Ystradgynlais & District

The Penybont Inn, or Hotel as it was sometimes called in the past, is located on Heol Giedd, previously neighbouring Water Street, and abutting onto the old square in Ystradgynlais, in the area in front of the Ynyscedwyn Arms. In the past, this area was the heart of the old town, and seven or eight public houses were located in this area, which included Pelican Street and what is now Rhestr Fawr.

The old heart of Ystradgynlais, from the map upon the wall of the Cafe Chameleon, Ystradgynlais.

Below are a series of articles from the Llais newspaper from around the years of the First World War, and which mention The Penybont Inn, or the families of the people who held the license.

From the Labour Voice 25th March 1916

FUNERAL

On Saturday last the funeral took place at Tynycoed Graveyard of Mr David Jones, Ynis, better known as David Jones Pwllyfan, who died last week at the advanced age of 73.
He leaves a widow, who is the sister to Mrs Watkins, of Penybont Inn.

From the Labour Voice 3rd February 1917

The death took place at Penybont Inn, Ystradgynlais on Saturday last, of Mr John Thorne, coachman at the posting stables, at the age of 61. Deceased had lived in the place for a number of years, and was a well known figure.
The funeral took place on Thursday, when the Rev James Jones, B.A., officiated, whilst Mr William Jones was the undertaker.

From the Labour Voice 17th March 1917

TUESDAY: Before Messrs E G Benthall presiding, M W Morgan, Rhys J Davies and Morgan Price. New Tenant for Penybont
Meredith Davies Dula's House Crynant, as prospective new tenant, applied for the licence of the Penybont Inn Ystradgynlais. The application was granted, the police have no objections.

From the Labour Voice 1st December 1917

The death took place at Ebbw Vale on Thursday, of Lyn, the 15 year old son of Mr and Mrs Meredith Davies, Penybont Inn, after an illness of brief duration. The deceased lad was of a bright disposition, and was engaged at a munition works.
Deep sympathy is felt with the bereaved parents in their sad loss.

From the Labour Voice 9th February 1918

WATER TAPS IN STABLE

Mr Meredith Davies, licensee or the Penybont Inn, applied to be relieved of the water rent in respect of a water tap in the stable, which was not now being used. It was said that there used to be many horses at the stable, but there was none there at present. It was pointed out that the horses were posted at the stables, but Mr Davies said they were few.
Mr David Lewis said they would be using the council's water.
Mr Tom Williams: There are stables in Ystradgynlais today for which the owners are not paying water rent because they have no tap.
Mr G J L Rees: I would be glad if you would give me a list of them; I'd be after them sharp.
Mr Jestyn Jeffreys said the man wan paying 10s 6d for a tap in the yard, which could be removed. Five shillings could he charged for the stable.
After some explanation by the sanitary inspector, Mr W D Walters moved and Mr J W Morgan seconded, that the 10s 6d should be cut off.
Mr David Lewis said he would not resist the charge if it did not cut their scale of charges.
It was pointed out that the man would benefit by 10s 3d per six months. It was resolved to forego the charge.

From the Labour Voice 15th February 1919

TO THE FARMERS OF YSTRADGYNLAIS HIGHER AND LOWER

A MEETING will be held at Penybont Hotel, Ystradgynlais. on Monday next, 17th February at 6.30 sharp, to discuss and make arrangements to hold a PLOUGHING MATCH in the near future.
All interested please attend- Matthew Downey, Hon. Sec.,

From the Labour Voice 28th June 1919

Readers will remember that during the great flood in Ystradgynlais in 1913, when the river bank overflowed and Water Street was submerged Private George Mayhood of the Labour Corps, formerly of the SWB and better known in the district as "Patsy" who follows the vocation of bricklayer's labourer, waded and swam through the water in the street and carried the women and children and old men to the shelter of the Penybont Inn, where they were cared for, for several days by the late Mrs Matthias, although the Penybont Inn was under water and much damage was caused to beer, tobacco and cigars.
Patsy conveyed a quantity of the damaged goods to his residence at Cwmbargoed Colliery, above "Tir Roger," where he had built himself a residence, and for months the tobacco and cigars were in evidence to the mortification of everyone with whom he came in contact.

Today, The Penybont Inn is known as The Penybont Sports Bar and Lounge and is going strong as a venue to watch sports on television, see live music, or just to relax with friends. You can find them on Facebook at:-
www.facebook.com/pg/ThePenybontsportsbar

Ystradgynlais - South Wales

• Ynyscedwyn Ironworks
• Bakers
• Blacksmiths
• Doctors & Surgeries
• Pubs & Inns