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Glimpses of Margam Life 1830 - 1918

Glimpses of Margam Life 1830 - 1918

Origins:-  In August 1536 the great Cistercian abbey of Margam, once the richest monastic establishment in Wales, was dissolved by the Crown visitors of  Henry VIII. Much of the former monastic property was acquired by Sir Rice Mansel (1487-1559), a member of one of the foremost country families...find out more.

Land Agents:-  The management of the Margam estate was vested in the capable hands of the Llewellyn family for over a century. In 1765 Hopkin Llewellyn of Brombil, Margam, having served several years’ apprenticeship under the previous agent, David, Rees, offered his services at £100 a year and £20 for a writing clerk, during the minority of Thomas Mansel Talbot (when the estate was controlled by trustees).... find out more

The Formation of Wealth:  The Mansel-Talbots had, from an early date, involved themselves in industrial enterprises, granting numerous leases on their lands for iron and copper works and the extraction of coal, iron and limestone...find out more

General Work and Deer: -General work on the estate included cutting chaff, mowing, collecting thistles and ferns, hauling dung, repairing walls and fences, clearing thorns and cleaning the ditches on Margam Moors....find out more

Servants of Margam:- In the winter of 1836 Mrs. Meade was appointed housekeeper at Talbot’s new mansion. Domestic servants were the mainstay of such establishments, not only ensuring efficient housekeeping, but also important as emblems of social esteem....find out more

Gamekeepers:- Gamekeepers were essential outdoor servants. For over a century the position of Head Keeper to the Talbots was held successively by Isaac, William and John Stubbs...find out more

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