1877 map reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland

2. William & David of St Brides Major (1700's)

Through the 1700s, the Harry, William and David families were related as shown below, living largely in the St Brides Major and Pitcot area. Surnames appear to be a bit more phonetic and fluid at this time as well as being influenced by the old welsh 'Patronymic' naming system (where sons and daughters take their fathers first name as a surname [ref: 008]).

This family tree starts with 3 brothers, William Harry, Harry William and John William (alias John Harry) where the Harry/ William surname appears interchangeable. They are living in St Brides Major and wealthy enough that all children are educated (and with one who went to Oxford University). The first known 'Philemon Williams' name in the family was born 1714 and he was a significant and wealthy 'Gentleman' from Pitcot - though on his demise the Williams line comes to an end (at least in St Brides Major) as the families assets are passed onto the David family through Mary David.

A key person in this tree is Edward Williams, a "Gentleman" of St Brides Major - though little evidence remains of where he came from or how he gained his wealth? This study suggests that he was born Edward David, but become Edward William/s and thereby resurrected the William line. Key clues being that the person born as Edward David subsequently inherited the freehold "Cradock lands" in Wick from his Uncle William Harry which became "Cae Caradog" farm - owned by Edward Williams and then his son Philemon Williams (1783-1856). Further, this Edward inherited assets from his Uncle (Philemon Williams, 1714-1750) as well as his father (William David d. 1757).

Around the 1800's there was close connection (3 intermarriages) between the Williams/ David families and the Lougher family of Monknash, not least because both families were supporters of Wick chapel [ref: 503]:

Marriage of Ann David (the neice of Edward Williams) and Griffith Lougher;
Marriage of Christopher Bassett Williams and Mary Jane Lougher (Griffith Lougher's sister);
Marriage of Thomas Williams (son of Philemon Williams 1783-1856) and Gwen/ Winifred Lougher (daughter of Griffith and Ann Lougher).

William Harry (d.1719) & Elinor Butler (d.1723)

William Harry lived in St Brides Major, specifically in Pitcot (a house subsequently lived in by Mary William (d. 1748) and Philemon William (1714-1750)). He had 2 brothers, Harry William (d. 1725) and John William (aka John Harry)(d. 1717), both of St Brides Major. It is probable that Elinor Butler was not his first wife, as she appeared to have her own furniture and belongings.

1677 Will of Elisabeth Harrie (alias Elisabeth Butler). Inventory was signed off by all three brothers, Harry William, John William and William Harry - and though they are not directly beneficiaries of the will (which went to her 2 daughters), it suggests some kind of family link.

William Harry was a customary tenant of Ogmore Manor, in that he leased houses and/or land from the Lord of the Manor for Ogmore [ref: 013]. In the Manor records, his grandson Philemon Williams is described as the customary heir of William Harry, implying he had inherited customary leases of land from his Uncle according to the customs and rules of the Manor.

Around 1679-1685 birth of William Harry's children, Edward, Jennet and Mary (and possibly William).

1720 Will of William Harry of St Brides Major [ref: 002]:

"I give, devise and bequeath all my freehold estate called and known by the name of Cradock Lands situate in the parish of Wick ... to my daughter Mary William"
"To loving wife Elinor Butler .. the furniture and household goods in my lower house which were hers at the time of our intermarriage"
Mary Williams [daughter] receives chattels and goods held under the Manor of John Wyndham Esq [Lord of the Manor of Ogmore].
Others mentioned include: daughter Jennet Williams, Lowry Morgan son of Jennet, son Edward Williams Clerk, Grandaughters Anne Williams, Mary Williams and grandson Philemon. Also Elizabeth Harry.

1723 Probate abstract and bond for Elinor Butler shows she left everything to her son, William David [ref: 002].

Children of William Harry - all had the surname William, possibly an example of using your father's first name as a surname [ref: 008]:

Jennet William b. 1685 married William Turbevill of Ogmore 1723 at St Brides Major. It is possible she had an earlier marriage as she appears to also have a son, Lowry Morgan.
Mary William (Snr) d. 1748 and lived at Pitcot. See Mary Williams.
Rev Edward William (1679-1723), curate and rector of St Dochdwy, Llandough-juxta-Cowbridge. Married Anne Andrews. See Rev. Edward & Anne Williams.
William David - Elinor Butler was his mother, but William Harry may not have been the father.

Rev. Edward William (1679-1724) & Anne Andrews (William)

Edward Williams was born 1679 to William Harry in St Brides Major and attended Jesus College, Oxford University - completing his studies in 1698 age 19 and obtained a BA in 1701. He became curate of Penmark parish in 1703, rector of Michaelstone-le-Pit parish in 1704, and rector of Llandough-juxta-Cowbridge parish in 1708 [ref: 009].

Anne Andrews was the daughter of Thomas Andrews (d. 1711 St Athan) and Cecil Andrews (1649-1695) and the sister of Elizabeth Holland (b. Andrews) who married John Holland (1672-1754, who was a merchant and boat owner largely trading between Aberthaw and Bristol - who lived in Penmark).

Around 1712-1720, birth of children Mary, Philemon, Cecill, Anne and Jane.

1724 Rev. Edward Williams died of natural causes [ref: 009]. He is buried with other members of his family under the alter (inaccessible so cannot read inscription) at the Church of St Dochdwy, Llandough-juxta-Cowbridge [ref: 004]. His will [ref: 002] of 1724 states he is a clerk of Llandough-juxta-Cowbridge and mentions:

his daughters, Anne, Mary (who would be age 11 at his death), Cecill (age 10) and Jane. Also his son Philemon Williams (who would be age 9 at his death). His wife Anne Williams and sister Mary Williams to be guardians over his children.
the main inheritance going to his wife, Anne Williams (also executrix of will) and son Philemon Williams.

Children of Rev. Edward and Anne William:

Philemon Williams (1714-1750) - see Philemon Williams.
Mary Williams (Jnr) (1712-1788) m. William David (Jnr)(d.1757) - see William & Mary David.
Jane Williams (1720-1752) m. Llewelin Hopkins of Ewenny. They ultimately inherited the leased house in Pitcot previously in occupation of Mary William and then Philemon Williams (Jane's brother). They had sons Thomas Hopkins and Edward Hopkins (d.1751 as son of Lewelin, Ewenny).
Cecill/ Cecilia (b.1719)
Anne Williams m. William Mangel (d. 1777)

Mary William (d. 1748)

Mary William was the daughter of William Harry (d. 1719) and sister of Rev. Edward William, who remained unmarried and lived in Pitcot. She is described as senior - possibly to distinquish her from her neice who is also Mary Williams of Pitcot (but who became Mary David).

1748 Probate records of Mary Williams of 'Pitcott', St Brides Major, spinster [ref: 002]. Mentions:

Her sister, Jennett Turbevill, widow of William Turbevill late of Old Castle. Jennett's daughter Mary Jenkins is the wife of John Jenkins, late of St Brides Major. William Turbevill of Ogmore had outstanding mortgage payments oweing to Mary Williams.
Her niece, Jane Hopkin the wife of Llewellyn Hopkin of Ewenny.
Children of William Mangel and her neice Anne Williams - of Wick.
Her neice, Mary David, wife to William David of 'Pitcott'.
Nephew Philemon Williams bequeathed a dwelling house with barn, stable, orchard, garden and 5 acres of land. This house, being a chattle lease purchased off Thomas Wyndham of Clowerwall [aka Clearwell], Gloucestershire - continuance of the said lease for the sole use and benefit of Philemon Williams. [This house is the same as the one in Pitcot mentioned in the will of Philemon Williams (1714-1750)].
To Philemon Williams, 3 beds and bedsteads, one I now 'lye' on myself, one that my nephew [presumably Philemon Williams] 'lyes' on and the other that my (?) William Harry 'lyes' on. [This suggests that William Harry (Mary's father), Mary Williams and then Philemon Williams all occupied and to some extent shared this house in Pitcot].

Philemon Williams (1714-1750)

Philemon Williams was born 1714 in Llandough-juxta-Cowbridge to the Rev. Edward Williams (1679-1723) and Anne Williams (born Andrews). His father was the curate/rector of St Dochdwy church, but died in 1723 when Philemon was just 9 years old - at which point he came under the guardianship of his mother and aunt Mary Williams (his father's sister). Mary Williams owned a large house in Pitcot, St Brides Major, and it is likely they moved there - and this is where Philemon lived the rest of his life, living with his Aunt Mary Williams until she died in 1748 - at which point he inherited her leased house and her freehold lands.

Philemon Williams was a customary tenant of Ogmore Manor, and in the Manor records is described as the customary heir of William Harry of St Brides Major [his Uncle who died 1719], implying he had inherited leased customary land from his Uncle that ultimately was owned by the Lord of the Manor, Christopher Maunsel with the associated court proceedings managed by his steward, Edward Saviours [ref: 013]. Manor court proceedings in which he is mentioned are:

1733 'Filemon Williams', yeoman - 1 house, 3 cottages and 7 acres of customary land at Wick. For use of Miles Thomas of Wick, cordwainer and Mary his wife.
1734 Philemon Williams, trustee holding land for the benefit of Iltid Stephen of Colwinston.
1737 5 acres of customary land at Wick surrendered by William Williams given to Mary William (jnr) - sister of Philemon William.
1738 Philemon Williams, trustee holding land for the benefit of William Hardin of Wick and 'Margerry' his wife.
1740 William Williams of St Brides Major, trustee holding land for the benefit of Philemon Williams of St Brides Major and with the consent of Mary Williams of St Brides Major.

1725 Philemon inherits 5 acres of freehold land in St Brides Major from his other Uncle, Harry William as well as his leased customary lands - on the basis he makes payments to his Uncles step-daughter, Fridiswidd David, according to terms made in a Manor Court meeting in Oct. 1668.

1738-1741 Philemon Williams was involved in a number of complaints of defamation, at that time handled by the church [ref: 106]. He would have been 24-27 years old at that time. Examples:

Philemon Williams, of St Brides Major, was drinking with his friend Evan Phillip and got into a fight. Philemon was 'angry and passionate' and spoke some welsh words. Case of defamation brought by the wife of Evan Phillips, Elizabeth Phillips.
1741 - Bill of £6 5 shillings and 4 pence for case of defamation to be paid by Philemon Williams of St Brides Major.

1750 Will of Philemon Williams of St Brides Major [ref: 002]

bequeaths to Jane Hopkins (his sister), wife of Llewelin Hopkins of Ewenny - the house under lease to Thomas Wyndham Esq. comprising one dwelling house, one ?-house, stable, garden, orchard and 5 acres of land [this is the house at Pitcot].
mentions nephews Thomas and Edward, sons of sister Jane Hopkins.
mentions children of William Mangel by his late sister Anne Mangel - William, Philemon, Cecil, Margaret and Mary.
bequeaths his freehold lands .. to sister Mary, wife of William David (who is also executrix of will) [These are the freehold 'Cradock Lands' originally owned by his grandfather William Harry, then passed on to his guardian and Aunt Mary William and then passed onto him].

1776. There are no records found that suggest Philemon Williams (1714-1750) was ever married, and his will has no mention of any offspring. However Ogmore Manor Court records show that [ref: 013]:

a deposition was made by a Philemon Williams, youngest son and customary heir of Philemon Williams, late of the Parish of St Brides Major, Yeoman, deceased;
appointing Edward Williams and Evan Hopkins attorneys together with Catherine Gronow of St Brides Major, widow (Philemon did not make the deposition in person, and lived in Bristol);
in relation to 1 cottage in St Brides Major with 1 garden at east side of house, in occupation of Catherine Gronow.
"David Jones of St Brides Major, Shipwright, maketh oath that this deposition together with Joseph Dobson of Bristol, Innkeeper, did fee Philemon Williams in the aforementioned letter of attorney mentioned duly sign seal and deliver the same in the name of the said Philemon Williams". David Jones was sworn in, and made this deposition, to the Manor Court in 1776.
A court note was written at the bottom of the deposition - "this must be attested by 2 literate persons one of whom must attend the court to approve ye execution. This must be executed by P. Williams and sealed and delivered by him."
The Manor Court decided against Philemon Williams, the rights of Catherine Gronow was crossed out and the cottage granted to William Evan. It was signed off by Edward William and William Mangel - as customary tenants of the Manor who attended the court.

The implication is that this Philemon Williams of Bristol is the estranged son of Philemon Williams (1714-1750) - who probably ran away to, and lived in, Bristol and was disinherited. However, under the rules of Ogmore Manor he would remain the customary heir of his father. This interpretation of events is supported by the fact that at the marriage of Edward Williams to Margaret Bassett, held in Bristol in 1776, the signatory to the wedding was one Philemon Williams. If this was the estranged son of Philemon Williams then he would be the cousin of Edward Williams.

Mary William (David) (1712-1788) & William David Jnr (d.1757)

Mary William was the daughter of Rev. Edward William and Anne Andrews (William), born in Llandough-juxta-Cowbridge in 1712 where her father was the church curate/ rector/ clerk.

William David is known as Junior to distinquish him from William David Senior, also of Pitcot, who died 1756 - who does not appear to be any relation (according to his will).

1737 The Ogmore Manor records show that 5 acres of customary land in Wick surrendered by William Williams was given to Mary Williams, sister of Philemon Williams (when she was 25 years old).

1743 William David and Mary William were married in St Brides Major - Mary was age 31 [ref: 003]. William and Mary David are living in Pitcot - probably at the David family home, as indications are that they lived separately from Philemon Williams and Mary Williams, her brother and Aunt also living in Pitcot.

1744 - 1754 William and Mary David have 5 children, Margaret (b.1744), Edward (b. 1746 at Pitcot), Mary (b.1747), William (b.1749) and John (b.1754).

1757 William David buried at St Brides Major. Edward, the eldest remaining son, was just 11 years old.

1758 Deed assigns mortgage for a house in Hewl Lase, Kenfig. Mentions Jenkin Rees and his wife Margaret David. Mentions Mary David of St Brides Major, widow and administratrix of William David, late of St Brides Major, yeoman [ref: 401].

1788 Mary David buried at St Brides Major.

Children of Mary William and William David:

Person born as Edward David in 1746, presumed to be person known later as Edward Williams living in Pitcot. See Edward & Margaret Williams.
William David (1749-1819) married Margaret Miles (b.1771) in 1791 in St Brides Major. They had children Anne David (1791-1850, who married Griffith Lougher (1791-1856) in 1811), Catherine David (1800-1878, who married David Thomas (1799-1864)), Edward David (b. 1798), Evan David (b.1803) and Jane David (b.1805).
Margaret (b.1744) died young
Mary (b. 1747) died young
John (b. 1754) died young

Edward (b. 1746) & Margaret Alice (1747-1824, born Bassett) Williams

Edward Williams was born Edward David in 1746 to Mary Williams (David) and William David (Jnr). He lived in Pitcot, St Brides Major, Glamorgan and was a copyhold tenant of the Manor of Ogmore, a farmer, a Gentleman and a Coroner (associated with the Manor of Ogmore). Details of his early life reveal some of the factors that may have influenced his decision to refer to himself as Edward Williams, rather than Edward David:

Still prelevant at this time, the welsh 'patronymic' system often used a Christian name followed by an unfixed surname, usually the father’s christian name, but sometimes the grandfather’s. Sometimes the family name was taken from a relative for reasons of inheritance. In this case, Edward’s father’s christian name was William, his mother's maiden name was William and his inheritance largely derived from his Uncle, Philemon William.
Edward’s father (William David) died in 1757 when Edward was 11, at which point he became the oldest male and heir to the family. The family appear to be supported at this time by their Uncle, Philemon Williams - who himself died in 1750 when Edward was 14.
The ‘Cradock Lands’ was a freehold estate in Wick owned by William Harry (d. 1719) and mentioned in his will - subsequently inherited by Mary William (his daughter), then Philemon Williams (1714-1750), then inherited by Mary David, and then Edward as eldest son. Cradock translates into welsh as Caradog (according to Wikipedia) - and this became Cae Caradog farm - owned later by Edward William and then his son, Philemon William (1783-1856).
Edward Williams calls his first son Philemon Williams - implying a strong connection with this family.
At his marriage in Bristol in 1776, the signatory for Edward Williams is ‘Philemon Williams’ - possibly his uncles estranged son, and his cousin, who lived in Bristol.
Edward’s Uncle, John Holland was a merchant owning boats and cargoes travelling between Aberthaw and Bristol. This John Holland was also an Uncle of Margaret Bassett who married Edward Williams in Bristol in 1776.

Margaret Alice Williams was born Margaret Alice Bassett in 1747 in Bristol - the daughter of Christopher and Alice Bassett who were originally from Aberthaw, Glamorganshire. She was generally known as Alice. She appears to be still living in Bristol when she was 29 years old, at the time of her marriage.

1775-1804 Edward Williams was a customary tenant (also called copyhold tenant) of the Manor of Ogmore [ref: 013]. He attended many of the Court meetings of the Lord of the Manor for Ogmore (namely Christopher Maunsel and later John/ Thomas Wyndham Esq.). The court itself was presided over by the steward of the Manor (Edward Savours and later John Franklen Esq.). As a customary tenant of the Manor he signed off some of the property agreements decided by the court, and functioned as an attorney on behalf of some of the richer and more distant landowners of the Manor. Those customary tenants that actively supported, and gave allegiance to, the Lord of the Manor, were often rewarded with further lands, rights and favours. Edward Williams was documented in a number of Ogmore Manor court proceedings:

1775 deposition from Philemon Williams as customary heir from his father Philemon Williams (1714-1750), for cottage in occupation of Catherine Gronow (widow). Edward Williams and William Mangell named as attorneys to act on Philemon's behalf.
1776 a house and garden in Southerndown, under the estate trustee/ administration/ guardianship of William Thomas was regranted by the Manor court to Edward Williams of St Brides Major as the estate trustee/ administrator/ guardian for David Thomas (shoemaker), his wife and son.
1794 has land in trust for William David.
1794 attorney for William Prichard
1794 recorded as paying 50 shillings as customary tenant
1796 Initially awarded copyhold for a considerable estate (including 3 houses) in Southerndown which was subsequently disputed and eventually awarded to William Rees instead.
1802 joint attorney with David Hopkins to William Rees and Sir Gabriel Powell (Knight)
1802 Edward Williams, customary tenant, signatory to surrender (of copyhold) of cottage and garden in Pitcot by John Williams, farmer.
1804 mentioned as customary tenant

In the Manor records Edward Williams is not a customary heir, implying his direct relatives were not customary tenants of Ogmore Manor (which is the case if he was born Edward David). Specifically, he is not a customary heir of Philemon Williams (1714-1750), as it is his estranged son who remains his customary heir according to Manor rules of succession. However, Edward Williams does ultimately inherit the freehold lands and other assets of Philemon William through his will - via his mother.

During his lifetime, Edward Williams was granted customary leases of land by the Ogmore Manor Court and become one of the customary tenants. At some stage Edward Williams was also appointed coroner for Ogmore Manor, an appointment probably supported by his active support for the Lord of the Manor (Ogmore was allowed its own coroner within Glamorgan county due to the manor being part of the duchy of Lancaster).

Note that there were two persons called 'Edward Williams' at this time, the 'other' Edward Williams lived in Colwinston but is associated with Pitcot and is referred to by the Ogmore Manor Court as the customery heir of Edward Walters [ref: 107].

1776 Edward Williams marries Margaret Bassett in St Mary Radcliffe church, Bristol by licence. Church records state that Edward Williams was a 'Gentleman' from the parish of St Brides Major in the County of Glamorgan and Margaret Bassett was of the same Bristol parish. The signatories were John Morgan (possibly a relative of Margaret's grandmother who was born Alice Morgan) and Philemon Williams (possibly the estranged son of Philemon Williams (1714-1750) - see Philemon Williams).

1777 - Within the 1814 Indenture (essentially a contract) for the purchase of land at Cae Caradog farm [ref: 102] - there is a short summary of an earlier Indenture dated 1777 which states:

"WHEREAS - by Indentures of lease and release bearing date December 1777 and made or mentioned to be made between the said Edward Williams and Margaret his wife (party hereto) of the one part and Christopher Bassett of the parish of Penmark, Gentleman (since deceased) of the other part. It is witnessed that all of the several parcels of arable and pasture land ... being in the parish of Wick .. where 5 closes or parcels lie between and abut to the lands of John Burre Esquire, the lands of Mary Bennett and the lands of David Pritchard."
Edward Williams had inherited the freehold lands known as 'Cradock lands', and this indenture appears to provide a dowry from Margaret's father, Christopher Bassett, which facilitates them to extend the land and/or build/ extend the associated farmhouse. Though it is not known if or when they themselves lived there, their son Philemon Williams is recorded as living there (the first record of the farm called 'Cae Caradog').

1778-1788 Baptisms recorded to Edward and Margaret Williams at St Bridget's Church, St Brides Major - 1778 Mary Williams, 1780 Elizabeth Williams, 1781 Alice Margaret Williams, 1783 Philemon Williams, 1784 Christopher Bassett Williams, 1785 Anne Williams, 1786 Evan Morgan Williams plus Hannah (b.1788) (no baptism record available). In the baptism records for 7 children the title for Edward Williams as father is given as “Mr” (implying a Gentleman).

1786 Edward Williams is trustee for a bond for Catherine Williams, d.1786, where her inheritance goes to her son David Williams [ref: 108].

1787 Edward Williams of Pitcot, St Brides Major, Gentleman, is a Trustee for the arrangements for a marriage between Robert Davies of Old Castle upon Alun, Gentleman and Margaret Williams, daughter of Rev. Edmund Williams of St Brides Major. Edward's role as a trustee is 'to support and ensure the contingent uses and estates from being defeated or destroyed'. Edward received 5 shillings under the arrangements. Note - Robert Davies died later the same year, leaving everything to Margaret Davies, his new wife. [ref: 105]

1798 Land Tax documents for Wick show Edward Williams as "proprietor" and "occupier" of land with tax of 12 shillings 8d and a farthing, and also occupier of a further 2 plots (tax of 17 shillings 9d and a halfpenny) where the proprietor is Charles Edwin [ref: 014].

1802 Christopher Bassett (father of Margaret Williams) gave power of attorney to Edward William of St Brides Major (Gentleman) - his son-in-law. [ref: 209]

1804 marriage ceremony of Edward and Margaret's son Philemon to Ann Smith at St Bridget's Church, St Brides Major (marriage by license) [ref: 005]. The witnesses were David Smith (presumably Ann's brother) and David Davies (a clerk at St Bridget's Church).

In her later years, and possibly after the death of her husband Edward, Margaret is seen to have moved back to Penmark, where her father used to live, and possibly back to his old house. Her daughter, Hannah, died age 22 in 1810 and was residing in Penmark. Her sister, Elizabeth Wall, also a widow, has also moved back to Penmark from Bristol. Margaret is close to her youngest son, Evan Morgan Williams, living in Llantwit Major.

1814 Dunraven Estate Records – Deeds, Wills, Receipts, etc relating to Cae Caradoc, the property of the family of Philemon Williams [ref: 102]. Indenture and agreement for purchase of farmland in Wick to Philemon Williams – confirms:

Philemon Williams being the eldest son and heir to Edward Williams, late of St Brides Major, and his wife Margaret Williams.
Philemon Williams to be married to Mary Thomas of Wallas in Parish of Ewenny – a reference to Wallas Farm in Ewenny. Her father is William Thomas, farmer.
One of the parties named is Margaret Williams, widow, parish of Penmark, Glamorgan who is Philemon's mother - and who had inherited a large part of the estate of her father Christopher Basset.
Purchase, through process of 'lease and release' of land by Margaret Williams and Philemon Williams from William Thomas (of Wallas Farm).

1814 Dec. Marriage of Philemon Williams and Mary Thomas at Ewenny Priory Church in Ewenny [ref: 003,005]. Witnessed by William Thomas (Mary's father) and Margaret Alice Williams (Philemon's mother).

1816 Sale of land in St Athans [ref: 204]

Parties: (1) Christopher Bassett Williams of Coity yeoman and Mary his wife (2) Leyson Lougher of Monknash, farmer (father of Mary) (3) Rees Lougher also of Monknash a son of Leyson Lougher.
RECITING Christopher Bassett late of parish of Penmark, the grandfather of C. B. Williams, did by his last will made on 14 May 1802 give (amongst other lands) the pieces of land later mentioned in this deed to his daughter Margaret, then the wife of Edward Williams of parish of St Brides Major for her life and on her death to his grandson C. B. Williams and lawful heirs and in default of such issue to his grandsons Philemon Williams and Evan Morgan Williams and their heirs as tenants in common, which will was proved at Llandaff.
RECITING C.B. Williams and Mary Williams suffered a Common Recovery at the last Glamorgan Great Sessions (Margaret Williams having surrendered her life interest) for the purpose of barring the estate tail created by the will.
- Note: A common Recovery was a 'collusive action' - a fake legal procedure in the courts. Common recoveries were used to break entails (conditions stipulated in wills or settlements which limited the descent of freehold land to certain individuals) and transfer land. Once the common recovery had been achieved, this enabled it to be sold to somebody else, mortgaged, or settled in a new way.
AND RECITING L. Lougher had agreed to purchase C. B. Williams interest for consideration £210 sale.
All those pieces of land of Eight and a half acres in parcels known as the Red Lay (otherwise the Green Lay) of 3 acres and a parcel called the Five Acres near the Broadway AND a piece of land of half an acre lying between lands formerly of Christopher Roberts, Arnold Mathews and John Mathew deceased (but at that time in the hands of Morgan Deere, clerk, Rayer and the co heiresses of C. Bassett deceased) on some sides. All in the parish of St Athan with all rights etc. [Note the 2 co heiresses of C Bassett were his 2 surviving daughters, Margaret Williams and Elizabeth Wall.]

1824 Death of Margaret Williams, address is Aberthaw, Penmark, Cardiff. The Will of Margaret Williams (dated 1824) left everything to her youngest son Evan Morgan Williams (who was also the executor) and his family:

Evan Morgan Williams of Lantwit Major - dwelling house situated in Lantwit Major - and all rest, residue and remainder.
Evan's son Evan (junior) - silver tankard
Evan's daughter Anna - Mahogany Case of Drawers
Evan's daughter Margaret - Bedstead and furniture from best bedroom
Evan's son Edward - Mahogany bookcase

Monumental Inscription for Margaret Williams in St Athan church graveyard - where she lies with other members of the Bassett and Williams families - states:

"In memory of ... Mary daughter of Edward and Margaret Williams (granddaughter) of the above named Christopher and Alice Bassett who died June 2nd 1800 age 22 years. Also of Hannah their daughter who died March 11th 1810 aged 22 years. Also of Mary Alice daughter of Evan and Barbara Williams (grand-daughter) to the above named Edward and Margaret Williams who died September the 24th 1819, aged 4 years and also Margaret wife of the above named Edward Williams, Coroner, daughter of the above named 'Chr' and Alice Bassett"

Children of Edward and Margaret Alice Williams:

Mary Williams (1777-1800, buried St Athan, age 22)
Elizabeth Williams (b.1780)
Alice Margaret Williams (b. 1781, St Brides Major) married Thomas Rees (b.1775) and had child Margaret (b. 1814). Lived Wick.

Philemon Williams (1783-1856) - see Philemon and Mary Williams.
Christopher Basset Williams (1784-1837).

- 1810 Christopher Basset Williams married Mary Jane Lougher (b. 1786, originally from Llangyfelach) at Monknash, Glamorgan. Initially lived in St Brides Major and later in Aberavon. They had the following children:
  - Philemon (1818-1871) - register says he was a publican in St Brides Major
  - Elizabeth (1818-1891) - a twin to Philemon
  - Catherine
  - Leyshon
  - Edward
  - Mary Ann Williams (b. 1820) m. David John in 1835 at St Brides Major (Christopher Bassett Williams was a witness).
- 1816 Christopher sells his inherited St Athan assets, inherited from his grandfather Christopher Bassett, to his father-in-law, Leyson Lougher of Monknash.
- 1837 Christopher Basset Williams died in Margam, Neath, Glamorgan. Death certificate states he was a publican. Buried St Bridgets, St Brides Major. Certificate was signed off by David John, his son-in-law of Wick.
Anne Williams (b.1785)
Evan Morgan Williams (1786-1854)

- 1812 Evan Morgan Williams (of Penmark Parish) married Barbara Jones of Llantwit Major (born Flemingston 1791). Around 1817 they were living in Penmark (possibly with his mother, Margaret).
- 1824 Evan and family are sole beneficiaries of his mother's will (Margaret Williams of Penmark). It includes a house in Llantwit Major.
- Evan was a farmer leasing land and also a substantial house (Ham House) from the Nicoll family in 1840s. The house was later demolished and rebuilt in the gothic style for the Nicholl family between 1859-1863 and renamed "The Ham".

- Fields farmed and occupied by Evan Williams in 1840, these included the gardens and orchards of Ham House. Mr Iltyd Nicholl was the landlord and the total rentcharge was £28 and 12 shillings [ref: 104].

- Children of Evan and Barbara Williams
  - Anna Williams (1813-1875)
  - Mary Alice Williams (1814-1819, buried St Athan with other Williams and Basset family members)
  - Margaret Williams (b.1817)
  - Evan Williams (1819-1893). Married Betsy Jenkins (1825-1892) in 1849 in Bristol.
  - Edward Williams (b.1821)
  - Christopher Edward Williams (b.1823)
  - David Williams (1827-1888)

Hannah (1788-1810), buried St Athan age 22.