BRIDGEND 1901
( Photo 1 ). Nolton street Bridgend circa 1940`s.
Bridgend 1901
THE GOOD OLD DAYS.
A year in the life of Bridgend town.
1901
It was a time when:- The town mourned the death of Queen Victoria, a deadly fire at a sweet factory, and the end of a Bridgend love story.
The Death of Queen Victoria.
9th February 1901
BRIDGEND.
In this ancient county town an air of solemnity made itself felt. Work was suspended in all the local industries, and the tradesmen closed their place of business. United memorial services were held by the Free Churches of the town, that in Welsh at the Tabernacle being presided over by the Rev. W. John (C.M.), who delivered an able 'address, as also did the Rev. W. Oscar Owen.
The English services were held at the Wesleyan Chapel. The Rev. Harold Williams presided. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. W. S. Thomas and W. D. Williams. The Volunteers attended Divine service at Nolton Church. Muffled peals from the bells of Newcastle Church were given at intervals during the day.
Queen Victoria 24 May 1819 – 22 January 1901
9th March 1901
MALICIOUSLY WOUNDING.
Jane Campbell was sentenced to fourteen days' hard labour for maliciously wounding William Harrington in the face with a pen- knife at Bridgend on March 2. Philip David was sentenced to 21 days' hard labour for obstructing the police while arresting this woman.
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14th September 1901
FATAL ACCIDENT AT BRIDGEND
"Late on Friday a fatal accident befell H. Jenkins, a workman at the Quarella, Quarries, Bridgend. The deceased was the brickyard engine- driver, and had arranged with the smith to repair a, leak in the bailer that night, after the boiler had become cool. A little before eleven p.m. the smith went to the boiler, but found that the driver was not there. The smith concluded that the accused had determined not to come and help, so he finished the job himself. On Saturday the deceased's body was found lying at the bottom of the quarry, so that he must have proceeded to the works, and in the darkness of the night walked over the quarry side to his untimely death. Deceased was a single man, about 44 years old.
27th July 1901
A BRIDGEND ROMANCE,
A Love Match and its Ending.
There died on Monday, in one of the poorest quarters of Bridgend, a well-known local character called Billy Howe, who through marriage, could claim to be related to the great hero of Magdala. Howe was a native of Bridgend, and when a young man was a Marine. While on foreign service he was invalided home. Miss Napier, a daughter of the late Colonel Napier of Sarn, near Bridgend, and some time chief of the Glamorgan Police, being of a charitable disposition, called upon the invalid at the humble dwelling of his parents to see if he was in need or any comforts. In course of time a mutual affection sprang up between the two, and they determined to get married. The lady's family naturally opposed the match, she being very well connected in fact a niece of Lord Napier of Magdala. But the opposition had no effect, and the couple were eventually married at Newcastle Church, Bridgend. In spite of this, the lady's father treated the ill-advised pair with much consideration, and set Billy up in business as a haulier, giving him a horse, cart, and harness. But Billy was not a success in business, and he gradually drifted down to loafing and doing odd jobs, while his well-bred and accomplished wife tried to eke out a living for them both with a few music pupils. Mrs Howe died about six years ago Some time afterwards "Billy" married again, at the time of his death he was about 65.
The Battle of Magdala was the conclusion of the British Expedition to Abyssinia ( Ethiopian ) fought in April 1868 between British and Abyssinian forces at Magdala, 390 miles (630 km) from the Red Sea coast.
16th March 1901
FIRE AT BRIDGEND.
Confectionary Works Gulfed.
A serious fire occurred on Sunday at the river side Confectionery Works, Bridgend. The outbreak was first discovered about 3.30 p. m. The fire brigade soon commenced operation. and were able to command a plentiful supply of water from the river Ogmore in close proximity. efforts to prevent the spread of the flames to the residence of Mr C. E, Davies, owner of the factory, were successful, but the flames, gaining at one point where the sugar was stored, spread with fearful rapidity, and soon enveloped the whole of the building. Valuable plant was destroyed, and the walls only remain. Fortunately the works, which were erected only three years ago, were fully insured.
28th September 1901
FATAL ACCIDENT AT BRIDGEND
On Saturday morning a ladder on which three men were engaged repairing the roof of Davies's Sweet Factory, Bridgend. shifted from its fastenings, with the result that two of the men, named Griffith David and John Arthur, fell a distance of 40 feet. A small covered way leading from the factory to the house adjoining broke their fall halfway, but Griffith David was rendered unconscious, although no injuries except a few cuts about the head and face could be found on him. Arthur escaped with the loss of a couple of teeth. David was conveyed to the Cottage Hospital and attended to by Dr. Cooper. Edward John, the other man. saved himself by clinging to a ladder which waa standing by the wall. David died at the Cottage Hospital in the afternoon.
18th February 1901
RAILWAY FATALITY AT BRIDGEND.
On Sunday morning about six o'clock the body of a man. apparently a collier, was found between the up and down lines about 400 yards from the Bridgend Railway Station. It is believed had gone from Cardiff with the express due at Bridgend at eleven o'clock on the night previous, and had opened the carriage door to get out and fell upon his head, fracturing his skull. The body was removed to the Bridgend mortuary pending inquiries. He is supposed to be David Austin, of Blaengarw.
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