Slaters Commercial Directory, 1858-1859.

PONTYPRIDD (late NEWBRIDGE),  LLANTRISSAINT and NEIGHBOURHOODS

Transcribed by Phil Mustoe

PONTYPRIDD, late Newbridge, a small market town in the hundred of Miskin, county of Glamorgan; 13 miles S. from Merthyr Tydvil, and the same distance N.N.W. from Cardiff; situated on the line of the Taff Vale railway, for which this place is a station. The town is mainly supported by the extensive iron and coal works in its vicinity, which furnish employment to a large number of the industrious class; there are besides two chemical works, and the manufacture of flannel is carried on by a few others. The celebrated Pont y Pridd (from which the town now takes its name), a bridge here which bestrides the Taff river, is an object of great curiosity: it was erected at the expense of the county, by a William Edwards, a self taught mason, who, having failed twice in his project, still persevered, and at length succeeded in completing the present admirable structure. The bridge is a perfect segment of a circle, the chord of which is one hundred and forty feet, and amount thirty-five feet above the level of the river. It is more ornamental than useful however, as from its immense height, no vehicle could pass over it. Another matter of interest connected with the bridge, is an extraordinary echo that multiplies the sound several times. A new bridge has been erected by the side of it, in 1857, by public subscription, designed by Robert Hughes and built by Thomas Jenkins.

A new church has been erected at Glyntaf, about a mile distant; previous to which, the only place of worship unde the establishment, was three miles from the town. The living of Newbirgde (or Pont y Pridd) is a vicarage, in the gift of the see of Llandaff. The Rev. John Griffiths, is the present vicar. There are places of worship for Baptists, Independents, Calvinists, Methodists and Roman Catholics. A neat and convenient market house was erected here some years ago. The market is held on Wednesday; and a fair for cattle on Easter Monday. Neither Pont y Pridd nor Newbridge appear in the government population returns; the number of inhabitants, however, is estimated as over 4,000.

LLANTRISSAINT, implying the Church of the Three Saints, is a still smaller market town than Newbridge, between 4 and 5 miles S. from that town, in the same hundred and county, and 170 miles W. from London, 10 N. E. from Bridgend, and 8N. from Cowbridge. The streets are confined and narrow, and the houses are mostly ancient and ill-built. Near the centre of the town are the ruins of a castle, apparently of remote antiquity - so remote, indeed, that the founder's name has been lost in the obscurity of ages. Llantrissaint shares with Cardiff and Cowbridge in the privilege of returning one member to parliament. Several collieries are near the town; and the neighbouring mountains, and even the hill on which the town stands, abound with lead and iron ores; but no great advantage is reaped from these mineral riches, as but two of these mines at present are being wrought. Petty sessions are held in Llantrissaint weekly. The church is a large building, of Norman architecture; the living is a vicarage, in the presentation of the Dean and Chapter of Gloucester; the Rev. Evan Morgan is the present incumbent. There are places of worship for Baptists, Independents, Calvinists and Wesleyan Methodists; and two public schools, both patronisedby the present lord of the manor, and supported by subscription. The prospects from some parts of the parish are very pleasing; from the church is obtained a fine view, extending over the Vale of Glamorgan. Fairs are held on February 13th, May 12th, August 12th and October 29th. The parish contained, in 1841, 3,222 inhabitants, but in 1851, the population had increased to 4, 181, of which last number 496 were returned for the borough.

POST OFFICE, Pont y Pridd, Charles Bassett, Post Master - Letters from London and the West of England arrive early every morning at half past five - From the North of England, Ireland and Scotland every mrning at half-past ten. - From Aberdare and Merthyr, every afternoon at half-past two and half-past seven
Money Orders from nine in the morning till five in the eveving
POST OFFICE, Llantrissaint, Richard Morgan, Post Office - Letters arrive (from Pont y pridd) every morning at forty minutes past eight and are despatched every morning at four
Money Orders from ten in the morning till six in the evening

Gentry & Clergy

Calvert John, Esq., Gellywastod
Cozens Mrs. -, Ynis y Plywm
Crawshay Francis, Esq., Treforest
Davies Rev. Thomas, Pentrabach
Davies Rev. William, Tymawr
Fothergill Richard, Esq., Treforest
Griffiths Rev. John, Glyn Taff
Harris M. W. Esq., Treferig
Hewett Major John, Llantrissaint
Kidman J. Esq., Glyn Taff Cottage
Leigh Rev. William, Eglwysellan
Morgan Rev. Evan, Llantrissaint
Morgan Mr. Morgan, Pont y Pridd
Morgan W. Esq., Hafod
Moulton Rev. Ebenezer, Pont y Pridd
Nery Rev. Austin, Treforest
Oliver Rev. Henry, Pont y Pridd
Perkins William, Esq. Groescade
Prichard William, Esq. Crofta
Pritchard Rev. Rees, Garth Hall
Read Edward R. Esq., Lanylay
Smith Mrs Matilda, Castella
Thomas Mr. Morgan, Yniscoy
Williams Mrs. -, Treforest
Williams Mr. John, Hendrascythan
Williams William, Esq. Glog

Academies & Schools

Jones Sarah, Pont y Pridd
National School, Glyntaff - Wm. Winterton, master; Maria Winterton, mistress
National School, Llantrissaint - William John, master; Elizabeth Jonas, mistress
Rees Ann (day), Pont y Pridd
Watkins Sarah (boarding), Pont y Pridd

Attorneys

Grover Montague, Pont y Pridd
Perkins William, Croes Cade
Spickett Edward C., Pont y Pridd
Thomas Robert, Pont y Pridd
Waddington G. F., Pont y Pridd

Bakers

Cule Aaron, Pont y Pridd
David Llewellyn, Llantrissaint
Davies Ann, Pont y Pridd
Day Edward, Pont y Pridd
Leyshon John, Pont y Pridd
Miles David, Pont y Pridd
Watkin Alice, Pont y Pridd

Bank

West of England and South Wales District Bank (draw on Glyn, Mills & Co., London) - Richard Evans, manager

Blacksmiths

Evans Samuel, Pont y Pridd
Evans Thomas, Pont y Pridd
Evans Thomas, Llantrissaint
Jones Thomas, Pont y Pridd
Morris David, Gwern y gwern
Richards Moses, Llantrissaint
Ward James (& farrier), Pont y Pridd

Booksellers & Stationers

Bassett Charles (and stamp office), Pont y Pridd
Carey Richard (binder), Pont y Pridd
Jones Jenkin, Pont y Pridd
Jones William (and account book manufacturer and printer), Pont y Pridd
Moses Mary, Pont y Pridd

Boot and Shoe Makers

Arnott Richard, Pont y Pridd
Clist Samuel, Llantrissaint
Davies David, Pont y Pridd
Davies Thomas, Pont y Pridd
Evans Daniel, Treforest
Evans Daniel, Pont y Pridd
Evans Thomas, Pont y Pridd
Evans William, Pont y Pridd
Griffiths David, Pont y Pridd
Jenkins Thomas, Gwern y Gwern
Jeremiah Azariah, Treforest
Jones Evan, Pont y Pridd
King John, Treforest
Lewis Thomas, Pont y Pridd
Roderick Aaron, Pont y Pridd
Rogers Thomas, Pont y Pridd
Stephens Hezekiah, Pont y Pridd
Williams Lewis, Tymawr
Williams William, Pont y Pridd

Butchers

Combes William, Pont y Pridd
Davies John, Treforest
Evans Evan, Pont y Pridd
Harris John, Pont y Pridd
James Isaac, Pont y Pridd
James Walter, Pont y Pridd
Jones Arthur, Pont y Pridd
Lewis Elizabeth, Treforest
Llewellyn David, Llantrissaint
Llewellyn William, Llantrissaint
Phillips Cecil, Pont y Pridd
Phillips Edward, Pont y Pridd
Willis John, Treforest

Cabinet Makers

Cule Moses (& builder), Pont y Pridd
Evans Lewis, Pont y Pridd
Jenkins Thomas, Llantrissaint
Morgan Richard, Llantrissaint
Thomas Griffith, Treforest
Watkins Thomas, Llantrissaint
Williams Morgan, Llantrissaint
Wyne Watkin William, Treforest

Chemists & Druggists

Bassett Charles, Pont y Pridd, and Treforest
Gay Christopher, Pont y Pridd
Hussey John, Pont y Pridd

Chemists - Manufacturing

Chivers, Todd & Charles, Pont y Pridd
Smith Charles W., Rhandda Chemical Works, Pont y Pridd

Coal Owners

Baber & Faden, Llanharry Colliery
Calvert John, Pont y Pridd
Cartwright William, Pont y Pridd
Coffin & Co., Dinas
Davies S. & Sons, Pont y Pridd
Fowler Brothers, Pont y Pridd
Great Western Coal Company, Pont y Pridd
Greenhill Curteis & Co., Glynvach, Church, and Pentra Collieries
Insole & Son, Cymer
Jones David, Llantrissaint
Jones John, Pont y Pridd
Plant & Cadman, Trecastle Colliery
Powell Thomas & Son, Deyheyd Colliery
Rowlands Richard, Pont y Pridd
Thomas Thomas & Co., Rhiw

Confectioners

Day Edward, Pont y Pridd
Evans Morgan (and eating house), Pont y Pridd
Greenstreet Thomas (and eating house), Pont y Pridd
Hardy Benjamin, Pont y Pridd

Corn & Flour Dealers

Jones John D. (corn and provision merchant), Pont y Pridd
Morgan Daniel, Pont y Pridd
Williams Ebenezer, Pont y Pridd

Curriers and Leather Dealers

Jenkins Edward, Pont y Pridd
Llewellyn Evan, Pont y Pridd

Fire &c Office Agents

General, Wm. Jones, Pont y Pridd
London, John Hussey, Pont y Pridd
Norwich Union, RIchard Evans, Pont y Pridd
Star, Charles Bassett, Pont y Pridd
Sun (fire), Wm. Jones, Pont y Pridd
Welsh Provincial, Charles Bassett, Pont y Pridd

Flannel Manufacturers

Hill John, Llantrissaint
James Evan, Pont y Pridd
Jones John, Forest Factory

Glass & China Dealers

Crockett George, Pont y Pridd
Davies John, Treforest
Evans David, Pont y Pridd
Llewellyn Daniel, Pont y Pridd

Grocers and Dealers in Sundries Marked thus * are also Drapers

Bennett William, Tymawr
Cule Aaron, Pont y Pridd
David Llewellyn, Llantrissaint
Davies Ann, Pont y Pridd
Davies David, Treforest
Davies Edmund, Pont y Pridd
* Davies John, Treforest
Davies William, Treforest
Evans David, Pont y Pridd
Evans Griffith, Pont y Pridd
Evans Lemuel, Pont y Pridd
* Evans Thomas, Pont y Pridd
* Griffiths John, Pont y Pridd
Jenkins William Lewis and John, Pont y Pridd
John John, Pont y Pridd
John Thomas, Pont y Pridd
* John William, Pont y Pridd
Jones Roger, Pont y Pridd
Langley William, Gwern y Gwern
* Lewis James & Co. (& provision merchants), Treforest
Lewis John, Pont y Pridd
Lewis Jonathon, Pont y Pridd
Lewis William, Pont y Pridd
Leyshon John, Pont y Pridd
Llewellyn Daniel, Pont y Pridd
Llewellyn William, Llantrissaint
Lloyd M. W., Pont y Pridd
Miles David, Pont y Pridd
Miles William, Pont y Pridd
* Morgan Richard, Llantrissaint
Morgan Thomas, Pont y Pridd
Moses William (and eating house), Pont y Pridd
Norman C. -, Tymawr
* Packer, Harriet, Llantrissaint
Powell Mary, Llantrissaint
Price Jane, Pont y Pridd
Radcliff Rees, Treforest
Rees Catherine, Pont y Pridd
* Richards James, Treforest
* Robertham Samuel, Treforest
Roberts Josiah, Pentrabach
Thomas David, Treforest
Thomas David, Pont y Pridd
* Thomas John, Llantrissaint
Thomas Thomas, Pont y Pridd
Watkins Alice, Pont y Pridd
Williams Catherine, Treforest
Williams Richard, Pont y Pridd
Williams Taliesin, Pont y Pridd
Williams William, Llantrissaint

Hair Dressers

Bradshaw John, Pont y Pridd
Powell Benjamin, Pont y Pridd

Inns See also Taverns & Public Houses)

Bridgewater Arms, William Langley, Pont y Pridd
Cross Keys, Robert Griffiths, Llantrissaint
Horse & Groom, Morgan Evans, Llantrissaint
New Inn, J. C. Cousins, Pont y Pridd
Red Lion & Railway Hotel, Evan Evans, Pont y Pridd
White Hart, John Mason Sharp, Pont y Pridd

Iron Masters

Aberdare Iron Company, Taff Vale Iron Works, George Fothergill, manager
Crawshay William, Treforest

Ironmongers

Cheen & Thomas (and braziers), Pont y Pridd
Evans Edward (and plumber, and tin-plate worker), Pont y Pridd, and Treforest
Llewellyn Evan, Pont y Pridd
Thomas John, Llantrissaint

Linen & Woollen Draprs

Cule Aaron, Pont y Pridd
Evans William, Treforest
Hutchings Daniel Jas., Pont y Pridd
John John, Pont y Pridd
Jones John, Pont y Pridd
Jones Roger, Pont y Pridd
Langley William, Gwern y Gwern
Miles William, Pont y Pridd
Morgan Aaron, Pont y Pridd
Powell David, Pont y Pridd
Williams Daniel, Pont y Pridd
Williams William, Llantrissaint

Maltsters

Evans Margaret, Llantrissaint
Jenkins Richard, Llantrissaint
Williams Ebenezer, Pont y Pridd
Williams William, Pont y Pridd

Millers

John Matthew, Rhiw saeson
Jones James, Castella
Lougher Daniel, Pont y Pridd
Price Thomas, Upper boat

Milliners

Gibbons Anna Maria, Pont y Pridd
John Margaret, Pont y Pridd
Jones Prudence, Pont y Pridd
Lewis Rachael (and draper), Pont y Pridd
Thomas Elizabeth, Treforest
Williams Clara, Pont y Pridd
Williams Elizabeth, Treforest

Nail Makers

Evans Edward, Pont y Pridd
Llewellyn Evan, Pont y Pridd

Painters & Glaziers

Bryant William, Llantrissaint
Edwards David, Pont y Pridd
Goodman Charles, Pont y Pridd
Lewis John, Llantrissaint
Morgan Thomas, Pont y Pridd
Somers Joseph, Pont y Pridd
Vaughan -, Pont y Pridd

Pawnbrokers

Goodman Charles, Pont y Pridd
Goodman David, Pont y Pridd
Goodman George, Pont y Pridd

Plasterers

Baugh Edwin, Glyntaff
John Llewellyn, Llantrissaint
Morgan William, Pont y Pridd
Rowlands David, Treforest

Stone Masons

Davies Edward, Llantrissaint
Edwards Morgan, Pont y Pridd
Jenkins Thomas, Dyffran
Jenkins Thomas, Rhyd y land
John Henry, Pont y Pridd
Maddicks John S. (and quarry owner), Pont y Pridd
Morgan Jacob (and quarry owner), Pont y Pridd
Richards RIchard, Pont y Pridd

Stone Quarry Owners

Maddicks John S., Pont y Pridd
Morgan Jacob, Pont y Pridd

Surgeons

Cooke William, Pont y Pridd
Davies Evan, L.A.C. (Surgeon to the Wesleyan Provident Society, and to the Merthyr Union), Dan y Graig
Edwards Evan, Llantrissaint
Harrison Nevill Elmes, Llantrissaint
Leigh John, Lanvabon
Lewis Joseph (Surgeon to the Llantrissaint Union), Pont y Pridd
Price William, Gwern y Gwern

Surveyors

Bassett Elias, Upper boat
Potter George, C.E., Llantrissaint
Williams John, Hendrescythan

Tailors

Bennett William, Tymawr
Cross James, Llantrissaint
Edwards Edward, Pont y Pridd
Gibbon John, Treforest
Howe John, Treforest
Lloyd John, Pont y Pridd
Miles Morgan, Pont y Pridd
Morgan David, Llantrissaint
Morgan Richard, Llantrissaint
Reynolds William, Pont y Pridd
Richards John, Llantrissaint
Roberts - , (& eating house), Pont y Pridd
Williams William, Pont y Pridd

Taverns & Public Houses

Angel, Josiah Lewis, Llantrissaint
Ballers' Arms, Ishmael Jones, Treforest
Boot Inn, Wm. Evans, Pont y Pridd
Bridge Inn, Cecilia Phillips, Pont y Pridd
Bridge Inn, William Phillips, Treforest
Bunch of Grapes, Richard Francis, Pont y Pridd
Bush John Jones, Treforest
Butchers' Arms, John Jones, Pont y Pridd
Carpenters' Arms, Elizabeth Jones, Pont y Pridd
Castle Inn, Richard Llewellyn, Treforest
Castle Tavern, Richard Lloyd, Pont y Pridd
Collier, Elias Thomas, Treforest
Colliers' Arms, John Williams, Pont y Pridd
Cottage Inn, Lewis Lewis, Treforest
Cross Keys, Thomas Edmonds, Pont y Pridd
Cross Keys, Robert Griffiths, Llantrissaint
Dynevor Arms, John Evans, Pont y Pridd
Greyhound, John Harris, Pont y Pridd
Greyhound, Wm. Thomas, Treforest
Griffin's Head, John Jones, Treforest
Half Moon, Joan Morgan, Pont y Pridd
Holly Bush, David Rees, Tymawr
Horse & Groom, Peter Morgan, Pont y Pridd
Horse & Groom, Morgan Evans, Llantrissaint
King's Head, Thomas Lewis, Pont y Pridd
Lamb, Peter Morgan, Pont y Pridd
Llanbradach Arms, William Tate, Gwern y gwern
Llanover Arms, Thomas James, Pont y Pridd
Maltsters' Arms, David Davies, Pont y Pridd
Morning Star, Henry Jenkins, Rhiw
New Inn, William William, Llantrissaint
Queen Adelaide, Edward Watkins, Treforest
Railway, Richard Richards, Treforest
Rhuperra Arms, Lewis Thomas, Pont y Pridd
Rickard's Arms, Edward Plummer, Treforest
Rising Sun, Daniel Blackwell, Treforest
Rolling Mill, William Jones, Pont y Pridd
Rose and Crown, Thomas Morgan, Pont y Pridd
Royal Oak, Henry Powell, Tymawr
Three Horse Shoes, W. B. Luscombe, Pont y Pridd
Tredegar Arms, Mary Williams, Pont y Pridd
Union Bridge, Thomas Morris, Pont y Pridd
Victoria & Somerset, Joseph Loxton, Pont y Pridd
Wheat Sheaf, Evan Roderick, Llantrissaint
White Hart, Thomas Llewellyn, Llantrissaint
White Horse, William Edwards, Pont y Pridd

Retailers of Beer

Applebee John, Pont y Pridd
Butcher J. James, Tymawr
Davies Joseph, Llantrissaint
Davies Stephen, Pont y Pridd
Evans Henry, Pont y Pridd
Evans Thomas, Llantrissaint
Hek James, Pont y Pridd
Hopkin Jane, Pont y Pridd
James James, Pont y Pridd
John Margaret, Llantrissaint
Jones William, Tymawr
Kiff Thomas, Gwern y Gwern
Lewis William Rees, Pont y Pridd
McDonald Archibald, Treforest
Morgan David, Llantrissaint
Morgan Evan, Treforest
O'Connell S., Pont y Pridd
Parry Daniel, Llantrissaint
Rees James, Pont y Pridd
Rutley Francis, Pont y Pridd
Stimson William, Tymawr
Watkins James, Pont y Pridd
Williams Edward, Pont y Pridd
Williams John, Pont y Pridd
Williams John, Llantrissaint

Tea Dealers

Harris Edward, Pont y Pridd
Moses Mary, Pont y Pridd

Watch Makers

Davies Evan, Pont y Pridd
Goodman David, Pont y Pridd

Wheelwrights

Cule Moses, Gwern y gwern
Emanuel William, Pont y Pridd
Griffiths William, Pont y Pridd
Morgan Richard, Llantrissaint
Watkins William, Llantrissaint

Miscellaneous

Brown, Lennox & Co., engineers. and anchor and chain cable manufacturers, Pont y Pridd
Cooke Robert, clerk to the commissioners of assessed taxes, Llantrissaint
Davies Ann, temperance house, Pont y Pridd
Davies D., commercial traveller, Pont y Pridd
Evans Jemima, greengrocer, Treforest
Fleming James, marine store dealer, Pont y Pridd
Gas Works, Pont y Pridd - Henry Biggs Lawrence, manager
Gould Thomas, fruiterer, Pont y Pridd
Griffiths EVan, brazier, Pont y Pridd
Griffiths Jenkin, saddler, Pont y Pridd
Hutching Daniel James, auctioneer, Pont y Pridd
Jones John, iron founder, Tymawr - Isaac Rees, manager
Jones Thomas, land agent, Den y Griv
Llewellyn Evan, coal dealer, Pont y Pridd
Market House, Pont y Pridd
Matthews Geo., officer of inland revenue, Pont y Pridd
Morgan David, cooper, Pont y Pridd
Morgan John, marine store dealer, Pont y Pridd
Oddfellows Hall, Treforest
Police Station, Pont y Pridd - James Thomas, superintendent
Richards T. & D., tallow chandlers, Pont y Pridd
Stamp Office, Pont y Pridd - Charles Bassett, sub-distributor
Stamp Office, Llantrissaint - Richard Morgan, sub-distributor
Watsons & Co., fire-brick manufacturers, Tymawr
Williams William, brewer, Pont y Pridd

Places of Worship And their Ministers

Glyntaff Church - Rev. John Griffiths, vicar
Llantrissant Church - Rev. Evan Morgan, vicar
Baptist Chapels, Pont y Pridd, Treforest, Llantrissaint, and Tymawr
Independent Chapels, Pont y Pridd, Treforest and Llantrissaint
Methodist Chapels (Calvinistic), Pont y Pridd, Treforest and Llantrissaint
Methodist Chapels (Wesleyan), Pont y Pridd, Llantrissaint and Treforest
Roman Catholic Chapel, Treforest - Rev. Austin Nery, priest

Registrars Of Births, Deaths and Marriages

Registrars of Marriages :-
Cardiff Union - David Powell, Pont y Pridd
Merthyr Union - David Jenkin, Pont y Pridd
Registrar of Births and Deaths :-
Cardiff Union - Robert Cooke, Llantrissaint

County Court Held at Pont y Pridd once a fortnight

Judge - Thomas Falconer, Esq.
High Bailiff - John Daniel Thomas
Registrar - Edward Colnett Spickett

Coach

To Troed-y-rhiw, from the Half Moon, every morning at ten and night at seven

Conveyance by Railway On the Taff Vale Line

Station, Pont y Pridd - Edward Strong, station master

Carrier

To Lantwit Major, David Davies, from the Maltsters' Arms, Tuesday and Thursday

[Transcribed by Phil Mustoe, 15th May 1997].

Slaters Commercial Directory, Pontypridd, 1858-9 [Last Updated : 19 Sept 2002 - Gareth Hicks]