Wednesday 9 September 2015
Sunday 26 April 2015
Elizabeth Harcourt Mitchell - Author
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Elizabeth Harcourt Mitchell was the sister of Lord Llangattock and wife of Colonel F J Mitchell of Llanfrechfa Grange. When she died, aged 76, in 1910, her funeral was attended by a large number of neighbouring residents. As her funeral cortege passed Lower Llanfrechfa school, the children lined the road. She was considered a kind and generous friend, always interested in the welfare of the county and also its people, history and folklore.. She and her husband belonged to the Monmouth and Caerleon Antiquarian Society whose volumes stored much history, but there was another side to Mrs Mitchell's writing. She was also a poet and storyteller. Her first work was published in 1854, called First Fruits under the name of Elizabeth Harcourt Rolls, a book of poetry. From then on she accumulated a large list of poems, stories and novels, which by her own admission was so large that
"There are other things which I have forgotten. If I remember them, they can be added again"
Here are some of them: -
First Fruits, poems, 1854
The Church in the Valley, 1886, story
Engel the Fearless, story 1886
Kate, the Pride of the Parish
The King's Stirrup
Rachael's Secret
The Wrecker's Farm
Lay Help in District Visiting
The Sufferers Guide
The Battle of Trafalgar, ballad 1887
The Beautiful Face, story 1879
The Diamond Ring, story 1882
Forty Days in the Holy Land 1890
Golden Horseshoes, a tale of Chivalry, 1885
Grains of Wheat, 1882
Hatherleigh Cross, story 1864
The Lighthouse, novel, two volumes 1860
Her Majesty's Bear, story 1884
The Little Blue Lady and other tales 1881
Losing and Winning or For Richer or Poorer, 1863
Meditations on Exodus 1885
Meditations on Genesis 1885
Norton Hall, story 1882
A Short Church History 1888
Wild Thyme, verses 1861
A Lecture on the Old Churches of Monmouthshire
The Pilgrims Guide to the Holy Land
Mrs Mitchell was also one of the editors of Altar Hymnal and published a number of pamphlets. Her books are available on Amazon.
Sunday 25 January 2015
1863 Train Disaster
Friday, 3rd July, 1863. Alfred Wilson, a priest, was travelling on the West Midland Express train. He boarded at Abergavenny and was on his way to Newport. He sat in the second carriage from the engine and for the first part of his journey, he experienced nothing unusual. The train stopped at Pontypool Road Station to allow more passengers to board but from here, Alfred noticed that the train began to speed up considerably. He heard another passenger mention that the train was running a few minutes late and by the time it passed Pontnewydd Station the carriages were swaying and shaking violently.
The Express train wasn't due to stop in Cwmbran, so the driver probably thought it ok to speed up in order to make Newport on time. The line the train was travelling on was the Monmouthshire Rail and Canal Company line, known for being quite rough. Trains ran along it regularly but many witnesses on this day noticed it was travelling faster than usual. When asked what he thought the speed was, Alfred Wilson estimated 40 miles per hour.
At ten minutes to two, Frederick Grice was walking over the bridge in (Old) Cwmbran. He noticed the train approaching from Pontnewydd. He continued walking down the side of the bridge to the old side of the station. At the same time, William Evans, a farmer from Llantarnam was also walking by the old station with his brother. They then heard the most terrific crashing sound as they saw the train travel under the bridge with the engine leaning to one side. On top of the engine, the driver and stoker were trying to jump off. Frederick Grice also saw the train pass under the bridge. It was off its rails, and hit the platform of the new station, opposite. The carriage directly behind also hit and mounted the platform. Smoke, stones and debris were now flying everywhere as the engine rebounded off the platform and fell onto its right side, still in motion it carried on travelling for a further few yards. The carriages, crushed and mangled fell over each other while the rails were ripped apart, one rail penetrating the boiler.
Edwin Self, manager of the Vitriol Works was outside working in the yard when he heard an explosion. He watched as an immense body of steam rose from the station. He made a mental note of the time, 1.55 pm then left to assist at the scene.
Meanwhile, Alfred Wilson was in the carriage that was thrown onto the platform. His coat was torn and he suffered bruising to his leg Another passenger was hurled against him, Edward Foxall, who suffered a fractured jaw which left him unable to open his mouth or speak. Alfred managed to escape through the carriage window. Once outside, he saw the engine lying across the rails, five carriages behind thrown on top of each other and lying under one, the body of the driver. William Evans recorded seeing a second man, the stoker, being taken to the Abbey pub.
An inquest into the accident was held in Forgehammer. The engine driver, Robert M'ghee was killed outright. His legs cut up and his head greatly injured. He left in Worcester a wife and seven children. Other injuries to passengers were serious but not life threatening. A man and woman fractured their legs and a little girl had a cut to her face. Another man who was painting the new station was thrown off his ladder and broke his leg. It was luck that the train wasn't as full of passengers as it usually was.
Once he arrived at the scene, Edwin Self decided to walk up the line beyond the crash site. A large part had been ploughed up. Just before the station he noticed a piece of rail missing and a bend in another. The verdict on the accident was that Robert M'ghee had met his death by the West Midland Express train accidentally running off the rails of the Monmouthshire Company's line on 3 July 1863. It had been suggested that Robert M'ghee had been drinking the day of the crash however witnesses stated that he was actually teetotal. The accident was therefore attributed to high speed on a line not originally intended for fast running. It was urged that the companies allow more time for the express train from Pontypool Road to Newport until the road was renewed.
Sources - Monmouthshire Merlin, Illustrated Usk Observer, Cardiff Times
Read more from Victorian Cwmbran in my book available from Amazon or as a download to Kindle.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Victorian-Cwmbran-Carol-Ann-Lewis/dp/1490970177/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422223116&sr=8-1&keywords=victorian+cwmbran
The Express train wasn't due to stop in Cwmbran, so the driver probably thought it ok to speed up in order to make Newport on time. The line the train was travelling on was the Monmouthshire Rail and Canal Company line, known for being quite rough. Trains ran along it regularly but many witnesses on this day noticed it was travelling faster than usual. When asked what he thought the speed was, Alfred Wilson estimated 40 miles per hour.
At ten minutes to two, Frederick Grice was walking over the bridge in (Old) Cwmbran. He noticed the train approaching from Pontnewydd. He continued walking down the side of the bridge to the old side of the station. At the same time, William Evans, a farmer from Llantarnam was also walking by the old station with his brother. They then heard the most terrific crashing sound as they saw the train travel under the bridge with the engine leaning to one side. On top of the engine, the driver and stoker were trying to jump off. Frederick Grice also saw the train pass under the bridge. It was off its rails, and hit the platform of the new station, opposite. The carriage directly behind also hit and mounted the platform. Smoke, stones and debris were now flying everywhere as the engine rebounded off the platform and fell onto its right side, still in motion it carried on travelling for a further few yards. The carriages, crushed and mangled fell over each other while the rails were ripped apart, one rail penetrating the boiler.
Edwin Self, manager of the Vitriol Works was outside working in the yard when he heard an explosion. He watched as an immense body of steam rose from the station. He made a mental note of the time, 1.55 pm then left to assist at the scene.
Meanwhile, Alfred Wilson was in the carriage that was thrown onto the platform. His coat was torn and he suffered bruising to his leg Another passenger was hurled against him, Edward Foxall, who suffered a fractured jaw which left him unable to open his mouth or speak. Alfred managed to escape through the carriage window. Once outside, he saw the engine lying across the rails, five carriages behind thrown on top of each other and lying under one, the body of the driver. William Evans recorded seeing a second man, the stoker, being taken to the Abbey pub.
An inquest into the accident was held in Forgehammer. The engine driver, Robert M'ghee was killed outright. His legs cut up and his head greatly injured. He left in Worcester a wife and seven children. Other injuries to passengers were serious but not life threatening. A man and woman fractured their legs and a little girl had a cut to her face. Another man who was painting the new station was thrown off his ladder and broke his leg. It was luck that the train wasn't as full of passengers as it usually was.
Once he arrived at the scene, Edwin Self decided to walk up the line beyond the crash site. A large part had been ploughed up. Just before the station he noticed a piece of rail missing and a bend in another. The verdict on the accident was that Robert M'ghee had met his death by the West Midland Express train accidentally running off the rails of the Monmouthshire Company's line on 3 July 1863. It had been suggested that Robert M'ghee had been drinking the day of the crash however witnesses stated that he was actually teetotal. The accident was therefore attributed to high speed on a line not originally intended for fast running. It was urged that the companies allow more time for the express train from Pontypool Road to Newport until the road was renewed.
 |
| This old postcard shows the approximate location of the crash. Today it forms part of the Cwmbran Drive. |
Sources - Monmouthshire Merlin, Illustrated Usk Observer, Cardiff Times
Read more from Victorian Cwmbran in my book available from Amazon or as a download to Kindle.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Victorian-Cwmbran-Carol-Ann-Lewis/dp/1490970177/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422223116&sr=8-1&keywords=victorian+cwmbran
Monday 19 January 2015
Accidents at Work
Below are some news stories regarding accidents at places of work in Cwmbran, there are many more.
5 July 1902
Monmouthshire Central Advertiser
An accident occurred in the Hanbury Slope at Cwmbran Colliery to a haulier named Solomon Cook, residing at Old Pontnewydd. Cook was walking down the slope when he heard a noise from behind and perceiving that a tram was running wild he took refuge in a manhole. The tram jumped the rails and knocked down a prop which supported the roofing, a portion of which fell on Cook. He sustained concussion of the brain and several other injuries.
25 February 1905
Monmouthshire Central Advertiser
Mr M Roberts Jones held an inquest on David Jeffries, ostler, who was found dead in Cwmbran Colliery. When the deceased started work that morning he complained that the air of the pit was a 'bit hot' and Charles Field, dukey rider, Upper Cwmbran, found him at 6.30 am lying dead on his face on a road in the colliery. Dr Hughes, Pontnewydd said deceased suffered from a weak heart and in his opinion, death was due to heart failure. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.
11 March 1905
Monmouthshire Central Advertiser
Two workmen, George Andrews, collier and Frederick Thornbury, timberman, both of Llandowlais Street, Oakfield were killed by a huge fall of stone at Guest Keen and Nettlefolds Colliery. They were engaged in renewing some timber in an old roadway when the accident occurred. It took several hours to extricate the men and then it was found that Thornbury, who was standing in an upright position against a tram of coal had his neck broken and Andrews had been crushed.
24 March 1906
Monmouthshire Central Advertiser
A shocking fatality occurred at Guest Keen and Nettlefold's Works at Cwmbran. As the small yard engine was running to the blast furnace with lime, in charge of T Andrews, the latcher. W Rilihan of Forgehammer went to uncouple the engine and slipped, with the result that the locomotive passed over his body, cutting him in half.
5 July 1902
Monmouthshire Central Advertiser
An accident occurred in the Hanbury Slope at Cwmbran Colliery to a haulier named Solomon Cook, residing at Old Pontnewydd. Cook was walking down the slope when he heard a noise from behind and perceiving that a tram was running wild he took refuge in a manhole. The tram jumped the rails and knocked down a prop which supported the roofing, a portion of which fell on Cook. He sustained concussion of the brain and several other injuries.
25 February 1905
Monmouthshire Central Advertiser
Mr M Roberts Jones held an inquest on David Jeffries, ostler, who was found dead in Cwmbran Colliery. When the deceased started work that morning he complained that the air of the pit was a 'bit hot' and Charles Field, dukey rider, Upper Cwmbran, found him at 6.30 am lying dead on his face on a road in the colliery. Dr Hughes, Pontnewydd said deceased suffered from a weak heart and in his opinion, death was due to heart failure. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.
11 March 1905
 |
| Forgehammer |
Two workmen, George Andrews, collier and Frederick Thornbury, timberman, both of Llandowlais Street, Oakfield were killed by a huge fall of stone at Guest Keen and Nettlefolds Colliery. They were engaged in renewing some timber in an old roadway when the accident occurred. It took several hours to extricate the men and then it was found that Thornbury, who was standing in an upright position against a tram of coal had his neck broken and Andrews had been crushed.
24 March 1906
Monmouthshire Central Advertiser
A shocking fatality occurred at Guest Keen and Nettlefold's Works at Cwmbran. As the small yard engine was running to the blast furnace with lime, in charge of T Andrews, the latcher. W Rilihan of Forgehammer went to uncouple the engine and slipped, with the result that the locomotive passed over his body, cutting him in half.
Sunday 4 January 2015
This week in Victorian Cwmbran
1st January 1879, the workers at the Patent Nut and Bolt Works greeted the new year with a ten percent reduction in their wages.
Meanwhile the custom of Watch Night, watching the old year out and the new one in, was observed on the last night of the year at Cwmbran Wesleyan Chapel and although the weather was extremely boisterous many people attended the service.
Source - Pontypool Free Press - 4th January 1879
On the 2nd January 1864 , at the Pontnewydd Inn, an inquest was held on the body of Mary Jones, an elderly female. It appeared she had left the home of her son, with whom she lived, at about six o clock and around ten o clock the same night her body was discovered in a lifeless condition, in the canal. Two lockmen, William Edwards and Charles Edwards, pulled her out but attempts to revive her failed. It is believed she accidentally slipped into the canal in the darkness and so the jury returned a verdict of 'Found Drowned', in the absence of any witnesses to the event.
Source - Monmouthshire Merlin - 9 January 1864
On 6th January it was reported that James Jones, a haulier employed by Mrs Williams of Cwmbran, was loading coal into a cart from a railway truck when the horse took fright and bolted. Jones was thrown violently to the ground, and falling on his head he fractured his skull and seriously injured his hand. He was conveyed by train to Newport and removed to the Infirmary where his thumb was amputated.
Source - Pontypool Free Press 6 January 1893
On 7th January 1882, Harry Trace was summoned for unlawfully leaving his work at the Patent Nut and Bolt Factory. Defendant, whose job was 'catcher of rolls' was charged with neglecting his work causing a loss of 40 shillings. Mr Trace did not appear and a fine of 20 shillings plus costs was made against him.
Source - Cardiff Times - 7 January 1882
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Victorian-Cwmbran-Carol-Ann-Lewis/dp/1490970177/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420378336&sr=8-1&keywords=victorian+cwmbran
Meanwhile the custom of Watch Night, watching the old year out and the new one in, was observed on the last night of the year at Cwmbran Wesleyan Chapel and although the weather was extremely boisterous many people attended the service.
Source - Pontypool Free Press - 4th January 1879
On the 2nd January 1864 , at the Pontnewydd Inn, an inquest was held on the body of Mary Jones, an elderly female. It appeared she had left the home of her son, with whom she lived, at about six o clock and around ten o clock the same night her body was discovered in a lifeless condition, in the canal. Two lockmen, William Edwards and Charles Edwards, pulled her out but attempts to revive her failed. It is believed she accidentally slipped into the canal in the darkness and so the jury returned a verdict of 'Found Drowned', in the absence of any witnesses to the event.
Source - Monmouthshire Merlin - 9 January 1864
On 6th January it was reported that James Jones, a haulier employed by Mrs Williams of Cwmbran, was loading coal into a cart from a railway truck when the horse took fright and bolted. Jones was thrown violently to the ground, and falling on his head he fractured his skull and seriously injured his hand. He was conveyed by train to Newport and removed to the Infirmary where his thumb was amputated.
Source - Pontypool Free Press 6 January 1893
On 7th January 1882, Harry Trace was summoned for unlawfully leaving his work at the Patent Nut and Bolt Factory. Defendant, whose job was 'catcher of rolls' was charged with neglecting his work causing a loss of 40 shillings. Mr Trace did not appear and a fine of 20 shillings plus costs was made against him.
Source - Cardiff Times - 7 January 1882
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Victorian-Cwmbran-Carol-Ann-Lewis/dp/1490970177/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420378336&sr=8-1&keywords=victorian+cwmbran
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