The Rolling Mill Inn – Blaina

The Rolling Mill Inn – Blaina.
The Rolling Mill Inn (as seen in the main featured image above) was situated on High Street, Blaina opposite the junction with Cwmcelyn Road.

An Early Lease.
On Friday 18th of June 1965, the South Wales Gazette reported on the closure of the Rolling Mill at Blaina and stated that the premises were nearly two-hundred years old. This statement cannot be substantiated at this time although the earliest date that can be verified was mentioned in a sales sheet of March 1911 when it was stated that the lease on the Rolling Mill at Blaina still had 914 years left unexpired on the lease of 999 years, that would prove that the lease in question began in 1826.

Mr and Mrs William Edwards.
The earliest proprietor and licensees mentioned were Mr William Edwards and his wife Mrs Mary Edwards.

The 1841 Census.
The 1841 census states that Mr William Edwards was born in 1811 at Aberystruth, Monmouthshire, listed as a publican. His wife was Mrs Mary Edwards, born in 1806 at Machen. They lived at the Rolling Mill with their children – Miss Mary Edwards, born 1836. Miss Leah Edwards, born 1839 and Master John Edwards, born in 1841.

No Drinking on the Sabbath.
On Saturday 24th of July 1847, the Monmouthshire Merlin reported on Mr William Edwards, proprietor and tenant of the Rolling Mill, Blaina, “Keeps his house closed and totally abstains from business during the whole of the Sabbath day”.

The Oddfellows Lodges.
On Saturday 29th of July 1848, the Rolling Mill, Blaina was mentioned in connection with a new Oddfellows Lodge in the district when the Hereford Times reported on a new district of Oddfellows M.U. The four lodges of Oddfellows were – The Travellers Rest, held at the Greyhound Inn, Nantyglo. The Queen Victoria, held at the Castle Inn, Brynmawr. The Ynyr Gwent, held at the Rolling Mill, Blaina and the Prince Albert, held in the Colliers Arms, Brynmawr. The officers were as follows – P.G. Mr David Habakkuk of Nantyglo (Prov Grand Master): P.G. Mr Thomas Tongue of Blaina (Prov Deputy Grand Master) and P.G. Mr John Marriatt of Blaina (Prov Cor Secretary):

The 1851 Census.
The 1851 census states that Mr William Edwards was born in 1809? at Aberystruth, Monmouthshire, listed as an innkeeper and farmer. His wife was Mrs Mary Edwards, born in 1806 at Machen. There were two children living at the inn at this time – Master John Edwards born in 1841 and Miss Hannah Edwards, born in 1832. Also living at the premises were Miss Mary Jones, born 1834 and Mr James Filley, born in 1802, both listed as servants. I believe that the Edwards family also owned or leased the Ty’n-y-berth Farm, Blaina.

A Horse Race at Blaina.
On Saturday 17th of May 1851, the Hereford Times reported on a horse race at Blaina organised with a £5 bet each side over one mile in length. The contest was between Mr John Henry with a mare named Kitty Leatherhead and Mr William Edwards of the Rolling Mill with his filly Miss Coch-Glan, by Gaper. Kitty Leatherhead was rode by Mr A. Widdowson and Miss Coch-Glan by Mr Price, a jockey in the service of Mr F. Rowlands Esq. The winner was Miss Coch-Glan rode by Mr Price. The report also stated that Mr William Edwards had long distinguished himself as a first-rate huntsman and has now turned his attention to the turf. It is Mr William Edwards intention to to shortly form a race course on the mountain adjoining his farm.

The Death of Mr William Edwards.
After the death of Mr William Edwards sometime during the late 1850’s, his widow, Mrs Mary Edwards left the Rolling Mill.

Mr and Mrs Llewelyn Williams.
In mid 1850’s, the proprietors of the Rolling Mill, Blaina were Mr Llewellyn Williams and his wife Mrs Cecilia Williams nee Edwards, daughter of Mr and Mrs William Edwards past licensees. They were married on the 12th of February 1852. Prior to them coming to the Rolling Mill at Blaina, they were residing at the Boars Head public house, Caerphilly.

Mr Llewelyn Williams.
Mr Llewelyn Williams was born in 1823 at Trevethin, Pontypool, the son of Mr Zephania Williams and Joan Williams nee Llewellyn. Mr Lewelyn Williams became a famed harpist, known as “Pencerdd-y-De” he was celebrated throughout the Principality having carried off many prizes at national and other Eisteddfodau.

Mr Zephaniah Williams.
Mr Zephania Williams (1795-1874) late of the Royal Oak Inn, Queen Street, Nantyglo, Monmouthshire, father of Mr Llewelyn Williams, was one of the main leaders in the Chartist Rising and march to Newport, Monmouthshire which began on 3rd of September 1839. Mr Williams with John Frost and William Jones were arrested for their part in the riot and sentenced to death by hanging, although the sentence was commuted and they were transported for life to Van Diemen’s Land, now Tasmania, Australia.

The Cymreigyddion Society.
In September 1853, the Cymreigyddion Society requested to meet at the Rolling Mill, Blaina every alternate week.

The Welsh Triple Harp.
For the Great Exhibition of 1851, Mr Bassett Jones (1809-1869) of Cardiff constructed the Welsh Triple Harp, Graces Guide to British Industry has it listed as number 533 – Bassett Jones designer and maker. Grand triple-strung Welsh harp (as seen in the image left with Mr Llewelyn Williams) was worked in Welsh plane wood, carved in bold relief, the designs being emblematic of the country, in oak, mistletoe etc., with two dragons in front, cut in round relief. On the comb is an equilibrium bearing plate to cause equal tension on the three rows of strings.

The amount of time, labour and money expended on it, unfortunately led the maker Mr Bassett Jones, into financial difficulties and as there was no purchaser at the close of the Great Exhibition, the harp passed into the hands of his creditors. How long it remained in their possession, I do not remember. About the years 1857-58, it might have been a little earlier, the harp was purchased from the creditors by a number of Mr William’s friends, who subscribed for the purpose and it was presented to him at a public meeting at Ebbw Vale by the late Mr Abraham Darby, the then managing director of the Ebbw Vale Company, who headed the list of subscribers. It was said that the harp remained in the possession of Mr Llewelyn Williams and passed onto his daughter Cecilia after he died. (More of this story below).

The image of Mr Llewelyn Williams at the Welsh Triple Harp (as seen above) was kindly provided courtesy of HistoryPoints.org

Ynyr Gwent Lodge.
In 1857 the Ynyr Gwent Lodge of Oddfellows No1502 of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, announced the anniversary would be held at the Rolling Mill, Blaina.

Ty’n-y- berth Farm, Blaina.
In October 1860 it was announced that an auction would be held on the Wednesday 31st of October 1860 in connection with live and deadstock at Ty’n-y-berth Farm, Blaina. It stated that the farm was the property of Mrs Mary Edwards, late of the Rolling Mill, Blaina. Items at auction were – 200 sheep, 7 cattle and 8 horses with agricultural implements and 16 tons of hay.

The 1861 Census.
The 1861 census shows that Mr Llewelyn Williams, born 1823 at Trevethin, Pontypool was listed as innkeeper at the Rolling Mill Inn, Blaina, Monmouthshire. His wife was Mrs Cecilia Williams nee Edwards, born 1832 at Blaina. They were living at the Rolling Mill with their children – Miss Mary Cecilia Williams, born 1853 and Miss Joan Williams, born in 1856. Also living at the premises was Miss Cecilia Morgan, born 1846 at Blaina, listed as a servant.

Also on the 1861 census, Mrs Mary Edwards, late of the Rolling Mill and Ty’n-y-beth Farm, Blaina, was living at an address on High Street, Blaina with a servant, Miss Ann Williams of Machen.

The National Harp Lodge of Colliers.
In March 1864 the Rolling Mill Inn, Blaina was home to the National Harp Lodge of Colliers.

Inquests.
Throughout the 1860s-70’s, the Rolling Mill Inn, Blaina was one of many public houses in the area that held inquests into the circumstances of deaths of people in the coal and iron industry and such.

The Death of Mr Llewelyn Williams.
On Monday 5th of February 1872, Mr Llewelyn Williams passed away at 50 years of age. Obituaries stated he was a celebrated Welsh harpist one of the most eminent harpist that Wales has produced. His wife, Cecilia, stayed on at the Rolling Mill aided by their daughter Miss Mary Cecilia Williams.

The 1881 Census.
On the 1881 census Mrs Cecilia Williams was listed as a widow and innkeeper. Mrs Williams was at the Rolling Mill, Blaina with her daughter Miss Mary Cecilia Williams and Miss Joan Rosser (adopted daughter) born in 1873 at Blaina. Also living at the premises were Miss Hannah Halligan, born 1861 at Glamorgan. Miss Sarah Prosser, born 1863 at Brecon, both servants and Mr John Lines, born 1853 at Gloucester, listed as being a servant and a brewer by trade.

Mr Joseph Skeats.
In 1882 Mr Joseph Skeats of Bridgend, Glamorganshire, South Wales, working as a cashier for the Blaina Company, married Miss Mary Cecilia Williams, the daughter of the late Mr Llewelyn Williams and Mrs Cecilia Williams of the Rolling Mill, Blaina.

The Death of Mrs Cecilia Williams.
In 1883, the late landlady of the Rolling Mill, Mrs Cecilia Williams passed away. Her daughter and son-in-law, Mary Cecilia and Joseph Skeats took over the inn. In November 1883, Mr Joseph Skeats placed notices in the Commercial Gazette of London in regard to the estate of the late Mrs Cecilia Williams. Anyone with a claim must inform the authorities before the 31st of December 1883.

The Representatives for the Late Cecilia Williams.
After the death of Mrs Cecilia Williams, representatives took over the Rolling Mill Inn on her behalf. I believe Mr Dan Drew, previously of the Royal Exchange Inn took over as licensee.

The Departure of Joseph Skeats.
After the departure of Mr Joseph Skeats and his wife Mary Cecilia Skeats, they lived at various places and had many friends, they moved between Blaina, Bridgend, Swansea and Cardiff.

Mr Dan Drew.
In 1887-1888 Mr Dan Drew was listed as the licensee at the Rolling Mill Inn, Blaina. The inn was under the control of the representatives for Mrs C. Williams.

A Brake Service.
In August 1890 it was announced that a brake service would begin in the upper part of the valley. The carriage would run between the Rolling Mill, Blaina and the Black Lion at Brynmawr.

The 1891 Census.
On the 1891 census Mr Dan Drew, born in 1854 at Blaina was listed as innkeeper. He was at the Rolling Mill, Blaina with his sister Mary Drew, born in 1866. Also at the premises were Miss Ann Dimmick, born 1874 and Mr William Evans, born in 1864, both were listed as servants.

The Griffiths Bros Brewery Blaina.
The Bedwellty Publicans Licence Files shows that in 1892 the Griffiths Bros, Brewers of Blaina, purchased the Rolling Mill Inn, Blaina. Mr Dan Drew was installed as licensee.

The Death of Mrs Mary Cecilia Skeats.
In 1895, Mrs Mary Cecilia Skeats, late proprietor of the Rolling Mill Inn, Blaina sadly died. The following inquest dated Wednesday 20th of March 1895 was printed in the Western Mail on the following Saturday 23rd of March 1895. It stated the following – The sudden death of Mrs Mary Cecilia Skeats (aged 44?) was the subject of an inquiry on Wednesday, shows that the deceased was a well-to-do lady with an income of about £4 per week left in trust for her. Mr Llewelyn Williams, the famous harpist to the Queen was her father and for some years, he, with his wife, carried on the Boars Head at Caerphilly and subsequently the Rolling Mill Inn at Blaina. Miss Williams inherited her fathers musical ability and was a very accomplished pianist. She married Mr Joseph Skeats, a cashier at the Blaina Works and they appeared to live happily until he deserted her.

Up until her death she continued to live at Blaina although frequently visited friends in Swansea. The inquest ended there, although the Western Mail of Saturday 17th of December 1898, printed a letter explaining that the late Mrs Mary Cecilia Skeats, daughter of Mr Llewelyn Williams who formerly owned the Rolling Mill and considerable other house property in Blaina had left his harp and all he possessed to his daughter, Mary Cecilia Skeats nee Williams, deceased. While at Cardiff she got into financial difficulties and this harp was seized, eventually sold off to cover her debt.

Mr Samuel J. Howells.
In March 1899, the South Wales Gazette reported on local bankruptcies, Mr Samuel J. Howells was mentioned as being the landlord at the Rolling Mill from 1896-1897. The Griffiths Bros, Brewers of Blaina were the owners of the inn.

Mr Frederick John Price.
In 1900 Mr Frederick John Price became licensee at the Rolling Mill, Blaina.

The 1901 Census.
The 1901 census shows Mr Frederick John Price, born 1875 at Crumlin Monmouthshire was licenced victualler at the Rolling Mill Inn, Blaina. His wife was Mrs Margaret Price, born in 1876 at Pontlottyn, Glamorganshire. They lived at the Rolling Mill Inn, Blaina with their son Master Frederick Price, born in 1900 at Blaina. Mr Price went bankrupt in 1903 and later moved to Gelli Gaer to work as a coalminer.

The Griffiths Bros Brewers and Sir William Henry Marling.
In 1903 the Bedwellty Publicans Licence Files shows that the Griffiths Bros, Brewers of Blaina and Newport owned the Rolling Mill, Sir William Henry Marling Bart, of Stanley Park, West Stroud was mortgagee (a lender that provides money to a borrower for buying real estate).

Mr John Llewellyn.
In 1908 Mr John Llewellyn was licensee at the Rolling Mill Inn, Blaina. The family had previously lived at Oak Street, Abertillery where Mr Llewellyn had been a coalminer.

The 1911 Census.
The 1911 census shows Mr John Llewellyn, born 1862 at Staffordshire, England was listed as licenced victualler at the Rolling Mill Inn, Blaina. His wife was Mrs Mary Frances Llewellyn, born in 1862 at Tonyrefail, Glamorganshire. They lived at the Rolling Mill Inn with their children – Mr Stanley Llewellyn, born 1892 at Abertillery. Miss Gladys Llewellyn, born 1894 at Abertillery and Miss Doris V. A. B. Llewellyn, born in 1902 also at Abertillery.

The Sale Of The Rolling Mill.
On Friday 31st of March 1911 the South Wales Gazette informed that the Rolling Mill Inn, Blaina with an unexpired lease of 914 years and with an annual ground rent of one-shilling, was to be put up for sale at auction on Thursday 6th of April 1911 by Messrs Tong & Cobon at the Library Institute, Blaina. For particulars apply to – The auctioneers or to Messrs Gwilym James, Charles and Davies, solicitors at Merthyr Tydfil or to Messrs J. C. Llewellyn & Allen, solicitors at Newport, Monmouthshire.

Andrew Buchan Breweries Ltd.
In 1914 it was said that the Rolling Mill Inn, Blaina was in the hands of the Andrew Buchan Breweries Ltd. This cannot be verified at the present time.

Mr John Francis Jones.
In 1921 Mr Jones was said to have left the Rolling Mill. I am not too sure about who was licensee at this time as both Mr J. F. Jones and Mr J. G. Jones were listed, I don’t know if this is by error, a misprint or they were in fact both licensees.

Mr J. G. Jones.
In 1922 Mr J. G. Jones was listed as licensee. Again, I am not too sure if Mr Jones only had it for a short while or if there is an error in the listing?

Mr William Owen Parry.
In 1922 Mr William Owen Parry was licensee of the Rolling Mill at Blaina. Mr Parry was only licensee for a short while before transferring the licence to Mr Charles Kitson.

Mr Roy Jenkins – Solicitor.
On Friday 26th of September 1924, Mr Roy Jenkins, son of Mr and Mrs Gathorne H. Jenkins of Henwain Villa, Blaina made his debut as a qualified solicitor at the local court where he successfully applied for and was granted transfer of the licence of the Rolling Mill, Blaina from Mr W. O. Parry to Mr Charles Kitson.

Mr Charles Kitson.
In September 1924 Mr and Mrs Charles Kitson became licensees at the Rolling Mill Inn, Blaina as mentioned above. Mr Charles Kitson and his wife Mrs Martha Jane Kitson.

The Death of Mrs Martha Jane Kitson.
On Friday 14th of January 1938, the South Wales Gazette reported on death and burial of Mrs Martha Jane Kitson, licensee of the Rolling Mill, Blaina, at 58 years of age.

The Death of Mr Charles Kitson.
On Friday 18th of October 1940, The South Wales Gazette reported the death of Mr Charles Kitson who passed away the previous Monday 14th of October 1940. Mr Charles Kitson left three children, two sons, Mr Thomas Kitson and Mr Evan Kitson and a daughter, Miss Hilda May Kitson.

Messrs Thomas and Evan Kitson.
After the death of Mr Charles Kitson, the licence for the Rolling Mill Inn was transferred to his sons, Thomas and Evan Kitson.

Blaina Rugby Football Club.
During the 1950’s it was stated that the Rolling Mill was headquarters for the Blaina R.F.C.

The Closure of the Rolling Mill, Blaina.
On Friday 18th of June 1965, the South Wales Gazette reported the closure of the Rolling Mill at Blaina. The premises was sold by its owners and it was stated that it will be converted into shops. The last tenants were Thomas and Evan Kitson. It was owned by Rhymney Breweries.

The Old Mill Cafe.
During the late 1960’s, early 1970’s, a cafe by the name of “The Old Mill Cafe” was established at the premises. A few names associated with the cafe were – 1970’s, Mrs Margaret Nagy. 1981, Mr Phillip James Edmunds and during the mid to late 1980’s, Sylvia Trapnell with James Coburn.

The building addressed 105 High Street, Blaina is still standing and is now a private residence.

(More information to come).

Points of Interest – The Welsh Triple Harp.
On Thursday 8th of December 1898, the Western Mail newspaper printed a story of – A Famous Welsh Harp – Reminiscences of Llewelyn Williams The Harper. The author of the story wrote – The harpist Llewelyn Williams, who was a skillful and accomplished player both on the pedal and triple harp was well known in the “hills” as the son of Zephaniah Williams, one of the Chartist leaders. In his younger days he was the recipient of many prizes won at the Eisteddfodau held at Abergavenny under the auspices of the late Sir Benjamin and Lady Hall, afterwards Lady Llanover, of Llanover.

The history of this celebrated harp, as far as my memory goes, is as follows – The harp was made by Bassett Jones of Cardiff, for the Great Exhibition of 1851. The amount of time, labour and money expended on it, unfortunately led the maker into financial difficulties and as there was no purchaser at the close of the Exhibition, the harp passed into the hands of his creditors. How long it remained in their possession, I do not remember.

About the years 1857-58, it might have been a little earlier, the harp was purchased from the creditors by a number of Mr William’s friends, who subscribed for the purpose and it was presented to him at a public meeting at Ebbw Vale by the late Mr Abraham Darby, the then managing director of the Ebbw Vale Company, who headed the list of subscribers. I knew the harp well and have heard Mr Williams play upon it on many occasions. It was on one of these occasions at my house that I took the photo in 1862 or 1863.

Mr Williams has now been dead many years and I don’t think any of his family survive. The present owners may be relatives, or they may have purchased the harp off the family after the death of Mr Williams. There is no doubt however, that this was the harp which was played at at the Gorsedd at Cardiff this year. I enclose my card, and am “One of the Subscribers” Newport, Dec 2.

Mrs Mary Cecilia Skeats nee Williams.
The Welsh Triple Harp, in question, after the death of Mr Llewelyn Williams, was passed onto his daughter Mrs Mary Cecilia Skeats nee Williams.

The Death of Mrs Mary Cecilia Skeats nee Williams.
In 1895, Mrs Mary Cecilia Skeats, late proprietor of the Rolling Mill Inn, Blaina sadly died. The following inquest dated Wednesday 20th of March 1895 was printed in the Western Mail on the following Saturday 23rd of March 1895. Miss Williams inherited her fathers musical ability and was a very accomplished pianist. She married Mr Joseph Skeats, a cashier at the Blaina Works and they appeared to live happily until he deserted her.

Up to her death she continued to live at Blaina although frequently visited friends in Swansea. The inquest ended there, although the Western Mail of Saturday 17th of December 1898, printed a letter explaining that the late Mrs Mary Cecilia Skeats, daughter of Mr Llewelyn Williams who formerly owned the Rolling Mill and considerable other house property in Blaina had left his harp and all he possessed to his daughter, Mary Cecilia Skeats nee Williams, deceased. While at Cardiff she got into financial difficulties and this harp was seized, eventually sold off to cover her debt.

The Triple Welsh Harp, designed and built by Mr Bassett Jones, later presented to Mr Llewelyn Williams of the Rolling Mill, Blaina, handed down to his daughter after his death, was later seized and sold on to pay debts owed by his daughter is now on display at St Fagans Museum, Cardiff, South Wales.