NARRATIVE HISTORY OF CIL OWEN, WAEN, ST ASAPH, FLINTSHIRE.
<<Cil owen Report as downloadable PDF>>
Background.
Setting the scene and background to the involvement with the site at Cil Owen by the Foulkes family is complex and a number of original documents have been studied at length to attempt to make a coherent narrative. It is necessary to include and expand upon some of these to broaden the history and give an insight into the lives of some members of the family, notably from Eriviat.
Early History.
There is a wealth of documentary evidence mentioning Cil Owen with its many spelling variants. Chilven, Kyloen, Kylowen, Kyleowen, Kilowen, Keelowen, Cilowain, Cilowen are some examples.
Possibly the earliest mention is Chilven in the Doomsday Book. It is recorded as a berewick* of the manor of Rhuddlan. (*berewick- a subsidiary or outlying estate). With early documentation and some later records, it is not always clear if references to Cil Owen are purely the township or indeed the present site under investigation.
A "Survey of the Honour* of Denbigh" (NLW 17303 E MSS, P99) taken during the reign of Edward III in 1344, mentions Kylowen and names the tenants and the lands held. This survey summarises holdings of tenants and rentals. Edenefydd ap Ithel and Edenefydd ap Eignion ap Ithel held a 6th part. Iorwerth ap Tegwaret Crote held a quarter part. (*Aggregate or collection of manors).
A deed dated 7 May 1513 (FRO P/57/1/79/1) gifts 7 parcels of land in Kilowen from Ieuan ap Robert ap David and his wife Alice, to their son Robert ap Ieuan ap Robyn. Alice was the daughter of Ieuan ap Griffith.
On 30 September 1523 (TNA E40/5665), after the death of Gruffith ap Rys ap Sir David Annoil, land is bequeathed to his grandson Robert ap Jevan ap Robyn. This land is in "Kylowen in the lordship of the Bishop and Dean and Chapter of St Asaph, part of which is called "Tythyn David" between a place called " Garth Geffre", together with other land lying within "le Tythyn David" in Flintshire".
First appearance of the Ffoulkes family.
Alice, the daughter of the above-mentioned Gruffith ap Rys ap Sir David Annoil, married Ffulk ap Thomas ap Gronowe of Eriviat in 1539. (Marriage articles date 1st July, 30 Henry VIII). (DCRO)
On 8th March 1554 (TNA E40/5655) Thomas Geffray, kinsman and heir of Geoffray ap Gregor ap Gruffith released rights to land in Kylowen, Brynpolyn, Talarth and Gwernglefry to Alice the daughter of Gruffith ap Rys ap Sir David Annoil and wife of Ffulk ap Thomas ap Gronowe. Gregory ap David Annoil had formerly granted these lands to Geoffray ap Gregor.
This is a significant document with reference within it to an earlier deed for Geoffrey ap Gregor dated June 1507 (in the reign of Henry VII) and another, the Statute of Usages of 1535 (in the reign of Henry VIII), for Alice´s use of the land in perpetuity. This appears to be the beginning of the Ffoulkes family´s interest in land at Kylowen.
The Ffoulkes family of Eriviat.
The main protagonists in the history of Cil Owen are members of the Ffoulkes family from Eriviat.
The Eriviat Estate is south of Henllan, to the west of Denbigh.
1) Map Showing Eriviat
2) Eriviat in 1885.
Eriviat near Henllan was the family "seat" of the Foulkes family. The estate papers are rich and varied. Amongst those appertaining to Fulk ap Thomas ap Gronowe is a Bond dated 18th January 1581/82. (FRO:D/BC/654). The sum of £1,000 had been borrowed by Fulk ap Thomas ap Gronowe from Foulke Lloid (also known as Rossindale of Foxhall, who was the High Sheriff of Denbighshire) and his son John Lloid (also Rossindale). Foulke Lloid was Fulk ap Thomas ap Gronowe´s son-in-law. Robert Gethin and Peirs Owen stood as bondees and surety for Fulk ap Thomas ap Gronowe.
The Will of Fulk ap Thomas ap Gronowe
3) Will of Fulk ap Thomas ap Gronowe, January 1581/82.
In the will of Fulk ap Thomas ap Gronowe dated 13th January 1581/82 (NLW SA/1582/R3/220), firstly he requests that he is buried in the Parish Church at Henllan and the sum of 6/8d is left for the repair of the same church.
4) Henllan Parish Church.
"Fferme Eriviat" is bequeathed to his wife Alice and their eldest son John and his heirs. It is also made very clear that the outstanding debt (in the above Bond) must be repaid to Ffoulke Lloid and his son John Lloid, and that "no harme" must come to Robert Gethyn and Peirs Owen over the obligation.
Two particular parcels of land are left to Alice and John Foulkes, which have been purchased from Ithell ap Lloyd ap Hoel and Meredith Glover. These are in the townships of Eriviat and Craban in Denbighshire. It is important to Fulk ap Thomas ap Gronowe that the debt is paid; but if his widow Alice and eldest son John default, or fail to meet the obligation, then these two parcels of land will be given to Robert Gethyn and to Piers Owen with "all the rights and appurtenances therein contained".
Alice and John Foulkes are bequeathed the farm and farmlands known as "Fferme Eryviat" in the township of Eriviat and hamlet of Waynynog Wyntus in the Lordship of County Denbigh. Fulk ap Thomas ap Gronowe also leaves them an acre of ground in the township of Llanelwy, which had "Been lately purchased from Gruffith ap Jevan ap Res".
The other children of Fulk and Alice are mentioned in the will. Thomas received "5 (he became the Warden of the White Tower in the Tower of London). The remaining children each received one shilling: Robert, Harry, Hugh, Grace, Alice (who was married to Ffoulk Lloyd of Foxhall), Agnes, Katherine, Margaret, Elen and Jane. The remainder of his goods and chattels are left to Alice the widow, and the eldest son John. It is recommended that these are sold in order to help pay off Piers Owen and Robert Gethyn. Piers Owen seems to have lent Fulk ap Thomas a further "100.
Finally it is requested that Alice and eldest son John are responsible for all the other children"s well being "not preferred in maraidge".
Probate was granted on 15th May 1582.
Inventory.
The Inventory of 10th February 1581/82 (NLW Eriviat 62) gives an insight as to the living conditions of the Foulkes family at that time.
In the Hall: "1 cupboard, 1 table and benches, cerfeyyrons in the chimney, 1 little payr of andyrons. 5 maslyn, 6 candlesticks, 8 platter, 6 pewter pottage disshes,5 salvers,".
In the Parlour: "1 long table and 1 round table, a waynscott about the table, 1 beddcase and trolbedd, 1 presse for clothes, 2 fetherbedd and 2 bolsters, 3 pillows, 2 payr od sheetes, 1 mattress, 2 lylling, 2 coverlettes, 2 blankets, 1 chest".
In the Mayne Chamber and loft over the buttery: There were further bedcases, beds and bedding.
In the Buttery: "16 desshes or platters, 8 salcers, 4 salters, 4 barrell, 6 standes, 2 chests, 3 jugges for beere, 1 quart pott, 12 heapes of otemeale".
In the Kytchen: "7 brass potts, 3 brass pans, 1 skellet, 2 spitte or broches, 1 payr of goblets, 2 payr of fortchwkes, 2 brandy cups, 1 masshing comb, 3 crookes, 3 dossen trenchers, I disshe, 1 board, 1 chest.
Another chamber had bed and bedding.
In the Stable: 2 saddles, 2 "brindles", 2 collars.
Plate: "1 sylver salt, 10 sylver spoons".
Implements of husbandry were named : 1 cart, 2 pairs of harness, 5 "dragge", 6 yokes.
Cattle and Livestock: "2 horses or gelding, 6 mayres, 2 coltes and 1 old horse, 11 oxen, 20 and 1 of kyne and their calves, 3 bulles, 6 steeres, 5 heffers, 9 young beste of 2 yeares old, 11 young beste of 12 month old, 4 other heffers, 8 score sheep and thir lambs, 7 swyne, 5 goats, 12 capons and hennes, 3 geese, Alesbury ducks".
In the grounds of Eriviat 7 acres of wheat and 7 acres of rye are specified. In the land at Brynpolyn 10 acres of wheat "in the ground", 16 heapes of wheat in the ground, 3 heapes of barley, 10 heapes of ote.
The above Inventory was "prized by Edenefyd ap Gruffith, John ap John Thomas, Fowlke ap Thomas ap Gruffith and William ap Ieuan".
Note: "maslyn" are kettles or brass pans used for boiling fuit or ham. Waynscott is an oak screen round the table. A "masshing comb" was for possibly stirring malt.
Interestingly this inventory doesn"t present a very grand picture of Eriviat at the time; comfortable but not lavish.
Ffoulke ap Thomas ap Gronowe´s father (Thomas ap Gronowe ap Jevan ap Engion) on 3rd April 1544 (NLW Eriviat 7) acquired a lease for 60 years for a parcel of land in the township of Eriviat, with a "covenant to build there before Michaelmas next ensuing, a house of 4 bays and a cornell". This presumably would still be the size and shape of Eriviat at the time of the above Will and Inventory.
John Wyn Fowlkes
A document dated January 25th 1585/6 (NLW Eriviat 69) refers to an assignment of a grant of June 26th 1543 of two closes. The parties involved are 1) Alice Wen Gruffith of Eriviat, widow, and her son John Wyn Fowlkes of Kylowen, gentleman, and 2) Richard Parry of Twyssog, Denbigh, gentleman.
In May of 1586 (NLW Eriviat 6) another document names John Wyn Fowlke of Kilowen and Alys Gruffith of Eriviat and the second party Edenevet ap Gruffith ap Gronow of Eriviat. This is to do with a lease for 18 years of an enclosed area of land in Hengoed ucha in the township of Eriviat.
It appears that John Wyn Ffowlke is living in Kilowen. Exactly whereabouts one cannot be certain. John Wyn Foulkes married Mary Goodman in 1573 or 1574. Mary Goodman´s father, Gawen, was the eldest son of Edward Goodman of Exmewe Hall in Ruthin. One of Gawen´s brothers, Gabriel, became Dean of Westminster and founded the almshouses in Ruthin. There is a portrait of Gawen Goodman (John Wyn Ffoulkes´ father-in-law) in the National Museum and Gallery of Wales.
5) Painting of Gawen Goodman.
He was 56 years old in 1582 when his portrait was painted, no doubt wearing his finest clothes. There are several mottoes on the painting: "Fear God", " A sober life", "Jesus is my love", and "Let him not be estimated by laurelled or literary sloth". Another side to his character comes through in an ode by the Welsh poet and adventurer Thomas Prys (1564-1634). "If once he gets at the wines of the town, he´ll not come home without tripping: well I know how he can drink his share; If there´s sack to be had, he´ll not put up with gruel. A generous and godly man is Gawain - when in his cups".
Returning to John Wynne Foulkes; Mary Goodman, his 1st wife died and he married Margaret, the daughter of Rhys Wyn ap Dafydd Anwyl. It was Margaret who was the mother of John Wynn Foulkes´ children, Elizabeth and Piers.
[An extract from a letter from the Birch Cullimore Collection (DBC Flintshire Record Office) dated 18th September 1885 reads thus:
"John Wyn ap Ffoulk married twice. His first wife Mary, 3rd daughter of Gawen Goodman, his second wife Margaret (was) the daughter of Rhys Wyn David Anwyl. His father Ffoulk ap Thomas married Alis daughter of Griffith ap Rhys ap Sir David. Son John married the mother and the father the daughter.]
Will of John Wyn Ffoulke.
6) Will of John Wyn Foulke January 1598/9
John Wynne Foulkes´ will of 20th January 1598, (NLW SA 1598/R5/122) bequeathed all his lands and tenements to his daughter Elizabeth: "to make do and make what commodity there can be made thereof, together with my house and appurtenances until my son Piers Foulke payeth unto her the sum of £300, and she to pay him yearly during the time that she shall enjoy the said lands and tenements towards his finding £20. "He also leaves all his goods and chattels equally divided between Elizabeth and Piers.
John Foulks´ brother in law Foulk Lloyd is executor. He also leaves property to "his man" Harrie David, and a tenement to "my man" John Parry.
Finally John Foulkes bequeaths to "Margaret Foulke my base daughter, thirty pounds towards her preferment to be paid out of my goods".
Piers Ffoulkes.
Piers Foulkes, John Foulkes´ son is really where our story of Cil Owen begins. In 1599 (NLW Eriviat 82) there is a dispute between Piers Foulkes and his sister Elizabeth through her husband John Wynn Parry, over the inheritance of Eriviat.
In 1600 Piers Foulkes is obliged in a Statute Merchant (NLW Eriviat 83) for the sum of £1,000 to Robert ap Robert ap Rees. (A S.M. is a bond acknowledged before a magistrate, giving an obligee power of seizure of the lands & property of an obligor until payment of outstanding debt.)
Also in October 1600 (NLW Eriviat 89), there is another dispute between Piers Foulkes and his widowed mother, Margaret over lands and tenements in Eriviat.
A postnuptial settlement dated 4 February 1604/5 (NLW Eriviat 98) of Piers Foulkes and Magdalen Billet grants lands in Eriviat, Gwaynynog & Henllan in Denbighshire and Kilowen and Bodeygan in Flintshire.
The two children of Piers Foulkes and Magdalen, are John Foulkes and Margaret. I am uncertain of their dates of birth.
In May of 1618 (NLW Eriviat 115) Piers Ffoulkes buys lands at Kilowen from Thomas ap John ap Richard, for the sum of £530.10s. The agreement goes into great detail as to the exact whereabouts of the land and buildings contained in the transaction.
" ..wherein William ap Robert now dwelleth (or lately did dwell) ...all houses edifice, buildings, barnes, gardens, waste commons and tenements commonly called and known by the name of Grofft y Dryll containing by estimation 4 acres, leying there in length between the lands of Peres ap John Gruffith and the common or waste ground called y Waen y goleygoed of there end, and the lands of the said Piers Ffoulke of the other end, and in breadth between the late lands of the said Piers ap John Gruff of both sides. And all that messuage or tenement with appurtenances in Kilowen aforesaid ...wherein Elizabeth verch Rees now dwells, and all edifice, buildings, gardens, waste commons and easement whatsoever unto the said last recited messuage and tenements belonging or in anywise appertaining ...Lwyn Onn, estimation one acre and half and now divided into 2 parcells or closes lying there in length between the lands of the said Pier Ffoulkes of the one end and the [high] way leading from the common [towards] Gwaen y goleygoed towards the River Cloid of the other end, and in breadth between the lands of Roger Evans by him lately purchased of Piers ap John Gruff of both sides.
John Foulkes
On September 10th of the same year, 1618, (NLW Eriviat 117) is a marriage settlement between Piers´ son and heir John Foulkes and Jane Wynn Price, daughter of Thomas Price Wynn of Giler.
It appears that both parties were quite young. One has to remember that boys could marry at the age of 14, and girls at the age of 12 with their parents´ permission. This was still legal until as late as 1929.
This marriage settlement is a very lengthy document specifying their ownership of lands and tenements in Kilowen, Bodeygan, Bryn Polyn, and Talare in the county of Flint, and in Eriviat, Twisog, Nant Glyn Sanctorum, Nantglyn Canon, Gwaynynog and Craban in the county of Denbigh. Also provision is made for the property and lands in the event of the death of either of John or Jane. It takes us down through the tenth son and then begins with any daughters of John and Jane.
A few incidentals: From the Chronicle of St Asaph (Cwtta cyfarwydd) by Peter Roberts. This was a book recording any unusual or extraordinary events in and around St Asaph between 1607 and 1646. November 1618: "That in the month of November 1618, a strange blazing star appeared and was seen in the east about 6 of the clock in the morning, with a long tail upwards towards the west". Friday 16th January 1623. "Great frost and deep snow. People passed as well on horseback as on foot over the Elwy in Dol-y-felin and at Llanelwy on the ice without breaking it."
Jane Wyn Price
Returning to the background of Jane Wyn Price. She came from Giler, near Pentrefoelas.
7) Map showing Giler.
In 1485, Henry Tudor entrusted Jane´s GGG grandfather with the standard of England at the Battle of Bosworth, after William Brandon the standard bearer was slain. Her father Thomas Wynn Price was the son of Rhys Wynn, a member of the Price family from Plas Iolyn. Jane´s father, Thomas Price lived at Giler and was appointed to the rank of High Sheriff of Denbighshire in 1624. He seems to have secured the whole house for himself, making it into "a residence of suitable size and dignity for one holding the rank of High Sheriff. A gatehouse at Giler was completed in 1623, highlighting "a determination to ride the crest of the wave of fashion".
8) Giler Gatehouse.
John Foulkes´ father, Piers was appointed as Escheator to the County of Denbighshire, also in 1624. (An Escheator was an officer appointed by the Crown to oversee any estates where the owner or tenant died without heirs. The land and property would then reverted to the King).
I now think it certain that the brick house at Cil Owen would most probably have been built at about this time. Both the fathers of the John and Jane had gone up in the world, so a high status house would be required. More than likely the present barn could have been the original dwelling on the site.
Murder at Cil Owen.
1630 was a year to remember at Cil Owen. The "Chronicles of St Asaph" first alerts us to a momentous and terrible crime.
"Memorandum: that upon Saturday being the 19th day of June 1630, John Foulke killed Jane Wynn his own wife with a beedle or washing staff. And upon Thursday, being the 3rd day of July following in 1630, he remayning in gaol at Flint for the aforesaid wicked and execreble fact, murdered himself by cutting his own throat with a knife, by report. And the said Jane Wynn, also Foulkes was buried on 21st June 1630."
As one can imagine this would have been a high profile crime. The son and heir of the County Escheater murdered his own wife, the daughter of the High Sheriff of the County.
An intriguing account of the murder and the reasons behind it now follow.
9) Gaol File 24.
Murder at Kilowen. (Saturday 19th June, 1630)
Gaol Files for Flintshire. NLW.
WALES 4 980 3-4
Number 24.
21st June 1630
Denbighshire Justices : Thomas Mostyn, John Salusbury, Armiger.
The Examinacion of John Ffoulkes of Kilowen, gent, taken by us the day and yeare above mencioned concerning the death of Jane Price his wife as followeth.
"This examinate saieth that being for the space of a fortnight troubled with dreams and distractions of mind, which by reading of the Bible he thought to drive away, but could not.
Upon Thursday at night, being the 17th of June, an apparition or vision appeared unto him. He was in his bed full awakend, together with his wife. This vision appeared in the form of a man with a black beard, which approached close by his bedside and spake these words in the Welsh tongue:
"This woman which lieth in bed with thee, will in 4 days take away thy life".
At which words, being agasted, he did forstirr his wife, she being asleep. He bemoved her a little further to awaken her to see the apparition and figure. He could not awaken her in so short a time, and presently the apparition vanished away.
In the morning when she awoke, he told her what he had seen and the words that were spoken unto him as are formerly verified. Whereupon, she, his wife, replied "These are but the trouble and weakness of your head, for you are soe true possessed of one".
Then after that they were both now up, and came down out of their bedchamber into the main body of the house. His wife began to question him concerning the aforementioned words, used betwixt them in their bed. She used these words:
What? Do you think that I would do you any harm? I am not such a Jew", and making further protestations that she meant him no harm.
And with all in the afternoon of the same day, they went both together to walk the fields, where they confirmed in loving manner until near night.
And this examinate further saieth that likewise upon Friday, the night following, being the 18th June, the former apparition in the manner and shape of a man, appeared again at his bedside. Being at this time fully awakened he heard the apparition speak these words in the Welsh tongue:
"This woman which lieth with thee, will in 4 days take away thy life, and Hugh Lloyd will match his son with this thy wife".
At which this examinate then concerned to be Hugh Lloyd of Lloyd Hall. At which apparition, he still being more aghasted and continually troubled in mind, acquainted his wife that morning, being Saturday, with the said words and apparition and demanded of her whether she did intend him any harm, using these words:
"I pray thee, tell me for God´s sake, dost thou mean me any harm?"
Unto which she replied and protested that she meant him none harm.
Whereupon he called unto her for some small drink, which she presently fetched him. He having drunk, but still being troubled in mind, went abroad to walk, to seek to drive away thoughts that so troubled him, and to see whether he could meet with any to keep him company and drive away his distemperatures, but met with none, but a neighbour woman with whom he had no conference.
And this examinate further saieth that on returning to his house at Kilowen, at about 8 of the clock in the morning of Saturday 19thJune. He found his wife spinning upon a little wheel and singing. Whereupon finding her so pleasant and merry, it much wrought with him then.
Thereupon he suddenly and verily believed all the former apparitions and the words spoken to him the night before, to be true.
Whereupon at that instant, he took up a washing staff that lay upon a table being by his wife then spinning. And then and there about 8 o´clock in the morning at Kilowen, did strike and give unto his wife Jane Price 2 blows, with the washing staff. Whereof the one light upon her head or neck, and the other light upon her cheek.
And being further demanded who were present; saieth there was none present.
But after the blows, his wife called upon Katherine, a girl who was their servant in the house. Who presently came up, and finding her mistress stricken down, went out of the house and shouted.
Whereupon this examinate fearing that he had done soe much harm, and being very desirous to put himself into some officers´ hands, went out of the house towards St Asaph, to put himself into the Lord Bishop´s hands, who he knew then to be there, and concerned him to be in the Commission of the Peace.
And by the way, as he was going to St Asaph, he found some people by the River Clwyd"s side hunting of an otter. He declared unto them the fact he had committed and some part of the passings thereof. Whereupon one of which company being Robert Knowsley of Denbigh said:
"Seeing that you do confess the fact and pass yourself unto our hands, wee will go with you before an officer".
Which was likewise done and performed.
Firstly, was John Ffoulkes suffering some form of mental illness? Jane refers to "the trouble and weakness of your head". There was obviously this jealousy over Hugh Lloyd´s son from Lloyd Hall. Was there a genuine cause, or was it all in John´s imagination? Where exactly was Lloyd Hall?
Also, where were the two children of John and Jane at the time of the murder? There was a son called Peter and a daughter called Margaret. Again I have been unable to find dates for their births, but assume they were fairly young at the time. It was the custom for children of gentry families to live with other members of the family whilst they were growing up. Possibly they could have been living at Eriviat with their grandparents. Perhaps there would have been a better opportunity for their education and for mixing with a wider circle of their class there, rather than being at home at Cil Owen.
No doubt none of the above questions will ever be answered, unless some further documentation comes to light.
This next document is to do with the avenging family of Jane Price.
WALES 4 980 3-4
No 23 Gaol File.
21st June 1630.
Thomas Price Wynn of Giler and Robert Price his son came before Thomas Mostyn, Justice of the King´s Peace...suing for £400 of lawful English money for chattels, tenements etc of the Estate.
John Ffoulke of Kilowen was brought before Thomas Mostyn and John Salusbury and was charged by Thomas ap Rees Wynn with the death of Jane Price.
After his examination John Ffoulke was sent and committed unto the King´s Majesty´s common gaol of Flint.
Thomas ap Rees Wynn is bound to appear at the next Great Sessions or General Gaol Delivery, to present a Bill of Indictment of the death of Jane Price, against John Ffoulke.
If it happens that Thomas ap Rees Wynn dies beforehand, then his son Robert Price is obliged to appear before the Court and present the Bill of Indictment in his place.
So, what happened next?
Another document shortly afterwards in 1630 (NLW Eriviat 88) (No precise date) deals with the disposal of the estate of John Foulkes. You will remember from the Chronicle of St Asaph it was reported that John Foulkes cut his own throat whilst in Flint Gaol. I have not found that precise wording about his death anywhere else.
10) John Speed´s map of Flintshire showing Flint gaol in the castle.
Symon Roberts the deputy almoner of the county of Flint was responsible for the disposal of the estate.
Quoting from the document: "That whereas John Foulkes, gentleman, late of Kilowen in the County of Flint, now deceased, lately remaining a prisoner in the gaol of the County of Flint for killing of Jane his late wife, and being possessed of divers goods, chattels, household stuff, corn and susbstance within the county of Flint. Did before he was convicted for killing of his wife became a felon.Do so and thereupon died. By which several means all his goods and substance are become forfeited to the king´s majesty that now is and are to be disposed of by me, the said Symon Roberts, as I shall think meet."
It goes on to say that Piers Foulkes, John´s father, paid for his son´s keep in Flint Gaol. One must not forget that prisoners had to pay for their own keep. Also he paid for the burials of both Jane his daughter in law in St Asaph, and for that of his son John in Flint. Piers Foulkes took it upon himself to move the cattle from Kilowen to his lands in Eriviat to safeguard and keep them. He organised the harvesting and gathering in of the late corn at Kilowen and the removal of all goods and chattels from the house at his own expense, and dealt with all outstanding expenses from the estate.
11) Flint Parish Church where John Foulkes was buried.
Finally Symon Roberts in the light of Piers Foulkes´ efforts "Doo by these put for consideration, give, grant, bargain and sell unto Piers Foulkes the goods, chattels, household stuff and substance ...to have and to hold, the same to the said Piers Foulkes and to his executors and administrators and assigns forever."
An Inquisition Post Mortem for John Foulkes (NLW Eriviat 132, 1630.) gives an account of all his estate´s holdings and the fact that his son Peter will inherit, when he comes of age. (John and Jane´s daughter Margaret is not mentioned). It specifies 4 messuages, 4 gardens, 1 orchard, 60 acres of land, 30 acres of meadow, 60 acres of pasture, 12 acres of woods, 10 acres of gorse and heath with appurtenances in Kilowen and Bodeygan, Bryn Polyn and Talare in Flintshire. 10 messuages, 1 watermill for grain, 1o gardens, 140 acres of land, 60 acres of meadow, 100 acres of pasture, 20 acres of woods and 12 acres of gorse and heath with appurtenances in Eriviat, Twysog, Nantglyn Sanctorum, Nantglyn Canon, Gawynynog and Creban in Denbighshire.
There are two more documents of note. In January 1634/35 (NLW Eriviat 138) Articles of agreement were drawn up for a marriage for Peter Foulkes (John and Jane´s son and heir), and Elizabeth Lloyd (daughter of Richard Lloyd D.D. of Ruabon). Thomas Price Wyn Esq and Robert Price, gentleman, both of Geeler (grandfather and uncle to Peter Foulkes are mentioned). Peter Ffoulkes and Elizabeth were married on 14th February in 1635 at Rhuabon.
Ruabon Church.
It is not entirely clear if the house at Cil Owen remained empty for many years. However the following extract may give a clue.
In the Birch Cullimore Collection (FRO) which contains miscellaneous papers, manuscripts and letters to do with the Ffoulkes family, there are some jottings about Eriviat.
Eriviat dated 1636:
"That upon Sunday, being 13th May 1636, Piers Ffoulke, heretofore of Kilowen, gentleman was buried."
Could he have been at Kilowen just to keep the house occupied, and safe from vandalism and squatters?
Later Documents.
Other official documents:
(PRO E.179/264/45 Hearth Tax Returns of 1671: NT/61 Page 71 No 24. Kilowen a berthyn i Mr Ffoulks of Eiviad (sic) Eriviat.
Mr Peter Ffoulkes returns 3 hearths for Kilowen.
There are no Window Tax returns that survive in Flintshire.
An important deed dated 26 March 1684 (NLW Eriviat 204) gives further insight into the continuing occupancy of the house at Cil Owen.
The document specifies the fields, buildings, gardens, woods, watercourses and tenements that belong to the Kilowen. Significantly at the end of the deed it says the following:
Peter Foulkes of Eriviat, gentleman, by 1st November is to "make up, repair and finish the building of the capital messuage in Keel Owen, and build, make or repair near unto it a neat or cowhouse in as large a manner as the old cowhouse... "The lease is for 21 years at a yearly rental of £20. The tenant Peter Roberts of Keelowen, yeoman, is to carry materials."
"Parochialia" by Edward Lhwyd is an important book compiled from 1693. He was a scientist and researcher and assistant keeper of the Ashmoleum Museum. He travelled extensively throughout Wales, having sent out detailed questionnaires to the clergy to ascertain all sorts of local information. For the entry for St Asaph amongst "the houses of note" is Kil Owen a berthyn, belonging to Mr Foulkes of Eriviad. Also Koed Kil Owen belonged to Mr Foulkes of Eriviat.
During my explorations I found quite a number of other late 17th Century and 18th Century references to Cil Owen, but have not dwelt too long on these, as the purpose was to find the earliest origins of the site.
Maps.
There are no early maps I have been able to discover to help make sense of the site at Cil Owen. There are none in the National Library of Wales. Possibly some Estate maps may still exist but they are now most likely to be in private hands.
This brings us on to the Tithe Map for 1845. (Flintshire Record Office NT/M/56).
13) 1845 Tithe Map.
Daniel Brooks is the tenant for both Cil Owen and Wern Ddu, and the map shows the extent of his holdings. (Approximately 56 acres). The field names are of interest; in as far as they give clues to the past usage of the land.
Here is a small selection:
- FYNNON = well/spring.
- ODYN = kiln/lime kiln.
- CAE BRICKS = brick field.
- YSGUBOR= barn
- GERDDI = garden
- FELIN = mill
- POPTY = oven
- CAE TAN Y FFORDD= field under the road.
According to Margaret Lloyd Williams, the wife of the present owner of Cil Owen, they still use some of the same field names today. Having looked at numerous deeds and land transaction documents appertaining to Cil Owen from the late 1500´s and during the 1600´s some of the field names were the same, but very few. I know from experience of other research that different owners will change the names to suit themselves or to commemorate a family member.
Margaret Lloyd Williams did tell me that she did have a brief glimpse of an earlier map, shown to her by an unnamed gentleman who was very reluctant to give her information as to its source. All she could tell me was that there were a number of small dwellings on this map, leading north westerly from Cil Owen in the direction of Glan Clwyd, the neighbouring farmstead.
CENSUS
1841 CENSUS (FRO. HO 107/1412 f4)
Cil Owen
Ann Roberts, age 85, farmer Y/N?
Ann Lloyd, age 30. No.
John Roberts, age 15. Yes.
Ellen Lloyd, age 15. Yes.
William Roberts, age 12. Yes.
Margaret Evans, age 15, female servant. No.
Isaac Davey, age 30. No.
1851 CENSUS (FRO. HO 107/2506 f283).
Cil Owen
Suzannah Brooks, wife, age 25. Born Llanrhaeadr, Denbighshire.
John Brooks, son, age 3. Born St Asaph.
Elizabeth Brooks, daughter, age 2. Born St Asaph.
Daniel Brooks, son, 3 months. Born St Asaph.
Jane Jones, servant, age 29, house servant. Born Eglwysbach, Denbighshire.
1861 CENSUS (FRO. RG 9/4297 f48)
Cil Owen
Thomas Morris, head, married, age 65, farmer of 50 acres. Born Llysfaen, Caernarfonshire.
Sarah Morris, wife, age 60. Born Northop, Flintshire.
William Morris, grandson, age 10, scholar. Born Northop, Flintshire.
1871 CENSUS (FRO. RG 10/5669 f77)
Elizabeth Kerfoot, wife,age 37. Born Dyserth.
Mary M Kerfoot, daughter, age 9. Born St Asaph.
Thomas W Kerfoot, son, age 5. Born St Asaph.
James C Kerfoot, son, age 3. Born St Asaph.
George H Kerfoot, son, age 1. Born St Asaph.
William Ryles, servant, age 22, carter. Born St Asaph.
Elizabeth Ellis, servant, age 23, house servant. Born Denbigh.
In the "Return of Owners of Land 1873" for Flintshire, William Kerfoot is listed with only 5 acres and paying an annual rental of £16.
William Kerfoot appears in Worral´s 1874 Directory at Clowen and in Cassey´s 1876 Directory at Clowen (sic).
It seems that the Kerfoots were the last family to inhabit the house.
The 1881 Census tells us that Cil Owen is unoccupied but the owner, a Henry Williams is living at Wern Ddu.
In Slater´s 1883 Directory Henry Williams is again mentioned at Cilowen and Wern Ddu.
Cil Owen is uninhabited in both 1891 and 1901 at the time of the Census.
More Recent Memories.
Mrs Margaret Lloyd Williams remembers the house with the first floor still being in place when she was a girl. She used to play in there. Mary Davies who lived at Pen y Waen Farm also remembers the first floor being there and a flight of stone steps on the outside of the eastern side of the building. The first floor was removed sometime during the 1930´s to stop tramps on their way to the workhouse in St Asaph from sheltering and sleeping there.
There are photographs of the house and barn at Cil Owen. The present owners have a photograph of the barn taken before a later roof had gone. Several taken around 1960/61 by the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments in Wales show the house at Cil Owen with three stories. The barn still has its cruck beams in situ. Another lady from the Flintshire Historical Society (during a recent visit to Cil Owen) remembers visiting the barn in 1960, specifically to look at the cruck beams. Strangely though, she had no recollection of the house at all!
Conclusions.
This narrative is not intended to be the definitive history of Cil Owen by any means. I consulted a number of other fascinating original documents referring to wrangles over inheritance, unlawful gatherings and the use of weapons and outlawry all going on at Cil Owen during the late 16th and early 17th Centuries. At present, I do not think they have a direct relevance, as they most probably refer to other parts of the township rather than this house at Cil Owen.
Undoubtedly there is plenty of other material to be studied, but with limited time and resources it is not possible to delve into it at present.
Note: the spellings of the names Foulkes, Eriviat and Cil Owen, vary according to the scribe of the particular document concerned. I have reflected this in my narrative, rather than adhere to one overall spelling.
Abbreviations.
- FRO: Flintshire Record Office
- NLW: National Library of Wales
- DCRO: Denbighshire County Record Office
- PRO: Public Record Office
- TNA: The National Archives
- NMGW: National Museum & Galleries of Wales.
Sources for Illustrations:
- 2) Photograph of Eriviat Hall c1885: from the John Thomas collection in NLW.
- 3) Will of Fulk ap Thomas ap Gronowe of Eriviat: NLW SA/1582/R3/200.
- 4) Henllan Parish Church: author´s own photograph.
- 5) Portrait of Gawen Goodman: NMGW online gallery.
- 6) Will of John Wyn Ffoulke of Eriviat: NLW SA/1598/R5/200.
- 8) Giler Gatehouse: "The Gatehouses of North Wales"by Roger A Redfern.
- 9) Gaol File: Wales4 980 3-4 No.24 (from Gaol Files for Flint 1630). NLW.
- 10) John Speed´s map of Flintshire (reproduction copy).
- 11) Flint Church: drawn and etched by Sidney Massie, 1821. Lithographed by F F James.
- 12) Photograph of Ruabon church from Clwyd Family History Society.
- 13) 1845 Tithe Map: NLW.
- The maps of 1) Eriviat and 7) Giler have been produced by the author from Microsoft Auto Route.
Acknowledgements.
The following reproductions of the above numbered documents 2,3,6,9 andS 13 were by permission of Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru/The National Library of Wales. No.13 By kind permission of Clwyd Family History Society.
I am very grateful for advice and help from Richard Suggett from the RCAHMW; Claire Moorhead from the Liverpool History Society for her Latin translations; the staff at The National Library of Wales and staff from Flintshire Record Office. Also thanks to Margaret Lloyd Williams and Mary Davies for their recollections of Cil Owen and to Betty Thompson who first alerted me to the mention of the murder in "Parochialia".
Beverly Webber. April 2006.