A snapshot of Montgomeryshire life 160 years ago

A newspaper account from July 28, 1859 in the County Times’ sister paper, the North Wales Chronicle recorded the events of the week - capturing a fascinating snapshot in time of the lives and times of its residents.

The railway boom had arrived in Montgomeryshire and a new era of mining had promised to put the county on the map.

The opening of the Llanidloes and Newtown Railway was recorded as the greatest event of its day in the county.

The report reads ‘preparations are being made in the towns mentioned, and there is no doubt that the day will be one ever remembered by the inhabitants, bringing, as it will, new means of transit, and impaling a spirit of enterprise among the traders and manufacturers. Newtown and Llanidloes will not be the only towns represented upon the occasion Welshpool and Oswestry will pour forth their numbers to swell the crowds which will be gathered to witness the ceremony, which is to be performed by Mrs. Owen, Glansevern.’

Newtown Railway Station. Picture by Nigel Thompson/Geograph.

In the same week a mining company was formed to work the lead ore lodes of Allt-y-maen in Llangynog.

Five large and powerful lodes had been discovered in the mountain, and ‘thus afford the means of being worked without any cost whatsoever for machinery.’

The report added ‘The mine's are not far from the celebrated Llangynog Mine, and the course of the Llangynog lode, if continued, should traverse the Allt- y-maen set. Some little lead has been discovered.’

A winding drum and brake mechanism near Llangynog. Picture by Richard Law/Geograph.

Montgomeryshire had remained an agricultural area.

In the summer of 1859 a great fire is recorded to have broken out in Forden.

A large stack of old wheat caught fire and spread before two fire engines, one belonging to the Earl of Powis at Lymore and one from Welshpool saved the remainder of the grain and hay.

A field of barley near Forden. Picture by Penny Mayes/Geograph.

The Herbert family were among a host of dignitaries to visit Garthbeibio School in July 1859.

The visit appears to almost be a state occasion.

The report reads: ‘the Countess of Powis proceeded to award prizes to several oi the children tor best attendance, perseverance, and good conduct during the past year; after which they were conducted to a field adjoining and enjoyed themselves with different games, such as climbing a pole, kicking football, foot racing, wheel-barrow racing until a late hour in the evening.

‘The National Anthem having been sung and proposed nine times nine cheers to her lady ship and the Ladies Herbert was responded to with tremendous effect.’

The Countess of Powis. Picture: Wikipedia.