Out Of The Blue Artifacts A Library of a lifetime of collecting
The Mount Pleasant Inn – Abertillery.
The Mount Pleasant Inn began as a beer house and inn, built sometime in the 1860’s. It was a small building adjoining a row of terraced houses, ten in number, called Watkins Row, much later renamed Mount Pleasant Row.
Mr and Mrs Joseph Watkins.
On the 1871 census, Mr Joseph Watkins was an innkeeper at the Mount Pleasant Inn and and registered owner. He may have had Watkins Row named after him or his family. The address of the Mount Pleasant Inn at this time was number 10 Watkins Row.
Mr Joseph Watkins was born in 1826 at Mynyddislwyn, Monmouthshire, his wife was Mrs Sarah Watkins nee Lewis born in 1832 at Aberystruth, they were married in 1852. Their children were – Master Thomas Watkins, born in 1857. Miss Hannah Watkins, born in 1859. Master Henry Watkins, born in 1862. Master Joseph Watkins, born in 1867 and Miss Rachel Watkins, born in 1870, all the children were born at Aberystruth. Also at the inn was Miss Jane Probert, a servant born in 1852 at Llanelly.
Mrs Rebecca Lloyd.
In 1876 Mr Joseph Watkins transferred the license of the Mount Pleasant Inn at Penybont to Mrs Rebecca Lloyd the landlady at the Royal Exchange Inn at Blaenau Gwent. Rebecca Lloyd nee Rogers was an old inhabitant of the valley, born in 1827 at Aberystruth. Rebecca married Mr William Lloyd in 1851 and they both lived at Kelliau House, Ty-Dan-y-Wal before taking the license at the Royal Exchange Inn. Mrs Rebecca Lloyd was landlady and licensee, her husband William was a coal miner at one of the local collieries. Their children were -Miss Miriam Lloyd, born in 1853. Miss Mary Ann Lloyd, born in 1857 and Miss Dinah Lloyd, born in 1859.
Mr Joseph Wallace.
On the 3rd of September 1877, Mrs Rebecca Lloyd attempted to transfer the licence of the Mount Pleasant Inn to Mr Joseph Wallace of Cwmtillery but was unsuccessful.
The Licence Transfer.
Even though the licence of the Mount Pleasant Inn was transferred, Mr Joseph Watkins, the original owner retained ownership of the inn.
Mr and Mrs George Gingell.
In 1880 Mr George Gingell was licensee at the Mount Pleasant Inn, Mr Gingell was born in 1835 at Wiltshire, England. His wife was Mrs Mary Gingell, born in 1838 at Cwmbran. They had a daughter Miss Elizabeth Gingell, born in 1878.
On the 1881 census Mr Joseph Watkins and his wife Sarah, the owners of the Mount Pleasant Inn lived as neighbours, Mr Watkins was a farmer at this time and his family were listed as being agricultural labourers.
Mr John Watkins.
In 1886 the Bedwellty Publicans Licences files shows Mr Joseph Watkins was owner and Mr John Watkins was licensee at the Mount Pleasant Inn, Penybont.
Mr John Richards.
In 1887 the Bedwellty Publicans Licences files shows Mr Joseph Watkins was still owner with Mr John Richards being the licensee at the Mount Pleasant Inn, Penybont.
The Sale of the Mount Pleasant Inn.
In 1889 Mr Joseph Watkins sold the Mount Pleasant Inn, Penybont. It was reported that it had been purchased by the Griffiths Bros Ltd, Brewers of Blaina.
Messrs Griffiths Brothers Brewery, Blaina.
The Griffiths Bros Ltd was Mr Christopher Griffiths. Mr Griffiths had began trading in 1862. The company had a brewery in High Street, Blaina although they were later registered as also being at Newport.
Mr Henry Rosser.
In 1889-1890 Mr Henry Rosser was the licensee at the Mount Pleasant Inn, Penybont. Mr Henry Rosser was born in 1861 at Blaina, the son of William and Naomi Rosser of the same place. His wife was Mrs Mary Ann Rosser nee Beynon, born in 1864 at Ebbw Vale. Their children were as follows – Master William Rosser, born 1882. Miss Margaret Rosser, born in 1885. Miss Naomi Rosser, born in 1887. Master Joseph Rosser, born in 1888 and Master Rosser Rosser, born in 1890. Also at the address was Miss Martha Edmunds, a servant from Garnfach.
The Griffiths Building Club.
In January 1892 the Griffiths Bros Ltd, the new owners of the Mount Pleasant Inn formed a building club. The society’s office was at the Mount Pleasant Inn and Mr Frank Rees was its secretary, its purpose was to buy land in the area to build houses. Amongst the various buildings the club had constructed, was a double row of terraced houses named Griffiths Street at Penybont, it was nicknamed Hill Street by the locals.
The Alterations of 1894.
In September 1894 plans were prepared by Mr Lansdowne an architect of Newport for alterations to the Mount Pleasant Beerhouse for approval. the plans which were approved of were put forth by Mr Llewellyn a solicitor of Newport. The redevelopment was held up owing to the magistrates refusal to grant a double license. The inn had a beer licence although as the area was building in population the owners desperately needed a spirit licence, this granting of a double licence was harder to obtain.
The Rebuilding of the Mount Pleasant Inn.
In November 1895 the Mount Pleasant had been rebuilt at a cost of £1,200. There were now four public rooms on the ground floor, with a club room and five bedrooms on another floor. Also mentioned were a kitchen, a parlour and a cellar. A stable and a coach house was at the rear of the hotel capable of holding four horses. During an appeal for a spirit licence in 1896 the bench heard how the police were able to keep a close eye on the activity at the Mount Pleasant Inn as of its windows being in close proximity to the main road and the building was clearly observed from the roadside.
Mount Pleasant Row.
After the reconstruction of the Mount Pleasant Inn, Watkins Row became known as Mount Pleasant Row and the numbering system was altered. The Mount Pleasant Inn was now number 1 Mount Pleasant Row. Even though the row was renamed, it was still referred to has Watkins Row for quite some time.
The Oddfellows Club.
At the time of the reconstruction of the Mount Pleasant Inn it was stated that the premises was used by the Oddfellows Society, the society used it as a club house and that there were forty members on their books.
The Licence to Sell Spirits Granted.
In October 1898 Mr Henry Rosser, licensee at the Mount Pleasant Inn, after five attempts was finally granted a full, or double license to sell ale and spirits.
Mrs and Mrs Henry Rosser.
On the 1901 census the Rosser family were added to by the births of Master Thomas Rosser, born in 1892. Master Emlyn Rosser, born in 1894. Miss Hannah Rosser, born in 1896. Master Llewellyn Rosser, born in 1898 and Master Aneurin Rosser, born in 1901. Also living at the Mount at this time was Mrs Naomi Rosser, a widow, Mr Rosser’s mother.
Mr Frank Walter Patey.
In 1902-1903 Mr Frank W. Patey became the licensee at the Mount Pleasant Hotel, Penybont. Mr Frank Walter Patey was born in 1872 at Bristol. His wife was Mrs Ann Patey nee Davies, born in 1876 at Abertillery. The couple were married in 1899. On the 1911 census they were at the Mount Pleasant Hotel with their family – Master David Howard Patey, born in 1900 and Master Keith Patey, born in 1906, both at Abertillery. Also at the address were – Miss Florence Grant, a servant from Stepney, London. Miss Cardelia Llewellyn, a servant from Blaenavon. Miss Sarah Ann Davies, a servant from Rhayader and Miss Gertrude Williams, also a servant, from Abertillery.
Sir William Henry Marling, Baronet.
In 1903 the Griffiths Bros brewers were listed as the owners the Mount Pleasant and Frank Walter Patey held the licence, although according to the Bedwellty Publicans Licences files the mortgagee was now stated as being Sir William Henry Marling, Baronet. Sir William Henry Marling was 2nd Baronet, J.P., D.L., (1835 – 1919) and lived at Stanley Park, nr Stroud, Gloucesteshire.
The Inn and Hotel.
At some point the Mount Pleasant Inn became known as the Mount Pleasant Hotel. This name change may have come from the time of its rebuild or when the full double licence was issued. Most hotels with travellers staying, required a full licence to be able to offer their guests a greater selection of drinks.
The Disposal of the Griffiths Bros Estate.
On Wednesday 27th of October 1909, the public houses belonging to Griffiths Bros Ltd were auctioned off at the Westgate Hotel, Newport. The Mount Pleasant Hotel was one of the lots, described as being on the main road from Abertillery to Cwmtillery, near to the Penybont, Cwmtillery and the Gray Collieries and drawing 20 barrels per week. The Mount Pleasant Hotel was sold to Mr E. Coulman, a solicitor, for £12,000. Mr Coulman was acting on behalf of Messrs Phillips and Sons, brewers of Newport. £12,000 in 1909 is equivalent to £1.8 million in today’s money.
Messrs Phillips and Sons, Brewers of Newport.
Messrs Phillips and Sons was founded in 1874 at Dock Road Brewery, Newport, Monmouthshire. Mr Thomas Phillips was the founder with Messrs Edward Phillips, Fred Phillips and Walter Phillips, his sons.
Mr Godfrey Stuart Phillips.
In the early 1920’s Mr Godfrey Stuart Phillips was the licensee at the Mount Pleasant Hotel.
Mr George Thomas Morgan.
In 1925 Mr George Thomas Morgan and his wife Mrs Dora Morgan were the licensee at the Mount Pleasant Hotel. It seems the licence was transferred in this year.
Mr William J. Keats.
In 1928 Mr William J Keats was the licensee at the Mount Pleasant Hotel.
Mr William James Davies.
In 1933 Mr William James Davies was the licensee at the Mount Pleasant Hotel.
The Newly Formed Dart League.
On Wednesday 20th of January 1937, the Abertillery and District Dart League was formed. Initially there were six teams in the league, though the following season more teams showed interest with the Mount Pleasant Hotel being one of the twenty-two teams that entered the following year. More details below.
Simmonds Brewery.
In 1949 Messrs Phillips and Sons of Newport sold out to Simmonds Brewery.
The Abertillery and District Dart League.
In the 1950’s the Mount Pleasant Hotel featured in the Abertillery and District Darts League. Mount Pleasant Hotel were one of many teams in the two-division dart league. The teams that featured were as follows – Division 1 – The Crown Inn “A”, The Colliers Arms, Aberbeeg Club, The Fountain Inn, The Hanbury Hotel “A”, The Cwm Hotel, Abertillery. The Lion Hotel, The Castle Hotel. The Prince of Wales, The Coach and Horses, The Bell Hotel “B”, Somerset Hotel “A”, The Six Bells Hotel and The Mount Pleasant Hotel. Division 2 – The Clyn Mawr Hotel, Ralphs Club, The Hanbury Hotel “B”, The Bell Hotel “A”, The South Wales Inn, The Arrael Griffin Club, The Six Bells Club, The Royal Exchange, The Globe Hotel, The Railway Hotel, The Somerset Hotel “B”, The Crown Inn, Blaenau Gwent “B” and the Rolling Mill, Abertillery.
Following is a complete list of past owners, landlords and landladies. Dates followed with a asterisk* are approximate dates, give or take a year.
Full list of owners and landlords 1871 – 2012 were as follows –
Mr Joseph Watkins owner and licensee (1871-1887).
Mrs Rebecca Lloyd, licensee (1876-1877).
Mr George Gingell (1882).
Mr John Richards, licensee (1887-1889).
Purchased by the Griffiths Bros (1889).
Mr Henry Rosser (1890-1899).
Mr Frank W. Patey (1903-1909).
Purchased by Messrs Phillips and Sons (1909).
Mr Frank W. Patey 1909-????)
Mr Godfrey Stuart Phillips (???? -1924).
Mr George Thomas Morgan (1925-1928).
Mr William J. Keats (1928-1932).
Mr William James Davies (1933-1949).
Mr William Stanley Gregory (1950-1954).
Mr John R. Smith (1955).
Mr Leslie George Jones (1956-1963).
Mr William H. Phillips (1964-1968).
Mr Edgar B. Rogers (1969)*.
Mr & Mrs Trevor and Mair Morgan (1969-1978)*.
Mr & Mrs Ken and Barbara Horner (1978-1982)*.
Mr & Mrs John and Margaret Johnson (1982-1984).
Mr & Mrs Terry and Lorraine Prosser (1984-1990).
Mrs & Mrs Mike and Anita Sandford (1990-1995).
Mrs Susan A. Wedlock (1995-1996).
Mr Mark Jones (????-????)*.
Mr Richard Carey (1999-2003)*.
Mr Mark Lewis (2003-2009).
Mr & Mrs Christopher and Caren Jenkins (2009-2012).
Information on the later landlords and landladies was kindly supplied courtesy of Mr Bryan Boots, Mrs Keri Way and Caren Jenkins.
(More information to come).
Later Years.
The Mount Pleasant Hotel closed in 2012 and was later converted into residential flats.
Points of interest –
Abertillery and District Dart League.
On Wednesday 20th January 1937 Mr Edgar Richards presided over a general meeting which took place at the Six Bells Hotel to discuss the formation of a Dart League. It was said that the game was all the rage throughout the country and in places like Newport, Cardiff and Bargoed have their own leagues. Pubs had their players and teams but were desperate for some organised league. At this meeting the Abertillery and District Dart League was formed. Mr Edgar Richards was elected chairman, Mr Tom Bayliss was elected secretary. Members of the committee were as follows – Mr Arthur Edwards of Crumlin; Mr W. Sailes of Abertillery; Mr A. Rudge of Llanhilleth; Mr W. Morgan of Abertillery; Mr V. Harris of Abertillery and Mr E. Richards of Six Bells: The Blaina representative was Mr Gerner of the National Darts Association and Mr P. Lewis Secretary of the Cardiff League. Meetings were to be held at the Central Hotel, Llanhilleth.
At the following meeting of the league there was a good attendance with delegates from Pontypool and Blaenavon, though these were advised to form their own Eastern Valley League and was giving advice on the formation by Mr Edgar Richards. At this meeting the officers of the Abertillery and District Dart League were elected and were as follows – Mr Kenneth Webb (President); Mr Edgar Richards (Chairman); Mr W. Morgan (Vice-Chairman); Mr Ivor Pearce (Treasurer) and Mr Tom Bayliss of No.41 Marlborough Road, Six Bells (Secretary). Mr Kenneth Webb put up for competition a Challenge Cup to be played for by the league clubs. The Executive Council of the League were as follows – Mr W. Sailes; Mr I. Pearce; Mr T. Bayliss; Mr W. Morgan all of Abertillery; Mr A. Rudge of Llanhilleth and Mr A. Edwards of Crumlin:
In January 1937 the first teams to feature in the Abertillery and District Dart League were as follows – Six Bells Hotel; Central Hotel Llanhilleth; Kings Head, Abertillery; The Drill Hall, Abertillery; The Mitre Inn, Abertillery and The Navigation, Crumlin:
In April 1938 the Abertillery and District Dart League had become very popular and many more teams applied to join the league as seen as follows – Southern Division, The Ivorites Inn; The Six Bells Hotel; The Bell Inn; The Central Hotel, Llanhilleth; The Coach & Horses; The Royal Oak; The Crown “A”; The British Legion; The High Street Social Club and Aberbeeg Social Club: Northern Division, The Kings Head; Cwmtillery S.S.C.; Cwmtillery Workmen’s Club; The Celtic Social Club; The Penybont Workmen’s Club; The Red Lion (Blaina); The Mount Pleasant; The South Wales Inn; The Royal Exchange; Blaentillery Workmen’s Club; The Crown “B” and the Six Bells Colts: