- Abertillery Online Discussion Forum -

Carolyn · Joined: 11 Mar 2006 Posts: 1618 Location: Abertillery

Can anyone tell where Cwm Gilvach Street/Road was in Six Bells

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phil wallace · Joined: 25 Dec 2007 Posts: 13

Carolyn, as far as i know there never was a road/sreet by that name, but there was a small row of cottages just above Windsor rd in Six bells called Gilfach which consisted of around six dwellings which included a small farm which was owned by the "Young" family, these houses were demolished around 1962 to make way for what is now sports fields.

Carolyn · Joined: 11 Mar 2006 Posts: 1618 Location: Abertillery

Thank you very much for your reply. I had wondered my G grandmother was born in Travellers rest, she lived there on 1881 census, Gilvach appears on the 1891 census and as far as we are aware she lived there until the farm was sold just before 1901 she then moved into appartments in Griffin Street. From two old maps Travellers Rest and Gilvach appear to be the same place
_________________
My life is no rehearsal There'll be no curtain call encore, so I've thrown my screwed up script away to ad lib my life once more!

phil wallace · Joined: 25 Dec 2007 Posts: 13

hi there, the Gilfach is actually the mountain overlooking the top of Six bells where there were two farm houses on the top by the name of Ty Dffydd and the other named the GILFACH, in fact they are still there, but a bit rusty now, the travellers rest is just over the mountain from them and still stands albeit a shell now used as a barn. i hope this is of help to you.

Carolyn · Joined: 11 Mar 2006 Posts: 1618 Location: Abertillery

Thank you very much for your help, it is very much appreciated. Not heard the name Cwm Gilvach before until I saw it on the 1891 census and on a map a few weeks later as I had all the information I required to continue my family history research it was one of the census I never bothered to check. I had not seen the name on other old maps of the area in my earlier research, this area of the mountain appears to have been known and listed by several different names over many years
_________________
My life is no rehearsal There'll be no curtain call encore, so I've thrown my screwed up script away to ad lib my life once more!

phil wallace · Joined: 25 Dec 2007 Posts: 13

gil vach is probably the English way of spelling Gilfach, ok.

Grumpy · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 5

There was also a row of houses oppsite where you used to live Phil, which is now the playing field. Used to deliver the Argus there with Binko

phil wallace · Joined: 25 Dec 2007 Posts: 13

your dead right there Grumpy, the houses were down in what we used to call the dip, the actual name of them was Coronation cottages which got demolished around 1963, by the way Binko was a very good friend of mine in those days, we went all through school together im very surprised he never got further than he did because he always copied off me !!!!!!! unfortunately hes gone to the big disco in the sky now, great boy, mad as a hatter, but never harmed anyone.

Grumpy · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 5

I know Phil. He taught me how to smoke my first Woodbine, sick as a dog never bothered again!! Laughing

M.J.D. · Joined: 29 Mar 2007 Posts: 5

Are these the house your talking about if so what is the correct name for them?

glen chappelle · Joined: 29 Jan 2008 Posts: 5 Location: Abergavenny

Hi Phil and grumpy
I remember those houses well. Also binko was a great friend of mine and my brother's. you might be interestedd in this photograph I took of him in the summer of 1963.

phil wallace · Joined: 25 Dec 2007 Posts: 13

MJD, the houses in your photo are of Gilfach cottages, probably taken before WW2. they were situated above Coronation cotts and demolished around 1962, all the same they are excellent photos.

phil wallace · Joined: 25 Dec 2007 Posts: 13

hi Glen, great old photo, would i be right in saying it was taken above West view? and are you the younger brother of Nigel (hoss) ? if so i have been in your old house many many times as Nigel and i were big mates doring our time in Bryngwyn High !!!!!!!!!

phil wallace · Joined: 25 Dec 2007 Posts: 13

gLEN, IS THAT bINKO ON YOUR PHOTO?

glen chappelle · Joined: 29 Jan 2008 Posts: 5 Location: Abergavenny

Phil

You are correct on all counts. I have a couple more period pics including one of your goodself. I can post them here if you are prepared to take a chance, or send me a PM and I will Email them.