Newcastle Emlyn History Society
Old Library
Market Hall
Market Square
Newcastle Emlyn
SA38 9AQ
Hanes Emlyn
Town Bridge 1790
Market Hall
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Emlyn Grammar School
In Water Street, Newcastle Emlyn is a green-
The School was built by Thomas Timothy Elias, who was Master of Adpar Grammar School. The Schoolroom, for that is what it was, one room, was opened on Tuesday 16th October 1867.
According to the 1881 Census, Thomas Timothy Elias lived in Emlyn House in Emlyn Square with his wife Rachel and sons Davy, Daniel, Samuel and John. Davy who was 18 had his employment listed as Assistant Schoolmaster. A total of 14 scholars ‘lived in’ and they came from all over the Principality. Their ages ranged from 7 to 16 years.
Pupils paid £4 per year for the privilege of attending the school and were expected to provide their own books. Theology was an important subject at the Grammar School and students came from the width and breadth of the Principality to study, such was its reputation. They all stayed in the town and paid 3/6d (17½p) a week board and lodging
One of Mr T T Elias’ star pupils was John Phillips of Sunnyside, Newcastle Emlyn. Thomas Timothy Elias retired in 1893, died in 1911 at the age of 75 and is buried in Holy Trinity Churchyard. The Emlyn Grammar School was taken for a short time by Mr W Roberts, for many years a master at Old College School, Carmarthen. Little more is known of this headmaster as in 1895 John Phillips had taken over as Master.
With the outset of the First World War and so many joining the Serving Forces it was debatable whether the school would survive but did so by taking ‘intakes’ of younger children.
John Phillips was a very popular teacher and in 1927 a reunion of old pupils was
held which lasted 3 days with all-
The Grammar School closed in 1942. This was blamed on the onset of the Second World War but possibly because more students were getting places in the County Grammar Schools of Cardigan and Llandysul.
John Phillips
1871 -
Grammar School Football Team around 1900