Brynteg House | '...for the residence of a Gentleman of Fortune'.

A view of Brynteg House taken in 1923.

While reading 'From a Fair Hill: Brynteg Comprehensive School' I became interested in 'Brynteg House' – the house that was demolished for Bridgend Boys Grammar School to be built. Although the book mentioned above gives a brief description of Brynteg House, it doesn't include details of the former occupants except for 'Mr. Truman, Ironmonger'.

(As with most of the research I carry out, the majority of this information is drawn from newspaper articles, maps and books.)  

William Truman was born in Llansannor in 1790. It would seem that he moved to Bridgend for work during the early 1800s. (I have estimated that William began working in Bridgend around 1807.)  In 1817, he married Jane Jenkins of Llansannor at St. Bride's Super Ely. William Truman was enrolled as a Freeman of Llantrisant on the 2nd of December 1817. After two years of marriage, Jane died aged 26. 

A series of advertisements published in The Cambrian (1834) tells us that William Truman had been working as an Ironmonger in Bridgend for twenty-seven years. It advertises that he had disposed of all of his stock to Mr William Edwards, of the same town.  

The 1841 Census entry for Brynteg House tells us that William Truman was one of nine people occupying the house. Listed as 'head' of the household, the census shows that he employed three servants: two female servants and one 'manservant'.The other occupants of the house included John Truman, and various members of the Jenkins family (of whom William's late wife belonged to.)

Just under a month after the 1841 census was taken, William died aged 51. He is buried at St. Sewnyr's Church, with his wife Jane. The house and estate were left to John and Christopher Truman. 

It is after William's death that we find the first advertisements that detail the selling of Brynteg House. It is from the following advertisements that we can work out the approximate date that the house was built and get a feel of the size/look of the house.

Advertisments for the sale of Brynteg House - 1841.

The next known residents of Brynteg House as the Morgan family. The family took residence at Brynteg House sometime during the early 1840s. References to the William H. Morgan living at Brynteg are found in the form of a notice (1846) for the attention meeting Railway Contractors and a further notice (1848) for a meeting of the Proprietors of the Bridgend Railway – of which he was the secretary. 

The 1851 Census entry for Brynteg House lists William Henry Morgan as 'head' of the household and his occupation is listed as a Wine Merchant. At this time, eleven other people lived at the house – They were: Elizabeth, William's wife and their five children. Four Servants, and a lady by the name of Fanny King whose occupation is listed as 'Governess'. 

In the same year, the Morgan family had removed from Brynteg House to Southerndown. In June of that year, two of William Morgan's sons Charles aged 13 and Wintle aged 19, drowned whilst bathing their horses in the sea at Southerndown. 

In 1852, Brynteg House is advertised to be let with 'Immediate Possession'. The advertisement describes Brynteg House as “An excellent and commodious family residence.”... “with 26 Acres of most productive Pasture Land”.  

(The house was purchased by William Waston Esq. but was later put up for auction in 1859.) 

An advertisment for the sale of Brynteg House - 1859.

Robert Evans J.P purchased Brynteg House from William Waston Esq in 1860. It was at Brynteg that Robert Evans would spend the rest of his life. A life which is noted to have been dedicated to the town of Bridgend. 

Robert was the son of the well-known auctioneer and publican, Thomas Evans. It was Thomas Evans that built The Bear Inn/Hotel on The Old Stone Bridge. He was born in 1826 and spent the first twenty years of his life living at High Street (now Dunraven Place.) 

He originally intended to be a lawyer and was a pupil under Cadogan Morgan, but owing to his father's accident, Robert took over the auctioneering business. Robert quickly secured a large practice and became one of the leading auctioneers and valuers in the County of Glamorgan. 

He was heavily involved in the development of both the Garw and Ogmore Valleys.  As well as sinking and for many years working the Ynysawdre Colliery, Robert owned Evanstown Brick Works and Cefn Cribbwr Colliery. 

He was noted for his involvement in the local community:  

• He was a member of the Bridgend Local Board 
• He was a member of the County Roads Board 
• He was the Guardian of the Poor for Ynysawdre 
• He was the Magistrate and Justice of the Peace at Bridgend Police Court 
• Principal-agent to Messr Talbot & Lord Swansea.
• Secretary of Bridgend Cricket Club 

The 1901 Census entry for Brynteg House lists Robert Evans as head of the household. The census also shows that he employed his niece, Jane as his housekeeper. 

On the 7th October 1906,  Robert Evans JP passed away at Brynteg House aged 86. He was the longest inhabitant of Brynteg House, having lived there for 46 years. 

The last recorded residents of Brynteg House were members of the Day family. Originally from Norfolk, Benjamin Day and his family settled at Brynteg House shortly after the death of Robert Evans J.P. The 1911 Census entry lists Benjamin Day as the 'head' of the household. He lived there with his wife Hilda and their three servants. 

Brynteg House was sold to Bridgend Urban District Council for less than £4,500 in 1934. The house was completely demolished and replaced with Bridgend Boys Grammar School which is now Brynteg Upper School. 

A view of The Blind School, Bridgend. (Brynteg House can be seen in the far left-hand corner.)
(Britain From Above)

(Sources: Brynteg Comprehensive School - Dr. Randall - Bridgend 900 - LLGC)