Henllan History Project

This web site is the perfect place to collect the historical knowledge of the village and make it available to all.  Unfortunately, your webmasters lack both the local knowledge and the linguistic skills to explore it properly.  We need help.

Effectively, we want to create a Henllan Historical Society that is based around the web site, but is independent of it.

If you feel you would like to help, then please let us know by emailing us.

email - admin@henllan.com

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OLD CENSUS INFORMATION

Whilst waiting for the formation of a historical society, we can proactively build a historical database of Henllan addresses.  From old censuses we can build a picture of who used to live in your house from (possibly) as early as 1841 to 1901 and publish the data here.  If you would like us to do this for your address, please click here to email us your address and ask us to analyse the censuses for you.  The results will be published below.

Unfortunately, there is a problem with Henllan censuses.  Until the 1881 census the streets and households are listed, but not the actual house numbers or names.  This means we can be accurate back to1881.  Prior to that, we can often identify the same household in the street and we assume they are living at the same house number or name.  It is possible, but unlikely, that they are in fact living in the same street but in a different house.  This does not apply to farms and other isolated, named properties where it is easier to trace before 1881.  The research is undertaken by Celia Adams.

NB.  The word ‘Journeyman’ that occurs often in connection with a trade, merely means ‘Time Served’, or ‘No longer an Apprentice’.

NOTE.  We are aware that many local place names have been spelled incorrectly – for the sake of accuracy, we have used the spellings recorded by the census-takers.

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DENBIGH STREET

Number 16. Currently occupied by Robb Jenkins and his family.

In 1861, Mary Jones, widower aged 74, described as a ‘Dressmaker’ was the head of the household.  Her unmarried son James aged 35 and described as a ‘Draper/Grocer’ and Mary Evans aged 44 and unmarried, described as a ‘House Servant’ lived with her.  They were all born in Henllan.
In 1871 Mary Jones has left the census and her son James Jones aged 45 and now married is the head of household.  He is described as a draper.  His wife is Elizabeth aged 38 and they have three children James aged 5, William aged 7 and Annie aged 3.  Also living with them is Ellen Jones aged 16, a Domestic Servant.  They were all born in Henllan.

In 1881 James Jones is aged 55 and still the head of the household and is described as a ‘Shopkeeper’.  The children all remain at the address but James, aged 15 is now described as ‘Dumb-handicap’.  There is now a 4^th child Aneurin aged 9.  Jane Jones aged 18 lives with them and is described as a ‘Domestic’.  They were all born in Henllan.
In 1891 James is aged 65 and still the head of household and is described as a ‘Grocer’.  His wife Elizabeth is still with him.  His children Annie aged 23 and Aneurin 19 are both still at the address and are both described as ‘Assistants’. No mention of the other children.  All born in Henllan.  There is a note on the census that they spoke only Welsh.
In 1901 James is aged 75 and is a widower ‘living on his own means’.  Only his son Aneurin and Aneurin’s wife Mary remain at the address.  Aneurin is aged 29 and also described as ‘living on own means’.  Mary is 25.  They were all born in Henllan and the census records that they spoke Welsh and English.
The photograph was taken around 1900.  In the bottom left corner is a legend saying ''James Jones & Son, 16 Denbigh Street, Henllan''.

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Number 17.  Currently occupied by Jim Edwardson.

We don’t know who lived at this address prior to 1891, but we do know a deal about the history of a Roberts family who ended up in17 Denbigh Street.  So this is a Robert’s Family History.  In a most surprising manner, the places of birth of many of these family members change from census to census.  It is quite unfathomable.

In 1871, Richard Roberts, an Agricultural Labourer, aged 34 lives in School Street (number not recorded).  With him is his wife Susannah aged 24, his daughter Ann, aged 2 and his son Robert aged 1.  They were all born in Henllan.

In 1881, They have moved to 6 Llindir Street.  Richard is now aged 44, still an Agricultural labourer, but has changed his mind about his place of birth and now gives it as Abergele.  His wife Susannah is now aged 33 and has also changed her mind as to her birthplace and gives it as St Asaph.  With them are their son Thomas aged 14 (where was he on the 1871 census?}, daughter Ann aged 12, son Robert aged 10, daughter Susannah aged 9, son Richard aged 7, daughters Mary aged 6, Catherine aged 4 and Elizabeth aged 1.  All the children were born in Henllan.

Also in 1881 No 17 Denbigh Street is not listed at all and can be presumed to have been empty.

In 1891, the family has moved to 17 Denbigh Street.  Richard is now a ‘General Labourer’ aged 53 giving his birthplace as Denbigh. Erdigg.  His wife Susannah is aged 53 and has again changed her birthplace to Rhuddlan.  Son Robert is now aged 20 and a ‘Blacksmith Ironmonger’ born Denb.  Erdigg.  Several of the other children have disappeared and a number of new ones arrived.  Living with them now are five daughters: Elizabeth aged 12, Jennie aged 9, Margaret aged 7, Harriet aged 6 and Rebecca aged 1.  Also living with them is their granddaughter Agnes, aged 2.  She is not Robert’s daughter as he is shown as being single.  The most likely parent is Anne who hasn’t been heard from since the 1881 census when she was aged 12.   All were born in Henllan save those stated otherwise.  All the household spoke Welsh.

In 1901 Richard is aged 63 and a ‘Road Labourer’.  His place of birth is now Llangwyfan, Denb.  Susannah is now aged 53 and her birthplace is Flintshire.  With them now is just the one daughter Sarah R aged 11, born in Henllan (Where was she on the last census?)  and two granddaughters: Agnes S aged 12 now shown as being born in Denbigh and Harriet E aged 5 born in Caernarfon.  All spoke both English and Welsh.

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BRYNTIRION is the home of Mrs Charlotte and Mr Tony Jones.  It was originally the farmhouse on whose former land the Bryntirion estate now stands.

In 1861 the Head of Household was William Rawson, aged 34, an Agricultural Labourer.  His wife was Jane aged 33.  They had three Children: Mary aged 6, Dinah aged 4 and William aged 8 months.  They were all born in Henllan.  With them lived Mary Roberts, aged 73, William’s widowed mother-in-law, who was born in Llanrhaider (sic).

In 1871 the head is given as David Rawson.  He is obviously the same man, using a ?middle name and is now aged 44 and described as a ‘Labourer’.  His wife Jane is aged 43.  Four children live with them: Dinah aged 13, William aged 10, Jane aged 8 andElizabeth aged 4.  All born in Henllan.

In 1881 the family has changed and Edward Roberts, aged 38, an ‘Agricultural Labourer’ born in Llanefydd is now the head.  His wife Hannah, aged 36 was born in Llansannan.  Five children lived with them: Elizabeth aged 12, David aged 11, Robert aged 7, William A. aged 5 and Dinah aged 2.  They were all born Llanefydd except Elizabeth and Dinah who were born in Henllan.  Living with them was a Boarder, William Rawson, a widower aged 75, an ‘Agricultural Labourer’ born in Llanrwst.

In 1891 there is another change and Samuel Jones, aged 40, a ‘Farmer and Carrier’, born in Llanefydd is the new head.  His wife Martha, aged 37, was born in Llandyrnog.  There were three children: Dorothy Margaret aged 7, Mary aged 3 and Sarah Jane aged 2, all born in Henllan.  Also with them was their servant, Mary Ann Abbott aged 13, born in Llandudno.  The household spoke only Welsh.

In 1901 Samuel is aged 50 and is described as ‘Farmer (Employer)’.  His wife Martha is aged 47 and five children live with them:  Dorothy Margaret aged 17, a ‘Dressmaker’, Mary aged 13, Sarah Jane aged 12, Robert Samuel aged 8 and John Richard aged 6, all born in Henllan.  They all spoke English and Welsh.

NOTE.  The following is possibly a ‘Census Anomaly’, but should be recorded here for completeness.   The 1871 shows two entries for Bryntirion on Denbigh Street.  One of these is with respect to David Rawson (above) and the other shows a single occupant John Davies aged 85, born in Henllan.  His occupation is given as two words, the first looking like ‘Wool’ and the second completely illegible.  If he were a lodger or boarder, he would have fallen into David Rawson’s household.  Since John Davies is shown as the head of his own household, it seems reasonable to assume that part of Bryntirion was leased to him.

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LLINDIR STREET

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TY COCH STREET

NUMBERS 15 and 16.  Also known as ‘Park View’.  This is now a single property occupied by Wendy Adams.
NUMBER 16.   In 1861 the head of household was Thomas Price aged 57 who was born in Liverpool.  He was described as ‘Parish Clerk and Stonemason’.  His wife was Esther aged 56 born in Denbigh.  They had one son living with them, James aged 20, born in Henllan, a stonemason who was described as single  and also living with them was a grandson William aged 9 who was born in St Asaph.
In 1871 Thomas aged 67 now described as ‘Stonemason’ and his wife Esther aged 66 are still there with their grandson William aged 19 who is now described as a ‘stonemason’.  Also with them is their granddaughter Ann aged 22 and unmarried who is described as ‘Domestic Servant’.  She was born in Llansannan.
In 1881 Thomas Price is aged 77 and once again described as ‘Parish Clerk of Henllan’.  His wife has gone and he is remarried to Elizabeth aged 66 born in Gyfflliog.
In 1891 Only Elizabeth Price aged 75 remains and she is described as ‘Living on own means’.
In 1901 there is no mention of the address and it could well be that that was when it was merged with number 15.
NUMBER 15.  In 1881 (We can’t identify the property prior to this) John Henry Williams aged 29, a ‘Blacksmith Journeyman’ is the head of Household.  His wife is Mary Ann aged 28 and they have two children, Sarah Esther aged 3 and Alfred aged 1.  Apart from Mary Ann who was born in Bolton, Lancashire, they were all born in Henllan.
In 1891 the details are the same except they are all 10 years older and Sarah Esther has disappeared from the census.  They all spoke English and Welsh.
In 1901 again the details are the same, except that Alfred’s occupation is recorded – sadly it is illegible.

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The Rectory.

In 1861, the property was shown as ‘Vicarage House’.

Head of the household was Edward Smart, aged 44, born in Llanfwrog, ‘Vicar of the Parish of Henllan’.  His wife was Mary, aged 51, born in Lancashire, St Helens.  They had a daughter Mary Frances, aged 11, born in Henllan.  They also had two servants: Anne Morris, aged 28, born in Conwy and Sarah Roberts, aged 20, born in Henllan.

In 1871, the property was described as ‘Henllan Vicarage.

Head of household was still Edward Smart, aged 55, ‘Rector of Henllan’.  His wife Mary and daughter Mary Frances are also still there as is there servant Sarah Roberts.  The second servant is now Elizabeth Salisbury, a married woman, aged 35, born in Henllan.

In 1881 the property was known as ‘The Rectory’ and remains so in future years.

Head of household was Humphrey Humphries, aged 38, born in Llanynys, Den, ‘Rector of Henllan’.  His wife was Emily, aged 39, born in London.  With them were there three sons: Frederic W C, aged 8, born in Llantysilio; Lleweley J, aged 6, born in Henllan; and Edward Ernest, aged 1, born in Henllan.  Also living with them were two nephews: Cyril Julian Larpent, aged 4, born in Calcutta, India and George Larpent, aged 1, born in Ramsgate, Kent.  There were three servants:  Anne Jane Hughes, aged 25, born in Henllan, ‘Cook & Domestic Servant’; Hannah Evans, aged 18, born in Cefn, ‘Nurse & Domestic Servant’; and Catherine Morris, aged 19, born in Llantysilio, ‘Housemaid & Domestic’.

In 1891 Humphrey was still the head and still ‘Rector of Henllan’ his wife Emily and son Edward Ernest were still with him.  Also with him were his daughter Pearl Kathleen, aged 22, born in Ruabon and his son Humphrey Richard, aged 20, born in Ruabon, ‘Undergraduate at Oxford’.  There were two servants: Margaret Lloyd, aged 20, born in Gythlliog, ‘Cook & Domestic Servant and Sarah Ann Jones, aged 17, born in Henllan, ‘Housemaid’.

Humphrey and the servants spoke Welsh and English, all the others spoke English only.

In 1901, Humphrey was still the head and was described as ‘Clergyman (Church of England)’.  Either the census-taker made several serious errors, or Humphrey had a new wife, also called Emily, with a middle name of Harriet.  She was aged 34, born in Henllan.  They both spoke Welsh.  No one else was living at the Rectory at that time.

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SCHOOL STREET

NUMBERS 15 & 17.  These are now one property occupied by Duncan & Celia Adams.
It is not possible to get back further than 1881 for either property.
NUMBER 17  In 1881 Thomas Phillips aged 45, born in Ruthin a ‘Domestic Servant – Gardener’- was head of household.   His wife was Ann Cyridwen aged 42 born in Henllan.  They had three children: Joseph Thomas aged 13, Cyridwen aged 6 and Meredydd aged 4.  Joseph was born in Henllan and the other two children in Llannefydd.
In 1891 a new family moves in.  Robert Jones aged 61, a ‘Journeyman Joiner’, born in Henllan is head of Household.  His wife is Mary aged 68, born in Denbigh.  They have three children, all born in Henllan and all unmarried:- John aged 27 a ‘Railway Porter’, Margaret aged 26 and Mary aged 21.  Also living with them is their grandson John Robert Hughes aged 7 who was born in Sandgate, Kent.  Only John Jones and John Robert Hughes spoke English as well as Welsh.
In 1901 there is no record, so that could be when the properties merged.  Local knowledge has it that at one time it was a shop selling animal feed and the suchlike, so it is possible it became a shop attached to number 15.
NUMBER 15  In 1881 the Head of Household was David Foulkes aged 60 an ‘Agricultural Labourer’.  His wife was Ellinor aged 53.  They had one son David aged 18, ‘Apprentice of Gardener’.  They were all born in Henllan.
In 1891 The families change and William Roberts, aged 55, a ‘General Labourer’ was the head of Household.  His wife was Phoebe aged 50.  They had a daughter Mary aged 11.  They were all born in Henllan except Phoebe who was born in Flint.  They all spoke English and Welsh.
In 1901 There was another change.  There was only one occupant – Eunice Evans, a widow aged 70, born in Llannefydd, described as a ‘Grocer’ and a Welsh Speaker.  It is possible she carried on the trade from what was number 17.

Earlier this year, Pat Barry of Merseyside, married her own genealogy research with ours by the common denominator of ‘Eunice Evans’, who used to live in our house (15 School Street - 1901 census).  The following is Eunice’s family history and will be of interest to local historians and ‘School Streeters’ alike.  This is Pat’s account:-

EUNICE EVANS/ EDWARD EVANS SCHOOL STREET HENLLAN

BORN EUNICE JONES c1831 IN LLANEFYDD (FATHER ABEL). MARRIED ROBERT THOMAS OF HENLLAN IN 1860. DAUGHTER MYFANWY BORN 1862.

ROBERT IS LISTED ON 1861 CENSUS AS MASON/ GROCER LIVING IN SCHOOL STREET. ROBERT DIED ?

EUNICE THEN MARRIED EDWARD EVANS A WIDOWER WITH 5 DAUGHTERS ALSO OF SCHOOL STREET ON 21ST NOVEMBER 1866. THEIR DAUGHTER MARGARET WAS BORN IN 1867 (MY HUSBANDS GREAT GRANDMOTHER).

ON 1841 CENSUS EDWARD IS RECORDED AS LIVING IN SCHOOL STREET WITH HIS PARENTS SUSANNAH AND HUGH.

IN 1850 EDWARD MARRIED ELEANOR DAVIS. THEY HAD 5 DAUGHTERS.

SUSANNAH BORN 1851.

MARY BORN 1853.

ELIZABETH BORN 1855.

ELEANOR BORN 1857.

ANN BORN 1858.

IN 1851 EDWARD IS RECORDED AS A LABOURER LIVING IN SCHOOL STREET.

IN 1861 A DRAINER? LIVING AT THE BAKEHOUSE.

AFTER HIS MARRIAGE TO EUNICE I ASSUME HE MOVED INTO HER HOUSE!!

IN 1871 HE IS RECORDED AS A GROCER IN SCHOOL STREET.

IN 1881 HE IS RECORDED AS A FARM BALIFF LIVING AT 14 SCHOOL STREET.

 

IN 1883 STEP DAUGHTER MYFANWY MARRIED JOHN BERESFORD PRITCHARD A FARM BAILIFF FROM GALLTFRENAN (?)

IN 1891 A GROCER STILL AT 14 SCHOOL STREET.

IN 1892 HIS YOUNGEST DAUGHTER MARGARET MARRIED HERBERT FOULGER ( ORIGINALLY FROM MATTINGLY HAMPSHIRE) A GAME KEEPER ON THE DARNHALL ESTATE IN CHESHIRE.

EDWARD DIED LATE 1895 AGED 72 YEARS.

EUNICE DIED 28TH FEBRUARY 1911 AGED 79 YEARS. LIVING AT 15 SCHOOL STREET. ON ALL CENSUS RECORDS SHE IS RECORDED AS A GROCER .

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CAE DRAIN FARM, HENLLAN.

The present occupant has asked us to look at the census history of the farm, which Celia has done (I claim no credit, save for translating her notes into this form).  Spelling of place names are as they appear on the census.

1841

Thomas Evans, aged 42, a farmer, was head of the household.  Catherine, aged 45 would appear to be his wife, but the census doesn’t confirm this.  There were four servants:

Ellin Davies, aged 20;

David Lloyd, aged 20,  

Robert Griffith aged 16 and

Edward Williams aged 11 (yes, eleven).  

All named were born in Denbighshire.

1851

 None of the above remain.

Thomas Jones, aged 58, ‘Farmer 150 acres employing 4 Labs’, born in Llanrhaidr, is the Head.  His wife is Elizabeth, aged 52 born in in Llanrhaidr.  They have five children living with them:

Arlen William, aged 19 and rather surprising described as ‘daughter’, born in Llanrhaidr;

Thomas aged 13, born in Haugffyfd;

Catherine aged 11 also born in Haugffrydd ;

Robert aged 9, a scholar, born in Haugffydd and

David aged 7, a scholar, born in Llanynys. 

All the children were unmarried.

There were seven servants:

Gwen Jones, aged 22, house servant, born in Henllan,

Jane Jones, aged 12, house servant, born in Henllan,

Edward Roberts, aged 22, farm servant, born in Henllan,

Richard Jones,aged 18, farm servant, born in Henllan,

Evan Jones, aged18, farm servant, born in Henllan,

Jane Thomas, aged 18, house servant, born in Llanrhaidr

William Roberts, aged 13, farm servant, born in Henllan.

1861

Thomas Jones is still the head and is now aged 68.  His wife Elizabeth has aged less quickly and is only 60!  Thomas, Catherine and David are the only children still remaining in the household and they are unmarried.

The servants / wokers (all unmarried) have been reduced to five:

Catherine Evans, aged 19, house servant, born in Nantglyn,

Grace Roberts, aged 21, house maid, born in Llanfair,

William Jones, aged 26, Ag. Lab., born in Gwytherin,

William Thomas, aged 21, Ag Lab., born in Llandoget,

John Roberts, aged 19, carter, born in Henllan.

1871

Thomas Jones Snr has died.  Thomas Jones Jr, now aged 32, is head of household and is described as ‘farmer of 173 acres empl 3 men, 1 boy’.  He was unmarried.  With him are:-

His brother David, now aged 26, unmarried, described as a farmer.

His widowed mother Elizabeth, now aged 70, described as an ‘annuitant’.

Elizabeth M. Jones, his niece, aged 9, a scholar, born in Denbigh,

They have six servants / workers, all unmarried:

Mary Roberts, aged 23, general servant, born in Denbigh,

Mary Davies, aged 19, dairy maid, born in Rhuddlan,

Samuel Jones, aged 20, farm servant, born in Denbigh.

Mary Jones, aged 19, farm servant, born in Denbigh.

William Roberts, aged 51, cowman, born in Llansannan.

Robert Roberts, aged 24, labourer, born in Denbigh.

1881

Another change of family.

Head is William Hughes, aged 53, born in Carnarvon, ‘farmer 154 acres empl 3 sons’.

Elizabeth, his wife, aged 52, also born in Carnarvon.

His three sons, all unmarried, and all born in Llanfairfechan:

William aged 18.

Michael aged 16,

Hugh aged 15.

There was one ‘general servant’, Jane Simon, aged 24, born in Nantglyn.

1891

Another change of family.

Head is William Williams, aged 44, ‘farmer’, born in Dyserth.

His wife is Emma, aged 50, also born in Dyserth.

They have six children, all unmarried:

Robert, aged 19, ‘farmer’s son’, born in Trefnant

Edward, aged 17, ‘farmer’s son’, born in Trefnant,

Mary, aged 15, scholar, born in Henllan.

John, aged 11, scholar, born in Henllan.

Jane, aged 8, scholar, born in Henllan.

Anne, aged 7, scholar, born in Henllan.

There are four servants, all unmarried:

David Roberts, aged 20, ‘farm servant’, born in Henllan,

Richard Williams, aged 19, ‘farm servant’, born in Dyserth,

Anne Thomas, aged 23, dairy maid, born in Llanfair,

Susannah Thomas, aged 16, kitchen maid, born in Llanfair.

All the household are described as ‘Welsh Speakers’.

1901

William Williams is still the head, now aged 54.

His wife is Emily, aged 54, born in Llannefyd, so it would seem he was bereaved and remarried.  The differences, however, are well within the bounds of census-taker and informant errors.

Of his children, only Robert, John and Jane remain in the household; they are all unmarried.  In this census, John and Jane are described as being born in Trefant (not Henllan).

There are three servants / workers, all unmarried:

Elizabeth Williams, aged 20, ‘domestic servant’, born in Henllan.

John Henry Williams, aged 21. ‘farm servant’, born in Ruthin,

Thomas Williams, aged 17, ‘farm servant’, born in Denbigh.

All the household spoke both Welsh and English.

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