Machine Cottage – Goytrey Wharf

Machine Cottage (now called Aqueduct) was built by Richard Pruett the local stonemason, who built his own house, The Woodlands at Pengroesoped. He was also the brother-in-law of James Rosser

I may be wrong but I think it was built to house the weighing machine when the coal merchant, William Williams lived at the Wharf

It was occupied in 1911 by Francis Phillips and his family. Francis was aged 56, a GWR platelayer born in Llanover, Mary his wife was born in Llangattock and their children Ivor 15, a waggoners boy, Amy Elizabeth 11, Edwin Sidney 9, and Ernest Fred 6 were all born in Llanover.

Francis Phillips was still living at Machine House on the 1921 census. He is now 66, a canal lengthsman Mary his wife is 57.Their sons Edgar is now 35 a colliery repairer at Blaenavon company but is out of work, Edwin is 19 a farm labourer for for Thomas Whitney, Ernest 17 has no occupation. Their daughter Louisa is 27 her occupation is home duties.