Dunraven Estate Map: 1778.

During the eighteenth century it was very common that many landowners documented their estates using maps. At the time of this maps usage the Dunraven Estate was in the possession of Charles Wyndham of Clearwell in Gloucestershire. The map was prepared by Edward Thomas of Margam.

The map clearly shows that at time Bridgend was only a small place, more or less containing a few jumbled buildings near the end of the Old Stone Bridge. We can also see that Nolton or Oldcastle, was completely separate from Bridgend Town as it is known now.

• The old market hall was not delineated at all, or at least cannot be seen. This is quite odd as the market would have belonged to Lord Dunraven and the town is noted for being a successful market town.  From what can be seen on the map, there is no way of determining where the old market hall would have stood. 

• The turnpike gates were at the eastern end of what is now Caroline Street. It is likely that they were moved to the Ewenny Road/Cowbridge Road junction when the road from Brocastle was constructed. 

• Although we cannot see The Rhiw on the map, it was in exactly the same place/position as it is now.

• The Garreg is now occupied by Queen Street. 

• The tennis court does not appear to have existed at this time.

• The lord's pound, marked on another map in the same book - is now the site of Barclay's Bank. From what we know, it was later moved opposite the Oak and Ash Inn (the Dunraven Arms) and is now part of Hope Chapel. 

• The Barn of the Cross was on the site on what is now the Dunraven Arms. 

• Walter Coffin's House in Nolton/Oldcastle has since been demolished. Part of the old house was of Tudor architecture and masonry. 

Below I have split the map into three sections so that you can see the detail. 

Sources: Dr. Henry Randall - Lord Dunraven (Dunraven Castle)