Bach-y-gwreiddyn Estate Collection

Deeds relating to the Bach-y-gwreiddyn estate, 1481-1808; Bonds relating to the Bach-y-gwreiddyn estate, 1569-1734; Legal papers relating to the Bach-y-gwreiddyn estate, n.d.-1615

This estate consisted of properties in the parishes of Bishopston, Llangennith, Llanrhidian, Loughor and Swansea which belonged to the Mathew family of Little Hill, Bishopston. In the 16th century the family were farmers, the head describing himself as 'yeoman', but by the 17th century, after a number of purchases of farms and scattered pieces of land, the Mathew family were able to describe themselves as gentlemen. The estate was inherited by Margaret Mathew, as the granddaughter and heiress of Owen Mathew senior. In 1699 she married Richard Prichard of Bach-y-gwreiddyn, and the estate became part of the Prichard family holdings. Little Hill was situated in the middle of the parish of Bishopston, near Pennard Mill, to the north of the village of Bishopston. The house is marked on the tithe map of 1844, but by the time of the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1877 the house had been demolished.

The collection was originally catalogued with the Collins papers (RISW C) by the University College of Swansea Library. This catalogue lists the items chronologically under the headings stated in Scope and content.

No restrictions.

The records were originally held at The Royal Institution of South Wales, Swansea. From 1966 onwards the records were moved to the library in the University College, Swansea in consignments. They were transferred to West Glamorgan Archive Service in the Spring of 2004 as part of The Royal Institution of South Wales Collection.

Compiled by Katie Millien for the West Glamorgan Archive Service.

A hard copy of the catalogue is available at the West Glamorgan Archive Service. The catalogue can be accessed online.

Usual copyright regulations apply.

All records transferred to the West Glamorgan Archive Service have been retained.

Accruals are not expected.