Industrial School in Cefnpennar

[Canada Goose]

In the 1871 census, I've found one of my ancestors, Sarah Isaac aged 14, in Cefnpennar, Aberdare, in an industrial school. Does anybody have any local history knowledge about this place i.e. when was it established, who owned/ran it, how long it was run for, how big the property was,etc? I have found nothing from several internet searches, only general information about industrial schools of this era. On the census the property is at "Glanifford Cottage" (census details: Class RG10, Piece 5411; folio 82; page 14;household schedule no. 68 schedule).

Thanks very much.

[MarMnkly]

Hello 
looking again at the census image, I believe it reads Glanffwrd Cottage - between 1 and 2 Ffrwd Terrace and 1 abd 2 Aberffrwd Terrace. If you go to www.old-maps.co.uk it can be seen on a search of maps for Cefnpennar for a map dated 1874-1877 between St Margarets Church and Deep Duffryn Colliery. I think this where Campbell Terrace is behind the church, and in front of the church might be where the YMCA is ??.

[hanes teulu]

Worrall's Directory of South Wales 1875
SCHOOLS
Industrial School: Glenffrwd Cottage, Mountain Ash, Miss Barnfill, Mistress

Only reference I can find in Historical Directories (on line) - http://www.historicaldirectories.org/hd/
(note - listed as Glenffrwd NOT Glanffrwd)

The following advert appeared in the Western Mail, Aug 14 1876
TO BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS
Merthyr Tydfil Union
The Guardians desire TENDERS for making ALTERATIONS of the ABERDARE HOSPITAL for converting same into an Industrial School. Plans, Specifications and Form of Tender to be seen at the Workhouse Merthyr, on and after MONDAY 21st inst. Sureties required. Tenders to be sent in by 10 a.m Saturday, 2nd September next marked "Tenders for Converting Aberdare Hospital into an Industrial School"
By Order, Frank James, Clerk, Workhouse Office, Merthyr, 12 August 1876.

Kelly's Directory 1895 lists a "Probert, W, Glanffrwd, Mountain Ash" and also the Industrial School at Trecynon, Hirwain Rd. It's likely that, once built, the new Industrial School replaced the Glanffrwd Cottage school.

You can search these Directories on line - see link above.

regards 

[Canada Goose]

Thank you very much first to "MarMnkly" for the map reference which has been great to give me some idea of the site of Glandffrwd Cottage/Industrial School in Mountain Ash. Secondly, thanks "hanes teulu" for the various references  you have provided to give me further insight. Thanks to both of you for your time and help - it is much appreciated. Merry Christmas!

[hanes teulu]

Found this in a Directory that is not on line -

Post Office Directory of Monmouthshire and South Wales 1871
SCHOOLS
Industrial, Glenffrwd Cottage, Mountain Ash, Miss Mary Barnfill, Matron

Can't find a Miss Mary Barnfill on the '71 Census.

regards 

[Canada Goose]

Thanks again. That is odd about not being able to find Mary Barnfill. The night of the 1871 census the headmistress was not in residence at the cottage (or perhaps she just attended daily and lived elsewhere). Instead, an eighteen year old was listed as head of the household and the "second mistress" at the cottage.

[hanes teulu]

I'd seen the '71 Census entry that listed 7 scholars + second mistress.
That there were only 7 listed + 2nd mistress did make me wonder about it being an offshoot/annex to the main establishment. Miss Barnfill is described as "Matron" in '71 which is perhaps a link to the Aberdare hospital earmarked for conversion to a school.

Cannot find the name "Barnfill" at all on the '71 Census. Wondered if it is an error (just like Glenffrwd for Glanffrwd?).

Have "walked" Hirwain Road on the '71 Census looking for Aberdare Hospital but couldn't find it.

Best of luck with the search
regards

[Canada Goose]

You've been more than generous with your time and help! Thanks.