Tracking the men at sea
The Sailors' Institute is unique - it is a rare srvivor of a type of establishment that was once common in coastal communities throughout the British Isles in the late 19th century.
This was a period when the sea-going trades around the British coasts were changing rapidly. The advancement of the railway into rural areas undermined the once lively coastal trade.
However, seafarers from the remotest coastal areas did not forsake the sea but instead began to take up berths on deep sea ships sailing from the larger ports such as London, Hull, Newcastle, Glasgow, Liverpool and Cardiff.
The majority of their families remained in their native communities where, in the past they had been able to observe the seaborne movements of their menfolk on local voyages. In order that they could continue to trace the new voyages, many seamen's institutes came into existence, not just as a meeting place but also where the Lloyds List and Shipping Gazette were available for consultation. From these, the families could trace the lengthy voyages which could last up to two years.
In 1890 Canon Edward Hughes, the Rector of Barmouth at the time, would have established the Barmouth Sailors' Institute for just this reason. He was very well known for his endeavour to meet both the spiritual and social needs of his parishioners.
A set of sea charts was presented to the Rector of Llanaber (also of Barmouth) for the use of the seamen of Barmouth in remembrance of their friend George Quartus Pine Talbot. They date back to 1823 and are housed in a special wall cabinet. Some have voyages charted on them.
The Billiard Room provided relaxation for some folk whilst others played dominoes, chess or draughts in the Reading Room. There were team snooker competitions with an annual Christmas Goose tournament.
Now that the interest in using the snooker table has increased once again the latter tournament was revived for Christmas 2003. However, due to costs, the goose was replaced by a turkey!
The Round House
The Round House, or Ty Crwn, was built in 1834 as a 'lock up'. It is a circular building partitioned down the middle - one side for men and the other for women.
Two figures are now in residence depicting what life must have been like if one fell foul of the law in those days!
your comments
Jayne Every from Coventry
I used to live at Eldon House on the quay. The round House is just at the back of it. All the residents used to hang their washing on lines attached to it. Happy days
Wed Apr 9 11:31:25 2008
Graham Evans Derbyshire
My paternal Grandfather (John Edmund Evans) was born in Ty Gwyn in 1901. Davy Jones Locker (the cafe, as is now) used to be a fisherman's store, ropes etc. I understand that his father (John Morris Evans) used to own the Wynnstay - the boarding house across the lane.
Mon Jan 28 10:52:59 2008
Josie Whysall from North Carolina (ex Barmouth)
My grandparents lived at 5. Bronaber Terrace and used to rent one half of Ty Crwn from the Council and used it as a coal shed/storage shed.
Mon Jul 23 09:38:52 2007
Siobhan Murphy, Coventry
I always go to the Min-y-Mor hotel when I am in Barmouth visiting my dad. I think it is a fantastic place. Has it really been around for all that time?
Thu Apr 5 14:57:57 2007
janet burman from Coventry
I have seen a photo of the Hen Blas public house. Is it still standing and has the name been changed?
Mon Oct 30 10:15:48 2006
Bunney
Does anyone know anything of Min-y-mor hotel in barmouth, my family were there during ww1.
Wed Aug 30 09:29:43 2006
John Batty
Can anyone shed any light on the shipbuilding/Saling ship activities due to wool exports at Llanelltyd Storehouse or if possible inform me of where I can research or see photos of same (Do any photos exist?)
Wed Jun 7 15:04:01 2006
Daryl Edwards of Barmouth
Regarding the round house, my (late) grandmother Mrs Blodwen Davies was born in Ty Gwyn, (Davy Jones locker) in 1911. They owned one half of the round house, when it was decommissioned as a lock-up. They kept chickens and rabbits in there.
Tue Jul 6 20:32:07 2004
