1843 – Bigamy at Welsh Newton

Elizabeth Taylor (no not that one) married E. Jones on 1st November 1842 in Welsh Newton;  however, her previous husband, George Taylor whom she married the previous September, was still alive.

1849 – Child Dies at Welsh Newton

Here it is, the inevitable article on a child who burned to death when left alone.

In this case it was four year old Abraham Lewis.

1851 – Fire on Farm at Welsh Newton

Some tramps decided to kip down for the night in the barn of a farm at Welsh Newton, and when sparks dropped from their pipes the building went up in flames.

Neighbours were brilliant, and through their efforts some feedstuffs were saved, however the barn itself which was full of wheat;  a cart;  drill and other farming implements, was completely destroyed.

Mr. Locke, who had seven children and who had only just moved in to the farm, was devastated as he could ill afford the loss, and it was generally hoped that the generosity of villagers would see him through.

1854 – Drowning of Welsh Newton Labourer

Joseph Madley, a labourer of Welsh Newton crossed the river in a boat to buy provisions, and stopped off for some drinks at a pub near Symond’s Yat Rock.

Eventually he set off back, and was never seen alive again.

Next morning the boat was discovered missing, and it was later discovered two miles down river.  A big search for Joseph ensued but in vain, until some days later his body was spotted near the new Weir at English Bicknor.

1860 – “A Fine Specimen of a Husband”, Part I

This is of course said in a sarcastic way as you will soon see…….Timothy George of Welsh Newton was charged with assaulting his wife Sarah.

Timothy and Sarah were going home to Welsh Newton from Monmouth, when Timothy lay down by the side of the road.  (Drunk one assumes).  Sarah tried to get him up and begged him to come home with her, but he refused and after hitting her several times he lay down again.

Sarah went home without him, and just as she was getting ready for bed Timothy arrived cursing and swearing.  He began to beat her, throwing her down and hitting her in the face until she thought that he would kill her.

At court, Sarah told how this was not the first time he had violently assaulted her, and as can be seen by the next article, it was not the last.  Why she stayed with him goodness only knows.

Anyway, the case was withdrawn when Timothy paid 6s costs, and he was bound over for 12 months.

1862 – A “Fine Specimen of a Husband” Part II

In court, she told how Timothy came home very late one Sunday night, and swearing loudly climbed the stairs before hauling her out of bed by her hair.

Timothy then beat Sarah with wood, before grabbing her round the throat.  (Sarah showed the court the marks on her throat that had not yet faded).  Not yet satisfied he then grabbed her hair and thumped her in the ribs with his fist.

Managing to get to the window, Sarah yelled “murder” and Timothy fled, only to return half an hour later when he beat her again.

All this, apparently, because Sarah had refused to get up and cook him supper.

Timothy George pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to three months imprisonment with hard labour.

1890 – Attempted Suicide at Welsh Newton

Amos Morris of Newton Common tried to kill himself after a love affair went wrong.

First he tried to cut his own throat, and then attempted to stab himself in the chest.  He failed to inflict fatal wounds both times and a surgeon sewed him up and sent him on his way.

Sir Richard Burley

Possession of the Castle went from the Pembridge family to Sir Richard Burley, born in 1337, who was the eldest son and heir of Sir John Burley and his wife Amicia, the elder of the two sisters of Sir Richard Pembrugge.
He married Beatrice de Stafford without license, but was later pardoned – there were no children.
At the battle of Auray in Britanny on Michaelmas day 1364, Burley was given the command of the van along with Sir Robert Knolls and Sir Walter Hewett, and he is reported to have distinguished himself on many occasions during this campaign. Of particular note was his role in the battle in which Du Guesclin was imprisoned and Charles de Blois killed.
In 1382 he was elected into the Order of the Garter, and took the place of the deceased Earl of Suffolk near to the Prince’s side.
In 1386 letters of protection allowed him to move into Gascony, but one year later dreadful disease decimated the English army in Spain and under a convention with the enemy Richard Burley withdrew to Vilhalpando in Leon to try to recover. After some considerable time he succumbed to the disease and died on 23rd May 1387.
He is buried in Saint Paul’s Cathedral.

 Edward Tudor;  the Hoptons ; Sir Walter Pye and Thomas Bartlett

Pembridge Castle then went to Edward Tudor the half brother of Henry V1.
In 1445 the Castle passed into the vast Hopton family who later sold it to Sir Walter Pye.
After the Civil War when the castle was used as a Royalist outpost and suffered great damage during the siege of 1644, it was sold to George Kemble who set about making the castle fit to live in again.

 
Tenant farmers were in residence in the 18th century until the early 20th century when Thomas Bartlett, doctor, antiquarian and bishop of an obscure Anglo Orthodox sect, restored the castle; the gatehouse was repaired; the walls were rebuilt with new crenellations and the south gatehouse tower was rebuilt.

1841 – Pembridge Castle Household

There seems to be some confusion in the camp over the actual birth dates of Jonas and Sarah!

1851 – Pembridge Castle Household

1861 – Pembridge Castle Household

1871 – Pembridge Castle Household

1881 – Pembridge Castle Household

1891 – Pembridge Castle Household

1901 – Pembridge Castle Household

The following photos have been very kindly provided by a lady by the name of Jess Taylor, who took the opportunity of a glorious day to get some really lovely shots.  (Don’t forget to click on a photo to enlarge it)

Memorials

In the churchyard is a grave thought to belong to either a Knight Templar or Knight Hospitaller, and under the carpet in front of the altar is a stone slab bearing an elaborate wheel cross with a long slender stem, which is also thought to be the resting place of a Knight Templar.

St. John Kemble

Also in the churchyard is the grave of Saint John Kemble, born 1599 at Rhydecar Farm St. Weonards and who was hanged at Wigmarsh (now known as Widemarsh Common), Hereford, on 22nd August 1679 for alleged complicity in the Popish Plot of 1678.

For 54 years he exercised his office in Herefordshire and by all accounts he was a kindly gentle man, much loved by those who knew him, and his farewell speech before his death was touching in the extreme, causing much distress to the hangman whom he had come to know well, and even to his persecutors who declared him to be a true gentleman and Christian. Because of this, he was not drawn and quartered, but as he had been judged to be a traitor his head was cut off…….his left hand was also severed as it was beneath his neck at the time. A woman picked up the hand and it now lies in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Hereford. John Kemble’s body was buried by his nephew, Captain Richard Kemble, with a stone being placed on the grave inscribed “JK, Dyed the 22 of August Anno Do 1679″.

The Kemble Pipe

As an aside, legend has it that when the under sheriff Mr. Digges arrived to take John Kemble to execution, John asked for a little time to complete his prayers and to also have a pipe of tobacco – this request was granted by Mr. Digges who joined him in the pipe smoking.

When Father Kemble had finished he declared himself ready, but Mr. Digges had not quite finished his pipe and asked him to wait.

This incident gave rise to a common custom in Herefordshire of calling the parting smoke “a Kemble Pipe”.

General James Meredith

One of the monuments inside the church is for General James Meredith who died in 1841 “having held a commission in his country’s service 70 years”.

Churches of Welsh Newton

• St. Mary the Virgin Church - Welsh Newton

  This gorgeous little church, built during the thirteenth century with additions in the fourteenth century, and numerous restorations in later years, originally belonged to the Knights Templar until 1312. It was an attachment of their preceptory at Garway. When the Knights Templars were suppressed the church was taken over by the Knights Hospitaller whose headquarters for the region was at Dinmore (between Hereford and Leominster). Like the Knights Templar, the Knights Hospitaller came about in the early Middle Ages to protect and care for pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land. In around 1540 at the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the Knights Hospitaller had their possessions taken away from them.

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  The following photos have been very kindly provided by a lady by the name of Jess Taylor, who took the opportunity of a glorious day to get some really lovely shots.  (Don’t forget to click on a photo to enlarge it)

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Memorials

  In the churchyard is a grave thought to belong to either a Knight Templar or Knight Hospitaller, and under the carpet in front of the altar is a stone slab bearing an elaborate wheel cross with a long slender stem, which is also thought to be the resting place of a Knight Templar.

  St. John Kemble

  Also in the churchyard is the grave of Saint John Kemble, born 1599 at Rhydecar Farm St. Weonards and who was hanged at Wigmarsh (now known as Widemarsh Common), Hereford, on 22nd August 1679 for alleged complicity in the Popish Plot of 1678.

  For 54 years he exercised his office in Herefordshire and by all accounts he was a kindly gentle man, much loved by those who knew him, and his farewell speech before his death was touching in the extreme, causing much distress to the hangman whom he had come to know well, and even to his persecutors who declared him to be a true gentleman and Christian. Because of this, he was not drawn and quartered, but as he had been judged to be a traitor his head was cut off…….his left hand was also severed as it was beneath his neck at the time. A woman picked up the hand and it now lies in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Hereford. John Kemble’s body was buried by his nephew, Captain Richard Kemble, with a stone being placed on the grave inscribed “JK, Dyed the 22 of August Anno Do 1679″.

  The Kemble Pipe

  As an aside, legend has it that when the under sheriff Mr. Digges arrived to take John Kemble to execution, John asked for a little time to complete his prayers and to also have a pipe of tobacco – this request was granted by Mr. Digges who joined him in the pipe smoking.

  When Father Kemble had finished he declared himself ready, but Mr. Digges had not quite finished his pipe and asked him to wait.

  This incident gave rise to a common custom in Herefordshire of calling the parting smoke “a Kemble Pipe”.

   

  General James Meredith

  One of the monuments inside the church is for General James Meredith who died in 1841 “having held a commission in his country’s service 70 years”.

  Read More >

News from the Past Welsh Newton

• News from the Past - Welsh Newton

  Fire, Bigamy and wife beaters

  1843 – Bigamy at Welsh Newton

  Elizabeth Taylor (no not that one) married E. Jones on 1st November 1842 in Welsh Newton;  however, her previous husband, George Taylor whom she married the previous September, was still alive.

  1849 – Child Dies at Welsh Newton

  Here it is, the inevitable article on a child who burned to death when left alone.

  In this case it was four year old Abraham Lewis.

  1851 – Fire on Farm at Welsh Newton

  Some tramps decided to kip down for the night in the barn of a farm at Welsh Newton, and when sparks dropped from their pipes the building went up in flames.

  Neighbours were brilliant, and through their efforts some feedstuffs were saved, however the barn itself which was full of wheat;  a cart;  drill and other farming implements, was completely destroyed.

  Mr. Locke, who had seven children and who had only just moved in to the farm, was devastated as he could ill afford the loss, and it was generally hoped that the generosity of villagers would see him through.

  1854 – Drowning of Welsh Newton Labourer

  Joseph Madley, a labourer of Welsh Newton crossed the river in a boat to buy provisions, and stopped off for some drinks at a pub near Symond’s Yat Rock.

  Eventually he set off back, and was never seen alive again.

  Next morning the boat was discovered missing, and it was later discovered two miles down river.  A big search for Joseph ensued but in vain, until some days later his body was spotted near the new Weir at English Bicknor.

  1860 – “A Fine Specimen of a Husband”, Part I

  This is of course said in a sarcastic way as you will soon see…….Timothy George of Welsh Newton was charged with assaulting his wife Sarah.

  Timothy and Sarah were going home to Welsh Newton from Monmouth, when Timothy lay down by the side of the road.  (Drunk one assumes).  Sarah tried to get him up and begged him to come home with her, but he refused and after hitting her several times he lay down again.

  Sarah went home without him, and just as she was getting ready for bed Timothy arrived cursing and swearing.  He began to beat her, throwing her down and hitting her in the face until she thought that he would kill her.

  At court, Sarah told how this was not the first time he had violently assaulted her, and as can be seen by the next article, it was not the last.  Why she stayed with him goodness only knows.

  Anyway, the case was withdrawn when Timothy paid 6s costs, and he was bound over for 12 months.

  1862 – A “Fine Specimen of a Husband” Part II

  In court, she told how Timothy came home very late one Sunday night, and swearing loudly climbed the stairs before hauling her out of bed by her hair.

  Timothy then beat Sarah with wood, before grabbing her round the throat.  (Sarah showed the court the marks on her throat that had not yet faded).  Not yet satisfied he then grabbed her hair and thumped her in the ribs with his fist.

  Managing to get to the window, Sarah yelled “murder” and Timothy fled, only to return half an hour later when he beat her again.

  All this, apparently, because Sarah had refused to get up and cook him supper.

  Timothy George pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to three months imprisonment with hard labour.

  1890 – Attempted Suicide at Welsh Newton

  Amos Morris of Newton Common tried to kill himself after a love affair went wrong.

  First he tried to cut his own throat, and then attempted to stab himself in the chest.  He failed to inflict fatal wounds both times and a surgeon sewed him up and sent him on his way.

   

  Read More >

Buildings Welsh Newton

• Pembridge Castle - History

  Pembridge Castle, originally called Newland Castle sits on the Welsh border and was thought by some to have been built by Matilda de Valery, wife of William Braose, in the late 12th century or early 13th. However, others say that the castle was built by Ralph de Pembridge in 1135. Whatever the truth, the Pembridge family were in residence in 1208 and it was probably at this time that the name changed from Newlands to Pembridge.

  Sir Richard Burley

  Possession of the Castle went from the Pembridge family to Sir Richard Burley, born in 1337, who was the eldest son and heir of Sir John Burley and his wife Amicia, the elder of the two sisters of Sir Richard Pembrugge.
  He married Beatrice de Stafford without license, but was later pardoned – there were no children.
  At the battle of Auray in Britanny on Michaelmas day 1364, Burley was given the command of the van along with Sir Robert Knolls and Sir Walter Hewett, and he is reported to have distinguished himself on many occasions during this campaign. Of particular note was his role in the battle in which Du Guesclin was imprisoned and Charles de Blois killed.
  In 1382 he was elected into the Order of the Garter, and took the place of the deceased Earl of Suffolk near to the Prince’s side.
  In 1386 letters of protection allowed him to move into Gascony, but one year later dreadful disease decimated the English army in Spain and under a convention with the enemy Richard Burley withdrew to Vilhalpando in Leon to try to recover. After some considerable time he succumbed to the disease and died on 23rd May 1387.
  He is buried in Saint Paul’s Cathedral.

   Edward Tudor;  the Hoptons ; Sir Walter Pye and Thomas Bartlett

  Pembridge Castle then went to Edward Tudor the half brother of Henry V1.
  In 1445 the Castle passed into the vast Hopton family who later sold it to Sir Walter Pye.
  After the Civil War when the castle was used as a Royalist outpost and suffered great damage during the siege of 1644, it was sold to George Kemble who set about making the castle fit to live in again.

   
  Tenant farmers were in residence in the 18th century until the early 20th century when Thomas Bartlett, doctor, antiquarian and bishop of an obscure Anglo Orthodox sect, restored the castle; the gatehouse was repaired; the walls were rebuilt with new crenellations and the south gatehouse tower was rebuilt.

  1841 – Pembridge Castle Household

  Jonas Keddle	60	Farmer
  Sarah Keddle	68
  George Keddle	25
  Henry Keddle	20
  Sarah Keddle	22
  Charlotte Keddle	18
  Thomas Keddle	23
  Eliza Keddle	22
  Alfred Keddle	3
  Morgan Keddle	2

   

  There seems to be some confusion in the camp over the actual birth dates of Jonas and Sarah!

  1851 – Pembridge Castle Household

  Jonas Keddle	69	Farmer	b. Somerset
  Sarah Keddle	71	Wife	b. Dorset
  George Keddle	34	Son	b. Monmouthshire
  George H. Selway	13	Visitor	b. Welsh Newton, Herefordshire
  Susannah Arkwell	19	Servant	b. Herefordshire
  Thomas Lewis	17	Farm Labourer	b. Herefordshire
  Thomas Arker	18	Farm Labourer	b. Herefordshire

  1861 – Pembridge Castle Household

  William Nelmes	37	Farmer	b. Gloucestershire
  Sarah Nelmes	38	Wife	b. Breconshire
  Mary B. Nelmes	14	Daughter	b. Welsh Newton, Herefordshire
  William Nelmes	12	Son	b. Welsh Newton, Herefordshire
  John A Nelmes	8	Son	b. Llangarron, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth A Nelmes	6	Daughter	b. Welsh Newton, Herefordshire
  George Nelmes	4	Son	b. Welsh Newton, Herefordshire
  Emily J. Nelmes	2	Daughter	b. Welsh Newton, Herefordshire
  Julia B. Nelmes	1 mth	Daughter	b. Welsh Newton, Herefordshire
  Lilian Larkman	26	Governess	b. London
  Sarah Walters	20	Servant	b. Monmouthshire
  Mary Scrivens	15	Servant	b. Monmouthshire
  James Phelps	22	Carter	b. Aston Ingham, Herefordshire
  James Powell	17	Servant	b. Monmouthshire
  William Roberts	13	Carters Boy	b. St. Weonards, Herefordshire

  1871 – Pembridge Castle Household

  William Nelmes	47	Auctioneer and farmer	b. Gloucestershire
  Sarah Nelmes	40	Wife	b. Breconshire
  Mary B. Nelmes	24	Daughter	b. Kentchurch, Herefordshire
  John E. Nelmes	18	Son	b. Llangarran, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth A. Nelmes	16	Daughter	b. Welsh Newton, Herefordshire
  George F. Nelmes	14	Son	b. Welsh Newton, Herefordshire
  Emily J. Nelmes	12	Daughter	b. Welsh Newton, Herefordshire
  Julia B. Nelmes	10	Daughter	b. Welsh Newton, Herefordshire
  Albert E. Nelmes	8	Son	b. Welsh Newton, Herefordshire
  Mary Hambory	19	General Servant	b. Monmouthshire
  James Walters	32	Farm Servant	b. Monmouthshire
  George Davies	38	Farm Servant	b. Llangarran, Herefordshire
  William Herring	20	Farm Servant	b. Llangarran, Herefordshire

  1881 – Pembridge Castle Household

  Robert N. Dampier	40	Farmer	b. Combe St. Nicholas, Somerset
  Martha M. Dampier	39	Wife	b. Yarlington, Somerset
  Catherine A. Dampier	8	Daughter	b. Manson, Monmouthshire
  Robert R. Dampier	6	Son	b. Manson, Monmouthshire
  Florence M. Dampier	4	Daughter	b. Manson, Monmouthshire
  Alexander E. Dampier	2	Son	b. Pembridge Castle, Herefordshire
  Catherine Dampier	80	Mother, widow	b. Axminster, Devon
  Nicholas Dampier	43	Brother, Farmer	b. Combe St. Nicholas, Somerset
  Anna M. Humphries	19	Visitor	b. Dixton, Monmouthshire
  Caroline Jones	18	General Servant	b. Monmouthshire
  Philip Nurse	19	Indoor farm servant	b. Llangarren, Herefordshire
  Charles Prosser	17	Indoor farm servant	b. Dixton, Monmouthshire

  1891 – Pembridge Castle Household

  Catherine Williams	Farmer’s Widow	72	b. Carmarthenshire
  John Williams	Son	40	b. Breconshire
  Richard Williams	Son	35	b. Breconshire
  William Williams	Son	37	b. Breconshire
  Elizabeth Williams	Daughter	39	b. Breconshire
  Ann Williams	Daughter	33	b. Breconshire
  Ann Williams	Visitor	2	b. Breconshire

   

  1901 – Pembridge Castle Household

  James M. Jones	46	Farmer	b. Walterstone, Herefordshire
  Clara C. Jones	42	Wife	b. Abbeydore, Herefordshire
  Magera E Jones	11	Daughter	b. Walterstone, Herefordshire
  Reginald J. Jones	9	Son	b. Walterstone, Herefordshire
  Harold W. Jones	8	Son	b. Welsh Newton, Herefordshire
  Clifford R. Jones	6	Son	b. Welsh Newton, Herefordshire
  Percy W. Jones	5	Son	b. Welsh Newton, Herefordshire
  Harvy W. Jones	4	Son	b. Welsh Newton, Herefordshire
  Elsie M Jones	2	Daughter	b. Welsh Newton, Herefordshire
  Evelyn S. Jones	8 mths	Daughter	b. Welsh Newton, Herefordshire
  Martha A Mainwaring	21	Domestic Servant	b. Lyonshall, Herefordshire
  William H. Sanders	32	Farm Bailiff	b. Welland, Worcestershire

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