CARDIFF RECORDS

BEING MATERIALS FOR A HISTORY OF THE COUNTY
BOROUGH FROM THE EARLIEST TIMES
EDITED BY

JOHN HOBSON MATTHEWS

(Author of the "History of the Borough of Saint Ives, Cornwall.")


Transcribed by Pat Sewell...
email: pat.sewell@btopenworld.com
www: http://www.btinternet.com/~pat.sewell/

Last Modified: 26 August 2004


"Cardiff Records" is a 6 volume set of extracts, notes, etc of numerous historical records of Cardiff and environs by John Hobson Matthews. Together, the volumes offer a fascinating history of the area from the twelfth to the nineteenth century. The first volume was published in 1898, and the sixth in 1911. Since then, many of the records examined have been lost, and so "Cardiff Records" is not only interesting, but an invaluable source of information. Note that these records include references to people of all backgrounds, from Lords to paupers. Only 400 sets were ever produced, though Glamorgan County Records Office at Cardiff has one available for searching. Some Glamorgan libraries also have sets.

Unfortunately, the printed index (in Volume VI) is not as comprehensive as we would wish, as many "unimportant" people mentioned in the volumes are missing. We are in the process of putting genealogical information (and anything else that takes our fancy!) from the volumes onto the web. Although we are in the early stages of indexing, information is now available - follow the links below. If you have any preference as to which chapters should be tackled next, please email us - we will index in order of popularity.

The information presented in these pages may be used as an easy and free method of finding information about your ancestors in Glamorgan. Any name that is found should first be referenced in the printed volumes (where more information is available), and then, where possible, in the original documents. If you find access to the printed volumes difficult, we can search them for you (free, and time permitting) - send as much information as you like to the email address above.

A list of the contents of "Cardiff Records" (with links) follows:

VOLUME I - (published 1898)

CHAPTER I	MUNICIPAL CHARTERS.  C1145 - 1687 (name index)

CHAPTER II	MINISTERS' ACCOUNTS.  1263 - 1550 (name index)

CHAPTER III	INQUISITIONES POST MORTEM.  1296 - 1601 (name index)

CHAPTER IV	STAR CHAMBER PROCEEDINGS.  1538 - 1597 (name index)

CHAPTER V	STATE PAPERS DOMESTIC.  C1565 - 1666 (name index)

CHAPTER VI	CHURCH GOODS OF LLANDAFF CATHEDRAL AND DIOCESE.  1568 (name index)

CHAPTER VII	EXCHEQUER DOCUMENTS.  1571 - 1726(name index)

CHAPTER VIII	PATENT ROLLS.  1488 - 1616 (name index)


VOLUME II - (published 1900)

CHAPTER I	NOTES ON THE MANORS OF THE CARDIFF DISTRICT (Introduction)
		Kibbor
		Kibbor and Cardiff
		Roath Dogfield
		Roath Tewkesbury
		Cardiff Friars
		Roath Keynsham
		Llystalybont
		Llandaff
		Treasurer's Manor of Llandaff
		Splott
		Spittal
		Griffithsmoor
		Canton
		Plasturton
		Whitchurch
		Penarth
		Cogan
		Cosmeston
		Llandough
		Leckwith
		Caerau
		Beganston
		Begansley
		Radyr
		Pentyrch
		Wentloog
		Rompney
		Mannocks Hold
		Wentloog alias Keynsham

CHAPTER II	THE LORDS OF CARDIFF

CHAPTER III	MANORIAL RECORDS (name index)
		Minister's Account of Leckwith (1456)
		Presentment of Cardiff (1666)
		Schedule of the Lands of the Spittal
		Rentroll of Miskin (1666)
		Rentroll of Pentirch and Clunne (C1670)
		Survey of Roath Keynsham (1702)

CHAPTER IV	TOWN CLERK WOOD'S MEMORANDA
		The Constable of Cardiff Castle
		Minutes of Council (1688 - 1707) re Election of Burgesses
		Presentment of Cardiff (1656), and Town Court Book (1688), re Election of Burgesses
		Charters etc., re Tolls

CHAPTER V	GLAMORGAN CALENDAR ROLLS AND GAOL FILES (1542 - 1830)
                (name index)
		Extracts, with Notes

CHAPTER VI	GREAT SESSIONS MISCELLANEA (name index)
		Glamorgan Mainprize Rolls (1542 - 6)
		Calendar of Indictments (1582 - 1608)
		Glamorgan Papers (C1550 - 1710)

CHAPTER VII	SOUTH WALES CHANTRIES CERTIFICATE (1548)
		Cardiff
		Llantrisant, St. Nicholas, Michaelston-super-Ely
		Llancarfan, Sully, Wenvoe, Llandaff
		Neath, Aberavon, Kenfig and Pile, St. Bride's Major, Llantwit Major
		St. Athan's, St. Mary Hill, Llanddewi, Cowbridge, Swansey
		St. David's
		Tenby, Carmarthen
		Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth
		Llanddewi-brefi, Brecon, Dyfynog, Crickhowell, Cleiro, Michaelchurch, "Tryegrynaughe"
		Newport, Usk, Llangwm, Llandegfedd
		Caerleon, Llanfihangel - Ystern - Llewern, Llanishen (Mon.), Chepstow, Bishton
		Llanwenarth, Llangatwg - Cilwch, Goetre, Abergavenny

CHAPTER VIII	CORPORATION MISCELLANEA (name index)
		Bonds (1687 - 1701)
		Capt. Price's Charity (1734)
		Appointment re new Town Hall (1741)
		Apprenticeship Indentures (1739 - 1818)
		Precept re Licensed Victuallers (1792)
		Warrant in Bastardy (1771)
		Town Court Papers (1811 - 37)
		Bundles of Vouchers (1789 - 1803)
		Common Attornies' Accounts (1783 - 1822)
		Bills of Costs (1789 - 1825)
		Town Court Book (1774 - 1814)

CHAPTER IX	CUSTOM HOUSE RECORDS (name index)
		Order Books (1686 -1742)
		Limits of the Port of Cardiff (1687)
		Letter Books (1732 - 1806)
		Account Books of the Cardiff Customs (1733 - 1793)
		Earliest Record Book of the Cardiff Customs (1686 - 1767)

CHAPTER X	MR. THOMAS MORGAN'S COMMONPLACE BOOK (1708 - 1736)
		Text
		Cases and Opinions re Constable of Cardiff Castle, etc. 


VOLUME III - (published 1901)

CHAPTER I	FURTHER CHARTERS AND PATENTS (1205 - 1576)

CHAPTER II	AUGMENTATION PROCEEDINGS (1540 - 1553)

CHAPTER III	GLAMORGAN PLEA ROLLS (1542 - 1574)

CHAPTER IV	CHANCERY PROCEEDINGS (REGN. ELIZB. ETC.)

CHAPTER V	WILLS (1470 - 1778) (name index)

CHAPTER VI	GLAMORGAN COUNTY RECORDS (name index)
		Assessment of Ship Money (C1635)
		Glamorgan Register of Papists (1727)
		Quarter Sessions Files (1727 - 1753)
		Quarter Sessions Order Books (1730 - 1770)
		Cardiff Quarter Sessions Presentments (1779 -1810)
		Cardiff District Order Books (1780 - 1811)

CHAPTER VII	MARGAM ABBEY MUNIMENTS (C1567)(name index)

CHAPTER VIII	SURVEY OF LLYSTALYBONT

CHAPTER IX	RECORDS OF THE CORDWAINERS AND GLOVERS (name index)

CHAPTER X	PAROCHIAL RECORDS (name index)
		Parish Registers of Saint John's, Cardiff (1669 - 1772)
		Vestry Book of Saint John's (1726 - 1820)
		Cardiff School Book (1815 - 1840)
		Parish Registers of Roath (1731 - 1845)

CHAPTER XI	ECCLESIASTICAL MEMORIAL INSCRIPTIONS (name index)
		Inscriptions at Saint John's, Cardiff
		Inscriptions at Saint Margaret's, Roath
		Inscriptions at Llandaff Cathedral
		Inscriptions at Llandough Church
		Inscriptions at Penarth Church 


VOLUME IV - (published 1903)

 CHAPTER I	THE WINNING OF GLAMORGAN
		Sir Edward Mansel's MS.
		A shorter version, from the Truman MSS.
		The Kings and Lords of Glamorgan
		Further Genealogical Notes, in Welsh and English
		Topographical Memoranda, in Welsh and English

CHAPTER II	FURTHER GLEANINGS FROM THE RECORD OFFICE (name index)
		Miscellanea of the Exchequer (1211- 1320)
		Star Chamber Proceedings (C1534 - 1558)
		Close Rolls (1565 - 1569)
		Inquisitions (1559 - 1583)
		Chancery Proceedings (1605 - 1607)
		Exchequer Bills (1688 - 1754)

CHAPTER III	A BUNDLE OF MISCELLANEA (name index)
		Rentals and Surveys (C1640 - 1703)
		Harleian Ms.  Bishop Kitchin's Report (C1558)
		Additional MS.  Llandaff Chantry Lands (C1580)
		John Penry's Exhortation (1588)
		The Herbert Abbreviate (1596)
		Old Title Deeds of the Corporation (1600 - 1670)
		"Against the paying of Impost for Wines" (C1620)
		Extract from the Magan Baronia Walliae (17th cent.)
		Civil War Memoranda (1644 - 1648)
		Notes on a Popish Martyrology (1679)
		Mandate to the Corporation of Neath, by the Mayor of Cardiff (1688 - 9)
		Mr. Bussy Mansel's Declaration to Dissenters (1734)
		Willis' Notes on Llandaff Cathedral (1752)
		Note on an ancient episcopal ring found at Llandaff
		Rules of the Sociable Society of Ladies (1755)
		Three "Late Georgian" trifles

CHAPTER IV	EXTRACTS FROM MINUTES OF COUNCIL, ETC., 1708 - 1740(name index)
		Council Minute of 22 March 1708
		Borough Accounts (1711 - 1731)
		Council Minutes continued

CHAPTER V	COUNCIL MINUTES, 1740 - 1835(name index)
		Proceedings in the Borough Court
		Official Forms of Oath
		Council Minutes continued

CHAPTER VI	COUNCIL MINUTES, 1835 - 1880(name index)
		Initiation of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1835

CHAPTER VII	MINUTES OF THE CARDIFF STREET COMMISSIONERS AND THE
		CARDIFF BOARD OF HEALTH, 1774 - 1865
		Commissioners' Minutes
		Board's Minutes 


VOLUME V - (published 1905)

CHAPTER I	THE LLANDAFF ACT BOOKS
		Chapter Acts, Vol. I. (1573 - 1721)
		Chapter Acts, Vol. II. (1722 - 1816)

CHAPTER II	CARDIFF COUNCIL MINUTES, 1880 - 1897 (name index)
		Foundation of Free Library
		Birth of John, Earl of Dumfries
		Proposed Barry Dock
		Birth of Lord Ninian Stuart
		Election riot
		Proposed Roath Park
		Tramway strike
		Opening of Clarence Bridge
		The Marquess of Bute accepts the Mayoralty
		Records Committee appointed
		Archivist's Reports :-
			Chief Rent
			Herbert grant
			"Manor of Cardiff"
		Pier Head dispute
		Taff Bed action
		Borough Seal recovered
		Lord Windsor accepts the Mayoralty
		Local Charities inquiry
		The Prince of Wales admitted to the Freedom of the Borough
		Bute Charitable Dowry Fund founded

CHAPTER III	SELECTIONS FROM ARCHIVIST'S REPORTS
		The City of Llandaff
		The Claim of Cardiff to be the Capital of Wales
		The Corporation's Right to Levy Harbour Dues
		Town Lands

CHAPTER IV	TRANSLATIONS FROM PRINTED LATIN AND WELSH RECORDS
		i.	Brut y Tywysogion
		ii.	Liber Landavensis
		iii.	William of Malmesbury
		iv.	Giraldus Cambrensis
		v.	Annales de Theokesburia
		vi.	R. O.  Printed Calendar of Papal Registers among the Vatican Archives
		vii.	Taxation of Pope Nicholas IV.
		viii.	Chronicle of Matthew Paris
		ix.	Valor Ecclesiasticus

CHAPTER V	DOCUMENTARY ADDENDA
		i.	Particulars of Augmentation Grants
		ii.	Deed Poll of 1608
		iii.	Letter of 1750
		iv.	Letter of 1763
		v.	Record of the Court of Piepowder, 1824
		vi.	Letter of 1852

CHAPTER VI	REMINISCENCES OF OLD INHABITANTS (introduction)
		William Luke Evans
		William Morgan Hier Evans
		George Thomas
		William Lewis
		W. Davies, Bridgend
		Mary Harris and Job Richards
		Eccentric Characters of Old Cardiff

CHAPTER VII	SCHEDULE OF PLACE NAMES

CHAPTER VIII	THE MUNICIPALIA AND CORPORATION PLATE.
		BY ROBERT DRANE

CHAPTER IX	HISTORY OF THE CARDIFF CORPORATION WATERWORKS
		UNDERTAKING.  BY JOSEPH LARKE WHEATLEY

CHAPTER X	HISTORY OF CHRISTOPHER LOVE, M.A.  BY T. H. THOMAS
		HISTORY OF RAWLINS WHITE.  BY T. H. T.
		NOTES ON MAP OF THE MANORS.  BY JOHN STUART CORBETT

CHAPTER XI	MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT FOR CARDIFF.  BY W. R. WILLIAMS

CHAPTER XII	LIST OF OFFICIALS (Introduction)
		Mayors (ancient)
		Bailiffs of Cardiff
		Mayors (modern)
		Serjeants-at-Mace
		Recorders
		Stewards
		Town Clerks
		Common Attorneys
		Water Bailiffs
		Town Criers
		Aletasters
		Medical Officers
		Borough Surveyors
		Police Superintendents
		Public Weighmen
		Coroner
		Borough Treasurers
		Stipendary Magistrates
		Customers and Collectors
		Surveyors and Comptrollers
		Patent Searchers
		Chancellors of Glamorgan
		Chief Foresters
		Stewards of Glamorgan
		Receivors
		Clerks of the Peace of Glamorgan
		Sheriffs of Glamorgan
		Stewards of Cardiff Lordship
		Coroners of Glamorgan
		Judges of Great Sessions
		Gate-keepers of Cardiff Castle
		Chief Constables of Kibbor
		Bailiffs of Kibbor
		Keepers of the County Gaol
		Constables of Llantrisant Castle
		Portreeves of Llantrisant
		Prevosts of Roath and Leckwith, Whitchurch, Griffithsmoor, Pentyrch, Radyr, Rempney, Cogan
		Priors of Cardiff
		Stewards of Llystalybont
		Wardens of the Cordwainers and Glovers
		Clergy of St. John's
		Churchwardens of St. Mary's
		Churchwardens of St. John's
		Sidesmen of St. John's
		Organists of St. John's
		Parish Clerks of St. John's
		Sextons of St. John's 

CHAPTER XIII	GLOSSARY

CORRIGENDA AND ADDENDA TO THE FIVE VOLUMES 


VOLUME VI - (published 1911)

CHAPTER I       CARDIFF IN RELATION TO ARTHURIAN ROMANCE,
                     BY THOMAS HENRY THOMAS, R.C.A.

CHAPTER II	CHARTER OF EDWARD VII

CHAPTER III	THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WALES

CHAPTER IV	THE ROYAL HAMADRYAD SEAMEN'S HOSPITAL, BY J. L. WHEATLEY(name index)

CHAPTER V	ROYAL VISITS TO CARDIFF, BY JOHN BALLINGER

CHAPTER VI	VISIT OF HIS MAJESTY EDWARD VII., BY JOHN BALLINGER

CHAPTER VII	ARMS OF PRINCIPAL GLAMORGAN FAMILIES, BY JOHN STUART CORBETT

CHAPTER VIII	EXPLANATIONS OF SHIELDS OF ARMS FORMING HEAD-PIECES,
                     BY JOHN STUART CORBETT

CHAPTER IX	THE ARMORIAL BEARINGS OF THE CITY

CHAPTER X	ADDITIONAL PLATE AND REGALIA

NOTES ON THE ILLUSTRATIONS, BY JOHN BALLINGER

SOME CORRECTIONS OF DATES, ETC.

INDEX TO VOLUMES I - V.