Kellys Directory of South Wales 1923

Pontardawe

This is an extract by Gareth Hicks (Sept 2007) from the CD of the same title with the kind permission of Archive CD Books

PONTARDAWE, a small town in the parishes of Rhyndwyely Docks [? probably the hamlet of Rhyndwy-Clydach which is in Llangyfelach parish], Cilybebyll and Llanguicke, Glamorgan, is very prettily seated in the valley of the Swansea, 7 1/2 miles north-east from the town of Swansea, and is the head of a union formed in 1875, and also of a petty sessional division, in the Neath division of the county of Glamorgan, and in the rural deanery of East Gower, archdeaconry of Carmarthen and diocese of St. David's.

The Swansea canal runs through, and the London, Midland and Scottish railway has a station here. The village is lighted by gas by the Pontardawe Gas Co. Limited.

The church of St. Peter (a chapel of ease to the parish church), erected in 1862, at a cost of nearly £20,000, is an edifice of Welsh sandstone, with Bath stone dressings, in the Gothic style, consisting of chancel, nave, aisles, and an embattled western tower, 200 feet in height and containing one bell ; at the outside corners of the tower are two rounded columns elaborately sculptured : the church was erected at the expense of the late W. Parsons esq. of Pontardawe : in July 1894, a reredos of Caen stone, marbles and mosaic, was erected; at a cost of about £200, as a memorial to the Rev. D. Jones, vicar 1859-92 and the Rev. T. E. Davies, curate 1883-92, who died within one month of each other in the early part of 1892 ; the stained east window was the gift of Mrs. Davies ; the chancel floor has been raised and laid with polished marble and new choir stalls erected, at a cost of £250, defrayed by A. Gilbertson esq. : a new screen and altar were given by Mrs. Griffiths, and sedilia by D. Hanbury Hopkins esq.; an English service is held in the morning and a Welsh service in the evening : the church has 650 sittings.

The church of All Saints (a chapel of ease to the parish church), erected in 1886, by Arthur Gilbertson esq. of Glanrhyd, as a memorial to his father, the late William Gilbertson, stands on. high ground overlooking Pontardawe, and is a building of stone consisting of chancel, nave, north porch and a belfry with a peal of. 8 tubular bells given by the inhabitants of Pontardawe as a testimonial to the founder : there are memorial brasses to William Gilbertson and to Lettice Mary, daughter of Arthur Gilbertson esq. and. two stained windows: there are 370 sittings. The register dates from the year 1887.

The Public Hall and Institute, in Herbert street, erected at a cost of £6,000, was opened in 1909.

There are steel and tinplate and chemical works here.

Parish Clerk, Griffith G. Evans.

Post, M. O., T. & T. E. D. Office (letters should have Swansea added). - George Hughes, postmaster

GLAMORGAN COUNTY MAGISTRATES FOR PONTARDAWE PETTY SESSIONAL DIVISION.

• Edwards John, Glancawlas, George street, Pontardawe
• Evans Thomas Alexander, Pantleg, Ystalyf era
• Evans William Owen M.B.E. Bryncelyn, Pontardawe
• Gilbertson Charles, Gellygron, Pontardawe
• Gilbertson Francis William, Llwynymor,Mumbles, Glam
• Gough Fleming Richard Dansey Aubrey, Yniscedwyr house, Ystradgynlais, Breconshire
• Jenkins Samuel, Cwmgorse farm, Gwaun-cae-Gurwen Glam
• John Daniel William, Cwm, Olydach
• Lewis Mrs. Hannah, Graig-y-pal, Glais
• Lloyd John Herbert Pardon, Pas Cilybebyll,Pontardawe Glamorgan
• Miers Henry Nathaniel, The Cottage, Ynyspenllwch Swansea Valley
• Phillips Francis Rosser, Ynysmudw house, Pontardawe
• Player John, Thirlestaine hall, Cheltenham
• Player W. J. Percy M.B.E. Wernfadog, Clydach, Glam
• Powell Hopkin James, Wern, Ystalyfera
• Strick George Henry, Cefneithin, Lower Cwmtwrch, Glamorgan
• Thomas Abraham H. Crymlyn villa, Llansamlet, Glam
• Thomas Richard, Y Gwersyll, Clydach, Glana
• Williams David T. Graig road, AlItwen

The chairman, for the time being, of the Pontardawe Rural District Council, is an ex-officio magistrate.

Clerk to the Magistrates, John W. Thorpe, Police Court buildings, Alexander road, Swansea.

Petty Sessions are held at the Police court every alternate friday at 12

The following places are included in the Petty Sessional division : - Alltwen, Brynamman, Cadoxton (part of), Clydach (part of), Glais, Llangyfelach (part of), Llanguicke, Llansamlet (part of), Pontardawe, Ynysmeudw & Ystalyfera

PONTARDAWE HOSPITAL COMMITTEE.

The Committee was formed in 1901, & consists of six members.

Meetings are held monthly at the Council offices.

Chairman, David Thomas Williams J.P. Alltwen Hill, Pontardawe, Glamorganshire

Clerk, Wyndham Lewis, Pontardawe, Glamorganshire

PONTARDAWE RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL.

The parishes in the district are : - Kilybebyll or Cilybebyll, Llangiwg, Mawr, Rhyndwyglydach & Ynysymond.

The area is 34,969 acres ; population in 1911, 31,498, & in 1921, 34,623

Council meets at the Council offices on thursdays (fortnightly) at 2 p.m.

Chairman, J. A. Evans, Ystalyfera

Officials.

• Clerk, Wyndham Lewis, Council offices, Pontardawe
• Deputy Clerk, Noah Lewis Davies, Pontardawe
• Treasurer, Frederick Charles Woodliffe, Lloyds Bank Ltd. Swansea
• Medical Officer of Health, William James Lewis L.R.C.P. & S.Edin. Tyrwaun, Ystalyfera
• Engineer & Surveyor, B. Islwyn Phillips, Council offices
• Assistant Surveyor & Building Inspector, M. L. Morgan, Council offices
• Sanitary Inspector, Albert E. Edmunds, Pontardawe

PONTARDAWE UNION.

Board day, alternate thursdays in the Board room, Holly street, Pontardawe, at 12.30 p.m.

The union comprises the following parishes : - Kilybebyll or Cilybebyll, Llanguicke, Mawr, Rhyndwyclydach, Ynysymond, Ystradgynlais Higher (Breconshire) & Ystradgynlais Lower (Breconshire).

The population of the union in 1921 was 157,858; area, 57,168 acres ; rateable value £159,662

• Chairman of the Board of Guardians, Joseph Thomas, Gnoll road, Godregraig
• Clerk to the Guardians & Assessment Committee,Wyndham Lewis, Pontardawe
• Deputy Clerk, Richard H. Lloyd, Union offices, Pontardawe
• Treasurer, Frederick Charles Woodliffe, Lloyds Bank Ltd. Swansea
• Collectors to the Guardians & Relieving Officers, David Jenkins, Ystalyfera ; Griffith Jeffreys, Lower Cwmtwrch & David Thomas, Alltwen, Pontardawe
• Medical Officers & Public Vaccinators, William Owen Evans M.B.E., J.P., L.R.C.P. & S.Edin.,L.R.F.P.S. Glas. Pontardawe; James Havard Jones M.B. Clydach ; William James Lewis L.R.C.P. & S.Edin. Ystalyfera ; John Haydn Timothy M.R.C.S.Eng., L.R.C.P.Lond. Brook vil. Gwauncaegurwen & Edmond Walsh L.R.C.P.S.Edin. The Surgery, Ystradgynlais

Pontardawe Poor Law Institution, built of stone in 1879, at a cost of £8,890, to hold 130 inmates; E. Vincent Thomas, master ; William Owen Evans M. B. E. , J. P. , L.R. C. P. & S. E din. , L .R.F.P. S. Glas. medical officer ; Mrs. M. B. Thomas, matron

PONTARDAWE REGISTRATION DISTRICT.

• Superintendent Registrar, Wyndham Lewis, Council offices, Pontardawe
• Registrars of Births & Deaths & Vaccination Officers, Daniel Morgan, High street, Pontardawe & Griffith Jeffreys, Lower Cwmtwrch
• Registrar of Marriages, Noah Lewis Davies, Ardwyn, Pontardawe, Glam

PUBLIC ESTABLISHMENTS.

• County Police Station, Henry Carpenter, inspector; James James, sergeant, & 5 constables
• Ministry of Labour Employment Exchange (branch office), Herbert street, G. O. Thomas, manager
• Public Hall & Institute, Herbert street, Gwilym Rees, sec. ; Evan Davis, caretaker

PUBLIC OFFICERS.

• Certifying Factory Surgeon, William Owen Evans M.B.E., J.P.,L.R.C.P.,L.M.,L.R.C.S.Edin., L.R.F.P.S., L.M.Glas. Bryncelyn, Pontardawe
• Clerk to Pontardawe Pension Sub-Committee, Wyndham Lewis, Council offices
• Collector of Poor Rates, David Davies, Herbert street Collector of Poor Rates, Llanguicke, David Thomas Williams, Alltwen
• Custom & Excise Officer (vacant)
• Inspector of Police, Henry Carpenter
• Stamp Distributor (inland revenue), George Hughes

PLACES OF WORSHIP.

• St. Peter's Church, Rev. Thomas Maddock Jones B.A. vicar ; Rev. William Seaward Edmond B.A. Rev. Thomas William Jones B.A. & Rev. Benjamin Everard Hughes B.A. curates
• All Saints, Rev. William Seaward Edmond B.A. curate in charge
• Baptist (Adulam), Swansea. road, Rev. Lewis Goronwy Lewis
• Baptist (Elim), Brecon road
• Calvinistic (Zoar), Rev. David Glanaman Jones
• Congregational (Tabernacle) (Welsh), Rev. H. Seiriol Williams
• Wesleyan (Swansea English Circuit), Western road, Rev. Llewelyn Morgan

SCHOOLS.

• Secondary School, erected at a cost of £12,500 & opened Sept. 4th, 1913, for 200 mixed; John Wm. Thomas B.A. head master
• Public Elementary Schools, built in 1885, for 321 girls & 320 infants; & in 1914, for 321 boys; T. Roger Williams, master; (vacant) mistress; Miss Hannah Jones, infants' mistress
• Infants' School, erected in 1913 at a cost of £12,500, for 110 infants ; Miss Hannah Donne, mistress The schools are controlled by the Pontardawe group of County Council school managers ; Ashley W. Samuel, King's hall, Orchard street, Swansea, clerk

Midland Railway Station, William James Beebe, station master

PRIVATE RESIDENTS.

• Bevan F. R. Glyn-Teg
• Clatworthy Arthur, 4 Uplands
• Dahne O. G. Logan, Gwgnfa
• Davies John Philip, Bryncoed
• Davies Mrs. Danygraig
• Davies Mrs. Stanley, Eirinwg
• Davies William, Maesywern
• Dixon Thomas, Alltycham
• Edmond Rev. William Seaward B.A. (curate in charge of All Saints'), Uplands
• Edwards John J.P. Glancawlas, George street
• Evans John, Gravel bank
• Evans William Owen .M.B.E., J.P. Bryncelyn
• Gilbertson Charles Geoffrey J.P. Gellygron
• Harris Daniel, 22 High street
• Hopkin  Arthur, High street
• Hopkin Phillip, Red house
• Hughes Rev. Benjamin Everard B.A (curate), Brecon road
• Jones Rev. Thomas Maddock B.A. (vicar of Llanguicke), The Vicarage
• Jones Rev. Thomas William B.A (curate), 3 Dynevor terrace
• Jones Mrs. Glyn-meirch
• Lewis Rev. Lewis Goronwy (Baptist), Afallon, Western road
• Lewis Sydney S. Brynheulog
• Lewis Gwilym, Brecon road
• Lloyd Benjamin, 1 Uplands
• Michael Mrs. Brecon road
• Morgan Rev. Llewelyn (Wesleyan). Western road
• Nicholas Mrs. New road, Ynysmudw
• Roberts Mrs. Glynderwen  
• Seddon Mrs. 5 Uplands
• Slater Thomas Edward, Bryncaerdig
• Smith George .T, Sunny bank
• Walters David John, Woodlands
• Williams Rev. H. Seiriol (Congregational), The Manse

COMMERCIAL.

• Alltwen & Pontardawe Co-operative Society Limited, High street
• Army & Navy Stores,clothiers,James st
• Baker Sarah (Miss), shopkeeper, Herbert street
• Barclays Bank Ltd. (John John, manager), High street; open daily 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ; sat, 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 ; draw on head office, 54 Lombard street, London E C 3
• Bearan Ellen Amelia (Mrs.), nurse, 42 High street
• Bendle Joseph, boot maker, Herbert st
• Beresford Wm, beer retlr. Brecon rd
• Bevan John, farmer, Cwm-Clyd
• British & Argentine Meat Co. Ltd. butchers, Herbert street
• Cash & Co. boot makers, Herbert st
• Central. Garage Co. :(R. T. Evans, proprietor), motor engineers
• Cilybebyll Estate Office (John T.Lewis, agent)
• Clarke W. & A. boot & shoe reprs Herbert street
• Clarke Rat. dining rms. Herbert st
• Clatworthy Benjamin, watch & clock repairer, James street
• Clatworthy Thos. watch ma. Herbert st
• Dahne C. G. Logan L.S.A. physician & surgeon, Gwgnfa
• Davies & Co. ironmongers, High st
• Davies Dan, boot & shoe dlr. Herbert st
• Davies Daniel, beer retailer, Victoria inn, James street
• Davies David, milliner & collector of poor rates, Herbert street
• Davies Gruff H. outfitter, Bridge ho
• Davies John, farmer, Gellyhiog
• Davies John Christopher, outfitter, Cavendish & Victoria buildings  
• Davies John Thomas, china & glass dealer, 50 High street
• Davies Morgan, solicitor & commissioner for oaths, Herbert st. T N 2
• Davies Noah Lewis, deputy clerk to Pontardawe Rural District Council: & registrar of marriages for Pontardawe district
• Davies Richard, builder, Smithfields
• Davies Thomas (Mrs.), shopkeeper, James street
• Davies William, boot & shoe dealer, Herbert street
• Davies William, boot & shoe repairer. 61a, High street
• Davies William, butcher, High street
• Davies Wm. (Mrs.), grocer, High st
• Davies William,. shopkpr. 43 Brecon rd
• Davies Wm. J .dining rooms, Herbert st
• Davies William. Thompson, grocer, 115 High street
• Economic Hot Water Supply Co. hot water fitters
• Edmunds Albert E. sanitary inspector to Pontardawe Rural DistrictCouncil
• Edwards Hannah (Mrs.), shopkeeper,Church street
• Evans Arth. ironmonger, Herbert st
• Evans Evan Rees,coach bldr.Brecon rd
• Evans Stephen, farmer, Heolddu
• Evans Thomas, Cross hotel & posting house, High street
• Evans Thomas, Dynevor Arms P.H. James street
• Evans William Owen M.B.E. J.P., L.R.C.P. & L.M.Edin,Edin., L.R.F.P.S. L.M.Glas. physician & surgeon, medical officer & public vaccinator for No.1 district & medial officer Poor Law Institution &  Infirmary, Pontardawe union,. & certifying factory surgeon, Bryncelyn
• Francis H. & Son, motor engineers, 12 High street & Dynevor street ; works, James street. T N 59 ; T A " Franson "
• Francis John, tailor, High street
• Francis Philip, grocer, Church street
• Gape Elias Emlyn, beer retailer, Dillwyn Arms, The Cross
• Gilbertson William & Co. Limited, tin plate manufacturers. T N 54
• Glanrhyd Tinplate Co. Lim, tin plate manufacturers, Glantawe
• Goodland Percy,. tailor, Thomas st
• Griffiths Evan, chemist & druggist, Herbert street
• Hapgood R. & Co.electrical engineers, Brecon road
• Hardy Albert Henry, metal merchant, Brecon. chambers. T N 37 ; T A " Bonner "
• Harries David John, grocer, High st TN 63
• Harries John Griffith, income tax collector, Grove road
• Harries , Matthew Hy. draper, Herbert st
• Harris M.J.&Sons, grocers,Herbert st
• Harris George, hair dresser, James st
• Harris Trevor, confectnr. Herbert st
• Harris Wm. fried fish dlr.Herbert st
• Hawkins Richard David (late W. Thomas), monumental sculptor, Herbert street
• Hopkin Arthur, solicitor, 32 High st
• Howell Hy. hair dresser, 10 High st
• Howell Wm. farmer, Gellifowi Ganol
• Howell William Herbert, florist, The Cross. T N 97
• Humphreys D. & Sons, motor engineers, Swansea road
• Hunt W. baker, Herbert street
• India & China Tea Co, grocers, Herbert street
• James David Edwd. grcr. Herbert st
• Jenkins D. & Son,clothiers,Herbert st
• Jenkins David & San, confectioners,Herbert street
• Jenkins & Harman,news agts.Herbert st
• Jenkins & Co. clothiers, Thomas st
• Jenkins Edward, grocer, Grove road
• Jenkins Rd. hair dresser, 54 High st
• John David, confectioner, Herbert st
• Jones Albert, grocer, Brecon road
• Jones Ann (Mrs.), farmer, Pwllwatkin
• Jones Arthur, fishmonger, Herbert st
• Jones Arthur Llewellyn, grocer, 30 Brecon road
• Jones David, butcher, Brecon road  
• Jones David, farmer, Tynypant
• Jones Evan D., M.S.A. architect to Rural Dist. Council, Council offices
• Jones Flossie (Miss),grocer,Herbert st
• Jones Hopkin, farmer, Tresgerch
• Jones Ivor, butcher, Herbert street
• Jones Rees, shopkeeper, 7 Dynevor ter
• Jones Thomas, farmer, Coedcaemawr
• Jones Thomas, farmer, Gellyhuog
• Joseph David, shopkpr. 9 Dynevor ter
• Lewis Bros. (Pontardawe) Ltd. Fountain mineral water works. T N 46
• Lewis Lewis Griffith Ltd. chemical manufacturers,Pontardawe chemical works. T N 35 .
• Lewis & Co. grocers, Swansea road
• Lewis David, shopkpr. Dynevor ter
• Lewis David, greengro. Herbert st
• Lewis Wyndham, clerk to the guardians & assessment committce of Pontardawe union, to the Rural District Council, to Pontardawe Pension Sub-Committee & to the Joint Hospital Committee & Supt, registrar of Pontardawe district, Council offices
• Lloyd David & Sons, boot makers, Herbert street
• Lloyd Daniel, draper, Manchester house, Herbert street
• Lloyd Daniel (Mrs.), registry office for servants, Manchester ho. Herbert st
• Lloyd Lionel Robert, solicitor & commissioner for oaths, Herbert street
• Lloyd Richard H. deputy clerk to the Pontardawe Guardians, Council offices
• Lloyds Bank Limited (George J. Smith, manager) (open daily 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ;. sat. 9 a.m. to 12 noon), 66 Herbert street; draw on head office, 71 Lombard street, London E C 3
• London Joint City & Midland Bank Limited (sub-branch) (C. Nash Leebrandt  & C. C. Vivian, joint managers) (open daily  a.m. to 3 p.m. ; sat. 9 a.m. to 12 noon), Swansea rd. ; draw on head office, 5 Threadneedle street,London EC 2
• Mathews William Edwin, billiard saloon, Herbert street
• Maybery Jas, dining rooms, Herbert st
• Ministry of Labour Employment Exchange (branch office) (G. O. Thomas, manager), Herbert street.
• Morgan Daniel, farmer, Gelly gron
• Morgan Daniel, registrar of births & deaths & vaccination officer, Pontardawe district, High street
• Morgan David, shopkpr. Church st
• Morgan Evan F.A.I. district manager Pearl Assur. Co.Ltd. 13 Swansea rd
• Morgan L. Morgan,assistant surveyor & building inspector to the Pontardawe Rural District Council, Council offices
• Morgan Lewis, chimney swp. Grove rd.
• Morgan Mary Edith (Mrs.), shopkeeper, 61 High street
• Morgan Thos. J. chemist, Swansea rd
• Morgans John,hair dresser,Herbert st
• Moruzzi & Co. shopkprs. Herbert st
• Owen Jsph. Danl. outfitter,Herbert st
• Owen Stanley, butcher, Thomas st
• Palace (John J. Mathias, proprietor)
• Pavilion (H. Francis, proprietor)
• Payne Charles Burgess, fishmonger, 83 High street
• Peacock George & Co. Ltd. bazaar, Herbert street
• Pearl Assurance Co. Limited (Evan Morgan F.A..I. district manager), Swansea road
• Phillips Allan Read, butcher, Herbert street
• Phillips B. Islywn, engineer & surveyor to the Rural District Council, Council offices
• Phillips Bathsheba (Mrs.), confectioner, Herbert street
• Phillips Daniel, Pontardawe  inn, Herbert street
• Phillips Ernest, tailor, 64 Herbert st
• Pontardawe Coal & Metal Co. iron merchants, Herbert street
• PONTARDAWE FOUNDRY & ENGINEERING CO. iron founders, Holly street. T N 78
• Pontardawe Permanent Building Society (Benj. Lloyd, sec.),Herbert st
• Pontardawe Public Hall & Institute (Rees Gwilym, sec.), Herbert st
• Powell Saml. greengrocer, Brecon rd.
• Price David, grocer, 95 High street
• Pugh John, shopkpr. Ynisderw road
• Pugh Thomas Martin, boot & shoe repairer, 24 Herbert street
• Puntan John, tailor, Herbert street
• Rapsey Brothers Limited, wine & spirit merchants, Orchard street
• Rapsey Thomas, Castle hotel, High st
• Rees J. & G. butchers, High street
• Rees David (Mrs.), boot ma. High st
• Rees Rees, dentist, Herbert street
• Rees Rees Morgan, solicitr. Herbert st
• Rees Richard Hadyn, greengrocer,Herbert street
• Rees Thomas, hair dresser,Herbert st
• Rees Thomas L. grocer, High street
• Reynolds Henry, grocer, High street
• Roberts Herbert, farmer, Brynwith
• Scale George, grocer, High street
• Scale Howel, draper, 7 High street
• Slee Richard Eaton, insurance agent,High street
• South Wales Basic Slag & Phosphates Co. Limited, basic manure grinders
• South Wales Primrose Coal Co. Ltd. (Thomas Dixon, sec.), Primrose collieries. T N 5
• Steadman Margaret (Mrs.), shopkpr. James street
• Swansea Vale Brewery (Evan Evans Bevan, proprietor)
• Tawe Vale Colliery Co. Limited, Ynyspechan. T N 91
• Tawe Valley Gas Co. Ltd. (Arthur G. Lofthouse, engineer, manager & sec.), Holly street
• Temblett Wm. coal mer. Swansea rd
• Thomas Bros. builders, Ynisderw rd
• Thomas Agnes Edna (Mrs.), draper,High street
• Thomas David, cabinet ma.Herbert st
• Thomas David Isaac,shpkpr. Church st
• Thomas Gwyn M.chemist,Swansea rd
• Thomas John, grocer, Herbert street
• Thomas Roger Howell, builder & contractor, Holly street. T N 31
• Thomas Thomas Glyn, outfitter, 5 High street
• Thomas William, butcher, High st
• Thomas William, draper, Herbert st
• Thompson John William, herbalist, Holly street
• Traylor James, shopkeepr. Herbert st
• Watkins Leticia (Mrs.), shopkeeper, Ynisderw road
• West Wales Observer (Will Hopkin, proprietor & editor; friday), Herbert street
• Williams Bros. builders, Swansea rd
• Williams J. & R. blacksmiths
• Williams T. G. & Co. manufacturers of baking powders
• Williams Albert, motor & cycle agent, Cross garage
• Williams Dan, outfitter, Herbert st
• Williams Daniel, butcher, James st
• Williams David, fried fish dealer, 105 High street
• Williams David Ernest, dentist, Herbert street
• Williams Ioan, teacher of music, Brecon road
• Williams John, shopkeeper, New road
• Williams John, watch & clock maker, Herbert street
• Williams Jn. L. stationer, Herbert st
• Williams Jn.Oliver, laundry, Holly st
• Williams Llewellyn, farmer, Ynysmudwy Ganol
• Williams Llewelyn, farmer, The Farm, Brecon road
• Williams Mary (Mrs.), dining roomy, High street
• Williams T. Victor  P.A.S.I. auctioneer, Holly street

[Last Updated : 8 August 2011- Gareth Hicks]