Hampton & Doyle

[tricia1309]

In 1871, on the census, my ancestors, William and Margaret Hampton, and their son, William junior, were living in Merthyr Tydfil ~ Dowlais ward.

The first item on the page looks like ? Court Cae Harris, and then, underneath, is 11 High Street Caeharris.

William, Margaret and young William are at 10 High Street & a Michael Doyle, who I believe could be Margaret's father, is lodging next door, at number 9.

(I was told that the Doyles & Hamptons lived next door to each other and the two young people married.)

I don't know the area and I've been looking at the photos on the site. Could someone please tell me, is High Street, Caeharris the same as High St, Dowlais?

And does anyone know, please, what it would have been like living here at this time ~ living conditions, facilities, sanitation, etc?

Could anyone tell me, please, if there are any books on the subject?

In 1874, my great grandfather, Thomas, was born to William & Margaret. He was born at 20 Gas Row, Dowlais. I cannot find this address on current maps. Can anyone tell me anything about it, please? How far had the family moved? Was it to better or worse accommodation? Does anyone have any ideas, please?

Thank you very much for your help.

[Carolyn Jacob]

The answer to the first question is that High Street, Dowlais and High Street Caeharris are the same address. Caeharris is a part of the High Street near to the entrance to the Dowlais Works, Caeharris Gate, and there were many Irish living in this area.
There are books written (Keith Strange, 'Iron Metropolis)' about life here in the 1850s, but the 1870s are different. By the 1870s there are planning controls, The Board of Health, each home had its own water supply and schools were built as education became compulsory and free for the first time in 1872. The 1870s were very troubled times here.......... there were strikes and a lock out in 1873 and 1875 which attracted national coverage.
Gas Row has been demolished, some of the housing was poor.
There wasa picture of Gas Row Dowlais in the London Graphic magazine in 1873 BUT it was used to illustrate poverty, deprivation and cholera. Many people left during this period and found work in the developing Rhondda Valley or in America.

[tricia1309]

Thank you very much indeed for all that information, Carolyn. My Hamptons did, indeed, move ~ to Pontypridd, so that might explain why.

I wonder if it's possible to find a copy of that picture of Gas Row. Perhaps in Merthyr library??

Thanks again!

[tricia1309]

Hi

I was just wondering of any other members were researching these families?