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Notable Houses in and around Llanelli

Felinfoel House

Census details from 1851-1891

Felinfoel House circa 1914

Felinfoel House, situated a short distance from Westfa Mansion, was a large rambling property covered with ivy and home to Richard Nevill and his family from 1849 until he died in 1892.

Westfa Mansion was the home of his older brother Charles William Nevill and had been built in 1845 by their father Richard Janion Nevill.

Richard Nevill was born at Field House, Llanelli, and moved to the family mansion of Llangennech Park in 1833 where he stayed until he married in 1849.

Richard Nevill married Mary Sophia Wills from Crewkerne, Somerset, and they lived at Felinfoel House where their four children were born. Their first child was born in 1850, followed by others in 1852, 1854 and their last in 1857. Sadly their final child, a son, died the following year at Felinfoel, the family home.

In 1842 and before his marriage, Richard Nevill had bought the Wern Iron Works from the partnership Yalden and Davies. Thirteen years later, in 1855, he founded a Reading Room for his mechanics and workmen. It was not unknown for Richard Nevill and his wife to allow members of his Foundry Reading Room to hold their annual tea party at Felinfoel House. A large marquee would be erected, tea and cakes were provided and the afternoon would be spent playing energetic games such as running, jumping and quoiting (quoiting or quoits was played by throwing a heavy flat ring, sometimes made of rope, as near as possible to a hob or pin), a popular pastime at that time. In the evening members of the Lliedi Choir would provide a musical interlude which was interspersed with poetry that had been especially composed for the occasion.

Before Holy Trinity Church, Felinfoel (mainly funded by the Nevills) was built, services were held at either Westfa Mansion or Felinfoel House.

In 1901 Carol Ann Nevill (known as Lina) died, followed by William Yalden Nevill in May 1923.

In September 1923 Felinfoel House, which had been placed on the market for sale, was withdrawn at £2,700.

In February 1924 plans were discussed to purchase Felinfoel House for use as an Infant Welfare Centre. In July of the same year, with the permission of Mrs William Yalden Nevill, a Garden Party was held at Felinfoel House for a Sale of Work to raise funds for the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) when Lady Howard Stepney performed the opening ceremony.

Plans were mooted by the Council to purchase the old mansion for use as a maternity hospital and during 1926 plans were put forward for using it as cottage homes.

The death knell finally sounded for the once grand Nevill Mansion House in November 1978 when it was agreed that it should be demolished.

Census details

1851 Felinfoel House, Hengoed

Richard Nevill 33 Iron Founder employing 60 men & boys

Mary Sophia 30

Francis 1

1861 Felinfoel House, Hengoed

Richard Nevill Head 43 Iron Founder & Engineer employing 109 men & 45 boys

Mary Sophia Wife 40

William Yalden Son 8

Caroline Ann Dr 6

Margaret Eynon Servant 37 Cook

Selina Phillips Servant 28 Nurse

Jane Johns ServantV 20 Housemaid

1871 Felinfoel House, Hengoed

Richard Nevill Head 53 Magistrate and Engine Manufacturer employing 350 men and boys

Mary Sophia Wife 50

Frances Richard Son 21

William Yalden Son 18

Caroline Anne Dr 16

1881 Felinfoel House, Hengoed

Richard Nevill Head 63 Magistrate, Chairman of Guardians, Engineer Electrical & Mechanical

Mary Sophia Nevill Wife 60 from Crewkerne

Francis Richard Son Unmarried 31 Manager of Iron Works from Llanelly

William Yalden Son Unmarried 20 Manager of Iron Works from Llanelly

Caroline Ann Daughter Unmarried 26 from Llanelly

Elizabeth Bowen Unmarried 23 Parlour Maid from Llanelly

Rebecca J Thomas Unmarried 21 Servant Cook Llanelly

Mary Davies Unmarried 18 Servant House Maid from Llanelly

1891 Felinfoel House

Richard Nevill Head 73 Deputy Lieutenant from Llanelly

Mary Sophia Nevill Wife 70 from Crewkerne

Francis Richard Son Unmarried 41 Engineer from Llanelly

William Yalden Son Unmarried 38 Engineer Llanelly

Caroline Ann Daughter Unmarried 36 from Llanelly

Ellen Phillips Unmarried 28 General Servant from Conwil

Jane Treharne Unmarried 30 General Servant from Llanelly

Elizabeth Richards Unmarried 25 General Servant from Llanelly