Newspaper extracts for Merthyr Tydfil

There are many references to this area in the 15 million Welsh and English language articles from Welsh newspapers transcribed by the NLW and viewable on Welsh Newspapers Online
Below are English language articles that have been re-transcribed and extracted randomly to illustrate what is available, there are many that are not extracted here that include names of local people

Searches made on the following names in this order; Merthyr Tydfil, Aberfan, Cyfarthfa, Dowlais, Georgetown & Treharris

•  From The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian Glamorgan Monmouth… 26th September 1857

MERTHYR TYDFIL. CHARTER OF INCORPORATION. PUBLIC MEETING. A numerously attended meeting was held at the Temperance Hall, Merthyr Tydfil, on Wednesday last, convened by Mr. Walter Smyth, High-constable, in accordance with a requisition "for the purpose of considering the expediency of applying, to her Majesty's Privy Council for a Charter of Incorporation for this District." A similar movement was set on foot twenty years ago. The Municipal Reform Act was passed in 1835, and was intended to complete the Reform Bill. At that time the population of the parish of Merthyr amounted to about thirty thousand, and it was felt by the principal tradesmen of the be desirable to have the town incorporated; but the proposal was strongly opposed by the ironmasters and landowners of the district, and accordingly it remained in abeyance. The question, however, was only postponed; the desire to have a corporation still continued to animate the principal inhabitants of the town, and it only remained for some one to move in the matter, to call the feeling into life     ....(part extract of a long article)........

• From The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian Glamorgan Monmouth… 17th October 1857

MERTHYR TYDFIL. The Iron Masters and the Charter of Incorporation. On Wednesday afternoon last a meeting was held in the Temperance Hall, for the purpose, according to announcement, of considering the propriety of opposing the proceedings of the late meeting, held for the purpose ot petitioning for a Charter of Incorporation. Among those present on the platform we noticed the following:           ....(part extract of a long article)........       Mr. Hill begged permission to make some prefatory remarks as to his not being present at the meeting on Wednesday, the 23rd September. A deputation waited upon him asking him to sign the requisition, but he declined doing so to either. He appeared there on the grounds that the town was in possession of every benefit and necessary privilege. They had a Burial Board, a Board of Guardians, a County Court, a Board of Health, a County Police, and a Stipendiary Magistrate, and last, not least, a Member for the borough (hear, hear). There was no complaint against the three first, but against the fourth there was considerable opposition. It was said the ironmasters had interest in not supplying a sufficient amount of water. The money never had been obtained, however, Nor was there any prospect, although two gentlemen had made offers of loan. It was admitted the Board uf Health had done some good, and the objections against it were chiefly owing to ignorance. With respect to the police, it was obvious, in his opinion, that a corporation police would not be nearly as efficient as the present one. The statute laws, full of obscurities, such as no ordinary mind could well discern, would scarcely be appreciated by any corporation. They had been very fortunate in having as a stipendiary magistrate, one who was liberal, fair, and everything that was required. He need say nothing of their excellent member after his talented address. He did not object to it on the ground of expanse, but because affairs of the town could be better -much better-governed under the present system than with a municipal government (applause). Their worthy coroner, Mr. Overton, had held out a challenge for the iron masters to attend before the meeting, and argue the case. He promised him that the challenge should be accepted (applause). It was not only probable, but certain that in the event of the measure bringing about rates, they would be appealed against, or at least amended. Mr. Hill then moved the first resolution, which was to effect that the meeting considered an application for a charter of in corporation needless.        ....(part extract of a long article)........  

•  From the Monmouthshire Merlin 18th July 1857

MERTHYR TYDFIL. The iron trade seems to be in a rather depressed state at present, though orders are plentiful in our great establishments, and the men, consequently, in full employ, and not working only three or four turns a week, as we remember the case with them years ago. We hope a revival in this staple manufacture is close at hand. At Cyfarthfa works, a new mill is in course of being erected; while Dowlais works, we are informed, are also to be extended very much.

• From The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian Glamorgan Monmouth… 24th September 1859

MERTHYR TYDFIL GRAND NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD. [BY OUR OWN REPORTER.] This great gathering of Welshmen for the promotion of the intellectual culture of the mind, and the advancement of Welshmen in social progress took place at Merthyr, on Wednesday and Thursday, under the presidency of H. A. Bruce, Esq., the respected member for the borough. The weather was very unpropitious, which prevented many attending the interesting proceedings. Among the ladies and gentlemen who were on the platform we noticed the following:         ....(part extract of a long article)........  

•  From The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian Glamorgan Monmouth… 22nd May 1863

MERTHYR TYDFIL. TO THE EDITOR OF THE GUARDIAN.

Dear Sir.—In your literary notices an article appears under the head of the "Sussex Ironmasters'' in Glamorganshire, which is originally from the pen of Mr. William Llewellin, Pontypool. The article is truly one of great merit, and gives a full and most interesting account, as far as it has gone, of the origin of the iron trade in this district but, the remark incidentally made with regard to the iron trade, and its origin in Merthyr is not correct. "The district of Merthyr Tydfil owes the origin of modern iron manufacture to the late Mr. Bacon, whose attention seems to have been awakened to the importance and value of its minerals, and who had the foresight to secure a lease of an extensive tract, embracing an extent upwards ot eight miles Iong by a width of fully four miles, and comprehending the greater portion of the properties connected with the great iron works of Cyfarthfa, Penydarren, Dowlais and Plymouth".   Scrivener in his history of the iron trade published in 1841 (page 122.) has the following statement :—" Soon afterwards, about the year 1783, having accumulated a splendid fortune (meaning Mr. Bacon) he disposed of his mineral kingdom by leases to different parties and in lots: the Cyfarthfa Works, the largest portion ;- the Penydarren to Mr. Homfray;  Dowlais, to Messrs. Lewis and Tait and a fourth part (the Plymouth- Works) to Mr. Hill. As to the Plymouth Works, as the name indicates, were erected on the property of the Earl of Plymouth—they also had a lease of the minerals under the whole of Lord Plymouth's property in the neighbourhood of the works; also, under Mr. Rowland Thomas of the Aber and Morlanga and Scubornewydd, the property of the late Mr. Davies, Merthyr. Mr. Bacon may have had an interest in the Plymouth taking, as there existed a family connection,—but, I believe, it was not so. I am morally certain he had nothing to do with the leases of Penydarren nor Dowlais. The truth is as far as my information goes that Mr. Bacon was not the first ironmaster in Merthyr   ....(part extract of a long article)........  

I am, Sir, your obedient servant, RODERICK I. MURCHISON. 16, Belgrave.square, May 16.

• From the South Wales Daily News (Third Edition) 31st August 1896

MERTHYR TYDFIL COUNTY SCHOOL. A meeting was held on Saturday afternoon of the governors of the Intermediate School, Merthyr. An animated discussion took place with regard to the salary to be paid the head- mistress, Mr D. W. Jones proposing to rescind the resolution already arrived at, fixing the amount at £ 220.—Alderman David Davies said he objected strongly to the proposed salary, which was £70 more than other counties were giving.—     ....(part extract)........

• From  The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian Glamorgan Monmouth… 21st November 1868

MERTHYR TYDFIL ELECTION. THE rejection of the Right Hon. Henry Austin Bruce reflects anything but credit on the enlarged constituency of Merthyr and Aberdare. Our political sympathies are not with Mr. Bruce, but we are constrained to give expression to a feeling of surprise, if not of disgust, that the constituency, after years of faithful service, should have shown such a want of intelligence and gratitude as to prefer Messrs. Richard and Fothergill. In rejecting Mr. Bruce, Merthyr Tydfil has dishonoured itself in the eyes of the nation.

• From The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian Glamorgan Monmouth… 13th December 1856

MERTHYR TYDFIL BURIAL BOARD. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the above Board will on the 31st December inst.. proceed to the ELECTION of an ARCHITECT and SURVEYOR for laying out the grounds of the proposed Cemetery, and preparing Building Plans and Specifications for the Chapels, Boundary Walls and other Buildings.    ....(part extract)........

•  From the Monmouthshire Merlin 5th June 1847

EDUCATION AT MERTHYR TYDFIL. To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.

SIR,-One or two errors of some importance crept into my letter which appeared in the last MERLIN. The fourth column in the table of the increase of the population at Merthyr for the last forty years, is designated Nominal increase," instead of Annual increase." In another part I am made to say, "Mr. Stephens must not let go my hold of him," instead of "Mr.  Stephens must not imagine that I will let go my hold of him."  And 48,337 is inserted twice instead of 48,437. Lest Mr. Stephens and others may be misled by the above inaccuracies, you will oblige me by inserting this note in your next MERLIN. I think that C. Conway, Esq., has mistaken one fact in my first letters. I did not state that the Merthyr National Schools were supported by money stopped from the wages of the workmen but such is the case at Dowlais, and almost every one of the large ironworks in Monmouthshire and Glamorgan. Who ever wishes to see this proved, let them consult Mr. Seymour s Tremenheere's report on the state of the mining districts in 1846.      ....(part extract)........

 I am, sir, yours, respectfully, EVAN JONES, May 22, 1847. Tredegar,

• From The Aberdare Times 9th September 1893

MERTHYR TYDFIL UNION. CONTRACT FOR SUPPLIES FOR THE WORK- HOUSE, MERTHYR, AND THE ABERDARE INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.

THE GUARDIANS desire TENDERS for the Supply of Sides of Beef, and Legs cut close to the rump. Mutton, Pork, Australian Meat. Bacon (Stretford and Cumberland cut, and bellies). Bread, Flour (plain tie), Oatmeal (Irish). Potatoes. Coal (in truck loads at the railway stations), Coke, Small Coal, and Firewood. Butter and Cheese. Groceries. Out-door Supplies, at Merthyr, Dowlais, Hirwain, Aberdare, and Mountain Ash.  -  Beef and Mutton-best quality.  The above Tenders to be for 3 Months only, viz., from the 30th September, 1893, to 30th March, 1894, both inclusive        ....(part extract)........

•  From The Merthyr Express 20th August 1910

ABERFAN. THE. BIRCH.—At a juvenile court at Merthyr on Friday,***** of Aberfan, were charged with breaking and  entering the Pantglas Infants School, Aberfan, and stealing a quantity of small articles.—The Bench ordered each child to receive six strokes with the birch.

OUTING.—The Aberfan C.M. Sunday Schools annual outing took place last Monday, when nearly 200 members went to Barry Island. The weather was delightful, and both children and adults had a happy time. The sands proved a veritable delight to the juveniles. The journey to and fro was made without any untoward event

• From the South Wales Daily News (Third Edition) 15th June 1899

ABERFAN CEMETERY. SHOCKING STATE OF AFFAIRS. At the meeting of the above board on Wednesday it was reported by the Aberfan sexton that on the 19th Mav great inconvenience was caused by water coming into the new graves. In one case, when the coffin was lowered into the grave, it was covered with water. The Rev. J. W. Price said at some part of the graveyard a terrible stench arose in the rainy weather. The sexton in the case reported was nearly swamped. They would have him buried alive one of these days. After a discussion it was resolved upon the motion of the Rev. J. W. Price that the Aberfan sexton be directed to sink trial holes and endeavour to trace the quicksands in the cemetery.

•  From The Merthyr Express 18th June 1910

ABERFAN BRIDGE.

Sir,—I see from the papers that our Borough Council are going to make a new bridge at Aberfan in reinforced concrete, which, I understand, is the same as the Cefn Bridge as far as the material and arch go. I hope our Borough Engineer and Councillors have taken into account the danger of subsidence as is very evident in the existing sewer itself and surrounding buildings, owing to the proximity of colliery workings. I cannot enter into the merits of this new form of construction against steel work, but I think the new bridge should be on the same lines as a steel bridge, viz., resting on abutments.        ....(part extract)........

I am, etc.,  A RATEPAYER. 10th June, 1910.

• From the Weekly Mail 11th January 1908

NEW SCHOOLS AT ABERFAN, OPENING OF BUILDINGS COSTING £7,500. Although the mixed school put up at Aberfan was built only in the year 1903, the increase in population has caused its accommodation to be considerably out grown. and in order to make provision for and future exigencies the Merthyr Borough Council have caused to be new school for infants and a new school for girls, the old school to be used henceforth exlusively for boys. These new schools have just been completed, and were formally opened on Tuesday evening by      ....(part extract)........

• From The Cardiff Times 31st October 1885

CYFARTHFA. FATAL PIT EXPLOSION. — On Tuesday an adjourned inquest was held on the body of Watkin Williams, 65, collier, of Heolgerrig, who died on the 18th inst. from the effects of injuries received in an explosion at Cwm pit. The jury returned a verdict of Accidental death."

•  From the South Wales Daily News 13th January 1880

CYFARTHFA. IRONWORKS.—The important contracts in hand at these works requires a still further extension of operations, and this week will probably witness the lighting up of two more blast furnaces, one at Ynisfach and another at Cyfarthfa. In addition to this, the new puddling furnace for pig-iron will soon be in working order.

•  From the South Wales Daily News 7th June 1880

CYFARTHFA. FATAL ACCIDENT.—A boy named David Evans, employed as a haulier at the Cyfarthfa Ironworks, died on Saturday night, from the effect of being crushed under a loaded coal track. One of his legs was amputated before he succumbed.

• From The Merthyr Telegraph and General Advertiser for… 20th June 1857

CYFARTHFA. IN accordance with a requisition signed by many of the Cyfarthfa workmen, Mr. T. Robinson delivered his lecture on the "History of Cyfarthfa," at the School-room, George Town, on Monday evening last. There was a. good attendance ;—a pleasant gathering of the steady and intelligent working men connected with the works. Every department was represented—the collier came from his toil, and the miner from his perilous employment; puddlers forsook the furnace, the railman the rolls.—In the midst were agents and clerks, and, excellent arrangement, the worthy cashier, Mr. Wm. Jones, occupied the chair. Having treated this lecture at length before, it is scarcely necessary to do otherwise than mention the perfect success of its second delivery. Some features of the lecture we noticed were omitted, and considerable improvements made in others; while the introduction was entirely changed, being devoted to a retrospective view of the district's history prior to Bacon's time and little facts concerning our old forefathers that were highly interesting. We looked down as it were, on a primitive time, and saw this district, ranging from Vaynor to Gellygaer, dotted with little farms at long intervals apart; farms occupied by men of unrefined habits, yet devout in their lives; daring many a danger, many a difficulty, in order to attend the mountain meeting held in the shady cwms,       .........(part extract of a long article)........  

• From the Monmouthshire Merlin 30th November 1877

DOWLAIS. FORTUNE TELLING. -There is a woman at Dowlais who drives a rattling trade of imposture in the shape of palm-reading, card shuffling, and charm-mixing. Her customers include not a few married women, whose age might have caused one to think that they ought to know better. One day quite recently one of these ladies repaired to her for a "charm," "herewith to bring back the affections of an estranged husband. The following was the advice given her:—"Buy a penny doll made of wood (the most like your husband that you can find), with moveable arms and legs worked by a string, and bury it in the earth along with a packet of 'love-restorer,' which I shall give you. Let it remain in the ground for nine days, and then take it up put it under your pillow that night, and burn the packet. If that does not cure your husband, nothing will. The charge is only half a crown."

• From the Monmouthshire Merlin 7th May 1870

DOWLAIS. FATAL EXPLOSION.—An explosion, attended with fatal results to, at least, one man and fifteen horses, took place on Saturday night, at the No. 2 Vichriw Pit, near Dowlais. Only two men were left in the pit at the time of the accident, or the loss of life would have been much greater. The second has since died. It was at this pit, which is the property of the Dowlais Iron Company, that on two occasions the winding- rope broke, and caused the death of several men. The cause of the present catastrophe is shrouded in mystery.

•  From The Cardiff Times 26th September 1874

DOWLAIS. THE STEEL WORKS.—These works, belonging to the Dowlais Iron Company, we are sorry to say, have been at a standstill since the latter part of last week for lack of orders. Many conflicting rumours are about concerning the making and using of steel rails, but what to believe is hard to tell. A part of the Goat Mill, which was turning out steel rails, has lately been turned to the manufacture of iron rails.

• From The Cardiff Times 4th July 1874

DOWLAIS. UNLAWFUL HOURS.-At the Merthyr Police-court on Saturday, before Mr A. de Rutzen, John Ashton, land-lord of the Royal Exchange beerhouse, was summoned for selling beer during unlawful hours. P.C. Thomas proved seeing a man leave defendant's house at seven o'cl.ock on Sunday morning with a can containing half a gallon of beer, and on taking him back to the house defendant admitted having drawn the beer. There being two previous convictions, defendant was now fined £5 including costs.

•  From the South Wales Daily News (Third Edition) 17th October 1898

DOWLAIS. TEMPORARY STOPPAGE AT THE IVOR MILLS.—On Friday night at the Cuba Inn, Dowlais, 30 men, who had temporarily ceased working at the Ivor mills of the Dowlais Works, came to the conclusion that the proposed system of paying them a six days' wage and a bonus on the tonnage would yield about the same amount of wages as they had received hitherto from a standard rate per ton on the output, and they resolved to resume work today (Monday).

• From the Evening Express (Special Edition) 4th April 1902

GEORGETOWN SCHOOL Contemplated Sale to the Merthyr School Board. At the vestry meeting in connection with the Parish Church of St. Tydfil, Merthyr, held on Thursday the Rector, who presided, said he wished to refer to matter which had been made public not by himself, but by the doings of the school board, and, of course, the reports in the press. They might be aware that some time ago negotiations were opened between the school board and himself, as sole surviving manager and one of the trustees of the. Georgetown School, with regard to the sale and purchase of the premises.      ....(part extract)........

•  From the Evening Express (Fifth Edition) 23rd October 1907

CRUSHED BETWEEN BUFFERS Merthyr Boy badIy Injured A little boy, six years of age, named George Davies, of 6, Tramroad-side, Georgetown, Merthyr, was severely crushed today between the buffers of two wagons at the back of the Colliers' Arms, Georgetown. The lad was carried home, and attended. by Dr. Flood. He remains in a very critical condition.

•  From the Evening Express (Third Edition) 21st March 1902

Thomas Quin. a latcher, aged 20, of 16, Iron-lane, Georgetown, was killed on Thursday through being knocked down and run over by an engine at the Swansea-road crossing of the Cyfarthfa Works.

• From the Evening Express (First Edition) 19th September 1907

ARRESTED ON BETTING CHARGE. A young man living at Georgetown, Merthyr, was arrested on Wednesday at Merthyr by Police-constables Howells and Gibbon, on a charge of frequenting Glebeland-etreet for the purpose of betting.

• From the South Wales Daily News (Third Edition) 15th August 1898

TREHARRIS. WORKMEN'S MEETING.—A general meeting of the members of the North Pit Sick Fund was held at the Navigation Assembly Rooms on Saturday evening, to consider the desirability of withdrawing money from the fund and distributing same among the members. After protracted discussion it was decided not to withdraw, and the committee were asked to keep on till the strike is ended.

•  From the Glamorgan Free Press 11th September 1897

Treharris. On Thursday week the shop assistants of our town had their annual outing. The place selected was Pont-Neath-Vaughan, and a prettier spot could hardly be found. Mr Wiltshire, Mountain Ash, supplied the well-appointed brakes, which conveyed the party, and the journey was performed without the slightest mishap. The route taken was through some lovely country, the beauty of which was highly appreciated   ....(part extract)........

•  From the Glamorgan Free Press 13th August 1898

TREHARRIS. About 2,600 meals were given out at the soup kitchen during the past week. Applicants for relief have greatly increased as a result of the closing of the stoneyards. The branch kitchen at Quakers' Yard has been closed, the bulk of the workmen having secured work in different parts of the surrounding districts. The committee desire to acknowledge the following subscriptions    ....(part extract)........

• From the Glamorgan Free Press 26th November 1898

Treharris. An inquest was held at the Police Station on Thursday week, before Mr R. J. Rhys, coroner, upon the body of Mr William Targett, who lost his life last week in an accident at No. 1 Pit, Deep Navigation, Several witnesses were examined, but their testimony was not considered sufficient, and an adjournment took place till the following Saturday. The coroner and jury again attended at the Police Station on Saturday, when further evidence was heard, and after an exhaustive enquiry, the jury, of whom Mr B. P. Evans, head master, was foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." It was deduced in evidence that the unfortunate master haulier met his death from the probability of his being struck by a piece of a 27 foot long water pipe, that evidently got broken when the journey left the rails ,and ultimately got entangled in the trams, when the journey started again   ....(part extract)........