Hello Smeatons, I have a John and Mary Davies in my tree, who were my ggg grandparents.
They lived in and milled at Felin Newydd in 1861, but I don't know if they are related in any way to your Davies, so many of them around, such common names... Both were born in the area, Mary's maiden name was Isaac.
My parents have visited the mill and met the owners at the time - I have some photos that may be the same as the ones on the website link, but I can't seem to open them on the link to compare. I'm attaching one of the main building, I also have an interior photo if you haven't seen it.
My John moved around a lot and milled at least four different mills in the area - I have never been able to identify his parents for the usual reason - every second man was named John Davies!
Caroline.
Caroline,
Sorry for not replying sooner... for some reason I didn't get notified about your posts. :-(
I don't believe our Davies are related, my understanding of the history of the millers is as follows:
1836 John Davies was recorded Miller.
1836 He was replaced in the same year by James James. His tenancy was brief as he died the following year. The title was passed to his wife who was still milling in 1841.
1851 Edward Edwards
1861 John Davies in 1861
1871 John Williams
1874 Daniel Davies who remained milling until 1903 at the age of 85.
In 1905, Anthony Williams became tenant. He purchased the Mill in 1918 from the Edwinsford estate for the sum of £725
I would very much like to see a photo of the interior if possible as the mill is now closed to the public, so I'll never get to see all the fascinating things I know are in the mill relating to my family :-(
best wishes,
David