Victorian Cwmbran - Some extracts from my book

These are some extracts from Victorian Cwmbran and relate to Forge Hammer and the Cwmbran Works which was on the site of the retail park and stretching up through Springvale.

17 May 1856

“On Tuesday week, a lad named David Davies, while engaged near the rolls at Cwmbran Works, was accidentally drawn into a portion of the machinery called 'the box' and received such serious injuries that he died the following morning. An inquest was held on the body Thursday last and a verdict of accidental death returned”

7 May 1859

“An inquest was held on Saturday at the Bridge End Inn before Mr W H Brewer deputy coroner, on the body of Isaac James, age 17 years who came by his death under the following painful circumstances. The deceased was a haulier on the incline tramway between the iron works and the colliery. On Wednesday, the 27^th while bringing down some coal trams, the gradient being heavy and the brakes insufficient, the tram obtained too much momentum which placed the horses in danger. Deceased, in order it is thought, to rescue them, attempted to uncouple their chain from the tram, when he fell across the road the trucks passing on, his legs, body and head were frightfully broken, bruised and lacerated. Surgical skill was of no avail and the unfortunate youth died on Friday. Verdict 'Accidental death'”

8 March 1879

“John Lyons, landlord of the Moon Public House was charged with keeping his house open during prohibited hours on 15^th. A police officer said that he was passing near the house at 11.5 pm and heard some conversation. On going into the premises he saw a man named Crine there. He asked him what he had got under his coat, which he declined to show. He afterwards threw something into the canal which witness believed to be a jar. He asked the landlord what Crine wanted at his house and he replied that he had some beer. Mr David who appeared for the defendant said, Crine was on the premises at work at the time. Crine was then charged with being in the house during illegal hours which he admitted but said he staying to supper after work. The Bench dismissed the case.

15 December 1883

“An inquest on the body of Mr Joseph Williams, a fireman aged 59 years, who was killed on 3^rd December by an explosion of gas at the Cwmbran Colliery, belonging to the Patent Nut and Bolt Company, was held on Monday at the Pontnewydd Inn before Mr Martin Edwards. A verdict of 'Accidental Death by an explosion of gas underground' was given Mr Bain, Government Inspector attended to watch the inquiry”

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Victorian-Cwmbran-Carol-Ann-Lewis/dp/1490970177/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1401220382&sr=8-1&keywords=victorian+cwmbran