DECEMBER 2011 NEWS
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ROWTON MODEL LODGING HOUSE 1911
One of the enumeration districts on the 1911 census for Ystradgynlais notes only one building. This building was called The Rowton Model Lodging House which is now known as Rowton Villas. Built in 1909 this establishment had only been open for 2 years when the 1911 census was taken.
During the 19th century Britain was undergoing tremendous social change caused by people from the countryside moving to the towns and cities seeking better wages and living conditions, with the industrial towns of the North and London among the most attractive. Ystradgynlais was one of those such towns in the South Wales area.
The history of model lodging houses shows us that they were usually 2 or 3 houses joined together but with only one toilet and no washroom or other facilities. These unsanitary conditions opened the way for cholera and other fearful diseases which caused death and misery for all, especially the youngest. They were also seen by the police as havens for criminals.
The census shows us that the man in charge was Edgar Garnett who was 31 years old, his occupation was given as Deputy Manager of the Lodging House. He was helped by two others George Dermott and David Henry Jones, 28 and 25 respectively. None of these were local men, Edgar being from Halifax in Yorkshire, George from Marylebone London and David from Pontypridd in Glamorgan.
All in all 73 men lived in this building and again none of them were local The average age being 39. One of the youngest men was Joseph Kent who was only 21 years of age, he gave his occupation as a colliery labourer on the surface who was born in Hastings in Sussex. The oldest person was Isaac Lewis aged 69 whose occupation was given as of no occupation his birthplace was given as LLanllechai in Carmarthenshire.
There were 4 different nationalities within its walls. In all there were 20 Welshmen, 22 Englishmen, 3 Scottish and 11 Irishmen.
COMING IN 2012
The Committee would like to thank all volunteers who have helped with various projects over the past year. Next year, 2012 promises to be just as busy as work has already started on transcribing the 1911 census and the following chapel monumental inscriptions, Yorath Chapel, Tyn y Coed and Carmel Abercrave
If you have further news about your research into local families or other relevant topics that you think can be put on the newsletter then contact