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Chronology |
Number of pages: 72 Extract 1855 William Rees (the Younger) moved to Gelly Farm around this time. Gelly Farm had been purchased by his father William Rees (the Elder) in 1813. From this time on William Rees the Younger began to obtain land and properties in the Bynea, Llwynhendy, Bryn and surrounding areas. His acquisitions became known as the Gelli Estate, one of the largest in the Llanelli Area. Rees the Younger administered his vast Estate and became known as Squire Rees by the locals. The grandson of a ‘butcher’ he is said to have been elevated in society by possession of land and money rather than noble birth.
Family group at Gelli House, Bryn, c. 1880 Extreme left – William John Rees (1809-94), with crutch. Squire William Rees, his father (seated) with wide-brimmed hat.
Photo Courtesy Stephen P. Rees, great
grandson of Squire Rees Richard Nevill provided a reading room at Llanelly Iron Foundry. William Chambers (Senior) died and his son William Chambers (Junior) was unable to retain his father’s estate because it seems his mother’s and father’s marriage was not recognised. Although Chambers Junior was forced to move away he retained his leasehold interest in the Pottery. After 1855, when the Pottery was operated by Coombs and Holland, new foreign markets were found in Brazil, Chile, the East Indies and the Mediterranean countries. Supplies of china stone and clay were imported from Cornwall, Devon and Dorset and Flint was obtained from Northern France. 1856 The Limited Liability Act was passed, which enabled professional men and traders to invest their small savings, without the risk of losing their whole investment. Funds were raised by public subscription to build a Literary Scientific Institution to be called the Athenaeum, close to the Parish Church, where the Pembertons’ Mansion House had once stood on land owned by William Chambers, and where the Public Library stands today. A new Methodist chapel was built in Hall Street for the English-speaking members. The Welsh-speakers moved their services to Jerusalem Chapel. Richard Janion Nevill, who had moved from Glanmor House to Llangennech Park, died. His son Charles William Nevill who lived at Westfa continued to manage the Copperworks and was also involved in shipbuilding. His other son, Richard Nevill, who lived at Felinfoel House was Managing Director of the Wern Foundry. He later became a partner in the Marshfield Works and managed Old Lodge Iron Works. The younger son, William Henry Nevill, lived at Llangennech Park House, managed the Lead and Silver Works, was a partner in Old Lodge Iron Works and was also involved in shipbuilding. During this period of great expansion the Nevill family continued to dominate the social, religious and business scene. 1857 The Stepney Family had regained their interest in the town and Colonel John Stepney Cowell was welcomed as heir to the Stepney Estate. Following lengthy litigation the Estate had passed to Maria Justina’s son. Maria had married twice; firstly to Frances Head of Norwich and secondly to Colonel Andrew Cowell. By the time the Llanelli Estate had reverted to the Stepney family, most of the avenue of trees leading from Llanelly House to Machynys had been chopped down and the timber sold. |
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