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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During the Rebecca Riots of 1843 the 4th Light Dragoons were sent from Carmarthen to quell the uprising and were quartered in the Workhouse. They had very little to do and some of them decided to go swimming in the River Teify. One of the soldiers, an Irishman decided on having a dip in the notorious Pwll Deio William (first pool downstream from the bridge) which had a sinister reputation. It was said that strange undercurrents and very cold springs made it very dangerous to swim across. Anyway, the Irishman dived in off a tree on the Cardiganshire side of the river and was never seen alive again. Several attempts were made to try and locate him and eventually, John Jones, a local boy dived in found the body and brought it to the surface, alas too late.
The young soldier was given a military funeral by his comrades, watched in awe by the local folk as an event like this had never ever been seen before in Newcastle Emlyn.
His comrades were going to erect a monument to him in Holy Trinity Churchyard but sadly they were called away to other duties.
They entrusted the work to David Davies, Master of the workhouse where they were billeted and he carried out their request.
.A verse written by one of the officers relates the sad story.
Holy Trinity Churchyard
The weather worn stone stands near the tower of the present Church
The Memorial stone to David Davies , Master of the Workhousewho died in 1868 at the age of 70 stands within 50 feet of the Dragoons Gravestone
The weathered inscription on the Dragoons Gravestone.