davies charged with being disorderly prostitutes were discharged on promising to leave the town immediately.
Mary Thomas, an elderly widow, living in George Street, formerly of Goytrey, was sentenced to seven days hard labour.
Undated
Thomas Jenkins, farmer, Goytrey, v George Roberts, haulier, Monkswood; claim £2 for straw. – Adjourned.
Undated – Putting his head in the Lion’s Mouth
Wm Shepherdson, woodcutter, Monkswood was charged with the offence of visiting a prostitute who formerly lived in a cottage at the top of Trosnant, which is at present occupied by P.C. 75 and that the defendant, in company with other men, went to the house on the night of Saturday last, after kicking up a row at the Wain-y-Clare Inn and demanded admission on the ground of “auld lang syne.”
As defendant appeared to have been the worst of the lot, he was apprehended and was now convicted in the penalty of 7s 6d., including costs, or seven days imprisonment.
(Wm. Shepherson of Twyn Cecil, Goytre)
in which he displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.