# The Newport Cornucopia > Uncovering Newport's interesting past Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts. Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`). ## Pages ### What's The Newport Cornucopia? URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/about/ Last updated: 2025-01-05T18:52:57.000Z **The Newport Cornucopia was launched with the aim of uncovering interesting, historic and quirky articles and adverts from the last 150+ years of Newport's history.** The archives of newspapers such as The South Wales Argus, Monmouthshire Merlin, The Cardiff Times and The Western Mail reveal a whole cornucopia of information such as the details of council meetings, the construction of new streets and buildings, quirky crimes and the evolution of how goods and services were advertised. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-19.jpeg) — **South Wales Argus, Monday 3rd October, 1898* ### What will be the format? Every issue will feature a mixture of articles, adverts, personal ads, business adverts, crime reports and anything else that's interesting. Everything will be posted verbatim with minimal editorial content. The aim is to share what was published at the time and not to establish if everything that was written was factually correct. Sometimes the news stories could be ambiguous or biased but like those reading at the time, it will be left up to you to determine the accuracy. ### How often are new issues released? The aim is to release a new issue every weekend which can be viewed online or sent directly to your inbox. You can sign up for free below. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Sign Up Free URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/signup/ Last updated: 2025-01-06T10:20:15.000Z Sign up to The Newport Cornucopia newsletter for free. You can unsubscribe at any time. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Newport History Social URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/social/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T07:47:46.000Z Fancy a relaxed evening of Newport history chat? Every few weeks we gather downstairs at the **Pen and Wig pub** for our **Newport History Social**. There’s no set day (though it’s often a Tuesday or Wednesday), and no rigid agenda — just a couple of hours of friendly conversation about the city’s past. You’re welcome to **come and go as you please**; no one’s expected to stay for the whole two hours. Some people bring along things they’ve discovered, others simply enjoy listening and picking up new stories. Often one memory sparks another, and the conversations take us in unexpected directions. Unlike more formal groups with lectures and fixed topics, our meet-ups are **informal, friendly, and welcoming to all**. There’s also no pressure to contribute — you’re just as welcome to sit back with a pint and enjoy hearing about Newport’s history as you are to share your own knowledge. So if you’re curious about the past and enjoy good company, keep an eye out for the next date and join us at the Pen and Wig! ## Our Next Social ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow-5.jpg) Our next social takes place on Wednesday 19th August, 2026 between 6-8pm. We're usually there around 5:30pm for some food and you're welcome to join us. **Hope to see you there.** ### Sources URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/sources/ Last updated: 2026-01-28T07:43:11.000Z History is only as good as the evidence behind it. To ensure the stories on this site are accurate, I rely on a combination of contemporary reporting, cartographic analysis, and local archives. Below is a breakdown of the primary databases and archives I consult to research the articles on this site. ### 🗞️ Newspaper Archives Newspapers are the "first draft of history." I use them to track daily events, police records, adverts, and the social atmosphere of the time. **Open Access Archives** - **Monmouthshire Merlin:** Essential for detailed local news in Newport and the surrounding valleys during the 19th century. - **The Cardiff Times:** Often has news stories and council meetings from Newport. - **The Cambrian:** The first newspaper published in Wales, offering a vital window into the early era. - **South Wales Daily News:** Sometimes has news about Newport. — Access them on the [National Library of Wales](https://newspapers.library.wales/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) **Subscription Services** - **South Wales Argus & Weekly Argus:** The full archive of Gwent's newspaper. The Weekly Argus often offers things that aren't in the main paper. - **Gwent Star:** Used for community-focused reporting and local events. — Access them on [Newspapers.com](https://www.newspapers.com/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) --- ### 🗺️ Cartography & Geography To understand *what* happened, you have to understand *where* it happened. - [**Side by Side Maps (NLS)**](https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/side-by-side/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#zoom=13.7&lat=51.58597&lon=-3.00409&layers=6&right=ESRIWorld)**:** A powerful tool for comparing historical layouts directly against modern satellite imagery to spot lost landmarks. - [**OS Maps**](https://maps.nls.uk/os/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#england)**:** Side by Side Maps also offers maps from the late 1880s. - [**Old Maps Online**](https://www.oldmapsonline.org/en?gid=bd9a252a-de63-5754-91ee-911fb05ef542&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#position=18.922/51.587197/-2.997642&year=1872)**:** Great for old insurance maps of Newport. - [**Welsh Tithe Maps (1840)**](https://places.library.wales/browse/51.584/-2.998/14?locationName=Newport+%2F+Casnewydd%2C+Newport&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)**:** Indispensable for understanding land ownership, field names, and boundaries in the mid-19th century. Often use this in conjunction with news stories and adverts from the early 1840s #### 💡 **Reader Tip: How to use Side by Side Maps** I frequently mention "Side by Side" maps in my articles. If you want to explore them yourself (usually via the [National Library of Scotland](https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/side-by-side/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#zoom=13.7&lat=51.58597&lon=-3.00409&layers=6&right=ESRIWorld)), here is how to get the most out of them: 1. **Select a historic map:** Choose a map series from the dropdown on the bottom left (e.g., *OS 25 Inch, 1890s*). 2. **Use the Slider:** By default, swipe is not enabled so click on the bottom at the top of the page to enable. Drag the blue slider in the centre of the screen left or right. This peels back the modern satellite view to reveal the old map underneath, allowing you to see exactly where old farmhouses or railways stood in relation to today's buildings and roads. --- ### 🏛️ Digital Resources - [**Newport Past**](https://www.newportpast.com/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)**:** An invaluable repository of local knowledge, photos, and historical data dedicated to the history of Newport. --- ### 📚 Local Libraries & Archives Not everything is online. For physical records and rare texts, I rely on local collections. - **Newport Reference Library:** A vital resource for researching Newport's history. The library holds a comprehensive host of physical records, including: - **Street Directories:** Crucial for tracking residents and businesses year by year. - **Voters' Registers:** Essential for tracing family names and property occupancy. - **Local History Collection:** Copies of the majority of historic books ever published on Newport. - **Additional Resources:** There's even more information tucked away in the 'stacks' so if you're looking for something specific, ask a librarian for assistance. --- ### 🗣️ Oral History & Community History is not just written; it is remembered. - **Newport Cornucopia Monthly Socials:** Our monthly social event where you get to learn valuable information from Newport residents. These gatherings are often useful for filling in the historical gaps that official records miss. ## Posts ### Volume 2, Number 36 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-36/ Last updated: 2026-09-05T06:16:38.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-20-at-08.12.43.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th January, 1868](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3442248?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Poor of Pillgwenlly' The poor of Pillgwenlly were most seasonably recieved on Saturday and Monday last, with bread, potatoes, and herrings. by the direction of Sir Charles Morgan, who kindly handed over, for that purpose £2, the amount of a fine levied for trespass, to which was added the subscription of Samuel Homfray, J. F. Hanson, and — Vaughan, Esq., together with small contributions, amounting altogether to about £8\. for which relief the grateful recipients beg to return their thanks. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th February, 1838*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392634/3392637?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Collingbourne.jpg) F. Collingbourne, butchers, 1914\. Ten 'firsts' and three 'seconds': the Griffin Street butchers proudly display their certificates of merit and prize winning beast. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-20-at-08.23.14.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th January, 1868](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3442260?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Highway Robbery The police are in quest of three privates of the 2nd Warwick Militia, stationed at our barracks, who, a night or two since, followed a workman at the Dos Works, named Ricketts, who was proceeding to his home at Malpas. At some distance beyond the houses, the soldiers knocked Ricketts down, and while one held him by the throat, the others plundered him of a German-silver watch (maker's name, Daniel Manley), and a broad steel chain, with black stone seal. The highwaymen then decamped towards the barracks. Several offences, we regret to state, have been committed by some men of this regiment, and the difficulty of identifying a soldier may prevent the detection of the scoundrels who committed the highway robbery now recorded. — [*Cardiff Times, 28th January, 1860*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3381183/3381191?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-24-at-18.41.18.png) [**Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th April, 1857*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397282?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Stow Hill Accident' About three o'clock on Monday morning a man named Jeremiah Welsh, from Bassalleg, fell from the high and dangerous paving on Stow-hill into the roadway, and broke his ribs. Really some protection ought to be afforded the public from tumbling over this high, steep footway, over which so many persons have slipped, to the imminent peril of their lives. — [*Cardiff Times, 4th February, 1860*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3381192/3381200?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow-2.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Whitby Place ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-04-at-06.43.51.png) Whitby Place is a bit of an odd street in Barnardtown with a few houses at each end, a couple of car garages and the rear entrances to houses on Church Road but back in 1868 there were at least 6 more houses and a shop. The area was in its infancy and these properties had only been in existence for 4 years when they demolished to make room for the Eastern Curve of the Pontypool, Caerleon and Newport Railway. In addition to the properties on Whitby Place, three houses on Church Road were demolished which may have been where MG's Carpets is located. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-04-at-06.45.16-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-04-at-06.46.26-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-04-at-07.10.14.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Impudent Theft at Maindee John White was charged with stealing a jacket and silk dress, belonging to David Marsden, of Maindee. Mrs. Marsden said prisoner came to her saying he was commissioned to purchase left-off clothes for the colonies. She produced a lot of old clothes, and then went up stairs for more, having previously placed a silk dress and jacket on a chair by themselves. On her return he bought clothes to the amount of £4 18s. He took the dress and jacket, which were not included in the bargain, and putting 4s. down on the table, he left the house. Sergeant McEvoy apprehended the prisoner at Podesta's lodging-house, at Newport, and found the dress and jacket there. On the prisoner's person was found a pedlar's certificate. Defendant pleaded not guilty, and was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd March, 1872*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403956/3403958?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ℹ️ Podesta's Lodging House — This house was owned by John Podesta who appears a number of times in the Monmouthshire Merlin. The lodging house **may* have been on Canal Parade. There was a mention of a lodging house belonging to him in 1871 which was [damaged by fire](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403623/3403628/26/Podesta?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) but the same year [an article mentioned](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403779/3403781/6/Podesta?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) him having three houses which had been affected by small pox. In 1849, a 12-year-old John was assaulted by a man who hired John from his parents for a year (see below). One of the tasks he was hired for was playing the accordion on the streets. In 1873, whilst running the Three Horse Shoes on High Street [had a shawl and petticoat stolen](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3404456/3404458/3/Podesta?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). The previous year he was fined for allowing disorderly conduct in the pub (drunken soldiers and prostitutes). In 1882, he was [charged with assaulting two women](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406900/3406908/114/Podesta?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) and was referred to as being an 'itinerant accordion player'. ### An English Slave Driver Conrad Rompf, a man who drives unholy bargains with parents brutal enough to lend out their children to him on hire, was charged with having assaulted a poor sickly little lad, twelve years of age, named John Podesta. The juvenile musician stated that he was hired by the defendant to play the accordion about the street. The poor little fellow said that on Sunday morning, at seven o'clock, his master ordered him to get up. Being tired and overwearied (sic) by his previous day's tramping, he cried because he was called to get up, and his master beat him upon the bed, very badly. His little sister was also hired by him, and he beat her very much. She played the tambourine to her master. He was hired to the prisoner upon the following stamped agreement: > Conrad Rompf, October 7, 1848, of Ann Podesta, engages Mary Podesta and John Podesta for one year, at £2 10s. per year, washing and lodging and clothes dog and carrig (sic) concluded—not to go out of England in advance £1. > *ANN PODESTA x. Witness, CONRAD ROMPF. STEPHEN PODESTA.* The boy proceeded to say, that just before Christmas, the prisoner beat him with the leather dog straps, because he had not brought home more than one shilling and a halfpenny. The greatest amount he had got in a day, was 3s. 10d., and sometimes as low as 2s, 6d., was beaten if he didn't bring home 2s. every night. Did not get his supper always. By Mr. Phillpotts: I did not call him an Italian thief—I called the master of the lodging house so, after he had beaten me. The prisoner had beaten me with the bellows on the side, very badly. He had to clothe and feed me. To the Mayor: Those clothes (rags) I have on, are all I have. I have another shirt, but don't know when this was washed last. I have the itch all over my body—have a bad toothache, and sores on my neck, where my master beat me. The mother of the poor child said, she had heard the master's wife tell him if he got 2s. a day, she would give him a halfpenny and this was enough, she said, to make her child thieve. She had followed the master, because he was always cruelly beating her children, and she was determined to act as a mother to her children. Mr. Phillpotts said she could not be acting much like a mother, when she signed a contract for the hire of her children. She replied, that she had only the workhouse or beggary before her and her children; and this it was that had compelled her to do what she had. The Mayor, in the strongest terms of censure, commented on the prisoner's conduct, and the system pursued both by him and the poor children's mother, and fined the prisoner 5s and costs for his assault on the boy; at the same time advising the unnatural mother, if worthy of the trust, to take her children home to Herefordshire, from whence they had been taken. > Mr. English said, the practice of hiring out children for begging and musical performance was very common in Newport. Mr. Hughes said, the fault lay with the inhabitants, who so foolishly and wrongly encouraged every system of mendicancy, by indiscriminate charity. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th February, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394591/3394593/11/Podesta?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### '1838 Crimes' A selection of crimes in front of the magistrates (one was John Frost) in 1838. *Henry Williams, beer house keeper, for drawing beer to one Lewis, he (Lewis), being drunk at the same time, and shortly afterwards was killed upon the tram-road. *Fined 40s and costs.** *Daniel Lewis, and William. Lloyd, charged with secretly burying a new born male child in St. Woollos churchyard, in the middle of the nght of the 1oth inst. *Discharged with a caution*.* *John Loyn, charged with assaulting Richard Williams, a blind man. *Fined 40s and costs, or 21 day's imprisonment*.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-26-at-07.41.26.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th January, 1873](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3404468?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Old Cemetery Some scandal has been created in the town by the neglect of the lodge-keeper and gravedigger, who, for a long time, had neglected to fill up graves, and had been in the habit of keeping them open for the interment of a number of corpses for a considerable period. The man has been discharged from his situation. — [*Cardiff Times, 4th February, 1860*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3381192/3381200?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Barnard Town This rapidly increasing district on the outskirts of Newport appears likely to become notorious for the quarrels and scenes of drunkenness which are constantly arising amongst a certain section of its inhabitants. Scarcely a police-court passes, but some denizens of this neighbourhood are summoned for drunkenness or assaults. It is beyond the boundary of the borough, and hence the Borough police-force have no jurisdiction in the place. Yesterday, before the Mayor and Mr J. Cullum, two more case from Barnard Town were disposed of, and some of the parties implicated have figured prominently in the police annals when they were occupants of tenements in the old Friars' fields. Although Barnard Town has only recently sprung into existence, yet, unless extreme care be exercised by the owners of houses in selecting tenants, their property will deteriorate in value. — [*South Wales Daily News, 3rd June, 1875*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3501768/3501771/49/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-20-at-08.15.01.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th January, 1868](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3442260?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Volume 2, Number 35 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-35/ Last updated: 2026-09-05T06:36:42.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-17-at-08.28.48.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th October, 1848](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394516/3394518?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Grand Annual Evening Concert' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-20-at-08.24.35.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th January, 1868](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3442260?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) On Tuesday, January 21, 1868, music lovers gathered at the Victoria Assembly Rooms in Newport for a grand annual evening concert announced by Mr E. Newman, a local music seller based at 1 Commercial Street. ### Who was Madame Lemmens-Sherrington? Born Helen Sherrington, Madame Lemmens-Sherrington was one of the leading English sopranos of the Victorian era. Following the retirement of Clara Novello in 1860, she had barely any rivals on the concert stage. She was particularly renowned for oratorio music, shining in works like Haydn's *Creation*, and was one of the original musicians awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Philharmonic Society. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/image.png) Madame Helen Lemmens-Sherrington Also playing that night was Mons. Jacques-Nicolas Lemmens, a Belgian organist and composer, who was the husband of Helen Lemmens-Sherrington. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th January, 1868*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3442260?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/TredegarArmsBikes-1.jpg) Newport Cycling Club, 1905\. The club was established at the Tredegar Arms Hotel in 1902 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Storm King’s Dream: Easter Entertainment at Newport’s Theatre Royal, 1857 During the Easter holidays of 1857, the Theatre Royal in Newport presented a spectacular array of dramas, comedies, and a lavish pantomime. Under the management of lessee Mr. J. P. Chadwick, the theatre secured the celebrated London comedian and singer Mr. Warlow, alongside Mr. James Pitney Weston, widely billed as the "Grimaldi of the Day". The week’s performances culminated each evening with the grand comic pantomime, *The Storm King's Dream! Or, Harlequin Rainbow and the Fairy of the Sun-lit City of the Sea*. Directed by Weston, the production featured extensive local talent and elaborate staging, including new scenery by Mr. J. N. Hicks and tricks machinery by Mr. J. Harris. The pantomime's plot followed the "Bad and Evil Genius" Rubaldo, known as The Storm King, and a Good Fairy trying to protect two young peasants from his snares. It was a sprawling 16-scene production featuring a grand ballet by upwards of twenty fairies, a comic "Highland Fling," and a satirical scene at "Grossheart's newly-invented Photographic Gallery" poking fun at the recent American process. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-24-at-17.58.54-2.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-24-at-17.59.07-2.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-24-at-17.59.22-2.png) **Easter Week Schedule (April 1857)** | **Date** | **Main Feature** | **Conclusion** | | --------------------- | ------------------------ | -------------- | | Easter Monday | *The Momentous Question* | Pantomime | | Tuesday, April 14th | *The Sergeant's Wife* | Pantomime | | Wednesday, April 15th | *Temptation* | Pantomime | | Thursday, April 16th | *The Brigand Queen* | Pantomime | | Friday, April 17th | *The Serious Family* | Pantomime | | Saturday, April 18th | *The Dream at Sea* | Pantomime | ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-24-at-17.59.33-3.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-24-at-17.59.43-3.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-24-at-17.59.50-3.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-24-at-18.00.01-3.png) ### Cast & Production Crew: *The Storm King's Dream* (1857) **Principal Characters (Opening)** - **Rubaldo (The "Storm King"):** Mr. J. Bedford - **Zigzag (The Lightning Fiend, afterwards Pantaloon):** Mr. J. N. Hicks - **Attendant Fiends:** Flashorem, Dashorem, Crackorem, Splashorem, Helter-skelter, Pell-mell, and Whistle - **Gondolera (The "Youthful Ferryman", in love with Maomie, afterwards Harlequin):** Mr. Laurence (afterwards Mr. Arthur Thynne – his first appearance) - **Softonemo (The Village Sammy, fond of pudding and his old grandmammy, afterwards Clown):** Mr. Warlow (afterwards Mr. James Pitney Weston, "Clown of all Nations") - **Maomie (The Village Belle, anxious for a ring, afterwards Columbine):** Miss C. King - **Sparkle (The Rainbow Fairy of the Sun-lit City of the Sea):** Miss H. Ogilvie **Fairies Attending on Sparkle (Grand Fairy Ballet)** *Arranged by Miss C. King* - **Dewdrop:** Miss Pollard - **Glitter:** Miss Lewis - **Primrose:** Miss Turner - **Sparkle-eye:** Miss Bets - **Starlight:** Miss Sayers - **Harebell:** Miss May - **Goldspray:** Miss Blake - **Cowslip:** Miss Wilson - **Sweetbud:** Miss Grant - **Nightshade:** Miss Penley - **Rosebud:** Miss Rose - **Rubydrop:** Miss Mason - **Tulip:** Miss Pritchard - **Magnet:** Miss Wilingale - **Goodstar:** Miss Johnson - **Snowdrop:** Miss Oliver - **Violet:** Miss Weymoth - **Goldfinch:** Miss Manders - **Ruby:** Miss Archer - **Faithful:** Miss Watson **Harlequinade / Transformation Cast** - **Harlequin:** Mr. Arthur Thynne - **Columbine:** Miss C. King - **Pantaloon:** Mr. J. N. Hicks - **The Merry Clown:** Mr. Pitney Weston — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th April, 1857*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397282?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-17-at-08.30.53.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th October, 1848](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394516/3394518?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow-1.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-20-at-08.32.33.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th January, 1868](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3442260/3442264?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Prince Arthur at Newport His Royal Highness Prince Arthur, who is at present on a tour through South Wales, arrived at Newport on Wednesday by the 1 10pm express train from Chepstow. But comparatively few persons were at the station, the visit being wholly unexpected, but the crowd was sufficiently great apparently to disconcert the youthful Prince, who anxious to escape the gaze of the many eyes that fixed upon him. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/image-2.png) Prince Arthur (right) photographed in 1866, three years after he visited Newport. He would have been around 13 when he visited Newport. He was the seventh child and third son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince%5FArthur,%5FDuke%5Fof%5FConnaught%5Fand%5FStrathearn?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) He was attended by Major Elphinstone and his tutor, the Rev. Mr. Jolly. Accompanied by these gentlemen, His Royal Highness at once proceeded on foot to Caerleon, a distance of three miles, declining himself of a carriage which was in waiting. Superintendent Huxtable, who had the honour of acting as a guide, took measures to acquaint J. E. Lee, Esq., and the Vicar of Caerleon the Rev. H. P. Edwards, 0f Royal visit, and by these gentlemen the Prince on arriving at Caerleon. > He first visited the Antiquarian Museum, where he spent some time in examining Roman remains and curiosities there deposited, and listened with evident interest to the explanations of Mr. Lee, who is secretary to the Antiquarian Association of Monmouthshire. He then inspected the Round Table field remains of the Roman wall adjoining, after which he took lunch at the Priory, the residence of Mr. Lee. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/image-3.png) How the Antiquarian Museum would have looked when he visited. The museum was built to a design by H.F. Lockwood of Hull and opened in 1850\. The building has since been demolished apart from the portico which remains today. Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National%5FRoman%5FLegion%5FMuseum?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Subsequently the party visited the Roman mound in the grounds of C. H. Hotchkis, Esq., the old almshouse, the old Round House, and other places of interest in the locality. The Prince walked back to Newport, where arrived just in time for the 5.30 train to Cardiff. A large crowd of persons had assembled on the platform, and on his departure cheered him right loyally, twenty one fog signals also being fired as a salute. The Prince, who bears a strong resemblance to his Royal mother, wore a plain grey suit, and straw hat. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th August, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400435/3400439?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/South_Wales_Argus_1923_10_02_2--1-.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/South_Wales_Argus_1923_10_02_2.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 2nd October, 1923](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143970938/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/image-1.png) The Gaer House (Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The%5FGaer%5FHouse?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Beerhouse Offence William Carter, of the White Swan, Pontfain, was charged with opening his house for the sale of beer before one o'clock in the afternoon of Sunday, the 15th instant. Mary Palmer, witness in the last case, went to defendant's house at half-past eleven in the morning of Sunday week, to look for her husband. She saw three men sitting in a room, one of whom was her husband, and she spoke to him through the window. In about a quarter of an hour he (the husband) went home; he was tipsy, and commenced abusing her. Defendant passed shortly after, and she pointed out to him the state of her husband, and he said he could not help it, as her husband was not long in his house. Defendant denied that any beer was given to Palmer, and called a young man, who said Palmer went into the defendant's house to show new potatoes. All the while he was in the house, he saw no beer drawn. He did not see that Palmer was drunk. **The Bench cautioned defendant, and dismissed the case**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th June, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396878/3396880?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Assault George Palmer, a constable of Christchurch, was charged with assaulting Mary Palmer, his daughter-in-law. On the 17th ult. complainant was in a neighbour's house, and the defendant came in, and ordered her off the premises. She would not go, and he dragged her out, and threw her down upon a stone heap. **The Bench fined defendant 2s. 6d., and 12s. 6d. costs**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th June, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396878/3396880?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Diseased Meat' Henry Duckham was charged with having diseased meat in his possession. Inspector Williams said, on visiting Mrs. Piper's slaughter house, he saw a number of sheep hung up, two of them being unwholesome. The two diseased carcasses belonged to Mr. Duckham the others were the property of a man named Jones. Mr. Duckham said he never sold meat, he was simply a dealer. The animals in question had been intended for food for pigs, and, in his absence, he being at Caerleon, had by mistake been taken from the place where they had been slaughtered to where they had been found by the inspector. He had now a number of diseased sheep in his possession, which he intended to kill for his brother's pigs. The magistrates cautioned the defendant that he had no right to keep diseased meat in his possession but as the meat had not been offered for sale, and the defendant was not at home when the carcasses were hung up, he would simply be fined 10s., including costs. The carcasses were ordered to be restored to Mr. Duckham, to be applied to the purpose stated above. — [*Monmouthshire, 27th July, 1861*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399746/3399748?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### "Telling Lies" Ann Grace was summoned for assaulting Norah Macarthy. Complainant, who appeared in the witness box with a black eye, said on Thursday night the defendant threatened her for "telling lies" respecting her and subsequently she met her and knocked her down, and tore her hair off her head, in proof of which she produce a handful of hair. Defendant denied the assault, and said she could have no peace with complainant or her mother. A witness was called, and said there was regular fight; but she admitted that Grace struck the first blow. **Defendant was fined 9s including costs, or seven days**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th August, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400435/3400437?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Stealing Porter' Thomas Morgan was charged with stealing eleven bottles of porter from the house of Evan Morgan. Prosecutor stated that he kept the Union Inn, Dock-street, and engaged the prisoner to assist in cleaning out the stores. On Sunday last he missed 12 or 13 bottles of porter. He searched for them, and found three in the manger covered with hay. He watched to see if any person came for them, and saw the prisoner about seven o'clock in the evening enter the house, and afterwards eaw him leave and go into the stable. The prisoner then left the stable, and he followed him to his house in Windmill-street, and saw the prisoner with one bottle of porter open on the table, and his wife and daughter partaking of part of it. Asked him where he got it from, and he replied that it did not belong to him. He afterwards admitted that he had taken two bottles from the stable. He then sent for a policeman, and searched the bouse, and found eleven bottles in various parts of the house, five of them being full. P.C. Comley said that he apprehended the prisoner about eight o'clock on Sunday night. Was informed that the prisoner had been stealing porter. He went to the prisoner's house, and saw the prosecutor with two bottles in his hand. Then searched the cupboards and found the bottles produced. The prisoner denied that the porter belonged to the prosecutor, and stated that he purchased them. The Chief Superintendant said that he had known the prisoner for a number of years, and had always borne, as far as he knew, a good character. **Committed for seven days**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th August, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400435/3400437?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing Flowers at the Cemetery Catherine Tafft, a married woman, living in Blewitt street, appeared to an adjourned summons, charging her with stealing flowers in the Newport Cemetery. The Superintendent of the Cemetery (Edgar Pitson) stated that on the 25th ult. he met the defendant there, and noticed that her umbrella was rather bulky. Just after she passed witness observed her walk up to a rose tree and pick a full-blown rose. This she put into her umbrella, it, which the witness discovered a quantity of other flowers. She gave the wrong name and address, causing considerable trouble afterwards in finding her out. Cases of flower stealing were of frequent occurrence. The defendant, who stated that some of the flowers were her own, was **ordered to pay a fine of 10s., including costs**. Mr. J. F. Mullock, as Clerk to the Burial Board, attended to prosecute, but did not press the charge severely. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th August, 1882*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406900/3406908/114/Podesta?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Robbing a Sister John Watts, a youth, was charged with breaking open a money box, and stealing about £2, money belonging to his sister. No one appeared to prosecute, and prisoner was discharged. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th January, 1873*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3404456/3404458/3/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-17-at-16.49.36.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th February, 1849](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394591/3394593?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Drunken Mailman' Thomas Roberts a man employed by Mr. John Williams of Blackwood, mail contractor, to drive the mail cart from Blackwood to Newport, was charged with being drunk and thereby delaying the mails on the 11th January. Mr. H. J. Davis said he had been instructed to conduct this prosecution on behalf of the Postmaster. Thomas Thomas, a young man living between Bassalleg and Tydee \[Risca\] said between seven and eight on the evening of January 11th, he went outside his door and found the mail cart standing by the road. > The driver was leaning back on his seat fast asleep. Tried to awaken him and finding his efforts were useless, he got into the cart, and drove the mail to the Post-office, Newport, where he arrived at five minutes past nine. Defendant was so helpless that witness had hold him on his seat all the way into town. Mr. James Tait, postmaster, Newport, said on the night of the 11th January the Blackwood mail cart arrived at five minutes past nine instead of 8.22., and consequently was too late to send the letters on by the mail bags then being made up. Two hundred and forty letters were detained until the next day. The defendant was an occasional driver in the employ of Mr. John Williams mail contractor, who suffered from bad health, and was not always able to drive the cart himself. Mr. Caleb Phillips also spoke to the delay of 240 letters owing to the defendant's misconduct, and Henry Stevens, letter carrier proved that the man was drunk when he arrived at the Post-office. The extreme penalty for an offence of this kind is £20 or six months imprisonment. The Magistrates considered the case most conclusively proved and they fined defendant £5 or two months' hard labour. If the money is not paid a distress warrant will be put in force, and if there should not be enough to make up the amount of the fine, defendant will have to go to prison. No time was allowed. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 31st January, 1873*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3404480/3404483?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-20-at-08.09.31.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th January, 1868](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3442248?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-19-at-08.11.42.png) [South Wales Argus, 15th October, 1920](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144006937/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ### Volume 2, Number 34 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-34/ Last updated: 2026-08-29T06:46:00.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-12-at-18.06.30.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd June, 1860](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399147?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The State of the Footpath Between Caerleon and Newport' *To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.* SIR,—If, through the medium of the Merlin, I succeed in producing any practical result, by directing the attention of the trustees to the bad state of repair in which the footpath is kept between this place and Newport, it will be the means of conferring a great benefit upon very many of her Majesty's poor but most loyal subjects. Accustomed, as many of us are, to tramp it at all hours, and at all seasons, by daylight and in the dark, in sunshine and in storm, we cannot help desiring some more comfortable mode of transit than that experienced in stumbling over the hills, and down in the vales filled with water, and which abound, more particularly, between the upper part of St. Julian's Wood and the Farm, and again by Beaufort Cottage. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-17-at-10.57.08.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-17-at-10.57.31.png) The author of the letter may be on about Christchurch Road or paths through the actual wood like the ones that exist today (unsure if the land was still private). There was a cottage near where Christchurch Road which could have been the Beaufort Cottage mentioned in the letter. To many of those gentlemen, to whose paternal care our ways are entrusted, this footpath must be, I imagine, an article of luxury, in which they indulge at intervals, very few and very far between. I really hope that when they again pass this way they will, if only for novelty's sake, make it a pedestrian excursion, choosing for that purpose a nice wet day for walking in, and dark night for returning. To speak of the benefit that would be conferred by maintaining such a footpath as would, at all times and seasons, give to every one the means of preserving health, is superfluous; no less superfluous would it be to expatiate upon the many natural beauties to which the walk introduces us, and the great boon it would be to all who, like myself, derive health and pleasure from being... ...A CONSTANT PEDESTRIAN. Caerleon, October 26, 1848. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th November, 1848*](http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394521/3394523?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Alarm of Fire About twelve o'clock on Tuesday night, information was given at the police-station that a fire bad broken out on the premises of Mr. Augustus Webber, at No. 6, Park-street. The superintendent of police, together with a number of men, immediately proceeded to the spot with the hose-reel and fire-engine, which, however, were not required, the fire being effectually extinguished by the application of a few buckets of water. The fire occurred under the floor of the passage and back drawing-room, but it is not known by what cause. > The damage done was very trifling, the fire having been fortunately discovered in time to prevent its doing much mischief. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st June, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396866/3396870?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-12-at-18.06.42.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd June, 1860](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399147?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/prosser.jpg) F. Prosser and Son on Lyne Road during the 1937 Coronation. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Police for Pillgwenlly Mr. Webb, of Pillgwenlly, rose to call the attention of the council to a matter which had previously been discussed, but which lie would particularly wish to press on the attention of the meeting. He alluded to the station-house, and allocation of policemen to Pill. > True, a station-house had been opened there but it put one in mind of a fine shop, possessed of all the necessary articles for sale, but having the door locked. Although they had the station at Pill, and three policemen to live in it, the inhabitants were never favoured by the services of the men, either by night or day, in consequence of their being required at Newport. It should be recollected that ho asked no undue share of protection from the police force; for while Pillgwenlly was paying nearly the same amount of rates as Newport, the latter place had the services of the force, and the former place only the sleeping and boarding of three of the whole number. It was hoped, when three policemen were stationed at the Pillgwenlly station, that the inhabitants there would be benefitted with some portion of their services also; but it had resulted otherwise. There was one man appointed to Pill duty before but now three men lived there, but the duty all transferred to Newport! Mr. Townsend said, the fact was, there was too much attention paid to clothing and feeding the police, and not to the duties they ought to perform. They did not do their duty and he did not care who heard him say so. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-17-at-19.30.29.png) The same issue of the newspaper listed the salaries of the policemen. Using the [Bank of England inflation calculator](https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy/inflation/inflation-calculator?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), £100 would be approximately £11,320 today and the £15 for the superintendent's clothing and £15 for his residence would equate to almost £1,700 today. Source: [Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th February, 1849](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394591/3394594?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Mr. Henry John Davis remarked, that at the previous meeting of the council, he had moved that the watch committee should increase the force; for that was the necessary point. Mr. Hughes said the present force was inadequate to the duty they had to perform. Mr. Webb considered that it was nevertheless but fair Pillgwenlly should have a proportion of the services of the force. Mr. Dowling said the intention of the watch committee was, that Pill should have every protection which the numerical strength of our police enabled the board to afford. There was now a station-house in that greatly-increasing district; and as a matter of course, arrangements must be forthwith made, in order that our fellow ratepayers and neighbours shall participate in the services of the force. Mr. Townsend said he would not think of increasing the expenses of the police, a single penny. Mr. Dowling thought that perhaps the prevention of crime, and the lessening of criminal proceedings at sessions and assizes from this part, might be found a far more economical course, than limiting the number of policemen to an inadequate standard. Mr. Townsend observed, that removing the malt tax, which would prevent the necessity of constables being employed in quelling rows in the streets and public houses, would be the sound policy. Mr. Dowling: That is not likely to occur just yet. Mr. H. J. Davis moved—That the attention of the watch committee be again directed to the subject of the Pill station and policemen. Mr. Townsend would beg Mr. Davis to append to his resolution that a due regard to economy be observed in the matter. Mr. T. concluded by quoting from PUNCH—"Better attention to your arithmetic this half" (A laugh.) The Mayor: Aye there it is. If one gentleman show good cause for increasing the expenditure, he is met by the cry of Another—"lavish expenditure!" &c. Mr. Iggulden: If it be dearly seen that an increase of the force is indispensable, surely no gentleman can with any degree of reason taunt the watch committee with a light regard for the moneys of the ratepayers. Some explanations followed, in conversation between Mr. Batchelor, Mr. Dowling, Mr. Iggulden, Mr. Townsend, Mr. Webb, and Mr. English, the police superintendent, which showed that duty was performed at Pillgwenlly by one man, in the evenings but that, with the present number of men, sufficient attention could not possibly be paid to both Newport and Pillgwenlly. The subject will engage the attention of the watch committee forthwith. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th February, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394591/3394594?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Newport Journal Of Gems' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-17-at-08.12.28.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th October, 1848](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394511/3394513?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Other than an advert in the [Monmouthshire Merlin](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394511/3394513?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) and another in [The Principality](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3613905/3613906/9/Newport%2BOR%2BJournal%2BOR%2Bof%2BOR%2BGems?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), I can't find any other reference of this apparently short lived journal of romance and literature. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-17-at-08.18.30.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th October, 1848](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394511/3394513?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Photography in 1856' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-19-at-07.21.19.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th June, 1856](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396878?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The Old Canal Office was located at the top of High Street in the area that was demolished in the 1970s for the Old Green roundabout. Using the [Bank of England inflation calculator](https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy/inflation/inflation-calculator?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), the starting price for photos was around £72\. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Fighting at the House of Refuge Edward Coleman was charged with fighting at the House of Refuge on last Saturday evening. The matron, Mrs. Huxtable\*, stated that there was a disagreement between the prisoner and others as to getting near the fire, when an awful row ensued, in which the prisoner struck about him in every direction, but at length he was secured, and locked up. Mr. Hughes said that the conduct of prisoner was deserving of punishment, and he must therefore **go to prison for a month**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th October, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394516/3394518?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) \* Could Mrs Huxtable be the wife of the policeman with the same name who frequently appears in police reports. ### A Gaudy Nymph Ann Watts, a gaudily-dressed nymph, with her eye edged by a sable hue, was **ordered to pay 5s. for being drunk**. She paid at once. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th October, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394516/3394518?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### *'*A Desire to be Sent to Prison' John Thornhill was charged with breaking a pane of glass in the shop window of Mr. Ingram, in Griffin-street. Prisoner said he had committed the offence to get into prison. **Sent for a month**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th October, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394516/3394518?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) James Fox, a vagrant, was committed for trial for stealing a shirt, the property of Edward Evans, off a line where it was hanging to dry, in a garden at Penhow. Prisoner said, he admitted stealing the shirt, and that he did it on purogse to go to prison. If he saw a loaf of bread, he would steal it "for the sake of going there, as he was tired of being on the road." There have been six or seven prisoners committed from New- port, and the neighbourhood, within the last month, for offences committed on purpose to get into gaol! — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th November, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394526/3394528?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Friars Field Cannibal Catherine Ryan, whose mouth indicated a strong propensity for devouring little children and grown-up people, was charged with assaulting Mary Walford, by biting her in the arm. The marks of this cannibal's teeth were glaringly visible on the arm of the victim; and a second intended victim came forward to show her mutilated finger, off which the prisoner bad taken a piece of considerable extent. It appeared that this cannibal had beaten her little child most unmercifully, and on some of her neighbours interfering, she flew at them with distended jaws, and bit them in the manner described. The prisoner said she was quite unconscious of what she was about, and now regretted her conduct extremely. **On paying expenses, she was severely reproved, and discharged**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th October, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394516/3394518?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Assault at Liswerry Maria Bradford was charged with assaulting Martha Long, at Liswerry, on the 14th inst. The parties met on the road on the above day, and defendant asked complainant what she had been saying to Stacey (the man Bradford lives with) about her. Defendant used very foul language and shook her severely, gripping her on the arm and breast. The Bench reprimanded defendant for her loose conduct in living with a man to whom she was not married, and **fined her 10s., and l1s. 6d. costs, or twenty-one days**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th June, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396878/3396880?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Wife Beating Matthew Welch was brought up charged with assaulting his wife. Defendant had but just returned from prison. He drank seven shillings worth of drink on Saturday week, and on Monday he went to his wife to look for food. Because she remonstrated with him he struck her, and on Friday last he beat her again. The wife said she had ten children to support. **Defendant had been frequently sent to prison for beating his wife, and was again committed for another month**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th June, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396878/3396880?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-17-at-08.19.40.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th October, 1848](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394511/3394513?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-19-at-08.16.46.png) [South Wales Argus, 2nd October, 1923](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143970909/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Golden Goose Who has not read of the goose that laid golden eggs, and wished, also, to possess such a domestic bird? Rumour says that the worthy landlord of a chief inn at Pillgwenlly, was last Saturday dreaming of such a prize, in his pleasant afternoon nap and lo on Sunday, when carving a fine goose on the dinner table, he actually discovered a gold ring, in which a diamond sparkled, deeply embedded in the flesh upon the back. It had been grown over, and only revealed itself when laid open by the carving knife. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th November, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394521/3394524?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Maindee — Salubrious and Desirable' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-17-at-08.33.10.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-17-at-08.33.18.png) An advert was posted in the Merlin in October 1848 for freehold land in Maindee. The land was part of the Maindee Estate and mentions that the Occupation Roads (the private roads that were on of the estate) being laid out in a 'terrace-like appearance' and it would interesting to find out where these roads were located. The advert mentions that it's difficult to get freehold land in Newport so was a prime opportunity to own land for development in a salubrious and desirable location and described the area as being... > ...famed as it is for fine scenery, can excel, if, indeed, equal, the varied charms and expansiveness of its views. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th October, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394516/3394518?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Shows at the Newport Theatre in 1857' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-19-at-08.24.08.png) The Corsican Brothers was a famous 19th-century stage melodrama about twin brothers with a psychic link. It originated from Alexandre Dumas père's 1844 French novella Les frères corses, which was first adapted for the Paris stage in 1850 and later popularised globally by Dion Boucicault’s English adaptation in 1852. Ingomar the Barbarian was a five-act romantic and historical melodrama about a fierce tribal leader tamed by love for a Greek maiden. Written in English by British writer and former actress Maria Ann Lovell, it premiered in London in 1851 and became a massive theatrical hit across the English-speaking world for the rest of the 19th century. "Luke the Labourer" was a popular two-act domestic melodrama written by John Baldwin Buckstone. It premiered in October 1826 at the Adelphi Theatre. The play remained a staple of regional and colonial theatre repertoires, appearing frequently on playbills and touring house schedules across Britain and the empire. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Attempted Suicide On Monday morning last some persons at the bottom of Llanarth-street observed a man dressed as a mason deliberately throw himself into the canal at that place. He was immediately taken out, and conveyed to the station-house, where he was recognised as a person who had, on the previous evening, obtained admission into the House of Refuge, and who had stated that his name was James West, and that he was a mason out of work. Soon after he was brought to the station, Mr. Jehoiada Brewer, surgeon, was sent for, and, upon examination, he pronounced the poor fellow to be insane he was accordingly, on the following day, removed to the Lunatic Asylum at Abergavenny. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st June, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396866/3396870?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/tram.jpg) Number 48 Newport Corporation Tram at the Chepstow Road Terminus in 1922\. ### Volume 2, Number 33 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-33/ Last updated: 2026-08-22T06:14:20.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## An Exhibition SIR, Any one passing along Commercial-street this morning, between eight and nine o'clock, might have witnessed an exhibition which certainly did rank as an amusement in a past age, but which, it might have been hoped, had, in these days of vaunted progress and enlightenment, become, as nn amusement, "a thing not so much as known amongst us." A crowd of some fifty or sixty persons were formed into a circle in the midst of which were a couple of brutes worrying each other with brutal ferocity—to the delectation, as it seemed, of some of the bystanders. But, if "dogs" may "delight to bark and bite," it does not follow that men should gaze at and encourage them in their cruel sport. This is not the first time, by many, I have witnessed a spectacle of the kind in the public thoroughfares. Does not the assembly of such a crowd come fairly within the meaning of the local by-law as to "obstructions;" and would it not be within the province of the "custodians of the peace" to put a stop to so disgraceful a scene, and bid the onlookers to "move off." It appears to me that greater obstruction is caused on these occasions than by a poor person seeking to eke out a subsistence by hawking vegetables in the street, or by a tradesman leaving a bale of goods on the pavement for an hour and yet the instances have been not unfrequent in which for these infringements of local regulations, the strong arm of the law has been brought into operation. But on the score of humanity to the brute creation, such scenes as I have named should, by all possible means, be checked and discouraged, rather than aided and abetted. Yours, &c., Z. Newport, September 18th, 1863. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th September, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400531/3400536/22/High%2BOR%2BStreet?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-11-at-12.49.50.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd November, 1838](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392800/3392802?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'House for Sale on Stow Hill, 1793' An early advert for the Friars house above the Royal Gwent Hospital. Interesting that it calls St Woolos, Newport church. As the advert was published by The Gloucester Journal perhaps it didn't need to be accurate. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-11-at-11.47.52.png) [The Gloucester Journal, May 13th, 1793](https://www.newspapers.com/image/793730915/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Dangerous *To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.* SIR,—Allow me to call the attention of the Surveyor under the Newport "Improvement" (!) Act, to a matter which is of too frequent occurrence in our streets, although provided against by the act. The alteration and re-modelling of premises in the principal street \[Commercial Street\] have been carried on extensively of late; and in a few instances, with a flagrant disregard to the safety of the street-passengers. I am desirous of exhibiting a case in point. A respectable householder, who is also an active commissioner under the aforesaid Improvement Act, began on Monday afternoon last the dangerous work of unroofing his house and while passing by in the evening, I observed that there were no fences at the ends of the house across the pavement, t0 warn and prevent persons from passing under the dangerous work progressing above. At the time I was passing, a female with a child in her arms was also going by, and while upon the unfenced pavement, a stone fell from the roof, and cut the poor child's head. I am sorry to add, that... > the gentleman to whom the house belonged, came out, and instead of commiserating with the poor woman, harshly told her neither she nor any body else had any right to walk over that pavement, for it was his own. Believing the absence of fences to have been the cause of the injury I have mentioned, and understanding that there is one clause in the act under which the gentleman has become nominally a town guardian, which expressly forbids such omissions, I have publicly addressed you, in the hope that occurrences of this nature—so dangerous to the public—will be more "few and far between." I am, sir, yours, &c., **A RATEPAYER.** Hill-street, June 20th, 1843 — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th June, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393963/3393966?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-31-at-08.18.16.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th October, 1878](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440401?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1960.jpeg) Source: John's Directory, 1925 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Stealing a Pig's Cheek' Margaret Grace was charged with stealing a pig's cheek, the property of Lydia Flook. P.S. Brooks said that on Sunday morning, at seven o'clock, he apprehended the prisoner at 6, Granville-street, and charged her with stealing a pig's cheek from the shop of Lydia Hook, Commercial-road, on Saturdav night. She said, "Yes, I took it there it is (pointing to the table). I wanted something for my money." She said she had paid Mrs. Flook for a cheek, but she turned her out of the house. John Simmonds said he was in Flook's shop at about 8.10 on Saturday night; he saw Mrs. Grace come in, with her dress over her head she went right to the counter, took up a pig's cheek, and ran away with it, and said " There you b—— I know'd I'd have it." Lydia Flook, a widow, keeping a shop at No. 4, Commercial-road, said that somewhere about eight o'clock on Saturday night prisoner came to her shop, but as she made some bother about the weight of a pig's cheek witness asked her to go out; prisoner's husband came and took hold of witness's daughter by the hair of the head, and abused both witness and her. They were got away, but they came back, and while the prisoner was in the shop her husband was over by the Salutation. Prisoner said when she got in the second time and took the pig's cheek, "Now I'll get something for my money." She had not paid any money. **Prisoner**: Don't you tell stories I paid you. If I wanted to steal I would have tried to do so without being seen. Eliza Flook corroborated the evidence of the last witness. Prisoner elected to be tried by the magistrates rather than by a jury at the Sessions, but she pleaded not guilty. **The Bench:** We consider that you did not feloniously steal the pig's cheek, but that you acted under a false impression; you thought you had paid the money, and being in a drunken state no doubt you made a mistake. **We will acquit you**. — *Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th October, 1878* ### 'Knowingly Suffering Persons of Notoriously Bad Character' James Keneer Waters. a licensed victualler on the Canal side, was fined 10s. and costs, for allowing and knowingly suffering persons of notoriously bad character to assemble and meet in his house, (to wit), common prostitutes. Hopkins, the wit- ness, stated, that he. & P.C. Hayward, found a number of men, and from ten to fifteen prostitutes in the house, on the evening of the 29th September last and a harp playing for their amusement. Sergeant Huxtable said he had cleared the house in the night-time fifty times over of common girls. ... John Elliott, of the Britannia beerhouse, for a like offence, was fined 10s. and costs. Here was music, and one Hannah Plaster, a notorious character of a certain sort, dancing with a sailor and other prostitutes. Sergeant Huxtable had visited the house frequently, and knew well that common girls were living in the house for hire also certain characters known by the cognomens of "Great Western, "Brown Bess," &c. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th October, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425163/3425166?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Assault at a Female Club Dinner' Ann Roberts was charged with assaulting Mary Davies, on Wednesday last. The case appeared to arise out of a circumstance related by one of the cloud of witnesses to a Lady, at the Female Club Dinner, last week, respecting the complainant and the defendant and as gossip frequently produces evil results at some periods, and in certain quarters, so a quarrel arose out of this. Of the parties it might be said that "both were right, and both were wrong," but Mary Davies having first obtained a summons, stood in the place of complainant this morning, and attempted to show a case. She failed, and her own witnesses proving her to have been the first and principal aggressor, the Mayor ordered the case to be dismissed, and the complainant to pay costs. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th June, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393963/3393966?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Female Clubs were a precursor to more formal private ladies' clubs in the late 1880s. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Market Gate' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-10-at-19.04.42.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd October, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393793/3393795?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) This advert from 1842 mentions number 2 Market Street (which was on the left side near High Street) and states it is opposite the Market Gate. Wonder if the gate is where the Tickled Trout pub is today? ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-11-at-08.15.21.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th June, 1843](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393963/3393965?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Disgraceful State of the Streets *To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.* SIR, — I beg, through the channel of your public-spirited and valuable paper, to call the attention of the proper authorities"—who they are I know not, or would not trouble you—to the disgraceful state of the footpaths (pavements they cannot be called) in, and leading to and from, George-street and the town. The approach from the William the Fourth through Commercial street is a continuation of pools of water and of broken stones, alias pavements which in wet weather is scarcely passable, particularly for children and females, except at the risk of wet feet and spoiled dresses. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-11-at-08.27.18.png) One of the areas in the article with the old William IV pub on the right. Several of both have lately occurred. Through George-street to Mellon-street and the Dock road in similar weather, it has more resemblance to a "quagmire," than a road passing through a respectable street—for to walk through it is impossible, without being "over shoes" in mud. Surely, such a dirty state of things ought not to be continued in this "improving town." Trusting this hint may meet the eyes of those who have the care of this neighbourhood, and that they may feel a sense of the duty which they owe to those residing therein, and apologising for thus trespassing on your columns, I remain, sir, your obedient servant, **AN INHABITANT OF GEORGE-STREET.** 20th June. 1843. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th June, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393963/3393966?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-11-at-11.03.17.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th November, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393803?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) At the time of the advert there would have been very little around there apart from Pill House which is where Grove Park is and another house in Malpas. The lane that's there today was the original track that ran alongside the house. The road would have been an 'occupation road' which provided private access to the property and would have ran from the present-day junction of Brynglas Road and Aston Crescent where the entrance to Crindau House was located. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-11-at-11.07.10.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-11-at-11.06.08.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Dangerous Docks' *To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin* SIR,—Allow me, through the medium of your paper to call the attention of the Dock directors to the necessity of immediately adopting some means to prevent, as much as possible, any accident from occurring at the dock after night-fall I think, after having so successfully, and with so little accident, carried out their views in the erection of the splendid dock, and from the great encouragement likely to be given to the undertaking, it only requires the suggestion to cause the adoption of all necessary means to prevent the chance of loss of life. For this purpose, I would propose that immediately before night closes in, oil lamps be lighted (until gas can be got), and chains run round the dock. At present the place is so very dangerous from want of light, especially at the entrance to the bridges, where the iron so much resembles the colour of the water in the lock, that a man, familiar with the locality and in his sober senses, is very likely to be deceived and walk over. How much more likely, then, are sailors and other strangers to lose their lives under similar circumstances? At London and Liverpool chains and other securities are run around the docks to prevent accident. These precautions at Liverpool, I have been told, were only adopted after a number of lives were sacrificed, and I hope the directors of the Newport dock will not wait for the same melancholy proofs to shew them the necessity of something being done. Already one life has been lost here, and I should hope now no delay will take place in doing something to prevent such another occurrence. Asking your excuse f0r thus trespassing on your useful columns, I remain, sir, yours, &c., A TRADER. — [Monmouthshire Merlin, 29th October, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393798/3393801?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## **'Association for the Prevention of Robberies, Thefts**, &c.' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-11-at-12.41.03.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd November, 1838](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392800?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Associations for the prevention of robberies and thefts were local mutual-protection and prosecution societies formed by property owners in 18th- and 19th-century Britain, including parts of what is today's Newport boundary. Before the rise of modern professional police forces, members pooled funds to offer cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of local criminals. It's interesting to see a mention of Duffryn being called a hamlet. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/08/IMG_7023-1.jpeg) T.F.Emmens — Hosier, Hatter, Shirtmaker, Glover. 19 Commercial Street (Source: 1901 Johns Street Directory) ### Volume 2, Number 32 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-32/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T19:48:33.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow-7.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Footways and House Numbers' SIR,—I observe by your reports that the Newport Town Council contemplate expending a large sum of the ratepayer's money, to improve the footway in High-street, and as it would appear the Corporate right extends no further than Stow-hill and High-street, I think I can point to where several improvements, sadly required for the convenience of the heavily-taxed inhabitants of the western end of the town, would be a far more judicious outlay of the money. First. I would refer to the disgracefully-filthy and shattered pavement on the east side of Commercial-road, from Frederick-street to the bottom, which, in wet weather, contains holes and hollows of mud and slush, and at all times stumbling traps, by which people are constantly falling. To this I will add the equally or more filthy railway crossings and their grease-begrimed gate posts, with which the dresses of females may constantly come in contact. I would further direct the Corporate attention to the sad want of street numbering, the irregularities of which I should suppose cannot be equalled by any town in the kingdom, taking Portland-street and Clarence-street as specimens. > The former would run something like this, 7, 9, 11, 21, a few doors further you come to 16, and still further on you come to 12, &c. In Clarence-street, you find No. 1 in the middle of the street, with 46 or 56 next door, and so on higgledy-piggledy throughout, but the majority of houses have no numbers. Now, I think these matters require attention far more than High-street, with all due deference to a few gentlemen who so strongly advocate that improvement, but who cannot, in common honesty, take the money from the pockets of the Pillgwenlly people to expend upon the east end of the town, whilst the west is in the disreputable condition I have pointed out. Another matter I would advert to is, that whilst houses are undergoing alterations or repairs, foot passengers should be protected from danger, both the person and dress. A short time ago, I met a poor little girl, with blood streaming from head to foot, and upon inquiries found that a mason's boy, hurling bricks and rubbish across the pavement, from a house undergoing repairs, had struck the child, cutting its head severely. The parents were poor, and of course had no remedy, and the authorities heard nothing of it. We see now and then houses stripped of their old plaster and restuccoed, whilst persons are passing to and fro underneath-even babies in perambulators, one of which might be killed by a small lump of mortar or chip, such as are constantly falling around them. I trust these few remarks may have the desired effect, And am, Sir, your obedient servant, Newport, 10th Dec., 1867\. A WEST-ENDER. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th December, 1867*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403142/3403150/28/High%2BOR%2BStreet?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-23-at-17.06.43.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th November, 1858](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398154/3398158?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Alleged Jewel Robbery On Wednesday evening, a woman styling herself "Lady Russell," went to the police-office, at the Town-hall, Newport, and stated that she had been robbed of a large amount of jewellery, at a house on the Caerleon-road, where she had been staying for a week or two. The police took the matter in hand, and on Thursday they apprehended a man named Summerhayes, on suspicion. At the Borough police-court to-day (Friday) this man, Edward Summerhayes, was brought up charged, on suspicion, with stealing a pair of gold earrings, a diamond stud, a gold watch, a gold ring, and other jewellery the property of (as the charge sheet described it) "Kate Russell." On the application at Chief Superintendent Sinclair, the case was adjourned until Monday. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th October, 1878*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440410/3440415?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The case was in court the following week and was [reported in the Merlin](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440419/3440421?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). It was deemed that there wasn't enough evidence and the case was dismissed. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-23-at-17.09.00.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th November, 1858](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398154/3398158?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Market Accommodation for Newport SIR,—Extravagant outlay in the erection of public buildings appears to be all the rage in the present day, and some of the members of our Town Council, desirous, I suppose, of following the prevailing fashion, but utterly regardless of the real interests of the town, advocate the expenditure of at least £15,000 for the building of a market for Newport. I am really astonished that any man professing to be possessed of common sense could foster such an Utopian scheme, which, if carried out, would certainly entail upon the already over-burdened ratepayers an annual loss of £300 or £400\. Fortunately for us, we have such representatives as Mr. H. J. Davis, Mr. Homfray, and a few others, in the Council, who check such wild extravagance. The object I have in writing this letter is, respectfully to lay before the public my views upon the subject, that more practical men may judge of their feasibility. My proposal, if adopted, at all events will have the merit of saving the ratepayers from any outlay whatever. > I believe the present market might be altered to meet the requirements of the town for many years to comp, by raising it another storey, to be covered with a roof of iron and glass, the ground floor to be used as a vegetable market, the upper storey for meat, poultry, and butter, the latter to be approached from Upper Market-street by one or two easy flights of steps: the ground floor could of course be entirely remodelled, and thus would afford much more space than at present. The Duke of Beaufort has long ago decided to have taken down, the two old houses in High-street, occupied by Mr. Bryant and Mr. Ewins, and to erect on the site an arcade, which would form an agreeable approach to the market from High-street. I venture to say that if the matter was properly laid before the Duke he would have the market altered in some such way as suggested, and other improvements effected at his own cost; and if at any future time the financial affairs of the town should be in a more flourishing condition, and it should be deemed advisable that the market should become the property of the ratepayers, I have no doubt but it might then be purchased at a fair price, according to the amount of income derived from it. I am, Sir, yours obediently, A RATEPAYER. Jany. 1st, 1862. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th January 1862*](http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3442844/3442852/33/High%2BOR%2BStreet?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-29-at-08.13.51.png) Note that Market Street was known as Upper Market Street. Source: [**Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th November, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397079/3397083?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/IMG_4376-1.jpeg) Source: Newport Post Office Directory 1900 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### A Careless Gipsy William Dixon, a gipsy hawker, was summoned for allowing his horse to stray. On Tuesday evening P,C. Furkeswell saw a horse wandering about Caerleon village, and he impounded the animal. Next morning the horse was claimed by defendant. It was stated by defendant that the horse got out of the field where it was grazing owing to a defect in the gate. **The Bench fined defendant half- a-crown**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th November, 1884*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407684/3407689?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing and Embezzlement Edward Bush, sweep, was charged with stealing a pair of shoes from the house of John Jones, who lives in Lewis-street. The prisoner was apprehended wearing the shoes, and Mary Ann Simpson, the prosecutor's servant, stated that they were missed after prisoner had been to the house to sweep a chimney. The prisoner was further charged with embezzling 16s., the property of Thomas Williams, his late employer. He pleaded guilty to stealing the shoes and to embezzling 6s.—**Sentenced to six weeks' hard labour on each charge**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th November, 1884*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407684/3407689?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing and Receiving Emily Griffiths and Annie Ellen Gould, domestic servants, were charged, the former with stealing £5, the money of John Davies, butcher, Commercial-road, and the latter with receiving it, well knowing it to have been stolen. P.C. Dukelow proved apprehending prisoners, who handed him several articles which had been bought with the money. Prisoners pleaded guilty. Prosecutor said he did not wish to press the charge, and only wanted the girls cautioned. **Prisoners were ordered to be detained at the police-station for two days, the Bench hoping this would prove a warning to them**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th November, 1884*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407684/3407689?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Stealing Glasses from the Windsor Castle' Alice Wynne was charged with stealing three glasses from the bar of the Windsor Castle public-house. P.C. Nursey deposed to apprehending the prisoner on suspicion of stealing the glasses. She was then very drunk. The landlady of the Eastern Valley public-house, stated that on Monday evening prisoner came into her bar and offered the glasses for sale. She refused to buy them. Prosecutrix stated that on Monday the prisoner came into her house, but she did not see ber take anything. On the following morning she missed the four glasses produced, which she now identified as her property. **Prisoner, who said she had bought the glasses, was sentenced to 14 days**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th November, 1884*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407684/3407689?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/South_Wales_Argus_1902_06_21_2.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 21st June, 1902](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145604721/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Summer Fashions at the Great Shoe Manufactory (c. 1860)' An advertisement for **The Great Shoe Manufactory**—also trading as the **Golden Boot**—provides a window into mid-Victorian retail and footwear trends in Newport. Located at **124 Commercial Street, opposite Cross Street**, the business was run by **James Horner**, who announced a new selection of "first-class goods" added to his stock specifically for summer wear. Horner gave particular prominence to his stock of "rivetted goods," noting they were offered at lower prices than previously available. The advertisement covers footwear options suited to every member of the household, alongside a dedicated **Bespoke Department** for custom-made orders produced under Horner's direct supervision. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-30-at-06.16.58.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th August, 1860](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399165?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### The Inventory #### Ladies' Footwear For women, the shop stocked a mix of indoor, formal, and lightweight outdoor footwear: - **House Boots** and soft **Cashmere Boots** (available with channelled soles or military heels). - **Kid Balmoral Boots**, featuring either military heels or side-lacing. - **Elastic Military-Heel Boots**, including versions styled with fancy buttons. - **Cloth Boots** with patent goloshed finishes. - Lightweight **Patent Slippers**. #### Gentlemen's Footwear The men's department covered formal dress, casual wear, and heavy-duty workwear: - **Wellington Boots** (in standard lengths, short cuts, and calfskin). - **Spring-Side Boots** (available in calfskin or patent finishes). - **Calf Balmorals**, **Patent Elastic Shoes**, and **Calf Oxonians** for lighter town wear. - **Stout Blucher Boots**, including heavy-duty **nailed** versions for working conditions. #### Children's Footwear For younger family members, the shop stocked **Infant Strap Shoes and Boots**, as well as **Infant Coloured Boots and Shoes** in simpler cuts. ### Understanding Mid-Victorian Footwear Styles To put James Horner’s stock list into historical context, many of these shoe names refer to distinct 19th-century designs and construction methods: - **Balmoral Boots:** Popularised by Prince Albert following his visits to the Balmoral estate in Scotland. They featured a closed-lacing system (similar to a modern Oxford shoe) with a horizontal seam running parallel to the sole, separating the upper and lower sections. - **Blucher Boots:** Named after the Prussian Field Marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, who commissioned them for his army during the Napoleonic Wars. Featuring an open-lacing system formed by two leather side flaps, the "stout" and "nailed" Bluchers in Horner's advert represented durable workwear built for rough ground. - **Spring-Side Boots:** An early version of the modern Chelsea boot. Patented in the mid-19th century, they incorporated vulcanised elastic rubber side gussets, allowing the wearer to slip them on and off without lacing or buttoning. - **Oxonian Shoes:** Originating as a popular low-cut half-boot among Oxford University students in the 1820s, the Oxonian was a direct predecessor to the modern lace-up shoe. - **Wellington Boots:** Mid-Victorian Wellingtons were leather dress boots fitted close to the leg and worn under trousers, derived from the style made famous by the 1st Duke of Wellington. They predate the modern rubber rain boots that later inherited the name. #### Key Materials & Construction Terms - **Kid:** Soft leather made from young goat skin, used for finer dress footwear. - **Golosh (Galosh):** A protective strip of heavy or patent leather stitched around the lower perimeter of a fabric boot to resist mud and water. - **Nailed Soles:** Soles fitted with hobnails or iron studs to reduce wear and improve traction on unpaved streets. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-30-at-08.07.12.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th March, 1860](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399030/3399031?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) SIR — Although not now a resident of Newport allow me through the medium of your paper to call the attention of the public to a nuisance at present existing in the town. The nuisance I complain of is this—In High street passers by, particularly ladies, are liable to insult, and to be "...logged" \[flogged?\] as they walk through the street. Were such occurrence to take place in the metropolis the offenders would soon be brought to their senses by "the force." but they manage these things worse in Newport. It is not every lady who would like to enter a police court as complainant; or these fellows would soon get their deserts (sic). I would advise every gentleman of the town to carry a whip or stick, and on seeing a lady (under his protection or not) annoyed to use it with effect. I think the magistrates would deal very leniently with any charge of assault preferred by the thrashed, and the thrasher would certainly gain the thanks (no slight reward) of the ladies generally. Hoping this may lead to an abatement of the nuisance, I am, yours, &c., E.S. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th June, 1865*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3401582/3401585/11/High%2BOR%2BStreet?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Fire on Skinner Street' About seven o'clock on Tuesday evening, one of the hauliers in the employ of Messrs. J. J. Nicholas and Co., on entering his employers' stables found the building filled with smoke. On examination he discovered a quantity of straw smouldering, and an alarm being raised, the active Chief Superintendent of Police, with several of the force, having got out the reel, proceeded to the spot, and having obtained a plentiful supply of water speedily quenched the fire. The stables are beneath a long room belonging to the Royal Oak beer-house, Skinner-street, kept by Mrs. Morgan, and the flooring being very old, it is supposed a quantity of hot ashes escaped between the boards, and fell upon the straw, of which about two tons were in the stable. Had the fire been unobserved a few minutes longer, probably the results would have been disastrous. We understand Mrs. Morgan has been previously cautioned against keeping a fire in her room. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st December, 1861*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399935/3399940/19/High%2BOR%2BStreet?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-31-at-10.50.36.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th December, 1861](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399944/3399948?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Volume 2, Number 31 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-31/ Last updated: 2026-08-08T11:47:43.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow-6.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## An Unprofitable Public House Otto Jordan was summoned by the overseers of Christchurch for rates amounting to £11 7s 9d. Defendant was represented by his wife, who stated that her husband kept the Ship Inn at Caerleon, which they rented from Miss Townsend. About sixteen months since they entered the house, paying down nearly £100\. The trade had been very had and defendant was unable to pay the rent, and Miss Townsend seized every scrap of furniture and sold it. Her husband was very ill, and the brokers would have sold the bedstead whereon he was lying had not the neighbours interfered. One or two friends had bought in some of the furniture, consisting of a few chairs and table, and this, with the bed her husband was now lying on, was all the furniture that remained of what they had originally taken into the house. Another hardship was that the owner of the house had let it over their heads. She had eight children to maintain, and could not leave the house. The poor woman earnestly appealed to the Bench to advise her in the matter. Dr. Woollett remarked that if they were starving in the house they ought to go out. Mrs. Jordan wanted to know who would take them in with no furniture. Dr Woolett said that the parties who had hired the house would have to apply to them for a transfer of the licence before they could take possession. The Bench thought it was a very hard case, and allowed the matter to stand over for a week, Mrs. Jordan being advised not to part with her licence on any consideration. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th November, 1884*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407684/3407689?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-22-at-08.42.48.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th October, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425163/3425165?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Remarkable Escape of a Child There was a scene in High-street on Tuesday afternoon that sent a thrill through those who were spectators. A nurse girl had paused outside a shop window to look at something that caught her eye, and while doing so she let go the handle of the perambulator she was in charge of. The perambulator, in which was seated & child about 12 months old, toppled off the pavement just as a Maindee 'bus was coming up the-street, and in an instant the little vehicle was between the hind legs of the off horse and the wheels of the 'bus. Happily the driver saw the perambulator leave the pavement, and stopped his horses in time to avert serious consequences. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th November, 1884*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407666/3407671?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-22-at-08.42.51.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th October, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425163/3425165?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Accident with a Revolver Between one and two o'clock on Monday Mrs Webber, landlady of the Brewery Inn, Llanarth-street, was shot under circumstances which afford a striking illustration of the danger attending the careless handling of firearms. It appears that a young man connected with the circus in Friars Fields asked Mrs Webber to lend him a pistol for a few hours, and she let him have a revolver left in her care by a sailor several months ago. It being assumed that the weapon was unloaded, the young man pointed it to the ground and pulled the trigger. Unhappily one chamber contained a cartridge which exploded, and the bullet first struck the stone floor then re-bounded, and lodged in the landlady's thigh. The poor woman fainted from loss of blood, but a medical man who was sent for succeeded in extracting the bullet, and stopping the haemorrhage. Mrs. Webber is likely to do well. The unlucky cause of the accident gave himself up to the police at the temporary Town Hall, but it was not thought necessary to detain him. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th November, 1884*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407684/3407689?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Robbing Employers Henry Pollinger and Joseph Orchard were charged with stealing a plank, the property of their employers, Messrs. Powell and Sons. John Poole, a sawyer in the employ of Messrs. Powell, saw the prisoners about eight o'elack on Tuesday morning, in the yard of the prosecutors, near Caroline-street. Saw Pollinger take a spruce plank and push it through the fence into Caroline-street, and Joseph Orchard received it from him; Orchard then took it up Caroline-street on back Sergeant Curtis apprehended the prisoner Pollinger in Granville-street, and charged him with the above stated, and he replied, "I carried the planks for Orchard". Witness afterwards apprehended Orchard in the yard, and charged him also with stealing the plank. He replied, "I brought it to the yard to have it sawed. I have a bill of it". Orchard was further charged with stealing a lot of chisels, oil, paint, files, and a variety of other articles, the property of his employers, Messrs. T. Powell and Sons. Sergeant Curtis searched the house, and found the various articles produced, which he brought to the station. Prisoner acknowledged that several of the articles were his Masters', but that the timber was his own, and had been in his possession four years. **The Bench, after hearing witnesses, dismissed the first charge. Orchard was committed on the second**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th November, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398163/3398166?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Tramping Mason' William Jones, a tramping mason, found incapably drunk on a footpath in Maindee, on the night of the 23rd instant, **was committed to Usk Gaol for seven days**, in default of paying a fine of 10s., including costs. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th October, 1874*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405569/3405572?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Permitting Gaming on Licensed Premises Sidney Witts was summoned for permitting gaming on his licensed premises, the Engineers' Arms, Baneswell. P.S. Williams visited the house, and said in a room upstairs he found about fifteen men. At the end of a table there was a cup containing three dice, and some tickets relating to a raffle. Defendant admitted the case, as stated by Sergeant Williams, but pleaded that he was not aware that he was doing wrong. Inspector Sheppard stated that the defendant had not had the house long, but with this exception he considered he was conducting the business in a highly respectable way. **A mitigated penalty of 10s. and costs was imposed**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th November, 1874*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405581/3405583?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Vagrancy Thomas Price, a miserable-looking object, was charged with begging in the streets, on Sunday afternoon. P.C. Gadd saw the man begging in Charles-street. He was asking a gentleman for money to help him on the way to Abergavenny. On Friday night the man was very drunk, and great complaints had been made about him.**Sentenced to 14 days' hard labour**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th November, 1874*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405581/3405583?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing Meat from a Shop Window Harriet Rowles, was charged with stealing a piece of meat, belonging to Mr. Thomas Gregory., butcher, from his shop at Pill, on Saturday night. Emily Gregory, daughter of the prosecutor, said, between six and seven o'clock on Saturday night she missed a piece of beef about 4lbs., from the window slab. She ran out and overtook the prisoner with the meat in her possession. The woman said it had caught in her apron, and she did not know it was there. Witness took the piece of meat out of the woman's apron, and sent a policeman after her. P.C. Evans said he found the prisoner locked up in her own room. He charged her with stealing 4lbs. of beef from Mr. Gregory s, and she told him it had caught in her apron, and she did not know she had it until Miss Gregory took it from her. He then took her into custody. **Sentenced to 14 days' hard labour**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th November, 1874*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405581/3405583?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Indecency John Blackmore, in the employ of the South Wales Colliery Company, Risca, was charged with being drunk and exposing his person in Commercial-street on the previous night. P.C. Brooks proved the offence, which he said was committed in front of Mr. W. Vaughan's shutters. **The Magistrates fined the prisoner 10s 6d, or 14 days' imprisonment**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th November, 1874*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405581/3405583?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Not Fit To Be At Large A half-witted looking man, who gave the name of William Crouch, was brought before the Bench under the following circumstances. The accused was found in High-street, in a fit, and taken to the Town-hall. He was afterwards taken to the Workhouse and liberated, when he was again guilty of a similar eccentricity. A certificate was now handed in from Dr. Jennings, to the effect that there was no appearance that prisoner was suffer- ing from epileptic fits, and he believed him to be an imposter.—The accused said he had suffered from fits ever since he had the brain fever. **The case was adjourned until Friday, to give the prisoner an oppor- tunity of leaving the town.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th November, 1874*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405581/3405583?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Mischievous Glass of Brandy John Dillon a well-dressed man of good address was summoned for being drunk at the Prince of Wales, Cardiff-road, and assaulting Edward Thomas Rees the landlord. The assault occurred last Thursday night. The defendant went to the Prince of Wales and called for a drink which was refused, as he was not sober. The landlord asked him to leave the house, and defendant struck him on the hand with a piece of iron that seemed like a bolt. Defendant said he came to Newport with a shipowner and drank a glass of brandy—the first for five years—and it took effect on him. Later in the day he took a man who had done him a kindness to the Prince of Wales, and he certainly became excited when complainant would not serve him. But he did not strike the defendant, though somebody knocked him down. He was exceedingly sorry for what bad occurred. **Fined 10s. 6d**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th November, 1884*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407684/3407689?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-23-at-07.11.12.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th May, 1839](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392925?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Overton House, 1856 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-29-at-08.18.25.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th November, 1856](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397079/3397083?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Overton House is located on the east end of Cardiff Road and was at one point the Whitehead Sports and Social Club (Courtybella Club). J.B. Nichols had run a school there called Overton Academy which had opened in 1853. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/image-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-29-at-08.23.18.png) Overton House is located on the left of the image. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-23-at-07.12.11.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th May, 1839](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392925?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'An Evening With Charles Dickens' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-29-at-08.27.40.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th November, 1856](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397091?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) At the Town Hall in November, 1856 a lecture was given on the author Charles Dickens. This would have been in middle of when the books were being written so would have covered ones like The Pickwick Papers, Oliver Twist and David Copperfield but A Tale of Two Cities and great Expectations were yet to be written. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-23-at-07.13.25.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th May, 1839](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392925?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Strike at Spittle's Foundry The employed at Mr Spittle's foundry, Newport, are on strike. It appears that Mr Spittle had obtained large contract, which could not be carried out unless the men worked a longer number of hours, i.e., if did not return to the ten hours' system, and this the workmen refused to do; so they came out on Monday. > It should be stated that Mr Spittle was the first employer in this town who adopted the nine hour system when it came into vogue. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 29th August, 1879*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405986/3405990?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Professor of Dancing' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-23-at-07.35.20.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th May, 1839](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392930/3392932?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'A Visit to Christopher & Son in 1884' Stepping into 15 Commercial Street in late 1884, a visitor to Newport would have been greeted by an astonishing array of luxury goods, stationery, and giftware. The expansive advertisement published by **Wm. Christophers & Son**—manufacturing stationers, printers, booksellers, and school furnishers—offers a rare window into the shopping habits and material culture of Victorian Monmouthshire as locals prepared for the new year. ### A Gateway to Elegance The advertisement opens by establishing the firm’s credentials not just as everyday stationers, but as purveyors of "Cabinet, Brass, Leather, Plush, and General Fancy Goods." Among their most fashionable offerings were **Photographic Albums**, ranging from modest 1s. editions to grand 70s. keepsakes. A highlight of the season was their latest novelty: the *"Olive" Album*, featuring pages decorated in gold and rich colours against an olive-tinted background—a perfect display piece for the Victorian parlour. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-29-at-15.56.19.png) Source: [Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th November, 1884](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407666/3407670?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Luxury Leathers and Personal Effects Moving further into the catalogue, the sheer variety of materials on offer is striking. Christophers & Son stocked dressing cases, jewel boxes, and tourist desks crafted from exotic timber and fine leathers, including rosewood, coromandel, plush, and carved ivory finishes. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-29-at-15.56.26.png) Source: [Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th November, 1884](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407666/3407670?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) For the style-conscious shopper, the shop offered: - **Dressing Cases:** Fitted models in solid leather, walnut, or coromandel, priced from 8s. up to a substantial 150s. - **Handbags & Accessories:** Ladies' hand and handkerchief bags available in Morocco, Russia, Crocodile, Chamois, and plush. - **Novelties:** Combined glove and handkerchief boxes, scent cases in papier-mâché, and plush-lined photographic frames. ### Desk Ware, Tobacco Accessories, and Keepsakes The third section highlights personal accoutrements and office furnishings. Writing tables of the era were catered for with solid wood inkstands (carved from oak, walnut, and olive wood) alongside brass card trays and frames. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-29-at-15.56.32.png) Source: [Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th November, 1884](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407666/3407670?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The range extended to luxury items for social life and leisure: - **Writing & Scrap Albums:** Ranging from budget 6d. options to fine volumes at 25s. - **Personal Leatherwork:** Purses and card cases in pearl, tortoiseshell, and ivory, as well as compact cigar and cigarette cases. - **Fashionable Extras:** Ladies' fans—including the popular crewel-worked feather designs in vibrant colours. ### Fine Pottery, Art Supplies, and Diaries for 1884 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-29-at-15.56.41-1.png) Source: [Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th November, 1884](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407666/3407670?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The final portion of the advertisement demonstrates the shop's pivot toward holiday gifting and creative pastimes. Christophers & Son stocked **Linthorpe Ware & Art Pottery**, showcasing designs in Greek, Sarreguemines, Majolica, and decorated terracotta plaques suitable for hand painting. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/image-2.png) An example item of Linthorpe Ware from 1880 (Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linthorpe%5FArt%5FPottery?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)). The pottery operated in Linthorpe, Middlesborough between 1879 and 1890. For scholars, artists, and readers, the stock included: - **Diaries for 1884:** Pocket editions by De La Rue and Peacock, bound in calfskin and Russia leather. - **Artists' & Technical Supplies:** Complete oil and watercolour sets, alongside mathematical instruments in japanned tin boxes (from 6d. to 10s.). - **Bibles & Prayer Books:** Large stocks in superior presentation bindings, offered alongside birthday cards starting at just 1d. To top off their festive promotion, the shop offered a discount of *twopence in the shilling* for cash purchases on books, complete with free gold-stamping of names or initials on leather goods—a thoughtful Victorian touch for custom gift-giving. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/IMG_5540-copy.jpeg) The Mirror of Gems, 30 Commercial Street, early 1900s ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-29-at-16.44.02.png) [South Wales Argus, 21st June, 1902](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145604712/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A Warning DEAR SIR,—I regret having to state that Newport (more particularly *H*igh-street and Mill-street) is becoming infested by some of those beings (I will not say men) who delight in insulting our wives and sisters when alone and unprotected -and who, having credit of too trustful tailors, are enabled to attire themselves in gentlemanly apparel—taking credit to themselves, no doubt, of being "perfect gentlemen" by virtue of a gold chain and good unpaid for clothing. A young lady to whom I am related was twice insulted by one of these beings a few evenings ago while going to and from the post-office, and this week I have heard of three or four similar cases -one, a respectable married lady-who was spoken to, stopped, whistled at, and dogged to her own door, being naturally greatly agitated and frightened. Now, Sir, this coming home to myself and the relatives of those thus unmanly treated, we have met, and resolved to ask you to insert a warning—that we are determined to watch the portion of the town referred to.\* I enclose my card. Yours, &c., MORALITY, \*\[We have expunged the concluding portion of our correspondent's letter. He will not, we think, be surprised that we should decline to announce an intention to meet the evil in question by a breach of the public peace.—Ed. M. M.\] — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th September, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400531/3400536/22/High%2BOR%2BStreet?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-23-at-07.43.35.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st November, 1855](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396574?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/South_Wales_Argus_1902_06_28_1.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 28th June, 1902](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145604898/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription required) ### Volume 2, Number 30 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-30/ Last updated: 2026-08-01T06:23:25.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Research Drop-in Day ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/NewportCornucopiaDropIn--1--1.jpeg) On **Saturday 25th July, between 10am and 2pm**, we’ll be running an informal local history drop-in session right there in the reference library. If you have a specific project you are working on, want to know more about the history of your own street, or are just curious about how to get started, please pop by. ### What we can look at together: - **Local Street Directories:** The library holds fantastic physical volumes (like Kelly's Directories) that allow you to track who lived in a specific house or ran a shop on the High Street decade by decade. - **Premium Digital Archives:** If you don't have personal subscriptions, you can use my access to paid resources like **Ancestry** and **Newspapers.com** to search for old family names, local news reports, or business announcements. - **Historic Side-by-Side Maps:** I can show you how to use free, accurate digital mapping tools to overlay 19th-century Ordnance Survey maps directly on top of modern Newport streets to see exactly how your neighbourhood changed. Sometimes the biggest hurdle isn't a lack of information, but knowing how to search the archives effectively to find the facts. Whether you have a single burning question or just want to see what materials are available, look out for the Newport Cornucopia table. No booking is needed—just turn up between 10am and 2pm. Hope to see you there! ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-22-at-08.41.25.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th October, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425163/3425165?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Mr Charles Desmond and the Newport Circulating Library' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-20-at-08.07.00.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th April, 1843](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393913/3393915?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The circulating library was owned by Charles Desmond who had moved to Commercial Street by February 1842 and at the time was noted as being 'the only one in the town'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-20-at-08.10.54.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th February, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393625/3393627/4/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The advert mentions Stow Hill which was where he was prior to this new premises and from where he ran a stamp office. An advert in 1843 mentions the address as being 12 Commercial Street so is likely the location of the premises mentioned in the advert. In addition to running the circulating library, he also ran the Commercial Coffee Rooms, sold wallpaper, let apartments and offices and ran the 'Intelligence Office for Servants' which served as a place for servants to register and be checked. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-20-at-14.05.37.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-20-at-14.05.51.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th April, 1844](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424816/3424818/7/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) In September he moved to 113 Commercial Street where in addition to the Circulating Library and Register Office for Servants he was to open a grocery business where 'every article was sold at London and Bristol prices for ready money only'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-20-at-14.17.23.png) [In a letter to the Monmouthshire Merlin](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425186/3425189/35/Charles%2BOR%2BDesmond?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) in November, 1845, where Mr Desmond is mentioning running for the West Ward in the 1845 municipal election he signs off as 113 Commercial Street so the move to the new premises mentioned in September was completed. That property today is the building to the right of John's Meat Market but obviously not the original building. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-20-at-08.21.19.png) That wasn't the first time he had put himself forward for Councillor of the West Ward having been elected in 1840 when he took the seat of John Frost. He held the seat for a year and was then defeated in the 1841 elections. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-20-at-08.33.23.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th January, 1840](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393110/3393113/16/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Wilfully Pushing Persons Off the Pavement' Elizabeth Pugh and Hannah Davis, who were sentenced to one months imprisonment and hard labour, for creating a disturbance in thestreet, by using obscene and abusive language; and for an offence under the Town Act, that of obstructing the thoroughfare, and wilfully pushing persons off the pavement. This is an offence of which we have frequently complained in this paper, and were happy to hear the Mayor express the determination he did, to do all in his power to suppress it. His Worship gave the most positive orders to all the officers to bring before the Magistrates all persons offending by obstructing the thoroughfares, which has become such an intolerable nuisance in the town. We trust that these directions will he strictly attended to, and that our streets may in future be passable for respectable females which we believe for a considerable time they have not been, after dusk. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th April, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393913/3393916?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Disturbance in Llanarth Street Sidney Tutton, William Rossiter, Samuel Tutton, and Ann Rossiter were charged with creating a disturbance in the White Hart beerhouse, Llanarth-street, and with assaulting the Police. Mr. Egling said the men broke some glass and furniture, and in consequence he gave them into custody of the police. P.O. Samways said, on Saturday night, about ten o'clock, he was fetched to the White Hart, and saw Rossiter and Sutton fighting. He tried to part them, but it was of no use. A mob of about 100 collected round the place, and Samuel Tutton struck the witness. The women pulled the man, and said he should not be taken to the station. P.C. Sutton corroborated this evidence. Tutton and Rossiter denied fighting together and Mr. Alderman Evans observed that they appeared to have been taking "a friendly embrace" only. Their employer gave the men the character of being quiet and inoffensive. **The charge was dismissed**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th November, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398163/3398166?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing Mutton John Taylor was charged with stealing a loin of mutton from the shop of Mr. White, butcher, Commercial-road. Mr. White's son said the prisoner was passing the shop abeut nine o'clock, when he pet his hand on to the steb in front of his shop, took up a of mutton, and ran away with it. He was overtaken and given into custody. P.C. Chandler proved taking the man in charge. The prisoner pleaded guilty, but said he was drunk at the time, or he would not have done it. He added that he had lived in Newport 16 or 17 'years, and had never committed any improper act before. The Mayor told the prisoner that in consideration of that being his first appearance in a police court he would be dealt leniently with, **but** **the Bench were compelled to sentence him to fourteen days imprisonment**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th November, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398163/3398166?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Cottages For Sale in Malpas in 1832' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-22-at-16.12.42.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th September, 1832](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391665/3391667/6/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) I always like finding adverts for properties in old newspapers and seeing if I can cross reference them with the old tithe/OS maps (even better if they still exist today). This advert from 1832 mentions two cottages for sale in Malpas and even though the tithe map is from 8 or 9 years after the advert the cottages are displayed on there. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-22-at-16.10.16.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-22-at-16.11.29.png) The location of the two cottages would have been the semi detached property in the middle of the street view image. The Three Horse Shoes would likely have been there at the time of the advert and on a later map (no later than the 1880s) the property may have been a post office. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-22-at-16.17.47-1.png) Whilst on the subject of Malpas, there are a few remnants of old Malpas still surviving and one of those is Cherrytree Cottage at the top of Malpas Road — one of the last houses on the road. There was a property on the tithe map of around 1840 and I'm not sure how much of the original house is original but the garage to the left of property looks like it could be original. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-22-at-16.25.07-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-22-at-16.25.25-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-22-at-17.13.13.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Burglary at Pill On the morning of Saturday last, between the hours of two and four o'clock, the house of Mr. Harper, grocer, at Pill, was broken open and entered, and goods to a considerable amount stoled therefrom. The burglars effected an entrance by cutting the sash of the parlour window, and then inserting a knife for the purpose of taking out the glass. Having done this, they were enabled to introduce a hand and push back the catch, and then open the window. They then entered the house and proceeded to the kitchen, the fastening of which they withdrew, and having gone outside took down the shutter; and so obtained light. They then forced open the shop door with the poker; which was found on the floor bent and nearly broken, in the morning. They ransacked all the goods and carried away a considerable quantity, and all the money which happened to be left in the till. Being alarmed by the footsteps of Mrs. Harper, who hearing a noise below, got out of bed, they quickly decamped with their booty. We hope the vigilance of our police-officers will bring the offenders to justice. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th May, 1839*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392925/3392928?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Festivities at Malpas Court The village of Malpas has, within the last few days, been the scene of festive rejoicings upon a somewhat imposing scale, the occasion being the coming of age of the eldest son of the Rev. Thomas Prothero, Rector of Malpas, Mr. Francis Prothero, of Balliol College, Oxford, and the Hertford scholar of that University—a gentleman of whose amiable disposition and scholastic acquirements it is almost needless here to speak. The auspicious day was Friday, the fifth instant, when from an early hour cannon boomed forth, continuing at intervals throughout the day. > From the towers of Malpas Court, flags streamed in the breeze, and within was a scene of unusual brilliancy, gaiety, and hospitality. A dinner-party took place, for which no less than 140 invitations had been issued. The company comprised members of all the principal families in this part of the county. Later in the evening, a ball was given by the proprietor of the court. The ball-room was magnificently appointed. The dresses of the ladies were superb and everything combined to render the scene peculiarly attractive. An excellent supper was served, the arrangements being upon a most liberal scale. Dancing was kept up with animation to the strains of an excellent band and the next morning bad considerably advanced ere the company ceased "to chase the hours with flying feet." Altogether the entertainment was of a very choice character, and the day will doubtless be remembered as one of the most agreeable ever spent by those who were present. The proceedings of the following day were conducted with the same feeling of hospitality. Open house appeared to be the order of the day. The park was thronged with the farmers, workpeople, and other inhabitants of the neighbourhood, all of whom were accorded a hearty and genial welcome. The conservatories, &c., were thrown open for their pleasure while every facility for holding a good old English fete was provided, and for some hours appropriate rustic sports afforded much amusement for the crowd. The coach-house and adjacent outbuildings had been comfortably fitted up, and converted into a commodious apartment; and here the guests, to the number of 300, were afterwards assembled to partake of dinner. And such a dinner! Two sheep, weighing about 230lbs. were roasted whole! These were supplied and skilfully carved by Mr. Hugh Morgan, of Newport: of beef, the supply was equally abundant; and the usual etceteras were also in profusion. The Rev. Thomas Prothero occupied the chair, and, with his wife and daughters, spared no exertion to secure the comfort and happiness of all around. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-23-at-17.25.55.png) The extensive grounds of Malpas Court Subsequent to the repast, a number of toasts were proposed, among them being that of "Our kind entertainer, the Rector of Malpas," which was most cordially received. The rev. gentleman acknowledged the toast in kindly terms. Having referred to the occasion that had brought them together, he spoke of the assemblages of a somewhat similar nature which so frequently occurred in the olden times. Those gatherings, he considered, tended to the promotion of a sympathy, strong and sincere, between the various classes who met together and he was happy to be the means of creating such a feeling. He expressed an earnest wish to see such meetings more frequently, being satisfied that benefit would result to all who came within their influence. Dinner being concluded, the apartment was cleared for dancing, and all joined with alacrity, the first dance being led off by Mr. Decimus Prothero and Mrs Prothero. Tea was subsequently served, the family of Mr. Prothero again devoting themselves with great assiduity to the requirements of the visitors. The shades of evening had gathered around ere the proceedings closed and all departed with grateful and cordial feelings towards their benefactor. The poorer families in the neighbourhood of Malpas Court were, after the festivities, presented with good and wholesome provisions, a graceful recognition of the desire of the humblest to participate in the festivities of the auspicious occasion. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th November, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398154/3398162?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-20-at-14.20.14.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th April, 1843](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393913/3393915?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## The Newport Police Force **To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin**. SIR,—I am induced to address you on a subject which has long attracted my notice, and which ought, in fact, to have claimed the more particular allention of the authorities, to whom the matter more immediately belongs, and that is, to the frequent inconvenience wgich we have lately witnessed, of the town being left without that protection for which the inhabitants are called upon so largely to pay. I refer, sir, to the now common custom of our police being taken away from their duty, to go considerable distances, to protect a portion of the public, who do not contribute one single penny towards their support, and being there kept for several days, leaving our town in a state of perfect insecurity. As a contributor to the very burdensome rates of the borough — I consider I have a right to complain, and I trust that some of my fellow-townsmen, who have much more influence than the humble individual who now addresses you, will see the necessity of enquiring into this matter, so that we may not be left as we have been of late, so totally and shamefully unprotected. I understand that the superintendant, one serjeant, and five policemen, have lately gone up to Blaina, for the purpose of assisting to quell some disturbance amongst the colliers. Now, sir, I take it that our police, appointed and paid by us in the borough, have no right to be called beyond the limits of their duty—a distance of more than twenty miles, leaving a population of fifteen thousand souls, whom they are paid to protect, to protect others who do not pay a farthing to their support. It is a very pretty farce if we are to be called upon to keep up a police establishment, for the benefit of the whole county. It is really monstrous that we are thus left, subject to all kinds of depredations, to protect a portion of the public who do not contribute to our burdens. It should be glad to know whether we could send to any part of the county, and order the police force there to come and remain here for days together, in order to preserve the peace of the town. Certainly not,—the answer would be, and a very proper one too. "If you want additional protection, swear in special constables." These are times, sir, in which pounds, shillings, and pence become a serious consideration, more particularly when the tax gatherers and rate collectors have for the last four months been almost daily at our doors, demanding heavy contributions from the pockets of the inhabitants. I am told that there is now a demand of a borough rate of more than six hundred pounds, part of which is for the purpose of paying for security which we are presumed to receive from the police force; yet here we are, left with only two policemen to watch over the property of fifteen thousand persons. I hope, Mr. Editor, you will, by the aid of your powerful pen, take notice of the subject, so that the attention of those persons whose duty it is to see these things may be speedily called to it. The police are for the sole protection of the town, and I repeat that it is monstrous and unjust that after paying the heavy price we do for that protection, we should be left entirely without it. I am, Mr. Editor, yours faithfully, A RATE PAYER. Newport, May 3, 1843. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th May, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393928/3393930?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-22-at-08.36.51.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th September, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425158/3425161?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Train Feet Warmers' Passengers by the trains in this neighbourhood have latterly experienced a very material addition to their comfort, by the introduction into the first-ctass carriages of feet-warmers, which are simply oblong iron boxes, filled with boiling water. The inconveniences arising from cold feet, are by this ingenious contrivance entirely obviated. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th January, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397791/3397796?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/AlexandraRoad-1.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-22-at-08.40.12.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th October, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425163/3425165?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-20-at-08.16.00.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th February, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393625/3393627/4/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Volume 2, Number 29 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-29/ Last updated: 2026-07-25T06:05:18.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/NewportCornucopiaDropIn--1-.jpeg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## William Snailham At the top of Stow Hill opposite St Woolos Hospital is a longe black and white house which looks a bit of out place compared to surrounding buildings. This is the last of a group of six houses that stood in the same location at the edge of Stow Hill. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-13-at-20.35.19.png) Present day location of part of the row of house's where William Snailham lived. It features on the tithe map of the early 1840s as 'six cottages' and amongst other people living there was William Snailham. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-13-at-20.32.54.png) There's a slightly earlier reference to the property in 1838 when it was listed has five houses with William Snailham living there at that time. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-13-at-20.36.57.png) Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th September 1844 Whilst looking for anything interesting about William Snailham, I came across an unfortunate incident where he was the victim of an assault involving a knife:- --- Joseph Jones, a young man about 18 years of age, was charged by Superintendent Hopkins with stabbing William Snailham, with intent to do him some grievous bodily harm. Wm. Snailham, sworn, stated that he was a labourer, and worked for the late Mr. Anthony Phillips two or three years. On Monday night last, between 9 and 10 o'clock, he went on the tram road to gather some coal, and when near the Gaer Pond, he passed a team of trams belonging to Mr. Rosser Thomas; the prisoner, Joseph Jones, was the driver: soon after he passed the team, Jones came after him, and said "beest thee one of the men, with two others who served me out on the tram road some time ago?" Snailham said he was not, but Jones insisted upon it that he was: angry words ensued, and Jones took out his knife, and having opened it, made several blows at Snailham's face, which witness warded off with a bag had in his hand; he then made several stabs at his body, and at last succeeded in wounding him in the left side, a little the heart; he then shut his knife, and went away after his team towards the Court-y-bella machine. Snailham found that he was bleeding, and went to the machine, and from thence home, where he gave information to a person who came into the house. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-14-at-08.06.34.png) Tithe map of the time showing the locations mentioned and the route. The tram road mentioned would have followed Cardiff Road behind that wall that is presently at the bottom of Belle Vue Park. I'm making an educated guess about Gaer Pond. Police-constable Hewish, Sworn: I was on duty last Monday night, on Stow-hill, and from information I received I went to Pillgwenlly, and apprehended the prisoner, who was on horseback at the time; he had a team of horses with him I searched him, and found the knife I now produce in his possession there are marks of blood on it, which were quite fresh when I took it. Mr. Innis, assistant to Jehoida Brewer, Esq., surgeon, sworn from information I received on Monday last, I attended Wm. Snailham, the prosecutor, and after taking off his clothes, which were very bloody, I found a wound in the left side, a little above the heart, about an inch and a quarter long, and about an inch and a quarter under the skin, in a slanting direction, and such as might have been inflicted by a knife of the description of the one now produced by the policeman. Superintendent Hopkins produced the clothes which Snailham had on at the time he was stabbed, on which there was a great quantity of blood he pointed out several cuts in the garments on the right side, as well as the cut in the clothes on the left side, where the wound was inflicted. The prisoner was then committed to his trial at the next assizes at Monmouth. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th July, 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393485/3393488/24/Snailham?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'The Trial' The prisoner, William Lewis, and Joseph Jones, who was convicted of stabbing William Snailham, were then put up to receive judgment, and his lordship addressing them, said they had been most justly convicted on the clearest evidence of the heinous crimes with which they have been charged. As for you, Jones, your conduct is aggravated by the circumstance that you were actuated by a feeling of revenge, which was ranking in your bosom for six weeks, and having met the prosecutor, you were determined to gratify that feeling. You immediately attacked him with a deadly weapon you did not attempt a fair fight, but you persevered in your attack until you inflicted on him a severe wound, and then, from a consciousness of your guilt, you immediately fled. > Owing to the merciful interposition of God, you did not deprive your victim of life, which you would have done if the knife had penetrated fortunately for you the knife was intercepted by a bone, or it would have penetrated to the heart, and for that interposition you will have reason to thank God as long as you live, that you are spared the guilt of murder. In your case Lewis, there appears less of malice than in that of Jones although in reading the depositions, I find that some evidence was given before the magistrates, which was not produced in Court at your trial. It appears by the depositions that you had quarrelled with the prosecutor before on two occasions, and each time you threatened the knife, as if the knife was a familiar instrument, and that when your passion was excited you always thought of resorting to it. It is deplorable that in England the use of this instrument is day by day becoming more resorted to, whenever quarrels arise among persons of your class; and it is therefore necessary to inflict heavy punishments on offenders to restrain that tendency. In former times if men quarrelled, they had recourse to the weapons with which God furnished them but now if men do fight, on such occasions, the moment one gets the worst of the conceit, out comes the knife as if it were the first thing thought of. You have received a good character, but that cannot save you from the severe punishment due to your crime, and your sentence will also bear heavily on your unfortunate mother. I cannot, however, be influenced by considerations of this sort. It is my duty to make examples of you to deter others from the commission of similar offences, and to show that if people will get drunk and quarrel, and fight, they must, at least, abstain from the use of the knife. > His lordship concluded by sentencing the prisoners to be each transported beyond the seas for the term of 21 years. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th August, 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393495/3393498/17/Snailham?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow-4.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'A breakfast at 4 o'clock in the morning' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/IMG_5136.jpeg) At 162 Commercial Street was an eating house run by a T. Bell who boasted that one could order a breakfast at 4am. The restaurant was open all day until 10:30pm and served coffee by the half pint cup, bread and butter and plum cake. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-11-at-12.36.58.png) Assuming the numbering is the same, 162 is where Iceland is located. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-14-at-14.46.18.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd May, 1840](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393190/3393192?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/IMG_4015.jpeg) Top of High Street with the Kings Head Hotel on the right. Photo taken around 1929. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Longfield House' Whilst out walking recently, I noticed the names of houses on Stow Hill and in particular Longfield. Sometimes names of buildings are have no bearing on the history of the area but often they do and I wondered if there happened to be a field nearby that was a 'long field'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-14-at-08.21.36.png) Using the excellent tithe maps of the early 1840s, it appears that there actually was a long field just where the house is located. Backing onto the house is Caerau House which is still there today and on the tithe map, the long strip of land numbered 243a belonged to the Caerau homestead. Today, Longfield is located right at the very edge of the south end of that long field. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-14-at-08.25.03.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'York Place' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-14-at-13.54.38.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-14-at-13.55.08.png) Whilst on the subject of tithe maps, it's interesting to compare the map against a modern satellite view as it often reveals why streets exist and it's clear that at some point in the 1840s (possibly Edward Lewis who had a pasture there at the time of the map) sold the plot of land and York Place was built on there. You can see how the street fits entirely within the plot of land marked 301 The house at the end of the street is dated 1846 and probably would have been the first house built. On the tithe map above, number is 304a is a toll house and would have been right at the junction of York Place and Stow Hill so would have needed to have been removed when the street was built. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-14-at-14.00.40.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-14-at-14.57.44.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th May, 1840](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393195?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Elopement About 12 o'clock on Wednesday night last, an elopement took place from the quiet and ancient town of Caerleon, which caused a great deal of amazement, and much conjectural conversation, on the following morning. Thus runs the tale — A certain master-builder, of soft and persuasive manners, had long paid his affectionate devoirs to one of those young and beautiful damsels who bloom so plenteously in the pleasant town of Caerleon. The fair beauty, captivated by the blandness and affection of her swain, reciprocated the sweet passion, and vowed to be his only. But "fathers have flinty hearts!" The wooings of the enamoured lovers were discovered, and a careful restraint placed over the actions of the young lady. Being driven to *determine*, since parental authority was so rigidly interposed, the gallant Lothario procured a stolen interview with his inamorato, and persuaded her to elope and having got possession of an hundred stave ladder, it was fixed against the window, down which she almost flew from her chamber, and fell breathless into her lover's arms, who bore her triumphantly to a carriage hard by, and bade the post-boy drive like wind towards the Old Passage, beyond which no trace of them has yet been discovered but there is no doubt that "the young roving lovers" have, ere this, pledged their vows of deathless constancy at the altar of Hymen. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th May, 1840*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393195/3393198?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-14-at-15.11.23.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th June, 1840](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393200/3393202?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) Isaac Fox, of the Rookery, Stow-hill, a hobbler, appeared to answer the complaint of Edward Bound, under-keeper to Sir C. Morgan, bart., for cutting underwood, and was **fined 10s., and 11s. 6d. costs**. A number of wires set to catch game, were found near the spot where Fox was "catched." ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-14-at-17.52.20.png) Location of The Rookery Thomas Alexander, a boatman of Cardiff, was charged with being drunk. **Fined 5s.** The poor sottish fellow had spent all his money in getting drunk, and dolefully enough he informed the Bench of the fact, adding that he therefore could not pay the amount. Peter Williams was charged with taking a nap in the stable of Moses Scard, in Market-street. It appearing that the stable was not locked up, **the prisoner was discharged on paying the prison fees**. William Webber, a navvy, was charged with fighting at the Market Boat, Stow-hill. **The prisoner was discharged on paying the station-house fees**. Henry Fisher and Samuel Stock, two of the same genus as their friend just discharged, were charged with rescuing a prisoner, and assaulting the police. The former was **fined 20s.. including costs**, or fourteen days' imprisonment; and the latter —who had leaped over a wall twenty feet high, and then tried his sharp knuckles on the countenances of Messrs English and Hill was fined **40s. including costs**, or to take one month's imprisonment. Tim Collins, an Irishman, was charged with breaking a pane of glass, at the house of Mr. W. Greenland, (the Tradesman's Arms). Tim made a speech, and he certainly startled all who heard him, so powerful was his argument—so eloquent his words. > There was a touch of the blarney in it also; but it was of no avail. Those magistrates are such stern, inflexible men, said Tim with his eye, as plain as eye could speak, that they won't be melted, anyhow. So they **ordered him to pay 6s. 6d.**, the costs of both window and court, or to take up his residence in prison for a month. Lewis Pitman was summoned for assaulting Thomas Ford, a Pill hobbler, ***known as Blue Skin***. The offender was **fined 2s. 6d and the costs**, or a sojourn of fourteen days in the residence of Mr. Merrett. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th May, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394433/3394435?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-14-at-17.40.51.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th May, 1848](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394433/3394435?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Volume 2, Number 28 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-28-2/ Last updated: 2026-07-25T06:05:13.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Early Closing' We are happy to hear that the drapers of Newport have come to an arrangement to close their shops during the winter season, at eight o'clock in the evening, beginning on Monday evening next. > We trust that this liberality on the part of the employers, will be duly appreciated by their assistants; and that the latter will devote the hours thereby afforded them, to the improvement of their minds, rather than to frivolous amusement or loose pursuits. They would find the advantage of devoting an hour or two to study in the Mechanics' Institute. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th September, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394033/3394036?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-08-at-12.42.04.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th November, 1841](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393560/3393562?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## The Pleasures and Perils of a Day at the Holms Seldom as the good folk of Newport participate in ma- rine excursions, there are occasions when some few determine to enjoy a run dowh our noble river, and across to the Flat or Steep Holms, or the picturesque watering place, Weston-super-Mare. An excursion of this kind, previously announced in the MERLIN, and by handbills, took place on Monday last, when the Fearless tug steam-boat was engaged by Mrs. Cripps, to convey a party of pleasure-seekers from Newport to the flat island keeping solitary watch off Cardiff. The morning was hazy, with scudding winds, rather portentous of a "wet sheet and a flowing sea;" but, nothing daunted, and as "fearless" as the tug, the excursionists started from the Rodney Wharf at about half-past-past nine, harp and violin-players entertaining the party with enlivening airs. At the Dock gates, a considerable accession of numbers took place, and the Fearless steamed away for her destination. The island was reached in due time, and a landing by small boats easily effected. A variety of sports soon occupied the party. Some few sportsmen, armed with deadly weapons, started in search of rabbits—others wended their way to the inn (where capital accommodation was afforded throughout the event—others to the lighthouse; and, although many showers fell during the day, there was scarcely any cessation of dancing and other healthful pastimes. The party was increased during the afternoon, by a number of ladies and gentlemen who arrived from Newport in No. 10 pilot-boat—the yacht-like "Bloomer," belonging to Mr. Ray, jun. Towards evening, the startling intelligence was spread that the pilot-boat and steam-tug could not be approached in the small boats, owing to the heavy sea running, and a night on the island seemed inevitable. At length, however, amidst rain and fierce winds, the party struggled down to the beach, and there witnessed quite sufficient to shake the nerves of timid ladies and delicate gentlemen—worse still, there was no prospect of the sea becoming less boisterous; so, after long and impatiently sitting about upon the crags, a boat-load of gentlemen ventured off. Their passage to the steamer was a succession of tumbles and leaps—the boat being knocked about mercilessly by the waves. A second boat-load was about to start, when a billow dashed the frail craft broadside on the beach and threw her freight overboard—fortunately in very shallow water. After many similar adventures, however, amid the screams of the ladies, and expressions of great alarm from some of the gentlemen, the party at length boarded the tug and pilot-boat; when the home-ward trip was commenced—the Bloomer dashing ahead of the Fearless in gallant style, and keeping the lead for several miles. Ultimately, however, tho Bloomer thankfully accepted a warp from the Fearless and thus a pleasant companionship was enjoyed to the Newport Dock, where, and at the Rodney Wharf, the excursionists—having had "enough of a water trip for some time to come,"—touched terra firma with much pleasure, and hied to their family circles, to narrate the pleasures and perils of their excursion to the Holms. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st July 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396422/3396424?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) Elizabeth Harry, an old woman dressed in the primitive style, who appeared to feel the loss of her self-respect, was charged with being drunk and incapable of taking care of herself, in a shed near the Steam Packet Inn, about a quarter past twelve on Sunday night. The information was proved by P.C. Hayward, after which his Worship said he was afraid this was an offence of which the prisoner had often been guilty. It was a disgrace to her family and herself, and if continued, would lead to ruin. Hoping that she had been sufficiently punished to prevent a repetition of such infatuated conduct, she was discharged. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd September, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394028/3394031?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'A Young Fellow of the Cyclops Genus' Thomas Uncle, **a young fellow of the Cyclops genus, having but one large peeper, and being, moreover, minus a leg**, was charged with being drunk and disorderly. P.C. Walters stated that, hearing a noise in George-street last night, he went towards the spot, where, to his astonishment, he found Uncle," who was cursing, swearing, and bellowing quite shocking. He was advised to be quiet, and as he was the more violent, he was taken into custody. "Uncle" said he was an Irishman, and in the station-house he said he didn't care a certain malediction for the magistrates, for he knew the law "more betterer than any mother soul of 'em." *It was hard that an honest boy couldn't take his divarsions widout being bate by the blue devils*. (Laughter.) The Mayor ordered him to pay the fees of the court, and he would be discharged. "Fees of the court! Oh, by the powers, that's funny: Why, the Divil a rap have I got, yer wenchip," said Pat, upon which he was again ordered into custody, to be kept till the expenses were paid. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd September, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394028/3394031?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Elderly Matrimony and Friar's Fields A respectable-looking man, named William Kyte who resides near the Rock and Fountain Ian, on the Cheptow road, and was attended in court by several females, charged two Harpy-looking Cyprians named Peggy Palmer and Mary Jenkins, of Friars' Fields, with being accessaries to robbing him of the sum of £19\. **Mr. Pyke**: Mr. Kyle, how old are you? **Mr. Kyte**: I am 68 years of age, sir. **Mr. Pyke**: A nice young gentleman you are, surely, to go to Friars'Fields. (Roars of laughter.) From enquiries made by Mr. Edwards of the complainant, it appeared that he was a married man—the father of several children—had been a farmer, and was now a dealer, but not in such "cattle" as were usually exhibited in the the "fields" of Newport. The erratic old gentleman then stated that he went through Friars' Fields last Saturday night about 10 o'clock, for the purpose of going to Commercial-street from the market and that in going through the Fields one of the prisoners got him into her house, fastened the door, and then with the other, looked on and prevented his escape, while one, whom he could not discover afterwards robbed him of £19\. Mary Jenkins cross-examined complainant to show that he was the first to make advances to her, in the way of mercenary love, that he had been at a dancing party of free and easy persons, &c. Peggy Palmer said she had never seen the prosecutor, and therefore she "hadn't a-got a question to ax the good old un." > Elizabeth Williams was then called for the defence, and with her arms stuck akimbo, confronting the old Lothario very boldly, underwent a curious face-scrutiny by the prosecutor, who, after prying, Lavater-like, into every organ perceivable, stated that he did not know the girl. (It was suspected she was the girl who committed the robbery.) She was then examined for the defence, and stated that she lived in the Friars' Fields with another female called Ann Richards. **Mr. Edwards**: But what is her other came? You have all crack names, you know. **Witness**: Why she harn't a got another name that I knows on. I pays for my lodgings 3d a night, when I gets it; and when I doesn't get it, I doesn't pay it. She then denied acquaintance with the prosecutor, and denied a knowledge of the money, also giving herself a very good character. A long examination and cross-examination ensued between the prisoners and this witness, in the course of which there must have been the grossest lying and prevarication ever heard in a police court—proceedings which the audience, among which seemed all the denizens of Friars' Fields of both sexes, appeared to relish amazingly. The prisoners were remanded to Thursday, in order to obtain further evidence. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd September, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394028/3394031?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow-3.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-09-at-08.27.45.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th April, 1840](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393170?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/IMG_3995-copy-1.jpeg) Newport High Street around 1920 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Gambolling Porpoise' On Tuesday morning last, at an early hour, the inhabitants of this town were roused from then peaceful pillows by the rumour of a porpoise having been see gambolling in the river Usk, immediately above the bridge. Proceeding to the spot, we found the report correct, but the amusement which this fish generally affords, when found in our rivers, had induced but one shotsman to be on the spot. On the first, the fish prudently took advantage of the flood tide, and bolted up the river, leaving his pursuers far behind. On the reflux of the tide, with which it was anticipated the fish would return, some dozen or more sportsmen, armed with fowling pieces of various calibre and lengths, from two to six feet, sallied forth to welcome him. About a mile above the town he was seen making down with the tide, and after affording about an hour's amusement to a number of spectators, who lined the hanks of the river on either side, he was killed by Mr. E. Pollard, the fatal bullet entering the middle of the back, and was found lodged in the thick part of the neck. Of the numerous shots fired at him, both here and at Newport, on the previous day, two only had struck him. It was a small fish, weighing tittle more than forty pounds. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th September, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394033/3394036?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Caerleon Amphitheatre' Several workmen are now being employed by Lieutenant Colonel Sir Digby Mackworth. Bart., in digging in the Amphitheatre, called King Arthur's Round Table, at Caerleon, and the fields contiguous, for the purpose of discovering some remains of the ancient and once glorious city—Isca Silurum. Various portions of buildings have been discovered, and we trust the worthy Baronet will soon be fully compensated for his trouble by meeting with some distinct vestige of the former greatness of the place to commemorate his zeal in antiquarian researches. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th September, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394033/3394036?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-09-at-08.29.12.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th April, 1840](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393170?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Saloon at the Parrot Inn' Mr. Prothero, county magistrate, enquired of the Bench, if an advertisement, which he handed them of the Albert Saloon entertainments, held nightly at the Parrot Inn, had been noticed by them, and whether such entertainments had obtained their sanction. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/image.png) The Parrot mentioned in the article The Mayor, and the other magistrates, having read the advertisement, replied that their sanction had not been sought not given to such an entertainment, not had they, in fact, heard of the Saloon amusements before. **Mr. Prothero**: Then I beg to call your attention to the matter, I think the police officers should have looked after such a nuisance. It is held at the Parrot Hotel. I deem it impossible that the magistrates could sanction such a nightly exhibition as the advertisement announces. There is no doubt but this is a means by which the landlord of the Parrot draws company, to indulge in singing, drunkenness, and profligacy. This landlord sells in two houses, but he cannot occupy the Parrot and other premises, selling liquors in both, and be supposed to o preserve proper order in each. It is well known that he permitted a notorious gambling booth on the Marshes the other day and really, it seems to me he is trying how far he can provoke your forbearance. A conversation ensued on the bench, but no order was made in the matter. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th September, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394033/3394036?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-09-at-08.33.03.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th April, 1840](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393170?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Filial Love in the Nineteenth Century A correspondent informs us that on going towards Bassaleg from Newport, by the higher road, on Tuesday evening last, his attention was drawn towards a wretched-looking object, crouching in the ditch near some houses situated by the hand post; and on drawing near to the hedge he discovered a poor old woman, about seventy years of age, lamenting in tones of the deepest distress, the cruelty of her children, which had driven her forth from the home in which she had resided for the list twenty years, in comparative happiness, to die by the road-side. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-08-at-08.28.32.png) A tithe map showing the Hand Post area a year or two before the article. In broken English she related to our informant a long series of wretchedness and misery, which she had endured from those she long had nurtured and treated kindly, till she herself, being unable longer to support them, claimed that filial devotion and aid which natural affection would dictate. That support had been grudgingly afforded, attended by unnatural severities and unjust cruelties, until at length, unable longer to endure such treatment from those who should have sheltered her from want in her declining years, she found a road-side ditch her last place of refuge. This conduct, so disgraceful to humanity, should be examined into by the proper authorities. Her name, the stated, was Mary Waters, or Taylor, and the home from which she was so unnaturally thrust forth upon a cold world, is adjacent to the hand post. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th September, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393765/3393768?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Domestic Ties The love of home is, beyond all contradiction, inherent in the pig creation, as instinctively as in the creation to which we ourselves belong. This instinct was peculiarly exemplified in the case of an old sow, in an "interesting" condition, belonging to Mr. J. Young, of this town, which had long past, even from her infantile hours, her "local habitation" upon the Little Farm, adjoining Pen Lan, in St. Woollos parish. Desirous of affording her superior accommodations in her "family" state, Mr. Young removed the old sow to his farm in Christchurch, called Fair Oak, distant about one mile from the farm in St. Woollos, the road to which, of course, lies direct through Newport; but not locking her up, and leaving her to roam among the fresh green herbage of Christchurch, she grew dissatisfied as her hour of trial approached, and looking fondly across the town to her first home, she turned herself indignantly from her new residence, plodded her weary way through the bustling town, and, missing her path, strayed towards the new cemetery on Stow, and arrived, much exhausted, by the stable-door of Mr. Pain, on Monday evening last, where she lay down to rest. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-08-at-12.53.49.png) A map from the time showing the location of Fairoak Farm and the new cemetary showing the distance that the pig supposedly travelled. I'm not sure where Pen Lan was but there was a Pen-y-Lan farm located in St Woolos Parish near today's Fields House. On Tuesday morning, behold a family of affectionate young grunters were surrounding the old dame, and squeaking in most noisy and discordant tones, their terror of the new world into which they were ushered. The parent pig boasted a progeny of thirteen white and finely-shaped youngsters, and testified much eager desire to retrace her steps, and lead them to the Little Farm. The intelligence was quickly conveyed to Mr. Young, who immediately sent a proper conductor, and the grunting dame and her family were forthwith taken to her favourite hovel, where they are going on as well as can be expected. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th September, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393765/3393768?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/IMG_1961.jpeg) Source: Johns' Directory, 1925 ### Newport History Help Desk URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/newport-history-help-desk/ Last updated: 2026-07-21T19:48:10.000Z For the past few months, our monthly evening socials have been a great way to catch up and talk local history. However, we know a late-night pub environment doesn’t suit everyone, and it’s easy to get stuck when you’re trying to look up details on your own. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Gemini_Generated_Image_qydfrmqydfrmqydf.png) We spend most Saturdays researching at the **Newport Reference Library**. This weekend, I’m changing things up to offer something more practical. On **Saturday 25th July, between 10am and 2pm**, we’ll be running an informal local history drop-in session right there in the reference library. If you have a specific project you are working on, want to know more about the history of your own street, or are just curious about how to get started, please pop by. ### What we can look at together: - **Local Street Directories:** The library holds fantastic physical volumes (like Kelly's Directories) that allow you to track who lived in a specific house or ran a shop on the High Street decade by decade. - **Premium Digital Archives:** If you don't have personal subscriptions, you can use my access to paid resources like **Ancestry** and **Newspapers.com** to search for old family names, local news reports, or business announcements. - **Historic Side-by-Side Maps:** I can show you how to use free, accurate digital mapping tools to overlay 19th-century Ordnance Survey maps directly on top of modern Newport streets to see exactly how your neighbourhood changed. Sometimes the biggest hurdle isn't a lack of information, but knowing how to search the archives effectively to find the facts. Whether you have a single burning question or just want to see what materials are available, look out for the Newport Cornucopia table. No booking is needed—just turn up between 10am and 2pm. Hope to see you there! ### Volume 2, Number 27 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-27/ Last updated: 2026-07-25T13:59:16.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Child Dropping On Tuesday night last, about nine o'clock, a labouring man in the employ of Chas. Morgan, of Ruperra Castle, Esq., M.P.. was sitting in his cottage, when he was disturbed by the cry of an infant, as he supposed, in the immediate vicinity. He arose without delay, and went out into the open air, when he observed a basket lying under his window, from which he soon ascertained that the cries proceeded. On examining the basket, he found its contents to be a very fine male infant, well dressed, together with two good changes of apparel, and three remarkably neat caps. The poor cottager and his family treated the little foundling with kindness, and he is so well pleased with the helpless stranger, that he has expressed his determination to rear it up as his own, thus furnishing a pleasing instance of the generous feeling which characterises the peasantry of our country, and a very striking contrast to the heartless conduct of the cruel parents who abandoned their tender offspring to perish, or be supported by public charity. The infant remains under the care of the kind cottager. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th November, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393818/3393821?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/IMG_4345.jpeg) Royal Gwent Hospital Fete Programme, 1932 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Double Bascule Bridge at Dos Forge The photo below shows a 'double Bascule Bridge' at Dos Forge and was published in the History of the Monmouthshire Railway and Canal Company (Aubrey Byles) in 1982\. It doesn't provide a date for the photograph. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/IMG_4253.jpeg) ****Source**: The History of the Monmouthshire Railway and Canal Company The maps below show the location of this bridge which would have allowed trains from the Dos Nail Works to cross the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and either use the sidings or head south to the docks or north to Pontypool. The approximate location is the slip road coming off the A4042 towards the Harlequin Roundabout. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-27-at-10.42.48.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Beer Allowance In the same book that the photo above was published was a mention of a beer allowance for workers loading coal onto ships at the Ebbw Vale Wharf:- *The enterprising proprietors of the Ebbw Vale Co. had their own fleet of steamships moving iron and coal from their wharf at Newport. Between 1848 and 1849 self acting hydraulic coal hoists designed by Mr James Brown of Newbridge were installed at the Ebbw Vale Wharf. These machines were far more efficient than the antiquated coal hoists found at the other jetties, and they were capable of discharging 60 tons of coal per hour. The older method was to winch up one end of a tram manually to eject the coal. It was a dangerous practice, for the winches had no pawl or similar check to the lifting gear. If anyone accidentally let go of the handle, it would fly around inflicting fatal injuries to those standing near. With the touch of a lever by the operator, the new machine would raise the wagon and tip the coal down a chute into the hold of the ship.* *At the other jetties, the men employed to load ships with coal worked in gangs of eight or twelve depending on the size of vessel or manner of loading. The gang was divided into two, shippers and trimmers. The shippers were those responsible for putting the coal through the hatchway, and the trimmers were those who carried the coal from where it had been tipped, and distributed it evenly in the hold. The hot choking air inside was so thick with coal dust that the trimmers could hardly see through it. Their throats were so dry, that no one could work without plenty to drink.* *To remain competitive, and to encourage the men to work at preparing the ship for the turn of the tide, captains paid a bonus to the gangs over and above their wages. This was not paid in cash, but in beer amounting to 5/- per 100 tons, shared between the gang, sufficient to purchase 28 pints of beer between them. The average tonnage loaded by each gang was 120 tons per day, and they often remained drinking after their work was done. No wonder there was so much drunkeness at the quayside.* *Referring to this practice, a write of the press commented:* > Can we wonder at the existence of drunkeness, pauperism and misery? Wives and children, who according to the wages husbands and fathers get, ought to be the most comfortable of working people, are amongst the most wretched — worse clothed — worse housed and worse fed than those of many sober labourers who have not more than 10 /- per week, though the average wages of the dockers are double that. — *Source: The History of the Monmouthshire Railway and Canal Company* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## What to Buy at Cordey's in 1879 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-30-at-08.08.27.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-30-at-08.08.36.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd May, 1879](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405833?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) This price list for T. Cordey, located at 35 High Street, Newport, provides a fascinating snapshot of Victorian domestic life in 1879\. The inventory is heavily weighted towards household maintenance and convenience foods, reflecting the era’s preoccupation with cleanliness and the growing accessibility of mass-produced, branded goods. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-30-at-08.13.24.png) The prominence of "Blacklead" (various brands like James’ Dome and Nixey’s) and "Blacking" (for leather) highlights the labour-intensive nature of maintaining a Victorian home. Blacklead was essential for polishing cast-iron stoves and grates, while blacking was required for the constant upkeep of leather footwear. The list also includes "Bath Bricks," which were abrasive scouring blocks used for cleaning knives and hearths, and "Emery Cloth," used for polishing metal, further underscoring the manual effort required to keep a household in presentable order. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/image-6.png) Bath Bricks were made by a number of companies in Bridgwater and were a similar size to a house brick. Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bath%5Fbrick?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The selection of food items reveals a transition toward branded, shelf-stable products. Brands like Borwick’s Baking Powder, Fry’s Cocoa, and Crosse and Blackwell (jams and jellies) are featured prominently, showing that these names were already establishing market dominance. Other interesting items include: - **Glaze for Tongues**: A culinary product used to finish cooked, cold ox tongues, giving them a smooth, glossy, and appetising appearance for presentation on a dining table. - **Groats**: Hulled, crushed grains—usually oats—often used to make a nutritious, thick porridge or gruel for children or invalids. - **French Plums**: Listed as a pantry staple, these were dried or preserved prunes (often from the Agen region of France) rather than fresh fruit, making them available year-round regardless of the season. The inclusion of "Infant’s Food" by brands like Ridge’s and Neave’s points to the emerging commercialisation of childcare products, offering alternatives to traditional homemade paps. Overall, T. Cordey's inventory highlights how Victorian grocers were moving away from selling only raw bulk goods toward offering processed, packaged, and imported items that saved the housewife time in the kitchen. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-02-at-08.27.46.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th November, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393818?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Alleged Duck Shooting James Hodgkinson, Humphrey Jones, Albert Solomon, Joshua Pope, and Edward Merchant, were charged with shooting two ducks on the river Usk, at Caerleon, on the 24th ult. The three defendants, Hodgkinson, Jones, and Solomon, for whom Mr. David appeared, had been before the Court twice previously on this charge, but had been remanded, in order that Pope and Merchant might be apprehended. P.S. Evans now said that on the 24th of April, he saw a boat arrive at the landing stage near Newport bridge. Saw a bag in the stern of the boat, and asked Pope what it contained; he said "Nothing." Pope placed the mouth of the bag over the side of the boat, and gave it a shake, and about a minute afterwards witness saw a dead duck floating down the river. The defendants Pope and Merchant pleaded guilty to shooting a duck each. Mrs. Young, to whom the ducks belonged, said she did not wish to press the charge. Pope and Merchant were **fined 5s each and costs, and ordered to pay 3s the value of the duck**. The other defendants were discharged. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th May, 1879*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405851/3405858?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Theft of a Watch and a Pair of Cuffs Annie Manders was charged with stealing a silver watch and a Pair of lady's cuffs, the property of George Brown. Prosecutor's wife said prisoner came to her house, 6, Vaughan-terrace, Maindee, about 11 o'clock on Friday morning, to pay a shilling that she owed witness. She remained there about an hour. Prosecutor was removing his furniture to Pontypridd, and the prisoner helped to carry a few things out of the house. Soon after that, prosecutor missed his watch from the kitchen, and asked prisoner about it. She denied having had the watch,tbut afterwards admitted taking the watch off the nail, and placing it behind the window shutters. Went to the house and found the watch behind the shutters. The cuffs were found in prisoner's pocket. **The case was not pressed, and the Bench sentenced prisoner to one day's imprisonment.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th May, 1879*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405851/3405858?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Serving a Drunken Man Charles Jones was summoned for permitting drunkenness on his licensed premises, the Bunch of Grapes Inn, High-street. Mr. A. H. Oliver defended. Inspector Wilcox said that on Saturday, the 3rd inst., at 8.50 a.m., he saw a man named Sheedy going along High-street in a very drunken state. Witness saw him enter the Grapes public-house, and on following him he saw half-a-pint of beer before him. He was trying to get the money out of his pocket to pay for it. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-30-at-13.54.49.png) The Bunch of Grapes was located at 18 High Street which is the right hand side of the building in the middle of the photo. Witness asked the landlady if she had served the man. She said, "It's all right; I don't see anything the matter with him." She, however, took away the beer, and the man left. The landlord was in the bar at the time. P.S. Brooba gave similar evidence. Mr. Oliver said the man Sheedy entered the house when the defendant was very busy, and his drunkenness was not noticed by the landlord or the landlady. The defendant said that Sheedy came into the bar while he was in the parlour. As soon as Inspector Wilcox told him the man was drunk he put him out. Sheedy did not exhibit any signs of drunkenness in the bar. Kate Jones, defendant's wife, said she saw Sheedy in the bar, and served him with the beer spoken of. She did not see him enter, and did not notice that he was drunk. The Chairman said the case had been proved, but it was not a strong one. In consequence of the good character of the house, defendant would only have to pay the costs, and the license would not be endorsed. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th May, 1879*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405851/3405858?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Keeping Unlicensed Dogs George Pyne was summoned for keeping a dog without a license. Defendant said the dog was not six months old. The case was adjourned for a week to give him an opporunity of proving what he stated. Timothy Carroll was summoned for the same offence. Defendant's daughter appeared in Court, and sand the dog had been left with her by a woman who promised to call for it on the following week. The Magistrates' Clerk: That makes you liable. **Fined 1s, and advised to take out a license at once**. > Thomas Shelley charged with the same offence, said the dog did not belong to him, but he had drowned it all the same. (Laughter). Case dismissed. Henry Harding, summoned for a similar offence, said his dog would be six months old at the end of this month, and got off in the same way. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th May, 1879*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405851/3405858?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Till Robbery George Harris was charged with stealing 3s from a till in the shop of William Gould, Marshes-road. P.C. Baker said he apprehended the prisoner. When charged he said he had only 4d. Searched him and found the 3s in his waistcoat pocket. Rosa Stirley said the prisoner came into prosecutor's shop to ask for assistance. She gave him nothing and he went out. After that, heard the till open and found the money gone. Prosecutor said he was told of the occurrence spoken of, by last witness, and went out to fetch the prisoner back. He then called in the police. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and elected to be dealt with summarily. **The Bench committed him to two months' hard labour**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th May, 1879*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405851/3405858?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing a Tame Rabbit William Collins a youth, was charged with stealing a tame rabbit, the property of Henry Jeeno, of Christchurch, on Saturday morning. Prisoner admitted having taken the rabbit, but said he had seen it in the field, and that he did not know whose property it was. **Committed to one day's imprisonment**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th June, 1878*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440239/3440241?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Taking Too Many Kidney Beans John Bautield was charged with damaging growing kidney beans, the property of William Thomas. It appeared that complainant had sold or given some of his kidney beans to the defendant, and the "bone of contention" was whether defendant had taken more than he had bargained for. The Bench considered that there was no case. Dismissed. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th June, 1878*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440239/3440241?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) 1842 Fines Back in 1842, the residents of Newport who found themselves on the wrong side of the law, not only had to go through the process of appearing in front of the magistrates and if they're lucky only receiving a fine, they also had their name printed on the front of the Monmouthshire Merlin. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-02-at-08.20.37.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th November, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393813?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) In this example from 19th November, 1842, the fines were from the Sessions of June to September and compared to other areas, there were relatively few fines. Compared to police reports in the papers of the time, this seems quite a low number so perhaps they didn't cover fines imposed in Magistrates court only by the Justices of the Peace. There were only three crimes listed which were selling beer early on a Sunday, stealing apples and keeping a disorderly house. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-02-at-08.20.12.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th November, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393813?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## For Sale: Yewberry Cottage, Malpas ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-30-at-08.17.18.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd May, 1879](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405833?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) In 1879 an advert was posted for Yewberry Cottage which was a 'genteel and pleasantly situate cottage' with pure spring water on the premises. In the 1840 tithe map (see below) the cottage wasn't present although one was nearby. I don't believe they're the same cottage. It seems that Yewberry Lane didn't exist as it does today but was a lane that was slightly further east that led to both Brynglas House and The Firs. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-30-at-08.23.43-2.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-30-at-09.17.18.png) 1840s Tithe Map showing the original route of the lane. The Firs eventually got it's own driveway and Yewberry shifted a little west to its current location although the entrance was actually more were Yewberry Close is today and went behind the house you see in the photo below. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-30-at-08.33.21.png) The route of Yewberry Lane prior to today's route. The map below shows the route behind the house. The driveway entrance to The Firs can still be seen today on the corner of Yewberry Lane. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-30-at-08.44.00-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-30-at-08.29.31-2.png) I'm not sure when Yewberry Cottage was built an advert for a cook and housemaid was posted in the Monmouthshire Merlin in 1857\. The advert was posted by Mr R.H. Nicholls who worked at the Custom House. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-30-at-08.21.01.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th April, 1857](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397282/3397287/27/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-30-at-08.17.08.png) Yewberry Cottage today ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## William Jones, 159 Commercial Street ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/IMG_4391-2.jpeg) Today, 159 Commercial Street is the home to Waterstones book shop and in the past it's been Ottakar's book shop, Superdrug, a butchers and way back in the 1870s an ironmongers. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/IMG_4389.jpeg) The interior of 159 Commercial Street. Source: Newport Post Directory, 1900 Between 1879 and 1929 it was home to William Jones who ran a 'stationery and fancy warehouse' selling all types of stationery, photographic albums, books and leather goods. One of the earliest mentions I could find in the Monmouthshire Merlin was in September 1879 when a concert was being held at the Royal Albert Hall (not far from the shop) and those interested could see seating plans in the shop and purchase tickets. The shop remained in the same location until 1929 when then the business was discontinued and the stock sold at half price. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/South_Wales_Argus_1894_12_21_2.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/South_Wales_Argus_1895_09_09_2.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/South_Wales_Argus_1908_12_22_6.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/South_Wales_Argus_1919_07_16_7.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/South_Wales_Argus_1919_08_20_7.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/South_Wales_Argus_1920_02_24_5.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/South_Wales_Argus_1923_11_16_7.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/07/South_Wales_Argus_1929_06_20_7.jpg) A selection of adverts from 1895 to 1929 from the South Wales Argus ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Daring Robbery On Sunday evening last, about six o'clock, Mr, Richard Haniford, and family, residing in Hill-street, went to chapel, locking up their house till their return. About eight o'clock they came back, but could not open the front door with the key. They then went to the back, and found that an entrance had been effected, during their absence, through the parlour window and, on going into the house, they found that it had been completely ransacked. On further examination, it was found that a sum of £16, consisting of two £5 notes and two sovereigns, had been taken from a drawer, and from another four silk and other shawls, four spun silk handkerchiefs, two other silk handkerchiefs, and a pair of females boots. No clue has since been obtained to the robbers. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th November, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393818/3393821?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/IMG_4365.jpeg) Royal Gwent Hospital Fete Programme, 1934x ### Volume 2, Number 26 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-26/ Last updated: 2026-07-04T06:34:17.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Rifleman's Arms, Tunnel Terrace' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-13.00.56.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd March, 1877](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439515/3439519?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) It's always interesting linking up old house adverts with the property today. This house on the corner of Tunnel Terrace and Sidney Street was once a pub called the Rifleman's Arms. In the 1876 street directory a Benjamin Slade (Plate Layer) lived there so the pub had already gone then. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-13.00.22.png) The house on the corner of Tunnel Terrace and Sidney Street is the one mentioned in the advert. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Early Teaser Adverts' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-21.48.16.png) In April 1889, the Star of Gwent published a series of adverts which gradually revealed what being sold. For 11 days starting on April 3rd, 1886 a basic advert simply said 'Castle Peak' which didn't reveal much, unless the name was known at the time. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-21.49.26.png) Then for two days the advert changed to — 'Arrival of Castle Peak' — which still didn't reveal much. Then finally, the full advert was revealed. Being sold was Castle Peak Ceylon Tea at Gregory and Roberts at 4 Commercial Street. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-21.51.09.png) [Star of Gwent, 18th April 1889](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1247871029/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) That advert continued to be published until the end of the month and was then replaced with the following advert celebrating the success of selling the tea. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-22.06.44.png) [Star of Gwent, 30th April, 1889](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1247871358/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-16-at-18.33.29.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th March, 1855](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396308/3396309/1/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-16-at-18.55.11.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd April, 1875](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441124/3441128?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Spelling Bee at Malpas A Spelling Bee took place at the National schoolroom, Malpas, on Thursday evening last, when about 24 competitors entered the lists. The Rev. Mr. Jenkins, vicar of Malpas, presided; Mr. Prothero, of Malpas Court, acted as interrogator and the Rev. E. Prothero, vicar of Llantarnam, and Mr. Richmond were the referees. The "Bee" was well conducted, Mr. Prothero, the interrogator, showing himself an excellent orthoepist\*. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-17.45.41.png) The school building is still located on Malpas Road and is where the library is located today. The first prize, consisting of a silver-plated teapot, was taken by Alonzo Townsend, Caerau-park, Newport; the second, a letter-writing cabinet, by Miss Bragge, of Malpas; the third, a pair of glass vases, by Miss Capron. The proceedings were varied by the singing of selections by the church choir in a creditable manner, and they concluded by votes of thanks to the Chairman, the Interrogator, and the Referees. \* An orthoepist is an expert or specialist in orthoepy—the study of correct or standard pronunciation. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st April, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441782/3441787?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-16-at-18.55.23.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd April, 1875](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441124/3441128?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Shocking Railway Accident An inquest was held on Wednesday, before Mr. W. H Brewer at the Tredegar Arms, Pillgwenlly, touching the death of Joseph Gould, aged 50 years, a rigger by trade. Silas Dutfield, a policeman in the employ of the Monmouthshire Company, deposed that on Tuesday, evening, at 7.45 pm., he saw No. 34 engine come down on the canal side, and as it passed he noticed something between the wheels. On looking again, he saw it was the body of a man, and called out to Evan Harry, the driver, who then pulled up. The centre driving wheel had cut the deceased's head off and the body was fearfully mangled. The remains were gathered up in cloths. Deceased was seen near the spot going towards the docks, and was perfectly sober. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Killed" — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd April, 1875*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441124/3441128?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'To Let: Alma Villa, Park Square' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-08.41.04.png) An advert for Alma Villa, Park Square from the [Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st April, 1876](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441782/3441786?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) According to street directories, No. 6 Park Square was known as Alma Villa so presumably this is the building that was available to let in 1876\. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-08.41.57.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Miss Crawley's Ladies School' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-08.46.27.png) Today the building on the right is occupied by Aneurin Bevan as a place for their Mental Health Support Service and is No. 12 Park Square but back in 1876 the right building was No. 13 was a ladies' school. Interestingly in the [1938 street directory](https://www.newportpast.com/records/directories/johns1938/search.php?road=PARK%20SQUARE&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) the building was used as a Roman Catholic Convent. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-08.46.49.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/559004129_1211464604348542_7193627477842751065_n.jpg) Postcard size photograph which shows officers of Monmouthshire Constabulary who were present during the opening of Alexandra Dock on the 13th April 1875\. (****Source**: [People's Collection Wales/Ross Mather Police Memorabilia of Wales Collection](https://www.peoplescollection.wales/items/3015141?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Death of a Gypsy Child Mr. Brewer, coroner, held an inquest at the High Cross Inn, on Tuesday, on the body of a child three weeks old. The parents of the child are members of the great gipsy tribe of Lee, and live in a tent on the Cefn. There appeared no doubt that the child died from convulsions or some other natural cause. Verdict according. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-08.37.32.png) The Cefn is the area of grass and trees in High Cross at the back of Rogerstone Primary School. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th April, 1875*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441136/3441141?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Systematic Thieving Mary Anne Gane and Elizabeth Thompson were charged on remand with stealing a coat, a pipe, and tobacco pouch, from the Butcher's Arms, Griffin-street, kept by Elizabeth Piper. On Tuesday evening, Gane was in the Butcher's Arms, and next morning the coat was missed. It was found at Mr. Isaacs's, pawnbroker, pledged in her name.The prisoners were committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions. The prisoner Elizabeth Thompson, and her husband, John Thompson, were then charged with stealing a trousers and waistcoat, the property of Mr. S. Little, clothier, High-street\*. The articles were found by Detective Jones, concealed under a mat near the yard where the man Thompson was working. > On being charged he said, "I know'd they were not got honestly by her (his wife) out of my wages, so I took them from the house." Both prisoners were committed for trial. The female prisoner, Thompson, was then charged with stealing two pairs of trousers, and a silk umbrella, the property of Mr. James Barter, clothier, High-street\*\*, and was committed for trial on this charge alo (sic). She was further charged with stealing two overcoats, the property of Mr. H. W. Phillips, clothier, Commercial-street. This robbery and the one upon which the preceding charge is founded, was committed some time ago. **She was committed for trial on this charge, making four charges in all**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd March, 1877*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439515/3439517?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) \* Samuel Little had a shop at 25 High Street which is where the old entrance to the market on High Street would have been before it was moved to it's current location. \*\* James Barter had a shop at 38 High Street where the tenovus shop is located today. ### Strength of Newport Beer William Rikes was charged with being drunk and incapable in High-street, on Tuesday. He pleaded that he was a Bristolian, and that the Newport beer was too strong for him. **Fined 5s**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd March, 1877*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439515/3439517?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Furious Driving in High Street James Thompson was charged with furiously driving a horse and cart in High-street, on Saturday afternoon. It appeared that a woman named Morris was knocked down and injured, while crossing the street. Mr. Nugent Wells\* said he should think defendant was I driving about six or seven miles an hour, but he was not driving faster than others were in the habit of doing. Great danger was caused by the furious way in which fish carts and other vehicles were driven in High-street, which is a very crowded thoroughfare. The defendant alleged that the woman came suddenly out from behind a cart. **The Bench fined defendant 10s,** Mr. Cullum remarking that a stop must be put to furious driving in High-street. \* Nugent Wells had a jewellers shop on the corner of Market Street and High Street (No. 22) where Tiny Rebel used to be. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd March, 1877*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439515/3439517?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-17-at-12.41.48.png) [South Wales Argus, 6th April 1923](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144296762/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'When Sims Reeves Conquered the Victoria Hall' In 1876, the Monmouthshire Merlin [published an article](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441782/3441787?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) about the arrival of the great tenor (John) Sim Reeves. Reeves began his singing career in 1838 but continued his vocal studies until 1847\. He soon established himself on the opera and concert stage and became known for his interpretation of ballads. He continued singing through the 1880s and later taught and wrote about singing. Here is a summary of the article. --- In the autumn of 1876, an expectant thrill passed through the musical community of Newport. The great tenor Sims Reeves was announced to visit South Wales as part of a provincial tour under the management of a Mr Pyatt. However, Reeves had earned a frustrating reputation for "entering and not running"—frequently pulling out of advertised appearances at the last minute—leaving local audiences highly incredulous. To reassure the public, the enterprising Mr Pyatt hit upon a novel marketing tactic. The moment the singer arrived in a town, gigantic posters were put up boldly declaring that Sims Reeves "has put foot" in the borough. True to his word, the posters appeared in Newport, and a reassured crowd flocked to the Victoria Hall on Wednesday evening. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-08.23.50.png) Source: [National Portrait Gallery](https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw285811/John-Sims-Reeves-The-Great-Tenor?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) It proved to be an historic turnout. The spacious hall was packed to the rafters, generating gate receipts estimated at £200\. This was an extraordinary sum for the era, with the local press noting it was seldom that a Newport audience was worth even half that amount. The correspondent proudly observed that the massive turnout went "some distance towards refuting the statement so frequently made, that Newport is so far behind in the artistic scale as to be incapable of properly appreciating high-class talent." Musically, the evening was a triumph. Though critics noted Reeves’ voice lacked some of the vigour of his youth, his purity and tone remained magnificent. He caused a brief moment of panic when his accompanist, Mr Sidney Naylor, stepped forward to make an apology before his first appearance. The audience "startled with dismay," fearing another trademark cancellation, but it was merely to change the programme; Reeves substituted "The Reaper and the Flowers" for "The Message," before later delighting the crowd with "Come into the garden, Maud." ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/image-5.png) Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sims%5FReeves?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) While Reeves was the star, public opinion divided the honours equally between the tenor and Signor Foli, a bass singer with a splendidly powerful voice who scored hits with "The Raft" and "The Shadow of the Cross." They were supported by a stellar cast, including Madame Cave-Ashton, Miss Helen D'Alton, the violinist Mdlle. Bertha Brousil, and the flautist Mr Nicholson. The Newport audience was notoriously enthusiastic, demanding encores after almost every single number. However, the company maintained a strict policy, with performers repeatedly refusing to return to the stage despite rapturous applause. The sole exception was Reeves himself at the very end of the night, who finally relented to the vociferous demands and repeated the final verse of "My Pretty Jane," sending the Newport crowd home thoroughly satisfied. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st April, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441782/3441787?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/South_Wales_Argus_1932_05_06_4.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 6th May, 1932](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1147184133/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'For Sale: Crindau House' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-22.26.28.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th April, 1877](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439575/3439579?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) An advert in the Monmouthshire Merlin on 6th April, 1877 lists Crindau House being offered for sale. Back then the land was still undeveloped with only the road leading up to Brynglas House to the west and the railway line to the east surrounding the house. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-22.24.53.png) 1872 Map showing Crindau House in the centre with the buildings mentioned in the advert. By the time of the map below (1899), the streets in the area had started to appear and only the house and possibly one of the outbuildings remaining on the south side of Spring Street. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-22.26.04.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/South_Wales_Daily_Times_and_Star_of_Gwent_1889_04_18_2.jpg) [Star of Gwent, 18th April, 1889](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1247871029/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ### Broadsheets and Bustle: Inside an 1850 Newport Newspaper URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/broadsheets-and-bustle-inside-an-1850-newport-newspaper/ Last updated: 2026-06-24T12:07:21.000Z **To open a copy of the Monmouthshire Merlin on** [**July 6th, 1850**](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394892/3394893?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) **is to catch a rapidly growing industrial town at a fascinating point of intersection.** Newport was a place expanding at breakneck speed, powered by the coal and iron moving through its bustling docks. Yet, the pages of this single edition reveal that beneath the booming economic statistics sat a complex, fast-paced, and highly unequal society trying to navigate the anxieties and opportunities of a brand-new age. Through the newspaper's columns, we are granted a remarkably clear window into the daily realities of the town's residents. For the affluent middle and professional classes, the paper served as a curated catalogue of high-status living—advertising everything from custom-made silk hats and bespoke riding habits on Commercial Street to grand townhouses in the exclusive enclave of Victoria Place. It shows an elite deeply invested in preserving social order, whether by funding private academies on Stow Hill to instil proper behaviours and teach their sons maritime navigation, or by managing the charitable subscriptions of the Newport Dispensary to keep the town's destitute residents on their feet. Yet, look just a fraction closer at the adjacent columns, and the starker realities of mid-century Newport life immediately break through. This was an era where the arrival of the South Wales Railway was fundamentally rewriting human concepts of time and distance, forcing locals to live under the strict dictation of "Greenwich Mean Time." It was a world where the intense anxieties of business trust led colliery owners to publish blunt public warnings against rogue ex-employees, and where families looking down at the docks weighed up the high-stakes gamble of boarding a copper-bottomed ship for New York to escape the pressures of home. Most telling of all are the local crime reports; while the town's wealthy residents browsed for fine art, Newport’s judicial system was routinely sentencing hungry or cold locals to months of hard labour for stealing mere fractions of a pound of butter, coal, or bacon. By exploring these original fragments of property, trade, transport, and tragedy, we can look past the grand Victorian statistics and discover the true, human pulse of Newport in the summer of 1850. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow-4.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Shopping The items filling the advertisement columns of the Monmouthshire Merlin were explicitly curated for Newport’s affluent middle and professional classes. For these readers, shopping along Commercial Street was an exercise in social display; the goods they purchased were vital markers of their wealth and respectability. The specific nature of these listings reveals a lifestyle of structured leisure and formal etiquette. When a reader scanned the columns for specialised items like ladies' silk opera slippers, bespoke riding habits, or exotic imported spices, they were looking for goods that separated them from the town's industrial working class. These were products designed for formal evening balls, supervised horse rides, and high-status home entertaining—the very pillars of Victorian respectability. A stroll down Commercial Street in July 1850 offered everything required to dress, feed, and present a wealthy Newport family according to the strict standards of the day. ### Teas as in London ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-23-at-17.38.13.png) Henry Roper, already established at 44, High Street, informs readers he has taken over these central premises to sell **"Genuine Teas, Coffees, and Spices."** Roper makes a point to state that his business is run **"apart from the Provision Trade,"** meaning he dealt strictly in high-quality dry imports rather than general groceries like bacon, butter, or cheese, which could taint the delicate flavours of tea leaf stock. His slogan, "TEAS AS IN LONDON," appeals directly to local buyers wanting the same standard and freshness available in the capital, claiming that a printed price list is "superfluous, quality being the test of cheapness." --- ### Habit Maker This advertisement marks a business transition on Commercial Street. **Lewis Edwards** announces his retirement after nearly 40 years of business in Newport, handing over the premises to **Henry Wood**. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-23-at-17.38.28.png) Wood advertises himself as a **"Tailor, Habit Maker, &c., &c."** In the 1850s, a "Habit Maker" specifically referred to a tailor who specialised in making women's riding habits—structured, formal jackets and long skirts worn for horseback riding, which required precise tailoring techniques identical to men's suiting. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-23-at-19.05.35.png) 172 Commerical Street is where the Card Factory is today. --- ### Beaver Hat Manufactory W. Watkins operated a "French and English Silk and Beaver Hat Manufactory." During this period, **Beaver Hats**—made from felted beaver fur—were highly prized for their water-resistance and durability, though they were increasingly being replaced by **Silk Hats** (top hats made of silk plush on a stiff base) as the height of gentlemen's fashion. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-23-at-17.38.42.png) Watkins heavily promotes his new **"Zephyr Hat,"** targeting men who found standard stout or heavy hats uncomfortable. The term "Zephyr" was widely used in Victorian textiles to denote an exceptionally lightweight, breathable, and comfortable summer style. He also offered custom-made felt hats alongside caps for men and boys. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-23-at-19.03.09.png) 157 Commercial Street is the building next door to Boots. --- ### Boots! Boots!! Boots!!! **Address: Top Boot, 124-Commercial Stret *opposite* Cross Street** James Horner’s advertisement offers an extensive price list for Victorian footwear. Notably, the **Wellington Boots** listed here (selling for 12s. to 16s.) were not the rubber boots we know today. At this time, Wellingtons were leather riding boots popularised by the Duke of Wellington. The advert does, however, explicitly mention **"American and other India Rubber Goloshes"** separately at the bottom, highlighting the arrival of early rubber overshoes designed to protect leather boots from Newport’s muddy streets. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-23-at-17.38.54.png) Other notable items include: - **Men's Bluchers:** A sturdy, front-lacing leather work boot named after Prussian Field Marshal von Blücher. - **Clarence Boots:** A popular style of short boot featuring elastic side gussets or distinct side lacings. - **Ladies’ Dancing Slippers & Opera Slippers:** Lightweight, thin-soled dress shoes made of silk, satin, or soft leather, specifically designed for indoor formal evening wear and balls. - **Warne’s Patent Antigropelos:** A brand of waterproof fabric leggings designed to protect horse riders' legs and trousers from mud. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-23-at-18.57.24.png) Emlyn Walk today was originally Cross Street and no. 124 would have been where the entrance to the car park is today. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Changing Landscapes: Newport’s 1850 Property Market The property and business listings in the July 1850 edition of the Monmouthshire Merlin capture a town in transition. Some of the locations advertised are recognisable today, while others belonged to grand estates that have completely vanished beneath the modern urban layout of Newport. ## The Royal Oak Inn ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-23-at-17.41.57.png) Advertised for sale by private contract, this "old-established Spirit-licensed House" is described as sitting on the Chepstow Road in the parish of Christchurch, "distant from Newport 2½ miles." In 1850, it was far more than a simple local pub; it was a critical civic hub where all the Magistrates' and Commissioners' meetings were held for a massive district comprising sixteen parishes. Unlike most other properties listed in the newspaper, the **Royal Oak** has survived the centuries and continues to operate as a public house today. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-24-at-08.09.29.png) The Royal Oak at the time of the advert would have been in a much sparsely populated area. --- ### High Street Grocers This notice offers a "capital premises to be let" situated in High Street, positioned "immediately opposite the Entrance to the South Wales Railway Station." The timing was impeccable; with the station having opened just two years prior, this shop was situated at the new gateway to the town. The listing offered the stock-in-trade, fixtures, and household furniture at a valuation. While that specific mid-century shop has long vanished, a building still stands in its place serving the changing face of High Street commerce. Based on the research I've been doing on the High Street, the shop may have belonged to John Stewart who's grocery business appeared to have gone by 1851 and replaced by a chemist in 1852. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-24-at-08.08.02.png) If the shop did belong to John Stewart, it would have bene where the left side of Le Pub is located today. --- ## Maindee House This major land notice marks the breaking up of the massive Maindee Estate, totaling nearly 550 acres. At its heart was Maindee House (referred to locally as "The Maindee"), a large mansion sitting within thirty acres of gardens, lawns, and "park-like paddocks" bounded by the turnpike road. The sale explicitly notes that the 500 remaining acres—which included the constituent farms of "Fair Oak," "Eve’s Well," and "Penylan"—were "chiefly eligible for Building Purposes." ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-23-at-17.42.13.png) While Maindee House itself is long gone, this 1850 auction effectively fired the starting gun for the Victorian suburban development of Maindee, transforming green hills commanding views of the Bristol Channel into the densely packed streets we know today. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-24-at-08.13.53.png) --- ### Dockside Industry and Entertainment in Pill The booming maritime trade at the southern end of town is heavily reflected in two letting notices near the water: - **The Warehouse at Pill:** Located adjoining the Commercial Wharf and near the Dock, this commodious warehouse featured a 50-foot by 30-foot loft with a matching store underneath divided into compartments. Offered by **Mr. R. C. Magub** of the Commercial Hotel, Pillgwenlly, it was designed for short-term lease by the week or month to store vital merchant trade goods like grain and potatoes. - **The Bristol Tavern:** Described as a "convenient beer-house," this property was situated on the **Canal-side**, less than twenty yards from the entrance to the Screw Steam Wharf. It contained a parlour, kitchen, back kitchen, cellar, and a "good Three-horse stable" to accommodate travelers or heavy dray horses. --- ### Fine Art and Fine Living The paper also catered to the domestic tastes of Newport's wealthier residents with listings for upscale lifestyle items and residences: - **Water-Colour Drawings & Engravings Sale:** On Thursday, July 11th, 1850, **Messrs. Graham** held a public auction at **162, Commercial-Street** (with offices shared with Blue Broom, Raglan). They offered a select collection of watercolours and engravings in ornamental gilt, oak, and maple frames. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-24-at-12.49.45.png) Iceland today is 161-163 Commercial Street so 162 would have been somewhere in the middle. - **8, Victoria Place:** For those looking to move into one of the town's most prestigious residential enclaves, **No. 8, Victoria Place** was offered to let, furnished or unfurnished, complete with a coach-house and stable. Prospective tenants were directed to apply to Mr. Logan next door at No. 7\. Happily, Victoria Place remains beautifully intact today, still standing as a remarkably grand row of historic town houses that gives modern residents a direct, physical link to Newport's mid-Victorian prosperity. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-24-at-12.51.08.png) No. 8 is the second house from the right. With the exception of the resilient Royal Oak, 8 Victoria Place and the altered plot on High Street, everything else in these mid-century listings has disappeared from the modern map, leaving only these printed columns as a record of their existence. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Shaping Young Minds: The Midsummer Return to School In July 1850, middle-class parents reading the Monmouthshire Merlin were faced with an array of choices for their children’s education. This was an era before standard state schooling; education was a private commodity, run out of large houses by independent masters, mistresses, and ministers. Stow Hill emerged as the undisputed academic hub of Newport, though options stretched to Commercial Road and nearby Caerleon. The notices reveal a strictly segregated world—not just by gender, but by the precise future mapping of a child's social and professional life. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-24-at-06.18.44.png) ### Classical, Commercial, and Mathematical Academy for Young Gentlemen This comprehensive notice provides an incredible look at the academic expectations of the day. Rev. Sanderson offers a two-tier system for Day Scholars: - **The Basic Tier (10s. per quarter):** Strictly "Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic." - **The Commercial Tier (15s. per quarter):** Adds Book-keeping, English Grammar, Geography, and Mathematics—the essential toolkit for a boy destined to inherit a merchant business or work in Newport's bustling docks. For those aiming higher, parents could pay **10s. 6d. extra per language** for Latin, French, Greek, Hebrew, German, and Italian. Crucially, a specialised course in **"Navigation"** was offered for a steep £2 10s., a direct reflection of Newport's status as a booming maritime port where captains and maritime merchants needed advanced mathematical and charting skills. Boarding fees ranged from £4 to £5 per quarter based on age, though Sanderson offered a discounted rate of £3 15s. specifically for the sons of fellow Ministers. The advert also notes that **Mrs. Sanderson** ran a parallel **"Seminary for Young Ladies"** on the premises, ensuring the genders were educated separately under one roof. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-24-at-12.52.52.png) The old Baneswell Social Club was the location of Cross House. Back in 1850 the street numbers ran sequentially which is why it's number 26 in the article and 58 today. The numbering changed late into the 19th century. --- ### Stow Hill's Other Academies Stow Hill hosted several competing establishments, all timing their post-midsummer re-openings within days of each other: - **Grammar School, 99, Stow Hill:** Conducted by **Mrs. C. Poole**, this academy for "Young Gentlemen" reopened on July 15th, alongside a separate "Ladies' School" under her governance. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-24-at-06.18.20.png) - **5, Clifton Place, Stow Hill:** Run by **Mrs. Simonnet**, this notice highlights a fascinating aspect of the newly connected landscape. Her husband, **M. Simonnet** (a graduate of the University of Paris and Professor of Latin, Modern Languages, and Drawing), explicitly states that **"in consequence of the facilities afforded by Railways,"** he was now able to extend his professional visiting teaching services to families and schools up to 20 miles away. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-24-at-12.56.28.png) 5 Clifton Place is the thinner house in the middle. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-24-at-06.18.14.png) - **Classical & Commercial Academy:** Another central option for boys, conducted by **J. B. Nichols**, which resumed its duties on Monday, July 15th. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-24-at-06.18.29.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Trains Between Swansea and Chepstow For the Newport resident reading the *Monmouthshire Merlin* in July 1850, the arrival of the South Wales Railway timetable was a look directly into the future. The infrastructure reshaping their daily lives was astonishingly fresh; the vital rail link and tunnel connecting Newport to Cardiff had only opened two years prior, in 1848\. Before this, a journey west meant a slow, exhausting trip by road. Now, as the "Up" and "Down" timetables show, a local traveller could catch the 9:40 a.m. train from Newport and arrive in Cardiff by 10:08 a.m.—a brisk 28 minutes. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-23-at-17.45.42.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-23-at-17.45.52.png) However, this unprecedented speed brought a bizarre new headache for the Victorian public: the death of local time. For centuries, every town in Britain set its clocks by the sun, meaning true local time varied depending on how far east or west you lived. But steam trains moved too fast for a country running on disjointed clocks. As detailed in the railway notice, the company was forced to enforce **"Greenwich time"** across all stations. To avoid missing their train, a passenger standing on the platform at Newport had to remember that Greenwich Mean Time was **"twelve minutes earlier than Newport and Cardiff time, and fifteen minutes before Swansea time."** Step inside the station, and you were suddenly living a quarter of an hour ahead of the town clock outside—a striking example of how the railway age was fundamentally rewriting human concepts of time and distance right here in Newport. By 1855, [98% of public clocks](https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2008/oct/16/jerseyisland1?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) were set to adhering to Greenwich Mean Time but it wasn't until 1880 that it was enshrined in law. --- ### Emigration to New York While most travel notices in the Monmouthshire Merlin dealt with local day trips or train times to Cardiff, this striking advertisement looked much further afield. In July 1850, the concept of leaving home permanently was on the minds of many in South Wales, driven by industrial shifts and economic pressures. For a Newport family looking for a completely new life, crossing the Severn to Bristol was the first step on a journey across the Atlantic. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-23-at-17.44.11.png) The advertisement targets those looking to cross the Atlantic aboard the **"Hope,"** a 650-ton, English-built ship under the command of John Gill. The notice highlights several key details that provide a fascinating look at mid-19th-century passenger travel: - **"Coppered and Copper-fastened":** This technical detail was a major selling point. Covering a wooden hull in copper sheeting prevented biofouling (like barnacles and wood-boring worms), ensuring the ship sailed faster and remained structurally sound during the long Atlantic crossing. - **The Three-Tier Class System:** Accommodation was strictly divided into **Cabin, Intermediate, and Steerage**. While Cabin passengers enjoyed the comforts of the "full poop" (the high deck at the back of the ship), steerage passengers lived below deck. - **The Promise of Health and Air:** To reassure families terrified of the notorious "coffin ships" of the era, the advert makes a point of mentioning that the ship has twenty side ports for light and air, "commodious and good height between decks," and sleeping berths built to look like another successful vessel named the *Java*. - **Parliamentary Standards:** The notice promises that "pure water, and provisions of the best quality" will be provided "according to the late Act of Parliament." This refers to the Passenger Acts of the late 1840s, which the British government introduced to legally force shipowners to provide basic minimum rations of water, biscuit, flour, and rice to stop passengers starving or dying of cholera. - **A Veteran of the Colonies:** Before this July voyage to New York, the *Hope* had just returned from a long voyage to Australia, having been hired by the Government Colonial Land and Emigration Commissioners to transport British emigrants there. For the local reader, bookings were handled via William Dobbin, a licensed passenger broker based at 31, Prince Street, Bristol, who advertised that first-class and English ships would be dispatched monthly throughout the season. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Nervous System of Victorian Newport: The 1850 Post Table For a Newport merchant, shopkeeper, or resident in July 1850, checking the weekly "Newport Post Table" was a matter of practical necessity. In an era when business moved at the speed of paper, missing the postal deadlines meant a delay of days. The table details the complex schedule for the arrival, sorting, collection, and departure of the "Mails" across the network, divided by major destination hubs. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-24-at-08.19.02.png) ### Deciphering the Clockwork Columns To understand how a day in the life of a Newport resident worked, we can track the columns from left to right: - **Due:** When the incoming mail physically arrived in Newport. - **Delivery Begins:** The time the postmen actually set out on the streets to deliver letters, or when the public could collect them at the window. - **Box Closes:** The absolute deadline to drop a letter into the post box at the main office if you wanted it on the next outbound connection. - **Coml. st & Ditto, Pill:** The specific, earlier cutoff times to drop letters off at the secondary receiving houses on **Commercial Street** and **Pillgwenlly (Pill)** before they were walked up to the main office. - **Dispatch:** The exact time the mail coach or train departed the town. ### Tracking the Local Patterns Look closely at the times, and you can see a highly coordinated system operating right under the town's nose: - **The London Lifeline:** The London mail train arrived in Newport early in the morning at **6:53 a.m.** Sorting happened quickly, with deliveries hitting the streets by **8:30 a.m.** If a Newport businessman wanted to reply to London that same day, he had until **4:37 p.m.** to get his letter into the main box, or **4:10 p.m.** if he used the Commercial Street box, before the train steamed out at **5:37 p.m.** - **The Valley Connections:** Mail from the industrial valleys arrived via separate routes. The **Tredegar** mail arrived at **10:50 a.m.**, while **Brynmawr** didn't arrive until **4:30 p.m.**, showing how deeply connected Newport was to the coal and iron hubs of the hinterland. ### Postal Network Hubs The text beneath the table lists the specific localities served by each primary mail route. It shows that in 1850, "Swansea" was the clearing hub for mail going to nearby **Cardiff, Cowbridge, Bridgend, Taibach, and Neath**. Meanwhile, the "Bristol" mail acted as Newport's gateway to the world, handling post destined for Ireland, North Wales, the West Country (Somerset, Devon, Cornwall), and the English Midlands. ### Hidden Regulatory Quirks The small print at the bottom offers two brilliant details about mid-Victorian bureaucracy: - **The Registered Letter Fee:** To register a letter for safety, it had to be brought to the office stamped "at least half an hour before the box is closed." The cost was a flat **sixpence**, paid in cash at the time of registration. For context, sixpence was more than the cost of the entire *Monmouthshire Merlin* newspaper, making registration a premium service for high-value items or legal documents. - **The Money Order Lunch Break:** The Money-Order Office advertised regular hours from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with one incredibly specific exception: it completely closed from **4:37 p.m. till 5:37 p.m.** This exact one-hour shutdown perfectly aligns with the rush to process, secure, and pack the outbound London Mail dispatch at 5:37 p.m.—all hands would have been pulled off the counter to bag the mailbags! ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Business Precautions Not all notices in the Monmouthshire Merlin were friendly invitations to buy fine hats or imported tea. Some were blunt legal shields, designed to protect a business from an employee who had either fallen out of favour or gone rogue. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-24-at-08.18.24.png) The text is short, sharp, and leaves no room for misinterpretation: > "WE hereby give NOTICE, that Mr. THOMAS PRICE is no longer in our employment as Salesman, or in any other capacity, and is not authorised to transact any business on our account." ### The Context: Cutting Off Fraud at the Pass In 1850, a colliery salesman didn't just sell coal; they frequently collected large cash payments, negotiated bulk supply contracts with ship captains at the Newport docks, and signed receipts on behalf of the colliery owners. Because there were no telephones or centralised digital banking systems to verify transactions, business relied entirely on face-to-face trust and paper credentials. If a salesman was dismissed—or walked away on bad terms—there was a terrifying window of opportunity where they could continue visiting customers, collecting cash for "orders," and pocketing the money before anyone realised they had left the firm. By paying to print this public notice, H. and C. Mereweather were legally covering themselves. They were telling the merchants, shipmasters, and coal dealers of Newport: > *If Thomas Price takes your money after July 4th, that is between you and him—it has nothing to do with the White Rose Colliery.* It adds a brilliant bit of human drama and tension to the article, showing that Newport’s booming industrial wealth came with plenty of anxiety. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Victorian Charity: The Newport Dispensary In 1850, a working-class person in Newport facing illness or injury could not simply go to a doctor; medical care was entirely private and completely unaffordable for the poor. Instead, the town relied on the **Newport Dispensary**, a charitable institution funded by a classic Victorian system of paternalistic benevolence—where the affluent paid annual subscriptions to provide basic medicine and outpatient advice to the indigent. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-24-at-08.28.45.png) ### The July Financial Report The short notice in the newspaper updates readers on the July meeting of the Dispensary Directors: - **The Chair:** The meeting was chaired by Wm. S. Cartwright, Esq., a prominent local figure guiding the charity's administration. - **The Monthly Intake:** The honorary secretary reported receiving **£17 5s. 10d.** in subscriptions and donations during the month of June alone. - **The Running Total:** Combined with previous receipts, this brought the charity's immediate working fund to **£231 4s. 10d.** ### The Reserved Fund Beneath the general monthly numbers sat the "Reserved Fund," which stood at a healthy **£675 11s. 0d.** This was the charity's long-term financial backbone, funded by major lump-sum donations and corporate entities. Notably, the report logs a donation of **£5 5s. 0d.** from The Ebbw Vale Company, demonstrating how the heavy industrial firms of the valleys financially supported the civic institutions down in the port town. ### The Connection to Victoria Place At the foot of the notice sits the name of the man keeping the entire financial mechanism moving: Henry Williams, Hon. Sec. (Honorary Secretary). Williams handled the administrative burden of tracking donations and managing subscriptions, telling readers that funds could be dropped off directly to him. His listed address is Victoria Place, Newport—the exact same exclusive, grand row of townhouses we previously saw featured in the property columns. This tiny detail perfectly illustrates how the wealthy residents of Victoria Place were not just living in luxury, but were actively managing the high-profile charities that kept Newport’s poorest residents on their feet. At the time of the newspaper, the Newport Dispensary was located on Great Dock Street. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Crime and Punishment at the Quarter Sessions ### The Common Pattern: Poverty and Petty Theft The vast majority of the crimes listed are low-value property thefts. In an expanding industrial town like Newport, people were stealing the basic ingredients of survival: - **Fuel and Food:** Bulk quantities of coal were major targets—Catherine O'Brian got a month's hard labour for stealing 33 lbs of coal, while William Jenkins and Thomas Davies received a brutal six months' hard labour for taking 163 lbs of coal. Food items like a piece of bacon or 40 lbs of mutton also frequently feature. - **The Sentences:** The standard judicial response was "hard labour". Sentences rarely fell below a month, and peaked at half a year for a single count of larceny. ### Notable and Unusual Cases **The Case of William Spooner (A Explicit Racial Marker)** The report for William Spooner is highly unusual for its blunt, deliberate piece of description: > "William Spooner, aged 24, charged with stealing half-a-pound of butter, the property of Elizabeth Taylor, of Newport.—This prisoner was a negro." The journalist's decision to explicitly state Spooner's race reflects how rare Black residents still were in the regional press of 1850, or how his appearance stood out to the courtroom audience. Spooner "stoutly denied any felonious intention," but was still sent to gaol for a month. His parting words on leaving the dock carry a defiant sting: if he lived to get out of gaol, *"no one in court should ever see his face again, excepting Mrs. Taylor."* **The Beer-House Book Thief** In a bizarre case heard by the jury, Isaac Olridge—who describes himself as both a shoe maker and a keeper of a beer-house in Christchurch—noticed his book was missing from a drawer. When he confronted a customer about to leave the house, the unnamed prisoner simply reached into his clothing and *"gave me the book from inside his shirt."* Despite a complete lack of further evidence, the jury promptly found him guilty, and he was handed a 14-day prison sentence. **The Servant's Premium Punishment** A case involving the theft of six gallons of porter (beer) from Edward Edwards highlights the strict legal view of employee betrayal. Three men were charged, but Wm. Jones was explicitly singled out because he was a "servant" to the victim. While his two accomplices received six weeks of imprisonment each, Jones was handed double the sentence—three months—because violating a master-servant relationship of trust was considered an aggravating factor in Victorian law. **Youthful Offenders** The court showed no leniency to children. William Bumbreay, aged just 15, pleaded guilty to stealing a coat and a silk handkerchief. Despite his youth, the court didn't hesitate to hand him six weeks of hard labour in the house of correction. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## National News ### The Death of Sir Robert Peel The paper leads with a deeply mournful announcement: "DEATH OF SIR ROBERT PEEL!" The paper reports that the former Prime Minister and "mighty commoner" succumbed to severe suffering following a sudden, tragic accident—a fall from his horse, which it describes as the "momentary impatience of a brute". While modern readers best remember Peel for his foundational role in establishing the modern police force, the obituary focuses on his immense legislative legacy and a final, brilliant House of Commons speech delivered just hours before his injury. Expressing a sentiment shared across all political factions, the report laments the loss of a "pillar of the state" whose decades of administrative labours had materially advanced the nation's happiness, grandeur, and security. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow-3.jpg) ### Volume 2, Number 25 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-25/ Last updated: 2026-07-04T06:34:09.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Poisonous Wells Dr Davies, the Newport officer of health, has done good service by his official report to the Council on Tuesday. He gives an analysis of the wells at present in use, and recommends that, without exception, they should be closed. We are glad that the Board have taken prompt action in the matter. The surveyor has instructions to report on the best way of dealing with the water supply in the event of its being needful to close the wells. It is impossible to over-rate the importance of this precaution in a season when dysentery, cholera, and typhoid fever, the fruitful product of impure water, hang about. Science has proved, by the aid of practical experience, to use Dr. Davies's words, "that the specific poison of cholera and typhoid fever is more particularly contained in the intestinal discharge of the sick." These discharges find their way from the sewerage to the wells, and impregnate the water. The existence of chlorides in considerable quantity," says the Doctor "is an almost certain indication that water is contaminated with sewage containing the excreta of human beings." Perhaps the most important passage in the report is that which relates to Dr. Frankland, "acknowledged to be one of the highest authorities on water analysis." It appears that Dr. Frankland sat here on the Rivers Pollution Commission, in October 1872\. > "This gentleman took the opportunity of examining the water of the pump most in repute in the town, viz., Balleswell." His report was unfavourable, and the analysis proved beyond a doubt that sewage oozes into it. To an unscientific mind this is very hard to credit. Living near this noted pump ourselves, it is the delight of our family to enjoy in the fierce heat of summer from the Baneswell pump a glass of water colder and more palatable than the artificial iced, simply because it has never been warm. It is as good as a bottle of soda water, so far as its sparkling character is concerned. Nevertheless we are told that these very exceptional qualities bespeak the danger of animal poison leaking from the surrounding ground into the well. It has been mentioned to us (we are not able to verify the fact from practical test) that the Baneswell water if kept for twenty four hours emits an offensive smell. It is well known that the most pellucid, sparkling drinking water was at one time to be found in the neighbourhood of the old churchyards in London. The wells which formerly supplied this water are now all closed from motives of public health. In these cases, as in that of Baneswell pump, the palatableness of the water is "due often to the presence of salts, such as nitrates, derived from the oxidation of either sewage or animal matter." The report, which, as already stated, recommends that the Newport wells be closed, or at least during this trying weather when dysentery is prevalent, the handles of the pumps may be temporarily removed, gives us an uneasy feeling. Dr. Davies has, however, done his duty, and the public will recognise the pains he has taken in the matter. With regard to the poor people who have no other resource than the pump, we believe that the Board of Health are empowered to make ample provision. It is satisfactory to know, on the authority of Dr. Frankland, that the Company's water is free from sewage or any contamination of that kind, and also free from organic matter. It has been suggested to us that this absence of animal matter is due to the superabundance of fish at the Reservoir. Probably some of our scientific readers would be able to throw light upon the matter.—Star of Gwent. — [*The County Observer and Monmouthshire Central Advertiser, 9th August, 1873*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3068552/3068556/28/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Latest Rill of the Baneswell Pump The character of the ancient public pump in the district of Baneswell, Newport, was further assailed at Newport borough police-court to-day. Mr Dredge, the ex-publican, who has championed the cause of the poor pump, produced the friendly analysis which he had caused to be made. This was signed by Mr G. R. Thompson, analyst, and was to the effect that the water showed such sewage contamination; although not to a very serious extent, as justified him in regarding it as unsafe for drinking Purposes, and therefore that it should be discontinued. Mr Dredge produced a memorial signed by 100 ratepayers, protesting againnst the closing of the pump, and asking that it should be repaired and puddled on the ground of its general usefulness for cleansing purposes, such as washing horses' legs and cleaning carriages. The Bench thought the ratepayers did not want the pump water, as every household was supplied with town water but decided to ask the Sanitary Committee of the Town Council to order an examination to ascertain whether the contamination was local or proceeded for St. Woollos old cemetary. — [*South Wales Echo, 16th February, 1891*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4427521/4427524/23/Baneswell%2BAND%2BNewport?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/image-4.png) Bridge Street, Baneswell ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-12-at-13.21.38.png) [South Wales Argus, 8th July, 1902](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145605118/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## An Appeal to the Benevolent **DEAR SIR**, — May I ask you to kindly give insertion to this letter in your next issue, in the hope that sufficient subscriptions may come in to enable the carrying out of an object in view. A poor young widow in Baneswell, if supplied with, a sewing m chine, at the cost of £6 16s. 6d., would have the chance of keeping together her little humble home. > She has lost five children and her husband in the space of seven years, the latter and two children this year—so, that nearly all the money she received from her husband's benefit society on his decease, went to pay for the three funerals. The agent for the sale of machines has offered to supply one under the circumstances at a discount of 10 per cent. The smallest donation will be thankfully acknowledged by yours obediently, **WASDALE WATSON** Loughton House, Newport, Mon, 25th May, 1871\. *Amounts already received "C." 1s., "D." 2s. 6d. "B. G. B." 13s. "W." 2s. 6d.* *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th May, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403443/3403451/56/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-10-at-17.33.02.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-10-at-17.33.10.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-10-at-17.33.18.png) [South Wales Argus, 8th November, 1913](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144168519/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Alarming Fire at Baneswell Between three and four a.m. on Wednesday a fire was discovered in the premises occupied by Mr. Watkins, 2 and 3, Queen's Buildings, Baneswell. The premises are used us a commercial hotel and dining-rooms, and form part of a block of buildings in the main thoroughfare leading to Bailey-street, West-street, and Blewitt-street. The fire is believed to have originated in the first floor of No. 2, and the interior of that portion of the premises is almost totally destroyed. The neighbour next door (Mr. Welsteed) had the first intimation of the fire and gave the alarm. A message was sent to the Town-hall Police Station, and the hose and reel were put in requisition. The inmates were aroused as quickly as possible. Besides Mr. Watkins, his wife, children, and servants, there were several lodgers in the house. The two reels and hose kept at the Town-hall were got into use as the fire increased, and lastly a steam-engine was obtained. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-11-at-08.43.15.png) The location of Queen's Buildings today. The numbers mentioned were likely at the far end of the building. A good deal of difficulty seems to have been experienced in attacking the fire back and front, and, in the absence of ladders, the fire escape was brought to give the men access to the roof of the building. At No. 1 are situated the offices of the Evening Telegram, and it was with great difficulty the fire was kept from that portion of the block. Fortunately there was no wind, or the consequences might have been serious to the occupiers of the whole block. Mr. Welsteed had to remove his horses from the back premises of his butcher's shop. It was eight o'clock before the fire was subdued. As to its origin, the supposition is that a meeting having been held on Tuesday night in the large room of the first floor of No. 2 there had been carelessness in dealing with the fire in the room. Mr. Watkins is a great sufferer by the destruction of his property and the stoppage of his business, whilst the house itself is greatly damaged. — [*Weekly Mail, 20th January, 1883*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3372503/3372505/32/Baneswell%2BAND%2BNewport?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-12-at-08.12.55-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-12-at-08.15.30.png) Tredegar Place was the first part of Bridge Street closest to High Street. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Very Suspicious On Monday evening an inquest was lield before W. H. Brewer, Esq., coroner, at the Engiueers' Arms, Baneswell, on the body of the child found in the South Wales Railway tunnel on the 11th inst. From the doctor's evidence it appeared that the child was fully developed, the organs and brain perfectly healthy, and had lived some two or three hours. There was no mark of violence sufficient to cause death, which he believed resulted from a want of proper attention. The general belief of the jury was that the child had been thrown out of a passing train, but the coroner said he did not believe any such thing; and the mother, he was inclined to believe, lived somewhere in the immediate neighbourhood. The jury returned an open verdict. — [*Pontypool Free Press and Herald of the Hills, 23rd November, 1867*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3671911/3671915/72/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-12-at-13.22.53.png) [South Wales Argus, 29th May, 1902](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145604101/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Extension of the Boundary Mr.Toogood remarked that at a previous meeting of the Board something had been said about extending the borough. He did not know what process was necessary to effect that; but he thought the matter should receive attention. The inhabitants of Baneswell and Maindee participated in the benefits of the town of Newport for which the ratepayers of the town paid. It seemed to him high time that those districts should, if possible, be brought within the borough. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th February, 1862*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3442916/3442918/6/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-16-at-16.59.36.png) [South Wales Argus, 13th March, 1929](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145205790/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### A Lively Scene in Baneswell Thomas Dallimore, a powerful-looking young fellow, stepped into the defendants' box at the Newport Police-court to-day to answer a charge of assaulting P.C. Hamer. The officer was on duty in Baneswell last evening when he saw three men on the corner of Graham-street carrying on a loud discussion and **using unparliamentary language**. The officer requested them to move on, when Dallimore, who was drunk, went across to him and used some very strong terms. When the officer hinted, at taking him into custody, he took off his hat and coat, and, rushing across the street, requested a lady who was passing to hold them while he went for the officer. The lady, of course, declined. and Dallimore, being a man of resource, took his garments and deposited them on his own door-step, and then returned and commenced operations by a right-hander in the officer's face. Hamer closed with his assailant, and a tussle ensued, during which the officer had his thumb strained and his leg injured and his nether garments rendered useless. With the assistance of a civilian he, however, held his man and handcuffed him. The prisoner promised to go quietly to the station if released, and the officer complied with his request, when he jumped the wall on Stow-hill footway, and ran off. The officer followed over the 14-feet wall, and succeeded in recapturing him. **The Court, evidently in a lenient mood, let defendant off with a 20s fine**. — [*South Wales Echo, 6th February, 1891*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4427481/4427484/27/Baneswell%2BAND%2BNewport?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Stealing a Live Duck' John Love was charged with stealing a live duck, tho property of William Gwillim, Black Horse beerhouse, Baneswell, on Friday last. Two neighbours saw him steal the duck and run off with it under his coat. He was apprehended on Tuesday, and the Bench now **sentenced him to six weeks' hard labour**. — [*Weekly Mail, 8th September, 1883*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3372800/3372807/143/Baneswell%2BAND%2BNewport?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### An Unwelcome Visitor Mr William Watson, of Baneswell-road, Newport, was without the services of one of his workmen on a recent Saturday, and being rather busy kept his son at work up to 9 o'clock at night repairing boots. Unfortunately for Mr Watson, Mr Edwards, one of the local factory inspectors, looked in just after 9 o'clock whilst the lad was still in the shop. The result was that Mr Watson stood at the defendants' in the Borough Police Court on Monday, and there listened whilst Mr Augustus Lewis quoted the Act of Parliament which provides that young people must not work in factories after eight p.m. and a boot-repairing shop is a factory within meaning of the Act. Mr Watson added a plea of ignorance in addition to the pressure of work, but **he left the Court 13s poorer than when he entered, that being the amount of the costs**. — [*South Wales Daily News, 28th May, 1895*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3734523/3734529/135/Baneswell%2BAND%2BNewport?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Sunday Evening Amusement Abraham Hopkins, Thomas Lewis, and George James were charged with being disorderly in Baneswell on Sunday evening. The evidence showed that the defendants were drunk, making a noise, and singing in the district, and when spoken to replied that they had as much right to sing as "Happy Tom." It was the custom on Sunday evenings for gangs of lads to parade the streets and cause much annoyance to passers-by. **They were fined 5s. each**. — [*Weekly Mail, 14th March, 1885*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3364618/3364625/213/Baneswell%2BAND%2BNewport?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Young Woman Shot On Saturday evening a young woman named Jane Brooks, living at No. 10, Jones-street, Baneswell, was standing near a window in the back part of the house, when a report of fire- arms was heard, and the young woman received several shots and some pieces of the splintered window pane in her face. Assistance was speedily procured, and Miss Brooks is now in no danger. Information was given of the circumstance to the police, and a young man named William Hopkin, who is suspscted of having fired the shots, has disappeared. The shot holes in the window are no less than 39 in number, and the wall farthest from the window is specked all over with small indentations. Exaggerated rumours have prevailed in the town, investing the affair with the horrors of a 'Townley'\* case but it appears that the young man and woman were by no means intimate acquaintances, and there is not the least ground for supposing that it was not the purest accident, and this view of the case is strengthened by the statement that Hopkins was shooting pigeons at the time. At the borough police court on Wednesday, Wm. Hopkins was charged with shooting Jane Brooks, a tidily-dressed young woman, whose forehead showed traces of several small wounds. The following was the complainant's evidence-: > I live in Jones-street, Baneswell. I was standing by the window on Saturday between three and four o'clock in a stooping position, when I heard a report of something, and rose suddenly and several pieces of glass out of the window went into my bead. I fell down with fright and remember nothing more. There are 38 shot holes in the window. My face is not much injured, but my forehead is. I have not been well since. I am subject to palpitation of the heart, and the shock has been very great. The defendant said the girl in his house had given him the pistol to fire off, as it was loaded, and he fired it at the garden rails, but did not think any harm would follow. Witness said the pistol bad been fired off once in their yard before, which defendant denied. Witness said sho did not wish to press the charge, as defendant's father was suffering much trouble, his wife having lately died and his daughter was lying ill in the house of a fever. Defendant said he had been ill ever since the accident, having been so much frightened. The defendant was fined 5s., and ordered to repair the damage. — [*The Cardiff Times, 19th February, 1864*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3382985/3382991/35/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) \* The "Townley case" refers to the highly publicized 1863 trial of ****George Victor Townley**, who murdered his former fiancée, Elizabeth (Bessie) Goodwin, at Wigwell Grange in Derbyshire, England. [Learn more](https://elleryqueenmysterymagazine.com/the-crime-scene/stranger-than-fiction-january-2024/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-16-at-18.22.33.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st February, 1868](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3442284/3442289/26/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Fowl Robbery Early on Thursday morning, twenty-seven fowls and four ducks were stolen from the stable of Mr. Simeon Scard, at Bane's Well. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th February, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397058/3397063/25/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/image-3.png) Bridge Street, Baneswell ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-11-at-22.12.23.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th June, 1859](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398568/3398569/1/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Centre of Newport The additional architectural features which are now being given to the end of High-street by the re-erection of National and Provincial Bank Company's premises and the provision of a stately red-brick dwelling for the Gloucester Bank, will probably receive yet further development when the Capital and Counties Bank, who are negotiating the purchase of a block at the bottom of Stow-hill and Baneswell-road, shall have completed their arrangements. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-11-at-12.46.44.png) The three buildings mentioned in the article which were all built in the 1890s. The past year or two has witnessed an explosion of banks, the Bank of Wales being followed by the Gloucester Bank, Lloyd's Bank, and the Capital and Counties Bank. — [*South Wales Daily News, 6th November, 1890*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3718821/3718828/135/Baneswell%2BAND%2BNewport?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/South_Wales_Weekly_Argus_and_Monmouthshire_Advertiser_1920_12_25_4.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 25th December, 1920](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144407692/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Public Improvements in Baneswell' Baneswell-square, Newport, which contains about a dozen of the oldest and smallest cottages in the town, has had notice to quit. Messrs. Llewellyn and Moore, solicitors, who purchased the property, have decided to build five good-sized shops and residences, fronting Baneswell-road from the corner of North-street towards High-street, and the square in the centre of the town, which could hardly be clashed as picturesque, will very soon be known no more. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-11-at-12.53.22.png) It's possible that these properties are the ones mentioned in the article and have been long demolished. — [*Weekly Mail, 11th July, 1891*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3366764/3366779/107/Baneswell%2BAND%2BNewport?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/image-2.png) Tredegar Chambers, Baneswell ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Closing of Waters's Lane Alderman Davis explained that now the leases of all the houses in Waters's-lane had fallen in, the question arose as to what had best be done in regard to that thoroughfare. Father Cavalli wished to see it closed, as it was one of the greatest nuisances they had near tho Roman Catholic chapel, and the thoroughfare was no convenience to them at all. Many other applications had also been made to him to have it shut up. If the Board thought it desirable that it should be stopped up, there was no objection on Lord Tredegar's part to doing so, as for the future there would be no houses there. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-15-at-12.44.23.png) Map showing Baneswell Road, North Street and Waters's Lane It was proposed to carry North-street straight down to the Queen's hotel, making it a wide thoroughfare. The whole of the houses opposite the Queen's, as far as the Baneswell pump, would be pulled down, and the ground raised to the level of Mr. Bolt's houses on the opposite side. There was one little bit of the Black Horse that would be required to make the street complete, and if the town thought it worth while to secure that they must arrange with Mr. Howard for the purchase of it. His lease would be out in two years, and he did not think. there would be any difficulty in dealing with him. If the Board desired to see Waters's-lane shut up they had only to say so, and it would be done. Passengers who might now be in the habit of using that thoroughfare would only have to go on a little further to Havelock-street, so that they would be very little inconvenienced. It was thought best to hear the Surveyor's report before proceeding any further, because special reference was made in it to this subject. **SURVEYORS REPORT** "GENTLEMEN, Baneswell Improvement.—The cottages in Waters's-lane and Wedlake's-court, and houses on the south side of Baneswell-road, opposite Bolton-terrace, having reverted to Lord Tredegar, on the 1st inst., it is proposed to take down all the old buildings, and re-lease the ground for the erection of more modern premises. A plan is submitted herewith, as directed by the Public Works Committee, showing the proposed alterations, to the greater portion of which your consent will be required. North-street is proposed to be continued as a street, forty feet wide, down to Baneswell-road. The south side of Baneswell-road, between the new street and the pump, would be re-erected on a line parallel to, level with, and 40 feet from Bolton-terrace and this would involve the necessity of raising the level of Baneswell-road. The Black Horse Inn belonging to Mr. Thomas Howard, at the corner of Victoria-square and Baneswell-road, ought then to be re-constructed on the new line, and might be made to bide Victoria-square. Waters's-lane might either be closed altogether, or left as a paved footway 10 feet wide, at your option and that of the public; but the unanimous desire of residents in the neighbourhood appears to be in favour of shutting it up altogether. The high footpath on Stow-hill might then be improved as to level, and paved, and a new slope and railing for foot-passengers might be substituted for the present awkward slope. The narrow lane or passage leading from Baneswell-road to North-street would be unnecessary when the new street is opened, and might probably also be shut up. Your approval and co-operation will be necessary to enable this passage and Waters's-lane to be closed and I believe that Lord Tredegar's advisers desire that the cost of purchasing the portion of the Black Horse Inn, required for the widening and improvement of Baneswell-road should be borne by the public, as well as the cost of the new slope on Stow-hill. The effect of shutting up Waters's- lane would be that any person requiring to pass from the lower end of Stow-hill to North-street or Baneswell, or vice versa, would have to go round by the new road, or along Baneswell-road, as improved. But, on the other hand, the class of property at the lower part of Baneswell would be much improved, and the miserable cottages in Waters's-lane and Wedlake's-court, which have been for many years a constant source of annoyance to the respectable residents, and of danger to the public health, would he destroyed. I am gentlemen, your obedient servant, "CONYERS KIRBY." Alderman Davis said 30 cottages would be done away with. Mr. Stone raised an objection to the principle of closing up old thoroughfares, and strongly advised the Council thoroughly to weigh the whole matter before they consented to the closing of Waters's-lane. Mr. Graham thought the subject a very proper one to be referred to the consideration of the Works Committee, because an addition to the objection raised by Mr. Stone, they ought also to consider what was to Mr. Stone, they ought also to consider what was to become of the inhabitants of the 32 cottages that are coming down. Alderman Davis said they were all gone. Mr. Graham said they had seen it reported by their medical officer that there was a great scarcity of accommodation for the poorer working classes, and a large amount of over-crowding in consequence, and he should like to hear that the Friars' Fields Committee had devised some scheme for providing suitable dwellings for the labouring poor. (Hear, hear.) He was not prepared to express an opinion upon that point to-day, but he would move that the question before thorn be referred to the Works Committee. Mr. Fothergill seconded the proposition. This was the first time the subject had been before them, and he thought they should have an opportunity of examining the plans and fully considering the proposal, so that at an early day they might be in a position to give their vote and opinion upon it. Alderman Townsend did not know what they were going to win by delay. Long experience had shown him what an inconvenience and nuisance this thoroughfare was, and it seemed to him that so grand an improvement was proposed, that he, for one, would not delay it a moment. Alderman Davis said there was not the slightest objection to its being referred. Referred to the Works Committee. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th May, 1872*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3404040/3404042/5/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-11-at-22.23.03.png) [South Wales Argus, 3rd August, 1920](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144308095/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Opening a New Coffee Palace It will be seen by advertisement in another column that Dr Bernardo, of London, will attend on Thursday to open the "Coffee Palace which has been fitted up in Baneswell-road, Newport. The premises, which are somewhat extensive, have been built and fitted up under the direction of Mr W. Williams, builder, and will afford ample accommodation for a considerable number of patrons. Besides a large room, which it is intended to tit up aa a billiard room, there is also a skittle alley. — [*South Wales Daily News, 24th May, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3511763/3511769?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'For Sale: 32 West Street (1859)' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-11-at-22.01.12.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-11-at-22.01.27.png) For Sale: No. 32, West Street and the house today (2nd from the left). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-11-at-22.34.04.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th June, 1859](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398559/3398563/20/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 1856 Council Meeting Mr. Simeon Scard has fixed, without permission, at his warehouse, near Bane's Well, a crane, projecting about five feet from the building, and only about seven feet above the footway. The owner of the Black Horse beerhouse, Bane's Well-road, has called upon me to relay the pavement in front of the house, the same having been almost totally destroyed by carts passing over it. *Later in the meeting...* The paragraph in the report in reference to the crane erected by Mr. *Scard*, led to a somewhat lengthy discussion, some of the members of the Board thinking that every facility should be given to persons to carry on their business, and that the crane should therefore be allowed to remain, while others argued that as permission to erect cranes had been refused to others, the Board could not consistently give its sanction in the present instance. In the course of the observations which were made, the Surveyor stated that the crane originally was placed at the top of the house, and no complaint was made respecting it. It was ultimately agreed that notice should be given to remove the crane. The pavement in front of the Black Horse, Bane's Well, was ordered to be repaired. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th September, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396998/3397000/3/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *A month later at another council meeting, Mr Scard had a reprieve and the pavement was relaid.* The committee appointed to inspect the crane erected by Mr. Simeon Scard, agreed to recommend that it be allowed to remain on sufferance for taking in and out cider casks only, provided that Mr. Soard alter the pavement at the corner of his warehouse, by raising it and putting steps satisfactory to the surveyor. The pavement at the Black Horse, Baneswell-road, have been relaid with extra- thick stones, in accordance with your orders. The pavements, generally, ia the prin- cipal streets, require extensive repairs. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th October, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397046/3397048/2/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) I'm not sure where Simeon Scard's warehouse was in Baneswell but he had a shop on Stow Hill so may have backed onto it. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/BridgeStreet.jpg) ### Volume 2, Number 24 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-24/ Last updated: 2026-06-20T06:45:19.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Supply of Gas Complaints have been made that the supply of gas in Newport is very inadequate to the demand. Since the majority of those using gas now burn by meter, it is surprising that means are not taken to ensure a larger supply, as many establishments would begin to burn earlier, and consume more throughout the evening, were it laid on in greater quantity. We hope the defect will be remedied. It is right to add that the quality of the gas has been improved. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th January, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394581/3394584?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-02-at-18.18.51.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th March, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425035?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Dock Policemanship On Sunday night last, as appears by proceedings on a coroner's jury reported above, a sailor fell into the Newport Dock, and after crying out three times for assistance, sunk to die. There were no grappling irons thrown in to drag the body ashore at once, that the proper means of resuscitation might be resorted to, and perhaps with success for there was no care taken, no policeman near the spot. Next morning, about six o'clock, means were adopted, and the body was brought to shore—some six or seven hours after the fatal occurrence. On inquiry how it was that there was no policeman or other watchman of the dock at hand, it was ascertained that Mr. Watts, the dock policeman, only does day duty. Looking at the sad accident—looking also at the great danger of persons falling into the dock by night, where the light is not very brilliant, and looking also at the fact that night affords far greater facilities for carrying on the work of theft, smuggling, or other fraudulent practices, than broad daylight, it will certainly appear a matter of surprise that either another policeman is not put on, or the duties of the present one policeman divided, between day and night. The probability is, that had a watchman or policeman been immediately at hand with the implements provided at the dock, for saving drowning persons, that Hall might have been recovered from the water immediately, and restored alive to his ship. The matter calls for the consideration of the Dock Company. It has been stated by dock shareholders, and owners of property in Pill, with some plausibility, perhaps indeed with justice, that those who pay so largely towards the rates, should have public police protection, instead of being obliged to pay for private watchmen, who never do their duty in any way comparable to the force which are under discipline. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd September, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394488/3394491?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-10-at-08.35.35.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-10-at-08.35.30.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-10-at-08.35.24.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-10-at-08.35.13.png) [South Wales Argus, 11th July, 1922](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144014964/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### '1845 Miscellany' David Morgan, George Davies. William Thomas, and William Pride, were charged with obstructing the footpath at the corner of the Three Horse Shoes, in High-street. **Fined 1s. each, and costs, or 14 days' imprisonment**. Catherine Williams, Catherine Jones, and Emma Jenkins, were charged with being disorderly prostitutes, creating a disturbance in the street, and making use of bad language. Emma Jenkins being twice summarily convicted before for a similar offence, was **sentenced to two months' imprisonment**; the other two were discharged, it being their first appearance before the magistrates. Jeremiah Hayes and Michael Sullivan, were charged with being drunk and disorderly in the street. They both pleaded guilty, and was **fined 5s. and costs, or 14 days' imprisonment**. Ann Williams charged with stealing a purse and 10s. 6d. from Mary Ann Hughes. Committed for trial at the next Quarter Sessions. She is an old offender. George Mosely, an apprentice of Mr. Noah Bowen, was charged with running away from his work. His master took him back. Edward Morgan was charged with committing damage, by negligently driving. The case was dismissed; a fresh information to be laid. A. C. Rio, charged with wilfully cutting mooring rones. Case dismissed. T. Artaud was also charged with wilfully cutting mooring ropes. Adjourned. A. C. Rio was charged with assaulting William Rees. **Fined 5s. and costs**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th March, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425030/3425033/37/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Green Boots' Mary Funnell, alias Green Boots, was brought up charged with stealing a watch, the property of George Garratt, on the night of Wednesday last. It appeared that as Mr. Garratt was proceeding from the house of his brother in George-street, on Wednesday night about twelve o'clock, towards his own residence in Commercial-street. The prisoner accosted him near Mr. Clapperton's shop, and almost immediately snatched the watch from his waistcoat pocket, and secreted it on her person. Whilst holding her in the hope of seeing a policeman come up, Charles Ellicott, shopman at Mr. Garratt's was returning from the Crown, and fortunately came up at the moment, to whom Mr. Garratt told the circumstances of the robbery. Whilst taxing her with the theft, Ellicot heard the watch falling upon the pavement and stooping down; he picked it up, and a policeman being attracted by the prisoner's outcries, she as taken to the Station. P. C. Huxtable deposed to taking the prisoner into custody, and hearing her beg Mr. Garratt's forgiveness, promising never to commit a similar offence. She was very drunk at the time. **Committed for trial at the next Assizes**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th February, 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393365/3393368?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Drunken Post-Boy At the police-court, yesterday (before Messrs. Woollett and Phillips). William Richardson was charged with embezzling 16s the moneys of his employers, the King's Head Hotel Company. Last Tuesday the prisoner was engaged to drive a gentleman in a carriage and pair to Usk, and received 10s. He got drunk, and spent the money, or lost it. A man from the Three Salmons at Usk had to drive the horses home, with the prisoner inside, drunk. Mr. Gretton, the manager, had discharged the prisoner, and as that was a heavy punishment in itself, the Bench dealt leniently with him, **ordering him to be kept in prison one day**. — [*The Western Mail, 2nd September, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4335348/4335352?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Sailor Robbing Sailor George Brown, a middle-aged man, was charged with stealing a bag of clothes, the property of a youth, named William Smith. Both were on board the schooner George, in the river, and on Tuesday night prosecutor missed his bag of clothes, Prisoner was in the same part of the vessel, but he denied having seen them or touched them. The clothes were traced to Ellen Dillon's house, in Club-row, to whom prisoner had sold them for 3s. 3d. **Sentenced to two months' hard labour**. — [*The Western Mail, 2nd September, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4335348/4335352?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Rough Treatment of a Suitor John Jones, David Price, and William Smallwood were charged with assaulting George Bridges, labourer, Maindee. Complainant was said to have been smitten with Jones's mother, and as Jones did not approve of his prospective step-father he hit upon the expedient of a thrashing. It was said that complainant proposed an amicable settlement, which would have involved the marriage objected to, but the offer was declined. **Jones was fined 5s. and costs; the others were dismissed**. — [*The Western Mail, 4th September, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4335353/4335356?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Theft from the Silver Grill John Roberts (13), Arthur Powell (H), and V. Jones (12) were charged yesterday with stealing three eggs from the Silver Grill, High-street, the property of Alfred Bland. Roberts, the eldest, had been in prosecutor's employ as errand lad for 18 months. **Jones was let off with a caution**; **Powell was ordered to receive six strokes**; Roberts' dismissal from prosecutor's employ was thought to be sufficient punishment for his offence. — [*South Wales Daily News, 24th March, 1888*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3668951/3668954/58/Baneswell%2BAND%2BNewport?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Charge of Fortune Telling Louisa Dixon was charged with pretending to tell fortunes and with hawking without a licence. Police-Constable Colbourne saw the defendant in Stow Park on Tuesday afternoon talking with a servant. She had hold of the girl's hand, and was making signs upon it. He apprehended the defendant, and found a pack of cards upon her. He ascertained that the defendant had been to several villas in the neighbourhood, and tried to talk with the servants. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-11-at-17.40.25-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-11-at-17.42.20.png) Bryn-Glas Villa on an OS Map from around the time of the incident and the property today on Stow Park Avenue. Susan Watkins, a domestic servant at Bryn Glas Villa, said the defendant came to the house and wanted to tell her fortune, which she declined. She had a pack of cards in her hand. There was another charge against the defendant for stealing a towel, but no evidence was offered. **The Bench fined her 10s., or seven days**. — [*Weekly Mail, 14th March, 1885*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3364618/3364625/213/Baneswell%2BAND%2BNewport?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/IMG_3948-1.jpeg) The top of Newport High Street printed in a street directory of 1915. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A Servant Severely Burnt On Thursday evening last, the servant girl of Mr. Daniel Johns, portrait painter, Stow Hill, met with a serious accident, occasioned by the most reprehensible negligence. It appears that the girl was desired to nurse the child, and for that pur- pose sat down by the parlour fire, where, having permitted her little charge to play about the room, she herself speedily fell asleep; and being situated very near the fire, her apparel was soon in a blaze, the acute torture occasioned by which awoke the careless sleeper, only to find herself enveloped in flames from head to foot, and very severely burnt. Medical aid was procured immediately, and hopes are entertained of her recovery. This practice of sleeping by the fireside is of such frequent occurrence, that only many repetitions of perhaps dangerous results, seem likely to deter persons, and especially lazy and careless servants, from the imprudent practice. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th November, 1840*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393315/3393318?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-10-at-08.28.45.png) [South Wales Argus, 10th July, 1922](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144014929/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A Nocturnal Treat On Wednesday evening last, between eight and nine o'clock, the Usk steamer, Captain Dando, from Bristol for Newport, ran ashore on the mud on the eastern side of the mouth of the river Usk and thus afforded the passengers — about 150 in number — opportunity for a night's aquatic enjoyment. A passenger, whose joyous hopes of soon reaching Newport to spend a social hour with his friends, received a heavy blow and great discouragement from this untoward event, by way of annihilating every shadow of excuse on the part of the master, says, "it was a beautiful night; and whilst the captain blamed the palinurus, and the palinurus blamed the captain, for the unenviable "fix" in which they were involved, the luckless passengers were surly ruminating upon their wretched fate." The Usk left Bristol at six o'clock Wednesday evening, and reached Newport at nine Thursday morning. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd September, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394488/3394491?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'A Travelling Tinker' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-09-at-16.52.17.png) ****Source**: [Gloucester Journal, 25th April, 1763](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971493204/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Lamp at the Pottery Lock A communication has this week been addressed to us, by a gentleman who takes creditable occasion to comment on matters needing public remark, relative to the lamp which some two years since was placed near the canal side, at the Pottery lock," after the MERLIN made a noise, on the occasion of a lad being drowned, and others having escaped the most imminent peril of that fate. This lamp, it appears, though so necessary to the preservation of life in that quarter, is never lit; so that within no great while Mr. B. Evans, the humane landlord of the Adam and Eve, near the canal, has by his own individual exertions saved from being drowned in the lock, several persons who, from the absence of the light, and the peculiar dangers of the locality, had fallen into the canal, and would, in all human probability, have perished but for his timely assistance. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-09-at-09.12.06.png) The 1840 tithe map showing the location of the pottery in Pill Our respectable correspondent says he feels assured that the fact of the lamp not being lighted, although the neighbourhood is so dangerous, needs only be publicly mentioned to cause immediate remedy, on the part of those humane authorities who directed the lamp to be placed there and as the winter dark nights are just approaching, and particularly as the road to the dock lies across the bridge by the side of this lock, it is hoped there will be no time lost in directing that the lamp will be made useful, so that the tars and others who travel that way may be able to steer through a passage so fatal to human life. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd September, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394488/3394491?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Early Mention of the Heathcock and Westgate House' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-09-at-17.49.35.png) ****Source**: [Gloucester Journal, 14th March, 1763](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971493051/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## St Woollos Pound There have been very many complaints respecting the unhealthy and bad condition of the St. Woollos pound, near the Friars, in which, it is stated, the mud and filth are often knee deep. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-09-at-14.28.04.png) What a place in which to imprison cattle It is requisite that the ditch which supplies it, should be filled up. and some loads of stone and rubbish thrown on the floor of the pound, which would thus be considerably improved. — [Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th September, 1848](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394493/3394496?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-09-at-20.33.26.png) ****Source**: [South Wales Argus, 2nd March, 1912](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144043616/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Chung Ling Soo at the Newport Empire' Chung Ling Soo, a stage musician, visited Newport in March 1912 and below is a modern summary of him and his performances. He was one of the most successful and highest-paid stage magicians in Europe during the early 20th century. However, his entire persona was an elaborate illusion. He was actually an American man named William Ellsworth Robinson, who used greasepaint, traditional Chinese clothing and a shaved head with a queue (braid) to perform in "yellowface". To maintain the deception, he never spoke English on stage, used an interpreter for press interviews and claimed to be the orphaned son of a Scottish missionary and a Cantonese woman. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-09-at-20.12.32.png) ****Source**: [South Wales Argus, 2nd March, 1912](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144043606/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) He based his act and name on a real Chinese magician, Ching Ling Foo. When Foo discovered the theft, he tried to expose Robinson as an impostor in London in 1905, but the public remained captivated by Robinson's performance. He maintained his persona so strictly that his tragic final words on stage were the first and only time he spoke English in public as Chung Ling Soo. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/image-1.png) His stage assistant and "Chinese wife", Suee Seen, was actually an American woman named Olive "Dot" Path. Robinson was legally married to another woman back in America and also maintained a separate family in London with a mistress. ### His Acts Soo excelled at grand illusions and traditional Chinese-style conjuring. His most famous and definitive illusion was **"Condemned to Death by the Boxers"**, a dramatic bullet-catching trick. In this act, muzzle-loading guns were inspected and marked by audience members. Assistants fired the guns directly at him on stage, and Soo appeared to catch the marked bullets out of mid-air on a porcelain plate. ### His Death On 23 March 1918, during a performance at the Wood Green Empire in London, the bullet-catch trick failed. The guns were designed to fire a blank charge from a secondary chamber, leaving the real bullet safely inside the barrel. However, Robinson had a habit of not cleaning the guns properly. Over time, a buildup of unburnt gunpowder formed in the internal channel. That night, the spark ignited this residue, firing the actual bullet directly into his chest. As he collapsed, he broke character, crying out: *"Oh my God. Something's happened. Lower the curtain."* He died the following morning at a nearby hospital. The coroner ruled the death as misadventure. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-02-at-18.20.11.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th March, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425035?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Volume 2, Number 23 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-23/ Last updated: 2026-06-13T06:20:18.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Jack Sheppardism by a Ribbon Man On Thursday last a man of rather respectable appearance, who gave his name John Hoursgood, was brought before the magistrates at our town court, charged with having the previous Tuesday, sundry rolls of ribbons, from the shop of Mr. Charles Llewellin, draper, of this town. It appeared that Hoursgood had entered the shop, in company with a woman, who asked to see some bonnet ribbons, and appearing difficult to be pleased, the assistant placed two boxes on the counter at the same time, for her selection. Whilst the female customer was endeavouring exclusively to engage the attention of the shopman, over one drawer, the accused was rapidly transferring a portion of the contents of the other to his pockets, and being caught by a sudden turn of the assistant's eye, in the act of abstraction, he started out of the shop at a racing pace, pursued with steeple chase spirit by the shopman, who cleared the counter in gallant style, and set off after the runaway with a loud cry of "stop thief," in the exciting spirit of which several enterprising young men joined, and the fugitive was "run into," as fox-hunters say, at the corner of Mr. Master's liquor shop, near the bridge. ℹ️ Mr Master's liquor shop was owned by George Masters and was located a few doors away from the King's Hotel and on the corner of Dock Street. Being searched, twelve pieces of ribbon (upwards of 170 yards), were found on his person, and well distributed in various pockets. These and other concomitant facts having been proved, the magistrates committed him for trial at the next Quarter Sessions, and he was conveyed to the lock-up house, where, as it appears, he was left to his own resources, without any policeman's eye upon his actions; for in about an hour after committal, whilst the Bench was engaged in the investigation of another case, it was announced with an electric effect upon the municipal guards, that... > the prisoner had broken his prison, and was seen "cutting across the fields like a two-year old." Then there was rushing to and fro in the hot haste, brief recriminations, and breathless enquiries in many quarters, but the nimble Jack Shepherd had, at least for the time, made good his escape. It is stated by a young sailor, then in the same cell with the fugitive, on a charge of wilful damage, that the man forced open locks, bolts, and bars, "like winking;" that he asked him to come along with him into the fresh air, but that he (the sailor) refused, saying he should get into greater scrape by breaking out of the "bilboes' \[shackles\]. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th April, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425060/3425063?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-27-at-08.17.25.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 29th October, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393798/3393800?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A Stranger's Visit The famous General Tom Thumb, who is, as our readers must be aware, the smallest man in the world, and has appeared in all the principal courts of Europe, intends paying a visit to this town. He will be at the Town Hall to-night, and his stay bfinar necessarily a short one, those who have a desire to see this little marvel will do well to lose no time in paying their visit. The General is now in his 21st year, and is only 31 inches in height, and weighs 25 pounds. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/image.png) Charles Stratton, aka General Tom Thumb, was born in Connecticut in 1838 and was the first major exhibition exhibited by P.T. Barnum. Source: [Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Charles-Stratton?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th July 1857*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397390/3397395?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## '1845 Stow Fair' We do not remember seeing so numerous, and indeed, so well-conducted and well-dressed an influx of pleasure-seekers to Newport, as on this occasion, while the brilliancy of the day brought nearly the whole population of the town out of doors for relaxation. The time-hallowed scene of Stow fair, was, of course, the quarter to which the thousands directed their steps but it was soon ascertained that, in consequence of encouraging offers on the part of the proprietors of the fine Newport Cattle Market, several of the peripatetic Thespians and purveyors of wonders, had attempted a Stow fair in Newport town ! hence a capacious field adjoining Caira, liberally let out by Mr. Davies, commanding the most enchanting views, and, perhaps, one of the most delightful situations in the Kingdom for a pleasure fair presented but few wonderful exhibitions and the animadversious (sic) and complaints against "monopoly," foul, instead of fair, play, and of the absurd attempt of making a "Bartlemy business" of an annual enjoyment for the people, to which the green fields, the extensive views, and the pure air, gave so great a vest, were heard on every side. The great Mountjoy Market is no doubt the proper place for the sale of cattle, but the beautiful Stow will continue, and properly so, the pleasure Fair. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-02-at-20.14.35.png) 1840 tithe map showing Caira. The field mentioned would have been near to it. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th May, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425065/3425068?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/IMG_3100.jpg) Source: Morris Directory of Monmouthshire, 1862 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### An Attempted Highway Robbery A serious occurrence *in the Turpin line* took place on Tuesday morning, at about 3 o'clock, a.m. It appears that Mr. Clark, the well-known butcher, and landlord of the New Inn, on Tuesday morning had been doing business rather largely at the Caerleon monthly market, where he was doubtless sell in the possession of money. At the close of the day's transactions, he returned to the inn where he "put up," where it seems the attractions of cheerful society induced him to defer the hour of parting, like Tam O'Shanter, till he would face even Kirk Alloway; but on his homeward course he encountered something much more dangerous than bogles. He mounted his horse, a very spirited animal, about half-past two o'clock on the morning of Tuesday, and when near the garden lane leading to Langstone Court, two fellows, who it is supposed had been lying in wait for his return, rushed upon him; one ruffian laying hold of the bridle, and the other discharging a gun or pistol; but whether with the intention of intimidation or murder, Mr. Clarke knows not. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-02-at-18.36.53.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th March, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425035/3425038?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The horse reared and fell, by which the fellow lost hold of the rein, and the animal immediately springing upon his legs again, dashed onwards with great speed leaving the highwaymen disappointed of their expected booty! Mr. Clark, who arrived safely at home, in a very short time after this very serious adventure; describes the two robbers as tall, and well dressed in dark clothes. The active superintendant of police is making due inquiries. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th March, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425035/3425038?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Malpas — Robbery by a Farm Servant Henry Blackwood, aged 22, was charged with stealing a pair of boots and a pair of stockings, the property of Mr. John Jones, farmer, in the parish of Malpas. Mr. Somerset was counsel for the prosecution. The prisoner was servant with prosecutor. Early on the morning of the 19th July, he was observed leaving the house and shortly after, prosecutor found that his boots, a pair of stockings, a small cheese, and the dog, had been stolen. Prosecutor therefore followed, on the Pontypool-road, and found the prisoner, from whose feet the constable took the boots in question. Prisoner now said his master had given him a pair of boots, and his mistress had given him a pair of stockings. The prosecutor, recalled, said the boots found on the prisoner, were not those which had been given to him. John Boundy, constable at Malpas, proved apprehending prisoner, and taking from his feet the boots now produced, which prosecutor here identified. Prisoner said he had put on the boots by mistake, believing them to be the pair his master had given him. **Guilty. Two months' hard labour.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th August, 1853*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395705/3395708?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### More Family Jars Mary Ann Lane was charged with wilfully breaking the window of John Pring. Defendant is the sister of complainant's wife, and a quarrel arose between them. She came to Pring's house on Saturday evening, and said she came to have a row. She shortly afterwards took up a stone and dashed it through the window. John Pring and Isaac Pring were then placed at the bar charged with assaulting Mary Pring. > The quarrel was an intricate one, but the result appeared to be that all parties concerned received black eyes. After a lengthened investigation, the Bench dismissed the charge against Isaac Pring; **fined John Pring 20s. and costs, or in default a month's hard labour, and Mary Ann Lane 4s. and costs**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th July, 1857*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397390/3397396?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Leaving Horse Unprotected' Ebenezer Williams was charged with leaving his horse and cart unprotected in Stow-hill, and **fined 20s., or 14 days' imprisonment**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th July, 1857*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397390/3397396?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Stealing 9 Glasses' Fanny Knight and Mary Ann Parker, prostitutes were charged with stealing nine drinking glasses, the property Mr. F. A. Townshond, of the Mitre Inn, High-street. **Sentenced to 7 day's imprisonment**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st November, 1868*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3442779/3442784/33/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The Mitre Inn was located at 25 High Street in the 1860s on the site of the Coach and Horses which closed in 1860\. The location is roughly where the entrance to the Market is today. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/IMG_4008.jpeg) A view from the east bank of the River Usk in the late 1920s with Newport Market in the centre. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Dietary at the Schools *At an 1871 council meeting...* The Clerk read a letter from Mr. Morris, the medical officer for the schools, calling attention to the departure from the dietary table, by substituting cocoa for milk. He explained how this had arisen. > Only one cow was kept at the schools, and as that did not yield sufficient milk, the master had used cocoa. An order was made some time ago to purchase a second cow, and until that had been done the master should have bought milk enough to meet the requirements of the school. **An order made that a cow be bought on the next market-day at Newport, and that milk be purchased in the meantime**. — [*Western Mail, 4th September, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4335353/4335357?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/06/IMG_3101.jpg) Source: Morris Directory of Monmouthshire, 1862 ### Volume 2, Number 22 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-22/ Last updated: 2026-06-06T06:18:41.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Henry Liston's 'Merry Moments' Ou Thursday evening Henry Liston's party appeared before a good audience at the Town-hall, and went through an excellent programme in capital style. The ladies and the gentlemen did their utmost, and their efforts were loudly applauded. > It is indeed an entertainment in which there is genuine "fun without vulgarity." — [*Western Mail, 29th October, 1870*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4468095/4468098/61/?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow-3.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Parcels Post The system of sending parcels through the post was commenced on Wed. nesday, and with a view to provide for the consequent increase of business, sundry alterations of a temporary nature have been made at the head post office in High-street, pending the enlargement of the building by adding to it the premises known as the Royal Oak Inn, Thomas-street. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/image.png) The post office on the left and Thomas Street on the right. c.1897\. (Source: [Newport Past](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/photos/php/photo%5Fpage.php?search=Thomas%20street&search2=yyyyyy&pos=3&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) For the present an extra counter has been placed in the general office opposite the entrance doors, and there the parcels will be received, storage room being found for them in the space between the counter and the sorting-room, and in the room which the postmaster has hitherto used as his private office. The new department is to be worked by an extra staff of clerks, and parcels will be delivered twice a day in the borough by means of light carts. No parcels post business will be transacted on Sundays, Christmas Day, or Good Friday. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd August, 1883*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407174/3407179?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/South_Wales_Argus_1936_02_26_8.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 26th February, 1936](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1147202794/?match=1&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Paying for Nuisances Mr. Thomas Jones, shopkeeper, Mellons Bank, was charged with causing a foul and unhealthy nuisance, in having conveyed from Mellon's Bank to George-street culvert, the contents of a privy. He was fined by the magistrates, 40s. for the nuisance, and ls. 6d. costs. He was also ordered to pay for two cart-loads of lime, and 12lbs of chloride of lime, which the Sanatory Board had directed to be used in the purification of the neighbourhoods poisoned by the disgusting nuisance. This was a stringent measure to discountenance and abate a nuisance but it was essential and imperative. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st July, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394686/3394688/19/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-21-at-08.26.25.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th April, 1858](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397902/3397906?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'House for Sale on King Street' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-21-at-18.12.28.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd September, 1852](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395476/3395484/82/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) A page in the Monmouthshire Merlin on 3rd September, 1852 listed a large number of properties for sale across the town including one for a house on King Street with 'pleasure garden' and stable adjoining the grounds of King's Hill. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-21-at-18.09.40-1.png) House circled may be the one mentioned in the advert. This building at the end of King Street is on the same plot of land as the one on the tithe map and I'm wondering if those pillars either side of the gate are original or at least dating back closer to the time of the advert? ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-21-at-18.17.29.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-21-at-18.18.59.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-21-at-17.59.41.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th December, 1867](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403166/3403167/1?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Curious Circumstances One night this week, just as people in general were retiring to rest, a mysterious chest was conveyed through Commercial-street on the shoulders of four women, who, with other women, were heard muttering incessantly, "Quick, quick; or we shall be caught!". The apprehension in the minds of those who witnessed the movement was, that a human body was about to be interred in that unusual shell, perhaps that it might not spread the terrible cholera through the neighbourhood where the last breath of the enclosed person might have been drawn; and the police were at once required to set foot on an active search, to prevent so remarkable and unseasonable a sepulture. The next morning this mystery was unravelled. The police had tracked the parties, and discovered that they were, "club women," who, having had a "rumpus" with the landlord of the club-house, had run off with the money box, to a more approved-of hostelry! — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st July, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394686/3394688/19/Mellons%2BOR%2BBank?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-19.49.56.png) [South Wales Argus, 8th July, 1893](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145580357/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Newport Cemetery The first interment in this Cemetery took place on Wednesday morning, when the infant child of the Rev. Thomas Parry, Minister of the Hope Chapel, in this town, was buried there, the Rev. Messrs. J. Jones and D. R. Stephen, officiating. The chapel and keeper's house are in progress of erection in a short time it is expected the work will be completed, and the **cemetery opened for sepulture to all classes, creeds, and colours, without distinction or preference**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 29th October, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393798/3393801?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The cemetery mentioned is the land on Clifton Road opposite the cathedral. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-23-at-20.37.22.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th September, 1830](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391625/3391628/18?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Man Falls from High Street Window' Walter Browning, an elderly man who followed the occupation of a painter, was killed on Monday by falling from an upstairs window on the premises of Messrs. Nugent Wells and Son, jewellers and silversmiths, High-street, where he was at work. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/IMG_2497.jpeg) Nugent Wells was located on the corner of Market Street and High Street where Tiny Rebel used to be. This image was printed in a street directory in 1886\. The deceased expired at the Infirmary the same night from concussion of the brain. The inquest took place at the Queen's Hotel on Tuesday, when the above facts were deposed to, but there was no evidence given as to what caused Browning to fall. The jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased was accidentally killed. He leaves a wife and one daughter. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd August, 1883*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407174/3407179?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-14-at-19.52.43.png) [South Wales Argus, 12th August, 1893](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145582467/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Fire at Pen-y-Lan Homestead' On Monday afternoon between three and four o'clock. a mow of hay, containing about 14 tons, belonging to Mr. William Morgan, of Pen-y-lan, and situated on the Cold tops (sic), was observed to be on fire. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-27-at-08.25.57.png) Location of Pen-y-lan homestead mentioned in the article Several persons immediately repaired to the spot, and about four o'clock that curious machine, which, by courtesy is called "the Newport Fire-engine" *lucus a non lucendo* was observed lumbering to the scene. After three or four hours labour by the crowd present, the fire was extinguished, and about five tons of the hay saved. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-27-at-08.28.09.png) The bus stop is the approximate location of the building mentioned in the article. We understand it originated in the thoughtlessness of some mischievous boys who made a bonfire in the immediate neighbourhood, the sparks from which fell upon the mow, and caused the conflagration. > We have been informed by persons who were present, and assisted in subduing the flames, that the thing called a fire-engine, which was dragged to the place, was in a state of such inefficiency, as to be a disgrace to the town in which it is the only protection against the destruction of property in similar cases. We have over and over again called the attention of the authorities to this subject but as they have neglected to take the proper steps to provide an efficient engine, we think it it a matter of sufficient importance to recommend that a public meeting be held for the purpose of adopting measures to furnish the town with an engine of sufficient power to act with effect. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 29th October, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393798/3393801?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) --- A couple of weeks later, the children mentioned in the article were in court... ## Fire at 'Penyland' On Saturday last, three children, named Joseph Powell, Hannah Powell (brother and sister), and David Jones, who resided with their parents in the immediate vicinity of the field in which Mr. William Morgan's hay mow was situated, an ac- count of the burning of which appeared in the MERLIN of the 29th ult were placed at the bar. Some suspicion being entertained that the children were incited by some malicious person to burn the mow, the present enquiry was very properly instituted for the purpose of ascertaining whether that suspicion was well founded or not. The principal witness was a girl named Mary Anne Blakemore, servant to Mr. Millar, of Pentonville, who stated that she knew the three prisoners. On the day when the mow was burned, she was going on a message to Alteryn, through the field where the mow was situated, and saw the three prisoners and two other children sitting round a fire of sticks, which was placed within 6 or 7 feet of the mow the youngest prisoner, David Jones, went to the mow to get some hay to add to the blaze Joseph Powell, the elder boy, then lighted a small candle at the fire, and as there was a high wind at the time, he covered it with his hands, to prevent it from being blown out, and went to the mow and deliberately set fire to it. A man, with a cart, happening to come up at the time, was observed by the girl Hannah Powell, who said to the other prisoners, "here is a man coming, and we must cut"— when she picked up her little sister, who could not walk, and the whole of them ran to the other side of the mow to hide. The witness did not give any alarm at the time, as she did not think that anything would come of it, and went on to Alteryn and on her return she found the mow in a blaze, and several persons with the fire engine endeavouring to extinguish it. This was the only witness, and there being no proof of instigation or concert with any other person, the magistrates ordered the children to be discharged. It appeared by the statements of Mr. Morgan and others, that the children, though young, are incorrigibly mischievous, and before they were dismissed Mr. Coles administered a severe and most called-for reprimand to their parents, for rearing them up in such a manner as may lead to their ultimate ruin. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 12th November, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393808/3393811?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/IMG_1857-1.jpeg) Source: Johns Directory, 1903 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Caution to Owners of Steam Thrashing Machines John Davies was summoned for having an engine and thrashing machine belonging to Edward Charles, of Bassaleg, too near to a public highway. Police-constable Stead and Police-constable Benfield proved the charge. The proper distance, as required by Act of Parliament, was 25 yards, but defendant was within one-half of that distance. **Fined 5s. and the costs.** — [*Western Mail, 31st October, 1870*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4468100/4468103?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) William Price, farmer, Llangstone, was summoned for having placed a threshing machine within a certain distance from the highway, as required by Act of Parliament. Defendant denied the offence. P.C. Hughes stated that on the 21st October he was patrolling between Catsash and Hambourg, and saw a steam threshing machine at work in defendant's field. Measured the distance from the highway to the engine, and found it was only 12 feet. Spoke to the engine driver about its being too near, and he said the fault lay with Mr. Price. Whilst he was there Mr. Price came in, and made use of the most abusive language that he ever heard in his life. This defendant denied, and said that denial would be substantiated by witnesses. It was the way of policemen always to make up a case, and to swear anything. The Bench interposed, and said they could not hear such statements made. Defendant said Mr. Sheppard, the inspector, had a vindictive feeling against him, but Mr. Phillips replied that all the police did was to carry out the requirements of the law. Inspector Sheppard said it might be a relief to Mr, Price to know that none of these cases were proceeded with unless by instructions from the Chief-constable. The Bench said they were bound to uphold the Law. **Fined 11s. including costs**. — [*Western Mail, 7th November, 1870*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4468130/4468133?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Disorderly James Williams, of Baneswell, was fined 5s. for being incapably drunk in Baneswell-road. Edward Welsh was charged with being disorderly, and breaking a square of glass in Mr. G. Fothergill's shop. He had arranged to pay for the damage, and the bench discharged him en paying costs. Daniel Clark was charged with being drunk whilst in custody of a horse and cart. A policeman found this man asleep in his cart outside the Marshes turnpike gate. The united efforts of the policeman and gate man could not rouse him, and it was not until the officer had driven the horse to the Eastern Valleys Hotel that defendant woke up. He told the bench that he had been to Abersychan, and drunk two glasses of brandy on the road. **He was fined 5s. and costs.** Sarah Bradwell, who did not appear, was summoned for being drunk and disorderly in Clarence-street, Pill. Her husband appeared, and stated that she was too ill to attend the court. > She was in the habit of having fits, and he accounted for her condition in that way. The Superintendent said the woman was frequently drunk. **Fined 10s. 6d., or 14 days.** John Seymour, for being drunk and disorderly on Sunday night, was **fined 10s. 6d., or 14 days**. Edward Miles was brought up for being disorderly in Charles-street. **Ordered to be detained until this Tuesday morning.** — [*Western Mail, 1st November, 1870*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4468105/4468108?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Breaking a Shop Window John Holland was charged with breaking a window in the shop of Mr. Whitehall, jeweller, on Monday afternoon last. The damage done was about £5\. Mr James Ewins saw the prisoner throw a stone at prosecutor's window. Sergeant Winmill took the prisoner into custody, and he then said he did it from want. Mr. Bothomley, agent to the Plate-glass Insurance Company, pressed the case, as the company was subjected to heavy losses through wanton conduct of this kind. Prisoner was here a few weeks ago, aud then he stated, as he did now, that he had fallen into a miserable condition through drink. Two months' hard labour. — [*Western Mail, 3rd November, 1870*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4468115/4468118?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Domestic Picture William Chown was charged with disorderly conduct at two o'clock on Tuesday morning. Police-constable Gadd said he heard a cry of "Murder" in North-street, and went to the defendant's house in Wedlock-court, where he saw two children in the street in their night-dresses, and the defendant was beating their mother, who was on the floor. She appeared to be insensible. Defendant said the woman he lived with was not his wife, and she was very violent when she got drink. > It was not very pleasant to have a poker, fender, or other missile thrown at his head, and there was no wonder he got exasperated. Several times he had gone away from her, but as soon as he returned to the town and went to lodge elsewhere the woman followed him and would not let him have quietness until he went back to her house. **He was fined 5s. and costs**. — [*Western Mail, 3rd November, 1870*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4468115/4468118?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Sleeping in a Limekiln' Elias Grammage, a young fellow, was charged with sleeping on a limekiln. Discharged on promising to leave the town. — [*Western Mail, 3rd November, 1870*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4468115/4468118?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/IMG_1854-1.jpeg) Source: Johns Directory, 1903 ### Volume 2, Number 21 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-21/ Last updated: 2026-05-30T06:41:03.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Names of Streets and Numbers of Houses The names of streets and numbers of houses are in many parts of the town deficient, and unnecessary trouble and confusion are thus caused. I propose that the names of streets be put up by the Local Board, and that all owners be compelled to have their houses legibly numbered. I would suggest that, where practicable, the improved system of numbering adopted in Regent-street, and some of the West End streets—all the even numbers on one side the street, and the odd ones on the other be carried out, thus:— ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-12-at-08.48.15.png) — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th May, 1851*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395085/3395088/30/?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Curious Occurrence An interesting incident took place on Tuesday on board the screw steamer Avon, Captain Howe, on her passage down to Newport. A gentleman on board—when the vessel was about the Denny—let go a carrier pigeon, which, when nearly out of sight, was observed to be returning with all speed, closely pursued by a hawk. The pigeon pitched on the mast-head, but master hawk did not venture within reach of a gun that was pre- pared for him, and the poor pigeon remained till his carnivorous enemy thought proper to make off, when he again winged his way homewards. Much sympathy was manifested on board for the interesting little carrier. — [*The Cardiff Times, 9th November, 1860*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3381515/3381523/42?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The 'Denny' is an island in the Severn Estuary. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/South_Wales_Argus_1934_11_29_4.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 29th November, 1934](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1326826121/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Newport Shopkeepers Exposing Their Goods Yesterday morning the borough police court was crowded, in consequence of a number of tradesmen having been summoned for causing obstructions by exposing their goods for sale. Messrs. L. A. Homfray, C. Lyne, H. Phillips, and T. P. Wansbrough were on the bench. The defence was conducted by Mr. Gibbs in all but one case, a learned counsel who had been retained not being able to attend. Hugh Morgan was summoned for obstructing Commercial street by hanging meat outside his shop. Sergeant Winmill said on the 11th inst. he saw three quarters of beef hanging outside the shop. They projected on the footway. Any ladies passing by would brush their dresses against them. Defendant was represented by his son. Alfred Taylor, outfitter, High-street, was summoned for an obstruction. Sergeant Winmill said on the 11th inst. he saw a number of coats, and other articles of apparel, hanging outside the defendant's shop. They were hung a good way up, except some scarves. Cross examined: The coats were higher than a man's head. Dismissed. Richard Hugh Richards, saddler, was summoned for hanging harness outside his windows. Sergeant Winmill gave evidence. He laid some part of the harness was quite an obstruction. Called the attention of the foreman to the fact, and he only laughed. Cross-examined: The harness hung within five feet of the ground. Harry William., shoe salesman, Commercial-street, wu summoned for the like offence. Sergeant Winwill proved that the boot, and shoes were hung outside, but they were not beyond the frame of the window. He believed they were not an obstruction. They were about six feet above the ground. Defendant: They were 7ft. 6in. above. Edward Chapman, High street, was summoned for hanging his boots and shoes outside. In this case, the sergeant said the articles were hung on a bar outside. They were above a tall man's head. William Williams, High-street, in the same trade his goods were said to be above the head, of passers-by. James Little, outfitter, High-street, had coats, &c hanging outside, but they did not obstruct. The nails were in the facial board. Joseph Bryan, outfitter, High-street, was in the same condition. Thomas Jenkins, draper, Commercial-street had on one side of his shop a blanket, and on other a counterpane. Both were blowing about and any one on the footway was liable to be incommoded by them. They were outside the building altogether. The same officer gave evidence in these cases, and they all referred to what he saw on the 13th instant. Mr. Gibbs, at the close of the evidence, said his clients were anxious to comply with the bye law under which they had been summoned. He contended that no obstruction had been proved, except in the cases of Mr. Richards and Mr. Jenkins: and so far as they were concerned they might possibly have broken the law, but this was the first time they had been summoned. The tradesmen intended to adhere as far as they could to the bye laws. They were at liberty to hang goods, up, so long as no one was incommoded. The Town-clerk pointed out the provisions of 7 Geo. IV., c. sec. 59, which stipulated that no carcases of animals, wares, merchandise, or fruit should be exhibited in or upon any premises so as to obstruct the footway. Mr. Lyne said the bye-law ought to have been as explicit as the section of the Act. The board of health had better amend the bye-law. The Chairman, after consulting with his brother magistrates, said these cases were brought before the bench as much in the interests and for the protection of tradesmen as in the interests of the public. There was no doubt that a large and increasing population was living in Newport, and it was most desirable that the roads should be kept as clear as possible. It was advisable not to hang goods within shop doors, as a great temptation to steal was offered. He did not say it was against the law to put gods in the doorways, but it would be much better that they should refrain from so exhibiting them. The bench did not say whether Mr. Gibbs's law was right or not. Defendants were summoned under the bye-laws, and not under the Act of Parliament. There were only three cases in which the bench would convict. The others were dismissed. With regard to Mr. Richards and Mr. Jenkins they would have to pay the costs, and the bench hoped they would not offend again. The board of health desired that the traffic should not be interrupted. With regard to Mr. Morgan, his case was a little different. He had been summoned before. There could be no greater obstruction than bloody meat overhanging the pavement, so that dresses might be spoiled. He would be fined 5s. and costs, and they hoped be would not commit the like offence again. Mr. Gibbs asked for costs in the cues dismissed. The bench refused the application. — [*Western Mail, 23rd February, 1875*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4334362/4334370/100/James%2BOR%2BLittle%2BAND%2BNewport?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow-2.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### A Squabble Over a Glass of Beer Daniel Keefe and Edward Dowling, were charged with assaulting Edward Long, who s'lid that the defendant Keefe took up his (prosecutor's) glass of beer at the Albion Inn, last Saturday week some hot conversation ensued between them, and when they went outside, both defendants began to kick the prosecutor. The case was adjourned until Wednesday, both defendants being admitted to bail. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st March, 1878*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440113/3440115?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### An Adjourned Case Daniel Keefe and Edwin Dowling \[mentioned above\] were charged with assaulting Arthur Long. Prosecutor said they were in the Albion, on Saturday, the 16th inst., when Keefe took up his (witness's) glass of beer asked him to put it down, and they (defendants) kicked him outside the door. Thomas Fit gerald saw the two defendants and another man kicking the prosecutor. Sergeant Brooks said that on Saturday night the 16th inst., he saw the complainant in Commercial-road covered with blood he told witness that he had been kicked by the two defendants and another man named Sweeney, who had "slipped it," there was now a mark as large as half-a-crown on the man's leg. It was a regular practice with those Pill chaps to tight on a Saturday night. Defendants said that the prosecutor was drunk and that he wanted to tight them both. Dowling I have something to show you here, gentlemen you say that I have a bad character, but I have a testimonial here. Mr Kessick You have not got a good character in this book—you have been convicted here several times. Dowling That is through bad company, sir. Mr Evans There are good characters up to June, 1877; You have made a breach since then. **Committed to a month's hard labour**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st March, 1878*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440113/3440115?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing Oranges Benjamin Pritchard and John Lynch, two boys, were charged with stealing a quantity of oranges from Paul Clifford's stall, in the Newport Market. James Rogers deposed to seeing the lads take the oranges, and giving the two boys into custody. Clifford said he knew nothing about the theft. **Ordered to be locked up for a day, and to receive 12 strokes with the birch rod**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st March, 1878*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440113/3440115?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Throwing a Stone Ann Shea was summoned for assaulting John Manship. Complainant said the defendant threw a stone at him. **Bound over to keep the peace for six months**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st March, 1878*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440113/3440115?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Mr Bolt's New Hotel Mr. Bolt had proprosed erecting a large hotel in Baneswell, opposite his new public hall, now in course of erection, and to be known as the Victoria-rooms, and plans of the proposed hotel had been prepared, which plans he (the chairman) then laid on the table. After much discussion, the plans were allowed, and the following resolution carried, on the motion of Mr. Lyne, seconded by Mr. H. J. Davis:— "That the plans be approved and passed; but that it is the unanimous opinion of this Board, that so soon as the lease of the Black Horse inn, at the corner of the square, falls in, the same, or so much of it as prevents the street from being 40 feet wide, should be removed and that a copy of this resolution be sent to the agent of Lord Tredegar." — [*The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian, 19th July, 1862*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3093192/3093195/13/?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The hotel in the article is the Queen's Hotel which was completed by 1863. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/IMG_3979.jpg) Town Bridge and the railway bridge in 1916 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Drapers' Assistants *To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin* SIR, Seeing in your last a letter reflecting on the conduct of the drapers allow me to say that I know ten or a dozen who are members of the Institute at this moment, and that many of those who were members the last quarter, have left the town—that several of them attend my classes regularly for French, writing, arithmetic, &c., and three certainly attend my dancing lessons. I have ever found them steady and attentive to a degree, and extremely punctual to their limited hours. This is but an act of justice, and as such I claim for it your polite attention. I am, sir, yours obediently, DANIEL CARTER. March 1, 1843, Commercial-road, Newport. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th March, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393888/3393890?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Electric Lighting at Newport The electric light was turned on on Saturday night at Newport for private use for the first time. It had been announced that the shops of the following would be illuminated: Messrs Christophers and Son, Messrs Wadley and Son, Mr P. Birkley, Mr C.H. Burcham, Messrs Greenhouse and Scrivener, Mr W. Evans, Mr H. Smith, Mr W.H. Lerwill and Mr C. Keene. The night was a stormy and wet one, otherwise many people will have made a round and inspected the lights at the various shops. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-19-at-12.44.40.png) Some of the shops looked quite brilliant, principally those in which the lights were closed in lamps of plain glass. The red shades considerably softened the light, and those with a blue rim made the effect a beautiful one. The light burned well, and in those cases where the glass was plain furnished a marked contrast to the shops illuminated by ordinary gas burners. — [*South Wales Argus, 25th March, 1895*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145579453/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* Greenhouse and McDaniel were at 50 High Street (next door to the Greyhound) and a few years after the article became Noah's Ark Corridor, Greenhouse and Scrivener were at 27 High Street which is on the corner of Griffin Street, C Keene was at 15 High Street (the right half of Le Pub). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-19-at-12.50.46.png) [South Wales Argus, 20th April, 1895](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145580638/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Mr Turner's Parrot Mr. Turner, of Pill-road, in this town, has had a grey parrot from the coast of Africa, in his possession twelve years, which, two years ago, laid two eggs, last week laid two more and this week has added another to the number. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th May, 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424834?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-19-at-16.58.20.png) Not sure where the blind corner was but it must have been reintroduced at some point. [South Wales Argus, 1st June, 1929](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144897092/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Dangerous Practice Last Tuesday evening an aged domestic, in the employ of Mr. Poole, of the Stow Hill Academy, was engaged in the dangerous practice of cleaning one of the front bed-room windows, by standing on the outside ledge, and holding the sashes in one hand, while she cleaned the glass with the other. By some mischance, she unfortunately slipped from her position, and fell into the garden below. We are happy to add that, although serious results might have been anticipated, the woman was not much hurt. Female servants should not be employed in such unsuitable and perilous work. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th May, 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424834?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/IMG_1851-1.jpeg) Source: Johns Directory, 1903 ### Volume 2, Number 20 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-20/ Last updated: 2026-05-30T06:41:10.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'A Lack of Gum on Postage Stamps' **To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin**, SIR,—Will you be pleased, through the columns of your journal, to intimate to the contractor of the postage stamps, the necessity of putting on the backs sufficient gum to make them stick to the letters—I presume that is part of the contract. I remain, sir, your obedient servant, Newport, November 8\. MERCATOR. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th November, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394063/3394065?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/South_Wales_Argus_1914_01_05_6.jpg) South Wales Argus, 1st May, 1914 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A Grand Fete and Gala ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-11-at-08.09.47.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th August, 1872](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3404208?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) At the Marshes (Shaftesbury Park area) in August 1872, the Ancient Order of Shepherds held a 'Grand Fete and Gala'. Entertaining the crowd was Little Davies the 'Man Fly', La Petite Adaline and Giovani performing their 'acrobatic drawing room entertainment and Madame Fraulien Laura, the 'Female Blondin'. The Blondin reference is to Charles Blondin, the great tightrope walker who crossed Niagara Falls and also performed at the Marshes in 1871\. The [Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepherds%5FFriendly%5FSociety?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) is a UK friendly society founded in Ashton-under-Lyne on Christmas Day 1826 as a mutual benefits society to help workers with sickness and burial costs. The society is today called the Shepherds Friendly Society and still exists today. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th August, 1872*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3404208?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## New Public Hall Our townsmen are aware that a new entrance to the greatly-increasing district of Banes-well is now in progress. The statue of the late Sir Charles Morgan is at this time in the direct course of the new street but when removed, and the Tredegar estate offices displaced, a noble opening into that quarter will be formed, exhibiting tastefully designed dwelling houses, shops, the pretty edifice of St. Mark's church, the railway works, the Gold Top villas, and the stately mansion of Farmfields; at the top of the street of houses lately erected by Mr. H. P. Bolt for his workmen, a large piece of ground lies between that street and the main roadway to the church, and upon this piece Mr. Bolt is about to erect several fine three-storied houses while on the large space of ground on the other side of the roadway, and extending from St. Mark's church to the new street crossing to the Dissenting chapel, the same enterprising and speculative builder intends to place two or three large houses and his new Public Hall—a building which he designs to create in a style of architecture, and with the fullest regard to taste, convenience, and extent, that shall ensure the praise and approbation of his fellow-townsmen. It is indeed gratifying to know that Newport possesses a gentleman whose enterprise is thus directed towards the lasting benefit of his fellow townsmen. The ground, which is the property of Lord Tredegar, and who has shown a just regard to the requirements of the town in this matter, will be about one hundred feet long, by seventy-five feet in breadth and the Public Hall, which will fully occupy this extent, will be erected from elegant designs prepared by Mr. Habershon, of London, architect to the Tredegar estate. The hall will in every respect be worthy of the future Newport, though perhaps it may be considered of too great magnitude for the present. On that point, however, there may be different opinions. We have had numerous instances of late which prove the fatal inadequacy of the Town-hall for great public occasions. The People's Concerts were attended by overwhelming numbers, so that perhaps more than one hundred persons were now and then obliged to bow to the reluctant refusal of the committee to admit them, and to go away disappointed and annoyed. And surely, "the People," and their instruction and amusement, are no unworthy objects to provide for in the fullest sense. Again, the late political gathering, which will be more numerous and important at any future election, incontestably proved that the ratepayers or electors were wretchedly cared for to respect to hall accommodation, and that there existed an urgent necessity for a new hall, where two thousand persons or more might find "ample room and verge enough." The present hall will contain no more than 800 or 900 persons closely packed. Mr. Bolt's new Public Hall will be calculated to accommodate fully two thousand persons. And although we have not yet been favoured with a view of the architect's plans, now in hand, we understand that Mr. Bolt, with his practical judgement and taste, will so provide for the convertibility of his building that almost every kind of public requirement, whether political, polemical, musical, terpsichorean, or scientific, may be provided for on the largest and most advantageous scale. And the well-known architectural skill of Mr. Habershon leaves no room to doubt that the edifice, externally and internally, will be alike the most attractive and most elegant of any of our public structures. Of the eligibility of the situation there can be no question. It will be within a stone-throw of the great throughfare of the town—adjacent to our principal hotels-itself the very entrance, as it were, to an almost new town, where buildings are still being erected, and roads forming in every direction, towards the numerous villas on the Gold Tops, which are rapidly increasing, and constituting thoroughfares through the numerous streets of Baneswell, towards the country. We hail the speculation of Mr. Bolt's indicative of the progress of a town towards importance and eminence; and we rejoice to be able to guarantee to the public that Mr. Bolt's well-known position, determination, and perseverance will light speedily secure to us the much-desired Public Hall. — [*The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian, 21st May, 1859*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3091725/3091732/48/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The New Street into Baneswell' It having been deemed necessary, in order to construct the new street into Baneswell, to remove the Tredegar estate offices and the statue of the late Sir Chas. Morgan. Mr. H. J Davis suggested that the best site whereon tore-erect the statue was at the upper part of Tredegar-square (Park-square) and also for the improvement of the street, that the fronts of the line of houses, including Messrs. Bailey, Gratrex & Co.'s bank, extending along High-street to Mr. Horrigan's shop, be pulled down, and the street widened. — [*The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian, 28th May, 1859*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3091734/3091740/34/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The Tredegar Estate Offices, bank and row of houses along to Mr Horrigan's shop is the section of street where Natwest Bank starts along to the Classic African Foods shops. ## The Contemplated Improvements in High Street *It appears that by 1867 the 1859 proposals hadn't been enacted.* The Mayor said at the meeting of the Public Committee the other day, it was brought to their knowledge that the house and shop known as Mrs. Evans's, had been leased to Mr. W. R. Matthews was about to put in a new shop front. The Town Council, having previously become aware of this, had communicated with Mr. Matthews, who seemed disposed to come to terms for taking down the front and setting it level with the Tredegar Estate Offices. They had a large meeting of the Publc Works Committee, and Mr. Matthews came in. The terms on which he held the property were these—he had a lease of 24 years and by his setting back his frontage 3 feet 6 inches the Corporation would got 15 square yards of land. The committee offered him £150, telling him that for a piece of freehold opposite, the Board had paid £160; they were somewhat surprised to find that he asked compensation for property which was only leased. But the committee, as stated in the report, recommended that £200 should be paid, if Mr. Matthews saw it in his interest to accept that amount. The committee asked for power to carry out their recommendation, if their offer should be accepted. In answer to a question, the Mayor saidd there would be no difficulty as to the ground at the expiration of 24 years, as Lord Tredegar had been consulted. Mr. Batchelor wished to offer a remark or the subject, which was one to which he had previous drawn attention. A civil engineer of Newport was setting out a plan with a view to remove all the block buildings from the Tredegar estate offices to Mr. Horrigan's building, which it was proposed to rail round, leaving also the Victoria Hall an isolated building which was likewise to be railed in—the ultimate object being to build shops with the back towards the South Wales Railway yard, and, in fact, throwing open whole of that part of the town, making a wide thoroughfare to the Westgate Hotel, where the streets were already wide. If that plan were regarded favourably by the Council — but he was sorry to see Mr Homfray \_\_\_\_. Alderman Homfray was going to ask whether this was a scheme by the larded proprietors or by an architect? Mr. Batchelor: I think this was the very same plan which was proposed by one ot the cleverest Newport ever knew—the late Mr. James Rennie. It does not originate with any civil engineer, but with myself. Alderman Homfray: It would be a good thing if it could be carried out. But I think it is too large an undertaking for Newport. Mr. Batchelor would say thus much—if he lived long enough to get this Board into the humour, he would submit a motion to get it done. Mr. Murphy: At the ratepayers' expense? Alderman Homfray: When you find one man ask £400 for 15 yards, you will see it must coat a good deal of money. On the motion of Mr. L. A. Homfray, seconded Mr. Moses. the recommendation of the Committee adopted, and the members then separated. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st September, 1867*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402998/3403000/4/Tredegar%2BOR%2BEstate%2BOR%2BOffices%2BAND%2BNewport?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/IMG_1923.jpeg) National Provincial Bank, \~1920 (Source: Johns Directory, 1920) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Trade Picnic The third annual pic-nic of the employes of Mr. George Fothergill, tobacconist, of this town," took place on Thursday, the 8th inst. At about eight in the morning the party, numbering 80, embarked on board the Joe Hazell, steamer, and after a splendid trip down Channel to the Holmes, they arrived at Weston at 11.30\. The company then rambled over the cliffs and beach, after which they all met at the Pier Hotel, where a dinner was provided by Mr. Fothergill. After dinner various toasts were proposed, during which several glees were sung by members of the factory choir. At 7 p.m. the company re-assembled on board the boat, arriving at Newport a little after nine o'clock: Mr. Jacob's string band was in attendance, both on the boat and at dinner. All the arrangements were well carried out. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th August, 1872*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3404208?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) --- [*According to the Weston Mercury*](https://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/news/20503536.channel-pleasure-steamers/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)*, the Joe Hazell steamer was a tugboat owned by Joseph Hazell who provided a regular service between Cardiff and Weston. The service started in 1866 and he boasted about dropping passengers off in a gentleman's garden in Weston allowing them to cross a lawn rather than using a path to reach the gate.* *George Fothergill had a tobacconist shop at 47 High Street (where Careers Wales entrance is) and then 36 High Street (next door to McDonald's). He was also the owner of Maindee House.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-12-at-12.45.05.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th October, 1870](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439300/3439301/1/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Highway Robbery by a Soldier David Chinery, a private in the 94th, was charged with stealing about 18s. from the person of Frederick Smith. Complainant said he was a millwright and lived in Club-row On Sunday night three soldiers, of whom defendant was one, were drinking in a house in Club-row. When complainant left the house they followed him. Prisoner took him by the arm and dragged him to a public-house to stand a pint of beer. This complainant refused to do The next public-house he passed on his way home prisoner tried to get him in there, but without success. He had about 18s. in his pocket. Prisoner put his hand into his pocket and snatched the money. Complainant followed him a long while, looking in vain for a policeman. At last, with the aid of some other men, he took him to the Town-hall. Among the money lost were two new shillings. These, together with other money, were found on the prisoner—George Shell, hobbler, saw Smith struggling with the soldier. Some other people were looking on, trying to induce the soldier to give the old man the money. Prisoner turned to witness and said, "Let me do a shunt and I'll sling you half." Witness, and others, then brought him to the Town-hall. On the way he tried to hand the money to another soldier. Sergeant Franklin, on searching the prisoner, found on him 15s., including two new ones. The prisoner said "his girl" had given them him. Prisoner pleaded not guilty he knew nothing about it. **Committed for trial at the next sessions**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th August, 1872*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3404208/3404211?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Exposing His Person' John Finn, for being drunk and disorderly, and also for exposing his person before a lot of people in a public thoroughfare, was **fined 10s. 6d., or, in default, fourteen days**. The man said he came from Pontywain, and in consequence of having a letter to say his wife was confined he went off and had some beer. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th August, 1872*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3404208/3404211?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### An Unnatural Mother: Shocking Effects of Drink At the Castle Inn, on Friday last, W. H. Brewer, Esq., held an inquest on the body of Catherine Allen, an infant, five weeks old, which died on the previous day. The child's father was a foreman carpenter, in the employ of Mr. James Murphy, and he had deserted his second wife, the child's mother, in consequence of her intemperate habits. This degraded and besotted being had been drunk every day for a week, and whilst in a state of intoxication she overlaid the luckless infant, and it died from suffocation. About mid-day, on Thursday, the neighbours saw Mrs. Allen in a state of stupid drunkenness staggering to the public-house for more drink, and at the time she had the dead infant hanging over her shoulders. When remonstrated with she said the child was only in a fit, and would recover. Dr. Morgan gave it as his opinion that the child died from suffocation, but said there was no trace of violence to show that it had been strangled. The jury found that deceased died from suffocation, but there was no evidence to show in what manner. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th August, 1872*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3404208/3404211?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Overcrowding in Kear Street' Timothy Donovan, of Kear-street, was summoned for allowing his house to be overcrowded. Inspector Williams said fourteen persons lived in the house, which contained four rooms. In the first room upstairs Donovan, his wife, and two children slept. > In a back room, containing only 470 ft. of air, there were two men, their wives, and three children, and in another room two persons. Defendant paid 3s. 6d. per week for the house, and let it out for 5s., making a profit of 1s. 6d and living rent free. Dr. Davies corroborated the Inspector's statement. **Fined 20s., or seven days' imprisonment**. Dennis Fitzgerald, of Kear-street, was summoned for a like offence. The house contained three rooms, two upstairs and one down. > In the cupboard down, stairs there were two children, aged 15 and 18 years. Upstairs in one room, defendant, wife, and two children. In the other room a man and wife, and two children of defendant's. The children were put in the cupboard in order to take in the lodger. Dr. Davies said the house was in a most filthy state. **The Bench thought this case not so bad as the preceding one, and fined defendant 10s., or two days**. ### Fortune Telling Sarah Smith, a bronze-featured old woman and Trefena Loveridge, were charged as rogues and vagabonds, going about telling fortunes. Mr Champ was solicitor for the prosecution. Mary Jones, an interesting looking girl, servant to Mr Edwards, in Dock-sireet, said the elder prisoner came to see her, and said, "shall I tell yer fortune?" This was last Thursday evening, I did not consent hear my fortune then, but did next night, when she told me a pretty good fortune by cards. I gave her one shilling. She told me I was to have a husband in three months. She said, "If you don't have your fortune told, I'll bewitch you". (Laughter.) The cards produced, "are those with which my fortune" was told. Cross-examined by Sarah Smith: You saw me with a little child. You did ask me to have my fortune told. Prisoner: No, I said I could "dissolve fortunes". She told me her friend was troubled in love about a gentleman, and she would bring her up also. Mr Champ to witness: "She told you you were to have a food husband, and very pretty children too, didn't, she?" Witness, blushing: Yes, she did, sir. (Laughter.) Mr Edwards said he saw the younger prisoner near his house on the night in question, and saw her and the elder prisoner making signs to each other, and walking off in company. P.C.Bath produced the cards and money which he had taken from the elder prisoner. He saw thr money was peculiarly marked. The two prisoners were seen by him together in High street. Mr Champ: She cuts the cards twice only, if one kind of payment is made and three times, if the payment is better. Smith: Well, you would prefer kissing a pretty girl three times, rather than twice, wouldn't you? (Laughter.) Mr Champ: Oh, very likely I would. (Renewed laughter.) The prisoner Loveridge was dismissed, and ordered to leave the town at once and the prisoner Smith was committed for twenty-one days' hard labour. Mr Kessick: There, that's your fortune. Smith: Thank you, sir and that's for telling a young girl she should have a sweetheart, is it. However, Mr Mayor, you are a nice gentleman. (Laughter.) — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th August, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395446/3395448?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Escaped Prisoner ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/The_Gloucester_Journal_1768_08_29_2.jpg) [Gloucester Journal, August 29th, 1768](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971504294/?article=e1550167-abd8-4e3e-a89a-8dc774976f0b&terms=Newport%20AND%20MOnmouthshire&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Shop Improvements On Friday evening the public were attracted by the exceedingly tasteful and ornamental display which Mr. Habershon, the architect, and Mr. George Jones, the builder, had produced at the new grocery and provision establishment of Mr. John Mason, 173, Commercial-street. > This point of the street had previously exhibited the architecture of olden times—high shop fronts, belying into the street, and formed of miniature squares of glass. All this has been replaced by one of the most elegant plate-glass fronts in Newport, surmounted and surrounded by architectural devices, and emblazoned, as it were, from within by a number of magnificent glass chandeliers. We congratulate Mr. Mason on his having thus accomplished, by persevering industry and good judgment, one of the proud monuments of success. — [*Cardiff Times, 13th October, 1860*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3381483/3381491/43/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/21307464500_3c076a9a92_c.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Dog Nuisance *From a council meeting in May, 1866* The Mayor said he had noticed in one of the local papers, a fortnight ago, a paragraph relating to the muzzling of dogs. But he believed the muzzling of dogs had been enforced only in districts where the cattle plague prevailed. Lest some persons might be alarmed, he wished to say that as soon as the "dog days" arrived, the usual notice would be issued at Newport. There was another thing to which reference should have been made at the last meeting had he not been in London— vis., an order issued by the Privy Council with respect to the threatened approach of cholera. But there was a report to be presented from the medical officer of the Board which would deal more particularly, and doubtless very ably, with that matter. Mr. Brown said before the subject of the dogs was dismissed, he wished to observe that when in London, last week, he had remarked that in one or two towns the police had taken charge of dogs found loose in the streets, and poisoned them. He supposed that power must be vested in them by law, before they would venture to exercise it. Alderman Homfray said they were destroyed after being kept a certain number of days without being claimed. Mr. Brown did not know of any legislation upon the matter. The Town Clerk: It must be a private Act. Mr. Brown would like to know if there was any general Act applicable to this town. It appeared to him an extraordinary proceeding. Mr. Moses said some persons were of opinion that dogs should now be muzzled at Newport. The Town Clerk was directed to write to Manchester and inquire under what Act they proceeded as to the destruction of dogs. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 12th May, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402156/3402158?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/IMG_1848-1.jpeg) Source: Johns Directory, 1903 ### Volume 2, Number 19 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-19/ Last updated: 2026-05-16T06:08:36.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Newport Nuisances *To the editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.* **MR. EDITOR**,— Allow me, sir, through the medium of your paper, to enquire the cause why a policeman is so very seldom to be seen on duty in Commercial-street? Has the necessity of one being placed on duty on the bridge, and between the packet stations, been the cause ? or may one yet be seen on duty, 'in plain clothes' should a body happen to distinguish his phiz? The former may be it, but the latter I can scarcely conceive to be the case. The police appear to me to be the property of the borough, and an equal distribution of their services is one of the main duties of the superintendent. Where the greatest traffic is, there are their services most required and where the least is, there is less need of them. > I know not the number of our police force, neither do I know how they are distributed in the borough but this I know, that Commercial-street—I mean that part of it from the Friars' Fields to the Salutation—ought not, of all places in the town, to be left from the hours of twelve at noon, to twelve at night, without one to protect, and directed to protect, the public from being molested, or grossly insulted, by the low and foul-mouthed rabble, who are ever to be found congregated at the corners of each of the streets between the places above-named. It is surprising that, from the knowledge the superintendent must have, or ought to have, of these loudly-complained-of nuisances, that they should be suffered uninterruptedly to continue. My business calls me to and fro, through Commercial-street, frequently in the course of the day, and I regard it a very great luck indeed, if, when I come to the corner of Cross-street, especially, I shall nothave occasion to take a simicircle (sic) sweep through, at least, three inches of mud. This, sir, is what the public are obliged to do, rather than subject themselves to the unpleasant task of meandering their way through a crowd composed of the worst of characters. Obstructions in other parts of our streets are frequently caused by Punch and Judy shows, and ballad singing and it is not a very uncommon thing to witness a policeman, in uniform, in the midst of the delighted crowd, participating with them in the mirth occasioned by the cudgelling poor Judy receives from her cruel husband. A crowd of at least one hundred persons were collected for nearly an hour, at the corner of Llanarth-street, on Monday evening last, listening to two ballad singers, choaking (sic) up the paveway and nearly the whole of the road, and thus rendering it almost impossible for any one to pass. These nuisances, sir, ought not to be tolerated, and the sooner measures are taken to prevent them, by the superintendent and others concerned, the sooner will the disgrace be removed from the corps of police in our borough. *I am, sir, your most obedient servant,* *26th Nov., 1845\.* **M** *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 29th November, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425207/3425209?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/IMG_2654.jpeg) Funeral of Viscount Tredegar ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/South_Wales_Argus_1934_05_11_7.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 11th May, 1934](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1056648722/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### A Hungry Thief John French, a tramp, was charged with stealing aepair of Blucher boots from the shop of Win. Beer, Commercial-road, on Monday evening. Prisoner was seen by Lily Beer, the daughterof prosecutor, making off with the boots she caught and held him till assistance came. Prisoner now pleaded "That he was hard up he had nothing to eat for some time, and had no where to go he had travelled from Plymouth." **Five months' hard labour**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 12th February, 1875*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441040/3441043?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Dutiful Daughter Johanna Mahoney, aged 17, was charged on a warrant, with assaulting her mother, Mary Mahoney, on Sunday evening. The right side of complainant's face was swollen. Johanna wanted to wash on Sunday evening, and her mother objected to her doing so on the Lord's Day. It ended in the girl striking her mother with the bottom of a cask. Defendant said that her sister put a lighted candle in her face, upon which she threw a board at her, which accidentally struck her mother. **The case was dismissed, defendant being bound over to keep the peace**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 12th February, 1875*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441040/3441043?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### The Case of the Female Vagrant Gertrude Scott, a young girl, was brought up on remand charged with vagrancy at Barrack-hill by sleeping in a shed. When before the magistrates on the previous Saturday she said her father was an hussar in India, and she had a brother in the 45th Regiment, stationed at Newport. She further said that she had been travelling with Sanger's circus, which she intended to join at Hereford. She was remanded in order that the truth of these statements might be looked into. Inspector Sheppard now stated that he had made enquiries, from which be found that her statements were false, and that her father instead of being an hussar was a waggoner at Hereford. The Bench ordered the girl to be detained till Monday, and then forwarded to her father. The necessary expenses were subscribed for by the Bench. **The girl received the decision of the magistrates with a careless grin**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th July, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441914/3441916?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Cutting Off a Wife's Nose At the same court, Michael O'Shaughnessy, 50, tailor, Mill-parade, was charged on remand with wounding his wife, Jane O'Shaughnessy, on Thursday evening. P.C. Kerr stated that on the evening named he met prosecutrix in the streets. He saw that blood was flowing from her face, the lower part of which was covered with a cloth. He went to her, and as she removed the cloth, her nose fell downwards over her mouth. He took her to Mr Cooke's surgery, and afterwards apprehended prisoner, who said he would "kill her and hang for her," Prosecutrix, whose nose was bandaged up, said the quarrel arose at the supper table about the provision of food for the meal. Prisoner was in the act of cutting bread, and gave her a cut across the nose with the knife. An old woman, named Lewis, said there was only a bit of a row before he cut her with the knife. Prisoner declared that he threw the knife at her, and that the cut was accidental. The bench told prisoner that he might have stood in the dock on a charge of manslaughter. **They reduced the offence to one of aggravated assault, and sentenced him to three months' bard labour**. — [*The Cardiff Times, 8th June, 1882*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3389438/3389441/34/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-29-at-08.42.15.png) [Wenham Lake Ice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wenham%5FLake%5FIce%5FCompany?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) was imported all the way from Massachusetts, USA and had a royal warrant from Queen Victoria. Source: [Monmouthshire Merlin, 29th June, 1867](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402854/3402855/1/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Cherry Fair The annual "Cherry Fair," was held on Tuesday, at the new Cattle Market, Newport. Stock was in more limited supply than has been known for many years past, and the quality shown was in the majority of cases inferior. Of sheep there were few pens only, and no fat beasts were shown. Cows and calves were not numerous, and store cattle were but badly represented. There was a very poor show of horses, most of the animals being suited only for rough agricultural purposes. The attendance of dealers was also meagre, and as a natural result scarcely any business worthy of note was transacted. High prices were asked, but no disposition to purchase was evinced. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th August, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403587/3403592/29/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-04-at-17.36.23.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st February 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425005/3425007?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Newport Gaol of 1835' A description of the local gaol in a Municipal Corporation Report [published in the Monmouthshire Merlin on 13th June, 1835](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392001/3392005/32/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). The mayor is empowered by the charter to commit offenders to the county gaol. There is a gaol belonging to the borough, which is only used as a lock-up house until prisoners are finally committed. The gaol, which is maintained out of the poor-rate, is under the control of the mayor, and is kept by, the bailiffs. It is very inconvenient, even tor the purpose of a lock-up house. There is but one bed in the gaol and when more than one prisoner is confined, the rest are put upon straw. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th June, 1835*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392001/3392005/32/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-05-at-20.15.59.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd October, 1869](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438623/3438624/1/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## 100 Mile Track Race The annual 100 mile race organised by the Newport Safety Bicycling Club, postponed from Thursday owing to the bad weather, was commenced on the track of the Newport Athletic Club thfe morning. The club offer four medals for competition. and 17 cyclists had entered for today's race, six of whom appeared on the mark at 11.30, when a start was made. The competitors were C, H. Gwynn, G. Webb, W. H. Cowen, G Barrett, and C. Barrett. At the first hour G. Barrett was leading with 19 miles second hour, C. Barrett was leading, the distance being 36½ miles third hour, G. Barrett was leading, 53¾ miles. — [*South Wales Echo, 2nd October, 1893*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4430776/4430779/42/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-04-at-17.49.00.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th November, 1843](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394063/3394065/4/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Tramcar Scene At Newport **A Seaman Who Declines to Pay a Penny has to Pay Half a Sovereign.** Daniel Harrington, a seaman, stood at the defendant's bar of the Newport Borough Police court to answer for a drunken escapade. Harrington on Saturday evening, after taking too large a supply of liquor, got on board a tramcar, as he explained, in a stupid condition. When the conductor appeared and denanded thejpassengers' fares, Harrington protested that he had no cash, and said that he would rather be locked up than pay his fare. Officer Packer was then called, and Harrington still persisted in being locked up, and the officer obliged him. It was found at the police office that the prisoner had 153 in his pockets, and **the magistrates now decided that instead of paying 1d he should forfeit 10s, or spend seven days at Usk**. — [*South Wales Echo, 2nd October, 1893*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4430776/4430779/42/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/IMG_2690.jpeg) An aerial shot of Newport in 1928 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Need for a Shelter at Llanwern Station' SIR, —As an habitual visitor to the delightful neighbourhood of Llanwern, I beg to suggest to the proprietors of the South Wales line, the necessity for their placing some covering in the shape of a shed, with a seat or two, for the accommodation of passengers at this station. It is in a very exposed place, and the winds from east and west sweep with greai force up and down this portion of the line, from its being so peculiarly straight and level, indeed nearly a straight line from Liswerry Bridge to Portskewett, a distance of many miles. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-06-at-08.25.16.png) The location of Llanwern Station (1881 Map) The number of passengers is considerable, and the class of persons, who for the beauty of the locality visit Llanwern, certainly deserve a little consideration from the Company. If some of the directors and officials were here with their wives and families, and had to wait a quarter of an hour on a fine day (much less a stormy one), without even a seat or a covering of any kind, they would certainly have more sympathy with the frequenters of the station. > There was an instance only last week of a lady r.nd three little children (during one of those sudden and violent storms), with other persons, eight in all, being put by the kindly-disposed station master into his little box of a ticket office, not six feet square: otherwise they would have been wet to the skin, and the consequences no one can rightly estimate. I presume an action would lie against the Company for loss of health, much less loss of life, for neglect in not providing proper convenience for passengers by their line I can only say, individually, I would certainly try the case should such happen to any member of my family; but I trust the matter may not have been brought under the notice of the directors, and that is the reason that such an unreasonable piece of neglect has been permitted to exist so long. I hope if you kindly give room for this letter in your columns something may be done ere the winter comes on. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, HUMANITAS. Newport, September 29th. 1863. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd October, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400555/3400560?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-05-at-21.56.57.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th April, 1869](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438335/3438336/1/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Competition for a Telescope On Tuesday a few of the members of the First Monmouthshire Artillery Corps entered into a spirited competition for a telescope, which was ended towards dusk by Gunner Durkee winning it for Dr. Christie. The firing took place at the Courtybella range, and some very fair scores were made, the conditions of the shooting being five rounds each, at 100 and 200 yards, standing. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd October, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400555/3400560?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-06-at-15.18.39.png) [South Wales Echo, 26th May, 1891](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4427931/4427932/1/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Penny Readings for Newport \[To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin\] SIR,—In many of our towns and cities have become established during the winter months a class of entertainment for the "sons of toil" bearing the above title, consisting of readings and recitations from the works of popular authors, Hood, Dickens, Longfellow, Thackeray, &c., &c., with a little music, vocal and instrumental, by way of variety, carried out by gentlemen and ladies interested in the advancement of our working classes, and who give their services gratuitously, thereby enabling the "people" to have an hour's good and sound instruction for one penny; the charge giving the title to the movement. Now, sir, in every case where these "Readings" have been tried, have they been successful, crowded rooms and delighted audiences testifying to their value, and as we have in our town of Newport, a large number of working people, who have little, if any means, offered them that would afford an evening's enjoyment during the long winter months, I ask you to aid me, by "pen editorial," in my wish that these Readings" should be started in Newport; we have gentlemen and ladies talented enough to read, recite, and sing, if they will only enter into the idea, and our mayor and town councillors, "holding their offices for the good of the town and welfare of its inhabitants," would only be too happy to give their presence and the Town-hall for such a good purpose. You, I feel assured, will help us, and leaving the matter in your hands, and trusting to see it. taken up by some one abler than myself, believe me, Yours, &c., Ap JOAN KENT. \[The kind of movement suggested by our correspondent having fully answered the object of its promoters in places of much less importance than Newport, there can be no doubt of its success here, if judiciously managed. Could not the Committee of the Athenæum carry out something of the kind ?—\[Editor. M. M.\] — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd October, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400555/3400560?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-04-29-at-14.43.30.png) Silver Grill Restaurant on the corner of High Street and Station Approach (1895) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria ### 'Preparation' Monday was occupied in putting the finishing touches to the decorative work which has been in progress for nearly a week. The main thoroughfares are now decorated from end to end with Venetian masts and string-courses of flags. Many business premises and private bouses were decorated on Monday. > The jubilee medals were distributed for the most part on Sunday afternoon, as the children left Sunday School. The aged residents of the borough, to the number of 360 or 370, have each received a parcel of groceries, of the money value of half-a-crown. The proceedings of to-day promise to be very successful. The trades procession will be one of the best ever seen in Newport, and the laying of the foundation stone of the children's ward, which is to be performed by the Mayoress, will be conducted under the happiest of auspices. Afterwards, a luncheon will take place in the Town-hall. The illuminations will be more extensive than was expected. Devices in gas will lead, and Chinese lanterns will also be extensively used. The fete on the Marshes promises to be successful beyond expectation. — [*South Wales Daily News, 21st June, 1887*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3667770/3667773/48/?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'The Main Event' Until a late hour on Tuesday night the streets of Newport were thronged to inspect the illuminations, whilst on every hill in the suburbs from which the beacon fires could be seen, groups of sightseers congregated. Great interest, of course, centred in the huge bonfires on Twyn Barlwlm and Machen mountain. The latter led the way at 10 o'clock precisely, and blazed up successfully, whilst its twin sister height across the valley of the Ebbw was giving the final touches with rockets and red flares. Abergavenny beacons could be seen at intervals, and Penarth was quite conspicuous, whilst Christchurch Hill, Shirenewton (near Chepstow), Worle Hill (near Weston), and Cadbury Camp (near Portishead), and other heights each gave its "twinkling point of fire" to add to the general effect. Twyu Barlwm at length blazed forth, and at Newport the effect of the high wind in carrying the flames in a longitudinal direction could be distinctly seen. The illuminations in the town were pretty and effective. The Town-hall, with gas devices and the electric light, was of course the leading affair. At intervals during the evening from the balcony of the building coloured fires were displayed, and rockets sent up. The Talbot Hotel adopted Chinese lanterns and oil lamps, and the effect would have been charming had not the wind extinguished the lamps. The enterprising proprietor was not, however, to be vanquished, for by the aid of the oxy-hydrogen light and a white screen in front of the premises of the West of England Bank opposite, be amused hundreds of people. All the leading personages, from her Majesty downward, were thrown upon the screen. Of the local celebrities, the mayor and the late Dr Woollett, J.P., came in for the biggest share of favour. Another hotel—the Tredegar Arms—in High-street offered a contrast to the gas crowns, stars, and devioes which surrounded it by filling every window with Chinese lanterns. The device in front of the Monmouthshire Supply Stores in High-street (Mr Cordey's) was much admired. The walls of Newport Castle were rendered all the more for-bidding by the glare from a group of fires lighted on the top of its ruined walls. The illuminations, like the decorations, were by no means confined to the principal streets. Villas and detached residences perched upon the hill of Goldtops and flanking the high ground of the Stow Park district were made brilliant and effective by oil lamps or other suitable illuminants in every window. These were either in groups or outlining the window—drawing-room, dining-room, and dormer window —and the effect was charming. The holiday was continued at Newport on Wednesday. The decorations had remained, and in the evening the illuminations were in many instances repeated. The afternoon saw business establishments pretty generally closed. The principal outdoor attraction was a continuation of the fete and gala on the Marshes. In the evening there were fireworks. — [*South Wales Daily News, 23rd June, 1887*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3667780/3667783/50/?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/IMG_1846-1.jpeg) Source: Johns Directory, 1903 ### Volume 2, Number 18 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-18/ Last updated: 2026-05-09T06:18:47.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Illuminated Clock The public convenience will be promoted by the clock recently put up in front of Mr Nugent Wells' house, High-street. Exceptions are taken, however, to its appearance, which certainly might have been rendered less inelegant, while its usefulness is somewhat marred either from insufficient light, or from some other defect which prevents the possibility of seeing the time at a moderate distance. The Town Council have agreed to bear a portion of the expense of lighting it, and will probably see to its being rendered efficient. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th September, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396998/3397003/19?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *An earlier mention that year during a council meeting gave information about how the clock would have looked.* An application was read from Mr. Wells, for permission to erect a public clock in front of his premises, near the South Wales railway station, to project five feet from the wall. The face would be 4ft. 7in. in diameter, and would be illuminated at night. He also applied for assistance from the Board towards the expense of lighting the clock. After some discussion, the Mayor was requested to see the clock (which was stated to be wholly of Mr. Wells's construction, with the exception of the dial), and, if he thought proper, to give permission for its erection, and to make an offer to contribute towards the expense of lighting it. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th June, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396854/3396856/6?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-18.43.23.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 29th November, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425202/3425204/13/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Fire at Maesglas Farm On Tuesday night, about nine o'clock, a fire broke out in a large barn at the above-named farm, which is situate near Pont-Ebbw. The barn contained a large quantity of straw, which was destroyed. Lord Tredegar's tire engine was obtained, and it was worked to good purpose, the other portions of Mr. Williams's property being saved from destruction. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th July, 1873*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3404780/3404785/37?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-24-at-16.55.31.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 12th October, 1844](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424925/3424927/7/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A Waterproof Spectacle In the window of Mr. Samuel Polak, Great Western Clothing Establishment, High-street, a tiny fountain has been provided, which flings up a shower of water that descends on the water-proof clothing of two Lilliputian gentlemen, to show how impervious are Nicoll's patent garments to the liquid element. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd March, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395921/3395925/31/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/CommercialStreet1900.jpg) Horse-drawn trams on Commercial Street around 1900\. They were withdrawn from service in 1903. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-24-at-17.00.14.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st September, 1844](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424910/3424912/5/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Cordey's Perfumery List A long advert published in the Monmouthshire Merlin in 1877 by Thomas Cordey lists the perfumes on sale at his 35 High Street shop. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/35-Cordey-MM-1877-a.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/35-Cordey-MM-1877-b.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd November, 1877](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439934?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The headline perfume is by Johann Maria Farina gegenüber dem Jülichs-Platz which is the [world's oldest eau de Cologne and perfume factory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann%5FMaria%5FFarina%5Fgegen%C3%BCber%5Fdem%5FJ%C3%BClichs-Platz?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) and being located in Cologne lends its name to the type of fragrance. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/image-5.png) Also on sale was Mitcham's Lavendar water which is 'triple distilled' and originated in the Mitcham area of Surrey which was once the "lavender capital" of the world during the 18th and 19th centuries. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/image-7.png) Source: [ebay](https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/156946276313?var=0&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338749367&toolid=20006&%5Ful=GB&customid=CjwKCAjwqazPBhALEiwAOuXqdB7QLgUbCkoQ42yOzT8ZAq2Icrmbpiu-MXkPiAsClJPrF79vhcEaCRoCfngQAvD%5FBwE|0AAAAADihhqUqCxDtYG8s9l7N-z68X8pYe|CkAKCAjwhqfPBhBqEjAAvOjWSfNc2AALHZSmXgiCEogN6xETZ5MwEtSfrhwtfLBGJZGtb-QVy0LM-72CzHwaAtpY&gclid=CjwKCAjwqazPBhALEiwAOuXqdB7QLgUbCkoQ42yOzT8ZAq2Icrmbpiu-MXkPiAsClJPrF79vhcEaCRoCfngQAvD%5FBwE&gbraid=0AAAAADihhqUqCxDtYG8s9l7N-z68X8pYe&wbraid=CkAKCAjwhqfPBhBqEjAAvOjWSfNc2AALHZSmXgiCEogN6xETZ5MwEtSfrhwtfLBGJZGtb-QVy0LM-72CzHwaAtpY&loc%5Finterest%5Fms=9196760&loc%5Fphysical%5Fms=9044966&adtype=pla&gad%5Fsource=1&gad%5Fcampaignid=17330494473&gbraid=0AAAAADihhqUqCxDtYG8s9l7N-z68X8pYe&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Rimmell featured heavily with a wide range of fragrances such as Jockey Club, coffee flower, Lily of the Valley, sandal wood and new mown hay. For the hair there's Rimmell's Australian hair wash and Mexican hair restorer. Also available was Rimmell's Toilet Vinegar which was poured into water before washing and was used to 'greatly refresh, soften, and whiten the complexion, removing from it all imperfections and giving it satin-like textures'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/image-8.png) Source: [Royal College of Pharmacy](https://museum.rcpharm.org/objects/hudsons-vegetable-leafletsc1913-1938/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Pocket Picking Catherine Ryan, *alias* Sullivan, was charged with attempting to pick the pockets of Elizabeth Goldsworthy, and Mrs. Weeks, of Ebbw Vale and she was further charged with stealing five florins, one half-crown, and some odd money, the property of Mary Spring. Mary Weeks said, on Saturday last she was ill the market about ten o'clock in the forenoon. She was by Thomas' stall, when she felt someone's hand in her pocket. She put her hand to her pocket, and prisoner drew her hand back. She said nothing to the prisoner, who had taken nothing out of her pocket. Charles Ricketts, confectioner, with a stall in the market, said on Saturday night last he saw the prisoner draw her handout of the prosecutor (Week's) pocket. He said the prisoner made several attempts on different persons in the market. Elizabeth Goldsworthy said the prisoner put her hand into her pocket, but witness missed nothing. The prisoner shortly afterwards put her hand in the witness's pocket again at another stall. Matilda Spring said she was in the market on Saturday about two o'clock her purse was taken from her pocket, but she did not not know by whom. It contained five florins, one half-a-crown, and some odd money. Inspector Curtis said at about a quarter past three he was in the market. He was standing behind the witness Goldsworthy, and the prisoner. Mrs. Goldsworthy complained to him that the prisoner had tried to pick her pocket. He then took the prisoner into custody and charged her with attempting to pick pockets. She said, "Who is the woman, where is the woman ?" Witness searched the prisoner and found upon her a purse which contained five florins, two half-crowns, two shillings, one threepenny bit, and twopence halfpenny in coppers, two farthings, and the address of a convict in London. **The prisoner pleaded guilty, and for the first offence she was sentenced to two months hard labour, and for robbing Mrs. Spring to four months hard labour**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd November, 1877*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439934/3439936?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Man Fined for Being Drunk in his own Pub' Benjamin Parcell was summoned for being drunk on licensed premises. P. S. Pratten said on Tuesday last he visited the defendant's house, the Windsor Castle, where he found the defendant in the tap-room, near the fire, with another man, quite drunk. **Fined 10s., including costs**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd November, 1877*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439934/3439936?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing Rope Nathan Fisher was charged with stealing a piece of rope from the Alexandra Dock, the property of Messrs. Jones Brothers. Dock-officer Chamberlain said he met the prisoner coming from the dock with a piece of rope (produced) in his hand. Witness asked the prisoner where he got it from, and he said from a mooring ring. He took the prisoner into custody. Witness subsequently found that the ropc belonged to Messrs. Jones Brothers. They had cut it and left it lying on the ground where the prisoner had taken it from. The rope was worth about 2s. 6d. **The Bench sentenced the prisoner to imprisonment for one day**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd November, 1877*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439934/3439936?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Unjust Weights David Morgan, grocer, Commercial-road, was summoned for having in his shop three unjust weights. Inspector Jones deposed to visiting the defendant's shop, and finding there the weights in question; a 28lb. was 2oz short, a 14lb. 2 drams short, and a 71b. 7 drams short. Mr. C. R. Lyne, Deputy Town Clerk, prosecuted. **Defendant was fined 10s**. William Cox, coal merchant, George-street, was summoned for having in his pfpsession four unjust weights. Inspector Jones proved this case also. **Defendant was fined 5s.** John Saunders, a grocer, was charged with having in his shop 22 unjust weights and one unjust scale. Inspector Jones said that out of the 24 weights in the defendant's shop 20 were light and two heavy. The scales were an ounce and a half against the purchaser. Defendant said he did not know any of the weights were lights. As to the scale, he might say in explanation that its handle had come off, and one of the young men in the shop had fastened it on again with a few pieces of wood, which made it heavier one end than the other, but to balance this they always put on the scale a ring which they kept for the purpose near at hand. **Fined 20s, and the scales to be forfeited**. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th March, 1879*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405761/3405763?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Obstructing the Pavement Joseph Freeman was summoned for obstructing Commercial-street, by hanging goods outside his shop. P.C. Pym said some of the goods projected more than a foot beyond the wall. Witness bad told Mr. Freeman of it three or four times. **Defendant was fined 20s. including costs**. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th March, 1879*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405761/3405763?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-08.38.40.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st March, 1879](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405779?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) At a council meeting in March 1879, the following was discussed. ### Lamp, Stow Churchyard After visiting the locality the Committee recommend that, subject to the consent of the Churchwardens of St. Woolos the lamp inside the western gate of the church yard placed at the top of the slope from the road to the footpath, as new public lamp, and that the next public lamp in the churchyard be removed. A few the Committee also recommend that a sum not exceeding £12 be expended in the repair of the footpath through St. Woollos Churchyard, under the direction of the Public Works Committee. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th March, 1879*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405770/3405772?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-08.20.43.png) The location of the lamp in the article ### 'The Need for Hydrants on Bridge Street and Gold Tops' Mr Goss again brought before the Committee the necessity of getting hydrants for the upper end of Bridge-street and the Gold Tops. People had laid out money on property in that neighbourhood, and they ought to have means at hand for putting out fires when any occurred. Alderman Lyne said the Town Surveyor was preparing a plan of a regular system of hydrants throughout the town. The plan would be ready in the course of this month. Alderman Murphy said that he had seen in the papers that when a fire took place same time ago it was found that there was no water in the pipes, and if this were so, hydrants would be of no value. He thought a constant supply of water ought to be kept on. The Mayor said that matter had been considered, but they could not do anything. Mr. Hoskins said the committee had considered the matter, as the Mayor had said, but the Deputy Town Clerk had advised them that they could not compel the Water Works Company to keep on a supply of water at high-pressure all night. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th March, 1879*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405770/3405772?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Egyptian Darkness' Mr. Griffiths complained of the want of lamps in Barnard-town. He said Egyptian darkness reigned there. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th March, 1879*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405770/3405772?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'The Need for House Numbers on Marshes Road' Mr. Bear drew attention to the want of numbers on the houses and names on the streets in Marshes-road. Alderman Lyne said these matters would be attended to. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th March, 1879*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405770/3405772?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Street Names on Lamps' Alderman Lyne said he had a piece of good news to tell them. They were going to have the names of the streets placed on the lamps. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th March, 1879*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405770/3405772?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-27-at-08.39.05.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st March, 1879](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405779?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/IMG_2635--1-.jpg) The top of High Street in 1908 and the building housing Davies & Sons had just been built. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Accident — Narrow Escape Through Neglect in Driving As Lady Morgan, Mr. and Mrs. Style, and Lady Walker, were proceeding from Ruperra Castle to Newport, on Thursday last, in coming down a steep road, near Bassalleg, the driver, (a post-boy from Newport,) carelessly drove the vehicle against an empty cart standing on the road side, which upset the carriage, and the whole party was thrown upon the road with considerable force, but fortunately without the occurrence of serious injury. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th July, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396408/3396410?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Attempted Self-Destruction "One more unfortunate, rashly importunate," as poor Hood-sang, to end her wretched existence by self-murder, flung herself into the canal near the road leading to the barracks, on Friday I evening last; but was rescued by Mr. Little, of Mr. John Currie's establishment, who bravely leaped into the water, and saved the miserable woman from death. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th July, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396408/3396410?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/IMG_1829-copy-1.jpeg) R.H. Johns, the printer of the Johns Street Directory. Number 46 was a printing works and is located opposite Primark. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Earthquake at Newport! The barograph of Mr. Esdaile, optician, of High-Street, Newport, records considerable disturbances, apparently of a oeiqmatic character, betweem four and six o'clock this morning. Other indications of earth tremors were observed at 7.10 and 7.30 a.m., and lesser disturbances throughout the morning. It is suggested that these had some connection with the docks earth slide. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/21307464500_3c076a9a92_c.jpg) Mr Esdaile's premises were located on the left in this photo. — [*Evening Express, 19th April 1907*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4175514/4175517/79/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-21-at-18.55.20.png) ### Volume 2, Number 17 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-17/ Last updated: 2026-05-02T06:07:13.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Where was Tom Matthews's Lane?' In a letter published in the Monmouthshire Merlin in 1844, a resident of Caerleon complained about the state of two lanes — White Hart Lane and Tom Matthews's Lane. White Hart Lane runs alongside the White Hart pub, but where was Tom Matthews's Lane? ### Caerleon Thoroughfares Sir, I wish to call the attention of my fellow-townsmen to the state of the thoroughfares, known as Tom Matthews's Lane, and the White Hart Lane, as they are actually a disgrace to the town, having of late become the receptacles of filth 0f all descriptions. As a road rate is to be made, I call upon those upon whom the burthen will fall to look into the matter. There being other nuisances, however, which ought to be removed, I will, in a future number of your journal, with your permission, bring them more fully before the public, as my present communication, might, I apprehend, occupy as much time as may conveniently be spared. I am, sir, yours, very truly, JULIUS. Caerleon, Jan. 11, 1844 — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th January, 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424743/3424746?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-23-at-07.29.19.png) The tithe map from a few years before the letter shows a Thomas Matthews living very close to White Hart Lane. White Hart Lane today runs alongside the pub and around the corner but perhaps the one portion used to be known as Tom Matthews's Lane or the names were interchangeable. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Destructive Fire — Narrow Escape of Human Life An awful fire, imminently periling the lives of six human beings, whose preservation from a frightful death, may well be deemed providential, took place at the premises of Mr. Munday, grocer, High-street, in this town, early on Sunday morning last. About twenty minutes before six o'clock, families residing at the oppsite side of the street,were alarmed by the cries of "fire," and "murder," with loud and continuous screaming. Mr. Hawkins, surgeon, and other neighbours, at once rushed to the windows, when the gentleman named beheld a female on the outside of the bedroom window on the upper storey, clasping an infant under her left arm, whilst with her right hand she clung to the lower sash,—dense volumes of smoke issuing from the room; and at the adjoining window appeared Mr. and Mrs. Munday, with another child—Mrs. Munday frantically exclaiming to the girl holding the infant, "Oh I hold the child." In the meantime, the fire, gaining admission into the rooms with force, the situation of the girl first alluded to, and another servant who had held the infant out of the window in the first instance, to save it from suffocation, became extremely alarming the latter having her night-dress literally burned on her person, and the hand and arm of the holder of the infant, suffering from the fire; indeed, the whole of the family being in such an awful dilemma as to be about to fling themselves from the windows on the flags, or to fall victims to the devouring element. From the first discovery of the female crying for help at the window to this fearfully-critical state of things, the time was exceedingly brief, and if succour had not been at once obtained, fatal consequences would probably have resulted. Mr. Hawkins thought that a ladder might be had at the new building now being erected at the King's Head Hotel, and fortunately one was immediately obtained, a young man named Edwards, climbing over the gate to get it. By this means extrication was effected for all the inmates, the servant, whose night dress was consumed upon her, jumping upon the under sash of the window and over her fellow-servant, to the top of the ladder, as soon as raised, Mr. Owen, a surgeon, taking off his coat, and affording it to the poor creature, those at the other window being aided down. The girl was then conveyed, sadly suffering from literally curtains of flame which had began to shroud her, to the hospital of the Newport Union, where she has assiduous medical attention and is, we are glad to learn, likely to recover. Mr. Munday, his wife, and a child about two years old, who were more or leas injured, with scorched clothes, were at once conveyed to the house of Mr. James Salter (who was labouring under illness), put to bed, treated with the kindest attention, and are recovering from their injuries. The rescuers of the sufferers being thus fortunately effected, efforts to arrest the devouring element and save property, were energetically commenced and it is but justice to award a high meed of praise to Mr Huxtable, the superintendent of police, and those of the force who acted under him, for their energy, zeal, and efficiency. Water was at once obtained from the fire-plugs besides which, the close approximation of the canal, afforded ample supplies, and the Superintendent worked the engine, which (unlike on a former occasion of fire), was in capital order, with the skill of a fire-brigade leader. Several gentlemen also rendered such admirable service, that although Mr. Masters' liquor establishment, and the cook-shop at the other side, had caught the flames, and an out-house of Mr. Masters' had actually been consumed, the fire was successfully subdued in all but the premises of Mr. Munday. Had the fire taken firm hold of the wine and spirit vaults, the consequences would have been disastrous to an extent which it is awful to contemplate, as the conflagration would doubtless have razed property to a most alarming extent. Amongst those who were most active in rendering prompt, indefatigable and efficient aid in arresting the progress of the calamity, we may mention the names of Mr. James Hawkins, Mr. Owen, surgeon, Mr. David Harrhy, Mr. Lloyd, jun., and Mr. Illingworth. Mrs. Lloyd, and other ladies, acted as good Samaritans on the occasion. The fire had evidently been smouldering for a considerable time and as there is some ambiguity as to the spot wheremit commenced, we suspend our judgment pending an investigation. The outburst of the fire was only perceived by Mr. Munday and the servants when the bedroom doors were opened, and the lower part of the house was in flames. "With the exception of the shop and sitting- room, the premises present a mere wreck. Much consideration is felt for Mr. Munday—an industrious and honest tradesman, with a young family—whom the misfortune may be said to ruin for although he had effected a small insurance on his goods, it will go nothing near to covering his losses. Even the clothes of the family were all consumed. We are glad to hear that many of those whom Providence has blessed with the means of aid- ing a suffering neighbour in deep affliction, are likely to extend succouring hands. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th October, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396551/3396553/5/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *Published shortly after was a letter from neighbour George Masters.* ## The Calamitous Fire in the High Street Being one of those living in close proximity to the destructive fire which unfortunately took place on Sunday morning last, I wish to make known all the particulars that I know connected therewith. About six o'clock on Sunday morning, I was awoke by a loud knocking at my front door, with the cry of "House on Fire!" Upon jumping out of bed, to my horror, I perceived that a small warehouse belonging to me, and an adjoining one of my neighbour, Mr. Munday, were in one mass of flame; and as they were closely connected with the wood work of Mr. Munday's house, I thought the total destruction of that and my own house and premises was inevitable. My worst fears were all but realised for within half-an hour after the fire was discovered, Mr. Munday's house was all on fire, the flames bursting through all the windows, and the stairs, from the bottom to the upper part of the house, being in a complete glow, like a furnace. As the unhappy and paralysed inmates, consisting of Mr. and Mrs. Munday, their two children, and two servant girls, slept in the upper part of the house, there was no possible means of escape except from the upper window. The rapid destruction of all appeared certain ladders were sought for, and brought, but not one of them would reach within yards of the upper windows but fortunately, at this moment of agonising suspense, it was ascertained that there was a ladder, of the required length, belonging to Mr. Bolt, builder, at Mr. Lloyd's, the King's Head Inn. This was immediately brought, and with it, the whole of the inmates were carried safely down, almost in a state of nudity. Mr. Munday, his wife, and one of the servant girls, who had the eldest child in her arms, were most terribly burnt for they had not been extricated from their perilous situation two minutes before the room in which they were was filled with flames. The sufferers were conveyed to the houses of their respective friends, and under the skilful and assiduous attention of Mr. James Hawkins Mr. J Brewer, and Mr. David Owen, are, I am happy to hear' getting on well. Too much praise cannot be given to Mr' Owen, for his generous and strenuous efforts upon this occasion he stripped himself of his frock coat, wrapped it around the naked girl, who was dreadfully burnt and then carried her down the ladder, and subsequently paid her the kindest attention. Within a quarter of an hour, all my neighbours came in breathless haste, to lend a helping hand and a very short time after, Mr. Superintendent Huxtable, and all his force, arrived with the town engine and in my humble opinion—and I believe it is the feeling of every person present—no body of men could have done their duty better, or have exerted themselves more strenuously. To those kind neighbours, who fled, as I may say, to the rescue, situated, as I was, so near to the post of danger, I cannot be too grateful. It is impossible to recollect and individualise all; but the first persons on the spot were Mr. J.Lloyd and Mr. J. Lloyd, jun., of the King's Head Inn; Mr. David Owen and Mr. James Hawkins, surgeons Mr. David Harrhy, wine and spirit merchant; Mr. B. Jefferies, and Mr. Benjamin and James Jefferies, junrs. j Mr. Phillips and Mr. Morris, chemists and druggists Mr. Nugent Wells, silversmith; Mr. R Webb, ironmonger; Mr. John Clark and Mr. John Rudge, corn merchants Mr. D. Davies, currier, &c.; Mr. Roberts, coach-builder; Mr. Harris, jun., and all the clerks of the Post-office Mr. Compton, grocer, and assistants, with many others, all of whom worked most energetically in subduing the flames, and preventing the spread of the fire, thereby saving life and property. The ladies, as usual, were not behind in their kind and philanthropic exertions. Mrs. Lloyd, with her usual generosity, was upon the spot, and supplied several garments to cover the wretched sufferers; Mrs. Allen, (of the Bridge Inn), Mrs. Jefferies, Mrs. James Hawkins, Mrs. Grout, and other ladies in the neighbourhood, deserve much commendation for the kind and generous manner in which they offered a temporary home to the family. In conclusion, I beg to return my most sincere and grateful thanks to all parties who rendered their kind assistance upon this melancholy occasion, And remain, sir, yours respectfully, **GEORGE MASTERS**. Newport, October 18th, 1855. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th October, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396556/3396561/22?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/LastCarForCorpaRoad.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Landlady Falls Out of Old Green Hotel Window' A strange affair is reported from Newport, where, shortly before 12 p.m. on Monday Mrs. Francis, wife of the landlord of the Old Green Hotel, High-street, was discovered in an unconscious state by Police-constable Taylor. It appears that Mrs. Francis was about to retire for the night when she missed her footing and fell out through the window. With the assistance of three other men the police officer carried the woman into her house, and Dr. M'Ginn was immediately sent for. Upon examination the medical man found that Mrs. Francis had received a concussion of the brain, as well as injury to her spine. — [Weekly Mail, 16th August, 1902](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3375655/3375667/200/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-03-at-17.46.52.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd September, 1848](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394501/3394503?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'On This Day: 1863' Using the Monmouthshire Merlin, here are some snippets from this day in 1863. ### 'Carte-de-Visite Portraits' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-22-at-18.42.52.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th April 1863](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400282?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The carte de visite was a format of small photograph which was patented in Paris in 1854\. It was commonly called the visiting card. [From Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carte%5Fde%5Fvisite?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)... *Each photograph was the size of a formal visiting card about 4½ x 2½ inches (11.4 x 6.3 cm) and such photograph cards, in what has been called an early form of social media, were commonly traded among friends and visitors in the 1860s. Albums for the collection and display of cards became a common fixture in Victorian parlours. The popularity of the format and its rapid uptake worldwide were due to their relative thrift, which made portrait photographs accessible to a broader demographic, and prior to the advent of mechanical reproduction of photographs, led to the publication and collection of portraits of prominent persons. It was the success of the carte de visite that led to photography's institutionalisation.* This is an example of the types of portraits being produced by Evans on Commercial Street. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/image-3.png) Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carte%5Fde%5Fvisite?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) --- 'Confidential Consultation' Immediately below the above advert for portrait photography was an advert by Monsieur J. Victore who was trained in the English and Continental hospitals at treating 'nervous debility, languor, depression of spirits, painful dreams, loss of appetite and memory'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-22-at-18.52.57.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th April 1863](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400282?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The map below shows the location of the Independent Chapel which was opposite Monsieur J Victore. It's long gone and was located where the Kingsway Centre is today. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-22-at-19.59.31.png) --- ## 'Potatoes! Potatoes!!' Whilst on Dock Street, why not stop at 'J.A. Gallie, Cider & Potatoe Merchant' to pick up some Superior Scotch Blue potatoes and also the 'Windsor' which is 'expected to arrive every tide'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-22-at-20.10.33.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th April 1863](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400282?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) --- ## 'Propterties To Let' Properties to let in April 1863 include a villa on Cardiff Road, a cottage in Merchant Street (runs through Debenhams), the Waterloo Inn in Caerleon, a villa 'healthily situated in Maindee' and the King's Arms on Belmont Hill (not known by that name in 1863). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-22-at-20.19.32.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-22-at-20.19.41.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th April 1863](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400282?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Bath and West of England Show, 1888' Newport on Monday began to put on those touches of artistic dress which always mark any great festival or public sight. At four a.m. the decoration contractors, the Messrs. Piggatt, of London, started to work, and by early in the afternoon the whole main thoroughfare, from the end of Pill, through Commercial-road, Commercial-street, High-street, Marshes-road, and Tredegar-place (as far as the Queen's Hotel), had been lined with Venetian masts. A good many tradespeople also started private decoration, whilst at the railway station the colours of the Great Western Railway Company—viz., red, white, and green—were profusely displayed. By this (Tuesday) evening it is expected all the public adornments will have been completed. The show-yard has now become a scene of the greatest animation. The greater portion of the exhibits has been placed in position, but there is get a good deal to be done in the way of unpacking and fixing cases of various descriptions. Those who have to occupy the temporary buildings are already getting used to the Bohemian life, and, if the weather continues as fine as the latter days of last week and Sunday and Monday of the present have proved, it will, no doubt, be a pleasant change. In some of the apartments, however, which simply have timber-roofs, the heat during the middle of the day is very great. There is, however, an abundance of good water in all parts of the yard. At a great many points the sheds are fitted with taps, and on the unoccupied ground there are numerous tanks capable of holding from 300 to 400 gallons, fitted with ball cocks, so that they may till but not overflow. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/BathAndWest.jpg) Source: NewportPast The programme shows that on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday the band of the Royal Marine Light Infantry (Chatham Division), under the leadership of Mr. Kappey, will occupy the band stand. The band of the same regiment, but of the Plymouth Division, under the leadership of Mr. Froehnart, will also take part; whilst on Saturday and Monday the Plymouth Band alone will play. Some little uncertainty appeared to exist as to the charges for admission and supposed extra charges for sectional exhibitions inside the yard. The charge for admission on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday is 2s. 6d., and on Saturday and Monday 1s. The one payment entitles the visitor to see every section of the show, but there are extra payments to the reserved space in the working dairy and the grand stand overlooking the parade ring. These latter, of course, are optional. Governors and members of the society subscribing not less than £1 annually are admitted free by non-transferable tickets at all times when the exhibition is open to the public, and also to the grand stand, the reserved places in the working dairy, and the band enclosure. Members subscribing less than £1 are admitted free by ticket on any one day only. Season tickets, not transferable, available whenever the exhibition is open, with privilege of re-entrance as often as desired, are issued at 7s. 6d. each At ten a.m. on Wednesday the open judging of horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, cheese, butter, and cream begins. From ten to six p.m. there will be exhibitions of the working dairy, of implements, machinery, and pictures and art collections, together with the local working section. At two o'clock the exhibition of poultry and dowers begins. On Thursday at nine o'clock there will be exhibitions of the horses and cattle of the machinery, working dairy, and art sections as before. The flower show will on this day open at ten a.m. At noon (weather permitting) there will be a parade of cattle in the large ring, and at two o'clock the horses and ponies will be trotted around. On Friday the show opens at nine and the flower building at ten, at which time there takes place the horse-shoeing competitions at portable forges. For this the entries, numbering over 50, are unusually strong. At noon the annual meeting of the members takes place in the council tent. At the same hour the cattle will parade, and at two the horses and ponies. Of course, the bands will play at intervals, and on this day (Friday) at three o'clock the combined bands of the Plymouth and Chatham Divisions will give performances of concerted pieces. On Saturday (the first shilling day) the exhibition will be kept open from nine a.m. to eight p.m. The programme is much the same us on the former days. On Monday the show closes at six o'clock, and on this, another, shilling day, the round is just the same, with the exception that at 3.30 there takes place wear the picture gallery the drawing of the Art Union Prizes. This is held under the sanction and regulation of the Privy Council, to promote as far as possible the disposal of works of art. Prizes are offered to the amount realised by the sale of tickets at a shilling each, and in addition the council of the society have made 2 special grant of £100, also to be distributed in prizes. Winners can select their own prizes from the picture gallery after the drawing and up to four p.m. on Wednesday, June 13. In order to dispel any idea that the last day may not be as favourable as any of the others for visiting the show, the society stipulate that no exhibits of any description, except stallions, are permitted to leave until after six o'clock. In the working dairy there will be given a number of lectures and illustrations by Professor Long and others in various brunches of butter, cheese, and cream preparation. At 2.30 on Monday there will take place the challenge competition for gold and silver medals by winners of prizes in the various butter-making competitions. The prize cheese, butter, cream, and milk will be on sale in a building adjoining the dairy. The cheese will be sold in small quantities, packed in greaseproof paper. It has been decided by most of the tradespeople and professional gentlemen to observe Thursday as 8 general holiday. Head-constable Sinclair has issued the following regulations for the convenience of the public and to avoid obstruction in the streets from Wednesday to Monday:- Hackney carriages will stand on the east side of Dock-street, instead opposite Old Green and Steam Packet Hotels, of new entrance. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-21-at-18.18.26.png) Streets mentioned in the article along with the path leading to the Marshes. Hackney carriages will be allowed to stand on the west side of the entrance to the railway station in Penconville. All carriages conveying persons to the show-yard will and approach the entrance gates through Wyndham-street, when passengers are put down the carriages will depart through Henry-street and Evans-street to Marshes-road. For the convenience of persons leaving the show-yard carriages will be allowed to stand in Henry-street and Evans-street. The head-constable has also advised householders not to leave their dwelling unprotected during the days of the show. Mr. Thomas Parry, one of the local hon. secretaries, who has compiled a list of lodgings available for visitors, informs us that he has a very large number of rooms on his list still unlet. — [*Western Mail, 5th June, 1888*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/394642485/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-03-at-17.53.15.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th September, 1848](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394506/3394508?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Freedman's New Premises' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Freedman01.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Freedman02.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 25th April, 1896](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143957276/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) An advert from the South Wales Argus, 1896, showing the products on offer at P Freedman & Co which had opened in the recently built block of buildings (completed around 1895) at the end of High Street by the bridge. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/South_Wales_Argus_1895_11_02_1.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 2nd November, 1895](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1147735230/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) It originally opened in 75 and then expanded next door to number 76\. The photo below is from around the same time as the advert. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/image-2.png) Freedman would have been located on the right next to Davies and Sons the tailor which is the premises first on the right. The photo is from the time that the shop would have been there. (Source: [Newport Past](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/photos/php/photo%5Fpage.php?search=High%20Street&search2=yyyyyy&pos=27&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-03-at-17.54.41.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th September, 1848](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394506/3394508?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Bridging the Usk ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-22-at-13.08.57.png) [https://www.newspapers.com/image/1213174233/?match=1&clipping\_id=196066494](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1213174233/?match=1&clipping%5Fid=196066494&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/02-GeorgeMasters-MM-1847-1.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th December, 1847](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394327/3394329/11/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Stealing an Apron Sarah Welsh was charged with stealing a flannel apron, the property of Rachel Morris. Prosecutrix said she was the wife of Thomas Morris, and resided at Bassalleg. On the night before last Christmas, she had gone out in front of her house, and dropped her apron. She did not miss the apron until next morning. On Thursday week last she went to the prisoner's house, in consequence of having heard that the apron was there, and asked to be allowed to see it. Prisoner said that the apron which she had worn, was one that her daughter had bought. She also told witness that she had lent it to a woman to go to Cardiff, and she could not see it then. Witness then gave information to the police. The apron was worth 5s. P.C. Davies said he apprehended the prisoner on Monday evening, at her house, and asked her if she had an apron belonging to Mrs. Davies. She said, "No," but had bought one of a young man at Pie-corner, some time back. She afterwards said she had bought it of a man at the door. Witness asked her where it was, and she said she had lent it to a woman to go to Cardiff. She brought it to his house on the same evening. Prisoner pleaded guilty to picking the apron up, but said she had no intention of stealing it. **Sentenced to one day's imprisonment**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd May, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400294/3400296?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Hawking near the Salutation Inn' George Phillips and Wm. Manning were summoned for creating an obstruction in the public streets. It appeared that the defendants are hawkers, and are in the habit of visiting this district periodically. On Friday last Phillips was stationed near the Salutation Inn, and Manning at the entrance to Cardiff-road. They offered their genuine wares at advantageous prices, and the large number of purchasers and others who had congregated around them had completely obstructed the thoroughfare. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/image-4.png) The Salutation Inn mentioned in the article which is the location of the present day police station. The Chief Superintendent said he had received several complaints from persons residing in the locality. Phillips stated that he had permission of the landlady at the Salutation Inn to erect his van near the house. The Bench observed that no such power was vested with the owners of property, and **fined the defendants 10s. each including costs**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd May, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400294/3400296?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Keeping a Game Cock' John Pritchard was charged with keeping a game cock, dangerous to the inhabitants of Church-street, Pillgwenlly. A woman, named Keyse, said that two of her children, who appeared in Court, bad been injured in the face, by the cock flying at them. **The defendant promised to kill the cock, and the case was adjourned for a fortnight**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd May, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400294/3400296?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-03-at-18.28.44.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th October, 1848](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394516/3394518?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Newport Mohawk Minstrels ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-21-at-08.43.19.png) [South Wales Argus, 6th April 1901](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143630984/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) A report from the evening from the South Wales Argus. *This troupe of black and white minstrels gave a varied and most interesting programme to a large audience on Thursday evening. Well-rendered ballads were given and two concerted pieces "The Anvil" and "Sweet and Low," were given by the full company of ladies and gentleman, the unaccompanied part being song being especially well sung. The comic element was especially good causing much amusement with their jokes and conversation. Their comic songs were up-to-date and Messrs Poole and Yeates were deservedly encored. Mr Fred W. Willis, in a stump oration, spoke in his inimitable way, and a clever song and dance was given by Mr Yeates.* *The programme concluded with a sketch entitled "A Big Disappointment", which kept the audience in a continuous roar of laughter.* *—* [*South Wales Argus, 21st March, 1902*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143643757/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* The Mohawk Minstrels were formed in London in 1867\. So called “Black-face” minstrelsy was hugely popular at the time, and was the first form of distinctively American entertainment to storm Britain. The Newport Mohawk Minstrels were a local version of them. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-21-at-08.32.07.png) [South Wales Argus, 11th August, 1899](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143840881/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-03-at-18.53.46.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 12th January, 1867](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402563?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/IMG_1826-1.jpeg) WA Baker, Skinner Street (Source: Johns Directory, 1903) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/ClarencePlace.jpg) Clarence Place (Ivy Bush on the right in the distance). Source: [Newport Photos](https://www.flickr.com/photos/newportphotoarchive/21024917714/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Volume 2, Number 16 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-16/ Last updated: 2026-04-25T06:19:22.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Pigeon Match for £10 On Tuesday last, several hundreds of persons assembled in a field, under Crindau farm, to witness a match which had excited considerable interest, between John Flowers, a blacksmith, of Pillgwenlly, and Samuel Gage, of Bristol, for £5 a side, to shoot at ten birds each, twenty-one yards trap. The betting at starting was in favour of Gage, who was accompanied to the field by a host of Bristolians. Flowers, a modest unassuming young man, appeared friendless, until a sporting "landlord," and one or two others, laid out some money upon him. He went in, and killed his first four birds, missed the fifth, but killed the remaining five. Gage missed his first, killed the next three, missed the fifth, killed the next two, and missed the eighth. Flowers consequently won easily; it was generally thought he would have killed his fifth bird, had not the string of the trap broken, and the front part of the trap remaining up, hid the bird from his view. C Considerable sums of money changed hands the "Gage" party, who had booked their man to win, looked unutterable things at the result. Mr. John Walker and Mr. Dowle, acted as umpires, and gave satisfaction to both parties. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st March, 1851*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395035/3395038/28/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0344.jpeg) Johns Directory, 1878 ## A Smell of Gas *(To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.)* **DEAR SIR**, Is there no Board of Health in Newport? If not, there should be one appointed forthwith. If there is one, they are manifestly negligent of the duties they owe to their fellow-townspeople. I am led to make these remarks by the fact that I am one of a numerous class who reside in the neighbourhood of the Gold Tops, and have to pass up and down thereto and from at least three times daily. > The horrid, abominable, and suffocating effluvia arising from—I believe the Gas Works—needs only to be sniffed to be remembered as a caution, to avoid, if possible. **How the inhabitants of the classic region, known and designated Pentonville**, stand it, surpasseth my feeble powers of understanding; their olfactory organs may, perhaps, not be quite so delicate as those of... Yours faithfully, December 9th, 1869\. COSMOPOLITE. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th December, 1867*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438743/3438748/31/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0334.jpeg) Johns Directory, 1878 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Three Day Bazaar There being a debt of about £300 resting upon the Wesleyan Chapel, Commercial-road, it was determined to hold a bazaar, with a view of clearing it off. This bazaar was opened at the Town Hall on Wednesday under very favourable auspices, and will not close till this evening. The Assembly-rooms rarely, if ever, presented a more charming aspect, its decorations and contents representing an amount of industry, taste, and skill, which left nothing to be desired. The amount of sheer hard work executed to produce such a result must have been immense, but doubtless those who have taken part in the good work feel fully rewarded by its success. The taste displayed by the ladies was of a very high order, and to them, especially, the warmest meed of praise is due. The stalls, including the refreshment stall, were five in number, and were presided over as follows:- **No. 1** — Mrs Trethewy, Mrs John Sanders, Mrs. Knapp, Mrs. C. Winter, Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. John Cock, and Mrs.Roberts **No. 2** — Mrs W. Ray, Mrs H. Ray, Mrs. Bailey, Mrs G. R. Pyer, Mrs W. W. Jose, Mrs. Full, Mrs. R Cock and Miss Winter. **No. 3** — Mrs. Searle, Mrs. Stevens, Miss Bessie Davies, Miss Baker, and Miss Gregory. **Young Men's stall —** Rev. Thomas Trethewey, Messrs. G. F. Evans, R. Cock, Manhire, Hunt, and J. Williams ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Gemini_Generated_Image_1tkmta1tkmta1tkm.jpg) AI Generated Image The frame-work of the stalls was draped in muslin, the tops dressed in ever-greens, while fancy and useful work of all descriptions was artistically displayed in the greatest profusion. The ceiling was hung with bunting of all colours (the flags having been procured by Mr. Fred. Stevens), while from the balcony festoons of evergreens were pendant. Plants, evergreens, and flowers occupied the staging, upon which was a piano. In the centre of the hall was a glass fountain of perfumed water, and, as we have before hinted, the general effect presented by the hall was exceedingly animated and handsome. Where there were so many choice and noteworthy articles it is difficult so make a selection for particular notice which shall include all the leading features. Mr. R. N. Osborne presented a model steam engine, which he had himself constructed, and which evidenced very considerable mechanical skill. It has a pair of horizontal cylinders, and is capable of driving the strongest sewing machine in the town. Mr. John Williams gave a large model of a yacht, made by himself, which was priced at £4 10s., and which looked worth the money. Mrs. Taylor gave a pair of Sultan birds, and Mrs. J. C. Sanders a hutch of fine rabbits. The young men's department was worthy of attention, some very capital homemade furniture, including tables, clothes presses, &c., being placed immediately outside the room, the wood-work of which was made by Messrs. Brownscombe, Moulton, Popham, and Ackford. Other articles of a useful character were also procurable in this department. Some well-executed photographs of the chapel, by Mr. Manhire, an amateur photographer, were for sale. Our readers are so conversant with the general description of articles seen at bazaars of this character that a detailed account is not necessary. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Gemini_Generated_Image_whr2rlwhr2rlwhr2.jpg) Ai Generated Image Several means of diversion were provided. Mr. Alger had constructed a marionette figure, which he exhibited behind a screen, and which was very clever. It was named Nizam, the great Juggler of Allahbad, and Nizam certainly did the cup and ball business and danced with the most amusing agility. Close by was what was termed the picture gallery, a cleverly-contrived institution which it was well worth paying 3d. to see, notwithstanding the fact that the gallery was not tilled exactly by the curiosities expected. Then again there was a post-office, the duties of post mistress being undertaken by Miss Hunt. The bazaar was opened at 12 o'clock on Wednesday, when there were a good many ladies and gentlemen present. The well-known hymn "Praise ye the Lord, 'tis good to raise," was sung, after which the Rev. T. Trethewey offered up a prayer. The Rev. John Westlake then called upon His Worship the Mayor of Newport (H. P. Bolt, Esq.), to open the bazaar. His Worship, in doing so, expressed his sense of the honour conferred on him by the ladies in asking him to open the bazaar, at which different articles were to be sold. He trusted that they were fancy goods, and hoped the public would take a fancy to them, and pay a good price for them. (Hear, hear.) He remarked on the object of the bazaar, an object which was characteristically national, inasmuch as it was a question of debt, and they had a National Debt. He had read of a man who was so anxious that the National Debt should be paid that he left £6 in his will towards it. (Laughter.) But the ladies adopted a different plan, and had decided on having a bazaar, which he sincerely hoped would be successful beyond even their most sanguine expectations. Bazaars did a great deal of good by engendering sympathy, and their worthy minister would tell them that there was a time for everything a time for sorrow and a time for joy. and he hoped they would enjoy themselves. After some further observations, His Worship declared the bazaar opened, and the business of the day was actively commenced. Inquiries made just before going to press enable us to state that the bazaar has been successful beyond the expectations of the most sanguine. The bazaar has been crowded. On Wednesday about £100 was taken, and yesterday, at a rough calculation, £76; It is anticipated that the sum realised will be sufficient to clear off the debt (£300) and leave a surplus, and we cannot refrain from congratulating all connected with the undertaking on this highly gratifying result. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Gemini_Generated_Image_7rr8pj7rr8pj7rr8.jpg) AI Genrated Image The refreshment stall was a fruitful source of receipts, as were also the "art collection" of Mr. Cock, and Mr. Alger's marionette. Selections at intervals were played on the piano by Mrs. Beynon-Hughes, with her well-known taste and facility, and the Masters Liles also played in a creditable manner. To-night an auction of various articles will take place. The manner in which the bazaar has been carrel out reflect the highest credit on all concerned. We must not omit to state that the secretaries, Mrs. H. Taylor and Mrs. J. W. Jukes, performed their duties admirably, and that Mrs. Searle acted as treasurer. — [*Monmoutshire Merlin, 12th May, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441818/3441823?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/IMG_8699.jpeg) Johns Directory, 1882 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Wilful Damage George Price and Thomas Bevan, two lads, were charged with wilfully damaging a hay stack belonging to Mr. W. H. Parsons, of High-street. The hay stack stands in the old Fair-field on Stow-hill, and between twelve and one this (Wednesday) morning P.C. Goodrich went to the stack and found prisoners sleeping in a large hole which they had made in the side of the stack. > One prisoner said he was afraid to go home for "fear of a warming" from his father because he had not been to work that day. The other prisoner said his mother had turned him out. Mr. Parsons said nearly the whole of the thatch had been stripped off by boys. Mr. H. J. Davis said Mr. Parsons was not the only sufferer in that neighbourhood. **Prisoners were each fined 5s**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th September, 1874*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405497/3405499/2/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing Fowl James Gane, a boy about 16 years of age, with a very sinister expression of countenance, was charged with stealing a fowl, the property of Mr. Ewins, confectioner, of High-street. John Bowden, a boy at present in the employment of Mr. Ewins, deposed that he knew the prisoner, who had been in the service of Mr. E. On Thursday evening last witness was in his master's stable, when prisoner and another boy named Miller came in, and prisoner asked him some questions about a stable opposite. Witness then locked the door and went into the house, at which time his master's fowls were all safe in the morning, on coming into the stable, one of the fowls was gone. Mrs. Ewins deposed that the fowls were safe on Thursday night, but that on going to feed them next morning, one was missing. There was a quantity of feathers lying about in the stable. There was no evidence to connect the prisoner with the stolen fowl. and he was consequently dismissed with a caution not to be found sneaking about people's premises in future, or perhaps he might not get off so clear. — *Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th August, 1842* ### 'A Rogue and a Vagabond' William Wallace, from Bristol, was charged with being in the shop of Edward Frost, watchmaker, with intent to commit a felony. The prisoner was discovered inside the counter, about to steal some watches, when he was detected by Mr. Frost, who forthwith handed him over to the police. **He was committed to prison, for two months' hard labour, as a rogue and vagabond**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd October, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394272/3394275?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Sunday Amusements At Newport borough police-court, yesterday John White and three other lads residing in Marshes-road were summoned for breaking a steam gauge, the property of Mr J. W. Price, Crindau Pottery. Mr Digby Powell, solicitor, told the court that the lads on Sunday last were throwing stones at a bird which was perched on the steam engine, and the stone thrown by White smashed the steam gauge. In consequence the works had to be closed for two days whilst the engine was being repaired. A considerable amount of damage was done to the works by the stone throwing, which was being incessantly carried on by lads in the neighbourhood. The Bench decided to fine White 5s and other lads 2s 6d each for stone-throwing under the borough bye-laws. — [*South Wales Daily News, 28th May, 1892*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3723133/3723141/169/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Select Harmonic Society' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-13-at-13.08.26.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th October, 1851](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395174/3395176?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) A place where one may enjoy 'a good old song and a quiet pipe.' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Paper Selling Nuisance A conversation ensued as to the nuisance complained of by boys shouting and selling papers late at night. The Chairman thought the matter should be seen-to, as it was a great annoyance at night. The Town Clerk said it was just the same annoyance while, a noise was made by boys selling papers, or by a man getting drunk and shouting, Mr. West thought care should be taken, as some families dreaded almost entirely on the sale of these papers for a living. > Mr. Fothergill thought 11 o'clock was late enough. The matter was left in the discretion of the Superintendent of Police to give instructions to his men. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th May, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441830/3441832?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0335.jpeg) Johns Directory, 1878 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Supposed Death from Starvation On Wednesday afternoon, information was given at our police station that a man was lying almost insensible state near the "Royal Oak," Thomas-street. P.C. Turner at once proceeded to the spot, and conveyed the poor man to the police station, where he was recognised by the Chief Superintendent as Richard Williams, a native of the town and formerly an inmate of the Workhouse. The Chief Superintendent at once sent for medical assistance, meanwhile administering restoratives, but without effect. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-14-at-07.19.49.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-14-at-07.20.10.png) The location mentioned in the article. The Royal Oak mentioned in the article was the birthplace of John Frost. Two medical gentlemen (Messrs. Davies and Limbrey) were soon in attendance, but remarked that the sufferer was beyond recovery, and that medical aid was "too late." Too late it was, for at nine o'clock in the evening Richard Williams ceased to breath. It would be premature to say much upon the matter at present. A Coroner's inquest will be held on Saturday and the circumstances connected with this poor fellow's death, which are of a most painful nature, will doubtless be detailed. It is said, however, he died of starvation. Deceased was 44 years of age. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th December, 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438743/3438748/31/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) [A long inquest was published](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438755/3438761?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) a week later where it was determined he died from exposure to the cold. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-13-at-13.03.22.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th October, 1851](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395169/3395171?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Man Robbed Whilst 'Napping' on Newport Bridge' At an early hour on Sunday morning, Mr. ——, the representative of the Excise department at Caerleon, reported himself as very "wide awake" to the P.C. on duty; and stated that he had been indulging in a taste of "Tired nature's sweet restorer — balmy sleep," on the cool pavement of the Newport Bridge, the past night; but that while enjoying his somniferous luxury, some thief, catching him "napping," had stolen his nap-less hat, and moreover had carefully unbuttoned the sleeper's gaiters, and walked them off, no doubt supposing partial nudity more congenial to the influences of Morpheus, than tightly-buttoned vestments. P.C. on duty further saith: "He appeared to have been drinking;" and wonders he didn't plunge into the Usk, instead of sleeping over it, that he might have got his full of "heavy wet." — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th June 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393963/3393966?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-02-at-07.13.02.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th August, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393745/3393747?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Rawei and his wife Hine Taimoa ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-07-at-20.14.41.png) [South Wales Argus, 4th December, 1895](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1147736195/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) In December 1895, the Temperance Hall hosted Francis Rawei and his wife [Hine Taimoa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hine%5FTaimoa?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) for a night of singing, stories, and presenting a magic lantern show of hand-coloured scenes from Māori life in New Zealand. The family toured internationally from the 1890s through the 1910s. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/image.png) Francis Rawei, Eva or Piwa and Hine Taimoa. Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hine%5FTaimoa?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-07-at-20.19.24-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-07-at-20.20.48-2.png) There was once a Temperance Hall where John Frost Square is today (right map dated 1881) and later there was one on Friars Street (left map). The Temperance Hall on the left map was being used in 1895 so likely that the event was held there. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0328.jpeg) Johns Directory, 1878 ### Volume 2, Number 15 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-15-2/ Last updated: 2026-04-25T06:19:27.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Capture of a Sturgeon in the River Usk During the past day or two Mr. Edgar Fennell, of High street, has had on view at his shop a fine sturgeon, which was netted in the river Usk near Caerleon. The presence of sturgeon in local waters is exceedingly rare. The one in question was seven feet long, and it weighed 140lbs. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th May, 1884*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407450/3407455/72/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## House with Fruit Trees For Sale on Lliswerry Common ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-02-at-08.07.02.png) An advert published in the [Monmouthshire Merlin on 26th May, 1866](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402180/3402184/12/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) offered a house with over four acres of land including 'choice fruit trees'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-02-at-08.06.10.png) The common has long gone although the outline of it can still be seen when comparing the tithe map from 1840 to a modern day aerial shot. Thompson Avenue is at the northern edge, Lliswerry Reen at the bottom and Lliswerry Road bisecting it. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-02-at-08.06.14.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Carpenters Arms Club Mentioned in the advert above is the Carpenters Arms Club and then being the owner of the common. There are a few mentions of the club but I'm not sure exactly what it was other than being a club of 'gentlemen and tradesmen'. In 1842 there was a mention of Barry the Clown visiting the club when Cornwall's Circus was visiting the town. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-02-at-08.13.18.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th August, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402180/3402184/12/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) There was another mention in 1842 about a dinner being held at the club along with ones at the Crown and Parrot. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-02-at-08.16.13.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th October, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393785/3393788/34/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) There was a mention of one of the members in the death notices in 1848 being one John Morgan who was a corn and provision merchant. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-02-at-08.18.24.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th October, 1848](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394516/3394519/47/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) There were a couple of mentions of John Morgan such as a partnership with William Townsend [being dissolved](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391239/3391241/9/John%2BOR%2BMorgan%2BAND%2BProvision?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) in 1832 and him [becoming insolvent](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392694/3392697/37/John%2BOR%2BMorgan%2BAND%2BProvision?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) in 1838\. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-02-at-08.22.48.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th October, 1838](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392790/3392792/7/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) An advert associated with the insolvency places him at the end of Griffin Street near the canal. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-02-at-08.25.11.png) Approximate location ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-31-at-08.45.06.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th September 1841](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393515/3393517?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Foul Language Elizabeth Bragg was charged with using threats and bad language towards Sarah Higley, living on Stow-hill. It appeared that abusive language had been freely bandied between complainant and defendant, and **both were bound over to keep the peace for three months**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th September, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396998/3397000?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing Clothes Margaret Madden and Harriet Langdon were charged with stealing an apron that had been hung out to dry. Rebecca Tucker said she hung a blue apron in the back yard to dry, and she afterwards saw Mrs. Madden untying the apron from the line. Harriet Langdon was with her. She threw the apron to Harriet Langdon, who carried it to Mrs. Madden's house. She said it was hers, and therefore she had a right to take it. The apron, which was described as of the full value of one penny! was produced, and complainant swore it was hers. The elder defendant, however, persisted in saying that it was her property and Mr. Champ, who appeared for her, talked of an action in the County Court to adjust the difference. The case was dismissed. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th September, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396998/3397000?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Crimping Thomas Bryan, described by the police-officers as a fellow hailing from the "Rose and Shamrock" beerhouse, Canal-side, whose only known pursuit was that of inducing sailors to leave their vessels, and go to tbis house, was charged with being found at night with a bundle of seamen's clothes in his possession, of which he could give no satisfactory account. There being no evidence to prove that the things were stolen, Bryan was discharged—being advised by the Magistrates to leave the town, as he was well-known to the police, and would probably get into trouble if he remainad. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th December, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397127/3397131/30/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Good Natured Simpleton and a Dishonest Tramp John Purnall, a tramp, was charged with stealing a pair of cord trousers, the property of John Hopkins, labourer, Caerleon. In the evening of Tuesday, the 8th instant, the prisoner and prosecutor met at the St. Julian's Inn and drank together. Prosecutor had a bundle, containing a pair of trousers and some victuals. Prisoner left the inn first, and took the bundle with him. Prosecutor followed and overtook him before he got to Duckpool-farm, and prisoner gave up the bundle. They walked on together, and the prosecutor, with the greatest simplicity imaginable, asked the prisoner to hold his bundle until he went into a field for a few minutes. When he came back the prisoner was gone. He went towards Mr. Firbank's brick yard, and sat down for about ten minutes. Prisoner then came on wearing prosecutor's trousers. When told that he had better take the trousers off, he did so and having put on his own, he ran off again with prosecutor's trousers. On the same night the prisoner sold the trousers to a clothes dealer in Skinner-street, Newport, for 3s. 6d. Prisoner was further charged with stealing a pair of trousers, a vest, and a handkerchief, the property of James Morris, fisherman, Caerleon. On the night of Monday, the 7th inst., the prisoner slept at Morris's, and breakfasted with him next morning. After breakfast they went out, and Morris locked up his house. On Tuesday night Morris did not go to his own house, but slept at his sister's. On Wednesday morning when he went home, he found the door open. He went to his tearoom, and saw that h's box had been broken open, the trousers, vest, and kerchief taken out, and an old pair of trousers left. On reaching the house he found he had lost the key of the door, and he supposed prisoner must have taken it from his pocket on Tuesday morning whilst they were drinking together at the White Lion, and the Bell. Witnesses were called to prove that prisoner sold the vest and kerchief, and pawned the trousers in Newport. **Prisoner was committed for trial on both charges**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th September, 1874*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405497/3405499/2/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing a Sheep's Caul William Evans was charged with stealing a sheep's caul from the public slaughter houses. A butcher named Davis said he was at the slaughter houses about ten minutes to six on Friday evening. Prisoner was there and appeared to have something under his coat. Just as the man was going out of the gate witness stopped him and took from him the caul produced. George Baker, the superintendent, said he gave prisoner into custody. The man had no business in the slaughter house. The caul was the property of William Allan and would be worth 1s. A good many petty thefts had been committed at the slaughterhouses. P.C. Widcomb said he received the man into custody about half-past six. He was very drunk and made no reply to the charge. Prisoner elected to be tried by the Bench and pleaded guilty. He said he was very sorry for it. He had had some beer. Superintendent Huxtable said he had been twice before charged with theft, but neither case was sustained. Prisoner was sentenced to fourteen days' hard labour. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th September, 1874*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405497/3405499/2/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Assaulting a Wife at the Battle and the Breeze' Eugene McCarthy was charged with assaulting his wife, Mary McCarthy. The facts, as spoken to by the complainant and a police-officer, were as follow:- The prisoner had been married about six months; and soon after his marriage, had left his wife, and associated with a prostitute. About two months ago, he came back, and took his wife out of a situation which she had obtained. After remaining a few days, he again deserted her. She learned one evening that he was at the "Battle and the Breeze," a low beer-house in Cross-street, and on going there, she found him and his female companion in the house. On her asking him to go home, prisoner attacked her in a brutal manner with his fists, and also assaulted his own mother, who went with complainant to try to get him home. The worthless fellow was sharply reprimanded by the Bench, and **ordered to be imprisoned for three months at hard labour**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th December, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397127/3397131/30/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Assault at the Battle and the Breeze' Daniel Neale was charged with sealing a cap, the property of Henry Harrhy, and with assaulting him. Defendant had been taken into custody on this charge, and the police had a warrant against him or assaulting, with two others, John Roach. John Barrett, one of the party, was therefore brought up, and the two were first charged with the assault upon Roach. John Roach said, I was at the Battle and the Breeze beer house on Christmas eve. As I was having a jug of beer with a young man, the defendants came in and took the jug from my companion. He and Barrett were going to fight, and I made him drink to keep the peace with Neale and Barrett. At eleven o'clock we came out, and the defendants followed us. After speaking, Barrett struck me on the face, and kept on for about five minutes. They then set on my companion, and knocked him down. I went to my house and got a cane, with which I struck Barrett. Neale kicked me and knocked me down, and in the row I lost 3s. 9d. Henry Harrhy was then examined as against Neale for the assault and theft in Cross-street, last week. He had lost his cap, and was struck a violent blow on the mouth. Never spoke to the man before that light. Was sure Neale was the man. **Neale was fined 5s. and costs, or fourteen days**, for assaulting Roach the other case was dismissed. Barrett was dismissed, as ioach appeared to have given him a violent blow. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th May, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396821/3396823/3/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/55-MissHolmes-MM-1855.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th March, 1855](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396290/3396298/66/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Hubbub in the Market There are many persons in this trafficking world who make a great parade of doing good to their fellow-creatures, while, in the stead thereof, they but benefit themselves. Of this class of self-worthies was an old lady who, on Saturday last, in a junta of cherry-ripe women in our market, assembled for the purpose of taking into consideration the necessity of upholding the price of the cherry in the market, violently declared she would not stick to the standard of "tuppence the pund (sic)," but out-sell them all at a penny per pound, for the benefit of the cherry-eating part of the community. This determination she avowed with oaths, and rushing to her basket, she set up so terrible a concert of "cherry-ripe" cries- "here they are at a penny a pund, buy who will," &c., &c., that all the penny-provided boys in the market flocked to buy. A sage old philosopher was attracted by the hubbub, and went along with the crowd, wisely supposing he might pick up a few crumbs of wisdom even from a cherry market competition. He narrowly watched the noisy old woman, as she vociferated, "Sold agin, to a nice young genelman (sic), with seventy pounds a-year," and at length detected the clamouring she-philanthropist holding the scales in which she so liberally weighed out her cherries, by her finger and thumb, so placed on each side that she could make "a thumping pound" out of twenty cherries. And thus our keen-sighted old observer detected the secret by which the woman could afford to laugh at the competition of her neighbours; and having pondered awhile on this novel mode of appearing generous, he followed one of the cherry-buying urchins, and begged him to weigh his "pound of cherries." This was done, and they did not even weigh half-a-pound. Determined, as Shylock, who would have his "pound of flesh," the disappointed youngster and the philanthropist resolved on exposing the artful vendor, and thus get full weight. Back, therefore, they proceeded, and the lad laid open his statement, demanding more cherries, and stating that the discoverer of the beam-trick was the old gentle- man by his side. Out fled the "cherry-ripe," and tore after the strange little man, vowing she would have his blood but he having a nimble pair of heels, scampered through the market at a steaming rate; and after a long run, escaped minus only one skirt of his rusty black coat. Our philosopher told the tale with much glee, but added that a beautiful moral might be drawn from the occurrence, which was—"Never trust an open professor of charity to all men, further than you can see him." — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th August, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393740/3393743?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-26-at-08.18.22.png) [South Wales Argus, 23rd December, 1898](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145600193?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Something Novel There is now lying in our Dock a fine ship, carrying Austrian colours, and owing to the disturbed state of her country, has two nine-powders mounted on her broad decks, while she has also in the state room on deck, about twenty muskets, two or three blunderbusses and foreign pieces, and a bright complement of highly-tempered Turkish blades. Her well-exercised crew look a bold and daring band, just the sort of men who could keep the decks of so fine a ship to themselves, under the direction of an intelligent and active commander. Among other fine vessels now in the Dock, is a Dutch East Indiaman, which is attracting great attention. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th September, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394506/3394509?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0356.jpeg) Johns Directory, 1878 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Melancholy Circumstance There are some occurrences which tend to make men believe in the foreshadowing of coming events, as afforded by dreams and that which we are about to narrate will appear to belong to that class; for here we find a father and a husband in the next county, at Merthyr, dreaming for two or three consecutive nights that some hurt was about to befall his family; and scarcely has he apprised his wife (who recently resided in Newport) of his dreams and apprehension, before an only son is suddenly lost from his mother's side by drowning, almost before her eyes. The particulars of the sad event, are as follow:— A man named Longfellow, working at Merthyr, sent a letter to his wife in this place, saving that he was very much distressed in mind, as he had had a dream for two or three nights, in which he saw himself suddenly surrounded by some great trouble, which was occasioned either by injury to her or their only child—a very interesting boy of five years old. He therefore begged her to come to Merthyr, that he might be relieved from his forebodings; and he particularly cautioned her to avoid all danger on the way. Anxious to free her husband's mind from its distress, and to show him that herself and his darling boy were well and happy, she on Wednesday morning settled her affairs in Newport, packed up her goods, and placed them all ready for her departure but before she went, she bade her neighbours good bye. While at the house of one, taking some refreshment, to which she went accompanied by her little boy, she was talking of her journey, and did not perceive the absence of child for a few minutes. In the interim, he had stolen out, and with his bread and cheese in hand, was talking to a woman, saying he was going away presently, for his mother had washed and dressed him for the journey; and then the little merry-hearted fellow ran off, saying he was "going to say good bye to Johnny," who had been his playmate. Nothing more was heard or seen of him alive. This was close by the canal, near the Dock Tavern bridge, over the canal. Then the mother came out to look for him, and became alarmed at the absence, remembered her husband's dreams, and ran screaming here and there, but no one could give her hope or tidings of her lost one. Shortly after, a cap was seen floating on the canal; and then the people cried out he was drowned. This was but too true. A raft of timber was being taken along, and the boatman, in drawing up his pole and hook from the water, after pushing the raft along, drew up the ill-fated child He was quite dead and though some persons thought if the usual means were resorted to, he might have been rescucitated, others shook their heads mournfully, and said, it was doomed—it could not be otherwise! The wretched mother—frantic and heart broken, clasped the inanimate corpse of the dear child she had just before beheld vigorous and bounding with joy and health but all her terrible grief could not restore him. It was, indeed, a pitiful spectacle and it is but harrowing up our own feelings further to describe it. The jury—humane men—who sat upon the inquest, threw their shillings into one heap, and sent the foreman to place it in the poor mother's hands while their rough condolence, meant to be conveyed to her, was broken in so like sobbing, and tears stood in their as their own dear little children at home. The name of the unfortunate boy was John Longfellow, and he had just entered his sixth year. As his body lay upon the table in one of the apartments at the Dock Tavern, where the inquest was held, his fair, curly locks fell back over his head, and his face, clean and still ruddy, had a pleasant expression upon it, as it he had had no struggle in his dying moments. No one heard him scream or call out; and it is supposed he slipped into the canal, unseen and unheard, and never rose again. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th September, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394506/3394509?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-27-at-18.28.07.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd October, 1851](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395164/3395166/5/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A Voracious Cat A few evenings since, a gentleman in Newport sat down to his supper, which had been carefully spread by direction of his housekeeper. He was somewhat fastidious, however, and did not approve of what had been provided the kind housekeeper bethought her of a fine duck, which had been sent from the dinner table that day, and which left the table still in tempting order, would he like that? He thought he should, and Mary, the maid, was ordered to bring up the delicacy. The help had not been gone from the room many moments, however, when they heard her, apparently in great distress of mind, "kiss"-ing the cat most vociferously, and at last screaming out, "Oh la! the nasty cat has eat up all the duck 'Twas suspicious, certainly, how the cat could have swallowed the duck, bones and all, so that not a vestige could be found but it was, nevertheless, true that the duck was gone, and Mary said she should never forgive herself for allowing the cat to be able to get into the pantry so easily though it was a nice quiet pussy, too. The master noised and stormed, and said the offending cat should be killed at once; but Mary prayed so earnestly that poor grimalkin might be spared, that her prayer was granted—not withstanding the extraordinary animal has been declared guilty by Mary, on several recent occasions, of having eaten up whole tarts, devoured two legs of mutton—bones and all and destroyed several valuable articles in the house, such as a beautiful lamp, three nice chimney ornaments, a mirror, and sundry pieces of china. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th October, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394511/3394515?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-26-at-08.15.36.png) [South Wales Argus, 10th January, 1899](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145600760/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ### Volume 2, Number 14 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-14/ Last updated: 2026-04-11T06:15:03.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/image-1.png) ## Out of Door Amusements A singular, expert, and intrepid genius, of the Madame Sacqui school, who some years ago astonished the London world, at Vauxhall Gardens, has been, this week, gratifying the curiosity of the inhabitants of Newport, by his marvellous feat on the fight rope, in the public street. We understand that he absolutely made an excursion from a spot near Mr. Desmond's tea warehouse to the top of the residence of Mr. Clements, chemist, and back again, balancing himself on the cord as cleverly as if on terra firma. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-23-at-08.17.58.png) Mr Desmond had a tea warehouse at 12 Commercial Street and Albert Clements had a chemist at the bottom of Stow Hill. Arrows show approximate location of premises. It was certainly a wonderful rope walk. He is about crossing the river on the same narrow footing. The enterprising artist adopts the voluntary system tor remuneration. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 22 March, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425220/3425223/27/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) [Madame Sacqui](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madame%5FSaqui?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), aka Marguerite-Antoinette Lalanne, was a French tightrope walker born in 1786\. She performed in in France and Belgium and after the Napoleonic wars travelled to London and was hired to perform at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens for parts of the next four years, where she appeared under the patronage of the Prince Regent. (Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madame%5FSaqui?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## To Connoisseurs of Italian Sculpture A rare opportunity presents itself to the admirers of the most refined school of sculpture, of viewing two exquisite groups: one after Canova's Graces, and the second from Titian's Venus. They have been consigned to Mr. Desmond, Tea Dealer, 12, Commercial-street, for sale, previously to which they are allowed to be exhibited. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th October, 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424930/3424933/30/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-23-at-17.57.21.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th April, 1847](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394154?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Closing Shops It is gratifying to perceive that the drapers and grocers of Newport have published their intention to close their shops at eight o'clock each evening—Saturdays excepted—from Monday next to the first of April, 1845\. We hope this kind but just concession by employers, will be rightly estimated by the assistants, who will now find opportunities both of rendering effectual aid, by membership, to the Mechanics Institution, and of improving themselves. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th October, 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424930/3424933/30/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-12-at-17.24.17.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th July, 1882](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406864/3406868?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'How Much Would A Surgeon Be Paid at the Union Hospital?' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0037.jpg) No salary of any District Medical Officer, shall include the remunerations for operations and services of the following classes, performed by such Medical Officer in that capacity, for any out-door pauper; but such operations and services shall be paid for by the Guardians, according to the rates specified in this article. | | £ | s | d | Today's Value | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | - | - | - | ------------- | | 1\. Treatment of Compound Fractures of the Thigh | 5 | 0 | 0 | £530 | | 2\. Treatment of Compound Fractures, or Compound Dislocations of the Leg | 5 | 0 | 0 | £530 | | 3\. Amputation of Leg, Arm, Foot, or Hand | 5 | 0 | 0 | £530 | | 4\. The Operation for Strangulated Hernia | 5 | 0 | 0 | £530 | | 5\. Treatment of Simple Fractures, or Simple Dislocations of the Thigh | 3 | 0 | 0 | £318 | | 6\. Amputation of Finger or Toe | 2 | 0 | 0 | £212 | | 7\. Treatment of Disclocations or Fractures of the Arm | 1 | 0 | 0 | £106 | The above rates shall include the payment for the supply of all kinds of apparatus and splints. Provided, that except in the sudden accident immediately threatening life, no Medical Officer shall be entitled to receive such renumeration for any amputation, unless he shall have obtained at his own cost, the advice of some Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of London, or some Fellow or Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians of London, before performing such amputation; and unless he shall also produce to the Guardians a certificate from such Member of the Royal College of Surgeons, or such Fellow of Licentiate, stating that in his opinion, that it was right and proper that such amputation should be performed. Provided also, that if any case the patient has not survived the operation more than thiry-six hours, and has not required and received several attendances after the operation by the Medical Officer who has performed the same, such Medical Officer shall be entitled only to one-half of the payments respectively prescribed above. Provided also, that if several of the Fees specified in Art. 177, become payable with respect to the same person at the same time, and in consequence of the same cause or injury, the Medical Officer shall be entitled only to one of such Fees, and if they be unequal to the highest. In any Surgical Case not provided for in Art. 177, which has presented peculiar difficulty, or required and received long attendance from the District Medical Officer, the Guardians may make to the said Medical Officer such reasonable extra allowance as they may think fit, and the Commissioners may approve. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-12-at-17.26.56.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th July, 1882](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406864/3406868?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### An Unruly Apprentice George Anstice was charged with leaving his master's service, he being an apprentice. Mr. James said Defendant is apprenticed to me. He has been in the habit of leaving without permission. He left my employ yesterday morning. He was very abusive, and refused to work. I ordered him to do so, and he kicked me, and also threw a hammer at my head. Prisoner was so bad that his parents would not interfere in the case. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd October, 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438623/3438625?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-15-at-08.49.13.png) 1928 advert for Thomas's Country Dairy on 10 High Street (Source: [South Wales Argus, 4th April 1928](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144860750/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ### 'Affectionate Husband' Thomas Holmes was fined 2s. 6d., and costs, for assaulting his wife—a delicate-looking young woman, with an infant in her arms. The fellow said lie wouldn't pay—he'd go to prison, but his poor wife (forgiving, loving woman!) procured all the money, and liberated him. What acknowledgment did he make for her kindness? Why the same evening, it is said, he broke her arm! Affectionate husband! —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th March, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394131/3394133?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Mischievous Urchins Henry Lewis, seven years of age, was charged with hunting a sow to death. The low was the property of Mr. Irwin, of the Tredegar Arms Inn, Bassalleg. On a certain day the sow and five young pigs were turned into Mr. Price's field, and shortly afterwards the boy Lewis and a younger lad, named Davies, chased the sow round the field until she died. The bench was indisposed to send the boy to gaol and would rather leave Mr. Irwin to proceed for the damaged in an action at law. Discharged and ordered to pay 5s. 6d. costs. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th September, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396998/3397000?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Naked Boys' Five boys belonging to the village of Bassalleg were charged with exposing themselves by running about the fields naked, after they had been bathing. They were liable to be imprisoned three months. Each boy was fined 1s 6d. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th September, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396998/3397000?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Requesting Dr Sutton' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0158.jpg) Whilst sorting through an old stamp collection I can across this post card from 27th April, 1900\. It was sent from a Mr William Griffiths of 9 Lambert Street to Dr Sutton at 'Commercial Street, Pill'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/IMG_0159.jpg) Back then, postmen no doubt knew where professional people like doctors lived and would also have known that he actually lived on Commercial Road, not Commercial Street — 174 Commercial Road to be precise. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-21-at-15.00.25.png) [South Wales Argus, 28th September, 1900](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143516883/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) Dr Sutton, a liberal, was elected in 1900 as a councillor in the Central Ward. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-21-at-15.04.12.png) [South Wales Argus, 2nd November, 1900](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143517965/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-21-at-14.57.34.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-21-at-14.57.27.png) Dr Sutton's house at 174 Commercial Street on the left and William Griffith's house at 9 Lambert Street on the right. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Fire at Rope Walk On Tuesday evening last, a fire broke out in the flax loft belonging to the rope walk, near Clarence. place, in this town, by which a considerable quantity of flax was consumed. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-23-at-08.05.49.png) Happily, however, the fire was soon disco. vered and although it was feared that the flames would communicate with the dwelling-house and stable of Mr. Salter, immediately adjoining, the fear was removed by the prompt and vigorous measures used to subdue them, and no serious lass was sustained. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 22 March, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425220/3425223/27/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-26-at-08.46.07.png) [South Wales Argus, 20th December, 1900](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143519373/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## St Julian's Inn, Caerleon On Tuesday evening last, a ball took place at this house, when a numerous and highly respectable party congregated together, to pay the well-merited compliment due to the enterprising and youthful Host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Godwin. The spread was such as to elicit the unequivocal approbation of the guests. Galopades and quadrilles were the order of the evening and those who love to trip it on the light fantastic toe," were gratified to their hearts' content. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th December, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425220/3425223/27/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The galopade (or galop) was a lively, fast-paced round dance popular in 19th-century Europe, especially France and Britain, recognised as a forerunner to the polka. It was introduced into Britain in 1829. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Big House' An advert appeared in the Monmouthshire Merlin in the middle of the 1840s (1844-1847) for a property in Caerleon called 'The Big House'. It was described as fronting the Caerleon to Christchurch toll road and having an iron railing in front. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-23-at-18.18.51.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th January, 1846](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425240/3425242/11/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The big house in the photo (The Malt House) existed at the time of the advert and along with the smaller house on the left were the only two houses on that stretch of road. It's certainly a big property so may well be the one mentioned in the advert. Whilst researching the house I did come across a mention of another Big House in Newport — the Union hospital on Stow Hill. --- SIR, In your paper of the 26th of June, I observed that there had been a saving to the Poor-rate in the Central Division of £1,100 in the twelve months. As a rate-payer, may I be allowed to ask, through you, where the Newport Ratepayers' Association is, that it has not bestirred itself to know what has been saved in the other districts and also what has been the cause of this great saving? How has it been brought about? Not, I hope, by punishing the really poor needy? Has it been brought about by the inquiry at the **Big House on the hill**, respecting the supply of sundry commodities not sanctioned by the Poor Law Board (and which, I trust, will soon resume its labours)? or will it, Mr. Editor, be necessary to form a deputation to wait on the Relieving Officers, to ask them the favour of furnishing us poor rate-payers with some further information how this saving has been brought about—as the trade of the town has not materially increased—and we well know that the last winter was a very severe one, on account of so many navvies being out of employment? Yours truly, A RATEPAYER. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 31st July 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438515/3438519/14/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-23-at-13.07.42.png) [South Wales Argus, 13th March, 1912](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144044023/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Streets It is the common observation, that the streets of Newport were never in a worse state than at present; deep and thick sloughs of mud abound, through which foot passengers have to drag their mire-saturated boots or shoes. Where are the scavengers? people frequently ask. But the presence of those useful officials since the enquiry was made, is effecting a sweeping change. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th January, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395885/3395889?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-23-at-17.20.45.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th March, 1847](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394141?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Drowned in the Mill-Pond On Monday afternoon last, two cousins, one named John Rossiter, aged twelve years, and the other, James Rossiter, nine years and six months, sons of two labouring men, who were brothers, were at play on the ice which still remained upon the Mill-pond. One was kicking a turnip about, when his attention was attracted by a companion on the bank—about thirty feet distance. They were talking together, when the little jousin came up, sliding along happily. In a moment, the poor child fell through a broken part of the ice, and shouted "Jimmy, lend me a hand," as he was struggling in the water. His cousin tried to rescue him, but also fell in and, lamentable to relate, both sunk, never to rise again alive. An alarm was instantly raised but though Mr. John Rees and another man proceeded to the spot as quickly is they could in a boat (half-full of water), and threw out a grappling iron, it was twenty minutes before the body of one of the poor boys was recovered, quite dead and the other was not brought to the surface until the following morning. William Brewer, Esq., surgeon, held an inquest on view of the bodies, at the Moulders' Arms Inn, Marshes-road, on Wednesday, when the jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally drowned." — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th January, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395885/3395889?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-23-at-17.18.38.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th March, 1847](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394141?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Explosion at the Town Hall On Wednesday last, the inhabitants of this town living in the vicinity of the Town Hall, were thrown into a state of great consternation, by the noise of a tremendous explosion, which proved, upon enquiry, to have taken place in the Assembly Room at the Town Hall. This room has been lately occupied by the proprietors of a panorama, who have been tor some time exhibiting their dissolving views in the town; and it appears that a person in the employment of the proprietors was preparing the apparatus for the exhibition to take place on Wednesday evening, which was to be the last occasion of performance in Newport. By an accident not very clearly understood by the public, some combustible gases, used by the exhibitor, got ignited, and exploded with terrific noise. The results were most disastrous to the room and furniture but the operator, and others who were with him at the time, escaped with but trifling injury. The window-were nearly all smashed to atoms—the large door was split, in various directions—a temporary erection, in which the apparatus had been fixed, was thrown down—and some of the chairs, benches, &e., usually kept in the room, dispersed in fragments about the floor. The damage is estimated at about £50, and is confined almost entirely to the property of the Town Council. It may, perhaps, be desirable to correct all erroneous impression which has prevailed in some quarters, it being supposed by some that the accident arose from an escape of gas from the burners used to light the Hall. Such, however, was not the case. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th March, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394136/3394139?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-23-at-17.22.23.png) [South Wales Argus, 4th April, 1895](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145580034/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Rock Band Visits Newport' It will be perceived by an advertisement in this day's paper, that the celebrated performers, known as the Rock Band, intend making a tour of the Principality and will visit Newport on the 6th instant. We quote the following from the *Devonport Telegraph —* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/image-2.png) AI Generated image of how the Rock Band could have looked. *"For the information of our readers, to whom the Rock Band is unknown, we may just state that some years since, Mr Richardson accidentally discovered that certain stones in the neighbourhood of Keswick produced tones of great beauty and power. To apply this discovery, he toiled for years in the adjustment of fragments from Skiddaw, and the result of his labours is the construction of instruments, for so they may be called, which have a compass of 7 or 8 octaves; and from these uncouth blocks of stone is produced the most exquisite music that we have ever heard. These masses of stone, which vary in length from five feet to six inches, are arranged in two rows after the manner of the key board of an organ, and produce a variety of sounds, which seem to us to bear much resemblance to the tones of the harp, violoncello, and bass. At times we thought we were listening to some huge musical snuff box, so rapid was touch of the players, and sustained the effect."* *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd April, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394149/3394152?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/South_Wales_Argus_1895_04_04_2--1-.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 4th April, 1895](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145580034/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ### Volume 2, Number 13 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-13/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T07:03:35.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow-2.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-09-at-08.37.28.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st March, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425025/3425027?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Cabmen's Rest The cabmen's rest in the Great Western Railway Station yard, and which it may be remembered, was erected at the sole cost of Mr. Cordes, MP, some time ago, has since done good service to those whom it was intended to benefit. Cabmen wishing to use the Rest pay a penny day, and in return for this they have the shelter afforded by the structure, use of hot water for making tea and coffee, facilities for cooking a chop or steak, and a supply of water for their horses. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-12-at-18.22.34.png) The location of the cabmen's rest. Some of the cabmen have left, and now wish to re-join without paying up arrears. This would be in contravention to the ninth rule and on Tuesday evening a meeting of the proprietors and drivers was held at the Rest to consider the matter, Mr. Perrott in the chair. After discussion, it was agreed to adhere to the rule. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th June, 1877*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439683/3439688?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-09-at-12.54.24.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th February, 1853](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395585/3395593/62/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'First Annual Sale at Gaer Fach Farm' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-12-at-08.31.20.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th May, 1881](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440672/3440676?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) An advert for the first annual sale at Gaer Fach Farm showing that it must have been a farm of some size. The following year the sale had even more animals for sale including 50 cows, 140 lambs and 40 pigs. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-12-at-08.30.25.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-12-at-08.36.30.png) This is the location of Gaer Fach Farm today. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-26-at-08.38.17.png) [South Wales Argus, 24th December, 1902](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143526543/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'House for Sale in Maindee' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-12-at-08.08.54.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th May, 1881](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440654/3440658?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Ffwrd Vale is located next to the present day Eveswell school and is occupied by the Kensington Court Clinic. The map below surveyed the same time as the advert shows the lawn and gardens surrounding the large house. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-12-at-08.08.43.png) OS Map Surveyed: 1881 to 1882, Published: 1886 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-12-at-08.08.28.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Madame Sainton Dolby ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-12-at-21.56.56.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd October, 1869](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438623?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Madame Sainton Dolby (full name Charlotte Helen Sainton-Dolby) was an English contralto, singing teacher and composer born in 1821\. She was a principal soloist in the first English performance of Bach's St Matthew Passion, directed by William Sterndale Bennett (a road in Alway is named after him). She retired shortly after performing in Newport in 1870 and then became a vocal teacher. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-12-at-21.57.47.png) Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte%5FSainton-Dolby?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) From the Monmouthshire Merlin the same day that the advert was published:- The proposed retirement of Madame Sainton Dolby from the Concert Room is an event which the musical public will generally deplore. That the fair singer should wish for more repose than her present position enables her to enjoy can be easily understood. But the question naturally arises, "who can fill her place?" But great as her claims on public gratitude may be, for the hours of delight they have enjoyed in listening to her exquisite rendering of Home Ballads, the boon of her example in private life is not inferior. The "fierce light which beats about a throne" is scarcely less fierce around the domestic hearths of singers; and it should be one of the greatest triumphs to Madame Sainton in her retirement, to know that the public have always borne witness to the purity of her life. Her name, as Miss Dolby, was a household word wherever music was venerated and as Madame Sainton she has gained fresh popularity and esteem. True to the last, we perceive that she brings forward at her farewell concerts, the most interesting musical work the present age has produced—the Messe Solennelle of Rossini. Amateurs of music and admirers of intrinsic private worth will, we confidently trust, combine to pay an appropriate tribute to the merit of both author and exponent of the work. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd October, 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438623/3438628?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-09-at-17.51.15.png) [South Wales Argus, 13th August, 1897](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143494682/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/StowHill.jpg) Stow Hill ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-09-at-17.55.08.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th July, 1834](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391474?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Emigrating to Philadelphia Over the period of a month in 1834, three separate ships set sale from Newport for Philadelphia. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-09-at-17.58.09.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-09-at-17.58.16.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-09-at-17.58.23.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th July, 1834](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391474?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Playing Cat Five boys, named Francis Garrett, John Crane, Michael Hart, Jeremiah Spillard, and Thomas Hodgkiss were charged with playing a game called "Cat," in Dock-street. P.C. May said that the boys continually played this game to the annoyance of the inhabitants of Dock-street, and on Thursday last, witness went there, saw them, and afterwards summoned them. William Gibbins, a young man employed at Mr. Firbank's office, said that boys playing this game and throwing stones, were a continual annoyance to the people living in the neighbourhood. **Ordered to pay a fine of Is. each, and cautioned not to play in the streets again**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th February, 1878*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440095/3440097?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Disturbance in Quiet Woman's Row Mary Ann Welsh was summoned for being disorderly in Quiet Woman's-row, and breaking five panes of glass in a window, the property of Edward Larkin, on Tuesday. P.C. Morgan hearing a row in the place named, went there and saw the defendant behaving in a very disorderly manner. Edward Larkin stated that on Tuesday after he returned home the defendant came up with a stone in her hand, and told witness that if his wife was there instead of him she would hit her brains out. She then broke the window, and subsequently struck his wife. The magistrates' clerk asked why the place was called Quiet Woman's-row, and P.S. Franklin stated there was formerly a beer house there called the Quiet Woman. On the sign was a figure of a woman with her head off, and the name was taken from that. **The Bench fined defendant 20s., and 5s. for the damage done, or a month**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th May, 1881*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440663/3440667?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) [Read more](https://www.historytoday.com/miscellanies/desolation-row-victorian-britain%E2%80%99s-sensational-slums?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) about Quiet Woman's Row on History Today. ### Stealing a Watch Thomas Stacey, a tramp, was charged witbi stealing a watch, the property of Joseph Rondall,. Union-court. Mrs. Rondall: was hanging out some clothes, when prisoner, who came to the house to beg, walked in and took the watch from the mantelpiece, He now said he was sorry. The Chairman asked him how he got his living, and he replied "I don't know months!" **Six months hard labour**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st June, 1877*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439671/3439673?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) 'Man With The Itch' Edward D. Higgs, a respectably attired man, was charged with wilfully breaking a pane of glass, in the shop of William Evans, grocer, Commercial-street. P.S. Pyne said he was standing on the Town Hall steps, on Saturday last, when prisoner accosted him, and asked if there was a lock-up there. The sergeant told him there was, and at the same time asking him what be wanted to know for. > He replied that he wanted a month's imprisonment, as he had a complaint called the itch, and that if he could get a month in prison he would get cured all right. He had not done anything yet, but he intended to do something on the sly. The sergeant cautioned him, and told him he had better go to the old barn—Union Hospital on Stow Hill—but he said that would do him no good, but if he had a month in prison be would be all right. He then left the sergeant, and proceeded towards the shop of Mr. Evans and took a rule out of his pocket, and deliberately broke a pane of glass. Several of the assistants ran out, and when asked who it was, prisoner said, "Yes, it was me, and if its necessary, I will break two or three more." He was then taken into custody. When asked if be had any questions to ask the witness, he said he had not, and what the sergeant had said was quite right. > Mr. Lyne said it would be a pity to disappoint the prisoner of his month, and he would have more, viz., six weeks' imprisonment with hard labour. **Prisoner**: Thank you, sir, I am very much obliged. — ***Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th November, 1864*** The Old Barn mentioned in the article was the name of a building at the workhouse hospital which was used first for paupers and then small pox and cholera patients in the 1860s and 1870s. Read more about the 'Old Barn' below. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-09-at-08.02.20.png) [South Wales Weekly Argus, 3rd June, 1905](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1192719655/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Bicycle Contest The first run between the Newport and Cardiff Bicycle Clubs took place on Saturday, and proved to be an unqualified success. Eighteen of the Cardiff club, with their captain (Mr. Hutchins) and twelve of Newport, under Mr. T. L. Evans (the secretary), met at Castletown, and rode into Newport, side by side. > After proceeding to Maindee and Liswerry, they returned to Messrs Ewins and Son's Restaurant, Commercial-street, where the Newport club entertained their Cardiff friends to a knife-and-fork tea. A cordial vote of thanks was proposed by the Captaio, and seconded by the Secretary of the Cardiff club, to the Newportonians for their hospitality, and suitably acknowledged. A start was shortly afterwards made for home, a number of the Newport men escorting their visitors as far as Castletown. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th May, 1881*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440663/3440667?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Old Barn Article from the Board of Guardians meeting on 25th July, 1868 Mr. Bolt reported that two apartments in the Old Barn were now ready for the reception of small-pox patients. Mr. Gething said the Ex-Mayor had asked him whether they were ready to take in any patients, Mr. Lyne said that was opening the door rather wider than, this Board, intended. The Old Barn was for the accommodation of paupers only, and if cases other than paupers were sent in, it ought to be on the distinct understanding that they should entail no loss upon the Guardians. Mr. Gething said that was understood. The Clerk said they could not proceed in this matter until they had received, the sanction of the Local Government Board to purchase this building, and then they would have no power to remove to the Old Barn any persons excepting paupers. Mr. Woodruff wanted to know what they should have to do if another such case as that of the black man came before them? Mr. Lyne said that was a pauper case, and if any such cases now occurred, this Old Barn was intended as a provision for them, so that they should not be left to die in the streets, but the Old Barn was not intended for all classes of patients. Mr. Lewis, the medical officer, said he had attended 42 pauper cases of small-pox this year, and eight of them had proved fatal; and he had found in houses where there resided persons who had not been vaccinated they caught the contagion, whilst those who had been vaccinated escaped. Mr. Bolt thought that was sufficient to show the necessity for providing a proper place where such cases could be isolated. The subject was then allowed to drop, and there was no other public business. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th November, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403755/3403757/3/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) --- ## The "Old Barn" Nuisance *(To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.)* SIR,—Allow me through your columns to call attention to a most disgusting nuisance caused for some nights past by the burning of filthy straw or other rubbish at the "Old Barn," on Stow-hill. On Tuesday night, in particular, the stench was so bad that the persons living in the neighbourhood were made seriously ill. My house is unfortunately very near this "Old Barn," and every room in the house was filled with a suffocating and disgusting smell. Whereas our Inspector of Nuisances, that he does not interfere to prevent such improper practices? If such offensive practices were carried on in a private house heavy penalties would be inflicted. Why, then, should the parish officials be allowed to annoy the public in this way any more than private individuals? Hoping that a stop will be put to such offensive practices, I am, sir, yours obediently, E. R. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th July, 1868*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3442572/3442578/23/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## The "Old Barn" and the Workhouse *\[TO THE EDITOR OF THE MONMOUTHSHIRE MERLIN.\]* SIR,—My attention has been directed to a correspondence in our local papers resulting from some strictures made by Mr. Knapp in the Town Council, upon the part taken in political questions by the ministers of this town. I have no intention of engaging in any controversy upon that subject, but as reference has been made in that correspondence to the propriety of ministers visiting the Union Infirmary and Hospital, a favourable opportunity seems to occur of calling public attention to a few facts which have come under my notice. These facts are such as to form a complete answer to the implied charge against the ministers of Newport, that they neglect a certain spiritual duty for the sake of political controversy. In the first place—About two years ago a benevolent lady of our town, in conjunction with some friends, was, and had been for some time, in the habit of visiting the "Old Barn" for the purpose of gaining access to the minds of the miserable girls whom vice and disease had consigned to the tender mercies of the Union. This lady was accustomed to read the Scriptures and distribute suitable tracts and religious books in the hospital. About the time which I have mentioned her husband received a polite note from one of the relieving officers, to the effect, that he was sorry to inform him that, the Board having passed a resolution that no one should be permitted to visit the hospital but the Chaplain, the visits of his wife and her friends must be discontinued. These facts came to my notice some time since, when I was endeavouring to obtain access for visitors for a similar purpose. Since that time two gentlemen of my acquaintance—men of true Christian benevolence—pail a visit to the "barn" to see a sick patient in whom they were personally interested. They were somewhat astonished to notice the destitution of the patients with respect to copies of the Scriptures and religious books; an,1 on returning home one of the gentlemen sent up a dozen copies of the New Testament. The next time he went to see the sick inmate he carried with him a packet of religious tracts, but on attempting to distribute them was told by the nurse that the Chaplain had left positive orders that no tracts or books should be received except through him. So far with respect to the Hospital. You can judge, sir, how far the ministers are to blame for not visiting that abode of disease and wretchedness. Now for one more fact, to my mind the most extraordinary and disgraceful of all:- There exists in Newport a branch of the Society for teaching the blind to read; Mr. Charles, a well-known and much-respected inhabitant of the town, is the teacher. His duty is to visit all the blind persons he can find, and either to become their teacher, by the use of the raised letter system, or to read to them or if they are already able to read the blind alphabet, to supply them with books. I, as the treasurer of that Society, having ascertained that there were eight blind persons in the Union, three of whom are under thirty years of age, and five under forty, applied to the Board of Guardians for permission to send Mr Charles to teach these persons if they were willing to learn. Here I may observe, in passing, that at all the towns of which I have enquired, where the agents of this Society are at work they are freely admitted and warmly welcomed into the different Unions. The only response I obtained to my first letter was a polite acknowledgment. Of course, I wrote again, and after some little delay received a reply to the effect that the Board could not permit the visits of unauthorised persons, and that therefore my request must be refused. I do not write this merely to exonerate ministers from a charge which, at the worst, no more affects them than any private Christian I write hoping that you, Sir, and the public generally, will take some further notice of a state of things which I think preposterously tyrannical and unkind. That the sick, the blind, and the wretched should thus be fenced and hedged round from any charitable effort to ameliorate their condition, appears to me shameful and unjust. I am, Sir, Yours respectfully, P.W. Darnton May 10th, 1866 — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 12th May, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402156/3402161/15/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## 'Letter from an Old Barn Nurse' *To the Board of Guardians of the Newport Union* Gentlemen,—Your advice on the subject. Mr. Knapp stated in your columns a few weeks ago the Old Barn, as he called the hospital, was in a filthy state I am prepared to report that Mr. Knapp has not visited the hospital during the last three years and nine months, that I nave been nurse at the hospital. Mr. Knapp visited the hospital on Thursday last the twenty third day of Aug for the first time. Why should the gentlemen and myself be blamed wrongfully, let any lady or gentlemen come forward to prove during, which time I have been nurse at the hospital the place have not been keep in good order and clean, the patients under my care have been very thankful that they had the old barn to come to. I am Your obdt Servant, JANE THORNE, Nurse — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st September, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402348/3402353/22/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-11-at-13.08.56.png) [South Wales Argus, 24th October, 1908](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144043704/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ### Volume 2, Number 12 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-12/ Last updated: 2026-03-28T10:18:21.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow-3.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-02-at-18.21.14.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd August, 1863](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400483/3400487?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Accident The horse, in a dog-cart, coming through Commercial-street last Wednesday morning, from the Cardiff ball, shied at a bull passing along, and threw some of the gentlemen from their seats, when Mr. Samuel S. Phillips, shipping agent, received severe injuries on the skull. He was, however, recovered sufficiently, to be able to attend the Newport ball last evening. \[see next article\] — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th February, 1853*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395585/3395589?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Grand Annual Subscription Ball The charming assembly is in the zenith of enjoyment, as we are going to press. There is quite a galaxy of beauty, in dresses which do credit to the *modistes* of Newport; the music is well selected; the supper (from the Westgate Hotel, laid out in the Reading Room in superior style,) has fulfilled the highest expectations and in quality, the good things would not have discredited the wedding supper at the Tuileries; whilst the truly elegant decorations of the Town Hall room, will long be remembered as a model for such interesting occasions. We may add, that about one hundred and thirty were present, many ladies and gentleman among them, being from distant parts of the county. Dancing was led off by Mr. Sheppard, one of the stewards, and the lady of the Mayor. The orchestra was under the direction of the veteran violinist, Mr. Pollock; and among his effective force, were Mr. Quelch, of Cardiff, and Mr. Richardson, of Bristol. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th February, 1853*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395585/3395589?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-09-at-08.35.56.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st March, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425025/3425027?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-09-at-08.36.41.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-02-at-18.22.43.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd August, 1863](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400483/3400487?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Transfer of License Mr. Samuel Polak applied to the Bench for leave to transfer the license of the Angel wine and spirit vaults, one of his houses in the new town at Bane's well, to Mr. William Jones, formerly wine and spirit traveller, Chepstow. The Bench asked for some reference as to Mr. Jones, who immediately replied he could produce a satisfactory one from his late employers but a gentleman in court intimating to the magistrates his knowledge of Mr. Jones's respectable character, the transfer was immediately ordered. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th February, 1853*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395585/3395589?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) At the time, Samuel Polak owned the Great Western Clothing Establishment which was on the corner of High Street and Skinner Street where the Principality Building Society was a few years ago. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Stealing Half Crowns' Thomas Lake was charged with stealing six half crowns, the property of Messrs. Thomas and Edward Davies, grocers, High-street, on the 20th inst. John Long, assistant at Messrs. Davies's, stated that the prisoner had been employed at the prosecutor's shop about two months. On Saturday last about half-past one o'clock he missed two half crowns from the till. He had missed money on previous occasions. He saw the prisoner roll something in a pocket handkerchief and place it inside his waist coat. While he was informing another assistant in the shop what had taken place the prisoner went out, and returned shortly afterwards. Alfred Budd said that he had suspicion that the prisoner had been robbing his employer for some time past. About a quarter to two o'clock on Saturday last he saw him put something in a pocket handkerchief and put it in his breast. The prisoner was afterwards told to go to dinner, and he followed him, and accused him of stealing money from the till. He strongly denied it for some time, but subsequently admitted that he had taken it. The prisoner then gave him the pocket handkerchief he bad concealed, which contained between 15s. and 16s. He begged him not to tell his employer. P.S. Pratten apprehended the prisoner on Saturday afternoon. He admitted that he had taken the money from the till. The handkerchief produced was that taken from the prisoner, and which contained six half crowns. Mr. Davies stated that he had been in the employ of his father about five years. He had engaged him after he had been out ot a situation some time and was in a reduced condition. He had also endeavoured to improve his position by trying to procure for him a better situation. The Bench considered that the conduct of the prisoner had been most ungrateful. He had been taken into the employ of Messrs. Davies out of pure charity when in a state of destitution, and they were endeavouring to procure for him a better situation. By the repeated thefts that had taken place in the shop suspicion might possibly have rested upon innocent persons, and it was fortunate that the thief had been discovered. **Committed for six months with hard labour**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th September, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400507/3400509?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Den of Thieves John Holmes, a man of good address and respecta ble appearance, was charged with allowing thieves and prostitutes to assemble in his house. Sergeant Huxtable proved that he went into the Neptune on Monday night last, the house of the defendant, where he found a large number of thieves and prostitutes. \[Witness stated the number of offences with which about a dozen of them had been charged, and the number of convictions they had undergone. A pretty assemblage, truly!\] Mr Holmes said he had not been landlord more than about a month, and did not know his company, or he would not have suffered such a disgraceful set to assemble. He was the victim of malice in this case, however; for he had been complained of to the Mayor by persons who suffered conduct just as flagrant in their houses, and sold beer and spirits during the house of Divine Service. **Fined 10s and the expenses.** James Thaine was charged with allowing beer to he consumed in his bouse after hours, on the 3rd instant, and was **fined 2s 6d**. Elizabeth Davies, alias Pugh, was charged with being an idle and disorderly prostitute about the streets, and was **sent to prison for two months**. John Joseph was charged with stealing apples from the garden of Mrs Rebecca Harrhy, and was discharged, no prosecutor appearing. William Strickland, Edward Gibbon, and John Pring, were charged with stealing a quantity of fruit from the garden of Mr Webb. **The prisoners were remanded**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 29th July, 1843* ](http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393988/3393991?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing Trousers Stephen Conroy was charged with stealing two pair of trousers—one from the doorway of Solomon Galland's shop, and the other from the outside of Henry Hazell's shop, Pillgwenlly. Mr. Cathcart prosecuted. The prisoner was seen to unhook Galland's pair, and carry them off, by Sarah Hall, servant of Mr. James, surgeon. She gave information, and Galland and a young man named Fromberg, pursued the thief. The trousers were picked up by Galland in Albert-street; and the man was caught by Fromberg behind a door in a house near the spot. He acknowledged committing the theft, saying he had been driven to rob by want. When Sergt. Lloyd was searching the prisoner at the station, he found a pawnticket for the other pair of trousers pledged at Mr Stoeker's. The garments were now identified by the two prosecutors; and the prisoner was committed for trial in both cases. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th February, 1853*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395585/3395589?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Capture of Thieves Last week, a robbery was committed at the house of Mrs. Mary Beynon, at Llandaff. The police obtained a good clue to the robbers, and went to the house of a woman named Prothero, in Whitmore lane, Cardiff and while searching for the stolen property, Stephen Henderson, John Joshua, Ann Owen, and Eliza Fair, decamped. On Sunday last, Sergt. Lloyd, the active officer of the Newport police force, shrewdly guessed that two strangers whom he saw in Llanarth-street, were the men who were "wanted." He took them into custody; and they proved to be the thieves. In the afternoon of the same day, he captured their two female friends in Friars' Fields. The gang, thus secured by Lloyd's tact, were taken by him (aided by a Cardiff officer) to Llandaff, where the gang were charged with the robbery alluded to; and a complete case was established against them. They were, however, remanded to Saturday, when another charge will be brought forward. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th February, 1853*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395585/3395589?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Stealing Watercresses Ellen Brian and Julia Findlay were summoned for gathering watercresses on the land of Daniel Lewis, at Llanmartin. At the previous sitting of the Court the prosecutor did not appear, and this day the defendants were absent. **Brian was fined 2s. and costs and the case against Findlay was dismissed**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 12th July, 1878*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440284/3440286?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Violent Fellow James Flynn, was charged with being disorderly in Llanarth-street on Sunday also with throwing stones at P.C. Payne on Saturday night. > The officer was taking a woman to the Town- hall, when the prisoner threw stones at him, and in doing so struck the woman on the back. **Sentenced to 21 days' hard labour.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 12th July, 1878*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440284/3440286?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Linen Larceny — The Pawning Propensity. Ann Porter, a married woman, lately residing in Corn-street, and the wife of a very industrious labourer, employed at the New Barracks, was placed at the bar, charged with having stolen about fifty yards of Irish linen, a quantity of calico, &c., the property of Messrs. Zouch and Evans, the extensive drapers, High-street, in this borough. The prisoner, who had an infant in her arms, appeared to have suffered much since taken into custody, last Thursday night. Mr. Harwood appeared for the defence, by permission of the magistrates. The first witness called was John Scott, a lad employed in the shop of Messrs. Zouch and Evans, who swore that he knew the prisoner, Ann Porter, who was in the habit of working occasionally at his master's, as char-woman but did not live in the house. On the evening of Thursday last, he had occasion to go into the cellar, where a piece of white calico, lying behind a box, attracted his attention. He found it to be a piece ten and a half yards in length. He put it in the same place, and left it there, while he went into the shop, and acquainted Mr James, one of the shopmen, of the circumstance. \[Calico produced, and identified.\] Other pieces are similarly marked; but the cellar was not the proper place in which it should have been. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-11-at-08.26.27.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st January, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393595/3393597/5/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) **Cross-examined by Mr. Harwood**: Did not like to swear the piece produced was the identical piece he found in the cellar. **By Mr. Pyke**: To the best of my knowledge, it is the same piece. It was brought into the shop by Mr. James, in about a quarter of an hour after I told him of it. **Edmund James, sworn**: Is shopman at Messrs. Zouch and Evans's, and knows the prisoner, who had been employed to do all sorts of servants' work in the house, ever since it had been opened in business. Went, on the information of last witness, into the cellar, where he saw the prisoner, and returned again, without saying anything to her or meddling with the calico. She presently came-up stairs, and went into the kitchen, where he also went, and saw her. There saw a basket on the ground, with a wool carpet in it. The servant said the basket belonged to the prisoner. Witness went into the shop again, and presently returned to the kitchen, and sent the prisoner out. While she was absent, witness searched the basket, and took out the piece of calico \[produced and identified\]—wrapped up in the carpet, which he had previously seen her shaking in the cellar. The piece of calico measured ten yards and a half, and was worth sixpence per yard. Mr. Evans came in shortly afterwards, when witness told him what had been discovered, and subsequently went with him to Mr. Wilde's, the pawnbroker, who said the prisoner pawned Irish linen there, and showed them a piece, which was found, by private marks, to be the property of Messrs. Zouch and Evans. Mr. Wilde produced two other lengths of Irish linen, which were also pledged by the prisoner. **Mr. Richard Baugh Evans, sworn**: Is in partnership with Mr. Clement Zouch, as drapers. Prisoner had been in Mr. Zouch's employ in the house occasionally, as char-woman, during the last four years. Witness corroborated the evidence, in which he had been alluded to, of the last witness, down to the production of the linen, at Wilde's shop. Witness then gave information to Mr. Superintendent Hopkins, and went with him to search prisoner's house, but they found nothing of consequence. Mr. Superintendent Hopkins proved apprehending the prisoner, when he found three silk laces in her pocket, which she said she had found in the ashes, at Mr. Zouch's house, She said she had nothing in pledge, nor any pawn-tickets; but in a box he found sixteen duplicates, four of them being from Wilde's, for Irish cloth, three in the name of Ann Porter, and six from Mrs. Leek, pawnbroker, for Irish clothes, five of which were in the name of the prisoner, and one in the name of Mary Evans. The other tickets were for articles, which Mr. Evans could not identify, pledged by the prisoner. Witness then proceeded to the pawnshops of Mr. Wilde and Mrs. Leek, where he saw the articles named on the tickets. The Irish linen found at each place measured about 28 yards each. Miss Leek was examined, and proved the articles produced to have been pledged at her mother's shop, by the prisoner. Mr. Moses Wilde, son of Mr. Ambrose Wilde, pawnbroker, was also examined respecting the goods produced, a portion of which he identified, which had not the prisoner's name attached while two portions to which her name was attached, his "conscience" would not permit him to say were pledged by the prisoner. Mr. Pyke, with a great deal of propriety, examined the young pawnbroker as to this loose mode of doing business, and enquired if he took any precaution to ascertain if goods brought to him were stolen property or not; to which Master Wilde replied that they only enquired what name the articles were pledged in! To this Mr. Pyke rejoined that any person might go to the shop, then, with the most valuable article, and give the name of Mr. John Styles, or Mr. Anybody-else, whilst the article might glaringly be a stolen one, and the name fictitious? "We only ask what name," was the business-like reply. And to such a mode of transacting the pledge business, may the downward step by step of this unfortunate woman, in the criminal knowledge of the safe procedure of getting rid of stolen property, be traced. We dare say the Chairman at the next Quarter Sessions will make some strong comments on this loose mode of taking in property. The testimony against the prisoner was sufficiently conclusive to warrant her committal, and she will, therefore take her trial at the next Sessions, for larceny. On the solicitor for the defence representing to the Bench the great inconvenience and distress to which the prisoner would be subjected in lying in prison previously to her trial, while nursing an infant, and having family cares to attend to, the magistrates kindly consented to take bail for her appearance at the sessions. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st September, 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424910/3424913/43/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-09-at-08.00.33.png) [South Wales Weekly Argus, 3rd June, 1905](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1192719655/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/HighStreet1903.jpg) The High Street in 1903\. On the left is the the old Tredegar Memorial Corn Exchange, in the distant is the Shaftesbury Hotel, on the right is the Kings Head Hotel and the canopied premises belongs to Fennell's fishmongers. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Newport Town Council Meeting — 1878 ### 'Dispersing Sailors' The Superintendent read a report of the crime committed in the borough during the past fortnight. Also among other matters he stated that a gentleman who was standing at the corner of the Bank in High-street had been ordered by a constable to "move on." The gentleman had been offended, and had gone to the Town-hall to complain, but he (the Superintendent) had not seen him. Since then he had been given to understand that the matter would be brought before the Watch Committee. P.C. Hoyle had been appointed a constable to the Old Dock Company, and he (the Superintendent) had promised to allow him to go without the usual month's notice. Mr. Goss said he thought the police had taken no notice of what had been said in the Council some time ago respecting the crowds of sailors which congregated in. Dock-street. Superintendent Sinclair said he had instructed the police to disperse such crowds, and he knew that in some instances at least his order bad been carried out, for several persons had been brought before the magistrates for this very offence. **Mr Goss**: I don't think there is any need of bringing them before the magistrates. All we want is to get the police to disperse the crowds. **The Supetintendent**: Yes; but where the men refuse to move they are taken into custody. > Alderman Lyne thought it but right to mention now that several people had spoken to him about the marked improvement that bad taken place with regard to the window smashing since that matter had been brought forward at the Council. It was explained that the Superintendent had only recommended that the usual month's notice should not be insisted upon from P.C. Stoyle, and the Committee then adopted the recommendation. ### 'Were they Obstructing the Pavement?' The Mayor said that he had now received a letter respecting the alleged officiousness of a policeman in ordering gentlemen to move on. It was as follows:— **Custom House, Newport, 9th July, 1878** Last evening, about half-past six o'clock, I was walking with one of my colleagues along Commercial-street, and at the junction of it with High-street we met another gentleman we both knew. We had not been talking together three minutes when policeman 33 came up and told us we must move on. On my asking him why, he said he had orders to prevent people from standing m the streets, or words to that effect. I inquired where he got his orders from, and he referred me to his Superintendent, at the Town-hall. I immediately went there, but failed to find the Superintendent. Two sergeants, however, who were standing at the door, confirmed the policeman's statements, and added that the order was given by the Committee of the Town Council, I understood. "I beg to ask you, Sir, if it is the fact that orders have been given to the police to prevent any two or three well-behaved persons from standing, in open daylight, m any portion of the streets they may think proper, so long as they do not cause an obstruction—and there was no obstruction in this case; and if such orders have been given to the police I shall feel obliged if you will tell me under what law, as the Riot Act was not previously read, such a monstrous interference with public rights and private *freedom* is exercised. "I await your reply in the hope that it will contain an assurance that such an order, if given, has been cancelled, and that if not given policeman 33 will be reprimanded for his officiousness. "I reserve to myself the right, if your answer should demand it., of publishing this letter or of forwarding a copy of it to the Secretary of State for the Home Department. "I have the honour to be, sir, Your obedient servant, "John Cross --- **"John Moses, Esq., Mayor, Newport."** The paragraph referring to the Riot Act caused great laughter in the Council, as also did the last portion of the letter. The Superintendent said the policeman had reported to him what had occurred. > Alderman Davis said that in High-street, where the pavement was so narrow, it was a practice with many people—gentlemen as well as common people—to stand together and cause an obstruction in the way of passers-by. It was the duty of the police to order everybody to move on, and a gentleman ought to set an example to other people. The Mayor thought the constable had only done his duty. The Superintendent said he had given instructions to the police to order people on, but to do so in as civil way as they could. Mr Jacob believed it would be wise to exercise a little discretion in the matter. The question then resolved itself into one of "small talk," and ultimately was dropped. ### 'New Urinal' The Committee recommend that an iron urinal for two persons be placed in the road to the Great Western Railway Station, adjoining the cab rest on the west side, provided the Great Western Company do not object thereto. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/StationApproach-1.jpg) The cab rest mentioned in the article is the building that's located on the left, just to the right of the cinema sign. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 12th July, 1878*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440284/3440286?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A Vicious Bull On Monday evening a child, named William Henry Barton, was thrown by a bullock near the new entrance to the Marshes road. The child was not severely injured. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd October, 1884*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407612/3407617/53/New%2BOR%2BEntrance?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-09-at-08.01.46.png) [South Wales Weekly Argus, 3rd June, 1905](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1192719655/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Mr and Mrs Cordes's Welcome Home The return of our esteemed neighbour Mr T Cordes and his bride from their wedding tour yesterday was the occasion of a demonstration such as is rarely witnessed in Newport. In a marked decree it testified to the popularity of a gentleman occupying a prominent and useful position among us—while it may also be taken as an expression of good will towards the estimable lady who has become his wife. Extensive preparations had been made for a hearty "welcome home," and the manner in which the arrangements were carried out by a body of willing workers afforded a striking proof of the regard felt, by the Conservatives especially, for one who has done their Party good service in the past and who is in other respects closely identified with local interests. Considerable attention was paid to house embellishment and displays, more or less extensive, of bunting were to be seen in most parts of the town. At the station entrance hung a string of handsome flags, the centre one bearing the inscription "Welcome to our Townsman's bride" while banners were shown from the King's Head Hotel and other buildings in the vicinity. But it was between the New Entrance and Bryn Glas that the decorators had bestowed their most successful efforts. An arch of evergreens and flowers was erected near the Castle Brewery and the front of the railway bridge lower down the road was completely hidden by a wealth of foliage and flowers, the design being surmounted by a scroll on which were the words "Long life and happiness to the Squire of Bryn Glas and his bride." Many of the residences hereabouts displayed flags, most of them bearing mottoes such as "Welcome the bride," "Welcome Sea King's daughter, May they be happy," "Hearty good wishes," "God speed them both," &c. Near the Wesleyan chapel a row of flags waved across the road, and on the middle a banner appeared the lines (evidently suggested by a verse of the "National Anthem,") *"Thy richest gifts in store* *On them be pleased to pour;* *God bless them both."* At the foot of Barrack-hill poles had been erected from which floated streamers with suitable legends. A magnificent arch spanned the entrance to Bryn Glas and at the mansion there was a profuse display of flags, while cannon were discharged in the grounds. At the Dos Works the firing of cannon went on all day and when the train by which Mr. and Mrs Cordes travelled ran into the station there was a loud salvo of artillery. Not a few of the cabmen and all the car and 'bus drivers sported blue favours, their horses being decked in a similar manner. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/image.png) AI Generated Image The train carrying the newly-wedded pair was due in Newport at 6.17 p.m., and long before that hour the down platform was crowded by ladies and gentlemen eager to greet Mr. and Mrs. Cordes. The majority of the gentlemen enumerated were accompanied by ladies, and Mrs Grice bore an exquisite bouquet of imposing dimensions, destined for presentation to Mrs Cordes. When the train came in it was pulled up so that the saloon carriage in which Mr and Mrs Cordes were, stopped opposite the first-class waiting room, whither they were conducted amid ringing cheers. There Mrs Cordes was introduced to a few of her husband's friends, and Mrs Grice asked her acceptance of the bouquet on behalf of the assembled ladies. After a few minutes had been spent in friendly chat, Mr Cordes and his wife were escorted to their carriage, from which the horses had been removed. It was surrounded by Dos Works men, carrying aloft blazing torches, and as the happy couple with their friends, emerged from the station, the bands of the local volunteer corps (combined) played that heart-stirring air "Auld Lang Lyne," but the cheers immense assemblage nearly drowned the music. Mr Cordes bowed his acknowledgments again and again, and, a procession having been formed, a start was made for Bryn Glas. The carriage, dragged by a host of lusty fellows, proceeded at a good pace, and on the arrival at the mansion the following address was presented on behalf of the inhabitants of Malpas by Mr. L. A. Homfray:—"To Thomas Cordes, Esq. and Mrs. Cordes, Brynglas, Newport, Mon. — We the inhabitants of the parish of Malpas, congratulate you on your marriage, and wish you a most hearty 'welcome home.' May every happiness attend you and may you reside long in the parish where you Mr. Cordes, have lived so many years. We trust we may have the pleasure at a very early date presenting you with some small token of the regard esteem felt for you, Mr. Cordes, in Malpas, and we trust that you and Mrs Cordes may live for many years. — October 2nd, 1884\. In reply Mr. Cordes said he was glad to find himself amongst his neighbours once more, and begged to thank them for the hearty reception they had given Mrs Cordes and himself. He had heard there was to be reception, but it was tenfold greater than he had expected. He trusted that they would have many opportunities of seeing his old friends, and he was sure his wife would be glad to make their acquaintance. (Loud and repeated cheers.) The procession then returned to Newport and after the National Anthem had been played, broke up. A number of handsome gifts from the Conservatives of the town, the Dos Works employees, &c, will shortly be presented to Mrs Cordes. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd October, 1884*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407612/3407617/53/New%2BOR%2BEntrance?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-09-at-08.26.42.png) [South Wales Weekly Argus, 3rd June, 1905](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1192719655/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-10-at-19.19.05.png) [South Wales Argus, 3rd October, 1906](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144473382/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ### Volume 2, Number 11 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-11/ Last updated: 2026-03-21T07:15:05.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow-4.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Lost and Found On Friday night last, the sister of Mr Potter, Clarence-place, lost a gold watch near the house and a search for it was unavailing. Next morning, handbills were being prepared offering a reward for the discovery of the missing article when a heap of fresh-swept dirt near the door having been accidentally kicked about, the watch was found among the sweepings, where, no doubt, it had fallen on the previous night. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th March, 1850*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394816/3394819/24/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-26-at-08.10.44.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th April, 1836](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392190?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Nanny Lacy Large numbers of our towns-folk to whom a female maniac, known by the name of Nanny Lacy, may have proved a source of public annoyance in church yards and gardens at night, and in the streets by day, will hear with some sort of pleasure, that after threatening to cut the throats of four or five women in the Union House, and to hang herself, she has been removed to the asylum at Devizes, where, we hope, the poor creature may recover the light of reason she has lost. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th June, 1844*](http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424840/3424843?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-26-at-08.13.53.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th April, 1836](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392190?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Hydropathic A "Ratepayer" suggests that instead of allowing the waste water to run about the streets when dis charged from the Water Works main, it might, at a little expense, be directed into the sewers, with good effect; and the waterpipe in Ruperra-street is instanced as one where this useful diffusion of the waste element might be desirably carried on. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 31st March, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395957/3395961/28/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-09-at-07.58.40.png) [South Wales Weekly Argus, 3rd June, 1905](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1192719655/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## New Manufactory A very extensive rope manufactory is being erected on the east side of the Usk, a little beyond the bridge, for Messrs. Knapp and Co., of this port. Messrs. Pearce and Westcott are the builders. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-08-at-17.25.12.png) The site of the Rope Works on an OS map from the early 1880s. The works are being erected on improved principles, and will give employment to a considerable number of persons. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th March, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395295/3395299/34/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Stealing Growing Peas' William Evans, Joseph Simmons, and Timothy Clements, three little boys, were charged with Stealing growing peas, from a field belonging to Mr. Gregory, St. Woollos. George Holloway, prosecutor's bailiff, proved siting the boys picking the peas, and added that there had been many peas lost, and the fences had been much damaged by trespassers. The parents of the boys were in court, and they were **ordered to pay 2s. each costs**, upon which the children were dismissed after a few words of admonition from the Bench. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th August, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400459/3400461?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### *'*Rescuing Pigs from a Pound' Job Edmunds was charged with rescuing pigs from the pound at Bassalleg. Defendant said he was "guilty that he shook the lock, and the pigs came out; but he paid the poundage and offered to pay the damage." George Vines said he found the pigs, on the 16th July, in his "tatur" field, and imponded them. Afterwards he found they had been taken away. He had had the damage valued at 15s. Cross-examined: You offered to pay me 5s. after I had obtained the summons. The pigs had been in the potatoes three times that week. Elizabeth Barrett proved seeing the defendant hit out the staple of the pound door with a hammer and chisel. He went in the pound and drove the pigs out. Defendant: I had the damage valued at os. Chancellor Williams: I have seen the valuation of four men, and the average is 9s. **Ordered to pay £1 damage, and expenses**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th August, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400459/3400461?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Causing Obstruction with a Basket of Vegetables' George Derrett was charged with causing an obstruction in Mill-parade, by placing baskets of vegetables on the pavement. Inspector Williams proved the offence. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th August, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400459/3400461?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Stealing a Blanket' Mary Ann Luckman wis charged with stealing a the property of William Powell, George-street. Caroline Powell, prosecutor's wife, spoke to the blanket, and Mrs. Dixon proved that prisoner had pledged it with her on Saturday morning. It appeared from the statement of the police, that the prosecutor keeps a house of ill-fame, and the prisoner is one of the unfortunate girls living there, and where she had been three nights. P.C. Cowley apprehended the prisoner, and after denying she knew anything of the blanket she admitted that she had pledged it. The prisoner was then charged with stealing a shawl and bonnet, the property of Margaret Rickets, of Cardiff. P.C. Cowley proved finding the bonnet and shawl in prisoner's possession. Prosecutrix, whose calling seemed to be the same as that of the prosecutrix in the previous case, identified the articles. Prisoner pleaded guilty to both charges, and after a consultation, the Mayor said the Bench did not feel disposed to pass a heavy sentence, believing that the prosecutors would not have taken prisoner into their houses but to further their own interests. They should therefore only order the prisoner to be detained one day. ("Applause in the body of the court.) The Bench declined to make an order for the restoration of the blanket; and Powell before obtaining it had therefore to pay 3s. to the pawnbroker—the amount for which it was pledged. Ricketts obtained her property, as it had not been pledged, but the Bench refused to grant any expenses for attendance from Cardiff. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th August, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400459/3400461?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Stealing a Watch' Emily Lewis (24), a prostitute, was indicted for stealing a silver watch, the property of David Griffiths, a fireman, at Newport, on the 19th May last. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. Mr, Greeney prosecuted. The robbery took place in the Great Eastern beerhouse, Dock-street, where the prisoner stole a watch from pro- secutor in a bedroom. P.C. Fitzgerald proved the apprehension of prisoner, and obtaining the watch from her. > She had admitted having it, but said she would not give it up till prosecutor had paid her the eighteen-pence he owed her. The jury found the prisoner Guilty. She was sentenced to four calendar months' imprisonment with hard labour. Prisoner threatened to summon prosecutor for the eighteen-pence he owed her after she came out of prison. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th July, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402252/3402255?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### The Bid-Ale Nuisance Catherine Hughes, sister of the hideous Cripple of the Fields, was charged with selling beer at her house on the 25th ult., without a license. James Franklyn proved, hesitatingly, he had drunk and paid for beer in Hughes's house on the day stated, with a number ot other persons. James Wall, whose knowledge of a similar case a few court days since was so very limited, was again produced as a witness; but though he very gravely assured the Bench he'd tell 'em all he seed and knowed on't, he could merely say, in reply to many questions, "What I can't say, I can't say, and that's flat." Mr Hughes and Mr Hawkins severely censured the conduct of Wall. The Mayor convicted Hughes in the penalty of five pounds and the expenses. Hannah Thomas was charged with selling beer, on the 1st of July, without a license. The Mayor ordered defendant to pay a fine of five pounds, and the expenses. The notorious Walford was charged with the same offence and, after being several times remanded, was this day fined in the sum of five pounds and costs. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 29th July, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393988/3393991?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-26-at-08.20.38.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd April, 1836](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392195/3392197?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Market Question **TO THE EDITOR OF THE MONMOUTHSHIRE MERLIN** SIR,—I believe every one must admit that the proper situation for a market is in the centre of the population. Many persons now living no doubt remember when the site of the present market was very favourably situated for the requirements of the town. Since that period the place has vastly increased, and now we find the market placed at nearly the extreme eastern end of the town. Surely this is most inconvenient. It is evident that the Town Council should not allow so favourable an opportunity as the present to pass for arranging matters to the satisfaction of all parties concerned. > Verily, the members of the said Council are a lot of slow coaches, or they would have grappled with the question and settled it long ago. Why not at once purchase the present market and the manorial rights of the Duke of Beaufort, and have erected on that central and most eligible site, the Friars' Fields, a convenient market, suitable for the requirements of this important town. I strongly deprecate extravagant outlay on the erection of a market, and suggest such a building as that at Gloucester, constructed principally of glass and iron, light and elegant in appearance, at the same time substantial, desirable, and convenient, sacrificing nothing to ornamentation. The site of the present market, and of the old ruins lately cleared away in High street, would probably return in ground rents sufficient to pay a fair interest on the amount to be paid to the noble Duke why, therefore, need there be any difficulty in the way? I say, pay off the noble duke, and go in for a market in Friars' Fields, but let there be no delay about it. I know from experience, that a market erected and managed economically, and affording proper facilities to the public, will yield a handsome return for the outlay. Yours truly, A NATIVE OF NEWPORT, AND A LARGE RATEPAYER. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th August, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400471/3400475?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-26-at-08.38.02.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th May, 1838](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392674?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/HighStreet.png) High Street in 1920 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Stabbing Case At a music saloon, at Pillgwenlly, kept by a man named Warnken, and which is frequented hy seamen and prostitutes, a case of stabbing occurred a night or two since. A sailor named Burns, according to his own statement, accidentally jostled against another named Mansfield, when the latter drew a sheath knife and aimed a blow at Burns, who evaded it by jumping aside. Mansfield again attacked Burns, when the latter was less fortunate, receiving a severe flesh wound in the thigh. The accused was brought before the Mayor and Air. L. A. Homfray, at the Borough Police Court, yesterday (Friday), and committed for trial at the assizes. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th July, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402252/3402255?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Caerleon Picnic' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-02-at-12.48.14.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th August, 1863](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400471/3400475?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Fashionable Wedding On Thursday the nuptials of Miss Jane Isabella Morrison, second daughter of Martin Morrison, Esq., of Victoria Place, Newport, with G. A. Daniel, Esq., solicitor, Frome, were celebrated at St. Woollos Church, by the Rev. Canon Hawkins, who was assisted in the ceremony by the Rev. A. Daniel father of the bridegroom. A considerable number of the principal inhabitants of the town assembled at the Church to witness the marriage ceremony; and the children of the Girls' Ragged School in Dock-street, an institution in which the bride has shown a warm interest by frequent visitation, and active exertion on its behalf, stood on each side of the pathway leading to the western entrance to the church, bedecking it with flowers as the bridal party moved towards the door. A wreath of evergreens was stretched across Victoria Place, and from it was suspended a banner with the words "God bless the happy pair." After the conclusion of the marriage ceremony the bride and bridegroom, with their friends, returned to Mr. Morrison's residence, where a splendid dejeuner (prepared, we hear, under the direction of Mr Napper, of this town) was laid. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-08-at-15.47.31.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th November, 1866](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402468/3402474/43/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Festivity and friendly greetings prevailed for a time, and in the afternoon the newly-wedded couple departed for a tour, amid hearty congratulations and ardently.expressed wishes for their future happiness. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th July, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402252/3402255?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-02-at-12.50.02.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th August, 1863](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400471/3400475?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Mothering Cakes Sunday next being Mid-Lent the confectioners of this town have, we perceive, filled their windows with the usual display of richly-embellished and tempting compounds incident to the period, and which are known us "Mothering cakes." Our tradesmen evidently do not expect the ancient custom to full into desuetude, but rather that a goodly host of the "children of larger growth" will seek to please the "auld folks at home" by presenting to them one or more of these ornate specimens of the confectioner's art. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th March, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402047/3402052/16/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Mothering Cakes The windows of our confectioners are generally adorned about this time with attractive displays of "mothering cakes," or huge mountains of sugar, cake, candied lemon, &c., exhibiting occasionally grotesque and strange devices, which are intended, according to ancient usage, as presents by children to their mothers, preparatory to the Easter festivities and holidays. Commercial-street, this week, presents windows adorned after this fashion in great and ingenious variety; and we may add that we hope the desire of the confectioners so amply to cater after the good old custom, will be appreciated extensively by the customers who are thus provided for. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st April 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394395/3394398/16/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Mothering Cakes The annual period has returned, when confectioners adorn their windows with "*m*othering cakes." We have never seen, however, so excellent a show as the present. Though the cakes in the windows of Mr. Napper, Mr. Ewins, sen., Mr. Jones, Mr. Martin, Mr. Hartshorn, &c., &c., look rich and tempting, there is not such a display to be found anywhere, as at the establishment of Mr. James Ewins, jun., Commercial-street, where Mid-Lent *cakes*, among which are Sayer's Royal St. James's, are as gorgeously and chastely decorated as though they were made for a royal bridal occasion. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-08-at-16.04.56.png) [**Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th March, 1850*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394816/3394819/24/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The crowds of persons who are attracted by the unequalled display in Mr. Ewins's window, afford a pretty strong indication that the popular "taste" of seeing is best gratified there and we would trust, for so enterprising a proprietor, that the taste which is best satisfied by eating, will be amply exhibited as well. We should not omit to notice, that Mr. Ewins has fitted up a delightfully cool and pleasant upspringing fountain of water in the shop, which, in the coming summer, will be a fitting accompaniment, in a place so well stored with fruits, wines, and delicious confectionary. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th March, 1850*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394816/3394819/24/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Mid-Lent Sunday The usual period for the display of mid lent, or mothering cakes has this year been rather anticipated by our confectioners, in consequence of the Prince of Wales' wedding. For the same reason, too, there seems to have been more than the customary amount of preparation, both in point of quantity and excellence. Mr. Ewins, in Commercial-street, has on sale a large and varied assortment, in addition to his enormous bride cake; and his brother, Mr. J. Ewins, jun., High-street, has an excellent show, with a very handsome device in the centre of his window. Mr Thomas, we perceive, announces in another column, a bride cake, which is now on view in his shop window, and surrounded by a large variety of smaller cakes, forms, from its elegant design, an attractive ornament. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-08-at-16.36.21.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th March, 1869](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438263/3438267?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Mr. Bland, too, is not behind either as to profusion or the exercise of taste in his displays. Mr Napper, however, is clearly entitled to precedence, if in no other respect, for artistic effect. The paintings on the top of his cakes are gems in that style of art, and some of the horticultural designs are so finely executed as to make one almost lose sight of the confectionery in admiration of the representations of the fruit—something like a desire to grasp at the shadow, regardless of the substance. In the centre is a cake weighing about 120 lbs, on which stands an ornamental pedestal, bearing an elegant vase, enriched with elaborate cornucopias and Cupids, and filled with lilies, orange blossoms, the trailing jessamine and other flowers, the whole being covered with a profusely decorated canopy. The effect is very beautiful. But the whole of the establishments present distinctive features, which merit the highest encomiums upon the parties to whose skill and taste the admirable effect produced is attributable. We can only desire that all who admire the beautiful appearance of our confectioners' shops may be enabled to gratify their palates, with a taste, at least, of the tempting luxuries. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th March, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400208/3400213/28/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Mothering Cakes The old custom of confectioners exhibiting gaily-decorated cakes, of a "monster" kind, in their windows designated "Mothering Cakes," from their being chiefly deigned as presents by juveniles to their parents, in the Easter holidays, has been carried into effect in Newport to a great extent, the windows of all our confectioners being adorned by those costly gifts, in a profusion and style superior, in the generality of instances, to all former exhibitions of the kind. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th March, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394136/3394139/14/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Mothering Cakes The recurrence of the "mothering-cake" season, has induced Mr. Ewins, jun (the Gunter of the provinces,) to cater this year upon an extraordinarily large scale. His shop window during the week has been crowded by gazers at a monster cake, forming a beautiful model of her Majesty's marine residence, Osborne House. This wonder of the confectionery architect has created quite a sensation in the town. This fine palace is doomed, we understand, like the great crystal palace, to be taken to pieces —literally cut up. at 1s per pound; and mothering cake will next week, doubtless, be spread far and wide from this great repertory of sweets. The length of this "monster cake" is four feet, and it weighs upwards of 200 lbs. The "roofing" of the palace, and the "cement" of its walls, are formed of crystalised sugar. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th March, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395295/3395299/34/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Mothering Sunday The confectioners' shops present a very gay appearance this week, their windows being filled with numerous "mothering cakes." Next to Mr. Ewins's, perhaps Mr. Burkitt's, in Commercial street, may be ranked as taking the lead in the display. He exhibits a very tasty cake, representing a lighthouse,—the rock work, of white sugar is well arranged, and his castle, of sugar candy, is also a neatly designed structure. Mr. Peter Napper, Mr Martin, Messrs Williams and Co., Mr. Ewins, sen., and Mr jun., (in both shops.) also made very excellent displays. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th March, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395295/3395299/34/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Mothering Cakes The return of Lent, which is always productive of an active competition among the confectioners of Newport, to provide the very best of mothering cakes for the juveniles, has this year tested the utmost skill of the sweet caterers. The establishment of Mr. James Ewins, Commercial-street, was, however, the chief scene of attraction, where monster cakes, most tastefully ornamented > the surface of one representing the snowy country of the Crimea, with armed hosts engaged in battle-drew together large crowds of spectators, and many eager purchasers. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th March, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396290/3396294/34/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Interesting that a cake decorated like the Crimean War was being displayed whilst the war was still going on. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Alarm of Fire On Saturday evening, about eight o'clock, a lurid glare was seen reflected in the sky, in the direction of the barracks; and alarm was raised in Commercial-street, that the barracks, or some premises adjacent, were in flames. Hundreds of persons ran to the spot, when it was discovered that a large quantify of gorse, &c., was being burnt on a farm some way off. A time when there was a barracks in Pill and a time when farms weren't that far away from the newly-built streets. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th March, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395295/3395299/34/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-02-at-18.12.17.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th February, 1866](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3401999?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Volume 2, Number 10 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-10/ Last updated: 2026-03-14T07:47:11.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-17-at-19.58.55.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st June, 1844](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424837/3424839?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-18-at-17.45.48.png) [**Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd April, 1870*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438970/3438972?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Clothes Found' Mr. Hopkins, the Superintendent of Police, has in his possession one coat, two waistcoats, one pair of trowsers (sic), one shirt, one pair of shoes, two handkerchiefs, two pairs of stockings, and one pair of gloves, which were found a day or two since and are supposed to have been stolen. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th April, 1840*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393160/3393163?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Stow Fair Last year, a large number of thimble-riggers, drunken and fighting brawlers, and other characters of reckless notoriety, altogether amounting to about thirty, were punished for offences immediately connected with Stow fair; while this year, not a single case has occurred. The fair was well attended by our police force in various styles of apparel—the active superintendent being well mounted as a stout English farmer; but so forcible is stringent punishment as an example in some cases, that the horde of thimble riggers, and the usual fry of little gamblers, together with the fight and row-loving class, took praiseworthy care to keep themselves out of the way of law. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th June, 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424840/3424843?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Stow Pound We have heard frequent complaints from various quarters, respecting the unsuitable situation of Stow Pound. It lies in a dark and unfrequented road leading from Stow Hill turnpike gate to the Cardiff road, near the Waterloo, and blocks up a mass of fiilth at one end, enough to poison, by noxious exhalations in warm weather, the whole population of a village. From the frequency of pound-breach of late, the attention of the public has been drawn to the bad situation of the pound. It is said the pound should be in the immediate neighbourhood of the highway, and of inhabited houses. Several spots have been mentioned, all of which are so situated; but we would suggest a spot which we think much superior. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-27-at-07.16.42.png) The location of the pound on what is today Waterloo Road and the Bull Inn which is near the present day St Woolos Hospital There is a large yard contiguous to the Bull Inn, a considerable portion of which is unoccupied. The landlord of the Bull is the pound keeper. Let the pound, then, be erected in his stable yard. The cost of such erection would be but trifling because it would not require any additional materials to those now forming the old pound, and those might be soon removed, and speedily re-erected. There are so many persons whose cattle are "upon the parish," in consequence of which much trespass and damage of property is almost nightly occasioned, that the matter has become one of great importance; and as we think in all cases, "the first cost is the least," we would certainly recommend that the proposed alteration,— with improved locks, bolts, and bars,—be immediately carried into effect, that pound-breach—become so common a crime, and almost thought to be a right—may be effectually checked by the safe detention of the trespassing cattle, and, consequently, that trespass, except purely accidental, may shortly become of rare occurrence. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th June, 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424840/3424843?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### The Eel Fishery An old man of respectable demeanour, named James Davies, was convicted in a trifling penalty and the costs, for having, with other persons, against whom summonses are issued, unlawfully turned up the mud in a dry reen, in the Wentlooge Level, belonging to the Commissioners of the Court of Sewers, and upon the property of Sir Charles Morgan, for the purpose of taking eels, whereby banks and dams of mud had been raised, which would cause a necessity for an increase of two feet of water, before the lands; cows, cattle, &c the reen was designed to supply, could be watered. This manifest injury to the property has been frequently occasioned by persons looking for eels in the reens, and has caused complaints to be made to the commissioners and Mr. Traherne Rees, surveyor of the Wentlooge Level, for the Commissioners of Sewers, stated to the Bench, that his object was, not so much to punish the defendant, as to warn him and others, of the impropriety and illegality of turning up the reens, as stated: and he hoped such persons would be careful to abstain from such practices in future, as he was determined all who should be discovered so illegally acting should be proceeded against. **The defendant thanked the Bench and Mr. Rees, and promised never to offend in a similar manner**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st June, 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424837/3424839?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Refreshments by the Fireside Catherine Hughes, the sister of the notorious Mary-the-Cripple, of Friars Fields, was summoned together with one Mary Griffiths, — neither of whom appeared —having erected tents on the roadside from Caerleon, on the first of May, (Caerleon fair day,) for the purpose of selling beer, &c, Constable Hopkins proved having summoned each defendant, and proved the offence against them. Mr. Coles said that no party had a right to sell beer in two places under one licence. The defendants had committed an offence, and were now **fined 20s. each**, and costs, or one month's imprisonment. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st June, 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424837/3424839?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Thimble Riggers' Mr. Superintendent Hopkins had orders from the Magistrates to take all thimble-riggers, and gamblers of every description into custody, whom he might find at Stow fair, on Thursday next. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st June, 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424837/3424839?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Robbery From a Garden Margaret Allen was charged with stealing growing broccoli. **Fined 2s. the value of the property, and 2s. costs, or in default 14 days' imprisonment**. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd April, 1870*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438970/3438972?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Six Strokes from a Birch Rod' John Davies, ten years of age, was charged, with stealing 2s. from a shop at Machen. The boy pleaded guilty. The Bench stated that the case was clearly proved. **He would be fined 2s. and costs, and receive six strokes with a birch rod by PC Benfield**. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd April, 1870*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438970/3438972?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Disorderly Mary Jane Smith, a disor- derly prostitute was charged with making a disturbance and using obscene language in Oliver-square. Chief Superintendent Huxtable said this was the ninth offence against the accused. **Sentenced to one month's imprisonment with hard labour**. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd April, 1870*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438970/3438972?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Unlicensed Cabs Byron Briggs was summoned for plying for hire with two cabs, the same not being licensed. Chief Superintendent Huxtable said on the 13th of January last an inspection of cabs was made by the Board of Health. Amongst the cabs Mr. Briggs produced three—one passed examination, that was a hansom, No. 14 the next that came up was a four-wheeler, which the Council refused to license, not being in proper repair also a hansom was rejected. Since then those two cabs had been working without a licence. The only license Mr. Briggs received was for one cab. They were both working on Saturday last. Had spoken to the driver about them several times. One of them had been repaired in part — new tires put on the wheels, but no repairs to the four-wheeler and had they been properly repaired, defendant should have had a license. Defendant, in reply to the Bench, remarked that he had done everything he considered right to put the cabs in proper order. The licenses were generally applied for by sending to his house, and he always paid the money. He expected that possibly had he anything to pay they would send for the money and he should have paid. Chief Superintendent Huxtable said he had frequently told the driver to mention the circumstance to Mr. Briggs. **The Mayor You are fined 10s. including costs and I trust you will look after your license in future**. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd April, 1870*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438970/3438972?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/South_Wales_Argus_1937_07_09_1.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 9th July, 1937](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1058406869/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A Narrow Escape On Monday morning private Eyres of the 10th Hussars very narrowly escaped being killed by his horse falling back upon him in Westgate-street. The animal ridden by Eyre is a very spirited mare, and in the habit of plunging. The skill with which Eyres managed his refractory steed, in coining from his stable in Corn-street, a few minutes previously to the accident, was observed with admiration. The poor fellow was taken up senseless, and conveyed to the guard room at the Westgate, where he lay for some time in great pain, it requiring several persons to keep him steady. The army surgeon was called in, who ordered Eyres to be taken to the hospital and in about a quarter of an hour, he had sufficiently recovered to walk thither, supported by two of his comrades. The injury sustained was in the region of the ribs, but is not we understand of a serious nature. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th April, 1840*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393160/3393163?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-26-at-12.45.18.png) The tithe map of the area from the time of the accident. It's not detailed enough to show where the stables would have been on Corn Street. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-17-at-20.11.09.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th June, 1844](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424840?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Suicide in the Union-House' An event of a shocking nature occurred this week at our Union-House. A female named Julia Allen, of somewhat prepossing appearance, and aged about 23, was received into the Newport Union House on the 3rd of December, 1842\. She belonged to the Baptist society, and was the daughter of a respectable man of the name of Allen, who is an agent, &c., residing in Commercial-street. Her father had married a second wife, and family matters rendering the stay of the daughter at home unpleasant, the Rev. D. R. Stephen, pastor of the Baptist chapel, who is a Guardian of this Union, procured an entrance for her into the Union-House, where, through his intercession with the kindly governor, she was engaged as an assistant in light household duties, which she performed with alacrity and cheerfulness. She occasionally exhibited an intractable and irritable disposition when opposed but her conduct in general was good. On the 10th of June last she obtained leave from the board to visit her friends but on that occasion, she stayed out some hours beyond the proper time; and on subsequent enquiry, it was found that she had visited a house of ill-repute in Cross-street. It was also ascertained that she at times visited the gardens of Floriday, at which place it was conjectured she met a young man to whom she was attached. Before she came into the house, Dr. Brewer had attended her for an unsound state of mind, and since she had become an inmate, her spirits had frequently been dejected, her health at intervals affected, and her intellects at periods very weak. She had once or twice spoken of having made her peace with God, and said she should put a period to her existence and on another occasion she informed a female pauper in the house, that if she needed anything to procure aboition (sic), she (the deceased) would give her some powders. On Monday and Tuesday last she had leave to visit her friends for two days. On Tuesday evening—supposed to be returning from Floriday's gardens—she called at the shop of Mrs. Jones in High.street, where she had frequently been before and as she wore her own clothes when allowed to visit her friends, Mrs. Jones did not know her to be an inmate of the Union-House. > She here purchased two pennyworths of the essential oil of almonds-which contains prussic acid, and is the most deadly poison-alleging that it was for her mistress, a lady in the neighbourhood of Newport, who required it for scenting hair oil. Possessed of this deadly drug, she proceeded to the shop of Mr. Phillips, druggist, to whom she exhibited it, and wished to know if it were poison and framing a lie for the purpose, observed that she enquired because her little brother had been playing with it, and her mother feared the child had drunk some. Mr. Phillips informed her of the nature and powers of the oil, and at once desired her to carry home a strong emetic. This she refused to do, trying she would first see her mother, and then left the shop. She then went to the Union House, and was admitted soon after seven o'clock, in high spirits. She was searched when she entered, but nothing of a suspicious nature was found upon her. She brought in two cucumbers, some gooseberries, and currants, a portion of which she earnestly pressed the governor to take. During Wednesday morning she was cheerful and industrious. About twelve o'clock the nurse in the sick ward observed her apart by the window eating gruel, and almost immediately after heard her cry out as if in agony. She was taken extremely ill, and trembled violently. On being laid upon the bed, she grew worse; and the governor, being sent for, came immediately into the sick ward. He smelt the oil, and knowing its deadly qualities, at once rightly conjectured she had taken poison. Indeed, her appearance at this moment confirmed his suspicions — her eyeballs were fearfully swollen — her face was empurpled, and her limbs quivered excessively. Surgical assistance was at once procured, but too late for as Mr. Wm. Brewer, jun., preceding Mr. James Hawkins by a few minutes, entered the room, he heard her last convulsive gasp. A post mortem examination of the body was made on Thursday evening, by Messrs. William Brewer, junior, and James Hawkins, when the presence of poison was proved and at the same time an inquest was held on the body before W. Brewer, Esq, coroner and a reapectable jury, when the substance of the facts related above was given hy the witnesses, and a verdict found that—"The deceased destroyed herself by poison in a fit of insanity." Julia Allen, who has thus rushed unbidden into the presence of her Judge, was a person of superior education for her grade of life. Some manuscripts, found in her box, indicated an imaginative mind. an exceedingly retentive memory, and some poetical taste. A pre-determination to destroy herself had no doubt for a long time existed, and circumstances affecting her reputation which had transpired, seemed to make death appear to her a desirable thing. The following letter was found immediately after her death:— > "You need not ba surprised—the scandal has borne heavily on me, together with many other things that have been said since I have been here—all of which I die with a clear conscience, to appear before God. May the Almighty have mercy on my toul." In a pocket-book were found several manuscript poems, chiefly on blighted affections and wasted happiness, while one, among other pieces on death, was entitled The Pauper's Death-bed," commencing thus:— > Tread softly bow the head, > In reverent silence bow > No paping bell doth toll— > Yet an immortal soul > Is passing now! These, together with copious notes of, and commentaries upon, a large number of sermons she had heard from the Revds. Messrs. Stephen, Thomas, Evans, &c., were written in a neat and graceful handwriting by the deceased and were found, with a quantity of powders and pills, among her effects. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th August, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393993/3393996?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-26-at-12.56.10.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th April, 1840](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393165?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The map below shows the 'New Church', aka St Paul's, which had been consecrated in 1836\. Commercial Buildings would have been opposite this church. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-26-at-12.56.35.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Ramo Samee The Indian Juggler' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-26-at-08.21.51.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd April, 1836](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392195/3392197?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Ramo Samee was an Indian juggler, sword swallower, and magician, who performed throughout Europe in the 1800s. He is considered by some to be the first modern professional juggler. Samee traveled to England between 1809 and 1814 where he gained recognition as a juggler and for his sword swallowing skills. Samee toured the United States from 1817 to 1819, performing in New York City and Boston. In 1822, Ramo was the "chief attraction" at the Royal Gardens Vauxhall Theatre in Kensington, where he was noted for his sword swallowing. He was a frequent performer at the Royal Coburg Theatre (now the Old Vic Theatre), where an image of him titled "Theatrical Reflection" still hangs backstage to this day. He visited the Westgate Inn in 1836 and he continued to perform until the 1840's. (Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramo%5FSamee?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/image-4.png) Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramo%5FSamee?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A Mad Cow On Wednesday evening a cow, in an alarming state of madness, rushed through the streets, pursuing all who attracted her attention. She threw down a man in Llanarth-street, and another in Commercial-street, who was taken up stunned and carried into the shop of Mr. Herbert Williams, druggist, to have a cut in his head dressed, which he received in the fall. Mrs. B. Thomas was knocked down by the furious brute, which thrust at her with its horns, but, we are happy to state, inflicted no wound. She was, however, so frightened, as to require medical assistance. Her dress was, deranged and torn. A horse belonging to Mr. Lewis, of Tydee \[Risca\], was gored in one of his haunches by the wild animal, in its precipitous course. > She at length ran into the foundry, in Skinner-street, where, after doing some damage among the moulds, she was captured and bled, and, when it was considered sire was sufficiently exhausted to warrant no further apprehension of danger, driven out to be slaughtered. She was, however, still unmanageable, and it was found necessary to cut the throat of the poor creature, and let it bleed to death in the street. It is to be hoped that more caution will in future be exercised in driving cattle, by not allowing them, whilst in a state of irritation, to come within the preeincts of the town. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th April, 1840*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393160/3393163?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-26-at-12.49.36.png) The tithe map of the area from the time of the incident. It's not detailed enough to show where the foundry would have been on Skinner Street. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-21-at-10.10.07.png) [South Wales Argus, 22nd August, 1919](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1056673323/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Where Was the Gas Yard? An advert in the Monmouthshire Merlin on the [5th May, 1838](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392674/3392676?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) there is a mention of a place called the Gas Yard? Do you know where that is? ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-26-at-08.39.16.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th May, 1838](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392674/3392676?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) G Gyngell was a performer and juggler who had been performing with his wife since at least 1827. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/image-5.png) Source: [V&A](https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1317885/the-theatre-beverley-1827-poster-johnson-wb/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-26-at-08.08.56.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th April, 1836](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392190?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Eastonterris A gentleman extremely fond of peripatetic wanderings in the beautiful localities surrounding Newport, was recently strolling along the road betwixt Maindee Common and Fair Oak cottage, when he discovered, upon the first of a small row of houses, painted in glaring colours, the following: "Eastonterrris." After puzzling his brain a long time, and puffing hard at his Havannah in thought profound, he at length translated the very mysterious word to signify Easton Terrace!" — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th June, 1844*](http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424840/3424843?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-17-at-20.16.05.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th June, 1844](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424840?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Volume 2, Number 9 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-9/ Last updated: 2026-03-09T09:32:49.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-13-at-17.42.49.png) [South Wales Argus, 24th September, 1895](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1147734025?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ## Large Egg Mr. Chapman, builder, has an egg, the produce of a Spanish hen, 3 inches in length, 61 inches in circumference, and weighing 4 1/2 oz. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th May, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395349/3395353?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-17-at-08.51.43.png) [South Wales Argus, 1st May, 1909](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144028150/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Macarte's American Circus ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-17-at-13.01.41.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th March, 1853](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395603?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Dos Works School **Distribution of Rewards** The annual examination of the children of these schools having been brought to a close, T. Cordes, Esq (the Examiner), attended at the school room to distribute three silver medals and several beautiful books as rewards to those children who distinguished themselves in the several classes. There were also present — F. J. Mitchell, Esq., R. W. Hamilton, Esq., the Rev. Canon Hawkins, and several ladies. 336 children were in attendance. Mr. Cordes addressed the children, pointing out to them the advantages of education, and urging them to spare no effort to obtain it. Referring to the Sunday School, he said that he hoped to see a larger number attending there than had been the case previously. Many of them attended other schools; but there was also a large number who went to no school at all on the Sabbath, and it was these latter that he should like to see availing themselves of the school held in that room. Mr. Cordes then ordered the table of merit at the end of the room to be uncovered, which was done, disclosing the names of three boys whose general good conduct and attainments entitled them to receive the three silver medals. In the Works' Schools, Frank Cullen and William Moss, and in the Day School, Henry Spencer. These boys being called to the platform, received each a silver medal in a neat case. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-19-at-22.25.28.png) The location of Dos School Mr. Cordes, referring to the tablet, remarked that among the names there would be found those of many who had since grown up to manhood, and who had maintained the same good character which had earned for them in their school days a place on that board and he trusted those that were now receiving the medals would do likewise. Several handsome pocket knives were also distributed to the boys whose attendance at the school had been the best there were among them five boys who had not been absent a single night throughout the year, and these received a somewhat better knife than the others, who had lost some three or four attendances during the same period. The rewards were then distributed, consisting of a large number of beautifully-bound books. The Rev. Canon Hawkins then addressed the children, expressing great pleasure at what he had seen that evening, and hoping on a future occasion to meet them again. The whole of the rev. gentleman's remarks were listened to with great attention by the children and at the close hearty cheers were given for the ladies and gentlemen present, and for J. E. Lee, Esq., and family, who were unfortunately out of town. The National Anthem was then sung, and the Rev. Canon Hawkins pronounced the benediction. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th May, 1870*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438994/3438996?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-13-at-17.49.03.png) [South Wales Argus, 14th September, 1895](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145585346/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A Station-House at Pillgwenlly The inhabitants of Pillgwenlly, numbering from seven to eight thousand, are at length in possession of a police station, a great necessity for which had long been experienced. Three of the police force will reside there, who, however, will still divide their duties between Newport and Pill, until the general force is increased. The extending population of Pillgwenlly, and the insecurity attached to a single policeman, perhaps, bringing a prisoner out of some of the lawless affairs which now and then occur in Pillgwenlly, together with the necessary exposure of property in that place, render it requisite the force should be made more effective in point of numerical strength, that Pillgwenlly might share its proportion of protection arising there-from. > The new station is near "the well," and will soon, it may be hoped, become a terror to evil-doers in the locality. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th January, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394571/3394574?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-14-at-09.12.13.png) [South Wales Argus, 21st September, 1895](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1147733908/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Trading Shoes for Coal' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-26-at-16.46.43.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 5ht August, 1843](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393993/3393995?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) An interesting advert from an 1843 edition of the Monmouthshire Merlin where the advertiser with a 'prime lot of mens shoes' is happy to either sell for case or to purchase two thousand tons of prime Newport Coals if the seller will give a discount for taking the shoes. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### A Brotherly Re-union Jacob Morgan, whose face indicated something relative to broils and chops, being cut up and "cooked" in a nasty manner was charged with the Christmas casualty of drunken and disorderly condllct. Sergt. Hill said Jacob had only just come from West Bromwich to see his brother in Newport, whom he had not shaken hands with for six years before, and in keeping up the Christmas festivity, and the pleasures of the brotherly re-union, they fell a-fighting in so violent a manner, that Sergeant Hill felt himself justified in locking one of them up, the other running away. **Fined 5s., and 6d. for a night in the station**. Heaving a long-drawn sigh, and appending the moral, 'Twas the drink that done it!" Jacob paid the costs of his very foolish conduct. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th December, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394561/3394564?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Robbery Last Wednesday evening, whilst Mr. Oldridge, boot and shoemaker, Commercial street, was taking tea with his family, some thieves entered the shop, and carried off property to the amount of £4 or £5\. The police succeeded in apprehending, the same evening, two suspicious characters, who were found concealed in the cellar of the Half-way Beer house, Pill-road. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th January, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394566/3394569?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing a Supper and a Pair of Boots — "All Serene" William Cockeral was charged with stealing a pair of boots, the property of John Davies, lodger at the Bird in Hand beerhouse. Mr. Cathcart prosecuted, and Mr. Owen defended. Last Saturday night, prisoner was at the Bird-in-Hand, having a glass of beer. By and bye, a Mies Cresswell, it was stated, brought in her supper and a glass of ale but going directly after to draw a pint of beer for a customer, she found, on her return, that prisoner had devoured her savoury supper. She asked him to pay for it. "All serene." says he. "Pay for the supper," quoth the indignant young lady. "All serene," was still his reply; and he was then walking off "all serene," when he was stopped in the passage, and down dropped a pair of boots, which had just previously been thrown down under the settle whereon he sat, by a lodger, who was then slumbering "all serene" in his domicile. P.C. Goold was called in by the landlord, and took the prisoner into custody. **Committed to take his trial at the Sessions**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th February, 1853*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395585/3395587?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing Trousers Stephen Conroy was charged with stealing two pair of trousers—one from the doorway of Solomon Galland's shop, and the other from the outside of Henry Hazell's shop, Pillgwenlly. Mr. Cathcart prosecuted. The prisoner was seen to unhook Galland's pair, and carry them off, by Sarah Hall, servant of Mr. James, surgeon. She gave information, and Galland and a young man named Fromberg, pursued the thief. The trousers were picked up by Galland in Albert-street; and the man was caught by Fromberg behind a door in a house near the spot. He acknowledged committing the theft, saying he had been driven to rob by want. When Sergt. Lloyd was searching the prisoner at the station, he found a pawnticket for the other pair of trousers pledged at Mr Stocker's. The garments were now identified by the two prosecutors; and **the prisoner was committed for trial in both cases**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th February, 1853*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395585/3395587?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing Turnips Two decently-dressed women, one being the servant of the prosecutor, and the other carrying an infant in her arms, were charged with stealing turnips from a stack, the property of Mr. Philip Williams, farmer, Crindau. Mr. Woollett was attorney for the prosecution. P.C. Moore proved seeing the prisoner Power bringing turnips into town. He stopped her, and subsequently found that they came from Crindau, where, on enquiry, the servant (the other prisoner) acknowledged, first, having given the turnips, and then, that she had told Power to take them. Mr. Williams gave her into custody. Mr. Williams now said he had turnips of the kind produced, in store. The servant had no right to give any away, though Mrs. Williams sometimes gave some away, and ordered the servant to give them to the applicants.—**Case dismissed**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th February, 1853*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395594/3395596?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing Oranges Hannah Lewis, a little girl, was charged with stealing thaee oranges from the shop of Mrs. Edwards, stationer and fruiterer. Mrs. Edwards said she had frequently missed things, but she did not know that the prisoner had stolen them; and she did not wish now to press the case. **Seriously admonished by the Mayor, and discharged**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th February, 1853*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395594/3395596?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Vagrancy Dennis Barrett, for begging at Michael-stone-vedw, was sent to prison for a month. In his possession was found sufficient bread and cheese for a month's consumption. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd July, 1859*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398586/3398588?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Ira Alridge — The African Roscius ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-16-at-17.56.50.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd August, 1856](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396938?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Ira Aldridge (1807–1867), known as the ‘African Roscius’, was a pioneering African-American actor who left New York for England in 1824 to escape racial prejudice. Renowned for his Shakespearean roles, particularly Othello, he toured extensively across Britain and continental Europe, earning critical acclaim and eventually receiving British citizenship in 1863\. Throughout his career, Aldridge used his platform to advocate for the abolition of slavery, leaving a lasting legacy as both a celebrated tragedian and a dedicated activist before his death in Poland. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/image-3.png) Undated photograph of Ira Alridge (Source: [Kat Devitt](https://katdevitt.com/2024/05/30/ira-aldridge-the-african-roscius/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The First Direct Importation of Sherry Wine' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-17-at-16.56.30.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd September, 1836](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392276/3392278?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-17-at-16.57.20.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd September, 1836](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392276/3392278?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Discussion of Friar's Fields and a New Market' Alderman Mullock remarked that this was a very important subject, and he trusted it would receive due consideration from the Board. Mr. Townsend coincided, and was of opinion the Board would do well to ascertain if they could obtain the property at a fair and reasonable value. Mr. H. J. Davis said it was all very well to speak of the desirability of purchasing the property, but where was the money to be obtained? **Mr. Townsend**: Oh, get it by *hocus pocus*, as it has been done before. In answer to the Mayor and other gentlemen, Mr. Graham explained the conditions under which the property would be sold, conformably to the advertisement published in this journal. Mr. H. J. Davis did not mean to say but what it would be a great advantage to the town, to get possession of the property. Where, however, were they to obtain the money? Mr. Townsend said "Get it by *hocus pocus*" but that seemed to be a very curious way. **Alderman Homfray**: Could we not pay the money back in the same way? (Laughter.) **Mr. Townsend**: You may laugh; but time will tell you that many things I have said are right, and that all I have stated has not been frothy and worthy of no weight. Mr. Moore inquired if there were any power vested in the Town Council to borrow money for such a purpose. The Town Clerk could not upon that point see his way clear at present. Alderman Homfray said the points they had to consider, if a purchase were contemplated, were the value of the property, the rental of it, and the improved rental that could be made by the Corporation. If no improved rental could be made, then there would be little utility in buying the property. Alderman Mullock thought their first consideration would be what they should be enabled to make of the property, supposing they came into possession of it. The next would be the price, and whether their object could be obtained, if for instance the ground were required for a market. **The Town Clerk**: You would be empowered to raise money for a market. Alderman Mullock continued After ascertaining the price, their succeeding consideration would be whether they might look forward to a return upon the money invested. It would prove a very important property if they could get hold of it; and the present appeared to be the time for obtaining it, if they desired to devote it to any public purpose. > The late Mr. Beaumont used to say — "If ever a fire should break out in Friars'-fields, for God's sake do not extinguish it." The prevalent opinion was in favour of the conversion of the property to some public and useful purpose, and it behoved them to take the matter into serious consideration. Mr. H. J. Davis thought it right to hint, with regard to the question of a new market, that they must be prepared to buy out the Duke of Beaufort's interest in the old one, and for which he (Mr. Davis) knew £ 11,000 had been asked. **Mr. Brown**: I wouldn't be afraid to fight the Duke of Beaufort upon that. **Mr. H. J. Davis**: You are a very bold man. You don't mind fighting anybody but there are rights and interests which Parliament will always protect; and the Duke of Beaufort must be consulted. **Mr. Brown**: He would not have a leg to stand upon. It would be a parallel case to the Rhymney railroad. When one company would not accommodate the district, another was permitted to do so. Alde**rman Homfray**: A market could only be erected subject to the purchase of the Duke's rights. Mr. Townsend said it was well for Newport that it had a few bold men at the Board. Notwithstanding Mr. Davis's statement that the Duke of Beaufort must be consulted, he told Mr. Davis that the Duke was subject to the laws of his country. But those sort of men would do anything. He was one of those who would willingly fight along with Mr. Brown in the matter. **Alderman Homfray**: The Duke of Beaufort is subject to the laws of bis country as well as any one else but while he is subject to the laws of his country, he is also subject to their protection.—Mr. Townsend having made an allusion to Aunt Sally and "the forensic power and ability of the Duke," Alderman Homfray continued—I think you had better not treat the subject as between the Duke of Beaufoit and the town, but as between the Lord of the Manor and the town. **Mr. Townsend**: I am aware of it; but as Mr. Davis is always menacing us with this big man, if he were as big as a lion I would have a shy at him if he offended me. Other observations of Mr. Townsend called up. Mr. Davis, who demanded protection from the Mayor from the insults of Mr. Townsend, and declared he would not be continually insulted there with impunity. He might retort upon Mr. Townsend, but he had never thought proper to descend to do so. The Mayor interposed, suggesting to Mr. Townsend the expediency of divesting his remarks of anything personal. Presently, however, Mr. Davis again complained of personal insult. The Mayor threatened to leave the chair if Mr. Townsend persisted in a course offensive to any gentleman present, and Mr. Townsend exclaimed ho would not be put down by Mr. Davis or anybody else. Ultimately the matter of the sale of Friars'-fields was referred to the Public Works Committee. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th July, 1859*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398595/3398597?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-17-at-19.01.11.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th September, 1836](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392291/3392293?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Report of Committee on Private Streets GENTLEMEN,—The Committee having carefully examined a portion of the streets, at present exempt from the rates for road repairs, and which are claimed by the Tredegar Wharf Company and others as private property (the ownership of which it was no part of the duties of your committee to inquire into), unanimously recommend to your Board as follows:- That COMMERCIAL-ROAD, from the Salutation Inn, in a straight line, to the Railway Gate, near unto the public well at Pillgwenlly, be taken to, when and so soon as the pavements on both sides shall have been efficiently repaired and improved, to the satisfaction of the Town Surveyor, as well as properly channelled, in accordance with the channelling now being laid down in Commercial- street, and that the Board pay towards the cost of the said channelling the sum of £150, it being estimated to cost £350\. That RUPERRA-STREET, one of the principal thoroughfares of the town, be channelled on the pavement side, and that the side next the market be curbed and channelled, and the path be made up with suitable material, your board contributing half the estimated cost of the channelling, or £50, and then taken to by your Board. That BOLT-STREET be slightly altered, both road and pavement, and the side next the Monmouthshire Railway and Canal Company's works be paved and channelled, and that the Company be invited to complete the same as early as possible, and whilst these works are being carried out. That CANAL-TERRACE (a very short street leading to Dock-street) shall be efficiently repaired, so as to enable your Board to receive both streets at the same time. That TEMPLE-STREET have the pavement put in a good state of repair, and then be taken to by the Board. Also, that NEW-STREET, POTTER-STREET, CHURCH-STREET, HIGH-STREET, SPEEDWELL-STRRET, and CASTLE-STREET, be taken to by your Board as soon as the pavements are completed and repaired. With regard to GRANVILLE-STREET, we desire to see the pavement already commenced speedily completed, the roadway itself properly metalled, and that Mr. Murphy's railway be permissively allowed to remain as it is. This street then taken to by the Board. The ROAD from GRANVILLE-STREET to LOWER CROSS-STREET your Committee report as being in a most disgraceful state. When visiting this spot we were told that Mr. Powell claimed as his property that portion between his premises and the railway. If such be the case, then we recommend your Board to call on Mr. Powell to put the same in proper condition but in any case we urge your Board to get the question of right ownership speedily settled, with the view of affording the public a highway so necessary for the convenience of trade. From RUPERRA-STREET into DOCK-ROAD, and part of WINDMILL STREET, and the property of Mr. T. F. Lewis, we recommend that Mr. Homfray should accompany us, and meet Mr. T. F. Lewis on the spot, to settle upon the proportion of work to be performed by each party. At present this locality is in a bad state. HENRY SHEPPARD, Mayor. JAMES BROWN. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th July, 1859*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398595/3398597?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-17-at-08.50.33.png) [South Wales Argus, 1st May, 1909](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144028150/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ### Volume 2, Number 8 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-8/ Last updated: 2026-02-28T07:14:17.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-03-at-12.47.02.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd November, 1878](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440455/3440456/1/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## New Omnibus The enterprising "prince of whips," Mr. Charles Phillips, always desirous of pleasing the public, has just launched a new omnibus, which runs to and from the railway stations, the King's Head, the Westgate and his own comfortable quarters—the William the Fourth. The new vehicle is tasteful and commodious; it is built on a new principle, and turned out of hand in first-rate style. When drawn by the two showy horses just added to the menace, and these "tooled" along by their master "Charley," a desire to be on the box, or snugly seated within, is the prevailing wish among pedestrian spectators. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th June, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396029/3396033?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-05-at-18.35.45.png) [South Wales Argus, 11th April, 1903](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143641710/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Mad Dogs A correspondent invites atten- tion, and not without sufficient reason, to the dog nuisance. In the early part of the week, a lad, in the employment of Mr. Bland, grocer, Commercial-street, was bitten twice or thrice severely by a savage brute, Which, as was fitting, was killed immediately after the occurrence. But, in this matter especially, "prevention is better than cure." If snarling curs are permitted to ramble about the streets, they should be muzzled or, failing this precaution, it were to be desired that same half-dozen policemen should be armed with the weapons and the authority to shoot them. It is but poor compensation to a person bitten and driven half mad, it may be, by a ferocious dog, to be able to fix a fine upon the owner after the mischief is done. We trust, at any rate, that the usual precaution will be at once taken by our vigilant Chief Superintendent of Police. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th April, 1861*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399622/3399627?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/South_Wales_Argus_1930_11_07_3.jpg) [Sputh Wales Argus, 7th November, 1930](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145364906/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-06-at-20.29.38.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th September, 1867](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403010/3403014/14/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Newport Sewers' **To the Newport Local Board of Health.** "Gentlemen,—In compliance with your instructions, conveyed to me through Mr. Woollett, I have made the requisite investigations as to the drainage of Newport, and I beg now to report to you the result, and to hand you the accompanying plan and sections, upon which the sewers which I propose for the drainage of the borough, are shewn. Those sewers which are shown in dotted red lines are already constructed, and will form part of the general system of sewers. The new sewers I propose, are shown in solid red lines the direction of the fall of each sewer is indicated on the plan by small arrows. The sizes of the sewers, and their rates of inclination, are shown upon the sections, upon which I have also marked (by small black lines) the depths of the deepest cellars. All the cellars will admit of being drained into the sewers. The place I have selected for the out-fall, is at the extremity of the borough, near the Waterloo Coal Wharf it will enter the Usk at that point, at a level (reckoning to the sill) about ten feet below high water of spring tides which rise, at Newport, about thirty-eight feet: therefore' during the last six or seven feet rise of spring tides, the outfall will be closed. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-13-at-08.46.38.png) Location of the Waterloo Coal Wharf This position for the outfall is the best that can be chosen within the jurisdiction of the Board, and the level I have adopted will, should the extension of the town in that direction, at some future period, require it, admit of the main sewer being continued at the same rate of inclination (viz., one in one thousand and seventy-five) farther down the Usk; and, if continued for a mile in that direction, the sill of the outfall would still be not more than fifteen feet under high water of spring tides. The main sewer begins at the north end of the Marshes road, opposite to the overflow of the Mill-pond or dam, and continuing along that road, passes under the Monmouthshire canal at a sufficient depth, thence along the Canal-parade, Canal-terrace, Queen's-parade, and Potters'-street, to the outfall into the Usk. The next sewer of importance passes along High-street, Commercial-street, and Commercial-road, and joins the main sewer at one end opposite Newport bridge, and at the other end, and New-street. Owing to the undulations of the ground, and to prevent its being-laid at too great a depth, this sewer is made to fall from near Union-row, in one direction towards the main sewer at Potters'-street, and in the other direction, towards Griffin-street; and from Thomas-street it also falls in one direction towards Griffin-street, and in the other direction to its junction with the main sewer, near Newport bridge. The other street sewers communicating with these and with each other, will be sufficiently understood by a reference to the plan and sections—the arrows on the plan denoting the direction of the fall, and the rates of inclination being always shown on the sections. The arrangement of all the levels is such, that the whole system can be flushed from two points-the main sewer from the mill-pond, at the north end of the Marshes road, and the higher level sewers, from the high ground lying up to the Union Workhouse, where some provision for obtaining flushing water will have to be made. The sewers I propose, are of four sizes, viz., three feet, three feet nine inches, four feet, and six feet in height; but all are to be egg-shaped, and narrow in the bottom section. The whole of the sewers are to be built of brick, in mortar, with a sufficient number of ventilating shafts and side entrances to make the sewers easily accessible. There are within the borough several old drains, which appear to have been originally laid along field ditches, without regard to the mode in which buildings were subsequently to be erected over them: these drains generally pass obliquely under the buildings (often in the most crowded parts of the town), they are uncomformable to the lines of streets, and highly objectionable in a sanitory point of view. In constructing the sewers, the old drains may, in some cases, have to be cleared out and stopped up, but in other instances, they may be made useful in carrying off storm waters. Including an allowance for rendering the old drains innoxious, I estimate the cost of constructing the sewers shown on the plan and sections, including ventilating shafts and side entrances (but exclusive of the cost of land, or the compensation for land, if any), at twenty-eight thousand pounds. I am, gentlemen, Your very obedient servant, "JOHN HAWKSHAW." — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th June, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396038/3396040?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-09-at-08.07.09.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd August, 1883](http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407174/3407178?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Pauper Burials' SIR,— Permit me, through the medium of your most valuable paper, to call the attention of the Guardians and Rate-Payers of the Newport Union to the very disgraceful and careless manner in which the funerals of the paupers of this union are conducted—from the facts, that on the 27th day of March last a child was buried from a house in Commercial-road, and was carried from there to St. Woollos Church with four towels, instead of webs, and a white toilet cover for a pall, it being stated by the man in attendance, on inquiries, that he did not find such things for parish coffins; and on the 31st instant, I was quite horror-struck at seeing two corpses being carried from the Hospital, near the church, on a bier, underhand, and without a covering, as though they were parcels of furniture instead of two fellow creatures; and on arriving at the grave, only one web was supplied to lower them to their last resting place. I therefore think, if these disgraceful sights are allowed to continue, it will be requisite to inform the Poor-Law Commissioners of the occurrence, as I consider the poor-rate quite adequate to allow for common necessaries being supplied for the funerals of the poor. I remain, Sir, yours truly, A RATE-PAYER. April, 1849 — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th April, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394636/3394638?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-06-at-20.29.54.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th September, 1867](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403010/3403014/14/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### A Refractory Pauper John Frederick Jones, a man short of bones, as he'd lost his left arm, though with the one left he could cause some alarm, wai charged that he had, when with *cwrw* half-mad, kicked up such a row with his heels, arm, and tongue, at the union-house lately, that the poor, old and young, were very much frightened to know what he meant, as he seemed on the governor's harm to be bent. The charge was now proved, and... > he was removed, for a fourteen-days' diet of water and bread, hard labour, single cell, and a queer sort of bed, in the prison at Usk ...where he'll think, when he's cool, that he's been a pot-valiant but stupid old fool. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th April, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394636/3394639?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Robbery from a Shop James Smith, a ragged, dirty, and hungry-looking fellow, was charged with stealing half-a-pound of cheese from the shop of Miss Morgan, High-street. Tne complainant stated that she had been frequently annoyed and robbed by a lot of idle and dishonest vagabonds, coming into her shop, and asking to buy bread and cheese, tobacco, &c„ and when supplied, running off without payment. The prisoner was one of that class, he having obtained cheese and tobacco of her last Saturday, and started off before paying for them. Other evidence was given, and the prisoner was **committed to take his trial at the next Usk sessions tor larceny**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th April, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394636/3394639?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ***Miss Morgan's Shop*** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/image-1.png) Miss Morgan's clothing shop was at 64 High Street which was on the corner of Thomas Street. The photos above and below show the corner but this would have been at least half a century after the crime had been committed. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/image.png) ### 'Trespassing in Christchurch' William Small was summoned for Mmmitting a trespass by walking over some garden ground, belonging to Henry Buckler. The defendant said he done no injury, and was afraid to turn back, the defendant's brother was threatening him so strongly. **Ordered to pay the expenses 4s**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th April, 1861*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399631/3399633?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Bets the Cripple' Elizabeth Jenkins, alias Bets the Cripple, and Mary Lester, alias the Leicester Duchess, were brought up again, charged with having brutally assaulted with an iron scraper the head of Thomas Jenkins. It appeared that the parties resided in Friars' Fields, and that this was a general quarrel, in which all parties deserved blame alike. **The magistrates therefore dismissed the case**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th July, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394222/3394225?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### The Irish Consul Thomas Welsh, a jaunty-looking Irishman, whose pig and horse-dealing transactions between his countrymen and the Newport folk have affixed to his name the sobriquet of "Tom, the Irish Consul," was charged with having been flourishing his shillelah in a state of drunkenness, during a paroxysm of which happy state, he had brought the aforesaid shillelah into sudden contact with the head-piece of poor Ned Miles. Miles, who is supposed to be the genuine "Miles's Boy\*," did not feel the milk of human kindness changed to gall in his bosom, and knowing that "To err is human—to forgive divine," he pitied the erring Consul, and declined to prosecute. The magistrate, therefore cautioned Tom against a repetition of his improper freaks, and discharged him from custody. " Now, thin, may ye live for iver, yer wertcbip (sic), cried Tom; "for it's yersilf is the raal gintleman, afther all (sic)". Blarney, Tom, blarney: go on." And the Consul, giving his best bow benchward, made his exit. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th July, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394222/3394225?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) **\* Miles's boy" is a 19th-century British slang term referring to a very knowledgeable or well-informed person, often implying someone who is "in the know" or a "knowing lad". The phrase originated from the "Miles" omnibus service in London, where a young boy worked, often sharing gossip or news.* ### Lock Your Tills William Dewsbury, who gave a different name when taken into custody, was charged with stealing money from the shop till of Mr. Lewis, Stow Hill. The prisoner, as we stated last week, was seized at the moment of pocketing the money he had been observed to take from the till. He denied having taken any money, saying he had been trying to get a biscuit! but he afterwards gave up four shillings. **Mr. Dewsbury was ordered to be imprisoned two months, with hard labour**. It is surprising there should be such carelessness evinced by shop-keepers, in regard to their tills, as to leave both shop and till quite unprotected, thus offering an inducement to the hordes of thieves who prowl about, of which they are not slow to avail themselves. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th July, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394222/3394225?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Bowling Him Out Carmey Young, a sweet-meat seller, was charged, on the information of P.C. Evans, with causing an obstruction in the narrow part of High-street, with his tray of sweets. After Evans had proved the case, Young accused the officer of having "bowled" with him and because the officer was beaten, and he would not play again, he was threatened by Evans that he would be down on him some day. Young also complained that others were permitted to "hawk the streets," and why shouldn't he; but he was willing to abstain from going into the streets, if others were prevented also. Evans denied the "bowling" transaction.The Mayor said he saw no harm in playing at "bowls;" for he had had many a game. (Laughter.) Nevertheless, the streets, and especially High-street, must be kept clear. Cautioned to keep out of the street in future, and case dismissed. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th May 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396011?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-13-at-06.55.40.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th May 1854](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396011?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow-3.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Ethiopian Serenaders' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-11-at-08.16.45.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th July, 1847](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394217/3394219?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The Ethiopian Serenaders was an American blackface minstrel troupe successful in the 1840s and 1850s. Through various line-ups they were managed and directed by James A. Dumbolton and are sometimes mentioned as the Boston Minstrels, Dumbolton Company or Dumbolton's Serenaders. They performed at the Town Hall for one night and featured 'Negro Melodies, Whimsicalities, Droll Sayings, and peculiarities of Ethiopian Life'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/image-2.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Trap-Doors in Pavements Mr. Iggulden called attention to the iron trap-doors which were fixed in the new pavement outside the premises of Mr. Evans, in High-street, adjoining the Coach and Horses. He considered them dangerously large, likely to cause accidents. Mr. Davis said they should be large enough to admit the passage of barrels into the cellar. Mr. Rennie would not allow a single trap-door, if he could help it. Those now complained of, should never have been permitted. The surveyor should have prevented it. Mr. Evans had great doubt whether the surveyor has power to prevent it. It would be all exceedingly hard case if that Board were to prohibit the tradesmen of the town from getting into their cellars. How were they to carry on their business if so prevented? Mr. Rennie said the Board had purchased the old premises on which the building and pavement now stood, and other persons had no right to make holes in the pavement for their private use. It was the property of the Board, who could do what they liked with it; and could prevent persons from converting that into a dangerous nuisance, which was purchased to make improvements. Townsend said there was great danger attending the opening of any cellar into the street, through the pavement. If people would go on doing work underground, which should be done "on deck," it ought not to be at the risk of breaking other people's legs or necks. Mr. Davis warmly protested against the injustice and unfairness of disallowing Mr. Evans to have those cellar traps, now that his building had been completed, and while he was, moreover, prevented from having any back-way into the premises. Mr. Batchelor considered those cellar-traps very dangerous to the public. Mr. Davis said other traps were also dangerous, in other parts of the town but it was unjust that after they had seen the plans of the new premises, and had allowed the owner to lay out a thousand pounds in erecting them, they should now ruin his property. **Mr. Lyne**: But is not the owner of that property ruining ours? **Mr. Davis**: Not a bit of it. Mr. Iggulden said he had merely done what he considered to be his duty, as a public man, in bringing matter forward. He had been struck with the idea that the traps in question were much too large for the pavement — larger, indeed, than most others. As the Corporation purchased the ground, they had a right to regulate the appropriation of it for public uses. Mr. Townsend mentioned some narrow escapes he had witnessed at the point referred to, previously to the widening of the street, and showed that, as the improvement had been effected to prevent similar accidents in future, it was wrong to allow any one to cause still greater danger to persons using the pavement. The Mayor did not see how they could well interfere now; the matter having been sanctioned and completed. Mr. Batchelor said it had not been sanctioned yet. Mr. Rennie remarked that similar trap-doors would not be found in the new Oxford-street, London nor, indeed in any quarter where public street-improvements were proceeding. Mr. Knapp condemned trap-doors strongly, having met with an accident through one some time ago. They were dangerous, and should not be permitted. **The Mayor**: Well; we have been sitting an hour and a half, on just three minor points of business and if we take a similar time on the remaining business, we shall not get away until eight or nine o'clock. (Hear, hear.). Mr. Homfray stated that he had fallen into a cellar Newport, on one occasion, through the trap-door giving way under him. Mr. Rennie, with a view to bringing the matter to a conclusion, would move that the surveyor be directed to see that no trap-doors be used in the pavement of the new buildings in High-street. Mr. Davis would advise Mr. Evans against comply with the order, if made; for it was the most gross thing he had ever heard of in his life. Mr. Rennie was surprised to see Mr. Davis, who could usually keep his temper so well, get into a pet on this occasion. The Board had given as much for the property it was worth, and for what? Why, for the purposes of improvement. Were there any openings in the pavement there before? Were the Board to pay money to cause a greater nuisance than existed before, in a spot where they were professing to make improvements? He would not sit at that Board to be told that, because he could not agree with the propriety of placing those dangerous traps in pavement, he was therefore taking an advantage of the man who had sold them a portion of his property. They had not given the owner the money, that they might improve his property, by endangering the public safety, but that they might be enabled to improve the street. Now, they were to be told, forsooth! that they must not prove the street, but make the small pavement they had gained by their purchase, a dangerous nuisance instead. He would tell Mr. Davis that he had no interest in desiring to injure the owner of the property but he could not consent to have that which the Corporation bought for a public benefit, converted into a public danger. Mr. Knapp said he would second the motion for refuse the use of the trap-doors in question; for he should hold himself as really accessory to murder, if any loss of life was occasioned by them. Mr. Davis said he was able to keep his temper as well most men; but he could not help getting warm, when, he saw an injustice of the kind now recommended. Rennie had not recommended them to try if the size of trap-doors could not be diminished; but would do with the doors altogether. The Board, it was, that made the offer to pay for the property. Mr. Evans had not pressed it upon them. They had shut up his back-way, now would refuse to him what every shop, he would bound to say, in town, possessed. **Mr. Rennie**: The traps were not there before. Mr. Davis went on to contend against the injustice 0f preventing the trap-doors being used, and said he should move a direct negative to the motion, if it was pressed. Mr. Latch suggested that it should first be ascertain what improvement might be made in the traps. The matter then dropped, without a division, on the understanding that the surveyor direct his attention to it, all report at the next meeting. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd June, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396020/3396022?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-06-at-20.29.27.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th September, 1867](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403010/3403014/14/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Volume 2, Number 7 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-7/ Last updated: 2026-02-28T07:14:12.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## This Week's Newport History Social Our regular social event took place at the Pen and Wig on Wednesday and as always was an informative evening with people sharing knowledge and snippets of Newport's history. The events are always laid back with no pressure to contribute and whilst there's a lot that we don't know we welcome questions about streets, buildings and the people of Newport. Between us we can either come up with an answer or can try and research on the night. Our next event is on Wednesday 4th March between 6-8pm and all are welcome. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow-4.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-27-at-08.04.50.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th August, 1870](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439153?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Poll Book of Monmouthshire ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-29-at-16.53.25.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd October, 1847](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394272/3394274/4/S?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Prior to the secret ballot, which was introduced in 1872, it was public knowledge who people voted for and books like the Poll Book of Monmouthshire existed which allow others to know how you voted for. That's if you were eligible to vote. If you were wealthy enough or owned land in the county you could vote. At the time of the enumeration of the 1841 Census of England and Wales the population of the County of Monmouthshire contained some 134,314 inhabitants compared to the number of qualified and registered voters in the county in 1847, which amounted to a mere 5,365, of which only 4,436 cast their vote in the election. The book like the one in the advert could be used for: - **Political strategy:** To see who voted for whom and target them next time. - **Accountability:** (Or more accurately, intimidation). Landlords and employers could check the book to ensure their tenants or workers "voted correctly." - **Social Status:** Being listed in the book was a status symbol, as it proved you met the property qualifications to vote. An interesting term used in the advert is 'plumpers'. If a constituency sent two representatives to Parliament, eligible men had two votes which you could either split between two candidates or vote for one and waste the other (plumper). You'd do this if you had a strong preference for one candidate and didn't want to support any other candidates. In 1847, the "polling station" wasn't a quiet school hall or community center like we have today. Instead, it was a central, high-energy event held at the **Hustings**. For Newport, the primary action happened right in the heart of the town. ### 1\. The Main Event: The Town Hall The official polling for the Newport district was held at the Newport Town Hall. In 1847, this was located on Commercial Street. Unlike today, where you slip into a booth, the 1847 process was a piece of public theatre: - **The Stage:** A large wooden platform (the "hustings") was built in a public square or in front of the Town Hall. - **The Declaration:** Each voter had to walk up the steps onto the platform in front of a crowd of supporters, hecklers, and the candidates themselves. - **The Voice Vote:** You would look the polling official in the eye and clearly state the names of the candidates you were voting for. The clerk would then write it down in the very book you saw advertised! ### 2\. The Hub: The King's Head Hotel While the Town Hall was the official site, the King's Head Hotel was the "unofficial" headquarters for the Conservative faction. - The owner mentioned earlier, **John Lloyd**, was a prominent figure who owned a copy of the Poll Book. - Political parties would "rent" local inns to use as committee rooms. If you were a supporter of Octavius Morgan or the Somersets, you likely gathered at the King's Head to drink, celebrate, or receive "encouragement" before walking down to the Town Hall to cast your public vote. ### 3\. The Atmosphere: Riotous and Raw Newport was a tense place in the 1840s. It was only eight years after the Newport Rising (1839), where Chartists marched on the Westgate Hotel demanding the secret ballot. When people went to vote in 1847: - **Bands and Banners:** Candidates would hire brass bands to drown out their opponents' speeches. - **"Treating":** It was common for candidates to provide free ale and food at local pubs like the King's Head to "persuade" voters. - **Intimidation:** Because the crowd could hear every vote, a "wrong" vote could result in being pelted with mud or rocks on your way down from the platform. The 1847 Monmouthshire Election was a three-way battle between three members of the local elite with the polls being held on August 10th and 11th. **The Candidates and Results** | **Candidate** | **Party** | **Total Votes** | **Result** | | --------------------------- | ------------ | --------------- | ----------- | | **Octavius Morgan** | Conservative | 2,334 | **Elected** | | **Lord Granville Somerset** | Conservative | 2,230 | **Elected** | | **Captain Edward Somerset** | Conservative | 2,187 | Not Elected | Third place Captain Edward Somerset lost by 43 votes so supporters of this candidate would be keen to see who didn't vote for him by purchasing the book. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Baneswell.jpg) A shot of Baneswell looking in the direction of Pump Street from a 1915 street directory ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Town Improvement A handsome addition to the principal thoroughfare has just been made by Mr. Mason, grocer, of this town, who has converted the extensive building in Commercial-street, opposite Corn-street, into most attractive premises, with a frontage of considerable beauty, and of a style the most modern. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-04-at-08.31.06.png) 19 Commercial Street is where CEX is located today. The skilful manipulation displayed in the Bathstone carvings has elicited much admiration. Mr. Mason removes from his shop facing the Westgate Hotel, to his new establishment this day (Saturday,) as intimated in an advertisement. We wish our spirited fellow-townsman continued success. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th October, 1860*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399246/3399251?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Drunkards Joseph Fitzgerald, lor being drunk and disorderly in High-street, on Sunday morning, was **committed to a month's hard labour**. John Murphy, charged with being drunk and wilfully breaking a pane of glass belonging to John Thompson, landlord of the Eastern Valleys Inn, was **fined 5s., including costs**. George Lynch, for being drunk and disorderly in Bridge-street, on Saturday evening, and assaulting the' police, was **fined 10s. 6d., or 14 days**. Edward Lane, a labourer, summoned for being drunk and disorderly in George-street, was **fined 5s**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th May, 1878*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440221/3440223?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Window Smashing Ellen Ryan, a married woman, living in Oliver-square, pleaded guilty to breaking a pane of glass in the house of Jeremiah Lynes, landlord of the Plumbers' Arms, in Corn-street. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-02-at-16.58.31.png) 1876 map showing location of Oliver Square (Source: [Newport Past](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/maps/m1876.htm?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) It appeared that the woman behaved herself in a very disorderly manner in the complainant's house, and he thereupon ejected her. Directly she found herself outside the house she picked up a brick and "shied it" through one of the windows. **Ordered to pay a fine of 10s., including the value of the glass, and the costs**. She was also bound over to keep the peace towards an old man, to whom she had used threatening language. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th May, 1878*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440221/3440223?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Pugilists Michael Flynn and Matthew Collins were charged with being disorderly .by fighting in Club-row. P.C. Wallace proved the case, but could not swear to Flynn. There was a disturbance at 25 minutes past ten on Sunday night, and the defendant Collins was stripped of all his clothes he had not even a shirt on. **Collins was fined 10s 6d, or 14 days** but the case against Flynn was dismissed. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th May, 1878*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440221/3440223?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Stealing Wood' James Fitzgerald, an old man who refused to give his name, was charged with cutting underwood, the property of Sir Charles Morgan, near the Barracks. Titus Lewis said On Wednesday last, he saw the prisoner cutting I underwood in a wood near the barracks, and asked him what he wanted there; he said "Nothing." He was taking him to Newport, when he met Superintendent Parrett, and gave the prisoner in charge. The wood was valued at 6d. Prisoner had been convicted before, and was now committed for a month to hard labour, or to pay 18s., including costs. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th July, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396914/3396916?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Unmanly Conduct Cornelius Donovan, charged with striking his wife on the head with his fist, and afterwards with the tongs, was bound over to keep the peace. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th July, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396914/3396916?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Throwing Peas' James Church, of the firm of Down and Co., tea merchants, was charged with assaulting Mr. L. E. Smith, son of Mr. Charles Smith, porter merchant. Complainant was passing the door of the Canton House, when a dog ran out and snarled at him. He began to kick the dog off, when Church came out, and put his fist in Mr. Smith's face, and threw some peas at him telling him also, in an impertinent manner, to walk on. Mr. Philip T. Trigg gave corroborative evidence, which was rebutted by the statements of assistants in the shop. The magistrates said the case ought to have been settled out of court. **Fined 1s. and 12s. cost, or seven days' imprisonment**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th January, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395894/3395898/29/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *Canton House originally opened on 125 Commercial Street in 1853 and then moved to 46 High Street in 1856\. Here's what was on offer in 1853.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-03-at-18.44.02.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-03-at-18.44.13.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th September, 1853](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395750/3395751/1/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-30-at-20.33.36.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th January, 1863](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400124/3400128/23/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Classical, Mathematical and Commercial School, Devon Place' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-30-at-20.39.09.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th January, 1863](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400124/3400128/23/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The premises still exists today on Devon Place although is split into 37a and b. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-30-at-20.40.06.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-02-at-17.45.02.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th May, 1878](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440221/3440223?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Baneswell Houses For Sale in 1877 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-04-at-08.14.43.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th May, 1877](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439623/3439627/24/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The two houses mentioned in the advert are still found on the street. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-04-at-08.12.55.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-04-at-08.16.15.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th May, 1877](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439623/3439627/24/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Only number 40 is still on the street (the cream house), the others have been replaced with more modern houses. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-04-at-08.16.09.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Depredations of Empty Houses Alderman Lyne said he had an important matter to bring before the Board. Several people had complained to him. He did not know why they brought their complaints to him more than any one else, because it was not, he thought, exactly a matter for the Works Committee, but he had heard so much of it that he had determined to bring it under the notice of the Board. Now, they all knew that these were very disadvantageous times, houses and warehouses in all parts of the town were empty and to let, and poverty existed everywhere. They had a police force, and people naturally to be protected by them, and to have their property also protected, whether it was vacant and uninhabited or not. No sooner was a tease unlet, or a warehouse vacated for 24 hours, than it became a practice to "ransack" them in every sense of the word. The Cornish wreckers did not persist in their work with greater energy than these persons did in their depredations. It was to be hoped that good times would come again, and when they did come wound, instead of having houses and warehouses to let, there will be nothing left but a heap of ruins. They paid largely for the police force, and they expected to he protected by them. He would give them three or four illustrations of what he had just said. Certain premises belonging to Mr W. Downing Evans, the clerk of the Union, were empty for but a few days, before they were found to be completely gutted. The same thing happened with premises belonging to Mr Lorell—the slates, the doors, the windows, and everything were taken away. Last Sunday some persons had commenced smashing the windows of the Ragged Schools. There was no policeman to be found, and when they were found, they said they did not know who the persons were who had committed those misdeeds. When all these things were allowed to go on is the town, what was the use of the police? He (Alderman Lyne) spoke his mind out about this subject, because he liked to tell a person before his face whatever he had to say. Their Superintendent was too much there (in the Town Hall), and too little about the town. It was true that he had a great deal to do, and that he had to spend much of his time before the magistrates, and they knew that he had a great many heavy returns to make up, but they thought they had given him the necessary assistance to make up those returns, and he (the speaker) would rather give him a still larger amount of assistance in order to see to these things. He remembered that at one time they deemed one detective to be sufficient, but now two was not enough. Alderman Davis corroborated what Alderman Lyne bad said, and mentioned "Cross House," on Stow-hill, where boys were continually making a noise and throwing stones, and the police did not seem to think it part of their duty to interfere. There was hundreds of pounds worth of property ruined in the town simply because the police did not take action in the matter. Mr Rogers, as a sufferer, bore out the testimony of the previous speakers. The amounts he had to pay for broken windows were very heavy indeed. There seemed to prevail an opinion that vacant houses might be damaged with impunity. Alderman Murphy said no one had suffered more than he had, and only the other day he found no less than four boys doing their best to break the windows of a signal box on the railway. The windows of his house were continually broken, and he had been obliged to shut out the light in order to shut out the stones. Mr Vaughan remarked that Colonel Lyne had referred only to the centre of the town. If this was the state of things in the town, what became of the suburbs? He had six houses in Barnard Town, and indeed whole streets were being ruined in that place. Alderman Jones said that a gentleman had complained to him of being struck by a stone. He was coming down from the Gold Tops, when a lot of boys actually pelted him. He thought that rather than allow things to go on aft they were they had better get a lot of "sworn constables." Mr Wyndham Jones believed the police did not pay so much attention to these things as they did to criminal business. Mr Jacob said a commercial traveller, living in the neighbourhood of Barnard-town, had complained to him that when his servant was bringing his Sunday's dinner through the area, a large stone was thrown into the middle of the tray. He trusted that these remarks, made by so many of the members of the Board, would make the Superintendent more energetic. The Superintendent said that persons had been brought to the office and charged with damaging property exactly as had been described, but the owners of the property did not come forward to prosecute. With regard to Mr W. Downing Evans's damaged property, all he could say was that the police had got the name of one person who had been caught in the act, and it only remained for Mr Evans to prosecute whenever he chose. **Mr H. R. Evans**: Can you not prosecute? **The Superintendent**: We can take persons into custody, but some one must give evidence in order to prosecute. **The Town Clerk**: It is the place of the owners to prosecute. **Alderman Murphy**: May I ask whether Mr Downing Evans's property was enclosed by gates? **The Superintendent**: No. **Alderman Lyne:** No; they were torn away. The Superintendent, continuing, said that often-times when persons had been caught in these acts, the owners, finding sometimes they were their own servants, or people whom they knew, refused to prosecute, and said, "Oj never mind, let them go." Alderman Murphy suggested that a bill be printed aad posted up warning people about this stone-throwing. The Mayor said there would be a difficulty in punishing persons charged with damaging property in the way referred to, for though boys might be caught on the premises, it could not be proved that it was they who had damaged the property. He had in his hand a memorial from the inhabitants of Stow-hill, calling attention to Cross House, and asking that some means should be taken to abate the nuisance caused by boys who were continually playing there and throwing stones. He might state that this matter would most likely be dealt with in the Public Works Com- mittee's report. The Superintendent said that with regard to his being seen about the streets, he would reply that he was to he seed in all parts of the town, and he saw members of the Board in many places when they did not see him. He did go out about the streets, but of course if they meant that he did not go into the public-house to take his glass of "toddy," he would plead guilty. (Laughter.) Mr Maddock asked if it was possible to prosecute depredators whether the owners of the property were willing or not. **The Town Clerk**: Yes, where an offence has been committed, but they deserve to have their property sacked if they won't presecute. Mr Gibbs proposed, and Mr Maddock seconded, that the Snperiatendent be instructed to prosecute whether with or without the the consent of the owners of property. — Carried. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 31st May, 1878*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440230/3440232?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-03-at-18.54.08.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd September, 1860](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399228/3399234/25/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Volume 2, Number 6 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-6/ Last updated: 2026-02-28T07:14:06.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-23-at-12.41.53-1.png) [The Cardiff Times, 7th January, 1860](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3381156?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## The Phantascope Such is the designation given to a clever contrivance with which Messrs Poole and Young have this week been astonishing and gratifying the lieges of Newport at the Victoria Hall Condensed into a sentence, the entertainment may be described as Professor Pepper's "ghostly" invention, adapted to amusement. In the several parts of the programme—described as "The Storm of Thoughts," "The Haunted Man, Proteus, and Man's Metamorphosis"—some striking illusions are introduced. Denizens of dream-land, spectres, and "fancy fire-dancers," bewilder the senses in certain scenes, by floating about in mid-air, or crawling, whirling, or vaulting in attitudes and by methods that would seem to defy the resources of the most skilful terrestrial posture-master. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/image-10.png) Phantascope (or Biphantascope), 1870s. Seven slides were mounted in a carousel that travelled around the lantern body intermittently. Not to be confused with the Phantoscope which was created in 1895\. (Source: Who's Who of Victorian Cinema) These, the more startling and popular features of the entertainment, are interspersed with songs—there being two good vocalists in the company. The lack of good acting is a drawback upon the effective accessories of the entertainment. The mysteries of "the Cabinet" we leave visitors to explore for themselves. We perceive that the amount of patronage accorded has induced Messrs. Poole and Young to remain in Newport for a part of next week. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 12th March, 1870*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438898/3438903/32/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-26-at-08.18.40.png) [The Cardiff Times, 21st January, 1860](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3381174/3381178?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow-1.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A Queer Horse Transaction Samuel Talbert, a man who had the appearance of a labourer was charged before the Cardiff borough magistrates on Wednesday, with stealing a horse, the joint property of Edward Lewis and Francis Crabb. The prosecutors reside in Cardiff. On Saturday they entrusted the prisoner with the horse to take to Newport, and gave him 2s. 6d. to meet the expenses of the journey. > Instead of delivering up the animal to the I person to whom he was directed, the prisoner sold it for £1 7s. 6d. to Mr. Charles Mills, of Mill-parade, Newport. Mr Mills subsequently sold the horse for £2 19s. As the prosecutors received no tiding of the prisoner, they communicate I with the police, and Constable Webb was on Tuesday sent to Newport to make inquiries. Webb apprehended the prisoner at the Washington Inn \[Bridge Street\]. On charging him with, illegally disposed of a horse entrusted to his care, the prisoner replied that he had sold the animal and spent the money. The horse was afterwards found at the Barracks-lane. Mr. Jones remarked that the case ought to have been taken before the Newport magistrates. Mr. Superintendent Stockdale said that the police at Newport refused to entertain the charge, as they did not think it came within their district. The prisoner who denied that he was guilty, cross-examined both Lewis and Crabb, with the view of showing that he had a pecuniary interest in the horse. **He was committed to take his trial at the Mon- mouthahire Assizes**. Mr. Ellsor prosecuted. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin 12th March, 1870*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438898/3438903/32/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-26-at-14.18.49.png) [South Wales Argus, 12th November, 1898](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145599309/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Stealing Beer George Waters and John Bound were charged with stealing beer from a cask, the property of the Screw Packet Company, they being baillees of the same property. P.C. Jenkins stated (that about half-past two on Sunday morning he was on duty at the East side of the river, at Rodney Wharf, before the Screw Packet Company's stores, and behind some casks he saw the two prisoners. He found them drawing beer from a 36 gallon cask. They had filled the jar produced, and were about to fill a jug. He asked what they were up to. Bound replied that they were only taking a drop of beer. Witness took Bound into custody; Waters ran away towards Maindee. Witness blew his whistle and P.C. Morgan came to his assistance, and both men were secured and brought to the station. Upon examining the cask, found it had been spilled. Thomas Horton, the manager of the Company, stated that the cask in question was a returned cask. The men had no business on the premises at all. Waters was in the employ of the Company. **The Bench sentenced Waters to 21 days' imprisonment, and Bound to 14 days' with hard labour**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th March, 1870*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438886?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Man Beaten by Father-in-Law' William Clark, on bail, was charged with being drunk and disorderly on the Marshes-road, on Saturday evening. P.C. Knight, who took defendant into custody, said he was in a very wild state. The row appeared to have originated between the man and his wife and the defendant said his father-in-law had beaten him very severely. **The Bench remarked that he looked as if he had been sadly punished, and they therefore discharged him**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th August, 1870*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439153/3439155?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### The Bell Ringing Nuisance John Richards pleaded guilty to wantonly ringing the bell at the door of the National Provincial Bank, in that portion of the premises occupied by Mr. F. W. Travers, manager. Complaints of this sort of conduct had been previously made. Defendant's mother was present, and when asked what she had to say as to the conduct of her boy, said the Bench might do what they liked. She had no money to pay. Mr. Travers said it was a continual nuisance and annoyance to his household, and he had now determined to prosecute every boy he caught. One boy, who appeared to be as bad as defendant, cave evidence against his comrade, but Mr. Travers said he was every bit as bad as the other, and ought to be whipped. There was another present at the time whom they called "Billy Flowers". Mr. Brown stated that he and others objected to a similar annoyance. Fined 2s. 6d., and cautioned. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th August, 1870*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439153/3439155?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Complimentary Concert' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-26-at-18.26.22.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th March, 1870](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438886?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) A complimentary concert, under distinguished patronage, was given at the Town Hall on Thursday evening, by the Albert Union Glee and Madrigal Society, assisted by the following ladies and gentlemen: Miss A. E. Finch (soprano), Miss Prentice, Upper Clapton, London, (contralto), Mr. Lobshaw (tenor), Mr. Walter C. Townsend (bass), Miss Pritchard (pianist); conductor, Mr. J. E Morgan. The programme was a full one, containing no less than five choruses and three part songs by the choir, three duets, and nine songs by different members of the company. The room was crowded, and the performances throughout well received. The choruses were faultless "The Old Cottage Clock," sung by Miss Finch, was much admired, as also "Joyous Life," and the unanimous encores of the audience induced her to repeat these parts. The concert was got up as a mark of favour towards Mr. J. E. Morgan locally known as a skilful and popular vocalist. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th March, 1870*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438886?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-26-at-18.28.50.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th March, 1870](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438886?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A New Town Hall for Newport The Mayor said he would just mention that at the last meeting of the Works Committee, they discussed the various plans in connection with Friar's-fields, and he suggested that the present Town Hall be sold, and that a new Town Hall be built on Friar's-fields and he thought it would be only a question of time when the Quarter Sessions would be held at Newport, and, as a matter of course, the Assizes would also be held there. He thought the present Town Hall would fetch a good price, when they looked at the price property fetched in High-street. The committee fell in with the suggestions he made, and asked him to mention them there. **Alderman Lewis**: Is there any report beyond what you have stated? **The Mayor**: Nothing beyond that when we met there and looked at it, we thought it would be a capital site for a Town Hall. **Alderman Lewis**: And what sort of approach would you get to it there? The Mayor thought there would be a very good approach from both Dock-street and Commercial-street. **Alderman Homfray**: You could not have a better entrance than at Dock-street. **The Mayor**: And we can get a very good entrance at Commercial-street. **Mr. S. Batchelor**: I can only say we are very much behind other towns with respect to public buildings, and I am sure it would be a very great convenience, if not an ornament; but whether it would be desirable or wise to erect it in the Friar's-fields I cannot say. I think, however, the time is not very far distant when we shall be obliged to make some provision by a building where we might have a library, reading-rooms, offices, and various other things in connection with such a public building. I think it is quite worthy the consideration of the committee. Alderman Homfray expressed a hope that whatever was done in that way they would not put the building in a public street. The Mayor thought they could not possibly have a better site. Mr. Stone considered it a matter of importance to the ratepayers: would it not be well to take their feelings on the matter? The Mayor explained that there was nothing before them as yet in the form of a resolution. It was only thrown out as a suggestion. After some further discussion the subject dropped. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th August, 1870*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439153/3439155?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-27-at-21.15.59.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th April, 1871](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403358/3403362?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The house for sale is located in the advert is on the corner of Stow Hill and looking in a sorry state. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-27-at-21.20.30.png) Below is a postcard published in 1847 which shows how the house may have looked in the advert before the little shop was added. The houses to the left of the house in the street view image were probably there at the time of the advert. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/image-11.png) Source: [Newport Past](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/prints/st%5Fwoollos%5Fhouse.htm?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-27-at-07.58.43.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th August, 1870](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439153?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Curious to know what the book was like, you can read it for free on [Project Gutenberg](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/54230?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-27-at-08.42.18.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th August, 1870](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439165/3439169?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## More Light at Maindee We hear that the Gas Company have received orders to erect six additional gas lamps at Maindee. One at the corner of Upper Fair Oak Terrace, one opposite Mrs. Jones's (Shoemakers) shop, one at Vaughan Terrace near Duckpool-lane, one at Isca Terrace, one in Albert Avenue, and one at the entrance at Barnard Town. These, with the present eight lights, fourteen in all, are considered sufficient to light the district for the present. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th December, 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438743/3438748/31?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) This is the earliest mention of Barnardtown in the Monmouthshire Merlin and any other newspaper in the National Library of Wales' archives. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-05-at-18.34.10.png) [South Wales Argus, 11th April, 1903](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143641710/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Victoria Place Stables' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-29-at-08.22.40.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th February, 1874](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405113/3405117?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) In February 1874 [an advert](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405113/3405117?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) was posted in the Monmouthshire Merlin for six stables with coach houses and lofts adjoining 7 Victoria Place. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-29-at-08.27.12.png) Looking at a map surveyed in 1875 shows a series of buildings which may well be the stables and coach houses mentioned in the advert. The buildings have long since disappeared and appears to be part of Chapel Park. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-29-at-08.29.32.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-27-at-08.44.04.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th August, 1870](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439165/3439169?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-27-at-08.45.42.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-27-at-08.02.25.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th August, 1870](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439153?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Volume 2, Number 5 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-5/ Last updated: 2026-02-07T07:29:01.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-20-at-12.42.00.png) Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th January, 1849 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Robbery Last Wednesday evening, whilst Mr. Oldridge, boot and shoemaker, Commercial street, was taking tea with his family, some thieves entered the shop, and carried off 0 prty to the amount of £4 or £5\. The police succeeded in apprehending the same evening, two suspicious characters, who were found concealed in the cellar of the Half-way Beer house, Pill-road. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th January, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394566/3394569?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-22-at-08.41.46.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th April, 1858](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397884?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Weather Between Wednesday night and Thursday morning last the frost, which had set in for some days previous, became very intense, and some rain having fallen, which was immediately frozen over the roads and streets, became a it were one glassy surface, so that travelling not only became difficult and dangerous, but, in some quarters, absolutely impossible. Several slight accidents occurred in Newport and the neighbourhood, and we are apprehensive that more serious casualties have taken place in the country around. > Travelling by sledge would have been much more suitable than by carriage on Thursday, and the adventures of some fair ladies, returning from the bachelors ball, at Tredegar, would form interesting matter for a vaudeville. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th January, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394566/3394569?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Taxi Fares: 1895' Street directories such as John's included all sorts of information about the people, the businesses and services of Newport including the cost of getting a taxi around the town and beyond. | Destination | s. | d. | 2025 Equivalent\* | | ------------------------------ | -- | -- | ----------------- | | Albert Hall | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | Athletic Grounds | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | Baneswell | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | Barracks, The | 2 | 0 | £13.90 | | Barrack Hill | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | Bassalleg Church | 3 | 0 | £23.37 | | Bele Vue Lane (Cardiff Road) | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | Cattle Market | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | Christchurch (Lower village) | 2 | 6 | £19.47 | | Cemetery, The | 1 | 6 | £10.43 | | Caerleon | 3 | 0 | £23.37 | | Castletown | 6 | 0 | £41.70 | | Cork Wharf | 2 | 0 | £13.90 | | Clytha Park | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | Custom House | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | Docks | | | | | — Alexandra Pier Head | 2 | 0 | £13.90 | | —— South-end or West Side | 2 | 6 | £1738 | | — Old Docks Pier Head | 1 | 6 | £10.43 | | — Dry Docks | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | Dock Street | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | Duckpool | 1 | 6 | £10.43 | | Duck Pool Road | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | Duffryn Farm | 3 | 6 | £24.33 | | Free Library | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | Gaer, The | 1 | 6 | £10.43 | | George, The, Chepstow Road | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | Gold Tops | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | Infirmary, The | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | King of Prussia, The, Liswerry | 2 | 0 | £13.90 | | Lighthouse, The | 5 | 0 | £34.75 | | Liswerry | 2 | 6 | £16.89 | | Llantarnam | 3 | 0 | £23.37 | | Maindee Hall Gates | 1 | 6 | £10.43 | | — beyond Woodland Road | 2 | 0 | £13.90 | | Malpas Church | 1 | 6 | £10.43 | | Marshes Road Gate | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | St Brides | 5 | 0 | £34.75 | | St Woolos Church | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | Stow Park | 1 | 6 | £10.43 | | Temple Street | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | Town Hall | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | Tredegar Park | 3 | 0 | £23.37 | | Victoria Hall | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | Watchhouse Parade | 1 | 6 | £10.43 | | Woodland Road | 1 | 6 | £10.43 | | Workhouse, The | 1 | 6 | £10.43 | ### Further Afield | Destination | s. | d. | 2025 Equivalent\* | | ------------------------------ | -- | -- | ----------------- | | Bassalleg Church | 3 | 0 | £23.37 | | Bele Vue Lane (Cardiff Road) | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | Christchurch (Lower village) | 2 | 6 | £19.47 | | Cemetery, The | 1 | 6 | £10.43 | | Caerleon | 3 | 0 | £23.37 | | Castletown | 6 | 0 | £41.70 | | Cork Wharf | 2 | 0 | £13.90 | | Docks | | | | | — Alexandra Pier Head | 2 | 0 | £13.90 | | —— South-end or West Side | 2 | 6 | £1738 | | — Old Docks Pier Head | 1 | 6 | £10.43 | | — Dry Docks | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | Duckpool | 1 | 6 | £10.43 | | Duck Pool Road | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | Duffryn Farm | 3 | 6 | £24.33 | | Gaer, The | 1 | 6 | £10.43 | | King of Prussia, The, Liswerry | 2 | 0 | £13.90 | | Lighthouse, The | 5 | 0 | £34.75 | | Liswerry | 2 | 6 | £16.89 | | Llantarnam | 3 | 0 | £23.37 | | Maindee Hall Gates | 1 | 6 | £10.43 | | — beyond Woodland Road | 2 | 0 | £13.90 | | Marshes Road Gate | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | St Brides | 5 | 0 | £34.75 | | St Woolos Church | 1 | 0 | £7.79 | | Tredegar Park | 3 | 0 | £23.37 | | Watchhouse Parade | 1 | 6 | £10.43 | | Woodland Road | 1 | 6 | £10.43 | Fare by time — First hour, 2s. 6.; above one hour and under two, 6d for every fifteen minutes; every hour after the first, 2s. Double Fare may be demanded between midnight and 5 a.m. Two Passengers one Fare; 6d. for each additional Passenger. 112lbs of luggage carried without extra charge. For places not enumerated in the above list — Any distance under one mile, 1s; beyond one mile, 6d. for each additional half mile or fractional part of a half a mile. Return Fare. Half Fare in addition. There are authorised **Cab-Stands** at High Street, Railway Station, Marshes Road (2), Austin Friars, Watch-house Parade, Charles-street, Queen’s Hotel, Dock Street (lower end), and near Post Office, Maindee. The cabs are under the control and inspection of the Lighting and Traffic Committee of the Town Council. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/IMG_3067.JPG) A cab stand (left) near the station in 1912\. *\* Source:* [*Measuring Worth*](https://www.measuringworth.com/calculators/ppoweruk/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-21-at-08.06.00.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th January, 1849](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394571/3394573?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Annual Dinner at the Market Tavern, Griffin Street' On Tuesday evening, Mr. B. Baker, of the Market-tavern, Griffin-street, gave his annual dinner. There was a very respectable attendance, and the catering of the worthy host gave great satisfaction. After the cloth was removed, the usual loyal toasts were proposed and responded to. The evening was spent harmoniously, and the company separated at an early hour highly pleased. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th January, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394566/3394569?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Stealing a Two-Foot Rule' John Williams was charged with stealing a two-foot rule, of the value of 1s., from Robert Linton. The facts of the ease are very simple. Robert Linton stated that he had the rule in his pocket on the 26th ult., at the Market Boat public house, and also at the Winning Horse. He lost the rule, and never saw the prisoner during that day, but Hemmingway was by his side. He identified the rule. The landlady at the Blue Boar in Pentonville swore that the prisoner pledged the rule with her about three weeks ago, for two quarts of beer. The prisoner, in his defence, brought forward Robt. Eard, a bricklayer, and James Leyson, a mason, both of whom swore that they saw Hemmingway give the rule to prisoner, in order to get some beer upon it, and that the whole of them were drinking together upon that occasion at the Blue Boar. The magistrates consulted for some time and committed the prisoner to stand his trial at the next sessions for larceny. **Bail was taken for his appearance, himself in £40, and two sureties in £20 each**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th January, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424990/3424993?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Alias the Doctor' Anne Whistance (alias the Doctor) was the first prisoner arraigned, under the circumstances detailed in the following evidence:— Ann Davies sworn: Is landlady of the Elephant and Castle (formerly called the Red Cow—by the bye, it is not even co) that can swell into an elephant), on the canal side, near Friar's Fields. On Monday night last the prisoner remained at the door when every body else had gone. It was then near twelve o'clock; at half-past twelve she found prisoner endeavouring to force open her parlour window. The servant came and said some one was trying to get the chain downcame out, and found the prisoner at the window with the chain which she had pulled out, in one hand, and a brick in the other; she went up to her and asked her who authorized her to take down her shutters? Prisoner answered, You d— b—, I'll1 have a regular smash if I pay for it, I have three sovereigns *planted*, and I can afford to do so." Witness does not know what planted means. Sent her servant for the police, and retained prisoner till she was taken; she was very tipsy; came in drunk to the Elephant and Castle, but had nothing there. Prisoner asserted that witness had taken 5s. or 6s. at another time out of her bosom, and had received many pounds of her money at several times. Samuel Harlow: Is a police sergeant. Was sent for by Mrs. Davies found prisoner drunk and disorderly. Was obliged to get police constable Hopkins to assist in removing her. Continued disorderly for an hour after being locked up. About a week ago was sent for to Gregory's to take "The Doctor" into custody. While at the station-house she swore she would be revenged on Mrs. Davies. The prisoner was committed to the House of Correction at Usk, with hard labour for two months. By Mrs. Davies' statement, it would appear that her house was open on Monday night till near 12 o'clock and the company could not have been very select when "The Doctor" was their boon companion. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th January, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424990/3424993?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Breaking Ornaments' Charles Gibbs was charged with threatening Martha freed, and breaking several ornaments of her property, Complainant admitted "She kept a house for girls," upon which the clerk remarked that the affair was one of the accidents of her trade." The case was dismissed. Henrietta Sweedman, an "Astrologer" was summoned for assaulting Isaac Fienburgh. **Ordered to pay costs, 2s. 6d**. — [*The Cardiff Times, 14th January, 1860*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3381165/3381173?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'The Three Cranes' William Dare of the Three Cranes, was summoned for keeping his house open after hours. He pleaded that it was a small Christmas party, and as the house bore a good character **the case was dismissed without costs**. — [*The Cardiff Times, 14th January, 1860*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3381165/3381173?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'A Month for Stealing Currants and Raisins' John Williams was **sentenced to a month's hard labour** for stealing currants and raisins, belonging to Mr. Allen, grocer, Risca. The prisoner went into his shop, asked to be supplied with the fruit, and then ate it, and walked out, refusing to pay. — [*The Cardiff Times, 14th January, 1860*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3381165/3381173?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-21-at-16.27.32.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 39th January, 1847](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394106/3394108?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-21-at-16.29.41.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 39th January, 1847](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394106/3394108?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-21-at-16.50.01.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th January, 1840](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393095?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Gig Accident A serious accident took place on Stow-hill at about 5 o'clock on Sunday afternon last, by which one person was much hurt. Mr. Hicks, landlord of the Royal Ann, Llanarth-street, was returning with his wife in a gig from the direction of the Handpost towards the town, and at an easy pace, and when opposite the Six Bells, Stow-hill, one wheel mounting a small heap of dry mud, the vehicle was upset, throwing the occupants into the road. Mrs. Hicks, who fell upon her face, was stunned by the fall, and remained in that state for about ten minutes. Mr. J. Morgan, and Mr. and Mrs. Folk, of the Six Bells, whither Mrs Hicks was conveyed, were unremitting in their attentions. Mrs. Hicks still suffers very much, her face being much lacerated, and her limbs and body bruised. — [*Cardiff Times, 2nd April, 1859*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3380848/3380852?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'For Sale: King's Arms, Christchurch Hill' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-21-at-17.13.14.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th January, 1835](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391905/3391907?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Interesting to see read in the advert that there was also a shop and a substantial orchard of over 200 trees which could be used for making cider. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-22-at-08.33.36.png) The tithe map from a few years after the advert shows the orchard surrounding the pub. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-21-at-17.15.07.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-22-at-08.26.18.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd April 1858](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397875?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Fire at a Draper's Shop A fire broke out, at about half-past seven o'clock on Wednesday evening, in the shop of Mr. Curnew, draper, Commercial-street, which rapidly 'spread in every direction amongst the ignitable goods. An alarm was immediately given, and with, their usual promptness the police with the hose-reel from the Town-hall station hurried to the scene of conflagration. Inspector Williams. Sergeants Wilcox and Curtis, and several of the constables, under the command of the superintendent, rendered active and judicious services to extinguish the iiames, but so inflammable were the materials that nearly the whole stock in trade with the fixtures were destroyed. While the police were attaching the hose to the plug, near the West of England Bank, a party of men in the street injudiciously broke open the window, which admitted a strong current of wind, and fanned the fire into a "fierce flame". ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-23-at-07.52.00.png) The location of the West of England branch and a fire hydrant in the bottom left which may be the same one as mentioned in the article. However, the police by their exertions succeeded in confining the fire to the shop, so that the rest of the house was uninjured. It is supposed the fire originated in an escape of gas, but as yet there is no proof of its origin. — [*Cardiff Times, 2nd April, 1859*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3380848/3380852?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-22-at-08.40.39.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th April, 1858](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397884?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Gambling On the first day of the Newport Races, a gang of those villainous-looking thieves who frequent races for the purpose of plundering fools at roulette, had very comfortably installed themselves in a part of the grand stand, when Mr. Hopkins, the Superintendent of Police, interposed by direction of the magistrates, and put an end to all the golden hopes they had entertained. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd October, 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393535/3393538?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Missing £100 Notes' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-26-at-08.30.02.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th September, 1841](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393530/3393532?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) In 1841, an advertisement was printed in the Monmouthshire Merlin for 3 x £100 notes which had been sent to J. J. Cordes & Co. but went astray. [The following week](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393535/3393538?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) an update was printed in the Merlin. > We are happy to perceive that the letter containing three notes for £100 each, advertised in our paper of last week, has duly come to hand. The delay which occurred did not arise from any negligence on the part, either of the General or Newport Post-office, the letter having been (by mistake), directed "Messrs. J. & J. Cordes, Liverpool," instead of "Messrs. J. & J. Cordes, Newport." — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd October, 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393535/3393538?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-22-at-13.06.15.png) [South Wales Argus, 2nd July, 1927](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1146135027/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-23-at-12.41.53.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th January, 1854](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395894?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Volume 2, Number 4 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-4/ Last updated: 2026-01-31T07:46:22.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Overton House Academy ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-19-at-17.44.39.png) In January 1853, J.B. Nichols moved from his premises on Hill Street to Overton House which is located on Cardiff Road. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-19-at-18.12.35.png) J.B. Nichols had been running a school in Newport since at least 1841 In more recent times it was the Courtybella Club but was also once [owned by Lionel Digby Whitehead](https://whiteheadclub.co.uk/history/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (steel manufacturing plant owner). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-19-at-18.03.23.png) Overton House Prior to being known as Overton House, it was known as Overton Place and inhabited by Rev James Francis along with [Rev Beynon](https://www.newportpast.com/records/directories/kelly1848/search.php?data=Overton&Submit=Submit&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-19-at-17.54.32.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st March, 1846](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425275/3425277/10/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-19-at-17.47.16.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th December, 1837](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392589/3392591/13/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/IMG_7261.jpg) Kelly's Newport Directory, 1848 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) # The Business of Death in 1848 Newport History often hides in the mundane. A price list from 1848 might seem like a dry piece of administrative debris, but the regulations and tariffs of the **Newport Cemetery Company** offer a haunting snapshot of life—and death—in a booming Victorian port town. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/IMG_7262.jpg) Kelly's Newport Directory, 1848 This advert, likely originating from the "Old General Cemetery" on present day Clifton Road, reveal a society deeply divided by class, terrified of disease, and operating on the precipice of a catastrophe: the 1849 Cholera outbreak. ## The Cost of Dying in the Victorian Era In 1848, Newport was an industrial powerhouse. The docks were full, the population was exploding, and money was flowing. However, for the average worker, life was precarious. To understand the price list, we must understand the value of money. In 1848, a common laborer or dock worker in Newport earned roughly **10 to 15 shillings a week**. A skilled tradesman might earn **£1 (20 shillings)**. With that context, the cemetery's price list becomes a stark illustration of inequality. ### The "Pauper's" Grave vs. The Perpetual Vault The cemetery offered a tiered system of burial that strictly segregated the rich from the poor. - **The Lowest Tier:** A "Single Interment" for an infant cost **7 shillings and 6 pence**. For a laborer, this was half a week’s wages. For an adult, it was **£1 1s 0d**—more than a full week's pay. These burials took place in "open ground," where the earth was eventually reused, and no permanent monument was allowed. - **The Middle Class:** A private grave "in perpetuity" cost **£2 2s 0d** (two guineas). This ensured the grave would not be disturbed, a luxury that required a worker to save for months or join a "burial club." - **The Wealthy:** The cemetery offered walled vaults in "flower borders or enclosures" for **£6 6s 0d**. This was an astronomical sum, equivalent to several months of rent for a working family. ### Table: 1848 Prices vs. Modern Buying Power *Calculated using standard inflation and wage-value comparisons.* | Service Description | 1848 Cost | Modern Equivalent (approx.) | Context for an 1848 Worker | | ----------------------------------- | --------- | --------------------------- | -------------------------------- | | **Common Interment (Infant <1yr)** | £0 7s 6d | **£45.00** | \~3 days' wages for a laborer | | **Common Interment (Child <10yrs)** | £0 12s 6d | **£75.00** | \~5 days' wages | | **Common Interment (Adult)** | £1 1s 0d | **£126.00** | Over 1 week's wages | | **Private Grave (Perpetuity)** | £2 2s 0d | **£252.00** | A luxury: 3-4 weeks' wages | | **Walled Grave / Vault** | £5 5s 0d | **£630.00** | \~2 months' wages | | **Vault in Flower Borders** | £6 6s 0d | **£756.00** | Exclusive area for the wealthy | | **Interment in Catacombs** | £7 7s 0d | **£882.00** | Equivalent to \~3-4 months' rent | | **Tablet Space on Chapel Walls** | £0 5s 0d | **£30.00** | Price per square foot | ## Regulations: Sanitary Fears and Social Control The part of the advert, detailing the cemetery's regulations, provides insight into the fears of the time. The rules were enforced by the Registrar, **Mr. Richard Mullock**, a former Mayor of Newport (1842-43) operating out of 16 Commercial Street. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/IMG_7263.jpg) Kelly's Newport Directory, 1848 ### The Fear of "Miasma" One regulation stands out: > *"No interment to be made in any catacomb except in substantial coffins of lead."* In 1848, the Germ Theory of disease was not yet accepted. Instead, people believed in "Miasma"—the idea that bad air and smells caused illness. Above-ground catacombs posed a risk of escaping odours. Lead coffins, which were soldered shut, were a sanitary requirement. However, the high cost of lead effectively barred the working class from these vaults, making "sanitary" burial a privilege of the rich. ### Class Barriers in Stone The regulations also enforced a visual hierarchy: > *"No grave-stone, head-stone, or monument, to be made or erected, except over vaults or graves wherein the exclusive right of burial is purchased."* If you could not afford the "exclusive right" (the £2 2s fee), you were denied a headstone. Your family member would rest in an unmarked grave in the "open ground," anonymous and eventually forgotten. ## The Shadow of Cholera The date of these documents is chilling. In **1848**, the cemetery was running "business as usual." But just months later, in **1849**, the Second Cholera Pandemic struck Newport with devastating force. The outbreak was 15 times deadlier than the previous epidemic of 1832\. It killed over 120 people in the St Woolos parish alone, devastating the crowded, unsanitary slums of Pillgwenlly. It is likely that the orderly regulations listed here—requiring "one clear day's notice" and specific coffin types—collapsed under the strain. Historical records suggest that during the peak of the outbreak, bodies were buried in mass graves at night to prevent panic. ## Conclusion This cemetery, with its strict class divisions and private price lists, represents the end of an era. The high death toll of the 1849 cholera outbreak proved that private cemeteries like this one (located on Clifton Road) were insufficient for a growing industrial town. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-18-at-11.55.28.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th June, 1854](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396056/3396057?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) By 1854, just six years after this price list was printed, the **St Woolos Municipal Cemetery** was opened—the first public municipal cemetery in Wales. It marked a shift from death as a private business to death as a public responsibility. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sir Charles Morgan at the Castleton ploughing match ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-21-at-08.10.51.png) James Flewitt Mullock, 1845 (Source: [Museum of Wales](https://museum.wales/collections/online/object/cdbe82db-a081-39b6-b4d5-9d876ddf3aee/Sir-Charles-Morgan-at-the-Castleton-ploughing-match/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) Description from the Museum of Wales:- This painting is unsigned, but is one of his most ambitious works. It depicts the first Castleton Ploughing Match, which took place in Cae Shop Field, Castleton, in January 1845\. This is described at length in the Monmouthshire Merlin 8 January 1845\. There were several hundred spectators, some included here, and the elderly and infirm Sir Charles Morgan, the Castleton Ploughing Club's principal supplier, came to watch for an hour. Though set in an immediately recognisable landscape, with the Gwent levels and the Bristol Channel in the background, the picture is probably a composed record of the event, rather than an accurate portrayal of it. More work is needed to establish the identity of the man with Morgan (possibly a Mr Lewis) and the ploughman that he gestures towards. It is nevertheless unique as an image of agrarian improvement in early nineteenth-century Wales, and a fascinating depiction of the hinterland of Newport prior to its industrialisation. Ploughing scenes are rare in sporting art. Thomas Weaver painted a match between teams belonging to Lord Bradford, Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn and others in 1813, and Mullock's contemprary Richard Ansdell painted the Groundslow Ploughing Match in 1840. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-21-at-08.17.48.png) Cae Shop Field was part of New Park Farm which is where the Rural Skills Centre is on the map above so would have been somewhere in the circle. This matches the high viewpoint in the painting. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/South_Wales_Argus_1913_07_21_6.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 21st July, 1913](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144037556/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'School at Crindau House?' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-19-at-17.49.49.png) An advert in the Monmouthshire Merlin, on the 7th January, 1853 announced the opening of a school in Crindau run by Miss Williams. Around about that time (at least in the 1840s), the house was occupied by Philip Williams so would likely to have been a member of the family. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-19-at-19.05.12.png) [South Wales Argus, 7th May, 1910](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143945264/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Burglary at a Clergyman's House At about three o'clock on Wednesday morning, the lady of the Rev. Thomas Pope, of Christchurch, (who was absent from home at the time,) was aroused from sleep by a noise which appeared to proceed from some parties engaged in the lower apartments of the dwelling. She immediately called up the servant lad, who proceeded down stairs. The servant went into two lower rooms, and found all safe; he then returned to Mrs. Pope, who was on the landing, saying all was right. The lady, however, desired him to try the door of the study, on the ground floor; he did so, but found it locked on the inside, although Mrs. Pope remembered that it had been unlocked the previous evening. This, of course, excited suspicion but no further noise was heard in that or any other room, and the household retired to rest again. Next morning it was discovered that some burglars had effected an entrance into the study through the window at the side of the house, and that on their getting inside, they locked the door for their protection from a surprise by the servants. The entrance had been effected by a hole being cut in the shutter, through which a hand had been inserted, and the fastening removed. Fortunately, the parties must have heard the alarm raised by Mrs. Pope, and probably decamped at that moment, as the only articles stolen, but it is to be regretted are valuable, were a silver inkstand, a gold thimble (from Mrs. Pope's workbox, which was broken open), a gold seal, with engraved armorial bearing (from Mr. Pope's writing desk, which was also broken open) and it was suspected that some money had also been stoeln from this desk, which could not be ascertained in the absence of Mr. Pope. There is a strong suspicion that the burglary was committed by parties acquainted with the premises and circumstances transpiring there; which suspicion is supported by the fact that the farm bailiff who sleeps in the room immediately above the study, had obtained leave to go with his wife to see the performances at Batty's circus in Newport on the same night, and whose absence on that occasion, therefore, may probably have been calculated upon as affording a good opportunity to rob the premises. It is to be hoped that the names and addresses of the party, who are said *not* to be regular professional cracks men, may shortly be entered, as visitors at Mr. Kessick's office in this town. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd June, 1848* ](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394438/3394441?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-20-at-08.40.43.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd January, 1852](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395227/3395229?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Louis-Antoine Jullien Visits Newport ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-20-at-17.27.53.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd January, 1847](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394101?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) In February 1847, a Monsieur Jullien visited Newport to perform with an orchestr at the Town Hall. According to a site called '[Conversations with Keith](https://conversationswithkeith.blogspot.com/2021/01/on-trail-of-louis-jullien.html?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)' run by music writer Keith Horner, Jullien was a 'long-forgotten conductor and composer who was once a household name throughout the UK, Paris, Dublin and even several cities in the USA'. Jullien, who probably has one of the longest names in the world (**Louis George Maurice Adolphe Roche Albert Abel Antonio Alexandre Noë Jean Lucien Daniel Eugène Joseph-le-brun Joseph-Barême Thomas Thomas Thomas-Thomas Pierre Arbon Pierre-Maurel Barthélemi Artus Alphonse Bertrand Dieudonné Emanuel Josué Vincent Luc Michel Jules-de-la-plane Jules-Bazin Julio César Jullien**) was born in Sisteron, Basses Alpes, France, April 23, 1812 and as his violinist-bandmaster father Antonio predicted him to be a musical prodigy, all 36 male members of the Sisteron Philharmonic Society insisted on being godfather hence the extra long name. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/image-9.png) Performing in Covent Garden on 7th November, 1846, just a few months before performing at Newport. [Source](https://conversationswithkeith.blogspot.com/2021/01/on-trail-of-louis-jullien.html?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Refusing to Take Child from Workhouse' William Trowbridge was charged by Mr. Salter, the re- lieving officer, with refusing to take his child from th e workhouse. Prisoner offered to pay for the child, but ob jected to take it home. **Bound over to appear on Monday next—in the meantime to arrange to take the child away**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th June, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396056/3396057?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'A Little Irish Row' Cornelius Foley was charged with beating and assaulting Margaret Cummings. P.C. Williams described it as a "little Irish row." Complainant called two witnesses, who corroborated her statement, as to being knocked down, &c. **Foley was fined 8s. 6d. costs, and was bound over, together with complainant and her witnesses, to keep the peace for six months**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th June, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396056/3396057?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Taking Improper Liberties' Margaret Kiof was charged with assaulting and beating Ellen Casey, who swore that defendant struck her upon the side of the bead, and took improper liberties with her (complainant's) husband. **Fined 10s. and costs, or 21 days' imprisonment**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th June, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396056/3396057?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Limb of the Old Stock Elizabeth Jenkins, alias Betty Yarwood, alias Cripple junior, who carries ferocity and vice stamped on her countenance, was charged with being drunk and disorderly. Mr. Sharrem, the landlord of the Cornish and Devonshire Arms, proved certain acts against the young virago, which left no doubt of the correctness of the charge. PC Bath and Sergt. Huxtable helped the creature forward on her way to the House of Correction; while she was by no means backward herself, in proving her claim to a short residence in that locality. The magistrates had no doubt of her merits on that point, and therefore desired that she might be lodged and boarded with Mr. Merrett for a fortnight; and the young Cripple appeared so pleased with the order, that she grinningly exclaimed, as she bolted from the dock, "Thank you, gentlemen! thank you!" — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd June, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394438/3394441?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### More Street Obstruction Jeremiah Macarthy, an old man, and John Buckley, who said he was but fifteen years of age, though he appeared twenty-five at least, were charged with obstructing the road by refusing to disperse in Cross-street, on Sunday evening. This street has become notorious. Every Sunday evening there is a tight—or perhaps half-a-dozen—in which all the residents in the locality take part, as observers or partizans and thus the street gets so thronged, and the shouts and bellowings so uproarious, that both an obstruction and a nuisance are at once caused. The prisoners had joined in the fight and hubbub in Cross-street on Sunday evening, and as they obstructed the road, and did not move off when ordered by the police. Cautioned and discharged on paying1s. each, prison fee.; but the magistrates said that the next similar case from Cross-street should be visited by imprisonment. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd June, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394438/3394441?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'George the Navvy' George Long, alias George the Navvy, was charged with being drunk and fighting early on Sunday morning. PC Long proved seeing prisoner knock a man down, and thereupon took him into custody. Prisoner said to witness I'll do for you on the 5th of November, and before that, if I can. Prisoner was shown to have been convicted of drunkenness and fighting be-fore, and was now **ordered to pay 5s., and 1s. 6d., prison fees, or fourteen days' imprisonment**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd June, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394438/3394441?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'A Month in Prison for Being Drunk' Margaret Daniel, a young woman of bad repute, who has only left prison a few days, was again charged with being drunk and disorderly; which offence being proved by PC Govier, and she was again sent to prison for a month. She went off with a bound towards the station cell, exclaiming, "Now, then, for another change." — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd June, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394438/3394441?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-18-at-11.54.12.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th June, 1854](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396056/3396057?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-18-at-12.00.07.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th June, 1854](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396056/3396057?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-19-at-19.03.30.png) [South Wales Argus, 7th May, 1910](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143945264/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ### Volume 2, Number 3 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-3/ Last updated: 2026-01-24T07:42:31.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Town Nuisances and Fever Stills SIR,— I read lately, in your excellent paper, particulars of a visit paid by the surveyor and superintendent, to a regular fever-still— a lodging-house, choke-full of filth, fever, and lodgers. I also read the letters of two medical men, in your last publication, stating that fever was among families in a foul and dirty street near the Cattle Market. I should be sorry to excite any improper apprehension, but cannot help saying I think this state of things at so early a period of the year, ominously foreshadows a summer epidemical scourge that may carry oft' our population again, as in 1849\. God forbid that it should be so but let us have an active and energetic human agency at work, to avert a too-probable result of neglect. We have bought our Public Health Act at a high rate of taxation—let us have its benefits, its new sewerage, its better cleansings, its improved sanatory regulations; and by a prudent and zealous performance of their important duties, by the Public Health Board and their officers, speedilv applied to existing fever-stills and town nuisances, we may look for a better state of things. I am, sir, your obedient servant, Newport, 24th February. PRECAUTION. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st March, 1851*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395035/3395038?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Furniture For Sale' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-16-at-08.19.41.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th February, 1866](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402023/3402028?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) An advert in an 1866 edition of the Monmouthshire Merlin gives an insight into the furniture that was being auctioned from 5 Kensington Place which is the house in yellow in the photo below. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-16-at-08.20.46.png) Also for sale in the same newspaper was furniture and brewery equipment from the Crown Hotel on High Street. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-16-at-08.27.17.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th February, 1866](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402023/3402028?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The Crown Hotel, also known as the Crown Wine Vaults in the 1886 street directory, was in between Market Street and Griffin Street. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-16-at-08.28.43.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-12-at-17.59.44.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st September, 1838](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392755/3392757?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Special Constable Summoned For Assault' The article about an incident with a Special Constable mentions many different people and businesses but pre-dating street directories it's difficult to pin point the locations. Special constable Harper, having summoned Mr. Townscnd to appear before the magistrates on the 18th of July last, for an assault alleged to have been committed on him by defendant, on the morning of the 15th, Mr. Townsend appeared, when the case was gone into, and after a full inquiry, the summons was dismissed. Mr. Townsend therefore lodged a complaint against Harper, with the Watch Committee, before whom the following proceedings took place, at a meeting held on the 24th of August:— *Present—Thomas Jones Phillips, chairman, Lewis Edwards, John Frost, Joseph Latch, George Gething, Thomas Hawkins.* Mr. John LLoyd: I saw Harper the constable, of Newport, about half-past six o'clock on Sunday morning, the 15th July; he was standing at the corner of the Westgate I was in my bed-room window he was walking steady and appearing to know what he was about; I should say he was not in a state to perform his duty as a constable. I at the same time saw Mr. Townsend; I saw Mr. Townsend go up Stow Hill and knocking at Miss Poulton's door. I saw Harper take hold of Mr. Townsend at Miss Poulton's door I did not hear any conversation that took place between them. Harper attacked Mr. Townsend. Mr. Townsend appeared very violent and much excited in consequence of Harper taking hold of him. Mr. Townsend got loose of Harper, and ran down the hill towards the Westgate. Harper followed him. They both went down Commercial-street. I saw nothing afterwards. I heard a noise down the lane which occasioned my getting up. Mr. Townsend was speaking very loud. I did not hear Mr. Townsend make a noise before I saw Harper. I did not consider that any violence was used. I should consider that Mr. Townsend was able enough to go home himself. Mr. Daniel Tombs: On Sunday morning, the 15th July, about seven o'clock, I was going down the street from the King's Head Inn towards the Westgate; I saw Harper the constable; he was going after Mr. Townsend to the Westgate. Mr. Townsend went up Stow Hill as far as Miss Poulton's. Harper went after him. At Miss Poulton's door, I heard Harper say to Mr. Townsend, "you must go along with me". Mr. Townsend said he wanted to have nothing at all to do with him, that he did not like him. Mr. Townsend was then on the platform opposite Miss Poulton's door. Mr. Townsend ran down the street and Harper ran after him towards the Westgate. Mr. Townsend proceeded as far as Messrs. Edwards and Evans shop; he was followed by Harper. I saw nothing of them afterwards. I did not hear Mr. Townsend knock at the door. I was no nearer than Abraham Clements' door to Miss Poulton's. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/image-7.png) The shop front in the centre of the image, just above the central horse and cart was where Abraham Clements, mentioned in the article above, had his chemist shop. (Source: [Wikimedia](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0a/The%5FWestgate%5FSquare%5Fwith%5FMessrs%5FBailey%5F%26%5FCo.%5FNew%5FBank%5F%26%5FTredegar%5FEstate%5FOffices%2C%5FNewport%2C%5FMonmouth%5F%281130958%29.jpg?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) I saw no violence. Harper attempted to take hold of Mr. Townsend. I saw something in Mr. Townsend's hand, it had the appearance of something red. I think Harper was quite intoxicated—that is my opinion, and I believe it is the truth. I heard Harper say to Mr. Townsend, "you must go along with me." I did not hear Harper say he should have the pleasure of putting a Town Councillor in the Clock-house. The Clock-house was the prison on Mill Street at the bottom end by the Royak Mail sorting office. By the time of this article the prison was deemed unsatisfactory but remained open with the Watch Committee taking it over in 1840\. By 1873 the building had been sold to the Great Western Railway. I heard Harper say to Mr. Townsend, "you must go along with me." I did not see Mr. Townsend by the King's Head. I did not see him by Mr. Brewer's window. Valentine Daniel: Between six and seven o'clock on Sunday morning, the 15th July, I was standing on the steps of my door; Mr. Townsend passed me and said, "I will go up and see my old friend, though we have disagreed many times." He knocked at Miss Poulton's door. Mr. Harper went up to him. I did not hear what took place between them. Mr. Townsend returned, followed by Harper; both of them walked very well—they walked as if they were sober and quite solid—no conversation took place between them as they returned. I heard Mr. Townsend speaking loud before I saw Harper; it was a short time before I saw Harper follow Mr. Townsend up the hill. David Davies: Between six and seven o'clock in the morning of Sunday, the 15th July, I was near Mr. Evans the grocer's door, in Commercial-street; I saw Harper there and spoke to him. I saw Mr. Townsend and Mr. Turner near Edward James' house. I said to Harper not to take any advantage of any other person because he was drunk himself. Harper was drunk, and said he would watch my house. He could not speak very plain. His features told me he was drunk. I could tell he was drunk by looking into his eyes. Harper said it was fitter for the constables to have irons to put on the people than for the police; he said, that Mr. Townsend was one of those that ordered swords and pistols for the police to carry about with them. Pretty sort of peace makers. If I don't have £5 out of him to-morrow I'll summon him up. I called David Jones to witness, and David Jones told Harper he would appear against him. David Jones was standing by, heard what Harper said. I was quite sober when I first got out of bed. I did not see anything indecent or improper in Mr. Townsend's conduct; hc was walking under Mr. Turner's arm. David Jones: About seven o'clock on Sunday morning, the 15th July, I was coming up Commercial-street; I saw Harper opposite Mr. Evans the grocer's he was in conversation with many persons I think he was a little in liquor. I saw Mr. Townsend; I did not see them near each other; I discovered from his conversation that he had taken more than did him good he was not sober. I heard Harper tell David Davies that he would have a warrant against Mr. Townsend for opening his knife—a fine councilman going to insult a peace-officer ; I'll have a warrant against him to-morrow morning, and make him pay £5 for it. I did not see Mr. Townsend do anything to Mr. Harper. I saw many going in custody in the same situation as Mr. Harper was in. I saw Mr. Townsend with his purse in his hand, and said this is what Mr. Harper wants to have. I did not hear any one say that Mr. Townsend had drawn his knife—I did not see any knife. Mr. Turner: I walked home with Mr. Townsend; he had no knife in his hand; he had a purse in his hand; he insulted no one. I saw Harper—he was drunk. Mr. Townsend was not sober. Harper was not in that state that was proper for a peace-officer. Mr. Townsend and myself joined at Mr. Evans the grocer's, and we went together to Mr. Townsend's house. I saw Mr. Townsend with his back against Mr. Lewis's door. I did not see him with Harper. William Jenkins: I was at my house in Commercial-street, about seven o'clock, the 15th July: I saw Harper the constable that morning, near the Westgate Inn he was walking backwards and forwards. Judging from the appearance of his walking, I should say that he could not be very tipsy, he seemed to walk very well. I saw him walking after Mr. Townsend up Stow. I did not hear anything that took place between them. In a few moments afterwards, I saw Mr. Townsend return, and Harper was then walking after him. I heard a noise in the street before I got up. I heard Mr. Townsend's voice. I thought he was in a rage about something. Mr. Townsend walked very well, and did not appear to me to be tipsy. I did not see anything hostile in the conduct of Harper towards Mr. Townsend. I did not see anything in Mr. Townsend's hand. I heard Mr. Townsend's voice before and after I got up. **The constable Harper was reprimanded by the chairman.** **—** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th September, 1838*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392765/3392768?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/IMG_6765.PNG) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Fire at Newport **Marvellous Escape of Large Business Premises** A policeofficer, whist passing the foundry of Messrs W.A. Baker and Co., in New Dock-street, just after three o'clock this (Saturday) morning, was startled to observe a huge sheet of flame suddenly shoot up into the air on the foundry premises. H eat once gave an alarm, the fire bell was rang, and members of the brigade called by means of their electric bells. In the course of a very short time 18 men were upon the scene of the conflagration, with hose and reel. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/IMG_7190-1.jpg) A c1900 photograph of the premises mentioned in the article. On the right is Skinner Street. Captain H. S. Lyne and Lieutenant J. A. Lyne were in command. The foundry doors were forced open, and it was then found that a large quantity of old timber, stacked near the cupola, had been ignited. The flames reached the flooring of the warehouse, which is immediately above, and for some moments it was feared, the fire would extend to this part of the building. Had such been the case, a conflagration unprecedented in the town for years past must have resulted. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-14-at-08.37.22.png) The location of the warehouse on an old insurance plan from 1888. The firemen, however, assisted by police, worked with a will, and by mighty efforts succeeded in levelling the burning timber, thus saving the warehouse. At half-past four the fire was finally extinguished. Mr Baker, who had been called to the spot immediately the outbreak was discovered, is unable to account for the timber catching fire, and the only theory is that some sparks from the cupola had reached it, and smouldered for some hours until the wood caught fire. — [*South Wales Daily Times and Star of Gwent, 7th September, 1889*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1247875720/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* Mr Baker, wrote to the newspaper and the letter was published after the article. *To the Editor of the Star of Gwent* A fire was discovered at our works at 3.30 this (Saturday) morning, which had taken a strong hold upon a quantity of wood work which we are removing from the old building now being pulled down to make room for considerable extension to the works, and although I was on the spot as quickly as possible, yet the police and Fire Brigade were already there, hard at work with the hose, and had got the flames under control. I desire publicly to express my thanks to the captain of the Fire Brigade (Horace Lyne, Esq), the Superintendent of Police, Sergeant Evans, who discovered the fire, and the other officers and men present for the able way in which everything was managed. It is owing to the promptness and energy displayed by the police and Volunteer Fire Brigade that a most serious conflagration has been averted. I remain, sir, yours truly, **W.A. Baker** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-13-at-08.23.32.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th July, 1836](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392241/3392243/10/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Street Preaching SIR, Observing a report of magisterial proceedings preferred on Monday the 22nd of June instant, bv Superintendent Huxtable, before G. Wr. Jones, Esq., Mayor James Brown, Esq., ex-Mayor and W. Evans, Esq, charging me, with a woman named Hopkins, with holding forth at the Pump, Cardiff-road, Newport — street preaching, singing, &c., from 10 and 11 to half-past 11 at night, to the great annoyance of the inhabitants of the neighbourhood — it now becomes my duty to inform Superintendent Huxtable, through your columns, that I challenge him to the proof that I did at any place at Newport, highway, byway, or otherwise, preach or ever was connected with street preachers; and for thus libelling my character, it is my intention to take immediate legal proceeding against him. Your insertion of this in your next MONMOUTHSHIRE MERLIN will oblige, your obedient servant, **HENRY MATHIAS, Master Mariner.** Victoria Crescent, Newport, Mon., July 1, 1863. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th July, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400402/3400407/25/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) An article in the same newspaper explained that Mathias looked like the street preacher who came forward to the police. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-14-at-19.28.12.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th March, 1838](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392649/3392650/3/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Very "Heavy Wet" A foolish fellow, last Tuesday afternoon, imbibed such large quantities of "moistening," that he was induced to strip off his clothes at the Rodney Parade packet-slip, and take a plunge into the tide, which was running out rapidly at the time. He had miscalculated his strength, and the amount of his sobriety for the tide carried him down so fast, and rendered him so powerless, that had not a friend put off a boat to his assistance, he might have been drowned, as the reward of his drunkcn temerity. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th May, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395349/3395353?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-14-at-20.27.01.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th May, 1852](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395358?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Salmon Caught in Canal' A few days since, Mr. Edmund Oscroft, of this town, caught at the Gwastoed lock, with a trout tackle, a salmon, weighing four pounds and three ounces, rather a fine fellow to be captured in the canal. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th May, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395349/3395353?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/image-8.png) The area mentioned in the article is at the back of Blaen-y-pant. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Nuisances Wherever foul smells arise, from whatever nuisances, means should be at once applied for the abatement of all that may be infectious or poisonous in them; and now that so many remedies of this nature are in existence, that father of a family or master of an establishment, is really criminal, who neglects to disinfect such nuisances of their dangerous properties. There is not a druggist's shop in Newport or elsewhere, perhaps, where valuable disinfecting agents are not sold, and at a rate, too, quite within the reach of the poorest householder. It would not be quite right for us to commend any particular article but the very great value and remarkably cheap cost of certain fluids and powders that we have heard praised, entitle them to immediate use in and about every house in Newport. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st September, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394701/3394704?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-14-at-14.47.32.png) [South Wales Argus, 2nd May, 1919](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144329198/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## New Class of Irish Immigrants On Sunday morning last, a large cargo of Irish immigrants were landed at Penarth, and with the usual love of Newport, all were here in a very short time. We understand, however, that these were of a very different class to their predecessors, being only women and children, pursuing their way, in decent apparel, and with some little money, to husbands and fathers who had settled in many parts of England as industrious workmen. It was also stated that a cargo of potatoes was brought by these immigrants, in the same vessel, which one or more have been left behind to dispose of for the lot. The crop of potatoes is described by the passengers as most abundant in Ireland this season. This is cheering. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st September, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394701/3394704?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-14-at-14.49.29.png) [South Wales Argus, 5th September, 1919](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1056673391/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Sisters Sophia and Annie The Sisters Sophia and Annie gave their popular entertainment "Fun," at the Town Hall, on Friday and Monday evenings last, and the manner in which they acquitted themselves fully sustained their well-earned reputation. The attendance on Friday was probably owing to the number of entertainments that have been given in the town of late—rather limited, but that on Monday was very large, the room being well-filled with a highly-respectable audience, who repeatedly testified their appreciation of the entertainment by warm applause. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th February, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402023/3402028?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Ham Stealing at Pillgwenlly Mary Hayes was charged with stealing a ham, the property of Mr.Jabez Haime, grocer, Pillgwenlly.— Mr. Woollett was solicitor for the prosecution. On the 6th of this month, prisoner entered the shop of prosecutor, and bought sugar. She came again in a few minutes, and, as on the former occasion, excited suspicion, by her loitering about, and especially near the door, on which eight hams were hanging. After she had gone out, prosecutor discovered that one of the hams was missing. The officers, on receiving information, set to work, and on Friday last, brought him two bones and a piece of smoked hams, the latter corresponding with the quality of the ham stolen he believed it was his. The value of the stolen ham was 8s. Prosecutor had seen the prisoner, in leaving the shop, so placed her cloak at the door, that she could cover the ham and carry it off. P. C. Price produced the ham, which he had found in the privy, from which he had seen prisoner coming a minute before. He also found a piece of cooked smoked ham in the house. The Bench said there could be but little doubt about the case but the identification of the ham was not quite clear. The prisoner was, however, committed to take her trial at the Sessions. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th May, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395358/3395360?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Charity William Phillips, Esq., of Wilson, has transmitted £25 to be distributed amongst the poor of the parishes of Witson, Goldcliff, Magor, Redwick, and Nash, and the kind-hearted squire's gift has been, we understand, carefully and judiciously disbursed by Mr. Wilcox, according to the several necessities of the indigent people. This benevolence is "in humble testimony of mercies granted in the birth of a son and heir. and the safety of the mother." It is well that the hearts of the poor should be made glad on such interesting occasions. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st September, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394701/3394704?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Public Nuisance "A Lady" writes to urge the removal of a disagreeable public nuisance, which has long been suffered to remain just at the entrance to the otherwise been suffered to remain just at the entrance to the otherwise delightful field-walk from the Cardiff-road to the road leading to St. Woollos Church; and she expresses a hope-in which we cordially concur—that the unsightly and un-healthy subject of complaint may be removed at once. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th May, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395358/3395362?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-14-at-21.36.27.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd November, 1877](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439970/3439974/43/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Mrs Cummins' House We understand that the vacant old house on Stow Hill, belonging to Mrs. Cummins, which has been represented as extremely dangerous to the passing public, will shortly be converted into premises for the new Water Works. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd October, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425410/3425413?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Electro-Biology and Mesmerism A rich treat for the lovers of fun has been afforded this week, by the clever experiments of Miss Montagne. This lady, who possesses a superior skill in the Mesmeric has performed some most astonishing experiments; amongst which we notice her power to attract persons from among the audience to the platform. For instance, on Monday night a young gentleman, well known as a native of the town, left his seat, with eyes riveted on the animal magnet — the lady operator. In another instance, a sailor was so impressed when led by imagination, to suppose he was at his avocation, that he made many attempts to go aloft, actually mistaking the wall for shrouds and ratlins. To enumerate the successful experiments of this really clever Mesmerist would be a task too voluminous, and, therefore, we merely say that the risibility of the crowded audiences could not be kept down, and that roars of laughter and applause were deservedly awarded. — [*Cardiff Times, 8th January, 1859*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3380764/3380767?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Monmouthshire Map, 1577 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/IMG_7105.jpg) Christopher Saxton, 1577 ### Volume 2, Number 2 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-2/ Last updated: 2026-01-17T13:29:31.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Newport New Omnibus Service' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-07-at-08.22.48.png) [South Wales Argus, 5th April 1924](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1146131649/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) Although the Newport tramway system is one of the best in the Kingdom, there are various residential districts which are not directly served, as the permanent tramway line does not run near them. Among them are Christchurch-hill, Barrack-hill, Bridge-street, Fields Park-road, etc. In these districts the residents have to walk considerable distances to the cars, and as a consequence it was felt that a large amount of potential revenue was being lost. To obviate this, and to provide for the convenience of the public, the Newport Corporation are starting a series of bus services, which it is hoped will, if successful, be gradually extended to other districts. The first of these omnibuses was tried on Wednesday and proved exceedingly satisfactory. A regular 20 minutes service will be inaugurated on Monday next from Rodney-road, Clarence-place, to Christchurch-road. The route will be Rodney-road, Caerleon-road, Church-road, Christchurch-hill to Summerhill-avenue, Summerhill-avenue, Woodland Park-road and Christchurch to the borough boundary (about one mile from the church at Christchurch). The return journey will be over the same roads, and the fares will be — Clarence-place to Christchurch-road, 3d.; Clarence-place to Clevedon-road, 2d.; Fairoak-avenue and Christchurch, 2d. Later int he week it is hoped that a similar server will be established on the Bridge-street route. The roads served will be Bridge-street, Godfrey-road, Serpentine-road, Fields Park-road and King Edward VII-avenue to the Corporation boundary. An inclusive fare of 2d. will be charged. The first bus from Clarence-place to Christchurch will start at 7.40 a.m., and the first from Christchurch to Clarence-place at 8 a.m., arriving at the latter place about 8.15. — [*South Wales Argus, 5th April, 1924*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1146131682/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## St Woollos Church-Yard To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin SIR,—As a constant reader of your journal, I cannot but have witnessed your readiness at all times to give publicity to well-founded complaints of nuisances and other matters affecting the comfort and well-being of society and I am therefore induced to solicit a space in your columns for a complaint respecting what many residents in the neighbourhood consider an improper burial in St. Woollos's churchyard. On Monday afternoon last, my attention was directed to a newly-dug grave, close to the left entrance from the countryside into the churchyard, and very contiguous to the residences of many inhabitants. I found that the grave-digger had ended his task, and on examining the open grave, I found that it was only about three feet deep! so that when the coffin was placed in it, the corpse would be within eighteen or twenty inches of the paws of ravenous dogs. > I enquired of the grave-digger the reason of this unseemly mode of interment, when I was edified by the announcement that "it was only a dried up old woman to be buried there, who was too aged to be offensive when putrid!" She had, the grave-digger further informed me, requested to be buried in this grave-upon her family. And so, regardless of the health and safety of the living, the wish of the dead was respected, and the old woman was just covered over with a few inches of earth in this heathenish style. For my own part, Mr. Editor, being a resident in the locality of the churchyard, I cannot think this mode of interment consistent, judicious, or healthy nor do I think the request of the dead should be so outrageously attended to, to the injury, perhaps, of the living. I have written the foregoing with no desire to reflect further than deserved, either on the functionaries of the church, or the friends of the deceased. I hope that if the body be not disinterred from the shallow pit—I cannot call it a grave—there will at least be some desire manifested by the authorities to prevent the recurrence of such an outrage on decency and propriety. Your obedient servant, A LOOKER-ON. Monday evening, July 31. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th August, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393993/3393995?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-02-at-17.52.26.png) [The South Wales Gazette and Newport News, 10th January, 1890](https://www.newspapers.com/image/809302054/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'A Grand Concert with Ernesto Cavallini' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-05-at-08.20.41.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th May, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425070/3425072?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Ernesto Cavallini was a celebrated 19th-century Italian clarinetist and composer, born in Milan and trained at the Milan Conservatory, who became principal clarinetist at La Scala and later taught at the conservatory while also spending many years performing in St Petersburg. Renowned for his virtuosic technique and expressive style—earning him the nickname “the Paganini of the clarinet”—he continued to perform on an older six-key boxwood clarinet and nevertheless deeply influenced composers of his time, notably inspiring Verdi’s famous clarinet writing in *La forza del destino*. As a composer, Cavallini is best known for works such as *Adagio and Tarantella*, *Adagio Sentimental*, his fantasies, and his *30 Caprices for Clarinet*, as well as significant repertoire for the E♭ clarinet; his music reflects the influence of Rossini and remains an important part of the clarinet’s Romantic-era legacy ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/image.png) Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernesto%5FCavallini?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) [In a review of the concert](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425080/3425083?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) it appears as though it wasn't a success. > On Wednesday evening last this singularly gifted artist, whose fame as the prince of clarionet players, had travelled before him, made his bow to a Newport audience, and the anticipations, however great, that might have been entertained of his extraordinary powers, were more that ratified; we regret, however, to say that though rich the musical treat provided on this occasion, for his audience "It proved, alas! no benefit to him," as the large room of the Town-hall was but thinly attended. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-05-at-08.29.03.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 31st May, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425075/3425077?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Till Robbing' It appears that there are now in town some young scoundrels trained to the art of till-robbing, two instances of which occurred during the week. The plunderers, in prowling about, mark such shops as happen to be without any person behind the counter, creep slyly round for the cash, and are so expert that they have escaped after being noticed from the parlour. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th May, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425070/3425072?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-02-at-17.56.46.png) [The South Wales Gazette and Newport News, 10th January, 1890](https://www.newspapers.com/image/809302054/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Caution to Passengers on Tram On Tuesday morning last, as Margaret Parry, aged about twelve vears. daughter of John Parry, of High street. Pillgwenllv, hay-cutter, was going along the tram road near the Waterloo turnpike gate. some glowing embers from one of the locomotive engines caught the child's dress, and burnt her hack so much. as to occasion serious wounds the poor child's hands also were severely scorched in trying to extinguish the fire. A gentleman hearing her screams, ran to her assistance, and by rolling her on some grass near, prevented her being burnt to death, for the fire had burst into a flame around her, and a sister, who accompanied her, was so much frightened as to become totally helpless. We have since learned that the gentleman, to whose prompt aid the girl, probably, owes her life, is James Birch, Esq. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 31st May, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425075/3425077?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-02-at-17.58.18.png) [The South Wales Gazette and Newport News, 10th January, 1890](https://www.newspapers.com/image/809302054/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-05-at-08.42.17.png) The house mentioned in the advert is number 496 on the Welsh Tithe map of 1840\. It's directly opposite the Royal Gwent Hospital. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-05-at-08.45.29.png) The houses are on the right is where the house was located. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-05-at-08.46.27.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) The unusual number of thirteen prisoners appeared in the dock this morning. The first refractory subject called upon was— James Phillips, who had foolishly allowed beer to master and befool him, one night last week, and had been ruminating over his folly in the cells of the station house ever since. The police-officer having stated that the prisoner had been a very passive drunkard, his Worship dismissed him from custody with a very kind admonition. Mary Ann Jones, a very frail and fallen creature, was charged with obstructing Sergeant Huxtable, and using violent and disgusting language towards him on Thursday midnight last. Sergeant Huxtable and P.C. Pennimore proved the charge, and his Worship, after some. severe, and it is hoped, useful, admonitory remarks, ordered her to be fined in the mitigated penalty of 5s, or be imprisooed 14 days in the Usk House of Correction, with hard labour. Milian Harborough, a disagreeable-looking sinner of the feminine gender, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in the street on Sunday morning last. P.C Hewish stated that he found the prisoner taking a nap in the door-way of Mrs. Harrhy's house, about three in the morning, and as she reported herself drunk and homeless, he lodged her in the station-house cell. > As the prisoner pretended that she could not speak English, a Welsh colloquy ensued between her and Mr. Edwards, whose abilities in the Cambrian vernacular, severely tested those of the prisoner. His Worship at length settled the case by observing that the prisoner was a real vagrant and disorderly person, who had twice received shelter in the Refuge for the Destitute, from pretending to be in fits, and bad been in different prisons a number of occasions. His Worship now ordered her to be fined £2, or be imprisoned two months in the House of Correction at Usk, with hard labour; adding, that if she was ever brought before the Bench on similar charges, ahe should be convicted in the full penalty of £5 or receive six months' imprisonment. Jeremiah M'Carthy, a renovator of decayed and sleepy, i.e., nap-less gossamers of the four-and ninepenny and other classes, was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and assaulting Mrs. Jenkins, wife of the landlord of the Bush Inn, on Friday morning last. Mr. Jenkins proved enough of the charge to warrant a con. viction, and added that the prisoner's wife had told him how rejoiced she was her husband was in "limbo," where he ought to be kept for life. A voice: An' sure, my honey, it's no such thing; barrin' the drink, he's a jewel of a husband, the bliggard (sic). The speaker was discovered to be the wife, with blackened eyes, swollen nose, and discoloured face. The prisoner said he knew nothing of the affair—he never did know what he was at when he was drunk. Mr. Jenkins begged the Bench to deal leniently with the prisoner, and his Worship, after many words of serious counsel to the beer-besotted renovator, fined him 5s, or 14 days' imprisonment at the House of Correction at Usk. John Alexander, a shrewd-looking fellow, dressed in a striped blue frock, was charged with obtaining goods under false pretences. It appeared that on Wednesday morning last, the prisoner went to the beer-house of Dominique Bordessa, with an order for four quarts of beer, purporting to be the order of Mr. Noah Bowen, anchor-smith, for whom he worked, and for whom he had frequently taken such orders to Bordessa's house. Soon afier the four quarts had been drunk, the prisoner returned with the same slip of paper, or order, for four additional quarts, which were to be added to the first quantity, by adding the word "ditto" to the first order. This was also executed, and it was subsequently found that the order was forged. Mr. Noah Bowen said the prisoner was not working for him on Wednesday, nor did he order him to obtain any beer whatever. He had written no order at all that day, and the order produced was not in his hand-writing, nor had he ever seen anything of it before. The prisoner said he didn't write the order, nor did he know who did; and he was then sent to await his trial in Usk, for obtaining goods under false pretences. William Price, a ferocious-looking fellow, with a fiery head, was charged with assaulting his step-mother. The Mayor said the parents of the prisoner would not press the charge against him, and he might deem himself fortunate in finding them so forgiving for had the case been heard, he (the Mayor) would have done his duty in the extreme sense of the word. The prisoner was discharged. Charles Cable, John Ellis, Francis Bosaith, John White, John Mark, and John Williams, were charged with having left the ship Zenobia, George Sutherland, master, of Liverpool, without leave. The charge proved against the prisoners was not that of leaving their vessel, but of neglecting to do their duty on board the ship. the charge was clearly sustained, and after the case had. occupied several hours, the prisoners were sentenced to 14 days imprisonment at Usk, with hard labour. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th May, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393938/3393942?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-05-at-16.54.20.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd May, 1846](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425305/3425307?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Charles Kemble (1775–1854) was a distinguished British actor and a key member of the famous Kemble theatrical dynasty, serving as the younger brother to the legendary Sarah Siddons and John Philip Kemble. Though he spent the early part of his career in the shadow of his siblings, he eventually won independent fame for his skill in comedy and romantic roles, such as Charles Surface and Ranger, as well as for his "incomparable" portrayal of Cassio in *Othello*. Beyond acting, he made a lasting impact on theatre history by introducing historical accuracy to set and costume design with his 1827 production of *Cymbeline*. His later career included managing the Covent Garden Theatre—which brought significant financial trouble—and a successful American tour with his daughter, the actress and author Fanny Kemble. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/image-1.png) An 1832 painting of Kemble. Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles%5FKemble?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The Monmouthshire Merlin, reported on his visit in the [23rd May, 1864 edition](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425320/3425323?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). > Mr. Charles Kemble visited this town on Monday last, and read, to a full and most respectable audience, the popular play of Romeo and Juliet, making rich selections of the principal scenes, and at once maintained the integrity of the action, and gave the most forcible and finished specimen of the artistic force and feeling of the great dramatist. We are happy to say that the receipts were amply sufficient to defray the expenses on the occasion, notwithstanding the unpropitious state of the weather, and other inopportune circumstances, which were not foreseen. We understand that Mr. Kemble will visit Newport again shortly, when he will read his favourite play of Othello. The reading was received with the greatest demonstrations of approbation. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-06-at-08.18.13.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th June, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425085?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Rendezvous' The inhabitants residing in the neighbourhood of a place called the "Rendezvous"—a beer-house on the canal side near the Moderator bridge—have sent up complaints to the magistrates against the intolerable nuisance which that house presents. Crowds of sailors at all hours of the day, many of them drunk, fill the rendezvous with uproar, and congregate about the door to the great annoyance of every well-conducted person, eilher residing or passing that quarter. These reckless sons of Neptune are as usual generally in company of some Susans of Deptford, or Sals of Pillgwenlly, and the language of the party, uttered in no minor key, is, we understand anything but calculated to form the style of the young or to improve the morals of the more mature. This unseemly, though perhaps characteristic mode of spending the day, is sometimes varied by a set-to on the spot, or a pitch battle across the water; the victor being brought home in triumph, to "swing the flowing bowl" again; The Mayor and Magistrates have ordered the police to prevent the public being thus annoyed, and the force do their duty, but crowds of these hardy fellows "who have taken on" to serve the Queen, fancying they have a right to get up a breeze with impunity, and not yet having the fear of the cat and bilboes before their eyes, defy police authority. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/image-4.png) The Moderator Bridge It will, however, be found by those who can be identified as ringleaders, that the rendezvous is no sanctuary against the civil power, as one or two have already felt; and that their courage may be cooled by stopping their grog at Usk, together with sharp exercise on the tread mill. It does not appear that in the absence of the captain (to whom the mayor will write on the subject) that any competent authority is uniformly left to preserve proper order in the rendezvous, during that officer's stay in Bristol. This state of things must be prevented in future, more particularly as we learn that the recruiting for the navy proceeds more briskly in this town than any other port in this part of the kingdom. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th June, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425085?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-06-at-13.18.11.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th October, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425173/3425175?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The house mentioned in the advert is the empty property next to Stardust in the image below. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-06-at-13.21.41.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Drainage and Public Health This subject, annually pressed by us upon the attention of those who have the power to remedy the most injurious effects of bad drainage, recurs to us this season, backed by the complaints of a number of inhabitants residing in and near localities where this. the chief defect in Newport, most seriously affects them. We are informed, that in Ruperra-street, damaged and insufficient drains are overflowing and poisoning the residents; while we need not point to Cross-street, Fothergill-street, Friars'Fields, and a host of other places, where fever periodically makes numerous victims among the residents. While we press this matter earnestly upon the attention of landowners, we would also call upon those who suffer from the pernicious cause, to use every endeavour, by fresh water, lime, and general clean. liness, as far as possible, to avert the horrors of fever. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 5ht June, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394187/3394190?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Blind We understand that on Tuesday last, the inmates of a Blind Asylum in Bristol were favoured with a pleasant trip to this town, per packet, which they greatly enjoyed. Although deprived of the gratification of looking upon the varied scenery of their trip, and the delightful landscape views from the eminences of Newport, we understand that they appreciated highly the njoyment, which their other senses permitted them to realise. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 5ht June, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394187/3394190?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-08-at-17.18.29.png) [South Wales Weekly Argus, 1st June, 1901](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1192722249/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Police Accommodation at Pill Superintendent Sinclair presented his fortnightly report. He drew attention to the lack of accommodation for the single policemen lodged at the Pill Police-station, Temple-street. Seven men were located there, and they had but one sitting-room, in which they had to cook, and dry their clothing. Mr. Griffiths asked if any additional men had been located at the station. The Superintendent replied that formerly four or five men had been kept at the station, but it was now found more convenient for the purposes of police duty to increase the number to seven. In answer to further questions the Superintendent said there was sufficient bed-room accommodation, but the sitting-room accommodation was inadequate. The lack could not be supplied without additional buildings. It was not obligatory to lodge the men at the station, but it was a great convenience to have them there. They were charged a shilling a week for their lodgings. The Surveyor said there was room far an extension of the present building. He believed it was contemplated when the building was erected, twenty or twenty-five years ago, that an additional wing should be erected when required. It had been suggested that the spare land should be used for a mortuary, but there was a great objection to that. The matter was referred to the Public Works Committee. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th April 1877*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439575/3439577?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'MP Hall Returns to Newport' Wednesday last was the day appointed by the friends of the newly elected M.P. to celebrate his return, by a splendid public entry, chairing, and dinner, in the town which so eminently contributed to his success. A friend, who is no stranger to the getting-up of electioneering pageantry, has informed us that the *coup d'ceil* was equal to any thing he had ever witnessed,—the fine bright morning proving an useful auxiliary to the general effect. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Sir_Benjamin_Hall-_Bt-1.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Benjamin_Hall_poster_1837.jpg) Benjamin Hall, 1st Baron Llanover, served as the Whig Member of Parliament for the ****Monmouth Boroughs** constituency (which included Monmouth, Newport, and Usk) from ****1831 to 1837**. A committed reformer, he first won the seat in 1831 by challenging the long-standing dominance of the powerful Somerset family, defeating the Marquess of Worcester. Although briefly unseated following an election dispute, he regained the position in 1832 and held it until 1837, during which time he campaigned for church and local government reform and supported the Reform Bill before moving on to represent Marylebone in London. Mr. Hall was met at the turnpike gate, on the Monmouth road, about twelve o'clock. He was accompanied by several country gentlemen and a body of friends from the boroughs of Monmouth and Usk. A discharge of cannon, placed on the banks of the Usk, above and below bridge, announced to the inhabitants the commencement of the day's festivities. On the crown of the bridge a splendid chair, covered with crimson velvet, awaited the arrival of the new M.P. When Mr. Hall made his appearance, the ringing of bells, the firing of cannon,, the music of the bands, and the cheering of the countless multitude assembled to receive him, produced an effect that must have been witnessed to be conceived and stoical, indeed, must have been that being who could have beheld unmoved the spectacle of a free people, exulting in the triumph they had achieved, and paying to the champion they had chosen a homage princes might have envied. When Mr. Hall entered the chair a procession was speedily formed, headed by a full band, the line of pedestrians 'being interspersed with numerous flags and banners, bearing appropriate inscriptions. Immediately preceding the member, the reform fleet was exhibited, consisting of the models of vessels bearing the names of—The Royal William, Lords Brougham, Grey, Russell, and other staunch reformers. The procession moved along the High-street, up Stow Hill, thence, by Court-y-Bella, into the Commercial Road. On his progress through the town Mr. Hall was presented, opposite the house of the Rev. Thomas Boddington, with a goblet of wine, Mr. Edwin Griffiths officiating as cup-bearer. It would be a vain task to attempt to describe all the contrivances resorted to by the inhabitants to give eclat to the scene. The vessels displayed their gayest colours. Some houses were literally covered with wreaths of flowers and crimson favours; others bore ornamented medallions, with mottoes expressive of the gratulatory feelings of its inhabitants. In several places magnificent banners fluttered across the street. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/image-5.png) AI generated image In short, each householder, with few exceptions, appeared to outvie his neighbour. The streets were literally thronged with human beings, the population of the borough being increased by visitors from the towns of Chepstow, Caerleon, Pontypool, and Cardiff, and the neighbouring villages, and even Bristol furnished her quota of the spectators. On his arrival at the King's Head Mr. Hall descended from the chair, and mounting a platform, erected for him over the portico, delivered an eloquent and energetic address. The street in front of the King's Head was at this time filled by a dense mass of at least 10,000 persons, whilst the windows and even the roofs of the houses were covered with spectators. \[The article goes into great detail about elegant dinner that followed\] — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th May, 1831*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391099/3391101?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-09-at-08.02.00.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th May, 1831](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391094/3391097?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Volume 2, Number 1 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-2-number-1/ Last updated: 2026-01-10T07:18:43.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Professor Crocker's Performing Horses ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-31-at-08.35.59.png) [The Evening Star of Gwent, Mar 5th, 1889](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1247869530/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) Professor Crocker with his troupe of educated horses opened a week's engagement at the Victoria Theatre on Monday evening, when there was a large house, despite the unpropitious weather. The animals, nearly a score in number, have been rained to a high state of perfection, and are as docile as kittens. They readily obey their master's commands, such as to bring him a chair, take away his coat, or bring him a letter. One of the horses, named Hugo, is able to distinguish colours, and at the request of any member of the audience will carry to his master either a white, blue, or red handkerchief as the command may have been. The school exhibition, with which the performance opened, was very amusing, one of the animals erasing a wrong example from the blackboard with a sponge. The rolling of a barrel over a plank by Turk, and the joke played upon him by Alger also produced much laughter. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/image-13.png) An advert showing the tricks performed by the horses. The court scene, which personated the trial of a prisoner, shewed, perhaps, the immense amount of care which must have been taken in the training of these animals. The night scene in camp, followed by a mimic battle, was also much enjoyed. The exhibition all round is a remarkably clever one, and we can recommend it with all confidence to the patronage of the public. —[*The Evening Star of Gwent, Mar 5th, 1889*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1247869530/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## January Sales ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-29-at-08.27.27.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-29-at-08.27.41.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-29-at-08.29.03.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-29-at-08.29.29.png) LATE 1890s adverts from the South Wales Weekly Argus Much like today, January was a time for clearance sales and some shops would try and entice customers in with offers such as Reynolds's offering to pay for rail fare from any part of Monmouthshire if you spent £2 or more and Freedman offering 'a splendid smoked ham' for those spending more than £7 10s 0d on furniture. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-29-at-08.39.25.png) [South Wales Weekly Argus, 7th January, 1893](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1191535976/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) The London House Winter Sale in 1893 was 'What the People of Newport were Waiting for' and like Reynolds's, they were also offering to pay for rail far if you spent over £2\. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/South_Wales_Weekly_Argus_and_Monmouthshire_Advertiser_1893_01_07_1.jpg) [South Wales Weekly Argus, 7th January, 1893](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1191535976/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Fire Brigade Work During 1899 Newport Fire Brigade received 49 calls, as against 42 last year. This is the largest number of calls ever received by the Brigade in one year. The most serious fire was at 150, Dock Street (Messrs. E. A. Hammond, Ltd), and the other important fires of the year were those at Trinity Church, Pill; the Children's Refuge, Stow Hill; the Glass Works, Crindau; and Messrs. Morris and Dibble's Baltic Oil Stores. The total amount of loss at fires attended throughout the year was £2,862; the estimate risk £104,160\. > The average time of attendance at fires which the Brigade has been engaged has been 49 minutes, 11 seconds, as against 1 hour 12 minutes, 32 seconds during the previous year. The work of fixing the new electric fire alarms is proceeding satisfactorily. The postal authorities are proceeding with the line work, and Mr Haynes, the borough engineer, states that he expects the alarms will be completed by April next. The personnel of the Brigade remains practically unchanged, and discipline has been well-maintained throughout the year. *—*[ *South Wales Weekly Argus, 6th January, 1900*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1192717462/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### 'Hammond's Fire' The fire mentioned in the article above was covered by the South Wales Argus on 27th May, 1899\. Here is the account. At 10.35 on Friday night, the Brigade had a big job on hand. A boy came running into the Central Fire Station with the news that Mr Hammond's corn and hay stores in Dock Street was on fire. The Brigade was at once called up, and the police communicated with, by telephone. Captain Lyne, Lieutenant Coulman and the whole of the Brigade mustered very promptly, and took out the hose tender, fire escape, and hose cart. On arriving at Mr Hammond's stores — a three storeyed building adjoining the Dock Street Congregationalist Chapel — they found the upper portion fully ablaze. They at once set to work affixing hose to four hydrants, two in Dock Street, one in Cross Street, and one on the corner of Fothergill Street. Seeing that the building was doomed they mainly directed their efforts to preventing the flames spreading to the adjoining property, and in this they were ultimately successful. The premises of Mr Southall, printer and stationer, had a narrow escape, as they immediately adjoin the stores on the lower side, where the Congregational Chapel stands clear. The fire was discovered shortly after the last of Mr Hammond's men had left the premises, i.e. about ten o'clock. It was first noticed by Mrs Simmonds, wife of one of Mr Hammond's employees, who lives immediately opposite. Fortunately, six of Mr Hammond's men lodge in the same house, and when the alarm was raised they immediately set to work to get out the horses. These, to the number of fifteen, were in the stables at the rear of the stores. The men worked splendidly and to the admiration of the large crowd which by this time had gathered. All the horses were safely got out, although by this time the fire was burning fiercely overhead, and large pieces of burning material were falling on the lower floor. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-30-at-18.06.58.png) [South Wales Argus, 4th July, 1896](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143492198/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) On the arrival of the firemen and police further good work was done. The firemen and Mr Hammond's men entered the stores and pulled out a large number of bundles of hay. The Fire Brigade played on the burning building for about two hours, and some of the men remained on duty until eight o'clock this (Saturday) morning. The entire premises were gutted. Mr Hammond, who recently turned his business into a limited liability company, of which he is the managing director, states that the stock was insured. There was a large quantity of hay, straw, corn, and hops, with a number of mowing machines, cultivators, chaff-cutters, a gas engine, &c., on the premises, and all was completely destroyed, while the hay was so scorched as to be of no value. He (Mr Hammond) had been away for a few hours on Friday evening, and it was only on arriving home shortly before eleven o'clock that he heard of the fire. > Being in telephonic communication with the stores, he heard the girl talking at the instrument as he entered the house, and on going to the 'phone was told by his clerk that the stores were on fire, but that the horses had been brought out safely. Mr Hammond at once rode down on his bicycle. He cannot give any estimate of the amount of the damage, but says it is considerable. In addition to the stock, the building which belongs wot Mr Henry Pickford, of Guernsey, is also insured. The Fire Brigade and Mr Hammond's men did splendid work, and valuable assistance was afforded by a force of police, consisting of Head-constable Sinclair, Inspector Evans, Sergts. Smith and Walker, and P.C.'s Probert, Bannerman, Cole, Cooper, Wilcox, Drewirr, Kinnersley and Griffin. — [*South Wales Argus, 27th May, 1899*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143839845/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* --- Strangely, when the insurance company of the building tried to contact Mr Pickford in Guernsey, his wife informed them that he had died on the Saturday, the day the fire put out. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-30-at-16.17.39.png) [**outh Wales Argus, 27th May, 1899*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143839845/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Trotting Match On Monday a trotting match for £30 a side took place on the Cardiff-road, between Mr. George Baker's (of Goldcliff) brown mare, and Mr. David James's (of Cardigan) chesnut mare, both being well-known in local sporting circles as remarkably fast trotters. The course was two miles, duly measured-from Coedkernew to Ebbw Bridge, it having been arranged for James's mare to have a start of 200 yards, on account of her being aged. She was ridden by the owner, and Mr. Thomas Price, of Goldcliff, rode Mr. Baker's mare. Several hundreds of spectators congregated along the road, and the betting was pretty even, but in many instances seven to five was laid in favour of Mr. Baker's mare, that had in appearance a striking advantage over the aged chesnut, which seemed to be out of condition and rather scraggy. She, however, compensated in speed for her poor appearance, and won by a length or two, after a remarkably well-contested race. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th January, 1882*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406630/3406635?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-30-at-18.08.03.png) [South Wales Argus, 4th July, 1896](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143492198/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Destruction of Premises in Commercial-street **THRILLING SCENES** **Valour of the Police and Firemen; Interview With the Rescued Persons.** Scenes of the most thrilling nature were witnessed in Commercial-street, Newport, early on Sunday morning. Never, perhaps, in the history of the town has anything so dramatic and exciting been seen as the rescue of four persons from the fire which broke out just before one o'clock on Sunday morning in the business premises in Commercial-street occupied by Messrs Sharpley and Pritchard, milliners, of Newport and Cardiff. The inmates of the establishment, consisting of Mr Pritchard, the junior partner of the firm (whose wife and young child are fortunately away at Hereford); Mrs Craddock, of Swansea; Miss Bedford, of Kidwelly, Carmarthen, assistants; and the servant, Rose Jackson, whose home is at Bridgend, had retired to rest late on Saturday night, Mr Pritchard being the last. This gentleman had only been ensconced in his room when in a few minutes to one o'clock he became aware of the fact that **THE PLACE WAS ON FIRE** below stairs. He rushed to the landing outside his bedroom, and was met by a volume of smoke. At the top of his voice he shouted “Fire, fire,” and quickly aroused the servant who was sleeping in the best room on the same level, the third storey. The servant tumbled out of bed, and rushed madly across the landing to Mr Pritchard’s room, without stopping to put on a single garment and she, with her employer, who had managed to scramble into some of his clothes, hastily threw up the window and **STEPPED OUT ONTO A NARROW VERANDAH,** which fortunately ran along beneath his window and past the front of the next two houses—Messrs Oliver’s and Garratt and Atkins’. Their safety for the moment was, therefore, comparatively assured, but what of the two women left in the house? To them the cry of “Fire” had seemed their death warrant. All hope of retreat or escape appeared hopeless. They were sleeping in a back room, and as, in their nightdresses, they made a dash across the head of the stairs to the front room as their only possible hope of being rescued, they had to beat their way through the clouds of smoke that were rolling up volume after volume, from the blazing rooms beneath. Flinging up the lower sash of the central window they looked out into the street. Not a soul could be seen who could render any assistance. In fact it was with difficulty that any object in the street could be ascertained at all, as a terrific storm of snow and sleet was raging at the time, and the wind was blowing half a gale from the north-east. Fifty feet above the pavement the two women stood side by side at the open window, beyond human aid apparently, and with no other prospect than the immediate and certain one of being burned to death in their trap. In their despair they sent up **PIERCING SHRIEKS,** screaming at the top of their voices for help. The two on the ledge below also joined in the cry for assistance, and fortunately it was heard by three or four persons. So loud, indeed, were these appeals uttered that Police-sergeant Williams away at the top of Stow-hill, near the Six Bells public-house, heard them and hurried to the scene. But a man who was passing along Commercial-street at the time was probably the first to ascertain what really had happened. P.C. Butler also was in the street, opposite the London House, when he heard the frantic voices calling piteously for help. He hurried along in the direction whence the sounds came, and saw at once the gravity of the situation, and shouted to the panic-stricken inmates that he would fetch the fire escape. Rushing down Corn-street, he burst into the police office, and acquainted Inspector Brooks and P.C. Bush with what had occurred. At once the fire alarm bells communicating with the officers’ and men of the fire brigade were set going, and the inspector and sergeant, with P.C. Butler, dashed across the road to the fire brigade station and brought out the small escape and hose reel. P.C. Bliss and some other men followed with the large escape and were eagerly brought into Commercial-street, and the former placed against the burning building. When first discovered by P.C. Butler little or no fire was discernible, but volumes of smoke, which accentuated in the fact that the origin of the conflagration must have been in the rear of the premises. By this time, however, the flames had made their appearance in the front, and were licking the light woodwork of the premises and the window-curtains, with which the shop and showroom were filled, in their rapid career upward and outward towards the street. The escape was put to the wall of the house, but, alas, it was found to be too short by many feet, and the last spark of hope in the hearts of the two women died out. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-29-at-08.23.26.png) Sketch from the South Wales Argus which accompanied the article **THE SCENE WAS SUFFOCATING,** filling the room upon the window sill of which they were sitting in their night dresses. Despite the fact that the snow was whirling around them, mingled with sleet, they felt scorched by the fierce heat from the fire below. Then, between the hurricane gusts of the storm, making an occasional clearing in the smoke which enveloped the upper part of the building the small crowd that had assembled below witnessed a dramatic incident. Miss Bedford, driven to the last extremity by the fierceness of the heat within prepared to make... **A LEAP FOR LIFE.** She called out to those below that she could stand it no longer, and was going to jump to the street. “For God’s sake, don’t,” was the cry from below, for had she followed out her intention she must to a certainty have been dashed to death on the hard pavement. The woman was checked in her intention, but only for a moment. A new idea came into her head. Why not drop on to the escape placed 12 feet below and trust to Providence to steady her footing that she might not topple over the frail iron protection when she landed on the top? No sooner had she thought than she acted, but was saved by means of the escape. Not a moment was lost in putting her thought into effect. While the people below shuddered she was:—Through the open window clambered the woman on all fours; another moment she was hanging by her hands from the window ledge. For a moment the terrified woman hung thus, her hair and night attire being wildly driven in all directions by the fierce wind, and then... **SHE LET GO.** Faulkner was happily successful in catching her. Miss Bedford was safe, and retaining her presence of mind, she made her way along the balcony to the front of Garratt and Atkins’ drug store, where Mr Pritchard and the servant had already preceded her. But there was yet another to be brought down to a place of safety. The escape was rendered even more hazardous as the fire spread rapidly to the terrified woman at the fourth storey window. Like her companion, she could bear the heat no longer, and prepared for the arrival of the big escape, she cried,... **“QUICK, QUICK, QUICK; I’M BURNING, I’M BURNING.”** Miss Bedford is rather slimly built, but Mrs Craddock is a fairly heavy woman, and her position and chance of escape by dropping into the officer’s arms was rendered more hazardous on this account. Yet the venture must be tried, for it was the only chance of escape. Once more the crowd watched with bated breath the repetition of the method of Miss Bedford’s escape, and a great expression of relief was uttered when it was seen that the woman had safely dropped into the arms of the officer, who was assisted in both his attempts by Engineer Tothill and Sergeant Brooks. The large escape, however, had not yet arrived, news of the latter being on the spot some five minutes of the alarm having been given. Engineer Tothill being the first to arrive. Mrs Craddock was brought straight down the escape carried in front of the brace. And... **NOT A MOMENT TOO SOON,** for as the men got her to the ground, the large glass panel in the bow window of the dressing room, beneath which some of them stood out, spanning the pavement and licking at the ladder of the escape. A few seconds afterwards and the big plate windows of the shop reached with the heat, fell apart, and the large windows of the showroom followed. Before long before given way, the house became simply a furnace in which the flames leaped and roared. By this time the persons at the end of the balcony had gained the street by means of the ladder, Miss Bedford climbing down assisted, and had been conveyed across to Mr J. H. Davies’ shop, Mrs Craddock was wrapped in a blanket, and taken to the Old Dock inn, where Mrs Randall carefully and kindly tended to her. In a short time she went along and joined her fellow sufferers at Wesley Buildings. Dr Gratte and Dr Hamel were fortunately on the spot, with Dr Ensor, and rendered every assistance to the three people, who were suffering severely from the effects of heat and cold; besides being in a state of complete nervous exhaustion and shock. The servant indeed was in a pitiable condition. Once in a place of safety she swooned away, and was... **UNCONSCIOUS FOR NEARLY TWO HOURS.** At one time it seemed as though the shock would prove too much for her, but after spending the morning in a comatose condition, she gradually recovered her composure on morning broke. To revert to the story of the fire, Head-constable Sinclair and Inspector Brooks were on the spot organizing the splendid efforts put forth to keep the fire from spreading. All the brigade were present, Captain Lyne being out of town. Lieutenant Comins... \[text obscured\] had not having heard the signal. But Foreman Bowden took charge, and his efforts were ably supported by Engineers Tothill and Serjeant Clades and Evans; eighteen men of the brigade had put in an appearance several hose connections were made, and streams of water were played onto the lower parts of the building. But within about twelve minutes of the brigade’s arrival, the roof had caught, and all the efforts of the hose with the hydrant force were simply useless to arrest the progress of the flames. It was, indeed, a matter of the greatest difficulty to play upon the fire, as the snow and sleet, which carried the water away like so much spray. It was found that the force from the hydrant was unable to carry the water any higher than the third storey, and constantly the firemen assumed. Meantime the large escape, which had arrived too late for rescue purposes, was turned into a water-tower, a man going up to the roof of Oliver’s as a backbone, and the men were then able, through it was a risky business, to pour water down into the blazing mass. When the steamer arrived a couple of branches were attached, making 10 or 11 in all playing upon the building. The effect of the steamer’s effort was instantaneous. The force of the fire was at once checked. But it was too late to save anything, and, in fact, the efforts of the firemen, who... **WORKED GALLANTLY** throughout the fierce storm, wet through, and chilled to the bone, were directed not so much to saving the burning premises as to adjacent buildings being enveloped in the flame. It is a marvel how this was accomplished. The construction of Mr Oliver’s premises inside as to a great amount of wood, and would have scorched and burned like tinder had the heat caught them. The efforts of any single body of men would have been a task of saving Messrs Queen and Atkins’ chemist and druggist stores, in which it is said is a considerable quantity of explosive and flammable material, succeeded wonderfully in that direction. Had the fire promised caught fire must have been disastrous, not only to the block, but to the neighborhood; and it would have been a miracle if unattended with fatal results. As it was, the firemen succeeded in confining the conflagration out by about three o’clock, and they are highly to be complimented upon their brave and strenuous efforts to save the adjoining property. Mr Oliver’s manager, Mr J. G. Wilkins, who lives in a portion of the terrace, was called about twenty minutes past one, and was quickly upon the scene. There was no need, however, when he arrived, for any efforts to be made to still his stock, which was not reached even by fire, but slightly by water. When seen by an Argus representative on Sunday morning he was very loud in his praise of the fire brigade for the exceedingly clever manner in which they prevented the premises from catching fire, with the wind blowing right into them. As the fire spread to Mr Oliver’s hosiery shop, and though the tendency of the flames was in this direction, it was thought desirable to place the most valuable of the plates and jewellery in the shop into fire-proof safes. This Mr Simmons, at usual, set to work with two helpers, and it is in the mezzanine Mrs Simmons with the five children, and her blind mother, very aged, and much perturbed at the moment’s danger, made their escape from the back, thence to Mr Collins at the Town-hall, but subsequently when the fire was mastered, returned to their own house. **THE RESCUED PERSONS INTERVIEWED.** An Argus representative interviewed the rescued women in Wesley Buildings. All three had been most carefully attended by the assistants, who had kindly provided them with warm clothing, and washed and nursed them until, for the time, at least, the fire had left its mark upon them. Miss Bedford was visibly pale, and occasionally a tremor ran through her frame as she told the story of her escape. As for the servant, Rose Jackson, she was much more nervous, and it was with difficulty she could compose herself to make an occasional remark as to the night's adventures. Mr Pritchard had gone to Cardiff by the two o'clock night mail, in order to consult his partner of the firm as to the steps to be taken. In his absence Miss Bedford said: The very first thing I knew of the affair was Mr Pritchard calling from the landing below, **"FIRE, FIRE."** This was just about one o'clock. Mrs Craddock and I were sleeping in the back room at the top of the house. We immediately got up, and made our way to the front, and throwing up the window, screamed for help. We were suffocated almost, for the rooms were filled with smoke and the flames were making their way up towards us. There we sat at the window, waiting for the escape, which seemed never to be coming. At last **I FELT THAT I MUST JUMP** to the street. I could hear it no longer. Somebody cried out to stop me, and then, hanging from the window sill, I dropped, and the policeman on the ladder caught me. I went along the verandah to the other end and climbed down a ladder to the street. My hand, as you see, is burned slightly, and as I was coming down the ladder, a policeman or fireman who was following me, said as my fingers... \[text obscured\]. When I got to the street, a soldier, he was a kind fellow, wrapped his great coat about me, and then I was taken to the Old Dock inn. When Miss Craddock dropped as I did, she was caught by the policeman. She, however, was carried straight down from the verandah by means of the escape to the street, and taken to the Old Dock inn. Miss Craddock came out at the same time. I have lost everything I had in the place, including a valuable gold watch and chain my mother gave me a short time ago. **THE SERVANT'S STORY.** Rose Jackson was awakened by her sister, who was sleeping with her. They both rushed into the front, where she made her escape via the verandah. She, too, had lost a gold watch among her effects. And Mrs Craddock had to bewail the loss of a 25-guinea antique jewelry. As already stated, Mrs Craddock and Miss Bedford were away in Cardiff with Messrs Sharpley and Pritchard, who had made comfortable arrangements for them. In the morning Miss Bedford had telegraphed to her home at Kidwelly, but was surprised on receiving a telegram sent to Newport, stating that she herself was coming home. This so alarmed her relatives that by an early train her brother came up to Newport and ascertained that no harm had come to his sister in the street. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-29-at-08.19.33-1.png) The building mentioned in the article are still there today. **DR. GRATTE INTERVIEWED.** Dr. Gratte was interviewed on Sunday night. He said his patients had done splendidly. Miss Bedford had suffered from severe shock, and the servant was very much shocked. "I happened to be just attending a case," said the doctor, "and was rounding the top of Charles-street, having just said 'Good night' to Mr Bassett, when now and then the occasional fall of the street, I could hear four frantic screams. I rushed in the direction of the sounds, and got into Commercial-street, but at first could see nothing, the snow and smoke were so blinding. Then three continued the... **MOST RECOILING SCENES** I have witnessed in all my life." Dr. Gratte then spoke of the bravery of those who escaped through the window, as described above. Continuing his visit and this was an opinion expressed in other quarters also, "They ought to have put on the steamer sooner. Some of the police and myself and others wanted them to do so, but they shook their heads for a bit before they got it into work. Then the large fire escape ought to be in a public position. I went with others to get it, and we had to go through a door and across a yard in the darkness, calling out for lights to find it and our way, and all the time it was wanted. The escape ought to be kept where anyone could get at it in a case of emergency." **EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE.** The premises presented a terribly wrecked appearance after the fire had done its work. With the exception of a part of the flooring of the drawing room, the place was completely gutted. Nothing but the tables, baskets, chairs, boxes, and charred articles of use in dining, sitting, and bedrooms were lying about in complete confusion. The block belongs to Mr J. H. Davies, and was built some five years ago according to the plans of Mr J. H. Davies' eldest son, then architect. They are built on the fire-proof plan, with matchboarded walls, and are quite a skeleton of woodwork. When once a fire gets hold of such premises it is almost a work of impossibility to keep it in check. No fair estimate can yet be given as to the damage to the property, but it must inevitably been great both as to what amount the property was insured. Much credit is due not only to the firemen and police, but also to many of the bystanders, who assisted in a hearty manner to do what they could. Among others should be mentioned Dr. Gratte and Mr David, of the Old Dock Hotel, who worked like Trojans. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-30-at-15.24.34.png) [South Wales Argus, 1st January, 1910](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144030035/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Great Treat at Newport Annual New Years treat to the poor children of Newport was given the Drill-hall, Stow hill, Newport. Never bean more successful. An immense body of workers met at the hall; which was besieged by hundreds of children, and these were admitted about one o'clock. They sat down to a splendid dinner, and thoroughly enjoyed their roast beet and plum pudding. After dinner, while the hall was being cleared, the youngsters were entertained by a Punch and Judy show, which made its pitch on steps of the Stow hill Board School; and in the afternoon an entertainment was given in the Drill hall by members of the Empire company and others. Tea, was served in the different and in the evening entertainments will be given in the Drill-hall and in the Temperance-hall. A full descriptive report will appear tomorrow. — [*South Wales Argus, 1st January, 1896*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143946553/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* --- The full report [did appear the next day](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143946638/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) and in total 920 children attended out of 1,750 tickets issued. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-01-at-18.08.00.png) [South Wales Argus, 1st January, 1921](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143947581/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Begging Michael Toomey was charged with begging in Clytha Park on Christmas morning. When apprehended, he had 2s 41/2d in coppers on him. Defendant entered into a long argument with the Court as to his offence, **which ended in his being committed to Usk for seven days**. *—* [*South Wales Weekly Argus, 5th Jan, 1895*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1192731952/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription required)* ### Drunk William Gritton, of Caerleon, for being drunk and disorderly in Griffin-street, on Christmas Eve, was **fined 5s, or seven days**. Margaret Haggerty, for being disorderly in Commercial-road, was **fined 5s**. Louisa Harvey was a **fined a like amount** for being drunk on Newport Bridge. *—* [*South Wales Weekly Argus, 5th Jan, 1895*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1192731952/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription required)* ### 'New Year's Lock-in in Baneswell' Margaret Brettell, who keeps the Prince of Wales beerhouse, St. Mary-street, was summoned for having her house open for the sale of drink during prohibited hours. Mr. Belcher appeared for the defendant. Shortly before two o'clock on Sunday morning P.S. Brooks saw some people leave defendant's premises, and he immediately walked up to the house when he heard the sound of singing and dancing. The sergeant knocked at the door and was admitted by defendant. There were both men and women in the house, and Mrs. Brettell stated that they were there as her guests, watching the New Year in. She refused to clear the house, and spoke in a most offensive manner to Brooks, saying, among other things, that he was drunk. After quitting the house the sergeant heard a quart of beer called for, the demand being followed by the working of the beer-engine. It was nearly four o'clock when the "party" broke up. John Niham, a tailor, living in Edward-street, was examined on behalf of defendant. He deposed that he was one of those at the Prince of Wales on Sunday morning, Mrs. Brettell having invited them to see the old year out, as she had done in previous years. He swore that none of the drink consumed was paid for. **The Bench dismissed the case, but censured defendant for her display of temper towards Sergeant Brooks**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th January, 1882*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406630/3406635?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Drunk on New Year's Day' Jeremiah, Creamer, landlord of the Harp and Shamrock beer-house, Commercial-street, was summoned for permitting drunkeuness. Mr. Belcher defended. P.S, Brooks and P C. Pym visited the house in question on the 1st instant *\[New Year's Day\]*, and found there a woman, named Hannah Wade, in a state of intoxication. The police called the attention of defendant to her condition, and he at once said that she had not had anything to drink. Wade was put in the witness box to give evi dense against the defendant. She deposed that she went to the Harp and Shamrock when tipsy, and was served with drink, but who supplied it to her witness could not tell. Mr. Belcher having addressed the Bench, defendant was sworn and deposed that he did not know Wade was in his house until the police pointed her out to him. He immediately requested her to leave, and she did so, walking away quite steadily.—**The magistrates gave defendant the benefit of a doubt which they entertained, and the summons was dismissed on payment of costs.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th January, 1882*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406630/3406635?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Killing a Neighbour's Cat on New Year's Eve' John Carney and Ellen Moore were charged with assaulting Julia Casey. The prosecutrix lives in Pyne's Court. On the 24th ult. she took out a summons against Ellen Moore, for an assault, but at the request of the latter the hearing was adjourned. Mrs. Moore, however, continued to annoy Mrs. Casey, and... > ...on New Year's Eve killed her cat, stating that she intended to cook it for dinner next day. Not content with this, on Monday the two prisoners, who are mother and son, attacked the prosecutrix, and after Moore threw her down she was kicked by Carney. Prosecutrix therefore obtained a warrant and had them taken into custody. They denied the assault and called witnesses, who contradicted the evidence of prosecutrix as to what was said to have taken place on the 2nd inst. But the Bench believed the story told by the prosecutrix, and **sent the prisoners to gaol for seven days with hard labour**. The prisoners are both old offenders. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th January, 1882*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406630/3406635?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'The Whistler' William Morgan, alias The Whistler, was charged with being drunk and incapable. Mr. Gretton, manager of the King's Head Hotel, said the defendant was in the habit of going on the King's Head premises when he was drunk, and creating a great annoyance. **The defendant promised not to offend again, and was liberated on payment of a fine of 5s**. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd January, 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438156/3438160?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### An Eight Christmas at the Treadmill Habit is said to be second nature; and all who dwelt for a moment on the careless expression of the face of the prisoner now brought up, would think the circumstance of being placed at the bar, and located for a season on the treadmill, were as necessary to his existence, as the habit of eating and drinking. William Williams was charged with having assaulted P.C. Harlow, No. 8, at the Hare and Greyhounds on Christmas Eve, whilst in the execution of his duty. After evidence had been adduced, the prisoner was asked bow many times he had been in gaol, to which he replied, with exceeding carelessness — "What, I don't know, I'm sure maybe once or twice, p'raps." > Mr Hopkins stated that be had already visited Usk Gaol once every Christmas, during the past seven years, besides occasional flying summer visits. **Fined 10s., and the usual costs, or be imprisoned fourteen days in the House of Correction, with hard labour**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin 2nd January, 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393340/3393343?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'A Hungry-Looking Sinner' Samuel Parsons, a hungry-looking sinner, with red hair, was charged with making an attempt unjustly to abstract from the possession of Mr. Bowen, mine host of the Ship on Launch, on the evening of Christmas Day, a noble and most tempting leg of mutton. lt appeared that Parsons was inordinately greedy after the good things of this Epicurean world; and feeling his olfactory nerves tormented by the redolence of Christmas fare—roast beef and plum pudding—so plentifully scattered on the merry 25th, he grew eager to participate in the jovial feasting, and wandered silently into the passage of the Ship on Launch, and eagerly grasped the unresisting leg, which he was about to beat away with hungry triumph, when—poor luckless wight!—an envious bell that hung close by, was suddenly "agitated," and Sarah Green, with what is technically termed a "gimlet" eye, ran hastily out, as a waiting maiden ever should, and saw with affright the leg of mutton trotted away in the company of the defendant. With wonderful alacrity, the owner of the "gimlet" optic aforesaid, suddenly pounced upon the fast-receding leg, and once more placed it on the hook. Mr. Bowen was immediately sent for, and the red-haired prowler, with eyes and smell and taste thus unkindly mocked and disappointed, was suddenly shut out from the joyous feasts of Christmas, and consigned to the unmelting (sic) rigidity of Mr, Superintendent Hopkins and his gloomy lock-up. The prisoner pleaded that the leg of mutton met him in the passage, as he was entering the house "just fer summut to drink and that when honestly bearing the truant limb to the kitchen, he was taxed with robbery. The Mayor, without regarding the prisoner's claim to the warm gratitude of the prosecutor, committed him for trial at the Sessions. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd January, 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438156/3438160?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-01-at-18.10.13.png) [South Wales Argus, 1st January, 1921](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143947581/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Drunkenness Stats of 1889 A report in South Wales Daily Times and Star of Gwent in September, 1889 provides some statistics of the people prosecuted for drunkenness. *The number of persons proceeded against for drunkenness was 415 — 303 males and 112 females — an increase of six as compared with last year. Of those proceeded against 46 lived in Newport, 32 in Monmouthshire, 14 in Glamorganshire, 9 in Ireland, 33 in other places, and 81 had no residence. Forty-six were found drunk on Sunday, 73 on Monday, 56 on Thursday, 49 on Friday, and 105 on Saturday.* *The class of persons proceeded against was — labourers 112, seaman 49, firemen 26, drovers 6, engineers 8, hauliers 6, cabdrivers 5, carpenters 5, soldiers 5, tailors 5, &c., &c. Married women 52, prostitutes 34, single women 9, widows 9, and tramps 8\.* *—* [*South Wales Daily Times and Star of Gwent*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1247875895/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-02-at-18.09.15.png) [The Blaenavon Observer and South Wales Gazette, June 14th, 1889](https://www.newspapers.com/image/815086123/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) This is location of where you could have bought a 'good machine at the lowest price'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-02-at-18.14.45.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Most Healthiest Part of Newport' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-30-at-17.50.39.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th January, 1870](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438790/3438794?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'A Tender for the Removal of the Houses on Friar's Fields' Published in January 1870, the tender is for the removal of the houses in the notorious Friar's Fields, so often featured in the police reports each week in the Monmouthshire Merlin. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-30-at-17.53.52.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th January, 1870](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438790/3438794?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-30-at-15.23.06.png) [South Wales Argus, 1st January, 1910](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144030035/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) The potato race mentioned in the advert potentially involves contenders dropping potatoes in pots. This is based on a similar event happening in Monmouthshire the year before in 1909\. It's interesting to see on the advert that if you were travelling to the rink via a tram you could buy a combined ticket for both tram and entrance to the rink. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/IMG_4060-1.jpg) C.H. Bailey's Tyne Engine & Ship Repairing Works, 1896\. On completion, the Mill Parade works were described as 'combining the most advanced facilities of the time including a 523 foot long commercial dry dock, within a building of pleasant architecture. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-01-at-18.23.42-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-01-at-18.24.40-1.png) THe brick building is the location of where the engine works were located. The wall on the side of the photo may be part of the original building. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Road to the Newport Barracks SIR,— Having observed in recent in recent numbers of your useful paper, several letters, calling the attention of the authorities of the town of Newport to the state of the streets and roads in and near the borough, I beg to say that if the person or persons whose duty it is to look to such roads, would condescend, once in six months to observe the road leading to the Barracks, should there be a probability of his reaching them without losing his boots, I should be but too happy to congratulate him or them upoo so narrow an escape. > Perhaps it may not be generally known that a toll is exacted (as to the legality of which, I have my doubt) from every officer riding or driving over a road almost impassable for pedestrians nine months out of the twelve. Independently of this, every respectable contractor or tradesman, (and the number is not a few,) whose calling requires him to attend at the barracks, is also subject to the toll, on horse or vehicle and although I have been here upwards of two years, the road has been left in the same wretched state in which I found it on taking charge of the public property in this district; and the officers in command, as well as myself, have repeatedly remonstrated upon this continued serious nuisance, without any attention having been paid I feel, therefore, that I have no other alternative but to call the attention of the authorities concerned, either county or borough, believing, by an enactment, that I have the power of summoning the Road Surveyor for his neglect of duty, to answer my complaint, before the Chairman of the Quarter Sessions. But ankle depth of mud is not the only nuisance there being an excavation, eight or ten feet in depth, now filled with water immediately opposite the cavalry barrack gate, without any fence, and where one child has been drowned, and a second would have shared the same fate, had not timely assistance from its relative, saved it. This dangerous pit I brought under the immediate notice of a magistrate of the neighbourhood eighteen months ago, but in vain. I am informed that since the barracks have been built the officers and soldiers have been deprived of an original right of a foot path to the Canal from the Barracks. Means must be adopted to restore this right. With the hope that these causes of complaint may meet attention and redress by the authorities, I have the honour to be, your obedient servant, ETHELRED HAWKINS, Capt., Barrack Master. Barrack Office, Newport, Jan. 2, 1851. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th January, 1851*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395005/3395009?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-16-at-17.56.25.png) [South Wales Argus, December 23rd, 1895](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1147736815/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ### A Victorian Christmas in Newport URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/victorian-christmas-in-newport/ Last updated: 2025-12-24T08:03:16.000Z In the late 19th century, the bustling port of Newport served as a vibrant microcosm of the Victorian festive spirit. As Christmas approached, the town’s gas-lit streets transformed into a theatrical stage where commerce and tradition collided. From the "monster cheeses" and 100-pound cakes displayed in shop windows to the exotic delicacies arriving at the docks from the far reaches of the Empire, the local advertisements of the 1880s and 90s paint a portrait of a community that was both deeply traditional and surprisingly modern. This article explores the sights, sounds, and costs of a Newport Christmas through the lens of original archival records. We delve into a world where "Home, Sweet Home" played on a midnight violin could be a public nuisance, where a high-end Christmas cracker was a vehicle for social satire, and where the "rebel hordes" of carol singers were a genuine test of local patience. Through these vignettes of shop decorations, global delicacies, and the gruelling journey of the midnight train from Paddington, we rediscover a festive season that was as competitive and outward-looking as it was cozy and candlelit. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/SeenAndHeard-b454b798f7ef1031.jpg) ## Seen & Heard — Christmas Edition **Saturday 22nd December, 1894** In accordance with his custom, Mr Albert Spicer, M.P., will provide the Christmas dinner for the inmates and staff of the infirmary on Christmas Day. --- Christmas is near at hand — but four days off — and many a tired and over-worked assistant and business man will be glad of the two or three days' rest. It is also welcomed by the writer of these notes as being the day when the multitude of young rascals who call themselves waits will have ceased their howlings. One thousand five hundred and sixty-three times have I been yelled at with the wish of > A merry, merry Christmas > And a happy new year. and I'm heartily sick of it. I don't care if I never hear any more Newport waits this side of the silent tomb. --- To add to the list of troubles during the last two or three days, nearly every band, brass, drums, and fife, or tin kettle, have been at work to help in making night hideous. One or two of these can play, but what have we done that they should continue to blast away after 11 o'clock at night? For the rest the more execrably they blast at you with their instruments of brass the better they enjoy it. --- Two or three nights ago, one of these musicians started on the doorstep, just before midnight, to play a violin solo. The solo was "Home, sweet, home," and a more teeth-grinding performance one could not imagine. This vagabond also was insolent, and though there was a person lying ill in the house, he refused to "move on to the next street," and finished his unearthly scraping. --- These are the "rogues and vagabonds," who by their evil "arts and devices" are hurrying our grey hairs with sorrow to the grave, and if Head Constable Sinclair would leave gipsy hunting for the nonce and look after these public nuisances, he would be conferring a benefit on the ratepayers. There can be no "peace upon earth," at least at Newport, till these rebel hordes have been made to cease from making night hideous. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Shop Decorations ### Upholsterers Christmas is a season at which the great majority of householders either improve the dilapidations undergone by their household furniture during the year, or clear out their old stock by the substitution of new. Not the slightest difficulty is experienced in this at Newport on the part of those who are possessed of the means of re-furnishing. Messrs Lewis and Lewis, cabinet manufacturers, upholsterers, and carpet warehousemen, of 137 and 137a Commercial Street, are making a really exquisite display. There are but few persons who are aware of the splendid storage accommodation of this establishment. In addition to the ground floor the show rooms upstairs — and they number half a dozen — are packed with rich and costly articles of furniture. Some very pretty lines in bedsteads are on display, also some remarkably cheap lines in linoleum and floorcloths, carpets, blinds, and curtains. In fact at very reasonable charges householders may obtain at this establishment every requisite necessary in the way of furniture. A large number of fancy goods, suitable for Christmas presents, has also been laid in. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-09-at-08.27.22.png) Mr F.E. Burpitt, of 184, Commercial-road, has a stock so extensive, and his orders just now are so numerous, that he has been unable to make anything like a display such as that of last year. Mr Frost, the enterprising manager, to use his own words, has spurned the making of an attractive window, whilst he had more lucrative business on hand. The furniture at this establishment is of exceedingly rich design in every department, and as the premises are so large the stock is one of the most extensive and varied in Monmouthshire. At present the proprietor is making some rich carpets, handsomely designed, and of exceedingly large proportions; in fact large enough to cover a good sized room. Numerous important public orders have been carried out by Mr Burpitt during the past year to the complete satisfaction of his patrons. Those persons who happen to be in want of furnishing requisites cannot be better served at any establishment in the town than at that of Mr Burpitt. Mr E. German, of Skinner-street, has already succeeded in establishing, not only a reputation, but a lucrative business. His stack of furniture, if not so large as at other similar establishments, has been selected with great care, and quality blends with cheapness. There are numerous special lines for Christmas season, and there is no reason to doubt that Mr German will be remembered by a large number of friends and acquaintances who may find themselves in need of articles such as those which he has on offer. Mr Herbert Handy, Commercial-street, has also a display of furniture of the most extensive nature. His dining and drawing. room suites are marvels of beauty, and the general stock is more than sufficiently capable of completely furnishing either mansion of cottage. Among the special lines we observe in the suites which are displayed in rows a magnificent American walnut wardrobe. It is of special make, and Mr Handy has been appointed the sole agent in connection with its sale. Among its peculiarities are that the trays may be drawn out to the full extent of the opened doors, and that the locking of one drawer at the left hand corner of the wardrobe also suffices to lock the doors and every other drawer in this magnificent piece of furniture, the price of which is 34 guineas. Mr Handy has carried out many important orders during the year, the latest of these being complete furnishing of a temperance hotel in North Wales. There is a great run upon the Ch'idema carpets of which Mr Handy is the local agent. Messrs P. Freedman and Co., whose immense premises at No 1, 2, 3 and 4, Market-buildings we recently described at length, have an immense stock of furniture displayed, the special lines being numerous. This firm does business on the hire system. A small deposit, according to the amount of the purchase, has to be made, and then the furniture is forwarded to customers, who can complete the payment by weekly instalments. For instance, furniture the cost of which is £3\. is paid for at the rate of 1s 6d. per week, whilst furniture of the value of £50 may be obtained by payment of instalments of 10s per week. The system is a convenient one for householders who have not sufficient ready cash at hand when they stand in need of new furniture and Messrs Freedman have already found from the amount of business done that it is also a popular one. This firm is now exhibiting a magnificent picture, depicting "Nelson's Victory". No charge is made to view, and no one should fail to see this grand work of art. ### Wine and Spirit Merchants If Christmas is noteworthy as being a season for eating, it is equally recognised as being one for drinking, and save in the homes of pronounced total abstainers there are but very few persons who fail to lay in a stock of drinkables in preparation, of course, to the means. On previous occasions we have referred to the immense boom recently experienced in the brewery trade, and this has naturally led to increased activity on the part of those engaged in it. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/image-6.png) Gemini created image The business being done by Messrs Phillips and Sons is absolutely immense. We have it on their personal authority that during the past week, in spite of the large number of horses which they themselves possess, they have been compelled to hire an even larger number, so as to cope with the orders in hand. It appears but the other day that we wrote a detailed description of their new brewery establishment at Dock-road. Yet the premises have already been found too small for the expanse of the firm's trade, and a large addition has been arranged for, the work to commence directly the new year is in. Three new beer vats, each capable of holding 371 barrels of beer, are to be erected, in addition to the new collecting vessels and mash tubs. When these additions have are completed the brewery will be the most extensive in South Wales. The celebrated Christmas hampers, which consist of seven bottles of wine and spirits, the price being one guinea, are in great demand this year. In fact the orders are so large that many of them have had to be delayed owing to a wait of hampers. The wine, spirits and ale supplied by this firm are well known for the excellence of their quality, and the large number of licensed houses in all parts of Monmouthshire owned by this firm is in itself more than sufficient to maintain even in ordinary times a very extensive business. Messrs Phillips has recently issued a pretty illustrated circular in which their new brewery in Dock-road occupies a prominent position. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-04-at-08.10.35.png) [South Wales Argus, 22nd December, 1900](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1143519431/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The Newport and South Wales Wine and Spirit Company, which will never be dissociated from the name of Harrhy, are also doing a very large amount of business. Their Irish, Scotch, and old malt whiskeys are of splendid brand, whilst the qualities of other kinds of spirits are so well known as not to s (sic) and in need of recommendation. The company's books are just now full of orders for their celebrated guinea Christmas hampers, which contain a bottle of champagne, old port, golden sherry, cognac brandy, Nicholson's gin, old Irish whiskey, and old Jamaica rum. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-04-at-08.06.54.png) [South Wales Argus, 222nd December, 1900](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1143519431/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The company are agents for such firms as those of Guinness and Bass, and the ales consequently supplied are of prime quality. They are also the sole local agents for MaxGregor's celebrated Carolwitz. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/image-3.png) "Carlowitz" by "Max Greger & Co." refers to a popular brand of Hungarian wine, specifically a Hungarian Claret, sold in distinctive, onion-shaped glass flagons or decanters by the London-based wine merchant Max Greger & Co. during the late Victorian era (c. 1880s-1900), often bearing a Royal Warrant from Her Majesty the Queen for quality Lovers of sparkling champagne cider may easily assugae (sic) their thirst by giving orders for this drink, large bottles being 6s per dozen, and small ones 3s. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/image-9.png) Gemini generated image Mr R. B. Plummer, of the Royal George Hotel, Portland-street, has recently made two or three very lucky hits in purchasing public house property, which he has succeeded in disposing of immediately afterwards, leaving a large margin of profit. His latest venture is the taking of the Bunch of Grapes Hotel, High-street, his intention being to establish, if possible, a large retail trade in wines and spirits. His stock is of splendid quality, and, being a perfectly free house, the proprietor is enabled to purchase of any brewery or firm which may best suit his requirements. Mr Plummer has a lot of "go" in him, and he will doubtfully success in establishing an extensive business, where less enterprising proprietors would fail. ### Miscellaneous One of the prettiest windows at present in Newport is that of Mr W. Jones, stationary, bookseller, printer, etc. 159, Commercial-street. The proprietor has only recently been enabled to enter into his new premises, his shop now forming part of what is, perhaps, the most handsome block of buildings in the entire town. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-09-at-13.36.39.png) Waterstones occupies 159 Commercial Street today. The windows are capitally adapted for the purposes of decoration, and the male and female assistants have taken full advantage of this. A considerable amount of skill has been displayed by them, and the magnificent assortment of articles, every one of which is admirable suited for Christmas presents, are exhibited to the best possible advantage. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-09-at-18.22.24.png) [South Wales Daily Times and Star of Gwent, December 23rd, 1889](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1247878827/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) The stock is so large and varied, and prices are so low that we anticipate there will be but very few persons who do not purchase an article of some kind at this shop during the festive season. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-16-at-17.17.35.png) [South Wales Argus, 22nd December, 1894](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143591495/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) Firms like Singer, and Wilson and Wheeler, boast of their prowess in the sewing machine line but at the establishment of Mr Jones a guaranteed patent lock-stitch sewing machine may be purchased for the exceedingly low sumo of 12s. 6d., and with an additional 1s. 6d. to bout a handsome stand is supplied with it. Christmas purchasers of novelties don't miss this establishment. > Christmas without music would be like pity without relief or mustard without beef. The season is emphatically one for the merry song and the every enjoyable dance. The one must be indulged in without accompaniment whilst the other is sadly marred without the aid of a musical instruments. These instruments, over every conceivable kind, are readily obtainable at the shop of Messrs Thompson and Shackell, Commercial-street. Eminent as the reputation of the firm is, the exigencies of the age have induced them to adopt the hire system, and musical instruments, no matter how costly, may be easily obtained on payment of small weekly instalments. Printed music of waltzes, quadrilles and the most popular songs at present being rendered is practically being given away. Mr J. Davies, 11 Tredegar-place, has also on hand a splendid collection of musical instruments. A pianoforte-harmonium, or American organ may be purchased from him on payment of 10s 6d per month, and in certain instances at even a lesser amount. It is stated that "music hath charms to sooth the savage breast," and after hearing the music extracted from a banjo by Miss Morgan at a charity concert on Thursday evening, and by her brother from a penny whistle, there can be but little doubt as to the truth of this. Lovers of music should therefor call in at the shop of Mr Davies. > A chance for the ladies! At the great majority of Newport shops the presents displayed are inly suitable for ladies. Mr George Richmond, tobacconist, Westgate-buildings, will undoubtedly be largely patronised by the ladies, for his splendid display — unless our aunts, our sisters, and our cousins indulge in cigarette smoking — provide some very acceptable presents which ladies may make to their adored ones. Handsome meerschaum and briar pipes, match boxes of exquisite design, pipe cases, tobacco pouches, fragrant cigars, and some of the choicest made tobacco may be obtained by the fair sex who may be desirous of bringing their lovers into that frame of mind which so largely assists them in so momentous a matter as that of "popping the question." ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-10-at-07.38.37.png) [South Wales Daily Times and Star of Gwent, 24th December, 1889](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1247878911/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) It is satisfactory to know that Mr Richmond, genuine Englishman as he is, is pushing his English made briars in preference to those of foreign make. The price are equal and in quality English made briars are superior. In consequence of this, the proprietor invariably advises his customers to patronise the home trade in preference to the foreign. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-09-at-08.39.06.png) Mr J. Ciceri, 140 Commercial-street, is exhibiting a splendid selection of dinner, tea, and breakfast sets in all the newest designs, and at exceedingly low prices. He has a very large assortment of fancy goods suitable for Christmas and New Year presents. Messrs I. T. Dando and Sons, Commercial-street, will open their studio during the Christmas holidays, and pursue their avocation as exponents of the art of high-class photography. Ladies and gentlemen get photographed at Dandos. — [*South Wales Daily Times and Star of Gwent, December 21st, 1889*](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1247878787/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-11-at-17.17.42.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st December, 1850](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394992/3394994?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Food If you were walking down High Street or Commercial Street in late 19th-century Newport, you weren't just shopping for ingredients; you were witnessing a spectacle. The local grocers and provision merchants didn’t just sell food—they staged it. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/South_Wales_Daily_Times_and_Star_of_Gwent_1889_12_24_3.jpg) [South Wales Daily Times and Star of Gwent, 24th December, 1889](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1247878911/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Competition between the shopkeepers of Newport was fierce, and they went to great lengths to turn their Christmas stock into a public attraction. Take **Gower’s Market** on Commercial Road (two doors below the Iron Gates), which proudly announced the arrival of "JUMBO," a "Monster Cheese" that was explicitly advertised to "be on view over Christmas." It seems viewing the cheese was as important as eating it! ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/image-7.png) Gemini generated image Similarly, **J. Ewins, Jun.** on Commercial Street made a theatrical event out of a "Rich Christmas Cake weighing upwards of 100 lbs," inviting the public to witness it being "cut up on Saturday Next" and sold at a shilling a pound. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-11-at-17.12.26.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st December, 1850](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394992/3394994?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The adverts reveal a Newport palate that was surprisingly exotic, fed by the Empire’s trade routes. **Gregory and Roberts** boasted of "New Season’s Fruit" arriving for the festivities, listing specific delicacies like "Vostizza and Patras" currants from Greece and "Bosnian Plums," alongside American and Colonial produce. Meanwhile, **Enoch Griffiths** at 38 High Street was selling "Leather Tie Flour" and "Mazawattee" tea, though he was honest enough to admit that alongside his "Very Best" raisins, he also had a "Few Last Year’s left" at a discount! ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-09-at-18.24.04.png) [South Wales Daily Times and Star of Gwent, December 23rd, 1889](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1247878827/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) The meat on offer was heavy and game-rich. **E. Fennell and Sons** (11 High Street) offered a dizzying array of "Xmas Fare" including wild duck, hare, venison, and pheasants, alongside the traditional turkeys and geese. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-04-at-08.11.31.png) [South Wales Argus, 22nd December, 1900](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1143519431/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Interestingly, brand names could be misleading. The **New Zealand Frozen Mutton Co.** (opposite Mr. Cordey’s on High Street) was actually headlining their advert with "Prime English Ox Beef," urging customers to inspect their display before going elsewhere. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-10-at-08.25.51-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-10-at-08.26.45.png) — [**South Wales Daily Times and Star of Gwent, 24th December, 1889*](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1247878911/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* The tone of these adverts ranged from the obsequious to the amusingly blunt. While **Henry Sheppard** at the Golden Canister (141 Commercial Street) wrote long, flowery paragraphs about his "Christmas Exhibition" and his "feelings assuring him" of his sincerity, **Bland’s** bakery took a simpler approach. Their marketing strategy was to simply print the phrase "FOR REALLY NICE CAKES - GO TO BLAND'S" in giant letters twice. They also offered "Turkey Gelatine" and "Boar’s Head" for those wanting a true medieval centrepiece. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-10-at-14.48.10.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th December, 1863](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400687?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Navigating these shops was an event in itself. Gower’s Market even included specific travel instructions in their advert: "Ask Tramcar Conductor to Stop at Gower's Market." It paints a vivid picture of a bustling, gas-lit Newport where buying your Christmas goose required tram rides, "viewing" giant cheeses, and navigating the polite "begging" of shopkeepers vying for your custom. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-09-at-19.08.38.png) [South Wales Argus, December 22nd, 1893](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1145591476/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) Based on the price list from Enoch Griffiths, 38 High Street To understand the value of these goods, it is worth noting that a skilled tradesman in the 1890s might earn between **20 and 30 shillings a week**. - **The Luxury Item:** **Tea**. Even the "Blue Bell" variety cost **1s 3d** per lb, with top-tier "Mazawattee" rising to **2s 4d**. A single pound of tea could cost more than 10% of a weekly wage. - **The Staple:** **Sugar**. Much cheaper at just **2d per lb** (for lump sugar). - **The Treat:** **Christmas Cake**. J. Ewins sold their rich cake for **1s per lb**. A heavy 5lb cake for the family would be a significant investment. - **The Essentials:** - **Eggs:** 10d per dozen. - **Ham:** 6½d to 9d per lb. - **Currants & Raisins:** 2d to 5d per lb (essential for the pudding!). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-11-at-17.15.50.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st December, 1850](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394992/3394994?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) **The Lost Larder** Some items listed in adverts might sound unfamiliar to the modern shopper. - **"Turkey Gelatine"** *(Bland’s, Commercial St)* a fancy French dish where the bird is deboned, stuffed with forcemeat, pressed into a cylindrical shape, and poached in gelatin stock. It was a showstopper for the cold buffet. - **"Mazawattee"** *(Enoch Griffiths, High St)* One of the most famous tea brands of the Victorian era. They were known for record-breaking advertising budgets and buying the most expensive tea crop in the world to generate publicity. - **"Vostizza and Patras"** *(Gregory & Roberts, Commercial St)* These aren't brands, but specific regions in Greece famous for currants. Victorian shoppers were discerning about their fruit sources; "Vostizza" currants were considered the "Champagne of currants." - **"Leather Tie Flour"** *(Enoch Griffiths, High St)* A specific grade or brand of flour, likely denoting the method of sealing the sack or a specific quality mark known to locals at the time. - **"Bons-Bons"** *(Bland’s, Commercial St)* Bland’s specifies these are "German and French." In the Victorian era, "Bon-Bon" didn't just mean a sweet; it often referred to the **Christmas Cracker** (which was invented by a confectioner, Tom Smith, inspired by French bon-bons wrapped in twisted paper). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-16-at-19.55.11.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-16-at-19.55.21.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-16-at-19.55.29.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-16-at-19.55.37.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-16-at-19.55.46.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-16-at-19.55.54.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-16-at-19.56.01.png) A very long advert published in the [Monmouthshire Merlin on 20th December, 1878](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440491?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) sliced up for this article. If other grocers were selling the main meal, **T. Cordey** at 35 High Street was clearly the place to go for the dessert course. His 1878 price list reveals a Victorian obsession with preserving the summer’s bounty for the winter festivities. The shelves were stocked with an array of "Fruit Syrups" ranging from Pine Apple to the curious "Capillair," alongside "West India Tamarinds" sold in pots. What stands out is the global reach of his stock. Cordey offered specific Chinese luxuries that seem surprisingly cosmopolitan for 1870s Newport: "Chyloong’s Ginger" (Red Label) and "Manloong’s Ginger" (White Label), as well as "China Preserved Chow-Chow" sold in "original Porcelain Jars". He also catered to the French fashion for "Glaćes Fruits," selling elaborate confectionary oddities like "Knots in Pates" (in three colours) and "Brochetts," turning sugar and fruit into edible ornaments. Some of the items on Mr. Cordey’s list are now extinct or known by different names. - **"Capillair" (Capillaire)** A syrup originally made from the maidenhair fern, usually flavoured with orange flower water. By the late 19th century, it was a popular sweetener for adding to water or alcoholic punches. - **"Chinois"** Cordey lists these as "gold or green." These were whole small oranges (often kumquats or unripe oranges) that had been crystallised or preserved in heavy syrup—a very fashionable decoration for cakes and puddings. - **"Chow-Chow"** While today this often refers to a pickle, in a Victorian confectioner's list, "Preserved Chow-Chow" usually referred to a Chinese mixture of mixed fruits (ginger, orange peel, melon) preserved in heavy syrup. - **"Brochetts" (Brochettes)** Fruits (often crystallised) served on small skewers or sticks, making them easy to eat as finger food at parties. --- If you were a resident of Newport heading to **High Street** or **Commercial Street** to stock your larder, here is what a portion of your budget might have bought: #### **The Festive Centrepiece** - **Rich Christmas Cake:** 1s per lb (from J. Ewins, Jun.). - **A "Monster Cheese" (Jumbo):** On view at Gower’s Market, sold by the slice. - **Turkey Gelatine:** A deboned, poached showstopper for the cold buffet (from Bland’s). #### **Pantry Essentials & Fruit** - **Tea (Mazawattee):** Up to 2s 4d per lb—a high-end luxury from Enoch Griffiths. - **Tea (Blue Bell):** A more modest 1s 3d per lb. - **Currants & Raisins:** 2d to 5d per lb for your plum pudding. - **Lump Sugar:** 2d per lb. - **Eggs:** 10d per dozen. #### **Global Delicacies (from T. Cordey, 35 High St.)** - **Chyloong’s Ginger (Red Label):** Imported from China in porcelain jars. - **Chinois (Gold or Green):** Crystallised small oranges for cake decoration. - **West India Tamarinds:** Sold in pots for a tangy winter treat. - **Capillaire Syrup:** An orange-flower flavoured fern syrup for festive punches. #### **Drinks & Indulgences** - **The Guinea Hamper:** 7 bottles of wine and spirits for 21 shillings (from Phillips and Sons). - **Sparkling Champagne Cider:** 6s per dozen large bottles. - **Special Cigars:** 7 for 1s (from W.J. Burt). --- These advertisements do more than just list prices; they paint a portrait of Newport as a thriving, outward-looking port town at the height of its industrial power. The sheer variety of goods on offer—from "American and Colonial Produce" at Gregory and Roberts to "North Sea Fish" arriving daily at Fennell’s—reminds us that Newport’s docks were a gateway to the world. The "New Zealand Frozen Mutton Co." on High Street wasn't just a butcher; it was evidence of the refrigerated shipping revolution that was changing British diets forever. Furthermore, the range of products highlights the stark social contrasts of the town. In the same week, a Newportonian could purchase a luxury "Rich Christmas Cake" for a shilling a pound or scrape by with "Last Year’s Raisins" for a fraction of the price. Shopkeepers had to cater to everyone: the wealthy coal magnates dining on venison and wild duck, and the dock workers looking for "Good and Cheap Provisions." Ultimately, these scraps of paper reveal a Christmas that was vibrant, competitive, and surprisingly modern. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-23-at-18.46.33.png) [South Wales Argus, 22nd December, 1894](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1192731416/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Gifts If the food adverts of Victorian Newport appealed to the stomach, the gift adverts appealed to a very specific sense of practicality. While you could certainly find diamonds on Commercial Street, many shopkeepers were trying to convince the public that the true spirit of Christmas lay in leather leggings and coal buckets. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-04-at-08.14.37.png) [South Wales Argus, 24th December, 1900](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1143519461/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Romance may have been alive in Newport, but **Smith’s** (on Chepstow Road and Shaftesbury Street) was doing its best to dampen it. Their advert bluntly declared: "The BEST Christmas Gift, A Pair of SMITH’S FAMOUS BOOTS." No poetry, no flowery language—just the "wear guaranteed." ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/South_Wales_Argus_1900_12_22_1.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-04-at-08.10.04.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-04-at-08.10.27.png) [South Wales Argus, 22nd December, 1900](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1143519431/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Similarly, **E.J. Nancekievill** at the corner of Market Buildings was pushing "Fancy Leather Goods of a reliable sort." While purses and pocket books seem standard, their suggestion of "Dog Collars" and "Leggings" as Christmas gifts paints a picture of a very muddy, outdoor Christmas for the recipient. The prize for the least inspiring marketing slogan must go to **Gabb & Son’s** (115 & 116 Commercial Street). They didn't sell gifts; they sold "USEFUL ODDMENTS FOR PRESENTS." Despite the dry name, their stock was fascinatingly specific to the Victorian parlour. They suggested "Coal Vases" (ornate scuttles to hide unsightly fuel) and "Fire Suites" as ideal presents, alongside "Down Quilts" and "Fancy Chairs." ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-04-at-08.14.09.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-04-at-08.15.41.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-04-at-08.16.05.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-04-at-08.16.13.png) [South Wales Argus, 24th December, 1900](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1143519461/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The tobacco trade was booming, and **W.J. Burt** (68 High Street) was ready to help shoppers navigate it. His advert is a study in "manly" accessories, offering everything from "Walking Sticks" to "Case Pipes." Most intriguing were his "Novelties in Plush Cabinets containing Cigars." This suggests a trend for elaborate packaging—giving a cigar wasn't enough; it had to be presented in a velvet-lined ("plush") display case to truly count as a gift. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-09-at-19.09.59.png) [South Wales Argus, December 22nd, 1893](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1145591476/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) Of course, if you did want to dazzle, Newport had options. **Bibby’s** on High Street appealed to the bargain hunter with "Electro-Plate" (affordable silver-plated brass) alongside gold, promising a "Word to the Wise" about their low prices. Meanwhile, an advert simply titled **"THE MIRROR OF GEMS"** (30 Commercial Street) teased shoppers with a mysterious display, asking "Have you seen..." it? It suggests a specific, perhaps famous, window display designed to draw crowds during the festive promenade. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-04-at-08.08.33.png) [South Wales Argus, 22nd December, 1900](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1143519431/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) **Victorian Gift Oddities** - **"Coal Vases"** *(Gabb & Son’s)* In a modern home, we hide the coal. In a Victorian parlor, the coal scuttle was a piece of furniture. A "Coal Vase" was often a Japanned (lacquered) metal box, sometimes hand-painted with flowers or landscapes, designed to sit next to the fireplace and look pretty while holding the soot. Giving one as a gift was a sign of middle-class respectability. - **"Leggings"** *(E.J. Nancekievill)* Don't imagine the stretchy gym wear of today. Victorian leggings (or gaiters) were tough leather or stiff cloth covers worn over the shoe and lower leg to protect trousers and ankles from mud and splashes. A very practical gift for a Newport winter, though perhaps not the most exciting one to unwrap! - **"Plush Cabinets"** *(W.J. Burt)* The Victorians loved "Plush"—a fabric similar to velvet but with a longer, softer pile. A "Plush Cabinet" for cigars would have been a tactile, luxury object, likely sitting on a sideboard to offer guests a smoke in style. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-10-at-07.33.26.png) [South Wales Argus, 14th December, 1895](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1147736474/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) **The Cost of Vice** - **Cigars:** W.J. Burt was selling a "Special 2d Cigar" at a deal of **7 for 1 shilling**. - **The Comparison:** To put that in perspective, remember from the food section that a pound of "Rich Christmas Cake" also cost **1 shilling**. A Newport man had to decide: seven cigars for himself, or a pound of cake for the family? ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-10-at-14.49.57.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th December, 1863](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400687?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/South_Wales_Argus_1897_12_15_2.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 15th December, 1897](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143495291/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Shops in 1896 The 1896 report from the [*South Wales Weekly Argus and Monmouthshire Advertiser*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1192730122/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) offers a captivating glimpse into a city gripped by festive fever, where "The Shopper" observed a profound faith in the local public’s generosity. Here's the full article. So rapidly do the years slip by that it seems but a few days since we were making preparations for the Christmas of 1895; and now the Christmas of 1896 is nearly upon us. At this time peace and good will are—especially in Newport—are looking forward to due celebration of the happiest season of the year, and what could be without the giving and receiving of presents? The preparations made by Newport shopkeepers to supply these wants show that they have a large faith in the generosity of Newportonians. Take the large establishment of **Messrs. Cordey and Co.** Every department is well filled, and if you are the head of the house, he will tell you that every single thing in the place would be a suitable present under some circumstances or other; this first thought of course is for the children, and in the bazaar we find for the girls dolls, dressed and undressed, dolls’ go-carts, dolls’ bedsteads, and dolls’ beds; and for the boys mechanical toys, among them fearful and wonderful creatures, which walk and climb and crawl; ducks, frogs, and fish which swim; and pneumatic-tyred bicycles which travel. There are toy books and games, new and old, for the children; exquisite china-ware and useful leather goods for their seniors. In the cabinet department there are extremely useful, and lovely presents—standard lamps, oak cabinets, writing tables, occasional chairs and tables, Japanese screens, what-nots, and such things that go to make the home comfortable and attractive. No establishment in Newport is better known than **"Cordey’s"** the Monmouthshire and South Wales Supply Stores. Mr. Cordey’s premises have been enlarged by the addition of a new frontage to Cambrian Road, so that customers may enter either by the Cambrian Road or High Street entrances. To speak of the preparations made for the ordinary Christmas trade is unnecessary—it goes without saying that these are of the most complete character—but attention must be drawn to the abundance of toys provided for the children. In the case of lovely sweet stuffs, in the best form, the fancy boxes of crystallized fruits, biscuits and confections. In the decorations for the home, in the Christmas cards; in the leather goods, and in a host of articles, useful and otherwise, which are calculated to give pleasure in the celebration of Christmas. Amongst the prettiest and most artistically decorative business premises in the town are those of **Messrs. P. Freedman and Co.**, complete house furnishers. Their direct and high character, are well-known throughout England and Wales. Those about to get married and those about to furnish new homes should visit this establishment, where they will find goods unequalled both in quality and price. Messrs. Freedman are large manufacturers and keep a large staff of workmen, and can depend on their manufactured goods to give satisfaction. Illustrated catalogues will be forwarded to any address and all goods are sent carriage free. There are 10 show rooms well filled with suites in saddlebags, velvet, and leather, loo tables, chiffoniers, side boards, overmantles, bedroom suites, toilets &c. The decorations for Christmas are uncommonly pretty. In the background there is an illumination representing furnished rooms, dining room, bedroom, &c, framed round with scarlet trimmings, with the name festooned with Chinese fans, holly, &c. Underneath is a platform, at the back of which are mirrors, and the platform forms a fairy garden of choice flowers and exotic ferns, &c. illuminated with reflecting and fairy lights on a scarlet background. The interior of the shops have also a charming effect, being laid out in style. The contents comprise good furniture suitable for Christmas presents, plants and fairy lights. Chinese lanterns &c, festooned from ceiling with scarlet art muslin, the whole being designed and arranged by Mr Kirwan Bult, who at any time will be pleased to give estimates for furnishing your house throughout. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/image-11.png) Gemini generate image **Messrs. W. & A. Baker and Co.** not only held their annual Christmas show, but also have their annual stock-taking sale at this time, and they have made great reductions in the matter of price. It is hardly necessary to speak of their large and varied stock as builders and general ironmongers—not even the capital of the Midlands can make a more attractive display — but to come to those goods which are especially suitable for Christmas presents we may point to a magnificent show of nickel-electro-plated goods, bronzes, artistic brass and iron work, including tea kettles or stands; lamp standards, coal vases, flower stands, fire screens, hall sconces, brass candlesticks with fancy shades &c. Among innumerable useful presents is the Bissel carpet sweeper, base rocking chairs, all the utensils necessary for the preparation and cooking of Christmas fare, including the celebrated Queen's pudding basin, with which neither cloth nor string is required. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Bissell-cyco-attic-pic.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/il_1080xN.5137132620_ludg.webp) A Bissell carpet cleaner and a Queen's pudding basin In addition there is a magnificent display of lamps of the best makes and most artisan designs, and among other articles which attract by reason of their beauty or usefulness are Benares trays of genuine native workmanship, brass feuders and brass furniture, cutlery, work baskets, and a little raisin stoning machine, which should prove a perfect boon to housewives, seeing that with it a child can without waste stone a bound of raisins in five minutes. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/South_Wales_Weekly_Argus_and_Monmouthshire_Advertiser_1899_12_23_12.jpg) [South Wales Weekly Argus, 23rd December, 1899](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1192734978/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Christmas would not be complete without plum puddings, mince pies and frosted cakes, and **Messrs. S. Bland and Sons**, of Commercial Street, the Silver Grill, and the Muncado, appear to have made preparations to supply half Newport. A glance round their store rooms and manufactory was simply surprising. The decoration of frosted cakes at this establishment has become a fine art, and the products are calculated to delight the children. Messrs. Bland’s cakes need no praise from the point of view of quality, but the ingenuity and cleverness of the decorations are quite remarkable. Flowers and fruit are represented, and striking borders, designs, and devices are worked out in coloured sugars. One of the best attractions displayed was a picture of a winter scene in white sugar upon a background of chocolate. Such cakes are 'pleasant to the eye and good for food'; so is Messrs Bland's French and Genoese pastry. In addition they have sweets, chocolates, crackers, biscuits in dainty boxes and baskets, such as Santa Claus leaves in little stockings on Christmas morning; and so long as Newport children (and their elders) crave for cakes and sweets, so long Messrs Bland should enjoy a deserved popularity. **Mr Frederick Beckley**, 81, Commercial Street, and 1 and 2, Llanarth Street, is carrying out the prophecy made at the notice of his opening—that his establishment would be one of the show places of Newport. His display of Christmas novelties is unique in character and quality. Among so bewildering a variety only a few can be mentioned. The art draped goods in photo easels, flower vases, pin trays, and wall pockets are very dainty and suitable presents for ladies; so are the delicately perfumed veil net cases and glove and handkerchief cases. There are also hand-screen cushions and tea cosies, in qualities and prices to meet the taste and pockets of all. Ladies’ opera bags are decidedly something new, and only need seeing to be appreciated. Mr Bentley has a big lot of toilet cushions in seix designs, each design in six colours. Ladies who **A very attractive window** is that of **Messrs. Laverton's**, Commercial Street (late Lewis and Lewis). The show of hand-painted enamelled goods is particularly striking, and comprises very dainty little tables, stools, and flower stands. The painting is very artistic, and the general finish of these articles must commend itself to the public. On enquiry, we found the prices were remarkably moderate, in fact, just suitable for a really nice present for a lady’s drawing-room. A large and varied assortment of bamboo and wicker work comprising all the newest shapes in flower-stands, tables, chairs, bookcases, &c., are displayed in the showrooms. Table lamps in beautiful and artistic designs, with their many coloured shades, produced a very charming effect. A novelty was brought to our notice in the shape of grog tubs and other utensils which have been removed from well-known ships in her Majesty’s navy. The articles are of solid oak and ornamented with polished brass bands, and are useful as coal scuttles, stick, umbrella, or flower stands. In anticipation of cold weather, Japanese screens have evidently been made a special feature. It must be a very easy matter to select a present from the stock of **Messrs Laverton's** at 137, Commercial Street. Tastes vary of course, but with the spread of education there are many persons whose ideal present is a book. **Mr A W Dawson**, Bridge Street, has made preparation for the probably demand by placing on his shelves a large stock of standard and current literature. Since last Christmas Mr Dawson has largely extended his business. He has taken in the whole of the basement for a printing office, he has laid down a valuable plant, and is now busily engaged upon letter-press and lithographic printing. In the latter department Mr Ernest Richards is giving the firm the benefit of his artistic ability and experience, this enabling them to turn out original work. Mr Dawson has this season been kept constantly employed in printing private Christmas cards. He offers a large stock of cards, toy-books, games, mechanical toys, leather goods, dressing cases, photograph albums, gilt and metal goods, and novelties in china and glass suitable for Christmas presents. **What is a holiday without tobacco?** Nine-tenths of the adult male population of Newport would declare that Christmas would be robbed of half its joys if they were robbed of the soothing weed; therefore **Mr Robertson**, of Church Road and Chepstow Road, flatters himself that he is a public benefactor inasmuch as he enables men hungering for tobacco to satisfy their legitimate cravings. Mr Robertson will mend a pipe promptly and even more promptly will fill it; he keeps innumerable brands of fancy and packed tobaccos; and of Havana, Mexican, and British cigars, including the twopenny "Supremacy," which is claimed to be better than most threepennys; he offers pipes from a penny to a pound (or more), match-boxes, pouches, cigar cases, and everything that a smoker can desire. **Mr J. Davies**, music dealer, Bridge Street, makes a point of keeping up to date with his supply of humorous songs, and he has a large assortment of musical instruments, so that he who would fain touch the light guitar or rival Paderewski, may there obtain the instrument he desires; while if the allurements of the banjo and concertina are great, here the musician may satisfy his soul. **Messrs. Bryan and Co.**, complete home furnishers, 159, Commercial Street, have a grand show of dining, drawing, and bedroom suites, and claim to offer the largest stock at the lowest prices in South Wales. > Everything required to furnish a house, from attic to basement, is offered by them—they will provide anything from a teaspoon to a piano, from a saucepan to a feather bed. Among their multifarious articles, any one seeking useful presents would have little difficulty in finding what they required. Pianos and organs are among their specialities; they have a large stock of marble clocks and bronze ornaments; they offer easy chairs, writing tables, occasional tables — in fact they are prepared to supply all that is required for the cottage or the mansion. **Mr C. Ince**, Jeweller, Bridge Street, has a very attractive show. It has been selected with good taste; it is tastefully displayed; and his establishment should not lack patrons during the Christmas season. Of watches, rings, bracelets, and other articles of jewellery he has a charming selection; his show of electro-plate is artistic; and whether a present is desired for gentleman or lady, for the family or for a friend, there is ample choice for the most fastidious. Silver cigarette and match boxes, serviette rings, silver tea sets, silver-mounted brushes, silver-mounted scent bottles, silver card cases, flasks and fruit knives — these are a few of the many suitable presents included in his stock, and those who would like to know more about the capabilities of his establishment would do well to consult the pretty list he has circulated. Mr Ince is also a dealer in antique silver, china, glass and pictures, and those who have a weakness for curios and antiques might do worse than inspect his stock. **Mr.** **L. S. Abrahamson**, the well-known jeweller, pawnbroker, &c., of Bridge Street, is anxious to give bargains. He has bought two bankrupt stocks, he has a large accumulation of new jewellery and forfeited pledges, and he wants to clear part of them out during the Christmas season. He promises to accept any reasonable offer, and is prepared to cut profits down to the lowest margin. He claims to have one of the largest stocks in south Wales of diamond goods, new and secondhand; he has gold lever watches (forfeited pledges) by Renson, Russell, Hawley, and other well-known makers he has five hundred dozen ivory-handled table dessert, and carving knives; a large stock of electro-plate; rings, bracelets, brooches, and bronzes; and is anxious to act generously with his customers. He has made an alteration of his premises, so that the departments are entirely separate, and both the quantity and quality he demands attention. At the chemist and druggist's shop of **Mr A Smith**, 5, High Street, a special point is being made of the famous American cough remedy, 'Frog in your Throat.' The proprietor also offers perfumes for Christmas in fancy boxes and cut bottles; and, beside catering for the vanities of the fair sex, provides also for the infirmities of poor humanity with his gout and rheumatic mixture. At the music warehouse of **Mr. T. H. Hutchinson**, Clarence Place, are musical instruments of all kinds, from a brass whistle to a violin, from a melodeon to an organ; together with music in sheets or volumes, from a comic song to an oratorio. Mr. Hutchinson shows his patent barless piano frame, with which he expects to bring about a revolution in the manufacture of pianos. Those who require musical instruments can secure them here. **Messrs. Phillips and Son**, brewers, wine merchants, &c. (who, by the way, are making good progress with their new malthouses near the Old Dock), have found that there is a great demand for their guinea hampers, and in addition they make up two and three guinea hampers. The bins in their extensive cellars are stored with the finest vintages of port and claret; they have a large stock of the best brands of champagne; and they offer Jameson’s Irish whiskey (guaranteed seven years old). They have a fine stock of the best Havana cigars in boxes of 25 and 50 suitable for presents; and with regard to their beers it is sufficient to say that they have never had better brewings, and that in open competition they obtained the orders for the Tredegar Show, Caerleon Races and the Coedkernew Jumping. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-23-at-15.49.41.png) [South Wales Weekly Argus, 19th December, 1896](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1192730053/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) **Messrs Fleming, Reid, and Co.** have one of their ninety branch shops in Commercial Street, Newport, and there they offer the various products of their mills at Greenock. There are wools and woollen goods in all varieties, and useful presents may be found in the shape of hand-knitted gloves, slippers, stockings, and wraps. **Mr W. Townsend**, general ironmonger, of Commercial Street, is making a special line of the Ansonia watches at 4s 12d. They are guaranteed time-keepers, lever movement, and are just watches for boys and working men. Mr Townsend makes a speciality of American goods, and offers a variety of articles, from a meat skewer to the latest American time-pieces. He has his usual attractive show of electro-plate, and case goods, table and pocket cutlery, and table lamps. Mr Townsend recently obtained a silver medal, the highest award, at the Dairy Show at Islington for his patent milk delivery, an invention which we fully described in the *Argus* some time since. It will suffice to say that when it is taken up by the milk trade it will save half the time and expense of delivery, it will prevent losses of cans and milk, and it will be inestimable boon to householders. The **Clarence Wharf Sawmills Co**. are anxious to provide Newport with the yule log, and as modern fireplaces are not constructed to take the full log, they cut it in to convenient blocks, so that those who like wood fires now know where to obtain the necessary fuel. **The Bombay Tea Co.**, who have recently established a branch in High Street, do marvellous things, for they give away presents which seem to be worth more than their tea. 'A timely tip' is given by **Mr Smith**, boot seller, of Chepstow Road and Shaftesbury Street. It is to the effect that all should provide themselves with good boots, and that he is the man to provide them. > Everybody knows **Leadbetter**, the man who gives coal away whenever Cardiff play Newport but as these teams only play four times in the season, people who happen to be out of coal at other periods are expected to buy from him and pay for it. No one sells — or gives away — better coal. **Messrs. Trapnell and Gane** have laid themselves out for a record Christmas. The main bedroom furniture usually occupying the ground floor has disappeared and tasteful curtains hung at intervals between the mirrors, pictures, and cabinets, which occupy the wall space on either side. The floor is gay with several rugs and carpets, while standing on them in picturesque confusion is an array of chairs, tables, lamps, screens, bamboo furniture, brass coal cabinets, coal vases, lamps, &c. Messrs. Trapnell and Gane extend a cordial invitation to all and surely a visit to their establishment, and an inspection of their magnificent rooms will go far to justify their claim to be regarded as leaders of fashion in furniture. **Mr Treharne Howell's** chief attraction at this season is his large and varied selection of perfumes. He has always made a point of importing the finest scents, and this year he has had to further increase his stock to meet the growing demand. He also offers coloured smelling salts in cut glass bottles, toilet requisites, &c., and if anyone is troubled with cough or cold his "Eucalyptus Cough Mixture" is among the best of remedies. Sweets for the children and indispensable, and **Messrs G F Lovell and Co.**, who are large manufacturers, are ready, and willing, and able to supply pure sweets for the bairns. They make a feature of producing cleve and artistic figures in sugar, and these are sure to give delight to the little ones. They have sweets in baskets and boxes and many Christmas novelties, which can be secured at their shops at 54 and 125 Commerical Street, and that their stall in the Provision Market. — [*South Wales Weekly Argus, 19th December, 1896*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1192730122/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/South_Wales_Argus_1896_12_18_2.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 18th December, 1896](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143474726/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/South_Wales_Argus_1896_12_18_1.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 18th December, 1896](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143474726/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Shop Opening Times ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-11-at-17.15.12.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st December, 1850](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394992/3394994?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Public notices from the period indicate that Newport tradesmen collectively organised shop closures during the festive season. In 1850, local businesses resolved to suspend operations on December 26th, explicitly to provide shop assistants the opportunity to visit "Relations and Friends." By 1863, these closures could be quite extensive; one notice informs the public that shops would close on the evening of Thursday the 24th and remain shut until the "following Monday," resulting in a substantial break in trade. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-10-at-14.46.43.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th December, 1863](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400687?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) By 1897, some shops such Frederick Beckley of Commercial Street and Llanarth Street was closed the 24th — 28th December. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-23-at-16.58.29.png) [South Wales Argus, 18th December, 1897](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143495302/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Christmas Crackers In 1884, a large advert from Cordey's advertised no fewer than 60 different types of Christmas crackers including many from the inventor Tom Smith. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-22-at-08.24.41-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-22-at-08.24.50-1.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th December, 1884](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407718/3407722/22/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) For the Victorian middle class, the Christmas cracker—often referred to by the more fashionable French term **"Cosaque"**—was far more than a simple table decoration. By 1884, these festive novelties had evolved into curated boxes of theater, satire, and social commentary, reflecting the specific interests and anxieties of the era. ### A Reflection of Modern Life The 1884 price lists reveal a Victorian public eager for crackers that mirrored their rapidly changing world. Far from being purely traditional, many crackers were surprisingly topical: - **The News & Science:** "The Times" crackers were sold as a high-end novelty, with each box containing an actual timepiece alongside ten crackers. - **Modern Services:** The "Parcels Post Cosaques" likely celebrated the then-recent introduction of the national parcel post service. - **Global Events:** Manufacturers like **Tom Smith** and **G. Sparagnapane** capitalised on public interest in international affairs with titles like "Afghan Luggage" and the "International Health Exhibition" box. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/image-8.png) Gemini generated image ### Social Satire and Victorian Archetypes Victorians used the Christmas table as a space for gentle social ribbing. The 1884 catalogs featured crackers specifically targeted at different social groups: - **The Single Life:** There were dedicated boxes for "Bachelors" and "Spinsters," likely containing humorous gifts or "Love Cards". - **The Dandy:** The "Masher Cosaque" poked fun at the "masher"—the stereotypical flamboyant, overdressed young man of the 1880s. - **International Relations:** "Our American Cousins" crackers even included masks, allowing guests to play at being their overseas relatives. ### Luxury and the "Immense" Family Box While simple "Gelatine Packets" could be purchased for as little as 3d, the cracker market catered heavily to the Victorian love of opulence. Higher-end options like "Jewellery" boxes promised "elaborate" gifts such as bracelets, fans, and mirrors. The pinnacle of the 1884 list was the **"Crown Box,"** described as an "immense family box" containing four dozen crackers. At 4s 8d, it was a significant investment, ensuring that even the largest Victorian household could participate in the "snap" that defined their Christmas period. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-22-at-08.39.45.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-22-at-08.40.01.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-22-at-08.40.11.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-22-at-08.40.17.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-22-at-08.40.28.png) Here are examples of the types of crackers on sale taken from an Army and Navy catalogue from 1887 ([Source: Archive.org](https://archive.org/details/ArmyandNavyStoresCircular1887/page/n19/mode/2up)) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Tree Ornaments and Traditions While the Christmas cracker provided the "bang" for the Victorian Christmas, the tree remained the centrepiece of the home. An 1884 Cordey's price list for "Ornaments Suitable for Christmas Trees" provides a detailed look at how families decorated their evergreens during the peak of the Victorian era. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-22-at-08.42.04.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th December, 1884](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407718/3407722/22/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### The Edible and Fragrant Tree Victorian trees were sensory experiences, often decorated with items meant to be consumed or smelled. - **Sweet Treats:** Crystallised fruits were a staple, with "Fancy Boxes" available in a massive range of prices from 4½d to a staggering 6s. - **Confections:** Chocolate Creams were sold in both plain and fancy boxes, while various high-quality sweets were available in 1lb and 2lb bottles. - **Scented Ornaments:** Beyond visuals, the tree was a source of fragrance. Families could purchase "Fancy Boxes in Wood" containing perfume and scent sachets for up to 1s 9½d. Bunches of "Perfumed Violets" were also popular, priced at 2¾d each. ### Bringing Nature Indoors Before the era of mass-produced plastic tinsel, Victorians relied heavily on natural greenery and representational figures. - **Holly Garlands:** The 1884 list shows holly was sold "in yard lengths" for draping around the tree or home. Plain holly cost 7d per yard, while "variegated" holly (leaves with white or yellow edges) was a premium 8½d. - **Whimsical Figures:** The tree was populated with small characters, such as "Father Christmas" figures (ranging from 3d to 10d) and the popular "Puss in Hat" (5½d). Standing "Chicken" figures were also available for 2½d. ### Lighting and Luxury The Victorian tree was a fire hazard by modern standards, lit primarily by real candles. - **Candle Ornaments:** The list mentions specific "Candle Ornaments" designed to secure or beautify the tapers placed on the branches. - **Luxury Gifts:** For wealthier families, the tree served as a display for high-end gifts. "Fancy Soaps," "Fancy Candles," and "Perfumes" were often hung or placed among the branches as both decoration and presents. ### The Evolution of the Tree By 1884, the Christmas tree had transitioned from a German novelty (popularised by Prince Albert) to a British necessity. The wide price range in this advertisement—from a 2½d chicken to 6s fruit boxes—demonstrates that the "Victorian Christmas" was no longer just for the elite; it was a commercialised holiday that even the emerging middle class could customise according to their budget. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Entertainment Much like today, Christmas was a time for entertainment including pantomimes. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/South_Wales_Daily_Times_and_Star_of_Gwent_1889_12_21_3.jpg) [South Wales Daily Times and Star of Gwent, 21st December, 1889](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1247878769?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) The Victoria Theatre, which burned down in 1896 and was replaced with the Lyceum Theatre, was showing the 40 Thieves pantomime in 1889\. It featured a 'carefully selected and powerful caste (sic)', 'special chorus ladies' and a 'Grand Corps de Ballet'. Performances were on Christmas Eve with another two on Boxing Day. This was how the Star of Gwent covered the opening of the pantomime:- It was our privilege on Monday evening to sit mime through a full dress rehearsal of the gorgeous panto, "The Forty Thieves," which Mr James Rowe, the spirited proprietor of the "Vic.," aided by his enterprising manager, Mr W. Morton, has staged as the Christmas bill of fare. Children of tender age are familiar with the nursery lore of "The Forty Thieves," and thoroughly conversant with most of the incidents as written in the fable. Ali baba and Abdallah are names which will recall the story to their minds at once. Although for the purposes of a pantomime considerable alterations have had to be made in the story, little departure after all is effected in the real plot. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/image-10.png) Gemini generated image It is true the forty thieves are not cut-throats of modern days, for they partake of the gallantry and courtesy with which Dick Turpin and Claud Luval were wont to display when stopping coaches and robbing passengers on the "King's own highway." > In fact the Forty Thieves are forty pretty and fascinating young ladies, whose rich and varied costumes, during the course of the production, set them off to the best possible advantage. The principals engaged are ladies and gentlemen of well known professional merit, and two or three of the ladies have passed their R.A.M. examinations. The musical portion of the pantomime is, therefore, at once guaranteed. Most of the songs are entirely fresh to a Newport audience, and we fully anticipate that their refrains will be sung and whiscled by street boys for months to come. The ladies who constitute the special chorus are exceedingly tuneful, whilst the *corps de ballet* would do honour to a town of far greater proportions than Newport. The scenery reflects the highest possible credit upon the large staff of artiste, who have been engaged upon it for months past, and the transformation scene, which comprises nearly a dozen complete sets is more than worthy of the name "A dream of beauty." The harlequinade is something beyond funny, and cannot possibly fail to provoke shrieks of laughter. "The Forty Thieves" should bring a considerable amount of money into the coffers of the proprietor of the "Vic," not ease him of coin, as its title would serve to shew (sic). — [*South Wales Daily Times and Star of Gwent, 24th December, 1889*](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1247878911/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* --- ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-09-at-19.05.23.png) [South Wales Argus, December 22nd, 1893](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1145591450/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) In 1893, the Albert Hall, used to be located on Stow Hill, featured Montague Roby's Famous Midget Minstrels — the original and only Children's Christy Troupe in the world. [Christy's Minstrels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christy%27s%5FMinstrels?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) were a 'blackface' group formed in Buffalo, New York in 1843\. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/image-5.png) --- ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-09-at-19.12.38.png) [South Wales Argus, December 21st, 1893](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1145591398/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) --- In Clarence Place in 1889 Keith and Tudor's Circus had performances on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day and featured Performance Horses, Juggling, Wire Walking, Tight Rope Dancing and Comic Clowns. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-10-at-07.41.41.png) [South Wales Daily Times and Star of Gwent, 24th December, 1889](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1247878911/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) This was how the Star of Gwent covered the opening of the circus:- **OPENING OF THE CIRCUS SEASON**. Messrs Keith and Tudor, who have erected a very cosy circus in Clarence-place, opened for a three months' season on Monday evening. The interior of the building was scarcely completed, but it was evident at a glance that nothing would be spared to promote the comfort and convenience of all sections of the community. Although Christmas amusements are not abnormally patronised on any evening prior to Boxing Day, a large audience assembled at the Circus on Monday as though to show their appreciation of the spirit and enterprise of the proprietors. The company all round is an exceedingly strong one, and the applause throughout the evening was loud and continuous. Mr Wal'er Allen, in a dashing act of riding, shewed (sic) his superb horemanship, and was loudly applauded on retiring from the ring. Madame Keith, in her elegant performance on the tight rope, was seen to great advantage. Her dancing on the rope with baskets on her feet was greatly appreciated by the audience. Mr W. Tudor presented "the comic trick ponies," their performance doing great credit to that gentleman. The American rider pleased the audience very much in his great bar act. while the clown Nimble Walter caused roars of laughter by his tricks. His little game with Joey, the artful pony that jumps when he likes, was very amusing. M. Jules Poole, the famous jagger, was exceedingly clever in his tricks, his performance being highly appreciated by the audience. Miss Lydia in her fancy act of trick riding was applauded to the echo. Charlie Keith greatly amused the audience by his funniosities (sic), his tricks causing roars of laughter. The brothers Rowe, from the Alhambra and Empire Theatres, London, must be seen to be properly appreciated. Their entertainment cannot fail to find favour with spectators, Mr W. Tudor's great jockey act in jumping from the ring on to the horse's back was loudly redemanded, his horsemanship being exceedingly clever. The renowned musical clowns, the Leombarto brothers, included in their performance playing on watering teapots, Mrs Leombarto's playing upon string bring very clever. Misses Langslowe and Clements, in their performance in walking upon double wires, were loudly applauded, and brought a very enjoyable evening's amusement to a close. There will be day performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, at 2.30. — [*South Wales Daily Times and Star of Gwent, 24th December, 1889*](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1247878911/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Travel For those living away from home, getting back to Wales for Christmas involved a serious test of endurance. The Great Western Railway advertised a "Special Train" departing London Paddington at 10:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. This late-night service wasn't just a short hop; it was a marathon run calling at Newport, Cardiff, and Swansea, before pushing all the way out to the far western terminus of New Milford (Neyland) in Pembrokeshire. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-09-at-19.18.19.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th December, 1884](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407711/3407716?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) Given the rolling stock of 1884, passengers boarding in London faced a long, rattling night in the carriage, traveling through the darkness to arrive in Newport in the small hours—or, for those continuing to West Wales, arriving bleary-eyed on Christmas morning itself. The service was democratic, however, open to "1, 2, and 3 class" travellers, ensuring that everyone from the wealthy merchant to the returning labourer could make the journey. Even on Christmas Day, the line didn't fully sleep; a 5:30 a.m. "Newspaper Train" from Paddington still ran as far as Swansea, ensuring the morning news reached the industrial towns of the south. Being two years before the Severn Tunnel opened, the trains still needed to go via Gloucester. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/South_Wales_Argus_1897_12_18_2.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 18th December, 1897](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143495303/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Also running on Christmas Day in 1897 was a train leaving Newport at just after 4am heading as far as New Milford (Neyland). There were also Christmas trips over the Christmas period bringing people into Newport from the valleys. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) Ultimately, the festive spirit of Victorian Newport was defined by a unique blend of grand spectacle and local community ties, where "Monster Cheeses" and guinea hampers served as both commercial triumphs and shared holiday milestones. As the midnight trains from London steamed into the station and shop windows glowed against the winter mist, these archival records reveal a city that was as ambitious in its trade as it was traditional in its celebrations. By looking back at the vibrant offerings of Gower’s, Cordey’s, and Phillips & Sons, we see more than just a list of goods; we see the origins of the modern Christmas rush, rooted in a period of remarkable growth and festive wonder that still resonates in the city’s history today. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Volume 1, Number 53 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-53/ Last updated: 2026-01-03T07:05:25.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## John Davies the Lame Chicken ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-08-at-19.25.15.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th March, 1846](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425280/3425283?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) John Davies, known affectionately to his supporters as "The Chick" (or *Y Cyw*), was a dominant figure in 19th-century Welsh foot-racing. Born in 1822 near Bridgend, Davies transitioned from working as a collier to becoming an inn-keeper near Pontypridd, but his true legacy lay on the track. His career was defined by an intense, multi-year rivalry with the English champion Tom Maxfield, nicknamed "The North Star." Their series of races was fraught with drama, including a controversial event in Llantrisant where Maxfield was struck by a crowd-control horse, rendering the race null and void. However, Davies ultimately proved his superiority with decisive victories on neutral ground in Bath in 1846 and a final triumph on Maxfield's home turf in Slough in 1847, leading Maxfield to concede that Davies was the better man. Beyond his athletic prowess, Davies’s victories served as a lightning rod for national pride, sparking a fervor comparable to modern Wales-versus-England rugby matches. Contemporary ballads describe these events as chaotic, passionate affairs dominated by heavy betting; one verse humorously notes that while backers of the Englishman were left disappointed, those who wagered on "The Chick" won enough to afford a fat goose for Christmas. Although Davies was compared in his time to the legendary Guto Nyth-brân, he did not achieve the same lasting folk-hero status, yet his story remains a vivid snapshot of Victorian sporting culture where athletic achievement and national identity were deeply intertwined. Source: [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1313914277031284&set=pcb.1749470082340829) and [Cardiff University](https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/special-collections/subject-guides/welsh-ballads/lame-chick-and-the-north-star?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Interestingly, there was a pub in Cardiff called the Lame Chicken around the same time as John Davies was running. It was located on Whitmore Lane which became Custom House Street. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-08-at-19.38.54.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th April, 1850](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394841/3394843/35/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-13.06.20.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd March, 1866](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402035/3402039?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/IMG_4038.jpg) Cross Hands, Chepstow Road ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-23.01.43.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th May, 1850](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394849/3394851/4?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## 'Emigrants on Missing Newport' [In October 1854](http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396155/3396157?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), someone with the pen-name Glanmorr wrote to the Monmouthshire Merlin to describe life in Charleston, South Carolina, after emigrating from Newport, and how they missed the town. > Some few years ago, when we lived in Newport, we used to think it a dreary, disagreeable abode, —the last place in all creation, and that not finished. We now candidly confess (although we never did confess to an editor before) that our judgment was at fault, and we in error. > > Many times during the past summer have we sighed for the cool breeze of Stow-hill, and the felicity of taking a walk in Tredegar-park; but, alas! between us and those sweet spots of Creation, there is a great ocean fixed, so that we cannot pass over. Glanmorr then went on to describe the intensity of the hear, the frequent thunderstorms, people being struck by lightning, small pox and yellow fever. Perhaps the grass wasn't greener. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th October, 1854*](http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396155/3396157?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-03-at-10.22.46.png) Cary's New and Correct English Atlas, 1793 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Stoppage at the Level Crossing of Thomas Street **\[TO THE EDITOR.\]** SIR,—Allow me to complain, through the MERLIN, of an inconvenience which, I am inclined to think, the officials of the South Wales Railway will remedy when their attention is respectfully requested to the matter. On coming towards Newport, from the Pontypool road, I have more than once, of late, been stopped by the closed railway gates in Thomas-street, for some minutes—not by passenger railway carriages (for such move on rapidly enough), but by a Dan Tucker of a merchandise train, with a legion of cars behind, as lengthy as the great sea serpent. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-05-at-08.26.51.png) The location of the Thomas Street level crossing Now these trains "stop the way" several times a day; and when, on the last occasion of my retardation, I peeped through the palings to see what Dan Tucker was lazily lagging for, I found that the engine was taking in water. Now surely the public might be easily saved from this stoppage, which may sometimes be the cause of their losing the Pontypool, or the Newport, Abergavenny, and Hereford trains, or losing appointments in Newport, by merely removing the water-tank lower down the line, so that the goods cars may be clear of the level crossing. Your obedient servant, MOVE ON — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th October, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396155/3396157?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) [Old Dan Tucker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old%5FDan%5FTucker?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) was an American rustic dance in which extra men singing a song choose partners from a circle formed at a signal by those dancing. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/IMG_4032-1.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-08-at-13.00.16.png) Then and Now: Godfrey Road in 1910 and present day. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Cabbaging a Freeholder's Cabbages William Millard, an old man residing at Pillgwenlly where he follows the business of a huckster, was charged by Thomas Thomas, with stealing his cabbages. Mr. Champ defended. The prosecutor and prisoner are occupiers of land on the Freehold Society's Maindee Estate, which has been tilled for garden purposes by them, and cabbages formed a large proportion of the produce. On Saturday evening, John Thomas saw Millard cutting some of his brother's cabbages, and accused him of doing so. He denied it, and said he had plenty of his own. He had pulled up twelve and cut off three of the cabbages. On the Monday following, Thomas Thomas went to his house, and asked Millard how he could have had the conscience to go over to Maindee and cut his (complainant's) cab- bages. He denied having done so; but after being advised by his wife, he offered to pay for them, and said, had he known they were Thomas's, he would not have taken them, having a great deal of respect for his family. Much evidence was given in support of the charge, and Millard was **ordered to pay 6d. damage, and 20s. fine, together with £1 6s. 6d. costs, or a month's hard labour**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th October, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396137/3396139?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Woman Assaults Servant Over Lost Sheet' Mrs. Mark Taylor was charged with assaulting Ann Barry, her servant. This was a quarrel of a domestic character, respecting a lost sheet, and divers other matters as to wages, &c. **The mistress was ordered to pay the girl her wages, and the case was dismissed**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th October, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396137/3396139?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'A General Scrimmage' Sarah Chinn was charged with assaulting Martha Morgan. A general scrimmage, in which one party was shown to have been as bad as the other. Complainant called a young man as her witness, who completely turned the tables on his fair friend, till she cried out vehemently, "It is false! it is false!" > There were fifteen witnesses in the case: one of which was a frying-pan! The defendant was also charged with assaulting Ann Smith; and after that, she became the complainant against George Morgan, father of the first complainant. This latter person, her sister Naomi, and the mother, were next charged with assaulting Mrs. Chinn. After a very long inquiry, the first three cases were dismissed, the costs to be paid by the parties, all being bound over to keep the peace towards each other. **The Morgan family were all severely censured; and the father and his two daughters were convicted in 10s. each and costs, or a month's imprisonment, for the assault on Mrs. Chinn; and the mother was discharged**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th October, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396137/3396139?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Stealing a Wine Glass' Mary Thomas was **sentenced to five weeks' hard labour**, for stealing a wine glass, the property of John Parker, Newport. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th October, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396164/3396166?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Suspected Turnip Stealers William Hunt and Mary Stockwell, two residents in the row called The Rookery, at the top of Stow Hill, were charged with having a quantity of turnips in their possession, under some- what suspicious circumstances. P.C. Hill detected the prisoners with the bag of turnips, but had not been able to ascertain from whence they were stolen or obtained. We would advise parties in the neighbourhood who find that their produce is preyed upon, to give instant information to the police, that the marauders may be detected. The prisoners in this case could not be proved guilty of stealing the turnips, and being cautioned, they were allowed to walk at large once more. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th March, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425265/3425267?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Sheep-Stealer Caught — And No Blood-Hounds Used John Morgan, **alias Umbrella Jack**, was charged with being found in possession of some portions of a newly-slaughtered sheep. P.C. Pennimore stated that on Tuesday morning, at an early hour, he saw the prisoner coming along by the turn-pike gate on the Caerleon road towards Newport, with a large reticule basket on his shoulder, and a bundle of cabbage plants tied on the top. Pennimore, with that praiseworthy activity and observation which have distinguished him on previous occasions, immediately examined the man and the basket, discoring in the latter two fore-quarters of mutton, with the exception of a shoulder, and in his coat pocket a shoulder of mutton and the knuckle of a leg of mutton. The prisoner told witness several improbable stories, and he thereupon took him to the station, and locked him up. This meat was subsequently discovered by witness and Sergeant Harlow, to have been severed from a carcase killed in a wood, in the parish of Saint Bride, Netherwent, and the property of Mr. Evans. The prisoner was committed to take his trial for feloniously killing a sheep. Persons who have a taste for their neighbour's mutton, must take heed that blood-hounds do not get on their track, since the use of the unerring blood-hound in pursuit of sheep-stealers, is now resorted to by some farmers. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th March, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425265/3425267?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Three to One Keen Mahoney, his sister, an another female, or fury—either will do—were changed with having cruelly ill-used Ann Brown, whose face presented startling evidence respecting brickbats, pokers, and "**bunches of fives.**" The poor creature detailed a harrowing account of the brutal treatment she had received from her assailants, and the magistrates **fined each defendant 10s. and costs, or a month's imprisonment**. Not being able to pay, they were "quodded." — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th March, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425265/3425267?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) "Quodded" is the past tense of the slang verb "quod," meaning to be put in prison or jail, derived from the British slang "quod" for prison, itself possibly from "quadrangle" (four walls). So, if someone was "quodded," they were locked up, as in, "He got quodded last night and won't be out for ages". ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/South_Wales_Argus_1893_12_21_4.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 21st December, 1893](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1145591423/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Engravings for Sale' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-08-at-18.53.56.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st March, 1846](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425275?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) On display at the premises of Mr Bebell, Tredegar Wharf were 6 engravings in a collection call Thomas Boy's Graphic Union. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/image.png) Doctor Johnson Rescuing Oliver Goldsmith from his Landlady The engravings where sold as prints and different type of proofs ranging in price from 10s 6d to £6 6s 0d and up to £16 16s 0d for a full collection of artist proofs. That's around £2,200 today. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/image-1.png) Redgrave's "Poor Teacher" Mr Bebell, mentioned in the advert, was a roman cement and Plaster of Paris merchant as being the sole agent for Hill, Evans, and Co.'s Patent Malt Vinegar. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-08-at-19.21.30.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th March, 1846](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425280/3425282?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-08-at-17.52.44.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th March, 1846](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425265/3425267?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Complaint About A Draper Opening Late' Sir — About the commencement of the present season, it was announced, and generally understood, that the drapers of this town would close their respective shops at eight o'clock precisely; and I have been much pleased to see it so punctually amended to. Very recently, however, one person assumed the untradesmanlike, and, I will add, unbecoming, character of a nine o'clock closing and frequently have I observed the shutters closed but the door ajar, for the admission of the late customers. I hope, however, this will not lead the public into any error, as the shops generally are still closed at the same hour. I beg to subscribe myself, Sir, your obedient servant, A READER OF YOUR PAPER. February 24th, 1846. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th March, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425265/3425267?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-08-at-17.53.52.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th March, 1846](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425265/3425267?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Police in Pillgwenlly **To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.** SIR,—A letter appeared in the MERLIN of last week, signed "Detector," stating that a policeman is not seen in Pillgwenlly scarcely once in twelve months; and that the sight of one is, indeed, a "*Rara avis in terris*." Now, I am ready to admit that a policeman may not at all times be immediately on the spot when he is wanted, for such a functionary is not supposed to be omnipresent; but I am ready to prove that a policeman may be seen in Pill every day on duty. I have this week seen as many as three at a time; and whilst I am writing this letter, I have seen two policemen pass my window. Now, I think if "Detector" were to be a little more cautious in publishing untruths, and let his neighbour's business alone, mind his own calling, take the advice of one of his predecessors, not to be a busy body, speaking things which he ought not, it would be all as well, perhaps better. I am, Sir, your obedient Servant, PUBLICOLA March 5, 1846. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th March, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425270/3425273?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Awfully Sudden Death On Saturday night last, as Thomas Bostock, head waiter at the Westgate Hotel, was carrying grog into the coffee mom, he was suddenly seized with illness, and died in a short time. Everything that medical aid could do was tried. soon after the attack, which was apoplectic. The deceased, Mr. Hallen says, was a sober, well conducted man. He leaves a family in Bristol. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st March, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425275/3425278?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Fires in Newport' ### Alarm of Fire On Sunday morning, about one o'clock' sparks, and occasionally a slight blaze were observed issuing from the stack of chimneys of the Town Hall, over that part where the Exchange-room is situated. A body of police was speedily in attendance, and fears being entertained that the fire originated in the Exchange-room, the door was burst open; but all was safe and cool in that quarter. It was then supposed that the flue of Mr. William Evans's chimney might communicate with the stack from which the fire was now ascending with increased force and on inquiry, such was found to be the case. Immediate means were adopted to master the enemy the most effectual being to heat a quantity of salt in the grate, the useful and speedy effects of which were completely to over power the fire in the chimney—a plan easily adopted, and worth remembering. No serious damage resulted from the accident, and all was quiet again in an hour. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th May, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394423/3394426?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Fire On Monday night about ten o'clock, an alarm of fire was raised near the extensive premises of Messrs Phillips and Getting, Commercial Buildings, and it was feared for some time, that the fire existed in those premises, where large quantities of inflammable goods, such as turpentine, oil,, hemp, &c., were known to be stored. Happily, however, when the engine, and a strong body of the police, accompanied by several tradesmen and others, had arrived, the fire was found to be in a far less perilous place, having originated in a heap of dry dung, upon which some hot ashes had been in cautiously thrown, and adjoining a hay and straw shed belonging to Mr. Joseph Jones, in Fothergill-street, which was consumed, resulting in damage to the amount of about £40\. In about an hour all was extinguished, through the good services of Mr. Superintendent English and his aids. Mr. English, who has had much experience in the working of fire engines, speaks well of that belonging to our Corporation. He recommends a larger suction pipe, a want which, according to the following paragraph, may be cheaply procured:- Canvas has at length been made available, by means of suction pipes, for fire-extinguishing engines and other purposes. The whole of the outside is canvas, and the interior vulcanised caoutchouc, which renders them not only water-tight, but equal in strength and durability to the best leather, while their extreme comparative lightness and cheapness must render them most desirable." — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th May, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394423/3394426?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Another Fire An accident occurred on Sunday morning last, which threatened destruction to the household furniture of Mr Wm. Williams, Hill-street. A clothes-horse had been placed before the kitchen fire, upon which was placed wearing apparel; and during the temporary absence of Mr. and Mrs. Williams, a spark ignited one of the articles, which set fire to all the rest, and in a few moments, all was consumed. Had it not been for the almost immediate return of Mrs. Williams to the house, there is little doubt but the fire would have done extensive damage. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th May, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394423/3394426?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Potato Stealing On Monday night last two bushels and a half of potatoes were stolen from the barn of Mr. Hodgkinson, Alteryn, and belonging to Mr. Symons, shipbroker, of Pillgwenlly. Two parties were suspected of being the thieves. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th May, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394423/3394426?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-08-at-20.36.56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-08-at-20.37.05.png) Mr Hodgkinson lived in Alteryn House which used to be located near the canal and Black Ash Lane. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Narrow Pass at Blaina Wharf' **\[TO THE EDITOR.\]** Sir, — Permit me to mention in your useful paper a monstrous inconvenience, to which the public are put, in a narrow pass immediately opposite the Blaina wharf, on the town side of the Canal. Have the public, or have they not, a right of thorough- fare along by the company's tramroad? If they have, is it not wrong that any person should be allowed to obstruct the path by timber and carriages, which is frequently the case, till there is no alternative for passengers but to squeeze by, with their clothes wiping the dirty wheels of the carriages on one side, whilst in danger of stepping into the canal, on the other? If the public have a right of way there, the present state of things ought to be remedied; if they have not, of course they must submit to so crushing a case. With thanks for the small space you have given me, I remain, sir, your humble servant, **A SUFFERER.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st December, 1850*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394992/3394995?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-03-at-13.36.10.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st December, 1867](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403154/3403155?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Volume 1, Number 52 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-52/ Last updated: 2026-01-03T07:05:12.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Magnificent Panorama Mr. Banvard's admirable delineations of the great rivers Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio, and the cities, towns, and scenery along their banks, are now exhibited at the large room' of our Town Hall, and constitute subjects of interesting conversation, and approving remarks, by those who have already visited the exhibition. It has been remarked that untravelled persons have now opportunities, from admirably executed panoramas, of becoming conversant with the features of distant lands and this may be well applied to the result of Mr. Banvard's labours, which is pronounced a national work. The opportunity should not be lost on any account. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th July, 1850*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394907/3394910/29/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-25-at-12.50.26.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th February, 1860](http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398967?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## **Louisa Vinning, “The Infant Sappho,” at Newport Town Hall** In 1850, the *Monmouthshire Merlin* carried an advert for a concert at Newport Town Hall by **Miss Louisa Vinning**, billed on the posters simply as *“The Sappho.”* The notice announced her second appearance in the town, accompanied at the piano by her sister, Miss A. Vinning. A follow-up review in the *Merlin* reported a “large and fashionable audience,” praising her “charming voice and musical execution” and noting that a farewell concert was scheduled the following Monday. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-22.54.35.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th May, 1850](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394849/3394851/4/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Louisa Vinning was one of several highly promoted Victorian child performers. As explored in modern research, she was known nationally as *“The Infant Sappho”*, a title invoking the ancient Greek poet and used in newspapers and playbills to emphasise the combination of youth and musical ability. Her touring appearances formed part of a wider nineteenth-century fascination with child prodigies, whose talents were showcased in concert halls across Britain. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-22.54.42.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th May, 1850](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394849/3394851/4/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The Newport advert and the *Monmouthshire Merlin* review capture a brief but well-documented moment from her touring schedule: two performances at the Town Hall that drew strong local interest and placed Newport on the same circuit of venues hosting notable young performers of the era. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Orange Peel Nusinace A married woman, in a condition likely to be seriously injured by a fall, slipped her foot on a piece of orange peel, near the shop of Mr. Jack, hatter, on Wednesday, and fell to the ground with much force. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th May, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395349/3395353?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-25-at-13.03.07.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 29th January, 1870](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438826?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'No Robberies in Friars' Field' There have been no Friars' Fields robberies reported this week. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th July, 1850*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394907/3394910/29/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *Although later in the same issue...* One Captain Jones took so little care of that unruly crew, his wits, as to allow them to run riot in Friars Fields, a few nights since, when the captain was robbed of £17\. Old silly Captain Jones! — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th July, 1850*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394907/3394910/29/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/IMG_2833.jpg) The South Wales Brattice Cloth & India Rubber Co. Ltd. (Source: John's Newport Directory, 1895) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A Flickering Phantom On Tuesday night last, about ten o'clock, Mr. Morris, of Commercial-street, saw one ot those phenomena, called "[Will o' the Wisp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will-o%27-the-wisp?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)," of pecular brilliancy and magnitude. It rose on the marshes, not far from the turnpike gate, and glided across the highway, at an elevation of four or five feet, towards Alteryn, following the course of the brook as it went. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th May, 1850*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394849/3394852?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## **Electioneering Riots in Newport** The **1852 Newport election** erupted into one of the town’s most violent political contests of the 19th century. For several days, Newport witnessed scenes of open street fighting between supporters of **Mr. Bailey (Blue)** and **Mr. Lindsay (Red)**, involving workmen imported from the surrounding coal and iron districts, large-scale property damage, and repeated interventions by local and Glamorganshire police. ### **Preparations & Rising Tension** Fearing an explosive contest, the borough magistrates met at the **Council House** and attempted to secure outside assistance. Bristol refused to send police, but **Captain Napier** of the Glamorganshire Constabulary responded immediately, mobilising officers from **Bridgend, Newbridge, Merthyr** and surrounding districts. The **Cardiff Borough Police**, under Superintendent Stockdale, also joined the defence of the town. Meanwhile, beer-houses across Newport were opened prematurely and “treating” was rife. Large crowds roamed the streets in their party colours, accompanied by rival bands whose music did nothing to calm the atmosphere. By Thursday night, the situation was already volatile. ### **Flashpoints Across the Town** The most sustained violence centred on **Commercial Street**, **Pillgwenlly**, **Friars’ Fields**, and the roads leading to the **Westgate Hotel**. - At the **Parrot Inn** in Commercial Street, several hundred Nantyglo “Blue” colliers were quartered. When local youths jeered them from outside, a fight erupted, windows were smashed, and an elderly man and young woman were assaulted. - Reinforcements from Nantyglo surged out of the Parrot, armed with bludgeons and flints, driving Reds down Commercial Street in a torrent of bodies and flying stones. - Stones weighing nearly a pound were later recovered from the street and from the shattered frontage of **Mr. Birkett’s confectioner’s shop**, where glass was driven through the shutters. - Reds headquartered at the **London Porter House** and Blues at the **Bush Inn** clashed repeatedly, while drunken sailors moving through **Castle Street** smashed every window they encountered, terrorising residents who had no vote in the election. ### **Polling Day: Running Battles** Friday, the day of the poll, was the worst of all. The imported gangs from **Nantyglo (Blue)** and **Ebbw Vale (Red)** met in force. A major battle broke out outside the **Parrot Inn**, with volleys of stones making Commercial Street nearly impassable. Carriages carrying voters towards the booths at the **Westgate** ran a gauntlet of missiles. Some were overturned at speed, causing life-threatening injuries. A notorious attack took place at the **New Market Inn** in Pillgwenlly, where Lindsay’s committee room was stormed by a violent mob led by a well-known local pugilist. The police fought their way in and rescued the trapped campaigners. Another clash occurred near the **Wesleyan Chapel**, and yet another at the **Crown Hotel**, each requiring direct intervention by Glamorganshire and Merthyr officers. Reports also mention the **Carpenter’s Arms** being invaded by rioters later in the evening. ### **Superintendent English’s Intervention** The central figure of the entire affair was **Superintendent Stephen English**, whose actions likely prevented deaths. He repeatedly placed himself between charging mobs — most famously halting a furious Nantyglo rush up Commercial Street. > *“Exposed to one of the most tremendous showers of stones ever seen, Mr. English sprang forward, holding up both hands to command a halt.”* A powerful assailant swung an iron-tipped ash pole at him; English dodged, seized the weapon, and disarmed the man before others intervened. On several occasions he drew his sword to prevent the wrecking of pubs and shops. Another newspaper letter praised him as embodying uncommon bravery: > *“To stand alone between two bodies of infuriated combatants… does, in my opinion, demonstrate something more than ordinary courage.”* ### **Aftermath** Throughout the day, the police recovered piles of bludgeons, flint stones, and broken rungs from stable racks — the improvised weaponry of the imported workmen. Magistrates eventually ordered all “strangers” to be removed from Newport, which helped dissipate the violence by nightfall. The town woke to broken windows, shutterless houses, and residents nursing smashed noses, blackened eyes, gashed cheeks, and fractured limbs. Many families lost income in the following weeks because the injured were unable to work. Despite the surrounding chaos, the polling booths themselves remained undisturbed, a fact the press considered remarkable. The final result across the three boroughs was: **Bailey 773, Lindsay 537** — a majority of 236 for Bailey. Bailey addressed supporters from the balcony of the **King’s Head**, promising to work for financial and legal reform and assuring listeners that he would never support reducing the “poor man’s loaf”. Source: [Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th, April 1852](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395322/3395326?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## 'Damages to Pubs During Election' A month after the riots, the Monmouthshire Merlin [published](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395349/3395353?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) a list of the pubs damaged and the amounts being claimed for repairs. --- Orders were made for compensation for damage occasioned to houses in Newport, dining the recent election as under. Mr. Langdon, architect, proved the claims. Mr. Birch wan solicitor in the matter. George Batson, Cherry Tree beerhouse, Commercial-street — **15s**. William Jones, King's Arms Inn. Pillgwenlly — **£21** James Westall, Crown lnn, High street — **£1 8s. 7d**. — Mr. Westall: I also make a claim for £12\. for damages done to furniture. — Mr. Davis, magistrates' clerk: The Hundred is not liable for that amount, as you did not make the claim at the proper time. — Mr. Westall: This comes of electioneering. (Laughter) — Mr. Davis Go to Mr. Bailey, and ask him to pay it for you. (A laugh.) James Venn, private house, Pillgwenlly — **£9 3s. 11d**. — Applicant: I live in Castle-street and keep a private house. The mob smashed my windows, and beat in my window shutters– Mr. Pope: How came your house to be attacked? — Applicant: I can't tell, sir. — Mr. Pope: What party did you belong to? — Applicant: Blue, sir.—Mr. Pope: Had you any colours or flags flying? — Applicant: No. sir; none at all.—Mr. Pope: Then I think it strange that a private house should be attacked, without any provocation at all. David Jenkins, Orange Tree beerhouse, adjoining the last. **£6 15s. 6d**. Frederick Clarke, Cross Keys Inn, Market-street — **£2 8s. 9d**. Edmund Jones, Parrot Inn, Commercial-street — **£26 15s. 2d**. — This house suffered most. — Mr. Langdon said he had surveyed the damage, with Mr. Morris and Mr. Campbell. — Mr. Pope: Is Mr. Bailey going to pay this amount? — Applicant: Nil, sir. Mr. Pope thought the hon. member was to do so, Mr. Campbell having taken part in the survey. — Mr. Langdon said that the damage done to the Parrot, consisted of the smashing of 213 squares of glass, three pairs of sashes and a single sash, several shutters and doors, and glasses and furniture. John Lloyd. King's Head Hotel High-street **£3 10s**. Moses Scard Angel beerhouse, Commercial-road **£4 7s. 7d**. Isaac Rees — 10s. 6d., for 21 squares of glass. John Pritchard, Plough Inn, Commercial-street **£7 15s. 6d**. Wm. Lewis, Wiltshire beerhouse — **£2 2s. 4d**. Abraham Wilbraham, Steam Packet Inn — **£2 10s**. — [Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th May, 1852](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395349/3395353?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/IMG_2839.jpg) Kelly's Newport Directory, 1848 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Beautifying Pill Another point which came before the Committee was the beautification of the lower end of the town through planting. Temple street and Portland street with trees. These two roads are very broad (there were railways down them at one time); they are expensive to maintain; and it is suggested that down each street an avenue of trees should be planted, with seats for the public, and on each side; 18ft. road for, traffic going and returning. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-08.29.38.png) — [*South Wales Argus, May 13th, 1911*](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1144053950/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-24-at-09.09.33.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd September, 1848](http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394501/3394503?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Mr Bryan's Lamp A lengthy discussion ensued as to the lamp recently erected by Mr. S. Bryan, tobacconist, &c., Commercial-street. It was resolved that the terms of the resolution, giving permission to Mr Bryan to erect the lamp be strictly enforced — viz., that it project not more than three feet from the wall. It was also remarked that the Board contemplated only an ordinary size lamp being erected and several members expressed disapproval of so large a lamp being allowed, Alderman Davis inquiring, if it were permitted, how the Board could object to Mr. Sheppard, or any other grocer, erecting a golden canister of equal size? — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st December, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402504/3402506?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-24-at-15.37.33.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th July, 1850](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394902?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'A Lamp on Quiet Woman's Row' A public lamp has been placed on the west end of Quiet Woman's-row, where the line of rails is within about two feet of the street corner, and it was lighted for the first time last night. Two red panes are intended to be inserted in the lamp, with the words '**Beware of the engines**' stained therein, so as to reduce the danger to the public as much as possible. An application is now made for another lamp in the same street, which is still in a dangerous condition from the want of light. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st December, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402504/3402506?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Friar's Fields Robberies' An Irish labourer, from Llantrissant, named William Sullivan, was robbed of two £5 notes, of the West of England Bank, and about a pound in silver, on Saturday night last, by a female in Friars' Fields; and John Evans, of Abersychan, was robbed, in the same quarter, of £2 10; neither of the thieves were discovered. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th May, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395349/3395353?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Very 'Heavy Wet' A foolish fellow, last Tuesday afternoon, imbibed such large quantities of "moistening," that he was induced to strip off his clothes at the Rodney Parade packet-slip, and take a plunge into the tide, which was running out rapidly at the time. He had miscalculated his strength, and the amount of his sobriety for the tide carried him down so fast, and rendered him so powerless, that had not a friend put off a boat to his assistance, he might have been drowned, as the reward of his drunken temerity. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th May, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395349/3395353?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Bill Stickers Rivalry James Lewis, the prince of bill-stickers, and who, like other great men in certain spheres, is an advocate for prescriptive rights, made his bow this morning before his Worship, to answer the charge of "wantonly, maliciously, and wilfully destroying certain bills," which bad been posted on exhibition boards at the Town-hall, by one of Mr. Lewis's opponents in the bill-sticking profession. Mr. English stated the nature of the case; and was followed by the defendant, who with a very musical voice, and amusing action, cried out, > "*You can't prove it: the proof of the pudding is in the eating of it. I'll go to a higher court; for I knows a bit of law, and more nor you thinks of.*" And Lewis was right; for there was an absence of positive proof, although it was shewn by Mr. English that but little reason existed for believing defendant an mnocent man. Lewis, also, followed up his cogent observations, by saving, "Ah! you can't find a fellow guilty 'pon suspicion only and you'd better mind, Mr.English, as I don't sue out your mittimus in the 'Chequer Court some of these fine days; for I've been to get a bit ot law, and I knows more on't than you thinks for." The Mayor, finding the charge was not fully made out, cautioned Mr. Lewis not to allow his feelings to get the better of his prudence, when he saw a rival bill-sticker's work against a wall; and intimated to him that the police would keep their eyes on his future bill-sticking movements. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th May, 1850*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394849/3394851/4/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Bastardy' Richard Smith was summoned for bastardy, by Jane Doughty. — To pay 2s. per week David Rogers was summoned for bastardy, by Harriet Hooper. — To pay 2s per week. Thomas Flowers was summoned for bastardy, by Maria Pelliner. — To pay 2s per week. — [Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th May, 1852](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395358/3395362?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Stealing from the Alice Yeo' Richard Carthy was charged with stealing from the schooner Alice Yeo, lying at the Penner Wharf, two flannel shirts, and a "sou'-wester," the property of Samuel Gloyne.—H P.O. Growther said on receiving information of the robbery he went on board the schooner Jewess, lying alongside the Alice Yeo. He asked the captain permission to search the vessel, and on receiving it, he searched the forecastle, and in the prisoner's berth one of the shirts (produced) was concealed in a bag. The other articles were under the bed. Witness asked the prisoner how they come there, and he said a man hid brought them there, and he was to come for them in the morning. Witness asked the prisoner what was the description, and he said he had a light trousers and a smock on. Witness then took him into custody, and on the way to the station the prisoner said a boy belonging to the vessel had been on board three days cooking, and he had taken them on board. Samuel Gloyne, the prosecutor, proved that the articles were his property. He missed them from the forecastle on Sunday night about nine o'clock. Witness did not know the prisoner. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-12.54.25.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-12.55.40.png) Location of Penner Wharf Prisoner was then further charged with stealing a pair of drawers and a pair of trousers, the property of Wm. West, belonging to the Alice, Yeo.—H.P.C. Growther stated that he apprehended the prisoner on Sunday. He found the articles in the forecastle on board the Jewess. There was also a muffler with the articles. Witness charged him with stealing them, when he denied any knowledge of the things being there —William West the prosecutor, said he was a sailor on board the Alice Yeo. The articles produced were his property, and he left them in a bag in the forecastle. The things were safe when he went on shore on Sunday evening. —John Barry, a lad about thirteen years of age, was sworn, and stated that he was cooking on board the Jewess, but he was not on board after Saturday evening. He did not place the things on board, neither did he know anything of it. Prisoner said Barry was not the boy to whom he had alluded, but the constable stated that he had made inquiries, and the captain said there had bren no other boy on board. He pleaded guilty of receiving the articles in the first case, but denied any knowledge of the second. **The prisoner was committed for one month hard labour on the first charge, and the second charge was dismissed**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd March, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402035?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Notorious Beerhouse' Charles Church, keeper of a notorious beet house in Pillgwenlly was summoned for non payment of £1 13s. poor rate. — Mr Lewis: I am sorry to say, gentlemen, that when I went into this house, after serving them with a notice three months ago, I saw shocking bad conduct going on there — girls and all the rest of it. — Mr H. J. Davis said the house was carried on by the son in the father's name; and he had recently, in convicting the keeper of the house, warned him as to his improper proceedings. — Ordered to pay. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th June, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395394/3395396?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'The Rookery' William Palmer, a labourer, residing in the Rookery," Stow-hill, was charged with being drunk and assaulting the police. — P.C. Rawlins deposed that he saw defendant incapably drunk in Hill-street, and on attempting to bring him to the station, he resisted, and struck witness two very severe blows under the ear. —Defendant pleaded guilty, and was fined 10s., including costs, or 14 days' imprisonment.Defendant: "Thank you, gentlemen, I can do that standing on my head." He was then locked up. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-08.57.43.png) 1880s OS map showing The Rookery, now demolished. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th June, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400354/3400356/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'St Tib's Eve' A correspondent, who signs himself "Not a Builder," cautious carpenters and masons against certain unprincipled prowlers, who show their faces, even in this honest neighbourhood, enter into contracts for erecting houses, and bamboozle hard-working and honest carpenters and masons, who will not get their money until St. Tib's eve, which is neither before nor after Christmas. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th May, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395349/3395353?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ****Tibb's Eve** is a folk expression for a day which will never arrive. (Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibb%27s%5FEve?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-24-at-15.44.32.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th July, 1850](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394897?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'An Early Mention of Jeddo Street' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-19.02.06.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd June, 1861](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399701/3399705/26/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) An early advert in the Monmouthshire Merlin in June 1861 mentions plots of land for sale (530, 531, 535, 538 and 542) for sale in Pill where two streets, Baldwin and Jeddo have been formed. So far this is the earliest mention that I've found of Jeddo Street and based on the date of June they could well have been built that year. Ryan Pimm, author of The Street Names of Newport, hypothesises that Jeddo Street may have been named after Jeddo which until 1868 was the old name for Tokyo. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-18.58.32.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-18.59.04.png) The plots of land mentioned in the advert. Interestingly, [Butcher's Street Directory of 1876](https://www.newportpast.com/records/directories/butchers1876/roads.php?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) on Newport Past doesn't mention Jeddo Street despite it being there for at least 15 years. It also doesn't mention Baldwin Street which appears to have been there even longer with a mention of a house being built and leased from March 1849. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-22.31.38.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th May, 1850](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394854/3394856/3/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## **Professor Phillipe: Newport’s Own Magician and the “Inexhaustible Bottle”** In 1850, Newport audiences were invited to the Town Hall for an evening of “Soirées Magiques” by a conjurer billed as Monsieur Phillipe. The star attraction was the celebrated Inexhaustible Bottle, an illusion in which a bottle apparently produced a variety of drinks on command. It was one of the most popular stage tricks of the nineteenth century, and Phillipe’s advert promised it as “the Wonder of the World.” ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-22.41.33.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th May, 1850](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394849/3394851/4/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Local readers, however, would have recognised more than a visiting magician with a French-styled name. A report in the *Monmouthshire Merlin* reveals that this Professor Phillipe was previously known in Newport under a different identity: Mr Graham, an actor and the former manager of the Newport Theatre roughly a decade earlier. The newspaper notes that he had been “estimated as a good actor in the theatrical world” and had enjoyed “great success” in his managerial role before returning to the town in the new guise of a stage magician. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-01-at-23.07.00.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th May, 1850](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394849/3394851/4/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) By the time of his 1850 appearance, Phillipe had rebranded himself with the fashionable continental flair that was common among Victorian performers, particularly those working in magic or music. The *Merlin* describes a well-attended performance featuring “first-rate deceptions” and “amusing conjurations,” with the bottle illusion singled out as “the most wonderful trick ever seen by a Newport audience.” This makes the Newport Phillipe a figure very different from the French conjurer of the same name mentioned in later histories. Rather than an international touring magician, he appears to have been a regional theatrical professional, familiar to local audiences and capable of reinventing himself for changing tastes in popular entertainment. The 1850 advert and accompanying newspaper review preserve a fascinating glimpse of Newport’s own contribution to Victorian stage magic: a former theatre manager who returned to the town not behind the scenes, but centre stage, offering one of the era’s best-loved illusions to an eager audience. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-28-at-12.42.43.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd February, 1849](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394586/3394588?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Public Clock The proprietor of the "public" clock, Mr. Latch, jeweller, High-street, has just completed the re-gilding and painting of that useful indicator of time it, the front of his house and a correspondent suggests, that the gas company might possibly be good enough to present a gas light to the public, as a fitting companion-gift, with which to illuminate its face at night. So liberal a company will scarcely need a repetition of the hint. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th May, 1850*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394854/3394856/3/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-24-at-15.34.51.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th July, 1850](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394902?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Volume 1, Number 51 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-51/ Last updated: 2025-12-06T09:29:44.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Poole's Myriorama' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-18-at-07.52.12.png) [South Wales Argus, 22nd September, 1892](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143541088/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) Poole's Myriorama was a form of early entertainment that evolved from the panoramic shows of the 19th century. Established by Charles and George Poole in 1837, the Poole family revolutionized pre-cinema experiences by combining large painted moving scenes, music, and live performances in their travelling shows across the UK. The term "Myriorama" was first used in 1883 to describe these moving panoramas, and by 1897, they incorporated actual film projections, marking a significant step toward modern cinema. The Poole family was instrumental in blending visual and auditory effects in their presentations, creating a precursor to cinema, with their shows often dramatising topical events like the Bombardment of Alexandria or the Titanic disaster. [Here's a report](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143541070/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) from the South Wales Argus about when Poole's Myriorama came to the Victoria Theatre. *So well received has been Poole's Myriorama at the Victoria Theatre that the management have felt justified in extending their visit over another week. A large "house" again assembled on Monday night, and the unfolding of the canvas, on which are depicted scenes from many of the countries of the world, was watched with great interest. Stanley's latest exploration in equatorial Africa continues to be one of the charms of the Myriorama, the scenes being remarkably realistic, and the effects introduced novel and ingenious. Diversion is afforded by the singing of songs, sentimental and comic, and by cleve trapeze performances. The incidental music is bright and pleasing. Altogether the Myriorama affords the opportunity of making a journey of many thousands of miles under most enjoyable circumstances.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/image-4.png) Source: [Bill Douglas Cinema Museum](https://www.bdcmuseum.org.uk/explore/item/17868/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-13-at-13.04.01.png) [South Wales Argus, 24th November, 1905](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143760646/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Poor Newport Publicans At Newport Borough Police Court on Monday,T. J. Davies, chief engineer, of Cardiff, applied to have the licence of the Mechanics' Arms, Commercial-street, transferred to him. Mr Goldsworthy asked Davies if he was going to lose all the money he had saved. Davies replied that he hoped not; he expected to be able to save in the house. > Mr Goldsworthy said that most of the men who took public-houses in Newport lost their money. The transfer was granted. — [*The Cardiff Times, 1st April, 1899*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3431688/3431696/174/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-24-at-08.24.01.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th December, 1880](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406603/3406607?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Coach Accident Last Saturday evening, the coach of Mr. Charles Phillips, from Cardiff, was stopped near the bottom of Hill-street, for a few moments, during which something occurred that occasioned one of the horses to kick and plunge violently and in a second, the coach was brought into contact with the pavement, and the pole broken off by the animal's powerful kicks. The passengers were speedily off the vehicle, with the exception of a gentleman on the box, who prudently kept cool and collected, and retained his seat with the utmost indifference to the violence of the unruly horse. In a short time, a fresh pole was brought, and the coach was taken to the Tredegar Arms. > It was mentioned by a gentleman who stopped in a crowd on the pavement to look on for a moment, that while so engaged, he was quietly eased of his handkerchief from his coat pocket. Mem.: Never mingle in a crowd, but go forward, and mind your own business. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd September, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394501/3394504?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-19-at-17.14.51.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th December, 1837](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392599/3392601/11/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## An Overhead Ferry for Newport **WELCOME BOON TO ARTISANS** The project for the erection of an overhead ferry on the plan of the transbordeurs at Rouen and Bilbao was considered at a meeting on Tuesday of the Parliamentary Committee of the Newport Corporation. M.Arnodin, the inventor of this plan of communication across rivers, attended before the committee at their request, and conferred with them as to details. He also inspected the site of the proposed ferry, which is to be near Brithdir Wharf, opposite Mill-parade and expressed satisfaction with it. It is understood that the patent rights of M. Arnodin in the matter were arranged tentatively between the committee and the Frenchman. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-14-at-08.23.54.png) Brithdir Wharf, the future location of the Overhead Ferry, aka the Transporter Bridge It has been pointed out that the best spot for the erection of such a means of communication would be at the end of the present tramways in Commercial-road, but it appears that there are alleged insuperable difficulties to this site arising from the anchorage of cables which support the platform, and that in no long time the tramway system will be extended to the borders of the Alexandra Dock property. > The Brithdir Wharf is contiguous to this property, and it will thus be possible to convey tramcars bodily across the river. By constructing lines from the shore on the east side to the present tramlines along the Chepstow-road that district would be developer ano a through service secured from the lower end of the town to Maindee. This will form a short cut to the far end of the suburb, and should prove a boon to the working men, who now, to live near to their work, have to pay very high rents in the Pillgwenlly district. A London contemporary, recently describing the transbordeur at Rouen, characterised it as the most remarkable ferry in the world. — [*South Wales Daily News, 5th October, 1899*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3743978/3743982/51/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-13-at-13.07.13.png) [South Wales Argus, 24th November, 1905](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143760646/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Newport Intermediate Schools ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/IMG_2832.jpg) Newport Intermediate Schools, Queen's Hill (Source: John's Newport Directory, 1895) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/IMG_2837.jpg) Teachers at the Newport Intermediate School in 1899 (Source: John's Newport Directory, 1895) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Public Footpaths at Uskside The Newport Corporation, at their monthly meeting on Tuesday, the Mayor (Alderman Bear) presiding, took half an hour of the prime of the morning in retrying the question of an alleged public footpath near Messrs Lysaght's works on the east side of the river. The question was referred back at the last monthly meeting to the Works Committee, and Alderman Moses said the committee were now more emphatic in recommendation that the path be allowed to be closed than they were before. Mr Williams, read the prayer of a memorial from 181 Lliswerry ratepayers that Messrs Lysaght be called upon to remove the obstruction, and moved an amendment that the rights of the community should not be given away, and the district injured. Mr Parfitt seconded the amendment and the floodgates of talk were loosed. Mr Little culminated things by talking about the peopleof Liswerry using crowbar and hatchet, and about his appearing before the Mayor in his judicial capacity, with the chance, as Alderman Jones afterwards said, of getting "three months hard." Mr Wilkinson rose, whilst Mr Little was haranguing the Council, to a point of order, and promptly directed by the hon. councillor to sit down. Mr Williams's amendment was lost for to 21 against—a decision which met applause. Mr Brown then moved that application be made to Quarter Sessions for close the footpath up to the boundary of Lysaght's works. Mr Baker seconded this new amendment, in order to properly raise the legal issue. The Town Clerk contributed to the discussion the declaration that a public footpath from one public point to another public point; occupation path started at a public point and ended nowhere, or at a, farmhouse. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-14-at-08.30.44.png) The location of the footpath in question. The path didn't extend beyond the Orb Iron Works so, as the Town Clerk mentioned, was considered more of an 'occupation path' than a 'public footpath' The add terror of the names being taken was imported into the discussion, but the majority stuck to their guns, although in lessened numbers, figures being 13 for the second amendment, and 18 against. It was according lost. In relation to an alleged public footpath leading from Malpas-road to Barrack Hill, the Corporation agreed unanimously that retention of the path to the public was of importance, and decided to give financial support to to persons affected prejudicially. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-14-at-08.40.33.png) Footpath between Malpas Road and Barrack Hill which is still there today. — [*The Cardiff Times, 16th April, 1898*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425614/3425622/182/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-24-at-15.53.09.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th June, 1857](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397381?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Malpas-Road Cars **Question of Fares** The following motion was brought forward by Mr Graham W. White: "That so much of minute 255 of the Council of the 11th June, as adopts a recommendation of the Electricity and Tramways Committee that the fare on the Malpas-road tramways route between the Westgate Hotel and Malpas-road terminus be one penny be revoked together with any other decision or decisions requiring revocation, and that the fares on the Malpas-road terminus to Evans-street and vice versa, 1/2d; Evans-street to Westgate Hotel and vice versa, 1/2d; and Evans-street to Pill terminus, and vice versa, 1d." The Town Clerk read a resolution passed at a public meeting of Crindau ratepayers in favour of Mr White's motion. Mr White said he made no apology for bringing forward that resolution. The Malpas-road and Shaftesbury-street section — from the Malpas-road terminus to the Westgate Hotel — was the shortest section of the service. They carried passengers on that route for one penny, and for the same sum they carried passengers on the Caerleon-road, Corporation-road, and Chepstow-road routes, which were very much longer, particularly the latter route. > Then again, Crindau was the poorest locality — he said it with no disrespect to the residents of that part of the town — and nine-tenths were of the artisan or working classes\*. If any consideration was sown to anybody it should be to the residents of Crindau. He strongly advocated that halfpenny fares should be tried on the section. An increased number of people visited Shaftesbury Park on Saturday afternoons either to look on or take part in games, and he contended that the introduction of halpenny fares on that section would increase the revenue and the trade. Taking the whole of the route from Malpas-road terminus to Pill there was only an average of 14 passengers carried on each car — to and fro — and surely there was a big margin allowing for an increase in the traffic and for increasing the return of the district. The alteration would meet a public service. From Chepstow-road to the Westgate was longer by about 200 yards than from the Malpas-road terminus to Pill. Mr C. Thomas seconded, although he was not altogether sanguine that halfpenny fares would pay in Newport. He though, however, it would be a great convenience to the people of Malpas, and hoped the experiment would succeed. The Council a month ago decided to increase the fares from Malpas to Pill by halfpenny, but he thought they would immediately see that they had made a mistake, for the people would not pay this increase. Mr Graham White's motion would limit the difficulty, although he thought that the Council would have to revert to the old system. Alderman Canning agreed with Mr Graham White, and Mr W. James supported the motion. The latter said he believed halfpenny fares would be a good thing, and halfpenny stages might be tried in Commercial-street. Mr Moxon stated that the Committee had many well wishers. Everyone had their own pet scheme. The proposal of Mr Graham White was absolutely and wholly impracticable. The Committee were doing their best to put the tramways undertaking on a proper earning basis. By common consent the best paying tramway concern was at Glasgow, where the trams had paid so well that halfpenny fares had gone to the relief of the ratepayers; bu Glasgow could not be compared to Newport. The Committee had endeavoured to do justice to the workers and the travelling public. They gave the public extremely long rides for a penny. Mr Moxon quoted the experience of a number of other towns in which halfpenny fares had been proposed. Eighty-six of the 89 towns would not look at halfpenny fares at any price. The three places which had adopted them were London, Leeds and Ayr. The Committee also had the advice of their tramway experts. The undertaking was on the right track, and it would not be wise to introduce halfpenny fares just at the time they wanted every penny they could get. If the motion was carried it would lead the Committee into financial loss. Mr Graham White, in reply, said they all knew the electricity department had a difficult problem, and no one more wished to help them tahn himself. But on account of the shortness of the route, the circumstances were exceptional as applied to Newport. The ward was like the neck of a bottle, and the people all had to come to town by one route. He appealed to the Council to try and experiment for a time. He had no doubt it would be a great public convenience — for which the cards primarily existed — and he did not believe there would be any financial loss. The question was then put to the vote, and the motion was lost by one vote, 12 voting and 13 against. Mr C.F. Williams was understood to ask if the Committee would be prepared to recommend halfpeny fares between Stow Park-avenue and the Risca-road terminus. (Mr Thomas: "Order, order.") After some laughter, Mr Williams resumed his seat. — [*South Wales Argusm, 13th July, 1912*](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1144060899/?match=1&terms=Mullocks%20crindau&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* \* It's interesting that in the early 20th and 19th centruries, the term artisan was linked to lower class whereas today it's a sign of quality. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/IMG_2838.jpg) Source: Kelly's Newport Directory, 1848 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-19-at-17.25.04.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th December, 1835](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392125/3392127/17/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Pigeons Stolen in Clytha Square' This locality has been again visited by thieves. During Monday night fourteen or fifteen pigeons were stolen from a house there. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th August, 1880*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406441/3406446/78/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Stealing Ducks' Wm. Rees, dressed as a railway porter, and Fanny Rees, his wife, were charged with stealing nine ducks, the property of Jas. Harrison, at St. Woolos, on 15th inst.—Mr. Bradgate appeared for prisoner. The main facts were very simple. —P.C. Williams, of the Borough police, met Rees in Clytha-square, at a quarter past one in the morning, with a bag, which turned out to contain a number of ducks. He attempted to escape, but Williams succeeded in securing his capture. On his house being searched three other ducks were found. The whole of the ducks were warm. Prisoner was eventually confronted with Mr. Harrison, who identified the ducks as his, and prisoner then said he did it through poverty, as he had not a bed to lie on. Evidence in identification of the ducks was taken. Mr. Bradgate, for the defence, urged that although there was no doubt the ducks were in prisoner's possession, the evidence as to their being stolen was not conclusive. **The Bench discharged the woman, and committed the male prisoner for trial.** **—**[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th January, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441638/3441640/6/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### An Artful Swindler Enoch Parker, a sailor, was charged under a warrant with obtaining by false pretences sundry goods and money from Bartholomew Collins, a lodging-house keeper, Llanarth-street also from Thomas Evans, the Moulders' Arms James Edmunds, of the Temperance House, Thornas-street, and other persons. The case was one of some intricacy, and occupied the attention of the court a considerable time. The prisoner had gone about to the several houses named, representing that he was a sailor belonging to the ships Lord Macaulay and Ferona that the sum of £42 6s. 8d. was due to him, from the masters of these vessels, and produced documents which purported to be securities for the payment of the money. In the first place he took apartments for a month, and agreed for board and lodging at £1 per week. He worked upon the credulity of those with whom he came in contact, and by these means obtained food, lodgings, and money. From Mrs. Collins he borrowed 2s. in order to join the Good Templars, and not suspecting anything wrong she subsequently advanced him another 3s. Then he decamped, and she heard nothing further about him until he was in custody. He also assured Mrs. Edmunds that he was a teetotaller, and, acting under certain pretences, obtained accommodation and board from her. But at the Moulders' Arms prisoner went in heavily for gin and other spirits, borrowed money from a sergeant in the 103rd Regiment, and likewise from the landlord. On seeing that he had been detected, he made his exit through the back door, through the yard, over a railway fencing, but was pursued, eventually captured, and given into the custody of the police, who lodged the enterprising young man in durance vile. It has since been discovered that a number of other parties have been taken in by this quondam sailor, and the tricks "Jack" had played, as revealed to the court, created hearty laughter. **The Bench directed the prisoner to be found board and lodgings at the expense of the county until the next quarter sessions, when he would be tried for his offences**. **—**[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th January, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441638/3441640/6/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Sabbath Breaking Catherine De Borrs, was summoned for carrying on her worldly calling on Sunday, in Mill-parade. Defendant keeps a kind of eating house. **The Mayor said it was a case of a trifling nature, and it was dismissed**. **—**[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th January, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441638/3441640/6/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### *'*A Disorderly Prostitute' Bridget Lancaster, in custody, was charged with being a disorderly prostitute. She said she had got a situation on the Gold Tops. Ordered to pay costs. **—**[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th January, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441638/3441640/6/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Using Obscene Language' Ellen Watkins was charged with being disorderly and using obscene language, in Court-y-bella-terrace. The Mayor said the Magistrates were determined to put a stop, if possible, to the use of obscene language in the streets. **Fined 10s**. **—**[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th January, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441638/3441640/6/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Female Loafers Annie Savage, Rachel Moraney, and Mary Murphy, regular attendants, were charged with hanging about the top of Cross-street, and causing an obstruction. **Dismissed with a caution**. **—**[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th January, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441638/3441640/6/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### An Irish Row Michael Crowley and Mary Crowley, brother and sister, were charged with assaulting Margaret -Stowell. The parties are of the "Irish persuasion," and all three being very voluble, and the male defendant partially drunk, the case caused considerable amusement. The people lodge in the same house. According to the fair Margaret's story, on Saturday night she retired to rest at eleven o'clock, with her husband. At twelve, Michael and Mary, "more like two lions than two Christians," came to the bedroom door, and tried to break it in. Her husband put his back against it, and she also assisted to "hold the fort." Mary, however, managed to get the poker through the top of the door, and struck Margaret twice on the arm with it. The disturbance lasted from twelve to two o'clock. Michael threatened to empty her interior with the aid of a knife, and Mary said she would kill her with a poker. The female defendant alleged that Mrs. Stowell threw a tub, full of an unmentionable fluid, over her, and made her "dreeping" wet. > The man stated that Mrs. Stowell drank seven pints of beer always before breakfast. (Laughter.) He then waxed noisy, asserting that he had been on board a man-of-war, he had fought like a man, he was an honest brother, and his sister was an honest sister, and so on. **The defendants were fined 5s. each**. Michael, determined to have the last word, said the woman Stowell was a bad woman, and would swear the life out of an old iron pot. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th February, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441650/3441652?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Child Buried in the Sand' We have an Account from Newport in Wales, that as fome Gentlemen were hunting this Week, the Dogs ftopp'd all on a fudden near the Rock and Fountain, to the great Surprize of the Gentlemen, who, when they came up, found a Child buried in the Sand; Search was made foon after, and the Mother difcover'd, who, we hear, is committed to Monmouth Gaol.. — [*Gloucester Journal, 10th October, 1732*](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/970701013/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The New Constitutional Club An article about the opening of the New Constitutional Club on Stow Hill from John's Newport Directory, 1895\. --- These buildings, for the erection of which, Cromwell House, for one of the historical land-marks of the town, has been removed, have a frontage to stow Hill of about 8 feet, and extend back towards North Street for a distance of nearly 200 feet. The front elevation is built with red facing brick, with Bath stone and red forest stone dressings, and is carried up for five floors, including the basement, and surmounted by a turret. The elevation is relieved with bay windows and recessed alcoves and balconies. The premises may be said internally to consist of three parts or blocks, the tront portion nearest Stow Hill being the mair club and association buildings, the centre block consisting of the large hall, and the back part the working men's club and institute. The front or club premises comprise on the ground floor four large shops, with extensive cellarage underneath, and also a large central entrance and vestibule, and two other entrance passages to the hall, one at each extremity of the building. The Newport Association's committee room is also on this floor. The slope of the hill permits a mezzanine floor being constructed above the lower shops, and on this floor is placed the Primrose League and ladies' rooms, and also the club secretary's offices. On the first and second floors come the various club rooms, viz.:-The large dining room, 48 ft. by 24 ft.; smoking room, reading room, manager'8, room, waiters' room, billiard room, 35 ft. by 30ft.; card room, kitchen, lavatories, &c., and five bedrooms. The kitchen and the billiard room are on the highest floor, the latter being large enough for two tables, and lighted by skylights in the roof. The middle block consists of the large concert hall, which comfortably seats about 1,400 people, but if crowded, Will hold 2,000\. At the further end is a large platform and orchestra, with two galleries carried round the hall, one above the other. The entrances and exits are ample. The hall is provided with the new incandescent light. The third or rear block comprises the working men's club rooms, accommodation being provided for reading, smoking, billiard rooms, &c., and a large skittle alley in the basement. The designs for the buildings were prepared by Messrs. Habershon & Fawckner, High Street, Newport, and the work was carried out under their superintendence, by Mr. George Wilkins, of Clytha Park Road, Newport, to whom the contract was let for £7,898. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/IMG_2834.jpg) The New Constitutional Club (Source: John's Newport Directory, 1895) The foundation stone of the new building was laid by the Marquess of Salisbury on the 29th November, 1893, in the presence of a very large and distinguished company. The trowel, with which his lordship performed the ceremony, was of solid silver with ivory handle, and was supplied by our townsmen, Messrs. Nugent Wells & Son. It was splendidly chased, and the blade was surmounted with Lord Salisbury's coat of arms and motto, "Sero sed serio," below which was a very neat and accurate view of Newport Bridge from the river, giving just a glimpse of the old castle and town in the background. On either side of the view was a bundle of sticks, a band around bearing the motto, "Union is Strength," then at the foot the Borough Arms, and the following inscription: "Presented to the Most Noble the Marquess of Salisbury, K.G., upon laying the foundation stone of the Constitutional Club at Newport, Mon., on November 29, 1893, by the architects, Messrs. Habershon & Fawckner." ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-22-at-14.26.27.png) The building today ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-24-at-15.55.08.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th June, 1857](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397381?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Hylton's Menagerie, Pentonville On Thursday morning a procession of caravans was observed making the tour of the town, preceded by a fine brass band and a monster of the elephant species, while on the broad back of the stupendous animal, arrayed in the costume of a female-equestrian, sat a lady of commanding mien and lion-taming glances, though of small and elegant frame. This demoiselle we understood to possess the title of "Madame Rosina Morette, the mighty Lion Queen," whose power of eye—so resistless in woman—and apparent determination of character, have rendered her equal to the celebrated Van Amburgh, in the art of rendering docile the king of the Forest. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/image-5.png) Poster for Hylton's Menagerie in Wakefield, 1845 (Source: [Journal of Victorian Culture](https://jvc.oup.com/2021/08/19/victorian-lion-queens/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) Notwithstanding the lady's continental appellation, however, many recognised her to be one of the black-eyed daughters of Wallia, whilom a resident of Abergavenny, and later of Newport; and by this local association, coupled with the feats and prowess which she is said to exhibit in the lion's den, and the large collection of beasts in the exhibition, there could be no doubt of bumpers every night the menagerie stays in Pentonville. We understand that owing to the improper meddling of a lad with the tail of the royal beast last evening, his majesty felt so wroth, that in turning suddenly around to resent the indignity, he thrust his nose through the grating, and grinned so horribly, that the company fled shrieking and the report was current in the town immediately, that the lion had escaped from his den, and eaten up a whole bevy of children and six grown-up folks. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd September, 1848*](http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394501/3394504?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) This advert for the menagerie touring in West Wales in 1848 mentions that the elephant, called Davy, was the largest in Europe. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-24-at-09.02.01.png) [The Pembrokeshire Herald and General Advertiser, 5th May, 1848](https://papuraunewydd.llyfrgell.cymru/view/3052713/3052716?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-17-at-18.15.21-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-17-at-18.16.57.png) [South Wales Argus, 18th November, 1910](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1144042089/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Volume 1, Number 50 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-50/ Last updated: 2025-12-06T09:29:33.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/NewportSocial-December25-1.jpg) ## Drowned Whilst Bathing A number of youths from Newport went to bathe on Friday evening in the river Usk near the Great Western Wharf, and one of the party—J. Turner, a coachmaker's assistant—who could only swim a little, got out of his depth and sank before assistance could be rendered. Search was afterwards made for the body, but without success. The deceased lived with his parents at 9, Fairoak-terrace, Maindee, and was employed at Gwatkin's Carriage Works, Clarence- place, Newport. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-11-at-08.35.20-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-11-at-08.35.33-1.png) Location of the Great Western Wharf — [*The Cardiff Times, 29th June, 1889*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424500/3424505/130/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-11-at-08.27.41.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd May, 1884](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407441?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Fatal Lamp Accident at Newport Saturday night a married woman named Dingle in Brown's-buildinga, Marshes-road, Newport, heard another woman screaming, on running to the house whence the sounds proceeded found Mrs Johanna Sullivan, living at No. 2 in the same row, lying on the floor in agony, with her clothing in flamed. The neighbour by means of some rugs extinguished the fire, and a police officer, who was called in, procured oils wrapped the woman in clothing, so that she might be conveyed with safety to the infirmary. Here she died at five o'clock on the following morning from being badly burnt about the head, face, arms, and hands. It is supposed that as the unfortunate woman was moving a paraffin lamp it exploded in her hands. The fragments of a broken lamp were found on the of the room where the accident happened. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-11-at-07.12.04-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-11-at-07.16.08.png) Location of Brown's Buildings, mentioned in the article. An inquest was held at the Talbot Hotel, on Monday evening, on the body of Sullivan, widow, 70 years of age, who died in the Infirmary on Sunday morning from the effects of being burnt. Ellen Dingle, Brown's Buildings, Marshes-road, said that as she was returning from shop about 8.45 p.m. on Saturday evening, she saw a strong light in deceased's house. She lived near, and pushed open the door, deceased crouched in the middle of the floor in a blaze. A broken lamp, with a glass well, was lying at the bottom of the stairs. P.C. Christopher Thomas, said the deceased was badly burnt about the head, face, neck, and arms. He got Dingle to remove the burnt clothing, wrapped her in a sheet, and had the deceased removed in a cab to the infirmary, where she died on the following morning. The Coroner said it was another instance of death from the explosion of a lamp, which were most dangerous things unless carefully used. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally burnt to death." — [*The Cardiff Times, 4th May, 1889*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424428/3424435/156/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-11-at-08.26.02.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd May, 1884](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407441?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Severus Schaffer at the Newport Empire ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-17-at-18.20.29.png) [South Wales Argus, 18th November, 1910](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1144042089/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) Appearing at the Newport Empire in November, 1910 (alongside George Formby Senior) was Severus Schaffer, a world-famed juggler. He also returned to the Empire in 1930. Severus Schaffer (1867–1950), born in Austria to a Czech circus family, rose from performing at age three to become the standout talent of a dynasty of jugglers that included his father Karl Johann Schaeffer, his brother Sylvester, and his nephew Sylvester Jr. Renowned for blending acrobatics with feats involving both heavy objects and light props—much like his famous contemporary Paul Cinquevalli—he launched a solo career in 1890, even altering the spelling of his surname to distinguish himself. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/SeverusSchaffer.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/SeverusSchaffer1.jpg) Severus Schaffer (Source: [International Juggler's Association](https://www.juggle.org/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) Throughout the late nineteenth and early twentieth century he earned glowing reviews, routinely topping theatre bills and being hailed as “King of Jugglers” or “The World’s Greatest Juggler,” with a 1903 account in Ellis Stanyon’s *Magic Magazine* offering one of the fullest descriptions of his act. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Severus7.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Severus8.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Severus9.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Severus10.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Severus11.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Severus12.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Severus13.jpg) (Source: [International Juggler's Association](https://www.juggle.org/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## New Branch Library at Newport On Thursday the foundation-stone of the new branch library and reading-room for the Pillgwenlly district was laid by Mr George Hoskins, in the presence of a large number of leading townsmen and supporters of the movement. For a long time past Mr Hoskins has strenuously promoted the establishment of the branch, and during bill mayoralty, in 1887, one of the objects of the jubilee fund was to provide such a want. At length the movement has assumed a practical form. The site chosen is in Temple street, near the Elliot Home. The plan selected is that of Mr A. Swash, architect, of Newport, who was successful in competition with four other local architects. The elevation, though not possessing any elaborate ornamentation, is neat and effective, the roof-line being broken with a central pediment, below which is a panel bearing tbe appropriate inscription, "Knowledge is Power". The material for the front will be red pressed bricks, with Bath stone and terra cotta dressings. This was deemed requisite so that the building may form a marked distinction from the adjoining Home, which is built with our local grey stone and Bath stone dressings. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-11-at-07.22.46.png) The plan provides on the ground floor a magazine-room 27ft x 14ft. On the left of the main entrance the caretaker'e-room is so arranged that he can command the various depart menta. The main stairs next adjoin, leading to class-rooms. The general reading-room. 50ft x 25ft, is in the rear, and is lighted both by windows in the side and in the roof, the latter being arranged to open on either side, thus providing a through current of air in addition to the other provisions for ventilation. The roof consequently is open framed. It is intended to devote the class rooms on the first floor to science and art purposes. The caretakers kitchen, bedroom, &c., occupy the second floor. Provision is made for the warming apparatus, coals, &c., in the basement. The mayor (Mr H. Faulkner) has generously promised to give a stained-glass window, and other gentlemen have intimated their intention of following bis example. The foundation stone is placed in the main pilaster adjoining the entrance. It bears the following inscription:— "This stone was laid by George Hoskins, Esq., J.P.., 11th July, 1889." The freehold of the land has been given by Lord Tredegar, and the contract (amounting to £999) has been let to Mr Rees Williams, builder, Newport. The chairman of the free library presented Mr Hoskins with a silver trowel with which to perform the ceremony at the conclusion of which the company adjourned to the Elliot Home, where luncheon was partaken of. Mr J. Wood presided, and be was supported by the Mayor Mr G. Hoskins, and nearly the whole of the members of the town council. The Elliot Home for Sailors was formally opened in April, 1887 and adjoined the Seamen's Church (now gone). An article below documents the opening. — [*The Cardiff Times, 13th July, 1889*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424518/3424523/113/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-11-at-08.24.46.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-11-at-08.25.00.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd May, 1884](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407441?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## That Fatal Sneeze ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-18-at-07.44.00.png) [South Wales Argus, 31st December, 1907](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143711908/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) In 1907, the Tredegar Hall on Stow Hill was showing a range of silent films including The Fatal Sneeze, a British comedy. [Here's the plot from Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/That%5FFatal%5FSneeze?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk):- > An uncle (Thurston Harris) decides to play a practical joke on his nephew (Gertie Potter) at dinner, adding large amounts of pepper to the nephew's food, prompting an uncontrollable outburst of sneezing. In revenge, the nephew puts pepper on several items in his uncle's bedroom, so that when the uncle gets dressed the following morning, the pepper causes a violent sneezing fit, which shakes the room and knocks over the bed. > The pepper continues to have an effect on the uncle during the day, as his sneezing causes damage to a few shops. The shopkeepers and other onlookers start chasing the uncle, who runs to a policeman to ask for help. Before he can request assistance, the uncle sneezes violently again, which knocks over the policeman and a lamppost, as well as causing damage to a house. In an attempt to escape the crowd that is pursuing him, the uncle climbs up a ladder, but this breaks when he sneezes again. The uncle's sneezing continues to get worse, with one sneeze causing the world to shake. Eventually a final sneeze causes the uncle to explode. **The full film** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Newport Sailors' Home The Elliot Home for Sailors, which has been erected adjoining the Seamen's Church and Institute, Temple-street, Newport, was formally opened on Tuesday. The building, which has cost £1,100, has been erected at the sole expense of Sir George Elliot, Bart., M.P. Amongst the visitors in attendance were the Earl of Limerick, Col. Shadwell Clarke, Col. Adair, Col. Binney, Col. Sandemann, Col. Lyne, and Mr J. C. Parkinson. Sir George Elliot was met by his Worship the Mayor of Newport and other prominent inhabitants, and Mr Fawckner, the architect, handed a key to the hon. baronet, with which he unlocked the door of the house, and the visitors filed into the budding. In the dining-hall the Rev Archdeacon Bruce, chairman of the institute committee, read an address to the donor, in which thanks were expressed for the generosity evinced by Sir George, and the hope was expressed that the home might, under the Divine Providence, contribute to the material and moral welfare of the most indispensable and least recognised class of our working community, namely, our merchant seamen. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-11-at-07.34.39.png) The location of Elliot Home in relation to the Seamen's Chapel and the Free Library Sir G. Elliot responded — The Elliot Home comprises a handsome block of buildings, the principal feature being the centre gable over the main entrance, and is designed to harmonise with the church, so that the whole forms one of the most handsome blocks in tho neighbourhood. The rooms are arranged in four floors, the lower one being the basement floor, which comprises the scullery, larder, pantry, and other offices in connection with the same, the centre portion being divided into compartments for the reception of sailors' boxes, which are so arranged that, if desired by sailors frequenting the house, the boxes can be left for any length of time. The sitting-rooms for the officers are placed in the front portion of the ground floor on each side of the main entrance, with managers' private rooms. The large dining hall, 30 feet by 19 feet, is situate in the centre of this floor, with kitchen and larder attached. The upper floors are approached by two staircases, the principal one being placed near the main entrance, the second ditto being at the back. Provision is also made for a lift. The second and third floors are divided into bedrooms and dormitories for the use of sailors and officers, and afford accommodation for 30 to 35 bed, as circumstances require. — [*The Cardiff Times, 9th April, 1887*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3423478/3423483/68/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-13-at-13.02.26.png) [South Wales Argus, 23rd November, 1905](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143760643/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A Park For Maindee The Parks Committee will recommend the Corporation to purchase the Beechwood estate with its mansion, for £11,500, and to lay it out as a park for the Maindee residents at a cost of £2,500\. The committee point out that building developments are going on so rapidly that unless immediate steps are taken to procure a site it will be impossible to obtain a recreation ground in that district except at enormous cost. — [*South Wales Echo, 5th October, 1899*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4234010/4234013/26/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-16-at-08.08.58.png) [Evening Express, 4th April 1892](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3230838/3230840/15/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Extending the Newport Post Office' Alderman Moses, chairman of the Works Committee, on Tuesday brought up at the monthly meeting of the Newport County Council a suggestion by the committee that the Council should join in the proposed conference of local authorities with the county and borough members to bring pressure to bear on the Postmaster-General and the Chancellor of the Exchequer to make the proposed enlargement of the High-street Post Office into a great public improvement, as well as to the postal authorities more scope in view of the great advance in the town likely to come m the coarse of a few years. The Department Propose to take the rest of the buildings on the Thomas-street side, about one-third of an acre in extent, but the committee see that a great public improvement be effected by taking in also the few shops on the Station-approach side, with the idea of providing elbow room for the Post Office 20 years hence, and also improving the narrow strait known as Station-approach, where accidents, from the fact that things axe at right angles with a busy rash of pedestrian traffic, might happen at any moment. It was decided that the Mayor, Alderman Moses, the Town Clerk, and the Borough Surveyor attend the conference. —[*The Cardiff Times, 18th March, 1899*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3431670/3431677/154/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/South_Wales_Argus_1909_11_13_6.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 13th November, 1909 ](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143840130/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)(Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Is Driving a Calf on Three Legs Cruelty? John Rearden, cattle-dealer, and John Bennett, a boy, were charged with ill-treating a calf. Inspector Sands, Society for Preventian of Cruelty to Animals, stated that about eight p.m. on Wednesday the 10th,. he was on duty at the Marshes road, and saw some ewes and calves being driven by the boy Bennett. One of the calves was very lame. He stopped the boy examined the calf, and found it had been injured in the muscles of the shoulder. Afterwards saw the owner; he said the calf was lame, and witness could do what he liked. The calf should not have been driven, it should have been conveyed. The calf was being driven on to the Marshes from the market. Mr. Wm. Sheaf deposed to examining the calf, which he said was suffering from an injury to the shoulder, and could only walk on three legs. It would not be an act of cruelty to drive the calf, if it were allowed to take its time. The calf would suffer pain. The Bench held that no cruelty had been shown, and discussed the case. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th May, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441830/3441832/4/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Trio of Young Thieves At Newport borough police-court Wednesday, William Pomfrey (17), Alfred Griffiths (20), and John Brown (16) were charged with stealing and receiving a pair of trousers, belonging to Israel Rosen, pawnbroker, Commercial-street, and also a pair of new boots, from the shop of John Beer, shoemaker, Commercial-road. Mr Nathan Myers's son, at the receipt of custom at his pledge establishment in Dock-street, was invited by a lady named Davies to accept the trousers, but he smelt danger and demanded that the owner should come. She then sent Griffiths, and on arriving Griffiths found P.C. James beaming down on him. The officer afterwards went to Griffiths' lodgings, and in an unoccupied room, beneath a heap of mill-puff, found the boots. Griffiths said Pomfrey gave him both the trousers and boots, and Pomfrey told Detective Badger that Brown was with him when he took the property. All three prisoners bore bad characters, and Griffiths and Pomfrey were reformatory lads. The bench said it was most disheartening to find that the lads had been convicted so often, and committed them for trial. The bench thought the woman Davies should be brought to book, and directed the head constable that he should summon her before the quarter sessions.Griffith's father, who was in court, declared that she was the root of all the mischief. She altered the trousers to breeches before she tried to pledge them. — [*The Cardiff Times, 20th April, 1889*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424410/3424414/82/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Housing for the Working Classes Then Mr Councillor Gower who is in a retiring mood, he having vowed not to offer himself for re-election on tho 1st prox., proposes to close his useful career as a Town Councillor—at least for the present—with a notion that the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890, be adopted, and that the necessary borrowing powers be included in the Corporation Parliamentary Bill. Should the Corporation adopt the motion they will then have power to purchase land and erect cottages without going through the extensive process of buying up and demolishing properties in the heart of the town. That such powers should be put in force will be clearly shown if the Civic Fathers will make a tonr of inspection in King-street, Queen-street, Ebenezer terrace, Fothergill street, The Rookery, and as an evidence of what was once workmen's houses, a visit to Mellow-square (Mellon-square?) would be of melancholy interest. Enquiries might also be made as to the overcrowding in the South and Central Wards, where two and three families are occupying one small tenement, and where in some case half-a-dozen persons eat, sleep and live in one miserable room. Corporations move but slowly though, for in 1890 the town clerk and the medical officer presented a report upon the subject, but all that has been oone (sic) in the nine years that have elapsed is the issuing of a second report by the town clerk. Is there a chance of a third report in 1910? As a pendant to the above it may be stated that a widow named Margaret Morrissev was found by the police on Tuesday in a small room at the end of a passage at 31, Kings-parade, for which she paid 1s per week. The room was eight feet six inches long, seven feet wide, and seven feet high, with stone floor, and had the appearance of a small back-kitchen. Acting under the orders of a medical man the police removed her to the Workhouse Infirmary, where she died in comfort next day. —[*South Wales Echo, 5th October, 1899*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4234010/4234013/26/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/South_Wales_Argus_1910_11_18_2.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 18th November, 1910](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1144042095/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Cottages on Ailesbury Street' **Details of the Corporation's Proposed Scheme.** Now that the Newport Corporation is definitely committed to u proposal for the housing of the working classes, it is interesting to see what the details of the plan are. The com- mittee which has projected the scheme upon the town and the corporation has had the matter in hand for a long time. They have considered a good many schemes—probably twenty—in general and in detail, and they have visited several large places where schemes of municipal housing have been tried, notably Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester, and in the end they favoured the scheme of the Milk-street cottage flats system at Birmingham as being most suitable for adoption at Newport. The estimate of the committee for their scheme is as follows:- Cost of lands, roads, and sewers, £1,000; building (66 houses at £125 each), £8,250; contingencies, £750; total (say), £10,000\. The committee thinks that these houses would be eagerly taken at a rental of 3s. 6d. each per week, which would mean an annual income of £600 12s., and out of this there would be the following charges:—Interest and sinking fund (about), £400; rates and taxes, £100; repairs, commission for collecting rents, £15 17s. 6d., making a total of £549 17s. 6d. So that if there were the full income of £600 12s. as estimated and the out-goings did not exceed the estimate, there would he a profit each year of a fraction over £50\. But each of the sets of figures is an estimate. There is nothing shown for extras on either of the accounts—nothing, say, for voids, and there does not appear to be anything for insurance, unless it is included in some of the other charges, and £30 per annum for the repair of 66 separate tenements appears to those who have experience of cottage property to be absurdly low. Still, such is the estimate of the committee. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-11-at-08.07.02.png) Illustration from the article It was proposed to erect these houses in Ailesbury-street, at the end of Shaftesbury-street, near the range of a penny tram fare from the top of High-street, but whether that site will ultimately be the place is not quite certain. It depends on the price of land and whether other sites as suitable are offered. Cottages in the neighbourhood let at 5s., 6s., 7s., and 8s. per week, but the accommodation is greater than is proposed in these houses, so that either two families live in one house or lodgers are taken in. It is the necessity for the taking in of lodgers and the letting of parts of houses that the committee aim at dispensing with. The class of tenant which the committee suggest should be catered for comprises men whose average wages are below 21s. a week. Though it is confessed that it is difficult to frame rules for the government of the houses whilst the scheme is in preparation, the committee think that such rules when made should provide for inspection by the corporation, to prevent uncleanliness, ejectment without notice of tenants who use the houses for improper or disorderly purposes, and a payment of 5s. deposit before taking possession to cover loss of keys, repairs to windows, &c. There will be 33 houses—that is to say, separate buildings from floor to roof—with two separated tenements in each—one on the ground floor and one on the first floor, approached by a separate entrance. The design is to have them built of brick with fireproof floors. Each tenement will consist of one living-room, one bedroom, a scullery, and a w.c. at the back. The living-room of the ground floor tenements will have an area of 97 square feet; on the first floor 100 square feet; the bedroom on the ground floor 130 square feet, and on the first floor 100 square feet. The scullery in each case will be 7ft. 6in. by 5ft. As to gardens, there will be an open common yard to each two houses, the size of which will depend on the extent of the site, the width being about 28ft. and the length about 75ft. to 80ft. The ordinary means of ventilation will be adopted, viz., open flues and windows. — [*Evening Express, 11th September, 1903*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4136835/4136837/22/newport?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Thoughtful Consideration for the Poor Mr. Thomas Cordes left Newport on Wednesday for the Continent, en route to India, and before his departure be forwarded to the Mayor a cheque for £50 in aid of the winter charities of the borough. To is is another instance of Mr. Cordes' kindly thought for the poor in our midst. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th December, 1883*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407243/3407248?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-17-at-18.15.21.png) [South Wales Argus, 18th November, 1910](https://www.newspapers.com/image-view/1144042095/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Great Fire at the Glue Works' **£10,000 Worth of Damage** A fire broke out at the Glue Works on the east side of the Usk at Newport on Monday night, and was not overcome until buildings and machinery valued at from £10,000 to £15,000 had been destroyed. Shortly before 8 o'clock Mr Anderton, the secretary of Morris and Griffin, Limited, the company which owned the works, who was in the office at the time, perceived a fire in the works, and at once ran to the telephone and gave the alarm to the Newport Fire Station. So alert had Mr Anderton been that the alarm was given even before the men working in the yard were aware that anything was wrong. Mr Anderton and the workmen then rushed to the works and found that the fire was raging in the degreasing department, where the bones are put through the initial process of glue-making. The flames spread with great rapidity being largely assisted by the inflammable nature of the extract from the bones, and in a short space of time the extracting department, where there were a number of valuable machines, was in a blaze. When the fire brigade arrived they found tha.t both the large buildings, which were built mainly of wood and iron, were one mass of flame, and presented a **WEIRD AND MAGNIFICENT SPECTACLE.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-14-at-07.44.41.png) Location of the Glue Works The firemen, who were under Captain Lyne and Lieutenants Coulman and Boucher, quickly got both the steam and manual fire engines to work, but at the outset their efforts were of little avail owing to the lack of water, the works being situated some distance from the streets in which there were hydrants. A plentiful supply of water was obtained, however, after the lapse of a short space of time, and the brigade commenced in earnest the work of fighting the fire. It was quickly seen that it would be useless to attempt to save the blazing buildings, and the brigade devoted its efforts to prevent the fire spreading to the store rooms and the large chemical works belonging to the same company which adjoined the doomed buildings. In this the firemen were completely successful, and the other buildings escaped with little if any damage. By 10 o'clock the fire had **BURNT ITSELF OUT** and danger of its spreading to adjoining buildings was past. The firemen were assisted in their work by a large force of police under Superintendent Sinclair and Inspector Brooks. The officers in command at the Barracks who saw the great blaze sent down at a double quick pace some 80 soldiers under the command of Lieutenant Ward, and they rendered considerable assistance in keeping back the large crowd which gathered to witness the conflagration. Much sympathy is expressed with the firm, for although the loss is said to be covered by insurance keen disappointment, is felt by the firm, for the works, which were very costly, had not been quite completed. Glue making was only commenced a few weeks ago, and by the outbreak progress with this branch of the firm's business must be delayed for some months. Mr Moxon Fuller, the local managing director of the firm, was absent in Liverpool at the time of the outbreak. The **CAUSE OF THE OUTBREAK** was probably the inflammable nature of the materials used in the works, benzine being largely utilised in one of the glue making processes, viz., that of extracting grease and oil from the bones after they had been through the grinding-mill. A large elevated tank of benzine erected at & distance from the buildings was at one time in danger, and grave fears were entertained respecting it. Fortunately, however, the wind drove the flames ill the opposite direction. A heap of between 300 and 400 tons of bones which were deposited near one of the burning buildings became ignited, and the fire brigade had to turn their attention to it. The works were one of the best equipped in this part of the country, having been fitted up under the direction of a German expert, and had only been in working order for about three weeks. There were between 70 and 80 workpeople employed, and owing to the pressure of business they were engaged working by a double shift at the time of the outbreak. The Newport Fire Brigade, which rendered such valuable assistance, had assembled at their annual meeting, and were just about to proceed to the Town Hall to meet the Mayor and hold the meeting when they received the call. — [*The Cardiff Times, 2nd April 1898*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425596/3425599/48/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-11-at-08.21.23.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th May, 1884](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407432/3407436?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Volume 1, Number 49 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-49/ Last updated: 2025-11-22T07:54:58.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/NewportSocial-December25.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sunday Breakfasts at Newport On Sunday morning the first of a series of free breakfasts to the poor and destitute children of Newport was given in the Old Albert-hall. A substantial meal of bread and butter, bread and jam, and hot coffee was supplied to a crowded roomful by about, 20 ladies and gentlemen called from all the churches. For lack of room many children had to be turned away. After breakfast hymns were sung and short addresses given. It is intended to make the Sunday morning breakfasts an institution, and funds are invited from the charitable. In the afternoon a school was held in the same building. — [*The Cardiff Times, 19th January, 1889*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424302/3424304/34/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Free Sunday Breakfasts at Newport The twelfth free breakfast to poor children of Newport was given in the Oddfellows'-hall, Herbert-street, on Sunday morning. The youngsters beard a brief address and sang a hymn before being supplied with an abundant meal by the ladies who volunteer in the good work. Altogether about five hundred children were supplied with food either at the breakfast or during the day. In the evening a gospel meeting was fully attended. — [*The Cardiff Times, 6th April 1889*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424392/3424396/87/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-06-at-12.41.25.png) [South Wales Daily Times and Star of Gwent, 5th November, 1889](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1247877487?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Coming Events At Newport The civic fathers of Newport will meet next Tuesday for an intermediate monthly meeting to get rid of accruing business, chief of which is the selection of committees, consequent on the elections of the 1st inst. There arc now 13 committees, of which 11 consist wholly of marchers. > The newest committee is the Lunacy Visiting Committee, who are charged with the erection of an asylum which will be wholly devoted to the mentally infirm of Uskside. A committee of the whole council has been dealing with the annoyance caused to Mr Taylor, baker, by the vibration of the plant at the electrical works, and have agreed to offer him as compensation for damage, etc. > The Watch Committee have been considering the question of Sunday trading, and they made the astonishing announcement that 150 shops were open on Sunday week, or five more than in August of last year Of this number 120 are on the western side, and the remaining 30 on the eastern side of the river. In view of these figures, and the promptings of members of the Council, they have decided to take proceedings to check the practice, which evidently is a growing one. Considering that Newport shops are kept open to such a late hour on Saturday night the need for much of the Sunday trading is not apparent. > The Watch Committe also report the early loss of the Sherlock Holmes of the Newport Police Force (Inspector Hale), who is retiring on £831 per annum, after 33 years and seiven months of service. This is Inspector Hale's character in brief:— "There has been no deduction from his service in respect of sickness, misconduct, or neglect of duty." How many can say the same, or better still, have the same said of them after 50 service. The question of putting in operation the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890, has been referred by the Selection Committee to the Works and General Purposes Committee on the principle apparently that the more a committee has to do the more it shall have. There is a fine opportunity to relieve, the congested district of Pillgwenlly when the overhead ferry is erected, and the committee might reserve a piece of land for the purpose in a line with the approach to the ferry on the eastern side. — [*South Wales Daily News, 24th November, 1899*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3744365/3744368/28/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Using Obscene Language' Catherine Donovan was charged, on bail, with using obscene language in Fothergill-street, on Friday. It appeared that prisoner struck her husband over the head with a poker, after which she went into the street, and used bad language. **Discharged**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 5ht February, 1875*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441028/3441030?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Black Thief John Williams, a negro seaman, was charged with stealing a coat, value 16s., the property of Hyman Phillips, pawnbroker, Llanarth-street. Prisoner was seen by an assistant loitering about the shop, and at 10 o'clock the coat was missed from a post in the shop. The assistant went to the shop of Mr. Jacob, pawnbroker, where he found the prisoner trying to sell the coat. He ran away, and several followed him. P.C. Toose met him and took him into custody. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and said be took the coat because he was hungry and starving. He did not like to beg, and so he took the coat to get something to eat. **One month's hard labour**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 5ht February, 1875*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441028/3441030?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Theft from a Shop Door Two labourers, named John Fitzgerald and Charles Morgan, were charged with stealing a pair of boots, from the shop of Mr. R. Lee, shoemaker, Commercial-street. The boots were stolen from the shop door, and they were afterwards offered by Fitzgerald in pledge, but without success. The next day Morgan offered the boots in pledge at the same shop, when he was given into custody. There was no case against Morgan, and it was proved he was sent to pledge the boots without having any knowledge of the robbery. **Fitzgerald was sentenced to one month's hard labour**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 5ht February, 1875*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441028/3441030?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing a Cruet Stand Henry Smith, a labourer, employed at the Telegraph Works of the Great Western Company, was charged with stealing a cruet stand, the property of William Emmett Shee, of Griffin-street. Prosecutor keeps an eating-house. On Friday night, at a quarter to eleven, prisoner came in and had something to eat. After he had left the cruet stand was missed. Next day it was found in the prisoner's bedroom, by his landlady, under the bed, at his lodgings, in Merchant-street. P.C. Coates found prisoner at 11 o'clock, p.m., on Stow Hill, when be denied being at the eating house. The officer had great difficulty in arresting him, and the assistance of Sergt. Winmill and others was necessary before he could be got to the station. Prisoner elected to be tried by the Magistrates, and pleaded guilty. He said several of them had been having a lot of beer—12 or 13 quarts—and he did not know what made him take it. On a previous occasion Shee had refused to give him change out of a two-shilling piece. It appeared that prisoner bore a good character. **Fourteen days' hard labour**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 5ht February, 1875*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441028/3441030?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Landlady Fined For Drunkenness Elizabeth Thomas, wife of the landlord of the Beaufort Arms beerhouse, Commercial-road, was summoned for being drunk on the premises of her husband. Mr. Graham appeared for the defence. Sergeant Winmill said on the 13th ult., he went into the house and saw the defendant sitting in the tap-room, with her head on the table, drunk. He had known her for years, and she said "Come in, my dear." Police-constable Brooks also saw her, and said she staggered. Mr, Graham said the defendant had had a fit, and called witnesses to prove she was not drunk. One of them, Martha Manship, said she had a fit that day. Clara Thomas, one of the defendant's daughters, said her sister left for Swansea that morning, and her mother was quite sober. In the evening her mother had a fit. Defendant had not been summoned before, and the house had been well conduoted. **The Bench inflicted the mitigated penalty of 10s. 6d., including costs.** (The Mayor, who is not a member of the Licensing Committee, did not adhjudicate in this case). — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 5ht February, 1875*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441028/3441030?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Well Acquainted with the Interior of Police-courts' Sarah Lewis, a prostitute who is well acquainted with the interior of Police-courts, for being drunk at half-past one in the morning, and disorderly, was **sent to gaol for a month**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 5ht February, 1875*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441028/3441030?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-13-at-12.58.26-1.png) [South Wales Argus, 15th November, 1905](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143760603?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Message in a Bottle' About seven weeks since one of the Bristol and Newport steamers, on her way to ihis port from the latter place, stuck fast in the mud, where she remained some hours. The passengers abaft the rail were pleasantly enjoying themselves over a tew bottles of porter, when two of our townsmen perceived a bottle floating by upon the rising tide and immediatply resolved to write a short note, place it in one of the emptied porter bottles, seal it up, and cast it out, deeming that it would float towards Newport, as the tide was then setting towards this place rapidly. Accordingly, the following note was written, and placed in the bottle, which was then thrown over board. "We are now fast in the mud, expecting every minute to float. Trusting whoever finds this will inform our friends that we intend seeing them at seven o'clock. We remain &c., The Passengers of the Glamorgan. Half-past Four, August 28, 1841." The bottle this sent forth, and which it was expected, would have Floated immediately up the Usk, took a contrary direction; and so late as a day or two ago a note was received by a gentlemen in this town, enclosing a note found in the bottle, which had been drifted about by the current of the tides for several weeks, until found at Chepstow, from which place the not was sent. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th October, 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393540/3393543?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-05-at-12.47.22.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th May, 1854](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395984?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-07-at-13.07.35.png) [Evening Express, 1st January, 1910](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4212996/4212997/8/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A Novel Mode of Disposing of Property In another column will be found an advertisement announcing the forthcoming disposal of an highly valuable property at Tredegar Iron Works, in this county. The mode proposed is a species of lottery, the price of each share being fixed at ten pounds. The property is divided into convenient lots, all highly improvable. One prize is of no less value than 4000 guineas, this being the Tredegar Arms Inn, Tredegar, one of the best circumstanced inns in the county. The winner of this prize, will have good value for his ten pound ticket. There are many other prizes for large amounts. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th October, 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393540/3393543?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-06-at-08.23.12.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-06-at-08.23.29.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-06-at-08.23.36.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Housebreaking at Newport On Tuesday night some thieves broke into a villa on the Caerleon-road, Newport, and ransacked the various rooms, taking off everything of value. On the same night a showcase, affixed to the front of the Bon Marché, Stow-hill, was broken into, and a great portion of its contents abstracted. It is feared that a gang of house-breakers has arrived at Newport, and are developing "business." Residents should be on their guard, and, if possible, never leave unattended their premises, especially those in the badly-lighted suburbs, where the corporation systematically neglect their duty, and the ground landlord follows suit with bad footpaths and worse roads. > If householders possess a canine friend they may leave it to roam the basement or ground floor, in the assurance that it will raise a timely alarm should its quick sense of bearing detect strangers. —[*The Cardiff Times, 28th December, 1889*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424734/3424738/77?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-05-at-13.00.33.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th March, 1840](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393155/3393157?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Audacious Thieves About nine o'clock on the evening of Wednesday last, Mrs. Lewis, who resides in a cottage just above the residence of Mr. Cartwright, on Stow-hill, and opposite the orchard of Mr. Townsend, merchant, observed two ill-looking fellows inside the orchard wall, on the other side of the road, busily engaged in shaking down a quantity of apples from the well-stocked trees. She immediately raised an alarm, and cried out "Police," which induced the bold rascals to climb over the wall into the road, just before her, and leisurely walk up the hill with their ill-gotten booty, wrapped up in handkerchiefs. One of the fellows was dressed in a cap and long dark coat; and the other wore a hat and a smock frock which almost reached his heels and both appeared to be young men. > Some weeks ago, Mr. Townsend had also a very fine fat duck stolen from his premises, which he was about very fine fat duck stolen from his premises, which he was about to kill for himself, but was anticipated by some hungry elf. Mr. Townsend informs us, just previous to going to press, that at five minutes after ten on the night of Thursday, he saw, whilst watching from a window in his house at the top of Hill-street, by a gas-light on Stow-hill, a fellow in the orchard deliberately shaking down apples as perhaps himself or companion had done on Wednesday night. After each shake, the plunderer coolly threw the apples into a bag which he carried, and was about to walk off, when Mr. Townsend, who had been as coolly waiting an opportunity for a good aim, levelled a fowling-piece loaded with small shot, at the fellow's legs, and pulling the trigger, aroused the peaceful neighbourhood with the smart report. The apple-prigger, however, seemed to be most aroused for taking up his bag, he scampered over the wall to Stow-hill, as fast as his plunder and some half-dozen shots in his calf, allowed him, but not without being impressed with a notion that he is truly a marked man. Let him and his gang beware! To be "winged" with a bag of stolen property on the shoulder, must be rather more awkward than pleasant. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th October, 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393540/3393543?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-07-at-13.11.33.png) [Evening Express, 4th December, 1909](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4211939/4211941/51/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-07-at-07.41.11.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th October, 1839](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393030/3393032?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-10-at-16.53.32.png) [South Wales Argus, 6th March, 1919](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144003641?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Opening of Newport Corporation Baths **The Mayor Takes to the Water** HIs Worship the Mayor of Newport, accompanied by about 20 members of the Corporation, walked in procession from the Town-hall, Newport, on Thursday to formally open the splendid baths which have been provided by the Corporation at a cost of £10,000 or £11,000\. His Worship, who wore his robes, was supported buy Alderman Goss, Chairman of the Baths Committee, and the Town Clerk (Mr Newman). The members of the Volunteer Fire Brigade headed the procession, and a contingent of police followed. At the folding gateway Mr W Gradwell, jun., presented the Chairman of the Baths Committee with a silver key, the handle of which bore the inscription recording the event, and this was given to the Mayor, who opened the door. Simultaneously a side gate was opened to admit ladies and the general public, and in a very short time the whole of the seats below and the points of advantage in the balconies were filled with spectators. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-10-at-08.21.03.png) Illustration from the Cardiff Times The Mayor spoke of the ample and complete character of the baths, of the spirited action of the Corporation in providing them, and said he was confident the public would appreciate the institution, and that it would prove another of the acquisitions to the public buildings of which Newport might be justly proud. He formally declared the baths open, and in an aside notified that he would practically open them in a short time. The Mayor then disappeared. Whilst Mr Kirby, the surveyor, was returning thanks, a number of intending bathers in policemen's garb took seats in the front row at the deep end. This proved to be the Mayor's body guard, prepared to follow him in watery peril. In a few moments his Worship reappeared in bathing costume, and draped with a long Turkish bath sheet. He was cheered to the echo, spoke a few words, then throwing aside the sheet, he dived into the water — took the header about which so much persiflage has been banded about of late. The policemen, helmets and all, followed suit, a number of Councillors with the Town Clerk followed from invisible doors, and before the Mayor was half-way up the length of the bath, swimming strong and well, the water was alive with bobbing heads. All halted to enable the photographers to take the scene — the dripping heads of venerable councilmen, the rippling water, the cheering, and amused throng of visitors. Then the bathers retired, donned their ordinary attire, and joined the Mayor at the Town-hall. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/StowHillBaths-1.jpg) Stow Hill Baths The new baths will form one of the most complete establishments of the kind in the western and South Wales district. They cover an area of 192ft by 88ft, and consist of two large swimming baths, roofed over, 16 private baths of the usual household type, and a Turkish bath accommodating 14 persons. Each department is fitted with the best most recent appliances. The two swimming baths are each 75 feet long by 25 feet wide, and the floor beneath the water is paved with white glazed bricks. The depth graduates from 3f 6in to 7ft, and one is provided with 45 dressing boxes, for exhibition purposes and fetes. The Turkish bath department deserves more than the proverbial word of praise. Every detail has been carefully dealt with, and the result is something highly creditable to the surveyor's department, which has designed and carried out the whole of the work. — [*The Cardiff Times, 21st June, 1890*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3428981/3428986/96/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-10-at-16.50.09.png) [South Wales Argus, 6th March, 1919](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144003641?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Bicycle Riding at Newport On Monday, at Newport police-court, the Mayor (Mr H. Faulkner) gave expression to a complaint against the bicyclists of the locality. According to popular assertion, these agile and swift gentlemen make Commercial-road their happy hunting ground and career along on the wheels they control at velocities resembling the proverbial flashes of lightning. His Worship, who resides in the thoroughfare and therefore may be supposed to know something about the practice, complained of the danger to pedestrians from the rapid driving, and instanced the case of the poor man Jones who died on Sunday from the effects of being knocked down by a machine on Thursday evening. He thought six miles an hour ought to be the utmost limit at which the bicyclists should be allowed to travel, and he hoped the Head Constable would impress upon his subordinates the necessity of stopping furious drivers at all hazards in the same way as they would runaway horses. Head Constable Sinclair promised to give prompt attention to the matter, and mentioned that he had just had a consultation with the town clerk on the subject. — [*The Cardiff Times, 25th May, 1889*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424455/3424457/31/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-10-at-14.13.35.png) [The Evening Star of Gwent and South Wales Times, Monmouthshire and Border Counties Advertiser, 10th November, 1877](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1257861914?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Newport Newsboys' Picnic Tuesday was one of the infrequent gala days the experiences of the lads who sell Newport. They were invited to Goldcliffe — that prettily situated coast destined years hence, when the subway is an established institution, to be a favourite residential suburb. The verandahs and weather-shut of one Newport tradesman show the way. To this point they were conveyed in three well appointed brakes. One youngster had a narrow escape. He had been sleeping out for the past day or so, and his maternal guardian, spotting curly bead beneath the seat of the first break to be filled in Tredegar place, was in her demand that he did forthwith commit himself to her custody. This the lad, looking somewhat what crestfallen, felt no inclination to do; amd ultimately promised to return home from the picnic, was allowed, with 208 other happy little mortals, to travel out of the area of to scudding rain-cloud into the country roads, where Jupiter Pluvius had left no trace, where the ruddy fruit hung temptingly over hedges, dusty with the dry weather. How they cheered everybody—that is, nearly everybody, beginning with Mr Ace, fresh from his experience with the Caerphilly treat to the Cardiff boys, down to the Schoolmaster at Liswerry Schools, who came to the porch to see the turn out; how they sang "Home, sweet home," how they made vain dives at inearmost (sic) boughs of trees, need scarcely be told. The instrumentalist of the party must not1w forgotten. Ha had ashy, graceful, Dick Swiveller bearing, and his music was of the tin whistle calibre. The last of the third breakful had scarcely deposited himself at Mr Fennell's fishery at Goldclife before the :bridegroom sea," toying as usual at high tide with the shore, its wedded bride, got a surprise in the irruption of more than half the youngsters. One provident lad seen with a big piece of "best yellow;" and the evident enjoyment of a dip would have altogether reassured his Worship the Mayor about the patronage in store for the public baths. One even conjured up as being possible an organised sortie on the checktaker at the baths, like the recent experience of the man who checks gods of the drama at Mr Humphreys's establishment. "Rather cold, sir; but nice", was the appreciative decision about the condition of the "salt sea water which twice a day passes by, and hushes half the babbling Wye, and makes a silence in the hills." The provision carts were eagerly looked for. Mr Fennell, driving over to give the aid of his jovial presence to the boys' enjoyment, proved the *avant courier* and the free-handed victualler. Mr Fennell's reception was striking. Before he had got past the gate he was surrounded. The reason was not far to seek. He had filled the floor of his dog-cart with fruit, and this he threw right left until, like the *Deus ex machina* with the fire-raining business, the supply was all gone. The rest of the day was consumed in eating and drinking, running races, jumping a string bar and playing cricket, football, rounders, &c. Somehow, or other three footballs came to the rescue, and the joy to do a little bit of "selfish play," never, of courses dreamed of by the premier fifteen black and ambers, was almost too strong to be resisted. If the racing for sums varying from the grateful shilling downwards the handicapper excelled himself and succeeded in seeing the full fruition of his resources in a little, and, alas deformed lad winning first honours. The well-clad appearance the lads, their orderly, good behaviour, their liberality in the matter of cheering, even when I might be expected their little throats had had plenty of exercise, were only excelled by favourable, sympathetic eyes turned upon them as they quitted town and returned to it. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-10-at-14.11.13.png) Hill Farm, which is mentioned in the article. Several offers of "siller" from generous bystanders had to be reluctantly declined, prompted as the offers were by large-hearted motives. The proprietors of the South Wales Echo were desirous that it should be their treat, and their treat it was from outset to finish. To Mr John Taylor, of the Hill Farm, Goldcliffe, they are indebted for some of the best, driest, and velvety greensward to bit found anywhere within the borderland; and also to Mr Fennell for the conveniences he ungrudgingly placed at the disposal of the caterer. Mr Collier, confectioner of Commercial-road, was proficient, as usual, in this respect; and Messrs Tovey, of Dock-street and Maindee, put their best breaks and horses in motion for the occasion. Edmund Edwards, the blind news lad, and heir to the freehold farms in the valleys with coal beneath, was found a seat in the inevitable wagonette which brought up the rear, and, as well as the rest, got brief interregnum from the prosaic work of selling specials. — [*The Cardiff Times, 7th September, 1889*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424590/3424598/165/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-05-at-06.23.19.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd June, 1876](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441890?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Volume 1, Number 48 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-48/ Last updated: 2025-11-15T07:11:00.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Royal Albert Restaurant On Wednesday, the 20th November, Mr C. Parsons, of the firm of Parsons and Robjent, will wield the hammer, and if a glib tongue and eloquence are persuasive powers, will knock down, in the event of the reserve price being reached, the Royal Albert Restaurant, for so many years occupied in Commercial-street by Messrs James Ewins and Son. The bare announcement of the sale brings to memory a flood of recollections. We well remember the premises dilapidated and cobwebbed as they were, when in the occupation of Mr Wintle, wholesale wine and spirit merchant. At that time the entire accommodation at disposal was considerably less than the luncheon bar at present in use. Mr Ewins, who had successfully carried on the business of a confectioner at 51, Commercial Street, had previously added a wholesale wine trade to his establishment. Taking advantage of Mr Wintle's premises being in the market, and flushed by the past success, he became the purchaser of the premises. --- Mr Ewins also ran the confectionery shop located in the present-day Murenger pub on 53 High Street. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/image-3.png) Source: [Newport Past](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/photos/php/photo%5Fpage.php?search=wo&search2=&pos=2024&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) --- Convinced of the idea that a large business, consisting of edibles and drinkables, might be carried on with profit to himself and advantage to his customers, he immediately set himself the task of razing the old premises to the ground, and providing accommodation of which up to that period the town was altogether lacking. Members of the licensing trade described Mr Ewins as dreamer, his views as Eutopian. Nothing daunted this, he boldly proceeded with his original scheme, actuated by two simple ideas. One was to supply the best viands and edibles obtainable, but to charge them full prices. The other was to conduct his business in such a manner that all sections of society need not hesitate a single moment to bestow upon him their flowed patronage. His success was marvellous. The tide in a torrent, and in a very short space time the accommodation which he bad provided, extensive though it was, was altogether inadequate to the requirements. The restaurant was not opened until the month of September, 1868, and then only about 20 feet of the sloping garden, which ran right through to Stow hill, had been built upon. An additional 40 feet was taken in, but as time sped on this did not meet the requirements of the establishment. The proprietors then determined upon a bold stroke. > They carried the large dining hall an additional 30 feet, and decided to erect the Albert Hall in the immediate rear. This building, with the grand organ which it possessed entailed a cost of about £14,000\. It was only in respect to this one point that Mr Ewins proved be in advance of the times. The hall and the purposes it was intended to serve proved unremunerative, and eventually it was disposed of to a public company. At the same time the restaurant progressed both in size and popularity, and in the year 1872 it was in its present dimensions opened with great *eclat*, a grand banquet being held. The late Alderman Samuel Homfray presided, and a large and exceedingly representative gathering of local notabilities were present. The STAR OF GWENT was duly represented upon occasion, and even at this long lapse of time the immense cheers which greeted the portly form and genial countenance of Alderman Homfray still seem to ring in our ears. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/South_Wales_Daily_Times_and_Star_of_Gwent_1889_11_19_2.jpg) Scarcely a month has since passed but what increasing business has necessitated alterations and increased accommodation. At the present moment the restaurant is undoubtedly the finest out of London. Were it only situated in the Metropolis, firms like Messrs Spiers and Pond would be prepared to give a miniature mint of money to become its purchaser. The great dining hall is no less than 65 feet in length by 16ft. 6in. in width. It is furnished in the most luxurious manner, and many of the pictures which embellish the walls are replicas of the greatest masters England ever possessed. It is computed that on an average from 200 to 300 persons daily partake of meals in this hall alone. A large number of these are ladies, to wait upon whom several female attendants are specially engaged. To provide for such a hall great attention has had to be paid to the kitchen, and a well-known caterer from the West of England, who recently inspected the premises, probably with a view to purchase, stated that with the steam boiler and the numerous cooking ranges, the kitchen might with ease prepare food for at least 1000 guests per day. The kitchen itself is 47 feet long by 17 feet in width, and one of the ranges occupies 13 feet, whilst in the scullery there is a 10 feet, range. The premises are also admirably provided with cellars, smoking room, small dining room, wine racks, lavatories, serving rooms, and spare rooms, In fact nothing whatever is wanting to do even a far larger trade than that which the present proprietors have done for so many years. As an instance of the patronage bestowed upon this restaurant it may be mentioned that the staff daily employed exceeds twenty persons, male and female. The entire premises are in excellent condition, and only a few years ago the lease, which has an unexpired term of 53 years, was renewed on terms which single moment. The establishment is patronised with ground landlords would not at present consider fore almost as much freedom by total abstainers as by those who indulge in alcoholic drinks. The wants of each receive the most careful attention, and owing to the courtesy and attention invariably met with, these two conflicting elements are for the time being brought into complete unison. This, then, is the property which Messrs Parsons and Robjent will speedily submit to the hammer. sale, as previously mentioned, will take place at the Westgate Hotel, on Wednesday, the 20th November, the hour being two for three. — [*South Wales Daily Times and Star of Gwent, 13th November, 1889* ](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1247877687/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)*(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-28-at-18.12.23.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th March, 1843](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393893?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Newport Water Famine' [A report by the Waterworks Committee](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143641733/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) discussed how the town was at risk of a 'water famine' based on the levels in its reservoirs. In the 12 months leading up to the report the levels were 33,000,000 gallons done with the Pant-yr-Eos reservoir at 30ft instead of 91ft and the Ynys-yr-bro reservoir being dry. A notice had been prepared urging the public to use water wisely and threatening legal action to those persons found wasting water. They had decided to restrict the supply, cutting off water between 8pm and 5am. The following letters were included with the article. **DEAR SIR**, — I understand that according to the reservoir people we had only in store eleven days' supply yesterday. Yet on Saturday and yesterday morning some of our hotels in the town actually washed down the fronts of the their houses and the pavements. One hotel had two hose pipes playing for over half an hour. Surely their licenses do not allow them to wantonly waste the water in such an extravagant manner. I think it is quite time our Waterworks Committee absolutely prohibited the use of water for this purpose. — Yours faithfully, **ECONOMY WITH WATER** Newport, November 4th, 1901 **DEAR SIR**, — There are all sorts of rumours throughout the town with regard to the water famine at Newport, and certinaly the time has come when something drastic should be done by the Waterworks Committee. Considering the short amount of water in the reservoir, why don't the Corporation stop the baths, cut off the supply for several hours during the day, and, if necessary for the health of the town, stop the supply of water to the works? > There is a persistent rumour that the authorities intend turning the canal with all its horrors into the reservoir, but this is beyond belief. Yet to my personal knowledge one Newport gentleman has sent his family away, whilst others are considering a similar step, owing to the fear of an outbreak of fever. The barometer is high, and the likelihood of rain very remote, and something must be done. — Your faithfully, **PATERFAMILIAS** Newport, November 4th, 1901 — [*South Wales Argus, 4th November, 1901*](http://newspapers.com/image/1143641733/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Porpoises in Newport On Monday morning a couple of porpoises were seen gambolling in the river, between Newport bridge and the Great Western Railway bridge, and some hundreds of persons assembled to watch their movements. One of the porpoises soon disappeared, but the other was seen in the vicinity up to three o'clock in the afternoon, when it was shot at from the bridge, and either wounded severely or killed, for it immediately sank. It is said that the appearance of porpoises so near land indicates the approach of severe storms. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th September, 1879*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406013/3406018/32/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-28-at-18.44.40.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th October, 1848](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394516/3394518/10/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-04-at-17.26.21.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th June, 1876](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441866/3441873?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A Concert Room Burnt Down at Newport A building, situate in the rear of the Parrot Hotel, Commercial-street, Newport, and known as the Parrot Music Hall, was destroyed by fire, on Tuesday morning, the loss sustained by the proprietor being considerable. On Monday evening, after the performance, the saloon was locked up as usual, there being no fire or gas burning, and everything apparently being safe. At six o'clock in the morning a woman who has a coffee-stand near, discovered the saloon to be on fire, and alarmed the inmates of the hotel. Mr. Evans, the proprietor, on finding the cause of alarm, sent to the Police-station and, with all available alacrity, Sergts. Wilcox and Pratten, with 10 police-constables, were on the spot with the reel and hose, which was affixed to the hydrant, in Commercial-street and the fire-plug in Charles-street. It soon became evident that the saloon could not be saved, and some apprehension was felt with regard to the adjoining property. Fortunately the efforts put forth to prevent the spread of the fire were successful, but in two hours the saloon was destroyed. The building was somewhat extensive, having accommodation for several hundreds of people. It was generally of slight construction, a large portion of it being composed of wood, erected on brick pillars, the space underneath being used as a cart-shed. The whole of the fittings and contents of the hall were destroyed, and the debris presents a suggestive picture, beer-jugs, waiters' trays, twisted gas-piping, &c., being mixed up incongruously, while under the place where the bar was situate may be seen several barrels of ale which have escaped the flames. Among the articles lost is a piano, by Collard & Collard, and of considerable value, a harmonium, and other musical instruments. The property was not insured, and Mr. Evans will be a heavy loser. Nothing is known as to the origin of the fire. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th January, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441614/3441619/36/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Making Arms at the Cordes Factory' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-30-at-11.10.48.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th May, 1839](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392925/3392927?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### The Stone Throwing Nuisance Five boys. named Philip Torrington, Thomas Reed, James Melon, Burgess, and Westoby, were charged with stone throwing, and otherwise annoying the inhabitants of Clarence-street, by throwing stones and letting off squibs through the key holes, and, on this occasion. P.C. Evans caught one of the boys with alighted candle in his hand. **Ordered to pay 2s. each**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th October, 1873*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3404912/3404914?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Weekly Visitor Julia Casey was charged with a violent assault upon two men named Michael Murphy and Cornelius Neehan. It appeared that on Friday evening the two complainants were going down the street when one of them was challenged by the husband of the defendant to fight, but he declined, and shortly afterwards the defendant, whom he had never seen before, and to whom he had said nothing, struck him on the head with a stone jar, which was broken with the blow. She afterwards attacked the other man, who received a severe wound in the right eye. A police officer appeared on the scene and found the men bleeding very much. The defendant ran away, was pursued, captured, and taken to the station. It was only the Wednesday previous that magistrates overlooked a charge of drunkenness, on her promising amendment, and **she was now sentenced to two months' hard labour for each assault**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th October, 1873*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3404912/3404914?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Gambling Fracas George Carver, and Elizabeth, his wife, were summoned for assaulting Emanuel Moses. Complainant, a runner, stated that, about 11 o'clock p.m. on the 29th ult., he met George Carver, who is a barber, and went home with him to have a game of cards. Carver began to cheat, and then complainant took up his money, whereupon both defendants assaulted him. The defence was that complainant struck the first blow. The summons against Mrs. Carver was dismissed, and the **husband fined 20s. and costs**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th October, 1873*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3404912/3404914?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'A Frail and Fallen Creature' Mary Ann Jones, a very frail and fallen creature, was charged with obstructing Sergeant Huxtable, and using violent and disgusting language towards him on Thursday midnight last. Sergeant Huxtable and P.C. Pennimore proved the charge, and his Worship, after some sever, and it is hoped, useful, admonitory remarks, **ordered her to be fined in the mitigated penalty of 5s, or be imprisoned 14 days in the Usk House of Correction, with hard labour**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th May, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393938/3393942?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### *'*A Disagreeable-Looking Sinner of the Feminine Gender' Milian Harborough, a disagreeable-looking sinner of the feminine gender, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in the street on Sunday morning last. P.C. Hewish stated that he found the prisoner taking a nap in the door-way of Mrs Harrhy's house, about three in the morning, and as she reported herself drunk and homeless, he lodged her in the station-house cell. As the prisoner pretended that she could not speak English, a Welsh colloquy ensued her and Mr Edwards, whose abilities in the Cambrian vernacular, severely tested those of the prisoner. His Worship at length settled the case by observing that the prisoner was a real vagrant and disorderly person, who had twice received shelter in the Refuge for the Destitute, from pretending to be in fits, and had been in different prisons a number of occasions. His Worship now **ordered her to be fined £2, or be imprisoned two months in the House of Correction at Usk, with hard labour**; adding, that if she was ever brought before the Bench on similar charges, she should be convicted in the full penalty of £5, or receive six months' imprisonment. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th May, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393938/3393942?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Charge of Assault with a Life Preserver Edward Meek was charged with assaulting George Baylis, a labourer, of Risca, on the 15th inst. Prosecutor stated that between five and six o'clock in the afternoon he was out in the street. Had had a few words just before Christmas, and on meeting defendant in the street had a few words with him. The defendant struck him a violent blow on the head with something that he threw out of his hand. He indicted a wound, which bled freely. That morning defendant had again threatened him. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/image-2.png) An example of a 'life preserver'. A gamekeeper would use the implement to 'encourage' poachers to leave their preserves. ([Source](https://poacherspocketantiques.co.uk/products/19thc-gamekeeper-s-swingle-life-preserver?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) Mr. Wade, solicitor, defended the prisoner. Thomas Williams said he saw the defendant draw a life-preserver from his pocket, and strike complainant on the head with it. Mr. Wade remarked that the life-preserver was an implement which watchmen and gamekeepers usually carried. Robert Perry, another workman, who was present, gave additional corroborative evidence. The Bench resolved to remand the defendant for a week, in order to see how the complainant got on, and declined to accept sureties, although the foreman of the works at which defendant was engaged was prepared to offer substantial bail. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd June, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441890/3441892?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### An Irish Row Margaret Long, Patrick Long, Johanna Murphy, and Anne Mahoney were charged with being disorderly in George's-buildings. This was an Irish row, and the volubility of the parties in Court was almost deafening. Mahoney seemed to have been the worst, she being responsible, as Mrs. Long said, for the "institution" of the row, and **she was fined 5s.; the others were fined 6d**. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd June, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441890/3441892?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Neglecting to Join Thomas Bell pleaded Guilty to neglecting to join the British ship Myvanwa belonging to Messrs Robbin Rees and Co, and bound for East London, Cape of Good Hope. **Six weeks' hard labour**. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd June, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441890/3441892?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-29-at-07.27.43.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 12th March, 1852](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395286/3395294/50/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'A Stranger's Observations' **To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin**. Sir,—Although a stranger in Newport, I trust you will, through the medium of your widely spread journal, allow me to make a few observations respecting some of the disadvantages this important town unfortunately labours under; my motive being its improvement. I t has been remarked that persons at 1 distance see more of a battle than those who are actually engaged in it: I, as a stranger here, see things that may escape the attention of a resident. The first thing that struck my attention as being a great nuisance, that common vigilance on the part of those whose duty it is to attend to those matters might easily prevent, was the accumulation of mud at the bottom of Cross-street, and the crossing from the William the Fourth to George-street. Still, this was but a trifle when compared to the mud-bank in Potter-street, leading to the dock. The row of houses here appear to be half buried. Upon inquiry I was informed that this is occasioned by the laying down of pipes, to conduct water from the canal to the barracks. But why the health and comfort of some 70 or 80 individuals should be destroyed, and the deterioration of the value of property suffered by the authorities of your town, I was certainly at a loss to comprehend even the very sewers and drains are all stopped. This loudly calls for the interference of local authority. Passing onwards the splendid dock came full in view this will doubtless greatly lend to increase the welfare of your town. I was, however, sorry t0 learn that some of the most wealthy gentlemen in the neighbourhood look with apathy upon the noble example thus set before them, and put not their shoulder to this laudable work. The banks of the canal loudly call for the assistance of the scavenger. The broken flags, and consequent pools of water in the principal streets, is certainly anything but creditable to present "Proprietors of the soil." St. Woollos Church-yard, too, is most outrageous; the graves being sown one upon another as thick as grass. 1 I trust you will pardon these observations, and that they will be taken in the manner in which they are meant, namely, the welfare of the town. TRAVELLER. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd October, 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393535/3393538?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-07-at-13.04.29.png) [Evening Express, 5th March, 1910](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4215515/4215517/16/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-29-at-07.29.30.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 12th March, 1852](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395286/3395294/50/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Glorious Fifth' Guy Fawkes night has long been celebrated in Newport as it has been around the country and back in the late nineteenth century celebrations have been just as noisy and troublesome as they are sometimes today. --- ### 'Rowdy Scenes at Newport' The "5th" was celebrated in Newport with the customary rough and rowdy scenes. Throughout the day the streets were given up to the mercy of fireworks exploding urchins, and between eight and ten at night the spirit of license was fully abroad, and a fusillade of fireworks was kept up in the principal streets. A great crowd blocked the street at the Westgate, and those present amused themselves with discharging squibs and crackers at each other, while numbers of boyd ran along the streets dragging blazing pieces of wood saturated with the tar behind them. One rather unusual incident occurred at Maindee. On Monday a boy was fined at the Police Court for throwing a squib into the grocer's shop of Mr Turner. At night, a gang of about a hundred boys besieged the shop which they stormed with a perfect shower of fireworks and blazing staves. A piece of tar-barrel was sent against the door, and had not a body of men in the neighbourhood come to the shopkeeper's assistance the place might possibly have been set on fire. The police were conspicuously absent while these scenes. were being enacted, although one was seen leisurely strolling up after the noisy crew had been driven off and dispersed. — [*South Wales Argus, 7th November, 1893*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145588765/?match=1&terms=%22guy%20fawkes%22&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-03-at-18.50.56.png) [South Wales Argus, 2nd November, 1905](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143760554/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Guy Fawkes' Celebration' "Guy Fawkes' Day" falls to-morrow, and as Sunday is *dies non* in more sense than one, the "celebration" will, in most cases, be postponed until Monday. Now, remembering what took place in Newport a year ago, we hope the Watch Committee of the Corporation will instruct the police to do all they can to prevent a repetition thereof. On that occasion, the town was turned into a perfect Pandemonium. Fireworks were thrown about the principal street of the town by a gang of youths with absolute indifference to whether people were terrified or injured. As our reporter the following Monday wrote: "The safety of persons was utterly set at nought; indeed, it seemed to be the aim of each of those engaged in the pyrotechnic celebration to throw his blazing missiles wherever they were likely to do most harm." In one case, a young woman's dress was ignited; others had their hair singed. 'Busses were made an object of attack, squibs were pushed in people's faces, tradesmen had their good damaged, and many of them are compelled to close long before the usual hour. Briefly, this is what took place last year. This, however, was nothing to what took place, about twelve years ago, when a policeman was killed. But the state of affairs last year was bad enough in all conscience, and unquestionably reflected the greatest discredit upon the authorities. > Probably in no other town in the country — certainly in no well ordered municipality — would such a disgraceful state of affairs have been allowed. Tradesmen, who are heavily, rated, no doubt sustained considerable losses on the night in the week when their business is the heaviest. The principal commercial thoroughfare in the town was under the domination of mob-law — and for what purpose? Simply that a crowed of hobbledehoys might amuse themselves by throwing crackers and squibs about in celebration of an individual of whom they, probably, knew nor more than his name. There is absolutely no *raison d'être* for the celebration. The custom ought by now to have fallen in desuetude. The attempt of Guy Fawkes — or Guido Fawkes, as he signed himself, if we mistake not — to blow up the Parliament houses ought not to possess any more historical significance than, say, the murder of Thomas Becket, or the execution of Charles I. Yet the first event occupies a larger share of the public imagination than either of the other two. But a truce to reflections, historical or otherwise. What we want to insist upon with all the force at our command is the absolute necessity for the authorities at Newport taking vigorous action on Monday. We do not again desire to see the police looking on supinely whilst mo-law is rampant in the town. We have no wish to curtail reasonable pleasure on the part of the youth of the town. > Let them celebrate the Fifth by all means, but in a proper place. There are the Marshes for indulging in bonfires, fireworks, and such like inanities and what we look to the Watch Committee to do is to instruct the police to see that these celebrations are confined to some spot where they will neither interfere with business nor terrify women and children. — [*South Wales Argus, 4th November, 1893*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145588585/?match=1&terms=%22guy%20fawkes%22&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-03-at-18.48.54.png) R.H. Johns were the publishers of the annual Johns' Street Directory. (Source: [South Wales Argus, 5th November, 1900](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143518035/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ### 'Guy Fawkes' Celebration' **DANGEROUS PRACTICES IN NEWPORT STREETS** The celebration of the Gunpowder Plot in Newport on Friday was made the occasion for letting off fireworks in the public streets; but compared with former years there was considerably less rowdyism and horse-play. The chief interest of those who took delight in firing squibs, crackers, detonators, and coloured lights, &c., was centred in front of the Westgate Hotel and at the foot of Stow Hill, where between the hours of seven and ten o'clock a large crowds numbering considerably more than a thousand assembled. During the evening several hundred inexpensive fireworks must have been discharged. Not only were squibs and rackers thrown about indiscriminately, but detonators also, to the danger of those near whom they exploded. The crowd were not guilty of lawless acts, and most of the amusement was conducted good-humouredly. It is satisfactory to know that no damage was done to the property or the person. The whole of the police were patrolling the streets but did not attempt to interfere with the "fun" of the younger generation. > It is safe to say that in very few if any towns in the country, but Newport, would such a reckless throwing of burning material in the public streets, be permitted. — [*South Wales Argus, 6th November, 1897*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143495137/?match=1&terms=%22guy%20fawkes%22&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* --- And when bonfire night fell on a Saturday, one person was concerned about whether wives will be able to go shopping on a Saturday night. But judging by the nom-de-plume used, the person seemed to have a vested interest in moving it to another night. **DEAR SIR*, — Seeing that Guy Fawkes' night is on Saturday, it will be very awkward for the tradesmen, and not only for them but for the working men's wives who go out to market and shop on a Saturday night. Cannot we have the celebration on Friday night, surely the tradesmen would close that evening at six o'clock. No doubt if it does take place on Saturday, the tradesmen will lose a good lot of custom, as ladies won't come out to shop. Hoping it will take place on Friday.* *— Yours truly, *TAR BARREL.** *Newport, October 31st, 1892* — [South Wales Argus, 1st November, 1892](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143541574/?match=1&terms=%22guy%20fawkes%22&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-04-at-07.09.30.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-04-at-07.09.52.png) [South Wales Argus, 4th November, 1901](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143641722/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Freak of a Madman On Sunday about midnight an elderly man was found on Newport Bridge in a state of nudity, and running about in an excited manner. He went to the iron gates at the Bristol Packet Wharf, and shook them violently. Sergeant Brooks secured him, and his clothes were found on the bridge. The Sergeant with assistance managed to partially dress the man and he was taken to the station, his behaviour being of a most violent description. He was under the influence of drink, but it was evident that the main cause of his extraordinary conduct was that he was dangerously mad. It was a long while before he could be prevailed upon to put on his clothes, and he refused to give any account of himself. He has since been removed to the Workhouse, and says his name is Charles Hooper, and that he is a tailor. He is recovering his reason. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th June, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441866/3441871?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-01-at-14.50.10.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd February, 1839](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392860/3392862?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Complaint from the Inhabitants of Thomas Street A memorial was read from residents in Thomas-street, calling attention to what was termed a great nuisance and grievance existing in that thoroughfare by the standing of cabs there, by which the thoroughfare was blocked, the shops were hidden from view, and the safety of children was endangered. Alderman Lyne asked why the cabs stood in Thomas-street The Surveyor said the question of stand accommodation for cabs bad been referred to the Works Committee, who had not yet had time to consider the matter. The propriety of its being. officially recognised, or a stand being made somewhere else, had to be considered. Mr. Davis said that put cabs where they would there would be similar complaints. The Mayor: It seems to me to be a hardship in a narrow street like that. Mr. Graham said it was a very great hardship. He referred to the practice of washing cabs there, and called attention to the difficulty which was occasioned in getting to the Thomas-street sub-way. He suggested that the memorial should be referred to the Public Works Committee. Alderman Townsend said the inhabitants of Thomas-street complained of the closing of the crossing, as it diverted traffic. The Mayor said it was bad enough to stop up the crossing, without turning the street into a cab-stand. Mr. West endorsed Mr. Graham's observations, and said that a nuisance was occasioned, not only by the washing of cabs, but by the cabmen simply sky-larking from morning to night. > The Mayor observed that the pavement was the narrowest in Newport. The matter was referred to the Public Warks committee. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd June, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441854/3441856?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-29-at-08.35.52.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th March, 1843](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393888/3393890?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Newport Picturedrome URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/newport-picturedrome/ Last updated: 2025-11-03T12:40:17.000Z The early 20th century saw a boom in cinemas in towns including Newport with many popping up showing newsreels, silent films, current affairs, science and nature and sport. The [1909 Cinematograph Act](http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/593589/index.html?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) brought cinemas under the control of local authorities and there was increase in the number of theatres appearing. In the early 1910s, Newport residents could visit the Gem cinema in Pill, the Rialto Electric Theatre on High Street/Station Approach, the Olympia on Skinner Street, The Coliseum, Clarence Place and Davis' Pictorial Entertainment on Stow Hill which later became the Tredegar Hall Picture Theatre. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-02-at-11.46.17.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-02-at-11.46.23.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-02-at-11.46.28.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-02-at-11.46.33.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-02-at-11.46.48.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-02-at-11.46.58.png) On a day in 1913 you could choose from 6 different cinemas in Newport. In 1913 on a given night you could choose from 6 different cinemas, one of which was the Newport Picturedrome. ## A Short History The Picturedrome was a relatively short-lived venture only being open for just under three years between 1911 and 1914\. The earliest mention that I could find was on the 8th December, 1910 [when a music and dancing license was submitted](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144043035/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) on behalf of a Mr J.B. Howard of Fleet Street, London. The application proposed to convert 34 Commercial Street into a cinematograph theatre and Mr Howard was said to be the lessee of a similar theatre in Crystal Palace. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-03-at-07.42.38.png) 34 Commercial Street is where the Nationwide is located (now numbered 33/34 Commercial Street) The application stated the the building would take about two months to convert and based on that the magistrates adjourned the license so that it could be made once the conversion had been completed. Interestingly, an application was also made during the same session for the Rialto on 56 High Street which was granted subject to the approval of the borough engineer (it was fully approved in 1911). Prior to it becoming the Picturedrome, 34 Commercial Street appears to have been empty being available for let between the entirety of 1892—1894 before ‘The World’s Greatest Bazaar Company’ [opened in late 1895](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1147735867/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). Over 50,000 articles were for sale including glass dishes, teapots, flower pots and ‘brushes of every description’. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-02-at-12.07.27.png) By 1896 the building was occupied by W Pritchard and Co., Fancy Drapers with rooms above for lodgers (at least in 1909 lodgers were present). In March 1910, Pritchards filed for bankruptcy and the building was up for sale with the contents being auctioned in July of that year. Presumably the building lay empty until the license application is submitted to convert it into a cinema. ## The Building On the 5th May, 1911, a [long article was published](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144010921/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) by the South Wales Argus in which Mr Howard was interviewed about the new cinema. He spoke about his plans for the new cinema and his vision stood apart from the typical picture houses of the period. Early cinemas were often improvised affairs with poor ventilation and a very real risk of fire, since the film stock used at the time was made of highly flammable nitrate. Howard promised something altogether different: a purpose-built, fireproof theatre that would combine comfort, education, and the latest technology. The building was to feature cushioned tip-up seats, filtered air heating, coloured electric lighting and even an oak-panelled lounge serving complimentary tea and biscuits. He presented the cinematograph as a civilising influence, claiming that children could learn more from travel films than from books, and that cinema could uplift as well as entertain. His plans suggest not just a new entertainment venue for Newport, but an attempt to redefine what cinema itself could be—safe, respectable and modern, at a time when moving pictures were still finding their place in public life. Here’s the interview in full. ### The Pitch *“I have devoted a good deal of attention to cinematograph shows during the last two or three years,” said Mr Howard, “and I am convinced of their continued popularity. I saw the cinematograph in Paris ten years ago, when it was practically unknown in England. You see, there are immense possibilities in it — from the educational as well as from the entertaining point of view. Parents and schoolmasters recognise that it does the young mind good to see pictures illustrating actual life scenes in other countries, and the possibility is that children learn more from such pictures than from books of travel and the like. It is my intention not only to cater for the public in general, but always to include subjects in my programme which will be of educational value to the children.”* ### The Building *“The theatre is being put up on the latest London principles. It will be of Romanesque design, supported upon richly carved columns, and these in turn will support frieze arches. In the front will be a mosaic pavement, and an imposing marble staircase will lead up tot he lounge. There will also be a handsome vestibule. Steelolite decorations will be on the walls and ceilings, and these, in addition to being handsome, will render the building absolutely fireproof. The floors will be laid with thick cork lino, which will be not only warm to the feet but will keep the place clean, and will not catch fire if lighted matches happen to be thrown upon it.* *“The comfort of the audience will be studied in every way, and every seat will be of the tip-up variety, and nicely cushioned. The screen will be a large one, and no less than three exits have been provided into Friar-street. Indeed, the architect estimates that the whole building can be emptied in less than half a minute.* *“Underneath the theatre a plant, comprising quite the latest and most up-to-date thing in the way of heating apparatus, has been put down. This apparatus produces forced air at any temperature — it can be made cold in summer and hot in winter. In connection with electric features this is quite a new system of hearing, and all the air will be filtered and purified before being sent into the building.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/South_Wales_Argus_1911_05_16_5--1-.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 16th May, 1911](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144054032/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *“It also is my intention to fit up a very handsome lounge, to be known as the oak lounge, and the whole of the decorations of this will be carried out in oak. Mr P. E. Gane, Commercial-street, is carrying out the decoration and furnishing of the oak lounge.* *“In the afternoons, between the hours of 3pm and 6pm, free cups of tea and biscuits will be served in the lounge, and every patron will have a fresh cup of tea made for him.* *“Writing materials and all the latest periodicals will also be provided in the lounge. Then, again, I am introducing a special band room, in which a band will play between 3pm and 5pm each day, and the music will be quite distinctly heard in the theatre and the lounge.* *“The performance will be what is known as a continuous one, commencing daily at 3pm, and proceeding without interruption right on until about 10.30pm. This kind of performance has been much appreciated generally, and, of course, it has this advantage, that a visitor to the theatre can enter at any time, and leave after seeing the whole of the programme. In other words, there are no fettering restrictions. We shall run between 4,000 and 5,000 feet of film, which , in the ordinary way, will take about an hour and a half.* *“The prices will be most moderate. In the afternoon, between 3pm and 6pm, sixpence will be charged to any seat in the building (children being admitted at half-price), and from six o’clock onwards threepence will be charged for the front seats, and sixpence for the back seats. At first glance this might appear to be rather out of the usual order of things, but the change will be understood when the fact is added that a better view can be obtained from the back seats.* *“A special study has been made of the make of the theatre, in order that those sitting in any part of the building might have a clear and perfectly uninterrupted view of the screen, and this difficulty has been got over so well that even if ladies keep their hats on they will not interfere wit the view of those sitting behind. The building will accommodate just over 400 people, and the work has been carried out by Mr J.G. Partridge, builder, Newport. All the labour employed has been local.* *“The architect is Mr H. Bennett of Bristol which is a specialist in designing cinematograph theatres. The front of the theatre will be illuminated by about 500 electric lamps, and the Veneer electric signs will be used. Surrounding the building will be a mercurial blue electric arc lamp of 2,500 candle power — the first of its kind in Newport. The interior will be illuminated by coloured lamps, ranging from 30 to 100 candle power each. I might add that Mr Herbert St John, who has been with me for many years, and who is now managing my Bath theatre, will be the resident business manager, and he has, of course, considerable experience of the work”* ## License Granted and Opening With the building completed, the license for music and dancing was submitted again in May 1911 for a venue to be known as the Picturedrome. The building had been fitted with precautions against fire and to aid evacuation. Based on these measure the magistrates were perfectly satisfied and the [license was granted](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144054057/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). On Thursday 18th May, 1911, the cinema was opened to a select few, but a varied select few. [According to the Argus](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144054153/?match=1&terms=%22Picturedrome%22&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), ‘*Church and State, the law and “the profits”, medicine and commerce, youth and beauty, men, women, and children, flocked to see the pictures, but even more to inspect the handsome new house’*. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-03-at-07.38.34.png) [South Wales Argus, 15th May, 1911](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144053980/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) A number of films were shown labelled “dramatic,” “comic,” and “educational” and throughout the evening there was a large audience in which ladies predominated. The article went on to describe the Oak Lounge in detail. *P.H. Gane Ltd., house furnishers, have been responsible for the decoration and fitting of the lounge (appropriately termed the oak lounge), and the effect is such as to enhance — if that is possible — their already unrivalled reputation as artistic furnishers, thoroughly conversant with the requirements of their clients whatever their needs may be. A mere printed description must fail to give an adequate idea of this delightful room. To use a hackneyed phrase, “it must be seen to be appreciated.”* *The prevailing tones are soft browns and greens, the walls being panelled in the former colour, with a framing of oak surrounded by the green shade. The wall decorations are of art oak canvas. Overhead there are ornamental arches, and oak beams, with a paper in relief in oak shades. The floor is covered with a very handsome pile carpet in two shades of brown, the darker shade matching the panels on the walls. This carpet forms an exquisite background for the handsome oak furniture placed upon it.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/image-1.png) Based on the description, the Oak Lounge could have looked like this. (Source: ChatGPT) *Luxurious settees and chairs upholstered in suitable colours, lounge chairs in cane, oak tables and smaller chairs, seated in which the patrons of the theatre may sip afternoon tea, write letters or scan the magazines, all lend an air of luxury combined with refined taste, too seldom displayed. Prettily draped windows, charming flowers on stands and handsome door curtains complete a room which is bound to become a centre of attraction.* The cinema was fully opened to the public the following day on Friday 19th May. ## What Was Playing? The adverts below give an idea of the range of films that were being showing at the Picturedrome. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-03-at-08.04.25.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-03-at-08.04.53.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-03-at-08.06.23.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-03-at-08.06.49.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-03-at-08.07.23.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-03-at-08.09.26.png) ### The Beetles ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-03-at-07.40.50.png) [South Wales Argus, 17th August, 1912](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144062465/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) A film shown in 1912 was [*The Cameraman's Revenge*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The%5FCameraman%27s%5FRevenge?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), where a beetle named Mr. Beetle has an affair with a dragonfly dancer after getting bored with his wife. He is secretly filmed by a grasshopper, who is the dragonfly's ex-boyfriend and a cameraman. When Mr. Beetle discovers the film at a cinema, he and his wife are both dismayed, leading to their arrest. The film is known for its stop-motion animation of insects and its meta-commentary on cinema, with the cameraman/grasshopper also serving as the movie's projectionist. Watch the full film below. ## The End of the Picturedrome ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-03-at-08.20.12.png) On Easter Monday 13th April, 1914, the Picturedrome was advertising a full bill in the Argus but within a couple of days the manager Oswald Russell had relinquished his role and was looking for a new job. He had stated a change of tenancy although I can't find the reason for why it changed. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-03-at-08.24.58.png) [South Wales Argus, 18th April, 1914](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144321320/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-03-at-08.13.57.png) An advert on the 20th April mentioned that the Picturedrome had changed to the 'Gaiety'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-03-at-08.12.52.png) [South Wales Argus, 20th April 1914](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144321382/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) There's no mention of the Gaiety running until an advert was posted in September announcing the grand re-opening under the ownership of a sportsmen from Cardiff called Howard Marks. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-03-at-08.28.08.png) [South Wales Argus, 4th September, 1914](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144064176/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The Gaiety Picturedrome was short-lived and due to the owner of the building, Alderman J Liscombe, passing away in November 1914, 33 and 34 Commercial Street passed into the hands of the trustees [in February 1915](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144020379/?match=1&terms=%2234%20commercial%20street%22&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). The property then began to be used for a variety of purposes such as the Prudential in 1922 and Wildings. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/11/image.png) ### Volume 1, Number 47 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-47/ Last updated: 2025-11-08T07:33:01.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Court-y-Bella Train Station The Court-y-Bella station was opened on 23 December 1850 as the temporary southern terminus of the Monmouthshire Railway and Canal Company's Western Valleys line to Blaina. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-29-at-07.38.25.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 12th March, 1852](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395286/3395292?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The station was only used for two years closing in August, 1852 when Newport Station opened. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/image-12.png) Location of the station to the side of Mendalgief Road In 1857, the wooden sheds and stone buildings at Courtybella were taken down and the material reused to provide carriage and wagon repair workshops at the Eastern and Western Valleys workshop in Bolt Street, Newport. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-29-at-08.06.52.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-29-at-08.07.16.png) This building on Bolt Street shows on an old map as part of the locomotive yard so may have been built from some of the material moved from the Court-y-Bella station. — Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newport%5FCourtybella%5Frailway%5Fstation?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/21307695688_f681721916_c.jpg) Source: [Newport Photos](https://www.flickr.com/photos/newportphotoarchive/with/21468223886?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Abolition of Turnpikes The whole of the toll gates in Monmouthshire and South Wales were abolished to-day, and the reoads declared perfectly free. The number of gates abolished is over 250, while the length of highway disturnpiked was 936 miles. For this relief Sir Henry Tyle, M.P., and Mr William Pritchard, of the Rhymney Iron Works are laregly to be thanked. — [*South Wales Daily Times and Star of Gwent, 1st April, 1889*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1247870468/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'For Sale: The Windbound Tavern' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-27-at-08.10.39.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th January, 1840](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393100?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The Windbound Tavern was located on the east bank of the River Usk where Uskmouth Power Station is today. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-27-at-08.09.37.png) Back in 1840, there was very little in that area so perhaps trade came from the river. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-27-at-08.13.53.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-27-at-08.19.54.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th January, 1840](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393100?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Drainage in Newport It is to be lamented that we cannot write favourably on a subject which has for ages in many places been exercising a most destructive influence upon the health and morality of the human race. Though our observations in this instance are only intended to apply to Newport, yet we fear there. are many towns of the United Kingdom entitled to the description we are about to enter upon. Fortunately fertile happiness of the present generation, and it is to be hoped for the comfort of the future ones, England has had an interval of rest from the cruel wars which have hitherto convulsed her and during this period her legislators have had time to direct their attention to whatever was likely to promote sanatory reform, add to the morality, and lessen the causes of disease amongst her spreading population. With this view there was introduced into parliament, "The Health of Towns Bill," the passing of which into a law we shall hail with the greatest delight, as we are convinced it will remove from our town a most fruitful source of evil. *The very defective state of the public drainage.* — It will be remembered that Newport, with gigantic strides, has far outstepped the boundaries of the ancient borough, beyond which the powers of the Town Commissioners do not extend and in this new town, so to speak, we have chiefly, though not entirely, to remark upon the want of drainage. > In the old borough, where once stood an ancient monastery of good and peaceful friars, when the adjoining fields were covered with nature's flowers, and where, in times of yore, grazed the flocks which sufficed for food for the holy monks and all the neighbouring poor, and from whence no noxious disease ever took its night — there is now a mighty and most degenerate change all that it retains now of former days is its name, but no longer associated with good and holy Friars' Fields, indeed, offers now a fair specimen of a locality where the good effects of draining have never been called into existence. Here the various plots of houses are intersected by pools and open ditches, teeming with rank offensive matter, destroying every sense, and polluting every current of vital air which hands its way into the crowded habitations. Here morality is at its lowest ebb, and here, as in all such places, you find immorality of every kind and filthy places entwining and supporting each other. Let us have the Health of Towns Bill to destroy this sty of uncleanliness, and the habitations of immorality will crumble into ruins. Many, very many, indeed of our streets offer to become rivals with the Fields, so little care is taken in removing excrementitious matter and other refuse there are so many drains allowed to pour out their fetid contents into the open streets, and under the public nose. In erecting houses, no due provision is made for the proper drainage of the various premises; main sewers are not by any means so frequent, or auxiliary ones so numerous, as the want requires. Those already in existence are now choked up. and ooze out their filthy contents, subsidiary pools soon form, which increase in size, and eventually become dangerous sources of disease to the community. Under this difficulty are most of the streets placed when they are first laid out, whilst the houses are gradually becoming filled with a greater number of inhabitants, .....(fold in newspaper).... sources from whence arise so much decomposing matter enormously increase, wherever the means for conveying it away have never been afforded. Hence it is that in such places fever always lurks, and every year adds to the number of its victims. Increasing as Newport is in the number of houses and density of population, 'twould be well were alarm to be taken from the unenviable notoriety Liverpool has obtained for the state of its inhabitants. And did we not advert to an evil of such vital consequences to its welfare, we should not shew a true interest in behalf of a town which from every fact of its history and locality, we do not hesitate to write will become one of the first of commercial importance in the kingdom. \[At a time when the cholera is making such progress in other countries, and is approaching our own, the foregoing remarks, by an eminent medical gentleman of Newport, will be considered opportune.\] — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th November, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394297/3394300?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Levelling out Hill Street's Rugged Hillocks' The nuisances so long staring passengers out of countenance in this street, are being removed and remedied. The Tredegar Wharf Company have contracted with Mr. Moses Scard, and that able reformer of bad roads is now busily employed with a large physical force of improvers. levelling the rugged hillocks, and smoothing the surface of the street, which will shortly present a handsome inclined plane, fit for the Commissioners to adopt. Once under the guardianship of that careful body, the street will advance rapidly in its pleasing appearance. This Mosaic work is very gratifying to the inhabitants. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd March, 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424791/3424794/29/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-27-at-08.21.30.png) Monmouth Gaol, 1840, which housed those involved in the Chartist Riots. (Source: [Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th January, 1840](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393100?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## German Kindergarten An entertainment of considerable interest was given on Friday last, 29th ult., at the Anglo-German School, 4, Victoria-place, by Mrs Korth, for which a number of ladies had been invited. The programme consisted of a series of most interesting recitations and songs, both in English and German, all being very creditably rendered even by the very youngest pupils of the kindergarten. We designedly say "interesting," as — considering the tender age of the performers — their execution reflects great credit upon Mrs Korth's method of education, especially with regard to German. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-30-at-09.46.09.png) 4 Victoria Place A very suitable prologue entitled "Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest," delivered by Mrs Korth, opened the programme, upon which Mr Llewelyn's two little children treated the audience in a delightfully quaint manner with "The Little Boy and the Squire," in German, followed by "Little Robin Redbreast" and "Obedience to Parents," both in English. Then followed "Gothe as Wanderer," in German, rendered by Mary Toft and Muriel Wallis with "The Battle of Waterloo" and "The Christian and his Echo," all of which elicited hearty and well merited applause. German songs, executed by all pupils with equaal success, and accompanied on the piano by Professor Bumstead, delighted the audience during the remainder of the time, and it must be confessed that the entertainment as a whole certainly tends to show what successes can be achieved with young minds who enjoy a judicous and wholesome training. — [*South Wales Daily Times and Star of Gwent, 1st April, 1889*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1247870468/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Stealing Penny Pies and a Penny' James Thomas, alias James Horton, was charged with stealing three penny pies and a penny, and assaulting the poor old prosecutor, Peter Kenny. The larceny was not established, but **prisoner was convicted in 10s. and costs, or fourteen days' imprisonment for the assault**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th November, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394297/3394300?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Disgraceful Language' Eliza King was fined 5s., and 6s. 6d. costs, for using disgraceful language, and otherwise improperly conducting herself, in the public street, on Wednesday night. Being also without "money or scrip in her purse," **she was sent to the House of Correction**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th November, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425186/3425188?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing a Wife Ebenezer Evans was charged by William Hanford, keeper of the Blue Anchor beer-house in this town, with having stolen his wife! £70, and three carpet bags-contents not set forth. Much mirth was anticipated by the usual court assembly, but in consequence of the non-appearance of Mr. Hanford, who, it was supposed, had been cajoled by his repentant, though frail, worse-half to drop proceedings, the case was dismissed. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th November, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425186/3425188?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Nymphs of the Pave' Two nymphs of the pave, well acquainted with the position of the dock in the police court, were charged with being disorderly. **Convicted in 3s. 6d. each.** **—** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 29th March, 1851*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395055/3395059/64/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing a Pair of Scissors Patrick Gallaghan, a youth, was charged with stealing a pair of scissors, the property of Adam Jones, Stow turnpike-gate keeper. Mr. Woollett for the prosecution. Last Friday, the prisoner, who accompanied his father, a bagpipe player, came to prosecutor's house, where the scissors had been left on the sill of the window. After the music had ceased, the scissors were missed, and P. C. Bath coming by, received information, and captured the strolling son of Apollo, with the scissors in his possession. **Committed for trial at the assizes**. **—** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 29th March, 1851*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395055/3395059/64/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Stealing Three Teaspoons' Nicholas Mills, an aged man, was charged with stealing three tea spoons, the property of John Phillips, landlord of the Coach and Horses on, High-street. Mr. Woollett for the prosecution. Phillips said he had recently bought two dozen spoons, for business, and had his initials placed on all but he had lost no less than thirteen of them since; three of which—those now produced—were left at the Steam Packet inn, by the prisoner, three weeks ago, in lieu of money. Some of the spoons had bean lost more than a year, but he could not say when those produced hud been lost; and upon this "weak point," **the case was dismissed**. **—** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 29th March, 1851*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395055/3395059/64/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### The Law of the Road Thomas Holmes was charged with being.drunk and disorderly, at ten o'clock, on Sunday night, io Commeicial-streel, according to the evidence of P.C. Bath.—Holmts had quarrelled with a man named Wm. Davies, as to which of the two should have the inside of the road Holmes having two ladies on his arms, and being desirous of keeping the house side, as more agreeable to his fair companions. > The Mayor said it was always n mark of politeness to allow a lady the inside of the footpath. Prisoner was drunk but his opponent was sober; and as the former knocked up a terrible row, about the impoliteness of Davies, he was separated from the ladies, and locked up, after sending poor Davies's head nearly through the doorway of Mr. Whitehall's shop, to see the hour. **Fined 5s., and 1s. 6d. costs, or fourteen days imprisonment.** **—** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 29th March, 1851*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395055/3395059/64/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Ordered to be Well Whipped' Wm. Harris, a little boy who had often been in court before, was charged with vagrancy. **Ordered to be well whipped**. **—** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 29th March, 1851*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395055/3395059/64/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Storm Daniel and Margaret Evans were charged with assisting Ellen Evans, late of the Morning Star, "***wid a poker.***" Just after the case was described by Mrs. Ellen Evans, she got into a hurricane of passion, answering to the dramatic request of — "**Blow winds and crack your jaws, rage, blow!**" — screamed, raved, shook her fist, and swore that the wicked wretch, Mrs. Peggy Evans, had made her a lone wonan, by taking away her (Ellen's) husband. Ellen and the case dismissed, after having given the Court a hint of the Bay of Biscay in a mighty wind. **—** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 29th March, 1851*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395055/3395059/64/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Ragged Urchins' Two dirty and ragged urchins were charged with stealing rope, the property of the Messrs. Piper. George Booth, marine stores dealer, proved buying the rope produced, of one of the prisoners. —Discharged. **—** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 29th March, 1851*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395055/3395059/64/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-24-at-07.32.10.png) [South Wales Argus, 8th November, 1919](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144002135/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Iron Prince Screw Steamer' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-28-at-08.26.44.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th October, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425173/3425175?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The Iron Prince was a screw steamer built by James Hodgson & Co., Liverpool in 1844 and launched in January 1845\. According to the Liverpool Albion newspaper ([13th January, 1845](https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/~cmi/books/earlySS/ferrMer.html?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#IP45)) the 55hp, 112ft ship was believed to be 'the first steamer that ever was launched with her machinery, masts, and rigging in their places. The ship sailed back and forth between Liverpool and Newport starting in September 1845 until being sold in 1848\. It then sailed between Liverpool and Newry and Waterford before being registered in Sydney in 1859 and Hong Kong in 1872. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/image-11.png) The HMS Wilberforce in 1842\. The Iron Prince may have looked similar. ([Source](https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/~cmi/books/earlySS/merseySS.html?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/21307542009_5fe6403db8_z.jpg) Source: [Newport Photos](https://www.flickr.com/photos/newportphotoarchive/with/21468223886?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Newport Alms Houses The benevolent who pass by the chaste and beautiful building now advancing towards completion on the ground where recently tottered the ruinous and unsightly pile—the dilapidated Alms-Houses on Stow Hill, must be gratified at the phoenix-like change and we have pleasure in adding to such feelings of gratification, by announcing that, at the suggestion of a gentleman who is never tired in the performance of good works, an admirable opportunity of affording an increased extent of accommodation for the residence of poor persons is about to be availed of. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-28-at-08.45.45.png) Location of the Alms Houses in the 1840s Previously to placing on the roof, the gentleman to whom we refer, suggested that two additional dwellings might be added at compaiatively small expense. The proposal was embraced by the trustees, and a subscription is now on foot for the accomplishment of that benign purpose. We shall give the subscribers' names, with other particulars, in our next. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-28-at-08.47.06.png) The Alms Houses were located on the left side in this photograph. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st November, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425181/3425184?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-27-at-13.58.40.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd January, 1841](http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393105/3393108?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Newport Fair This fair, which is generally large, was not so this year as to stock, with the exception of pigs which appeared in great numbers, and of good sort. We attribute the smallness of the fair, in a great, measure, to a market being held weekly in Newport, instead of monthly, as wwas the case before the Newport Cattle Market was established. We noticed some excellent heifers, of the Durham breed, fed by Mr. John Waters, Goldcliff, which were soon disposed of at high prices. The prices were nearly as follows: beef, to sink the offal, from 5 1/2d. to 6 1/2d. per lb. sheep, 6d. to 6 1/2d., pigs per score, 8s. 6d. to 9s. On the whole, we may state that every kind of stock sold well, and almost a clearance was effected. In the horse department, a great number were offered those of a useful description, either for carriage or saddle purposes, meeting a ready sale, at good prices. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th November, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425186/3425188?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-27-at-13.59.51.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd January, 1841](http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393105/3393108?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'For Sale: Genteel Residence on Clifton Place' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-28-at-18.19.54.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd April 1848](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394413/3394415/9/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) A row of 7 houses (nos. 2-8) on Clifton Place are Grade-II listed with 2—6 dating to the mid 1840s and 7 and 8 from later. The advert in the Monmouthshire Merlin from 1848 list the 'genteel residence' as being newly built. The property had five bedrooms, two parlours, drawing room, two kitchens, larder, cellar and a china closet. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-28-at-18.27.33.png) The advert mentions a house at the lower end of the street and at the time of the advert the houses probably ended where the middle house is located. There was a mention of the houses being built in March 1844 when an article mentioned a quantity of lead pipe being stolen. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-28-at-18.34.37.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd March, 1844](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424791/3424794/29/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Land further along from the row of houses was for sale in 1849 May 1849\. The row of houses back then was called Clifton Terrace. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-29-at-06.52.04.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 12th May, 1849](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394656/3394658/14/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) No. 1, Clifton Place in 1846/47 was being run as a 'Boarding School for Young Ladies' by Mrs Simonnet who was a graduate of the University of Paris and a professor of languages and drawing. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-29-at-06.59.29.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-28-at-18.51.10-1.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th July, 1846](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425360/3425362/12/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) & [Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th July, 1847](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394212/3394214/10/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The first advert is from 18th July 1846 and it appears that from the advert below dated 1st July, the house was purchased and very quickly converted into a school. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-29-at-07.04.01.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th July, 1846](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425360/3425362/12/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## An Artful Dodge We are informed that one of our worthy tradesmen in Commercial-street, has just been "done," by one of the swell mob. On a recent evening, at dusk, a very smartly-dressed gentleman walked into the shop of Mr. Matthews, bootmaker, 'Commercial-street, and said he should wish to be fitted with a good pair of boots. Several pairs were accordingly shown him by the assiduous tradesman, and at length the gentleman fixed on a pair which he thought would at admirably. "But I will send you half-a-dozen pairs, to try on," said the tradesman, "if you'll oblige me by your residence." "Well, you can send to No. 5, Clifton Terrace, the residence of my brother," was the response; "but you must do so as quickly as possible." The gentleman left, and the tradesman sent up his messenger with two odd boots of different pairs, intending to send the fellow to the fitting boot as soon as the messenger returned. Going up Stow Hill with the boots, the bearer was met by the gentleman, who exclaimed, Oh. my lad, you have the boots—"I'll take them up for you, as I'm in a hurry." The boots were softly and thankfully given up. **"No. 5, Clifton Terrace," has no inhabitant—is not yet completed; and the "gentleman" has made himself and the odd boots "very scarce," perhaps to match the boots with fellows in some other place.** **—** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th November, 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424945/3424948/20/Clifton%2BOR%2BTerrace?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-28-at-08.21.23.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th October, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425173/3425175?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Keith and Tudor's Circus ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/South_Wales_Daily_Times_and_Star_of_Gwent_1889_12_17_2.jpg) [South Wales Daily Times and Star of Gwent, 17th December, 1889](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1247878487/?clipping%5Fid=183976985&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) For three months, Keith and Tudor's Circus set up a custom building in Clarence Place where gymnastics, music, 'eccentricities' and horse riders entertained people of the town. It was part of an eighteen month tour which also included Yorkshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. The last performance was on 12th April, 1890 and featured 'various contests and a duck hunt'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/image-13.png) Charlie Keith, the 'roving English clown'. (Source: V&A Museum) ### Volume 1, Number 46 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-46/ Last updated: 2025-11-01T07:02:00.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-17-at-05.27.00.png) [Evening Star of Gwent, January 10th, 1889](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1247868482/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Boat Hits Newport Bridge' On Friday, the 15th instant, the parapet of Newport Bridge got an awkward thump, in the style of a battering ram, from the bowsprit of a vessel called the Lord Sandon some portion of the wall was knocked down, but no serious damage was done to the substantial part of the bridge. It is said that no blame attached, except to the rapidly flowing tide. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd December, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394088/3394091?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Stage Coaching: Dr. Rutherfoord Harris Sets an Example' An article in the Western Mail in [July, 1900](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4341440/4341444/42/newport?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) features a photograph of a coach called The Rocket which ran between Newport and Raglan, via Tintern Abbey every fortnight. Rather than being a mail coach, it was designed for people to travel on. Here's a summary of the much longer article:- In 1904, Dr. Rutherfoord Harris, the squire of Llangibby Castle, revived the romantic spirit of old-fashioned coaching by launching a new stagecoach service called The Rocket, running from Newport to Raglan and on alternate weeks to Tintern Abbey. The project aimed to offer leisurely, scenic travel through Monmouthshire’s countryside — a nostalgic alternative to the stuffy trains and crowded steamers of the modern age. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/cleaned_newspaper_photo.jpg) The Rocket outside of the King's Head hotel. I wonder if there's a better version than this one from the Western Mail ([2nd July, 1900](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4341440/4341444/42/newport?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) The coach, built by a leading London maker and painted in dark blue and gold, was based at the King’s Head Hotel, Newport. Its inaugural trip took place on a Saturday, with a party of invited guests and journalists travelling to Raglan. The route passed through Caerleon, Llangibby, and Usk, with horse changes and refreshment stops along the way. The coach was driven by Mr. R. W. Hatt, an experienced four-in-hand coachman, and accompanied by Mr. C. D. Phillips, son of one of Britain’s most noted coach drivers. The guard, Sam Boulter, entertained with tunes on his coach horn. The outing was celebrated for its punctuality, fine weather, and beautiful scenery. At Raglan, the party dined at the Beaufort Arms Hotel, toasted Dr. Harris’s enterprise, and visited the castle ruins before returning to Newport in the evening — once again exactly on schedule. The report concluded by calling the new coach run a delightful summer experience, reviving a bygone tradition of travel, and listing the service’s timetable for those wishing to “go a-coaching” themselves. **Timetable** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-21-at-17.03.44.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## '1849 Magisterial Inspection of the Town's Beerhouses and Pill Area' Were many of the beerhouses, or, indeed, the whole of them in Newport, subject to the same kind of supervision that the licensed public-houses are, it would doubtless be better for the morals of their customers; and productive of great benefits to the community at large. A public-house which is badly conducted, not only gets heavy penalties imposed on its landlord, but is very likely to lose the license to continue such practices beyond another licensing day; but beerhouses, provided they are rated at £15 a-year, and contrive by strategy to make the police believe they are well-regulated, get fined but seldom, and are in no danger of losing their licenses, so long as the pension-draughted exchequer must be kept up by the beerhouse and other taxes. Two of our active magistrates, T. Hawkins, and T. Hughes, Esqrs., paid a visit, on Monday last, to various public-houses, to satisfy themselves, in addition to the information derived from the "blue books" of the police, on certain matters best understood by those gentlemen on personal inspection. It is gratifying to understand, that generally speaking, few towns have better conducted inns; and this remark, with an exception or two, will most likely be borne out next licensing day. The gentlemen named also visited the establishments of Mr. Parfitt, at the Dock, and Mr. Morgan, near the Western Valleys station, which are only selling under beer licenses at present; and also paid a visit to the intended establishment of Mr. James Howard, between the railway station and the new market. These houses are large and commodious, well-built, and raised at great expense; moreover, they are in localities where respectable houses of refreshment are now, and will more extensively be, required while the respectability of their possessors is some guarantee mat they will be conducted as such establishments should be. There is, therefore, every probability they will obtain licenses at the next licensing court, due notices of application for which, we understood, are given. In addition to this visit of inspection, the magistrates also viewed the locale of improvements which are proceeding, or are about to proceed, in the neighbourhood of the Cattle Market. The new streets which are intended to be formed on all the spare ground adjacent to the Pill-road, received their attention; and several suggestions were made as to width, fall, &c. The facilities for drainage—an object heretofore so culpably neglected—were also remarked and the extensive main drain now being constructed by the Tredegar Wharf Company, at the back of the new market, was praised as the best piece of work of the kind yet begun in this town. This drain is of sufficient dimensions for all that part of the town—will have a sluice at the river side to admit the tide, which, when at its height, and filling the drain, will be dropped so that at low water, the sluice being raised, the main sewer will be purged of foul accumulations by the body of water thus rushing out. Such drains as these, extending up into the town, and supplied by back water as well, would soon change the character of Newport, in the vital points of cleanliness and health. The plan for a new and capacious public slaughter-house at the back of the cattle market, was also discussed. This must meet very general approval; as we under- stand there will be copious drainage—a primary object in such erections; next, there will be its immediate proximity to the cattle market, lessening the necessity of driving cattle through the streets—avoiding the bullock-tossing perils to which the Cocknies are subjected—obviating in toto, the annoyance, danger, and difficulty of forcing animals down narrow lanes to slaughter-houses; with the paramount object of removing those pestilent nuisances from their propinquity to human habitations. Then there will be the railway communication of the Western Valleys, and of the Pontypool in perspective, and also with the landing wharf on the bank of the river, from which, a new packet for Bristol, Ireland, &c., will land its cargoes of cattle, sheep, and pigs. The inspection of this place led to the consideration of another object: the pulling down of the present unsightly cattle market entrance on each side, and erecting light palisades on the right and left of the gateways, which, if the gates be altogether removed, and a temporary railing put up on either side of the market, would form a pleasant street-way from the Commercial-road to Dock-street, give the market more publicity, and not at all damage that excellent establishment. It is said the Tredegar Wharf Company will not object to some such improvement of the place. A glance at the intended new malthouse being erected by Mr. T. F. Lewis, whose late premises have been purchased by the railway company, and at the site for the new Hope chapel, about to be begun in the same locality, together with the works of the railway stations, &c., and the places where drains ought to intersect so much important property, and the drains that do at present do duty in that quarter, completed the inspection of the magistrates, who, we know, take a deep interest in the progress and improvement of the town. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st September, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394701/3394705/57/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Window Smasher Sarah Morgan was charged with breaking eight panes of glass on the Marshes road, belonging to the house of her brother-in-law. **Ordered to make good the damage.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th June, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441878/3441881/12/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Stealing Bacon' John Heywood, the man of weak intellect," who was discharged from prison last Saturday, was charged on suspicion of stealing two pieces of bacon from tha market, on reaching Newport. There was no prosecutor.—He was discharged, but steps will be taken to send him to an Asylum.—Mr. Brown presented a paper to the Bench regarding this man. His case will be heard of again, as the Newport Union will object to being saddled with the expense of maintaining him. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th June, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441878/3441881/12/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Obstruction on Stow Hill' William Davies was summoned for obstructing Stow-hill. Defendant's trolly with a swinging beat was left standing at the bottom of Stow-hill for two hours on Tuesday morning. **Ordered to pay 4s. 6d. costs**, the Mayor advising defendant never to let his boat get aground again. (Laughters) — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th June, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441878/3441881/12/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Female Vagrants Margaret Pemberton and Mary Madden were charged with an act of vagrancy by sleeping in a shed at Barrack Hill, Newport.—Inspector Sheppard said great complaints had been made by the military authorities of the conduct of the prisoners. Permberton had been recently convicted of drunkenness. **She was sentenced to three weeks' imprisonment, and Madden to one week**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd June, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441890?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Stealing a Lamb in Malpas' William Richards was charged with stealing a lamb, the property of Edward Warren, a farmer, in the parish of Malpas. On Saturday evening last be missed one of his lambs, and could find nothing of it, but on Sunday he found one of the skins on his own grounds, partly torn to pieces by dog had seen the lamb sate on Friday. The skin was marked. Gave information to the police. Tomlinson, solicitor, appeared for the prisoner, and cross-examined the prosecutor. In answer to Inspector Sheppard, Mr. Warren said he had seen the fore-leg of a lamb, which corresponded with the skin he had found. By Mr. Tomlinson Prosecutor knew he ought to have had 27 lambs. Prisoner lives about 200 yards from where he found the skin. Tbe skill had been taken off with a knife. P.C. Hole, on receiving information of the theft, went in search, and in a shed in the occupation of the prisoner he found two legs of a lamb, one of which exactly corresponded with a portion cf the skin found on the ground. He took prisoner into custody on the charge, but he denied all knowledge of it. Whilst bringing him to the station prisoner asked if Sergt. Povah went into the shed or not. Declined to answer the prisoner. In the shed he also found a handful of wool. There was an indication that the skin was hid in the hedge, that it had been brought out, and had been torn by dogs. **The Bench regarded the evidence as inconclusive, and discharged the prisoner**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd June, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441890?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-20-at-08.23.15.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd June, 1876](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441890?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Little Miss Nobody at The Lyceum' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-21-at-07.26.09-1.png) [South Wales Argus, 16th September, 1899](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143841033/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) Little Miss Nobody, was a musical comedy in two acts, written by Harry Graham, with music by Arthur E. Godfrey and additional music by Landon Ronald, was produced by Tom B. Davis at the Lyric Theatre, London, on 14 September 1898\. It ran for 200 performances, closing on 18 March 1899, before then heading to places like the Lyceum. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/image-10.png) The poster from the Lyric Theatre in London, 1899 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Genteel Lodgings on Hill Street' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-21-at-07.37.21.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd September, 1852](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395549?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The house mentioned in this advert from the Monmouthshire Merlin from December 3rd, 1852 is no longer there but would have been in this approximate area (Talbot Lane wouldn't have existed then). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-21-at-07.37.10.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-24-at-07.27.18.png) [South Wales Argus, 8th November, 1919](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144002118?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/21479177062_82245bffbe_c-2.jpg) Source: [Newport Photos](https://www.flickr.com/photos/newportphotoarchive/with/21479177062/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'What's On Sale At Cordey's in 1876?' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-20-at-08.25.11.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-20-at-08.25.30.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-20-at-08.25.42.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-20-at-08.26.14.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd June, 1876](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441890?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-21-at-07.40.55.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd September, 1852](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395549?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Beef Stealer Transported for Second Time' Thomas Day was indicted for stealing 3lbs of beef, at Newport, the property of Hugh Morgan, butcher, his master. Mr G. Somerset, was counsel for the prosecution. Miss Duckham saw the robbery and Mr. Morgan found the beef in prisoner's pocket. Prisoner told Sergt. Harlow he could not imagine how the meat got into his pocket! Guilty, but recommended to mercy by the jury. The prisoner then pleaded guilty to a former conviction, which the chairman said was an answer to the recommendation to mercy. Independent of the present case, the prisoner had been thrice convicted of theft, besides minor offences; and moreover, he had been transported, but obtained a remission of part of his sentence, from good conduct. The chairman regretted all this punishment had produced no good effect on the prisoner, who must, therefore, be now transported for ten years. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd December, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395549/3395551?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-20-at-08.44.35.png) [The Evening Star of Gwent, 2nd March, 1889](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1247869438/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Houses For Sale Near Hand Post' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-21-at-08.20.25.png) [**Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd December, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395549/3395551?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) On the tithe map of the early 1840s, this is marked as 'Two Houses and a Garden' so may be those or potentially across the road. Nothing remains of the houses. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-21-at-08.19.36.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Fire in Cross Street At four o'clock on Sunday morning, Police-Constables May and Kear discovered a fire in the bakery at the back of Mr Collins's shop, Upper Cross-street. The reel and hose were taken from the Albert Hall, and a quantity of water poured on the burning building. The fire was soon put out, but the bakehouse was destroyed. The origin of the fire is not known. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th November, 1883*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407216/3407221?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-22-at-08.19.37-1.png) According to a street directory [from the time](https://www.newportpast.com/records/directories/butchers1876/search.php?road=Cross%20street&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), Mr Collins' shop is likely to have been in the area circled above. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-24-at-07.25.38.png) [South Wales Argus, 8th November, 1919](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144002118?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ### Volume 1, Number 45 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-45/ Last updated: 2025-11-01T14:26:22.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Pont Ebbw Mill ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-08-at-07.09.22.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th April, 1861](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399613/3399617/18/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) For Sale in 1861 was a large selection of farming stock and household furniture of Pont Ebbw Mill. The mill was there in 1840 when the [tithe map](https://places.library.wales/browse/51.567/-3.018/17.5?locationName=Newport+%2F+Casnewydd%2C+Newport&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) was drawn up and is still there today alongside the SDR. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-08-at-07.11.02.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-20.33.33.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd August, 1884](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407558?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A Melancholy and Fatal Accident We regret to have to record a melancholy occurrence, attended with a fatal result, which took place in this town on Wednesday last. It appears from the information we have received that the unfortunate deceased, who had been for some years a servant of Mr. Moses Scard, of this town, was, on Wednesday, sent by his master with a cart-load of beans to Ebbw Mill, on the Cardiff-road and on returning to Newport, whether from been incautiously riding on the shafts of the cart, or from any other circumstance, is not yet known, he fell under the wheel, and the cart passed over the middle of his body, which was shockingly crushed, and the spine was completely broken. The unfortunate man was immediately removed to his own house, and was placed under the skilful treatment of W. Brewer, Esq., surgeon; but the injuries he had sustained were irreparable,—he died in a few hours after. The deceased was about 38 years of age, and was a man of sober and industrious habits. He has left a widow and three destitute children. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th September, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425153/3425156/17/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'For Sale: Farming Stock at Ty Llwyd Farm' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-08-at-08.07.48.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th April, 1861](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399613/3399617/18/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) For sale in April 1861 was farming stock at Ty Llwyd Farm which was located in the Ridgeway area of Newport. The farm is long gone and [according to the tithe map](https://places.library.wales/browse/51.589/-3.015/16.4?locationName=Newport+%2F+Casnewydd%2C+Newport&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) the late Henry Matthews who occupied the farm also had quite a bit of land in the Ridgeway area. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-08-at-08.07.10.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-08-at-08.07.26.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Snake Dancer' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-12.44.49.png) [South Wales Argus, 16th October, 1912](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144063973?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) The Snake Dancer was a 1912 Danish silent film by Alfred Lind, also known as *Bjørnetæmmeren* (The Bear Tamer). It tells the story of a bear tamer who joins a traveling circus and marries a snake dancer. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/image-7.png) Source: [Stumfilm](https://www.stumfilm.dk/en/stumfilm/streaming/film/bjornetaemmeren?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Publicans' Offences William Tucker, of the South Wales Railway Inn, Baneswell, was summoned for having persons in his house on Good Friday afternoon. No beer was found by the policeman.—The defendant said one of the parties was a man who was ill, and had dropped in to rest himself; the other was a boy waiting for the train. **The Rev. Thomas Pope**: You must pay the expenses. Another conviction will, I am afraid, deprive you of your license. Ebenezer Williams, Liswerry, was ordered to pay costs, his house having been found open at an illegal hour. William Brain, of the King of Prussia, Christchurch, was summoned for supplying beer during divine service on Good Friday. Defendant acknowledged that his wife did supply a man with a glass of gin and water at the door; but the policeman said a man and woman were inside. To pay costs. Samuel Berry, Christchurch, was charged with permitting drinking in his house on Palm Sunday morning. The individual seen there was, it seemed, a man who had walked five or six miles to flower graves, and bad got wet through.—Case dismissed. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th April, 1861*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399613/3399615?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Dos Works Lads' Five of the Dos Works lads were charged with throwing stones in the streets, —thereby considerably damaging the doors of certain dwellings in the neighbourhood of Baneswell.—Inspector Williams said the conduct of the boys employed at the Dos Works, when returning from their work at an early hour in the morning, was a source of continued annoyance; and that the only way of dealing with them was by summoning them before the magistrates, the parents taking offence if the police inflicted summary chastisement. Mr. Fox said the practice was very dangerous to passers by Mr. Watkins, of Stow- hill, said that damage to the amount of 30s. had in this way been done to his property; but he was not prepared to say that the offenders were the boys now charged. Alderman Evana remarked that it was rather a difficult matter upon which to adjudicate. He did not wish to send the lads to prison. It was not to be supposed, however, that the property of the town was to be left to their mercy; and he thought the most advisable way would be to **give each of them a whipping**. Hoping that such a course would be taken by their parents, he should inflict upon each a fine of 1s., at the same time cautioning them that future offenders would certainly be dealt with more hardly, as they rendered themselves liable to a penalty of 40s. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th April, 1861*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399622?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Trespassing in Christchurch' William Small was summoned for committing a trespass by walking over some garden ground, belonging to Henry Buckler. The defendant said he done no injury, and was afraid to turn back, the defendant's brother was threatening him so strongly. Ordered to pay the expenses 4s. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th April, 1861*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399631/3399633?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Not Drunk, Only Stupefied' Thomas Pollard was charged with a like offence \[being incapably drunk\] on Caerleon-road. > Defendant said he was "not drunk, only stupified; having drank but a shilling's worth of brandy and a pint of beer during the day." Ordered to pay the costs, 6s. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th April, 1861*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399631/3399633?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Throwing a Stone at a Sister' Alice Whitson was charged with assaulting Mary Smith, at Pillgwenlly, on Saturday, by throwing a stone at her. It appeared that the parties are sisters, and complainant owed defendant a small sum of money, the nonpayment of which was the cause of the quarrel. Case dismissed. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th April, 1861*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399631/3399633?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-08-at-08.30.57.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th April, 1861](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399622?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-08.36.06.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st November, 1872](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3404340?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/image-5.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-08.07.39.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th January, 1863](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400136/3400140?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Plum Pudding Parade **POOR CHILDREN ENTERTAINED AT NEWPORT.** The twentieth annual New Year's treat for the poor children of Newport took place on Thursday in the Athletic Club Gymnasium, where about 2,400 boys and girls were served with hot dinners of roast beef and plum *pudding*. The Mayor (Mr. W. M. Blackburn) headed the plum pudding parade from Messrs. Dowdall's Cooking Depot into the gymnasium. There were fourteen carving tables, each with its separate staff of stewards and helpers. The treat, which costs roughly about £200, is one of the most popular charities in the town. At the head of it is the mayor (as president), the Rev. Harry Abraham (general hon. secretary), the Rev. E. Walrond Skinner (catering hon secretary), and Mr. J. Martin Wood (hon. treasurer). Beside the dinners, the children are given bags of oranges, apples, buns, and sweets, and an entertainment. > The cripples are looked after separately, and out of the leavings soup is made and given away. Mr. Danter gave the children a free ride on his roundabout horses before the dinners. Miss Bassett and lady helpers had, as usual, a canteen upstairs for the army of workers. — [*Evening Express, 7th January, 1910*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4213191/4213193/31/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-12.51.55.png) South Wales Argus, 18th October, 1912 (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Oldest Newport Pilot One of the characters of this port was on Monday buried in the beautiful new cemetery near this town—good old "Tom Brown," who was the first captain commanding a steamer running between Chepstow and Bristol; was then pilot No. 1 for this port; next took command of the Severn screw steamer between this port and Bristol (holding his pilot commission meanwhile) and then, resuming his tough and worn old pilot boat, No. 1, almost "dying in harness" a few days since, nearly 80 years of age, respected by his brother pilots, and all others. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th January, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400136/3400141?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Strange Use of a Volunteer Drill Hall Probably the Seventh Monmouthshire Volunteers, like many other people, will argue that they have a perfect right to do what they choose with their own. Legally, however, this argument does not always hold good and there are times, even when the law does not step in and, by a proper interference, prove it to be fallacious, that moral obligations aid a sense of what is due to decency and propriety, place a salutary check upon the adoption of measures which, according to this axiom, and without provoking any unpleasant interposition on the part of the "authorities," might be carried out to their fullest extent. But not always do motives of morality and a desire for the observance of decorum and the maintenance of respectability prevail with either individuals or bodies collective, when by exercising "the right," personal gratification or pecuniary gain can be secured. There are persons who no doubt consider these ends sufficiently important to justify any means; but, without arguins that point, we may ask what can be thought or said of those who, even without these inducements, employ "their right" so as to outrage social order and abet ruffianism? This appears to be the position in which the Seventh Monmouthshire Volunteers have placed themselves—or some one acting as their representative has done it for them. The Drill Hall in Dock-street, the private property of the corps, has been hired by a gang of as nice a specimen of vagabondism as the town has witnessed for many a day—" respectable" members of the "P.R." profession, including "Patsy Reardon," the Brighton Doctor," and a "host of provincial and London talent"—for an exhibition of the most brutal and degrading character. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/image-6.png) Patsy Reardon, mentioned in the article in a fight with Bob Travers in 1862\. ([Source](https://www.boxingtreasures.com/bobtrvsparea.html?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) Prize fighting, notwithstanding its noble patronage, and the ingenious arguments of its promoters in its favour, is a scandal to a Christian land and between the disgrace and culpability of participating or encouraging in an actual "encounter" in the ring, and countenancing a sham "set-to" in a private building, for the purpose of showing off the "abilities" of the brutes in human form, we can discern little difference. Therefore, as we would not insult the, humanity of the members of the Seventh by supposing they could derive pleasure from witnessing the kind of skill displayed in such an exhibition; nor willingly presume that they are so poor as to regard the paltry two pounds for which the hall was let, as an augmentation of their exchequer sufficiently large to justify them in pursuing any course rather than let it slip from their hands we cannot find any excuse for their suffering their property to be appropriated to what we must designate so disreputable a purpose. We are informed that application was made in another quarter for the convenience required, but this was very properly refused and efforts were made by the police, pursuant to the instructions of the magistrates, on its being known that the drill hall had been secured, to prevent it being used but it was found that the law had no power over private buildings. It therefore seems that had not the Seventh obligingly conceded their premises, the town would have escaped the disgrace attaching to a mill and the redoubtable champions would have been necessitated to seek a new field in which to make a profit out of the prostitution of their physical powers. It is a disagreeable task thus to write in respect to the doings of Volunteers but what they have done is matter of censure on the part of all the respectable portion of the community, and while no good could arise from our winking at the circumstance, possibly this public mention of the matter may prevent a like unfortunate and, at least, ill-advised step in future. At all events, if in the strictures we have thought fit to make, injustice has been done the corps—if the hall was let through any misunderstanding as to the real object for which it was required—an opportunity will be afforded of correcting any erroneous impression which may be afloat in the public mind. For the credit of the corps, we would fain believe, either that the hall was let by some individual member without the sanction or knowledge of the officers or the corps generally, or that there was softie mistake as to the character of the persons with or on behalf of whom the engagement was made. But if the latter was the case, could not the contract have been cancelled when the truth was known? — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 31st January, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400148/3400153?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-08-at-08.31.48.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th April, 1861](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399622?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Keeping a Male Servant Without a License' John Neck, landlord of the Dock Hotel, was summoned for keeping a male ser- vant without a license.—Mr. Hare, supervisor, appeared to prosecute. Defendant said he had a boy in his employ to do the work about the house, and he admitted that the boy helped in the stable, but was not employed for that purpose. When he took out a license he had no man and could not get one. If he had done wrong it was done in ignorance.—The case was proved, and the Magistrates inflicted the lowest mitigated penalty of £5\. — [Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st November, 1872](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3404340/3404342?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/21302522848_2132ef41a3_z.jpg) Source: [Newport Photos](https://www.flickr.com/photos/newportphotoarchive/with/21464116706?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Goods on the Pavement **FIRST PROSECUTION IN 50 YEARS** Four well-known Newport tradesmen were summoned at the local Police Court, on Friday, for obstruction. The defendants were William Morgan, Clarence-place, James Spiers, Caerleon-road; Mary Ann Tuft and Harry Bartlett, each of Corporation-road. Mr J. Moxon, who appeared for all the defendants, said they admitted a technical breach of the law, and pointed out that, though contrary to the law, the practice of displaying goods outside tradesmen's shops had been in vogue for 50 years, during which time there had been no prosecution under the Act. They did not dispute the cases, but thought the tradesmen generally should be warned of the illegality of doing this. It would be obviously unfair to penalise the defendants while permitting other tradesmen to continue the practice. The Bench decided to dismiss the summonses, the defendants each being ordered to pay 4s. 6d. costs, and it was understood that all tradesmen should be warned not to display their goods on the public pavement. — [*South Wales Argus, 18th October, 1912*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144064041/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-17-at-05.32.03.png) [Evening Star of Gwent, 10th January, 1889](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1247868486/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Concentrated Aromatic Ozonising Fluid Sprayed Between Each Performance' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-13.02.42.png) [South Wales Argus, 18th October, 1911 ](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144048684/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)(Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Dog Fights We are forced to observe that dog fights are of rather frequent occurrence in our streets; and we regret that many individuals, little less brutal than the infuriated animals, seem to take a savage pleasure in these disgusting exhibitions. A shocking scene of this description occurred on Pill-road, on Thursday se'nnight; and a great number of people had gathered around to witness it: the dogs had taken a firm hold of each other, and several persons in the crowd were humanely endeavouring to separate them, dragging and beating them violently, but to no purpose when a young gentleman, who was passing, went into a grocer's shop near at hand, procured "a pinch of snuff," and applied it to the noses of the animals. The effect was instantaneous; each dog relinquished his hold, and they both started ofl' as if electrified. This circumstance will be regarded with satisfaction by the humane, as well from the simplicity as from the effectiveness of the remedy. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th March, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394621/3394624/20/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'George Street Drain — Oozing Silently and Poisonously' There is a small house in George-street, with a shop in front, and a back parlour—the whole so ricketty, that it shakes ominously as you walk across the floor; and beneath this fabric is a cellar, opening into the back premises, > ...in which dark and noisome place the great choked-up drain of George-street has been oozing silently and poisonously for many years... so that when this hole was at one time used as a stable, three horses died there. The foul and pestilential den has been peeped into by Mr. Superintendent English, one of the nuisance inspectors, and we may therefore now hope that the cause of three horses' death, and who knows how many Christians' in the neighbourhood will speedily be cleansed out, and made pure and healthy. We are glad to notice that throughout this quarter, daily evidence is being exhibited of the indefatigable perseverance of Mr. English, in the work of sanitary improvement. The only wonder is, how any man could be found alive, after the exposure to such poisonous holes, which one's health must be subject to in the work of a nuisance-finder. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th March, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394621/3394624/20/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-20.09.57.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th July, 1847](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394217/3394219?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Best Swimmer in Newport Drowns' William Havard, a poor man about seventy years old, who had enjoyed the reputation of being the best swimmer in Newport, imprudently went into the river opposite Mr. Powell's wharf, yesterday morning, to swim, but something being perceived to affect him, a boat was shoved off, and the old man was brought ashore a corpse. Mr. J. Harrhy, surgeon, was immediately in attendance, but without avail— the vital spark had fled. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th June, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394197/3394199/29/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Blue Women A neat and respectable procession of females, who, we understand, rejoice in the appellation of "Blue Women," although they did not look as if they had the "blues" on this occasion, at least, attended a place of worship on Tuesday, decorated in the various distinctions and honours of the "order." ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/blue_women_cropped_framed--1-.jpg) ChatGPT generated After a sufficiently public promenade of the town, they sat down to the customary annual dinner, of the right sort, in their club room at the Sunderland Inn, Llanarth-street, where they spent the evening in a decorous and happy manner. It is, doubtless, wise in the "better halfs" to assist their husbands in providing against a rainy day, **though public processions do not exactly belong to females**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th July, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394217/3394220/27/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## 'Club of Wives and Spinsters' On Monday last, the club of wives and spinsters, who prudently save the means while in health, to Provide for the times of sickness and death, and who meet for hat good purpose at the Market Boat Inn, Stow Hill, enjoyed heir anniversary in good style, in their club room, after hearing a good religious address, and parading the streets in their "best bib and tucker." There is scarcely a necessity for us to add, that the "husbands and sweethearts," not a few, were in attendance at the post-prandial festivities, not only to participate therein, but also to escort their partners home at a fitting hour, as became the gallant Lotharios and Benedicts. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th July, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394217/3394220/27/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-14-at-08.37.32.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th March, 1858](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397839/3397843?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Volume 1, Number 44 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-44/ Last updated: 2025-11-01T14:26:41.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Newport Camera Club: Lantern Exhibition' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-07-at-08.13.30.png) [South Wales Argus, 30th November, 1892](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143541936/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) **AN INTERESTING ENTERTAINMENT** The Newport Camera Club announce an unusual and highly interesting entertainment to be given at the Town-hall on Thursday evening next, when there will be a lantern exhibition of views in the wonderful Yosemite Valley, together with scenes in other parts of America and views of local scenery. Mr E.H. Watts, F.R.G.S., the President of the Society, has consented to act as hon. lanternist, and the large number of pictures which have been placed at the disposal of the Society from California and elsewhere, will render the exhibition a thoroughly enoyable entertainment. — [*South Wales Argus, 30th November, 1892*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143541936/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/image-3.png) A magic lantern (**lanterna magica*) was an early type of image projector that used pictures on transparent plates. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/NewportCastlec1800-1.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-10-at-08.18.37.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th August, 1846](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425375?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Devon Place Lighting' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-07-at-08.50.11.png) The two lights in the photo could be in the location of the ones mentioned in the article. It was resolved to place a lamp in front of the houses in the borough. Mr. Moore at the same time promising that another should be erected facing the houses at the other end. An opinion was expressed that there ought to be a lamp at the top of the road from the Gold Tops Villas to Devon-place, but several members observed that the proper time to entertain that matter was when an application came before them. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th October, 1860*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399255/3399257?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-25-at-07.00.49.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th October, 1869](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438647/3438651/21/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/21619450515_b5e9555397_c.jpg) Source: [Newport Photos](https://www.flickr.com/photos/newportphotoarchive/21619450515/in/dateposted/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Fossett's Grand Circus ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/South_Wales_Argus_1892_11_30_1.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/South_Wales_Argus_1892_11_26_1.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/South_Wales_Argus_1892_11_29_1.jpg) South Wales Argus, 26th November — 30th November, 1892 A good programme is again provided at Fossett's Circus. More changes have been made from last week, and we are now introduced to Miss Harriet Chapman, whose performance on the telephone wire is a daring a graceful one. Mons. Findlow gives an exhibition of his great powers as a jocket act rider, and in this respect Master T. Fossett is a shining juvenile light. Miss J. Powell was well received in her bar act, which fairly brought down the house. Funny Harry's "Clown Justice" was a very laughable item. Mr J. Fossett introduced "Wenlock," a highly educated horse, and considerable amusement is obtained from a grand riding competition, in which £6 is offered to the one who rides round the arena 12 times standing up on horseback, £3 for six times, £1 for three times, and purse of silver to the one making the best attempt. The successful competitors will ride off on Saturday evening for a silver medal and free admission. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/image-4.png) ChatGPT-generated image. A daring performance is that of Darlino in a den of four magnificent lions. There were a number of other features, and the exhibition is one of a highly deserving character. — [*South Wales Argus, 30th November, 1892*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143541939/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Charge of Stealing a Sack Thomas Smith was charged on remand with stealing a new sack, which had been found upon him, and for which he could not reasonably account. Inspector Sheppard said that he could not get sufficient evidence to convict the prisoner, and **the Bench therefore discharged him**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th October, 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438671/3438673?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### The Old Grudge Robert Capper, a cattle dealer, of Christchurch, brother to the defendant who was ccnvicted of a most brutal assault on Prudence Coomer, by the Borough Bench on Friday, was charged with assaulting Mr. James Young, a farmer, of Christchurch. Complainant stated that on Monday he met the defendant on Liswerry bridge, and accosted him with "Good morning." Asked where he was off to, and he said he was going to see after Charley at Newport, who was in custody. He added, > "If it had not been for you, you ——— old scamp, he would not have been there." Prisoner then threatened to give him the vilest beating he ever had with the ash stick in his hand. Told him that he ought to be ashamed of himself so to threaten a decrepit old man like he was. Defendant came to the tail end of his gig, and attempted to pull him off. Complainant did his best to protect himself, and struck defendant with a whip. Defendant said, shaking his stick, "You shall have it some time or other." James Morgan was summoned at the instance of defendant. He was in the trap with complainant, and saw the whole proceeding. From the witness's evidence it appeared that there was fault on both sides. **The Bench bound defendant over to keep the peace for six months, and to pay costs**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th October, 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438671/3438673?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing Bread Margaret Campbell, a most violent Irish woman, was charged with stealing a loaf from the bake-house of Mr. Venn, of Reform-buildings. It appeared that she was in the habit of baking at the complainant's bake-house, and on the day in question she went to fetch her own four loaves and then clandestinely slipped a fifth loaf, belonging to another party, into her apron, and walked off. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-25-at-07.26.02-1.png) The location of the Reform Buildings which were on the location of the old Newport Centre. The son of the prosecutor saw her take the loaf, but at the time presumed that it was her own. Prisoner was given in charge of P.C. Langtrey, and then her husband interfered and threatened to split the head of the officer and also of the prosecutor. There were some doubt surrounding the case, and the Bench gave the prisoner the benefit of it. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th October, 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438671/3438673?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-25-at-07.55.06.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th July, 1834](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391484/3391486?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/IMG_1621.jpg) The Post Office, High Street in 1907 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Monument to the Late Sir Charles Morgan On Monday last, a meeting of the committee took placc at the Town Hall; on which occasion. Joseph Bailey, Esq.. M P Samuel Homfray, Esq.; and other gentlemen came to inspect the models and design. The model submitted by "Val Y. Gallo" appeared to be the general favourite and on taking the sense of the committee, it was unanimously adopted it consists of a sitting figure of the venerable Baronet—a striking likeness, on a tasteful pedestal, the sides of which are decorated with agricultural emblems, in alto relievo. It is the production of Mr. Thomas, a gentleman of the Principality. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th December, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425474/3425476?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-02-at-07.53.09.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th March, 1841](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393390?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-08-at-08.15.58.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th April, 1861](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399613/3399617/18/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Beefeaters of Pill' The beef eaters of Pill have been amply cared for by that excellent caterer, Mr. Roe. butcher, of that place; who has offered to their inspection and appetites, the big heifer, and the prime Devon heifer, purchased from Mr. Wm. Keene. or Goldcliff-the theme of much admiration; as were also the fine mountain wethers, purchased of the same grazier, which were said to be equal to the finest venison. With a just discrimination, the good folks of Pillgwenlly have given Mr. Roe a capital Christimas box, by almost wholly clearing his shambles of the above fine stock. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th December, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425474/3425476?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'To Let: Coldra Farm' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-06-at-08.26.13.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th November, 1879](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406076/3406080?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-06-at-08.26.45.png) To let in 1879 was Coldra Farm which has long since disappeared. It would have been located at the top entrance to the Celtic Manor Resort just off Catsash Road. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-06-at-08.27.00.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Waits The quiet of these long nights before Christmas has been occasionally agreeably broken by the "concord of sweet sounds" produced by the Newport Waits, who delight the sense of listeners with soft airs on the old harp of Wallia and the violin. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th December, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425474/3425476?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Who were the Newport Waits? I've only managed to find a single reference to them in the Monmouthshire Merlin. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-02-at-16.29.09.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th July, 1853](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395689?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-03-at-13.40.03.png) [South Wales Weekly Argus, 2nd August, 1913](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144049383/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Royal Oak Hill: Then and Now' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/IMG_1624.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-06-at-15.22.24-1.png) A cottage on Royal Oak Hill today and an unknown date. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Park Machine' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-08-at-07.24.51.png) Located on the edge of Tredegar Park on Park Junction was the Park Machine which was used for weighing trains passing through on the way to Newport. An article in the Monmouthshire Merlin on the 14th April, 1849 title '[Experimental Trips on the Tram Road](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394636/3394639/26/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)' described one trip by a train with 55 trams of coal which ran through Park Junction onto Courtybella Junction and ending at George Street. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-08-at-07.38.21.png) There's a building remaining in the area which looks out-of-place compared to the surrounding properties and does look like it's in the same location as the building circled in the OS map above. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-08-at-07.27.26.png) This property looks to be a part of the Park Machine building on the OS map above. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-02-at-16.30.24.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th July, 1853](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395689?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Mad Dogs At a council meeting in April 1861. *Mr. Knapp drew attention to the fact that several dogs supposed to be mad were at large in the streets. Only a few days previously a child had died from hydrophobia \[rabies\]; and the public should be protected from the dangerous animals which, of all descriptions, roamed about the streets in large numbers.* *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th April, 1861*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399613/3399615?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-03-at-13.41.41.png) [South Wales Weekly Argus, 2nd August, 1913](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144049383/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Volume 1, Number 43 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-43/ Last updated: 2025-10-11T06:48:38.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Tannaker's Temple of Japan On 27th July, 1881, Tannaker's Japanese Troupe arrived in Newport to perform at the Victoria Hall for a few days. The troupe was run by [Tannaker Buhicrosan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tannaker%5FBuhicrosan?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), a man who's identity is a mystery but may have been born in Liverpool in 1840. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-30-at-06.59.50.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd July, 1881](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440753/3440757?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The show consisted of acrobatic and juggling feats and each visitor would walk away with a Japanese curiosity such as the ones listed in the advert. At a meeting of the Newport Board of Guardians shortly after the shows mentions that an invitation to attend had been sent to the Workhouse but was left up to the Master to decide who should be allowed to attend. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-30-at-07.06.56.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th August, 1881](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440771/3440779/88?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Excursions to France with Great Western' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-30-at-07.23.30.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd July, 1881](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440753/3440757?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/ViewofNewportTowardsCaerleon-.jpg) View of Newport from Town Hall Looking Towards Caerleon. Source: The Newport Pictorial ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Pitch and Toss Nuisance Mr. G. W. Jones said as they were now on the Watch Committee, he would ctll attention to the disorderly state of Lower Cross-street, on Sunday afternoons. He did not know what the police were doing on these afternoons, but the state of that locality was most disgraceful. They would play pitch and toss, and the noise was audible at his own house and the respectable inhabitants in the vicinity complained bitterly about it. His object in speaking was to call the attention of the Chief Superintendent of Police to the matter, that he might request his men to attend to this locality. The Chief Superintendent said there were constantly cases before the Magistrates, but there was a difficulty in catching them. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th December, 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438743/3438745/5/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-03-at-13.37.41.png) [South Wales Weekly Argus, 24th August, 1912](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144061399/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Wilfully Damaging Grass' Isaac Fox was summoned for wilfully damaging the grass in a field belonging to Mr. Wm. Graham and others, near the Cemetery. Defendant said he was only walking along an old path, as he had done hundreds of times before; and, besides, there was no board up to caution the public against walking along the field. George White, who stated the case, acknowledged that no damage was done by defendant. There were some boards up to give notice against trepassing. Mr. Robt. Graham said he had no desire to press the case against the defendant, he only wished to caution him and the public not to repeat the trespass. The Mayor said he had known the fields for 35 years, and there were no other paths there, but what had been made by trespassers. **Cautioned not to repeat the offence, and case dismissed**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th May, 1853*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395653/3395655/9/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Fresh, Not Drunk' James Thompson was charged with being drunk and disorderly. Thompson said he was "fresh," not drunk; and was going home all right, when taken. It was shown by P.C. Jenkins, that last night, about twelve o'clock, the defendant was quarrelling with his wife and sister in the street, and an old man was struck by Thompson, without provocation. Defendant indignantly and vehemently repelled the accusation that he had struck an old man. **Fined 5s. and costs, or 14 days' imprisonment.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th May, 1853*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395653/3395655/9/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### The Bid-Ale Nuisance John Walford re-appeared this morning to answer the complainant and information of Mr. Superintendent Hopkins, for selling beer in his dwelling-house, in Friars' fields, without a license, against the statute in that case made and provided. David Stephens, one of the party who had been drinking at the defendant's house, gave evidence in support of the information. **Walford said**: It was not me who sold the beer. The beer witness drank was sent out for to a public-house. **Mr. Pike**: It don't matter where it came from you sold it in your house. **Mr. Hughes to Walford**: You sold beer at Stow Fair, didn't you, without a license, also? **Walford**: Yes. sir, hut I sold under the license of the Three Cups, kept by Mr. Chapman. He couldn't go, so I sold for him. **Mr. Hughes:** You had no right to sell with another man's license. **The Mayor to Walford**: I advise you to take more caution in future not to sell beer without a license, for we are determined to punish all who do so. Fortunately for you the evidence is not quite satisfactory, and you are discharged Mr Pike, the clerk here addressed the Bench in a whisper, when... The Mayor informed Walford that his case was remanded to Thursday, in order to obtain further evidence against him. John Morgan also re-appeared on a similar charge. William Williams gave evidence against Morgan in support of the information, and proved that he bought beer in the house, and paid for it at the usual price. There were several other persons drinking there at the same time. **Morgan**: I didn't see Williams in my house for the night. **Mr. Pike**: Perhaps not. None so blind as those who won't see. Convicted in £5 and costs, and in default of payment within seven days, a distress warrant would be issued. Mr. Hughes addressed the prisoner on his illegal dealings observing that it was very lucky for him (the defendant), that the excise took no notice of his transactions. Elizabeth Rees, a drunken and disorderly prostitute, was he next put forward. P.C. Hopkins proved that he found the prisoner on last Friday night, about half-past eleven, very drunk, and fighting, and on ordering her to move on, she ordered him to mind his business and move off; and finding that she violated the directions the Mayor had lately given, he took her to the station-house and locked her up. The prisoner, with much effrontery, denied all knowledge of the matter. **Mayor**: Were you so very drunk, then, that you cannot remember what you did? **Prisoner**: I was sir. **Mayor**: Well, that's candid, and I now sentence you to receive two month's imprisonment in the New House of Correction, in solitary confinement. Elizabeth Power, who said she was Elizabeth Sewell, at home, was charged with drunken and disorderly conduct. > The prisoner was the perfect impersonation of a drunken, fighting, and bullying she-fiend from the Fields, with a black eye, swollen nose, scratched face, bleared eyes, tattered garments, and a bold, audacious expression of countenance, as far as any was left. Sergeant Harlow proved the case against the prisoner, and some previous history of her proceedings, from which it appeared that she had been in prison seven or eight times, for drunken and other bad conduct. **Sentenced to six weeks imprisonment in the New House of Correction, at Usk, in solitary confinement.** The New House of Correction in Usk had recently opened in July, 1843 — [*Monmoutshire Merlin, 15th July, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393978/3393981?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Obstruction in Skinner Street' George Huntley was charged with causing an obstruction in Skinner-street, by allowing a cart and waggon to remain there a whole night. **Fined 5s. and costs.** John Jacobs admitted a similar charge, and was **also fined 5s. and costs.** Thomas Ponsford, charged with a similar offence, was **fined 5s. and costs**. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th December 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438731/3438733?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Alleged Theft of a Shawl Martha Harris was charged with stealing a shawl, the property of Eliza Ann Venn. Prosecutrix said she was a dressmaker, and was working at Mr. Bown's, in Commercial-road, on Friday, and put her shawl in the passage. She missed it after dinner, and told Mr. Bown. Knew prisoner as Mr. Bown's servant. James Bown said he lived in Commercial-road, and the prisoner had been his servant. On Friday Miss Venn's shawl was missing, and they made a search and found it in ol the boiler grate in the back kitchen. He called prisoner, and she asked to be excused. Other evidence was taken calculated to excite suspicion against the prisoner. The prisoner pleaded not guilty, and could give no explanation as to how the shawl came in the grate. The magistrates, after a full inquiry, said that owing to the doubt surrounding the case, it would be dismissed, and ordered the girl to be given into the charge of her father, at the same time telling him to take care of her in the future, as she had a narrow escape. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th December, 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438731/3438733?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/BelleVuePark_doubled.jpg) Source: [Newport Photos on Flickr](https://www.flickr.com/photos/newportphotoarchive/21490364465/in/dateposted/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-25-at-06.59.17.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th October, 1869](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438647/3438651/21/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Pavements and Crossings We have been informed on good authority, that the very defective state of the pavements, to which we alluded last week, is about to be partially remedied, some hundred feet of new pavement being intended to be laid down in the required places. There are, it is said, many sufficient reasons why this has not been accomplished long before, and which we may be able to furnish to the public in a short time. Meanwhile we believe a meeting of Commissioners will be held next Monday, when we hope the dangerous pavements and filthy crossings of this town will meet with immediate consideration and remedy. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th March, 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393390/3393393?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Herr Schallehn at Williams's Rooms' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-02-at-07.27.35.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th March, 1841](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393385/3393387?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) In March 1841, [Herr Schallehn](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry%5FSchallehn?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (also known as Heinrich Schallehn and John Henry Frederick Schallehn) visited Williams's Rooms on Commercial Street to perform a new violen concerto along with a selection of other styles of music. Schallehn was a violinist, clarinetist, bandmaster, and teacher born in Prussia in 1815 and died in London in 1891\. He spent time in Canada as well as becoming the conductor at the Crystal Palace between 1854-55. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-02-at-07.46.12.png) According to an advert in the Merlin in January 1841 for a concert in Chepstow, her was also the conductor of the orchestra at Buckingham Palace. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/image.png) Herr Schallehn is the person on the far right. [Source](https://www.britishempire.co.uk/forces/armyunits/britishcavalry/17thlancersband1853.htm?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) He also returned in August 1841 to lead the orchestra at a Grand Music Festival at St Woolos Church. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-02-at-07.30.47.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st August, 1841](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393505/3393507/6/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Pillgwenlly Gas *To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.* Sir,—Pillgwenlly, that moat important portion of our town has recently undergone several improvements. The roads are carefully scraped, and the rubbish removed the well, the resort of the idle and dissolute, has undergone considerable improvement; the supply of spring water is greater; whilst a pipe of soft water has been added; (thanks to the perseverance of Mr. William Jones, the present Agent to the Tredegar Wharf Company,) whilst, though last, not least, a Post-office is shortly to be established, and this place brought under Penny-post system. Still, manifold as are these improvements, there is another that requires immediate attention, *viz.* the lighting it with gas. The present number of inhabitants of this place, tradesmen, shopkeepers, and others, saying nothing about those persons who have to visit it upon business after dark, calls loudly for this convenience. The proper authorities are respectfully requested to look into this matter. Considering the very short distance between this placc and the present gas works, whose pipes extend already down to the Salutation it surprising the **Pillgwentonians** have been so long kept darkness. l am, Sir, yours, &c., IMPROVEMENTICUS — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th March, 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393395/3393397?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Welsh Prince ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-30-at-07.27.29.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd July, 1881](http://newportpast.com/maritime/09river%5Fwharves.php?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) An advert from 1881 the Welsh Prince service between Bristol and Newport. [According to Newport Past](http://newportpast.com/maritime/09river%5Fwharves.php?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), the boat was owned by the Bristol and Newport Screw Steam Packet Company and carried passengers and good across the channel until 1886\. The boat was still operating in the channel until 1930 when it was scrapped by Cashmores. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/image-26.png) The Welsh Prince. (Source: [Newport Past](http://newportpast.com/maritime/09river%5Fwharves.php?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Bell in the Public Clock' *To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.* Sin,—I, in common with the other inhabitants of town, feel grateful to Sir Charles Morgan, and to his highly respected son, Octavius Morgan, Esq., M.P., for the improvement and convenience of the public clock; still, I beg permission through the medium of your valuable columns, to express my regret that, by some error or other, on the part the individual who cast the bell, the good intentions of the gentleman above alluded to are almost frustrated the bell giving only a muffled sound when struck. I hope soon to hear of its removal, and a proper one being fixed in its place. I would also take the liberty to suggest that a gas-lamp fixed immediately over the dial, so that the clock shall be useful by night as well as by day. The expense of one lamp would be but trifling, and cheerfully paid by the inhabitants. I am, Sir, etc., TIME — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th March, 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393395/3393397?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-02-at-08.14.39.png) The clock in question is in the old St Paul's Church on Commercial Street. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-03-at-13.43.49.png) Located where the Pen and Wig is today (the right half of the pub). Source: [South Wales Weekly Argus, 9th August, 1913](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144049449/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Bloomers Arrive in Newport Two of the newly-fledged curiosities, called Bloomers, have appeared amongst us,-one rather matured in years and of some beauty, and the other in a transition state, from the blossom to the bloom of life. The latter lady was occasionally wreathed in smiles, as she sat with her companion on the platform, at the town-hall, on Monday evening, either at the novelty of her new attire, or the curiosity of the large assembly who gazed upon her. The debut of the Bloomers at the town-hall, was greeted by many expressions of approval and disapproval, which did not, however, appear to abash these public-spirited advocates of "the rights of woman." The lady who was to deliver tho lecture, was Mrs. Wheelock, the wife, we believe, of Captain Wheelock, the American Latter-day Saint, whose lectures have been anything but on a reformation of the ladies' costume in these "latter days." The younger *debutante* who accompanied the *Dexter*\-ous lecturer, was stated to be a Miss Dallen, the daughter of an apostle of the Latter-day people, residing at Pillgwenlly. Several of the same persuasion were present; so that some persons looked upon it as the commencement of a new movement in connexion with the Mormon creed. The audience was very large, chiefly composed of male creatures, many of whom, however, treated their better-halves, and those who enjoy rosy hours of courtship, probationary for "that delightful state," to the new Bloomer spectacle, probably as much with a view to the economy in dress, set forth by the blooming advocates, as to satisfy that inherent principle derived from Madame Eve—curiosity. All unversed as we are in the mysteries of "many-coloured draperies," we are obliged to depend on the information of a lady, for our description of the peculiarities and qualities of the Bloomer costume. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/image-2.png) ChatGPT-generated image In the first instance, Mrs. Wheelock ascended the platform with a brown gipsy straw hat, and rose-colour ribbons, jauntily set on her head; her dark hair was smoothed plainly down beside her temples, and brought off over the ears. descending in long curls unrestrainedly behind the head the jacket or tunic was an amber-coloured striped silk, fastened closely, high up the neck, with a small lace fringe above it, open at the chest, over an embroidered "shirt," and closed at the waist, from whence it descended in tolerably profuse plaits, down just below the knees: and from that point the same kind of silk "pettiloons", (*vulgo*, trowsers,) descended to the ancles (sic), where they were tied and adorned with frills and pretty little tapering feet were set-off by nicely-fitting cloth boots. The younger damsel wore a white straw hat, with a rosette of blue and white tarlatan in front, coquettish looking enough, and plaid strings. Her hair was arranged similarly to Mrs. Wheelock's. She wore an ample black velvet jacket, which descended a little below the waist; the continuation thereof was a full-blown pink satin, in which we should think there were as many "widths" as belong to the dress sought to be reformed and from just below the knees, where this dress concluded, the real "continuations," or pettiloons, of a texture like white satin, and tied at the ancles in a frill of like material, introduced very dainty little feet, clothed in a pair of light cloth boots. Mrs. Wheelock stood by the side of the platform table, in order that the new costume might be fairly exhibited; and Miss Dallen modestly lounged in an arm chair, some way in the rear. The lecture was read from MS., enclosed in an embossed leathern cover, with long ribbons dangling from its back; and the language and sentiments of the lecture seemed to us rather the offspring of a masculine "genius," than of the fair lady who read it. The lecture was replete with allusions to the costume of the olden time,—the varying whims of the tyrant fashion in these latter days,—the monstrosity of low-necked dresses, tight corsets, large "bustles," we think they were termed, and "skirts" filled out like air balloons, sweeping the ground with their inordinate length also, like the best machines and besoms of Mr. Moses Scard; and concluded with striking observations as to the utility, convenience, and desirableness of the Bloomer costume. We regret to say there were some ungallant persons of the masculine gender present, who were ungracious enough to disturb the fair Bloomer, as her lecture proceeded; but the searching and indignant glances directed towards them by her, were such as evidenced a strong feeling in respect to the "rights of woman." A word on the Bloomer costume. Mrs. Wheelock, said in her lecture, appealingly, that "the gentleman possessed a high and correct taste as to ladies' dresses." If we may lay claim to deserving a share of the lecturer's flattering unction," and be permitted to express our taste," we should candidly say we did not like the Bloomer. Whether the generality of the "soft sex" will call this orthodoxy, or heterodoxy, we know not; but it is our candid opinion. Without a doubt, the immensely-spread skirts of ladies' dresses are a monstrosity and a wonder; but the Bloomer style is not a lady-like or becoming substitute; and, admitting the necessity for a reform of ladies' costumes, we still think a more pleasing and more attractive improvement than that exhibited by Mrs. Wheelock, and her young companion on the platform, can and ought to be introduced. Returning from this critical dissertation, we must report the exit of the bloomers. When Mrs. Wheelock had delivered, in good English, and with pretty pronunciation, the peroration of her lecture, (which lasted about one hour,) and had closed her book, she and her companion assumed their "hats," and stood up, looking at the audience. The gaze was long-protracted, and, to us, appeared like a decided hint for the audience to retire. The intimation, however, was not taken; and the Bloomer ladies, appearing to be in "a fix," as our Transatlantic brethren would term it, one of their male friends, in an unexceptionable black dress coat, turn-down shirt collar, and virgin-white kids, ascended the platform, and said the lecture was concluded, and the ladies were only waiting for the carriage. Thereupon, as if to take a nearer inspection, or a "last fond look," the greater part of the male audience scrambled over the benches, and drew towards the platform, where they crowded round the Bloomers, with something of the curiosity of aboriginal inhabitants of some island in the remote Pacific, who crowded around the first new-comer they had ever seen, to ascertain what he was like. The scrutiny was as embarrassing to the objects of this curiosity, as pleasing to the inspectors; and the Bloomers only escaped those too-forward approximations, by rushing through a side door, and so gaining the lobby of the hall, (to which they were rudely pursued,) ultimately reaching the carriage, in which they were driven off; accompanied by the shouts and laughter of the crowds who had assembled around them. In conclusion, we may observe, that Mrs. Foster, of London,—a lady of high reputation as a lecturer, and of varied literary acquirements, whose lectures at the Hanover square rooms, and the Whittington Club, have been attended by numerous and respectable audiences,— is about to appear in Newport, under the auspices of the Athenaeum committee, to illustrate the female costume of the last century, exhibiting paintings of the various styles, and giving graphic sketches of all, which will embrace, in particular, a description of dresses and their alterations from the "Hoop to the Bloomer." we may thus anticipate a rich and, indeed, intellectual, treat. which, we have no doubt, will be enjoyed by a "large house especially as Mrs. Foster will appear in one portion of her lecture, in the Bloomer costume. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th November, 1851*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395202/3395205?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-02-at-07.50.36.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th March, 1841](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393390?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Volume 1, Number 42 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-42/ Last updated: 2025-10-04T06:34:33.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow-1.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/WestgateSquareFromTownHall.jpg) Westgate Square from Town Hall. Source: The Newport Pictorial ## Magician at the Town Hall and Mesmerism at Williams's Large Room ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-08-at-18.11.07.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th May 1848](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394428/3394430?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-08-at-18.12.05.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th May 1848](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394428/3394430?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-08-at-18.12.33.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th May 1848](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394428/3394430?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Skating Rinks for Newport Newport bids fair to have a plethora of that highly popular and agreeable institution the skating rink. The proprietors of the Royal Albert Hall will probably be the first in the field as they announce the opening of the Hall for "rinking" purposes in about a fortnight's time. The Victoria Hall is also to be adapted as a skating rink, a company called the Victoria Skating Rink Company, having been formed. Yet another rink is in contemplation. On referring to our report of the proceedings of the Newport Town Council the reader will find that Mr. Beynon, speaking on behalf of some one in London, wished to know whether the Council were disposed to sell a portion of the Friar's Fields for the erection of a skating rink, and aquarium, remarking that he could answer for it, that if the price were reasonable, the land would, be taken directly. If competition is the soul of business, as is sometimes asserted, there certainly ought to be a roaring business done in "rinking" at Newport. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th November, 1877*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439958/3439963/40/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-18-at-17.23.11.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th June, 1852](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395394?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/GridIron.jpg) View of Gridiron and Maindee from Friars Street. Source: The Newport Pictorial ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Go it, Bob Francis Wilkes was charged with being a suspicious character, and assaulting the police in the execution of their duty. Supt. Huxtable stated that the prisoner was one of the gang of suspected characters who were laid hold of by himself, Sergt. Lloyd, and P.C. Boulston, on the night previously to the fair last week. Two of them had been secured by hymself and Lloyd, after a desperate struggle, and the prisoner, who had cried out "Go it Bob," pitched into the constable warmly, knocked his hat off, kicked it about like a football, and struck the officer whenever he attempted to secure the hat or the prisoner. He consequently got off, and. was only captured on Thursday evening, having just previously been seen in company with three professed Bristol pickpockets. The prisoner now asserted vehemently, that he was not in Newport on Wednesday, as could be proved by his respectable friends in Bristol. P.C. Boulston proved the assault upon himself, by the prisoner. Wilkes loudly protested his innocence, and inveighed against the wickedness of being taken care of in the station cell ever since Thursday. **Fined 40s foi the assault, and in default of payment, was committed to prison for a month. N**o very great inducement for himself or his "respectable" young Bristol friends to visit Stow Fair next year. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th June, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395394/3395396?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Caution to Bush Houses at Fairs John Crowley was charged with selling beer without a license, in the town of Caerleoo, on Caerleon Fair-day. It appeared that on the 1st of May, defendant kept a bush house, and sold beer. The defendant said it was a custom, and he thought he had a right to do so The Bench said it was full time that it should be known that such a sale of beer was perfectly illegal, and that no person had a right to sell beer without a license, and fined defendant 20s, including costs; the Bench cautioned defendant and others that if cases came before them again after this caution, the magistrates would impose tbe full penally. Private houses used to hang a bush outside their door when they had beer or wine to sell. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th June, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395394/3395396?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Dinner Spoiler Catherine Cochrane, whose personal appearance could not be her chief recommendation as a cook, sued Mr. Stocker pawnbroker, for wages. Defendant had paid 2s 6d into court and Mrs. Stocker proved that that sum was quite enough for the services of cook, the plaintiff, who had not only turned out a very lazy and dirty person, but had almost daily spoilt the dinner (laughter) — and instead of sending it up at two o'clock, always, kept it back till five; while tea was only ready at nine, instead of six. > **Plaintiff**: Och, thin, tis yerselves didn't know what good dinners was, if yer dislike the decent dinners I cooked for yer (Roars of laughter). The Judge thought Mrs. Stocker had lated cook's services at a higher value than he should have done, in paying 2s. 6d. into Court. Judgment for that amount. > **Plaintiff**: Och, thin do ye think I'd be afthcr (sic) taking their dirthy (sic) half a-crown? I widdent (sic) be their cook for nine pounds a year, the omadhauns (sic)(Laughter.) — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th June, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395394/3395396?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Drop Too Much John Pritchard *v*. Thomas Williams. This was a claim for 12s. for beer, supplied personally in pints and quarts to defendant a good-looking young fellow, with a very humorous expression of countenance. **Defendant**: Now I don't know whether this account is right or not — I never received a bill of particulars. **The Judge**: That is no difference. — Proof of a supply of eight quarts on one occasion was given. **The Judge**: Eight quarts! what! to one man? How drunk was he at the time? **Plaintiff**: Oh, he was not drunk with it. **Judge**: But if it was supplied, to him when he was intoxicated, I shall not allow all. **Plaintiff**: He was not tipsy. It was not too much for him. (Laughter.) **Plaintiff**: Oh! not too much, eh? ( Renewed laughter.) **Judge**: It was not a reasonable quantity for any man.—Proof of a supply of eight pints on one occasion was next given. **The Judge**: Pints! that might be, now. Well, Thomas what have you to say to this long score? **Defendant**: Oh, why I'm innocent, that's all. **Judge**: Yes: I hope you are innocent; and perhaps so guiltless a person never ran up a score at an inn? **Defendant**: I invariably pay as I go. (Laughter.) **Judge**: Never had anything at the Red Lion on tick, eh? **Defendant, with comical gravity**: No, never! I'm not man enough for eight: quarts at a time; and should be as drunk as a wheel with the eight pints. (Laughters) **Judge:** Well, I'm afraid I must believe the evidence on oath of plaintiff and his wife: you must pay it in two instalments **Defendant**: Well, if I'm guilty, I'm blowed if I musn't have taken a drop too much. (Renewed laughter.) — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th June, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395394/3395396?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Going to the Fair Charles Huntley was charged with assaulting Ann Huntley, his wife. Complainant told the tale very lucidly and briefly. **She said**: Second of June, Charley came home. I said, "Well, Charley, I do hope you've spent Risca fair well." **He replied:** If I have spent Risca fair well, I do mean to spend Stow fair. "Well," said I, "If it do suit you at the pay, it will me." **Then he says**, "If you speaks another word, I'll knock your ——— brains out." I says to him, getting up, > "If thee beest going to strike me, beat me like a man, and not like a boy." Then he ups with his stick, and strikes me on the head; and when he was going to strike me again, my brother's daughter pushed him out of doors, and he didn't come back till next day. **Charley was fined £2 and costs, or, in default, six weeks imprisonment.** **—** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th June, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395403/3395405?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Allowing Bad Characters in a Beer House' Edmund Dallimore, "Welcome Home beer-house, Pillgwenlly, was charged with allowing bad characters in his house. Mr. Cathcart, who appeared for defendant, said Dallimore was too ill to attend. His wife was therefore present. Superintendent Huxtable proved seeing, at half-past ten on the night of the 20th of April, women of ill-fame in the kitchen and other parts of the premises, with a number of sailors. Some of the females had been convicted as disorderly characters. The landlord had been convicted more than once. Mrs. Dallimore said this was not true. **Mr. Rennie**: Such persons are not allowed to walk the streets; and when in beer-houses, they are surely allowed to drink beer, if they pay for it? **The Superintendent**: They may walk the streets, if they behave properly. **Mr. Cathcart**: Surely, surely, Mr. Superintendent, this is no case. The learned gentleman then warmly and forcibly addressed the Bench, in exculpation of his client. The Superintendent admitted that Mrs. Dallimore tried to turn the bad characters out, when he went in. **Cautioned, and case dismissed, it being "rather slight."** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th May, 1853*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395653/3395655/9/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing Hay John Price was charged with stealing hay in the parish of Christchurch, the property of Mr. J. Nicholas. P.C. 98 said that he found the prisoner in Duckpool-lane about 12.40 a.m. on the day in question. There were three ricks of hay belonging to Mr. Nicholas, timber merchant. Saw prisoner walking away from the ricks in question with a bag on his back upon discerning witness he turned back. Witness walked to the gates, and as soon as prisoner saw him he ran away, having flung the bag down. Caught him, when he struck witness, and he tried to trip him up. They went back together, and opened the bag, which contained a quantity of hay. Prisoner tried to get away, but ultimately he got him to the gate, and took him to the station. Afterwards returned to the rick with Inspector Sheppard, and found the hay to correspond with that found in the prisoner's bag. Stephen Pullen said he was managing clerk to Mr. Nicholas, who occupied a field near Duckpool. In that held there were two hay ricks, his (Mr Nicholas's) property. Mr. Nicholas had instructed him to say he did not wish to press the charge against prisoner. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-08.15.21.png) Mr Nicholas' field mentioned in the article. The present day Caerleon Road is the main road leading from the bottom left to the top. The Bench asked what reason Mr Nicholas could assign for not pressing the charge. Witness replied that he believed it was because prisoner had a large family. Prisoner preferred that the Bench should decide the question, and begged their Worships to be lenient, as he was a member of a club, and if they inflicted any other punishment than a fine for trespassing he should lose lis per week which was paid from a club. The Chairman observed that he would have to be thankful to Mr. Nicholas for the lenient sentence they were about to indict. **He would be imprisoned for one day**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th December, 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438731/3438733?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/The-Maindee-south-west-view.png) The Maindee was a grand and elegant estate that once stood on Chepstow Road in Newport. Built by John Logan Esq., a prominent railway and canal contractor, the house replaced an earlier mansion that he had cleared to make way for his vision. Later, the property came into the hands of Ebenezer Lewis JP before being sold and ultimately demolished in the early 20th century. (Source: [People's Collection Wales](https://www.peoplescollection.wales/items/2266751?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#?xywh=-106%2C-1%2C1973%2C1586)) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Housewarming Dinner On Tuesday evening, Mr. Benjamin Baker, host of the old-established Bush Inn, and Devonshire House, Commercial-street, to which he has recently removed from the Market Tavern, held his housewarming dinner, to which about fifty gentlemen sat down, under the able presidency of Mr. Henry Sheppard, provision merchant, and vice-presidency of Mr. John Jenkins, landlord of the Crown Hotel. The dinner comprised game and capital joints, and the wines were of excellent vintage. A right merry evening was spent; songs were sung in good style; speeches of great merit, on matters of local import, were delivered and toasts were pledged with true hilarity. The health of Mr. and Mrs. Baker, given in a very neat style by Mr. West, elicited vehement applause and the toast, wishing the new host all the prosperity he desired for himself, having been pledged in bumpers, Mr. Baker responded in a very suitable speech. The festive proceedings were kept up with unflagging spirit, till "the wee small hour ayont the twal" (sic), when all retired to their own homesteads in a pleasant mood. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th November, 1850*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394982/3394985/19/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/South_Wales_Argus_1905_09_02_5.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 2nd September, 1905](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143760322/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Richmond House, Clytha Square ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-08.29.11.png) Richmond House in the top left corner of Clytha Square is currently used as a diabetes centre but back in December 1869, plans submitted by Mr Theophilus J. Beynon for a new villa [were approved](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438743/3438745/5/Corn%2BOR%2BExchange?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). Based on it being approved late in 1869, the house may be dated to 1870\. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-08.33.39.png) Mr T J Beynon was one of the first directors of the Argus newspaper, served as a JP and was the head of T Beynon and Co shipowners and colliery agents of Newport and Cardiff. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/image-25.png) Mr T.J. Beynon in the top left. Source: [South Wales Argus](https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/19835923.history-130-years-south-wales-argus/?callback=in&code=NDC1YTE4MZUTMMM1YS0ZMJGZLTLJODYTZTK5ZMUZOTM2Y2NI&state=23cb4fd938ca479bbbb4cc5749cdb00d&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) He also served on Newport Council and was Vice Chairmen of a 'Model Lodging House' on the corner of Corn Street which is still there today. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-12.59.00.png) The Model Lodging House which was opened in 1890 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Peggy Pryde at The Empire ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-23-at-08.28.59.png) [South Wales Argus, 2nd September, 1905](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143760322/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) At The Empire on 2nd September, 1905 was Peggy Pryde who was performing 'Songs, Dances and Patter'. Peggy Pryde (born Letitia Matilda Woodley, 1867–1943) was a British music hall performer and daughter of celebrated singer Jenny Hill. Making her debut as a child in 1877, she built a career in pantomime and variety, appearing in leading halls across Britain and touring the United States in the early 1890s. Known for her lively, serio-comic style, she became a well-established favourite on stage, performing alongside stars such as Dan Leno and Fred Terry. By 1905, when she appeared in New York, Pryde was an accomplished international performer with nearly three decades of stage experience. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/image-23.png) Peggy Pryde. Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peggy%5FPryde?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Improvements in Buildings In addition to the tasteful residences lately erected by Mr. Henry Bolt, builder, on the Chepstow road, forming the range called Bolton Place, we learn that he is about to erect a handsome house upon a piece of land contiguous to the others. It is intended to be of the Elizabethan style, and replete with all the requisites of a commodious family dwelling. This, with numerous other mansions which we trust to see progressively rising upon the skirts of the Chepstow road, will prove an additional adornment to the pleasing scenery of that locality. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th November, 1850*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394982/3394985/19/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-18-at-08.41.45.png) [South Wales Argus, 7th September, 1912](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144062986?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ### Volume 1, Number 41 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-41/ Last updated: 2025-10-04T06:34:44.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/ViewFromTownHallSW.jpg) South West View of Newport from Town Hall. Source: The Newport Pictorial ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Gallant Otter Capture On Wednesday last, as a man mowing in a field adjoining Malpas Brook, in this neighbourhood, he observed a large otter, making his way to the water. A dog, of the fox-terrier breed, who was with the man, instantly dashed at the varmint, and a desperate battle ensued, which continued for a considerable time, with various vicissitudes, the otter being heavier and more powerful than the dog; the struggle seemed doubtful, the former endeavouring to drag the latter into deeper water, where he would inevitably have been drowned, but the dog gamely kept his hold, although very severely bitten, and the man, seeing that affairs were more than doubly hazardous, timely came to the assistance of his faithful and courageous companion, and between both, the enemy was put *hors de combat*. The slain proved to be a dog otter, weighing nearly 27lbs. We believe this to be as gallant a feat for a single dog, as any upon record, when we consider the formidable size of his opponent, and the characteristic fierceness of the otter species. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th June, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425340/3425343/24/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Newport Census, 1831' Borough of Newport Number of Inhabited Houses, 862 Males, 2415 Females, 2483 Total, 4898\. Parish of St. Wollos Number of Inhabited Houses, 394; Males, 1085; Females, 1079; Total, 2164\. Total, Borough and Parish, 7062\. Total, Borough and Parish, in 1829, 6635 Increase, 427\. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th June, 1831*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391114/3391117/25/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/CommercialRoadFromTownHall.jpg) Commercial Road from Town Hall. Source: The Newport Pictorial ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Accident from Intoxication On Saturday last, a miller named Thomas Preece, aged 50, having a wife and eight children was taken to the Newport union workhouse with a broken leg, which, on being promptly attended to by Mr. Hawkins, surgeon, was speedily so far remedied as to warrant the unfortunate man's restoration to his large family and his business. We regret to hear that the accident was attributable to intoxication, to which failings however, Preece is not habitually addicted. It appeared that on Friday last, he was proceeding to the mills at Ebbw, for the purpose of receiving money due to him, which he received, and a pint of beer. Instead of returning to his family, he remained at the \[Tredegar\] races, where he drank more beer, and towards the close of the day engaged himself in assisting a man to remove a booth from the park. It is supposed this led him to indulge in additional potations of liquor, till he became intoxicated and at night he was found lying across the park coach road, by a gentleman, who at once called the Castletown constable to remove him. The constable though it was only a drunken affair, and the man was not removed. Subsequently, however, the constable at Bassaleg was called, and he found that the unfortunate man was insensibly drunk, and that his thigh was broken. It was also discovered that some heartless wretch had rifled the poor fellow's pocket of 6s wages, not a farthing of which Preece had spent, a pocket knife, and other articles, and had actually taken his boots from his feet, and carried them off. It was very fortunate for Preece that he was discovered in his perilous position, as had a horse or carriage gone that way, it is probable he might have received some still more serious injuries, or been killed on the spot. We hope the escape the poor hooest fellow has had from protracted suffering, dissevered limos, or even death, will be sufficient warning to him never again to be so easily overtaken by the old enemy, Drunkenness. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin 13th January, 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424743/3424746/32?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-15-at-08.37.20.png) [South Wales Argus, 19th October, 1904](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143832305/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Newport Reading and Coffee Rooms The commodiously-fitted up coffee-rooms of Mr. Charles Desmond, were opened with a musical soiree, on Tuesday evening last. About fifty gentlemen of the town assembled on the occasion, and spent a happy evening, enjoying truly "the feast of reason and flow of soul," over the infusion of the Indian berry, richly enlivened by music and intellectual conversion, all warmly wishing the popular and spirited proprietor triumphant success in the establishment of this admirable retreat for his temperate and intellectual fellow-townsmen. Mr. Parfitt cleverly presided at the grand piano forte. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd March, 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424791/3424794/29/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) In addition to be a coffee house, Desmond's Rooms as it was called, also held art fairs. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-12-at-08.33.43.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th September, 1844](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424905/3424908/33/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-12-at-08.32.54.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th October, 1844](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424920/3424923/45?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Hill Street The nuisances so long staring passengers out of countenance in this street, are being removed and remedied. The Tredegar Wharf Company have contracted with Mr. Moses Scard, and that able reformer of bad roads is now busily employed with a large physical force of improvers. levelling the rugged hillocks, and smoothing the surface of the street, which will shortly present a handsome inclined plane, fit for the Commissioners to adopt. Once under the guardianship of that careful body, the street will advance rapidly in its pleasing appearance. This Mosaic work is very gratifying to the inhabitants. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd March, 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424791/3424794/29/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-15-at-08.24.32.png) [South Wales Argus, 6th April, 1897](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143475129/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Cupboard Love A sighing swain was last Saturday night, at a late hour, perceived by a blue-coat-Argus, watching eagerly the back door-way of a house not exceedingly far from the centre of Stow Hill. At length the corpulent cook of the household was observed stealthily to creep out, and after exchanging a fond greeting with the "nice young man," she placed in his keeping a suspicious looking parcel. The policeman straightway made his appearance, and captured the devoted lovers, when he found the cook's kind pledge of love to consist of some good lumps of beef, some bread, and a "snack" of cheese. The master of the house, being apprized of the discovery, forbearingly refused to prosecute cookey \[sic\] or her lover. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th September, 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424905/3424908/33/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Fearful Accident An incident of a most exciting and alarming nature occurred in Hill street, in this town, on Friday last, the 4th inst. Hill street forms a communication between Victoria Place, out of Stow Hill, and Commercial street, and it is so excessively steep that horses or vehicles of any description, excepting the light donkey carts of green grocers, are seldom or never taken up or down it. At the back of Victoria Place, are stables, and the road to them is out of Hill street, at its summit, the distance from whence to Commercial street, which crosses at right angles, is about two hundred yards. This was the scene of the circumstances we are about to describe. At eleven o'clock, on Friday morning, a waggoner arrived in Victoria Place, with a load of hay, about two tons and a half in weight, drawn by three horses, which hay was to be taken to the stables just spoken of; two of the horses were removed, and the dray was put on the near hind wheel the driver then attempted to turn the load into the stable way by means of the wheeler, which, we suppose, was correct enough but, the turn was evidently made too sharply, and the man narrowly escaped being crushed to death against the end of the house, No. 1, Hill street, in collision with which the waggon was brought; but, fortunately, the high over hanging load of hay prevented this. The horse, a light, active animal, found the weight behind him too much to keep back, and strove in vain to obey the command of his driver, "Whoay"—" Whoay!" The poor animal appeared to exhibit an intelligence, almost actuated by reason, and, certainly showed that he had been well trained for the position he occupied, although unequal on the present occasion, to the fearful emergency which so suddenly presented itself. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/image-22.png) ChatGPT generated image The driver, with a desperation that manifested itself in his frequent cries to the animal, bravely clung to the horse's head, and endeavoured to aid him in his strong efforts to stay his progress but, they had now proceeded some forty yards down the hill and every turn of the waggon's wheels accelerated its course, and at length, the man, unable to keep speed with the horse any further, abandoned him to his fate The animal turned his head across the street, and, in all probability, would have entered the new opening, formed near the chapel, into the square behind, but the lamp post on the corner was in his way, to avoid which, he again turned aside, and maintained his course along the centre of the street. At this point the abrupt steep is considerably reduced, and the animal renewed his efforts to keep back the heavy load at every short and swift bound, striking his fore feet against the earth, as well as forcing back with his haunches. Fearful was the struggle and inevitable the destruction, that too evidently appeared before him, in the line of houses (Commercial street) which crossed the direction in which its steps were now so rapidly impelled. Onward he came to the paved crossing, men, women, and children, flying terror- stricken before him, his eye-balls wildly glaring, his nostrils distended, and every muscle of the body quivering with unavailing energy, until, with cramped strides, he crossed the street, and dashing his fore feet against the wall of the house opposite, he fell, doubled up under the enormous weight that pressed upon him, the waggon turning, tail upwards, with his lofty load into the air! Then came a rush of men to rescue, several clinging to the hind wheels of the vehicle, which unfortunately broke off, falling to the ground, and nearly injuring those who clung to them. Several horses were then procured, and a chain was made fast to the hind part of the waggon, to which they were attached, and the rope that bound the hay together, having been cut, the mass was drawn off, at one pull, and the whole scattered about the street. The poor horse now started upon his feet, and walked off, apparently little injured. The strong wall of the house was riven from top to bottom, but, beyond that, no damage worth mentioning occurred and, altogether, the circumstance is one which no one would have thought could have happened with a result so little injurious to property, and unattended with loss of life. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th June, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395394/3395398/29?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Swallowed a Coin?' A Welsh dame and her husband came into Newport, and slept a few nights since, at a lodging-house on the Canal-side. The old lady had a sovereign with her, she being purse-bearer; and this, for security's sake, she placed in her mouth when she retired for the night; for, it appeared, she had a suspicion that as the landlady slept in the room, it would not do to put temptation in her way. The good wife, however, on waking next moraine, found her sovereign gone and in her indignant surprise, she supposed that as she always slept with her mouth open, the landlady had no doubt peeped in, after Somnus had sealed her eyes, and, perceiving the golden booty filched it from its cunningly-devised hiding-place. The landlady denied the accusation. Thereupon the old lady ran to the officers of justice, and complained loudly, demanding that the hostess should be apprehended. She was persuaded by the officers, however, that it was possible she herself had swallowed the coin, while asleep and snoring: The bare possibility of this being the case. was admitted by the old lady. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th April, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395340/3395344/35/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-17-at-08.18.35.png) [South Wales Argus, 10th March, 1911](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144007816/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Light-Fingered Damsels' Matilda Davies and Sarah Kelly, two young light-fingered damsels fiom the Brislol side of the water, who had come down to pay a prufaesional visit to Llandaff fair on Wbit-monday, were placed at the bar charged with picking the pocket of Mrs Jane Morgan, Stow-hill, of 8s. 61., in the market, on Saturday last. Desirous, perhaps, of raising supplies as they progressed, these female pickpockets had commenced in the market soon after their arrival hete and although we have not beard that other pockets besides Mrs Morgan's were plundered, it may safely be supposed that had they not been detected in Newport, they would have greatly increased the damage done in their line at Llandaf. The charge was fully made out, and the prisoners were committed to lake their trial at the sessions. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th June 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395385/3395387/7?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Taking Too Much Care of Himself Timothy Rearden was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and assaulting several people in Commercial-street, last Saturday evening. Mr. Superintendent English proved finding Tim in an uproarious state, kicking respectable persons, and running a great risk of receiving a sound thrashing for his impertinent and drunken conduct. — **Tim**: Why, sure, thin, it was the middicine that did it. — **The Mayor**: What, the medicine! — **Tim**: Yes, sure, now, it was the middicine I took. I'm an arly riser, and I was sick on Saturday so I called on the doctor, and says he, "Why, thin, Tim, you had better take a couple of glasses of whiskey and a couple of brandy, and then it's all right you'll be from the sickness!" (Laughter.) —**Mayor**: And as that medicine did you harm, we will try what another kind of medicine will do for you, **we fine you 10s., and 8s. costs, or one month's imprisonment**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th July, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394681/3394685/59/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'A Rather Vixenish-Looking Young Wife' Jane Davies, an interesting, but rather vixenish-looking young wife, with an infant, in its night-clothes, in her arms, was charged with assaulting her husband, John Thomas Davies, letter carrier. — **Wife**: I am not guilty he beat me first. — **The Mayor**: Can't you settle this matter with your wife, Davies? It will he very discreditable to both of you, to expose your domestic differences in a public court.— **Davies**: Why no, gentlemen, I can't live with her it's no use to try. — **Wife**: And I can't live with him. He came home last Saturday morning in one of his tantrums, and beat me shamefully. — **Husband**: Last Saturday morning, at half-past nine, when I went home to breakfast, she threw a cup of coffee at me. — **Wife,** **sharply**: You struck me first—you know you did. — **Husband**: When I went in, she began to insult me. She said: Here I'll sit in this "humble cot," and make you maintain me, at six shillings a week. — **Wife**: No such thing, you bad fellow; you beat me first; I'll swear it. — **Husband**: Oh, you I'll swear anything, and that the gentlemen know well. — **The Mayor**: You are both pretty well acquainted with swearing, I think. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-17--2025--08_29_55-AM.png) ChatGPT generated image — **Husband**: She smashed the looking-glass all to pieces. She flung the kettle at me. I've tried her four times, and it's all no use. But she shan't hobble me any longer. No, I won't stand it no longer. I give her every indulgence a man could give a wife; but it's all no good. — **Wife**: Oh, you bad fellow; it's no such thing. Here am I and the blessed babby, and you acting as you do. — **Husband**: Give her as much drink as she likes, and she will sit down all day, and do nothing, instead of leaving my linen go to rags. Then she left the babby, when it was only a fortnight old—why, the beasts of the field wouldn't do so bad a thing. (Laughter.) Let any gentleman consider w ether he could walk fourteen miles a day, on ten shillings a week. I only get 14s. a week, and can't afford her more than 4s. a-week; but I'll cheerfully give her that, to get rid of such a thing. **Case dismissed, Davies promising to allow the rib (sic) 4s. a-week.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th July, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394681/3394685/59/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Mary Funnell, alias Green Boots Mary Funnell, alias Greten Boots, was brought up charged with stealing a watch, the property of George Garratt, on the night of Wednesday last. It appeared that as Mr. Garratt was proceeding from the house of his brother in George-street, on Wednesday night about twelve o'clock, towards his own residence in Commercial- street, the prisoner accosted him near Mr. Clapperton's shop, and almost immediately snatched the watch from his waistcoat pocket, and secreted it on her person. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-16-at-18.32.49.png) Clapperton was a bookseller in Newport (Source: [Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th April, 1838](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392669/3392671?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) Whilst holding her in the hope of seeing a policeman come up, Charles Ellicott, shopman at Mr. Garratts. was returning from the Crown, and fortunately came up at the moment, to whom Mr. Garratt told the circumstances of the robbery. Whilst taxing her with the theft, Ellicot heard the watch falling upon the pavement and stooping down; he picked it up, and a policeman being attracted by the prisoner's outcries, she was taken to the station. P. C. Huxtable deposed to taking the prisoner into custody, and hearing her beg Mr. Garratt's forgiveness, promising never to commit a similar offence. She was very drunk at the time. **Committed for trial at the next Assizes**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th February, 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393365/3393368/22/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-19-at-07.58.23.png) [South Wales Argus, 9th March, 1922](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143973383?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ### Volume 1, Number 40 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-40/ Last updated: 2025-09-13T06:54:49.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Fire at Clarence Terrace' On Wednesday evening last, between seven and eight o'clock, the female servant of Mr. Slade, who resides at Clarence Terrace, near the Newport bridge gate discovered that one of the bedrooms was on fire, and on making an alarm, a neighbour named Samuel Buckland, who was then passing by, rushed into the house and ran upstairs to the room, which was full of smoke and flames. The bed and bed clothes having taken fire, as well as the curtains of the bed and windows, nearly all of which were destroyed, with great exertion and no little danger, ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-29-at-08.52.24-1.png) The area where Clarence Terrace may have been Buckland succeeded in throwing out the bed and bed clothes, and tore down the remaining fragments of the curtains. Having soon obtained some water he extinguished the fire, which had communicated with the other furniture in the room, which, with some very valuable pictures, were much damaged. Had the fire not been fortunately discovered, and so promptly arrested in its progress, the roof would have been in a blaze in a few minutes more, as the ceiling, from the great heat, had begun to fall. The servant, in attempting to extinguish the fire with her apron, was severely burnt. — [Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th November, 1841](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393570/3393573/21/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'A Mention of Clarence Cottage' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-29-at-12.53.26.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th May, 1848](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394423/3394425/7/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Orangeism In Newport Persons who masticate oranges in our streets, should not extend the sliding scale by placing feel in every body's way. Orangeism should not be encouraged to this extent; for broken limbs-as well an broker heads—are now and then the results of falls from this cause. As prevention is better than a cure — persons who indulge in Orangeism, in order to eschew all danger from sliding over peelings should masticate both pulp and rind or, if they do not like to do so, let them take their fruit home, and divide with those in the Home Office. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd January, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425230/3425232/18/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Orange Peel A poor old lady in this town, who was walking along the pavement on Tuesday last, stepped upon a piece of orange peel, and fell heavily, experiencing much injury; but fortunately breaking no limb In Newcastle, and many other places, it is now usual to prosecute and fine persons guilty of throwing orange peels on the pavements and we apprehend, from carelessness in this way at Newport, it will be necessary to enact a bye-law, obviating the nuisance in this town. We are requested to state that there is no foundation whatever for the report, which has been circulated, that Mr. Greaves, of the Oxford Circuit, has been appointed Assistant Poor Law Commissioner. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th May, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425310/3425313/26/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ## Gambling on a Sunday John Donovan and John Hayes were charged with playing at pitch and toss, on Sunday last. Cautioned and discharged on payment of the station fees. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th July, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396394/3396396?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Squabble Over a Glass of Beer Daniel Keefe and Edward Dowling, were charged with assaulting Edward Long, who said that the defendant Keefe took up his (prosecutor's) glass of beer at the Albion Inn, last Saturday week some hot conversation ensued between them, and when they went outside, both defendants began to kick the prosecutor. The case was adjourned until Wednesday, **both defendants being admitted to bail**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st March, 1878*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440113/3440115?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) --- Both returned two days later... ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-29-at-20.07.10.png) --- ### Stealing Oranges Benjamin Pritchard and John Lynch, two boys, were charged with stealing a quantity of oranges from Paul Clifford's stall, in the Newport Market. James Rogers deposed to seeing the lads take the oranges, and giving the two boys into custody. Clifford said he knew nothing about the theft. > Ordered to be locked up for a day, and to receive 12 strokes with the birch rod. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st March, 1878*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440113/3440115?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Beastly Fellow Robert Miles, was charged with being drunk, and exposing his person, in Commercial-road, on Saturday night. **Fined 10s 6d or 14 days**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st March, 1878*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440113/3440115?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Happy Couple Edwin Manship, was charged under warrant with assaulting his wife, Charlotte Manship. Prosecutrix said her husband had struck her and pulled her hair off her head. **Fined 5s, and bound over to keep the peace for six months**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st March, 1878*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440113/3440115?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-29-at-12.38.54.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th March, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393630/3393632/5/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Mr Wall Falls Over a Wall' A man, named Wall, residing on the Cardiff-road, got so very drunk on Thursday night, that in leaving the house for a few moments, where he had imbibed such a large quantity, he fell over a wall, and was precipitated to the ground, which was covered with large stones — a depth of about ten feet. He was taken up for dead but we have since heard, that although much hurt, being cut and bruised very severely, there was no danger of his forfeiting his life this time. We have heard of other similar hair-breadth escapes. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th June, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425330/3425333/33/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-11-at-09.54.46.png) Accident on Caerleon Bridge, 6th October, 1919\. Source: [People's Collection Wales](https://www.peoplescollection.wales/items/401174?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#?xywh=-74%2C-136%2C1177%2C946) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Footpath to Caerleon' **To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.** SIR,—If, through the medium of the MERLIN, I succeed in producing any practical result, by directing the attention of the trustees to the bad state of repair in which the footpath is kept between this place and Newport, it will be the means of conferring a great benefit upon very many of her Majesty's poor but most loyal subjects. Accustomed, as many of us are, to tramp it at all hours, and at all seasons, by daylight and in the dark, in sunshine and in storm, we cannot help desiring some more comfortable mode of transit than that experienced in stumbling over the hills, and down in the vales filled with water, and which abound, more particularly, between the upper part of St. Julian's Wood and the Farm, and again by Beaufort Cottage. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-08-at-17.51.56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-08-at-17.53.30.png) The Beaufort Cottage mentioned in the letter. Interestingly, on the tithe map, the name of the field that housed Beaufort Cottage is called Barn Yard Road which is on the site of the Old Barn. I'd always wondered where that name came from. Interestingly, on the tithe map, the name of the field that housed Beaufort Cottage is called Barn Yard Road which is on the site of the Old Barn. I'd always wondered where that name came from. To many of those gentlemen, to whose paternal care our ways are entrusted, this footpath must be, I imagine, an article of luxury, in which they indulge at intervals, very few and very far between. I really hope that when they again pass this way they will, if only for novelty's sake, make it a pedestrian excursion, choosing for that purpose a nice wet day for walking in, and dark night for returning. To speak of the benefit that would be conferred by maintaining such a footpath as would, at all times and seasons, give to every one the means of preserving health, is superfluous; no less superfluous would it be to expatiate upon the many natural beauties to which the walk introduces us, and the great boon it would be to all who, like myself, derive health and pleasure from being... A CONSTANT PEDESTRIAN Caerleon, October 26, 1848. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th November, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394521/3394523?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Golden Goose Who has not read of the goose that laid golden eggs, and wished, also, to possess such a domestic bird? Rumour says that the worthy landlord of a chief inn at Pillgwenlly, was last Saturday dreaming of such a prize, in his pleasant afternoon nap and lo on Sunday, when carving a fine goose on the dinner table, he actually discovered a gold ring, in which a diamond sparkled, deeply embedded in the flesh upon the back It had been grown over, and only revealed itself when laid open by the carving knife. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th November, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394521/3394523?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-27-at-10.02.09.png) View of the Westgate Hotel and Mayors House - unknown (British School) 1839 (Source: [People's Collection Wales / Newport Museum and Art Gallery](https://www.peoplescollection.wales/items/397920?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#?xywh=-45%2C-152%2C833%2C669)) S.T. Hallen was the proprietor of the Westgate Hotel and his name can be seen above the door in the painting above. He had been the owner of the hotel since 8th May, 1837 (see below) [until his death in July 1883](https://www.newportpast.com/nfs/y80t89/chapter7.htm?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#:~:text=In%20July%201883,boots%20%28Mr.%20Webb%29.). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-27-at-10.03.47.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th May 1837](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392439?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A New Pound The otherwise pleasant locality of the Friars, near Stow-hill, and the shady lane leading thence to the Cardiff-road, known by the name of the Old Trip, was for a considerable number of years, rendered unsightly and unhealthy by the foul pit and the worse pound by the side of the road, in the neighbourhood described, which sent forth their poisonous exhalations every summer, to a dangerous degree. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-08-at-13.05.16.png) Lane mentioned in the article and a mention of a pound called Manor Pound (possibly the one described in the article) which would have pre-dated the article by around 8 years. Manor Pound was being mentioned in 1870\. We are glad to record that the offensive ditch is now walled off from the road, and filled up with earth, forming part of a field, and the old pound has given place to a new one, differently constructed, having its floor elevated on one side, with a drain at the lowest point; and an iron gate, well locked, instead of the insecure old wooden door, the lock of which has been so frequently forced, to suit the wishes of those whose cattle were impounded. This is as it should be and the green and shady old lane will no longer harbour a source of impurity from which the air might be impregnated with foul and injurious vapours. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th June, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394666/3394669?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-04-at-07.16.41.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd July, 1836](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392236/3392238?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/HighStreet-Lawlor-.jpg) Source: The Newport Pictorial ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Death by Burning At Caira House, on Tuesday last, several children were left together in a room while the mother went out to the garden, and on her return one of them, a little boy about two years old, was found enveloped in flames, his pinafore having caught fire by his approaching too near the grate. He expired on Wednesday. Parents should be cautious to have their fireplaces well guarded at this season of the year. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-08-at-18.02.12.png) Location of Caira (Caerau) House which is still there today. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th November, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394521/3394523?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Fire on Carpenter's Arms Lane' A fire broke out on the premises adjacent to the Carpenter's Arms-lane in this town, which was speedily extinguished by the supply of water poured on it by the town engine, from the **Water Works Company's plugs**. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th November, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394521/3394523?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/EPLawlor.jpg) Source: The Newport Pictorial ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Pleasant Field Pathways A correspondent who professes to delight in morning and evening rambles through the green fields, in the neighbourhood, where the public have a right of way, exclaims loudly against the neglect evinced with regard to a footpath running through the Fir Tree field, Stow-hill, into fields beyond, skirting the Bassalleg road, which some time since formed the subject of proceedings at law. He says, that since the right of way in question was preserved to the public, it is grossly negligent and shameful to allow the existence of a deep and wide ditch to prevent the egress from the Fir Tree field into the next field and our correspondent suggests that those who so laudably exerted themselves to secure the pathway in question for the free use of the public, should now take some measures to render it available. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th June, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394666/3394669?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-29-at-19.55.37.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th November, 1853](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395804/3395807/20/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Pedestrianism The celebrated pedestrian, Wm. Gale, who walked two thousand miles in two thousand half hours, undertook, on Monday last, to walk seven miles in fifty-nine minutes, on the Maindee road. A quarter of a mile having been measured from the railway bridge towards Maindee, the Flying Eagle, as Gale is called, commenced his task, and easily and successfully performed it in 56 minutes. The evening was exceedingly warm, but Gale did not appear to be at all fatigued after accomplishing the feat. An immense number of persons were present, the road being completely lined with spectators the whole distance. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd August, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396938/3396942?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/ViewFromTownHall.jpg) View from Town Hall towards Allt-yr-yn. Source: The Newport Pictorial ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Hill Street Pavement' It is but just, as complaints have appeared in the MERLIN, relative to the dangerous state of the pavement in Hill-street to observe that Mrs. Jones, principal proprietor on the right side of the street, is preparing to lay down a substantial new pavement, the whole extent of her property. To other proprietors, we say, "Go thou, and do likewise." The passage by St. Paul's church front is still a subject of complaint. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-08-at-18.15.10.png) How Hill Street looked early in the decade of the article. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th May, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394428/3394431/15/Local%2BOR%2BIntelligence?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Mill Street Lodging House' The evidence furnished in a case heard at our police court last week, that witness kept a lodging house in Mill-street, in one of the rooms of which were six beds, and in another nine, where males and females slept indiscriminately, shocks morality, decency, and the generally-received notions of healthiness. This disgustingly obnoxious state of things calls for immediate attention, even in a sanitary point of view. Independently of the duties which, in such cases as the above, devolve on the authorities, private speculation might profitably remove the nuisance, and any person possessed of a little money make a good percentage by the erection of a model lodging house. It was stated the other day by Lord Ashley, that in the model lodging houses which had been opened in London, not only had the condition of the inmates visibly improved, but where only 4d. a night was charged for a bed, the return had been 12 per cent. upon the capital laid out. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th May, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394428/3394431/15/Local%2BOR%2BIntelligence?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Supper at the Bull About fifty of the friends of Mr. Thomas Rosser, Bull Inn, Stow-hill, consisting chiefly of tradesmen of Newport, and farmers from the neighbourhood assembled in the long room of the Bull Inn, last Tuesday evening, fur the purpose of testifying their esteem for and appreciation of the worthy host's general conduct as a landlord and a friend. An excellent supper was "laid on," and enjoyed with great zest, which was followed by toasts, songs and appropriate speeches. The company retired at an early hour, with warm professions of respect for the worthy landlord. hour, with warm professions of respect for the worthy landlord. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-10-at-10.07.18.png) Location of The Bull — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st January, 1848*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394337/3394340/26/Local%2BOR%2BIntelligence?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-27-at-08.18.50.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 29th June, 1855](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396389?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### White's Roman Amphitheatre URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/whites-roman-amphitheatre/ Last updated: 2025-09-11T11:08:00.000Z In June 1846, White's Roman Amphitheatre toured south Wales visiting Cardiff, Bridgend, Cowbridge and also Newport. The show took place at the New Cattle Market on June 18th, 1846 with one in the afternoon and one in the evening. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-11-at-11.31.50.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th June, 1846](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425335/3425337/8/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The show consisted of forty horses and ponies, lions, tigers and leopards along with a brass band in a music carriage. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-11-at-11.53.44.png) The New Cattle Market. Source: [People's Collection Wales](https://www.peoplescollection.wales/items/389731?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#?xywh=0%2C-60%2C749%2C407) The show was from [Astley's Amphitheatre in London](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astley%27s%5FAmphitheatre?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) which is considered to have had the first modern circus ring. Astley's was located in Lambeth next to the River Thames and dates back to 1773 and was demolished in 1893\. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/image-20.png) Source: [Jane Austen's World](https://janeaustensworld.com/2010/01/17/astleys-amphitheatre/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The amphitheatre was visited by Queen Victoria in 1846 and was mentioned by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/image-21.png) AI Generated Here is a review of the show from the Monmouthshire Merlin *This very distinguished troop, after making a successful tour through several parts of the Principality, yesterday made their triumphal entry into Newport attracting by their band, the knights and ladies on gallant steeds, their showy carriages, and their menagerie, crowds of spectators, who gave them a warm reception. They pitched their capacious tent in the New Market place, where they proposed to have two performances—day and evening. The scorching weather, however, prevented their making an audience at two o'clock, but in the evening they had a bumper. The horsemanship was respectable, presenting no new features, but the polandric exercises, the feats of juggling on horseback, Monsieur Hinne's management of six "rampant steeds," and the very attractive performances of the Lupino family, whose gymnastics equalled, if not excelled, the feats of Mons. Risley and his children, who so lately delighted London audiences by his extraordinary and classical posturisings, afforded an entertainment far beyond the ordinary range of arena exhibitions. The whole concluded with the daring encounter between Mr. Needhams and his half reasoning animals, lions, tigers, and leopards, and the audience went to their homes, well satisfied with the evening's amusement.* — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th June, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425340/3425343/24/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Volume 1, Number 39 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-39/ Last updated: 2025-10-04T06:34:55.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-21-at-17.18.31.png) [The Cambrian, 14th May, 1814](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3323255/3323258/9?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'For Sale: Lime Kilns Near Newport Bridge' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-29-at-07.39.42.png) [The Cambrian, 20th June 1829](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3326995/3326997/5/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) On the tithe maps from around 11 or 12 years after the advert was published, there was a limekiln and brickyard on the site of where the coffee shops on the other side of the Newport City Footbridge are today. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-29-at-07.41.45.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Ragged Fringes of Newport At the monthly meeting of the Newport County Council a chorus of complaints about the condition of suburban and other roads, were made about the **ragged fringes of the borough**. Mr Williams grew eloquent about the awfulness of Corporation-road, and was observing that the Press had noticed it when the Mayor interjected: Never mind about the Press, Mr Williams; come to the point. Alderman Lyne: He thinks it a pressing question. (Laughter) Mr Cordey wanted the Works Committee to saunter out to Brynglas-road another gentleman desired private road near the new Intermediate Schools ameliorated to some reasonable extent; whilst Mr Wilkinson, discovering that all the cry was in favour of the upper portion of the town, rose to plead on behalf of the lower part of Newport. **The Mayor**: Which side of the river? **Mr Wilkinson**: Both sides of the river. (laughter) —Alexandra-road, Mendalgief-road, and the lower part of Commercial-road. **Tbe Mayor**: The committee will take note of what you say gentlemen. — [*South Wales Echo, 8th December, 1896*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4604326/4604328/38/Mendalgief?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-22-at-08.16.40.png) The Old Houses on each side of The Dip at Newport Bridge, Monmouthshire - Greene, William Henry (1892) Source: [People's Collection Wales/Newport Museum & Art Gallery](https://www.peoplescollection.wales/items/398584?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#?xywh=-29%2C-169%2C833%2C669) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Late Storms During the severe gales which prevailed in the early part of the week, the effects of which we are sorry to perceive by several accounts, have been calamitous to sea-faring men in various quarters, much injury has been done to shipping in our port— several vessels broke from their moorings, and were more or less damaged, others put in with loss of bow-sprits, injury to rigging, &c. On Tuesday morning, the tide at Newport flowed higher than any that has been remembered for many years-all the low lands were inundated. Even beyond Newport bridge the grounds, gardens, and the high road were flooded, and we are sorry to learn that a considerable number of sheep were drowned in the marshes. In the extreme fury of the gale, many families left the upper parts of their houses, in momentary apprehension of the chimneys being blown down but we have not heard of any accident of this description except in two instances, and those fortunately without causing any personal injury. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/image-6.png) ChatGPT generated image A small house, near completion, erected by an honest and industrious mechanic, named Dando, situated on the Pill road, was partially destroyed, and the roof of a house, at Pill, was forced in by the fall of the chimney. During the gusts of wind, persons passing through the streets were frequently obliged to grasp some protecting object in order to prevent being blown down. On Sunday morning last, the Bristol Trader, George, Captain Johns, left our river's mouth, bound to Bristol! After proceeding a short distance, her mast was carried away by the severity of the gale, and there is no doubt but she would have been a complete wreck, but for the prompt and kind assistance of the Bristol Trader, Mary, Capt. Tivers, who got a hawser on board, and towed the George safe into Bristol river. Great credit is due to Capt. Tivers for his efficient exertions in this case, and it may be further observed with praise, that when the owner of the Mary was asked what he expected for the assistance rendered, he answered, not a farthing—as it was only a friendly action, such as his own vessel might, some time or other, stand in need of. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th October, 1836*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392306/3392307/8/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-26-at-08.25.12.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd January, 1847](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394101/3394103?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## 'Rabid Dog' On Monday last, two children, one nine and the other two years old, who were bitten by a dog, supposed to be rabid, were "dipped" under the Newport Bridge, as an infallible remedy against hydrophobia! — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th August, 1838*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392745/3392748/27/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-27-at-07.57.50.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th July, 1855](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396394?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Herbert's Wonderful Dogs' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-30-at-07.39.16.png) [South Wales Argus, 3rd October, 1903](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143548359/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) At The Empire on 3rd October, 1903 was Fred T. Herbert's Wonderful Dogs which was a troupe of performing dogs featuring Dinks the High Diving Dog and Diana the 'Slide for Life Dog'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/image-8.png) Source: [British Newspaper Archive](https://blog.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/2020/07/27/top-dogs-canine-snaps/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Found with a Block of Wood' Lewis Lewis and William Lewis, apparently father and son, were charged with having a block of wood in their possession, of which they could give no satisfactory account.— o owner came forward to prosecute, and the elder prisoner was advised not to pick up things that didn't belong to him: **they were both discharged**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th December, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425474/3425477?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Plucking a Bold Dragoon Martha Ashton was charged with having stolen from Private Charles Sefton, of the 1st Dragoon Guards, stationed here, the sum of £16., two silk handkerchiefs, and a book. It appeared that prosecutor had lately received a bequest of money, which he had gone the other side of the water to receive, and on his return, had become acquainted with the prisoner. On arriving at Newport, he accompanied her to her house in Friars' Fields, where he was robbed while asleep, but he could not swear by whom, though he certainly suspected the prisoner. **Remanded to Thursday**. *On Thursday...* Martha Ashton and Elizabeth Smith were charged with steal. ing £16., &c., from the Guardsman Sefton—the former remanded from Monday, and the latter since apprehended. **The evidence against them was so inconclusive, that they were dis- charged**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th December, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425474/3425477?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Smashing of Newport Lamps The public lamps in many of the streets of Newport are targets for the juvenile residents, in some cases the whole lamps in a street being smashed by the missiles thrown by the juveniles. In Mendalgief-road, leading from Cardiff-road to the Alexandra Docks, 51 panes of glass have been demolished within three weeks. Five youngsters named August Tucker, Thomas Evans, Edwin Smith, Win. Tompkins, and Ernest Turbervilie appeared at the police-court to answer a summons for throwing stones in Mendalgief-road. The youngsters were caught in the act of throwing at a lamp, and one sheet of glass was smashed in the presence of the witness. **The Bench fined the lads 2s 6d each.** *—* [*South Wales Echo, 17th July, 1893*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4430451/4430453/22/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Street Walker Bridget Callahan, a woman of questionable character, was charged with being in the streets at three o'clock on Sunday morning. P.C. Jenkins stated that persons of prisoner's class had greatly increased in number of late, and that there was consequently much difficulty in keeping the streets clear. Callahan and two other girls who were similarly charged, but had not been previously at court, were discharged with a caution. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th July 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396394/3396396?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Blue Skin' James Cockayne and James Buckley, two itinerant showmen whose wondrous attractions consist of a little fat pig, and a big fat woman, were charged with causing an obstruction at Pill by occupying the road and pavement with their exhibition. Mr Ford, whom some call "Blue Skin," proved the nuisance, and said the music of the concern had greatly alarmed his timid wife. She was not of the class whom "*Music hath charms to soothe.*" ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/image.png) ChatGPT Generated Image The showman said Mr. Jones, agent to the Tredegar Wharf Company, had given them leave to occupy the piece of ground upon which their caravan stood and they did not know they were doing wrong. As to the music of their band being alarming — Jullien's or Straus's bands were nothing in comparison to them and with respect to obstruction or nuisance, they could get every man, woman, and child in Pillgwenlly to prove Ford alias Blue Skin, the greater nuisance or annoyance of the two exhibitions. The Bench, understanding that defendants had acted under mistake, fined them 1s., and 8s. costs each. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th May, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394651/3394653/21/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-28-at-16.57.05.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th March, 1844](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424786/3424788/6/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Newport Bridge **To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.** SIR,—The readiness you always evince in forwarding, any measure tending to the improvements Newport, convince me that you will afford me a small space in your next publication, to draw the attention of the parties able to apply a remedy to the present insecure state of the thoroughfare, for foot passengers, over Newport Bridge — in itself a noble structure, and when built about half-a-century back, more than equal to the probable wants of the public; but now, in consequence of the increased and fast increasing traffic of the place, not affording sufficient accommodation. In the roadway, there is only room for two carriages to pass each other, and the footpath on each side is scarcely sufficient for two persons to walk abreast, so that when carriages or cattle are passing over the bridge, children and infirm persons run great risk of serious accidents. > I am told that yesterday an heifer, actually leaped over the parapet wall into the river. The remedy I would suggest would be to devote the whole of the present road and footways to the passage of cattle and carriages, and to throw out on each side of the present parapets a footpath of four or five feet wide, with an iron balustrade, calculated to injure the effect of the present proportions of the bridge as little as possible. Perhaps some of your readers will point out a more eligible plan, but I think that the convenience, and indeed the safety, of the inhabitants, imperatively require something to be done. Your most obedient servant, Newport, Oct. 2nd, 1845\. AN INHABITANT. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th October, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425163/3425166/32/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The cow mentioned in the article above was featured in the same newspaper. ## Attempted Suicide by a Cow On Wednesday last, a fine cow was being driven over Newport Bridge to our markets on reaching about the centre, having, perhaps, some prescience of the fate that awaited it, it looked round rather wildly, perceived a certain fat butcher approaching, and, with a sudden bound, absolutely cleared the parapet, in line sporting style, and, unhurt, reached the waters of the Usk, fortunately, as the tide began to ebb. A boat was instantly manned and put off from one of our steamers, and a rope was soon thrown round the horns and head of the animal, which, after some short time, was safely hauled ashore. We understand that a promise of beef-steaks only was the reward of the active sailors from the owner of the animal. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th October, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425163/3425166/32/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-28-at-16.58.27.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th March, 1844](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424786/3424788/6/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Villetta ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-06-at-05.40.55.png) OS Map. Surveyed 1881, published 1884 I spend a lot of time scanning old maps looking for anything interesting and like to see if houses that are displayed still exist and still retain the same name. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-06-at-05.40.42.png) Villetta still retains it's name today and searching through the Monmouthshire Merlin reveals just a single mention of the property when it's owner, William Stopford Smyth married in Belfast in 1881\. William Stopford Smyth was Engineer to the Alexandra Dock Company became Engineer-in-Chief to the Newport (Alexandra) Docks and Railway Company and designed the South Dock. He retired in 1901 and died in 1913\. ([Obituary](https://www.emerald.com/jmipi/article/193/1913/361/421685/OBITUARY-WILLIAM-STOPFORD-SMYTH-1831-1913?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Portico at the Parrot The Chairman intimated that two or three gentlemen bad communicated with him on the subject of the portico now erected in front of the Parrot Inn, to which they strongly objected, as being unsightly and an obstruction to the view towards Pill and from Pill upwards. Mr. Mullock also objected to the erection but inasmuch as the building was now near completion, he supposed, that however strong the opposition of the parties alluded to might be, it could not now be remedied. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/image-7.png) This old photograph shows a flying portico which may have been the one mentioned in the article. After several gentlemen had made observations on the subject, Mr. Dowling desired a reference to the minute-book. wherein it appeared that Mr. Nicholas had made a formal request, at a meeting of the Commissioners held on the 1st of May last, for permission to erect a portico in front of the Parrot Inn, and that such request had been unanimously acceded to by the meeting. The subject then dropped. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th September, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425405/3425408/37/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-28-at-17.00.22.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th March, 1844](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424786/3424788/6/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Gold Tops In the late 1830s and early 1840s, Gold Tops was a sparsely populated area with just a few cottages on land owned by Sir Charles Morgan. The cottages appeared in a couple of adverts giving an idea of what the properties were like and their use. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-03-at-15.29.16.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st April, 1837](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392419/3392421/10/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-03-at-15.27.11.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th March, 1840](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393150/3393151/3/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-03-at-15.33.55.png) The Gold Tops area in 1840\. Also in the area at the same time was a notorious beer-house called the Gold Tops. [An article in May 1841](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393425/3393428/23/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) mentioned two men with 'Herculean necks' fighting in the 'Bloody Fields' near the beer-house. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/image-18.png) ChatGPT Generated Image ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-03-at-15.41.36.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st May, 1841](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393425/3393428/23/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Later that year the pub was in trouble again when the keeper of the beer-house was charged with an offence against the Beer Act fining him around £270 in today's money. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-03-at-15.46.43.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th September, 1841](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393425/3393428/23/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) After that, the pub disappears from newspaper records. --- An interesting [announcement](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396579/3396587/67/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) in the Merlin on 24th November, 1855 mentions the a diversion of a footpath through a field called Gold Tops. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-03-at-16.06.13.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th November, 1855](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396579/3396587/67/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) There are a few field numbers mentioned but field 124 does back onto the cottage and potentially beer-house called Gold Tops? Could the area be named after the field? There would still be the question of the origin of the name Gold Tops in terms of the field. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-03-at-16.01.19-1.png) The area of field 124 is mainly where St Mark's Crescent is today. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-03-at-16.13.43.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A Beggarly Opinion One of the begging fraternity, in reply to a question propounded to him by a captain at Pillgwenlly, "half seas over," of whom he solicited and received alms, provided he admitted the amount of his "income," made the following candid and truly pithy acknowledgment — > "I doesn't know what's come to Newport, it's bad times with the tradesfolk, for I used to make my thirty shillings cadging it through the town, when my rounds came that way, and was safe for full thirty shillings." "Now, I can't get more nor five shillings, and matter a two days about it! It must be awful times with the tradespeople. How I pities them!!!" Roars of laughter were elicited by the sympathising manner and rich pathos in which the fellow spoke as to the diminution of his "income," and the fallen fortunes of Newport. He should have attributed his "lesser fortune" to the discrimination which now enables our charitable townsfolk to percieve the difference between the really needy and those who trade in begging.- *Communicated*. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th September, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425405/3425408/37/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## An Audacious Thief Last Friday morning, between one and two o'clock, Mrs. Mitchell, wife of Mr. Mitchell, of the Dos Works, who resides in one of the houses on the premises, was awoke by a noise on the outside of the bedroom window, in the back of the house, and on getting up and drawing aside the curtain, she was exceedingly startled to see a man standing on the ledge of the window, who, immediately on her alarming her husband, leaped down to the roof of the back kitchen and made his escape. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-29-at-08.29.50.png) The area mentioned in the article showing the Dos Works and Pentonville Shortly after, the thief was observed coming down Pentonville very rapidly, by P.C. Bath, who attempted to stop him, but he threw down a large bundle and decamped. The bundle was found to consist of a counterpane, sheet, towels, earthenware, &c.. &c.. which was subsequently found to have been stolen from the yard of a house very near Mr. Mitchell's, in which the thief had placed his shoes and stockings, intending, no doubt, to make that the place of rendezvous for the night, after plundering whatever he might, from the other premises in the row. We understand the fellow is known by the name of the Begging Sailor in this town but he has not been captured. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th September, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425405/3425408/37?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) --- It's likely that the houses mentioned in the article were Dos Cottages which would have been the only houses next to the Dos Works. They can be seen as 121a in the tithe map above. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-29-at-08.34.19.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-22-at-08.23.27.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th February, 1869](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438215?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### The Streets of Newport: An 1860 Lecture URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/the-streets-of-newport-an-1860-lecture/ Last updated: 2025-09-02T07:14:19.000Z The following article was published in the [Monmouthshire Merlin on 17th March, 1860](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399021/3399029/48/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). It's published verbatim with headings and AI-generated images added by me. On Wednesday evening a lecture — subject, "The Streets of Newport" — was delivered in the Baptist Temple, by the Rev. A. McAuslane. Mr. Henry Phillips presided. The Rev. Lecturer observed that sometimes after the studies of his books, or a walk through the open fields, he had frequently gone up and down the streets of Newport, and by taking notes of what he saw, had learned many invaluable lessons. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/image-13.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Observations and First Impressions He had been now walking those streets nearly 19 months, and when he consented to deliver a course of lectures, he thought it would be well to look over his notes and tell them what he had seen and heard. One of the first things that struck him in the streets of Newport was the dirt. The thought had occurred to him, may not these streets be kept cleaner? Why were there not channels on each side of the streets — gutters, as some people called them — with broad open gratings here and there to carry off the waste water? Then, again, why should there not be good crossings, similar to our pavements, over which people might pass from one side to the other? And why should they not be swept — not in the afternoon — but before six o'clock in the morning? There was no good reason why this should not be done. There was a vast amount of traffic through the streets, he would grant, but he thought an improvement was very desirable and very practicable, and the sooner it was made the better it would be for all concerned. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/image-9.png) ### Business Taste and Activity The next thing he noticed in the streets was the taste and activity for business. In looking at many of the shops, he had been impressed with the thought that there was as much taste displayed as in London and other large cities. Taste of this description, however, was not displayed everywhere. In some shops everything was put where it ought not to be. Such was not according to the right constitution of things, and shopkeepers suffered by it. One day he recommended two ladies to a certain shop as a likely place to get supplied with a suitable bonnet; but, when they went to the shop, they said the window was so untidy that they imagined it was not probable they would find inside what they required. They did not enter, and the individual belonging to that shop lost that evening the price of two new bonnets. He hoped the time would come when every window would manifest a becoming and modest taste. In conjunction with taste he had noticed also activity. The young men and women were active, and the heads of the establishments also. They knew that if they left business, business would soon be likely to leave them. Work was healthful, and it was far better to wear out than to rust out. He would say to the young men engaged in business, those who now stand at the head were not all born with silver spoons in their mouths. They had risen, some said by magic — but it was the magic of industry, perseverance, and sagacity, accompanied by sobriety, for no man who tampered with anything that could take away his reason was fitted for business. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/image-1.png) ### Dishonest Advertising Another thing which he had noticed was the trickery and fraud of business. He did not object to advertising honestly and modestly, but there were some advertisements neither honest, modest, nor truthful. He had read passing through the streets, "Selling below cost price," "Immense sacrifices," "At any sacrifice," “Goods given away,” &c. The principle involved in these statements was not wrong, but untruthful. There was one shop who advertised that the "Teas sold here are superior to any in the town." Now did they think that the proprietor had examined all the tea at the other shops? No, it was probable that he had seen none but those in his own shop. The man who sold below cost price would, he thought, soon sell some one else; and to test the truth of the announcement, “Goods given away," let them step into the shop one day, take up the first bale of goods, and walk off with it. These advertisements were not based on integrity, and he would advise the audience to pay no attention whatever to them. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/image-2.png) ### Street Quackery He had also been impressed with the quackery in the streets — in the medicine line. Not long since, he had noticed a man with two candles offering his medicines, that would cure any one, for 2d. His motto was, “Health for 2d. Why should you die?" For the purpose of giving them an idea of how such persons proceeded, he read an extract from a work containing the address of one of these quacks taken down verbatim, which excited much laughter. They ought to pay no attention to such persons. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/image-4.png) ### Immoral Street Literature Another thing was the literature of the streets. There were a man and woman who stood by the railway gates when the train was not coming, with a lot of ballads stuck up, and at another time, people would be going through the streets singing them. There was in these ballads no poetry or sense but a vast amount of impurity, and those who sung them were generally too lazy to work. Not only was this literature dirty literally, but in the modern acceptation of the term. They had good literature, however, in the town, and the noble Athenaeum contained volumes for all, and there ought to be more readers than there were. He hoped that the taste for good reading would be extended, and that along with the quack doctor, they would send off the lazy fellow who sold and sung this immoral literature. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/image-5.png) ### Beggars and Charity He had observed, too, stuck on the walls small bills, sometimes of one colour, and sometimes of another; but they were always about health. These bills contained the most scandalous stuff he had ever read; and they ought to come under the act passed some time ago in reference to obscene publications. He had further noticed the beggars of Newport. They would all agree with him that they paid pretty well for the poors' rate without being afflicted as they were, with a variety of beggars — lame, cripples, &c. It was a duty to support the poor, but let them be discriminating, as they might give a shilling to a man which would prove a curse to him. There were many deserving poor who never applied to the Union; let them find such out, relieve them, and be kind to them, but let those who came of a suspicious description, go away as they came. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/image-8.png) ### Beer Shops and Public Houses Again, he could not but notice the beer shops and spirit shops of the town. In some parishes in Scotland they had had Maine laws for a long time. There were no beer shops in them, and no gaol or union. In Newport were **206 beer shops and 85 general licensed houses, making a total of 291 shops licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquors.** They contrived somehow or other to get at the corners of the streets, and about 78 or 80 were thus situated. There might be many reasons for this, one being that there were then two ways to the house, and was most likely to attract the passers by. What good did these houses do? Our drapers, grocers, and butchers did a vast amount of good, it could not be denied. Did they ever hear of publicans banding together and getting up lectures for the people? If these houses were doing good, their aim should be to increase them, and they would never find a single individual on the temperance platform if they were convinced that such was the case. But he was sure they were doing a vast amount of harm, and the sooner they were got rid of the better. It could not be denied, indeed, that they were the means of increasing crime and the poor rates, and of doing a vast amount of mischief in the town. They should then try to get rid of them as soon as possible. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/image-7.png) ### The Social Evil These remarks brought him to the last thing which he should mention — one which had grieved him as he witnessed it, and which he could not speak about as he would like. He referred to the “social evil." In passing up and down the streets of Newport, it was evident the evil was among us. The number of unfortunates, as they were called, were stated in the last report of the chief superintendent to be **287**, and it had struck him forcibly that most of them were young. What had brought these creatures to their present condition? Once they were as free from the evil as it was possible to be. Perhaps some of them had uncomfortable homes or had been led away by some one deemed respectable; or further still, some may have set their affections upon others, who by and by had rejected and left them, and allowed them to sink into degradation. In whatever way they came into that condition, they ought to command our commiseration instead of being spurned at. They all had souls and were passing into eternity as well as ourselves. Let no man say such things ought to be. It was a shame and disgrace to the civilisation — not to speak of the Christianity — of this country. He could tell them of what he had witnessed when a town missionary, but that was not the place for him to do so. He had then seen and heard things which enabled him to look upon human nature in a way he had never seen it before, and he was confirmed in the opinion that some men were worse than the devil. Of those who actively incited this prostitution, all were not young or unmarried men, but some of them were old, and their looks were silvered by age. It was not for him to name them, but God knew them. They should not forget that while they were ruining their bodies they were also ruining their souls. If there was any one on whom he could spit out his venom, it was on the man who held up his head as respectable, while he, in a steady manner, did all in his power to keep up the evil which existed in our midst. If we had less beer shops, we should have less poor females. Although there were 55 houses in the town in which they specially lived, most of them lived at the beer shops. They must be fired with drink before they could ply their baneful trade. Get rid then, he would say, of the beer shops. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/image-6.png) ### Closing Remarks In closing, he would say, notwithstanding the many evils, we lived in good times. There never before were such times in the world’s history; never was there so much good done, or so much prayer offered up, and God seemed to smile upon the efforts that were being made. There was not an institution for benevolent purposes which they could not name, and their own temperance movement was never in a better position than now. He believed the good time was coming; the more they did to usher it in, the more speedily it would come. The Rev. Lecturer was frequently applauded. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/image-10.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Who was the Rev. Alexander McAuslane? Alexander McAuslane was born in Dunfermline on 27th April, 1826 and married on 31st October, 1853\. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/portrait_cropped_enhanced.png) Source: [Family Search](https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/LBSM-R9H/rev.-alexander-mcauslane-1826-1886?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) He was living in Lanarkshire in 1853 and then in October 1858 he was formally recognised as pastor of Dock Street Chapel, Newport, after six successful years of ministry in Dunfermline. The ceremony featured prayers, hymns, and addresses from numerous ministers who praised his character and dedication. McAuslane accepted the church’s unanimous invitation, stressing his sense of divine guidance and his mission to uplift all classes of society. The day concluded with a celebratory dinner and well-attended evening meeting, marking a hopeful new chapter for the chapel. ([Long article about that day](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398109/3398111/3/McAuslane?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/image-11-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-02-at-07.41.25-1.png) Interior of the Dock Street Chapel in 1865 (Source: [Wikimedia](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:New%5FIndependent%5FChapel,%5FDock%5FStreet,%5FNewport.jpeg?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) | Map showing the location of the chapel in 1883 He gave lectures such as the one in this article and [another in Caerleon in 1861](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399507/3399512/28/McAuslane?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) and by 1871 he had moved on to be a minister in Hackney, London. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/09/image-12.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Volume 1, Number 38 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-38/ Last updated: 2025-09-11T10:55:20.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Red and Blue House Pubs In the late 1860s, the Mendalgief area of Newport gained a reputation for two notorious drinking houses — the **Red House** and the **Blue House**. Both were repeatedly hauled before the courts for opening illegally on Sundays, with police forced to go undercover to gather evidence as the pubs were too well-guarded for uniformed officers to enter. Inside, dozens of men could be found drinking openly, turning the neighbourhood into a Sunday scene of rowdy drunkenness. Fines were issued, licenses suspended, and by 1869 the Blue House had its license revoked altogether, while the Red House’s days were likely numbered. --- John Roderick, of the Red House beerhouse, Mendelgief, was charged with selling beer at illegal hours. Between eleven and twelve on Sunday morning P. S. McEvoy visited defendant's house. He was in plain clothes, as the house was too well watched to enable officers in uniform to detect the defendant, of whom complaints had been made that the house was open all day. He found on the premises nine men, who were drinking. It appeared the house had been licensed since the commencement of the Alexandra Dock works. Inspector Shepard said the officers had frequently seen men leaving the house, but in consequence of the "look out," the offence against the law could not be proved. **Fined 40s. and costs.** > *"He found on the premises twenty-four men, most of whom were drinking in one room, and others standing at the back door with a jug of porter."* Daniel Davies, of the Blue House beerhouse, Mendelgief, was charged with a similar offence. P.C. McEvoy proved this case. He found on the premises twenty-four men, most of whom were drinking in one room, and others standing at the back door with a jug of porter. Inspector Sheppard gave the "Blue" House the same character as he had given the "Red" House. **Fined 40s. and costs**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd August, 1868*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3442620/3442622/2/Blue%2BOR%2BHouse?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-25--2025--03_10_01-PM.png) ChatGPT generated image The Blue House, under a different owner, was in trouble again in 1869 when 32 people were caught drinking out of hours. --- Edward Watkins, of the Blue-house Inn, St. Woollos, was again charged with an infringement of his license, by allowing drinking to be carried on at illegal hours on his premises. P.C. Agg proved the offence. He saw a number of men in the yard— about 32, drinking. John Thomas was in company with the last witness, on Sunday last, and corroborated his evidence. Inspector Sheppard said there was a previous conviction recorded against the defendant on the 15th of August last *\[See above\]*. It was not safe for a policeman alone to visit the house. The neighbourhood was a regular scene of drunkenness on a Sunday. **Defendant was again fined £ 2, and 14s. 6d. costs**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th September, 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438599/3438601/2/blue%2BOR%2BHouse%2BAND%2BSt%2BOR%2BWoollos?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) --- Just a week later, the Blue House pub had it's beerhouse license removed and if the Red House was still as bad I'm sure it didn't last much longer either. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-25-at-15.14.04.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th September, 1869](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438611/3438616/27/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Don Juan and the Field of Forty Footsteps' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-27-at-08.01.30.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th July, 1855](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396394?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'A Fine Fat Ox' **To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin** Sir,—Not long since I noticed in your extensively circulated paper, a paragraph, in which you expressed a desire to be informed of any person who contributes to the comforts of the poor of this neighbourhood, in order that you may give publicity to the same, with a view to stimulate others who have it in their power to follow so good an example. I am glad to have an opportunity of speaking of the liberality of Mr. Powell, the Gaer, in having a fine fat ox killed, and distributing it amongst his workmen and the poor of his neighbourhood —an act which I consider you will deem worthy of notice. I am, &c., A PHILANTHROPIST. Newport, Dec. 23rd, 1846 — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th December, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425474/3425477?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-21-at-17.15.46.png) [The Cambrian, 27th November, 1815](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3324510/3324513/9/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Origins of the Refuse Tip?' [At the quarterly meeting](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407432/3407440/84/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) of Newport Council in May 1886, there was a mention of a field near Mendalgief Road that could be leased by scavengers for depositing rubbish — could this be the origin of the refuse tip? ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-26-at-16.51.29.png) [**Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th May, 1886*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407432/3407440/84/mendalgief?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The current tip was licensed in 1977 [according to the Argus](https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/24702853.historic-landfill-site-next-newport-visible-space/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) but earlier maps show no signs of a tip (the map below is around the turn of the 19th/20th century) so perhaps it was just too far away. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-26-at-17.12.22.png) Circled is the location of the current refuse tip ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-22-at-08.12.30.png) Old Newport High Street - Richards, Frederick Charles (R.E., A.R.C.A.) (1907) Source: [People's Collection Wales/Newport Museum & Art Gallery](https://www.peoplescollection.wales/items/398610?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#?xywh=2%2C-56%2C749%2C602) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'A Subway for Mendalgief Road' The Parliamentary and Improvement Committee of the Newport County Council held a meeting at the Town Hall, Newport, on Tuesday morning, at which the principal business was the consideration of a projected subway under the Great Western Railway on the Cardiff-road, to take the place of the present level crossing. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-26-at-12.53.12.png) Area mentioned in the article The Borough Surveyor produced plans of the proposed subway, and showed that besides affording access to Spring Gardens Board School and the converging streets in that district it would, by a curve, connect with Mendalgief-road. The scheme also provides for the completion of Mendalgief- road to a width of 50 feet. Lord Tredegar, it is understood, is willing to give the land necessary for the widening of Cardiff-road, and as the Alexandra Dock Company and the Great Western Railway Company will benefit by the subway, the scheme was approved by the committee, subject to a satisfactory agreement being arrived at between the parties concerned. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th March, 1896*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3426037/3426044/187/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) --- The subway had also been discussed in 1895. --- The Parliamentary and Improvement Committee of the Newport County Council, at the meeting today, proposed an entirely new scheme for dealing with the vehicular communication between Cardiff-road and the Alexandra Docks. The scheme provided for the lowering of Cardiff-road between Clytha-square and the Park entrance, commencing at a point about 90 yards from Belle Vue-lane, so as to construct a vehicular subway underneath the railway to Mendalgief-road, and for making a new 40 feet road alongside, and at the present level of the existing road by taking a strip of land from King's Hill field and Belle Vue Court, which scheme would entirely do away with the Courtybella level crossing. Lord Tredegar approved the proposed scheme, and would be prepared to contribute a reasonable proportion of the expense of carrying it out. It was pointed out that if this subway was constructed it would enable the land alongside Mendalgief-road to be developed without ballasting, and this would entail the construction of a deep outfall sewer down Mendalgief-road and Watchhouse-parade to the river at a considerable cost. The committee resolved — > "That with the view of submitting the scheme to the Alexandra Dock Company, the Great Western Railway, and Lord Tredegar, for the purpose of ascertaining what sums they are prepared to contribute, the borough engineer be instructed to prepare plans and estimates of the cost of the whole scheme, including the outfall sewer, and that in the meantime the preparation of plans for the proposed bridge over the Courtybella Crossing be deferred." Mr Brown continued, that a smaller scheme adopted a few months ago had been thrown overboard, and said that for the six years he had been on the Council there had been a shilly-shallying with the interests of the South Ward in this respect which was not observable in relation to other parts of the town. Mr Collier and others contributed to the discussion, and the Borough Surveyor said it would take three or four months to prepare the plans. —[ *South Wales Echo, 9th July, 1895*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4602152/4602155/54/Mendalgief?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-21-at-17.23.40.png) [The Cambrian, 28th December, 1816](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3323920/3323922/8/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## St Woolos Clock A correspondent inquires whether it is intended to "restore'' the large public clock in St. Woollos church tower, kindly placed there by its owner, Mr Gregory, and which was of so much public utility, previously to the "restoration" of the ancient pile. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th July, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396394/3396396?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Livermore Brothers Court Minstrels ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-27-at-16.11.56.png) [South Wales Argus, 2nd September, 1902](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145605807/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) The Livermore Brothers’ Court Minstrels (active 1860s–1890s) transformed American minstrelsy into a distinctly British form of family entertainment, blending racial caricature with refined music, operatic selections, and genteel comedy. Their troupe, dressed as Georgian courtiers in powdered wigs, epitomised this “respectable” anglicized minstrelsy, contrasting with both rough music halls and elite concerts. A rare 1887 poster advertising their Bridgnorth engagement captures the spectacle of their performances, which later influenced a young James Joyce, who recalled them in *Ulysses*. They played at the Tredegar Hall over 6 nights and [here's a review](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145605807/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) from the South Wales Argus. --- 'The Court troupe are now on a visit to Newport, and the first performance was given before a fairly large and appreciative audience at the Tredegar Hall on Monday night. In addition to the company themselves, a number of new features have been introduced, making the programme diversified and interesting. The chorus will appeal especially to the Welsh sentiment, for it consists of a remarkably well-balanced number of really excellent voices. The songs and ballads were accompanied by a good deal of patter/and jocular remarks, some of the latter containing topical allusions. The first part consisted of comic songs and ballads. Mr. Fred Budd was well received for his humorous character rendering of the ever popular "The Honeysuckle and the Bee." Mr. H. G. Berry, the interlocutor, was heard to great advantage in his artistic treatment of "The Sound of the Drum." Mr. Leslie Goldie gave evidence of the possession of a powerful bass voice in his song, "The Deep Cold Sea." The first part of the programme concluded with a nautical burlesque, "Livermore's Yacht," in which the troupe are represented to be at sea in a storm. The antics of the corner men were most amusing, and the introduction of sails gave the scene a realistic effect. The second part was a variety entertainment. Space prevents us from mentioning every item, but special reference should be made to the glee, " Comrades in Arms," by the minstrel choir, which was effectively given. Carl Moneta went through a smart acrobatic performance; Clarice Mingnon, described as the banjo queen, played selections on several instruments in a way which showed her to be an accomplished musician. > "The Darkies' Jubilee" by Mesars. Buckingham and Loftus was well received, and very true to life. Budd and Budd, society entertainers, went through a quick change business, introducing representations of the opera and drama — a clever piece of stage work which delighted the audience. Ted Loftus, the international clog dancer, and Jimmy James, the champion bones manipulator, also took part in the programme, which concluded with a burlesque "Military Tactics," in which the parts were sustained by Messrs. Loftus, Berry and Buckingham. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/2014HG5448.jpg) Source: [V&A](https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O738363/livermore-brothers-court-minstrels-poster-unknown/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'A Night on the Mud' The Western Valleys Railway brought down, on Monday, a large number of excursionists, who had availed themselves of the cheap trip from the Hill districts to Bristol and back, per rail and Screw steamboats. The hilarity of the party was, however, somewhat subdued by a night on the mud in the river. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th July, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396394/3396396?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Cider Stores in 1855' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-27-at-08.08.12.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th July, 1855](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396394?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Hopefully Simeon had stopped leaving his casks on Stow Hill, something he was fined 6s 6d for in 1850. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-27-at-08.35.33.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th June, 1850](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396394/3396396?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Stealing a Waggon' Thomas Williams, of the Blue House, was summoned for stealing a waggon, the property of Phoebe James. Mr. Kessick said he had declined to issue a warrant, but afterwards the prosecutrix obtained a summons from him under a magistrate's order. Upon investigation, it appeared that the accused had kept the waggon until he obtained some money due from prosecutrix's brother. The accused was discharged, the Bench remarking they had no jurisdiction, and clearly it was a question of dispute about money, which was for settlement in the County Court. At the same time, the defendant had better give up the sister's waggon, and summon the man James for the debt. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th February, 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438215/3438217?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ℹ️ The Blue House was a pub in Mendalgief. There was also a pub called the Red House in Mendalgief. ### 'Annoying Mr Wells' Thomas Williams, a lad, fifteen years of age, of Bream-place, was charged with ringing the bell at the house of Mr. Nugent Wells, greatly to his annoyance. Complainant stated how frequently he was annoyed from day to day, and he caught this lad in the act of ringing his bell. He did not wish to press the charge severely. The boy was discharged on promising not to offend again, and requested to caution his companions not to offend in a similar way. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th February, 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438215/3438217?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### *'*Throwing Stones in Corn Street' Edward Freeward, a boy, was summoned for throwing stones in Corn-street. P.C. No. 15 saw the boy throwing stones at some little girls, who had babies in their arms. The boy said they threw stones at him first. They were frequently annoying him as he was closing the shop for Mr. Edwards, draper, for whom he was errand boy. The Bench cautioned the boy, and told him that he was liable to a very heavy penalty, but in the hope that he would not offend again, **they would only fine him one shilling**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th February, 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438215/3438217?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Stealing a Barber's Pole' Phillip Trigg was charged with stealing a pole from the house of Thomas Hutton, a barber. P.C. Carter proved the apprehension of prisoner with the pole in his possession, on the information of Wm. Greene. Mr. Hutton, who did not appear, had said that he did not wish to press the charge, because defendant was the support of his widowed mother. It appeared that the defendant was under the influence of drink and knew nothing about the affair. The Bench discharged him. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th February, 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438215/3438217?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'The Cup That *Does* Inebriate' Five females of ill-fame were appropriately dealt with for having indulged too freely in the "cup that does inebriate." — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th December, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425474/3425477?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-21-at-17.30.43.png) [The Cambrian, 14th November, 1812](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3322865/3322868/10/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Stealing Turnip Tops Martha Rees, Ellen Bryan alias Collins, Rhoda Rosser, Mary Ann Farrington, and Julia Kennedy, all from Newport, were charged with stealing turnip tops from a field on the Park Farm, the property of Mr. Simeon Scard. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/image-5.png) ChatGPT generated image P. S. Povall apprehended the whole of the prisoners in the field, busy cutting the tops at five o'clock in the morning, on the 17th inst.; he was on the watch, as several visits had been paid by prisoners and others to the same field, and the crop was severely damaged by them. The whole of the prisoners had been before the Bench, charged with the same kind of offence, on a previous occasion. —Committed to prison for 14 days. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st April, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403386/3403388/15/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-27-at-09.58.43.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th May, 1837](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392439?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-22-at-08.22.08-1.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th February, 1869](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438215?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Volume 1, Number 37 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-37/ Last updated: 2025-10-04T06:35:07.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Lamb Cottages' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-20-at-10.44.15.png) At our Newport History Socials we talk about all sorts of things related to Newport and at our recent social on August 19th, one of the attendees mentioned a house on Stow Hill which looked out of place. The house doesn't match houses on either side in terms of size or the materials used and this could indicate being built in a different period. Being curious I did a bit of research and in the same location as the house was a row of five houses called Lamb Cottages. They existed at a time when Bryn-hyfryd House still existed almost next door. Bryn-hyfyrd no longer exists but it does appear that one of the cottages is still there today. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-20-at-10.45.25-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-20-at-10.45.52-1.png) The footprint of the house, including the garage, match the houses that appeared on a map from 1884 (bottom left) and in Jun 1987, the house was up for sale. Interestingly the name of the house had been taken from the row it once belonged to and was called Lambs Cottages. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-20-at-12.37.13.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-20-at-12.42.04.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th June, 1884](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407459/3407463?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Blocking a Path From Bassaleg Road to Baneswell' **\[TO THE EDITOR\]** **SIR,** From time immemorial, a path has been the public, leading from Caira gate, on the Bassalleg road down across the fields to Banes-well. This path was not only a great convenience, as it led from the Bassalleg road by a short cut, direct into the centre of the town, but it was also a delightful walk. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-15-at-08.30.43.png) The area circled where the person who wrote the letter may have walked. (Source: [Newport Past](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/maps/m1829.htm?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) Now, sir, within the last month, some persons have illegally dared to close up the approach to the path, or public way, by wooden palings nailed to the gate, thereby infringing upon the rights and privileges of the people. I have only to say, that if those daring offenders do not remove the obnoxious palings, the first time I take a walk across the fields, I shall, without hesitation, knock off a sufficient number of the said palings to allow me to cross over with ease and comfort; and I advise every man who is fond of a walk on a summer's evening, and can feel pleasure in delightful views, to go up that way, and if he find any unlawful impediment in the path, let him remove it. By inserting the above in the MERLIN, you will oblige Your obedient servant. Newport, June 10, 1850\. CABACTACUS. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th June, 1850*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394879/3394880/5/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-18-at-12.47.21.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th January, 1841](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393345/3393347?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Offensive Smells in Baneswell' **\[TO THE EDITOR.\]** **SIR** I presume it must be gratifying to every thoughtful and philanthropic person who has a desire for the welfare of his species, to mark how careful you are at all times to expose and condemn everything that is likely to be injurious to the inhabitants of this town and neighbourhood, as may be seen from the startling fact recorded in your paper of last week. Prompted by somewhat the same views and motives, I beg to call your attention, and that of the authorities to the back part ofBanes-well(or that fronting S, W.), which is really a complete nuisance, arising from the offensive smell of the slaughter house, and other smells mingling together, which, if not early removed, must ultimately prove detrimental to the public health. I am, sir, your obedient servant, Newport, June 1?, 1850\. A PASSER-BY — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th June, 1850*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394879/3394880/5/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/image-3.png) Newport Bridge and Castle by Fred E Ellison (1887). (Source: [People's Collection Wales/Newport Museum](https://www.peoplescollection.wales/items/398855?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#?xywh=-64%2C-76%2C833%2C669)) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Improvements to Roads in 1851' ### Report of Surveyor The following and other improvements have been made, with a strict regard to economy, at the cost of the town:- ### Pavement The pavement on south side of Charles-street and of Cross-street, the crossing and pavement near Sir Charles Morgan's statue, and the pavements near 109, Stow-hill, have been re-laid, widened, and improved, and in Cross-street stone from the brack Rock quarries, Clifton, have been used for curbs, on account of their cheapness and durability. ### Roads Repaired Part of Dock-road, Banes Well-road, the Parish-road near Belle Vue, &c., have been repaired to a small extent. The Dock-road, never having been properly metalled or drained, is still in a bad state. ### Footpaths New footpaths have been formed and old ones repaired (with materials obtained as before for the cost of labour) in Dock-road, Stow hill, Clifion-place, Banes Well-road, Cross Keys-lane, Queen-street, &c., also in the fields between St. Woollos Church and Cardiff-road, where the footpath been improved throughout, and convenient wickets have been placed at each end to supersede troublesome stiles. ### Projections Removed Some steps which lately projected into the carriage-way on Stow hill have been removed further back, and the iron scrapers which endangered foot passengers near the bottom of the hill, have been set in the wall. ### New Water Cart An additional water cart with iron body has been purchased by order of the Board, and is found to answer well. ### Sewer Traps Several more of the new iron ejects have been put down with advantage in different parts of the town. ### Names of Street and Numbers of Houses For street lettering I have tried painted zinc plates, and shall probably use them extensively. The numbering of houses has been commenced, and I am now examining the state of the numbering generally throughout the town. ### Shutes to Houses In accordance with your directions, I am serving notices on parties to put up shutes to the buildings adjoining streets and roads. ### Tredegar Wharf Company's Property The Tredegar Wharf Company are proceeding with improvements in the neighbourhood of Pillgwenlly, and Mr. Homfray. at my solicitation, has freely consented to make Lewis street and future streets on the company's property forty feet wide. ### Llanarth Estate Mr. Lvne, is improviog the Llanarth Estate generally, and especially Canal-parade and the roads near the Commercial Inn, his application to have certain roads on the estate made public highways has not been answered by the Board. ### Pentonville Well Mr. Justice has, for Sir Charles Morgan, made a great improvement at the Pentonville Well by liberally building a substantial wall, and putting up a commodious flight of steps, with a neat iron gate for the convenience of the public. ### Scavenging The contract for scavenging the town will expire on the 9th of this month, and it will be necessary to make some temporary arrangement for the performance of the work until the proposed new contract is entered into. ### Banes Well Pump I have examined the state of the Banes Well Pump and Reservoir, having been directed to do so, and beg to report that the pump works well at present, and the supply of water is sufficient, if not abused. The pump and building over the well are certainly not ornamental. I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, Your very obedient servant, Town Hall, Newport, **ALFRED WILLIAMS** *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th August, 1851*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395133/3395137/73/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-20-at-12.49.17.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th June, 1884](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407468/3407472?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Trespassing at Brynhyrid' James Brinsden, a little boy, was charged with trespassing and breaking over fences, on lands belonging to Colonel Lyne, of Brynhyfrid. Col. Lyne stated that he had no wish to press the charge, but had brought the boy before them as a public duty. The facts of the case were simply these:- He had erected a larch fencing, to protect his land, nine feet high. Boys were in the habit of breaking over this fencing and causing a great deal of annoyance and injury. The day before yesterday 80 tons of hay had been consumed, and he believed it occurred entirely by boys having got in there at play. He did not mean to say that it was the boy who had done it, nor that he had any wicked intention on the contrary, he considered his father a very respectable man. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-19-at-07.32.11.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-19-at-07.32.22.png) Prior to Brynhyfryd Road being built, the patch of land on the left would have been the area mentioned in the article. Policemen had been set to watch these fences, and no sooner had the officers gone, than the boys returned, and broke over the fences. His son had caught the defendant, and he considered it his duty to bring the matter before the Bench. Having caught this boy, he brought him before the Bench as an example. If he had declined to bring this boy before the Bench, it would be said that he was afraid of doing so because he was respectable. He wanted the boy to be cautioned, and hoped it would act as a warning to him and others. The father of the lad expressed sorrow for what the boy had done, and had given him a beating as soon as he heard of it. The Bench administered a salutary caution, and ordered them to pay the expenses of the application. They hoped the boy would take warning himself, and warn his companions. Col. Lyne mentioned the danger and risk incurred by these boys getting over fences into other peoples' premises. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th August, 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438527/3438529?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### What's In A Name? Robert Nurse, of the Garth Company, at Rhiwderin, was summoned for using a cart without having the name of the owner painted thereon. P. C. Seys stated the case, and said he had frequently cautioned the driver. Defendant said it was not his cart, nor was it used for him. It belonged to the Garth Sheet Iron Company. When he received the summons the name board was ready to be put on. **Fined 5s**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th August, 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438539/3438541?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Trespassing in Pursuit of Game' John Morgan was charged with trespassing in pursuit of game. He was represented by his father. Service of summons was proved. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-19-at-07.38.50.png) The area mentioned in the article. Thomas Kirby stated that he was gamekeeper at Coldra, and on Monday last he saw defendant with a gun trespassing, and saw him shoot a rabbit. He had been on the ground on several previous occasions. **Fined 20s including costs, or fourteen days**. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th August, 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438527/3438529?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Refusing Entry to Policeman' James Bevan was charged with refusing to admit a policeman into his beer-house. At half-past one in the morning P.C. McEvoy said he heard men, apparently drunk, inside. He knocked seven or eight times at the door, and called outside was a policeman, but he was not admitted. One of the men in the house he heard say— > " Here's the police we had better get up stairs." Defendant declared there was no one in the house but his son, and that he did not hear the policeman. **Fined 10s. and costs, together £1 0s. 6d.** —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 29th December, 1860*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399354/3399356?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-18-at-12.43.50.png) [South Wales Argus, 3rd May, 1911](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144010815/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Steam Packet Bell in Newport' **To THE EDITOR of the CAMBRIAN** Cardiff, September 9th, 1828, **SIR**— I wish to be informed, through the medium of your paper, if there be any truth in the report, that a Magistrate acting for the county of Monmouth has ordered a bill of indictment to be preferred against the Bell which is rung at Newport, giving notice to the public a few minutes previous to the sailing of the Steam-packet from that place to Bristol. I am one of thousands that avail myself of that great, very great, accommodation, and a more proper and satisfactory notice to the public cannot possibly be given. **And am, Sir, your obedient servant, A. WATT.** — [*The Cambrian, 13th September, 1828*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3326795/3326798/11/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/GeorgeBatesonsGingerBeerManufactory.jpg) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th November, 1849](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394746?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Stow Hill 'Sub-way' Along Stow Hill there are a number of doorways some still there, some blocked up or bricked over; one currently has a sign that says 'Bin Store'. I've always wondered if they actually led into the houses or were just storage areas beneath the raised pavement. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-18-at-08.20.14.png) [During a council meeting](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439575/3439577/2?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) in April 1877, a Mr Brewer, surgeon, was successful in applying for a 'sub-way' that ran from the road into his house. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-18-at-08.12.20.png) After looking at old street directories trying to work out where this sub-way would have been, my guess is that it's the one on the left in the image below. The current numbering on Stow Hill goes odds and evens up the hill but they used to run sequentially up one side and then back down the other so when looking at 19th century street directories the numbers do correspond to what's there today. From the 1886 street directory, these were the buildings in the area. 38 Alms Houses St. John Baptist Church 42 Stapleton Thos. smith 43 Phillips Wm. carpenter 44 Void entrance to Waters' buildings 45 Brewer Hy. Melville, J.P. 46 Brewer Messrs. surgery Where the school is located there once stood a church and next to that were two houses, 42 and 43 where a smith and a carpenter resided. Next to those was a void where there is currently a building with a passage. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-20-at-12.47.10.png) An 1884 maps showing the two properties belong to the Brewers opposite Victoria Place. A sign on the building mentions that it was established in 1779 and rebuilt in 1886 so could well have been a void when the street directory was made. The passageway (once called Stow Passage) led to Water's Buildings (Water's Court (possible Walter's Court) used to be behind). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-18-at-08.26.23.png) Then comes 45 and 46 which were both owned by the brewer family who were surgeons and held a surgery there. Both of these buildings look very similar and the type that would have been owned by someone with a profession like a surgeon. Based on them possibly living there I'm thinking that the bricked up 'sub-way' is the one mentioned in the Merlin in 1877 and would have led into the house. I then wonder if the others on the road also led into the houses? ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/IMG_4910-1.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-18-at-12.39.02.png) [South Wales Argus, 16th September, 1899](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143841033?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Throwing Snow-Balls This dangerous practice, for which we have known justly-deserved instances of punishment by law, has been carried to a very great extent in our streets during this week, and in some cases has been attended by very serious effects. We have heard of a gentleman residing in Llanarth-street, who, being assailed by wanton and blackguard fellows with snow-balls, now suffers severely from being struck with one — compressed almost to a ball of ice — directly on the right eye. Offenders should remember that there is a statute in full force, which punishes this offence severely. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th January, 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393350/3393353?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-18-at-12.48.31.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th January, 1841](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393345/3393347?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-18-at-12.59.00.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th March, 1843](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393888/3393890?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### The Newport Clothing Club URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/the-newport-clothing-club/ Last updated: 2025-08-21T10:51:02.000Z In the late 1830s, a remarkable charitable venture took root in Newport: the **Newport Clothing Club**, a provident society dedicated to helping the poor clothe themselves and their families during the bitter winters of the 1840s. Believed to have begun in 1838, the club rapidly grew in scale and by the early 1840s was providing comfort and dignity to hundreds of working-class families. The principle was simple but effective. Members, mostly drawn from the poorer classes, paid in small weekly sums — often collected at St Paul’s Church — from their modest earnings. Each deposit was carefully recorded, and at the end of the year the savings could be redeemed for warm clothing, shoes, and blankets. Importantly, members received not only what they had managed to save but also an additional **bonus funded by charitable donations**, meaning their modest contributions went much further. > *“Each poor person gets the full value in good clothing or blankets of the amount of money he may have paid in… and so much more from the fund arising out of the contributions of the benevolent ladies and gentlemen.”* — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4 December 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393580/3393583/26/Newport%2BOR%2BClothing%2BOR%2BClub?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The benefits were far-reaching. In 1841, the club had more than **300 members**, whose deposits amounted to about **£180** — a considerable sum for the time. On top of this, donations provided **over £20 in bonuses**, allowing members to obtain extra garments and bedding beyond their savings. That year’s distribution included **50 pairs of blankets, 400 yards of flannel, and other clothing of every description**. By 1847, the scheme had expanded even further: the club spent **£239 14s 10d on drapery**, **£14 14s 10d on ready-made clothes**, **£10 4s 4d on shoes**, and nearly **£38 on children’s clothing and shoes**. Alongside the main scheme ran a “**Children’s Penny Clothing Club**,” which enabled even the youngest children to be decently clothed through tiny weekly contributions. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-21--2025--08_29_07-AM.png) The annual distribution of the Newport Clothing Club at the National Schools, 1840s — poor families receiving blankets, shoes and flannel from the town’s benefactors, while the Reverend looks on. The entire scheme was managed by local women. What made the Newport Clothing Club all the more extraordinary was that it was **run entirely by women**. The management of this “extensive society” was carried out by just two unnamed ladies, praised in the press for their “exemplary philanthropy and zeal.” > *“The entire management of this extensive society is entirely conducted by two ladies.”* — [*Glamorgan, Monmouth and Brecon Gazette, 11 December 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3632705/3632708/28/Newport?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) They were supported by a wider circle of local women benefactors — **Mrs New, Mrs Cordes and family, Miss Bennett, Lady Francis, and Mrs Birch** — who helped organise the annual distributions at the National Schools in Commercial Street. Local clergymen and prominent townsfolk often lent their presence: the **Rev. James Francis and his wife**, the **Rev. Lawrence**, and **James Birch, Esq. and Lady** were all noted as attending. Other benefactors contributed in practical ways: **Mr James of Commercial Buildings** forwarded clothing donations free of charge, while **William Jones, Esq. of Pyle** was praised as one of the most munificent donors. In times of particular hardship, such as the influx of destitute Irish immigrants in the 1840s, club supporters also helped organise soup kitchens and relief efforts. At the annual distribution, the Girls’ and Boys’ National School rooms were thrown open, the tables stacked with piles of flannel, shoes, and blankets waiting to be claimed by their owners. Observers described it as “the most pleasing and gratifying sight ever beheld,” with poor families sitting patiently, vouchers of good character in hand, while the ladies of Newport and their clergy handed out goods that would help them face the harsh winter ahead. The Newport Clothing Club was more than just a charity. It was a striking example of Victorian self-help and philanthropy combined: the careful weekly savings of the poor matched by the generosity of the town’s women and gentry, creating unusual comfort in the hardest of seasons. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- Sources: - [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th December, 1841](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393580/3393583/26/Newport%2BOR%2BClothing%2BOR%2BClub?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) - [The Glamorgan Monmouth and Brecon Gazette and Merthyr Guardian, 11th December, 1841](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3632705/3632708/28/Newport?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) - [Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th February, 1847](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394121/3394124/20/Newport%2BOR%2BClothing%2BOR%2BClub?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) - [Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th November, 1848](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394536/3394539/27/Newport%2BOR%2BClothing%2BOR%2BClub?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Volume 1, Number 36 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-3-2/ Last updated: 2025-08-23T06:51:11.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Where Was the Cow Inn and Taven?' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-11-at-18.15.09.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th June, 1840](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393200/3393202?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## W.S. Woodin's Olio of Oddities ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-08.32.19.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 12th December, 1857](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397589/3397592/3/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) W.S. Woodin performed his 'Olio of Oddities' on a couple of occasions in Newport visiting the Town Hall in 1857 and 1859\. The show was described as... > An Original Mimical, Metrical, Musical and Polygraphic Entertainment, illustrated by nearly One Hundred Instantaneous Metamorphoses of Voice, Character and Costume. [This book](https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Programme%5Fof%5Fmr%5FW%5FS%5FWoodin%5Fs%5Fnew%5Fenterta/6RpI1rKb6I4C?hl=en&gbpv=1&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) published by W.S. Woodin in 1855 gives an idea of what the show may have been like. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-08.37.43.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-08.37.51.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-08.38.31.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-08.37.59.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-08.38.36.png) Source: [Google Books](https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Programme%5Fof%5Fmr%5FW%5FS%5FWoodin%5Fs%5Fnew%5Fenterta/6RpI1rKb6I4C?hl=en&gbpv=1&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Review from the Monmouthshire Merlin' This popular entertainment will be given by Mr. W. S. Woodin, at the Town Hall, on Friday evening in next week and doubtless such an universal favourite will be received by a large audience. His present tour of this part of the country has been most successful, and his Olio has fully equalled his previous efforts to amuse and please the public. The introductory character is an impersonation of Dr. Johnson, the literary magnate of the last century, whose peculiarities are portrayed in a manner which Woodin has almost made his own. Then in the others which succeed, we may see him as the critic, the censor of modern paintings the foppish puppy in the boxes of a metropolitan theatre, discussing, with a sentimental drawl, the exquisite being in muslin who sits opposite the crusty old playgoer, who regrets the palmy days of the drama, and next a "god" determined to have for his money its full value. In the succeeding fifteen minutes, he changes his character no less than thirty times, while his visage undergoes almost equal transformation and still more striking are his impersonations from the fact of their not being confined to one sex, bat both are represented or ridiculed with, equal facility. Whether it be the trembling old gentleman filled with anxiety concerning the starting train, the lisping bride, the lady attached to bygone fashions and customs, the coquette, or the "honourable bore" in the House of Commons, Mr. Woodin is perfectly happy, and his audience must frequently have the powers of belief severely taxed to regard all these as one and the same person. To go through all the characters produced in the "Olio of Oddities" would be of no utility, the efforts and talents of the artiste being here sufficiently indicated but the comic sketches of the inhabitants of the metropolis of various grades, ought not to be passed over, which are introduced with various songs. We think enough has been said, however, to induce a visit to the entertainment. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-08.45.00.png) Woodin performing at the Polygraphic Hall, London in 1856\. From the Illustrated London News (Source: [Davenport Collection](https://www.davenportcollection.co.uk/item/mr-w-s-woodins-entertainment-the-olio-of-oddities-in-1856-at-the-polygraphic-hall-london/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) As to Mr. Woodin's career, it may be mentioned that his first attempts at artistic description of men and women were carried on behind an easel, where he was employed in sketching humanity as it stood, or sat, guided by the stern teaching of a venerable parent, who had a wish to bring his son up as au artist. Finding the plan would not do, the father gave the youth his own way, and the polygraphist went to the Marionette Theatre with his Carpet Bag of persons and peculiarities. This speculation was not long unnoticed, and the entertainment became so popular that it was given for three years successfully in London and the provinces. Woodin next visited the lakes in the north, from which he carried back a whole bundle of characters for a new entertainment at the King William-street Rooms, Charing-cross, which he decorated at some expense, and re-christened the "Polygraphic Hall." — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd October, 1859*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398712/3398717/21/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-11-at-08.07.31.png) "Starboard view of sailing vessel EARNEST on the mud at Davies Brothers London Wharf, Newport." Source: [Museum Wales](https://museum.wales/collections/online/object/23be61bd-69ac-30e1-8f59-a619042173eb/Davies-Brothers-London-Wharf-Newport-photograph/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Storm in 1742 Damages Sea Wall' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-12-at-13.04.10.png) [The Weekly Worcester Journal, 8th October, 1742](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1214314698/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'What's On at the Cinema in 1913?' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-13.06.06.png) [South Wales Argus, 13th November, 1913](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144168776/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) Showing at the cinema in Newport in 1913 was a silent Edison drama in which Richard Garvie, a prosperous young boatman, rescues his wife and son from a rival’s burning vessel after she spurns his shabby boat, leading to their reconciliation. Below is the full film that would have been shown. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/IMG_3467.jpg) Davies Brothers, London Wharf, London ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Bachelors of Newport' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-12-at-08.14.51.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th July, 1855](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396399/3396400/1/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) In 1855 there's a mention in an advert for the Theatre Royal, Newport for the Bachelors of Newport who were performing a play called "Love". Can't find much about the Bachelors but there's a mention of an annual Bachelor's of Newport Ball in 1882 but not sure if it's the same group. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-12-at-08.30.56.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th January, 1882](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406657/3406665/102/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) In the 1855 advert there's also a mention of the Band of the Newport Theatre playing in Farmwood Gardens which was in Lawrence Hill area just off Chepstow Road. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-12-at-08.17.15.png) At the event at the park, Mr and Mrs Chadwick (owners of the Theatre Royal) entertained their staff at a picnic at the gardens. Below is a short report from the event. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-12-at-08.36.19.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th July, 1855](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396413/3396418/41/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Laughing at the Powers that Be William Williams, labourer, working at Pontymister foundry, who did not appear, was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Pontymister. He was turned out of a public-house, when he was very noisy on the turnpike road. P.C. Seys said the defendant's character was bad. He saw defendant working at the foundry that morning, and he and the other men made a "regular laughing stock" of witness. He was fined 20s. and costs last month for similar conduct. **The Bench now fined him 30s. and costs.** **—** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th August, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441974/3441977?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Too Drunk to Remember What They Were Fighting About' John Smith and James Brown, foreign sailors, were charged with being drunk and disorderly by fighting in Commercial-road, on Saturday night. They pleaded they were too drunk to remember what they were fighting about. **Fined 16s. 6d. each in default 14 days.** **—** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th August, 1876*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441974/3441977?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Selling Beer at 15 Minutes to 11' William Meyrick was charged with permitting beer to be sold and consumed in his beer-house, at 15 minutes to 11, on the 30th of May. **Fined 40s. and costs.** ***—*** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th June, 1840*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393200/3393202?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Selling Beer at 20 Minutes Past 10am' Walter William Price was charged with allowing beer to be sold and consumed in his house at 20 minutes past 10 on the forenoon of Sunday the 26th of April, contrary to the statute. Mr. PhilIpotts appeared for defendant. **The offence was proved, and Price fined 40s. and costs**. John Lewis, charged with the same offence, **was convicted in the same penalty**. Wm. Holder was also summoned on a beer-house information, and **fined 40s. and costs.** ***—*** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th June, 1840*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393200/3393202?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Selling Beer at 20 Minutes to 12' Thomas Hopkins was charged with allowing beer to be sold and consumed in his beer-house, at 20 minutes to 12, on the 26th of April. Mr. Clarke appeared for the defendant. Evidence having been heard, **Hopkins was convicted in the penalty of 40s. and costs.** ***—*** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th June, 1840*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393200/3393202?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-11-at-12.49.05.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th August, 1876](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441974/3441978?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Houses for Sale On Godfrey Road ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-11-at-13.00.05.png) When encountering an advert for houses, it's interesting to see if they still exist today. The advert from 1894 lists No. 1 and No. 2 Godfrey Road being known as Reynoldston House and Myrtle Grove respectively. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-11-at-12.59.52.png) — [*South Wales Weekly Argus and Monmouthshire Advertiser, 20 October 1894*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1192729859/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Sneaking in Tobacco from the Continent' Two well-known Newportonians have arrived from the Continent, where they have been spending their holidays. Being smokers they invested in a quantity of the fragrant weed, and all went well until they were face to face with the Customs officer. Having asked them to show him what they had one of them produced some cigars and scent, and said “That is all.” The officer became suspicious, and no doubt his piercing eye caused the gentleman to whom he was addressing to produce six more cigars. The officer then invited him into the searching room and satisfied himself that there was no chance for him to charge duty. The other gentleman avoided the searching operations by 4s in duty. This, it has been wickedly suggested, was about half the sum he really ought to have paid. The gentleman had gone to the trouble of having the tobacco mangled and made into a pad in order that he might escape the vigilance of the C.O.’s. — [*South Wales Argus, 28th September, 1895*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1147734173/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-11-at-08.13.06.png) Newport Castle, 18th Century. Source: [Amgueddfa Cymru — Museum Wales](https://museum.wales/collections/online/object/c02a9031-be5d-3fff-a5bc-da4af12cd7cd/Newport-Castle/?field0=string&value0=Newport&field1=with%5Fimages&value1=1&index=5&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Houses For Sale in 1840' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-11-at-18.30.51.png) At the Westgate Inn on July 1st, 1840, a number of houses in the area were up for sale including a house on Charles Street used as a Seamen's Hospital which had been established a few years earlier in 1836/7\. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-08.13.40.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th May, 1837](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392434/3392436/9/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Also mentioned were two courts — Wedlake's Court and Water's Court which were both off Stow Hill, according to the advert. In 1850, [the Clark report described](http://www.mongenes.org.uk/Epidemics%20%26%20Sanitation/epidemicsandsan1.html?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Wedlake's Court as such:- > "Here are 14 houses, 11 of them have no ventilation; are inhabited by low Irish, low in position, filthy, and unhealthy. The drain is covered with loose flags \[paving slabs\] and a board, and has not sufficient fall. The privies also are filthy. The lower part of these houses are not fit for people to live in. Before the Sanitary Board came into operation this was one of the worst courts. In the middle of the court there was a large ashpit into which all the house refuse was thrown, and this was built up against two privies, the contents of which flowed into the ashpit, and so impregnated the atmosphere, that it was most unpleasant for a person not accustomed to the court to enter it. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-11-at-18.31.04.png) Baneswell Lane (spelled Bains Well in the advert) could be the road below which is today's North Street. Baneswell Road still exists in the same location so the wondering if the lane ran up to Havelock Street, which also wouldn't have been there at the time. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-08.02.21.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-11-at-18.31.26.png) Bake-house Lane is mentioned further on in the advert and the map below from 1845 shows where it was located. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-08.26.16.png) Source: [NewportPast](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/maps/tithe/tithe1.htm?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-11-at-18.31.34.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-11-at-18.30.09.png) The Bull Inn, mentioned in the advert, was located near the entrance of St Woolos Hospital, then the Union Poor House. — [Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th June, 1840](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393210/3393211/3/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Speed of the Omnibus on Stow Hill' The Stow-hill route of ‘buses has not proved the success expected. From to-day (Saturday), the lessees will only run one ‘bus every 40 minutes — the time originally fixed. There can be no doubt that the steepness of the hill is the cause of this. > The average individual can walk up the hill much quicker than the ‘bus can take him; and the expense of three horses to each ‘bus is very great. — [*South Wales Argus, 28th September, 1895*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1147734173/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-Narrow-1.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-13.02.18.png) [South Wales Argus, 13th November, 1913](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144168776/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Volume 1, Number 35 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-35/ Last updated: 2025-08-18T10:01:11.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-04-at-16.06.10.png) [South Wales Argus, 8th April, 1910](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144035108/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Bay Windows' In the [Newport (Monmouthshire) Improvement Act 1826](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/Geo4/7/6/enacted?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), a regulation was in place which ensured that the frontages of buildings were perpendicular to the foundations. This meant that if building owners wanted to install a feature like a bay window, they needed to apply to install one. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-06-at-07.23.15.png) In August 1852, an application was made to install a bay window at 22 Stow Hill which was subsequently refused. 22 Stow Hill, along with the building next door is the current location of the Pen and Wig. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-06-at-07.28.29.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th August, 1852](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395467/3395471/29/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Another application in 1867 was refused on High Street during a time when the street was being improved as it could '**neutralise the effect of widening the street by obstructing the light and air**'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-06-at-07.32.06.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th November, 1867](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403094/3403096/6/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Not all applications are refused and at a council meeting in May 1877 a bay window was approved on Stow Hill. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-06-at-07.36.50.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th May, 1877](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439623/3439625/2/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) However, during the same meeting, an upper floor bay window was allowed at the King's Arms in Pill provided the lower one was removed. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-06-at-07.38.43.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th May, 1877](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439623/3439625/2/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Whilst at a Newport Cornucopia History Social, I was looked at the windows of the Pen and Wig and noticed how the bay windows didn't extend the frontage of the building. Installing them in such a way reduces the benefits of them in terms of the extra natural light and views gained so I wondered if it was a way of avoiding to apply to install them? ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-06-at-07.19.45-1.png) This photograph of 'Cromwell House' shows the two Pen and Wig buildings without the bay windows so I'm not sure when they were installed nor if the rule about building frontages was still in place. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/image-2.png) Source: [Newport Past](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/photos/php/photo%5Fpage.php?search=tredegar&search2=yyyyyy&pos=4&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### '21 Days Hard Labour for Stealing a Shirt' George Lane, a labourer, was charged with stealing a flannel shirt, the property of Jane Brown, a widow, of Penhow. The case was proved, and the **prisoner sentenced to 21 days' hard labour at Usk.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th April, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403367/3403369?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Hawking Fire Screens' Catherine Holmes, of Newport, was charged with hawking fire screens at Maindee, without having a certificate so to do, on the 10th instant. **Fined 2s 6d. or seven days' imprisonment.** **—** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th April, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403381/3403383?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Obstructing the Highway with a Pig Trough' John Skinner, of Kemeys Inferior, was charged with obstructing the public highway with a pig's trough, on the 11th inst., at the above parish, at the instance of Robert Bateman, Esq of Bertholey. **The charge was withdrawn, the obstruction having been removed.** **—** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th April, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403381/3403383?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Drunk Man Disturbs Church Congregation' Charles Daley, drunk and annoying the congregation at Trinity Church, Pill, on Sunday night. He was very violent, and four men were required to remove him from the church. Prisoner pleaded that he was stupid drunk, and said he should not have gone into the church if he had been sober. The Mayor said it was a very serious offence, and one for which he was liable to two months' hard labour. **They must sentence him to 21 day's hard labour**, and they wished it to be known that if other similar cases were brought before them they would inflict the full penalty, as they would not have peaceable congregations disturbed. .**—** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th April, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403381/3403383?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-04-at-18.14.24.png) [South Wales Argus, 5th April, 1950](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1147192506/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Professor Hagarty Lectures In April 1871, a series of lectures was delivered at the Town Hall by a Professor Hagarty, an American [Phrenologist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrenology?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). The week long series covered a variety of topics and was illustrated by life-size diagrams. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-08.12.46.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-08.12.55.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-08.13.08.png) Source: [Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th April, 1871](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403358/3403362?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The State of the Old Cemetery Dr. Davies, medical officer of health, read the following report: "I beg to report that a complaint having reached me from a gentleman living near the Old Cemetery that he had been lately annoyed by an offensive smell proceeding therefrom, I made enquiry into the matter and found that in the portion of the Cemetery lying at the back of Stow-hill and immediately adjoining Jones-street, several new graves bad been dug within about eighteen inches of each other. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-06-at-07.02.50.png) "They are cheap graves, without name or memorial, and several bodies are buried in each, as many as four adults, or from six to eight children. "They are excavated to a depth of ten feet, so that when they contain so many coffins, the uppermost cannot be very far from the surface. "The ground is wet and undrained, and when a new grave is dug it forms a catch-pit, and a quantity of foul water drains into it from the adjoining graves. "This offensive liquor, charged with animal matter, and evolving putrid gases, has to be bailed out, and is emptied over the surrounding graves. This was found to constitute the nuisance complained of. "During the month ending March 14th, there were eleven interments in this Cemetery—nine children and two adults. "At this rate, a considerable number of burials must take place in the course of the year. Apart therefore from the nuisance caused by crowding together a number of corpses in one corner of the Cemetery, and which ought to be at once abated. "I would beg to submit for your consideration whether the time has not arrived for discontinuing all interments except in the case of immediate relatives of those already buried there." Mr. Goss fully confirmed the statements contained in the report. The Surveyor explained that when Dr. Holland visited the town some 10 years ago it was arranged that no further burials should take place in the old Cemetery other than of near relatives of those previously interred there. That arrangement had recently been departed from, 57 burials having taken place in the half-year ending December last. Some conversation ensued, and it was ultimately resolved that a copy of Dr. Davies's report should be forwarded to the Secretary of the Cemetery Company, and he be informed that if the nuisance complained of continued, proceedings would be taken to enforce its abatement. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd March, 1877*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439551/3439554/7/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) --- ### 'Closure of the Old Cemetery' By August 1877, the Old Cemetery was instructed to close. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-06-at-08.06.33.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th August, 1877](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439791/3439793/2/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-04-at-18.18.56.png) [South Wales Argus, 4th January, 1896](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143946762/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/IMG_3465.jpg) Free Library, Dock Street, late 1890s ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A Pestilential Nuisance If the discussion which took place at the Newport Town Council meeting last week meant anything to the purpose, it might have been supposed that the reeking nuisance near the bridge, of which such bitter complaints were made, would have been by this time abated or removed. The Corporation are, in a certain sense, the custodians of the public health, and being so, must be credited with a desire to avoid causes of contamination, and to remove from public thoroughfares whatever would generate malaria, or contribute to disease. It is possible that prompt attention to such a matter as the nuisance we have indicated may be inconvenient; members of the Council may have private engagements upon their hands, and consider that these should have precedence of duties to the public. But such a conclusion is vicious in principle and legally unsound, especially when public health is imperilled. Our municipal representatives have voluntarily accepted—nay, even sought—the honour of guiding and controlling borough affairs, and allowed themselves to be charged with the responsibility of caring for the public health. Moreover, the case in question is simplified by the consideration that the cause of the pestilential odour near the bridge has been ascertained, and by the fact that it arises from an arrangement carried out under official sanction. We are, of course, far from thinking that **when permission was given to the town scavenger to deposit rubbish in the hollow near the river-side**, any danger to public health was apprehended indeed, it would appear from the statements of the Town Surveyor, that there existed no ground for such a fear. ❔ Where was this 'hollow near the river-side'? Still, what was not apprehended, has nevertheless arisen; and residents in Clarence-place, Barnard Town, and Maindee feel that they have just cause to complain of the noxious smell being allowed to continue. Such complaints have reached as, and we are assured that there has been little or no diminution of the nuisance. > Last week the smell was described as "overpowering," "most offensive," "intensely sickening," &c. We are told that it was so even yesterday. Are the Public Works Committee aware of this ? If so, we are persuaded they must be anxiously considering what is to be done When shall the persons aggrieved find some fruit of their consultations in a removal of the nuisance? \[Since writing the foregoing we have learned, with satisfaction, that an energetic effort is being made to remove the cause of the foul smell by pumping off the stagnant water. We suppose this will be followed by measures to prevent future accumulation. It is probably too early to judge how far the steps being taken may prove effectual.\] — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd June, 1883*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407143/3407148/68/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-04-at-18.20.27.png) [South Wales Argus, 4th January, 1896](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143946762/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Ancient Order of Shepherds at the Marshes' A deputation from the Ancient Order of Shepherds, consisting of Messrs. Phillipson, H. Witts, and E. Jones waited upon the Board. The Annual Moveable Committee will sit at Newport this year, and the Council have granted the use of the Marshes to the Shepherds for the purpose of a grand fete and gala being held. Owing to building operations, the Marshes are exposed, a quantity of the boarding having been taken down, and it will be impossible to prevent people gaining entrance without paying if a fence is not erected. The Shepherds offered, if the Corporation intended to erect a permanent fence to subscribe £15 towards it, the amount being the estimate for a temporary fence. If the Board decided not to erect a permanent fence, then the Shepherds wished for the loan of the boarding which had been taken down. The Council informed the deputation that they did not intend to erect a permanent fence, but that the boarding could be used in erecting a temporary fence. The sittings of the A.M.C. will be held at the Town-hall. It was decided to lend the Shepherds the letters A.M.C. used in the former illuminations, and such gas piping as the Council possessed. **The letters will be illuminated in front of the Town-hall**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th May, 1877*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439623/3439625/2/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'House For Sale in Clarence Place' 1845, a time when you could buy a house in Clarence Place just 3 minutes walk from the town yet also have miles of uninterrupted views of the countryside. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-07-at-08.22.21.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th January, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424985/3424987/8/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Where was the 'Celebrated Wall' on Bridge Street?' At a council meeting in May 1877, a mention was made of a 'celebrated wall' in Bridge Street. But where was that wall? --- Alderman Lyne brought up the report of the Works Committee as above. He said that after the last meeting certain members waited on Mr. Carlisle, Lord Tredegar's solicitor, with reference to pulling down that celebrated wall in Bridge-street. They found that personally Mr. Carlisle had no objection to recommending Lord Tredegar to pull down the wall, but for one little fact. There was an old sore between the owners of the Tredegar Estate and that of Clytha, with reference to the Alexandra Dock, a petition against which was lodged by Mr. Herbert, of Clytha, and the land in question was made the great battle field of opposition. Mr. Carlisle informed them that Lord Tredegar was put to considerable expense by that opposition, and this wall was put up, and they said they did not intend taking it down until the gentleman who put Lord Tredegar to that unnecessary expense had paid the costs, or at least a portion of the costs. Till that was done Mr. Carlisle could not advise Lord Tredegar to pull the wall down. Of course the deputation said they had nothing to do with that, and that they were there simply in behalf of the town of Newport, and that they thought it hard on them that the sins, if they were sins, of Mr. William Graham should be visited on the residents in the neighbourhood, and that therefore they hoped, as representing the public at large, that bygones would be allowed to be bygones, and that the walls of Jericho might be blown down. However, they spoke without effect so far, but he thought they gathered from Mr. Carlisle that if he could make some satisfactory arrangements and get a part of the expenses, there would be no further obstacle in the way of removing the wall. They. then thanked Mr. Carlisle, who received them, as he always did, in the most courteous manner, and they next waited on Mr. Graham. They pointed out to him how desirable it was for the Clytha Estate that that wall should come down, and also that it would be for the advantage of the public. Mr. Graham promised that he would see Mr. Carlisle with a view of seeing whether some arrangement might not be come to by which the wall would be removed. He hoped very shortly that some arrangement might be come to, and that Mr. Carlisle and Mr Graham might both soon be present at the pulling down of the wall. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th May, 1877*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439623/3439625/2/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## High Street Traffic The Committee recommend that a police officer should be specially appointed on Saturdays to attend to the traffic in High-street. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th August, 1877*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439791/3439793/2/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Entertainment on Friar's Fields Refused' Taken from a council meeting in July, 1879. --- A letter was read from Mr Daniel Lane, requesting the Corporation to allow him to place his shooting gallery, swings, and swing-boat, on Friar's Fields, at £2 per week. The Committee do not recommend that the application be granted. A letter was also received from Messrs Eustace and Co., requesting the Corporation to grant them the use of the Friar's Fields, for the purpose of a marionette show \[puppet show\], rifle saloon, &c., at a rent of £5 per week. The committee do not recommend that the application be granted. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th July, 1879*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405941/3405943/2/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-07-at-11.39.32.png) [South Wales Argus, 10th October, 1908](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144043125/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Proposed Widening of High Street The Corporation of Newport, a short time ago applied for Parliamentary powers to widen the upper portion of High-street, and this (Friday) morning Mr. Harrison, C.E., held an inquiry into the matter at the Town Hall, Newport, when there were present Aldermen Lyne and Llewellin; Councillors L. A. Homfray, H. R. Evans, H. P. Bolt Mr. C. R. Lyne, the Deputy *Town* Clerk; Mr. Kirby, the Town Surveyor with Mr. James Brown, Mr. J. Warren and other ratepayers. The notice convening the inquiry having been read, and proof of its proper publication given, the Deputy Town Clerk gave evidence as to the necessity for the proposed widening of High-street. The Town Council had, he said, applied for powers to widen High-street and Inkerman-street, but the Local Government Board had struck out the application for the latter street, because it had not yet been made a public highway. The upper part of High-street, near the entrance to the Great Western Railway Station was by far too narrow for the requirements of the town, and it was desirable that the street should be widened. At the northern end of the town lay the Great Western Railway Station, together with the suburbs of Maindee and Barnard Town, where a large number of those engaged in business in the borough lived. The public institutions and the chief business places of the town, were at the Southern end, and the consequence was that a great number of people had to pass to and from their business places to their homes, through High-st. twice a day. The passenger traffic through this street was therefore very considerable. In addition to this, all vehicles passing to and fro from that end of the town had to pass through this street, and it was frequently blocked owing to this. In the narrowest part the street was at present only 25 feet wide. Mr Kirby, the Town Surveyor, also gave evidence as to the necessity for widening the street in question. It was proposed, he said, to make it 40 feet wide. In 1876, the number of people, of horses, and of vehicles passing through this street were reckoned, > and it was found that in a single day, 18,740 foot-passengers 1 passed, nearly 1000 horses, and about 800 vehicles. The population of the town was nearly 40,000\. Ald. Lyne, Ald. Llewellin, Mr L. A. Homfray, and Mr H. R. Evans, testified to the necessity for the widening of the street, as it was inadequate for the vehicles, traffic, and dangerous to foot-passengers. It was also pointed out that all the local railway traffic would, in the course of the next twelve months, be concentrated in the High-street Station of the Great Western Railway, (ind the number of people passing through High-street would therefore be greatly increased. Mr James Brown did not oppose the scheme, but held that the widening of High-street would not be sufficient to meet the requirements of the town. The only remedy, he said, was the obtaining of a new street from Dock-street, for which powers had been granted three years ago. He suggested that the Commissioner should be furnished with a plan of the suggested new street from Tredegar place to the High-street Station, and asked Mr Harrison to visit the places he had mentioned. A street from Tredegar Place to the High Street station was ultimately built in the 1890s as Cambrian Road. Mr Harrison said he did not see that either of the projected new streets would affect the question of widening High-street, as there could be no question as to the desirability of doing that, but he promised to see the places named by Mr Brown. Mr J. Warren asked whether it would not cost more to widen High-st. and make a new street, than to make High-st a proper street all the way down. Mr Harrison replied that if powers to widen the street were granted, there would be no restriction as to the number of feet which would be taken in. They might make it 40 or more if they chose. Mr Bolt said the widening of the narrowest part of High-street would answer all purposes for some years to come, and that would only be continuing what was commenced years ago. The inquiry' then terminated. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th March, 1879*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405770/3405775/42/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-07-at-11.43.27.png) [South Wales Argus, 10th October, 1908](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144043125/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### The Old English Fayre, 1882 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/the-old-english-fayre-1882/ Last updated: 2025-08-03T18:02:15.000Z The Old English Fair at Newport’s Albert Hall, held to raise funds for the town’s Infirmary and new Free Library, proved a lively and highly successful event. Opened by the Duke of Beaufort with great ceremony, including heralds, Beefeaters, and the band of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, the fair transformed the hall into a Tudor-style street complete with timber-fronted shops, a maypole, and an Elizabethan mansion for the musicians. The fair was held between Wednesday June 28th June and Saturday 1st July. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-03-at-11.57.50.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd June, 1882](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406846/3406850?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Local ladies, dressed in elaborate Old English costumes, staffed stalls selling everything from buns, toys, and fancy goods to silverware and fresh produce, while attractions such as a waxwork show, shooting gallery, comic lectures, and a Punch and Judy performance entertained the crowds. Illuminated by electric light in the evenings and accompanied by music and ballad singing, the fair drew immense attendance, generating substantial takings over multiple days to furnish the Infirmary’s new wing and the Dock Street Free Library, ensuring the Mayor’s joint fundraising initiative would meet its goals. ## Venue The Royal Albert Hall was opened in 1875 and could seat 1,100 people. It was used for a variety of purposed including a circus, concerts and the Old English Fayre. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/image.png) The entrance to the hall is on the right. (Source: [South Wales Argus/Peter Brown](https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/19317316.remembering-drill-hall-stow-hill-newport/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) After around 20 years it became a Drill Hall and became the headquarters of the 1st Battalion The Monmouthshire Regiment. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-03-at-10.24.20.png) ## Monmouthshire Merlin Review The rest of this post is a review [printed by the Monmouthshire Merlin](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406855/3406860?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) on the eve of the last day of the fair. --- Since Wednesday the Albert Hall, Newport, has been thronged daily by visitors to the Old English Fair held for the benefit of the Infirmary and Free Library of the town and there can be but little doubt that when the fair is closed tomorrow (Saturday) evening the treasurers of the two Institutions named will be able to count with confidence on a substantial augmentation of the funds under their charge. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-03-at-11.42.46.png) Location of the Free Library. The present day library is built almost on top of it. The Free Library, we may explain, for the benefit of those who are not posted up in modern local history, is an entirely new building situated in Dock-street, and rapidly approaching completion; whilst the Infirmary on Stow Hill, having become too small for the wants of our growing borough and neighbourhood, has been enlarged by the addition of a new wing containing accommodation for 20 patients. In each case the cost of bricks and mortar is provided for the Free Library committee are lucky enough to have public funds at their disposal, and a handsome legacy left by a late respected resident in the town rendered the greatly needed addition to the Infirmary possible but the expense of furnishing has yet to be met. Last year, shortly before the then Mayor (Councillor J. R. Jacob) went out of office, his Worship issued an appeal for subscriptions towards the Free Library furnishing fund, £600 being the amount required, but although several gentlemen put down their names for liberal contributions, the sums given or promised made a comparatively small total, and after a time little progress was perceptible. Luckily, however, the present occupant of the civic chair (Councillor T. Beynon) gave the matter his attention, and being anxious to assist the managers of the Infirmary as well, for they were earnestly seeking pecuniary assistance in rendering the Institution under their care available to the fullest extent as early as possible, he inaugurated a joint furnishing fund. But Mr. Beynon did not content himself with setting his project on foot; he desired that it should result in success, and proceeded to consider how the consummation so devoutly to be wished for could be best achieved. After mature deliberation, the Mayor wisely resolved to seek to seek the cooperation of influential persons in getting up a bazaar, one of the most successful methods ever discovered of extracting money from the pockets of easy-going people. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-3--2025--10_13_32-AM-1.png) It having been decided that the bazaar should take the form of an old English Fair, the Albert Hall was engaged, and the services of Mesers Bernasconi and Langford secured as architects and builders. These gentlemen were requested to arrange the Hall on the lines of an English marketing street of the Tudor period, and the work has been carried out in a thoroughly realistic manner. On entering through an archway, above which rises a feudal castle, the visitors see on either hand a row of old-fashioned houses which are accurate representations of the timber-fronted dwellings common in the Golden age, and still to be seen in a few towns such as Chester and Shrewsbury. Each house consists of two storeys, the lower one being used for the shop or stall. In the centre a Maypole, surrounded by flowers, rears its lofty head, and the end of the street is occupied by an Elizabethan mansion, the forepart of which, representing the lawns and shrubberies, affords accommodation for the band of musicians in attendance. We will now proceed to enumerate the shops in the streets, giving a brief description of the class of wares sold in each, and the names of the ladies by whom the establishments are managed. **THE OLD CHELSEA BUN HOUSE** is devoted to the sale of refreshments, the hostess being Mrs Lyne, whose assistants are Mrs C. R. Lyne, Miss Lyne, and Miss Evans. **AT THE SIGN OF THE GOLDEN FLEECE** articles of a very miscellaneous character may be obtained. They are, as the "Book of the Fair" states, of "many forms and many colours." Here Mrs Hewertson presides, and is assisted by Miss Draper, Miss Long, Miss F. Long, Miss Jones, and Miss L. Jones. **AT THE SIGN OF THE BICKREE LOGUE OF IND** wares, many of them manufactured with much skill from India and other foreign countries, are to be had. Mrs C. T. Wallis and the Misses Wallis, to whom the shop belongs, are assisted by Mrs H. Wallis, Miss Evans, and Miss Wallis. **AT THE SIGN OF THE FLEUR DE LYS** fancy goods are exhibited in profusion. Here Mrs H. J. Davis Mrs S. G Homfray, and Mrs A. C. Jones are assisted by Miss Davis, Miss Laybourne, and Miss Campbell- **AT THS SIGN OF THE BRITISH LION** silver work and cutlery form the staple stock-in-trade, but specimens of feminine handiwork also find a place in the establishment. Mrs Beynon is the head saleswoman her assistants being the Misses Beynon, Miss Mather, and Miss Cory. **AT THE 8IGN OF THE SILVER ANCHOR** there is a choice display of china, glass, and fine art ware. The goods possess the double advantage of being both ornamental and useful. Mrs Grice is in charge, and her assistants are Miss Stevens, the Misses Elliott, the Misses Palling, and Miss Cooper. **AT THE SIGN OF THE NOAH'S ARK** children's requirements are especially studied. The splendid assortment of dolls and other toys, games, &c., must prove a powerful source of attraction to juveniles, whilst those who have attained to years of discretion can hardly fail to be interested in the display. The business is managed by Mrs Firbank, Mrs G. W. Jones, Mrs Gibbs, and Mrs Parnall, with the assistance of Miss Firbank, the Misses Jones, Miss Young, Miss Williams, and Miss Babbington. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-3--2025--12_16_26-PM.png) **AT THE SIGN OF THE ROBIN HOOD** fancy goods and useful articles in endless variety invite the attention of purchasers. Mrs Moses, Mrs H. W. Evans, and Mrs Webber direct this undertaking the Misses Moses, Misses Evans, Miss White, and Miss Noble, being their assistants. **AT THE SIGN OF THE GOLDEN ARROW** the articles tastefully displayed are really worth the attention of buyers, are of the kind usually to be found in Berlin wool shops. Mrs T. Phillips, Mrs T. Latch, and Mrs Burton have the assistance of Miss Phillips and the Misses Latch in conducting the affairs of this emporium. **AT THE SIGN OF THE SHERWOOD OAK** tempting country butter, fresh eggs, vegetables, luscious fruit, &c., are sold by Mrs. Cartwright and her assistants Miss Hateley, Miss Daniel, Miss Roper, and Miss Thomas. **AT THE SIGN OF HEREWARD THE WAKE** fancy goods predominate. Everything on offer here is stated to be pretty and such as will delight the purchaser. Mrs T. J. Beynon manages the mart. She is assisted by Miss Batchelor, Miss Wade, Miss Kennedy and Miss E. Wood. **The Maypole Flower Stand**, loaded with a tempting display of horticultural specimens is presided over by Mrs. Donald Bain, who has assistance from Miss Nicholson, the Misses Haveland, Miss E. Lyne, Miss C. Phillips, and Miss Cartwright. Other features of the fair, in connection with each of an extra charge is made, are:— **THE OLD VILLAGE WELL**, under the care of Miss Phillips and Miss Latch. **THE HIT IT FAIR**, superintended by Messrs. Langford and Bernasconi. **THE SCENT FOUNTAIN** in charge of Miss Lyne. **THE GYPSIES** (Miss Homfray and Miss Eva Beynon). **THE PICTURES THAT DISSOLVE By MAGIC**, exhibitor, Mr. R. N. Osborne. **THE WAX WORKS SHOW AND TABLEAUX VIVANTS**, by Members of the Newport Histrionic Club. **THE OLD ENGLISH BALLAD CONCERTS**, by Messrs. H. Prothero, E. B. Newman, and E. W. Willey. **THE BAKER'S OVEN**, Miss Evaias and Miss Moses. **THE SHOOTING GALLERY**, conducted by Misses Cooper and Palling, and Masters Somerset and E. G. Davies. **THE WEIGHING MACHINE**, superintendents, Miss Evans and Miss Moses. **PUNCH AND JUDY**, showmen, Captain Lonsdale and Mr. E. Bellerby. **COMIC LECTURES** by Messrs. Langford and Bernasconi. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) The Fair was opened at 2 p.m. on Wednesday by His Grace the Duke of Beaufort, K. G., in the presence of an assembly comprising the elite of the town and vicinity. Heralds, dressed in the uniform of that ancient body the Beefeaters, having proclaimed the approaching event, a procession was formed consisting of the Mayor, the Duke of Beaufort, the High Sheriff of the County, Lord Tredegar, Col. the Hon. F. C. Morgan, M.P., Sir George Walker, Bart., the Rev. H. P. Somerset, Lieut. Colonel Lindsay, Captain Lonsdale, Messrs. Raglan Somerset, T. Cordes, Craw- shay Bailey, D. Whitehouse, R. W. Hamilton, T. Gratrex, W. G. Cartwright, E. J. Grice, H. J. Davis, C. Lyne, D. Harrhy, J. Murphy, Wyndham Jones, A. A. Williams, J. D. Pain, R. Addams-Williams, R. Layboarne, R. Donald Bain, T. Kessick, E. Webber, E. W. Willey, H. J. Parnall, C. T. Wallis, C. Kirby, J. T. Green, H. Beynon, T. Latch, C. Cox, A. A. Newman, and Captain Homfray. These noblemen and gentlemen proceeded through the Fair, and the Mayor, the Duke of Beaufort, Lord Tredegar, Colonel Morgan, M.P., the Hon. Secretaries (Mr. Newm&n and Captain Homfray), with a few others grouped themselves in front of the Elizabethan mansion already referred to. The heralds were drawn up on each side of what may be called the courtyard, and the band of the Royal Welsh Fusileers played the first veroe of the National Anthem," the visitors uncovering meanwhile. A blast of trumpets followed, after which the Mayor made a short speech. He said, *we are fortunate to-day in three things. First, ladies and gentlemen, we are fortunate in having the Duke of Beaufort to open this Old English Fair; secondly, we are fortunate in being favoured with splendid weather, and securing such a distinguished company of county gentlemen and thirdly, the institutions we are here to assist are fortunate, for I have received a cheque from Mr. Daniel Whitehouse for £100, and from Mr. G. Fothergill for £25\. The Duke of Beaufort very kindly consented to hold the Royal College of Music meeting to-day, which suits very well our bazaar. I will now ask the Duke of Beaufort to open the bazaar.* (Applause.) The Duke of Beaufort then stepped forward and said: *It has given me very great pleasure to come here to open this fancy fair to-day*. *The fair is held for a very good object—to raise funds for that excellent institution, the Newport Infirmary. We hope it will prove a great success, and that great benefit will accrue to the institution. I regret that the Duchess was not able to come here with me. Other engagements prevented her, and you must accept me as her substitute. I now declare the fair open.* (Loud applause.) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-3--2025--07_00_04-PM.png) Business commenced immediately, and up to ten o'clock, the hour for closing, the "shopkeepers" and their assistants had a busy time. A considerable sum of money was also taken in connection with the different entertainments, and the total receipts during the day were £740 .1s. 8d. A very striking and interesting feature of the Fair is that the ladies by whom the business is conducted are all attired in Old English costumes — some elegant and costly, and all attractive—and in the evening, when the Brush" electric light wa.s thrown upon it, the scene presented a most enchanting appearance. After the fair had commenced, the Duke of Beaufort lunched with the Mayor and a select party in one of the ante-rooms. His Worship presided, and Alderman Lyne, the Deputy-Mayor, occupied the vice-chair. The guests, besides the Duke, were Lord Tredegar, Colonel Morgan, M.P., the High Sheriff, Sir George Walker, T, Cordes, Esq., Crawshay Bailey, Esq., Colonel Lindsay, the Rev. H. P. Somerset, J. A. Herbert, Esq., D. Whitehouse, Esq., W. G. Cartwright, Esq., T. Gratrex, Esq., E. J. Grice, Esq., and R. W. Hamilton, Esq. Before leaving, His Grace thanked the Mayor for his genial hospitality. He subsequently made a few purchases in the fair. Yesterday the attendance ef visitors was again exceedingly great, > and in the evening it became necessary to close the barrier for a time, so dense was the throng. A large quantity of goods were disposed of and the revels received a large amount of patronage. The band of the Royal Welsh Fusileers played in the afternoon and evening, and there was ballad singing at intervals by Mrs. Matthews Misses A Morgan, Daniell, Moses, Yorath, and Prothero Messrs. R. Addams-Williams, J. A. White W Hitchcox, E. H. Newman, and E. G. R. Richards. Miss Vaughan played the accompaniments, and Miss Latch gave several violin solos. The day's takings were £678 4s. 3d. The fair maintains its popularity to-day and is being much frequented. > To-morrow when the price of admission will be sixpence all day a great crush is anticipated. ### Ye Booke of ye Fayre "Ye Booke of ye Fayre," prepared by Messrs. Mullock and Son, is an appropriate, and in some senses remarkable, publication. To say that it contains all the information which one might look for in a guide to the fair, is but to indicate its practical value. In relation to the fair, it is a sort of "Enquire within for everything" but it is more than this—it is a work of art, in which an attempt to set forth old English ideas as to typography, illustration, and general style, is well sustained. The sketches, of which there are several, are clever and characteristic and in the symbolic and personal touches there is evidence of thought, wit, research, and patient handiwork. "Ye Booke:" is, moreover, locally, in some sense, a product "of all the talents." For the seventy or more pages of; illustrated. and illuminated letter-press of which it consists the literary and artistic skill of about a dozen local contributors has been brought into requisition and the result is a compilation creditable alike to contributors and publishers. For the proof of this we must now refer the reader to the work itself with the practical remark that each book contains a ticket for the "grande lotterie." *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th June, 1882*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406855/3406860?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Volume 1, Number 34 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-34/ Last updated: 2025-08-09T06:05:31.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/IMG_4336.jpg) 1877 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Public Urinals in 1854' From the Surveyor's Report published in the Monmouthshire Merlin. --- My attention has been directed to the necessity for some additional public urinals, and I think that the following places will be suitable for their erection, provided no objection will be made by the parties near whose property it is proposed to construct them:— - Lane near Carpenters' Arms - Mill-street, near George and Dragon - New Road, near Master's Corner - Top of Friars'-fields, near Commercial-street - Canal Side, near Llanarth-street - Another point or two near the line of the Monmouthshire railway, which may be determined when the works are more advanced. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd June, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396020/3396025?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Master's Corner Also mentioned in the Surveyor's Report is Master's Corner. --- ### New Street I am informed by Mr Sawyer, that the road from Master's Corner to Market-street, will be made forthwith; and that he is endeavouring to make it the full width of 22 feet, where 19 feet 10 inches was agreed to. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd June, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396020/3396025?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) --- ## What Was Master's Corner? ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-31-at-07.30.08.png) The stretch of road mentioned with Master's Corner near the tramline. At 2 High Street, George Masters ran his Wine and Spirit shop which was there in at least 1848 where there is a mention in the [street directory from that year](https://www.newportpast.com/records/directories/kelly1848/search.php?data=high+street&Submit=Submit&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). Prior to this Masters had a shop on Bridge Street as far back as 1830 where he also sold bottle porter. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-31-at-07.33.45.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th September, 1830](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3390941/3390943/11/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-31-at-07.33.22.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th May, 1836](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392210/3392212/12/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) --- ## George Masters' Omnibus George Masters was at the forefront of travel in Newport and in January 1845 he ran a scheduled horse-drawn omnibus from his shop on Bridge street to the Devonshire House, Pill calling at the Parrot Hotel along the way. It would also link up with the steam packets from Bristol and an additional service was offered where passengers and their luggage could be conveyed to any part of Newport. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-31-at-07.28.36.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th January, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424990/3424992/10/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The Devonshire House was located on Dock Parade where the SDR is today. According to a [street directory from 1876](https://www.newportpast.com/records/directories/butchers1876/search.php?road=Dock%20parade%20%28Docks%29&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), there were two rows of buildings rather than the one in the map so the PH in the map is likely to be the Dock Hotel and Devonshire House *may* have been on the other side of the road. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-31-at-07.52.48.png) This older map shows the other row of buildings on Dock Parade. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-31-at-07.55.54.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/ChatGPT-Image-Jul-31--2025--08_40_08-PM.png) View of the Porch at St Julian's. Original image from [Newport Past](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/prints/stjulians1860.htm?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) modified by ChatGPT ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'The Adonis of Mary the Cripple' John Yarwood, the Adonis of the celebrated Mary the Crip- ple, of Friars' Fields, was summoned for allowing card-playing in his beer-house; but it appearing that it was only a little family party, he escaped this time. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th April 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425295/3425298/40/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'An Offer Of A Kiss To Be Let Go' Louisa Hiley, a young woman, was fined 5s for being drunk and disorderly in Canal-parade, early on Sunday morning. The officer who proved the case said the girl offered to let him kiss her if he would let her go. (Laughter.) —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th September 1877*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439875/3439877?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Respectable Man Attacked in Friar's Fields' A respectable looking person, named John Trafford, who says he has been many years in his Majesty's service' has called at our office, and stated, that, on the night of the 8th instant, he went from his inn to ascertain particulars respecting the death of the mariner, Wm. Kayle, when, on passing along the Friar's Fields, about eleven o'clock, be was assaulted by seven or eight ruffians, dressed as sailor, who peremptorily demanded a treat of drink. Mr. Trafford in order to intimidate them, said he was an officer of police and that if they did not desist, he would lock them up; upon which, one of the fellows raised a club, and said that that was his staff of office, and struck him on the right side of the head, which nearly deprived him of his senses, and in that state he staggered into the Canal, from which he scrambled out with difficulty. During the outrage he repeatedly called for succour, but none appeared, and he complains bitterly of the want of a police force in this town. Mr. Trafford has got a severe cold from the wetting, and declares that he will make known the unprotected state of his Majesty's lieges in Newport at the Secretary of State's office, where he will call early next week. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th February 1836*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392160/3392163/26/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Rogues at the Fair Charles Macarthy and John Macrohan, the last-named saying he was the nephew of Supt. Macrohan, of Herefordshire, were charged on suspicion of stealing various articles, the property of Margaret Parker, who had a beer-booth at Stow Fair. The prisoners were brought up by Constable Rees, upon whose evidence, aided by that of Mrs Parker, **the Bench committed Macrohan to the house of correction, as a rogue and vagabond, for one month, with hard labour, and Macarthy for twenty-one days ditto**. Stow fair day will be a black letter day in the calendar of the prisoner henceforward. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th June, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395394/3395396/8/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### The Street Pests Susan Travis, one of those foul beings who prowl about at the corners of streets, uttering obscene language, taking delight in shocking the ears of female purity, and committing vile indecencies, was to-day charged with drunken and disorderly conduct, and refusing to go home when ordered. The offence was proved, and the Bench having expressed a determination to punish all such offenders severely, **sentenced the prisoner to a month's imprisonment.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd August, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425380/3425383/40/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Newport Borough Police Force Outing to The Lighthouse' The Newport Borough Police Force, with their wives and children, on Tuesday and Wednesday, enjoyed their Annual Outing. The Corporation contributed a small sum, to which ratepayers can take no exception, in view of the general efficiency and good conduct of the Force. In addition, a number of the principal tradesmen contributed handsomely in token of their appreciation of the Borough constables. The arrangements were under the control of Mr. Huxtable, the Chief Superintendent, who exerted himself with assiduity to promote the comfort and pleasures of the party. The Lighthouse was selected as the scene of the festivities, and merrily the hours sped l amid the various sources of enjoyment which presented themselves on the shores of the Bristol Channel. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/ChatGPT-Image-Jul-27--2025--07_43_08-AM.png) An ample supply of creature comforts was provided and spread in a commodious tent - musicians, whose skill was brought into frequent requisition by the lovers of Terpsichore, played throughout the day, whilst there were games in variety on day, whilst the green sward. The most enjoyable aspect of all, to some, were the briney waters which sparkled in the sun, and as if instinct with jocund merriment, throwing spray against the sea-washed walls and at each other. The party was safely and pleasantly conveyed from the Lighthouse in commodious brakes at once stout and fleet tutored by Jehus of admitted experience. — *Star of Gwent, 12th October, 1872 (via Newport First Stop (1800-1900) by Derrick Cyril Vaughan)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Black Polar Bear for the People's Park' The Town Clerk read a letter addressed to the Mayor on the 23rd October by Mr. Councillor Mordey, stating that the latter had a "black polar bear" which he would be pleased to present to the town for the peoples' park. The keep of the animal would entail little expense, it was stated, and the gardener would be able to look after it. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/image-15.png) Source: [NewportPast](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/photos/php/photo%5Fpage.php?search=&search2=&pos=1967&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The ex-Mayor said that on receiving the letter he replied that as he was going out of office soon he could not give the bear that attention which it required —(a laugh)— and that be thought it would be a most graceful act to present the animal to the incoming Mayor. **Alderman Murphy**: Can the bear dance? **Mr. Mordey**: Yes, Mr. T. Jones has had the *bear* ia his office and tried it. I think, it would be a, great addition to the public park, and if the Corporation would like to go the expense of digging a pit, timbering it, and putting a pole in the middle they shall have the bear. The bear is quite tame and a source of great amusement at my works, and Mr. T. Jones, who had it at his office, was quite satisfied with it. I have received nine offers for the bear, but am anxious that the town should have it, Alderman Murphy proposed that the bear be accepted, and that the cost of keeping it be added to the Mayor's salary. If the bear proved an attraction in the public park it would prove a good speculation. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-27-at-08.10.28.png) The location of the People's Park showing the statue **The ex-Mayor**: If you are going to put the bear in that small public garden you will soon have no garden left. **The Surveyor**: There is no space for a pit. **Mr. Mordey**: I beg your pardon. I have been there myself, and there are places where a pit could be made. The cost of the pit would be about £20, and the cost of feeding a mere nothing; If the Mayor and Corporation do. not wish to accept the bear, I shall dispose of it to some private individual. Mr. T. Jones begged to second Alderman Murphy's proposition. The statue in Park-square must be very lonely, and he thought it would be very nice to send the *bear* to play with the baronet. > Then as the square was largely frequented by nursemaids they need not trouble about food for the bear, as it would no doubt be able to pick up a baby or two. (Laughter.) Its possession would add dignity to the Corporation, and on high occasions the animal might. be used to lead them to Church. It might also be useful in carrying round a collecting bag, and having a beautiful smile it would be able to win more than three-penny pieces on going round with the bag. (More laughter.) The Deputy Mayor said the offer of the bear seemed to have degenerated into something like a comic farce. The bear would be of no use, and he was afraid it, was a sort of white elephant which having got Mr. Mordey did not know what to do with, and so he thought he would palm it off on the town. He proposed as an amendment that the Council decline the offer with thanks. Mr Faulkner seconded. The amendment was carried, only Mr. Mordey voting against. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/ChatGPT-Image-Jul-27--2025--08_08_07-AM.png) How AI thinks the bear could have looked in the park. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th November, 1884*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407666/3407674/67?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-28-at-08.44.21-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-28-at-08.45.09.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-28-at-08.45.32.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th November, 1864](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3401235?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Newport High Street Blocked by Cattle on Market Day' Viator appears to be someone who lived outside of Newport and was a regular writer of letters to the Monmouthshire Merlin between 1830 and the 1860s. I'm sure if all are the same person or if Viator (traveler in latin) was a name used by multiple people. The following letter is a complaint about the state of the High Street on Market day when it's clogged up with cattle. --- **To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin,** Sir,—May I request the favour of a spare corner in your next publication, for tbe purpose of drawing the attention of the proper authorities to the subject of one of the greatest nuisances in, and which is really disgraceful to, the improving town of Newport. On Monday week last, when coming up High street, which is the principal street and the greatest thoroughfare, I was surprised to find that the most frequented part of it, that is, from the Tredegar Arms nearly down to the Bridge Inn, was completely blocked up with cattle. Upon enquiry I found that it was the, monthly market, and that every month this abominable nuisance is repeated. > The centre of the highway was occupied by bullocks and droves of ponies and some sheep, while the pavement was taken up by pigs, thus completely obstructing the entire passage through the street, and compelling persons to find their way at well as they could, through an accumulation of mud, filth, and nastiness. In dry weather this is quite bad enough, but in wet weather it must indeed be horrible, more particularly for the female sex. I observed, too, that the pigs were fed, by having corn, &c-, thrown upon the pavement for them. Pigs at no time afford a very agreeable treat to the olfactory nerves, and here the inhabitants of High-street, at least of a great part of it, are obliged to suffer this intolerable nuisance because some steps are not taken to remove it. In the evening, after the market was over, the street was quite offensive, and the next morning, instead of its being cleaned up, and the filth all cleared away, as in any well-regulated town, and more particularly a corporate one, it would be, it was suffered to lie, having the appearance more of an empty pig-stye than a decent street. I was naturally led to inquire whether there was not a remedy for getting rid of this evil; but was told, "No, it is an old established market, and although means have been tried to remove it, yet it was found impossible." Upon further enquiry, I learnt that a few years since an Act of Parliament was passed for the improvement of the town, and having procured a copy, I perused its contents. The title purports to be "An Act for lighting, watching, paving, cleansing, and improving the streets, &c., of Newport." At page 37 I find that if any person or persons shall, in any of the present or future streets, lanes, roads, highways, passages, or other public places in the town and borough, expose for sale any horse, ass, sheep, pig, bull, cow, or other beast, except in any public market or fair, or in such place or places, as shall be appointed for that purpose by the mayor of the said borough for the time being (and the said mayor is hereby required to appoint a convenient place or places) or shall commit any public nuisance or annoyance whatever in the said town or borough (page 39), or shall cause any obstruction or impediment in any footway or causeway (page 40), or in any other manner obstruct or incommode, hinder or prevent, or shall wilfully permit, or suffer any horse , or other beast, or cattle to go thereon, shall forfeit a sum not exceeding forty shillings. It has been said that the exceptive words mentioned in the first part of the above extract, that is to say, "except in any public market or fair," authorise the exposing for sale in the public street: if so, for what purpose were the words next following the above, inserted in the Act, which not only authorise, but absolutely require, the mayor of the borough for the time being, to appoint a convenient place. But even if the market held in the place where it is now is, does it follow that the pavement is to be occupied by pigs, thus compelling to the public to get along as well as they can? By such means an "obstruction" and an "impediment" are created in the "footway," and the free passage of the footway and the causeway is obstructed, incommoded, hindered, and prevented, and for suffering any beast or cattle, in which latter word pigs are included, to go thereon, the parties so offending are liable to be fined. It appeals, then, that it is in the power of the mayor to remove this nuisance, alike disgraceful to the borough, and to the authorities, for not having removed it long since. If the mayor does not see to it, he omits doing his duty. Surely in a town like Newport many places might be found where the cattle market might be held, instead of occupying the entire street, by which means the public are so greatly inconvenienced, and more particularly as it is in that part of the town where the coaches stop, and where are situated the postoffice, several public offices, and principal inns, to which hundreds of persons are every minute resorting on business. I am not much acquainted with the localities of Newport, but surely if some little trouble was taken, a place might be found affording quite as good, and in fact, much better, accommodation, than at present. Newport is daily increasing in importance, aa a proof of which I need only refer to the splendid docks which have just been opened, and to the very elegant building in Commercial-street, the new council house. It is therefore to be hoped that those whose business it is to see to these mailers, will take some steps to remove a nuisance which is so truly disgraceful to the improving borough of Newport. I am, sir, yours &c., VIATOR — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th November, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393803/3393807/38/At%2BOR%2Bpage%2BOR%2B37?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-27-at-12.05.01.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd June, 1843](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393948?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/South_Wales_Weekly_Argus_and_Monmouthshire_Advertiser_1901_02_02_4-1.jpg) [South Wales Weekly Argus, 2nd February, 1901](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1192718510/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## *'*Opening of Brynglas House' On Tuesday last, this newly-erected mansion of Messrs. Allfrey was the scene of a most brilliant piece of festivity. The members of the Newport Cricket Club, which has been recently established under the presidency of R. J. Blewitt, Esq., of Llantarnam Abbey, and which bids fair to rival the most distinguished of the neighbouring clubs, met at an early hour in the morning on the lawn in front of the house, and after enjoying the whole day the delights of that noble and manly pastime, sat down at Messrs. Alllrey's table to an elegant dinner, provided with all the luxuries that the most fastidious taste could have desired. The bountiful richness of the repast was greatly enhanced by the urbanity and kindness of the joint hosts, who left no stone unturned (as the saying is) to show their visitors that they were indeed "Welcome." ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-28-at-12.29.01.png) Brynglas House on the 1840s tithe map It is needless to say that under such auspices conviviality was prolonged to a late hour. Similar acts of hospitality are rare in this county, and it seems pretty generally agreed that the Messrs. Allfrey have offered an example well worthy of imitation. When wealth falls into such hands, Envy's self must be dumb. — [Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th September, 1834](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391525/3391528/18?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ℹ️ Edward & John Alfrey who owned the brewery in Newport Castle. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/South_Wales_Argus_1924_09_08_3.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 8th September, 1924](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144413198/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Fire King In October 1840, a celebrated fire eater by the name of Chylinski visited the Williams's Room in Commercial Street, Newport. He had toured Britain and this is how Harry Houdini described him in his 1920 book, Miracle Mongers and their Methods. > A Polish athlete, J. A. B. Chylinski by name, toured Great Britain and Ireland in 1841, and presented a more than usually diversified entertainment. Being gifted by nature with exceptional bodily strength, and trained in gymnastics, he was enabled to present a mixed programme, combining his athletics with feats of strength, fire-eating, poison-swallowing, and fire-resistance. — [Miracle Mongers and their Methods](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Miracle%5FMongers%5Fand%5FTheir%5FMethods/Chapter%5FIII?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) by Harry Houdini ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/ChatGPT-Image-Jul-28--2025--06_45_58-PM.png) This is a report from the Merlin about his visit. > We last night attended at Williams's great room, to witness the performance of this celebrated personage. He executed several feats, evincing a wonderful degree of muscular strength, which greatly delighted as well as astonished his audience. But the most wonderful part of his performance was that which succeeded, and in which he evinced a thorough empire and command over the devouring element —fire. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-28-at-18.19.43.png) > He appears quite at ease while his hands are immersed in boiling lead, nor has he any objection to take an occasional sup of it. Draughts of boiling oil he dispatches like lightning, and devours burning pitch with the avidity of a gourmand. Internally he is proof against fire, and the familiarity with which he takes hold of red hot iron bars, beats red hot plates of iron as thin as a sixpence with his fist, rubs hot plates over his face, hands, and legs, and likewise stands upon them, prove that externally it has as little effect upon him. Mr. Chylinski is indeed a Fire conqueror," and his performance will well repay a visit. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 31st October, 1840*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393295/3393297/4/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/IMG_4337-2.jpg) Wm Twist, Glass and China Rooms, Commercial Street, 1877 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Early Mentions of Malpas The Gloucester Journal is a good source for giving an insight into 18th century Newport whilst searching for early references to Malpas found these adverts and articles. Unfortunately it's difficult to work out the locations of the houses mentioned but at the time of the tithe map of around 1840 Malpas was still sparsely populated. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-29-at-17.04.37.png) --- ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-24-at-08.14.37.png) [Gloucester Journal, 22nd February, 1796](https://www.newspapers.com/image/792504264/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-24-at-08.20.11.png) [Gloucester Journal, 24th September, 1787](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971513004/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-24-at-08.21.46.png) [Gloucester Journal, 7th May, 1787](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971513004/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-24-at-08.24.06.png) [Gloucester Journal, 4th April, 1785](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971499657/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-24-at-08.17.35.png) [Gloucester Journal, 26th March 1764](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971494222/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-24-at-08.25.32.png) [Gloucester Journal, 5th December, 1749](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971488905/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/South_Wales_Weekly_Argus_and_Monmouthshire_Advertiser_1901_06_08_4-1.jpg) Apparently table tennis used to be called Whiff-Whaff! — [South Wales Weekly Argus, 8th June, 1901](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1192722570/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Chartist Meeting of Victoria Square, 1840 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/chartist-meeting-of-victoria-square-1840/ Last updated: 2025-07-29T07:34:55.000Z Almost a year after the Newport Uprising took place on November 4th, 1839, two men from Bath held an open air meeting about the People's Charter in Baneswell. With outdoor meetings being restricted, the two men were apprehended shortly after and taken to court. The meeting took place in Victoria Square, Baneswell which was demolished in 1958. The Monmouthshire Merlin reported on the trial and apart from having to provide bail, the men weren't prosecuted. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-29-at-07.03.25.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-29-at-07.04.24.png) The location of Victoria Square. The car park is pretty much the exact size of the square. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) The Monmouthshire Merlin printed a summary of the incident in its Saturday 31st October edition of the newspaper. ## Chartist Meeting We deeply regret that these restless and designing men, whose bad industry last year was attended with such fatal results, have again essayed to mislead the minds of the people of this district, but happily without success. On Monday morning considerable alarm was excited in the town, in consequence of a bill being generally placarded, announcing that a chartist meeting would be held in Victoria-square in the evening. The magistrates on being informed of this fact, caused a notice to be immediately printed and issued, warning the inhabitants from attending such meeting. In the evening, at the appointed hour, from a hundred and fifty to two hundred persons assembled in front of a house in Victoria-square, occupied by a person named Williams, from the window of which they were addressed by two persons named Philp and Bolwell, from Bath and as we understand, by another person named Cromar, of this town, who, we are informed, is recognised as one of the leaders of the chartist society. Their addresses were listened to rather coolly by the crowd, and at the conclusion, when some one in front of the house called for three cheers for the charter, it was not responded to by those present. After the conclusion of the speeches, the meeting quietly dispersed. On the following day Philp and Bolwell, in their progress of agitation, were proceeding towards Pontypool, when they were taken into custody on a warrant signed by the borough magistrates, and safely lodged in the lock-up house. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 31st October, 1840*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393295/3393298/18/Victoria%2BOR%2BSquare?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) Here is the account from the court when they appeared two days after the meeting on Wednesday 28th October. --- **Examination of Bolwell and Philp** *Before Thomas Hawkins, Esq., Mayor Sir Thomas Phillips; Rev J. Coles; S. Homfray, and William Brewer, Esqrs.* Thomas Bolwell and Robert Philp, were charged with conspiracy, and being present at an illegal meeting. In consequence of its being understood that the case was to come on, the hall was densely crowded. **Sir T. Phillips** (to the prisoners): Do you wish the assistance of any professional gentlemen? **Bolwell**: No, Sir Thomas. **Sir T. Phillips**: Do you wish to hear the warrant read? Yes. The warrant, on which the prisoners were apprehended, was then read. Police Sergeant Cormack was then sworn and examined, by Sir T. Phillips, and stated that on Monday morning he heard that a Chartist meeting was to he held in Victoria-square, on the evening of that day, and shortly afterwards, about half-past one o'clock in the afternoon, he saw bills posted on the walls announcing the meeting. In the course of the afternoon he received the copy of a bill from the Magistrates, to have printed. (Witness here produced the bill.) **Sir T. Phillips** to prisoners: Do you wish to see the handbill convening the meeting. **Philp**: 1 have seen one; I do not want one handed to me. **Sir T. Phillips**: Do you wish to see the handbill issued by the Magistrates? **Bolwell**: Yes. The bill issued by the magistrates was then handed to him. Examination resumed. —Immediately the bills were ready witness distributed some himself, and saw that others were posted up some of them were posted about the place of meeting. He began distributing them about twenty minutes past four, and proceeded to the place of meeting about seven. At that time there were but few persons present. He then left, and returned again, and at different times, during the evening. There were about 200 persons present, and at some periods witness believed more. The place where the meeting was held is called Victoria-square: it is surrounded by houses, and is within the borough. The night was very dark. The crowd caused obstruction to persons going to and from their houses. Heard more than one person address the meeting the persons speaking were inside a house: believes the name of the occupier of the house to be Williams. Bolwell was the first who addressed the meeting his address lasted a few minutes, and he was followed by a person in the room, who seemed to be acting as chairman. This person introduced Philp to the meeting. Philp addressed the crowd for about a quarter of an hour: the subject of discussion was the People's Charter. Witness learnt that shopkeepers and others were alarmed while the handbills were distributing. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/ChatGPT-Image-Jul-29--2025--07_26_44-AM.png) **Cross-examined by Thomas Bolwell**: I here were about 100 bills posted and distributed they were posted and distributed from between twenty minutes past four and a few minutes past five. Witness went to the meeting about seven. There is a thoroughfare at the bottom of the square, but cannot tell if there is any way out at the top. Cannot tell who the first person was that addressed the meeting; "the first I heard," said witness, "was you." Was not there at the commencement the subject was the people's charter. **Cross-examined by R. Philp**: Cannot tell what time the first bills were out: saw them about half-past one on Monday: the second bills were out about twenty minutes past four, those signed by the Magistrates: it was then light. There were about 100 bills distributed. Cannot say what the population is to a few thousands, but is given to understand about 16,000 or 18,000\. Cannot say whether 100 bills were sufficient to warn a population of 16,000 or 18,000 in so short a time. The bills were generally distributed about the place of meeting, and in the shops witness distributed the greater part of them himself. Did not give him (Philp) one; but would, had he applied. Witness knows the shopkeepers pretty well but is not acquainted with them. Can name an individual who was alarmed, but did not feel called upon to name the person. Was there the greater part of the time the meeting was being held there were three cheers given at one time. Do not believe cheers to be always alarming: they are, or are not, according to circumstances. Witness was not alarmed himself. Was near the window from which the speakers spoke part of the time was within a few yards of the window when the cheering was given was near enough to hear what was said heard the person telling the meeting not to cheer: heard the same person speaking of the advantages of peace and order: heard the meeting requested to separate peaceably. Was there at the time the meeting was adjourned. Saw no disturbance did not hear any person in the square complain of the meeting did not hear after the meeting was adjourned any other person address the people: did not hear any person in the square speak about the Corn-laws. **To Sir T. Phillips**: Did not hear anything about getting home anybody, or freeing anybody. The meeting was held at the lower corner of the square. The Magistrates assembled on Monday last, and their attention was called to the bill seen by witness between one and two. They immediately drew up the notice produced: it was given to the witness with instructions to have it immediately printed and distributed. At the time witness was distributing them some of the inhabitants in the square expressed a wish that the Magistrates would prevent the meeting. In answer to a question by Bolwell, witness said he did hear some one say that they came to inculcate good morals into the minds of the people. **Edmund Harrhy was the next witness examined by Sir T. Phillips**: he said, I am a printer living in Commercial-street, (produced the manuscript from which he printed the notices calling the meeting); it was brought to me on Sunday the 25th October. The person was a stranger to me he gave his name to me on Monday as Cromer. Printed 200 copies, and delivered them to the person calling for them, at about half-past ten on Monday. **Police Sergeant Cormack, recalled by Sir T. Phillips**: The meeting dissolved about twenty minutes before eight. Sir Thomas Phillips then addressing Bolwell, observed, that the magistrates would hear any thing he had to say. Richard Bolwell then said he was astonished, on reading the warrant, to find that they were charged with conspiracy. They had no such intention, and thought they were only to answer for holding a meeting. He was happy that the evidence was not such as to require him to defend himself from so serious a charge as conspiracy. He believed it the duty of every man to do what he possibly could, to raise the condition of the working classes to make them acquainted with the laws by which they are governed and also the laws by which they may better their condition, if such could be done by promulgating principles of sound morality. This he endeavoured to do, and never attempted any other means. He then went on to say that he had some business in Wales, and his young friend Philp, agreed to accompany him. A letter was published in the Western Star, to the effect, that they would be in Newport, on Monday, and that they intended lecturing as they passed through but they did not intend holding meetings in the open air; and he was rather surprised, on his landing here, to have a hand-bill shown him, calling the meeting in the open air. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/ChatGPT-Image-Jul-29--2025--07_29_03-AM.png) He then said it was not their intention, and asked if a room could not be procured, but was told that the magistrates were so prejudiced, that it would be useless to try; as no one would let them have a room, for fear of incurring displeasure. When they met they did not go into the subjects intended. They told the meeting it was necessary to practise morality, and no doubt, in time, they would get the chief magistrate himself to procure a place of meeting for them. He said in conclusion, he did not know that the meeting was illegal, and had the authority of lawyers of the first eminence, as well as some of the judges of the land, who had argued that similar meetings were not illegal. He tendered his grateful acknowledgments to the magistrates for their kindness in giving him their attention, as also for not pressing to make out a more aggravated case, which perhaps, had they been inclined, they might have done. After a few moments' consultation between the magistrates, Sir Thomas Phillips, addressing the prisoners, said that from the respectful manner in which they had conducted themselves, the magistrates would not put them to any further inconvenience than was necessary, and if they were not prepared with bail, but could name any reasonable time, they might remain in custody in Newport, and not be sent to Usk or Monmouth, where, perhaps, their friends would not be able so easily to reach them, He then ordered them severally to find bail themselves in £50 each, and two others in £25 each, to appear and answer any charge that might be brought against them at the ensuing sessions, and likewise for their good behaviour. R. Philp said that he was also surprised at the charge of conspiracy being laid against them, as they had not the remotest idea of such an offence. He had nothing further to say, as he entirely concurred with the observations of Mr. Bolwell. Mr. Dickinson immediately offered himself, and was accepted. for Richard Bolwell, and Mr. Aust, having sworn himself worth £50 after his debts were paid, was accepted tor Philp. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 31st October, 1840*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393295/3393298/18/Victoria%2BOR%2BSquare?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## About Victoria Square The earliest mention of Victoria Square I could find was in December, 1837 when William Colmer and Isaac Jones who lived there were appointed petty-constables. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-29-at-08.07.12.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th December, 1837](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392589/3392592/40/Victoria%2BOR%2BSquare?from=search&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) There's another mention in November 1839 when a witness in the trial of the Chartists mentioned that one of the prisoners — Solomon Britton — stayed in his house. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-29-at-08.08.12.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th November, 1839](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393060/3393064/19/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Around the time of the meeting it was mentioned in an advert that there were 23 cottages in the square so when compared to the map at the beginning of the article from around the 1950s which shows around 10 houses, they would have been packed in. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-29-at-08.12.56.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th November, 1841](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393570/3393572/6/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Confusingly, an article in 1851 mentions present-day Park Square as being called Victoria Square but it appears that all other references in adverts and articles are referring to the square in Baneswell. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-29-at-08.15.26.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th June, 1851](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395098/3395101/26/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-29-at-08.17.53.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th February, 1862](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3442916/3442918/6/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The square remained until 1958 when the council used the Housing Act of 1957 to demolish them. The purpose of the act was to focus on improving housing standards and conditions so it gives an indication of the quality of the housing. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-29-at-08.20.08.png) [South Wales Argus, 25th July, 1958](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1147395639/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) After being demolished it was turned into a car park. Numbers 1 and 2 North Street were still there in the map below but no longer exist and is now the car park behind the Pen and Wig. I'm not sure if they were eventually demolished for a similar reason. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-29-at-08.18.49.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Volume 1, Number 33 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-33/ Last updated: 2025-08-13T08:33:25.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Newport History Social ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/NewportHistorySocial---FBEventPoster-1.jpg) After the success of our first Newport History Social, we're holding a second one on July 30th at the Pen & Wig. Like the first one, this is open to anyone and there's no requirement to be a history buff. The socials are laid-back open conversations where people discuss all sorts of topics and you can drop in/leave when you want. For this social we're encouraging people to bring something Newport related, whatever that may be, that we can use as talking points. Hope to see you there! ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-18-at-08.35.52.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th October, 1856](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397022?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'A Survey of all Urinals in Newport in 1868' ### **Surveyor's Report on Public Urinals** GENTLEMEN — In accordance with your instructions, I submit herewith particulars of all the existing public urinals in the borough, with suggestions for additional ones, the positions of the whole of them being shown on the accompanying plan. The existing urinals (exclusive of the late one at the Salutation are seven in number, and are as follow:- **A double one in Mill street, near the South Wales Railway bridge, at Castle Precincts** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-23-at-08.42.48.png) Possibly the one mentioned **A single one in Old Green** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-23-at-08.41.28.png) **A single one in Carpenter's Arms lane, a double one in Market-street, near the market and a double one in Griffin street, also near the market** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-23-at-08.40.43.png) **A double one in George-street, near Dock-street** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-23-at-08.37.45-1.png) **A double one at Pillgwenlly, near the Well and the Fill.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-23-at-08.38.43-1.png) The whole of them are at present in good order and condition, being properly supplied with water (at a total cost of £11 per annum and cleansed and flushed out every morning by one of your own scavenging labourers. There was also a large urinal for four persons on Cardiff Road, near the Salutation, which was, until recently, well supplied with water and kept clean, but it was ordered to be removed at the last Quarterly Meeting, from the east to the west side of the Salutation Well. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/image-10.png) The Salutation Inn which is located on the site of the current Police Station. You can see the urinal on the bottom right. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-23-at-08.30.18.png) The Salutation Well mentioned in the article A new drain was accordingly put into the Cardiff Road Sewer, and on Saturday last, the urinal was taken down with the intention of re-erecting it on the new site. When taken to pieces, the urinal having been in use for very many years, some of the slates were found to be cracked and broken, and the remainder were so shaky as to be unfit for re-erection in such a conspicuous position. I therefore submit for your consideration the propriety of putting up a new and different sort of public convenience at that place, some of the old slates being elsewhere utilised as hereinafter proposed. All the urinals throughout he town at present are of slate, but as cast iron has of late years been much used in different towns for this purpose, I would recommend that a trial be made of the latter kind here, the patterns being more ornamental and sightly than, from the nature of the material, can be the case with slate. As there is a great want of out door closet accommodation in Newport, it may be well to consider whether there should not be provided at the Salutation closets as well as urinals, of the description designed and patented by Messrs. Walter Macfarlane and Co of Glasgow, whose pattern and price book is herewith submitted. The cost of two water closets and three urinals with an ornamental screen, would be about £45 complete. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-23-at-08.47.04.png) An example of a urial made by Walter Macfarlane and Co in Bristol At the lower end of Dock-street, between the foot bridge and the level crossing, a new cast iron urinal for three persons might be fitted up, if so desired, at a cost of about £30\. There are three other localities in the town where, in my opinion, public urinals might with great advantage to public decency be provided, and where, although there is no actual available piece of roadway or public ground for the purpose, arrangements might, I believe, be made with the owner or lessees of premises for the use of a small piece of private property at a nominal rent, on the understanding that if the ground were hereafter required for building or other purposes, the urinals should be removed. The places in question are Skinner-street, near the lane to the foundry, at the back of Mr. Newman's premises; Dock-street, east side, at the corner of Jayne's Buildings, in an angle of the yard occupied by Mr. A. James; and in Clarence place, at the north-east corner of Newport Bridge. In each of these three places a single *urinal* could be provided at a cost of about £12, either in cast iron or slate (some of the old material from he Salutation being used in the latter case at a slight reduction in the cost). The want of public conveniences at these places is at present the cause of frequent complaints, both on the part of the public and of the at joining occupiers. If the whole of these suggestions be carried out the town would be hereafter well supplied with public accommodation at a cost for erection of about £111, and at an extra cost for maintenance of probably £6 per annum for water, and £10 for labour. **— CONYERS KIRBY** A new iron urinal was ordered to be placed at the Salutation, and the report was then referred to the Public Works' Committee. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd August 1868*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3442620/3442622/4/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-18-at-08.35.52.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th October, 1856](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397022?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-18-at-08.36.51.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th October, 1856](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397022?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### A Midnight Brawl at Maindee Mary Waters and William Brown were charged with assaulting Maria Warren, on the 19th of September. Mr. J. Cathcart appeared for the defendants. Complainant is the wife of William Warren, living at Maindee. Mrs. Waters is the landlady of the George, at Maindee; Brown lodges there. At half-past eleven o'clock on the above night, complainant went to the George to seek her lodger. She kicked at the door, and Mrs. Waters came to the door, to whom she said, "Is John here?" Mrs. Waters said, "No." Complainant then said, "I wish to see," and Mrs. Waters said, "You sha'nt come in." Complainant tried to push in, and then Mrs. Waters struck her on the nose. Complainant retreated into the middle of the road, followed by the landlady, who struck her again, and she returned the blow. Brown then came out and slid he would hit her jaw in with that he kicked her, and she fell to the ground. In cross-examination, she said her husband was not at home that night. She went for the lodger as she wished to go to bed. She would leave the lodger to say what part of the house he sleeps in. Works hard at the wash-tub, and takes beer, but was not drunk that night. Her husband has left her, but John is only a lodger. Had heard that John was charged with an assault, on a subsequent night. Denied having broken into the George. Heard Mrs. Waters say there was a window broken. Was sent for next day, but did not express her regret at having broken the window, nor did she promise to pay for it. A bill of 15s. was produced. Thomas Thomas, carpenter, Maindee, heard a noise on the night in question and went out, when he saw two women (complainant and defendant) fighting; the complainant was on the ground, and John Davies, the lodger, took her up and led her home. In answer to the charge as against the male defendant, Mr. Waters was examined. Hearing a disturbance at the door, he went out and saw the complainant standing near the window, and Brown put his arm to prevent her doing further damage. Complainant was helplessly drunk, and she fell on the pathway, not from a blow, but from her helpless state. When Brown put his arm out she staggered and fell. He shut the door and left her lying. On the Saturday morning, complainant said she was very sorry for what she had done and would pay for the damage. She also said she was sorry, as she did not know what she was doing when she was under the influence of beer. William Morris, a coachman, said that he was at the George on the night referred to, and stated that the complainant struck Mrs. Waters first and then pulled her down into the road. Warren was very tipsy, and she said she would break all the windows in the house if she was not permitted to go in to seek her husband. **The Bench dismissed the case, as the evidence was conflicting.** **—** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th October, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397022/3397024?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Riot at Pillgwenlly Jesse Macarthy and John Macarthy were charged with being drunk on Saturday night last, at King's-parade. Sergeant Wilcox said there was a great disturbance at King's-parade, which lasted some hours. The defendants were among the persons present, and John, with others, rescued Jesse from the hands of the police. The riot was general, and the prisoners and others beat off the police with stones. P.C. Ford went to the assistance of Sergeant Wilcox, in consequence of his being ill-used by Jesse, and after they tock him into custody, John and others came and rescued him. The defendants were taken into custody on Sunday night. **Fined 10s. each, including costs, or 14 days' imprisonment.** **—** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th October, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397022/3397024?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Taken Home in a Wheelbarrow' Hannah Hazell, a middle aged married woman, was summoned for being drunk at Undy, on Christmas Day. P.C. Ferris stated that he found the defendant on the road so incapably drunk that he had to take her home in a wheelbarrow. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/image-14.png) How AI interprets the scene > **Defendant**: That was a Christmas treat. But I was not drunk, I am not right in my head. > > **Mr. Cordes**: You will be fined 5s. > > **Defendant**: Thank you, gentlemen. You are very good—thank you kindly. I'll pay you in a week. I hope God will be with you all. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th January, 1882*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406630/3406635?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/South_Wales_Argus_1913_07_05_1.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 7th July, 1913](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144036703/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## '4 Months Hard Labour for Stealing Cloth' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/image-8.png) Source: [NewportPast](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/photos/uskgaol/photo%5Fpage.php?search=%20&search2=yyyyyy&pos=62&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Mary Connor was charged with stealing a quantity of cloth, belonging to a cattle dealer, named Stone. On the 17th April, prosecutor gave the cloth to prisoner's husband, to be made up into trousers and waistcoat. Jacob Druiff said on the 17th April prisoner pledged the cloth with him for 2s. P.C. James Evans produced the cloth, and spoke to apprehending the prisoner, who, he said, admitted that she pledged the cloth. The prisoner was then charged with stealing a piece of fustian, the property of John Wood. This case was also proved, and the prisoner having elected to be tried by the Bench, was **sentenced to four months' hard labour**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 12th May, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403419/3403422/8/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Trotting Match On Monday a trotting match for £30 a side took place on the Cardiff-road, between Mr. George Baker's (of Goldcliff) brown mare, and Mr. David James's (of Cardigan) chestnut mare, > both being well-known in local sporting circles as remarkably fast trotters. The course was two miles, duly measured-from Coedkernew to Ebbw Bridge, it having been arranged for James's mare to have a start of 200 yards, on account of her being aged. She was ridden by the owner, and Mr. Thomas Price, of Goldcliff, rode Mr. Baker's mare. Several hundreds of spectators congregated along the road, and the betting was pretty even, but in many instances seven to five was laid in favour of Mr. Baker's mare, that had in appearance a striking advantage over the aged chestnut, which seemed to be out of condition and rather scraggy. She, however, compensated in speed for her poor appearance, and won by a length or two, after a remarkably well-contested race. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th January, 1882*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406630/3406635?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## St Woollos, 1864 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/st-woollos-church-upscaled-2x.jpeg) A Rock and Co. postcard from 31st October, 1864 The postcard above was published by Rock & Co who printed thousands of different cards. The view looks like it could well have been taken in Kingshill house which would have been there in 1864\. And I'm wondering if the house on the right is Tivoli which is still there. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-21-at-08.44.03.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Station Street Primitive Methodist Chapel Opens' The opening services, begun on Christmas Day, were continued last Sunday, the preacher being the Rev. W. Jones, of Derby. The following evening the same gentleman lectured on "Hugh Latimer, his life and times." Mr. Henry Phillips, J.P., presided. > Culture, imagination, logic, historic research all were noticeable in this lecture, and it was matter for regret that so gifted a speaker should not have had a crowded congregation to address. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th January, 1882*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406630/3406635?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-22-at-08.27.47.png) Location of the chapel --- Station Street Methodist Chapel was built in 1881 to the design of architects Habershon and Fawckner of Newport. The architects were busy in Newport building three Anglican churches, least fourteen chapels and other buildings including: - Presbyterian Church, Havelock Street (1864) - Beechwood House, Newport (1877-88) - The restoration of the Church of St Basil, Bassaleg (1878–9) - Bethel Methodist Church, Stow Hill (1882–83) - 165 Commercial Street (1886) (no longer there) - Clytha Primary School (1900–1) - Queen Victoria Memorial (almshouses), Stow Hill (1901–2) *Source:* [*Wikipedia*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habershon%5Fand%5FFawckner?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-21-at-18.25.40.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th January, 1867](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402575?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Opening of the Victoria Assembly Rooms ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-21-at-18.31.58.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th January, 1867](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402575?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-22-at-12.48.37.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th February, 1859](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398406?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Samuel Houghton Cowell (5 April 1820 – 11 March 1864) was an actor and singer of comical songs. He was born in Blandford Forum but soon moved to the US. Between 1857 and 1859 he toured throughout England with a concert almost every night and was playing at Newport's Town Hall in February 1859\. The tour took its toll and he turned into an alcoholic. He died a few years later of consumption in 1864. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/image-9.png) [Source: Wikpedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam%5FCowell?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#:~:text=He%20toured%20throughout%20England%2C%20staging,with%20a%20very%20busy%20schedule.) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-21-at-18.35.51.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th January, 1867](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402575?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Houses for Sale on Stow Hill in 1820' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-24-at-08.31.53.png) [The Cambrian, 16th December, 1820](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3324780/3324783/8/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Newport's Gas Lights of 1825' On Friday evening, the 4th instant, the town of Newport, Monmouthshire, was partially lighted with Gas, which has likewise been introduced into most of the shops and public-houses in the streets where the pipes are laid down. The gas we are told is of very superior quality. Our informant observes, that it is much to be regretted there are not more public lamps, especially on the Canal side, where the danger is now become greater from the effect the brilliant light the gas affords to the passenger where it is—who on quitting it immerges (sic) into darkness (rendered tenfold more visible) before he sees the next lamp. It is to be hoped that the gentlemen who form the Committee for the Canal Company, and the wealthy landlords of the extensive Wharfs, will not let a part of the town which is to them a source of so much wealth remain in darkness, while light so pure can be obtained. > That beautiful promenade up Stow-hill towards the church, and which is several feet above the level of the road, is also left in darkness, while every chapel in the town enjoys the advantage of lamps on the Way, and near to the doors. This defect we expect to see remedied. — [*The Cambrian, 12th November, 1825*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3326060/3326063/8/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-21-at-18.36.51.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th January, 1867](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402575?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Human Calculator of Stow Hill' A Boy, named William Jones, whose parents reside at Newport, Monmouthshire, within these few days has been found to possess extraordinary powers of mind, or memory. He will answer almost any question. that can be put to him in the first four rules of Arithmetic, with as much facility as the once celebrated George Bidder. He has never received any education other than at the British School in that town. He is now with Mr. Griffiths,'baker, Stow-hill. On being asked how it was he could do it, he observed that all the figures necessary to work the sum appeared to his mind as plain as on a slate or a book.— *From a Correspondent*. — [*The Cambrian, 25th February, 1826*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3326135/3326138/7/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) [George Bidder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George%5FParker%5FBidder%5F%28engineer%29?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) was a childhood mathematical phenomenon and Engineer born in Devon in 1806. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-22-at-12.56.28.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th February, 1859](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398406?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Fire at Mr Herbert Smith's Premises Great consternation was caused on Monday afternoon, by an alarm of fire at the stores of Mr. H. A. Smith, wine, spirit, and porter merchant, Newport. The premises occupy a considerable area, extending from Stow Hill to the rear of the houses in Baneswell-square, the front portion being used as offices and warehouses for the wines and spirits, and the back comprising the bottling department and general storage for ales. Above there was a loft filled with hay and straw, and it was in the last-named that the fire was discovered by one of the workmen, about half-past five o'clock. The fire-engine was at once despatched from the Town Hall under the superintendence of Inspector Williams (Chief Superintendent Huxtable having been called from town on business), and he was accompanied by Detective Curtis, Sergeants Bath, Wilcox, Pratten, Winmill, and a numerous body of constables, who attached the hose to several of the nearest hydrants with the least possible delay. So rapidly and fiercely, however, did the fire spread, that before the water was brought to bear, some of the roof of the back portion of the burning premises fell in, and the huge mass of flame and smoke shot high in the air. The hose was directed to several points, but the great aim was to prevent the fire spreading in the direction of the offices and spirit warehouse, where a large quantity of brandy, &c., was stored, the ignition of which must have been attended by a frightful destruction of property. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/image-12.png) How AI interprets the article Happily the efforts employed were successful; and great praise is due both to the constables and to those of the public by whom they were assisted, for the assiduity with which they worked. The services of Mr. Crocombe, Mr. Smith's traveller, were especially valuable. At one time it seemed impossible to prevent the destruction of at least a portion of the cottages in Baneswell-square, the property of Mr. Howard, so closely contiguous were they to the line of shedding in which the fire had strongest hold. The inmates of these dwellings removed their furniture with the utmost haste, flinging it, in some instances, from the windows. These goods were, of course, considerably damaged. Happily, the progress of the fire in this direction also was arrested while yet the houses had sustained comparatively little damage. The engine was kept at work for about two hours and a half, when the flames were subdued, and all danger of a renewed outbreak was at an end. We have been unable to ascertain the estimated amount of the damage. Mr. Smith's loss is covered by insurances in the Sun and the Guardian offices. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th February, 1869*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3438251/3438256/23/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Volume 1, Number 32 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-32/ Last updated: 2025-07-26T06:59:51.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-08.32.31.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd July, 1859](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398586/3398590?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Very Foolish A traveller lately fell amongst thieves in this town, was persuaded to visit a house of ill-repute in that disgusting neighbourhood, Friars' Fields, and was there plundered of a gold watch and appurtenances. If men unhocussed \[sic\], will suffer themselves to be led by the nose into such dens of infamy, they deserve no commiseration, be the consequences what they may. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd June, 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424850/3424853?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-08.32.35.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd July, 1859](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398586/3398590?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Extending the Greyhound Pub' An article in the Western Mail about the Brewster Sessions in 1898 mention an extension to the Greyhound Hotel from High Street into Cambrian Road which been constructed a few years earlier. Mr W.H. Rickard, of the Greyhound Hotel, High-street, applied for the provisional grant of a licence for premises shortly to be constructed between the back of the hotel and Cambrian-road. Mr W.L. Moore, having spoken of the great diversion of passers-by down Cambrian-road since its opening some years ago, pointed out that it was not a question of opening a new public-house. The project was to continue an existing passage from High-street into Cambrian-road, to allow of the entry of customers and facilities for storing barrels, &c., and it would also be used as a goods entrance for a shop to be erected. > Customers entering from Cambrian-road would not be permitted to go out by the High-street exit, it being the intention to place an iron railing in the middle of the passage. This had been resolved upon the suggestion of the watch committee. The bench eventually granted the application, with a slight amendment or two. **It may be remarked that a portion of land purchased by Mr Rickard was sold at the rate of £120,000 per acre**. —[*Western Mail, 1st October, 1886*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/814873513/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'A New Frontage for the Greyhound Inn on Cambrian Road' The Council also diseased, almost ad nauseam, the question of selling 23yds of land at the rear of the Greyhound Inn, High-street, to the owner for £500, instead of £200\. Three amendments were proposed over the matter, which means another palatial entrance in Cambrian-road to a High-street public-house, but the Council held fast to the committee's report to charge £500 for the bit of land, which it was explained was of 40 feet frontage. Mr Proctor Eeles, picking up a statement made by Alderman Phillips that the tenant had offered an extra £100 rent if the back way was secured, maintained that the Council ought to demand £1,000 for the land. Mr Greenland rejoined that it was only fair to say that this offer had dropped through. This sale will be the second which the Corporation have effected of land in Cambrian-road, the other being nine square yards for £200 to the Tredegar Arms. —[*South Wales Daily News, 14th October, 1896*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3738402/3738405/25/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Noisy Waits Seven boys were summoned for being disorderly in Lyne-road, off Shaftesbury-street. Police-constable Noble said he heard them from Shaftesbury-street at three o'clock in the morning, shouting and making a great noise. The Mayor suggested that they were noisy waits, and the defendants immediately took up the cue and said they were signing carols. **The bench let them off on payment of 1s. each.** —[*Western Mail, 26th December, 1900*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/818134528/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### Neglecting to Trim Hedges The Rev. Thomas Pope, M.A., vicar of Christchurch, was charged on adjourned summons with neglecting to cut, trim, and cleanse his hedges. The rev. gentleman is also a magistrate. Mr Mundy, the road surveyor, said he had travelled altogether 300 miles, week after week, to see if the defendant had cut his hedges, but it was not done, and he asked the bench to make an order for him (the surveyor) to do the work, and charge Mr. Pope with the costs, or it would never be done. It was most unfair that he should have to come here week after week in this way. He hoped the bench would also allow him some expenses. The Bench said the understood that Mr. Pope had cut some of the hedge, and was proceeding with others. Mr Mundy said defendant had only cut the hedges under the supervision of the commissioners, but not under his supervision, except the road leading to Bishpool. On the top of the hill the hedged nearly untouched, and two vehicles could not pass each other. The summons was dismissed, notwithstanding Mr Mundy's protest. — [*Western Mail, 21st December, 1874*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/817819395/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### Damaging a Magazine at the Free Library John Williams Turner, a boy, was summoned before the Mayor and Mr W. Evans, yesterday, for cutting a piece out of a monthly part of the Family Herald. Mr R.H. Johns, the librarian, said that on two occasions full page engravings had been cut from the Graphic, and the committee then gave public notice that the offenders would be prosecuted. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/FamilyHerald-1.jpeg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Graphic.jpg) The two publications mentioned in the article. Both are from the same year. Defendant pleaded guilty, and his father said he believed he did it from thoughtlessness. > It will be as well that the public should know that offenders are liable to be committed for trial, and to be sentenced to six months' hard labour for an offence of this kind. **The Bench ordered the defendant to replace the magazine and to pay 7s 6d. costs**. — [*Western Mail, 15th November, 1870*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/818122151/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'A Proposed Park on the Marshes' The Mayor said at a recent meeting a committee was formed to consider the advisability of making a park for the people. The committee had never been called together. He believed then and still that the Marshes were the proper place for the purpose. He had asked a friend of his to draw a plan, to utilise the Marshes for the purposes of a park, and he now presented the plan to the local board. It was after the plan of the Manchester People's Park. The plan included part of Captain Power's land, and proposed to utilise a portion of Crindau Pill as an ornamental water. There were plots for cricket, croquet, and archery. Capt. Power would give a portion of land, so as to make a shapely piece of ground. If they got up an exhibition like the one recently held at Cardiff, they might realise a profit, which, with public subscriptions, would enable them to make the park without asking the ratepayers one penny in the shape of taxes. If they went elsewhere to obtain land, they would have to give £500 or £600 an acre, and that would prevent them from accomplishing the object. Mr Morgan would like to know the cost of all that which the Mayor had shadowed forth. He was of opinion that the land on the Marshes would be worth £200 an acre for building purposes. They must remember that the land would have be raised before they could make it into a park. **The Mayor:** Yes, five feet. Mr Morgan said the spring tides would rise higher than that. He was of opinion that a more suitable site might be obtained near the Gold-tops. The Mayor said that land would be worth £600 an acre. Mr Morgan replied that it was very singular how one piece of land was raised in price and the other diminished, to suit the opinions formed of their respective merits. (Whilst the speaker was proceeding the surveyor whispered into his ear.) He had certainly forgotten that he had been selected to adjudicate upon the prize at the forthcoming eisteddford as to the best site for a people's park (Loud laughter). Mr Batchelor said such a park was very much needed, but he thought the Marshes was the most unsuitable spot they could have selected. Everybody knew that in the spring months the ground was covered with water. In a sanitary point of view it was most unsuitable. It appeared to him that the Marshes was naturally fitted for business purposes, being close to the river, and surrounded by railways. > If they had a park let it be in a healthy neighbourhood — either in St. Woollos, at Maindee, or on the Caerleon road. He would suggest that the Marshes be let or sold, and the money applied to the purchase of a suitable plot for a park. The question was then referred to the committee which was appointed a few weeks ago. — [*Western Mail, 12th October, 1870*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/817983468/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Told to Clean and Lime Wash Houses' ### Inspector of Nuisances Report The occupiers of fifteen houses, viz., 1 in Cross-street, 2 Constable's-lane, 1 Canal-terrace, 2 South Market-street, 1 Lower Cross-street, 2 Union-court, 3 Dolphin-street, 1 Mill-parade, 1 Florida's-court, and 1 Botany, have had notice to properly cleanse and lime wash their premises, under the provision of the Sanitary Act, 1866\. These houses have had in them thirty-one cases of small-pox, namely, seven deaths and twenty-four recovered. The notices have been complied with, and the premises are now in a satisfactory condition. Thirty-three persons have been served with notices to remove nuisances from their premises in town and Pillgwenlly. Nineteen of them have been complied with. The common lodging-houses are in a satisfactory state and free from any contagious disease. During the last fortnight the lime brushes have been lent to 28 poor persons in town and Pillgwenlly. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd February, 1872*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403872/3403875/7/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) On Tuesday morning last, information was received by the Superintendent of Police, that a man was lying dead on board a trow called the Rival, of Gloucester, then lying at Pillgwenlly. On proceeding thither, he ascertained that the information was correct; and, on enquiring into the circumstances, he received the following account, which was confirmed by the evidence subsequently at the coroner's inquest. On Monday evening the deceased, whose name was Charles Long went on shore to a beer-house, called the Company's Arms, at Pill. He was there joined by the captain of the trow, whose name is James Cooke, and his brother Wm. Cooke. They drank together for some time, when the deceased offered to eat two ounces of tobacco, if any one would bet him half-a-crown. This the captain accepted, when Wm. Cooke, Jesse Franklin (the landlord-of the house), and the deceased, went out, and purchased two ounces of roll tobacco. On their return, deceased took a knife and cut up the tobacco into pieces, about an inch in length, and swallowed the whole in two minutes, observing at the same time he would swallow two ounces more in three minutes. He then drank four or five glasses of beer, and went on board about seven o'clock. At eleven o'clock he complained of weakness, but appeared to get better; > at three o'clock the crew left him and went to bed, and at six o clock the unfortunate man was a corpse. On Tuesday an inquest was held on the body by W. Brewer, esq., coroner, when the foregoing facts were deposed to, and the following verdict was returned:—**"Died from the effects of eating tobacco, taken voluntarily by himself."** *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd October, 1840*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393280/3393283?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/1894.jpg) A passenger boarding horse tram no 10 in High Street, about 1894 (Source: Trams and Buses of Newport (1845 to 1981) by DB Thomas & EA Thomas) ## Cinquevalli at the Empire ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-17-at-08.18.59.png) Paul Cinquevalli was a German music hall entertainer whose speciality juggling act made him popular in the English music halls during the 19th and early 20th century. On at least three occasions (1894, 1897, 1900) he visited the Empire theatre in Newport. [This description from Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul%5FCinquevalli?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) gives an idea of the type of show he performed. *Though he performed in a stylized costume consisting of a leotard and tights, he is generally regarded as one of the first gentleman jugglers, because he performed with everyday objects such as bottles, plates, glasses and umbrellas. One of the tricks he originated which is still performed today, was to throw a full bottle in the air, catch the neck of the bottle on the spike of an umbrella, and then open the umbrella as the liquid in the bottle ran out of it. He also incorporated feats of strength in his act. One of his trademark tricks was supporting a chair in his teeth while juggling three balls. On the chair sat an assistant reading a newspaper, and on the assistant's lap was a desk.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-17-at-08.19.57.png) [South Wales Argus, 9th November, 1900](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143518189/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) The South Wales Argus published a small article about Cinquevalli's 1900 show at the Empire. > Cinquevalli, the famous juggler, who is astonishing large houses at the Newport Empire, performed a Herculean feat on Thursday, and will repeat it tonight (Friday), and also on Saturday. After going through a clever exhibition of juggling, a spring trap and pony harness was driven on the stage. No time was lost in releasing the horse. The artiste, assisted by his attendants, took off the near wheel. > A shaft was then taken out of the vehicle, and the wheel was set in motion, the "box" being fixed to the point on the shaft. While the wheel was still in motion, it was placed on to the body of the cart. Cinquevalli then lifted the trap on to his chin, apparently without any undue effort. It was an astounding feat, and must be seen to be appreciated. At the close the artiste appeared before the curtain, and was loudly cheered. — [*South Wales Argus, Friday 9th November, 1900*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143518209/?match=1&terms=Cinquevalli&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* > His exhibitions in the art of juggling are almost beyond the power of the pen to describe. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/image-7.png) Source: [New Zealand National Library](https://natlib.govt.nz/records/23094885?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-17-at-08.38.25.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st December, 1849](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394761?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ℹ️ The advert mentions both Silk and Alpaca Umbrellas being available. According to the '[History of the Parasol](https://www.folkwear.com/en-gb/blogs/news/historyoftheparasol?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)', alpaca wool was very popular as a textile for umbrellas in Britain in the 1850s and was much cheaper and sturdier than silk. An '****Idrotobolic Hat**' hat was one which had [ventilation valves](https://www.worldwidewords.org/ww-pur1.html?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#:~:text=Hortensius%3A%20Or%2C%20The,is%20Aquascutum.) to control the flow of air over the head. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Hunting on the East Side of Newport' An excellent pack of hounds met at Duckpool, on Monday morning last, and found in the first small cover they drew, some tact being displayed on the occasion; away went master reynard as straight as a line tor the top of the hill, and sunk on the other side for Maindee, headed back towards St. Julian's wood, which, he disdained entering, skirting alongside the wood, he made for the Coldra wood, which from the capital scent, soon becoming too hot for him, he crossed the Chepstow road for Langstone, from thence over the brook for Llanwerne, bearing to the left for the "Routs," then away to Llanmartin. The pace was very severe; they viewed into a small cover just beyond Lanmartin, with the hounds close upon his brush, so close, indeed, that it was evident his career was closing, and he never saw the other side and thus ended as good a run as a man with proper feelings for his horse need desire. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st December, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394761?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Ye Olde Newport Bazaar, 1922 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/tabernacle-centenary-bazaar-1922/ Last updated: 2025-07-16T10:52:08.000Z Months in the making, the Centenary Bazaar of the Tabernacle Congregational Church took place in 1922 to mark the centenary of the opening of the Tabernacle on Commercial Street. It was both a celebration and an event to raise £2,000 to purchase a property around the corner on Llanarth Street to convert into a Church House. It was seen as the biggest thing of its kind ever held in the town and the first time that an attempt had been made to represent 'Old Newport'. An estimated 200 workers were involved and the 250ft long by 16ft high scenery took over six months to paint. The scenery was painted by the "Leslie Grant" Studios with research by Mr B.T.A. Griffiths. The costumes and booklet were also designed by the studio and an estimated 200 costumes were made representing different periods of time. The event was held on October 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 1922 at the Drill Hall, Stow Hill and the High Street scenery would feature the names of all the shops and offices in 1822 with the entrances leading to stalls such as an ice cream seller, confectioner and the Girl Guides. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/pc0333_enlarged_150pct.jpg) The Tabernacle is located just to the left of the tram. Source: [NewportPast.com](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/photos/php/photo%5Fpage.php?search=&search2=&pos=351&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The same view today with the Tabernacle being where Blue Banana and Greggs is located. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-15-at-19.34.14.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-15-at-18.21.34.png) [South Wales Argus, 2nd October, 1922](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1146062241/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) The following is a report of the event [published by the South Wales Argus on October 4th, 1922](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1146062256/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) describing the scenery, who would have been present on high street in 1822 and the programme that was issued. ## Picturesque Old High-street The efforts of the Bazaar Committee have resulted in producing a most picturesque scene; and have for its purpose no better place could have been found in Newport than the Drill Hall, with its breadth the dwarfed by its length, giving in itself the impression of a rather long, narrow, and busy street. > The effort was to make the bazaar as faithful a replica of High-street in 1822, the houses and shops then existing being occupied by the stalls of the bazaar. ## The Old Tradesmen For instance, No. 1, High street (*the Heathcock Inn, afterwards known as the Bridge Inn standing near the entrance to the Bridge*), No. 2 "*The Old Green*," No. 3, "*The Bristol House*," and No. 4 are taken up by the refreshment stall. No. 5, "*Abraham Jones, druggist*," is now the ticket office for the side shows, etc. In No. 6 "*Ann Morgan, ironmonger*," ice cream will be dispensed. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-15-at-08.01.13.png) "The Old King's Head Hotel: Showing Carpenters Lane" In No. 7, "*Thomas Jones Phillips, attorney*," confectionery of various kinds will be sold, and similar goods will be found in "*King's Head Hotel, Coach Office, John Morgan*." No. 9 "*The Carpenters' Arms, Adam Williams*," is filled with artificial flowers, and No. 10, "*Joseph Capon, fishmonger*," is the Girls' Guild Stall. No. 11, "J. Evans, draper," is now a place where "prophetic secrets" are revealed. Nos. 60 and 61\. "Agent for Sir Charles: Morgan" and "D. Jones, jeweller," contain various side shows; No. 62 "Post Office, George Griffiths, Postmaster," contains other attractions. No. 63, "Joseph Grout, pipes and tobacco," is the scene of the activities of the Girls' Guide Stall. No. 64, "Susan Morgan, draper, grocer, etc," No. 66, "Surgeon William Brewer," and the "Surgery" adjoining; No. 67, "Canal Office, Thomas Cooke, agent," and No. 68, "Dr James Hawkins," and "Surgery" adjoining, are all occupied by various stalls, representing the old market booths, which once stood in High-street, and adjoining these a replica of "The Stocks," which once stood there. ## A Real Work of Art Clever though the scheme is, it would by itself fail impress, were it not that every detail is carried out with absolute faithfulness bot as to colour and in design, though the faces as of the shops are, of course, constructed, of painted canvas. The scheme and the painting has been carried out by Studios, out by Mr. Griffiths, "Leslie Grant" Studios, Newport and he has performed his work admirably. Leslie Grant Studios was located at 39 Commercial Street The entrance into the Drill Hall is through the long corridor which is draped with- flags and bunting, and then once through the inner entrance doors the whole scene is open to the gaze. Even at first sight it impresses, but it is only upon close inspection that the care and skill exercised upon the various details is discovered. At the one end of the room there is a large-sized canvas occupying the whole available space of the room, on which a painted view of the old narrow bridge across the Usk, rising sharply to the crown, and then dipping to an acute angle at either end. In the far distance appears Christchurch-hill, surmounted with a crown of trees, and the long, narrow and winding, roadway ascending it, flanked on either hand by fields and groves. > Only about half a dozen houses appear in this part of the painting, which gives a very vivid idea of the beautiful picturesque, but rather rugged, scenery, of this part of Newport in 1822. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-15-at-08.46.06.png) "View looking down High Street: Showing the Westgate and the Stocks in the foreground" The colouring, the perspective, and the general effect is excellent, while much artistry is shown in the work. ## A Picturesque View The entrance to the bridge is closed by a six-barred gate. In the foreground, the ivy-covered top of one of the towers of Newport Castle peeps over the top of the adjacent buildings. On the left is a mass of is picturesque buildings while on the right is the Heathcock Hotel, with its quaint facings and its raised footpath running in the direction of the Old Green Hotel. Then on the east side comes the Old Green Hotel, with its quaint 28 paned windows set close to the ground, and with similar windows in the two storeys above. Similar types of houses follow, but the monotony is broken at No.6 by a bow window above the door. Evidently our ancestors believed in colours, for A no two adjoining houses are painted alike, and there is none of the drab monotony of present streets. There is a splash of colour at No. 7, where the smaller windows are outlined in red and black, contrasting with the blue and yellow of No. 6, the faded brown of No. 5, the vivid blue of No. 4, and the yellow of the Old Green. All of the houses, however, though each has its distinctive scheme of colour, are relieved and beautified by the treatment of the frames of the doors and windows, which further adds to the general effect. The King's Head Hotel was an imposing building even in those days, and reared its head above all other buildings, more by reason of the height than the number of its storeys, but sombre in its grey and black. Nos. 9 and 11 are all dignified by bow windows, the first floor having a background of yellow, while the windows are picked out in red, brown and blue. The ground floors are also treated in various colours. The most picturesque portion of the scenery is that at the bottom of High-street. This gives a view of the old Westgate, flanked on the left by the shop of James Evans, confectioner and fruiterer. In the centre rises the steep ascent of Stow-hill, the sides of which are clothed with trees. There is a beautiful view of St Woollos Church at the top, with its windows lit up. Then, returning up High-street, there comes a picturesque group of buildings on the west side, in which appears Murenger House (1530), the Tredegar Arms (1685), the Workhouse (Samuel Etheridge, master and printer). ## A Blaze of Colour This latter house stands out in blaze of vivd red, and the old fashioned mullioned windows, the sharp-pointed windows gables, and queer recesses, with rooms and windows tucked away in all sorts of unexpected places, make a most beautiful picture. Especially is this so at night, when both the views of St. Woollos and Christchurch at either end of the room are lit up, as well as the stalls on the sides and in the middle. At a certain hour at night-time, the bells will chime, and Vespers will be sung by a concealed choir. On the west side of the street the most striking building is the Post Office, in its red and yellow garment. The Canal Office towers over all others, as befitted its importance in those days, and its quaint flattened bow windows on the ground floor, and the sharply oval bow windows on the first floor, make it a most picturesque object. ## The Officials The officials of the bazaar are: President, the Rev. Thomas Richards, C.F.; hon. treasurer Mr C.E. Smith, Clytha Park; hon. organising secretary, Mr. F. Fisher, Godfrey-road, Newport; hon. assistant secretary, Mr H. Lloyd Harries, York-place. ## The Programme The handbook and guide to the bazaar is in itself a valuable souvenir, and work of art. On the front cover there, in a, view of "Ye Olde Dip, 1822," which forms a part of the scheme of the interior of the bazaar. Then there are views of Newport Bridge and Castle in 1822, of Cromwell House, of the Trial of John Frost at Monmouth, of the Wesleyan Chapel in Commercial-street, in 1850; of the Old Town Hall in 1842; at Newport's First Free Public Library, of the Parrot Hotel, and of the burning of the first railway bridge over the Usk at Newport in 1848\. There are also various photographs. I wonder if the Museum has a copy of the handbook? ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Old Coach Tour The bazaar featured an old coach which could be boarded and it was planned to take it on a tour of Newport on the last day of the bazaar as part of a carnival. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-15-at-19.15.24.png) [South Wales Argus, 29th September, 1922](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1146062235/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) After the event, an old cartoon was [published by the South Wales Argus](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1146062270/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) about one of the people mentioned in the list of buildings in 1822. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-15-at-19.19.23.png) [South Wales Argus, 7th October, 1922](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1146062270/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) *Visitors to the Old Newport Bazaar at the Drill Hall, Stow-hill, have read with interest the names over the shops and offices of the High-street of 1822\. It. may have been noted that over one door is the name of Thomas Cooke, agent for the Monmouthshire Canal Company. This gentleman is the central figure of the very interesting old cartoon which we have reproduced — "Canal Proprietors in a Fix." It is an echo of an old controversy.* *In 1848 the Monmouthshire Canal Company, afterwards incorporate with the Great Wester Railway, applied to Parliament for powers to convert their tramroads into railways. At this period the railways were somewhat under a cloud, and a number of shareholders were strongly opposed to the scheme. The Cartoon is a commentary on the situation, the shareholders being represented by the widows and children being crushed between the rival schemes. In the coach is Mr Blackmore, a director of the Company, while Sir Robert Peel, who presided over the Committee, is represented by the side of the engine, saying, "I enforce the carrying obligation." The gentleman running away with a pension is Mr Cooke, the Scretary of the Company, who was retiring at that time, while the gentlemen on the engine represent two of the principal witnesses for the proposal. Another very interesting point is the Mr Blackmore has in his hat a letter from James Brown, so that as early as 1848 this strenuous fighter was known as a great writer of letters. He afterwards was Mayor Newport two years in succession (1860 and 1861), and he was notorious for the way in which he fought the Great Western Railway. Mr Cooke was the father of the late Major T. Eborall Cooke, of Newport, in whose posession this Cartoon was for many years. He gave it to Mr H.R. Price, General Manager for the Brecon and Merthyr Railway (now retiring), who has presented it to Newport Museum.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Volume 1, Number 31 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-31/ Last updated: 2025-07-19T07:05:20.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/South_Wales_Argus_1921_09_07_5.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 7th September, 1921](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143988271/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Need For A Sign At The Hand Post' **To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.** Sir,—Will you have the goodness to do the public the favour to notice in your widely-circulating paper, the circumstance of the want of a proper hand-post beyond Cairo (Caerau?), where two roads branch for Bassaleg, &c., and for Risca, &c. There is a very old scarecrow, it is true, standing, but the indexes point to the beer-house in front, and not to the roads, and there is a total absence of any letters. I think, sir, a penalty could be inflicted upon certain parties, under an Act of Parliament, for the absence of so necessary a public benefit. I am, sir, your obedient servant, Newport, Sept, 9, 1842\. VIATOR. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th September, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393770/3393772?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'North Street Trams?' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-08-at-08.11.21.png) [South Wales Weekly Argus, 18th August, 1900](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1192722821/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Before the tram line was installed on Stow Hill, a proposal by the borough engineer in 1900 suggested running along Bridge Street, up North Street, Cemetery Lane (runs alongside the old cemetery) and joining Clifton Road. Based on the need to lower Stow Hill to allow the trams to ascend, something similar would no doubt have had to have been done to go through Cemetery Lane. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-08-at-08.19.27.png) Route of the proposed tram line in 1900\. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sheep Stealing On Thursday night a lamb belonging to Mr. Iggulden, was slaughtered in his field on the Caerleon-road. It is supposed the fellows were disturbed in their operations, as they decamped, leaving the carcase (sic) of the lamb in a sack in the field, behind them. It is hoped that the sack may lead to the discovery of the thieves. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-17.34.25.png) My Iggulden had fields in this area off Caerleon Road — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th September, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393770/3393773?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-30-at-13.09.15.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th July, 1846](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425350/3425352?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## House Numbering ### 'A Request to Name Streets and Number Houses' **To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin** Sir, I beg to call the attention of the proper authorities of the town, to the consideration of the convenience that would result to the visitants and inhabitants thereof, by the naming each street on the corners, and the regularly numbering each house. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, AN INHABITANT. Newport, November 7, 1838. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th November, 1838*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392805/3392808/32/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Number of Cambria Place, Stow Hill' The Mayor said Mr. Wade had sent a letter to them complaining of the *numbering* of the *houses* in Cambria-place, Stow-hill. In answer to this he explained I that it had been necessary to adopt some system, so they had followed the plan carried out in London and other large places. Stow-hill it had been decided to number consecutively, and the houses in Cambria- place would only be recognised as a part of Stow-hill but the residents could describe themselves as such and such a number Cambria-place, Stow-hill, if they saw fit. Mr. Hewertson quite concurred in the remarks made by the Mayor it was necessary some uniformity should be observed. Mr. Stone said they did not complain so much of the numbering as of the neglect to serve notices as required by the Act of Parliament. The Surveyor, in answer to this, said that he had caused 1,000 handbills to be distributed with reference to the matter, and that notice was quite sufficient. Alderman Lewis thought it was the houses that should be numbered. The other day he found a man putting a number on his yard gate, and when he remonstrated with the man about it he said he should put it where he pleased. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd March, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403288/3403290/2/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Numbering Houses The whole of the house numbers were fixed in time for the census, on the 3rd inst,, and as the name plates for the several courts were not ready temporary printed labels were affixed to each court, as recommended by the Registrar-General. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th April, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403372/3403374/5?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-27-at-22.38.44.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 18th September, 1847](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394262/3394264/4/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Captain Ross Beerhouse' Mr. North, of the "Captain Ross" beer-house, Commercial-Street, has written us a letter, complaining that some strong aspersions have been cast on his house, by ourselves and others at the Town Council. His reading of the report is incorrect, and his threat of the law ludicrous. He says the charge against his house is as far from the truth, as the north is from the south — that it is reformed altogether, and that, in fact, it is fit to be visited by any respectable gentleman. That is all as it should be. The Press does justice and we have thus allowed the North to celebrate "Captain Ross"! — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd January, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393610/3393613?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Griffin Street Soup Kitchen' The poor of Newport and Pillgwenlly have been relieved in great numbers with provisions and soup, during the week. A soup kitchen, with large boilers and other convenience has been fitted up in Griffin-street, and another at Pill under the superintendence of that benevolent and active almoner, Mr. Pyne. Thus the charity fund is extensively operating, to the alleviation of misery, and the prevention of crime. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd January, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393610/3393613?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/EdgarNicholls.jpg) Mr Edgar G. Nicholls' Steam Bread and Cake Factory, Commercial Road. Winner of 50 Guinea Challenge Cup, 1899 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Stealing Harnesses From Crindau' On the 9th instant, a boatman named Thomas Phillips was apprehended by P. C. Grubb, while offering a quantity of harness for sale; and it was subsequently proved to have been stolen from Mr. Philip Williams, of Crindau, near Newport, to which place he was conveyed, and committed to Monmouth for trial. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-09-at-19.50.12.png) At the time of the crime, Mr Philip Williams was the occupier of Crindau House — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd January, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393610/3393613?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Miss Cora Cardigan at The Empire' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-10-at-08.24.49.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th November, 1897](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143495135/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Cora Cardigan was the stage name of Hannah Rosetta Dinah Parks (1860 – 1931), an English virtuoso flautist known as the 'Queen of Flute Players' who worked mainly in theatres. She played at The Empire on at least four occasions in 1896, 1897, 1899 and 1900\. > Miss Cora Cardigan displayed a rare accomplishment, for a lady, as a flute and piccolo soloist, and had a well-merited return in the shape of hearty applause. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/image-6.png) [Source](https://www.loc.gov/resource/music.musdcmphot-a0106/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Mary "Pickaxe" Cecil' Mary Cecil, alias "Pickaxe," whose face seemed worn into something much like an axe, was charged before the Mayor and Thomas Hawkins, Esq., with being found in the middle of Corn-street last Friday night, between ten and eleven o'clock, drunk, raving, cursing, and burning to fight. P. C. Huxtable recognised her as an old tenant of the "stone jug," and finding she rather grew more tigrish than lamb-like in his presence, he wisely locked her up, to sober her down into something human. His Worship having been made duly acquainted with the present offence of the heroine of the pickaxe, and having carefully conned over a long category of previous sins, thus addressed her in his usual clear and impressive style:— Mary, I think you have been in Newport a long time—yes, when I was mayor last, and then 1 saw you before me many times. You have been here since, and you was committed for eight and twenty days as a rogue and a vagabond on the 16th of March, 1841 you was fined again 5s. for being drunk on the 20th of June, 1840; you was tried for robbing John Jones on the 1st of June, 1840, but you was acquitted for want of evidence, you was found guilty of robbing James Howell on the 3rd of December, 1840, but was acquitted for want of evidence and you was committed to prison for 14 days on the 22nd of July, for an assault; and now I must punish you again—what can I do with you now? We will try you again, and we now — Where's your mother; have you got one, Mary? \[To this touching appeal she groaned dismally\] Well, Mary Cecil, you shall he taken from this place to Usk prison, and there to remain for only, mind I say only two months, for we could give you three and we do hope that when you come back, you will be a reformed young woman. The prisoner wiped off her crocodile tears, shammed hysterical sobs, and slyly "taking a sight," was escorted to her old quarters. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd January, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393610/3393613?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## "The Worst Girl in Town" Catherine Lake, a disorderly prostitute, "the worst girl in the town," said the Superintendent, was sent to gaol for three weeks. Margaret Kilty, another of the same class, was ordered to be imprisoned for a month. Jane Wire was charged with creating a disturbance at the house of Charles Tibbets, of the Welcome All, Pillgwenlly. The girl should have appeared on Thursday, but failing to do so was apprehended. Complainant stated that because he refused to allow her in his house, she became very violent and abusive both to himself and Mrs. Tibbets. Defendant said complainant called her "what he couldn't prove," and threw two buckets of water over her. The latter portion of this assertion he acknowledged but pleaded the provocation be had received. He said it arose from the fact of his not permitting girls of her character to frequent his house. **Defendant**: 'Tis from the likes of me, you make a living." Complainant denied this in a most positive manner. The Magistrates, in consideration of the girl having been already locked up, and been "almost drowned," sent her about her business, and ordered the complainant to pay the costs. The complainant said it was a hard case. **Superintendent Huxtable**: "You know you've your house full of Dutch girls at the present moment." Complainant said that was untrue. His house was respectably kept; and he strenuously con-tradicted the statement of the Superintendent. ### A Letter From the Owner of the Welcome All A letter from Charles Tibbets published in the same issue of the Merlin in defence of what had happened in the article above. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-12.55.17.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-12.55.31.png) —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th May, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397920/3397924?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Assault on Barrack Hill' John Fevers was charged with assaulting Elizabeth Howell. Mr. Cathcart appeared for complainant. Complainant said she lived on Barrack Hill. Last Monday evening she was on her door step when defendant came up, called her foul names, threatened to break her jaw, and kicked at her. His foot just "brushed" her cheek. She went into the house. He went home about eleven o'clock, and used violent language till about two o'clock. **By the Bench**: He is not a lodger. I don't know what he is—he's an interloper. **Examination resumed**: He continued his threats next morning. I have now the mark of a blow which he gave me six months ago. Many years ago I consented to live with him, and had a child by him. I have left him, and wish to live alone, but he comes and makes these disturbances. I wish the protection of the Bench. I now keep a little shop. The defendant denied that he had touched complainant. Some recrimination ensued, and ultimately the Bench **bound over the defendant to keep the peace for twelve months**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th August, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402300/3402302?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Stealing Shrimps' Charles Hughes and Patrick Conner, two lads from Pillgwenilv, were charged with stealing about 10lbs. of shrimps, value 2s. 6d., from the dwelling house of James Scully, fisherman, at St. Brides. There were three other lads implicated in the theft, and the Inspector applied for a remand. **Conner was bailed out**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th August, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402300/3402302?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Keeping Pigs in Maindee' Joseph Power, Joseph Dark, and Keturah Daniels were summoned for keeping pigs on their premises so as to be a nuisance at Maindee. Inspector Sheppard, also Inspector of Nuisances for the Christchurch Local Board, had visited the premises of defendants. They had a small enclosed yard, unfit to keep pigs in. It was a nuisance, although defendants did not keep it very dirty. Daniel's case was far worse than the other two. A large sow was kept in a stable near two cottages without any attempt made to clean up the place. The Bench ordered the nuisance to be abated, and **defendants had to pay the costs**. **A suitable caution was administered**. Defendants stated that they had a sewer running along at the back of their houses which was worse than any pigs nuisance. In was enough to breed a plague. Inspector Sheppard said he wished he had the power to alter it, but unfortunately he had not. As far as his duty was concerned be had carried it out by reporting it to the Board of Health. The sewer was said to belong to the Commissioners. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th August, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402300/3402302?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Asleep at the 'Wheel' in Malpas' Thomas Hoskins, haulier, of Newport, was charged with being asleep, without having any control of his horses, in his cart, in the parish of Malpas. **Fined 10s. and costs**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th August, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402300/3402302?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Breaking Three Windows' George Williams, who had a frightfully swollen face and black eye, was charged with wilfully breaking three window panes belonging to William Pollock, beerhouse keeper, and also with assaulting a policeman. Between two and three o'clock on Sunday morning, complainant, who was in bed, was roused by beating his windows smashed. > He rose and looked out of the window, and saw defendant dancing about the streets, with two or three tresses of onions in his hand, and which he was throwing at the windows. In reply to complainant, who called to him, he said he was having fun. Complainant called out for the police, and P.C. Poule came up, and attempted to take him into custody, when defendant bit the officer's finger and was otherwise very violent. With the assistance of another policeman he was taken to the station. The Chief Superintendent then said that Green, the defendant in the last case *\[Edward Green had been charged the same day with being drunk\]*, had complained of the present defendant's conduct. They were locked in the same cell, and Williams attacked Green and bit his ear. The defendant said he was a tailor from Birmingham, and had only been in town three days. **He was sent to Usk gaol for a month**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th August, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402300/3402302?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Maindee Park, Newport — The Next Clifton?' We (*Bristol Times and Mirror*) understand that this magnificent estate has recently been purchased by the Midland Land Corporation of Birmingham. It is, we believe, intended to sub-divide the estate in such a way as to make it a high-class suburban district, or a second Clifton, for which its natural beauties offer every facility. The present mansion will be maintained, and judicious restrictions will be enforced as to the character of the houses to be erected. The plan for sub-division has been prepared by Mr. Henry Lloyd, of this city, architect, and Messrs. Sherwood, Smith, will shortly submit the property by auction, unless previously sold by private contract. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th November, 1870*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439317/3439320?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-08.25.32.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th November, 1870](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439317/3439319?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Mud in Baneswell **To the editor of the Merlin and Silurian** SIR, Allow me, through you, to call the attention of the authorities to the vile, wretched, and utterly abominable condition of the roads leading to Baneswell. They are not only ancle (sic), but knee-deep, mud. It is suffered to accumulate there week after week, and month after month, and it is a fact that the street sweeper is never seen in that neighbourhood. Why is this? The people pay their rates, and surely deserve some attention. The Board of Health have many benedictions, of a certain sort, invoked upon them for their conduct in relation to this matter, and no one blesses them more fervently than, Sir, Your obedient servant, Baneswell. THIN SHOES — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 31st October, 1857*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397537/3397545/46/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-07-at-12.49.15.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 8th May, 1858](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397920?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/South_Wales_Weekly_Argus_and_Monmouthshire_Advertiser_1901_02_02_4.jpg) [South Wales Weekly Argus, 2nd February, 1901](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1192718510/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Dolphin Pub Moves From Stow Hill To Ruppera Street' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-08-at-08.35.16.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st April, 1853](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395617?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-08-at-08.38.03-1.png) A map showing the gate to the Cattle Market and potential area for where the Dolphin moved. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Volume 1, Number 30 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-30/ Last updated: 2025-07-12T06:16:56.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Green Yard We understand the Town Commissioners have authorised the establishment of a "green yard," a place in which to deposit animals or property of any description, horses, pigs, carts, trucks, &c., which may be carelessly left about the streets of the town. It will be well for our townsfolk to remember that things so impounded cannot be returned to their owners, except upon payment of a percentage for their having been placed under their official care. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th October, 1847*](http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394282/3394285?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-23-at-20.15.58.png) \`[Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th December, 1841](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393590/3393592/4/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Incendiary Fires At Newport We stop the Press to announce that a most alarming account has just reached us, of some incendiary fires having taken place near Newport. A commercial gentleman, who left that town yesterday, informs us, that at three o'clock in the morning he was awakened by an alarm of fire and he says the inhabitants were 'parading the streets during the whole night. Being of a timid disposition, and unacquainted with the neighbourhood, he got up early and came off for Monmouth, without ascertaining the particulars. He understood that some stacks of corn and part of a farm house had been burnt. He saw the reflection of the fire, which appeared to be in the direction of the road from Newport to Cardiff. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th November, 1831*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391194/3391197?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) 🤔 I wonder if the date explains the reason for the fires? ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-23-at-20.16.50.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th February, 1858](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397830/3397835?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Properties For Let/Sale ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-30-at-08.46.47.png) ****Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd October, 1842** In between Llanarth Street and Cross Street on what then was called Tram Road, but today is called Kingsway was a 'commodious' warehouse. The area is circled in a map from just before the time of the advert. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-30-at-08.44.36.png) A house belonging to someone who had become bankrupt was for sale at the same time as the warehouse above and was near the drawbridge over the canal at the Moderator Wharf. This was located in front of today's Riverfront Theatre. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-30-at-08.52.30.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd October, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393793/3393795?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-30-at-08.51.38.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Leaving a Wagon Unattended at the Handpost Inn' Thomas Watts was charged with leaving his team and waggon unattended, near the Handpost Inn, St. Woollos, on the 21st December. P.C. Steel proved the case. **Defendant admitted the offence, and was fined 5s. and costs.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th January, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3401951/3401953?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Unlicensed Driver Drives Cab Whilst Master Has Breakfast' Thomas Craddock was summoned for driving a licensed cab, he not being a licensed driver. Chief Superintendent Huxtable proved the case. Defendant admitted the offence, but stated that he had only driven the cab while his master had his breakfast. **Ordered to pay the costs, 5s. 6d.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th January, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3401951/3401953?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing Seven Coats Margaret McCarthy was charged with stealing seven coats, the property of Messrs. Isaacs and others. **Remanded to Friday**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th January, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3401951/3401953?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### '12yo Boy Whipped for Stealing Watch' Thomas Murphy, aged 12 years, was charged with stealing a silver watch, the property of James Leyshon, Stow Hill. He pleaded guilty to the offence. Mr. Huxtable said the boy had no relatives, and was very wicked having in this instance, crept to the bed-head of the prosecutor while he was asleep, and stolen the watch, which he hid in a hole in a field close by. The boy had been in gaol three months for stealing money, and on his release the Rev. C. Hodgson, of Victoria-place, had kindly assisted him with food, &c., and Mr. Partridge had given him a suit of clothes. **He was committed to Usk for three months, to be once whipped.** ***—*** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th June, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396029/3396031/11/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Mr Sim Reeves at the Victoria Hall ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-01-at-12.21.40-1.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th November, 1867](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403094?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Sims Reeves was the leading tenor of his generation. London-born, and trained in Paris and Milan, he made his London stage debut at Drury Lane in 1847\. His performances in oratorio were widely acclaimed, and he sang privately for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. He performed his 'grand ballad concert' on 26th November, 1867 at the Victoria Hall, Newport. The photograph below from the National Gallery was taken in Birmingham the same year he performed. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/John-Sims-Reeves.jpg) (John) Sims Reeves, by Henry Joseph Whitlock albumen carte-de-visite, 1867 NPG Ax28534 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Mrs and Miss C. Monkhouse's Seminary ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-30-at-13.17.32.png) Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th July, 1846 Victoria Place was relatively new when the advert for a seminary was placed in 1846; the street only being completed in 1844 by Rennie Logan, constructors of Town Dock. Interestingly, [in a letter to the Monmouthshire Merlin](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394048/3394051/29/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) in October 1843 (the year before the completion date), a Mr James Rennie (obviously related to the builders of the houses) used an address of Victoria Place. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-30-at-13.23.04.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th July, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425100/3425102/12/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The seminary had also been there in 1845 and 1844. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-30-at-13.24.30.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th July, 1844](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424870/3424872/6/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-30-at-13.11.47.png) No. 9 is the property in the middle of the photograph. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Victoria Place House Prices in 1874 An advert in the Monmouthshire Merlin in April, 1874 lists all of the houses in Victoria Place along with how much they sold at auction. Prices ranged from £530 for No. 9 to £900 for No. 7\. According to the [Bank of England's inflation calculator](https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy/inflation/inflation-calculator?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), that's the equivalent of £52,000 to £88,000. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-01-at-08.03.38.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-01-at-08.03.44.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th April, 1874](http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3405233/3405237/37/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Also sold were two coach houses adjoining Victoria Place which may well have been the two houses located on the corner of Victoria Road and Victoria Place. They pre-date Victoria Place and were present on the tithe map from 1840/41\. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-01-at-08.23.25.png) Possibly the two coach houses mentioned in the advert. The grand house that is The Maindee was also sold with bidding starting at £5,000 and ultimately going for the reserve price of £9,000 which is the equivalent of almost £882,000 in today's money. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-01-at-08.08.16.png) The Maindee which sold for £9,000 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Florodora at the Lyceum ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-27-at-21.50.50.png) [South Wales Argus, 9th November, 1904](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143832385/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) [Florodora](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florodora?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) was a popular Edwardian musical comedy which after its long run in London, became one of the first successful Broadway musicals of the 20th century. It opened in November 1899 and ran for 455 performances closing in March 1901\. It had a popular run on Broadway in 1901/02 with 552 performances and eventually ended up in Newport in 1904. [Wikipedia has a synopsis of the play](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florodora?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) including recordings of songs from 1908, not long after the show in Newport. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/image-7.png) [Source](https://itoldya420.getarchive.net/amp/media/the-famous-sextette-from-florodora-sayre-1558-8c1fce?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-26-at-06.51.34.png) [South Wales Argus, 7th September, 1921](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143988271/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Bridge at the Dock Street Level Crossing — Half a Job!' Mr. Batchelor remarked that perhaps the Board were aware that the Monmouthshire Company were about to put up the long-desired bridge at the Dock-street level crossing. At the Public Works Committee, held the previous week, it was suggested that Mr. Kirby, the Surveyor, should request to see the plans of the proposed bridge, that the Board might know what sort of a bridge they were going to have. The Surveyor said, that by consent of Mr. Sayer he had an informal inspection of the plans of the bridge about to be erected, and he also saw the plans of the bridge proposed to be erected in the first instance, the estimate for which was considered too much for the company to expend. The contract for the proposed bridge had been given to Mr. Firbank and Mr. Elliott, who were preparing materials for its erection. According to the plans, the foot bridge would not, as at first proposed, be carried over the whole crossing, but only over the two main lines, that was over four lines of rails—two in and two out. The sidings, which belonged to, and were on the property of the Deck Company, were not to be covered over at all. **Alderman Townsend**: There are some traps still to be left. **The Surveyor**: It will be only half a job. **Mr. Homfray**: I understand the work will be all on their own property. **Mr. Lyne**: They could not of course make it upon any other. Mr. Batchelor inquired of the surveyor if he thought the bridge would be well constructed. **The Surveyor**: Mr. Sayer always takes care of that. He thought tbe bridge was as much as they could expect. **Mr. Lyne:** Is it an iron bridge? **The Surveyor**: No, a wooden bridge. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th January, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3401951/3401953?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Man Dies During Funeral Procession' The Borough Coroner (Mr W.I.Moore) held an inquest at the Town Hall on Tuesday afternoon concerning the death of William Williams, aged 51, of 32, Bolt Street, who died suddenly on Sunday afternoon while following a funeral procession up Stow Hill. Thomas William Rees, of 79, Stow Hill, nephew of deceased, employed at the Dos Works, said he saw his uncle about five minutes before his death. He complained of being fatigued. They were following his (witness's) aunt's funeral. Deceased had often complained of shortness of breath and last January was treated for erysipelas. He was insured. Thomas Tranter, of 15, Railway Street, said he started to go to the funeral with deceased, but he also suffered shortness of breath, and had to fallout at Victoria Place, where he told Williams, he would overtake him. After he had rested, he followed on and found deceased on the pavement opposite 99, Stow Hill. He appeared to be dead. Witness assisted to take him into the house of Mrs Gabriel, and a doctor was sent for, but on his arrival he pronounced Williams dead. Mrs Gabriel, of 99, Stow Hill, said she was sitting in the front room on Sunday afternoon and saw a man leave the funeral procession, come across the road, and sit on her window-sill. She took no notice of this, but almost immediately he fell forward on to the pavement. With assistance he was brought into her house, and she ran for Dr Gowring, who came at once. This was about four o'clock on Sunday afternoon. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-26-at-13.34.35.png) 99 Stow Hill, second house from the left. Dr Gowring spoke to being called to see deceased. He was lying on the sofa, quite dead. Death was due to heart disease. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence. — [*South Wales Argus, 1st December, 1897*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143495239/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Laying Of Kerbs in Barrack Hill' Notice the typo in the date at the end of the advert — should be 1897 not 1697. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-26-at-06.57.14.png) [South Wales Argus, 1st December, 1897](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143495239/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Book-Making in the Streets is Illegal' Book-making in the streets is illegal. The Corporation of Newport are invested with powers for the suppression of what is nothing short of a public scandal, and we hope they will rigidly enforce the bye-law relating to street betting, which as in some instances been carried on in a barefaced way. > The insatiable desire to gain by more chance money which should only be the reward of honest effort is, we fear, increasing, and the evil is reaching women. The maximum penalties inflicted by the borough magistrates should be a salutory lesson. —[*South Wales Argus, 1st December, 1897*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143495239/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-26-at-08.13.58.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th September, 1830](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3390936/3390939?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Ticket Porters **To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.** Sir, Permit me, through the medium of your journal, to call the attention of the police to the extensive system of plunder carried on along the wharfs, and adjoining thoroughfares in this town. The labourers, or hobblers, as they are usually termed, employed in discharging vessels, are, with few exceptions, the worst of characters, linked with the inhabitants of Friars' Fields, which, from its contiguity to the shipping, offers a fine receptacle for stolen goods. It is a daily occurrence to see a number of these men loitering about the streets leading to the quay, and it is, I believe, the opinion of all parties in the neighbourhood, that they procure as much by plunder, as they do by labour. Were the police to visit these places a little oftener, the nuisance would, no doubt, be lessened. And in order to release the consignees of cargoes in this port, from the present wretched system of discharging vessels, I would suggest the propriety of a sufficient number of sober, honest men being elected and licensed as ticket porters, by the corporation, on the principle that is adopted in London, Liverpool, &c. I am, sir, your obedient servant, A CONSIGNEE. Newport, 28th September, 1842. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st October, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393775/3393779?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## '5 Good Reasons to Shop At Watkins' Stores' One of which is because they're better than the 'Swagger Shops'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-26-at-06.59.28.png) [South Wales Argus, 1st December, 1897](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143495239/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Newport Fire Engine The dreadful fire at Liverpool, which has been so destructive to life and property (a full account of which appear in our columns this day), suggests to us the necessity of calling public attention to the condition of our fire-engine, which, we are informed, is in a most inefficient and useless state. We have before alluded to this subject, end we hope now that some steps will be taken to put the engine in a proper state of repair. We hope the authorities are not waiting to prove, at heavy loss of property, and perhaps of life, it's utter worthlessness for the purpose for which it was intended. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st October, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393775/3393777?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-30-at-08.10.55.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 1st October, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393775/3393777?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Testing out Stones for Commercial' T'he Surveyor said that some time since he had been directed to try two or three different descriptions of stone in Commercial-street, to ascertain which was the best suited for the streets, but that had not yet been done, as no new coating had been required. A conversation ensued as to the comparative merits of the Black Rock and Risca stones, Alderman Davis stating that some Risca stone was laid on Newport bridge at the same time that Black Rock stone was laid in High-street opposite his office and while the latter had recoated, the former was as good as ever, and would not want a new coat this winter. The cost of Black Rock stone, including hauling, breaking, &c., was 6s 8d; the cost of the Risca stone would be 4s. 2d, and it would be much more durable. The Surveyor took exception to some of Alderman Davis's conclusions, but he said be would try various kinds of stone when opportunity offered, and report result. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th November, 1867*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403094?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-01-at-12.54.33.png) At the cinema near to Newport Station, a 'stirring dramatic feature film' was being shown. [The Accusing Hand](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0212729/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) was 22 minute short silent Western film directed by, and starring, Romaine Fielding. Interestingly, the advert shows the length of the film in feet with 2,000ft equating to 22 minutes (each 1,000ft being 11 minutes long). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/image.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-01-at-12.36.54-1.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th November, 1867](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403094?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### The Great Van Amburgh Menagerie URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/the-great-van-amburgh-menagerie/ Last updated: 2025-07-09T07:15:39.000Z In September 1842, an American animal trainer arrived in Newport as part of his Welsh tour. He had visited Chepstow, Monmouth and after Newport he would visit Cardiff and each time he visited a town it would be a spectacle to behold. He would arrive in a grand procession, tour the streets of the town capturing the attention of his audience. > Van Amburgh is a good judge of human nature he is as successful a master of the various modes of fixing public attention and of profitably directing public curiosity to the attractions of his arena by out of door display, as he is in the subjugation of the savage race. After his tour of the town he would arrive at his arena to begin his grand show which would attract all walks of life including the gentry. ### Who Was Van Amburgh? Isaac A. Van Amburgh (1808–1865) was a pioneering American animal trainer often referred to as “The Lion King.” Born in Fishkill, New York, he began his career cleaning cages at a traveling menagerie before breaking into the spotlight in 1833 by becoming the first person to place his head inside a wild lion’s mouth during a public performance. His daring stunts, such as entering a den with lions, tigers, and leopards and riding a lion while forcing a lion and a lamb to lie peacefully together, captivated audiences. He styled himself theatrically—draped in Roman or gladiatorial garb—and often used religious rhetoric, citing Genesis to frame his domination of beasts as divinely sanctioned. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/image-1.png) Isaac van Amburgh and his Animals by Sir Edward Landseer, 1839 (Painted in 1847). Source:[ The Royal Collection Trust](https://www.rct.uk/collection/406346/isaac-van-amburgh-and-his-animals?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Sir Edward Landseer, who painted the above picture, was Queen Victoria's favourite artist and she was also a fan of Van Amburgh [writing in her diary in 1839](https://www.andrewgrahamdixon.com/archive/itp-139-portrait-of-mr-van-amburgh-as-he-appeared-with-his-animals-at-the-london-theatres-by-sir-edwin-henry-landseer.html?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk):- **“One can never see it too often,” she wrote in her journal for 29 January 1839\. “Van Amburgh … has great power over the animals, & they seem to love him, though they are in great fear of him. He took them by their paws, throwing them down & making them roar, & he lay upon them after enraging them.”* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Van Amburgh's Visit ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-17.43.59.png) As part of his Welsh tour, Mr Van Amburgh and his company travelled from Chepstow to Newport. Unfortunately for him, he would have been one finger lighter after losing it whilst in Falmouth. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-18.33.34.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th August, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393745/3393747/14/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) He would be performing on September 5th and 6th in a field near the 'Bridge Turnpike Gate'. The review below taken directly from the Merlin revealed it was off the Caerleon Road but doesn't give an exact location. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'A Review from the Merlin' On Monday morning last the inhabitants of this town were on the *qui vive*, in anticipation of the arrival of the great "Forest King," whose avant courier, a fine and truly sagacious elephant had previously arrived. The leading thoroughfare of the town was crowded, and the steps of all sight seekers were directed towards the Bridge — the streets wore a holiday appearance-— and the windows in the entire line from the bridge to the Salutation displayed gaily dressed and anxious spectators. Precisely at twelve o'clock, the swell of distant music was heard, and soon the "Lion Tamer" was seen driving eight beautiful cream-coloured horses with as much facility and apparent command as Prince Albert manages his phaeton ponies. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/image-2.png) How the procession could have looked. This illustration shows Van Amburgh in London in 1842\. Source: [The Ringling](https://emuseum.ringling.org/objects/43937/van-amburgh-public-entry-into-brighton?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) His carriage contained a band of musicians, in tasteful uniform, performing martial airs on brass instruments and he was followed by six caravans, of light and novel construction, each drawn by fine horses, amounting to twenty-two in number. Expressions of admiration and wonder were heard on every side. "The observed of all observers" drove his magnificent team along, and the boldness and startling novelty of the achievement had a magical effect upon the town. Van Amburgh is a good judge of human nature he is as successful a master of the various modes of fixing public attention and of profitably directing public curiosity to the attractions of his arena by out of door display, as he is in the subjugation of the savage race. The expert charioteer drove on to Pillgwenlly, and returned at a pace of about ten miles an hour, to the toll gate, and from thence to the King's Head hotel, into the yard of which he turned his eight steeds with the ease and tact of an experienced whip. At two o'clock, the spacious pavilion, which bad been erected during the morning in a field on the Caerleon-road, as if by magic or the agency of Aladdin's lamp, was opened, and in a short time presented one of the most brilliant displays of fashion ever witnessed in Newport. Upwards of four hundred ladies and gentlemen, comprising all the gentry of the neighbourhood, and many from distant towns, were assembled in the reserved seats, whilst the arena was crowded. The performances consisted of a succession of feats by the half-reasoning elephant — a most docile and intelligent creature, that, with extraordinary sagacity, almost anticipated the commands of his keeper. > This was succeeded by monkey jockeyship on a singularly sagacious pony, whipped about by a tall Kentuck-looking genius — "half alligator, half man." Much laughter was caused by the adroitness of the monkey in evading the efforts of the pony to unseat him, and by his pulling the ears and dismounting any lad that was induced t0 ride. This part of the amusements was certainly very unworthy of an exhibition of such pretensions. At the close of this caricature of the feats of the circus, Van Amburgh, gorgeously and picturesquely dressed, bounded into a den, in which were a full grown lion, a noble Bengal tiger, and several leopards. After gracefully attitudinizing for some time, he fearlessly laid hold ot the head ot the royal brute, and presented a scene so bold and classical in manner and grouping as might well summon up school recollections of the fabled Hercules and the Nemean lion. His rencontres with the tiger and the leopards, were equally brave and surprising. With the occasional evidences of the existence of their innate ferocity, the lion-king forced these terrific beasts into the most abject submission. He pulled open their mouths, showed their formidable teeth, gently patted them when subservient, and dashed them to the ground on the appearance of anger. It was truly astonishing to witness the entire mastery which he possessed over such powerful creatures, each of which could in an instant have torn him to atoms. The scene, with feats of additional interest, was renewed in the second den, to the astonishment of the audience. This closed the exhibition, which was repealed in the evening, and twice on Tuesday, to crowded houses, and the great Van Amburgh left for Cardiff on his Welsh tour, on Wednesday morning. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th September, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393765/3393768?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Another Menagerie? At the same time as Van Amburgh was touring Wales, was there another menagerie following him around? [Wombwell's Royal Menagerie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George%5FWombwell?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) was started by George Wombwell who had a passion for collecting animals including elephants, giraffes, a gorilla, a hyena, kangaroo, leopards, 6 lions, llamas, monkeys, ocelots, onagers, ostriches, panthers, a rhino, 3 tigers, wildcats and zebras. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/image-4.png) He expanded his menageries and had three travelling around the country and in 1842 he entertained Queen Victoria. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/image-3.png) [Source](https://www.merseamuseum.org.uk/mmresdetails.php?col=MM&pid=WWL%5FMGR&typ=ID&ba=mmtollesbury.php&rhit=61&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) An article in the Monmouthshire Merlin on [3rd September, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393760/3393763/27/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) mentions that he was in Monmouth the same as Van Amburgh, presumably exhibiting his animals. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-03-at-08.11.25.png) On 10th September, a few days after Van Amburgh had been in Newport, there was [a report in the Monmouthshire Merlin](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393765/3393768?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) about Mr Wombell being summoned before the magistrates twice for causing an obstruction with his menageries caravans. Interesting on the first occasion residents paid for the fine and it's believed the mayor of Newport paid the second fine. I haven't been able to find a reference to whether Wombwell had exhibited his animals in Newport but you would presume he did. *On Saturday last, Mr. Womb well, proprietor of the wild beasts menagerie, was summoned before the magistrates by Mr. Wall, of the King's Head Inn, for allowing his caravans to obstruct the public road. The magistrates expressed their deep regret at being obliged, by the Act of Parliament, to fine the defendant, which thay did, however, at the very lowest amount. The fine and costs, 10s: 6d., were immediately paid by the residents near the menagerie.* *Mr. Wombwell was summoned on Monday night, a second time, by Mr. Wall, for a nuisance, occasioned by his menagerie, when he was again fined with costs, 18s. Mr. Wombwell declared he would not pay the demand, and the Mayor stated his great reluctance in enforcing the penalty. The sum was immediately paid by a third party, which we believe was the worthy mayor himself. Considerable surprise and dissatisfaction were expressed by the public at these petty persecutions.* *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 10th September, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393765/3393768?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Mr Cornwall's Royal Olympic Circus URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/mr-cornwalls-royal-olympic-circus/ Last updated: 2025-07-02T15:00:35.000Z In July 1842, a circus came to town. Cornwall's Royal Olympic Circus proved to be a very popular attraction for the town attracting people from the highest levels of the gentry including members of the Morgan family. Stars of the show were clowns, horse riders, tight-rope walkers and acrobats and scenes from the Battle of Waterloo and Kenilworth castle were performed. The circus was held in an 'Arena' which was purpose built somewhere in the Clarence Place area. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-06.57.14.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd July, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393730/3393732?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## July Show Review The Monmouthshire Merlin had [a detailed review](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393730/3393733/23/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) of the start of the circus. --- The high reputation which the performances at the Arena last week established for Mr. Cornwall's unrivalled company, has been not only fully sustained, but greatly augmented, by the wonders he has presented to overflowing and delighted audiences during the present. The stupendous efforts and vast expense required in getting up a succession of novelties for the amusement of the public, entitle those who undertake them to that patronage and support which may repay them for their expenditure and labor. In this respect, we are happy to observe that the exertions of Mr. Cornwall have been duly appreciated by the public, who have nightly crowded the Arena to overflowing and we believe we do but justice to Mr. Cornwall, in stating that for the kind and distinguished patronage with which he has been rewarded, he feels deeply grateful to the gentry and inhabitants of Newport and its vicinity. On Monday evening, as announced in the bills of the day, there was a change in the performances presented to the public, and the selection both for variety and splendour, did great credit to the discrimination and taste of the manager. ### The Performances The first piece was "The Village Rivals," in which the united talents of the three tight-rope dancers were displayed in a manner to call forth the unanimous applause of the audience. This was succeeded by Mrs. Cornwall (the equestrian heroine), who appeared as The Belle of the Louvre," and who, on a beautiful palfrey urged to the top of his speed, displayed all the agility, delicacy, and grace which have distinguished the most celebrated female artistes in the ring. She was frequently greeted with the loudest plaudits from all sides of the house, which she acknowledged, on retiring, by gracefully curtseying to her admirers. Mr. J. Samwell, "The bold Aspirant," followed, who, by his splendid riding and perilous and successful feats, fully established his claim to the fame to which he so justly aspires. His six leaps over six garters in succession, as his horse flew with the rapidity of lightning round the ring, were truly surprising but even these were eclipsed by the bound he made in clearing two pieces of canvass placed alongside each other, in which he rose high above them, cleaving the air with more than the falcon's speed, and lighting, like gossamer, on the horse's back, several yards beyond them. Monsieur Plege, the great French acrobat, followed, and delighted the house with his brilliant performance on the tight rope. M. Plege performs without the aid of a balancing pole, and dances on the rope with all the facility and grace which distinguish Cerito on the boards. He threw several somersets (sic), also, with as much ease as if he was springing from a stage. Mr. Cornwall then appeared as Mehemet, King of Persia, superbly dressed in an eastern costume, for the purpose of introducing his "Symmetric Steed of the Elgin Marbles." This steed is an animal of great beauty of form, and marked in an exceedingly picturesque manner. Without bit, or bridle, or rider, she flew round the ring, or stopped, obedient to the signs of her master, who never spoke a single word. She curvetted, and halted, leaped poles, turned round, and leaped again with the docility of the best trained domestic animal. Still mindful of her master's dumb behests, she lay down upon the sand as motionless, and indifferent to the applause which her docility drew forth, as if she were in deep sleep. The training of this beautiful and docile creature does infinite credit to Mr. Cornwall, who must be deeply versed in the natural history of the species, and who has proved, in a very pleasing manner, the degree of intelligence it is capable of displaying, under the tuition of so able an instructor. Mr. Mackintosh succeeded as "The British Man of War's Man," and delineated, on his flying courser, with great truth and fidelity, the characteristic traits of love and bravery which so honourably distinguish the British seaman. We have not yet spoken of the performances of the two inimitable clowns, Messrs. Barry and Chapman, whose wit and humour enlivened the audience during the intervals between the different pieces. To pass over these provokers of mirth would be indeed to omit the character of Hamlet in the play, and, at the same time, to incur the charge of ingratitude for the fits of laughter which their genuine wit produced, every one of which might cure a quinzy (sic). Most clowns depend more upon contortions of body and feats of tumbling, than on real humour and the exuberance of animal spirits, but these two incomparable clowns, while indulging in sallies of the richest humour, and the most sparkling wit, are yet governed by that delicate sense of propriety, which renders their mirth agreeable to the chastest ears. The evening's entertainments concluded with the grand spectacle of "The Lists of Ashby," produced under the sole direction of Mr. Sylvester. This superb scene (so graphically described by Sir Walter Scott, in the finest of all his historical romances), in which the whole of the company and stud appear, is a perfect realisation of the idea of that great writer; and the most astute archaeologist or antiquarian could find nothing to object to in the arms, accoutrements, costumes, or caparisons of their knights, their esquires, their attendants, or their steeds. On Thursday there was a morning performance, which was specially ordered, and which was honoured with the presence of Mrs. Leigh, of Pontypool Park, and party; Mrs. Morgan, of Ruperra Park, family, and party several of the leading families in this part of the county, and the officers of the 11th regiment, at present in garrison here. The admirable band of the regiment was in attendance, and played several of their finest pieces in the intervals of the performance. ### A Free Night for the Charity Schools On this occasion we must not omit to notice that Mr. Cornwall, in the kindest manner, threw open the doors of the arena to all the children of the different charity schools of the town gratis, who had thus an opportunity which they otherwise might not have of enjoying the rich yet innocent amusements so bountifully provided by Mr. Cornwall. ### Mr Lavater Lee We have gone so fully into the performances already, that we cannot afford space to particularise this morning's entertainments, but constrained as we are for room, it would be injustice were we to omit particular mention of Mr. Lavater Lee, the celebrated and truly astonishing gymnastic performer, whose athletic feats drew forth the warmest commendations and the heartiest applause of the distinguished audience whom he so much delighted. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/lavaterlee.jpg) [Source](https://www.mediastorehouse.com/fine-art-finder/artists/richard-dighton/lavater-lee-strongman-engraving-23237020.html?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Mr. Lee threw upwards of one hundred somersets! (sic) — a feat we believe unprecedented in the annals of gymnastics. We would recommend all who have not seen this wonderful performer, to avail themselves of the present opportunity of witnessing his unrivalled feats, which we shall more fully describe in our next. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/MrLLee.jpg) An example advert from 1844 showing the type of acts performed by Mr Lee ([Source](https://www.meisterdrucke.uk/fine-art-prints/English-School/462729/Cooke%27s-Circus,-for-the-benefit-of-Lavater-Lee,-31-January-1844.html?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ### Donations to Charity This evening the entertainments which on Thursday afforded such gratification to the numerous and fashionable company who honoured the Arena with their presence, will be repeated and the proceeds will be presented by Mr. Cornwall to such charitable institutions as may be pointed out by the mayor and magistrates. This is highly creditable to the liberality and benevolence of Mr. Cornwall, and we doubt not will be remembered on a future occasion. On Wednesday evening, there will be a series of most brilliant entertainments by command of R. J. Blewitt, Esq., the respected member for the boroughs, upon which occasion, we doubt not, Mr. Cornwall will be honoured with a bumper. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Continuing Throughout August ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-07.31.04.png) The circus continued throughout the summer attracting members of the gentry including Sir Charles Morgan and Octavius Morgan and something called the **Carpenter's Arms Club**. *This unrivalled place of amusement continues to be the chief point of attraction now in our town. It has had the patronage of the leading gentry in the neighbourhood of Newport, and is nightly crowded with delighted audiences. We regret we are to lose Mr. Cornwall Company soon, Thursday being the last sight they will nave the honour of appearing before a Newport audience.* *On Monday night Mr. Cornwall's benefit takes place, under the patronage of Sir Charles Morgan, Bart., when a brilliant series of entertainments will be presented.* *On Tuesday night, the general favourite, Barry, the Clown, will be patronised by the Carpenters' Arms' Club, and we doubt not he will have substantial reasons to remember Newport with pleasure.* *On Wednesday night Mr. Sylvester, acting-manager, will be patronised by Octavius Morgan, Esq., M.P., and we trust that he also will have reason to applaud the liberality of the inhabitants of Newport.* *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th August, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393755/3393758/19/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### The Last Nights ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-08.22.20.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th August, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393755/3393757/5/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) It appears from an [advert in the Monmouthshire Merlin](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393755/3393757/5/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) that the circus pulled out all the stops for its closing shows. **Last Night But Three** Sir Charles Morgan was in attendance. **Last Night But Two** Barry the Clown was in attendance with his newly invented 'electrifying machine' whilst showing the easy method it has of drawing teeth. Also in attendance was his three-year-old son who was dressed as a clown. He sang his celebrated songs and also delivered a 'Mock Electioneering Speech'. **Last Night But One** Octavius Morgan was in attendance and featured a Bronze Horse, a 'laughable scene' from the Battle of Waterloo ballet on two tight-ropes and a Grand Masquerade Ball. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 1843 In the spring of 1843 after touring the west of England, Mr Cornwall's Circus returned for 12 nights only and featured a Pigmy Pony, a Spanish Bull Fight, Mr Lavater Lee and 'The Funnaments of the Clowns'. As with most of the adverts, there's never any mention of the venue but [an article published on 25th March, 1843](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393898/3393901/28/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) mentions a 'Pavilion' and I'm assuming it would have been in a similar location in Clarence Place. > He arrived here on Wednesday morning, and was engaged during that and the following day in arranging and newly decorating the Pavilion. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-08.01.47-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-08.14.15.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin,1st April, 1843](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393903/3393905?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) & [Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th March, 1843](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393898/3393900/4/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Another advert mentions Mr Cornwall making arrangements for the 're-embellishing, altering and refitting' the circus and it being 'one of the most splendid ever fitted-up out of London'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-08.35.40.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 1845 A circus returned in 1845 for two days only and was organised by a different company — Cooke's. The offering was very similar to Mr Cornwall's and was likely held in a similar location in Clarence Place. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-13.28.53.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-13.29.07.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th August, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425125/3425127/11/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Arena [The Merlin offered a description](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393725/3393728/28/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) of 'the Arena' when it opened to the public in July 1842\. *On Monday evening this splendid arena, which has been erected under the immediate superintendance of architects of great skill, was opened to the public; and in point of external structure and internal arrangement, it may vie with any other building of a similar nature in the kingdom, reflecting equal credit on Mr. Cornwall, the spirited proprietor, and the contractors.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Circus03.jpg) How AI interprets the description of the Arena published in the Merlin. Obviously far grander than the one would have been in Clarence Place. *The centre of the building, containing the curriculum, 0r circus, is of vast extent, surrounded on every side by the audience, and lighted by innumerable jets of gas, from a colossal gold chandelier dependent from the roof, most richly and taste- fully ornamented, shedding a brilliant but not dazzling light on the "Magic Circle." The several divisions of the house — boxes, pit, and gallery — are so arranged that they have the advantage of different entrances, and are completely separated from one another, while the convenience of the occupants has been sedulously consulted in the arrangements required for the comfort of each. Such is the general outline of this splendid Amphitheatre.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-07.42.46.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 22nd March, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425040/3425043/17/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) It doesn't describe the location of the Arena but [an article in 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425040/3425043/17/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) mentions the Olympic Circus being located 'beyond the Bridge, near Clarence Place'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-13.33.01.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th August, 1845](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425125/3425127/11/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Also in 1845 is an advert which describes the location as being in Mr Nicholas's Field. The tithe map from 1840/1 shows the fields in the area owned by Mr Nicholas. The left two fields are probably unlikely candidates based on them being so close to the river and a little inlet being present. The one by the cenotaph is also unlikely due to its size and the fact that the weigh bridge was there. That leaves the other four which are the location of the present day Corporation, Bedford and Harrow Roads. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-02-at-13.27.06.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Example Bill Posters [These are examples](https://emuseum.ringling.org/objects/49883/cornwalls-royal-circus-may-29-1843?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) of the bill posters that could have been seen around Newport in 1843\. These are for events in London the month after appearing in Newport and there's a mention of the Electrifying Machine for drawing teeth! ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Cornwall03.jpeg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Cornwall02.jpeg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/07/Cornwall01.jpeg) [Source](https://emuseum.ringling.org/objects/49883/cornwalls-royal-circus-may-29-1843?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Volume 1, Number 29 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-29/ Last updated: 2025-07-09T07:16:10.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Lliswerry House ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-18.45.46.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th May, 1843](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393938/3393940/6/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'A Need for Lighting on the Marshes Road' **To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.** Sir, Through the medium of your columns, I beg to call the attention of our Town Commissioners to the state of the Marshes' Road, which (unless the moon lends its friendly aid) is, from the setting of the sun to the rising of the same, in a state of total darkness added to which the scavenger has kindly placed, and for some days past left, sundry heaps of mud on the road side, for the benighted traveller to fall in. This state of things should not be allowed to remain. True, there are two public lamps after pacing the canal bridge; but they are no more use without lights in them than Paddy's lantern was. ℹ️ Paddy's Lantern — Earliest mention according to the Johnstone's Edinburgh Magazine in 1834. The number of inhabitants now residing on that road, make it imperatively necessary to have lights at night. At present their wives and daughters have no protection against insult or injury, for if perpetrated, the darkness would effectually prevent the identification of the parties. Trusting the commissioners will remove the cause of complaint, (the inhabitants being politely compelled to subscribe to the rate, injustice ought to have some of the benefit), I remain, Sir, your obedient servant, AN INHABITANT. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 12th December, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425464/3425467/36/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-22-at-18.39.08.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th September, 1835](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392059?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The bridge mentioned in the article as you leave Caerleon on the Usk Road. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-23-at-13.16.28-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Stealing Sheep' David Griffiths (who resides at Liswerry in the palish of Christchurch, and keeps a lime-kiln), was placed at the bar, charged with stealing sheep, the property of several persons. The prisoner had the appearance of a farmer's labourer and during his examination, the office was crowded with persons from the neighbourhood of prisoner's residence, and from the vicinity of those places from which sheep have been recently missing. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-17.30.50-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-20-at-17.31.01-1.png) Tithe map of 1841 showing the location of David Griffiths' house and the approximate location today. The first witness called was John Jones, who stated that he was a farmer, living at Langwm, near Usk and on the morning of Tuesday, the 6th inst., he missed a yearling ewe from his field, which had been-taken during the previous night it was marked J.J.on the near shoulder. On Thursday, the 8th, he went in search of the ewe, and in Newport he got intelligence which induced him to go to Liswerry on the following day, and there he saw his ewe in a field near a lime-kiln with several other sheep; his brand had been cut out, and in the place where it had been was a circle, and a spot in the centre in pitch, but the original letters J.J., were still discernible under the recent mark; but besides the brand, he could identify his sheep by certain black marks behind the ears. The witness them returned to Newport, and procured a warrant against prisoner and another; but when he returned to Liswerry, he found that all the sheep had been branded with the letters D.G., while he had been away. Prisoner knew witness's land, as he had worked in his neighbourhood and until lately, prisoner's mother and two brothers lived within a mile of witness's farm. When prisoner was taken into custody by the officer, and before he was told on what charge he was arrested, he said he had taken the sheep in exchange for a piece of wheat from his brother. Witness's sheep is now in the possession of the officer. Nicholas Jenkins, a farmer residing at Great Olway, near Usk, was next called and he stated that he lost a sheep from his land, on Tuesday or Wednesday, the 6th or 7th inst. It was pitch marked with the letter J., in a ring; the same sheep is in the possession of the officer; but witness's mark is entirely cut out, and the sheep is branded on the other side with the letters D. G. John Thomas, bailiff to Mrs. Hannah Jones, of Mardee, identified another of the sheep, in the possession of the officer, which had been taken from prisoner, as one which had been taken from his mistress's land on the night of Monday the 5th. Mrs. Jones's brand had been cut out, and in place of it, a ring with a dot in it had been put the letters D.G. were also marked on the sheep since it had been taken. Thomas Dunn, maltster, residing at Usk, identified another, which he believed to be one he had missed from his land, last week. His brand had also been cut out, and D.G. substituted. James Young, landlord of the Royal Oak Inn. Christchurch, deposed that prisoner was a lime burner, residing at Liswerry, and that he had a field adjoining the kiln. On Friday morning he accompanied Jones (the first witness) to prisoner's field, and after examining the sheep which were there, Jones said "It's all right, my sheep is there." Jones then went away to a magistrate witness stayed to watch the sheep, and soon observed prisoner, his brother Isaac, and a person named Llewellyn, a butcher, go into the field and examine the sheep. After they came out, the butcher told witness that he had been dealing for the sheep. Prisoner and his brother then drove the sheep from the field to a folder near prisoner's house; and when the sheep came out they were branded with the letters D.G. Witness saw prisoner and his brother with pitch pots in their hands. Witness asked prisoner the price of the sheep, and he replied that he would not sell them till after Christmas. Edward Hopkins, superintendent of police, deposed that he had a warrant to apprehend prisoner and his brother Isaac, on a charge of sheep stealing. He went to prisoner and asked him where were the sheep, and he said in the meadow the prisoner accompanied witness to the meadow, when he took possession of nine sheep, which he still had in his custody prisoner told him that he had taken them in exchange for a piece of wheat which he chopped with his brother. Witness then went to the house of prisoner's mother, at Langeview in search of his brother Isaac, who escaped while witness was in the house. A person named Carter, called by the prisoner, deposed that he saw Isaac Griffiths, on Thursday morning, about eight o'clock, driving the sheep on the road leading from Newport to Christchurch. Llewellyn, a butcher, deposed that on Friday morning, Isaac Griffiths came to him, and asked him to come and value the sheep, as he was about to exchange them with his brother David for a piece of wheat. Witness looked at them, and valued the nine at £12\. The prisoner, in his defence, said he had taken the sheep from his brother in exchange for a piece of wheat, as had been stated by the witnesses, not knowing at the time that they were stolen. Mr. Coles said that the magistrates were of opinion, that the evidence was not sufficiently strong to warrant them in committing him for stealing the sheep; but they would hold him bail on the charge of receiving them, knowing them to be stolen because he must have been sufficiently aware of his brother's circumstances to know that, being a day labourer, he had no means of coming honestly to the possession of nine. **Prisoner was then ordered to enter into his own recognizance of £50., and find two sureties of £25\. each, to take his trial at the Sessions.** **—** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th August, 1839*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392995/3392998/22/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-23-at-20.11.50.png) [South Wales Argus, 4th September, 1908](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144041169?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Newport Queen of Trumps On Monday last a match against time came off on the Chepstow road. Mr. John Kinson, innkeeper's, mare Queen of Trumps was backed, against old Chronos, to carry her master, trotting three miles, walking three miles, and galloping three miles, within 65 minutes. Betting was in favour of time, but the Queen won easily in 61 minutes, carrying 13st. 71b. A good dinner was afterwards provided on the occasion, at the Noah's Ark, when Red and Blue sat cheerfully down together. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th September, 1835*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392072/3392075?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### A Daring Robbery At four o'clock on Saturday evening last, some person or persons entered the house of Mr. Davis, of Liswerry, while his wife and servants were out milking, and he was sleeping in his arm chair. They stole the following articles; with which they got clear off: a large piece of beef, a loaf of bread, a piece of bacon, one pound of butter, and a large piece of cheese. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th July, 1839*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392975/3392978/22?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Fatal Accident Near Maindee' Elizabeth Keene, wife of Wm. Keene, butcher, of Nash, attended Newport market, on Saturday last, which she was in the habit of doing. It appears that on the evening of that day she left the town on horseback in a state of intoxication, riding by the 'side of several' carts, one of which was drawn by oxen the drivers of the teams frequently struck the horse on which she rode and when near Maindee, about a mile and a half from Newport one of the drivers named Rosser, struck the animal with a whip, when he sprang forward and threw the woman, by which, we regret to state, she was so much injured as to cause death, the spine being broken and her liver ruptured. She was about 49 years of age, and has left three children the youngest only three years old. An inquest has been held on the body and a verdict of manslaughter returned against the boy, Rosser. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th December, 1838*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392110/3392113/31/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Cleaning a Horse on the Highway' Isaac Brown, earthenware dealer, Market-street, was charged by the improvement surveyor with cleaning his horse on the highway, on the 22nd ult., thereby causing a dangerous obstruction, contrary to the 27th bye-law of the borough. This case excited some attention, from an accusation made in the case against the surveyor, of having laid the complaint at the instigation of one of the commissioners (Mr. Townsend). The case was fully proved by the surveyor, and **the defendant was fined 16s. 6d., including costs**. The surveyor then addressed the Bench, and said he considered it his duty publicly to state, that Mr. Townsend's name had been most unjustifiably used in this matter, as that gentleman was not aware the offence had occurred—much less that an information had been laid, until subsequently hearing of it. The magistrates observed, that supposing Mr. Townsend to have instigated the case, he would but have been doing his duty as a commissioner. Defendant was also informed by the Bench, that Mr. Salter, in the discharge of his public duties as surveyor, would be protected by the magistrates for the appointment of officers, and the institution of laws, would be but a waste of public money and time, if they were not put to their proper uses for the welfare of the town. Defendant paid the money. Mr Townsend, at the close of the above case, applied to the Bench for protection, as lie considered, from the violence of the language, and the threatening tone and abuse, adopted by Brown against him, rendered it unsafe for him to go without firearms. The defendant was thereupon bound over to keep the peace towards her Majesty's subjects, and especially Mr. Townsend, for the space of three months. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th October, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394277/3394280?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'A Strange Looking Young Female' Jane Fudge, a strange-looking young female whom the police termed "a navigator's razor," was charged with stealing a pair of boots, the property of that victim of thieves, Luke Homer. The case was fully proved, and the prisoner was committed to take her trial at the sessions. Before leaving the court, she flew at the prosecutor with tigrish violence, but was prevented from doing any injury to him, by the united strength of four sturdy policemen, who succeeded in victoriously bearing her off to the cell. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th October, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394277/3394280?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Selling Beer Next to the Police Station' Henry Meek, residing almost within the teeth of the police station, was fined 5s. and costs, or one month's imprisonment, for selling beer in his house without a license. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th October, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394277/3394280?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-23-at-08.15.12.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd October 1847](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394272/3394274?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-23-at-08.45.06.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 16th October 1847](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394282/3394284?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Mr Love, full name [William Edward Love](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William%5FEdward%5FLove?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), was born in London in 1806 and by the age of 12 was imitating the noises made by machinery, musical instruments, beasts, birds and insects. From around 1826 he began touring England, France and Ireland and appeared at the Newport Town Hall in October 1847. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/image-6.png) Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William%5FEdward%5FLove?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) [In an article in the Monmouthshire Merlin](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394282/3394285?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), Mr Love was once described by the New Orleans Bulletin as being someone who can represent whole families from > "The infant, muling and puking in the nurse's arms," to the > "Last scene of all, that ends this strange eventful history, sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything." ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-23-at-08.19.59.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th October, 1847](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394277/3394279?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Firearms Accident' We lately alluded to the frequency and fatality of accidents from fire-arms, this season, and have now the painful duty to record another circumstance of a serious nature from the same cause. On Tuesday morning last, Mr. Wm. Brewer, eldest son of William Brewer, Esq., surgeon, of Newport, went to sport in the parish of Henllis, and while firing at game, his gun (a double barrel) burst, shattering his left hand in a dreadful manner. His servant was with him, standing on his right, and escaped unhurt. This occurrence has thrown a gloom over all who knew this much esteemed young gentleman, and has afflicted his family with extreme anguish. We have, however, the pleasure to learn the sufferer js doing as well as can he expected from the nature of the accident. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd October 1835*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392077/3392080?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Appalling Occurrence on the Monmouthshire Tram Road Early on the morning of the 5th ult., as the first team was coming down the road near Risca, the conductor observed a team at a parting, in great confusion, and upon closer inspection, the body of a man presented itself with the head nearly severed from the trunk by the tram wheels beside the tram, at a short distance from the mutilated body, a man was leaning in a sitting position, apparently asleep, and near to him a stream was issuing from a puncheon of rum. The melan- choly and degrading cause of the horrid spectacle then became apparent: the men had tapped the puncheon of rum, which was consigned to the landlord of the Greyhound Inn, Tredegar, and drunk the stolen liquor till they were reduced to a state of brutal drunkenness, in which one wretched man was hurried into eternity, and the other reduced to a disgusting and helpless condition. A surgeon was soon in attendance, when, by the timely use of the stomach pump, such relief was afforded to the drunkard as to give hopes of saving his life. It is conjectured, from appearances, that the deceased fell on the road some distance from the parting, and the wheel coming in contact with his body, forced it on to the parting, where the neck was nearly severed from the shoulders. We do not remember, during our experience as journalists, so melancholy, so heart sickening, so awful an instance of the dire effects of drunkenness as the above tragical event which will, we trust, be long remembered with salutary dread by the labouring classes. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd October 1835*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392077/3392080?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-23-at-20.26.34.png) [South Wales Argus, 8th March, 1912](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144043830/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) In 1912, a film adapation of the play Madame Sans-Gêne was shown at the Picturedrome on Commercial Street starring Madame Rejane. This version was the second film adaptation with the first being made in 1900\. Madame Sans-Gêne was an historical comedy-drama set in 18th century France. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-23-at-20.27.53.png) The a screen grab from the 1911 film. Source: [IMDB](https://imdb.com/title/tt0199737/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Fine Lamb An. uncommonly fine lamb has just come into the possession of Mr. Hugh Morgan, butcher, 22, Commercial-street, and may, be seen at his shop. We understand that it is from John Logan, Esq., Maindee House, and Mr. James Speary, PontvaneFarm, Christchurch. The animal is unusually large for so early a period of the season. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th February, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397830/3397838/53/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-26-at-06.50.03.png) [South Wales Argus, 7th September, 1921](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143988271/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Fire at Duckpool Farm' Between eight and, nine o'clock on Wednesday evening, a fire was discovered in a stable on Duckpool Farm, in the parish of Christchurch and in the occupation of Mr. Lloyd, of the King's Head. Hotel, in this town. Superintendent Huxtable, with., the fire-engine and a detachment of police, were promptly on the spot, and completely extinguished the fire, which, however, had previously been got under, in part, by the men upon the farm. The damage is estimated at about £20\. The spark from a candle is supposed to have fallen upon and ignited some straw. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-23-at-19.42.48.png) Duckpool Farm. Located where St Julian's Court is today. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 27th February, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397830/3397838/53/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-23-at-20.37.41-1.png) [South Wales Argus, 3rd June, 1916](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144004855/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Volume 1, Number 28 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-28/ Last updated: 2025-06-28T06:43:08.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Dreadful Hail Storm On Thursday, the 28th ult:, this town was visited by one of the most severe hail storms ever witnessed by the oldest inhabitants. It commenced about twelve o'clock at noon, and continued for about three-quarters of an hour. The hail-stones were full as large as common marbles, consequently the sky-lights, windows, &c. suffered considerable damage, and the gardens in the town and immediate neighbourhood are completely destroyed the fruit trees were stripped of fruit and leaves, and even small branches were knocked off; cabbages, peas, beans, &c. were battered to pieces. Two pigs which sought shelter in a shed near the town, were drowned during the storm, which was accompanied by the most awful peals of thunder. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-16.19.40.png) Plot 131 — A Thomas Howell lived here a few years after the article and may have been the house described below. The lightning struck the house of Mr. Howell, gardener, situate in the village of Ultra Pontem, passed down the chimney, entered, just above the mantel-piece, a room upstairs, occupied by a Miss Morgan (who fortunately at the time was standing by the window), shot across a looking-glass, breaking it in one corner only, where it came in contact with the frame, then taking the wall, tore off the plastering, throwing it and the chimney ornaments with great violence against the opposite part of the room, it shot up a corner through the ceiling, and passing through the pine-end of the house, esscaped without doing any further damage. Sad was the fate of sundry joints which were roasting in the houses of that part of the community who keep up the Gothic custom of dining atone, for the hail in its course down the chimney, brought with it such quantities of soot as to spoil every thing in the shape of eatables that happened to be near the fire. The ground was covered with hail to the depth of six inches, but happily the storm did not extend above half-a-mile beyond the limits of the town in any direction. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th June, 1835*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391996/3391999?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-17-at-17.47.27.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th October, 1835](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392087?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## For Sale in 1835: The Carpenter's Arms In November 1835, an advert was published in the Monmouthshire Merlin for the sale of the Carpenter's Arms Inn and nearby buildings. Interestingly, the advert mentions the Carpenter's Arms Inn as being one of the 'oldest established' inns in the town which does provide an element of evidence to the pub's claims to being the oldest in Newport. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-08.17.35.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 14th November, 1835](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392105?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The following were for sale: - The Carpenter's Arms Inn itself including the yard and outbuildings attached occupied by Mr Adam Williams. - A shop and house next door to the Carpenter's Arms Inn. As the lane is on one side of the pub, this is likely to be where McCann's is today. The buildings are identical so likely existed together at the same time. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-08.27.22.png) The Carpenter's Arms Inn and adjoining house mentioned in the advert. - A stable in Carpenter's Arms Lane - A house in Market Street occupied by Mrs Ann Nicholls - A court or yard called Fives Court with frontages on Market Street and Carpenter's Arms Lane and occupied by Adam Williams, occupier of the Carpenter's Arms Inn. - A garden in between Market Street and Griffin Street occupied by Adam Williams. The map below shows the likely location of the garden. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-08.19.49-2.png) Base Map Source: [NewportPast](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/maps/m1829.htm?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Fives Court I'm intrigued by the mention of Fives Court. Based on the description of what's for sale it would seem that there was the Carpenter's Arms Inn at the north of Carpenter's Arms Lane with a yard, outbuilding and stable behind and then Fives Court taking up the plot at the point where Carpenter's Arms Lane meets Market Street (see screenshot below). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-08.16.58-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-12.52.51.png) Possible location of Fives Court [Fives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fives?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) is a wallball sport similar to squash but played with the hands instead of a racquet. The game has been played in Britain since at least Elizabethan times and is often associated with Eton although other variants exist. A Fives court can easily fit within the frontages mentioned in the advert — a Rugby Fives court has a width of 18 feet and length of 28 feet and the Fives Court mentioned in the advert had a frontage of 44 feet on Market Street and upwards of 50 feet on Carpenter's Arms Lane. Being called Fives Court would seem to hint at it being used for that purpose, the word not really having any other meaning. Fives was being played in Wales at the time of the advert and [an article on the Eton Fives Association](https://www.etonfives.com/miscellaneous-items/1629-fives-in-wales-and-ireland?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) described it as being something of a national pursuit. > In "A Description of Caernarvonshire 1809-11" Edmund Hyde Hall says of Welsh sports, "Quoits and skittles I have sometimes, though not often, observed: but fives may be almost termed a national pursuit, in which both boys and men very generally and eagerly engage. 👉 **So, was Fives being played in Newport in the 1830s?** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Coins It may be interesting to the antiquary to learn that some men engaged in digging about in the churchyard of the ancient town of Caerleon, have discovered several Roman coins; one of Constantine the Great, and another of nearly the same date (314 or 324), a small gold ornament, and a looking glass, nearly three-quarters of an inch in thickness, but, unfortunately, the man who found it broke it with his pickaxe before he discovered what it was. Some human skeletons, too, were discovered, the bones of which seem to have been acted upon by fire they are supposed to have lain there since the sacking of the town (then a city), by Owen Glendwr. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th June, 1835*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391996/3391999?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/South_Wales_Argus_1920_07_14_3.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 14th July 1920](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144308003/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Potato Stealing Henry Cooper and Thomas Sharpe were charged with stealing 10lbs. weight of potatoes from the grounds of the Rev. Thomas Pope (who on the charge being called on, left the Bench.) P.S. Jonathan Beswick gave evidence in support of the charge. He said that on Monday last he saw the prisoners near a potato-field belonging to the Rev. Thomas Pope; he crossed the hedge, and on coming up with Sharpe, he searched him, and found potatoes in a handkerchief, evidently just dug from the ground he said his companion had bought them for 6d.; took him in charge, and compared the footmarks in the field with Sharpe's shoes, and found them to correspond. P.C. Henry Ingram said that they acknowledged their guilt to him. **Committed for 14 days, with hard labour**. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd October, 1857*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397501/3397507/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### An Imposter Sarah Smith was brought up on a charge of vagrancy, and with pretending to be deaf and dumb, for the purpose of exciting sympathy. P.C. Trewartha saw prisoner at Tredegar Park, making signs that she was in distress; he told her that he would take her to a medical man for examination could elicit no reply at that time, but at Ebbw-Bridge she spoke; she said that was the first time she had tried on that dodge." **Committed to the House of Correction for one month**. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd October, 1857*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397501/3397507/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'A Fat, Brazen, Amazonian Lady of the Pavé' Mary Joseph, a fat, brazen, and Amazonian lady of the pavé, was charged with robbing from the person of Matthew Powell, a saddler, of Abergavenny, the sum of 8s. Mr. Birch appeared for Powell, and Mr. Phillpotts for the prisoner. The prosecutor stated that he came to Newport from Abergavenny on Friday last, for the purpose of going to Bristol, and that from some cause or other he was out late that night in this town, and was going to Butcher Parry's, to sleep for the night; but finding his house closed, he returned again towards the Station-house, feeling assured that he could sleep there that night. In passing by the Red Cow to do so, he saw the prisoner standing up in the road, who addressed him in very seducing terms, and asked him where he was going to sleep. He replied that he was too late for lodgings, and thought of sleeping at the Station-house, or walking about till day-light. She closed up, and put her right hand into his breeches pocket. He laid hold of her arm before she took her hand out, but she succeeded in pulling it out and 8s. or 9s. with it. He struggled to get the money, but she let fly at him with her masculine fist, struck him three or four terrible blows, and bolted. She took the road to Friars' fields, closely pursued by prosecutor, and rushed into the back-door of a house, and entered, shutting the door behind her. He then thought to go to the Station, and for that purpose walked around the corner of the house in which he saw the prisoner enter. He saw a light in the front window, and walked up to it, when he heard a person talking, whom he thought was the prisoner, from the voice. He heard her say that she had eased a fellow of 8s. or 9s., and then heard the money thrown upon the table. Raising the latch of the door, he told the inmates that he had been robbed, and believed the woman who robbed him was then there. A short man came to the door, who ordered him off, and struck him a violent blow under the ear. He then went to the police, and on his return found they were all gone to bed. They were awoke by the police, who took the prisoner into custody. **Cross-examined by Mr. Phillpotts**: I did not point out another woman to Huxtable, the police constable, as the woman who robbed me, nor did I accuse any other besides the prisoner. I did not hear the constable say, with respect to another woman at the house of prisoner, > "You d\_\_d fool, that woman has no legs!" (meaning Mary the Cripple) I lost two sovereigns and two handkerchiefs the same evening, but I cannot tell with whom—it was a woman who was rather thin, and at a house in Friars' Fields. \[The fellow here detailed the most disgusting conduct that could possibly disgrace a man, a husband, and a father; and evinced throughout just as much contrition for his thoughtless and shameless proceedings, as could be expected from such a character.\] **Cross-examination continued**: I am a married man, with a wife and six children living, with whom I reside in the New-road, Abergavenny. I had been drinking with no woman here—only drinking with Mr. Francis I can't say how much beer, but we had no spirits. I gave the woman a pint of beer who robbed me of two sovereigns, but I did not drink any of it, as it was drunk by the "establishment." We have no such establishment in Abergavenny, and if there is one in Market-lane in that town, I never visited it. The two sovereigns were in my pocket, but fearing a loss of my money, I put my silver down in my boot before I was robbed, as I had made up my mind for a spree before I came to Newport. Mr. Phillpotts was proceeding in his cross examination, when he was interrupted by the Mayor, who said the case was too foul to be suffered to proceed further. Mr Hawkins said that if the prisoner were committed, the jury would not hear the case, when they considered the shameful depravity of the prosecutor—a married man, and a father of a large family. It was disgraceful conduct of a man so situated. to get into such bad company, to drink so much as it appeared he had, and then subject himself to be robbed of two sovereigns and in a few hours after, to allow himself again, through his own foolish imprudence, to be robbed of eight or nine shillings. The case altogether was a most disgraceful one, and one which it would be preposterous to suppose a jury would entertain. **The case was therefore dismissed**. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd October, 1857*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3397501/3397507/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Mud on the Streets' **To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.** Sir,—Although a stranger in Newport, I trust you will, through the medium of your widely spread journal, allow me to make a few observations respecting some of the disadvantages this important town unfortunately labours under; my motive being its improvement. It has been remarked that persons at a distance see more of a battle than those who are actually engaged in it: I, as a stranger here, see things that may escape the attention of a resident. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-17-at-09.46.14.png) Tithe Map from the time of the article The first thing that struck my attention as being a great nuisance, that common vigilance on the part of those whose duty it is to attend to those matters might easily prevent, was the accumulation of mud at the bottom of Cross-street, and the crossing from the William the Fourth to George-street. > Still, this was but a trifle when compared to the mud-bank in Potter-street, leading to the dock. The row of houses here appear to be half buried. Upon inquiry I was informed that this is occasioned by the laying down of pipes, to conduct water from the canal to the barracks. But why the health and comfort of some 70 or 80 individuals should be destroyed, and the deterioration of the value of property suffered by the authorities of your town, I was certainly at a loss to comprehend even the very sewers and drains are all stopped. This loudly calls for the interference of local authority. Passing onwards the splendid dock came full in view this will doubtless greatly lend to increase the welfare of your town. I was, however, sorry to learn that some of the most wealthy gentlemen in the neighbourhood look with apathy upon the noble example thus set before them, and put not their shoulder to this laudable work. The banks of the canal loudly call for the assistance of the scavenger. The broken flags, and consequent pools of water in the principal streets, is certainly anything but creditable to present "Proprietors of the soil." St. Woollos Church-yard, too, is most outrageous; the graves being sown one upon another as thick as grass. I trust you will pardon these observations, and that they will be taken in the manner in which they are meant, namely, the welfare of the town. TRAVELLER. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd October 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393535/3393538?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Coroner's Inquest The following in a correct account of the accident which occurred near Caerleon last week. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-17-at-18.07.33.png) Site of the incident and of Samuel Etheridge's 'Fair Oak Cottage' On Thursday morning last a Coroner's inquest was held at S. Etheridge's, Fair Oak Cottage, before Wm. Brewer, Esq and a respectable jury, on the body of William Francis aged 47, servant with Messrs. W. and E. Jones, Millers, Caerleon who was killed on the road leading from Newport to Caerleon, near the first mile-stone, by the waggon having ran over his body in attempting to stop the horses, which had gone off at full speed. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-17-at-17.59.58.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-17-at-18.00.29.png) The first mile stone would have been around this area of Caerleon Road. It appeared from the evidence of John Thomas, his fellow-servant, who with two boys were riding in the covered waggon at the time, that the horses took fright just after passing the cottage aforesaid, and that be Thomas, got out as soon as possible and ran after them but did not overtake them for more than a quarter of a mile— he then missed Francis and the oldest boy he had left in the waggon; after dragging the wheels, he returned, and first found the boy lying on the road, with his head badly cut from falling, in getting out; on proceeding about 50 yards further he found Francis lying at full length, with his arms extended in the direction the waggon had gone, quite dead he then ran into Mr. Etheridge's cottage, who, with his daughter and two other persons, ran to the spot; medical aid was immediately procured, and the body conveyed to Mr. E.'s house when it was found that the waggon must have passed over his back and shoulders, breaking the ribs and breast, which caused instant death, without producing any outward fracture. The deceased was a particularly sober, steady man and there appeared not the least evidence in proof that he was asleep on the shafts at the time the accident occurred being observed in the act of leading the hinder horse not many minutes before; the most probable conjecture is, that he was struck down in attempting to stop the horses when they first ran off. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th October 1835*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392087/3392090?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-17-at-18.22.11.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 31st October, 1835](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392097/3392099?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## 'Peggy Pryde at The Empire' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-12.58.35.png) [South Wales Argus, 11th May, 1895](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145581951/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Playing at The Empire on 11th May, 1895 was [Peggy Pryde](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peggy%5FPryde?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) a British music hall performer born in 1867\. She began performing in 1877 and appeared throughout the UK for the next couple of decades before playing in New York City and Australia. She moved permanently to Australia in 1911 where she eventually transitioned to talking films. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/image-3.png) Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peggy%5FPryde?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Take a Paddle Steamer to Ilfracombe' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-13.12.43.png) A trip advertised in 1895 allowed passengers to board the Lorna Doone paddle steamer for a trip either to Penarth 'New Pier' or Ilfracombe. The steamer is in the centre in the middle of the photograph below (Source: [PaddleSteamers](http://www.paddlesteamers.info/LornaDoone.htm?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) which was taken at Ilframcombe in the mid 1890s, around about the time of the advert. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/image-4.png) Source: [PaddleSteamers](http://www.paddlesteamers.info/LornaDoone.htm?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/South_Wales_Weekly_Argus_and_Monmouthshire_Advertiser_1929_06_01_5.jpg) [South Wales Argus, 1st June, 1929](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144931020?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Volume 1, Number 27 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-27/ Last updated: 2025-06-21T13:38:31.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-13-at-16.50.07.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th March, 1847](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394136/3394138?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The Ethiopian Melodists would have been a touring troupe of blackface minstrel of which there were a number during the 1840s. Whilst not the same, [this group](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethiopian%5FSerenaders?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) from the US did tour Britain around the same time as this advert. Like the last paragraph on the advert about protecting the audience from the draught due to a broken window. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th March, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394136/3394138?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Lady-Like Pursuits The first prisoners placed at the bar this morning were Mary Joseph and Charlotte Jones, two Amazonian figures, of the usual slovenly appearance of Friars' Fields denizens, who stood charged with being caught in the act of fighting, creating a mob, and alarming the peaceful residents at the canal side, each staggering under her opponent's blows, and the head over-loaded with alcohol. P. C. Bath detailed the proceedings that took place at the fight, and rendered a faithful portraiture of the melancholy exhibition of women under the influence of gin and Mr. Hopkins gave evidence with respect to the prisoners' mode of living, and the number of times they had appeared in this court. **Mary Joseph two months, and Charlotte Jones one month, in the House of Correction.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 29th May, 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393445/3393448?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Sunday Gambling A young rascal called David Thomas, with fears in his eyes, and sobbing like a whipped truant, was placed at the bar charged with gambling on, last Sunday. P. C. Harlow proved the charge. Thomas stated that he was only a bystander, having no interest whatever in the game. He had picked up 3d. when the gamblers ran off on the approach of Harlow, certainly, because he thought it a pity to Jose so much of the Queen's copper coin. His parents resided near the Rodney Arms, and his father was a blacksmith. When asked by Mr. Phillips, he replied he had never seen the treadmill, nor ever wished to. **The young urchin was severely reprimanded, and then discharged.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 29th May, 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393445/3393448?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Garden Robbers Thomas Rees was charged with a trespass on the premises of Mrs. Rebecca Harrhy. It appears that Mrs. Harrhy has suffered to a considerable extent by the depredations of a set of plundering scoundrels, who infest this town, and who, at this season of the year, are prowling about all night, ready to rob any garden where they think they may be able to carry off their booty without discovery. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th July, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393735/3393737/14/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing a Spoon Charlotte Kerman, a young woman, with an infant in her arms, was indicted for stealing a plated spoon, the property of Mrs. Allen, Bridge Inn, Newport, on the 8th of March. Mr. Barrett called and examined Mr. Superintendent Huxtable, who proved apprehending prisoner on the 8th or 9th of the month, when he demanded a spoon from her, which he said she was accused of offering for sale. She gave him part of a spoon, after some hesitation, and said, on his inquiring, her little boy had picked it up but she knew nothing about the other part of the spoon. > He threatened to have her searched, when she took the remaining part from under her armpit. The initials had been partially obliterated. Mrs. Allen identified the parts produced as forming one of her spoons, two or three of which she recently lost. Guilty. **Five weeks' hard labour.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 24th March, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395948/3395951?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-12-at-19.03.22.png) According to the Welsh Tithe Maps, Rebecca Harrhy had gardens where the Admiral Building and Travelodge are located. Mrs. Harrhy's garden was cleared of a large quantity of apples by some of these marauders on Thursday night, and Mr. James Harrhy, on the following night, hearing some noise in the back premises, went out and found the prisoner in the potato garden. The fellow had nothing upon him, but there is little doubt he is connected with the gang, which is likely to he broken up by the vigilance of the police, who are now keeping a sharp look-out after certain fellows who are suspected to be the perpetrators of these depredations, and who, if they should happen to be found in the neighbourhood of gardens, under suspicious circumstances, will find that they will be sharply dealt with. **The prisoner was convicted under the Town Act, and sent to the treadmill for one month.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th July, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393735/3393737/7/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'For Sale: Cottage and and Warehouse Near the Court-y-Bella Machine' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-10-at-13.06.27.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd July, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393715/3393717?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) [An advert published in the Monmouthshire Merlin](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393715/3393717?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) in 1842 lists two properties for sale near the Court-y-Bella weighing machine. The first is for 'Victoria Cottage' complete with garden and 'appurtenances. It was delightfully located on Cardiff Road. The second lot is for a warehouse with stables and sheds adjoining the iron and coal works tram roads. There was also land adjoining for up to 10 houses. The map below shows the likely location of the properties. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-10-at-13.07.39.png) The two properties are owned by William Morgan and listed as a building and yard and cottage so may well be the two in the advert. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-10-at-13.21.46.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd July, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393715/3393717?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Fighting in Pill' **To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.** Sir, Allow me, through the medium of your paper to state a few facts, and make a few enquiries. Last Saturday night, at twelve o'clock, a fight commenced op- posne Mr. Evans, the chemist's house, at Pillgwenlly, and continued, without intermission, for about an hour, with such hooting, hallooing, and cursing, as it a set of demons had broken loose front the infernal regions, and were holding their saturnalia to disturb the calm quiet that should reign in the early hours of the Sabbath morning. I have made some enquiries since, and have ascertained that a fighting fellow of the name of Will Richards, was one of the combatants; who the others were I do not know, but surely the Police might find them out, that they might meet with the punishment they so richly deserve; and now for a few questions. Where were the police on Saturday night, that not one of them made his appearance on the spot for a whole hour? It appears strange; even if his beat extended for three miles, he surely should have arrived there once in the course ot that time. Verily, the good people of Pill have to pay dearly for protection, which they do not receive as their rest may be disturbed at the pleasure of a set of drunken vagabonds, who may fight even to the death, without the fear of a policeman before their eyes. This grievance cries aloud for a remedy if the force is not sufficient for Newport and Pill, why not put on an extra man or two for Pill. A capital station might be made opposite Mr. Evans, the chemist's shop, where a wooden house now stands, and then a stop might be put to the nuisance. I am sir, your obedient servant, AMATOR PACIS. Pillgwenlly, March 2oth, 1847. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th March, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394131/3394135?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'For Sale: The Shipwreck Public House' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-10-at-13.28.15.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd July, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393715/3393717?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) An advert was [Monmouthshire Merlin, 2nd July, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393715/3393717?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) in July 1842 for a public house called the Shipwreck which was directly opposite the Market House Gate. [According to a street directory from 1848](https://www.newportpast.com/records/directories/kelly1848/search.php?data=shipwreck&Submit=Submit&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), a pub called the Shipwreck was located at 8 Griffin Street which would place it on the high street end of Griffin Street. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-10-at-13.28.00-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Newport an Open Station We hear that on and after October 1st Newport will be an open station. For a long time past complaints have been made as to the inconvenience caused by persons who wish to go on the platform having to take tickets, and the Great Western Railway, London and North-Western, Brecon and Merthyr, or Pontypridd and Caerphilly trains. Upon the same date a similar alteration will be effected at Cardiff, and so the public will have free access to the platforms at each place. *—* [*South Wales Argus, 7th September, 1896*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143492575/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-12-at-18.22.05.png) [South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday 1st June, 1895](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1192734851?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ## Risca "Pies" We are informed that a species of revellings, well-known through Welsh localities as "pies," has been carried on at Risca, so very extensively, as to become a perfect nuisance in that neighbourhood. The "pie" is held at a beer-shop, where some twenty or thirty revellers keep up its bacchanal and gormandizing orgies from the Saturday night on which they are commenced, throughout all the ensuing week and then the "pye" is held at the next beer-shop, and so on to the end of the chapter till the last days of Autumn. The police officer of the Risca district, Mr. John O'Brien, we understand, is fully authorised to put a stop to these proceedings, by bringing the parties keeping the houses at which those "pies" are opened, before the magistrates of that district, when, no doubt, exemplary penalties will be inflicted. It does not prove the assertion so frequently made, that there is very great distress in our neighbourhood, when we see men thus foolishly squandering their hard-earned money in this impious way. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th August, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393745/3393748?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## "Neither weed nor grass will grow through it' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-13-at-17.07.48.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 13th March, 1847](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394136/3394138?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Trotting Match On Tuesday last, a trotting match came off between a black pony belonging to Mr. John Gard, and a bay one belonging to Mr. John Taylor, of Goldclift. The match was made for ten pounds a-side, to carry thirteen stone nine, and to be ridden by the owners. The distance was twenty miles, and the ground chosen was from the first mile-stone on the Cardiff road, to the milestone at Roath, ten miles out, and home. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-12-at-18.41.28.png) Possibly the Cardiff Road milestone in the article The start took place at ten o'clock, when the ponies went away together at a good pace, which increased as they passed Maes Glaes. They crossed Ebbw Bridge in fine style, Taylor being about a head in front, and on the flat piece through Tredegar Park it became very severe. They kept in this order to Castletown and on rising the pitch on the Cardiff side Taylor's pony showed symptoms of failing. Gard then let out his pony, and took the lead at a splitting pace, which he kept up to Roath, when it u as clear that the bay had no chance, and being soon after winded, and done up, Mr. Taylor gave in. Gard then went along at a moderate pace, and completed thirteen miles in fifty-seven minutes. He walked up Rhymney Pitch, and stopped at Castletown for a few minutes; here a number of Newport folks had assembled, who loudly cheered him as he passed. He came on towards Newpolt at a good pace, reaching the winning post in one hour and thirty-eight minutes. Mr. Gard's pony is a thorough good one and well bred, he did the distance out in first rate style, and being then declared the winner, he took it easier on the way home. Mr. Taylor's pony is a fast one for a short distance, and is not a bad one of its kind, but it has not the bottom of the other, and cannot live with him for so great a distance as twenty miles He was backed freely at starting, all the sporting men from the Moors being very sweet on the bay. They have, however, dropped enough on this occasion to teach them that for a long match it is folly to put bone against blood. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th August, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393750/3393753?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Newport and Caerleon Mail **To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin** Sir, Your correspondent, under the signature of "Despatch" has, in the conclusion of his letter, stated that the alteration of the route through Caerleon, of the Abergavenny Mail not injuriously affect Caerleon. Now, I am inclined to be charitable enough to suppose your correspondent knows nothing of Caerleon for he certainly would not assert that the removal of a conveyance from a respectable town, of eleven hundred inhabitants, and a neighbourhood of two hundred to four hundred more, would be attended with no inconvenience and it the convenience of the public, and the source of gain to the proprietors of the coach, be a matter of preference, Caerleon must claim it. The reason given for the intended removal, is, that some petty eighteen or twenty pounds would be saved in the mileage, in the year; and I am confident, a representation of the inconvenience that would be sustained by her Majesty's loyal subjects of Caerleon, would soon remedy the matter, and Caerleon will retain its mail coach. The coach starting one hour earlier, and even passing through Caerleon, will accomplish the desired object of "Despatch," without coveting his possessions; and judging that your correspondent is a good Churchman, I trust he will respect the Tcnth Commandment. The recollections of what Caerleon once was — the seat of Kings, the British capital — should cause your contributors to pause, before they again attempt to rob us of our privileges. Alas, alas! once could this ancient town boast of towers, baths, temples, theatres, statues, altars, columns; but all have passed aaway as a dream of the night, leaving but the slightest vestiges of its former greatness; and, to the contemplative, the melancholy truth of the instability of all sublunary greatness. I am, Mr Editor, Ever yours, faithfully, LEGION Isca Silurum, August 16, 1842 — [Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th August, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393750/3393752?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-13-at-15.23.23.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th March, 1854](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395939?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Cornish Gold in Newport A day or two since, numerous persons in this town were pleasingly reminded that there are El Dorados at home, as well as abroad. It has been a mania among all classes for some time, to be off to the Australian Diggings. Now, however, that there are "diggins" discovered to exist nearer our shops, our marts, and our habitations, the fever is subsiding—but only to be diverted into the home channel. Mr. Thistleton who came to this town on a visit, brought with him from the Calstock Consols and Okel Tor mines, in Cornwall, two pieces of gold—the latter being worth £4 10s. per ounce; and the former £3 18s. This gold had been extracted from the "gossan," or refuse, of the mines named, and has been assayed by Professor Calvert, who states that 5 dwts. of gold to a ton of gossan, will pay well for the cost of crushing, extracting, &c. The St. John del Rhea gold mine in Brazil produces 9 dwts, to the ton of "stuff;" and that mine is considered one of the richest of the gold class but the Calstock Consols and Okel Tor gossan, it appears, turns out a much larger quantity of the pure metal. Several shares in these mines have been taken by parties in Newport, who are anxious to participate in the golden speculations of the day, without sacrificing every prospect at home, to obtain the glittering ore abroad. The mines named, are also turning out an abundance of copper and lead ore, with a mixture of silver in the latter. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th March, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395939/3395943?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-13-at-17.15.59.png) [South Wales Argus, 10th August, 1910](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144003419/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ### Volume 1, Number 26 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-26/ Last updated: 2025-06-14T05:38:21.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-05-at-08.22.38.png) [South Wales Argus, 17th May, 1902](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145603805/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ## The Happy Little Japs The Happy Little Japs were jugglers, rope-walkers and acrobats who made a number of appearances at the Empire between 1902 and 1910\. I've been unable to find any pictures of them but a review of them appeared in the [South Wales Argus in July 1904](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144194436/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). *The Andos Happy Little Japs made their appearance in national costume, with a background of magnificent Japanese tapestry, and a wonderful carpet under them, and they gave a remarkable performance of juggling, acrobatics, and rope-walking. With stick and ball one member of the company did some pretty feats, but there were three especially remarkable features of their performance.* *In one a youth, after doing a long-arm balance on a small block at the top of a fixed pole, bent backwards till feet and hands rested on the block, then rose erect to his feet, and then returned to the long-arm balance — a very daring and clever performance.* *The same youth walked up a rope at an acute angle from the stage to the gallery, and slid down it; while a child did a series of acrobatic feats on a long bamboo pole which his leader of the troop balanced on his shoulder.* *—* [*South Wales Argus, 5th July, 1904*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144194436/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Coat and Trousers Stolen at Newport Young fellow names James Sullivan, of no fixed abode, was charged at Newport Police Court on Friday with stealing a pair of men's trousers from 121, Commercial Street, Newport, the property of Owen Bros., and with stealing a jacket from an office at 77, Dock Street, the property of George Walters. Both robberies were coolly carried out. He appropriated a new pair of trousers from outside Owen Bros, shop in broad daylight on Wednesday, and tried to pawn them at Messrs. Jacob and Co's. where the assistant suspected him, with the result that P.S. Cox arrested him. In the other case he walked into the office at 77, Dock Street, and took the jacket off a peg where Walters had hung it, and pawned it at Joseph Taylor's 119, Commercial Road. Nothing was known of the prisoner, who pleaded guilty, said he was in drink at the time, and **was committed for two months. A month in each case.** ***—*** [*South Wales Argus, 21st August, 1903*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143547069/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### A Writ of Error Thomas Rafferty, a wild-looking peripatetic dealer, stood forward charged with having assaulted an old and venerable son of an Israelitish tribe, named Abraham Cohen. Abraham told a long tale of the assault. He was a wanderer up and down over the face of the earth, and vended imitation of ornaments of silver and gold and precious stones; and Rafferty was a Gentile of the same profession. It was in February last in stormy weather, when both met in a house of rest in **ghost-haunted Pillgwenlly**, and offered their wares. And one man came forward and asked Abraham the price of a goodly double-bladed knife —a price was named; but he of the wild countenance offered a similar article at a reduction of price; whereupon much chaffing followed, and at length the vile hands of the Gentile were laid on the ancient Hebrew, and nearly knocked his eye out. This was the assault Cohen complained of. Mr. Woollett, for the defendant, cross-examined Abraham and afterwards addressed the bench. He would take an objection to the information. The offence was alleged to have been committed within the borough of Newport, whereas it was proved to have taken place in the parish of St. Woollos; and he would beg to observe further, that the fine, if any should be inflicted—would of right be payable to the overseers of the parish of St. Woollos, and therefore the magistrates possessed no jurisdiction. Mr. Pyke said the parish of St. Woollos was included in the borough of Newport, under the Municipal Corporation Act; that the justices were appointed for the whole borough, and not for the old borough jurisdiction only — therefore that it was quite competent for them to adjudicate in the present case. The fine was payable to the county, and not to any particular parish — consequently the information was correct. The magistrates were of the same opinion, and the case proceeded. Mr. Woollett resumed his cross-examination, but elicited nothing material. **The magistrates convicted Rafferty in 20s, and 12s 6d costs.** Defendant, in a brawling voice and hold attitude, with every appearance of the "do-your-best" feeling, and evidently post-valiant, exclaimed: Then I'll not pay it—no! never a copper — I'll go elsewhere — I'll go to some higher court, sirs, where I can have right and justice done me — (flourishing his arms) — yes sir, I will! Mr. Woollett, to defendant, amidst much laughter: Hold your tongue—don't be foolish. **Defendant**: No, never! I'll not give up to Jew or Gentile, (A laugh.) **Mr. Hughes**: Mr. Rafferty, what have you been doing this morning? **Rafferty**: Doing? Why, what I do every morning of life, an'shure. (Loud laughter.) **Mr. Hughes:** I think we shall not be doing our duty if we do not convict you of drunkenness this morning. Rafferty, with a Bacchanalian swagger, and wicked leer: Ay, thin, ye may just do as you like—it's a matter of perfect indifference to me, (Laughter.) **Mr. Pyke:** What punishment do you inflict, gentlemen, if default of payment? **The Bench**: In default of payment, Rafferty, **we order you to be imprisoned one month in the House of Correction** **at Usk**. The defendant looked blank and crest-fallen at this announcement, but gathered himself up, again vehemently vowed he wouldn't "pay a rap." **Mr. Woollett**: Oh, hold your tongue, you fool, will you? (Loud Laughter.) The noisy end obstreperous fellow's commitment to Usk was then made out, and he walked off in custody, shouting — "I'll go wid ye, Misther Peeler, quit jonteely; but tare an' ouns, it's to the higher court I'll be appale-ing, and sure I am itt ull repale the sintince, by a writ of error!" (Laughter.) — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd March, 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424791/3424794?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Controversial Painting Exhibited in Newport' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/image-1.png) The Slave Market At Cairo by Maxime Dastugue. Source: [The Sunderland Site](https://www.searlecanada.org/sunderland/sunderland203.html?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#12) A painting was exhibited in Newport in 1903 which was billed as a 'sensation'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-04-at-09.07.25.png) [South Wales Argus, Saturday 5th September, 1903](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143547474/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ### "The Slave Market At Cairo" **Important Picture at Newport** No doubt the exhibition at 137, Commercial Street, Newport, of the famous picture, "The Slave Market at Cairo," will set afoot once more the controversy whether any good purpose is served by such a picture. Some will take the moral standpoint, some will speak for the art, but no final judgement will be arrived at. The picture was painted by M. Dastugue, and was exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1891; it was purchased by a syndicate, and since then it has been taken from town to town and exhibited. It is a wonderful picture, and if, as it is claimed, it is true presentation of a phase of Oriental life, it has a historical interest. The picture represents an Egyptian interior, and grouped against the wall — standing, sitting and reclining — are a number of slaves, Circassians, Egyptians, and Nubians. The figures are beautifully painted, some of the faces are lovely; while the faces and figures of the prospective buyer who sits in contemplation of the slaves, and of the slave-dealer and the pacha who are in conference are masterly studies. The whole picture, in grouping, colour and character, is a great composition. — [*South Wales Argus, 21st August, 1903*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143547069/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/image-2.png) A description of the painting when it was exhibited in Sunderland. Source: [The Sunderland Site](https://www.searlecanada.org/sunderland/sunderland203.html?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#12) The 16 x 13 foot painting had a bit of history in all the places it had been exhibited since it was painted in 1891\. Every place it was exhibited from Dublin to Glasgow to Sunderland to Bolton to Birmingham had gained the attention of police, magistrates, politicians and reverends who deemed it offensive. Newport was no different and a reverend and politician petitioned a magistrate to deal with the exhibition under the Vagrancy Act of 1858 by classing the exhibitor as a 'rogue and vagabond'. They refused and the painting was exhibited. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-04-at-12.48.29.png) [Herald of Wales, 5th September, 1903](https://www.newspapers.com/image/919216018/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Castle Brewery Waggoner Run Over by Own Wagon' On Saturday se'nnight (sic), as the waggoner belonging to the Castle Brewery, Newport, was driving homeward, he imprudently sat on the shaft, and by Cross-y-Ceilog, near Pont-rhyd-yrun, he fell off, and the wheel went over him, fracturing one of his legs, and causing an extensive laceration of the right arm. Mr. Jones, surgeon, Pontypool, was called to his assistance, and, owing to his skilful exertions, the man appears to be in a state of recovery. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 25th December, 1830*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391011/3391014/22/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-03-at-08.25.37.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 19th August, 1837](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392504/3392506/10/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Summer Clothing for the Police The Mayor wished to know whether it was the desire of the Watch Committee that the police should be supplied with summer trousers as heretofore. The Superintendent had mentioned the subject to him, and he should like to know the opinion of the meeting upon the matter. It was agreed, after some discussion, that the men should be supplied with one pair each, of a similar kind to those worn last year. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th July, 1856*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396926/3396928/3/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-03-at-08.28.06.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th October, 1853](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395768/3395776/83?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Novel Importation The fine bark Mary Ann Duffus, belonging to Mr. John Vipond, has just arrived in the Newport Dock, with a cargo of Spanish wool from Malaga, consigned to an eminent manufacturing firm at Manchester. This shipment is an experiment to ascertain if by this route, avoiding the heavy town dues of Liverpool, goods can be sent into Manchester via Newport, on equal terms with those of the great Northern emporium. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/image.png) An example of a bark ship. A liberal policy on the part of our local railways, together with a reduction of the Dock dues, would, without doubt, make our port a Dock dues, would, without doubt, make our port a successful rival of Liverpool. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 6th October, 1860*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399246/3399251?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-03-at-08.35.34.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th October, 1853](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395768/3395776/83/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Supposed Infanticide The grave-yard of St. Woollos church has often been the untimely depository of new-born babes, the termination of whose existence, in some cases, has been conjectured premature, "foul, and unnatural". Another instance of this nature was discovered on Saturday last, when the body of a new-born infant, hearing indications upon it, we are informed, of barbarous treatment, was found in the grass between the graves. Inquiry is on foot, which, it is hoped, will be successful. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th March 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424796/3424799?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-03-at-19.17.59.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th May, 1861](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3399638/3399642?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Man Scares People in Hideous Mask' Several timid females, and not a few stout-hearted men, have been almost frightened out of their wits on dark moonless nights, > by some fool who takes uncommon pleasure in disguising himself in a hideous mask, and female's apparel, and rushing out upon unwary passers-by, from the porch, or some other hiding place, in Saint Woollos church yard. We hope the fellow will not only get a stout cudgelling some night on which he plays off such dangerous pranks, but be captured by the place, and locked up in the cell of the Station, there to ruminate on his absurd folly. A gentleman with a good stick in hand, to whom this apparition presented itself, soon vanished, or the gentleman would presently have "laid the ghost." *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th March 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424796/3424799?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Furious Driving The drivers of water carts in this good town have apparently a license to dash or drive furiously through the streets, as if hastening with the element for the "cold water cure," heedless of the risk attached to such Phaeton-like practices. Last Tuesday, two of this *genus* came up through Commercial-street — one on each side of two large waggons slowly progressing along — and lashing their poor jaded animals into a terrible gallop, they raced with Nutwith speed towards Bane's Well. On coming just opposite the Town Hall, one of the drivers keeping close to the pavement, by Mr. Clapperton's shop brought his near wheel suddenly in contact with a large "gout" stone, which immediately checked the horse, and flung the whole concern spinning into the middle of the road. It was somewhat ludicrous — even at so serious a spectacle — to observe how easily the driver was dismounted from his striding position across the water butt, and how the uppermost wheel performed about a thousand evolutions in a moment. The Jehu was soon able to pick himself up, and replace his Rosinante in the harness, of which the affrighted beast had completelyy divested himself; and then set out at a reasonable pace to overtake his more fortunate competitor, who was then coolly filling his butt to the tune of "All's well." This furious driving should be checked. We have heard many complaints that such dangerous work is almost of daily occurrence — in fact, that we are under the influence of Aquarius — and yet it has never been heard of, that a single charge has been preferred by the "detective force" against the constantly offending parties. "A Subscriber" hopes the inhabitants of the town — who have the slightest regard for the lives of themselves or families, will lay informations against such practices, if the police do not. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th March 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424796/3424799?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-05-at-08.17.43.png) [South Wales Argus, 14th October, 1910](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144040513?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Serious Accident On Thursday evening, as the Cardiff omnibus, the Economist, was being driven through a narrow part of High-street, in that dangerous defile near the baker's shop at the comer of Griffin-street, it came in contact with a pair of trucks, which threw the omnibus out of it's course By this sudden diversion, the omnibus knocked down Mr. Phillips, grocer, who resides opposite the Westgate and unfortunately fractured his leg. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-05-at-08.04.44.png) How the area would have looked around the time of the accident A policeman was also knocked down, the omnibus passing over his leg and the boy who was wheeling the trucks, was slightly injured as well. The accident was said to be the result of the collision, the narrow street, and the absence of good gas light in that particular spot. The driver, who proceeded to the house of Mr. Phillips, and expressed deep regret at the untoward accident, is said by persons who were present, to deserve no blame, as it would be almost impossible to prevent the unhappy combination of circumstances on the occasion. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th March 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424796/3424799?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A Cheese Taster These instruments are not always made of iron or steel, though they are constantly "borers". A taster with hands and feet, and a nice palate for a "double Gloster," entered the shop of a tradesman in West gate-street. Newport, recently, and desired to be shown a cheese. "It was done, and he tasted plentifully and his desire to have some really first-rate" was so strong, that he tasted of nearly every cheese in the store, no small number; after which, fixing on one that he deemed of the right quality, he very coolly desired the shopkeeper to serve him with "threehap'orth!" The astonishment of the worthy cheesemonger can be better imagined than described. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 30th March 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424796/3424799?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Volume 1, Number 25 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-25/ Last updated: 2025-06-07T06:03:15.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-27-at-08.16.26.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th April, 1880](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406274?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/SeenAndHeard-b454b798f7ef1031.jpg) ### Murenger House Residents Take a Trip to New York Dr A.E. Tonks and Mr J.W. Pennington, Murenger House, have gone to New York for a trip. They sailed from Liverpool a few days ago, and expect to return home in about a fortnight. — [*South Wales Argus, 3rd October, 1908*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144042786?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### 'How Newport Literature Travels' No day goes by but the thoughts of some son of Gwent — now far from his native land — goes back to the days of his youth and the old folks at home. This week we received a letter to the Editor signed "W.E. Davies, C.M.C. late of 45, Church-road, Newport," and dated "Gaiman, Terriotori del Chubut, South America." Mr Davies wrote: How Newport literature travels! One day last February, while camping by myself on the west slopes of the Andes, a piece of paper was blown close to me, and on picking it up I was surprised to find it was a tract printed in English, and at the bottom of the page the words, "From the Tract Depot, Stow-hill, Newport, Mon.?" ℹ️ The Stow Hill Bible and Tract Depot was located on Charles Street. How it brought back old memories of the time when a boy I used to go to the shop on the corner, where the Tract Depot is now, to buy toffee, and I began to wonder where some of the boys have gone who used to tease Ned Miles, or poke the donkey of old John, the pan and pitcher seller, or pull the plug our of the old waterman's barrel (forget his name), and also what has become of some of the old footballers such as Bob Gould, Jordan, or Newman, the smart quarter-back. Wishing the South Wales Argus every success, I remain, yours sincerely W.E.D. — [*South Wales Argus, 3rd October, 1908*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144042786?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Cab Stand in the High Street Alderman Townsend called the attention of the Superintendent to the behaviour of the cabmen on the stand in front of the Post-office. He said the Postmaster had complained to him of the disorder which prevailed at this spot by reason of the men standing about in front of the Post-office, puffing and spitting, and obstructing the pavement. Superintendent Huxtable said there never were more than four cabs on this stand, unless it was during the absence of the police. They were a curious lot of men to deal with, and he did not think there was any reason for interfering with them. Aldermen Townsend knew them to be impertinent if spoken to. It was no use his saying anything to them. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th August, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403563/3403565/2/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Neglecting to Remove a Nuisance Alexander Watt was charged with permitting an accumulation of filth near a dwelling-house at Allteryn. Mr. Newman, Deputy Town Clerk, prosecuted on behalf of the Corporation. Inspector Williams said he had received complaints of a nuisance caused by the filth placed at a certain spot in Allteryn by the defendant, who is scavenging contractor for the borough. Gave him seven days notice to clear it, but it was not done until after the summons had been issued. It had been since removed. Defendant admitted the offence, but pleaded that he had made a mistake as to the notice given. **Defendant was fined 21s. including costs, and ordered not to repeat the nuisance.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th April, 1880*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406274?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-29-at-06.56.12.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 17th May, 1834](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391453/3391455?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Damaging a Banner Eugene McCarthy was charged with being drunk and wilfully damaging a banner, value £10, the property of the Independent Mutual Brethren Society, in Skinner-street, on Monday. The man, who during the procession of the club on Monday had charge of the banner, said prisoner came up to him, caught him by the throat, and put his foot through the material of which the banner consisted. Witness requested him to desist, but he refused. The damage amounted to £5\. **The Bench inflicted a fine of 1s, and ordered prisoner to pay the £5 in weekly instalments of 5s. At the decision a man made an observation that the Bench did not give the society "fair play," and on being placed in the dock, he was ordered to be locked up for one day.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 9th April, 1880*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406274?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Throwing Stones at a Railway Train Alfred Pritchard and Thomas Crump, boys belonging to Newport, were charged with throwing stones at a railway train, on the Great Western line. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/DSCF4830.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/DSCF4832.jpg) Alfred Pritchard (left) and Thomas Crump. ****Source**: Gwent Archives via [Newport Past](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/photos/uskgaol/photo%5Fpage.php?search=%20&search2=yyyyyy&pos=88&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) John Lewis said he saw the defendants, with three others, standing on Maesglas Bridge. He saw defendants throw stones at a passing train, and heard Pritchard say "I nearly hit the \_\_\_\_." William Ball, engine-driver, said as he was driving the 1.40 train from Cardiff to Newport, he saw a stone thrown from Maesglas Bridge, and it struck the funnel of the engine. **The boys were committed for trial at the Assizes, bail being refused**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th August, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403563/3403565/2/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Deaf and Dumb Tippler Arthur Davies, a deaf and dumb tailor, was charged with being drunk and riotous on Tuesday last. The case was proved by P.S. McEvoy, and it was further stated that defendant caused his neighbours considerable annoyance by his drunken habits and disorderly conduct, but he had hitherto been pitied in consequence of his infirmities. Defendant could read and write very well, and the magistrates told his mother, who came forward and expressed her regret at what had occurred, that for the present offence her son **would be fined 5s., and if it was repeated a much heavier penalty would be imposed**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th August, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403563/3403565/2/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Stealing Apples in Malpas' Lehay, Richards, James, Chapman, and Sweeney, boys working at the factory, were charged with stealing a quantity of growing apples, the property of William Jones, at Malpas. P.C. Rees, one of the Borough force, came upon the boys in Skinner-street eating apples, and as soon as they saw him they ran away. Judging that something was wrong the constable ran after them, and apprehended two of the lads with a quantity of apples in their possession. On being questioned the boys confessed to having stolen the apples from a garden at Malpas. Prosecutor stated that his apple trees had been damaged to a considerable extent, and a quantity of apples, corresponding with those produced, had been taken. Prisoners all pleaded guilty, and said they were sorry for what they had done. They were told by the Chairman that for such an offence **they were liable to six months' imprisonment, but the Bench were willing to accept the promise they had given that it should not occur again, and they would only be fined 1s. and the costs 2s. each, or in default seven days' hard labour.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th August, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403563/3403565/2/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### "Pitch and Toss" on Sundays Alfred Richards was charged with playing at pitch and toss in a public thoroughfare on Sunday last. P.S. Winmilll caught a number of boys playing at pitch and toss. > He took prisoner into custody because he was the biggest. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th August, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403563/3403565/2/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-28-at-19.36.20.png) [South Wales Argus, 8th April 1907](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143807268/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Fire Caused by Candle' A fire broke out in the stable of Mr. James Knight, at the bottom of Granville-street, about half-past five o'clock on Monday morning. The police were quickly on the spot with the hose, and under the direction of the Superintendent the fire was subdued before any great damage was done. The fire, it appears, originated from a candle carelessly carried into the loft by a boy in the employ of Mr. Knight. The premises were insured. — [*Cardiff Times, 4th December, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3380729/3380732?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-30-at-07.16.12.png) [South Wales Argus, 6th June, 1913](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144034027/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Gas Lamp Installed Near the George, Maindee' The chairman observing on the desirability of lighting the streets at Maindee and the road leading thereto from Newport, said he would propose to place a lamp near the George, and others in the most advantageous places for lighting the thoroughfares. He thought if they could get an annual subscription of £25 towards it, a rate might be levied for the remainder, and the Newport Gas Company might possibly be induced to extend their mains towards them. Mr. Andrews thought if there was an annual subscription of £25, a small rate would suffice to cover the rest of the expense. After a conversation, the following resolution was agreed to, Resolved that the "Newport Board of Health be informed that this board have it in contemplation to erect some public gas lights within their district, and be respectfully requested to do the same between the bridge turnpike gate and the eastern boundary of their district." The board then rose. — [*Cardiff Times, 4th December, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3380729/3380732?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/image-7.png) [South Wales Argus, 20th August, 1952](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1147209857/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ## Gentlemanly Amusements **To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.** SIR, Allow me to make a few remarks in your valuable paper, respecting the excesses committed in public streets by the gentlemen lately come amongst us, desirous of obtaining publicnotoriety in some way or other. I am gratified to ascertain from the following reports, copied from the "blue book," that the police *have* been doing something — if only with their pens which *may* lead to matters of more consequence to the offending parties:— " Thursday night, May 14.—At half-past ten, there were five or six of the officers very drunk in High-street, and from there they went to the King's Head. At half-past twelve they came out, and began to make a row in Thomas-street, and near the pump they discovered a pair of trucks, in which some of them got, and the others dragged them about in state, until ordered to be quiet, and be off. They then ran off towards the *Marshes*\-*road*, where they began again, and broke open door in Jenkins's house, a-looking for some girls. Sunday night 17th. At eleven o'clock, P.C. Hayward was on duty in Thomas-street, when he heard some one driving a fly at a flying rate, and as to endanger the lives of any person who might be cross the road at the time. In a few minutes he heard them returning at the same furious rate. He then went towards the King's Head to ascertain who they were, when he met Mr. Lloyd and several of his men, and Mr. LI. asked P.C. Hayward to take the fly from them, who thereupon asked the person driving, who was an officer from the barracks, not to drive so fast; still he kept on driving at the same rate, and when at the King's Head the Boots took the reins from the driver, who jumped out the box, and knocked down Mr. Boots. Hayward spoke to the man who did so, on the subject, and told him he was no gentleman to drive through the town in that manner; when he told Hayward if he meddled with him, he would work his stick on his head. Ther ewere five or six of them together, and some of them were drunk at the time. Monday night, 18th. At one o'clock P.C. Pennimore was on duty on the *Marshes*\-road, when he heard some one calling out, "Go from my door, you robbers!" He went to see what was the matter, when he saw several officers by James Jenkins's door. Jenkins said had just been trying to break into his house. Then the policeman told Jenkins the men were officers from the barracks when they began to curse him, and threatened to knock his old head off, and honour him with a d--d good hiding. Pennimore did not offer to take any of them, being six in number. They then went away. I could add much very to this, in the way of relating how many dog-carts they have broken in a week while driving tandem through the public and bye-streets of Newport to excel travelling exhibitors, and terrify the inhabitants — how near they drive to the edge of the dock, to see which drives the nearest without "a spill" in the water, and a thousand other pranks, to the annoyance of the inhabitants. I have known poor fellows punished for growling at the police, when ordered to "clear the bridge," or the road; and men convicted of driving or riding beyond a steady pace; and for knocking at doors and creating disturbances in the streets—especially on the \_\_\_ bath — I have known persons imprisoned and fined; and where, then, is the secret why these richer offenders a8 the law can escape with impunity? — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 23rd May, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425320/3425322/22/marshes%2BOR%2Broad?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-28-at-19.41.09.png) [South Wales Argus, 5th October, 1908](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144042843/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## At the Empire: The Eight Lancashire Lads ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-29-at-07.22.49.png) At The Empire in July 1901 were a troupe of make clog dancers called The Eight Lancashire Lads. They toured the music halls of Great Britain and Ireland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and included Charlie Chaplin [who had his first break with them aged eleven](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The%5FEight%5FLancashire%5FLads?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). Not sure if Charlie Chaplin was part of The Eight Lancashire Lads when they visited Newport but a booked called *Chaplin: Stage by Stage by A.J. Marriot* lists all performances by him with the troupe. [According to this site](https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/featuredarticles/2022/mapping-charlie-chaplins-clogging-roots-1560/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), he was with the troupe between 1899 and 1900 so unlikely to have been in Newport on at this event ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/image-9.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Newport Borough Licensing Sessions: 1876 Some snippets from the Newport Borough Licensing Sessions from the Western Mail. --- Lewis Llewellin, Jeddo-street, who has a beer licence for consumption off the premises, applied for a licence to sell beer to be drunk on the premises. > Refused, as the house was not considered good enough. Gerald Evans, West of England beerhouse, Mill-parade, applied for a double-licence, and was supported by Mr Wade. The application was opposed by Mr Vaughan, for Mr D.P. Rowe, the occupier of the Waterloo Tavern . It was intended by the applicant to add an adjoining house, so as to make it more adapted for the wants of a double-licensed house. On the part of the opponent it was said > there was no need for another double-licensed house, as the Waterloo is only 64 yards and the Ship Inn 300 yards from the West of England. Alfred Blake, owner of the Castle Brewery, applied for a double licence to the new premises he is erecting opposite his brewery, and for which he at present holds a beer licence. Mr Graham supported the application. Mr Justice opposed on behalf of the owners or occupiers of the King's Head Hotel, Steam Packet Inn, Bridge Inn, Old green Inn and Eastern Valleys Inn. Mr Vaughan opposed for the occupier of the Isca Inn. Mr Graham said the new house was intended to supply a great need to that part of the town. > There would be a luncheon bar, and the structure would be quite an ornament to the town. If this application was granted, Mr Blake was quite prepared, as the owner of the Shipwreck Tavern, Griffin-street, to withdraw application for a renewal of the licence to that house. The opponents urged that there were a sufficient number of double-licensed houses already in that neighbourhood; and they said there was no alteration in the circumstances of the case since last year, where the magistrates refused a similar application. **Adjourned.** Victor Mahire, White Hart Inn, Tredegar-street, was opposed by the superintendent of police on the grounds that he had been in the habit of allowing young boys and girls to assemble in his house. This was an extraordinary case. Mr David appeared for the publican. Sergeant Winmill was called as a witness. He said on the 22nd January last he visited the White Hart, about 9:30pm. > In a large room upstairs he found 43 boys and seven girls, a man playing a harp, and a boy dancing. The boys were from 13 to 18 years of age, and the children of working men. The girls were about the same age. Since that time two of the girls he knew had become bad characters. The landlord came into the room whilst he was there, and said, "What is the matter?" Witness replied: "There is a good deal the matter, seeing a lot of these children here." The landlord replied, "I don't call them children". Witness then told him that seven out of every 10 ought not to be in a public house. On the 24th of the same month he visited the house, and saw the same class of boys and girls there, and again spoke to the landlord, but he treated them the matter with indifference. Parents had asked him to get their children away from that house. **Cross-examined**: Didn't observe the boys or girls worse for drink. More than half the 50 present were under 17 years of age. Believed that all the girls were under 17. Sergeant Wilcox was with the previous witness, and corroborated him. He also said that two of the girls there in January had been sent to gaol since. Inspector Curtis visited the house on the 29th April, with the superintendent, at 10pm, and in the large room he saw 23 boys, three girls, a man playing a harp, and a boy dancing. There were nine pint cups on the table, and some had beer in them. The boys and girls were from 13 to 16 years of age. Spoke to the landlord, who said he did not consider it any harm. Mr David addressed the bench on behalf of his client, and said it was open to question how far the conduct now complained of could affect the renewal of the licence. He submitted that this sad state of things was no offence against the licensing law. He also submitted that if even if the bench should take the extreme view, it was a question on whom the penalty should fall — certainly not the owner. He presented a memorial to show that the house was a most convenient one for persons attending the cattle market. It was signed by 104 respectable persons. **Mr Beynon**: I don't think the parents of these children would sign that memorial. Mr David hoped the bench would give an opportunity to transfer the licence to someone else. **The Clerk**: It is clearly a question for the magistrates to consider whether the licence is to be renewed. The Chairman said the bench felt very strongly with regard to this case, and they had a very strong disinclination to renew the licence to this man. It would be adjourned to the 22nd inst. **The owner had better be present on that occasion**. — [*Western Mail, 9th September, 1876*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/817821974/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-28-at-19.46.24.png) [South Wales Argus, 8th July, 1820](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144307953/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ### The First Issue of the South Wales Argus URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/the-first-issue-of-the-south-wales-argus/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:32:05.000Z On Monday May 30th, 1892, The South Wales Argus and Monmouthshire Daily Leader [was launched](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143540116/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). The newspaper is still being published Monday to Saturday although it's very much a shadow of its former self. This article gives a flavour for what was published and scans of the pages are included towards the end. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The South Wales Argus' First Editorial ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-02-at-08.45.57.png) The first appearance of a new paper necessarily demands a few words of introduction — some declaration with regard to aims and intentions. The objects the promoters of the "South Wales Argus and Monmouthshire Daily Leader" have in view may be briefly stated. It has long been felt that a constituency such as that to which we appeal should possess a daily paper worth of a district of great and growing importance, a journal that should faithfully reflect popular opinion and afford facilities for the discussion of questions of public interest, and which should bear its part in the political warfare of the day. So much, at least, it is hoped the "South Wales Argus" will be and will do. In politics thoroughly and uncompromisingly Liberal, it will be found the constant advocate of those principles of civil and religious liberty and equality which have given to the party its noblest victories and proudest traditions in the past, and which call it to still further triumphs in the future. Foremost in the legislation that the next Liberal Administration wiull undertake is the great measure of justice to Ireland which promises to be the crowning achievement of Mr Gladstone's long and illustrious career. The policy which that measure will embody will receive the earnest support of the "South Wales Argus," as will every well-conceived effort to simplify and widen the franchise, and to deal with those grave social problems which grow in importance and complexity, and which constantly and strenuously strive for solution. If ever these questions, so full of difficulties and of danger, are satisfactorily dealt with, the works will be accomplished by the LIbery party to whom it naturally and necessarily falls. The General Election, which is now rapidly approaching should equip the party for the task. The prospects is full of encouragment, and there is reason to hope that the coming appeal to the constituencies will find Wales and Monmouthshire giving a solid Liberal vote. In the belief that a really Liberal paper would materially conribute to such a result, the "South Wales Argus" has been established, and its promoters trust that their anticipations will be realised. Apart from politics, the "Argus" will strive to promote in every way the welfare of the community amongst which it circulates. Its conductors will endeavour to deal temerately, fairly and judiciously with subjects that especially concern its readers, whilst constant effort will be made to bring into prominence the great natural resources of the district and the important advantages it possesses. Care will be taken to furnish the latest information respecting all occurrences of interest in regard to commercial, shipping, and mining matters, and everything affecting the industrial world. Arrangements have been made with the chief Press agencies for an extensive supply of telegraphic news, embracing full services of home and foreign telegrams, Stock Exchange quotations, and sporting; besides which, writers of repute will be contributors on many and varied subjects. In short, > it will be our aim to produce a paper that will be generally acceptable — differing through the tastes of our readers may be — and in order to make it such we invite the co-operation and suggestions of all who are able and willing to help. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Neglecting to Send Children to School' Margaret Reilley, Annie Gay, George Bennett, George White, and Catharine Thomas were summoned for neglecting to send their children to school. Margaret Reilley (who caused much laughter by producing from the bottom of her pocket a very old decayed tooth, for the purpose, as she explained, of proving to the magistrates that her son had suffered from toothache) was fined 5s, and the usual orders were inflicted in other cases. ### Alleged Theft of Ducks at Langstone Margaret Ann Jones, Langstone, was charged at the County Police Court, Newport, on Saturday, with stealing two ducks belonging to John Hull, labourer, Langstone, on the 20th inst. The ducks were fed by the prosecutor on the 20th inst. about noon, and when he returned home they were gone. Subsequent to this the prisoner sold two ducks to Mrs Puttock for 3s 6d. They were small white ones, and were undressed. She said they had come from London by train. Prisoner when apprehended by P.C. Lewis, said, I didn't want to steal ducks. I have got ducks of my own. On the way to Newport, she said she bought six ducks from Mr Poole, butcher, and killed two of them on Saturday, selling them at Newport Market. She did not mention the ducks sold to Mrs Puttock. > The feathers of the ducks sold to Mrs Puttock were identified by proecutors as resembling those of the ducks owned by him. Superintendent Bosquanet said when prisoner was in the cell she sent for him, and said, "If I had the ducks, I had them in mistake for my own; and I hope you will try and get me off with a fine." A Mrs Rosser, called for the defence, said she heard that a white duck and drake similar to those lost by the prosecutor, were down the brook. Prosecutor said he searched the brook for nearly two miles, and did not find the ducks there. The chairman said the bench could not help concluding that the prisoner took and killed two ducks belonging to John Hill. As it was her first offence, they would discharge her with a caution as to her future conduct. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-23-at-13.33.46.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Facts and Fancies ### Personal Names A correspondent of the *Standard* gives the personal names which he has found in the records of the General Register Office. He has discovered a girl registered in 1847 as "Is it Maria"; in 1853, a boy as "Napoleon the Great"; 1857, "Robert Alma Balaclava Inkerman Sebastopol Delhi"; 1860, "Arthur Wellesley Wellington Waterloo"; 1861, "Not Wanted James"; 1863, "Jerome Napoleon Edward Henry John"; 1885, "Edward Byng Tallyho Forward"; 1870, "One Too Many"; 1877, "Peter the Great" and "William the Conqueror," twins' 1883, "Richard Coeur de Lion Tyler Walter"; 1886, "That's It Who'd Have Thought It"; 1887, "Laughing Waters." Some remarkable single names are to be met with, such as "Righteous," "Comfort," "Happy," "Elector," "Hopeful," "Redemption," "Meditation," "Obedience," and "Alphabet." Twins, "Love" and "Unity," are to be found and, besides "Faith," "Hope," and "Charity" as triplets, there are "Shadrach," "Meshach," and "Abednego," boys; and two boys and a girl, "Alpha," "Beatrice," and "Omega." ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Nice Dishes A selection of the recipes featured in the paper. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-02-at-17.32.32.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-02-at-17.32.49.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-02-at-17.33.05.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-23-at-13.34.27.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-23-at-13.34.21.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-23-at-13.34.16.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Entertainment ### Swimming Baths ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-23-at-17.29.03.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-23-at-17.29.18.png) The Swimming Baths at Stow Hill had a double bill of entertainment advertised with two polo matches, bobbing for corks, a 50 yards swimming race (just for the police force), a coracle race and an egg and spoon race. > **'Proper bathing costumes to be worn'** and **'Ladies specially invited'**. ### The Empire ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-23-at-17.35.33.png) At the Empire on the night of the publication of the paper was the usual packed billing including Walter Munroe, a 'Irish Character Comedian and Hungarian Boot Dancer'. Born Joseph Jowett Walter Walker in Ballinasloe County Galway in 1856, [this site](https://www.cmronline.co.uk/walter-munroe/?unapproved=56&moderation-hash=28e97779d4572560bbad0985a07234ee&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#comment-56) has a more detailed history of the comedian. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/image-13.png) Source: [CMROnline](https://www.cmronline.co.uk/walter-munroe/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Victoria Theatre ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-23-at-18.09.28.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### The Board of Guardians The reports of the Board of Guardians was a regular feature of the Argus reporting on, amongst other things, the numbers at the workhouse. For this report there was a section on the number of imbeciles. > ...there were at present in the house 24 persons who could be classed as imbeciles, six males and 18 females. There was one other case — that of a man who was an epileptic, but he could not be classed among the imbeciles, as he was perfectly sane between the fits. **Workhouse Statistics** In the week leading up to the publication of the first edition of the argus, the number of people in the workhouse was 325 with 64 being sick. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-23-at-13.35.12-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-23-at-13.35.59-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-23-at-13.36.13-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Houses to Let ### Clifton Villa, Chepstow Road ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-02-at-08.35.28.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-02-at-08.32.27.png) Potentially could be Clifton Villa mentioned in the advert. ### York Road ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-02-at-08.35.35.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-02-at-08.34.02.png) York Road ### Archibald Street ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-02-at-08.36.12.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-02-at-08.36.54.png) Not sure what was considered the 'best part' of Archibald Street ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-23-at-13.37.38.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-23-at-13.35.32-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Where was the South Wales Argus Located? The original office of the South Wales Argus was located at 11 Baneswell in the town centre which still exists today. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-23-at-17.25.58.png) Goldilocks is located in the building where the Argus was originally located. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-02-at-08.43.27.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Original Paper ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/South_Wales_Argus_1892_05_30_1.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/South_Wales_Argus_1892_05_30_2.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/South_Wales_Argus_1892_05_30_3.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/South_Wales_Argus_1892_05_30_4.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Volume 1, Number 24 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-24/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:31:55.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## On "Malpas Court" and its Surroundings ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-16-at-08.22.49.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 26th May, 1876](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441842/3441846/16/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## A Trip to Chinatown ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-22-at-08.34.37.png) [South Wales Argus, 23rd September, 1898](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145598216/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) [A Trip to Chinatown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A%5FTrip%5Fto%5FChinatown?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) was a popular musical comedy which once held the record for the longest-running Broadway musical in history after 657 shows from November 1891 to August 1893\. According to the advert for the show at the Lyceum it featured 'three hours incessant laughter'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/image-6.png) Source: Wikipedia ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-21-at-06.49.13.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th June, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393695/3393697?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Newport Gas Light **To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.** Sir,—Will you be kind enough to allow me to enquire of the proprietor of the Gas Works, through the medium of your very valuable journal, when he intends giving us a better light. I am not a very good writer by the best light, but I have had letters lately brought me of my own to read, and I have found much difficulty in deciphering them and I cannot attribute it to any other reason than the badness of the gas. I am, Mr. Editor, your obedient servant, Newport, Dec. 26, 1839\. A NORMAN. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th December, 1839*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393090?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-22-at-08.15.33.png) [South Wales Argus, 3rd March, 1897](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143475002/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'A Complaint About Late Delivery of the Monmouthshire Merlin' **To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.** Sir,—I have been a reader of the Monmouthshire Merlin, from No. 1, to No. 555, and would wish to continue one, but unless you can give us an earlier delivery next year, than we have had during the one now closing, I shall decline taking it. During the early days of its publication, before your Monmouth contemporary appeared as a blue light in our county—or a Guardian came to take care of the Conservatives—or you were aware what unceasing activity would be called into action by the times—the Merlin made its appearance in our town always before Saturday noon. > We are now seldom favoured with its perusal earlier than four in the afternoon,—sometimes six in the evening and last Saturday's paper was not delivered before Monday. I feel exceedingly mortified that our County Paper, possessing so much talent in its literary, should be so lamentably deficient in its publishing department. I have a right to attribute blame to any person, but with whosoever it may lie, pray let us have an early delivery. Let the Merlin be a breakfast companion in every Abergavenny family, during the ensuing year—and if, before the end of it, you do not find the sale greater than it is at present, then blame... Abergavenny. Dec. 26\. A CONSTANT READER. ***A Response from the Merlin*** *\[Last Saturday morning, our carrier left his papers for the Abergavenny Mail, at the Beaufort Arms Hotel. Ragland, at eleven o'clock ;—upon investigation we learn that the parties neglected to send them forward — We thank "A Constant Reader," and assure him that, after the 4th of January, we shall return his kind wishes by letting him have the Merlin with his toast at breakfast, every Saturday morning.\]* — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th December, 1839*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393090?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-21-at-06.49.56.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th June, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393695/3393697?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Mayor Recommends Man Becomes Teetotaller' Peter Lee was charged with being drunk and disorderly in the streets; also with committing a great deal of damage in the station-house when locked up there for the night. The Mayor recommended prisoner to become a teetotaller, and that would save such scrapes as the present. > Men sit down to drink a pint of ale without any intention of getting drunk, but when they finish the pint they fancy another, and that introduces a quart, and so they become intoxicated and mad. Such men must be either teetotallers or drunkards, and he would far prefer to see them the former. **The prisoner was convicted in £1\. penally and costs.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th June, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393700?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Stealing a Cask' David Thomas was charged by William Ball with stealing a cask from his premises in Cross-street, on Monday night last. It appeared by the evidence of Mr. Ball, who is a painter and glazier, that about a quarter past eleven o'clock on the night laid, he was in the street, nearly opposite his yard, when he observed the prisoner rolling a cask out into the street, and taking it into a piece of waste ground opposite when he went up and charged him with the theft, when prisoner ran off and made his escape. He was apprehended next day. **Prisoner, in his defence, said that he was drunk at the lime. Committed for trial.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th June, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393700?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Bathing in the Canal Stevens, a boy, was charged with bathing in the canal near the town. The boy admitted the charge. The Mayor said that this is an offence of common occurrence at this period of the year, numbers of persons being in the habit of bathing in the canal, in the immediate vicinity of the town. > It is a scandalous custom, and must be put an end to. He would not punish the defendant on this occasion, although it was in the power of the magistrates to inflict a very serious punishment; but he hoped this public warning would be sufficient to deter other persons from offending in a like manner. **The prisoner I was dismissed but the Mayor wished it to be understood, that any person brought up on a similar charge, would not be dealt I with so leniently.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th June, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393700?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Mayor Gives Vagrant Shilling to Leave Town, Vagrant Spends it in the Pub' James Price was next placed at the bar, charged with vagrancy. The prisoner was a wretched and loathsome-looking being, upwards of 72 years of age, presenting a painful instance of the misery, the suffering, and the degradation which await on idleness, improvidence, and profligacy. > The Mayor stated that within a few days he had given the prisoner a shilling, to enable him to leave the town and go to Bristol, of which place he was a native. Instead of doing so, however, he went immediately to a public-house, and got drunk on the only shilling he had in the world. His Worship, at the time, was not aware of the character of the prisoner, but he had been since informed, by a gentleman who knew him well, that he was a hopeless and incorrigible old profligate his feeble and emaciated condition alone prevented him from sending him to the treadmill. **He was therefore dismissed for the present, but his Worship gave directions to the officers to take him into custody if he did not instantly quit the town.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th June, 1842*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393700?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Unjust and Unstamped Weights Charles Kerslake, of High-street, Pill, was charged with having in his shop four unjust weights. The Deputy Town Clerk appeared for the prosecution. Inspector Jones proved the case. **Fined 5s including costs.** James Hockey, charged with having nine unjust weights in his possession. **Fined 5s including costs.** Sarah Exton, a greengrocer, whose cart the inspector stopped in the street, was charged with having in her possession three unjust weights. **Fined 5s including costs.** **—** [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 5th July, 1878*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440275/3440280?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-21-at-06.50.56.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th June, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393695/3393697?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## 'Land and Property For Sale in Saint Brides' [Published in the Monmouthshire Merlin in 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393700?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) was an advert for a 319 acres of land along with some buildings. 14 lots in total are advertised many of which are meadows and pasture land. It mentions occupiers of the land along with names of the fields many of which are in Welsh. 12 of the lots are also subject to 'trifling chief rents'. Two of the properties mentioned in the advert are still there today and described below. ### Saint Brides Great House ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-21-at-07.07.36.png) The first lot was for the 'capital mansion' called the Saint Brides Great House. The house is still there today and is called Ty Mawr Farm. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-21-at-06.57.54-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-21-at-06.59.16-1.png) The location of the 'Great House' on Lighthouse Road. Today it's called Ty Mawr Farm. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-21-at-07.00.42.png) The house today --- ### The May Pole Lot 6 was listed as an 'old-established and well-frequented public House called the May Pole'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-21-at-07.26.34.png) A beer house is shown on the tithe map from around the time and the occupier is a David Turberville so is likely to be the pub mentioned. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-21-at-07.25.33.png) Listed on the tithe map of around 1840 as a beer house occupied by David Turberville ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-21-at-07.22.01.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-21-at-07.22.21.png) The house is in the same location as on the tithe map and the sign on the house says 'Church House Inn' so likely to have once been the May Pole mentioned in the advert. It also mentions a new chapel which is now a house although the tiny graveyard still exists today. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-21-at-07.30.12.png) The chapel is now Rehoboth Cottage but the graveyard remains. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-21-at-06.54.57.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 11th June, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393700?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Newport Riots — Reward An advert from the Monmouthshire Merlin for a reward for two people involved in the Chartist Riots. The reward of £10 per person equates to around £880 in today's money. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-21-at-13.05.52.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th December, 1839](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393090?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-23-at-07.42.55.png) [South Wales Argus, 9th July, 1896](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143492215/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ### Volume 1, Number 23 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-23/ Last updated: 2025-05-24T06:27:54.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-07-at-08.24.42.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 25th June, 1836](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392231/3392233?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Woman Trips in Blewitt Street' A correspondent represents that as a lady named Donaldson was walking down Blewitt-street, on Friday last, she struck her foot against a step which had been left in the paving,—fell, and suffered a fracture of the small bone of the leg. The writer considers that, leaving steps in street pavements, is against the local law." — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 10th February, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395903?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-15-at-12.42.55.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 10th February, 1854](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395903?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-07-at-08.37.27.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 23rd May, 1846](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425320/3425322?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Extraordinary A cow, the property of Mr. J. Clark, Church Farm, Malpas, gratified her master, last week, by the birth of three fine calves, which, with two other calves, presented by another cow, on the same farm, a few days before, are "alive and kicking." ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-15-at-18.20.32.png) Church Farm, which is next to the present-day church on Malpas Road near the traffic lights —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th March, 1851*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395045/3395048?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Stealing an Apron Sarah Welsh was charged with stealing a flannel apron, the property of Rachel Morris. Prosecutrix said she was the wife of Thomas Morris, and resided at Bassalleg. On the night before last Christmas, she had gone out in front of her house, and dropped her apron. She did not miss the apron until next morning. On Thursday week last she went to the prisoner's house, in consequence of having heard that the apron was there, and asked to be allowed to see it. Prisoner said that the apron which she had worn, was one that her daughter had bought. She also told witness that she had lent it to a women to go to Cardiff, and she could not see it then. Witness then gave information to the police. The apron was worth 5s. PC Davies said he apprehended the prisoner on Monday evening, at her house, and asked her if she had an apron belonging to Mrs. Davies. She said, "No," but had bought one of a young man at Pie-corner, some time back. She afterwards said she had bought it of a man at the door. Witness asked her where it was, and she said she had lent it to a woman to go to Cardiff. She brought it to his house on the same evening.Prisoner pleaded guilty to picking the apron up, but said she had no intention of stealing it. **Sentenced to one day's imprisonment**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 2nd May, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400294/3400296?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Keeping a Game Cock' John Pritchard was charged with keeping a game cock, dangerous to the inhabitants of Church-street, Pillgwenlly. A woman, named Keyse, said that two of her children, who appeared in Court, bad been injured in the face, by the cock flying at them. **The defendant promised to kill the cock, and the case was adjourned for a fortnight**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 2nd May, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400294/3400296?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Trespassing in the Round Table Field' Four men, named George Watkins, Edward Todd, James James, and Whitlock Williams, two of whom did not appear, were summoned for trespassing in the Round Table field, the property of Mr. Justice. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-12-at-07.36.27.png) The Round Table Field in Caerleon Sergeant Wilcox said he saw the defendants lying under a tree in the field, at four o'clock on Sunday afternoon, with a jug of beer by them. He had received several complaints of persons trespassing. **Cautioned, and ordered to pay 3s. costs each**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 2nd May, 1863*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3400294/3400296?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-12-at-18.16.18.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 20th August, 1880](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406450/3406454/35/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Cost of Licenses' [Published](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407094?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) as part of an Almanack in The Monmouthshire Merlin in May 1883, a list outlines the cost of a license for a large variety of things from standard things such as beer, spirits and wines through to playing cards, male servants and vinegars. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-14-at-16.55.27.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 4th May, 1883](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407094?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## No. 2 Palmyra Place ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-12-at-18.35.07.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th October, 1880](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406522/3406526/44/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Easily missed, the two houses on the short Palmyra Place at the end of Commercial Street have been there since at least 1880 and No. 2 was being advertised in the Monmouthshire Merlin in October 1880. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-12-at-20.48.51.png) Palmyra Place has always been a short street and originally only led to Park Square before Keynsham Avenue and Ivor Place were built. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-12-at-20.44.16.png) A modern view of No. 2 Palmyra Place (the blue house) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Telephonic Communication' ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-14-at-08.19.14.png) An advert for the Phillips & Sons brewery who had premises on Dock Road and Station Street and it didn't matter where you placed your order as the had 'telephone communication being connected between the two'. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 28th December, 1883*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407261/3407265?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Early Photography in Newport' Located a 'few doors above the Catholic Church' on Stow Hill, a Mr Saxby was offering a service providing early photographic portraits using two techniques called Heliotype and Collodion. Heliotype was the earliest form of photography invented in the 1820s with the [View From The Window](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliography?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#/media/File:View%5Ffrom%5Fthe%5FWindow%5Fat%5FLe%5FGras,%5Fby%5FJoseph%5FNicephore%5FNiepce,%5F1826%5For%5F1827,%5FFrance%5F-%5FHarry%5FRansom%5FCenter%5F-%5FUniversity%5Fof%5FTexas%5Fat%5FAustin%5F-%5FDSC08424.jpg) photograph from 1826/27 being considered the first ever photograph. The collodion process was [developed in 1848 by Frederick Scott Archer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collodion%5Fprocess?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#:~:text=Gustave%20Le%20Gray%20first%20theorized,much%20cheaper%20than%20gelatin%20film.) and published in 1851\. The wet plate collodion process was the beginning of photographic mass production, greatly increasing the accessibility of photography for the general public. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-15-at-08.09.22.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 7th October, 1853](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395768/3395769/2/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The photograph below from 1860 is an example of the types of portraits Mr Saxby would have been offered to the people of Newport. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/image-5.png) Portrait of a young girl and portrait of a woman, c. 1860 (Source:[Science and Media Museum](https://blog.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/find-out-when-a-photo-was-taken-identify-collodion-positive-ambrotype/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Crossing in High Street A paragraph (sent by a correspondent) lately appeared in this paper, the purport of which was that a horse had fallen, from the great slipperiness of the flags in High-street, near the turn to the South Wales station that such accidents had previously occurred, and that the company were to blame. The correspondent might with equal justice have blamed the Board of Trade, in the matter; as it is the duty of the authorities of Newport, not the railway company, to remedy any defects that exist in the path alluded to. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 24th June, 1853*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395680/3395684?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A Runaway Wife A few days since, a respectably-dressed miner came to this town, from Cornwall, in pursuit of a faithless wife, who had deserted him and her five young children, taking with her the last born, just four years of age, and leaving, also, an aged mother, almost broken-hearted at her misconduct. The poor man had traced the fugitive from Cornwall to Bristol, and there he found that she had proceeded to Newport on board the Avon steamer. He followed, only to find that she had gone off to the Hills with the invader of his peace and happiness and to know there was now but extremely little hope of discovering her retreat. When asked why he had pursued so worthless a creature, the poor fellow, with the true feelings of a father, said he wished to recover his youngest and darling child; while, to lessen the agonising sorrow of her aged mother, he would consent to restore his faithless wife once more to his home and heart. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 24th June, 1853*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395680/3395684?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-17-at-07.05.42.png) [South Wales Weekly Argus, 4th August 1900](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144193781?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Otter Hunt in Malpas Brook' On Monday last, Malpas brook, in this neighbourhood, was the scene of an animated hunt with the celebrated dogs of Mr. Lewis, of New House, Glamorganshire. After a long search, the "dwrgi" was at length found—then came the tug of war. The chase was a close one, and lasted one hour and five minutes, during which, four desperate and fierce encounters took place. The varmint was at length killed in fair combat, and proved to be a dog otter weighing 22lbs. Among the pack, those named Cheater, Crony, Brusher, Piper, and Tuner, greatly distinguished themselves by their courage and bottom, all of them bearing severe marks of the teeth and punishing qualities of the otter. One of poor Tuner's ears was slit quite open. We must not omit to mention the bravery of a little terrier dog named Snap, belonging to Mr. Jones, of Pant-yr-eos. This good un several times tackled his formidable enemy, and nobly performed his part. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-17-at-06.55.52.png) Malpas Brook starts at Lambourne Way where it changes from the Bettws Brook and runs as far as the M4\. Also show on the map are Pant-yr-Eos Farm and the Castell-y-bwch pub mentioned in the artlcle. Billy Smith, the huntsman, who was mounted on his favourite little mare Lucy—was in a high state of glorification at the success of the hunt, and bore away the enemy of the finny tribe in triumph; and after the welkin had ceased ringing, from the shouts of the huntsman, and the accompanying chorus of the pack, the parry adjourned to Castell-y-Bwch, where, in high spirits, "thev fought their battles o'er again." It is supposed that the bitch otter and her whelps still remain on this stream—there are very sharp eyes on the look out for the spraints, and if found, we hops the same dogs will finish their useful work, of exterminating these destructive and voracious animals, which, in conjunction with the mal-practices of the vile poacher, are the chief cause of the scarcity of fish in out many beautiful streams. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th May, 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424821/3424824/25/malpas?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Railway in Newport' The following are the particulars of the arrangement made between the Corporation and the South Wales Railway Company, by which it will be seen that the borough has secured a new entrance from the Marshes-road, by the Canal side, into High-street, which will, we understand, give 15 feet headroom under the South Wales Railway; and a foot-bridge, from the passenger station, to Pentonville, and it is understood that the Company will complete such public works before opening their communication with the Pontypool Railway:— "The South Wales Railway, as already constructed, crosses a road or street in the town of Newport, called Thomas-street, on the level thereof and the railway by this act authorised, will also cross the same road or street on the level thereof, near to the point where the existing railway crosses the same, and the said intended railway is also intended to cross near the same point, and on the level thereof, a certain other road or street in Newport, called Mill-street and it is expedient that provision should be made by giving to the public, facilities for crossing the said existing and intended railways, and also for relieving the inconvenience which might result from such level crossings as aforesaid. And whereas the company have powers by this act to purchase, for the purposes of their undertaking, certain lands adjoining to the road which forms the communication between High-street and the Marshes-road, near Mill-street Bridge, in Newport aforesaid, be it enacted that the company shall, and are hereby required forthwith, upon the construction of the said intended railway, to erect, and for ever thereafter maintain across the said existing and the said intended railways, a good and substantial bridge, not less than eight feet wide, of timber, or such other materials as they might think fit, for the passage of foot passengers across such railways, from the road belonging to the company, and leading from High-street aforesaid to their station at Newport, to a street in Newport aforesaid called Pentonville; and shall at all times permit all persons to have free and uninterrupted passage over such bridge and the company shall also forthwith appropriate and set apart so much of the said property, which they are hereby authorised to purchase, adjoining the said road leading from High-street to the Marshes-road, near Newport Forge, as may be necessary for the convenient passage along the said road, between such points, of carriages, carts, and other vehicles and so as the width of the said road may be not less than 30 feet, and the lands so set apart for such purpose shall for ever thereafter be dedicated to the use of the public as a highway between the High-street and the Marshes-road aforesaid." — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 24th June, 1853*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395680/3395684?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-15-at-12.38.26.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 10th February, 1854](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395903?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Caution to the Public A sailor, respectably dressed, and named Andrew Banks, of Aberdeen, lately took lodgings at the house of Mr. Gwyer. Pillgwenlly, and after running up a thirteen week's score, daily, saying he was on the look out and awaiting a vessel, frequently making allusion to his excellent store of clothing, &c., decamped suddenly a morning or two since, leaving no trace by which to follow him. We understand that measures are being adopted to discover him. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 15th March, 1851*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395045/3395048?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Supply of Water to Small Tenements SIR,— You have frequently remarked on the evil consequences arising from the want of water in small tenements. Now, sir, this continues, notwithstanding that the Water Works Company are able to lay on pipes of capital water, at a very cheap rate. I would beg to suggest, that all landlords and landladies of small houses should lay on pipes for the supply of their tenants at one main cock, where there are four or five houses in one possession, and the amount — say 2d. per week — be added to the rental. This would be a good means for supplying the necessitous, and not a costly one, either to landlord or tenant; while that vast body of water, which lies almost at our doors, would thus be appropriated to its beneficial and legitimate purposes. I trust the good sense of landlords will take the hint, before compelled by the town-council, under the Health of Towns Act. I remain, Mr Editor, yours obediently HEALTH'S ADVOCATE Commercial-street, July 29th, 1850 — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd August, 1850*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394912/3394915/36/the%2BOR%2Bfirs%2BOR%2Bmalpas?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-16-at-08.32.47.png) [South Wales Weekly Argus, 23rd April, 1904](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1058635825/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Newport High School for Girls URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/newport-high-school-for-girls/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:33:26.000Z The Newport High School for Girls opened on 21st September 1880 on Stow Hill at an address of 3 Dorset Place. Dorset Place used to be located where the houses are across from the Red Lion and was part of Stow Hill as a whole. The street directory of 1897 has an entry for **'*Dorset Place, 68, Town-Smith, Miss, Newport High School for Girls'*** which is the middle property in the photo below. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-13-at-06.28.01.png) No 68 Stow Hill (aka Dorset Place) in the centre of the photo An advert for 1 Dorset Place in 1862 gives an indication of the size of the property the school was housed in. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-13-at-06.30.40.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 7th June 1862](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3443103/3443107?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Opening of the School ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-13-at-06.18.43.png) Ahead of the opening, The Monmouthshire Merlin published details of the 'referees' (supporters?) along with a list of the subjects being tought and the names of the lecturers. The referees featured very well known Newport citizens such Lord and Lady Tredegar, Samual Homfray, Crawshay Bailey, T. Cordes along with some people from Paris, Saxony and Bohemia. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-13-at-20.54.59.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-13-at-20.55.22.png) [The article](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406477/3406481/39/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) went onto describe the qualities of the new school. *This School supplies a sound High-class Education, on reasonable terms. The School system is specially adapted to meet and correct the defects pointed out in the Report of the Schools Inquiry Commission:—Want of thoroughness and foundation want of system slovenliness and showy superficiality; inattention to rudiments undue time given to accomplishments—and these not taught intelligently or in any scientific manner; want of organisation.* *All subjects are taught intelligently, and in a scientific manner, by Professors of high repute, and Certificated English and Foreign Governesses.* *Great endeavours are made to train the Pupils for the practical duties of life, and to fit them for their future career. Pupils are thoroughly prepared for the Oxford and Cambridge Local Examinations.* *Applications for Admission should be sent as early as possible to the Lady Principal, of whom also Prospectuses giving full particulars of terms, regulations, &c., may be obtained.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## First Annual Report Just over a year after opening, an Annual Report was published in 1881 by a 'Loftus T. Monro, M.A., Catab., Late Scholar of Queen's College, and one of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools'. Interestingly it lists every pupil, attendances and absences and examination marks. [An 1880 amendment to The Elementary Education Act 1870](https://branchcollective.org/?ps%5Farticles=florence-s-boos-the-education-act-of-1870-before-and-after&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#:~:text=An%201880%20amendment%20added%20a,as%20did%20many%20rural%20children.) added a mandatory attendance provision but exempted children who had reached Standard IV (about age ten) as well as older children who worked. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-13-at-08.08.01.png) Three pupils achieved what appears to be a perfect record of 400 attendances with no absences or late attendances. They all shared the surname Wrenford and their father was the Rev. J. Tinson Wrenford, Vicar of St. Paul's which was not far from the school. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/image-3.png) Source: [Newport Past](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/photos/php/photo%5Fpage.php?search=&search2=&pos=1559&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Also published were the full results of each examinations that the girls took. Florence, who was [possibly the youngest](https://www.geni.com/people/John-Wrenford/6000000119121951865?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) of the three Wrenford sisters scored the highest marks in the school excelling in English. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-13-at-08.08.18.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Examiner's Report Published at Christmas, the report covers a number of aspects including the building, the organisation and discipline and the methods of instruction. The full report is below. --- ### Buildings, Appliances, etc. I closely inspected the various buildings and class-rooms in respect of their adaptability for efficiently conducting the necessary work of a School and found everything in a highly satisfactory state, and not only thoroughly suited to the purpose, but also far in advance, in many respects, of what is usually found in similar institutions. I must especially note the superior construction of the Desks, Apparatus, and Fittings, embracing, as the latter do, the most modern improvements. ### Organisation, Discipline, Tone, etc. One of the points on which it affords me great pleasure to report is the high tone which exists, and the excellent understanding that obtains between the teacher and the taught. In confirmation of this I may mention the scrupulous neatness exercised by the pupils in the care of their desks and in the execution of their exercises, as well as their faultless conduct and honour during the examination. ### Methods of Instruction The methods of instruction upon which I have had the opportunity of forming an opinion seem to be based upon the most approved modern and philosophic systems, and are undoubtedly suited to the different ages of the pupils, to the development of the mind, to thorough grounding in the important elementary subjects, and not to a system of cramming, or to the establishment of a superficial smattering of showy accomplishments. It is necessary to observe that due importance is given to the study of Needlework and Domestic Economy, the latter of which includes Elementary Sanitary Science, and that there are opportunities of giving practical effect to this study. ### Subjects Examined The following are the subjects of instruction, with general results and remarks:- **Bible Knowledge** Here the best in Standard IV and III combined, are Mabel Cox, F. Wrenford, and J. Stevens, while in the lower standards Alice Cordey and Ada Monro stood bracketed first. The work of the first half of the pupils shews that the instruction has been thorough in this subject. **Latin** This is, as is well known a comparatively strange subject to Girls' Schools. The results, as might be expected, are not particularly advanced. Declensions of Nouns and Adjectives need attention. The best in Standard IV is F. Wrenford. In Standard III, F. Wilkins and Constance Cox are easily first. **French** As in the case of Latin, a little more practice in answering questions on paper, more frequent tests of work taught in the term, and the employment of elementary manuals would be advantageous Blanche Morgan and H. Wrenford are 1st and 2nd in the highest division, and in the next division, Constance and Mabel Cox; while in the lower stages Sibyl Lonsdale and Lily White stand at the head. **Arithmetic** This subject has been very carefully taught, and the Exercises were neatly performed. The latter of the two problems in the Fourth Standard was somewhat difficult, but some attempts might have been forthcoming. H. Wrenford and F. Wrenford are first. In the Third Standard, Blanche Morgan is *facile princeps*, six acquitting themselves well. The questions for Standard II were of necessity below the pupils placed in this class. The First Standard and one of the infants passed well. **English** I have nothing bnt unqualified praise for the History, Geography, Grammar, Domestic Economy, and especially for the Writing throughout. The Reading and Repetition of Standards II and I deserve commendation, and is very satisfactory in Standard IV F. Wrenford distinguished herself in all these subjects, particularly in Geography. In Standard III Mabel Cox and J. Stevens stand first; and Ada Monro and Alice Cordey in Standard II. **Harmony** Considerable efficiency was displayed in this subject. Florence Wrenford stands out well, with Allie Cox close behind. **General Inspection of Needlework, Drawing, Exercise Books** In addition to the above subjects, I inspected the Needlework. The samples exhibited gave evidence of snnd instruction on the part of the teacher, and care on that of the pupils. I understand that in future knitting on the German method, will be added to the curriculum. I am glad to be able to bear testimony to the thoroughness of the teaching in Drawing, as shown by the specimens exhibited in the pupils' books.. I cannot conclude without expressing my deep conviction that the work done, both by the Teachers and professors, reflects great credit upon them, and considering the short time the school has been open, the attainments, taken altogether, are decidedly in a sound state. Parents ought to be glad of the opportunity of such Education being placed within their reach. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-13-at-08.43.35.png) Prizes awarded to pupils in the first year of the school being open ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Second Annual Report In 1882 the Second Annual Report was [published in the Monmouthshire Merlin](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407089/3407092?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) and featured many of the same girls and the Wrenford's slacked a bit with all three girls having a few days absent, but no lateness. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-13-at-21.15.34.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-13-at-21.15.44.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-13-at-21.15.53.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 29th December, 1882](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407089/3407092?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) It didn't appear that the reports were published beyond the second year and the Monmouthshire Merlin ceased to be published in 1884. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-13-at-21.18.36.png) Awards that accompanied the Second Annual Report ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## About the Pupils As already mentioned, the three Wrenford pupils were the daughters of the well-known at the time Rev. J. Tinson Wrenford, Vicar of St. Paul's but can we find out any information about the other pupils. For the most part, if relying on newspaper articles, no, but there is some information out there. ### Alice Cordey [An article in the Monmouthshire Merlin](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407183/3407188/58/alice%2BOR%2Bcordey?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) in August 1883 about the new Wesleyan Chapel which opened on Stow Hill. A Miss Alice Cordey was mentioned as placing a memorial stone and a trustee who was present was Thomas Cordey which could be her father. If it was that Thomas Cordey he was a grocer who had shops on High Street and in Maindee and Abersychan. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-13-at-12.50.07.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 28th January, 1876](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441638/3441639/1/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) There are frequent references to him in police reports with people stealing from his shop, including his own employees. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-13-at-12.52.35.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-13-at-12.53.13.png) Monmoutshire Merlin, [20th July, 1870](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3439141/3439143/3/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) and [12th August, 1881](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3440780/3440785/60/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) He was also a supplier of groceries to the Newport Union Workhouse. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-13-at-12.54.48.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 29th September, 1882](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406972/3406980/77?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Ethel and Mabel Phillips A wedding took place in September 1882 at St Woollos where a Miss Amy Phillips, the eldest daughter of the brewer Thomas Phillips of Palmyra House was married. Bridesmaids in attendance included Miss Ethel Phillips and Miss Mabel Phillips. It's very likely that these two girls were related to Thomas Phillips and most likely his daughters. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-13-at-12.59.00.png) According to Brewery History, the Phillips brewery was founded in 1874 when Thomas Phillips, previously of the [Northampton Brewery Co. Ltd](https://breweryhistory.com/wiki/index.php/Northampton%5FBrewery%5FCo.%5FLtd?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), bought the Dock Road brewery of Thomas Floyde Lewis with 13 tied houses. The brewery was bought by the Simonds Brewery in 1954 and then [went into liquidation](https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/21f32972-efd0-4693-a377-551b67046b73?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/image-4.png) Source: Brewery History ### Ida Jones There is just a single mention of someone called Ida Jones who in March 1884 participated in the 'pianoforte solo "Martha" with much ability' at a performance held by the Bassalleg Amateur Dramatic Society. Interestingly, a Mr R.C. Cullum performed that night and I wonder if he was related to Georgie Cullum who was in the same class as Ida. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-13-at-13.09.29.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 21st March, 1884](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3407360/3407365/84/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Blanche Morgan, Maggie Wrenford, Ida Jones and Jessie Stevens A reference to Blanche Morgan appeared in July 1882 when she participated in a Trinity College, London Examination in Music getting a pass in the Junior Section. Jessie Stevens also got a pass and and interestingly, Maggie Wrenford (as Margaret E.D. Wrenford) was disqualified from getting an honours due to being over age. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-13-at-20.33.47.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 7th July, 1882](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3406864/3406869/43/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Volume 1, Number 22 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-21-2/ Last updated: 2025-05-24T06:28:00.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-01-at-08.28.14.png) [South Wales Argus, Friday 13th October, 1899](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143841100/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ## 'An Apology' TO HENRY PALMER, ESQ., CASTLETOWN *Near Newport, Monmouthshire* Sir, I Most readily express my regret at having arrested you for £400, when in fact it turns out there was no debt due by you to me and I hope you consider it a proof of the sincerity of my regret, that I sent to you an unconditional discharge, free of expense. If this occurrence has injured you in the estimation of your friends or neighbours, and you think this letter will, in any degree, counteract that injury, you are at liberty to use it as you please, and I trust it will be sufficiently satisfactory to induce you to forego any further proceedings against me. I am Sir, your most obedient Servant, S. YATES. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 18th June, 1836*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392226/3392228?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### A Modern Ballad Monger A sturdy fellow, of the "navvy" class, named George Kingdom, was charged with vagrancy, and an assault on George Chandler, beerhouse-keeper. Complainant showed that defendant came in his house, and begged; and then boasted of his vocal abilities. He was invited to sing; but made so hideous a noise, that he was offered a penny to go away; when he became abusive, and "wouldn't turn out for not no man." The landlord attempted the task of putting him out, when the "singer" took a square out of his coat, as the Clerk described it, on the latter garment being held up. The defendant now said that he was not begging: he was simply trying to exchange ballads for halfpennies. (Laughter) He was out of work, and tried his hand at ballad-mongering; but he scorned the imputation of being a beggar. Mr Evans said it was likely that any man desiring work, would be long without it now. The Mayor sent the ballad-man to prison for a month, as a vagabond. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 4th November, 1853*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395795/3395797?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Bringing "Grist to the Mill" Hannah Oswell, who seemed a shrew, was charged with being disorderly in the street. P.C. Grist stated that he saw the prisoner fighting, and desired her to go home. She would not; but became disorderly. He quietly remonstrated with her; but his patience was unavailing — it embolded her to be more violent. He was then taking her to the station, as a disorderly character, when she "let fly" at his face with her fist, and "pitched into" his "understandings" with her feet, so nimbly and with so much effect, that she brought "Grist to the *mill*" in quick time; and he thereupon got the better of her pugilistic attempt, and caged her. **Fined 10s., 9s. costs, or 21 days imprisonment.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 4th November, 1853*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395795/3395797?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Cock-Fighting Daniel Bird, John Rodney, Edward Morgan, and James Davies, all of Newport, were charged, on the complaint of Mr Peter Todd, of the New Town, Bane's Well, with encouraging two cocks to fight. One of the defendants appeared, and stated to the Bench that the case was settled. Mr Champ, who appeared for all the defendants, said he did not know that the "case" had been settled; but he would content it was no case at all. Rees Rees, constable, said that the case was not settled, so far as he was concerned; for he had not been paid. **Case dismissed, and the constable was desired to get 10s. costs from mr Todd, for having "set the law in motion."** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 4th November, 1853*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395795/3395797?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-01-at-08.39.58.png) [South Wales Argus, Thursday 26th October, 1899](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143469895/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Youthful Highwaymen Patrick Foley, *John* *Mahoney*, and William Dunn, three street boys, were charged with stealing 2s. and other coin, a purse, a skate, handkerchief, &c., from *John* Walter Wheeler, on the 30th January. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/DSCF4504.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/DSCF4506.jpg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/DSCF4508.jpg) Patrick Foley, John Mahoney and William Dunn (Source: [Newport Past](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/photos/uskgaol/search.php?search=+&search2=&Submit=Submit&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) & Gwent Archives) On Monday last Wheeler went to a pond by Rodney Wharf, to skate, and whilst putting on his skates was surrounded by the prisoners and other boys. One of them wanted money for tobacco, and when he replied that he had none to give, they threatened to have his money or his life; Mahoney snatched away one of his skates, Foley and Dunn then emptied his pockets, and after threatening to put him under the ice, in a hole which some of them had commenced, they all ran away, leaving their victim nearly frightened to death. **The boys all pleaded guilty, and were sentenced to three months' hard labour.** [— *Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 7th February, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403241/3403243/9/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Tygwinbach Lane, Newport' *To the Proprietors of the Level Lands occupied through Tygwinbach Lane, in the Parish of St. Woollos, near Newport.* GENTLEMEN,—I beg leave to call your attention to the disgraceful state of the road leading to the level lands occupied through Tygwinbach-lane, which have now become impassable by man or beast six months in the year. It is certainly very much to be lamented that a tract of fine land comprising between 6 and 800 acres should be left without the possibility of improvement through the badness of the roads, particularly when such an opportunity presents itself of procuring materials free of any expence (sic) at Pillgwenlly, from whence they may be conveyed by a temporary tram road across the fields to Tygwinbach, a distance of about 400 yards. There are ballast-jetties in convenient situations, and the materials may be discharged at once into trams for conveying away to the road. A line from Tygwinbach to the extreme ends of the road, being a distance of about 1 1/4 mile, may be made from 15 to 18 feet wide, at about 6s per yard (and perhaps much less) and which, when completed, will afford great profit and accommodation to both landlord and tenant, by enabling them to dispose of their produce at convenient seasons at Newport and Pillgwenlly. This communication would at once improve the property of the level full 20 per cent. and be in other respects of incalculable benefit. If a meeting of those interested were to take place, I have no doubt some immediate measures would be adopted for carrying my suggestions into effect, more especially as the winter is now fast approaching, and will throw out of employment a great number of poor labourers, to whom such an undertaking would supply the means of obtaining their livelihood until a more favourable season. Hoping that you will now open your eyes to the necessity of an improvement, recommended by policy, humanity, and self-interest, I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, A FRIEND TO THE POOR. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 17th December, 1831*](http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391224/3391227/26/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Works on the South Wales Railway An interesting piece from the Monmouthshire Merlin in 1846 describing the progress of the South Wales Railway through Newport. --- The rapid progress made in the incipient operations of this important undertaking excites so much interest throughout this district, that, as promised in our last, we furnish a Statement of Works, in addition to an account of proceedings in reference to the line, which will be found in other parts of this paper. Contract No. 1, Newport.— These works commence at Maindee, and terminate one mile below the Ebbw River. The bridge across the River Usk is to be of wood, and will be 65 feet above low water; it will be supported by a stone pier on each side of the river, 24 feet high. The line will run along to the level of the top of Thomas street, through the houses in Mill street and Pentonville, to the embankment over the **Dragon Field** and Six Acres; which embankment will be 15 feet high. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-07-at-08.22.14.png) The Dragon field which would have been bisected by the railway line. (Source: [Newport Past](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/maps/1794/index.php?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) A bridge is nearly completed for the accommodation of the landowners, under the embankment, the top of which will be composed of timber. The open cutting runs up to the flag staff above the pit, in the Hill Field, where the tunnel is to commence, at a depth from the surface, of 77 feet. The first pit is sunk to the depth of 65 feet; the second to that of 80 feet; which two are to be infilled up at the completion of the work. The two shafts, one on each side of the Bathing House, at the back of Bryn Hyfrid, have the engines erected, and are in rapid progress. The lower shaft is sunk 66 1/2 feet; to sink, 21 feet. The upper one is sunk 63 feet; to sink, 85 feet. The shaft in the Fir-tree Field is sunk 68 to sink, 90\. The one beyond the Fir Field is sunk 65 feet; to sink, 65\. These four last are to be permanent, and rails on the top. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-06-at-13.02.27.png) The tunnel terminates at the flag pole in Mr. Brewer's field, where the open cutting again commences, at a depth from the surface, of 66 1/2 feet, running along through the fields to near Waterloo Gate, where it passes under the turnpike and tram roads, at a depth of 17 feet; when the cutting terminates, and another embankment occurs, 15 feet high, crossing the Moors to Maes Glaes Wood, where an open cutting of 17 feet leads to Ebbw River, which it crosses at a height of 16 1/2 feet above the level of high water and is to be supported by piles, from which an embankment runs to the end of the contract. The total number of men engaged on this contract at present, is 400, with 40 to 50 horses. The pits and shafts are worked night and day, the tunnel running through a bed of rock the whole way. The habitations above the Union House already feel the effects of their operations, as the pits have drawn off all the water, in consequence of their great depth below all the wells. The baths attached to Bryn Hyfrid are rendered useless; and the famed spring *well* on the hill is, we regret to say, dry. It is to be hoped that the valuable spring of Bane's *Well* will not be affected by it, though it is much feared by the inhabitants of the neighbourhood. How unfortunate it is that the Newport and Pillgwenlly Water Works Company have been incorporated. They should begin operations without delay. The estimated time for the completion of the work here, is two years and for the line from here to Cardiff, three years. Messrs. Rennie and Co., the spirited contractors, are determined that no expense shall be spared to prosecute and complete the work in the above time. Sunday working is, we now understand, strictly prohibited, except in cases of great necessity, or to avoid danger. The railway will cross the Caerleon road just beyond the turnpike by a bridge, 20 feet above the road and the embankment runs along Maindee, as far as Bowler's house, and opposite to Mr. Wilmett's new house the cutting again commences. The provision trade of the town experiences a considerable impetus, by the good appetites of the 400 sturdy "navies". — [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 19th September, 1846](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425400/3425403/22/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-05-at-07.37.02.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 6th July, 1839](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392965?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Dr Vint's Hypnotic Entertainment Hypnotism and its wonders were revealed at the Temperance Hall, Newport, on Monday night, by Dr Vint, who then gave the first of four performances. This is not Dr Vint's first visit to Newport, and his practice of the wizardry of mesmerism was not less striking than on previous occasions. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-06-at-18.13.07.png) [South Wales Argus, Tuesday 28th April, 1896](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143957536/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) From the audience he gathered several male subjects, and by the exercise of his hypnotic power he placed them completely under control, and made them play the fantastic tricks. > There were certain features of his entertainment which were distinctly gruesome, such as the passing of a needle through the cheek, tongue and lips of three of the subjects. It is hard to believe that a man can eat tallow and swallow a mixture of paraffin, castor oil, cayenne pepper, and mustard, without suffering ill effects; but these things were done and the men seemed to be none the worse. These parts of the performance seem to be quite unnecessary, and they certainly are not amusing. The humourous portion of the entertainment was extremely good. The antics of the men who were assured that they were members of Parliament were too funny for description; and there were scores of other laughter-compelling incidents. Madame Vint also have a remarkable proof of her powers as a clairvoyant, and may people who had written questions about missing relatives and articles were given answers. Dr Vint's entertainment was a most striking one throughout. — [*South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday 2nd May, 1896*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143584141/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-07-at-08.36.37.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 23rd May, 1846](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425320/3425322?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay' At The Empire on 7th November, 1899, singer [Lottie Collins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lottie%5FCollins?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) performed. Billed as the 'celebrated light comedienne' she was most famous for introducing the song "[Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ta-ra-ra%5FBoom-de-ay?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)" to England. She started performing in music halls around 11 or 12 in 1877 with her sisters and continued to have a successful career touring the UK and America where she first heard Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay in 1891\. *While touring in vaudeville in the United States she heard the song "Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay!" After she sang it at the Tivoli Music Hall in London in November 1891, it became her signature piece. She would sing the first verse demurely and then launch into the chorus and an uninhibited and exhausting skirt dance with high kicks (especially on the word "BOOM") that exposed her stockings held up by sparkling garters, and bare thighs. She sang the song at performances of the Gaiety Theatre's burlesque Cinder Ellen up too Late beginning on 14 March 1892 and according to her obituary, at the height of the craze was performing it five times nightly at different venues in London. —* [*Wikipedia*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lottie%5FCollins?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) When she returned to America in 1892 to perform Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay, she received a bad review from the New York Times who described her as a 'mature woman'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-08-at-08.20.07.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/image---2025-05-08T082122.937.png) — [South Wales Argus, 7th November, 1899](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143469935?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) Also playing that night was Lt. Frank Travis, a ventriloquist. Born in Yorkshire he was most famous for appearing as a Chelsea Pensioner. [Arthur Lloyd has a very long piece](http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/FrankTravis/FrankTravis.htm?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) about the Travis who supposedly was the originator of being able to smoke and drink while talking in a ventriloquist scene. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/image-2.png) Source: [Arthur Lloyd](http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/FrankTravis/FrankTravis.htm?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-09-at-13.59.07.png) [South Wales Argus, Saturday 8th December, 1900](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143519051/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Volume 1, Number 21 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-21/ Last updated: 2025-05-10T05:43:57.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-06.26.23.png) [South Wales Argus, Monday 13th July, 1908](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143629851/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ## Unwelcome Visitors at Gaer Fach Farm Owing to the way in which gardens are being robbed, the police in the neighbourhood were instructed to keep a watchful eye on the fruit preserves. Early on Sunday morning four young fellows from Pill after a mushroom expedition ventured into the greenhouse of Mr C.D. Phillips, of Gaer Fach. Having made an atttack upon the grapes, they were about to leave the premises, but were suprised by P.C.'s Jones and Cook, who apprehended them. They were conveyed to the County Police Station, and after their names and addresses had been taken they were released. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-29-at-08.10.20.png) Gaer Fach Farm — [*South Wales Argus, Tuesday 30th July, 1895*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145582074/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Gaer Fach Farm Annual Sale ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-29-at-08.15.03.png) [Western Mail, Wednesday 17th April 1895](https://www.newspapers.com/image/394473807/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) Mr C.D. Phillips' annual sale at Gaer Fach Farm took place to-day in beautiful weather. There was a good attendance of farmers and others from various parts of Monmouthshire and further afield, and the auctioneer (Mr Thomas Parry) had little difficulty in disposing of the different lots, though for the most part prices ruled easy. Prior to the sale, Mr Phillips entertained the visitors to a capital luncheon. In the implement list, some good bargains were obtained by purchasers. These included several mills by Richmond and Chandler and other well-known makers, chaff-cutters, rollers and ploughs, &c., and the aggregate receipts from some thirty lots amounted to about £70\. A large number of iron hurdles realised from 23s 6d to £2 8s per bundle of ten. A four-wheel mail phaeton fetched £14; another sold at £10; a two-wheel pony trap went for £9 10s, a pony size luggage cart was secured for £9; a strong farm cart £6 10s; a dog cart realised £8' a light spring wagon £5 5s; and a strong crank-axle float £5\. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-29-at-08.25.40.png) [Western Mail, Tuesday 7th May, 1895](https://www.newspapers.com/image/394486621/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) Nineteen pens of sheep, bred by Mr Richard Stratton, were sold in lots of 10 ewes and (varying from) ten to fifteen lambs. These realised from 31s 6d to £2 14s per head per pen. A pure-bred Shropshire Down ram was sold for £2 11s; another went for £2 7s; and a Nanny goat, in kid, went for 10s. The cattle sold briskly. Two prime grey Hereford steers (2 years old) sold for £30; another couple fetched £27 10s. Twenty-one lots of Shorthorn steers, offered in couples, fetched from £20 to £30 per couple. A pure-bred Welsh cow sold for £10 5s; a three-year-old Jersey heifer £15 10s; another Jersey heifer was bought at £13 10s; and a couple of Alderney and Shorthorn cows realised from £10 to £12 each. The horses, as usual, excited keen bidding. > There were twenty-five lots, including some good, useful, attractive specimens of horseflesh. These fetched from £14 10s for ponies to £46 10s for good, useful cart mares. The sale throuhout was very successful, and the aggregate receipts were over £1,100. *—* [*South Wales Argus, Tuesday 23rd April, 1895*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145580815/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-29-at-08.27.39.png) [South Wales Argus, Friday 20th December, 1895](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1147736693/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Stealing a Ladder' William *Friend,* with no pretensions to that designation, in garb, speech, or appearance, was charged with stealing Benjamin Jones's ladder. Benjamin is a keeper of cows, and a vendor of milk. He has a small lot of land in the parish of Christchurch, which has the acquisition of a shed, under which, the ladder was kept. On a certain day, the ladder was wanted but was *non est*. Search was made for it, and after some time, the Friend was found "in possession." He refused to relinquish his claim to the property, and to-day justified his conduct, in saying "Jones looked at the ladder, and said *it wasn't not his'n*." Benjamin now grew mystified as to the time of day, the day of the week, or what week it was at all, and "confusion worse confounded" following, the clerk was unable to proceed. Still Benjamin laboured at the slough of obliviousness, but could neither extricate himself, nor make his dates coherent. It was "Benjamin's mess,: truly, *sans* the pottage. His son then stepped forward, to make all clear and succeeded in placing something like an intelligible view of the case before the Bench, which enabled the Rev. Mr. Pope to see that although the Friend had no business to take the ladder, it was not exactly a theft which had been committed; and therefore the magistrate dismissed the case for the present, but intimated to Mr. Friend that if a better case could be established against him, he would again be placed at the bar. William assured the Bench "*as how he was as hinnercent a unborned babby*, and he was serprised as how any feller could a-say as he warn't." —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 20th January, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395885/3395887?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### "Fancy" v. "Set" Bread Benjamin Hardie, baker, Pillgwenlly, was charged selling a 9d. loaf, short of weight. The defence was, the loaf was "fancy bread," made to defendant's order and that another loaf, of ordinary bread, was offered complainant, by weight, which was refused. The loaf produced, was made to order, and was "notched." It was never weighable, under the old act, being "crusted three sides round." — Mr. George Baker, rate-collector, said that l loaf in question was not "fancy" bread and he was both a Baker by name and by profession.—Thomas Smith, sworn: I asked defendant for a quartern loaf. He gave me the one produced, and I paid 9d. for it. I asked him to weigh it, two or three times. He would not, saying it was fancy bread. He offered to weigh another, but I would not have it. I weighed it afterwards, at Mr. Stockwell's who is inspector of weights and measures and it was five ounces short. Defendant: He said to me the I stated that the bakers ought to sell the quartern loaf at 8d. I could not think the Mayor would make such an observation; and certainly the complainant Smith ought to be reprimanded for saying so. Mr. Thomas, a baker of 14 years' experience, called for the complainant, said the loaf produced was fancy bread; but he informed the Mayor it might also be called household bread. The loaf with defendant was "set" bread, and required to be sold by weight. "Set" bread is weighable; but the other loaf, the "fancy," is not. A baker would not make his money out of the "fancy" bread, it being more crusty. Any one wishing a crusty loaf, must pay for it. The "fancy" bread though put in the oven the same weight as the "set" loaves, would come out a quarter of a pound shorter weight, because of so much crust. In handing the set loaf about the court, it fell to the ground: when Mr. Evans exclaimed that "it was a good omen — bread was falling." (Laughter.) —**After consideration of the case, the Mayor said the Bench had doubts whether the loaf was "fancy" bread or not, and time would be taken to ascertain the fact. Adjourned for a week.** —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 20th January, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395885/3395887?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'One of the Worst Houses of Ill-Fame' David Mellon was charged with stealing a cap, the property of John Crews. Sergeant Lloyd said he met the prosecutor in the street at night, who stated that his cap had been stolen from him in a brothel, because he would not "stand" a quart of beer. Sarah Wilder, in whose house the affair took place, was here put to the bar, charged with selling the beer in her house, without license. She said she had not sold the beer; but the men who were there, sent out for beer. The "cap" charge was here dismissed, and the woman stood charged with selling beer without a license. The late prisoner, Mellon, was put up as a witness against her. He said the money was given to the woman, who got a penny out of each quart, but he did not know where it was fetched from. This was after eleven o'clock; and the woman said she had procured beer before eleven, at the Cambrian beerhouse. The Mayor severely lectured the woman, as to the improper house she kept, and warned her to mend her ways, or she would get into trouble. Sergeant Lloyd said that although the I had three small children at home, she kept one of the worse I houses of ill-fame in the place. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 20th January, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395885/3395887?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-27-at-06.28.35.png) [South Wales Argus, Monday 13th July, 1908](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143629851/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## St. Woollos Church-yard **To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin,** Sir,—As a constant reader of your journal, I cannot but have witnessed your readiness at all times to give publicity to well-founded complaints of nuisances and other matters affecting the comfort and well-being of society and I am therefore induced to solicit a space in your columns for a complaint respecting what many residents in the neighbourhood consider an improper burial in St. Woollos's churchyard. On Monday afternoon last, my attention was directed to a newly-dug grave, close to the left entrance from the country-side into the churchyard, and very contiguous to the residences of many inhabitants. I found that the grave-digger had ended his task, and on examining the open grave, I found that it was only about three feet deep! so that when the coffin was placed in it, the corpse would be within eighteen or twenty inches of the paws of ravenous dogs. I enquired of the grave-digger the reason of this unseemly mode of interment, when I was edified by the announcement that "it was only a dried up old woman to be buried there, who was too aged to be offensive when putrid!" She had, the grave-digger further informed me, requested to be buried in this grave—*upon her family*. And so, regardless of the health and safety of the living, the wish of the dead was respected, and the old woman was just covered over with a few inches of earth in this heathenish style. For my own part, Mr. Editor, being a resident in the locality of the churchyard, I cannot think this mode of interment consistent, judicious, or healthy nor do I think the request of the dead should be so outrageously attended to, to the injury, perhaps, of the living. I have written the foregoing with no desire to reflect further than deserved, either on the functionaries of the church, or the friends of the deceased. I hope that if the body be not disinterred from the shallow pit—I cannot call it a grave—there will at least be some desire manifested by the authorities to prevent the recurrence of such an outrage on decency and propriety. Your obedient servant, A LOOKER-ON Monday evening, July 31 —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 5th August, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393993/3393995?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-28-at-13.09.40.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 5th August, 1843](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393993/3393995?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Farms For Sale [An advert in an 1816 edition of The Gloucester Journal](https://www.newspapers.com/image/792486661/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) listed a number of farms for sale as well as The Maindee house. Some still exist today, others are long gone. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-30-at-08.19.35.png) Here are the properties for sale as per the advert. --- To be LET, and entered upon at Candlemas next, as to the Lands, and on the 2nd of May next, as to the Houses:- The following ESTATES, in the county of Monmouth. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-01-at-08.05.04.png) ### The Maindee ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-30-at-08.18.59.png) The Maindee, consisting of a capital Mansion-House and Outbuildings, Hot-house, Green-house, Walled and other Gardens thereto belonging, and a Summer-house, situate on an eminence, commanding picturesque and extensive views of the Channel and surrounding country, with from 1 to 200 Acres of rich Arable, Meadow, and Pasture Land, or more if required, situate in the parish of Christchurch, and near to the Seaport and Market Town of newport. N.B. The new Turnpike-Road from the Passage *\[the Severn crossing\]* through South Wales is near the House, and the Mail and other Coaches will pass every day. They now pass only at a little distance from it. ### Summerton Farm ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-30-at-08.19.06.png) Summerton (sic) Farm, consisting of a Farm-house and Outhouses, and about 141 Acres of Arable, Meadow, and Pasture Land, situate in the parish of Christchurch aforesaid. ### Liswerry Farm Liswerry (sic) Farm, consisting of a Farm-house, with convenient Outhouses, and about 133 Acres of Arable, Meadow and Pasture Land, in the parish of Christchurch aforesaid. ### Eve's Well Farm ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-30-at-08.18.44.png) Eve's Well Farm, consisting of about 53 Acres of Meadow and Pasture Land of which may be added, 18 acres of excellent Meadow Land adjoining, if desired by the Tenant, with a good Farm-house, and convenient Outhouses on the Premises, situate in the parish of Christchurch, and about half a mile from Newport aforesaid. ### Fair Oak Farm ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-30-at-08.19.19.png) Fair Oak Farm, close to the town of Newport, consisting of a Farm-house and Outhouses, and 65 acres of very rich Meadow and Pasture Land, situate in the parish of Christchurch ### Pennyworled Farm Pennyworled Farm, situate in the parishes of Penhow and Lanvaches, being 8 miles from Chepstow, and the same distance from Newport, consisting of a Farm-house, with convenient Barns and Outhouses, and about 138 Acres of Arable, Meadow, and Pasture Land. N.B. These two last mentioned Farms adjoin, and may be conveniently Let together, and an excellent Lime-rock and Lime-kiln are on the Premises. ### Whitebrook Farm Whitebrook Farm, situate in the said parish of Lanvaches, having a good Farm-house, thereon, with excellent Outhouses and Barns, and containing, and containing 100 Acres of Arable, Meadow, and Pasture Land. N.B. The last two mentioned Farms adjoin, and may be conveniently Let together, and an excellent Lime-rock and Lime-kiln are on the Premises. ### Carro Hill Farm ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-01-at-15.39.34.png) Carro (sic) Hill Farm, in the parishes of St Brides and Magor; consisting of a Farm-house, Barn, and convenient Outhouses, with about 45 Acres of very rich Arable, and 12 Acres of excellent Meadow Land. ### Lantrissent Estate Lantrissent (sic) Estate situate in the parish of Lantrissent, containing 74 Acres of Arable, Meadow, and Pasture Land, very compact and conveniently situated, and having an excellent Farm-house, with Outhouses and Barns. ### A Small and Compact Farm in the Parish of Malpas A small and compact Farm, situate in the parish of Malpas, now in the occupation of Wm. Giles, consisting of a Farm-house and Barn, with about 42 Acres of Arable, Meadow, and Pasture Land. ### A Dwelling House and Smith's Shop A Dwelling-House and Smith's Shop, with about 12 Acres of Pasture Land situate in the parish of St Woollos near the town of Newport, now in the occupation of Watkin Davis. ### The Rock and Fountain Inn ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-30-at-08.23.01.png) The Rock and Fountain Inn, in the parish of Lanvaches, adjoining the Turnpike-road, 6 miles from the New Passage and from Newport and Chepstow, with 63 Acres of rich, Arable, Meadow and Pasture Land, all adjoining the house. N.B. The House is well accustomed, and has lately been put into good repair at very considerable expense. ### Forty-four Acres of Meadow Land Forty Acres of Meadow Land, in the parish of Whitson, 13 Acres of Meadow Land, in the parish of Magor, 10 Acres of Meadow Land , in the parish of Redwicke, and 18 Acres of Arable and Pasture Land, in the parish of Lanvaches aforesaid. — [*The Gloucester Journal, Monday 15th January, 1861*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/792486661/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-28-at-13.31.21.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 12th August, 1843](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393998/3394000?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/SeenAndHeard-b454b798f7ef1031.jpg) ### 'Bad Language' The Head Constable of Newport complains, and with good reason, that bad language is far too common in the streets. Anyone who has occasion to be in the side thoroughfares, especially during the evening, will admit the justice of the complains, many of the worst offenders being half-intoxicated women, who care nothing that young children are around them, hearing — and learning — their horrible language. Such as state of things is disgraceful to a civilised community, and if only the magistrates would inflict heavier fines than they do, the police might succeed in checking the abuse. *—* [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 7th October, 1899*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143841089/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### 'A Lost Dog' As a proof of the general opinion as to the efficacy of advertising in the *Argus* I may mention that the other day a gentleman entered the advertisement office, wrote out an advertisement for his lost dog, paid for it, and prepared to depart, feeling satisfied that he had done all that it was possible to do. And he opened the office door, the dog walked in. "Dromie" said it was a case of mental telepathy, the *Argus* advertisement manager said that the dog had come to advertise for his master. *—* [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 7th October, 1899*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143841089/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### 'Faster Rail Route to London' I am glad to see that the Great Western Railway have decided to open a new route, which will bring Newport easily within two hours and a half of London. The line, it is is stated, will be ready in 1901\. The short cut is from Wootton Bassett station beyond Swindon to Patchway. This will afford a direct line from London to Bath, Bristol and South Wales, the heavy Mox "bank" being avoided. The distance saved by this route will be about fifteen miles, Newport being brought within 130 miles of London. *—* [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 7th October, 1899*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143841089/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-29-at-18.09.50.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 4th February 1853](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395585/3395593/64/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Tree Guards on the Cardiff-Road At a council meeting... *Mr Mordey referred to the contract for Tree Guards on the Cardiff-Road and said every tree had been cut.* **Alderman Huzzey: This is so — it's a shame.** *Mr Mordey said it had been done by some evil-disposed men or boys, and he would like to know whether they could not do something in the matter.* The Borough surveyor said the trees were being watched night and day, and they expected the guards in the course of a week or so. *—* [*South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday 14th April, 1894*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144167962/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Iron Fencing Around Belle Vue Park' At a meeting of the parks committee... *Sub-committee recommended the appointment of Mr George Jones (permanent clerk of the works) as clerk of the works at the Park, and that notice be given to the present clerk. Mr Edward Whittey had been appointed superintendent of the Park, to occupy the Cardiff-road Lodge, at 30s per week.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-01-at-13.35.08.png) The Cardiff Road Lodge *Messrs. W.A. Baker and Co.'s tender for iron fencing in Belle Vue Lane had been accepted at 7s 9d per yard, including fixing, and that of Messrs. W. Edwards and Co. for garden tools at £35 4s 8d.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-01-at-13.38.50.png) Possibly the original iron fencing mentioned. *—* [*South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday 14th April, 1894*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144167962/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Volume 1, Number 20 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-20/ Last updated: 2025-05-03T07:01:14.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Renaming Marshes Road' An article in the South Wales Argus on [Wednesday 12th June, 1895](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145584030/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), provides a mention of the renaming of Marshes Road. *The previous decision of the committee with regard to the re-naming Marshes-road as Shaftebury-street was adhered to.* *Mr Brown moved the adoption of the report. — Replying to Dr. Davies, he said that the committee had had letters from owners of property in the neighbourhood of Marshes-road approving of the proposed alteration in the name of the street. — Dr. Davies proposed that the road should be named the Malpas-road. — Mr. Parfitt seconded, but the proposition was lost. — Mr Howell moved as an amendment that the name remain Marshes-road He described the proposed alteration as a fad, and ridiculous in the extreme. — Dr. Davies seconded but the amendment was lost, and the name therefore remains as Shaftesbury-street.* *—* [*South Wales Argus, Wednesday 12th June, 1895*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145584030/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-16-at-18.24.20.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 24th July, 1847](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394222/3394224?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Stealing Apples' Stephen Jones, a chubby-faced lad, apparently regardless of his being placed at the bar as an old offender, was charged with stealing a quantity of apples from the garden of Frederick Justice, Esq. The offence was proved by Joseph Harris: but as the prosecutor wished rather to deter others, than to punish the prisoner severely, **the Mayor sent him for hard labour, during three months, to the Usk House of Correction**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 2nd September, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394013?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'A Snub-Nosed, Thick-Lipped, White-Negro Sort of Girl' Mary Jane Blair, a snub-nosed, thick-lipped, white-negro sort of girl, who pretended to sob hysterically, and appear "like Niobe, all tears," was charged with being a drunken and disorderly female, of notorious reputation. Sergeant Huxtable heard her on the canal-side swearing, bullying, and blaspheming, at a "high-pressure" rate, on the night of Saturday last. She is a banished creature from Pontypool, having been sent from thence to Usk prison, for certain offences. Prisoner, in reply to the Bench, said, blubbering: I left Pontypool about six months ago, and am a native of Halifax, in Yorkshire, from which place I imported myself into Monmouthshire as a part of "military baggage." I had a month once at Usk for standing alongside the Pontymoile barracks, looking at the sogers, that's all; and the next time I sas sent there for six weeks. When the sogers leave here, I shall leave, and not afore. (Laughter.) Mayor: Well, then, I think, while the soldiers are here, we better keep you out of their company and therefore, **you must go to Usk House of Correction for six weeks, there and enjoy modest seclusion**. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 2nd September, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394013?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### '70 Householders Summoned' About seventy householders were summoned at the Town Hall this morning for the non-payment of the Newport Improvement and the Borough rates. The general excuse pleaded was poverty, through the depressed state of business and want of employment. **Orders for payment in a fortnight were, in a great majority of the cases, made by the Bench.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 9th September, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394018/3394021?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Arguing Over Red Apples' William Criddle, fruiterer, Newport, sued J Stewart and Co., Cardiff for £8 5s. 9d. for apples supplied. Mr. Lewis was for plaintiff, and Mr W.L. Moore for the defendants. Plaintiffs sold defendants a ton of apples for £13, but on receiving the apples defendants complained that therewas not an equal quantity of reds with the underleaves, and claimed an allowance of 3s per cwt., on fourteen barrels. This plaintiff refused to allow, and defendants returned 10 barrels, which plaintiff would not take in. The case turned upon the question whether plaintiff promised that half the quantity should be reds and half underleaves. Plaintiff and a witness asserted that the whole of the reds which defendant's representative saw were sent, and deined that they promised half and half. Mr Thomas, a partner in the defendant's firm, asserted that hald and half was distinctly stated. **His Honour decided in favour of the plaintiff and gave judgement for the amount claimed with costs.** —[*South Wales Argus, Thursday 21st April, 1898*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144192823/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-24-at-08.09.11.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 2nd September, 1843](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394013?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Lockhart's Elephants at The Empire ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-20-at-09.49.08.png) [South Wales Argus, Thursday 13th June, 1895](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145584191/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) At The Empire was the usual big list of entertainment including Lockhart's Elephants. Two brothers, Samuel and George Lockhart (real name Locker) and came from a circus family and both were elephant trainers. [According to a review published by the Argus](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145583961/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (subscription required), it was George Lockhart who was at the Empire along with his elephant "Boney" who had originally [come from Borneo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George%5FWilliam%5FLockhart?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). *One turn alone in the Empire programme this week is worth the money charged for admissions, viz., that of Lockhart's performing elephants. These give a truly marvellous performance, and exemplify in a remarkable degree what man's care and patience in training can do to animals. No more intelligent creatures have ever appeared on a local stage — they are responsive to every word and every gesture of their trainer; they act as if they know they are acting; in short, they do almost everything but speak.* *The number of tricks they perform is also remarkable. There are too many to enumerate, but chief amongst them may be mentioned that of standing on tubs on their heads, their fore legs, and their hind legs; turning round with one foot on a pedestal; waltzing, marching and forming an arch by standing on the hind legs for "Boney" to walk under. "Boney" is the small elephant and represents the clown. He is a precocious young rascal, and causes much fun, particularly where he seats himself at the table, and calls the waiter for dinner. He also plays a barrel organ, drum and cymbals, at the same time with much gusto, while in the concluding scene, where he pretends to be drunk, and an elephant, dressed to represent a policeman, comes in to arrest him, the fun is immense.* *The whole performance was very loudly applauded, and out advice to all Empire patrons is — don't miss it.* The elephants were very popular around the country and made multiple appearances at the Empire returning in 1897, 1903, 1907 and 1912. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/image-11.png) [Source](https://elephantaday.blogspot.com/2012/08/elephant-no-328-scumbling.html?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Also on the billing were the Six Brothers Luck, who "provided a good deal of uproarious mirth in their travestie (sic), 'The Demon of the Cellar', all the characters in which were capitally sustained'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/image-12.png) Source: [Footlight Notes](https://footlightnotes.wordpress.com/tag/the-six-brothers-luck/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Hassan Ali the Egyptian Giant Advertised for the week after Lockhart's Elephants was Hassan Ali the Egyptian Giant who was born in Cairo, Egypt in c1876 and by the age of 25, Ali was 8 feet and 2 inches tall (although other accounts say he may have been a few inches shorter). He travelled the world with the Barnum and Bailey Circus. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/image-9.png) [Source](https://www.lboro-history-heritage.org.uk/barnum-baileys-circus-visit-loughborough-1891/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-24-at-08.11.38.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 2nd September, 1843](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394013?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Pathway over the Newport Union House' We have heard that the dispute long existing respecting the pathway over the Newport Union House grounds, which was said to be thrown open through the intervention of our townsman, Mr Latch, will at length be satisfactorily terminated, the Guardians having purchased the right of Mr Lewis Edwards to enter upon the patheway over a hedge beyond the Union grounds, from a footpath laid down by the side of the highway from Bull Inn gateway to the foot of the intended hedge-stile. Thus every object the original mooters of this matter had in view, will, we should think, be satisfactorily met, affording the public an opportunity of enjoying a very pleasant ramble, and beautiful scenery, within a few minutes' walk of Newport. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-24-at-08.33.08-1.png) The Newport Union House is circled and the small building next to it (324a) is marked on the tithe map as a 'beerhouse' so wondering if that's the Bull Inn mentioned in the article. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 2nd September, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394013?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-16-at-18.25.07.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 24th July, 1847](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394222/3394224?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Disgraceful and Wanton Outrage On Wednesday night, or early on Thursday morning, some scoundrels, as yet undetected, perpetrated a series of depredations on the premises of some of the respectable inhabitants of this town. Clarence Place appears to have been first visited by the fellows, and it will be remembered that the windows of Dr. Gwillim's house, in the same place, were lately broken by some prowler of the same class, perhaps of the same party. On this occasion, a volley of stones were cast at Mr Birch's residence, by which the windows, to a considerable extent, were shattered, and some injury done to a neighbouring house. The ruffians then changed their amusement, and commenced a Cherokee war upon gardens. Mr. Sallows, Mr. Williams, of Tivoli, Mr. Hughes, of Kingshill, and the Rev. A. A. Isaacson, had proofs of wanton and brutal conduct in this way, by the cowardly gang fruit trees were torn up and destroyed, valuable shrubs broken, autumnal flowers plucked and scattered, fences injured, &.c. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-25-at-13.30.52.png) Tivoli and King's Hill houses mentioned in the article We have more than once alluded to the want of an adequate police force in this town, which we believe in that respect to be the worst protected in England. In making this observation, we do not intend, nor have we reason, to reflect upon the man now employed, and his aid, who are, we admit, very efficient in their way, but they cannot be expected to effect impossibilities, or to have the power of ubiquity. Monmouth, an inland town, with less than half the population of Newport, has a regular and well-organised police force, who protect persons and property by day and by night. Abergavenny and Chepstow have their well-appointed nightly police but Newport, the commercial capital, is left to the mercy of nocturnal depredators. Now, on the approach of winter, we think this subject would be well worthy the serious attention of our Town Council. We perceive that a reward is offered for the great unknown of Thursday morning. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 24th September, 1836*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392291/3392294/23/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-24-at-08.13.02.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 2nd September, 1843](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394013?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Renewal of Licenses URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/renewal-of-licenses/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:31:39.000Z Taken from the [Monmouthshire Merlin in 1843](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394018/3394021?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), a description of publicans renewing their licenses at the Newport Town Hall. --- ### Monday, Sept. 4\. *Before the Mayor, and Thomas Prothero, Thos. Hughes, Esqrs.* Here was a scene, worthy to be illustrated by the pencil of Hogarth! About forty-four worthy Bonifaces presented their "sevens and sixpences" for a renewal of license to "victual" the thirsty denizens of Newport with wines, spirits, ale, cider, and porter; and "bonny faces" they exhibited ! while there were not wanting the fat rubicond cheeks and mulberry-tipped nasal organs that so generally distinguish the high priests of Bacchus. Teetotalism had apparently sent no ravaging decay of business among these. There they were—a host of merry-hearted Falstaffs, putting to shame the cloud of Cold-stream Guards who sometimes "hold forth" in the same hall where Justice was cow "administering" the seven-and-sixpenny "pledge." It would be a curious scene, if each had brought with him the "subject matter" of his sign. Here were the royal representatives of our late Sailor King, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert. and the Iron Duke, standing forward cheerfully to I support the "Union," and rested familiarly upon the brawny Blacksmiths' Arms, Joiners' Arms, and Butchers' Arms while Neptunes nodded to Vulcans; Hares and Greyhounds were running around the Globe; Albion made Salutations with uplifted Crowns to Kings' Heads; the Rose and Thistle bended gracefully to the Royal Oak; Heath cocks, Blue Boars, White Lions and Black Lions, Old Bulls, St. Georges and Dragons, Lambs, Ploughs, and Anchors, and other "game," were heteregenously scampering from the portly Noah's Ark, and transmitting requests of leave to be off, through the Post Office to Mr Hopkins, the "receiver-general" of the blindfolded God. Owners of Shipwrecks were looking miserably upon Ships-a-Ground, and enviously on Ships-on Launch, while the puffing and blowing Steam Packet went "a head" of each; Royal Ann looked curiously up into the bushy Old Bush; Cross Keys jingled their good metal on the tintinnabulary Six Bells; and better music than all, Crowns rattled harmoniously down upon the table as the 'due and legal cost," with half crowns, shillings, and sixpences, even to the close of the chapter. The scene is over; the chief actors who played their parts on this stage, have one by one departed to begin another 'season" on their own stage and then, we may observe, for the satisfaction of the curious, those 'lesser stars," in the beer line, who had sought to obtain a more 'spirited' elevation, 'hid their diminished heads," when they were desired to shine on in their present orbits, for a brief while, albeit they might "shoot" up again on the twenty-fifth day of the present\* month; and then these "stars" went out. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 9th September, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394018/3394021?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Cam Bryan Road URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/cam-bryan-road/ Last updated: 2025-04-21T17:32:45.000Z I've always wondered whether Cambrian Road is pronounced 'cam-bree-an' like the mountains and the geological period or 'cam-bryan' like I've always called it? According to the 'Critic at the Council', a column in the South Wales Argus in 1894, who took it upon themselves to write a long poem, it was being called 'cam-bryan' shortly after, or since, it opened. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-21-at-17.34.54-1.png) — [*South Wales Argus, Wednesday 15th August, 1894*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143590178/?match=1&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### Fox Hunting in Ringland URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/fox-hunting-in-ringland/ Last updated: 2025-04-22T15:14:53.000Z Newport Harriers has a long history being found in 1896 and still going to this day. Whilst digging through the archives I came across an article from Boxing Day 1936 in which Newport Harriers (presumably the athletic club) were invited to participate in a fox hunt around Ringland and the Coldra. The event started at the [historic Langstone Court](https://www.langstone-court.org.uk/history.html?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) and after finding a fox at Flat Wood where the present day Holiday Inn is located wound it's way via Coldra Lodge (near Coldra House) across Chepstow Road and up to Ringland Top before being lost. No fox was found at Flat Wood nor Coldra Wood but at Priory Wood (location of the Celtic Manor golf course) another was found and pursued to New Wood (still on the golf course) but was lost. The full report is below. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) Newport Harriers had an excellent day's sport with a large field when they met by invitation on Boxing Day at Langstone Court, where they were hospitably entertained by Mr Baker. Hounds went into Flat Wood, where in a very short time a large number of foxes were on foot. Hounds gave some fine covert hunting with rare music. After a considerable time, a fox broke cover near the Coldra Lodge, making his way, hard pressed, for Christchurch and turning left-handed by The Bucklands, he swung down and across the main road away for Ringland Top, where, after a good bustle round, he went to ground and was left. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-21-at-14.12.37.png) The route they took — Flat Wood, Coldra, Ringland Top, Flat Wood, Priory Wood, New Wood Back at Flat Wood, hounds worked hard but found it bare. Next the Coldra Wood was tried, this also failed to hold a fox, but at Priory Wood, a stout fox was soon on the move, and after a good bustle broke cover for New Wood, where in the falling light hounds were called off. — [*South Wales Argus, Monday, 28th December 1936*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1147172398/?match=1&terms=%22Ringland%22&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Volume 1, Number 19 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-19/ Last updated: 2025-04-26T07:00:01.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-15-at-08.11.43.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 20th February, 1841](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393375?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Alarming Accident On Tuesday last Mr Williams of Tivoli Lodge, Newport, was going out in his gig, driven by his servant, on starting the horse dashed off at full speed down Stow Hill, through the town over the bridge on the Chepstow road, passing several carts and waggons. The smith who has been in the habit of shoeing the horse resides near the road, into whose shoeing house the horse ran: the off wheel of the gig coming into contact with the corner of the wall drove the horse against the opposite wall, broke the shaft, and Mr W. and his servante were thrown out with great violence, but fortunately received very little injury. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-17-at-08.22.18.png) Location of the Tivoli Lodge on Stow HIll — [*Monmouthshire Merling, Saturday 5th December, 1829*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3390747/3390748/3/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'The Dangerous State of the Stow Hill Pavement' SIR, — I beg leave to call your attention, as well as that of the public, to the very unseemly and also *dangerous* state of the pavement opposite the premises of Mrs Perrott, adjoining the Catholic Chapel, Stow Hill. The writer was informed by Mrs Perrott, that it had been in its present condition for more than two years — that she pays all taxes and is not aware of any cause of the pavement not being put in a safe state to walk upon, save that of her moving in too humble of sphere of life to arrest the attention of those whoe duty it is to attend to such matters. Your giving insertion of these few hints, Mr Editor, will much oblige. ONE OF THE PUBLIC Newport, 19th Sept. 1837 — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 23rd September, 1837*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392529/3392532/29/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-15-at-08.23.55.png) [South Wales Argus, Tuesday 2nd October, 1900](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143516955/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Lady Slavey ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/image-8.png) In May 1898, the popular operatta The Lady Slavey played at the Lyceum Theatre. The play, based on the story of Cinderalla, originally premiered in Northampton in 1893 and then played at the Royal Avenue Theatre in London in 1894\. It made its way to Broadway in New York in 1896. Wikipedia [has a lot of information](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The%5FLady%5FSlavey?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) about the operatta including the Acts and the songs. ℹ️ Slavey is slang for a household servant or a person that does menial work. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-18-at-17.47.13.png) [South Wales Argus, Friday 2th May, 1898](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144193270/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/SeenAndHeard-b454b798f7ef1031.jpg) ### 'The Fruit Between Gloucester and Newport' Cyclists who have this week ridden from Gloucester to Newport say that the country through which they passed contains tons of splendid fruit — especially plums — almost breaking down the tree with its weight, which seems likely to perish for want of a market. The people en route complain that it does not pay them to take the trouble to do the picking. And here is a town with a population approaching 80,000 always complaining of an insufficient and costly supply of fruit. Surely there is a way of bringing this valuable food supply into town at a price which would suit and satisfy both buyer and seller. — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 1st September, 1900*[ *(Subscription Required)*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143516026/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Is Newport a Littery Town? That is just what the questioner said, although I think he meant "literary". If he had said what he meant one would have hesitated before giving an affirmative answer, but if he meant what he said I reply YES, in capital letters. For proof, come to the street in which I live — to which the rate collector finds his way all too readily — and spend next Sunday morning in counting the pieces of paper, string, vegetable refuse, rags, boots, bottles, &c., to the square yard. To soothe any Sabbatarian prejudices which might otherwise be agitated I should like to say that not a few tracts may be collected and conned during the morning — that is, if an awakened scavenger doesn't hurry up and spoil the plans. — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 1st September, 1900*[ *(Subscription Required)*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143516026/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Newport Traffic On Friday morning a young man was drawing a heavily-laden truck along the tramway in Commercial Street, yet no policeman thought it his duty to order the culprit to take the proper side of the road. Truly, Newport traffic wants reorganising badly. I have complained of this sort of thing frequently. **In time Newport will learn how to conduct its traffic, I suppose.** — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 1st September, 1900*[ *(Subscription Required)*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143516026/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Newport Invaded! For a few minutes this morning this was verily so. The station doors opened and an avalanche of struggling men and women poured into High Street and on to the landing stage and thence to the Britannia, which in a short time was packed with a moving, holiday making pack of humanity. It was an outing arranged for Nettlefold's employees. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/image-5.png) The Paddle Steamer Britannia ([Source](https://www.kingswearcastle.org/musings/26th-september-1956-britannia/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 1st September, 1900*[ *(Subscription Required)*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143516026/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Dishonest Money Collectors' By the way, one does not want to hinder the children from being moved to philanthropic service, but street collection easily lends itself to abuse, and may tempt to wrong those who are innocent of all sense of dishonest intent. "If you please sire, will you give me a penny for Dr B.s Orphanage?" "Yes that I will." "But please, sir, don't put the penny in the box." "Why not?" "Oh, I want to spend it." "But what will you buy?" "Oh, anything that I like." This conversation passed between a foot passenger and a bonny, well-spoken fellow in Stow Park this week. — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 1st September, 1900*[ *(Subscription Required)*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143516026/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'The Furthest Distance Flown by a Young Pigeon to Newport' The capabilities of young pigeons have recently been tested, when a consignment of young birds, the property of Mr Hockey, of Newport, was forwarded to Newcastle-on-Tyne for liberation. The birds were detained through bad weather by Mr Cuthbertson, who kindly undertook to liberate. They were eventually released on the 29th August at 9.20am. The first to arrive at Newport, was a youngster, hatched May 14th, 1900, which returned at 6.16pm the same day, the others arriving later. This establishes a record for Newport and neighbourhood, as being the furthest distance flown by young birds to Newport in the day. — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 1st September, 1900*[ *(Subscription Required)*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143516026/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-15-at-08.26.18.png) [South Wales Argus, Wednesday 3rd October, 1900](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143516985/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Bathing Within The Borough **To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin** SIR,—Will you allow me a small space in your columns, just to call the attention of our town authorities to this intolerable nuisance, which is practised to an extent disgraceful to the active blue-cloth gentlemen in the mill-pond of this town. By clause 6 of the Newport Bye Laws, it is provided that. every person who shall bathe in any public situation, &c., shall be liable to a penalty of 40s. Now, are these laws made to be disobeyed? or are there no persons vested with the power of executing them? Surely, if what appears to be the intent of this clause were carried out the respectable inhabitants of the Marshes-road would not be subject to the daily indecent annoyance of seeing men exposing themselves "natus naturi", in open boats, directly facing to and sometimes within two or three yards of their dwelling houses. The Sabbath also appears to be a favourite day for this as well as boating, both of which might, with little difficulty—if proper means were adopted—be prevented. Your insertion of the above will oblige, Mr. Editor, Your obedient servant, A HOUSEHOLDER Marshes-road, Newport, July 12, 1847 — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 17th July, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394217/3394220/46/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Alias Cockatoo' Mary Ann Jones, alias Cockatoo, was charged with being a disorderly character, and having been duly cautioned, was dismissed. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 17th July, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394217/3394220/46/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### *'*Bets The Cripple and the Leicester Duchess' Elizabeth Jenkins, alias Bets the Cripple, and Mary Lester, alias the Leicester Duchess, were brought up again, charged with having brutally assaulted with an iron scraper the head of Thomas Jenkins. It appeared that the parties resided in Friars' Fields, and that this was a general quarrel, in which all parties deserved blame alike. The magistrates therefore dismissed the case. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 24th July, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394222/3394225?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### *'*Tom the Irish Consul' Thomas Welsh, a jaunty-looking Irishman, whose pig and horse-dealing transactions between his countrymen and the Newport folk have affixed to his name the sobriquet of Tom, "the Irish Consul," was charged with having been flourishing his shillelah in a state of drunkenness, during a paroxysm of which happy state, he had brought the aforesaid shillelah into sudden contact with the head-piece of poor Ned Miles. Miles, who is supposed to be the genuine "Miles's Boy," did not feel the milk of human kindness changed to gall in his bosom, and knowing that "To err is human—to forgive divine," he pitied the erring Consul, and declined to prosecute. The magistrate, therefore cautioned Tom against a repetition of his improper freaks, and discharged him from custody. "Now, thin, may ye live for iver, yer wertchip, cried Tom for it's yersilf is the raal gintleman, afther all." "Blarney, Tom, blarney go on." And the Consul, giving his best bow benchward, made his exit. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 24th July, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394222/3394225?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Lock Your Tills William Dewsbury, who gave a different name when taken into custody, was charged with stealing money from the shop till of Mr. Lewis, Stow Hill. The prisoner, as we stated last week, was seized at the moment of pocketing the money he had been observed to take from the till. He denied having taken any money, saying **he had been trying to get a biscuit**! but he afterwards gave up four shillings. **Mr. Dewsbury was ordered to be imprisoned two months, with hard labour**. It is surprising there should be such carelessness evinced by shopkeepers, in regard to their tills, as to leave both shop and till quite unprotected, thus offering an inducement to the hordes of thieves who prowl about, of which they are not slow to avail themselves. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 24th July, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394222/3394225?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'A Lazy, Hulking Fellow' Robert Williams, who looked a "lazy, hulking fellow," was charged with having been drunk and disorderly in High-street. The prisoner, it appears, pretends to be one of those mysterious fellows, a smuggler, who whisper to simple people in the street, telling them of a "splendid bargain—smuggled!" and wiling them into beershops, where they sometimes succeed in passing off some vile trashy article as first-rate contraband. It is supposed the prisoner had been thus engaged in a beerhouse, when he received from somebody a pummelling, which nearly blocked up his eyes, and made his face look like a large plum-pudding. In this guise he was discovered in High street, very disorderly, and was taken into custody by the police. **Fined 5s. and expenses.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 24th July, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394222/3394225?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing a Sack of Flour Job Taylor and Caroline Davies, the former the haulier of Messrs. Southan and Co., and the latter the keeper of the Fortune of War beerhouse, were charged with stealing a sack of flour, three dozen of brushes, and two bottles of wine. Mr. Woollett examined witnesses, from whose evidence it was shown, that Taylor was taking twenty-five sacks of flour to the stores of Mr. Lobbett in Llanarth-street, on Saturday week, and on the way up stopped at the prisoner Davies's beer- shop, and carried in there one of the sacks of flour. This being observed by Mr. Rudge, agent to Mr. Barret, flour-dealer, of Gloucester, who had sent the flour to this port, he enquired of Taylor why he was taking the flour in there. He said a man in Mr. Lobbett's employ told him to do it, but he didn't know the man's name. The flour was afterwards found in Davies's house, emptied into another sack, and partly used by her, as she acknowledged, and the prisoners were thereupon taken into custody. Some doubt appeared to exist in the mind of Mr. Latch, relative to the commitment of the female prisoner, as we understood; but the Mayor committed both prisoners to take their trial at the assizes. The charge respecting the brushes and wine was not proceeded with. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 17th July, 1847*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394217/3394220/46/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-16-at-18.26.07.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 24th July, 1847](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394222/3394224?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### For Sale: Numbers 1 and 3, Clarence Place URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/for-sale-numbers-1-and-3-clarence-place/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:32:15.000Z Two adverts appeared in the Monmouthshire Merlin a few months apart — the first in December, 1833 for the sale of No. 1, Clarence Place, the second in March, 1834 for the sale of No. 3 Clarence Place. Like previous posts on houses for sale (e.g. [Two Cottages near Chepstow Road](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/for-sale-two-cottages-near-the-royal-oak-pub/), [A Commodious Dwelling-House](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/for-sale-a-commodious-dwelling-house/)) it's interesting doing research on the properties to see what can be found. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/No1ClarencePlace.png) No. 1, Clarence Place is listed as being near Newport Bridge and the present day No. 1 is where the Riverside pub is located. Interestingly, the tithe map from the early 1840s only shows a single building with no mention of an owner and the land around it is listed as pasture. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-18-at-15.44.10-1.png) The building shown on the north side doesn't seem like a large property and it's unlikely to be both No. 1 and No. 3\. Being around 7+ years after the advert was placed the house may well have been demolished by then. A [street directory from 1848](https://www.newportpast.com/records/directories/kelly1848/search.php?data=Clarence&Submit=Submit&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) mentions properties in Clarence Place but doesn't list any numbers. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-18-at-14.27.04.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 28th December, 1833](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391412/3391414/5/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## About The Property The advert doesn't provide details about the property itself but does go into great detail about the furniture available which would give a good idea of the type and size of property. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-18-at-15.51.45.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 28th december, 1833](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391412/3391414/5/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Chimney Glass The National Trust has a couple of examples of what they're calling Chimney Glass (a mirror) from the 18th century so presume the one mentioned in the advert is similar. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/ChimneyGlass.jpeg) [National Trust](https://www.nationaltrustcollections.org.uk/object/1147033?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Piano Forte An example of a piano forte made by Stodart that is mentioned in the advert. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/pianoforte.webp) [Bonhams](https://www.bonhams.com/auction/23248/lot/117/a-george-iii-mahogany-cased-fortepiano-by-m-and-g-stodart-golden-square-london-1798/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Bagatelle Table An example of a bagatelle table mentioned in the advert. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-18-at-16.02.06.png) [Pushkins](https://www.pushkinantiques.com/curiosities-archive/p/antique-20thc-victorian-mahogany-bagatelle-table-c1900?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## About The Owner The owner of No. 1 was a Mr Anthony Williams who was moving due to 'declining business in Newport. Around about the same time there was a Mr Anthony Williams mentioned a few times in the Monmouthshire Merlin and is likely to be the same person. He is recorded in a couple of articles as being a merchant or provisions merchant also [appears at a Newport Reform Meeting](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391059/3391061/8/anthony%2BOR%2Bwilliams?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) in 1831\. [On the 1st May, 1830](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3390846/3390849/22/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), a Mr Anthony Williams is recorded as being involved in an armed robbery whilst travelling between Abergavenny and Newport. > *On Tuesday night, about half-past nine o'clock, as Mr. Anthony Williams, merchant, of Newport, was returning home from Abergavenny, in his gig, at a dark part of the road, about half a mile before he got to Caerleon, a man snapped a pistol at him, which fortunately missed fire. Mr. W. thinking at the moment it was a poacher, asked the man what he was doing there, to which he received no answer, but the fellow having again primed the pistol, attempted a second time to discharge it, which only flashed in the pan. Upon this Mr. W. having no fire-arms, whipped his horse and fortunately got away, for he had a large sum of money about him.* — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 1st October, 1830*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3390846/3390849/22/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/No3ClarencePlace.png) No. 3 Clarence Place is a little further alone from No. 1 in the approximate location of the present day 'Asian Food' shop which has an address of 3-5 Clarence Place. As mentioned above, the tithe map doesn't show any more than a single building on this side of Clarence Place so making an assumption that the numbering was the same in 1834 as it is today and at least the side of the road is correct. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-18-at-14.28.27.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 15th March, 1834](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391417/3391418/1/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## About The Property Much like the No. 1 advert, it goes into great detail about the furniture for sale but also gives an indication of the rooms. Interesting both houses had a Welsh harp! Rooms mentioned are a Drawing Room, Dining Room, Bedrooms, Landing, Passage and Stairs and a pantry. That doesn't sound grand but based on the furniture inventory and room to store a gig it must have been a fair sized property. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-18-at-16.09.57.png) ### Zebra Wood Card Table A zebra wood card table is mentioned which may well have looked like the image below. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/ZebraTable.jpg) [Royal Collection Trust](https://www.rct.uk/collection/354/games-table?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Gig The gig may have looked similar to the one below. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/gig.webp) ## About The Owner The owner of No. 3 was a Mr H.H. Downman (possibly Hugh H. Downman) who has a few mentions in the Monmouthshire Merlin as being a Public Accountant in Newport. [There is a mention of him getting married](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391194/3391197/15/Downman?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) at St Woollos Church on Saturday 29th October, 1831 and [in the sale of coal in 1830](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3390813/3390814/1/Downman?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) and [in bankruptcy proceedings in 1832](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391650/3391652/12/Downman?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). He also [placed an advert in April 1830](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3390838/3390839/5/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) for a 'genteel youth not younger than fifteen to assist in an office'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-18-at-15.38.56.png) Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 17th April 1830 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### For Sale: Two Cottages Near the Royal Oak Pub URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/for-sale-two-cottages-near-the-royal-oak-pub/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:32:22.000Z It's always interesting looking through old adverts and seeing if they can be related to present-day Newport and this advert below is one example of being able to successfully do just that. The advert [dates from 20th August 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393750/3393751/4/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) and is for two cottages which are located off Chepstow Road near the Royal Oak pub. The cottages have , '*neat and respectable elevations, and comprise the usual requisite rooms and offices well finished attached, to which there are prolific Gardens of large dimensions, and from their peculiar and delightful situation, and moderate distance from Newport, render them a pleasant retreat for the retired tradesman or family of moderate income'.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-17-at-15.05.37.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, 20th August, 1842](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393750/3393751/4/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The cottages are located just off Royal Oak Hill on a road which would have continued to the present day Christchurch Hill until it was bisected by the M4 motorway. Judging by the satellite view below, one of the cottages has lost it's 'prolific garden of large dimensions'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-17-at-15.13.32.png) The tithe map from 1840/1841 would have been made just before the advert and shows the two cottages just at the split where Royal Oak Hill bears to the right. The area was all countryside hence being sold as a 'pleasant retreat' away from Newport and without the Alway and Ringland disturbing the views its owners would have been able to see the Gwent Levels and beyond to the channel. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-17-at-15.19.26.png) I have spotted the cottages before and often when you see properties like the ones in the photo below you wonder about their history but often it's difficult to know where to look to find information so it's exciting when you see an advert related to them. The two owners at the time were a Captain Pearce and a Thomas Jenkins who were renting on an annual basis and the owner was a Mr Morris. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-17-at-15.12.25.png) The two cottages as they appear today. ### The 1836 'Hurricane' URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/the-1836-hurricane/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:32:29.000Z On the evening of Monday 28th and into Tuesday 29th November, a violent storm hit Newport, the rest of Monmouthshire and the Bristol Channel causing damage and some deaths. The Monmouthshire Merlin reported on the incident in their [3rd December edition](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392339/3392342/31/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) and mentions individual residents, damage to Tredegar House and the Castle Brewery. The full article is published below. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Hurricane. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-16-at-10.38.40.png) The common place observation that the oldest inhabitant does not remember such a visitation, may be very truly applied to the hurricane which we experienced on Tuesday morning. The weather, which had been for some days wet and dreary, became tempestuous on Monday night, when the rain fell in torrents for many hours, swelling the rivers and flooding the low lands. About eleven o'clock on Tuesday morning the wind suddenly rose to the wild fury of a tornado, threatening the most extensive calamities: uncertainty and apprehension prevailed, and in every quarter it was considered that a fearful catalogue of the destruction of property and the loss of life would succeed the hurricane. The streets were almost entirely deserted, as the showers of tiles, slates, bricks, &c., rendered it almost as dangerous to leave shelter as it was during the three days struggle in Paris. Occasionally a bewildered and hurrying stranger appeared abroad, but with eyes wandering in every direction for an asylum from the war of elements. But the rage of the storm soon subsided, and providentially its effects were far less disastrous than were naturally apprehended; to particularise, however, the circumstances of injury to property in various parts of this and the adjoining counties, that have been communicated to our office, would require space far beyond our limits, and indeed, in a host of cases, would be a mere enumeration of losses of the same class. Various accounts have reached us of the ravages of the storm in our immediate neighbourhood. > Tredegar House has been partially unroofed, and we regret also to learn that many of the noble trees in Tredegar Park have been broken or uprooted. The chimneys of the fine house occupied by Mr. Cordes, near this town, fell in, carrying the roof and glass dome and the whole mass penetrated to the lowest floor, doing considerable damage to the furniture. &c., in its progress we are glad to hear that no personal injury was sustained. ℹ️ Mr Cordes founded the [Dos Nail Works](https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/J.%5FJ.%5FCordes%5Fand%5FCo?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) and did live in Brynglas House in the early 1840s so the house referenced **may* have been that one. The roof of Mrs. Williams's house, on Stow Hill, was forced in, and a part of the ruins falling on *Mrs. W....he* was mangled in a deplorable manner: Mr. Brewer, surgeon, was fortunately at hand, and did all that skill and humanity could dictate, but the sufferer is still in a precarious state. > A poor woman, with an infant in her arms, was blown into the Canal—the mother was extricated, but the child found a watery grave. One of the stacks of chimneys of the Castle Brewery was blown down. The chimneys of Mr. Dowling's residence, *Clarence*\-*place*, fell on the roof, a great portion of which was forced in. The inhabitants of the White Lion, Mill-street, had a narrow escape the roof gave way, forcing the floors in succession to the bottom, the fall of the roof barely giving time for escape to the inmates. A stack of chimneys, in its fall, did much injury to the house of Mr. Sallows, Stow Hill. The premises of Mr. Clements, the respectable chemist and druggist, were injured to a considerable extent, by the fall of a large stack of chimneys. In fact, the injury to houses was so general, that the current question was, not, have you been a sufferer, but, have you escaped. ## Shipping The casualties at sea have been widely spread and melancholy — the Shipping Gazette, (a faithful herald of nautical affairs,) in the last two numbers, presents a frightful recital of calamities. In our port and the Bristol Channel, we have had accounts of some fatal occurrences. A collier, bound for Newport, foundered, and the crew perished. The Catherine, of Bleaden, — Smart, master and owner, with coal and hay on board, was burned to a total wreck, in consequence of the fire from the cabin grate being thrown out by the heaving of the vessel: the poor captain really deserves public commiseration. — Capt. Lewis was one of the most respected, and perhaps one of the most zealous captains of the Bristol port —commanded the fine ship Cosmo: she arrived at home ("sweet home," as poor Lewis thought) on Monday last; on Tuesday he delivered his papers to the merchants, his employers, who highly and deservedly respected him after the discharge of his duty, the fine manly fellow, who by his energy and British feeling was led to think that whilst danger was on the deep he should not be absent from his home — his ship, left Pill accompanied by two boatmen, named Locke and Bayley, to board the stately Cosmo but, unfortunately, at the river's mouth, an overwhelming gust, against which the captain's and the men's skill was but as a straw, upset the boat, and the three were drowned Lewis's fate is to be deplored he was lost almost within sight of his majestic vessel. ## Beyond Newport At Llanover, the drawing windows of Mrs. Waddington were blown in with much violence, the glass wounding two persons in the drawing-room. In Llanover Park thirty of the finest trees were levelled with the earth, and much injury otherwise done, in about half an hour; and the neighbouring farm-houses have suffered to a great extent. At Bristol the damage was very general. In London the storm has done immense injury, and in the suburbs the casualties are almost innumerable Kensington Gardens are said to be almost a wreck. A correspondent at Pontypool writes:— During the tremendous hurricane of Tuesday last (unparalleled in this neighbourhood for many years, great damage was done to the roofs of houses in the town trees were stripped of their branches, and much damage done in every direction. The slating of the roof of the casting house of the Varteg Iron Company was blown into the air, descending with fearful violence and great peril to those in its vicinity. Serious apprehensions were entertained for the safety of a commercial gentleman from Newport, who had taken a vehicle from this town to transact some business on the hills: he was present when the accident befell the casting-house, some portion of the ruins of which struck his horse, and prostrated it, his vehicle being overturned at the same time. The gentleman, I am happy to add, eventually escaped without injury. Monmouth — In consequence of the excessive rains which fell the latter part of last and the beginning of this week, the rivers Wye and Monnow overflowed their banks, and completely inundated their immediate vicinities, in and around Monmouth. Chippenham Mead was covered with an extensive sheet of water, as well as the meadows on the same and the opposite side of the river: the swelling element also forced its way into the Over Monnow, Hadnock, and Dixton roads, rendering the latter totally impassible, the greater part of the week to foot passengers, and exceedingly dangerous to travellers on horseback or in vehicles, the depth being from four to five feet. We are not aware of any acci-dent occurring "by flood or field," but several very narrow escapes were experienced, and amongst them one by the London mail on its way to Gloucester, on Wednesday, in consequence of the horses nearing a sort of ditch which lies under the hedge on one side of the Dixton road. One unlucky traveller, when about mid-way in his watery path (his horse becoming restive) was obliged to dismount, and, bridle in hand, stem the torrent, the remaining portion of the distance. In another instance a worthy old gentleman and his loving spouse (travelling in a gig) must have met the chilly embrace of a November flood, but for the timely assistance of friendly succour. — On Thursday the new road, although excessively rough and miry, was temporarily opened for public convenience, and the coaches, assisted by extra horses, were thus enabled to make their way to the town.—Boats were plying on Thursday on the road leading to May-hill, or that region would have been inaccessible. The brig Experiment of Exeter, bound to Newport for coals, is on shore at Breaksea Point, near Aberthaw it is to be feared she will be a complete wreck. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 3rd December, 1836*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392339/3392342/31/clarence%2BOR%2BPlace?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Crimes in the 15th Century URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/crimes-in-the-15th-century/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:33:34.000Z ℹ️ In the 15th century the county (or lordship) of Wentloog, the lordship of Machen and the borough of Newport were covered by the term ‘the lordship of Newport’. This article covers those three areas. ## The Great Sessions at Newport in 1476 There were three surviving assize rolls for the Duke of Buckingham’s Welsh lordships, and according to the book The Marcher Lordships of South Wales 1415-1536 (published 1963), this one is the most interesting. The following text is taken from the book mentioned above. --- ## Preparing for the Great Sessions The preparations for the holding of the Great Sessions which the sheriff was ordered to make in 1476 were the same as those of 1432, but with additional instructions to seize into the duke's hand all liberties and franchises. The assize roll of 1476, describes the procedure at the of thing of the Great Sessions, which is not recorded in the assize roll of 1432\. First, the sheriff and coroners made return before the justices of the names of all officers and ministers in the lordships, and those of all free tenants and suitors, both English and Welsh. Next, all were summoned to appear and the officials were relieved of their offices by the justices. Proclamation was made inviting complaints of misconduct or extortion against the officers and ministers, and none were forth-coming. Since no charges were made against the duke's officials, they were all promptly reinstated by the justices. Jurors were then empanelled to make inquest concerning the articles specified in the duke's commission appointing the itinerant justices and the jurors were to make their return two days later on Wednesday, 29 May. Several proclamations made by the justices took up the rest of the proceedings on the first day of the sessions. All suitors were instructed to obtain their writs or bills, and all other courts in the lordships were suspended during the Great Sessions. Tenants claiming to hold liberties and franchises in the lordships were to come before the justices to make their claim, and meanwhile their liberties and franchises were to remain in the lord's hands. > No one was to come to Newport wearing arms while the Great Sessions were being held, except members of the duke's retinue and that of the justices, besides the officers who had the duty of keeping the peace. > > Victuals were to be sold at a reasonable price, for the sustenance of the persons attending the sessions. > > Finally, no person convicted of conspiracy was to approach within seven miles of Newport while the sessions were being held. Exception was made in favour of such persons only if they were involved in litigation at the sessions and they were to enter the town after sunrise and leave again before nightfall, under pain of imprisonment. Geographically, the lordship of Newport constituted two separate regions; the lowland area of the county of Wentlog and the borough of Newport, and the mountainous country of the lordship of Machen. In the indictments presented at the Great Sessions, offences committed in Wentloog and the borough of Newport were taken first and those relating to Machen were heard later. All these felonies and misdemean-ours in the lordship of Newport had been committed 'contra pacem regis'. Although the duke of Buckingham, as marcher lord of Newport, had regal rights of jurisdiction, sovereignty in the Welsh marches belonged to the king of England. This assize roll of 1476 makes clear that is was the *king's peace* (and not that of the marcher lord) which had been broken. ## Crime in the County of Wentloog The hearing of pleas began on the second day of the sessions, Tuesday, 28 May, and all presentments on that day were made by the coroner of Wentloog, Morgan ap David ap Gwilym. Probably offenders in custody who were available for trial were dealt with first. Five men faced charges of robbery and theft (two of them were accused of two counts), and all were acquitted by a jury. Most of these cases were concerned with recent offences and all with crime committed within the previous year. Morgan ap Richard Lydur \[*lleidr means thief or robber*\], vagabond of St Woollos’ parish, Newport, was charged with assaulting John Nayler, of the Forest of Dean, near Rumney bridge, on 10 February, 1476, and with robbery with violence, and also with stealing a bow worth two shillings, belonging to Thomas Menoik, at St Bride’s Wentloog, on 3 November, 1475\. John ap Jenkins ap David, of St Mellons, was charged with robbing Robert Pedeler at St Bride’s Wentloog, on 3 November, 1475\. The other offences were said to have been committed in Newport. William Dany, cordwainer, was accused of stealing a horse from Thomas Golding and of the theft of goods valued at £10, belonging to Richard ap David Vaughan at Newport, on 23 June (the year is not given in the indictment). Although all five men were acquitted, the justices committed Thomas ap Griffith ap Grono ap Gwilym to prison in Newport Castle, and on the second charge against him had evidently been wrongly framed. On Saturday, 1 June, the sixth day of the sessions, he was one of the three men whom the coroner of Wentloog charged with stealing the same goods from Richard ap David Vaughan, on 23 June, 1470, at Llynfnydd in the lordship of Caerleon. The prisoner confessed his guilt and put himself in the duke’s mercy. He was remanded in prison, as the justices wished to be advised before giving judgement. Neither of the other two men accused with Thomas ap Griffith ap Grono ap Gwilym appeared to answer the charge and there is no record of their outlawry during the sessions. Possibly the rest of the acquittals on Tuesday, 28 May, were justified. John ap Jenkin ap David appears to have been wrongly accused of robbing Robert Pedeler, because on the following day th same charge was brought Against Llewelyn ap Griffith ap Howell and five other men, who were also accused of stealing cattle belonging to four men at Bassaleg and St Bride’s, Wentloog. None of the accused appeared on Wednesday, 29 May, or on subsequent days and all six were outlawed on Tuesday, 4 June. Three other men were indicted by the coroner of Wentloog on the second day of the sessions. William ap David Kemeys, bastard, of Michaelston-y-Vedw, in Wentloog, was charged with rescuing John ap Jenkin ap David, on 6 May, 1476, from the lord’s bailiff, who had him under arrest. He was committed to prison, but not brought to trial during the sessions. Two yeomen of Rumney, Morgan ap David ap Ieuan ap Llewelyn ap Howell and John ap David Vaughan, were both charged with taking 100 shillings by usury from John Jack Adam and others of the lord’s serfs in 1476, and the previous year. Both were acquitted, but on Thursday, 30 May, John ap David Vaughn faced two similar charges and was convicted on one of them. It did not take long to dispose of the more serious charge of crime presented on the third day of the sessions, as none of the persons accused appeared and all were eventually outlawed. On the morning of Wednesday 29th May, the jurors who had been empanelled on the first day of the sessions made their return of offences committed in the lordship of Wentloog since the duke had seisin four years earlier. No charges of murder were brought and rape was the chief crime of violence in these indictments. There were three charges of rape. William Taillour was accused of raping Katherine Wyllym in St Woollos' parish, Newport, on 13 August, 1475\. Duye Towker, yeoman, of Rumney, was charged with the rape of Alice, wife of Richard Hik, at Newton in the parish of Rumney, in January, 1474, and with the rape of Joan Geffrey, wife of Richard Hik, at Rumney on 12 June, 1473 (and also with robbing her of ten shillings in cash and goods worth twenty shillings). Were these women successive wives of the same Richard Hik? There were also two charges of abduction, involving housebreaking and robbery as well. According to the indictments, Saunder Breuer had been carried off from his house at Peterston-Wentloog on 16 August, 1472, and John ap Thomas ap Ieuan ap Adam had been abducted from his house at Marshfield on 12 November, 1472\. There were three cases of cattle-stealing (two at Newport in June, 1472 and August, 1475 and one at Coedkernew in August, 1475) and animals valued at £7 were alleged to have been stolen. Two cases of housebreaking and robbery are of particular interest. Goods worth £5 were said to have been stolen from William Kemey's house at Mendalgyf, near Newport, on 16 June, 1473, and those indicted for robbing the house of David ap Ieuan ap David Bach, in the parish of Michaelston-y-Vedw, on 12 February, 1476, included men from neighbouring lodships. The accused were William Gough, gentleman, of Cibwr in the county of Cardiff, John Arther, of Netherwent in the lordship of Caerleon, and four yeomen late of the lordship of Machen. Lastly, two yeomen of St Woollos parish, Newport, Edward ap Philip ap Vaughan and his brother William, three men of Risca and yeoman of Rumney, Lewis ap Gwilyn ap Ieuan ap Vaughan, > ...were indicted on a charge of being 'common night-watchers and waylayers by night and by day.' Altogether, twenty-three persons were outlawed for failing to appear to answer these charges. The sheriff was ordered to arrest them, and three times he returned that the could not be found. According to the custom of the lordship, the persons accused were summoned five times to appear at the sessions, and this procedure took four days. After they had been duly summoned five times and not appeared, sentence of outlawry was pronounced on the eighth day of the sessions, Tuesday, 4 June. The busiest day of the sessions was Wednesday 29 May, and for the rest of that week the justices seem to have had little do. Apart from an action for debt brought by Morgan ap David, the only case heard on Thursday 30 May, was the trial of John ap David Vaughan, who was accused of being a common usurer. The indictment fortunately gives the details of the transactions alleged against him. The first charge was that, in return for a loan of ten shillings made to Morgan ap Ieuan ap Vaughan for a term of two years, John ap David Vaughan had taken twelve acres of land in Rumney, worth twelve shillings a year (and that he admitted that this was true for the first year of the loan). The defendant was also accused of taking ten shillings interest on a loan of sixteen shillings and eight pence for two years made to John ap Jenkin ap Jack Gybbe. He was acquitted of the second charge, but found guilty on the first count, and committed to prison. No sentence was pronounced by the justices, probably because all these offences were soon to be pardoned by redeeming the sessions. ## Crime in the Lordship of Machen The jurors of the lordship of Machen made their return on Wednesday, 29 May, after the presentment of felonies committed in the county of Wentloog had been finished. In the uplands of Machen, cattle-stealing was rife, but there were no charges of serious crimes of violence committed in the lordship. There is no indication that cattle-raiding or sheep-stealing in neighbouring lordships was common, but a few of these indictments on the third day of the sessions concerned misdeeds perpetrated outside the lordship of Machen. Llywelyn Duy, vagabond, of Mynyddislwyn, was accused of abducting leuan ap David ap Grithth ap Ichell from Penarth, in the lordship of Glamorgan, on 7 June, 1472, and with keeping him prisoner at Merthyr until he paid a fine to secure his release. Meurig Benilwyd and Richard ap Jenkin ap leuan Melyn, yeomen, were accused of stealing five cows at Rudry, in the lordship of Senghenydd, on 20 April, 1476. All the other offences presented on the third day of the sessions were charges of stealing cattle and livestock, or robbery. In the lordship of Machen, the indictments took account of felonies committed before the duke had seisin of his lands in 1472\. There were five such charges and one accusation was ten years old; leuan ap Llywelyn ap lorwerth, vagabond, of Bedwellty, was accused of stealing four oxen at Mynydd Main on 1 August, 1466\. There were twenty-two cases of stealing cattle, horses and other livestock; 39 cows, 321 sheep, 6 oxen, 4 calves, 5 horses and 5 pigs (valued in all at £21 12s. 8d.) were said to have stolen. Ten sheep, stolen at Mamhilad on 1o March, 1476, had belonged to a tenant of the duke of Gloucester, presumably from the lordship of Glamorgan. None of the eight cases of robbery is of much interest and the articles stolen in the lordship of Machen were of small value; the whole lot were valued at less than forty shillings. Ieuan Hire, vagabond, of Mynyddislwyn, was accused of stealing six sides of pork, worth ten shillings, at 'Hobodawell' on 22 July, 1468, as well as five pigs at Glyn Ebwy on 1o December, 1468. Only one of the charges of theft and robbery involved housebreaking also. Dio Duy, vagabond, was accused of burgling Dio Bongam's house at Bedwas on I2 January, 1475, and stealing a gown worth two shillings. Altogether forty persons were indicted. Five were described as veomen, tour as husbandmen, one as a labourer and twenty-eight as vagabonds. The social status of Philip ap leuan Vaughan ap leuan Bach of Panteg is not indicated, and there was only one woman among the criminals; Duevilla, wife of Llywelyn ap Gwilym of Mynyddislwyn, was accused of stealing clothing worth two shillings on 6 April, 1476\. Most, but not all, of the accused were residents of the lordship of Machen; Ieuan ap Richard Lloyd and Howell Bregh, yeomen, of the lordship of Caerleon, were accused of stealing two calves at Mynydd Main on Easter Tuesday, 1476\. If Machen had too many vagabonds, some had come in from outside the lordship. Ieuan ap Gwilym ap Rosser, accused of stealing thirty sheep at Bedwas on 23 March, 1468, belonged to Senghenydd, in the lordship of Glamorgan. David ap leuan ap Gwilym Gethyn, charged with stealing a horse at 'Meneth' (probably Mynydd Main), came from Aberdare, and Richard ap Rosser ap Llywelyn ap leuan ap Philip, late of Llanfrynach in the lordship of Brecon, was said to have stolen a cloak at Henllys on 6 May, 1476\. Again, none of the accused appeared and all were outlawed on Tuesday, 4 June, after the usual process. There were three other cases of felony in which most of the accused did appear and were acquitted. The jurors of Machen brought an indictment on Friday, 31 May, against Thomas Bulles, gentleman, Maurice ap Gwilym Thomas, yeoman (both late of Wentesland), and leuan Vaughan ap Ieuan ap Howell, late of Risca. These men were accused, along with many other wrongdoers and disturbers of the king's peace, of abducting Ralph Coys, the king's bailiff of Netherwent, from the lordship of Magor on 2 January, 1476, robbing him of money belonging to the king as well as his own) and keeping him prisoner at Newport. Thomas Bulles and Ieuan Vaughan ap Ieuan ap Howell were acquitted and process in the shire court was ordered against Maurice ap Gwilym Thomas, who did not appear at the sessions. Another indictment on the same day was also unsuccessful; David ap leuan ap Meurig Vaughan, yeoman, late of the lordship of Abergavenny, appeared and was acquitted of a charge of stealing five cows at Blaen-gawrni on 4 September, 1469\. The last presentment of felony was made on Saturday, I June. David ap Howell ap Ieuan, yeoman, of Bedwellty, was accused of stealing a mare at Penllwyn on 3 July, I474, and this case, which had not been tried when the sessions were dissolved, was left for prosecution in the shire court of the lordship. ### Volume 1, Number 18 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-18/ Last updated: 2025-04-19T06:14:53.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## "Empire" Puzzle Pictures In the summer of 1905, the Empire theatre introduced a new puzzle called "Empire" Puzzle Picture with a prize of £5\. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-10-at-13.23.23.png) [South Wales Argus, Thursday 15th June, 1905](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143760040/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) > Every Visitor has an Equal Chance. Hidden in a picture is a local address where the money is waiting for the first claimant presenting a treasure ticket to prove actual attendance at the Theatre at the Performance when the Picture was last shown. The advert appeared throughout June and July (possibly starting on 12th June) and was also held at the Empire in Cardiff and Swansea. By the middle of July it doesn't appear that they ran the competition again. Early adverts showed the results on a daily basis but was then changed to give the results at the first performance on a Friday. ### Results ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-10-at-12.56.50.png) [South Wales Argus Tuesday 13th June, 1905](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143760032/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-10-at-12.59.52.png) [South Wales Argus, Wednesday 14th June, 1905](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143760036/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-10-at-12.58.01.png) [South Wales Argus, Thursday 15th June, 1905](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143760040/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-10-at-12.58.45-1.png) [South Wales Argus, Friday 16th June, 1905](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143760043/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ### Choosing The Houses One method of selecting houses to feature in the competition was to have people volunteer. If people were interested they could send a postcard to the theatre expressing an interest and if selected the person would receive half a guinea. ### The Prize In the early adverts (the screenshots above) there were two houses to search for with a prize of £5 for each winner but within a couple of weeks that had dropped and to win the £5 you had to solve three in a week which was a crafty way of making people attend more performances. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/SeenAndHeard-b454b798f7ef1031.jpg) ### 'The Bludgeon' The bludgeon seems to be a plaything much in vogue in Newport, judging by the recent appearance of a couple at the Newport Borough Police Court lately. In the first case it was possessed by a mate who used it in defence when attacked by his men aboard ship. In the second instance the bludgeon was the mememto of a memorable and enjoyable night spent in the garden when a would-garden thief was soundly belaboured with it. The gentleman who was in the dock on Friday, however, thought it fit to brandish this formidable truncheon, which he preserved in memory of the little attentions he bestowed upon his garden depredator in the public street. He has now been deprived of this family heirloom and has paid 10s for publicly exhibiting his memento. The police are on the look-out for such truncheons. They are stronger made and more to the purpose than their own. — [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 6th October, 1894*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143590586/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### 'An Expeditious Judge' Judge Owen got through the business of the Newport County Court very expeditiously on Friday. There about 150 judgement summonses, and his Honour completed the work in about an hour and a half. That would be at the rate of five in every three minutes. In some of them, too, several witnesses had to be examined. *—* [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 17th June, 1905*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143760047/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### 'Wet-Monday' The Newport parks were well patronised on Thursday by groups of Sunday-school children who were taken out by their teachers to make some compensation for the loss of their out-of-door delights on Wet-Monday. Beechwood especially was all alive, and the fact that it affords so much better facilities for fun, frolic, and freedom causes its wooded hollows and grassy slopes to be much enjoyed. *—* [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 17th June, 1905*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143760047/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### 'Robert Baden-Powell Visits Newport' Major-general Baden-Powell was highly pleased with the manner in which the Newport police kept order on the streets on Thursday and, after the inspection, heartily congratulated Chief-constable Sinclair. He was greatly pleased with his reception, and afterwards told the Mayor that he had never had such a hearty reception in any other town in which he had been inspecting a Boy's Brigade. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-10-at-08.34.08.png) [South Wales Argus, Wednesday 14th June, 1905](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143760036/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) One or two interesting items were omitted from our report of Thursday's inspection. Tea had been arranged for the boys in the Stow Hill Drill Hall, which had been kindly placed at their disposal by the 2nd V.B.S.W.B. As the lads were marching in the hall, General Baden-Powell took up a position in one of the front windows overlooking Stow Hill and there, bareheaded, carefully watched the whole battalion enter the hall. The gallant officer expressed himself as very pleased with the steadiness with which the lads marched in, especially in view of the fact that hardly any of them knew he was watching them. After having a cup of tea in the officers' mess prior to his departure for Llanwern Park, the General came out on the platform, and received a tremendous ovation from the officers and boys. After an introduction, he shook hands with all the officers, and gave a few words of helpful encouragement to them. Then he left for Llanwern, accompanied by another hearty outburst of cheering. *—* [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 17th June, 1905*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143760047/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Social Evil "Strike the evil at the root," is an old and wise adage, the study and practice of which by our local authorities would materially benefit the public. Local improvements other than the mere widening of old or forming new streets, scavenging and draining, are required. A great social evil exists in our midst, and must be suppressed; before there can be the faintest hope of materially ensuring the welfare of the respectable inhabitants, the dens of infamy must be annihilated. Much has been said about Friars Fields, and other low localities, with their poverty, wretchedness, debauchery, and crime. These are so tainted that all respectable people avoid them as they would a plague. But there other localities, professedly respectable, where debauchery and crime have as hideous a mien as that which the lowest haunts of vice possess. The houses to which we now refer, to keep up the character of the locality, wear an aspect of neatness in the exterior that vies with the adjoining dwellings of the industrious and virtuous. To all such the presence of these moral pest houses must be anything but satisfactory. The example is most dangerous to those rising families which are there growing up. We have our eye now upon a new part of the town, where debauchery seems to be at a premium. Prostitution holds high carnival on the Cae Crook estate, where a large population has been collected. Aided by those worst of all houses which the wisdom of our legislators has licensed for the sale of beer, the house of the harlot in the district to which we now refer is a disgrace to any community. Abandoned women, ticket-of-leave convicts, thieves of all descriptions are to be found in the several houses that exist in Llanarth-terrace, and their presence, as may be supposed, gives a riotousness to the neighbourhood which makes it unenviable. The reason why that locality has been selected is obvious. It is isolated from the common public gaze. The great mass of the people do not walk that way; and therefore those who nightly sacrifice at the debauchee's shrine are less likely to be interrupted. True it is that there is great difficulty in dealing with such excrescences on the social body. However, Mr. Graham, on the 28th ult., called the attention of the Town Council to the provisions of the Local Government Act, and to that we beg the hon. member's attention again, because it contains powers which will enable the Council to deal with the evil now under consideration. There ought to be no squeamishness about the matter. Gentlemen in the position of town councillors may not often realise the state of things which exists in these localities. Living in their suburban villas, and surrounded by their families and luxuries, they do not consider, perhaps, the pollution and misery which are being propagated in those very houses with which they are directly or indirectly concerned. The stem truth ought to be told them, and we tell them that there is a great social evil which it behoves them to do something to lessen, or they may one day have to regret the supineness which they manifested. Indictments preferred jointly against owners, agents, and occupiers of the houses of infamy would have the effect, we may hope, of putting down the shameless immorality which every right-minded person deplores. Who will take the lead? — [*The Cardiff Times, Saturday 16th October, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3380680/3380684?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-07-at-08.36.06.png) [South Wales Argus, Saturday 1st May, 1909](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144028150/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Fraud at the Newport Bank' Beyond what was published in The Cambrian in 1805, unsure what the outcome was of this story. We are sorry to understand, that a forgery on the Newport Bank (Monmouthshire) has very recently been discovered to an amount rather considerable; in which an individual who has hitherto borne a fair character is implicated, and who is not expected long to elude the strict search no making after him. — [*The Cambrian, 13th April, 1805*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3320955/3320958?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-07-at-08.37.04.png) [South Wales Argus, Saturday 1st May, 1909](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144028150/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Stealing a Sheepskin Edward Cole and Thomas Lewis were charged with stealing a sheepskin, the property of John Blackmore. John Pratt, a servant to the prosecutor, said he saw a sheepskin lying on a truss of hay on Wednesday, the 6th inst., at Mr. Bond's premises in Fothergill-street. He afterwards missed a skin, which was marked, and gave notice to the police. The skin produced is the same. The sheep was killed in a peculiar way—for the Jews. George Dwyer, in the employ of Mr. Ballard, tanner, said he bought the skin produced on Monday last in Mr. Ballard's yard, off a young man. Mr. Ballard paid 2s. 6d. in his presence for the skin. Thomas Acton Ballard said, on Monday he was called by the last witness to pay for the skin; saw two men with him at the time. Could not swear to Cole; but thought the prisoner Lewis was with the man to whom he paid the money. He would not like to swear to him, but he was something like that man. Sergeant Bath said, on Thursday last he apprehended Cole, and charged him with stealing the skin and selling it to Mr. Ballard. Cole said "I did not sell one to Mr. Ballard." Witness afterwards saw Lewis in custody, and heard him say, "I did not steal the skins; I know nothing about it. I saw Ted in Cross-street, and he asked me to come up to the tan-yard with him. We went together, Ted (meaning Cole) went inside and I stopped out." Cole afterwards said he did not get the skin from Mr. Blackmore's slaughter-house; but he owned up to taking another from another person. Both prisoners live in Fothergill-street, near the slaughter-house of the prosecutor. The prisoners having elected to be tried summarily, pleaded not guilty. For the defence of Cole, Mr. Bond, blacksmith, was called to prove that he (Cole) was in his shop at about five o'clock. Bond said he did not remember seeing him there but he would cut the matter short and say that he believed Cole stole the skin, and he told him so. The irritability of the witness caused much laughter. **Lewis was discharged; Cole was sentenced to fourteen days' imprisonment with hard labour**. — [*The Cardiff Times, Saturday 23rd October, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3380687/3380691?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Charge of Stealing Hair Mary Sefton, remanded from Wednesday on a charge of stealing a quantity of cow's hair, the property of Mr. Rees, tanner, was brought up for further examination. The prosecutor's yard is adjoining that of Mr. Ballard, for whom the prisoner's husband works, and she had been in the habit of coming into the yard with her husband's dinner, which caused him (prosecutor) to suspect her. He could almost swear to the hair, but could not swear to having missed any quantity of it. The prisoner had sold the hair produced, to a Mr. Grant. The Bench did not think the evidence: sufficient to convict. **The prisoner was discharged**. — [*The Cardiff Times, Saturday 23rd October, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3380687/3380691?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Driving Without Reins Herbert Reed pleaded guilty to a charge of riding on a cart without reins to guide the horses. In mitigation of the offence, defendant stated that he was riding on the handles of the three-wheeled cart belonging to Mr. Phillips, which was necessary to guide it. **To pay costs, 6s. 6d**. — [*The Cardiff Times, Saturday 23rd October, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3380687/3380691?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Noisy Milkman Edward Norman was summoned at the instance of the police continuously shouting and calling out while vending milk at 11.30am on a Sunday Morning. Arthur Thompson, his employer, was charged with aiding and abetting. Norman stated that his master told him to shout. Thompson's excuse was that he had a lot of milk on his hands, and he was bound to get rid of it that morning, or it would have been spoiled. T**he Bench inflicted a fine of 2s 6d, and the case against the boy (Norman) was dismissed with a caution.** — [*South Wales Argus, Wednesday 5th April, 1899*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143839207/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### Stone Throwing Nuisance John Dowding, 19, was summoned for throwing a stone and striking a window in Lyne Road. It appeared that the stone was intended for a dog, but it struck and "starred" the window at Mr White's shop. **The Bench imposed a penalty of 10s.** Alfred Binning, Walter Cobb, Stanley George, thirteen-year-old lads, were fined 1s each for throwing stones in Dock Street. — [*South Wales Argus, Wednesday 5th April, 1899*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143839207/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### Too Fat for the Frenchman Perry Pairi George, a seaman, admitted deserting the French barque Danse, lying at Newport. The evidence was given in French, Mr Canning acting as interpreter. The prisoner was seen leaving the Dock premises, carrying a bundle. He gave as his reason for desertion that the food on board was too fat. The justices ordered the prisoner on board. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/image-2.png) This is the type of barque ship mentioned in the article. (Source: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barque?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) — [*South Wales Argus, Wednesday 5th April, 1899*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143839207/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### Theft of a Rope Benjamin Alexander Bagley was charged with stealing a rope from a yard in Mountjoy Road, the property of Messrs. Hancock and Co., brewers. Upon being charged he said, > "This is all through the drink, and I would willingly give a sovereign if they would let it drop." The piece of rope (produced) had been obtained from a marine store and identified as the property of the prosecutors. It appeared that prisoner jumped a wall, eight feet high, and protected by glass, to get into the yard. Mrs Davies, wife of a marine store dealer, spoke to purchasing the rope, which was identified by a man in Messrs. Hancock's employ as the prosecutors' property. **Prisoner, who acknowledged the theft, was fined £1.** — [*South Wales Argus, Wednesday 5th April, 1899*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143839207/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### 'Mother Beats Child with Potato Masher' Ellen Sullivan was charged with an assault on her own child by beating her with a potato masher. Ellen Sullivan, aged eleven, said the defendant took the weapon from the window, which it was used to prop up, and threw it at her; but she did not mean to do it. The defendant, who exhibited no signs of contrition, endeavoured to justify her conduct by stating that she only threw the weapon to frighten the child. The piece of wood, a heavy eapon, had struck the child in the head. The Bench, animadverting on the conduct of the defendant, who is habitually a drunkard, said it would be in accordance with justice and their own wish to send her to Usk. Prisoner: Sure, an' you wouldn't be so cruel as that, Misther (sic) Williams; ye're too good for that (laughter). The Bench, after a consultation, said they **felt it their duty to send her to prison for fourteen days, with hard labour**. Committed. — [*The Cardiff Times, Saturday 23rd October, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3380687/3380691?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Juvenile Thieves William Henry Joseph and Thomas Jones, two juveniles, were charged with attempting to steal, from a stall in the market, goods belonging to Mrs. Wallis, on Tuesday morning. Charles Thomas saw the boys unlock the door of the stall and turn the things over. They were preparing to take several things away when witness went in and stopped them. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/image-4.png) William Henry Joseph. Source: [Newport Past](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/photos/uskgaol/photo%5Fpage.php?search=%20&search2=yyyyyy&pos=23&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) It was only a few weeks since that Joseph was convicted of stealing a box of cigarettes from Mr. Bryan's shop. The boy's father did what he could for him, but to no purpose. Nothing was known against Jones, and he was discharged. **Joseph was sentenced to one month's hard labour, and five years in a Reformatory School.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-07-at-08.43.29.png) [South Wales Argus, Saturday 12th June, 1920](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144307818/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sarah Bernhardt Visits Newport ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-10-at-08.37.33.png) In June 1905, the famous French actress Sarah Bernhardt paid a flying visit to Newport with a single matinee performance at the Lyceum. > Many-sided in genius, consummate in art, world-famous Madame Sarah Bernhardt paid a flying visit to Newport to-day, and appeared at a matinee at the Lyceum, in one of her most famous characters, "Marguerite Gauthier, la dame aux camelias." Such an event naturally attracted unusual attention, and the house was packed from floor to ceiling with an audience thoroughly representative of Monmouthshire. — [*South Wales Argus, Friday 16th June, 1905*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143760044/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/image-3.png) Sarah Bernhardt in Les Dame Aux Camelias which she performed in Newport (Source: [Staging Decadence](https://www.stagingdecadence.com/blog/death-becomes-her?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) Whilst the performance by Bernhardt and her Parisian company received rave reviews from the South Wales Argus, [one person who wrote to the newspaper](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143760047/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) was unhappy with how some of the audience at the show behaved. *Sir, "Why do non-musical people go to concerts?" "Why do people who do not understand French go to a French play?" "Why not if we want to?" they will probably say. There is no objection, provided they can behave themselves, but there is every objection if, during a large part of the performance they keep up a loud conversation between themselves. I guarantee that, except when the great actress was herself in possession, there was more talking off the stage than on it; when sue appeared there was comparative silence, during the rest of the time the buzz of conversation was so loud and continuous as to make it practically impossible to hear more than an occasional word; this was certainly not the fault of the company who, without exception, spoke their lines splendidly and distinctly. It was a poor compliment to the company and Mr. Cooper, to whom we are deeply indebted for this efforts to provide us with first-rate plays and companies. The worse offenders were, I regret to say, in the higher priced seats—is it possible that they were aping the bad manners of the opera-goers at Covent Garden, about which we have lately head so much?* *Yours, etc.* *MANNERS MAKETH MAN* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-07-at-08.44.36.png) [South Wales Argus, Saturday 12th June, 1920](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144307818/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ### For Sale in 1778: A Mansion House Called the Fryers URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/for-sale-in-1778-a-mansion-house-called-the-fryers-2/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:33:40.000Z When searching for old news articles and adverts about Newport, it's good to expand beyond the usual newspapers and this advert is from the Bath Chronicle [published on 2nd April 1778](https://www.newspapers.com/image/394389901/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) describes a house for sale called the Fryers. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/The_Bath_Chronicle_1778_04_02_3.jpg) [The Bath Chronicle, Thursday 2nd April, 1778](https://www.newspapers.com/image/394389901/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) The advert lists 8 Lots with the main Lot being the house itself and the others being meadow land. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) **Lot 1** *All that Capital Messauge or Mansion-Houses, called the FRYERS; consisting of a hall, two parlours, kitchen, cellar, and other conveniences, four bed-chambers, and three garrets, with a stable, coach-house, laundry and brew-house, two gardens walled round, one well planted with fruit trees, an orchard containing about two acres, with choice apples for cyder; pleasantly situated near Newport-Town, with a beautiful prospect of the river Usk and the Severn, with 10, 20, 0r 30 acres of rich meadow or pasture-land, or more if required.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) The description of being near 'Newport-Town' and also having views of both the Usk and Severn would point to it being where The Friars is currently located on Belle Vue Lane. In the 18th century the limit's of the town would have been on or near the location of St Woolos and the area being far less populated than today it describing it as being near Newport would have been accurate. ## The Original 'Fryers' House [According to CADW](https://cadwpublic-api.azurewebsites.net/reports/listedbuilding/FullReport?lang=en&id=3018&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), a house was built on the site in 1547 which was a private manor house called 'The Friars". Beyond that, it seems difficult to find anything else about that property but by the 19th century it had been replaced with a now Grade II listed building called the same name. Also according to CADW, the present house dates from early-to mid-C19 and was occupied by a Dr Anthony Hawkins and Thomas Prothero and was the house of Octavius Morgan, brother of Lord Tredegar, between 1839 to 1888\. The image below shows how the house would have looked when Octavius Morgan resided there. In the background is St Woolos Cathedral (then a church) and where the cows are would be Belle Vue Park. Back then it would have been the garden of Belle Vue House as the park wasn't built until 1894\. Just behind the cows you can see Belle Vue Lane which probably looked more like what you would consider a small country lane than the present-day wider road and pavement. Even though the house in the image is not the same one in the advert, it's probably a good representation of how the landscape would have been in the 18th century. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-08-at-10.58.15.png) Source: [The People's Collection](https://www.peoplescollection.wales/items/389735?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#?xywh=-24%2C-78%2C833%2C669) The advert mentions the house coming with 10, 20, or 30 acres and you would presume it would have been near the house. The tithe map of around 1840/41 shows plot 342 with the house taking up just over an acre and then a number of other adjoining plots (312, 313, 314, 323, 343 and 344) being pasture belonging to the Morgan's and taking up 15 acres. This may well have been been the land, or part of it, being described in the advert. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-08-at-13.34.11.png) Details from the tithe entries mentioned above. ([Source](https://places.library.wales/viewer/4531598?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#?cv=27&h=344&xywh=1717%2C3488%2C3546%2C1250)) The tithe map below shows the extant of the land belonging to the property around 1840 extending all the way down to Cardiff Road and 'The Machine'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-08-at-13.20.11.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Volume 1, Number 17 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-17/ Last updated: 2025-04-12T06:12:24.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-01-at-20.15.01.png) [South Wales Argus, Saturday 8th October, 1892](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143541292/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Pablo de Sarasate was a [popular Spanish violinist](https://interlude.hk/on-this-day-20-september-pablo-de-sarasate-died/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) of the 1890s who played at the Albert Hall in October 1892. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/image.png) [According](https://interlude.hk/on-this-day-20-september-pablo-de-sarasate-died/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) to the Hungarian violinist and teacher Carl Flesch, > “for all who played the violin during the last quarter of the nineteenth century, Pablo de Sarasate was a magical name, and even more: he stood for aesthetic moderation, euphony, and technical perfection—and slightly superficial emotionality. With awe, as if he was a supernatural phenomenon from a wonderland forever inaccessible to us, we boys looked up to the small, black-eyes Spaniard with the well-trimmed, coal-black mustache and equally black, curly, over-carefully arranged hair.” ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/SeenAndHeard-b454b798f7ef1031.jpg) ### The Towns Wooden Paving During the week a large number of workmen have found employment upon the principal thoroughfares of Newport. The corporation are laying wood paving from the bottom of High Street to Llanarth Street, and from the present termination of the wood paving opposite the Argus office as far as the bridge. Near the Westgate Hotel, where the cross fall is rather steep, white Memel wood will be utilised. This material being softer, affords a better grip for horses than the hard wood which is being laid in other portions of the town. Stone setts are to be laid on the bridge not only between the tramway rails, but the full length of the bridge. The work of doubling the tram-lines on the bridge is proceeding apace, good progress having been made during the past few days. — [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 23rd July, 1898*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144194122?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription required)* ### 'Calling the County Hospital' The lady who answers the telephone at the County Hospital evidently believes that brevity is the soul of wit. A member of the Argus staff telephoned to that institution the other day, and this is exactly the conversation which ensured:- **"Argus!"** **"Infirmary!"** **"Anything?"** **"Nothing!"** **"Thank you!"** **"Good-day!"** Whi-r-r-r-r-. — [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 7th June, 1902*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145604374/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### 'The Trap at the End of Bond Street' I don't know who is responsible, but there is a nice trap for mischief at the end of Bond Street, East Usk Road, Newport, in the shape of a boarded fence at the end of the street which has for some months been just ready to tumble. All that is needed to produce a catastrophe which might easily involve loss of life is a little extra wind pressure, a runaway horse, or a few more children than usual on the sloping boards, and a high tide. Somebody should see to it at once. —[*South Wales Argus, Saturday 14th June, 1902*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145604544/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The New Entrance to Newport A fortnight ago we called attention to a dangerous branch-road formed near the Eastern Valleys Railway Station, in connection with the new main thorough-fare now being laid down from the Marshes-road. In last week's paper a correspondent strongly supported the views we had expressed, and pointed out that the branch-road in question had been made in violation of an understanding between the Corporation and the Turnpike Trustees. It will be seen that the subject occupied the attention of the Town Council on Tuesday, and that there is a prospect that a change (whether adequate or not is still open to question) is likely to be made in the sharp and dangerous angles to which we referred. While thus suggesting to the Town Council to "mend their ways," we may take the opportunity to remind them of a broken and tumble-down fence close to the eastern end of the Gold Tops, which is a disgrace to the town. It may be hoped that as improvements are contemplated in that locality, they will include the demolition of this fence, and a widening of the road upon which it stands. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 9th April, 1875*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441136/3441141?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Six Week's Hard Labour for Stealing Pair of Trousers' Wm. Evans was charged with stealing a pair of trousers, the property of Wm. Barton, at Bettws. The trousers were stolen from a garden hedge, where they had been hung to dry. Prisoner pledged them with Mr. Phillips, Llanarth-street. Inspector Sheppard said he believed prisoner's friends were in a respectable position. **Six weeks' hard labour.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 9th April, 1875*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441136/3441141?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Drunk and "Obstropulous" William Brown, of Mellons-bank, labourer, was charged with being drunk and refusing to leave the Foresters' Arms beerhouse, Commercial-street, and assaulting John Ford, the landlord. It appeared that prisoner was refused drink at seven o'clock, as he was drunk he left and returned, and another time went away. The third time he got what the landlord termed "obstropulous," and was put out. He struck the landlord in the jaw. P.C. Rees came along and took him into custody. **Fined 10s. 6d. in default, 14 days.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 9th April, 1875*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441136/3441141?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### In a Hayloft Joseph Johns, haulier, was charged with vagrancy by sleeping in a hayloft in Steam Packet Road. P.C. Thomas Faulkes aroused prisoner, who was asleep. He said he had not been working during the week and had no money. A quantity of matches were found upon him. Mr Job Francis, the Corporation contractor, said he could not keep a lock on the door of the stable, in which he kept some valuable horses. The penalty was fixed 10s, in default seven days. **Prisoner: I'll do the seven days.** *—* [*South Wales Argus, Monday 8th May 1899*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143839583/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### 'Street Betting' A serious case of street betting was brought before the Newport justices on Monday, and the fact that upwards of 50 men, women, and children were seen to make bets within an hour and a half clearly indicates how deep-rooted gambling spirit is. Street betting is carried on so extensively in Newport thoroughfares that it is essential the authorities should suppress it with a firm hand. — [*South Wales Argus, Tuesday 9th May, 1899*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143839593/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### The Charge of Stealing a Spoon Henry Jones was brought up on a remand from Wednesday, charged with stealing a silver spoon, the property of Mr Isaacs, pawnbroker, and asked what the spoon was worth, saying that he had found it, and handed it over to the police. The prisoner went to the shop twice subsequently, and inquired if the spoon had been identified. Mrs Hunter, who keeps a bakehouse and grocer's shop in Canal-parade, identified the spoon, which was safe in her possession on the 24th ult. She had never seen the prisoner about her premises. PC Perace apprehended the prisoner on Tuesday morning last, at the shop of Mr Isaacs, and charged him with suspicion of stealing the spoon, when he said his wife picked it up somewhere between Llanarth-street and Friars'-fields. The wife of the prisoner said she found the spoon in the street near the "Shamrock". **Discharged** *—* [*The Cardiff Times, Saturday 15th January, 1859*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3380771/3380775?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-04-at-17.01.45.png) [South Wales Argus, Monday 13th March, 1899](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143838937/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Winmill on a Ladder A report from a council meeting in April, 1875. *The Superintendent made his usual report of the police business of the past fortnight, and read among other matters, the entry concerning the case in which Mr. Charles Phillips, of the King William the Fourth, was charged with gambling, and in which Sergeant Winmill had mounted a ladder in order to command a view of the upstairs room in which cards were being played.* *On the Superintendent coming to that portion in which it was stated that Winmill used the ladder,* *Alderman Townsend interposed with the question whether they were playing on the roof. (Laughter.)* **The Superintendent*: No, they were playing in an upstairs room.* **Alderman Townsend*: I should like to have been under,him I'd have given him a "somerset."* 🤔 Any idea what a 'somerset' is? — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 9th April, 1875*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3441136/3441141?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Mad Gallop at Newport Exciting incident was witnessed in Caerleon-road, Newport, on Saturday, when a hunter was seen galloping along the streets at a fast rate without a rider. The streets were fairly crowded at the time and the people scattered right and left. When the animal came opposite Richmond-road, however, PC Walters jumped at the reins, and, catching them, succeeded in bringing the horse to a standstill. A few minutes afterwards the rider, Charles Gale, 26, Durham-road, Newport, came up. He stated that the horse belonged to Mr Duckham, and that while he (Gale) was riding it on the farm off Caerleon-road the animal threw him, and then getting on the main road, galloped off in the direction of Newport. Gale was not hurt. — [*South Wales Argus, Monday 1st February, 1909*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144020093/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-05-at-11.07.48.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 16th June, 1849](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394671/3394673?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Shocking Discovery Near Newport Body of a man, apparently a seaman, was picked up in the River Usk, near St Julians Inn, on Sunday afternoon. It was much decomposed and had evidently been in the water sometime. The deceased, who had the appearance of a foreigner was attired in a blue serge seaman's coat. It is thought that the deceased is the seaman who was blown overboard during the gale a month ago. The only articles found upon him were a rosary and a cheap watch. In all probability the inquest will be held this (Monday) afternoon at the St Julian's Inn. *—* [*South Wales Argus, Monday 13th March, 1899*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143838945/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* The inquest was published in the next edition of the South Wales Argus along with a recommendation that a mortuary be built in Caerleon. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-04-at-17.16.59.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Alleged Milk Adulteration At Newport Borough Police Court to-day, James Harper, 38, Maindee Parade, was summoned for selling adulterated milk. Mr A A Newman, Town Clerk appeared for the defence. Mr Newman said proceedings were taken under the sixth section of the Food and Drug's Act. The analysis of the milk obtained from the defendant showed that there was 12 per cent of added water. Mr Spencer E Jones, inspector under the Act gave evidence to the effect that he obtained a pint of milk from the defendant in Hereford Street. This he divided into three parts, sending one to the analyst. Replying to Mr Moore, witness said the defendant supplied the milk readily. He had been in business 22 years, and although samples of milk had been obtained from him before, adulteration had not been found. Mr Moore, urged that defendant's long connection with the milk trade, and the fact that this was the first complaint against him, entitled him to the greatest consideration. He had no cows of his own, but always made it a rule to purchase milk from the best farmers in the neighbourhood. The milk of which the inspector took a sample was delivered to him on the night of the 27th, and disposed of by him in exactly the same condition as he received it. As a matter of fact, there was a warranty of the pure quality of the milk sent with it, but as it happened defendant was not actually the collector. Defendant went into the box and asserted that he retailed the milk in exactly the same condition as he received it. The Bench considered there was a technical breach of the Act as defendant should have had the warranty, but taking into consideration his long business career and good character, they only ordered him to pay the costs. The Town Clerk respectfully demurred to the decision of the Bench, because it was contrary to all precendent. There must be a conviction, he contended. Mr Moore thought the Town Clerk should be content with the decision as given, by Mr Newman said he should have to ask for a case unless a conviction was recorded. The Bench intimated that their decision was to record a conviction, but the penalty was only the costs of the case. — [*South Wales Argus, Wednesday 18th November, 1896*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143492839/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-05-at-06.48.45.png) [South Wales Argus, Saturday 14th July, 1906](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144472417/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### For Sale: One Used Slave and Whaling Vessel URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/for-sale-one-used-slave-and-whaling-vessel/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:34:52.000Z An advert posted in The Gloucester Journal on 25th January, 1802 announces that an auction was to be held a few days later for a ship called the African Queen. The lot would contain the hull, masts, yards and spars of the copper-bottomed ship 'agreeably to such conditions as shall be then and there produced'. Curious to know more about the boat I dug deeper. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/African_Queen--1-.jpg) [The Gloucester Journal, Monday 25th January, 1802](https://www.newspapers.com/image/792505235/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) According to Wikipedia, [which has an entry on the ship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African%5FQueen%5F%281797%5Fship%29?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), it was launched in either 1789 or 1790 and [one of the sources states](https://www.slavevoyages.org/voyage/18221/variables?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) that it was constructed in 1780 in Folkstone. The ship was 'taken as a prize' in 1796 and then started sailing out of Bristol in 1797. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Designer-1.jpeg) (AI-generated, not the actual African Queen) In February 1797, the ship was one of two to embark from Bristol in the direction of Africa bound for the trade in enslaved people. It was captured on the Windward Coast but had been transporting wood, ivory, and palm oil back to Britain rather than slaves. However, it didn't return to Bristol and the following year it travelled to [Cape Coast Castle, Ghana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape%5FCoast%5FCastle?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) to pick up slaves and it transported a total of 313 on a voyage to Demerara and then St Vincent. 342 had originally boarded. [According to SlaveVoyages.org](https://www.slavevoyages.org/voyage/18221/variables?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), the ship was "captured before disembarking slaves; vessel recaptured or released subsequently" and the "slaves disembarked in Americas'. The ship was released as it had returned to Bristol by 18th September, 1798, after being at sea for 465 days. According to the Wikipedia article it may have gone on another slave voyage and then switched to whaling [making a journey](https://whalinghistory.org/bv/voyages/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) in 1800 to the South Seas to the 'Brazil Banks'. [WhalingHistory.org](https://whalinghistory.org/bv/voyages/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) gives a report of it's journey in 1800-1801. - At Rio in April 1800 needing sailors and wood to replace a boat; - wintering at South Georgia in May 1801; - at St Helena 19 September 1801; - reported 8 December 1801 on shore in the Bristol Channel and full of water returning from the south seas; - reported 14 December 1801 vessel got off and put into Newport On the voyage out the vessel lost two boats and 5 men in a storm near Trinidad Rocks. The advert below published in The Gloucester Journal on 21st December, 1801 details the cargo that was brought back from the South Seas including 150 tons of Elephant and Whale Oil, 5,000 large Seal Skins and two tons of Whalebone. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/The_Gloucester_Journal_1801_12_21_3.jpg) [The Gloucester Journal, Monday 21st December, 1801](https://www.newspapers.com/image/792651689?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) By January 1802 the ship was then in Newport awaiting auction. According to Wikipedia, which quotes a book published in 2014, the African Queen had value of £6,500 in 1802\. Not sure if that is an estimation or was the price it fetched at auction. The last reference of the ship appeared in the [Lloyd's Register of Shipping in 1804](https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015005667095&seq=21&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) sailing between Bristol and Barbados. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-01-at-18.53.23.png) The African Queen is the second ship on the list. (Source: [Hathi Trust](https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015005667095&seq=21&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ### Volume 1, Number 16 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-16/ Last updated: 2025-04-05T10:10:20.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image-13.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 18th March, 1843](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393893?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## The Hydrants Superintendent Huxtable, in allusion to a portion of the report respecting the fire at Mr. Martin's, in Commercial-street, suggested that some hydrants should be placed on that side of the street. At present they were confined to one side, and on the occasion in question, in consequence of carrying the hose across the street, the traffic was impeded for some time. Mr. Brown believed the Water Company were about to lay down new mains. If that were so, it would be an eligible opportunity to increase or alter the position of the hydrants. **Superintendent Huxtable**: They are the best things ever introduced into this town. The fire-plugs were very inconvenient, from the difficulty we frequently had to open them. Mr. Sheppard inquired how many hydrants were in the town, and, on being told thirty, said there ought to be 130, and were the money in hand, it could not be devoted to a better purpose than increasing the number. As it was, it would be a question whether it would not be advisable to expend some money for the purpose. – [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 18th September, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398082/3398084?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-23-at-12.24.56.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 1st April, 1853](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395617/3395618?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Russian Gun Last week I posted about the Russian Gun in the Cattle Market and where it should be moved to. That article was published in October 1858 and the below was a discussion by the Newport Watch Committee in September 1858. --- **Mr. Brown**: Is Mr. Cornelius Evans waiting for his account for the sale of the Russian gun ? (Laughter) **Mr. Townsend**: Is there any truth in the report which has been fired from a better gun? I have heard, but whether it is true or not I cannot say, that the Duke of Beaufort is about to extend the present market. **Mr. Sheppard**: I have heard of it, too. Mr. Hooper the London agent of the Duke was down here a few days ago, and I have heard that it is in contemplation to extend the market. **The Mayor**: To extend the market? **Mr. Townsend**: Yes; to carry it out on a fine scale-out to the Post-office. **Mr. Brown**: I took the liberty of speaking to Mr. Wyatt, upon my own responsibility, some few weeks ago. I told him how the town required a market house, that it was not in a position to spend much money, but that if the duke were not willing to do so, we must take the matter in hand, because we should be forced to it. Mr. Wyatt did not give me any notion at all that the duke was going to do anything of the kind, but led on the conversation to something of this sort, as to how the town could become possessed of the duke's interest. I thought that a great difficulty myself. After a while he asked, would it not answer the purpose of the town to purchase the market-tolls?—that would be doing away with the duke's powers and vesting them in the corporation. I closed the conversation something in this way — that it would be better for the duke himself to protect his own interests, by making such a market as the town was entitled to. He promised to mention the matter but I have not heard anything of it since. Mr. Graham said the new Local Government Act gave abundance of power to corporations with regard to the establishment of markets. Reverting then to the Russian gun, The Mayor read a letter, signed H. B. Marriott, sug- gesting that the gun should be placed in either of two positions opposite the King William the Fourth. **Mr. Townsend**: With all due submission, I think the best use it can be devoted to is to set it to work, and knock down all the beerhouses in Newport. **Mr. Moore**: Hear, hear. **Mr. Sheppard**: So that they may be made into respectable places? **Mr. Townsend**: No, send them all to the devil. Mr. Davies, amid some laughter, expressed his belief that Mr. Townsend had signed the pledge lately. **Mr. Brown**: But I ask seriously what is intended to be done with the gun? **The Mayor**: We have to determine upon a site for it. Mr. Moore thought the Cemetery a very improper place for the gun. The Mayor coincided. Mr. Brown considered it a most eligible situation. Mr. Sheppard said it had been suggested whether the gun might not be placed just inside the gates of St. Woolos churchyard. No burials now took place there, and consequently no inconvenience would occur. **Mr. Townsend**: It might be effectually placed there, and with it we might drive any privateer that attempted to come up the river to old Harry. Mr. Sheppard hoped that whatever place should be selected, the gun would be creditably disposed of and properly railed in. Mr. Brown thought something should emanate from the Mayor. **Mr. Townsend**: Oh, instruct Palmer at once to get it put under the earth. (Laughter.) **The Mayor**: Supposing an arrangement were made with Sir Charles Morgan's agent, would it be satisfactory to place it in Park-square? Mr. Sheppard understood that the centre of the square was to be planted and railed in. If the gun were placed within the enclosure, the public might be deprived of the close inspection of what must always be to them a matter of deep interest. The Mayor could not help thinking such a trophy ought to be preserved, but still not put out of the way of the public. Mr. Knapp would place it where all the little children might see and pat it. Mr. Brown suggested that information should be obtained as to the best mode of mounting and preserving the gun. Ultimately, the Mayor promised to communicate with Sir Charles Morgan's agents as to fixing upon Park-place as the site, intimating that when that point should be settled, the carriage and fittings could be considered. – [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 18th September, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398082/3398084?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'An Inspector's Report, January 1859' "Since my last report I have registered one lodging-house in Pentonville. I have to report that Mr. Samuel Goss has erected a building on the Llanarth-wharf, near the New-dock, for melting tallow, &c. I do not consider it a nuisance, there being no inhabited dwellings near. I have served several notices for the removal of nuisances; some have been complied with, and others are doing so. I have to call your attention to the very filthy state of Windmill-street and Granville-street, which, in their present state, I consider dangerous to the public health. The scarlet and typhus fevers are still very bad in different parts of the town, and I think worse than when I last reported." Mr. TOWNSEND asked, did the Inspector mean to say, that the smell of the melting tallow and oil, would not leave the building, now in course of erection by Mr. Goss, on the Llanarth-wharf? > He (Mr. Townsend) once knew a tallow-chandler who could never eat his breakfast until he had been to the boiling-house and taken a sniff. (Laughter.) From his own experience he knew the boiling of tallow and oil would be a nuisance, and he thought it would be a proper proceeding of the Board to forbid the erection of the building for that purpose. Mr. MOORE called attention to the fearful state of mortality in the town, which, compared to Cardiff and other towns, was greatly in excess of percentage, which, as Newport had formerly been one of the healthiest towns in the country, he attributed, mainly, to the protracted manner with which the drainage works had been carried out, and the effluvia emitted from the open sewers. He thought it a matter for the serious consideration of the Board of Health. — [*The Cardiff Times, Saturday 8th January, 1859*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3380764/3380767?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Pocket Picking in the Market Herbert Glenroy, a travelling pickpocket, was brought up under the following circumstances:— Ann Lawrence, wife of James Lawrence, who keeps the Commercial beerhouse, deposed: I was in the Newport vegetable market on Saturday morning about 11 o'clock I had my purse in my right hand frock pocket, with 10 sovs. in gold, and 20s. in silver, besides a crooked sixpence; I had not been in the market ten minutes before I missed my purse and money; the purse produced is mine, the money being correct and the crooked sixpence.—James Blakemore deposed to seeing the prisoner pick the prosecutrix's pocket.-P.C. Haines, from information received, followed, and shortly after apprehended the prisoner, who had made his way to Baneswell; upon his person the purse and money were found.—Upon pleading guilty, the prisoner was sentenced to six months' hard labour. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 4th September, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398064/3398066?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Leaving a Wife Patrick Maher was charged with leaving his wife chargeable to the parish of St. Woolos. His wife and three children, it appeared, bad been a burden upon the parish for the last nine months. The parish officer had been looking out for him, but unsuccessfully, until he was taken up for drunkenness the previous night. He was sent to prison for three months' hard labour as a rogue and vagabond. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 4th September, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398064/3398066?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Publicans' Offences The following cases were heard, all occurring last Sunday morning: Luke Williams, landlord of the Queen Adelaide, Griffin-street, was charged with selling beer during proscribed hours on Sunday last. The offence was committed both in the morning and afternoon. This being an old offender, he was fined 40s. and costs. Evan Williams, of the Dovey Castle, Cross-street, was similarly charged. Inspector Williams and Sergeant Wilcox saw two men coming in the passage, and on the table were marks of beer, aud a cup was found containing beer. The defendant said the beer had been left in the jugs since Saturday. Fined 10s. and costs. Ann Valender, Princess Royal, Commercial-street, pleaded guilty to selling beer to four men on Sunday morning. Fined 10s. and costs. Osmond Powell, White Hart, Tredegar-street, was charged by Inspector Williams with the same offence, He saw two men with a pint of beer before them. Defendant's wife pleaded that the men worked for her. Superintendent Huxtable said that the house was generally fairly conducted. Fined 5s. and costs. John Bennett, of the Daniel O'Connell, Mellon-street, pleaded guilty to a similar charge. Fined 10s. and costs. Ann Anderson, of the Erin-go-Bragh, was found on her door step, "as usual, as a sentry," on Sunday morning, and six men were in the house drinking beer. Defendant first pleaded not guilty, but involuntarily exclaimed while Inspector Williams was giving his evidence, There were only five in the house!" Superintendent Huxtable said it was the worst house in town, and he had no doubt a barrel of beer was drawn there every Sunday. It was a very bad house. Fined 40s. and costs. James Cavil, of the Rising Sun, was also found by Sergeant Wilcox supplying beer to two men. Defendant said the men asserted that they were travellers, and he could not refuse them. Fined 20s. and costs. Morgan Rees, Avon Packet Tavern, was visited by Inspector Williams on the same morning, at ten o'clock. He found in a back kitchen of the next house six men drinking beer and playing cards. The Inspector asked Rees whether he supplied the beer, but he denied all knowledge of it. Two men who were in the place were summoned as witnesses, but neither of them could prove where the beer came from. The case was dismissed. The Bench expressed regret that so many of these cases should have occurred in one day. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 11th September, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398073/3398075?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Tee-Totaller who Awards Efforts with a Pint, Arrested for Being Drunk and Disorderly" Thomas Jones, a shoemaker, who indulges in teetotalism now and then, and treats his resolution with an extra pint occasionally, in consequence, was to-day charged with being drunk and disorderly, at about two o'clock this morning. PC Jenkins proved the case, but showed that Jones was no longer unruly, when a finger of the law was laid upon him. Ordered to pay 1s fees. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 16th May, 1851*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395090/3395093?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### "Interesting Looking Girl Charged with Stealing a Shawl" Norah Sullivan, an interesting-looking girl, was charged with stealing a shawl, the property of T. Watkisn, who did not appear to prosecute; and the prisoner, being kindly cautioned by his worship to avoid bad conduct in future, was then discharged. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 16th May, 1851*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395090/3395093?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-23-at-18.33.40.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 4th September, 1858](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398064/3398069?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Rook Shooting This sport was commenced at Tredegar Park yesterday; and, we understand that immense numbers of the "game" were slaughtered by gentlemen of Newport. This day (Friday) the black gentry of the Ruperra rookery was devoted to the murderous fire of scores of Mantons. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image-19.png) The 'Mantons' mentioned are an obsolete English single-shot small calibre rifle intended for shooting small game, particularly rook shooting. \[Image: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rook%5Frifle?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)\] — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 16th May, 1851*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395090/3395093?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-23-at-18.58.56.png) [Monmouthshire merlin, Saturday 11th September, 1858](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3398073/3398077?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Immense Broccoli A broccoli was brought to our office this week, weighing about twenty pounds. The monster was grown by Mr Wm. Francis, of Penybank, near Caerleon, who has several of the same size still in the ground, some of which he purposes exhibiting. as "extra stock," at the forthcoming Newport Horticultural Show. If Mr Francis did exhibit his broccoli at the [Newport Horticultural Show](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395146/3395147/7/Newport%2BOR%2BHorticultural%2BOR%2BShow?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), he didn't win if he entered the competition for best broccoli with a Mr Salter taking the first prize and Miss Arthur the runner up prize. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 16th May, 1851*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395090/3395093?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## ‘Greatest Ventriloquist in Europe’ ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-23-at-12.29.41.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 8th April 1853](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395626?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Billed as the ‘Greatest Ventriloquist in Europe’, Professor Ewart visited Newport in 1853 for a performance which included 'the creaking of a door', 'a storm of rain', 'the galloping of a horse' and (by special request) 'the frying an omlette'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/SeenAndHeard-b454b798f7ef1031.jpg) ### "A Double Rainbow!" So much beauty of colour is seldom seen in the sky after a day of storms as appeared over Newport on Friday afternoon. Two rainbows spanned the sky at once. The primary bow was wonderfully rich in colour and breadth — the purple band being repeated three times — and the secondary bow was quite as brilliant as the ordinary single bow with which we are familiar. The duration of the phenomenon was also unusual, and many were the watchers of the evanescent loveliness. —[*South Wales Argus, Saturday 12th September, 1908*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144041822/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### "Picking up a Sixpence" "At last," said the tram conductor, as he jumped from the car. Stooping down he picked up a sixpence from the roadway, and gleefully returned to his duties. "I've passed that time after time," he explained, "but this is the first time we have stopped here, and its marvellous no one picked it up before." Scores, if not hundreds, of people must have walked over and around the coin, at this particular spot in Corporation-road, but evidently "the man with the muck rake" had not passed that way. —[*South Wales Argus, Saturday 12th September, 1908*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144041822/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-24-at-17.02.26.png) ## The Monster American Circus, or New York Olympiad and Equestrian Troupe of Ladies!! ## Madame Macarte has the honour of announcing to the nobility, gentry, and public in general, that she is about opening a new circus, with one of the most select and vigorous companies and stud, which, in perfect training and beauty of appearance, cannot be rivalled. Madame Macarte is aware of many difficulties she has to encounter in the endeavour to provide new food for the intellectual appetites of an audience lately gratified by the industry and talent of former managers nevertheless, she entertains the most sanguine expectations of success in this her first visit. In these expectations of success, she has been confirmed by her late visits to Bath, Bristol. Exeter, Plymouth, Southampton, Winchester, &c., &c., where the same difficulty was met, and triumphantly overcome; in short, the manageress comes before the public of this district with very peculiar claims upon its patronage and support. She has merely to point to the flattering encomiums of public writers, uniting in the description of the entertainments, as being at once Enchanting to the Eye, and a source of Wonder to the Mind. Madame M. concludes by intimating, that no expense or attention will be spared in rendering the circus at once a handsome and comfortable structure, and that the entertainments will be further enhanced by the attendance of FIRST-RATE ORCHESTRAL PERFORMERS, Led by Mr. R. Holt, from Jullien's Promenade Concerts, Theatre Royaf, Drury Lane, London. The travelling cortege will enter this town at eleven o'clock a.m., headed by a splendid Band Carriage, drawn by the beautiful Arabian Horses in superb silver-mounted harness followed by the Ladies and Gentlemen of the establishment on Horseback after which the Miniature Dog Cart, drawn by the Two Smallest Ponies in the World; and General Tom Thumb's Carriage, also drawn by the Diminutive Steeds. The whole, combined, will offer to the public one of the best opportunities ever afforded of witnessing a combined display of equestrianism of the highest order, with every other description of circus amusement. An entire Change of Performance in the Evening. The whole enlivened by the Comic Conceits of the admirable Clowns, Adrian and Crowhurst. Sole Proprietor, Mr. J. MACARTE. Prices of Admission: First-class Seats, 2s.; Second ditto, 1s.; Promenade, 6d. Children under ten, and Schools, admitted at Half-price to the First and Second Seats. No Half-price to Promenade. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 2nd May, 1851*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395080/3395082?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-28-at-18.06.01.png) ## The Empire, Newport The quality of the entertainment provided at the Newport Empire shows no sign of falling off. Miss Minnie Cunningham, one of the sweetest little artistes on the stage, comes to charm her audience with song and dance. Her song 'Rain v Gamp' is identical in style to the one she gave on her last visit. 'You can't judge cigars by the picture on the box,' and is rendered with the same charm of expression. But it is in 'The Irish Serenade' that Miss Cunningham scores for her acting is so perfect, and her manner so irresistible, that — well, every single young fellow in the audience wishes he were the lucky Irishman who successfully woos her. In reply to an encore last evening Miss Cunningham gave one of her delightful dances, which was heartily applauded. — [*South Wales Argus, Tuesday 10th November, 1896*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143492810/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image-23.png) Source: [Into the Limelight](https://intothelimelight.org/2020/06/27/im-an-old-hand-at-love/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-25-at-14.56.55.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 2nd May, 1851](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395080/3395082?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Volume 1, Number 15 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-15/ Last updated: 2025-03-29T07:07:12.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-11-at-08.22.07.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 12th April, 1862](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3443009?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Lyceum Theatre Introduces Queuing An advert published in the South Wales Argus on [Saturday 6th September, 1902](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145605892/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription required) features a notice informing the public of the introduction of a "queue" whereby customers will be required to line two-by-two. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-17-at-19.48.52.png) [South Wales Argus, Saturday 6th September, 1902](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145605892/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription required) ## The Carpenters' Arms Lane and its Posts After a long and animated conversation upon this oft-discussed subject, it was, after formal resolution had been rescinded, resolved, upon the motion of Alderman Davis, seconded by Mr Moses:- " That the post at the southern end of Carpenters' Arms Lane be removed, and a movable post be substituted, secured by lock and key, and that Mr Eldershaw be allowed to take carts to and from his premises for his own private use before nine o'clock in the morning on payment of an acknowledgement of 1s per annum, subject, nevertheless, to the liberty being withdrawn at the pleasure of the Board. Mr Eldershaw to enter into a proper agreement to this effect, and to alter the large doors into sliding doors." ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-20-at-17.16.58.png) Where the post in the article would have been located. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 18th August, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402324/3402326?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Stench-Funnel on Stow-Hill The following minute passed by the Board of Guardians and forwarded to the Town Clerk, by Mr. W. D. Evans, was then read by the Mayor:— > Union Workhouse, Newport, 18th Aug., 1866\. The relieving officers, Mr. Salter and Mr. Evans, complained to the Board that the fumes from the iron stack, erected by the Newport Board of Health, on Stow Hill, have been perceived by Mr. Evans in his own house, and Mr. Salter and the nurse in the hospital. The Guardians consulted their medical officers on the subject, and find it to be their opinion that, as the stack in question does not carry off the deleterious gases which escape there-from, they will prove highly injurious to the health of the inhabitants of the neighbourhood. > > (A Copy) W. DOWNING EVANS, Clerk. Alderman Davis said he thought it right he should name that he was told on Sunday by some ladies who were at his house, that they had experienced a very disagreeable smell indeed from the stack as they passed over the hill by the Church. He was told the same thing by a gentleman; and he understood that Mr. Robert Woollett had expressed a strong opinion that the stack was likely to prove detrimental to the health of the inhabitants, and more especially as it was placed contiguous to the fever hospital, the whole of the refuse from which passed into the sewer just below it; as he understood, Mr. Woollett said it could not be put in a worse place. **Mr. Batchelor:** It is a serious position if that be so. Alderman Townsend said common sense would have told them at once what must be the effect, if they had considered it beforehand. **Alderman Davis**: It is only right that I should say that Mr. Lyne stated at the Dispensary meeting yesterday, that he had passed it with Mr. Rawlinson, a gentleman from the Crimea; and that Mr. Rawlinson said he did not think it likely it would be detrimental to health. But I suppose he did not know all the particulars; it was simply a passing comment as he passed by. **Mr. Brown**: It is a little singular, you know, that this complaint should come from the two officers of the Board of Guardians. **Alderman Davis**: They live close by—no wonder at all! **Mr. Brown**: Thank you, Mr. Davis—much obliged for the information they do live there. The fact is this—the wind has been blowing over Mr. Evans's house—in that direction—the whole of the time the stack has been up. **Alderman Davis**: No, no. Mr. Brown appealed to the nautical men of the town to bear him out. And it was a strange thing that at the very moment the wind was carrying the fumes over Mr. Evans's house on one side, it was also carrying them into the fever hospital on the other side-splitting, in fact, right and left. He pointed that out to show the utter inconsistency of the complaint of these two men. Now, Mr. Salter had a keen nose-there was no doubt about that at all. But—it was an extraordinary thing—only at the end of July—last month—the Inspector of Nuisances went round and discovered two masses of filth, and volumes of smell and fumes emanating from three open privies, with a large cesspool 41 feet or 5 feet square, on the "Old Barn" premises, which the Guardians were called upon to remove. Now, it was an extraordinary thing that that nuisance should have existed for years and Mr. Salter not have discovered anything offensive there, and yet the moment this chimney was erected to carry the fumes above the houses, he should smell it most clearly. But there was this again with regard to the stack. Here they had the Town Surveyor saying, "It's of no use at all—it will not do what Mr. Brown says it will do and here we have Mr. Evans and Mr. Salter, and these ladies that Mr. Davis has referred to, saying, Yes, it does it acts most powerfully, and the fumes and smells of the town come up in large volumes." But strange to say all the rest of the inhabitants are silent. **Alderman Davis**: No—query; I have heard it from dozens. **Alderman Townsend:** From hundreds. Mr. Brown Have you smelled it yourself? **Alderman Davis**: No I have not passed by. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-20-at-17.35.58.png) The location of the Union Workhouse where the present day St Woolos Hospital is located **Mr. Brown**: To be a little serious about the matter-—if it were a fact that offensive fumes passed out at the top of this funnel he was very glad to find it was so because it established the principle he had laid down at that Board, that that was the substantial effect of it; and for the purification of the town they should erect a higher stack, and one larger in diameter, and take the fumes and discharge them in the air, whence it would be impossible for them to return or fall down. But he himself thought this Board should have submitted to them by the Board of Guardians, as they had been kind enough to take the matter in hand, a certificate or report from some scientific man before they removed an important experiment which was for the health and comfort and benefit of the inhabitants of the town generally. Mr. Bolt thought that all approaches to the town should be as wide as possible but this stack was placed in a narrow, and as he considered it, altogether the wrong place. **Mr. Moses**: We, not the Guardians, are the Board of Health, and we are anxious nothing should be done to injure the health of one portion of the community for the good of the other. If there is anything really deleterious in this stack it is, therefore, our duty to test it, and to remedy the evil if there be any. **The Mayor**: It would be our duty to remove it immediately. Mr. Moses hoped they would not wait till two or three persons had been taken off by cholera. It was the duty of this Board to test the stack, and see if there really was anything deleterious. Alderman Davis remarked that since the stack had been erected, they had had fine weather, and while that was the case there might not be much harm done by the stack but they might depend on it, if they got a dense foggy atmosphere all the effluvia would be flung downwards. Mr. Brown observed that whereas during the prevalency of east winds the bouses on the upper side of Victoria-place, were usually very offensive, during the recent easterly wind they had been quite clear. Mr. Moses inquired of the Town Surveyor if it were true, as reported, that they had had a similar stack at Llanelly, but that it had been taken down because it was found to be injurious to the health of the inhabitants. The Town Surveyor was not aware. He had not even seen the report in the papers; but it bad been a subject of talk that such was the fact. Some further desultory conversation ensued, and ultimately, on the suggestion of Mr. Moses, the Town Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the receipt of the minute, and to state that the Board had erected the stack simply because of their anxiety to promote the public health, and if it were found to be deleterious it would be taken down. Mr. Brown said they might give the stack a trial for another fortnight. If he thought it was a nuisance he would go for taking it down instantly. It was then understood that the medical officer (Dr. Davies) would examine the stack, and report concerning it at the next meeting. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 25th August, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402336/3402338?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-11-at-13.37.39.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 8th June, 1850](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394874/3394876?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Permane's Bears It's always interesting seeing the theatre line-ups in the early editions of the South Wales Argus and trying to research who the performers were. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-20-at-19.54.50.png) [South Wales Argus, Monday 23rd November, 1896](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143492854/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) At the bottom of the billing were 'Permane's Bears' who travelled with their owner William Permane in a variety of European countries. > Wiliam Permane, (1864-1939), the equestrian son of a gymnast, stood in for a bear-trainer while travelling with a circus in Russia, and then turned his hand to training bears himself. His bears, usually three female Siberian bears, performed in Sweden and Spain before coming to Covent Garden in London in 1889/90 when ‘people were astounded to see bears standing on their heads, walking a narrow pole, barrel rolling, riding a tricycle and even seated at a table, enjoying a meal. Two of the bears were named Wodki and Sasuski’ (Turner, 1995). The Cambridge audience were amused by the clever if ungainly antics of the three bears who apparently drank beer and rolled logs. For more on Permane’s Bears and animal cruelty see[**Circus Animals**](https://tudorscircuscambridge.uk/circus-animals/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). \[Source: [William Tudor's Circus](https://tudorscircuscambridge.uk/1898-2/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)\] ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image-17.png) William Permane's performing bears from the 4th January 1899 edition of the Daily Sketch (Source: [William Tudor's Circus](https://tudorscircuscambridge.uk/1898-2/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The George Hotel’s Bowling Green 1905 appears to have been the year when bowls was becoming popular with greens appearing at places like Belle Vue and Newport Athletic Ground. There was also one ‘adjoining‘ the George Hotel in Maindee as shown in the advert below. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image-3.jpeg) [South Wales Argus, Monday 17th July, 1905](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143760149/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) There doesn’t seem to be many places where the green could have been if as described in the advert it was adjoining the pub. The logical location would have been the area of ground at the beginning of Victoria Avenue behind the pub. So far I haven’t been able to find out any information beyond the advert. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image-18.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### A Diver in Court Sarah Bayles was charged with stealing George Allen's watch and guard. —The girl was defended by Mr. Champ —The prosecutor is a diver, who goes down in a diving bell in the channel, to pick up a cargo of iron. On Saturday night he had got drunk, **by diving too often into mug**, and having strolled up the canal side, he dived into the water of the canal for some purpose unexplained — perhaps in search of rail iron; or it might have been the watch and guard, which, in a guarded moment just previously, when he kept watch on his property, had been all safe but at some subsequent period had vanishes — when or how, he knew not; nor could he now enlighten the Bench but he knew he was with a girl in some house, and the watch and guard now produced by Grist, were his. P.C. Grist said he saw the diver and the prisoner walking along the canal side together. He warned the girl off; but she said she was going to see her "home," as he was drunk. Presently, the officer heard a, splash in the water, and running down, he found the diver emerging from the water; the girl standing on the bank. Grist pulled him out, when he said he had been robbed of watch, guard, and money, by the girl, but she denied knowledge of it. P.C. Pratten took the watch from the girl. The prisoner was committed for trial at the session. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 26th May, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396011/3396013?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stealing Wearing Apparel Mary Mahoney was committed to fourteen days for having stolen three jackets, dresses, and other articles, the property of Joseph Ewins, of High-street. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image-9.png) Mary Mahoney (Source: [MonGenes](http://www.mongenes.org.uk/Crime%20%26%20Punishment/uskgaols.html?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 20th October, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3403695/3403699/13/Mary%2BOR%2BMahoney?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Juvenile "Pickers and Stealers" Cornelius Sullivan and John McCarthy, two urchins of a tender age, were charged with being vagrants. —H.P. Waters proved finding the boys carrying sacks on the wharfs, looking out for plunder. The Mayor severely admonished the fathers of the boys, and reminded them 0f their guilt, in not preventing their children from crime. — Mr. Rennie said he should like to send the fathers to prison, instead of their boys. The Superintendent **said the boy McCarthy had been to prison, and flogged**.—The bots were discharged, with a caution. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 26th May, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396011/3396013?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Rough Gang of Fellows A rough gang of fellows, chiefly from Friars’ Fields, or that neighbourhood, were charged with a breach of the peace, two of them having fought a battle which lasted forty minutes, and the others having aided and assisted, on the east bank of the river, last Sunday forenoon, during divine service. — Mr Champ appeared to defend one of the pugilists, who had been drawn into a fight, through having prevented his antagonist from forcing his way into a meeting of Mr Bailey’s supporters, held recently. The parties were bound over to keep the peace for three months, in £20 each, and ordered to pay 8s costs each. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Friday 19th March, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395295/3395297?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Highway Robbery: A Schoolmaster Abroad Reading this account, you can still follow today the route the criminals took. The shop mentioned was owned by William Compton who was a Grocer, Chandler and Provision factor and located at 58 High street. James Gaminon, hawker, Catharine Lake and Ellen Bryant, women of abandoned character were charged with stealing 7s. 6d. and a French coin from the person of Thomas Edward Turberville, on the public highway. Prosecutor is a school-master, residing in East-street. On Wednesday, at about midnight, he left a public house, in which he had been drinking in company with the prisoners; and after proceeding along a short distance, Gaminon caught him by the arms, which he held fast, while Lake took from his left hand pocket his money, amounting to three half-crowns and some coppers. He was the worse for drink at the time but had a perfect recollection of what transpired, in proof of which he said, "I had a French piece amongst the money pocket." The French coin described was produced by P.C. Samways. The prosecutor was unable to follow the prisoners, and being overpowered by drink, lay down on the pavement. Mr. Kessick thought the “Schoolmaster was abroad” on that night (laughter.) Mr. Henry Groves, professor of music, said, at about ten minutes before twelve on Wednesday night, he left the house of Mr. Gould on the Goldtops, and proceeded down towards the South Wales Railway station. When opposite the lane leading to Mr. Cordes's factory, he saw two men on the other side, one lying against the wall and the other, who he identified as the prisoner Gaminon leaning against him. It was moonlight, and there was a lamp near. The women were standing about a yard from the two men. As witness passed, he heard one of the men say, “Go with the women you sha'nt, go home.” Witness went aside, and in a short time saw the male prisoner with the other man down; one of the women then went close to them, when he (witness) went towards them, and they all three moved off and across the bridge over the South Wales Railway. Witness ran round by Thomas-street into High-street, and at Mr. Compton’s shop met the prisoners, who were talking about the money'; they then crossed the street, and went into the Carpenters' Arms lane. He walked on by the Tredegar Arms, when he met with a policeman, whom he directed to follow the prisoners, while he went round by Market-street to intercept them. At the bottom of the lane he met them, called to the officer and gave them into custody. Witness then went back to Pentonville, where he found the prosecutor lying on the ground. He asked what was the matter? and the answer was, I'm drunk, and I have been robbed of three half-crowns." PC Samways received information concerning the prisoners from the last witness, and took them into custody. On searching them at the station, he found on the person of Gaminon four half-crowns, and a sixpence in silver and about sixpence in copper, also a French coin identified by the prosecutor. Bryant pleaded not guilty. Gaminon and Lake pleaded guilty, and were sentenced each to six months imprisonment with hard labour. Bryant was cautioned and discharged. Mr. Groves was then called by the bench who highly complimented his conduct in bringing the offenders to justice. Mr. Groves briefly replied that he had but performed an act of duty; on 3s. 6d. being tendered him for attendance, he declined to accept it, requesting that it might be placed in the poor box. *—* [*The Cardiff Times, Saturday 2nd October, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3380666/3380670?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### “It Was Proved She Was A Disgusting Beast” Thomas Jones, a horse and pig dealer, was charged with committing a nuisance in one of the carriages on the South Wales Railway, also with travelling without a ticket. There was another charge of assaulting Stephens, a policeman of the South Wales Company. The charge of assault was first proceeded with, and admitted by the defendant, who said he did not kick the policeman until he (the policeman) had struck him on the eye. The defendant's eye bore evidenee of a severe blow. The second charge of travelling without a ticket was proved by the ticket collector at the Newport station, and in answer the defendant said he did so by mistake. The third charge of a most disgusting nature was proved by the guard, who said there was a woman in the same carriage who was beastly drunk. She left the train at Newport, and from the statement of a sailor, who was passenger in the same carriage but in another compartment, **it was proved that she was a disgusting beast**. The Major said the Bench had no power to deal with the charge of nuisance in the railway carriage, which was most disgusting, but they inflicted a fine of 40s. and 10s. costs for the assault, and 40s. with 19s costs for the second offence. The money was paid. *—* [*The Cardiff Times, Saturday 2nd October, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3380666/3380670?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-12-at-08.21.31.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 18th March, 1837](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392409/3392411?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Pic-nic at Goldcliff An open air entertainment for the benefit of the Organ Fund, Goldcliff church, came off in a field near the tump at Goldcliff, on Friday and was numerously attended. About 250 persons, many of whom were from Newport were present, and, favoured with lovely weather, enjoyed themselves most satisfactorily. A large marquee pitched on the ground served as a refreshment room for those who chose to avail themselves of it, but taking advantage of the fine day the majority pic-nicked under the blue canopy of heaven, and enjoyed the warmth of the solar rays with the fine breeze to fan their faces. The day was spent in entire enjoyment. *—* [*The Cardiff Times, Saturday 2nd October, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3380666/3380670?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image-12.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 4th March, 1843](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393888/3393889?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## ’What Should Be Done With The Russian Gun? Mr. Lyne asked the Board what would be done with the Russian gun now lying in the Cattle Market, which he considered reflected discredit on the town. The gun was given to them as a trophy in remembrance of the gallant deeds of their brave soldiers, and should have a place assigned it worthy of the spirit in which it was presented. Its present position was an insult to the brave men who had fought their battles, and a reproach to the council. Had the gun been presented to a village it would have received a more fitting attention, but here it had been thrown into the Market-place to lie and rust. He thought more respect was due to their gallant soldiers, whose indomitable courage had taken it from their enemies. He was not present at the last meeting, but he had read the reports, and he would now propose that a committee be formed for the purpose of adopting such measures as should find the gun a suitable carriage and site. Mr. Homfray had seen a similar gun at Carnarvon mounted on a carriage which, from its construction, attracted his attention. Since the last meeting he had written and received a letter respecting it, and from it he found that the cost of the carriage was £16\. The Mayor said, at the last meeting he undertook to put himself in communication with the agent of Sir Charles Morgan relative to a site in Park-place for the gun that he had not yet done so was no fault of his, for he had not been able to obtain the requisite interview. He then read the letter from Carnarvon, on which Mr. Lyne observed that that letter did not alter his proposed resolution,and moved that a committee, to consist of the Mayor, Alderman Homfray, Mr. James Brown, and Mr. G. W. Jones, be formed to determine on a proper site and carriage for the gun. The Mayor thought its site had been agreed upon at the last meeting. Mr. Townsend differed in opinion from the Mayor. He was present at the last meeting and did not understand that any definite site had been agreed on. Mr. Lyne put his motion in due form, “that a committee, consisting of the Mayor, Ex-Mayor, Messrs Homfray, Brown and Jones, be appointed to recommend a suitable site, also to provide for the expense of a carriage for the gun.” The resolution was seconded by Mr. Jones and carried, when the clerk was directed to write to the War Office requesting a plan of the gun carriage supplied from the Arsenal at Woolwich to the town of Carnarvon. A conversation then took place, in which Mr.Townsend proposed as a proper site for the gun the space opposite the Westgate, which caused some jocular remarks respecting the service it would render, if mounted there, supposing that a second chartist riot should happen, in which case it could be pointed up Stow Hill to advantage. Mr. Graham rose to deprecate these discussions, which, without leading to any benefit, took up much of their time. There had been already far too much time expended on the question of the Russian gun, when the real business of the town should have been attended to. *—* [*The Cardiff Times, Saturday 2nd October, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3380666/3380670?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/SeenAndHeard-b454b798f7ef1031.jpg) ### Corporation Mud Corporation Road ratepayers — and their name is legion — will hear with satisfaction that there is a likelihood of this much-frequented thoroughfare being paved in the near future — the sooner the better. The paths during the wet weather are almost ankle deep in mud, which is very plentiful on the eastern side of the river. Some residents have long been promised the privilege of a pavement, and these will welcome the news that at last their hopes will be realised. Either the Corporation or private owners are responsible for the delay in carrying out a necessary public improvement. *—* [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 1st January, 1898*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143788386/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### 'A Woman and her Improvised Concert Hall' Confinement in the Workhouse was too much for a widow names Catherine Ryan, whose features are well-known to those who attend the Newport Police Court. She was so elated at her freedom that she drank a deep, deep draught from the intoxicating cup. The drink made her so merry that she gave vent to her feelings in song, choosing a doorway in Commercial Road as an improvised concert hall. Her audience were so numerous as to cause an obstruction. A constable abruptly terminated the programme and marched off the woman to the police cells. On Friday morning she made her 34th appearance at the court and was amerced in the drunkard's penalty. *—* [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 1st January, 1898*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143788386/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### 'A Complaint About Begging' At the risk of offending all the "good" people in Newport I enter my most strenuous protest against the encouragement of begging, which is given in churches, chapels and religious institutions. The number of "cards" which are in circulation, and the number of children who are calling at people's houses touting for subscriptions for this, that, and the other cause, is something appalling. To my mind, the system is calculated to have an extremely bad effect upon children. It teaches them to thrust themselves forward (not infrequently their persistence amounts to impertinence), it undermines the spirit of self-respect and self-reliance, and it tends to develop priggishness. If there is a cause to be aided, let the children exercise the spirit of self-denial and give them own coppers; if they with to enlist sympathy, let them do it in their own circle, not thrust themselves upon strangers. This indiscriminate begging is good neither for them nor for the persons approached. *—* [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 22nd January 1898*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143788901/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### 'Not All Skittles and Beer' The Mayor of Newport is finding out that it is not all beer and skittles to hold the office. He says it seems that if anybody has a dead donkey, or is in trouble, or has the bailiffs in the house, they seem to think that it is the proper thing to apply to the Mayor. As an instance of the varied duties which fall to a Mayor's lot he told the subscribers of the Workmen's Infirmary Fund that one morning he was in the police cells interviewing a female prisoner who wanted him to pay her fine, and the same afternoon he was escorting a titled lady to the platform at a public function. *—* [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 22nd January 1898*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143788901/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Bicycle Accident in Newport — Minister Seriously Injured A serious bicycle collision occurred on Newport Bridge on Friday evening, about seven o'clock, when the Rev T.F. Rawlings, who for some time has been the superintendent minister of the Newport Wesleyan Circuit, was cycling in the direction of Maindee. At the present time, workmen are engaged in laying the feeder cables for the new electric tramways. At each end of the bridge the ground has been excavated, and wooden boards have been placed round the holes in which the workmen are busy with pick and shovel. These erections, which are in the centre of the roadway have the effect of decreasing the available room, only the tramlines on each side being left, and consequently there is great congestion of traffic, the road, of late, having been frequently blocked. However necessary these erection may be — (upon this point we do not, for the moment, express an opinion) — undoubtedly they are a source of unceasing annoyance and of constant danger. It was so in the present instance. Mr Rawlings was passing the wooden structure on the east side of the bridge, another rider was coming in the same direction, and an eye-witness of the accident states that when the cyclists became parallel, the unknown cyclist gave a slight turn, with the result that a collision was inevitable. The wheel touched the rev. gentleman's machine and threw him violently to the ground, and when assistance came to him it was found that he had been seriously injured. The rev. gentleman was placed in a cab and taken to his residence in Stow Park Avenue. On his way there a call was made at the house of Dr Macormack, who fortunately was at home and accompanied Mr Rawlings to his house. An examination resulted in the discovery that in addition to various minor injuries in the nature of bruises, etc, the right leg of the rev. gentleman had been fractured by the violent fall. This was set by Dr Macormack, and the minor injuries received attention. On making inquiries this morning, we find that Mr Rawlings had again been visited by Dr Macormack, who informed our reporter that the patient had passed a restless night and had suffered great pain. The injured limb was very much swollen. Great and general sympathy will be felt with the patient. — [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 6th September, 1902*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145605892/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-17-at-19.46.00.png) [South Wales Argus, Saturday 10th November, 1894](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143590931?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ## Newport and Pillgwenlly Water Works Company: Purity of the Water The Chairman then intimated that the formal business of the meeting was concluded, but there was one matter which he wished to mention, that was in reference to the report of the medical officer of the Board of Health. No doubt they had seen it, but he nevertheless would read it:—"The present may serve as an opportune period for calling your attention to the unsatisfactory state of the water supplied to the town by our public company, for though there may be nothing in it positively injurious to health, yet there can be no doubt it contains too much organic impurity. If the water is kept in bottles and exposed to the light for two or three days it smells and becomes offensive. This is an unfailing test of the presence of an amount of organic matter that ought not to exist in drinking water." —Now that was a rather grave charge coming from the medical officer of the Board of Health and the directors had accordingly taken the earliest opportunity of testing the water in the very way which Dr. Davies himself suggested. He (the chairman) should also state that the directors had received from the Town Clerk a formal letter calling their attention to the report of the medical officer. In order to test the water in the way suggested by Dr. Davies the directors had obtained water in open bottles, and exposed it as they might observe to the light and sun. The water had been obtained from six different parts of the town three from the lower part of Pillgwenlly, and three from other places. The water thus obtained had been lying exposed since Thursday last, which would be three clear days; and there it was for their inspection (producing a bottle), as clear and pure, and as free from sediment as it was almost possible for it to be. Such a charge as he had read having been made, he might say at this the first opportunity he had of doing so that it was the unanimous desire of the directors of the Water Works Company that the Board of Health should be invited to make similar tests either by themselves or their officers, according to the mode suggested by Dr. Davies, and a very simple test it was that the water should be obtained and placed in that room in their charge, and the directors hoped they would be enabled to satisfy the Board of Health that the water was as pure as it was possible to be. Mr. W. S. Cartwright, following up the remarks of the Chairman, said he might mention that the directors had with the greatest possible anxiety entered upon the question, because they felt that the supply of pure water to the town was of vital importance, and they felt it their duty to satisfy themselves that the water was as pure as possible. They had adopted the test suggested by Dr. Davies, with water obtained from different parts of the town, and they could come to no other conclusion than that the water was perfectly pure. There might be other tests to apply, but he thought the directors would adopt a proper course in inviting the Board of Health, by their inspectors or medical officer, to apply similar tests, in order that they might be satisfied. It so happened that on the day after the report of the medical officer was published, he met Mr. Lyne, who had been attending a meeting of a commission appointed by the Crown to inquire into the pollution of rivers. The commission comprised Sir William Rawlinson and two other gentlemen well qualified for their task. They had invited Mr. Lyne to give them his assistance in this neighbourhood, and he accordingly attended them. Among other things they expressed a wish to see the Water Works, and they had gone over the Water Works, and Sir William Rawlinson having tasted the water, pronounced it wholesome and good. This was satisfactory to his (Mr. Cartwright's) mind, although Sir William Rawlinson did not adopt any scientific test; yet the impression made upon his mind was favourable as to the quality of the water. He (Mr. Cartwright) could not help thinking that there was some error in the test as applied by Dr. Davies. Not that he wished to impute to him anything wrong, but the test must certainly have been made under unfavourable circumstances. They (the directors) had made the test, and found the water in every one of the bottles perfectly pure. Some years back, he had been reminded that the water had been examined by an analytical chemist, and was then pronounced to be a remarkably pure and good water. The Chairman added, that about a month ago the directors visited the whole of the works, and were much gratified at the extremely good state in which they found the works, and were satisfied that the water was as pure and free as it could be. He was never more surprised than when he read the report of Dr. Davies. He (the Chairman) thought that the test of the medical officer must have been made under very exceptional circumstances. The company obtained their water out of the tile stones, one of the very best sources and they traced it from point to point, and they were satisfied that water could not be supplied more pure. Mr. Cartwright remarked that the water works were now kept most private, and no one was allowed to go there. A complimentary vote of thanks to the Chairman, moved by Mr. W. S. Cartwright, and seconded by Mr. W. Evans, was agreed to, and the meeting then terminated. The samples of water spoken of above were then submitted to the reporters present, who were unable to detect either by taste or smell anything in the slightest degree objectionable. A very small amount of sediment was noticed in one or two bottles, excepting which the water was unusually clear. Some pump water tested in the same way compared somewhat unfavourably. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 1st September, 1866*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3402348/3402350?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/South_Wales_Argus_1913_05_02_6.jpg) [South Wales Argus, Friday 2nd May, 1913](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144031095/?clipping%5Fid=167947089&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ### The First Motor Car In Newport URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/the-first-motor-car-in-newport/ Last updated: 2025-03-18T21:21:04.000Z The late 1800s saw the introduction of the motor car with a handful of manufacturers building primitive looking tricycles and four-wheeled vehicles. Karl Benz had [created the Benz Patent-Motorwagen in 1885](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benz%5FPatent-Motorwagen?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) with it being patented in January 1886 and released to the public later that year. Benz introduced the Velo (aka the Velocipede) in 1894, becoming the [first *large scale production* automobile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl%5FBenz?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). During the last years of the nineteenth century, *Benz* was the largest automobile company in the world with 572 units produced in 1899. ## The First Mention of a Car in Newport [In November 1896](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143492864/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) an advert appeared in the South Wales Argus for the Tredegar Show which would feature an exhibition of a motor car 'in motion'. The car in question was a Benz Patent motor car and would be exhibited on Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th November ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-18-at-12.47.24.png) An article published in the South Wales Argus on [Tuesday 24th November, 1896 ](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143492859/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)mentioned the upcoming appearance of the car. *Mr Charles D Phillips' special feature this year was the horseless carriage. It is one upon Benz's system*, *and amongst the first lot which journeyed from London to Brighton on the 14th \[November\].* The photo below is taken from the inaugural London to Brighton race on 14th November, 1896 and the car in front is a Benz Velo so it's very likely that Charles D Phillips brought the same model of car to Newport. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/U77666.jpg) A Benz Velo at the inaugural London to Brighton race on 14th November 1896 (Source: Mercedes Benz) [According to Bonhams](https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/29216/lot/176/1896-benz-velo-patent-motor-wagen-niv2i-engine-no-1521/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), Benz made 181 cars of all types in 1896 so the one that visited Newport would have been quite a rarity. The image below is one that was auctioned in 2024\. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/benzvelo-2.jpeg) A Benz Velo that was auctioned by Bonhams (Source: Bonhams) A meeting of Monmouthshire County Council on Thursday 17th November, 1896 mentioned that a list of regulations for the use of motor cars on public roads had been drawn up but the matter was deferred as no vehicles had made an appearance in the district. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-18-at-16.53.29.png) [South Wales Argus, Thursday 17th November, 1896](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143492836/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) **So was Charles D Phillips the first person in Newport to own a motor car?** ## Who Was Charles D Phillips? Charles David Phillips was born in Newport on 26th December, 1845 and served an apprenticeship as a mechanical engineer. He owned the Emlyn and Central Engineering Works (the Newport Works) which repairs locomotives, engines, boilers and manufactured other items. He also manufactured canvas products and Emlyn Canvas still exists today beneath George Street Bridge. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-18-at-17.25.36.png) He was also interested in agriculture and was an active participant in a variety of shows including the Royal Agricultural Society and the Bath and West of England Society. In addition, he manufactured and dealt in agricultural machinery and owned a farm in Gaer-fach is where the present day Gaer Inn is located. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-18-at-13.02.39-2.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-18-at-13.57.39-1.png) Gaer-fach Farm, home of Charles D Phillips. Right photo is from 1933. The following year after exhibiting a Benz car, Phillips was again displaying another vehicle at Lord Tredegar's Show in 1897\. This time it was a Beeston motor tricyle and an intriguing 'motor shooting car'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-18-at-20.42.05.png) I'm not sure what the motor shooting car was but the Motor Scout was a vehicle that existed at the time with this image from 1898 showing The Maxim which featured a self-powered machine gun. The Maxim was built by Beeston so it's likely to be the one below, or a similar one, that was exhibited. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image-15.png) An article in the The Automotor Journal on [15th December, 1897](https://archive.org/details/TheAutomotorJournal1896ToSeptember1898/page/n641/mode/2up?q=cardiff+phillip) mentions the Beeston Motor Tricycle and how the 'good people of Newport' were astonished by the vehicle. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-18-at-15.24.37.png) The Automotor Journal — [15th December, 1897](https://archive.org/details/TheAutomotorJournal1896ToSeptember1898/page/n641/mode/2up?q=cardiff+phillip) Even though the vehicle is a tricycle and has wheels more suited to a present-day bicycle, it did take part in the inaugural London to Brighton run and was the only British-made vehicle to enter and reach its destination. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image-16.png) Source: [British Motorcycles](https://cybermotorcycle.com/marques/british/beeston.htm?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Whilst researching this article I've already encountered different articles mentioning accidents, speeding and interactions with other vehicles so no doubt they'll appear in future articles here. ### Fire-Eater Visits Newport URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/fire-eater-visits-newport/ Last updated: 2025-03-17T19:00:07.000Z For six decades during the 18th century, Robert Powell was famous for touring the country as a fire eater. Born around 1700 he first started performing in 1718 and until 1780 his programme was largely the same and copied those who had preceded him. He [performed in front of British and European royalty](https://geniimagazine.com/wiki/index.php?title=Fire%5FEating&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) and in 1751 was awarded a purse of gold and a large silver medal. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image-14.png) Still performing aged 80 ## Powell Visits Newport In March 1753, The Gloucester Journal mentioned a tour that Powell was on which covered a large area of South Wales including Newport and Caerleon. He had started in Hay then moved on to Brecon, the Angel in Abergavenny, Pontymoile, the King's Head in Newport and White Hart Caerleon and then travelled to Bristol and Bath. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-17-at-13.02.55-1.png) He continued his tour visiting Neath on March 30th, Swansea on the 31st then Camarthen, Pembroke and Haverfordwest in April returning again to the Angel in Abergavenny , Pontymoile and finally Usk. The cost for the show was 1s. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-17-at-17.51.52.png) [The Gloucester Journal, Tuesday 27th March, 1753](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971274465/?match=1&terms=%22Fire%20eater%22&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ### What Would The Newport Show Have Been Like? An [advert](https://www.newspapers.com/image/970976410/?match=1&terms=%22Fire%20eater%22&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) in The Gloucester Journal on Monday 21st April, 1766 gives an insight into the type of show the residents of Newport would have witnessed. --- *1st, He eats red-hot Coals out of the Fire as natural as Bread.* *2dly, He licks with his naked Tongue, red-hot Tobacco Pipes flaming with Brimstone.* *3dly, He takes a large Bunch of Deal Matches, lights them all together, and holds them in his Mouth 'till the Flame is extinguished.* *4thly, he takes a red0hot Heater out of the Fire, licks it with his naked Tongue several Times, and carries it round the Room between his Teeth.* *5thly, He fills his Mouth with red-hot Charcoal, and broils a Slice of Beef or Mutton on his Tongue; and any Person may blow the Fire with a Pair of Bellows at the same Time.* > *He fills his Mouth with red-hot Charcoal, and broils a Slice of Beef or Mutton on his Tongue; and any Person may blow the Fire with a Pair of Bellows at the same Time.* *And lastly, He takes a Quantity of Rosin, Pitch, Bees-wax, Sealing-wax, Brimstone, Allum, and Lead, melts them together over a Chaffing-Dish of Coals, and eats the said Combustibles with a Spoon as natural as a Porringer of Broth, (which he calls his Dish of Soup) to the great and agreeable Surprise of all the Spectators. Every Article above mentioned is justly performed without Fallacy.* *Before he begins his Supper, he entertains the Ladies and Gentlemen with Half an Hour's Diversion on Dexterity of Hand, much superior to any Jew, or other Pretender.* *He displaces Teeth or Stumps of Teeth so as scarce to be felt. This Advertisement does no mention half the he performs.* — [The Gloucester Journal, Monday 21st April, 1766](https://www.newspapers.com/image/970976410/?match=1&terms=%22Fire%20eater%22&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription required)* --- ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-17-at-13.01.18.png) Source: [British Museum](https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P%5FY-5-82?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Second Visit to Newport In July 1766, Powell returned to south Wales visiting Cardiff and then onto Newport, Caerleon, Pontypool, Usk, Abergavenny and Chepstow. It didn't specify where in Newport he visited but presumably it was the King's Head. — [The Gloucester Journal, Monday 30th June, 1766](https://www.newspapers.com/image/970976555/?match=1&terms=%22Fire%20eater%22&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription required)* ### 1753 Review A review in 1753 gives an insight into one of the shows and an incident that happened. *We hear from most of the Towns in South Wales, that Mr Powell, the celebrated Fire-eater, has exhibited, with universal Applause, to numerous Companies at each Place; particularly at Cowbridge, where a travelling Scotchman, and an Irish Barber, attempted to imitate the Infernal Monarch, but paid so dear for their Boldness, that they are now under the Doctor's Hands, and it's thought they cannot recover.* *—* [*The Gloucester Journal, Tuesday 10th April, 1753*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971274482/?match=1&terms=%22Fire%20eater%22&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Volume 1, Number 14 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-14/ Last updated: 2025-03-22T06:46:12.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-82.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 7th May, 1836](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392205?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Stealing Water Mary Sullivan, a young girl, pleaded guilty t0 stealing the water of the Newport and Pillgwenlly Water Works Company — \[This case would have been taken by the magistrate of borough, (two being required to act), but that all on the Bench last Monday except the Mayor, were shareholders in the company. His Worship now sat with the Rev. Chancellor, \[Mr. Russell having left.\] Mr. Webber said the case had been bought forward, by way of preventing a continuance of the offence, which had become of too much frequency in the town. It had been proved that upwards of fifty families were supplied gratuitously, by robbery. \[We understand that in this case the water was taken by numerous families from an exposed tap in a quarter where the public have access to it; the tap having been put up for the convenience of several parties who were to have paid for it.\] —Mr. Webber said the penalty for the offence was £2, and three months, imprisonment in default of payment. This would be enforced, in future cases. —The Mayor hoped the kindness of Mr. Webber on this occasion, would be properly appreciated but it must at the same time be recollected, that all future offences of the kind would be punished to the greatest extent permitted by law for it was an offence of a very improper kind. He hoped the public would take warning by the present case. —The Rev. Chancellor said the penalty of £2, or three month’s imprisonment, was one of a serious character; and would be found so, t00, when inflicted in the next case which might be brought up. —The intimation of Mr. Webber, that the company would not proceed for the penalty in this case, induced the Bench to dismiss the girl with a caution, and an order to pay 4s. 6d. costs. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Friday 19th March, 1852*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395295/3395297?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Newport Electric Theatre: A Message From Mars In October 1913, the Newport Electric Theatre secured [what is considered to be the first British sci-fi film](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A%5FMessage%5Ffrom%5FMars%5F%281913%5Ffilm%29?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). The film was based on an 1899 play and this is the plot from Wikipedia. *Horace Parker is an exceedingly self-centered, wealthy man. Not only is he a miser, but he also expects everyone else to conduct their lives according to his personal convenience.* *Parker is engaged to Minnie Templer, but Minnie has discovered Parker's selfishness and she is on the brink of calling off the engagement.* *On Christmas Eve, however, a messenger from Mars comes to Earth to show Parker the error of his ways. The two of them become invisible and eavesdrop on all the terrible – and true – things Parker's friends and family are saying about him.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image-10.png) From the [South Wales Argus, Friday 10th October, 1913](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144059874/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (subscription required):- *Management of the Newport Cinema, that conveniently-situated picture theatre in the High-street, are ever to the fore in securing for their patrons the latest attractions. Next week they are "going one better" in obtained the splendid film showing Mr Charles Hawtrey and his full London company in the great play "A Message From Mars", which has been aptly described as the "greatest success of recent years". Everyone will remember the wonderful play with its strong emotional love and dramatic interest. The fullest advantage has been taken of the facilities the film-maker is able to control, and with Mr Charles Hawtrey in the part of Horace Parker, the great attraction of the film will appeal to all.* *Marvellous mechanical effects are utilised in the scenes on Mars itself, and in the thrilling rescues at the fire scene motor fire engines are seen busily engaged, and dramatic situations have been filmed with familiar parts of London.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image-11.png) *Crowded houses may be confidently predicted for the Cinema during the week, and intending visitors should book their seats beforehand. "A Message from Mars" will be screened at 3, 5, 7 and 9pm.* ### Watch The Film The full 1 hour film is available to view for free on YouTube. The film was restored by the BFI in 2014 and features the original toning and tinting. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/SeenAndHeard-b454b798f7ef1031.jpg) ### 'The Woman Who Had Never Ridden an Iron Horse' A Newport doctor informed me the other day that he had attended an old woman who died at Marshfield at the age of 94, and had never been in a railway train in her life. It seems almost incredible that anyone should live so near a railway and yet never take on journey behind an "iron horse:" but some of the old people are very prejudice against "modern" innovations. — [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 11th November, 1899*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143469951/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Bears In Maindee?' A Newport workman on his way to work a little before six the other morning had a rather startling experience. Near The Maindee, on the Chepstow Road, he saw what he thought to be a big dog lying in the gutter, and, feeling that friendly approaches would be not only decent, but politic, he slapped his leg saying insinuatingly, "Good dog, good dog." But the "good dog" did not respond, and he repeated his salutation. Suddenly there arouse, and towered above him, a great black form. He did not know whether to run or show fight; and he ended by doing neither. It was a bear which aroused from slumber, had risen on its hind legs, evidently thinking that it as time to dance or to give his disturber an affectionate hug. The bear was very much frightened. On looking round the man found that there were four foreigners and three bears camping out in the gutter. — [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 11th November, 1899*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143469951/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Flowers in Bloom in Belle Vue Park' Every lover of flowers — and who is not? — should take the earliest opportunity of viewing the chrysanthemums staged in the pavilion at Belle Vue Park. The blooms, including many new varieties, are excellently arranged and accurately and legibly named, the interest of the specialist and the wonder and admiration of the novice liking thereby increased. Among many interesting plants in the adjoining house is a particularly fine camellia, full of bloom. — [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 25th November, 1899*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143469999/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-83.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 7th May, 1836](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392205?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## ’Nuisance, Out-of-town Girls’ The Chief Superintendent read his usual report, one item of which gave rise to a discussion relating to a nusiance. Alderman Latch said he had to call attention to a very great nuisance which existed in his neighbourhood. The unfortunate girls of the town came out in droves of six or eight, dressed in the most preposterous manner. He never saw such a thing in any other part of England. Two of them entirely swept the pavement. *The Mayor: They dress more like mountebanks than anything else.* ℹ️ Mountebank: a person who deceived others, especially in order to trick them out of their money; a charlatan. Alderman Latch said the borough was now paying £1700 a year for police purposes, and he asked whether such a thing was to be seen in any other part of England ? Besides, he had called the attention of Mr. Huxtable to the matter privately, and now he deemed it his duty to apeak publicly respecting it. He (the Alderman) had gone to one policeman and asked him if he could not put a stop to it; and the officer replied, “What am I to do? If these women are brought up before the magistrates, they are discharged, and we are laughed at.” He must ask — Could nothing be done to stop such an abomination? When they had Friars'-fields as the receptacle of vice, it did not show itself so rampant to all the world. Then, on a recent occasion, when the volunteers went to the Market-place, the voice of the adjutant word could not be heard, there was such a rabble. What, he asked, did they pay £1700 a year for, if these nuisances could not be abated? *The Chief Superintendent: The law does not justify me in taking the girls into custody. They go through the streets dressed in an extravagant manner but they do nothing to cause an obstruction or to block up the passage in the streets, and I cannot touch them.* *Alderman Latch: I beg your pardon. No man or woman can pass by them. There they are in groups.* *The Mayor Just so but where is the legal remedy?* *The Town Clerk: If they walk quietly along we can do nothing.* Alderman Townsend: As to talking to the police you might as well talk to the stones. I have asked them to remove this and other nuisances but it is of no use. Mr. H. J. Davis Every Englishman and Englishwoman has a perfect right to walk the street, as long as their conduct is decent. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 29th March, 1862*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3442985/3442987?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image-7.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 298th March, 1862](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3442985?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Lamp, Commercial Street The proprietors of the Star of Gwent have, with the consent of the Public Works Committee, removed their bracket lamp, and have supplied an ordinary lamp instead, which has not yet been refixed. As this part of Commercial-street is as well lighted, even without lamp No. 103, as many other parts of the town, it may be matter for consideration, in the event of the Stow-hill improvement being carried out, whether this lamp should be removed to one of the new slips in that road. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 29th March, 1862*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3442985/3442987?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### ‘A Month on the Treadmill’ Peter Davies was charged on remand with leaving his wife and family chargeable to the borough of Newport. It appeared that defendant bad been working at Bangor, where he was living with another woman, and there seemed to be a question whether he was not married to her. The wife, who presented a very respectable appearance (to defendant): You had better tell the truth. You must know whether you are married to her. —Defendant No, I am not, and I never paid a penny to her. In reply to the Bench, the wife said her husband had not visited her for twelve months; but he had sent her money up to January. The defendant had stated on Friday that he had sent his wife £2 in February, but a letter from his employer, Mr. Fourdrinier, received in the meantime, entirely falsified that statement, and set forth that up to a pay day in February he had been his foreman of carpenters, and had left at his own desire without any notice. The defendant persisted that he had left the money with his master to forward. — The Mayor: Have you anything to say why you should not be sent to prison? —Defendant: Will you please to allow me to write to my father for the money. —The wife: You know your father has assisted you as far as he can. The poor old man cannot do anything further. —The Mayor: You can write to whom you please, but you must first spend a month at the treadmill. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 29th March, 1862*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3442985/3442987?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Theft of Straw at Undy Valentine Curnock, carpenter, Undy. was charged with stealing two boltings of straw, the property of Miss Jane Musgrove, at Undy. Miss Blanche Musgrove said that she lived with her aunt, who was a farmer. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image-8.png) Valentine Crunnock (Source: [MonGenes](http://www.mongenes.org.uk/Crime%20%26%20Punishment/uskgaols.html?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) On the 18th of July, at night, she met the prisoner coming out of the mowstead, carrying the straw (produced) on his back. She asked him what he wanted there, and he said he wanted some straw to put a shelter over his workship. Took the straw from him, put it in the house, and locked it up. The straw produced is the same. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to 14 days' hard labour. — [*County Observer and Monmouthshire Central Adviser, Saturday 29th July, 1871*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3067600/3067601/2/Valentine%2BOR%2BCurnock?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### ‘Drunk Little Old Welshwoman’ Mary Jones, a little old Welshwoman, was charged with having been drunk. She pleaded in broken English, that “she had never got drunk before-never in her life.” She recounted all the places where she had been in service. She had taken three half pints, and felt rather tipsy. —Discharged with a caution. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 29th March, 1862*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3442985/3442987?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### ‘Landlord Fined For Refusing To Admit Police’ William Miller, landlord of the Sailor's Return, beer-house, was summoned for refusing to admit the police. Chief Superintendent Huxtable said the house was a notorious brothel, next door to the Castle, Commercial-road, kept by the defendant's daughter, who being unable to obtain a license, had got her father to take out a license. He lived in Pill. Defendant said his daughter had seven young children. Fined 20s. and costs. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 29th March, 1862*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3442985/3442987?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### ‘Another Incident at the Sailor’s Return’ Mary Ann Coles was charged with being drunk and assaulting the police. P.C. Gould said that the defendant, in company with another prostitute, was creating a disturbance before the Sailor's Return public house. They were ordered to go home repeatedly. At length Coles gave the officer a slap in the face. Fined 5s., or seven days. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 29th March, 1862*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3442985/3442987?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Language More Disgusting Than Ever Heard Before' Jane Bannister and Mary Ann Price were charged with being drunk and disorderly.—P.C. Jenkins gave the prisoners a very bad character for ill-conduct in the streets, where **their language was more disgusting than ever he had heard in the public streets before**. Respectable persons could not pass along, without being shocked by their foul ribaldry. —Severely cautioned, and fined 2s. 6d. each, and costs, or three weeks' imprisonment. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 26th May, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396011/3396013?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-84.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 14th May, 1836](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392210/3392212?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Fire Engine Committee's Report The following report was presented by the committee:— "The Committee proceeded to examine the engines, and found the new engine in perfect repair and good working order. "That the 36 fire buckets, 24 at Town station, and 12 at Pill, are in perfect order. "That there are eight lengths of hose at Town station, 360 feet; and three lengths at Pill, about 100 feet. "That there are also three standpipes, one a double action, and one single, at Town station; and one, single, at Pill. These fit the old plugs. "The old Engine is out of repair, and ineffectual, and will require a considerable sum to put it in repair; added to which, it is made on the principles which existed forty years back. It is questionable whether it will not be better to dispose of it, and procure one on the present principle. "We understand that the expense of repair would be about £60 or £70\. "Under these circumstances, the Committee would recommend a new engine to be procured, instead of repairing the old one. They further recommend that twelve more buckets should be procured, so as to have the same number at Pill, as at Town station. "Also, an additional quantity of hose, three lengths, of 40 forty feet, with brass joints and three short lengths, to communicate with new fire plugs and one short piece, to communicate with Canal Company hose. "Two sets of telescope ladders,—one for Town station, and one for Pill; three lengths, of 14 feet each. "They also recommend that the Police exercise with the engines once a month. "That a fire-escape, suitable for houses the height of the King's Head, which the committee believe to be the highest building in Newport, be procured. "Also, a short length of hose, to communicate with the Waterworks, at Pill. "Your Committee have taken on themselves to order the three short lengths of hose, to communicate with the new fire plugs; and the two short lengths to communicate with the hose of the Canal Company, and the waterworks at Pill. "We lay before you a letter from Messrs. Llewellyn and James, of Bristol, calculating the expense of repairing the old engine as £40, but subject to further and minute examination." Mr. Knapp and Mr. Sheppard were of opinion that too large an outlay was proposed by the Committee, considering that some of the things recommended were not essential — for example, the fire-escape could scarcely be considered necessary, in addition to an improved engine, telescope ladders, &c. Mr. Mullock said the present engine bad been recently proved to be efficient and if put into thorough repair, would do instead of a new one. The Mayor stated several objections to expending money upon the present engine. Two or three members suggested that application should be made to Insurance Companies to bear a portion of the expense of a new engine. Others considered such applications would be fruitless and it was ultimately determined to adopt the Committee's report in its entirety. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 23rd March, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396299/3396301?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-12-at-08.20.23.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 18th March, 1837](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392409/3392411?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Hydrants Several new hydrants are required in different parts of the town, and an order for the additional ones, in the undermentioned places, might, I think, at once be given, viz: One in Stow-hill, by old turnpike one in Stow-hill, near borough boundary one in York-place one in Commercial-street, between Llanarth-street and Corn-street; one in Dock-parade; one in road, east side of Usk, near turnpike gates.—\[Ordered.\] *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 12th April, 1862*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3443009/3443011?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Inspector of Nuisances Finds Diseased Meat' The Report of the Inspector of Nuisances stated, inter alia, that Thomas Thompson, of Maindee, had been fined 40s. for having diseased meat in his possession. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 12th April, 1862*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3443009/3443011?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## '15 People Found Living in Cottage on Stow Hill' Alderman Townsend directed attention to a cottage near the Red Lion, Stow Hill, comprising two rooms, in which it was said fifteen persons resided. The Inspector said he had received complaints of nuisances there, and intended visiting it, Dr. Davies having promised to accompany him. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 12th April, 1862*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3443009/3443011?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image-5.png) [South Wales Argus, Saturday 5th October, 1895](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1147734399/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ### The Prison Dietary URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/the-prison-dietary/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:33:54.000Z The weekly newsletters on The Newport Cornucopia regularly mention the crimes being committed in Newport and if not fined, the guilty person is sent to gaol, often the [Usk House of Correction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HM%5FPrison%5FUsk?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) which opened in 1844 and subsequently became the Monmouthshire County Gaol in 1870 which superseded the other gaol — the [Monmouth County Gaol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monmouth%5FCounty%5FGaol?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). The Monmouthshire County Gaol is still there today as HMP Usk. This article published in the [Monmouthshire Merlin in March 1855](http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396299/3396302?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) gives an insight into what the prisons were eating and the effort to make the food below that which could found at the workhouse to prevent people choosing prison as a better alternative. There's also discussion on the use of Indian meals such as if it's suitable for the prisoners. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Prison Dietary Report of the Visiting Justices of the two prisons, of the reasons and experience upon which they recommend the dietary adopted at the October Sessions, 1854, and of their subsequent experience:- "The object of this report, is to answer the objections of Mr. Perry, the inspector of prisons, contained in his two reports of the 21st August, 1854, and 12th December, 1854\. "Mr. Perry's second report refers to his first report, and says the objections here set forth, have received no answer from the magistrates that the circumstances to which the first report applied, were very different from those to which the second report is applicable—the dietary to which the first referred, being for long-timed prisoners, and prisoners before trial, substantially different from that which to which the first report objected. This alteration furnishes the answer to many of the objections and Mr. Perry, in an interview with one of the visiting justices of the House of Correction, only made objection to the dietary, as respects long-timed prisoners. "The present dietary is, for prisoners under more than three months' imprisonment, assimilated to the former dietary only for three days in the week for the other four days, a more generous—namely, a meat or soup—diet, is substituted and on those days, the diet is superior to the official dietary, by milk being given at breakfast and supper. > "This answers the objections as to want of variety disposing to eruptions and scurvy, to constipation and diarrhoea, and of general disagreement with health. The only applicable objections in the second report, are those which relate to the use of Indian meal, under any circumstances. Mr. Perry says that Indian meal generally disagrees, and is unpalatable. "The object of the visiting justices has been, to use a dietary which, being sufficiently nutritious, is at the same time not so superior to the diet of ordinary workmen, as to induce indigent and idle people to consider the prison a comfortable and desirable asylum, preferable to a workhouse. "The use of Indian meal, even in the larger proportion in which it entered into the former dietary—still recommended for short-timed prisoners—is highly approved by the last report of Colonel Jebb on the nine military prisons of the United Kingdom (1853, printed in 1854), in all of which it is adopted and by all the surgeons and governors of those prisons. No observation is there made, that it disposes to eruptions or scurvy, or that it is unpalatable. It is well known to be the principal food in some countries, and to be preferred by many persons having other food. It was known to one of the agistrates of this county, to have been reorted to on board a ship, with manifest increase of health and plumpness, and with the effect of dispelling scurvy. "While the milk and porridge dietary was in use in the prisons of this county, the health of many of the prisoners improved considerably; there was a smaller proportion of sick on the surgeons' journals; and the general health of the prisoners was better than before, till the occurrence of extraordinary atmospheric influences, during the last spring and summer. "Mr. Perry's report notices the habitual rejection of the Indian-meal porridge by many of the prisoners. "The accurate entries in our House of Correction, show that the quantity of Indian meal left uneaten, from all causes, has amounted to little or nothing, and has not exceeded that of the oatmeal porridge. This rejection is ascertained to have taken place from other causes than that of dislike. "The following are the proportions of each article returned uneaten from January 1st, to June 11th, 1854, both days inclusive. There were given out for consumption ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-12-at-12.49.08.png) The porridge returned, as entered in the turnkey's journal during the same period, was — ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-12-at-12.50.23.png) "The remarks of the surgeon of the County Gaol, and Mr. Perry's remarks in his first report, had especial reference to a temporary outbreak of fever in the gaol, which lasted for a very short time; and, so far from this fever (which prevailed at the same time in the town) having been caused or aggravated by the dietary, one of the severest cases in the gaol was that of one of the turnkeys, who did not use the prison dietary. Up to that time, the surgeon had uniformly reported in favour of the dietary. 'The alteration in the dietary was first made, not from any belief that it was insufficient for the general purposes of health, but to meet the requirements of the particular season, when an exceptional state of the atmosphere prevailed, affecting the health of the prisoners, and the visiting justices considered it a temporary measure to suit the occasion; and they afterwards recommended that it should be made permanent, in deference to the recommendation of the Secretary of State, that the sessions should adopt Mr. Perry s suggestion of a return to the official dietary. "In conclusion, we submit that Mr. Perry's remarks are scarcely at all applicable to the present dietary, and that in so far as they are applicable, they have been answered. Our subsequent experience entirely confirms the opinion now expressed, and our former opinion. "The Surgeon of the House of Correction reports that there is not a single instance amongst the short-timed prisoners, in which any injury has arisen from the use of the milk and prison dietary, or to the long-timed prisoners, from the use of the recently-adopted dietary that, on the contrary, a great many of the prisoners have improved considerably in health and condition and that the present Health of the prison is quite equal to what it ever was, previous to the exceptional state during the last spring and summer." — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 23rd March, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396299/3396302?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Volume 1, Number 13 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-13/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:35:13.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-26-at-13.03.32.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 8th April, 1865](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3401472?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## ‘The Speed of the Public Coaches’ We have felt it our duty, on more than one occasion, to complain of the dangerous speed at which the public coaches are driven through this town, and having experienced the courteous attention of Sir Francis Freeling on a former representation from another part of this county, we would now submit the propriety, humanity, and indeed the necessity, of an arrangement whereby the velocity of his Majesty's mails may be decreased on passing through densely crowded places, such as Newport. The distance between the Salutation and the King's Head Hotel, is about half a mile, and the time rained by a gallop instead of a safe trot, so far would make no material difference, at least not of sufficient importance to counterbalance the safety of the lives and limbs of the King's subjects. — [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 14th May, 1836](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392210/3392213?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-26-at-13.05.42.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 8th April, 1865](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3401472?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## ‘Breaking of the Sabbath in Caerleon’ To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin. Mr. EDITOR,—Sir,—One of the most prevailing sins of the present day is that of Sabbath-breaking, and, probably in no place is it more shamefully and openly practised than in the town and neighbourhood of Caerleon. There being no periodical, exclusively devoted to religious subjects, published in these parts, of which I might avail myself, allow me, through the medium of your truly valuable paper, to call the attention of civil authority to this flagrant desecration. In walking the suburbs of this place, at almost any hour of the Sabbath, (particularly from immediately afternoon, till dark) numerous groups of young persons are constantly seen gambling at the notorious game of “pitch and toss”, playing at “rounders”, “bandy”, or other sports, of which cursing and swearing are the common attendants. It is melancholy, too, to think of the amount of vice which is suffered to exist in some of the public-houses, on this day, not to speak of the drunkenness and blasphemy (of which they are the temples) which is carried on in them during the week. Too frequently, of a Saturday night, between eleven and twelve o'clock, do we hear loud bursts of unholy mirth, accompanied with stamping of feet and clapping of hand, that even shake the walls which contain the revellers, many of whom spend the following day in nearly a similar manner, steeped in intoxication. Now, sir, is it not the duty of the magistrates of this place, to exercise their influence in directing the constables to perform their office in suppressing abominations like these? Surely, the religion of which the magistrates profess themselves the supporters, calls loudly upon them to defend her institutions, and enforce her precepts. Besides, they are responsible to God and their country, for the exercise of the important power with which the civil law has invested them. Let them, therefore, be admonished that they take heed to fulfil their magistracy. I fear it is more than probable that the aspect of this place exhibits the effects of a curse, which it may require many prayers to remove. If, for the sake of the few righteous which may be found here, we have not been visited, like Sodom of old, with a flaming tempest, I am sorry to say, the curse of ancient Babylon seems to me in a great degree applicable, when it said, that she is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit! Let them who dwell here took to it; and may those who are commissioned to dispense the law, listen to the cries of justice, and do it. I am, Sir, your most obedient servant, AN INHABITANT OF CAERLEON — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 21st May, 1836*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392215/3392219?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-74.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 3rd March, 1838](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392644?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### The Coach and Horses, High Street A mention of the Coach and Horses pub at the Quarterly Meeting of Newport Town Council in 1854\. The pub was located on 25 High Street which is approximately on the corner of the present-day Newport Market. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-05-at-08.21.03.png) *Mr. Townsend reported that a delay had been occasioned with regard to the removal of these premises, in consequence of the parties holding the property considering it desirable to obtain the signature of Mr. Hole, jun., (who attained his majority on the 26th ult.) before the house should be pulled down. This, however, would, he believed, be speedily accomplished, and then the "Coach and Horses" would be taken off the road.* —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 5th May, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395984/3395986?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-81.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 7th May, 1836](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392205?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### 'Man Steals Boots To Try On In Different Shop' Edward Hurene, Blewitt-street, was charged at Newport Court on Wednesday with stealing three pairs of boots, the property of Messrs. Cash and Company. On Saturday night prisoner was seen to lift the boots from the shop door, put them under his coat, and walk off. The shopkeeper stopped him, and prisoner replied he was only taking the boots to another shop to try them on. He threatened to strike the shopkeeper, but a policeman arrived on the scene, and locked him up. He was sentenced to 14 days imprisonment with hard labour. — [*South Wales Argus, Thursday 9th November, 1893*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145588924/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Stealing Scrap Iron' David J Ennis and Daniel Grace, youths from Potter's-parade, were charged on remand, before the Newport Bench with stealing iron from the locomotive yard. They were seen on Sunday, 29th ult., by PC Bristow carrying off about 20lb of scrap iron from some loaded trucks in the yard. When they saw the constable they dropped the iron. Defendants, who pleaded guilty, stated they had entered the yard to look for a football. They were sentenced to be locked up till Thursday night. — [*South Wales Argus, Thursday 9th November, 1893*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145588924/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'A Notorious Drunkard' Ellen Evans, a notorious drunkard, though a married woman, advancing in years, was charged with being drunk and incapable, and with throwing stones at the door of John Ponsford, marine store-dealer. She pleaded guilty to being drunk on Friday but denied the "soft impeachment" of injuring Mr. Ponsford's door yesterday afternoon. Sergeant Harlow was ready to prove the first offence and Ponsford clearly showed the improprieties of the beldame's conduct. P.C. Williams, who apprehended her, stated that one of the usual Sunday Cross street mobs was assembled on this occasion.—Fined, for drunkenness, 5s., and 1s. 6d. for damage to the door, and 9s. 6d. costs, or one month's hard labour. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 5th May, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395984/3395986?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Taking a Nap in a Hay Loft' Robert Pearce, of Bassalleg, a young man dressed in his best clothes, was charged with sleeping in Mr. Gratrex's hay loft this morning. The Mayor asked defendant why he had gone to the hay loft to sleep. Why had he not staggered home to Bassalleg, for it was down-hill nearly all the way? (Laughter.) Defendant said he knew the gardener at King's Hill, and went there to see him. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-05-at-08.11.23.png) King's Hill is a house located near St Woolos Church He was sorry to say he was in the employ of the Rev. Chancellor Williams, of Bassalleg. Mr. Kessiek; Sorry to say so? Defendant: Yes; because I have disgraced my master by my conduct. P.C. Wilcox said lie was groping about this morning, seeing what he could observe of an improper conduct, when he lit on Pearce in the hay-loft. Ordered to pay costs and discharged. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 5th May, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395984/3395986?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'She Went Down "Saucing" Sergeant Long' Mary Ann Welsh was charged with being a drunken and disorderly character at the Newport dock. Sergeant Long, of the Dock police force, said prisoner had been "up" once before for similar conduct. On this occasion, she was drunk, and stript (sic) to fight another woman on the dock. The Mayor said Mary Ann would require half the time of a policeman to look after her. She said the officer had a spite against her. The Superintendent gave prisoner a bad character. —Fined 5s. and 8s. costs, or a month's imprisonment. She went down "saucing" Sergeant Long at a smart rate. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 5th May, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395984/3395986?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Boy Steals 20lbs of Bacon Timothy Abbey, a youth of dubious character, employed in a canal boat, who said he was 13 years of age though his mother said she believed he was 16, was charged with stealing 20lbs. of bacon, the property of Robert Roberts, beerhouse-keeper, at Cefn, Bassalleg, where he had gone beerhouse-keeper, at Cefn, Bassalleg, where he had gone for a pot of beer. — Mr. Cathcart was attorney for the prosecution, and Mr. Champ for the defence. —The prisoner was treated as a juvenile, and pleaded, guilty to the charge. Sentenced to six weeks' hard labour. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 19th May, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396002?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Stealing a Monkey Jacket' Augustus Voiet, John Henry Freeland, and Charles Wilson, were charged with stealing a monkey-jacket and pair of trowsers, the property of James Gould, Pillgwenlly. The ease was proved by complainant, and the evidence appearing to implicate Freeland only, Voiet and Wilson were discharged. Freeland, on being asked what he had to say, said that he and Wilson (who had been discharged) went up to the sleeping-room at Gould's house, and Wilson put on a monkey jacket and wrapped a pair of pantaloons round his waist, and went to Druiff's and pawned them fur 6s.—Freeland was committed for trial. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 19th May, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396002?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Sunday Gamblers George Farr, Thomas Young, Charles Davies, and Dennis Whelan, boys, all pleaded guilty to playing cards in Granville-street for money on Sunday morning. The constable picked up 2d. Fined 1s each. Sidney Gatehouse, James Hurton, and William Vickery, boys, also pleaded guilty to playing pitch and toss in Reform-buildings on Sunday morning. The constable secured two half-pennies. Fined 1s each. —[*South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday 7th October, 1893*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143501512/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/IMG_1860.jpeg) [South Wales Argus, Friday 10th November, 1893](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145588964/?fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjExNDU1ODg5NjQsImlhdCI6MTc0MTA3NjI3MiwiZXhwIjoxNzQxMTYyNjcyfQ.iJ2MdWAVbLHGq8Fk3Mv0SLPAelozxK1a6wG9sQljCBI&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/SeenAndHeard-b454b798f7ef1031.jpg) ### ‘Little By Little Old Newport is Disappearing’ Little by Little Old Newport is disappearing and of houses associated with the Chartist riots of ‘39 there will soon be none. The old Westgate is gone, though the pillars of its portico, with the bullet-holes still remain; John Frost’s shop, much changed in appearance so far as the ground floor is concerned still remains, though it cannot long survive; but the cottage on the Gold Tops where the Chartist leader was arrested has just been pulled down. Is it too much to hope that on any building erected on or near the spot, a tablet be placed recording that I was the site of the cottage which the arrest took place? *—* [*South Wales Argus, Saturday June 9th, 1900*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143489666/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### ‘A link in the Frost Family an an Old Gold Tops Boy‘ Reader — “In ‘Seen and Heard,’ referring to the removal of the cottage on the Gold Tops in which John Frost, the Chartist, was arrested, you appear to be labouring under a mistake as to the site of that cottage. It was not one of those cottages which have recently pulled down on the right hand side of the road. The cottage in which the arrest was accomplished stood in a beautiful little garden on the left-hand side of the road, and at that time was occupied by an old Chartist named John Partridge, a compositor. It is several years since the old cottage was pulled down, and one of the Gold Tops villas was erected upon its site. "I may say that when John Partridge left the cottage my father rented it, and there as a boy I lived many happy years with my parents.” Argus — If my correspondent is correct, and there appears to be no reason to doubt this story, the information upon which last week’s paragraph was based was inaccurate. *—* [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 16th June, 1900*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143513856/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### **‘**Castle Turned into a Brewery’ A spirit of vandalism must have been abroad when the old castle at Newport was permitted to be turned into a brewery. This interesting old ruin will probably soon be almost hidden from sight, as operations are in progress for erecting a row of buildings right along the front of it. This will be a decided improvement on the present aspect of the place, but one could have wished that the old castle had either been left alone in its ruinous dignity, or converted into a repository for interesting relics of ancient times, with a suitable approach fashioned out for the public. —[*South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday 7th October, 1893*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143501512/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ### ‘Lack of Bells on Bicycles’ A few days ago, the *Argus* mentioned a case in which a lady was knocked down by a bell-less bicycle at Caerleon, and reference was made to the large number of bicycles which have no bells and the source of danger they are to the public. Another case has been brought to my notice this week. A lady compelled to go into the road by a hoarding in Commercial-street happened to turn her head for some purpose, and thus just managed to escape a bicycle coming along at great speed, its rider either unconscious of indifferent to the danger of his riding, having no bell wherewith to warn those in his vicinity. —[*South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday 7th October, 1893*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143501512/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image-6.png) [The Weekly Argus, Saturday 25th January, 1913](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144047377/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image-2.jpeg) [The Football Argus, Saturday 8th March, 1908](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144035089/?clipping%5Fid=167482290&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ## ‘Shopkeeper Charged Under The Margarine Act’ Arthur Carmardine, Commercial-street, was summoned at Newport Court on Wednesday under the Adulteration Act, and further under the Margarine Act. Mr A.A. Newman prosecuted. He stated that defendant was manager to the Danish Butter Company. At the time the offence took place the firm was trading as the Home and Colonial Company, in a shop opposite the end of Corn-street. Elizabeth Dutton, Corn-street gave evidence that on the 8th September she went into the shop, and among other purchases, she was served with half-a-pound of shilling butter, for which she paid 6d. Detective Faulkner then came in and asked her is she had been told her purchase was margarine. She replied she had not, and the assistant said to her, “I told you it was margarine.” Cross examined by Mr H.S. Lyne: She had purchased the butter at request of the detective, who paid her for it. She could not read and could not say whether a large notice was posted up, “Margarine only sold here.” She was served at the left-hand side of the counter. The butter was wrapped in the paper produced, but she could not read what was on it. Detective Faulkner, Inspector under the Foods and Drugs Act, corroborated the woman’s statement, and produced the analyst’s certificate which stated that the sample submitted to him was margarine with a little butter added for flavouring purposes. The label in which the butter was wrapped bore the words “Margarine, 1s per lb.” The retail price was 6d to 8d per lb, and during the winter months 6d to 10d. The margarine notice was on the right-hand side. Mr Newman submitted that the notice on the paper was not in accordance with the Act. It might stand for an advertisement. Defendant was examined, and deposed that he told the woman it was margarine at 1s, and not butter. She nodded her head and said “Yes”, or words to that effect. There was a butter stand and a margarine stand in the shop, and the latter bore five notices. There was also a price-list hung up. Some jealousy existed between his employer and a rival. Henry Evan Thomas corroborated the statement as to what was told the woman. Mr Lyne submitted that defendant’s case had been clearly established, and it was most improbable that any one could be so foolish as to endeavour to sell margarine for butter from a stand plastered over with notices. He raised several points of law—that the manager should not have been summoned; that the sale did not take place to Detective Faulkner; that the sale did not take place to the prejudice of the detective or the woman; that the woman was served what she wanted (margarine). The Bench replied that the sale did take place to the inspector as the woman was in his employment for the time being. The sale was prejudicial to the public through the inspector, who acted on their behalf. as for the notice, it was in the nature of an advertisement, and could be wrapped round any article. The Mayor said they were prepared to deal with the case on the facts, and they dismissed it. The other case was then withdrawn. —[*South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday 7th October, 1893*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143501512/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-05-at-08.32.10.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 19th May, 1854](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396002?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Alteryn Skating Field URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/alteryn-skating-field/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:35:21.000Z ℹ️ In the 1890s and early 1900s, Allt-yr-Yn was often referred to as Alteryn so for consistency with the articles and adverts it’ll be referred to as that. Ice skating in Victorian times was a popular winter pastime in Britain and south Wales was no different. Each winter newspapers would report on the weather and the conditions of spots known to be good for skating. A report on January 3rd, 1908 [in the Evening Express](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4184446/4184449/76/Alteryn%2BOR%2Bskating?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) identifies places across south Wales and interesting refers each value under freezing as ‘degrees of frost’, so if it’s -10ºC it’s classed as ten degrees of frost (in the article below it was recorded as being -10ºC. --- *Now that King Frost is with us and people are burnishing their skates, our readers will do well to heed a note of warning, not to venture on ice covering deep water which is not perfectly safe.* *Roath Park Lake is not yet ice-bound, the centre portion being unaffected up to now. There is considerable ice on the sides of the lake and also near the islands, and given a continuance of frost for two of three more days, the lake will be the delight of all skaters. *The water is being protected from stone-throwers by park rangers specially told off for that duty*.* *The brick pond between Roath Park and Llanishen, which is a fine sheet of water, was completely frozen over this morning, and skaters could not desire better facilities than are to be found here.* *On shallow ponds Grangetown way there is thick ice, and youngsters are having a gay time.* *Gillar’s pond, near Virgil-street School is in splendid holding condition, and good skating can be had there.* --- Reports of ponds at Aberdare, Barry, Pontypool, Porthcawl, Swansea, Pontypridd and Merthyr were reported as was Marshfield and land between Newport and Severn Tunnel Junction. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Skating at Alteryn Field An early mention in the South Wales Daily News on [30th December 1892](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3724798/3724803/93/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) describes in details the numbers attending, the money made and amenities. --- *The weather at Newport on Thursday morning indicated an acceptable change, but towards the evening the frost re-asserted itself. Owing to the weekly half-holiday, skating was more general than on any former day, and every available piece of ice had its frequenters. The most animated scene was to be witnessed in the neighbourhood of Alteryn, where some enterprising farmers, studying the barometer, had flooded nearly a dozen acres of level meadow land adjacent to the Monmouthshire Canal. On Tuesday and Wednesday the visitors' sixpences (a charge being made for admission) amounted to £60 or £70, 1,600 paying on Tuesday and on Thursday and equally agreeable result was obtained. A tea and coffee tent was provided, and a company of newsboys kept the ice well swept. Several skaters harnessed themselves to sleighs, and all enjoyed the exhilarating exercise.* --- There was also a mention of skating at Alteryn in The Western Mail on [Wednesday 4th January, 1893](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4325598/4325605/100/Alteryn%2BOR%2Bskating?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). --- *The utmost enjoyment has been vouchsafed to skaters at Newport for the past ten days by the forethought of a land renter at Alteryn, about a mile from the top of High-street. He flooded about ten of low-lying land with a few inches of water, and when the hard frost came on there was a splendid sheet of sage and easily accessible ice. The proprietor charged an admission fee of 6d and has reaped a very rich harvest, as thousands have been skating on the ice every day.* They *have come from surrounding* districts *as well as from the town, and though one or two days* the *ice was cut up a little, a fresh flooding and freezing has sufficed to secure another smooth surface. A booth for hot tea and coffee near the ice has also been doing a good trade.* --- An advert published in the South Wales Argus in January 1894, “safe skating” was being promoted at Attewell’s Field, Alteryn. The previous article mentioned the field belonging to a land renter so that person may well have been Attewell. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/IMG_1867.jpeg) [South Wales Argus, Monday 8th January, 1894](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145576057/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The following year in 1895, another advert was published in the Argus for a grand skating match on Thursday February 14th at 2:30pm with prizes available. This was a time when shops would close at 1pm on a Thursday so people would have been able to attend. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/IMG_1866.jpeg) [South Wales Argus, Wednesday 13th February, 1895](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145576057/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) In 1901, the weekly ‘Seen and Heard’ column in the South Wales Argus wrote a snippet about the condition of the ice. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image.jpeg) [South Wales Argus, Saturday 16th February, 1901](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143629466/?fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjExNDM2Mjk0NjYsImlhdCI6MTc0MTIwMjEwMywiZXhwIjoxNzQxMjg4NTAzfQ.I41kW0Gc8V3RWN9pUAh%5FJpII1RqSQu7vVaRv5wH0inI&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) In the Evening Express on [Saturday 17th January, 1903](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4131628/4131631/62/Alteryn%2BOR%2Bskating?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), the field was reported as being the only place in Newport to skate. --- *The only place where skating was possible at Newport was the flooded meadow at Alteryn, where there was a capital sheet of ice, having a length of about 200 yards and width varying up to about 100 yards. The meadows were flooded by the heavy rains of last week and thus formed a sort of miniature lake. There is a no dangerous depth of water, the greatest being, probably, not more than a foot. The proprietor of the land has been making quite a good haul during the last three days by an impost of 6d on each skater, and there has been a useful and paying adjunct in the form of a coffee-stall. Hundreds of people enjoyed the skating on Friday, the ice being firm and smooth.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/IMG_6379-1.jpeg) A photo from 1907 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Where Was The Skating Field? Today, Allt-yr-Yn is predominantly not a flat area but the flattest area would have been the route the M4 follows. The adverts never specified where the skating field was but the 1893 advert gave a clue of Attewell’s field. There’s a mention in a [will in the 1930s](https://www.haine.org.uk/toms%5Fwills/wills%5Fdata.php?parish=Monmouthshire&page=7&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) of an ‘Attwell’ living an Oak Tree Cottage which happens to be near to the canal in a relatively flat spot. Could this be the owner of the field? ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image-2.png) The [Evening Express in 1908](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4184446/4184449/76/Alteryn%2BOR%2Bskating?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) mentioned a ‘couple of fields lying close to the canal’ which puts it in the same location. --- *Skating has commenced at Alteryn, Newport, where, as usual, the tenant of the couple of fields lying close to the canal flooded them to a depth of four or five inches, so as to get a good sheet of ice, upon which he makes a nice little winter harvest.* --- A tithe map of 1841 gives a better idea of the layout of the fields with number 17 being Oak Tree Cottage. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image-3.png) A photograph of the field seems to match a possible location of fields 587 and 585 and the photo below could well be looking west towards where the path starts to rise up Fourteen Locks. A bit of speculation but I’m wondering if the smoke rising on the left is a coffee stall which is mentioned in one of the newspaper articles? Based on the tithe map, the cottage would have been set further back so don’t think it would have been coming from the building’s chimney. Also the sloping hill in the background may well be the same rise towards High Cross today. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/IMG_1871-1.jpeg) The photo gives a good idea of the popularity of skating at the time and at 6d each, the owner of the field was making a handsome income. There's also a passing mention of "the two flooded fields" that was close to a cross country race route in February 1899 (Source: [South Wales Argus, 4th February, 1899](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145601473/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-06-at-12.37.25.png) A 'Lost & Found' advert in the [South Wales Argus, 22nd January, 1894](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143990913/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) mentions a T Attewell from Penylan Farm which is on high ground at Barrack Hill. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-06-at-12.44.02.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Conclusion Based on the mention of the two fields being in close proximity to the canal makes me think it was fields 587 and 585\. The photo above shows a thin line in the distance perhaps separating two fields and the area is relatively flat compared to other fields in the area. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image-4.png) Possible fields used for ice skating Skating was clearly a popular winter activity from at least 1892 until 1908 and perhaps beyond. Many hundreds or even more (1,600 were mentioned attending on a day in 1892) would flock to the fields each spending sixpence. In addition there were vendors selling tea and coffee making even more money. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### For Sale: A Commodious Dwelling-House URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/for-sale-a-commodious-dwelling-house/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:35:52.000Z Whilst researching Newport in The Gloucester Journal — which has proved to be a great source on Newport in the 18th century — I spotted an advert published on Monday September 10th, 1770\. [Source](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971264232/?match=1&terms=Newport&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (subscription required) The advert was for a ‘commodious dwelling-house’ situated near the Market House on High Street. The advert goes into detail about the house and amenities and appears to be a sizeable property. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/IMG_1861.jpeg) [The Gloucester Journal, Monday September 10th, 1770](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971264232/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (subscription required) On offer is the following: - Two parlours - A hall - Kitchen - Back kitchen - Wash house - Brew house - ‘Handsome’ dining room - Eight good bedchambers - Two pantries - Several closets - Cellars sufficient to contain upwards of 50 hogsheads \[a sizeable barrel containing around 54 gallons\] - ‘A large and convenient Malthouse’ - Large stalled stable - Hay loft - Yard - Three gardens (two are walled in) The property used to belong to a Mrs Kemeys who had died (presumably that year). [The Kemeys](https://www.kemmisfamily.info/TheKemmisBook/kemmis17.html?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) were a long-established family of Newport dating back to the 15th century and I’m presuming that Mrs Kemeys was a descendent. ## Where was the house located? Seeing the advert made me curious to know where the house was located but information from that time is limited, particular online. Newport at the time would have been very small with most houses, apart from manors further away in the county of Monmouthshire, located in the centre on the High Street, adjoining streets and Stow Hill. A map from around 1750 posted on [NewportPast](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/maps/m1750.htm?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) is likely close enough to the date of the advert to be of use as chances are not much would have changed in that period. ([View a list of property owners on the map](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/maps/m1750%5Fkey.htm?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ### Stow Hill? It lists three properties belonging to ‘Kemeys’ and a fourth being Newport Castle which was listed as ‘Duke of Beaufort and Kemeys’ and wouldn’t be applicable in this article. One of their properties is located on Stow Hill (plot 54 on the map), where the houses are generally small and uniform in shape. It would seem unlikely to have been that property. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image-1.png) Plot 54 on Stow Hill belonging to the Kemeys ### Cross Keys Lane? The other two are located in the centre of the town. One was in between Cross Keys Lane (now Market Street) and Griffin Lane (now Griffin Street) on plot 96 and the other was on plot 101 which is on the corner of Cross Keys Lane and what is today Carpenter’s Lane. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/image.png) Plots 96 and 101 belonging to the Kemeys Plot 101 (listed as ‘Kemeys, Old Sloop’) clearly looks as though it has a yard which is mentioned in the advert and the dark buildings could well be some of the buildings such as stabling, hay loft and the malt house. Most importantly, it’s located near the Market House on High Street. The hatching on plot 96 (where today’s Market is located) makes me wonder if it indicates land such as the three gardens. To the left and right of plot 96 there are ‘Four tenements’ and ‘One tenement’. The advert also mentions that several acres are available but unsure whether that would be outside of town or, perhaps, the other hatched areas. ## Conclusion Plot 101 seems to be an ideal location for the majority of the property and all of that area has extensive cellars. Granted plot 96 would also likely have cellars as the market does today but the hatching appears to signify a garden, particularly as the adjoining plots without hatching are marked as tenements. My guess is the house, yard, malt house and stabling would have been on 101 with the trio of gardens across the lane on plot 96\. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/03/IMG_1864-1.jpeg) Where the property may have been. I’m presuming that the black buildings are related to 101\. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Volume 1, Number 12 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-12/ Last updated: 2025-03-08T08:08:40.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Weighing Machine To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin. SIR,—I feel convinced that it is only necessary to hint at an inconvenience to which a great portion of your readers are subjected, in order to gain your ready and kind assistance towards a remedy. Persons engaged in agricultural pursuits in this neighbourhood, and, indeed, in all parts to the west of the Salutation, at Newport, experience great trouble, delay, and expense, from the want of a weighing *machine* in that quarter. Many persons, for instance, who bring in hay for sale to your fine market, are obliged to drive their teams through the town over the bridge, and to the weighing *machine* at the end of Clarence Place!! ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-76.png) Map showing the location of the weighing machine in Clarence Place Surely amachine near the pump, at the Salutation, would not only be a very great accommodation, but would pay well the spirited New Market Company, or, indeed, any of that body that would place it there and with respect to the advantages of traffic to your town, it may be sufficient to remark that many persons, to my knowledge, have made bumping sacrifice of their hay in rick, to avoid the trouble of such a round-about circuit of haulage in order to get the loads weighed. Please to put this in the MERLIN, to oblige several agricultural friends, and Yours obediently, St, Mellons, April 3rd, 1849\. T. R. *—* [*Monmouthsire Merlin, Saturday 7th April, 1849*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394631/3394634/37/%EF%BF%BDCourtyBella%2BOR%2BMachine%EF%BF%BD?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-21-at-12.58.46.png) [South Wales Argus, Thursday 17th December, 1896](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143474724?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ## Dangerous and Filthy State of Pavements A correspondent urgently calls our attention to the fact—one which we have frequently though vainly remonstrated upon—that the whole line of pavement; from one end of the town to the other, is in so very broken, sunk, and vile a condition, that locomotion is not only impeded by the thousand ankle-deep and extensive pools, but is also rendered highly-dangerous from the many loose flags which now and I then either partially throw the passenger down, or his useful members. A filthy crossing or two is also alluded to, in no very gentle or measured terms, and from those adjacent for example those adjacent to the King William Inn, at the bottom of Commercial-street, and by George-street, on the Pill- road, both of which, saith our justly-incensed correspondent, more closely resemble the sloughs of some dirty village, than the streets in so improved (in many other respects) and rapidly increasing a town in importance and respectability, as Newport. Its state, he says, with regard to these mentioned nuisances, is somewhat worse than it was when he was a boy, and that," he adds, was some thirty years ago." He wishes, with ourselves, the Commissioners would immediately proceed to adopt some measures for the removal of these abominations, with the same alacrity that the rates for such purposes are applied for that the eyes and feet of our townsfolk, more especially of that portion whose gentler natures require every possible attention, kindness, and comfort, may no longer be unnecessarily annoyed. He concludes by hoping to see some communication from the powers that be," in our next week's MERLIN, giving the best reason they can, for this dereliction of a duty well-paid for, but badly performed." — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 6th March, 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393385/3393388?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-21-at-13.02.47.png) [South Wales Argus, Wednesday 7th April, 1897](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143475136/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ## The Zanettos Play The Empire Billed as the Marvellous Japs and also the Royal Zanettos, the trio of English brothers toured Europe and the US whilst dressed in Japanese makeup and costumes. They were well known for being professional jugglers. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-72.png) [South Wales Argus, Wednesday 13th February, 1895](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145576057/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) One of the brothers — George Bale — was popular for doing the ‘turnip challenge’ which involved catching a turnip with a fork in his mouth and supposedly caught one when it was [thrown off Clifton Suspension Bridge](https://www.juggle.org/frank-bale-the-bognor-clown/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-1.jpeg) Source: [Juggle.org](https://www.juggle.org/new-findings-on-the-turnip-challenge/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/IMG_1746.webp) The Zanettos (Source: [Juggle.org](https://www.juggle.org/frank-bale-the-bognor-clown/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-21-at-12.59.21.png) [South Wales Argus, Thursday 17th December, 1896](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143474724?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ## ‘Newport — One of the dullest places in the kingdom’ In an article about entertainment, the following was mentioned in a South Wales Argus column on February 1st, 1895\. *Newport is one of the dullest places in the kingdom. There is no public evening resort, no promenade and no public band.* There *are plenty of river wharves, business premises, and so on, but the enjoyment and happiness of the multitude are lost sight of to a great extent in the all engrossing desire for purely commercial prosperity. There is something else worth living for besides shekel gathering and port enterprise, though these are, doubtless, of the greater importance (please excuse me, I had no other word), and it behooves us not to entirely neglect and overlook the gospel of amusement. A Monday afternoon band in the park in the summer, and, during the winter, a Sunday evening concert in the Temperance-hall, would do perhaps, as much good as many of the sermons to which we listen.* *—* [*South Wales Argus, Friday 1st February, 1895*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145574928/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Another Mention of the Machine ℹ️ In [last week's issue](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-11/), a story mentioned the 'Machine' and it transpires that it's the weighing machine that was located on Cardiff Road at the junction of Mendalgief Road. About two o'clock, a.m., on Friday week, a window was broken in a house adjoining the machine, Cardiff-road, and two boxes, containing almost the entire property and money of a man named Robert Start, who, with his family, had come from Merthyr on the preceding night, with the intention of commencing the business of a butcher in Newport, and had unfortunately left the boxes in the house. The poor man is literally ruined by this heartless plunder. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 6th March, 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393385/3393388?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Jack the Cripple, the perfect specimen of a ruffian with a broken beak' John Yarward, alias Jack the Cripple, as perfect **a specimen of a ruffian** as could be comprised in five feet and an inch of height, with a hideous aspect and **a broken beak**, was placed at the bar, charged with creating a riot in Friars' Fields, on Sunday, the 21st February. The offence was proved, and he was convicted in 10s. and costs. This fellow, who is a noted denizen of the region of Friars' Fields, and who is said to be "up to everything, from pitch and toss, almost to manslaughter," had been in custody for 12 days previously, on a charge of felony, but as the witnesses for the prosecution could not be produced, he was discharged. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 13th March, 1841*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393390/3393393?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Drunk on the Highway George Clarke, who did not appear, was summoned for being drunk on the highway at Coedkernew, on Monday. When found by the officer just before midnight he was lying helplessly drunk in the road. If not found he would probably would have been frozen to death. Fined 5s and costs, or seven days. — [*South Wales Argus, Monday 11th February, 1895*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145575868/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ### Begging George Williams was charged with begging in Stow Park, but was discharged on promising to leave the town. — [*South Wales Argus, Monday 11th February, 1895*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145575868/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ### A Vestal from the Friars A nymph from the Paphian bowers that now desecrate the once-hallowed sanctuary of the Black Friars, commonly known by the title of Friars' Fields," arrayed in a long plaid shawl, demure brown frock, and cottage bonnet, with an interesting face, and smiling eyes, was brought up, charged with being drunk, and knocking up an awful row," on Stow-hill, last Sunday night. The prisoner, Mary Cecil stated that she had merely taken a glass or two or three of rum, which a chap had given her; and that while talking with him on Stow-hill, the "chap began to pull her about at which she very properly cried out, and begged him to desist; and then up comes the policeman, and lugs her off to the Clock-house. The Court asked her if she would promise to behave better, if not now sent to Usk she replied she would; and was then discharged. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 7th March, 1840*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393140/3393143?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### ‘Alias Smut?’ Hard to tell if that woman’s alias is Smut or Smub. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-75.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 17th March, 1838](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392654/3392657?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### ‘A Stolen Merino Coat’ Mary James, of Caerleon, was charged with stealing a merino cloak, from the Coach and Horses, Newport, the property of Sarah Pin. The complainant (Sarah Pin), a girl about 14 years of age, is servant to Mrs. Bale, landlady of the Coach and Horses, in this town she was in Market-street with her mistress's child in her arms, on Saturday, the 3rd of March, where she saw the prisoner, Mary James, with the above-mentioned cloak on her. The prisoner seeing the girl noticing her, ran off, and the girl followed her until she came near Newport Bridge, when Sarah Pin finding she could not keep up with the prisoner, gave the child which she carried to another girl, and then pursued the prisoner, and overtook her at the blacksmith's shop, near the turn pike, Pin demanded her cloak, and caught hold of it; the prisoner pushed her down, but not letting go she got on her feet again, when the prisoner knocked her down, throwing the cloak on her, and ran off. Information was immediately given to Hopkins police-officer, who sent Collins and Miles, two active officers to Caerleon, in search of the prisoner. They succeeded in apprehending her there, and brought her to Newport on the same evening-Committed to Monmouth Gaol for trial. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 17th March, 1838*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392654/3392657?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### ‘Charged With Being An Imposter’ W. Jones, of Carnarvon, charged with being an imposter, begging in Newport, with a book containing several names of respectable persons, and representing himself to be a distressed farmer, who had lost the whole of his cattle by disease Sent to Usk for one month’s hard labour. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 17th March, 1838*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392654/3392657?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-24-at-12.40.35.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 6th March, 1841](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393385/3393387?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## ‘1895 Works Committee Meeting Mentioning Newport Streets’ *A Meeting of the council in February 1895 discusses a number of Newport streets.* ### Evans Street, Albany Street, London Street and Fields Road The sub-committee recommended the acceptance of the tender of Mr H.C. Bowden for private improvement works in Albany-street and London-street at £460 and £182 10s 7d respectively. Also the tender of Messers J Francis and Son for kerbing and channelling in Evans Street at £49\. Alderman Davis had been asked to bring the matter of the proposed continuation of Field’s-road before Lord Tredegar. Dr G.A. Davies called attention to the private improvement works in Albany-street and London-street, urged that the works should be carried out speedily. He also called attention to a portion of the street which the Town Clerk described as not a street within the meaning of the Act. The repairing was a matter of arrangement between the Corporation and Gasworks, and the Glassworks. Mr M Monday described the road in question as a disgrace to the town, and contended that the Glass Company had laid out money on it for the benefit of the landowner. ### Jenkins Street, Corelli Street, St John’s Road Mr Brown called attention to what he said would prove a similar fatal mistake \[similar to the the description of Albany Street above\], viz., the proposal of the committee to allow a rough track to be made in continuation of Jenkins-street to Corporation-road until the land was developed, and urged that they ought to insist that the road should be properly constructed at the start. Mr Mordey again referred to the system adopted in passing plans for new roads, and referring plans for Hilla (?) and Corelli-streets, contended that the corporation should insist upon their being properly carried out. The Clerk read a minute of resolution passed by the council some time ago, ordering certain works to be proceeded with, or the makers of the road proceeded against as a test case. The byelaws of the corporaction were, however, carried out, and the subject was still an undecided question. Alderman Moses said they wanted to facilitate the building of property, and the committee were using their best judgement in getting the roads dealt with. — [South Wales Argus, Tuesday 12th February, 1895](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145575974/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (subscription required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Foot-Race at Rogerstone Foot-race which excited considerable local interest took place at Rogerstone on Saturday afternoon between T. Holland and J. Millwater the latter giving 100 yards start in quarter of a mile. There was a large crowd present. Holland easily won by 30 yards. The stake was £5. —[*South Wales Argus, Saturday 6th October, 1900*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143517123/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/SeenAndHeard-b454b798f7ef1031.jpg) ### 'Gwastad Bridge, Malpas Road Improvements' Improvements to Gwastad Bridge on Malpas Road have been completed. A sum of £1,100 has been expended in widening the old structure and providing a retaining wall 53 yards long at the bottom of the hill. The place was very inconvenient previously, but now the bridge is fully 44 feet wide, and is very neat looking as well. —[*South Wales Argus, Saturday 6th October, 1900*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143517123/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ℹ️ Gwastad Bridge used to connect Barrack Hill and Malpas Road but no longer exists since Barrack Hill was extended to Queen's Hill along the route of the canal. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-27-at-12.56.52.png) Even though the bridge has long gone, I'm wondering if the walls still standing are from the retaining wall mentioned in the article? ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-27-at-13.02.54.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## A Runaway Horse Andrew Palmer was driving a horse and trap belonging to Mr Bland, confectioner, up the Marshes-road, when the horse bolted. The man jumped out, and the animal careered down High-street, coming into contact with, and damaging, a cart belonging to Mr John Williams, Llandevaud, near Llanmartin. The runaway continued its course along Commercial-street, and eventually turned up the yard by the side of Mr Bland’s shop. In doing so the animal fell, breaking the two shafts of the cart. — [*South Wales Argus, Thursday 14th February, 1895*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145576180/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* \[The Mr Bland mentioned above is the same selling the ‘nicest Mince Pies’ advertised below\] ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-25-at-08.28.55.png) ### Charles Morgan’s Tredegar Cattle Show URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/charles-morgans-tredegar-cattle-show/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:35:00.000Z Lord Tredegar's Cattle Show was established by Sir Charles Morgan in 1819\. It ran consistently every year and there are records of it being held at Court-y-Bella farm in the late 1830s and 1840s and also at the Newport Cattle Market. The last show in that form was in 1921 and by 1923 was amalgamated with the Bedwellte Agricultural Show. The National Library of Wales has a [large archive](https://archives.library.wales/index.php/tredegar-show-and-tredegar-races?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) on the event including judge’s notebooks and show catalogues. This article is not a comprehensive history of the show, rather a snippet of a couple of shows based on adverts and reviews in the Monmouthshire Merlin and Cambrian newspapers. ## 1838 Annual Show of Stock ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-3.jpeg) AI generated poster An advert [published in the Monmouthshire Merlin](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392644?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) on March 3rd, 1838 gives a complete breakdown of the show and the numerous awards available. The awards ran into the hundreds and were provided by a number of the richer residents of the area such as Charles Morgan himself, other members of the Morgan family and various members of the gentry. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-77.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 3rd March, 1838](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392644?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (advertised well in advance!) Awards covered the following: - Best bulls from breeds such as North Devon, Hereford, short-horned, Glamorganshire. - Best Fat Pig - Best Ram Lamb - Best Hereford Steer bred by a Tenant Farmer in the county of Monmouth - Best Fat Cow (only fed on grass, hay and turnips) - Best Cart Stallion - Best Two-year-old Colt or Filly, ‘got by a thorough-bred horse’ - Best Pen of Four Welsh Mountain Wethers, ‘that have grazed on the Hill until the latter end of the year 1837’. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-78.png) There was also an award for the best piece of Monmouthshire land, under five acres, containing Swedish Turnips. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-79.png) Apart from the owners of Cart Mares and Foals, everyone else had to be within 25 miles of the show yard at Court-y-Bella, a distance measured along the nearest road to the residence of the person entering. In addition to all the above, there were small prizes of half a guinea (compared to the 5 and 10 guinea prizes above) for Proprietors having the best ‘Couple of Turkies, Geese, Ducks or Fowls’ and one guinea for the person with the **greatest number of Hives of Bees** in 1838. For those not entering animals, there was a Silver Teapot (value ten guineas) for the ‘best and most valuable sample of cheese made from a dairy of not less than twelve cows, entirely depastured on the levels of Caldecott or Wentloog. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-80.png) ## 1837 Review [A review of the 1837 edition](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392594/3392596/20/%EF%BF%BDCourtyBella%2BOR%2BMachine%EF%BF%BD?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) of the show in the Monmouthshire Merlin lists the winners of that particular year and mention farms in St Woolos (Ebbw Farm), Whitson, Nash, Lliswerry and Duffryn and from further afield in Bonvilston, Bedwellty, Hereford and Monthusloyne (presumably Mynyddislwyn). That year, Ann Lewis won the prize for the greatest number of Hives of Bees. After each event there was an ‘Ordinary’ at the King’s Head Inn where prizes were officially awarded. *At three o’clock most of those gentlemen who attended at Court-y-Bella (some of them having come from great distances) and a very large number of farmers and breeders of stock, assembled at the King’s Head Inn, Newport, to dinner, upon which occasion the prizes are publicly delivered to the successful competitors by the President, Sir Charles Morgan. The company was exceedingly numerous, above 100 persons having sat down in the great room, independently of which there were several tables laid out in other apartments for the accommodation of the guests. The dinner was, as usual, of the best description, and served up in that style of excellence for which Mr Church is preverbial; the wines likewise admirable.* ## 1840 Review [The Cambrian](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3329965/3329969/23/Bella?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) provided a similar review of the 1840 edition and commented: > The Stock was good — some of the Cattle and Sheep in fatness and symmetry never equalled at Court-y-bella. [The Monmouthshire Merlin](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393330/3393333/18/%EF%BF%BDCourtyBella%EF%BF%BD%2BOR%2Bcattle?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) also published a review of the event and particularly like Sir Charles’ improved short horns, “which were superior to any which has appeared at previous shows in number, symmetry, and quality of flesh; indeed, the fat cow was of the best quality and is supposed to weigh about eighteen score per quarter. There was a tie that year for the greatest Hive of Bees with both Morgan Powell and Edward Turberville having an equal number. ## 1842 Review [The Cambrian had a long review](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3330485/3330489/21/Bella?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) in 1842 and like 1840, the animals were of ‘good symmetry’. Also commented on were the fat sheep, which ‘in general were good and fat’, the Ayrshire bull and heifer who didn’t have ‘anything about them’ and some ‘truly splendid’ Herefords. Farms mentioned in the winners were Woodlands (Malpas), Splott, Tycoch and the Vicarage, Bassaleg. The prize for the greatest number of Hives of Bees went to Wm. Howell, gardener of Ebbw Bridge. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Dickey Taylor, the Idiotic-Looking Elf URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/dickey-taylor-the-idiotic-looking-elf/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:36:04.000Z When crimes are reported in newspapers like the Monmouthshire Merlin, they range from the short and sweet… ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-73.png) Monmouthshire Merlin, 1840 …to detailed reports that reveal information about the streets and pubs that the crimes were committed. Some run into many hundreds of words detailing comments from the prosecution and the defence. Then there are little gems like the one published in the Monmouthshire Merlin on 7th March, 1840 where a Baneswell resident called Dickey Taylor was in front of the magistrate for singing in the street. The article is published verbatim which includes a portrayal of how Dickey may have spoken. Either that or the author is stereotyping a lower class person. ### A Bone to Pick with a Bone-Picker Dickey Taylor, a miserable, lean, and idiotic-looking elf with the vacant stare of a maniac, and the tattered appearance of a thoroughbred vagrant, was placed at the bar, charged with singing, and gathering crowds in the streets. The case having been stated, he was asked what he had to say for himself. Recovering as from a lethargy, the poor fellow gazed listlessly on the court for a moment, and then, as if suddenly recollecting the question, he turned his lustre-lacking eyes upon the magistrate, and muttered, with a voice almost unearthly… ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/IMG_1749.jpeg) An AI-generated image based on the description in the newspaper article **Dickey*: “Why I lives in Bane’s Well, and han’t done nuffin.“* **Magistrate*: “Have you a father living?”* **Dickey*: “Ees sur; he lives up to Pontypool, and han’t got no work.* **Magistrate*: “What were* you *doing in the streets?* **Dickey*: “I were signing hymns and psalms, sur; wot is not wicked,* cause *it ’twor, I wouldn’t do it, sur. Feyther is too poor to ‘sport me, and I used to go a-bone-picking up there; but I picked ’em all up, sur, and I thought ’twor better to come down here and sing a bit, not starve.”* **Magistrate*: “You had better go to Pontypool again, to see if you can get more bone-picking work.”* **Dickey*: “Ees, sur, by George! I wull, for I can’t get ‘nuffin at all here, and I almost starvin’.”* **Magistrate*: “Have you been before the magistrates more than once?”* **Dickey*: “Why, sur, I was once; but ‘twor a deuced of a shame that! for we’re all sistern* *and brethren; and what for should one of us do wicked things to another? I won’t stop here another moment, if you‘ll let me go;* > *but I won’t go till I got my box and tuppence-ha’penny, wot the p’liceman tuk from me last Saturday.* *I* ‘*spose ‘tis spent, for I seen them there p’licemen tossing it about to one another, till Mr Hopkins cotched it, and put it away, as if* ‘*twarnt* *nuffin!* ‘*Tis a good thing,” said he with a long-drawn sigh, “that I be so patient. Patience is a wartue wot wery few people is blest wi’!”* The Court ordered the articles to be restored to him, and he was immediately to leave the town. **Dickey*: “Ees, sur; good mornin’ sur; I wull!”* said he; and out bolted, amidst loud roars of laughter, the straight-haired, “Good-for-nothing, mischief-making monkey!” — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 7th March, 1840*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393140/3393143?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Milo the Muscular Giant URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/milo-the-muscular-giant/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:36:13.000Z In January 1894, The Empire in Newport held a twice-nightly event featuring Milo the Muscular Giant. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-25-at-20.03.04.png) [Western Mail, Friday 19th January, 1894](https://www.newspapers.com/image/394438477/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (subscription required) Unfortunately I can’t find any images of Milo but during a South Wales Argus interview the people he mentioned, and the images I could find of them, gives you an idea of the type of strongman that was touring theatres in the late 19th and early 20th centuries — that is the classic image of a man in a leotard holding a bar with big circular balls on each end! ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-25-at-13.35.06.png) [South Wales Argus, Wednesday 17th January, 1884](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143990570/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (subscription required) ## Interview with Milo During the time that Milo was playing at the Empire, the South Wales Argus had an interview with the weightlifter. > *Having heard of the extraordinary strength of Milo, who is this week filling an engagement at the Empire, I called down at this popular place of amusement for a chat with this young giant. There have been men of all ages, from Samson to Sandow, remarkable for their great strength. Strength is not a gift possessed by everyone, some people are naturally strong, others gain it by work and practice. As regards strength in ordinary men, we generally find that the bigger the man the stronger he is. It is evident that with men of equal strength, in proportion to their size, the biggest ought to be the strongest, and it is worthy of note that most men remarkable for their extraordinary strength, were of great size. Bodily strength does not depend on the size of the body, or of the muscles, but also on the solidity of the bones, and the conformation of the muscles and their harmonious development.* > *I heard of Milo's great strength — he is able to push up a 250lb dumb-bell, with one arm, above his head, and lift two horses with Lifeguardsmen on a platform weighing 400lb; I naturally expected to find a man above the ordinary size — of Louis Cyr's build — instead of which I found Milo to be only 5ft 7in in height, weighing 12 stone, but with an extraordinary amount of muscle in all parts of his body, especially his shoulders.* [Louis Cyr was a Canadian strongman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis%5FCyr?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) of the late 19th and early 20 centuries who apparently could lift 500lbs with one finger and backlift 4,337lbs. > "*I presume Milo is not your cognomen," I said, "but your nomme de guerre." — "That is so," he replied. "I took the name after Milo of Crete, the most wonderful athlete of all ages."* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Milo-of-Croton-wolves-woodcut-Niccolo-Boldrini-1.webp) Milo of Croton — a Greek athlete who was the most renowned wrestler in antiquity ([Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Milo-of-Croton?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) > *Milo did not inherit his great strength, for his father was a jockey, and his mother quite an ordinary woman from the country. Milo is an Italian, born in Milan in 1870, so that he is now about 24 years of age. He was always fond of trying his strength, and six years ago, when he was 18 years of age, he met Sandow in Milan, and had a wrestling contest with him, which lasted twenty-five minutes. Sandow was unable to throw him, but this was not so much on account of Milo's strength as because of his agility and trickiness as a wrestler.* [Eugene Sandow](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugen%5FSandow?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#:~:text=Eugen%20Sandow%20%28born%20Friedrich%20Wilhelm,during%20a%20visit%20to%20Italy.) was a German bodybuilder and showman in the 19th and 20th centuries. > *After seeing Sandow, Milo thought he would to be as strong as the young German Hercules, and set to work to develop his muscles. Shortly after this, Milo joined a circus in Paris as an acrobat; and in 1890 he went to London, and called to see the professional trainer, Attila, who brought out Santos. In Attila’s rooms he saw one of Professor Dowd’s health exercisers lying on the floor. Attila said that not knowing how to fix the machine, it had never been used, Milo said he should like to try it, and Attila gave it him. Having being apprenticed to a mechanical engineer in his early days, Mill had no difficulty in fixing the apparatus, and getting to work with it. He found after a little while that his muscles were getting considerably increased, and by working regularly every day, at the end of three months he was able to accomplish feats of weight-lifting that he could not do before, and since then he has used the exerciser regularly. An examination of Milo in his dressing room showed him to be perfectly developed. The muscles on his shoulders and back are wonderful, as are also the abdominal muscles, which are as hard as those in other parts of his body.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/IMG_1743.jpeg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/IMG_1744.webp) Professor Attila, American strongman and Professor Dowd ### How He Eats and Trains During the interview, Milo describes his diet and exercise regime. > *With reference to his diet, Milo eats comparatively little meat, his principal food being bread, fruit, and vegetables. He is not a total abstained, but never drinks to excess. He has never smoked and is a strong believer in keeping the body in temperance and chastity.* > *I asked him to show me this exerciser of Dowd’s, by means of which he had been able to accomplish so much. He said he did not carry it with him, on* account of *the weights and pulleys, but he has invented an exerciser of his own, by means of which he was able to do precisely the same exercises as he could with Dowd’s exerciser. It consisted of two stout pieces of* India *rubber, about 3/4in. in circumference, and about 18in. in length, with a* thimble *at each end — one end of each piece of rubber was attached to a handle, the other was fastened to a hook in a piece of board about 15 inches long and 6* inches *wide, which was placed on the floor. Milo stood on this, and with a handle in each hand showed me how the muscles of the back were developed, and on turning his back to the apparatus the abdominal muscles were worked. For the expansion of the chest the rubber was detached from the hooks on the board and fastened to the handles and a capital chest expander was formed.* ### A Demonstration > *We then went on to the stage. Milo first performed with 150lb bar-bell, which he put up and down with comparative ease, lay on his back and got up holding the bar in his hands. He juggled with an iron ball, with a handle attached weighing 80lb. He did the straight arm balance on two pedestals, holding 150lb in his teeth, put up the 250lb dumb-bell with one hand and lifted two horses and LIfe Guardsmen on a platform weighing 400lb.* ## Also Playing that Week Also playing were Miss Alice Leamer, a vocalist and dancer, Hyde and Elton, comedians, the Sisters Leslie, F.V. St. Clair, a 'topical songster and reciter', Lawrence Barclay, a vocal comedian, Florence Smithers who performed a 'pleasant farce' entitled 'Hard Lines' and a performing elephant called 'Gipsy' which will go through various feats nightly with 'elephantine grace'. — [*Source, Western Mail, Monday 15th January, 1894*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/818124324/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (subscription required) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/LawrenceBarclay.webp) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/FVStClair.webp) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/AliceLeamar.jpg) Unfortunately I couldn’t find anything related to Gipsy although there was a mention of an elephant called Gypsy in a US circus killed in 1902 after killing a four people on four occasions over her ‘career’. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Newport (Monmouthshire) Roads Act 1811 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/newport-monmouthshire-roads-act-1811/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:33:06.000Z You’d think reading a a legal document about roads wouldn’t be the most interesting, but older documents give an insight into the past and the Newport (Monmouthshire) Roads Act 1811 does just that. It reveals all sorts of information about the locations of the turnpikes and the rules surrounding them. The document runs to 36 pages much of which is legalese but below are some snippets from it. ℹ️ Read the [full version of the Act](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/Geo3/51/62/contents/enacted?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) on the Government website. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## The Roads Covered by the Act Section III discusses the road in the Act and the following roads are considered to be in the ‘District of Newport’ and covered by the Act. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-63.png) ### Penhow to Newport *The High Road commencing from the Rock and Fountain Inn in the Parish of Penhow, in the County of Monmouth, and going from thence to the Entrance into the Town of Newport.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-23-at-08.59.38.png) 1841 Tithe Map showing location of toll gate outside the Rock and Fountain Nothing exists of the old toll gate but the road that would have existed prior to the A48 being built retains the name of what was once there. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-23-at-09.01.05.png) ### West Gate to Pill *The Bridge Foot by the West Gate Inn, through Commercial Street, to the Sirhowy Tram Road, and from thence alongside the Sirhowy Tram Road, to the Bottom of Court-y-Billa Hill in the Parish of Saint Wollos.* ### Courty-y-Bella to Rumney Bridge *Thence by Tredegar, Castleton, and Saint Mellons, to Romney Bridge.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-24-at-08.17.32.png) The toll house on Cardiff Road in 1841 A toll house was located to the left of McDonald's/Tesco Petrol Station in the middle of the road (pretty much where the Cardiff Rd label is). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-24-at-08.18.25.png) ### West Gate to Rumney Bridge via Bassalleg *The Road leading from* thence *West Gate in the Town of Newport, up Stow Hill, to and through Bassalleg by Pantrwgoch to Romney Bridge.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-24-at-08.22.17.png) The 'Romney Bridge' toll house in 1841 next to Rumney Pottery. Nothing exists today of the old toll house. ### Bedwas to Bassalleg *From Bedwas Bridge to Bassalleg* ### Risca to Newport *From Risca Church through Newport, by Malpas.* ### Llantarnam to Pen-yr-heol *From Llantarnam to Pen-yr-heol in the Parish of Lanvrechva.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-24-at-08.25.32.png) The Turnpike Road passing Llantarnam Abbey in 1841 ### Caerleon to Abergavenny *The high Road from Caerleon to Abergavenny.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-24-at-08.29.30.png) Number 224 marks the spot of the Turnpike House in Caerleon in 1841 (by the mini roundabout). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## If you run a pub, you can’t collect tolls Section IX of the Act prevents someone who keeps a ‘Victualling House’ or other house selling wine, cider, ale or spirits from acting as a trustee or taking tolls. If they employ someone on their behalf to take the tolls, that’s acceptable. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-62.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## First Meeting to be held in the King’s Head Inn Section XI outlines that the first meeting of the Trustees should take place at the King’s Head Inn, Newport (or a similar place) between the hours of 11am and 2pm on May 20th, 1811\. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-64.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Toll Prices ### What Is Charged a Toll? Section XXI outlines the vehicles and animals to be charged a toll. Vehicles include ‘*Coach, Berlin, Landau, Chariot, Calash, Hearse, Litter, Waggon, Wain, Cart or other Carriage’* and animals include *‘Horse, Mare, Gelding, Mule, Ass, or any Sort of Cattle’.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-66.png) ℹ️ A [calash](https://www.britannica.com/technology/calash-carriage?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) is an open carriage with an elevated coachman’s seat and a falling hood over the rear set. A [Berlin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin%5F%28carriage%29?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) is an enclosed four-wheeled carriage with two interior bench seats facing one-another. A [landau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landau%5F%28carriage%29?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) was a luxury four-wheeled carriage with a cover that can be let down. A [litter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Litter%5F%28vehicle%29?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) is a wheelless vehicle, e.g. a sedan chair. A [chaise](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaise?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) is a light two-wheeled carriage for one or two people. ### What are the Costs? The costs ranged from two-pence for horses and any other ‘Beast of Burden’, laden or not providing they weren’t drawing a cart, etc. The price increased if drawing a cart (depending on wheel size) and if laden with lime or not. A bit can be saved if pulling only a wooden sledge without wheels. Smaller animals in groups attracted a discount with calves, swine, goats, sheep or lambs being charged ten pence per score. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-68.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-67.png) ### Two Oxen = One Horse ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-69.png) ### Travel on a Sunday and Pay Double Section XXII states that anyone travelling between ‘Twelve of the Clock on *Saturday* Night to Twelve of the Clock on *Sunday* Night shall pay double to toll. ### Don’t Want to Pay the Toll? If you don’t pay any or part of the tolls, it’s lawful for your animals, carriage and any ‘bridles, saddles, geer, harness or accoutrements’ to be seized and sold after five days or continued non-payment. You will get money back if the sale of the items is more than the value of the tolls. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-70.png) ### You’ll Only Pay Once a Day Under section XXIII if a person passes through a gate once, he can return through it in the same day if he produces a receipt. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-71.png) ### Exemptions Section XXV outlined what is exempt from paying tolls. **Mail** Any horses or vehicles employed in conveying ‘Mails of Letters and Expresses’ under the authority of His Majesty’s Post Master General. **Soliders** Any horses belonging to officers or soldiers on their march or on duty and any horses, cattle or carriages employed in carrying or conveying arms or baggage’s of the officers or soldiers. Also covers officers and soldiers transporting sick, wounded or disabled officers or soldiers. **Rectors, Vicars and Curates** Any rector, vicar or curate going to or returning from his own parish church or other place of divine worship or visiting his parishioners. The rule also covers people passing through on their way to church. **Funerals** Those attending a funeral. **Elections** Those on their way to an ’Election of a Knight or Knights of the Shire to serve in Parliament for the County of Monmouth. **Vagrants and Felons** Any horse or vehicle being used to transport vagrants to the County Gaol or Monmouth for ’Felony, Larceny or any other Breach of the Peace’. **Carrying Straw** Those carrying ‘Hay, Straw of Corn in the Straw or Hedging Stuff for the Use of the Owner and not for sale. **Carrying Manure** Those carrying ‘Dung, Mould, Manure or Compost (other than Lime) to be used only for manuring of Land or going to or returning empty in that employment’. **Conveying Implements of Husbandry** Anyone conveying ploughs, harrows or other implements of husbandry is exempt. **Animals Going to Water or Pasture or to be ‘Shoed’** Any animals either going to water or pasture, or returning, providing it’s in the same parish. Also covered animals going to be ‘shoed or farried’. **Rebuilding of Roads** Any animals carrying materials for the making or repairing of the highways, public roads or bridges within a parish. **Inspection of Corps** Any person belonging to any Corps of Yeomanry or Volunteer Cavalry going to or returning from exercise, inspection or review, provided they’re dressed in uniform. **Fines** Those trying to claim exemption could be fined up to five pounds which was not an insignificant amount. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Mile Stones to Be Built The trustees were enacted to measure the roads between toll gates and marked with stones or posts on the side of the road. Inscriptions should be included denoting number of miles and distances to places 'as they shall think proper'. It was an offence to remove a mile stone or deface one. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-24-at-15.10.52.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Offences ### No Fireworks! One of the offences included in section XLV is disallowing anyone from lighting fires or letting off or throwing any 'Squib, Rocket, Serpent or Fire Work' on any part of the road or banks or land adjacent to the road. ### No Stopping! It was an offence to leave a carriage on the side of the road longer than is necessary (except in an accident). Not sure if this meant any part of the turnpike. ### No Dropping Dung! It was an offence to 'lay any Timber, Stone, hay, Straw, Dung, Manure, Soil or Rubbish on the roads or sides of the road and if anything is dropped there is a period of 14 days to clear it up or be fined a maximum of £5 for every offence. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-24-at-15.20.13.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Next Act The Act was superseded by the [Newport (Monmouthshire) District Turnpike Roads Act 1832](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukla/Will4/2-3/14/enacted?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) which is much the same but does have more information about the roads and has a section for upgraded vehicles 'propelled or moved by Steam, Gas, or any other like Means'. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Volume 1, Number 11 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-11/ Last updated: 2025-03-01T08:09:27.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) SIR, — Last week a notice appeared in the town cautioning boys against trundling their hoops. Now, sir, I think that if instead of the above notice, the following had appeared, it would have tended to put down a greater nuisance. **“Iron Hoops — Caution”** “Ladies are hereby cautioned that they will not be permitted to occupy the footways and carriage roads with their enormous hoops, within the town. The police have strict orders to seize the hoops and summon the offenders. A CORRESPONDENT —[*Cardiff Times, Saturday 4th December, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3380729/3380733?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## ‘Stow Hill Water Pipe Plug‘ The plug in the water pipe at the bottom of Stow-hill, flew out on Wednesday evening, and before it could be put in again many hundreds of tons of water were lost. The Street was flooded, and but for the vigilance and praise-worthy efforts of the police under the Inspector, there would have been much damage done to the surrounding property. — [*Cardiff Times, Saturday 11th December, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3380736/3380739?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### ‘Simpleton Robbed by Prostitute’ Mary Ann Robinson, a prostitute, was charged with stealing a silver watch, the property of Richard Edward’s, on Saturday night. The prosecutor was met with on the bridge crossing the South Wales Railway Station by the prisoner, and on her invitation took a gas light walk down Mill-street to the yard in the purlieus of the Castle. It was then near midnight, and the girl, making some excuse, told the simpleton to wait in the yard until her return, and left him. There in the dark alone he stood for some minutes, when by some chance a suspicion that was not right crossed his obtuse senses, and he felt for his watch, which, alas! had gone with the charmer. Cold and dispirited the poor dupe groped his way out into the street where he met one of the guardians of the night, to whom he gave information of his loss, and having asked him to watch for the girl, he went watchless to his home in Market-street. The prisoner pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment with hard labour. — [*Cardiff Times, Saturday 11th December, 1858*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3380736/3380739?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Mischievous Children Emily Carter, Benjamin Carter, and William James, children, from Glebe-street, were summoned for willfully damaging shrubs, growing in the garden of Dr Andrew Davies, Cefn Parc, Maindee. They had been sitting on the shrubbery, and had broken and destroyed it. Mr Kessick remarked this was a great annoyance in Maindee. The Carters were fined 1s each and James was dismissed. *—* [*South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday 10th February, 1894*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144167422/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ### Stealing a Side of Bacon At Newport Police-court today William Walsh, aged 20, a hobbler, was charged with stealing a side of bacon, weighing about 26lb., and valued at 10s., from the stall of Mr. Joseph Watkins, in the provision market, on Thursday evening iast. The assistant in charge of the stall placed six sides of bacon out on Thursday, and on resuming business on Saturday found one of them gone. The prisoner was seen carrying something away from the market, and was arrested by Police-sergeant Dukelow on suspicion. Inspector Jones afterwards searched at Davies's lodging-house, and found the side of bacon wrapped in prisoner's coat there. He pleaded guilty, and said he should not have done it if he had not been drunk.—The Bench sent him to prison for 28 days with hard labour. *—* [*Evening Express, Wednesday 1st April, 1896*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3143661/3143664?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### A Tale of a Saucepan At Newport Borough Police Court Maria Parkes, of Jeddo-street, was summoned for assaulting Mary Ann Tasker on Good Friday night by kicking her three times.— Complainant produced a medical certificate stating the nature of the injuries received. — Thomas Tasker said his mother was struck about the head with a saucepan, and had been attended by Dr Hurley. — Margaret Lane said that having had a row with her husband, the complainant came to the door, and called Mrs Parkes all sorts. Mrs Parkes went for an explanation, and then the row commended. Witness heard Mrs Parkes call out that her head was hurt, and she understood that Mrs Tasker had flung the saucepan at defendant. — Another witness was called for the defence, and the magistrates, thinking there was fault on both sides, bound the parties over to keep the peace, and ordered them to pay the costs between them. — [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 2nd May, 1895*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145581300/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### ‘Little Girl Hits Child in Face with Bible’ Lavinia Comley, a little girl, was summoned for assaulting Florence Hewlett, a child. The mother said that she let Comley take the child out on a Sunday evening. She took it to the fields, and beat it on the face with a Bible. The girl admitted the action, but promised not to do such a thing again, whereupon she was discharged. — [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 2nd May, 1895*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145581300/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### He Wasted His Beer Albert Henry Pengelly was summoned for assaulting his wife Matilda. — Complainant said her husband was in the Rose and Crown, and when she asked him to come home, he flung part of the contents of a pint of beer in her face. When he got outside he struck her. — Defendant complained that his wife went to Caerleon Fair, and did not cook him a bit of food for two days. — He was bound over to keep the peace. — [*South Wales* Argus*, Tuesday 7th May, 1895*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145581598/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### Sleeping Out Thomas Doolan (12), Henry Morgan (14), Thomas Ferris (13), William Lewis (14), Arthur Sanson (15), Valentine Waite (14), Albert Toulouse (13) were charged with being in a shed at the back of 29 Dolphin-street for an unlawful purpose. — The lads were dismissed with a warning. — [*South Wales* Argus*, Tuesday 7th May, 1895*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145581598/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-6.png) ## Onion Thieves We would wish to caution our readers living in or near to Newport, who may have gardens, to be on the look out. Mrs Phillips, who resides near to the Machine\*, lost nearly a bushel of onions on Monday night last. A reward is offered for the apprehension of the offenders. ❓ \* Unsure what the ‘Machine’ is, possibly a weighbridge? — [*The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian, Saturday November 1st, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3088552/3088555?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Onion Thieves Update We noticed in our last paper that Mrs Phillips, who resides near to the machine, had lost a quantity of onions. Early on Monday morning last, some expert thieves burglariously broke upon her fowl house, and stole five young hens. — [*The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian, Saturday 8th November, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3088557/3088560?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Startled Bull Falls Into Dock, Takes Horse and Cart With It On Friday last, the 25th of July, a curious accident took place in the immediate neighbourhood of this town. A horse and a bull were fastened to a cart at the Newport Dock, when the bull, having probably been stung by some insect, started — fell into the dock, and drew the horse and cart in with him. The horse, which was a rather valuable animal, was drowned, but the bull escaped. This is the second horse which has, within the last few months, been drowned in the dock. — [*The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian, Saturday 2nd August, 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3088484/3088487?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Mud Bath A few days since, an earthenware dealer, who had just emptied his basket in dealing with the captain of one of the ships in our dock, leisurely took a walk along the quay wall, to calculate his profits; suddenly hearing some one call him, he turned smartly round and losing his equilibrium, fell headlong down into the mouth of the dock entrance. Very fortunately, the tide was out and he went plump from the high wall into a bed of almost liquid mud, from which he was speedily extricated and it only by his sputtering and something like a terrible rattle in the throat, that his head could be distinguished from his heels, so perfectly was he bedaubed. He has since got off the mud externally, and what stuck in his throat he has since washed down by Allfrey's stout. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin,* Saturday *12th December, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425464/3425466?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-56.png) [**Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 6th February, 1836*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392155/3392157?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## 4,000 Watch Launch of Elephante Although the Interesting scene of a launch is, we are glad to say, now of frequent occurrence at Newport, yet the immense crowds that assembled to view the spectacle, on Thursday morning, prove that such pleasures do not cloy by repetation (sic). The Elephante, which then gracefully glided from Rodney yard into the river, is for her dimensions, one of the finest vessels ever finished here. and reflects the highest credit on the builders, indeed we way fairly say on the trade of Newport. She is pronounced by competent judges, a perfect model of naval architecture, in material and build the following are her dimensions, 95 feet keel, 18 feet 3 depth of hold. 26 feet 3 inches of beam, 105 feet over all, register about 310 tons. She is coppered and copper fastened, and bought for the East India trade by an eminent merchant of Glasgow, and will be commanded by Captain Buchanan. The launch, which took place about half-past eight 0 clock was successful in every respect, and we should think that about 4000 persons assembled on the occasion. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 20th* February*, 1836*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392165/3392168?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## ‘St Woolos Poor House vs Westgate Inn’ A meeting of the Town Council was held on Wednesday last, at the Westgate Inn, present the Mayor, and eleven members of the Council. The Committee to whom it was referred, to consider the propriety of renting a room, in which the Justices of the borough may sit, and Council meet: reported that the most convenient place for the purpose is that at the Westgate Inn, in which the Council now assembled, and that the Messrs. Iggulden had agreed to receive for the use of the same, and provide fire, candles, and writing paper, for £26 per annum. After some discussion on this subject, it was moved by Mr. Mullock, and seconded by Mr. T. J. Phillips and carried, that such report be not confirmed but that the same be referred back to the Committee for re-consideration, in order that they may ascertain whether the great room of the St. Woollos Poor House may not be taken for the purposes mentioned in the report. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin,* Saturday *5th March, 1836*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392175/3392178?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-61.png) [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 26th March, 1836](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392185/3392187?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Police in Pill An article in the Monmouthshire Merlin on 6th February, 1836, discusses a need for an increase in constables partly due to Pillgwenlly and Commercial Wharfs being added to the borough and recent acts of Parliament. It mentions that in 90% of cases disorder originates in Beer Houses and that an increased population has led to an increase in cases of disorder. It also lists constables to be sworn in and their occupations. *“Under and by virtue of the provisions contained in a certain Act of Parliament, made and passed in the 5th and 6th years of the Reign of his present Majesty, William the Fourth, intituled “An Act to provide for the Regulation of Municipal Corporations in England and Wales." We, whose names are hereunder signed, were appointed the Watch Committee for the said Boroughs. We are required, by the seventy-sixth section of the same Act, within three weeks after our first formation, and from time to time, thereafter, as occasion shall require, to appoint a sufficient number of fit men to be sworn in before some Justice of the Peace, having jurisdiction within the said Borough, to act as constables for preserving the peace by day and by night, and preventing robberies and other felonies, and apprehending offenders against the peace. And we are authorised, by the 77th section of the same Act, to frame such Regulations as we shall deem expedient for preventing negtect or abuse, and for rendering such constables efficient in the discharge of their duties. And by the 82nd section of the same Act, the Treasurer of the said Borough is required to pay to the constables appointed under the provisions thereof, such salaries wages and allowances; and at such periods as the Watch Committee shall, subject to the approbation of the council, direct.* *“In the performance of the duty entrusted to us, we have found that Sergeant Redman, holds the appointment of Police Constable, within the said Borough, at the yearly salary of £90., that he had no additional perquisite, and that all fees, charged by him, have been paid over by order of the Town Magistrates to the Commissioners acting under the Improvement Act. That Sergeant Redman is the only officer at present receiving a salary. That he also holds the office of Bailiff of the Prison for the performance of the duty of that office he receives no salary or emolument.* *“That up to the present time there are twelve Petty Constables appointed by the Magistrates of the Borough, that generally, such Constables have been *very inefficient and negligent of their duties*. That, in consequence of Pillgwenlly, and the Commercial Wharfs having recently been added to the Borough, and the great and continual increase of its population, it is desirable, and indeed absolutely necessary, that, in future, the Constabulory force for the preservation of the peace and the prevention of crime, shall be much more active and efficient, than it has hitherto been.* *“That from the information of Sergeant Redman, in 9 cases out of ten, disorder originates in Beer Houses, and that such disorder has lately very much increased within the Borough.* *That the Sergeant of Police has been in the habit, of making daily reports, to the Magistrates, of the state of the Town, and particularly of the disorder prevailing in Beer Houses, that such reports have been sometimes acted upon, and sometimes not.* *”That it will be desirable and necessary to appoint a Chief Constable, to be stationed at Pillgwenlly, and that he shall receive such a salary as will justly entitle the inhabitants to require from him a strict performance of his duty.* *“That it will be necessary to frame Regulations for the guidance of Constables, and we advise that a printed copy of such Regulations, be delivered to every Constable at the time of his being sworn into office.* *“We, therefore, in pursuance and by virtue of the powers given to us by the said Act, do hereby appoint the men whose names are hereinafter set forth, to be sworn in and act as Constables within the said Borough:- Sergeant Redman; Rees Rees, Pillgwenlly, (shoemaker); David Lewi (mason); William Roberts (smith) John Lewis (labourer) all of Pillgwenlly, and Commeicial Wharf; William Roberts (ship-carpenter), Queen's Parade; John Griffiths (Cross- street); John Allen (Club-row); John Collins (Gardner Friar's Field); William Mills (shopkeeper, Mill-street) Thomas Samuel (Commercial-street); Joseph Hill, (George-street); William Jones (carpenter), Charles-street.* *“And subject to your approbation, we direct that the Treasurer of the said Borough to be appointed under the said Act, shall pay to the said Sergeant Redman, from the date of his appointment, the yearly salary of £90 by quarterly and equal payments, such salary to be, as heretofore, in full, for his services. And subject to such approbation as aforesaid, we further direct that the said Treasurer shall pay to the said Rees Rees, on account of his services as Chief Constable, to be stationed at Pillgwenlly, aforesaid, the yearly salary of £25., by quarterly and equal payments, and that in addition to such salary, he be authorised to receive and apply to his own use, the regular and allowed fees, for executing warrants and serving summonses and orders granted by justices.”* *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 6th February, 1836*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392155/3392158?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/SeenAndHeard-b454b798f7ef1031.jpg) ### ‘A name for the thoroughfare between High Street and Marshes Road’ I hear that there is a proposal to give a name to that Newport thoroughfare which extends from High-street to Marshes-road, and that there is some difference of opinion as to what it shall be called. At present, I believe, one portion of the road is like a foundling — without a name — and Castle-road to Castle-street has been suggested as the appropriate title. Certainly the vicinity of the ancient castle would make the name historic and reasonable, but there is an objection inasmuch as there is already a Caste-street in Pill, and the Council has set its face like a flint against the duplication of names. But “just for this once” — well, we might make a concession to sentiment and call the road after the castle which so long has frowned upon the Usk. — [*South wales Argus, Saturday 4th May, 1895*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145581449/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### ‘Quite a Storm Among Newport Jewellers’ I hear that there has been quite a storm among the Newport jewellers with regard to the tender for the plate for the Conservative Club. It seems that tenders were invited from the jewellers of Newport, many of whom sent in prices, but when the committee came to examine and compare the specimens they were much puzzled, for the prices varied and the goods were much alike. In their hour of need and difficulty they appealed to a Newport pawnbroker to bring his practical knowledge to bear, and to advise them as to which was the best value for the price asked. He gave a decision, and the contract was awarded to one of the jewellers, but when the others ascertained the facts of the consultation their indignation boiled over. — [*South wales Argus, Saturday 4th May, 1895*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145581449/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ### ‘Complaining About How People Walk in Newport’ Is there a town in the country where people walk worse than in Newport? If so, and any reader will kindly mention its name, I will make a note —to avoid it. At times, High-street and Commercial-street are more congested with pedestrians than the Strand or Fleet-street in London, and yet those who are there seem absolutely indifferent to the “rules of the road” and the ordinary precautions that even children observe elsewhere. You are going down Commercial-street at a good pace, when a lady coming up the street has her attracted, and turning her head over her shoulder drifts across the pathway as unconcerned as if she were along in a nine-acre field. Result — collision, with hat in the gutter, and lady indignant at *your* carelessness. Recovering, you move a little further, and are then brought up sharply with a heel on your favourite corn, an idea having struck the gentleman just ahead of you that induced him to stop suddenly and back, without troubling himself as to whether anybody is behind. The next trial, perhaps, arises from a quartette or quintette of damsels walking abreast, and driving you into the road to imminent peril from cycles and vehicles. Or it may be, some nautical gentlemen come rolling along, half a dozen of them requiring as much space for movement as would suffice for six times as many Londoners. Then there are those delightful family groups stretching across the pavement and calmly discussing domestic affairs, Mary Ann meanwhile making “alarums and excursions” with the perambulator, and Tommy and his cousins having a little entertainment on their own account. Add to these trifles the horseplay of hobble-decoys, the baiting of some poor half-witted creature, impromptu games of football, and wholesale loafing and lounging around and about, and a walk from the bridge to the Cardiff-road offers an admirable test of amiability and should prove an excellent incentive to patience and goodwill. — [*South wales Argus, Saturday 4th May, 1895*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145581449/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(Subscription Required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## ‘A Call For Buses To Malpas’ TO THE EDITOR OF THE “SOUTH WALES ARGUS” SIR,—With your permission, I should like to call the attention of some of our North Ward members and councillors generally to the want of some public conveyance for the convenience of the Malpas and Marshes-road ratepayers. This district is fast becoming one of the most thickly populated districts in our town, and if there was a service of ‘busses running between Malpas-road and High-street, I am sure it would be supplying a want much needed by the residents in this district. Trusting you will insert this. Yours truly, A NORTH AND EAST RATEPAYER Newport, May 2, 1895 — [*South Wales Argus, Friday 3rd May, 1895*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145581382/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-20-at-20.52.42.png) [South Wales Argus, Tuesday 5th August, 1913](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144057022/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Subscription Required) ### A Description of Newport and Caerleon in 1803 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/a-description-of-newport-and-caerlaround-1803/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:35:28.000Z [Published in 1804](https://ia904601.us.archive.org/7/items/b22036544/b22036544.pdf?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), one Rev. J Evans, B.A. toured south Wales documenting his travels in a series of 15 letters. He had already had a successful tour around north Wales and on the suggestion of friends he embarked on a journey covering the entirety of south Wales from Chepstow to Cardigan and as far north as Aberystwyth. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-20-at-08.46.01.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Letters II and III are the ones focused on in this post. ## Letter II — Caerleon ℹ️ In Letter II Evans visited Sudbrook, Caerwent and Caerleon. Evans arrived from Caerwent most likely via Catsash and down the Old Hill into Caerleon Ultra Pontem (latin for Over the Bridge). ***Descending into the vale, we crossed the Uske by a long wooden bridge of extraordinary appearance, and curious structure. The tides in this river rise to a prodigious height, fifty and sixty feet. To prevent the frequent inconvenience to which a bridge would be subject by the sudden flow of such a vast body of water, a contrivance has been had recourse to, which hitherto has answered the desired purpose. The breadth is just sufficient for a carriage to pass, and the length considerable, extending itself till the arcades rest on the midway of the rising grounds on each side of the river. The arches, if such they can be called, are formed by large posts meeting at top in an angle, and tied together by cross beams; over these are laid strong bearers, and, in transverse places by verticle (sic) pins passing through their ends, upon which they freely rise and fall with the flowing and ebbing tide. Were it not for this ingenious precaution, the extraordinary swell of the river at the equinoxes would blow up the whole fabric. The open balustrade of a few light rails, the depth at low water to the river, the moving floor under your feet, are terrific to a strangers and few horses that are not accustomed to such scenes, can be prevailed on to encounter this alarming, though safe entrance into the town of Caerleon.*** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-58.png) The timber bridge at Caerleon around 1801 (just a couple of years before Evans arrived). Taken from Coxe's 'Tour in Monmouthshire'. [Newport Past](https://www.newportpast.com/bridges/town%5Fbridge/index.php?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ***We entered Caerleon with those ideas of respect and veneration which naturally arise in the mind of the* recollection *of past magnificence and fallen grandeur. Nor were these lessened by the striking contrast exhibited in its present appearance.*** Evans goes on an huge detour about the Roman history of Caerleon, the artefacts discovered and the legend of King Arthur and then returns to the present day. ***The present town consists of two or three small* streets*, and many houses in a state of dilapidation. The most descent building we observed is a charity school, for maintaining and educating thirty poor boys, and twenty poor girls, till they attain the age of fourteen, when they are apprenticed with a bounty of seven pounds to the former, and four to the latter. They are clothed in a dress of blue cloth, with a badge of white, containing the initials, C.W. alluding to the founder; who, an inscription in front of the building Informs you, was Charles Williams, Esq. a native of the town. The spirit of the place seems in unison with its appearance; being chiefly inhabited by a poor, indolent set of people; alike unaffected by the greatness of their past, as inattentive to the advantages of their present condition.*** The school known as both a Charity School and the Caerleon Endowed School [was funded by Charles Williams in 1724](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caerleon%5FEndowed%5FSchool?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) and as mentioned by Evans educated 30 boys and 20 girls but was reduced to 20 and 10 respectively. The building still exists today and The left and right wings of the buildings included houses for the school master and school mistress respectively. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-60.png) The Charity/Endowed School. [Geograph](https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7271619?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Letter III — Newport ℹ️ In Letter III, Evans visited Christchurch, Newport, Goldcliff, Tredegar House, Cardiff, Llandaff, Pontypridd, Caerphilly and Merthyr Tydfil. Back in 1803, Evans to get to Newport from Caerleon he would have crossed the old bridge via Caerleon Ultra Pontem, up the hill to Christchurch (Old Hill rather than Belmont Hill) and then along Christchurch Road down to Barnardtown and towards the river Usk. ***Descending from this envied elevation we rambled down the vale, till we imperceptibly reached the small town of Newport, which we entered by a handsome stone bridge of five arches, now completed under the direction of a son of the architect of Ponty prydd. It was built by contract for 10,165l. and the money raised by shares or debentures of 100l. each, under the patriotic auspices of Sir Robert Salisbury.*** The bridge was completed in 1801 and the image below shows how it may have looked when he crossed. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-57.png) Drawing circa 1810 showing the five arches he described. [Newport Past](https://www.newportpast.com/bridges/town%5Fbridge/index.php?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ***When we formerly passed this way, the river was bestrided by a long narrow wooden bridge, with a sliding floor, like the one at Caerleon. And such was the decayed state of the timber, that for a Long time previous to its being taken down, carriages could not venture over; and it was discovered, that it was only just taken down in time to prevent the most serious consequences. We may congratulate the public therefore, on an improvement, that surpasses all that have been made for years, on this now greatly frequented road.*** ***On passing, we smiled at the wonderful story told of a Mrs Williams, who during a dark night, took a flying leap at Caerleon on a small plank; stemming from a boisterous wave, and steering her course, astride the plank, through the winding course of the river : lighting herself with a small candle and lantern fortunately held in her hand! Shooting the gulf at this place with unexampled dexterity, and after putting the fishermen into a panic, in the shape of a ghost, at the embouchure of the river; had the good fortune to bring them to their senses, before the tide,* rapidly *ebbing, could wash her to the ocean : and engaging their attention by her cries, obtained a rescue from this perilous and involuntary adventure!*** ***I confess, I know not which to admire most, the ingenuity of the inventor of this story, or the credulity of those who have so gravely related it. But this is a wondrous age : while real miracles are rejected, even upon divine testimony, the most extravagant tales of fiction are greedily swallowed and easily digested.*** The story had been around for some time being published in the [The Western Flying Post; or, Sherborne and Yeovil Mercury](https://www.newspapers.com/paper/the-western-flying-post-or-sherborne-and/29592/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (*subscription required)* on Monday 7th December, 1772 in an article about recent flooding. The newspaper claimed the story came from a letter dated November 25th. The description is similar to Evans' but also adds that the woman was 6 months pregnant. Was the story real? Who knows but it had been circulating for at least 30 years when Evans visited Newport. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/The_Western_Flying_Post_or_Sherborne_and_Yeovil_Mercury_1772_12_07_3-1.jpg) ***The approach to the town exhibits almost a perfect view of its ancient castle, standing close on the western banks of the Uske. It has been of greater extent, and was built to secure the passage over the river for the English troops. It is little more towards the town than a strong plain wall, void of buttresses, while, towards the water, three round towers flank its eastern front. Some of the windows are still perfect, and highly decorated. It is supposed to have been built by Fitzwarren, as it was garrisoned by the English under the name of the ‘new castle on the Uske’ A.D. 1172.*** He goes into a bit of history of the castle and then continues with his description of the town. ***Newport, which arose out of the ruins of Caerleon, is* situated *about three miles above the* mouth *of the river; which here forms a tolerable port. But little business is done, though large ships might come up to the bridge, the tide flowing often fifty feet. It carries on a small trade in coals, which abound in its vicinity, so as to compose the greater part of the pebbles in the river, called* Boulders*, which are carried to Bristol, and sold at a high price, as being rubbly, and making a pleasanter fire for parlour use, than the coals of Kingswood and Nailsea.*** ***A canal extending to Brecknock has contributed in a small degree to increase the trade of the port. The church stands at the end of the town, on a commanding eminence, and is visited for the extensive view attainable from the church-yard.*** > *Besides this, Newport has little to boast, consisting only of one long street of indifferent* houses*, and owes the principal part of its support to being a thoroughfare.* ***It is called, by Baxter, Nova Porta, by Gyraldus, Novus Burghus, and was evidently intended as a check on the Welsh, while they possessed the stronghold of Caerleon.*** After a detour to Goldcliff, Evans then returns to Newport to head to Cardiff. On the way he passes Tredegar House. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-20-at-13.09.19.png) A tithe map from around 1840 showing Tredegar House. The landscape likely looked very similar to when Evans was in the area. ***Returning to Newport we passed the park of Tredegar through which flows the river Ebwith (sic), a seat of Sir Charles Gould Morgan. Though a large mansion, it appears to a great disadvantage, being situate on a flat lawn to the left of the road, and is disfigured by a range of stables and other offices in front.*** ***The portion of the park on the right hand side of the road is more elevated, and being well wooded and stocked with deer, forms a handsome contrast.*** He then heads to ‘Ruperrah’, the house which at the time was still in use by the Morgans and then continues his tour of South Wales. 📖 You can read the full book [here](https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Letters%5Fwritten%5Fduring%5Fa%5Ftour%5Fthrough%5FSo/N8UHAAAAQAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### 1731: When Caerleon's Bull Inn had a Bowling Green URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/1731-when-caerleons-bull-inn-had-a-bowling-green/ Last updated: 2025-02-18T21:01:54.000Z The Gloucester Journal is proving to be a bit of a goldmine when it comes to uncovering interesting articles from the 18th century. [Published on Friday 12th October, 1731](https://www.newspapers.com/image/970882776?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), this advertisement for the Bull Inn being up for sale or let, reveals information about the features of the pub. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-18-at-08.39.47.png) In addition to the pub itself, there were also gardens, orchards, 'outletts', malting facilities, stabling and outhouses. There is also a mention of more adjoining 'outletts' and a 'good Bowling-Green' to be leased. The current pub occupies a large area including a car park and an outbuilding. The map below shows a rough outline. Seeing the mention of the bowling green led me to wonder if this was located top of the current Roman Fortress Baths. With no maps from the time and only a tithe map from around 1840 available it’s pure speculation as to where it could have been. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-18-at-13.05.13.png) The tithe map of around 1840 shows the pub (87) (actually listed as the Bell Inn, perhaps incorrectly), gardens (89, 90, 91, 92), a 'smithshop' (88) and a malthouse (93). These fit in with the description of what was on sale in the advertisement. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-18-at-08.44.05-1.png) Judging by the appearance of building 93 it does look like it’s may have existed at the time of advertisement and if so, where could the bowling green have been? The garden at plot 92 looks a little too small for a bowling green so would the space occupied by plots 89, 90 and 91 (occupied by the Roman Baths today) been the location of the bowling green? ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-54.png) It’s fascinating seeing old adverts like the one above and often with only scant information to go on there’s going to be an element of speculation but it’s interesting think of a time when patrons of the Bull Inn could have had a game of bowls with an ale. ## Up For Sale Again The pub was either up for sale again in [May, 1733](https://www.newspapers.com/image/970701137/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), or had failed to sell in 1731\. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-55.png) ### Letting Newport Castle in 1797 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/letting-newport-castle-in-1797/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:35:36.000Z An advertisement in The Gloucester Journal from [Monday 11th December, 1797](https://www.newspapers.com/image/792566925/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) posted by William Kemeys gives an insight into the types of buildings that existed in the late 18th century including uses and dimensions. There was a granary, storehouse and cellar along with a quay. The newly built canal ran to the west of the castle and at this point in time terminated just outside; it wouldn’t be until early in the 19th century that it would be extended towards Pill. An interesting part of the advert is the mention of Mayndee as where William Kemeys lived. At that time the area was undeveloped so would have referred to the house that would have been there. **The original advert can be viewed at the end of the page.** ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## Map of 1794 The map below shows a plan of Newport in 1794, three years before the advert and shows the new canal. There’s a kiln just to the side of the ‘Green’ but I’m not sure if it’s the same one mentioned in the advert. *The map was* [*posted on Newport Past*](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/maps/1794/index.php?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *where the map can be zoomed in for more detail.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-17-at-14.51.08.png) [Map from Newport Past](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/maps/1794/index.php?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Advertisement To be Let, for such term as may be agreed upon, **Part of NEWPORT CASTLE,** Immediately adjoining the river Usk, in the town of Newport, against which the tide flows, and in the centre of the Castle is a dry commodius arched Quay or Slip, at which Vessels of burthen may ease lay to load and discharge, with a safe Birth also for four other Vessels adjoining. The Castle is most advantageously situated between the River and Canal, having a large open yard (extending within a few feet of the latter) surrounded by a high wall, and comprising the several Buildings, Storehouses, Offices, and Cellars, of the dimensions hereunder particularised, replete with other conveniences, and calculated for the reception and storing goods of every description with perfect security, and is a most desirable situation for a Merchant or Ironmaster requiring extensive accommodations. The Premises are also particularly adapted for a considerable Manufactory, and by the last Monmouthshire Canal Act, the Proprietor is empowered to make a Rail-road and Cut from the Canal to into any part of the Premises, and which he intends to exercise in such manner as may best answer the purpose for which the same may be appropriated. A small House, Garden, and Stable for four or five horses may be taken with the above, if required, together with a Lime Kiln. *Particulars and Dimensions of the Buildings, Yard, &c.* | | F | I | | F | I | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --- | - | -- | --- | - | | The Castle Yard (in which is a Pump plentifully supplied with water) containing | 190 | 0 | by | 130 | 0 | | The Quay or Slip adjoining the river, under the middle Tower of the Castle | 50 | 0 | by | 18 | 0 | | Am excellent dry arched Cellar adjoining the Quay or Slip, capable of storing from 30 to 40 hogsheads | 35 | 0 | by | 15 | 0 | | A large lofty Granary in the middle Tower | 30 | 0 | by | 22 | 0 | | A very good dry Storehouse under the same, of the like dimensions, divided into two Compting houses and two rooms for storing goods | | | | | | | Adjoining the above, and in a line with the river, is the Scite (sic) of a large Room with the walls standing, a roof to which is only wanting, whereby it may be made into an excellent Warehouse | 48 | 0 | by | 24 | 0 | | A large Slope-house on 10 arches | 70 | 0 | by | 15 | 0 | | A good roomy Barn | 35 | 0 | by | 15 | 6 | | A Piece of Ground adjoining the North Wall | 176 | 6 | by | 64 | 0 | N.B. This ground may be converted into an excellent Wharf for laying down Timber, Iron, or other goods at the extremity of which the Canal passes. For a view of the Premises and for further particulars apply to WILLIAM KEMEYS, Esq. Mayndee, near Newport. This will not be advertised any more. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Plan of the Castle A plan of the castle shortly after the advertisement. I’m not sure how accurate the plan is as I believe the west ditch was used for the new canal. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-53.png) 1800 plan of the Castle ([Newport Past](https://www.newportpast.com/gallery/maps/castleplan.htm?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Contemporary Drawing A contemporary drawing from 1793 which, if accurate, shows how the castle would have looked at the time of the advertisement. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-46.png) Drawn in 1793, this is how the Castle may have looked at the time the advertisement was placed ([Wikimedia](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:View%5Fof%5FNewport%5FCastle.jpeg?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Original Advertisement ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/The_Gloucester_Journal_1797_12_11_1--1-.jpg) ### 18th Century Miscellany — 1730-1749 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/18th-century-miscellany-1730-1749/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:34:40.000Z Digging deep into the archives and there’s a surprising number of mentions of Newport in the 18th century. This article will cover mentions from 1730—1749 and other article will cover the rest of the 18th century. All articles have been taken from The Gloucester Journal which was first published in 1730\. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 1730 — Stolen Horse An article about a stolen horse which mentions of the ‘Sign of the Griffin’ on [23rd June, 1730](https://www.newspapers.com/image/970879997/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-11.png) ## 1730 — Boat Capsizes in the Severn A market boat sailing from Newport to Bristol possibly due to sailors being drunk and overloading the boat. [Reported in November 1730](https://www.newspapers.com/image/970880132/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-12.png) ## 1732 — To Let: A Good House [An advert from December 1732](https://www.newspapers.com/image/970701041/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) for house to let somewhere in Newport but due to the date likely to be somewhere in the close vicinity of High Street. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-13.png) ## 1734— For Sale: Freehold Estate in Caerleon An estate for sale in Caerleon in May 1734 with a. Value of £20 or more. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-14.png) ## 1735 — Storm Hits the Country [In June 1735](https://www.newspapers.com/image/970882488/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) a storm hit the country affecting many towns including Newport. St Pier’s Walk is mentioned as somewhere near Newport — I wonder if that’s St Pierre’s towards Chepstow? ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-15.png) ## 1740 — Bridges Damaged By Ice [A report on 22nd January, 1740](https://www.newspapers.com/image/970883286/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) of bridges at Newport and Caerleon being ‘broke down’ by the weight of ice. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-16.png) ## 1741 — Man Escapes from Newport Gaol [On 21st April, 1741](https://www.newspapers.com/image/970968916/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), it was reported that a man due for transportation escaped from Newport Gaol. He was described as being ‘very ingenious in catching and carrying off deer from forests and Gentlemen’s Parks’. Two Guinea reward. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-17.png) ## 1741 — Notice of Cattle Market being Revived [A notice on 14th July](https://www.newspapers.com/image/970969025/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) about the Cattle Market being every Saturday between May and Christmas. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-18.png) ## 1741 — Surgeon Marries [An article on 25th August, 1741](https://www.newspapers.com/image/970969127/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) mentions the marriage between an eminent Apothecary and Surgeon from Newport marrying a ‘young lady of great fortune’. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-19.png) ## 1742 — Sheep Belonging to George Kemeys killed [A report from 6th April, 1742](https://www.newspapers.com/image/970969590/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) of George Kemeys from Newport having sheep killed on his farm. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-20.png) [On 5th October, 1742](https://www.newspapers.com/image/970969860/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), it was reported that the William Thomas Rees was apprehended and committed to Monmouth Gaol. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-24.png) ## 1742 — For Sale: Large Estate [An advert from 27th April, 1742](https://www.newspapers.com/image/970969624/?match=1&terms=newport&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) for the sale of a large estate belonging to Charles Morgan, maltser. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-21.png) It was [further advertised](https://www.newspapers.com/image/970969722/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) on 22nd June, 1742 as being up for auction in London on the 6th July. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-23.png) ## 1742 — To Let: Henry Herbert’s Apothecary Shop [Dated 18th May, 1742](https://www.newspapers.com/image/970969656/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), an advert for Henry Herbert’s house and Apothecary located in the ‘Market Place’, Newport. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-22.png) ## 1742 — Sea Wall Breached A violent storm and high Spring-Tide in [October 1742](https://www.newspapers.com/image/970969866/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) caused a breaching of the Sea Wall between Newport and Cardiff. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-25.png) ## 1743 — A Cock Match [An advert from 31st May, 1843](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971521047/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-26.png) ## 1743 — Newport Market Boat Capsizes Killing 20 News from 2nd August, 1743 of a market boat capsizing on the way to Bristol. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-27.png) ## 1743 — For Sale: Mansion House [An advert from 6th September, 1743](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971521377/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) for the sale of a mansion house, known by the Sign of the Angel. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-28.png) ## 1744 — Stealing Money [An article published on 24th January, 1744](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971522009/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) about two people, one a ‘Person of a plentiful Fortune’, the other ‘an Attorney of great Practice’, charge with stealing ‘twenty Copper Halfpence’. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-29.png) ## 1744 — Attacked by Footpads [An article from 31st January, 1744](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971522039/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) about a farmer’s wife being attacked just outside Caerleon at Llanhennock by two footpads. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-45.png) ## 1744 — A Mention of an Apothecary in Newport [An article](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971522367/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) about a stolen horse that mentions an apothecary in Newport being run by a Mr Dew. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-44.png) ## 1744 – Houses and Farms For Sale [An advert](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971522861/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) for houses and farms for sale in Nash, Christchurch, Caerleon and surrounding area. Mentions the White Hart in Caerleon. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-43.png) ## 1744 — Seeking Honest Man Used to Husbandry [An advert from 18th December, 1744 ](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971523366/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)that mentions the ‘Sign of the Heath-Cock’. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-42.png) ## 1745 — Another Cock-Match [Advert posted June, 1745](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971382662/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-41.png) ## 1746 — For Sale: Charles Morgan’s Estate This appears to be the same estate that was mentioned in 1742 above. There’s a mention of the ‘Sign of the Green-Dragon’ and the freehold containing land in the parishes of St Woolos, Bettws, Christchurch and Whitson. Article [published](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971383965/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) 11th March, 1746. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-39.png) ## 1746 — Another Cock-Match [An advert posted in June 1746](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971384390/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-38.png) ## 1746 — A Lost Dog [John Cobbs lost his dog in July, 1746](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971384520/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-37.png) ## 1747 — House Broken Into [An article from 10th February, 1747](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971515599/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) about a house in Newport that was broken into. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-36.png) ## 1747 — Another Cock-Match [An advert published in June 1747](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971516604/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-35.png) ## 1748 — For Sale: Shop’s Contents [An advert from 19th January, 1748](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971518138/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) for the contents of a shop. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-34.png) ## 1748 — Newport Free School in Need of a Master A free school house in Newport [advertised on 15th Mar, 1848](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971518390/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) for a new headmaster after the previous one was promoted to the University of Oxford. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-33.png) ## 1749 — An Illegal Fee Being Requested by Under-Sheriffs [An advert from an attorney](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971487137/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) offering a service to those arrested who are being illegally being charged a ten shilling fee to under-sheriffs. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-32.png) The same attorney had also [written about the fees](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971382801/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) in 1745. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-40.png) ## 1749 — Another Cock-Match Another cock fight [was advertised](https://www.newspapers.com/image/971487457/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) in June 1749. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-31.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Volume 1, Number 10 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-10/ Last updated: 2025-03-14T15:45:47.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Curious Accident at Newport About 12.30 on Friday morning a haulier named Thomas Evans, in the employ Frank Thomas, Magor, was a taking a coal trolley over Newport Bridge when a large lump of coal fell over the trolley on to the wheel of a Bath chair ridden by a cripple, Frederick Carpenter, 3 Mill Parade, overturning the chair, and precipitating Carpenter into the road. He was taken home by Councillor Gower in a cab, and did not appear to be much injured. — [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 2nd October 1897*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143495021/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-10-at-12.49.56-5644a6f752fd8699.png) [**South Wales Argus, Saturday 13th February, 1915*](http://newspapers.com/image/1144021593/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ## The Coldra Naval Hospital An article published in November, 1918 discussed that there were once plans for The Coldra to be used as a naval hospital by the US that would cover Europe. > What the American Government intend with reference to the Naval Hospital to be established at The Coldra, Newport, by permission of Mr J W Beynon, is revealed in the minutes of the Electricity and Tramways Committee to be considered on Tuesday. The letter from the American Red Cross stated that The Coldra was intended to be used as the Chief American Naval Hospital in Europe, and inquired whether the Corporation would extend the electric light main to the house. The Borough Electrical Corporation reported that he had supplied the architects with an estimate of the cost, and pointed out that it would be much cheaper to install a plant on the premises. He understood that the application for extension of the main was now withdrawn. The action of the Engineer was confirmed. Newport is certainly to the front in this means of establishing good relations with the United States. — [*South Wales Argus, Tuesday 5th November, 1918*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143996721/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Cry from Maindee Sir, — I trust you will excuse my sending in yet another complaint from Maindee, but unless the street complained of is mentioned, I don’t believe (from past experience) our Councillors will take any notice whatever. Last winter Exeter-street was a perfect bog, and after the Sanitary Committee‘s attention was drawn to it, the nuisance was promised to be remedied. A little was done, but not much, and with no light, drainage, or pathway, I dread to think of the coming winter. All through the summer building material was extended halfway across the street, but now its worse, and the unfortunate resident to gain his house must plod along in the middle of the road ankle deep in mud, and, indeed, it requires an amount of practice before anyone can prevent himself stumbling over bricks or sand-heaps. I sincerely hope the Maindee representatives will see that the state of this street is not allowed to exist much longer. Your, &c. A RESIDENT Exeter-street, Maindee, September 3rd, 1892 — [*South Wales Argus, Monday, 5th September, 1892*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143540886/?fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjExNDM1NDA4ODYsImlhdCI6MTczOTM0Mjg0OSwiZXhwIjoxNzM5NDI5MjQ5fQ.BLVjZdjkryW4ecgUrJLnO7ZDRdTHiiyE5yN2z9%5FWix0&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/SeenAndHeard-b454b798f7ef1031.jpg) ### ‘The Widening of Stow Hill’ It sometimes happens that a small alteration makes a great improvement. One seldom sees a better illustration than that which can at present be found on Stow Hill. A slice of the out-building of the old house so long tenanted by the late Alderman H.J. Davis is being removed to widen the hill at this very contracted and dangerous spot. It can easily be seen already that a very real improvement will be made, and one wonders that it was not taken in hand years ago. There is now not much to obstruct the road expect the awkward bend a few yards higher, but even the danger of that will be minimised by the alteration. Only a very special providence can explain the fact that serious accidents have not frequently occurred at this spot. *—* [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 13th* February*, 1904*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143529800/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(*subscriptionrequired*)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-5.png) The circled area could be the building in question. ### ‘Make an Example of Those Who Drop Orange and Banana Peelings’ Why do not our police authorities make examples of two or three of the innumerable thoughtless individuals who carelessly drop orange and banana peelings on the side-walks? There is, I believe, a bye-law in existence, but it is never enforced, although breaches of its terms may be witnessed any day in almost any part of the town. I heard a gentleman talk very feelingly on this point a few days ago, for the contact of his heel with a soft bit of banana rind led to the contact of his body with the hard paving, and caused him to travel toward all points of the compass at once. It is funny for the onlooker, but it may be serious for the victim, and it ought to be serious for the persons who make the mischief. *—* [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 13th* February*, 1904*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143529800/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(*subscriptionrequired*)* ### ‘People Who Can’t Pronounce Street Names’ When street names are fixed, in Newport or elsewhere, some consideration might be given to the people who will have to use them in speech and in writing. One wonders who supplied the wisdom which selected Agincourt, Ailesbury, Archibald, Courtybella, Corelli, Coverack, Libeneth, Portskewett, Trostrey, Wolseley. I am positive that people live in some of these streets who cannot spell or even pronounce, the word that is essential to the correctness of an address. In one instance a poor woman could not speak or write “Agincourt”. “Archibald” was selected as the nearest approach to what she said, and the assistance which she badly needed was delayed many days by the mistake. *—* [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 27th February, 1904*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143530066/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ### ‘Malpas Road Flooded’ The high tide on Friday morning created quite an island sea at the bottom of Malpas Road, the meadows being covered in some places to a depth of two feet. Had there been a storm and heavy rain, disastrous floods would have followed. After the waters had subsided, flocks of birds were to be observed feeding upon the deposits left by the tide. Appears that Kimberley Park has always flooded. — [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 5th March, 1904*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144192960/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## ‘Turn Newport Castle into a Museum’ *An interesting letter from a resident disappointed about Newport Castle being turned into a brewery and suggested that it be turned into an attraction. Interestingly some of the things suggested did eventually get introduced such as a pathway behind the castle and a green but these have subsequently gone.* DEAR SIR, — A writer has made an excellent suggestion regarding the future of the ancient castle on the West Bank of the Usk, to the effect that the castle should become the property of the town, and that a museum be established in connection therewith. The idea might be extended. That an historic ruins should be turned into a brewery is somewhat of a disgrace to the inhabitants, and is probably the only example of such ridiculous metamorphosis in the kingdom. But surely the price of its reclamation and redemption is not prohibitive. If thousands of pounds can be expended in a very necessary enterprise for the recreation of the people outside the town, surely a much lesser sum would not be wasted in providing recreation and amusement of an educational and refining character in the heart of the town. What would Weston do with such a pile? What would not Cardiff do with it? Sleepy Newport is noted for the grand opportunities it has lost, and is now losing. Chepstow, Caerphilly, and Raglan can turn an honest penny by no other means than veneration for the past of their decaying walls. It is reserved for Newport to demonstrate its utter contempt for an age or chivalry. My proposals are as follows: Purchase the entire castle with as much surrounding ground as practicable, thoroughly renovate enough for modern requirements, stock the interior with pictures, interesting relics of the past, curios of the present, examples of local industrial products, and throw the place open to the public. The museum at the Free Library might be utilised to form a nucleus of something more extensive at the castle. A reading-room might also be added. In other towns, with fewer inhabitants, a popular rendezvous of one sort or another is generally found. A quay wall might be erected on the river side, and the intervening space between that and the castle filled up, forming a splendid promenade from the bridge to the boat-house. Ample ground might be claimed to form a garden sufficiently attractive. A band in the garden would popularise the resort for visitors and the inhabitants west of the Usk, and those at Newport-ultra-pontem. One word of warning, the Bridge Hotel license should not be resuscitated adjacent to the Newport Castle grounds. W. WALLACE GRANT Roseville House, Newport-on-Usk 1st September, 1892 — [*South Wales Argus, Monday September 5th, 1892*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143540886/?clipping%5Fid=165273709&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjExNDM1NDA4ODYsImlhdCI6MTczOTM0MzM1MSwiZXhwIjoxNzM5NDI5NzUxfQ.qM5sVh4agOs3j0iHZRwUPJbZ6W%5FAR55lDGGEe0q7gvo&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Valentine’s Day ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-1.png) [**South Wales Argus, Saturday 8th February, 1896*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143950110/?fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjExNDM5NTAxMTAsImlhdCI6MTczOTM0NTY4MywiZXhwIjoxNzM5NDMyMDgzfQ.qqR8dG-MH9mo0LCHwVmD-vF9zUHp9lW1ZzGfjOsPL3w&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ### Dying Out? St Valentine’s Day is dying out, that is to say the observance of it. Post-office officials tell us that very little extra trouble is given them on the 14th, and that every year decreases the amount of labour incurred through the custom of sending pretty little mementoes — and ugly takes-off — through the post. If it were not for the loss of an industry, one would hardly regret this fact. Too frequently St Valentine is badly abused, as one young lady at least in Newport can testify. She received no less than four exceedingly ugly pictures, and three others were tendered by the postman upon which the postage had not been prepaid, and which she was wise enough to refuse to take in. It seems to me that a good many “valentines” are sent not merely in fun, but out of spite and malice, therefore, as I said before, the falling off in the observance of the day is perhaps not to be regretted. Newport Post Office was troubled to but a small extent this year, but the few extra articles that passed through the officials’ hands included monkeys on sticks, a doll or two, and an old hat. Verily, such an outrage upon St Valentine is enough to make him turn in his grave. — [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 17th February, 1894*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143992830/?fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjExNDM5OTI4MzAsImlhdCI6MTczOTM0NjE1NiwiZXhwIjoxNzM5NDMyNTU2fQ.zeYLT5s2YixOuMrvrKhVZAMCcfF5u-rbTiMPJFEl5bQ&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ### Some Queer Things That Passed Through The Post At Newport Anxious to know something of the extent to which the custom of sending valentines prevailed this year, an Argus man called at the Newport Post-office on Thursday, and was introduced to the courteous head clerk, Mr T.C. Cooper. “Could you give me,” queried the reporter, “some particulars passing through your office yesterday, as compared with the same day in other years?” — “Oh, dear me,” replied Mr Cooper, “I really couldn’t say just at the moment, but the thing is practically dead.” “But what about the strain on your staff?” — “There is hardly any extra work. Only one man extra was required yesterday.” “I was told some very extraordinary things went through yesterday?” remarked the representative. — “Nothing but a few monkeys up sticks, a doll or two, and an old hat, I believe. Just what silly people send to one another. Twenty years ago the correspondence used to tax us as much as Christmas does now. Then it was a very large affair, and all sorts of things went through the post, but not now.” “You find Christmas the heaviest pull now?” — “Yes, why we are doing extra work even now, conseqeuent upon the rush of last Christmas. But the Valentine business is dead, never to return again, I hope.” *—* [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 17th February, 1894*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144167461/?clipping%5Fid=165125607&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjExNDQxNjc0NjEsImlhdCI6MTczOTM0NjIxMSwiZXhwIjoxNzM5NDMyNjExfQ.L3GreskmfxHrIe7OIz29RuVLiG-Xv1znKefu0ApnhCU&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ### ‘Rapidly Becoming Forgotten’ St Valentine’s Day is rapidly becoming forgotten. Even I, who had usually taken a lively interest in the event, had to consult an almanac this morning to discover the exact date. The fact is, if it were not for the artistic (!) valentines displayed in certain shop windows, the day would certainly be more honoured in the breach than the observance. I don’t know what we should be any the worse for that, expect that an industry would suffer. — [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 11th February, 1899*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145601641/?clipping%5Fid=165125553&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjExNDU2MDE2NDEsImlhdCI6MTczOTM0Njc4MiwiZXhwIjoxNzM5NDMzMTgyfQ.vEGoWYNPidDsdXjkRXaq3pWLX1QIJkHsiYhYJuLF%5Fzw&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ### ‘Rapidly Dying Out’ This is St Valentine’s Day. But for the display of humorous (?) coloured prints in the stationer’s shops we should not have been aware of the fact. The valentine is rapidly dying out. — [*South Wales Argus, Thursday 14th February, 1901*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143629378/?clipping%5Fid=165125750&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjExNDM2MjkzNzgsImlhdCI6MTczOTM0NjY2NCwiZXhwIjoxNzM5NDMzMDY0fQ.tJ2l%5FWJEIKTdv7ASPfkEFI-XoY8t6mOBkIPtGDnAO7o&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-2.png) [**South Wales Argus, Wednesday 9th October, 1912*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144063817/?fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjExNDQwNjM4MTcsImlhdCI6MTczOTM0ODIyOCwiZXhwIjoxNzM5NDM0NjI4fQ.AolYbp-VN7R7UZdorNsnkljc1MS-Kc7KJqoRowhYH9M&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ## 'No to a Lord Tredegar Statue' SIR, — I see it mooted to-day that a statue of Lord Tredegar should be erected in the Park for the gift of the land. I for one protest against it, because of the excessive and ruinous ground rents that are ground out of shopkeepers in the main streets. I will venture to say that before the trees will grow to any size one half the shopkeepers will be bankrupt. A few can stand it, but the bulk cannot; they can't do business to pay the amounts demanded. As to a statue, put one of Mr Mordey under the projection at the upper lodge, as a standing monument of the economical use of space. Your truly, VERA X Newport, Feb 13, 1894 *—* [*South Wales Argus, Wednesday 14th February, 1894*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143992592?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## 'Shop Assistant Complains About Abusing Early Closing Rules' DEAR SIR, — With your kind permission, I would draw the attention of the secretary of the Shop Assistants' Union to the fact that the early closing movement in Newport has become a failure in many respects. First of all, take the lower part of Commercial-road, and you will find that there is not a single establishment in this neighbourhood which closes at the appointed time. Who is to be blamed for the late hours which we, as assistants, are subject to? It may be attributed to the inactivity of our Executive Committee, who have done practically nothing to carry out the necessary work entrusted to their care on our behalf. It is a well known fact that some months ago, the assistants subscribed liberally to the funds of the Union, leaving a handsome balance in the hands of the secretary, to utilise it for no other purpose than the best means of bringing about early closing to a success. I can honestly say that almost every assistant in Newport is prepared to attend a public meeting to consider the best means of making early closing a fact, and not a sham. We have been anxiously waiting to know whether the Union is dead or alive, as we cannot trace a single move on its part to try and better our condition in any shape or form. Is there not sufficient stamina in our young men to come forward and make a bold move in the matter? If there is, let them come forward, and hundreds will follow, adding strength to our weakness. Let us show the public that we are up and doing, and success will crown our efforts. Yours truly, BRYNDERWEN Newport, January 31st, 1894 —[*South Wales Argus, Thursday 1st February, 1894*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143991590/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Said He Would Pay A Quid For Her At Newport Police Court this morning, Catherine Vickery was summoned for assaulting Mary Ellen Cochlin, a child, by throwing the contents of a teapot over her head. William Basham deposed to seeing the act committed. It was done out of spite to the child's mother. There was a cross summons brought by the defendant in the previous case against the mother and father of the child. The father, so Catherine Vickery said, came to her door and said he would pay a quid at the Town-hall for her. A dispute followed. All the parties were bound over to keep the peace for three months. — [*South Wales Argus, Wednesday 14th February, 1894*](http://newspapers.com/image/1143992592?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ### Stealing a Toasting Fork Catherine Glasham, of Friars' Fields, was charged with stealing a toasting-fork, from Mr John Stewart, landlord of the Bush Inn, who said, on Saturday night, prisoner was in his tap-room; when, from information he received, he sent for a policeman. PC Pratten came, and he gave her into custody. She had a toasting-form under her shawl, and when it was taken from her, she said she thought it was a pipe. He had lost several articles from that room lately. Sarah Mockford, servant to the prosecutor, said she was toasting bread, and in five minutes afterwards missed the fork, and then saw the prongs of the fork under prisoner's shawl. She gave information to her master. PC Pratten proved apprehending prisoner, as she came out of the house, and found the fork in her hand, under her shawl. He asked her what she had; and she replied that it was her own, and was a pipe. Committed for trial; bail accepted. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 27th January, 1854*](http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395894/3395896?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### *'7-Year-Old Caught Stealing Coal; Police Told To Capture the Bigger Boys'* A little boy, about seven years of age, was charged with stealing coal. The Mayor impressed upon the policemen to be more energetic in capturing the bigger boys. Discharged. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 27th January, 1854*](http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395894/3395896?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Man Whips Boy for Not Selling Him Newspaper' Thomas David, of St Mellon's, was charged with assaulting John Carmody, a lad who carries about newspapers. Because the boy would not sell him a Star of Gwent for 2d., he thrashed the lad and pushed him down into the hedge, tore his clothes and horse-whipped him. Fined 20s. and costs. Paid. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 27th January, 1854*](http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3395894/3395896?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Betting Prosecution Francis Smith, Power-street, was summoned at Newport, on Friday, for loitering in Shaftesbury-street for the purpose of betting, receiving bets, and settling bets. Defendant pleaded guilty to settling bets. Mr Treharne Morgan, from the Town Clerk's office, prosecuted. PC Bailey saw two women and three men approach defendant and hand him something wrapped in a paper. Later, witness saw Smith with a pocket-book in his hand, and on taking him to the Police Station found that he had £1 in gold ,£4 14s 9d in silver, a number of football coupons, and some sporting papers in his possession. Witness did not see defendant settling bets. Defendant pleaded for leniency, and stated that he had been very unwell. He was formerly a glass worker. He promised to give up street betting. A fine of £5 was imposed. — [*South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday 7th October, 1911*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144048389/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ‘12 Strokes from the Birch for Stealing Ginger Beer’ Dennis Sweeny (10) was charged with stealing three bottles of ginger beer, the property of Robert Durand. Prisoner pleaded guilty. Ordered to be imprisoned for one day, and to receive 12 strokes from the birch. —[*South Wales Daily News, Saturday 7th September, 1872*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3497363/3497366?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-3.png) [**South Wales Argus, Saturday 13th February, 1904*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143529795?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ## Baptizing in the Ebbw This novel and picturesque ceremony was performed on Sunday afternoon last, in the river Ebbw, adjacent to the old bridge on the Cardiff road and the beautiful park of Sir Charles Morgan, when five young females and four males were baptized and received into the Baptist church, by immersion. The venerable officiating minister. the Rev. Thomas Morris, arrayed in his long black robes and velvet cap, presented, amid the converts in their flowing garments by the water’s edge, a prominent and striking feature in the romantic gathering while the dense crowds of persons who “went out to see” the ceremony, crowded on the old bridge parapets, on the trees, on the green sward of the park, on the banks of the river, and wherever a footing could be obtained the wild melody that arose from the singers beneath the shadow of giant tree like the music which echoed from the lips of Covenanters long ago in the caverns and fastnesses of their mountain land —the impassioned eloquence of the venerable minister, sounding loud above the roaring and rushing of the river at his feet; and anon the closing spectacle — the old pastor and his young converts, going down into the water together," like Philip and the Eunuch of old, and then the rite of baptism by immersion — all these bold and striking particulars filled up the picture. It was a scene full of wild beauty, dashed by a colouring of that strange character which seems to belong only to the realms of imagination. It was such a spirit stirring picture as the painter would love to transfer in glowing colours to his canvass; and, sooth to say, we did observe one who sat on a rude mass of rock on the margin of the river, looking with the intentness of a true disciple of Poussin on the scene before him, while he appealed gathering up all its characteristics in his “mind‘s eye.” We have since learnt that Mr. Mullock, the artist we have alluded to in the above sketch, has been retained to make a painting of the spectacle, for the purpose of publishing an engraving therefrom. We have seen the painting — which is now neatly completed—and it certainly is “done to the very life." — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 6th April, 1844*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424801/3424804?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-4.png) [**South Wales Argus, Saturday 13th February, 1904*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143529795?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) *(subscription required)* ### Newport Charter of 1711 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/newport-charter-of-1711/ Last updated: 2025-02-13T20:06:34.000Z The following text is taken from a book called **The Ancient and Modern History of Newport, Monmouthshire: with a Guide and Directory** published in 1847\. In addition, much of the same text was also [published in the Monmouthshire Merlin](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424811/3424815?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) on 20th April, 1844. The text is a bit heavy and in parts difficult to understand but gives an insight into how people lived and did business. I’ve tried to add summaries where possible but some rules are a little difficult to decipher. ℹ️ The text below the divider is taken verbatim from the book including the spelling of certain words (e.g. markett for market and major for mayor). Text in square brackets is also from the book. Any other notes have been added by myself including any ‘Item’ summaries. --- Made and agreed upon by the assent and consent of Lewis Morgan, Esquire, major, John Morgan, of Tredegar, Esquire, John Morgan, of Ruperra, Esquire, Nehemiah Williams, gentleman, Francis Pettingal, John Plumley, Roger Williams, Henry Herbert, Charles Ward, Thomas Morgan, John Jones , Richard Pettingal, and James Williams, aldermen of the said borough, the 26th day of September, in the year seventeen hundred and eleven. ## Imprimis We do ordain and agree, that if any person or persons, not being free, shall hereafter occupy the liberties of this town, that all and every such person or persons so offending, shall forfeit, for every offence, 2s.; the one moiety thereof to the Major or commonwealth of this town. ℹ️ MOIETY. A part or share of something, especially when it is divided into two parts. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that if any person or persons whatsoever do make assault, affray, or bloodshed, within the liberty of this town, and upon any person or persons, that every suit, person or persons, so offending , shall forfeit, for every such assault and affray, 7s., and every bloodshed 10s.; the one moiety thereof to the Major, and the other moiety towards the commonwealth of this town. **Summary — Rule against assault** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that it shall be lawful for every and all person and persons whatsoever, to have free ingress and regress to this town upon every Saturday, and other festival days, to sell their victuals. **Summary — People are free to enter the town to sell their items** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that no person or persons whatsoever, at any markett day, shall put victuals to sell on any markett house, bulk or bulks, or under the penthouses, during the time of the markett; but that the same bulks and penthouses shall remain free to sell butter and cheese upon the said markett days; and that every person so offending, forfeit, for the first offence, 2s.; the one moiety to the Major, and the other as aforesaid. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that every person or persons within the precincts of this town, shall pen and tyne their hedges between their neighbours and themselves, within two days after warning given them, upon pain to forfeit, for every default, 3s. 4d.; the one moiety to the party grieved, and the other moiety to the Major and common attorneys. **Summary — Rule about looking after hedges between neighbours** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that the Major of the town for the time being, and the Town Clerk, shall buy two locks, and maintain the same from time to time, to set upon the chest for the safe keeping of the records. **Summary — Each mayor and the town clerk needs to buy a lock for a records chest** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We ordain and agree, that no person, burgess or foreigner, shall come above the bar in the Town Hall upon any court day, except he comes in his own gown or cloak decently, and except he be called, or one of the Aldermen, to take his case, upon pain to forfeit, for every offence, 7s.; the one moiety to the Major, and the other moiety to the common attorneys for the time being. **Summary — Rule for when someone can attend court and how to dress.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that if any person or persons shall buy any wheat, rye, barley, oats, or beans, or other grain, butter, cheese, capons, or any sort of wild fowl, fish, eggs, or other kind of victuals, other than such and so much as shall be spent, sold, or occupied in their own houses, or bought for the use of their own master or mistress with whom they dwell, and that to be spent by them in their own houses, without fraud or cover; that then, any person who shall do any act contrary to this ordinance, shall forfeit, for every time they do commit any such act, 2s.; the one moiety to the town, and the other to the informer. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain that if any person or persons within the precincts of this town, do receive into his or their houses, man-servant or woman-servant, dwelling in the said town, after eight o'clock at night, or before day, unless he or they come in their masters' business or mistresses', or on some other lawful or reasonable cause, that then every person or persons so receiving any man-servant or woman-servant, forfeit for every such receipt, the sum of 8d.; the one moiety to the Major, and the other moiety to the informer. **Summary — Rule for accepting someone into your house after 8 o’clock.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that if any person or persons receive, harbour, or lodge in his or their dwelling-house or houses, any women begotten with child out of the liberties or franchise of the town, being unmarried at the time of their coming to their house or houses, that every person receiving or harbouring such above the space of three days and three nights, shall forfeit for every day or night more than they shall receive, harbour, or lodge any such women, the sum of 6s. 8d.; the one moiety to the Major, and the other to the informer. **Summary — Rule against allowing an unmarried pregnant woman from outside the town to stay in your house for longer than three days and nights.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that no stranger or foreigner shall be admitted to be a freeman within this town, unless he do pay 40s to the commonwealth of the town for the time being, by them to be employed for some good use for the commonwealth of the said town; unless he be born before his father was made free, or married to the daughter or widow of a burgess, or meaneth to be a dweller within the town, then he shall be free for 20s., to be paid as aforesaid. **Summary — Rules about how strangers can become a freeman of the town.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that no demurrer or abatement be accepted or allowed in the court of this borough, upon any action or plaint commenced or sued under the sum of 40s.; and that if any demurrer be tendered by any plaintiff or defendant, upon any declaration, answer, or replication, &c., where the action amounted to the sum of 40s., or above, that then it shall be lawful, as well for the plaintiff as for the defendant against whom the demurrer is offered or rendered, yet to amend his declaration, answer, or replication, or to join in demurrer at his election. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that no person or persons shall make any mixen, or cast any dung in the street, from the church to the bridge, nor in or near to the Castle-ditch, Mill-street, the Bakehouse-lane, Saint Lawrence-lane, Arthur's-lane, and Skinner's-lane, the Castle Green or Cattle Markett; nor shall suffer his or their swine to go abroad in the places aforesaid, upon pain that every person that shall do or suffer to become anything contrary to this article, shall forfeit for every offence, 12d. to the Major for the time being, and 12d. to the informer. ℹ️ MIXEN. A pile of dung or refuse ****:** a manure heap **Summary — Rule for not dropping any dung/manure/refuse in town** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/IMG_7649.jpeg) c1730s map showing Bakehouse Lane mentioned in the above text ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that no person or persons shall suffer his swine or pigs to go without yokes and pims within the liberties of the town, upon pain to forfeit for such offence, 6d. to the party that receives damage by such pigs or swine. **Summary — Rule for ensuring pigs always have a yoke when in the town.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that no person, either burgess or foreigner, shall buy any kind of grain in the markettt, before the ringing of the bell at twelve o'clock; and that no foreigner buy, by the space of one whole hour after the bell be rung as aforesaid, upon pain of 1s. and fourpence for every such offence; one moiety to the Major for the time being, and the other to the informer. **Summary — Rules for when grain can be bought at a market.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that if any person or persons do break any of their neighbour's hedges, within the precincts of this town, every such person so offending, shall forfeit for every such offence, 3s. 4d.; the one moiety thereof to be paid to the owner of every such hedge so broken, and the one-half of the other moiety to the Major for the time being, and the other half to the common attorneys, for the reparation of the highways within the town. **Summary — Rule on breaking a neighbour’s hedges.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that no person or persons leave any horses upon markett-days in the street, to the annoyance of the markett, or the danger of any person, after one proclamation made in that behalf, on pain to forfeit to the driver of them to the pound, 2d., and 2d. to the pound-keeper. **Summary — Rule on leaving horses in the street on market days.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain, that every constable of the town for the time being, shall pay and forfeit for every default that they or any of them shall do or neglect in not punishing beggars haunting within this town, not searching inns and alehouses for tipplers in time of divine service, or not apprehending such as use vain recreations or pastimes, within the town, upon Sundays, the sum of 5s. to the commonwealth of this town. **Summary — Rule for constables not punishing beggars** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree , that all and every person or persons that shall brew or make any ale or beer within this town, to be sold, shall make, for every barrel of ale, one kilderkin of good small wort, for the poor to have drink; and the said small wort be boyl'd before it be put upon the brewing, upon pain to forfeit, for every default, 12d.; one moiety to the party grieved, or him that will inform, and the other moiety to the commonwealth of this town. **Summary — Rule specifying that any brewer should also make small beer available for the poor.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that no person or persons shall make any assault or affray within this town, on any markett day, upon pain to forfeit, for such offence, 40s. to the common attorneys of this town, for the use of the commonwealth of this town. **Summary — Rule against committing assault on a market day.** *\[The next "item" simply authorises the major \[mayor\] to make estreat of certain fines; and the following, ordained that all measures for grain, &c., should bear an impress of the mayor's seal, and be without hoop; and the third " item " ordered that all burgesses who did not appear before the mayor, at the various courts, whenever required so to do, should be fined.\]* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain, that every butcher within this town that shall offer to be sold any veal, mutton, or lamb, that is blown by them, or by any others by their assent, shall forfeit for every such offence the sum of 3s. 4d., and the meat that is so blown, to the poor of the town; and that no foreigner-butcher shall use the cutting or carving any part or kind of the victuals within this town, upon pain of 3s. 4d. for every such offence or default; the one moiety to the Major, and the other as aforesaid to the commonwealth of this town. **Summary — Rule against selling gone off meat.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that no women shall keep chambers within this town. or the precincts thereof, except women who are married, and such others who have estates in land, or money, or employments, sufficient to maintain them, upon pain to forfeit, for every default, 10s. for every week after they be warned by any of the Major's officers to depart, to the common attorneys of this town, to the use of the commonwealth hereof. **Summary — Rule prohibiting women from 'keeping chambers' apart from those who are married or have the means to keep said chambers.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that no tanners who do not live within the liberties of this town, shall buy any kind of hides upon Saturdays, or any other time, within the said town, upon pain to forfeit for every such buying, the sum of 10s.; and that no foreign tanner shall sell any clout, leather, or any other, at any time, except fairs, within the town, on pain to forfeit 3s. 4d., to be paid to the common attorneys of this town, to the benefit of the commonwealth of this town. **Summary — Rule prohibiting tanners from outside of town from buying hides within the boundary and aso from selling apart from at fairs.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that no foreign person or persons shall come free in this town, unless he may have the good-will of the burgesses; and if it may happen that there be but three lawful heirs apparent, that speak against any such person or persons, that then, he or they may not be admitted to the freedom. **Summary — Rules for foreign persons wanting to come into the town.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that no kind of offence or offences which shall be committed within this town, or the precincts thereof, shall be heard before any petty jury, made before the Major for the time being, but only by the grand jury, made on the Quarter Sessions or the Leet. ℹ️ Quarter Sessions were a court that met four times a year to deal with criminal matters, while Leet courts were local courts that punished petty crime. **Summary — Rule specifying offences will only be heard at Quarter Sessions or Leet courts.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that no foreign pedlar shall rear, pitch, or sett up any tilt within this town upon markett-days, otherwise but upon their panniers, or in the streets upon the ground, upon pain to forfeit for every such offence, 6s. 8d. , to the commonwealth of this town. ℹ️ A tilt is a table or stall with a canvas awning. **Summary — Rule preventing 'foreign pedlars' from setting up stalls on market days.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that no person or persons within this borough shall buy or sell any kind of fish, salmon, sewin, bordshed, sole, or flook, or any other kind of fish, before it comes to the bulk or bulks of the markett-house within this town, and there to remain for the space of one whole hour, to the intent that the officers called seizors appointed for that purpose, may see the same, upon pain that every such buyer or seller shall forfeit, for every offence, 2s.; one moiety to the commonwealth of the town as aforesaid, and the other moiety to the informer. **Summary — Rule for selling fish in the town.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that every person who shall travel with any pack, load, or bundle, or drive any cattle or carriages, or ride through this town to merry making, which is usual, or travel with any vessel in the river within this borough, on Sundays, shall forfeit the sum of 6s. 8d. for such offence, (!) to the use aforesaid. **Summary — Rule about travelling on a Sunday.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that not but inhabiting burgesses, and such as are uprizing and downlying from the Feast of Christmas, or he or his family who lives within this town for that time, shall be admitted to have any part or parcell in the common or marshes belonging to this town. *The next "item" ordained, that he who refused to pay the sum rated upon him in lieu of "church-tax," should be proceeded against by "distress and sale." And the following ordinance was, that no person should claim and possess the freedom of the borough, who had not served an apprenticeship of seven years, to a burgess.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that every person within this borough, who shall not repair his causeys before and at the end of his house and lands, shall forfeit, for every house and lands, 5s.; and that such causeys shall extend in breadth to the centre of the street against which the said house or land shall stand. ℹ️ CAUSEY. A series of flagstones laid down on wet or soft terrain to prevent the formation of holloways. ‘Causey’ is derived from a Norman French word meaning ‘trodden’; ‘causeway’ is an elongation of this word. **Summary — Rule for people to maintain the area outside their house.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that any person who shall at any time hereafter be rateably assessed or taxed, living within this town, for his house or lands, towards the repairing the clock in the Markett-house, or to buy a new one, to sett up in the Markett-house when the old one shall become not capable of repair; or to the repairing of the free school, or for cloathing the beadle, may be distrained on, and any reasonable distraint made for the same, by the constable for the time being, and the said distress sold, rendering the overplus to the owner. ℹ️ BEADLE. An official who may usher, keep order, make reports, and assist in religious functions. **Summary — Rule explaining that people shall be taxed for the upkeep of the town clock, the repairing of the free school and clothing for the beadle.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that if any person shall raise ill reports, or express any scandalous words, within this borough, of any person, which words may not be actionable, and yet may have ill tendency upon the reputation of the person spoken of, or may occasion differences betwixt neighbours, every person so offending shall be bound to his good behaviour, or forfeit to the commonwealth of this town the sum of 6s. 8d. for every offence. **Summary — Rule about not slandering other people.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that every butcher who shall bring any beef, mutton, veal, lamb, goat, or kid, to be sold in the market of this town, shall bring the hide and skin of every suit, beef, mutton, veal, lamb, goat, or kid and also the head, lights, heart, and liver, and expose the same to sale in open markett, during all the time of markett , unless they are sooner sold, upon pain to forfeit to the commonwealth of the said town, 6s. 8d.; and if any person or persons inhabiting in the said town, shall buy any such hide or skin coming to the markett, &c ., before it be laid down in the markett, shall forfeit the like sum of 6s. 8d. to the use of the commonwealth of this town. **Summary — Rule specifying that if a butcher brings meat for sale they also need to bring every part of the animal including hide for sale.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that if any person shall, within this town, expose to sale any bull's flesh that hath not been baited, he shall forfeit 6s. 8d.; and that a candle shall burn by the said meat during all the time of sale; and the common attorneys shall provide a bull ring, a collar, and rope, which all persons shall use for baiting of bulls within this town ; the said fine to be levied to the use of the commonwealth of this town. **Summary — Rule specifying that any 'bull's flesh' being sold should first have been baited and a lit candle needs to be placed next to the meat to indicate it's been baited.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that if any person shall, at any time hereafter, expose to sale within this town, any unwholesome meat, shall forfeit 6s. 8d., and the victuals to be burnt or thrown to the river of Uske; and the said forfeiture shall be paid to the common attorneys of this town, to be by them disposed of for the use of the commonwealth of this town. **Summary — Rule banning the sale of bad meat. Any bad meat to be burnt or thrown into the Usk.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that the clerk of the market for the time being, shall, every Monday for ever hereafter, bring to the Major for the time being the three prices of wheat in the market of this town the last Saturday before; and that the Major shall weekly, according to the middle price of wheat, set out an assize for the town and country bakers, who shall sell any bread within this town, which the said bakers shall observe weekly, on pain to forfeit 6s. 8d. to the commonwealth of this town; and all the bread that shall not answer the said assize, shall be forfeited. And the clerk of the market is to weigh the butter which shall be put to sale on the market bulks, or anywhere in markets of this town; and that every buck shall weigh four pounds, every half-buck two pounds, and every pound sixteen ounces; and every buck, half- buck, or pound of butter which shall not weigh as aforesaid, shall be seized by the said clerk of the markett, and given to the poor, deducting to himself what the Major shall think fit to allow him for his trouble; and that the clerk of the markett, for every default he shall make, shall forfeit 6s. 8d. **Summary — Rules for the seeing of price of wheat and the weights of butter.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that every burgess within this borough, shall keep defensive arms in his house, for preserving the peace; and shall attend the Major for the time being with such arms, when he goes about to proclaim the fairs of this town, if thereunto required, on pain to forfeit 10s., to be levied and paid to the common attorneys of this town, to the use of the commonwealth. **Summary — Rule stating that citizens should keep defensive arms in their house for preserving the peace.** *\[The next "items" ordained, that if an Alderman refused to take the office of Mayor, when duly appointed, he should be fined not above £100, nor less than £20; persons refusing to be Aldermen, £10; and burgesses refusing to take office, to be fined, not above £10, nor under 40s.\]* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that every person who now doth, or shall inhabit within this town, being not otherwise exempted, nor having any reasonable cause of absenting, shall resort every Sunday to divine service to the Parish Church of St. Woollos; and the days appointed to be observed in memory of deaths and martyrdoms of the Apostles, and the days appointed in the Church of England, in the memory of the Nativity, Passion, and Ascension of Christ, and coming of the Holy Ghost, Gunpowder Treason day, the Martyrdom of King Charles the First, the Restoration of King Charles the Second, and the eighth of March, being the day of her Majesty's happy accession to the throne, upon pain to forfeit, for each default, 1s.; and that every of the persons aforesaid, who shall do any manner of work, open shop, or not keep holy the days of the Nativity, Passion, and Ascension of Christ , the coming of the Holy Ghost, Gunpowder Treason day, the Martyrdom of King Charles the First, the Restoration of King Charles the Second, and the eighth of March, shall forfeit 5s, for every offence ; and that the Mayor and Aldermen for the time being, and the Bailiffs and Constables, with their maces and halberds to attend him, shall, in their gowns or cloaks, walk to Saint Woollos Church to hear divine service and sermon ; and in decent manner, return back to such place as the said Mayor shall appoint: and as to such persons who are inhabitants of this town, or may be so at any time hereafter, and now are or may be vana religioni capti, or so unhappy as to dissent from the Church of England, but are exempted from the penalties of the laws for not coming to church, by the late statute of indulgence, every such person must resort to some place allowed by law for practice of religious duty, and not stay at home, or go to any place not allowed, or being allowed, to hear any teacher, but such as is allowed for that purpose, upon pain to forfeit 10s. for every default, to the commonwealth of this town as aforesaid. **Summary — Rules on attending church.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that every Alderman and Burgess of this town for the time being, shall attend upon the Mayor for the time being, be summoned at all the courts of this borough; the Aldermen in gowns or cloaks, and the Burgesses in decent apparel and clean linen, and without aprons before them; and having appeared, shall give due attendance, and not depart without the Mayor's leave, upon pain that every Alderman shall forfeit, for his default, 5s.; and every other Burgess, 2s.; to be levied and laid out to the use of the commonwealth of this town. **Summary — Rules for Aldermen and citizens on attending courts and how they should dress.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that if any person or persons, but such as are allowed as aforesaid, shall within their cattle, sheep, or horses, to graze the common mead, he and they shall pay 6s. 8d.; and if the horses or other cattle trespassing, in driving to the pound, shall be rescued from the beadle, the person who makes such rescue shall forfeit 10s. for the use of the commonwealth of this town. **Summary — Rules for animals grazing on common land.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item We do ordain and agree, that the Mayor for the time being shall grant his warrant to the Bailiffs, who, by virtue thereof, shall make reasonable distress upon every person for such offence as he shall commit in breach of any of the ordinances aforesaid, who shall account for the same upon oath before the Mayor, and pay the money they shall receive to the common attorneys for the time being; who shall, every Monday before Michaelmas, upon their oaths, for all monies received by them in their office , account, and how the same was laid out, and return such securities or specialties as they have taken, and the money in their hands, by the virtue of their office, to their successors, within fifteen days after; and that the common attorneys shall be chosen by the majority of voices happening in court the first court after Michaelmas-day, and being chosen, sworn to the said office before the Mayor, in the said court. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item Whereas it appeareth to this court that the toll of ancient time, for corn sold in the Markett House of this town, hath for years last past been lessened and diminished, by the farmers bringing in samples to the said Markett, and the bakers and others of this town, by such samples, contract for several quantities of corn to be delivered and measured in their houses; by which practices, several statutes made against forestalling, regrating, and engrossing, will be of little use, and the poor of this town oppressed, and the toll arising from the sale of all corn within this town, which toll, by ancient customs of this town, is for maintenance of the poor, will be lost; we do order and agree that the Bailiffs, Constables, and Clerk of the Markett, do weekly, and every week for the future, take notice of all such farmers, utterors, and vendors of corn, that shall bring any such to town, in order to be sold, and the same be carried to any private or public house within the liberties of this town, and there sell or measure the same; and that the said officer do weekly return the names of such persons that shall sell and utter any corn to sale in private as aforesaid, to the Town Clerk of this town for the time being, who is hereby ordered to prosecute such farmers, utterers, vendors, and buyers of corn in private as aforesaid , at the public charge of the corporation. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### Item Forasmuch as it appears that several Majors have made sundry persons, graziers, drovers, and scuders, free of this corporation, under pretence of which freedom, such persons made free as aforesaid, have insisted of being free of payment of all manner of tolls, by which exemption the toll of this town is lessened, and the charge of maintenance of the poor increased, and the inhabitants of this town who pay scot and lot, will in time be disabled to relieve and support their poor, who, by the dearness of corn and grain, increase daily: We do order and agree, that every foreign burgess and freeman, not inhabiting within this town, claiming the exemption of freedom of toll, shall be taxed, charged, and the same levied pro rata, as the benefit they shall or may receive by such exemption, as if actually dwelling within this corporation, having regard to their faculty, and the benefit they receive thereby: And to the end that the foregoing ordinances, and every of them, may be made public, we do order and agree, that notice shall be given to all the burgesses of this town to attend at the next court of this town, at the Guildhall, which will be on Monday, the first of October next, where all the ordinances aforesaid shall be openly and publicly read to them: And we do further order that copies of all such ordinances as do relate to any foreigners, shall be set up and affixed to the Markett House, the Bridge Gate, and the Middle Gates of this town, as witnessed by our signature: hereunto appended:- LEWIS MORGAN, Major, HENRY HERBERT, JOHN MORGAN, CHARLES WARD, JOHN MORGAN, THOMAS MORGAN, NEHEMIAH WILLIAMS, JOHN JONES, FRANCIS PETTINGAL, RICHARD PETTINGAL, JOHN PLUMLEY, JAMES WILLIAMS. We have thus amply set forth the customs and peculiarities of the corporation and inhabitants of Newport, at the early part of the last century. It was found, however, that the restrictive nature of one of the items ordained, relative to the admission of "foreigners," was found to operate prejudicially in succeeding years; and a repeal of the obnoxious item was therefore resolved upon, thus:- ### Charles Ward, Major Newport Burgus'ss: We whose names are subscribed, being the Major and greater number of aldermen of the burrough aforesaid, combined together in common councill , the second day of December, in the fourth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King George, considering the decay of dwelling-houses, and the paucity of inhabitants within this town, and that the cause thereof is by too great an observance of the thirthy-eighth ordinance, made on the ninth day of October, in the thirtieth year of the late Queen Elizabeth, anno domini 1589, and revised by another ordinance , made the 26th day of September, in the tenth year of the reign of the late Queen Anne, anno dom: 1711; and as it is our duty to be tenatious to uphold the good laws and customs of the corporation , it is likewise our duty — when any laws and customs of the said corporation become, through the different juncture and emergency, times and accidents, prejudicial — to alter and change the same, according to such expediency, as may be necessary to the improvement of trades, and the augmentation of inhabitants , and therefore we do repeal the said recited ordinance, as obstructing the good influences of the corporation; and the same is hereby accordingly repealed and made voyd. Nevertheless, when any foreigner is to be made a burgess of this town, his admission money must be forty shillings, and paid down to the common attorneys, or some other fit person , to be accountable for the use of the commonwealth of the said burrough, honorary burgesses excepted. CHARLES WARD, MAJOR. FFRAN. PETTINGALL. JOHN MORGAN. JOHN JONES. R. PETTINGALL. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Volume 1, Number 9 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-9/ Last updated: 2025-02-15T07:40:24.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Potato Planting The piece of ground lying between the South Wales line and the Bridge turnpike-gate, has been planted with potatoes by Mr Martin Haynes, seedsman and florist, in the Irish manner, in close ridges upon the grass, with deep trenches every five feet apart, cut up, and thrown with manure, upon the potatoes. It is a neat mode, and is said to promise a good crop. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 18th May, 1850*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394859/3394862/28/%EF%BF%BDPotatoes%EF%BF%BD%2BAND%2B%EF%BF%BDIrish%EF%BF%BD?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-08.43.32.png) [**South Wales Argus, Saturday 14th Oct, 1911*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144048592/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-05-at-13.10.57-9d9aa0ef59107cf5.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/SeenAndHeard-b454b798f7ef1031.jpg) ## 'Throwing Cardboard' Newport police might well attempt to put a stop to the dangerous practice of some of the street boys of throwing squares of cardboard into the air and chance to luck where they fall. One piece struck a cob in the chest in High Street on Thursday, and it was only a firm hand and a tight rein that prevented what might easily have been a serious accident. The police carry little canes, and the application of the said canes to a certain part of the youthful offenders' anatomy would be a wholesome corrective. *—* [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 25th August, 1900*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143515825/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Baneswell Cats' If I lived in Tunnel Terrace, Newport, I might be accused of serving my own interests by referring to the necessity for a little reformed paving; but as I neither live there nor pass that way, except occasionally, I can with an easy conscience call the attention of our City Fathers to the uncomfortable condition of the footpath. In many places it is uneven, in some places the paving stones are missing altogether. What has become of them is a mystery, unless the irate residents have caught them up to hurl at the cats which in that particular neighbourhood are more abundant than babes in Blewitt Street. *—* [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 14th July, 1894*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144000469/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### The Peppercorn Tax There is, I hear, a survival of the Peppercorn tax in Newport. The inhabitants of houses in Park Square pay a yearly tax of 1s which is still called the Peppercorn tax — although, of course, not paid in peppercorns. *—* [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 14th July, 1894*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144000469/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'St Woolos Parish' I wonder if any parish in the United Kingdom held it's parish meeting under circumstances comparable with those surrounding that most important gathering for the rural parish of St Woolos. I don't suppose there is another parish occupying the same position as this one, as we have said before, it has no church and no school, no public house and no policeman. — [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 4th April, 1896*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143955426/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Turning the Lights Off' Upon the representations of the head constable, the committee whose special function it is to look after the lighting of Newport, have considered the question of switching off half the electric lamps at midnight. The police say there was an attempt at burglary in Llanarth Street one night when the lamps were out, and they very properly argue that from a police point of view it was desirable that no part of the town should be in darkness. — [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 11th July 1896*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143492223/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 'Newport Fire Brigade' Newport Fire Brigade had an opportunity this week to prove what a smart and really efficient body of men they are. On Thursday evening a fire broke out at Pontynewydd, and at 5.40pm the alarm was given to Newport. In 13 minutes the brigade had covered the distance of 5½ miles and were fighting the fire, which was subdued in ten minutes. Owing to the splendid work of the Brigade the damage was very slight. — [*South Wales Argus, Saturday 7th February, 1920*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143968435/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-08.44.15.png) [**South Wales Argus, Saturday 14th Oct, 1911*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144048592/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## A Fine Steer Slaughtered On Thursday last a fine steer was slaughtered by Mr Kite, butcher, of Caerleon, which was much and generally admired for its superior quality and yield. The animal produced 126lbs of rough fat, and the weight of the carcass was 8cwt. It was not three years old and fed on the farm of John Jenkins, jun, Esq., Hendrew, near Penhow. The beast was fed on cut wheat straw, and swede turnips (prepared by Gardiner’s patent machine) with 3lbs of oil cake per day; not a single ounce of hay had been given since November last. This fact clearly proves the utility of close attention to feeding upon a judicious principle, particularly at a period like the present, when “keep” is so seriously high in price. The steer above alluded to is one out of several from the same stock and farm, and fed in the same way, that have died under the hands of the butcher, with equally profitable results. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 26th April 1845*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425060/3425063?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-03-at-15.54.35.png) [**South Wales Argus, Saturday 4th November, 1911*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144049187/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Dutch Fair by a ‘Licensed Hawker’ ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-76888695d8b72e9e.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) James Haggett, Lion Inn, Magor, was charged with drawing liquors in his house on Sunday, the 27th ult., between the hours of ten and eleven o’clock. Henry Trimble said: I am a schoolmaster, residing at Magor. The school is kept in a room rented from the defendant. About nine o’clock on Sunday morning, I went to Mr Haggett for the key of the school room: it was not to be found. I saw Mr Haggett’s sister drawing liquors for some men who were in the house. Afterwards, I was leaving the house, when I saw two men in the porch drinking — one of them asked me to drink, which I refused to do. The school has been interrupted, and I have seen men drunk in the stable. I consider my life is in danger, the defendant having threatened that he would be revenged on me. The constable said he went into the house about ten o’clock, and there was no one drinking at the time. Defendant, in reply, said he had not drawn any liquors on Sunday morning, for he was not up at the time named, neither had he threatened the complainant, who had brought this charge against him from vindictive feelings. Mr Phillips here said, that he was in the habit of frequenting the defendant’s house and had always seen it peaceably and properly conducted. The Rev. T. Pope said he had heard quite the opposite character of the house, and cautioned the defendant to manage his business better in future, which he promised to do. Fined 40s and costs. *—* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 8th June, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396371/3396373?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Stow Fair Crimes **Stealing a Ham** Sarah Jones was charged with stealing part of a ham, from Hannah Ion, in A booth at the fair. Complainant said: I bought the ham for the purpose of supplying refreshments at the fair. About three o’clock in the morning, the ham was on a dish under the bar of the booth: the prisoner came in and inquired where Henry (meaning a man complainant lived with) was. Her attention was just then called to a man who ordered a pint of beer, when prisoner instantly took the ham, handed it to a man, and made off. The ham weighed 13½lbs, and I had sold about 3s worth. Afterwards I saw her in a booth, and gave her custody. PC Thomas Fly said he took the prisoner into custody in a booth in the fair. She had no ham with her. Defendant denied having seen the ham at all, and was committed for trial. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday June 8th, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396371/3396373?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) **More Ham Stealing** Daniel Holland, 15, an old offender, was charged with stealing part of a ham in the fair. PC Gould said: this morning about five o’clock, I was on duty in Hill Street. The prisoner passed, and I saw he had something he wished to conceal. I caught hold of him, and found the piece of bacon produced. I then took him to the station, and afterwards made inquiries at the fair, and found that Mrs Quick had lost such a piece of bacon. Mrs Ann Quick said: I am the wife of John Quick, currier, and beer-house keeper. In consequence of my husband’s illness, I had to attend the booth at Stow Fair, where I sold refreshments. While I was getting some ginger beer, the piece of ham was stolen; but I did not see the boy take it. I am certain this is the piece of ham that I lost, although a large piece has been cut off it since. Defendant, in answer to the magistrates, said he was guilty of having the ham in his possession, but denied having stolen it. He had picked up in the fair, where it had been kicked about in the dirt. He had been convicted before, for coal stealing; but this he was driven to do, as he was starving in the winter, and his father would not find him food. The mother, who was in court, was said to be a known bad character, living apart from her husband, with another man. She said the boy was one of four that the father (her husband) had promised to maintain; but he did not do so, and if the magistrates would forgive him, she would take him with her to Cardiff. **The boy was ordered to be imprisoned for six weeks, and be once whipped.** On hearing the sentence, the boy held up his hands imploringly to the magistrates, begging them to forgive him. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday June 8th, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396371/3396373?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### 11-Year-Old Imprisoned and Whipped for Stealing Coal William Morgan, aged eleven, was charged with stealing coal, the property of Red Ash Coal Company. William Sherrard, a watchman, saw the prisoner take the coal from a truck. This was the boy’s third appearance before the magistrates. **To be committed to prison for one month, and to be once whipped.** —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday June 8th, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396371/3396373?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Mary Ann Evans, a character, who recited poetry, was brought up because she insisted on having a night’s lodgings at the police office. **Discharged, on promising to leave the town.** —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday June 8th, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396371/3396373?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Wife of a ‘Cheap John’ Steals Neck of Veal Mary Hayewood, the wife of a “Cheap John” was charged with stealing a neck of veal, the property of Hugh Morgan, at half-past ten o’clock on Saturday night. A young man belonging to the shop saw the felony committed. The prisoner was committed for trial. —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday June 8th, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396371/3396373?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Mother! Mother! I’m Dead, I’m Dead Jeremiah Crook, John Allen, John Collins, Thomas Neill, and John Cockery, a gang of mere children, were charged with plundering the garden of Captain Foote, at the Dock, on Sunday evening last; and Crook was charged with stealing lead, from Trinity church. They had all been previously “in trouble," and at the bar. Sergt. Long, of the Dock force, gave evidence against the urchins; all except Crook were severely cautioned and discharged. Crook for stealing the lead, was sentenced to one month’s hard labour and a private whipping. When he heard his sentence, he cried out piteously, "Mother! mother! I'm dead, I'm dead. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 22nd June, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396380/3396384?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Assaulting a Woman Names ‘Friends’ Sarah Watkins, an interesting-looking widow, from the questionable neighbourhood of Friars’ Fields, was charged with assaulting a woman, named Friends. One party appeared to be as bad as the other; the case was dismissed. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 29th June, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396389/3396391?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Drunks in Court John Watkins was charged with being drunk, last night. John said, “No, I was sober as a Judge, sure. (Laughter). PC Jenkins proved that Watkins was thoroughly drunk and cursing at nothing. Fined 5s. John Brown was charged with being drunk and incapable, on Sunday. Brown: It’s right enough that I was drunk yesterday, and I should be today, if I had any money. I be one of Mr Rennie’s men. Fined 5s. Ann Lewis was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Pillgwenlly; and she admitted that it was true. She had been fined at Cardiff for the same offence. Fined 5s. **“Thank ye, sir”, said the girl, impudently.** — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 29th June, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396389/3396391?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Finest Strawberries ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-8a5bb0486ad247aa.png) [**Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 7th July, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396399/3396404?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-05-at-13.19.54-04bff36a0e11c75d.png) [**South Wales Argus, Saturday 7th February, 1920*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143968576/?clipping%5Fid=new&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Sewerage of Newport Sir—As I gather from the proceedings given in your paper of last week, that the sewerage of Newport is quite as good as is needed, and therefore it was that your sweet town was spared the visitation of cholera, when it last stalked abroad amongst us, may I suggest that it really is, in some sense, too good, and that it would be well to stop up a drain now in existence. In walking along the Marshes-road, last week, my olfactory was assailed, not by odours sweet," certainly, but by marvellously unpleasant smells and as I cast a glance over the broken hedge, I was surprised to see the open reen along the road-side converted into a green mass of putrescence, stagnant and pestiferous. In my younger days, a stream of limpid water was wont to run through this ditch; but in its present state, it certainly is a hot-bed of corruption, and, in warm weather, must form a charming frontage for the houses over the way. "Over the way" I returned to town, to avoid the sight of the foetid corruption but over the way" did not take me from the stink of the filthy mass. My suggestion is, to stop up this drain—thereby adding to the salubrity of your town. There need be no cost of engineering, in carrying out this plan and probably there will not be so great an objection to stop up an old drain as to open a new one. Corporations, I am quite sure, do not like the coat and trouble of new works but probably they may have much slighter objections to the getting rid of old ones their liabilities are decreased, and their LINE of duty becomes more circumscribed. SOMEBODY —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday June 8th, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396371/3396373?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-4bf792a378d71bdb.png) [**Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 29th June, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396389?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Pleasures and Perils of a Day at the Holms Seldom as the good folk of Newport participate in marine excursions, there are occasions when some few determine to enjoy a run down our noble river, and across to the Flat or Steep Holms, or the picturesque watering place, Weston-super-Mare. An excursion of this kind, previously announced in the MERLIN, and by handbills, took place on Monday last, when the Fearless tug steam-boat was engaged by Mrs. Cripps, to convey a party of pleasure-seekers from Newport to the flat island keeping solitary watch off Cardiff. The morning was hazy, with scudding winds, rather portentous of a “wet sheet and a flowing sea;” but, nothing daunted, and as "fearless" as the tug, the excursionists started from the Rodney Wharf at about half-past nine. Harp and violin players entertaining the party with enlivening airs. At the Dock gates, a considerable accession of numbers took place, and the Fearless steamed away for her destination. The island was reached in due time, and a landing by small boats easily effected. A variety of sports soon occupied the party. Some few sportsmen, armed with deadly weapons, started in search of rabbits others wended their way to the inn (where capital accommodation was afforded throughout the event) — others to the lighthouse; and, although many showers fell during the day, there was scarcely any cessation of dancing and other healthful pastimes. The party was increased during the afternoon, by a number of ladies and gentlemen who arrived from Newport in No. 10 pilot-boat—the yacht-like “Bloomer," belonging to Mr. Ray, jun. Towards evening, the startling intelligence was spread that the pilot-boat and steam-tug could not be approached in the small boats, owing to the heavy sea running, and a night on the island seemed inevitable. At length, however, amidst rain and fierce winds, the party struggled down to the beach, and there witnessed quite sufficient to shake the nerves of timid ladies and delicate gentlemen—worse still, there was no prospect of the sea becoming less boisterous; so, after long and impatiently sitting about upon the crags, a boat-load of 'gentlemen ventured off. Their passage to the steamer was a succes- sion of tumbles and leaps—the boat being knocked about mercilessly by the waves. A second boat-load was about to start, when a billow dashed the frail craft broadside on the beach and threw her freight overboard—fortunately in very shallow water. After many similar adventures, however, amid the screams of the ladies, and expressions of great alarm from some of the gentlemen, the party at length boarded the tug and pilot-boat; when the homeward trip was commenced—the Bloomer dashing ahead of the Fearless in gallant style, and keeping the lead for several miles. Ultimately, however, the Bloomer thankfully accepted a warp from the Fearless; and thus a pleasant companionship was enjoyed to the Newport Dock, where, and at the Rodney Wharf, the excursionists having had enough of a water trip for some time to come,"—touched terra firma with much pleasure, and hied to their family circles, to narrate the pleasures and perils of their excursion to the Holms. — [*Monmouthshire Merlin, 21st July, 1855*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396422/3396424?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-d1f63702e2bfad27.png) ### Transporter Bridge Miscellany URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/transporter-bridge-miscellany/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:36:19.000Z The Transporter Bridge was officially opened on September 12th, 1906 and whilst the key facts about the bridge are well known, I thought I would dig through the newspapers archives in search of interesting and perhaps less well known snippets from the opening year and a couple of years after. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- ## Full Page Article on Opening Day ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-04164b84bb272a03.jpeg) [**South Wales Argus, Wednesday 12th September, 1906*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144473227?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## The 33 Bye Laws When the bridge opened in 1906 there were 33 bye laws covering a range of things. Here’s an example of some of them as published in [The Weekly Argus on Saturday June 16th, 1906](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1058839118/?fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjEwNTg4MzkxMTgsImlhdCI6MTczODY4NzY4MiwiZXhwIjoxNzM4Nzc0MDgyfQ.I0PJtpXr0DAFVqYCnAWERPsCg0HaHNeZbjtVmsmg0JE&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). - A person shall not jump onto or off the car while it is in motion. - No person, vehicle, motor, horse or other animal (dogs are free) shall board the car without paying - The conductor will instruct people where to be on the car, and a person can’t refuse. - No loitering or letting their animal be an obstruction. - No person shall allow goods, cattle, merchandise, luggage or thing belonging to him to remain on the Transporter Bridge for longer than is necessary for making the journey. - Maximum weight is 13 tons (unless 24 hours notice given) - All drivers to lead their horses onto and off the car at no more than a gentle walking pace. - Horses to be secured by a bridle by their owner. - Carriages, omnibuses or other vehicles prohibited from plying for passengers (unless approved). - Anyone affected by dangerous, contagious or infectious contagions shall not enter the car. - No riding upon the pilot-house roof or on the outside rails, buffers or guards of the car. - No betting or playing any games of chance on the car, landing, or other part of the Transporter Bridge (see below for someone not adhering to this rule). - No intoxicated passengers. - No spitting, indecent language or any other nuisance. - No begging. - No playing an instrument, singing, dancing, praying, preaching or reading aloud. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Should Lysaghts Employees Use The Bridge For Free? The main reason for the construction of the bridge was to proved access to Lysaghts steelworks on the east side of the river, although the idea of a crossing had been discussed prior to the steelworks arriving. Prior to the opening of a bridge a letter appeared in the South Wales Argus proposing the idea of allowing the workforce to travel across the bridge for free. This idea was not welcomed by everyone. *Sir — A letter appeared in your valuable paper a few days ago, containing a suggestion that the Corporation, in order to carry out their agreement with the Messrs. Lysaght should grant their workspeople a free pass to walk over the Transporter Bridge, which would leave the Corporation open to charge everybody for conveyance by the car, as they had previously arranged. If all-comers are carried free, it requires no great prescience to foretell that a deadlock in traffic will be inevitable as children will be there in hundred, to say nothing of the holiday trippers and other visitors from distant towns; and who is to determine the question of priority, when the multitudes are clamouring for a passage across?* *Besides, we are officially told the upkeep of the bridge is estimated at about £5,000 per annum, and in face of this, why throw away the revenue to please any firm, when the town is already so heavily burdened with rates?* *A RATEPAYER* *—* [*South Wales Argus, Wednesday September 5th, 1906*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144473121/?terms=Transporter&match=1&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/IMG_1589-72d36e7feec13d34.jpeg) [**South Wales Argus, Wednesday September 12th, 1906*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144473213/?fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjExNDQ0NzMyMTMsImlhdCI6MTczODY5NDEwNywiZXhwIjoxNzM4NzgwNTA3fQ.QgnUTkm8ggj9dy8fBYL1XitRjkWEQpISxNLA2qoru14&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## Fares for Plebeians According to an article in the Western Mail in 1906, during the first week of opening both members of the public and the Corporation were surprised to learn that there were two classes of fares for foot passengers. *It was found by the public, quite as a surprise to them, And almost as much so to the members of the Corporation, that there were two classes of fares for foot passengers — a penny for first class and halfpenny for plebeians. It so happened that at the two last meetings of the corporation there was so much discussion about the general question of whether it should be a toll or free bridge for pedestrians that the point of difference of fares was quite overlooked by the council. At the meeting of the Parliamentary and improvement committee on Tuesday, however, it was decided to recommend the corporation to abolish the dual set of fares and have only one.* — [*Western Mail, Wednesday 19th September, 1906*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/816508984/?match=1&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Advertise Newport! In a letter to the Argus an ‘Old Newport Boy’ wrote with the suggestion that the bridge be adorned with big letters advertising the bridge so that it could be seen from afar. *Dear Sir, “Advertise Newport” is the great cry of the present time. Our neighbourhood seems remarkable for great engineering feats. First, the Crumlin Viaduct, in its time, was one of the wonders of the age; then the Severn Tunnel, with the marvellous pumping stations which server to make it safe, caused the country to marvel; and now we have in our own town this new effort of engineering skill. Our dismal prophets, our Ratepayers’ Association and others who can only see the disadvantages of life in general, and Newport in particular, are with one voice shouting out the uselessness of this new toy, which an extravagant Council, *composed of all the stupidest men to be found in this stupid town*, have most perversely invented, expressly for the purpose of squandering the sensible ratepayers’ money.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image.png) **How the Transporter Bridge could have looked with a Hollywood-style sign. (AI Generated)* *Why not use the Transporter to advertise Newport? I was at Weston last month, and there, on an ordinarily fine day, our great bridge could be seen, towering in the distance like a great scaffolding. From all up and down the Channel the great erection is visible. Bow my proposition is not to put three miserable lights on it, but form an immense letters with electric light, save only on a large scale as on the Lyceum Theatre, the word NEWPORT, and then you will have an advertisement indeed. No other town will have its name thus written in letters of fire that can be seen for 40 miles away; and we shall become the talk of the world. As the American say:* *“He who would in business rise,* *Must either bust, or advertise.”* *— I remain, Mr Editor, yours truly,* *AN OLD NEWPORT BOY* *September 27th* — [*South Wales Argus, Thursday 27th September, 1906*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144473338/?match=1&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-616b76b6b976af49.png) [**South Wales Argus, Thursday 20th September, 1906*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144473293/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Within a week, the Empire was showing a film of the new Transporter Bridge in ‘American Bioscope’, an early form of cinema. The video below may well have been the one shown in the advert above. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Naming the Approaches ### A Letter from Dr Garrod Thomas Shortly after opening, a letter was written to the South Wales Argus by [Sir Abraham Garrod Thomas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garrod%5FThomas?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (Welsh physician, philanthropist, magistrate, politician and MP), suggesting that the approaches to the bridge be renamed. *Dear Sir, I notice by the map in your issue of the 12th that the two approaches to the Transporter Bridge are named respectively Brunel Street and Stephenson Road. I can conceive that in years or generations to come these two names — immortal in the engineering world — might, linked with the bridge, be chronologically misleading. I would respectfully suggest to the Corporation that to name them “Arnodin Street” and “Haynes Street” would be appropriate and suggestive, and a graceful act.* *—* [*South Wales Argus, Friday 14th September, 1906*](https://www.newspapers.com/article/south-wales-argus-transporter-bridge-str/164606072/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-e6dd95752f1ef547.png) **Map mentioned in the letter above.* [**South Wales Argus, Wednesday 12th September, 1906*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144473227?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Writer Agrees with Dr Garrod Thomas A couple of days later another letter agreed with Garrod Thomas’ suggestion but also had a little dig at Newport’s street names. *Dear Sir, there is much to be said in favour of Dr. Garrod Thomas’ suggestion that the names Haynes and Arnodin be substituted for Brunel and Stephenson as names of the respective approaches to the Transporter Bridge. Very much as we revere the memory of the French and Scotch bridge builders, who flourished contemporaneously 60 years ago, there would be grave risk of future generations ascribing the conception and construction of the Transporter spanning the Usk to one of them, were these names to remain.* *As Brunel was the architect and builder of Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Stephenson that of the Britannia Tubular Bridge over the Menai Straits, is it not rather incumbent upon Newport To perpetuate the name of Arnodin in association with the design and construction of the Usk Transporter? Haynes, too, is a Newport boy.* *Newport lacks sentiment in street terminology. There is room for such names in our street, road, and avenue lists as Brunel, Stephenson, Watt, Arkwright, Palissy, Davy, Bessemer, Wheatstone, Gainsborough, Pitman, Milton, Shakespeare, Faraday, Newton, Nelson, Wellington, Sullivan, Elgar, etc.* *Newport has two arcades. One is names the “new” arcade, and the other the “newer” arcade, and both alternately the “Newport” arcade. A third arcade would probably resolve itself into the “newest” arcade.* Tredegar*, Beaufort, Victoria, are still names to conjure with.* *Newport-on-Usk will one day be the name of the port, but sentiment and utility are far to seek and progress is slow. Alas and indeed there is much in a name!* *W Wallace Grant* *—* [*South Wales Argus, Monday 17th September, 1906*](https://www.newspapers.com/article/south-wales-argus-transporter-bridge-app/164608592/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Another Writer Wants the Approach Names to Appeal to the ‘Man in the Street’ *Sir, I suggest “Transport Street” and “Lysaghts Street”; the former will convey to the “man in the street” the direction, and the latter, a compliment to the firm whose enterprise caused the erection of the bridge, which weekly pays in wages more money than any other firm in the borough, and whose works have meant the introduction of thousands of new dwellers. The* names suggested *by Dr Thomas are better than others proposed, but they are only servable of the ratepayers, and* were exceedingly *well paid for their work — then why* advertise *them?* *Honour Bright* *—* [*South Wales Argus, Tuesday 18th September, 1906*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144473274/?clipping%5Fid=164606395&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjExNDQ0NzMyNzQsImlhdCI6MTczODY4MTQyMywiZXhwIjoxNzM4NzY3ODIzfQ.f7jfsJEHaAaLhCHXn4ItNJud-iAtGyVVf0CXwEM4X-o&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## First Accident and First Attempted Suicide? An article on June 1st, 1907 reported of a woman who had recently fallen off the car on the Transporter Bridge and was successfully rescued. Ada Hathaway, 18, from Commercial Street boarded the car on the west side and when the car nearly reached the east side, about 30 feet from the bank, a splash was heard. The conductor who spotted the woman jumped in and with the assistance of a passing boat rescued the woman. The conductor was interviewed and said: > I am told that several people noticed the girl hovering about the east bank during the afternoon, and among them Driver Manly. I did notice her myself. One of the mates on the boat that assisted in the rescue quoted the girl as saying: > I do not want to be picked up, I do not want to go home. Since the bridge had officially opened on September 12th, 1906, 260,000 had crossed by the time the incident happened and was the first accident to have happened. —[*South Wales Argus, Saturday 1st June, 1907*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1058894426/?fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjEwNTg4OTQ0MjYsImlhdCI6MTczODY1NzA5MCwiZXhwIjoxNzM4NzQzNDkwfQ.NaZ3dIPGP%5FDZQomFjkUR554RrI4h1ZZWGjChkuJj7bg&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ## First Official Attempted Suicide? A couple of months after the first accident an 18-year-old woman was charged with attempting to commit suicide. Sarah Sexton of Edwin Street said she was ‘very sorry and would never do such a thing again’. > Sergeant Foster said that in the waiting room of the Transporter Bridge he found Sexton lying down very wet and partly unconscious. She came round after a bit, and the first words she said were “My husband has driven me to this.”. At the police station where she was charged, she remarked “my troubles drove me to it”. She had now been in the workhouse for a week. At court, Sexton confirmed she was born in Newport and was ‘not a habitual drunkard, although her troubles had driven her to take a drop sometimes’. A reverend suggested that she be remanded to the Workhouse while arrangements were made to get her into a home. The magistrate agreed and was hopeful that by not punishing her she would ‘recover herself’. — [*South Wales Argus, Wednesday 16th October, 1907*](https://www.newspapers.com/article/south-wales-argus-attempted-suicide/164618110/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Playing Cards Near the Transporter Bridge In 1908, some teens were charged for playing cards for money near the Transporter Bridge. A fine of 5s was imposed. — [*South Wales Argus, Friday 15th May, 1908*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143917738/?clipping%5Fid=164630948&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjExNDM5MTc3MzgsImlhdCI6MTczODY1ODcwMiwiZXhwIjoxNzM4NzQ1MTAyfQ.i1BheQHWsXrNOz%5FtVAwjxLSNVSnikVcIlZRQ-5woRDM&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## First Centenarian to Visit Transport Bridge? A month after opening, a potential centenarian visited the bridge, although there’s some doubt as he didn’t know exactly when he was born. *One centenarian has been to see Newport’s Transporter Bridge — Mr Thomas Enstone, of Sandhurst, Gloucestershire (father of Mr J.T. Enstone, who leases billiard tables at the Westgate Hotel, Newport). The old gentleman was recently On a visit to the Uskside town, and he went to look at the bridge. There was some doubt as to his age — he lost count, and he was under the impression that he was only 98, because his certificate of baptism was dated October 11th, 98 years before, but he says he must be either 102 or 103, as he remembers walking to church to be baptised with other members of his family. “They did us in batches in those days,” he said. Mr Thomas Enstone is a moderate smoker and a moderate drinker, and with the exception that he is rather deaf he is in remarkably fine physical condition. He rides a tricycle and can walk splendidly.* *—* [*South Wales Argus, Friday 26th October, 1906*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144473500/?terms=Transporter&match=1&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-b82415b034296f44.png) [South Wales Argus, Wednesday 19th May, 1909](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143957498/?clipping%5Fid=164635481&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjExNDM5NTc0OTgsImlhdCI6MTczODY3NDQxNCwiZXhwIjoxNzM4NzYwODE0fQ.Zb%5FYNCjKm6SUOXa56BG-qnpjmJGFzx%5FPJBfIo7Ey%5F1Y&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) A large audience visited the Central Hall to view a working model of the Transporter Bridge. *The programme consisted of a pretty* composition *entitled, “The Building of the* Transporter*,” by the Rev. W. G. Martin, pastor* of Portland Street Church. The piece, which is the form of a cantata, comprising recitations, solos and choruses, was excellently presented, and the effect was considerably enhanced by the construction on the platform of an excellent model of the Newport Transporter Bridge. The different parts of the model, which is the work of Mr Wm. Parry, Price Street, a member of the Portland Street Chapel and represents several months’ study and work, were gradually added as the theme of the cantata developed…On completion the model is 11ft high with a span of 10 feet and at the close, when the car is propelled by clockwork from one side of the bridge to the other, a distinct sense of realism is lent to the production. — [*South Wales Argus Friday 21st May, 1909*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143957955/?clipping%5Fid=164635535&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjExNDM5NTc5NTUsImlhdCI6MTczODY3Mzg1MiwiZXhwIjoxNzM4NzYwMjUyfQ.33d5lGS45IBBXlrVwrnN3SRGLFH%5FMrQtyqZMXCIdbBU&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Lack of Signs Three years after the opening of the Transporter Bridge, someone wrote to the South Wales Argus to complain about the lack of signs on each approach to the bridge indicating operating hours. *Sir — Will you allow me space in your valuable paper to call attention to a little oversight on the part of the Corporation for not placing a notice on each side of the Transporter Bridge for the purpose of informing the public that the car only runs at certain hours, and is not open to traffic all day on Sunday? It is hardly necessary to state that ignorance of the rules causes great inconvenience to persons who may prefer the route across the Bridge, when, as it happened last Sunday with myself, I waited to cross and found I could not do so, and to those who may take a walk across the Newport Bridge and in their ignorance of the rules have to turn back when they arrive at the Transporter, and find the car is not crossing between the hours of 10am and 2pm — an exceptionally awkward time, I should imagine to stop traffic. Two gentlemen, who were quite ignorant of the rules of the bridge, and who had been waiting from noon until 1pm, said that over 20 persons had turned back during the hour they had been waiting there. I was a little more fortunate than most of them as I had a cycle with me. It would cost very little to print two notices.* *C.H. Williams* *Somerton Road, Cross Hands* *—* [*South Wales Argus, Tuesday 10th August, 1909*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143973217/?clipping%5Fid=164635357&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjExNDM5NzMyMTcsImlhdCI6MTczODY5MTI1MCwiZXhwIjoxNzM4Nzc3NjUwfQ.LTtKw8LCB1LA2H8UpeDTGoSSiZnX272bugUWPUf8H1U&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) According to an article in the South Wales Argus in 1906, just a month after opening, the [Corporation had approved](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1058841593/?terms=Transporter&match=1&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) the lack of running between 10am and 2pm. It was linked in an article about the Electricity and Tramways Committee wanting to limit hours on a Sunday. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-67d743c04432a321.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## The Introduction of Lattice Gates In June 1909, the Corporation held meetings regarding the bridge and there was a mention of the installation of ‘lattice gates’ as a way of having an ‘important bearing on receipts of the bridge’. Based on the footage earlier in this article where there isn’t a gate at the entrance of bridge, this may be when the gates were installed which are still present today. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/02/image-8e7d4c66ed5cf51a.png) ## Like This Content? Like articles like this? The aim is to publish a weekly Newport Cornucopia featuring anything of interest along with longer articles such as this. If you want to be alerted to new articles, sign up for free below. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Volume 1, Number 8 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-8/ Last updated: 2025-02-10T10:30:04.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-32.png) **— Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday, 2nd April, 1864* ## Call a "Hansom Cab" Numerous visitors — of the commercial and shipping interests especially — wonder that Newport has not yet been supplied with a few cabs and flys, for the public convenience. When the *length* of Newport is taken into consideration, and its dirty Macadamised streets are looked at, there is much reason to regret that some spirited Phillips does not start the *desideratrum* which, no doubt, would prove both remunerative to the projector, and very convenient to the public. — *Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 27th January, 1854* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Malpas Mud Sir, — Kindly allow me, through your widely circulated paper, to call attention to the disgraceful state of a public footpath through the fields below the canal, belonging to Holly Bush Farm, Malpas. It is impossible for any person to pass along it, and people have to make a detour of about a quarter of a mile as a consequence. The culverts are blocked, and the land is perishing for want of attention. The path is described as a church path, leading to Malpas Church, but anyone passing along it would be more fit for a dip in the canal than a seat in the church. The land belongs to the Malpas Court Estate. Surely the Malpas Parish Council could do something in the matter. Yours truly, PEDESTRIAN — *South* Wales *Weekly Argus, Saturday 3rd February, 1906* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-112.png) **— South Wales Argus, Saturday 16th July, 1927* ## ’He Lost His Cap’ In the early hours of Thursday a police constable was in Screw Packet Lane, Newport (which runs along the side of the canal), when he heard a splash, and on looking over the wall, saw Gustal Charlotte, a man 33 years of age, employed as a donkey-man on the steamer Skald, now lying at the Victoria Wharf, Newport, in the water. The man shouted to him for a rope, but the officer told him to swim to the wall. With the assistance of another officer, he got a ladder by the aid of which the man was able to get out. Carlotta said that he went over Newport Bridge, and, thinking this lane was the quay, he climbed the wall and fell into the water. **He lost his cap**. — *Western Mail, Friday 21st October, 1904* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-23-at-08.39.22.png) — **South Wales Argus,* Saturday 4th Feb, 1922 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### Stealing Wood Edward Edmunds, of St Julian's Inn, Christchurch, was charged by Mr Wm Edward Stephens, woodward to his Grace the Duke of Beaufort, with stealing an oak tree, which he had cut down in St Julian's Wood. John Lawrence, Esq., said he was in the wood on 5th of January, and met defendant coming out with a pole on his shoulder, when he asked him what he was doing there. He replied, "I have been cutting this stick." Mr Lawrence asked him by whose permission? He said, "My own." Defendant's footsteps were traced to the stump, through the snow, from which the tree has been cut. Mr Stephens gave evidence as to the value, &c., and defendant was fined 20s, 5s the value of the tree, and 14s 6d costs, or one month's imprisonment, with hard labour. Mr Pope \[Reverend presiding over the case\] said it was a bad case — the Duke's tenant stealing the wood. The money was paid. — *Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 27th January, 1854* ### Stealing a Piece of Bacon Mary Crane was charged with stealing a piece of bacon, from the shop of Mr Edwards, grocer. Sergeant Lloyd said he had taken the prisoner into custody on Saturday night, and found the bacon concealed under he shawl; and Mr Edwards (who now identified the bacon) proved that prisoner was in the shop purchasing potatoes, and when she went out, he missed the bacon; and said she could think what induced her to do it. Committed for trial at the Sessions. — *Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 10th February, 1854* ### Full of Beer Albert Holiday admitted that he was "full of beer" last Saturday, when he was drunk and disorderly at Bassalleg. The penalty was fixed at 10s and the Chairman told him if he drank less beer he would have more money. — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 1st July, 1899* ### 'Riding a Horse at 20mph' John Williams was summoned for furiously driving a horse and trap at Machen — PC James said the horse was travelling and up hill and down at the rate of twenty miles per hour. Williams stated that the horse was trotting; he was showing its paces. Fined 10s inclusive. — *South Wales Argus, 8th July 1899* ### An Excited Teetotaller James Summers, platelayer on the Great Western Railway was summoned for riotous conduct and assaulting Alfred Pearce Jones at St Brides on June 27th. The latter said the defendant caught hold of his wife, and when he told him not to do so, Summers struck him on the ear. The latter said that Jones annoyed him by the way in which he asked him to take his hand off his wife, and as he had had a glass of beer, after being a teetotaller for several months, he got excited, and struck him. Fined 5s for the riotous conduct and 10s for the assault. — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 6th July, 1901* ### Sunday Drinking John Hunt, a Castleton labourer, whose first offence it was, had to pay 5s including costs, for using profane and obscene language at Castleton on Sunday. He had been drinking. Charles Rosewell, a Cardiff dock labourer, who did not appear, was summoned for being drink and disorderly at St Mellons on Sunday. PC Stevens stated that the man was drunk, and interfered with a religious service which was being held in the Square. He used very bad language. There was no previous conviction, and a fine of 10s was imposed. — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 6th July, 1901* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-23-at-08.41.01.png) — **South Wales Argus,* Saturday 4th Feb, 1922 ## Cure for Diarrhoea A rev. gentleman of this town, who has unquestionably proved the immediate efficacy of what he recommends, informs us that a tumbler of water, with one teaspoonful of salt, and half a spoonful of pepper, mixed, will, if taken when diarrhoea begins to be rather alarming, cause an almost immediate beneficial effect. He has tried it himself, and has known others try it, and in no case found it ineffectual in arresting the disorder. So simple a remedy, which , too, is always at hand in every house, should be generally known. Of course, full reliance on the merits of this mixture should be encouraged. Send for the doctor as soon as you become “poorly”, and, no doubt, he will be as pleased as his patient to find so simplest simple a remedy had operated favourably. — *Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday, 14th July 1849* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## Newport Marine Race Reported in the Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian on [28th August, 1852](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3090340/3090343/30/Newport%2BOR%2BRaces?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), a race was arranged between the owners of the yachts, Eulalie of Bristol and the Ganymede of Newport for £50 a side. The race was to head down the river, circumnavigate both Flat Holm and Steep Holm and return up the river. > The challenge from the owners of the Ganymede, of Newport, to the owners of the Eulalie, of Bristol, to run from Newport past the Holmes, and round a boat five miles W.N.W., came off on Saturday last. The day was beautifully fine and not much wind. The friends of the Ganymede having given her a very considerable enlargement to her spars and sails since the former run, anticipated increased speed, and in this they partly succeeded. > The vessels started soon after ten o’clock and went down the river nearly side by side, but very soon the Eulalie passed, and kept the lead, being nearly a mile ahead at the Holmes. Rounding the stationed boat the difficult work now begun in making homewards against the wind and tide, and some very fine tack sailing was shown on each side, until the Eulalie making too free with the land stuck fast, and had to be pulled off by a steamer. > The Ganymede now took the lead, but he Eulalie being freed took courage, away she went, determined if possible to win, and she succeeded, for she was first to round the winning flag, notwithstanding the time lost when aground. The Ganymede was no mean competitor, having won several silver cups. — *The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian, 11th September, 1852* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-23-at-08.42.55.png) — **South Wales Argus,* Saturday 4th March, 1922 ## Oxen Skating On Thursday, two large oxen got upon the frozen mill pond, near the Marshes, and created a great diversion by their antics upon the ice, previously to their being persuaded to “come ashore” again. — *Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 16th February, 1855* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## New Fire Engine Tested in Pill Newport, is at length furnished with a fine and powerful fire engine, constructed on the most approved principles, handsomely and substantially finished, with the necessary appurtenances, the whole being very creditable to the committee of the Town Commissioners. It was tried on Thursday last, at the canal side, by the superintendent and police force, in the presence of several of the Town Commissioners, and the result was, in every respect, satisfactory. The overwhelming torrents of water forced from each side of the engine, through the hose (which is of great length) played with promptness and precision, would soon master any ordinary fire. The next consideration will be the proper drilling of the police force to act as a brigade when necessary. — *Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 3rd January, 1846* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-113.png) South Wales Argus, Friday 26th September, 1930 ## Does Football Lead to Sobriety? This question has been raised in a northern town, where a magistrates’ clerk has stated that, given the weather, there is always less drunkenness in the town when the local team has a home fixture than on any other Saturday. I have not made careful observations on the point, but my impression is that Newport facts will bear out the same generalisation. **As a rule men who spend to see a game do not spend, or certainly spend less, on intoxicants**. The excitement of the game is more pleasurable and profitable than the excitement of the glass, and the after effects and much less disturbing. As I write there comes to me the recollection of a remark overheard in the crowd at the close of a badly played match. “Well,” exclaimed the critic, “I could have had three pints for the price of that match. That’s what I’ll do another time!”. — *South Wales Weekly* Argus*, Saturday 24th February, 1906* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-31-at-09.51.48.png) **— South Wales Argus, Thursday 7th July, 1927* ## Seen and Heard *By Argus* ### 'Empire Fully Illuminated' As an experiment, the new Empire at Newport was fully lighted up on Friday night. The illumination was a thorough success, and the very beautiful decorations were splendidly brought out. Standing on the stage, close to the floodlights, I had an opportunity of seeing the whole of the embellishments, and **my only regret was there was not a Cardiffian handy that I could have an argument with over the merits of the respective Empires at Cardiff and Newport**. Mr Tetlow is a proud man, and certainly he is to be congratulated on having the management of such a magnificent theatre of varieties. — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 1st July, 1899* ### 'Circus Runs Out of Beer' People who do not know Newport have a way of under-estimating its capabilities. The refreshment contractors at Barnum and Bailey's show were no better than the ordinary outsiders — they thought so little of Newport's powers that they did not provide enough beer, and were actually sold out by half-past seven. — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 1st July, 1899* ### 'Stale Drunk' We know there are degrees of intoxication. We have heard of "staggering," "speechless," "blind" drink; but a policeman at Newport a few days ago coined a new phrase. He described a man's condition as "stale drunk". "Stale drunk" is not half a bad description. A good many men will recognise its aptness. — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 1st July, 1899* ### 'Tennis Overcoats' Spectators at the Welsh Lawn Tennis Tournament at Newport were rather amused by the overcoats worn by several of the crack players. It seemed funny in almost tropical weather to see them sauntering about in a kind of Arctic costume — baggy white overcoats of thick rough flannel down to their heels. **One little child ran away screaming, afraid of the "white bears"**. *— South Wales Argus, Saturday 8th July, 1899* ### Rogues and Vagabonds "Never so insulted in my life," observed a gentleman to me as he came away from the Newport Empire the other evening. "A couple of friends who were with me came out at half-time for a dr\_\_\_, that is to say for a little fresh air, when the attendant at the door gave us pass-out checks inscribed 'Rogues and Vagabonds'". — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 8th July, 1899* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-31-at-09.55.01.png) **— South Wales Argus, Saturday 3rd August, 1912* ## Rounding a Corner We have private information that the National Provincial Bank, Ltd, are prepared to round off a corner of their premises in High Street and Bridge Street, if the Corporation will contribute £300\. For the bank the cost will mean an additional expenditure of £1,000\. This would be a great public improvement, and it is to be hoped it will be carried out. — *South Wales Argus,* Saturday 5th April, 1913 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-31-at-20.24.08.png) Source: [The People's Collection / National Library of Wales](https://www.peoplescollection.wales/items/1363326?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk#?xywh=-433%2C-638%2C8652%2C6824) The photo above shows the National Provincial Bank on the right with the square corner and the photo below is from the present day with the corner door. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-31-at-20.27.44.png) Source: Google Maps On Wednesday 9th April, 1913, a follow up report was published where the council agreed to contribute the £300 and at the same time an extension was added on the Cambrian Road side. > The corner of the building will be rounded from the ground to the balustrade and three square yards will be thrown into the highway. The extension which is now being carried out on the Cambrian Road side will be architecturally in keeping with the Bridge Street front and when the alterations are completed there will be a counter from end-to-end with entrances at the Cambrian Road corner and the High Street corner. — *South Wales Argus, Wednesday 9th April, 1913* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-31-at-20.46.47.png) — **South Wales Argus,* Saturday 5th April, 1913 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### When Miniature Golf Arrived in Newport URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/when-miniature-golf-arrived-in-newport/ Last updated: 2025-01-30T14:43:49.000Z Miniature Golf is a popular pastime today with places like Cardiff featuring a number of venues such as Golf Fang and Par 59 and it's been enjoyed in placed like the UK and USA for over a century. But when did it arrive in Newport? I won’t get into the history of miniature golf (it’s not *entirely* clear how it started but you can read about it [here](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/mini-golf-history?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)) but it was gaining commercial traction in the USA in the 1920s and was soon to become popular in the UK. ## Miniature Golf and Newport ### Allt-yr-Yn Hospital Early references to ‘miniature golf‘ are mentioned in December 1925 when there’s a suggestion of adding a miniature golf course to Allt-yr-Yn hospital. > A joint report by the Borough Engineer and Borough Architect has been submitted to the Health (Hospitals) Committee of Newport Corporation, together with a rough plan of a nine-hole miniature golf course, which it is suggested could be laid out adjoining Allt-yr-Yn Hopsital. The estimated cost, including a wooden golf house is £500\. The scheme has been provisionally approved if the cost does not exceed £400\. —[*South Wales Argus, Saturday 5th December, 1925*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1146162142/?match=1&terms=%E2%80%9Cminiature%20golf%E2%80%99&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Based on the date and the location, it was just a 9-hole golf course and likely classed as ‘miniature’ based on it not being an 18-hole golf course. Reading more into the proposal, there were some objections to the course. Mr Robjent opposed the layout and said he could have understood “[*if the suggestion had come from the Mental Hospital*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1146162349/?match=1&terms=%E2%80%9Cminiature%20golf%E2%80%99&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)”. ### The Lighthouse The following year, there is a mention of a ‘miniature golf’ course being established at the Lighthouse. > It is interesting to note in view of recent discussions at the Newport Council that a miniature golf course has been established at the Lighthouse. This additional pastime, at what may be described as Newport by the Sea, should prove highly popular with many visitors who favour the sport, and may lead to a similar development in Newport itself. — [*South Wales Argus, Friday 20th August, 1926*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144393612/?match=1&terms=%E2%80%9Cminiature%20golf%E2%80%99&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Much like the proposal at Allt-yr-Yn Hospital, it’s not known if this was a miniature golf course as we know it today. ### ‘Tom Thumb Golf’ On August 19th, 1930, the [South Wales Argus published](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145385173/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) an article mentioning an American businessman forming a company to exploit the miniature golf craze which is sweeping America and was threatening cinemas. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-99.png) ### ‘Bolf’ In late August, 1930, what is likely the first miniature golf course opens in Newport although it was advertised differently. > BOLF must not be confused with the small, irritating courses, but is a completely new game, which is half-way between billiards and golf and is quite easy to play. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-100.png) South Wales Argus, Saturday August 30th, 1930 On September 1st, 1930, a [South Wales Argus reporter visited](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145395072/?match=1&terms=%E2%80%9Cminiature%20golf%E2%80%99&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) for a game and the description is more akin to what you‘d expected miniature golf to be so not quite sure how ‘Bolf’ differs. “Have a shot,” invited a smiling gentleman with horn-rimmed spectacles. > A South Wales Argus reporter whose knowledge of gold was nil plucked at the proferred putter and strode on to ‘Salisbury Plain’. > Confused by the information that ‘Bolf’ is an aunt of golf and a first-cousin to billiards, he lay flat on his stomach and cued the golf ball up on the ‘plain’. an interested crowd gathered. Someone in plus fours began to read from the first chapter of a book entitled, ‘How to Hole out in One”. > Then the gentleman with horn-rimmed spectacles came to the rescue. He contributed some enlightening hints on Bolf, and gave it to be understood that Capitol Park (Newport’s new name For Batchelor’s Yard) is not a sun-bathing resort. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-30-at-10.32.28.png) The location of Capitol Park. Today it’s the spot of Friar’s Walk shopping centre. > After that, everything went as well as the sun would permit. > There were **18 cemented miniature courses** and the reporter finished in 88 strokes. The Mayor Newport (Councillor W.H. Brinsmead Williams) went round in 58. > Miniature golf is all the rage in American and when Mr H Tinley, temporarily relieved from direct association with the cinema business, arrived in the States he said, “**this is just the thing for Newport**.” > One day a super-cinema will spring from Capitol Park, but for the moment golf must have its way. > More fascinating than golf, superior to midget golf, more intriguing than clock golf, it seems likely to capture the affections and fire the imaginations of young and old. Children were playing on Saturday; old men perspired — but played on. No wonder it’s a craze in America. If you like golf You will like this; if you don’t like golf, you won’t dislike Bolf. *— South Wales Argus, Monday 1st September, 1830.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-103.png) South Wales Argus, Thursday 4th September, 1830 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-101.png) South Wales Argus, Thursday 11th September, 1930 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-102.png) South Wales Argus, Wednesday 10th September, 1930 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-104.png) South Wales Argus, Tuesday 16th September, 1830 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-105.png) South Wales Argus, Friday 26th September, 1930 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-106.png) South Wales Argus, Wednesday 15th October 1930 Bolf was regularly advertised in the South Wales Argus and was described as being lit by electric light, ‘the finest and largest Miniature Golf Course’ in the country and having free parking for ‘Bolfers’. ### Newport’s First Indoor Miniature Golf Course Not long after ‘Bolf’ opened, Newport’s first indoor miniature golf course opened on East Usk Road (opposite the cenotaph). It was opened by the Mayor of Newport on Monday 20th October, 1930 and the course is described as ‘the fine as, if not finer than, any other in the country’. The whole of the first day‘s trading was given to the Royal Gwent Hospital. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-107.png) South Wales Argus, Saturday 18th October, 1930 [According to the article](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145351384/?match=1&terms=%E2%80%9Cminiature%20golf%E2%80%99&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) about the opening day, the 18-hole course was installed in the premises formerly occupied by a garage, and the walls have been transformed from the ‘*drab to the beautiful*’. > It is indeed a gold course in miniature, with some of the putts as much as 30 feet in length. Around the walls one sees a countryside, with tree, fields, flowers, and an illuminated rockery. And delicate lighting arrangements, chairs, small tables and a refreshment stall make it quite a delightful place to have a little fun. — *South Wales Argus, Monday 20th October, 1930* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-108.png) South Wales Argus, Monday 27th October, 1930 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-109.png) South Wales Argus, Tuesday November 25th, 1830 ### A Second Indoor Course [Hot on the tails](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1145359814/?match=1&terms=%E2%80%9Cminiature%20golf%E2%80%99&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) of the course on East Usk Road, a second course opened in Forte at the Savoy Buildings on Wednesday 29th October. > It appeals strongly both to the best golfers and to beginners. The playing surface is of a specially manufactured British material, green, and with a pile surface which gives the necessary pull on the ball. This is the nearest approach to a grass surface so far obtained. > The holes are well planned with new and original hazards, and the greens are octagonal in shape and constructed in the same manner as fairways. There are 18 holes, each of which offers a particular attraction. > One of the holes is known as the “Billow Wave”, being an undulating fairway with elevated hole. Another is the “Serpent”, coiled round a tree trunk. Another is the “Gun” the ball being driven up the timber of a 6in howitzer. There are also the “Dual Stream,” the “Water Jump”, the “Speedway,” and the “Switchback” hazards which together with the rest of the 18 holes ensure the fullest possible measure of continuous interest and fun. — *South Wales Argus, Thursday 30th October, 1930* Apart from a 'miniature golf course' opening at Tredegar Park in 1933 (spread over 2 acres so likely not to be like a true miniature golf course), nothing appeared to open in the few years after Bolf made an appearance. ## Like This Content? Like articles like this? The aim is to publish a weekly Newport Cornucopia featuring anything of interest along with longer articles such as this. If you want to be alerted to new articles, sign up for free below. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### History of the 'Newport Races' at the Marshes URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/history-of-the-newport-races-at-the-marshes-2/ Last updated: 2025-07-30T07:32:45.000Z Over the years, Shaftesbury Park has hosted cricket matches, model yachting, a rifle range, bowling, circuses and even Buffalo Bill in 1903. Prior to it becoming a park in 1900 it was known as the Marshes due to being frequently waterlogged from flooding from the River Usk. It was purchased by [Newport Corporation in 1855](https://www.newportparks.org.uk/shaftesbury/info/index.shtml?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) but prior to that the Marshes Estate held a number of horses races called the Newport Races. These popular races featured a number of fixtures of two days of racing and each day was ended with a ball at either the Kings Head or Westgate hotels. Newspaper records mention the races as far back as 1826 and between 1838 and 1854 were held fairly regularly, sometimes on an annual basis. The weather and poor conditions due to frequent flooding likely played a factor in whether the races were held and certainly had an effect on how enjoyable they were. ok occasions when the the weather was poor, but the races and post-race balls we’re poorly attended but when the sun was shining wealthier families would travel by carriage from neighbouring counties and beyond. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-44.png) A tithe map from 1841, a time when the Newport Races would have been held. Plot 117 is where the races would have been held. ## The Location Plot 117 in the 1841 tithe map of St Woollos in the County of Monmouth is the location of the present day Shaftesbury Park and where the Newport Races would have been held. The Landowners are recorded as ‘Freeman of the Borough of Newport’ with an occupier called George Masters. It is marked as pasture so unsure if the occupier had a property on any part of the land. George Masters is identified as being Clerk of the Races In the early 1840s. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-41.png) The written record associated with the 1841 tithe map. ## The Races ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-45.png) ### 1826 Newport Races One of the earliest records found in the Welsh Newspapers archive is from [The Cambrian in 1826](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3326275/3326276/2/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) and mentions the course as being on the Marshes and running for one and half miles between the river Usk and the road leading to Pontypool. I presume that this isn’t a point-to-point race based on the area the Marshes covers. It mentions prizes of a ‘free plate of sovereigns’, a ‘silver tankard’ and a ‘saddle and bridle’. Booths would be present selling beer, wine and spirits and there would be ‘*excellent accommodation for gentlemen’s carriages and vehicles of every description*’. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-94.png) The Cambrian, Saturday September 16th, 1826 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### 1827 Newport Races The 1827 race was met with unfavourable weather (something that will plague future races) but it was still ‘*numerously attended*’ and ‘*the sport went off much better than the most sanguine friends of the turf could expect*’. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-95.png) The Cambrian, Saturday September 23rd, 1827 *Source:* [*The Cambrian, Saturday September 23rd, 1827*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3326535/3326538/7/Newport%2BOR%2BRaces?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### 1828 Newport Races The [1828 races](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3794590/3794593/15/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) took place a bit earlier in August which helped with the conditions. > The abundance of vehicles, horsemen, pedestrians, &c. together with the rich display of beauty and fashion, was truly gratifying to the lovers of the turf; and although the course was heavy in some parts, the sport on the whole was good. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-97.png) The Cambrian Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser *Source:* [*The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser, 15th August, 1828*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3794590/3794593/15/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### 1829 Newport Races In the [Monmouthshire Merlin of 10th October, 1829](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3390709/3390712/19/%EF%BF%BDNewport%2BOR%2Braces%EF%BF%BD?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) is a passing mention as to when the next race will take place. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-42.png) Monmouthshire Merlin A week later on 17th October, 1829, [The Cambrian reported](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3327080/3327083/10/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) that the race was cancelled due to repeated flooding from high tides. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-43.png) The Cambrian For whatever reason — perhaps the constant flooding — the races took a break for the next nine years returning again in 1838\. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### 1838 Newport Races [In September 1838](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392770/3392773/31/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), after a lapse of nine years, the Newport Races were started again. > In the race for mercantile success, Newport has distanced many respectable rivals, and his run neck and neck with some celebrated opponents; but now on the turf, as well as in the commercial contest, she has taken up a respectable station. The Marshes were continuing to live up to their name but there was a small window of opportunity where the conditions were deemed suitable enough to hold the races. > A commanding grandstand was erected, the whole course was well rolled, several decent booths furnished ample refreshments; and with great propriety, black-leg bipeds \[cheating gamblers\] were not allowed to ply their nefarious trade in plundering the unwary. There was a numerous attendance on both days, the weather being most inviting; and it was gratifying to behold the large number of respectable farmers, and their fair families, showing their happy faces on the course. The races were spread over two days with the first day hosting *The Monmouthshire Stakes, The Pillgwenlly Stakes, The Farmers’ Stakes* and *The Hurdle Race* and the second day hosting *The Newport Stakes, The Hunters’ Stakes* and *Hurdle Race, The Hack Stakes,* a *Forced Handicap* and a *Pony Race.* **First Day — Thursday** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-46.png) The Monmouthshire Stakes ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-47.png) The Pillgwenlly Stakes ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-48.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-49.png) The Hurdle Race ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-50.png) The Farmers’ Stakes **Second Day — Friday** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-51.png) The Newport Stakes ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-52.png) The Hunters’ Stakes and Hurdle Race ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-53.png) The Hack Stakes ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-54.png) Forced Handicap ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-55.png) A Pony Race After each race events were held with one on Thursday held at the King’s Head where Thomas J Phillips, Esq., presided and one held on Friday at the Westgate Hotel where R.J. Blewitt, Esq., MP presided. > On each day, the dinner and wines were excelled, and the entertainment and attendance did much credit to the hosts of the two hotels. *Source:* [*Monmouthshire , 22nd September, 1838*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3392770/3392773/31/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### 1839 Newport Races The weather was more favourable for the races when they returned the following year in [August, 1839](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393000/3393003/29/%EF%BF%BDNewport%2BOR%2Braces%EF%BF%BD?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). > The attendance of fashionables was large indeed, the course, for a considerable distance on each side of the steward’s box, being lined with the elegant equipages of the gentry of the county. There was a numerous field of horsemen, while the muster of pedestrians showed that the interest created by the sport was fully participated by event the humblest classes. Present at the races were the likes of Lady Monson and party in the carriage of the Lord Lieutenant of the County, Mr Bateman, High Sheriff and party from Bertholly and Mr Blewitt of Llantarnam Abbey. **First Day — Wednesday 21st August** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-57.png) Tredegar Stakes ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-58.png) Farmers’ Stakes ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-59.png) Stewards’ Cup Hurdle Race ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-60.png) Handicap **Second Day — Thursday 22nd August** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-61.png) Handicap ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-62.png) Hunters’ Stake Hurdle Race ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-63.png) Hack Stakes ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-64.png) Ladies’ Purse Forced Handicap ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-65.png) Pony Race The event on Wednesday after the first day’s races, aka The Stewards’ Orginary, was held at King’s Head and the attendance was ‘*most numerous and respectable*’. Venison was in abundance and was supplied from Tredegar by the direction of Sir Charles Morgan. The Race Ball took place on Thursday night at the King’s Head Hotel and ‘was admitted by all who had the pleasure of being present, to be the best entertainment that has taken place here, for years, if, indeed, it has ever been equalled in Newport. > The ball-room (which is not sufficiently capacious) was tastefully and elegantly decorated with flowers, natural and artificial, and the orchestra, headed by French Davi’s and Pollock, was very efficient. The high and very deserved popularity of the gentlemen who acted as stewards, brought their friends in considerable numbers to the festive scene; and, in addition to the day, we observed many of the rank and beauty from the surrounding districts, who arrived during the evening to meet the hon. member and his esteemed co-steward. Dancing, in rapid succession of variety, was kept up with great animation till long after Phoebus had shown the mild beams of his fresh morning face over Twm Barlwm. *Source:* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 24th August, 1839*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393000/3393003/29/%EF%BF%BDNewport%2BOR%2Braces%EF%BF%BD?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### 1841 Newport Races It appears that each year it’s never guaranteed that the races would go ahead or when in the year, which led to people writing to the newspaper such as the let from ‘A Small Contributor to the Last Races’ in the Monmouthshire Merlin. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-75.png) — [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 14th August, 1841](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3393500/3393502/10/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) The 1841 races took place in October but the unfavourable conditions and state of the course resulted in a small attendance and the ‘sport was very indifferent’. > In fact, some parts of the course were so swampy, that it was dangerous to the limbs of high mettled racers to attempt speed, and both horses and riders were completely bespattered. > The Marshes are unfit for a meeting at this advanced season of the year; and sportsmen must get the ground drained, and a sea-wall built, or they must look out for a fairer field. **Wednesday** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-76.png) Newport Stakes ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-77.png) Hack Stakes **Thursday** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-78.png) Tredegar Stakes and a cancelled Hack Stakes Compared to the successful post-race events of 1839, Thursday’s ‘ordinary’ event at the King’s Head Hotel was ‘thinly attended’ and there were very few present at the ‘ordinary’ at the Westgate Hotel on Friday. > The weather seemed to have kept the “gentlemen sportsmen” at home. We understand that a handsome subscription has been entered into for the ensuing year. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### 1843 Newport Races September saw the Newport Races take place on the usually wet Marshes but that didn’t deter the crowds of “*working classes and families, who, in these “iron times” rush so gladly to see anything like pleasure, for which they are not called on to pay.*” > The race course has usually been a wet and unattractive one; and most righteously, according to the dates of races in the by-gone, has it deserved it title — the Marshes. But this year, the wet season was justly anticipated. Before the high tides, which generally covered the course, just previous to past races, had time to inundate it this season, the discernment of the committee of management had determined on realising their “bill of fare” and accordingly the Marshes were last Wednesday so Mackadamized — to use a far fetched term — that the strongest hoof, had it pick-axe powers, could do little more than make an impression. The list of horses due to compete were “promising in the extreme” and those who attended were “but little disappointed”. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-67.png) Monmouthshire Stakes ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-68.png) Hurdle Race ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-69.png) Hack Stakes ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-71.png) Glamorganshire Stakes ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-73.png) The Handicap The newspaper also reported that a ’fleet of pickpockets’ had arrived the previous day on speculation from Bristol and were ‘detected industriously employed in their vocation’. > …three were seized with their hands in other people’s pockets, and, with two of their companions, arranged as vagrants, provided, by the courtesy of the Magistrates, with genteel apartments in the romantic town of Usk, where an excellent machine, called the tread-mill, will keep these gentry in healthful exercise. > The brethren of the roulette table were more successful: they emptied the pockets of many, who must have had empty heads to give them opportunity, and took from the town more money than did the owners of all the race horses. *Source:* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 9th September, 1843*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394018/3394021/17/%EF%BF%BDNewport%2BOR%2Braces%EF%BF%BD?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) **A Complaint About The Clerk of the Races** In advance of the races, one Benjamin Francis wrote to the Monmouthshire Merlin to air a complaint about the Clerk of the Races about collecting winnings. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-74.png) — [Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 26th August, 1843](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394008/3394010/12/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### 1844 Newport Races The Newport Races took place in September but the Monmouthshire Merlin failed to publish any of the information in a timely fashion so [published a shorter article](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3424905/3424908/33/Newport%2BOR%2BRaces?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) a week after the event. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-29-at-14.07.09.png) Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 14th September, 1844 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### 1846 Newport Races After past years of questionable weather and poor ground conditions, the races in September were greatly improved. > The sportsmen of this neighbourhood, and those gentlemen who patronise the pleasurable and exciting scenes of a race-course, have had unquestionable cause of satisfaction at the appearance of the Newport race ground on Thursday, to which one of the finest autumnal days of many years past invited crowds of visitors; and it has been said by persons well acquainted with sporting movements, that although there might have been larger assemblages, never were there manifestations of greater pleasure, arising from animated honest racing, than upon the present occasion. A sufficient number of police were employed for the race, ‘both as a detective and protective body’, to guard against robbery and to ‘keep the ground. > Not a single booth was allowed to afford facilities for beguiling the credulous of their cash, under the invitation of ‘roulette gentlemen’, or those of similar means, by thimble-rigging, and other ingenious devices. **First Day** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-79.png) Newport and Farmers’ Stakes ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-80.png) Pontypool Park Stakes and Llanarth Hurdle Race As usual, an ’ordinary’ event was held at the King’s Head hotel and guests were entertained by Mr Jones, a celebrated vocalist visiting the neighbourhood. *Source:* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 5th September, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425390/3425393?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) **Second Day** The good weather continued into the second day encouraging more people to attend. > …the streets of Newport were nearly deserted, whilst the arrivals from distant places flowed in from every quarter. We counted forty five carriages ranged along the course, and there were small vehicles of a miscellaneous character, and an array of equestrians. > Gay flags were borrowed from vessels in the port, in order to decorate those repositories of creature comforts, the booths, which were thickly planted on the ground. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-81.png) Monmouthshire Hunt Cup ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-82.png) Llantarnam Hurdle Race ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-83.png) Cefn Mably Handicap ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-84.png) Hack Stakes Despite a good day of racing along with the good weather, the “grand stand” left a lot to be desired. > …we must reflect on the condition and arrangements of the “Grand Stand”, the seats of which were unsteady and unsafe; whilst first and second class ticket holders were so crushed together, that very many persons who had paid half-a-crown for admission, were glad to get safely down again. Amongst the many who had cause to complain, were a lady and gentleman from Chepstow, who, we were sorry to learn, experienced very rude treatment. > The dinner on the second day took place at the Westgate Hotel where about seventy gentlemen assembled. A ‘sumptuous’ meal was served along with rounds of ‘loyal, local and sporting toasts’ and music. The large room of the Council House was tastefully decorated for the occasion and the room wasn’t too crowded to ‘impede the mazy circles of the waltz, the polka, or extended sets of quadrilles, which were enjoyed with a spirit, the buoyancy of which seemed to increase as the morning advanced. Supper, ‘abounding in delicacies’, was laid in the Commercial Reading Room of the Council House and afterwards the pleasure of the ball resumed and continued with animation till “from the portals of the east Aurora smiled in purity”. *Source:* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday, 12th September, 1846*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425395/3425398/28/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### 1847 Newport Races Despite a Mr Jones [accepting](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3425395/3425398/28/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) at the ball in 1846 to be race steward for the 1847 Newport Races, and ‘judicious preliminaries’ being made, there doesn’t appear to have been a race, at least not recorded in the Monmouthshire Merlin. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### 1848 Newport Races In July 1848, the Monmouthshire Merlin reported the Newport Races were being ‘contemplated’. But don’t appear to have materialised. > We understand that it is in contemplation this year to start the races on an improved scale, under leading patronage, and with spirited supporters. There is, it appears, a good nest egg in the way of subscriptions, since the last races; and as it will be necessary to take immediate steps from the meeting this year, it is to be hoped that no delay will occur in getting forward with the usual preliminaries, that this year’s sport may be first rate. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### 1849 Newport Races By 1849, Moses Scard (the local town scavenger) had become the new occupier of The Marshes and had advertised that the land was available to use for the races again. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-28-at-15.09.53.png) Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 16th June, 1849 In November 1849, the [Monmouthshire Merlin reported](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3394746/3394750/53/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) that the Newport Races had taken place "in the public streets". > These races are appointed to take place on the first November, in the public streets. The grandstand will be fixed in the Town Hall. Several animals of first-rate blood, and others of doubtful pedigree, are entered for the occasion. > Any number of sportsmen may complete; the stakes to be divided amongst the three winners in each race. To start at nine o'clock precisely. The jockeys are to take what course they may think proper, (all turnings excepted), but the winning-post will be placed in the grand stand. The two races will be run at the same time, but not over the same ground; therefore only one start will be allowed, after which they must all get on as well as they can. What's not clear from the article is where the start was and if it was in The Marshes based on Moses Scard offering the location just a few months earlier. Based on there being an East Ward Stakes and a West Ward Stakes there may have been a start in each ward with a finish at the Town Hall. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-98.png) Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 10th November, 1849 After the races, there was an ‘ordinary’ at the Tripe Establishment, at six o’clock, a supper in the Station House at ten o’clock after which three balls were held at Mrs Nelsons. Genuine sherry cobbler was on offer from the stores of Messrs Whitchurch, Matthew’s, Horner and Company. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### 1852 Newport Races After the 1849 race there appears to have been another pause of the event. The report of the 1852 races indicates there were reasons which led to a cessation of the annual meeting but “it is unnecessary now to dwell”. > Suffice it briefly to state, the lovers of the sport — and they are very numerous in this county — appear to have resolved this year, that the Newport races should be revived and re-established on the Marshes ground, which it is determined Shall be made more suitable next year, for the content of fleet horses, than heretofore. As with each meet, there are always criminals loitering. > Connected with such meetings, however, which should be regarded chiefly as conducive to preserving and encouraging a fine breed of superior animals, we are sometimes obliged to notice the unfortunately too frequent accompaniment of the display of the power of the generous steeds, as evinced in A “fine race” — black-leg gambling, not only at the plundering table of *rouge et noir* or *roulette*, but also at the “little goes” of “thimble rig”, and fleecing frauds of its class. > On Wednesday, large numbers of “gentleman of pick-pocketing industry”, and a horde of fellows who live by plundering men of small wits, in betting transactions, paid Newport a visit to make, we suppose, preliminary inquiries. They were met, however, by the discouraging intelligence, that the stewards peremptorily forbad all gambling booths on the course; and they (or many of them) also received decided intimations from Supt. Huxtable (who is well acquainted with the “prigs” and other slippery characters of a neighbouring city). A formidable number of the fraternity had actually been followed from Birmingham As far as Gloucester, to ascertain their route; and on their being seen to take the South Wales train there, speedy information was transmitted to Mr Huxtable at our station here, who was accordingly, as above intimated, on the *qui vive* to mark their arrival, and to tell them it would have saved some money, to have taken a return ticket. Criminals aside, the large spectators were drawn from the homes and shortly after 12 o’clock a ‘gay assemblage’ occupied the grand stand and other elevations and numerous carriages had arrived. > Indeed, some sanguine friends pronounced their opinion that no less than 6,000 persons were on the course at one time’ though we should imagine that half that number would be nearer the fact. **The Races** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-90.png) Newport Stakes ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-91.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-92.png) Pontypool Park Stakes ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-93.png) Member’s Plate *Source: Monmouthshire Merlin, 3rd September, 1854* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ### 1854 Newport Races **Pre-Race Day** It’s September and the drizzling rain and the Burgess land look ‘as swampy as a marsh of the Dobrudscha order’. The horses have been taken out to familiarise themselves with the course and the ‘jocks’ are “en mufti” and look dispirited but spin through the marshy mud is required. > The town wears anything but the appearance of coming gaiety. The rain increases, with a seeming determination not to stop pouring down for the day. The streets are as dirty as usual on such occasions; and the anticipations for the morrow, cause elongation of faces. The day advances, and the rain dwindles to a Scotch mist. Moses Scard, who had been the occupier of the Marshes was still renting the land, and promoting the event by taking a horse through the town. > The “prince of whips”, who is clerk of the course for the coming meeting, trots along one of his well-trained wheelers, in a light-gig, occasionally mentioning, in a stage-whisper, right and left, that “there will be a capital field of horses on the turf tomorrow”. Being a haven for criminals , the police were on duty keeping an eye out for “adroit conveyancers”. > And now, the men of the roulette rank — those wide-awakes, who live on their wits, by plying on those who have no wits at all — are to be seen here and there, sauntering with apparent apathy about, instead of following an honest occupation, and working for their cheese; while they eagerly scan the face of every stranger they meet, hoping there on to find an index to a flat. Young boys play truant from school, and run to the Marshes rails, to take a sight of the spot where showy booths and flaunting flags are beginning to raise their heads. ### Thursday ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-85.png) The Trial Stakes ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-86.png) The Newport Stakes ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-87.png) The Selling Stakes ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-88.png) The Hurdle Race ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-89.png) The Hack Stakes The usual ‘ordinary’ took place at the King’s Head Hotel followed by a ball at the Town Hall. *Source:* [*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 22nd September, 1854*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396128/3396133/33/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-56.png) ## What Happened Next? Records of the Newport Races stop after the 1854 race but with the Corporation taking over the Marshes in 1855 ([for what appears to be to build a gas works](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396353/3396357/41/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)), this is the likely reason for the races ceasing. On 26th November 1887, the South Wales Daily News reported on the Tredegar Show week which culminated in the '*revival of the old Newport Races*'. This would indicate that indeed the races stopped after the 1854 edition and restarted in 1887\. This time the races were held on a course in Caerleon, not far from the amphitheatre. > The course was situated at Caerleon, whither in the early morning journeyed some thousands of spectators, many of whom hailed from sport-loving Cardiff. The races were under Grand National rules, and a stiffer bit of hunting country than that the horses entered had to traverse it would be difficult to find in the district. The races continued to be held in Caerleon along with similar in Lliswerry but were never to return to the Marshes/Shaftesbury Park. ## Like This Content? Like articles like this? The aim is to publish a weekly Newport Cornucopia featuring anything of interest along with longer articles such as this. If you want to be alerted to new articles, sign up for free below. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Volume 1, Number 7 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-7/ Last updated: 2025-02-19T11:01:25.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original (headlines in quotes are my own). ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-33.png) ## ‘A New and Spacious Street’ A new and spacious street, leading from and almost in a direct line with Commercial Street into Baneswell, is now in the course of formation, which will be a wholesome an highly beneficial improvement over the narrow, dark, and dirty old Baneswell Road. The new streets lying between the South Wales railway and Baneswell Road Are being coated with a layer of stone, or rather sea-beach shingle. Several new buildings, which will give those streets a finished aspect, are in the course of erection. New streets are being laid out, and building is going rapidly forward On the north and west sides of Baneswell — now a populous and important district — not withstanding the cry of “the wolf is at the door,” building sites are eagerly sought for and taken up in that healthful neighbourhood. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-37.png) Prior to Cambrian Road being built. The article mentions Devon Road but is Devon Place on the map so unsure if it was ever known as Road. North of the South Wales station, at the foot of the Gold Tops, a row of handsome uniformly built houses, extending about a furlong, and names Devon Road, have been erected, and are in course of completion, by Mr L.B. Moore, and they will be approachable by a convenient road leading from Pentonville, descending and skirting the foot of the hill, and into Baneswell across the railway near the tunnel. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-38.png) After Cambrian Road has been constructed — *The Cardiff Times, Saturday 12th March, 1859* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-33.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-19.png) South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday 10th February, 1894 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-20.png) ## Seen and Heard \[By Argus\] ### Down with the drink I hear that some surprise was caused by a party who went from Newport to Abergavenny a few days since. On each side of the conveyance by which they travelled they had large posters, "Down with the drink." But they were not a teetotal party. In the vehicle they had a cask of ale — an 18-gallon cask I am told — and they manfully endeavoured to carry out the sentiments expressed on their posters. It was a case of "Down with the drink" — but down their throats. This brilliant idea was, indeed, worthy of a bemuddled brain. — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 8th October, 1892* --- ### The Muddy ‘Bridge Street’ Bridge Now that the Corporation are well under weigh \[sic\] with the work at the dip, they might perhaps turn their attention to the bridge of the Great Western Railway between Bridge Street and Clytha Park Road. On each side the pavements come to a full stop, as the bridge is only the width of the roadway, and foot passengers have to walk through the mud and puddles which have been so plentiful of late. Probably under the Company's Act the bridge is in accordance with the requirements of the law, but the Town Council of to-day should make good the defects which the short-sightedness of an earlier generation sanctioned. If the bridge as a whole could not be widened, it would be an easy matter to construct footways outside the present parapets, and thus save pedestrians — among whom, of course, ladies are the chief sufferers — from having to walk through the wet and dirt. — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 1st October, 1892* --- ### 'Boys Supplied Wholesale' As I passed through Baneswell on Good Friday morning my attention was arrested by two written posters in shop windows — "Boys supplied, wholesale." I shall be very pleased to give the address to disappointed fathers. But perhaps it only meant that *buns* were supplied wholesale to boys. Every season brings its special curse. At Christmas the waits disturb our rest; on Good Friday the bun-boys salute the morn with their unearthly din. Soon after five o'clock we were awaken by shrieking fiends. > One a penny, > Two a penny, > Hot cross buns they chanted, and after murmuring mild maledictions the indignant householder would compose himself to sleep . No sooner had he dosed (sic) off comfortably than another lad would pass yelling the same announcement. As that lad became inaudible, one became conscious of two voices afar off approaching from different directions. Of course, one tried to about louder than the other, and the end was not peace. There was nothing for it but to get up. wWhere the bun-boy is within hearing sleep is impossible. — *South Wales Argus, Saturday, 4th April, 1896* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-27.png) — **Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 11th* February**, 1860* ## Crindau Pigeon Match On Tuesday last, several hundreds of persons assembled in a field, under *Crindau* farm, to witness a match which had excited considerable interest, between John Flowers, a blacksmith, of Pillgwenlly, and Samuel Gage, of Bristol, for £5 a side, to shoot at ten birds each, twenty-one yards trap. The betting at starting was in favour of Gage, who was accompanied to the field by a host of Bristolians. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-20-at-13.14.16.png) Approximate location of Crindau Farm Flowers, a modest unassuming young man, appeared friendless, until a sporting "landlord," and one or two others, laid out some money upon him. He went in, and killed his first four birds, missed the fifth, but killed the remaining five. Gage missed his first, killed the next three, missed the fifth, killed the next two, and missed the eighth. Flowers consequently won easily; it was generally thought he would have killed his fifth bird, had not the string of the trap broken, and the front part of the trap remaining up, hid the bird from his view. Considerable sums of money changed hands the "Gage" party, who had booked their man to win, looked unutterable things at the result. Mr. John Walker and Mr. Dowle, acted as umpires, and gave satisfaction to both parties. — *Monmouthshire Merlin, March 1st, 1851* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-20.png) ## Horrible Dens Abandoned **Commercial Street recently possessed two of the vilest holes of sin and wickedness.** The corners and lounging places of the thoroughfare were daily and nightly infested by abandoned women, whose abominable language was commonly addressed to every passer by, male or female, in the coarsest and most offensive manner. It was a nuisance with which the police could scarcely contend, while open doors awaited the momentary escape of the foul-mouthed creatures, on the approach of the officers. At length, however, the public will be glad to know, that the notorious Plume of Feathers beer-house, at the corner of Cross-street, had been deserted, making the second "closing" occurring within a few weeks, through the unrelaxing exertions of Mr. English, who, with his force, have exhibited the most commendable desire to rid the neighbour-hood of those pests, the notorious keepers of bagnios \[brothels\]. We trust, that wherever such plague-spots make their appearance, the superintendent will be equally on the alert for their suppression. Well-conducted inhabitants, and the owners of property, where such pest houses are open, have a claim for the interference of the authorities, which cannot be over-looked. It would be well that landlords should introduce a special clause into their agreements with tenants, as to some houses, prohibitory of permitting them to be converted into ill-famed beer-houses, under certain penalties. — *Monmouthshire Merlin, March 1st, 1851* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-28.png) — **South Wales Argus, Monday 2nd March, 1908* ## **Sturgeon Caught in the Usk** There is on view in Messrs. E Fennell and Sons window, High Street, Newport, a very fine sturgeon. The fish weighs 133 pounds, and measures from the snout to the base of the tail six feet, or nearly sever feet to the tip of the tail fluke. It was caught in the Usk between Newport and Caerleon Bridges on Monday night by one of the salmon fishermen, after a tough struggle, and it still displayed signs of life as it lay on the fishmonger’s slab this morning. In 1860, Messrs. Fennell despatched to the Prince of Wales a sturgeon which was captured at the Goldcliffe fisheries, and it was suggested that, packed in ice, the present catch would male a novel present to Prince George and Princess May. This is the first time a sturgeon has ever been captured in the Usk. *— South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday 17th June, 1893* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-20.png) ## **‘Automatic Stamp Machine Installed in Maindee’** The additional clearance of letters at 11:30pm which will shortly come into force here, will certainly be a great boon to the inhabitants of this growing suburb; and on Saturday afternoon last an automatic stamp machine was placed outside the premises of Mr Wm. Watkins, Chepstow Road. This machine will, on receipt of one penny, give anyone a memorandum book, envelope, and penny postage stamp, at any hour of the day or night. In return for this privilege, the grateful public is expected to read the advantages of Scrubs’s soap and Searcher’s pills, and other matters in the book. *— South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday 17th June, 1893* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-20.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-30.png) **— Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 2nd April, 1864 (*[**What are Cigars de Joy?*](https://thequackdoctor.com/index.php/cigares-de-joy/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)**)* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ### **Stole the Milk** “Children are recommended milk, aren’t they?” remarked the Clerk (Mr T. Summers) at Newport Children’s Court on Wednesday, during the hearing of a case in which an eleven-year-old boy was summoned of stealing quantities of milk. Evidence was given by PC William Davies that he ordered the boy at 7.25 on the morning of Feb 23, coming form his home in his stockinged feet, cross the road, and go into a doorway. Later, he came back, and the policeman accosted him. The bottle contained 3/4 pint of milk and the boy admitted he had taken it from the bottle belonging to the people whose doorway witness saw him enter. Defendant admitted that he had committed the offence on two previous occasions, and added that it had been going on for about weeks. A lady who gave evidence concerning the ownership of the milk appealed to the Bench to be lenient with the boy. **The boy agreed that he was given money to buy the milk, but spent it on sweets, and stole the milk.** He was discharged with a caution. — *South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday, 5th March, 1927* --- ### Ridiculous Speed Reginald Victor Finnigan, of Newport, a 'bus driver for the Blue and White 'Bus Company was summoned at Newport on Saturday for driving a 'bus in a dangerous manner on the main Chepstow-Newport road on February 10, at Langstone. The prosecution was the sequel of an accident, when, it was alleged, defendant cut out from behind a stationary car, crashed into it, and carried it two lengths. The owner of the stationary car said he was thrown into a hedge. Another car, which was approaching in the opposite direction, was also damaged. A witness stated that Finnigan was driving at 30 to 35 miles per hour — a ridiculous speed, he added. Finnigan denied this, and said he was travelling at 15 miles per hour, and a passenger attributed the accident to Finnigan not accelerating when the accident was imminent. He was fined 40s including costs. — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 1st March, 1930* --- ### **Pitch and Toss** Robert Tolcher was fined 2s 6d for playing pitch-and-toss in Mendalgief Road on Sunday afternoon. — *South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday 4th November, 1893* --- ### **Charge of Reckless Driving and a Case of Mistaken Identity** At Newport Court, on Wednesday, David Evan’s was summoned for furiously and recklessly driving a horse and cab in Commercial Street. Mr W.L. Moore defended. Sergeant Dukelow stated that about seven on Saturday night, he saw a handsom being driven at a great rate in the direction of the station. A couple of gentlemen were going from the corner of the National Bank Buildings to get to the Maindee ‘bus. The horse and shaft came into contact with one of them, a Mr W.M. Locke, and hurt his leg very much. The cabman stopped about a second and then drove on. Witness did not see face, but judging from his back he considered it was Evan’s. PC R0wlands corroborated, giving his opinion that Evan’s was driving at the rate of 10 miles an hour. R Browning also supported the prosecution. Mr Moore said he would bring overwhelming evidence to prove that the police were mistaken. He submitted that the accident referred to had been caused by another cabman who closely resembled defendant, and drove a cab of the same sort. Three cabmen gave evidence to having seen Evan’s drive a proper pace. One of them stated there was another cabman who very much resembled Evan’s. The conductor of the ‘bus which had been standing at the bank when the accident occurred said the driver of the hansom stopped, and asked if the gentleman was much hurt. The gentleman replied he was not, and the cabman drove on. Witness did not think Evans was the driver. The case was dismissed. — *South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday 4th November, 1893* --- ### **The Spotted Man** James Moriarty, Club Row, was summoned before Newport Bench on Monday for being drunk in the King William beerhouse. On Thursday evening the police ejected defendant from the public house at the request of the landlord. This duty done, defendant went quietly home. The landlord stated he had refused to supply him with drink. Defendant, when sober, was always a civil man. Superintendent Sinclair: This is his 37th appearance. Defendant made a speech to the Bench. He was, he said, what they might call a spotted man. This case could have been blown over, for every person who was ejected from a public house was not summoned but the police. Being a spotted man, the police prevented him from getting an honest livelihood. The Bench replied it seemed to be all his own fault. Fined 10s or seven days. — *South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday 4th November, 1893* --- ### **‘Stealing Growing Underwood’** William Morgan, Newport, ordered to be confined in the cells for one day for stealing growing underwood on Monday at Bettws. — *South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday 4th November, 1893* --- ### **Stealing a Flannel** Andrew Joy, alias Samuel Walby, and Eliza Harris, were changed with stealing a flannel shirt, value 3s., the property of Edward Thomas. Sergeant Curtis said he apprehended the prisoner Joy, on Thursday, on suspicion of stealing the shirt. On his way tot the station the female prisoner spoke to him, and he (witness) suspecting her to be in connection he took her into custody. The female searcher said she searched the female prisoner, and on her person found the shirt produced. Mary Bum said she washed the shirt (produced) for Edward Thomas, to whom it belonged, and put it on the partition wall between her house and the “Pontypool House” beer house. She missed it in the afternoon. Five minutes before she missed it from the wall she saw Joy in the garden of the Pontypool House. She gave information to the police. The superintendent said the male prisoner was convicted of vagrancy at this court last August, under the name of Samuel Walby. He was sentenced to to 21 days imprisonment with hard labour at Usk. The female was discharged. — *The Cardiff Times, Saturday 22nd January, 1859* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-20.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-31.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-5.png) ### The Launch of In Shops URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/the-launch-of-in-shops/ Last updated: 2025-02-19T11:01:33.000Z As part of a £5 million revamp of the already existing Kingsway Centre, what was billed as a new concept in South Wales opened in the form of ‘In Shops’. On Thursday 9th October, 1986 a grand opening unveiled the a complex of 163 units selling a wide variety of goods from toys and crafts to CDs and pies. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-26.jpeg) The stairs leading down to the In Shops The concept wasn’t new and was the 19th to open in the UK by Midland Development since the company was launched in 1975\. Another was also opened in Cwmbran town centre. The 40,000 square feet of space on the ground floor of the Kingsway Centre which was formerly occupied by the Post Office and by Tesco (they vacated to move to Spytty). Each unit was to be independently owned and could sell virtually anything they wanted. > It is the nearest thing you would recognise as a market but it is not a market. We are what you would call a speciality centre. — *Dave Whittington, Newport Director of In Shops* > Shoppers seeking a change of style from conventional stores can have the refreshing experience of getting lost in a retail world which is packed with the unusual. > Mr Whittington reckons visitors will find themselves so engrossed in what is virtually a maze in shopping gems that hours could pass without them noticing. In addition to the shops there were 7 catering units “selling everything from fish and chips, to Indian food to specialised salads”. > It means that regular visitors to the complex will be able to choose a different type of meal for everyday of the week. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-33.png) ## Gala Launch A large launch event was planned featuring Don Estelle who played Lofty in "It Ain't Half Hot Mum", comedian Norman Collier and the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car. > The excitement of the occasion will be heightened by a line up of death defying acts including fire eating, knife throwing, the bed of nails and the crossbow of death escape, in which an escapologist will try to wriggle free from a chain bound coffin before a crossbow bolt is fired directly at him. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-39.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-33.png) ## Traders on Opening Day These adverts were published by the Argus showing a selection of shops on opening day. I can only vaguely remember the shops that were there but do wonder if the 'Records & Tapes' advert was for Hitman Music which started life there before moving to larger premises on Commercial Street? ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.39.26.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.39.20.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.39.15.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.39.07.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.39.01.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.38.21.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.40.32.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.40.27.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.40.21.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-33.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.40.37.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.38.27.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.40.43.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.38.32.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.38.49.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.38.53.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.39.34.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.39.40.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.39.47.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-33.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.40.04.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.40.08.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.40.15.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.40.49.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-08.40.54.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-33.png) ## Opening Day Report ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-09.02.45.png) More than 20,000 people visited on opening day both to visit the shops and to see the entertainment on offer. The footfall prompted managers to declare that "they were onto a winner" with the new shopping centre. As part of the opening day gala, Morecombe's Don Lindbergh 'set himself alight and plunged sixty feet into a flaming vat' to the amazement of a Gwent crowd. > "Another day, another dollar" > — Don Lindbergh. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-24-at-09.06.38.png) Don Lindbergh ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-33.png) This video from 1988 shows the inside of the Kingsway Shopping Centre and the stairs leading to In Shops but not the actual shops. ℹ️ This post is based on article published in the South Wales Argus on [Wednesday 8th October, 1986](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1147429827/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) and [Friday 10th October, 1986](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1147429941/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) and any quotes are from those articles. ### Newport's Little Switzerland URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/newports-little-switzerland/ Last updated: 2025-03-14T15:46:57.000Z The section of land on either side of Allt-yr-yn Avenue and Ridgeway has long been known as Little Switzerland due to its high vantage point and 'Double View' of Twmbarlwm, Machen and Henllys to the north and the channel to the south. This moniker has been around for at least 160 years. Looking through the newspapers there's a mention of name Little Switzerland in the [Western Mail in 1869](https://www.newspapers.com/image/393973166/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) during an inspection of a reservoir (probably Ynys-y-fro) by the Newport and Pillgwenlly Water Works Company (although [The Welshman Newspaper](https://www.newspapers.com/image/975782164/?match=1&terms=%22Little%20Switzerland%22&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) in 1835 referred to the entirety of Wales as 'little Switzerland'). > The charming scenery of the spot, which has been called not inappropriately Little Switzerland, the invigorating breeze, and ample refreshments, changed the otherwise irksome task of the directors into a proceeding of unusual gratification. — *Western Mail, Wednesday 7th July, 1869* During a meeting of the Associated Chambers of Commerce in [September 1892](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143541055/?match=1&terms=%22Little%20Switzerland%22&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Little Switzerland was mentioned as a place just ten minutes from the busy commercial town and busy port of Newport where one could see **"beautiful sylvan scenery such as can be rarely excelled in the heart of the country"**. The area back then was largely untouched save for the canal, a brick works and quarry and the Ynys-y-fro Reservoir but in the 1890s an Infectious Diseases Hospital was built at Allt-yr-yn. There were [objections in May 1893](https://www.newspapers.com/image/394489551/?match=1&terms=%22Little%20Switzerland%22&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) with 700 ratepayers signed a petition with one of the objections being a concern about it affecting a "favourite promenade". Nevertheless, the hospital was constructed (its location can be seen on the map below) and today is the site of Allt-yr-yn Heights. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-08.10.51-1.png) 'Little Switzerland' covering the area of Allt-yr-yn, the canal, Fourteen Looks and Ynys-y-fro Reservoirs [In a letter to the South Wales Argus in March 1894](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143993950/?match=1&terms=%22Little%20Switzerland%22&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), a resident by the name of 'Sleepy Villager' called for a system of tramways to run from Westgate to the Cemetery to allow people to walk around Little Switzerland. *Dear Sir,* *While regretting "Cardiffian's" lack of appreciation of our beautiful hill, and commiserating with him for having to live in such a flat and monotonous hamlet, I cannot but think it would be an additional boon to all Newportonians if we had a system of tramways, as suggested, from the Westgate to the Cemetery. Most of the increasing number of inhabitants bordering this road would gladly pay 2d for a ride up and 1d for going down, while it would bring the beautiful walks round Little Switzerland and Henllis (sic) nearer to thousands of our fellow townspeople, who are practically, ignorant of the delightful scenery with which they are surrounded.* *By using an endless rope system similar to that at Highgate, where, I believe, the gradient is quite steep, very little extraneous power would be necessary, and the thing ought to be made to pay.* *Yours truly,* *A SLEEPY VILLAGER* *Newport, March 2, 1894* *— South Wales Argus, Monday 5th March, 1894* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-35.png) Looking towards Ynys-y-fro Reservoir In 1895, the weekly 'Seen and Heard' column in the South Wales Argus had a little dig at Cardiff... > The glorious weather of Good Friday led many people out into the lovely district which surrounds Newport. Little Switzerland had is full complement of holiday-makers, and the neighbourhood of the reservoir was swarmed. How I pity those poor people at Cardiff, who have to go miles before they can find a lovely district such as Newport people have almost at their doors. We can give Cardiff points in athletics and in natural beauty. — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 13th April, 189*5 Despite being a scenic location, it wasn't without [some problems](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143963245/?match=1&terms=%22Little%20Switzerland%22&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk). > The fields in the neighbourhood of the Jew's Wood, and those leading from Fields Road to Little Switzerland are again being infested with tramps, loafers, and hooligans. The attendance of the police, writes a correspondent, would be appreciated. — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 19th June, 1909* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-33.png) ## Rambles in Gwent In July 1922, the South Wales Argus [published](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144015183/?match=1&terms=%22Little%20Switzerland%22&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) a walking guide to the 'most frequented viewpoint near Newport' along with illustration. This guid is published below. ### By the Open Road to Beauty Spots and Historic Scenes What is the most frequented viewpoint near Newport? Most people, we fancy, would vote for that gat in Barrack Lane which overlooks "Little Switzerland". Thither we proceeded on a recent evening, when the rain clouds had rolled eastwards, and the western sky held the promise of fine weather. The horizon, in every direction, showed crystal clear. Over the Channel, the windows of Clevedon flashed back the sunbeams. Further west, the Holms and Penarth Head were quite distinct. But when we passed through the wicket gates, and stood, with the prospect uninterrupted from Machen to the distant Skirrid, we were at once overawed and up lifted. The tide of industrialism has swept from Newport in two main directions, north and north-west, leaving this peaceful district sweet and smokeless. NO railway encroaches here; no factory belches forth its fumes' but the quiet landscape swells and dips in rhythmic undulations. Trees, meadows, and cottages take their part in the exquisite design and, crowning work of all, the noble ridge of hills sweeps across the sky, like a divine brush stroke. But too many Newport people are content with the Pisgah emotion. Having viewed the Promised Land, they retreat to their brick-and-mortar wilderness, and die. Otters are satisfied with the canal walk. But we want to introduce them to the wonderland beyond, as it is in these July days, flowing with milk and honeysuckle. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-12.51.37.png) We crossed the canal, and, passing through the gate opposite the bridge, made our way across the meadows towards the reservoir. A pretty path, gay with dog-roses, leads around to the right of the reservoir into a field crossed by several paths. We chose the one leading to the left, and passing through a farmyard, soon found ourselves on the causeway between the two reservoirs. In this most bracing position we stayed a while, to cheer with our interest the patient anglers, but, the trout refusing to die, we resumed our stroll, and when almost on the canal bank again, turned to the right along the road which leads to Twyn Barllwm. A pleasant jaunt of half-a-mile brought us to that junction of roads where stand the old farm of Croes-Llan-Fro, and the quaint little house known as Maes-y-Coed. This corner is a splendid starting point for many rambles, and is especially popular in bluebell time. Our road lay to the right of Maes-y-Coed Cottage, and taking the first turning to the right, we breathed the fragrance of one of the sweetest lanes in Gwent. The hedges rose to a great height, and in places were bright with the shell-pink of dog-roses and the festoons of honeysuckle. At one sheltered corner, where grew a mass of meadowsweet, the mingled odours were overpoweringly sweet, and seemed to fill the bees with a frenzied energy. Our road finally joined another which, a few yards to the left, was crossed by a brook, and here we ascended the hill and turned into Bettws churchyard. As the sun was dipping rapidly we rested by the tiny toy church and watched while the mountains changed in hue from green to a lovely mauve. Then, with the sky behind us crimsoning, we took the meadow path opposite the church gate, and, passing Ynys-y-Fro on our right, made our way through the comely hay fields to Allt-yr-Yn. Allt-yr-Yn at twilight. The pale half moon swims in a silver-blue sky; a warm glow lingers in the west. The canal slumbers, its velvety shadows streaked with silver bars. Bridge and cottages are bathed in a ghostly half-light, while the chestnut trees, solemn and massive, tower above in sombre majesty. As we climb the hill, a holy calm seems to settle over the hamlet, and, still under its influence, we wanter homewards with quiet minds. Distance: Four Miles. — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 15th July, 1922* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-33.png) ## A Never-to-be-forgotten Walk Near Newport An article in two Worcester papers — the Worcestershire Echo and Worcestershire Chronicle — mentions walking in Newport and discovering Little Switzerland. > From ‘Little Tyrol’ to ‘Little Switzerland’ is rather a big jump, for the delectable neighbourhood which I have now reached is in Monmouthshire. Here it is not a village, but a whole district which is under consideration, with canal walks which recall Llangollen and give one a startingly new idea of these waterways. > A walk I took a few years ago was from Newport to Pontypool — on the canal bank all the way. It was a pleasant experience, but I didn’t not discover justification for the name Little Switzerland until I had climbed the mountains. That ramble in solitude of the hilltops will never fade from memory. From the plan there was nothing particularly attractive in the mountain, nothing to suggest the wonderful picture which opened out before me as I wended my way from one eminence to another. — [*South Wales Argus, Monday 30th June, 1924*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144411263/?match=1&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-14.36.37.png) — South Wales Argus, Thursday 20th March, 1930 ## A New and Improved Road [In November 1922](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143906087/?match=1&terms=%22Little%20Switzerland%22&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), the Corporation decided to proceed with a new and improved road between Allt-yr-yn Road (near St Mark’s Crescent) and Risca Road (near Glasllwch). The cost was estimated to be £33,000. > The road in question, over the part of its length, will take a course through the fields at the back of Allt-yr-Yn Hospital, and will join Barrack Lane about 200 yards east of the Black Ash Path. From there it will pursue the same course as the Barrack Hill Lane to Risca Road. > > This road is to be 50 feet wide with a 10ft footway on either side, leaving 30 feet of carriageway. The Ministry of Transport have provisionally promised to contribute half the cost. The land necessary for the road is to be given free of charge. At the same time as the road was going to be built an open space overlooking Little Switzerland and the Bristol Channel was to be acquired. This is the space that remains there today. > Negotiations are also on foot for the acquisition of some eight or ten acres of the land near the black ash path, overlooking Little Switzerland and the Bristol Channel. It is hoped that an open space can *be* arranged for here to which the public will have access at all times. The new road will cut through this open space. — *South Wales Argus, Friday 24th November, 1922* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-36.png) — Western Mail, Thursday March 17th, 1927 ## Newport’s Beauty Spot to be Kept Intact In addition to the land acquired when building the new road, the Tredegar Estate agreed that the low-lying land which *‘gave the charming prospect which every visitor to Newport admired as *one of the most beautiful spots they had seen in all their travels*, should be allocated as a reservation for all time’*. — [*South Wales Argus, June 14th, 1927*](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1146133495/?match=1&terms=%22Little%20Switzerland%22&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) [By 1928](https://www.newspapers.com/image/814824674/?match=1&terms=%22Little%20Switzerland%22&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), a scheme comprising of 627 acres was earmarked for preservation of ‘what is a rare amenity to an industrial town’. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-33.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-15.36.38.png) — South Wales Argus, Monday 19th June, 1933 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-33.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-15.35.40.png) — South Wales Argus, Saturday 20th June 1936 ## Big Plans [In April 1936](https://www.newspapers.com/image/814950632/?match=1&terms=%22Little%20Switzerland%22&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), the council approved a town-planning scheme which would include ‘the whole of the famous “Little Switzerland”. This likely marks the start of the houses being built along Allt-yr-yn Road, Ridgeway and adjoining streets. The open space still remains and despite the M4, Rogerstone and Bettws, you can still appreciate similar views to those that were written about in the 1860s. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-22-at-10.17.16.png) A map showing an increase in houses in the area. Newport and Monmouthshire College of Technology opened in 1958 so the map predates that. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-5.png) ### When GWR Owned Station Approach URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/when-gwr-owned-station-approach/ Last updated: 2025-01-22T04:59:09.000Z Whilst digging through the South Wales Argus' archives looking for interesting articles one small piece tucked away in the regular Seen and Heard (By "Argus") column in 1901 mentioned an annual tradition undertaken by GWR in order to protect their right of ownership. This led me to research more into Station Approach and how it developed as it became more popular. As with most newspaper archives there are lots of details involved so what’s included here is just a snippet. > *"In accordance with the annual practice, a rope was drawn across the entrance to Station Approach, High Street, Newport, on Good Friday, and every vehicle was challenged before it could pass. As most people know, the Station Approach is the property of the Great Western Railway Company, and this is the means they take to prevent any public right being set up."* *— South Wales Argus, Saturday 6th April, 1901* This tradition was still continuing in 1910 when it's mentioned in the same column. > *"In accordance with their annual custom, the Great Western Railway Company erected a rope barrier at the entrance to the Station Approach at Newport on Good Friday to establish their claim to it as private property, and every vehicle which entered did so by courtesy and not by right, and only on business at the station."* *— South Wales Argus, Saturday 26th March, 1910* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-21-at-12.56.01.png) **OS map showing Station Approach* This is a long established rule in which if members of the public have unchallenged use of a path for a period of 20 years of more [they can apply](https://www.oss.org.uk/need-to-know-more/information-hub/rights-of-way-applications-to-record-public-paths-after-twenty-years-use/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) to have it converted into an official Public Right of Way. ## Changes to Station Approach There appears to have been ongoing discussions about the need for an improvement of the station approach for some years and a letter written by an [‘Old Resident’ in 1913](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1144049560/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) wasn’t too happy with proposals laid out at the time. > To ask the burgesses to expend any sum approaching £40,000 for the equivalent of a bit of road hitherto repaired and repairable by the company (which, practically leading to nowhere but the railway premises is of no use to anyone but the railway authorities), is well, to say the least of it a very very one-sided bargain. Interestingly, the author mentions the Murenger House in his letter. > A commencement seems natural and necessary with Murenger House. The front of this venerable building might be left unchallenged on pillars, with the ship front removed back to the line of the other business premises, and the whole of the front of the Cinema might be curbed away with a new entrance to it from the Approach itself, and a pavement carried along the blank wall to Cambrian Road. Actual change started to appear in 1922\. A [detailed article](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143906087/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (subscription required) discusses the leasehold of 56 High Street which needed to be purchased to aid with the improvements. The article highlighted the type of problem experienced. > On a busy Saturday a 29 foot road leading from the station was altogether inadequate for a place like Newport. Many people came down from the Valleys, and the roadway was congested with pedestrians and vehicles, and it was in the interested of public safety to have a footpath on each side of the roadway. GWR appeared content with an expenditure that would improve the station but entering into a partnership with the Corporation to split costs was a sticking point. > In view of the huge expenditure the Railway Company had already decided upon to lay out in improving the station for their business, profit, and convenience, the question was whether they would not also spend more money to make the approach worthy of the new station. Major I.C. Vincent of the council said he would vote in favour of the redevelopment scheme provided the new approach *“could be used by anyone, whether with a vehicle or not, in any way or at any time”*. Ultimately, the drafted resolution on November 21, 1922, for the redevelopment was carried by 27 votes to one against and one neutral. ### Further Reading By May 1924, more improvements were required and an article in the [South Wales Weekly Argus](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1146157971/?terms=Approach&match=1&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) (subscription required) including details on owners of the buildings involved, dimensions of the roads and discussions on how to reduce the frontage of the Murenger House to make it more in line with the neighbouring Tredegar Arms ### Volume 1, Number 6 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-6/ Last updated: 2025-02-19T11:01:18.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original. If you want to have each issue delivered to your inbox, why not subscribe for free. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-20.png) ## W.H. Smith & Son With the [recent announcement](https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/24858714.whsmith-store-commercial-street-newport-closing/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) of the closure of W.H. Smith in Newport, here's a look at some of the adverts when the shop occupied 35 High Street (current site of McDonald's). ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-17-at-08.41.17.png) — **South Wales Argus, Friday 4th August, 1978* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-17-at-08.38.10.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-17-at-08.38.35.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-17-at-08.40.18.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-17-at-08.42.55.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-17-at-08.43.59.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-17-at-08.44.40.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-17-at-08.46.46.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-17-at-08.50.06.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-17-at-09.53.48.png) A variety of adverts in the South Wales Argus between 1934 and 1984 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ## **Stealing Swedes** Honora McCowley and Mary Shean were charged with stealing 1 1/4 cwt of swedes from a field in the occupation of Mr Stratton of the Duffryn farm in the parish of Bassalleg. They were found guilty, and sentenced to 14 days imprisonment with hard labour. *— Western Mail, Tuesday 1st February, 1870* --- ## “Died by the visitation of God” On Monday last, an inquest was held at our County Gaol, on the body of Henry Phillips, aged 45\. The deceased was in custody for trial at the next assizes for the manslaughter of Joseph Baker, of Bedwellty, in the month of October last. Verdict — “Died by the visitation of God.” — *Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 20th January, 1838* --- ## **Two Diminutive Urchins** Two diminutive urchins, said to be of a large number who are continually annoying and throwing stones at Thomas Ford, of pill, were given up to their parents, who were duly cautioned. — *Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 11th February, 1860* --- William Rees, was charged with stealing a game cock, belonging to James Stacey. The case appeared to be one of disputed ownership, and it was adjourned until Wednesday, for the attendance of Stacey. … William Rees, remanded from Monday, was discharged, no prosecutor appearing. The prisoner said the prosecutor had since told him to *take the cock home*. — *Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 11th February, 1860* --- ## ‘A Wretched Looking Creature’ Jane Higgins, a wretched-looking creature, was charged with stealing a poplin dress, belonging to Ann Driscoll. Complainant, the wife of Michael Driscoll, living in Baneswell, stated that on Tuesday night, about eleven o’clock, she missed the dress from her bedroom. Prisoner had been there during the day, but denied that she had taken it when questioned on Wednesday morning. It was subsequently ascertained that prisoner had taken the dress to the Seven Stars beerhouse, canal Parade, kept by Daniel Haggerty, on Tuesday night, between ten and eleven o’clock, and left it with Mrs Haggerty, to whom she was in debt 1s 9d for beer. The money was not advanced on the dress. P.S. Curtis apprehended the prisoner, and to him the prisoner stated that she had picked up the dress outside of Mrs Driscoll’s door, and taken it to Mrs Haggerty. She did not know what she owed Mrs Haggerty, but she had a pint of beer that morning. > **Mr Keswick**: Does she like a beer? > **Curtis**: I think she does: she is a drunkard. It was stated to the Bench that prisoner’s husband was a hard working man, and had four little children. The prisoner drank all his money, and the house was in a most miserable condition, there being no kind of furniture there and only rags and filth to sleep on. Prisoner was committed to Usk for three weeks. — *Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday, 7th May, 1864* --- William Scandrett, butcher, Commercial Street, was charged with assaulting an old lady, named Ann Jones. Complainant, who was nearly blind, stated that while in Mr Eame’s eating house, on Monday night, defendant came in and spoke most insultingly of her father, mother and husband; he also called her vile names, took hold of her, tore her dress, and threatened to throw her across the street. Defendant explained that when he saw the complainant he asked her if she was not ashamed of her self for running away from the town with another woman’s husband. She said she was not, but became exasperated, and scratched his face. He did not strike her again. The Bench, on defendant’s own admission, fined him 10s and costs. — *Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 7th may, 1864* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-24.jpeg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-20.png) ## **‘One of the Handsomest Smacks’** One of the handsomest smacks that we have had the pleasure to look upon lately, was launched on Wednesday evening last, from the shipyard of Messrs. Young and Co. The evening being so beautifully fine, the banks of the river and wharfs were crowded with spectators, who were highly gratified at the beautiful manner this child of the deep took to its element. One man dropped into the water, but was taken up with no further injury than a refreshing cold bath after the treat of the day. The vessel is the property of R Burton Esq., and is destined to sail as a market-boat between this place and Bristol, making an additional boat to that efficient line belong to the Bristol Packet Company. *— The Principality, Friday 5th May, 1848* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-21.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-26.png) — **Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday, 11th February, 1860* ## **Caerleon Fair** This fair was held on Monday last. The weather was very fine and the number of persons attending numerous. There were large quantities of Stock offered, but the buyers were few, and the prices ruled low. The please part of the after had as usual plenty of votaries. Blacklegs \[swindlers\] and their abettors were as thick as leaves in autumn, and some half-dozen or more had to pay for their pleasure freaks by a night’s asylum in the lock-up. *— The Principality, Friday 5th May, 1848* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-23.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-18.png) **— The Principality, Friday, 5th May, 1848* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-24.png) ## The Caerleon Leek A leek, was gathered from a garden in Caerleon, a few days since, which measured 6*½* inches in circumference. There are several now growing of nearly the same size. An enormous root of celery was some time since dug out of the same garden; it measured 40 inches in height, 16 in girth, and weighed upwards of nine pounds. — *Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday, 3rd March, 1832* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-24.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-14-at-08.34.57.png) — *Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 10th March, 1832* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-24.png) ## Letter from a Sexton about fees **The Newport Burial Board** We have been requested to insert the following letter, addressed to the Newport Burial Board:- Gentleman — The reports which have appeared of late in the local papers, stating I am in the habit of receiving a large amount of fees for duties I do not perform, and complaining of the man employed in keeping the cemetery in order performing them for me, are as groundless and false they are uncalled for. I have spoken to him in the presence of a member of the Board, and he has no hesitation in positively asserting that he does not know what the worthy gentleman means; and in respect of my fees, I can only assure you, gentlemen, I have never received my proper dues since the formation of the Burial Board. The best thing I can suggest to you, gentlemen, is that you place the sole management of the consecrated portion in my own hands, which I am fully prepared to undertake, free of any charge, except the fees to which I am entitled. I think then the charges may be reduced to the same scale was first adopted, and give the bereaved the benefit of my services. Hoping, gentlemen, you will give this the consideration, and thus prevent all further unpleasantness. *I am, Gentlemen,* *Your most obedient servant,* **THE SEXTON** — *Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday 7th May, 1864* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-24.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-17.png) **— The Principality, Friday, 21st April, 1848* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-24.png) ## The King's Head Inn Ball This town was enlivened on Tuesday, the 25th ult. by a ball and supper given by the bachelors of the place and neighbourhood, at the King's Head Inn. The circumstance of there not having been anything of this kind known in the town for manyyears, created an unusual excitement and bustle through-out all classes. The note of preparation during the short week allowed for this purpose sounded far and near, and it was evident to every observer that an extraordinary impetus had been given, as well to the spirits of the sons and daughters of pleasure, as to the energies of those children of broken promises, the tailors and milliners, et "id genus omme." > Pirouettes and ariettes were practising in every mansion… For fifteen long years or more there had been no such affair as the expected assembly in Newport, and the extent of the preparations were proportioned to the novelty of the entertainment. Pirouettes and ariettes were practising in every mansion, and it was even whispered that some well-grown gentlemen were detected in Bath and Bristol, marshalling their limbs under the baton of a dancing-master, and drilling those feet, and bending those knees in the mazes of quadrille, which heretofore, like those of Coriolanus, had never "bent but in the stirrup." And now, for once, the graceful Terpsichore found herself, to her infinite astonishment, goddess of the idolatry of Newport. The invitations were necessarily limited, with very few exceptions, to the immediate neighbourhood of the town; yet, notwithstanding this restriction, there assembled about 140 individuals of the highest respectability. Among the visiters may be mentioned, Sir Charles Morgan, Bart., Mr. and Mrs. Morgan of Ruperra, Col. Milman, Col. Lascelles and the Misses Las- celles, the Rev. Augustus Morgan, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, the Rev. J. Coles and Miss Coles, Mr. and Mrs. Picard, Rev. A. A. and Mrs. Isaacson, Mrs. Monkhouse, Crawshay Bailey, Esq., Capt. Baugh and Mr. Balck, of the 93d Highlanders, Mrs. Pro- thero and family, Mr. and Mrs. W. Brewer and family. Mr. Mrs. and Miss Powell of the Gaer, &c. &c. The ball commenced with a country dance, led off by Sir Charles Morgan and Mrs. Powell of the Gaer. Quadrilles and waltzing followed. About twelve o'clock supper was served in three rooms, and afterwards dancing was resumed, and kept up with renewed spirit, Sir Chas. Morgan again taking his place among the lively group, shewing the pleasure he felt in the society of his neighbours and friends, and that, however years might accumulate on his head, the heart in his bosom was still young. The assembly unwillingly separated about six o'clock in the morning, and all have since testified to the unmixed pleasure they enjoyed on the occasion the Tredegar family and visitors particularly expressed their gratification, and avowed that they had never at any similar party experienced greater enjoyment. We hope, and it is the hope of all the inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood, that this ball will only be a prelude to many others during every season, and that Newport will at length be as distinguished for the sociability and liberality of the inhabitants, in their intercourse in cheerful and polite recreations, as it has long been for its improving and increasing commercial relations. — *Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday, 5th February, 1831* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-24.png) ## Seen and Heard \[By Argus\] ### A Noisy and Cold Reference Library The invariable rule of a reference library — indeed an absolute necessity if it is taken seriously and not as a mere place of amusement — is silence. At Newport there is a notice to the effect that silence should be observed. **It is not**. May I suggest that if the officials set such an example the public are hardly likely to take serious heed of the admonitions to silence posted on the walls? With rasping tones sounding in one's ears it is no easy matter to work, and I take it that a reference library is a place for quiet work. One other matter is worth commenting upon. On the night I was there the library was very cold, and no fire was lighted. It is not time that provision was made for the comfort of readers? — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 15th October, 1892* --- ### It's because the Maindee wells are closed The milkmen of Newport have issued circulars to the "nobility and gentry" notifying that on and after such a date milk will rise to 4d a quart, "owing to the advance in price of hay, &c." Why the "&c"? What does it comprise? A friend stopped me in Commercial Street the other night and inquired, thinking I knew all about the subject. But I have not drunk milk for years; somewhere back in early times, and not in touch with the matter at all. With regret I admitted my want of knowledge, and then with a fiendish chuckle he observed "it's because the Maindee wells are closed." — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 8th October, 1892* --- ### Noisy Railway Shunters Certain members of the *Argus* staff live near the Great Western Railway, and in the small hours any possible monotony which might arise in consequences of too great silence is removed by the regularity with which shunting operations are carried on. On individual — he evidently suffers from insomnia — declares that the shunting goes on till five and twenty minutes past four and commences again at fie and twenty minutes to five. *Probably he exaggerates*. He says, too, that there is one engine driver who is evidently something of a musician, as he attempts to play "Love's Old, Sweet Song" on his engine whistle. That and "Over the Garden Wall" are his favourite melodies. — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 22nd October, 1892* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-24.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-25.png) **— The Principality, Friday, 12th May, 1848* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-5.png) ### The Great Circular Road URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/the-great-circular-road/ Last updated: 2025-02-19T11:01:12.000Z An article printed by the South Wales Argus on 11th May, 1911 which discusses a proposal for a Circular Road and Main Avenue. The trigger for the discussion arouse from the introduction of the [The Housing, Town Planning, etc. Act 1909](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Housing,%5FTown%5FPlanning,%5Fetc.%5FAct%5F1909?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) which had the purpose of providing a framework for councils to follow when planning roads and houses. It was the first piece of legislation to use the term 'town planning'. It gives an insight into how the Corporation was considering how the town would develop and mentions using the river Usk as the dividing line between west and east Newport. Details on widths of roads and plots for houses are mentioned and a need for open spaces, recreation grounds and allotments if the scheme is approved. Looking at the map published with the article, apart from the section in the north east, it's remarkably similar to the current M4 and SDR roads. The full article is printed below. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-21.png) Newport Corporation have taken the first steps toward framing a Town Planning Scheme for the borough and the immediate district. The Town Planning Sub-Committee of the Corporation Works Committee had before them at a special meeting a report by the Borough Engineer (Mr H Tremelling) which stated that the part of the Act of 1909 which relates to Town Planning was drawn up for the purpose of preventing the crowding together of houses, and also to provide a continuity of planning as regards to laying out of roads over several estates. The Act may be put in force by compulsion of by persuasion, and for reasons of economy as well as for the sake of peace, the latter was recommended. Mr Tremelling suggested that Newport for the purposes of the Act could conveniently be divided into two parts — east and west of the river; and he suggested that the wester division should be dealt with first, as owing to the small number of landowners there is a good chance of getting a scheme settled at an early date. ### Conference Suggested Mr Tremelling was of opinion that every effort should be made to get the landowners themselves to carry into practice the principles set forth in the Act, and suggested that this can best be done by calling a conference, and if thought proper, by co-opting some of their representatives to serve on the Committee, although they would only be advisory members and would have no vote. He attached great importance, to the co-option of members for not only would the work be greatly expedited, but the Corporation would have the benefit of the advice of experts. The outside authorities should also be consulted, as the scheme should not be limited by the borough boundary, but should include those areas immediately outside that are likely to be built over, say, during the next twenty years. In his opinion all that is necessary to be done to put the Act into force is to limit the number of houses per acre, settle the main lines of traffic, and provide for open spaces and parks. The question of secondary or bye-roads can generally be left to the landowners, but where there are several small adjoining landowners a comprehensive scheme should be put in hand. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-15-at-12.49.56.png) The drawing that was printed by the South Wales Argus (Thursday 11th May, 1911) to accompany the articleA ### General Suggestions General recommendations are that the main roads should not be less than 60 feet wide; the building line of the houses should be kept back at least fifteen feet from the road, and the number of houses limited to 15 per acre (including the road area). Thus each house would stand in a plot of ground having an area of 312 yards or a rectangular plot with a frontage of twenty feet, and a depth of 110 feet. Secondary roads should be 40 feet wide; the building line of the houses should be kept at least ten feet from the road; and the number of houses limited to 20 per acre (including the road area). Thus each house would stand in a plot of ground having an area of 240 yards, or a rectangular plot with a frontage of 18 feet, and a depth of 100 feet. The question of open spaces, recreation grounds, allotments, etc, can be dealt with when a definite scheme has been decided upon, but they should be borne in mind and provided to meet the requirements of the various districts. ### The Circular Road Mr C.F. Ward, the Borough architect, who attended the Royal Institute of British Architects' Town Planning Conference last October, in his report to the Works Committee, said that in order to obtain a comprehensive and satisfactory scheme for any town improvement, it will first be necessary that a careful survey be made, a plan delineated, showing the various contours every five feet in height. Any ancient monuments, tree, etc, should be shown on the plan. When studying the future plan, natural surfaces in the ground should receive every consideration especially valleys, streams, and disused canals which afford excellent opportunities for providing long narrow open spaces running into the town and which would naturally form pleasant access for pedestrians to the country. By preserving these narrow strips as continuous open spaces it is probable that bird life would be preserved in our towns. The Act is of great assistance to private owners of land; therefore, before any scheme be formulated by the local authority, a general conference between the various persons interested would be a great advantage. By this means a symmetrical binding together of parts would result. It is also probable that as a result our towns may be greatly improved with very little cost to the ratepayers. As to the means of improving and providing for the future of such a town as Newport, he suggested that a main avenue circling the town would be an advantage. From this avenue the existing roads and subsidiary avenues would radiate to the civic centre and in the opposite direction to the country and other neighbouring towns. Where possible, the subsidiary avenues might be at once planned out, leaving the widening operation to the existing roads until necessity requires of the opportunity occurs. ### The Main Avenue Plan The plan which we give above calls for little explanation. It will be seen that the suggested main avenue completely encircles the town. In part it utilises existing roads; but to a great extent new roads would have to be made. It is not suggested that this scheme should be undertaken immediately, or that it should be carried out as one great work. The point of importance is to secure unity of mind as to the lines upon which future developments should proceed, and if there is agreement as to the advisability of constructing the main avenue, it can be done little by little, every necessary road extension, every building development, being made contributory to the main idea. It is not necessary to labour the point. Obviously, if there is agreement between the land-owners and the local authorities, it will be possible to provide that the future growth of the town shall be on the same, symmetrical, convenient, and healthy lines. > Proper town planning means health, and health means wealth. It is sincerely and confidently hoped that the efforts of the Corporation to secure the adoption of a Town Planning Scheme for Newport will be sympathetically received and enthusiastically supported by the land-owners. — *South Wales Argus, Thursday, 11th May, 1911* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-5.png) ### 1832 Newport Boundary URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/1832-newport-boundary/ Last updated: 2025-02-19T11:01:03.000Z [An article](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391244/3391248?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) in the Monmouthshire Merlin in the 10th March, 1832 discusses the boundaries of the counties of Monmouth, Brecknock and Glamorgan and is described as being an extract from the "*Bill to settle and describe the Divisions of Counties, and the Limits of Cities and Boroughs, in England and Wales, in so far as respects the Election of Members to serve in Parliament*". As a comparison and to cross-reference the article, The National Library of Wales has a very detailed tithe map covering the entirety of Wales from around 1840 so is unlikely to have changed much since the article was published. [Tithe Maps of Wales - Browse: Newport / Casnewydd, Newport![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/icon/favicon.svg)Browse: Newport / Casnewydd, Newport![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/thumbnail/llgc-og-logo.png)](https://places.library.wales/browse/51.583/-3.003/17.2?locationName=Newport+%2F+Casnewydd%2C+Newport&ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) Click to view the Newport tithe map It shows the boundary largely following the course of the River Usk. The southern, eastern and northern portions of the boundary match the description in the Monmouthshire Merlin but the article seems to indicate it straying across to Caerleon Road/Christchurch Road and down to Liswerry Pill. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-14-at-11.15.28.png) This tithe map from around 1840 shows the boundary of Newport. ### The Article "From the point, on the south of the town, at which the Mendle Gief road is joined by a husbandry road, leading to Hundred Acres Gout, along the Mendle Gief road, to the point at which the same meets the Cardiff road; thence, westward, along the Cardiff road to the point at which the same meets the streamlet from Cwrt-y-bella Well..." ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-14-at-13.50.25.png) Mengalgief Road near number 488 and the site of the Cwrt-y-Bella and Well on the left. "...thence along the said streamlet to the pool on the western side of Friar's garden wall; thence along the water-course up from the said pool to another pool on the western side of Bull-field; thence along the western fence of Bull-field to the point at which the same fence, cuts the road from Stow to Risca; thence, westward, along the road from Stow to Risca to the point at which the same is cut by the fence which runs northward from the east end of the cottages belonging to John Ricketts..." ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-14-at-12.20.31.png) Number 328 on the left appears to be the cottages mentioned belonging to John Ricketts. "...thence along the last-mentioned fence to the north-western corner of the field of which it is the western boundary; thence, eastward, along the northern fence of the last-mentioned field to the point at which the same is intersected by the fence of the adjoining field; thence, north-ward, along the last-mentioned fence to a well head; thence along the stream leading therefrom to the point at which the same meets the boundary of the old borough thence along the boundary of the old borough to the point at which the same meets the river Usk at the mouth of Crindau Pill..." ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-14-at-12.25.26.png) The northern edge of the borough boundary at Crindau Pill "...thence along the river Usk to the point at which the same is joined by a pill opposite the castle; thence along the said pill to the gout; thence along the water-course in a direction nearly due east, to the point at which the same meets the new road to Caerleon; thence along the new road to Caerleon to the point at which the same joins the old road to Christ Church; thence along the new reen to the point at which the same meets Liswerry Pill thence along Liswerry Pill to the point at which the same joins the river Usk; thence along the river Usk to the point at which the same is joined by Hundred Acres Gout; thence along Hundred Acres Gout to the point at which the same is met by the said husbandry road, leading thereto from the Mendle Gief road; thence along the said husbandry road to the point first described. " —[*Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday, 10th March, 1832*](https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3391244/3391248?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk) ### Volume 1, Number 5 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-5-2/ Last updated: 2025-01-24T15:46:04.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original. If you want to have each issue delivered to your inbox, why not subscribe for free. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-1.png) ## Lazy People at the Library TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SOUTH WALES ARGUS" Dear Sir, — Despite the notice that is posted up at the Free Library in Dock Street, respecting 'troublesome borrowers', and informing the public that no books will be shown, but that they must consult the catalogue and indicate, this nuisance still continues. On Wednesday night, on going to change my book, I found myself behind a string of five people, not one of whom knew what he wanted, and kept the library staff very busy, bringing out supplies of books for their inspection. One individual particularly attracted my notice by his partially reading 22 books before selecting one. It is very annoying for those who know what they want, and are not too lazy to look at the catalogue, to have to hang about in this manner waiting for those who are lazy. — **DISGUSTED, Newport January 8th** *— South Wales Argus, Friday 9th January, 1903* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-22.jpeg) ****The property in the photo is the location of the old Tom Toya Lewis pub.**— **South Wales Argus, Saturday 9th January, 1897* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-1.png) ## **Seen and Heard** ***\[By ‘Argus’\]*** ### Was Newport ever so muddy before? I think its present condition about beats the record. At the bottom of Stow Hill, as a result of the excavation in laying new drains, the slush has been simply awful and the continuous rains have made it quite unavoidable. --- ### The Difficulties of Having a ‘Pen’orth of Shout’ The telephone is a very useful institution, but the accommodation at some of the call offices might be improved. A correspondent says that he is sometimes obliged to have his ‘pen’orth of shout’. The other evening he went to a local call office to dictate something to the people in his office, and was shown into a pokey little place as dark as the black hole of Calcutta. This was awkward, for he wanted to read one or two names and figures. He asked for a light, but was obliged to ask three times, wait and keep his clerk waiting for several minutes, and then he was ‘obliged’ by the person in charge, who handed in a small benzoline lamp. His position was something like that described by the Irish soldier who, writing home from the battlefield, said, ‘We are always armed to prepare to meet the enemy, and even while I am writing this letter I have a sword in each hand and pistol in the other.’ There was no ledge in the telephone chamber to receive the lamp. If my correspondent put it on the floor, he couldn’t see and dictate at the same time. He wanted one hand for his notebook, one for the hearing tube of the telephone and another for the lamp. However, he managed to blunder through with his message, but calculates that the job took him six times as long as it ought to have done, and that at a time when he was in a hurry. At the end, he couldn’t very well offer the custodian anything for the use of the lamp. A separate charge of say, one farthing (which would about cover the cost of the oil consumed) would be just a trifle ridiculous. A small gas jet in the telephone chamber would cost very little, but it would be a great boon, and if it were found necessary to charge an extra halfpenny per message for gas after dark, it would not be a very great hardship — at any rate, not so bad as the present system is. *— South Wales Argus, Saturday, 9th January, 1897* ## **By the Way** ***\[By ‘Argus’\]*** When are the Corporation going to carry out their promise to put Shaftesbury Park back into a proper condition for cricket? The visit of the Wild West Show has left the surface covered with deep wagon ruts, and the earth is all kicked up by the horses. On Saturday, as a result, two cricketers were injured, a member of the Alexandra Club having to be carried off the field with a sprained ankle, and another man wrenching his leg. a heavy roller for a couple of days would effect a great improvement. — *South Wales Argus, Tuesday 4th August, 1903* --- A little boy from the hills saw a typewriter in a window of a Newport shop the other day, and asked his month, “How do they play that music, mother!” “Oh, they blow in it, I suppose,” was the quaint reply. And the young hopeful apparently believed it. — *South Wales Argus, Tuesday 4th August, 1903* --- It is estimated that there were 3,000 people at the Newport Lighthouse on Monday \[Bank Holiday\], the majority of whom came from the Monmouthshire valleys. Their conduct was most orderly. — *South Wales Argus, Wednesday 5th August, 1903* --- The change of time from starting the performance at the Lyceum, Newport — 7.15 for the first five nights of the week, and 7pm on Saturday night — has been hailed with general satisfaction by the public, since it allows those who live in town to get home at a reasonably early hour, while those who come from the Valleys can catch their trains in comfort. — *South Wales Argus, Wednesday 5th August, 1903* --- Mary Ellen Radmoor, of 8 Oxford Street, Newport was about to get on a tram car near the Westgate Hotel, on Tuesday, when the conductor asked her to wait until the passengers had dismounted. She stepped back and knocked over Mrs Elizabeth Bowden, also of 8 Oxford Street, and injured her ankle. — *South Wales Argus, Wednesday 5th August, 1903* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.png) ## "...smash her into mince pies" Lena Prendergast, of no fixed abode, was charged with being a woman of repute, and behaving in a riotous and disorderly manner in Emlyn Street. The evidence showed that the woman used very bad language towards Mrs McCarthy, the landlady of the Emlyn Arms. A crowd collected, and there was a great discturbance. Mrs Mccarthy said prisoner came into the house with a woman known by the name of "Handy Pandy". When refused drink, prisoner threatened to "smash her into mince pies". A fine of 21s was imposed. — *South Wales Argus, Wednesday 9th Jan, 1907* ## **Short Changed on Coal** WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ACTS — William Williams was summoned for selling coal in quantities under 2cwt without having it labelled at Bassalleg on December 21st. Fined 5s. — John Bishop was summoned for selling coal under weight at Rogerstone on December 21st. In this case the inspector said that the defendant was selling coal in small quantities. On the scales he saw a weight put to balance the basket, but it was not heavy enough. When the coal was weighed it was found that the customer was cheated of 23lb on three cwt. Defendant said that it was “a case of wet weather and small coal bunging up the basket.” Fined 10s. — John Jenkins, for a similar offence at the same time and place, was find 10s. Mr Thos. E. Sergeant, inspector of weights and measures under the county council, proved the case. — *South Wales Argus, Saturday, 11th January, 1896.* ### **Highway Offences** Thomas Morris, for driving without lamps on the highway at Christchurch, was fined 5s. — John Williams was fined 5s for Riding without reins on the highway at Llanvaches on December 31st. — *South Wales Argus, Saturday, 11th January, 1896.* ### Infringement of the New Licensing Act *The licensing act had been introduced on august 15th, 1872 and was already being enforced but were being lenient in not giving the infringers a black mark.* At the county police court, on Saturday, before Messrs. Cartwright, Phillips, and Rees, John Harris was charged with having his house open for the sale of liquor during prohibited hours. PC James Burns visited the Three Salmons, at Pye Corner, Bassaleg, at half past nine on Sunday morning. Fined 40s. and costs, the conviction not to be recorded on his license. — *South Wales Daily News, 2nd September, 1872* John Hyndman, Tredegar Arms, High Street,; Henry Osborne, King’s Arms, Pillgwenlly; William Ward, Shipwreck Inn, Griffin Street’ William Cheeseman, Steam Packet Inn, Dock Street’ and David Thomas, Lamb and Llanarth Inn, Botany, were summoned for having their houses open for the sale of beer during prohibited hours. They were each fines 10s 6d — John Podesta, Three Horse Shoes, High Street, charged with allowing disorderly conduct in his licensed house, was fined 20s; and Dennis Buckley, Cherry Tree Inn, Club Row, charged with a similar offence, was fined 40s. — *South Wales Daily News, 27th August, 1872* ### Conviction Under the Vaccination Act John Inglis Jones, of Maindee Park, was summoned for not reporting the successful vaccination of his child. John Phelps Williams, registrar and vaccination officer for the Caerleon district, proved that he registered Beatrice Mary Howard Jones, on the 12th December, 1871\. Subsequently he had posted a notice to Mr Jones informing him that he had not complied with the Vaccination Act, and that he must do so. The only reply he received from Mr Jones was to the effect that the matter was in the doctor’s hands. Since these proceedings had been instituted he had received a certificate of successful vaccination. Inasmuch as the Bench considered the omission on the part of the defendant was not intentional, they imposed a minimum fine of 1s. — *South Wales Daily News, 2nd September, 1872* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-14.png) ## What’s On? War time entertainment with free admission for the wounded and depending on the cinema and your ticket you may get a free tea or coffee. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/IMG_1247.jpeg) **— South Wales Argus, Tuesday 12th January, 1915* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/IMG_1248.jpeg) **— South Wales Argus, Tuesday 12th January, 1915* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/IMG_1249.jpeg) **— South Wales Argus, Tuesday 12th January, 1915* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-14.png) ## **Scarlet Fever at Newport** **TO THE EDITOR OF THE “SOUTH WALES ARGUS”** Dear Sir — As a parent living in the Durham Road district, I feel thankful to your correspondent “Durham Road” for drawing attention to the sewer grating at the entrance to the Durham Road Board School. My children attend this school, and I have to thank an Allwise Providence, not the authorities, that they have not taken scarlet fever. To my own knowledge four children of one family attending this school have been inmates of the Alt-yr-yn Fever Hospital. Is it cheaper to maintain and medically attend a child than attend to drains? To say nothing of the risk to the lives of the children. I have heard for months of the stench arising from the drains in the Durham Road district; my only surprise is that the master and teachers of the Durham Road School have not complained of the drains. Another matter I should like to call attention to is the stone pillar left standing in the middle of the pavement on the Caerleon Road, close to the shop of Mr Dent, butcher. Is this a pillar meant as a butt for the blind? or for an unlucky pedestrian to rush into when a night is unusually dark! I enclose my card, and thanking you in anticipation for inserting this letter. I remain yours, &c. **Caerleon Road** Newport, January 19th, 1901. — *South Wales Argus, Friday 11th January, 1901* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-23.jpeg) — **South Wales Argus, Tuesday 12th January 1915* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-14.png) ## Boy Milks 32 Cows > There was a gasp at Newport County Police Court when an attendance officer, giving evidence against a defendant for not sending a child to school, said the boy milked 32 cows every morning before going to school. > > "... With an electric machine," the witness added — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 7th January, 1933* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-20.jpeg) — **South Wales Argus, Monday January 10th, 1910* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-14.png) ## Crowded 'Buses "Scandal" ### Caerleon's Protest to Newport Caerleon Council decided to send a protest to Newport Town Council concerning the over-crowding of Newport Corporation 'buses, which serve Caerleon. Mr G.W. Lovatt said that when he boarded a Caerleon 'bus at its standing place in Newport one night, four persons had to stand. There was an empty stand-by 'bus, and an inspector gave instructions to that vehicle to "go home." At the next stop there were ten people standing and at Durham Road the number of people standing was 24. That, said Mr Lovatt, was only one instance of the overcrowding of Caerleon 'buses. The whole thing was a scandal. — *South Wales Argus, Saturday, 11th January, 1930* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Daddy_Long_Legs.jpg) — **South Wales Argus, Friday, 8th January 1932* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-1.png) ## The Singing Pilgrim Visits Newport ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/IMG_1245.jpeg) Mr Philip Phillips, [the singing pilgrim of America](http://www.public-library.uk/dailyebook/Around%20the%20World%20with%20Philip%20Phillips.pdf?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk), paid a visit to Newport on Tuesday under the auspices of the Sunday School Union. The Victoria Road chape, where the concert was given, was well filled, not less than 1,000 persons being present. Mr Alfred Hill, president of the Union, occupied the chair, and was supported by the leading ministers of most Christian denominations of the town. The audience generally appreciated the sacred songs, which were so effectively rendered by Mr Phillips, although attempts at applause were promptly suppressed. — *South Wales Daily News, 22nd August, 1872* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-21.jpeg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-5.png) ### Why is Trade Bad in Newport? URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/why-is-trade-bad-in-newport/ Last updated: 2025-01-10T16:55:45.000Z **It’s no secret that trade in Newport has been in free fall for some time but who‘s to blame? Ask any Newportian and they say it’s due to out-of-town shops, the lack of free parking, Cardiff‘s influence, the council, Labour, even.** This fascinating letter from the South Wales Argus from the 14th June, 1907 is so familiar to today’s problems. \[Article taken verbatim from the [South Wales Argus, Friday 14th January, 1907](https://www.newspapers.com/image/1143807972/?ref=newportcornucopia.co.uk)\] ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-1.png) **TO THE EDITOR OF THE “SOUTH WALES ARGUS”** Sir, If Newport is to prosper and trade to abound, it is absolutely necessary that the wages earned from week to week in Newport should be spent and re-spent, over and over again — in Newport, as far as possible and practicable. Thousands of pounds of hard-earned wages are spent every Friday and Saturday in such a manner as to hinder the prosperity of Newport rather than to benefit it. Working men, think, wake up! Where and how do you spend their money? Is it spent at the multiple shop with the big Trust company? If so, can you wonder at trade being bad? Every Monday thousands of pounds, taken at the weekend, are banked by these huge trusts and companies, and thus Newport is denuded of money which out to be spend and re-spent in the town. One company advertises they have so many hundreds of branches (more to their shame, I Say), and we will suppose each of these branches does the trade of ten ordinary shops. What does this mean to Newport? — the doing away of nine tradesmen, their wives and families; nine fewer shops to help to pay local rates and taxes; and nine less families to buy clothes, boots, vegetables, ironmongery, and numberless other articles; nine less ships to build, keep in repair, repaint, decorate, etc; nine fewer families to rear up, educate, etc. > …we have our friend and neighbour, Cardiff, exploiting us for her own benefit. All this tells upon the trade of the town more than most people think. Then again, we have our friend and neighbour, Cardiff, exploiting us for her own benefit. A number of companies and traders are drawing large sums of money out of Newport every week by their system of vans. They supply our people with goods, they take way our money, without spending anything in return. They do not take a shop, employ local labour, they do not help to pay our heavy taxes. I don’t think they even buy locally the food their horses eat. In days gone by they would have had to pay the turnpike, but now they get out of this; they wear out our streets, they take away our trade and money, and we get nothing in return. And then we complain that trade is bad, and no money about. Yet one more reference to the company and multiple shop. Competition in reason is good for the community, but is it reasonable and honest for a rich and powerful company to seek to destroy the private trader, and to monopolise the whole of the trade for themselves, by selling foods for less than he himself can but them, as was clearly proved at the large and influential meeting of the Midland Federations of Grocers in Birmingham a week ago, when it was clearly proved certain companies were retailing sugar at 6s a bag less than they could buy it. In my conclusion, my advice is spend you money where it will be spent again locally, as far as possible. Thanks are due to our old-established manufacturers, in that they have fixed the prices of hundreds of articles to stop the ruinous tactics of the multiple shop, so that they cannot sell below a certain price or undercut the private trader. Yours respectfully LIVE AND LET LIVE ### Volume 1, Number 4 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-4/ Last updated: 2025-01-24T15:45:54.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original. If you want to have each issue delivered to your inbox, why not subscribe for free. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-1.png) ## Twelfth Night Festivities at Tredegar Park ### Fancy Dress Ball The truly noble method of commemorating the great festive season of the year at the old baronial mansion known as Tredegar Park has become a matter of note. These festivities are usually brought to a close on Twelfth night by a grand fancy dress ball, at which are assembled the leading families of Monmouthshire and the adjoining counties. The Twelfth night ball of 1870 has never been excelled. The dining hall was elegantly laid out with the richest and prepared under the superintendence of of Mr Howells, professional cook, London. In addition to a magnificent cake, splendidly adorned, which was, so to speak, the centre of attraction, there were other noticeable features in the decorations and display. The silver cups, pieces of plate, and other prizes won by his lordship at exhibitions of cattle and horses, were tastefully exhibited. There was on the present occasion, as is usual, a large party of visitors in the house. The invited guests commenced to arrive shortly before ten, and continued to do so until twelve o'clock. The following is a list of the company present, together with the dresses worn. *Looking at the list of costumes, I’m* curious *to know how a Californian would have dressed in 1870.* #### Click to view Guests - Right Hon. Lord Tredegar (Herefordshire Hunt Club) - Lady Tredegar (Court dress, 1760) - Hon. Godfrey Morgan, MP (Cup bearer) - Hon. Colonel F Morgan (Pero Gomez) - Hon. Arthur Morgan (Louis Quatorze) - Hon. George Morgan (Italian wandering piper) - Viscount Hereford (Herefordshire Hunt Club) - Viscountess Hereford (Pierrette) - Admiral Sir Rodney Mundy (Evening Dress) - General Mundy (Calpy Hunt Club) - Colonel Lindsay (Bashi Bazouk) - Hon Mrs Lindsay (Queen Phillippe) - Countess Mar (Mary, Queen of Scots) - Mr O. Morgan, MP (Mon. Hunt Club) - Lady Rodney (Full Dress) - Mr Eykyn, MP (Royal Windsor True Blues) - Hon. Mrs Eykyn (Hell Fire — this dress being considered and spoken of as the most handsomest in the room) - Miss Thomas Frost - Miss Hamilton (Britannia) - Miss Tyler (Morning) - Mrs Baskerville (Spanish lady) - Master Morgan Lindsay (King of Oude) - Master Claude Lindsay (Midshipman) - Master Lionel Lindsay (Noodle) - Master David Lindsay (Clown) - Master Water Lindsay - Hon. Robert Devereux (Rob Roy) - Hon. Muriel Devereux (Cherry Ripe) - Mr F Justice (Chinese Mandarin) - Mr H.J. Davis (Robinson Crusoe) - Miss Davis (Neopolitan Peasant) - Miss Hawkins (French Peasant) - Rev. Samuel Fox (Evening dress) - Mrs Fox (Evening costume) - Mr J Laybourne (Spanish lady) - Mr R Laybourne (Evening dress) - Mrs Laybourne (Evening dress) - Mr J.D. Pain (Captain Macheath) - Mrs Pain (Lady of the Court of Louis XIV) - Miss Pain (Spring) - Mr Pope (Full dress) - Mrs Pope (Evening dress) - Mr G.H. Banks (Duke of Milan) - Mrs Banks (Miranda) - Rev. Augustus Morgan (Evening dress) - Mr D Morris (Evening dress) - Mrs Morris (Starlight) - Mr R Stratton (Arab) - Mrs Stratton (Great grandmother) - Mr Blyth (Californian) - Mrs Blyth (Queen of Roses) - Mr Woodruff (Full dress) - Miss Woodruf (Court dress, Temp. Louis XV) - Mrs Woodruff (Evening costume) - Miss J Woodruff (Snowdrift) - Mr S Homfray (Full dress) - Major Phillips (Uniform 6th Regt.) - Mrs Phillips and Mrs Bedford Edwards (Town and Country) - Dr Budd, Clifton (Evening dress) - Mrs Budd, Clifton (Evening dress) - Miss Budd (Lady, Temp. Geo. III) - Miss Alice Budd (Flower girl) - Miss Kate Budd (Tyrolese Peasant) - Mr E Prothero (Spanish costume) - Mr C Prothero (Monmouthshire Hunt Club) - Mr T Brewer (J.C.C.) - Mrs Brewer (Summer) - Mrs Gilbert (Flora Macdonald) - Capt. Pearson (Hungarian Bolochard) - Mrs Pearson (Frost) - Mr Jno. James (Evening dress) - Mr W Lane (Evening dress) - Mrs Lane (Evening dress) - Mr Holford (Evening dress) - Mr Whitehouse (Court dress) - Mrs Whitehouse (temp. Louis XIV) - Mr L.A. Homfray (Monmouthshire Hunt Club) - Mrs L.A. Homfray (Poudre) - Rev C.S. Edwards (Evening dress) - Mrs Edwards (Evening dress) - Rev W Jenkins (Evening dress) - Mrs Jenkins (Evening dress) - Mr B Williams (1st Oxford Volunteers) - Mrs Price, Woolcott Park (Old English Lady) - Mr S Venon (Full dress) - Mrs Vernon (Full dress) - Miss Vernon (Summer) - Miss Brown (La Violette) - Mr A Basset (Evening dress) - Miss Justice (Costume of 17th century) - Miss E Justice (Costume of 15th century) - Mr F.J. Mitchell (Evening dress) - Mrs Mitchell (Evening dress) - Mr W. Long (Evening dress) - Mr J Long (Evening dress) - Mr Charles Homfray (Shylock) - Mr A Williams (Zouave) - Mrs Williams (Autumn) - Mr R.F. Wolletta (Coldstream uniform, temp. Charles II) - Col. Elkington (Uniform 6th Royals) - Mrs Elkington (Vivandiere) - Mr Luard (Evening dress) - Mrs Louard (Full dress) - Mr Roweth (Uniform 6th Royals) - Mrs Roweth (Poudre) - Capt. Tuart (Uniform 6th Royals) - Mr Hewson (Uniform 6th Royals) - Major Fielding (Uniform 6th Royals) - Mr R.W. Selby Lounds (Uniform 6th Royals) - Mr Gratrex (Evening dress) - Miss Gratrex (Evening dress) - Mr Nugent (Uniform 6th Royals) - Rev Mr Bold (Full dress) - Mrs Bold (Fancy dress) - Major M'Donnell (Monmouthshire Hunt Club) - Mrs M'Donnell (Crepuscule) - Mr Grant, 6th Royals (Highland Chief) - Mr Gibbs (Uniform 6th Royals) - Mr C.H. Williams (Monmouthshire Hunt Club) - Mr Roper Tyler (Full dress) - Mr Crawshay, Dean Hall (Monmouthshire Hunt Club) - Rev A.C. Sanders (Full dress) - Mrs Sanders (Evening dress) - Capt. Brett, R.N. (Evening dress) - Mrs Brett (Evening dress) - Mr G Harrison (Rouge et Noire) - Mr Lilburn Roshier (Cavalier temp. Charles I) - Mrs Wickey Homfray (temp. Louis XIV) - Mr Denby Croft Murray (Uniform 6th Royals) - Mr Doyne (Uniform 6th Royals) - Captain Hayworth (Uniform 6th Royals) - Mr T.P. Banks (Uniform Captain 19th Mon R.V.) - Miss Williams (Spanish lady) - Miss Sisson (Shepherdess temp. Louis XIV) - Mr Collindon (Evening dress) - Mr G.C. Williams (Monmouthshire Hunt Club) - Mr Booker, Valindre (Monmouthshire Hunt Club) - Mrs Booker (French Lady temp, Francis I) - Miss Lindsay (Winter) The company began to disperse shortly after two a.m. Messrs. Jacobs and Pollock's string band, whose reputation as skilled musicians the public in this district well know, performed on the occasion a varied and select programme. — *Western Mail, Saturday 8th January, 1870* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-1.png) ## Tredegar Park Races The races held in connection with the Christmas festivities at Tredegar House took place in the Park yesterday, when there was a large attendance of ladies and gentleman from Tredegar House, as well as an exceedingly numerous company from Newport, and the neighbourhood. The weather was anything but favourable at the commencement, but, as the day advanced, rain poured in torrents, until at length many of the spectators were driven off the ground. Considerable improvement was made this year in the arrangements, and, in addition to a grandstand, there was a marquee erected underneath which refreshments were spread for the accommodation of Lord Tredegar’s party. The following is the result of the racing: ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-9.jpeg) — *Western Mail, Saturday 8th January, 1870* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-12.jpeg) — **South Wales Argus, Monday 9th October, 1899* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-1.png) ## Local Telephonic Communication *An article describing the slightly complicated method of telephoning people in different locations and on different ‘networks’ — Post Office and National Telephone Company. Calls were charged per 3 minutes with the amount based on where you are calling.* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-11.jpeg) — *South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday 4th January, 1896* *Later the same year the charges were being discussed with a proposal to charge a rental fee for use of the trunk lines between Newport and Cardiff rather than charging every 3 minutes.* ### **Telephone Charges** The secretary reported that he had forwarded the letter drafted by the President and committee asking the postal authorities to permit the use of the telephone trunk lines between Newport and Cardiff to firms on payment of a fixed amount of rental instead of paying for every three minutes’ conversation. The authorities had replied stating that the system of charging for each trunk call had been adopted after careful consideration by the Government, as calculated to be more advantageous in the interest of the public generally, and the could not \[…\] to the application. Mr Chaloner Evan’s said he understood that Newcastle and Sunderland were treated as one town, and if that were so, why not Newport and Cardiff? Mr Martin also stated that Barry and Cardiff were so treated, and the secretary was directed to enquire if that were so in order that the application of the Chamber might be strengthened. — *South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday 1st August, 1896* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-14.jpeg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-13.jpeg) — **South Wales Argus, Tuesday 5th January, 1904* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-15.jpeg) — **South Wales Argus, Tuesday 5th January, 1904* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-18.jpeg) — **South Wales Argus, Friday 14th February, 1896* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-17.jpeg) — *South Wales Argus, Wednesday, 13th January, 1904* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-16.jpeg) ### **On the Wrong Path** Lad named Yelverton Hazell, of 28 Victoria Crescent, was charged with stealing 41 rabbit skins and four hare skins from the premises of Messrs. Fennel, but upon the request of a representative from the firm asking that the case should be allowed to be withdrawn because of his youth and the respectability of his parents, the Bench granted the request and cautioned the lad as to his future, while “to impress it upon his mind” the Clerk advised the parents to give him a thrashing. — *South Wales Argus, Monday, 18th January, 1904* ### Half-A-Dozen of One, Etc. Elizabeth Flynn, of New Ruperra Street, was summoned for assaulting Mary Fitzgerald, but the Bench, holding that prosecutor is was a bad as the defendant, bound both over. — *South Wales Argus, Monday, 18th January, 1904* ### **Begging at Newport** Jew, names Hartog Arons, was charged at Newport with begging and refusing to leave the shop of Mr H Phillips, 164 Dock Street. Mr Phillips (who is president of the Newport Jewish Board of Guardians) said that the prisoner came to him and asked for relief. The prisoner was abusive, causing a crowd to assemble, and was ordered to leave. He had been relieved before and had received several pounds. The man also conducted himself insolently at witness’ mother’s house. Councillor Abrahamson (president of the Newport Jewish Congregation) also gave evidence. He said it was the custom to give relief to Jews; but he could not say anything in favour of the prisoner. Replying to questions, the prisoner said he had worked in Cardiff and Bristol. The man was cautioned and then discharged. — *South Wales Argus, Wednesday 13th January, 1904* ### **That Gentleman There** The most interesting point about a charge of assault brought by Richard Phillips against George Swanton, of 2 Courtybella Street, and Charles Liston, of 2 Constables Lane, was the manner in which all the witnesses referred to the other as “that gentleman there.” One of the “gentleman”, however, was less polite when he described a “lady” as a “ginger-headed gal”. **Defendants were fined 21s or a month.** — *South Wales Argus, Monday, 18th January, 1904* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/CocaWine.jpg) — **South Wales Argus, Saturday 1st August, 1896* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-1.png) ## **Newport Castle** **TO THE EDITOR OF THE “SOUTH WALES ARGUS”** Dear sir,—It is pretty generally known that Lord Tredegar acquired by purchase some time since the old Newport Castle, and it is, I believe, his intention to thoroughly renovate it. I think I am correct in saying the tower next to Newport Bridge belongs to the Corporation. Would it not be a graceful act on their part if they were to present it to his lordship in order that he may have a free hand. It would be a little return for his many acts of kindness to Newport, and could not fail to please him, while it is evident that, roofless, and left to itself, it will soon be ruined for ever. Yours faithfully **WALTER J. DIX, Newport, January 23rd.** — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 24th January, 1903* *Not everyone agreed with Mr Dix.* **TO THE EDITOR OF THE “SOUTH WALES ARGUS”** Sir,—I noted a letter in the South Wales Argus on Saturday suggesting that would be graceful act if the Newport Corporation would hand over to Lord Tredegar the tower of Newport Castle which belongs to the town; in “return for his many acts of kindness to Newport.” I would go a step further, and suggest that every individual who has a little bit of freehold in Newport, and a house then upon, should hand it over to Lord Tredegar—so that he might have it all. It “could not fail to please him” and he has so much money that probably he would be better able to undertake repairs than the present owners. Yours, etc. **X.Y.Z., Newport, Jan 26th** *— South Wales Argus, Monday, 26th January, 1903* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/IMG_1243.jpeg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/IMG_1242.jpeg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/IMG_1241.jpeg) **— South Wales Argus, Monday 5th January, 1903* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-5.png) ### Volume 1, Number 3 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-3/ Last updated: 2025-01-24T15:45:48.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original. If you want to have each issue delivered to your inbox, why not subscribe for free. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-1.png) ### **Lady Tredegar’s Blankets** While the rich are partaking of the wonted and well-known hospitality of the noble Baron of Tredegar, it is pleasing to know that the poor are not forgotten, or their wants disregarded. At the commencement of winter, Lady Tredegar, with her usual consideration and kindness, distributed her annual donation of blankets, with other articles of warm clothing, among some two hundred poor people of Bassalleg and the adjoining parishes; and on Christmas Eve the children of Bassalleg School, 120 in number, were entertained, to their great delight, at Tredegar Park, by Lady Tredegar in person, with abundance of cake and tea, her ladyship having on the previous day attended their examination at school, and rewarded the most proficient and deserving with suitable presents of well-selected books. *— Western Mail, Saturday 1st June, 1870* ## **New Year’s Day Food Donations** ### **Worthy Example** It is with great pleasure that we record an act of seasonable benevolence on the part of our respected townsman, Mr Windsor Gibbon, of the Union Hotel, Dock Street. On New Year’s Day he gratuitously supplied with soup and bread between 200 and 300 poor men, who warmly expressed their gratitude to their kind and generous entertainer. — *Western Mail, Monday 3rd January, 1870* ### **Another Worthy Example** Mr J. S. Stone, of the Agricultural Implement Works, Dock Street, presented each of his numerous workmen with an order for a supply of good roast beef on New Year’s Day. — *Western Mail, Tuesday 4th January, 1870* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-1.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-1.jpeg) **— South Wales Argus, Saturday, 1st February, 1896* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-4.png) ### **Relighting Trinity Church, Pillgwenlly** For some time past the occupants of some portions of Trinity Church have complained of the defective lighting, and the almost semi-darkness to which they were subjected. Now, however, the arrangements for lightning have been altered, and rows of standard lights are placed in each of the aisles. The improvement is much appreciated, and adds much to the comfort of the worshippers. — *Western Mail, Saturday 15th January, 1870* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-4.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/PoliceIntelligencer-3.jpg) ### **Stealing a Cask of Beer** Thomas Owen was charged, at the instance of Fanny Knight, a woman of ill-fame, with stealing a small cask of beer from her back premises in Marshes Road. P.C. Gadd proved bathing found the prisoner sitting in the soft mud of the river Usk with the cask. It appeared that the prisoner had a glass in his hand, and having by some accident upset a glass of beer, he commenced to swear, which attracted the officer’s attention to the spot. It was four o’clock in the morning and dark. Asked the man to bring up the cask, when he made an effort to do so, and fell on his back in the mud, with the cask on the top of him. Went to his assistance, or the man never would have got up. Eventually took him into custody. Had it been spring tides he would have been drowned. There appeared to be something very singular in the manner in which prisoner had acted. The officer considered him the worse for liquor—in fact quite drunk and in a fearful mess. The superintendent observed that it was the other fellows who had been seen at the back of the premises, but who could not be identified, who had committed the robbery and made a dupe of the prisoner, who was a Welshman from Montgomery, and understood English (but imperfectly). Mr Keswick said there was no evidence to show that the man had gone to the house at all, and it further appeared that the woman kept a brothel. It was a charge which the bench could not, strictly speaking, deal with. He was a perfect stranger and had no witnesses to call. He had come into the town from Builth to look for work, and had met with some men, who induced him to go to a house to drink. He was never at the house from which this cask had been stolen. **The Bench said they had no alternative but to commit him to take trial at the next session. They hoped some information would be obtained of the matter.** — *Western Mail, Thursday, 20th January, 1870* ### **Drunk in the Cellar** John Wheeler, a lodger at the Beehive, was charged by the landlord with being in the cellar with a felonious intent. The complainant said he found the prisoner among the beer casks, drunk and fumbling about in a very happy state, last Saturday morning; he having no business there. Prisoner said something about thirsty, from taking a drop too much overnight; so he wanted a cooling drop more in the morning. **Discharged** *— Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday, 12th January, 1850* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-2.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image.jpeg) **— South Wales Argus, Saturday, 27th February, 1909* ## **New Church on Gold Tops** Two articles in the same edition of the Western Mail announcing the building of a new St Mark’s church, Gold Tops to replace the old one. ### **A New Church** It is rumoured that a new church is to be erected on the Gold Tops, at Newport, and that the site determined on is the remaining space between the villas now forming a line on the brow of the hill. The accommodation at St Mark’s church is totally inadequate for the worshippers attending there, and this has given rise to the contemplated erection of a new and more commodious edifice. ### **The New Church** It is gratifying to announce that Lord Tredegar, with his characteristic generosity, has given a site on the Gold Tops sufficient for the erection of a church and parsonage house. The projected building is to be sufficiently commodious to seat 800 persons, and 500 of those sittings are to be free. already there are a number of navvies employed to make and improve the roadways leading to the spot selected. — *Western Mail, Saturday 1st January, 1870* **And on a related note…** ### **St Mark’s Monthly Magazine** Although it was rumoured that this interesting serial was to cease at the end of the year, we are pleased to find that it is being continued, and renewed efforts are being made to make the publication even more interesting and attractive to its readers. If the current number be a specimen of its general character, we shall be disappointed if it does not attain a large sale. It is especially worthy the perusal of all true lovers of the Established Church. — *Western Mail, Saturday 15th January, 1870* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-2.png) > That in the opinion of this Council the time has arrived that a free library and reading room should instituted in this town. *— Mayor of Newport, Western Mail, Thursday 6th January, 1870* **The Western Mail had a follow up to the above quote in their 22nd January edition.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-11.png) **— Western Mail, Saturday 22nd January, 1870* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-2.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-2.jpeg) **— South Wales Argus, Friday, 14th February, 1896* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-2.png) ## Announcement of the new Kardomah Café ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-3.jpeg) **— South Wales Argus, Monday 3rd October, 1898* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-2.png) ## **Newport Fire Brigade and the ‘Greater Newport’ Area** Our report of the deliberations of the Newport Town Council meeting contained an item to which but passing reference was made, but which is of great importance to the outlying districts, sometimes called “Greater Newport”. These suburban districts, which are not directly under the government of the Town Council, while they enjoy the blessings of lower rates frequently suffer inconveniences to which the more heavily-rated inhabitants of the borough are strangers. Apart from the advantages of better drainage, scavenging, water supply, and street lighting, these little communities are often heavily handicapped by having no fire extinguishing apparatus, and the want of the adequate provision in case of fire constitutes a constant menace. It is true that power has been given to them to provide such apparatus by former Acts of Parliament, but very few of these rural parishes have availed themselves of such permission, the initial cost being great than the majority of them will face. This state of things can now be relegated to the past if these parishes desire to avail themselves of a recent Act of Parliament. By the Parish Fire Engines Act, 1898, parish councils and parish meetings are empowered to enter into an arrangement with an adjoining council for use of its fire brigade and appliances. We presume that this arrangement means the contribution of a certain sum per annum, and we learn that the Christchurch Parish Council have approached the Newport Town Council with a view to entering into such an arrangement as contemplated by the Act. This comes opportunely, as by a recent decision of the Town Council, the use of the Newport Fire Brigade was ordered to be confined to the borough exclusively. We cannot but see that such an arrangement would be materially advantageous to the two districts. For a small annual sum, the rural parishes of Christchurch would have the use of a brigade and appliances of far greater efficiency than they could hope to get with the means at their disposal while the Fire Brigade would be the recipient of an annual subscription commensurate with the facilities and service. It will be a matter for surprise if either adjacent parishes do not seek to join in a scheme which presents so many obvious advantages. *— South Wales Argus, Thursday 13th October, 1898* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-2.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/IMG_1234.jpeg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/IMG_1233.jpeg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/IMG_1232.jpeg) **— South Wales Argus, 1898, 1907 and 1898* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-5.png) ### Volume 1, Number 2 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-2/ Last updated: 2025-01-24T15:45:42.000Z Welcome to another issue of The Newport Cornucopia where we dig through the newspapers archives for interesting news articles and adverts. All articles are posted verbatim and most headlines are original. If you want to have each issue delivered to your inbox, why not subscribe for free. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-6.png) ## **Smiles Were Plentiful** Smiles were so plentiful in Dock Street, Newport, on Friday, that they were being given away. By next week it is calculated that every man in the shipping and coal offices will have taken three inches off the length of his face, and added it to the breadth. *— South Wales Argus, Saturday 3rd September, 1898* ## The Orange Peel Nuisance So many accidents occur every orange season, from persons carelessly throwing the peel on pavements, that offenders really ought to be punished, whether their carelessness occasions hurt or not. — *Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday, 12th January, 1850* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-6.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-4.jpeg) **— South Wales Argus, Tuesday, 4th May, 1897* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-6.png) ### **Fifty-Mile Road Race at Newport** The 50-mile road race in connection with the Newport Safety CC was brought off last week. The following were the starters:- F Dyer, scratch; Oscar Davies, received 10 minutes; G Parker and J R Jacob, 15 minutes; L L Harries and H Clark, 17 minutes start. The start was made at five o’clock from the second milestone on Caerleon Road, and the route taken was through Caerleon, Usk and Raglan (lower road) to Monmouth, turning at the Cross and returning by the same road. Good mdeals were offered to competitions covering the distances in 2 hours 30 minutes, and four prizes were also offered. Davies was the first to pass the mark at 7.43, having covered the distance in 2 hours 35 minutes, being five minutes over the limit for the gold medal. Jacob was in at 7.49, having occupied 2hrs 46min; Clark was third at 7.55, his time being 2hrs, 54min. Dyer, the scratch man, was disappointed by his pace-makers, and practically gave up the contest. He arrived at 85, having accomplished the journey in 2hrs 47min. Harris gave up and Parker met with an accident. Mr W C Beale, ex-captain of the club, took the times, and Mr H S Richard’s, captain, acted as starter. Several well-known Newport and Cardiff riders assisted the competitors as pace-makers. — *South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday 1st August, 1896* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-6.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-7.jpeg) ### **Incorrigible Girls** Frances Jones, of Cwmbran, and Annie James, of Cardiff, were charged with sleeping under a hay mow, in a field near the canal side, were **each sentenced to a month’s imprisonment.** *— South Wales Argus, Monday 3rd October, 1898* ### **Charge of Attempting to Commit Suicide** At the borough police court yesterday, before Messrs T. Beynon (Mayor) and W. Williams, comes Llewllelin Jones of Hill Street, was charged with attempting to commit suicide by hanging himself to a lamp-post at three o’clock on the morning of Wednesday. Police constable Morgan stated that he saw prisoner in Commercial street taking off his two coats and hat, which he placed on the pavement. He then climbed up the lamp-post, and tied a handkerchief and a cord to the arm of the lamp-post, by which it appeared he intended to hang himself. He spoke to prisoner, when he asked to be allowed to go to the bridge to drown himself, and seemed altogether in a very strange way. The father was present, and stated that his son was in the habit of staying out late at night and he had cautioned him to be in not later than eleven o’clock. His son disobeyed his order, and cam knocking at the door at one o’clock, when he refused him admission, after which it appeared he had gone to the bottom of HIll Street, and attempted, according to the officer’s statement, to commit this rash act. For himself, he did not consider that his son really intended to commit suicide at all, but thought it was only a display of temper. **The Bench remanded the case until Friday.** *— The Western Mail, Thursday 20th January, 1870* **According a report on 22nd January, 1870, in the same newspaper, the person was discharged with a caution.** ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-9.png) **— Western Mail, Saturday, 22nd January, 1870* ### **Pirated Music** Marks Adler, a young Jew, living at 76 Commercial Street, was charged at Newport with having in his possession, 843 pirated copies of copyrighted musical works. PC Hiles have evidence as to seizing the pirated music, which was produced. Mr G Hollingsworth, agent for the owners of the copyright, was also called. He said that cases of this sort gave a great deal of trouble, and men had to be kept all over the country looking for it. Defendant pleaded that he had given up dealing in the music, and now he was engaged in the sale of incandescent lights. The Bench ordered payment of the costs (21s), the music to be forfeited. Defendant said he had no money. — *South Wales Argus, Wednesday 13th January, 1904* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-10.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-5.jpeg) **— South Wales Argus, Monday, 9th October, 1899* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-6.png) ## **Lighting Scheme Proposed for Caerleon** Rev D B Jones proposed a motion adopting a new scheme of lighting the town, the object being to have the public lamps lighted every night during **the lighting season**. The extra cost he said had been arranged with the gas company and would be £18 a year. Mr Taylor seconded and the motion was carried. — *South Wales Argus, Wednesday 5th May, 1897* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-6.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-8.jpeg) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-6.png) ## **New Branch Post-Office at Newport** A new post-office, at which money order and savings bank as well as the ordinary postal businesses will be transacted, was on Wednesday opened at Watchhouse Parade, and letters posted there will fall into the following collections, *viz*: Weekdays, 8.15 and 11.30am, 1.50, 4.40, 5.40, 8.45 and 11.30pm; Sundays, 7.50 and 11.30pm. — *South Wales Argus, Saturday 4th April, 1896* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-6.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-6.jpeg) **— South Wales Argus, Saturday 1st February, 1896* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-7.png) ### Volume 1, Number 1 URL: https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/volume-1-number-1/ Last updated: 2025-01-24T15:45:31.000Z Welcome to a new weekly newsletter featuring a whole cornucopia of interesting, strange, and quirky things about Newport’s past. Using archives of newspapers such as the South Wales Argus, South Wales Weekly Argus, the Western Mail and The Cardiff Times, the newsletter will uncover a range of articles, adverts, facts, council meetings and interesting and funny crimes. ## Sign up for The Newport Cornucopia Uncovering Newport's interesting past. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/divider.png) ## Man Tries to Light a Cabbage Leaf The sudden heat we have experienced during the last couple of days is being held responsible for a lot of queer actions. The other evening a belated cyclist was seen on the Cardiff Road vainly endeavouring to light his pipe. He had managed to climb a lamp-post and was poking something against the gas jet, but this something absolutely refused to coney a light from the gas to the bowl of fragrant. A friend of mine, after being an interested observer of the performance for some minutes, approached and offered the cyclist a match, and to his great surprise and amusement, found that the wheelman had been trying to ignite a cabbage leaf. And he put it all down to the sun. *— Source: South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday, 2nd June, 1894* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/divider-1.png) ## The Idlers in the Reading Room Among the visitor’s reports was one from Mr W.N. Johns with regard to the Dock Street reading room. Many persons appeared to use it as a place in which to kill time. He suggested that additional stands for newspapers should be provided, and that the titles of the existing stands be revised. He further urged the desirability of a change of the objects in the Museum lent but he South Kensington Museum. With regard to the idlers in the reading room, it was felt that nothing could be done, though it was mentioned that some men appeared to come there “to sleep it off,” but the question of the newspaper stands was referred to the chairman and Mr. Johns to deal with. — *Source: South Wales Argus, Wednesday, 7th June, 1893* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/divider-2.png) ![](https://graceful-quetzal.pikapod.net/content/images/2024/12/image.jpeg) South Wales Argus, 3rd January, 1984 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/divider-3.png) ## Foot Race on Marshes Road An exciting foot race between Captain F. O’Donaghue and a well-known character named John Bull, for £20 a side, came off on the Marshes Road on Monday afternoon. The captain, who it will be remembered played with the Monmouthshire twenty-two against the “eleven” at the great cricket match, in September last, cam over from Bristol expressly for this match with the Newport pedestrian, and, if he deems it an honour, he returns victorious. The race was over a distance of 150 yards, and was won easily by O’Donaghue. John Bull, or as he is better known, Bully, is a character frequently figuring in the unenviable positions, and is well, but not favourably, known to the police. We imagine the gallant captain must have felt highly honoured in having been allowed to enter the lists with so distinguished a competitor. — *Source: The Cardiff Times, Saturday, 27th November, 1858* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/divider-4.png) ![](https://graceful-quetzal.pikapod.net/content/images/2024/12/image-1.jpeg) South Wales Weekly Argus, Saturday, 17th June, 1893 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/divider-5.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/Classifieds.jpg) ### Servants Wanted ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2024/12/image-1.png) South Wales Argus, Tuesday, 2nd August, 1892 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2024/12/image-2.png) South Wales Argus, Tuesday, 2nd August, 1892 ### Willing Lad Wanted ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2024/12/image-5.png) South Wales Argus, Wednesday, 5th May, 1897 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/divider-6.png) ### The Court of his Majesty's Justices of Sewers ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2024/12/image-3.png) Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday, 23rd May, 1829 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/divider-7.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/PoliceIntelligencer-3.jpg) ## Stealing an Umbrella James Boyle, was charged with stealing an umbrella, value 2s. 6d., the property of Edward Jenkins, landlord of the Victory beer house, King’s Parade. ***Committed for 14 days with hard labour.*** — *Source: The Cardiff Times, Saturday, 12th February, 1859* ### A Pugilistic Bark Woman Ellen Parry, a woman who works at the bark yards, was summoned at the instance of Dennis Leary for an assault. It appeared that on the 6th of June last, the defendant in company with some fifteen other bark women entered the beer house kept by the complainant, when he attempted to put her out, and in doing so got roughly handled and kicked about he shins. The affair appeared to have originated in a fight between complainant and a man whom he kicked while on the ground, and that the defendant interfered to prevent his kicking him. Case dismissed with costs. *— Source: The Cardiff Times, Saturday 27th November, 1858* ### Sheep Stealing Stephen Tooze was charged with stealing a sheep, the property of Mr. Rennie, on the 15th instant. James Frederick, bailiff to the prosecutor, said on the 14th instant he counted a flock of 29 sheep in a field near the barracks, and on the following day lie missed one (an ewe). On making a search he found a skin by the hedge, which he identified. It had been taken off in a clumsy manner there were portions of fat adhering to it, and the held was attached. It was worth about 24s. Had no doubt that the skin belonged to a sheep the property of the prosecutor. Superintendent Huxtable said from information received he apprehended the prisoner at his residence in Dolphin-street. He directed Inspector Williams and Curtis, the detective, to search the house. In a pan they found several pieces of mutton cut up and salted. They also found part of a shoulder cooked, and other portions of a sheep. The whole of the meat found was in a mangled condition, as if torn asunder while hot. In a flour bag in the room a quantity of mutton suet was found, and in another part a handkerchief, which had the appearance of having been used to carry the mutton in. The boots produced were in the room. There were seven rows of nails in each. Handed them over to Sergeant Beswick. Two dogs were also found in the room. Charged the prisoner with stealing a sheep near the barracks, and he replied "I did not steal it." Witness said "perhaps you'll tell me who you bought it of." The answer was "I neither stole nor bought it." Had seen the pieces of meat put together and fitted to the skin, and believed that the meat found in the prisoner's room once belonged to that skin. The detective corroborated his chief, and two butchers gave it as their strong conviction that the pieces of mutton had once been enclosed by the skin. Sergeant Beswick had tracked two men and a dog from the field where the sheep was stolen, and found boot marks exactly corresponding with the prisoner's boots. The prisoner was committed for trial at the next sessions. The Bench complimented Mr. Huxtable and the other officers for their activity. *— Source: The Cardiff Times, Saturday 30th October, 1858* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/divider-10.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2024/12/image-4.png) South Wales Argus, Tuesday, 4th May, 1897 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/divider-11.png) ### Gas Cooking Exhibition Under the auspices of the Newport Gas Company and Messrs John Wright and Co. of Birmingham and London, an exhibition of gas stoves, lamps &c, was opened at the Tredegar Hall, Newport, on Tuesday afternoon \[4th May, 1897\] by the Mayor. His Worship was accompanied on the platform by Dr Garrod Thomas, Mr T Canning and Mr T H Hazell. In his opening remarks, the MAYOR said that when Mr Canning invited him to take part in the opening of the exhibition he was very pleased to consent, because he had tried gas cooking in his home, and he thought he was a very good example of what gas cooking could do for humanity (Laughter). Those who took up the use of gas stoves would he was certain, become convinced of their superiority over coal fires. There was a great future before gas, and he was sure the Newport Gas Co would be able to cater for the needs of all who resorted to the use of gas stoves, &c, in their homes. Those who were at present using gas stoves were well satisfied with them, and were not likely to ever to the old and more expensive order of thing. (Applause) Dr Garrod Thomas, in proposing a vote of thanks to the Mayor for opening the exhibition, said they were so accustomed to the great advance of science that they ceased to be surprised at the startling results achieved by gas in its various branches. Economy was more efficiently practised by the use of gas for cooking purposes than by the ordinary coal fires, and it was to the advantage of the nation to have the consumption of gas increased in a town as much as possible. (Applause) Mr T Canning, in seconding the resolution, said the popularity of cooking by gas was on the increase. The proposition was carried with acclamation and the Mayor briefly replied. Miss S Thwaites, first-class diplomer (sic) of the Liverpool School of Cookery, followed with a demonstration of cookery with the aid of a gas stove. These demonstrations will be given every afternoon at three o’clock and every evening at 7:30 during the time the exhibition is open. The exhibition includes a large number of gas stoves of all sizes. **Special attention is directed to the new asbestos condensing stove, which does not require any flue.** The cost of using the stoves range from the very low charge of 1s 6d per quarter, while for fixing a uniform charge of 5s is made. No fewer than 150,000 of Messrs Wright’s Eureka stoves are in use daily. The Newport Gas Co have an attractive display of lamps, &c. These include a new departure in hall lamps, new designs in pendants, and a new feature in globes. There is also a display of new fittings, lamp shades, &c, &c, together with penny-in-the-slot and shilling-in-the-slot meters. These were added to today by a prepared meter with glass front and sides showing the working of the apparatus. Ladies will find much to interest them in the exhibition and will also learn many useful hints by attending Miss Thwaites’ cookery lectures. —*Source: South Wales Argus, Wednesday, 5th May, 1897* A similar exhibition took place the previous year. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2024/12/image-6.png) South Wales Argus, Wednesday, 10th June, 1896 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/divider-12.png) ### **Near a Chapel: An Amusing Applicant** John Bohannah Yendoll, licensed victualler Llanhilleth Hotel, Llanhilleth, applied for a license to sell by retail all intoxicating liquors, to be consumed on or off the premises at 45 Malpas Road (now unlicensed) \[location of present day Crindau Constitutional Club\]. Alternative applications were for a license to sell by retail beer, cider, and perry “on” or “off”, or for an “off license”. — Mr Daniel (instructed by Mr J Moxon), in making the application, observed that practically the whole of the increase in the population during the last three or four years had taken place in front of Mr Yendell’s premises. If the application was granted it would give accommodation to the people living in the Crindau and Barrack Hill districts. The premises were in every way suitable for a full-licensed house, and if the license was granted it would be a great convenience to the men at the works. — Applicant said if the license was granted the license of the Flag and Castle, Castle Street, would be surrendered. He had agreed with Messrs. Roger’s, Limited, brewers, of Bristol, to purchase the house, if the certificate was given. ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image-8.png) Location of the property in the article. **Mr Corner**: Is the chapel next door? **Witness**: There is a garden between it. (Laughter) **—** Is there a Sunday school there? **—** I have not been in it. (Laughter) **—** Do you know there is a church opposite? **—** I remember the old farmhouse on the hill. (Renewed laughter). **Colonel Lyne**: How much are you going to give for the house? **—** £3,500 if the license is granted. **—** If there is no license what will the property be worth? **—** From £1,800 to £2,000 **—** Mr F R Bates, architect, said he had designed and superintended the erection of 200 houses in the neighbourhood. There had been between 20 and 30 applications for building plots near the house. **—** **By Mr Corner**: He considered on fully licensed house necessary to the needs of the district. **—** Mr Linton, architect (Linton and Barker) said the house was built for a public house. **All applications refused.** **—** *Source: South Wales Argus, Saturday, 3rd September, 1898* ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/divider-14.png) ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/image.png) Monmouthshire Merlin, Saturday, 12th January, 1850 ![](https://www.newportcornucopia.co.uk/content/images/2025/01/divider-end.png)