The Rogerstone Directory - History Articles
Shropshire, Lower Rogee and The Nook
John’s Newport Street Directory of 1888 says “Rogerstone is a hamlet in the parish of Bassalleg, lying on the right of the river Ebbw, between the Bassalleg and Tydu railway stations. Large works have been erected both here and at Tydu by Messrs. Nettlefolds, Limited, transforming the usual quietude of the district into one of great activity. The Rogerstone House Property and Investment Company Limited have erected a large number of workmen’s cottages, forming James Street, Charles Street and Edwin Street, together with shops, and the Rogerstone Hotel, now nearly completed.”
The transformation was completed with the migration of the Shropshire workforce from the Hadley works. Hadley, once a prominent village of Industrial East Shropshire, was forced to give up many of its leading families to Rogerstone because of the changing economics in 1887. Many were assured of a “prime place in a new working community” being created in Rogerstone. For many, it was not by choice they left behind their homes, and in some instances families, to begin the long trek on foot, but a necessity in order to find work.
Terry Gilder, in an article in the Shropshire Family History Journal (1996), says that the Wellington Journal of that era reports “houses being left empty, yet crammed with the furniture left by the families unable to take it with them as they began their long trek”. Some would only return to their birthplace for special occasions.
Roger Phillips in “Bassaleg; Aspects of its history”, says that the Monmouthshire Merlin of September 1886 tells of “workmen’s cottages being run up as if by magic”. The previously mentioned Rogerstone House Property and Investment Company were busy building a large number of three bedroomed workmen’s cottages forming James, Edwin and Charles Streets and known locally as the “New Buildings”. Meanwhile, smaller two bedroomed houses were being built to form St John’s Square – affectionately known as “The Nook”. This was made up of Wellington and Hadley Streets, a reminder for those from Shropshire, and John and Maclean Streets. These smaller homes consisted of one living room and a small back kitchen, but no garden. Although of drab appearance, with a communal clothesline, there was an intense community spirit. Although “The Nook” is no longer to be found in Rogerstone today, those speaking of past days still mention it with great affection and a fierce pride. There are a great many anecdotes associated with “The Nook” and its people!
I think the names of John and Maclean Streets can be attributed to a local builder who seems to have been much in the local newspapers of the late 1880s. The South Wales Echo of December 1887 reports the summons of “John McClane, property owner and builder at Rogerstone” for allowing cottages to be occupied before notice was given to the sanitary authority. The report says there was “no drainage, no water supply and no ventilation between floors”. In his defence McClane said demand for houses at Rogerstone was so great people took possession against his will. He knew of some houses having no fewer than eight families boarded together. The Monmouthshire Merlin in March 1888 carries several articles on the “public examination of J McClane”, in which we learn he “purchased the Castle Estate and erected 34 houses thereon”.
Many of the names of the Shropshire families are still found in the village today; Fletcher, Podmore, Rowlands, Roden, Corbett and Faulkner to name just a few. Names found on Memorial and commemorative plaques in the village, and sadly, found on gravestones in our local churchyards, still acknowledging their roots and proudly stating ‘late of Hadley’.
Article written by Kim Fry
Email: kimfry@tiscali.co.uk
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