Notable Events
1902 – Sketty Village Blacksmith’s Reminiscences
1902 – The Brown Eagle of Singleton Abbey
1904 – Interesting old Character’s death
1904 – Swansea Tradesmen’s Tour
1908 – The Housekeeper’s Death
1910 – Singleton Abbey – History and Associations
1919 – Singleton is Sold
By January 1900 the Farm house at Singleton is to be let, with immediate possession.
Sketty Village Blacksmith’s Reminiscences
The Cambrian of July 1902 carries this charming story:
65 Years Ago: Sketty Village Blacksmith’s Reminiscences – Coaching to London with the Vivians.
Sketty is able to boast of the possession of an old inhabitant who was an eye-witness of the celebrations accompanying the Coronation of Queen Victoria, and whose memory is sufficiently strong to retain a vivid recollection of that happy event. He is Mr. Geo. Blundell, one of the most prominent figures in the village, and for forty years the village blacksmith. His son has now, however, succeeded him but he continues to help at the smithy.
His father and mother were engaged by Mr. John Henry Vivian, F.R.S., F.G.S., and M.P., at Singleton as coachman and housemaid respectively, and. in course of time, he became a pageboy. In this dignified position, at the age of 11, he had the privilege of witnessing Queen Victoria’s proclamation procession in London in June, 1837. That was in the old coaching days, and the Vivian family, which included Mr. and Mrs. Vivian, their eight children, and a footman, nurse, lady’s-maid, and the paga- boy, travelled in two big coaches.
From Cardiff they went, coaches and all, in one of the packets to Bristol, spending about eight hours going across. The whole journey, which was divided into ten stages for posting horses, lasted four days. On their arrival in London, the party stayed at 24, St. James’- street, and Mr. Blundell remembers—”as if it was yesterday”—the procession going through Piccadilly, turning into St. James’, and going back again to Pall Mall. It was a sight for him, indeed. Mr. Vivian not only gave a grand ball on the occasion, but also took part in the Royal procession, with all the necessary attendance and grandeur. In appearance, he was something like his son, the late Sir Hussey Vivian (afterwards Lord Swansea). To-day he is known as the famous sire of a famous family, but then he was known chiefly for his kind- ness and liberality. He was generous to the core, and the poor never left his gates with- out being splendidly replenished. “As kind a gentleman as ever was,” Mr. Blundell remarked; “and I’ll just show you how thoughtful he was. I used to go with him- say to make a call at Penllergaer, to see Sir John Llewelyn’s father. He was driving in a gig-that’s what they had then—and I sat alongside of him with crossed hands. If it was late in the night he would often say: ‘Are you hungry, boy?’ or ‘You must be cold.’ Then he would give me a handful of ginger nuts from the inside pocket of his coat and tell me to go and measure for a new suit of clothes the next day. But it was at election times that his generosity overflowed.
He was the first M.P. for Swansea after the Reform Bill, and he “represented the borough,” according to the inscription on the statue at the Guildhall, “and its contributories in six successive Parliaments.” On his first election, he was carried round the town in an old boat, which is still at Singleton. By his side he had a bowl, from which he threw handfuls of silver among the crowds. High street railway station was an open space at the time, and here he would scatter some more silver, smiling heartily as the people scrambled after the coins. It appeal’s that the proclamation of the young Queen was more important than the crowning ceremony, which took place a year later. All the windows at Sketty were lighted with candles in respect of the solemnity of the event; and the men were. regaled with plenty of beer in respect of the rejoicings thereof. During his visit to London, Mr. Blundell saw the execution at Newgate of James Greenacre, a man who had the audacity to carry the head of his victim—a young woman named Hannah Brown—round the streets in an handkerchief. After five. months in London, the pageboy and the footman were sent home. They came to Bristol with the mail coach, and, as the packet had just left before their arrival that morning, they stayed at the Gloucester Hotel, Clifton, for three days.
There were only two boats, the “Star” and the “Rose,” going to and fro between Swansea and Bristol then. “Times have changed, haven’t they?” was Mr. Blundell’s observation. He has endless reminiscences concerning the local, elite of the early Victorian period. Among others, he remembers General Ward at Clyne (then called Woodlands Castle), Mr. John Lucas, of Uplands House (famous racehorse proprietor, who used to train his horses on Cwmdonkin Park)) Colonel Cameron (one time Mayor of Swansea) at Danygraig, Colonel Morgan (father of Colonel W. Ll. Morgan) at St. Helen’s House, Colonel Jones (of the Veran- dah), and the celebrated Captain Ickey at Parkwern. Burrows’ Lodge (now used as offices) was the residence of a colliery propria tor, and Coleridge House (telegraph office) was so called in honour of Judge Coleridge, who used to stay there. Mr. John Lucas was high-sheriff for the county, and he was the only one who ever conveyed a judge to the Guildhall in a four-in-hand with black and bay horses. The coming village black- smith —c then learning his trade at a shop in Mount-street, opposite Coleridge House. He often saw Justice Grove, who was brought up where the revenue offices now stand in Dynevor-place, educated in the old Grammar School, and considered to be very brilliant even in his younger days.
George Blundell died in Swansea in early 1907, at the age of 81.
In July 1902 the Cambrian reports that Mrs. Bassett and Miss Vivian have taken Singleton Abbey for a lease of a few months. Mrs. Bassett is a sister of the late Lord Swansea and widow of Captain Bassett of Compton Bassett, Wilts.
The Brown Eagle of Singleton Abbey
In August of 1902 an letter by “A Native” in the Cambrian, entitled Old Residents of Swansea relates the tale that:
I used, when a little boy to enjoy going down to see the large brown eagle that was chained with a considerable length of tether, and lived for years on an ornamental bank a few yards within the old entrance gates on the Mumbles-road. He had a picturesque house to retire to, and his raw meat and other aquiline comforts were duly attended to. There was, never the less, a certain amount of terror to the youthful mind connected with these visits whist inspecting this savage specimen, who with no cage bars, seemed to have much freedom and scope.
In September, the shocking case of an attempted suicide occurred at Singleton in the woods not far from where the hospital now is. Reinhold Grelia (18), a German seaman – was found suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest, and claimed at first he shot by an assailant. Once in hospital and sure he would survive his story changed to one where he had served on a ship for 2 years and the Captain and First Mate had poorly treated him, he wanted to leave the ship and desert but didn’t have much money. So he bought a pistol, and shot himself. He was committed to trial in early September.
King’s Coachman at Swansea – Interesting old Character’s death
Another story of a coachman of Singleton appears in the 15th of April 1904 Cambrian:
A well-known and respected Swansea character in the figure of Mr. William Childs died on Wednesday morning at 10.15 from heart disease, after three months’ indisposition. Mr. Childs, who was 62 years of age, passed away at the General Picton Inn, the house of his son, Mr. W. H. Childs, with whom he lived recently after the expiration of his lease of the Commercial Inn, Killay, which he kept for seven years.
Apart from general popularity, the late Mr. Childs’ chief claim to fame was his association with the late Lord Swansea, in whose service he had been for 36 years as coachman. In this capacity he drove the present King and Queen when, as Prince and Princess of Wales they opened the Prince of Wales Dock, the present Prince and Princess of Wales, the late Lord Aberdare, and Mr. Gladstone, and it was due to his initiative that the two latter notabilities partook for the first time of Mumbles oysters. Mr. Childs’ silver wedding and the completion of 30 years’ service for Lord Swansea synchronised in 1892, and he was the recipient of some valuable silver plate from his employer and Lady Swansea, a present he was never tired of exhibiting to favoured friends.
Deceased leaves a widow, two sons—the present landlord of the General Picton and J.P.C. Childs, of the borough police—and three daughters, the youngest of whom is a godchild of the late Lord Swansea and named Henrietta after him.
A peculiarly touching incident of Mr. Child’s last moments was his reversion to old times and scenes in his delirium, he constantly referring to “Sir Henry,” the carriages, and driving in London and Singleton Abbey, and his last words were a reference to the Vivian family. The funeral will take place at Sketty on Saturday.
Swansea Tradesmen’s Tour
1904 provides a very brief view into Singleton and the Park as the Swansea Tradesmen visit Singleton and are escorted around by a very brief, and slightly elderly James Harris:
“The part, some with umbrellas and capes, some not – the weather had not yet finally decided on its course – were met at the Mumbles road gates of Singleton Abbey grounds by Mr James Harris F.R.H.S., of Blackpill. Mr Harris was for many years head gardener at Singleton… His ample proportion, lurching ahead, inspired confidence, and the part were quite content to follow where he led.
We notes the lions that guard the gates, one of the lions has lost its tail – the cannons for defence of the terrace – the richly coloured geranium and fushia beds, and then, the rain coming on, Mr Harris said we could wait in the orangery.
[25 were allowed to pass through the house itself]
The “doing” of Singleton Abbey was necessarily hurried and left behind only confused recollections of wainscoted walls, horns, trophies, paints and curios. Occasionally, Mr. Harris spoke as thus: “Very fine tapestry”, “Billiard Room”, from this window Mr. Gladstone gave an address,” “this fine apartment built for the late queen when duchess of Kent,” “Drawing room”. Then it was over.
We caught up with others and proceeded to occupy ourselves with conventional “objects of interest.” In the archery ground the oak and lime trees planted in 1881 by their Majesties the King and Queen, are coming on nicely. The Roman Well is there yet so is the “German Terrace” flooded with flowers much prettier than their names.
We had now begun a wet trudge to Sketty Hall, and on the way had pointed out to us by Mr Harris two of the finest rhododendrons in the kingdom. Mr Harris is a man of remarkably few works; besides by now it was raining and neither he nor we wanted to linger.
“These trees were brought from the Himalayas by Colonel Sykes.” “That is a large rockery made of rocks from the Mumbles, and to represent the Mumbles,” “there is the dripping well, only it isn’t dropping now, ‘cause the water is not turned on,” and so on.
Mr Harris managed to deposit the Tradesmen at Sketty Hall in the entertainment of Mr Glynn Vivian.
By the middle of 1905 it was obvious for all to see that the future of Singleton did not lie as a family home. The idea, floated on the 24th of February was that Singleton should be the home to the National Museum.
In January of 1906 the papers report the body of a child found in Singleton. As it transpired a body of a newly born child wrapped as a parcel was found between stream and Brynmill lane, on the east side. It was reported that “the caretaker at Singleton abbey which is at present unoccupied” made the discovery. On the 13th of Jan the papers report that the coroner “believed that the birth took place under difficult circumstances, but the putting of the child away showed that concealment was intended. The Coroner said the birth had undoubtedly been concealed but it did not seem that neglect had been established. The jury returned a verdict that the child had had no separate existence”
1906 article on retirement of Mr Leeder of Swansea, mentions that “for years the agricultural surveyor to the late Mr john henry Vivian, and residing at Singleton, where he had a great deal to do with the planting and general development of the estate.”
The Housekeeper’s Death
1908 saw a dreadful incident, the Cambrian title the article about it: “The Pressure of a Thumb would have saved the life of a Singleton Housekeeper”:
No one can really tell the sufferings – mental at any rate – of Mrs. Elizabeth Morris, 68, housekeeper, Singleton Abbey, who died on Sunday evening as the result of the bursting of a varicose vain in the right leg, but one can imagine somewhat what she did go through when the details of the story were laid bare at the inquest on Monday evening at the Abbey, before District Coroner Glynn Price.
Evidence of identification having been given by fellow servants, Frances Jones, housemaid, said that Mrs. Morris seldom complained, but would often remark about “a tired sort of feeling” which periodically came over her. When witness went to church on Sunday evening deceased was all right. On returning at 10 p.m. she could get no response to the ringing of the bell for admission and becoming frightened went round to the coach-house and brought the gardener.
Thomas Hubberley, gardener, looked through the kitchen window, and saw deceased sitting in a chair by the fire. A Sketty gentleman broke the window and got through and let witness in by the door. Frances Jones was frightened and did not go in. When they got to deceased, she was sitting in the chair dead. Dr. Perkins found a lot of blood about the kitchen. Deceased had been treated some time ago for a varicose vein. This was swollen, and she had evidently been bathing it, as there was a footbath nearby.
There was a stout PIECE OF CORD TIED TIGHTLY the calf of her leg, and below that a stocking and a towel tied around the leg. The varicose vein had been ruptured, this causing haemorrhage. There were footprints in blood from deceased’s chair to a cupboard which suggested that deceased had crossed the room in order to get the string which she had tied round her leg. The cause of death which probably took place at nine o clock—and a few minutes after the rupturing of the blood vessel—was due to syncope, brought on by haemorrhage.
“Had she placed her thumb on the wound and held her leg up she would probably have saved her life,” added the doctor.
Coroner said it was a sad case, but he could not overlook the point of people being frightened when an emergency arose. Fortunately, it would have had no effect in this case, but he had heard of cases – hanging cases particularly – where instead of acting at once, people would waste a lot of time in fetching a. policeman or some- one else, when by a clear minded action, a life might be saved.
Jury returned a verdict of “Death from natural causes”.
Singleton Abbey – History and Associations
On September the 3rd 1910 the Cardiff Times in their series called Welsh Country Homes published a very detailed article on Singleton repeated in part here. I’ve not corrected any of the mistakes in the story, and have left all the details how they were in print.
Singleton Abbey, the Glamorganshire residence of Lord Swansea, occupies a magnificent position in one of the most beautiful estates which skirt the shores of Swansea Bay. Swansea has overrun its ancient confines and has spread with alarming rapidity westward. A brace of railways and a busy main road now skirt the sandhills and the dancing billows, and Brynmill forms the resort of half a busy township. Herein is manifest the wisdom of the builders of Singleton Abbey.
The Building of Singleton
It was in the early part of the last century that the estate passed into the hands of the Vivian family, and building work was soon commenced on an extensive scale. To the west of the original villa was added a fine drawing room, while to the east was built an entrance hall flanked by apartments now used as a library and billiard room. The northern half of the old villa appears to have been taken down, and on the site was erected a spacious staircase. It was not until 1830 that the present dining room was built by the late Mr J. H. Vivian, the grandfather of the present Lord Swansea. The circumstances connected with this development are interesting. The late Queen Victoria (then the Princess Victoria) and her mother, the Duchess of Kent, were in that year to have visited the Welsh Eisteddfod and to have been the guests of Mr and Mrs Vivian. During to do honour to his Royal guests, Mr Vivian added a magnificent dining room—still the finest apartment at Singleton. But the visit of the future Queen and her mother never took place, owing to the sudden death of the then monarch. It was not until half a century later that Royalty were received there, the occasion being the visit of the late King and the Queen (then Prince and Princess of Wales) in 1881. In 1885, Singleton Abbey contained forty rooms, but a couple of years later the late Lord Swansea added a new west wing, which included several spacious apartments and an orangery, and thus very materially increased its accommodation. Each generation therefore has added its quota to the fabric. Singleton Abbey To-day. Singleton can claim its virtue possessed by very few early 19th century mansions—it is above all things picturesque. Instead of following the Georgian dictates of symmetry of outline, the designers of Singleton hied them back to the less formal and far more pleasing methods of the spacious days of Queen Bess, when irregularity of outline, quaint gables, and forests of clustered chimneys lent picturesque- ness to the whole.
From the front, terraced gardens descend to the greensward of the park. Its irregular outline lends itself admirably to its surroundings. Above the forest of chimneys rises, at its eastern end, a slender octagonal tower which, with its crocketed pinnacles is quite in character with the late Tudor style of the rest of the edifice. The main entrance, which is at the eastern end, is approached through an irregular shaped courtyard surrounded by a parapet and guarded by fearsome looking stone lions bearing standards – the old Vivian crest.
Some Points of the Interior. You have only to cross the threshold of Singleton Abbey to realise the fact that you are in the home of a cultured race. On every side there are evidence of taste, of a family who for generations have travelled much, studied with enthusiasm and success, and who have brought home from all parts of the word objects of interest to enrich and beautify the domestic hearth. There is ample testimony of the industry of the art collector, and though the pictures vary a good deal in point of merit, there are among them some fine examples of the old masters. Cases or stuffed birds, many of them shot by members of the family in years past in South Wales, indicate an interest in wild nature, while in other rooms there are large collections of minerals and other geological specimens such as one might well expect to find in the chief residence of a family which took the lead in making Swansea, the metallurgic capital of the world. Another feature of the interior is the extremely wide range of interests represented in the objects which meet the eye in every direction. Every room is a treasure house, every corridor a museum.
The Entrance Hall
The entrance hall is indicative of the interests of which the whole of the interior is redolent. The handle of the door was brought by the late Mr J. H. Vivian nearly a century ago from Florence. The Walls are hung with arms of every age and clime. Not the least formidable weapon among them is a scythe which was used in the Irish rebellion. Suits of heavy armour occupy the corners. Near at hand is an ancient barometer, the frame of which, exquisitely carved, is supposed to have been the work of that master of his craft, Grinling Gibbon. There are Chinese relics brought home from one of the wars by a Swansea sailor. On the floor lies a stuffed seal which was killed many years ago at the Mumbles Head. By the fine carved mantelpiece are a case of stuffed eagles. But perhaps the greatest curiosity of this fascinating vestibule is a chair, probably of 12th or early 13th century date, which once formed part of the furniture of the inquisition at Venice. Its square seat is of leather, studded round the edges with brass nails. Its unique feature, however, lies in the remarkable carving at the back which represents flames consuming heretical books and papers. The carving is very bold, the wooden flames projecting quite a foot from the back of the chair. Swansea’s 17th Century Market. On a table beneath the window stands an object which has an especial interest for West Walian, being an exact model of the old market at Swansea, which tradition had assigned to having been the gift of Oliver Cromwell. But this pretty story was exploded many years ago by the late Mr L. W. Dillwyn, who states that it was built in 1661 or 1652 by a rate levied upon the township which produced a sum of £60. The model of the ancient building, which is now at Singleton, and which has a lead roof supported by stone pillars, was made of the actual material of the old market, presumably at the time of its demolition.
Interests of the Principal Hall
From the western end of the Entrance Hall a long corridor Known as the Principal Hall extends to the right, giving access to the three apartments which occupy the eastern end of the mansion, the library, billiard room, and dining room. This corridor is filled on either side with objects that beguile the visitor to linger. There are chairs of the ages of Queen Elizabeth and Queen Anne. A dozen or two cases of birds, many of them uncommon species, shot in and around the Swansea district occupy one corner. Opposite them, on side tables, are a pair of white marble figures, representing angels, brought from Venice by the grandfather of the present Lord Swansea. There is a finely carved settee, evidently French work. and near it are gracefully fashioned alabaster vases from Northern Italy. On the right hand, near the library door, a case of exquisite Swansea China, decked with dainty pink roses that you instinctively attribute to the brush of Young or Pollard, arrest the eye. On the wall facing it is a picture of the cavalry charge at Waterloo with Sir R. H.. (afterwards Lord) Vivian seated upon a white charger directing the operations.
The Library and Billiard Room
The library, which opens off the corridor, contains a number of good pictures, mostly old masters, purchased on the continent during the early part of the last century. Of these one of the most striking is a very fine portrait of a man with a close cut, pointed, brown beard, and wearing a lace collarette, the work of the Italian musician-poet painter Salvator Rosa. An example of the quarrelsome Caravaggio occupies the space above fire mantelpiece, the carving of which, in typical Perpendicular work, is one of the most pleasing features of the room.
The billiard room, which opens out of the library, is hung with tapestry, which depicts in bold design the leading events in the life of Alexander the Great. Especial, interest here attaches to the oak mantelpiece, the top of which consists of the beautifully carved front of a chest which belonged to Catherine of Aragon, and which doubtless contained part of her trousseau, when she left Castile for England to become the first of the many wives of Henry VIII.
The Beauties of the Dining Room
The dining room opens out at the extreme northern end of the corridor and. as we have already stated, was an addition to the house by John Henry Vivian just eighty years ago. It is a spacious and finely proportioned apartment, oblong in shape and well lit. Its paneled ceiling was painted by Willement, while the frieze, which harmonises with it, has introduced into it the arms and initials of members of the Vivian family. The mantelpiece is a fine example of oak carving, into the pattern of which grape vines arc introduced. Above this hangs a painting of considerable family interest, for it is a group of Sir Arthur P. Vivian, the late Mr Glyn Vivian, Miss Dulcie Vivian, and their sister, Mrs Heneage, when children. On either side, and panelled into the wall, are very large paintings of battles, one between British and French artillery in 1760, and another in 1814 at Toulouse, in which members of the Vivian family won distinction in the field of war. Another striking picture is of Sir Richard Vivian who, after Lord Anglesea was wounded at Waterloo, commanded the cavalry, and led them during their final and decisive charges. In an excellent light on the north wall of the room near-the window hangs a very life-like painting of the late Lord Swansea, and above it one of his father Mr J. H. Vivian, to whom Singleton is indebted for so many of the treasures, artistic, archaeological, and historical, which it possesses.
In the Old Marino
Retracing our steps down the long corridor and skirting the foot of the stately, staircase, we turn on the left hand into a suite of apartments with low pitched ceilings, and an entirely different type to the lofty rooms which we have just quitted. These are the rooms of the old Marino, and they form a very cosy little corner of the mansion. One of them retains its old-fashioned cupboards let into the wall. The doors of these are embellished with dainty little painting, the handiwork of the late Mrs. J. H. Vivian, the grandmother of the present Lord Swansea. On the walls are two or three sketches of The Marino as it was a century ago, one of which we reproduce. What is now known as” the lobby” and which was evidently the former entrance hall of The Marina, is now quite a museum of interesting things. In another portion of the old villa hangs a picture of the late Queen and her mother, bearing the inscription Presented by the Duchess of Kent to Mrs. J. H. Vivian, and thus recalling the proposed Royal visit to Singleton in 1830, which, as we have already seen, was destined never to be paid.
Art Treasures of the Drawing Room
The drawing room, which abuts on the western side of the old portion of the mansion though a well-planned apartment, is nothing like so striking as the dining room. The walls are pale blue, surmounted by a cornice decorated in white and gilt. The pictures deserve notice. There is a historical subject by Paul Veronese, and an excellent, example of “Velvet” Breughei. In another corner hang two little domestic scenes of parents playing with their children by the French 18th century artist Greuze. Teniers and Murillo art also represented, and there is a fine portrait quite in the manner of Vandyke. The figure china upon the mantelpiece is contemporary with the building of the house, and another feature of note is a round table, the panels in the top of which are paintings by the late Mrs. J. H. Vivian, who has in so many parts of Singleton, left evidence of her artistic talent.
Reminiscence of Old Elections at Swansea
The staircase is spacious and well-constructed, and in the gracefulness of its proportions and the space allotted to it possesses the attributes of the Georgian rather than the Elizabethan style. The walls are covered with interesting pictures, practically all examples of Old European artists. Near the foot of the staircase are a Dutch scene of village life by Vincaboom, a Holy Family by the Florentian Angelo Bronzino, and a striking painting of St. Francis of Assisi in Francescan garb. In the gallery at the top of the staircase, rest a huge and somewhat unwieldly looking old chair, marked upon the back with the words Vivian and Independence. It recalls memories of stirring election contests in Swansea during the first half of the last century. It was presented in 1832 to the late Mr J. H. Vivian when he was first returned as member for Swansea, and thereafter he was always carried round the town upon it in triumph at each General Election until his death in 1855.
While on the subject of elections in Swansea, it may be of interest to note that in another part of the mansion the walls of one of the rooms are hung with the public notices of the results of party elections in which members of the family have participated – evidence of long continued services in the public weal.
The Late Lord Swansea
The era of the late Lord Swansea was an interesting one in the history of Singleton. It was he who in the late eighties added the west wing and the orangery. He and Lady Swansea entertained many distinguished guests, among them the late King and Queen (then Prince them the late King and Queen (then Prince and Princess of Wales) in October 1881, and the late Mr W. E. Gladstone in June 1887. The Royal visit was celebrated by the planting of some trees in the grounds, photographs of which interesting ceremony are still preserved at Singleton. The finely carved bedstead upon which their Royal Highnesses slept now bears a gold plate recording the fact. The visit of the late Mr W. E. Gladstone is best remembered by the vast demonstration held at Singleton in his honour—a demonstration unequalled in magnitude in the history of the Principality.
The rooms in the west wing which the late Lord Swansea added include his study and Lady Swansea’s boudoir, each of which have large windows facing due west, which give exquisite peeps, between the trees in the park, of Oystermouth and the Mumbles Head. The limitations of space preclude further notice of the hundred and one interests which this fine old home of the Vivian family provides. The present Lord Swansea, even though he lives there but little, keeps it up in a style quite worthy of the treasures which it contains.
1913 Lord Swansea still taking up residence at Singleton from time to time.
1915, December. The stream at singleton overflows and floods the lower Brynmill lane area.
In June of 1915 the Swansea Volunteer Corps had a parade through Singleton Abbey, with about 500 enthusiasts completing the manoeuvres and exercises.
In 1916 the Cambrian Daily Leader notes that members of Swansea were very much in delight to be able to see the Rhododendrons in bloom from the Mumbles Road.
In 1919 the Cambrian Daily Leader ran a letter suggesting that Singleton should be given as a gift to the Prince of Wales. The letter to them reads:
“With reference to the desire that the Prince of Wales should possess a house in Wales, it is now suggested that Singleton Abbey on Swansea Bay, which Lord Swansea is anxious to dispose of, should be acquired by the people of Wales and presented ot the Prince. It is understood that Mr Lloyd George will be consulted on this subject upon his return to England.
Singleton is Sold
17th of July 1919 – Singleton is Sold
The Cambrian Daily Leader reports on the full terms of the deal for the sale of Singleton
Details of the conditions on which the Singleton Estate is being acquired by the Swansea Corporation are given lo the minutes of the Parliamentary Committee’s last meeting, when the Town Clerk reported privately to the Committee upon the deal. The following are the arrangements come to between the Committee’s representatives and the ad- visors of Lord Swansea.
The Corporation agree to purchase the property, subject to the consent of the Court, upon the following terms:
The price to be £ 90,000; [nearly £5 million, in 2021]
The £40 per annum rent charge to be redeemed by the vendor; the timber and wood, with the exception of timber of an ornamental nature, to be taken by the Corporation at valuation.
The minerals which are the property of the vendor are to be taken at valuation, the cost of valuation to be equally shared by the vendor and the Corporation. Completion of the purchase to take place on the 8th August, 1919, the purchase money bearing interest at 5 per cent. from that date; in the event of the completion not taking place on that date the Corporation to take possession subject to existing tenancies, upon signing the contract and paying the deposit.
THE DEAL CONFIRMED.
It was resolved that “the action of the sub-committee be confirmed and the Singleton Estate be purchased accordingly, and that the Town Clerk accordingly be instructed to take all steps he may deem advisable to complete the matter and to sign any necessary documents that the action of the Town Clerk with regard to the valuation of minerals by Mr. H. T. Wales be also confirmed; that Mr. H. T. Wales and Mr. William James be retained respectively on behalf of the Corporation to deal with the questions v 1 will arise on the valuation of the minerals and timber respectively; that the Corporation Common Seal be affixed to any document necessary to carry the terms of this minute into effect.
October 1919 saw the final days of the auction for the contents of Singleton Abbey. The Cambrian of 1919 estimates the total from the sale amounts to £27,800 – around £1.5 million today.
The Sales Catalogue is available in it’s entirety from the Internet Archive.