Original Documents: Llysnewydd

THE "Tivyside" has always been noted for the number of country-houses to be found on either side of the river stretching from Llandysul to Cardigan, and for the families of ancient lineage that lived in them, both agreeably described by the lively pen of Herbert M. Vaughan in "The South Wales Squires." Among these houses is Llysnewydd, situated a short distance to the south of the river Teifi, in the Carmarthenshire parish of Llangeler.

Llysnewydd was bought in 1610 by John Lewes, third son of David Lewes of Gernos, and grandson of Lewis Dafydd Meredydd of Abernantbychan in Cardiganshire, a descendant of the medieval chieftain Ednowain ap Bradwen of Merioneth, whose arms — three snakes intertwined on a red shield — are still borne by his descendants. On 16 October 1614, John Lewes married at Llangeler church, Jenet daughter and coheiress of William Lloyd of Glandywely, a marriage that brought further broad acres to the new owners of Llysnewydd. John took a leading part in the Civil War, and like most of the Tivyside squires was a strong Royalist, being described by his opponents in a contemporary document as "John Lewes of Llisnewith, a noted delinquent, very active for the King." He survived the vicissitudes of those stormy times to witness the restoration of the Stuart dynasty, and died in 1662. The family flourished, and at one time owned over 20 estates, large and small, in Carmarthenshire, Cardiganshire, and Pembrokeshire, and gave 26 High Sheriffs to those counties. Among their more eminent members were William Lewes of Llwynderw (1652-1722) the noted genealogist and antiquary whose manuscripts are preserved in the College of Arms, and Sir Watkin Lewes (1740-1821) sometime M.P. for the City of London, and its Lord Mayor in 1780.

Sixth in descent from the Royalist, was William Lewes of Llysnewydd, who also owned the valuable estates of Dyffryn near Ammanford, and Llanllyr in Cardiganshire. An only son, born in 1746, he served as High Sheriff of Carmarthenshire in 1785. William died on 8 March 1828, aged 82, having been predeceased by his wife, Joan daughter of Thomas Lloyd of Bronwydd, Lord Marcher of Cemaes, on 4 November 1820.

William and Joan Lewes had four sons, namely, 1. William the eldest son, who served for some time as an officer in the Royal Horse Guards (Blues), and died on 10 April 1848, aged 59, whose descendant Mr. J. P. Ponsonby Lewes of Llanayron is the present owner of Llysnewydd; 2. the Revd Thomas, Master of Arts, rector of Teignton and Great Berrington, Cambridgeshire, who died unmarried on 27 April 1874, aged 82; 3. Price, of Gwastod, Cardiganshire, barrister at law, who died unmarried, in London on 6 June 1878, aged 83; and 4. John, of Llanllyr, an officer in the 23rd Light Dragoons, who fought at Waterloo, and died on 20 February 1860, aged 67, whose descendant, Captain J. Hext Lewes, is the present Lord Lieutenant of Cardiganshire.

Nothing is known of the original Llysnewydd. Another house was built, probably on the site of the older one, towards the end of the eighteenth century, which has survived, substantially unchanged, to the present day. An engraving of it appears on page 223 of Volume I of Nicholas's "County Families," published in 1872. This is the earliest picture of the house known to the writer of this note. Fortunately, an inventory has survived, which provides us with a glimpse of the interior of the house as it was in the early part of the nineteenth century. This document was compiled, after the death of the above-mentioned William Lewes, by his younger sons the Revd Thomas Lewes and Price Lewes, and delivered by them to their eldest brother William, who had succeeded to the estate. From it we find that the ground floor consisted of a drawing room, dining room, breakfast parlour, library, main hall, kitchen, servants' hall, scullery, pantry, butler's pantry, laundry, with dairy, brewhouse and other outbuildings. The first floor consisted of four main bedrooms, to three of which, dressing rooms were attached and also used as bedrooms. The attic storey contained eight bedrooms, clearly for the servants, being far more elaborately furnished than was generally the case in comparable houses of those days. An interesting feature is the Library containing two mahogany book-cases and over 900 books, but to ensure that the young Leweses should not suffer from a surfeit of intellectual fare, a billiard table was thoughtfully provided in the same room.

Inventories are valuable social documents. They enable us to visualise the interior arrangements of country houses in bygone days, to judge the standards of comfort enjoyed by the occupiers, and furthermore throw light on the domestic and social life of our forebears. This Inventory is taken from a copy kept in the County Record Office at Carmarthen.

F. BREUDETH, Carmarthen.

[TODO The following scanned Inventory has not been proof read -- ChrisJones]

Deceased, as in the Mansion House at Llysnewydd, and delivered up to W. Lewes, Esqr, by the Revd T. Lewes and Price Lewes, Executors of the late W. Lewes, Esqr, this 2nd Day of May 1828.
[signed] Wm Lewes. Price Lewes. Thomas Lewes.
Attic No 1.
1 Stove Grate. 1 Tin Fender. Five Iron pokers, Tongs, and Shovels. 1 Tent Bedstead. Dimmity furniture. 1 Flock Mattress, 1 Feather Bed. I Bolster. 1 Pillow. 2 Blankets. 1 Linen quilt. 1 38-Inch Mahogany Drawers. 1 Mahogany Inclosed Night Table. 1 ditto. 1 Mahogany Dressing Table. 1 Oval 17 inches by 13 inches Dressing Glass. 1 Mahogany Square Bason Stand. 1 Blue Bason. 1 Ewer. 1 Poa. 4 Black Chairs Rush Bottoms. 1 Shower Bath and Frame.

Closet [probably attic No 2].
2 Bedsteads. 2 Flower Stands. 1 Child's Chair. 1 Deal shelf. Sundry Lumber. 1 Large Chest. 17 Blankets. 1 quilt. 2 Feather Pillows. Old (?moreen) furniture of a Bed. ditto Cotton ditto. 1 Leather Trunk. 1 Small Portmanteau.

Attic No 3.
1 Stove Grate. 1 Tin Fender, 1 Set of fire Irons. 1 Stump Bedstead. 1 Feather Bed. 1 Bolster, 1 Counterpane. 1 Quilt. 2 Blankets. 1 Bag of Feathers. 3 Easy Chairs. 1 Oak Table. 2 Black Chairs Rush Bottoms. 1 .Mahogany Chair on Castors. 1 Deal Shoe-stand. 1 Wood Clock. I Folding Screen. Sundry pieces of old Carpet.

Attic No 4.
1 Stove Grate. 1 Tin Fender. 1 Iron Poker. 1 Tent Bedstead. Moreen furniture. 2 Tent Bedsteads. Cotton furniture. 5 Feather beds. 3 Bolsters and Pillows. 11 Blankets. 2 Quilts. 1 Rug. 2 small Dressing Drawers. 1 Mahogany Table. 5 Chairs. 1 Bason Stand. 1 Bason and Ewer. 3 Pans. 1 Pier Glass. 2 Dressing Glasses. 1 Night Stool mettle (metal) pan. Sundry Boxes. 2 Pieces of Carpet.

Attic No 5.
1 Bedstead Cotton Furniture. 1 leather [ ]. 1 Bolster. 6 Blankets. 1 Quilt. 2 Pieces of Carpet. I Dressing Table. 1 ditto Glass (broken). 1 Poa Cupboard. 1 Bason and Ewer. 1 Poa. 3 Chairs.

Back Stair Case.
1 Deal Wardrobe. 33 Stair 'Carpeting. 46 Brass Rods. 1 Clock and Case. Attic No 6. 1 Tent Bedstead. Cheque furniture. 1 Feather Bed. 1 Bolster. 1 Pillow. 4 Blankets. 1 Quilt. 2 Pieces of Carpet. 1 Oak Table. 1 Dressing Glass. 1 Square Bason Stand, Bason and Ewer. 1 Poa. 2 Wood Chairs. Water Closet. Piece of floor Cloth. Stair 'Carpet. 6 Brass Rods.

Attic No 7.
1 Bedstead furniture. 1 ditto Without (furniture). 1 Feather Bed. 1 Bolster. 4 Blankets. 1 Quilt. 1 Old Drawer. 1 Oak Table. 2 Elbow Windsor Chairs.

Attic No 8.
2 Bedstead and furniture. 3 Feather Beds. 3 Bolsters. 6 Blankets. 2 Quilts. 1 Oak Dressing Table. 1 Dressing Glass. 2 Chairs.

Bed Room No 9.
1 Mahogany Pillar. Bedstead striped cotton furniture. 2 Window Curtains. 2 Feather Beds. 1 Bolster. 2 Pillows. 2 Mattress (flock). 3 Blankets. 1 Manilla quilt. 5 Pieces of Carpet. 1 Mahogany Buroe Desk. 1 ditto double Chest of Drawers. 1 Mahogany folding Top Bason, Stand Bason and Ewer pan and Glass. 1 Deal Dressing Table. 1 Dressing Glass oval 17 inches by 13 inches. 1' 'Pier Glass. 7 Bamboo 'Chairs. 1 Tin 'fender. Set of Fire Irons. 1 Stone Grate Marble front.

Dressing Room.
1 Mahogany Wardrobe. 1 Oak Dressing Drawers. 1 Inclosed Night Table. I Chamber Clock. 1 Dressing Glass. 1 Pier Glass. 1 Chamber horse. 3 Spar bottom Chairs. 1 Black Ink Stand. 1 GIass Salver.

Sundry Glass.
1 stove Grate and Marble front. China. 1 Bason. 6 Cups and Saucers. 11 Plate and 2 Dishes. 1 Set of purple and gold tea china. 1 set of white, 1 Gold ditto. 13 Dinner plates. 46 Small ditto, 14 Dishes. 16 Plates. 3 small ditto, 3 Tureen and Dishes. 1 Bowl. 2 Plates. Sundry old ditto. 1 Breakfast Set.

Bed Room No 10.
1 Mahogany Pillar Bedstead. Chints furniture. 2 Window Curtains. 2 Feather Beds. 1 Bolster. 2 Flock Mattresses. 3 Blankets, 1 Counterpane. 2 Quilts. 1 Brussels Carpet 19 feet by 1S feet. 3 Bed side ditto and Sundry pieces. 1 Sweep front Drawer. 1 Folding top basin stand, Bason, Ewer, ,and Pan, Bottle, Glass, 2 Soap ditto. 1' Painted Dress Table. 1 Oval Dressing Glass 17 inches by 13 inches. 1 Mahogany Bedsteps. 9 Japan 'Chairs. 1 Stool. 2 ditto Chamber Lanthoms (sic). 1 Wire Fender. Old Window Curtains..

Dressing Room No 10.
1 Stone Grate Marble front. 1 Wire fender. 1 Set of Fire Irons. 1 Folding Tent Bedstead and Furniture. 1 Feather bed and Bolster. 1 Pillow. 3 Blankets, 1 Counterpane. 2 Pieces of Carpet. Dressing Table. 1 Oval Dressing Glass 17 inches by 13 inches. 1 Folding top enclosed basin stand, basin, ewer, and Pan. 1 Glass, Bottle, 2 Soaps. 2 Pole dressing Glasses, 3 Japan Chairs. 2 Sets of hanging back shelves.

Bed Room No 11.
1 Stove Grate Marble front. 1 Mahogany pillar Bedstead. Dimity Furniture. 2 Feather beds, 1 Bolster, I Pillow. 4 Blankets. 1 Marceilles quilt. 1 39-inch Mahogany drawers. 2 enclosed dressing tables, 1 Portable Water Closet. 1 Japan dressing Table. 1 Dressing Glass, 1 Pier Glass. 4 Japan Chairs. 1 Wire fender. Set of Fire Irons.

Dressing Room No 11.
I Stove Grate Marble front. 1 Wire fender. 1 Set old Fire Irons. 1 Tent Bedstead. Dimity Furniture. 1 Feather bed. 1 Bolster, 1 Pillow. 1 Flock Mattrass. 3 Blankets. 1 Quilt. 1 'Mahogany 'Card Table. 1 Dressing Glass. 1 ditto Stool. 3 Japan Chairs.

Bed Room No 12.
1 Stove Grate. Marble front. 1 Wire fender. 1 Set of fire Irons. 1 Pillar Bedstead Chints furniture. 2 Window Curtains. 3 Feather beds. 1 Camp bedstead Chints furniture. 2 Bolsters, 2 Pillows. 3 Flock Mattress, 6 Blankets. 1 Counterpane. 1 Quilt. 4 Bedside Carpets. 1 Mahogany Wardrobe. 1 Glass front Cupboards. 2 Mahogany fold top bason, stands. 1 Bason, 1 Ewer. 2 Pan, 1 Bottle, 1 Glass, 2 Soap. 1 Mahogany Drawer. 1 ditto Biddet. 1 ditto Dressing Table. 1 Oval Dressing Glass 17 inches by 13 inches I Pier Glass. 4 Japan Chair. 1 Boot Jack.

Best Staircase and Hall.
1 Weather Glass. 1 Glass Lamp. 25 Brass rods. 30 Yards of Brussel Carpet. 2. Pieces of floor Cloth 28 yards. 1 Side-board Table. I Card Table. 1 Hat stand. 2 Flower Stand. 3 Door Mats.

Dining Room.
1 Set of Dining Tables, 4 feet 2 Circular ends, 3 Square leaves. 1 Set of Dining Tables, 5 feet 5 square leaves. 1 Side-board Table. 1 Celleret. 1 Turkey Carpet 23 feet by 15 feet. 1 Hearth Rug. 1 Piece of floor Cloth 16 feet. 3 Moreen Window Curtains. 1 Mahogany dumb waiter. 1 Japan Plate Warmer. 5 Mahogany Knife Boxes. 12 Mahogany Chairs Moroco. Leather Seats and Covers. 1 Mahogany fold Tray. 1 Mahogany fire Screen. 1 Steel fender and fire Irons. 1 Register Stove Grate. 1 Japan Bread Tray. 1 ditto Tea Trays. 1 Mahogany tea Chest. 1 ditto Tea Caddy. 1 ditto Knife Tray. 1 Sandwich Tray. Set of Dishes and 12 plates. Sundry Table ware. 2 Wine holders and Stands. 1 Japan Tea Urn. 1 Copper Tea Kettle and Stand. Sundry Table Glasses. 2 Green Cloths.

Drawing Room.
1 Register Stove Grate, and Marble front. 1 Brussels Carpet 25 feet by 17 feet. 1 Hearth Rug. I Set of Window Curtains and Drapery for 2 Windows. 2 Muslin Curtains. 2 Rolling Blinds. 3 Sofa and Covers. 1 Mahogany Sofa Table. 1 pair of inlaid land Tables. 1 Pair Pier Tables. 1 Trypod Table. 8 Elbow Japan Chairs and Cushions. 1 pier Glass Gilt frame Plate 12 by 42. 2 Trypod fire screens. 6 Hand ditto. 1 Steel fender and fire Irons. 4 Urn Mats. Sundry Ornaments. 3 Green Cloths. China. 3 Large Jars. 1 Pyramid ditto. 5 Dishes 22 pieces of Sundries. 3 Flower Ornaments. 11 Chimney ditto. 6 Water Plates. 4 Salt Cellars. Pictures. 1 Glass front. 2 ditto.

Servant's Hall.
Pantry. 9 Prints. 3 Prints. Books [probably in the Library, see below]. 827 Bound and half bound, 107 in boards. Sundry Magazines and Reviews. Sundry Maps.

Breakfast Parlour.
8 Prints. 3 Paintings. 1 Mahogany sideboard table. 1 Cellaret. 1 3-Leaf Mahogany Table 42 inches. 1 Small Pembroke Table. 1 ditto Work Table. 1 Inlaid Card Table. 12 'ahogany Chairs. 1 India Cabinet. 1 Urn Stand. 1 Tea Caddy. 1 Weather Glass. 1 Venetian Carpet 18 feet by 16 feet. 1 Hearth Rug. 2 Moreen Window Curtains. 2 Rolling Blinds. 2 Mahogany Blinds. I Steel fender and fire Irons. 1 Copper Coal Scuttle. 1 Mantle Glass. 2 Card Racks. 5 Tin Canisters. 1 Register Stove Grate, Marble front.

Library.
1 Register Stove Grate Marble front. 2 Mahogany front Glass Book Cases. 1 Carpet 15 feet by 10 feet 6 inches. 1 Hearth Rug. 1 Wire Fender. 1 Set of Fire Irons. 1 Library Table. 1 Billiard Table. 1 Oval Dining Table. I Oval Pembroke ditto. 1 Square ditto. 1 Mahogany Steps. 1 ditto Chairs. 1 ditto Box. 1 Portable Chair. 1 Bootstand and Jack. 1 Foot Stool. Sundry Lumber. 1 Pewter Ink Stand. 2 Portable Writing Cases.

Laundry.
1 Mangle by Baker. 1 Iron Stone and flews. 2 Deal Tables. 2 Small ditto. 4 Cloathes Baskets., 1 Large Trunk, 4 Cloathes Horses. 2 Chairs., 1 Box. 10 [?serd] Irons, 2 Box and Heaters, 4 Iron Stands. 3 Tin Canisters. Sundry Lanthorns.

Kitchen.
1 Stone Range with oven. 1 Iron Oven. 1 Wind up Jack. 1 Dresser and shelves. 1 Tin line Hardner. 1 Oval Dining Table. 2 Deal Tables. 8 Wood Chairs. 1 Small Drawers and cupboard. 1 Glass front cupboard. 1 Salt Chest. 1 Clock and Case. 1 Iron fender. 1 Tongs, 2 Pokers. 1 Iron Water fountain. 3 Iron tea Kettles. 1 Iron Pot. 1 Iron stewpan and covers. 1 Iron Saucepan and Covers. 1 Iron Coffee pot. I Copper Stewpan. 1 Brass slice. 1 Tin fish Kettle. 1 Small ditto., 9 Tin Saucepans. 13 Dish covers. 5 Tin Coffee pots. 3 Tin Cheese toasters. 12 Sundry shap'd Tin moulds. 1 Tin Tundish. 2 Graters. 1 Collinder. Sundry Small Tins. 15 Pewter dishes, 32 ditto Plates. 3 Water ditto. I Brass pestle and Mortar. 2 Marble ditto. 2 Brass Candle stands. 3 Common Candle stands. 2 Pepper Mills. 5 Iron forks, 1 Small Tongs. Sundry scewers. Set of blue Table-ware 40 pieces. 1 Spice box and Drawers. 1 Tin box. Sundry earthen-ware and Jars. 2 Brass Scales.

Scullery.
2 Tables. 1 Plate Rack. 4 Tubs. 2 Buckets. 1 Choping Knife. 2 Stew Pots. 1 Cradle Spit. 2 Common ditto. 2 Gridirons. 1 Driping pan and Stand. 1 Iron Plank. 1 Plate Stand. 4 Frying pans. 1 Branders and oven. 1 Bellows. 3 Hair strainers. 1 Bread Slice.

Pantry.
Sundry Shelves. 1 Small Steps. Sundry earthen-ware, ditto Tea-ware, ditto Pickle jars, ditto Wood-ware.

Linen.
5 Dinner Table Cloths. 3 Breakfast ditto. 5 old Cloths. 9 Bound Towels. 4 Common ditto. 8 Common Cloths. 2 Pudding Cloths. 4 Market Cloths. 1 Jelly Bag. 2 Flower Bags. 2 Dairy Cloths. 7 Cheese Fillets. 18 pair of fine sheets. 23 pair Common ditto. 24 Diaper Towels. 94 Hucabuck ditto. 12 Large Table Cloths. 15 Small ditto. 8 Breakfast ditto. 4 Trays. 28 Table napkin. 7 Toilet ditto. 48 Breakfast ditto. 24 Pillow Cases. Sundry old sheets and old Towels.

Servants Hall.
1 Long Table. 2 Forms. 1 Small Table. 1 Clothes Horse. 1 Wood Coal Box. 1 Stove Grate.

Dairy and Kitchen.
1 Cheese Stand. 4 Tables. 4 Benches. 2 Stools. 4 Butter Moulds. 16 White ware pans. 6 small ditto. 9 Brown ditto. 4 Butter pots. 4 Churns. 4 Buckets. 7 Cheese pressers. 7 ditto vats. 2 Strainers. 2 Brass pans., 1 Branders.

Brewhouse and Yard.
1 Copper boilder, Grate. 2 Oak Kives strainers. 4 Tubs. 2 [?fool] Tubs. 1 Small ditto. 2 Buckets. 1 Washing Machine. 2 Wood Benches. 1 Old Table. 1 Coal Box. 1 Lading Bucket. 1 'Malt Mill. 1 Bread [ ] Sundry Lumber. 2 lading Buckets. 1 Steps. Fowl Cubbs. Seals and Weights. I old Brass pan. 1 Copper. 1 Wash stand. 1 Stone Trough.

Plate.
1 Oval Waiter. 2 small ditto. 1 Large Tankard and Cover, and 2 small ditto. 1 Jug. 1 ditto. 1 Tea pot. 1 Coffee pot. 2 Sauce. 2 Butter Boats. 6 Salts. 1 Table brass. 2 Sugar Basons. 3 Pint Mugs. 2 Tumblers. 1 Strainer. 1 Wire ditto and Stand. 4 Table 'Candle Stands., 4 Bottle 'Coasters. 1 Coffee pot. 1 Stand. 2 Sugar Castors. 1 Goblet. 1 Snuffers tray. 15 Bottle labels. 1 Asparagus Tongs. 2 Sugar ditto. 1 Soup Sadie. 1 Pen Slice. 6 Punch ladles. 1 Fish slice. 6 Gravy spoons. 1 Large fork. 41 Table spoons. 6 old ditto. 18 Desert spoons. 4 Sauce spoons. 44 Tea Spoons. 10 Salt Spoons. I Marrow ditto. 1 Cheese Knife. 1 Butter ditto. 1 Sugar Spoon. 1 Scoop. 1 Pickle knife and fork. 24 Table Forks. 12 Desert Knives and Forks. 1 Castor Stand. 1 Ink Stand. 2 Bread Baskets. 1 Tea urn. 1 Coffee ditto. 12 Table Candle stand. 7 Chamber dito. 2 Tapers ditto. 1 Toast Rack. 1 Sauce Castor. 1 Mustard pot and Glass. 2 Pepper Glasses. 1 snuffers stand.

Glass.
17 Finger Glasses. 1 Sugar ditto. 27 Ale ditto, 24 Wine ditto. 3 Goblets. 15 Tumblers. 16 Wine decanters. 10 Finger Glasses. 6 Salts. 60 Wine Glasses. 8 Goblets.

Cellar.
1 Large Meal Chest and Flour. 7 Casks. 3 Tubes. 3 Benches. Sundry Lumber. 2 Flower Sacks. 1 Brass pan. 11 Ale Casks. 3 Benches. 3 Stoppers. Sundry Lumber—I Table. 2 Benches. Sundry Crockery—1 Meat Tray. Lumber. 1 Bench. Brown Ware.

Butler's Pantry.
1 Deal press. 2 Tables, 3 'Chairs. 2 Butler's Trays. 1 Dressing Glass. 2 Wood Bowls. 1 Lantborn. 6 'Chamber and Cestands. 16 Jugs. 6 Cups. Sundry Lumber---5 Knife Boxes. 4 Dozen Knives and forks. 4 Dozen Sundry Knives and forks. 6 Waiters.

Stables.
2 Chests. 1 Saddle Stand. 4 Stable pails.

Garden.
4 Cucumber frames and Glass. Sundry Tools. 1 Stone Rowler. 1 Wheel' Barrow.
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