PRESENTMENT OF NUISANCES
1820

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Caernarvon 18th. Dec^r. 1820

The Jurors of our Lord the King who have been this day chosen by the Deputy Mayor Bailiffs and the Free Burgesses of the Town and Liberties of Caernarvon at a Meeting held at the Guild Hall on Tuesday - the 26th. day of October 1820, do on their Oath present the following Encroachments and nuisances within the said Town and Liberties aforesaid:

High Street

Wants repairing &c.

Market Street

Wants repairing and particularly the Holes conveying the Coal into the different cellars

Church Lane

That the pavement of this Street as well as the Gutters want repairing &c.

Gaol Street

Mrs. Griffith having erected in front of her Dwelling house which projects into the Street a place to keep a Dunghill which we present as an Encroachment, and a nuisance &c.

Mr. Robert Williams the Carter having erected a New Step which projects over the Gutter into the Street which we present as an encroachment &c. and if thought proper for the same to remain, that an Acknowledgement should be charged.

That the Pavement and the gutters of this Street wants repairing &c.

Kingshead Street

Wants repairing &c.

Hall in the Wall Street

Wants Repairing and removing several filthiness, Entrance into Mr. Woodyatts Cellar Projects over the Gutter &c. &c.

Turf Square Street &c.

Captn Wm. Griffiths of the King William has encroached in Building his New House by inclosing in the Old Road formerly called Lone y boot bach, - Mr. Richard Owen shopkeeper and Mr. William Williams the Chandler have encroached by making Cellars under the Streets &c.

We therefore recommend a Rent to be paid as an Acknowledgement to the Corporation for this Encroachment.

Tanybont Street

Wants removing several Filthy Dunghills which are a Nuisance, paving the street and forming New Gutters is also much wanted here.

Gardd yr Afon

Wants a Strong Bridge to cross over from Tanybont to the spot of Ground called "Ynyslom," the place having at present only few stepping stones, which are often at floodtime at least Two feet under Water. Dangerous and not passable.

Castle Entrance

Decent steps much wanted here in order to Assist Strangers &c. to enter the same with Ease and safety, old ones having been taken down when the new road on Penditch was repaired about three or four Years ago.

Pepper Lane

Wants repairing and Removing several Filthiness from this place.

Timber Quay

The Corporation Claims the Ditches &c.

On the Quay under New North Gate

We return all that sailroom, and eight Dwellinghouses called Bank buildings erected by Robt. Roberts Esq^re. to be incroached Property to all intents and purposes hoping the same will not escape your Notice, see Order Boro' Book 18th Decr. 1810 requesting Mr. Roberts to Attend Court Meeting &c.

Glanymor

We return all those Dwellinghouses the other side of Bank buildings lately built by Richd. Garnons Esq^re. The Revd. Harry Jones, S. Lloyd, Hugh Jones and others (over the River) to be encroached Property to all intents and purposes, and Trust the same will not escape your Notice - And also all that new Yard and privy erected by Owen Griffith Tanner to be encroached property in like manner &c. &c. We also return as a Nuisance that large Gutter which Conveys Blood from a slaughter House as well as other Dunghills and Filthiness that wants to be removed from this Neighbourhood.

Bangor Street

The steps going down to the Street at the Gable End of the Coach & Horses leading towards the Crown are much out of Repair and ought to be Amended.

North Penrallt

One step belonging to the House formerly Occupied by Mr. Preece projects over the Gutter which we present as an Encroachment if suffered to remain that an Acknowledgement should be charged, the street is in a very bad state, and ought instantly to be paved or well gravelled. - That some person or persons suppose Mr. Geo. Bettiss has caused a piece of Ground to be inclosed in, to the Field called Twthill Field, commencing at the Gable end of the late Mr. John Morris's House and determining at or near the Gable end of Twthill Lodge, being in length about 85 yards and in Breadth about 7 yards which in our Opinion is an encroachment on the Corporation and we return the same as such hoping it will not pass your Notice without a full investigation, as we Consider the same of great importance to the Corporation. A further encroachment supposed to have been made by the said Mr. George Bettiss which we think without a Doubt is the property of the Corporation commencing at the Corner of Twthill Lodge, and terminating at Rd. Garnons Esq^re.'s Barn and Outbuildings being in length about 220 yards and in Breadth about 6 yards hoping the same will not escape your Notice, these last two Encroachments having been made within a few Months, and we judge that the said Encroachments wo^d. sell to £800 at the least if sold by the Corporation in small Lots.

Pentra Newydd

That the Old road by Ty Modwall down to Cadnant River has been stopped, and a Piece of Wall erected under Tymodwal forming a yard. This Wall is supposed to be built by A. Dillon which we return as an encroachment besides preventing the old Road from having its regular course hoping that both complaints will not escape your Notice viz. preventing the old road from running its regular course, as well as the Encroachment &c. to the great detriment of Travellers and others, and that the same ought to be removed immediately.

Pinfold and House

The Wall at the South West of this Building being too low, and ought to be instantly built higher. People who have had their Cattle impounded there last Year have been able to get them out of the Pinfold over that Corner viz. 7 sheep stolen from there last Year by some person or persons unknown, - The Pinfold House - (where a poor widow resides) being in a decayed state viz. being without any Glass on the Window, The Gutter which conveys the Water down from Penrallt, not being Properly secured to convey much Water, it bursts over and runs along the Hill through the Walls of the Pinfold House which makes her situation miserable and ought to be repaired.

A Breakwater is also much wanted behind the Pinfold Wall, say two feet High and four feet broad leading to the present sloping Stones leading to Llanrug Road &c. The Water being generally six Inches Deep over the Foot Path or Road leads to the sloping stones at the End of Hafodyrwydd Field.

A Piece of Ground at the Gable End of Richard Williams the Maltster's Houses we recommend should be sold least it should be claimed by some persons without Authority like many other parts of Ground, measuring 36 feet by 18 feet, Another Piece of Ground in front of the Poor House we recommend to be sold measuring 14 Yards by 14 feet. Encroachment in front of John Owen the Shoemaker's Houses viz. The Houses when rebuilt having been thrown out much further into the Streets than their Rights, and also a Wooden railing having afterwards being thrown to project full 3 to 4 feet in front of the new Houses, both Encroachments much confined and disfigured the Street hoping it will not pass your Notice &c.

Bontbridd

Wants Repairing and several Dunghills laid down on the Road leading from the Green and Pool Street into the Pool returned by us as Nuisance &c.

Entrance into Pool Street opposite the Green

Encroachment by Mr. Evan Evans and Mr. W^m. Roberts Surgeon having stopped and converted for their own use a certain Land or Street leading from Pool street to the Pool called and known by the name of Lone bach Penyllyn Its thought that some compromise is made enquire and refer to the Books as to this &c.

Pool Street

Wants repairing the Pavements, Gutters much out of Repairs and wants cleaning.

Penygraig

Is in our opinion an Encroachment If not Its particularly requested that the present Deputy Mayor and Bailiff will cause it to be explained clearly at a full Meeting of the Burgesses whether the Corporation have a right to it or not, and if done to the satisfaction of the Burgesses then present to cause it to be struck off out of the presentment, and never presented again. But if not cleared to the satisfaction of the burgesses then present, We trust that it will not escape your Notice &c.

Upper part of Pool Street by the Pump

To enquire whose property this is to have it well explained at a Meeting of the Burgesses, and if properly claimed by Thos. A. Smith Esq^re. or any other Person to the satisfaction of the Burgesses then present to have it struck off the Presentment and never presented again.

If not to their satisfaction we trust it will not escape unnoticed &c. The Jurors when on this Piece of Ground could not make out that the Corporation had anything to do with it, owing to what was then and there explained to them by their Brother Jurors, Mr. Humphreys and Mr. Hugh Roberts they being of Opinion, the same belonged to the Marquis of Anglesey and Col. Smith.

Pool Street opposite New Street

Some person or persons having converted the Waste Water running down the East side of the Street by making a new Gutter cross the Street into New Street, and diverting the Water from its regular course which we return as a Nuisance, and ought instantly to be stopped before frosty Weather commences, so have it sunk and well covered in, under the Street &c.

From the Upper part of Pool Street to the Tythe Barn

At this Place there is one of the most chanceful Encroachments that ever was made being formerly a piece of Ground that belonged to the Corporation in our Opinion, Extending on the right side of the Road from the Upper part of Pool Street to the Tythe Barn, being in length 78 yards and in Breadth 14 feet, the field to which this Ground has been inclosed to, is and has been for sometime in the possesion of Robert Roberts Esq^re. the present Surveyor of that Road In going to Llanbeblig or along that Road, this Encroachment is plainly seen to all Persons that pass it owing to the late encroachment having confined the High Road at about half way between Pool street and Tithe Barn to 15 feet from Gutter to Gutter - Whereas by Law it ought to have been 30 feet from Gutter to Gutter - This for the sake of preserving the High Road which is within our Liberties, as well as the Corporation Property we hope will never esacape your Notice - A piece of Ground above Tythe Barn measuring in front of the Road 13 yards in the Back 9 yards and in length 15 yards We recommend this to be sold for the benefit of the Corporation unless the same can be proved to be Private Property.

Entrance into Love Lane underneath Fields

Owing to the Indemnification given by Mr. W^m. Williams the Attorney (one of our present Bailiffs) against any Claim either the Pentir family or Mr. John Evans have to any part of the Hill under Smithfield called Gallt y Mor, we think ourselves justified in returning the Garden by Mr. Hugh Hughes the Ship builder or his Tenants an Encroachment Hoping the same will not escape your notice &c. To repair Love Lane, which is in all respect dangerous to his Majesty's Subjects to pass to, and from Town if considered within the rights of the Corporation.
See Borough Book as to this in the year 1809

Machine Cottage

The Order for granting a Lease of this Piece of Ground was for 18 yards in length and 10 yards in Breadth We find on measuring the said Premises that the length now Occupied is from 12 to 14 yards more than the Order granted in the year 1811 as appears by the Borough Book. We therefore return the Yards at each end of the Machine Cottage to be encroachment.

Lalalas

We refer you to the Borough Book Page 14 as to this Encroachment made by the late Richard Griffith of the Boot - We also refer you to a Statement dated 13th October 1807 respecting a Piece of Ground Adjoining Boot bach.

That all buildings round the Castle yard viz. from the old North Gate as far as Richard Rowlands the Blacksmith's Property are encroached Property. If not we trust that the present Deputy Mayor and Bailiffs will have it properly explained at a full Meeting of the Burgesses, how it became the Property of any person, who sets up a Claim to them, and if done to the satisfaction of the Majority of the Burgesses then present, to cause the same to be struck off, and never presented hereafter If not sufficient proof is given we Trust that the present Deputy Mayor and Bailiffs will not let such a valuable property be lost for want of being properly looked after &c.

In regards to the dispute between Daniel Davies and Maurice Griffith, That is, how Morris Griffith came to own the floor under Daniel Davies's shop has been left to O. A. Poole Esq^re. to refer to his Books, the dispute respecting that Piece of Ground having as M^r. Maurice Griffith says been referred to M^r. Poole many years ago Nothing as to this Reference entered in the Borough Book so we leave it to be settled.

That the Houses yards shops stables and Office in the several occupations of M^r. W^m. Williams the Attorney sergeant Roberts and M^r. Robert Williams the Sailor and also the Towers in Hole in the Wall Street, is in our opinion to all intents and purposes an Encroachment, although Col: Smith may set a claim to the Ditches before mentioned but we doubt he or any other person by Grant or otherwise can claim the Principal Entrance by Building Houses on the very Road leading into the Town and stopping the Gate way formerly called "Green Gate way" and converting to his or their own use where every person formerly going or coming to Carnarvon from Llanllyfni Beddgelert Clynnog Roads &c. entered the Town to and fro, and that within the memory of many young Persons now living and residents at this Town, so we hope this will not escape your Memory and Notice &c. &c.

The late M^r. Morris Hughes of Brynteg As Appears by the Boro' Book dated Oct 1795 had obtained from the Corporation a Lease for 21 years of a Piece of Ground by the ancient Gateway called "Green Gate" at the Yearly Rent of 10/6 per annum so that our opinion is still stronger that no one had a Right to stop up and convert to their own use either this Ancient Gateway or Tower, and we trust the same will not escape unnoticed.

Upon Examining the Accounts of the Town Stewards we found the following Persons in Arrears which sums we recommend that the Mayor and Bailiffs will cause to be instantly paid in or Struck from the List and never presented again viz.
No. on Rentroll	Names of Persons in Arrears	Total Amount of Arrears due to 29th Septr. 1820	For what property they are in Arrear
05	O. A. Poole Esqre.	£109. 4s. 0d.	For Twthill
14	Thos. Jones Esqre.	£11. 0s. 0d.	For Limekils on the Marsh
16	Evan Evans Tyddyn botha	£0. 3s. 4d.	For Tyddyn botha
23	Mr. Wm. Williams Bangor St.	£0. 4s. 0d.	For Cae cristal
24	Rice Thomas Esqre.	£0. 16s. 0d.	For Old Cottage
25	Revd Wm Griffith	£0. 2s. 0d.	For House on Quay
28	Robt. Roberts Esqre.	£15. 0s. 0d.	The Part of Rhosbodrual
35	John Morgans Caederby	£0. 0s. 4d.	For the Tower and Passage in Hole in the Wall Street
36	Mr. Saml. Samuel	£6. 5s. 0d.	For Quay
39	Mr. Nanney Gwynfryn	£0. 0s. 8d.	For part of salt Marsh
41	Messrs Rowe & Co. (Copper Co.)	£0. 5s. 0d.	For Quay
42	Messrs Humphreys & Co.	£2. 5s. 0d.	For Small Quay &c.
47	John Haslam Esqre.	£15. 0s. 0d.	For Rhosbodrual
50	The Parish of Llanbeblig	£12. 18s. 0d.	For Pinfold and House
52	Mr. Wm. Williams Attry	£1. 10s. 0d.	For Garden at Penrallt
54	John Lloyd Draper	£1. 0s. 0d.	Room in Castle
68	Wm. Williams	£2. 0s. 0d.	Butcher's Stall
81	Mr. Hulme	£2. 5s. 0d.	For Pews in Church
91	Robert Parry Penygelli	£0. 13s. 0d.	Part of Rhosbodrual
66	P. Rowlands Butcher	£56. 0s. 0d.	Butcher's Stalls
67	Dd. Williams Ropemaker	£0. 10s. 0d.	Leave to make Ropes
68	John Jones Butcher	£5. 0s. 0d.	Butcher Stall
		£242. 1s. 4d.	Total amount of arrears due 29th September, 1819

Ground at Penrallt lately sold and built upon

The several Purchasers having made Encroachments thereon We therefore refer you to the Boro' Book in Novr. 1815

Building Stones Used to Cover the Quay Wall

It appears in the Town Stewards Book that the sum of £14 16s. 0d. is charged for Two Boat Load of Building stones making together 24 Tons (from Plasnewydd Quarry)(leave having been granted to Quarry them by the Marquis of Anglesey) whereas we are of Opinion they ought not to have been charged more to the Corporation than £5 in all so that we consider there is an over charge against the Corporation of £9 16s. 0d.

The Overseer of the Town Hall (Mr. Thos. Wms.) having been presented to us by various persons, that his salary of £21 is more than ought to have been Alld. for the service he performs he on the average receivg. no more than from £2 to £3 more than the salary allowed him per annum We therefore have taken the same into consideration and do adjudge that a proper person might be procured to fulfil the Office at £10 per annum so that it wo^d. make a saving to the Corporation of £11 per annum nor does it Appear by the Boro' Book how and in what manner he was appointed as Overseer of the Market House.

The Organ Master

It appears by the Town Stewards Books that he has last year been paid £5 over and above the salary allowed him, that is £45 instead of £40.

David the Pigman

It appears by the Town Stewards books that this Man has been paid for his service for the last year's at the Rate of £6 10... per annum We therefore adjudge that he is entitled (on account of his service) to be cont^d. but at a reduced salary such as the Court may think proper to award him.

W^m. Roberts the Beadle

We have examined as to what service this Man performs and find that it has been for the late year's mere trifle, so we Adjudge that his salary and Clothing are high, and do adjudge that the same should be reduced as the Court may direct and Award.

We also are given to understand that the several sums received by Thomas Williams the present Overlooker of the Market Hall are paid over to the present Town Stewards and that the said sev^l. sums so received by the Town Stewards are charged by them with a Commission of 5£ consequently it reduces the Emolument arising from the Market Rooms under the Care of the said Thomas Williams by both Charges viz. salary and the percentage to about £2 3s. 0d. per annum.

The Pews in St. Mary's Chapel

We find that several of the Corporation Pews are unoccupied we believe in consequence of too High a Rent being Claimed We therefore recommend that the same be offered at a lower Rate.

We have also taken Notice that all Presentments prior to this Date have not been copied into any Book for the Mayor and Burgesses We therefore recommend that this Presentment may be copied by the Town Stewards into the Borough Book as well as those that may put in their presentment hereafter.

We also recommend that all the Tenants from year to year and under the Corporation be served with Notices to quit at the Expiration of the Present Year's taking and that the same be sold again to the highest Bidder or Bidders.

We strongly recommend that the present Mayor and Bailiffs will Order and direct a list immediately to be printed of all the Burgesses resident within the Town and Liberties and their Occupation and such list be distributed &c. &c.

We the Jurors Chosen sworn and elected to examine into the Encroachments Rights and Liberties of the Town and Borough of Caernarvon have this 18th day of December 1820 carefully examined the diff^t. Items in this Presentment and do approve of the issue As Witness our hands hereunto

Thos. Hughes - Foreman of the Grand Jury
John Humphreys
John Griffith
Wm. Roberts
John Parry
John Evans
Thos. Jones
Wm. Williams
Robt. Humphreys
Hugh Roberts
David Jones
John Williams

There are three surviving copies of this presentment.

The Gwynedd Archives Service Ref. are XD1/365; XD1/366; & XD1/908

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