your comments
Col from Talgarth
Hi Glen,There still is a church on Back Lane with the graveyard to the left of it.Its called Bethlehem Presbyterian Church..If you go on google maps satellite view its the building in line with the second backlane name.Further up the street is the largest Church called Saint Gwendoline Famous for Howell Harris and the Methodist Revival that is probably the graveyard you saw on google maps.There is another church called St Marys but that is in the village of Bronllys a mile up the road.You can eas! ily search on google for more information
Mon Mar 1 09:35:16 2010
Glenn Morganroth, New Jersey
I am trying to identify a church or chapel from a photo 1. is there an active chapel on Back Lane just before church St?2. is there a chapel on Heol Las? I saw a graveyard there on Google maps. We have family resting in your town. John Williams b. April 17 1835, Elizabeth Ann Williams, b. March 10 1837. There parents were John and Elizabeth (Powell) Williams. Rose Cottage Talgarth.I'm sure the post card of "Bronllys Church", Talgarth is where they attended service. Are there other church structures in town?
Mon Feb 1 09:39:11 2010
Glenn, Montclair NJ USA
I have an ancient postcard, says Bronllys Church Talgarth.One story stone with two story square Tower next to it. Graveyard to the side and rear. Is this in your town?
Fri Jan 29 10:38:33 2010
Barry Wyke, Nash, Bucks.
It is probably 50 years since my parents moved our family from Talgarth yet I still refer to it as home.I feel fortunate to have spent my formative years there and as I write I can feel the hiraeth to be back there and see my dear butties Bryan and Audrey Skyrme.My brothers and sisters are all regular vistors.Both our parents and many aunts and uncles are buried in the Congregational Chapel graveyard overlooked by the lovely Black Mountains.I feel so sorry for modern youngsters who are unable to enjoy the safe freedom to roam mountains ,rivers and fields that I enjoyed so much.I would love to here from any "boys" who went to Brecon Grammar (County as we called it).We travelled by train, steam of course.
Thu Aug 20 15:20:55 2009
Kathy Chart From Dolgellau Gwynedd
To Shelly Lewis, I am also researching the Lewis' form Talgarth of which a David (my great grandad) is one of them I have a lot of info, ask this site to give you my e-mail and I will be happy to see if we can help each other, anyone got any info on the Berry family they could share?
Fri Aug 14 17:17:02 2009
Shelly Lewis, South Africa currently living in Lon
Hi thereExcuse my ignorance, was there only 1 Lewis Clan in Talgarth? I am trying to do my family tree and seem to have hit a wall. I know that my great grand-father came from Wales (David Lewis) but cannot seem to find any information on his siblings or parents
Tue Aug 4 10:39:05 2009
Rod Williams
Does anyone know there is a place called Talgarth in Queensland Australia, just a small farm or holding I believe. Does anyone know if there is a connection?
Tue May 5 09:40:55 2009
Paul Stephens from Swansea
Talgarth, in my day, was Hazard County. A load of young people would hang about on the square in assorted Anglias, Cortinas and minis (the real ones not the BMW fakes). Once, in about 1970, I got belted over the bonnet of a Corsair, no doubt for some deserved infraction. Pubs used to sometimes 'lock the doors' after closing time. Eventually an arm would appear through the door-way waving a policeman's hat. That was a sign to tell you it was time to go home to bed. They don't make cops like that anymore. But then the past as they say, is a foreign country.
Thu Apr 16 10:47:11 2009
Maureen Fitzpatrick, Cape Cod, Ma.
DAVE LEWIS ~ Hey Dave its cousin Maureen....I misplaced your email address and I have been wanting to write you. I hope you see this and drop me a line. I hope all is well with you and your family.
Tue Jan 13 09:55:37 2009
Arthur Hall, lichfield
Interested in Sir Thomas Mytton. He lived at 9, Granville st. Abertillery, We lived at number 7. he was a leading light on the council. I believe that Eva died quite young, we went to her grave nearby.
Sat Dec 20 13:18:45 2008
Kathy Chart for Dolgellau Gwynedd
I now realise that Bill who has commented on this site is also a relative so hopefully he will log in and will ask them to send me his e mail address so that I can forward all the family information that I have gathered.
Tue Nov 11 15:57:04 2008
Rubin from Columbia
Re:Matt Hytton. Do you remember me? You old school buddy? well anyways W.B
Tue Nov 4 09:21:07 2008
Maureen Fitzpatrick
Re - Cathy Chart, Hello! I am the Daughter of John Lewis ~ Geoff Lewis's Brother! I saw your post and was so excited to see more information on the family genealogy and I would be so VERY excited to see a photo of their grandfather! I hope so much we can in some way contact each other and compare notes on the family! Warmest Wishes
Fri Oct 31 17:37:01 2008
Rod Williams
What we need is a local community radio station, Black Mountains Radio? We need some kind of voice on the air. It can be done, it has been done in many areas, grants are available. Info can be found on the web.
Fri Aug 29 08:58:43 2008
Kathy Chart
I must have lots of relatives in Talgarth my grandmother born Evelyn Lewis is a sister to Geoff Lewis's father I have a photo of Geoffs grandfather Lewis if any one would like to see it. My mother's name was Stella and she had a sister Glenys. My grandmothers sisters were Mabel, Ivy and Susie. There were more but cannot remember their names she married Harry Charles Steadman from Dolgellau, mid wales. I remember aunty Susie visiting us there I also met a daughter of one of my nan's sisters in penge south east London 20 years ago her name was Eileen Louder.
Mon Mar 31 09:24:49 2008
Mike Hatton, Cardiff
RE:Matt Mytton, yeah lifes good in the city, remarried last september to a beautiful young lass sabrina..both of us are in the fire service in cardiff but unfortunately she out ranks me so i really do have to behave myself now.!! we pop up to talgarth every weekend so i'll pop in and say hello to hubert and anne and get your e-mail address.all the best mate, take care.
Tue Feb 26 13:46:19 2008
June Kyle, Bicester
Hi Tim, thanks for your response. As regards a Mytton who was knighted: My Great Grandfather was Sir Thomas Walter Mytton and I believe he was knighted for services to Miners Union.
Fri Feb 22 14:29:11 2008
timothy mytton
It was nice to hear from you matt. The last time i called in at Talgarth you were on holiday. i still have somewhere a photo of you when you when still in shorts. I hope to go back down this year so i will call and see your mum and dad. I will get your E-mail from them and drop you a line or two. I have some very fond memories of Talgarth staying with your mum and dad. One vivid memory I have while staying at number 4 was that i was misbehaving (nothing new there) and my dad tom your uncle threatened to put me in the coal hole located under the stairsin the kitchen. i decided to save them the bother and shut myself in it and wouldn't come out when i was told to. another time in my teens when i spent my summer holidays in Talgarth i was having a bath which was next to the kitchen your mum said that if i didn't hurry up she would come in there and wash me herself. i replied foolishly "you wouldn't dare" and the next thing she was in with the flannel. I remember also walking up from westfields to grans bungalow and i asked why were all the curtains drawn at this particular house, my granny told me it was a mark of respect for the person had died. one thing that everybody in Talgarth seems to have tasted except me was a wimberry oh happy days.
Wed Feb 20 09:16:06 2008
Timothy Mytton
It was nice to hear from you matt. The last time i called in at Talgarth you were on holiday. i still have somewhere a photo of you when you when still in shorts.I hope to go back down this year so i will call and see your mum and dad. I will get your E-mail from them and drop you a line or two. I have some very fond memories of Talgarth staying with your mum and dad. One vivid memory I have while staying at number 4 was that iwas misbehaving(nothing new there)and my dad tom your uncle threatened to put me in the coal hole located under the stairsin the kitchen. i decided to save them the bother! and shut myself in it and wouldn't come out when i was told to. another time in my teens when i spent my summer holidays in Talgarth i was having a bath which was next to the kitchen your mum said that if i didn't hurry up she would come in there and wash me herself. i replied foolishly "you wouldn't dare" and the next thing she was in with the flannel. I remember also walking up from westfields to grans bungalow and i asked why were all the curtains drawn at this particular house, my granny told me it was a mark of respect for the person had died. one thing that everybody in Talgarth seems to have tasted except me was a wimberry oh happy days.
Tue Feb 19 17:21:45 2008
Matt Mytton - Australia
Re Mike Hatton.G'day mate, good too hear from you. How's things in Cardiff. I've been back to Talgarth a few times, nothing really does change there accept the pubs don't seem as much fun these days as when we used to visit them. Would love to drop you an e-mail, but this site won't publish e-mail addresses.All the best.
Tue Feb 19 09:18:38 2008
Matt Mytton (Australia)
Hi cousin Tim,The Sir in our Family that you refer to was your dads and my dads Great Uncle (I Think) Dad did have a picture of him getting his Knighthood. He was from Abertillery and i believe there is a nursing home named after him.The other guy you make reference too was Mad Jack Mytton from Shropshire.Hope you and the rest of the family are keeping Well.
Tue Feb 19 09:17:22 2008
Chris Wyke, living in Derby
Talgarth was a great place to grow up, friendly safe environment, the most fantastic countryside and a lock-in every night. The demise of the NHS in Wales unfortunatley has had repercussions on the town and its population but that cannot detract from the great memories I have (including some good times with Jon Cook, Newcastle). I go back 3 times a year and took my wife recently, she thought it was great too.
Mon Feb 18 15:28:06 2008
Tim Mytton Stamford
Message to June Kyle of Bicester. RE tracing the Mytton Family. I too have been looking into the Mytton family. As far as I can tell they came from the Shropshire area and there is a walk called the Mytton way. There is also quite a few public houses with the name Mytton attached. By all accounts the person I refer to was a eccentric and lived life to the full. I seem to think he either wrestled with a bear or he kept one as a pet. I seem to remember a Mytton getting Knighted in the mid to late 60's and they appear in "Who was who". I also found the heraldic coat of arms belonging to the Mytton family but I have since forgotten where I sourced that imformation. Best of luck in your quest.
Mon Feb 18 09:11:45 2008
Mike Hatton from cardiff
Hello everyone, yeah i tend to agree with many of the comments made, talgarth used to be such a beautiful town but recently, over the last few years it has been neglected by local council. It's good to hear that old friends like matt mytton are doing really well down in oz. I still chuckle to myself when i remember some of the drinking games we used to play, and the states we used to get in.!! Hope your keeping well matt, drop us an e-mail if you read this mate.
Sun Feb 10 22:25:13 2008
June Kyle, Bicester Oxon
Message for Tim Mytton, how incredible, whilst looking for a print of Geoff Lewis riding Mill Reef, came accross this site. I believe we are distanct relatives. My paternal Grandmother was Eva May Mytton (then Holt). My father Robert Holt mentioned that he was related to Geoff Lewis. My husbands Grandfather Joe Kyle, trained Geoff at the Waldorf Hotel in London before Geoff became a Jockey, not only that Geoff trained my husbands bosses horses for a time! Three amazing coincidences. I would love to find more of the Mytton family. Don't know how to go about it but will try!
Sat Jan 26 16:56:10 2008
James George from Arlington Virginia
My ancestors, Henry George 1761 and Mary Bevin 1763 immigrated to the Northwest Territory, Chesterville, Morrow County, Ohio where they established a Welsh Community in the late 1700s as early pioneers. You may see the George Family as a public tree on Ancestry.com. Hope to visit Talgarth summer 2008.
Mon Jan 14 08:30:42 2008
Clive Millington, Westfields.
Talgarth born and Talgarth bred and one day Talgarth dead.Got no time for people who call Talgarth over.Where in the world can you go to see better countryside,to get more fresher air,and meet more kind people.People who move away and then call Talgarth over should stay away.
Fri Nov 30 10:00:05 2007
Dawn Hobbs, Blackwood
I loved my childhood in Talgarth. As children we knew everyone ,felt safe everyone looked out for everyone eles.Brought up in westfields,Went to builth dances saturday nights worked in the midwales hosp. I also remember Miss Willis the post office and Jim Prosser.When i think about Talgarth the people my family brothers and sisters Mrs Harper up the road the Fars Skurms. I know how lucky i was to have such tresured memories.Di Knapp would not of been impresed with my spelling . But I'm sure you the reader will get the gist of what im saying . I'll always keep coming back its home.
Sun Nov 11 18:33:46 2007
Maureen from Cape Cod, Ma.
Hello Dave!!!!What a wonderful surprise to see you here! I don't know how to go about getting my email address to you? I have so much information on our family...I have been doing so much research for a while now. I just came back from Talgarth in January and it was a dream come true for me. I am just sorry that I didn't get to go when my Dad was still alive. I think he was with me though. Dave, do you keep in touch with cousin Lydia? She has my email address and I write to her often. Let me know any ideas. Love to you and your family.
Sun Oct 14 11:47:44 2007
Dave Lewis
Hi Maureen it's your cousin Dave now living in West Australia. Trying to find out more about the Lewis clan would love to get in touch with you. Went back to Talgarth 3 years ago in November.
Wed Oct 3 13:43:59 2007
Rod Williams
Whilst many young people get away to expand their horizons and bank balances. There is always a price to pay and that is their inbuilt longing for the green green grass of home, extra pressures of life in the fast lane, hundreds or thousands of miles from home. Many only kid themselves they are doing better and happy, materially may be they are but it is at the expense of their very heart and soul which tells them they would prefer to be back home. I know from experience that this is true. There is always the thrill of getting away when younger and may be that is a good thing in the short term but it! also makes you realise that what you had before was better. I feel sad at some comments about Talgarth, yes it needs to rekindle itself and start anew but running away from it is why it has become run down. If all those who have left would return with their experience of the wider world then it would assist in the towns regeneration. What they may find is when they do come back often too late in life that non-local people from outside who realised how good Talgarth is have taken over and the long term absent locals will be the new strangers. Talgarth can and will turn itself around but the question will be asked of them, 'Where were you when we needed you'? Don't come back complaining about how it should have been done. Tough old mate but we are in charge now!
Mon Aug 13 09:40:22 2007
Tim Mytton Stamford
My granmother Gwen who i used to stay with throughout the summer holidays from about 1968 to 1976 (no doubt to give my mother a well earned rest)used to tell me that Geoff Lewis was related to us. Geoff was a jockey and used to win quite a few races which pleased my father Tom who liked to bet on him. mind you the air would be blue if Geoff lost a race. I seem to think that Geoff Lewis used to train horses for Jimmy Tarbuck in his later life. i enjoyed my stays in Talgarth and have been back several times and hopefully to do so again. its nice to hear uncle bert and aunty anne going to see Matt in Australia. You see uncle bert there is life beyond the new inn (only joking)
Sun Mar 11 10:50:37 2007
Maureen Fitzpatrick, Ma., USA
Hello again Matt, While doing our families research I did see that my Grandmother (Dorothy) and your Grandmother were sisters. I have been working on the family tree now for about a year, but being so far away takes a little time to collect information Do you remember any stories about their father being killed in one of the coal mines? I remember my father mentioning that, but I am unsure of which Grandfather he said it was. I am so thrilled to be able to talk to you and maybe compare notes on the family. I hope to hear from you soon.
Tue Feb 13 09:38:11 2007
Menna Weston, Cwmbran
My father in law James weston is from talgarth born aprox 1930s. I was wondering if anyone remebers the Westons, Jim has fond memories of Talgarth and of Geoff and other.
Sat Feb 10 11:18:50 2007
Matt Mytton, Melbourne
Maureen glad to hear you had a good time in Wales and especially Talgarth. I beleive my Grandmother (Gwen) was a sister to Geoff Lewis's mother.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Wed Feb 7 09:45:45 2007
Maureen Fitzpatrick, Cape Cod, Ma.
RE: Matt Mytton...I would love to be able to email you about our family! I was so sorry that your parents were not in Talgarth when we were there, but I hope you had a great holiday with them. We had the best time during our visit and will be returning again in September.
Tue Feb 6 09:32:00 2007
Matt Mytton, Frome, Somerset
Sorry, no relation to the topic 'Talgarth'. I was just suprised to see someone with the same name as me, thought i was unique....obviously not...
Thu Feb 1 09:40:15 2007
William Thomas from Columbus, Ohio USA
I am attempting to determine the Welsh geneology of my ancestor William Ap Thomas (1587-1679) who, with his three sons, William, Robert and John, emigrated to Elizabeth City Co., Virginia USA in 1630 where they became landowners and farmers. They were from Pwllywrach, a hamlet outside of Talgarth. William AP and his wife Elizabeth ? had two daughters one of whom married John Stone in 1644 and (Miss?) who married John Parsons in 1646.
Any information or direction regarding geneology relating to William AP Thomas from Pwllywrach would be greatly appreciated.
Talgath and! the Black Mountains look beautiful and I hope to visit there one day to walk the land of my Welsh ancestors.
Tue Jan 30 16:07:20 2007
Matt Mytton, Melbourne Aus
RE: Maureen from Cape Cod, Ma.
Hi Maureen in relation to your posting my mother and father (Anne & Hubert Mytton)still live in Westfields, Talgarth and i believe my Dad was a cousin to the Lewis's. Maureen (I think) and her husband John actually lived with us for a short while in the early 80's. They now live in Brecon. I have heard many stories about the Lewis family from my Dad and sure he will be interested in this. They will not be in Talgarth when you visit as they are currently staying with me in Melbourne until early March.
Mon Jan 22 09:40:34 2007
Maureen from Cape Cod, Ma.
My father John Lewis was from Talgarth and I plan on making my first visit there this month. I am so excited and I am anxious to see the beauty he often spoke of. Anyone out there know of the Lewis family? 13 in all...Eddie, John, Geoff (yes the jockey), Bill, May, Maureen, Gladys...just to name a few. Would love any stories about my family.
Thu Jan 4 14:54:06 2007
Rod Williams
So many positive and negative views of Talgarth. I suppose it is from what persepective you view it. From a youngsters view yes it has little to offer and that's where the town needs to make amends, fundamentally work of course. From a middle aged view if you have a job near by it isn't so bad. From an older person's perspective there are difficulties accessing hospitals particularly since the Powys Local Health Board stopped patient transport. It is the Pheonix waiting to rise from the ashes. Having said that there is lovely countryside around us, children should be encouraged to learn what is around them and how f! ortunate they are to live in a rural setting.Life is not about wealth and position it is about happiness and contentment of the soul, Talgarth can provide all of that if the individual opens their eyes to the beauty around them.
Mon Dec 4 08:31:15 2006
Andrew Willis
Talgarth used to be an idillic place to live and was filled with nice and polite people. But now, its become a hell hole! The youths are uncaring and cause mayhem all over the place! I remember coming here for my annual visit last year and saw a group of ASBO youngsters throwing sticks and stones at buildings in the square! I also saw them climbing on buildings and violating them! I now hate the place and never wish to return.. a shame really...
Sun Nov 5 12:20:07 2006
jon cook newcastle
It has and always will be a dump. I'm so glad I've moved away.
Mon Sep 25 09:24:18 2006
Neil Bentley,Hereford
I had a great childhood living in Talgarth, going to the local Primary school and then the nearby Gwernyfed High, I moved in 1988 but returned for a day last Summer with my wife and two boys. I think living there now would be too quiet for me but I have some great memories, if you don`t know me I was in the same school year as Wayne Farr, Mark Waldeck, Nicola Blackwell and Sacha Wyke, if you do remember me Hi!
Mon Sep 4 10:36:34 2006
Barbara Christopher, Talgarth
In reply to Brian Price, the new Talgarth relief road, which is now well under way, should stop the terrible traffic damage to buildings in the town. This will enable residents, Talgarth Town Council and Talgarth & District Regeneration Group to get started with many plans to regenerate the town. There are already numerous picturesque and interesting places to see if you wander from the main through road.
Wed Aug 9 16:23:50 2006
Matt Mytton from Melbourne (Australia)
Born and bred in Talgarth, I lived there for 30+ years before moving to Australia. I show my new friends and work colleagues photos of Talgarth and most comment what a funny "old looking place" it looks. I can truthfully say that after being in Melbourne for nearly four years, the friends I left behind were the best there is. Talgarth itself will always be a part of my life and will always be in my heart for as long as I'm breathing. It's a shame that Talgarth has been let down by councillors and politicians over the years. The 80s & 90s were very good times, that sadly will never return to places like Talgarth due to modern day culture.
Wed May 3 08:34:56 2006
Darren Jury from Melbourne, AUST
I spent most of 2002 in Talgarth and believe its one of the nicest towns ive ever been to. The people there were fantastic The Tower hotel was where i spent most of my time when i wasnt embracing the MWH Cricket field and had many great times in both Locations. Neil Morris was responsible for my stay, and for that i owe him gracefully. I can not wait to return to the cider country.
Wed Mar 8 04:57:05 2006
Brian Price from Cardiff
I was born and brought up on a farm near Talgarth. I now live and work in Cardiff where I have been for the last 30 odd years.
I have a lot of memories of Talgarth, which include my first day at Talgarth school, bringing the cattle through the square on the way to the market and going into the old Post office, I can still remember that olde worlde smell as you walked in.
Sadly Talgarth has changed. It is not the vibrant busy town it once was. It now looks run down and neglected. There are boarded up buildings that have had scaffolding on them for what seems an eternity, shops and pubs have closed down. Hanging baskets and window boxes would be a nice touch in the summer.
It is such a shame but tourists driving through this historic town havent much of a reason to stop; have they?
Wed Mar 1 17:49:55 2006
Janet, California, USA
My great-great-great grandmother was born in Talgarth, in the very early 19th century. It looks like a lovely place. I hope to visit sometime.
Fri Dec 30 00:53:06 2005
Rod Williams
Talgarth has been home to several licensed radio amateurs over the years. Harold Davies in Penbont Road springs to mind now sadly a 'silent key' as we describe a radio ham that has passed on. He was a dab hand at sending morse and kept in daily contact with an old friend down in the south east corner of the UK.
I earned my amateur ticket back in October 1982 under the call sign GW8YPR.
Talgarth perhaps is the only town in Wales that got a very short message to the Space Shuttle. Some many years back NASA had put on board a radio ham and as the shuttle sped over head both myself GW8YPR in Woodland Ave and Alan Mayall GW6OJK then living in Penbont Road waited for his call. We all called back along with dozens of others throughout the UK and probably Europe. When NASA checked the recordings only 6 UK amateur callsigns were recognised, only one Welsh one GW6OJK was heard. So Talgarth can proudly boast it is the only town in Wales that ever contacted the space shuttle. If you don't believe the story it was reported in the Brecon and Radnor Express later the following week.
Sun Dec 11 16:00:18 2005
Simon & Alison - Talgarth
Talgarth has so much to offer to a broad spectrum of people both living in the town and visiting. With the Black Mountains as a back drop and the picturesque surroundings filled with friendly people it's hard to imagine living anywhere else.
Mon Nov 7 09:14:52 2005
Hattie Hughes
I love talgarth and everyone that lives there, nothing can beat the place!
Fri Sep 16 10:43:56 2005
Edd in Cyprus
I love Talgarth with all my heart and I can't wait to come back. Talgarth, you just can't beat it!
Sun Jul 31 13:00:00 2005
Glyn ( AKA Bert ) Jones
One of eleven children raised in nearby Glasbury-on-Wye. Talgarth holds many fond and sad memories for me. As a boy coming to the Friday stock market with my father. Suffering a haircut by Jim Prosser.
As I grew older my affinity with the town was through the local rugby club Gwernyfed and Cricket club. Many happy hours spent playing and with the boys and girls of the clubs. I have been resident in Middx for the last eighteen years or so now but I still wish the clubs every success for the future.
Thu Apr 7 21:12:38 2005
Brian fron Builth Wells
born and bred in Talgarth, has changed much over the years - Miss Willis at the Post Office, Talgarth Motors and Tractors when it was a garage, Benny Harris, Alan Havard, Dai the bell to mention but a few.
Good luck with the web site.
Sat Oct 23 19:49:03 2004
Dai from Talgarth
Talgarth's the best!!
Tue Apr 27 20:25:11 2004
Pam & John. St Albans.
We started coming almost annually to Talgarth around 1980 staying on the farm just outside town owned by Meudwen & David. Our two sons played cricket in the yard with their son Robert. The ever changing view of the Black Mountains looking towards Hay is illustrated in our painting by local artist Marieanne which includes our two cats born on the farm nearly 12 years ago;
What we will always remember is the friendly greetings we got from Brian the butcher, John the grocer, Len (the road), Elsie, Blod, Pauline, and many, many others. This was especially so when we helped with the annual Festival of the Black Mountains.
I hope we can return before too long to recharge our batteries.
Pam & John.
St Albans.
Fri Mar 19 15:12:26 2004
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Talgarth literally means end of the hills. The old town with its narrow streets and 19th Century architecture has many historic associations. The towns square, where markets were once held, is dominated by its Victorian Town Hall.