1887 – Cardigan through the ages

4/1 Tues RAGGED SCHOOL CHRISTMAS TREAT. 100 treated to a substantial tea.
7/1 Fri Death of Rees Williams, Pontycleifion, aged 82 yrs.
9/1 Sun The religious census, on Sunday last, appears, from all we can hear to have been well and faithfully taken, and it cannot be said, at any rate, that the result proves unfavourable to the Church of England. It is well known that the Nonconformist services, with the exception, perhaps, of Mount Zion English Baptist Chapel and Hope Chapel, did not show nearly an average attendance, for which the weather and sickness would probably account, the numbers not even reaching the roll of members. At the Church, on the other hand, the congregations were unusually large the Welsh services and the Sabbath School, to wit-for which it is not very difficult to assign a reason. However, taking the figures as we have received them, the following is the result: Each Service:
Church of England (morning). 264 (school). 175 (evening) 343 (Welsh.morn) 134 ( afternoon) 198 = 1,115
Bethania (Welsh, morning). 251(evening) 470 = 721
Mt Zion (English, morning). 77 (evening) 109 = 186
Capel Mair (Welsh, morning) 200 (evening). 331 = 531
Tabernacle (Welsh, morning) 162 (school). 146 10 (evening) 270 = 578
Hope (English, morning 25 (evening). 36 = 61 [CORRECTED BELOW]
10/1 Mon Borough Petty Sessions: On the information of P. C. Rosser, two tramps named Charles Murphy and George Rawling, charged with begging at Bridge-end on Sunday, were sent to hard labour for 14 days; Before Alderman James (mayor), and Messrs. Lewis Evans, W. Picton Evans and David Davies-William Woodward, Careleon House, summoned David James (White Hart Inn), Thomas Jeremiah (Mwldan), Thomas Lewis (Catherine-row) and Joshua Thomas (Strand), for trespassing in search of game in the daytime with a greyhound on land in the occupation of Joshua Davies, Penlan, on the 16th ult. The four defendants pleaded guilty. Mr. Woodward said that he was sorry to have to take proceedings against these young men, but he had to do so in order to protect the game. Many persons were taking the liberty of going on the land to kill game, and were doing a deal of damage. He hoped, inasmuch as he did not press the charge this time, that the bench would deal leniently with the defendants, and that it would serve as a caution to them and others. The next time he would press for full penalty. Fined 7s. 3d. each including costs.
12/1 Wed Death of Capt. Henry Gillespie, aged 76 yrs.He had lived in the town for upwards of fifteen years, and was respected by all who knew him on account of his straightforward, honest of character and kindly disposition. The funeral will take place on Monday next.
13/1 Thurs Town Council: State of the Drains
20/1 Thurs Death of Mrs Higgon, at old Market Lane, formerly of White Horse Inn, aged 84 yrs.
20/1 Thurs Borough Petty Sessions: Before the Mayor and Mr. Lewis Evans, Elizabeth Russell, was charged by Gwenllian Sullivan, lodginghouse keeper, Mwldan, for using abusive and threatening language towards her on Sunday last at Mwldan. She was bound over to keep the peace for three months, and to pay 16s. costs, in default 14 days hard labour.
22/1 CENSUS.The following corrected return of attendances at the various places of worship in the town, on Sunday, the 9th inst., has been handed us for publication. It will be seen that there are several corrections, and that the school attendances have been added.
Each Service. Total.
Church of England (morning). 264 (school) 175 (evening) 343 (Welsh,morn) 134 ( after.) 198 = 1,115 Bethania (Welsh, morning). 251 (school). 219 (evening) 470 = 940
Mt Zion (English, morning) 81 (school) 69 ( evening) 109 = 259
Capel Mair (Welsh, morning) 207 (school) 187 ( evening). 331 = 725
Tabernacle (Welsh, morning) 162) (school) 146 (evening) 270 = 578
Hope (English, morning) 27 ( school) 25 (evening) 37 = 89 Taking then the largest single attendance at Church (343), and the largest single attendances at the Nonconformist chapels (Bethania, 470; Mount Zion, 109 Capel Mair, 331; Tabernacle 270; and Hope, 37) and adding these latter together we obtain 1217 persons. We therefore find that the Nonconformist stand as 1217 to 343, or rather more than 312 to 1. It should be remembered in considering the Church returns that the English and Welsh services were attended in a great measure by the same persons, together with a number of Nonconformists.
24/1 Mon Borough Petty Sessions: P. C. Rosser charged a person with begging at Bridge-end on Saturday. On being searched 3s. 4d. were found on his person. He was sentenced to 14 days hard labour, and ordered to pay for his keep in the lock-up over Sunday.
29/1 THE TITHE AGITATION. The agitation against the payment of tithes without a substantial reduction is being taken up generally in this neighbourhood, and farmers are emphatic in refusing to cash up unless their demands are complied with. In all the neighbouring parishes: Verwig, Llangoedmore, Llechryd, Cilgerran, Bridell, Llantood, Moylgrove. Meetings have been and are being held, and resolutions arrived at to resist this unjust tax upon the farmer’s industry.
1/2 HIGH JINKS IN THE MWLDAN. Special petty session held on Tuesday last, before Messrs. W. Picton H|ans and W. Woodward, the following cases were disposed of: DRUNKS. Thomas Evans, known on account of his profession of itinerant rag and bone merchant as ‘Tom the rags’ was charged by P C Davies with having been drunk and disorderly, in the Mwldan on the previous day. Thomas will now employ his professional talents and fingers in picking oakum in Carmarthen gaol, at which occupation he will continue for a period of 14 davs, in default of paying 10s. and costs. P.C. James Davies, a pedler, known as ‘The Carmarthen Bully,’ was charged by P.S. Davies with being drunk and disorderly at the same time and place. Davies made himself generally objectionable-at a demonstration in honour of Mr. Vaughan Davies, some months ago, and is a disreputable fellow. He was fined 10s. and costs. The amount was paid.
ASSAULT. James Davies, the defendant in the last case, was further charged with assaulting Elizabeth Miles, widow, at the same time and place. P.S. Davies said that he was called down to a row in the Mwldan on the previous day, and when he got there he found that P.C. Lewis Davies had taken Thomas Evans into custody. There was a great crowd on the spot, and prisoner was there drunk. Prisoner swaggered up to him and said he wanted to bail Thomas Evans out. The Sergt. acquiesced, and invited him up to the Station to discuss the terms of bail. Prisoner accompanied him, and when they got to the station Sergt. Davies ran him in and locked him up, on a charge of drunk and disorderly. Prisoner behaved very boisterously in the cell, and in the course of the evening the Sergt. had to go in to quiet him. and in the process administered a couple of clouts, which effectually cooled his hot valour, and he afterwards behaved like a lamb. Elizabeth Miles said before the police arrived on the scene she was attracted to the house of Mary Evans bv cries of ‘Murder’, and saw Edward, the son of Mary Evans on the floor, and prisoner kicking him. She endeavoured to get Edward away, when prisoner caught hold of her by the hair of the head, and struck her with his fist on the eye. The mark (which was a very bad cut) was then to be seen, and caused her great pain. Prisoner made a rambling statement, and contended that, if he did strike the complainant, it was unintentionally. He was fined £1 and costs, or, in default, to go to goal for 28 days, with hard labour. CUTTING AND WOUNDING. P.S. Davies charged Samuel Hunt, a hawker, with being drunk and cutting and wounding a comrade at a common lodging-house, Mwldan, on the previous evening. As the wounded man could not be found, the charge was abandoned, and in default of paying a fine of 10s. and costs for being drunk, prisoner was sent to do 14 days’ hard labour.
3/2 Town Council: PAVEMENTS. Mr. O. Beynon Evans reported that the paving stones had been received and laid down to the satisfaction of the committee.
4/2 Fri Death of Sarah, aged 78 yrs. widow of John Thomas, Pontycleifion, Hall keeper
5/2 RELIGIOUS CENSUS (contd.): the writer has, by somewhat held and bald device, reduced the majority of Nonconformists to 2i to 1. He arrives at this result by adding the Welsh attendance, 198, to the largest English attendance, 343, and he wishes his readers to conclude that the Church attendance on that day numbered 541 distinct persons. As a further proof of our deductions, if proof were needed, we may quote a surprise census which was taken on Sun- day, April 6th, 1884, and in which every confidence may be placed, as it will show what is and has been the average attendance at St. Mary’s Church. The largest attendances for the day were as follows Bethania, 436 Tabernacle, 270 Capel Mair, 287 Zion, 71 and Hope, 45; while at the Church the largest attendance for the day was 229, making the Nonconformists very nearly five to one. The writer attempts, in a covert manner, to discredit the returns for Tabernacle and Zion Chapels; but the returns are vouched for by persons of the highest respectability, and the surprise census, in a measure, proves their reliableness, for at Tabernacle the same number of persons were present in the evening on both occasions, while in the morning, the attendance was much greater on the former occasion. Of course, in the case of the last census, the Church officials beat up the poor, the maimed, the halt, and the blind in religious matters to make a show, as if their daily bread depended on it. The result means little. It is manifestly unjust to compel Nonconformists to support a church they neither believe in nor belong to.
7/2 Mon SEA FLOWER COMPANY The half-yearly meeting of was held at the Guild- hall Mr. Robert E. Rees in the chair.
9/2 Wed THE QUEEN’S JUBILEE. A meeting, convened by the Mayor, was held at the Guild-hall, for the purpose of taking into consideration the desirability of adopting measures to commemorate the jubilee year of the reign of Her Gracious Majesty the Queen.
12/2 The congregation of Holy Trinity Church, Swansea, have presented a very handsome Bible and a purse of gold to the Rev. J. Laird Clougher, who resigned the curacy owing to illness.
12/2 Sat Charge of drunkenness for William Evans, Mwldan, clogmaker.
23/2 Wed Capel Mair Dorcas Society meeting.
24/2 THE SALVATION ARMY. The Town Clerk, on behalf of the Salvation Army, applied for the loan of the Guildhall consenting to pay for gas, as an ex-prize-fighter, known as Billy McLeod, had been engaged to deliver a lecture on temperance.
26/2 Rev. J. Ossian Davies, of Tollington Park Chapel, lectured to a crowded audience in Dr. Parker’s City Temple.
26/2 A house-to-house canvas has been made during the last few days by Churchmen, with the object of finding out how many are in favour of, and how many against Disestablishment.
27/2 Sun The fine sailing ship, Locksley Hall, of which Mr. Mathias Mathias, Quay street, in this town, was second officer, sank in the Mersey on Sunday last, after collision with the s.s. Regulus and the ship Brenta, both of which were badlv damaged and had to dock for repairs. The Locksley Hall now lies a little to the northward of the line taken by the Mersey Tunnel, and some curiosity is felt as to the effect upon the tunnel, in the event of the hull of the vessel having to be blown up with dynamite.
28/2 Mon Borough Petty Sessions. Before Messrs. L. Evans and J. H. Miles Enoch Davies, culm mixer, charged by P.C. Griffiths with being drunk on Saturday night, at Lower Mwldan. Fined 7s. 6d. and costs.
28/2 Death of infant daughter, aged 6 mths, of S F Kelly, Northgate House.
28/2 Death of Mary, wife of Mr. Charles Lundv saddler, formerly of this town, aged 72 years, 29 Swansea Rd., Llanelli.
3/3 Thurs BILLY McLEOD. This converted champion prize fighter of the world gave a lecture at the Guild-hall, in connection with the Salvation Army, when he gave an interesting account of his life and doings. Admission was by ticket, and there was a large attendance.
5/3 QUEEN’S JUBILEE A number of ladies are soliciting subscriptions towards the women’s jubilee gift to her Majesty. As yet the movement, so far as Cardigan is concerned, it is spiritless enough.
7/3 Borough Petty Sessions: Evan George Mathias, sailor, whose wife and family live at St. Mary’s-lane, was brought up in custody and charged by Mr. D. R. Baynes with deserting his wife and children, who had become chargeable to the funds of the union on the 17th of November, 1885. The amount of relief granted was £10.
8/3 Tues Death of Elizabeth Davies, aged 63, Catherine Row.
10/3 Thurs Town Council: Mr. Woodward having called attention to the fact that a pigstye was being built on the road- side near the houses on the Netpool, a notice was ordered to be served on the tenant to remove the same, on sanitary grounds.
10/3 Thurs Petty Sessions: Evan Lloyd Mathias, mariner, was charged by P.C. Lewis Davies with being drunk in High-street on the 5th instant. Defendant, who did not appear, had left the town. Evan Lloyd Mathias was then further charged by P.C. Rosser with being drunk at Bridge-End, on the 3rd inst. Defendant, who did not appear, was fined 5s. and costs.
12/3 Mr. Griffith Hugh Mathias, who served his apprenticeship as pupil teacher in this school, has succeeded in passing the examination required for a Parchment Certificate of Merit of the 2nd Class. Mr. Mathias is at present assistant master in a very large school at Brighton, but he is now qualified to hold the headmastership of any school. The number of successful teachers who have passed through these schools will compare with any school of equal size in the Principality.
14/3 Mon Death of REV. J. LAIRD CLOUGHER M.A. second son of Mr. Joseph Clougher, bookseller and stationer, High street, in this town, died at his father’s residence, after a protracted illness, at the age of 28 years. After a very successful university career, about five years ago Mr. Clougher was licensed to the curacy of Holy Trinity Church, Swansea, where he laboured with conspicuous success, and only resigned his post a few weeks ago, when compelled to do so by illness.
16/3 Wed A meeting of the Cardigan Liberal Association will be held at Bethania Vestry at 5 p.m., when all members are requested to attend.
16/3 Wed Death of Anne Charles, High St., aged 83.
17/3 Town Council: There was only one candidate for the post of Medical Officer, viz., Mr. Win. Davies, surgeon, Pendre House, Cardigan. Port and Urban Sanitary Inspector and Highway and Borough Sur- veyor = Mr Tamlyn.
23/3 Wed Death of Margaret Peters, Swan Inn, aged 95 years.
28/3 Mon FIRE: It is certainly a subject for thankfulness that fires are not of frequent occurrence in the town, for although well supplied with water, it lacks, to a large extent, the appliances necessary to make use of the water effectually in case of fire. This lack, however, was not felt to a serious extent in the case of the fire which broke out early on Monday morning in the storehouse of Messrs. Wilson and Cooke, grocers, Market-square, in this town. It appears that a young man passing up towards Pendre, about 5.30 a.m., noticed smoke issuing from the storehouse, and informed P. C. Richard Griffiths, whom he met near the lock-up, of the occurrence. P.C. Griffiths immediately went to the place and found that the contents were unquestionably on fire. He knocked up Mr. Jenkins (the manager) and some of the neighbours, broke open the door and carried into the street such goods as could be got at. Finding that the fire was gaining ground, P.C. Griffiths ran to Pendre to call the water- inspector, whom he started off to turn on the water, and returned to the fire accompanied by P.S. Davies. They assisted those present (including Mr. William James, ironmonger, who did yeoman’s service) in getting out as much property as possible, and they succeeded in saving a large quantity, which had not been much damaged save by water. The hose meanwhile had been got into operation,and a mastery was soon obtained over the flames, not, however, before the roof and fixtures had been completely destroyed. A delay necessarily occurred in getting the hose to work, owing to the fact that the water-inspector had to go up to the reservoir to turn on the water, and return to the scene of the fire before operations could be commenced. If the custody of what fire apparatus the town possesses was in the hands of the police, this delay might, to a great extent, be avoided in future. On this occasion this did not so much matter, as the premises were close to the fire-plug, and the fire was confined to a small building, which appeared doomed from the first. The origin of the fire was unknown, but it is believed that the fire was caused by rats nibbling wax matches, a quantity of which were in stock at the time. The stock was insured in the Alliance Assurance Company, of which Mr. W. Lewis, Brecon Old Bank, is the local agent. The fire should act as an incentive to the obtaining of efficient apparatus, towards which, no doubt, the various fire companies would subscribe liberally. We should not omit to mention that P. C. Griffiths had passed the premises a few minutes before the smoke was observed, but there was then no indication of fire.
28/3 Death of Mr. Thomas Griffiths, Auctioneer and Accountant, at his residence, 18, St. Mary-street, at the age of 53 years
28/3 Death of David Patrick, aged 4 mths. son of David James, White Hart.
28/3 Death of Charlotte Evans, 2 Eben’s Lane, aged 85 yrs.
31/3 Death of infant son, aged 5 wks of John Owen, clerk, Grangetown.2/4 Subscriptions promised towards building a Mechanics’ Institute in honour of the Queen’s Jubilee. £130 have been promised. £500-£600 required.
4/4 Mon Borough Petty Sessions Before the Mayor and Mr. Lewis Evans: A tramping ballad singer giving the name of Timothy Lynch, aged 62 years, hailing from Gellygaer, was brought up in the custody of P.S. Davies, charged with being drunk and disorderly at Pendre, on Saturday morning last. As P.C. Davies was taking him to the station, he received two blows on his helmet from a heavy stick which prisoner carried, and it was knocked off. P.S. Davies came to the rescue and he was locked up. He behaved very violently in the cells. Prisoner was committed for 14 days’ hard labour in default of paying a fine of 10s. and costs, the bench remarking that had the police proceeded with an assault case he would have received a much severer punishment.
14/4 Thurs Town Council: Drains
18/4 Mon Wedding of Capt. Thomas Morgan, of the steamship Lesreaulx, of Cardiff, to Miss Sarah Davies, daughter of Capt. Herbert Davies, Greenfield-terrace, in this town. The vicinity of the bride’s residence was profusely decorated with flags, banners, mottoes, and fes- toons of flags, as also were Greenfield-square, and the whole of Upper Mwldan, College-row, and all the route to the Tabernacle Chapel.
18/4 Death of Mary Volk, Newtown, wife of Albert J.
20/4 Wed Death of Thomas, 3^rd son of Elizabeth Harries,Northgate Tce, aged 21 yrs.
21/4 Thurs BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS. Before Messrs. W. Woodward and Lewis Evans, on the information of Sergeant Davies, Daniel Howells, landlord of the Saddler’s Arms, was fined 20s. and costs for permitting drunkenness in his house, and 30s. and costs for keeping open his house during prohibited hours, on the night of the 14th inst., two previous convictions being admitted. Fred. Wright for being on the said premises on the night in question, was fined 5s. and costs, and 7s. 6d. and costs for being drunk. On the information of P.C. Lewis Davies J. Donald Breeze was fined 10s. and costs for being drunk, this being his third offence.
25/4 Mon Death of Margaret Thomas, Middle Mwldan, formerly of Cardigan bay, aged 67 yrs.
26/4 Tues Wedding of Mr. Thomas Thomas, grocer, Pendre, and Miss Lizzie Lewis, daughter of the late Mr. John Lewis, grocer, Pendre
28/4 Thurs Town Council Widening St Mary’s Lane, Drains, etc
7/5 At the monthly meeting of the Castle Glantivy Lodge of Ancient Britons, held at the Farmers’ Arms, Bridge-End, Mr. D. G. Thomas, chemist, Bridge-End, was initiated as an honorary member. Two other persons were proposed for membership on the same evening, so that the lodge is looking up.
9/5 Mon Death of William Williams, Newtown, butcher, 51 yrs.
12/5 Thurs Death of Elizabeth Harries, 12 Northgate Tce, aged 52 yrs.
18/5 Wed Queen’s Jubilee. A Public Meeting will be held at the Guild Hall, at 3 p.m., to receive the report of Committee appointed at the Public Meeting, held February 9 last, to canvass the town and neighbourhood for subscriptions to Erect a New Mechanics’ Institute and Reading Rooms to commemorate the Queen’s Jubilee
18/5 Carriage Accident. Near the East Turnpike Gate, one of the horses attached to a wagonette belonging to the Black Lion Hotel, in attempting to lie down, broke the pole, and both horses started at a rapid pace towards the town. The driver, Mr. John Davies, postboy, held on as long as he could, but was eventually thrown out, breaking his collar bone, and sustaining other injuries. The trap came in contact with Mr. Stephen Morgan’s premises, and was damaged, and the horses came to a standstill in Chancery-lane behind the hotel. Messrs. Fielder and Woodward, auctioneers, were fortunate in having left the vehicle a few minutes previous to the accident in order to value some property. The driver is progressing favourably.
18/5 Wed Queen’s Jubilee: The Mayor said that he was sorry to have to announce that the Mechanics’ Institute scheme had collapsed for want or support.
1/6 Cymanfa Ganu at Bethania. Dan Davies, Dowlais.
2/6 Thurs Sale of part of the Priory Estate at Black Lion.
3/6 Fri Liberal Committee: All Liberals are requested to attend a Committee Meeting to be held in Bethania Vestry, at 8 o’clock, when several important matters will be considered.
4/6 Sat: Death of William George, High St., draper, aged 66 yrs.
8/6 Wed Mr. John Morris, third son of Mrs. Morris, Greenfield row, has passed successfully as second mate at the London Examination.
9/6 Thurs Borough Petty Sessions: John Rees and George Thomas, St. Dogmells, and Catherine Davies and Catherine Rowlands, Cardigan, were fined for being drunk and disorderly
10/6 Fri Borough Petty Sessions: William Gilmore, rabbit-skin gatherer, on the evidence of P. C. Evan Jones, was fined 5s. including costs for being drunk.-
10/6 Death of J R Phillips, author of History of Cilgerran. Ed at Jesus Coll. Oxford. Served as clerk of George & son, solicitors for many years.
13/6 Mon Sergt. Davies charged Robert Evans, lodging-house keeper, with being drunk and disorderly onthe 8th inst., at Mwldan. Defendant having pleaded guilty, and promised never to offend again, he was fined 10s. and costs. He undertook to sign the pledge.
14/6 Tues At the Tabernacle Chapel, in this town, the marriage of Mr. David Owen Roberts, Portmadoc, to Miss Annie Jones, Graystone House, eldest daughter of the late Mr. David Jones,
16/6 Thurs Town Council: GENERAL HOLIDAY. It was resolved that Tuesday next be kept as a general holiday, that a bonfire be made on Bank- y-Warren, and also that the houses be illuminated at night.
16/6 Thurs Alderman James, the much respected Mayor, gave a splendid treat to the whole of the children in the borough, numbering between 700 and 800, in the Market house.
21/6 Tues Queen’s Jubilee: A general holiday, the weather being beautifully fine. Although comparatively little enthusiasm had been evinced in taking up the movement, yet a good deal was done almost spontaneously. At an early hour the town was gaily decorated with flags and festoons, and hundreds availed themselves of the opportunity afforded them by the holiday to resort to the Gwbert and Poppit to spend the day at the seaside, vehicles and boats being in great demand.
21/6 Wedding of Mr. James Davies, mariner, to Miss Rachel Thomas, daughter of Mr. Joshua Thomas, groom at the Black Lion Hotel, at St Mary’s Church.
22/6 Death of David William, son of Thomas Jones, carpenter, College Row, aged 7 weeks.

Burials in the town cemetery:

EE08 Sarah THOMAS, Cardigan, St Mary’s, Pontycleifon, 7 Feb 1887, 67, widow of John (shoemaker)
AA16 Gladys Beatrice KELLY, Cardigan, St Mary’s, North Gate House, 4 Mar 1887, 5m, daughter of Scott Freeland (engineer)
NE12 John Patrick JAMES, Cardigan, St Mary’s, White Hart Inn, 1 Apr 1887, 4m, son of David (mariner)
D12 Griffith Davies OWENS, Cardigan, St Mary’s, 1 Grangetown, 2 Apr 1887, 6w, son of John (Solicitors Clerk)
ND09 Mary VOLK, Cardigan, St Mary’s, Newtown, 21 Apr 1887, 32, wife of Albert (Poultry Dealer)
SD06 David William JONES, Cardigan, St Mary’s, College Row, 24 Jun 1887, 7w, son of Thomas (carpenter)
NEE11 Rachel LEWIS, Cardigan, St Mary’s, Ebens Lane, 27 Aug 1887, 85, spinster
NEE11 Elizabeth RICHARDS, Cardigan, St Mary’s, Pontycleifion, 13 Sep 1887, 78, widow
NCC06 Austin Lewis EVANS, Cardigan, St Mary’s, North Gate Terr, 24 Sep 1887, 4m, son of Rev M Evans (Congregational Minister)
ND10 David WILLIAMS, Cardigan, St Mary’s, Newtown, 11 Oct 1887, 12, son of Leah (widow)
SAA04 Herbert DAVIES, Cardigan, St Mary’s, Greenfield Row, 21 Nov 1887, 72, master mariner
E09 Mary Jane OWENS, Cardigan, St Mary’s, Catherine Row, 24 Nov 1887, 35, wife of John (mariner)
NEE11 Thomas DAVIES, Cardigan, St Mary’s, Mwldan Uchaf, 2 Dec 1887, 32, sailor

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