This week in Victorian Pontypool

On the 4th January 1862 it was reported in the Monmouthshire Merlin that the custom of watching in the New Year was observed in the Town School, when an address was delivered by the Rev. Mr Dovey.  The proceedings were of a very impressive character.

source - Monmouthshire Merlin - 4 Jan 1862

5th January 1856 - John Bethal was brought up in custody for stealing a watch and other articles. the property of Mr Benjamin James.  Prosecutor stated that in the latter end of June or July last, he lost from his house a watch, a trouser piece and a piece of silk.  Joseph Dotter, a watch and clock maker at Pontypool stated that prisoner sold him a watch a fortnight ago.  The watch now produced was the same.
PC John Hodder produced the watch which he obtained from the last witness.  He afterwards searched prisoner's house where he found a piece of silk which prosecutor identified as that which he had lost.  On being taken into custody, prisoner said he was very sorry and was willing to pay for the articles.  The evidence having been read over to the prisoner, he, in a faint voice pleaded guilty.  Prosecutor stated that prisoner had married his niece and was, up to this time a man of very good character, he hoped therefore the magistrates would deal as leniently as they possibly could with the prisoner.  The wife of the accused kept house for the prosecutor and it was during her absence that he went into prosecutor's house and took the articles.  Sentenced to six months imprisonment with hard labour.

source Monmouthshire Merlin


9th January 1880 -  As it was decided turnpike tolls would no longer be collected in the Pontypool district after 31 December 1879, the Albion Road gate was removed on 1st January.

source - Monmouthshire Merlin - 9th Jan 1880




http://www.amazon.co.uk/Victorian-Pontypool-carol-Ann-lewis/dp/1491296437/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420642529&sr=8-1&keywords=victorian+pontypool