Pontyberem Pubs

[roycymru]

Hello

I thought the below may be of use to people researching ancestors from the area. Census records, newspaper reports etc. give reference to pubs most of which no longer exist. Therefore, the below may be of use to researchers. Would really appreciate any additions/corrections to the below to make some sort of reference document for all to use. Would also appreciate names of the publicans in charge of the pubs at various stages.

There are various sources for the below, some old and some newer!

In about 1670 was built a mill, a smithy, a tavern and two or three workmen's houses. The name of the tavern was the "Bont" until a certain William Rees who came from the sea to become the Inn's landlord. He designed a sign for the Inn in the shape of a mariner's compass. Some of the local people, however, took it to be a star and so called the inn the "Star". The Star does not exist any more. It was about equidistant from the Pelican and the New Inn (opposite the Park entrance) and is now a private residence.

There was a mill and a tavern in the district of Capel Ifan land, about a half mile below the village. The tavern was known "Y Ffansi" (Fancy) and houses nearby was also known by this name. Also by the name of "Ffansi or the mill house".

The New Inn was about half a mile from the village (in 1870!) on the main road to Carmarthen. Near this Inn, a smithy had been erected, but they do not exist now. The New Inn still exists as a pub and is sited in the opposite direction from the old Pelican, just over the river bridge and on the other side of the road.

From 1881 to 1901 the New Inn was run by John Evans (Cilcarw 1834-1908)

The Pelican Inn does not exist as such anymore is now the clubhouse for the local rugby club.

In 1911 the publican of the Pelican was Elizabeth Dalton (nee Evans) 1864-1939. She was the daughter of John Evans who was the publican of the New Inn. In 1901 she ran it in association with her first husband John Roberts (1871-1907)

The Plough was some 100 yards up the hill on the same side of the road as the Pelicam. There is a bridge over the long defunct Burry Port and Gwendraeth Valley Railway line and the Plough Inn was one of the houses immediately to the left of and facing the same, although at a slightly lower level. The Plough no longer exists but the the name still attaches to one of or both houses. The bridge is relatively new, having been a rebuild. Its predecessor having become unsafe for traffic use. The original was identical in design to Pont Cook, the next and nearby bridging point down the old line, itself now closed to traffic.

The New Lodge Inn is still in existence, not far from the old railway station and opposite New Road.

Bridgend Inn was within 150 yards of The Pelican. It was just about the last building before the old River Gwendraeth bridge crossing, approached from the south. It had to be demolished when the current bridge was built.

[roycymru]

Update

In about 1670 was built a mill, a smithy, a tavern and two or three workmen's houses. The name of the tavern was the "Bont" until a certain William Rees who came from the sea to become the Inn's landlord. He designed a sign for the Inn in the shape of a mariner's compass. Some of the local people, however, took it to be a star and so called the inn the "Star". The Star does not exist any more. It was about equidistant from the Pelican and the New Inn (opposite the Park entrance) and is now a private residence.

In 1851  and 61 the publican of the Star was Andrew Adams age (55 in 1851, 46 in 1861!) of Llanddowror and his wife Jane age 35 of France! In 1881 the publican was an Ann Watkins age 51 of Carmarthenshire.

There was a mill and a tavern in the district of Capel Ifan land, about a half mile below the village. The tavern was known "Y Ffansi" (Fancy) and houses nearby was also known by this name. Also by the name of "Ffansi or the mill house".

The New Inn was about half a mile from the village (in 1870!) on the main road to Carmarthen. Near this Inn, a smithy had been erected, but they do not exist now. The New Inn still exists as a pub and is sited in the opposite direction from the old Pelican, just over the river bridge and on the other side of the road.

From 1881 to 1901 the New Inn was run by John Evans (Cilcarw 1834-1908)

The Pelican Inn does not exist as such anymore is now the clubhouse for the local rugby club.

In 1911 the publican of the Pelican was Elizabeth Dalton (nee Evans) 1864-1939. She was the daughter of John Evans who was the publican of the New Inn. In 1901 she ran it In association with her first husband John Roberts (1871-1907)

The Plough was some 100 yards up the hill on the same side of the road as the Pelicam. There is a bridge over the long defunct Burry Port and Gwendraeth Valley Railway line and the Plough Inn was one of the houses immediately to the left of and facing the same, although at a slightly lower level. The Plough no longer exists but the the name still attaches to one of or both houses. The bridge is relatively new, having been a rebuild. Its predecessor having become unsafe for traffic use. The original was identical in design to Pont Cook, the next and nearby bridging point down the old line, itself now closed to traffic.

The New Lodge Inn is still in existence, not far from the old railway station and opposite New Road.

Bridgend Inn was within 150 yards of The Pelican. It was just about the last building before the old River Gwendraeth bridge crossing, approached from the south. It had to be demolished when the current bridge was built.

In 1891 the Publican of Bridgend Inn was Thomas Morgan age 26 of Llanelly.

In 1861 there is also the Globe, Publican William Lewis age 50 of Llangendeirne

[roycymru]

Update 2

Is anyone able to help fill in any of the missing gaps?

In about 1670 was built a mill, a smithy, a tavern and two or three workmen's houses. The name of the tavern was the "Bont" until a certain William Rees who came from the sea to become the Inn's landlord. He designed a sign for the Inn in the shape of a mariner's compass. Some of the local people, however, took it to be a star and so called the inn the "Star". The Star does not exist any more. It was about equidistant from the Pelican and the New Inn (opposite the Park entrance) and is now a private residence.

In 1841 the publican of the Star was John Hughes, age 35.
In 1851  and 61 the publican of the Star was Andrew Adams age (55 in 1851 (should be 35), 46 in 1861) of Llanddowror and his wife Jane age 35 of France.
1861??
In 1871 and 1881 the publican was an Ann Watkins born about 1826 of Llanegwas, Carmarthenshire. (Note: In 1871 it was just described as 31 Pontyberem)
1891??
1901??
In 1911 Charles Cook age 30 of Burry Port was the publican.

The New Inn was about half a mile from the village (in 1870!) on the main road to Carmarthen. Near this Inn, a smithy had been erected, but they do not exist now. The New Inn still exists as a pub and is sited in the opposite direction from the old Pelican, just over the river bridge and on the other side of the road.

In 1841 the publican of the New Inn was Thomas Bowen age 60.
1851??
1861??
From 1871 to 1901 the New Inn was run by John Evans (Cilcarw 1834-1908) (Note: in 1871 it was just described as 23 Pontyberem).
In 1911 in was owned by Ann Jeremy, though her son William Stokes Jeremy age 29 of Pontyberem, licensed victualler and Carpenter was in residence.

The Pelican Inn does not exist as such anymore is now the clubhouse for the local rugby club.

1841??
1851??
In the 1861 it looks like page 11 of the census is missing, page 12 start with Jane Thomas age 18 of Llanelly, Of the Pelican inn, victuallers daughter.
In 1871, 81 and 91 the publican was a David Walters b.abt 1836 of Llanarthney.
1901??
In 1911 the publican of the Pelican was Elizabeth Dalton (nee Evans) 1864-1939. She was the daughter of John Evans who was the publican of the New Inn. In 1901 she ran it In association with her first husband John Roberts (1871-1907)

The Plough was some 100 yards up the hill on the same side of the road as the Pelican. There is a bridge over the long defunct Burry Port and Gwendraeth Valley Railway line and the Plough Inn was one of the houses immediately to the left of and facing the same, although at a slightly lower level. The Plough no longer exists but the the name still attaches to one of or both houses. The bridge is relatively new, having been a rebuild. Its predecessor having become unsafe for traffic use. The original was identical in design to Pont Cook, the next and nearby bridging point down the old line, itself now closed to traffic.

1841??
1851??
In 1861 the publican of the Plough was Margaret Williams age 60 of Llangendeirne.
In 1871 the Plough is not described as an Inn, a William Rees age 33 of Llanelly, a grocer, was living there.
1881??
1891??
1901??
1911??

The New Lodge Inn is still in existence, not far from the old railway station and opposite New Road.

Did it exist 1841-1911??

Bridgend Inn was within 150 yards of The Pelican. It was just about the last building before the old River Gwendraeth bridge crossing, approached from the south. It had to be demolished when the current bridge was built.

In 1851 there was Bridge End Shop with a John David Powell a shopkeeper age 39 of Llangendeirne in residence.
1861??
1871??
1881??
In 1891 the Publican of Bridgend Inn was Thomas Morgan age 26 of Llanelly.
1901??
In 1911 the publican was Alfred G Harris age 42 of Ross (on Wye), Herefordshire.

In 1861 there is also the Globe, Publican William Lewis age 50 of Llangendeirne

In 1861 there was also the Incline Public House with a publican Joseph Everett age 47 of Mangostfield(?), Gloucestershire. In 1871 he is still there, this time age 60, but described as a Brick maker although the property is still called Incline Inn. In 1881 he is there but described as Publican again.
1881??
In 1891 it is occupied by a Harbert White age 28 of Llandefeilog, though he is described as  Colliery clerk rather than a publican.
In 1901 the publican is Maria White age 35 of Llanelly (wife if Harbert?)
1911??

1n 1861 there was the Collier’s Arms, with Publican Catherine Evans of Llanelly.
Did it exist past 1861?

In 1901 there was the Gwendraeth Arms, publican Thomas Treharne, age 54 of Llanarthney.
1911??

In the history of Pontyberem there  was a mill and a tavern in the district of Capel Ifan land, about a half mile below the village. The tavern was known "Y Ffansi" (Fancy) and houses nearby was also known by this name. Also by the name of "Ffansi or the mill house".

Did it appear in census records?

[roycymru]

Obviously not a popular topic! . However, if anyone can help fill in any of the gaps it would be much appreciated. Ancestry is pretty useless at trying to search by address but I believe on some of the other subscription websites do have this facility, which might help trace things

[Louise Philp]

Hello Roy,
I have been doing a lot of research on the Pelican Inn as I am a descendant of the owners. This is what I have so far but I would appreciate any help going back further.
From 1841 to at least 1873, the Pelican Inn was owned by my second great grandfather, John Thomas, and his wife, Margaret Traherne or Treharne.
1841 Wales Census
Pelican, Llanelly, Llannon, Carmarthenshire
John Thomas      24   Publican   All born in County
Margt Do      32
Anne Vaughan      5
Sarah Thomas      1
Margt Williams      20   F S
1851 Wales Census
Pelican Inn, Pontyberem, Llanelly, Carmarthenshire
John Thomas      Head   M   35   Inn Keeper      Llanarthney, Carm
Margaret Do      Wife   M   43   Do         Llanstephan, Carm
Anne Vaughan         Step-Dau      16   Inn Keeper Dau      Llanelly, Carm
Mariah Thomas      Dau      9   Scholar         Do
Jane Do         Dau      7   Do         Do
Martha Do      Dau      4   Do         Do
Herbert Do      Son      14 mths         Do
Elizabeth James      Serv   U   34   Inn Servant      Llangendeiren, Carm
1861 Wales Census
Pelican Inn, Llannon, Carmarthenshire
John Thomas   Head   M   45   Victualler      Llanarthney, Carmarthenshire
Margaret Do   Wife   M   54   Victualler’s Wife   Llanstephan, Carmarthenshire
Sarah Do   Dau   U   21   Victualler’s Dau      Llanelly, Carmarthenshire
Jane Do      Dau         Do         Do   
1871 Wales Census
Cilcarwfach, Llangendeirne, Carmarthenshire
John Thomas      Head   M   56   Farmer of 30 acres   Llanarthney, Carm
Margaret Do      Wife   M   65            Llanstephan, Carm
Catharine Morgans   Serv      17            Llanelly, Carm
Martha Anthony   G-Dau      6            Llannon, Carm
1881 Wales Census
Cilcarwfach, Llangendeirne, Carmarthenshire
John Thomas      Head   M   65   Farmer of 28 acres   Carmarthenshire
Margaret Do      Wife   M   75            Do
Martha Anthony   G-Dau      16            Do
Very suddenly Mr John Thomas, Pelican, Pontyberem, aged 72 passed away. He spent 40 years of those in conjunction with the Brotherhood in Soar Chapel. The deceased was a well- respected farmer and was well known in these circles. He was a very wise and sensible man. He possessed a wealth of information in relation to the county trends and social life and passed them to others. He was a very spiritual and warm character who was at all times extremely happy listening and talking about God's ministry and religion. Although his moral character was not blemished in his early years.
One realises that over many years he had entrusted himself to "The One who can heal us" (GOD)
He was buried the following Saturday at Capel Ifan cemetery. A large gathering was present to pay their final mark of respect to him. Officiating at the house was the Rev. D. Lewis, Ferryside, and at the Church and cemetery the Reverend I. Jones, St. John's officiated. He leaves an elderly widow and other relations who will feel the loss and the hiraeth (Welsh word for grief) due to his passing.
CARMARTHENSHIRE, ANGLICAN BAPTISMS, MARRIAGES AND BURIALS:
Name:   John Thomas
Death Age:   72
Record Type:   Burial
Birth Date:   1815
Death Date:   abt 1887
Burial Date:   19 Mar 1887
Burial Place:   Llanelli, St Elli, Carmarthenshire, Wales
Page number:   46
You will see that John Thomas was a farmer from 1871 but on 3 October 1873, he had Licences for Pelican Inn, Llangenech, and Pelican Inn, Pontyberem.
His daughter, Sarah Thomas, married David Walters and they took over the Pelican Inn, Pontyberem until 1891:-
1871 CENSUS   Pelican Inn, Pontyberem
David Walters      Head      M      35   Inn Keeper   Llanarthney
Sarah Walters      Wife      M      31         Llanelli
Mariah Walters   Dau            2   At home   Llanelli
Mary Williams   Serv            16   General Servant
1881 CENSUS   Pelican Inn, Llanelly, Carmarthen, Wales
 Name    Relation   Marital Status   Gender   Age   Birthplace   Occupation   Disability
 David WALTERS
 Head     M     Male     45     Llanarthney, Carmarthen, Wales     Licensed Victualler     
 Sarah WALTERS
 Wife     M     Female     40     Llanelly, Carmarthen, Wales     Licensed Victuallers Wife     
 Mariah WALTERS
 Daur          Female     12     Llanelly, Carmarthen, Wales     Scholar     
 John WALTERS
 Son          Male     1     Llanelly, Carmarthen, Wales          
 Margaret AUBREY
 Serv     U     Female     18     Llanelly, Carmarthen, Wales     General Servant     
 Margaret TREHARNE
 Serv          Female     13     Llanarthney, Carmarthen, Wales     Servant (Nurse)     
                     

1891 CENSUS   Pelican Inn, Pontyberem

David Walters      Head     M  55   Licensed Victualler, Pub   Llanarthney   Welsh

Sarah Walters      Wife      M  51               Llanelli   Welsh

Mariah Walters   Dau       S   22               Llanelli   Both

Mary Walters      Dau       S   18               Llanelli   Both

John Walters      Son       S   11   Scholar         Llanelli   Both

William David Walters      Son     9   Scholar         Llanelli   Both

Mary Ann Thomas   Serv      S  21    Gen Domestic   Servant   Llanelli   Both
Sarah Thomas and David Walters were my great-grandparents.
Hope this helps,
Louis

[Louise Philp]

I have just discovered that John Thomas of the Pelican Inn, married to Margaret Treharne, was the son of John Thomas (1787-1880) who was married to Jane Skym (1789 - after 1880). So there we have the Skym connection.
Louise

[Louise Philp]

This is the Probate of John Thomas who was married to Jane Skym, stating that he was of the Pelican Inn:-
ENGLAND AND WALES NATIONAL PROBATE CALENDAR:
Name:   John Thomas
Death Date:   19 Nov 1880
Death Place:   Carmarthenshire, Wales
Probate Date:   31 Dec 1880
Registry:   Carmarthen
 
THOMAS John    31 December 1880
The Will of John Thomas formerly of the “Pelican” Inn but late of Pontardulais-road both in the Parish of Llangennech in the County of Carmarthen who died 19 November at Pontardulais-road was proved at Carmarthen by Jane Thomas of Pontardulais-road Widow the Relict the Sole Executrix.   Personal estate under GBP500 

[Louise Philp]

Sorry - I am wrong about John Thomas being the son of John Thomas and Jane Skym. His father was David Thomas according to the marriage record on 5 September 1839 of John Thomas and Margaret Treharne. In fact it is Margaret Treharne, the widow of Thomas Vaughan who was recorded on that marriage record as being a Victualler, Pelican, Pontyberem. So the Inn came either through her line or through Thomas Vaughan's line.

[Louise Philp]

On the 18th August 1838, the burial record of Thomas Vaughan, first husband of Margaret Treharne,  states that his abode was Pelican Inn, Pontyberem.
And I should just point out that the John Thomas who was married to Jane Skym, was at the Pelican Inn in Llangennech - not Pontyberem. But as mentioned previously, the John Thomas who was Margaret Treharne's second husband, had Licences in 1837 for Pelican Inn, Llangenech, and  for Pelican Inn, Pontyberem.