Who is Buried Here? | Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel.

Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel Yard.

Whilst walking up Newcastle Hill about six years ago, I spotted something. Climbing my way through a thick growth of weeds, rubbish and heroin needles, I discovered an abandoned chapel yard.

Situated at the junction of Newcastle Hill and West Road, this hidden gem is known as the 'Old Welsh Baptist Chapel Yard'. Although it is heavily neglected*, it is fully accessible to the public.
Owing to the popularity of the Unitarian Chapel & Tabernacle post, I have decided to write a post about my research into who is buried here!





Background.

The meeting house of the Dissenters at this site was registered with the Bishop of Llandaff in 1808.
In 1837, Rev. John James gives the date of 1789 for when the congregation was founded. He goes on to say that in 1837, the church had some 150 members.

The chapel was relocated to Wyndham Street during in 1890. After the first world war, the chapel yard seems to have fallen into disuse. By 1955, the chapel on Newcastle Hill/West Road is described as “roofless ruin”. (Read more about the Chapel in Wyndham Street)

In 1986, the graveyard is described as being the subject of a proposed scheme by Ogwr Borough Council to create an open space with the gravestones being taken up and reset against walls. Although in the Newcastle Hill conservation area, the operation appears to have been abandoned before completion.

Some Interesting Facts.

Earliest Inscription: 1810.
Latest Inscription: 1915.
Condition of the graveyard: At the present time (2017) the graveyard is in a very dilapidated state.
Condition of the monuments: Dismantled, headstones broken and very worn inscriptions
Occupations Recorded: Builder, Excise Officer, Minister, Sadler, Tailor.
Places: Laleston, Ewenny, Aberavon, Neath, St. Brides Major, Cymmer, Wildmill, Hereford, India.

Drawing of the Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel Yard - 1996. (Glamorgan Family History Society) 

Below are transcriptions of the 1986 & 1992 recordings of the monuments displaced from their original positions in the chapel yard of the Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel. 

A: In memory of John the son of John Griffith by Harriot his wife of the parish of Ewenny who died April 11th 1831 aged 14 months.

B: In memory of Jane daughter of Evan and Rachel Lewis of Newcastle who died Sep. 29 1832 aged 16 months. 

Also the said Evan Lewis who died April 18 1848 aged 70 years. 

Also David son of the said Evan and Rachel Lewis who died July 14th 1849 aged 27 years.

C: …./.../John Griffiths (late officer of Excise) by Sarah his wife who died January 6th 1839 aged 6 years. 

Sarah daughter of the above died Janry 9th 1839 aged 3 years.

And also Sarah wife of the above John Griffiths and mother of the above children who departed this life March 31st 1841 aged 40 years. 

D: In memory of Elizabeth Morris wife of the Revd John Morris died May 4th 1847 aged 78 years.

"Yma gorwedd mam Pregethwyr 

Fu'n gweini iddynt lawer Blwyddyn Nawr mae n derbyn cyflawn wobr 

Gan y Bugail mwy Rhagor ol"

Also the Rev. John Morris who died Feby 7 1853 aged 80 years.

E: "Gweddiwon yn ddw..."

In memory of Thomas Arthur he died 29th April 1831 aged 32 years.

"Am hynny na chysgwyn Fef rhu erailleithr gwyliwn a by ddwn sobr." 

F: … of Ann Jones of the said John  Jones December 11 aged 80 years.

G: In memory of John son of John & …. Jones gran....
aforesaid John..... who died February 20... aged 1 month. 

And of Margaret the daughter of the above named who died Decr 16th 1831 aged....

Also the above named John Jones who died July 22 1871 aged 62 years.

H: In memory of Jane daughter of Samuel Gatter & Jane his wife who died March 19th 1855 aged 2 years. Also Samuel Gatter the husband of the above who died Feby 24th 1857 aged 37 years.

I: "Bydd ffyddlon hyd angau ac mi a'ro ddaf I ti goron y bywyd."

In memory of Rodrick Hughes who died June 3rd 1830 aged 81 years. 

Also of Jane granddaughter of the above named and daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Hughs who died March 10th 1842 aged 15 years.

J: In memory of William Morgan of this parish who died Dec 27 1869 aged 59 years. 

Also of the said Elizabeth Morgan who died Dec 2 1887 aged 75 years. Thy will be done.

K: In memory of David Griffiths of this town who died Sep 22nd 1866 aged 75 years.

Also Catherine the wife of the said David Griffiths who died Jan 4th 1867 aged 67 years. 

Also Anny granddaughter of the above named aged 4 years. 

L: In memory of David son of William & Elizabeth Morgan of this parish and great grandson to the said Roderick Hughes who died the first day of September 1854 aged 9 years. 

And also five of their children. 

M: To the memory of Ann John mother in law of the said William Thomas who died Septr 21st 1845 aged 86 years.

Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel Yard.

Below are transcriptions of the 1986 & 1992  recordings of the monuments in the chapel yard of the Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel. 

1: In affectionate remembrance of David son of the Rev. Thomas Cole, Baptist Minister in this town, who died March 15 1872 aged 5 months.

2: In memory of John Hussey of this parish who died December 29 1851 aged 47 years.

3: In memory of David Williams who died October 11 1828 aged 45 years. 

Also Mary Williams wife of the above who died 18(60/66) aged 88 years/ 

4: In memory of Robert son of Robert and Margaret Delahay of this parish who died Nov ...2... 1832 aged 5 years. 

Also two of their children died in their infancy and the above named Robert Delahay
who died March 12 1856 aged 61 years. 

Margaret Delahay … Robert Delahay died May 29th 1864 aged 66.

5: Ledger: In memory of Margaret Smith the beloved wife of David Smith who died April 7 1860 aged 64 years. Also the above named David Smith who died June 6 1860 aged 71 years.

South Panel in Base: Sacred to the memory of Margaret the wife of William Smith of the parish of Saint Brides Major she died April 22nd aged 70 years..

"Byd ffyddlon hyd angau mi a roddaf I/ii goron y bywyd." 

6: To the memory of four children of the late John Williams, Officer of Excise of Hereford who all died of scarlet fever Sepr 1849. Also Mary D Williams relict of the above who died Nov 9, 1884 aged 74 years.

“Forever with the Lord”

7: No inscription

8:  In memory of David.... William Harry..../..../.../29th/..../..../ named William Harry who died October 1st 1844 aged 57 years. 

Also Mary relict of the above named William Harry who died April 29th 1847 aged 73 years.

9: "Wele plant ydynt/... iffeddiaerg yr Arglwydd ei wo … fyw ffrwyth y groib." 

PS CXXVII/../

In memory of Thomas the son of Lewis Richard by Rachel his wife who died Feb 14 1833 aged 3 years. Also Richard their son died Feb 20th 1833 aged 9 months. 

10: Earth plot - no inscription 

11: "We shall... ion morn" 

In loving memory of Oliver Ivor the fourth son of John & Elizabeth Evans Bridgend 

born October 30th 1874 died November 2nd 1886. 

Also the above named John Evans of the Bridgend Chronicle born Jan 25 1845 died Oct 28 1895. Also of the above named Elizabeth Evans born... died 1912 aged 68 years. 

12: … Simon Collier of this parish who died Aug 27 1874 aged 66 years. 

13: No inscription

Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel Yard.

14: In memory of Catherine, the daughter of Simon & Catherine Collier of this parish

 who died Dec 19 1840 aged 5 years. 

Also Mary Ann, their daughter died Dec 1 1872 aged 38 years.

15: Sacred to the memory of John Lewis, Bridgend who died Decr 4th 1846 aged 95 years.

16: In memory of Margaret daughter of Thos & Margaret Lewellyn died 16th 1837 aged...

17: In memory of Sarah, the wife of William Evans of this town, who died Dec. 19, 1856, aged 43 years. Also 5 children, who died in infancy.

18: No inscription 

19: In loving memory of Catherine the beloved wife of John Gibbon of Bridgend, who died Oct. 13 1879, aged 22 years. Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth. 

Also Catherine Griffiths, who died Nov. 17 1898, aged 75 years. 

20: Headstone - In memory of five children of John and Catherine Griffiths of this town 

Mary died October 3 1856 aged 6 weeks.

William died January 13 1867 aged 2 years and 8months.

Mary Ann died January 21 1867 aged 6 years and 9 months. 

David died February 1 1867 aged 5 years.

Thomas died February 2 1867 aged 4 months. 

"Wele plant ydynt et ifeddiaeth yr Arglwydd ei wod yw ffrwyth u croth" 

Psalmau CXXVII

Ledger – Also Benjamin Griffiths who died June 6 1871 aged 18 years. 

21: In loving memory of Hannah wife of Thomas Gronow who died Sep. 5 1872 aged 6 years.

 Also of the above named Thomas Gronow who died Feb 18 1890 aged 85 years. 

22: Sacred to the memory Thomas.... Thomas and … Lewis who died 10th April 1840 aged 3 years. 

Also Margaret Lewis.... daughter died Aug 1st … aged 11 days. 

Also the above named Thomas Lewis died Jan 27 1886 aged 84 years. 

Also the above named Elizabeth Lewis died April 5 1886 aged 87 years. 

23: In memory of Margaret daughter of John Morgan by Ann his wife of Bridgend 

who died May 23 1851 aged 16 months. 

Also John son of the above named who died April 29 1853 aged 5 weeks. 

Also the above named John Morgan who died Dec 12 1869 aged 50 years.

Also Mary Ann wife of John Lewis, daughter of the above who died Jan 18 1886 aged 39 years.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord"

Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel Yard.

24: In affectionate remembrance of William Ball of this town who died Nov 9 1886  aged 33 years, Also of four children who died in their infancy.

25:  …/.../Emma James Marks …./Samuel Marks/...Elisa Davies Marks..../..../ Elisa Davies...

26:  …/.../.../ Also Catherine wife of the above died April 23 1851 aged 80 years.

27:  "Nothing in my hand I bring simply to thy cross I cling."

In loving memory of Rachel the beloved daughter of Daniel and Margaret Williams of this town who died suddenly Oct 22 1882 aged 17 years. 

Also of Carradogia their daughter who died April 9 1890 aged 13 years.

"Safe in the arms of Jesus."

28: No inscription 

29: In memory of Mary the wife of David Delahay of this parish who died June 21 1858 aged 29 years. 

30: No inscription

31: No inscription

32: In memory of Ann the beloved wife of Llewellyn Llewellyn of this town who died Feb 10 1883 aged 37 years.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."

33: In loving memory of David Edwards of this town who entered into rest Jan. 18 1893 aged 87 years.

"I know my redeemer Liveth." 

34: In memory of Jenkin Howell of Laleston who died July 17 1844 aged 51 years. 

Also Ann wife of the above Jenkin Howell who died Dec 20 1868 aged 74 years. 

"Coffadwriaeth y cyfiawn sydd fendigedig." 

Also Jennet the wife of Jenkin Howell of Cymmer and son of the above who died July 22 1873 aged 49 years.

Hele'r or weddle rhaddwydd rhan briddlyd un ian o duedd raglawn a drwyd a doeth bu ein chwaer ar daith bwywd hi a wych hwyliodd oes ddifrycheulyd he dyw'n llawn dedwyddyed mae'n Jennet Ban.

"Yn yr rydd drigfam o gyrhaedd drygfyd." 

35: In memory of Margaret the daughter of …. died....

Also the.... Nicholas Da... 1833 aged 1 years. 

Also Richard … died Novr 17 18... aged... 

Also the relict of the above Nicholas Dav... died  Nov... aged.... years. 

36: No inscription

37: No inscription

38: To the memory of five children of Thomas and Grace Phillips. 

Martha, born Nov. 21 1846 died Sept 10 1848. 

Thomas, April 10 184, died Nov 1 1849. 

Susannah, May 28 1838 died Dec 13 1849.

Two died in their infancy. 

Also the above named Thomas Phillips who died February 10 1887 aged 74 years. 

Also the above named Grace Phillips who died December 10 1889 aged 79 years.


39: To the memory of five children of John and Hannah Phillips of this town. 

John born Apr. 11 1818 died March 6 1819.

Maria, born Mar 4 1829 died Oct 5 1833.

Joseph born July 10 1825 died Apr 30 1845.

Elizabeth,  Nov 18 1810 died Jan 2 1847.

Isaac, Jan 28 1823 died Apr 9 1847.

The above named John Phillips born Jan 6 1787 died May 11 1847 

Also the above Hannah born Oct 24 1787 died Sept 5 1873.

40:… y/Arglwydd/..../of/... John & Ann/.../Also Henry died M..../.../.../ John Thomas …/died January.... 1806/ aged … years. 

41: In memory of Morgan son of John Davies by June his wife who died July 26th 1832 aged 3 years. 

Also two of their children died in their infancy, 

42: Sacred to the memory of William son of Lewis Thomas by Catherine his wife of the parish of Laliston who died the 5th April 1819 aged 12  dayes.

Also the above named Catherine Thomas who died the 20th Sept 1820 aged 43 years.

Also Joan daughter of Lewis and Catherine Thomas was born August 26th 1806 died February 26th 1865. The said Lewis Thomas died March 20th 1865 aged 86 years.

43: No inscription

44: No inscription

Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel Yard.

45: In memory of Gwenlian daughter of Thos. Llewellyn by Dilril his wife of Wallace in the parish of Ewenny who departed this life Sepr 3rd 1810 aged 27.

46: In memory of Mary, the daughter of John and Mary Lewellyn of this town who died April 2 1867 aged 35 years.

Ledger: Here lieth the body of Morris.... / of Ewenny died July....th 18...aged..

47: Sacred to the memory of William Roberts builder of this town who died Septr. 30th 1849 aged 31 years.

Ledger: Here lieth the body of Martha wife of the said Morris Griffith died Decr 5th 1810 aged 29...

48: In memory of Mary the beloved wife of John Lewellyn of this town who died Aug. 17 1862 aged 65 years.

Also the above named John Lewellyn who died April 23 1879 aged 78 years. 

Ledger: Here lieth the body of Thos. Thomas of Ewenny who departed June 26th 1810 aged....

49: No inscription

50: No inscription

51: No inscription

52: Sacred to the memory of Samuel Morgan formerly of this town and late of Aberavon, 

who died March 15th 1867 aged 78 years. 

Also of Elizabeth the beloved wife of the above named who died Oct 27th 1867 aged 76 years. 

"A good name is better than precious ointment; the day of death than the day of ones birth."

Also of Thomas R. Morgan so of the above who died Sept 14 1871 aged 36 years.

53: In affectionate remembrance of Mary, the beloved wife of Edward Morgan of this town, 

who died June 18 1875 aged 44 years. 

Also 5 children who died in infancy. 

54: "To be with Christ which is far better."

In loving memory of David Thomas of this town who died Feb 18 1877 aged 48 years. 

"Thy will be done."

Also Mary the beloved wife of the above who died April 26 1880 aged 49 years. 

55: In memory of Ann the wife of John Thomas of this town who died Nov 12 1874/72/1871 aged 73 years. 

Also Margaret Jane the daughter of David and Mary Thomas and granddaughter of the above, who died Jan 26 1871 aged 2 years.

Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel Yard.

56: In mem.. George the son of John Richards by Maria his wife who died Mar 6 ...6 aged 5 years. Also Elizabeth their daughter who died Mar 15 1856 aged 14 months. 

Also Thomas their son who did at Cawnpore Apr 20 1867 aged 24 years. 

Also the above John Richards, who died May 17 1887 aged 63 years. 

Also Maria wife of the above died Jan 7 1899 aged 88 years.

57: "….marw …. diar 14.32"

In memory of William Rees of this parish who died May 12 1861 aged 67 years. 

Also Jennet wife of the above died Feb 9 1867 aged 67 years.

58: In memory of William Spencer of Graig yr eos in the parish of St. Bride's Major 

who died March 19th 1844 aged 73 years. 

Also of Margaret Spencer the beloved wife of the above who died July 22nd 1850 aged 81 years.

Also of Elizabeth Spencer Jenkins daughter of the late Rev. Wm Jenkins Baptist Minister of Dolau Rhadnorshire and granddaughter of the above who died June 17th 1862 aged 20 years. 

Also of Elizabeth Howell beloved wife of William Howell tailor and draper Neath 

who died Feb 6th 1866 aged 53 years. 

59: To the memory of Mary wife of Lewis Davis of this parish who died Septr 11th 1844 aged 34 years.

"I long in sickness lay and with much patience borne

I left this house of clay and crossed Jordon cover."

Also in memory of Ann the wife of Edward Edwards and mother of the above Mary Davis 

who died February 9 1856 aged 77 years. 

Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel Yard.

60: In affectionate memory of Edith Mary daughter of Edward & Mary Rich  died Dec 15 1884 aged 4 years & 3 months. 

Also of Ernest Brinley their son died April 2 1887 aged 19 months 

"Thy will be done."

61: No inscription

62: Sacred to the memory of Jane, daughter of William and Susannah Thomas 

who died Novr 10th 1837 aged 2 years. 

David son of the above named died Jun 4th 1843 aged 18 years.

The above named William Thomas died the 8th of Janry 1846 aged 43 years.

Also David their son died in his infancy. 

Also Edward son of the above William and Susannah Thomas who died March 4th 1861 aged 29 years.

Also Susannah wife of the above William Thomas died March 23rd 1866 aged 65 years.

63: No inscription

64: ..y...ti..i ...rwedd corph Elizth Richard 

chwrfo Wm Richard or plwif y Bettws a fu farw Wefro 21 1811 1841 ei hoedd 55...

Also the above named Will Richard who died October 18th 1810/40 aged 77 years.

Also Elizabeth wife of the aforesaid named William Richard who died September 15th 1839 aged 75 years.

65: No inscription

66: No inscription

67: I H S

"Coffadwriaeth y cyfiawn sydd fendigedig Diar 10.7"

In memory of Isaac Griffiths late of Wild Mill who died April 15 1874 aged 59 years.

68: IHS 

In memory of Elizabeth the wife of John David of this town who died Apr 2 1883 aged 57 years. Also once child who died in infancy. 

69: Underneath lieth the remains of the mortal William Rees late of the town of Bridgend, sadler 

who died February 2nd 1820 aged 77 years.

Magdalene daughter of the above W Rees born deaf and dumb died May 19th 1822 aged 49 years.

Mary Ann wife of Isaac Griffith Wild Mill granddaughter of the sd Wm Rees and the only child of Wm & Sarah Rees Penyvay died July 17th 1846 aged 30 years. 

Isaac Davies son of the said Isaac and Mary Ann Griffiths died Feby 6th 1847 aged 10 months. 

Ledger: Also the aforesaid William Rees who died May 25th aged 78 years. (Year not given) 

70: No inscription

71: Sacred to the memory of David Griffiths born September 12th 1820 died September 8th 1882. 

"Gwyn eu byd y rhai pur o galon; canys hwy a welant dduw."

Also Ann his wife, died Nov 10 1915 aged 95 years.

"Gwyn eu byd y tangnefeddwyr canys hwy a elwir yn blant I Dduw." 

.
72: In memory of Ann, the wife of David Jones of Oldcastle who died March 7th 1849 aged 52 years.

"Coffadwriaeth y cyfiawn sydd fendigedig"

Also David Jones who died Oct 1863 aged 73 years.

Old Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel Yard.

*Recently, the grass has been cut which makes for easier access!

(Sources: GFHS - Dr. Randall - Louvain Rees - LLGC)