1. Williams of Cae Caradog Farm, Wick

Noah Williams

Three generations of the Williams family are described here who lived and farmed at Cae Caradog farm, Wick:

  • Noah Williams (1874-1956) who married Sarah Ann Williams (born Lewis, 1890 - 1974).
  • Philemon Basset Williams (1829 - 1892) who married Eleanor (born John, 1828 - 1903).
  • Philemon Williams (1783 - 1856) who married Mary (born Thomas, 1789 - 1876).

Noah (1874–1956) & Sarah (1890-1974, born Lewis) Williams 

Noah Williams, was born 1874 to Philemon Bassett and Eleanor Williams.  He was brought up and lived as a farmer at Cae Caradog farm, Wick.    

Sarah Ann (born Lewis) Williams, was born 1890 at Hendrepost near Blackmill to William (a coalminer) and Hannah Lewis.  Hendrepost is adjacent to Blaencrymlyn farm, where her father was brought up as part of the extended 'John' family. But by age 11, her parents had moved and Sarah was working as a domestic servant on farms in Llandyfodwg and Wick. 

1894 Glamorgan Gazette 23 Nov. CENTRAL DISTRICT PLOUGHING MATCH. SOME FINE PERFORMANCES. This annual event came off on Wednesday, in last week, in a field on the Slade farm, Southerndown, kindly lent by the Right Hon. Lord Dunraven. The weather was wretched, rain falling the whole of the time, but notwithstanding this, so popular is the event that there was a large attendance. No less than 27 teams competed out of 29 entered.  PRIZE LIST. CHILL PLOUGHS (5 competitors).—1st, a plough, (given by Mr. Ed John, Cowbridge), W. Williams, Sealand; 2nd, £2, Edward Crowley, Penylan, St. Brides; 3rd. £1, Edward Williams, Sealand; 4th, 10s, Noah Williams, Caiacaradog.

1901 Census - Gilfach Orfydd farm, Llandyfodwg, Ogmore:

  • Sarah is age 11 and a domestic servant. Working for John and Sarah Evans at Gilfach Orfydd Farm. [Note Gilfach Orfydd farm still exists today].
  • Sarah is not living with her parents - William and Hannah Lewis - who have moved to "Corner House", Blackmill.

1906 Evening Express 20th Sept. Cardiff Horse Show. TO-DAY'S COMPETITIONS & AWARDS. The judging in the competitions for the second day at the Cardiff Horse Show commenced at ten o'clock this morning, and the adjudicators expedited the work in a most commendable way as the morning advanced. The weather conditions were again delightful.  Class 26 (local) Single harness pony, mare or gelding, not above 13.2, the property of a resident in South Wales or Monmouthshire: 1st, James Millward, Pontmorlais, Merthyr, "Forest Queen"; 2nd, Gwalia Stud Company, Ely, Cardiff, "Sweet Nancy"; 3rd, Noah Williams, Cae Caradog Farm, Wick, Bridgend, "Tommy".

1911 census - Cae Caradog farm, Wick, Cowbridge, Glamorganshire:

  • Noah Williams is stated as Head of the farm, single and farmer age 37.
  • With Jennet Williams (sister - age 52, known as Jinny)
  • With Nellie Williams (Niece age 14, probably the daughter of Noah's brother Jenkin Williams) and William Williams (Nephew age 9, probably the son of Noah's brother Philemon Williams)
  • And servants James Parsons (age 60) and William Ashby (age 16)

1911 census at Glaumore Farm, Wick:

  • Sarah Lewis (born 1890 - age 21) living at Glaumore Farm (“Glamor” in census), Wick as a servant.
  • the census confirms that back at Gilfach Orfydd Farm the Evans family no longer employs Sarah.
  • Sarah working for Jenkin (1867 - ) and Barbra (1868 - ) Williams – who have son Windsor (born 1905) and daughter Margaret (born 1901).
  • Jenkin Williams is the brother of Noah Williams, both lived at Cae Caradog farm in 1881, parents being Philemon and Eleanor Williams.  Note also from 1901 census, Jenkin Williams is probably the same J Williams (born 1868 in Wick), married to B Williams and the publican of the Lamb and Flag pub in Wick.

1911 June. Noah Williams (age 36 in marriage certificate but probably 37) marries Sarah (age 24 in marriage certificate, but probably 21 according to birth certificate), in a secret wedding at St John’s Church, Cardiff (district Cardiff, Vol. 11A, p. 612). Attended by Jenkin John Williams (Noah’s brother). 

1912 April - birth certificate for Jennet Catherine Williams born to Noah and Sarah Williams. 

1916 Glamorgan Gazette Dec. 8th. PENYBONT MILITARY TRIBUNAL. WAR AND AGRICULTURE. The main questions seriously discussed on Tuesday night by members of Penybont Tribunal.  The meeting was held, as usual, at the Union Offices, Bridgend. The majority of the cases were those of voluntarily attested men engaged in agriculture — cases of men under 30 years which the Tribunals have been called upon to review. The proceedings opened with the reading of correspondence from the Government, dealing, amongst other matters, with the new regulation calling up (except on rare occasions) all fit young men, under 26, the equitable distribution of the man power of the country, the demand for skilled labour, the assistance of the exchanges in the matter of employment, the policy of substitutions, and the urgent call upon the farmers to realise as much as possible consistent with the maintenance of the food supply.  In view of the increase in arable land which the Government declare to be necessary, [the agricultural representatives] intimated that they would be only too willing to put more land under plough, if only they could get men to put their hands to the plough. A considerable shortage was complained of, and in view of the consequential difficulties that now exist, conditional exemption was allowed in practically every case. VOLUNTARILY ATTESTED MEN. After considering the exceptional circumstances in each case, conditional exemption was granted to [amongst others]:

  • Christopher Bassett Williams, shepherd, Cae Caradog, St. Brides Major [probably the relative seen in the Philemon and Mary Williams family tree - who would be age 18]
 
1916 Penybont Military Tribunal
"John Lewis, Cae Caradog Farm exempted call up as long as he remains in his present occupation as Farm hand and timber haulier in the employ of Mr Noah Williams farmer, also Christopher Bassett Williams."

Mid 1920's - Picture of (left to right)  Mary, Jennet and Mona Williams - children of Noah and Sarah Williams.

Mary, Jennet & Mona Williams
Mary, Jennet and Mona Williams

1936 Glamorgan Gazette 28 Feb. Notice. Any dogs found Trespassing on Land belonging to Maesisha or Cae Caradog, Wick, will be shot, after this date. February 28th 1936. Signed Philemon Williams and Noah Williams.

1938 Newspaper article on Oddfellows Meeting. Far left is Noah Williams, 4th sitting is Christie Williams (son of Philemon Basset Williams), 4th standing is Jink Rees (husband of Jennet who was Noah's daughter), 6th standing is Christopher Williams (Noah's son):

1939 Register - "Cae Caredog" farm

  • Noah and Sarah A Williams listed as farmers at "Cae Caredog" farm - though rest of address appears to be wrong (listed as Clemenstone, Penybont).
  • With their children Christopher Williams (born 1914 - age 25), Mona M Lewis (born 1917 - age 22), Mary E Board (born 1919 - age 20)
  • Plus 2 others - records for which are closed.
  • Note the 1939 Register was used to produce identity cards and ration books - and some women's surnames were subsequently updated to their married names. 

Early 1940's Noah Williams with Grandchild (taken at Brynteg Gardens, Bridgend - home of Jennet Rees his daughter)

1956  Death registration for Noah Williams, 1956 age 82 (ie implies b. 1874) in Bridgend (ref: 8B, 42, 12).  Wick Baptist/ Unitarian chapel - Monumental Inscription for Noah Williams and wife Sarah Ann (who died 1974) plus Philemon Basset Williams (their son who died 1984). 

1974 Parish Burial for Sarah Ann Williams (b.1891 - age 83) at Wick Baptist/ Unitarian chapel.

Children of Noah and Sarah Williams are:

  • Jennet Catherine (1912 – 1998) m. William Jenkin Rees (1905 – 1997). Children Marion & Christine Rees.
  • Christopher Williams (1914 – 1987) m. Rosina (aka Rose). Children Hazel, Philemon & Noel Williams.
  • Mona (b. 1917) m. Alec Kench, m. Edwin Lewis (who had a child Michael from previous marriage) plus children Helen, Winsor & Martin Lewis.
  • Mary (b. 1919) m. Arthur Board. Children Richard, Robert, Paul & Sarah Board.
  • Eva (1921-2015) m. Hugh Morgan, m. Edward. Child Roger Morgan.
  • Philemon Basset Williams (1924 – 1984)

 

Philemon Basset (1829 – 1892) & Eleanor (1828 – 1903, born John) Williams

Philemon Basset Williams, was born 1829 to Philemon and Mary Williams in St Brides Major/Wick Parish. He was brought up and farmed at Cae Caradog Farm, Wick. Married Eleanor John from Tyle-coch farm, Bettws in 1856. 

Philemon Basset Williams

Eleanor (John) Williams was born at Tyle-coch farm near Bettws in 1828 to Jenkin and Catherine John. She had many siblings (10 were identified in the 1841 census).  In her early years she was a domestic servant.  She was also variously identified as Elinor and Ellen. 

Eleanor (John) Williams

1856 Feb. Marriage of Philemon Williams of Wick (age 27 b. 1829) to “Elinnor” John (age 27 b. 1829) in Bettws church (Certificate is Bridgend & Cowbridge Vol 11A, p. 469).  "Elinnor" is a domestic servant with father being Jenkin John, labourer of Bettws. In presence of Gwilym John and Evan John (Eleanor’s brothers).

1862 Birth registration of Jennett Williams to Philemon and Eleanor Williams of Wick, Glamorgan.

1863 Dunraven Estate Records – Deeds, Wills, Receipts, etc relating to Cae Caradoc, the property of the family of Philemon Williams (source NLW). Indenture and agreement for what is essentially a remortgage. Mary Williams and Philemon Bassett Williams (her son) agree:

  • Margaret Morgan (widow) and Morgan Philips (executor of will) taking over rights (of the mortgages) due to Elias Morgan who died 1857, and recovering these mortgages/ payments through:
    • Jenkin Lloyd, John David and Edward Morgan take over part of the mortgage to the extent of £400.
    • Edward Hopkin taking over part of the mortgage to the extent of £400.

1870 Dunraven Estate Records – Deeds, Wills, Receipts, etc relating to Cae Caradoc, the property of the family of Philemon Williams (source NLW). Letters confirm the conveyance (sale of freehold) of the farm at Cae Caradog on the execution being certified by the Court of Chancery. Essentially the farm and farmland freehold was sold to Lady Dunraven of Dunraven Estates for £1001 - which paid off the outstanding mortgages owing to Jenkin Lloyd and others.  Philemon and Eleanor Williams continue at Cae Caradog farm as leaseholders.

1870 Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian. STRAY CATTLE - Philemon Williams of Wick, farmer, was summoned for allowing his cattle to stray on the highway. Police Constable Williams said he found the 10 cows straying on the highway and impounded them. They were owned by the defendant. Witness also stated that that the foot and mouth disease was prevalent in the parish, but the cattle impounded were free from it. Fined 20s and 9d costs.

1871 Census - Wick, Bridgend, Glamorganshire

  • Philemon Williams (born 1830 – then age 41) is head of family and farmer of 48 acres. No house name given in census, district is Landaff [presumably this is Cae Caradog Farm].
  • With wife Eleanor (born 1830 – then age 41), born Bettws, Glamorgan.
  • With children Jennet (born 1864 – then age 7), Philemon (born 1866, then age 5) and Jenkin (born 1868, then age 3)
  • Philemon's mother Mary Williams remains at the farm (born 1790, then age 81).
  • Also 2 servants, Phillip John (age 21) and “Phileman” Williams (born 1863, then age 8)

1873 May 26 South Wales Daily News. STRAY CATTLE — Philemon Williams, of Wick, farmer, was charged with permitting two pigs to graze by the highway, on Sunday last, and he was convicted to pay 9s. 6d.

1874 Q2 Birth registration for Noah Williams, Bridgend to Philemon and Eleanor Williams (Certificate Ref: Vol 11a, 590, 148).

1880 Slaters Commercial Directory lists farmers in Wick district, including “Williams Philemon, Caia Craddock”.

1881 Census - “Cair Craddock”, Wick, Bridgend, Glamorganshire

  • Philemon (“Phelemon” in census) Williams (age 51, b. St Brides Major) is head of household and a farmer of 36 acres.
  • With wife “Elenor” (age 51, b. Bettws)
  • With sons (all b. Wick) Philemon Williams (also called "Phelemon" in census, born 1866), Jenkin Williams (b. 1868) and Noah Williams (b. 1874).

1884 Weekly Mail 3rd May. ASSAULTS ON FEMALES NEAR BRIDGEND. A labourer named George Henry Davies was charged at the Bridgend Police Court on Saturday with indecently assaulting Eleanor Williams, wife of Philemon Williams, a farmer residing at Wick. Mrs. Williams said that on Tuesday she met the prisoner near Dunraven Castle. He took hold of her, and swore that he would criminally assault her. She struggled with him, and struck him on the face with a basket, inflicting a cut on the nose. He then allowed her to go. She ran home, and told her husband of what had occurred. Police-Constable Shears apprehended the prisoner in the neighbourhood, and took him to the police-station at Bridgend. ... The Bench treated the charge preferred by Mrs. Williams as one of common assault, and sent the prisoner to gaol for three months.

1891 census - “Caia Craddock”, Wick, Bridgend, Glamorganshire

  • Philemon Williams (age 62) is head of household and farmer
  • With wife “Ellen” (age 62)
  • With sons Philemon (age 25) and Noah (age 17)
  • And servant (Mary Jane Phillips - age 18)

1891 The South Wales Star June 12th. SUNDAY DRINKING AT WICK. At Bridgend Police Court on Saturday ... John Harry, landlord of the Star Inn, Wick, was charged with opening his licensed premises on Sunday, May 31st, and Philip John, Philemon Williams, Thomas Mead, Albert Daniels, William Davies, Richard Williams, Thomas Ashby, Alexander Miles, Edward Griffiths, and Llewellyn Powell were summoned for being on the said licensed premises on the same day. Mr. T. J. Hughes appeared for the defendant, Harry. Police-constable Robert Shears, said that on Sunday the 31st May, in company with Police-constable Adams, he concealed himself to watch the Star public house. At about 7.50 a.m. Philip John entered the house by opening the front door, and stayed there one hour and five minutes. Philemon Williams entered and remained about one hour and a half. Thomas Mead and Wm. Davies stayed about the same time. At 8.50, a man riding on a bicycle entered and remained about five minutes. He also saw Llewellyn Powell, Richard Williams, Walter Morgan, Thomas Ashby, Alexander Miles, Edward Griffiths, Dan Walters, and W. Davies enter the house. At one o'clock, he and Police-constable Adams went to the house. He went to the back and Adams to the front. He found the both doors open and the landlord in the back kitchen, and, there he found Walter Morgan, E. Griffiths and E. Powell trying to make their way out by the front door. At the same time he saw Police-constable Adams had collared two men, who were outside. The landlord's daughter when she saw witness exclaimed "Oh, my God." He then let Police-constable Adams and two men in by the front door. On the kitchen table he found two glasses which had contained whisky. By the parlour door was a pint cup upset and a pool of beer by it. On the parlour table there was a half-pint cup, half-full of beer. He called the landlord to come to the kitchen. The landlord's daughter then said "Oh, father, I told you it would come to this, I won't stop here." The landlord said "They haven't been in here long, its done now and can't be helped." The table and floor was very wet as if a good deal of trade had been going on. The defendants were convicted, and John Harry, the landlord, was fined £3 including costs, and his licence ordered to be endorsed. The other 10 defendants were fined 10s. each including costs.

1892 Death certificate for Philemon Basset Williams, age 62, died Cae Caradog (Ref: Bridgend, Vol. 11A, p. 514). Wick Baptist/ Unitarian Chapel monumental inscription states: 1892 Philemon Bassett Williams of Cae Caradog , also wife Ellen 1903 also 2 children who died in infancy.

1901 census - at "Caecaradog", Wick, Bridgend, Glamorganshire:

  • Eleanor "William" (Philemon's wife) is head of household and farmer, age 72 (b. Bettws)
  • With children Noah "William" (age 27 b. Wick), Jennet "William", (known as Jinny, age 42, b. Wick)
  • With Mary Thomas (age 70, b. Bettws), sister of Eleanor.  [This  corresponds to 1841 census which shows Mary John b. 1831 Bettws as sister to “Elinor” John b. 1828 at Tyle-coch, Bettws]
  • With Lewis Griffiths (Grandson, age 3, b. Bridgend) [The son of Catherine and Henry Griffiths]
  • With John Thomas (age 15, b. Neath).

1903 Death certificate for Eleanor Williams. Obituary in Weekly Mail. WILLIAMS – On January 5th, 1903, Eleanor, widow of the late Philemon Williams, Cae Caradog, Wick aged 74 years.

Philemon Basset and Eleanor’s children:

  • Catherine Mary (b. 1861/63-1932) m. Henry Griffiths (1863-1951) in Wick chapel in 1890. Henry was a tenant farmer, and came from Pembrokeshire from a line of tenant farmers in Ffynongain (source John Griffiths).  After the 1926 strike, they went to live in Ontario, Canada. Children are:
    • Gladys (1893-1896),
    • Philemon Basset Williams Griffiths of Ontario (1895-1968),
    • Nellie (1896-1991) m. George Elms in Ontario,
    • Lewis Griffiths (1898-1986) lived Ontario,
    • Noah Griffiths (1900 – 1901),
    • John Griffiths (1902-1954),
    • Janet (1904-1990, m. William Barlow)
    • Jack - who remained in UK.
  • Jennet (1864-1925, know as Jinny). Was dairy maid at Ewenny Priory House.
  • Philemon Basset Williams (1865-1941) married Mary Jane Phillips (b.1870 in Wick) in 1891.  They were farmers who lived at Maesisha farm, Wick. Children Jenny (aka Jinny b.1899), Christie (b.1898), William John (1901-1933), Katie (b.1903), Maggie/ Margaret (b.1906-1916), Oliver (b.1908) and Myfanwy (aka Vano 1910-1932). Wick Baptist/ Unitarian monumental inscriptions show:
    • Philemon and Mary Williams (no date) of Maesisha
    • William and Margaret (no date) - children of Philemon and Mary Williams of Maesisha. Glamorgan Gazette of 1933 has details of funeral of William John Williams at Wick Chapel - he had died of 'internal trouble' and an operation at Cardiff Royal Infirmary. Location of Maes Isha Farm is shown below.
  • Jenkin John (1868-1914) married Barbara Octavia Thomas (1868-1933). Publicans at Lamb & Flag Inn, Wick. Children Windsor, Janet, Maggie & Nellie.
  • Noah (1874-1956) – see Noah and Sarah Williams.

 

Philemon (1783-1856) & Ann (1782-1813, born Smith) Williams

Philemon (1783–1856) & Mary (1789–1876, born Thomas) Williams 

Philemon Williams was born St Brides Major in 1783 to Edward and Margaret Williams - and baptised at St Bridgets Anglican church.  He was a farmer at Cae Caradog farm, Wick. His first marriage was to Ann Smith in 1804, which led to 2 children, before she died in 1813. He then married Mary Thomas from Wallas Farm, Ewenny in 1814.  As part of the marriage settlement, he obtained, together with his mother Margaret Williams, further land associated with Cae Caradog farm.  In 1814 he was appointed as coroner for Ogmore. There is a sword in the family associated with him, and family legend says that, while travelling to Porthcawl, he was attacked and defended himself by stabbing the man with the sword.

Mary Thomas was born around 1789 to William and Mary Thomas, of Wallas farm, Ewenny.

1804 June. Marriage between ‘Philimon’ Williams and Ann Smith (b.1782), at St. Bridgets Church, St Brides Major, by license. The ceremony was officiated by Edward Williams, Anglican Minister, with witnesses David Smith (presumably Ann's brother) and David Davies - who also officiated at St Bridgets Church.  Both Philemon and Ann are from St Brides Major. NLW archives lists a marriage bond, with the marriage at St Brides Major.  (Note: A marriage bond is a marriage by license (from the Bishop of Landaff), as an alternative (from 1700 - 1823) for marriage by Banns.  In a marriage bond the couple allege there are no impediments to the marriage, and a penalty sum is set (£200 in this case), payable if the terms of the bond are breached.)

  • 1807 Birth of a Mary Ann Williams, St Brides Major to Philemon and Ann
  • 1809 Birth of a Philemon Williams (who then died 1810 age 1) in St Brides Major to “Ann” and Philemon Williams.

1810 The Baron Court of Thomas Wyndham Esq. Lord of the Manor of Ogmore was held Oct 20th and Oct. 27th in the dwelling house of Philemon Williams - before John Franklen Esq., Steward of the Manor.

1813 Death of Ann Williams age 31 (born 1782), wife of Philemon, buried in St Brides Major. 1813 saw a number of the residents of St Brides Major die of smallpox.

1814 Philemon Williams appointed Coroner for the Liberty of Ogmore. (ref:102)

1814 Dunraven Estate Records – Deeds, Wills, Receipts, etc relating to Cae Caradoc, the property of the family of Philemon Williams (source NLW). Indenture and agreement for purchase of farmland in Wick to Philemon Williams – references:

  • 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.
  • £200 paid by William Thomas to Philemon Williams (presumably the marriage dowry).
  • One of the parties named is Margaret Williams, widow, parish of Penmark, Glamorgan who is Philemon's mother - and who had inherited the main 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 by license (source: Parish Marriages). Witnessed by William Thomas (Mary's father) and Margaret Alice Williams (Philemon's mother).  Note Philemon Williams listed as ‘widower’.  

  • Note this marriage was recorded twice at Ewenny Priory church - as the final record of a book of marriages and also as the 3rd entry of a new book of marriages. There were not many marriages held at the Priory church.

1822 January in Cambrian newspaper. Last week, an inquest was held at Saint Bride's Major, near Bridgend, by Mr. Philemon Williams, Coroner, on the body of William Llewellyn, a poor man belonging to the said parish, who was found suspended to a tree adjoining the said village. - Verdict, Insanity.

1829 Philemon and Mary Williams have a son - Philemon Basset Williams - at St Brides Major. Note Philemon’s trade is given as ‘Publican’ (source: Baptist/ Unitarian Glamorgan baptisms).

1829-1831 Philemon Williams receives the following payments as Coroner for Liberty of Ogmore (ref:102):

 182918301831
Miles travelled in each year104167
Monies received from the County Rate£4 10 6£13 16 -£20 2 -

 1833 The Cambrian Newspaper notes the following orders for payment at the General Quarter Sessions for Glamorganshire:

  • April. Philemon Williams Esq. Coroner of Ogmore, in full of his bill. £4 9 shillings.
  • July. Philemon Williams Esq. in full of his Bill as Coroner for the Liberty of Ogmore £3 4/6.
  • Note: in Glamorgan at this time there was a coroner for the Liberty of Ogmore (owned by the Duchy of Lancaster), another for Gower and another 2 or 3 people covering the rest of Glamorgan.

1840 A national survey (Apportionment in Lieu of Tithes - [ref: 104]) established rentcharges for St Brides Major and Wick Parishes to be paid to the Lord of the Manor and the church. Philemon Williams is identified in this survey as both landowner and occupier of 7 parcels of land, including Cae Caradog farmhouse and 3 garden areas (possibly market gardens). His rentcharge is established at £22 and 17 shillings per year. 

Philemon Williams also leased land from the Earl of Dunraven and possibly others. Rental information from Dunraven Estates (1818 and 1825) shows that a Philemon Williams leased land at “Penuchadre” Farm, Wick Road, St Brides Major [note also called “Pen Uchaf Dre” and “Pen-ucha’r-dre” farm on old maps].

1841 census - “Cae Cratog”, Wick, Bridgend & Cowbridge, Glamorganshire

  • Philemon (born 1783, then age 58) & Mary (born 1790, then age 51) Williams living at Cae Caradog Farm
  • With children Philemon (called "Philn" in census, born 1829 – then age 12), Thomas (born 1833) and Jennet (born 1826). All born Glamorgan, Wales.

1848 Death of Edward Williams of 'Cae Caradock', 21 years old. Burial by 'coroners order' in St Brides Major.

1851 census - Wick, Bridgend, Glamorganshire

  • Philemon (then age 67) remains head of the farm [presumably Cae Caradog], with wife Mary (then age 61). Philemon was born St Brides Major, Glamorgan in 1784, Mary at Ewenny, Glamorgan in 1790.
  • Son Philemon Williams (born 1830 – age 21) is farmer’s son, unmarried.
  • Others on the farm are Ann Williams (daughter, unmarried – born 1820 age 31)
  • Also David Llewellyn (age 8 – grandson) and Elizabeth Llewellyn (age 5 – granddaughter) (both spelt “Lewelyn” in census) and are Ann’s children [with David Llewellyn].

1848, 1851, 1853 & 1854 Indentures by Philemon and Mary Williams were made with Elias Morgan - which were effectively mortgages/ loans made on the farm and farmland. 

1856 Q1. Death certificate – Philemon Williams (ref: Bridgend, Vol. 11A, p258 and will/ probate records at IR27/319 and NLW). Birth year given as 1781. Will shows that he lived at ‘Caiy Cradock’ with estate passed onto wife Mary Williams and son Philemon Williams. He also left £30 to daughter Anna Williams and £100 to son Thomas Williams.

1856 Article in "Marwgofian", a religious periodical, written in welsh and translated. On the life and death of Philemon Williams.  January 5, Mr. Philemon Williams, Caecaradog, Wick, aged 62 years. The deceased had been quite the middle, but few thought the end was near. He was a regular at all the Quaternary Meetings on the 3rd and 3rd July, and accompanied some of the ministers to Bridgend the following day. On Saturday he went to Swansea to consult the doctor, Dr. Griffiths; when he came to understand that the end was imminent, he very much wished to be able to reach home again, and was able to do so a few hours before his death. He was buried in Capel y Wig Cemetery on Sunday afternoons, and an unusually large number were present at the funeral. He had been a devoted member of this chapel for years, and he will be deeply missed. Although he did not have the benefits of learning, he was able to take part in a prayer meeting very charmingly. Although a few years ago he and his family made up six of our members, but by today three of the children have moved out of the neighbourhood, having called him to the Church above. He was extremely loyal to his children's motive for adhering to them, and he wished them in his later days to care for that. Such a zeal, in a neighbourhood where there is so much dislike for religious things, was remarkable and commendable.

1863 Dunraven Estate Records – Deeds, Wills, Receipts, etc relating to Cae Caradoc, the property of the family of Philemon Williams (source NLW). Indenture and agreement for what is essentially a remortgage. Mary Williams and Philemon Bassett Williams (her son) agree:

  • Margaret Morgan (widow) and Morgan Philips (executor of will) taking over rights (of the mortgages) due to Elias Morgan who died 1857, and recovering these mortgages/ payments through:
    • Jenkin Lloyd, John David and Edward Morgan take over part of the mortgage to the extent of £400.
    • Edward Hopkin taking over part of the mortgage to the extent of £400.

1870 Dunraven Estate Records – Deeds, Wills, Receipts, etc relating to Cae Caradoc, the property of the family of Philemon Williams (source NLW). Letters confirm the conveyance (sale of freehold) of the farm at Cae Caradog - the execution being certified by the Court of Chancery. Essentially the farm and farmland freehold was sold to Lady Dunraven of Dunraven Estates for £1,001 - which paid off the outstanding mortgages owing to Jenkin Lloyd and others.  Mary and Philemon Williams continue at Cae Caradog farm as leaseholders.

1871 census - Wick, Bridgend, Glamorganshire

  • Mary still living on the farm age 81.
  • Her son Philemon Williams is head of household (age 41) with wife Eleanor (age 41).

1876 Feb. Death certificate for Mary Williams (b. 1790 age 86). Wick Baptist/ Unitarian Monumental Inscription Index states: 1856 “Philomen” Williams of “Caecaradog” with Mary (1876) and also Jennet Williams (Jinny – their granddaughter) in 1925.

Philemon and Mary’s children:

  • Ann or Hannah Williams (b. 1819). Had two children with David Llewellyn (b. 1843), namely David Llewellyn (b.1843) and Elizabeth Llewellyn (b. 1846, St Brides Major). Elizabeth married Thomas Williams (b.1845) a potter and went to live with him in Ewenny. They had a son Philemon Williams (b. 1871, Corntown) who became a collier in Neath. Ann/ Hannah Williams had a further child (Edward Hopkins 1858-1938) with Rees Hopkins (1811 - 1885).
  • Jennet Williams (1821 - 1853). (Details from ancestry.co.uk). Jennet also married David Proper in 1852 in St Brides Major.
  • Edward Williams (1828) (Indications are that he died young)
  • Philemon Basset Williams (b. 1829). See Philemon and Eleanor Williams.
  • Thomas Williams (b. 1833, Wick). Thomas married Gwen (or Winifred) Lougher (b. 1829) of Monknash. Note Gwen's father's half sister was Mary Jane Lougher who married Christopher Bassett Williams (see Edward & Margaret Williams).

 

WICK

Wick is a parish and village in the county of Glamorgan, about 5½ miles from Bridgend, its post town, and the same from Cowbridge; it is in the Bridgend and Cowbridge union and county court district. The Earl of Dunraven is lord of the manor. The church is dedicated to St. James. Two other places of worship are a chapel for Baptists, and one for Calvinists; there is also a school on the National system. Population in 1861, 432; in 1871, 384. (Source: Slaters Commercial Directory, 1880).

Note: Wick parish was often consolidated with St Brides Major parish – whose church is St Bridget. 

Archaeological evidence (such as the earthworks associated with burial mounds, settlements and enclosures) suggests that there was settlement in Wick from around 1600BC. The site of an ancient beacon tower lies just north-west of the village and to the south-west, on the cliff edge at Whitmore Stairs, is the earthworks of an Iron Age univallate hillfort, part of an ancient monument known as the Cwm Bach Camps. It is thought probable that the larger of the forts that make up this monument, was at one time occupied by Caratacus (who led the Silures in resistance to the Roman occupation). Given its proximity to Tusker Rock, a small island named after Tuska (a Danish Viking), it is likely that Wick was a focus for Viking attacks on the south Wales coast. Local folklore suggests that beacons were lit on high ground around the village to warn of such raids and that attacks were fiercely resisted. It is thought that the village eventually came under Norman control in around 1097AD. In later times it is likely that Wick formed part of a medieval drovers route, by-passing the toll road through nearby Cowbridge. In 1801 the population of Wick was 259. From 1822 parts of the village and areas of the surrounding land became part of the Dunraven Estate under the 1st Earl of Dunraven. (Wikipedia)

Cae Caradog Farm

Cae Caradog (but also called Caer Caradoc in some documents) farm location is 51.446290, -3.566833.  

An aerial view (taken 2018):

Cae Caradog Farm, Wick is identified as a likely iron age site - morphology suggests that site may be an Iron Age defended enclosure. On aerial photographs the site is visible as a circular earthwork.

"Caradog" is the given name for ‘men’ in Welsh and "Cae" means field, and "Caer" means fort. Alternatively the name may refer to Caradoc (aka Caractacus) a welsh king and ruler of the Catuvellaunui, a powerful British tribe - one of their main castles was at Dyndryfan (aka Dunraven) the ruins of which are located nearby.  Caradoc/ Caractacus was finally defeated at The Battle of Caer Caradoc to Roman governor, Ostorious Scapula in 51 AD. 

The Williamses of Cae Caradog were mentioned in the chapter on Marcross, Monknash and Wick as being a significant owner-occupier since the 18th century in the Wick area (written by Brian LL James – in Saints and Sailing Ships – edited by Stewart Williams, published 1962).

The Williams family were associated with, and often buried in, Wick Chapel. This was built in 1792 – initially as a Baptist chapel, and later as a General Baptist and Unitarian chapel. Some background history - The Orthodox Established Church in Wales (Anglican) was the church of the landowner and squire, often English-speaking. The strong growth of nonconformity in Wales sprang from the alienation of the Welsh people from their landlords, and, as elsewhere, from a rapid industrialisation with its attendant immigration into the towns and valleys of South Wales. Unitarian beliefs, as in England, developed within the Presbyterian and Independent congregations formed during the 17th Century and especially after the Ejection of 1662. (Source - The Unitarian Heritage – An Architectural Survey). The Act of Uniformity prescribed that any minister who refused to conform to the Book of Common Prayer by St. Bartholomew's Day (24 August) 1662 should be ejected from the Church of England. The Great Ejection saw several thousand Puritan ministers forced out of their positions by Church of England clergy, following the restoration to power of Charles II (source - Wikipedia). From the early seventeenth century a group of Dissenters decided to defy the law and meet for worship. These meetings had to be arranged to watch for the law, as these worshippers would be severely punished if they were caught. Wick Chapel was built in 1792 on land donated by local farmers. It has a gallery on three sides and a small meeting room. It is one of the few chapels in Glamorgan with a graveyard that is still being used. (Website of South East Wales Unitarian Society).

Note: There does not appear to be a record of deaths or baptisms for Wick chapel, though there is a monumental inscription index (see Glamorgan Family History Society). The chapel was not licensed for marriages until 1950 -  Mona Williams (the daughter of Noah and Sarah Williams) and Edwin Lewis were the first couple to be married there.