KIBBOR.
Cardiff itself, and the manors surrounding the Borough, east
of the Taff, are within the district known as Kibbor (Cibwr). This
must not be confused with the modern Hundred of Kibbor, originally
called Cardiff Hundred, which comprised the parishes of Saint John
Baptist, Saint Mary, Roath, Llanedern, Llanishen, Lisvane, Whitchurch, Llandaff, Radyr and Caerau. According to Leland's
description, the old Commote of Kibbor lay entirely east of the
Taff and did not include even that part of the parish of Llandaff
which is east of that river; but with this exception it comprised all
between the rivers Taff and Rhymny and south of Senghenydd.
The northern boundary of Kibbor coincides with the northern
boundaries of Llanedern, Lisvane and Llanishen, till we come to
Thorn Hill, when it follows the course of the Brunant southward
(being the boundary between Llanishen and Whitchurch) for some
distance; and then leaving this boundary, passes through the
parish of Whitchurch in a somewhat intricate line only possible
to explain by means of a map, and joins the river Taff at the
boundary of the parishes of Whitchurch and Llandaff.
It is perhaps doubtful whether Leland's description is correct
in not including in Kibbor those portions of the parishes of Saint
John Baptist and Saint Mary which are west of the Taff.
Kibbor, though sometimes referred to as a "lordship" or a
"fee," clearly never was a manor in the ordinary sense. It will
be seen that it could not be so, when it is understood that the
whole of it (except the "patria Wallensium") was either within
the Borough of Cardiff or constituted various manors carved out
of the old Commote.
The manors constituted out of Kibbor were Roath Dogfield,
Roath Keynsham, Llystalybont, Roath Tewkesbury, the Margam
manor of Kibbor and Cardiff, Splott, and Spittle or Spittal. It
also contained Griffith-Moor, some lands of the Austin Canons,
the possessions of the Friars, and some other lands of the
Church.
In the Inquisitions, the country (patria) of the Welshmen of
Kibbor is referred to. This consisted of the north-eastern portion,
the greater part of Llanedern and parts of Lisvane and Llanishen.
Rice Merrick describes certain privileges of the freeholders of
Kibbor, and says that two of the suitors of Kibbor must, of
necessity, be sitting on the lower bench in the Shire-hall at the
giving of judgment upon life and death. In another place he states
that the holders of the knight's fees, and also the freeholders of
Kibbor, were in every Court called by a roll of their names.
There is no doubt that this refers to the Welsh freeholders of the
patria; for in the Inquisition on the death of Joan de Clare we find
(after going through a list of the knight's fees):—
"And all the aforesaid tenants owe suit at the County
[Court] of Glamorgan from month to month, together with
63 Welshmen of Kibbor who do no other service for their
lands and tenements which they hold in Kibbor except suit
at the County [Court] aforesaid from month to month."
This sitting in the County Court was probably regarded as a
valuable privilege, giving these Welsh tenants the means of seeing
justice done to their countrymen.
Thus the term "Kibbor" was used in two senses, sometimes
as meaning the Commote, but often referring only to the land of
the Welshmen.
There was a Bailiff of Kibbor, and there were also some very
small rents, which possibly may have arisen from forfeited lands;
but it seems clear that there was no "manor" of Kibbor, and the
Welsh freeholders there appear to have been subject to no service
whatever, except the attendance at the Court.
1126. In the agreement between Robert Consul and the
Bishop of Llandaff, the Bishop is to have wood from the woods
of the Earl "except Kibbor." The Welshmen of the Bishop are
to have pannage and pasture with the Welshmen of the Earl, and
the Normans and Englishmen of the Bishop with the Normans and
Englishmen of the Earl, outside Kibbor. (Cartae I., p. 2.)
1183–89. Henry II. (probably while the lordship was in his
hands, on the death of William, Earl of Gloucester,) directs a Writ
to Roger de Sumeri and all who cultivate lands in the forest of
Kibbor, requiring them to pay their tithes to Tewkesbury. (Cartae
I., p. 23.) Tewkesbury had the tithe of the whole district; for a
confirmation by Bishop Nicholas, 1153–83 (Cartae I., p. 20), shows
that the Abbey held the parish church of Saint Mary, and the then
chapels of Saint John, Saint Thomas (which has disappeared, but
which was at Cardiff,) Roath, Saint Denis of Kibbor (probably
Lisvane), Liffenni (perhaps Llanishen), Saint Edern (Llanedern),
and Llanbordan (long since desecrated).
1515. William Basset granted to Res Mawnceill (Mansel) a
messuage in the "Castell Baillie in Kibour." (Cartae IV., p. 629.)
This refers to Cardiff Castle, and the messuage would be one of
the lodgings of the knights who had to perform Castle-guard.
KIBBOR AND CARDIFF.
The manor of "Kibbor and Cardiff" was the term for those
scattered properties, in Kibbor and the Borough, which had been
given to Margam Abbey. It comprised a grange within the
franchise of Cardiff, and 30 acres of arable land. Also 4 acres
of meadow in the marsh of Roath, together with the common to
the same pertaining, a tenement and one acre of meadow in
"Roath More," and land in "Listellapont, Roffistow and Portmansmore." In the reign of Henry VIII. a grant of this manor
was made to Sir Thomas Heneage and Lord Willoughby, but they
seem either to have acquired it for the benefit of Sir George
Herbert, or to have sold it to him, for he certainly possessed it
shortly afterwards.
1201–1215. Isabella, Countess of Gloucester, confirmed to
the monks of Margam all they had of the gift of burgesses of
Cardiff or free men in the same town or outside. (Cartae III.,
p. 273.)
1516. The Abbot of Margam granted to Germanus ap Harolde
Kybo 14 acres of arable land called Roffistowe, 4 acres of meadow
in Rothismore, and a close lying in Portmannis-more in the fee of
Kibor. (Cartae II., p. 249.)
1586. The manor of Kibur (meaning Kibbor and Cardiff) had
been granted to Sir William Herbert by Sir George Herbert. This
was Sir William Herbert, grandson of Sir George.
1618. The Crown granted to two grantees the lordship and
manor of Kibworth and Cardiffe (except the chantry lands of
Cardiff.) This was at the request of Sir W. Doddington, who
had married a Herbert heiress, viz., Mary, dau. of Sir John
Herbert, brother of Sir William. The grantees were no doubt
trustees, as the consideration was paid by Doddington.
Kibbor and Cardiff was purchased by the Earl of Bute in 1793,
from the successors in title of the Herberts of the Friars, and the
Marquess of Bute is now Lord.
The Grange of Moor may be mentioned conveniently here, as
Margam property. Though in the parish of Llandaff and not within
Kibbor or Cardiff, it was, perhaps, to some extent, connected with
the manor so called.
1193–1218. Henry Bishop of Llandaff granted to Margam
all the land from the Great Pill to the Taff which lay near the
Bishop's sheepfold from wall to wall. According to the endorsement the land lay "in mora de Kerdif." (Cartae III., p. 218.)
This property became known as Grange of Moor, and after the
Dissolution was acquired by the family of Lewis of the Van.
1594. Thomas Lewis of the Van, Esquire, died seised of the
Grange of Moor, held of the Queen in chief. (Inquisition 1595).
The property remained in the Lewis family till their heiress
married the 3rd Earl of Plymouth. From them Lord Windsor, the
present owner of the Grange, is descended.
The Abbot's Grange is the only old building in the southwestern suburb of Cardiff, called after it, Grangetown.
MANOR OF ROATH DOGFIELD.
Roath (in Welsh, y Rhath) is a parish adjoining Cardiff on the
east. There is some reason to think its name is more ancient than
that of Cardiff.
The manor formerly known as Roath, but for about 300 years
called Roath Dogfield, is one of the manors carved out of the old
Commote of Kibbor, though it comprises certain lands (Taff Mead,
Merches, &c.) west of the Taff, which were not within that Commote
according to Leland's description. It seems to have been always in
the hands of the Lord of Cardiff Castle. Its principal house was
anciently fortified and moated, and was no doubt on the site occupied
by the present Roath Court, the seat of C. H. Williams, Esq. Rice
Merrick says:—"Within it stood an old Pyle, compassed with a
"Mote, which is called The Court; but now in ruyne." This manor
comprises lands in the parishes of Roath, Llanishen, Lisvane, Saint
John Baptist and Saint Mary.
Merrick says that in this manor is a place called Bedd-y-ci-du
("the grave of the black dog"), and this place is also mentioned
in Ministers' Accounts and a Survey temp. Hen. VIII. and
Elizabeth. The same curious name is still borne by a field
situate a little to the north of Llanishen church. After referring
to this place, Merrick adds:—"Whereof it is supposed the lordship was named Dogfield."
This, however, is a very doubtful point. The name in the early
documents is always "Roath," without addition. "Dogfield" first
appears as part of the name of the manor in the time of Henry VIII.
It has been thought that it may be connected with the name
Docgeuel or Doggevel (see below) a mediæval form of the ancient
Welsh Docmail and Dogvael.
In the Inquisition of Isabel, Countess of Warwick, 18 Henry
VI., mention is made of a place called "Dogowyldescroft."
In this manor is Ty Mawr (otherwise Llys Du), which in 1748
was in the occupation of Sir George Howells. It stands close to
Roath church.
Among the early inhabitants of this manor was, it appears, a
family named Roth, no doubt deriving their name from it. Alice,
daughter and heir to David Roth, was married to Jenkyn ap
Adam ap Cynaelthwy ap Herbert, who was great-grandfather to
Sir William ap Thomas, and so ancestor of the great Herbert
family. This appears from an Elizabethan pedigree of Roberts
of Cardiff, preserved at the Free Library.
1155 (c). Richard Bulchart granted to Margam Abbey 5½ acres
of meadow lying between the meadow of William Docgevel and the
meadow of the men of Rad (Roath). (Cartae III., pp. 89–90.)
1185. The Glamorgan Pipe Roll (Compotus de firmis maneriorum
de Glamorgan) charges for the repair of the bridges of Rat and Reigni
(Roath and Rumney), of Lequid mill, and Cardiff Castle and town
gates, and accounts for 24l. "of the farm of Caerdif." (Cartae I.,
p. 27.)
1186 (c.) William Doggeuel notified to the Bishop of Llandaff
his grant to the monks of Margam of his field under Rahat (Roath),
in the marsh towards the south, and any acre they might choose in
his land at Lisbonit. (Cartae III., p. 118.)
1200 (c.) In an agreement between Margam and Caerleon "the
land Duc of the fee of Dogefel" is mentioned. (Cartae IV., p. 601.)
1307. Roath and Leckwith are called members of the town and
castle of Cardiff. (Inquisition on death of Joan de Clare.)
Rents of a pound of cummin, a pound of pepper and a pair of
gilt spurs are mentioned in early Inquisitions as paid for different
tenements.
1395–1307. From the Inquisitions of Gilbert de Clare and
Joan de Clare, the curious fact appears that it was the duty of the
tenants of Llantwit to mow and make the hay of Taff Mead.
1316. A compotus of the possessions late of Gilbert de Clare
includes lands "in the manor of Roath and the vill of Kaerdif with
the castle."
1325. Grant, Walter Balle to John Mody, of one acre of
meadow lying in the fee of Kaerdif at Westmor, in width between
a meadow of the lord on the south, &c. (Cartae I., p. 260.)
1550. Minister's Accounts. "A certain rent paid to our lord
the King as in his demesne of Dogfield."
1550. Roath was one of the manors included in the grant by
the King to Sir William Herbert, knight. (Vol. I., p. 463.)
One of the customary tenements was called "Alyce hill," containing 20 acres. (Chanc. Proc. Series II., bdle. 101, No. 12.) A
Survey of the 12th year of Elizabeth shows that there were then
only five copyhold tenements, and one of these was claimed to be
held freely.
1678. MS. Glam. pedigrees. "The said Earl [of Pembroke]
hath the castle of Cardiff, which stands in the manor of Roath."
The tenants of this manor held by freehold, sergeantry, kitchenhold and bond tenure. Copyhold tenure in Roath has long ceased
to exist.
The Marquess of Bute is now Lord of Roath.
A Court Baron for Lord Bute's manors of Roath Dogfield,
Roath Tewkesbury, Kibbor and Cardiff (called in recent times
"White Friars and Kibbor"), and Llystalybont, was held, till the
middle of the present century, at the Cross Keys inn, just outside
the east gate of Cardiff. It was then removed to the old Angel inn
and then to the Cardiff Arms (now the Angel), within the town
walls, and is still held there. The Court was formerly held every
six months, but now meets only once a year.
MANOR OF ROATH TEWKESBURY.
This comprises the lands in Kibbor and the town of Cardiff
which were granted to Tewkesbury Abbey, Gloucestershire; but
it has been sometimes confused with Roath Dogfield on account
of its often being referred to simply by the name of "Roath."
1102 (c.) The mill of Raz (Roath) was given to Tewkesbury
by Robert de Haia. What mill is here referred to is doubtful; for
although an ancient mill was standing in Roath, not far from the
church, until 1897, that mill was in Roath Keynsham.
In this manor is an old thatched cottage, in the parish of
Llanedern, known as Ty'r Capel, which was originally a chapel—
probably the Lanvorda and Lanbordan of mediæval records.
1236. Tewkesbury Abbey gave up the church of Llanedern
to the Bishop and Chapter of Llandaff, retaining the tithes of
Lanbordan for the use of the Prior of Cardiff. (Annals of
Tewkesbury, p. 100.)
1578 (c.) Rice Merrick says (p. 103 Corbett's edition) speaking
of Llanedern : "William Herbert hath a manor therein . . . . .
"within it is the chappell of Lanvorda." This "manor" would
probably be part of Roath Tewkesbury—though the fact of Ty'r
Capel being described in the Roath Keynsham Survey as held
under Saint Austin's on the Green, Bristol, renders the point
doubtful.
1546. James Gunter and William Lewis applied for the farm
of the manor of Cardiff, late in Tewkesbury Monastery.
1550. The Minister's Accounts mention "a certain rent paid to
George Herbert, knight, at his demesne or manor of Cardiff and
Roth, formerly belonging to the monastery of Tewkesbury." A
modern writer (Arch. Camb.) says that this manor was purchased in
1546 by Sir George Herbert, and held in capite.
1586. The manor of Rothe Tewxburie was held by Sir William
Herbert (grandson of Sir George); as also the free chapel of Roath,
lately dissolved, with the tithes, profits, lands and tenements to the
same chapel belonging.
The Marquess of Bute is now Lord.
THE CARDIFF FRIARS.
The estates of the Friars, whether Franciscan, Dominican or
Carmelite, do not appear to have been called manors; but as the
name of "Friars," or "White Friars," has been connected with
that of the manor properly called "Kibbor and Cardiff," it may
be well to give some facts with respect to them.
With regard to the White or Carmelite Friars, it is stated in
Dugdale's Monasticon (1846 edition, VIII. 1582), that there is "said
to have been" a house of White Friars at Cardiff; adding, "It was
probably destroyed by Owen Glyndowr."
It would seem clear that the White Friars' house at Cardiff had
disappeared before the dissolution of the monasteries in the time of
Henry VIII.
The house of the Black Friars, Dominicans, or Friars Preachers,
was between the Castle and the river Taff. It was acquired by Sir
William Herbert, grandson of Sir George Herbert, and again sold by
him between 1570 and 1586. The site now belongs to the Marquess
of Bute.
The Grey Friars, Franciscans, or Friars Minors, had their house
at Crockherbtown, south of what is now Cathays Park.
Sir George Herbert acquired this site, and from him it passed
to his grandson Sir William; who built the mansion known as the
Friars, the ruins of which yet remain.
The Herberts acquired also the Margam Abbey manor of
"Kibbor and Cardiff;" and the fact of their mansion house being
situate on the land of the Friars may probably account for the
manor in later days being called "Kibbor and Cardiff, otherwise
Friars," and more recently "White Friars and Kibbor."
It is more curious, however, that the name "White Friars"
was frequently used, apparently by mistake, and was applied to
the house which was in fact built on the site of the Grey Friars.
The Herberts of "Cardiff Friars," or of "White Friars," who
are referred to in the Cardiff Parish Registers and other documents,
were really of the Grey Friars—or rather the house built by Sir
William Herbert on the site of the Grey Friars.
1649. "William Herbert, of Cardiff Friers," is mentioned in the
Parish Registers of Saint John Baptist, Cardiff; and the Herberts
were living at the "Friars" down to about 1730, as appears from
the same registers. The Grey Friars house is in ruins; of the
Black Friars only the foundations remain, in the grounds just
west of the Castle. The sites belong to Lord Bute.
MANOR OF ROATH KEYNSHAM.
This comprised the estates in Kibbor of Keynsham Abbey
(Somersetshire)—founded by William, Earl of Gloucester, between
1167 and 1172. The grant of the estates constituting the manor
of Roath Keynsham was by Gilbert de Clare (1217–30).
1250(c.) In a pledge of five acres of meadow in Eastmore
called Stockecroft, a rent of 2d. was reserved to the Earl of
Gloucester and the Abbot of Keynsham. (Cartae I., p. 157.)
1275. King Edward confirmed Earl Gilbert's grant to Keynsham of (inter alia) "the whole Park of Rumeya and the whole
fishery and fishing of Rumeya, and both the vivaries of Raz
(Roath), with the mill and the great vivary below Kibur to the
west, and all the lands (landas) of Raz, and the whole forest of
Kibur." (Cartae I., p. 190.)
1291. In the Taxatio of Pope Nicholas, the Abbot of Keynsham
has a carucate of land in Roath, with certain rights and rents, a weir
and a water mill.
After the dissolution this manor was purchased by Sir Edward
Lewis of the Van, and held in capite as church land.
1563. Lands originally part of this manor were granted by the
Crown to William Morgan esq. and William Moris gent.
1593. Thomas Lewis of the Van died seised (inter alia) of the
manor of Roath Keynsham, held of the Queen; annual value, 8s.
1596. Edward Lewis of the Vann, esquire, was the lord. The
manor had demesne and copyholds of indenture for three lives.
1650. William Lewis of the Van, esquire, was presented as the
undoubted lord of the manor of Roath Keynsham.
1661. William Lewis died leaving a son, Edward Lewis, and a
brother Richard. Edward Lewis died about 1674, having left his
Welsh estates to his uncle Richard.
Richard Lewis, at some date between 1674–80, sold the manor
to William Morgan, Esq., of Tredegar.
Lord Tredegar is the present Lord.
1650. "The Survey and Presentment of the Manor of Roath
Keynsham in Glamorgan" (Arch. Camb., 1883, p. 109), sets forth
in detail the mears and bounds of the manor. The boundaries
cannot be described without a plan, the manor being in so many
scattered portions.
The principal tenements named in this Survey are the
following:—
Roath Mill.
Field called Ystafell-y-cwn (or Stabell-y-cwm).
Llwyn-y-Grant.
Tir-y-Capel, in Llanedern, in the tenure of Thomas Mathew
(held in fee under the College of Saint Austin on the Green,
Bristol, and forming parcel of the estate called Coed-y-gores).
Wedal Uchaf, in the parish of Llandaf.
Cefn Coed.
1703. A Survey of the manor adds the following tenements:—
Cwrt Bach.
Pengam; bounded east by the river Rhymny, and south-west
by lands of the Lord of the Friars.
The Back, alias Abbot's Land.
Pedair Erw Twc.
Goose Lease.
The Survey further states that there is a pinfold or pound
belonging to the manor; and that all the tenants are entitled to
free pasture on the commons there, called Mynydd Bychan, Y
Waun Ddyfal and Treoda. Mynydd Bychan is called in English
the Great Heath; Y Waun Ddyfal is the Little Heath, and Gwauntreoda is termed Whitchurch Common.
Coed-y-gores was anciently the home of a branch of the old
Morgan family, the last of whom, David Morgan ("the Pretender's
counsellor"), was beheaded at Kennington in 1746, and his estates
forfeited for high treason.
Cefn-coed is an old abode on the top of the hill, north of
Pen-y-lan.
Cwrt Bach, now called Roath Court Farm, is situate a little to
the south of Roath Church.
Pengam is an ancient farmhouse on the margin of Roath Moor,
a little south of the high road to Newport.
Pedair Erw Twc was a messuage and land between Roath and
Llanishen, on the west side of the Nant Mawr; the messuage has
been demolished.
Goose Lease is now the name of a goose pasture by Roath mill
and the Deri farm.
In this manor is Ty Gwyn (otherwise Pen-y-lan Farm), now the
Convent of the Good Shepherd.
In the latter part of the 17th century, William Morgan of
Tredegar bought Roath Keynsham from Richard Lewis of the
Van, and Lord Tredegar is now Lord of the Manor.
MANOR OF LLYSTALYBONT.
On the eastern bank of the Glamorganshire canal, where the
canal approaches within about a hundred yards of the Taf, stands
a rambling thatched farmhouse popularly known as Lislabont or
Islabont (Llystalybont.) Although it looks so insignificant to-day,
this is one of the most ancient residences in Glamorgan and
possessed great importance in early times. The lands of this
manor were scattered, and though the mansion lies a mile to
the north of Cardiff, houses in the suburb outside the south gate
of that town, called Soudrey, were reputed to be parcel of the
manor of Llystalybont; and part of the manor lay in the parish
of Llanishen. A Survey of 1653, after giving the bounds of the
main portions, says that the manor lay in the several parishes of
Llandaff, Whitchurch, St. John's in Cardiff, Roath, Llanishen and
Lisvane. The mediæval manor of Llystalybont consisted of only
half a knight's fee.
Early in the 13th century, Sir Ralph Maelog was lord of
Lystalybont in Kibbor.
Sir William Maelog was lord of Llystalybont, Wysam and
Maelog's Fee,temp. Hen. III. (1216–72). This knight is said,
in Mr. Clark's Genealogies of Glamorgan, to have married a
daughter of Rhys ap Griffith ap Ifor Bach, Lord of Senghenydd.
His daughter married Sir Gwrgi le Grant.
Circa 1216 Isabel, daughter of William, Earl of Gloucester,
confirmed to the abbot and monks of Margam Abbey (inter alia)
the possessions which they had of the free men of Kaerdif at
Listelebon. This may have included the grange of Llystalybont.
(Cartae III., p. 308.)
1261. Pope Alexander IV. confirmed to Margam Abbey (inter
alia) their possessions at Lestelebont. (Cartae III., p. 473).
1291 circa. Pope Nicholas' Taxation shews that the Abbot of
Caerleon had at Lestalelond certain rents of assize (probably in
Mynachdy), and the Abbot of Margam one carucate of land there.
The possessions of Caerleon in this county appear to have passed
to Llantarnam previous to the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
Lands which formerly belonged to Caerleon appear in the rolls
of the Augmentation Office as the property of Llantarnam. The
various lands "at Llystalybont" belonging to Caerleon (afterwards Llantarnam), and Margam respectively, adjoined lands which
are still part of the manor, and were probably granted to the
Abbeys either by former lords, or freeholders with the consent of
the lords.
As to the respective estates of the two Abbeys, the matter is
not free from difficulty; but from what is known of the subsequent
history of the property, it appears probable that Mynachdy lands
belonged to Llantarnam, while the Grange farm (near Cathays)
was the property of Margam.
1314. William Maylok (Maelog) held half a fee as Lord of
Lestilbount by Cardiff. (I.P.M. of Gilbert de Clare.)
He seems to have been succeeded by Ralph Maelog, and the
latter by William Maelog who was Lord of Llystalybont, temp.
Edw. III.
1319. Roger ap Ievan de Lustelbont granted to Thomas
Moryn half an acre of land, less nine yards, with the appurtenances in Overham, between the land of Richard de Lustelbont
on the east and land of Kenewrek ap Ievan on the west; one rood,
one yard, and three-quarters of a yard of land with the appurtenances
in Nitherham, between the land of John Dobin on the south, and
and land of Kenewrek ap Ievan on the north. (Cartae I., p. 255.)
1326. John Gilbert de Listelbont granted to John Lazful one
and a half acre and one yard of arable land lying in the fee of
Listelbont, namely, lengthways between land formerly of John
Dobyn on the east, and a place which is called Hien Tor on the
west; and in width between land of Kenewrek ap Ievan on the
south, and land of Iorward de Listelbond and Richard, his brother,
on the north. Witness, William Mayloc, &c. (Cartae I., p. 261).
1332. William Maelog and his wife vainly endeavoured to
enforce in the Bishop's Court their claim to have Mass said "at
their house on the other side of the Taf," at Christmas and Easter.
They alleged an ancient grant by the Bishop and Chapter in consideration of certain lands given to the See by their ancestors.
(Lib. Land.)
1336. Extent by Margam Abbey, directed to their superior
the Abbot of Clairvaulx, of their possessions, mentions "Apud
Listelbone j carucatam terre. Et de prato ibidem vij acras."
(Cartae IV., p. 152.)
1348. Madoc ap Ruyn held half a knight's fee in Lustelbond
of Hugh le Despenser. (I.P.M. 1349.)
In the Glamorgan Genealogies it is stated that Arnold, an
advena, married the heiress of Morgan ap Madoc, Lord of Llystalybont; that the estate was held by his descendants for five
generations, and that the heiress of the last married William Yelor.
This last statement would seem to be inaccurate if intended to
imply that Llystalybont passed by marriage from the Arnold
family. (See below, under date 1542.)
1516 The Abbot of Margam granted to Germanus ap Howel
of Kibbor (inter alia) "a tenement built situate at Listallapont,
commonly called Puppit." (Cartae II., p. 249).
1542. John Arnold, of Gloucester, 14 April 1542, sold the
manor of Llystalybont to Sir Edward Carne of Ewenny.
1560. The grange of Llistalabont was by the Crown granted
to Thomas Wood and Thomas Fale, together with houses &c to
the same grange belonging, late parcel of the possessions of the
monastery of Lanternam. (Rot. Pat.) Dugdale prints an abstract
of a roll in the Augmentation Office, mentioning the following
possessions (inter alia) of Llantarnam:—
"Llystelabonte—Firma Grangiae 2li.
Managhtyrwyn—Redditus Grangiae 2li."
1578. John William of Listalabone, gentleman, was one of the
principal freeholders of Cardiff.
1596. Listalabounte had free tenants, and copyholds for three
lives.
1610. George Lewis of Llystalybont, Esquire, was M.P. for
Cardiff and Sheriff of Glamorganshire. The manor at this time
belonged to Carne.
1622. John Carne sold the manor to the Earl of Pembroke.
1649. The manor of Llystalybont belonged to Philip, Earl of
Pembroke. The mill of Listellabont having been forfeited to the
Earl as felon's goods, an action was brought by John Williams
against Anne Herbert, widow of William Herbert, who had seized
it on behalf of the Earl. (See Exch. Dep., 24. Car. I., East. 1 and
2.) This action was dismissed 5 May 1651. (Exch. Decrees and
Orders, Vol. V., col. 234d.)
1653. A Survey of the manor in this year shows that the free
tenants then were Sir Charles Kemeys of Cefn Mablie; William
Lewis of the Van, Esq.; Thomas Lewis of Lanishen, Esq.; George
Williames of Lanishen.
1673. For customs of the manor of Lystallaboone, belonging
to the Earl of Pembroke, see Exch. Dep., 25 Car. II., East. 25.
This document shows that several large tenements in Llanishen
parish were part of this manor, and paid rent and rendered heriots
of the best beast to the Lord. Lewis of Llanishen were copyhold
tenants there. Two of the tenements were called Coed Cae and
Tir-y-Maerdy.
1678. MS. Glam. Ped. The Earl of Pembroke has (inter alia)
the manor of Llystalybont, which are free, copyhold and demesne
lands.
1700. Gabriel Lewis of Cardiff, feltmaker, devised a "Tenement
of Lands called Velindra in ye parish of Lanishen and Mannor of
Listleaboon by me held by copy of Court Roll from and under
ye sd Mannor," for certain lives.
1715. Viscount Windsor conveyed (inter alia) a parcel of land
lying in Sowdry, reputed parcel of the manor of Listalbont.
1818. Llystalybont manor-house and hamlet are in the parish
of Llandaff. In this manor is Heol Hir Farm.
From the Earls of Pembroke the manor descended to the
Marquess of Bute, who is the present Lord.
MANOR OF LLANDAFF.
This manor belonged to the Bishop of Llandaff from ancient
times, and constituted him one of the Lords Marchers, but subject
to the Lord of Glamorgan; of whom, for nearly two centuries, the
Bishop was supposed to hold his temporalities.
1205. King John granted to the Bishop of Llandaff an annual
fair at Whitsuntide, and a weekly market on Sundays, to be held in
the manor. The fair was discontinued about 1880.
1218 (c). The Bishop of Llandaff granted to Margam Abbey all
the land from Thaf to the Great Pill, which lies by the Bishop's
sheepfold, from wall to wall. According to the endorsement the
land granted lay in "in mora de Kerdif." (Cartae III., p. 218).
1290. Gilbert de Clare claimed to hold the temporalities of
the See of Llandaff during the vacancy of the See; but this was
resisted by King Edward I., who desired to restrict the excessive
powers of the Marcher Lords. The result was that the Earl had
to give up his claim to the temporalities except for the lives of
himself and Joan his wife, a daughter of the King.
1291 circa. Pope Nicholas' Taxation shews that the Manor of
Llandaff comprised three ploughlands, with free and villein tenants,
mills, fishery, and a Court.
1439. John Daldeyn, gentleman, agrees with his brother David
concerning the possessions they inherited from their father, Edmund
Daldeyn, "within the said counte of Glamorgan and within the
libertie of the towne of Cardeff, and in the lordship of Llandaff,
in Suth Walys." (Cartae, vol. II., p. 140.)
1535. In the Valor Ecclesiasticus the Lordship of Landaffe is
valued at 50l. 2s. The Steward, Mr. Maunxell, received 5l. a
year.
1553. Bishop Kitchin granted Llandaff Manor to Sir George
Mathew of Radyr, knight, his heirs and assigns. This greatly
impoverished the See, and even comprised the Bishop's Castle,
which seems to have been dismantled shortly afterwards.
Near the castle stands the ancient mansion of the family of
Mathew of Llandaff. It was formerly called Bryn-y-gynen, but
now Llandaff Court, and is supposed to have been built by David
Mathew ap Ieuan Gruffydd Gethin (Rice Merrick.) It was rebuilt
in the 18th century and is now the palace of the Bishop of
Llandaff.
1578. Rymbron Mathew was in possession of Bryn-y-gynen.
1596. William Mathew, esquire, was supposed to hold this
manor in socage of the Bishop. His demesne extended to the Taff
bank, almost as far as Cardiff bridge. (Herbert Abbreviate.)
1646. The Parliamentary Survey contains only an account of a
fee farm rent issuing out of this manor.
1740. According to a Survey of this year, the boundaries of
Llandaff Manor take in, on the north-east side, Maendy and
Mynachdy, and lands formerly part of the Great Heath. It
mentions chief rents as being payable (inter alia) for the manor
of Caerau, and Splott Farm in Roath.
1763. The Manor of Llandaff was in the hands of Thomas
Mathew of Thomastown, County Tipperary; who this year appointed
his kinsman, Anthony Mathews of Leckwith, gamekeeper of the
manor.
1777. Francis Mathew of Thomastown demised the Lordship
of Llandaff for a term of years to Anthony Mathew of Leckwith.
1818. Francis James Mathew, Earl of Llandaff, and others,
conveyed this manor to Sir Samuel Romilly, knight.
1819. Sir S. Romilly's Will was proved at Canterbury, and
his estates were divided among his children in equal shares.
1852. The sons of Sir Samuel Romilly sold to William
Sheward Cartwright: All that the Manor or reputed Manor of
Llandaff in the County of Glamorgan, with the appurtenances
thereto belonging, extending over the whole Parish of Llandaff;
which parish comprises the Hamlets of Canton, Eley, Fairwater,
Gabalva and East Laboon [Llystalybont] and includes the commons
or waste lands called Llandaff Common 39a. 1r., Canton Common
41a. 3r. 8p., Wayngron 2a. 2r. 7p., Eley Green 3a. 0r. 16p., waste
on Eley Road 1a. 2r. 9p. or thereabouts, and all other the wastes of
the said Manor. Together with the fishery in the river Taff within
the said Parish of Llandaff, extending from the confines of the Parish
of Reider near Llandaff to the river Taff to the north, to the sea
towards the south. And also a fishery in the river Eley, from the
confines of Leckwith Parish to the confines of Saint Fagans Parish
held by Anthony Mathews, Esquire, his heirs and assigns for ever
at the yearly rent of 5s. And also all the tolls and pickages of the
fairs held at Llandaff and Eley in the County of Glamorgan. And
also all that pound, being the Lord's Pound of the Manor or Lordship of Llandaff, situate in the City of Llandaff, with the profits
arising from the empounding of estrays within the said Manor
(which said tolls and pickages of the said fairs at Llandaff and the
said pound were with other hereditaments, by Lease dated 15
January 1808, demised by Francis Lord Landaff to the Reverend
Powell Edwards from the date thereof for the lives of the said
Powell Edwards, Thomas Williams Richards and Edward Windsor
Richards at the yearly rent of 130l.) And also all those several
chief rents of the several amounts scheduled thereunder and
payable to the Lord of the said Manor of Llandaff. Together
with all houses &c (inter alia) feedings, commons, common of
pasture and herbary, Courts Leet, views of frank pledge and all
that to view of frank pledge doth belong and appertain, Courts
Baron, Customary or Copyhold Courts and all other Courts &c.
Chief Rents.
Penhill House and one acre called Erw-yr-apothecary in
Llandaff, formerly held by Lewis Charles and then by Edward
Bevan gent. 5d.
Canton Manor House and garden. Thomas Williams. 6d.
Gabalva freehold lands. Dame Charlotte Blosse and Thomas
Powell Esqe 5s.
Manor of Caira and freeholds. William Carre Esqe 1l.
Lands at Clementson. Richard Franklen Esqe 4s.
Freehold lands at Nash and Lisworney. Elizabeth Carne.
Less 6s. land tax. 1l. 5s.
Freehold lands in the Manor of Llandaff, and owing suit and
service there. Earl of Plymouth —l.
Several freehold houses, gardens, orchards, ¾a. in Llandaff.
John Charles, innkeeper. 2d.
The Survey of 1740 above referred to contains a somewhat
different description of the fisheries, that in the Taff being described
as extending down the river to below a pool called Pwll-y-Stapse,
and that in the Ely as being from Coed Groes to the lower end of
Ely Moor.
1885. The Cartwrights conveyed to the Cardiff Corporation
Ely Common, Canton Common, Waungron, Ely Green, and the
wastes on the Ely Road; otherwise known by the more modern
names of Ely and Canton Commons. The Corporation paid compensation to the commoners.
1895. The Manor of Llandaff now belongs to Thomas George
Cartwright, Esq., of Fairwater, near Cardiff.
The Commons were converted into public recreation grounds.
(See also Manor of Canton post.)
TREASURER'S MANOR OF LLANDAFF.
This comprises lands which from ancient times have belonged to
the Treasurer for the time being of Llandaff Cathedral. A fragment
of the Treasurer's House remains in the Lower Close at Llandaff, by
the Bishop's Castle and Saint Teilo's well.
1291 (c.) Pope Nicholas' Taxation shews that this manor
comprised 32 acres of land. Also that the other principal officials
of the diocese held lands which the Taxation styles manors, viz.,
the Archdeacon, the Chancellor, the Precentor and the Chapter.
1535. The Valor Ecclesiasticus names the following as parcels
of this manor:—Glebe at David Melans close, the Smale close, Pant
Crappull, y Weyn Gron and Kaye y Dyntur; a close called Kae y
Goboye, and two acres at Kae Johan vergh Ievan Bagh. Miles
Mathew was tenant at will of a close by Mylstret, an acre of
arable land at Whitt close, a parcel of arable land under Penhyll,
and three quarters of land at Hungrys Hyll. Tenants for terms of
years held various lands and messuages at the Heyn, Penhill (by
copy of Court Roll), Berland, Canton and Saltmede. Free tenants
were George Mathew and Miles Mathew; the latter held three acres
at Tyr y Cutler at 3d. per annum, and Saint Teilo's Acre at a penny
a year. George Mathew was Steward, Owen David Clerk of the
Court, and Jankyn Dyo Bailiff there.
It appears that the Prebends of Llandaff were also accounted
manors. At all events in 1548 the Prebend of Saint Andrew, alias
Bassetchurch, was conveyed to James Button of Worleton as a
"prebend, manor or lordship," except the "capital house" &c
near the cathedral. It comprised 140 acres. (Chanc. Proc. Series
II., bdle. 18, No. 80.)
In a petition to Queen Mary Tudor the parishioners of Llandaff
complained that these lands had lately been let out to friends of the
residentiary Canons, whereby the revenues had been greatly spoiled
and diminished. (See Vol. I., p. 380.)
1649. Sir John Wollaston, knight, and Robert Tichborn,
esquire (trustees under two Acts of Parliament) for 683l. 9s. 6d.
granted to Stephen Deare of Llandaffe, gent., "all that manor
commonly called the Treasurer's Manor in the county of Glamorgan, with the capital messuage or mansion house called the
manor house in the coom'd; and all that parcel of arable land
called Kaeda Malan, on the highway from Llandaff to Ely; and
arable land called the Five Acres; and the pasture ground called
Kae Damter, on the highway from Llandaff to Fairwater; and
arable land called Kae-yr-vroes Lloyd, on the highway from
Llandaff to Ely; and one meadow called Werne Grove or the
Treasurer's Close, and a meadow near the Watrell, called Kae-yrGayll, on the highway from Llandaff to Place Mawr; and one
meadow called Kae Whuan Verch Evan Bach; and two meadows
between the old Salt Mead, Tophes Mead, and the marshes called
the Heaves." Also the following tenements:—
Treasurer's White Acre.
Treasurer's Black Acre.
Treasurer's Acres (meadow), on Ely Moor;
all in the parish of Llandaff, in the occupation of Marmaduke
Mathew.
The Brovey, arable field on the highway from Fairwater to St.
Fagan's, late in the occupation of Miles Mathew.
Cottage and orchard at Fairwater.
Two houses adjoining Llandaff churchyard.
Pant-y-Crapall, meadow.
Kae-yr-Croes, arable field near the highway from Llandaff to
Rayder.
Kae-yr-Oven, arable field;
all being late parcel of the possessions of the Treasurer of the
cathedral church of Llandaff. (Close Rolls 1649, part 49.)
1714. This manor was annexed to the bishopric by 12 Anne,
2, cap. 6.
1895. It is now vested in the Ecclesiastical Commissioners,
with other ecclesiastical property at Llandaff; but no Court is held,
and the manor is practically extinct.
MANOR OF SPLOTT.
This was a parcel of land holden of the Lord of Llandaff. It
paid suit to the Bishop's Court in Leland's time, and was anciently
held by the Bawdrips of Penmark. It consists mainly of two farms,
called the Upper and Lower Splott, situate between Roath village
and the sea.
1440. The Splott is mentioned as bounding certain lands of
Isabel, Countess of Warwick.
1540. (c). Leland writes: "Splot, a maner place longging to
Baudrem, lyith from the mouth of Remny on the shore, and is
taken as land holden of the Bisshop of Landaf, and resortith to the
Bisshopes court. So it is in the commote of Kibworth, but not
of the Court of it."
Towards the end of the 16th century Splott was in the hands of
Thomas Bawdripe, freeholder.
1596. William Bawdrippe of Penmark, esquire, built a fair house
at the Splott and made the same his chief residence. (Abbreviate.)
1626. William Bawdrip of Splott, esquire, was M.P. for
Cardiff. This year, or soon after, he sold Penmark and Splott to
Sir Edward Lewis of the Van.
1638. Sir Edward Lewis of the Van died seised of the Lordship of Splott, described as being in the parishes of Saint Mary
(Cardiff) and Roath.
1740. The Llandaff Survey of this year mentions a chief rent
of 4s. as payable in respect of Splott Farm in Roath.
The Splott now belongs to Lord Tredegar.
MANOR OF THE SPITTAL.
Spittal Manor was attached to a religious guest-house or almshospital at Crockherbtown. It was situate in the parish of Saint
John Baptist, and may possibly have been a dependency of the Order
of Saint John of Jerusalem, or Knights Hospitallers. Its tithe was
afterwards held by the Dean of Gloucester. Crockherbtown was
the eastern suburb of Cardiff.
1550. The Ministers' Accounts refer to "3½ acres of land in
the field called le Spyttles close," claimed by William Bawdrib,
esquire, as parcel of his inheritance; and to "4 acres of arable
land near the channel called the Spittell lane."
It does not appear from the public records that the Spittal itself
was ever in the hands of the Crown. Possibly, like the Spittal close
above mentioned, the Spittal itself was claimed by Bawdrib as having
been originally granted by his ancestors. Sir William Herbert, the
Crown grantee of 1550, or his son Henry, second Earl of Pembroke,
purchased this manor of William Bawdrippe ante 1570. "It hath
free tenant leases and coppy houlds for iij lives." (Abbreviate.)
In an account of Edmund Rowland, Receiver General of Henry,
Earl of Pembroke, 1573–4, the Spittal is described as having been
purchased of William Bawdrippe.
1610. Speed's map shows the "Spitle" as a building standing
east and west in the middle of the Newport Road.
1666 (Cardiff Survey). Schedule of the bounds and rents of
the Lordship of Spittle. James Herbert esq. possessed the capital
house called the Spittle, and 5a. of land, late in the tenure of William
Bawdripp esq. deceased. Herbert Evans esq. held 8a. with 5
cottages & gardens, and the barn and orchard, all at Crockherbtown.
In 1782 Lord Cardiff was rated to St. John's for the "Spittle
Barn," and in 1783 a Mr. Hurst and Mrs. Jones were in possession
of "Spittle House and Garden."
In 1804 part of the Spittal property was valued at 200l. and
conveyed in exchange from Lord Bute to the Cardiff Corporation.
In 1835 it was conveyed to Mr. Edward Priest Richards, and it
afterwards formed portion of the Stacey estate. The Gaol stands
on another part of the Spittal lands.
A block of old tenements known as the Spital Buildings was
demolished in 1885, and the same name is now borne by a row of
new shops on the Queen Street frontage of the land.
GRIFFITHSMOOR.
Griffithsmoor, or Griffithmore, is the name given to certain
lands the main part of which lies on the west side of the road
from Cardiff to Newport, and extends to Rumney bridge. Though
sometimes styled a "lordship," it appears to be usually treated in
the Inquisitions, &c., as parcel of, or at least connected with Whitchurch, itself a "member" of Senghenydd. It is partly bounded
by the manor of Roath Keynsham. Griffithsmoor, probably, was
never a distinct manor. Its name may have been derived from
Griffith ap Rhys, the last Welsh Lord of Senghenydd. He was
Lord at the date of the Extent of Glamorgan which Mr. Clark
attributes to the year 1262, but by 1295 the lordship was in
the hands of the Chief Lord. In some Annals (Cartae III., p.
558) under the date 1266 it is stated that "Griffinus ap Reys"
was sent to Kilkenny to be imprisoned.
1307. Griffithsmoor is entered in Inquisitions on the death of
Joan de Clare as composed of 60 acres of arable land and 16 acres
of meadow, and in the same document "the moor of Griffith" is
called a member of the Castle and Vill of Kayrfilli (in Senghenydd).
1314. Gruffismor is valued as a parcel of Whitminster. (I.P.M.
of Gilbert de Clare.)
1316. In a Minister's Account the accountant answers-(among
other dependencies of the Manor of Whitchurch) for 30s. received
from the pasturage of 60 acres of arable land in cultivation this
year in Griffithsmor. (Cartae I., p. 222.)
1376. The Custodian accounts for 66s. 8d. of the issues of a
certain pasture called Griffithesmore." (Vol. I., p. 154.)
1440. An Inquisition names "the lordship of Griffithmore."
(I.P.M. of Isabella, Countess of Warwick.)
1492. Morgan ap John Gwyn farmed the pasture of Griffithmore.
1550. The Particulars for the royal grant to Sir William
Herbert include "the farm of a pasture "called Griffithmore in
Kybor; eight acres whereof are in Enormore amongst the lands
of Lord Herbart, and the rest is near the causey leading from
Romney to Cardiff, containing by estimation 53 acres."
1807. In this year Griffithmoor was conveyed in exchange
by the then Marquess of Bute to Mark Wood, Esquire, and is
now understood to belong to Colonel Amelius Richard Mark
Lockwood.
MANOR OF CANTON.
Canton (in Welsh, Treganna) is a hamlet in the parish of
Llandaff, and now forms the western suburb of Cardiff. The
manor is under the Manor of Llandaff. (q.v.)
Early 13th century. Lucia de Kanetune possessed a field near
the Earl's wall. (Cartae III., p. 206.)
1230 (c.) Walter de Canetune is named in a Cardiff charter,
and witnessed same. (Cartae III., p. 369.)
1262. Nicholas de Kanetone, "Physicus," gave evidence in a
cause between the Abbeys of Margam and St. Peter's, Gloucester.
(Cartae I., p. 121).
1290. Richard de Canetone witnessed a Cardiff charter.
(Cartae I., p. 197.)
1290 (c.) John, son of Robert de Landaf, granted to Milo de
Regny "a rent of sixpence arising out of three acres of land
with the appurtenances, which John de Lake, formerly bailiff of
la Lekwiffe, had of my fee under Kanetone, in Sudcrofte. As
also one penny rent from John, son of John Godman of Kaerdif,
for three other acres in the same Sudcrofte under Kanetone."
Richard de Kaneton was one of the witnesses to this charter.
(Cartae I., p. 294.)
1450 (c.) The reversion of Caneton was granted to Sir David
Mathew of Llandaff.
1899. An old messuage called the Manor House is still standing, on the west side of Canton Common. It is in the occupation
of Mr. Richard Williams. The Common is in process of being
converted into a public recreation ground.
MANOR OF PLASTURTON.
Plasturton was a farmhouse demolished 1895. It stood on
the site of an ancient house near the Cowbridge Road and the
Taff west bank, on the west side of the present Cathedral Road.
"The Manor or Lordship of Placestourton, otherwise Glasspoole,"
was held by Bawdrip in the 17th century. It was in 1753 the
subject of a Chancery suit in the family of Mathew of Llandaff.
(Chanc. Proc. 1714—58. Winter, No. 592.) It is, however, doubtful
whether Plasturton was actually a manor.
MANOR OF WHITCHURCH.
Whitchurch was called in Latin Album Monasterium ("Whitminster.") Its Welsh name is Eglwys-newydd (Newchurch). It is
a parish adjoining that of Llandaff on the north, but was anciently
only a chapelry under Llandaff. Most of the modern parish of
Whitchurch is in Senghenydd Subtus, but a part is in Cibwr
(Kibbor). The whole of the old "Album Monasterium" was in
Senghenydd. The remains of the castle are near the old church.
Whitchurch is a member of the great Lordship of Senghenydd,
and not strictly a manor of itself. Parts of the modern parish
are in adjoining manors.
1295. Gilbert de Clare died seised of Whitchurch manor.
1307. In the Inquisition on the death of Joan de Clare, Whitchurch is referred to as a member of the Castle and Vill of Kayrfilli.
1314. In an official document Whitchurch tower is spoken of
as a "forcellettum" called Blankminster, "in nullo edificatum," with
a mill and other profits thereunto appurtenant. It stood close to the
chapel. The name Album Monasterium points to an early monastic
establishment. A little to the south-east of Whitchurch, in Llandaff
parish, is a farmhouse called Mynachdy ("the monastery"). This
place, however, seems to have belonged to Llantarnam Abbey, and
it is very doubtful whether the name "Album Monasterium" was
derived from it.
1316. Griffithsmoor (q.v.) was held under Whitchurch. An
account of the possessions late of Gilbert de Clare includes a
"Compotus de exitibus Albi Monasterii," in which is mentioned
(inter alia) "30s received from the pasturage of 60 acres of
arable land in cultivation this year in Griffithesmor. And of
3s. received from the pasturage of 5½ acres of land in cultivation, beyond the water of Rempni. And of 6s. received from
the pasturage of a certain 'hame' there." The same account
shows that the Whitchurch mills were burnt in the war of
Llewelyn Bren.
1440. The Castle and Manor of Whitminster otherwise Whitchurch, were in the hands of the Countess of Warwick. (I.P.M.)
1550. The Particulars for the grant to Sir William Herbert
mention, under the head of "Whitchurch," rents arising from a
certain customary service called Commorth, at 4s. 1d., falling to our
lord the king every other year to be paid by the tenants aforesaid."
Cymorth was a Welsh custom, noticed in the introductory remarks.
1578. Rice Merrick says the old castle is so decayed "that
scarce the Foundac'on and Rubbish appeareth. It is said that
to it belonged a customary mannor in Whitchurch. But now, by
what meanes I could not learn the certeinty, reputed a parcell
of Seynghenith and annexed to it."
1596. Abbreviate. "Whitchurch . . . . . . butteth to
thest p'te of Pentirghe and hath free tenants and leases."
In this manor was Treoda (now destroyed), the seat of Yorath
Mawr, a descendant of Iestyn ap Gwrgan. Gwaun Treoda is the
Welsh name for Whitchurch Common.
Rice Merrick says Yorath left four daughters, between whom
the estate was divided. It is said that it soon came entirely into
the hands of one son-in-law, Morys Vychan, and continued in his
line until the sons of Ieuan ap Robert ap Morys Vychan sold it
to David ap Jenkyn ap Ieuan ap David; whose sons parted with
it to David ap Richard Gwyn, whose son Edward enjoyed the
same in 1578. This account, however, is of doubtful authority.
For the last three centuries Whitchurch has been treated as
a member of Senghenydd, of which the Marquess of Bute is the
present Lord.
MANOR OF PENARTH.
Penarth parish embraces the bold headland in the Bristol
Channel, west of the mouth of the river Ely.
1189—1199. John, Earl of Mortaine (afterwards King) confirmed to the Augustine Canons (inter alia) "and by the gift of
Osbert of Pennard the land of Pennard with its appurtenances
and liberties." (Dugdale's Monasticon.)
1290. (c.) "The land of the lord of Pennarth" is mentioned in
a charter by which Henry Worgan granted to William Wallot a
messuage and 20 acres of arable land and wood, &c., lying at a place
called Nordon within the fee of Pennarth. (Cartae I., p. 204; also
II., p. 304.)
1291. (c.) Pope Nicholas' Taxation shews that the Abbot of
St. Augustine's of Bristol had three ploughlands at Pennard, with
rents of assize, and a dovecote. No doubt this was the manor.
He also had the pasture of the Holms, not, however, part of the
manor.
1600 (c.) Sir William Herbert seems to have held Penarth
under the Dean and Chapter of Bristol, probably by lease.
1635. A new pound was made at Penarth, "for the Lord of
the Mannor and his Tenants." (Excheq. Dep.)
On the suppression of the monasteries, Penarth was given
to the Dean and Chapter of Bristol, and was sold by them to
Lord Windsor's family in 1853. Lord Windsor is Lord of the
Manor.
MANOR OF COGAN.
Cogan is a parish bounded on the east by the parish of Penarth.
Its manor was anciently accounted as two knight's fees.
The manor belonged to the de Cogan family who came to
Glamorgan from Somerset at an early date, and held it for several
generations.
Mr. Clark, in a note (Cartae III., p. 117), considers it probable
that it at one time belonged to the De Sumeris, Lords of Dinas
Powis.
A William de Cogan witnesses two deeds in the time of
Nicholas, Bishop of Llandaff, 1148—83. (Cartae III., pp. 86—92.)
1262. In the Extent attributed to this year, the manor is stated
to be held by John de Cogan.
1290. (c.) Maurice of Landoch granted to Margam Abbey his
marsh of Coganesmor, bounded by Brodeslyme, Sammeliswere,
Pennardismor and La Niwere. (Cartae III., p. 541.)
1307. John de Cogan held here one messuage and two ploughlands, by military service, rendering yearly at the feast of Saint
Andrew 13s. 4d. "to the ward of the Castle of Kairdif." (I.P.M.
of Joan de Clare).
1314. A John de Cogan appears in the Inquisition on the death
of Gilbert de Clare.
1544. On 19th April King Henry VIII. granted the manor
which had by that time come into the hands of the Chief Lord of
Cogan to Sir George Herbert.
1586. The manor of Cogan belonged to Sir William Herbert,
who had it from his grandfather, Sir George Herbert.
1596. Cogan had freehold, demesne and copyhold tenants.
For several generations after this time the manor of Cogan, with
the mansion of Cogan Pill, was in the possession of the Herberts.
1767. The manors of Dinaspowis, Landough East and Cogan
(with other manors), were in the hands of William Hurst of Gabalva
and Calvert Richard Jones of Swansea. They had married two ladies
who had become entitled to the estates of this branch of the Herbert
family.
1793. Cogan was purchased by the Earl of Bute. The
Marquess of Bute is now the lord.
MANOR OF COSMESTON.
This lordship, anciently called Costinston, comprises all Lavernock and a small part of Penarth parishes. It was one of the
manors granted by King Edward VI. to Sir William Herbert.
Lord Bute is the present lord.
MANOR OF LLANDOUGH.
Llandough parish is situate on the eastern slope of the Leckwith
range, and is bounded on the south by the parish of Cogan.
It is supposed to have been the seat of an Abbey in very early
times. The Abbot "Sancti Docunni" is frequently referred to in
the Liber Landavensis.
1106. "The little vill which is called Landochan" was confirmed
to Tewkesbury Abbey by King Henry I. (Cartae III., p. 39.) There
can be little doubt that the original grant was by Fitz-Hamon.
1275. (c.) Walter Thorgot granted to William de Regni a
messuage in Landoch, lying on the south side of the church of Saint
Doguin, near the cemetery, to hold of the Abbot of Tewkesbury. (Cartae I., p. 182.) The de Reigny family purchased a large
number of small holdings in Llandough and adjoining parishes
about this time. Nearly 60 conveyances to them exist.
1290. (c.) Maurice de Landoch made a grant of Cogan Moor to
Margam Abbey. (See manor of Cogan.)
1535. The Valor Ecclesiaticus shews that the manor of Llandough Est belonged to the Abbot of Tewkesbury, who there had free
and villein tenants paying rents of assize.
1543. King Henry VIII. granted Llandough manor to Lord
Clynton and Say and Robert Turwitt. By the year 1545 it had
been acquired by Sir George Herbert, as appears by a rent-roll
of that date.
Sir George Herbert appears to have conveyed the manor to Sir
William Herbert, his grandson.
1596. The manor of Landoche-juxta-Cardif had free tenants,
demesnes and copyholds. (Abbreviate.)
The subsequent history of Llandough is the same as that of
Cogan. It was purchased in 1793 by the Earl of Bute, and the
Marquess of Bute is the present lord.
MANOR OF LECKWITH.
Leckwith (y Llechwedd) is a parish on the Leckwith hills,
bounded by Llandough on the south.
Circa 1179. Griffin, son of Ifor (bach), granted to Margam 100
acres of land in Lecwithe and certain fisheries "de Helei" (Ely).
The deed expresses doubt as to his being able to warrant the title,
and if he cannot the monks are to have lands in "Seinhenit"
(Senghenydd). (Cartae III. p. 112.)
1153—83. Charter of Bishop Nicholas confirmed to Tewkesbury the Chapel of Leotwtha (Leckwith). (Cartae I., p. 20).
1207. Walter de Sully, who had farmed the mill of Leckwith,
paid 20 marks to King John in respect of its being out of repair.
(Cartae I., p. 52.)
1242—62. Richard de Clare granted his manor of Leckwith
to Nicholas de Sanford at the service of one fourth of a knight's
fee. (Cartae I., p. 109.) Nicholas de Sanford afterwards granted
it to his brother Lawrence (Cartae I., p. 117), and Lawrence
granted it to Philip Basset. (Cartae I., p. 118.) However, at the
time of the Extent of circa 1262 it was held by Fulk de Sanford.
(Cartae I., p. 108.)
1295. Leckwith had come back to the Chief Lord, as shown
by the Inquisition of that date, and it has so remained ever since.
1305. Roath and Leckwith were called members of the Town
and Castle of Cardiff.
1492. In this manor, between the grange and the Bishop's
land, was Rusham Mead, a ditch dividing it from the grange.
1550. Rusham Mead was in the occupation of Sir William
Herbert as Constable and Chamberlain of Cardiff Castle, it being
"parcel of the commoditie of his office, as sufficiently appears."
(Ministers' Accounts.)
1596. Leckwith manor "hath free tenants leases, coppy houlds,
"and customary lands and tenaunts to them and theire heires for
ever." (MS. Herbert Abbreviate.)
Leckwith Bridge is the most ancient bridge in the neighbourhood of Cardiff.
Leckwith Manor has belonged to every Lord of Cardiff, from the
de Clares to the present Marquess of Bute.
MANOR OF CAERAU.
Caerau is a parish on the north-western spur of the Leckwith
range, and is bounded on the south by Wenvoe and Michaelston-lepit.
Towards the close of the sixteenth century, Merrick wrote that
there were in the chapelry of Caerau two little manors "besides that
which is within the lordship of Llandaff."
At this same period Sweldon was an ancient mansion in this
manor, inhabited by a junior branch of the Mathew stock. In 1731
it paid tithes to Cadoxton-juxta-Barry.
1596. "The tenants doe theire suite of coort at michellston'
together with the tenaunts thereof they are free tenaunts and
coppy houlders." It belonged to the Earl of Pembroke.
(Abbreviate.)
1601. The manor of Kayry is mentioned among the possessions of Henry, Earl of Pembroke, in the Inquisition on his death.
In 1678 the manor of Cayre belonged to the Earl of Pembroke.
This manor, under the term "Mr. Mathews' manor of Caire," is
referred to in the will of Admiral Thomas Mathews of Llandaff, dated
1749 and proved in London 1751.
MANOR OF BEGANSTON.
This name is equivalent to "Began's town," i.e., the residence of
Pegan or Payne. The manor house was the old farm-house called
Began or Beganston, between Leckwith and Caerau but in Llandaff
parish. There was a chapel here before the Reformation. (Lib.
Land.)
Towards the close of the sixteenth century Merrick writes of this
manor as Beganstone, a bailiwick containing 2 ploughlands, and
paying dues called "mises" to the lordship of Glamorgan.
1699. For the dispute re tithes of the manor of Beganstone in
the hamlet of Canton in the parish of Llandaff, see Exch. Dep. Glam.
and Oxon., Trin. 11, Wm. III., 1. The parties were Jesus Coll.,
Oxon. v. James Jenkin. These papers also speak of "Beganstone
farm or manor, now or late belonging to Jesus Coll., Oxon."
It is now claimed by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, by devolution from the Dean and Chapter of Llandaff.
MANOR OF BEGANSLEY.
The demesne of this manor was situate on the Monmouthshire
bank of the Rhymny, not far above Rumney Bridge, near Cardiff.
The manor was held under the lords of Wentloog. The heiress
married Kemeys, and the Kemeys family resided there previous to
fixing their abode at Cefn Mabli.
MANOR OF RADYR.
Radyr is a parish in the Commote of Meisgyn or Miskyn, on the
right or western bank of the Taff, below the Garth range of hills.
The manor of Radyr is or was a sub-manor of Miskyn. In a
Survey of 1638 it is treated as parcel of that lordship, and seems
to have been so considered since that time.
1307. The house at Radur was valued at 12d. a year. (I.P.M.
of Joan de Clare.)
1314. It is valued at the same amount. (I.P.M. of Gilbert de
Clare.)
1315. "The whole exterium of Radur" paid 14l. farm to the
Earl, and was not otherwise accounted for by the Custodian.
1316. For "Radour" the Custodian "answereth nothing," in
the Account from 1 October, 1315, to 20 April 1316; but in the
Account from 20 April to 29 September, 4l. is accounted for as
received for the "farm of Radur."
1350. Hugh le Despenser, Lord of Glamorgan, died seised of
Radyr Manor. (I.P.M.)
1376. The manor of Radour was worth by the year 101s.
1401. The "Hamlet" of Radur formed part of the dower of
Constance, widow of Thomas le Despenser. (Cartae IV., p. 311.)
1440. The manor of Radur was in the hands of the Countess
of Warwick. (I.P.M.)
1492. The demesne of Radure was farmed by David Mathew.
1503. 29 April, 1503, Henry VII. leased the manor of Radyr
by letters patent to David Matthew for 99 years from Michaelmas
1501. (Rental temp. Hen. VIII.)
1550 May 7. King Edward VI. granted the manor (with
others) to Sir William Herbert.
1553. Sir George Mathew held the manor of Radyr (no doubt
under this lease), and this year acquired the manor of Llandaff (q.v.)
1596. The lordship belonged to the Earl of Pembroke. It had
free and customary tenants and leases, with demesnes and copyhold
lands for three lives; also a deer-park. (Abbreviate.) Rees Merrick
(c. 1578) says of the Park of Radyr "now ended."
Captain George Mathew of Radyr sold his lands there and
removed to Ireland. From him descended the Mathews of Thomastown, afterwards Earls of Landaff. He died October 1636.
1628. Sir Edward Lewis of the Van died seised of the capital
messuage of Le Radyr.
1630. William, Earl of Pembroke, died 10 April seised of the
manor of Radure. (I.P.M.)
1696. Anthony Mathew of Splott in the parish of Roath, gent.,
directed his body to be buried in "Radir Tomb" within the nave of
Llandaff Cathedral.
MANOR OF PENTYRCH.
The manor of Pentyrch constitutes a sub-manor or member of
Miskyn, bounded on the south-east by Radyr.
It has for centuries been in the hands of the Lord of Miskyn,
and has long been regarded as one manor with Clun, under the
name of "Pentyrch and Clun." In the Miskyn Survey of 1638,
"the said Jurors do present and say that all the Lordship and
Manor of Pentyrch and Clun, being the Lord's Manor, doth
extend and lie within this Manor of Miskin."
The tenants of this lordship rendered a service called Commorth
Glanmai, on the first of May in every other year.
1262. The manor was at this date granted out; for the Extent
attributed to this year says that Henry de Sulye holds a fourth (of
a knight's fee) in Pentirech.
1317. Writ of the Escheator to deliver a share of Gilbert
de Clare's lands to Hugh le Despenser mentions the "Hamlet"
of "Pentyrgh." Pentyrch seems thenceforth to have remained
continuously in the hands of the Chief Lord, and is mentioned
in several Inquisitions.
1547 July 10. King Edward VI. granted Pentyrch together
with Miskyn to Sir William Herbert.
The Marquess of Bute is now Lord of Pentyrch and Clun.
There are still copyholds held of this manor.
The ancient house of Castell-y-Myneich, long the seat of a
branch of the Mathew family, is within this manor.
MANOR OF WENTLOOG.
The manor or lordship of Wentloog (Y Waunllwch) seems to
have embraced nearly the whole of the low country between the
Rhymny and the Usk, besides a large hill district, and to have
had under it the inferior manors which follow in these notes. It
was the name of an ancient Cantrev mentioned in the Liber
Landavensis under the name Gunliuiuc, which extended to the
boundary of Brecknockshire.
MANOR OF ROMPNEY.
This seems to have embraced the parish of Rhymny or Rumney,
in the angle between the estuary of the river Rhymny and the
Bristol Channel. The manor was held under Wentloog, which was
anciently parcel of the Lordship of Glamorgan and Morganwg,
being within Morganwg though not within Glamorgan. "Rempni,"
as it was then styled, had in 1315 a Reeve and two Beadles. The
lowlands of the manor were termed the Warth—now corruptly
called the Wharf.
1295. In the Inquisition taken after the death of Gilbert de
Clare, who died in this year, Wentloog is called a Comitatus or
County. The jury was formed of six freemen of the "County,"
and six Burgesses of Newport. They deal with the town of
Newport and the various manors in Wentloog.
1402. The manor of Rempney belonged to Edmund, Earl of
Stafford.
1544. David Morgan Kemmys was Steward and Bailiff of the
Lordship of Rompney in the Marches of Wales, from the time of
the attainder of Thomas, Lord Cromwell, lately convict of high
treason. (Augmt. Misc. 12.)
1545. See Exch. Dep. 36 Hy. 8 p. 65, d. Glam., for particulars
concerning the manor of Rompney in the lordship of Newport,
South Wales, formerly granted to Thomas, Earl of Essex, attainted;
a moiety thereof being now leased to Gregory, Lord Cromwell.
1585. See Exch. Dep. 27 Eliz., for "the Queen's manor of
Rompney, Monmouthshire."
1703. Rowland Williams (see post) devised unto Roger Lewis
six acres of customary lands in the parish of Peterston (Monm.) and
manor of Rumney.
1716. The manor of Rumney belonged to Philip Herbert.
1775. William Hugh of Rumney, yeoman, devised to his son
John three acres of customary lands, commonly called Tair Erw'r
Wall in the parish of Rumney, which descended to him as customary
heir on the death of his brother Gibbon.
1776. Thomas David of Lanedarn, yeoman, devised certain
customary lands in the parish of Peterston (Monm.) in the manor of
Rompney.
1899. Colonel Lockwood is now the lord.
MANOR OF MANNOCKS HOLD.
This was a sub-manor within the royal manor of Rompney and
parish of Rumney. Part of it anciently belonged to certain chapels
and chantries. In 1610 it was described as forty acres of land and
seven "coveries," called Mallocks Hold in the parish of Rompney.
Edward Kemeys was a tenant. William Morgan was the Steward.
See Exch. Dep. 9 Jac. 1, 1610, for particulars of the customs of the
manor of Mannocks Hould. The youngest son inherited. The
manor comprised "inground," and "wharf" or warth, the latter being
the lands by the Severn shore.
MANOR OF WENTLOOG alias KEYNSHAM
Sometimes Called LANRUMNEY.
In a letter received from the lord of this manor by the writer, it
is spoken of as "the manor of Llanrhymney, or, properly called,
Wentloog, alias Keynsham."
It was situate in the several parishes of Rumney, Saint Mellon's
and Llanedern, Monmouthshire.
In 1507 it belonged to the Abbey of Keynsham, and David
Kemeys was bailiff thereof. At the dissolution his family acquired it.
A junior branch of Morgan of Tredegar held this manor in
the 17th century, as may be seen by the tombs of Morgans of
"Landrumney" in the north transept of Saint Mellon's church,
Monmouthshire.
1899. George Crofts Williams, Esq., is now the lord.