Rogers Buildings – Abertillery

Rogers Buildings – Abertillery.
Rogers Buildings, Abertillery are a block of retail premises located on Commercial Street and Somerset Street, earlier known as Cwm Street. Sales sheets from the 1870’s shows leases were given to these properties as early as 1840, although nothing can be found in papers this early as of yet. As the population grew, that area of town saw a couple of rebuilds over the years as seen on the maps below. Following is a timeline of the buildings history of what is known.

Protheroe’s Houses.
On the 1871 census Mr James Protheroe, a grocer and baker was living at Protheroe’s Houses, close to the George Inn, Abertillery. The block of shops were spread out in the square between Market Street, down Commercial Street and across Cwm Street.

Mr James Protheroe.
On the 1871 census Mr James Protheroe, a grocer and baker was born in 1839 at Monmouth, His wife was Mrs Susan Protheroe, born 1841 at Glamorgan were living with their children – Miss Janet Protheroe, born 1864. Miss Mary Protheroe, born 1866 and Master Joseph Protheroe, born in 1870. Also living at the premises was Miss Ellen Book, a servant, born in 1858 at Pontypool, Monmouthshire.

The Sales Sheet of 1879.
The block of retail shops in the Commercial Street area goes back as far as the 1840’s. Sales sheets in connection with the sale of business premises at Market Street and Commercial Street shows – On the 23rd of October 1879, sales were held at the Commercial Hotel. The details were as follows –
Lot 1: A leasehold dwelling house and shop known as the “Temple of Fashion”, together with a cottage in Market Street in the occupation of Mr James Dalglish a draper. It was stated this property had a lease from 1840.
Lot 2: A leasehold dwelling house and shop adjoining lot 1 in Commercial Street in the occupation of Mr James Drew, a shoe manufacturer. Also a leasehold dwelling shop and bakehouse adjoining in Commercial Street in the occupation of Mr James Protheroe, a grocer and baker. It was stated this property had a lease from 1840.
Lot 3: Two leasehold dwelling houses in Commercial Street in the occupation of Mr David Davies, a collier and Mr Isaac Beard, a fireman. It was stated this property had a lease from 1840. (Mr Isaac Beard was more than probably a colliery fireman).

The 1881 Census.
In 1881 the census shows James and Susan Protheroe were living on Commercial Street, Abertillery. Mr James Protheroe was listed as a grocer. At this time they had four more children – Miss Margaret Protheroe, born 1871. Master James Protheroe, born 1875. Miss Edith Protheroe, born 1877 and Miss Catherine Protheroe, born in 1879. Also living at the premises was Mr David Phillips, a nephew listed as a grocers assistant, born 1858 at Middlesborough, Yorkshire, England.

The Sale of Mr James Protheroe’s Grocery Business.
In 1881 Mr James Protheroe sold his grocery business at Commercial Street, Abertillery, to Mr Lewis Reynold Rogers. After selling his business at Abertillery, Mr James Protheroe and family went to live in Glamorgan. On the 1891 census they were listed as living at Ystrady Fodwg, Clydach, Glamorganshire.

Mr Lewis Reynold Rogers.
Mr Lewis Reynold Rogers was born in 1857 at Penybont, Blaenau Gwent, Abertillery. Mr Rogers descended from the old, respected family of that name and was the son of Mr William Rogers born in 1831 at Llanhennock, Monmouthshire and Mrs Mary Rogers born 1830 at Aberystruth. Mr William Rogers was the engineer to the Cwmnant-y-Groes Colliery Company and on the 1871 census they were living at 1 Watkins Row, Penybont, close to the Mount Pleasant Hotel.

At an early age, Mr Lewis Reynold Rogers was an errand boy for the colliery company and was later apprenticed to Mr George Hiley at Abertillery and upon completion of his term he went to Newport, where for several years he was in the employ of Mr T. Cordey.

In 1881, (as seen above), Mr Rogers came back to Abertillery and purchased the grocery business from Mr James Protheroe at Commercial Street and set up in the trade on his own account.

Mr Lewis Reynold Rogers and Miss Minnie Louisa Davies.
In 1883 Mr Lewis Reynold Rogers married Miss Minnie Louisa Davies, the daughter of Henry and Louisa Davies of Derwenfa, Ponthir. Mr Henry Davies was a tinworker.

The Abertillery Tea Exchange.
Mr L. R. Rogers began his business as tradesman and became the proprietor of the Abertillery Tea Exchange. 

Abertillery Market and Public Hall Co Ltd.
In 1885 Mr Rogers became a member of the Abertillery Market and Public Hall Co Ltd. The company was registered on the 19th January 1885. The other subscribers were – Mr W. Morgan, Abertillery Grocer; Mr W. P. Thomas, Abertillery (Accountant); Mr W. M. Price, Abertillery; Mr J. Samuel, Abertillery (Accountant); Mr F. Morgan, Pontypool Merchant; Mr H. P. Fikitel? Newport Builder:

Mr William Price Thomas.
During the 1880’s Mr William Price Thomas, a draper resided at 20 Market Street, the address was close to the George Inn, opposite the Commercial Hotel. These premises underwent alterations in the early 1890’s (as seen below).

The Abertillery Chamber of Trade.
Mr Rogers was the founder of the Abertillery Chamber of Trade in the 1880’s and became the chairman in 1889. Other Members included – Mr Jas Samuel; Mr Lewis Morgan; Mr George Gregory; Mr Jas Gregory; Mr W. P. Thomas; Mr J. E. Phillips; Mr William Jordan; Mr John W. Williams; Mr D. W. Emanuel; Mr Moses Thomas; Mr Henry Cole; Mr Jas Monday; Mr Richard Stanfield; Mr E. Price and Mr J. T. Baker:

The Abertillery Market Hall, Land and Building Company Limited.
In December 1891 a new Abertillery Market Hall, Land and Building Company Limited was initiated, the company was registered with their offices at 54 Cwm Street, Abertillery. Mr Rogers was one of the members of the company. Other members were – Mr J. R. Webb; Mr J. E. Webb; Mr Jas Yendoll and Mr Jas Samuel Directors: Mr J. A. Shepard (Solicitor); Mr J. T Baker (Secretary); Mr W. B. Harrison, Abertillery and Mr Theodore Vachell, Newport a large share-holder.

No1 Cwm Street, Abertillery.
On the 1891 census Mr Lewis Reynold Rogers and his wife and family were at the buildings on the junction of Commercial and Cwm Streets. Mr Lewis Reynold Rogers was born in 1858 at Aberystruth, his wife, Mrs Minnie Louisa Rogers was born in 1857 at Llangrechfa, Ponthir. They were at their grocers shop with their children – Master Leo Vernon Rogers, born 1883 and Miss Violet Rogers, born in 1885. The couple had another son, Master Thomas Percival Rogers, born in 1887 at Abertillery, although on the census he was living with his grandparents Henry and Louisa Davies at Ponthir. Further research shows he was living at Ponthir for some time. Lewis and Minnie Rogers also had another daughter, Miss Gwendoline Rogers, born in 1891 (as seen below).

Also living at the premises at this time were the following – Miss Louisa Blanche Jenkins, a cousin from Aberystruth, working as a grocers assistant. Miss Mary Doons, an aunt from Llangrechfa, working as a house keeper. Miss Ada Tucker from Somerset, working as a servant. Mr John Ivor Thomas from Glamorgan, working as a grocers assistant. Mr Thomas Francis from Monmouthshire, working as a grocers assistant. Mr Thomas Thomas from Carmarthen, working as a grocers assistant. Mr John Shaw from Abergavenny, working as a baker. Mr Rees Morris from Cardigan, working as a grocer and Mr William Davies from Carmarthen working as a grocer.

The Glasgow House.
In February 1892, the South Wales Gazette reported on the improvements being undertaken in the area around Commercial Street, Somerset Street and Market Street. It was stated that that Mr W. P. Thomas must be congratulated upon the noble appearance of his new premises. Mr Thomas was the proprietor of the Glasgow House.

Rogers Buildings.
In 1892 Mr Rogers began expanding his business and proceeded with the reconstruction construction of his premises on the junction of Commercial Street and Cwm Street, Abertillery, opposite the Somerset Hotel. It was a large block containing smaller shops and living quarters, the large imposing building was from the Medical Hall up to and adjoining the Glasgow House.

The block was completed in 1893 and was called “Rogers Buildings” and through his determination and ability he made his business one of the largest in the retail trade in the Western Valley’s. I believe it was a sort of “In-Shops” of its day. Seen left is the personal mosaic on the floor of the doorway on Somerset Street, it’s still there today. 

Mr Lewis Reynold Rogers’ shop, known as Rogers Buildings, was designed by Mr James McBean (Council Surveyor) and the building work was supervised by Mr Rogers himself. The completed buildings was said to have been the finest block in the place. They afford accommodation to Mr Rogers, who now has a shop capable of holding 300 people comfortably, with over 100 feet of counter room.

Messrs E. Williams & Co.
In 1893, upon completion of the new Rogers Buildings, Messrs E. Williams & Co began trading there.

The Capital and County Bank.
The Capital and County Bank had offices in the new building, open on Mondays and Thursdays.

The Medical Hall.
At the time of the reconstruction, Mr T. H. Prichard, a chemist began business at the Medical Hall, Cwm Street, Abertillery. I believe Mr Prichard had premises built at the same time. Advertisements show Mr Prichard trading at the Medical Hall from 1893. This ties in with the completion of Rogers Building.

Mr W. B. Harrison.
During the late 1880’s, Mr William Barrow Harrison, ironmonger was trading from Cwm Street, Abertillery. later, adverts and notices shows he was having a new business premises constructed, this new shop was at the junction of Cwm Street and King Street. Again, this ties in with the completion of Rogers Building. The whole block was now complete.

The buildings were said to have rivelled the old Pontlottyn and Bon Marche stores, the latter being reconstructed much later, 1897 and 1902 respectively.

Mr S. C. Holman at the Rogers Buildings.
In the 1890’s Mr S. C. Holman, the tobacconist, had a shop in the Rogers Buildings as well has his own in shop at Somerset Street.

The Liberal and Labour Association.
In 1890’s Mr L. R. Rogers became the president of the local Liberal and Labour Association.

The Abertillery Local Board.
In July 1892 Mr Rogers was chairman of the Abertillery Local Board. Other members included – Mr Daniel Lewis; Mr Joseph Wallace; Mr William Jordan; Mr John Handy Jnr; Mr Alex Shepard and Mr James McBean the surveyor:

The Death of Mr L. R. Rogers.
On Friday 27th of April 1894, Mr Lewis Reynold Rogers sadly passed away at 37 years of age. He left a widow, two sons and two daughters. A few days previously he had been inspecting the site of the proposed Cwmtillery Reservoir for the council and was taken ill, he took to his bed and never recovered.

Mr Rogers funeral took place on Wednesday 2nd of May 1894, at the Ponthir Burial Ground. His remains were conveyed by a special train that left Blaina at 2.30pm calling at Abertillery, Aberbeeg, Abercarn and Newport.

Mrs Minnie Rogers.
On the 1901 census, Mrs Minnie Rogers was head of the household and listed as a grocer and shopkeeper at Rogers Buildings, Abertillery. Mrs Rogers was living at the premises with her son Mr Leo Vernon Rogers, a grocers clerk born 1883 and Miss Gwendoline Rogers, born 1891.

Also living at Rogers Buildings at this time were – Miss Louisa Blanche Jenkins from Aberystruth, working as a house keeper. Miss Elizabeth Phillips from Bilston, Staffordshire, working as a cook. Miss Rose Hancock from Abertillery, working as a house maid. Mr William Davies from Carmarthen, working as a grocery manager. Mr Rees Davies of Breconshire, working as a grocers assistant. Mr John Jones from Montgomeryshire, working as a grocers assistant (all of the three latter grocers were listed as bilingual, both English and Welsh speakers). Mr Richard Arthur from Herefordshire, working as a grocers haulier. Mr Herbert James of Raglan, working as a grocers assistant and Mr William Reed of Abertillery, working as a grocers haulier.

Messrs Powell and Jones.
In 1910, the South Wales Gazette reported on the purchase of the whole stock of Messrs E. Williams & Co by Powell and Jones of the Bon Marche.

New Leases on the Buildings.
In about 1914 Mrs Rogers moved out of the buildings to reside at Ponthir. It seems that the buildings occupants were given extended five year leases with a few shops being taken by new traders. Mrs Minnie Rogers, later left Abertillery.

Mr Edgar Bevan.
Since 1914 Mr Edgar Bevan had a grocery business trading from Rogers Buildings, Abertillery. Mr Edgar Bevan was the son or Mr Thomas Bevan, late headmaster of the British School, Abertillery.

Mr Edgar Smith.
In 1916 Mr Edgar Smith was trading at Rogers Buildings and was selling ices etc.

The Sale of Shop Premises at Rogers Buildings at Auction.
On Tuesday 16th of December 1919, an auction took place at the Station Hotel, Abertillery of the sale of various shops at Rogers Buildings. The South Wales Gazette printed the following –
Lot 1: A commanding corner leasehold shop and premises known as the “Alpha”, Rogers Buildings, 23 Somerset Street, Abertillery, in the occupation of Powell and Jones, on a lease expiring 1919.
Lot 2: The leasehold shop and premises in the occupation of Mr Edgar Bevan, a grocer and provision merchant, known as 25 Somerset Street, Abertillery, held under lease from May 1914.
Lot 3: A lock-up shop adjoining lot 2, in the occpation of Mr S. C. Holman, a tobacconist etc, known as 27 Rogers Buildings, Somerset Street, Abertillery, under lease from March 1914.
Lot 4: A lock-up shop adjoining Lot 3, in the occupation of Mr B. A. James, a confectioner, known as 29 Rogers Buildings, Somerset Street, Abertillery held under lease from March 1916.
It was stated that, Lots 1 to 4 are held for a term of 99 years from the 2nd day of February 1840. The yearly ground rent of £3. 1s. 6d. will be apportioned between the various lots at the time of sale.

The Outcome of the Sales Auction.
I searched in the papers for the outcome of the sales, it was stated that the lots were later withdrawn from auction.

Mrs Minnie Rogers at Ponthir.
On the 1921 census, Mrs Minnie Rogers was living with her son Thomas Percival Rogers and her cousin Mrs Louisa Blanche Jenkins at Derwenfa, Ponthir.

Mr Leo Vernon Rogers.
In 1903, Mr Leo Vernon Rogers was one of the first members of the Liberal & Labour Club, Abertillery. He joined in 1903, member number 95 of Somerset Street and was listed as being a surveyor. In 1907 he married Miss Elsie Louise Price of Abergavenny and after leaving the family grocers business he entered into mining. In 1912 he began his career under Mr William Stewart of the Powell’s Tillery Steam Coal Company at Abertillery. He moved on to work for the Ebbw Vale Iron Steel Co and in 1928 became Joint General Manager for that company. In 1921 the census shows Mr Leo Percival Rogers and his wife Elsie living at Hafod Arael, Blaina Road, Abertillery and later in 1939 they had moved to the Croft at Ebbw Vale.

Mr Thomas Percival Rogers.
Mr Thomas Percival Rogers had lived with his grandparents at Ponthir, he received a good education and later worked for and became a partner in the law firm of Lyndon Moore & Co of Newport. During the first world war he was in service as a lorry driver and interpreter, he was a French scholar and held the M.C.. In his youth, it was said he played cricket and rugby for Abertillery, he was a member of the Newport Golf Club and was an amateur billiards and snooker player. He was also the deputy coroner of Newport. In 1938, Mr Rogers, while fishing on the river Usk, had a seizure and died, it was stated he was 52 years of age.

Following are just a few businesses and traders operating from the buildings.

Roath Furnishing Co.
In 1920, after the devestating fire at the Roath Furnishing Company store at Church Street, Abertillery in 1919, Roath Furnishers moved into the “Alpha” at Rogers Buildings.

Messrs Gregory and Phillips.
In 1922 Messrs Gregory and Phillips, auctioneers had offices at Rogers Buildings.

The London Bombshell.
In 1933 the London Bombshell of Newport store was being advertised as selling hats, frocks, coats and dresses etc from the Rogers Buildings, Abertillery.

Dental Repairs Ltd.
In 1946, the Dental Repair Service, a branch of the Denture Repair Ltd Co of Merthyr was at Rogers Buildings, Abertillery.

Later Years.
The old Rogers Buildings block has been occupied by many other traders over the years. The Direct Trading Company, a doctors surgery, laundrette, a hairdressers, betting office, a charity shop, jewellers and joke shop to name just a few, and an extension of the Glasgow House Workmen’s Club.

Sources – South Wales Gazette, Ancestry and BDM.
Maps – Kindly supplied courtesy of Ian Pickford.